Leander: "Good."
(!) Julian
Hey I know its early and idk if youre up yet but i cant sleep That thing in the other world really messed with me I wanna go back I want to help save Ezra But I know I cant go in alone and I bet Solomon wont let me in anyways so Can we please go back today? Or tomorrow? I think i can do it this time Confront myself and all that, yknow just let me know
Hey I know its early and idk if youre up yet but i cant sleep That thing in the other world really messed with me I wanna go back I want to help save Ezra But I know I cant go in alone and I bet Solomon wont let me in anyways so Can we please go back today? Or tomorrow? I think i can do it this time Confront myself and all that, yknow just let me know
(!) Robin
Good morning! I hope I didn't wake you up? I was wondering if you'd have time today to go into the portal with me? I have some ideas of how I can help, even without powers And if we can confront my Other Self, or whatever she is, maybe it'll help with waking up Ezra Even though I know Solomon said he's possessed by a whole bunch of spirits. But it'll be a start Please message me back when you read this!
Good morning! I hope I didn't wake you up? I was wondering if you'd have time today to go into the portal with me? I have some ideas of how I can help, even without powers And if we can confront my Other Self, or whatever she is, maybe it'll help with waking up Ezra Even though I know Solomon said he's possessed by a whole bunch of spirits. But it'll be a start Please message me back when you read this!
[note: You can choose whether to go with Julian first or Robin first. I'll write them both out here starting with Robin. This is also a section of the game where you're free to choose how you spend your time between classes and on the weekend. I might insert them into the story later, but for now if you're curious about the other social links, go to the "episodes" page and read the entries under "characters" that pique your interest. I'll write out some scenes for different days that would happen regardless of your choices as well, I'll add them under Robin and Julian's contract sections.]
You tell Robin you'll meet her at the ruins in an hour. You tell Julian you've got other plans for the day. He seems a little disappointed, but he accepts it.
Grey Springs - Abandoned Factory
When you arrive at the Ruins, Robin is already there, accompanied by Solomon. He's in bird form, and she looks quite uncomfortable, even though he's keeping his distance.
Solomon
If I bother you so much when I'm like this, I can be human, you know.
Robin
"I know, but I should get used to you like that. This is a good opportunity to get over my fear. Even if you already don't act very birdlike." She's clenching her fist tightly to her chest. When she sees you, she relaxes a little. "Yon, you're here! I brought some things."
She rummages around in a bag she has slung around her shoulder. She pulls out a small book.
Robin
"I brought a pocket bible. I know Solomon said these things are technically not demons, but still. Just to be safe! And in case that doesn't work..." She puts the book back, and pulls out something far larger. "I also brought a kitchen knife." He lets out one loud caw. It sounds like a laugh.
Solomon
"I suppose that's better than a pool cue!"Other World - Entrance
You make your way inside. You follow Solomon to the mismatched door, though you think you would be able to find it on your own now even without his guidance. Robin follows close behind. She has put the knife back into her bag, but keeps one hand inside of the bag to ensure she can pull it out just in case.
When you get to the door, Solomon stops and turns around to face you. He looks serious.
When you get to the door, Solomon stops and turns around to face you. He looks serious.
Solomon
"Okay, before we head inside, I have to warn you. I don't know what it's going to look like inside. It won't be like it was last time you were here. This is your Other Self, and the moment we pass the threshold it will target you."
Robin
"Okay." She takes a deep breath. "I remember the things she said last time. I think I can handle it."
Solomon
"I can't convey how intense this is going to be. Your Other Self will confront you with a side of yourself you don't like. Don't get angry, don't attack it, and most importantly, don't deny it."
Robin
"I know who I am. I'm ready."
Solomon's face relaxes a little and he quickly glances over to you, as if to ask if you're ready for a fight in case one does happen. You give him a small nod. He turns around, and opens the door.
Other World - The Deep Woods
Your surroundings change in an instant. You feel cold air on your face, smell dead leaves and hear the sounds of several insects only active at night. When your eyes get used to the darkness, you realise you're in a forest. It's night, and everything is bathed in a blue hue by the full moon overhead.
Robin
"D-did this happen the last time you came here?"
Solomon
"It's targeting you. Do you know where we are?"
