>>4679562
Welcome to BONES QUEST--take your shoes off and stay a while! Make sure to check out the following resources:
Catch up on previous threads!
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Bones%20quest
Twitter account for updates!
>https://twitter.com/DemBonez3
Imgur Page for quest and fan art!
>https://imgur.com/a/dvF3SCN

STAT BONE-USES (Gained from eating special bone marrow! Nifty!):
>Bone Speed: You’re faster than the average meatbag thanks to stronger tendons and other stuff. You can move quickly and your reflexes are pretty cool too!
>Emu Leg Bones: Leap high, kick harder! Maybe larger toenails, too?
>Beast Claws: Retractable nail claws that allow you to carve, climb, and cling!
>Lil’ Slugger: Harsh practice at the batting cages have made you a demon with bats and bat-like tools. Hit ‘em outta the park!
>Lyd The Way: Talk about an OUT OF BODY experience! Ly can stretch out from your body at a short range to peek around corners! Even better, seems like only magical people can notice him!
>Off The Lysh--There’s a skeleton on the loose--yours! Ly is no longer tethered to your body in his astral form and can scout a few feet away through walls and other obstacles.


Updated ‘LIST OF STUFF YOU HAVE’:
>1 SKULL HOODIE
>1 Pair of BLACK JEANS
>2 SPIKED GOTH BOOTS
>1 PAIR OF SWEET SHADES
>1 CAP with the Good Boy logo and the letters ESC.
>1 coveralls (Note: get these washed)
>2 rubber boots
>1 COMPANY-ISSUED BLACKBERRY.
>1 Dead (and somewhat damp) CELLPHONE
>1 MICROBUCKET (carries around water)
>1 TELESCOPING ALUMINUM MOP (LOANED TO ART)
>1 KEYRING with WORK and APARTMENT KEYS
>1 painfully small WALLET. 67 cents inside made up of various coins. Also a debit card. Chip currently SMUDGED.
>1 SUPER HELPFUL SKELETON (Note: Ly insisted you write this down)
>1 TIRE IRON (See Ly, I didn’t forget this. Stop hassling me)
>1 CIGAR BUTT (Trophy from King)
>1 Automated Bone Shaper (ABS) with low battery.
>1 BENETTI HANDGUN that you still haven’t given back to Art. Fully loaded, you hope.
>1 TIN of Dr. Harrington’s Hair Wrangler Pomade
>1 SYBIL DOLL (She communicates through it)
>1 TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT
>1 PAINTER'S RESPIRATOR MASK
>1 ZIPPO LIGHTER
>1 TELESCOPING BLUE STEEL MOP (The Kaiser)
>1 FADED BOTTLE OF PILLS
>1 CHINCHILL PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN (ABOUT 6 SHOTS)
>1 .38 REVOLVER (12 Shots)
>1 STRANGE AMULET (Found in principal’s office)

Rolls are handled with a 1d100--I take the best of 3. BONUSES AWARDED FOR WRITE-IN CREATIVITY! Discussion, questions, and critiques are highly-appreciated!

>CONTD.

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>>4679563
“Sorry to interrupt, Stan, but you’ve done enough.”

You blink just in time to miss the flash of the gunshot.

When you open your eyes again, you find yourself not as dead as you expected. In fact, you don’t feel too bad at all! Staring down at your hands, you wave them around in front of you a few times--what if you were dead? How would you know?!

“Hey pal,” Croaks Rocky’s skull cradled in Gene’s open skeletal palm, “You might wanna try aiming… I dunno… HIGHER?!”

A fresh bullet hole sits nestled between your toes, the boxing ring canvas singed around the edges. Glancing up at your ex-pal Gene, all you can do is sputter! What the HELL?!

“Can it, Stan.” Gene hisses, still aiming his revolver at you. “Me and da’ boss gotta talk first.”

Rocky chuckles as Gene looks him in the eyes. “See dis’? ‘Dis is leadership, right here. One second they would die for ya, the next they’re talkin’ terms… Christ…”

Adopting a more serious look, Rocky glares at Gene. “The HELL are you doin’?” He hisses, glancing between you and the skeleton holding him, “We agreed when you and your pals told me about her--negotiations AFTER she’s dead!”

Gene searches Rocky's face with his pitch-black eye sockets.

“You don’t even recognize me, do you?”

Rocky’s skull freezes for a second, then cycles through embarrassment, confusion, and finally utter disbelief.

“No… " He begins, chuckling uneasily, "You’re screwin’ with me, pal…”

Sensing the focus drifting away from you, you quietly back away from the two skeletons as Gene’s gun slowly shifts targets.

“Whatever happens, happens.” Gene recites, now pointing the revolver’s muzzle at Rocky’s forehead. “Let’s just have some fun.”

“T-that’s…” Rocky sputters, his eye sockets widening in fear.

“The last thing you said to me before the race.” Gene growls. “Before I went over that cliff.”

“Ho-ly CRAP.” Ly whispers, peering over your shoulder in astral form. “What do we DO?”
>Stay silent--they clearly have some catching up to do.
>Butt in--what the HELL is going on here?
>Check on Art--gotta make sure your pals are safe!
>Leave the ring--no sense in sticking around for this.
>WRITE-IN

>>4679595
>Stay silent--they clearly have some catching up to do.
This is a tough choice. I wanna make sure Art and them are safe, but also I've *gotta* see how this ends. Gene was Cliff the whole time?! That's HUGE- and also why would he hide it from his friends?

Also yay thread 5!

>>4679599
Writing!

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You’re not exactly a Gang Leader Counseling expert, so you decide to take advantage of the fact that no one’s shot anyone yet and step back a little bit, using your MICRO-BUCKET as an impromptu stool.

“Wish we had some popcorn--dis’ is JUICY!” Ly whispers in your ear excitedly. SHHH!

https://youtu.be/ogKTocIFRnY

“You really are him, ain’t ya?” Rocky mutters, his composure now completely washed away.

“Back from the dead.” Replies Ge--err, Cliff? “No thanks to you.”

“How the hell was I supposed ta’ know you’d be back!?” Shouts Rocky, “They never found your body, Cliff, you know I wouldn’t have given up on y--”

“I woke up under a pile of rocks, beer cans, and a COOLER, Rock!” Gene shouts, pressing his revolver against Rocky’s forehead! “I WALKED TO SHORE!”

Your opponent sits quietly in Cliff’s hands, speechless.

“I barely shook the barnacles off before Gene Ponti came outta’ nowhere with a heater!” Cliff continues, jiggling the revolver in his hand. “I watched that kid grow outta diapers, Rock! You know what he told me? The first thing he said?”

Cliff gives Rocky a moment to respond, but he doesn’t get a reply. Flexing his jaw, Cliff continues.

“He told me the game had changed. I didn’t want to believe it, Rock, but here I am wearing the clothes of the kid I killed, pointing a gun at my best friend. So tell me--HAS it changed?”

The skull in Cliff’s hands doesn’t respond. Cliff takes a breath, recovering some of his composure.

“You were my best friend, Rock.”

“I… I didn’t know what to do, Cliff, I--”

“I HEARD!” Cliff snaps, anger once again burning in his voice, “I heard it ALL, Rock. And you know what else?!”

Before the skull can answer, Cliff lowers his gun.

“I think you’re right.” Cliff mutters under his breath. “I shoulda’ been more open-minded. I took a wrong turn somewhere back then… But so did you.”

>CONTD.

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>>4679772
The two skeletons stare each other down, letting the words seep in.

“And now? Now we’re just two dead relics dancing on someone else’s strings.” Cliff continues, letting his gun hang from his hand. “It’s over, Rock. You know how this has to go.”

Rocky begins to say something, but pauses. “Cliff, I’m… I’m sorry, man.”

“I am too.” Cliff replies. “You know what the dumbest thing is? Despite it all, I can’t bring myself to shoot you.”

“Neither can I...” Rocky mutters. “But THEY CAN!”

Rolling off of the side of Cliff’s hand, Rocky cackles! “Offer still stands, boys! First one ta’ waste Cliffy boy and da’ girl-raccoon FREAK gets da’ whole POT!”

The skull continues to laugh all the way to the end of the ring, but pauses when it realizes no one’s getting up.

“Hey,” Rocky orders, his voice wavering, “I said ‘kill-em’!” Scanning the crowd you notice a whole lot of talking, but not one greaser readying an attack! As the realization settles in, Rocky’s skull begins to shudder!

Cliff glances in your direction, placing a fresh cigarette between his teeth. “Got a light?”

Rising from your bucket, you whip out your lighter and light the cigarette. Taking a long drag, the skeleton looks at you with tired eye sockets.

“Stan…I think it’s time.”

>No rolls--how do you finish off Rocky?

>>4679778
"Pop goes the weasel"
>Stomp on his skull

Also
>Try not to cry thinking about your beloved gang members almost betraying you

>>4679805
+1

Also sidenote unrelated to the current choice, but I think right now our two best bets at learning about this CHOSEN ONE stuff are

1. G.B.D.B. Sure they want to kill us, but they're also clearly the most informed- especially considering everyone was evacuated except for them and they were handling this

2. Human scientist girl. Because she's human, that means old Tibby probably couldn't put his soul in her and control her the same way he can the lieutenants, meaning she can speak freely

>>4679805
>>4679819
Writing!

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With a polite nod to Cliff, you crack your neck and approach Rocky’s skull on the edge of the ring.

“Hey… Hey, hold on now!” Rocky whines, “You’re going after the wrong guy! I can give you more info! I… I can set up a meeting with the boss! I can HELP YO-”

Rocky’s bargaining is interrupted by you placing your boot on top of his skull. Leaning in close, you whisper one last quip where his ears used to be: Pop goes the weasel.

With that, you press down with your foot--hard. With all of the damage from the magic, electricity, and your other attacks, Rocky’s skull crumbles unceremoniously like an overcooked fortune cookie. You look up and scan the crowd for a reaction, but find nothing. The faces you can see through the dim crowd lights seem… Confused.

Lost.

“Guess uh…” Ly begins, “That’s that, then.”

You nod--guess so. Wiping the skull fragments onto the canvas below you, you turn around to find Cliff, still smoking his cigarette.

“...Thanks, Stan.”

A frown forms on your face--he couldn’t have filled you in on his little plan? Two minutes ago you were sure it was GAME OVER!

Cliff stands like a statue, clumps of ash slowly tumbling from the cigarette in his mouth.

“Sorry about that.”

You feel a mixture of emotions well up inside of your head, but you can’t decide which one to stick with! You settle with a sigh, a slow shake of your head, and finally finish off with a light pat on Cliff’s shoulder.

You uh…

“I know, boss.” Cliff answers, still staring off into space. “You’d better grab that marrow before… Well, you know.”

“He’s right, Stan.” Ly adds, mirroring you and placing a spectral hand on your shoulder.

“I get da’ feeling dat’ no one in here’s in da’ mood ta’ chat.”

>CONTD.

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>>4679968
You approach the remains of Rocky’s body--his bones easy to see with the bright blue puffs of flame slowly devouring them. As you walk over, you notice handfuls of crowd members leaving the auditorium in droves while others stick around.

Rocky’s ‘improvements’ peel away like skin off of fried chicken, revealing a wealth of glowing bones. Glancing back at Cliff, you find him stomping the remains of his cigarette out on the canvas, then returning your gaze.

With a curt nod, he whistles towards where Art was in the crowd, then leans against one of the far turnbuckles.

Looking in the direction he whistled, you feel the weight on your body lighten a bit as Wyatt and Stripes make their way towards the stage, Art and Sybil escorted between them like they were VIPs. A handful of other greasers follow suit, talking amongst themselves as they approach Cliff.

“You good, Stan?” Ly asks, leaning into your view. You nod--just a lot to take in, is all. Nodding, Ly gestures towards Rocky’s body.

“Speaking of ‘taking in’...”

You take a deep breath and nod--yea, time to reap the rewards of this crazy day! The question is, what should you grab?

“Just remember last time.” Ly warns, “I can only handle ONE.”

Okay, you aren’t that forgetful! JEEZ. Let’s see what we’ve got here…
>BONE-US: MOXIOUS MANDIBLE: Alterations to your jaw make you more persuasive and charming! Don’t ask how it works--beauty is beauty, dammit!
>BONE-US: ROCKABILLY RIBS: Your ribs and the rest of your skeleton are built to last--you can take hits and damage that would prove fatal to a normal meatbag!
>BONE-US: PISTON PUNCHERS: Your punches pull YOU. Alterations to the bones in your arms give you more OOMPH when using melee weapons OR your bare fists! Less pain, more damage!

>>4679971
>BONE-US: MOXIOUS MANDIBLE: Alterations to your jaw make you more persuasive and charming! Don’t ask how it works--beauty is beauty, dammit!

Gotta build that gang up!

>>4679971
>BONE-US: MOXIOUS MANDIBLE: Alterations to your jaw make you more persuasive and charming! Don’t ask how it works--beauty is beauty, dammit!
God damnit I want the ribs because I know we are stupid and are gonna get our shit kicked in for real. But damn do I want to diplomance some more stupid shit into being.

>>4680042
Yeah basically my line of thinking too lol

>>4679971
>BONE-US: PISTON PUNCHERS: Your punches pull YOU. Alterations to the bones in your arms give you more OOMPH when using melee weapons OR your bare fists! Less pain, more damage!
Diplomancers begone. Mop gang unite.

BONE-USES don't come very often, so I'm going to keep this decision open until the usual update time tomorrow: 3-4PST. Remember, you can only pick one, so choose wisely! Hope to see you all then!

>>4679971
>BONE-US: ROCKABILLY RIBS: Your ribs and the rest of your skeleton are built to last--you can take hits and damage that would prove fatal to a normal meatbag!
My logic is, combat BONE-uses help us obtain more BONE-uses.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4679971
>>BONE-US: ROCKABILLY RIBS: Your ribs and the rest of your skeleton are built to last--you can take hits and damage that would prove fatal to a normal meatbag!
>>BONE-US: PISTON PUNCHERS: Your punches pull YOU. Alterations to the bones in your arms give you more OOMPH when using melee weapons OR your bare fists! Less pain, more damage!

