Cryptids 1.2

Mabel curses herself. All around her, the shadows of tall oak darken and stretch farther along the forest floor. The sky transforms into a deep yellow as the crisp fall wind stirs louder. Mabel keeps walking. How cliché it all feels: lost, alone, in the forest at dusk. No one knowing where she is. [["I should not have ran out here by myself."]] [["That asshole on the highway gave me bad directions!"]]

Mabel knows this is her fault. She regrets all of this. She regrets fighting with her grandma and grandpa. She regrets wandering so far into the forest. It was childish to run out here in the first place, and if she could return home right now, she would rather apologize to her grandparents than stay lost out here. But she was betrayed. They promised to support her photography, which is why she moved to Blackpoint in the first place. But as soon as she graduated college, she walked across the stage to a bouquet of tulips and the inheritance to their fuck-all lumber yard. Today, the three of them had finally spoken openly about it. "Photography's just a hobby," her grandma complained. "It's time you do some real work and help us for a change." The wind nips at Mabel's cheeks and tosses the hair around outsider her beanie. The forest grows darker. [["Maybe it's time to go home..."]]

Mabel would not be lost if it wasn't for that asshole! As soon as the trail began fading away, she started walking back the way she came, but now she is even more lost. Everyone's an asshole. That's how the world works. Take her grandparents. They promised to support her photography, which is why she moved to Blackpoint in the first place. But as soon as she graduated college, she walked across the stage to a bouquet of tulips and the inheritance to their fuck-all lumber yard. Today, the three of them had finally spoken openly about it. "Photography's just a hobby," her grandma complained. "It's time you do some real work and help us for a change." Wind nips Mabel's skin. The shadows on the trees darken. [["Maybe it's time to go home..."]]

"Fuck it," Mabel thinks. "I'll deal with them later. Just need to get home." She continues walking. The trail is lined with thick webs of branches and tall bushes, hiding the depth of the forest. Luckily, Mabel wasn't completely stupid. Before running off for some air, she grabbed a hiking pack with a few supplies from her last expedition: her grandfather's axe, a small supply of food and water, and her Polaroid camera. [[Mabel looks at the axe.]] [[Mabel takes a selfie.]]

Mabel reaches for the axe strapped outside her bag and holds it. The weight nearly sinks her arms. This is the cherry on top of her inhereted shit sundae. Engraved in the center of the handle, on a golden plague, is a message: "Dear Mabel, There are few obstacles in life An axe won't fix." Mabel huffs, and puts the axe back in the strap. [[Mabel takes a selfie.]]

Why not brighten the mood? She lifts the strap that holds her Polaroid camera off her neck. "Worst case," she muses, "this is the last known photograph of Mabel Hale before she disappears from the Blackpoint forest, never to be seen again." She stops to fix her hair, extends the camera as far from her body as she can, and grins as if everything is right in her life. [[Mabel snaps a photo.]]

//click!// The camera processes the image and spits out the print. <img src="images/selfie.png" /> Beautiful! Even just a dumb little selfie reminds Mabel why she cares so much. For a moment, all troubles slide away. The composition isn't her best work, but she looks [nice...]<cld1| (click: ?cld1)["Huh." She notices something behind her in the photo. It looks like some small [creature.]<cld2|] (click: ?cld2)[A bush rustles behind her. [[Mabel turns around and snaps a polaroid.]]]

<img src="images/hound.png" /> Mabel gasps. The thing stops walking. Its face looks sharp and narrow, like the head of an axe. Whatever it is, it stands still, [staring]<cld1| intently at Mabel. (click: ?cld1)[[[Shoo it away|Distrust the Beasts Path]] [[Call it over|Befriend the Beasts Path]] ]

"Get away! Shoo! //Shoo//!" The dog-like creature tilts its head at Mabel. Before she can react, it charges and opens its gnarly jaws. It bites down on the side of Mabel's pack, and it pulls out her grandfather's axe. "Hey, drop that!" Mabel shouts. "Stupid dog!" The Hound-like creature chomps on it, spins, and sprints back into the bushes. [[Mabel follows the Hound.|To the Phantom]] (set: $win to "Distrust")

"Come here boy! Come here!" Mabel squats down and claps her hands, signalling it over. After a second, the dog-like creature wanders over, slowly. When it's a few inches from Mabel, it lifts its nose up and inhales her scent. Mabel reaches out a hand. The creature leans over and slobers all over it before moving closer to her. Mabel strokes its back, noticing that it is tough, like wood. "You don't scare me. You're just a little hound, aren't you? Yeah." As Mabel pets him, the Hound leans below her elbow and nibbles at her pack. Mabel takes off the backpack and reaches for some food, until the dog lifts up her grandfather's axe in its jaws. "Hey! Don't ruin that!" The Hound turns around and sprints back into the bushes. [[Mabel follows the Hound.|To the Phantom]] (set: $win to "Trust")

Mabel sighs and sprints for the bushes. Branches claw at her clothes, twigs snap at her feet, and the darkness consumes her. She pushes the branches aside and marches forward. She hears the footsteps of the Hound nearby. After a moment, she emerges from the web of trees onto a new trail, one surrounded by thin trees packed tightly against the trail. [[Mabel continues forward.]]

The dense trees clear, and Mabel can now see through them at the landscape around her. It looks very much like the woods she was in before she climbed through the bushes. Perhaps she made a circle? A movement catches her eye. The Hound gallops just a few yard ahead of her! Mabel runs, never taking her eyes from the Hound. It dives into a thin branch of the trail. Mabel follows. After a moment, she emerges from the brush. The landscape is vastly different. Where there was once green folliage there are now dry leaves and a light mist. The trees are charred, as though cursed by some ancient fire. Even the sky changed from a vibrant sunset to a perpetual, gloomy dusk. The air is still. The Hound is no where to be seen. Mabel brings out her camera, ready to capture this unusual landscape. A voice behind Mabel: "Do you think you can kill me?" [[Mabel turns around and snaps another picture.|The Phantom]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> A ghastly shadow hovers in front of Mabel, as if growing out of the mist. It stands very still, and again, it [asks]<cld1| (click: ?cld1)["Do you think you can kill me?" [["What? Who are you?"]] [["Um...no?!"]]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> The thing steps closer to Mabel, towering over her. Mabel shivers. "Oh, maybe you didn't mean to come here. Haven't you learned to stay away from these woods?" [["Are you the one they talk about?"|Introductions]] [["I don't know what's going on. Who are you?"|Introductions]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> The thing hovers forward, close enough for Mabel to feel the cold air coming from its body. It towers over her. "Smart girl. You must know who I am." [["Are you the one they talk about?"|Introductions]] [["I don't know what's going on. Who are you?"|Introductions]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> The thing stands taller. "Some call me the Blackpoint Phantom, and you've made a dire mistake coming here." [["I'm sorry for troubling you. Can you point me out of the woods?"|Decisions]] [["What do you want? I'll do anything."|Decisions]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> The Phantom shakes her head. "You've seen me. No one who's ever seen me has left this forest alive. I've placed a curse on you so that you may never leave." The Phantom walks around Mabel. "...but what use are you to me alive in my fortress?" [["What're you gonna do to stop me?"]] [["Please, I don't want to die! There must be something I can do!"]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "Hmmm...perhaps there //is// some use for you after all. It won't be easy, but it's the only way you'll ever leave." [["How do I know you won't kill me?"]] [["What is it?"]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "You're going not going to succeed with that attitutude. But as it happens, I do have a task that requires a more...//human// touch." [["How do I know you won't kill me?"]] [["What is it?"]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "This forest is infected with foul creatures.(if: $win is "Distrust")[ I was in a vulnerable point in my life when I wandered into these woods. I was a human. But they tricked me.] Many years ago, they taught me to use the power of the forest, but they grew jealous of me. I was stronger, so they trapped me here, in this dead corner of the woods. I'm trapped just as much as you are. "But there is a way we can help each other. "I know a ritual powerful enough to free me from this prison, one strong enough to destroy the beasts who imprisoned me. I require your help. I cannot leave this fortress to collect the ingredients myself. Only a human can pass between the barrier keeping me here and the forest of the creatures. I can let you wander the forest, but you will die if you try to leave without me." [["What are these ingredients?"|History]] [["Who are these other creatures?"|History]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> A twisted smile grows where the Phantom's mouth should be. "You don't, but what other choice do you have?" [["I'm not ready to make a deal with the devil."]] [["What do you want?"]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "Then perhaps you're ready to die." The Phantom raises her hand, and a red light shocks Mabel. It is too fast to hurt. It is too fast to let her think. All hopes and memories she accumulated over the course of her life cease to exist, and like her, they die before she even hit the floor. The last thing she sees is the wicked grin of the Blackpoint Phantom before all goes [[black.]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "These creatures have roamed these forests longer than I've been here. They possess specific attributes which I need for the ritual: three needles from the Pine-Needle Cat, a scale from the Dusk Devil's wing, and dust from the Mothman. Bring me these ingredients, and I will slaughter the beasts. Then we can both escape this prison. What do you say? Will you help me?" [["We have a deal."]] [["There has to be another way."]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "These woods are infected with foul beasts. They have trapped me in this dead corner of the forest--my Fortress--and I am unable to leave. But you can. My ritual requires a few simple ingredients: three needles from the Pine-Needle Cat, a scale from the Dusk Devil's wing, and dust from the Mothman. If you bring me these ingredients, I will slaughter the beasts, and we escape this prison... "What do you say? Will you help me?" [["We have a deal."]] [["There has to be another way."]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> The Phantom grins. "Excellent. I could tell you were a smart girl. Let's hope you can use that against the creatures. They may be dreadfully dull, but none are willing to part with the ingredients that I require. You'll need to convince them to give you the artificats. And remember: you'll give them to me." [["You can count on me!"]] [["I'll do my best."]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> The Phantom shakes her head. "I assure you, this is the only way you can escape." [["…okay."|"We have a deal."]] [["I won't help you!"]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "Pity." The Phantom raises her hand, and a red light shocks Mabel. It is too fast to hurt. It is too fast to let her think. All hopes and memories she accumulated over the course of her life cease to exist, and like her, they die before she even hit the floor. The last thing she sees is the wicked grin of the Blackpoint Phantom before everything goes [[black.]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> The Phantom points down a trail to Mabel's left, heading out of the dead woods. "You'd best go to the Pine-Needle Cat first. He lives in a grove of pine trees, down the trail to your left. Turn right at the entrance to the low-hanging trees.(if: $win is "Distrust")[ Please, Mabel, do no believe his lies. You'll hear whatever he thinks will make you turn against me. Trust me.]" [["Understood."|"Okay."]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "I know you will. You'd best go to the Pine-Needle Cat first. He lives in grove of pine trees, down the trail to your left. Turn right at the entrance to the low-hanging trees.(if: $win is "Distrust")[ Please, Mabel, do no believe his lies. You'll hear whatever he thinks will make you turn against me. Trust me. I can free set us free.]" [["Okay."]]

