First Day at College

''WELCOME TO TIMS!'' is written across the top of the brightly colored brochure in the hand of the peppy sorority girl who's manning the Freshman Welcome Week booth. Today is your first day of [[college]]. Your name is [[Kaeia]] and you have never felt more insecure in your life. [[Look at the brochure->brochure]]

The brochure is kind of really inaccurate. You don't mean that they misspelled the name of your school-- it's the over-saturated photo beneath the header that rubs you the wrong way. See, you'd never visited campus before today since you couldn't afford to travel down for freshman orientation, and the graphics on TIMS's [[SPELLNET]] site look a lot like this one-- that is to say, //diverse//. But now, looking around, you don't see [[anyone like you.]]

You might say it was kind of like a [[magic]] Internet, if you knew what the internet was.

By that, you mean a variety of things. When you were weaving through the crowd of other new arrivals earlier, you were amazed by the homogeneity of your classmates. For one, unlike you, they're all dressed in the [[school colors]], spelled-blonde with expertly alchemized, pert little noses-- your naturally pink hair, undoctored overbite, and long, equiline nose make you stick out like a sore thumb. They all look straight as it comes (although you suppose you can't tell without asking)-- you're [[queer as a three-dollar currency-sigil->queer as a three-dollar bill]]. [[Oh yeah, and they're all human->human]].

Oh yeah, magic exists in this world. In case [[you]] didn't figure that out yet.

You the reader, not Kaeia. Is this second person thing confusing? [[It's not so bad]] [[Yeah, kinda]]

Okay wise guy, how 'bout [[you]] just take [[your->you]] ungrateful ass back to the main plot and [[you]] won't have to deal with the complex, fourth-wall-annihilating clusterfuck that is my approach to gamemaking.

When straight people ask, you usually say you're a lesbian-- it's not that simple, but it keeps boys from hitting on you. [[Sometimes.]] In reality, the ways you experience [[sexuality]] and [[gender]] are much more complicated.

I mean, you're kind of human. Half. Your dad is--or [[was]] human. Your other parent-- you hesitate to call her your mother, because unicorns don't really experience [[gender]] as humans would describe it-- is a-- Shit. I totally just gave away the big reveal by accident in the previous sentence. Uh, yeah. You're half-unicorn. [[Pretty cool, right?]]

And sometimes, they take it as a challenge. Or ask if they can watch. Ew.

You're not sure if you're capable of feeling sexual attraction, but you're not really comfortable identifying as asexual either. Sex is a weird and loaded concept for you, for a lot of [[reasons]]. You're romantically attracted to women and nonbinary people, exclusively.

You throw a fistful of glitter in the reader's face, using the distraction as a means to hastily abscond in order to avoid trying to describe your gender identity. (Your pronouns are she/her/hers, fyi.)

Jesus, reader, do [[you]] have no chill? Just because something has a hyperlink doesn't mean [[you]] need to click it. Clearly this is an uncomfortable topic for Kaeia and she's definitely not comfortable disclosing such intimate personal information to a total stranger.

Well, you think so. And I guess so do humans, in [[their own way]].

You were trying to cushion this reveal with vague language, but since [[you the reader->you]] have LITERALLY NO CHILL, you guess you'll be blunt. Humans have hunted unicorns nearly to extinction in order to use your [[body parts]] for a variety of spells and alchemical experiments. Then they fetishized the remaining few of you, since supposedly unicorns are the purest creature on the planet, and humans are obsessed with [[virginity]], resulting in a plethora of "half-breeds"-- [[like you]]. Unicorn/human hybrids are treated incredibly poorly in human society; you're basically unicorns but in an anthropomorphic body that's easier to sexualize. Luckily, you were [[raised by unicorns]] and managed to avoid most of that. [[Next->question]]

Horns, hair, blood, teeth, hooves, organs... if you can name it, humans have coveted it, murdered for it, and capitalized off of it!

Not only are unicorns naturally nonsexual beings (you reproduce through a [[complicated process]] that involves absolutely no genitalia), but theologians have suggested that you may be the only intelligent, self-aware creatures that are free from original sin. Which is probably bullshit, but humans believe a lot of fake stuff, so.

