Your name is Johan. And you have been a taxi driver for as long as you can remember.Which is about less than a month, give or take. You are not truly certain anymore, as time had begun to behave erratically, quickening and stopping at whim -- the sight of strange shadows worsening these effects.But that was neither here nor there, though one could argue that it was something that affected you recently.Two people were standing before you:The first, her skin unnaturally pale from makeup, had an impish spark in her eyes. A mime and a seeker of thrills, just like you were - Mimi.The second was someone whom you could only describe as a jock and a gym rat. Like you, he was beset and obsessed by the mystical - Jeremy.Yes, you remembered now. You were talking with these two fellows about meeting an old friend. He made an arm spring out of the television recently. You remember that-You used to love going on nature trails with all your friends. All seven of them.You recall, when you were young, your parents would take you out to the forest every summer. And you would journey out into the wilderness, looking for something, anything, that remained unexplored.There was a squalid passage, beyond a gate in decay, that led to a small grotto. You left the town's chaos then and there.But you never found a path that wasn't tread before.You frown at the thought. Another wandering memory. One of many. Though this one felt melancholy.You couldn't say how true or false it was, or how innocuous they were. Last time you'd entertained a memories, death almost took you by the neck. But was it truly the fault of the people here? Perhaps another wandering shadow took the moment for itself, and laid claim upon your life. Or attempted to, at least. Perhaps it was someone else, the evidence was muddled but extant, you felt.Alas that it might have appeared from the outside perspective that, as you were twisting and turning in your sleep, you'd almost strangled yourself with your blankets. A perfect accident.But not one you nor your closest companions believed.You knew of many shadows. You had seen them, shifting and sinewy, attack you and reveal wound an essence deeper than any feeling. Not to mention the physical injury, which was cured overnight for some unexplained reason. Yet you suspected a dream had something to do with it.But none of the aggressive shadows, which Jeremy claimed to be mara, had made attempts at your life while you were unconscious. They tried to kill you -- that went without saying -- but you felt that none had yet attempted to kill you as you entered another realm as you slept.
And calling it another realm was less of a metaphor, for every dream you had always had a sense of being real; from meeting odd businessmen, to fields of wheat where a familiar whistle's melody haunted the breeze, oceans of milky darkness that beheld mirrors and old monks -- everything was vividly recalled and everything seemed to have a purpose. Everything felt real. Maybe even more real than your waking world.Backtracking your thoughts thoughts and rearranging them, you hoped this wasn't the beginning of attacks while you slumbered. Although, you had companions that would be more than happy to take turns in keeping watch.Still, that memory had rang something true in one aspect: you shared a strange friendship with seven people. The four of the five others were in a room adjacent to where you were -- Mike, Albin, Aubrey, Shapes. The last, Jamesfield, who was what you could only consider as their leader, was somewhere else. A library, you think? Aubrey, the Lady, had just told you not even half an hour ago, yet the exact words escaped your mind.All of these 'Noirs' were passionate about uncovering the truth as they were in speaking and roleplaying as turn of the century detectives; vehemently seeking veracity no matter the cost. It helped that Albin and Jamesfield were actual detectives. The former, an old man named Albion, was actually a former police officer and held a weapon at all times. The Lady, recently revealed to be Aubrey, was a mortician, and she had a history of working with Jamesfield. Mike, that unfortunately short man, was their muscle and was easily the most aggressive of the bunch, though he was also the one you were the closest friend of. Arnold 'Shapes', who you knew next to nothing of, yet he seemed the least willing to engage in danger and likened the group he was a part of as a club and nothing more.You could not deny that they were your friends. Even before finding about that dead body with them and sharing in its secret, there was a certain kinship you all held. Perhaps it was the pseudo-formality they held themselves with, or how seriously they tended to take things, but for some reason you didn't feel any adversity.All save Jamesfield were in the room you'd just left. They remained to watch a videotape again and again, seeking out every detail, not trusting their first impressions.It was respectable.Even if one were to argue that it was too soon to call them your friends, you could at least say that Mike considered you one. To think he was once the most skeptical of you -- and was now a good fellow of yours.And you couldn't help but smile at the irony.And that brings you to why you were here, with both Mimi and Jeremy standing before you in the hallway. You remember...A stranger- an old friend -met with you again. It was friendly, or so you hoped. It wanted some blood for safe travels. Upon its outstretched hand was a Golden Nail.[2/5]
Due to it being the first of its kind to actually ask, you acceded. Prickling your index finder with the gilded item, it drew a drop from the vermilion waters.Yes, you were happy to help your friends. From helping the Noirs (as you called the five others) while they were being beset by criminals, to taking a mysterious package for Mike, to hanging out with Mimi as she mourned the loss of a place that was special to her, to defending the land with Jeremy.And that is what this being was, wasn't it? An old friend; an old acquaintance that needed a helping hand.Strange as that help might've been.And so you could not blame yourself-"Johan?"Even as you were glancing between your two friends you thought about-"Johan!"A frustrated and worried look descended upon Mimi's face as you emerged from the deepest reaches your thoughts."Johan? Are you feeling alright?" Her motions exclaimed as much. This mime, your closest friend, spoke to you in what wasn't quite sign language.Holding too much pride to speak, whether it be with