>>2109674
>I don't know what you're talking about. (Follow the MiB)
>Text David
“Saw some dudes in Black suit talking to Ms.Crew near the court. Will follow, if you don’t hear back then things went wrong.”

>>2109686
>I don't know what you're talking about. (Follow the MiB)
>Text David
>“Saw some dudes in Black suit talking to Ms.Crew near the court. Will follow, if you don’t hear back then things went wrong.”

You make some hasty excuses and then slink off after the conspiratorial men. Soon, you trace them to an ordinary-looking blue car, and one of them notices you. Quickly reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a Dreamcatcher and palms it, before walking towards you.

"Excuse me, but why are you following us?" He states this in a calm, even tone, as if he were pretending to be someone else. Your confusion lingers until Dante intuitively communicates that they've been disguised in a similar way as the machines... but that it does not seem as effective due to their standard-issue tools. These, apparently, can be detected by Myth-Users.

His ally, rather than bringing out one of the concealment devices, places a hand inside of his jacket. You're sure it's prepared to draw a gun.

"It's a bit late to be wandering about, isn't it?" the first continues nonthreateningly.

>>Why are you following us?
>I just saw you talking to my teacher, and wondered if anything was going on.
>Probably not a good idea to wander the grounds after what happened with one of the guards.
>If you didn't know why, he wouldn't be drawing his gun.
>Just passing by.
><Write-In>

>>2109757
>I just saw you talking to my teacher, and wondered if anything was going on.

>>2109757
>>If you didn't know why, he wouldn't be drawing his gun.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2109769 (1)
>>2109781 (2)

>I just saw you talking to my teacher, and wondered if anything was going on.
It's too early to commit to a violent outcome at the moment. The man is not quite satisfied by this, but states, "It's nothing. We were just ensuring that the man who caused an incident earlier hadn't returned." His second motions to move into the nondescript car, which you now notice has no driver's license on the back. From what you can memorize about it, it is a white sedan with a black stripe running down each side.

"Move along," the man suggests, and steps into the driver's seat of the car in an effort to lose you. They're parked behind a storage shed for some of the equipment. It's a bit difficult to figure out how to stop them, since you don't have access to Dante outside of the Witching Hour.

Then again, you were able to summon Faust before... and that wasn't exactly in a life-or-death case, even though it was instinctive.

The engine starts. You're going to have to make your decision now.
>>MIB
>Simply memorize the car in case they show up again and return to your room
>Go talk to Ms. Crew and update David
>Photo op time. Wait until they're leaving and hope they don't see you snap a picture.
>Try to stop the car, counting on one of your Myths to help you. (Roll 2d10)
>Ah, what's the point in worrying? Head off to the dance.
><Write-In>

Rolled 6, 10 = 16 (2d10)

>>2109853
>>Try to stop the car, counting on one of your Myths to help you. (Roll 2d10)

>>2109853
>Simply memorize the car in case they show up again and return to your room
>Go back to your basketball game
>No point drawing heat to ourself

>>2109861
>>2109869
>>Try to stop the car, counting on one of your Myths to help you.
You reach out a hand and place it on the trunk as the two men begin to back up. A flicker of a much larger hand replaces yours, and your eyes widen just long enough to be distracted.
(6, 10) = 16 (FAILURE)
When the car knocks your arm aside, it doesn't hurt. You exert yourself, but they get away. However, the fact that you were able to summon Dante, even for a second, just by willing it in reality, excites you.

>Simply memorize the car in case they show up again and return to your room
When you watch them drive away, you detect one other previously-nonexistent feature: A set of thin paint scratches on the side you were on. The two men drive off into the distance and into the maze-like city streets.
>Go back to your basketball game
>No point drawing heat to ourself
You return to the court, but the other boys seem to have left after you did. One session of Around the World later, you're contacted by David.

>DAVID: Yeah. Walt contacted me from Japan, and said he wasn't able to return to the country.
>DAVID: Something having to do with his job? He said Miss Crew would be able to explain.
>DAVID: She's going to be our support from now on until he gets back.

