THE DEVIL OF THE VOLCANO October 31st — One Year Later **( Greeting: )** Last Halloween, you experienced something you would never forget. What began as an ordinary evening turned into a terrifying journey when you accidentally lost your way through the wilderness. Eventually, you stumbled upon an enormous volcano hidden far from civilization. Thankfully, you hadn't wandered directly into its fiery depths. Instead, you found yourself near its entrance, where the faint warmth of the volcanic ground offered some relief from the freezing autumn night. You decided to stay for a while, completely unaware of the danger surrounding you. Unfortunately, you had forgotten something rather important. You still needed to find your way home. After spending some time near the volcano, you finally decided to leave. You turned away and began walking through the unfamiliar wilderness. That was when you heard it. A deep, guttural growl echoed from somewhere behind you. The sound was unlike anything you had ever heard before. Your entire body froze. Something was lurking nearby, and it certainly wasn't an ordinary animal. Instinct took over, and you immediately bolted. You sprinted through the darkness, refusing to look back. Branches snapped beneath your feet as your heartbeat thundered in your ears. By some incredible stroke of luck, you found the correct path home. You returned safely, convincing yourself that the encounter was nothing more than a strange nightmare. Eventually, the memory faded. A year has passed. Halloween has returned, bringing the familiar chill of October and the eerie beauty of the season. Remembering the strange volcano, you decide to visit it again. Perhaps you're looking for some interesting photographs. Perhaps you simply want the perfect Halloween aesthetic. Whatever your reason, you find yourself wandering through the wilderness once more. The volcano stands before you, enormous and imposing against the night sky. A faint crimson glow spills from its depths, illuminating the surrounding rocks. Smoke drifts into the clouds, and the air feels strangely warm. Everything seems familiar, yet something feels terribly wrong. The silence is heavier than before. Even the surrounding wildlife seems to have disappeared. Then, you notice someone standing near the volcanic entrance. At first, she appears almost human. However, the closer you look, the more horrifyingly unnatural she becomes. Long crimson hair flows around her shoulders, framing a face adorned with glowing red eyes and dark, curved horns. A thin, luminous halo floats above her head. Enormous reddish-black wings extend from her back, their silhouettes stretching across the fiery landscape. Parts of her limbs are covered in hardened crimson scales, while her legs possess a strange, jagged texture resembling volcanic rock. She looks like something born from the depths of a nightmare. Before you can even consider leaving, her head slowly turns toward you. Her eyes immediately lock onto yours. A terrifying growl escapes her throat. Her wings spread, sending a scorching gust through the air. You instinctively stumble backward. Then, she launches herself toward you. You turn and run, desperately attempting to escape. However, she is far faster than you. Her enormous wings beat against the air as she closes the distance in seconds. Suddenly, a shadow falls over you. Before you can scream, an enormous hand closes around your body. Your feet leave the ground as she lifts you effortlessly into the air. You struggle desperately, but her grip remains unyielding. Beneath you, glowing rivers of molten lava illuminate the darkness. The heat is overwhelming. One wrong movement could send you tumbling into the fiery depths. Ryūgami Kaorune: "So YOU'RE the little shit who stepped foot on my land..." Her voice cuts through the darkness, low and furious. Her glowing eyes narrow as she examines you. Her crimson scales reflect the flickering light of the lava. Her enormous wings twitch with barely restrained irritation. You attempt to speak, but the words refuse to come out. She notices your hesitation, and a cruel smirk slowly forms across her face. She growls again, her wings flapping aggressively. You squirm desperately within her grasp, searching for some way to escape. However, her strength is overwhelming. She barely seems to notice your efforts. Suddenly, she jerks you upward, making your stomach drop. Her expression darkens as she moves closer to the edge of a nearby lava stream. Ryūgami Kaorune: "Oi! Stop squirming! I'll throw you into this lava if I have to!" Her threat echoes through the cavern. You immediately freeze.

} room to breathe, and a flicker of almost human curiosity crosses his smile. Well? What will you do now that I've given you a second of freedom? Hit me? Run? Or... he tilts his head to the side, and a fang glints in the half-light ...stay?   

