Have you ever tried to hunt?
Say, you looked out of a window, and there was this graceful beautiful bird. You would look at the bird and think "Oh my, what a fine meal that would be!", and fully realizing how difficult it is to hunt them, you would consider your next action. You might want to hide from the challenge. You might want to rather eat what's already packaged and ready and presented to you by a dear friend.
[[Or...->Intro Narration 1]]
(set: $score to 0)(set: $smelly to false)
(set: $hungry to true)(set: $treescratch to false)
(set: $dirtyfloor to false)(set: $pawprints to false)
(set: $TVison to false)
(set: $glassonfloor to false)Made by Kylaila using Twine2 for the Theme Roulette Event 2019 hosted on RMN.
The theme was: Chase
The picture was:
<img src="https://rpgmaker.net/media/content/users/46820/locker/EVENT_IMAGE_WORD_CHASE.png" alt="CatPic" height="200" width="200" />
(if: $SleepEnding is true)[Sleep Ending Cleared](if: $preyending is true)[
Prey and Price Ending Cleared](if: $treeend is true)[
Tree Ending Cleared](if: $strayend is true)[
Stray Ending Cleared](if: $sadstrayend is true)[
Lone Stray Ending Cleared](if: $alcoholending is true)[
Alcohol is Bad Ending Cleared](if: $churchend is true)[
Church Ending Cleared]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
(link: "Quit")[<script>window.close()</script>]
And then - //wham// - you ram nosefirst into the window, the thick glass that can even take this heavy a beating.
It only ever happens once, but when it does, it is the most humiliating and painful experience. Because you bet some crazy person has been filming you and is uploading the scene that very moment.
[[Intro Narration 3<-Yet..]]Or, you might accept the challenge and get ready. You get ready and you tense and span every muscle in your being, you wind up your joints and your body to release the full force into yours legs: into a long jump. You feel yourself push off the ground, you feel the recoil in every fiber of your being, you know: this is it, [[it is now or nothing.->Intro Narration 2]] Yet I still yearn for that feeling of the hunt. It is dormant so many a time, but it always creeps back in. Call it whatever you want. Call it instinct, call it desire, call it destiny. I just feel there is a purpose to this. That someday, after all that running and chasing I will find what I am looking for.
It will change me. It will shape who I am. That's what I believe.
[[There has to be a purpose somewhere, right..?->Intro Narration 4]]Which leads us to today.
I feel today is such a chance. The door that used to be closed for the entire year I have been in this place, my home, is open. Well, almost. The keys are hanging, somehow, inside the lock. One twist, and observation says it should open.
[[I wonder if I should take it or just take another look around the flat first.->Starting Room]]
I am inside the main room of this apartment. (if: $hungry is true)[And I am hungry.](if: $hungry is false)[And I am ready for action!]
There's my bed on the carpeted floor, in the far corner. (if: $dirtyfloor is true)[A splatter of sticky liquid is spread all over said carpet. Let's not step into that.]
Next to that, there is a table with a window above it and various items on it.(if: $glassonfloor is true)[Although the glass is safe, the pens are scattered all around the desk.] In front of said table is a step - a chair. Far on the other side is the big bulky door, complete with dangling keys.
On my right is a door to more rooms. Rooms in which [[my friend->Natasha Introduction]] makes her rounds. Not a good idea.
Next to that other pathway is a small couch which faces the middle of the room - a TV screen on a luxurious stand wide enough to jump onto.(if: $TVison is true)[The screen is flashing with random images and loud noises.]
[[TV Stand<-Check out the TV Stand.]]
[[Check out the Desk.->Desk]]
[[Check out your Bed.->Home]]
[[Door With Keys<-Check the Door to Freedom.]]
My resting place is a white fluffy... item? I sleep here and I fit, more and more snug. Although it used to be white, it is now more of a ashen grey, [[adorned with tiny tiny black hairs.->Black Hair]]
It makes me wonder if the outside has cozy nests such as these. Probably. The grass looked pretty nice, for starters.
(if: $hungry is false)[Maybe.. maybe I could just rest here some more, though, right? I ate a lot and feel so, so delightfully sleepy...
[[Sleep.->Sleep End]]]
[[Return.->Starting Room]]
I'm not cleaning those off, no thank you. I groom myself, not random fluffy furniture. Who knows what the white material is made out of!
... I could groom myself some more though.
[[Groom myself.->Hair Groom]]
[[Return.->Home]]starting narration is ancient voice - keep dualism,
cat simple
ancient deeperOpening the door, a familiar unknown presents itself. Seen from afar, from the big screen in my home, and through the eyes of windows, it is not new.
Yet every sensation in my body tells me otherwise. The gentle wind carassing me like a full-body fan, the sudden flash of light as it drapes me with its golden color and warmth is like the gentlest blanket in existence. The noises assault me just as much - the wind's whistle, the cars' screeching and even the birds' chirping are ever so loud, much louder than I ever thought they would be.