Robin
"I do." She lifts her hand out of the bag a little, the knife glinting in the moonlight. "I've seen this place in my mind before. I mean, I imagined it... I don't know if it really exists."
You hear the cracking of branches somewhere below you. Orange light briefly flares up; you smell burning wood. A chanting procession of men clad in deep purple robes passes through the plains below where you are standing, before they vanish into the thick brush forming an underpass. You look at Robin, you feel uneasy and you can't hide it.
Robin
"My sister. Because she never turned up, after a while I thought she might've been spirited away. I don't know who did it, but I became convinced of it. I've thought of the forests surrounding Grey Springs a lot but after the initial search efforts were halted I never had the guts to search them by myself, so..." Her voice shakes a little, as does the hand clutching the kitchen knife. "What if she's still there?"
Just when she finishes speaking, something charges at you from behind. Before you can react, you and Solomon are being dragged through the forest. Behind you Robin is being pulled along as well, but not as roughly. A girl with a shrouded face has grabbed her hand and is pulling her along after you.
They drop you in a clearing. When you try to get up you notice your hands are bound behind your back. Solomon lets out a deep sigh beside you as he struggles to sit upright beside you. Robin stumbles forward as the girl lets go of her hand. You find yourself surrounded by faceless, muddy and gnarled figures. Some of them appear to be wearing the Grey Springs cheerleader uniform. All of them have stringy, black hair. The girl pulling Robin along begins to speak.
They drop you in a clearing. When you try to get up you notice your hands are bound behind your back. Solomon lets out a deep sigh beside you as he struggles to sit upright beside you. Robin stumbles forward as the girl lets go of her hand. You find yourself surrounded by faceless, muddy and gnarled figures. Some of them appear to be wearing the Grey Springs cheerleader uniform. All of them have stringy, black hair. The girl pulling Robin along begins to speak.
Other Robin
"Finally we can bring her back!"
You see Robin nervously looking at Solomon for guidance. His face is stern. Remember what I told you.
Robin
What do you mean?
She's clumsily clutching the knife in her hands, pointing it at the ground.
Other Robin
"We can trade them for her."
She points at you and Solomon. As she does, the figures around you make the same motion.
Robin
"I don't want that anymore."
Her addition of "anymore" sends a chill down your spine. Solomon's eyes are locked on Robin's back, his expression is serious. So far, so good.
Other Robin
"What do you mean? We're so close, we can't stop now. It's been ten years, we can finally see her again."
Robin
"You-- we don't know if it'll work. It's not worth the sacrifice."
You hear Solomon chuckle quietly beside you, as he echoes Robins' last word. To your surprise he has a grin on his face.
Other Robin
"What are you talking about? We found out the spirit world is real. Angels, demons, all of it! She was spirited away or sacrificed, how could it possibly be anything else?"
Robin
"If that's true, we can get her back another way. With their help."
The figures let out a noise that could be laughter. The Other Robin's face has changed; she went from excited to looking annoyed.
Other Robin
"Why would they help after you admitted you'd be okay with it if they died? Even now, you're not denying you'd trade their souls to get Wren back if you could."
Robin
"I would not--! I don't think that's the right thing to do, and just because I don't deny my thoughts that doesn't mean I don't regret them. There's a difference."
Other Robin
"You're making this more difficult than it needs to be. Nobody would even know if they went missing, it's just the new guy and... whatever he is." She points at Solomon, who gives her a small nod in return. He is still smiling slightly. "You brought the knife. You know the sigils. Just do it."
The Other Robin suddenly starts towards Robin, who reacts too late to get out of her way. At the same time some of the figures hoist Solomon up against a tree, before rebinding him to it. You're still on the ground, but one figure is holding restraining your arms, as if to make sure you won't run away.
With the help of some of the figures The Other Robin turns Robin towards you, and push her forward. The Other Robin puts her hands on Robin's to aim the knife at your chest.
With the help of some of the figures The Other Robin turns Robin towards you, and push her forward. The Other Robin puts her hands on Robin's to aim the knife at your chest.
Other Robin
"We're so close. Just do it."
Robin eyes are wide and fearful , her knife is shaking in her hands as she struggles against the Other Robin's grip. Her eyes flick up to meet Solomon's.
Robin
"I don't want to hurt you."
Solomon
"Don't worry, you're doing great. I'll be fine. You can get through this."
