>>1979763

>Ask someone about what happened to Sostrato

>>1979763
>>Ask someone about what happened to Sostrato

>>1979844
>>1979966
>Ask someone about what happened to Sostrato
A gossipy nurse takes you up on the request.
"Heart failure, darling. His little old pump just couldn't take it any longer." Licking her fingers to turn the pages of a tabloid, she clucks her tongue. "That boy that argued with him might get charged for manslaughter if the case don't get thrown out of court. Autopsy been done and released, but it ain't gonna see court yet."

Studying her fingernails, the nurse continues, "Scandalous he was even in that old house anyways, if you ask me. He says he was there on buisiness-" she wags her finger. "Uh uh, dahrling. You don't invite someone to your house for business. He was there for something big. I can't wait to see when they release the footage- old man had cameras everywhere."

She changes the subject by jammering on about some movie star's breakup, and when the subject turns to a former actress caught with with her skirt down, you decide to leave the conversation.

Sofia returns, looking less worried but still sad. "She's fine- for now." Wrapping her arms around herself, she sits down. "I only wish there was more I could do for her."

>>I only wish there was more I could do for her.
>We could hold some sort of celebration for her when she gets back.
>Bring her something to eat?
>You can knit pretty well, these socks are good. Maybe you can make her something to wear.
>Just visiting her should help. No-one should be alone.
>She'll be fine. I don't want you to enter a worrying spiral. You did all you could.
><Write-In>

>>1980021
>We could hold some sort of celebration for her when she gets back.
>>You can knit pretty well, these socks are good. Maybe you can make her something to wear.

>>1980021
>Just visiting her should help. No-one should be alone.
>And we can make sure she comes back to a nice clean store

>>1980028
>>1980042
>We could hold some sort of celebration for her when she gets back.
"Nothing too big, I think." Sofia looks up. "I think she prefers her privacy and quiet. Why else would she live where she does?"

>You can knit pretty well, these socks are good. Maybe you can make her something to wear.
"You're wearing those?" Carrollo seems surprised and a little embarrassed. "Well, that's nice of you, I guess. I could make something- but I'm not sure how she would wear it with her condition."

>Just visiting her should help. No-one should be alone.
"No one should be alone..." she drifts off into thought as if that's something she knows a lot about. She couldn't spend all of her time with her Uncle or at the bookstore, after all.

>And we can make sure she comes back to a nice clean store
"Right." She snaps back to focus and places a fist into her other hand. "We should continue to work at our normal time. I hope you don't mind if we don't get paid for a while. Or I guess you could take books from time to time."

She tilts from side to side as if considering what to do next. "While we're out here, do you mind if I do some shopping? Since you mentioned knitting, there's some yarn I've been meaning to get more of. We could just wander for a bit after that, maybe get some studying done when we get back."

>>To-Do List
>Actually, I wanted to get something else while I was here.
>Donna was open, maybe we could do something with her.
>As long as I don't have to carry any bags.
>Oh, Keith talked about getting tickets for the Toreadors. You want to go? I don't know if you like basketball.
>There's something I wanted to talk about while we're meandering.
>Nah, I'm just gonna go back to Olympia.
><Write-In>

>>1980155
>Sure
>*as a joke* Offer your arm to her “shall we princess”

>>1980155
>>Donna was open, maybe we could do something with her.

File: A Good Approximation.png (678 KB, 1002x650)

678 KB PNG

>>1980175
>Sure
"Then let's-"
>*as a joke* Offer your arm to her “shall we princess”
Sofia pauses. She stares at you and considers your gesture. Then she raises her arm, and brings it towards you. You come to a slow and dreadful realization that her hand is curling into a fist as it accelerates towards your jaw.

A smarting blow later, you're smirking and Sofia is rubbing her knuckles. You know she didn't hit you as hard as she could, and it didn't really hurt anyways.

"I don't need to be led around like arm candy, you lunkhead," she hisses in a mixture of anger and embarrassment. You politely inform her that you're the arm candy of the pair, causing her to roll her eyes dismissively.

>>1980280
Sofia picks out some yarn for use in making more knitted clothing when you suddenly remember that Donna is free at the moment. You suggest to Sofia that you could talk to her and the three of you could do something.

>>Donna was open, maybe we could do something with her.
"Why not?" She seems interested in changing the subject, in any case.

When you contact Donna, she mentions that David and Ruth have gone skating and apparently not invited her. She seems a bit too eager to accompany them anyways.

>DONNA: cm on lt's find ot w/ thr doin
>SOFIA: Don't be tacky. If they don't want to be accompanied, there's no reason to follow them.
>DONNA: rnt u the lst bt curis?

Carrollo shakes her head and waves her hand. "Price's getting up to her usual stalking."

>>A new development
>Stalking? That's not how I see it.
>Let's head somewhere else, Price. It's not worth it. We can go to the arcade or something.
>Sofia, let's just go on our own and leave Donna to dig her own grave.
>>Hold on Donna, I'll be right over.
>Sorry, Sofia. I can't let Ruth corrupt David's pure innocence. Both of you stay out of this.
><Write-In>

>>1980366
>Ruth asking David out on a date? C’mon don’t tell me you aren’t the least bit curious
>WE’ll be right over there Dona

>>1980400
>Ruth asking David out on a date? C’mon don’t tell me you aren’t the least bit curious
"Just because I MAY be doesn't mean I let my impulses rule my actions," Sofia puts her hands on her hips. "Do I need to punch you again?"

