>>1614379
>>Send Bennett an e-mail with that photo you took
>Try to get to breakfast early and see if they have anything special today

>>1614665
>Send Bennett an e-mail with that photo you took
The e-mail service tells you he sees the message, but he doesn't reply. You're not sure what that means, exactly, but it can't be anything good.
You feel a sense of dread counterbalanced by a giddy rush of achievement.
(Your Courage has increased!)
>Try to get to breakfast early and see if they have anything special today
They have the basic fare, or so you think, until you see the breakfast tacos. Bacon, chorizo, sausage, avocado... Any of these is sure to help your focus, hitting that spot that only savory protein can.

>Got Breakfast Taco (Hlg S, M)

>Chemistry
The man at the front of of the class has a heavy stutter and even heavier glasses. You wonder how he even got the position at all.
"C-Class, we're going to begin by looking at some of the pr-properties of the elements. For ex-example, the n-noble gases are called as much because they were found to be chemically inert. They were even set apart from the periodic table at one point because it was buh-believed they did not form bonds with other elements. C-can one of you identify which one of these is n-not a n-noble gas?"

>>Not a noble gas
>helium (He),
>neon (Ne),
>hydrogen (H),
>krypton (Kr)

>>1614754
>Hydrogen

Late boyz

>>1614754
>>hydrogen (H),
10th grade was useful!

>>1614773
>>1614778
>Hydrogen
(Your Knowledge has increased!)
"T-That's right," the chemistry teacher coughs before continuing. "Hydrogen, owing to its single proton-electron pair configuration, actually has an, eh, 'explosive' tendency when exposed to oxygen while both elements are unbonded. It is flammable at concentrations of four percent to seventy-five percent, and is generally very reactive, as o-opposed to the noble gases. Hydrogen is the most c-common element in the universe, or at least we have reason to b-believe so. If anyone w-wants to verify that by taking samples from the universe at large and compiles their results, I-I'll give you an A in this class." He begins to snort and laugh. "O-Of course, you'd need to have faster-than-light capacity to d-do so, but don't let that stop you."
When nobody reacts to his 'joke', he continues teaching.

>Home Economics
David somehow manages to screw up the first basic task, frying an egg. Embarrassingly, he tries to shake it off while holding the pan upside-down over a plate, but the egg is stuck and cannot be removed by any means short of steel wool and soap water.
Sofia is not impressed, but at least now you know how to cook an egg. Probably.
(Your Proficiency has increased!)

>Theater
Mr. Clain comes back with the results from his lobbying. "So it was decided that Principal Brown will allow either Antigone and Faust... the latter in an edited form. He also wants to do at least one Shakespearean play OR Peter Pan in Scarlet. So the idealized schedule is that we do Antigone first, as a shorter performance, perform a Shakespearean play to close out the semester, and then finish with Faust as our spring play."
Donna seems a bit displeased. "Antigone can be extended into a full play..."
Ruth is excited either way. "Three plays- we're in for quite a lot of exciting work, don't you think?"

>>Arrangement of plays?
>You sure we can't do all three as full plays?
>Can't we start out with a shorter Shakespearian one and move on to Antigone and Faust?
>I'd like to make sure we do Faust before winter ends- personal preference.
>I think I'd prefer Peter Pan to a Shakespearian play.
><Write-In>

>>1614877
>You sure we can't do all three as full plays?
As I have said in other threads, I have personally done significantly more. My crew was 25 people on average, and we did 11 full plays a year.

>>1614877
>>Can't we start out with a shorter Shakespearian one and move on to Antigone and Faust?

>>1614904 (Closer to 7)
>>1614912
>You sure we can't do all three as full plays?
>>Failing that, can't we start out with a shorter Shakespearian one and move on to Antigone and Faust?
Mr. Clain seems to think this is a good idea, but is himself just a little uncertain. A few other members of the Theater class are enthusiastic about doing three plays, and one even suggests doing a fourth.
Seeing the support, your teacher nods. "All right. You all will have to be ready for the plays when the time came. Memorize your lines, have everyone on the same page, props prepared and present, such and such. I think we could do it, but we'd have to prove it to the Principal before the first performance. There are a couple of people that haven't performed before, so those of you experienced in acting will have to get them up to speed."
He thinks before circling a date on a calendar. "If we're going to do three full-length plays, or even push for a fourth if the first two go well, I'd like to set aside more than enough time to prepare." Pointing at the calendar, he indicates Friday, October 26th and Friday, December 21st.
"Given some time to get the basics down, I think we can accomplish this. I'll tell you if I think we need to work faster, but if we can perform a full Antigone by the end of October, I should be able to convince Principal Brown to give us all three plays and put a foot in the door for the fourth."
The great majority in the room agree with this line of thought and start busily brainstorming how to do all of these things. Donna is excited, and Ruth gives you a smile. She seems to enjoy the fact that you're interested in the arts. You would consider talking to her after school, but you already have plans.
Cutting out the chatter, Mr. Clain teaches you all a bit more about enunciation and its importance to making sure others can understand you.
(Your Charm has increased!)

>PE
Sadly, you are not excused from PE due to the rain- the basketball gym is co-opted for the purpose. The tough-as-nails weightlifting coach looks over you all with varying degrees of disgust. "I'm Coach García, and I'm in charge of weightlifting and football. Most of you aren't in shape for either." He draws a circle in the air. "Laps, around the court, all of you, and don't cut corners."

The Martinez boy you saw earlier in your computer class raises his hand before you jog off. "Uh, how many, sir?"
"I don't understand the question," comes the reply. "Laps."
You can hear Allan curse under his breath at this. "God dammit."

---
Class lets out right before you collapse. There's a line going around the corner for the drinking fountain outside the gym.

You have a little time before you need to go to your new job, but not too much.
>>What to do?
>Look for supplies in the school
>Look for supplies in the city
>Clean up
>Get a snack
>Go to dinner
>Look for someone in particular <Write-In>
>Consider your current condition and Myths
><Write-In>

>>1615032
>Clean up
Gotta look presentable for our first day and for best girl

>>1615032
>>Clean up
I think both our new employer and Sofia would appreciate us not showing up smelling like sweat and crushed spirits.

