You stand in silence a moment, he's acting like he knows you much better than he should.

"I'm just sorry if anything I've done may have colored your opinion of me badly. I was really hoping that perhaps we could get to know one another better."

>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

>QM Discord
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX


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

You're staring more intently into his glittering blue eyes. They'd been shining from a shadowed face in the movie theater. Hauntingly familiar.

"Duality?" you say again, voice tinted with suspicion.

"Yes. The two aspects of your nature, I find it compelling, like the child-like murdering machine that is the Alien."

"I know what duality means," you say firmly.

{Alice, please. You should be nice.}

You ignore your Friend's voice. "I know you."

Michael's placid expression wavers, surprise, nervousness, fear, flash across very quickly. "Maybe we-"

"No. I know you. Somehow I know you, don't I?"

{Alice!}

Your friend sounds shocked.

"We have met, haven't we. But not like this," you continue.

Michael doesn't look away from you, his gaze switching between your eyes. "I'm not sure what you mean."


>Tell me who gave you my number then
>Baphomet?
>You're Baphomet
>You have something to do with what's going on in my life, right?
>Write in

>>2644999
>Tell me who gave you my number then

>>2644999
>I think i've seen you in a dream before. It wasn't that kind of dream. It wasn't ANY kind of dream for that matter... have i?

"So tell me who gave you my number, then," you say, arms crossed.

Michael blinks twice. "I don't want to get anyone in trouble. I got it from your friend."

"My friend?" you ask.

He nods.

You know the futility of telling him that you didn't used to have friends. "I think I've seen you in a dream before. But it wasn't that kind of dream . . . It wasn't any kind of dream for that matter . . . Was it?"

Michael doesn't look away, but his expression doesn't lighten

"Was it?" you repeat, staring into those familiar eyes/

"It's really not safe to talk about that, Alice," he says, voice low. "There is an Agreement."

"Not one I was part of," you counter.

"It's for-"

"My protection? I know. I'm getting a little tired of being protected by being kept from the truth," you say.

Michael sighs, "I had imagined that this would go differently. The best laid plans . . . Alice, for whatever it may mean to you, I am sorry for all this." He stops and thinks for a moment, eyes flicking back and forth as he works over some problem. "Regardless of how you feel about me in turn Alice, I think I love you.' He stares down into your eyes as he speaks. "I'd like to help you if I can. You told me you want happiness? I can try to help you find that for yourself."

You are taken aback, mouth open, either in shock or to make some retort.

"Oh," Sam says, returning from the bathroom.

You both look at her and Michael takes a slow step backward, you realize now he had drawn quite close to you, close enough to hug you.

Sam gives you a look, one that does not look approving. "Everyone okay?"

"I think we're fine," Michael says, not meeting Sam's gaze, looking almost ashamed.

"Fine." you reply, recovering your composure.

"Cool, you guys ready to go?" she doesn't wait for an answer and sets off for the car.

Michael looks at you again, his expression apologetic. He wrings his hands nervously and doesn't come any closer. "I'd . . . Like to see you again Alice. So we could talk more . . . Maybe in your dreams . . . If that's alright."


>I'm not interested
>Fine
>I'd like that
>Write in

>>2645086
>You wanna talk? You have my phone. Our previous method of contact caused me a migraine... He might have broken the contract, you know?

This >>2645100

>>2645100
>>2645141

>Writing

"You wanna talk? You have my number," you say. "Our previous method of contact caused me a migraine. "

"Okay, Alice," his eyes falls to the floor, hands limp at his sides.

"He might have broken the contact, you know?" you say.

"The contact . . ." Michael repeats, recognition flashing across his face, "The Agreement? He did?" behind those icy eyes, hot anger sparks for a moment.

"Sam's waiting," you say, turning for the car.

You're halfway to the lobby doors before Michael catches up to you, following you out into the fading evening.

You get into the car before Michael does.

"What as that about?" Sam asks.

"Not what it looked like, and not what Michael wanted to hear I think," you say.

Sam nods, looking slightly more relieved.

Michael gets in and closes the door behind himself. "I can drive you girls back home if you'd like."

"Just the bus stop I think," Sam says, "I'd prefer to take the bus home."

Michael looks at you silently a moment, maybe waiting for you to object.

You don't.

The drive home is mostly conducted in silence, occasionally Michael will look at you, though you don't return the favor.

At the bus stop, Sam and you get out of the car and Michael rolls his window down. "I'll call you," he says.

"Okay," you reply.

"Sam, it was nice to meet you," he calls to her.

She waves and smiles but says nothing.

"Goodbye, Alice."

"Bye."

You watch him leave.

"So what he creepy or what?" Sam asks.


>Super creepy
>I just told him I wasn't interested
>I feel a little bad for him actually, he was trying to be sweet
>Write in

>>2645199
>I feel a little bad for him actually, he was trying to be sweet
>But i don't think it's gonna work between us. It'd be weird, without going into too many details.
>But a deal's a deal. I don't believe he'll hurt me or even you... If he knows what's good for him. If you want his number i'll give it to you. No if, ands nor buts.

After the bus ride home, you walk Sam to her place and split off for your own house, leaving you alone with your thoughts. Sort of.

"So was that him?"

{Who, Alice?}

"The Goatman. Don't play games." You roll your eyes.

{Yes. That was him.}

"Explains why you didn't think he was dangerous," you add.

{It does.}

Your Friend's candid responses and lack of elaboration you find strange.

"What's wrong?"

{It should be no surprise to you that the Goat Entity is my superior. I take my orders- such as they are- from him. I had hoped the two of you would get along well. I had hoped you would see his many excellent qualities.}

"Reality works different than that. The best laid plans . . . " you realize you're quoting Goatman and stop.

{Even so, Alice. I'm glad. You've forged your own path. We are friends. The Goat Entity is not my friend, it's not the same sort of relationship. He is my creator and I give him his due, but I only promised to protect you, not to change your mind. I will hold my promise and we'll be friends for as long as you'll have me.}

"Not 'forever'?" you tease.