>WE’ll be right over there Donna
"WE are not going anywhere," Sofia hisses after making her purchases, almost raising her voice before remembering that you are in a store. She points directly in your face with a definitive glare that shows she will not be swayed. "If you follow them, you can count me out. I'll call Bennett if I have to. AND I'll tell them you're following them."

She seems serious. So you do the next best thing and take the phone from her hands before breaking off into a sprint. Carrollo takes a few seconds to process what just happened before following you, her voice growing louder once you all are running the streets instead of being in the shop. "Read, you asshole! Get back here!"

---

You make it to the rollerskating rink and slow down to catch your breath. Sofia is about a minute behind you, panting and sweating. She slumps down on a bench and glares at you before holding out her hand to receive her phone. You finally relent and give it to her, and she sticks out her tongue at you as she wipes her brow.

"What are you doing here?" David asks innocently, causing Sofia to turn around. He's wearing a Olympia Thunderbolts T-shirt. "Ruth invited me to roller skate. Did you want to come along?"

Ruth is a little more suspicious of your presence. "Yeah, what are you doing here?" She seems surprised Sofia was chasing you.

"I'll explain later," Sofia grumbles. "It seems we're here for the same reason. So Solomon and I should really do something else. No reason to steal your idea, after all."

"There's no need to do that," David says. "We can all go together."

"I actually wanted to talk to you about something alone," Ruth says to Evelake, but smiles. "We can do that later."

You enter and begin to skate. Sofia is still a little exhausted, and continues to give you vicious looks for making her run all the way here. Her sweat's evaporation is chilling her in the cooled rink.

"So why are you here again?" David asks, still curious. "It seems strange that you came to the same location as us at the same time."

"It's just roller skating, it's enjoyable," Ruth shrugs. "They don't need a reason."

"That's right," Sofia agrees immediately, but her token excuse is blown up when David collides into Donna, who was trying to remain low-key.

Price sheepishly stands up, brushes off her kneepads, and shakes the cobwebs out of her head, putting Ruth on guard. "So, uh, how's the weather?" Florez looks to you for an explanation.

>>Stormy Weather
>Rainy, right?
>(Come clean)
>It was Sofia's idea. She was jealous of David's attention.
>Donna, are you stalking them? How could you? I trusted you!
>So, uh. How are those Toreadors?
><Write-In>

>>1980645
>Fancy seeing you here Donna. Keith come with you? He mentioned wanting to skate a while back
Play it off like it’s just one happy coincedence.

>>1980682
>Fancy seeing you here Donna. Keith come with you? He mentioned wanting to skate a while back.
You're almost out of excuses, but hopefully you could play this off as an accident rather that the goofy sitcom-tier conspiracy this is. Donna nods, slightly to your surprise. "He... He stopped at the arcade and snack bar. So I guess everyone except Martinez and Bennett is here?"

"And Chris," David adds.

"Wait, is he even part of our group?" Ruth asks. "But that's not important. Let's just skate, then." She sounds exasperated, and skates partially alone and partially as a partner with David. Sofia is still chilly, and simply rolls around the rink absentmindedly, her eyes meeting yours from time to time, or following the others.

"Damn, so it's just like Donna said," Keith appears on the rink finishing up a chocolate bar. "Everyone's here."

Godammit, Keith. Everyone's eyes turn to Donna, especially Florez, who's angry with her friend. "You planned this? Why?"

"Why not?" Donna counters.

"Yeah, it's not like you're on a date or something." Keith shrugs, putting his foot in his mouth even further. "What's the big deal? I thought everyone was on board with this."

"On board with interrupting their date?" Sofia grumbles, raising protest from Ruth and David.

"We're not on a date. We're going out as friends. Not that I would be opposed to a date, but we're friends." Florez shakes her head.

David asks. "Yeah. I mean, it wasn't a date when we met those girls at the waterpark."

"You what?" Sofia turns to you in confusion, then asks David to elaborate. "You WHAT?"

Even Keith realizes that this is a bad idea, but Evelake states the truth. "Yeah, Solomon was trying to help me talk to women. We met some girls and spoke with them, went on some rides with them."

"You taught David to pick up chicks?" Donna laughs.

Allan grits his teeth. "Shit. I mean, yes we did."

"But the important part is that wasn't a date, and neither is this." David says. "Otherwise Solomon and Sofia would also be, and Keith and-"

"Okay, everyone shut up." Ruth finally loses her patience. "Everyone just shut up and skate. This is getting weird."

Finally, something you can agree with. You spend some time in awkward silence, skating. Sofia skates a bit away from you, but she seems to be pondering something.

---

This is the last post of the night. Sorry for the delay.

>>1980960
This entire ball of raging awkwardness was glorious. Thanks for running.

>>1980960

You recover your composure and your dignity over the course of about two hours of skating, after which you're exhausted. David and Ruth are able to have their conversation in peace, and Sofia and Donna sit next to each other, trying not to exchange gazes. Keith tries to start a conversation, but every try dies off far too quickly to be useful.

