Eldritch Everyday, 10-15-19

You look . . .\n\n\n\n[[. . . around the area.|ch1RightL]] | [[. . . at your items.|ch1eld1Items]]

You reach over and grab the lid. The minute you start pulling, @@color:red;the pain in your chest@@ flares up[[--you have to stop.|coffinhands2]]

@@font-family: Times New Roman;I am continually fascinated with the lengths It's followers will go to, to stay in Its depths. The constructs built in places distant from civilization, yet resembling it in small ways, as to remember home. To follow It, one must sink into its depths--only in there, can the troubles of your human life be gone, and the horrors of the universe revealed, because in that state, they are of no consequence.\nAnd if you cannot sink, It and Its people will find ways to make you do so. . .@@\n\n[[(return to inventory)|stair1Inv]]

“[[No, it doesn’t hurt.|3nohurt]]” | “[[You’re touching the thing I’m talking about!|3touching]]”

Just have to keep going--if you give up now, surely @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ will take you. One more step. [[Good, now another.|stair2disc4]]

So then. Brush teeth, take shit, take shower. Not much to [[this "life" thing|ch2bath1]] when you get down to it, is there?

You take a deep breath, stopping to think. The stairs look the same as a few minutes ago--did you even move?\n\n \n[[Keep going?|stair2disc2]] | [[Look around?|stair2L]]

The water level appears to be rising, as it's now up to your ankles--but it's hard to tell because of how . . . [[unnaturally|stair2disc0-1]] the water behaves.

Alright, one more. Now--wait, yes!\n\n@@background-color:#6fdeb0;There's a doorway up ahead@@, carved into the wall on your left. Dim light shines from the inside, bright enough to give you hope.\n\nSurely there are more rooms ahead. But then again, this could be the only one.\n\n[[Go in the room.|stair2RoomL]] | [[Keep going ahead.|stair3]]

“Nothing there,” the EMT says. She places her hand right on the thing, and it does the flick motion, but this time it stays in that position. “[[Does it hurt when I touch here?|3HEAD!2]]” she asks.

\n\n\n\n\n[[Go inside.|3doctor]]

One step, then another, then another, then another. But everything continues looking the same.\n\nEach foot feels like a [[dead weight.|stair2disc3]]

Act carefully. And don't fuck this up.\n\n[[Let’s go.|Ch1apt]]

You click the notification, and the messages open in a popup. [[They’re from RileyTaron, the guy you were going to be dropping off the TV too.|Ch1Lread1]]\n<<set $edayread += 1>>

You breath deep.\n\nI have to get out of here. NOW.\n\n[[Your hand makes its way between your legs.|3mast1]]<<set $masttime to 0>> <<set $turnons to 0>><<set $mastplace to "couch">>

You take a step forward, into this weird world—the floor wet and gooey to the touch, as if a pail of mud was spilled here. [[Your foot makes a tiny splash.|ch1eld5]]<<set $ch1obtain to 0>>

Ahead of you, there are @@background-color:#6fdeb0;two open rooms@@ on either side of the hallway.\n\nAt the end of the hallway is a @@background-color:#6fdeb0;door@@ that looks strangely normal.\n\nDefinitely a test from @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@--perhaps one you can survive, perhaps not. Where to go from here?\n\n\n[[Look|ch1eld1L0]] | [[Move|ch1eld1M]] | [[Use|ch1eld1U]]

You can feel the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ observing this place with you. Surely it’s more natural to them than to you[[—perhaps this is their home, where they began to grow before they were attached to you?|ch1eld3]]

You approach the door at the end of the hall. It's massive and wooden, painted black, with strange scratch marks all over it. There is no lock or handle--only @@background-color:#6fdeb0;a hole in the center, meant to fit something cylinder-shaped.@@\n\nYou'd guess it's the exit. Exit to where? If you’re honest, you can’t rightly say—you can only hope.\n\n[[Look|ch1DoorL0]] | [[Move|ch1DoorM]] | [[Use|ch1DoorU]]

You watch the news, and scribble down notes as @@color:black;tragedy after tragedy@@ is reported. Surely It has been involved somewhere--if It took you, so who else has It taken?\n\n[[Who else knows what you've experienced?|2end]]

And then there are the colors! Somber glows that feel both too bright, and like they shroud the room in darkness—[[the same darkness|ch1eld2]] @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ had been in.

\n\n\n<big>Chapter 3: Your Comical World</big>\n\nYou're @@color:black;"lucky"@@. So everyone keeps telling you, anyway. Either that or @@color:black;"blessed"@@. [[Somehow "blessed" seems worse.|ch3-1]]

Your body, and the water, are quick to follow; the bus is left behind as you fall into the stream-[[-it is not in the mortal realm now,|3dive]] but in the @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;eldritch@@ one, with stone walls on each side.

The two sides of the scale tip back and forth, then, <<if $scalewhitetwo is 2>>[[finally, begin to balance.|whitewhite]]<<elseif $scaleblacktwo is 2>>[[finally, begin to balance.|blackblack]]<<elseif $scaleblacktwo is 1>>[[finally, begin to balance.|whiteblack]]<<elseif $scalewhitetwo is 1>>[[finally, begin to balance.|whiteblack]]<<endif>>\n<<set $ch2bowls to 0>><<set $bowl1 to "empty">> <<set $bowl2 to "empty">><<set $b1full to 0>> <<set $b2full to 0>>

You’re greeted by familiar stone inscriptions and bright colors, only they’re covered in seaweed and remnants of age.\n\nThe stone hallways are all around you, making a hallway--one that only leads forward. Behind you is only the walls you've seen before[[, with the inscription of a scale.|4-6-1]]

You don't have any memory of checking your apartment box. But apparently you did, and you received quite a bit: [[letters from lawyers, all of them.|3mail0]]

Stylesheet: https://www.glorioustrainwrecks.com/node/5163\n\nresources:\nhttps://twinery.org/wiki/syntax\nhttps://twinery.org/wiki/twine2:change_the_font_colors_or_appearance\nhttps://twinery.org/wiki/set\nhttps://twinery.org/wiki/twine1:visited\nhttps://twinery.org/wiki/if\nhttps://twinery.org/wiki/function\nhttps://www.glorioustrainwrecks.com/node/5063\n\n\n\n\nnice color: #7de3d5

“Do you have a mirror?” you ask.\n\nThe EMT shakes her head. "Afraid not. Did you hit your forehead on the steering wheel?"\n\n. . . This thing doesn't feel like just a bump from that.\n\n\n“[[I might’ve. I have a really bad headache.|3headache]]” | “[[I think there’s something on my head!|3HEAD!]]”

"Ma'am? Are you alright?"\n\nThe EMT's voice startles you back, and you turn to her. Oh. Right. Back to this.\n\nWhen was she here? Was she here already? Your memory's fogging up, you can't quite recall.\n\nShe doesn't seem real. Perhaps she's just an actor, and all of this is an elaborate prank. [[A big joke.|3eye3]]

You touch it, and feel something [[. . . soft. And squishy.|3eye2]]\nThe thing . . . flicks you? Something fleshy but also hairy comes down. and touches your finger.

There’s a notification on the top of your screen: @@color:#f5f5f5;58 New Messages@@.\n\nYou remember how much your phone was buzzing, in the hospital right after the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@, and [[your heart sinks.|Ch1Lnoread]]

\n\n\n\n\n"[[Well I almost fucking died and I'm pretty sure I'm actually going to any minute. How about you???|ch1marieTell]]" | "[[It was fine.|ch1marieNo]]

You look up. It’s Marie, your coworker. You’ve chatted from time to time. Sometimes you go with her to Friday night drinks after work.\n\nShe waves, and walks over to you. @@font-family:Arial;“How was your weekend?”@@ she asks, giving you a warm smile. @@font-family:Arial;“Didn't see you on Friday--must've been a nice day.”@@\n\nYou try to smile back, but [[it probably looks more like a grimace.|ch1bus13]]

@@font-family:Arial;“[[Liam|ch1bus12]]?”@@

The bus stop has a mass of people when you arrive. Bench is taken, so you stand, [[huddling in the crowd.|ch1bus11]]

<<if visited() is 2>>You try to make out the letters, but after a few seconds, your eyes are burning. [[You have to look away again.|ch1eld5]]<<elseif visited() is 3>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 4>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 5>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 6>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 7>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 8>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 9>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 10>>Your eyes are in agony. Your head starts to throb, and [[you're starting to feel a bit sick looking at the colors.|ch1eld5]]<<elseif visited() is 11>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 12>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 13>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 14>>Apparently you're trying to burn out your eyes, because you're trying to study the ceiling once more.\n\nYou've been here <<print visited()>> times, but I'm sorry to tell you your eyes are still intact. Though they are burning significantly--[[again|ch1eld5]].<<elseif visited() is 15>>Your eyes are in absolute fire. You finally reach your breaking point, and collapse onto the stone.\n\nWhen you open them again, after what feels like an eternity of sleep, you are back in your apartment.\n\nWell, you did try your best. [[But you're not dead yet.|ch1end]] Seems @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ has something more terrible than that in store for you--joy! <<else>>You stare at the ceiling, and its unearthly textures. The colors are still taking some getting used to—you wish you had sunglasses.\nBut now that you’re looking at it, you see some kind of . . . pattern forming in the textures, lines between the scales and the colors. [[Are they some kind of drawing? Perhaps letters?|ch1eld1L1]]<<endif>>

[[Nervously,|ch1eldM]] you walk forward.

The slits in the tentacles have grown larger, more pronounced[[--they're definitely gills,|3climax8]] and @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye@@ has fins to match: some on the top of it, most trailing on the tentacles.

"I had a bad @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ over the weekend," you tell her.\n\n@@font-family:Arial;"Oh my goodness!"@@ she says, very loudly. @@font-family:Arial;"What happened?"@@\n\n[[You pull up your mental script, and recite the events.|ch1marieTell1]]\n<<set $tellmarie to 1>>

"Looks like got some soft tissue injuries, likely some torn muscles," Doctor Smith says. "Bruising too, maybe mild whiplash. Looks like no broken ribs, thankfully.\n\n"I'd ice it to help with the healing, maybe take some Adval. It might take a few weeks, but @@color:black;it'll heal in time.@@."\n\n[[Time you don't have. Good to know.|3doctor7]]

"Let me get you an ice pack for now--then you'll just have to stick around for the CT scan, ok?"\n\nThe doctor exits. You glance over at the magazine rack. [[That's when you notice the mail.|3mail]]

On first glance, this would appear to be a cup, but its eerie glow and strange markings say otherwise. It's covered in the same otherwordly shapes as the ones in the desk and on the wall, and these inscriptions are written on the outside and inside. Finally, the bottom of the "cup" is a black stain, covering some of the writing.\n\n[[You put it away in your pocket.|ch1eldRightR]]<<set $ch1door to 1>><<set $ch1obtain += 1>>

"I see," the doctor says, giving you a sympathetic frown. "I'm sorry to hear that. So you said you're experiencing pain from the accident?"\n\nHe examines you, checks the pain in your neck, chest (you don't call them your breasts) and stomach. When he presses down, [[you can still feel the seatbelt tightening around you,|3doctor6]] gripping your body and @@color:black;threatening to destroy it in its effort to save it. . .@@

Not worth correcting him, is it? You're a @@color:black;dead corpse walking@@ anyway[[--does it really matter what people call you?|3doctor3]]

<<if $ch1obtain is 0>>Looks like you can't use anything right now . . . aside from your wits! [[Unfortunately, they won't get you out of here.|ch1eld5]]<<else>>You have quite a few things you can use, but they can't do anything here. . . [[unless you want to smash them against the stone wall, or something.|ch1eld1smash]]<<endif>>

<<if visited("ch1RightU_handdrawer")>>Of course, we all know how well that went last time. . .<<else>><<endif>>\n\n\n[[Try to open the coffin.|coffinhands]] | [[Forget it.|stair2RoomL3]]

<<if visited() is 2>>Another kinky fic--the one's a classic. You ride through the story with a smile on your face, pressing down [[hard.|3mast1]]<<elseif visited() is 3>>This time, you pull up a video, placing down your phone and letting the audio play.\n\nYou go at it with both hands--[[holy shit, this feels good.|3mast1]]<<else>>You pull up a story. With one hand you scroll, with the other you [[gain pleasure|3mast1]].\n\nGod, yes. . .<<endif>>\n\n(The Eye is probably watching this--eh, fuck it. You're an exibitionist at heart.)\n<<set $masttime += 1>><<set $turnons += 1>>

You bend down and dip the bowl into the water. After a scoop, you've filled your first bowl with clear water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stair3choice]]\n<<set $bowl1 to "white">><<set $b1full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

The scale's contents tip, and are poured out. You hear a click, and [[the pedestal slides open, revealing a hollow interior.|whiteblack1]]<<set $ch2scale to 0>>

You flop back on the couch, relieved. In that moment, your pleasure is the only thing that exists. The only thing that matters. \n\nBut [[only for that moment.|3mastend]]

The carvings on the wall are a bit different here: there's a shakiness to the writing, signs of untrained hands. The writing styles are also inconsistent, changing every few lines.\n\nThere were many people here . . . [[but for what purpose?|stair2RoomLlook]]

You decide to dump . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the first bowl.|bowl1dump]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $b2full is 1>>[[the second bowl.|bowl2dump]]<<else>><<endif>>

\n\n\n\n\n\nYou turn to the driver. Clear throat--but the words are stuck. You force them up: "[[I'd like to get off this bus.|ch1busOff1]]"

You slide open the drawer, and peek inside.\n\nIt's actually much bigger on the inside, and what's inside is . . . papers. Written in an unearthly language and taped to the inside of the wood. All decorated with drawings of a scale.\n\nAt the bottom of the drawer is a wooden cylinder. [[You reach down and pick it up.|ch1getcylinder]]

<<if $ch2bowls >= 0>>[[You have two bowls from the stone coffin.|stair2RoomLlook]] Each is decorated with strange inscriptions, and a prominent drawing of a scale with dark objects on each side.<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $bowl1 is "white">>The first bowl is full of clear water.<<elseif $bowl1 is "black">>The first bowl is full of ashy water.<<elseif $bowl1 is "empty">>The first bowl is empty.<<else>><<endif>> <<if $bowl2 is "white">>The second bowl is full of clear water.<<elseif $bowl2 is "black">>The second bowl is full of ashy water.<<elseif $bowl1 is "empty">>The second bowl is empty.<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $anote2 is 1>>You found a strange note. [[Reread it?|anote2reread2]]<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $ch2obtain is 0>>Looks like you don't have any items--not even those barbecue chips. [[Those would be nice right now. . .|stair2RoomLlook]]<<else>><<endif>>

[[The bodega is gone.|ch2eld2]] In front of you lies a long set of stone stairs, etched with the same strange colors and patterns as when you were last in this eldritch world.

Alright. Climb fast and get out quick--maybe @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ will let you live.\n\nYou are standing on the stone steps. How far does it go? No idea! This should be fun!!!\n\n\n[[Look|stairPt1L]] | [[Move|stair2move]] | [[Use|stair1I]]

Carved walls squeeze you in on each side. Darkness shrouds the top of the stairs and, as you discover when you turn around, the stairs below you. Above there is no ceiling, only inky blackness.\n\n[[Nowhere to go but up.|ch2eld3]] Which is probably ironic, considering your situation.

She takes out her flashlight, and shines it on your forehead. The thing does the flicking motion again, and something slimy slides from it, [[slithering down your cheek.|3HEAD!1]]

It lands on your forehead--scalding hot and freezing cold-- and suctions there, [[burrowing into your skin|34]] with a loud @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;squelch@@.

In an instant, an @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ from the creature [[launches|33]] at you.

