>>2034808
>>I'll go talk to them
>It might give us an excuse to show Sam the way to our house, since she'll need to head there over the weekend anyways.

>>2034808
>I'll go talk to them
We're going to have to deal with Franz eventually, but try not to be so rude to him as to alienate Sam. If he gets too chummy though, call him by his actual name (Frank) to let him know he's still at square zero.

>I'll go talk to them

+

>Write ins

>writing

"I guess I should," you mutter, "Can't avoid Franz forever."

{That's the spirit!}

Your friend chuckles at their wit.

{We'll make better friends with Sam. Wonderful idea, Alice.}

You didn't bother pointing out that it wasn't your idea.

"Hey guys," you say, mustering up all the enthusiasm you could, but your voice still coming out flat.

Franz and Sam look in unison back at you, momentarily surprised, but adapting quickly. Franz looks concerned, guarded, Sam gives a polite smile.

"Hi, Alice. What's up?" She asks.

"Well," you adjust your backpack, "I was hoping maybe we could walk home together. I don't know how far you live though, Sam."

"Not far," She chimes with a smile, "Sure, sounds like fun!"

"Absolutely" Franz says, looking distinctly uncomfortable. Good.

He lags behind a bit, behind you and Sam who walk side-by-side.

"Are we still on for this weekend?" Sam asks you.

"Yeah, sure," you give Sam a weak smile, "I'm looking forward to it."

"Spanish tutoring, right, Alice?" Franz asks.

You tense a bit. "That's right."

"I didn't know you spoke Spanish," he says. "You never said anything about it to me."

"She's got an uncle who speaks it," Sam explains.

"That's right," you agree, feeling small.

"I mean, I know you love French," he continues, "But Spanish. Doesn't seem like you."


>Ignore him
>I don't have to tell you everything about my life, Frank
>I'm sure there's lots about me that would surprise you
>Write in

>>2034883
>>2034883
>I don't have to tell you everything about my life, Franz.
No need to go full on Frank just yet. That's for when he gets really pushy about it.

Also, what's the current date in this universe? Any chance it's nearing Halloween?

>>2034883
>>I don't have to tell you everything about my life, Frank

>I don't have to tell you everything about my life, Franz.

>writing

>Also, what's the current date in this universe

Today is Evening of October 6th, it's close, but it's not Halloween yet!

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>>2034913
That's good, because I've got one or two ideas for Halloween costumes Alice could wear for a party...

>>2034919
>Halloween Costumes

Hold onto those ideas!

That will be a decision later on.

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>>2034883
>"You'll find that I'm full of surprises"

You keep outright irritation out of your voice, but you're curt. "I don't have to tell you everything about my life, Franz."

Franz chuckles, but it's a dry, hollow sound. He's pissed.

"You speak French too?" Sam asks, trying to sidestep the friction between you and Franz.

"Uh, just a little bit," you stammer. "I'm not good."

"But you're fluent in Spanish."

You consider giving Franz another verbal jab but decide against it.

"So, Alice. I see you reading a lot at school and stuff," Sam says. "In the mornings. What are you reading?"

"Helter Skelter," you say.

"What, like the Beatles?" Sam asks.

"No, like the Manson family murders," Franz replies. "Alice is really into murders and serial killers and stuff. In case that's not obvious."

"I like what I like," you shoot back.

"I think that's cool," Sam says, "Weird creepy shit like that is awesome, I don't know how well I stomach it though. Scary moves. Blech." She laughs.

"It's an acquired taste," you reply with a smile.

"You'll have to recommend some books to me some time," Sam adds just when the three of you nearly go different directions when the sidewalk branches at an Intersection.

"Oh right," Franz says, looking to Sam, "Alice doesn't live this way, She's off on the edge of town."

So Franz and Sam lived nearby then.

"I don't mind walking her there and we can walk back," Sam says.

"It's pretty far to be honest," Franz says, looking at you, "I mean, I don’t walking it, but then we've gotta walk back."


>It's okay, I can make my own way, See you guys
>It'll be fun, Sam you can see where I live if you ever want to come out this way
>Why don't I walk with you guys then, I can walk myself home
>Write in

>>2034960
>>It's okay, I can make my own way, See you guys.
I'll see about finding something relatively bloodless for you to watch, Sam. You don't mind 80's cheese, do you?

>>2034960
>Why don't I walk with you guys then, I can walk myself home
"I remember Franz's place isn't too far away. I don't mind walking a little extra myself."

This way, we get to learn where Sam lives.
That, and we can easily fly back home real quick after we've left them

>>2034960
>Why don't I walk with you guys then, I can walk myself home

>Why don't I walk with you guys then, I can walk myself home

>writing

"That's okay," you say, "I can just walk with you guys and then walk myself home. Franz's place isn't far, I don't mind walking a little extra."

"Are you sure?" Franz asks.

"Oh, this works great, you can see where I live," Sam says excitedly.

"I'm sure," you say. "I'll even see about finding something relatively bloodless for you to watch, Sam. You don't mind 80's cheese, do you?"

Sam laughs, "I thought we were going to be studying."

"Well, it helps me focus. You know, something for the background." You can't help but be reminded of all the times you and Franz hung out to 'watch movies'.

Sam laughs again, "Okay, sounds good. Nothing with guts, okay?"

Well, that crosses Day of the Dead off your list. "I'll find something," you say again.

The three of you make the once familiar walk to Franz's house, a small ranch-style just a few blocks away. The tension the walk started with mostly eases off, Franz is still troubled, but doesn't give you any more hassle, you don't have to deploy his god-given name to shame him into compliance at least.

"Alright, safe travels girls!' Franz waves, "I'll text you two."

You two. So now you were re-included in the clique? You weren't sure how much of an honor that was, or what exactly it was that Franz would be texting you.

"I'm not much farther," Sam says, "Franz and I even walk to school together." She hesitates, looking embarrassed, "Sometimes," she adds hastily.

True enough, just another block and a half, you reach Sam's place, another ranch-style nestled among some low-growing oak trees which cast shade over a yard mostly dominated by acorns and dead leaves.