It is like a numbing sensation has been lifted and the world has become richer, fuller, real-er.
[[The unknown places itself deep into my heart.->Outside the Door]]Following the unknown is also a sense of dread, of leaving behind everything. This too, buries itself deeply. The possibility that I might never find back, or never would want to come back.
All I can do is continue, phase out of from introspection and start moving. The chase has only just begun.
[[There's birds here.->Outside the Door]]
(if: $hungry is true)[I know I should be excited about going outside, but I'm actually not. A deep growl reminds me of other things I need to be doing.
//Sigh.// I couldn't possibly leave feeling hungry!
[[Return.->Starting Room]]](if: $hungry is false)[Is this it? My belly is full, my body is shaking with a mixture of anxiety and excitment. I am ready. Am I?
[[Jump up to the keys->Freedom 1]]
[[Return->Starting Room]]]
A wooden stand. With a big screen on it. [[My friend Natasha sure loves that thing.->Friend TV Description]]
(If: $StandisScratched is true)[Deep lines mark this stand as mine, a certain scrattachment.]
There is a space below it, too.
[[Check the space?->Space Food]]
[[Jump onto it?->Jump Stand]]
[[Scratch it?->TV Stand Scratch]]
[[Starting Room<-Leave it?]]I extend my claws and gently glide over the sides. The wood gives pleasant resistance while the gentlest "krrrr" reminds me of why wood is the best.
I lose myself into the pleasure of tending to my claws in the best way possible.
[[Good.->TV Stand]]
(set: $score += 1)
(set: $StandisScratched to true)Owner Angry?
I proceed to groom my fur, mindfully, starting from the tips of my limbs to my stomach and sides. Lapping gently at any untidy places, clearing away any dirt, grime as well as loose hair.
... For the first time I realize that I might have had more licking contact with that white material than I would ever like to admit.
Oh no...
[[I decide to forget about it.->Home 2]]My resting place is a white fluffy... item? I sleep here and I fit. Although it used to be white, it is now more of a ashen grey, [[adorned with tiny tiny black hairs.->Black Hair 2]]
It makes me wonder if the outside has cozy nests such as these. Probably. The grass looked pretty nice, for starters.
(if: $hungry is false)[Maybe.. maybe I could just rest here some more, though, right? I ate a lot and feel so, so delightfully sleepy...
[[Sleep->Sleep End]]]
[[Return->Starting Room]]
I'm not cleaning those off, no thank you. I groom myself, not random fluffy furniture. Who knows what the white material is made out of!
... I could groom myself some more though.
[[Groom myself.->Hair Groom 2]]
[[Return.->Home 2]]I once again lovingly groom my fur. I feel my muscles relax more and more as I proceed to lick my body, as if in a trance. I give myself to the joy of grooming and cleanliness.
I am sure my furcoat looks better than ever. A shining, clean, pure black, with a cute line of white all over my belly.
[[Return.->Home 2]]
(set: $cleanfur to true)Drawing for:
ENDINGS
LEAVING THE HOUSE
SOME SHENANIGHANS
also include: find paper - leave pawprints
ADD COUNTER FOR ENDINGS(if: $dirtyfloor is false)[A small hop brings me onto the comfy stand, even if it's a bit dusty, and yucky. From up here I notice the little plastic packages left behind of snacks, as well as an old soda can my friend, owner and captor must have left behind. All cluttered around the big TV screen. It's not showing annything though.(if: $TVison is true)[Well, earlier it showed nothing. Now some show making animals race through an obstacle course is flashing up.]
I could even reach the couch from here. But I just earlier napped on the superior cushion, so ... nah.
[[Smack the can->Smack Can]]
[[Return->Starting Room]]]
(if: $dirtyfloor is true)[A small hop brings me onto the comfy stand, even if it's a bit dusty. From up here I notice the little plastic packages left behind of snacks by my friend, owner and captor. All cluttered around the big TV screen. It's not showing anything though. (if: $TVison is true)[Well, nothing of importance. Some show making animals race through an obstacle course.]
The can... has mysteriously disappeared.
[[Return->Starting Room]]]
A desk, complete with a [[chair->Chair Description]] in front of it. I don't find desks all that interesting - but the things //on// the desk, those are a whole different story.(if: $hungry is true) [Like food. My god, what I would give for a forgotten tuna sandwich.]
[[Jump onto the Desk->Jump Desk]]
[[Turn back to the room->Starting Room]]
I can entertain myself just fine even if there is nothing going on!
A short swipe lifts the can off the stand, and onto the ground in a long beautiful arc.
Wait a second! There is liquid pouring out, don't tell me it wasn't empty?!
[[... Oops.->Jump Stand]]
(set: $score += 1)
(set: $dirtyfloor to true)Chairs are kind of boring. I can sit there, but it's neither as obscure as the floor, nor as good a vantage point as a table or a shelf. There's also usually no food on them, and I have to watch out for Natasha sitting down at random.