<img src="images/phantom.png" /> "Good luck." [[Mabel walks to the left.]] [[Mabel walks to the right.]]

Mabel walks left as instructed on the dirt path, not daring to look back at the Phantom. She feels its eyes following her out of the fortress. The dead landscape of the Phantom's Fortress continues for a few minutes, somber and bleak as ever. Mabel turns the thought of her task around in her head, but there doesn't seem to be any way around it. She must do what the Phantom wants. A line of healthy grass and trees appears up ahead. The line between the fortress and the forest outside is so defined, but the dark clouds above do not change. (if: $win is "Trust")[Sitting alone on the border is the Hound. Mabel runs until she gets through the border, dropping down to hold the creature close. The Hound, excited to see her, licks her face as she holds him tight. "Thanks for waiting for me," Mabel says."Too bad you don't have my axe anymore. Not that I don't have more to worry about now." Mabel stands up with the Hound--the Axe-Handle Hound--and looks out at the forest] (if: $win is "Distrust")[Mabel never felt so alone, but maybe she wasn't. She didn't know the Phantom was in the forest, so what else might be out here in the woods with her? She knew of at least three other creatures now. She almost wished only had to deal with that Axe-Handle Hound. If the Phantom hated these creatures, Mabel could not imagine what she'd be up against.] [[Mabel walks deeper into the forest.]]

A cold touch on Mabel's arm stops her. The Phantom holds her with a frigid hand. "Wrong way, my dear. Take the path to your left." [[Mabel walks to the left.]] [[Mabel, again, walks to the right.|pushing it]]

Mabel tries pressing forward to the right. The icy grip on her arm tightens. The Phantom growls, "Girl, don't try to decieve me." [[Mabel walks to the left.]] [[Mabel really wants to walk to the right.|no more ms. nice girl]]

"So be it." The Phantom raises her hand, and a red light shocks Mabel. It is too fast to hurt. It is too fast to let her think. All hopes and memories she accumulated over the course of her life cease to exist, and like her, they die before she even hit the floor. The last thing she sees is the wicked grin of the Blackpoint Phantom, before everything goes [[black.]]

Mabel continued walking (if: $win is "Trust")[with her Hound] for a while. The forest all looked the same to her. Lucky for her, there was only one trail, but she couldn't tell where or when the low hanging trees that the Phantom told her would appear. The strangest sensation falls upon her, as if she is being watched. Instinctively, she looks up. A large pair of red eyes hovers high in the sky, watching her. The hairs on the back of her neck spike up. She reaches for her camera, taking a second to look down. When she looks back up, the eyes are gone. Even then, after putting the camera strap across her neck, Mabel cannot help but feel something is still watching her. [[Mabel continues forward.|Entrance to Cat's Den]]

Not much later, the trail diverges: it continues onward the same direction, and it splits to the right through some pine trees. Their branches hang low compared to others Mabel passed. [[Mabel walks to the right.|Into the Cat's Den]] [[Mabel continues forward.|Considering]]

Mabel wants to forget about her task, but...the Phantom. Would she know if Mabel runs away? Could Mabel leave without helping her? [["Well...maybe the Cat can help me..."|Into the Cat's Den]] [["There has to be a way out of here by foot."]]

Mabel starts to walk away, but she can't help staring at the entrance to her first task. What was so important about this Cat? The curiosity was getting to her. (if: $win is "Trust")[If anything went south, she had a Hound to protect her. Cats hate dogs.] And it wouldn't hurt to explore. [["Let me just stop in there real quick."|Into the Cat's Den]]

Mabel steps forward on the narrower dirt path. The thick branches from the pale trees cluster together, twisting and climbing spontaneously. Mabel was never the tallest girl in her classes, but these branches come right at the height of her forehead, so she ducks to follow the trail. The trail continues for a minute before the branches begin to lift. The soreness in Mabel's neck was growing, now she has some relief. She can stand up straight without bumping her head, except for the occasional tug of pine needles on her beanie. In front of her is a clearing, where soft moonlight pours onto a circular patch of grass. //Probably where the Cat lives//, Mabel thinks to herself. She lifts her camera with a finger on the shutter button, ready to take a picture. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound at Mabel's side lifts its nose and stares at the trees around them.] [[Mabel looks up.]]

Mabel stands in the center of the clearing and looks up at the circle of branches around the clearing. On many of them, there are obvious claw marks that cut through the bark in long, deep scratches. She scans the trees, looking for any clues, when her finger slips on the shutter-release. The flash illuminates the trees. Mabel thinks she saw something on one of those branches... [[Mabel snaps a shot with her polaroid.]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The sharp fangs catch Mabel's eye, and she hurries back as she takes in the whole figure. The small, silver creature sits above her, watching, and smiling. Needles project from all over its body. After a moment, Mabel catches her breath, and the Cat speaks in a rich, purring voice. "Evening." [["What the fuck are you?"]] [["Hello!"]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The cat's fat grin grew wider. He stands up, stretching his stiff legs. He hops onto a nearby branch. "Aren't we cheery! Not at all the type to get the jump on a poor cat like myself. But still, it is curious. I can't help but wonder what you are doing here." [["I'm looking for a way out of the forest."]] [["The Phantom sent me here."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> He stands, but his eyes soften. He feigns a sigh. "Oh my, am I that frightening? You mustn't let that stop you from sharing my company. Unlike the other creature around us, I don't often bite." [["I'm looking for a way out of the forest."]] [["I'm sorry. You're actually very…cute."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> (if: $win is "Trust")[For the first time, the Cat looks down at the Hound. "I see you've met the lowest tier of what this forest has to offer. Hound, would you kindly wait outside while I have a chat with my guest?" The Hound promptly stands up and shuffles down the path to the main trail. When he's gone the Cat turns back to Mabel. "Not the brightest. Unfortunately the paradigm for dim-witted dogs still extends into our world, but no matter. ] "A way out?" The Cat begins walking along the branches surrounding the clearing, studying Mabel. "Can't you exit the same way you've entered?" [["It's a long story. Can I get your pine needles?"]] [["The Phantom won't let me leave."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "Ah, so that's your game." The Cat begins walking along the branches surrounding the clearing, studying Mabel. His smiles is enchanting. "Truthfully, I could smell the Phantom on you. A young woman like you isn't so musty.(if: $win is "Trust")[" For the first time, the Cat looks down at the Hound. "I see you've met the lowest tier of what this forest has to offer. Hound, would you kindly wait outside while I chat with my guest?" The Hound promptly stands up and shuffles down the path to the main trail. When he's gone the Cat turns back to Mabel. "Not the brightest. Unfortunately the paradigm for dim-witted dogs still extends into our world, but no matter.] I appreciate your candor with me thus far. You may call me the Pine-Needle Cat." [["My name is for my friends."]] [["I'm Mabel."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> He stands. "Well," the Cat says, grooming back some spikes on its head, "you know sure how to flatter a feline. Hehe.(if: $win is "Trust")[" For the first time, the Cat looks down at the Hound. "I see you've met the lowest tier of what this forest has to offer. Hound, would you kindly wait outside while I have a chat with my guest?" The Hound promptly stands up and shuffles down the path to the main trail. When he's gone the Cat turns back to Mabel. "Not the brightest. Unfortunately the paradigm for dim-witted dogs still extends into our world, but no matter.] You may call me the Pine-Needle Cat." [["My name is for my friends."|Alt Rejection]] [["I'm Mabel."|Alt Name]]