Walt did say she was Support-class. Something still doesn't seem right about the timing of this.
>>News from Nihon
>Okay. Beatrice hasn't been bothering you, has she?
>What about the backup?
>I don't think we can trust her. Do we have any other options?
>The two guys must have shown up looking for him.
><Write-In>

>>2109907
>What about the backup?
>We should keep an eye on her something smells fishy
>Oh uh...Beatrice hasn't been bothering you, has she?

>>2109907
>By the way, how are Keith and Donna doing?

>>2109915
>>2109918
>What about the backup?
>DAVID: Not yet.
>DAVID: He told me to contact Mom and Dad if something went wrong.
>DAVID: As if I knew what that was supposed to mean. What are they going to do?
>DAVID: I know he cares about me, but I feel like he keeps me in the dark on so much.

>We should keep an eye on her something smells fishy
>DAVID: Okay, I guess. If she was going to do something, though, why not yet?

>Oh uh...Beatrice hasn't been bothering you, has she?
>DAVID: Not that much. She's been quiet.
>DAVID: Which doesn't exactly reassure me.
>DAVID: Oh, I might as well tell you. I'm going with Sofia.
>DAVID: Since you didn't ask her, she sort of decided on it.
>DAVID: Don't tell her I said that though.
Of course you wouldn't.

>By the way, how are Keith and Donna doing?
>DAVID: About as awkward as awkward gets.
>DAVID: I didn't recognize Donna at first, as cruel as that sounds.
>DAVID: She's probably going to be Homecoming Queen just because nobody else really has the spot.
>DAVID: Sorry, I'm being called away by Sofia.

You stand alone on the basketball court and look up at the ever-darkening night sky. It's nice to relax without the threat of getting your arms ripped off by a overzealous otherworldly woman. One thing feels out of place, though. Keith, Donna, David, Sofia, Kenneth, Beatrice, Walt... Something's just bugging you in the back of your brain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZu_aiAyC5E

>>Enjoying the Night
>Practice your sports skills (Increases Courage)
>Head inside to play Starcraft (Increases Proficiency)
>Speak to some of the other people who passed on the dance (Increases Charm)
>Go on a wiki walk (Increases Knowledge)
>Text someone (Write-In)
>Head to the dance while you have the time
><Write-In>

>>2109996
>Practice your sports skills (Increases Courage)

>>2109996
>>Text someone (Write-In)
>Ruth
>Are you spending the night alone too?
>That's probably not the smoothest to ask a girl...

>>2110029
>Practice your sports skills (Increases Courage)
You spend another hour or so playing basketball and working out with the sports equipment provided by the school. You feel blood pump through your arms and your muscles flush with exertion.
(Your Courage has increased! (+3: 6/15 ->8/15))

>>2110043
>>Text someone (Ruth)

>Are you spending the night alone too?
>RUTH: ?!?

>That's probably not the smoothest to ask a girl...
>RUTH: Are you asking me to the dance?
>RUTH: I'm, uh, flattered.
>RUTH: But you really need to work on your phrasing.
Oops. Maybe you should explain things better to her when you meet.

---

Florez gives you an amused, raised-eyebrow smile when you speak with her in the rec center. "So I figure you want to explain what you meant by that?" She's in casual clothes herself. "I was doing something before this, so I haven't changed yet. I'm pretty sure we can just walk into the dance whenever, though."

Ruth thinks to herself. "But the only reason why I'd want to go to the dance is to hang out with the others. I just don't feel like dancing at this point." She sits down. "I can give you a fortune reading, if you want."

>>Rec Room with Ruth
>Sure. I've got nothing better to do.
>You play soccer. Do you play basketball? (Invite her to shoot hoops with you)
>Come on, we should go anyways as friends.
>I don't think so. What were you doing, and I mean really?
>I... I actually meant that seriously, if awkwardly. I really like you, you know.
><Write-In>

>>2110088
And these triple dubs will mark the last post for the night.

>>2110088
>You play soccer. Do you play basketball? (Invite her to shoot hoops with you)

>>2110088
>You play soccer. Do you play basketball? (Invite her to shoot hoops with you)

>>2110088
>So, did you know about Donna's interest in Keith?
>It was actually pretty cute, aside from all the angry parts at the beginning.
>Has the Phantom contacted you recently?

>>2110093
>>2110098
>You play soccer. Do you play basketball? (Invite her to shoot hoops with you)
"I suppose I could," she laughs. "I'm not very good, though. Not much experience." You take turns shooting from different distances and recovering the ball. She really doesn't have the experience- she's double-dribbling and such everywhere, and misses shots twice as often as you.

