>What's the Deal with Spooky Girl Quest?
https://pastebin.com/k14PSj93

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Spooky+Girl

>QM Twitter
https://twitter.com/timekillerqm


I allow between ten and twenty minutes for voting depending on the importance of the issue and how divided the vote is. If the vote is tied up, I usually allow an extra five minutes for a tie breaker, and if no one votes, I roll for the tie breaker.

I always try to incorporate (and encourage!) write ins if they don't violate the spirit of voted decisions, though I may edit or tweak them to fit better.

Vignettes

>All for Blood (Alice losing her parents)
https://pastebin.com/2ZNcarjJ

>Memories (Some memorable events of Alice's past)
https://pastebin.com/yptkkkQX

File: Skill Tree.png (13 KB, 876x479)

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While you get a fresh set of clothes ready for your shower, your friend is gushing.

{Alice, so wonderful. You realize that the spirit we faced was more than a ghost don't you? Oh and you handled yourself so well. I moved and you followed, like a team, Alice!}

"Yeah."

{You didn't enjoy yourself?}

You feel your face reddening, "I'm done talking about it, okay?"

{Well, I'm still proud of you. You were very brave.}

"You told me there was no danger," you say, rifling through your dresser for a good PJ shirt.

{I suppose there wasn't much, but that spirit had been in contact with Rot. Oh, that could have made things much more dangerous! Suppose it had somehow used that as an excuse to violate the Agreement.}

Your Friend suddenly stops, perhaps they said too much.

"So who did he say he'd talked to? Rot?"

{He must have picked up on what's happening around here. I wouldn't be surprised if there were many more like that. Spirits drawn into the conflict I mean. Probably best we exercise caution.}

Your Friend stops again.

You don't complain, you're happy for a little silence. You can still feel a dull warmth in your chest, an echo of the fire that ran in your veins when you consumed the ghost. You'd still need to decide how best to use your new power.


New Level 1 skills

>Mind read
The contents of a mortal mind are no longer a mystery to you. You may consciously choose to read the topic on a human mind like you would read a newspaper headline.


Level 2 "Shadow Walk" skills

>Blink teleport
Teleport short distances. You're limited to locations you've already been before, and locations within a small radius, no more than 100 yards. You can't teleport to a family vacation spot, but can teleport into your next door neighbor's house if you've been there before . . .

>Unseen Minions
Those little spirits you've been guiding, they aren't so little anymore. Now capable of knocking down an unsuspecting grown man or carrying a moderately heavy object (like a bowling ball) for a few minutes. They respond to simple commands (Follow me, carry that, push that man) they don't do long term or complex directives

>Little Helper
The many spirits have become one, an unspeaking, invisible servant. Not particularly strong or intelligent, but capable of fulfilling semi complex tasks and traveling moderate distances away from you. (Go home and bring back my coat. Don't let anyone see it.)


Level 3 "Invisibility" skills

>Selective Invisibility
Appear to be visible only to a single individual for a few minutes at a time, you are invisible to all others during this time

>Prolonged Invisibility
Appear to be invisible for up to fifteen minutes (Current duration is about 5 minutes at a time.)

In case it's not clear, you may pick ONE of the above powers, it can be any level.

>>2503148
>The many spirits have become one, an unspeaking, invisible servant. Not particularly strong or intelligent, but capable of fulfilling semi complex tasks and traveling moderate distances away from you. (Go home and bring back my coat. Don't let anyone see it.)

>>2503148
>Unseen Minions
Those little spirits you've been guiding, they aren't so little anymore. Now capable of knocking down an unsuspecting grown man or carrying a moderately heavy object (like a bowling ball) for a few minutes. They respond to simple commands (Follow me, carry that, push that man) they don't do long term or complex directives

Holding out just a few minutes for a tie breaker

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>Unseen Minions 1
>Little Helper 2

Rolling fore tie breaker

>Little Helper

>writing

It's subtle at first, the feeling of a presence, but it sneaks up on you, slowly. Your little spirits have become one, a more powerful and intelligent entity. You're tempted to think it was a natural evolution but you can't help but feel as though you had a roll in its creation directly. This helper may have some very basic intelligence but it lacks a unique will or personality. It's in essence a non-corporeal machine that only exists to do your bidding.

Of course, you still had to decide what that may be.

A sudden rap on your door draws your attention.

"What?" you call.

"Can I come in?" It's Mark.

You almost say 'no' but decide against it.

"It's open."

The door swings open with a soft creak. Mark leans in, wearing his EMT uniform, once blue, now somehow faded in parts to a dirty gray. "Hey-" he stops, "Are you alright? You look like hell."

You give him a 'drop dead' look. "I'm fine. Just tired. I've been studying."

"Yeah," he says, "Look, uh. Grace is setting up a movie for us. Batman and Robin." You see the clear disdain on his face and know exactly how Mark feels about dumb, bad movies.

You can't help but feel the opposite. Batman and Robin was one of your mother's favorite bad movies. Your dad was a huge Batman fan and really liked the first two, but when they saw Batman and Robin in theaters together your mother had not been able to contain her laughter. It had been a favorite rental growing up. You hadn't seen it since they passed.

"Only the best right?" Mark asks sardonically. "I'm telling you, your sister's taste is something else. Anyway, uh, I think she's gonna tear it apart. You know I can't stand this shit, so I figure if you come down and laugh and stuff it will help distract her from that. What do you say? Want to?"


>I need to hop in the shower then I'll be right down
>No thanks, I don't feel like it
>Write in

>>2503221
>I need to hop in the shower then I'll be right down
Test out helper by having it grab your clothes for the shower

>>2503230

>Writing
and
>Testing

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"Yeah. Let me hop in the shower and I'll be right down.," you say. A perfect opportunity to test your new helper.

Mark nods, "Right, awesome. I'll let Grace know and get some popcorn going."

After he closes the door you wait a moment for your Friend to comment. Nothing comes. Fine.

You reach out with your mind, brushing the intelligence of your minion.

Bring my clothes and towel to the bathroom but don't let anyone see you.

There is no answer but you see something go around your room gathering your things before it carries them out through the open door, causing you to grin. Nice.

With the help of your new minion you shower and change into your PJs, meeting Grace and Mark downstairs where you and Mark take up opposite ends of the couch, Grace between you two with a large plastic bowl of popcorn between her legs.

The movie is worse than you remember, opening with gratuitous ass and crotch shots of batman and robin, exactly what the movie going public wanted. It takes a minute or two to get into the swing of things, but soon Grace is snorting laughing at the bad lines and Mark is rolling his eyes at the cringe-worthy stunts and dialog.

"Everybody chill!" Grace intones, echoing Arnie. It's not long after that she sends Mark into the kitchen for some popsicles, blue of course. It was a little cold for popsicles, but it was traditional.

"Maybe I should start doing my hair like that," Grace suggests about Poison Ivy.

"Maybe. I think you should start wearing skintight latex catsuits first," Mark replies, earning a playful shove.

It was easy to forget your life as the movie unfolded. You weren't a ghost-eating chosen one right now. You were Alice. You were 18 years old and you were just enjoying a movie with your sister and brother-in-law. Surprisingly your Friend maintains silence throughout the film, out of boredom or respect you weren't sure, but it helped complete the illusion.

While you're laughing at Grace's remarks about Coolio's weirdly out of place cameo in the film, you happen to look at Mark, and in the flickering light of the TV screen, you see that even he's smiling.

You have a date with Zack tomorrow, or at least you're supposed to hang out with him. For a moment, you allow yourself to be excited instead of apprehensive. Maybe it would be fun?

File: Stinger1.jpg (182 KB, 480x640)

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It's only early afternoon, but in the woods, the dense overhead cover drops the light level down dramatically, it might pass for evening. It was easy to imagine the sun just beginning to dip down behind the distant mountains, casting the sky in a dark lavender.

