Valeria the Vampire

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<<set $chapter to "Chapter 1">><<unset $location>><<pr>>Now would be a good time to <<link "save">><<script>>UI.saves();<</script>><</link>>.<</pr>> <<pr>>When you are ready to move on,% [[let me know|C01_Entry]].<</pr>> <<pr>>''Tip:''% You can also save at anytime by using the SAVES button% on the sidebar menu. %In the sidebar you'll also find buttons for moving backwards and forwards through passages,% if you want.% We bear no responsibility for any anomalies caused by arbitrary time travelling.<</pr>>

<<set $chapter to "Chapter 1">><<pr>><span class="large">Chapter 1:</span>% <span class="large">Curiosity</span><</pr>> <<pr>>Say...% have you ever dated a vampire before?<</pr>> <<pr>>Well, %for the longest time I hadn't even met one.<</pr>> <<pr>>Why do I ask?% Well, %don't worry about that for now.<</pr>> <<pr>>Ah.% Well, %it is time for me go.% It would seem that the [["real world" is calling back to me|C01_Main0010]].<</pr>>

<<set $location to "University: CS Hall - Offices">><<header>> <<pr>>And just like that%, I find myself here at the professor's office.<</pr>> <<pr>>The clock reads% 5:45pm.% It seems a little late to be here.<</pr>> <<dlg "Professor">>Right,% $name.% So how does that sound?<</dlg>> <<pr>>Suddenly all my memories come rushing back,% as if someone had just loaded a save state.% My response practically comes out of me as I try and make sense of the situation.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Yes,% that sounds great.% Thank you so much for understanding.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Professor">>Don't sweat it.% It happens.% I'm just happy we got to sort it out in person. %Let me know if you need anything.% And next time, don't leave it to the last minute.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>I understand.% Again,% I'm sorry.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I notice that this time,% it isn't just me here.% There's also a catgirl here who I don't recognize.<</pr>> <<dlg "Professor">>Alright.% Well, that's quite enough for me today.% I'm expecting you at labs tomorrow.% Take care,% $name.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I nod at my professor as she leaves the room.<</pr>> <<pr>>Guess it's also about time I [[head outside|C01_Main0020]].<</pr>>

<<set $location to "University: CS Hall - Hallway">><<header>> <<pr>>I pack away my paperwork into my backpack and make my way out of the room.<</pr>> <<pr>>I notice that the catgirl stands up and begins to follow after me.<</pr>> <<pr>>Etiquette in this city would have me [[pay her no mind|C01_NoInv0010]] and go about my day.% Though I can't help but think,% perhaps I should at //least// [[invite her|C01_Inv0010]] to walk with me as I head out of the hall%...<</pr>>

<<header>><<set $flagsC1InvitedValeria to true>> <<pr>>I turn to the catgirl% and she looks at me% as if she were waiting for me to do so.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Oh, hey!% Um...%are you headed out as well?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Oh,% yes!% Shall we walk together?% [smiles]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>I was about to ask.% [laughs] %Sure,% I'd be down.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Lovely.% It's always nice to walk with company.% [smiles]<</dlg>> <<pr>>I [[continue walking|C01_Inv0020]]% as she follows next to me.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>Though that slight exchange has put me more at ease,% it would still be smart to try and assess the situation.<</pr>> <<pr>>If I have learnt anything through my college life so far,% it's that you should always stay observant of your surroundings.<</pr>> <<pr>>Why was she staying back late? %Why did she follow me as soon as the professor left?<</pr>> <<pr>>Hmm.% Was it a mistake to invite her,% a literal stranger,% whom based on all that,% I should have been quite suspicious of?<</pr>> <<pr>>I have to wonder%...% What was I thinking?<</pr>> <<pr>>Well,% it might be too late to dwell on that too deeply.% After all,% she's here with me now.<</pr>> <<pr>>I guess% I'll [[just keep walking|C01_Inv0030]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>As we walk, she turns to me to speak.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Can I ask about what you and the professor were talking about?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Huh?% Well, it's kind of private.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Ah.% I see...% Embarassed about it?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Well%...% No,% not really.% I guess it's more that it's not that interesting.% I wouldn't want to bore you with the details.% [nervously laughing]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Oh?% Is that it?% Bore me with details? [giggle] %Try me. [smiles]<</dlg>> <<pr>>For city culture interaction,% she sure is more talkative and inquisitive than most.% I suppose I don't mind this.<</pr>> <<pr>>I do my best to recall and summarize my conversation with the professor% and explain how it pertains to my falling grades.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Ah.% Well, that doesn't surprise me.% She's always been one to seek understanding.% That she sensed the true and troubled nature of your current living situation% and chose to provide support rather than penalize you% is heartwarming to hear.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Ah.% Yes,% yes it is.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She's well spoken, and attentive.% This is no ordinary smalltalk.% Now, while this is normally the kind of person I would try to socialize with,% in this case, I'm not used to a total stranger,% who seemingly showed up out of nowhere,% taking to this conversation in a way that almost assumes% that we are already friends.<</pr>> <<pr>>I do find it mildly unsettling.% And yet,% my curiosity gets the better of me.<</pr>> <<pr>>We reach the exit of the hall% and [[head into the courtyard|C01_Inv0040]].<</pr>>

