Celeste: "The Fool. Don't be offended, it's actually a good card! Though I suppose all cards are up for interpretation..."
Celeste Social Link - The Moon 1
Hell is empty
Celeste
“There you are! You’re the new dishwasher, right? Goodness, I was hoping you could pass for 18… Maybe if people squint. Eh, whatever. Most people here are too drunk to notice you’re too young to work here anyways. Welcome on board! My name’s Celeste. You’re Yon, right?”
You nod. You hadn’t expected your new manager to call out the fact she hired someone too young to work at a bar so quickly, but at least it means she’s aware and she won’t fire you just because of that.
She shows you where everything is and puts you to work. You didn’t expect you’d be washing everything by hand, but it turns out that is what you’ll be doing. The sweet smell of liquor makes you feel a little nauseous at first, but you get used to it rather quickly. What you don’t get used to is how many customers try to hit on Celeste. You wonder if it bothers her, though she seems to play each one off effortlessly.
You have some time to talk when the time comes to close up.
She shows you where everything is and puts you to work. You didn’t expect you’d be washing everything by hand, but it turns out that is what you’ll be doing. The sweet smell of liquor makes you feel a little nauseous at first, but you get used to it rather quickly. What you don’t get used to is how many customers try to hit on Celeste. You wonder if it bothers her, though she seems to play each one off effortlessly.
You have some time to talk when the time comes to close up.
Celeste
“So you recently moved here, huh? How are you finding it?”
This is a question you’ve been asked a dozen times at this point, so you give the same response as usual.
Celeste
“I guess there isn’t much to say for Grey Springs. It’s your standard small town. At least we’ve got a decent bus connection to the city.”
Celeste asks you a little bit about where you lived before, and if you’ve been to the city yet. You give her short answers; you’re very tired. It doesn’t take her long to catch on, and she tells you to go home a little early to catch up on some sleep. She advises you to take a nap before your next shift, but that she’s happy you’ve come to help out.
You feel a faint bond forming between you two.
You feel a faint bond forming between you two.
Celeste Social Link - The Moon 2
You walk into the bar and Celeste excitedly waves you over. Once you get behind the bar she holds up a pack of cards, the backs are facing you. They're black, with intricate linework in gold.
Celeste
"Go on, pick one!"
Celeste: "The Moon! What a coincidence, I actually pulled it myself earlier today."
Celeste: "The World, but it's upside down. I actually don't know what that means... The meaning of the card changes when it's inverted, you see."
She stares at the card for a little bit, before putting it on top of the rest of the deck and putting it away. She gives you an apologetic look.
Celeste
"I don't actually know how to read Tarot cards. I just think they look cool. I guess I'm a total poser. But it's still kind of fun to pull a card anyway, don't you think?"
Customers start coming in and you begin work. The card stays on your mind, it seems almost uncanny that you would pull one from the deck that actually means something to you. Ever since making the pact with Abramelin the Arcana have been given new meaning to you (though you have to admit to yourself you didn't think much of it before then), and you can't help but wonder if Celeste picking cards for fun actually influences her life without her knowing.
It's a quiet evening, and clean up doesn't take long. After the last customer has gone home, Celeste turns to you, leaning her elbows on the edge of the bar.
It's a quiet evening, and clean up doesn't take long. After the last customer has gone home, Celeste turns to you, leaning her elbows on the edge of the bar.
Celeste
"Hey sleepyhead. You look like you've got your head in the clouds, what's on your mind?"
You tell her that you've been thinking about the cards (without mentioning the supernatural aspects, of course).
Celeste
"I didn't take you for a spiritual type!" She picks up the deck again, and studies the cards. "I honestly just picked this deck because I think the illustrations are pretty. I've been meaning to learn what all the cards mean and memorize it, but I haven't found the time to do it." she sighs. "To be fair, I kind of only use them as a neat party trick. Do you think that's disrespectful?"
You say you're not really sure. To your knowledge the cards aren't associated with a specific religion, so it's probably not offensive to use the cards that way. You begin to wonder if you should learn more about them; if that would help you in the Other World.