Yeah, you were a product of rape. Good fucking job, reader. Now [[you]] know Kaeia's biggest secret, the dark reality that makes her regret her own birth because she knows she's a constant reminder to her parent of the worst thing that ever happened to her. [[You->you]] couldn't keep [[your->you]] frantically clicking finger still, could [[you]]? Are [[you]] fucking proud of [[yourself->you]]? [[Yeah]] [[I'm sorry]]

Your beautiful, selfless parent raised you all by herself. (Well, that's not totally true, unicorns are a very communal species and she actually had a lot of help.) Still, you had a wonderful, if [[somewhat sheltered]] childhood, and your parent is your personal hero.

It's a unicorn secret, sorry.

Exit this game immediately and proceed to go fuck [[yourself->you]] for the rest of forever.

Sorry doesn't really fix anything, but okay.

After learning what humans are like, you don't blame your parent for wanting to keep you isolated from them for as long as possible, though.

You're a brand-new student at the Trevisan Instutite of Magic and Science (TIMS). Your major is Magical Creature Studies, and you're a [[full ride scholarship student]], which is pretty great, especially since you're poor as fuck.

You're one of the recipients of the annual Chosen One Scholarship, awarded to five students who the Board of Trustees decide have the potential to save the world in the event of an apolocalypse-inducing catastrophy, or like, whatever.

He kind of ejaculated-and-evacuated, so he wasn't around when you were a kid. You honestly have no idea if he's still alive or not, but you [[kind of hope he isn't]].

You don't really want to talk about it in detail. Suffice it to say, you feel very strongly that you're not obligated to love someone just because their semen accidentally contributed to your conception, especially if they're a raging, inflamed, feces-encrusted asshole. Which your father is. Or was.

The sorority girl gives you a [[brilliant smile]]. You half-listen as she rambles off a generic spiel about what events to look out for, where some of the relevant buildings are located, and why you should be like, so totally excited to be a member of the TIMs family. "Don't forget to go to your floor meeting tonight!" she reminds you, before pointing you in the direction of your [[dorm]] (although she calls it a "residence hall".) [[Go straight to your dorm]] [[Wander]]

You can just tell that this is going to be bullshit so you peace the fuck out before she can recite whatever saccharine propaganda she's likely been prepared with. [[You explore this unfamiliar campus for a while]]

Her teeth are very straight and white. You're suddenly made conscious of your own unpolished buck teeth, and the way they protrude out of your mouth even when it's closed. There are no [[alchodontists]] in unicorn societies, because y'all are basically horses, and therefore don't really care about beauty standards. Up until now, that was true of you as well, but just being on this campus is causing you to pick apart your appearance in ways you never did before.

You're living in a [[four-person suite]] in Rhazes Hall, the dorm for scholarship and honors-track freshmen.

You decide it's best to just get this whole [[roommate situation->dorm]] over with as soon as possible, so you trudge off to Rhazes Hall. There you're handed your room keys, along with yet another informational brochure, which you toss in the trash as soon as you've rounded the corner. After seeing the [[royal clusterfuck]] that is the [[alchevator]], you decide to take the stairs, even though you're on the seventh floor. [[Ascend]]

Because of [[reasons->four-person suite]] you decide to put off moving in until the last second, especially since unicorns aren't very materialistic so your sole piece of luggage is a lightweight backpack containing only the bare essentials. [[You explore this unfamiliar campus for a while]]

You might say they were kind of like [[magic]] orthodontists, if you knew what orthodontists were.

Although you petitioned the university for a single room due to you not identifying as female and therefore feeling uncomfortable living with women, they ignored your [[gender]] identity and you were assigned to live with three complete strangers. Needless to say, you feel pretty shitty about it and aren't eager to move in.

It's pretty big, at least by your (admittedly low) standards, and there's plenty to see. You browse through the [[university bookstore]], briefly check out the [[artsy, student-run coffee shop]], and even tiptoe through a few [[empty classrooms]] in the [[Flamel Center of Alchemical Arts]]. After a while, though, you realize it's starting to get dark. You check your [[spellphone]] to see it's approaching 9pm. Although it's too early to go to bed, your feet hurt and you're ready to rest. However, you've also worked up a bit of an appetite and you see a dining hall right by. [[Grab some grub]] [[Fuck it, you need to rest, food can wait]]

It's pronounced "KAY-uh." This is pretty self-evident to unicorns, so you didn't expect it to be as much of an issue as it's already proven to be: in the half an hour you've been on campus, you've been called "kie-uh," "kay-ee-uh," "Kayla," and, on one occasion, "Kyle." You don't have a surname.