You're able to bond with her a bit by showing her how to make shots and otherwise play basketball. She listens intently, and improves quickly. It's quite impressive how quickly she picks up the basics.

>>2110423
>So, did you know about Donna's interest in Keith?
She winks knowingly. "More like I figured it out. I may not be an actual mind reader, but it's not hard to tell with some people."

>It was actually pretty cute, aside from all the angry parts at the beginning.
"Yeah, I was sort of worried when she texted me, but everything seems to have worked out."

>Has the Phantom contacted you recently?
Ruth stops in her tracks. Her pupils flare in fear, and she almost moves in tense slow motion, before nodding slowly and quickly coming back to the speed of reality. "Yes. He warned me about something. December... Something to do about December. We've got to be ready by then."
Noting that she's let the basketball you tossed to her roll off to the opposite side of the court, Florez runs over to pick it up.

>>Something about December
>Ready for what?
>December? Why then?
>Did he give you anything else to go on? Any cryptic metaphors or such?
>Well, at least the apocalypse or whatever will keep me from returning home for Christmas.
><Write-In>

>>2113008
>Did he give you anything else to go on? Any cryptic metaphors or such?
>We've been through so much shit we'll get through this one, don't worry

>>2113008
>Do you still suspect Bennett? Because from what David told me, he's not even in the country anymore.

>>2113043
>Did he give you anything else to go on? Any cryptic metaphors or such?
"Not really. He just wanted me to go into the Witching Hour for a bit. For some reason."

>We've been through so much shit we'll get through this one, don't worry
"God, I hope so." She tosses the ball back to you. "How many floors do we need to get through again?"
Heresy, Violence, Fraud, and Treachery. That makes four. Four more Monsters to make sure you get to before Kronos does.

>>2113070
>Do you still suspect Bennett? Because from what David told me, he's not even in the country anymore.
Ruth looks at the ground. "I don't know. I still think it's sketchy as hell he even uses his telepathy at all. Who else could be the Phantom?" Florez seems frustrated, and a bit scared. "I have to do all of this stuff to protect you guys from... whatever the hell the Phantom is so worried about. Except none of it makes any sense."

She shoots and misses. "If there's any reason why he would be the Phantom, it's because both of them DON'T TELL US THINGS." Looking at the ball bounce, she runs her fingers through her air. "Another reason why I've always suspected him is because they've never both been in my head at the same time. If... If Bennett begins reading my mind, the Phantom leaves immediately."

That does seem a little suspicious. You take another shot as she continues talking.

"He doesn't talk to me a lot around Bennett, but they seem to have different personalities- their 'voices' sound different, so to speak. He refers to everyone by their Myth's name- so he calls Bennett 'Merlin', and Principal Brown 'Zeus'." She hesitates a bit before saying, "He also spoke about a 'Pluto', but then pretended he didn't say anything."

>>The Phantom
>Pluto must be one of the other two guys on the Dig. (Explain the Dig to her)
>What does he have to say about Kronos?
>Wait, Brown's Myth is Zeus?
>Just out of curiosity, what does he call me?
>He's hiding from Bennett. But why?
>That cinches it. It's gotta be Walt, or else he would have no reason to do things like this.
><Write-In>

>>2113107
>Pluto must be one of the other two guys on the Dig. (Explain the Dig to her)
>Just out of curiosity, what does he call me?

>>2113109
>Pluto must be one of the other two guys on the Dig. (Explain the Dig to her)
When you explain things to her, she raises an eyebrow. "Oh. Wait, Clover's son was on the Dig? Wouldn't that make him Pluto? I mean, out of all of them, his dad's money would make him the wealthy one..."
And also not a missing person, if the Phantom knows where he is. That works with what Sarpino told you.

(Session XII: >>1828669)
She and Clover boy share pizza, I go home with Sunday Gravy and Rigatoni- test for poison first though. I think she still makes that for him, been some time since they come in. Son comes in, though."