Celeste
"I think I read somewhere they started of as playing cards for a game. Kind of like ouija boards are originally just a toy, but now people really try to use them to talk to ghosts. Have you ever done that before? I did that once at a party too, but it was a total bust." She rolls her eyes. "People just moved the planchette to spell out nonsense or ask dirty questions. Then again, I don't know what I expected people to do at a party. It's not like anyone would take it seriously in a context like that."
You ask her why she used a ouija board if she knew it's just a toy. It sounded like she thought it might actually work. She gives a slightly awkward chuckle.
Celeste
"I mean... I'm not sure. I guess I don't believe the board itself does anything, but maybe if you try to talk to spirits, they might respond, you know? I've heard things about spirits feeding on your energy to sustain themselves, to stay in our world, so maybe the board doesn't do anything but just trying to talk to a spirit is enough to bring them to you." she turns a little pink. "So... Maybe I believe spirit boards work, just not in the sense people usually think they do."
You say you think it might be fun to try sometime, simply because you never have. You don't know if you believe they work, but the experience might still be exciting.
Celeste
"Oh! I still got mine lying around somewhere in my apartment, I'll try to dig it out! We could do it here after work!" She sounds far more excited than you'd expected. It makes you feel happy about having suggested it.
You both look at the clock and realise it is far later than you expected. You hurriedly say goodbye to Celeste as you make your way home. You wonder if she will bring the board for your next shift.
Celeste Social Link - The Moon 3
You close the door to the bar behind you, feeling kind of excited about the idea of using a spirit board with Celeste after your shift. You don't bring it up with her however, as you don't want her to know how excited you really are. You don't want her to think you're a dork.
The shift passes as normal, Celeste prepares many drinks and you wash many glasses. About half an hour before closing a young man enters the bar and sits right in front of Celeste. Your station faces away from the bar, so you can't see him, but you hear him occassionally chat to Celeste as she continues to serve other customers. His voice sounds familiar, but you can't place it.
The shift passes as normal, Celeste prepares many drinks and you wash many glasses. About half an hour before closing a young man enters the bar and sits right in front of Celeste. Your station faces away from the bar, so you can't see him, but you hear him occassionally chat to Celeste as she continues to serve other customers. His voice sounds familiar, but you can't place it.
(note: this Social Link plays out slightly differently depending on if you also work at the convenience store. I've written this link with the idea that you are, and that you've completed at least the first Social Link associated with working there.)
When your shift is over and you've cleaned and put away the last glass, you turn around to talk to Celeste. To your surprise you find the customer at the bar is still there, and it's Gabriel, the manager of the convenience store. He looks at you with slight alarm, before his expression turns to his usual haughtiness.
When your shift is over and you've cleaned and put away the last glass, you turn around to talk to Celeste. To your surprise you find the customer at the bar is still there, and it's Gabriel, the manager of the convenience store. He looks at you with slight alarm, before his expression turns to his usual haughtiness.
Gabriel
"You work here, too? Are you a fan of evening shifts, or something?"
Celeste
"He's in school, Angelface! When else is he supposed to work?"You fail to supress a snicker. Gabriel is staring daggers at you. Angelface...? Celeste calls Gabriel "Angelface"???
Gabriel
"Isn't he too young to work at a bar," he stammers. His face is so red it almost matches the shirt he is wearing. He's not looking at you, or Celeste. You think he would rather disappear, but since he can't, he's trying to steer away from the subject of his embarrassing nickname.
Celeste
"He is, actually. But I know you won't rat me out to the higher ups, right? All I have him do is wash dishes, he doesn't even touch any of the bottles. Besides, don't you shove your little crony into a closet every time inspection comes around?"
Gabriel clears his throat. He seems to be regaining his composure somewhat.
Gabriel
"That's true, though Julian's sixteen now, so I don't have to hide him anymore. But he's kinda short so I'm worried they might think he's too young, anyway."
Celeste laughs. You can tell Gabriel feels a little relieved at that.
Celeste
"That's mean! You shouldn't do that to him. If they're worried about his age you've got his ID on file, right?" she turns to you. "I'd never shove you into a closet. I have a heart, unlike Gabriel."
Gabriel
"I'm just careful, that's all." He looks at you again. "Isn't his shift over? Shouldn't he go home? Doesn't he have school in the morning?"