To your surprise, there are four floors in the massive bookstore-- and only one of them actually sells books. In addition, there's a floor dedicated to overpriced merchandise plastered in the [[school colors]], a floor dedicated to a small and overpriced [[boutique]], and a floor dedicated to overpriced craft supplies, overpriced snacks, and overpriced [[miscellanea]]. You don't have any money, so you don't buy anything. [[Back->You explore this unfamiliar campus for a while]]

They sell overpriced, quirkily-named beverages. The lighting is dim and the walls are plastered with mint-condition records and pristine concert fliers in order to cultivate some kind of faux-punk aesthetic. You see a few white boys brooding over coffee in the corner. You don't have any money, so you don't buy anything.

There's not much of interest to be found since the semester hasn't started yet. However, you discover some iron dust sprinkled across a desk, someone's crumpled-up final paper under a chair marked with the sigil for failure, and a cabinet full of foul-smelling beakers that probably haven't been washed since their last use.

FCAA is one of the several expansive buildings on campus decicated to Alchemy students. Alchemy is the school's most prestigious and competitive area of study, allotted by far the most money and resources. By contrast, students in your major (Magical Creature Studies, if [[you]] forgot) share the small, dilapidated Gouges Hall of Humanities with all other [[humanities]] students. You might say that Alchemy students were kind of like [[magic]] STEM students, if you knew what STEM students were.

You might say they were kind of like [[magic]] cell phones, if you knew what cell phones were.

Your scholarship provides you with a meal-sigil spelled to be unlimited for as long as you remain a TIMS student, which you think is pretty sick. You wait in line for what feels like forever, and once inside, you load your plate up with the paltry selection of [[vegetarian]] fare that the cafeteria offers. You eat with your head down to avoid meeting the stares of your human peers, so you're startled when you hear someone address you. "I like your horn." You're [[ready to tell this human to fuck off]] but to your surprise, when you look up it's not human eyes you meet. [[Gape at the beautiful phoenix-person who stands before you]]

By now, the nerve-wracking prospect of braving your new roommates' company is overshadowed by your exhaustion. [[Try to figure out what direction your dorm is in]]

You can't believe they're called the HUMANities. Talk about loaded, prejudice-heavy language.

They're cardinal and gold. This is useless information.

It sells overpriced beauty spells, overpriced spellphone accessories, and overpriced wearables. You catch the eye of a snappily-dressed Sorcery student who's browsing through the boutique's selection of overpriced robes (although they're already clad in an exceptionally elegant maroon robe) and the stranger winks at you. [[Introduce yourself]] [[Abscond->university bookstore]]

Most of these items come in the [[school colors]], and all are overpriced.

"Hi," you say. "Hello, beautiful," the sorceror says. You're somewhat uncomfortable with being complimented on your physical appearance, but you continue the conversation anyway. "I'm Kaeia." "Nice to meet you, Kaeia." This is first person you've met at TIMS who [[said it correctly->Kaeia]] the first time, and when you comment on this, you're rewarded with a smile. "I try to put in the effort to properly pronounce everyone's name, as I have a rather unusual one myself. It's [[Aurelio]], by the way." You chat for a while about [[nothing in particular]]. After a while, Aurelio glances at one thin, exquisite [[wrist]]. "Ah, unfortunately I must depart your pleasant company," your new friend says with a grand flourish. "I'm off to a party-- my social calendar is really far too cramped, even for a handsome and charming debutante like myself." A pause. "Would you like to join me?" [[Accept the invitation]] [[Politely decline]] [[Ask for clarification]]

It does not bear one of the clunky and ugly golem-powered watches that are curently in style, but instead is tattooed with a beautiful clock that keeps real time. You're no sorceror, but even you can tell that the spellwork involved must have been complex and masterful-- if it's Aurelio's work, the young spellcaster must be a true prodigy.