"Well, I hope you're happy," Carrollo eventually grumbles at you. "But," she admits, "Thanks for being there after what happened."

"What, did someone hurt you?" Price immediately sits up. "What happened?"

You explain about Miss Patricia's and how she's fine, and Keith goes from tense to simply dismayed. "Damn, that sucks. We oughta do something."

"I'd prefer-" Sofia stops from reprimanding Allan, seeing he's trying to help. "I don't think they'll allow anyone but me into her room, given she has so few friends and family, so if you want to do anything pass it by me first."

"Yeah, that'd be cool, wouldn't it?" Donna looks up at the sky and thinks. "I'll figure out something, just you wait."

You feel the bonds between your allies- your friends- growing closer. Sofia especially seems to understand you better, and you share a short smile with each other.
((Your bond with the Caregiver increased to Rank 4!)
If Sofia is in your party and in Great condition, your bonus to give orders increases by +2 instead of +1.)

((Your bond with the Jester increased to Rank 3!)
Gained Greater Mythical Holding: You can now hold eight Myths in addition to Faust/Dante.)

She soon looks away shyly, however, and you have to go back to Olympia eventually.

---

When you head back home, David eventually catches up to you. "Boss, wait up. I wanted to ask you something."

He looks at the ground as he continues walking, and then asks, "I got to thinking- you know how my parents died in an accident?" Evelake continues soon after you nod to the affirmative. "Well, I've never been able to find their graves to mourn them. What if- and I'm just saying-"

The mechanical man looks at the ground. "What if I never had any parents? Maybe they just made that up as a story to tell Mr and Mrs. Bennett so they would help make me?"

>>What if I never had any parents?
>Aren't the Bennetts your family?
>Just because you can't find them doesn't mean they didn't exist.
>I'll help you search for them.
>If you didn't, the government wouldn't tell you.
>Where did they bury your, uh, former body?
><Write-In>

>>1983517
>Just because you can't find them doesn't mean they didn't exist.
>Where did they bury your, uh, former body?

>>1983517
>If you didn’t have any to begin with the gov wouldn’t have told you. It’s easier to make a soldier without possible emotional baggage. Someone up there must have had a concience and decided to tell you the truth.
>Besides, ain’t the Bennets as much of a family to you as your biological parents?

>>1983538
>>1983542
>Just because you can't find them doesn't mean they didn't exist.
>If you didn’t have any to begin with the gov wouldn’t have told you. It’s easier to make a soldier without possible emotional baggage. Someone up there must have had a conscience and decided to tell you the truth.
"I guess that makes sense." He doesn't seem very torn up about this, all things considered. If it were anyone else, you'd suspect that there's something really dark behind his questioning. However, he seems perfectly at peace with his former orphanhood, if not perfectly with his android nature.

>Besides, ain’t the Bennets as much of a family to you as your biological parents?
"Yeah, of course." he smiles. "I mean, I don't want to sound ungrateful to them, but there's just a desire I have to find out who my biological parents are. Call it searching out my roots."

>Where did they bury your, uh, former body?
"I don't know that either," he blinks in realization. "I guess it never occurred to me. I mean, what would I do about it if I knew? I don't really think I could mourn myself." He shakes his head. "Oh well, I guess it's not that important. I'm here with my family and friends now. If I need to know about my parents, I'll find them eventually."

David grins ear to ear, his innocence shining through again. "Thanks anyways. If I get any leads I'll let you know." God, why did you have to get your sister as a sibling instead of this guy as a little brother? "Oh, and I'm going with Keith to the basketball game. I think he already asked you, so pick up a ticket if you're gonna go."

Looking at your phone's clock as Evelake says his goodbyes and runs off, you've got to prepare for the next week. What are you going to prioritize? School elections are coming up.

>>Week of the 23rd
>Theater with Ruth and Donna
>Home Ec with David and Sofia
>Athletics with Keith and Kenneth
>Get to know Student Council President Chris Hall
>The Witching Hour with Bennett and (shudder) Beatrice
><Write-In>

>>1983676
Are we picking just one thing, or two or three...?

>>1983691
Ah, right.
>Pick three. One primary and two secondary. The primary will be played through, the secondary will have mechanical effects and description.

>>1983697
By the Judge, ya forgot your trip.

>>1983676
>The Witching Hour with Bennett and (shudder) Beatrice
>Athelic
>Theatre

>>1983676
>The Witching Hour with Bennett and (shudder) Beatrice
>Theater with Ruth and Donna
>Athletics with Keith and Kenneth

>>1983705
How the-
Must have been some reset on my browser. Hopefully fixed. BRB with apology music.

>>1983710
>>1983709
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxHgVBpKNEo

>Theater with Ruth and Donna
You manage to get Donna to say some lines without deliberately flubbing them up. Ruth is impressed, and your work and Charm makes you likely to take a major role on stage. Everything seems to be proceeding according to plan, and you meet outside of class to discuss future arrangements and sometimes just to chat. Ruth spends some time talking about her tarot cards and what they mean, but more often the topic is just life in general and how odd it can seem at times. You feel like you and Florez are kindred spirits, and Donna's eagerness for all sorts of conspiracy theories is always good for a spree of wondering or a laugh.
(Your Charm has increased! (+3: 2/15 ->5/15))
(You feel like your relationship with Ruth is going to improve soon.)
(You feel like your relationship with Donna is going to improve soon.)