>>1615052
>>1615059
>Clean Up
You already got the chance to shower in the gym, but that's hardly a consolation given that your incredible exertion by way of Coach 'Chain Gang' Garcia causes you to continue sweating anyways. Besides, your uniform isn't exactly super-clean after a day of school and scraping those damned eggs off of the pan, anyways.
You take a quick shower and grab a quicker bite in the cafeteria, hoping your stomach doesn't whine at you too much after everything's said and done.

Taking your 'I Love NY' jacket and an umbrella, you eventually make your way to the bookstore. Sofia is there already, a little surprised to see you so early. She hastily puts aside a book she's reading and pulls out a broom. "I think we'll need to do some basic maintenance before anything else. This place is pretty old, after all."

It's a split second of noting your preparation, but Sofia seems to be happy that you took the time to clean up and prepare. The fact that you also got that cologne doesn't hurt, either. Her smile vanishes as soon as she sees yo notice it, but that's probably just her trying to re-focus on the job.
(You feel as though your relationship with Sofia has improved moderately.)

Miss Patricia is translating a book of records into a laptop spreadsheet, but she seems to be having a little trouble, re-adjusting her glasses every so often. She doesn't seem to be asking for your help, but she might need it anyways.

As the rain outside intensifies, the lights dim for a short period, annoying Sofia. "I thought the lights here were fixed."

>>Black Cover Bookstore
>Talk to Sofia and help her sweep
>Help Miss Patricia translate her spreadsheet (Need to make Charm check, 2d10+2 (+1 already added due to rainy day boost))
>Try to look for a particular book (Grapes of Wrath, <Write-In>)
>Try and fix the lights (Need to make Proficiency check, 2d10+3 (+1 already added due to rainy day boost))
>Look around for something else
><Write-In>

>>1615113
>(You) instead of you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chhksy7wmWY

Rolled 6, 2 + 3 = 11 (2d10 + 3)

>>1615113
>Try and fix the lights (Need to make Proficiency check, 2d10+3 (+1 already added due to rainy day boost))

Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>1615113
>>Try and fix the lights (Need to make Proficiency check, 2d10+3 (+1 already added due to rainy day boost))

>>1615119
Shit man, that music's comfy as fuck.

>>1615122 (Taken due to closer and correct roll format)
>>1615140
>Try and fix the lights (Need to make Proficiency check, 2d10+3 (+1 already added due to rainy day boost))
Realizing that this is probably going to be a long-term problem if you don't fix it now, you check the wiring around the lights and make sure that all the bulbs that don't look recently installed are replaced. You even check the circuit breaker in the closet to make sure nothing looks funny. Sure enough, the place looks decently wired, and the bulbs stop flickering once they're replaced.
>(SUCCESS)

"This old shop was meant to last for the long haul," Miss Patricia states calmly, before a scarred man around fifty dressed in fancy clothing walks in out of the rain and wipes his shoes on the mat.
He's wearing several diamond rings, and if you didn't know better, you'd say he was a gangster by his huge build. He's taller than you, and even seems to be carrying a firearm nonchalantly in one of his pockets. Sofia goes on edge when this swaggering man comes looking for a book.

"Miss Patricia, was it?" The charming thug looks at the old and dusty nameplate, sliding his thumb over it to clear it off. "I'm looking for something to do with mixing drinks. There's got to be some old secrets in this shop, right? I haven't had a good drink made by a bartender since the 90s."

Miss Patricia is at a loss. "Mixing drinks? I don't remember getting a book like that recently." She scrolls through her spreadsheet, the newcomer smoking a cigar near the door as he waits.

>>Mysterious man
>"I think I can help you."
>"Mind smoking outside?"
>Mind your own business and keep sweeping
>Pay him no heed, he's too old to cause trouble
>Ask Sophia if she knows him
>Prepare your own gun in case he gets mean
><Write-In>

Note that the option that you choose to prepare your own weapon sets a precedent for whether Solomon does carry his weapons at all times or not.

>>1615246
>Ask Sophia if she knows him

ask the bookworm. got the book

>>1615246
>>"I think I can help you."
but only if
>>"You mind smoking outside?"
>>1615119
Thank you for this music.

>>1615246
>>"Mind smoking outside?"
>"Smoke will damage the books."

>>1615269
>>1615246
>Prepare your own gun in case he gets mean
Yeah, at least a stun gun or something. Unless we can use arcana in non-dimension breaks.

>>1615265
>>1615269
>>1615270
>I can help you, but mind smoking outside?
"Huh?" he pulls his cigar away from his mouth for a second.
>The smoke will damage the books.
"Oh, right. Just make sure it's got all the pages in." He does as you ask- sort of. He holds the door open as he smokes, watching the street from halfway inside.

You do a quick search, and ask Sofia if she knows him along the way.
"His name is Leroy, or at least that's what my Uncle calls him," she whispers, trying to make sure he can't hear her. "He's got a bad reputation, and used to be a womanizing man back in his day. Supposedly he has connections to the mafia, but it's never been proven. Legally, he's only been charged with cheating at gambling, battery, and sexual assault charges that got dropped."

Eventually, you find a worn drink-mixing book with the pages mostly intact and without any particularly gruesome stains. Bringing it to Miss Patricia to ring it up, it's labeled as going for ten dollars.
"Thanks, kid. If you're ever on the south side, ask for Leroy." Leroy nods to you and puts it in his jacket before walking out, but Sofia asks him to hold up. "Aren't you going to pay for that?" she asks pointedly.

Leroy doesn't seem concerned. "Oh, right, put it on my tab." Then, he walks out as if there was nothing wrong with this behavior.

"Wha- You can't just..." Sofia is furious, but no matter how much she protests, he walks into the rain heedless of her complaints.
As Carrollo comes back inside, Miss Patricia merely continues working as if this happens a lot.

>>The effective book theft
>What was that all about?
>Does he actually pay for those?
>Does everyone that comes in here do that?
>Should we call the cops or something?
>I'll pay for it.
>(Go after him)
><Write-In>
>>1615272
I think this is worth putting to a vote. Does Solomon carry the firearm given to him at all times, some of the time, or not at all outside the Witching Hour? He could get a less lethal weapon, but he'd have to buy or make it.
>All the time (concealed whenever a container is availiable)
>Not at school
>Only when we specify he has it before he leaves
>At no time other than the Witching Hour

>>1615338
>Not at school
That shit has gotten me in SO much trouble.