@@text-shadow: green 0.50em 0.15em 0.05em;<big>LE</big>T US <big>SEE I</big>F YOU ARE W<big>ORT</big>HY OF IT.@@\n\n[[Worthy?|32]] Of--

@@text-shadow: green 0.50em 0.15em 0.05em;I <big>KN</big>OW WH<big>A</big>T Y<big>OU WAN</big>T.@@\n\nIts voice [[slithers|31]] into your ear, and reverberates in your skull. You want to cover your ears, but you arms are trapped by the tentacle.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n. [[.|ch1]] .

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs you fade out, the creature looms down at you, its many eyes studying your form.\n\nThe last thing you see is @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Its@@ [[grin.|37]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou hit the ground with a thwuk, your head cracking against the floor. It does nothing to the burrowed @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@, but [[being the fragile human that you are,|36]] you start to lose consciousness.

Reflected in the window, you see @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@, staring at you from its place on (in?) your forehead. If not for its abnormal placement and size, [[it might look normal, with its human shape and sea-green iris.|ch1-11]]

PUT IT DOWN. NO. WE ARE NOT DOING THAT.\n\nIf you don't get out of here, @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ may [[deem you unworthy, and finish the job.|ch1eld5]] You don't want that, do you?

You empty [[the first bowl into one of the cups.|emptybowl2]]\n<<if $bowl1 is "black">><<set $scaleblacktwo += 1>><<elseif $bowl1 is "white">><<set $scalewhitetwo += 1>><<endif>>

You walk further up the steps. A few seconds later, you see another room--but are surprised to find it's the same one you saw, earlier, with the dim light.\n\nThe Eye chuckles.\n\n[[Go up the stairs.|stair2]] | [[Go down the stairs.|stair3]] | [[Check inventory|stairloopInv]]<<if $ch2bowls >= 0>> | [[Use the bowls.|sloopUsebowls]]<<else>><<endif>>

On the base of the scale is a delicately-made drawing: @@background-color:#6fdeb0;two dark ocean waves,@@ crashing into each other. And @@color:black;air bubbles@@ going [[underneath the surface of the sea. . .|stair3scale2]]

You look at the cups attached to each side of the scale. <<if $ch2bowls is 2>>There are two empty cups, and you have two full bowls--empty your water into the cups?\n\n\n[[Yes.|emptyintoscale]] | [[No, not right now.|stair3L]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 1>> You can fill both cups when [[both bowls are full. . .|stair3L]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 0>> You can fill both cups when [[both bowls are full. . .|stair3L]]<<else>>You don't have anything you can fill it with right now though. [[Perhaps there's something in one of the other rooms. . .|stair3intro4]]<<endif>>

The two sides of the scale settle--you swear you hear a @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;peaceful sigh@@ as it does so. \n\nYou do know you hear a click sound outside[[, echoing in the hall.|stair3intro4]]<<set $exittwo to 1>><<set $ch2scale to 0>>

You look down, into the void. Inch your feet closer. @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ leans forward.\n\nYou belong here now. [[Don't you?|ch4cli9]]

\n\nMaybe when @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye@@ grows enough, @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ will take you. But when will it be enough?\n\nPerhaps today. [[You even hope it will be today.|3start3]]

Your fingers dance on the keyboard, but you don’t type anything. At least, not yet. . .\n\n\n[[Might as well reply. You got nothing to lose.|Ch1Lreply]] | [[But nothing to gain either. This doesn’t even matter anymore—don’t reply.|Ch1LnoReply]]

The white-hot rage you would have felt yesterday has, with the crash, no energy to be unleashed. And you must admit, there is something very funny about "surviving" death, and [[finding someone’s biggest concern is a fucking TV.|Ch1Lread4]]\n\nBut that doesn't mean you're not a little pissed.

And then there are the messages you haven’t read yet:\n\n@@color:#f5f5f5;RileyTaron (Yesterday, 9:12): Completely destroyed? Are you sure?\nRileyTaron (Yesterday, 9:44): Hello?\nRileyTaron (Yesterday, 10:01): The Superbowl’s next Sunday, I was counting on this TV. :(\nRileyTaron (Yesterday, 11:13): I’m reporting you to eDay.\nRileyTaron (Yesterday, 11:15): Dickhead.@@\n\n[[Oh. Ok then.|Ch1Lread3]]

@@color:#f5f5f5; RileyTaron (Yesterday, 7:32): Hey, are u almost here? Hyped 2 get my new tv. :)\nElectronicsDude15 (Yesterday, 8:53): Sorry, I was in a bad car accident on my way there. The TV was destroyed. I’ll send you a refund when I’m back on my feet.@@\n\nYou vaguely remember sending that message, in the hospital waiting room. There was an odd normality to it, [[checking your phone, right after almost-but-not-quite dying,|Ch1Lread2]] with the room's television playing a comedy show like nothing bad had ever happened.

[[Headlights?|7]] Wait.

The halls, made of ancient stone, are covered in some kind of substance—sticky and scaly, still but somehow dancing with flame. The hallway’s lines aren’t parallel, the walls form angles and curves, and the ceiling [[eclipses menacingly|ch1eld1]] above it all.

@@font-family: Times New Roman;The more I search, the fewer answers I find. About earth, and it's connection to this realm. Perhaps my hopes were always foolish. \n\nI have been diving in forbidden depths, and trying to keep my head above water--but perhaps there is no point in the latter.\n\n[[Better to drown here than try and swim on Earth.|3busbackL]]@@

clink \n\n[[Your fingers hit a glass screen.|ch2end0]]

@@font-family: Times New Roman;Gregoria will drop you in the hopes that you sink into her depths. In her depths, the troubles of your human mind are gone, and the horrors of the universe are revealed. \n\nEventually, she will consume the world in her waters of terror, and only those who have rejected the world can live with her under the sea. \n\n[[For Gregoria, balance is deception--only by weighing down can one be free.|4room2]]@@

A bit more, a bit more. . . \n\n[[There. Perfect.|3mast1]]

You look around carefully, but don't see anywhere to use the jar. Whatever a firigpaz is, [[it's not in this room. . .|ch1RightU]]

You shift around on the couch, trying to find the right spot [[to escape in.|mastM2]]

Your eyes carry tired bags, not helped by @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye's presence@@--now, you can clearly see its entrance created deep creases in your skin.\n\nIt stares patiently back at you, a [[taunting reminder|Ch1bath2]] of where you’ve been. And what will happen to you if @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;its Master@@ deems you unworthy.\n

\n\n\n\nAnd you want to grab it before it [[shatters again.|mastM]]

\n\n\nI can't find anywhere to be on Earth--@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;it's just too much.@@ Maybe here, [[I can be free.|ch4cli5]]

You enter the water with a splash, and thrash to the surface. Then you start swimming. You don't know where you're going yet, but you need to be [[away.|3dive2]]

You step back into the patient room[[, closing the door behing you.|3doctor0]]

You walk [[up (down? does it really matter at this point?)|stair1navigate]] the stairs. You are now back where you started . . . maybe? It's hard to tell.<<if visited() >= 2>>\n\nHow many times have you traversed these stairs? <<print random(1,10)>> times? <<print random(11,99)>> times? You're losing count--worse than that, numbers are losing their meaning.<<else>><<endif>>

You look up. You mother is standing on the water, frowning down at you. "What?" you ask, sputtering as you breath in water.\n\n"[[How are you going to move on?|3mom2" you mother asks, as you start to cough.

You gasp, bringing your head above water. You're just managing to float at the top, when you hear a voice:\n\n"[[So what are you going to do?|3mom1

\n\n\n\n\n<big>Chapter 1: Lies Dreaming</big>\n\nDon’t do anything stupid—[[one wrong move,|ch1-1]] and @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ will kill you for good.

You step forward, the push the bus door. It squeeks open, a welcoming escape, finally--\n\nBut the area outside the bus is not the mortal world, but the @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;eldritch@@ one, with stone walls on each side and waves crashing in the halls.\n\nBefore you can move, the water behind you surges up, and [[crashes into your back, shoving you in.|3dive]]

\n\n\n\n\n@@color:black;This is it@@, you think. You finally been proven unworthy, and @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ has decided to take you.\n\nYou will @@color:black;die@@, here[[, finally,|4-1-2]] and ascend . . . somewhere else.

@@font-family:Arial;“Oh.”@@ \n\nLong . . . pause. \n\n@@font-family:Arial;“I’m sure things will be alright, though!”@@ Marie says cheerfully.\n\nHAHAHAHAHAha . . . haha [[. . . ha. That's not happening.|ch1MarieEnd]]

It looks like a metal grinder, like one a blacksmith would use. Except this one has spikes on the wheel, and shackles merged to its legs, presumably so a victim could be cuffed close to the machine for its [[. . . work.|metalroom3]] Blood and bits of flesh stain the wheel's spikes. . .<<set $mad2 += 1>>

. [[.|Ch3Start]] .

Glass all over the front, windows broken. Your bag's . . . somewhere. Leg has some pain--probably a cut (or something worse).\n\nCar's skewed now--rearview mirror's slanted, darkness paints the seats, headlights surround you.\n\nVaguely you remeber all the electronics you have in the backseat, but [[your neck hurts too much to turn around.|ch3climax2]]

You unbuckle your seatbelt, your chest @@color:red;screaming@@ in pain underneath it. You reach over, and [[open the driver's door,|3cliM1]] stumbling out into the street.

<<if $ch1obtain is 0>>You don't have anything you can use on the door right now. Aside from your foot, that is, but that would probably hurt.\n\n\n[[KICK IT!|ch1kick]] | [[Move on.|ch1eldDoor]]<<else>>What would you like to use on the door?<<endif>>\n\n[[Use nothing right now.|ch1eldDoor]] <<if $ch1door is 1>>| [[Use carved cylinder.|Ch1eldEnd]]<<else>><<endif>> <<if $ch1key is 1>>| [[Use the small key.|Ch1doorKey]]<<else>><<endif>> <<if $ch1jar is 1>>| [[Use the jar.|Ch1doorJar]]<<else>><<endif>>

\n\n\nYou're so stupid. A stupid fucking idiot who's [[refusing the best chance he has.|ch4resistfin1]]

[[Talk to the driver|ch1busDriver]

You bend down and dip the bowl. After a scoop, you've filled your second bowl with clear water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stair1navigate]]\n<<set $bowl2 to "white">><<set $b2full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

\n\n"[[Sure, I'll have a coffee.|3bosscoffeeY]]" | "[[No thanks. But thanks for offering.|3bosscoffeeN]]"

[[The real spectacle rests|stair2RoomL3]] in the center of the room: a @@background-color:#6fdeb0;large coffin@@, carved up from the rock, it's opening shut off by a @@background-color:#6fdeb0;sheet of stone@@. \n\nTwo bowls of fire rest on each side of the tomb, their flames making strange shadows on the wall.

You begin to ascend the stairs. Just like the first time you were here, [[the floor is wet.|stair2disc0]]

Like the stairs, this place has no ceiling, and a layer of water rests on the ground, [[its surface covered in a flaky black substance.|stair2RoomL2]]

You bend down and dip the bowl. After a scoop, you've filled your first bowl with black water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stair2RoomLlook]]\n<<set $bowl1 to "black">><<set $b1full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

[[Nothing|ch3climax2]] to use this time.

The door is enormously tall--it extends all the way to the celing and beyond, trailing into inky darkness.\nYou notice the wood has strange scratch marks on it[[--was something trying to get out?|ch1eldDoor]]

\n\n\n\nSounds like a nightmarish place to be in. But also [[comforting at the same time, in its unnaturalness.|ch1eld4]]

You pull out your smartphone. The battery died while you were waiting.\nHonestly, you're almost grateful. Another phone call from someone with [[the same pity words, the same apologies, the same "are you ok"s,|3docL]] and you might've snapped.\n\n@@color:black;(Not that you haven't already, of course.)@@

[[. . .|end1]]

[[Nothing's wrong--|3granola2]]everything is fine. @@color:black;Everyone else here is fine, so you should be, too.@@

You don't eat lunch at work. There's a little bodega across the street that makes great sandwiches at their deli. Plus, you like seeing the owner, Greg. He's nice.\n\n[[And getting a breath of fresh air will be a bonus.|ch2work7]]

The bodega is only a block away. When you open its door, [[the electric bell announces your presence.|ch2work8]]

You survived, after all. You should be grateful. Sure, @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ will come for you [[the moment you fuck up,|ch2work5]] but @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ didn't kill you immediately--aren't you happy?

Finally, a change: there's an open room on your right. This one doesn't have nearly as much light illuminating from it.\n\n[[Go inside.|stair3intro1]] | [[Keep walking.|stairloop]]

You sit down, and [[get to work.|ch2work3]]

When you're working, it's easy to settle back into old routines, the way you were before the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@. Like everything is fine. [[And if there's one thing you need to get good at, it's pretending everything is fine.|ch2work4]]

Part of you was hoping for balloons, or a card--or, even better, a sign that @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ had set a trap for you. \n\nBut nothing. [[You don't get those things anymore.|ch2work2]]

\n\n\nPlease. You've looked everywhere, haven't you? [[You haven't found anyone yet.|ch4resist1]]

You walk to . . .\n\n\n[[the small room.|ch1eldLeftR]] | [[the larger room.|ch1eldRightR]]

"Hey, Liam!" Greg waves at you from behind the counter. "My favorite customer. Want your usual?"\n\n"Yes please," you say, waving back. [[Usually you'd chat, but you're not up for conversation today.|ch2work8.1]]

This is nice. This is normal. This is life before the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@. Can things just stay like this? Maybe if they do, you can pretend the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ never happened. Maybe you'll wake up one day with no @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@, and things back the way were.\n\n[[Ha! Good joke.|ch2work10]]

SCREEE\n\nWith a loud jolt, the bus comes to your stop.\n\nOh. Alright then.\n\n[[I guess you'll keep going.|ch2bus4]]

\n\n\nJust have to survive a few more minutes--or is it twenty more minutes? Oh God, this is how you die, isn't it? A time paradox in a fucking bus. What a way to go!\n\nYou are not dying, get a hold of yourself. How do you know? There's no way to know or not know, [[how can I be certain of anything anymore?|ch2bus2-3]]

\n\nYour anxiety makes the minutes crawl by and speed up with no consistency. You glance around at the other passengers--you're the only one who seems terribly concerned. \n\nHow much time has passed? [[It feels like two minutes or two hours.|ch2bus2-2]]

You walk to the front of the bus. The driver glances at you. @@font-family:Century Gothic;"Sir, do I need to kick you off this bus?"@@ he asks evenly. Water laps at his knees and clings to his chest.\n\n\n[[Look|3busfrontL]] | [[Move|3busfrontM]] | [[Use|3busfrontU]]

@@font-family:Arial Narrow;"Thanks for coming, Liam."@@\n\nYour boss closes the door. Their name is Dave. They’ve always been kind to you, cordial, appreciative. [[Currently, there’s a concerned look on their face.|3boss0-1]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd you are not going to @@color:black;die@@ [[(probably)|ch1busStay3]].

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOk. Ok. Deep breaths. There we go. Now, [[go take your seat.|ch1busStay4]]

You bend down so the Eye's tiny tentacles can reach. It grabs the stone lid, and lifts it up [[with no visible effort,|coffinhands4]] tossing it to the ground.

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ starts twitching, and you groan--it's making your head hurt this time. \n\nIt waves its tiny tentacles around frantically. But the movement is consistant: [[it's trying to point at the coffin.|coffinhands3]]\n\nWhat if you try . . . ?