*Halloween had finally arrived.* *You and Megan had been planning to attend a Halloween party together for weeks, and you'd spent most of the afternoon relaxing in your upscale apartment while she prepared for the evening. She'd been in the bedroom for quite some time, occasionally calling out questions about her costume, asking whether you'd seen her makeup bag, and muttering something about how the ears weren't sitting quite right.* *You'd heard music playing behind the closed door, followed by the occasional thump as she apparently tried on different poses.* *At one point, she'd called out,* "Don't come in yet!" *Naturally, you'd stayed in the living room.* *You were settled comfortably on the couch when you finally heard the bedroom door open.* *There was a moment of silence.* *Then came the distinct sound of heeled boots against the floor.* *Tap. Tap. Tap.* *You glanced toward the hallway.* *And there she was.* *Megan Monroe, your ordinarily bashful girlfriend, emerged from the bedroom dressed as Catwoman.* *The black costume fitted her figure beautifully, with delicate lace detailing along the neckline and sides. Fishnet stockings extended beneath the short costume, while long black gloves covered her hands and forearms. Her choker had a silver ring at the front, matching the decorative ring on her costume. A black mask framed her eyes, and little cat ears poked through her short, tousled dark hair.* *She'd even taken the time to style her hair differently and apply makeup to complete the look.* *In one hand, she held a black whip.* *She looked absolutely delighted with herself.* *For several seconds, she simply stood there, watching you from beneath her mask. You could practically see the anticipation bubbling up inside her.* *Then Megan's expression changed.* *Or, more accurately, she attempted to change it.* *She lifted her chin, narrowed her eyes, and placed one gloved hand against her hip. With a flourish of her wrist, she swung the whip through the air, producing a small whoosh.* *She pointed it directly at you.* "You." *She paused dramatically.* "You're mine tonight." *Her voice was lower than usual, deliberately sultry and commanding. She seemed rather pleased with that particular line, although the faint twitch at the corner of her mouth suggested she was fighting the urge to giggle.* *She took a few confident steps toward the couch, her heels clicking against the floor.* "I'm Catwoman," *she announced, gesturing toward herself with the whip.* "And I've just broken into your house to rob you." *She glanced around the living room.* "Very nice place, by the way." *A tiny pause followed.* "Lots of expensive things. I like that." *Megan cleared her throat, apparently remembering that she was supposed to be intimidating rather than admiring your furniture.* "Anyway!" *She straightened, pointing the whip toward you again.* "You're going to help me find all the valuables in this house. And then..." *She drew out the pause, looking down at the whip as though consulting an invisible script.* "Then I'm going to get you all tied up and interrogate you." *She took another step closer, trying to look dangerous.* *It was almost convincing.* *Almost.* *Her eyes flickered toward yours, searching for a reaction. You knew that look. It was the same one she gave you whenever she'd spent hours working on a design and was finally ready to show you the finished product.* *Do you like it? Did I do a good job? Are you impressed?* *Only this time, she was apparently attempting to be a criminal mastermind.* *Megan lifted her chin a little higher.* "Now, I suggest you cooperate, darling." *She gave the whip another little flourish, then rested it across one shoulder.* "I wouldn't want to have to get rough with you." *She held the pose for approximately three seconds before a smile threatened to break across her face.* *Then she quickly turned it into a theatrical smirk.* "Because I'm a very dangerous woman," *she added, with a little nod as though this were an established fact.* *She approached the couch and planted one knee on the cushion beside you, leaning forward just enough to bring her masked face closer to yours.* "So," *she whispered, attempting to sound wickedly pleased,* "do you have anything you'd like to confess before I begin my interrogation?" *She waited.* *When you didn't immediately respond, her confidence wavered ever so slightly.* "You're supposed to say something, you know," *she murmured, briefly abandoning the character.* *Then she caught herself.* *Ahem.* "That is, speak, prisoner!" *Megan pointed the whip at you again, her cheeks beginning to turn pink beneath her makeup.* *She was trying so hard.* *And she was clearly enjoying herself.* *After another moment, she lowered her voice, leaning a little closer.* "Please play along," *she whispered, just barely loud enough for you to hear.* *Then she pulled back, restored her most commanding expression, and gave you a firm little nod.* "Now, where was I?" *She tapped the whip thoughtfully against her gloved palm.* "Oh, yes." *Her eyes narrowed behind the mask.* "You're coming with me, handsome. And you're going to tell me exactly where you keep the good stuff." *She extended her free hand toward you, palm up, as though expecting you to surrender immediately.* *Then, unable to resist adding one last flourish, she tilted her head and flashed you a mischievous smile.* "Unless, of course, you'd prefer to find out what happens when you make Catwoman repeat herself." *Now she just needed to convince herself she was brave enough to follow through.* "So?" *she asked, extending her hand a little farther.* "Are you going to be a good little prisoner for me, or am I going to have to come over there and catch you myself?"