Robin wrenches her eyes shut as the knife presses into Solomon's chest. You can't tell if she's trusting Solomon and giving in or if the grip of the Other Robin has become too strong to fight against.
Robin
"This won't bring Wren back, we both know that!"
As Robin yells, the knife hits the tree. Solomon's transformed into his magpie form and flown up in the air. Robin twists around to face her Other Self, who is no longer smiling. She looks guilty, clutching her arm with her other hand. The figures have backed off.
Robin
"With the portal opening and learning that spirits are real I think there's so much we can do to find her. It might be a lot of work, and I know we're tired, but instead of turning away from others I think we should accept their help."
The other Robin begins to change shape. It grows far taller, towering over Robin. It reminds you of when Abramelin revealed himself to you. The shape has changed to a robed figure with three faces, clad in purple. It's being held up by countless hands sprouting from the robe, and a snake is tangled around its upper body.
Solomon has changed back to his human form, and drapes a robe around Robin in much the same way Temperance had done to you. Robin repeats the words the shape speaks, as if she'd known them before. I am thou...
Solomon has changed back to his human form, and drapes a robe around Robin in much the same way Temperance had done to you. Robin repeats the words the shape speaks, as if she'd known them before. I am thou...
Contract Made - Dantalion, Death
Dantalion vanishes in a flash, and when the cape falls from Robin's shoulders, she's transformed. The dagger that had been stuck in the tree behind her has reappeared in her left hand, transformed into a rapier. The forest disappears; and you find yourselves back again in front of the strange door.
Robin
"Oh my god, I did it!"
She runs over to you, elation beaming on her face. You celebrate her victory together by excitedly jumping around. Solomon takes this moment to breathe a sigh of relief.
Solomon
"That was really impressive. Well done, Robin."
Robin
"T-thank you. That was really scary. But I'm also relieved, and glad I can help out! Whenever you go, I'll go with you from now on, okay?"
[Robin has joined the party yay]
When you get to the ruins you once again find Julian's made his way there before you. His pool cue is leaning on a nearby wall, and he is talking to Temperance. Unlike last time, he seems a little less uncomfortable. It might help that for once Temperance isn't making direct contact with him. He nods at you when he notices you.
Julian
"Yo." He grabs the pool cue from the wall. "Let's get to it. Solomon's around somewhere, too."
As if on cue you hear the flapping of wings and Solomon lands on Temperance's raised hand.
Solomon
"I'm here! I thought some extra support might help you relax a little, so I asked Temperance to join us."
Temperance
"I believe you can do it."
Julian
"Oh, um, thank you." He clutches the pool cue a little tighter.
You enter the portal. When you get to the familiar door, you find it's no longer two different doors awkwardly fused together; its just the pine wood door with the "J" on it. Except now it looks like words have been carved into the door. It's Julian's name, over and over. It's written both large and small, in scratchy letters. It feels like it's meant to taunt Julian.
Solomon
"It's just your name," he begins. "It doesn't have any meaning unless you give it meaning."
Julian
"But it looks so... so angry. Like I did something bad."
Solomon turns around to look at Julian, his eyebrows are raised. It might just be the light from the edge of the door hitting his face oddly but his usually copper-toned eyes look bright red. You hear Temperance next to you exhale quietly through her nose.
Solomon
"Did you? Have you done something you judge to be bad? It wouldn't look like that unless it's reflecting your own feelings." He puts one hand on the door. "Remember, the only thing behind this door is part of you, not anyone else."
Julian swallows hard. He's gripping the cue with two hands. At this point he's using it more like a stress object than a weapon, you think.
Julian
"So do I just spill my guts out in there? I mean, do I accept everything he says and say sorry?"
Solomon takes a step closer to Julian. He pokes his chest with a single pointed finger.
Solomon
"There is no he, only you, it's important to remember that once you face yourself. Luckily for you you'll have a moment to gather yourself before having to speak, because me and Yon will have to beat your other self first before it'll return to looking like you."
Julian
"Oh yeah, because I stabbed h-- myself..."
You can tell he feels strange phrasing it that way.
Solomon looks at you.
Solomon looks at you.
Solomon
"Are you ready?"
You nod. He pushes the door open. Temperance puts a hand on Julians shoulder as the four of you walk inside.