There really isn't much to do here when the best I can think of is [[talking about chairs!->Chair Description 2]]
[[Turn back to the desk->Desk]](if: $glassonfloor is false)[(if: $TVison is false)[(if: $hungry is true)[No, no food. Not here.]
It's a desk. There is a glass with all kinds of pens and pencils thrown together, a TV remote and nothing more. Nothing of value.
Boring. There's a window, that counts for something, I guess.
[[Take out your frustration on the poor glass.->Glass Paw]]
[[Paw the Remote.->Remote 1]]
[[Look outside the window.->Window Description]]
[[Jump back down.->Starting Room]]]]
(if: $glassonfloor is false)[(if: $TVison is true)[(if: $hungry is true)[No, no food. Not here.]
It's a desk. There is a glass with all kinds of pens and pencils thrown together, a TV remote and nothing more. The TV is loud and obnoxious in the background.
There's a window, too.
[[Take out your frustration on the poor glass.->Glass Paw]]
[[Try to fix the Remote.->Remote 3]]
[[Look outside the window.->Window Description]]
[[Jump back down.->Starting Room]]]]
(if: $glassonfloor is true)[(if: $TVison is false)[(if: $hungry is true)[No, no food. Not here.]
It's a desk. There's a TV remote and nothing more. Nothing of value.
Boring. There's a window, that counts for something, I guess.
[[Paw the Remote.->Remote 1]]
[[Look outside the window.->Window Description]]
[[Jump back down.->Starting Room]]]]
(if: $glassonfloor is true)[(if: $TVison is true)[(if: $hungry is true)[No, no food. Not here.]
It's a desk. There's a TV remote and nothing more. The TV is loud and obnoxious in the background.
There's a window, too.
[[Try to fix the Remote.->Remote 3]]
[[Look outside the window.->Window Description]]
[[Jump back dow.n->Starting Room]]]]Wearily, sleepily I settle down into my nest. I curl up, and enjoy the comfort of my life here. The security, the food, the genuine albeit it rare snuggly pats. Brushing even!
I can go on an adventure another day.
For now, I like it here.
//Sleep Ending//
[[Credits->Credits]]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
(set: $SleepEnding to true)I gently feel out the remote - it's like a an incredibly long, big paw with a whole village of paw pads. It's the best massage!
[[Keep massaging.->Remote 2]]
[[Return.->Jump Desk]]
I jump onto the remote like a lion! Rawr!
It gives a little beep, and is all squished in now.
Uhm, don't ask me which button it was that I pressed... maybe I can fix it later?
[[Well, let's return to more important issues for now.->Jump Desk]]
(set: $score += 1)
(set: $TVison to true)
This road is pretty long. There's all kinds of trash on the sidewalks... it's better to walk on the big smooth part after all, isn't it?
Road's are weird. They bring you to your destination but they are no fun by themselves, are they? Except I have no real destination in mind.
[[Can I still make it some fun?->Road 2]]
I can fix this! I just need to jump on it again, like I did before!
[[Jump!->Remote 4]][[Beep!->Remote 5]]The volume just doubled. My head's beginning to hurt.
[[Abandon Mission.->Jump Desk]]
[[Try again.->Remote 6]]
(set: $score += 1)Retreat. Another jump. Another beep.
[[And..?->Remote 7]]
Good lord of the Giant Furball, it finally quieted down.
[[//Phew.//->Jump Desk]]
(set: $TVison to false)
The [[pens make a soft curling gargling sound->Pen Description]] in the glass.
How fun!
[[Paw harder.->Glass Paw 2]]
[[Return.->Jump Desk]]Window to the world
No rain nor sunshine pours through
Glass protects the life
That was pretty good, right?
[[Paw the window.->Window Paw]]
[[Return.->Jump Desk]]A chair is a chair is a chair is a chair.
[[Return.->Desk]]It's hard and cool to the touch. I can't seem to open it, though.
[[Paw harder.->Window Paw 2]]
[[Return.->Jump Desk]]I paw harder. To no avail.
[[Return.->Window Description]]I don't think this is a good idea...
[[Paw harder anyway.->Glass Paw 3]]
[[Return.->Jump Desk]]
I paw harder this time. The glass tilts... and moves...
[[until ...->Glass Paw 4]]//Clang!//
It's on the floor! Thank god it didn't break. The pens are quite the mess, though... Forgive me, Natasha.
... Well. What's done is done.
[[Return.->Jump Desk]]
(set: $glassonfloor to true)
(set: $score += 1)(if: $hungry is true)[Halleluja!! There's food here!
Some old treats as well as ... something... that might have been tuna.
[[Eat both.->Eat Description Unsafe]]
[[Eat only the treats.->Eat Description Safe]]]
(if: $hungry is false)[There is nothing here anymore.
[[Return.->TV Stand]]]The treats are moist, but yummy.