At least that cuts out one suspect for the position of Kronos. Hopefully. So Charles and his wife live near Olympia, and the Phantom knows who they are. That means they know each other personally.
The Principal? It doesn't seem likely he'd speak about himself in the third person...
The third Dig member? You don't know where he is.
Richard Clover? Boy, you don't want to think about what that would mean. Can't leave out the possibility, though.
Sarpino? Boy, would that ever be a twist of fate.
Aurelius Milani/Clover would know his own parents, though, and according to Sarpino he still makes orders from time to time.

>Just out of curiosity, what does he call me?
"Uh... 'the other one'. It's really kinda creepy." She looks away.
Yeah, it is. The other what, though? Brown is known to be a Multiple-User, and Phantom refers to him as Zeus. The other one who's connected to the siblings, like Ruth? The other one who can devour Myths like Kronos?

You're starting to pull everything together. In a flash of what you hope will be relevant insight, you come to the conclusion that...
>>Unmasking the Phantom
>The Phantom is one of the Dig members. They would know all about the Witching Hour and what happened.
>The Phantom is Aurelius Milani. He's likely inherited Myth-Use from his father and is manipulating things to take revenge.
>The Phantom is Richard Clover. He's knows more than he's letting on, and his investment in the school gives him a motive.
>The Phantom is Walter Bennett. He's got a better range then he's letting on, perhaps using another version of the Siege?
>The Phantom is the Principal. He's using his children as pawns in his game.
><Write-In>

>>2113147
>The Phantom is one of the Dig members. They would know all about the Witching Hour and what happened.

>>2113155
>The Phantom is one of the Dig members. They would know all about the Witching Hour and what happened.

"I guess that makes sense," Ruth mutters, still a little unnerved. "But that means that it's either the Principal, or someone we've never met. And if it's Charles, he has every reason to keep us quiet."
She winces all of a sudden, and begins to breathe heavily. "We-We can't. He says that if we do, he'll... He'll make sure we regret it." She doesn't seem to be lying.

Then, all of a sudden, it lets up on her, and you feel Dante go on guard. The voice, instead of contacting her, speaks into your mind. It is very unlike Bennett's, sounding more like an anachronistic king used to having people follow his orders.

You will regret this, boy. For some time, I have tolerated your more... drastic actions. If you attempt to speak with others to reveal my true nature, I cannot guarantee your safety.

Consider your options carefully.

>>Phantom?
>About time you decided to pick on someone else.
>Did I guess right, Chuck?
>If you wanted us to cooperate, you should have played nice instead of hiding in the shadows.
>Wait, can't we work together? Don't you want to stop Kronos?
>Why all this?
>Go fuck yourself.
><Write-In>

>>2113173
>If you wanted us to cooperate, you should have played nice instead of hiding in the shadows.
>If you want us dead then why do you keep on warning us

>>2113175
>>If you wanted us to cooperate, you should have played nice instead of hiding in the shadows.
My goals require secrecy, something you know very little about. I was under the impression your teacher's warning would give you a more cautious approach. It seems children are as impudent as ever.

>>If you want us dead then why do you keep on warning us
Dead? Hardly. My plans do not require your liveliness, but it would be more expedient if you did as I asked. In fact, if I must kill you, I intend to revive you if my plans prove successful- without your past memories, of course.

When he detects your confusion, the Phantom communicates genuine intention. Do not be so surprised. My goals and yours are more similar than you know- or will acknowledge. However, it seems I must cast in my lot with your enemy. He is much more cooperative.

Dammit, he's been playing both sides. The man you know as 'Kronos' is indeed in my employ. I lead him to greater success, because it benefits me as well. Why this is will become clear in time. Until then, I hope you will change your mind.

The pressure in your head fades, and Ruth looks extremely guilty. She begins to mutter apologies, and while you tell her it's not her fault, she's not listening. "So sorry... I've been... Oh God..."

After she calms down, you're able to play a little more basketball. The dance concludes, and David comes out to the court, neatly dressed. He seems exhausted, despite his mechanical nature making him tireless. "Geez, Sofia and Beatrice didn't let up for..." Florez's crestfallen appearance makes him stop complaining and move over to support her emotionally.

---

You and Ruth bring an explanation to the rest of the group. Keith isn't pleased, but shows grim resolve in his dress shirt and tacky tie. "So we're getting too close to the truth, then? Good. As long as we've got someone in front of us instead of looking into shadows, this gets a lot easier. The devil we know is the devil we can kick in the nuts."