her hands or her voice, she instead pantomimed what she could. It was not as though she had no voice -- though it was undeniably frail sounding -- she was simply one who held pride in her craft."You both alright?" Jeremy added intelligently."I'm fine! It's Johan you should worry about." Mimi motioned to you."Don't know what you're saying, Mimi," Jeremy said. And you remembered that you acted as a bit of a translator for mime-speak "but, like, dude; Johan wanted to talk with us but then totally zoned out on us. And now you're acting weird and angry, so-"Jeremy was a man whom you'd only acquainted yourself with recently. Superficially, he seemed to care only about 'pumping that iron' and working out in the gym in general. Yet he had another side to him, less pronounced, that implied his knowledge of myths.Mimi was someone who you were more familiar with, and grew to have a connection with. Now it might be too early to call this her a romantic interest, but you did both promise to back each other up in these paranormal things-- Mimi was kidnapped at one point by some strange group, according to her memories. Yet the oddest part was that, once they realized that she wasn't the one they needed, they simply left her alone and disappeared without a trace. Naturally, this made her curious.These two bickered, or did their best to bicker with the 'language' barrier dividing them.Though recently acquainted, and though they may not have interacted unless it were for a few coincidental factors, it was clear they were already getting used to you and each other.Yes, they are your friends.[3/5]
"My apologies" you said "I was lost in thought.""You seem to be doin' that a bit, bro" Jeremy said.You couldn't help but agree."It's good to hear you're fine," Mimi shifted. "But I'd feel better if you told us why you wanted to talk with us." From the look in her eyes, she likely had her theories."I'm certain you do," you begin "Unfortunately I can't promise that what I'm going to tell you will be reassuring..."Clearing your voice, you then find ways to bring out your words. Though awkwardly tumbling from your lips, you managed to speak of what occurred in the room you were all just in -- the television, an old friend, the drop of blood, time seeming to cease, the Golden Nail, and so on.Their reactions, while predictably surprised, seemed to verge more towards figuring out what to do. No surprise emerged from within you, especially since they already had knowledge of these things. While Mimi hadn't fought one, yet -- not in the direct way you and Jeremy had fought them before, at least -- she once she helped at Dan's Bar and Grill, and fully believed your words. Here was no different, as they didn't doubt what would've sounded like the words of a madman.Catching your breath and feeling like you'd run a long marathon, you suddenly pause mid-breath."Why?"A sound came from beyond the reeds.Ice ran up your spine. You glanced around for whoever had said that, then in front of you. Both Mimi and Jeremy were frozen like statues.This situation unnerved you, to say the least."Why not?"A familiar voice replied to the first.And then you looked back.There was a man standing before you. He wore a sharply dressed business suit, a thin smile complimented his tall form. Upon one of his wrist's was a watch, which on closer inspection you found it was neither digital nor did it have any hands, but had some strange device that looked like it told the pressure. His clean-shaven face now held a thin mustache directly above his upper lip. He carried a certain tenseless grace, and his face was aloof -- both of these things accompanied him at a fundamental level, deeply in contrast to his sharp and serious superficial form.Lucian.He stood before you with a question ready at his mouth."Oh, come now." he rolled his eyes "Knowing my next action is rather unfair, wouldn't you say?"You made to reply, as you couldn't help but perceive what he would do, but found that you couldn't. A similar thing happened in your dream."My apologies, but this is the most efficient way to get things rolling -- and I have a meeting to attend to. So, really, I am sticking my neck out to you, 'Captain'." He smiled as he said that last word with air quotes.[4/5]
"Now, I'm not here for my own ambitions, but the wishes of another. Just like before, I come with a piece of advise and an offer." he gave you a sigh. "It's a shame you never met Thomas. He was rather looking forward to encountering you, but you remained elusive. Oh well." He shrugged. "It's not my job to bring people together. Quite the opposite, actually."A vague memory of a vagabond passes through your mind."Now, like I said," his smile returned "I'm here to give you an offer for a friend of mine."Another old friend you couldn't help but think to yourself."Wrong." he frowned "This has nothing to do with that little annoying tv-wanderer."You wanted to ask who."As much as I loathe the adage; 'all in good time' -" he grimaced "It unfortunately applies to this situation. Really, I'd love to say who, but my hands are tied."He extended a definitely-not-tied hand, and you could feel your arms coming loose from freezing.Not for his own sake, but for someone else's.[5/5]>Take it. And find peace away from humanity. A feeling beyond feelings.>Gracefully reject the offer. And return to talk with your companions. They were waiting for you, were they not?>Speak to him. And don't stop until your words are heard. Fight against the essence of this choice.>Write-in
Welcome back to One Life. A quest that was originally intended to be a one-shot but now on it's eight thread.Updates will come eventually, I'll aim to make them in at least a weekly basis. Unfortunately it likely won't be on a weekly thing, and having it every day might be too optimistic, since my schedule is still unfortunately busy and work might take me away for extended periods of time.Previous threads:Thread 1: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6013758/Thread 2: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6050129/Thread 3: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6089875/Thread 4: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2024/6130126/Thread 5: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6169408/Thread 6: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6209337/Thread 7: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6258691/I want to say my apologies for the lateness, and then I want to thank whoever saved last thread for me while I was away.
