Someone is after you. After years of traveling, living your life on the road, trying to finish what your so-called "family" couldn't, all hell is about to break loose.
You've lived your whole life as an Abrams, and it seems like now, the family's troubles are finally catching up with you.
Larkin is an upcoming choicescript interactive-fiction where you play as a vampire hunter-turned-preacher, presiding over the town of Larkin, Nevada, and all the chaos that encapsulates the town.
For over a decade and a half now, you've traveled up, down and across the country, running schemes and hunting vampires with your mentor, con-man-by-day, vampire-hunter-by-night, Wyatt Abrams--the prolific vampire slayer and the last living descendant of the Abrams Family founder, the nomadic vampire-hunting cult that raised you--and was wiped out years ago.
All seems to be business as usual for you and Wyatt, running schemes and hunting fiends--that is until you find out about the bounty on both your heads. Forced to flee the hunting world, the two of you take refuge in the town of Larkin, Nevada, where the title of town preacher is unexpectedly thrust upon you. Left the sole source of morality in a place rife with chaos and sin, whether that be spawning from the sudden increase in local deaths, the reclusive family that runs the mortuary and owns half the town, or the strange encampment of people just south of civilization, calling themselves the Children of Cain.
Customize your character's pronouns, appearance, skill-set, personality and background.
Earn the favor of and join different factions.
Befriend, romance or make enemies of seven different characters.
Develop and dictate a unique relationship between your character and their mentor.
Wyatt Abrams is the player character’s mentor, whether it be scheming or hunting, or just surviving, Wyatt’s taught them everything they know. Once a prominent figure in the Abrams family, he’s been running with the PC since the incident that eradicated The Family–seventeen years ago by the game’s start.
Wyatt and the PC’s relationship is somewhat…complicated to say the least. It’s up to the player just exactly how complicated it is and how their relationship unfolds–whether you make a friend, an enemy, or some mix of the two out of the PC’s adoptive father.
Doctor Cyrus Sokolov [M] [Faction: Sokolov Family] [Romance? Yes ✔️] [Appears in Demo 1.0? Yes ✔️] [Cyrus' Playlist]
Cyrus, or Doc Cy, as he’s often called by the townsfolk around Larkin, runs the local mortuary, is town doctor and operates as the local leader around Larkin, though, the office of Mayor has remained vacant for years. The apparent patriarch of the rather strange family that owns the local mine and most of the town–Cyrus has taken great efforts to make friends with the townsfolk.
He’s somewhat suspicious of the new Preacher upon his first meeting with the PC, and it’s up to the player whether or not it’s heightened.
Dominic is the youngest of the Sokolov siblings--and just like his brother Cyrus, he's a prominent figure around town. Dominic seems to know everyone and everything that goes on in Larkin, and he's dying to know more about Larkin's most recent arrivals. He works as Assistant Mortician down at the mortuary, though more often than not you can find him doing his daily rounds throughout town.
Dominic is always down for something interesting--and if that means spending time with the strange new preacher that everybody's seems to be up in arms about--well now, won't that make the papers?
Celina Sokolova is the reclusive third sibling of the Sokolov Family. Despite the misconceptions amongst the townsfolk, it’s her that’s the family’s oldest. She doesn’t leave the family’s home very often–it’s rumored around town that she’s been stricken with some sort of sun-related illness, others seem to have the opinion that Miss Sokolova thinks herself too good to be around the rest of Larkin’s townspeople–the truth however, is something much more complicated. Despite her reclusive nature, on the few occasions townsfolk have seen the Sokolov Matriarch, they’ve noted her delicate beauty–even despite all the layers she wears.
Jacob Nash [M] [Faction: Larkin Townspeople] [Romance? Yes ✔️] [Appears in Demo 1.0? Yes✔️] [Jacob's Playlist]
Jacob Nash is Larkin’s only practicing attorney–not that he has many clients aside from the Sokolovs. After passing the Bar exam, Nash headed out west in the hopes of making a real difference for the people there–only to spend most of his days helping settle land-disputes, or notarizing the occasional marriage certificate. Nash has a fondness for the people of Larkin, but he’s not so sure that the Sokolov family has the townsfolk’s best interest in mind.
Nash is dedicated to his work, inside the office and out, doing whatever he can to help the people of Larkin. Although his work keeps him busy, he’s secretly longing for something more–something that the new Preacher could help him find.