{I can't impose on you, Alice. Not like that. You deserve your normal life. You will make your own decision on Halloween and I will be there with you.}


>Thank you
>I don't believe you
>Take a message to Goatman for me? (Write in)
>Write in

>>2645244
>Thank you
>Do you think he'll be alright with just being friendly? I'm not against working with him, but I'd like to try to make a relationship with Zack.

Hey, TK, how're things going? Did you watch that Creepshow movie I told you about?

File: Spoiler Image (463 KB, 1280x720)

463 KB PNG

>>2645244
My god. I posted out of order. That was meant to be the next vote. Fuck my life.

It's okay, I can fix this.

>>2645213
>writing
Oopsie I'll post the addendum that's the result to this one.


>>2645278
I'm hanging in there. I'm on call for work starting tomorrow which sucks, but free man today. I haven't seen Creepshow yet, I've had a lot going on. It's on my list though!

Holding current vote for a few more minutes

File: Spoiler Image (342 KB, 394x394)

342 KB PNG

This is meant to go before the Friend vote.

"I feel a little bad for him, actually," you say, frowning. "He was trying to be sweet."

"Sweet doesn't get the goods," Sam laughs. "I guess though, he seemed nice."

"Yeah, but I don't think it's gonna work between us. It'd be weird . . . Without going into too many details."

"Aw," Sam frowns, "I like the details."

"Anyway, a deal's a deal," you continue, "I don't believe he'll hurt me or even you . . . If he knows what's good for him."

Sam's expression sobers a bit. "What? Hurt us?"

You shake your head, "If you want his number, I'll give it to you. No if, ands nor buts."

Sam gawks, "Alice that's . . . Sweet but you don't have to do that."

"No," you say, "It's okay."

"I mean-" Sam stops, "I don't need a boyfriend like that bad, you know? I just . . . I dunno." she shakes her head, her smile returning. "Don't worry about me, Alice. I'm just glad that you care."

You smile back.

***

>>2645278
>writing

"Thank you," you say, "But, do you think he'll be alright with just being friendly? I mean . . . I'm not against working with him but I'd like to try to make my relationship with Zack work."

{It will hurt him, but he will understand. You're partly human, Alice. He is not. He's overcome with fascination for humanity, but he doesn't know what it is to be human. I suppose that I'm not making much sense, let me try again: The Goat Entity wants to be with you because of who you are and by making your choices, you're not sacrificing that. Zack is your best chance at a normal life I think, you should pursue what makes you happy.}

"I will," you say, "I always do."

(1/2)

It's October 23rd and it's been a busy week since the day you met Michael.

Of course the stress of meeting Michael is behind you, and it had maybe gone better than you'd expected. Of course, the last emotion you expected to feel was empathy for him, but even so. It was a mystery solved. Besides, you had lots of other things to occupy your mind. Things like trying to maintain a normal relationship with your boyfriend and with Sam not to mention holding a job. You'd been training with Lilly and Nicole to a degree, Nicole who seemed to harbor no ill-will when you told her you were dating Zack.

"Zack? Very cool, well that's good for you. He was fire in bed, so I'm sure you like that part." You'd blushed.

You met your other co-workers. The shy girl, Karen, who's first words to you were "I love your hair!" You'd quickly made friends with her. Initially it began with her hovering just over your shoulder as you filed books, but soon she was chatting freely with you. In fact, you spent more time talking with Karen than you did with Nicole.

Karen and you would talk about bad movies (She's seen some), art, fashion, things like Invader Zim. Nicole mostly spent time dicking around on her phone, taking selfies, or ignoring customers.

You wanted to spend some time hanging out with Karen outside of work, but simply haven't gotten around to it. In your time at home you'd spent it mostly studying for school and working on your costume. Oh, and of course you'd managed to find time to spend with your boyfriend.

You and Zack had gone for hotdogs at a nearby park, just a nice simple walk. He'd (surprisingly) been a gentlemen about the whole thing.

Maybe most shockingly was your Friend's silence. Sure, they would speak when spoken to, but other than that, they were totally silent. Perhaps it was up to something, but maybe it was some kind of strange respect for your attempt to put your past behind you. You enjoyed a few quiet days with no strangeness.

But on the 23rd it changed.

"You know that guy?" Sam asks during breakfast before school.

You blink.

"Sam," Franz says, a warning tone.

"That guy!" Sam insists, "That creepy guy who was bothering you that day?"

You nod, feeling a chill. The guy you could now pretty positively identify as Rot.

"They say he's missing," she says, "Like, a missing person. He's some guy from Edenvale. "

Missing. You remember the night in the woods with the knife. You wonder how "missing" he really was.

"Yeah, police are out looking for him, his parents were on the news," Sam continues morbidly.

"He probably had some kind of episode," Franz says, "Got off his meds or something. You couldn't have known," he directs this last comment at you.

"Yeah, but you should still probably go to the police," Sam says.

{I don't think I need to tell you that that is a bad idea, Alice.}

Your Friend's sudden break of silence makes you jump.

>I'll tell them on my own (lie)
>Good idea, I will (Tell the police)
>I don't think I need to. Are you sure it's the same guy?
>Write in

>>2645342
>>I don't think I need to. Are you sure it's the same guy?

>>2645342
>>I don't think I need to. Are you sure it's the same guy?
He hasn't shown up again, so he might have bugged out of the county...

>>2645362
This

>>2645353
>>2645362
>>2645397

>writing

"I don't think I need to," you say "Are you sure it's the same guy?"

Sam nods vigorously, "Mhmm! Lance bailey. His picture was on the news and everything. Looks just like him."

"Alice isn't sure, Sam," Franz says. "No reason to get her worked up."

Sam looks annoyed briefly, "It was definitely that guy, but whatever."

You feel bad lying to Sam, but you manage to steer the conversation away and she seems to forget, though you have a hard time doing so yourself.

"Did we kill that kid?" you ask, walking home from school, now alone.