1 = ribs
2 = punchers

>>4679971
>>BONE-US: ROCKABILLY RIBS: Your ribs and the rest of your skeleton are built to last--you can take hits and damage that would prove fatal to a normal meatbag!
Popping out a new, stronger jawline is pretty horrifying and besides the other lieutenants are a lot less likeable than the greasers

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"You don't even recognize me, do you?"

Had this in my head at work today and had to draw it

I'll close the voting window at 3PM PST--get your friggin' votes in or don't come crying to ME!

Here's the unofficial BONES QUEST theme while you wait:
https://youtu.be/_wiwdlu-Zg0

>>4680960
"Alas, poor Rocky. I knew him, Horatio..."
Love it, man! Always curious to see how people visualize the scenes!

>>4679977
>>4680042
>Mandible!

>>4680091
>PISTONS

>>4680197
>>4680238
>>4680534
>RIBS

Oh shit, what an upset! Start calling Stan 'Chili's', because we've got ribs! Writing!

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As you sift through the bludgeoned and beaten body of the boss, something draws you towards Rocky’s rib cage. Dutifully opening his coat and carving through the white T-Shirt underneath, your efforts are rewarded with a set of pristine ribs glowing with ghostly blue light!

“Hard ta’ believe we’ve taken down two of ‘em in the last day or so…” Ly muses, looking over your shoulder. Hey, yea, at this rate you’ll have this town cleaned up in no time, huh?

“Assuming our luck holds out.” Ly adds. “You ready for ‘dis, cupcake?”

Oh yea--you’ve been itching for some new toys! Cutting two handfuls of ribs free from the rib cage, you peer inside each one to find them all glowing with MAGIC MARROW!

Ignoring the confused and somewhat grossed-out faces of the skeletons still loitering in the gym, you take your time to quaff the contents of each rib. Dropping the last one on the floor of the ring, you finish your feast by cutting the sternum free from the remains of the cage and gulp its contents down too!

The grim feast completed, you decide to take a seat and wait--you remember the last time you tried eating this crap…

“That’s because you tried to eat marrow from two completely different bones, Sta--”

As Ly begins to add another tally to his Lecture Quota, you start to feel a dull ache in your core. Steadying yourself, you instinctually grit your teeth as the ache grows to a sharp, almost electrical pain that slowly begins to radiate out towards the rest of your body!

“Not… AGAIN…” Ly groans, his astral form fading away! As the pain spreads, your discomfort is noticed by several skeletons, including Cliff and your pals! Crap--you can’t let them see you like this or they’ll think you’re a WUSS! Art will never let you live it down--quick, pull it together!

>Roll 1d100 to suck it up, buttercup! I’ll take the best of three rolls! Don’t forget to include any actions you take to prove to your pals and audience that everything’s peachy!

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>4681163
"AhahAHAHAHA, THAT WAS A GOOD JOKE, LY!"

Play it off like we're laughing so hard it hurts

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>4681163

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4681163
>>4681169
+1 to this

>>4681169
>>4681220
>>4681230
>Highest roll: 64
Cutting it close there! Writing!

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The pain failing to die down, you decide to employ desperate measures! Ignoring a feeling akin to being dipped into a grease fryer, you open your mouth and laugh as hard as you can!

That was a good joke Ly! you’re such a CARD!

Forcing each word out is a task unto itself, and though your bones feel like they’re mining through your flesh and nerves, you manage to avoid crying! Atta’ girl! A group of skeletons pass you on the way out of the gym, disgust on their faces.

“Can you believe dat’ chick? Laughin’ after alla’ dat?”

“Totally ruinin’ da’ pathos of da’ situation… Let’s go, boys.”

Ignoring your critics, you take a moment to catch your breath as the pain across your skeleton gradually fades away. In its place is… Well…

You feel good. DAMN good.

Rising to your feet, you feel a new strength pulsing through your bones--almost a sense of invincibility! Art, come hit me with a chair!

Your erstwhile companions stare at you from across the ring, not sure what to make of you (a look you’re rapidly getting used to). Finishing up a conversation with some unfamiliar greasers, Cliff turns to you and waves you over.

“Hot DAMN!” Ly roars with the energy of a post-snort stockbroker. “That…. That felt even better than the last one, didn’t it?!”

You nod enthusiastically as you cross the ring toward your friends. He can say THAT again! You haven’t felt this good since… Well, ever!

Strutting energetically over to your pals, the gravity of the situation hits you again and a bit of your pep wears off.

“There she is, the star of the show.” Cliff remarks, giving you a slight grin. “Sorry for da’ scare, kid.” He, Wyatt, and Stripes idle around the turnbuckle, visible confusion cemented on the latter’s face.

You’re the one who should be apologizing--you just ate his best friend’s RIBS. Is uh… Is he gonna be okay?

Cliff responds with a shrug. “Emotionally? Yea. Him turnin’ on us even in da’ end soured the deal a bit. Also you learn not to dwell on things too long after you’ve died--I’ll get over it.”

“And your… friends?” Sybil adds, the doll peeking into the huddle from Art’s shoulder. “What do you intend to do next?”

“That’s, uh…” Cliff replies, glancing at the ceiling, “That’s a problem that’ll take more than a night ta’ iron out…”

“You still need me to hit you with a chair, Stan?” Art asks, a twinkle in his eye.

Looks like the gang’s all here for the first time in a while--what do?
>Wyatt, Stripes, what do YOU think of all this?
>What’s the plan for now, Cliff?
>Are you two okay, Art and Sybil?
>WRITE-IN

>>4681315
>Wyatt, Stripes, what do YOU think of all this?
>Are you two okay, Art and Sybil?

Let's get a feel for the crowd, and try to console everyone or make things work to the best of our gremlin abilities.

>>4681320
>>4681315
+1

>>4681320
>>4681352
Check in with Wyatt and Stripes, then the meatbags, gotcha. WRITING!

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That’s Cliff’s feelings on the situation settled, but what about his pals? Wyatt stands at Cliff’s side, stoic as always, while Stripes looks like someone just told him that Santa isn’t real or something crazy like that!

“Good fightin’, Stan.” Wyatt grunts, looking down at you with the biggest smile he can muster, which isn’t very big. You grin back, but can’t help but feel a little odd doing it--are they uh… Are they cool with the big reveal? Wyatt shrugs.

“Guessed it when we were drivin’ to da’ Drive-In.”

Of course he did. Shaking your head, you turn to Stripes--clearly he wasn’t in on it, right?

“I uh…” Stripes mutters, at a loss for words for the first time in his unlife, “I guess I’m… Whaddaya call it? Conflicted?

Constricted, you correct.

“No, he was right the first time.” Sybil counters in her teacher's voice.

“Conflicted, dat’s it.” Stripes nods. “I mean, I was always a fan of Cliff--” He explains, awkwardly glancing at the man himself standing next to him. “But I never really knew him ‘dat well. Was never dat’ high up on da’ totem pole, ya know?”

Sure--you’ve never met your boss either. It’s all a plot by The Man to keep the blinders on the horse, A.K.A the working man!

A panorama of looks from your friends prompts you to explain further--that’s what your uncle always says, at least!

“Anyways…” Stripes continues, shrugging off your excuse, “I’m happy. Rocky got what he deserved and if anyone can put us all back together it’s dis’ lug right here.” Stripes chuckles, grabbing Cliff’s shoulder and playfully shaking it.

What about the real Gene, though? Stripes’ expression darkens a bit.

“I’m… Ya know… I’m sad to hear he’s gone. When we first popped outta da’ dirt he an’ Wyatt were da’ first guys I tried ta’ track down.” Cliff offers Stripes a cigarette, which he graciously accepts and lights.

“Rocky changed him, though,” Stripes continues, “Made him meaner. Like a dog ya’ train to fight or somethin’--it just learns it gets treats as long as it hurts somethin’.”

Still doesn’t explain why he just up and attacked Cliff though, does it? The Trio shrug simultaneously.

“It was chaos in da’ beginnin’.” Wyatt states, staring off in the distance. “Was a free-for-all for a while before Rocky rounded us up.”

“Gene’s sadistic streak probably didn’t help.” Stripes adds. “So while I’m glad he didn’t kill Cliffy here, I’d be lyin’ if I said I ain’t gonna miss da’ guy...”

>CONTD.

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>>4681440
Speaking of sadistic, they couldn’t have given you or Syb a heads-up or anything?! You almost cried back there!

“Really?” Art asks, his interest piqued.

No! You meant like… Cried in RAGE--DUH!

“If it makes ya feel any better, we warned Artie and Syb here before we took out da’ heaters!” Stripes grins. “We got through ta’ Rocky da’ minute we made it here--fed ‘em all sorts of bullshit about ya. Plan went off without a hitch!”

Hey, that’s great! Must have been awkward talking to Rocky then, huh Cliff? The skeleton in the jean jacket shrugs, puffing a cloud of smoke into the air.

“Didn’t talk to him--that was all these two idiots’ doing.” He explains, pointing his cigarette at Wyatt and Stripes.

“Felt starstruck.” Wyatt grunts. “Never got ta’ talk ta’ Rocky much.”

Yea, must have been a wild conversation you two had, you joke, elbowing Wyatt.

“Eh. He shared somma’ dat ‘school records’ stuff about you too.”

You almost have to shove your eyes back into their sockets! Say WHAT!?!

“Jokin’.” Wyatt grunts. “Or am I?” He adds, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. Damn it!

“We’ve decided to help dis’ hopeless sonnovabitch here get everything workin’ again.” Stripes continues, cocking his head towards Cliff. “He’s already got a few guys spreadin’ da’ word of new ownership--hopefully things’ll change without a hitch.”

And if they don’t?

“Then we’ll respond accordingly.” Cliff answers, cracking his neck menacingly. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re done roundin’ up humans.”

“The lich won’t take that on the nose.” Sybil remarks. “What if he decides to de-animate you all?”

Cliff shrugs, taking another drag from the cigarette. “We’ll just keep doin’ what we’re doin--actin’ busy. If he comes around for a checkup, well…” Cliff stares upwards, contemplating quietly. “We’ll just say we’re pickin’ up where Rocky left off.”

You can’t help but frown--what would Tim do? Nothing good, that’s for sure.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” Cliff interjects, putting your thoughts momentarily at ease. “You’ve got enough stuff on your shoulders.”

>CONTD.

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>>4681443
Well that’s a relief--you were a little worried when you didn’t run into them before the fight!

“You were the ones we were worried about!” Stripes chuckles, “When we heard about dat’ convoy gettin’ torn up, well…”

“Good Boy bit off more than it could chew.” Sybil remarks, looking at you with pride in her doll eyes. “Stan’s been rather busy since we left the Drive-In. Our hero.”

You feel the temperature rise in your cheeks. Psssh, stop it, oh my god…

With a hasty clearing of your throat, you regain authority and turn to your fleshy pals. A-ANYWAYS, how are THEY doing?

“Can’t complain.” Art replies, rubbing his mask lenses with his glove. “Not the first time I’ve been held hostage.”

Shut up, idiot. Sybil, how are you?

“I’m just upset that I couldn’t help more.” Sybil replies, a glum look on her doll face. “Cliff and the others formed an excellent plan, however.”

“All dat’ milk didn’t hurt our confidence either!” Stripes adds, slapping his hand on his nonexistent bicep. “Which reminds me, Cliff, we gotta figure out what ta’ do wit’ da’ rest…”

“Yea, yea…” Cliff drones, waving Stripes’ concerns away. “We’ll talk more once these kids are settled.”

You raise an eyebrow. What does he mean?

“Well for starters, we owe you.” Cliff explains, finishing his cigarette. “We’re in no condition ta’ start pickin’ fights wit’ the other boneheads, but in the short-term we can at least give ya’ a good night’s rest. No one here is gonna touch ya, you've got my word.”

You feel your eyes getting heavy as he finishes his sentence. Come to think of it you DO feel pretty beat even WITH the marrow…

“We haven’t slept since da’ tree dis’ mornin’, cupcake,” Ly reminds you, “Not exactly a Five-Star accommodation!”

“I wouldn’t mind some downtime either…” Art adds, stretching his back.

“I agree.” Sybil adds. “If I have some time to regain my strength I’ll be much more effective. We can also decide on our next move.”

“That’s settled,” Cliff concludes, “You can either rest at school tonight or Wyatt can drop ya’ off somewhere.”

“Be a pleasure.” Wyatt grunts. Your human entourage looks at you expectantly--guess it’s up to you!

>Sleepover at school? COUNT US IN!
>Thanks, but we should hit the road--we can rest later.
>Wyatt, can you drop us off at (WRITE-IN)?
>WRITE-IN

>>4681446
>Sleepover at school? COUNT US IN!

>>4681446
>Wyatt, can you drop us off at (WRITE-IN)?

There we can
>Put our phone in rice and maybe charge it- having a way to talk to Sybil and Art from afar as well as check the internet will be huge
>Look for things we might have around the house that would be a big help

Also we should probably tell Sybil that stuff about the southern wards our fairy friend mentioned

>>4681471
Just realized I forgot the write in part

>Drop us off at our apartment

Gonna let this vote go a while longer--kind of a big decision for a tiebreaker!

>>4681446
>Sleepover at school? COUNT US IN!
There's definitely a Good Boy ambush at our apartment.

>>4681471
+1
Though do you mean sybils apartment? And also we should remind sybil to strengthen that ward that faerie mentioned. But Yeah I agree fixing our phone and scrounging Sybils junk nest is a good idea.

>>4681667
I meant ours since we haven't visited it since the start. It came to mind since one of our items is 'KEYRING with WORK and APARTMENT KEYS'

That being said though, as much as I wanna see Stan's place and get all that fixed, >>4681636 makes a really good point.

I'll change my vote to staying at school, but I still think we should relay that thing about the wards to Sybil

Looks like we've just about got a consensus here--thanks for going the extra distance and being patient! Work's a bit busier this morning than I expected, so I'll whip up a fresh batch of updates around 3-4PM PST. TGIF!

>>4681454
>>4681870
>>4681636
>School Sleepover!!!

>>4681667
>Syb's apartment

Writing!

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You’ll be honest--you’re starting to miss sleeping in your own bed at your own safe and familiar apartment. So much, in fact, that part of you wants to tell Wyatt to take you there right now so that you can curl up with a game of RAZE and something alcoholic. Sybil could clean your room like she always does while Art… Hm.