"Hey, thanks for walking me," Sam says, "You should hang with us more. I knew you were cool from what Franz said, but you're more fun in person. Maybe have breakfast with us. Don't be a stranger, okay?"

>Sure!
>Sorry, but I actually like eating alone. I do homework and stuff.
>Write in

>>2035166
>>Sure!

>>2035166
>Sure!

>Sure!

>writing

"Sure!"

{What great news, Alice! Now we won't have to eat alone anymore. This is wonderful.}

"Okay, so see you here tomorrow around four?" Sam asks.

"I'll be here," you reply.

"Okay, bye!" Sam gives you a quick hug that you return woodenly before watching her trot back to her house.

{That went very well, Alice. I'm excited about tomorrow.}

"Me too," you say, turning to look both directions, you see a few pedestrians nearby, someone else raking leaves. Damn, flying out of here was going to be hard. You decide to walk, at least for now until you find a clear space to do your superwoman bit. "Wait, why are you so excited?"

{Why shouldn't I be? This is what you wanted, isn't it, Alice?}

"Well, yeah. I was just thinking about what you said about hedonism and boys and girls and stuff."

Your friend laughs.

{Alice, your interests are my interests. I won't subvert your goals or pressure you into anything. That's not what friends do.}

"No," you agree. Still, there was a lot about your friend you didn't know, sometimes their motivations were unclear to you, aside from the 'friendship' part. Maybe you were reading to much into it.


>So how do you know Spanish anyway? Do you know other languages?
>You haven't been very open with me, are you a ghost or what?
>When am I going to learn more about you?
>No reason to bother your Friend with this now.
>Write in

>>2035299
>>So how do you know Spanish anyway? Do you know other languages?

>>2035299
>So how do you know Spanish anyway? Do you know other languages?

inb4 she can speak Latin and/or Sumerian

>So how do you know Spanish anyway? Do you know other languages?

>writing

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"So . . . how do you know Spanish anyway?"

{When you've been around as long as I have, you pick things up.}

You can almost hear your friend smiling.

"Well do you speak any other languages?"

{French, Italian, a little German. English of course. Perhaps more than I can ever teach you, but that's okay. I can speak for you if it comes down to it.}

"Where did you learn them?" You try.

{Where else? I learned Spanish in Spain, French in France, Italian in Italy, German in Germany. English in England.}

"How have you been so many places and ended up in Roeslake?"

{I've traveled. I go where interests me, and I have been so many interesting places, Alice.}

You friend speaks with a warm sensation, pride.

You shake your head, "That's not an answer."

{My past is not pleasant conversation, Alice. We'll have plenty of time to learn about one another in time.}

"Well, friends don't keep secrets from one another," you say. "I want to know."

Your friend is silent for a few minutes, so long you think you might have offended them.

{I've traveled with others as I travel with you, Alice. Interesting people, many of them friends, none of them quite as special as you.}

You were skeptical, "Oh? Like who."

{There was a man named Richard de la Pole. I traveled with him in the 16th century. A great warrior. He was killed in battle, a fate I doubt you'll share.}

Your friend's attempt at humor doesn't lighten your mood.

"The 16th century?" you repeat, "Just what, making friends?"

{I watched with glee while your kings and queens fought for ten decades for the gods they made.}

Your friend chuckles to themself.

{No, Alice, it's more complicated than that. As I said, you are different than all of them, so the past becomes less relevant. I don’t think we should discuss it anymore. Not right now anyway.}
>No problem, I understand
>Then when?
>I have more questions (Write in)
>Write in

>>2035487
>>No problem, I understand
"This can wait a bit. For now, at least."

"If I get kidnapped by a cult or secret society, though, we may have to talk."

"In exchange, though, could you help me with my French? I'm starting to hit a wall."

>>2035487
>No problem, I understand

"It sounds like there's an interesting story behind that Richard though. You'll have to tell me more some time."

>No problem, I understand

+
>Write ins

>writing

"This can wait a bit. For now, at least," you say. "It sounds like there's an interesting story behind that Richard guy though. You'll have to tell me more some time."

{At some point I might do that, Alice.}

"If I get kidnapped by a cult or secret society, though, we may have to talk."

Your friend laughs.

{You won't be kidnapped. I would never let that happen to you, Alice. I only want what's best for you.}

"In exchange, could you help me with my French? I'm starting to hit a wall."

{Oui m'dame. Ce serait avec plaisir.}

It takes you a moment to mentally translate. You smile, "Merci."

Finally, you find a clear area, no one around, and take to the air. The sensation is still strange to you, like you slip out of gravity's hold, like stepping through a sheet. With your feet off the ground, the trip home is much quicker. You land about a block away in a small wooded area, walking the rest of the way home.

Dry leaves crunch beneath your feet as you cross the law to your front door. You grab the handle to open it but the toe of your boot hits something light. Looking down, you see a single dry rose with a piece of paper tied onto it with a ribbon.

On instinct you turn and look all directions toward your neighborhood, but all is still. You look down at the flower and paper again, crouching to pick it up, feeling the hard studs on the length of the stem where thorns once were. A single black ribbon secures the paper and comes off easily.

Part of you thinks that maybe it was intended for your sister, but that's dispelled when you read it.


Alice,

You are beautiful. Eternally I long for the day we will be together. I see within you a powerful and stunning person waiting to be revealed. Truthfully, I don't even worry about the others you see. I want you to enjoy your life, love will bring us together anyway.

Yours.


The paper is slightly yellowed, the edges rough.

"What is this?"

{It looks like a love letter, Alice}

"I know what it is." you roll your eyes. "I don't know who put it here or why."

{I think the 'why' of a love letter should be self-explanatory.}

Your friend sure thinks they're funny. "Who left this?," you ask exasperatedly.

{Alice, I'm not a psychic, I can't see the person who laid this here. Besides, isn't this good news? I think receiving a letter like this would be flattering.}

You re-read the letter again and glance at the rose in your free hand. "It's a little embarrassing," you say. Still, the flower was pretty, you were already planning to hang it on your wall with the ribbon.