<<set $location to "University: CS Courtyard">><<header>> <<dlg "Catgirl">> Not much of a talker,% are you?% You must be one of those people who live deeply in their heads.% Hehehehe........ %I bet you have a lot to share from the depths of that font of wisdom of yours.% Mmmm.... %Perhaps you've become an established scholar, a great philosopher, within the confines of your own world.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Well%...% her assessment isn't wrong.% I //do//% have ADHD and I am autistic,% which,% I'm sure you could imagine,% can be quite the cocktail.% ADHD would have me rapidly hopping between different subjects,% while the autistic part of me would have no problem diving into the depths.% It's very easy for me to latch onto one thing,% hyperfocus on it,% until somewhere along the line,% a new interest is spawned to latch onto,% or perhaps a distraction% wedges its way in.<</pr>> <<pr>>It's actually quite impressive how much her description hits home.%% Perhaps I should [[match her energy|C01_Inv0050]] and vibe here.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">> Haha.% I suppose you could say that.% Say, you seem to be rather familiar with these% 'deep inner worlds'.% And yet,% you do seem more like a "talker",% as you put it.% So these two things aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">> Is that so?% [laughs] %Well,% you're right.% Though I never said they were.% [smirk] %Mmmmmmmm..............% well,% there is certainly more to you than meets the eyes.% Introverts are truly full of surprises.<</dlg>> <<pr>>As this conversation continues,% I find myself taking a liking to her.% She is incredibly cute,% not shy about going deep into intellectual conversation.% But something still feels unsettling.% I don't know anything about her objective here,% or if she even has one.<</pr>> <<pr>>I could very well be playing with fire,% unknowingly.% I take a [[glance at her outfit|C01_Main0030]],% which sneakily catches my eye.<</pr>> <<set $onBench to false>>

<<header>><<set $flagsC1InvitedValeria to false>> <<pr>>I decide to stick to the task at hand and keep walking.<</pr>> <<pr>>I can sense the catgirl following behind me, at around a social distancing range.<</pr>> <<pr>>It would be smart to try to assess the situation.% If I have learnt anything through my college life so far,% it's that you should always stay observant of your surroundings%...<</pr>> <<pr>>Why was she staying back late? %Why did she follow me as soon as the professor left?<</pr>> <<pr>>My suspicion of her starts to grow.% It seems almost too coincidental%...<</pr>> <<pr>>[[I continue walking|C01_NoInv0020]] in the awkward silence.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>The next minute or so remains uneventful and we finally reach the exit of the hall.<</pr>> <<pr>>We go out into the courtyard.% This seems like a good stopping point,% so I go to the nearest bench and sit.% Part of me feels this is a dangerous move,% but seeing if she follows or just continues walking, might reveal more "information",% which seems to be the most important thing to assess in this moment.<</pr>> <<pr>>I do my best [[not to pay attention to her|C01_NoInv0030]]% and take my phone out from the backpack on my side.<</pr>>

<<set $location to "University: CS Courtyard">><<header>> <<pr>>From my peripheral view,% I can see she //has// followed me to the bench, and takes a seat next to me.% She crosses her legs as she stares into the distance.<</pr>> <<pr>>I momentarily freeze,% as my inner danger sensor starts to take read% and my fears start becoming reality.% This really isn't what I was hoping would happen.<</pr>> <<pr>>I try to snap out of it,% and keep [[mindlessly scrolling|C01_NoInv0040]] through BlueSky,% pretending to read anything% through my glazed eyes.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Catgirl">> Not much of a talker,% are you? %You must be one of those people who live deeply in their heads.% Hehehehe... %I bet you have a lot to share from the depths of that font of wisdom of yours.% Mmmm? %Perhaps you've become an established scholar,% a great philosopher,% within the confines of your own world. <</dlg>> <<pr>>This takes me way off guard.% It's not that she's wrong.% In fact,% she more or less hits the nail on the head here.% What is bothering me is this seemingly assumed level of closeness% right off the bat.<</pr>> <<pr>>Curiosity would have me [[respond to her|C01_NoInv_Respond0010]].% But part of me just wants to [[sit here and ignore her|C01_NoInv_Ignore0010]],% after all% that isn't unlike how most here would handle this situation.% Then again,% perhaps the safest recourse would be to [[just get up and leave|C01_NoInv_Leave0010]].<</pr>>

<<header>><<if $flagsC1BenchResponse1 is "ignore">><<set $flagsC1BenchResponse2 to "respond">><<else>><<set $flagsC1BenchResponse1 to "respond">><</if>> <<pr>>I decide to entertain her for a bit.<</pr>> <<pr>>You see,% her assessment isn't wrong.% I //do//% have ADHD and I am autistic,% which,% I'm sure you could imagine,% can be quite the cocktail.% ADHD would have me rapidly hopping between different subjects,% while the autistic part of me would have no problem diving into the depths.% It's very easy for me to latch onto one thing,% hyperfocus on it,% until somewhere along the line,% a new interest is spawned to latch onto,% or perhaps a distraction% wedges its way in.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">> Haha,% well I guess you got me figured out. %Say, you seem to be rather familiar with these% 'deep inner worlds'.% And yet,% you do seem more like a "talker",% as you put it.% So these two things aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. <</dlg>> <<pr>>It's actually quite impressive how much her description hits home.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Oh?% Is that so?% [laughs]<</dlg>> <<pr>>It feels odd engaging in this conversation when we haven't even exchanged any greeting.% It's as if you were dropped into a story in the middle,% without any context whatsoever.% I'm relieved that she at least was okay with me responding,% practically a billion years later.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">> Well,% you're right.% Though I never said they were.% [smirk] %Mmmmmmmm.............% well,% there is certainly more to you than meets the eyes.% Introverts are truly full of surprises.<</dlg>> <<pr>>As this conversation continues,% I find myself taking a liking to her.% She is incredibly cute,% not shy about going deep into intellectual conversation.% But something still feels unsettling.% I don't know anything about her objective here,% or if she even has one.<</pr>> <<pr>>I could very well be playing with fire,% unknowingly.% I take a [[glance at her outfit|C01_Main0030]], which sneakily catches my eye.<</pr>> <<set $onBench to true>>