Art could stay outside! There you go!

The more you consider the plan, however, the worse it sounds--for starters, you’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do--it’s been a while since you had pals over and you don’t want to give Sybil or Art another reason to give you shit, especially if they see what’s on your computer! No, that won’t do at all...

There’s also the unsettling possibility that your enemies know where you live and are waiting for you to return home... Now that you think about it, that’s probably the biggest reason right there.

That said, it’s been ages since you’ve passed out at school! You’ve been wanting to do this legally for ages! Also if what Cliff says is true, this is probably the safest place in Clearwater for you right now, so…

You answer Cliff with an enthusiastic nod--break out the sleeping bags and marshmallows, we’re spendin’ the night!! The greaser can’t help but smirk at your enthusiasm, then nods.

“Solid. There are a few beds in the nurse’s office--those are probably your best bet for some proper shuteye. Pretty sure there are emergency blankets and other crap in storage if you feel like catchin’ some ‘Z’s somewhere else.”

“Just gimme a holler when yer’ ready,” Wyatt adds, “An’ I’ll keep watch outside in case anybody tries anything.”

“How uh,” Art begins, “How plausible do you think that is?”

Cliff responds with a shrug. “Like I said before--word’s spreading dat’ I’m in charge now and not ta’ harm you. Can’t guarantee some dumbass won’t try something, but I know a lotta’ these guys--if I say watch out for Stan, they’ll watch out for ya.”

>CONTD.

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>>4682533
“This oughta’ give ya’ piece of mind.” Stripes remarks, handing you a small walkie-talkie. “Long-range. Some of Rocky’s guys were usin’ em ta’ communicate--as long as you stick wit’ channel 9 you can give us a holler any time!”

Stuffing the RADIO into your pockets, you give a quick ‘thanks’ to The Trio, then turn to Art. What’s his plan?

“I might stay up a little longer.” He replies, looking around the gym. “Didn’t really get a tour of the place.”

“I might investigate the library, myself.” Sybil reports, floating away from Art’s shoulder. “Maybe I can learn a bit more about that ‘Chosen One’ business.”

Totally. Oh, and maybe she can take a look at her Southern Wards while she’s at it. Sybil stares at you like you just dropped a dog carcass on her dining table.

“E-excuse me?”

No big deal, that fairy you were talking about earlier mentioned checking up on them. Before you can finish your sentence, Sybil’s doll tumbles to the floor, lifeless.

“Fairy?” Stripes asks. Long story!

A few seconds later, the doll roars to life again, its face looking pretty haggard for a doll.

“... Change of plans. I’m going to do some more research on the Fae.”

Ha ha, what a dweeb! Giving Sybil an affectionate pat on the head, you turn around and survey the gym for yourself.

“Whaddaya think, cupcake?” Ly asks, “You wanna do some stuff before bedtime?”

Besides the options your pals brought up, you also formulate a few activities of your own: the SHOWERS in the dressing rooms probably work if you wanted to freshen up after today’s trials.

There’s also that quiet spot on the ROOF you could head up to if you wanted to chill for a bit--who knows, maybe someone could join you!

Of course there’s also plenty of EXPLORING to do as well--you haven’t been here in ages and it would be neat to check out some of the classrooms without getting yelled at for once!

What’s FIRST on your agenda?
>Absolutely NOTHING. BEDTIME.
>Show ART SOME OF THE SCHOOL(WRITE-IN CLASS)
>Take a SHOWER--today’s been rough!
>ROOF TRIP!
>WRITE-IN

>>4682535
>ROOF TRIP!

Let's get introspective before bed!

>>4682535
>ROOF TRIP!

>>4682549
>>4682592
To the roof!

Writing!

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Pfft, you’ll sleep when you’re dead. You’re goin’ for a trip to the roof!

“You’re going to trip off the roof?” Art asks, raising an eyebrow.

No, you’re going to take a trip TO the roof! Jeez…

“To be fair it DID happen before!” Sybil adds helpfully, “Watch your step around the edge, please, Stan.”

Yes mother. Man, you’ve been acting competent the whole day--they can’t trust you to hang out on the roof for a bit?

“You are kinda accident-prone.” Art counters. “What’s so cool about the roof anyways?”

Well for one, it’s a roof. Way up high, nice view of the sky and the town? You used to head up there a lot and drink after football games.

Art and the rest nod sagely.

“Ahh, so that’s how you tripped.”

No! You were sober for that! Whatever, you dorks wouldn’t get it!

“Just holler in the radio if you need us, kid.” Stripes reminds you. “Watch out for UFOs!”

Man, don’t even joke about that…
--------------------------------------------------------------
You know the path to the roof like the back of your hand, so finding your way isn’t exactly difficult.

“Da’ maintenance workers used it ta’ clean da’ leaves an’ balls offa’ da roof.” Ly reminds you, floating at your side. Yea, that was it! You remember being so stoked the minute you found out about it--it was like your own private pocket like Sybil has, especially after dark!

“Not always.” Ly chuckles, “Remember dat’ one time dose’ seniors came up after da’ game? Awkward!”

Oh shit, how could you forget? And they gave you crap for ‘peeping on them’! Hope tonight’s a little less crowded!

You pass by the stairwell and make for the unmarked door near the gym--the stairwell led to the shitty part of the roof, the one where all of the normal losers hung out. The school put a better lock on once they caught wind of it being used for fun, so why even bother? The pros went the other way--much more private!

Your door opens without a hitch--a curtain of dust falls as light peers into the room for the first time in who knows how long, but you’re relieved to see your old pal The Ladder still ascending to the ceiling above!

Closing the door behind you, you approach the bottom rungs of the ladder and wipe a bit of dust off before beginning your ascent--you don’t want to survive all of this and then die because you slipped!

>CONTD.

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>>4682674
You feel the chilly air long before you manage to lever the heavy trapdoor open at the top of the ladder. Suppressing a shiver, you creep off of the ladder and out onto the roof, carefully closing the door behind you.

https://youtu.be/G3LDWN9gzpQ

You feel the wind tug at your body like it was telling you to hurry along. With a good-natured chuckle you take your time traversing the flat, tar-paved roof, letting the cold night air tickle your face.

Looking outwards at the town, you’re surprised to find that most of the fires have gone out. In their place are rows of dark silhouettes against the ashen night sky--buildings with no lights on. Craning your head towards the distance, all you can hear is the periodic blow of the evening breeze--no gunshots, no cars, not even the shouting of the greasers in the school below.

You take a seat against a section of air ducts near the edge, stretching your back as your senses relish their chance to rest for once. For the first time in hours you finally get a chance to relax--just the roof, the breeze, You, and...

> Ly, but he’ll be quiet if you ask nicely!
>Sybil. Wait, did she FLOAT all the way up?!
>Art. How did he find this place?
>One of the Trio--you thought they were busy!
>Someone or something else entirely (WRITE-IN)!

>>4682677
>One of the Trio--you thought they were busy!

Did not handle my alcohol well tonight, apologies for delay in reading and responding

>>4682677
>One of the Trio--you thought they were busy!

>>4682761
>>4682788
One of the trio, but WHO!? Writing!

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As you relax and take in the view, you can’t help but get the feeling that you aren’t alone--that the roof isn’t as empty as you thought.

Scanning the area for the source of the disturbance, you almost recoil when you see a familiar jean-jacketed skeleton sitting on the edge of the roof a few feet away! Taking in the view of lightless Clearwater with the usual cigarette hanging limply from his fingers, you can’t help but wonder whether he came up here before you, after, or around the same time.

It then hits you how little you know about Cliff--not even an hour ago he was Gene, and not even an hour ago you thought he was about to betray you! What’s his DEAL anyways?!

As if sensing your thoughts, the skeleton takes a break from the view to glance straight at you! DAMN HE’S GOOD!

“You good, Stan?”

You stick your hands into your pockets for warmth and stare down at him. Is he? What’s he doing up here anyways?

With his trademark shrug, Cliff rises to his feet and climbs your way, pompadour blowing in the evening breeze. Seconds later he parks himself next to you and stares you down.

“You said you were headed for the roof--Thought I’d steal your idea.”

He glances at an empty spot next to you.

“Can I sit?”

You nod, prompting him to take a seat next to you. For a few moments neither of you say anything--instead focusing on the rare view in front of you.

“Beautiful, ain’t it?”

You take a moment to think about it before you respond--yea, it kinda is. Cliff grunts in assent, taking a drag from his cigarette.

And that’s it. You wait for more exposition--more talk, but the guy says nothing. Is this a good time to ask him questions, or should you just enjoy the moment? Damn it, you came up here to get away from this stuff!

>Just enjoy the silence--he can break it if he wants to.
>Don’t you have some leading to do?
>How’d you find this place?
>What do you think about all of this?
>WRITE-IN

>>4682839
>WRITE-IN
"I'm really glad you didn't betray me. No matter what you do after tonight, you, Wyatt, and Stripes are my friends as far as I'm concerned. If there's uh, anything I can do, just let me know. You know, as your former gang leader and all'

>>4682851
Writing!

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As you let the cold air wash over you, a thought grows inside your head--tonight could have been it. If not you, then maybe Art…

Or even one of The Trio.

You glance at Cliff again and study his bony face--it’s a lot harder reading people when they don’t have skin or muscles, that’s for sure. Maybe it’s because of what happened today, or maybe your rooftop hideout is making you sentimental, but whatever the reason you feel compelled to break the silence.

‘I’m really glad you didn’t betray me, Cliff.’

Like a magic spell, Cliff’s trance breaks as the words leave your mouth. The greaser watches you with interest, waiting for you to continue.

‘No matter what you do after tonight, you, Wyatt, and Stripes are my friends as far as I’m concerned.’

For a second you almost feel a change in Cliff’s eye sockets as they observe you through clouds of cigarette smoke.

“Likewise, Stan.”

The two of you nod to each other, but no other words come out. As Cliff begins to survey the distance again, you continue.

‘If there’s uh… Anything I can do, just let me know.’

That gets his attention. The greaser abandons the view for a second to look at you again, an amused look forming on his face.

You know, you begin, as your former gang leader and all.

“The heck are ya’ talkin’ about?” Cliff responds, the corner of his mouth curling into a grin. “Nothing’s changed, boss.”

You blink. That’s uh… Wait, what? Still smiling, Cliff takes another puff from his cigarette as his gaze returns to the city.

“Just think of it as… Delegation. You’ve got enough on your plate--let me do the worryin’ about these greaseballs.”

You begin to respond, but pause as the meaning of his words dawns on you, a smile forming on your face.

“I’m happy too.” Cliff continues, avoiding your gaze. “After everything us boneheads have done, you had no reason ta’ come over and play dice wit’ us.”

You nod--he’s uh… He’s not wrong.

“Why, though?” He asks, turning towards you. “You coulda’ tore us to shreds, probably. Why didn’t you?”

Cliff stares you in the eye, waiting for an answer. Why INDEED?
>Talking seemed easier than fighting.
>There’s still some humanity in you guys, right?
>Strategy. Didn’t want other skeletons to hear the noise.
>I uh… I really don’t know, to be honest.
>WRITE-IN

>>4682970
>The voices told me to beause they like playing diplomancers!
>I uh… I really don’t know, to be honest.

>>4682970
>There’s still some humanity in you guys, right?

Getting pretty tired and the booze is wearing off--I'll check in tomorrow around 9-10AM PST to see if we've reached a consensus, otherwise I'll just flip a coin! Seeya then!

>>4682970
>I uh… I really don’t know, to be honest. I guess it just felt like the right move at the time. You guys might be dead, but you're still people.

>>4682990
+1 on the spoilered option

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Just started this quest and think it’s gucci af. So gucci that I’m dropping this bad boy— erm, girl... right in your thread.

>>4682970
Alright as the guy who made the roll that landed us the skeleboys, allow me to comment
>"I wanted to play some dice, and had a feeling that you wouldn't back down. It seems like it was a good feeling after all."

>>4683124
>>4683202
+1 to either of these

>>4683166
I'll tell you what IS Gucci--this FANART! Thanks for reading, anon--hope you stick around and continue to enjoy! Are you a QM, by chance? Your art style reminds me of Siren_QM's.

>>4682990
>>4683043
>>4683124
>>4683149
>>4683202
>>4683235
I'm gonna try to blend some of these together--sorry for the late start! Got caught up cooking breakfast and you know how it goes...

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How do you explain your actions? You’ve always lived by your ‘Go With the Flow’, ‘Rock-and-Roll’, ‘Take-No-Prisoners’ lifestyle, but now that someone is actively calling you out on your actions…

Well, introspection hasn’t always been your thing.

Part of you wants to suggest that your actions aren’t your own--ever since your night shift at Good Boy you can’t help but feel… Guided. Perhaps even compelled?

Or maybe that’s just you trying to wiggle out of taking responsibility for your actions--the ‘invisible watchers’ excuse certainly didn’t work for you in Middle School, why would it make sense now?

Panic settling in, you decide to just start talking--maybe something poignant will come out!

‘I uh… I really don’t know, to be honest.’

SHIT. Adjust heading by 48 degrees and hold! We can save this!

’I guess it just felt like the right move at the time. You guys might be dead, but you’re still people--I wanted to play some dice and thought you guys wouldn’t back down--you seemed human enough.’

Cliff takes a moment to sift through your word vomit, his face more indecipherable than before. A fresh gust of cool wind blows along the roof as you both sit there thinking about what’s been said.

“Just when I think I’ve got ya’ figured out…” Cliff begins, looking at you out of the corner of his eye, “You prove me wrong, kid.”

You’re about to apologize when Cliff holds out a finger, silencing you. “You make some interestin’ choices and the jury’s still out on what’s goin’ on in your head, but you’ve got heart, Stan. And that’s gonna kill you as a leader.”

You can’t help but blink, confused. What’s that mean?

“Ain’t a bad thing, but it ain’t an easy thing either.” Cliff explains, “They always say the hardest part of bein’ a leader’s the decision-making. You know, choosing who lives, who dies, all that jazz.”

You nod. You almost had a heart attack when Art and Syb were held at gunpoint! Cliff shakes his head, taking another puff from his cigarette.