It's not too much, but I feel much better now!
[[Are we ready for action now?->Starting Room]]
(set: $hungry to false)I devour everything in sight. The texture of the tunalike object is ... chewy. Very, strangely chewy. It's like it absorbed all kinds of liquids and syrups and has become a big dense furball.
It's still filling, though! And with that, I finally got some food into my belly. I feel more prepared now.
[[Should we head out?->Starting Room]]
(set: $hungry to false)
(set: $score += 1)She is the cutest watching TV. I'd always wind up cuddling on her lap while she watched whatever. I never paid attention to the TV, she was the real entertainment.
[[I can always come back later... right?->TV Stand]]Natasha often draws here. She'd shoo me away and focus only on whatever she has in front of her. The glass makes the same noise when she is searching for a pen too!
[[Return.->Glass Paw]]What was it again, they usually call her my owner?
Free as a lil' bird
Yet owned by the one I love
With nowhere to go
Something like that!
[[She never //directly// told me that I couldn't go outside, though...->Starting Room]]Cling cling
The keys to life.(if: $pawprints is true)[I found a piece of paper. Pawprints are all over it - my pawprints. It's the perfect mess now.
[[Return.->Bench]]](else:)[I found a piece of paper.
[[Leave Paw Prints?->Paw Prints]]
[[Ignore it?->Bench]]]The sun is shining on this beautiful day.
[[Following short steps down->Step Anecdote]], there's a road to leading to more roads with houses and more houses. Paths upon paths, all seemingly funnelling into the main road ahead.
There is a small patch of meadow next to Natasha's house, which I have admired all my life. Although it's hard to tell where I need to go to reach it yet, I can also see a [[huuuge building->Church Description]] in the distance. I wonder where I should head out to?
[[Go to the meadow.->Meadow]]
[[Go to the biggest building.->Church Interim]]
[[Walk down the street.->Road]]
I jump up to the keys. I managed to hold onto them with my claws, and turn my body, keys in claws.
A short 'click' opens the latch, and the door opens just a tiny bit.
[[Paw the door open.->Freedom 2]][[Interim 1<-FREEDOM!]]eat wine n bread at church - fight mice in grass
anymeow
neverthecress
furr - forShadow, shadow run
In the shape of a tower
Bells toll and... err.. condemn?
Not proud of this one. Anymeow, looks like some sounds are coming out of the building, which is echoing all across to here. It looks so important, I wonder if they'll even let me in.
[[Return.->Outside the Door]]I feel so sophisticated following the hard steps rather than just walking over the earth and ground. It's so funny, though! To humans it's like those paved grey lines are all they are able to walk on.
Does something bad happen when they don't? Maybe they are afraid of grass? There's mice in the gross, though! Not that I am interested in mice. Not at all.
[[Return.->Outside the Door]]//Where is it?!// It has to be still around here!
N-not that I care all that much. I mean, I just got outside here, it'd be strange to run into prey right away. And it's not like anyone ever showed me how to hunt them. Theoretically, though, I am sure I could if I really put my mind to it.
[[Return.->Meadow]]
A forest of green grass welcomes me, as well as the sounds of an entire metropolis of different animals. Starting from the buzzing of insects, grasshoppers chasing new blades of grass and chirping inbetween, to the squeaking of [[what might be a mouse->Mouse Description 1]], to the desparate [[wooing attempts of birds->Bird Song Description]], it's beautiful.
There are also a number of trees lining the edges as well as [[a single lonely bench.->Bench Description]] What's next?
[[Rush deeper into the grass.->Grass Land]]
[[Check out the bench.->Bench]]
[[Check out the trees.->Tree]]Is building, caring for and using benches something that makes you a benchman? In those movies villains had lots of them.
Is that why there are benches around?
[[I'll never know.->Meadow]]W-why is this so moist? There's water everywhere! It didn't even rain today, so what sorcerey is this?
Calm down, me. Deeeep breaths.
Whew. That's better. As I step into the [[grass->Grass]], tiny water droplets assault me, but thankfully I adjust quickly.
[[Try hunting.->Hunt 1]]
[[Go back.->Outside the Door]]
[[Eat some grass.->Nom nom]]A lonely worn-out bench is in front of the meadow. It's facing the street rather than the meadow full of sights for no good reason. I guess that's why nobody sits down here. I can make an exception though.
There's [[some paper->Paper]] scattered around the ground, too.
[[Nap.->Nap]]
[[Return.->Meadow]](if: treescratched is true)[A monumental scratchpad: the tree. Multiple trees, even.
But this big one, that's a real treat to the eyes and claws. Its rind has its own unique pattern, making it an object of both usefulness and art.(if: $treescratch is true)[And now it's a joint project of nature, with my deep clawmarks joining its own patterns. //Real// art.]
Let's just not climb it again.