<<header>><<set $flagsC1BenchResponse1 to "ignore">> <<pr>>I decide to keep "scrolling"% through my phone.% Thankfully,% I have a privacy screen,% so it's not like she can actually see what I'm doing.<</pr>> <<pr>>She seems relatively unfazed% and just continues staring out into the distance.<</pr>> <<pr>>Did I just imagine her talk then?<</pr>> <<pr>>This aspect of city culture seems awfully frustrating at times.% I wonder if she feels the same.% Perhaps I should just [[respond to her|C01_NoInv_Respond0010]] after all% and continue what could become an interesting conversation.% I could also [[just get up and leave|C01_NoInv_Leave0010]].<</pr>>

<<header>><<if $flagsC1BenchResponse1 is "ignore">><<set $flagsC1BenchResponse2 to "leave">><<else>><<set $flagsC1BenchResponse1 to "leave">><</if>> <<pr>>I put my phone back into my bag% and stand up.% As I'm about to walk off% she interrupts me.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>You must be new here.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Huh?% What is she talking about?% I've been here for almost 3 years already,% both in this city, and this college.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>It's not good to ignore people,% you know.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I turn around to her.<</pr>> <<dlg Me>> Ah,% sorry! [nervously] %I was a little lost in my mind. <</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Hahah.% You think? %[smirks]% I knew it.% So I was right then.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Ahh..% haha..% yeah.....%um, %right.<</dlg>> <<pr>>This is a little weird,% but I'm relieved at least.% I [[continue to entertain her|C01_NoInv_Leave0020]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>I think back to what she said,% "One of those people who live deeply in their heads".<</pr>> <<pr>>Well, you see%...% her assessment isn't wrong.% I //do//% have ADHD and I am autistic,% which,% I'm sure you could imagine,% can be quite the cocktail.% ADHD would have me rapidly hopping between different subjects,% while the autistic part of me would have no problem diving into the depths.% It's very easy for me to latch onto one thing,% hyperfocus on it,% until somewhere along the line,% a new interest is spawned to latch onto,% or perhaps a distraction% wedges its way in.<</pr>> <<pr>>Come to think of it,% it's actually quite impressive how much her description hits home.% Perhaps [[I should match her energy|C01_NoInv_Leave0030]] and vibe here.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">> Say, you seem to be rather familiar with these% 'deep inner worlds'.% And yet,% you do seem more like a "talker",% as you put it.% So these two things aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">> Oh,% so you //were//% listening after all.% Hehehe.......% Curious............. %Well,% you're right.% Though I never said they were.% [smirks] %Mmmmmmmmmmmm.............% well,% there is certainly more to you than meets the eyes.% Introverts are truly full of surprises.<</dlg>> <<pr>>As this conversation continues,% I find myself taking a liking to her.% She is incredibly cute,% not shy about going deep into intellectual conversation.% But something still feels unsettling.% I don't know anything about her objective here,% or if she even has one.<</pr>> <<pr>>I could very well be playing with fire,% unknowingly.% I take a [[glance at her outfit|C01_Main0030]],% which sneakily catches my eye.<</pr>> <<set $onBench to true>>

<<header>> <<pr>>From top to bottom.% She is wearing a black bowtie on her head,% over her long pastel pink hair.% An earring with a small black rose% dangles off of her left ear.<</pr>> <<pr>>Her dress is matching black% and is ornate with ruffle decorations.% The bright and saturated bubblegum pink highlights are quite striking,% against this.<</pr>> <<pr>>The sleeves go all the way to her wrists,% ending with ruffles.% Her fingernails are painted% the same jet black.<</pr>> <<pr>>Black tights cover the rest of her body downwards% to her black knee high boots% decorated with bubblegum pink knots.<</pr>> <<pr>>With how much matching black is throughout her outfit,% it would be difficult to make things out without the light here% illuminating all the subtle details and textures of the materials.<</pr>> <<pr>>The contrast between the pink of her hair,% and various highlights in her garments,% against the deep black% certainly make it an eye-catching attire.<</pr>> <<pr>>It's interesting,% I had never noticed earrings on a catgirl before.% It hadn't occurred to me they //could//% wear them on their cat-like ears.% Well,% I suppose my high school didn't really have many of them to begin with.% They were definitely more common in metropolitan areas,% while I grew up in the western part of Sydney, in a much more rural area.<</pr>> <<pr>>Here, in the city,% you're practically surrounded by them.% Despite that,% I've mostly kept to myself,% being heads down on studies% for the three years I've been here.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Hmmmmmmm?% Are you okay there?<</dlg>> <<pr>>Oops.% [[I look back up to her face|C01_Main0040]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Checking me out,% are you?% [tilting her head]<</dlg>> <<pr>>Welp%...% so much for a quick glance.%<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Oh,% um,% I%—% I'm%—%<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>[chuckles] %Oh, it's totally fine.% I'm glad you seem to admire my outfit.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Yeah, it's—%<</dlg>> <<if $onBench>><<dlg "Catgirl">>Oh my,% the sun is starting to set. %Shall we get going?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Ah, right,% yes.<</dlg>> <<pr>>We both get up from the bench% and start heading towards the main entrance of campus.<</pr>> <<pr>>I can't help but feel sad that we are about to part ways.<</pr>> <<pr>>Or%...% wait.% The whole reason why I'm in this situation is because //she//% started following me.% What does she intend to do now?<</pr>><<else>><<pr>>She interrupts me as we arrive at the main entrance of campus.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Ah.% Well, the sun is starting to set. %About time we head home, isn't it?<</dlg>> <<pr>>Wait.% The whole reason why I'm in this situation is because //she//% started following me.% What does she intend to do now?<</pr>> <</if>><<pr>>In any case,% it does seems like a natural place to [[say our farewells|C01_Main0050]] here.<</pr>>