"Wonderful! Let's be on our way." Aurelio pauses. "But first, I've only just realized I neglected to ask your pronouns. Do tell?" You're startled by the unexpected (but not unwelcome) question. "Um, I use she/her? But I'm not a girl." "Good to know. I myself prefer they/them, although I will also accept 'majesty,' 'highness,' and 'Divine, Awesome Being of Pure Radiancy.'" They smirk. "Shall we?" "Yeah," you say, and smile, buck-teeth and all. As you exit the building, Aurelio suggests that the two of you exchange contact information "in order to give each other text updates about all the weirdness that's sure to transpire tonight." [[Agree->You exchange call-sigils in case of emergency]]

"I'm sorry, but I'm just not feeling up to a party right now," you admit. "Not a problem. Might I have your [[spellphone]] rune so we can keep in touch?" [[Agree->You exchange call-sigils]]

"What, like a date?" Aurelio laughs. "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression-- I'm afraid I can't help being a bit flirtatious, it's just my nature. But to answer your question, no. Only the sleaziest and least desirable of upperclassmen prey on brand-new freshmen, and I would like to think I'm neither sleazy nor undesirable. I was only hoping to introduce you to my friends-- I think you'll fit right in and it's so hard to find a community of like-minded people in this hellhole. So how about it?" [[Accept the invitation]] [[Politely decline]]

You affirm that Aurelio is, in fact, a Sorcery student, and very proud of it indeed. You talk about your own major, and your worries about the university, and even briefly about your home, which you usually avoid discussing with humans. The conversation flows naturally, without any awkward breaks-- Aurelio is eloquent and often funny, and listens attentively to you.

Your exhaustion has reached the point where it trumps the daunting prospect of interacting with your new roommates. [[Try to figure out what direction your dorm is in]]

"Sure," you say, and scrawl your [[spellphone]] call-sigil inside the bejewelled notebook Aurelio presents you. They give you theirs in return. (set: $aurelio to 1) [[Go to party]]

The party is already in full swing by the time you arrive. Live music is blaring from somewhere inside the house, probably amplified by a series of volume-sigils. (if: $faustyne is 1)[The music doesn't sound great, but Faustyne urges you onto the dancefloor anyway.] [[Get a drink]] (if: $faustyne is 1)[[[Dance with Faustyne->onto the dance floor]]]

This game contains discussion/brief description of sexual assault. There are three possible endings. Sometimes it might seem like your choices don't matter, but I promise you, they do. [[Proceed->welcome]]

Obviously you're a vegetarian, you were raised by herbivores.

You're so sick of humans thinking it's okay to comment on your body just because it's different, even when said comments are positive. You really don't give a shit how humans feel about your horn, to be quite frank.

Their wide eyes are amber flecked with gold, and in lieu of hair a tuft of fiery-colored feathers erupts from their scalp. You definitely stare for a solid ten seconds before you remember that you're supposed to respond. "Th-thank you," you mumble. [[Invite them to sit with you]] [[Shrink down into your seat and pretend to be invisible until they leave]]

"Oh gosh, I was hoping you'd offer," they say, letting out a relieved sigh and daintily perching on the chair across from you. "I don't know anybody yet and I'm nervous about sitting with humans, especially human strangers." They [[preen anxiously]] for a moment, then apparently become self-conscious and stop. "I'm [[Faustyne]], by the way," they blurt out. "And uh, I use he/him pronouns, but I'm not a boy." "Kaeia," you reply. "She/her, but not a girl." You both smile. [[Converse->You talk for a while]]

Eventually they take the hint and leave you. You finish your food in a rush and leave the dining hall, more than ready to go home and be alone. [[Try to figure out what direction your dorm is in]]

Unfortunately, you have no idea where anything is during daylight hours, much less in the dark. You try looking for signs, or maps, or anything, and even resort to wandering off in a direction that kind of looks familiar, but only succeed in getting yourself more lost. [[Ask a stranger for directions]] [[Refuse to surrender->Forge onwards]]

It's really cute.

You discover that you're both brand-new freshmen. Unlike you, Faustyne has already met his roommates, and is less than impressed. He suggests that yours may be better, but after wading through the pool of potential candidates around campus,(if: $roommates is 1)[ (and after hearing the cacophany coming from your suite)] you're not convinced. You talk about your majors a bit-- Faustyne is currently studying sigil design, but is considering switching to something [[a bit less practical]]. (if: $aurelio is 1)[ You tell them about meeting Aurelio, and how excited you are that there are apparently some halfway-decent upperclassmen floating around, even if they //are// humans.] You talk a lot of shit about [[humans]].