>Athletics with Keith and Kenneth
You end up getting your asses kicked in practice by the coach's strenuous demands, but when game day comes, you make up for your previous nose injury by coming in second in runs batted in to Martinez. Keith, on the other hand, scares the crowd half to death when he obliterates a ball you assure yourself was busting at the seams anyways. You also spends some time spotting one each other while lifting weights, and Keith teaches you and Kenneth some boxing basics, like the proper form for throwing a killer punch.
(Your Courage has increased! (+3: 3/15 ->6/15))
(You feel like your relationship with Keith is going to improve soon.)
(You feel like your relationship with Kenneth is going to improve soon.)

>The Witching Hour with Bennett and (shudder) Beatrice
Walt is in his Siege Perilous when you meet up with him. "Oh, hi. Something you need?" He stands up and looks around. "You want to call the others here?"

He's been taking better care of himself recently- for one, he doesn't reek of booze, which was more of a cologne to him at this point. He's also more clean-shaven, and raises an eyebrow when he notes you're noticing. "Oh, yeah. Hopefully I'm going to get married soon. I need to get a few things handled, and take some time off of work, though. You'll probably get a substitute in the meantime, and I'll hand the support job over to Ms. Crew."

>>The Witching Hour
>Yeah, let's get everyone in here. Next floor is Wrath, right?
>Hold up, you're getting married? When?
>No, I wanted to talk to someone else. Beatrice.
>Actually, I wanted to ask you a question about something.
>What happened to Hall? Is he okay?
><Write-In>

>>1983867
>>What happened to Hall? Is he okay?
>I’m actually here to talk to Beatrice

>>1983867
>Hold up, you're getting married? When?
>Actually, I wanted to ask you a question about something.
>Do you know anything about a boy who was supposedly arguing with Sostrato Milani before he died?

>>1983867
>>What happened to Hall? Is he okay?
>Hold up, you're getting married? When?

>>1983874
>>1983983
>>1983892
>What happened to Hall? Is he okay?
"Yeah, he had a small breakdown after he realized that he was being uber-controlling of the student body, and resolved to apologize during his election speech." Thankfully, all's well that ends well, it seems.

>Hold up, you're getting married? When?
"In December, actually. Right before Christmas, really. I, uh, have to get a couple of things arranged first. It's sort of complicated." He seems somewhat nervous in anticipation.

>Actually, I wanted to ask you a question about something.
>Do you know anything about a boy who was supposedly arguing with Sostrato Milani before he died?
Bennett thinks about this and grimaces. "Look, when you deal with shit like this, you find it's best not to ask certain questions. Though given you're risking your life on a regular basis, I might as well explain anyways." He sits down in his chair. "Look, Sostrato knew he was as good as dead by way of his age, so he brought some people to his damn mansion to talk about who was gonna take over. You saw me speaking with a man named Leroy Brown. He's set to inherit the Milani. Part of the reason he went to recruit me was because he figured he might not have gotten a second chance." He snickers. "Guess the old man figured right."

>I’m actually here to talk to Beatrice
"Oh, well, see you later, then. I'm monitoring the area for any unusual situations."

You find Beatrice eagerly waiting on the first floor of Babylon. "Well, well, look who decided to crawl show up. I'm not offended by the fact you didn't return my text after the first reply or anything," she grumbles moodily at you, obviously irritated you didn't continue to reply to you.

"What did you need?" she asks with a frown, once you're back in the counseling room. Her clingy nature returns, as she kicks her legs eagerly awaiting your reply, leaning towards you until you're almost face to face.

>>Do you have need of my services?
>I have some Myths I'd like to fuse.
>I have some Myths I'd like to summon.
>I need some other advice.
>Did you want to see more of Crescent City?
>Look, Beatrice, we need to talk.
><Write-In>

(Oh, and in case you're wondering, there was not another person present- 'boy' referred to either Leroy or Bennett.)

>>1984157

>look who decided to crawl show up.
I can't tell if that's an error on your part, or Beatrice using words weirdly again.

>I have some Myths I'd like to fuse.
>So, Ruth is your brother's guest huh? Does that mean that she needs 'legal council' for something too?
>>1984211
Gotcha. Guess the nurse was an older woman then?

>>1984227
Second
>After we’re done want to see more of Crescent City?

>I can't tell if that's an error on your part, or Beatrice using words weirdly again.
Actually the first, but let's pretend she was simply frustrated enough to fumble her phrasing.
>Gotcha. Guess the nurse was an older woman then?
Yes.
>>1984227
>>1984248

>So, Ruth is your brother's guest huh? Does that mean that she needs 'legal council' for something too?
"Excellent deduction," she compliments you. "Yes, but I can't be specific. I'm sure you can figure out why." She rests her chin on her hands.
Your gut instinct tells you something to do with the Phantom. Her Myth is Christine, after all. Finding a way to deal with him, then, and whatever he does to influence her.

>After we’re done want to see more of Crescent City?
Beatrice's eyes light up and she clasps her hands together. "How could I say no?" she winks. You get the feeling your hand is going to need to be checked for blood flow eventually.