>>1615338
>>Does he actually pay for those?
>>Does everyone that comes in here do that?
>>I'll pay for it.

>At no time other than the Witching Hour

Until Solomon has a non-lethal weapon, I don't think he should carry one outside the Witching Hour. When he does, I'd support having it when not in school.

File: laugh.png (49 KB, 250x156)

49 KB PNG

>>1615338
>Leroy
I see what you did there, you sly dog

>>1615354
>>1615363
>Not at school (Closer)
>At no time other than the Witching Hour
(We'll compromise for the moment)
Currently, you're not carrying the gun Durandal gave you, because you came directly from school. Right now, the weapon is unloaded in your closet, concealed in a shoebox and hidden under several bags that used to hold your clothes. You're a little mad at yourself for forgetting it, but it shouldn't be such a big deal right now. You figure it might be useful at getting you out of a pinch if things turn ugly at some point, but you shouldn't let people know any way. Durandal might be 'police', but you doubt that would get you off the hook if the gun was found.

Getting back to the task at hand...
>>Does he actually pay for those?
Miss Patricia shakes her head, and Sofia's face falls.
>>Does everyone that comes in here do that?
"No, no," Miss Patricia shakes her head. "Most people that come in here are kind young men and women such as yourselves. To think that men and women still criticize teenagers when cads like him exist."
>>I'll pay for it.
Sofia is about to offer to do so herself when you interrupt her.
>Current Cash: $149.50 - 10 = $139.50
"I appreciate that, Mister Read," Miss Patricia smiles. "Did you have a book you were looking for? I did say I was willing to pay you in books."
Your stomach grumbles before you can answer, and Sofia takes pity on you. "We'll stop at my uncle's before going back. I'll pay."
>>Offers
>Sofia: Does he deliver?
>Sofia: So it's a date?
>Sofia: Well, I'm ordering sardines on mine, so...
>Patricia: I actually did have a book in mind.
>Patricia: I'll pay for that book too.
>Patricia: Paid in cash is fine.
><Write-In>
>>1615405
No points for who he's related to. I will, however, give fake internet points and a sketch/short story to the person who correctly guesses whose mother Doris is. It is a person you've met so far, I'll tell you that.

>>1615418
>Sofia: So it's a date?
>Patricia: I actually did have a book in mind.

Welp, I can barely keep my eyes open, so this is where I check out for now. It's been fun.

>>1615418
>Sofia: So it's a date?
>Patricia: I actually did have a book in mind.

>No points
Truly the baddest man in town. How could you.

>>1615438
Fun fact, I should have said that that was the last post of the night. I'm already really pushing my scheduled clock-out time, but it's so fun I just can't quit.
I'll call it in after this post is voted on and stick around to answer questions before crashing.
>Sofia: So it's a date?
>Patricia: I actually did have a book in mind.
seem to be in the lead.
>>1615440
>Truly the baddest man in town. How could you.
Oh what, did you really expect me to put in a principal with the last name of Brown and not milk that for all it was worth?

File: thingken of dicks.png (427 KB, 479x633)

427 KB PNG

>>1615442
How else will I feel validated unless I get my virtual points.

>Sofia: So it's a date?
Carrollo seems shocked by this, and turns away from you indignantly. "No. We've still only known each other for less than a week. It's not a date. I was just feeling sorry for you. The feeling is gone."
She's freezing you out, but Miss Patricia seems to view the situation differently, covering her mouth to conceal a laugh for a short period before Sofia glares at you. "I won't take back my promise to buy you food, but if you tell people it was a date you won't get the chance for a real one."

>Patricia: I actually did have a book in mind.
(I assume you mean Grapes of Wrath?)
Rather than accepting cash payment, you pick out the book you need for school and place it on the desk. "Here you go," the woman older woman passes it over and seems to wish you luck with a wink. Sofia is too flustered and angry to ask for payment, and takes your umbrella as she leaves, before going back to get her own after she realizes the difference, throwing yours at you.

When you walk with her outside, she starts feeling guilty towards how she treated you, which conflicts with her disproportionate outrage towards your comment. "Sorry..." she mutters. "I just... I've never..." Eventually, she gives up. "Just forget it. Don't assume what I mean when I say something." Sofia marches in shame to buy you both a pizza, which she decides to eat in silence. Her uncle doesn't question it, for the sake of his sanity.
(You feel your relationship with Sofia is going to improve in the near future.)

---
And that ends it for the night. See you tomorrow at nine, hopefully. I'll stick around for some questions.
>>1615447
Leroy got his scars in a barfight with the father of a cast member over the affections of said cast-member's mother. Name the child of the jealous husband and I'll give you the fake internet points.

>>1615483
Can the fake internet points be roll bonuses instead?

>>1615512
Sure, why not?
I'll give the players a three-time use +1 asspull bonus AND a short story on a character of the guesser's choice if one of you successfully guesses who fits the bill by the end of tomorrow night. No duplicate guesses, though.

>>1615519
Do you have the other threads archived?

>>1615525
Bamalam.
>Story Thus Far: https://pastebin.com/gkCSETUT

>>1615531
Thanks, I have less perceptive ability than a blind molerat at times.

>>1615483
Damn I missed the thread.
My guess is Sofia, basing this guess on the fact that Sofia's uncle seems to have some history with Leroy.
Also, Sofia is such a tsundere

>>1617177
No, surprisingly.
Sarpino knows Leroy for other reasons, though it's very likely that Sofia's father and Leroy know each other's names due to their respective relationships with Sarpino.
Also, hopefully we continue at nine. I'm posting to Twitter.

OOC: Forgot to indicate the Charm rank up you made >>1615032.
(Your Charm has improved to Level 2: Supporting Cast!)
Despite her rough treatment of you, you feel a bit better about your persuasive ability than before, especially after that theater class. You figure you're going to have to become very charming before Sofia will ease up around you.

AFTER SCHOOL Friday, August 24th (Weather: Mostly Sunny. Forecast for tomorrow: Mostly Sunny)
The next two days pass in a blur of study and introductory classes, bringing you to the weekend. Mr. Bennett told you last time you were in Computer Studies that he wants to check everyone's schedules and determine the best day to hunt Curses. He plans to meet this Sunday night. Outside of that, you haven't got any homework yet, so you have tonight, Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning free.

(Your Knowledge has passively increased by going to class!)