<<set $location to "University: Campus Main Entrance">><<header>> <<if $onBench>><<pr>>This was such an interesting,% surprisingly eye-opening experience.<</pr>><<else>><<pr>>I can't help but feel sad that we are about to part ways.% This was such an interesting,% surprisingly eye-opening experience.<</pr>><</if>> <<dlg "Me">>I definitely appreciate this city, and it's diverse array of people.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Oh yeah? [laughing] %Where's this coming from all of a sudden?<</dlg>> <<pr>>She looks deep into my eyes.% Her light green eyes provide yet another contrast to her overall appearance.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Mmmmmm....% You must have been a rural kid,% yeah?% [smiles]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Ahaha.% Right.% You got me. [looking away,% awkwardly]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Eh.% People keep saying I'm observant,% or something.% [shrugs] %I just tell it how I see it.% I've been here for several years.% I've crossed paths with many through that% "diverse array of people".% [chuckle]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>That checks out.% Oh, hey%...% I never got your name.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I can't believe that it took me till now to realize.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Oh?% Did I not tell you before? %Oh right.% You suffered some memory loss,% did you not?<</dlg>> <<pr>>Wait.% How does she know that?% Perhaps I haven't recovered all my memories, yet.<</pr>> <<dlg "Catgirl">>Well,% I'm Valeria.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Nice to meet you,% Valeria.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Valeria.% I like that name.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>So you really don't remember.........% interesting.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Is this%...% part of why she was following me in the first place?% If there were to be any time to try and [[get closure|C01_Main0060]] to that,% it would be now.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>Hey.% Why did you have to stay late today?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Hmm? %Well,% I was just waiting.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Waiting? For...%?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>You,% actually.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Huh%...%?<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Oh..% yeah?% Me?% Why?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>So you wouldn't come home late. %You know,% it's not safe to walk alone at night.<</dlg>> <<pr>>What in the%...% I mean,% as much as it is great that she shows thoughtfulness and care.% And as much as we had the beginnings of a nice chat%...% Well,% hang on.% This was //before//% all that.% This is her reasoning?% We are practically strangers.% Or at least,% that's how it is from my point of view.<</pr>> <<pr>>I'm almost sure I've got back all my memories.% And I don't ever remember meeting her before.% I would have certainly remembered those cat ears,% and that striking attire...<</pr>> <<pr>>No.% I have to [[treat this at face value|C01_Main0070]].% There's no point in trying to guess what I //should//% know.% Even if we did know each other%...% doesn't this all seem a little off?<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>Oh,% that's very considerate of you.% But it's fine,% I can handle myself!% You don't need to worry about that.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She turns to me% and walks up a little closer.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Mmmm? [tilting her head] %We'll see about that.% [looking up at me]<</dlg>> <<pr>>Her green eyes lock onto mine.% Though she is slightly shorter than me,% she has this very powerful presence% and it almost feels like she is towering over me,% somehow.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>You really should be more cautious when walking around in a city like this.% Especially at night.% You can't anticipate everything.% And there are things that are beyond your ability to handle,% rural% ?enby.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She takes my wrist.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Come now.% I will take you home.% [smiles]<</dlg>> <<pr>>I%...% I don't know how to feel.% This ridiculously cute catgirl is touching me,% and wanting to walk me around like we're a couple,% or something.<</pr>> <<pr>>This situation is [[getting stranger by the minute.|C01_Main0080]]<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>No, seriously,% I'm fine!% You really don't need to—<</dlg>> <<pr>>She interrupts my protest by placing a finger on my lips.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Listen,% $name.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She speaks softly,% but with firm diction.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>You want to spend more time with me,% don't you? %So why not come home with me, hmm?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>W-%wait%...% how do you know my name?% And%...% home,% with you?% //Your//% home?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>[giggles] %Are you scared, $name?% Really?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Well,% I mean.% I just don't know you very well.% We've only just met.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>So I'm just a stranger, then?% [looking down,% and away]<</dlg>> <<pr>>Her hair falls down,% covering part of her face.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>H-%hey!% No..% I mean,% you're just,% a little forward.% An introvert like me..% well.% I need time to process.% You're being very direct% and it's taking me off guard.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Well,% it's taking me more than just% "off guard".<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Ah okay...% my bad.% My apologies.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I can't see her expression,% but her voice wavers,% as if she were on the verge of tears.<</pr>> <<pr>>I [[sense an emotion|C01_Main0090]],% familiar to me.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>Perhaps underneath all this bubbly confidence and deep conversation,% she's scared?% Perhaps she is a shy introvert putting on a mask.% I start to feel kinda bad.% Maybe she is just lonely,% a catgirl needing a friend.% Perhaps it already played out that way outside of the bounds of my recovered memories.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Hey...% are you okay?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>It's okay if you want to leave.% I guess we don't know each other.% You're right,% I shouldn't have pushed.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She is still looking away.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>No.% I'm sorry.% I just got surprised,% that's all.% If you would like me to join you,% I can do that.% I'm not doing much tonight.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She turns to me with her eyes sparkling.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Really?% I would love nothing more.% Thank you.% [smiles] % [[Let's go then, shall we?|C01_Main0100]]<</dlg>> <<pr>>Feeling a little weirded out at the tonal whiplash there, but anyway%...<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>She releases my wrist and we both cross the street as we begin the walk to her place.<</pr>> <<pr>>I can't believe this.% Putting all the scary thoughts aside,% a cute catgirl is asking me to accompany her.% I'm not used to this.% But then again,% I can't say I'd turn down the chance to spend more time with a catgirl.% And I do have to admit,% I do feel myself getting more and more attracted to her.<</pr>> <<pr>>Wait.% What is going on?% Why am I like this now?<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Say,% $name.% What do you think about living life with curiosity?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Huh? %Well, funny you say that.% That's practically my way of life. %And I guess I'd be lying if I didn't say that was part of why I agreed to this. %[laughing nervously]<</dlg>> <<pr>>I try to swat away the quickly bubbling self consciousness in me.% Am I being% "cringe"?<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Oh?% So I'm //that//% interesting to you.% How...% flattering.% Well, I'm happy to hear that. [smiles]<</dlg>> <<pr>>My face takes on a little smile as well,% feeling [[somewhat relieved|C01_Main0110]].<</pr>>