It's not dark enough that you feel unsafe or nervous, it's only just reaching the point where the sounds of birds are fading to silence, leaving everything still and quiet. Everything except the constant crunching of leaves as you and Zack hike steadily uphill.

It was the same path you took to get to the cabin last time, a snaking course toward that lonely and dark pinnacle.

You're a little winded by this point and relieved to see Zack stop to get his bearings, craning his neck to search the woods ahead, perhaps for familiar landmarks.

"By the way," he asks, glancing back. "Has your hand healed yet?"

"Ye-" you look down and see the cut from the blood offering you'd made in the cemetery isn't entirely healed up anymore. It's mostly closed but still remains as rough, thin, red line across your palm where you'd cut it open in the graveyard. "Oh. No," you correct yourself

Zack takes a couple steps closer to you to look.

You hold your hand, palm up toward him so he can see better.

Zack gently takes your hand in his, finger tips brushing lightly over the back of your hand, almost tickling. He leans in to study the wound carefully for a minute, his face a mask of concentration, then he brings your hand to his lips and lays a gentle kiss on the cut.

You're too surprised to object or resist and can only stare as he gives your palm a second kiss, lingering this time, irritating your cut.

You cringe slightly.

Zack looks up at you, seeking something in your eyes before going back for more, this time slowly trailing his tongue up the length of the cut. It feels like running a hot piece of metal over your hand and you now see that there's a small bead of blood running across your palm from where your wound reopened

"Ow," you flinch.

Zack grips your hand harder, fingers tightening, and presses his tongue harder into the half-healed injury, splitting your skin again. Fresh blood wells to the surface which he licks away with zeal before pressing his tongue into you, past your skin and into the raw bleeding flesh beneath.

"Ah!" you grab your wrist to pull your hand away but Zack grabs tighter still, his tongue plunging into you, diving deeper, forcing its way inside you. Crimson blood fountains from your wound, running down your wrist and dipping off the back of your hand. Now his fingers are on your cut, joining his tongue and tearing your wound open, pulling it wider. Your skin starts to come away like wallpaper to reveal more pink rawness beneath, a fresh wellspring of blood that he laps at hungrily.

With a gasp, you sit up in bed, clutching at your chest with what had been your injured hand hand.

{Bad dreams Alice?}

You're sweating and breathing hard, relief sweeping over you that was just a dream. Still, you felt something with you in stirring, a strange feeling, something-

{Or good ones?}


>God! No. Shut up.
>It was . . . interesting
>Disgusting
>write in

>>2503283
>Disgusting
Tell friend about the dream

>>2503302
>writing

"Disgusting," you say. "I dreamed me and Zack were hanging at the cabin and I still had that cut on my hand . . ." you trail off a moment as you remember him tonguing your injured hand again, the blank, hungry look he gave you.

{Alice?}

"And like, he started kissing it and then . . . Like putting his tongue in it and stuff."

{I didn't take you for that kind of girl, Alice.}

"Stop! Not like that." Well it was a little like that.

{I'm sorry.}

Your Friend laughs in your mind.

{It sounds like you found it unpleasant. I know you've been having a lot of bad dreams. None of my other Friends have had such problems, I think it has something to do with my presence though. I am truly sorry. I do my best not to trigger such things. At least hold out until Halloween, okay?}

You sense you don't have much of a choice. You sit up and brush your hair from your face before you look at the time on your phone. It's early morning, earlier than you would normally get up on a Saturday. No messages from Zack yet, he probably hasn't even gotten out of bed yet.

{Are we going to be spending time with Zack today?}

"Yes. I promised him I would."

{Wonderful!}

"But first," you say, ignoring your Friends enthusiasm. "Were going to town. I want to check out that bookstore."

Your Friend makes no comment so you start getting ready. Clothes and makeup. While you're putting on eyeliner, your phone buzzes. Its Zack.

Yo! I forgot that I'm at my mom's place this weekend. I can still drive over to my dad's if you want to hang there. Otherwise you can come over here too. She's gonna be working late today.

You pause your readiness ritual long enough to fire a reply. Is there anything to do over there?

Its a condo in Lasker so no creepy cabins lol! We could watch movies or play video games or something, go get some food. It's up to you.


>Let's go to the cabin
>We can hang at your mom's place
>Why don't you come over here instead?
>Write in

>>2503369
>Let's go to the cabin
It's so empty now definitely no evil

>>2503383
>Writing

Cabin sounds good, if you're okay driving.

The reply comes back in seconds.

Yeah, no sweat. I'll pick you up at your place this afternoon.

You tell Zack thanks and finish dressing. You'll need to clear this little excursion with Grace, but that should be no sweat, she's a pushover.

Heading downstairs, you hear the sound of food preparation in the kitchen, Grace is boiling water and the air is hot and humid.

"Morning."

"Morning!" she replies with a bright grin. "You're up early."

"I've got plans," you say.

"Oh? Really, going out?" Grace turns away from her work to focus on you.

Grace wasn't Mark, she wouldn't flip out if you told her your real plans, but at the same time, it could raise some uncomfortable questions.

>I'll be hanging out with Sam today.
>I'm going to Edenvale and then Zack's house later
>Write in

>>2503418
>I'm going to Edenvale and then Zack's house later
Don't worry he's a huge nerd like the QM

>>2503429
>writing

I've been writing this whole time you big bully. I just forgot to say it.

"Yeah," you say, "I've got some money saved so I was going to do a little shopping in Edenvale. I found an interesting bookstore online."

"Oh," Grace says, "Well Mark's asleep but I can get him to drive you if you want."

"Nah, that's fine," you say, "I'll take the bus. Oh, I'm also going to Zack's house later today. I won't be out too late."

You see instant parental concern flash across Grace's face.

"Don't worry," you say, "He's a huge nerd. It's nothing like that."

Grace snorts, "Hey, even huge nerds can score. Just look at dad," the smile dies on her lips. It was a bad joke mad at your dad's expense. He'd been an affable punching bag in life, frequently the butt of his daughters' jokes, but now. "Be careful," Grace says, turning away, her face now hidden.

"I will."

(1/2)

You make your way to the Mason County Rapid Transit stop. The MCRT was really just a small network of buses primarily intended to shuttle around commuters and sometimes tourists in the fall and summer. The Roselake stop was underutilized, no one ever came here, but on schedule the bus arrived and you board it, ignoring the strange looks from those already on the bus. That was just second nature to you now.

You take a seat toward the back of the bus and put in your earbuds, taking note of the time on your phone, still plenty of time.

You hit play and watch the sun dip low in the sky.

https://youtu.be/M7zxAI3GW2o

Edenvale was a lot like Roselake in a lot of ways, small, quiet, but unlike the hilly terrain around Roselake, Edenvale was set in a broad valley- farm country- dotted with pastures and orchards outside of town which was as unimpressive as Roselake, but less picturesque. Fortunately for you it meant a shorter walk from the bus stop to the address you saved on your phone.

Now, you stand in the tiny parking lot in front of the dirty brick structure. A small wooden door is set in the center with plate glass windows to either side in need of a good wash, but displaying some of the wares within. The books on display are mostly faded, titles unreadable. You see a lot of new age and occult images- moons, crystals, mythological symbols. Your social apprehension is briefly overcome by your own natural curiosity for such things and you push open the door and enter.

As the door swings closed behind you, you take note of the dusty, book smell, the library smell of old paper. An aging electronic chime above the door dutifully spits out a cheerful note. Ahead of you is a single pathway between two rows of bookshelves, leading to a lone, old, checkout register.

You take a few tentative steps inside, looking around at the titles on display in indecision. Now that you were here you weren't sure exactly what you hoped to find. Maybe a book on Baphomet?

"Welcome. Come on in," a female voice calls without enthusiasm and full of a common teenage petulance.

You look to the register again and see two girls there, both around your age. One, behind the counter is looking at you expectantly. "Are you looking for something?" She doesn't smile. Green eyes stare sullenly back.

You're immediately struck by her unusual appearance. That is, it's unusual for what's normal, not unusual to you. She's wearing just as much black as you normally do.