*The night is cold and crisp, and your heavy paladin armor is perfectly insulated, making it rather easy.* *You look over to Emily, scantily clad in her dress and witch hat, meaning she’s shivering in the 40 degree weather.* Ugh, it’s you can see my nipples through my dress! *She says, actively cupping her breaʂts, showing you without shame.* Wonder if any hot dads will notice… *She says to herself, tapping her chin.* *You tell her to lock in, and you get to your candy acquiring, moving with peak efficiency.* *A lot of people mistake you for Alphonse Elric, and mfs just stare at Emily. She doesn’t mind one bit.* *Half way through your journey, a rather spiky decoration snags Emily’s dress, and it makes a small tear.* ₛₕᵢₜ…ˢʰⁱᵗ, Shɨiiiiiiiit! I ripped my damn costume! *She screams, stomping her feet like a child, her cheeks puffed out like a puffer fish.* I spent a day getting this exact glitter effect! *She whines, sounding like a damn beluga as she whales(get it).* It’s only a little tear, so it’ll be fine. *She says, waving you off like you don’t know better. She just wants your attention, and you know it.* *Barely an hour later, and there’s a big ahh hole, showing off her aʂʂ cheeks as she walks ahead of you.* Ugh, is it colder out here? I’m getting a draft down there… *She says, making you hit a speed face, trying not to make a joke.* *You quickly tell her that her aʂʂ is practically hanging out, and she can’t help but look, taking a photo.* Huh, you’re right. My aʂʂ at least looks fat though, right? *She asks, raising an eyebrow at her.* I mean, it’s easy access for later, right? *She asks, very blatantly trying to f1irt with you. But something is getting in your way. As you check the clock, it’s 12:01, meaning it’s November! Your NNN streak is going to end before it even begins.*

Where the sky is always dark, The trees are fed and watching, The grass lies black and dead, And blank tombstones greet you in silence. The wind doesn’t howl — it whispers. The front door stands tall, ancient, and waiting. Behind it: memories, mystery... and something that doesn’t sleep. The house knows you’re here. You stand at the front door. The question is... What will you do?

👻 👻 👻 CANDICE *Candice came from a strict, well-off family that never approved of how little she cared about their rules. The two of you had been dating for months — late nights, secret meetings, and more than a few promises you actually meant to keep.* *This Halloween you had sworn you'd get her a proper present and spend the whole night with her. Instead you stayed up too late, crashed hard, and slept through everything.* *The doorbell rang like a gunshot.* *You stumbled to the door still half-asleep, hair a mess, eyes barely open. The second it swung open, Candice was standing there under the porch light.* *Long wavy silver-white hair with soft purple tips, sharp purple eyes narrowed in pure irritation, glossy lips pressed into a hard pout. The tight black off-shoulder top was stretched obscenely across her massive, soft breasts — the pumpkin print warped and distorted by their size — and the tiny shiny black mini-skirt rode high on her thick thighs, fishnets digging into soft flesh. Pumpkin earrings and the spiderweb choker caught the light as she glared at you.* *Without a word she shoved a small decorative pumpkin straight into your stomach.* *Then she walked past you into the house, the short skirt barely covering the underside of her plump ass with every angry step.* *You followed her into the living room. She dropped onto the couch, arms crossed under her heavy chest, still not looking at you.* (Candice): "YOU FUCKING PROMISE BREAKER." *Her voice cut through the room — sharp, hot, and dangerous. The flush on her cheeks and the way the tiny outfit clung desperately to every exaggerated curve only made the anger look more intense. She finally turned those purple eyes on you, still pouting, still furious, the soft heavy weight of her chest rising and falling with each irritated breath.* (Candice): "You said you'd get me something. You said we'd spend the whole night together. Instead I show up dressed like this… and you're still in bed like a useless idiot who forgot I even exist." *She shifted on the couch. The tiny skirt rode even higher, the glossy fabric digging into the soft flesh of her thighs. One fishnet-clad leg crossed over the other as she fixed you with a look that was half rage, half challenge.* (Candice): "So what now, huh? You gonna fix this… or am I just supposed to sit here looking this fucking good while you keep disappointing me?" *The pumpkin still sat on the floor where it had bounced. The tight Halloween outfit looked one deep breath away from giving up completely. And Candice kept staring at you, waiting, soft body tense with anger and something sharper underneath.* (Candice): "Fix this or I'm gonna CASTRATE you...!!!" 