[[Scratch.->Tree Scratch]]
[[Return.->Meadow]]](else:)[A monumental scratchpad: the tree. Multiple trees, even.
But this big one, that's a real treat to the eyes and claws. Its rind has its own unique pattern, making it an object of both usefulness and art.(if: $treescratch is true)[And now it's a joint project of nature, with my deep clawmarks joining its own patterns. //Real// art.]
I am so glad I went outside!
[[Climb.->Climb Tree]]
[[Scratch.->Tree Scratch]]
[[Return.->Meadow]]]I once heard that birds search for each other through singing. It sounds really romantic, and also strangely practical. You don't have to go anywhere, and still find someone.
[[Birds' song sung on a sunny day!->Meadow]]
I let instinct take over. First, I leap onto the tree, claws fully extended. I drive my claws into the bark immediately. I then hold tightly and execute another leap, proudly, excitedly.
Shaking, even.
Before I know it, I am on top of the world and...
[[Uh-Oh.->Climb Tree 2]](if: $treescratch is true)[I already scratched this tree. My claws'll hurt if I overdo it.
[[Let's leave it at that.->Tree]]](else:)[I pause. This here, this is something special. I can't ruin it.
Gently, carefully, I hold onto the tree and stretch to my full length. I extend my claws further and let my weight drive them deeply into the bark.
This doesn't simply satisfy my desires, it boosts my entire well-being. I am so excited!
[[I am a true artist.->Tree]]
(set: $score += 1)
(set: $treescratch to true)]
It... it's really, really high up here.
What do I do..!? I keep shaking. And it's just getting worse.
The grass looks so tiny from here, and I can even see the hated windows of my home.
How in the world am I supposed to get down? I can't even remember how I got up!
[[Cry for help.->Climb Tree Ending 1]]
[[Gather your courage.->Climb Tree Success]]I surrender. The tree beats me. Cat does not beat tree. Tree beats cat.
Okay. I stay curled up here. I wait. And shake. And I try not to cry.
[[...->Climb Tree Ending 2]]
I can't do it.
I try! I promise!
It just, //ahhhhhhhhhhh!//
[[Jump before you can think any more.->Climb Tree Success 2]]
[[Wait.->Climb Tree Ending 1]]
The bench is surprisingly warm. Sunrays must've charged it up. Although the wood is old, it is not prickly and it is very comfortable.
I stretch my limbs, twist, and decide to just take a short nap like this.
[[I nap.->Bench]]Blades surround my fuzzy self
Cold sharp its spring life
Tests my will to journey on
I-it's not like I am afraid of water. It sure sounds deep, though.
[[Return.->Grass Land]It's time to put my practice with toys to use. I'll leave birds aside for now, I've... I've some experiences to recover from.
So it'll be mice. The cat is chasing the mouse. Let's hope no dog is after me, like they are in those cartoons.
[[Let's go!->Hunt 2]]I'm going on a trip to a big big building!
I remember now, isn't that where they hold those special parties? I can join in, right?
If only it wasn't so far though...
[[Sprint towards the building->Church 1]]
=The moisture actually makes it more appetizing!
It's chewy, but in a good way. It's like flossing your teeth, or something like that. It makes me feel really good, either way!
[[Nom nom.->Grass Land]]ending notes: wait too long and natasha picks you up
if score low enough - all happy, 0 OMG U SWEETIE Y U hERE : D
score high - complaints while picking u up
amused natasha spotted you, picks u up
high score - rascal score
Can you remove set things?! TRY OUT o.o reset of everything but endings at the credits page?Oh merciful lord of the food bowl, please save me! I am not getting anywhere, and I must've waited for forever already.
I'll try calling for help. Even if they didn't understand me, they could still notice me and figure out the rest.
[["Get me out of here!!"->Climb Tree Ending 3]]it not easy to be holy, but i think i'll manage : DI love you, you are doing awesome and I am so happy you put all your feeling into this : )
Even if you say you aren't inspired, you give it your all and give it this glow with your emotions and energy. Go you sweetheart <3make grooming your fur matter
cat allergy guy at churchI close my eyes and immediately take a leap of faith, mid-thought.
I cry and I fall and I fall and... I land on my feet!
Well, that wasn't so difficult. Must be because I am a natural at this!
[[Whew.->Tree]]
(set: $treeclimbed to true)Hehehehe.
I eye the paper. I stalk it, ensure it is staying in place.
And then! Hop! I press my paws in with full pressure, so the moist earth leaves visible stains over it. I then walk over it from the left to right and finally from top to bottom.
[[It is done!->Paper]]
(set: $pawprints to true)
(set: $score += 1)After a short session of long, dreadful howling, I see a figure approaching.
[[Natasha! It's her!->Climb Tree Interim]]
I am reunited with Natasha, but life is different now than it was before. Even if I only took a short trip it has changed my view of the world forever. I learned how scary trees are. Seriously, don't mess with trees.(if: $treescratch is true)[I regret leaving my scrattachment on that one. It must be karma. I will turn over a new leaf and only scratch dead items!]