>No, I'm just browsing
>I'm looking for books about Baphomet
>Do you know anything about Baphomet?
>Write in

>>2503478
>>I'm looking for books about occult idols. Idols like Baphomet, Chernobog, things like that.

>>2503478
>I'm looking for books about Baphomet
>Do you know anything about Baphomet?
Nice clothes

>>2503501
>>2503478
Oh, yeah, ask about her ankh necklace and where she got it at. This is a good opportunity to make some new friends!

>>2503497
>>2503501
>>2503528

>writing

File: Girl.jpg (46 KB, 570x571)

46 KB JPG

"Um. I like your clothes," you say, looking her outfit over. She has a shirt reading Wear Black or Stay Naked and skintight black jeans.

She gives you a half smile accompanied by a puzzled look, like she can't believe you. "Thanks?"

"Where did you get that Ankh necklace anyway?" you ask, mustering up the courage to talk with a stranger.

She looks down at the glittering silver necklace. "Online somewhere. Maybe Amazon?"

"I like it," you say.

She looks you over again, "Can't say that's surprising. You're looking for a book?"

"Um, yeah. I'm looking for books about occult idols. Idols like Baphomet, Chernobog, things like that. Do you know anything about Baphomet?"

"Can't say I've ever met him personally, sweetie," she replies, "I've got him on a tattoo though if that helps?"

"Baphomet! Ah, that's not light reading." A fresh voice from the back calls. A middle aged woman with waist-long greying hair emerges from a backroom through a beaded curtain.

"Baphomet, the Black, Forbidden god of the Templars," She smiles wistfully, "A school project? A personal interest?"

"Personal," you say, "I guess."

"It's a complex topic," she says, looking thoughtful, "one involving a lot of evolution over the years." As she speaks, the girl you'd been talking to rolls her eyes and starts playing with her phone.

"When we get visitors they usually come to simply browse, not often one comes in with such a specific topic. Are you new to the area, my dear?"

"No, I'm actually from Roselake."

"Ah! Beautiful town, much less tainted with blood than Edenvale. Pardon me, my name is Lilly by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you," She gives you a smile that puts in you mind of an elementary school art teacher, now that she's close to you you notice she smells strongly of smoke.

"Alice," you reply.

"Alice, beautiful name for a beautiful person. Ah! From a beautiful town!" she laughs at her wit. "I think Alice is French or German originally, from Adelaide. Of course, it's much more likely you're named after Lewis Carol's Alice. Do you know if that's the case?"

You shake your head. With your parents gone, it's unlikely you'll ever know. You also notice that the girl behind the counter is staring at you now.

(1/2)

The other, silent girl in the room glances at you before continuing to load a nearby shelf with books. She's shorter than you, heaviest and looks focused on her work.

"You'll have to forgive Nicole, she's a Scorpio and a bit of an individualist." Lilly says, laying a hand on your back to steer you away from the counter. "I think I'm more of an animist of sorts."

You must have given her a strange look because she launches into an explanation.

"Oh, I ask because I think a person's outlook and spiritual beliefs are important for understanding them. What about you, dear? What beliefs do you proscribe to?"

You weren't sure the nest way to answer, or how the appearance of Friend and the others had changed anything for you.


>That's kind of personal to me
>I guess I'm like Nicole, I only believe in myself
>I think everything happens for a reason
>We're insignificant specks in the void
>I don't know what I believe
>Write in

>>2503559
>I think everything happens for a reason
I Think there may be a reason behind myths and legends things that can affect us.

>>2503559
>I think everything happens for a reason
Wouldn't call it a belief in a higher power, more like that life is a little like how a book or movie is paced. Certain things start at the beginning to push people into situations, and that leads to the beginning of a story.

>I think everything happens for a reason

>writing

>>2503594
I'm reading that as "Alice has knowledge that her life is a work of fiction. She can sense pacing and structure."

>>2503599
>I'm reading that as "Alice has knowledge that her life is a work of fiction. She can sense pacing and structure."

Wasn't my intent, but I bet it would make for a pretty interesting quest setting.

"I think there's reason behind things," you say. "I think that behind every myth and legend is something that can affect us. I guess I don’t believe in any kind of higher power, but it's more like . . . " you stop to think of words.

Lilly waits patiently, her smile never faltering.

"It's more like that life is a little like how a book or movie is paced. Certain things start at the beginning to push people into situations, and that leads to the beginning of a story."

"You believe in fate," Lilly says, it's a statement, not a question.

"I guess so." you feel that's an oversimplification, but you’re not about to start a philosophical debate with a stranger.

"I do too," she says, "And I don't mean any disrespect to your own beliefs, but I find it short sighted not to look for powers outside ourselves. We aren't meant to live as islands," she says this last part as if it's the punch line to a joke, though she doesn't seem let down when you don't laugh. "There's powerful forces at work all around us!"

You nod.

As the two of you talk, Lilly steers you through the narrow aisles between shelves, her eyes sweeping the titles. "I know I have the perfect book for you here somewhere." She stops suddenly and clicks her tongue. "I bet it's in the back. Why don't you go wait at the register," Lilly says, "I'll check the backroom and be back."

"Okay . . ." you follow Lilly's outstretched hand and make your way to the counter.

Again, you come back into sight of the girl behind the counter, she's leaned forwards on her elbows presumably to talk to the other girl who's stocking a shelf. Once she sees you though she leans back again, whatever words she had said dying on her lips.

Lilly passes you, headed for the back, as you stop at the counter, waiting with your hands clasped in front of you, trying to look anywhere but at the girl behind the counter who's staring at you intently.

A minute or two of uneasy silence passes before you risk a glance at her and make eye contact.

"Do you know Zack?"

You're startled to hear such a familiar name come out of this girl's mouth. Her expression is neutral, maybe just curious. You also catch the book stocking girl looking your way, clearly anticipating your answer.

>Zack?
>I know *a* Zack, maybe it's the same one.
>Why do you ask?
>Write in

>>2503616
Is he a nerdy kid if so yeah why?

>>2503616
>Why do you ask?
Raise your index finger in the dirction of the woman with the book.
If this girl's explanation is longer than a few seconds, then we ask her to hold up for a minute while we go for the book

>>2503616
>Zack?
>Why do you ask?

>Why do you ask?

>writing

"Zack?" you ask, "Why do you ask?"

Nicole scoffs, "Because I want to know if you know the guy?" she trades a look with the other girl, like she can't believe how incredibly evasive you're being.

"He goes to Lasker High," she adds. "Kind of metal-looking guy?"

Lilly still hasn't returned from the back with your books. You glance over to the other girl who again looks away from your gaze again.


>Oh yeah, I know Zack
>Doesn't sound familiar
>write in

>>2503646
Yeah I know Zack we hang out sometimes

>>2503646
>Hardcore looking guy? Kind of a dork? Likes sharp things? About yay high? [Gesture his height] Oh, and he talks like this? [Imitating Zack's intonation and mannerisms] Never heard of him

>>2503646
>Oh yeah, I know Zack

>>2503651
>>2503653
>>2503654

>Writing

"Oh yeah, I know that Zack," you say, "About this tall? Likes sharp things. We hang out sometimes."

"Oh woooww," that amused, drawn out monotone, "So you're Alice." Her lips curl into a grin, lip rings glinting, framing pearly white teeth. "He talks about you a lot. He told me he met you doing some kind of weird graveyard thing. He said you were hardcore."

"Um, I guess."

"I'm Nicole," she says, expression lightening slightly. "Weird we met here right?"

"Yeah," is all you can manage.

"Can you grab a bag for her, Nicole?" Lilly re-enters the room with a clatter from the beaded curtain to the backroom, a book in hand.

"Yep." Nicole turns around, bending at the waist to reach into a cabinet behind the counter..

"This is the book," Lilly says, drawing your attention. She turns it around to show you a faded white cover. From the lettering and the age of the dust jacket it looks like it's from the Seventies.