Mabel senses a change in the air as she continues down the path, not just from the thinning amount of trees that open out to clearings with massive boulders, but also a metallic taste in the air. While the path is somewhat vague amongst the boulders, pillars of rock seem to guide Mabel directly down the middle of their path. While she can't see over these towering rocks that surround her, she sees this straight chute and continues down it. It's silent, save the howling wind that whistles through the rocks. She [walks...]<cld1| (click: ?cld1)[and walks...]<cld2| (click: ?cld2)[The ground **SHAKES.** Mabel [STOPS.]<cld3|] (click: ?cld3)[It **SHAKES** again...]<cld4| (click: ?cld4)[**AND ROARS.**]<cld5| (click: ?cld5)[Wait. Ground doesn't roar. In fact, it's coming from somewhere above Mabel. She whirls up, [[camera on the trigger|Dusk Devil Introduction]]]

Mabel waits for the polaroid to develop, unable to look up at the hulking shadow that looms over her. The reeking stench of blood suddenly matches the metal taste of the air, as the Dusk Devil stands above Mabel, salivating at the sight of such fearful prey. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound wags its tail and looks up fearlessly.] Mabel can barely look at the hairy shadow, let alone the beast itself. She flaps the Polaroid, and suddenly forms start to take shape in the [[picture...|Dusk Devil Intro2]]

<img src="images/duskdevil.png" /> The Dusk Devil roars, “You could learn to be less rude when graced with the presence of someone of my stature! If anyone who enters does not hold strong convictions, I crush them. Do you hold such convictions?” Mabel considers her words carefully. She looks up into the massive maw of this beast, panting and ready to sink its teeth into any sign of weakness. [[..I..I don't know?|Dusk Devil Death]] [[Yes. I am here to help you.|Dusk Devil Test1 Complete]]

<img src="images/duskdevil.png" /> **"THEN DIE"** (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound barks loudly and nips at Mabel's foot.] The last thing Mabel sees is the Dusk Devil's face open as she falls into it and everything goes [[black.]]

<img src="images/duskdevil.png" /> The Dusk Devil snorts and eases back on his rock, towering over Mabel. "You didn't come to help the Phantom?" he asks. His eyes search Mabel relentlessly. [["I don't know which side I want to help."|Dusk Devil Death]] [["Of course not. I am with the Beasts."]]

<img src="images/duskdevil.png" /> The Dusk Devil stands up and nods in assent, nostrils flaring. "Of course you are. You better be telling the truth. You are, yes?" [["I don't know."|Dusk Devil Death]] [["I'm almost positive."|Dusk Devil Death]] [["Yes! I want to defeat the Phantom!"]]

<img src="images/duskdevil.png" /> The Dusk Devil lowers himself from his stature above Mabel, and stands in front of her (still much taller). (if: $win is "Trust")[He nods and glances at the Hound.] "Of course. The Phantom cursed our forest and exploited it's life for power. You see, us beasts never leached upon this power for our own dominance. We lived in peace for so long. I was skeptical when the woman arrived, and gave me that look I won't forget." [["What look?"]] [["I see. May I take your scale?"]] (set: $devil to false)

<img src="images/duskdevil.png" /> "As the Pine Needle Cat brought her to us as a group, she glanced at all of us creatures, but when her eyes saw me, she smirked and wrinkled her nose. That's when I knew she saw us as lesser, even if the others amazed her at first. I know I am the most crude of the beasts, but judging our kind by appearance is blasphemy. I should have killed her there on the spot." (set: $devil to true) [["I will keep this in mind, thank you. May I take your scale?" |"I see. May I take your scale?"]]

<img src="images/duskdevil.png" /> The Devil stares for a moment, searching her one more time. Finally, he reaches under his wing. "You may. Here it is." The Dusk Devil pricks his wing for a second, then tosses it to Mabel. Just from catching it, it slices Mabel's skin, leaving a small papercut on her finger. [[Mabel leaves.|Note Post-Dusk Devil]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "A fine name," he muses. "Soft, yet enchanting. Tell me, why has the Phantom sent you to me?" [["I need your needles."]] [["Don't you know already?"]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat doesn't lose his grin. "Names aren't so important. Tell me, why are you working for the Phantom?" [["I need your needles."]] [["Don't you know already?"]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "You're trapped? She's told you that you're trapped in here. Have you considered… nevermind. Best not do that now. I suspect she is making you gather ingredients for her ritual?" [["Would you mind giving me your needles?"]] [["It's the only way I can escape!"]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "Tssk, wicked girl. At least play the game before asking for my skin so bluntly! I see right through you, girl. The Phantom asked you to gather my needles for a ritual, and so here you are thinking you can talk the needles out of my skin." [["No one's asking me to do anything!"]] [["I'm sorry. I just need your needles to escape."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat begins walking along the branches surrounding the clearing, studying Mabel. "Beautiful name. Soft, but not like yourself, I'm sure. Tell me, Mabel, what brings you into my home?" [["The Phantom needs me to bring her your needles."|"I need your needles."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> His smile vanishes. "Why, I'm offended. We were getting along so well! If we can't be friends, I must ask you, what are we?" [["I'm sorry. My name is Mabel."|Alt Name]] [["Jesus, let's just forget it."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat feigns shock. He stops for a moment and clutches his spiked, grotesque tail. "What have my needles ever done to you? It may not mean much to you, but plucking them out would hurt greatly. It seems I've grown quite attached to my needles. I wonder why the Phantom would want them." [["Beats me."]] [["The Phantom trapped me here!"]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "You learn fast. She needs them for a ritual, one that can destroy the beasts and free her from the fortress. My only question is this: why are you helping her?" [["The Phantom trapped me here!"]] [["Beats me."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "You're trapped?" The Cat tilts his head. "She's told you that you're trapped in here. Let me see if I can get this: you gather ingredients for her for a ritual, and she helps you escape." [["Yes."|Storytime]] [["It's the only way."|Storytime]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat glares. "You're not as clever as you think. I know you're hiding [something.]<cld1| (click: ?cld1)["While you stand down there stammering, trying to plan your next lie, I'll make your decisions very simple: I'm not giving you my needles. Not now, not ever. I have better things to do than reasons with a girl who doesn't know how to escape when she's been caught in a lie. So go walk back to the Phantom, tell her you failed to trick me, and die alone in this forest. You failed." [["Fuck you then!"|Third Strike]] [["I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."]]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat stops walking and sits on his haunches. He runs his paw through the needles on his side. "…be honest, what do you think of my needles?" [["They're…great!"|"Love them!"]] [["Love them!"]]

The Cat prances into the deeper branches, not saying another word. Mabel stands up at where he left. //Is that it? Did I fail?// As much as she hated to think about returning to the Phantom, she needs to leave the Cat's den. It doesn't feel [safe.]<cld1| (click: ?cld1)[Mabel crouches and follows the path back out the way she entered. As she remembers how uncomfortable the trail made her neck, she hears movement above her. "Cat?" she calls. "Is that you?" Not daring to stop for a moment, she [continues.]<cld2|] (click: ?cld2)[As she spots the entrance to this path, a blunt force hits her on the back of the head. For a fraction of a second, she thinks she bumped her head, until the only thing she can see is blackness. Then only the sharp pain registers. Mabel falls over, blinded and losing conciousness as everything goes [[black.]]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "Maybe that's the only point we'll agree upon. Yes, let's forget it. Return to the Phantom, tell her you failed to get my needles. Live the rest of your life alone in this forest, because you failed to entice the Pine-Needle Cat." [["Fuck you!"|Third Strike]] [["I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat sits, holdings it thin tail in its palms, stroking the needles protruding from it. "These are my most prized possessions. They are me. I can't hand my needles over knowing very well they'll end up in a ritual that will kill me. That would be stupid, wouldn't it. However, I happen to know something that the Phantom would not have told you. Her ritual has the power to kill any magical beings. The Phantom wants to use it to kill the beasts of this forest, but it can be used against her. We can use it to kill the Phantom. What do you say?" [["Why should I kill the Phantom?"]] [["I'll help the beasts."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat flashes a wicked grin, leaning forward toward Mabel. "How unfortunate. You don't know when to stop lying. While you stand down there stammering, trying to plan your next lie, I'll make your decisions very simple: I'm not giving you my needles. Not now, not ever. I have better things to do than reasons with a girl who doesn't know how to escape when she's been caught in a lie." [["I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."]] [["Teach me how to be a better liar."|"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "Escape? So she's trapped you in here, that's what she told you? Very interesting..." The Cat pauses for a moment. "I'm sorry I cannot be of more help. A few plucks of my needles may sound like a small price to pay for your freedom, but they carry a great depth of sentiment, I'm sure you understand. But without these needles, you'll most likely be trapped in this forest forever. Tssk, tssk, what a situation you've fallen into. If only there was something you could do for me..." [["Tell me what else I can do."|Storytime]] [["I'd rather go back to the Phantom empty handed than talk to you anymore."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat strokes his spikey side. "They aren't easy to pull out. It'll hurt. A lot. Why should I give them to you? You'll only give them to the Phantom." [["Tell me what else I can do."|Storytime]] [["I'd rather go back to the Phantom empty handed than talk to you anymore."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "That may be, but I cannot allow you to complete a ritual that will destroy the beasts. I happen to be one of them." [["Tell me what else I can do."|Storytime]] [["I'd rather go back to the Phantom empty handed than talk to you anymore."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat scoffs. "How rude. As it happens, I don't tolerate rudeness. So here's what will happen next: you will go back to the Phantom, tell her you failed the first task in her ritual, and she will leave you alone to die in this forest. Your rudeness has cost you your life. May we never cross paths again." [["Well, fuck you!"|Third Strike]] [["I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "It's too late for that. I can't trust you anymore. All my good graces are gone. [[Goodbye|Third Strike]], Mabel."