{'We' didn't do anything. I killed what was left of him, Alice. The boy who lived in that body was gone. This isn't anything to do with you. I would have killed him without even your body if I had to.}

"And what if I go to jail?" You demand sourly.

{I don't believe there's a jail on this earth that can hold you, Alice. Not to mention that you won't get caught. Assuming you don't go to the police. Maybe even then. Trust me.}

You frown, not convinced, but trying to trust, not having much choice. "What happened to him?"

{What did I do to him?}

"I have an idea of that," you say, "I mean what happened to him before that."

{He was taken by Rot. His soul stripped and enslaved, his body inhabited. Eventually his body would have eroded away into nothing with no soul to sustain it.}

Your friend says the words without emotion, but still, you sense an underlying disgust.

"Is there any saving him?" you ask, "Or anyone else he's taken?"

{Not without a body to return to, but Rot would never release him, not until his soul had been absolutely wrung dry. The Agreement is mostly in tatters now, I'm just trying to keep you from being pressured.}

"This is hardly being impartial," you scoff.

{Alice, as I said, when you make your decision, you will be free to choose as you'd like. If you're going to be helping Rot then I will not interfere. The whole point of this is that you are a being with free will and you should be left to your own desires. I respect you Alice, I won't try to make you change. Not for anyone.}


>What you did was murder
>There's got to be a way to save them
>I guess you did what you had to
>Write in

***

https://pastebin.com/edit/x69ZtyA1 - Hot Dog Date

>>2645436
>I guess you did what you had to

>>2645436
>I'm certainly less inclined to now, if that's what he does to souls.
>There's got to be a way to save them
I don't think we could save them as in "keep them alive", but more, "get them to pass on" save him.

>>2645448
This

>>2645448
>>2645463
>writing

"I'm certainly less inclined to help him now, if that's what he does to souls," you say.

{I'm afraid it is. While souls freely given hold so much more value, Rot has a hard time finding anyone willing to give their lives to him.}

"There's got to be a way to save them though right? At least . . . Release them from Rot."

{Maybe. If you killed him, But as long as Rot is alive, the prisoners will not go free.}

"Seems kind of awful."

{It is.}

You're practically in your front yard when you hear the low rumbling of a car engine coasting up behind you. You turn and see, in the driver's seat of the sedan, a familiar face.

"Hello sunshine." the man grins at you from behind mirrored sunglasses.

The creep in the car.

"Rot?" you hazard.

He scowls, "Now I told you I don't like that name. Moloch if you insist, Daddy if you please."

You feel your stomach turn, partly from the implications, partly from the smell of decaying vegetation emanating from the car. "I'll stick with Rot."

You glance into the backseat of the car and see two young people you don't recognize, a man and a woman, they don't meet your gaze, staring straight ahead.

"Who are they?" you ask.

Rot looks over his shoulder like he forgot they were there.

"Ah, fans I guess. Or maybe spares. Who knows. Call them friends of mine. Listen baby girl, I was coming to check on you to see how things were coming for you. See if you needed anything or you'd made a decision."

"A decision?" you snort, "I'm trying just to live my life, okay?"

Again, Rot scowls. "Listen, I'm just about through playing games. I don't have a lot of time left, you understand?"

You open your mouth to reply when he suddenly lunges out of the window and grabs your wrist, startling you, but you don't scream. You can't. Ice-cold nothingness rolls over your body and you're not in your front lawn anymore, you're in front of a massive stone ziggurat.

You turn to gawk at the size of the structure when you see yourself, much as you are now, but grinning confidently. You stand at the base of the structure, surrounded by throngs of people crying worship toward the rolling black cloud that swirls at the summit of the pyramid.

<Power. Prestige. You're looking at our future, Alice. Father and daughter. God and Prophetess.>

You look at yourself again, the strange, almost archaic outfit you're wearing. You know the words for what you are, even without understanding them. Priestess of Despair.

<You'd be loved. Feared. You could have all the men you want, all the women you want. See your enemies bound and cast down before you. And you only have to help me.>

Distantly, on the horizon you see the smoking ruins of a city skyline. You smell charred wood and roasted flesh.

<But maybe this is a bit much for you, maybe you don't crave power.>

The world distorts around you and you're in bed, a hospital bed, and you're crying.

The tears are hot as they run down your cheeks, but they're tears of joy as a small, screaming baby, wrapped in soft warm cloth, is handed to you.

<Your baby. Your daughter, Alice.>

Your husband stands beside you, his hand on your head, fingers slowly stroking you while the two of you smile down at your child.

<Wouldn't that be wonderful? A comfortable life. A quiet life, full of dignity and joy. A normal life, one free of want or fear. I can give you this too. I've been biding my time, Alice. I've been collecting power, and I have quite a lot, honey.>

The world around you spins away and you pull your hand out of Rot's tender grip, he's smiling, eyes wide behind his glasses. "That's for you, babe. If you want it. If you help me get free of this place. Just help me deal with the Goat on the 31st."

"Goat?" you ask, realizing he means Baphomet.

Rot bares his teeth, "That goat just wants to do nasty farm animal shit with you, hold hands, fuck you silly, both? Who knows. Me? I'm not much for hand holding, but I can give you this other stuff. Duality is shit, who cares right? It doesn't matter how balanced you are or how many facets you have. Join me. Help me. Set me free and let's do this together, baby girl."
>Sounds like a good deal
>Fuck you
>How can I trust you?
>You would give me all that?
>Write in

>>2645524
>Write in
>The closer I am to get all you promise. The emptier it looks
>Just look at my parents. You gave them what they wanted. And then it all went to shit.
>Just how can I know you won't fuck me over once you get what you want?
>Now let me go before you lose all your chances of being set free

>>2645524
>"I still got eight days, Rot. I figure you can twist in the wind for a bit longer."
>(Walk past him)

Yeah, I'm thinking we don't bother with Rot.

>>2645558
He will probably threaten more than he promises when it comes to that. Not a good sign

>>2645552
>>2645558

>Writing

"I still have eight days, Rot. I figure you can twist in the wind for a bit longer." You turn to leave and that hand tightens its grip on your wrist."