But who could have left it? Franz maybe? He always had a flair for the dramatic. Sam? But you were just with them, how could they have orchestrated this? Chad maybe? No, you couldn't see Chad thinking up something like this unless there was more to him than you realized. Maybe it was Zack or one of his friends.


>Text Zack and ask
>Text Franz and ask
>Text Sam and ask
>No sense worrying about it now
>Write in

>>2035619
> Still, something seems off about the way they worded it. 'I don't even worry about the others you see'. It sounds like they've been watching me...

>>2035619
>Ponder on it when you realize that Zack's probably not the culprit
>"...Hey, you mentioned about how some ghosts have the ability to affect the world around them... Think this might be the case here?"

>>2035653
>>2035665

>Write ins

>Writing

No, Zack probably wasn't involved either, from what little you knew of him, it didn't seem his style.

"Still, something seems off about the way they worded it. 'I don't even worry about the others you see'. It sounds like they've been watching me . . ."

{Viewing from afar is a common element for secret admirer's, Alice. I don't think that's something to be alarmed about.}

A thought occurs to you "Hey, you mentioned about how some ghosts have the ability to affect the world around them . . . Think this might be the case here?"

You feel a lump in the back of your mind for a moment. Your friend scoffing at the idea?

{No, I don't think so.}

"And why not?"

{Ghosts are not known for passion. The dead have little to be passionate about. The dead live in the past. For instance. your friend Ellie will likely never adapt to modern 'normal' life for whatever time she has left here. No, Alice. Ghosts don't do things like this.}

"Well then who do you think left it?"

{I have no idea.}

Your friend doesn't elaborate.

You open the door to your house, head still swimming with possibility.

"Hey, Alice!" your sister Grace greets you almost immediately, she's coming into the living room at the same time you are, but she comes through the double doors that connect your house to the funeral home. "The Rimbauer funeral just wrapped, you missed all the traffic."

You nod, you always hated coming home during a funeral because while you loved to watch them, you always felt like an intruder.

"What's that?" Grace points to your hand.

You look down at the note you hold.


>It's a love letter. A secret admirer I guess
>It's nothing, just school stuff
>Write in

>>2035759
>It's a love letter. A secret admirer I guess

"So, did the Rimbauer appointment go well? No fights about an altered deathbed will over the casket, right?"
"I've got a friend coming over on the weekend. We're going to study a bit, then watch some movies. Could you tell Mark to... Well, not be Mark about it?"

>>2035759
>It's a love letter. A secret admirer I guess
I'm wondering if it could be that weirdo who gave us the evil eye from his car.

>It's a love letter. A secret admirer I guess

+

>Write ins

>Writing

"It's a love letter," you say, regarding the letter. "A secret admirer, I guess."

"Whaaat? Can I read it?"

"I'd prefer you didn't," you say, "It's . . . Personal."

Grace sticks her tongue out at you, "Okay, cut me out of your life, that's fine."

You change subjects "So, did the Rimbauer appointment go well? No fights about an altered deathbed will over the casket, right?"

Grace gives you a half-grin, "Terrible tragedy, the youngest Rimbauer son claimed inheritance over his father's whole kingdom. The nation looks ready to tear itself apart. It looks like there might be untold bloodshed."

"Grace," you manage to say between bouts of laughter.

"The king is dead," Grace says, "Long live the king!"

"Stop!" you plead, laughing at the mental image of a medieval dynastic struggle breaking out in the neighboring funeral parlor.

"What's up, you've got homework to do?"

"No," you lie, you would tackle Mr. Cook's assignment at some point, but it was no sweat. "But I've got a friend coming over on the weekend. We're going to study a bit, then watch some movies. Could you tell Mark to... Well, not be Mark about it?"

Grace's smile fades to a frown, she crosses her arms, "Alice, we've talked about this. Mark is an asset to this family, he takes good care of us and he helps provide for all this," she gestures about at the house, "Mom and dad's funeral home doesn't cover all the bills you know."

Your own expression sours, "Yeah, I know."

"So, I don't like this weird animosity between you two. You know he is my husband."

"It's not that I don't like him," you say, which is a lie. You don't like him, "I just don’t want to be embarrassed or anything."

"Well Mark is going to be out late anyway, he's on call tonight," your sister seems to realize what you've said, "Wait, you have a friend coming over?"

You nod.

"School friend? Who? Is it Franz?"

"No. It's a girl named Ellie, you haven't met her before." You don't add the part where she may not meet her. Given Ellie's disappearing act when Zack and his friends arrived, you suddenly weren't sure if Ellie would even be visible to Grace.

"Okay then, well you girls have fun. I'm going to be taking a 'me' day. Don't be loud and don't cause trouble, okay?"

"We won't."

"Alright, run along, I've got to get changed." Grace heads for the back of her house, her and Mark's bedroom.

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Thudding up the attic stairs to your room, you feel the familiar chill caused by a lack of proper insulation, you didn't really mind the cold so much, you were used to it.

"Ellie's coming over today!" you say excitedly to the empty room.

{Yes, she is. And you're going to watch movies?}

"I torrented a couple last night. Movies from Ellie's time. You know, stuff from the 50s. I think she's feeling a little culture shock and I want to minimize that If I can."

Your friend is silent for a moment.

{I can go for a time if you'd like, Alice. I don't approve of this, but I can give you privacy if you're looking for it. That is if you don't think you'll need me.}


>Privacy would be wonderful, we won't be apart long though, I promise
>No, you're welcome to stay. We're friends.
>Write in

>>2035895
>No, you're welcome to stay. We're friends.

I think it'd be kind of nice if we could all get along and have some fun together

>>2035895
>No, you're welcome to stay. We're friends.

"Is the reason why you don't want Ellie to be around me about your past? We'll shelve it for later, if you want."

"Or is it that you're jeaaaaa-louuuussss? (teasing)"

"What about you? Anything you'd like to see?"

>No, you're welcome to stay. We're friends.

+

>Write ins

>Writing

"I think it'd be kind of nice if we could all get along and have some fun together," you say.

{I don't normally play with my food.}

You frown and cross your arms, "I still don't find that funny." You sigh. "Is the reason why you don't want Ellie to be around me about your past?"