Sports tryouts are going on this weekend, and you figure you can increase Courage by taking part in a sport. It might at least beat doing laps in PE until your legs turn to noodles.
At least they loosen the uniform requirements on weekends.
David has sent you a message.

>Weekend Comfy Music
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeNhwnO8hw

>>What to do?
>Look for supplies in the school
>Look for supplies in the city
>Go to dinner
>Reply to David
>Try out for a sport <Write-In>
>Look for someone in particular <Write-In>
>Consider your current condition and Myths
><Write-In>

>>1617302
>Try out for a sport <Write-In>
I personally played a ton of sports, but my favorite was a tie between baseball and rugby. Lots of camaraderie in the culture for those two.

>>1617302
>Reply to David
>Try out for a sport
I'm partial to basketball myself.

>>1617311 (Baseball/Rugby)
>>1617325 (Basketball)
You see that there are places to apply to Basketball, Football (American), Soccer, Baseball, Track and Field, and Lacrosse. There's also a golfing club signup which got the school's permission to count, but there aren't man people applying to that.

I played football in high school. We sucked. Impossibly badly. Partly because we were playing against schools much larger than us due to bureaucratic bullshit, partly because 50% of the team just didn't give a fuck.
I'm gonna need to brush up on the rules for whatever you guys end up going with so I don't look like a retard.

>>1617347
>many
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFMluLWX0vo

>>1617325
As we wait for a tie-breaker,
>Reply to David
You let your mind drift to your phone and see what the boy scout has to say.

>DAVID: Hey, are you open this weekend?
>DAVID: Since Ruth and Donna are new members of the team, I thought I'd try and do something to make them feel more at home.
>DAVID: What do you think would be best? I don't think pizza would be good, because we already did that.

>>Are you open?
>Sure, let's head <Write-In>
>We should bring everyone along, in that case.
>You can go by yourself, I have other plans.
>Two girls at once? You surprise me, David.
><Write-In>

Just to make things simpler, I'm going to update Social Stats and other info with
>Locations in Crescent City:
>>Shopping District
>>Sarpino's
>>Big Top Arcade
>>Skateboarding/Roller Blading
>>Boxing Gym
>>Mom and Pop Stores
>>Black Cover Books
>>Clover Tower
>>Basketball
>>Bullfight Arena
>>South Side
>>Wander the city

>>1617411
>We should bring everyone along, in that case.
>Why don't you ask them directly?

>>1617411
>Two girls at once? You surprise me, David.
>We should bring everyone along.
>How does rollerblading sound?

>>1617476
>We should bring everyone along, in that case.
>Why don't you ask them directly?
>Failing that, how does rollerblading sound?

>DAVID: Oh, probably that, then.
>DAVID: I don't have everyone's numbers, though, which is why I contacted you.
>DAVID: I'm standing outside Donna's room at the moment, actually.
>DAVID: I just hoped to have something ready.

There's a bit of dead time before another text comes through.
>DAVID: Donna hr. Nothing btr to do, so yn?
>DAVID: U rd my mind. Rllr bladn is just lame enuf to brk the ice.
>DAVID: i'll contact Ruth rn. Brb.

'Lame'?
The texts shortly return to correct spelling and grammar.
>DAVID: Sorry, she took my phone. It seems it's been decided.
>DAVID: We should have everyone ready when you are. Just call when you're ready.
>Two girls at once? You surprise me, David.
>DAVID: ??
>DAVID: I don't understand.

Looking back at the sign-ups a little more carefully, you see Keith and the Martinez guy from some of your other classes have already decided to try out for just about everything. Apparently they want to either master everything or just want to try everything once.
You might be able to do the same, but it'll take most of Saturday and Sunday to try out everything. You can spend one period of the day trying out for two sports.

---

Everyone except Mr. Bennett has been called together outside of the rollerblading and center to make a head count. David is already dressed in athletic clothing, as is Sofia. Everyone else is in some type of casualwear. Keith looks like he's going to drop dead of boredom.

"Dude, are we really going to go rollerblading? That was popular in the 70s and shit, man."

"Actually, it was popular in the 90s," Ruth says. "My mother used to have a set of inlines."

"Whatever. All you do is skate in circles. Skateboarding takes real skill, and you can do all kinds of tricks."

Skateboarding is $20 a person for two hours, including board and helmet rental. There's a skateboarding area outside with areas to do tricks in.
Roller blading is $15 a person for the same time, and is indoors.

>>Skate arena
>Go big or go home. Skateboard.
>We're here to talk, let's just skate.
>It's not a big deal, we can split up.
><Write-In>

>>1617520
Thought I linked this post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVRyYGs39AU
>Capcha

>>1617544
>I say we let our newcomers decide.

>>1617544
>>I say we let our newcomers decide.

>>1617569
Support.

>>1617569
>>1617587
>>1617604
>>I say we let our newcomers decide.
"I already showed that I intend to rollerblade," Ruth looks at Price. "What do you think?"
"Skateboarding," Donna says, surprising everyone, especially Keith. "What, you don't think I can?"

Allan chuckles a bit. "Sorry, I just can't see it."

"Why not?" the amateur reporter narrows her eyes. "Is it because I'm-"

Keith can't stop himself from laughing. "Short! You're so short, I imagine the helmet wearing you for protection!" He doubles over spontaneously laughing out loud, waving his hands in apology. "I'm sorry, I just can't see it ending any way but badly."

Sofia of all people has to conceal her amusement at this, coughing to cover her smile.

David seems a little self-conscious about his height, which is only a few inches taller than Donna. He places his hand on his head and moves it away to measure himself against Keith. It comes up to the older boy's shoulder.

"Fine," Price rolls her eyes. "We'll go blading today, and then come back later to see Keith eat pavement trying to show off his 'tricks'."

>>Current Cash: $124.50
---

It's nice and cool inside, and you're able to spend a little time just looking around. It's nice and calm in here, and Ruth is spinning about elaborately. Sofia is playing it safe and just skating in circles, enjoying the atmosphere. Keith's sports-related acumen fails him here, and he's stumbling about and cursing.
"Stupid skates. Stupid shift in balance. Stupid slippery wheels."

Donna puffs out her tiny chest, vindicated at seeing her taunter look foolish. "Ha! Not so easy, is it?"