“The hardest part, kid, is that no matter how hard you try, or how much you plan, when you’re a leader you’ll always have people revvin’ their engines to take a bullet for you--and no matter who does it, it’s always gonna leave a mark--even if you’re a miserable bastard like Rocky was.”

Finishing his smoke, Cliff flicks the butt off of the roof and watches it disappear into the inky blackness below.

“One leader to another--keep an eye on the people who follow you. One of these days you’re gonna get into trouble and it’s one of them that’s gonna take da’ hit for you.”

You meditate on his words as Cliff produces another smoke from his pocket.

>CONTD.

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>>4683751
“And while we’re on the subject,” He continues, lighting a fresh cigarette, “let me share an old’ East Clearwater sayin’: “Talk sweet, punch hard”. Get me?”

Sorta… He’s saying to be strong and cute, right?

“Not exactly.” Cliff chuckles, grinning your way. “No, I mean be careful who you try to be nice to. You got lucky with me and the boys--imagine what woulda’ happened if your pals really were held at gunpoint and we did betray you.”

You don’t exactly want to! If that hadn’t worked out the way it did, well…

Sensing your thoughts, Cliff lightly rests his hand on your shoulder.

“Don’t dwell on it, kid, learn from it. Never gonna dodge a punch if you’re starin’ at a bruise.”

Something about those words click in your head--like you’ve heard something similar before...

He almost sounds like your brother.

“Hope dat’s a compliment.” Cliff remarks, staring at the night sky. Rising to his feet, the greaser looks down at you.

“You’ll do alright. Just think about what I said and don’t leave your pals with undead delinquents.”

Tousling your hair, Cliff gives you one last cryptic look, then heads towards where you found him.

“Didn’t mean ta’ interrupt your siesta--we’ll talk more in da’ mornin’.”

Hold on, is there anything else you wanna DO or SAY before he leaves?
>ONE MORE THING! (WRITE-IN)
>Nah, let him go

>>4683756
>Nah, let him go

Cliff is based as hell

>>4683765
Hit the road, Jack!

Writing!

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You utter a quick ‘thanks!’ as the leader of the greasers leaves, giving you one last wave as he goes. As you hear the thump of the trap door opening and closing, you sit there for a moment to mull over what Cliff told you.

“Dat’ was cute, cupcake. ‘You almowwst sound wike my bruduuh’!” Ly teases in a falsetto voice. Shut the hell up, creep--he could have added to the conversation if he was bored!

“Nah, I figured you could use some one-on-one time.” Ly replies, grinning. “Sounds like he’s lookin’ out for us after all.”

Seems that way. Your gaze slowly returns to the view in front of you, your eyes stinging from the cold air.

“Dis’ view really is somethin’, though.” Ly adds, taking a seat next to you. It’s definitely something when there’s no lights, huh?

“I wonder,” Ly begins, “How’s dis’ all gonna end, anyways?”

When you cave Tim’s skull in, duh. Ly shakes his astral head.

“Nah, I mean… Assumin’ we succeed, den’ what? Do all da’ skeletons go away? Do they stick around?”

You uh… You hadn’t really thought about that. If it’s anything like vampires, well… Once Tim goes, they all go. Would certainly clean up the town.

“Stan…” Ly begins, staring at you, “Will uh… D’ya think I’m gonna disappear?”

You hope not--you’d be pretty useless without your bones! Ly shakes his head again, an unusual tone in his voice,

“You know what I mean, Stan. Me. Da’ guy talkin’ to ya’ right now.”

Christ, you just wanted to get some AIR--are Syb and Art waiting their turns down the ladder too?! What do you say?

>You’ll stick around, Ly, don’t worry.
>I uh… I think you’ll disappear too, pal.
>Necromancy works in mysterious ways…
>I don’t know--guess it depends on how this plays out.
>WRITE-IN

>>4683972
>WRITE-IN
>"You said you were with me before, you'll be here with me after."

>>4683991
+1

>>4683991
+1. We'll make sure to drink more milk to show him we care when this is all said and done

>>4683972
>>4683991
+1

>>4683991
>>4683992
>>4684019
>>4684021
Writing!

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A grin forms on your face and you lightly punch through Ly’s astral shoulder. What’s he worried about?

“Come on, Stan--I mean it..”

And so do you! He said he was with you before, he’d better believe he’ll be around after! Hell, whatever happens you’ll only go for calcium-rich stuff when all this is done--THAT’S how much you care! Ly stares at you for a moment, speechless.

Then wraps his spectral arms around you in a hug.

“Thanks, Stan.”
Making sure you aren’t being watched by anyone, you gingerly wrap an arm around Ly. It isn’t easy with him being a projection, and all, but you feel good regardless.

A few moments later, you and your skeleton awkwardly separate, clearing your throats and adjusting your seating.

“Not a word to da’ others, yea?” Ly asks.

Not a WORD.

Taking in the view a little longer, you shake the cold off of your body and rise to your feet--if you stay here any longer you’re bound to pass out right here!

“Anything else we oughta do?” Ly asks, floating next to you. Not much... You maybe have enough energy for ONE more activity before hitting the sack....
>VISIT an area in the school(WRITE-IN CLASS or ROOM (Ex. Library, Garage, Etc.))
>Take a SHOWER--today’s been rough!
>BED time. You don’t want Art to get the best bed, right?
>WRITE-IN

>>4684098
>>Take a SHOWER--today’s been rough!

>>4684098
>Take a SHOWER--today’s been rough!

>>4684098
>VISIT an area in the school(WRITE-IN CLASS or ROOM (Ex. Library, Garage, Etc.))
Let's try and find a book about those druidic ruins, maybe we can get some sweet knowledge

>>4684119
Sorry, forgot to mention
>VISIT the Library

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>>4683687
>Are you a QM, by chance? Your art style reminds me of Siren_QM's.


It's weird. A lot of people tell me my art style reminds them of Siren's-- it's really weird, I'll tell you that. Not at all fishy or nothin...' Heh. Fishy.

It's almost as if... we're the exact same person.

Totally crazy, amirite?

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>>4684098

Voting even though I have no clue what's happening at this point. Still got 4.5 threads until I'm caught up

>>Take a SHOWER--today’s been rough!

>>4684144

Also gonna leave the original, unscreentoned version of this here cause ink is rad af and the details are a bit easier to see.

>>4684144
I fucking KNEW it. Thanks for checking this one out! Full disclosure, I gotta catch up with yours too--was following it for a while, then lost track of shit when I moved. Hope your hiatus isn't for much longer! I posted your stuff on the IMGUR with your tag attached--thanks again for making it and I hope you make it through the 4.5 other threads!

>>4684113
>>4684118
>>4684186
>Wash away your SINS

>>4684127
>Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card

WRITING!

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Taking one last look at the dead city from the roof, you quietly make your way back down the way you came up. With luck Syb is continuing her nerd shit in the library--she should have the 411 about everything tomorrow morning. Hopefully over eggs and bacon.

Art is…

Well, Art is probably either getting lost and confused or pissing someone off. The guy needs to learn to be more independent, though, so you resolve to let him handle stuff by himself. Can’t have you always coming to the rescue, after all!

“So where are we goin’, then?” Ly asks, joining you in your climb down the ladder.

You, and ONLY you, are going to wash today off. It’s been hours since Sybil’s apartment and you’ve got a fresh layer of sweat, ash, and gunpowder all over you--the girl’s changing room in the gym will do the trick.

“Place’ll be all yours, huh?” Ly asks.

Duh! No such thing as a female greaser, Ly!

A pack of greaser skeletons wearing tight leather pants, jackets, lipstick, and stiletto heels stare daggers at you as you pass by. Man, these greasers have some weird style!

---------------------------------------------------------
It doesn’t take long for you to reach the gym again. Several pods of greasers loiter in the halls talking amongst themselves, throwing dice, smoking, etc. The ones that stare at you do so with a much less menacing energy--maybe Cliff really CAN get these guys under control!

“Guess we’ll have ta’ wait an’ see…” Ly replies.

Speaking of guys under control, HE can wait outside! You hover near the entrance to the girl’s shower room, pointing down the hall.

“Yea, yea…Knock yourself out.” Ly mutters, drifting away. With a triumphant grin you duck into the shower room and flick the light switch revealing rows upon rows of benches and lockers. With an annoyed sigh, you begin the painstaking process of checking each row for skeletons, demons, mutants, or Art.

Coast CLEAR.

Compared to the rest of the school, the girl’s shower room is surprisingly cleaner than you expected--guess the boneheads were too squeamish to come in to wreck the place! In fact, this almost looks better than you remember--did they REDO this whole thing?!

Examining the shower stalls, you confirm your suspicions--yep, these are all new. Lockable doors, clean drains, holders for toiletries--Kinda lame that you didn’t get these when you were a student here, but it seems to have worked out for you in the end!

Loitering near a particularly nice shower stall, it suddenly dawns upon you that none of these showers have any supplies in them.

DAMN IT.

What do?
>Shower anyways--you can just shake off like a dog after.
>Scour the lockers for a towel or something!
>Screw it, you don’t need to shower anyways.
>WRITE-IN

>>4684312
>Scour the lockers for a towel or something!

>>4684312
>WRITE IN
10,000IQ plan incoming

We'll use the TIN of Dr. Harrington's Hair Wrangler Pomade as shampoo. That stuff was meant to go in hair anyway, so it should do the trick!

As for a towel, we'll unscrew the head of our TELESCOPING MOP and use that. It's great at absorbing water!

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4684312

>1 = scour the lockers
>2 = 10000 IQ plan

>>4684319
>"Oh hey, this sound reasonable!"

>>4684322
>>4684349
>https://youtu.be/_8ma8adKm4I

Never change, /qst/. You have all brought so much joy to my dreary life these past few months... Writing!

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You’re tired! You don’t have the ENERGY or TIME to go on a scavenger hunt looking for items in these lockers--they’re probably full of mold… Or worse, COSMETICS! You’ll be here for EONS if you start becoming self-conscious and start experimenting with looks--best to let sleeping dogs lie!

Thankfully, this isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last time you’ve had to improvise shower supplies, and it just so happens you have plenty of replacements for those overly-expensive shampoos, body washes, and towels!

Come one, come all: THIS IS SAVING WITH STAN!

Actually, never mind--if someone actually hears you talking they might investigate and that’ll be awkward as hell--you decide to just prepare QUIETLY!

https://youtu.be/wyz_2DEah4o

Okay, so don’t have body wash--no problem! Filling your MICROBUCKET with HAND SOAP from the sinks solves that problem! The RUBBER BOOTS you’ve been carrying around serve as excellent foot protectors too--suck on THAT, foot fungus!

Parking your TELESCOPING MOP outside the stall, you unscrew the top for use in drying off later--good thing the FLAMMABLE OIL left on it from the fight with Nico’s basically all dried up!

For the piece de resistance, you bring the tin of Dr. Harrington’s Hair Wrangler Pomade into the stall--styling is basically washing, right?

Surveying your jerry-rigged shower ensemble, you can’t help but nod approvingly. Stan: 1,000,000, Body Care Industry: ZIP!

Looks like you’re all set! Stripping down, you triumphantly step into the stall and crank the water. Time for some pre-bed relaxaAAAAUUGH, COoOoOOLD!

>CONTD.

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>>4684506
https://youtu.be/Lgbv4PranP0
After getting over the initial shock from the cold water, you slowly adjust to the temperature and get to cleanin’. Though it’s nowhere near as refreshing as the one you took earlier today at Sybil’s apartment, you’d be lying if it didn’t hit the spot! Plus Ly didn’t have to follow you in this time, so you finally get a chance to get some peace and quiet!

As the warm water runs through your hair and down your body, your mind wanders aimlessly. Rocky’s deader than disco, sure, but what about the other lieutenants? Who should you go after next? Hell, should you even go after one? Rocky might have been a jerk til’ the end, but you find it hard to believe he’d lie about your employers.

Scooping up some hand soap from your trusty MICROBUCKET, you continue to contemplate your situation as you begin scrubbing. Good Boy might not be behind it all, or maybe they are--whatever the answer is, you should probably try to track one of those security stations Art was talking about down--maybe those might have the answers you need, or at the very least a clue.

But what about the lieutenants? The Cowboy supposedly hangs around Joplin--that old ghost town you used to go on field trips to. The Pirate and his crew supposedly hang out on the coast, but that talk of there being a SEA DEMON makes you a little hesitant about going into open water… Plus you forgot to bring a swimsuit, so too bad!

Speaking of, the goons in the Sea Witches’ employ apparently visited the museum. If there really is an Atlantis exhibit there, couldn’t there be something of use in getting to the underwater city? You hope so.

There’s also The General--Rocky’s favorite. His men currently occupy Central Clearwater--conveniently the area where both the Police Station and the National Guard Depot are. Weird how easily they took that part over!

And then there’s the other oddities. The fairy. The mascot demon you fought. The human scientist working with Tim and her spooky creation you haven’t had the pleasure of running into yet! Questions are just piling up and here you are washing your HAIR!

This pomade stuff is nice, though--smells like eucalyptus!

You linger a bit longer under the warm stream of water, then shut down the water.

>CONTD.

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>>4684508
Snatching the head of your mop from outside of the stall, you begin the painstaking process of drying off. By the time you work your way up to your hair, you notice that it feels more… Well, MOLDABLE! In fact, you think you could maybe give your hair a NEW STYLE!

>Time to get creative! Describe Stan’s new hairstyle a

But you don’t. Rubbing the remaining product out of your hair, you tousle your hair into its trademark ‘messy’ state--you don’t want to have to style it every time you take a shower--no one’s THAT creative!

Retrieving your clothes from the floor, you put everything back on and check your pockets for any missing items--nope, still there. In fact, you still have some POMADE left over--you stow that in your pockets. As for the MOP HEAD, you place it back onto your TELESCOPING MOP with a satisfying ‘click’. Back in the saddle.

Your body radiating with warmth, you think you’re FINALLY ready to hit the sack! Not a moment too soon, either--it’s getting close to midnight!