"Now hold on, sweetie-" his teeth look unnaturally sharp and a putrid stink of rotting meat comes from his mouth. "That's just not good enough."


"The closer I get to all your promises, the emptier they look," you reply, lip curled in a sneer of contempt, pulling your arm away. "Just look at my parents, you gave them what they wanted and then it all went to shit. How do I know you won't fuck me over once you get what you want?"

Rot laughs, a horrible sound low in his gut. "Your parents could've had everything they wanted, babe. They fucked up when they didn't hold up their end of the bargain. Maybe you're more like them than I thought. They thought they could say 'no' to me too."

"What?" you ask, feeling cold suddenly.

Rot narrows his eyes, "I'll get you whatever the fuck you want. I can make sure that Goat leaves you alone, I can make sure you keep that pretty boy, hell I can get that girl too if you want. All you gotta do is stay out of the way. Don't have to even help me."

"What do you mean my parents could have had everything?" you ask.

You don't hear the swift footsteps across the grass before Mark is there. "Get away from my daughter," he says, voice sharp, loud, authoritative.

The man in the car jerks and blinks, clearly as startled as you, before he fixes Mark with a blank gaze. "Your daughter? I was just being neighborly."

"Yeah? Well go be fucking neighborly somewhere else. Are you that creep who was bothering her the other week? Who are you, dude?" Mark crosses his arms and stares down at the man in the car.

"Me? Ah, I'm nobody." Rot winks at you.

"Mark-" you start.

Mark holds up a hand, cutting you off without even looking at you. "Fine, stay if you want bro, I'm calling the cops. Alice. Go inside."

>Mark, calm down, we were just talking
>Tell Rot to leave
>Go inside
>Write in

>>2645612
>Tell Rot to leave

>>2645612
>>Tell Rot to leave
Give him the kind of look that tells him without words that if he pulls anything here, he'll not only gets put back in his prison, but that we'll find a way to tear the divinity out of his ethereal being in the most painful way possible.

>>2645630
Blue steel or Magnum?

>>2645626
>>2645630

>writing

>>2645638
Magnum, definitely.

"You'd better do what he says," you say, fixing your gaze on your reflection in those sunglasses.

Rot hardly reacts, looking at each one of you in turn. "What sort of person would come between a man and his daughter?" he says, looking at you. He rolls the window up and puts the car in drive.

Mark glares at the car, reciting the license plate out loud as it leaves. "Fucking prick." he looks back at you, "Are you okay, Alice?"

You nod, "I'm fine he was just . . . " you can't think of a lie.

"I hope he hangs around, I really do. If I seem him again I'm gonna cave his goddam head in. Come on, let's get inside."

"Mark, it's okay, you really don't have to-"

"No," he says, "The fucking cops take too long, and if you don't stick up for your family . . . " he trails off.

The two of you go into the house but you're still at a loss for words . . . What had Rot meant about your parents? He couldn't have been the one . . . who killed them . . . could he?

***

That's all my time tonight guys,

Thanks for playing and I hope to see you Thursday at 7 EST, 11 UTC to continue it.

Oh, and in case you missed it there was a lewd. Alice x Zack

https://pastebin.com/0bAgg4V6


Be sure to pop by my Discord to make fun of me or follow Twitter


https://twitter.com/timekillerqm
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

>>2645714
Night, TK. By the way, for your Hot Dog Date story, you put the link to the edit page. Got around it, though. It's good! Gives a bit more detail into Zach's mind.

See you around soon, hopefully.

>>2645730
Whoops, I threw it out in a hurry. My bad. Just part of the Grade A seamless experience you expect from a TK Quest. Thanks for playing!

>>2645736
>>2645737
>Ending with a doublepost.

Oddly fitting.

Goodnight, boss!

>>2645714
Thank you for running, TK

>>2645744
NO U

>>2645747
My pleasure! Thanks for playing

So I've seen this pop up a couple times and usually just ignore it, but I decided to give it a look. Just binged the archives and I'm hooked. Plus it's actually in my timezone!

Looking forward to actually being able to play in the next session boss.

>>2645714
Based Mark. Hopefully Moloch doesn’t possess him or anything.

>>2648212
Wow thanks! Always glad to have fresh blood. Next session goes up in just over six hours, so hopefully we'll see you then!

>>2648228
Boy, that would be awful.

File: SGQ.jpg (131 KB, 480x720)

131 KB JPG

{He's getting so bold, Alice. I . . . I'm really not sure what we should do next.}

You've only rarely heard your friend frightened, it's not something you like hearing. "What do you mean?" you ask.

{The Agreement is clear, neither party would interfere with your choice directly. Rot is trying to solicit you directly.}

"And he's really not helping his case," you reply.

{Which is . . . Concerning. I worry what he may try to do.}

"Me too," you say, closing the door to your bedroom and getting ready for bed. "What did he mean about my parents?"

That twang of surprise.

{That's . . . Not-}

"Oh come on, what’s left of the Agreement anyway?" you say. "Tell me."

{Rot is the reason your parents are dead, Alice.}

The horrific memories of that day, your father's forced, wheezing breath as he lay inert strapped into life support equipment. You sit down on the bed hard, legs going weak. A part of you suspected as much, but to hear it put so plainly. "Why?"

{I wasn't there, Alice but they had made an agreement with him. With Rot. He gave them a healthy daughter like they wanted, one he thought could help him, but he tried to hedge his bets. He made them promise that you would be his, just before you turned 19.}

There's a long pause during which neither of you speak.

{It's easy to make such promises out of desperation, Alice. It's much harder to keep them when you realize what they may mean. Your parents tried to back out of the deal, your mother didn't want to turn you over, Alice, she cared for you too much. She told him 'no'.}

"And she died," you say, numb.