Every question feels as if he's trying to push you out of the door. It makes you want to stay longer.
You ask Celeste about the ouija board.
You ask Celeste about the ouija board.
Celeste
"Oh yeah! I actually brought it in earlier, because I didn't want to forget about it. Do you want to try it now?"
Gabriel rolls his eyes.
Gabriel
"Don't tell me you believe in this nonsense."
Celeste
"Aw, don't be so joyless, it'll be fun!"
She takes the board out from under the bar and puts it down on one of the nearby tables. She gestures you to join her. Gabriel does as well, despite his obvious distaste for the game.
Celeste
"Okay, it's pretty simple. Everyone puts a finger of each hand on the planchette, and then you ask a question. Oh, and we gotta say goodbye at the end.
You dutifully put your index fingers on the little wooden triangle in the middle of the board, as does Celeste. Gabriel sits at the table with his arms crossed, staring at your fingers as if he's expecting you to break the rules so he can call you out.
Celeste looks at him with a raised eyebrow.
Celeste
Come on Angelface, you can't just sit there. You gotta touch the planchette, or the spirits might get angry.
At the mention of his nickname you see something flicker in Gabriel's expression, possibly shame? Or is it something else? Either way, he begrudgingly sticks out his right hand and puts his index finger on the planchette. He puts his other hand on his chin, as if he's trying to convey his annoyance as obviously as possible.
Celeste
Good. I think at first, we're supposed to ask if anyone is there...
Neither you or Gabriel say anything. You kind of expected Celeste to take the lead here. Gabriel likely doesn't want to speak because he thinks the spirit board is stupid.
Celeste
She clears her throat. "Um, hello. Is there anyone here with us?"
It takes a few seconds, but you feel a slight tug on the planchette under your finger. You follow its movement as it shifts to the large "YES" on the left side of the board. You're not sure if one of you is pushing it along, or if maybe even you are moving it simply because you want it to move, but Celeste seems pretty excited; her eyes have grown wide. Her hand that she's using to hold the planchette is trembling a little.
Celeste
"Are you a friendly spirit?"
Nothing happens, the planchette remains on the word "YES".
Gabriel
"Oh what a relief." His voice is dripping with sarcasm.
Celeste
"If you don't take this seriously I'm putting a curse on you."
Gabriel
"Please do, I'd rather watch you try to do that than sit here while he moves this disk around." He shoots you a disapproving look.
Celeste
She sighs. "Fine, be that way. Just don't leave until we've said goodbye, please. For my sake. Because I'm your friend and I'm asking you to."
Gabriel grumbles something. He stays put.
Celeste
"Sorry about that. Is there anything you would like to ask the spirits, Yon?"
Nothing happens.
Celeste: Hm... Maybe its struggling to write it out with the numbers available.
Gabriel: It looks pretty straightforward to me.
Celeste: It could give us a number, but then we still wouldn't know if its days ago, or years, or decades...
Gabriel: Or maybe... There's nothing here.
The planchette once again does not move.
Gabriel opens his mouth to say something, but abruptly closes it when he realises Celeste is staring daggers at him.
Celeste: "Yon! You shouldn't ask a spirit something like that, it's dangerous." She's smiling.
Gabriel: "Ha-ha, you're so funny."
Gabriel: "Expect a lot of late night shifts at the grocery store in your future."
Celeste
"Hm, maybe we should ask it something where we know the answer is 'no', or at least the question can't be answered with 'yes'... Maybe something like 'where are you from'."
Despite the fact that Celeste was still thinking about what question to ask, the planchette starts moving. It easily flows between three letters, H - E - R. Then it seems to linger between the letter R and E.
Gabriel
"...Her?"
Celeste
"Here, maybe?"
Gabriel
"Maybe if you pushed it a little harder you could've spelled 'here' correctly." He looks at you, his expression smug.
You don't know why he's so adamant you're cheating. You wonder if Gabriel himself is pushing the planchette around and blaming you for it. Besides, it's possible Celeste is playing a prank on you both, who's to say she really believes it works?
Celeste
"...Did you like living here?" She sounds kind of half hearted asking the question.
Gabriel
"Hey, wait. Why don't you let me ask a question? You let him ask one."