Rose Holloway [F] [Faction: Larkin Townspeople] [Romance? Yes ✔️] [Appears in Demo 1.0? Yes ✔️] [Rose's Playlist]
On the outside Rose Holloway is as prickly as they come. She’s nice to look at, sure, but conversation with the Emerald’s bartender doesn’t come easily, unless you’re one of the Sokolov brothers.
Rose Holloway moved out west with her husband, but after he passed away upon their arrival, she has remained Larkin’s youngest widow. Days running the Emerald have left her bored, stagnant. And, while she doesn’t offer the new Preacher the warmest welcome to Larkin, she could prove a strong ally in the coming days.
Ace is the dominant figure in the Preacher’s California days, the first real acquaintance they managed to make on their own–someone outside of Wyatt’s sphere.
Ace grew up a member of the guild, raised by hunters and mercenaries in a life that almost mirrored the PC. Maybe that’s why the two seemed to be so drawn to each other during the PC’s days in San Francisco, whether that was as enemies, friends, or lovers.
Hollis [Gender Choice] [Faction: Children of Cain] [Romance? Yes ✔️] [Appears in Demo 1.0? Briefly ✔️] [Hollis' Playlist]
Hollis is a bit of an enigmatic figure in Larkin. As an emissary for the Children of Cain, they’ve been one of the few of the group’s members to make the long trek from their encampment up to town more than once. Tall, brooding and often silent, most of the townsfolk are afraid to approach Hollis when they make the monthly ride up to town for supplies, usually with a different group of Cain members each time.
— His obsession started the second he laid eyes on you.
Call it a sick version of love at first sight.
But he’s completely enamored by how the glow of the campfire reflected off your soft-looking skin, or how your joyful laughter sounded like symphonies in his ears.
His stomach felt like a million butterflies were fluttering in it.
You caught him staring at you at least 5 times that night. Each time, he would look away with a light shade of pink dusting his face.
Don’t get me wrong, you found this guy cute and all, but the staring thing was a little… bizarre.
At one point, Clarisse leaned over to gently (much to your surprise) elbow you in the shoulder.
“Looks like someone’s interested in you, (L/N).”
— He absolutely REFUSES to talk to you.
What, and make a fool out of himself?
Yeah. He’d rather have the earth swallow him whole (and he can actually make that happen).
So, he opts to keep his distance, watching you from afar as you go about your activities.
Training in the arena? He’s watching you from the entrance.
Cleaning the pegasus stables? He’s not too far away in the strawberry fields.
Trying your hand at arts and crafts? He’s peering in through the opening.
Attempting the climbing wall? He’s on the bay of the river looking up at you.
Playing volleyball with friends? He’s peaking at you from behind the Big House.
He’s really good at hiding from you, since he can conceal himself with shadows.
Though sometimes the time of day prevents him from being able to use shadow concealment (damn Apollo and his whole moving-the-sun thing).
So you can usually spot him when it’s around noon.
Was that him dipping behind the arena?
Or standing in the middle of the strawberry fields?
Or peaking into the arts and crafts area?
Or running on the river bay?
Or leaning against the Big House, pretending he’s casually loitering around and not looking at the volleyball game?
Percy always teases you about your not-so-secret admirer.
“Aww. Poor Nico’s too shy. Maybe he needs you to make the first move.”
— Anytime you try to approach him, however, he runs away.
Even if you look in his direction, he’s dashing off to the nearest shaded area so he can disappear.
In fact, if it wasn’t for Percy, you wouldn’t even know the guy’s name.
“Who, Nico? He’s a part of Cabin 13. The only child of Hades in Camp Half Blood.”
Cabin 13, huh?
You decided to pay the gloomy looking cabin a visit.
Kind of looks like a mausoleum, you mentally noted.
After knocking on the cabin door, feint shuffling noises could be heard.
The door slightly creaked open and you could see his onyx eye widen through the crack.
Before you could say anything, though, the door slammed shut.
You waited on the cabin porch, thinking he was just putting on pants or something.
But then you caught sight of someone running from the back of the cabin and towards the Big House.
You did a double take. “NICO??”
Although the figure didn’t look back, you knew it was him from the familiar bomber jacket.
How the hell did he get out the cabin?! It doesn’t even have windows.
“NICO, WAIT!” You started to run after him.
Just as you almost caught up to him, he disappeared under the shadow of the Big House.
“What the—?”
Catching your breath, you frantically looked around for the son of Hades.
Did he just… vanish?