"Shut up, I'm just starting out. We'd have to call you an ambulance at this point if we were boarding."

Ruth rolls over. "So we're all a group, now? Mr. Bennett seemed to be interested in tasking us with something important."

>>"We're all a group now?"
>That's right. I think we should all say something about ourselves to help get to know each other better.
>You knew about the Witching Hour before we met.
>Actually, I had some concerns about Mr. Bennett I wanted to talk about.
>I haven't seen your Myth, Ruth.
>Care to skate together? You seem to know how.
>Maybe Donna can teach Keith how to skate and he can teach her how to skateboard.
>Watch this. (2d10+1 Courage check to do an inline skating trick)
><Write-In>

Fucking Capcha made me reconnect like three times.

Rolled 4, 9 + 1 = 14 (2d10 + 1)

>>1617665
>Care to skate together? You seem to know how.
>Watch this.
Behold my incredible rolls.

>>1617665
>I haven't seen your Myth, Ruth.
>Care to skate together? You seem to know how

>Care to skate together? You seem to know how.
Ruth nods. "Sure." She takes one of your hands and guides you into the crowd of rolling people.
>>1617687
>Watch this.
She spins a bit, and you match it by taking a chance and making a short spinning jump that you come to a wobbly but still upright position from, turning your momentum into circular motion and turning on your heels to return to normal speed.
>(4, 9) +1 14 SUCCESS
Flores giggles, and seems impressed.
(Your Courage has increased!)
(Your Courage has improved to Level 2: City Mouse!)
>>1617710
>I haven't seen your Myth, Ruth.
She seems to be surprised when you ask her, and then she frowns. "Christine. From the Phantom of the Opera." She explains. "A bit unusual, I'm sure, compared to the others..." The tragic nature of Christine's story seems to weigh on her a bit, as if she were ashamed about having such a Myth represent herself.

"Hi," David interrupts with a wave, being pulled along by Sofia a little harder than is really neccesarry. He seems to be letting Carrollo take him wherever she wishes, only keeping pace and balance.
Off in the distance, Donna trips over her blades, causing Keith to swerve and crash to not trip over her.

>>Christine.
>You're talking to a guy whose Myth is Faust. You don't have anything to be ashamed of.
>Are you a singer like she is?
>Let's help those two klutzes out.
>I don't suppose there's a Phantom in your life?
>So what about your cards?
>Feeling jealous, Sofia?
><Write-In>

>>1617773
>You're talking to a guy whose Myth is Faust. You don't have anything to be ashamed of.
>So what about your cards?

>>1617773
>>You're talking to a guy whose Myth is Faust. You don't have anything to be ashamed of.
>>So what about your cards?
>I don't suppose there's a Phantom in your life? For better or worse?

>>1617773
>>You're talking to a guy whose Myth is Faust. You don't have anything to be ashamed of.
>>So what about your cards?
>I don't suppose there's a Phantom in your life? For better or worse?

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>>1617778
>>1617818
>>1617835
>You're talking to a guy whose Myth is Faust. You don't have anything to be ashamed of.
She breaks her self-loathing at that with a bit of a giggle. "I suppose you're right."
>So what about your cards?
Ruth thinks about those while absentmindedly skating. "I suppose you could say I picked those up by request. They help me at times, but it's inconsistent at best."
>I don't suppose there's a Phantom in your life? For better or worse?
Now that provokes a reaction. Flores seems much more aware of her surroundings, as if looking for danger. "In a sense. After I found out about you-know-what, I bought the cards when suggested to and found out that they only tell me important information at specific times... I'm told when." She looks at her feet as she continues spinning and skating. "So I suppose that's my 'Phantom'. I don't know who they are, but their messages always seem to benefit me in some way or tell me something hidden."

Greedy man, thou seek to take hold of the power to lay great works?
Very well... The gift of the Creator is yours.
Whether your art shall give rise to beauty or madness is to be seen...
...I will be here at the end of your path.
(You have awakened to a bond with Ruth, the Creator. You feel as though you will find kinship with Myths like her.)

Eventually, David waves again as he passes by.. Again, and again. After the fourth time, something makes you feel as though you've spent enough time here, despite not finding out as much about Donna.

---

When you get back to Olympia, you receive a text from David.
>DAVID: I found out everyone's contact information. Let me pass it over.
>(You can now contact Keith, Sofia, Ruth, and Donna.)
>DAVID: Also, I think I understand now.
Cheeky, for him at least.

It's late, and tomorrow is sports tryouts. You have a little time to work with, and as usual, curfew is dropped on weekend nights barring Sunday. However, before you can decide what to do, Keith knocks on your door.
"Dude, I need to talk to you about something." He seems depressed. "It's about that thing with Donna and ...her story."

>>"I need to talk to you about something."
>Can it wait?
>Wanna talk about it over a game?
>Sure, come on in.
>Let's meet outside.
>I'm not aiming for her, if that's what you're asking.
><Write-In>

>>1617854
>Let's meet outside.

>>1617854
>I'm not aiming for her, if that's what you're asking.
>But for real, let's meet outside.

>>1617867
>>1617870
>I'm not aiming for her, if that's what you're asking.
>But for real, let's meet outside.

"Dude, now's not the time..."
When you two get outside near the basketball courts, there are a couple of people playing a pickup game.
Rather than explaining directly what happened, he hands you his phone. "Read this."
>KEITH: Dude, she told me to ask you.
>BRUCE: Okay, let me explain.
>KEITH: Who told her shit like that?
>KEITH: Are you covering for someone?
>KEITH: Come on. I have to know.
>BRUCE: You have to believe me.
>KEITH: Of course I believe you. Who was it?
>...
>KEITH: We can kick their ass the next time we meet up.
>...
>BRUCE: I told her.
>KEITH: What?
>BRUCE: She was telling the truth because I told her.
>KEITH: WTF
>KEITH: ARE YOU SHITTING ME
>BRUCE: I didn't want to tell you.
>KEITH: WHAT THE HELL
>BRUCE: This is why.
>KEITH: WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST TELL US STRAIGHT
>BRUCE: Dude, it's really complicated. I'll call you sometime.
><NUMBER BLOCKED BY OTHER END>

That explains a lot. Allan is sitting on some concrete steps and covering his face, outraged at his loss of faith in his old friend. He fumes in near-silence, letting off steam before finally standing up.