Your friend doesn't answer.

A mischievous grin sneaks across your face, "Or is it that you're jeaaaaa-louuuussss?"

{I have nothing to be jealous over.}

"Then what is it? It's your past, right?"

You feel a reluctant shifting in your mind.

{No, Alice, it's not my past. Not really anyway. I've seen and experienced much in the way of pleasure and depravity and my life. Sometimes things that were both, nothing that relates to my opinion of ghosts. My disapproval, Alice, comes from my beliefs and experience. Making friends with a ghost is like making friends with a shadow. It's not really there, Alice. It's an echo of something that once was.}

"I don't believe that," you say. "Ellie is alive in a way. She misses her boyfriend, she misses her family. She's a person like me."

{I've seen battlefields full of sad wretches like that. The lingering dead, crying for their mothers, wives, children. Crying for salvation, Alice. Unable to let go. Ellie simply needs to let go. In the past, I would make that choice for them, I'm respecting your wishes to leave her be.}

"And I appreciate that," you say. "But you should do it because it's the right thing to do."

{I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with you, Alice. If you want me to stay, I'll stay. Don't expect me and Ellie to become friends, however. Even if she could see me.}

"Well, I appreciate the effort," you say, powering on your TV and laptop and making sure the movies were ready to go. "What about you, is there anything you'd like to see?"

{You mean a movie? No thank you, Alice. I don't particularly care for movies.}

"So what do you do for fun?" you ask.

{I'm pleased when you're pleased, Alice. I've enjoyed many things over time, seeing you happy is so far one of my favorite things. I'm sure we'll have my kind of fun later on.}

It was cryptic, but you were getting used to that sort of stonewalling. You would worry about it later. "Okay, I think we're ready. Can you call Ellie here?"

By way of answer, the lights in your room flicker out, a pale light with no source fills the room and a human figure resolves, standing before you, almost gathering out of the dust in the air. Within seconds, the figure was no visibly a young woman, and then Ellie, standing before you.

Your lights sputter back to life and she opens her eyes, a broad smiling dawning on her face.

"Alice! You brought me here! Oh, I'm so excited!"

And that's all the time I have!

Thanks for playing guys, write-ins were stellar as always. I had a blast and I hope you guys are still enjoying it. Next session will be next week, Thursday, 7 EST (11 UTC). I'm hoping to see everyone there.

As usual, I'll be free a bit longer for any questions or commentary.

Thanks guys!

If you haven't followed yet, here's the Twitter:
https://twitter.com/timekillerqm

>>2036013
Thanks for running TK!
What kind of movies will Alice have for Ellie?
The Wolfman vs. The Frankenstein Monster?
House of Dracula?
Abbot and Costello?

>>2036013
>Thanks for playing guys

No problem, I always have a blast when I'm playing this.

Here's a question or two for you:
Regarding the funeral home, does Mark work in a related industry, or does he do something different? And just how long has he been a thing with Grace?

What happened to Mom and Dad?

Should we dress as Morticia Addams, or Elvira, Mistress of the Dark for Halloween?

See you next week, boss.

>>2036032
>Thanks
Yeah man!

>movies
High Noon (1952), a childhood favorite of Ellie's

and

War of the Worlds (1953) because you (Alice) have seen it and liked it.

>>2036075
>I always have a blast when I'm playing this.
Thanks, hoss. Means a lot to me!

>Does Mark work in a related industry?
Mark is a paramedic. He works for the St. Mary's, a hospital in Lasker City. Ambulance shit.

>how long has he been a thing with Grace?
They've been married since just before your parents died, about five years

>What happened to Mom and Dad?
They died in an accident. It's still kind of painful to talk about. A lot of people think you are the way you are because they died and it "messed you up" but that's not true. Your mom bought you some of the "weird" books you have now, she always supported you for who you were. You were spooky even then.

>Spoiler
Morticia is a classic, not really sure you have the figure (Read: big tits) to pull off Elvira. You've seen cosplay tutorials that show how a little can go a long way, but that's a lot more effort than you think you can put in. Plus wearing three layers of bras sort of ruins the Elvira look.

Rolled 19 (1d100)

So is the plan to seduce Sam or what

what about no

Idk, guess that would ruin the small stability we have with franz and the little possible clique we could get out of it, but whatever you want to

>>2037231
If Franz turns out to be a complete asshole, then cucking him with our Spook Magic sounds fun to me.

>>2037618
>>2037642
You give a shit about Franz? I figured he just came with the territory

>>2037833
What's with all the Franz hate, man? Guy can't fingerbang a girl? while dating another girl

>>2050261
No anon.
That being said I want Alice to be happy above all, so I can get over it if that's what Alice really wants.

>All this time thinking about seducing Sam, and nobody considers trying some moves on Ellie
>In a quest where we have ghost summoning powers

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>>2051344

>>2051368
Hey, you're the one who said that Ellie could touch us, given enough of an incentive...

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>>2051400

>>2051400
So we're not going to set the record "straight" then, huh?

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>>2052163

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The lights in your room come back and Roselake's Prom Night Ghost stands before you in an apparently physical form, eyes wide with wonder and excitement. "Alice! You brought me here! Oh, I'm so excited!"

You can't help but smile back, "Ellie, I'm just glad you made it!" Elanor Andrews. 'Ellie' died on Prom Night in 1959, killed by a hit and run driver waiting for her boyfriend to pick her up. She was eighteen.

Now, she's in your bedroom preparing for a movie night. Legend has it that she appears on the roadside on prom night, still wandering Rose Lake's back country roads waiting for Cliff to pick her up. Not that you'd ever seen her until now. She's dressed the way she was that day, a shimmer, sky blue dress and her hair well styled, gone is the blood and mud you'd seen on her previously. You suspected that came and went.

"This is your room?" Ellie asks, marveling at everything.

"Yep."

Ellie leans over to look at your stuffed animal collection, pay particular attention to your skellypus. She moves on to look at your walls. "Elvira. Mistress of the Dark." She reads the title of the poser beside your bed.