You peer inside the coffin. \n\nThere is no corpse or skeleton inside--only @@background-color:#6fdeb0;two large, oval-shaped bowls@@.\n\nBoth are empty, and appear to be made of metal, but have apparent immunity to rust. They have the same inscriptions that cover the walls, but there is also picture of a scale on each, with people standing around it. @@background-color:#6fdeb0;On this scale, both sides are balanced by some kind of dark object.@@\n\n[[You pick up the bowls--thankfully, they're quite light to carry.|stair2RoomL3]]\n<<set $ch2obtain += 1>><<set $ch2bowls to 0>><<set $bowl1 to "empty">> <<set $bowl2 to "empty">><<set $b1full to 0>> <<set $b2full to 0>><<set $scaleblacktwo to 0>> <<set $scalewhitetwo to 0>><<set $metalroom to 0>><<set $ch2scale to 0>>

\n\n\n\n\n\n. . . Yeah, when those tentacles grow long enough to reach your throat, [[you are so fucked.|coffinhands5]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou force your frozen legs to [[move|ch1busStay5]].

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne step. [[Good.|ch1busStay6]]

@@font-family:Verdana;"[[Hurry the fuck up!|ch1busStay9]]"@@ a passenger shouts at you. @@font-family:Verdana;"Some of us have places to be!"@@

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe yell knocks you out of your focus. God, you can't do this. [[Why did you think you could do this?|ch1busStay10]]

You bend down and dip the bowl into the water. After a scoop, you've filled your second bowl with clear water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stairloop]]\n<<set $bowl2 to "white">><<set $b2full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

"So you were in a car accident tonight," Doctor Smith says, frowning. "[[What happened?|3doctor4]]"

You look down at the clear water covering the steps, then at the bowls in your hands. <<if $ch2bowls < 2>>You could put some of the clear water in here, if you wanted to. . .\n\n\n[[Fill one of your bowls|stairloopwaterfill]] | [[No, not right now.|stairloop]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 2>>You could fill a bowl with clear water, but both are currently full.\n\n\n[[Dump a bowl so you can fill it.|stairloopdump]] | [[No, go back.|stairloop]]<<endif>>

Dave breathes a sigh of relief. @@font-family:Arial Narrow;"Good. I'm glad to hear that."@@\n\nYou nod. Anything to make him happy--@@color:black;you won't be here much longer anyway@@, so [[why not?|3bossqY1]]

You exit the room, wiping the ashy water off of your legs as your step outside.\n\nYou are now standing in the middle of the stairs.\n\n\n[[Go up.|stair3]] | [[Go down.|stair1return]]

<<if visited() >= 4>>That's [[enough.|ch1eldRightR]]<<elseif visited() is 3>>You let out a cry, and pull harder. There's madness in your eye, and in @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye.@@\n\nBut [[even that doesn't open the drawer.|ch1eldRightR]]<<elseif visited() is 2>>You pull again, harder this time, but again, it's no use.\n\n[[Your fingers ache.|ch1eldRightR]]<<else>>You pull tightly on the drawer's handle, but it holds tight. After 30 seconds of pulling, you have to give up.\n\n[[The only thing you get is strained fingers.|ch1eldRightR]]<<endif>>

A new entrance in the wall has appeared--this one is more wide than tall, with its doorway only just reaching your height.\n\nWhat unnerves you the most is the darkness. No light illuminates the room--its @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;inky blackness@@ beckons you inside.\n\n\n[[Go inside|2exit1]] | [[Keep walking.|stair1navigate]]

You can feel it--something @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;swimming@@ behind you. Coming closer, closer, @@color:black;closer@@.\n\n[[It's almost there.|3boss0]]

Dave raises one eyebrow. You add, "Things are getting better now--I don't need to take off from work. [[Trust me--I'm ok.|3bossqN1]]"\n\n(You don't trust you, but hopefully they do.)

You walk into the larger room. Its walls are devoid of eye-burning colors, thankfully, and is just simple stone.\n\nIn fact, the whole room is pretty . . . normal. The main attraction is @@background-color:#6fdeb0;a large oak desk@@ resting against one of the walls, a strangely modern and human object in this place. @@background-color:#6fdeb0;The desk has two drawers: one has a lock, while the other does not.@@\n\n\n[[Look|ch1RightL0]] | [[Move|ch1RightM]] | [[Use|ch1RightU]]

<<if $ch2bowls is 0>>Use one of the bowls to get black water?\n\n\n[[Yes.|stair2waterfill]] | [[No.|stair2RoomL3]]<<else>>You don't have much you can use right now . . . [[aside from your hands,|stair2RoomLU1]] if you really want to try and open the coffin with them.<<endif>>

As the host interviews a guest, you write down @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;phrases@@ and watch for the @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;punchlines@@. Then you search the show's hashtag on Tvitter--but [[don't find anything|ch1end4]] about @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@.

It's late. The sun has long since set. Which is good: [[today might end with you alive after all.|ch1end1]]

<<if visited() is 3>>With this kick, a piece of wood flies off. [[Not a big one, but enough to give you confidence.|ch1DoorU]]\n\nIt's quite therapeutic, but these kicks are really starting to tire you out.<<elseif visited() is 4>>You give the door another kick, and a visible dent appears. A bigger piece of wood flies off.\n\nYou pant. You're running out of kicking energy. [[Only have enough for one more.|ch1DoorU]]\n\n<<elseif visited() is 5>>Last kick--make it good! You step back, and lash out with your foot, striking the dented spot perfectly! Wood falls back from the other side, making a small hole.\n\nYou crouch down and look through it. [[What's on the other side?|ch1kick1]]<<elseif visited() >= 6>>You don't have enough energy to kick the door anymore. [[Your foot aches.|ch1DoorU]]<<else>>You take a step back, and, with an angry shout, give the door a mighty kick.\n\nYou immediately let out another cry, this one of unreal pain. [[The door looks unaffected.|ch1DoorU]]<<endif>>

<<set $mad2 to 4>>You quickly run out of the room, not looking back. The bright lights in the doorway taunt you, and [[you shudder.|stair2]]<<set $metalroom to 2>>

\n\n\n<big>Chapter 2: A Gap in the World</big>\n\nThere’s @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;thunder@@ rumbling in the distance. [[No one can hear it except for you.|ch2-1]]

For a long moment you are [[transcending, climing,|mastWin1]] yes, YES!

Dave takes a sip of his coffee. @@font-family:Arial Narrow;"I know things haven't been easy recently,"@@ they say. \n\n(Does he really know that?) \n\n@@font-family:Arial Narrow;"And this kind of talk is never fun, especially after something like a@@ @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@.\n\n@@font-family:Arial Narrow;"We've put together a little gift basket for you at your desk. [[Hope you like it.|3bossdesk]]"@@

\n\n\n\n@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The tentacle squeezes tighter.@@ You’re pulled up again, and you link to the ground starts to [[snap.|25]]

\n\n\n\n\n[[STRUGGLE!|25.1s]] | [[just give in.|25.2g]]

\n\nThe creature pulls you up further. Whatever tether you have to the ground is starting to break[[—one more tug, and it will snap completely.|27]]

But, for some reason, the creature [[stops.|28]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ moves with the darkness, cloaked in it and somehow being it. @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ is above you and around you—[[no matter where you go, you cannot escape its grasp.|21]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMany miles above, a beastly @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;eye@@ opens. Then another, then many, then more, then [[hundreds|22]] more, surrounding you from all sides. They stare at you with diamond-shaped pupils, surrounded by irises of various colors.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Its@@ presence moves in closer. Before you can react, something slimy and sticky grabs you—you look down to see a @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;giant tentacle@@ wrapping around your body. \n\n[[With apparently no effort,|23]] it pulls you off of the floor, stretching the stickiness under your feet as you go up.

\n\n\n\n\n\nYou are lifted up (ten feet? a hundred feet? Direction does not exist here), and @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the thing@@ squeezes you tightly, soaking you with seawater. When you recover from the strange sense of vertigo, you look up to see [[all of the creature’s eyes on you.|24]]

You have reached a huge, circular room, decorated with carvings. The hall of water leads into a massive pool: the water is dark, swirling in the middle of the room.\n\nA path circles the pool, stopping at the edges of the hall you came from. You hoist yourself out of the water--just for a moment--and stare at the pool.\n\n[[The water is a void, with no bottom in sight. To you, it is inviting.|4room1]]

There is a long pause. Finally, you look up at the beast (or at least, the part of @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ you can tangibly see). \n\nA contorted mouth morphs within the eyes in front of you, [[a horrible imitation of the earthly vessel for communication|29]]: @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ shows nail-like teeth and bloated lips that appear to be actively melting as it moves.

Then @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ "[[speaks|30]]":

You look around the room, but you can't seem to find a place to use this thing.\n\nUnless you put it in the mouse hole. . .\n\n[[DO IT.|ch1cylMouse]] | [[NopeNopeNope!|ch1eldLeftLU]]

They are of various sizes, these shackles--some are small enough to hold a child. You see blood on some of the chains. Most of the shackles are one one shelf--and you notice an odd [[machine|metalroom3]] next to it, with more shackles hanging off of it. . .<<set $mad2 += 1>>

\n\n\nIt takes way too long for your lunch break to come. When it does, [[anxious thoughts are still dancing in your brain.|ch2work6]]

You grab the bus wheel. Before the driver can react, you turn it. [[Hard.|3buswheel1]]

@@color: black;Eldritch Everyday: The Third Eye@@

\n\nYou swallow, bracing for another trial. After a deep breath, you give the door a [[firm (but nervous) push.|ch1eldEnd1]]

“You could have a concussion,” she tells you, glancing at your forehead. “The ambulance will be here soon. Just hold tight a few more minutes, ok?”\n\nYou want to laugh at the way she asked that. [[As if you had something else to do tonight, that required higher levels of attention than Not-Dying.|3climax]]\n\nBut you just nod.

\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a trap. [[It has to be.|ch1busCome10]] Maybe this whole thing is a setup by @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ and the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@, to send you to your @@color:black;final destination.@@

@@font-family:Century Gothic;“Sir, [[are you going to take your seat?|ch1busCome9]]”@@

\n\nThis isn’t much different, you know. Not much different at all. All that separates you from @@color:black;True Death@@ is [[fragile metal, easily crushed|ch1busCome4]] upon collision with another vehicle.

\nAnd suddenly, you’re very aware of the [[precariousness of this situation.|ch1busCome3]]

You’re still exhausted. You were thinking of taking a nap after getting on. \n\nBut as the doors squeak shut, the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ [[snaps you awake, and opens your mind.|ch1busCome2]]

\n\n\n\n\nYour eyes dance around the bus, at your fellow passengers. Then at back the bus driver. What gave that guy the right to have @@color:black;so many lives@@ in his hands, anyway? [[Maybe you should ask him.|ch1busCome8]]

When you get there, [[your desk is exactly as you left it.|ch2work1]]

@@font-family:Century Gothic;“Sir, I’ll need you to sit down for us to [[go on our way.|ch1busCome6]]”@@

\n\n\nTakes only @@color:black;one little slip@@ for things to go wrong. You know this. Why doesn’t everyone else on this bus? [[Why do they look to calm?!|ch1busCome5]]

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eldritch Everyday: The Third Eye@@\nby Naomi Norbez\n\nContent Warning: car accident, post-traumatic stress, traumatic flashbacks, suicidal ideation, self-loathing, swearing, masturbation.\n\nThis is a work of fiction. While based in true events, any similarities between the characters and real people is not intentional.\n\n\n[[Begin.|1]]

<<if $ch1jar is 1>>You open the drawer and [[view its contents.|ch1lockeddraweropenView]]<<else>>You can't exactly look in the drawer, considering its locked. Would you like to try and unlock it?\n\n\n[[Yep.|ch1tryunlock]] | [[Nah.|ch1eldRightR]]<<endif>>

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen you open your eyes, [[your fellow passengers are gone.|ch1busStay22]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou squeeze your eyes shut, and [[try to breathe.|ch1busStay20-1]] @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ convulses.

\n\n\nYou stand up, and the chair underneath you disappears. You are in a large hallway--a place almost crypt-like. The way the walls are claustrophobically close and impossibly far reminds you of @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@.\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ [[chuckles.|ch1eld]]

\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd you're [[not on the bus anymore.|ch1busStay23]]

You step inside. <<if visited("stair3intro2")>>The scale looms above.\n\nHow to proceed?\n\n[[Look|stair3L]] | [[Move|stair3M]] | [[Use|stair3U]]<<else>>The room is dark, but not pitch black like @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Its@@ darkness, so you're able to see [[if you squint.|stair3intro2]]\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ can probably see perfectly fine in this. Lucky bastard. . .<<endif>>

And then, [[of course,|3start1]] there's @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;your Eye@@.

You go to the kitchen, and splash some water on your face. Looking at the window, [[you see a tired man staring back:|ch3-2]] the bags under his eyes are deeper than they've ever been, and @@color:black;the anxiety cloud from yesterday is reflected in his face.@@

--but the first thing you notice is that amount of notifications you have--[[so many messages|mastphone2]] about the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@.

You wince and put your phone back into your pocket. [[A cloud of anxiety settles over your moment.|3mast1]]<<set $masttime += 1>>

You take the granola bar from your bag, and carefully remove the wrapper. Then, as the water reaches your neck, [[you lean back and start eating.|3busgranola1]] Maybe if we pretend things are normal, they will be. You munch on your granola bar. When you look up, the water is at your chin, and you are no longer on the bus.

The drawer slides open. The inside is wet and gooey, and there's a @@background-color:#6fdeb0;glass jar@@ on the bottom that's full of fish food--that is, if fish food is a velvety, phosphorescent color.\n\n[[You pick up the jar.|ch1obtainJar]]

I suppose you’re [[not dead after all.|ch3climax1]] That's quite the unexpected development.

You look around at the bus. You see @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the strange inscriptions@@ now--they're carved on the seats, the walls.\n\n\nYou don't have anything useful. . . [[Maybe that's a good thing.|3busL @@color:black;You can't do anything to stop it.@@

@@text-shadow: white 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Alive.@@ \n\n[[Alive.|ch4resistY5]]

You reach into your pocket, and pull out a piece of paper.\n\n[[It reads:|authnote4]]

You press your hand between your legs, pressing your <<print either("thumb","ring finger","middle finger")>> just in the right spot.<<set $turnons += 1>>\n\nAn involuntary moan escapes your mouth. [[Yes. . .|3mast1]]

You take out your cellphone, turn it on, and dial.\n\nIt's a small step. [[But it's a first step.|ch4cards2]]

[[And that's enough.|end]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tentacle reaches up, and wraps arond you.\n\n[[This time, its embrace is comforting.|ch4dive8]]

You stand. Across from your bed is your dresser, with a portable ironing board set up on top. And a new bow tie to try out—seems laughable now, almost petty, that you invested in it. \n\nNext to the dresser is your desk: papers are tucked frantically in the drawers, writing utensils are placed in various cups or scattered about, and your laptop sits calmly atop the chaos.\n\nYour laptop is still on. I guess you never quite turned it off, before the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@. Good thing you left it plugged in, [[at the very least.|ch1-13]]

How to proceed?\n\n\n\n\n[[Get dressed for work.|ch1D]] | [[Check your laptop.|ch1L]]

[[You’re going TO—|8]]

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The thing@@ glances around, twitching as it does so.\n\nYou have no doubt it’s composing a message for its @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Master@@, of whether [[you should be killed.|ch1-12]] \n\nBetter prove that you deserved to be saved from the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@. Get going.

<<if $ch2bowls >= 0>>[[You have two bowls from the stone coffin.|stair1return]] Each is decorated with strange inscriptions, and a prominent drawing of a scale with dark objects on each side.<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $bowl1 is "white">>The first bowl is full of clear water.<<elseif $bowl1 is "black">>The first bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The first bowl is empty.<<endif>> <<if $bowl2 is "white">>The second bowl is full of clear water. <<elseif $bowl2 is "black">>The second bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The second bowl is empty.<<endif>>\n\n<<if $anote2 is 1>>You found a strange note. [[Reread it?|anote2reread1]]<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $ch2obtain is 0>>Looks like you don't have any items right now--not even those barbecue chips. [[Those would be nice right now. . .|stair1return]]<<else>><<endif>>

\n\n\n\n\n\nit's stuck to you, attached--it was there at the hospital, it's here now; don't you see? You will never escape that @@color:black;smell@@; [[this is your life now--|ch2work15]]

\n\n\nThe cloud is thinning the air, making it @@color:black;harder to breathe@@. Tears are leaking out of your eyes, but you can't wipe them away because [[your body can't stop|ch2work16]] fucking shaking!