As you turn to leave the room, something tugs at your mind--did you want to do anything else before heading to the Nurse’s Office?
>Nah, time for bed.
>Okay, maybe I’ll check a few lockers…
>WRITE-IN

>>4684510
>Nah, time for bed.
Let's get a good night's rest and try to tackle one of those security stations in the morning. If there's one in the greaser's 'zone', we can at least try to infiltrate it without worrying about enemy skeletons.

>>4684528
Get some winks!

Writing!

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About to game with some friends--will check in later!

You decide you’ve spent enough time in the shower room--you’ve done what you needed and you’re pretty sure rooting through these lockers is more trouble than it’s worth. Making a few quick adjustments in the mirror, you head for the door, flicking the light switch as you go.

Emerging from the shower room, you scan the hall for any sign of Ly, but come up short. A few greasers look your way, but none of them are the skeletons you’re looking for…

“Didja miss me?”

Jumping at the sound of Ly’s voice behind you, you instinctually flip around and deliver a right hook to his jaw!

Unfortunately he’s incorporeal, so instead your fist connects with the wall. Yow.

“Take it easy, cupcake!” Ly remarks as you shake the pain out of your fist, “I thought the last two activities were supposed to calm ya’ down!”

Yea, no such luck! As the pain quickly subsides from your fist, you motion for Ly to follow you--it’s bed time!

“Finally. I checked around and dis’ whole place is just the same crap--dice, smokin’, and fights…”

High School hasn’t changed a bit, apparently! Making your way towards the Nurse’s Office, you freeze as you spy Art and Syb coming from down the corridor--and they’re LAUGHING!

“So it turns out he wasn’t at all--he was just Italian!” Art finishes, causing Sybil to almost fall off of his shoulder cackling! Man, you haven’t seen her like this in a while!

Adopting the coolest pose you can, you lean against the wall and wait for them to approach. Your friends barely notice you until they’re practically right on top of you, causing them both to snap back to reality.

“Oh! Stan!” Art exclaims, his posture straightening. “I was just making sure Sybil got back okay from the library--you know, since we’re still not sure about the greasers” He explains, silently mouthing the last word.

“Y-yes!” Sybil adds, “And I was just making sure Arthur here made it to the Nurse’s Office--I figured I could just head back to the library once you two went to bed.”

You raise an eyebrow as you stare in the direction of the library. Isn’t it, like, on the opposite end of the school?

“Of course, how silly of me!” Sybil replies, glancing towards the library. “I went a bit too far, it seems--Good night!”

The doll floats away without another word, scaring the utter crap out of a pack of greasers down the hall. You glance back at Art, his face more sweaty and anxious than usual.

“Uhh… Great school you have here! Man, those bricks in the wall? Pretty stylish!”

You squint a bit as you scrutinize his face--yep, just like a fox in a chicken coop.

“Come again?”

How do you respond?
>You DON’T. You wanna go to bed.
>APPROVE of Art’s choice in ladies.
>WARN Art to back off!
>SET SOME GROUND RULES. Art’s on [thin ice here!
>WRITE-IN

>>4684680
>APPROVE of Art’s choice in ladies.
Fully support them, but make sure he knows that if he ever hurts her then we'll have to give him a much closer look at our BONE CLAWS

>>4684680
>APPROVE of Art’s choice in ladies.

>>4684680
>APPROVE of Art’s choice in ladies.

>>4684680
>>APPROVE of Art’s choice in ladies

>>4684680
>APPROVE of Art’s choice in ladies.
>DISAPPROVE of Sybil’s choice in men.
>SET SOME GROUND RULES. Art’s on [thin ice here!
>Let out a SINGLE MANLY TEAR

>>4684697
>>4684791
>>4684806
>>4684840
>>4685005
Aaaaand we're back with probably the last update of the night! Writing!

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You spend a few moments ‘Mad Doggin’ Art, waiting for him to either apologize or run away--he does neither. Good, that will do.

“What will do?” Art asks. “Look, I know what it looks like, Stan, but--”

But nothing. With a slightly pained sigh, you hold out a fist to Art, inviting him to bump it. The security goon complies, albeit with some reluctance.

“Are we cool, or?” He inquires, his voice trailing off at the end. You nod, a smile slowly growing on your face--yes, Art, you’re cool. With some GROUND RULES, that is.

“What? Wait a minute…” Art’s eyes light up in recognition--he’s gonna have to work on that awareness if he plans to be worthy!

“Stan, I… Look, I get it, okay?” Art sputters, failing to form an appropriate sentence. “We’ve just been talking a bit, okay? Nothing serious--it’s just…”

She’s an angel.

“Well… Well sure...” Art agrees, more beads of sweat on his face than ever before. “I was gonna say that she’s also pretty smart and has a podcast that’s pretty cool… And I know it’s not an appropriate time at all, so don’t worry--I won’t ‘rush in’ or anything!”

He’s damn RIGHT he won’t! Creeping forward with your finger outstretched, you begin laying GROUND RULES: Rule Number One: If she feels hurt, scorned, neglected, or otherwise mistreated for one second, Art’s gonna be having a talk with THE BONE CLAW ORGANIZATION. Does he know what THE BONE CLAW ORGANIZATION is?

“Yea, of cou--”

It’s your CLAWS, Art. Rule Number Two: Sybil initiates everything. EVERYTHING.

“Everything?” Art asks, raising an eyebrow.

EVERYTHING.

“Okay, not sure if I agree with that, bu-”

Rule the Third: Art will defend the HELL outta’ her or DIE TRYING. You hear that, Art?

“Ye-”

DIE.

Art nods, chuckling uncomfortably. “I planned on it anyways, Stan-”

Good. Do that and he has your blessing. The Rent-A-Cop smiles at you, looking a bit more relieved as you finish up.

“Thanks for understanding, Stan! I won’t let you dow-”

You extend a claw inches away from Art’s face--no, you won’t let SYBIL down!

“Right! Sybil! Loud and clear!”

>CONTD.

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>>4685067
You nod, feeling a cornucopia of feelings coming on. One one hand, Art’s found one of the best women on Earth, but on the other hand Sybil might be dooming herself to dating an admitted sex pervert. That said, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t respect the balls it took for Art to go for it!

“Does that mean that ‘Respect List’ from a few updates back is gonna be updated?”

Nope, but he’s made a good choice. Overwhelmed with emotion, you shed a single manly tear to commemorate the occasion.

And another.

Whoops, that’s a lot of single manly tears.

“Are… Are you crying?”

NO! You just… There’s just a lot of dust in here, that’s it! Using your hoodie to mop up your single manly tears, you continue past Art down the hall towards the Nurse’s Office determined to put this day to rest once and for all.


"You sure you don't need a tissue or something?" Art hollers behind you!

Y-YES!

>CONTD.

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>>4685068
Alright, folks--passing out for the night. Should update tomorrow by 3PM PST at the LATEST. Seeya then and thanks as always for playin'!

Several minutes of ugly single manly tears later, you and Art arrive at the entrance to the Nurse’s Office with little difficulty and conversation. When you arrive at the office the bulky form of Wyatt stands by the door like a gargoyle, a shotgun and several bags of shells sitting next to him. Noticing the two humans in the school approaching, he gives you a polite nod, then pushes the doors open for both of you.

“Come on in.”

Peering through the door you find yourself looking at, well, a pretty regular Nurse’s Office. Sure, the windows are boarded up and blocked with desks and most of the cabinets seem to have been rummaged through, but aside from that it looks pretty typical! Two beds sit in the corner of the room divided by a white curtain, emergency blankets already unfolded on their mattresses.

“I’ll take the one near the door!” Art offers. “If something happens, I’ll be the first up to help deal with it.”

You nod--it doesn’t really matter to you either way so long as you get some shuteye. Eyeing your options, you silently plan your next move.

>Actually, why don’t I take the bed closer to the door?
>Talk to Wyatt a bit
>Chat Art up
>Search the cabinets
>WRITE-IN

>>4685069
>Search the cabinets
Nurses office might have some goodies we could use, I really hope that for some inexplicable reason we find a bone saw.

>>4685069
>Search the cabinets

>>4685069
>Chat Art up
If he's gonna be potentially dating Sybil let's get to know him a little better. Surely there's *something* she sees in him
>Search the cabinets
This also

>>4685077
>>4685094
>>4685203
>Casual looting and maybe chatting up Art, why not

Writing!

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Since you didn’t scratch your kleptomaniac itch in the shower room, it’s only natural you’d do it here! As Art gets his things settled on the bed closer to the entrance, you begin the task of scouring every cabinet, drawer, and cranny you can find.

“You uh…” Art begins, fluffing his pillow, “You need help with that?”

Not really, no, but as you yank a drawer out of the Nurse’s Office cabinet and dump its contents to the floor, you realize that despite having borrowed him for almost a whole day, you don’t really know much about Art!

“Kidnapped.” Art corrects, “And you know about me! I go to Clearwater U, I’m an artist, I was a security guard at Good Boy...” He reminds you, counting the facts on his fingers, “... I wear contacts, I went to Weston High in West Clearwater, and I’m all-in-all a pretty cool dude!”

Okay, the jury’s still out on the last one, but it’s true--he hasshared a lot of info with you. Content with your pillaging, you manage to scrounge up a few USEFUL ITEMS among the rest of the garbage in the Nurse’s Office including:

-1 STETHOSCOPE
-1 BOTTLE OF ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
-1 ROLL OF BANDAGES
-1 BOTTLE OF ‘PAIN-PUFFZ: PAINKILLERS FOR KIDS!’
-1 BOX OF ALL-OCCASION STICKERS: OVER 6 MILLION SITUATIONAL STICKERS!

Grinning from cheek to cheek, you turn around to share your bounty with Art. The Rent-A-Cop looks at the objects in your hands, clearly impressed.

“Those could come in useful.”

Even Wyatt adds a low whistle from the doorway. Why do people leave this stuff lying around?

“Pretty sure skeletons don’t need bandages, cupcake.” Ly suggests.

True. Plopping onto the edge of your bed, Art stares at you expectantly, clearly in a talking mood.

Damn it.

What do you want to ask him? You probably have enough energy for TWO questions at most--you need your beauty sleep!
>Why is he still awake? Let’s go to BED, dammit!
>What’s his favorite VIDEO GAME?
>What’s his FAMILY like?
>Want a STICKER? (What STICKER does he get?)
>WRITE-IN

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>>4685731
Updated ‘LIST OF STUFF YOU HAVE’:

>1 SKULL HOODIE
>1 Pair of BLACK JEANS
>2 SPIKED GOTH BOOTS
>1 PAIR OF SWEET SHADES
>1 CAP with the Good Boy logo and the letters ESC.
>1 coveralls (Note: get these washed)
>2 rubber boots
>1 COMPANY-ISSUED BLACKBERRY.
>1 Dead (and somewhat damp) CELLPHONE
>1 MICROBUCKET (carries around water)
>1 TELESCOPING ALUMINUM MOP (LOANED TO ART)
>1 KEYRING with WORK and APARTMENT KEYS
>1 painfully small WALLET. 67 cents inside made up of various coins. Also a debit card. Chip currently SMUDGED.
>1 SUPER HELPFUL SKELETON (Note: Ly insisted you write this down)
>1 TIRE IRON (See Ly, I didn’t forget this. Stop hassling me)
>1 CIGAR BUTT (Trophy from King)
>1 Automated Bone Shaper (ABS) with low battery.
>1 BENETTI HANDGUN that you still haven’t given back to Art. Fully loaded, you hope.
>1 TIN of Dr. Harrington’s Hair Wrangler Pomade
>1 SYBIL DOLL (Currently out on nerd business)
>1 TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT
>1 PAINTER'S RESPIRATOR MASK
>1 ZIPPO LIGHTER
>1 TELESCOPING BLUE STEEL MOP (The Kaiser)
>1 FADED BOTTLE OF PILLS
>1 CHINCHILL PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN (ABOUT 6 SHOTS)
>1 .38 REVOLVER (12 Shots)
>1 STRANGE AMULET (Found in principal’s office)
>1 RADIO (CHANNEL 9 FOR TRIO!)
>1 STETHOSCOPE
>1 BOTTLE OF ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
>1 ROLL OF BANDAGES
>1 BOTTLE OF ‘PAIN-PUFFZ: PAINKILLERS FOR KIDS!’
>1 BOX OF ALL-OCCASION STICKERS: OVER 6 MILLION SITUATIONAL STICKERS!

>>4685731
>What’s his favorite VIDEO GAME?
>What’s his FAMILY like?

>>4685741
The IMPORTANT questions! Writing!

>>4685741

+1

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You’re pretty sure you heard him talking about games earlier--maybe Art’s taste in games will make up for his shitty attitude?

“You uh… You don’t have to narrate your thoughts, Stan.” Art reminds you, a tired look on his face.

Right. Crossing your legs and getting comfortable on your bed, you fire off with your question: what are his FAVORITE GAMES?

“Oooh, toughie.” Art responds, a conflicted look on his face. Drumming his fingers on the helmet next to him on the bed, he slowly forms an answer.

“I’d say RPGs and Survival Horror games are my favorite, mainly RPGs.

Such as?

Art leans back a bit, presumably sifting through a mental filing cabinet of video game names.

“Herald’s Journey--ever play it?”

The one with the flute minigames, right? That was your jam during Freshman Year! Art responds with a grin.

“Yea, not your usual game, that’s for sure! Still gotta play the second one once this all blows over...”

So, you continue, stretching your legs, what about Survival Horror games?

Big fan of Blood-Sucking Freaks and Stab!”

You blink a few times, a giddy smile forming on your lips.

“You like those too?”

Nodding enthusiastically, you watch as Art relaxes a bit and matches you smile!

“I could play 1, 2, and 3 for the rest of my life and never get bored. NEVER.”

You know! The replayability’s amazing for such classic games! And the gameplay--

“Unmatched!” Art squeals like a schoolgirl! “I was arguing about that with my sister Greta the other day--no other Survival Horror game has ever hit that balance of inventory management and combat. NONE.”

Who’s his favorite character? You’re into it now!

“Chester--gotta be.” Art chuckles, “To be totally honest I wanted to be him growing up… He’s just got that cool factor, you know?”

Oh, you KNOW! You preferred playing as Rin, of course, but Chester had his… Qualities.