"Definitely!" you reply, and Faustyne smiles his widest smile of the night. Looking at him is like staring into the sun. The two of you exchange [[spellphone]] call-sigils "in case of emergency," and are ushered out of the dining hall by the [[tired, frustrated workers]]. (set: $faustyne to 1) [[Go rage your face off->Go to party]] [[Proceed to engage in the social gathering->Go to party]]

"Rain check?" you ask. "Tonight's not a great for me." "I should probably unpack anyway," Faustyne admits. "Let's meet up soon, though! I mean, if you want." You assure him that you very much do want, and the two of you exchange [[spellphone]] call-sigils, promising to contact each other the next morning to make plans, and part ways. (set: $faustyne to 1) [[Try to figure out what direction your dorm is in]]

They pronounce it "faws-TEEN." You make a mental note of this, since you hate it when people [[mispronounce your name->Kaeia]].

"I love art," he tells you, "but sigil design is just so commercial. Back home, we would create the most beautiful paintings using only a paste of ashes mixed with water. They were ephemeral-- the paste washed away at the next rainfall-- but nobody minded because they were so lovely while they lasted. Humans don't appreciate that kind of thing. They're too obsessed with [[immortality]]."

Fucking alchemists.

Pronounced "or-ELL-ee-oh."

You [[talk for a while]], long after you've both finished your food, but eventually a worker interrupts your conversation to inform you that the dining hall is about to close. "Do you have any plans for the night?" Faustyne asks. "I was thinking about going to a party but I don't feel comfortable going alone. Do you want to join?" (if: $aurelio is 1)[You wonder if it's the same party Aurelio invited you to.] [[Accept the invitation->fuck yes]] [[Politely decline->uh no]]

You feel guilty about keeping them waiting past closing time. Although unicorn society is essentially a communist utopia so you've never had to experience the trials of wading through a capitalist hellscape, as an oppressed minority you can empathize with the plight of the proletariat. ''//¡Viva la Revolución!//''

Since [[you're->you]] probably a human, I'll avoid divulging the nitty-gritty details in order to spare [[your->you]] fragile feelings. [[But I wanna know!]]

OK, I lied-- I don't actually care about your feelings. I'm just not going to tell you because you're not entitled to knowing what is said about you in the vent-sessions of those you have privilege over.

You twirl and sway and bounce for what feels like hours. Faustyne is truly a wonder to behold-- when he spins, you can catch a glimpse of his wings, which he must have [[spelled invisible and intangible]]. He looks like a living flame, and he devours the dancefloor as if he was. You're mesmerized, and it's only with much regret that you eventually break away. "I'm really tired," you admit. "I think I'm going to head home." "Oh, okay." Faustyne sounds disappointed but doesn't pressure you to change your mind, for which you're grateful. "Do you mind if I stay for a while? Today's been kind of terrible, and dancing [[always makes me feel better]]." You assure him that it's not a big deal, and slip out into the cold and the quiet. [[Try to figure out what direction your dorm is in]]

Someone hands you a Solo cup filled with [[some kind of alcoholic beverage.]] You sip it for a while but it tastes too foul for you to be willing to drink enough to get any more than tipsy. After a while, you really have to pee, though. [[Go to the bathroom]]

A lot of magical creatures with bulky or attention-grabbing appendages will spell them away when interacting with humans. Humans don't really understand the concept of personal space, and it's not uncommon for wings and other delicate body parts to end up bruised, scratched, and even torn from trying to navigate crowds. Also, it helps avoid [[unwanted attention]].

He's glowing. Literally.

You swear you're going to impale the next human who asks to touch your horn.

You sniff it suspiciously. It smells like a mixture of cheap beer, cheap wine, and cheap tequila. You ask the bartender and he confirms your hypothesis.

The line seems to stretch on forever, but finally, mercifully, you reach the front and enter the bathroom. The walls are papered in feministy art, and above the toilet hangs a handwritten sign reading "If it's yellow, let it mellow! :)" You ignore it and flush anyway, because you are a bad person. (if: $faustyne is 1)[[[Join Faustyne on the dancefloor->onto the dance floor]]] (if: $aurelio is 1)[[[Notice Aurelio making out with a stranger in the corner->Notice Aurelio making out with a stranger in the corner]]] [[Decide it's time to head home]]

(if: $faustyne is 1)[Faustyne looks radiant on the dancefloor, and you don't want to cut his night short, so you just send him a quick heads-up text. ]You slip out into the cold and the quiet. [[Try to figure out what direction your dorm is in]]