{Yes. That's where the Goat Entity became involved. He learned about Rot's efforts to free himself and stepped in to protect you from him. He forced Rot to form an Agreement so that you would have the option to make a choice. You would be free to decide.}

You feel equal parts rage and despair. It was your fault your parents were dead. They had died because of you. If you'd never been born, if your parents hadn't tried to protect you from the thing that fathered you . . .

{Rot is much stronger than I knew, probably more than the Goat Entity knew as well. Maybe too strong . . . }

Your friend seems to sense your pain.

{But Alice, it's almost over. We're so close now. I'm here to protect you from Rot.}


>What about Mark, Grace . . . Zack. Who will protect them?
>I want to destroy him
>I want everyone to just leave me alone
>Write in

>>2649531
>What about Mark, Grace . . . Zack. Who will protect them?
>What about everyone else whose gotten pulled into this?

>>2649583
This

>>2649583
>>2649613

>writing

"What about Mark?" you ask. "Grace? Zack? Who will protect them? What about everyone else whose gotten pulled into this?"

You feel your Friend's quiet uncertainty.

{Alice, I am only one. I can't protect everyone.}

Its voice is quiet, afraid.

"So who then? They just get left to die? Or worse?" you feel yourself suddenly on the edge of tears. When Mark came to rescue you, he had no idea what he was confronting, but part of you senses that it would have changed nothing. He would have come out either way.

{I don't want that either, Alice . . .}

You have no response, you stare at your hands. You've never been very physically strong, but now you feel utterly helpless.

{Alice.}

"What?"

{I . . . Will try to protect your family.}

You sniff and wipe at an eye, careful not to smudge your mascara. "How?"

{I'll watch them like I watch you. You will be able to sleep easily tonight, Alice. Your family will be protected from Rot.}

You hear the hard certainty of 500 years of warfare behind those words.

"Thank you." You want to say more but you're tired, so tired you just want to sleep and part of you hopes you'll never wake up.

{No, Alice. Don't feel that way. I know that things are hard for you now, but you are almost done. Now is not the time for despair. It's the time for resolve. You will survive to make the right choices. I believe that.}

You're taken aback by your Friend's words.

"Thank you," you say, "I'm ready for this to be over."

{We as well, Alice. You deserve the life you want.}

(1/3)

Mark sits up, a crick in his neck. It's dark in the cab of his truck, but that darkness is like a shield to him, it gives him a perfect vantage point to watch the road without being obvious about it. He'd cracked the windows open, just an inch so the interior wouldn't fog up. So far, the night had been quiet, but something startled him.

He leans forward, eyes narrowed against the night, squinting into the dark for the source of the disturbance. Grace had asked him to come to bed, but he couldn't, not with that creep out there. Besides, something in the way he acted wasn't right. He acted as if . . .whatever he wanted with Alice was personal. People like that don't just give up.

There. That same car, parked on the curb in front of the house. Christ, Mark mentally berates himself for falling asleep. How else could that creep have rolled up and parked his car? Not only that, gotten out of the vehicle. He was standing beside the driver's side door, arms limp at his sides, staring toward the house. Toward Alice.

Mark tightens his hand around the leather grip of his baseball bat. "Not tonight, fucko." He throws open the door and gets out, striding across the dewy glass, bat hanging at his side.

The Creep doesn't flinch or move, his face invisible in shadow from the street light behind him, only the reflective circles of his glasses.

"Hey, dick head, I told you not to come back," Mark says.

The creep doesn't say anything, but he smiles, his teeth somehow visible just as clearly as his glasses.

Mark stops. Were they . . . Shining?

(2/?)

"What's the matter . . . Mark . . . ?" the figure asks in a raspy voice.

"What?" Mark lifts the bat, hearing the sound of flies all around him, buzzing, squirming, reproducing and feeding.

"What kind of person comes between a man-" the creep says, walking forward slowly, "And his baby girl?"

Mark lifts his makeshift weapon in a batter's stance, not knowing what else to do. He was feeling something, a fear he'd not felt before. It wasn't like the times he'd been called to crime scenes, it was more primal, more visceral, the smell of blood and gore assaulting his senses.

On the cusp of panic he felt something strange, a lightening sensation, like . . . Like gravity lost some of its hold on him.

{He's alone.}

It was a voice, in his head but . . . It sounded like his own.

{You're standing on the threshold of your property and you're defending your family.}

Mark felt his fear ebbing away, he was right. This was exactly where he was meant to be.

{And you have that bat.}

The Bat had been his in school, back when he played. It was the same bat he'd once fought a bully with. It was his lucky bat, and it was about to make this creep swallow some teeth.

Mark lifts the bat like a sword and takes a step toward the creep whose smile falters for a moment before the bat struck him hard enough to knock his glasses away .Even as the creep reels away from the blow, staggering, his eyes flash at Mark, now unshielded by glasses the glow a dull orange, like hot metal.

Mark gawks and feels something inside himself shriek like twisted metal as it's rent asunder. Mark gasps and clutches his chest and the feeling is gone, the creep running for his car, his shattered glasses lay in the grass.

(3/?)

You wake up with a gasp, a fluttering rushing sensation in your mind. Your room is dark, it's late and you hear a car speeding away.

You roll over and peer through your bedside window in time to see a sedan race around the corner of your house, headed away. A figure stands alone in the yard, holding a baseball bat and . . . Something shining and bent. Glasses?

{alice}

The fluttering in your mind, you feel something else, something sharp and jagged. Something raw and painful.

"Friend?"

{mark is safe now, alice. but i think that i'm all done.}

"Done?" Your Friend's voice is so quiet, so weak. "Oh my God," you cover your mouth with a hand. You feel something slipping inside you, sliding away, weight returning to you. "Are you-"

{mark doesn't know what's happened of course. he chased away a creep to protect you. let him have that, alice.}

"What happened!?" you demand.

{i took a bite . . . i took a bite instead of mark.}

"What!? No. Stop, what can we do?" you feel panic rising in you. "Let me just . . . Get some souls or something."

{no. there are no souls for you and none for me. mark is okay, Rot is gone. he will come back, but he will leave your family alone i think.}

"I . . . I didn't mean for you to . . ." you stop short at 'die'.