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "I assure you, she's locked away for a good reason. Even if you help complete her ritual, she have no use for you after. And let's not forget, she's trapped you in here with her. If she dies, her curse will surely fall from you." [["I'll help the beasts."]] [["Why is she locked away in here?"]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat grins. "Excellent. We'll make such a great team, you'll see. You're already much smarter than that dreadful Phantom. She was once a mortal woman, like yourself. She entered our forest many centuries ago to learn out magic, only to try to slaughter us all. When you confront the remaining creatures of this forest, they will be reminded of her, so they may not trust [you]<cld1|." (click: ?cld1)[A fire burns behind the Cat's eyes. "But lucky for you, you have me! I can help you as much as I can. I know how to pull each beast here, but it all comes down to you. They need to be convinced you will help us and use the ritual to destroy her. Not all the beasts are as charming as I am. I need to know you can stand up to them and do whatever it takes to show them you are with us." [["You can count on me."|FollowTheYellowBrickRoad]]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "She tried slaughtering us. We rightfully distrusted her from the moment she fled your world and entered ours. She was once human, but nothing that wicked stays human for long. Now, what do you say?" [["I'll help the beasts."]] [["There has to be another way."|Continued Doubt]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The trees seem to rustle. Mable notices the Cat's long nail extending and retracting. "Remember, this was already an alternative to you crawling back to her with your tail between your legs. I can't possibly imagine what sympathy you'd have for her, after she trapped you here." [["You're right. I'll help you."|"I'll help the beasts."]] [["She'll kill me if I help you."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The wide smile slithers onto the Cat's face. "What makes you think I won't?" [["Okay...I'll help you."|"I'll help the beasts."]] [["I can't help you."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> The Cat shakes his head. "Oh, how cruel. Well, I can be cruel, too. Tell the Phantom you failed to get my needles, and let's see how her mercy compares to mine. I'm just a spikey cat. She was once a human, so she'll understand, right? Maybe her trapping you here was all a misunderstanding. Go back to her if that's what you want." [["I think I will!"|Third Strike]] [["I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."]]

<img src="images/pineneedle.png" /> "I knew I could." With a sudden force, the Cat reaches his side and rips out a handful of needles. Flakes of skin hang onto the roots. "Ouch! There, not so terrbile. Here, take them." The Cat lowers it's paw, offering Mabel [three needles]<cld1|." (click: ?cld1)["Now go back, Mabel. And remember your promise." [[Mabel leaves the Cat's den.]]]

Mabel nods toward the Cat and puts the three needles into her pocket. She walks over to the path beneath the low-hanging branches, crouching and traveling as fast as she can. Soon enough, the main trail appears before her. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Axe-Handle Hound stands when he sees her and begins bouncing on his paws. Mabel walks up and lets it lick her hand. She replays the encounter in her mind.] //I can't believe that worked//, Mabel thinks. [[Mabel heads back to the Fortress.]]

The perpetual dusk glows beautifully up ahead, with silver moonlight illuminating the soft spots in the rolling clouds. Even the trees around her, eerie as they were, held a still, hopeful sensation for Mabel. Whatever may be hiding behind there scared her a little less. After all, she was able to handle the Cat. (if: $win is "Trust")[And her friendship with the Axe-Handle Hound felt like a good omen.] Maybe she'd be going home after all. [[Mabel continues walking, her spirits high.]]

Not more than half-way into her journey back does something happen. Mabel walks when a piece of paper suddenly lands in front of her. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound growls and walks forward to sniff it.] There are no trees nearby for this to have fallen from, and the dying wind is not strong enough to have let it drop so perfectly in front of her. Mabel looks up, but there's nothing to be seen besides the gray clouds... [[Mabel picks up the paper.|Pine-Needle Cat Note]]

Mabel approaches the paper.(if: $win is "Trust")[ The Hound moves away to give her space, confident it won't attack her.] Even on the floor, the paper is clearly torn. From a textbook, it looks like. Mabel picks up the note, and [reads...]<cld1|: (click: ?cld1)[“...not the only ones to tell such tales. Reports from loggers, campers, and even truckers describe a small, thin feline with many spikes rising from its body. The closest encounters describe long, vertical slits in its eyes and a fearsome grin. These reports echo the legends from earlier colonial America, from the pilgrims and the native Americans before them, who wrote of a spiked cat that lived in the pine-needle trees, out of reach of their weapons. According to legend, the cat called to lone travelers in the forest and spoke to them in a charming manner; when eventually the victim turns away to leave, the Cat would club him on the back of his head with its sharp tail, rendering them unconscious, and it would drag it’s unfortunate prey to its den to consume. Later versions suggest…” [[Mabel looks up.|spooked]] ]

She sees no one. Maybe it's the note, but she feels watched. Hell, if she just got this note, she //knows// she is watched. She looks back down at the note, noticing now faint scribbles in the [margin]<cld1|: (click: ?cld1)["Self-assigned envoy... Coy... Age: ?..." Mabel puts the note in her pocket and looks around again. She sees no one.(if: $win is "Trust")[ The Hound sits on his haunches, watching Mabel.] Mabel tightens her grip around her backpack, wishing she had her axe, and continues back toward the Fortress. [[Mabel continues to Fortress.]] ]

Mabel feels some relief seeing the line in the distance where the fresh, living flora met the dead ones.(if: $win is "Trust")[ The Hound stops a great distance from the Fortress and runs off into the bushes, leaving Mabel to continue on her own.] The wind dies as she nears the Fortress. Waiting at the border, the Phantom stands still and watches Mabel approach. Perhaps the Phantom's form is too hard to read, but the lifted lids of the Phantom's eyes convey something rather unexpected to Mabel: surprise. "I have the needles," Mabel reports as she crosses the line. She notices a large cauldron set up beside the Phantom, on her side of the Fortress. "Excellent! You must be clever to have outwitted that dreadful Cat. So clever. Please, [[add the needles to the cauldron.]]."

Mabel reaches into her pocket, careful not to prick her finger, and retrieves the three needles from the Pine-Needle Cat. Inside the cauldron, a purple liquid bubbles. She tosses the needles inside. The Phantom hands her a large rod, and instictively, Mabel sticks it into the cauldron and stirs. [[Mabel keeps stirring.]] [["Have you ever met the Pine-Needle Cat?"]]

After a minute of silence, the Phantom speaks. "…did you speak long with the Cat?" [["Only as much as I needed to."]] [["He wants me to kill you."]]

"I had the displeasure when I first came to these woods. He thinks his mind is the sharpest in the forest, cat or otherwise. It was that Cat who convinced the others to betray me." [[Mabel keeps stirring.]] [["Betray you?"]]

"He is such a foul creature. Even from our world--my old mortal world--legends and ghost stories warned us not to trust these beasts." [[Mabel keeps stirring.|"I know the feeling."]] [["I've read about him."]]

Mabel looks back at the Phantom, who shrugs. "I can't say I'm surprised. He manipulates others. One moment you have your own ideas, and suddenly he spins them into his own adgenda. All he has to do is grin, and you've become his puppet." [[//keep stirring//|"I know the feeling."]] [["Do you think I'll try to kill you?"]]

The Phantom waved a hand. "He was threatened by my intelligence. I took to magic better than anything I ever had. He told the others the magic consumed me, and they locked me up in here." [["Did the magic threaten them?"]] [[Mabel keeps stirring.]]

"Should I care?" The Phantom scoffed, and chill fell over Mabel. "They taught me their magic then sought to take that power from me. That's worst kind of betrayal: when they tell you they believe in you." [[//keep stirring//|"I know the feeling."]] [["I know the feeling."]]

"Mabel, dear, I need to know I can trust you. I feel a deep connection with you I have not felt in centuries. You wanted to help me, don't you remember? Once we complete this ritual, we'll both escape from here, together." [["You can trust me."|donestir]] [["I'll do my best."|donestir2]]

"With what?" She does have a point. Mabel looks around her for any weapon, even one that could kill a mortal. Only dead leaves and black trees adorned this Fortress. "Most of my tangible form is gone," the Phantom continues. "I'll soon be immortal." [[//keep stirring//|"I know the feeling."]] [["The Cat said I can use your ritual."]]