Celeste
She narrows her eyes. "What do you think? Why do you want to anyway, I thought you thought this was all BS?"
Gabriel
"It's not very fair, that's all."
Celeste
"Fine. Ask a question then."
Gabriel
"You're supposed to ask about your future, right? I'm pretty sure that's the original intent of the game."
Celeste
"I don't think you should call it a game..."
Gabriel
"But it is a game. I'm pretty sure these boards are still owned by a massive boardgame company."
Celeste
"Spirits haunt regular items all the time! And this board is old, so you should be careful."
Gabriel
He sighs deeply and closes his eyes, his eyebrows raised. He lightly shakes his head before opening his eyes again and opening his mouth to finally ask a question. "Fine. I'll speak just for myself then, if you're so scared. Why don't you show us you're here by... Oh I don't know, cursing me?"
He looks up as he speaks, as if he's talking to something far above you. Celeste's face has darkened, but she doesn't say anything.
The planchette does not move.
The planchette does not move.
Gabriel
"Oh come on, I'm not asking for much. Just do something. At least put the wooden thingy on a letter, it's annoying me that it's sat pointing at nothing right now."
Celeste
"You can't force-"
Suddenly the planchette moves with such violence its momentarily ripped from Gabriel's fingers. He tries to put his hand back on but it's moving so fast he's struggling to keep up.
G - E - T - F - E - D - A - N
None of you speak as it moves rapidly across the board. You can't look up at Celeste to check on her or you might risk losing your grip on the small wooden disk, all you know is you're not putting any strength into it, you're just following the planchette's almost unnaturally stilted and quick movements.G - E - L - F - A
Gabriel
"You're fucking kidding," he says under his breath. You're a little shocked to hear him swear.C - E
The planchette stops moving. Gabriel tries to pull his hand away, but Celeste grabs it and holds it down onto the planchette.
Celeste
"Th-thank you. Goodbye!"
She lets go of his hand, and Gabriel quickly pulls it back, then folds his arms in front of him.
Gabriel
"'Get Fed'? What the hell is that even supposed to mean?" He once again looks at you. You shrug. You're tired of his accusations.
Celeste
She poorly supresses a giggle. "I don't think it said get 'fed'."
It takes him a second, then realisation dawns on his face.
Celeste
"Oh. That's... creative."
Celeste
"You did ask it to curse you... And it sort of did, if maybe not in the sense you expected."
Gabriel
"Yeah I guess we were dealing with a pretty foul mouthed ghost, huh..." He gets up. "I should go. So should you, it's a school night." It seems he's suddenly in a hurry to get out.
Celeste
She nods. "It is very late." She smiles at you. "Thanks for indulging me. I had fun!"
You grab your things and head for the door, Gabriel in tow. When you close the door of the bar behind you, he grabs your arm.
Gabriel
"Hoshizora."
The look on his face is intense. Gabriel is not a particularly intimidating man, but you still feel a sense of alarm briefly course through you.
Gabriel
"Don't tell anyone about that nickname. If I find out you told Julian, I'll..." He thinks for a moment, struggling to think of a proper threat. "Well, you'll regret it."
You pull your arm loose. You tell him you won't tell Julian, if only so he'll leave you alone. Gabriel walks off in a huff after bidding you a good night. It's funny how he's a stickler for proper manners even in situations like this.
As you walk home you think about the experience with the spirit board. You know you didn't move the planchette, and it's impossible Gabriel moved it for the final answer as his hand wasn't touching it for half the word. Still, Celeste seemed to take it so seriously... Did she really break the rules to curse out Gabriel? You're considering asking her on your next shift, you can't get it off your mind.
As you walk home you think about the experience with the spirit board. You know you didn't move the planchette, and it's impossible Gabriel moved it for the final answer as his hand wasn't touching it for half the word. Still, Celeste seemed to take it so seriously... Did she really break the rules to curse out Gabriel? You're considering asking her on your next shift, you can't get it off your mind.
Celeste Social Link - The Moon 4
You spend another uneventful evening washing dishes at the bar. Celeste seems quieter than usual. Once the evening has quieted down to just a few regulars that like to sit near the door, lost in their own conversations, Celeste finally turns to you.