>I have some Myths I'd like to fuse.
"Feel free to designate two to use."
>>Blackbeard (Ruler)
>>Velveteen Rabbit (Caregiver)
>>The General (Hero)
>>Captain Hook (Ruler)
>>Demon in The Bottle (Jester)
>>Red Riding Hood (Innocent)

>>Fusion
>Dual Fusion
>Triangle Fusion
>Square Fusion
>Pentagram Fusion
>Hexagon Fusion
>Actually, I had a different idea.
><Write-In>

>>1984391
>Dual Fusion
>>Velveteen Rabbit (Caregiver)
>>Captain Hook (Ruler)

Do we have any items we can sacrifice?

>>1984391
>>1984408
Second

>>1984408
>>1984412
>Do we have any items we can sacrifice?

>Model bat
>Cinnamon roll
>Mad Bull
>Book of Grimm's Fairy Tales
And you remember that Sofia gave you something she picked up on Hall's Monster's ship.
>How To Make Friends and Influence People

>Add any or all to fusion <Write-In>

>>1984432
>Don't sacrifice any item

>>1984432
>>Cinnamon roll

>>1984408
>>1984412
>>1984524
>>Velveteen Rabbit (Caregiver) +0/+0/+2/+1
>>Captain Hook (Ruler) +2/+0/+1/+1
>>1984553
>>Cinnamon roll
"Let's see what sort of council we can acquire from this."
Beatrice turns the pages associated with the Myths into a pair of contracts, rolls them together, and seals them. The roll of contracts flashes and burns into ashes which pool together and form a new contract.
A princely man in an old-fashioned war uniform with features inspired by sweets and confections appears and bows to you.
"I am the Nutcracker Prince, defender of my homeland against the evil of the wicked Rat King. I will be here to defend you and those you care for as needed. I am also part of you..."
>>Nutcracker Prince (Hero) +2/+0/+2/+1
>>Sweet Heart. If active Myth when confronting solo non-Monster Curse, can immediately Negotiate.
"Oh my, it seems the sacrificed object has caused a slight mutation!" Beatrice claps her hands together.
>>Nutcracker Prince (Hero) +2/+0/+3/+1
>>Sweet Heart. If active Myth when confronting solo non-Monster Curse, can immediately Negotiate.

Beatrice closes the Commedia with your new Myth and smirks at you. "Now, what was that you said about going to Crescent City?" Your hand hurts already.

---

That'll be it for tonight, I'm afraid.

You try to maintain a pulse as your overeager guest drags you from location to location, eventually stopping outside the arcade with a curious expression. "What interesting machines!"

When she runs inside, you explain how their use is to play video games, and Beatrice listens intently. "Amazing!" She walks over to one and begins to fiddle with the controls, before you inform her that you need to insert money in order to play.

"Hm." she grumbles. "I was under the impression this was an area designed to generate joy, not to acquire extensive amounts of money through underhanded means from eager children." She looks around a bit more. "Say, what is that location over there?"

She walks over to the laser tag and reads the rules. "Ah! You pay to participate in simulated war games? What an interesting culture!" You're not sure how to respond, but she tugs on your hand before you can develop a decent excuse.

"Come, let's join them. I'm eager to determine how the people of this world handle the stress of being required to kill fellow humans, even in simulation."

"God, I wish it were that exciting," the employee at the desk mutters, completely unfazed by Beatrice's strange dress and mannerisms.

"So it is easy for your kind? My, this truly is a culture of warriors!" Rather than horrified, she seems pleased. "We should join the game at once!" Your instincts advise you against it.

>>This truly is a culture of warriors!
>Armchair warriors, maybe.
>The weapons aren't real. They don't even hurt.
>Sure, what could go wrong?
>Uh, maybe we should wait until I've explained more for you to play.
>I'm hungry. Are you hungry?
><Write-In>

>>1990836
>Sure, what could go wrong?
>Remember you can only shoot them. Don't get physical or use any sort of weird power. Follow the rules and everyone has fun.

>>1990860
Support

File: Laser Tag.jpg (173 KB, 914x609)

173 KB JPG

>>1990860
>>1990994
>Sure, what could go wrong?
"Splendid!"
>Remember you can only shoot them. Don't get physical or use any sort of weird power. Follow the rules and everyone has fun.
She frowns, but accepts that the rules are essential to the experience.
"Of course. After all, this is merely a game." Before she walks over so you two can purchase entry, she thinks of something and displays her teeth in a fashion that makes you uncomfortable. "Would it be possible for me to arrange that we be on opposite teams?"

"Why not? I've got nothing better to do," the gum-chewing worker shrugs.

"Perfect." After paying, she walks up to you and stares you in the eye before walking inside with a giggle. Suddenly you begin to sympathize with David's fear of the dark.

---

The arena setup is soon finished, and you anticipate your date of sorts will be specifically targeting you.

"RED TEAM, PREPARE YOURSELVES!" You nearly jump out of your shoes. You need a strategy, and fast.