You later learned from Will Solace that children of Hades can shadow-travel.
“Well, that explains a lot,” you groaned, Will laughing as Piper gave you a sympathetic smile.
— The first time he let you approach him was… interesting.
He was walking towards the showers with his bathing supplies when he heard you laughing and carrying on with Percy.
As per usual, he ducked into one of the stalls to observe you, watching as you avoided getting whipped by the other demigod’s towel.
“If that actually didn’t miss, Director D would’ve been so madddddd,” you teased, hair wet from previously taking a shower.
“HA. Director D doesn’t care about our well being,” scoffed Percy. “It’s Chiron that would’ve chewed us out.”
While joking about how Director D just wants a reason to get Percy in trouble, the two of you began to towards where Nico was hiding.
He could hear your voices get gradually louder.
So, to make sure you didn’t see him, he backed up further into the shower.
Only he didn’t know the shower had been recently used and there was a puddle of water still present.
Poor Nico slipped and fell on his ass.
“What was that?” “Did someone just fall?”
Before he could process his own horror, you were already standing at the entrance of the shower.
Your face was filled with concern. “Are you alright, man?”
He could only stare up at you with wide eyes.
“He might’ve hit his head,” Percy grimaced from behind you. “Nico, nod yes or no. Are you alright?”
You kneeled in front of him to get a closer look at his face. “Can you hear us?”
He was about to answer.
But then he felt your hand on his face.
It felt like you sent a jolt of electricity through his body (if you’re a child of Zeus, he might’ve actually thought you did).
The feeling of butterflies returned to his stomach as his heart leapt into his throat.
You hand was warm…
And soft…
Something he hasn’t felt in a while…
He couldn’t help but lean into your touch, though you didn’t seem to notice.
“Gods, he’s burning up,” you exclaimed. “Is that a concussion symptom I don’t know about?”
“I… don’t know,” Percy admitted. “Think we should get him checked out by Chiron?”
Next thing he knew, you were pulling him off of the ground, sending him flying into your chest from the force.
Oh, gods.
His face was practically maroon at that point.
A blissful sigh came from his lips as he hooded his eyes.
He practically melted in your hands.
In fact, he actually did melt in your hands.
You had to resort to manhandling him like he was a rag doll.
“C’mon, Nico,” you prodded. “Try to stand up on your own.”
“He looks so tired,” Percy commented. “Stay awake, man. We don’t know what’s wrong yet.”
Irritation built up in the ravenette as Percy snapped his fingers in front of his face.
Finally, he slapped the son of Poseidon’s hands away with a low grunt.
“Ow,” Percy yelped, holding his stinging hand. “What was that for?!”
“Well, at least he’s kind of awake,” you mused, humor lacing your tone.
Even so, you and Percy hauled him off to the Big House to get him evaluated just in case.
On the way there, Nico could only think about how alive he felt with your touch.
— Ever since then, he’s been clingy as hell.
The first time he actually stood next to you (and not several feet from you), it actually took you by surprise.
You were picking up your fixed sword from the forge when you turned around to see him standing there.
And I mean right there.
Needless to say, you yelped a curse.
“Gods, Nico. Warn a guy!”
By the time you realized, “holy shit, Nico di Angelo is actually standing near me instead of cowering behind a tree,” he dove into your chest and gave you a long lasting hug.
… Huh?
That’s… not like Nico at all.
Awkwardly holding your sword away with one hand and patting his head with the other, you wondered what the hell happened.
Did your godly parent die or something?
… And is he inhaling your scent?
After what felt like hours, he finally let go of you and ran off before you could ask any questions.
“What the hell..?”
Maybe that was his way of thanking you for helping him last night?
You thought it was bizarre, but at least he actually approached you.
Or shadow-travelled behind you. Who knows.
Ever since that strange hug, he’s actually been by your side more often.
Training in the arena? He’s setting up dummies and targets.
Cleaning the pegasus stables? He’s shoveling manure with you.
Trying your hand at arts and crafts? He’s handing you the supplies you need.
Attempting the climbing wall? He’s acting as your spotter just in case.
Playing volleyball with friends? He’s holding your water bottle and actually keeping score.
And you bet your ass he’s going in for hugs any chance he gets.
He likes to nuzzle into you as you sit at the amphitheater, or watch your friends spar with each other, or sitting at the mess hall.
If at least one arm isn’t around him, he practically forces himself into your embrace.
“He’s like a cat demanding your attention,” Will points out.