"Oh, yeah, Elvira," you repeat stupidly. "It's a movie and stuff," you say, realizing how strange this must seem to Ellie.

She's already moved on, noticing your big bone collage/art project. "Improving the Pig?" she reads the title.

"It's . . . Art," you say, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

She looks back at you, "Your art?"

You nod.

"It's strange," Ellie says with a smile before her eyes settle on your laptop, going wide. "Is that . . . a TV?"

This might take a while.

X


With Ellie's curious mind settled a bit, you sat together on your bed, facing toward your TV perched atop your dresser.

"Things have changed a lot," Ellie says, sadness creeping into her voice.


>That's okay, the world changes and we adapt
>It bothers you?
>People don't change though
>Write in

>>2056750
>It bothers you?
>That's okay, the world changes and we adapt.
>Also, you don't have to be jealous about not having flying cars and jet packs; we're still waiting on those, too...

>It bothers you?
>That's okay, the world changes and we adapt.
>Also, you don't have to be jealous about not having flying cars and jet packs; we're still waiting on those, too...

>writing

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"It bothers you?" you ask.

Ellie shrugs. "My life, the part I lived I mean, is so long ago, all the people I knew. Cliff is probably an old man now. And I've spent the last few decades in a haze. I don't remember much of it between that night and when I met you. Everything's so different."

You smile and think about laying a hand on her shoulder but decide against it knowing that you might only grab air. "That’s okay. The world changes and we adapt. Also, you don't have to be jealous about not having flying cars and jet packs and stuff; we're still waiting on those, too . . ."

Ellie laughs softly, "I figured I would have seen them by now."

"Things change, but not that much. You'll find everything is more familiar than you think."

Ellie doesn't look convinced, that hit of sadness returning. "If you say so."

"Come on, let's get these movies going. I got High Noon for you, sounded like one of your favorites."

"Oh! It is!" Ellie exclaims, "Alice, you shouldn't have."

"It's no problem." you set up the wireless stream to your TV and click 'play'.

https://youtu.be/5an9OuXKxBw

The screen drops to black and fades in, a black and white prairie and a dust-caked cowboy appearing on your monitor smoking alone, only accompanied by a pulsating drum beat and mournful singing.

You spare a quick glance at Ellie. She's leaning forward, eyes fixed on the screen, her face pale white in the flickering of the TV. Satisfied she was entertained, you turn your attention back to the movie.

X

Perhaps an hour into the movie, you find yourself shockingly engaged. You'd ordinarily classify Westerns as one of the genres you'd expect to be the least interested in, maybe beside buddy cop films, but, here you were, pulled into the narrative.

Marshal Kane was seeking the aid of his old mentor, and getting nowhere.

"You risk your skin catching killers and the juries turn them loose so they can come back and shoot at you again," he was telling Kane. "If you're honest you're poor your whole life and in the end you wind up dying all alone on some dirty street. For what? For nothing. For a tin star."

And like that, once again, Kane found himself without help against the coming threat of a shootout in town.

"Alice," Ellie says from beside you, voice quiet. "Why are you helping me anyway?"

The futility facing Kane in the movie must have struck a nerve with Ellie.


>You seem alone. Like me.
>I want to resolve your problems
>It's the right thing to do
>Write in

>>2056886
>Well, before I could talk to, uh, you, I always wondered what it would be like to talk to someone who lived in a time I never knew. Like getting to talk to Marie Curie for an hour over coffee.
>But when I first met you, you seemed lonely. Like me.
>I know it's a bit selfish of me to just summon you to talk to and have fun with you when I promised to help you find Cliff, but it's nice to have someone who you can talk certain things about that most people would just avoid you for.

>Well, before I could talk to, uh, you, I always wondered what it would be like to talk to someone who lived in a time I never knew. Like getting to talk to Marie Curie for an hour over coffee.
>But when I first met you, you seemed lonely. Like me.
>I know it's a bit selfish of me to just summon you to talk to and have fun with you when I promised to help you find Cliff, but it's nice to have someone who you can talk certain things about that most people would just avoid you for.


>Writing

You take a breath, "Well, before I could talk to, uh, you, I always wondered what it would be like to talk to someone who lived in a time I never knew."

Ellie listens intently.

"Like . . . " you struggle for an analogy "Like getting to talk to Marie Curie for an hour over coffee. When I first met you, you seemed lonely. Like me." You pick at your shirt nervously. "I know it's a bit selfish of me to just summon you to talk to and have fun with you when I promised to help you find Cliff, but it's nice to have someone who you can talk certain things about that most people would just avoid you for."

"Aw." Ellie looks sympathetic, "Alice, you're an incredibly kind person. I don't mind spending time with you at all."

You exhale, a weight off your chest. "That's a relief."

Ellie lays a hand on your back. At first the gesture is mundane, but then you realize the implications, Ellie is touching you. "You shouldn't feel that way. Really, I'm glad you found me. I can't imagine being stuck forever as . . . Well," her happiness again slips, "Stuck like that."

"Don't worry," you say.

X

"Wow," you say when the credits roll. "That was pretty good." You hadn't really expected to enjoy an old black and white western

"It's one of my favorites!" Ellie says excitedly. "It's not like a regular Western, I mean, the good guys win but, the towns people are so motivated by fear."

You nod, "I wasn't expecting that kind of movie. Thanks for showing me, Ellie!"

"I'm sure you've got your own movies now but . . . I think this is one worth remembering." Ellie smiles, recalling a memory, "You know, I used to have a crush on Lloyd Bridges- the deputy, when I first saw this. Even though he's such a . . . such a . . . bastard."

"People sometimes can't help who they find themselves attracted to," you think of Franz and Chad a moment.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Alice?" Ellie asks with childish amusement.


>No, not right now
>There's some boys I'm interested in but . . .
>Well, there's a girl I'm talking to . . .
>Write in

>>2057030
>No, not right now. I did, but he's taken...
>Although, I did find this letter on my lawn today... (show letter and rose)
>Did guys do this to you when you were in school?
>Actually, how did you and Cliff start dating? It must be a really sweet story!