>>Laser tag (Roll 2d10+3: All modifiers currently the same)
>Just play normally. She's not gonna mess with the game on your part. (Proficiency +3)
>Anticipate her movements. You'll be able to get more points if you can keep her from hunting you down. (Knowledge +3)
>Play offensively. She wants hard to get, fine. (Courage +3)
>Seek her out. Two can play at this game. (Charm +3)
><Write-In>

Rolled 1, 5 + 3 = 9 (2d10 + 3)

>>1991071
>I have a bad feeling about this
>Seek her out. Two can play at this game. (Charm +3)

Rolled 9, 9 + 3 = 21 (2d10 + 3)

>>1991071
>Anticipate her movements. You'll be able to get more points if you can keep her from hunting you down. (Knowledge +3)

>>1991091
>>1991118
>Anticipate her movements. You'll be able to get more points if you can keep her from hunting you down. (Knowledge +3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnKeN9zIkoE
Snapping out of your fear, you get in the zone and your mind begins buzzing with ideas. You use the lights of other team members and the provided cover to conceal your identity in the darkness, and slink around in the back of the enemy area to gather points from the base targets, fleeing before you can be tracked by Beatrice- or anyone else.

Once or twice, you spot red reflections above blue armor beacons in the darkness, scanning the area. They stop focused on your location, and you manage to get away after a short bit of frantic sprinting and stopping to snipe once or twice. As the blue lasers fly by you and you take a couple of blasts to the armor, you manage to tag her out and relief fills your limbs as she retreats.

---

Eventually, the match ends after what seems like an eternity of sneaking and thinking like a madman about where the otherworldly girl would be hiding. You take the top position again, feeling a bit proud about yourself. Beatrice walks out of the arena. She seems angry.

"You were hiding from me." Like before, she walks up to you, but looking as if she wants to throw you through a window or into an arcade cabinet rather than on the floor. "Why?"

>>You were hiding from me.
>It was a game. I played to win.
>You, uh, seem offended.
>Sounds like you're just bad at hunting.
>Well, I'm here now.
><Write-In>

>>1991188
>Because I can't win a straight fight against you
>And I play to win

>>1991205
Eh, why not. Support.

>>1991188
this>>1991205

>>1991205
>>1991244
>>1991304

>Because I can't win a straight fight against you
>And I play to win

Your legal counsel steps a hint closer to read your body language and then backs down, satisfied with your answer. The aura of destructive will surrounding her vanishes after a few seconds. "Very well. Underhanded tactics are still tactics, and you did follow the rules. My mother once told me there was no such thing as a fair fight."

Before she decides to drag you in another direction, she suggests, "Perhaps you could duel with me in the future? I assure you I am a worthy opponent for nearly any adversary." She takes your other hand in her open one and gives you a pleading look. "Of course, you don't have to decide now. I want to go somewhere I haven't yet while we still have time."

You can't help but feel sorry for her- she seems clingy, but you feel like beneath the surface, she's hiding intense loneliness. You may be one of the few people who ever talks to her regularly.

>>I want to go somewhere I haven't yet
>Let's get coffee. Have you ever had any?
>I need to show you around Olympia.
>You need some different clothes if you want to make coming to the city a regular occurrence.
>Ice cream, then.
>Clover Tower. Why not?
><Write-In>

>>1991361
>You need some different clothes if you want to make coming to the city a regular occurrence.
>After that we can get ice cream

>>1991361
>You need some different clothes if you want to make coming to the city a regular occurrence.
>After that we can get ice cream

>>1991373
>>1991486
>You need some different clothes if you want to make coming to the city a regular occurrence.
"Hmph. Is that some sort of coy comment on my taste in clothing?" She shakes her head. "Oh, alright. But only to lower attention to myself. After all, I wouldn't want to cause a scene." You bite your tongue from telling her she already has and continue with your regularly scheduled plan.
>After that we can get ice cream
Indifferent, she pulls you along and out of the arcade. "I do not know what this 'ice cream' is, but I trust your judgement on the matter. Tallyho!"

Regret for your suggestion follows you wherever you go, in and out of five stores. She tries on dozens of outfits and ends up buying a grand total of three- on your tab. At least you got a few nice poses out of her. You hope and pray nobody you know sees you. Thankfully, your luck holds out for the trip.

(You don't know how much money you've earned recently, but all but $223 dollars of it is gone.)

Dreading the explanation to your parents, you stop in the mall's food court and let her devour a triple scoop bowl of chocolate ice cream. It's gone almost before you've gotten started. All this running around causes you to think about your schedule. It's the 29th, so you and the drama team have enough time to prepare for the play on the 26th. Then you remember a much closer date- the 12th of October. Just two weeks until the homecoming game. And the homecoming dance the next day.

You could invite Beatrice, but you'd have to fill out a form. At least it would give you the chance to catch up with Hall and make sure he really is all right. Sofia might get jealous, too.

(Reminder: Your closest female Camraderie is Sofia at rank 4, followed by Ruth at 3. You can invite any girl you know to the dance, but some may take it differently than others.)

"What's on your mind?" Beatrice asks innocently, bending the plastic spoon between her hands.

>>What's on your mind?
>Oh, nothing.
>Need to get ready for the homecoming game. We're playing a real tough crew.
>Play I've been working on with some other people. Maybe you should come watch.
>Actually, have you ever been to a dance?
>Hate to cut you off, but I need to get back home, and so do you.
><Write-In>

>>1991606
(You don't need to make the invite decision until technically the week of.)