Temperance
"You can do this. I can see it in your eyes."
Julian gives her an uncertain glance in response.
[fight go]
Other World - Beyond the Pine Door
Inside you find his other self, still an enormous monster. It looks like it's wearing armor adorned with scorpions. It yells at you in a booming voice, but you can't tell what it's saying as it echoes through its brassy looking helmet.[fight go]
When the fight is over, you hear Julian take a deep breath behind you. It's his turn now. When the dust clears, he once again finds himself face to face with his other self. He takes a step forward. For a second, they are both silent.
Julian
"I... don't know what to say," he says with a shaky voice.
He is still holding the pool cue horizontally. He drops it down, shifting so he can hold it with one hand, leaning it on the ground like you might a walking stick. His other self looks at him. His clothing looks frayed in places, and there is a scuff mark on his face. His knuckles are bruised. It looks like he got out of a schoolyard fist fight rather than the magic-tinged battle he had minutes before with you and Solomon. You suddenly wonder how many fights Julian has been in.
Other Julian
"I'm so annoying. It's no wonder no one sticks by me for long." He tries to rub the back of his hand in an effort to calm himself down but winces when he grazes his knuckles with his fingertips. "It either ends with rejection or a fight, and I never win. I'm weak, annoying, I'm not even smart. I don't have anything to offer anyone."
You hear the wood of the pool cue creak as Julian wraps his hand tighter around its end.
Julian
"I know, but I don't think others see it that way. I mean, maybe they do, but Ezra doesn't. I think thats a good start."
Other Julian
"He is in a coma because I brought him here. Robin hates me. Yon probably thinks I'm a weirdo."
Julian
"I am kinda weird! Like, I'm super impulsive, I know that. I get distracted super easily and I get hyped about stuff just as quickly as I forget about it for the next cool thing. But Yon is still here. And Solomon thinks I can do this, that I can help Ezra. I can fix what I did." He casts his eyes down. "I gotta talk to Robin, I know that. It's gonna be hard but I think it's the right thing to do." He looks back to his other self. "I have to trust people. I have to learn to stop worrying what everyone's thinking when they're around me. I want to try!"
The Other Julian begins changing form again. Julian takes a step back and jerks his head around to look at Solomon, panic in his eyes.
Julian
"Did I do it wrong again?"
Temperance
"You did great."
She steps towards him, a cloak has materialized in her hands. With a sweeping motion she drapes it around his shoulders. Behind them Other Julian has taken the form of a knight, his armor shining bright as if reflecting the evening sun. Temperance closes the clasp on the cloak.
Julian meekly looks at her hands as she does so.
Temperance
"Turn around. Face yourself one more time."
When he does a familiar ritual takes place. With a shaky voice Julian repeats the words the shape speaks. I am thou, thou art I...
Contract made - Eligor, The Star
Julian checks himself, he seems pretty alarmed at the changes.
Julian
"My clothes! The pool cue, where did it go?" He looks at the spear he's holding. "Oh, did it change...?"
Solomon
"That's how it works."
Julian turns around, facing you. When he sees your face, he touches his own cheek, then looks at his fingers, as if expecting to find something.
Julian
"Do I have facepaint on, too?"
Solomon
"It's not facepaint. Don't worry, it's only there when you're in the other world."
You absentmindedly touch your own face, you didn't know anything changed about it. Solomon chuckles when he sees you repeating Julian's motions.
Temperance
"I'll bring a mirror next time."
Julian
"How do I get the cue back?"
Solomon
"...That's the first thing you ask after making the contract?"
Julian
"My dad will kill me if he finds out it's gone!"
Solomon
"I'll help you come up with a convincing lie, then. That thing is gone until you find a better weapon to replace it with."
Julian
"Maybe I can replace it with another one. Maybe my boss at the supermarket can help, he's close with the woman who runs the bar in town."
Solomon
"Wow, that thing really is a big deal, huh."
You leave the other world, still talking about the pool cue. It's almost like Julian has forgotten about confronting a part of himself he was ashamed of, but when you think about it, maybe that's a good sign.
[other events that will happen throughout the month]
[Grey Springs High School - Entrance Hall]
You're on your way out of the building when you notice a particularly flashy flyer on the notice board just by the door.