//Tree Ending//
[[Credits?->Credits]]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
(set: $treeend to true)
Gosh, how embarassing. Still, she stretches out her arms in good faith, and the leap is only a tiny one now.
I take it and find myself safe in her arms again! She gently carasses me while I twitch awkwardly in her arms.
(if: $score < 2)["There you go, little scaredy cat. What a sweetie you are! You are safe now.
How did you even get here? I missed you //so// much! Please don't make your owner worry so much again."](elseif: $score < 4)["You little scaredy cat. Even if you are the cutest furball, be careful now."](if: $score is 4)["You little scaredy cat. Why did you just suddenly disappear? You are lucky I love you so much for all the mess you left behind!"](if: $score > 4)[You rascal you, there you are. You left behind one huge mess! What's gotten into you today?"]
Ahaha.. she found me out. Welp.
[[It could've been worse.->Climb Tree Ending 4]]I am ducking and checking the area. Before you can kill something, you need to know where it is. Or well, know whether there is anything at all.
I am sure there is someting, though! I can smell this little critter! I just need to find it!
[[Lie in wait.->Hunt 3]][[...->Hunt 4]]I ponder on the meaning of life. Don't they always compare it to roads and journeys? I haven't found anything meaningful yet though. Am I doing it wrong?
Or is there more meaning in roads being fun? I had lots of fun playing with Natasha, and also prowling around outside for the first time. If that was already fun then, then shouldn't it be more fun here?
[[I keep walking.->Road 3]]The road is still boring.
Maybe I am doing this wrong. Maybe it's not about the road, but what I can find alongside the road, even if I don't know what it is I am supposed to find there.
[[Take a look around.->Road Look]]
[[Enter an alleyway.->Alleyway 1]]I spent longer than I would like to get here, but I arrived at the big building. The bell stopped ringing, but there are those huge wide wooden doors that lead into a comfortably dark if a bit cold space. There's a small garden behind it, and a couple of people are walking outside.
[[Enter.->Church 2]]The smell really takes some getting used to, something like burned, weird leafs.
I strut around and notice the rows and [[rows of wooden planks->Plank Description]] littering the place. Deeper inside I smell something else though, some food perhaps?
Looking up the ceiling there are huge colorful windows which darken the place, but also give it a tint of blue red and purple. It's really beautiful and reminds me of nighttime. On the side is a staircase spiralling upwards, next to which are [[stacks of books.->Books Description]]
[[Go deeper inside->Church Room 1]]
[[Go up the staircase->Organ 1]]
There's a street alley amidst the asphalt valley,
buildings line the road, like code
Made to function, no conjunction
//Sighs.//
[[Return.->Road 3]]
It's dark here, and smelly, the kind of smelly that'd land me into a nightmare bathtub if I ever smelled like this.(if: $smelly is true)[ And I do.] Though to be honest, I don't know how late it is. It must be getting darker outside this alley too...
There are some trash cans, and bags, as well as some lonely grass and dandelion growing. One of those trash cans is open, and a crow is rifling through it this very moment.
[[Jump into the Trash Can->Trash Can 1]]
[[Head deeper into the alley->Alleyway 2]]
My first instinct commands me to jump into this dirty pile of trash. The crow retreats while I slowly sink into the moist, warm mass. It's enveloping my paws, it sticks to my fur, and some sharp edges poke into my sides. I think that's not what they mean by 'digging in the dirt looking for gold'.
Well... it's not like I agree with intense bathing sessions... but smelling this, I might start to see the point.
[[I jump back out.->Alleyway 1]]
(set: $smelly to true)Deeper inside I see and hear something rustling!
[[Could it be?->Alleyway 3]]It's a [[cat!!->Cat Description]] And not me in a [[mirror!->Mirror Description]]
To live to see the day.
[[Quickly run to say hello.->Alleyway 4]]
[[Attempt Seduction.->Alleyway 4.1]]
[[Assert Dominance.->Lonely Stray 1]]I ran up to a mirror once.
Well, kind of, //into// the mirror.
Said mirror broke into tiny little pieces and I got the biggest scolding afterwards.
[[Natasha never placed a mirror in the hallway again.->Alleyway 3]]I am so excited to meet a fellow cat in the flesh! I pace around the cat for a bit happily before we greet and smell each other.
(if: $smelly is true)[Smelling me, they almost hit me! They must have amazing self-control to stop their claws mid-swing like that. I could feel their clawtips just barely touching me before they withdrew them with a loud hiss.
I feel really embarassed all of a sudden... I totally forgot about that. I start grooming myself on the spot for an emergency grooming session.
They wait patiently for me, and - I should say he, I think they're a he - bids me to follow him afterwards.
[[Follow.->Stray Ending 1]](else:)[He - I think, taking a closer look, they are a he - bids me to follow him quite unceremoniously. He has that strong presence about him, though, so it feels absolutely natural.