Celeste
"This might seem kind of out of nowhere, but... Have you heard of Wren Kaminska?"
You nod, and tell her you're friends with Wren's sister.
Celeste
"Of course, she had a little sister, I forgot." She looks over at the cork board that's hung on the wall near the entrance to the bar. "We've had her poster up on the board ever since she went missing. I think it's been almost ten years now. She just disappeared one day. How is her sister doing?"
You tell her Robin's doing okay, that she doesn't talk about Wren that much. You try to not say too much, you don't want to say anything Robin might not want you to share.
Celeste
She hesitates a moment before she continues. "Stop me if this makes you uncomfortable, but it's hard not to think about her when I see her poster almost every day. I know a lot of people think something bad happened to her, but a small part of me is hopeful she just got out."
You ask her what she means by that.
Celeste
"Out of Grey Springs. I didn't really know her mind you, but we attended high school at the same time and it was almost impossible not to know about Wren Kaminska. She was kind of a stereotypical popular girl. She was pretty, and she was charismatic, she was good in class so even the teachers liked her. I think Grey Springs must've felt pretty suffocating to her. Or maybe I'm projecting my own feelings on a missing girl, I don't know."
You ask her if that means Celeste wants to leave.
Celeste
"Oh, I'm going to leave. I'll be going to college next September. I'll be leaving in a few months. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do after graduating high school, which is why I spent a few years just working here in Grey Springs. It's kind of nice to save up a bit of money before going away to college, though I do feel a little nervous about being a bit older than most of the other students... But I figure 25 is not that much older than the average."She thinks for a moment as her eyes once again wander to the missing poster.
"I don't know why I keep thinking Wren might have done the same, just a lot sooner than me. It's just a gut feeling."
You ask her who will take care of the bar when she's gone. She shrugs, and smiles at you.
Celeste
"Don't know! I guess they'll have to hire someone new. Are you gonna miss me?" "No." Celeste: "Aw, you don't mean that! I can see your cheeks are turning red." "Yes. But not a weird amount! A normal, expected amount." Celeste: She laughs. "I will miss you a normal, expected amount too, then." "A little." Celeste: "I'll come by during breaks. Maybe we can meet up sometimes!"
You ask her what she is going to study.
Celeste
"English! I've always had a knack for it at school and I just find it kind of fascinating. I know that sounds kind of lame, but I know I'll really enjoy it. Gabriel says it's a waste of money, but he has no aspirations past his job at the grocery store, so what does he know." She rolls her eyes.
You ask her how she knows Gabriel. You used to think they must've been in the same class in school, but now you know Celeste is 25 that's not possible. You're also a little surprised she's older than him.
You think it's really obvious Gabriel has a crush on her, but you're worried if you say that to her it might make things awkward. You're pretty sure she has to know, though; Gabriel isn't exactly great at hiding it. But instead you decide to ask why she gave him that weird nickname.
If it had been anyone else you might've found that a little mean, but having essentially an off-switch for Gabriel Lezniki doesn't sound so bad to you. You don't think it'd have the same effect if you started calling him that, though.
You tell her you are friends. Her eyes light up.
You're a little annoyed at that; you tell her she's making it sound like you're her pet or something. It's also a good thing Julian didn't hear that, you know he would've lost his mind if he found out someone referred to him as Gabriel's sidekick. You remind her you also work at the store.
On your way home you wonder where Celeste is going to go to college. It feels like everyone in Grey Springs seems determined to either leave it or stay forever. It makes you feel a little weird not knowing what you want to do with your future yet, or where.
Celeste Social Link - The Moon 5
You are meeting Celeste after work today. A few weeks ago she asked you if you wanted to go on a ghost hunt, and she was so excited when you said yes she hasn't talked about anything else since. She told you to bring two friends, and to meet her at the train station, so here you are, with Robin and Edi, waiting for her to arrive.
Celeste is standing outside a nearby kiosk, holding two hot drinks in her hands. She tries to wave you over as carefully as she can without spilling the drinks.
When you greet her, she gives you one of them.
Robin and Edi introduce themselves, and Celeste does the same to them, then asks them what they would like to drink.
"I'M THE MANAGER. Julian is just a clerk. And I don't know why he would be talking about work, it's not like anything interesting ever really happens there.