>>6304104And of course, though it goes without saying, I wanted to thank the anon that commissioned these lovely pieces of art for this quest. It's very humbling.
>>6304101>Speak to him. And don't stop until your words are heard. Fight against the essence of this choice.
Awwww shit, we're back!>>6304101>Gracefully reject the offer. And return to talk with your companions. They were waiting for you, were they not?It's only polite.
>>6304094nice clown. if it wasn't thread 8 I might've started reading your quest.
>>6304310It's worth doing so anyway.
>>6304101>>Gracefully reject the offer. And return to talk with your companions. They were waiting for you, were they not?Glad to have you back QM, as always its was wiorth the wait.>>6304310She is a mime, there is a whole thread were we take her on a date. I recommend.
It feels good to be back. Thank you for the warm welcome anons.>>6304181>Fighting Words>>6304184>>6304483>Tasteful RebuffI'll start writing a bit later. I'll leave the vote open for the rest of the day.>>6304310Thank you for passing by even if you aren't interested in reading.
>>6305376QM?
>>6309201My apologies for the silence, I have been trying my best to write something up but I'm not happy with what I have. That, and between an accident with temporarily losing my home computer, I haven't had the time to do anything.I'll try to finish up writing today.
>>6310449Oh shit, sorry to hear about your PC, QM.
Apologies for the silence again. I've been having trouble going back in the flow of writing and there's some technical troubles I'm ironing out. Though it hasn't been as much trouble as before so everything should be running smoothly again soon.>>6310656Thank you anon. It has been a struggle.
>>6311088Eagerly awaiting the return!
[blue]Reject the offer and return to your duty.[/blue]A few moments of silence, and you do nothing.Already you weren't able to speak, meaning that Lucian got no reply.But instead of understanding your thoughts, he seemed to simply remain there with his hand outstretched. As if he were waiting for you to take it.You did no such thing.After what felt like a small eternity, he retracted his limb with a smile.[red]"I see. It'll be rather disappointing for that fellow to hear about this. Oh well, never let it be said I didn't at least follow my end of the deal by extending the offer."[/red]You found yourself able to speak and think and move and breathe again-- and you let out a sigh you didn't realize you were holding."Wait, Lucian, before you go-" you tried to ask him something, anything, but he was inexplicably out of your sight before you could have a word.[red]"I approve of your decision, mind you,"[/red] the disembodied voice of Lucian said [red]"But that doesn't mean I approve of your methods."[/red]"Please, at least tell me why-" your words are cut off as a weight is felt upon your back.Suddenly the world went dark. Nothing could be heard or felt or seen and once more you felt immobilized. You were not certain if it was because of any supernatural force or due to anything psychological.Either way, Lucian's voice could be heard again.[red]"You want answers? I'll do you one better; I'll give you a warning."[/red] You sensed someone smiling at you from an unseen place.[red]"Not all friends come bearing footfalls.Some simply appear when you aren't watchingAs a sigh that twists the air,Or a shimmer within the chest.Like a voice without a cornerThey sculpt shadows into comfort.Doubling decades into a momentTo become the well-being of a lifetime"[/red]With that, there was silence.The darkness slipped away like water from a raincoat, and the world returned with its color."So, like, bro," Jeremy continued as though nothing happened "What should-""Jeremy, Mimi," you said, shaken "Before you go on..."And just like before you told them of what had transpired.Was it reckless to say something of this nature without properly preparing them for it? Perhaps you should've waited, though a sense of inexplicable urgency gnawed at you. Perhaps you should've considered your words. Although, from the looks of things, everything seems to have gone alright."Huh" Jeremy said nonchalantly "No kidding, bro?"Mimi simply let her head tilt in curiosity. [green]"It definitely looks like something changed about you."[/green] She seemed to pantomime."Yeah." you said, sensing something about yourself that you couldn't quite describe "I feel different."[1/3]