{i know. I don't begrudge you this. I did this willingly, alice. i did this as your friend. i think i make a better fighter than a companion but, i hope that you will remember me fondly.}

You can’t think of anything to say, your eyes are filling with tears. Something is coming apart inside you, like tissue paper being pulled.

{there is something more. Rot is too strong to be stopped by us, alice. perhaps Baphomet could do it but . . . you won't be able to alone. If he returns . . . you'll have to protect your family somehow. i won't be able to do it again. i'm sorry}

You nod understanding, tears spilling over your cheeks.

{goodbye, alice. i'll miss you. please hold on to yourself.}

"Goodbye," you say and then you're alone in your room. Downstairs you hear Mark and Grace talking, Mark's voice excited but confused, relaying the story of what he saw as best he can.

Your family. Your Friend. But how can protect them alone? If your Friend was right, and Rot is too strong . . . then if he threatens them again . . .
>I'll figure out a way to protect them myself
>Call to Baphomet for help
>Call to Rot to tell him to leave your family alone.
>Write in

>>2649786
>Call to Baphomet for help

>>2649786
>I'll figure out a way to protect them myself
I'm going to miss Friend. First time playing and I feel like I killed him. Well time to go kick life in the teeth for him.

>>2649803
Why did you do this
You monster

>>2649786
>>I'll figure out a way to protect them myself
We're going to make sure that prick will never be an issue again.

File: 1528689302322.gif (3 MB, 540x468)

3 MB GIF

>>2649808

>I'll figure out a way to protect them myself
>>2649803
>>2649813

>writing

>>2649803
>I'm going to miss Friend. First time playing and I feel like I killed him. Well time to go kick life in the teeth for him.
A warriors death.

You lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. You might have slept, but you're not sure. Eventually morning comes. You feel alone, truly alone for the first time since this whole situation started for you. Mark was safe, but your Friend . . .

You turn on to your side. You wouldn't let anyone hurt your family again. Rot took your parents, Rot took your Friend, but he wasn't going to take anyone else.

You didn't get up for school the next morning. What would be the point? You stay home sick all day Tuesday, hardly getting out of bed. You think about what Rot could have done to Zack that day in the cabin, what could have happened to Mark tonight. What happened to that kid in the cafeteria, or what happened to the guy driving that car. How many lives had Rot consumed in his quest for freedom? Your parents numbered among his victims of course.

You think about your life, about what happened between you and Franz, about meeting Ellie, about making friends with Sam, about meeting Zack, about what it felt like to kiss him and to have him hold you. Things you would do anything to never lose. You think about the little house Mark and Grace used to own, the unused baby room. Was that another life Rot destroyed?

Grace told you that Mark chased off "some creep" who was loitering outside the house. Mark was feeling proud of himself, extra macho. It was almost more than you can take, but you still gave him a weak smile and said 'good work' when he came to check on you.

That evening, you decide you can't simply lay in bed all day. You take stock. It's the 25th, the evening a Wednesday evening. The school dance is on the 28th, on Saturday. It seems so trivial now, but you are determined to see it through, to live some semblance of a normal life. That meant you had to finish your dress still, and assemble something for Sam to wear.

You look at what you've sewn together so far. It's going to take another day to get your Morticia just right. Then of course the 28th was the dance and after that well . . . You weren't sure what exactly. Without your Friend here to tell you . . .

You want to spend some time with those closest to you before then. You don't know what will happen exactly, but it may not be good.


>Spend the day with Sam
>Spend the day with Zack
>Spend the day with your family
>Write in

>>2649952
>Spend the day with your family

>>2649952
>Spend the day with Sam
Gal time.

>>2649952
>>Spend the day with Sam
The next time we have work, we need to get a book on Moloch from the store. Something to study so we can try to defeat them.

>>2649952
We don't have any sword fighting muscle memory from Friend anymore do we?

>>2649987
You certainly do. Your skills will fall sharply, but they're still good. At this point Alice is likely a challenge for Zack, if not on par with him.

>>2649993
Sweet. We got some semblance of self defense and with our powers on top of it we could definitely hold our own.
Now we just need more knowledge like >>2649972 said.

>>2649965
>>2649972
>Spend the day with Sam
>Writing

Sam was the best person for you to be with. You felt the most normal around her. She didn't put you on edge or have any expectations of you. You liked being around her generally. You saw Grace and Mark every day and you would be spending time with Zack during the dance.

It was gal time.

"Hello?" Sam answers her phone.

"Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?" you ask.

"Hi! Uh . . . I dunno. I guess I'm open. Why, did you promise to date another boy?"

You laugh. It's soft and short, but it's there. "No. I just . . . Sort of wanted to hang out."

"Feeling better? I didn't see you at school today."

"Yeah," you lie. Without Friend, you don't have anyone left to confide in about the stranger aspects of your life. "I just didn't feel good the other day."

"Franz asked where you were, I guess he didn't want to just text you himself. Hey um . . . I'm sorry about the thing with Michael . . . I think I came off badly," Sam says, "Like . . . I don't want you to think I'm like . . . All obsessed with your dating life."

"It's okay," you say, "I don't think you are. I know it was weird, and he didn't help things not be weird."

Sam laughs, "Yeah. Well, what were you thinking?"


>Let's watch movies at my place
>You should come down to the bookstore where I work
>Help me make your costume
>write in

>>2650026
Costume first, movies afterwards.

>>2650026
>Help me make your costume
It does need to get done and would be a good distraction.

>>2650038
>>2650026
Actually yea this works too.

>>2650038
>>2650042
>Costume first, movies afterwards.

>writing

"I'm trying to finish my costume and yours," you say, "I think I've got some stuff that will work for you, but I need you to try it on."

"Ooo! Yes! Costumes sounds like fun."

"And maybe some movies if we get done in time?"

"Sure! I'll just bullshit my mom and we can hang tomorrow after school," Sam says.

"Sounds good. Bye Sam!"