"How the fuck could he just do this? Bruce... He would never..." Allan pounds his fist on the chain fence. "He was the only dude from my old school who stayed in contact, even after he was sent to that reform place, and now I find out he was taking drugs the whole time?"
He lets off a short, contained roar before looking in the direction of the city. "I... I need to punch something."

>>I need to punch something.
>I can see why.
>At this hour? No way your gym's open this late.
>You can punch me if you want.
>Don't forget, you have us.
>Don't do anything stupid.
><Write-In>

>>1617854
>Sure, come on in.
Why outside though? It's more private inside

>>1617910
>You can punch me if you want.

>>1617910
>You can punch me if you want. For real do it don't keep it bottled up.

>>1617910
>>You can punch me if you want. For real do it don't keep it bottled up.
"I'm Faust, I'll survive."

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>>1617921
>>1617925
>You can punch me if you want. For real do it don't keep it bottled up.
After a few seconds of fuming, Keith ultimately decides not to punch you- for the moment. Once the pickup team is out of line of sight, however, he belts you in the abdomen with a punch that makes you want to upchuck.
Jesus, he can hit hard. You double over and try to keep from crying or blacking out.
(Your Courage has increased moderately!)

When he sees how he's hit you, Allan immediately turns from enraged to apologetic. "Oh, shit! I didn't mean to hit you that hard. Are you okay?"
You slowly get up, and Keith refocuses and tries to make it up to you. "I forgot to warn you. I figured, well, you were expecting it." He chuckles weakly. "You heard Sarpino... Best boxer, et cetera..."

Despite being in critical pain, you feel like you've gotten to know Keith better.

Greedy man, thou seek to take hold of the power of the common man?
Very well... The gift of the Orphan is yours.
Whether your community shall give rise to family or conformity is to be seen...
...I will be here at the end of your path.
(You have awakened to a bond with Keith, the Orphan. You feel as though you will find kinship with Myths like him.)

As soon as you can stand on your own power, he sighs. "Damn, that was everything I had in one swing. It's only fair, you can return to sender. Damn, what I wouldn't pay to put Bruce in your place."

>>That was everything I had in one swing.
>Well, I'll be feeling that for the next week.
>Put that to work fighting Curses.
>That was nothing.
>(Punch him)
>What do you eat, NAILS?
><Write-In>

OOC: Probably last post of the night, I'm slowing down.

>>1617967
>Feeling better?

>>1617967
>What do you eat, NAILS?

>>1617967
>Feeling better?
if yes:
>What do you eat, NAILS?

>>1617978
and laugh the night away at you own joke

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>>1617968
>Feeling better?
"Yeah," he states, still a little bothered with himself for punching you so hard.
>>1617975
>>1617978
>What do you eat, NAILS?
"Not all the time," he snickers, laughing at your joke with you. "Here, let me at least try to make it up to you with this."
At one of the vending machines, he buys you a Mad Bull drink. It doesn't taste great, but it's leagues better than the stuff it supposedly knocks off.
>Got Mad Bull (Hlg S, W, AND Clr(Fea) AND Rag(Self))
He walks you back to your dorm room and thanks you. "I really appreciate you listening. No wonder you ended up as leader..."

You lie down on your bed trying to recuperate and consider your options. You really can't walk any distance after getting hit with that... You've got one more good thing in you for the night.

>>Your room
>Review your equipment
>Try to speak to someone while curfew is loose
>Go to the Entertainment Center
>Go out on the town late (Sealed)
>Join one of the late-night pickup games (Sealed)
>Try to bypass the security
>Play a computer game
>Fall asleep (Return to the Laboratory)
>Fall asleep (Go to the next day)
>Read something online
>Study proactively
>Browse the image board Anonymouse
><Write-In>

>>1617997
>Do pic related

>>1617997
>>Try to bypass the security
>>Study proactively
I mean, it is TECHNICALLY part of our Comp Sci work.

>>1617997
>Read something online
Check out the local news, see if any interesting events are coming up soon around town. Besides that one convention.

>>1618003
That comes later. Or before, I guess.
>>1618006
If this gets backed, do you want to use the bonus Mr. Bennett gave you?
I'll allow you to spend that or your school notes, but not both.
Also, now would be a good time to mention that we're running out of time for the Leroy Brown guess.
>>1618007
If this gets backed (as it will on a deadlock due to my post number policy), what do you want to look for (music, celebrations, sports, school events...)?

>>1618015
School events and music stuff are top priority.

>>1618006
I'm seconding this then. Use it on studying. Something tells me Mr. Bennet will find out even if we bypass it successfully

>>1618015
I would like to save the bonus for later. And as for guesses, I assume each person can only guess once? If so, give me a short sec.

>>1618015
Is the person Ruth? *crosses fingers for Phantom reference/foreshadowing*

Rolled 6, 6 + 2 = 14 (2d10 + 2)

>>1618006
>>1618021
>Study the School's Security
(Rolling...)
You start by using the school's website in a nonchalant fashion, and happen to come across some more info on future school events.
>>1618018
>School events and music stuff are top priority.
Even though it's well down the pipe, the Homecoming Football Game is Friday, October 12th, the Homecoming Dance the day after, and there is a Christmas Dance on December 21st.
>>1618026
No. This might be a good time to state that Ruth is NOT a Crescent City native, in case it ever becomes relevant. She's been at Olympia since freshman year, however.

>>1618037
>(6, 6) +2 = 14 SUCCESS
You learn more about how Mr. Bennett writes his security, and how he prevents people from using the school website as a platform for staging attacks by shutting down injection-based attacks. This is going to take more than script kiddy-level work to do, but you understand him better.

In one corner of the screen, as you try to gain access to the underlying code, you notice the image of a stylized eye eye reminiscent of the symbol on the MacGuffins from that one children's card game show you watched as a kid.

Fuck. That likely means Mr. Bennett is recording your movements even now. You keep your browsing short and soon turn in to go to bed.
(You have advanced slightly in your goal to bypass the school security.)

As you fall asleep, you begin to dream.

You dream of spending time with Sofia at Black Cover Bookstore. Instead of fixing the lights, you dream that they go out and leave you two in the dark.
Sofia, who was more drenched in your dream than she was in reality, removes her shirt as you light a candle...
---
And that's it for the night. I'll stick around to take all remaining guesses.