"The Occult History of Baphomet and the Templars," Lilly says as you read along. "It's a bit outdated in some of the historical aspects, but it covers the topic well enough. Christiana Dandridge really knows her stuff."

You nod though the name means nothing to you. "How much?"

"I think it's out of print," Lilly says, "But I'll let you have it for twenty dollars."

You produce the money in a flash, handing it to Lilly who passes it to Nicole who starts ringing you out.

"I'm so surprised you've never been by before, Alice!" Lilly says.

You take a look around the store, countless titles catching your eyes. "Me too. It's got a lot of stuff. I don't have time to stay today, but I'd like to come back."

"Oh, do you have a job later" Lilly asks.

"No, I-" you stop yourself from glancing at Nicole, "I have other plans."

Lilly studies your face a few moments, "Alice, you seem like a sweet, lovely person. If you like it here, maybe you'd like to work here?"

"What?" You're too startled to think of anything smarter.

"Oh yes, I'm always looking for part time help. It doesn't pay much, but you could read all you wanted. I just need someone to run the register a few days out of the week."

It seemed kind of air-headed to offer a job to someone you only literally just met, but Lilly seems kind of like an airhead. You glance around the shop again. It's quiet, quaint. It would make a cool after school hang out, and it would be nice bringing in some extra cash. Although the idea of being cooped up in this place with strangers for hours at a time was off putting.


>I'd love to, thank you!
>Thank you for the offer, but I have too much going on
>Write in

>>2503675
>I'd love to, thank you!
Seems like a nice place and we need the money

>>2503675
>When would I start?

>>2503675
>>I'd love to, thank you!

>>2503686
>>2503689
>>2503690

>Writing

"I'd love to, thank you!" you say. This was kind of a windfall, it means you can get Mark and Grace off your back about getting a job, plus you could earn some money on the side. "When would I start?"

"Well, as soon as you'd like," Lilly says. "I've been needing more help. Karen has school and can't work all the time," she chuckles.

You assume you indicates the silent girl.

"I'll have to pay you off the books, so it won't be much, but it'll be tax free at least!"

"That's okay," you say.

"How about you come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help out after school?"

You nod, "That would be okay with me!" and how could Mark or Grace refuse.

"And if you could, come by Monday so Nicole can show you how to work the register."

You nod again and then feel the subtle press of time. You slide your phone out of your pocket and check. Yep, time to start heading back. Especially if you want to catch the bus.

"I'm sorry, I've got to get going if I'm going to catch the bus," you say.

"I can give you a ride," Nicole says, "I'm practically done with me shift and Roselake isn't too far away."

"Oh yes! What a wonderful idea, you two can get acquainted a little bit!" Lilly says.


>Sure, thanks
>No, that's okay
>write in

>>2503715
>Sure, thanks

>>2503715
>>Sure, thanks

>>2503715
>>Sure, thanks

>Sure, thanks

>writing

After you finish paying for your book, you leave the store, following behind Nicole who's spinning a key ring- thick with keys and knick knacks- around her finger.

"It's this one," she points to a battered black Toyota Celica. She unlocks it and the two of you climb in. Her car smells of cigarette smoke and there's a bunch of clothes and food wrappers in the back. You kick aside an empty bottle of nail polish on the floor board when you sit.

She cranks the car up and loud music starts blaring. You recognize it as the Misfits before she turns it down to get your address which she punches into her phone, backing out of the lot and headed back.

"So, you met Zack in a graveyard?" she asks.

"Yeah, on accident. I was out for a walk."

She laughs, "Sounds like Zack. So are you guys friends or what?"


>Just friends
>Why?
>I think he's pretty into me actually
>Write in

>>2503754
>>I think he's pretty into me actually
But we're just friends

>>2503754
>I think he's pretty into me actually
Continue the chat for a bit and then ask:
>So, where do you know him from?

>>2503754
>I think he's pretty into me actually

So, what about you? How do you know him? More importantly, how much will it take for you to reveal his darkest secrets?

Also, what about Karen? Does she know him as well?

>>2503759
>>2503762
>>2503771

>I think he's pretty into me actually
>How do you know him?

>writing

You glance over at Nicole who is keeping her eyes on the road.

"I think he's pretty into me actually."

Nicole bursts into laughter, "Oh my god!" she looks at you, her face a mask of disbelief, "I can't believe you said that!"

You smirk back, "I mean, it's the truth."

Nicole looks you over again, "I can see why he likes you. You seem his type."

"So what about you? Where do you know him from?" you ask.

"Zack? We go way back. I used to go to school with him. I graduated last year. We stay in touch though. He's cool when he's not fixated on that nerd shit. You know, elves and swords and stuff."

You laugh in turn. "So . . . What would it take to get you to reveal his darkest secrets?"

Nicole gives you another surprised look. "Alice, you are wild. Zack was right about you. I won't lie, I know a lot about the guy. Probably more than he wants other people to know though. Not sure he'd want me fucking up his plans with you."

"Who's that other girl by the way, Karen?"

"Ah. She's shy. Obviously. But she'll warm up to you. She thinks your outfit is 'on point'. She'll probably tell you later. She's even dorkier than Zack though. She's into all that anime and stuff. Lilly collects us like strays somehow." Nicole reaches past your legs to pop open the glove compartment and fish out a cigarette and lighter which she lights up.

You crack your window.

"I don't mind though, no one ever comes in but hippie weirdos. The pay is okay. Better than flipping burgers or selling my panties online."


>Were you and Zack ever together?
>So what *are* his darkest secrets?
>You've sold your underwear online?
>What's the

Choices got cut off:

>Were you and Zack ever together?
>So what *are* his darkest secrets?
>You've sold your underwear online?
>What's the deal with Lilly?
>Write in

>>2503792
>>So what *are* his darkest secrets?
>>You've sold your underwear online?

>>2503801
Plus asking for Lilly if the time allows it

>>2503792
>"I can tell Karen and I are going to get along pretty well. I'm more into terrible movies than anime, though."
>Were you and Zack ever together? I don't want to seem like some sort of housewrecker, y'know?
>What's the deal with Lilly?

>>2503801
>>2503805
>>2503807

>writing

>>2503792
>You've sold your underwear online?

"You've sold your underwear online?" you ask.

"No. But I would, you know? I mean for the right price. It's just panties right? I mean, if some guy wants to smell my cooch . . . Sure whatever." She looks at you with a coy grin, "Why, looking to break into the biz?"

"N-no! I was just wondering," you reply, quickly changing topics, "So what's the deal with Lilly by the way?"

"Shit, I wish I could tell you. She's some kooky hippie chick. She's into moon stones and healing crystals and shit. She's harmless. I bet she's got a line on good weed, but I'm too chicken shit to ask. I don’t know if she'd cry or call the cops or something if I'm wrong. But, she hired me like you. I was just browsing around, buying spell books or some dumb shit. It was a few years back, back when I was in school still. Karen got the job through me basically."

"I can tell Karen and I are going to get along pretty well. I'm more into terrible movies than anime, though."

"What do you mean?" she asks.

"Like, old cheesy 80s movies, you know. Schlock."

It's clear Nicole does not know about Schlock. "Well hey, whatever floats your boat I guess. Can't be any worse than anything else. I mean, Zack has all his fantasy shit. Yeah, you guys would be cute."

"So what are his darkest secrets?" you ask.

"He's crazy about elf girls. Not like Santa, like World of Warcraft stuff. That's kind of his 'thing'. Tell him that, but don't tell him I told you and he'll get super embarrassed. Anything else, you'll have to ask him yourself."

"So, were you and Zack ever together? I don't want to seem like some sort of house wrecker, y'know?"

At this, Nicole smiles knowingly, "Together? Mmm, yeah I guess we were. Kind of." she laughs, "I'm not his bitch ex if that's what you're thinking. I mean, it depends on how much detail you want to get into."