Edi "It's not the work he talks about," she says more quietly. Gabriel He ignores her. "I'm surprised you didn't bring Julian, actually. I thought you guys were close."
You tell him you have more than one friend, and that Julian doesn't care about ghost hunting. Gabriel scoffs.
She hands the girls their drinks. Both of them seem relieved to see her return.
You walk up to the platform. It seems the train is running a little late.
You tell him no. He leans foreward to look at Edi and Robin, as if to ask them the same question.
Vincent shrugs.
Robin shoots you an annoyed look. She hasn't voiced it, but you're not surprised that Gabriel is getting on her nerves. Just from her expression you can tell she's asking you how you put up with him at work.
The train finally arrives, and you board. It's surprisingly still busy for the evening, so you end up having to stand. It's a little awkward as you are all huddled together near the doors. Thankfully the trip is short.
On your walk over the conversation quickly turns to the upcoming hunt again.
On your walk over the conversation quickly turns to the upcoming hunt again.
He points at the castle ruins. You've arrived. To your surprise, Gabriel actually keeps his mouth shut.
You wait while Celeste talks to the woman at the front desk. The entrance hall to the ruins is anything but spooky; the walls are white and covered in advertisements for other outings in the area, mostly gardens and other castle ruins. It was hard to see from outside but you suspect you're inside a container they dropped in front of the ruins as a makeshift entrance.
You give a small nod; you don't really mind if you go first or second. Gabriel just grunts. He's clearly not happy with the division of the groups.
The lady hands you a flashlight and you head for the door. Vincent turns around and signs the girls goodbye, as if you're about to undertake something dangerous. Gabriel drags his feet behind you.
Behind the door you are met with another door, a massive and old heavy wooden door, the real entrance to the castle. It takes more effort to open, and when it does so it protests loudly in the form of several creaks.
Behind the door you are met with another door, a massive and old heavy wooden door, the real entrance to the castle. It takes more effort to open, and when it does so it protests loudly in the form of several creaks.
When the door closes behind you, all light is shut out. The hall is cold, and the place smells damp. Your footsteps echo on the paving stones.
You turn it on before Gabriel can make a grab for it, which you're certain he was about to do. Vincent sighs and kills the flame.
As you walk Vincent keeps teasing Gabriel.
You walk around for a bit without talking. All of you feel too embarrassed to ask any questions to potential ghosts. You think the whole thing is a little pointless now; this was Celeste's idea and she isn't even hear. In the distance you hear the front door creak again, then close with a heavy thud.
Then Vincent almost trips over a flight of stone stairs.
Vincent
"Jesus! How has no one broken their neck on one of these excursions?"
Gabriel
"Maybe that's how they get their supply of ghosts." For the first time that evening you hear a hint of joy in Gabriel's voice.
Vincent
"I'm not going up there, screw that." You hear the lighter again and the bright orange flicker returns. "I'll just investigate down here."
Gabriel
"Suit yourself." You walk into one of the upstairs rooms, Gabriel follows. "Oh look, more nothing."
Gabriel
"We should be careful. I don't think they vetted this place very well for people to be roaming around at night," he says quietly. "I don't want you to trip and fall through a hole in the floor, or something."
Celeste
"Who's here?"
Gabriel
"Just Yon and me. Vince went off on his own somewhere."
Celeste
"Same here. I thought Robin and Edi were right behind me but now I can't find them." She's using her phone as a flashlight. "What are you guys looking at...?"
Answers:
The night sky through the window.
Gabriel: "It was more lively than the castle, so..."
You add you thought you saw a crow at one point, but Gabriel insisted it was a pheasant, and then you had a fight about that, and then Celeste came up.
Then you add you don't see the bird anymore.
Gabriel: "It was definitely a pheasant. They sleep in the trees at night."
Celeste: "...I'm glad you found a way to amuse yourselves."
I don't know. It's dark everywhere.
Celeste: "But that's good! It heightens your other senses. The fact that you can't see well, I mean. You should be listening."
Gabriel: "we heard you walk over here. I think that's about it."
Celeste: "It's because you're not trying."
We were discussing life and death and stuff.