<<set $location to "University Ave Footpath">><<header>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Well then, $name,% tell more more.% What's caught your eye?% What's reeled in your curiosity,% hmm?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Well..% you don't seem like the typical catgirl.% And your outfit is so cool,% it strikes me as though there is much depth to you...<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>//Typical//% catgirl?% Huh. [tilting her head] %A lot of people say that,% and I have no idea what they mean half the time. %Care to clue me in,% rural ?enby?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Oh,% uh...% I mean,% a lot of catgirls I've seen,% seem very outgoing,% lively, energetic.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>And what?% Am I not energetic enough?% Not lively?% Despite dragging you along for a stroll back home?% [laughing] %I'm so curious as to what this stereotype in your head% really looks like.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Her eyes narrow slowly,% seemingly [[in anticipation for an answer|C01_Main0120]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>Hahaha..% well,% I mean...% Honestly% I never grew up around many,% so I can tell you my inner stereotypes are largely primed,% or perhaps poisoned is a better way to put it,% by whatever is in anime, media, and whatnot.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Hah.% Well, that checks out.% People pretty much fetishize us in media, don't they?% Like one dimensional cute bubbly girls, to be objectified. %Well //I'm//% a person, too.% I have a life,% my own ambitions,% goals.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Well, of course.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I say,% as the inner structure of my brain shifts new information into place,% burning away at the more rural-rooted foundations holding up my worldview.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>What they fail to capture is the sheer diversity of our race.% It's all one thing or the other,% no nuance.% And no matter what extreme,% there's always a negative light shone upon each. %For example,% I like seeking prey.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Wait,% what?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>And see?% That reaction right there.% Well, in any case,% that's neither here or there right now. [smugly,% looking forward]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Hmm..% I feel like you're trying to tell me something.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Maybe I am.% Maybe I'm not.% [chuckles] %Try not to strain your brain on it too much.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She grabs my hand as we [[enter the shadow of a tree|C01_Main0130]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>Suddenly,% out of nowhere,% she turns me around so I am facing her,% then forces me backwards until my back is against the trunk.<</pr>> <<pr>>I look to her,% confused,% as she places her palms on the trunk, on either side of me,% and leans in.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Tell me,% rural ?enby,% do you feel safe? [tilting her head]<</dlg>> <<pr>>I feel a waterfall of emotions,% rushing down on me.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Uh..% well.% Sure...% You're keeping me safe,% right?% You said so earlier.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Good.% [smile]<</dlg>> <<pr>>She backs off% and continues enroute.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>[[Let's keep moving, then.|C01_Main0140]]<</dlg>>

<<set $location to "Liliana Park Crescent">><<header>> <<pr>>I push myself off of the tree and follow suit.<</pr>> <<pr>>What the heck was that all about?<</pr>> <<pr>>The daylight has almost completely left the sky,% and I'm starting to feel a bit worn out from all the walking%...% and well,% just this whole thing in general.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>How far away is it, exactly?% Your home, I mean.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Getting tired are you? [laughs] %Don't worry,% we're almost there.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I hadn't realized it,% but we're a little further away from the college town,% somewhere a tad more residential.% There are a mix of tall condomium complexes and cute small cottages.<</pr>> <<pr>>We arrive at one of the cottages that she [[motions toward|C01_Main0150]].<</pr>>

<<set $location to "Valeria's House: Front Yard">><<header>> <<pr>>From the outside,% it looks like a one-bedder.% A cozy sized cottage.% I had no idea there was a district with this kind of housing.<</pr>> <<pr>>She unlocks the door% and we both step in.<</pr>> <<pr>>She stops by the side of the foyer% and takes off her boots,% before walking into the hallway.<</pr>> <<pr>>I take off my shoes% and do the same.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Can I get you something to drink?% Tea,% perhaps?<</dlg>> <<pr>>We enter the common area,% which reminds me of more of a studio layout.% The living room, kitchen, and dining room% are all kind of just melded together.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Tea sounds great, actually.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Perfect.% Give me a moment.% Make yourself at home.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I take a seat on the couch.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>For evenings,% I like to brew chamomile and throw in a bit of CBD.% How does that sound?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Oh, yes.% That sounds good.<</dlg>> <<pr>>It sounds like a good evening cooldown tea,% and I'll never say no to that.<</pr>> <<pr>>I'm feeling a lot less anxious about the situation.% It's almost as if that little "detour"% into that tree was nothing but a figment of my imagination%...% or perhaps just a vivid manifestation of my own fears.% Or something like that.% Who knows.<</pr>> <<pr>>The inside of this cottage is also very cozy.% It's a homely,% very welcoming space.% I look around to admire its [[interior design|C01_Main0160]].<</pr>>