“Fuckin’-A.” Art agrees, nodding. “Stab was great too--totally different gameplay mechanics, but still awesome.”

Yea, you could barely play that one yourself--you always had to watch a stream or your brother play it. Art’s ears perk up at the last bit.

“Oh yea, you mentioned your brother before. He’s uh… East Coast, right?”

You feel a knot tighten inside your chest. Yea… Sensing he’s treading into rough territory, Art deftly saves the conversation!

“I… I uh… Well, sorry, I..”

Whoops, no he doesn’t. Looks like it’s up to you!

>CONTD.

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>>4685961
“Didn’t he say he had a sister?” Ly whispers into your ear! Hey, yea! What’s Art’s family like?

“My family? Let’s see…” Quickly recovering, the security guard counts a few people off on his fingers!

“Like I mentioned before, my mom and dad live up in Washington--dad’s a pilot, mom works for Fresh. You know, the grocery store company?

Sure you do--you uh…. You might be banned from it, but you know what he’s talking about!

“Riiiiight…” Art replies, not picking up that rope. “Anyways, they were never home that much because of their jobs, so I was basically raised by my sisters.”

Ah yes, Greta and… The other one.

“Sal. Both older. You’d probably like them, though--they were the ones who got me into games.”

How do they feel about paranormal podcasts, hm? Art shifts in his seat a bit.

“They uh… They like to give me shit about it.” Art responds, rolling his eyes. “They’re both closet dweebs too, though, so they can’t really talk. Greta works for a travel company and Sal’s a Personal Trainer--both of em’ out of state, thank god.”

You nod--you’re not sure what caused everyone’s family members to conveniently not be in town during all of this, but looks like it’s a blessing in disguise! Art laughs, then looks at you expectantly.

“So uh… I’m guessing you don’t want to talk about your brother?”

The tightness in your chest returns.

“I get it--you told me about him leaving with Heather or whatever, you don’t have to share if you don’t feel like it.”

Maybe… Maybe later. It’s nothing bad, but… Not now.

Art nods understandingly.

“I uh… I miss my siblings too.”

…Yea.

“Well…” Art continues, pushing past the awkwardness, “Good to finally meet you, Stan.” Art remarks, smiling. You give him one of your own--yea, it’s nice to finally meet him too!

A few more questions flit back and forth through your mind, but you also feel sleep tugging at your eyelids…

>One more question! (WRITE-IN)
>G’night, Art.

>>4685967
>G’night, Art.

Good to know Art has some quality interests! When the skeleton apocalypse is over we'll have to try multiplayer sometime.

Also wow that Herald's Journey game sounds fun :^) Thanks for the little shoutout!

>>4685967
>G’night, Art.

>>4685967
>G’night, Art.

>>4685980
>>4685989
>>4686022
>Time to hit the sack!

Writing!

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Your curiosity sated for now, you pop your boots off and hang your hat and shades on the end of the metal bed frame. It’s been nice, but this is the first bed you’ve been in for hours and you’re not about to waste it!

“I hear THAT.” Art agrees, undoing his combat boots and leaving them at the foot of his bed along with his rifle. “Feels like we’ve been doing nothing but moving all day, huh?”

You shrug--all things considered, you don’t feel too bad, but you’d be lying if you said you weren’t a bit sleepy!

“Guess that bone marrow really helps.” Art quips, shooting you a tired smirk. Oh SHIT, he’s right! You’d probably be dead standing up right now if you didn’t have that magic marrow pumping energy into you!

“Good thing I told ya’ about it back ‘den!” Ly boasts, stretching out on the bed next to you. Wait, he’s not sleeping next to you, is he?

“Uhhh… No?” Art replies, confused. NOT HIM, LY!

“Don’t really gotta.” Ly answers, propping himself on a shoulder and facing you. “I figure I might as well stand guard wit’ Wyatt out there--shoot da’ shit, talk shop, you know da’ drill.”

You glance in the direction of Wyatt’s mammoth shadow outside of the door. Pretty sure he can’t hear you, man. Ly peers in the direction of the door, then shrugs.

“Eh, I’ll find somethin’ ta do. Just promise Dr. Ly you’ll get some sleep, huh missy?” Your skeleton orders, nudging you with an elbow. Yea, yea, just take it easy!

“Always do!” Ly quips, winking with his eye socket. Somehow. Rolling your eyes, you roll over in the direction of Wyatt and Art and bid them both a good night!

“Sweet dreams.” Wyatt grunts, gently sliding the door to the Nurse’s Office shut.

“You too, Stan!” Art responds, adjusting his pillow. “Wake me if something crazy happens, alright?”

You nod--sure, if you remember! With a good-natured sigh, Art gives you one last thumbs-up before rolling over. Quietly wishing Ly a good night as well, you close your eyes and do your best to shut out the muffled shouts and activity of the greasers outside. Tomorrow your task continues, but for now…

Now you REST.

Goodbye reality,

Hello Dream World.

>Welcome back, traveller. Where do you find yourself tonight? WRITE-IN details or leave blank for a random choice!
>A memory
>A good dream!
>A NIGHTMARE!
>Somewhere or something else (WRITE-IN)

In other news, just hit page 500 in my Google Doc! Thank you all so much for participating for HALF A THOUSAND PAGES whether you're active participants or lurkers! I'll be taking a break for the rest of the night, but I hope to see y'all around 3-4PM PST tomorrow for updates!

>>4686178
>>A good dream!
We've had a lot of nightmares and sad times recently, I say we've earned ourselves a good dream. Let's try to dream of a happy future after the skeleton apocalypse is over, or maybe a happy memory of our family from the past.

>>4686178
I just had a semi-nightmare today (the kind where things aren't scary, but annoying and embarrassing instead), so let Stan have
>A good dream!
A riverside picnic with our bro and Sybil while Boris is drowning in the background

>>4686178

Good dream

>>4686197
>>4686239
>>4686261
Awww, you guys are a lot sweeter than the anons who picked 'NIGHTMARE' last time! Writing!

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It’s sunny.

You feel the warm, but gentle tickle of the afternoon breeze and the sun’s rays on your face as you raise your cup to your lips.

Yep, that’s delicious.

“This was a great idea, Stan! What a perfect day for a picnic!”

You look up from your drink to see your best friend Sybil sitting about a foot away from you on the checkered picnic blanket, her hands cradling a matching cup and the shaft of a black and white parasol, her pale skin absolutely GLOWING in the midday light!

That black sun dress she’s wearing is pretty great too.

“Not as cute as yours!” Your friend responds! Glancing downwards, you notice that in place of your work coveralls and hat you’re wearing a lavender sundress and a purple hair bow--perfect for a relaxing day by the lake!

“And that bow? You’re GLOWING today, Stan!”

Blushing at the compliment, you take another look around the picnic area. A tall oak tree shields you and Syb from the majority of the sun, and down the hill you see the lake--its surface as still as a mirror.

Between you and Syb sits a large picnic basket stuffed to the brim with treats--better to pack for more than you need, right? Rooting around in the basket, your hand eventually returns with a toasty grilled cheese sandwich--the bread perfectly browned and the cheese almost oozing out of the sides!

“Hey!” Sybil chides, a playful look on her face, “We’re still waiting for someone!”

You raise an eyebrow--who, Art? The goth chuckles a bit, politely covering her mouth.

“Of course not, Stan--today’s about you, remember?”

You nod slowly--yes, of course it is…

As you debate what to do with your sandwich, you hear the sound of footsteps approaching through the grass! An ENEMY!

Unsheathing your BONE CLAWS, you--wait a minute, where are your BONE CLAWS? You try to trigger them a few more times, but no dice--they just won’t come out! What gives?

“Relax, Stan!” Sybil reassures you, “There’s no skeletons here--no security guards, no monsters, no enemies!”

Hold on, you say, resisting the urge to take a bite out of the sandwich in your hand, what about that FREAK, Boris?

“He’s dead, remember?” Sybil explains about as easily as one discusses the plot of a TV show, “We drowned him. He’s over there!”

You follow your friend’s pale finger in the direction of the lake--squinting a bit you notice a pair of tacky red headphones bobbing in the center. Wait, how did--

“Oh look, he’s here!” Sybil exclaims, looking behind you! Not sure what to expect, you turn around and come face to face with…

“Yo.”

>CONTD.

File: Spoiler Image (219 KB, 800x600)

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>>4686999
You lose hold of your sandwich as your brother climbs the hill towards you wearing that same army surplus jacket he’s had since he was in High School. Beneath his unkempt chestnut hair and green eyes is a smile you haven’t seen in ages--a smile that freezes you in place like a statue.

He’s actually here!

“Of course I am!” He laughs, tousling your hair. “I’ve always got time for you, sis!”

“Me too!” Syb adds, patting the blanket and inviting him to sit down. “I’ll never leave you, Stan, no matter what!”

You don’t know how to respond, so you just smile. In your stupor you’re powerless to defend your sandwich from your brother, who quickly snatches it off of the blanket and takes a bite! Hey, what’s the big idea?!

“Snoosh yrrh lrrsh!” He replies, a chunk of sandwich sticking out of his mouth. With mock anger, you snatch another sandwich out of the basket and begin eating. The three of you fill the quiet air with laughter as you dig in, trying and failing to remember a time you’ve had this much fun...

But you can’t.

That’s not important, though--what do you wanna do?!
>Talk to your brother!!!
>Talk to Syb!
>Have some more food!
>WRITE-IN

>>4687002
>Talk to your brother!!!

>>4687002
>Talk to your brother!!!

>>4687002
>Talk to your brother!!!

>>4687005
>>4687021
>>4687058
Not sure why I even made it a choice, ha ha! Writing!

File: itsbro.png (373 KB, 800x600)

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Is that even a question?! Scarfing down a grilled cheese, you turn to your brother--when was the last time you saw him in person, anyways? You barely remember the wedding, but maybe there was a call or something after that? Did he visit? You’ve been so busy at work that it’s completely slipped your mind...

Wait a minute, WHO CARES?! He’s here now, right? As if reading your mind, your brother turns and looks at you with his trademark ‘quarter of a smile’.

“Wanna talk?”

DO YOU! Where the hell do you even begin?! How can he be so CALM about all of this?!

“Take it easy,” He chuckles, playfully punching you on the shoulder, “I’m not goin’ anywhere!”

“Dngh mnn mrrgh!” Sybil mumbles through a grilled cheese.

Pick as many topics as you want!
>How are you?
>Why don’t we talk anymore?
>Are you mad at me?
>WRITE-IN

>>4687071
>How are you?
>Why don’t we talk anymore?

>>4687072
WRITING!

File: bro.png (426 KB, 800x600)

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How is he? You’ve gotten some updates from mom and dad, of course, but you wanna hear it straight from the horse’s mouth! Your bro thinks for a moment, then smiles at you.

“Same old, same old.”

You feel a vein grow throb in your eye. That’s IT?! What does that even mean? He moved to the East Coast with his trophy art wife and all he can say is ‘SAME OLD, SAME OLD’?!

“How are you doing?” He asks, turning your own question against you! You scratch the back of your head as you formulate an appropriate response--you’re not bad right now, per se, but in real life…

Oh, right. This is a fucking dream. Your brother shrugs.

“Not the first thing you’ve forgotten.”

Yea, bu--wait, what? You narrow your eyes at your brother’s face, searching for any tells. What does that mean?

“Weren’t you going to ask something else?”

Well yea, but…

You sigh, massaging your temples--you weren’t prepared for this! When did it all become so complicated, exactly? Why couldn’t you just talk in real life? What’s the damn deal?!

“What else should we talk about?” Your brother asks, gently smiling your way. You coulda’ swore you were going to follow up on something he said, but you can’t remember…

“They say improper diet can cause memory loss.” Sybil adds, staring at you intently. Well you doubt it’s that.

“Then what’s your excuse?” Your brother follows up, still smiling.

Excuse for WHAT? Listen, forget about it! Pushing your rising annoyance back down, you take a deep breath--you were gonna ask why you don’t talk anymore! As the words leave your lips, you notice your brother’s expression darken a bit.

“Excuse me?”

He heard you--why don’t you talk anymore? He never answers your calls, texts, emails, hell, he doesn’t even leave you ‘on read’! How is that humanly possible!?

“I beg your pardon?”

Was it all meaningless? Did you do something to upset him? He talks to your parents, but what about YOU, damn it?!

“Say again?”

You feel a trickle running down your cheek and hastily wipe it off. He’s not going to stonewall you--he’s your brother, damn it, why doesn’t he ACT LIKE IT?!

“You’re breaking up…” Your brother replies. Confused, you find yourself blinking as a blanket of fog slowly settles in from the lake--as it creeps towards you, you feel your movements become more lethargic.

“Can’t hear you.”

You try to shout, but your mouth… It just isn’t moving fast enough! The sun over the lake slowly dims as you feel yourself waking up--clawing to hold on to your dream, you watch as Syb, your brother, and the picnic disappears into a haze…

>CONTD.

File: wakeupart.png (96 KB, 600x600)

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>>4687162
The ear-splitting sound of a fire alarm violently rouses you from your sleep, causing you to tumble off of your bed and onto the cold tile floor of the Nurse’s Office! Discombobulated, your eyes slowly adjust to the blurry crimson glow of emergency lights bathing the walls in a blood-red hue.

“Oh thank GOD!” You feel someone helping you to your feet before you can untangle yourself from the floor. Blinking a few more times, you’re able to make out Art, helmet on and rifle in his other hand.

“We’ve gotta go, Stan--NOW!”

Glancing towards the exit, your ears pick up the muffled sounds of activity outside--running, shouting, and the sound of guns being loaded! Through the frosted glass window in the door you see shapes moving, but no sign of Wyatt.

What the HELL?!

“NOW, Stan!” Art shouts, tugging at your arm!

What do?
>What’s happening?!
>Where’s Sybil?!
>Let’s move!
>WRITE-IN

>>4687164
>What’s happening?!
>Where’s Sybil?!

Ain't no rest for the wicked! The wicked cool, that is

>>4687164
>What’s happening?!
>Where’s Sybil?!

>>4687164
>What’s happening?!
>Where’s Sybil?!
Well shit,our poop in a group.