>>1991606
>Just wondering what your sleeping face is like and from what I'm imagining I think I'd quite like waking up to that.
>Just kidding, Play I've been working on with some other people. Maybe you should come watch.

>>1991606
>>Play I've been working on with some other people. Maybe you should come watch.

>>1991636
>>1991646
>Play I've been working on with some other people. Maybe you should come watch.
Just to be clear, are you keeping
>>Just wondering what your sleeping face is like and from what I'm imagining I think I'd quite like waking up to that.
I'll roll if you're split on it.

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>1991665
Actually, that should have been

>>1991606
>>Play I've been working on with some other people. Maybe you should come watch.
Minus the other stuff.

Since two of the three are without and no support confirmation was given to QLX's suggestion, I can't in good conscience include the add-on.
>>1991636
>>1991646
>>1991793
>>Play I've been working on with some other people. Maybe you should come watch.
You suggest she watches you perform the play. After all, you'll perform better with her cheering you on silently from the crowd.

"Ah, of course. You can count on my support, Solomon." She looks at some of the clothes you've bought for her and bows at the waist from her seat. "Thank you for your generosity and guidance to this realm. I only hope I can help you the same way. I am still your ally, after all."
She doesn't seem to want to go, but realizes she has to. "I will see you soon, yes? It's rare that I speak to someone besides my brother these days."

(Your bond with the Lover has increased to 2!)
(You have partially reduced costs when acquiring Myths from Beatrice's counsel.)

Thinking out loud, the girl in red mutters, "If only I knew where my father is. I could rely on him for a place to live in this world, and would be able to spend more time here. I quite enjoy it."
She then realizes that you're listening and shakes her headin embarassment. "Ah, I'm sorry. I usually don't have listeners. I believe that's my cue to leave!"

Almost as crimson as the clothes she wears, she hurries off with her bags and disappears.

---

DURING SCHOOL, Wednesday October 3nd (Weather: Cloudy. Forecast for tomorrow: Rainy.)
Christopher Hall is set to give his election speech. He's been voted in every year he's run, and people are sitting nervously in the gym benches for him to start talking.

"So you figure he's good?" Keith asks you, scratching his chin and rolling his shoulders. "I saw him earlier, and he looked super nervous."

>>You figure he's good?
>We'll find out.
>He'd better be.
>Maybe he's having some regrets.
>You inviting Donna to the dance?
>Where's David? I haven't seen him yet today.
><Write-In>

>>1991942
>No use worrying about it now
>You inviting Donna to the dance?

>>1991942
OOC: Okay, I know I subbed out the n for an r. Word processors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjyZKfdwlng

>>1991942
>Maybe he's having some regrets.
>Where's David? I haven't seen him yet today.

>>1991969
>>1992009
>>Maybe he's having some regrets.
"I guess. He can be a real asshole at times, but I guess nobody really knows who else would be the President if not him."
>>No use worrying about it now
>>You inviting Donna to the dance?
"Huh?" Allan growls and pounds his fist into the open part of the bench beside him. "Hell no. I mean, it wouldn't work out. We'd 'get along' like if you tied a dog and cat together by the tail. And then set them on fire."
>>Where's David? I haven't seen him yet today.
Allan snorts. "Maybe HE's asking out Donna. Or she's got him stuffed in her locker."

Kenneth taps you on the shoulder and points to the stage. Hall is beginning to speak.
"I'd like to start by thanking you for once again electing me to be your student council president. However, while this is my third year being elected, I don't want to become stagnant in my behavior. It's come to my attention that several students feel as though I've stagnated as a representative and have become more interested in the letter of the policy than its spirit. After reviewing recent events from a more objective perspective... I'm inclined to agree."

A few other students react with alarm. "He's APOLOGIZING?" one girl almost laughs, but others hush her.

"Well, it's about time," a boy with a goth-like attitude mutters.

"I'd like to take some time after school to address issues I believe I've mishandled or not addressed at all. Rather than simply being re-elected, I'd like to think I've become your... new student council president."
The school bell rings, prompting a lot of students to leave. A couple of dozen students rush the stage, asking questions and pleading with Hall over something or other. Kenneth picks up his bag and shrugs. "If it was like with me, I'd say we've got our mission accomplished. Come on, let's go. We've gotta get the work in before homecoming."

>>Mission Accomplished
>Not yet. I need to talk to him to make sure of something.
>You think we can add him to our group?
>Sure, let's go.
>It's not like David to miss something like this. I'm gonna take a look around.
>I need to talk to someone else.
><Write-In>

>>1992204
>It's not like David to miss something like this. I'm gonna take a look around.

>>1992236
>It's not like David to miss something like this. I'm gonna take a look around.
"Yeah, sure. Just hurry back."
The cheerful android wasn't the sort to miss announcements, or school in general. It didn't seem like he was capable of getting sick, so what would stop him from showing up?

Wondering if he got a lead on his family, you send him a text. No response. You head to his room to check up on him in person, but when you arrive, Durandal is there instead of him. The guard looks up at you and stands, wearing the full suit you saw him in before at Clover Tower. "I was wondering when one of you was going to show up. David's not here- he's been brought back to base for repairs. He had a programming glitch."