They're [[twined]] around each other on a beaten-up couch in the corner. You think Aurelio has their hands up the stranger's shirt, but it's hard to be sure. They catch your eye over the stranger's shoulder and wink. You smile and give them a thumbs-up, and decide to leave them to their sexcapades. (if: $faustyne is 1)[[[Join Faustyne on the dancefloor->onto the dance floor]]] [[Decide it's time to head home]]

Congrats, you just unlocked the secret hidden meta pun! This may or may not come in handy later. (set: $unicornsex to 1) [[Back->Notice Aurelio making out with a stranger in the corner]]

Unicorn reproduction is a long-held secret, never before shared with a human. But I guess if you managed to find my [[secret pun->twined]] then that proves you worthy enough to know this O Most Sacred of Secrets. In order to create a unicorn baby, the two (or more) potential parents must travel the world in search of a rainbow to use as a bridge into a vast, [[magical->magic]] kingdom in the clouds. There, they must seek the counsel of an ancient sky leprechaun named Thimthongalinglong the Wise, who will send them on an epic quest that will test their courage, creativity, and devotion to their relationship. After many moons of adventuring, when they have at long last retrieved the [[Holy Artifact]] from the [[Cavern of Horrors]] and delivered it to Thimthongalinglong, they will be blessed with a unicorn baby, woven from three silvery hairs plucked from Thimthongalinglong's truly impressive beard. Or at least, that's what we tell the kids.

Honestly just a bag of Doritos. Ol' Thimthong is too lazy to go grocery shopping so he uses eager parents-to-be to run his errands.

It's a cavern that's horrible. Pretty self-explanatory.

''//THE END//'' Thanks for playing! (if: $unicornsex is 1)[[[Secret unlocked easter egg (cue awed whispering)->unicorn secret]]] by: Ryan Rosaceae

You see at least a dozen new freshmen, moms in tow, and every last one of them is trailed by an enormous orange bin, spelled to hover. Unfortunately, whoever spelled them neglected to include any safety clauses, so everyone is more occupied with dodging the bins than they are with proceeding into the alchevator in anything remotely resembling an organized fashion. Also, every time a bin hits something, the contents spill out. You watch as a short brunette kid avoids a bin that's on a collision course with them, only to be hit in the head with the basketball that bounced out when the bin crashed into the wall instead. You wince.

You might say it was kind of like a [[magic]] elevator, if you knew what an elevator was.

You climb the stairs. [[Enter your new home for the next nine months]]

After fussing with the lock for at least thirty seconds, you manage to make it past the [[door]] and inside your suite. You're immediately greeted by blaring pop music and the sound of shrill voices coming from behind-- of course-- //your// bedroom door. [[Drop off your backpack and leave instead of dealing with this shit]]

It's decorated with four construction-paper placards, each bearing a suite resident's name and an obnoxious-looking cartoon character you don't recognize. Your name is spelled wrong.

You decide to go on a long walk, hoping that they'll be gone when you return. (set: $roommates to 1) [[You explore this unfamiliar campus for a while]]

You approach what looks to be a young human man in a snapback. He smiles welcomingly at you. "What's up, gorgeous?" he says once you're within earshot. "Uh, I think I'm lost," you say. "I don't remember which way my dorm is." "You're a freshman, huh?" he asks, and you nod. "Well, you asked the right guy for directions, I know this campus like the back of my hand. Where's home?" "Rhazes," you say, and he nods and heads off in a direction you haven't tried yet. [[Follow him]]

You're a lone wolf-- majestic, strong, independent-- forging its way through the harsh and unforgiving wilderness. You can sense your vision adjusting to the dark, and you creep stealthily through the shadows, feeling invincible. The night is yours-- you are fearsome, you are feral, you are... totally fucking lost. [[Ask a stranger for directions]] [[Stubbornly continue]]

You really don't like talking to strangers. But you're also hopelessly lost. [[Ask a stranger for directions]] [[Keep going]]

Your feet hurt, and it's cold. You're only wearing shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top. [[Ask a stranger for directions]] [[Keep going]]

He makes [[small talk]] as you go. It feels like you've been walking forever. [["Are we almost there?"]] [[Continue]]

"What's your name?" "Kaeia." "I'm Anthony." "Mm." "What's your major?" "Magical Creature Studies." "What's that?" "I study magical creatures." "Cool, cool... What's a pretty girl like you doing out alone this late?" "I'm not a girl." "Huh?" "I'm just trying to get home." "Yeah, yeah, for sure. Well, you're lucky you ran into me. I'll keep you safe from all the creeps out there." "Okay."