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith all your strength. you pull your hands over your eyes. As you do, you can feel the cloud expanding, growing--thinning out too, just enough to [[breathe in.|ch2work17]]

\n\n\n\nOk. You made it--this time. [[Probably.|ch2work18]]

The electric bell rings. [[Another customer enters.|ch2work10-1]]

\n\nThe smell hits like a wave: that strong stench of gas. It strikes your nose, and the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ immediately reacts, [[snapping your memory back|ch2work12]] to the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@.

\n\n\n\nsmell of [[gas and metal|ch2work13]], it's everywhere; coming in through the broken windows, @@color:black;suffocating--!@@

Fuck, fuck, FUCK! You try to keep it together, but you're already @@color:black;too deep in.@@ [[Vaguely|ch2work13-1]] you register your chips dropping on the floor.

You take a few deep, (hopefully) calming breaths, and [[remove your hands from your eyes.|ch2eld]]

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stair2water]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your second bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl2 to "empty">><<set $b2full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

You look around for a place to use the cylinder, but [[there doesn't seem to be one here. . .|ch1RightU]]

Well, that was awkward. [[Best not mention it again.|ch1MarieEnd2]]

\n\n[[Ever.|ch1MarieEnd4]]

\n[[To anyone.|ch1MarieEnd3]]

<<if $ch1jar is 1>>You already used the key to open the drawer. You can still [[look and see the drawer's contents,|ch1RightLlockeddrawer]] if you desire.<<else>>You take out the small key, and look at the locked drawer. The keyhole matches--you place the key in the lock, and the drawer opens. [[Success!|ch1LockedDrawer]]<<endif>>

\n\n\nYou're already in enough pain. [[Why make it worse by opening up your bleeding chest?|ch1MarieEnd6]]

\n\n\n\n\nYou'll be @@color:black;dead@@ [[soon enough|ch1busCome]] anyway.

You pick them up. As you do, you can feel the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ angrily wiggling its new tentacles, [[trying to swat the cards away.|ch2apt2]]

You place the cylinder in the door's hole--it fits perfectly, and [[the door opens up, just a crack.|ch1eldEnd]]

You walk over to the passenger, and read over their shoulder.\n\nThe page they are currently on [[reads:|authnote3]]

Then again, perhaps that "railing" is another step of stairs, for a smaller creature?\n\n[[. . . Honestly, at this point in your journey, you're starting to see that in this terrifying universe, the possibilities are endless.|stair2disc1]]

\n\n\nAnd there's @@color:black;no way you'll live@@ long enough to [[the point where it will matter.|ch2apt4]]

You move your fingers, rapid-fire, and delete all message notifications in sight, taking care not to read the contents of any of them.\n\nSoon enough, they're [[gone.|mastphoneY1]] @@color:black;For the moment, at least.@@

You lie down on the couch and try to sleep. But paranoia (fueled by the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@) [[refuses to let you rest.|ch1end5]]

You toss and turn, switching between fighting to sleep and accepting being awake. Eventually you give up and try to dispell the anxiety by jacking off.\n\nBy the time you do get up, [[you can't remember if you even slept.|ch1endFin]]

You take a shaky breath. That's a lot to handle.\n\nNot dead. Not dead.\n\n[[Alive?|ch4resisY4]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou're staying on this bus, and nothing bad is going to happen [[(you hope)|ch1busStay2]],

You slowly stand up from the couch. As you do, you notice something, on the kitchen counter: the @@border-style:ridge;business cards@@ your mom gave you.\n\nYou pick them up. Study them.\n\n[[Realize what you must do.|ch4cards]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there's @@color:black;no guarantee@@. And tomorrow is [[a new day to prove yourself in.|ch1end2]]

You glance at your television set. Surely [[someone has to know|ch1end3]] about @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@--about the @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Thing@@ in @@color:black;the dark@@. And surely @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ has left hints of itself here, in the mortal plane.

You grab a bag of Cheatos from the kitchen, and plop down on the couch, wrapping a blanket around yourself.\n\nWhich channel will you [[watch|ch1watch]] for @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;signs@@?

You take your phone from your pocket, playing with it without turning it on.\n\nYou have a few favorites saved for times like these--this'll be good.\n\n[[Turn on your phone.|mastphone]] | [[Not yet. . .|mastL]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe scent of gas and metal pervades the air, [[infecting you and increasing your sense of panic.|ch3climax]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe rubber texture of the aisle [[almost makes you forget you're in a moving vehicle|ch1busStay8]], thank Go--

You go to the kitchen. As you sling your bag over your shoulder, something catches your eye: the @@border-style:ridge;[[cards|ch2apt1]]@@ your mother gave you, one for a @@border-style:ridge;therapist@@ and one for a @@border-style:ridge;lawyer@@.

Maybe if we pretend things are normal[[, they will be.|3granola3]] Worth a shot, isn't it?

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ is convulsing in laughter. You almost wish Marie could see it.\n\nShe takes out her phone, and starts reading an article. [[Your conversation is over.|ch1MarieEnd1]]

You decide to dump . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the first bowl.|stairloopbowl1dump]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $b2full is 1>>[[the second bowl.|stairloopbowl2dump]]<<else>><<endif>>

<<if $ch2bowls >= 0>>[[You have two bowls from the stone coffin.|stairloop]] Each is decorated with strange inscriptions, and a prominent drawing of a scale with dark objects on each side.<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $bowl1 is "white">>The first bowl is full of clear water.<<elseif $bowl1 is "black">>The first bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The first bowl is empty.<<endif>> <<if $bowl2 is "white">>The second bowl is full of clear water. <<elseif $bowl2 is "black">>The second bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The second bowl is empty.<<endif>>\n\n<<if $anote2 is 1>>You found a strange note. [[Reread it?|anote2reread3]]<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $ch2obtain is 0>>Looks like you don't have any items right now--not even those barebeque chips. [[Those would be nice right now. . .|stair3choice]]<<else>><<endif>>

You flinch as a creature pokes its head out of the hole: an angler fish-thing with a bat's snout, all colored a grotesque shade of purple. \n\nIt looks at the jar, and (to your great relief) moves forward slowly to nibble some of its contents. [[Its head swells when it eats, so much that it becomes almost as big as the hole.|ch1jar2]]

Finally, the firigpaz finishes, and returns to the darkness. \n\nA few seconds later, [[a scrunched-up paper falls from the hole, and hits the floor of the room.|ch1jar3]]

You pick it up, examining it. The paper is old and yellow, with orangey stains at its edges.\n\nWhen you unwrap it, you find a chick-like creature inside the bundled-up page. The thing--its skin a shiny velvet color--is clearly, strangely, dead, its bat-like eyes frozen in what appears to be shock. . .\n\n[[The letter reads as follows:|ch1jar4]]

@@font-family: Times New Roman;"I found it again. That sacred dimension--the one that only opens to those inches from death's door. [[This is my fourth Eye from the creature.|ch1jar5]] This time, I was prepared with measuring instruments and recording devices--hence why I was able to write and leave this letter. In the future, I plan to make a clearer path to this place, so I can bring objects in to study this dimension."@@<<set $anote1 to 1>>

Heart pounding, you place the letter in your pocket, and put the dead [[. . . thing|ch1eldLeftR]] back in the hole.

The room is mostly empty, aside from a @@background-color:#6fdeb0;metal balance scale@@ in the middle, sitting on a pedestal. The scale's pans are curved into [[little cups|stair3intro3]]--@@background-color:#6fdeb0;you wonder what they could hold?@@

The walls here are less blinding than the ones outside--thank GOD--but are still covered with the same carvings and letters. These scrawls are less precise than the ones o the steps--you get the feeling that these were made by human being, rather than whatever [[precise, machine-like thing|stair3intro4]] carved the stones outside.

<<if $ch1obtain is 0>>You don't have anything to use right now, unfortunately.<<else>>Use what?<<endif>>\n\n\n<<if $ch1door is 1>>[[Use carved cylinder.|Ch1LeftU_cyl]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $ch1key is 1>>[[Use the small key.|Ch1LeftU_key]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $ch1jar is 1>> [[Use the jar.|Ch1LeftU_jar]]<<else>><<endif>> [[(return to room)|ch1eldLeftR]]

\n\n"[[Things have been difficult lately--but I'm alright. Really.|3bossqN]]" | "[[I think you're right. I'll take some time off.|3bossqY]]"

<<if visited("stair3intro1")>>You walk up the stairs. [[The room with the scale is up ahead.|stair3choice]]<<else>>You walk up the stairs. One step, another, [[another, another.|stair3intro]]<<endif>>

You walk until you see the dimly lit room. <<if $metalroom is 1>>And to your surprise, @@background-color:#6fdeb0;there is a new doorway across from it:@@ one that is brightly lit by flames, and gives you a sinister vibe. . .<<elseif $metalroom is 2>> The bright metal room makes a shudder run down your spine once again. . .<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if visited("stair2RoomL2")>>[[Enter the dimly-lit room.|stair2RoomL3]]<<else>>[[Enter the dimly-lit room.|stair2RoomL]]<<endif>><<if $metalroom is 1>> | [[Go in the bright room.|metalroom]]<<else>><<endif>>| [[Keep walking.|stair1return]]

No other passengers seem concerned about the water. A woman is even croqueting in it! If you had to guess, [[you'll be the only one drowning here today.|3busL]]

There's a loud cr-rk! behind you--the sound of wood snapping under heavy weight.\n\nYou turn around, but don't see your apartment door--or your apartment at all. But you do see [[a massive wave of water, flowing fast and rushing toward you.|3water]]

You look at the key on the wall. It'll probably come in handy for something. Hopefully.\n\n[[You place the key in your pocket.|ch1eldLeftR]]\n<<set $ch1obtain += 1>><<set $ch1key to 1>>

A guy named RileyTaron bid highest on your eDay listing for the TV, and it turns out he lives nearby.\n\nHe wanted to meet you at a café, and just pick up the TV there instead of getting it shipped. [[You agreed.|3]]

You pull it out, and a hand follows the paper out. You shriek and drop it; after recovering from your initial shock, you see that the hand is [[just a skeleton, not a living being.|anote2get1]] \n\n@@color:black;False alarm--this time, at least.@@

She nods, slowly, and then scribbles something down in her notes. Probably a note about how crazy you are--[[good job, idiot.|3headache]]

You try to sleep, but no luck. At 2am you give up entirely and pace around your apartment, @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye@@ [[pulsing|2end1]] as you walk up and down, up and down.

The forge's flame burns bright in the center of the room, uncaring of your fear. The thing is enormous--quite a few people could work around it at once. Behind the forge, near the back of the room, you see [[a long metal table, with tools scattered on it.|metalroom3]]<<set $mad2 += 1>>

You hold down the power button, and after a few seconds, your laptop clicks off. You breathe a sigh of relief.\n\nVaguely, you think that you might’ve had unsaved documents, but does that matter? [[Not like you’ll live long enough to finish writing them.|Ch1Lnoread1]]\n<<set $laptop to "off">>

Unlike the carvings on the stairs, the carvings on these walls are less precise, and many carry shaky linework.\n\nVarious people have put their mark on these walls[[--but for what purpose?|stair3L]]

\n\n\n\n\n[[Go to bedroom.|ch2bed]] | [[Go to bathroom.|ch2bath]]

\n\n\n<big>Chapter 4: The Audient Void</big>\n\n"What has risen may @@color:black;sink@@, and [[what has sunk|ch4-1]] may @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;rise@@."

"I think so," you lie. @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ laughs loudly. [[You both know the truth would be too complicated.|ch1marieThink1]]

@@color:#f5f5f5;ElectronicsDude15 (Today, 8:26): I will refund your money in a few days, when I'm further along in my recovery. If you'd like, I can recommend some other electronic sellers in the area.@@\n\n[[You send the message and switch off your laptop.|Ch1Lnoread1]] Then you unplug it, and put it away in your desk drawer.\n<<set $edaymsg to $calm>>

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou squeeze your eyes shut—entering darkness.\n\n[[There’s no doubt in your mind: when you open them, you’ll be in the afterlife.|12]]

The cracking of glass. From the front window?\n\n[[Don’t want to see bleed to death SHUT EYES—!|11]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHeaven? Hell? Fuck it, [[I’m dead now,|14]] regrets too late—

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n. [[.|13]] .

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou’re standing in darkness. And yet, this is not darkness—at least, as you know it in the mortal realm. \n\nIts shape refuses to stay still; it feels [[both far away and threateningly close, all at once.|16]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n[[You slowly open your eyes.|15]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s quite strange that there’s a floor is beneath your feet—it feels like there shouldn’t be one in this shapeless void. When you try to step forward and explore, [[you find your feet are stuck to the ground.|18]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOh. This is hell, then? \n\nIt’s hard to tell whether this place is infinitely wide, or unbelievably small, without view of walls or a ceiling. [[Which is probably the point--eternal torture and all.|17]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat's when you sense @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ for the first time.\n\nA presence in the void, waitng to be noticed. And now that it has been, [[the thing begins to move.|20]]\n\nYou look.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlright. [[I guess this is it.|19]]

\n\n[[You pick up the letters from your kitchen countertop.|3mail0-1]]

You back up to the wall, trying to hold onto something, so you don't fall--\n\nBut then as suddenly as it started, [[the shaking stops.|whitewhite2]]

You switch the channel to the news. Plenty of material for @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ there, but it's hard to sift through it all. [[Maybe tomorrow. If tomorrow comes.|ch1end4]]

You hear a loud @@background-color:#6fdeb0;clack@@ coming from somewhere outside. [[The scale's cups tip, and the water dissipates on the floor.|stair3intro4]]<<set $metalroom to 1>><<set $ch2scale to 0>>

\n\n\nAs the warm water surrounds you, you close your eyes.\n\n[[You want nothing more than to drift away from all of this.|3climax12]]

The Eye stretches its tentacles, and sends you forward.\n\n[[You fall.|3climax11]]

You look up. Watch air bubbles leave your mouth as you breathe. Feel the water cloak you, [[become|3bossdesk2]] you.

\n\n\n\n\nThe water engulfs you, submerging the memories, the emotions, the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ with [[pure nothingness|3climax13]].

\n\nEither that, or an act of psychological torture, a false hope--a sigh of relief before [[the killing blow.|ch1bus4]]

You walk into the bright room, keeping on your guard. As you step inside the doorway, you are momentarily blinded by light, and you wince.\n\nIt takes time for you eyes to adjust. When they do [[you understand why the room is so bright. . .|metalroom1]]

\n\nNo, no--grip it tigher. Control it.\n\n[[Then, escape it. Because eventually, it will take you.|3mast0]]

\n\n\n\n\nThe illusion [[breaks.|3bossdesk5]] You're falling, sinking in the water, helpless to the flow.