>I want details
>I get the picture
>Write in

>>2503852
>DEEEETAILS

>>2503852
>I want details

>Listens to Misfits
>Doesn't know Shlock
Huh

>>2503852
>I want details

>>2503852
>"If your referring to her, just let me know who she is, and how she'll probably come at me. I'll figure out the story from Zack."
>"If you mean stories about you two, well, that's a different story. Give me a sample of what you guys got into."
>Meanwhile, ponder to ourselves what bad movie would be the best to show to a bad movie neophyte.

>>2503869
She likes them ironically

>>2503871
>>2503869
>>2503865
>>2503856

>Deets

>Wringing


>>2503873
That's the spirit!

"I can't not know the details now," you say.

"Are you sure you want to know?" Nicole asks. "Well, Zack and I . . . We'd tried it you know? When we were younger and some parts were like . . . Really good. You know? Like we were physically compatible. But I don't think we clicked, right? So fast forward and he starts dating this bitch cause . . . I don’t know. She just tickles his fucking fancy I guess."

You can't help but sense bitterness in her tone.

"So of course when she tears his heart out- guess who's there to help him pick up the pieces?" Nicole takes a drag on her cigarette.

"Who is she?" you ask.

"Some bimbo. You wouldn't know her. She's just some preppy bitch. Zack . . . Zack's tastes are eclectic. I don't know what the fuck he was thinking."

As Nicole talks, you can't help but think she might like Return of the Living Dead.

"So what's a sample of what you guys got into?" you ask.

"Ooooh," Nicole mimes a shiver. "Metal and leather?" she bursts into laughter. "Zack needed- . . . Well he needed some intense therapy after all he went through." she looks at you and her smile fades, "Oh, sorry. I mean- yeah we fucked but it was never really serious. I think he felt bad about it or something."

Metal and leather.

"Oh?" you feel a distant pang. Jealousy?

"Mhmm. I don't think he was getting a lot from the bitch." she stops and looks at you, "Too much info, right?"

"No, that's sort of what I wanted to know."

"Yeah," she says. "We fucked. But it was a while ago. We don't talk much now, so you're clear."


>It sounds like you're not over him
>What do you mean about 'metal and leather'?
>What about you, what are you into? Aside from sex
>write in

>>2503892
>What do you mean about 'metal and leather'?
Doing three quests at once has to be bad for you.

>>2503892
>>What do you mean about 'metal and leather'?
>>What about you, what are you into? Aside from sex

>>2503892
>What about you, what are you into? Aside from sex

>>2503892
>>What do you mean about 'metal and leather'?
>>What about you, what are you into? Aside from sex

>>2503917
>>2503909
>>2503897
>>2503894

>writing

"What do you mean?" you ask "About metal and leather?"

Nicole laughs again, "Oh god, that sounds so bad. Are you sure you want to hear this stuff?"

You nod.

"Zack basically let me do what I want, you understand? And I like to have control in my relationships. Understand?"

"You mean like bondage," you say.

She snorts, "Yeah 'like bondage.' But not until later on. I mean the first times we were together were just . . . You know, raw fucking. Put it this way," she takes another drag of her cigarette. "The day- the day bitch dumped him I went over to his place after he called me. I'm not like, all into whips and stuff, but I hand cuffed him to the bed that day and- do you want me to tell you how we fucked with him handcuffed? Cause I'll tell you his mobility was limited."

You shake your head.

"Yeah. It was pretty intense." She seems to recall who she's talking to, "But it's no problem. He wasn't into me I guess. So I'm no threat to you."

You're not sure you want to talk about it anymore. "Well what about you? What are you into?"

"I'm into what I just said."

"N-no! I mean aside from all that.," you say.

"Oh. Well I guess I like clothes and stuff. I've got a Tumblr and I'm always looking for cool shit there. Are you on Tumblr?"

You nod, "Sort of. I mean I have one, but I don't really use it."

"Hmm. Well I do that a bit, music I guess. I'm sort of about the scene you know? I used to hang with a few bands that came through Lasker, but a lot of that shit is in Europe now. One day I'll probably bounce out of here and go tour with a band."

You realize Nicole is describing being a groupie without saying that word. Until this moment you didn't know that some people aspired to that.

"Sounds cool."

"This the place?" Nicole asks, pulling the cigarette from her mouth to blow a stream of smoke through her nose.

"Yeah," you say, checking the time. Zack would probably be like an hour away. "Thanks for driving me."

"It's no problem. I'll see you at work on Monday I guess. You can basically wear whatever, Lilly doesn't care."
"Oh, okay."

Nicole parks the car in front of your house and you pull open the door.

"See you around," she says, "Maybe we can go visit Zack some time."

"Sure," you say, not sure yet how good of an idea that would be. "I'll see you Monday."

Nicole puts the cigarette back in her mouth and waves farewell before pulling away.

***

Thanks for playing guys!

I'm trying to figure out if the next session will be tomorrow or Thursday. I'll update the twitter once I know for sure. I'll also post in the QTG right before I start running.

Be sure to follow the Twitter for updates and join the Discord for banter.

https://twitter.com/timekillerqm

https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

Thanks for running TK.

>>2503925
Thank you for running

>>2503925
Night, TK. See you around.

>>2503928
>>2503934
>>2503935

My pleasure! Later guys!

You watch Nicole drive away a moment before heading back into your house, armed with good news. You make your way straight through the house into the funeral parlor section of your home. Grace is filling out some paperwork in her small office and seems startled to see you. "Oh, Alice, you're back?"

"Yup," you say, "For just a minute, I've got to get ready for Zack to pick me up."

Grace frowns slightly, "Okay, but you should be back home before 9:00. I don't want you out late."

"Sure, I'll tell him," you say, looking around the office at the various photographs of places and people you don't recognize on her wall. On Grace's desk there's a picture of your mom and dad when they got married. You glance at it but don't dwell on it.

"So when are we going to meet Zack?" Grace asks.

You scoff, "When Mark chills out."

"Alice, that's not nice!" Grace frowns, furrowing her brow and looking momentarily older than she is.

"He's not nice," you return.

"He's trying Alice. You don’t know-" she stops herself and tries again. "The movie yesterday was his idea. Not mine. He felt like it might help us all relax."


>Well if he keeps it up then I'll be nicer
>Really? I didn't know
>Watching a movie with me doesn't make up for everything else
>Write in

>>2504608
[Spock eyebrow]
>Us?
Tell her about our new job

>>2504608
>Watching a movie with me doesn't make up for everything else

>>2504616
>>2504617

>Writing

>>2504608
"Alright, I'll admit, it's a nice thought."

You raise an eyebrow, "Us?"

"Hmm?"

"Might help us relax?" you supply/

"Oh posh," Grace waves a dismissive hand at you. "Don't play coy. You've got ears, you know Mark and I have been fighting."

"So how is that new?" you ask.

Grace gives you a withering look. "Don't start with me. It was an opportunity to spend time as a family. That's what we are, no matter what happens."

And Grace again waxes sappy. You think she got it from dad. "Watching a movie with me doesn't make up for everything else." You cross your arms in front of yourself and lean on the door jamb.

"Oh, what 'everything else'?" Grace asks, exasperated.

You tick off on your fingers. "Being snarky when I made everyone dinner, yelling at me in his truck, snipping at me all the time."

Grace sighs heavily, "Mark cares, Alice. He's just . . ."

"Too macho to say something thoughtful?"

"Maybe. I don't know." Grace rocks back in her chair, "I wish you two would just get along. You try, Mark tries, and you both just end up at each other's throats. I don't get it."

"Well one thing is hardly a roll, but the movie was thoughtful," you say. "I guess. He just needs to keep it up."

"And you give him a chance," Grace says. "You don't know what he goes through every day to support this family. This old place certainly isn't paying the bills," she gestures grandly at the funeral home.

"Well maybe this will help," you say. "I just got back from Edenvale. I got a job in Edenvale at a bookstore."