"He told you about that?" The tremble was recognizable in her voice. Mabel looks up from the cauldron to find the Phantom staring at her from the opposite side. "Mabel, dear, I need to know I can trust you. I feel a deep connection with you that I have not felt in centuries. You wanted to help me, remember? Once we complete this ritual, we'll both escape from here, together." [["You can trust me."|donestir]] [["I'll do my best."|donestir2]]

"I knew I could. And I believe you're ready for your next task. The second step of the ritual requires a scale from the biggest brute of them all, the Dusk Devil. Be warned, you must be careful with this one. For all his stupidity, he has a high temper and an itch to rip intruders apart. He lives at the top of the Crag, just there." The Phantom points to a gray mountainside looming over the line of trees. "Bring me his scale, and, we're both a step closer to freedom." [[Mabel leaves the Fortress.]]

"You're doing fine, dear. I believe you're ready for your next task. The second step of the ritual requires a scale from the biggest brute of them all, the Dusk Devil. Be warned, you must be careful with this one. For all his stupidity, he has a high temper and an itch to rip intruders apart. He lives at the top of the Crag, just there." The Phantom points to a gray mountainside looming over the line of trees. "Bring me his scale, and, we're both a step closer to freedom." [[Mabel leaves the Fortress.]]

"Have you? He's a great liar. Believe nothing he says. If he were here right now, I'd pluck every needle from his body, prick by prick." [[Mabel keeps stirring.|"I know the feeling."]]

Mabel hands the stirring rod back to the Phantom, then walks back down the trail. It only occurred to her that she had no clue where the Crag was, but going back to the Phantom, especially after her encouragement, didn't feel right. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound once again sits at a distance from the Fortress, patiently waiting for Mabel. He stands when he sees her, throwing splinters around as he wags his wooden tail. Mabel takes a moment to rub his wooden chin, then suddenly he runs off to the right. //Ungrateful little shit,// Mabel thinks, laughing to herself. [[Mabel continues onward toward the Dusk Devil.]] (set: $wire to "Calm") [[Mabel looks for the Hound.]] ] (if: $win is "Distrust")[ [[Mabel continues onward toward the Dusk Devil.]] ]

Mabel walks back and catches her breath. Despite the Dusk Devil's brusque and concise manner of speaking, he has indeed said many curious thoughts to consider about the Phantom. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound pushes ahead idly, clearly much more comfortable with their encounter than she was.] Suddenly, a piece of paper eerily lands in front of her. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound yips and looks around, and seems to see something move up above. Mabel tries to catch it, but both she and the Hound see nothing.] Mabel searches the rocks around her, but it's hard to believe these boulder formations are home to anything besides their fearsome territorial occupant. [[Mabel picks up the paper.|Dusk Devil Note]]

Mabel approaches the paper.(if: $win is "Trust")[ The Hound nips it and brings it right into her hand.] It's instantly familiar to her: the torn parchment, the same font. Mabel picks up the note, and [reads...]<cldn1|: (click: ?cldn1)["The Dusk Devil is known for inciting widespread terror, massacring cattle and emitting a high-pitched scream to send fear into the hearts of any humans within earshot. The Devil is said to bring people to the brink of ultimate terror for their life before being satisfied with his attack. In one case, an entire trolley was rocked nearly off the tracks by this beast, showing an immense potential in terms of strength. Legend has it that the Devil kills only when it’s prey does not show respective approval to the Devil’s own power and desires, but no one has witnessed it kill a person before. Only in one case did it...” [[Mabel looks back up.|spooked2]] ]

Mabel sees nothing, except for the boulder formations above her that extend into the dusky, gray air above. If whatever keeps dropping these messages reappears, she won't miss it next time. She gets back on the path. [[Eventually she reaches the Phantom's ritual site.|Phantom Return 2]]

The Phantom grins as Mabel returns, eyeing the scale in Mabel's hand. Mabel notices the potion glows just a little, but noticeably more than when she last visited. She cackles. "I see the Dusk Devil didn't tear you in two. I'm not surprised, your confidence radiates into everything you do. Now bring that vial over and set it into the center here." (if: $devil is true)[ [["The Devil says you were a confident woman once. But he also said you held them in contempt."]] ] [[Mabel puts the scale in the potion.|"What's the next task?"]]

The Phantom rears up and something flickers deep in her abyssal face. "Did he? That damn filthy--well he was the one who the Cat most easily convinced I was evil. I should've seen his treachery, though. He was the envious one, always admiring my beauty and grace as something he would never be. He may call it fear, but it was all pure jealousy." [["I don't know if I want to do this anymore."|Disobedience3-1]] [["Okay, what's the next task?"]]

The Phantom shakes her head with some force. A breeze rushes through Mabel and lifts the dust. "I'm sorry, but there's no other way" the Phantom replies. [["I can't do it. Let me go!"|Disobedience3-2]] [["Okay, what's the next task?"]]

"I am giving you your final warning to **OBEY ME.**" [["No."|Phantom Visit 3-Death]] [["Fine." Mabel puts the scale in the potion.|"Okay, what's the next task?"]]

Just as Mabel drops the scale into the potion, she realizes the entire ritual ground's dust had floated up to her ankles at some point. The dust falls and sends up a cloud all around her, sending up a screen of brown. The Phantom waves an arm and cuts through the cloud. "Very good. The next task shall be to visit the Mothman. Quite a different experience after you've dealt with something like the Devil. The Mothman does not believe in this conflict between me and the beasts, and only is partial to preserving the harmony of the forest. Since the Mothman knows I am only using this part of the forest for preserving my own life, I don't think they are so against my freedom. And yes, 'they,' not 'he' as so many humans believe." The Phantom melts into the dark forest, her finger pointing [[the way|Path to Mothman]]

"Goodbye then, Mabel. It's a shame I have to do this." The Phantom raises her spiderlike arms, and the dust *raises* from the ground once again, shaking. The dust spires up into a column, becoming a whirling tornado. Mabel takes a step back, but doesn't seem too scared. Bits of rock and branches get sucked into the blur, and Mabel takes another [step.]<clpv3| (click: ?clpv3)[There's no running from this. Mabel turns as a branch shoots out from the [whirlwind-]<clpv31|] (click: ?clpv31)[-And the branch shoots right into her forehead. Everything goes [[black.]]]

<img src="images/death.jpg" /> You lose. [[Return to start|A Strange Beginning...]]

(if: $wire is "Back")[Nope, just forget it. Mabel turns around, and she walks away, all the way back to the trail. As she emerges from the trees, Mabel spots the Hound sitting on the trail. His expression is less energetic than before, but he lifts his head and points Mabel west, in the direction of the crag.] (if: $wire is "Brave")[Mabel hurries out as quietly as she can. She glances over to her left, expecting the horrible shadow of the Phantom to be standing there. But Mabel emerges from the woods, safe. The Hound stands there waiting for her, but even his company doesn't quell Mabel's fears. They look at each other for a long moment before the Hound turns his head west, in the direction of the crag. //How many were here, in this exact spot, before me?// she wants to ask him. ] Back on the trail now, Mabel continues walking to the Dusk Devil. (if: $wire is "Calm")[After a moment, the Hound comes bounding out of the trees, catching up to walk alongside Mabel. ]She follows a trail that seems to be taking her to that rocky mountain, but as she continues, the screen of green canopy surrounds her. All around her, the forest seems to grow more alive. Maybe she is becoming more aware of its power, but every misplaced tree stump and every patch of overgrown ferns seems to hide some creature, some pair of eyes watching her. The unseen energy of the forest weighs her down as if it were shoved into her backpack. [[Mabel keeps walking, lost in thought.|justkeepwalking]]

//It might be a good idea to keep the Hound with me, even just for the company.// Mabel walks in the direction of the Hound, a little to the right of the Fortress. She carefully maneuvers through the bushes and saplings until she spots the Hound. He digs a hole dangerously close to the line where the grass turns brown on the Phantom's side. Luckily, the Phantom doesn't appear to be around... //It's just a dog taking a shit. It's fine.// The Hound keeps digging. It swings its axe-shaped face in the dirt, sifting through the nearly ankle-deep hole. "Hurry up," Mabel whispers. "I don't know what the Phantom will do..." The Hound stops digging and stares at her. Mabel looks at the hole a few yards in front of her. [[Mabel goes back to the trail.|Mabel continues onward toward the Dusk Devil.]] (set: $wire to "Back") [[Mabel looks into the hole.]]

"Greetings, friend!" Mabel jumps. The familiar small, spikey feline walks beside her, flashing his mischievous grin. [["Hey."|Metwell]] [["Friend? Don't you have somewhere else to be?"]]