"Bye!"

You set your phone down on your desk and are already booting up your laptop. Your research on that Goatman hadn't turned up much information, but maybe things would be different for Rot.

You start searching for anything on Rot, Moloch, the Eater of Dreams or the Great Destroyer.

You find a few edgy (though catchy) songs and other pop culture trash at first. For instance Moloch the Mystic was a character in the Watchmen! Useless . . .

You soon find yourself surprised to start piecing together a puzzle. Baku were creatures in mythology said to be called on by children to eat bad dreams. Morbidly, if they called on them too much the Baku might devour their hopes and desires as well, turning them into something like a living zombie, someone with no future.

You also read about Moloch's historical incarnations as a Caananite god, one most closely associated with sacrifice. Specifically child sacrifice. An image of a bull-headed god holding a baby makes you shudder. Could this be the same Moloch as the Rot you know?

If so it looks like Rot migrated across Eurasia, somehow winding up in Europe in time to fight the Goatman in Europe's Holy Wars. Then he'd ended up here maybe.

You sigh. Still, no weaknesses, likes or dislikes. Moloch seemed to be all about consuming, devouring, destroying. And had a tie to children somehow . . . Still, not something you could see an easy way to exploit. You had it in your head to do some more in-depth digging in the bookstore on Sunday after the dance. The book Lilly gave you last time seemed to indicate that Baphomet had modern worshipers operating in small numbers, maybe Moloch was the same. He did have those two people in the car with him, maybe there were others.

You lay in bed and stare at your ceiling.

>Go to sleep
>Call Michael
>Call to Rot
>write in

>>2650122
>Call Michael

>>2650122
>>Call Michael
We need to talk to him about Moloch. And maybe he can tell us a bit about who Friend was, and if there's a chance we'll see her again, or, failing that, if she was happy when she passed on.

>>2650131
>>2650122
Seconding this, but just a reminder that Michael/Baphomet was using us as well. Friend never lied but he certainly did push us towards Michael (more than likely at Baphs behest).
Got to head home so I might miss a vote.

>Call Michael

>writing

>>2650135
I would have prefered to stay neutral and let them fuck over eachother. But that's no longer an option.

The only one who has respected our wishes so far is Goatman. He's the lesser evil by far. And the only one i would trust to help in exchange of protecting our loved ones.

If we make Rot promise the same, he will probably disappear the floor under them and make them fall to their deaths under the excuse of "i didn't do anything"

>>2650143
Oh yea. I never meant to imply anything but destruction of rot. Just saying we can't completely trust baph either.

>>2650148
Agreed, but we are out of choices

You tap Michael's name in your phone and put it to your ear. It only rings once and then there's a burst of static before a strange distant voice says "Hello?"

"Our Friend is dead," you say, the first words that come to you.

"What?" Michaels inflection rises, only slightly. "Alice?"

"Dead," you repeat. "Died protecting my family from . . . Rot."

The silence is so long you think that maybe the call dropped. "I'm . . . I'm sorry Alice."

"A lot of people are sorry lately," you say, "And so far no one is doing anything for me."

Michael doesn't answer.

"Can you . . . Tell me about them?"

"Your Friend?" Michael asks.

You don't reply.

"They were . . . Mine. From a long time ago. During the war," The phone quality is terrible, all hissing and pops and strange vocal distortion. "It was a dark time. I felt I had to win a war and their kind were quite adept at warfare. I made them to serve me. They were one of my best warriors, I could always trust them with anything. I entrusted them to keep you safe."

"I know," you say. "He . . . She- they did."

"I'm glad."

"So are they dead?" you ask.

"I don't know, Alice. Their kind are not invulnerable. Death is possible. Despite being my creation, I give them a wide degree of freedom. I don't track their movements, Alice."

"Did-" your voice catches, "Did they at least . . . Were they happy?"

"Happy?"

"My Friend, were they happy with their life?"

"Alice, I think you could answer that question yourself. Friend lived their life as they saw fit. Friend was happy, yes. They were quite fond of you especially. I think they saw what I did . . ." Michael trails off.

"So what about Rot? Friend is gone, so who will protect me?" you ask.

"I . . . Don't know, Alice. I hadn't expected Rot to be so powerful. He's done nothing but gather strength for a few hundred years. I would always try to protect you but . . . The consequences could be catastrophic."


>So what *CAN* you do?
>I'm sorry things didn't work out for you, but I need your help
>How can we destroy Rot?
>Write in

>>2650152
>So what *CAN* you do?
As morbid as it is how fucked would these guys be if we punched our own ticket?

>>2650152
>So what *CAN* you do?
>How can we destroy Rot?
>He can promise not to damage the one i love if i simply were to not interfere, whatever that means. I don't think i can trust him but i am out of ideas... What's your offer?


>>2650157
I think the Goat would be fucked badly. Rot might be doing fine for himself tot he point he's content with us not interefering

>>2650177
*the ones i love

i meant

>>2650152
>I'm sorry things didn't work out for you, but I need your help
>How can we destroy Rot?
I know it's selfish of me to ask, especially since I can't give you what you wish, but I need to stop Rot. Not just for me, but for my Mom and Dad. For Grace and Mark, and the child they couldn't get. For Zack and Sam and Nicole and Karen. For whoever He touched and warped and twisted for his means. For Friend.

>>2650181
>>2650152
This is good. This is very good.

>>2650157
>>2650177
>>2650181

>writing

"So what can you do?" You demand.

"I don't know."

You scoff, "Jesus, well what the fuck would you do without me, then?"

A long pause, "I would do my best."

You exhale and count to ten in your head. "In a few days I'm supposed to make a choice about a homicidal eldritch god, and you're asking me to take your side on this. Rot has promised not to hurt the ones I love if I just don't interfere, whatever that means. I'm pretty sure I can't trust him, but at this point I'm out of ideas. What do you offer?"

"You're right not to trust him. Rot will give you what he says he will, but he will hurt countless more people and one day will forget the promise he made you. If Rot is asking you not to interfere then . . . It means he has more power than I would like."