[[I instinctively follow him.->Stray Cat Ending 1]]]Oh, sweetest Empress of Stomache-Ache-Free-Milk-Licking, that cat is //beautiful!// The softest wild bushy white fur I have ever seen. Well-groomed to boot, even in these dusty areas.
[[And here I thought //I// was elegant.->Alleyway 3]]
I try to walk as seductively as I can towards the pretty cat - slowly, so very slowly, one paw after the other, wiggling them - before gently nudging the cat and smelling them.
[[I'm doing a pretty good job if I may say so!->Alleyway 5.1]]
I try my best to appear strong, elegant, and most of all - superior in strength! It's my best shot at not becoming a doormat, really. I hear cat hierarchies can be brutal.
[[All puffed up, I slowly walk over.->Lonely Stray 2]]
(if: $smelly is true)[They humor me with a look of utter boredom and, only for a second, with a tinge of amusement. I don't think I impressed them, but at least they aren't shooing me away. Coming closer he - I think they're a he - lets me greet him and he smells really good! But when he starts smelling //me// he suddenly hisses and starts scratching me!
[[Ouch!->Straycat End Smelly]]](else:)[They humor me with a look of utter boredom and, only for a second, a tinge of amusement. I don't think I impressed them, but at least they aren't shooing me away. Coming closer he - I think they're a he - lets me greet him and he smells really good!
He does the same, and I guess he thinks I am good enough, or just a new neighbor cat. I am, kinda. Right?
He then runs off somewhere, and waits just long enough for me to follow. That's my cue!
[[Follow.->Stray Ending 1]]]Do I smell that bad?!
I am being chased away, and I run and run and run, and my sides still hurt where he scratched and it stings, and it sucks.
[[Who ever said roads are fun?!->Straycat End 1]]This sucks. I feel so defeated, but worst of all I have no idea where exactly I am, nor how to get home. I miss Natasha.
...And I am hungry.
Huh... might as well search for more trashcans...
//Lone Stray Cat Ending//(set: $sadstrayend to true)
[[Credits->Credits]]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
Aaand I am met with a strong prank in my side, //oh. my. god//.
Fighting hurts! Those action TV shows are a bunch of lies.
[[There is only one option left for me: Run!->Lonely Stray 3]]I am being chased away, and I run and run and run, and my side still hurt where they hit me and it stings, and it sucks.
[[Who said roads are fun again?->Straycat End 1]]He knows his way around here. It's almost completely dark now, but we have safely passed balconies and [[flower pots->Flower Pot Description]], some washing lines and even some vendors on the way! There's new smells everywhere and only the fear of being left behind lets me keep my attention on my new companion.
[[This is pretty fun!->Stray Ending 2]]
These flower pots have actual living plants inside them!
Natasha's always soon died whenever she tried having some. I could never figure out why, though.
[[Return.->Stray Ending 1]]Eventually we arrive at a den with various cats. I am being introduced one after another, and we start living together.
Life isn't always easy and I can't say I am on top of the ladder, but every day is really fun and I get to see new things all the time! I even get to groom everyone.
//Stray Cat Ending//
[[Credits->Credits]]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
(set: $strayend to true)[[//Wheeze//...->Straycat End 2]][[.....!->Hunt 5]]There is one! I just saw it skip through the grass for a second, between its tunnels, but there is a small mouse, I am sure of it. That smell must be something special.
I can still hear the rustling in my ears and I focus solely on the patch of grass in front of me.
Focus...
[[Focus.->Hunt 6]]Triumphantly I return to my abode, mouse in tow. How come Natasha has never caught anything? She should know better! No wonder I only ever eat those canned goods.
[[Hmph! I will show her!->Prey and Price Ending 2]]My eyes are lighting up as I focus my entire attention before me - and I can see, I can feel it, the softest movement of the grass before me.
Some of it sways in the light spring breeze but this...
I have a chance, and I will take it!
[[Attack!!->Hunt 7]][[I hop decisively and hope for the best!->Hunt 8]]
And I caught something!! There is something under my paws and - it still lives and wiggles and disappeared into the next burrow.
[[Curses!->Hunt 9]]Never fear. The old sparrow catches the worm, right? Something like that.
I will get it next time. I just need to try again.
[[I get ready. I focus. I jump and - ->Hunt 10]]
Just as the little mouse tries to move further away I catch it, and this time I must've hit her in a bad spot, 'cause it stopped moving.
I am so excited!! There is a real live... well, not-so-alive mouse under my very own paw pads! It has a couple of wounds all over the place, and my other claw is still half stuck, for fear of losing it again.
[[Glory be the Emperor of mice for breakfast!->Prey and Price Ending 1]]And so I return home, lay the mouse before Natasha's room and vow to henceforth make enough fuss for her to let me outside! With enough exposure she might come to see the need for a good hunt herself one day. Surely she can't just go without food herself.