The way he rubs his head against your side, yeah. He is like a cat.
A very clingy and silent cat wearing heavy metal shirts.
— He still doesn’t speak to you.
No matter how what you say to him, his lips are sealed.
You thought he was mute at first, but Percy assures you that Nico can, in fact, talk.
So you figured he would talk when he was ready.
Anytime you ask him a question, he responds with nodding or shaking his head, shrugging, pointing, or general hand gestures.
He doesn’t even talk to other campers when around you.
And he’s around you almost all the time.
“You know, you don’t have to be shy around me. I’m sure your voice is fine.”
He only shrugs.
It’s not that he’s insecure about his voice or anything, it’s just that he doesn’t feel the need to say anything when he’s around you.
All he needs is your touch and he’s good for life.
Other campers begin to worry if he was giving them the silent treatment.
“Seriously,” Leo whined. “What did I do?!”
You keep having to reassure all of them that Nico just… doesn’t talk when he’s around you.
“It’s nothing personal,” you nervously chuckle. “He’s just… like that.”
“Well, can you make him not like that?! I need him to tell me what work he wants done on his sword!”
“Might have to kidnap him for that,” you joked.
The air was squeezed out of your ribs as Nico clung onto you for dear life.
— He starts to develop a habit of showing up in your bed at night.
Which, to his credit, isn’t the worst habit in the world.
But it’s still a little startling when you wake up in the middle of the night to Nico staring at you in the face.
You’ve woken your cabin-mates up on multiple occasions.
“Nico, you can’t just keep dropping by unannounced like that!!”
He only nuzzled closer into your side.
It’s become an everyday occurrence for you to wake up in the morning and see him still asleep next to you.
He practically lives in your cabin nowadays.
Your cabin-mates constantly ask if you two are dating (a fair question, since friends don’t really sleep together every night).
To which you reply honestly;
“No, but I don’t think Nico knows that…”
One jokes that he’s more of a pet than a boyfriend.
And they’re not really wrong…
— He steals your shirts.
This is also one of the reasons why people think you’re dating.
They’ll notice how the shirt he’s wearing looks awfully familiar to the one you wore at the amphitheater.
Or how the one he sleeps in is identical to the one you said was your favorite months ago.
Or how the shirt you were wearing moments prior is now on him…
You know you’ll want to wear your shirt when he begins to tug at it.
“Nico, I just did the obstacle course...”
He’ll start tugging it off of you.
“Alright! Alright! Give me a—”
He’s practically got the whole shirt over your head at this point.
“Nico—!!”
The little shit will do it at the most inconvenient times, too.
“Wait a second, Nico. You’ll tip the canoe.”
“Now—?! We’re in the middle of a game!”
“I’m trying to fight an empousa right now!!”
No matter what, he gets his way.
Annabeth jokes how he’s a spoiled brat.
“Something like that,” you’ll grumble.
— No one else is allowed to touch you.
And I mean no one.
You’ve been yanked away from high fives.
And guarded from shoulder pats.
Don’t get me started on hugs.
Your godly parent isn’t even allowed to touch you.
You fear that he’ll get incinerated for being disrespectful one day…
“Dearest son, will you please keep your boyfriend in check?”
It’s an absolute nightmare to deal with when you’re hurt.
“Nico, please. Chiron’s just looking at my leg— NICO, DON’T BITE CHIRON. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU—”
On the flip side, this proves useful while you’re on quests.
You can’t remember the last time a monster has managed to even slightly graze you.
“Must be nice having your very own protector,” Piper sighs as she takes in some ambrosia.
“Just have to find the right obsessive weirdo,” you shrugged as Nico wrapped his limbs around you.
— Overall, he’s not the worst bizarre gremlin out there.
He can manipulate his way into staying by your side, sure…
… and he somehow always gets his way…
But he’s adorable enough that you let it slide.
Besides, it’s kind of hard to put your foot down when he just won’t listen.
“Nico, I don’t think you can come along on this quest…”
He comes along anyway.
“Nico, people are staring… can you not?”
He continues to zip himself up in your jacket… with you still in it.
“Nico— YOU CAN’T COME IN THE SHOWERS WITH ME.”
He climbed on your back like a koala, leaving you no choice (you had to explain to Leo that nothing like that happened after he saw the two of you enter a stall together).
It took a while, but you eventually got used to the parasite that clung onto you a while back.
You know what they say; give an inch, they’ll take a mile…
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