>>2057030
>>No, not right now

>No, not right now

+

>Write ins

"No, not right now," you say. "I mean, I did but now he's taken."

"Oh," Ellie says, "I'm sorry."

You shrug, "Like I said, we can't help who we're attracted to. Although it's weird, cause I did find this letter on my lawn today."

You hop off the bed and scoop the letter and rose up off your dresser, holding them out to Ellie.

She doesn't take them from you but studies each one in turn, the rose first, the letter second.

"That's . . . Kind of cute," she says, "A little strange though. Maybe like you?" she laughs. "Who's it from?"

"I'm not sure," you say, "No one I know."

"Hmm, well if you're lucky he's cute."

"Did you or Cliff ever leave each other notes like that?"

Ellie nods enthusiastically, "Every day. We shared class, well, not at the same time, so we'd leave little notes to each other so we'd find them. A little hidden place."

"Aw," you clasp your hands over your chest, "That's really sweet."

Ellie nods again, looking sheepish.

"How did you two start dating anyway? I bet it's a really sweet story."

(1/2)

File: TheWarOfTheWorlds.jpg (72 KB, 1088x610)

72 KB JPG

Ellie looks even more embarrassed, "I mean, it's nothing special. Cliff was in debate club, he was always a smart guy. Anyway, I thought he was just so dreamy. I went to every debate, even when they went to Lasker City, I would get a ride out, just to watch him talk. Anyway, one night after a debate in Edenvale, my friend didn't come to pick me up. Later on I found out she had car trouble." the more Ellie talks, the more animated she becomes, withdrawing into her memory, "so there I am, alone and cold on a street in Edenvale, wondering what's wrong when I hear this guy behind me-"

"Cliff?" you ask.

"Mhm! Cliff, behind me." She clears her throat and puts on a bass voice, "'Excuse me, I think you live in Roselake, do you need a ride?' Oh, what a gentlemen. Anyway, on the ride we talked and got to know each other. Cliff took the long way back so we could have more time, like I wouldn't notice. Once we got to my house, he asked if we could see each other again, offered to give me rides to the debates. I couldn't care less about that stuff, but I said 'yes.'"

"That's adorable," you say, "I didn't think Cliff would be into that sort of debate stuff."

"Oh, he was. A real egghead. But he was an outdoorsy type too. We would go on hikes, picnics, he would go fishing with his buddies, hunting, anything that got him outdoors," Ellie says.

As she talks, you're readying your second movie. "So tonight's going to be a double feature, Ellie," you say.

"What's up next?" Ellie asks, trying to read over your shoulder.

"The War of the Worlds!" you say proudly.

Ellie makes a face. "Isn't that the movie with the saucer invasion?"

"Something like that, they remade it with Tom Cruise, I kinda liked it so I thought this could be fun."

"Tom Cruiser?" Ellie asks.

"Let's just see what you think," you say, clicking play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bttU9un1aWc&feature=youtu.be&t=24s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFmADO4UMII

X

As you watch a trio of men, carrying flags of truce, incinerated by a Martian heat ray, you feel your phone vibrate in your pocket. After fishing it out you see a text message from Zack.

>hey alice
>Whats up?

You glance at Ellie and see she's clutching your sheets in wide eyed horror at the advancing Martian craft.


>Ignore him
>Find out what he wants
>Ask if you can talk later
>Write in

>>2057187
>Hey zack, just watching a movie with friends. war of the worlds, 53. Sorry, but can we talk later? I'll ignore the whole after 8 PM thing. I'll call you.

>"Sorry for interrupting the movie, Ellie. Zack sent a message."

>>2057251

>Writing

Your fingers fly as you type the reply.

>Hey zack, just watching a movie with friends. war of the worlds, 53. Sorry, but can we talk later? I'll ignore the whole after 8 PM thing. I'll call you.

"What's that?" Ellie asks, "Another computer?"

She catches on fast.

"A phone, well, sort of both. Sorry for interrupting the movie, Ellie. Zack sent a message," You say.

"A message? On that thing? Wow."

As you're trying to explain touch screens, cellular networks, and mp3s, you get a reply text.

>wait u were serious about that 8 thing?
>Sure. I'll be waiting. Have fun!

"So who's Zack, anyway?" Ellie asks, "A friend?"


>Yeah, a friend
>This weird guy trying to summon the dead
>Cute boy I met
>Write in

>>2057300
>Yeah, a friend.
>(after Ellie stares at us knowingly) Yes, he's kind of cute. It's just friends for now, though.
>Him and his friends were trying to do the same thing I did, talking with you. The person who they wanted to talk to wasn't around, though.

Finish up the movie, then call him back with Ellie as back up.

>>2057361

All this!

>Writing

>>2057300
>>This weird guy trying to summon the dead

Ellie's gaze doesn't waver, a knowing smile fixed on her face.

"Yes," you say with mock exasperation, "He's kind of cute. It's just friends for now, though."

"For now?" Ellie asks.

"For now," you repeat, "My life has gotten pretty strange lately, in case that wasn't obvious. I think about things besides boys you know."

"Oh, I'm sure. Still, when a boy calls . . . Or uh, messages a girl at night . . . "

"I didn't say he thinks we're just friends. I only can tell you how I feel. Him and his friends were trying to do the same thing I did, talking with you. The person who they wanted to talk to wasn't around, though."

"Is that something people do in the future? Talk to ghosts?" Ellie looks puzzled.

You laugh, "No, just the strange ones. Come on, let's finish this movie and then we'll call him."

"Sounds swell!"

X

"Hello?"

"Hey, Zack, it's Alice."

"Alice, sup?"

"You called me," you say, flashing a smile to Ellie.

There's a pause, "Am I on speaker?"

"No," you lie.

"Cool. So look, I was thinking maybe you wanted to hang out soon. I've got some more shit we could try, stuff without ghosts though, you know? That graveyard shit is too much of a hassle. We might not even need any more blood . . . Although that was really fucking cool so maybe if you wanted to give some, I wouldn't object."

You glance at the dark red cut on your palm, only now starting to scab over.

"What exactly would we be doing?"