Mabel walks forward, staring at the hole. The Hound sits still, watching her. A pile of clothes sit half buried in dirt. This is not just one person's clothes. Mabel spots two scarfs, an ivory coat, a lavender jacket, at least a dozen wool gloves. The Hound looks over his shoulder at the Fortress and stands. He jumps over the hole and scampers away into the forest. Mabel looks up at the Fortress, but she sees no one there. The dead clearing looks as still and quiet as before... [[Mabel heads back to the trail.|Mabel continues onward toward the Dusk Devil.]] (set: $wire to "Brave")

The Pine-Needle Cat shakes his head. (if: $win is "Trust")[He gives only a passing glance at the Hound before addressing Mabel.] "Hmm, you're in a mood. Maybe the Phantom is corrupting you." [["So what if she is?"]] [["Why are you here?"]]

The Pine-Needle Cat nods approvingly. (if: $win is "Trust")[He gives only a passing glance at the Hound before addressing Mabel.] "Well met, I see. I realized since our last meeting the danger you're in wandering this forest alone. The chances of your survival would be significantly increased if I followed you, just to keep the other creatures at bay. You see, it goes back to that old adage: friends don't let other friends die." [["I appreciate it."|tnxbro]] [["Oh yeah, that's my favorite adage, too."|tnxbro2]]

"Oh, it truly is the least I can do. But we don't have much time for flattery now. You must be prepared for your next task. The Dusk Devil is a large, beastly creature who'd rather fight than talk, and he possesses something you need. What is it you need from him?" [["His scale."|Goodscale]]

"I'm glad we share the sentiment, but we don't have much time for flattery now. You need to be ready for this next task. The Dusk Devil is a large, hot-headed creature who'd rather fight than talk. What is it you need from him?" [["His scale."|Goodscale]]

"To ensure your success in this task. The Dusk Devil is a large, beastly creature. He's hot-headed and would sooner kill than talk. He's your next task. What is it you need?" [["His scale."|"So what if she is?"]] [[Mabel stays silent.|"So what if she is?"]]

The Cat keeps pace with Mabel, but he says no more. [[Mabel arrives at the Crag.|crag]] (set: $kitty to "Jerk")

"No creature is so willing to part with a part of themselves. I would know. He's a special beast altogether. You can't talk him in circles, you can't intimidate him, you can't flatter him. He will not take kindly to strangers." [["What do I do?"|Advice]] [["Should I tell him what he wants to hear?"|Assure]] (set: $kitty to "BFF")

"Yes, that will work on him. I've found that few people are receptive to different ways of thinking, and most people only listen for what they expect to hear. Show no fear, show him you're going to cooperate with us. If he senses deception, he will not hesitate to kill you." [["Thank you for the advice."]] [["I found a note about you."]]

"You do whatever you think is right, at least that's what I learned from experience. No one can learn every possible thing to say at every possbile moment. Go in and feel the situation, that's what I suggest. If he senses deception, he will not hesitate to kill you." [["Thank you for the advice."]] [["I found a note about you."]]

"Of course. Remember, we need you as much as you need us." Mabel nods and continues walking. //That, at least, is some assurance.// [[Mabel arrives at the Crag|crag]]

The Cat stares ahead, but the words come out slower. "Oh, really? Here in the forest? What a strange thing to find... See anything interesting?" [["Do you really trick people and then kill them?"|probe]] [["Nothing really."|funlies]]

After a while, the crag slips into view beyond the trees. The Cat stops and looks up at Mabel. (if: $kitty is "Jerk")["Best of luck." He strides to the side of the trail and climbs up a large pine tree. He does not look back at Mabel. [[Mabel enters the realm of the Dusk Devil.|Dusk Devil Encounter]] ] (if: $kitty is "BFF")["I can go no further. You must convince the Dusk Devil that you can be trusted. I can't do that for you. And if things turned sour for you in there, I can't have him thinking I had anything to do with this." The Cat runs across the trail to a nearby pine tree, and like a flash of light, he crawls up half its length before stopping. "Best of luck!" he calls, and continues climbing before he's out of sight. [[Mabel enters the realm of the Dusk Devil.|Dusk Devil Encounter]] ]

The Cat looks back at Mabel, and grins that mischievous grin. "I didn't kill you, did I?" The Cat says nothing more, so neither does Mabel. So, side-by-side, they continue walking. [[Mabel arrives at the Crag.|crag]]

The Cat has a sickly wheeze, what Mabel thinks may be his laugh. "Ha! Now I know you're lying! We will just keep walking then. There's nothing more to say. We're nearly there anyway." [[Mabel arrives at the Crag.|crag]]

Mabel walks along the long path, and notices everything get [quieter...]<clpm1| (click: ?clpm1)[and quieter...]<clpm2| (click: ?clpm2)[...until it's completely silent. Just as Mabel notices the silence, the path forks into three directions. The middle path descends into the swamp further. A massive hundred foot tree sits by the middle path, with two wing-like etchings into the wood. (set: $left to false)(set: $right to false)(set: $mothman to false) [[Mabel walks down the left path.]] [[Mabel walks down the right path.]] [[Mabel walks down the middle path.|Continuing on the crossroads]] ]

(set: $left to true) Mabel starts down the left path. After a minute, she sees a large object up ahead and [slows down.]<clmpt1| (click: ?clmpt1)[Up ahead, the path is blocked by a large tree. [[Mabel inspects the tree closer.]] [[Mabel returns to the crossroads.]] ]

Mabel returns to the crossroads, and all is still silent. (if: $left is false)[ [[Mabel walks down the left path.]] ] (if: $right is false)[ [[Mabel walks down the right path.]] ] [[Mabel walks down the middle path.|Continuing on the crossroads]] (if: $right is true)[(if: $left is true)[(set: $mothman to true)]]

The tree is not very large, probably somewhat young in its life. Mabel follows the trunk along to it's base, and sees there is no ravaged or burned seperation or stump, but the tree has been blown at an angle and pulled up some of its roots as a result. Nothing is severed or broken yet, but the tree looks like it might be too late for recovery. All around the fallen giant are small but healthy sprouts of new trees, peeking out from the shelter of the dead roots and branches. She knows that if she helps the tree, she will have to disturb these sprouts. (set: $left to true)(if: $right is true)[ Mabel hears back on her right, as if coming from the middle path, the sound of large brushes separating apart.(set: $mothman to true)] [[Mabel props the older tree up straight and packs down the dirt around it, disturbing some of the smaller new trees in the process.]] [[Mabel inspects the smaller new trees.]] [[Mabel returns to the crossroads.]]

Mabel walks along the path, noticing the silence, like the forest holds its breath in this region. Mabel stops suddenly, almost stepping right into a small puddle. There's something strange about this puddle though, and the polished rocks around it. [[Mabel inspects the puddle.]] [[Mabel returns to the crossroads.]]

Mabel looks into the puddle and makes out a glimmering shape. On closer inspection, she realizes it is a **golden pebble**, impossibly polished and just inches below the surface. (set: $right to true)(if: $left is true)[ Mabel hears back on her right, as if coming from the middle path, the sound of large brushes separating apart.(set: $mothman to true)] [[Mabel reaches into the water for the pebble.]] [[Mabel takes a closer inspection of the pebble.]] [[Mabel retraces her steps to the crossroads.|Mabel returns to the crossroads.]]

Mabel takes a deep breath and sticks her hand in. The surface suddenly tremors, and the pebbles all shake as the water drains through the cracks of the pond. The water disappears before her eyes. Mabel takes a second to realize this and blinks. She looks where [the golden pebble was.]<clmr| (click: ?clmr)[The pebble has vanished, and nothing mistakable marks the pebbled crater where the pond once stood. [[A RUMBLING STARTS]] ]

Mabel continues into the swamp, and realizes below her feet that the dirt she walked on is gone, replaced by lichen scattered over a rock surface. The rocky surface is smooth despite the mud and mire all around her, waterlogged trees slowly sinking deeper into the dark depths. Mabel looks farther ahead, hoping to see a sign of something before she gets lost. All she sees instead is a wall of fog. The fog swirls all around Mabel, and she realizes she can only see thirty feet all around her, more or less. [[A faint flutter of wings echoes overhead.|Meeting Mothman.]]