"Rhazes is a way from here. You gotta be patient, beautiful." [[Continue]]

You walk together for some time. After a while, the scenery starts to look really unfamiliar, but Anthony doesn't seem to be distressed by this fact. He just keeps going. [["Uh... are you SURE this is the right way?"]]

"Absolutely," he says, then pauses. "But if you're tired, my place is really close by. Why don't we hang out there for a little while?" He smiles and slings his arm over your shoulder. [[Shrug him off]] [["No thanks."]] [["You weren't ever planning on taking me to my dorm, were you?"]]

He just wraps his arm around you again, tugging you even closer this time. "How 'bout it, sugar?" [["No thanks."]] [["You weren't ever planning on taking me to my dorm, were you?"]]

"Guilty," he says, and winks. "So what's your answer, darlin'?" [["No thanks."]]

"Oh, c'mon. I promise I won't try anything." He holds up his pinky finger and offers you a saccharine smile. "//Pinky// promise." [["I'm a lesbian."]] [["I said I'm not interested."]]

"Yeah? I think that's pretty hot," he says, and waggles his tongue obscenely at you. "You sure, though? You ever been with a man before?" [["I said I'm not interested."]]

"You don't have to be a bitch about it," he snaps. [["Excuse me?"]]

He licks his lips. "I'm sorry, babe, I didn't mean it. It's just, you're being kind of a tease right now. Wandering around late at night, dressed like that..." He caresses your bare shoulder. "You can't blame a guy." [["Please don't touch me."]]

He ignores you. You try to push him off but he's holding you too tightly. His hand moves lower. [["Stop. //Please.//"->stop please]]

He caresses your breast through your shirt. "You know, it's always been one of my biggest fantasies to fuck a unicorn," he whispers in your ear. [[''//"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!"//''->get away]]

Your scream startles him and his grip loosens momentarily. You wrest yourself free and sprint for safety. He follows you for a moment, but your veins are pumping with adrenaline and he can't keep up. "Fuck you, slut!" he yells after you. [[Don't stop running]]

Your feet ache and your lungs burn, but you don't stop. You can't stop. Finally, you reach a park-- and although you don't see anybody when you glance behind yourself, you still hide yourself among the trees before you dare to sit down and catch your breath. (if: $aurelio is 1)[[[Call Aurelio->Call Aurelio]]] (if: $faustyne is 1)[[[Call Faustyne->Call Faustyne]]] [[Cry]]

It rings for such a long time that you're afraid it's going to go to voicemail, but finally, they pick up. "I love you, Kaeia my dear, but //please// tell me this is important. I'm rather tied up at the moment, and I'd hate for this interruption to be for naught," they drawl, and you hear a giggle in the background. "It's important," you say. Your words sound flat, monotone, and they don't feel like they're coming from your own mouth. Aurelio must pick up on something in your voice, becaue their tone immediately shifts. "One moment," they say. (You hear a muffled //What's wrong// in the background, but Aurelio shushes their companion, and then you hear the rustle of footsteps and the creak of a closing door.) "Tell me what happened," they say, serious but with a soft edge to their words that you're grateful for. [[Explain]]

He picks up on the first ring. "Hi Kaeia!" he says brightly. "How are you? It's late." You're not sure you're up to answering his question just yet. "Did I wake you up?" you mumble instead. "No, I was feeling really jazzed after the party so I've been unpacking. What's up?" "I'm..." You can't seem to find the words. "Can you come get me?" "Yeah, of course." He doesn't push for information, and you're glad. "Where are you?" "Lost. I think I'm in a park." "There's a couple of those on campus I think, so it's going to take me a little while to find you. Is that okay?" "Yeah," you say, and then choke out, "Will you stay on the line with me?" "Of course. If you can, try to move somewhere visible so I can find you easily once I'm there." [[Move]]

Crying feels impossible, but you choke out a sob, and then it's no holes barred, you're [[flat-out bawling in a way you haven't in years]]. You know you're being too loud but you can't stop, and you just hope that Anthony is nowhere nearby. After a long time-- you're not sure if it's minutes, hours, time feels unreal and so does everything around you-- you finally run out of tears. You wipe your face with the back of your trembling hand and wrap your arms around yourself. [[Sit]]

You're not even sure if you're sad, really-- the tears seem to be more of a reflex than anything else. You feel numb, and nauseous, and hollow, and violated. You can't stop replaying his words in your head. //"It's always been one of my biggest fantasies to fuck a unicorn."// You think of your [[mother->like you]]. That could have been you. You're so lucky you escaped. You're so lucky. You're so, so fucking lucky. So why don't you feel lucky?