"You know, just hanging out. I live next to some woods, we could go try out some other magic shit I know."


>Will your friends be there?
>No thanks
>Love to
>Write in

>>2057406
>Will your friends be there?

>>2057406
>Sure. I might have something too. Bit too soon to know, though.
>Will your friends be there too?

(write down a note to buy a can of mace, just in case)

>Will your friends be there too?

+

>Write in

>Writing

"Will Brent or Arthur be there?" you ask, trying to sound casual.

"Will it be a problem if they aren't?" Zack asks, sounding a little hurt.

"No, no problem. I was just curious."

You punch a note into your phone quickly.

>Buy mace

"Mace?" Ellie mouths at you.

You shake your head.

"Sure. I might have something too. Bit too soon to know, though," you say.

"Yeah?" Zack sounds a little excited, "Cool. Look, what about tomorrow?"

"I'm studying with a friend," you say.

"Oh, okay, how about Sunday?"

"Sunday works for me," you say.

"Awesome," There's a pause, like Zack considers saying more, but doesn't. "I'll pick you up then."

"Sounds good. Bye now." You hang up.

"What's mace?" Ellie asks.

"Pepper spray," you explain.

"Is that a spice or something?"

Oh jeez, when was Pepper spray invented? "It's self-defense," you say.

"Self-defense? Are you worried about him?"

"No. Maybe. I don't know. It's good to be prepared, right?"

Ellie looks uncomfortable, distant.

"What's wrong?" you ask.

"I've been thinking a lot. You can talk to . . . to ghosts right?"

"Yes," you say, avoiding pointing out the obvious that you're doing it right now.

"So, do you know what happens? After we die, I mean. What will happen to me once . . . Once this stops."


>You'll go to a better place
>I don't know
>Nothing
>Write in

>>2057519
>I don't know. I'm not exactly a reverend or priest, Ellie. I'm just as confused as you, if not more so
>But we'll figure it out together, sooner or later. I promise.

>I don't know. I'm not exactly a reverend or priest, Ellie. I'm just as confused as you, if not more so
>But we'll figure it out together, sooner or later. I promise.

>Writing

"I don't know. I'm not exactly a reverend or priest, Ellie. I'm just as confused as you, if not more so."

Ellie looks little comforted.

"But we'll figure it out together, sooner or later. I promise."

"I just . . . I've been thinking. I think I'm begin punished."

"Punished?" you ask, puzzled.

She nods, "I think this is because something bad I did."

"Ellie, I don't-"

"Did I tell you that Cliff and I were going to get married?" she says, "As soon as we graduated."

You blink, "I'm sorry to hear that Ellie, that's so sad. I don't understand why you'd be punished for getting married though."

"It's for the reason we were getting married," Ellie says sadly. "Cliff and I . . . we didn't wait."

"Didn't . . . " you trail off, staring at Ellie. "Ellie, you're . . . You were . . . "

"Pregnant," Ellie confirms with a sob. "I'd only found out about it, just before prom. I told Cliff and he said he'd make it right. That we'd be together. It didn't seem so bad, since we were in love." Ellie wipes a tear from her cheek, "But . . . now, I think I'm being punished."


>I don't think this is a punishment for anything
>That's nothing to be ashamed of Ellie
>Once I find Cliff, we'll make everything alright again
>Write in

>>2057676
>I don't think this is a punishment for anything. If that were true, there'd be hundreds of ghosts floating around, stuck here because of sillier things. Like being rude to a bus driver, or making noise in a library.
>I think you're still here because a really lousy thing happened to you, and your emotions toward Cliff kept you here when your body passed on. And that you deserve a chance to say goodbye to him.

>I don't think this is a punishment for anything. If that were true, there'd be hundreds of ghosts floating around, stuck here because of sillier things. Like being rude to a bus driver, or making noise in a library.
>I think you're still here because a really lousy thing happened to you, and your emotions toward Cliff kept you here when your body passed on. And that you deserve a chance to say goodbye to him.


>Writing

"I don't think this is a punishment for anything. If that were true, there'd be hundreds of ghosts floating around, stuck here because of sillier things. Like being rude to a bus driver, or making noise in a library."

Ellie snorts unexpectedly, laughing at that mental image, pausing again to wipe at her tears.

"I think you're still here because a really lousy thing happened to you, and your emotions toward Cliff kept you here when your body passed on. And that you deserve a chance to say goodbye to him," you say.

Ellie doesn't speak for a few moments, trying and stopping twice. Finally, she leans toward you and throws her arms around you, her face buried in your neck, shockingly cold, and shockingly real, her tears feel like ice water on your skin, but you hold her the same.

"I'm so scared, Alice."

"Don't be," you say, "You've made it this far on your own, and now you have help. We'll work through this thing. I'll find Cliff."

Ellie nods, pulling away from you and sniffling, "Thank you."

"You're my friend, Ellie. I haven't known you long, but I think you're probably one of my best friends. I'll help you."

"Thank you, Alice. Really. I am so grateful you're doing all this for me. I wish I could do more for you."

"Seeing you happy will be its own reward," you say, you are mildly perturbed to see that Ellie is mostly translucent now.

{She's tired, Alice. This has taken a lot out of her. I can send her back so she can rest if you're ready.}


>Say goodbye to Ellie
>Wait, one more thing (write in)
>Write in

>>2057804
>Say goodbye to Ellie

>>2057804
>Say goodbye to Ellie

>Say goodbye to Ellie

>writing

"I think it's time we call it a night, eh Ellie?"

Ellie nods, a thin trickle of blood running down her forehead that she doesn't seem to notice. "Sure. I am pretty tired."

"No problems, I'll find Cliff soon and let you know how it went. Rest well, and don't worry, okay?"

"Okay, Alice." Ellie is now more 'ghostly' than usual, seeming to be little more than a person-shaped haze. "Goodnight."

"Night."

In another second, she's gone. She sigh, feeling the emotional weight of what you'd anticipated to be a fun girls night. Maybe you should have expected differently with a ghost.

It's then that you notice your Friend's continued silence.