Gabriel: "We were not. We saw a bird and couldn't agree what type of bird it was."
Celeste: "Oh. Well, if you find that more interesting than ghost hunting, be my guest, I gues..."
Celeste
Celeste
"Thanks for indulging me. Guess you can commence the snarky comments now."
Celeste
"Gabriel?" No response. She turns around towards the entrance to the room, and calls out again. "Angelface, where did you go?"
Celeste
Celeste
"I swear this is where I came up. That door leads to the room you guys were in, I'm certain of it!" Her hand feels clammy in yours. She's squeezing it so hard it hurts a little. "Robin! Edi! Anyone?"
Celeste
"Stay there, we're coming to you!"
Celeste
"Hello?"
Edi
"Yes? We're in here."
Robin
"...Can we move or do you want us to stay in here?"
Celeste
"Just keep talking until we've found you, okay? We're coming to you."
Edi
"We came back here after we lost you. We tried to follow you but disappeared so quickly... It's super dark in here, even with flashlights."
Robin
"Hey, where's the other guys?"
Celeste
"We lost Gabriel. I don't know how... He was there one moment, and then gone the next."
Robin
"Do you think maybe something strange is going on...?" Despite the darkness you can see the glint of excitement in her eyes.
Vincent
"Fffffinally!"
Vincent
"Felt like I was on the other side of the castle this whole time or something, I was shouting and nobody responded."
Celeste
"Where were you?"
Gabriel
"What do you mean? I close my eyes for two seconds and you guys vanish. Next thing I know I find Vince claiming we're in the castle dungeons. We should've asked that lady for a map."
Edi
"C-can we please leave? I'm cold..."
He heads up the steps, and you follow him, lighting the way to make sure everyone is safe. When you reach the top and turn around you see Vincent isn't following.
When you step back out, he gently grabs our sleeve.
You're a little surprised at the concern he's showing for you, and quietly thank him. The most interesting thing you find after walking around together for a few minutes is a giant window looking out into the forest, mostly because the dark forest against the night sky looks spookier than the cold dank rooms of the ruins. Then you hear footsteps behind you.
Celeste stands in the middle of the room and guides you both to join her. Gabriel is still holding onto your sleeve. You see him briefly glance over at Celeste's left arm, but it seems he decides against voicing his thoughts.
"I know you think this is stupid, but I'd really appreciate it if you just stood here with me for sixty seconds and just listened. If nothing happens you can make fun of me for the rest of the night, I don't care, but please give it a shot for just this one moment."
Gabriel "Okay."
You don't really know where to look while the three of you stand there quietly waiting for something to happen. You think you hear some noises from below, but you think that's likely Robin, Edi or Vincent. At some point you feel a breeze coming in through the window behind you, but it quickly dissipates.
When a minute has passed, Celeste sighs.
When a minute has passed, Celeste sighs.
You look to your side. Gabriel has dissapeared. You touch your sleeve where he was holding you; you didn't notice him letting go. You give Celeste a puzzled look.
When no response comes, she turns back to you, her expression concerned.
"This isn't like him. He doesn't pull pranks." She walks up to you and grabs your free hand, and leads you out the room. "Stay close to me. This is weird."
You search around for a while, trying to find Gabriel, then the stairwell. But you can't find either.
You hear a muffled sound from downstairs. It sounds like someone is shouting back. It's hard to tell, but you think it has to be either Edi or Robin, based on the sound. Celeste begins pulling you in the direction of the sound.
She abruptly stops, just barely saving herself from falling down the steps. You've found the stairwell, but you're certain they are going down the wrong way. Celeste seems to think the same, as she hesitates to go down.
Celeste pulls you down the stairs. Robin and Edi keep talking until you've located them, which doesn't take long as they're in the hall right across from the stairs. Behind them is the door out of the castle. They give you a sheepish wave.
You hear footsteps running towards you and Vincent and Gabriel appear from the other side of the hall.
On your way home Celeste and Gabriel keep squabbling about who abandoned who. Robin quietly discusses with you and Edi if maybe the castle is a portal to the other world. In the end you're not sure, but you wouldn't mind checking the place out again during the day sometime. Ghosts or no ghosts, at least Celeste seems to have thought the trip was exciting.