I am a fighter of nature now! No mouse shall be safe. And maybe... next time, I can catch even a b-bird.
//Prey and Price Ending//
[[Credits->Credits]]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
(set: $preyending to true)I say 'books', but really, it's all the same book! Not just that humans like staring at those letters, they look all even more same-ish than usual. Those humans are being tricked!
[[Return.->Church 2]]I sneak into the room far in the back of the place. Beyond the rep carpet and fancy tablecloth is a simple plain room with various closed shelves and half-empty tables.
Strong smells assault me, but there is also hope: on the table are a cup of red water as well as some round thingies that might be edible.
[[Drink->Drink 1]]
[[Eat the round chips->Eat 1]]
[[Return.->Church 2]]I tripple up the staircase. It's a bit crummy with uneven steps, and a soft creaking of wood accompanying each. It's a musty, spiral staircase which leads to me to a wide room atop of the other room.
There are a number of chairs stacked on the side, a few music stands that stand deserted in the field, as well as a huge wooden chunk with pipes behind it - huge, metal pipes.
There is also a bench in front of it, and many little legs under and in front of said bench. Wasn't this that one huge instrument? That is supposed to be really loud? It's quiet now, at least.
I wonder if those legs are comfortable, though ... I feel like a nap is in order after all that running and walking.
[[Sleep.->Organ 2]]
[[Return.->Church 2]]Blank are the number of cushions
Lacking is the amount of fur
Banks made for sitting and resting
There is a little step. I concur
[[Return.->Church 2]]Jumping onto the table, this red stuff ... smells really strange. In a bad way. Like a sorta sweet rotten mixture.
[[Drink anyway?->Drink 2]]
[[Leave it.->Church Room 1]]I procceed to eat the little round thingies. They are a lot softer than they looked like and almost melt in my mouth. They sure are yummy! I won't be able to eat all of them, though. There's too many.
[[Nom nom.->Church Room 1]]I lap gently at the strange liquid. It's not too bad, I suppose. I just feel a bit fuzzy.
[[I should probably leave the rest, though.->Church Room 1]]
[[Drink more.->Drink 3]]I have walked all the way out here, I might as well quench my thirst proper. I continue lapping and drinking as much as I can. I don't know when I will find real water next, anymeow.
[[I keep drinking and take a nap afterwards.->Drink 4]]
I slowly wake up from the name... And I am starting to notice something unpleasant. Good gracious Lord of.. of thrown up furballs, what was in this stuff? I don't feel too great.
I try to jump down the table, but I stumble and fall. OUCH.
Ugh, I really... really don't feel any good. My body's not feeling fine, either, I feel sick.
[[Throw up.->Drink 5]]Well... it's gotten all over the bread coins, sorry people, I spoiled those.
But what to do now. Maybe... water? No, no water... like, maybe. Sleep, right... but I just slept...
My eyelids feel so heavy, and whenever I move my limbs, there is a delay of a second or two. I feel so sluggish, even more sluggish than waking up from a deep nap. I slowly tap towards a nice corner of the room and curl up there.
And now the room is moving and spinning too..
My sight blurs, I should probably rest some more.
[[...rest.->Drink End]]But I don't wake up.
//Alcohol is Bad Ending//
[[Credits->Credits]]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
(set: $alcoholending to true)I decide to settle down on the organ's legs, which are surprisingly comfortable! They have little nubs or shoes on which I can rest my head and relax my body against.
[[It's napping time.->Organ 3]][[Zzz...->Organ 4]][[...?->Organ 5]]A gentle shaking wakes me up. I yawn and stretch a bit before I open my eyes to see another human. A tall one, fully covered from head to town in black clothing. Even his hat and shoes are of the deepest black. So black, my fur almost melts into the color. Good choice, sir! Good choice.
He still keeps nudging me even after I woke up though, so he probably wants to play this wood and pipe thing. I reluctanctly search for another corner while he prepares for his play and takes a seat on the bench. This place is too cold though, so I prepare to snuggle under the coat that's now lying on said bench instead.
[[I mean, I am not going downstairs to warm up if I can do it here.->Organ 6]]!
He started petting me. My god, I missed that feeling. And because he keeps doing it, I start purring without a second thought.
Soon he does so absentmindedly as he brings the machine to life. It's loud, very loud, and I can feel the vibrations in my body. Nonetheless, I am kinda used to loud sounds, and these are much more pleasant than the TV is.
[[I stay for a while and listen.->Organ End 1]]After he stopped playing he actually started laying out a nice bed-improvisation for me, and got me some food and water to boot!
Is he trying to take care of me here? Now, I still need to do my business outside, but I can handle that.
I can definitely try to make myself at home. I know this is supposed to be a holy place, and it's not easy to be holy, but I think I will manage.
//Church End//
[[Credits->Credits]]
[[Start Over?->Start]]
(set: $churchend to true)