Grace's whole expression changes. "A job!? Wow! That's great. Under the table?"

You nod, "It's not much, but It's something. Maybe it'll help around here."

"No, ma'am. Your money is yours. You start putting that aside, you'll need every penny for college."

You don't have the heart to tell Grace you still haven't' started applying anywhere.

"Okay."

"It's a start though!" Grace says giving a little hip shimmy in her chair "Cool! Very cool! Mark will be glad to hear it."

Because it'll save him money, you think. "Yeah, I start Monday. So I'll be going to work after school."

"Wait, so where is it? Edenvale?"

You nod.

"What is it? Barnes and Nobles?"

"No, just a little book store. They sell like self help books and stuff."

Grace looks concerned, "And it's a real job? You mat the manager or owner?"

"Yes," you roll your eyes, "She's some goofy old lady. It's fine, Grace."

"Okay, well . . . Let me know if you need a ride to work or something." Grace says. "Look, I've got to catch up on some of these cards, so I'll catch up with you at dinner okay?"

"Sure. Zack will be here in a minute so I'll see you." You push off the doorway you were leaning on and start heading back to the house proper, just to touch up your makeup and get a drink. Your boots alternate between thudding on the hardwood floors and whispering over the flush area rugs that run the funeral home's halls.

(1/2)

{What an eventful day, Alice. Are you going to read your new book?}

"When I get time," you say. "I've got other things on my mind."

{Like Zack?}

You don't answer.

{Or maybe Nicole is more your type.}

"That's inappropriate," you scold. You ascend the stairs to your room.

{You should know by now that I can't help myself, Alice. Personally I find Nicole a little tiresome.}

"Hm."

{Do you agree?}


>She seems nice
>She seems like a skank
>I don't think she's over Zack
>I think she'll make a good friend
>write in

>>2504672
>I think she'll make a good friend

>>2504672
>I think she'll make a good friend

>>2504682
>>2504704
>I think she'll make a good friend

>writing

"I don't think she's tiresome," you say. "She's different. But so am I. So she's okay by me. I think she'll make a good friend."

{You're a kinder person than I am, Alice.}

"That doesn't seem hard to do."
Your Friend flutters with amusement.

{No. I guess not. I've been trying though, to think about things the way a human would. Like you asked.}

You smile faintly, remembering the conversation where you'd told your Friend that, frankly, they were pretty scary. "Thanks."

You hear the twin car horn beeps in your driveway at the time you feel your phone buzz. No doubt Zack. You wonder to yourself what Mark would say about a guy sitting in a car and honking the horn for you to come out. Not the most gentlemanly behavior, but he also asked you if you were a virgin the first time you met, so you can't complain too much.

You call goodbye to Grace and close the door behind you, crossing the yard quickly to Zack's waiting car.

He gets out of the car as you approach and waves.

You wave back.

"Hey," he says, "You look great."

"Thanks." you open the passenger side door and get in, Zack mirroring you. You notice at once there's no more trash on the floor boards of the passenger side and your seat is clean, though the backseat is still a mess.

"I'll called my dad and told him I'd be coming over so he knows I've got company coming," he says.

You nod.

Zack turns up his music a bit to the point just below having to yell to be heard. "Good day so far?"

"I bought a book," you say.

"Oh yeah?"

"About Baphomet."

"Baphomet?"

"That satanic goat thing," as you say it, you recall Nicole saying she had a tattoo of Baphomet. You can't help but wonder where it is. You also can't but think that Zack's surely seen it before even if he doesn't know what it is. You're pulled from your thoughts as Zack pulls onto the main road, headed for Lasker.

The bridge.

You almost forgot again that you have to cross Foster Bridge to get to Zack's house, at least by the short path. The same spot your parents had-

Last time you'd asked him to avoid it, the time before that he'd drove over the bridge and you'd been forced to relive a microcosm of that day.

"Zack, um. Let's take the long way again, okay?"

"Huh? Sure?" he chuckles. "I mean, that's fine I guess. Why?"
>It's a prettier drive
>Because I like spending time with you
>Because my parents died on that bridge and I don't want to go over it
>I just have bad memories tied to that place
>Write in

>>2504767
>I just have bad memories tied to that place
>I'll tell you about it when we're going back, okay?

>>2504779
This is fine

>>2504779
>I just have bad memories tied to that place
>I'll tell you about it when we're going back, okay?

>writing

>>2504779
This

File: tumblr_p0rhloAdb71qcy0o0o(...).jpg (455 KB, 1280x851)

455 KB JPG

You try to steady yourself with a deep breath that's shakier than you'd like. "I just- have bad memories tied to that place. I'll tell you about it when we're going back, okay?"

Zack steals a look at you at a red light, "Bad memories?" After a moment when you don't clarify he relents, "Okay, sure, no problem. Hey, I didn't mean anything by it."

"No, I know. It's okay. Let's just take the long way, okay?"

"Yeah, let's do it."

The two of you ride for silence in a minute before you break it. "No chain mail today?"

Zack snorts, "I tried to clean my car a bit. You gave me shit about it last time if you recall. I left that shit at home. I can teach you to make it if you want. It's not hard."

You roll your eyes though he doesn't notice, "No thanks, I'm good."

"Just offering," Zack says . "You might look cute in chain mail, could be the next big fashion statement."

At this, you can't help but laugh. "I won't hold my breath.

"I'm sure Madonna or Lady Gaga or someone wore chain mail at some point."

"Fortunately I already have a Halloween costume picked out."

"Riiiight, Morticia right? It looks good on you, although I see you as more of a Wednesday I think."

"I've already done Wednesday," you reply.

The two of you let the music play for a few minutes as Zack's fast driving leaves Roselake behind, circling the hills that divide Lasker City from your own town.
>"So, you think elf girls are cute?"
>"So I heard you like to be handcuffed to the bed"
>"Seems like you've been talking about me" (Ask about Nicole)
>{Tell me your darkest secrets} (Uses 1 favor)
>Write in

>>2504827
>"So, you think elf girls are cute?"
Don't wait for an answer, it is just to catch him of guard
>(Ask about Nicole)
Then
>{Tell me your darkest secrets} (Uses 1 favor)

>>2504833
About time we used one of those. If only to see how they work. For further use

>>2504827
>So, I was at Edenvale today getting the book I told you about. It was at this little hole in the wall called (insert store name here). One of the cashiers asked me if I knew you...

>>2504833
>>2504840
I dunno, guys. What if it's something really uncomfortable and weird?

>>2504844
It was me both times. Also, if it's something too weird, we'll just know it.
There is no reason to remain ignorant

File: Spoiler Image (1.98 MB, 480x270)

1.98 MB GIF

>>2504844
>What if it's something really uncomfortable and weird?

>>2504833
>>2504844

Gonna try to combine all this.

>writing

File: Spoiler Image (73 KB, 640x633)

73 KB JPG

So, I was at Edenvale today getting the book I told you about. It was at this little hole in the wall called 'Hecate's Promise'. One of the cashiers asked me if I knew you . . . "

Zack tilts his head, "Oh? Someone I know?"

"So do you think Elf girls are cute?"

"Wh-what?" Zack starts, "uh-"

You press on, "Yep, She said her name was Nicole."

Zack's eyes widen with recognition, "Nicole . . . " he repeats the name uncomprehendingly for a moment before the pieces click into place and his face reddens, "Oh my god. She told you that 'elf' thing? She's full of shit." he laughs, "She's pulling your leg. Nicole and I are friends, she's just trying to embarrass me or something. I didn't know she worked at a bookstore though. Hecate's what?"

You ignore his obvious attempt to derail you. Your curiosity was piqued now and you weren't going to let it go that easily. Of course, there was always the blood pact you'd made with Zack. He had promised you three favors. It was time to call one it.

"What's your darkest secret?" you ask.

Zack seems to relax a bit in the seat, though his driving doesn't seem to suffer, he just looks more at ease. "I don't really have any dark secrets like that."