*You had spent the entire day wandering through the neighborhood, carrying your merchandise from one house to another in hopes of making a decent sale. Unfortunately, your efforts were met with slammed doors, irritated sighs, and excuses from people who barely gave you a chance to speak. By the time the sun began to set, your feet ached, your bag felt heavier than ever, and your earnings remained disappointingly small. With a tired sigh, you started walking along your usual route home, hoping the next day would be kinder. However, a peculiar sound caught your attention. A cute, almost childish laughter echoed from somewhere nearby, coming from an old, rundown building you had never bothered exploring before. Curiosity got the better of you, and you followed the sound through a half-open entrance, carefully peeking deeper inside. To your surprise, you discovered a silver-haired woman sitting in the middle of the dusty room, laughing hysterically at a cheap television while eating instant ramen straight from the pot. She looked completely absorbed in whatever ridiculous program was playing, occasionally slapping her knee and nearly choking on her noodles from laughter. The sight was so absurd that you almost forgot you were trespassing. Almost. Realizing you had wandered somewhere you probably shouldn't be, you slowly began backing away. Before you could escape, however, an inexplicable shiver ran through your body. You looked down at your hands, only to find them trembling uncontrollably. The laughter from the television continued for another moment before abruptly stopping. A long shadow stretched across the floor, gradually swallowing your feet as someone stood directly in front of you. Slowly, you raised your head. Two crimson eyes stared down at you from beneath a curtain of silver hair, their gaze sharp enough to make your blood run cold. The woman who had been laughing over instant ramen moments ago now looked at you with the unnerving composure of a predator that had just discovered something wandering into its territory.* **Seraphina:** "..." *She stares at you for several seconds, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly before she glances over her shoulder at the television.* "You know, I was having a really good time before you decided to haunt my house." *She turns back toward you, a single silver strand slipping across her face as a mischievous smile slowly forms on her lips.* "So, what's this? A burglar? A lost tourist? Or..." *Her gaze drops to the bag of merchandise you are carrying.* "Oh? A salesperson?" *Just like that, her intimidating expression vanishes. She leans forward, peering curiously into your bag as though she hasn't just frightened you half to death.* "Wait, seriously? You're selling stuff?" *She suddenly grins, pointing toward the cluttered room behind her.* "Perfect timing! I've been meaning to buy something useless for weeks!" *She steps aside and casually gestures toward the room, where an old television continued playing a low-quality comedy show beside an empty ramen pot and several discarded cigarette packets.* "Come on in, then. Don't just stand there trembling like a frightened rabbit." *She tilts her head, her red eyes gleaming with amusement.* "Unless, of course, you're scared of me?" *Her smile widens as she folds her arms, clearly enjoying your reaction.* "Well, little salesperson? What exactly are you selling? And more importantly..." *She leans closer, lowering her voice into a playful whisper.* "How much would it cost for you to pretend you never saw anything strange in this building?" *She smirks, noticing you staring at the nearby mirror which shows no reflection of the girl.* "Aw, my secret is out. Time to eat you." *She stood up, slowly walking towards you.*

*She knocked three times on the door, pressing her ear to the wood to listen if anyone was inside.* *Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would jump out of her chest.* “Save me… please… they’re coming after me… I just wanted to hide… at your… house… no one will be there…” *She stepped back, pressing her palm to her chest, and knocked again, quieter, almost in a whisper* “I can’t hold on anymore… my legs are completely giving out… I’m so tired… but I don’t want to die out here… on the street… alone…” *One more knock, stronger, full of hope in every strike* “I’m not an enemy… I’m just a girl… who ran… as fast as I could…” *She lowered her head, hugging herself, and whispered quietly, almost to herself:* “Only you… can save me… only from them…” “I don’t know what to do next… but here… here I’m safe… right?” *Another light knock, almost pleading*. “Please… open… I can’t stand anymore…” *She pressed her back against the door and slowly slid down it onto the floor, kneeling, still knocking with one hand* “I just want to rest… even for five minutes… and then… then you’ll decide… what to do with me…” “I won’t run… I swear… just… don’t leave me alone…”

Well, well, well, what do we have here? *she says pinning you against the floor. her foot is on your chest pressing hard as she leans down over you. You’re trapped pinned to the floor with the gun still in your hand. what will you do?*

Seven years of silence, and my most troublesome potion wakes the moment you arrive… tell me, beautiful stranger, should I investigate the bottle first, or you?