"Great metaphor, Mr. Darcy." Donna shakes her head. "Though I do think showing the bastard what for has become our first priority."

"AFTER we know who he is," Sofia clarifies. "I don't like the idea of someone who is both capable and willing of hijacking other people's brainwaves. At least Bennett had the basic decency to try and limit his intrusion."

Martinez nods decisively. "It's the weekend, so we can get the Principal to call up his old pals and confront them then."

>>Pulling Back the Curtain
>Yeah. Everyone meet up to welcome our 'guest' tomorrow.
>We should meet him in the Witching Hour, in case he tries something funny.
>We need to wait until the backup gets back.
>David, can you re-engage the Multi-User hunting programs you were repressing? They'll come in handy.
>How did the dance go?
><Write-In>

>>2113228
>We should meet him in the Witching Hour, in case he tries something funny.

>>2113228
>We need to wait until the backup gets back.
>David, can you re-engage the Multi-User hunting programs you were repressing? They'll come in handy.

This is something we should go into prepared and with every available resource at our disposal.

>>2113234
>We should meet him in the Witching Hour, in case he tries something funny.

"Very well. I will make the request to my father." Beatrice walks off, but makes sure to let her hand drift onto your arm as she walks by. You're not sure if it's meant to entice you or infuriate Sofia, but it does a little bit of both.

---
You all get a good night's sleep, or try to. This may be your hardest battle yet, depending on whether you guessed correctly or not.
---

"I sure hope this is important," mutters Orosco, entering Avalon through Bennett's office. "I had to drive like six hours to get here." Grizzled, wearing coastal clothing, and extremely muscular, he's apparently a fisherman by trade, and Brown identifies him as the wielder of Posiedon. The Principal claims he's not Support-class, so you shouldn't need to worry about him.

Principal Brown sighs. "I assure you this is. Besides, I promised to treat you to a meal."

"You know I can't resist the pizza here, you old bastard," he snickers. "I also brought Chuck some crab. His wife likes making sushi with it."

He doesn't seem like your man. That leaves Pluto.

"He'll be here," Principal Brown promises. "He said he's parking now."

You're here, along with Ruth, Keith, and Sofia. The others are all still getting lunch. A beeping from your phone indicates a text from Walt while all this is going on.
>WALT: What the hell are you guys doing?
>WALT: Look, it's not one of them, just trust me.

>>It's not one of them
>Why are you so sure?
>We've got this under control. I even got David to re-engage his hunting program.
>We're talking about the Phantom, not Kronos. You can tell us your guess when you get back.
>You want to tell us what to do, you oughta hurry back with that backup.
><Write-In>

>>2113250
This post is timed out as per my previously established time limit rule. I've decided to add an additional 'Writing' post at 10 min for combat and 15 min out to mark choices taken before the result is shown. Second option in this post will allow you to get the Hunting Program engaged for this situation.

(To clarify, this is taking place in Bennett's office. Sound travels through the portal. It's like an actual door.)

>>2113267
>We're talking about the Phantom, not Kronos. You can tell us your guess when you get back

>>2113267

>We're talking about the Phantom, not Kronos. You can tell us your guess when you get back.
>We've got this under control. I even got David to re-engage his hunting program.

>>2113274
>>2113275
Writing...

>>2113274
>>2113275
>We're talking about the Phantom, not Kronos. You can tell us your guess when you get back.
>WALT: No, I mean...
>WALT: Look, it would take too long to explain.

>We've got this under control. I even got David to re-engage his hunting program.
>WALT: You know what, I don't care. You'll figure it out. I'll be back the day after next, unless we get delayed.

The man that enters Bennett's office next is a tall blonde man with reading glasses in his front pocket and a cleanshaven face.
His posture is commanding, his clothes are ironed, he has a calm demeanor. If he's afraid you figured him out, he's not showing it.
This is Charles Clover, you're sure of it. He looks like his picture- quite familiar. In fact, he looks a lot like...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc9veeNpyVo

"I'm not entirely sure why you called me here, especially because Walt is out. Does David need anything?"

"David?" Keith asks. "Oh, right. Because you're an engineer. Roboticist and stuff."

"Wait, what?" Ruth doesn't seem to think this is the Phantom either. "What's... That's not right."