HELP WANTED
SECOND YEAR STUDENT LOOKING FOR TUTOR FOR MATH, GEOGRAPHY AND ENGLISH
I can pay you!!!
PREFERABLY THIRD YEAR STUDENT WHO HAS PASSED THESE SUBJECTS AT LEAST OK ENOUGH
AND REMEMBERS THEM WELL ENOUGH TO TEACH ME
It's urgent!!!
Underneath is a row of tearable strips of paper with a phone number written on it. a few of them have been taken.
HELP WANTED
SECOND YEAR STUDENT LOOKING FOR TUTOR FOR MATH, GEOGRAPHY AND ENGLISH
I can pay you!!!
PREFERABLY THIRD YEAR STUDENT WHO HAS PASSED THESE SUBJECTS AT LEAST OK ENOUGH
AND REMEMBERS THEM WELL ENOUGH TO TEACH ME
It's urgent!!!
Underneath is a row of tearable strips of paper with a phone number written on it. a few of them have been taken.
???
"I'm still looking, if you're interested!"
You turn around. A girl is smiling at you. Her hair is wild and dyed bright yellow, and she's wearing a Grey Wolves cheerleading uniform.
???
"I forgot to put some of the info on, so I'll just tell you now. I'd like to be tutored on Thursdays after school, but I can also do Tuesday or if you reaaally can't do either of those Monday as well, and I can pay you $25 per lesson. That's a pretty good deal, right? Oh, and if you'll get extra credit in Geography and English if you let your teachers know you're helping me."
You say you'll consider it. You're surprised there's even any money involved; you've helped students at your old school, but you're pretty sure they weren't allowed to give you money for your help. You ask her what her name is.
Edi
"Oh my god, I didn't even say, did I? I'm Edi Bailey. I'm in 2C. My parents are pressuring me to find a tutor cos I'm like, way behind in those subjects, but I just can't wrap my head around math or geography and if I'm honest? I think English is just kinda boring. So they gave me an allowance specifically to pay someone ELSE to teach me," she explains cheerily. "I don't think I've seen you around before... Are you knew, maybe?"
You tell her you started school earlier this month, and that you live with your aunt in the center of town.
Edi
"Oh, how exciting! I need to grab something from the stores before heading out, is it ok if I walk home with you?"
You agree. Edi might be the most forward person you've ever met.
You walk together, Edi with her bike in hand. You wonder how far she lives from the town center. She tells you a little bit about the things she likes about Grey Springs, and asks you about where you used to live and what you think of the town.
You walk together, Edi with her bike in hand. You wonder how far she lives from the town center. She tells you a little bit about the things she likes about Grey Springs, and asks you about where you used to live and what you think of the town.
Edi
"We moved here two years ago now, I'm actually from the next town over. It's funny how such a small change can make such a big difference, my old town is only on the other side of the river but that's enough that I never see anyone from my old school."
She smiles brightly. Something about her just makes you feel at ease. You're not usually this spontaneous, but you decide you'd be happy to tutor her, and tell her so.
Edi
"Oh yay I was hoping you'd say that! So how about Thursday's?"
You decide on a time and day together. English and geography were some of your strongest subjects and you never struggled with math, so you're happy to help her.
You've arrived at your house.
Edi
"It was so nice to meet you, Yon! I'll see you at school!"
You have a strange feeling this is the beginning of something far larger.
Grey Springs High School - Front Gates
You're about to head home when a familiar face stops you at the school gates.
Leander
"Hoshizora. I have to pick up some art supplies from your aunt's house. Mind if I walk with you?"
He looks at you like asking you that question physically hurt.
Leander: "I don't, but I don't have a choice."
Leander: "Tough. I'm going to. Not sure why I even asked."
You walk in silence for a few minutes. You feel extremely uncomfortable, but you don't know what to say. You know Leander still hates you, and you're certain he will shoot down any conversation you try to start up.
Leander
"So Ezra is still in a coma, isn't he."
You can't tell from his tone if he's asking you, or just stating a fact. You answer with a rather meek 'yeah'.
Leander
"People in our class are talking. I've tried to cover for him but that'll only work for so long. Teachers will get suspicious. I don't know what Weaver told his parents but it's a miracle it's working. He doesn't strike me as particularly clever."
You say Julian is actually quite good at coming up with plans. You almost say "scheming", but catch yourself just in time. Leander throws you an incredulance glance.