<<set $location to "Valeria's House: Living Room">><<header>> <<pr>>It has a very Victorian kind of vibe.% Surprisingly more neutral toned than her attire,% but still having some splashes of jet black and cherry pink flair to it.% I feel that it's maintained by someone who clearly cares for their home.% The extra detail and personal touches seem very intentional and incorporated into the design.% Overall, it gives me a feeling of safety.<</pr>> <<pr>>I spot a bookshelf in the corner.% I get off of the couch and slowly make my way there.<</pr>> <<pr>>My almost rigid idealism around [[curiosity|C01_Main0170]] couldn't backfire on me now%...% could it?% We've already come this far.% Hahaha%...<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>Her bookshelf is nicely arranged,% with various topics% from science,% philosophy,% fashion design,% digital art.% There are also various books that are more fantasy-themed,% things with occult and magical properties.% I come across a section with books about vampires.% Though a fictional genre,% these appear to be books presented as%...% non-fiction?<</pr>> <<pr>>The very idea of that makes me chuckle.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Alright, tea's ready!<</dlg>> <<pr>>She sets a serving platter% with two teacups and a teapot% onto the coffee table.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Ah,% thanks!<</dlg>> <<pr>>The chamomile and some other scents from essential oils fill the surrounding area.% I walk back to the couch to [[join her|C01_Main0180]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>Seated next to each other% we take our cups.<</pr>> <<pr>>I begin to sip on mine% slowly.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Ahh...% Hits the spot.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>So, what were you laughing at earlier?% Something amusing catch your eye?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Hmm?% Oh, nah,% just those vampire books.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Oh yeah?% Interesting..% that you should find those amusing... %[[Say more?|C01_Main0190]]<</dlg>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>Oh,% it's not much.% I mean,% that whole genre is kind of amusing.% If vampires were real,% why would they waste so much time trying to frame it like an elaborate thriller, you know?% So much ceremony put into place just to scare their victim.% And in the movies,% there's always some screaming voiceover added to it.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>You mean,% jumpscares?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Yeaaaah.% I hate those. [shudders] %Anyway,% there's just,% so much setup.% If they simply require blood,% why not just..% take it?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>An interesting question.% Let's think this through for a moment.% What do humans need to survive?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>...%huh?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Not a trick question.% Just an exercise.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I do like [[a good thought exercise|C01_Main0200]].% This is //my//% kind of conversation,% for sure.<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>Well..% things like food,% shelter,% water...<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Why food?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>For sustenance?% Nutrients?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>So why not just...% take them?% Why the 'ceremony' around cooking,% preparing,% garnishing..% and why not just the same thing every time?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Well,% things get boring?% Hmm.% I guess I never thought of it this way...% Huh...<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Mmmmm...% Yes.% Well,% go on.% Tell me more about this mindblowing [[revelation going on deep in your head right now|C01_Main0210]].% [smiles]<</dlg>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>Well..% If we consider that blood is necessary for Vampires to live,% and let's assume that it needs to be fresh blood.% There's really only one way to source it:% from other beings.% And that's it.% There's no cooking it,% or preparing it into some fine wine% or anything like that.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Yeah?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>For humans,% the ceremony of cooking,% preparing,% sharing meals communally,% that's all part of the core experience,% a part of what being human means.% And this may be a crude analogy,% but for vampires,% the ceremony of scaring their prey is one of many ways to add variety to this ritual.% Instead of cooking methods,% they have...% entertainment..% methods?% Hahaha...<</dlg>> <<pr>>[[We both laugh together.|C01_Main0220]]<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>I mean,% I can only speculate so much,% not being a vampire myself.% [chuckles]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Valeria">>How fascinating.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She looks at me,% her eyes narrowing.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Such empathy towards others who live different lives than you.<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>//That's//% what you dug up from all that?% Hahaha.% I guess you've discovered [[more profound things about me than I have|C01_Main0230]].<</dlg>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Valeria">>That's a wonderful thing that comes from social interactions,% conversations,% //curiosity//. %We learn a lot about each other,% and ourselves. %And I think I am learning a lot% about you.% [smirk]<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>Hah,% well I suppose you're right.% Such deep insight gained from..% well..% vampires,% of all things.% [laugh] %Even in fiction we are able to learn more about the world around us.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I'm not quite sure what I'm even saying at this point.% I'm just relaying the raw train of thought on-air,% livestreamed from my brain.<</pr>> <<pr>>She stands up to go to the window to close the curtains.<</pr>> <<pr>>I decide to stand up myself% and take a stretch and [[walk around|C01_Main0240]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Valeria">>You're a very thoughtful and introspective person,% $name.<</dlg>> <<pr>>She speaks softly,% her gaze on me.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>I like that.<</dlg>> <<pr>>Next thing I know,% she is approaching me,% slowly.<</pr>> <<pr>>In my vision,% her image begins to splits into two and I start to feel a tinge of vertigo.<</pr>> <<pr>>W-%what?% What's going on?% Why am I feeling this way?<</pr>> <<pr>>I blink and rub my eyes% and the double vision slowly merges back together.<</pr>> <<pr>>Is it%...%no%...% the tea?% Or am I just%...% [[tired from it getting late|C01_Main0250]]?<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>Suddenly,% I feel a thud from behind me.<</pr>> <<pr>>I find Valeria right in front of me,% holding my shoulders% and pushing me against the wall.<</pr>> <<pr>>She looks up at me from below,% her mouth opens briefly,% showing a pair of fangs amongst her teeth.% They are reminiscent of fangs that some Miqo'te from Final Fantasy XIV have.% Perhaps those were based on catgirls from reality,% after all.<</pr>> <<pr>>I snap out of my deep thoughts% and focus back on the situation at hand.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Hey!% Uhh..% what's going on?%?<</dlg>> <<pr>>I say,% feeling scared,% for sure now.<</pr>> <<pr>>She lifts her head up% until she is standing back at her full height,% her face reaching just below my eye level.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Tell me,% $name.% Do you feel safe now?<</dlg>> <<pr>>She repeats her question from earlier today.% Except,% this time,% despite being in a seemingly much safer place than in the shadows of a random tree on the sidewalk,% here%...% I feel //more//% afraid.<</pr>> <<pr>>This is now starting to truly feel like danger.% Her eyes look at me with hunger that seems...% [[predatory|C01_Main0260]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Valeria">>//"If vampires were real"//,% huh?% [laughs]<</dlg>> <<pr>>She grabs my chin with her fingers,% angling my head% so my face is forced to look directly at hers.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Tell me,% $name...% weren't you ever...% curious?<</dlg>> <<pr>>Curious%...%curious,% curious,% curious.% And here I thought //I//% used that word too much.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Um...% curious..% about what% exactly?<</dlg>> <<pr>>I gulp,% anticipating that something bad is about to happen.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Have you ever wondered what it might be like to date one?<</dlg>> <<pr>>Her face slowly shifts into a very subtle,% but noticeable smile.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Huh?% Date one? You mean,% a vampire?<</dlg>> <<pr>>I don't know why,% but I feel my heart sink,% and my body freeze.% Why would such words about vampires cause me to feel%...% like I'm in the presence of a predator that was about to eat me,% or something?% And I am feeling powerless to stop it%...%<</pr>> <<pr>>Maybe%...% I was right after all.% This whole thing was a mistake.% I should have kept to my instincts.% I've let my guard down.<</pr>> <<pr>>It would seem that my curiosity%...% has [[gotten the better of me|C01_Main0270]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<dlg "Me">>Uhhhhhh...<</dlg>> <<pr>>My voice quivers%...% as a realization crosses my mind.<</pr>> <<pr>>I had not considered the possibility that vampires //could//% be real.<</pr>> <<pr>>This sounds absolutely wild, but let's say%...% that I //am//% wrong.% This would be the just as bad as the ignorant belief that catgirls aren't real.% And%...% well,% if you consider my ignorant stereotypes about catgirls alone,% this doesn't seem far off.<</pr>> <<pr>>Ugh%...% why am I so deep in thought,% in this seemingly dangerous moment?!<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>You know,% $name.% I think you and I have a lot in common.% [purring] %We both enjoy exploring the unknown...% about what's unusual to us...% thinking about what's strange. %We like to dive into the deep end.% To learn new things.% To challenge what we already know. %We like to be...% //[[curious|C01_Main0280]]//.<</dlg>>