As a reminder to the question:
>>1615483
>Leroy got his scars in a barfight with the father of a cast member over the affections of said cast-member's mother. Name the child of the jealous husband.

>>1618043
Guesses so far, for reference
>>1617177 Sofia (No)
>>1618026 Ruth (No)

>>1618043
Embarrassing morning clean-up AHOY.
Embarrassed face when meeting Sofia in real life and immediately thinking about the dream AHOY

>>1618049
You are now aware of the fact that the lust that shows up in these sorts of dreams appears in the Witching Hour.
In a school filled to the brim with hormone-mad teenagers.
Now you know why Mr. Bennett drinks. Still wanna be a telepath?
Last shot at the bonus points closes at 3, when I reveal the answer. Might continue 9 PM tomorrow, will post on Twitter if I intend to or not.

File: Shock and Horror.gif (1.01 MB, 256x192)

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>>1618069

>>1618069
Mr.Bennet wishes to God that the police never finds out about this.

>>1618073
>>1618075
He literally can't get off to it. His mind will not consider it sexual material anymore, simply because of how inundated he's been with it. Nothing short of actual in-person sex could get a rise out of him anymore.
>Mr. Bennet wishes to God that the police never finds out about this.
He carries around a flask filled with alcohol in a government-approved high school. They know.
They pity.

Also, the answer is Keith. He got that boxing arm from his dad.
No bonus points, but I will publish a short story of my own choice... when I feel like it.

>>1618078
Cool. Looking forward to reading that

>>1618043
EARLY MORNING Saturday, August 25th (Weather: Mostly Sunny. Forecast for tomorrow: Mildly Cloudy)
Just when your dream is getting to the best part, your alarm shocks you out of your 'romantic mood'. Angry at getting cut off from your fantasy halfway, you try and pull your focus together well enough to remember what you were planning on doing today.

Oh, that's right, sports tryouts. You were interested in looking at baseball and basketball... and the closest thing to rugby is football.Texas is big on football, apparently. You can try out for up to four sports today, but it'll take basically all day to do. If you just want to try out for two, you suspect you can show off your skills enough for the coach to get a good idea before lunch.

On the other hand, it is the weekend... You might be able to put off sports until Sunday, though you'd only get two chances.
>>Morning Business
>Meet up with someone
>Study
>Slack off and play video games
>Try out for a sport <Write-In>
>Take some time in the morning to buy something from a school store
>Buy a snack/drink from one of the vending machines
>Get a big breakfast before deciding what to do
>Use your computer <Write-In>
><Write-In>

>>1619533
>Try out for a sport <Write-In>
Baseball

>>1619552
>Baseball
You're pretty familiar with baseball, being from New York. Your dad used to take you to Striped Socks games for your birthday. Even during the rare times when they played awfully, you always enjoyed the roar of the crowd and the stadium food.

You used to play baseball in middle school... but stopped at some point before you entered high school. Why's not important, not right now. Right now, you put on that sports equipment you're glad you bought earlier and head out to Olympia's diamond. They provide the bats, but you're glad you brought cleats.

A couple of people are tossing balls back and forth, and there's a line up for pitching. The Martinez guy is up to bat, and hits the ball solidly into right field. The pitcher, who is a stringy-looking guy, nods before pitching to the next guy to step up to the plate.

He's a much faster pitcher than you ever remember facing before, and seems to have expert control over where he puts the ball. You suppose that's about right for such a prestigious school. Tryouts are going to be tough.

Keith steps up to bat, then waves to you and points you to the back of the line before barely being struck out in three pitches.

"Next time, Allan."

>>Baseball
>Try to study the pitcher before you go up to bat against him
>Trust your instincts at bat
>Do outfield drills rather than go to bat
>Try out for pitcher
>Check who else is going to try out
><Write-In>

>>1619680
>Try to study the pitcher before you go up to bat against him
Baseball is one of the few games where getting it 3 times out of ten is still pretty good.

>>1619680
>Try out for pitcher
I might be late

Slow night.
>>1619717
>Try to study the pitcher before you go up to bat against him
He seems to favor sliders, a pitch that breaks down and away from you, since he shares your handedness. You're going to need to time this right for sure- slider is considered by some to be the hardest pitch to hit in the game.
>>1619784
>Try out for pitcher
This guy seems to know what he's doing, and he probably already has some sort of place on the team. You'll have to step it up and show that you understand how to pitch yourself if you want to take that spot on the team.

Eventually, you come up to bat. He reels back and you become ready, stepping into your preferred batting stance. He releases, and you realize that he's throwing it slightly slower to you than he was to Keith.

>>Courage Check (2d10+3, +1 already added for analyzing the pitcher)
>Just make sure you hit one of them (DC 12)
>Wait until you see an opening and belt it (DC 15)
>Send it over the fences (DC 17)
><Write-In>

Rolled 9, 4 + 3 = 16 (2d10 + 3)

>>1619841
>Just make sure you hit one of them (DC 12)
We can stand out later

Rolled 7, 9 + 3 = 19 (2d10 + 3)

>>1619841
>Send it over the fences (DC 17)

I'm feeling risky right now.

Rolled 7, 5 + 3 = 15 (2d10 + 3)

>>1619866
That works.>>1619841
>Wait until you see an opening and belt it (DC 15)

Ah man, would've made it too.

>>1619865
>>1619866
>>1619874
All option and we passed all of them. Do we get a bonus QM?

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>>1619865
>>1619866
>>1619874
>>1619901

>>1619906
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeSyAgUvwHI

>>1619865
>>1619866
>>1619874
At first, you're not sure if you can handle this guy's slider, but at the last millisecond, you reach out and swat it into midfield, surprising him.
He seems a bit surprised at your change in attitude, but pays it no heed as you're congratulated by the coach and sent back to the back of the line.
However, when you return to bat and hit his fastball out a little further, he raises an eyebrow and seems to look at you more carefully.
While you await a third shot, the pitcher strikes out Martinez, and Keith manages a grounder out of the seven swings he's gotten so far.

When you come up to bat again, you can tell he's personally invested in striking you out. He sets up his pitch, and right away you know it's another slider, just like the first one.
All of your muscles tense in anticipation, and when it darts, you know exactly where it's headed. You swing, imagining hammering this thing to Hell as double retribution for Keith's punch yesterday and your rude awakening.