<<if $ch1jar is 1>>You have a jar of food(?) from the unlocked desk drawer. The note on it reads, @@font-family: Times New Roman;Feed to firigpaz in hole next door. They will give you my letter."@@<<else>><<endif>><<if $anote1 is 1>> Since you fed the firigpaz, the jar is nearly empty. . .<<else>><<endif>><<if $ch1key is 1>>\n\nYou have a small, rusty key. It's very old.<<else>><<endif>><<if $ch1jar is 1>> You used it to open the lost desk drawer--you got a jar of "food", and a strange cylinder.<<else>><<endif>><<if $anote1 is 1>>\n\nYou have a mysterious note, from someone who's apparently been here before. [[Read it again?|Note1read]]<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $ch1door is 1>>You have a hollow cylindrical object, with strange carvings down the side.<<else>><<endif>><<if $ch1obtain is 0>>\n\nLooks like you don't have any items right now . . . aside from your wits! Hopefully they're good for something?<<else>><<endif>>\n\n[[(return to room)|ch1eld5]]

\n\n\n\n[[smashing|ch1-6]] of metal and glass, smell of gas—

\n\n\n\n\nyour screams, crying out as you [[surely|ch1-7]] thought you were @@color:black;going to—@@

You shake your head fiercely, trying knock the memories out of you. Can’t move on if you keep going back. Best to focus on the present now, I’d think.\n\n[[If that’s even possible, with your imminent demise.|ch1-8]]

You leave the room, [[glancing at the scale|stair3]] as you exit.

Well then. [[Let's get ready for work, shall we?|ch2-10]]

\n\n\n\n\n\nWon't be long now. [[Not that it was going to be long anyway. . .|ch2-9]]

\n\n\n\nOr with tentacles long enough to reach your windpipe and [[wrap around it. . .|ch2-8]]

\n\nYou'll probably wake up one morning to find it exploding out of your head, [[taking your brain with it.|ch2-7]]

So it's growing now!\n\nYou have to laugh, it is quite clever--now @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ doesn't have to come for you, since the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ can [[kill you perfectly well from here!|ch2-6]]

It's definitely bigger than yesterday--not a lot more, but enough to be noticeable.\n\nAnd it has an additional part, something that was definitely not there before: two small nubs of flesh, the start of its @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;tentacles@@, [[protrude menacingly|ch2-5]] from both sides of your head.

The TV is still on. You quickly switch it off, and look at your reflection in the glass.\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ has [[grown.|ch2-4]]

But you also feel something painful jutting above your ear. Something painful . . . and [[wet. . .|ch2-3]]

You wake up on the couch. There's something slimy under your cheek. Maybe you were drooling in your sleep[[--that's embarrassing. But at least you slept.|ch2-2]]

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stair1navigate]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your second bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl2 to "empty">><<set $b2full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

You look around. @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Darkness@@ is above and below. There's no way to tell how far down you are.\n\nSomewhere far above, there is a tiny glimmer of light. [[But you are wary of it.|ch4-3]

[[You shake your head.|3boss3]] Dave nods. He gets one mug from near the coffee machine, and fills it up for himself.

You look up at the scale, glancing at the two cups on each side. It's the only thing in here you can really use. . . <<if $ch2bowls is 2>>There are two empty cups, and you have two full bowls--empty your water into the cups?\n\n\n[[Yes.|emptyintoscale]] | [[No, not right now.|stair3intro4]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 1>> You can fill both cups when [[both bowls are full. . .|stair3L]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 0>>You can fill both cups when [[both bowls are full. . .|stair3L]]<<else>>You don't have anything you can fill it with right now though. [[Perhaps there's something in one of the other rooms. . .|stair3intro4]]<<endif>>

You recite the story, pulling from the pre-written script in your brain--the one you've already told every concerned family member who phones you in the waiting room, and to the nurse who took your vitals.\n\nYour voice is @@color:black;monotone@@--[[if you put any emotion, you'd probably fucking lose it.|3doctor5]]

You look down at the ground, and take a deep breath.\n\nDead men don't get restful days. This is your life now[[--get used to it.|ch1busCome]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd you're starting to get [[used to it.|3boss1]]

@@font-family: Times New Roman;"I found it again. That sacred dimension--the one that only opens to those inches from death's door. This is my fourth Eye from the creature. This time, I was prepared with measuring instruments and recording devices--hence why I was able to write and leave this letter. In the future, I plan to make a clearer path to this place, so I can bring objects in to study this dimension."@@\n\n\n[[(return to Inventory)|ch1eld1U]]

The hand looks human, but there are strange ridges along the arm--they remind you of blades or [[fins.|anote2get2]] Curious. . .\n\n

\n\n\n[[I'm doing this for me.|ch4resistfin2]] | [[I don't need this chance.|ch4resistfin2]]

Doctor Smith checks his clipboard. The Eye stares at him, attentive.\n\nHe smells [[just like the car--gas and metal.|3doctor3-1]] It's making you cough.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd as the bus begins its journey, [[the fear returns on top of it all.|ch1busStay15]]

\n\n\n\n\n\nCongratulations, this was a terrible idea! You are going to die by @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Its hand@@ in the next few minutes, all because you wanted to be [[brave. What were you thinking?!|ch1busStay16]]

\n\n\n\n\n\nYou have to get off. [[You can still do it|ch1busStay17]]--might have to use a more forceful method now that the bus is moving. And of course, hope you aren't struck down by @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ in the process.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOr you can sit your ass down, stop disturbing the other passengers, and [[hope this bus doesn't crash as bad as your car.|ch1busStay18]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo, no, you're almost there. One more step. [[Quickly!|ch1busStay11]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGood. Now one more. [[Another!|ch1busStay12]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n[[There!|ch1busStay13]] You collapse onto the empty seat and snap in your seatbelt.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs your focus leaves completely, [[embarrassment and shame|ch1busStay14]] fill you in equal measure.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ twitches, and freezes you--makes you [[utterly terrified, yet unable to move.|ch1busStay19]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou thought you had a choice? No. You made your bed, [[now fucking lie in it.|ch1busStay20]]

You turn around, and see a massive pool of water, stretching far beyond where you can see. Look forward, and see only the headlights shining back, [[those stage lights on you, waiting for your next move.|3climax10]]

You take a breath, look up. Your head feels heavy, faint. The Eye vibrates on your head, and worsens that feeling.\n\nYou stumble backwards. [[Your foot lands in a puddle, and you stumble.|3climax9]]

It's actually much bigger on the inside, and what's inside is . . . papers. Written in an unearthly language and taped to the inside of the wood. [[All decorated with drawings of a scale.|ch1RightU]]\n\nThere was a wooden cylinder inside, but you took that.

/* Your story will use the CSS in this passage to style the page.\nGive this passage more tags, and it will only affect passages with those tags.\nExample selectors: */\n\n\n/* QUESTION TO SELF: Should I fuse this stylesheet with Squilions? \n\ndark ocean green: #499e83\n[NOT USED ANYMORE]light ocean green: #61c7a7\ncolor for BG (hidden atm by passages): #18211d\nside border: #24291f \ntop line: #393d52\nfont color: #a8b078\nto change whether bg image under "html" is showing: mess with height under #passages */\n\nhtml {\n background-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, #18211d, black);\n background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(top, #18211d), black);\n background-attachment: fixed;\n background-color: black;\n}\n\nbody {\n margin: 0;\n padding: 0;\n}\n#passages {\n margin: 0 5% 0 5%;\n padding: 2.5% 0 5% 0;\n border-left: #24291f double 1.5em;\nborder-right: #24291f double 1.5em;\n height: 825px;\n background: #499e83;\n background: -webkit-radial-gradient(center, ellipse cover, #499e83 0%,#000000 80%);\n background: radial-gradient(ellipse at center, #499e83 0%,#000000 80%);\n}\n.header {\n width: 25%;\n border-top: #393d52 groove 0.1em;\n margin: auto;\n padding: 0 0 2.5% 0;\n}\n.passage {\nposition:absolute;\n top: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0;\n width: 75%;\n height: 75%;\n margin:auto;\n font: bold 4em/1.25em "Georgia", serif;\n color: #000;\n letter-spacing: -0.05em;\n text-align:center;\n color: #a8b078;\n text-shadow: red 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;\n}\na.internalLink, a.externalLink {\n color: #c3c957;\n text-shadow: orange 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;\n}\na.internalLink:hover, a.externalLink:hover {\n color: orange;\n text-decoration: none;\n text-shadow: orange 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;\n}\n #ui-bar {\n\tdisplay:none;\n}\n /* Hide borders around Saves and Restart buttons */\n#menu li a {\n\tborder: none;\n}\n#menu ul {\n\tborder: none;\n}\n#menu li:not(:first-child) {\n\tborder-top: none;\n}

You leave your apartment, and walk to the bus stop. This time, you're wearing headphones and trying very hard not to think about @@color:black;this@@ in any way.\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ thrashing around doesn't help, and requires you to hold the sides of your headphones to keep them from [[falling off.|ch2bus1]]

You walk to . . .\n\n\n[[the larger room.|ch1eldRightR]] | [[the door.|ch1eldDoor]]

You look . . .\n\n\n\n[[. . . around the area.|ch1eldLeftRL]] | [[. . . at your items.|ch1eld1Items]]

You walk over to the mirror, and look into it. It’s hard to see, so you crouch down.\n\nNow you see @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;it@@ [[clearly.|3climax6]]

In the wreckage, laying alongsides bits of glass and tire, is one your review mirrors[[--snapped off the car, shining up from the ground.|3climax5]]

There are five now, with the thickness of a baseball bat, but thankfully not as long as one. [[They trail down to your shoulders and back,|3climax7-1]] the suctions tracing your skin without attaching.

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ stares back up at you, its gaze menacing and triumpant.\n\nIt's [[taken over.|3climax6-1]]

Your heart pounds in your chest.\n\nWhatever's pressing against the door, you can see it pressing harder now.\n\nThat door's going down any minute.\n\n\n[[Run and grab a weapon.|3mailrun]] | [[Face what's at the door head-on.|3mailface]]

You take a few deep breaths: in and out, in and out. There we go. The waters still rising, but hey, [[at least you'll die without as much a fuss.|3busU]]

Apparently when someone fucks up @@color:black;this badly@@, [[like you have,|3mail1]] word gets around.

You walk into the smaller room. To your relief, the colors are more tolerable, as the walls are more bare stone than strange patterns.\n\n<<if $ch1key is 1>>You took the key from the wall. There is an empty spot where it hung.<<else>>On the wall, @@background-color:#6fdeb0;an ancient key@@ hangs from a large ring.<<endif>>\n\nAbove it, sticking out below the ceiling, is a small hole—a mouse hole, it seems? <<if visited() >= 2>>There appears to be something . . . moving in there. <<else>>\nWhatever it is, you’re certain a mouse won’t be coming out of it.<<endif>><<if $ch1jar is 1>> Perhaps the "firigpaz" the jar's note was talking about?<<else>><<endif>>\n\n\n[[Look|ch1eldLeftL]] | [[Move|ch1eldLeftM]] | [[Use|ch1eldLeftLU]]

You slouch on the couch and switch the channel, picking up your notes from the day before. But when the opening shows the main character @@color:black;getting hit by a car@@, [[you have to turn it off.|2end]]\n\nYou spend the rest of the program's the time wrestling with anxiety on the couch.

That's when you hear the sound.\n\nYou turn around. Something is pressing against your apartment door.\n\n[[Trying to force its way in.|3mail4]]

<<if visited() >= 3>>You already have your smartphone open and [[ready to go.|mastU]]<<elseif visited() is 2>>You take a deep breath, and pick up your smartphone again.\n\nYour hand is shaking. [[You have to do this quickly.|mastphoneY]]<<else>>You pull out your smartphone, intending to look up some [[good material--|mastphone1]]<<endif>>

You don't have anything useful--you left everything at your seat.\n\nAll you have are your hands. What would you like to do with them?\n\n[[Take the wheel of the bus.|3buswheel]] | [[Push the bus door open.|3outbusdoor]] | [[Nothing right now.|3busfront]]

You walk forward, and stand at the edge of the pool.\n\n@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The darkness@@ [[beckons.|ch4cli1]]

You step out into the main area of your apartment, where the kitchen and “living room” (basically just a couch and a television set) are.\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ scans the room--it jolts, and you, too, start looking around, heart pounding as you see the dangers in your apartment: electric wires, slippery carpets, sharp knives, driver's license.\n\nYou have to [[get out of here.|Ch1apt2]]

The bright lights in the doorway taunt you, and [[you shudder.|stair2]]<<set $metalroom to 2>>

With a sigh, you open your office door, and stumble into your apartment on the other side. You collapse on the couch, [[breathing deep. You're exhausted.|ch2end4]]

You check the time on your computer (and the date--you never know). It's time to head out. Quickly, you grab your things, [[and put the uneaten food in your bag.|ch2end3]]

You're back at work, sitting in front of your computer. On your desk, your sandwich and chips have [[remained untouched.|ch2end2]]

\n\n\n\nHuh. \n\n[[You look up.|ch2end1]]

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye cackles.@@ What kind of question is that? Is anyone alright after a @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@?! \n\nNot that she gives a shit whether you’re alright or not, [[she’s just being polite. Or she just wants to hear you're alright to make herself feel better.|ch1marietell3]]

When you're done, there's a very long silence. \n\n@@font-family:Arial;"I'm so sorry,"@@ she finally tells you. @@font-family:Arial;“[[Are you alright?|ch1marieTell2]]”@@

[[Then you see the light.|2exit9]]

Just a dim glimmer, far in the distance. But it's enough to make you swim faster, deeper, into the depths.\n\n[[Even though, if you did find your death here, you wouldn't fully mind.|2exit10]]

You at the desk drawers. One has a lock, the other does not. <<if $ch1jar is 1>>You unlocked the locked drawer with the small key.<<else>><<endif>>\n\n\n[[Look in the locked drawer.|ch1RightLlockeddrawer]] | [[Look in the unlocked drawer.|ch1RightLunlockeddrawer]] | [[Go back.|ch1RightL]]

\n\n\n—the screeching of tires and the way the window SMASHED and your screams [[GOD—!|ch1D3]]

You left everything on your seat (not that you had much to begin with). You still have your hands, at least--use them to open the emergency exit?\n\n\n[[Yes. Open it.|3busemergency]] | [[No, not now.|3busbackL]]

<<if visited("2exit2")>>You step inside. [[The trapdoor beckons.|2exit3]]<<else>>\n\nCautiously, you step inside the room. Your grip tightens around the bowls in your hands--just in case you need to [[fight.|2exit2]]\n\nThough, in this realm, @@color:black;it probably wouldn't do much.@@<<endif>>

The walls are bare--there's no carvings here. In the center of the room, a trapdoor sits on the floor. It's open, and the door has that same cylinder-shaped hole as the first exit.\n\n[[The hole is already filled, this time with a ashy black substance.|2exit3]]

You walk up to the open trapdoor and sit on the floor, letting your legs dip into the water. [[It's surprisingly warm.|2exit4]]

After taking a deep breath, you [[slide into the water.|2exit5]]

The water is more textured than normal substances--as you swim down (only down--where else would you go?), you feel relaxed, even comfortable, in its [[cozy embrace.|2exit6]]

\n\n\nBut it only goes deeper, with no end in sight. Deeper still. And deeper still.\n\n[[Quite a relaxing way to die, if you're honest.|2exit7]]

\n\n\n\n\n\nCome on, you can't give up now. [[Yes you can!|2exit8]] This was definitely a trap, and you are going to die here. Congratulations, idiot.

Outside the bus doors is a hallway, gaping like an open crypt, leading into darkness.\n\nYou turn, but the driver is gone--the bus has disappeared, and all that's behind you is a large stone wall, carved with a large set of scales.\n\nYou face forward, and [[look around.|ch1eld]]

The bus driver sighs, and swings open the doors. You walk over to them, grateful to get off[[--but what you see makes you pause.|ch1busOff3]]

\n\n\n\n([[All things considered,|ch1busOff2]] you said that a lot . . . calmer than it was in your head.)