>>4687172
>>4687179
>>4687267
Never underestimate Stan's ability to ask questions during a crisis! Writing!

>>4687164
>>What’s happening?!
>>Where’s Sybil?!

File: tie-shoes-easy-way.jpg (988 KB, 1000x1500)

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Wresting control of your arm from Art’s grasp, you motion for him to COOL IT for a second--what’s going on? He can tell you while you put your shoes on! The security goon glances at your boots discarded next to your bed, then acquiesces.

“Alright, but we’ve gotta go as soon as you’re laced up!”

Fine, now please stop shouting!

“Cliff put some people on watch duty,” Art begins, pacing back and forth. “And less than ten minutes ago they radioed in saying someone was approaching. Someone BIG.”

You blink as recognition smacks into your brain like a bird into a screen door. Collecting yourself, you turn your attention back to Art--did they say anything after that? The operative shakes his head.

“No updates since then. Cliff ordered everyone to split for now--you especially.”

You recall Rocky’s words about the specialist--he’s after you.

“Can you PLEASE put your shoes on now?!” Art shouts, pointing at your boots! SORRY, you were trying to be a good listener!

“I haven’t seen Sybil since the alarms started--I’ll go check on her in the library, you get out of here.”

Hold the phone, you say, lacing up a boot, who said anything about you separating from them? Art shakes his head.

“It’s for safety, Stan--if we move together we’re all at risk--”

His reasoning is interrupted by a chorus of weapon discharges outside. If the windows weren’t barricaded you might be able to see through, but that’s the way it be, it seems.

“Uuuuhh….” Art utters, limping over to the Nurse’s Cabinet and retrieving a stack of papers and a pen, “Look, whatever happens, meet us at this address.” He hobbles back over to you just as you finish up your other boot, handing you directions to an unfamiliar location. The HELL?!

“We don’t have time to argue, Stan--you’ve gotta trust me!” Art pleads as the sound of gunfire and shouting approaches the school! Donning your shades and hat, you nod--ready to go.

“Eyyy, whad’ I miss?” Ly quips, emerging from the floor like a sitcom character. BAD NEWS, that’s what! Where the hell was he anyways?

“Found some cool bugs unda’ ground, but it don’t mattuh’. Tell me on da' way!”

What’s the plan?
>Split up with Art, let him find Syb
>Screw that, help find Syb!
>WRITE-IN

>>4687318
>split up with Art

>>4687318
>Split up with Art, let him find Syb
Its us thats being chased, lets not lead it to them

>>4687349
>>4687362
Splitting up! Writing!

File: radio.png (3 KB, 256x240)

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You stare into Art’s eyes for a second, then nod--you’re not keen on splitting up, but he’s right: he and Syb will be in much less danger if you go your separate ways. Art lets out a relieved sigh, then gives you a quick salute!

“Don’t worry, Stan, you can count on me!”

You’re counting more on Syb, but he doesn’t need to know that. Slapping your cheeks a few times to wake up, you motion for Art to get a head start--you don’t want him to get caught in any crossfire!

“Thanks, Stan… Hey, assuming we make it out of all this?”

Yes?

“Let’s uh… Let’s have a game night--All of us!”

You facepalm--is he TRYING to raise death flags? GIT OUT! Shoving the Rent-A-Cop out the door, you take a moment on your bed as you hear him hastily limp down the hall. Him and that damn leg, you swear...

“So uh, remind me again what da’ score is?” Ly asks, materializing next to you. Well, you begin, someone’s coming to visit the school and you’re pretty sure it’s that specialist Rocky was talking about.

“Ooh.” Ly replies, eye sockets wide. “We’d better scoot, huh?”

Sometimes he amazes you with how smart he is. Rising to your feet, you crack your neck and head for the door--the shouts and reports of gunfire getting louder by the second!

Peering into the hallway, all that awaits you are is a box of shells left over by Wyatt, your knight in bony armor. Scooping them into your inventory, you scan the hall for any sign of the aforementioned ‘big guy’.

Nada.

“Whaddaya thinkin’?” Ly asks, floating close behind. “Sounds like da’ shots are comin’ from da’ back of da’ school…”

Then you’ll be a smart little bunny and go out the front, thanks! Maybe there’s a car you can snag! Creeping down the hall, your stealthiness is spoiled by a crackling in your pocket! Sifting through your inventory, you find the source almost immediately.

Huh. Radio? What’s going on with that radio? Before you can fiddle with it, the familiar, albeit crackly voice of Cliff comes through the speaker!

“..an? Can ya hear me, kid?” You nod, then realize he can’t see you and decide to respond with a quick ‘Yes, over’.

“Good--look, I dunno if Art gave ya the message, but we’re gettin’ outta the school for a while--couple of my guys laid a trap in the main entrance, but we’re pullin’ out for our safety. Sorry about that.”

A trap, huh? Reassuring Cliff that everything’s under control, over, that you’re on your way out, over, you continue in the direction of the main entrance.

“Good luck, kid--take any ride ya’ find and don’t stick around too long--we’ll hook up again real soon.”

Little did you know that would be the last time you’d ever see them…

“Can you stop dat’ already?” Ly chides, “It wasn’t funny da’ first time either!”

Whatever, Joke Grinch.
>CONTD.

File: strengthinumbers.jpg (22 KB, 400x280)

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>>4687421
Your mission to the entry hall goes off without a hitch--what was once a school crowded with skeleton greasers is now a ghost town--even the gunfire seems to have quieted down a bit!

“Nice of them ta’ leave us here all by our lonesome!” Ly mutters, watching your back. You shrug--if this thing is focused on killing you, why bother dragging others into the crossfire?

“How tough could dis’ thing be? Strength in numbas’, ya’ know? Get a bunch of guys together, boom--no more problem!”

Do you need to remind Ly about the melted deer corpse you saw this morning? The boot print almost as big as you?

“... To be fair, you ARE kinda petite, cupcake--”

Oh my god, you almost wish Art was here! By now he’s probably already whisked Syb away to whatever that address belongs to!

“Any idea what it is?” Ly asks as you continue down the hall. You shake your head--who can say? Probably some sort of anime pervert dungeon or something!

“And here I was thinkin’ you two reached an understandin’...” Ly muses. You like him a bit more, sure, but he’s still got a long way to go!

As you reach the main entrance, you come across a group of skeleton greasers planting a few strange machines on the floor.

“Alright, boys,” Announces the most capable-looking member in the bunch, “Da’ minute dat’ fink charges in, we give him a surprise party he ain’t never gonna forget!”

The leader mimes shooting the gizmos on the ground, prompting the group to chuckle amongst themselves. One of them catches a glimpse of you out of the corner of their eye socket and flags you down!

>CONTD.

File: Spoiler Image (122 KB, 800x600)

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>>4687422
“Ey, meatbag! Perfect timin’!”

The rest of the group turns to face you as the leader runs his hands through his pompadour.

“Welcome to da’ show, Stan. Names’ Can-Do Kerry. Sit tight--we’ll be takin’ care of your stalker problem in a jiff!”

“Lonnie Lugnuts!” Recites another greaser, shooting you some gun fingahs.

“Squeaky-Wheel Sylvester!” shouts the one next to him, flipping a cigarette into his mouth!

“Jeff Woods.” Murmurs the last guy. “Pleased to meet ya.”

Returning their greeting, you glance at the machines on the floor--what are those, exactly?

“Boom-boxes!” Answers Kerry, grinning madly. “Boxes fulla’ boom! Da’ minute dat guy comes waltzin’ in--”

He never gets a chance to explain--the front door to the school rips open before he can finish, letting in a concentrated red ray of light so hot you can feel it from where you’re standing! Before you can react, the light connects with a boom-box, causing the entryway to erupt in a series of explosions!

Flying backwards, you slam against the wall behind you and are knocked prone as bits of charred bone and pompadour impact on the wall next to you--looks like your new pals weren’t so lucky…

https://youtu.be/9buc2szkvt4

You hear it before you see it--the sound of massive boots hitting the floor in a practiced marching pattern. Shaking the daze from your head, you soon get a glimpse of the boot’s owner--a massive figure barely able to fit through the front door more shoulder than man!

An honest-to-god giant, and all that entails! Wrapped in a hooded trench coat, the figure body-slams through the remains of the front entrance, then briefly scans the atrium before capturing you in its glowing red eyes!

This is it--the ‘Specialist’!

Idly brushing some flames left over from the detonation off of its shoulders, the figure begins stomping towards you with murderous intent in its eyes!

What do?
>Kick his ass! (What weapon do you use?)
>Run for the front door!
>Retreat! Try and find a way out back!
>Head upstairs--he’s too heavy!
>WRITE-IN!
This is my last update for tonight, folks--will try to check in tomorrow around 9-10AM PST, otherwise I'll check in between 3-4PM PST! Thanks for playin!

>>4687162
Oh no! It was supposed to be a good dream...
I had to make myself a grilled cheese sandwich btw.
>>4687423
>Head upstairs--he’s too heavy!
Then we jump out of a window

>>4687445
+1
X Ain't gonna give it to us, express deliver to us. X gonna receive a return to sender notice.

>>4687445
+1

>>4687445
>>4687463
>>4687894
Up the stairs! Writing!

File: stanspooked.png (232 KB, 800x600)

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It takes you maybe half a second tops to decide that no, you’re not going to tangle with the guy they’ve been hinting at for three threads now. With a polite tip of your cap, you scurry off in the opposite direction like a dog trying to escape a bath!

“HE’S HUGE!” Ly exclaims, keeping pace with you! Yea, you saw! Skidding around a corner, you hear the specialist’s massive boots approach at a speed much faster than a brisk walk!

Is he… Is he running?!

Your question is answered almost immediately as the colossus comes crashing through the wall next to you like it was balsa wood! Grabbing for your head, you use your SUPERIOR BONE SPEED to duck underneath his attack and skitter deeper into the school! That’s not fair! Who said he could RUN?!

“Hope we live long enough ta’ find out!” Ly howls, keeping an eye on the monster rapidly gaining on you! “What’s da’ plan, anyways?!”

You’re not sure! Despite your love of Parkour you really don’t have much endurance--you can’t keep jogging forever--your lungs feel like they’re about to collapse!

“Stan, it’s....” Ly frowns, “You’ve been running for a minute, tops.. Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?”

You were an intellectual, not an athlete, okay?!? Ignoring Ly’s obligatory snide response, your eyes light up as you spy a staircase leading upwards--that’s it!

“What’s it!?” Ly asks, eye sockets wide as your stalker approaches!

Upstairs, you answer triumphantly! There’s no way he can follow you up there--he’s too heavy!

“Hey, you’re RIGHT!” Ly shouts, a smile on his face! Of course you are--there’s no way the ground will support him--it’s just not realistic!

You give your ghostly floating sentient skeleton a high-five, taking care not to accidentally unsheathe your bone claws you got from eating magical bone marrow! As you make your way up the first few stairs, you feel a wave of heat rush past your face--whatever it is, you’d better dodge it!

>Roll 1d100 to dodge SOMETHING! I’ll take the best of three rolls!

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4688227

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>4688227
>Roll 1d100 to dodge SOMETHING! I’ll take the best of three rolls!
Lets book it like Webster!

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>4688227
DOOOOODGE

>>4688229
>>4688247
>>4688251
>Highest Roll: 37
Writing!

File: runposter.png (93 KB, 400x500)

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You feel the skin on your cheek singe as a ray of red light erupts past your head towards the stairs! Before you can slow down, the heat ray rips through the stairwell, causing it to instantly bubble and melt!

There’s no time to slow down--as the stairs begin to disintegrate, you sprint forwards and leap towards the wall bordering the stairs--time for a little PARKOUR!


“YES!” Ly cheers, pumping a spectral fist! Egged on by your skeleton, you sail through the air for a moment as your pursuer finishes cooking the stairs! Briefly wondering why he didn’t just turn and blast you, your train of thought is interrupted by your foot making contact with the wall!

Placing your hands above where your foot lands, you push off the wall with all fours, launching yourself towards the railing bordering the second story landing!

You fly through the air and look the specialist in his cold, glowing eyes--he’s gonna have to try harder than that! Flipping him the double bird, your leap takes you to the sec-

Your thoughts are interrupted by a sense of impending doom--glancing in the direction you’re flying you watch helplessly as you continue on a collision course with a large, framed safety poster falling directly towards your FACE!

You smack into the side of the framed poster like a fly hitting a windshield and the two of you tumble to the floor in a heap! As you struggle under the weight pinning your arms and legs to the ground, panic settles in and sweat rolls down your face as your pursuer stomps in your direction!

>Roll 1d100 to escape, I’ll take the best of three rolls! Escape plan descriptions can only help ya, so feel free to include them!

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4688286

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>4688286
Try to temporarily blind him with our TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT before darting up the rest of the way to the 2nd floor!

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>4688286

>>4688292
>>4688296
>>4688358
>Highest Roll: 86
Writing!

File: seizewarn.jpg (69 KB, 1280x720)

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You struggle more frantically as the giant approaches, his eyes glowing RED HOT! If he decided to cook you with that laser thing, well, let’s just say you’re gonna have one hell of a sunburn!

“Can you stop acting stupid for a second and get us OUTTA HERE?!” Ly shrieks, causing your body to rattle a bit under the poster! Can HE?! All he ever does is float around and make snippy remarks--can’t he do, like… Bone things?!

“Bone things? The hell are y--hey, wait a minute…”

You feel Ly take control of your body for a second--man, how many updates has it been since he’s done tha--hey, watch the HIPS!

“Just a bit more… There we go!” Ly grunts, moving you around under the poster! As the specialist pushes past some of the melted rubble, you feel an item from your inventory roll into your hand! The ABS? Your HANDGUN? Ooh, maybe the--

Your fingers quickly close around the rough handle of your TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT. Swell.

“Great.” Ly groans, “Maybe he’s an epileptic and we can seize him to death…”

The hell is he talking about eclipses for?! Wait a minute, Ly’s a GENIUS!

“Huh? Well yea, but care to elaborate?” Your skeleton asks as the specialist reaches out for your head!

Stretching your arm as far as it will go, you switch the flashlight to its ANNOYING STROBE MODE, causing its high-intensity beam to flash in your would-be murderer’s red eyes sending him stumbling backwards!