Leander
"Like when he tried to get Robin to date him? Isn't that the whole reason his best friend is in a coma to begin with?"
You retort by telling him that isn't fair to say, that Leander and Robin were already working on opening the portal. You ask him why he was involved if he was so afraid of demons to begin with. You see anger flare up in his face.
Leander
"I'm not afraid of it, but there are rules to follow! And when it was just me and Robin, we followed them. Making a pact with a demon is the worst thing you can do when getting involved with the other side like this."
You ask him why he was looking into it himself, then.
Leander
"Curiosity."
That's all, you ask.
Leander
"Yes."
It's clear you're not getting a real answer out of him.
You say you're working hard to wake Ezra up again, and to free him of the spirits possessing him.
You say you're working hard to wake Ezra up again, and to free him of the spirits possessing him.
Leander
"Are you following the proper rules? Or are you just doing what that demon is telling you to?"
You say Solomon isn't a demon. You say it's still very new to you, but you, Julian and Robin are doing your best at saving Ezra.
Leander
"If he's not a demon, what is he? Have you discovered any of the names of the demons that possessed Ezra? Do you know their sigils? Do you even know how to perform a basic exorcism?"
All of this sounds mistifying to you. From your experience everything you've learned through Solomon and what's going on with Ezra has nothing to do with anything you knew regarding demons and possessions. You try to explain this to Leander, but you're struggling.
You admit this, and tell him it'd be good for him to at least try to talk to Solomon, even if he doesn't trust him.
Leander stops in his tracks and turns to you. For a second you're worried he's going to push you into the street, his energy has suddenly turned intense. You tentatively take a small step back.
You admit this, and tell him it'd be good for him to at least try to talk to Solomon, even if he doesn't trust him.
Leander stops in his tracks and turns to you. For a second you're worried he's going to push you into the street, his energy has suddenly turned intense. You tentatively take a small step back.
Leander
"If I catch that bird, I will break his necks."
You don't get a chance to reply; you've arrived at your aunt's home. She doesn't lock the front door, which Leander seems to know already as he strides forward and opens the door.
Koizumi Residence, living room
Leander
"Miss Koizumi, it's Leander Goia. I'm here to pick up the things my mother's requested."
You sneak past him, a whithering greeting of "I'm home" leaving your lips as you hurry past your aunt to deposit your bag on the couch.
Koizumi
"Yes! I've left them in the hall, just over there."
Leander grabs the bag with supplies. He thanks your aunt and swiftly leaves. You wonder how he manages to be both graceful and intense at the same time.
Koizumi
"So you made a new friend, Yon?"
She smiles at you. You shake your head.
Koizumi: "He does? Oh."
She thinks for a moment, looking confused.
Koizumi: "Are you sure? I know he's pretty stand-offish, but maybe you're just reading him wrong."
You say you're definitely not.
Koizumi: "He's a bit enigmatic, isn't he? He's a good artist but he seems very hesitant on showing his feelings much."
Koizumi: "I was hoping you two could become friends since he's the only other kid in my painting class, but maybe that's not in the cards."
Koizumi: "Wow, Yon! What happened between you two?"
Koizumi: "You really shouldn't say that. Leander always struck me as a sensitive kid, if a bit aloof."
Koizumi
"That's too bad. He comes to my painting classes, I think his mom just drags him along, but he has real talent. I don't ask of course because I'm just his teacher, but I do wonder sometimes if maybe he's lonely. He just seems so... I don't know, on his own?"
You say that maybe he likes his solitude. He did seem to break his friendship with Robin off rather easily, you think.
Koizumi
"I suppose it was silly of me to assume you'd become friends just because you're similar ages. Just... Promise me you won't fight when he's here for painting classes, okay?"
You help your aunt prepare dinner, and talk a little bit about the friends you actually did make in your first weeks of school.
Grey Springs Town Center - Outside Lune
You're walking home after hanging out with Robin in the coffeeshop at the other end of town. It's later than you thought; you spent a lot of time reviewing each other's work for the upcoming history test.
The streets are pretty quiet, though there are people dotted around the street here and there going about their business. A small group of people is speaking heatedly as you pass outside the local bar.
The streets are pretty quiet, though there are people dotted around the street here and there going about their business. A small group of people is speaking heatedly as you pass outside the local bar.