Mabel stops and fumbles for her camera. Her hands slip and she catches it just before it hits the [ground-]<clmi1| (click: ?clmi1)[-And sees that the ground is not just the lichen she's been walking on, but a perfectly etched circle in the rock. (if: $win is "Trust")[The Hound sniffs and paces around it. ]Mabel realizes this is actually the yin-yang symbol. The rock ground surrounding Mabel is level and smooth, and Mabel realizes this must be the center of the swamp. Another flutter sounds overhead, this one giving Mabel's face a small buffet of wind. [[Mabel spins around and snaps her Polaroid into the murky swamp.]] ]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> The Mothman lowers themself into Mabel's view, massive, glaring eyes staring right at her. The eyes flap and Mabel sees they aren't eyes at all, but instead the colored pattern on it's wings. "My eyes are up here, yes." The Mothman blinks, humorless. [["Can you help me?"|Ask for direct help.]] [["This marking on the ground, what does it mean?"]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "You are standing at the center of my hilltop, marked by the symbol of yin-yang, the Taoist opinion of the balance that life requires of both the opposites in direct interaction with each other. Enemies can become friends, sometimes bad can lead to good, death can lead to life. Everything contains commonality with its opposing force." [["I see. Can you help me?"|Ask for direct help.]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> The Mothman bristles their wings and pauses. "Unlike most other beasts in this forest, I believe I can. However, for my own help, you must prove to me you are the right person to carry this responsibility. Otherwise I may have to sacrifice you. I would hate to do that, however." [["I really don't mean any harm. I want to help the beasts, I swear."]] [["What must I do?"|Reassurance from Mothman]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "It is simple. Answer my questions with whichever behavior you deem more appropriate. Then I will decide." [["I really don't mean any harm. I want to help the beasts, I swear."]] [["Ok. I am ready for these questions."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> The Mothman blinks. "I am testing your character, not your allegiance. I am afraid there is no other way. Be warned, however, you will not be able to go back upon your answers. Think carefully." [["Ok. I am ready for these questions."|"Ok. I am ready for these questions."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "Good. Here is your first. You come upon Still Lake. You notice an abundance of life resting on the lake's surface, flourishing under the calm and unrippled waters. It's shore is lined with impeccably smooth pebbles. Do you try and skip a pebble on the lake?" (set: $moth to 0) [["Yes, I throw the pebble."]] [["No, I don't throw the pebble."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "Alright then. Now, you run into someone in the woods, and know they are from a very different land, one full of materials and things. They have a bag of gear and are intending to mine in the forest and sell the riches. How do you greet them? [["Welcome them."]] [["Only let them stay until they have finished mining."]] [["Banish them."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "Alright then. Now, you run into someone in the woods, and know they are from a very different land. They have a bag of gear and are intending to mine in the forest and sell the riches. Do you welcome them or banish them?" (set: $moth = ($moth+1)) [["Welcome them."]] [["Banish them."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "Last question. You live in a forest where one tree has been the oldest for generations. In many ways, its roots have spread out to every side of the forest and overseen much of its growth. However, the tree has become ill with decay and is dying. You can drain a prescious magical lake to save this tree, or let the tree die to leave this water for the rest of the forest. This water is a scarce resource that vastly increases the size of the forest with its use. Which do you choose?" [["Save the Tree."]] [["Leave some for water both, despite some less growth for the forest"|"Save the Tree."]] [["Save the Water."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "Last question. You live in a forest where one tree has been the oldest for generations. In many ways, its roots have spread out to every side of the forest and overseen much of its growth. However, the tree has become ill with decay and is dying. You can drain a magical lake to save this tree, or let the tree die to leave this water for the rest of the forest. Which do you choose?" (set: $moth = ($moth+1)) [["Save the Tree."]] [["Save the Water."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> (if: $moth > 0)["I am sorry. I cannot let you continue this path." The Mothman flies off and vanishes. Mabel stands in confusion, then slowly [backtracks her steps.]<clmd| (click: ?clmd)[A **massive projectile** breaks through the fog and hurtles at Mabel until everything goes [[black.]] ] ] (if: $moth < 1)["You've earned my trust, Mabel. I have hope that you can settle this issue once and for all. Besides, it takes someone like you to truly make the final decision on whether either of us two sides are worthy of your help. I would not let myself be trusted with such a decision, as I myself wonder who must actually receive this blessing. My heart says that the Phantom is not the monster we all make her out to be. My mind says otherwise." [["I thought all Beasts feared the Phantom?"|Mothman recounts tragedy.]] [["Is there any more advice you can give?"]] ]

(if: $moth > 1)["I am sorry. I cannot let you continue this path." The Mothman flies off and vanishes. Mabel stands in confusion, then slowly [backtracks her steps.]<clmd| (click: ?clmd)[A **massive projectile** breaks through the fog and hurtles at Mabel until everything goes [[black.]] ] ] (if: $moth < 2)["You've earned my trust, Mabel. I have hope that you can settle this issue once and for all. Besides, it takes someone like you to truly make the final decision on whether either of us two sides are worthy of your help. I would not let myself be trusted with such a decision, as I myself wonder who must actually receive this blessing. My heart says that the Phantom is not the monster we all make her out to be. My mind says otherwise." [["I thought all Beasts feared the Phantom?"|Mothman recounts tragedy.]] [["Is there any more advice you can give?"]] ]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "If you'd like then, you can tell me everything you've experienced and thought about this forest and I may be able to help further. You must be completely open to whatever perceptions you've held of us and the Phantom in order to do this. Otherwise, it is time for you to travel to the ritual." [["I will tell you." Mabel tells everything.]] [["Thank you. I am ready for the ritual now."]]

The Mothman shudders for a moment, then bows their head. They look back up and take a deep breath. "None of us feared her at first, as I'm sure you heard. But when she became more powerful, I became the only one to still see her as capable of good in our home. Everyone else quickly fell into their fears and I believe envies, while my voice fell on deaf ears. Now that you are here, you have seen her face to face, and have the opportunity to decide for yourself if she truly intends to destroy the forest, rather than join us again. But if she is given the power while her intentions are darker, you will be to blame for the death of us all." [["Is there any more advice you can give?"]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> (if: $win is "Distrust")["Thank you for sharing further. I feel I must tell you that the Phantom had a very scarring experience with trust before coming to the forest. This made her occasionally timid and defensive, and when the beasts sensed it, they reacted with some excessive and brash force. You would do wise to consider this for yourself too, if you think the beasts have picked up on such scars."](if: $win is "Trust")[Thank you for sharing further. I feel I must tell you that the Phantom had a very scarring experience with trust before coming to the forest. In that sense, she couldn't fully accept the love and gratitude these beasts gave her, as she struggled to let herself become vulnerable to these feelings. If she had, the beasts would have definitely judged her differently.] [["Thank you. I am ready for the ritual now."]]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "Very well. I give you my dust." The Mothman flutters their wing and a string of dust spirals through the air into Mabel's open vial. Mabel closes it shut. The Mothman turns back to Mabel and says, "For the sake of the forest and yourself, find your deepest beliefs and hold on to them Mabel." The Mothman hands Mabel **another note just like the two before.** "I have decided in a situation like this, only you can have the full perspective on which side must be helped in this conflict. I feel it only right to give you the full truth of our existence, and be aware of our tendencies if it may help your decision." The Mothman flies straight up into the sky, disappearing from view. [[Mabel picks up the paper.|Mothman Note]]

Mabel walks, her head swirling with all the faces of the strange creatures she'd met during this time in the forest. As Mabel left the lichen rocks behind her, she entered back into the forest and found it was still as quiet as up above with the Mothman. Even as she drew nearer and nearer to the ritual ground, she heard none of the occasional rustling of the forest she'd come to expect over the course of her visit. The silence was the most disquieting part of the forest now. [[Mabel reaches the ritual site.|Reaching the Ritual]]

The Phantom turns back to Mabel, eyes blazing and ten feet taller. She walks back toward Mabel, returning to her original size as she takes each step. "You've done it! Why thank you, my dear. I knew you could do it. Sorry if I wasn't extremely direct in my intentions, I'm sure you understand that I needed to burn the forest down to take care of those menacing beasts once and for all." [["Am I free now?"|Finale Outcome Revealed]]

<img src="images/finale scene.jpg" /> Mabel steps out to see the two sides standing before her. The Dusk Devil paces back and forth, nostrils flaring. The Pine Needle Cat glances sidelong at Mabel every few seconds or so. The Mothman stands with their eyes closed between the beasts, lost in deep meditation. The Phantom stands, arms behind her back and staring into the ritual cauldron.(if: $win is "Trust")[ The Hound pants and stares at the Beasts, then turns back to Mabel and lies down.] Mabel holds the moth dust—the final element of the ritual—in her hands. She looks between the two sides one last time as she steps up to the bubbling cauldron, her feet straddling [the two sides of the forest.]<clfr| (click: ?clfr)[The Phantom strides up to Mabel by the ritual and smiles at her. "Now all you have to do, is drop your blood on the ground of the beasts' side. Then we will be free." The Phantom says. Mabel drops the moth dust in the potion. [[She then grabs the knife sitting by the cauldron.]] ]

(if: $win is "Trust")["I'm sorry, Mabel. You don't get to leave. You see, I absolutely despise you. The way you naively carry yourself around this world like nothing can hurt you is unforgivable. From the moment I first met you I had no intention of ever letting you survive this. You were just my tool to avenge those who betrayed me, a tool that ignored the truth that everyone in life can betray you. Go join the rest of the beasts, and the forest for that matter, [[in the world of the dead."]] ] (if: $win is "Distrust")["Yes, of course. I'm glad you see the world through my lens, Mabel. Most people will take advantage of our trust for their own gain, and only by finding those of us who see this can we find those who we can trust." Mabel flexes her fingers and rubs her eyes, but she feels no different, expecting the curse lifted. "Oh.. Right. Apologies about that whole "curse" misdirection as well, I didn't want you to think you had the ability to just walk off on me. I assume the beasts realized the same and didn't tell you otherwise, they obviously knew I wasn't capable of such power outside of my fortress grounds. Remember that, and you'll live much better than I ever did in the normal world." [["You lied to me while I trusted you?"]] [["Fine. Show me the way out, and we'll be done with this."]] ]

The Phantom strides away from Mabel, and with a flick from her wrist sends roots shooting deep into Mabel's mouth and eyes, suffocating and gouging her in every way until everything turns [[black.]]