“Good goin’, kid--now we can die a few seconds later!” Ly cheers! Wait, that didn’t sound very genuine…

Your train of thought is derailed as you realise your hand is actually MUCH MORE MANEUVERABLE than you thought! Extending your BONE CLAWS, you tear through the poster like a cat through a sofa, scrambling up the remains of the melted stairway! You don’t bother to check if your attacker’s following--you just run down the hall as fast as you can!

“Where to, cupcake?!” Ly asks as you scurry past a blur of classrooms and lockers!

You don’t know--all of the windows in the hallway are barricaded too! You could probably cut them up, but you need time! As your mind races to come up with a solution, you come across the answer in the form of a door!

>Quick, into the HOME ECONOMICS ROOM!
>Quick, into the AP US HISTORY ROOM!
>Quick, into the DEBATE CLUB ROOM!
>Quick, into the JANITOR’S CLOSET!

>>4688415
>>Quick, into the HOME ECONOMICS ROOM!

>>4688415
>Quick, into the DEBATE CLUB ROOM!
We will simply defeat the invincible pursuer type enemy with facts and logic

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4688443 -- 1
>>4688458 -- 2
Looks like it's up to Lady Fortune to figure this one out--will write the result!

File: homeec.jpg (8 KB, 259x194)

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The HOME EC Room--of course! Slipping through the door and shutting it behind you, you find yourself adrift in a sea of cheap kitchen islands and stools--each section punctuated with a small gas stove and sink! Along the wall on the way to the teacher’s desk sit several cupboards, utensil racks, and a trio of refrigerators.

“Makes ya’ nostalgic, don’t it?” Ly remarks, taking it all in! You nod--if you had a nickel for every pastry you swiped from other groups in this class, well… You wouldn’t a janitor right now, that’s for damn sure!

“Take a look over there!” Ly remarks, pointing to the other side of the room. A few windows sit across the way from you, each equipped with welded-on bars and what appears to be bullet-proof glass!

“Jeez,” Ly remarks, “Rocky’s boys really locked dis’ place down!”

Wait, what? No, those have been there since before you were even a student here--the school put those up because kids would always try to escape through them. Doesn’t he remember finals week?

“Dat’ explains da’ suicide nets…” Ly murmurs, nodding sagely to himself. In any case, those things are built to last--you can’t exactly chop one open by saying ‘please’!

“Well what are we waitin’ for?!” Ly hisses, “Let’s do it!”

As you contemplate which window looks the weakest, you hear the sound of your biggest fan’s footsteps approaching! Whether they’re below, above, or on the same level as you remains to be seen, but it begs the question--should you prepare?

>BARRICADE the doors! It’ll give you time to work!
>PUNCTURE all of the gas canisters! This place’ll go up like a fireworks factory!
>Search the room for LOOT!
>No way, let’s just chop the window and get the HELL OUT.
>WRITE-IN

>>4688608
>WRITE-IN
Listen, we've played enough Survival Horror games to know what to do here- we need to open a cabinet or an oven and *hide*!

Unless he already saw us go in here, in which case I'd instead vote
>PUNCTURE all of the gas canisters! This place'll go up like a fireworks factory!

>>4688626
Wait scratch that, I forgot he always knows where we are. Let's puncture those gas canisters!

>>4688608
>PUNCTURE all of the gas canisters! This place’ll go up like a fireworks factory!
Boom Boom shake the Room

>>4688626
>>4688632
Just to clarify, you would puncture them and THEN start working on the windows. If you'd like to just puncture the canisters and blow a hole open in the school, feel free to let me know!

Errrr, so that you can blow it up as you escape. Apologies for the double post--been feeling out of it tonight!

>>4688642
You're good!

I figure we're
>Puncturing Canisters
>Cutting open window
>Hold ourselves in the window frame until invincible pursuer enemy arrives
>"Hasta la Vista, baby" toss ignited lighter into room and jump out of window proper

>>4688626
>>4688632
ProPANE proPAAAAAAAANE!

Writing!

File: gas.jpg (22 KB, 466x301)

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Yes Ly, let’s ‘do’ it, you say, winking to no one in particular. Your skeleton’s astral projection looks at you like you just spoke a foreign language, then acquiesces with a simple “Okay!”

You hear the sound of boots stomping outside as you begin your Dark Project--with luck you’ll have everything ready to go before he tracks you down! Flitting from stove to stove like a bee pollinating flowers, you dutifully punch a tiny hole in each station’s gas tank with a satisfying HISS!

“Should we be doin’ dis’ when all da’ windows are closed?” Ly asks, peering over your shoulder.

Yes, that’s the whole point, dingaling! If the doors or windows are opened then all of the flammable gas will escape--you’re about to send this mutant a message he’ll never forget!

“Okay, but are you gonna be okay inhalin’ all dis’ stuff?”

What is he, a safety inspector? You were wrong about the steam, you get it--but GAS? It lights barbecues--big deal!

Finishing up on the last tank, you ignore your blurry vision and the growing pounding sensation in your head and make your way to the windows--strong though they may seem, you wager they’re not exactly ‘BONE CLAW-PROOF’!

“Just hurry up, cupcake!” Ly hisses, “We gotta track down Art and Syb!”

You’re working on it! As you examine the bars on the windows, you hear a loud CRASH outside in the hallway--you hope he just stubbed his toe or something!

“Put some pep in yer’ step, Stan!” Ly whispers!

You’ve got it covered--it’s only a matter of TIME!

>Roll 1d100 to chop this window up quickly--I’ll take the best of 3 rolls!
Gonna call it here for tonight--been feeling odd since I got off of work. Will check in tomorrow around 9-10AM PST at the earliest, otherwise we'll resume around the usual 3-4PST. Thanks for playin'!

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4688669
>Roll 1d100 to chop this window up quickly--I’ll take the best of 3 rolls!
Issa odd night, take it easy Bones

Now Stanley, dont take it easily right now. Take this very hard and serious for once.

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>4688669
Take care of yourself DemBones, and thanks for running!

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>4688669
Thanks for running! Get some rest man.

>>4688676
>>4688702
>>4688727
>Highest Roll: 47
Thanks, all--I think I've got time for a quick update now, but the rest will come around 3-4PST!

Now let's write about how badly Stan fucked up!

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Biting your tongue in concentration, you get to work carving the bars from the window you’ve deemed the wussiest.

“Good thing they weren’t countin’ on BONE CLAWS, huh?” Ly remarks, a wry grin on his face. Don’t be so sure--this crap is TOUGH! Granted, your claws are slicing through, but getting one through a bar is akin to cutting a steak with a SPOON or something!

Working on it for several precious seconds, your claws break on through to the other side of one end of a bar--only a few more to go!

“Can’t you just… You know, squeeze through?” Ly asks, measuring the gaps in the bars with his astral hands. Not with this fresh bod, you can’t, you reply, licking a finger and touching your hip with an appropriate hissing sound effect. Besides, you’re almost done here--a bar or two oughta be enough!

“Well hurry up, will ya?” Ly whispers, “I can barely hear tall, dark an’ deadly’s boots anymore!”

And you can barely hear yourself think, so can it!

The upper part of the window bar takes a bit longer, mainly due to you being slightly vertically-challenged. As you saw towards the center with your claw, you hit a snag--damn it, you hate when this happens! Forcing your way through, you adopt a triumphant grin as the bar comes loose!

And subsequently tumbles to the floor with a loud series of CLANGS.

“Da’ hell are you doin’?!” Ly howls, poking your chest with a spectral phalange! You thought he was holding it steady!

“I’m a friggin’ ASTRAL PROJECTION! I CAN’T HOLD JACK SHI-”

You and your skeleton pause your argument for a second as you hear the faint sound of boot steps below you. Just as you crane your ear to listen more, they stop!

“Stan…” Ly begins, unease in his voice, “I think we should leave. Right now.”

Glancing at the tiny opening in the bars and the reinforced window glass, a sense of unease builds up in your stomach. Thankfully that unease is replaced when you feel the temperature growing at your feet and notice the floor beginning to glow orange!

Now you just feel panic, and a LOT of it!

>Roll 1d100 to bust through the window before the situation HEATS UP any further! I’ll take the best of 3 rolls--strats for busting the window open can only help your chances! I’ll check back in around 3/4PM PST!

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>4689224
>>Roll 1d100 to bust through the window before the situation HEATS UP any further! I’ll take the best of 3 rolls--strats for busting the window open can only help your chances! I’ll check back in around 3/4PM PST!


Shit shit shit, lets uhhhh. Tuck and fuckin roll. Lets hope the dice gods stop bareback screwing us so hard this time.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4689224
break it open with our CHINCHILL PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>4689224
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

>>4689229
>>4689232
>>4689243
>Highest Roll: 65
Guess who has a little time for an updaaaaaaaaate? Writing!

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No time for subtlety! Like the hero of a Western Flick you quickdraw your trusty CHINCHILL PUMP-ACTION and aim it at the window!

Open SESAME!

“Wait, what about the ga-”

Too late. Pulling the trigger causes the room to erupt in a bright flash of light, followed by the most intense pain you’ve ever felt!

Luckily it only lasts for a moment…

By the time the flames die down there’s barely enough of you left to fill a contact lens case.

GAME OVER! Score: 0 out of 500 Points.
Restore
Restart
Quit

Thanks so much for playing BONES QUEST! Guess I'll see you in the next one!

>>4689429
>Restore
Well.... Shit.

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>>4689429
I keed, I keed. Stan won't die that easily. Her pals, on the other hand...

Wait a minute, they rolled a 65, you say? Shit, alright…

Ahem… Too late. Pulling the trigger causes the room to erupt in a bright flash of light, followed by the most intense pain you’ve ever felt!

Luckily it only lasts for a moment….

You feel a strange sense of weightlessness as the force of the explosion hurls you through the reinforced glass and through the air! Flying through the heavens like a home run ball, you take a moment to ignore the fact that your legs are on fire and revel in the miracle of flight!

You’re flying, Ly! You’re flying!

Your trusty skeleton takes control of your head and neck for a moment, directing your attention to the rapidly-approaching pavement below.

“We’re dying, Stan! We’re dying!”

As you prepare for impact, you close your eyes and briefly go over all of the cool stuff you’re gonna miss out on now that you’re dying at 20! Drinking legally, travelling, going to college, your first t--

Your abridged introspection is interrupted as you land face-first with a THUD onto…

Wait a minute, since when is concrete this plush?

Opening your eyes, you realize you’re lying on the charred remains of a soft green sofa--a trail of embers leading from where it burst out of the building to your landing zone!

“Da’ hell is dis’ doin’ here?” Ly asks, almost sounding disappointed! It takes you a moment, but you quickly recognize it as the modeling couch from the art room! On one hand, hooray for being alive, but on the other…

They definitely had nude models come in before.

Ignoring the heat rising in your cheeks, you pat the few flames still flickering on your pant legs and survey your surroundings--looks like you were blown to the back parking lot!

A few cars, scooters, and even a bicycle sit crooked in the parking spots--most likely belonging to faculty. Further back sits the Garage--a veritable mad science lab for car geeks. Past all of those, however, sits a large chain-link fence, an electric gate, and salvation waiting beyond!

“Dat’ was a close one!” Ly sighs, “Let’s get outta here before anyone else comes to-”

You and Ly pause your conversation as your ears pick up a symphony of groaning metal and crumbling masonry behind you. Looking back you see something you kinda expected, but really, really, really didn’t want--your stalker emerges from the burning, crumbling remains of the school, grim resolve in his glowing, hellish eyes!

“Oh dear, is dat’ da’ time?” Ly whimpers, glancing at an imaginary watch, “We gotta scoot!”

Where to?
>Snag some WHEELS (What do you grab?)
>Head for the GARAGE--maybe you can find something useful in there!
>Make a break for the FENCE--you can lose him outside of school!
>WRITE-IN

>>4689433
>Make a break for the FENCE--you can lose him outside of school!
We are way better suited to forest combat than he is, BONE LEGS plus BONE CLAWS! mean we can go full squirrel mode. And that ribcage is gonna help us from whatever shots we do take.

>>4689433
>Snag some WHEELS (What do you grab?)
Let's get a SCOOTER- we already know Stan can't handle a car without Ly's help. Besides helping us escape, having some wheels in the future could be useful for getting around quicker. Also, you can do SICK TRICKS on a scooter

Got a meeting in a little bit, but I should be back around the earlier-mentioned 3-4PM PST. See you all then--hopefully the tie will be broken by then!

>>4689433
>Snag some WHEELS
A scooter, why not.

>>4689433
>Snag some WHEELS, namely a scooter.

https://youtu.be/38QExVxxIoo
STAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN

>>4689435
>BOOK IT!

>>4689439
>>4689489
>>4689548
>Catch a Riiiiiiiiide

Sorry folks, meeting went a lot later than I anticipated! Writing!

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Hell nah--you’ve run enough for one day, thanks! Scampering deeper into the parking lot, you try your best to ignore the homicidal freak trailing behind you and search for an appropriate ride.

“You really think we gonna find somethin’?” Ly asks, helping you scan the lot! You really think! If this guy chasing you can walk through concrete like tissue paper and can melt staircases, your best bet is to put a lot of distance between you and him. At least until you can turn the tables, that is!

“Somethin’ tells me dat’s gonna take a while…” Ly whines. “Hey, what about DAT?!

Pointing a few feet away, you follow Ly’s finger and lay eyes on…

Well, it’s certainly a vehicle. A hideously pink eyesore with tassels, a rainbow decal above the wheel, and the words ‘Queen Bitch’ emblazoned on the front, but a vehicle nonetheless…

Oh god, the helmet even has cat ears...

“Hurry up, we gotta get it started!”

Is he kidding? You can’t drive this! What about that one over there? That one looks good!

“Half of these got a breathalyzer in the ignition port, cupcake--these belong to school staff, remember?”

You huff--maybe he’s right. In any case, you don’t seem to have much time--Tillamook or whatever his name is is gaining on you!

>No dice, man--let’s FIND ANOTHER ONE.
>Fine, let’s SEARCH for some KEYS.
>Rip it open and fiddle with the wires to hotwire it!
>Maybe an ITEM will help start it?
>WRITE-IN