Girl
"Hey you, wait! I want to ask you something."
You turn around. A girl is waving you over. She is flanked by two young men. She is smiling at you, but the two men look a little uncertain as to what she's doing. What could they possibly want from you? As you get closer you notice one of the men is wearing a Grey Springs school uniform. Maybe calling them 'men' wasn't quite right you think, now you can see them better; they're probably only a few years older than you.
Girl
"If you had to guess, who of us do you think is the oldest, and who is the youngest?"
She poses with her hands out to her friends, as if she's a gameshow host.
Girl: Oh, so close! But not quite.
School uniform: You sound very happy about that.
Girl: It's always nice when people think you're younger than you are, at least after a certain age.
Black hair: But the age difference is so minor...
Girl: That's right! Wow, I'm surprised you got it.
Black hair: Vincent is wearing a school uniform, after that it's fifty-fifty. It's not like it was a hard question.
School uniform: You got it! I wear this uniform to fool people into thinking I'm a kid.
Girl: Aw Vince. He's just kidding! I'm actually the oldest.
Black hair: Maybe you should stop smoking, Vin.
Girl
Thank you for humoring me. Sorry, I know that was a weird thing to ask you out of nowhere.
You shrug. Honestly you'd just like to go home now.
Girl
"Wait! Before you leave, how old are you?"
Black Hair
"Celeste..."
Girl
"No I promise I actually have a good reason to ask this time. We're looking for part timers at the bar, I really could use the help. And since you're out right now I figure you might be a bit of a night owl, so it might be a good job for you! At least, if you're not too young...?"
You tell her you're sixteen.
Girl
"Dammit. Though, maybe..."
Black Hair
"You could probably fudge that a bit. He looks old enough. I did the same thing with Julian when he started working at the supermarket."
School Uniform
"You mean you shove him into the closet whenever inspection comes by?"
Black Hair
"They only check once every two months or so, it's not really a problem. Plus he's old enough now, so that's done with. Speaking of, we could actually use another pair of hands at the supermarket."
Girl
"Oi! Don't steal my new colleague right from under me!" She gives the black haired boy a playful push before turning back to you. "Anyway, give it some thought! There's a sign right outside of the bar if you wanna have more details."September 30th
[last day of September, this event will play out after you've recruited both Robin and Julian.]Tearoom "Dusky Afternoon"
You've gathered Robin, Julian and Solomon at Dusky Afternoon, a tearoom in the center of Grey Springs that's popular with students. You asked your friends to come, but really this was Solomon's idea. He's sitting across from you with a hopeful smile on his face. What he is hoping for is hard to say for certain. When you return with the drinks you ordered for everyone, it seems like nobody's said anything yet. When you put their drinks down, Robin immediately starts slowly turning her cup in her hands. You wonder if that doesn't hurt.Finally, Julian takes a deep breath.
Julian
"So, if we're all here together, I figure that means everyone's figured out how to fight the things that possess Ezra."
Solomon
He nods. "I thought it would be good to have a team meeting before throwing you into the deep of having to fight together while you still have, uh, unresolved issues."
Robin
"Sorry I tried to sacrifice you guys to a supernatural entity."
Julian
"Sorry I acted like a creepy loser."
Neither of them look at the other when they say their apologies. You don't think they're being insincere, just maybe a little too flustered, but you're not sure.
Solomon
"...Okay that was easy. Do you think you can fight in the Other World side by side? You know, without getting into a fight with each other?"
Both of them utter a rather weak "yeah".
Julian
"I... I've thought about it a little more, and I realized that what I did wasn't as lighthearted as I thought. I'm sorry I didn't treat you like a person. I swear I'll be normal now."
Robin
She seems a little surprised. A small smile cracks on her face. "O-oh. I didn't expect you to say that. Thank you."
Julian
"I kinda get why you were so ready to offer us up to any danger when we opened the portal, I think. If someone doesn't treat you with any respect, then why should you in return, right..?" He taps his cup of tea with one of his fingernails, making it ring slightly. "It still feels a little extreme, but I get it now."
Solomon
"Confronting your Other Self really can do wonders for the human psyche," he says with a grin.
Robin
"I guess it was kind of like therapy. Scary violent therapy."