"Hmm, well what's something you wouldn't want me to know?"

"I really do like elf girls," Zack says, "Blondes. That's where it's at."

"Blondes eh?" you ask.

"Yeah. I also really liked it when you cut your hand for me."

This was news, "You liked it."

"I liked seeing you bleed for me," Zack looks at you as he says it, "I liked watching you hurt."

You recall the dream you had, Zack plunging his tongue into the cut on your hand. The scorch of pain you'd felt in your palm coupled with a tingle between your legs.

You feel your face flush red. That was a little more personal than you'd wanted. "You . . . Like hurting me?"

Zack glances at the road and then back at you, "If you’d like me to, yeah. Doesn't even have to be blood. That's probably too much to ask."

{Well, this is a new side of Zack. Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised.}

"Oh my god," you mutter, half embarrassed and half . . . You squirm in your seat a little. "Yeah, that might be a little too much," you say.

Zack nods, more naturally. "Yeah." He looks back to the road. "We're almost there."

{He didn't notice a thing, Alice. If you don't tell him he'll never realize he said that to you.}

"C-cool."

(1/2)

Zack's gravel driveway crunches under his car's tires as he swings in to point at the small metal carport with a battered red Toyota pickup under it, presumably his dad's truck.

"We made it," Zack says, his voice deadpan.

You supply some half-hearted applause, still a bit shaken by Zack's confession.

He shuts off the car, keys jingling as he clips them to his belt, and then pops open his door with a creak,

You follow his example and follow him up to the house.

He opens the door and holds it open as you step into his kitchen.

Inside, a man, about Zack's height but with a less lanky build looks up from where he's making a sandwich at the counter. "Hello," he says with the half-confused face of someone not expecting company.

"Hi," you squeak out meekly.

Zack comes in right behind you, closing the door. "Dad, Alice. Alice, Dad." he gestures between the two of you, brushing hair out of his face. "I told you I was bringing a friend, Dad."

"Well sure," his dad says, looking you over, "But I was expecting you know, Brent or something. Not a g-g-girl." he feigns a nervous stutter and chuckles at his own wit.

Zack groans.

"Hey, Peter, Zack's dad. Obviously," he extends a hand that you awkwardly shake.

"Nice to meet you," you say meekly.

His hands are calloused and rough. All in all, Zack's dad looks a lot like what you'd expect someone who works in a lumber yard to look like, short cropped hair, built, a mustache, but you're a little surprised to notice a single ear ring in his left ear. Maybe it was his dad that Zack gets his rebellious streak from.

"So Zack left me in the dark that he was having a girl over, but I was planning on ordering a couple pizzas for dinner, if you're staying, Alice."

You nod, "Pizza is great thanks."

"They don't deliver it, so I gotta go get it later. You do cheese? Pepperoni?"

You nod again.

"Perfect. I'll get that order in later. In the mean time you need any snacks, sandwiches, drinks?"

"We're fine, dad," Zack protests, "If we need something I'll come get it."

His dad nods, "Okay, got it. Well, you two enjoy, I've got a date with the TV." He picks up his sandwich and a glass of milk and steps out of the room.

Zack leads you into the hall, toward his room.

"Your dad seems nice," you say.

"He's alright," Zack says. He opens the door to his room and ushers you in, closing it behind you. His room is still pretty trashed, but it's not quite the disaster area it was previously. Zack grabs a couple of water bottles from his desk. "Okay, ready to go?"

You glance and see he's bringing any of his medieval gear this time.


>You should bring the swords and stuff
>We should chill here for a bit so it gets darker
>Yep, let's go
Write in

>>2504947
>You should bring the swords and stuff
>Maybe you can show me some more? Hatchets might have been too much for a second date. But they are alright for a second one


>Freak out about calling it a date

>>2504964
>Second
Meant, "First date"

>>2504964
>Writing

"You should bring the swords and stuff," you say, gesturing to a number of weapons on his bed.

"You think?" Zack asks.

"Yeah, maybe you could show me more? Hatchets might have been too much for a first date. But they are alright for a second one." You stop and feel color ebbing into your face again.

Zack slowly grins, "Our what now?"

"Uh," is all you can manage.

Zack just laughs and picks up some swords with a clatter of metal. He tucks them half into a bag and dumps a few folded items of chain mail. "We can do swords."

Oh god, you called this a 'date' in front of Zack.

He turns the lights out in his room and stops beside you, looking down on you, "I’m having a lot of fun on our date already. What about you?"

You feel yourself turn even redder and Zack laughs again before leading you out of the room.

You don't regain your composure until a few more minutes later. Who cares if it's a date? That's basically what it is. Dates don't mean you have to do anything romantic. It's just getting to know one another.

You follow Zack into the woods behind his house, your eyes on the gleaming blades of the swords in his bag. You can't help but think about the dream again. God, what a weird fucked up thing, and coupled with what Zack had said. You would have been better off not asking him at all probably. Although at the same time-

No. You weren't going there. Just because Zack was into whipping girls or whatever didn't have to color your opinion of him.


>Tell Zack about dream
>Ask Zack more about his relationship with Nicole
>Ask him about his ex
>How did you find this stuff out in the woods?
>Write in

>>2505011
>Ask Zack more about his relationship with Nicole
After all, she'd like to know more about her future coworker

>>2505011
>>Ask Zack more about his relationship with Nicole
>How did you find this stuff out in the woods?

>>2505015
>>2505016

>Writing

"So Nicole is your friend?" you ask.

"Uh, yeah!" Zack calls back over the crunch of dry leaves under foot. "We've known each other for years. We don't hang out much anymore. She was talking about me?"

"Yup. She told me that you were talking about me."

"Oh," Zack says, suddenly sounding embarrassed, "Well I mentioned you to her. We were chatting and it kind of came up."

"That I was 'hardcore'?" you say.

"Yeah . . . " Zack says.

"She works at an occult book store," you say. "I actually just got a job there."

"Maybe I'll come visit you guys." From his tone he doesn't sound sincere.

"Did you ever take Nicole out here?" you ask.

"Like to my house?"

"Out to the boy scout place," you say. "To the cabin."

"Uhm. Yeah. I think so. Once or twice."

"What did you guys do?"

"Nothing interesting," Zack says, "We were too chickenshit to go inside the cabin so we just threw rocks at the windows until we broke some glass then we ran."

"Doesn't sound like nothing," you say.

"It was ordinary," he says.

"How did you find these places anyway?"

"I wander," he says. "You know, I go hiking when I can. When I was younger I used to play games out here. Pretend it was Middle Earth or whatever."

You laugh at the idea of a kid Zack swinging a stick around in the woods.

He looks over his shoulder at you, "Hey I was lonely out here okay! It got boring, I mean look!" he gestures around at the woods around you.

You find it kind of relaxing out here actually and only smile back.

At the abandoned boy scout building, Zack dumps the sword bag and starts fishing through it. You recognize the hatchets from the first 'date' as well as a pair of swords and some chain mail clothing. "So what are you thinking?" Zack asks.


>I want to throw hatchets again
>I want to fight you
>Teach me more stuff
>Write in

>>2505048
>I want to throw hatchets again but i kinda forgot the technique. Care to help me get it right?

>>2505048
>I want to fight you
>Teach me more stuff

>>2505065
>>2505066

>all of the above
>writing

You grin back. "Everything."

"Everything?"

"I want to throw hatchets again," you say, "I want to learn more about swords. I also want to fight you."

"Fight me?" Zack exclaims.

You nod, "I want to see how good you are. That's why you brought the armor, right?"

"Well, yeah, but it won't stop someone from losing a finger."

"We'll be careful," you say insistently, eyes flashing.

Zack chuckles, "Well. Okay. But I hope you're not a sore loser."

{Poor Zack. Shouldn't you tell him that you have a few hundred years of experience on him, Alice?}

"First," you say, looking at the floor sheepishly, "I want to throw more hatchets but . . . I kinda forget the technique." You look up at Zack. "Could you help me get it right?"