>>6311421The three of you continued to discuss these things, and considered why they would believe you with such ease. Upon voicing said thoughts, Mimi would declare, in the silent language you both spoke, that she trusted you. Jeremy revealed that he once felt the same way you already did after a particularly strong dream he had-- though it was with a faceless woman that made an offer instead of Lucian.Before you could all resume with your previous conversation, though armed now with this new event, there was a small rumble that shook the ground. A sudden feeling of nausea settled on you, the room felt like it was swimming. Parts of your conscious thoughts felt annoyed at the possibility that this was merely another concept beyond your understanding that was personally messing with you -- and only you -- again, however you found a small amount of comfort in the fact that Mimi and Jeremy were experiencing it as well, horrible as that might sound.[blue]Did that make you a bad friend?[/blue] [red]Did it matter?[/red]No, you had to think about the urgent matter at hand before anything.But just as you were about to say something, anything, it stopped.[b]And the road forward narrowed ever so slightly.[/b][green]You felt a sudden inexplicable pang of sorrow.[/green]"What the hell was that?" Jeremy asked.Mimi gave him a slight deadpan, then looked at you with concern. Silently she pantomimed to you were alright."I'm not certain." you answer them both. But then you turn around "We should go and see if the Noirs felt it too.""Bro, I just realized you call them 'Noirs'. Do they, like, have a club called that or something?" Jeremy seemed amused.[green]"You didn't notice him calling them that at the bar?"[/green] Mimi silently followed up Jeremy's comment with a frown."It's merely something I've come to call them." you answer Jeremy. You're not sure what the reactions of the Noirs would be if you referred to them as such."'Noir' ain't a bad thing, bro, especially with all the creepy vibes goin' down in this town.""Either way, we should see if they're alright." you wanted to [blue]focus[/blue] on the matter at hand.Going into the room again brought you a strange scene-- rather than the Noirs sitting here, the television that once tiredly sat and gathered dust now had its mechanical entrails spilling out. Streams of static cruor slowly poured from its plastic veins and wires. It's glass face was shattered as though some violence was placed upon it.No one else was in the room, save for you three who had just entered.While you were certain that the Noirs were fine, [red]as you doubted that they'd fall this easily to anything[/red], their disappearance was still a cause for concern. You hoped they still had the recording with them.Mimi's and Jeremy's reactions were rightly shocked by the technological destruction of the scene, but you felt nothing but a small melancholy tinged with nostalgia.[2/3]
>>6311422While the obvious question was to ask what happened here, your mind returned to the words of [red]Lucian[/red]: [red][i]The well-being of a lifetime[/i][red]It made you feel like there was some relation, some symbolism, but there was nothing. No, all you felt was a strange compelling that called you to step forwards. [green]If not to save yourself, then your friends.[/green]But rather than heeding the call, you turned to speak with Mimi and Jeremy.You three discussed what you knew; there was an earthquake of some sort, then you had a small vision of [red]Lucian[/red], the television was broken, the tape you had was gone, and the Noirs were nowhere to be seen.And before any rash decision was made, a small plan was formulated.[3/3]>You went to find Jamesfield. He would likely know where they went to.>You decided to inform Ryan about what happened.>You convinced Mimi and Jeremy to trust your instincts, deciding to look for the Noirs by yourselves.>Write-in.
Thank you for the wait, anons.Huh, no formatting? Well that's slightly inconvenient, though not entirely unexpected.
>>6311423Hm, is that the TV our friend came out of? Seems like Lucia or whoever he works for may have made sure our buddy can't come back.>You went to find Jamesfield. He would likely know where they went to.It takes a detective to catch a detective, right? Isn't that what everyone always says?
>>6311546>Hm, is that the TV our friend came out of?Same one.>Seems like Lucia or whoever he works for may have made sure our buddy can't come back.You have his number if you wish to call him about it, though whether he can (or is willing to) do anything is the question.
>>6312051I wouldn't chance it. Big L seems dangeresque.
>>6311423>You decided to inform Ryan about what happened.
>>6311546>Detective Directives>>6315325>Bartender BearingsWill roll between these two later today. I'll finally get to updating this tomorrow.
Rolled 2 (1d2)>>6315588>1. Jamesfield>2. RyanI cannot promise I'll update tomorrow, but at least I will begin to write starting then.
>>6315794QM?
>>6318626Still alive! My apologies for the wait, something urgent came up and I needed to be away from the computer for a while. I'll try to write sometime in the next couple of days.