"Well, I see you were quiet the whole night. Hopefully that wasn't too gag-inducing for you," you say, unable to keep a hint of irritation out of your voice.

Your friend doesn't respond right away, the silence goes on long enough you think they might be pouting.

{You're a very kind person, Alice. Kinder than me, certainly. I won't lie that I think this is a waste of time but, I am impressed with your soul, Alice. It's beautiful. I can see what they see in you.}

You weren't quite sure how to take a compliment like that. "They?"

{The note-writer, Alice. It seems we have that in common. If they see in you what I do, they can't be all bad, can they?}

"No, I guess not," you say. Since your friend was really just a voice in your head, their tone was sometimes impossible to read. "And, well . . . thanks. Now, I think I should get ready for bed. That was pretty draining and I need to be ready for tomorrow."

{I understand. Let me give you some privacy.}

Weight returns to you as your friend inhabits Skellypus, leaving your mind momentarily free. You pull off your shirt and pants, pulling on looser, more comfortable pajamas, giving occasional glances to the motionless plushie on your bed, facing the wall. Maybe it was silly to be so paranoid about being spied on, especially by something so . . . Incorporeal. But spirit or not, you weren't comfortable with your own body, let alone other people looking at it.

"I'm done," you say. You feel yourself lighten again as your friend fills you, like a deep breath of cold air. You lay in bed, pulling the covers up to your chin and snuggling down into your pillow, feeling exhaustion taking you.

(1/2)

File: WoodedRun.gif (275 KB, 250x250)

275 KB GIF

"Tell me about Richard."

{Richard?}

"The French guy," you say with a yawn, "16th century or whatever."

{Richard De La Pole. He was commonly called 'Rose Blanche'}

"White Rose," you translate sleepily.

{Oui. I had hoped he would- well, let's say he had a bright future ahead of him. He was killed in battle before we could accomplish much. He died a warrior's death, if such a thing means anything. I suspect it would have meant something to him.}

You might sense something akin to regret in your Friend's voice. "And why didn't he just use your wonderful powers to escape?" you ask.

{Because I've been told to only give them to you.}

"Told?" you ask.

You feel something like a plucked cable vibrate in your head. One of your Friend's unreadable emotions. Embarrassment? Displeasure?

{You're special Alice, let's leave it at that.}

You want to argue and press, but you find yourself just too tired. "Okay, but I've got more questions for you. I'm not going to let you have all these mysteries forever.

{You'll have your answers when you're ready. I promise. Sleep well, Alice.}

You close your eyes, feeling the growing warmth of your covers as you drift closer to sleep.

{Alice?}

"Hmm?"

{That man that you saw in the car. I've been thinking about him. I want you to stay away from him. I don't like him.}

X

I'm out of time here guys. Thanks for playing! Some really stellar write ins, keep them coming!

In-game, tomorrow is study day with Sam, so hopefully you guys have made up your mind about what your intentions are by then so I don't have to include 15 options for every vote. Or you know, whatever, play it by ear. That's fine too.

Stay posted on the Twitter for next game time.

https://twitter.com/timekillerqm

It'll at latest be this time next week, Thursday at 7 EST, but may be sooner depending on what happens.

As always, I'll be available for questions/comments/banter if any exists.

Thanks for playing guys!

>>2057901
Thanks again for running, bossman! Had a great time tonight. Sorry it got a little mushy at the end.

Anyway, I've got a question or two.

How and when did Holly first meet Alice, and was it always an antagonistic relationship?

How long has the Cherna Funeral Home business been running? Do they do cremations?

Did Momma Cherna have it goin' on?

Are there any other local legends and myths around Roselake?

And finally, I had this little piece of nothing rolling around my head back when you mentioned Ellie touching Alice's back...

>Ellie lays a hand on your back...
Slowly moving down your spine until it reaches the clasp of your bra as she breathes alluringly into your ear, "It's been a long time since I've felt someone's warmth...".
With ease, as if through experience, the clasp parts with a snap...

no bully pleez

Thanks for running, I loved this thread. I wish I could have participated, though unfortunately your running schedule overlaps with other obligations.

I've a theory right now that Ellie may have been run over by Cliff himself, though whether it was an accident or intentional is up in the air. He could have been motivated to get rid of her to hide the pregnancy.

>>2057930
Yeah no probs! My pleasure!

>Mushy
I have no complaints, I am unapologetic about my quest. I don't see any problems.

>Holly
Roselake is a small town, you've known Holly basically all your life. She may have even come to your birthday parties when you were a kid. It wasn't till middle school that she started snubbing you and high school when she became an outright bitch, although fawning over Chad didn't help anything.

>Cherna Funeral Home
For a long time! Well, since your dearly departed great grandparents came to the US as war refugees from Yugoslavia. They've run the funeral home since the 1940s.

>Cremations
Sure do! When you were younger you used to sneak into the basement and watch your dad and sister do the deed. Neat!

>Momma Cherna
Your mom was a saint! She tolerated your spookone as extremely well, and sometimes even encouraged it. Beyond that, you don't know how else she had it "going on". Maybe if your dad were still around to ask . . .

>Roselake legends
Well, the prom night ghost is one. The school shooting in the 90s isn't really a legend, but a bit of weirdness. Your dad used to tell you ghost stories about a little old witch that froze to death in the woods near Edenvale. Zack' s friend said there's a "thing" in the woods up by Lasker City. One time you saw some weird red lights in the sky.

Oh and there's supposedly some creepy abandonned church in the woods . . . Somewhere. Franz told you he heard it from another kid in Drama class, so it's probably real.

>Lewd
Wew! But Ellie has a boyfriend! Besides, you're not sure her 1950s sensibilities would swing that way. Not to mention what your friend might think . . . Can you fuck a ghost? You'd have to ask your Friend sometime . . .

In any case, if you're feeling a little mmm . . . Rusty? Well there's probably much easier ways to get some than Ellie. It has been a while . . .

>>2057990
Trips

>>2057944
Yeah, no problem Amigo. I'm just glad people are enjoying, sorry about any time conflict but hopefully you're enjoying the director anyway.

>>2070777

new game is up