\n\n\n\n\nYou lower your head in surrender. Wouldn't be any point, would there?\n\n[[Your time has come.|26]]

As you walk, the odd proportions get more noticeable: you can easily take three steps at a time, since they're so small, but the stairs' railing is nowhere near you[[--it's quite a few yards above, jutting from the wall.|stair2disc0-3]]

You walk up to the scale. Now that you're closer, you realize it's almost as tall as you--the pedestal (which appears to be made of marble?) goes up to your chest, and the scale takes up the rest of your height, [[stopping|stair3scale1]] a few inches above your scalp.

These carvings have mostly the same marks as the first hallway you were in, but there are a few differences. Scattered about on the walls, there are pictures of cloaked people. And carved into each step is [[a picture of a scale--and something written underneath it in a strange language.|ch2eld3]]

You feel your pockets, and find that they're empty--whether the items have vanished, or if they're somewhere in your apartment, is unknown. But you're more inclined to believe the former, [[considering everything.|stairPt1L

You glance at your desk. <<if $laptop is "off">>Your laptop's tucked away in the drawer, thankfully--you get enough pity messages on your phone already.<<else>>Your laptop is still on, showing quite a few message notifications--most of them from friends and family, no doubt.<<endif>>\n\nYou don't feel like checking it today. [[Doesn't matter, does it?|ch2bed2]]

[[Any day now.|ch1bus10]]

<<if visited("ch2bath")>>Dressed and ready. [[Let's go.|ch2apt]]<<else>>All dressed--[[halfway there.|ch2bath]] You walk to the bathroom.<<endif>>

\n\n\n\n\n\n[[Honestly|ch1bus8]] though? The method hardly matters.

\n\n\n\n\nWill it be @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye@@ that [[kills you|ch1bus7]], or @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;its Master@@?

\n\n\n\nOr will it be another @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@, a sudden [[accident|ch1bus6]] on the road?

\n\n\nYou wonder how @@color:black;it@@ will happen. Will you [[drop dead|ch1bus5]] instantly, sent back into @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Its@@ darkness?

\nSurely [[your not-death|ch1bus3-1]] was a fluke, an oversight, a glitch in the Matrix.

You feel @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ [[watching. Waiting for a reason.|ch1bus3]]

Not a far walk. And you got the map on your phone--apparently yesterday's you looked it up when they were a bit more put-together.\n\nBut after a few steps, you can feel your heart start to pound. Soon it's overwhelming your ears. As you walk down the sidewalk, [[you stay as far away from the road as possible.|ch1bus2]]

\n\n\n[[I know. You're right.|ch4dive]] | [[That's not true.|ch4resist6]]

You look at the bus door. It is, of course, closed, and you watch the water splash against it, [[making small waves.|3busfrontL]]

When you look out the window, the sun is out. [[Your alarm sounds a few minutes later.|2fin]]

There was an unreal smashing sound as your cars collided. It wasn't like in the movies--[[it was something much more terrible than that.|9]]

You take a deep breath. This is it.\n\n[[You dive.|ch4dive1]]

@@font-family:Arial;“Sorry to hear that,”@@ Marie says, frowning. @@font-family:Arial;“Well, I hope things get better soon!”@@\n\nYou give her a smile. Most likely, [[you'll be dead before that happens.|ch1MarieEnd]] @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ reveals that all too well.

You look down. The flaky ash isn't just on the top, you see now--the blackness has permeated the water, an inky presence in the sea of the room.\n\nLike with the steps, it stops at the edge of the room, halted by an unseen barrier.<<if $ch2bowls is 2>>\n\nYou look at the two bowls in your hand. @@background-color:#6fdeb0;You could put some of the ashy water in here, if you wanted to.@@\n\n\n[[Fill one of your bowls.|stair2waterfill]] | [[No, not right now.|stair2RoomLlook]]<<else if $ch2bowls is 1>>\n\nYou look at the two bowls in your hand. @@background-color:#6fdeb0;You could put some of the ashy water in here, if you wanted to.@@\n\n\n[[Fill one of your bowls.|stair2waterfill]] | [[No, not right now.|stair2RoomLlook]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 2>>@@background-color:#6fdeb0;You could fill a bowl with ashy water, but both are full.@@\n\n\n[[Dump a bowl so you can fill it.|stair2dump]] | [[No, not right now.|stair2RoomLlook]]<<else>> [[You stare at the water splashing at the doorway for a moment, then move on.|stair2RoomLlook]]<<endif>>

<<if $mad2 is 4>>You can't stand it anymore. [[You bolt out of the room.|metalend]]<<else>>Look at what . . . ?! Your eyes dance around madly, and [[land on the . . .|metallook2]]<<endif>>\n

\n\n\n[[Yes. I am.|ch4resist4]] | [[No. You're right--this is all I have now.|ch4dive]]

You look at the exit. The door handle is red, and a typed note explains not to use it unless there is an emergency.\n\nOthers wouldn't agree, but you think this would qualify.\n\n[[Open the emergency exit|3busemergency]] | [[No, not now.|3busbackL]]

@@color:#f5f5f5;ElectronicsDude15 (Today, 8:26): What part of "really bad car accident" do you not understand? Have some fucking empathy. I'll deal with this when I'm further along in my recovery.@@\n\n[[You send the message and switch off your laptop.|Ch1Lnoread1]] Then you unplug it, and put it away in your desk drawer.\n<<set $edaymsg to $mad>>

It's almost midnight. You've been waiting at the hospital for [[a few hours now. . .|3docL]]

You cautiously step inside the room. The second you pass through the doorway, [[the smell of ash|stair2RoomL1]] smacks your nose, and causes your eyes to water.\n\nYou take a deep breath.

You look down at the clear water covering the steps, then at the bowls in your hands. <<if $ch2bowls < 2>>You could put some of the clear water in here, if you wanted to. . .\n\n\n[[Fill one of your bowls|stair1waterfill]] | [[No, not right now.|stairloop]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 2>>You could fill a bowl with clear water, but both are currently full.\n\n\n[[Dump a bowl so you can fill it.|stair1dump]] | [[No, go back.|stairloop]]<<endif>>

Quite a few passengers are glaring at you. But most don't seem to care.\n\n[[One of them is too submerged in their book to notice you.|3busbackL]]

Some of the tools on the table are normal--a metal hammer, for example, and a pair of pliers. But others of them look like [[the instruments of a fanatical sugeon|metalroom3]]: scalpels decorated with inscriptions, medical scissors etched with scales, saws stained with blood and guts.<<set $mad2 += 1>>

These carvings have mostly the same marks as the first hallway you were in, but [[there are a few differences.|stair2disc1]] Scattered between the letters are pictures of cloaked people. And carved into each step is a picture of a @@background-color:#6fdeb0;scale@@--and something in a strange language written underneath it.

<<if $whiteblack is 1>>. . . You already got the note, and though you search every inch, there's nothing else inside the pedestal.\n\n[[Well, now you know, at least.|stair3intro4]]<<else>>[[Inside is a scroll of paper, wrapped and tied with string.|anote2get]].<<endif>>

\n\n\n[[the end.|end3]]

\n\n\n\na twine by [[Naomi Norbez|https://norbez.itch.io/]]. Made for IF Comp 2019.\n\nThank you for playing.

<<if $bussit is 5>>As you go sit back down, a wave of water crashes, and [[knocks you against the back window.|3bussitpath]]<<elseif visited("3granola4")>>\n\nWell, it was worth a try.<<else>>(2) the water is here too, and (3) it's currently rising, and @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;is higher than your chest.@@\n\n\n[[Look|3busL]] | [[Move|3busM]] | [[Use|3busU]]<<endif>>

There's a small shelf of magazines in the corner of the room, of various topics (news, beauty, gossip). [[None of them appeal to you right now though.|3docL]]

You walk over to your dresser, and pull out some clothes. Dress shirt, khakis. [[Doesn’t matter, really.|ch1D1]]

\n\n\n\n\nFor a long moment, [[all is frozen.|ch3crash0]]

You have to look away. [[The colors are too much.|ch1eld5]]

\n\n[[Look around the area.|ch1eld1L]] | [[Look at your items.|ch1eld1Items]]

\n\n\n[[Yes there is. And I'm going to find it.|ch4resistY]]

\n\n\nFuck you. Just jump! Stop stalling! [[There's nothing more hopeful than this!|ch4resistfin3]]

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stair3choice]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your first bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl1 to "empty">><<set $b1full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

You look down, taking deep breaths as you try to summon your courage.\n\nA loud cr-rk! behind you--the sound of wood snapping under heavy weight.\n\nYou turn around, but don't see your apartment door--or your apartment at all. But you do see [[a massive wave of water, flowing fast and rushing toward you.|3water]]

You walk to . . .\n\n\n[[the small room.|ch1eldLeftR]] | [[the door.|ch1eldDoor]]

<<if $ch1obtain is 0>>Aside from your hands, you don't have any items to use. You could try using your hands with the locked drawer?\n\n\n[[What the heck, why not.|ch1RightU_handdrawer]] | [[That's probably a bad idea.|ch1eldRightR]]<<else>>Use what?<<endif>>\n\n\n[[Use nothing right now.|ch1eldRightR]] | <<if $ch1door is 1>>[[Use carved cylinder.|Ch1RightU_cyl]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $ch1key is 1>>[[Use the small key.|Ch1RightU_key]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $ch1jar is 1>> [[Use the jar.|Ch1RightU_jar]]<<else>><<endif>>

The TV was packed away in your backseat, along with a few other electronics listed on eDay. Haven’t been to Pittlands in a while, but it’ll be a nice trip.\n\nPlus, you can get a coffee when you arrive! [[That's always a bonus.|4]]

You grab your bag and quickly exit. Take the elevator. You're the only one in there--good, breathe. One more time--in and out.\n\n[[Won't have to be here much longer.|ch1bus]] You're sure of it.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou'll @@color:black;pay the price@@ [[soon enough.|3eye]]

\n\n\n\n\nYou later learned that you shouldn't have been able to do that. That even the police at the scene couldn't figure out how you opened the door--that [[the way the car was hit, it should have been impossible.|3cliM2]]

You have more stuff in there--but if you move now [[the moment will break.|mastMbedNo1]]

"It was fine," you lie. @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ cackles. "How about you?"\n\nMarie shrugs. @@font-family:Arial;"It was nice and restful. All I can ask for, really."@@ At this, she giggles.\n\n[[What you wouldn't give for just one more day like that. . .|ch1marieNo1]]

It sinks in the water, going deep down. You watch it go, vaguely wondering [[where the floor--|3bossdesk4]]

“Alright.” The EMT places her hand on a few more spots, each time asking if it hurts. Each time, it doesn’t, but can’t help but feel the thing on your head [[pulsing.|3headache]]

You pick up the basket. [[Let it go.|3bossdesk3]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou let it, and just [[close your eyes.|ch3fin]]

You walk over to your laptop, looking at the screen. [[It’s showing your eDay account|ch1L1]]—never closed it after agreeing to drop off the TV, it seems.

"Not really," you mutter to Marie. [[You bite down on your tongue,|ch1marieNO1]] which causes @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye@@ to giggle.

The stone tomb is much longer and wider than the average human. Bt its height is rather small, and the fact that you stand over it gives you comfort.\n\n<<if visited("coffinhands5")>>You've already taken the bowls from the coffin. There doesn't seem to be much else in there--you'd think there'd be a body.\n\n[[Maybe it's reserved for you.|stair2RoomLlook]]<<else>>Surely there's something in there--do you want to try and open it?\n\n[[Why not?|coffinhands]] | [[Yeah, no thanks.|stair2RoomLlook]]<<endif>>

You stand up from your seat. @@font-family:Century Gothic;"Sir,"@@ the driver calls, his voice muffled by the air bubbles leaving his mouth, @@font-family:Century Gothic;"I'm going to have to ask you to sit down, or you're going to have to leave the bus."@@\n\n\n[[Go to the back|3busback]] | [[Go to the front|3busfront]] | [[Take your seat|3bussit]]

When you look around, you realize 3 things: \n\n[[(1) you are sitting on the bus,|3bus0]]<<set $bussit to 0>>

\n\n\nthe [[skidding|ch1-5]] of tires on the road—

Dave nods, stands up and takes two mug near the coffee machine. [[They fill the mugs up as they speak.|3boss3]]

\n\n\n\n\n\nYou open your eyes.\n\nYou are currently [[drifting|ch4-1-1]] in the water of the eldritch world.

\n\n\n\n\n[[Get out of this bus NOW!|ch1busOff]] | [[Sit down and hope you survive the trip.|ch1busStay]]

@@font-family:Century Gothic;“[[Sir?|ch1busCome12]]”@@

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOr maybe you’re just fucking paranoid. [[It’s getting hard to tell.|ch1busCome11]]

You keep your underwear on when you do this--otherwise the gender dysphoria kicks in pretty badly.\n\nYour privates are like an alien fungus on this strange body of yours. [[Your ability to gain pleasure from them is their only redeeming factor.|mastL]]

. [[.|Ch2Start]] .

Wake up.\n\nYou open your eyes, staring at your bedroom ceiling. A moment later, the @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ on your forehead also wakes. It’s daytime—dim light is coming in through your windows. You can feel it touching your skin, a sign of your life.\n\nSo you’re not dead yet. Well, it'll happen any day now. [[You’ll see.|ch1-2]]

[[But for now, let’s get ready for work.|ch1-3]]

Dave ponders for a moment, then nods. "@@font-family:Arial Narrow;Alright. I'm glad."@@ They give you a relieved smile.\n\nYou [[somehow manage|3bossqY1]] to smile back.

You bend down and dip the bowl. After a scoop, you've filled your second bowl with black water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stair2RoomLlook]]\n<<set $bowl2 to "black">><<set $b2full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

You sit up in bed, and—@@color:red;god, the pain!@@ It screams down your neck and chest, echoes of the seatbelt tightening around you during the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@. \n\nYou gasp, and @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye pulses@@, [[sending you back—|ch1-4]]

<<if $ch2bowls >= 0>>[[You have two bowls from the stone coffin.|stair3L]] Each is decorated with strange inscriptions, and a prominent drawing of a scale with dark objects on each side.<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $bowl1 is "white">>The first bowl is full of clear water.<<elseif $bowl1 is "black">>The first bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The first bowl is empty.<<endif>> <<if $bowl2 is "white">>The second bowl is full of clear water. <<elseif $bowl2 is "black">>The second bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The second bowl is empty.<<endif>>\n\n<<if $anote2 is 1>>You found a strange note. [[Reread it?|anote2reread3-1]]<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $ch2obtain is 0>>Looks like you don't have any items right now--not even those barbecue chips. [[Those would be nice right now. . .|stair3L]]<<else>><<endif>>

You decide to reply. What to say . . . ?\n\n\n\n[[Stay calm.|Ch1LreplyCalm]] | [[Get mad.|Ch1LreplyAngry]]

You cautiously approach the door, fists clenched [[just in case|3mailface1]] you need to throw down.\n\n(Not that you'd realistically win against @@color:black;whatever's behind the door.@@)

Come on. Let’s get back to your normal. [[Maybe that can help you forget.|ch1-9]]

Move . . .\n\n[[back to your seat|3bussit]] | [[out the emergency exit.|3busemergency]]

You sit up in bed, and turn your body to the side. Your toes hit the floor, and settle on the carpet.\n\nThere’s something extraordinary about this now, the little movements that life brings. [[Now that you know it can be taken away from you at any moment.|ch1-10]]

\n\n\nThe CD you were playing has stopped. Cars are all halted by the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ scene, their headlights shining on you like [[lights from a stage.|ch3climax0-1]]

Use . . .\n\n[[the emergency exit.|3busemergency]]

\n\n\n\n\n[[Get out GET OUT GET OUT NOW|ch1busmovingOff]] | [[Stay--you put so much effort to be here.|ch1busmovingStay]]

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ is navigating with its tentacles. You look up, and see that you're almost [[near the surface.|4-3]]

You wince at the light@@color:black;--wary of it.@@ Try to swim back.\n\nBut @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ is stronger, and you [[break through the surface.|4-4]]

As you break through, you feel a jolt, and a strong feeling runs through you.\n\nThe feeling that @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ is nearby.\n\n[[Waiting|4-5]] for you somewhere close.