"I'm a little more than that," Clover chuckles. "Where is he, anyways? Is he doing well?"

"Getting lunch," Sofia says. "So you're married to... Agatha Milani? Correct?"

Suddenly Charles goes on his guard. "What is this all for? You're not one of my nieces-in-law, are you?"

"No, no." Sofia waves her hands. "Far from it, really." Even though this man is related by marriage to one of her hated enemies, she doesn't seem angry at him.

As you piece together why everyone is confused at who each other is, David walks in and halts, staring at Clover in recognition. Beatrice nearly walks into him, as does Donna.
It's like a missing link, and holy Mother of God you understand exactly why Walt knows. You're too busy processing it to say anything before David does.

"Dad? What are you doing here?" he stutters, confused.

Ruth stands up and looks between the android and his constructor incredulously. "DAD?"

"Feel free to inform the whole school, it's not like I'm trying to be low-key or something." Charles grumbles. "Look, can someone please explain what's going on?"

>>Family Matters
>I still want to check he's not the Phantom.
>Look, long story short, someone's been messing with Ruth here's head, and you've got the experience to deal with it.
>I think that falls to you, Doctor Bennett. What happened at the Dig and why is it repeating itself?
>(Text Walt) WALT YOU PIECE OF SHIT
>Reuinions must be fun for you guys.
><Write-In>

(Probably second-to-last post tonight.)

>>2113290
>I think that falls to you, Doctor Bennett. What happened at the Dig and why is it repeating itself?

>>2113298
Writing...

>I think that falls to you, Doctor Bennett. What happened at the Dig and why is it repeating itself?
"So that is what this is about?" Petrus asks. "The short version is, government found a 'leak' in the wall between reality and the Witching Hour around here, and decided to see if they could exploit it to do supernatural shit. Ever heard of Project Star Gate?"

"I'm afraid not," Sofia admits, but David nods. "It was a study on whether psychoenergetics, especially remote viewing, could be induced in humans."

"Psychoenergetics?" Keith coughs. "What the hell does that mean?"

"Basically, it's a fancy term for psychic powers." Doctor Bennett waves everyone inside. "The answer was yes, of course, or we wouldn't be standing here. But, of course, they couldn't tell anyone that, due to the International Psychic Disarmament Treaty of 1970."

"Which totally exists and you didn't just make that up," Donna rolls her eyes.

"General knowledge isn't really my friend when it comes to this," the doctor grumbles. "The United States created Project Star Gate as a front for hiding the existence of psychic powers, by pretending they were being investigated but failed to prove fruitful."

"Oldest confidence game there is, pretending to think the mark is dumber than they are. Smaller, obvious trick hides a larger one." Orosco adds.

Martinez is let in after knocking and filled in. "Woah. So you're saying they were trying to spy on the Soviets using Myths?"

"Of course they were," Principal Brown nods. "Are you kidding? Our spies knew that Russia would use the Witching Hour whether we did or not. The problem, of course, was range, and integrating technology with the Witching Hour. It got a lot easier once engineers figured out how to use the crystals. The Paladins were made as tireless machines that could survive long periods of time in the Witching Hour."

"Some of their parts shouldn't even theoretically work like they do, but they did because integrating crystals with the electronics created miracle machines." Dr. Bennett points at David. "You don't think I actually designed a digestive system for this guy?"

Evelake blushes, embarrassed.

Petrus shakes his head. "Man, if you saw the stuff they made. Too bad they paved it all over."

"As for why it's happening again, I can't say." the doctor thinks. "I'd hand over some of the notes we collected, but it all uses code names."

"Kronos... Remember any man with that codename?" Sofia asks. "He's shorter than average. Wears a reflective mask. Employs two androids, including one of your associates."

"Anyone with that sort of clout is tied up in the military or in my father's business." Charles says. "I do remember something else." He begins to draw on the whiteboard in his son's office. "Olympus Mons. A system they were designing. It could theoretically manipulate reality."

>>Olympus Mons
>Named after the Martian mountain?
>Sounds a bit far-fetched, even for this.
>How close did they get?
>You destroyed it?
><Write-In>

>>2113360
>How close did they get?
>You destroyed it?

>>2113360
>>How close did they get?
>>You destroyed it?