You sit for a long time, until the sky finally begins to lighten and you can get your bearings again and begin the walk home. All the while, you're only thinking one thought, over and over. You make it your mantra for survival and you cling to it as you wait out the night. //I have to get out of here.// Fuck your scholarship. Fuck Magical Creature Studies. Nothing is worth this. You're going home. [[//''END''//->End]]

You try your best to tell them what happened, but somehow the details already feel fuzzy, like a dream. This lets you disconnect from the story enough to recount it, though, for which you're grateful. Even a few minutes ago you don't think you'd have been able to manage it. Aurelio listens quietly, but when you're finished, they hiss into the phone. "I'm going to fucking murder that disgusting piece of trash. What's his name?" "You don't have to--" you start, but Aurelio cuts you off. "I mean it. I want him expelled at the very least. He's a raging, inflamed, feces-encrusted asshole, and he needs to be destroyed. What's his name?" "Anthony," you mumble. Aurelio pauses a moment. "Snapback, douchebag smirk?" You nod, before remembering they can't see you. "That's him." "I know him. He's a member of one of the university's most distinguished fraternities, but my family has quite an influence here at TIMS. He'll be out of here by the end of the week, absolutely guaranteed." You don't know what to say. "Thank you," you mumble. "The least I can do," they say. "Are you safe, now, in this moment?" [["I'm lost."]]

"What do you see around you?" they ask. "Trees. Lots of trees." You squint into the distance. "I see a tall building way off to my right." "I know where you are, I'm on my way. Call me if you need anything." "Ok," you say. "Bye." [[Wait]]

It's only a moment before you hear someone in the park calling your name. You tense up for a moment before you recognize the voice-- you don't know how Aurelio got here so quickly. Then again, they //are// a sorceror. "Here," you call back-- you still feel too shaken to speak loudly, but they hear you anyway and are at your side in an instant. "There you are! Oh, look at you, you must be chilled to the bone." They unfasten their robe with a flourish and wrap it around your shoulders. "Let's get some sustenance in you. I'll buy you dinner--or, well--" They check their wrist. "Perhaps we'd better call it breakfast at this hour. Are you able to walk?" You shakily stand up, clutching Aurelio's robe. It's warm and smells sweet like incense. "Breakfast sounds nice," you say, and Aurelio smiles at you. As you walk off together, you ask, "So, how was //your// night?" Aurelio laughs. "Oh, my dear. I wouldn't know where to begin." [[//''END''//->End]]

You move to sit on a bench that's just off the main path. You feel exposed, out in the open like this, but somehow having Faustyne on the line makes it less scary. You don't say much, but Faustyne gives you periodic updates on his progress, describing his surroundings and asking if they sound familiar. It feels like an eternity, but he finally finds you. You give a little wave and he half-jogs over to you. "Oh gosh, you look a sight. Can I give you a hug?" You nod mutely, and he wraps his arms around you. You weren't aware of how cold you were until you felt the heat radiating off of him, warmer than any plain human. You burrow closer into his chest, and mumble, "Please don't let go. Not for a bit, at least." "I won't," he promises. You sit like that in silence for several long minutes before you finally pull away and rest your head on his shoulder instead. "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to," he says. "It's okay." "Thank you," you say. "Look," he says, and points to the sky. The sun is rising. [[//''END''//->End]]

"Sure," you say, and scrawl your [[spellphone]] call-sigil inside the bejewelled notebook Aurelio presents you. They give you theirs in return. (set: $aurelio to 1) [[Back to browsing->university bookstore]]

Remember the brochure? The brightly colored one, with ''WELCOME TO TIMS!'' written across the top, in the hand of the peppy sorority girl manning the Freshman Welcome Week booth? Yeah, that one. [[Take the brochure]] [[Walk away]]

Have [[you]] clicked through everything? [[Yes, please let me exit this convoluted web of exposition and continue on to the actual story->lol ok]] [[No, take me back so I can learn more cool shit about Kaeia->welcome]]

[[lol ok->next]]