Something about this doesn't seem right. Where's Bennett? He would know about this. He would know how to fix this. You remember that Durandal carries several guns on him at all times and has superior reaction time. The Cold War veteran stands up and shows his back to you, looking out the window. "He'll be fine."

>>He'll be fjne.
>Somehow I don't believe you.
>Okay. (Leave)
>So how is it exactly that you're over fifty but still look like you're thirty?
>This conspiracy shit is getting old, and FAST. What do you even want?
>Mind telling me your real name? Or do you even have one?
><Write-In>

>>1992384
>Yeah he will be
>but you didn’t came here just to tell me that did you?

>>1992384
>So how is it exactly that you're over fifty but still look like you're thirty?

>>1992403
>>Yeah he will be
>>but you didn’t came here just to tell me that did you?
"No, I told you that he's currently... emotionally compromised. Literally out of his own head." He turns to you with an apologetic look. "Look, I didn't mean for it to get this far. But he's... Well, you ought to see for yourself."

He guides you to the Witching Hour. On the way, you ask him a question you've been meaning to ask him for a while now.
>>1992446
>>So how is it exactly that you're over fifty but still look like you're thirty?
Durandal stops and tilts his head as if it were obvious. "You know what David's codename is? Joyeux." The name of Charlemagne's sword. Durandal is the sword of Roland. You make the connection in an instant.

"So you're a Paladin, then?" It's not even surprising anymore, just complicated to keep track of everything. It would explain his vulnerability to nuclear power- radiation fries electronics.

"Yep. His body was designed to be a straight upgrade to mine. I was stuck in that can since- dang, 1995?" He shrugs. "I've been through a few frames. My first one was like if Iron Man wore a cheap latex mask."

As you go to Bennett's office, you notice that the door is open before either of you get to it- and so is the closet door. "You coming along?" He gestures to you to follow.

>>You coming along?
>Not just the two of us. I'm getting backup.
>Let's go.
>Yeah, no.
>Where's Bennett?
>(Lock the door from the inside)
><Write-In>

(Probably gonna be the last choice post of the week.)

>>1992501
>Pretend to meet with Beatrice briefly to sort out your Myths.
>Ask her to pass a message along to Ruth through her brother about where we are, just in case.
Not 100% sure if we can trust him or not.

>>1992568
Second

>>1992568
>>1992583
>Pretend to meet with Beatrice briefly to sort out your Myths.
>Ask her to pass a message along to Ruth through her brother about where we are, just in case.
As you step inside, you tell Durandal you need to talk to someone about something- a resident to the area.
"Oh, I think I know who you're talking about," Durandal locks the door to Bennett's office behind you. "Just in case any kids come across it."
When you step inside Avalon, you see Harpe rolling an Oreo between her metallic fingers and immediately go on guard.
"Hello, dear," she says with a dainty wave, and saunters towards you with confidence despite being outnumbered.

With an order to Durandal halfway out of your mouth, the cock of a gun rings out behind you. "Sorry, kid."
Of fucking course this was a trap. Your hands slowly go up instinctively and you try to think your way out of this one. Secret telepathic powers, now would be a great time.

---
Yeah, sorry for the cliffhanger. I'll stick around for any questions and to post a What-if date for Beatrice as prompted on the Discord.

>Just wondering what your sleeping face is like and from what I'm imagining I think I'd quite like waking up to that.
"Oh, that's so sweet..." Beatrice purrs. "I think I'd like that too."

>Just kidding, Play I've been working on with some other people. Maybe you should come watch.
When she hears this, Beatrice frowns. The spoon snaps in her hands, the room goes silent. She's the one to break the silence, with laughter. She laughs until tears start rolling down her cheeks.

>Uh, what's so funny?
"Oh, it's funny that you think that you can just kid like that." She stands up and puts her hands on your cheeks. "You sweet little fool. The only other man that I have spent more than thirty minutes of conversation with is my brother."

>Uh.
"'Uh' nothing. You don't get it, do you? You are not the predator here." You're alarmed to find that no-one else is recognizing your predicament.

>Okay?
"No, I don't think you really grasp it as of yet. I am not your waifu."

>I've never said you-

"You are my husbando." The grip becomes tighter. The world seems to warp around her, leaving the two of you in a pitch-black void. "And that means that one way or another, I'm going to get what I want." she lets go of your face and brushes herself off. "Go ahead. Try inviting Sofia to the dance. We'll see what it gets you."

>A wonderful night?
"A shallow grave."

>But doesn't that mean-
"I didn't say right away." The red-eyed girl smirks again. "Now, let's try that again. What did you say?"

>I'd love to take you out shopping again. Please don't kill me.
"Perfect." After taking a bit of time to think, she looks at the players. "Now, let's take this as a lesson, shall we? I am not a woman to be trifled with. And unlike the original Ishtar, I am also not afraid to get my way myself."
She leaves you to your thinking, while she continues her conversation with Solomon as a captive audience.

>>1992946
Did this actually happen, or is it a what if scenario?

>>1993587
She's talking to us the player not Solomon. It's a running "thing"in the discord server

>>1993587
>>1993689
This is a 'What if' scenario. And yes, there's a running gag in the Discord server that Beatrice is an active force instead of a character because when I made a joking 'best girl' poll she got a vote from apparently no-one (ie herself).