<<header>> <<pr>>She leans in even closer to me,% her mouth opening once again to reveal her fangs.<</pr>> <<pr>>Her face then moves towards the side of my neck.<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>You know that saying?% That "curiosity killed the cat"? %Weren't you ever curious about what it means? %What it //really//% means?<</dlg>> <<dlg "Me">>You mean,% like...% "careful what you wish for"?% It's that kinda deal,% right?<</dlg>> <<pr>>I have no idea how I'm maintaining composure during this conversation.% It's almost as if,% her deep conversation is somewhat working to de-esc—<</pr>> <<dlg "Valeria">>Mmmmmm.....% Well,% [[why don't we find out|C01_Main0290]]?<</dlg>>

<<header>> <<pr>>Without wasting another second,% she thrusts her face towards my neck,% and the next thing I know,% I feel a sharp pain in my neck as her fangs sink deep into my skin.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>FUCK!!% What the—% n—% no..% no-no-no.% Ugh...% Valer—%i—% AHHH.<</dlg>> <<pr>>I yell,% as I try to push her off of me.% But she just bites down harder,% holding me firmly in place with her hands as she begins sucking.<</pr>> <<pr>>I can't overpower her.% She seems far stronger than me.% But also,% I am starting to [[feel lightheaded|C01_Main0300]].<</pr>>

<<header>> <<pr>>As I feel the blood flow out of my neck,% I feel as if something else is flowing back into me,% as if replacing it.<</pr>> <<pr>>Could it be that this was causing the lightheadedness,% and not just merely my loss of blood?<</pr>> <<pr>>Ugh%...% in any case,% the pain from the initial bite has faded away,% my body starts to relax.% It's like I'm under some kind of hypnotic spell,% under some anasthetic side effect.<</pr>> <<pr>>My arms and legs start to go numb,% and I can no longer move them.% There is no hope for me in fighting back anymore.% I'm completely at her mercy,% and I feel my consciousness quickly fading away% as I feel her tongue lapping up the blood from my wound.<</pr>> <<pr>>That is the last thing I rememeber,% before% [[everything goes dark|C02_Save]].<</pr>>

<<set $chapter to "Chapter 2">><<unset $location>><<pr>>It's good to keep a record, you know?% So,% fancy <<link "saving">><<script>>UI.saves();<</script>><</link>> here perhaps?<</pr>> <<pr>>When you are finished, then let's [[continue|C02_Entry]].<</pr>>

<<set $chapter to "Chapter 2">><<pr>><span class="large">Chapter 2:</span>% <span class="large">Vulture Culture</span><</pr>> <<pr>>Say...% have you ever dated a vampire before?<</pr>> <<pr>>Well, %for the longest time I hadn't even met one.<</pr>> <<pr>>Why do I ask?% Well,% perhaps it's best that you don't worry about that for now.<</pr>> <<pr>>I've got somewhere to be.% ([[But where?|C02_Main0010]])<</pr>>