You reach the top and [[gasp for air, even though you don't need to.|4-6]] Then you look around.

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stairloop]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your first bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl1 to "empty">><<set $b1full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

Nowhere to go but forward--and meet @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@.\n\n\n[[Look.|4L]] | [[Use.|4U]] | [[MOVE.|4M]]

You change the channel to a [[late-night comedy show.|1comedy1]]

You pick up the jar, wiping the gooey substance on your pants. Now that it's out of the drawer, you can see it has a label that reads:\n\n@@font-family: Times New Roman;"Feed to firigpaz in hole next door. They will give you my letter."@@\n\n[[You tuck the jar away in your pocket.|ch1eldRightR]]\n<<set $ch1obtain += 1>><<set $ch1jar to 1>>

The Eye itself is massive, ballooning out of your forehead so much [[you're surprised it's not weighing you down more.|3climax7]]\n\nAnd then there are the tentacles.

\n\n\n\nExactly. [[Never again.|ch1MarieEnd6]

You step inside, and as you turn to close the door, you find it is no longer what it was.\n\nYou shut the front door to your apartment, locking it tightly--just in case something from @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The@@@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;re@@ tries to [[follow.|ch1end]]

You decide to fill . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the second bowl--the other one is full.|stair1bowl2white]]<<elseif $b2full is 1>>[[the first bowl--the other one is full.|stair1bowl1white]]<<else>>[[the first bowl.|stair1bowl1white]] | [[the second bowl.|stair1bowl2white]]<<endif>>

\n\n\n[[Yes. This is my home now.|ch4dive]] | [[No. There has to be somewhere on Earth where I belong.|ch4resist]]

You switch to the late-night comedy show. The host plays basketball with his guests, and they laugh about Facenook posts. You take a few notes, but nothing useful about It. [[Still, couldn't hurt to keep it.|2end]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n[[Fair enough.|ch4cli8]]

\n"[[Yes, of course.|ch4cliY]]" | "[[I hope so. I really hope so.|ch4cliHope]]"

\n\n\n\n\n\nSo [[this is what you want?|ch4chi6]]

\n\n\n\nNot really. Before the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ I would be. But that person doesn't exist anymore. This person is too @@color:black;scarred@@ to belong [[anywhere human anymore.|ch4cli3]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n. . . And with @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ [[you will belong?|ch4cli4]]

You look at the bus driver. He glances back at you, but mainly keeps his eyes on the road.\n\n[[He says nothing to you.|3busfrontL]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n. . . Are you [[scared?|ch4cli2]]

The scale shakes. After a moment[[, so does the ground,|whitewhite1]] and a loud rumble reverberates beneath your feet.

Turns out it's an episode you've seen before, but this time @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;certain phrases@@ stand out. You jot them down on a piece of paper, and spend the next episode searching the phrases on Gooble. \n\nYour only real results are on various fan forums for the show--[[nothing|ch1end4]] on @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@.

You scream, tears streaming down your cheeks from the pain. You thrash around, wanting to release your arms to get this @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;thing@@ out of your head, but @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ does not let go.\n\nWhen it does release you, in a way unrelated to your futile struggles, [[it drops you like a toy it's grown tired of.|35]]

<<if visited("ch1L")>>Nothing else to do in here. [[Let’s go to the bathroom.|Ch1bath]]<<else>>You glance idly back at your laptop, then at the door of your room.\n\n\n\n[[Check your laptop.|ch1L]] | [[It doesn't matter. Finish getting ready.|Ch1bath]]<<endif>>

Marie takes her phone from her pocket, and starts reading an article. [[Apparently your conversation is over.|ch1marieNo2]]

You don't dare check the clock as you leave--you just shuffle off the bus like everyone else and [[walk to your workplace.|ch2work]]

Bus screeches in front of you, climb aboard. Driver glances at you[[--does he know?|ch2bus2]]

\nEven with headphones, you can still feel everything. You have to tell you self over and over that it’ll be ok, even though (1)every bump and turn of the vehicle reads like a @@color:black;bad omen@@, and (2) [[you don't truly believe that everything will be ok, now do you?|ch2bus2-1]]

When you finally reach work, it seems like a minor miracle—[[both that the bus didn’t crash, and that you didn’t have a panic attack.|ch2bus4].

The seconds started to go by very slowly—your thoughts became instinctual bursts—as your car spun and spun and spun.\n\n[[This is it|10]] oh God—

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoon, all that remains of your former self are [[memories.|ch4dive10]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt brings you deeper into the darkness, and you [[welcome it.|ch4dive9]]

Oh. \n\n[[You're back.|ch2eld1]]<<set $ch2obtain to 0>><<set $exittwo to 0>><<set $ch2bowls to -1>><<set $bowl1 to "no">><<set $bowl2 to "no">>

\n\n\n\n\n\nThen, far down in the distance, you can see\n\n@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@.\n\n[[Waiting for you.|ch4dive7]]

\n\n\n\n\nEver deeper. You can't tell which way you're going anymore, you only know that it is [[the right one.|ch4dive6]]

\n\n\n\nYou your soul has changed since the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@--perhaps your body changing to match is [[only fitting.|ch4dive5]]

\n\n\nSkin shifting in texture--becoming scaley and cracked. Gills appearing on your face. Your teeth sharpening until [[they hang from your mouth like rusty nails.|ch4dive4]]

\n\nGoing deeper--sinking and swimming to the bottom of the void. The Eye helps you along, making wonderful strides with its tentacles.\n\nAs you swim, you feel yourself [[changing.|ch4dive3]]

\nImmediately, you are submerged in black water--it soaks your clothes and skin in its embrace, making you part of it as you [[sink, ever downward.|ch4dive2]]

@@font-family:Arial;“That’s good,”@@ Marie says, relieved. @@font-family:Arial;“I’m glad to hear that.”@@\n\n[[You would be too, if it were true.|ch1MarieEnd]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInhale. Good. Now [[exale. Ok.|ch1busStay21]]

by Naomi Norbez

Closer, closer--there! The light's right ahead.\n\nYou reach out to touch it, grab it, [[pour it into yourself, and--|ch2end]]

You decide to dump . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the first bowl.|stair3bowl1dump]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $b2full is 1>>[[the second bowl.|stair3bowl2dump]]<<else>><<endif>>

Finally, you have to get air, and you pop your head up above the surface[[, gasping.|3bus]]

You lie still underneath the water, [[letting it take you.|3water2]] It drifts through the stone halls, primal minded.

<<if $ch2bowls >= 0>>[[You have two bowls from the stone coffin.|stairloop]] Each is decorated with strange inscriptions, and a prominent drawing of a scale with dark objects on each side.<<else>><<endif>>\n\n<<if $bowl1 is "white">>The first bowl is full of clear water.<<elseif $bowl1 is "black">>The first bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The first bowl is empty.<<endif>> <<if $bowl2 is "white">>The second bowl is full of clear water. <<elseif $bowl2 is "black">>The second bowl is full of ashy water.<<else>>The second bowl is empty.<<endif>>\n\n<<if $ch2obtain is 0>>Looks like you don't have any items right now--not even those barebeque chips. [[Those would be nice right now. . .|stairloop]]<<else>><<endif>>

\n\n\n@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It's@@ [[inhuman--|ch4cli5]]just like I am now. Would anyone on Earth get that?

You decide to fill . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the second bowl--the other one is full.|stairloopbowl2white]]<<elseif $b2full is 1>>[[the first bowl--the other one is full.|stairloopbowl1white]]<<else>>[[the first bowl.|stairloopbowl1white]] | [[the second bowl.|stairloopbowl2white]]<<endif>>

When the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ happened, [[you were driving to Pittlands|2]], the town next door.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou’re a [[dead man|ch1bus9]] walking. That’s the fact of it.

Every stair has a section of water on it, and that water does not flow downwards, but stays and moves on its own stone. There's an invisible barrier between each stair, [[keeping the water in its own ecosystem,|stair2disc]] but somehow allowing you to walk through.

You take out a loose bra, and put in on slowly. Then, you put on the rest of your clothes. Finally, your new bow tie, because why not. [[Something to laugh at throughout the day.|ch1D4]]

<<if visited("stairPt1L2")>>Not much else to see here. . . [[unless you want your eyes to start hurting again.|ch2eld3]]<<else>>You look around at the stone steps. You can see the colors and patterns much better than before--in fact, you can look at them for a full [[minute|stairPt1L2]] without your eyes hurting! Wow!<<endif>>

You iron them promptly. As you get dressed, you realize you can’t wear your usual binder or sports bras—[[don’t want to put your chest in more pain, after all.|ch1D2]]

So you’re ready. Good. [[Let’s continue.|ch1roomcheckpoint]]

You breathe a sigh of relief and, after turning off message notifications, get to digging, pulling up [[some favorites of yours.|mastU]]\n\nThat's more like it.<<set $masttime += 1>><<set $turnons += 1>>

\n\n\nYeah, because that went so well with Marie, didn't it? That's all there is out there--person after person who's going to [[reject your pain.|ch4resist5]] Trust me, that's all there is.

\n\n\n[[By getting out of here. And finding someone.|ch4resistfin]]

\n\n\nOh yeah? [[And how are you going to prove me wrong?|ch4resist7]]

\n\n\n[[I know. You're right.|ch4dive]] | [[There has to be someone out there. . .|ch4resist2]]

She raises her eyebrow. “So it does hurt there?”\n\n“No! It’s just. . ." You can't find the words--your brain is only half-active--so you finally say, "It's just [[weird|3touching1]] there!”

Bing--elevator hits the ground floor. You walk out and leave the apartment complex, stumbling into the sunlight. See @@color:black;the empty parking spot where your car usually is@@--you can feel the Eye laughing, there's a punchline right there!\n\nCar’s out of access now—only its (and [[your) dead corpse|ch1bus1]] is left, after all—so you’re going to have to take the bus to work.

\n\n\nSo you're just going to keep going on the thin hope that someone might [[finally|ch4resist3]] notice? That someone can really see you?

Your phone is dead, so you can't really use anything right now . . . aside from some help!\n\nHa ha . . . ha. [[Man, you are fucked.|3doctor]]

You reach up and start to put the cylinder in the mouse hole. Before you can get in, something from within the hole swats it out with a loud thwak!\n\nWell. [[I guess that's not happening.|ch1eldLeftLU]] Try something else?

One whole shelf is dedicated to these: metal encasing all manner of body parts, and even organs--you spot more than a dozen metal hearts scattered about. That's when you notice the thing leaning against the shelf: [[a body, encased in metal. . .|metalroom3]]<<set $mad2 += 1>>

You walk back to your desk. There's a basket sitting next to your computer, filled with food and written cards.\n\nOne of those cards is Marie's. You open it, and [[find a gift card for Ubur.|3bossdesk1]]

You watch a late night crime show--[[thankfully, it's devoid of car crash scenes.|1crime1]]

The bus rumbles around the corner, and screeches loudly to a stop. You get in the back of the line and [[shuffle onto the bus|ch1busCome1]], giving the fare to the driver (he gives you a nod as you do so).

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother. [[Ok.|ch1busStay7]]

\n\n\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ turns your head; you glance over at [[the driver|ch1busCome7]], who is giving you a look of tried patience.

You [[drive steadily|5]] to your destination. Your GPS was taking you on a different route than normal, but that was alright.

. . . Behind the door, the only thing that greets you is shifting blackness. Somehow, you can see its shape, and notice that it's all connected to the door. . .\n\n[[Should've known it wouldn't work this way.|ch1DoorU]]

The place looks like a terrarium, with the people under the water. As the bus moves, the water reacts, making waves back and forth and tipping in various directions, sloshing around. [[There would be something mundane about it, if|3busL]] you weren't so terrified of @@color:black;drowning@@.

\n\n\n\n\n\nBut . . . no. You're breathing. The Eye is filtering the water through its gills, letting you obtain air [[even here,|4-1-3]] in these dark depths.

A bit disappointing, if you’re being honest. But you're still here.\n\n[[(When does it end?)|4-2]]

<<if visited("stair2L1")>>It looks exactly the same as the stairs you were at before. Not much else to see here. . . [[unless you want your eyes to start hurting again.|stair2disc1]]<<else>>You look around at the stone steps. You can see the colors and patterns much better than before--in fact, you can look at them for a full [[minute|stair2L1]] without your eyes hurting! Wow!<<endif>>

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;lets out a painful shriek@@.\n\n[[You didn't even realize it was the one talking.|ch4resistY1]]

You look around, but there's no door or lock to fit the key in.\n\n[[Maybe it's in another room?|ch1eldLeftLU]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOk. [[You're staying on this bus.|ch1busStay1]]

You lift the mood just long enough to walk to your bedroom. One there, [[you lie down on your bed and get comfortable.|3mast1<<set $mastplace to "bedroom">>

The sensation of @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ comes again as you look down the [[darkened hall|4-7]], and see a room on the other side.

You look . . .\n\n\n\n[[. . . at the door.|ch1DoorL]] | [[. . . at your items.|ch1eld1Items]]

You decide to dump . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the first bowl.|stair1bowl1dump]] | <<else>><<endif>><<if $b2full is 1>>[[the second bowl.|stair1bowl2dump]]<<else>><<endif>>

Let's see. . . You have a racing heart that feels like it'll burst any minute. You also have <<if visited("3granola4")>>a granola bar wrapper--that's sure to come in handy.<<else>>an expired granola bar at the bottom of your work bag--an afterthought for when you forget to eat breakfast (which you have been doing often as of late).<<endif>>\n\nOther than that, you don't have much else. . . [[Maybe that's a good thing.|3busL]] @@color:black;You can't do anything to stop it.@@

[[Forget it.|mastFail]] You let out a frustrated sigh.

The eldritch world welcomes you--you fall in [[water surrounded by stone walls,|3dive]] the waves crashing in behind you.

You decide to fill . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the second bowl--the other one is full.|stair3bowl2white]]<<elseif $b2full is 1>>[[the first bowl--the other one is full.|stair3bowl1white]]<<else>>[[the first bowl.|stair3bowl1white]] | [[the second bowl.|stair3bowl2white]]<<endif>>

You lean against your apartment couch, feeling the fabric against your neck as [[raw fear tingles through your nerves.|3mast]]

As he prepares your ham and cheese on rye[[, you get a bag of barbecue chips--|ch2work9]]always the same brand, near the back of the shop--and a bottle of water.

You just shrug. [[What other response can you give?|ch1marieShrug1]]\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ twitches, amused.