The Beasts savagely descend upon the Phantom, who shrivels up as the forest all around her comes back to life. The Mothman flies into the Phantom at full speed and knocks her down as the Dusk Devil rips out her spine. The Pine Needle cat sticks needles through her skull and she falls down in her own gore. [[The Dusk Devil walks over to Mabel.]]

<img src="images/finale scene.jpg" /> Mabel stands with the knife, and opens her palm. [She slices her palm.]<clrb| (click: ?clrb)[Mabel holds her hand as she dabs a glistening drip of blood onto her fingertip. [[Mabel drops the blood on the Phantom's ground, damning her.|Beasts Win.]] [[Mabel drops the blood on the Beast's ground, damning them.|Phantom Attack.]] ]

The ground beneath the beasts dies instantly, as roots come up and stranglehold them down to the ground. The Phantom raises up her arms, then closes her fist as the Beasts are dismembered before Mabel's eyes. The death of the forest spreads out in every direction, and the Phantom grows taller by the second, coursing with streaks of black particles. [[The Phantom locks eyes with Mabel.|Phantom Wins.]]

"The forest is ours again, and we couldn't have done it without you Mabel. Sorry if that scene was a little grotesque, but you understand what had to be done." Mabel waits to feel different, but senses no curse lifted from her. [["Fine. So does that mean I am free to go? No more curse?"]]

The Pine-Needle cat runs up along a branch that grows before Mabel's eyes, one of the dozens of trees sprouting up. "Haven't you figured it out?" he asks. [["What do you mean?"]] [["There was no curse, was there?"]]

(if: $win is "Distrust")[The Mothman emerges and steps up to Mabel. The other beasts shift nervously around her. "Not quite, you see. I'm afraid us beasts sense you are not well-meaning to us, and now that you know of the power and potential of our forest, we cannot risk another situation like the Phantom. We must eliminate that possibility entirely, as we don't believe you are capable of such restraint Mabel. [[Goodbye."|Death attack Beasts.]] ] (if: $win is "Trust")[The Mothman emerges and steps up to Mabel. "Of course! We wish you a happy and full life in the greater world. Never forget the importance of being open to trusting others, and the doors you can open in doing so like you did for us." [["Why do I not feel different if the curse is lifted from me?"|Curse truth reveal]] ]

All three beasts face Mabel, and silently stare at her. [Mabel takes a step back.]<clbd| (click: ?clbd)[The beasts lunge out at her. Mabel sees the Dusk Devil's claw reach over her head and feels excruciating pain up her spine, then everything goes [[black.]] ]

<img src="images/Title.jpg" /> Art: Madison Chapman Story: Madison Chapman, Philip Pytak, Scott Weismann Coding & Scriptwriting: Philip Pytak and Scott Weismann For the best experience, make your window fullscreen. [[Mabel Enters the Blackpoint Forest|A Strange Beginning...]]

(if: $mothman is false)[Mabel comes up to a massive bramble of vines and branches across the road. [She tries to pull at them.]<clpull| (click: ?clpull)[The trees don't budge. [[Mabel returns to the crossroads.]] ] ](if: $mothman is true)[Mabel sees where branches intertwined over the rock bridge into the swamp, freshly cleared now for her arrival. [[She continues onward.|Mabel Reaches the Mothman.]] ]

"HOW DARE YOU DEFILE OUR LAND." The disembodied, booming voice echoes as murky mud slurps up all around Mabel and grabs her legs. [Mabel grabs onto a rock.]<clds| (click: ?clds)[Mabel clutches the rock, and stops falling into the swamp. But the pulling force only increases until the weight of the entire swamp itself drags her down to the bottom of the swamp until Mabel sees [[black.]] ]

As Mabel inspects the pebble closer, she sees glowing sea insects alive on the bottom of the pebble, sending small air bubbles to the surface. On closer inspection, they *are* air bubbles themselves, but glowing with some kind of ethereal life. [[Mabel reaches into the water for the pebble.]] [[Mabel decides to let it be and returns to the crossroads.|Mabel returns to the crossroads.]]

The smaller new trees shine with potential, with great sunlight to start a healthy life. Their roots are small, but the fertile space of the older tree can easily support them once its roots die and stop using up the water. [[Mabel props the older tree up straight and packs down the dirt around it, disturbing some of the smaller new trees in the process.]] [[Mabel returns to the crossroads.]]

The old tree rights itself and crushes almost all of the smaller sprouts. "HOW DARE YOU DEFILE OUR LAND." The disembodied, booming voice echoes as murky mud slurps up all around Mabel and grabs her legs. [Mabel grabs onto a rock.]<clds| (click: ?clds)[Mabel clutches the rock, and stops falling into the swamp. But the pulling force only increases until the weight of the entire swamp itself drags her down to the bottom of the swamp and shoots up high back toward land, which Mabel flies into and everything goes [[black.]] ]

<img src="images/mothman.png" /> "Last question. You live in a forest where one tree has been the oldest for generations. In many ways, its roots have spread out to every side of the forest and overseen much of its growth. However, the tree has become ill with decay and is dying. You can drain a magical lake to save this tree, or let the tree die to leave this water for the rest of the forest. Which do you choose?" (set: $moth = ($moth+1)) [["Save the Tree."]] [["Save the Water."]]

The Cat grins. "The Phantom lied to you. There's no magic she can perform outside her Fortress. She lied to keep you from leaving. I'd be lying if I said we didn't say the same thing... We needed to keep you around as well, and the fake curse was the perfect way to turn you against the Phantom. We could not have killed her without you." [["I thought I could trust you."]]

"Very smart, girl," the Cat muses, rising up the tree. "The Phantom lied to you to keep you from leaving, but we also needed a way to keep you around. We could not have killed her without you." [["I thought I could trust you."]]

The beasts all look between each other and shrug. Mothman says, "What we did was wrong, but we cannot help our animal instincts. That is all we are in the end, beasts seeking survival. Even ones like me who pretend to see the greater purpose in the world." [["Fine. Show me the way out, and we'll be done with this."]] [["All this time you were testing me as a means to an end, not a person."]]

The Dusk Devil grows anguished and tears up the ground beneath him and roars. "FORGIVE US! PLEASE! WE HAD TO DO THIS! WE'RE SORRY!" Mabel studies this, as the other beasts look at her expectantly. [["Never." Mabel leaves.|"Fine. Show me the way out, and we'll be done with this."]] [["Fine. Show me the way out, and we'll be done with this."]]

A path sprouts up beneath Mabel's feet, leading deep out of the forest. Mabel takes the path and doesn't look back, enjoying the silence of the long walk. Mabel finally realizes where she's standing: the edge of the forest, where she first lost her axe to the Hound. She reaches into her pocket for her [polaroids]<clp1|(click: ?clp1)[ to find them strangely blurred, in the way she's seen pictures of Bigfoot. Mabel curses at the damaged quality, but decides that after all, maybe these are best as just rumors. Mabel turns and catches a glimpse of something [shining.]<cla1|] (click: ?cla1)[It's her grandparent's axe! <img src="images/axe.jpg" /> Mabel walks up to the axe and takes it. She knows that whatever her life path is, she'll have the wits about her to make the most of it. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to spend some time with her grandparents and [[chop some lumber while she figured things out.]] ]

<img src="images/Title.jpg" /> [[The End! Click to replay.|Main Menu]]

The Phantom bristles. "Mabel, I don't think you're understanding my position. I had to lie to you or else I would have been stuck here for eternity, or find another traveler to do the same." Mabel is incensed. [["And yet you blame the beasts for not trusting you at first. After all this, what do you really get from taking this forest back? What do you have?"|Prodding further]]

The Phantom trembles and glances around, as if seeing her wrath truly for the first time and understanding the consequences. "You cannot begin to understand why I want what I do. This is the only world there is for me now, and the only way I can live without fear." [["Alright then. Enjoy your eternity." Mabel leaves.|"Fine. Show me the way out, and we'll be done with this."]]

"Very good. The next task shall be to visit the Mothman. Quite a different experience after you've dealt with something like the Devil. The Mothman does not believe in this conflict between me and the beasts, and only is partial to preserving the harmony of the forest. Since the Mothman knows I am only using this part of the forest for preserving my own life, I don't think they are so against my freedom. And yes, 'they,' not 'he' as so many humans believe." The Phantom melts into the dark forest, her finger pointing [[the way|Path to Mothman]]

Mabel picks up the note, and [reads...]<cld1|: (click: ?cld1)[“The Mothman is an interesting beast in how it seems to appear at the site of calamitous disasters throughout history, yet doesn’t intervene. It has been known on occasion to randomly chase cars late into the night, sighted with red glowing eyes and flying at speeds of more than a hundred miles per hour. It would be unwise to rule out any case in which the Mothman hunts living beings for food as so little is known of this beast, but little is known to indicate whether such should be true…” [[Mabel heads back to the ritual grounds.|Reaching the Ritual]] ]