Solomon
"This is excellent, we have a full team now, with the four of us."
Julian
"So we should be able to save Ezra in no time now, right?"
Solomon
"Oh yeah, definitely." His answer doesn't sound convincing, he's more focused on shoveling as much cake in his mouth as he can. "There's just one more thing," he says, covering his mouth with one hand, still eating. At least he finishes before he continues speaking. "We need to know the names of the spirits before we can take them out."
Julian
"What? Why, we didn't have to know the names of our own spirits to get them out of Ezra."
Solomon
"They were different, because they were part of you. And also, you did have to know their names. When it first took on its true form, didn't you realise you knew its name?"
Julian
"Eligor... It just kind of popped into my head when I saw him."
Robin
"It was the same for me with Dantalion... So spirits work the same as demons, then. You have to know their name before you can exorcise them. Do we need to draw their sigils as well?"
Solomon
"It wouldn't hurt. The more you know about them, the easier they are to defeat."
Robin
She sighs. "Leander was a lot better than me at drawing them..."
Julian
"Is he still mad at you?"
Robin
"He won't talk to me. When we cross paths in the halls at school it's like he's looking through me."
Julian
"I don't get it. He's all into the whole occult summoning stuff and the moment it works he gets upset. I also don't understand why he's mad at you about it."
Robin
"I think he feels I betrayed him. He always emphasised how important it is that we do everything according to the rules, that it's dangerous to stray even a little bit from what the books say, and I think he's upset that I chose to trust Solomon. Um, no offense."
Solomon
"No, I get it. The whole three headed magpie who turns into a guy is kind of a hard concept to accept as a good thing."
Julian
"...I thought you were a guy who can turn into a bird, not the other way around."
Solomon
He shrugs. "Does it make a difference?"
Robin
"Is this really that important..."
You can't help but think about it yourself.
Julian: Right? So which is it, Solomon?
Solomon: Honestly it's been so long that I don't remember what I started as.
Julian: ...
Julian: Now I have even more questions.
Robin: Please don't.
Julian: Oh my god, I didn't even think about that.
Robin: I don't want to think about that.
Solomon: It's kind of hard to explain. I'll show you sometime.
Robin: What do you mean, "show us"?
Solomon: I shouldn't do it right now, it'd cause a commotion.
Robin: Maybe don't do it ever, I don't think I want to see. I'm comfortable not knowing where your other heads go. Even saying it makes me feel weird.
Julian: Do they stay as bird heads or do they become human too?
Robin: Julian! Stop it!
Julian: I know, but still! A bird acting like a human and a human acting like a bird are super different.
Robin: How does a bird act like a human... Do you mean like a talking parrot?
Solomon: I do have a fondness for shiny things.
Robin: This is stupid.
Julian
"It sounds like Leander might be a lost cause if he's that unwilling to accept we're friends with Solomon. I mean, not that he liked me much to begin with..."
Robin
"He's very distrusting of people. It took me a really long time to get him to open up to me and even then he only ever opened up a little."
The table falls quiet for a bit; everyone is waiting for Solomon to speak. He takes a careful sip of his tea and puts the cup down on the saucer with a soft ring before he finally looks up to speak, his words seemingly thought out carefully.
Solomon
"So I should probably stop following him home after school then, I guess?"
Robin
"You've been doing what?!"
Solomon
"He was there when Ezra got possessed, he knows about the Other World, I thought it'd only make sense for him to join the team, he's got potential, you said it yourself."
Robin
"Why would you think stalking him is the way to get him on our side??"
Solomon
"It's not stalking. I just fly behind him and like, yell sometimes to get his attention. But he just ignores me really hard."
Robin
"Please stop doing that. I'll try to talk to him again, maybe if I mention it wasn't our idea to have you follow him he might listen."
Julian
"I think we probably shouldn't bank too much on Leander helping us out. With the four of us we should have a pretty good shot at waking Ezra up. It's at least worth a try."
Solomon
"Certainly! You guys can hold your own, and we should be able to gather enough info on our own to excorsise whatever's inside Ezra."
Julian
"That's a relief."
You head home after finishing up at Dusky Afternoon. You do some homework, and help your aunt make dinner and clean up afterwards. You go to bed feeling accomplished, you're relieved Robin and Julian have made up, and you're actually looking forward to your next trip into the Other World.