He doesn't say it, but you can sense the fear in his voice.

"I won't bribe you, Alice. I'd like you to help me because you see the virtue in it. Rot is dangerous. I've lost my taste for that life, but I don’t believe he has."

You remember the visions of medieval armies burning their way across Europe in a haze of gun smoke and fluttering banners.

"Look Michael- Baphomet. Whatever you call yourself," you say, rubbing your forehead, "I'm sorry things didn't work out for you with me, okay? But I need your help. I know it's selfish of me to ask, especially since I can't give you what you want, but I need to stop Rot. Not just for me, but for my Mom and Dad. For Grace and Mark, and the child they couldn't get. For Zack and Sam and Nicole and Karen. For whoever He touched and warped and twisted for his means. For Friend."

(1/2)

File: Spoiler Image (79 KB, 420x560)

79 KB JPG

"Alice I first noticed you when you were just a child,' Michael says. "Crying alone. I saw what Rot had taken from you and what he had intended to do with you. What I wanted . . . What I hoped for was for you to become like I am. To be with me. You've tasted loss, you've experienced suffering so you're not likely to inflict it on others. Alice, you can still be like me. My Queen of Darkness," he says. The words conjure images into your mind you can't quite visualize of swirling black and flashing white. "You have the potential to be a powerful being, one that uses that power for good. You could take your heritage and use it for good Alice. You could become Death."

"What's so fucking good about death?" you demand, startled by this request.

"It's a release, it's mercy. It's a finale to a life," he says. "You could grant dignity in final moments. It's the great equalizer. Kings and paupers are the same in Death's eyes. Treated according to their worth. You would be La Catrina. I've seen it. I know it's possible."

La Catrina. You have a passing familiarity with the stylish rendition of female death, but . . . what?

"How do we stop Rot," you say, steering the conversation.

"In his current form, he is not vulnerable. When the time comes to unlock his prison he can be destroyed. He'll try to destroy me immediately. If we work together . . . Maybe we can stop him."
>You want me to become your Queen? To become Death? What do you mean?
>Promise to help me destroy him
>If you're going to fight him, I'll help you
>I'll make up my mind then
>Write in

>>2650229
>You want me to become your Queen? To become Death? What do you mean?

>>2650229
>Death is something to be avoided for as long as possible. Only life is worth the effort. Death comes on its own.
>I still don't see myself as one of you, i am human, no matter my heritage.

>Why are we talking about this? I want you to tell me what i can do

>>2650243
>>2650229
Ooooo that's good. I didn't even notice the misdirection.

>>2650229
>You want me to become your Queen? To become Death? What do you mean?
>Could others be out there who'd have the power to help? Would they even be willing?
>That's the problem... I've always thought like a mortal, because I was raised as a mortal. I can't just take what I thought I was and throw it behind me...

>>2650236
>>2650243
>>2650244
>>2650249

>writing

"You want me to become your Queen?" you say. "Become Death? What do you mean?

"I like you a lot Alice, I think I might love you. I want to be there for you, to help you, to protect you, to grow with you. This is a role I think you could fill well, it would suit you."

"Death is something to be avoided for as long as possible," you retort. "Only life is worth the effort. Death comes on its own."

"So it does," Michael says. "The oceans exist without Poseidon as well. Things will have two natures with or without me. It doesn't mean it's not a power to be harnessed and controlled. Fearing death is cutting yourself off from half of existence," He pauses, "Although perhaps my own perspective on the world is coloring my view."

You consider it a moment, having the conversation you least expected. "That's the problem . . . I've always thought like a mortal, because I was raised as a mortal. I can't just take what I thought I was and throw it behind me . . ."

"I don't expect you to, Alice. I'd be overjoyed to help you make this transition from old life to new. You're between worlds right now, as much as you might pretend or wish you're not. You're as much a part of my world as you are of the human one."

"I still don't see myself as one of you," you say "I am human, no matter my heritage."

"You may find that changes," he says.

"Why are we talking about this?" you ask "I want you to tell me what I can do to destroy Rot."

"Yes, my apologies. We will have to work together on the 31st. We can destroy him then I think. He created you to be the key to free him, but I think we can use this against him. If you'd like, I can hold him in check when he emerges, and it will be up to you to finish him off."

"What about . . . Others. Would Poseidon help us?"

Michael chuckles, "No. Our problems are beneath most of them. Others would want something in return. A price neither of us would be able to pay. I'm sorry, but this is between us."

***

I'm out of time for the night guys. Thanks for playing, I hope it was as much fun for you as it was for me. I'll be seeing you week after next. we’ve got to wrap this conversation with Baphomet, do the Same hang out, do the Dance, do the bookstore, and do what happens next.

As always, here for questions, comments, complaints, requests.

Come troll my discord or haunt my Twitter.

https://twitter.com/timekillerqm
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

>>2650295
>Poseidon
>Helping
AHAHAHAHAHAH

Thanks, for runing, TK

>>2650295
Thanks for the run TK! Were we always going to lose Friend before the 31st?

>>2650305
Thanks for playing!

>>2650318
My pleasure!.

>>2650318
>Were we always going to lose Friend before the 31st?
Nope.

>>2650295
Night, boss. Got to admit, I'd love to start meeting some more gods and godlings after this arc. Don't know how we'd do it, but it would be pretty cool to meet other would be demigods and teach them the ways of godhood, while trying to keep our grasp of what it meant to be a mortal.

>>2650329
>I'd love to start meeting some more gods and godlings after this arc
That is absolutely, 100% a possibility. Depending on how this thing ends, there may be a SGQ 2 that features such things.

File: 1402191007225.jpg (62 KB, 364x960)

62 KB JPG

>>2650319
>That spoiler
We all have our sins to carry.
I never meant for the extra weight.

>>2650334
Same character, or different one?

>>2650345
>Spoiler
Friend was asked to protect Alice's family. They did so.

>>2650347
Alice

>>2650350
Damn right he did. That magnificent sob.