Zack stares dumbfounded a moment. "Uh. Yeah! Totally."

Truthfully, you remember quite a lot of what he taught you the first time, but. . .

Zack stands behind you, his chest nearly against your back, his hands on your arms as he helps you cock back the hatchet before you hurl it forward into the half-destroyed door that served as your target.

"Nice!" Zack says, his breath hot on the back of your neck, sending goose bumps down your arms. "I think you're leading me on about needing help with your technique."

You shake your head, "No, this stuff is hard." It wasn't.

"Okay," Zack shakes his head and, after handing you back the retrieved hatchet, stands behind you again, a little closer this time, close enough that you're touching, barely. He rests one hand on your left hip while he lifts your right arm at the elbow with his right hand. You pretend not to notice.

Thwack.

"Great." He lets go of you and steps away, "Another?"

You shake your head. More probably wasn't a good idea. You have energy to burn now. "Show me something and lets fight."

Zack runs quickly through some more advance sword gripping techniques and some etiquette of a staged fight. All you can think of is your pounding heart, the blood racing through your veins. Zack's explanations are inter cut with flashes in your mind of battle. Swords swung not in sport, but in anger. The shuddering vibration that runs through your arm as your sword crashes into someone's helmeted head. The warm spurt of blood across your face.

He helps you put on a heavy mail coat that goes down past your knees. It was designed for someone taller and larger than you, Zack himself you imagine, so it's not only heavy but cumbersome as well.

"This is so no one gets killed, but I don't have helmets or gauntlets or anything, so let's go slow okay?"

You nod, pulling your hair back into a ponytail.

Zack squares off opposite you, sword in hand, his own mail coat fitting better. It's going to be a no contact fight. Actually hitting someone with one of these swords would be a pretty bad idea.


>Go easy on Zack
>Show Zack what you're capable of
>Write in

>>2505113
>Show Zack what you're capable of

>>2505113
>>Go easy on Zack

>>2505113
>>Show Zack what you're capable of
bulli

>>2505113
>Show Zack what you're capable of
Sure, why not. The earlier we finish this, the less chance of something going wrong

>Show Zack what you're capable of
>Writing
You bullies.

You follow your instincts which you're smart enough to know aren't really yours. You relax your body and spread your fight, flexing your grip on the leather-wrapped hilt, making the sword an extension of your body.

"Ready when you are," Zack says, his stance echoing yours.

You move swiftly, feet flying feinting left before coming right, your sword held close and low, ready to swing up.

Zack's counter is precise and calculated coming down, high to low to strike your blade aside and into the cement floor. It would have worked if your blade was where he expected.

You side step the clumsy attack and bring your own weapon up from below, tracing your own blade up slowly until the edge rests on the bottom of Zack's forearms. A clear hit.

"Whoa," is all he can manage.

If he was wearing proper armor, it likely wouldn't have cost him his arms, but it probably would have broken or at least fractured his forearms.

You're breathing hard, but grinning uncontrollably.

"You're faster than you look," Zack says.

"You shouldn't underestimate your opponent," you say, returning to your start position.

"Heh." The cold look in his eyes shows you that he has no intention of doing that again.

Your second clash is fiercer than the first. Painful vibrations run up your arms where the swords collide and rebound off one another with a metallic crash. The two of you circle and occasionally make graceful, telegraphed swings at one another. It's hard to get a clear advantage when you have to be so careful not to maim or injure your opponent.

{Zack is better than he sells himself. If he doesn't die in his first battle I think he may learn some valuable lessons.}

Your Friend pushes you forward, swinging wide to batter Zack's guard away before you step forward again, the tip of the blade touching his mail coat, right above his breast bone. You see something in Zack's eyes a moment, a flicker of emotions. Awe, embarrassment.

"Ah," he says with a smile. "Got me. You're good."

"I have a good teacher," you say, panting.
{Thank you, Alice.}

"Nah, I mean, you're a natural. You move-" he snaps his fingers, "Like that. I was afraid to hurt you at first, then I was afraid you were going to hurt me," he laughs. "I'd like to see you fight someone who actually knows what they're doing. I'm not exactly good at this stuff."

(1/2)

You set the sword down.

"Done?" he asks.

You nod, feeling a little bad about destroying Zack so thoroughly. "They're heavy, that's hard work."

"Yeah," he agrees. He sees you tugging awkwardly at the mail coat. "Here, let me help you get that off, it's hard to do by yourself." He steps over to you, close enough to dance, and seizes the sides of the "collar" of the coat and starts lifting it off over your head.

You duck down a bit so he is able to lift it clear.

Zack tosses the metal garment toward his bag and looks back down at you. He's very close, close enough to grab you and pull you against himself. Close enough to take your chin and kiss you if he wanted to. Instead you and he breathe silently together.

"Good?" he asks.

You nod.
>"So, what's next? The Cabin?"
>"I hope you're not embarrassed that I won. You're really good at this stuff"
>Send off a 'Kiss me' telegraph
>Write in

>>2505172
>Send off a 'Kiss me' telegraph
Fuck it, about time something happened

>Send off a 'Kiss me' telegraph

>>2505172
>"So, what's next? The Cabin?"

>>2505172
>Send off a 'Kiss me' telegraph

>>2505188
>>2505187
>>2505183
>>2505180

>Writing by the way. Forgot to say that part.

>>2505216
No

You stare up at him. Nothing signals a boy you want to be kissed more than prolonged eye contact. It only takes a few fluttery blinks and he's yours, lost in your eyes. You almost don't notice his hand on your face, finger tips brushing across your cheek before running down and tracing the shelf of your jaw back to your chin where he takes your chin in his hand and gently tilts your head back so you're looking more directly at him.

Trembling slightly with anticipation, you close your eyes and allow your lips to part slightly before you feel Zack's lips pressing against yours. It's a lingering kiss, not a mere peck and you feel yourself sink into it. All the tension you'd felt ebbing away.

Zack releases your chin and instead puts his hands on you, just above your hips, gripping you tight and pulling you in.

You let out a muffled squeak and, on reflex, throw your arms around his neck.

Zack breaks the kiss first with a gasp, "Sorry," he says, "I'm out of breath."

"Me too," you run your fingers through his hair and pull him in for another kiss, this one a bit more gentle and less insistent. You follow the second kiss with a smaller peck, like a seal.

The two of you tilt forward, resting your heads against one another. "You should have let me do that on the first date," Zack says with a sly grin.

"I wasn't ready," you say. "This is better."

"Mhm."

Now that you've grabbed Zack, you don't want to let go of him. You're sorting through a sudden flood of emotions. You've wanted to be held for so long and had no one who you could turn to. It's been so long.

"Are you okay?" Zack asks.

You nod.

"You're shaking."

"I'm just-" you struggle for the right word.

"It's okay," he says, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into a hug. You feel like he wants to say something, but doesn't.

You bury your face in his neck, holding there long enough to give him a gentle peck just above his collar bone. That's enough. You let go of him and take a step back. That's enough for now.

"Sorry, did I-"

You shake your head, "No, it's okay. Just . . ."

"I got it," Zack says. "It's a lot. Sorry," he laughs, "I just can't stop smiling. "Are you ready to go? Do you want to go to the cabin?"

You hesitate a moment, thinking you might tell Zack what you really want. Instead, you hold out your hand in offering.

After a pause, Zack takes it, interlacing his fingers with yours.

"Let's go," you say.

Okay, I'm stopping here because it's a good point to stop and real life is butting in. Next session will likely be a week or so from now given my delayed pacing. If I find a better time to run, I'll let you know.

As always, I am here for questions, comments, complains etc.

Be sure to follow on Twitter for game time postings and join the Discord for banter.

https://twitter.com/timekillerqm

https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

Thanks guys!

>>2505222
Thanks for running

>>2505222
Thank you for running, TK

>>2505222
No, thank you.

>>2505228
>>2505232
>>2505233
My pleasure!