Your emotions blend into strange shapes as you stare it at: insurance concerns, gratitude for life, hatred that you didn't die, [[knowledge that you should have died and, therefore, you will soon.|3climax4]]

The EMT walks to the other car. You glance over at your vehicle—[[it’s been crushed like a toy.|3climax3]]

You bend down and dip the bowl. After a scoop, you've filled your first bowl with clear water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stair1navigate]]\n<<set $bowl1 to "white">><<set $b1full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

The water flows out of the bus, and into the stone hallway below. You take a deep breath, and [[dive in.|3dive]]

You bend down and dip the bowl into the water. After a scoop, you've filled your second bowl with clear water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stair3choice]]\n<<set $bowl2 to "white">><<set $b2full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

Your head hits the glass with a hard thunk--and then goes through it, passing through the matter [[as if it was nothing.|3bussitpath2]]

You unscrew the lid of the jar, and hold it up to the mouse hole. Your hand is shaking--[[you're prepared to snatch it backwards, if the thing in there tries to bite your arm off.|ch1jar1]]

[[Then, the second bowl.|scalefin]] Some of the water splashes onto your clothes.\n<<if $bowl2 is "black">><<set $scaleblacktwo += 1>><<elseif $bowl2 is "white">><<set $scalewhitetwo += 1>><<endif>>

\n\n\n\n\nYou writhe in the tentacle’s grasp, but @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the being@@ doesn’t seem to notice. You bite into it, trying to make it let go, but instead of finding tough flesh susceptible to pain, your teeth find soft tissue that rips easily, only to regenerate seconds later.\n\nYou spit the bit of tentacle from your mouth. [[You swear you can hear the creature laughing at your efforts.|26]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n. . [[.|end1]]

Come on then. Move.\n\n[[Don't keep it waiting.|ch3climax2]]

The water reacts--you can hear it crashing behind you, surging up--and before you can move a wave slams into your back, making you stumble, hit the bus door, and [[fall outside.|3buswheel2]]

\n\n\n[[Call the therapist.|ch4cards1]] | [[Call the lawyer.|ch4cards1]]

<<if visited() is 2 >>Yep, it's still a desk. [[I think you've seen everything you need to see here.|ch1RightL]]<<elseif visited() >= 3>>[[I think you've seen everything you can see here.|ch1RightL]]<<else>>The desk is the only object here. Perhaps this room was used as a study for whoever was here? But if so, what were they studying?\n\nThe desk is surprisingly normal, considering everything else, definitely from Earth and with human proportions. The wood is old and chipped, and the legs are wet and moldy from the water on the floor. The chair next to it is oddly shaped, with a sloped back, and a bowl of black, ashy water resting on the seat.\n\n[[You wonder what it's used for. . .|ch1RightL]]<<endif>>

Best thing you can do is ignore them. [[This will all go away|3mail2]], @@color:black;when you go away.@@

Look at . . .\n\n[[the note in your pocket.|4rL1]]

You don't have anything to use right now. Aside from that brain of yours. With any luck, it'll come through. . . though I [[wouldn't count on it, considering your luck.|ch2eld3]]

You take a calming breath, an close your eyes. \n\nWhen you open them, you are back in the stone halls of the eldritch dimension.\n\nBecause [[as much as you try, you can never escape for long.|3mastend1]]

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stair1navigate]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your first bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl1 to "empty">><<set $b1full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

PUT IT DOWN. NO. WE ARE NOT DOING THAT.\n\nIf you don't get out of here, @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@ may [[deem you unworthy, and finish the job.|ch1eldM]] You don't want that, do you?

There’s a notification on the top: @@color:#f5f5f5;5 New Messages@@.\n\n\n\n\n[[Read messages--might as well.|Ch1Lread]] | [[Turn off computer--do you really care about this right now?|Ch1Lnoread]]

Nothing left to use up, [[but yourself.|4room2]]

Now, let's head out to work, [[shall we?|ch2bus]]

You put the @@border-style:ridge;cards@@ back on the table. The best thing you can do is try to live like the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ didn't happen[[--and then you'll eventually die. Nothing to it.|ch2apt5]]\n

You try to cover your face with your hands. But the @@color:black;headlights@@ break through, overtaking your senses no matter [[how much you don't want to feel this.|3mastend5]]

That's when it [[happens.|ch2work11]]

You walk to the back of the bus, and stop in front of the emergency exit. People give you puzzled glances as you pass.\n\n@@font-family:Century Gothic;"Sir,"@@ the bus driver says again, this time a bit more firmly, @@font-family:Century Gothic;"please take your seat."@@\n\n\n[[Look|3busbackL]] | [[Move|3busbackM]] | [[Use|3busbackU]]

\nYou'll have to agree with its logic: you don't want to think about @@border-style:ridge;[[this|ch2apt3]]@@ right now either.

To your relief, [[you find your apartment behind the door, just as you left it.|ch1eldEnd1-1]]

@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ blinks, and a cloud of anxiety escapes your mind and [[possesses|ch2work14]] your body, blurring your vision and making your hands shake.

You sit back down. [[Your hands nervously grip your knees.|3bus0]]<<set $bussit += 1>>

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou [[scream.|ch3crash]]

@@font-family: Times New Roman;I am continually fascinated with the lengths It's followers will go to, to stay in Its depths. The constructs built in places distant from civilization, yet resembling it in small ways, as to remember home. To follow It, one must sink into its depths--only in there, can the troubles of your human life be gone, and the horrors of the universe revealed, because in that state, they are of no consequence.@@\n\n[[You put the note in your pocket.|stair3intro4]]\n\n<<set $anote2 to 1>><<set $ch2obtain += 1>>

You cautiously pick up the letter. [[After pulling the string, you open it and begin to read:|anote2get3]]<<set $whiteblack to 1>>

You leave your bedroom, and walk next door to the bathroom.\n\nBrush teeth. Wash face. Take dump. Take shower. \n\nAll ready? Ok.\n\nBefore you leave, you take a moment to [[really|Ch1bath1]] look at yourself in the mirror.

You try and put the jar in the hole, [[but it's not the right size to fit.|ch1DoorU]] Dang. . .

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stairloop]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your second bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl2 to "empty">><<set $b2full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

You walk over and grab the door knob. \n\n\nDeep [[breath. And. . .|3getready0]]

As you look around, it strikes you that the mouse hole is situated in such a way that it's right in one's eyeline when they enter.\n\n<<if $ch1key is 1>>[[Was that intentional?|ch1eldLeftR]]<<else>>[[Was that intentional?|ch1getkey]]<<endif>>

You put your hand over your mouth, feeling like throwing up--the intense smell of metal is making your eyes water, and the implied horrors of the room turns your stomach even further.\n\n[[You don't think you can stand being in here much longer.|metalroom3]]\n<<set $mad2 to 0>>

<<if $mad2 is 1>>Your knees are knocking together. You cling to the wall for support. <<elseif $mad2 is 2>>You're pretty sure the Eye is having a very good laugh at you. <<elseif $mad2 is 3>>You don't think you can be in here one more moment. <<else>>You stand shaking in this strange forgery.<<endif>>\n\n[[Look|metallook]] | [[Flee|metalflee]]

@@font-family:Arial Narrow;"Liam?"@@\n\nYou look up. Dave is still waiting.\n\n[[What do you say?|3bossq]]

Crackling intensely in the middle of the room is a metal forge. And lining the walls in various shelves are innumerable pieces of metal, of various types. Keys, smaller scales, pans--\n\nShackles. Shackles designed to hold human beings. And, on the shelf next to them, various body parts . . . [[all encased in metal. . .|metalroom2]]

\n\n\nIf you had paid time off, you’d have to acknowledge that things are not ok. That life has changed. @@color:black;With your death coming anyway,@@ [[what would be the point in trying to change?|3boss7]]

\n\n\nMaybe Dave is part of @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@. Maybe they’re just saying this so you can be @@color:black;killed quietly at home instead of the office, or on your drive back early, or as you sleep tonight.@@\nNo, no, you mustn't be paranoid. Dave has nothing to do with this[[--this is all on you, and your stupid mistakes.|3boss8]]

@@font-family:Arial Narrow;“You’ve been mostly slumping since your accident—for understandable reasons,”@@ Dave quickly adds. @@font-family:Arial Narrow;“We really value you here, and I personally want to make sure you have the time you need. So I wanted to . . . encourage you to [[use some paid time off.|3boss5]] Take some time to get back on your feet.”@@

You hesitate. Dave <<if visited("3bosscoffeeY")>>puts a mug of coffee in front of you, and then<<else>><<endif>> waits patiently for your [[answer.|3boss6]]

Coffee might make you worse. [[But|3bosscoffee]] it also might help, make you alert enough to escape in case they come to @@color:black;finish the job@@ for @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It@@. . .

Dave sighs, folding their hands together. @@font-family:Arial Narrow;“It isn’t easy for me to say this. I know you’ve been going through quite a hard time recently. But I have to point out to you that in the [[past few weeks|3boss4]], your performance has been . . . irregular.”@@

@@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;It's@@ coming for you. [[And you know it.|3boss]]

@@font-family:Arial Narrow;“Sit down, please,”@@ Dave says, gesturing to the other chair—as their hand moves, you swear you see @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;tentacles@@ instead of fingers. \n\n“[[Would you like some coffee?|3boss2]]”

\n\n\nYou nod. Though you can't see the water, [[you know it's here, submerging you.|3boss0-2]]

\n\n\n\n\n\nNo, no. Deep breaths: in, out. Don't waste your energy on blaming yourself. [[You'll be paying for your wrongdoing very soon, so just wait until then.|3start5]]

For now, maybe you can grab life just a little bit longer. [[Just for the fuck of it.|3start6]]\n

\n\n\n\n[[Get ready in the bathroom.|3getready1]] | [[Get ready in the bedroom.|3getready1]]

It’s become a monstrosity—a mass of tentacles trailing down your forehead and blocking your vision. A bit more of this, and [[you won't be able to contain it.|3start2]] @@color:black;Only a matter of time@@ until it explodes out of your head, taking your brain @@color:black;and life@@ in the process.

The tentacles are much longer: they down to your ears now, and are bulkier than the day before. You see little slits on their sides, like gills, and octopus-like suctions on insides.\n\nEvery few seconds, the tentacles brush against your face, which causes you to flinch involuntarily. Luckily, they're not long enough to reach your throat @@color:black;yet.@@ Though they could still do some [[serious damage|3start2-1]] to you. . .

\n\n\n\nYou didn't notice the growth last night, [[oblivious idiot that you are--|3start4]]why do you think the @@color:black;[REDACTED]@@ happened, you--

You walk to your bedroom. Clothes, iron, dressed, done. [[Loose bra, no binder. That's life now.|ch2bed1]]

\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou know @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;why the door opened.@@ And you know that [[you owe It, big time.|3cliM3]]

You lean forward to stand, but at that moment, the doctor comes in.\n\n"[[Lisa?|3doctor2]]" the doctor asks, greeting you with a smile. "I'm Doctor Smith. How are you today?"

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stair3choice]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your second bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl2 to "empty">><<set $b2full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

<<if $mad2 is 4>>[[You quickly run out of the room, not looking back.|metalend]]<<else>>If you leave now, you know you won't be able to come back--you'll be too horrified. Leave anyway? \n\n\n[[Yes|metalfleeEarly]] | [[. . . Not yet. . .|metalroom2]]<<endif>>

<<if visited("ch2bed")>>Dressed and ready. [[Let's go.|ch2apt]]<<else>>Now, [[you just have to get dressed.|ch2bed]]<<endif>>

You turn around and start running, vaguely registering the @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;stone halls@@ as you pass them by.\n\nYou run fast, but the water flows faster--it crashes into your back, knocking you down. As you fall, the water catches you, and [[you are sent into it.|3water1]]

You close the messages, and turn off your laptop. Then you unplug it, and put it away in your desk drawer.\n\nNot dealing with this shit right now. [[There are bigger fish to fry.|Ch1Lnoread1]]

The Eye twitches on your head, tentacles reaching towards the pool, wanting to return to @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;its@@ @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;master@@, no doubt.\n\nAlright. [[You'll go there.|4room2]]

\n\n\nI want to stop feeling so scared. In the depths, maybe I can achieve nothingness.\n\nI just want take control of my feelings again. [[And I'll do anything for that.|ch4cli7]]

In the midst of the other pains, you feel [[bump|3eye1]] on your forehead.

[[You dump the bowl's contents on the ground.|stair2water]] @@background-color:#6fdeb0;Now your first bowl is empty.@@\n<<set $bowl1 to "empty">><<set $b1full to 0>><<set $ch2bowls -= 1>>

The gender is indeterminate, but from the height, you guess that this victim is an adult. They are in a crouching position on the floor, entombed with solid metal, and on their face is [[a bizarrely peaceful expression. . .|metalroom3]]<<set $mad2 += 1>>

There is a blinding darkness. You cover your eyes.\n\nWhen you open them, you are back in your apartment, sitting on the couch.\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;The Eye@@ on your forehead is, for the first time, [[resting.|ch4resistY2]]

<<if visited() >= 2>>You already tried the small key, and it didn't work. [[This door needs a different key. . .|ch1eldDoor]]<<else>>You take out the key and try to put it into the hole, but the key is far too small--it won't open the door. [[You return it to your pocket.|ch1DoorU]]<<endif>>

Instead, [[the water is almost at your chin.|3bus]]

One more look first. Then, you can end it.\n\n\n[[Look.|4rL]] | [[Use.|4rU]] | [[Move to It.|ch4climax]]

You stopped at an intersection. [[Started to turn.|6]]

You munch on your granola bar. When you finish it, you [[hope to see a normal bus.|3granola4]]

For a moment you stand, mind running fast, @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Eye@@ cackling loud.\n\n[[Then you see a light in the distance.|3mastend2]]

As she walks to the other car, the thing on your head [[flicks|3climax2]] again.

You throw open the emergency exit. "[[Sir!|3busemergency1]]" the bus driver calls.

. [[.|Ch4Start]] .

[[Got nothing left to give.|4-7]]

You look around, but there's not much to see--aside from the eye-burning ceiling. [[There's likely more in the rooms.|ch1eldM]]

Look at . . .\n\n[[the note in your pocket.|4rL1]]

You swim forward, @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye@@ weighing you down as you move. Finally, you have to stop, and it resumes the effort, effortlessly paddling through the waves.\n\nFinally, [[you reach the end.|4room]]

<<if $ch1obtain is 0>>Not much you can use . . . [[the only thing in your pockets is lint.|ch1eldM]]<<else>>You have quite a few things, but aside from [[using ITEMS with SMASH ON FLOOR|ch1eld2Uno]], that's about all you can do.<<endif>>

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n@@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;Not@@ [[again.|3mastend3]]

So. Not dead yet, are you?\n\nFor the first time, you start to believe that [[you could be Not-Dead for a long time|ch4resistY3]], if you do this right.

You decide to fill . . .\n\n\n<<if $b1full is 1>>[[the second bowl--the other one is full.|bowl2black]]<<elseif $b2full is 1>>[[the first bowl--the other one is full.|bowl1black]]<<else>>[[the first bowl.|bowl1black]] | [[the second bowl.|bowl2black]]<<endif>>

<<if visited("ch1D")>>Nothing else to do in here. [[Let’s go to the bathroom.|Ch1bath]]<<else>>Now that that’s over with: [[let’s get dressed.|ch1D]]<<endif>>

You turn around and run into your bedroom, slamming the door beind you.\n\n[[When you look up, your bedroom has been replaced by stone walls.|3mailrun1]]

You bend down and dip the bowl into the water. After a scoop, you've filled your first bowl with clear water. It's [[surprisingly light.|stairloop]]\n<<set $bowl1 to "white">><<set $b1full to 1>><<set $ch2bowls += 1>>

You look down at the clear water covering the steps, then at the bowls in your hands. <<if $ch2bowls < 2>>You could put some of the clear water in here, if you wanted to. . .\n\n\n[[Fill one of your bowls|stair3waterfill]] | [[No, not right now.|stair3choice]]<<elseif $ch2bowls is 2>>You could fill a bowl with clear water, but both are currently full.\n\n\n[[Dump a bowl so you can fill it.|stair3dump]] | [[No, go back.|stair3choice]]<<endif>>

You turn around and try to run, but your feet are @@text-shadow: green 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;stuck again.@@\n\n\nThe light comes toward you.\n\n@@color:black;No not this again,@@ [[anything but this--|3mastend4]]

You take your hand out and plop it next to you.\n\n[[You can't escape this in the long run--escaping for a moment does nothing.|3mastend]]

You put your hand back to toss the letters away--but @@text-shadow: purple 0.05em 0.05em 0.05em;the Eye@@ snatches them with its tentacles. One loud crumpling sound later, the letters land on your floor in a big wad.\n\n[[Fair enough.|3mail3]]