<<set $location to "???">><<header>> <<pr>>The room is dark,% save for a faint light on the side of me.<</pr>> <<pr>>I roll over to glance at what is a heart shaped night light.<</pr>> <<pr>>Next to it is a folded piece of paper% and a glass of water.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Huh?% What's going on%...% Where am I?<</dlg>> <<pr>>I look up at the ceiling,% and then the walls.% Outside of the cot-sized bed I seem to be on,% there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of space in this room.<</pr>> <<pr>>I feel a dull pain on the side of my neck as I start to recall what happened earlier.% I can't really see the area but I run my finger over it and whatever is there seems to be closed up and healed.<</pr>> <<pr>>I sit up and take a few swigs from the glass of water% which does end up helping a bit.<</pr>> <<pr>>[[I unfold the note|C02_Main0020_X]].<</pr>>

<<set $location to "Valeria's House: ???">><<header>> <<note>>$name,<</note>> <<note>>I'll be in the living room.% Please come out when you are ready.<</note>> <<note>>%Remember to stay hydrated.% This is very,% VERY% important,% especially in your current state.% You are still very new to this.<</note>> <<note>>And please, do take as much time as you need.<</note>> <<note>>❤️ %Valeria,% your beloved vampire catgirl~<</note>> <<pr>>I am a bit taken aback to see this,% being slightly confused.% Considering what happened,% I wasn't expecting her to be as considerate.<</pr>> <<pr>>Also,% this pretty much confirms it. Not only is Valeria a catgirl,% but she is also a vampire.<</pr>> <<pr>>I'm not sure whether I should ''stay here and rest longer'',% or ''hop out of bed''.<</pr>> <<pr>>To be continued%...<</pr>>

<<set $location to "Valeria's House: Recovery Room">><<set $flagsC2WakeAction to "stay">><<header>> <<pr>>To be continued%...<</pr>>

<<set $location to "Valeria's House: Recovery Room">><<set $flagsC2WakeAction to "exit">><<header>> <<pr>>To be continued%...<</pr>>

<<set $chapter to "Title">><<unset $location>> <div class="tip-header">''Tip:'' Press Space at any time to skip typewriter-style text animations.</div> <<pr>><span class="title">Valeria the Vampire</span><</pr>> <<pr>>Would you like to [[start a new game|CW]] or% <<link "load an existing one">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>?<</pr>> <<pr>>You can also use the shortcuts on the sidebar menu to navigate, load, and save the game.<</pr>>

<<set $chapter to "Content Warnings">> <<pr>>Before we continue, I've been instructed to inform you about several ''Content Warnings'':<</pr>> <<pr>>⚠️ Stalker and slightly manipulative behavior %⚠️ Non-consensual light and playful violence %⚠️ Implications of being drugged<</pr>> <<pr>>Should any of these cause more than minor discomfort to you,% it's recommended that you ''[[stop here|Entry]]''% and do not proceed.<</pr>> <<pr>>Otherwise, [[step right in|PR_Entry]].% Remember to always stay hydrated,% and have fun!<</pr>>

<<set $chapter to "Prologue">> <<dlg "Me">>Hey there.% I //could// sure use some help, here.% The thing is...% I don't quite remember anything. %Would you happen to know what my name is?<</dlg>> <<dlg "You">>Why yes.% It says here that you are <<textbox "$name" "Maddie" autofocus>>. %[[Does that ring a bell?|PR_Main0010]]<</dlg>>

<<dlg "Me">>$name?% Ah, yes.% It's starting to come back to me.% Um..% What else...% Let's see.% Just to be absolutely sure, would you happen to know my pronouns as well?<</dlg>> <<dlg "You">>Hmm,% yes.% The records suggest that your pronouns are %((pronouns))%. %[[Does that help?|PR_Main0020]]<</dlg>>

<<dlg "Me">> I think so. %Hey, can I take a quick look at that record? <</dlg>> <<pr>>You offer your tablet to me.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">>Let's see.% "$name is 28 years old.% ?They moved to Sydney three years ago.% ?Their hobbies include..." %Hm, what else... %"?They ?are currently experiencing short term memory loss due to a minor concussion." %Oh, yes.% Yes.% It's all coming back to me. <</dlg>> <<pr>>You nod in acknowledgement.<</pr>> <<dlg "Me">> Hah.% Serves me right for going ice skating on my own.% Well then.% Thank you,% kind stranger.<</dlg>> <<pr>>You wave% as I feel this mysterious place dissolve from around me and I am [[suddenly transported|C01_Save]].<</pr>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>Are<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Is<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>Is<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>are<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>is<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>is<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>Enby<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Girl<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>Boy<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>enby<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>girl<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>boy<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>Their<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Her<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>His<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>their<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>her<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>his<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>Theirs<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Hers<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>His<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>theirs<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>hers<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>his<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>Them<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Her<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>Him<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>them<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>her<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>him<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns>>Themself<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Herself<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>Himself<<elseif $pronouns is "we">>Themselves<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns>>themself<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>herself<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>himself<<elseif $pronouns is "we">>themselves<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>They<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>She<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>He<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>they<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>she<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>he<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>They're<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>She's<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>He's<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns or $pronouns is "we">>they're<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>she's<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>he's<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "we">>Y'all<<else>>You<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "we">>y'all<<else>>you<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns>>People<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Women<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>Men<<elseif $pronouns is "we">>Systems<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns>>people<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>women<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>men<<elseif $pronouns is "we">>systems<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns>>Person<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>Woman<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>Man<<elseif $pronouns is "we">>System<</if>>

<<if $pronouns is "they" or not $pronouns>>person<<elseif $pronouns is "she">>woman<<elseif $pronouns is "he">>man<<elseif $pronouns is "we">>system<</if>>