The leather-on-wood clap of a perfect hit rings in your ears as the ball hangs in the air before clearing the fence by three feet. The coach takes notice now, and the pitcher tilts his head before nonverbally admitting that was a really good hit.
"Go get that, Read," the coach says. "Then we'll talk."

---

When you come back and hold out the ball, everyone seems to be getting water except for you, the coach, and the pitcher. "I'm Coach Moore, this is Liam Walker," he refers to the pitcher.
He takes the ball from you and hands you a bat in return. "You're on the team, if you want. You'll have to pay for a bat eventually, but you can borrow this until you can."

>Got Olympia Thunderbolts Baseball Bat

>>You're on the team.
>Thank you, sir.
>Awesome.
>Just like that?
>I wanted to check out one of the other sports first.
>Actually, I'd like to look into being the pitcher, if the spot's not taken.
>Thanks, but no thanks.
><Write-In>

>>1619994
>Awesome.
>Thank you, sir.

>>1619994
>>Thank you, sir.
>>Awesome.
>>Just like that?

>>1620015
This.

>>1620003
>Awesome.
>Thank you, sir.
"Just keep it up."
>>1620015
>>1620041
>Just like that?
"Unless your out-of-town luck dries up." He lightly jabs Walker in the stomach. "Last time I saw someone land a homer on this guy when he wasn't throwing meatballs, it was the other team's homecoming and their best batter up. And unless you see spaghetti on the home plate..."

Walker nods, his voice thin and a little grating. "Just keep it up. Might have been luck, but if you turn out to be just plain awful, I'll probably end up leaving with you for letting you get away with that."

It seems like they're serious. You don't know if Keith and Martinez are on the team, but Allan seems to be getting a certain amount of attention simply for being so big. Maybe the coach figures he can teach your friend to swing better fast and abuse his power.

Whatever the final group ends up looking like, you'll be part of it. Baseball meets on Gold Days whenever PE would, but goes much longer. You take your bat back to your room and decide where to go next. Keith suggests getting lunch in the cafeteria and bringing along Martinez.

"I've got to check out football, and then I'll be open. Martinez will be at football too, so we can meet up, unless you want to check them out, too."

>>Mid-Morning Business
>Meet up with someone else <Write-In>
>Study
>Slack off and play video games
>Try out for football, or another sport <Write-In>
>Take some time in the morning to buy something from a school store
>Buy a snack/drink from one of the vending machines
>Head back to relax in your room
>Use your computer <Write-In>
><Write-In>

>>1620124
>Study
Might as well. Don't want to stand out by having low grades

>>1620124
>>Meet up with someone else <Write-In>
>>Study
Study group with the rest of the gang.
>Try out for football, or another sport <Write-In>
Try out to be the kicker for the football team. Less involvement than most others, but still there, and we already do workouts for another sport.

>>1620124
>Have lunch with Keith
>Afterwards see if anyone might want to study together.

I don't particularly care about trying to get on the football team myself.

>>1620137
>>1620138
>>1620150
It seems like the main vote is for studying. You'll get another chance to check out football on Sunday if general opinion happens to swing towards it.
>>Study Group
You contact the most reliable study members of your Curse-hunting group.
David, as expected, is the fastest to reply.

>DAVID: Of course! I'll get my books.
>DAVID: I have a list of questions on the formation of the United States I wanted to get a second opinion on.
>DONNA: Nerrrrd.
>DONNA: But sur
>RUTH: I've already tried out for soccer, so studying is fine.
>SOFIA: Where do you want to meet? The cafeteria?

---
Before lunchtime, you and the group spend some time looking over the chapters dealing with the founding of America.

During Lunch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbDkfG56Jbk
Keith has joined you, and is currently changed out of his athletic wear and into casual wear. You sit in the cafeteria, everyone, having finished their lunches. Except Allan, who has a three glasses of chocolate milk and two grilled ham and cheese sandwiches in front of him. He shivers at the thought of football.
"Urgh. I felt like I was dying out there. It got so humid, and the coach is a total hardass. Good thing I didn't go out after it got really hot."

"Didn't you sign up to try for all of the sports?" David asks innocently. "Won't you have to go out there anyways after lunch ends?"

"Fuck that," Keith shakes his head. "I'll just scratch out my name or something. I'm not working out any more after that. If Martinez does, he's insane."

Sofia glares at them. "Focus. Does anyone remember when Jamestown was founded?"

"I hate remembering dates. They're just so easy to mix up," Donna swats a paper football over the side of the table with her finger

"Jamestown..." Ruth thinks. "That was in the early 1700s, right? I mean, it has to be before 1776, obviously."

>>Jamestown's founding year?
>1703.
>1660.
>1710.
>1607.
>1699.

>>1620206
>1607.

>>1620209
This

>>1620209
>>1620218
>1607
(Your Knowledge has increased moderately!)
"That early?" Ruth seems suspicious of this, but checks it herself. "I mean, that sounds like it's... I dunno, at the end of the Middle Ages."

"Think about it," David says. "Who paid for Christopher Columbus's voyage?"

"That he lied about at every opportunity?" Donna snorts. "The royals of Spain."

"In 1492, over a hundred years earlier." Sofia sighs. "You all remember that kid's rhyme, right?"

"Well, when you put it like that..." Keith blinks, as if he just had an existential crisis. "I mean, didn't the Middle Ages end right about then? It seems like a big jump in technology is all."

David shrugs. "The last Crusade ended in 1272. What people think of the Middle Ages seems to differ from reality a lot. People of any age aren't dumb, they just didn't have the network of information and infrastructure we have now. You'd be surprised what got made when."

"Wasn't Martinez supposed to be here?" Keith looks at his phone for the time. "Guess he decided to crap out."

You all spend the remainder of the time the cafeteria is open studying, and after you're kicked out, continue in the Entertainment Center. After everyone's lost their focus, Keith and Donna go to play video games on one of the screens, while David watches eagerly. Ruth is sitting nearby on one of the couches reading 'The Tempest', and Sofia knits across from her.

It's late enough that you could call it a night now, but the school and city are still alive.
>>Early Evening
>Check Your Status
>Talk with Sofia and Ruth
>Play video games with Donna and Keith
>Go out on the city <Write-In where and who if anyone you want to invite>
>Call it a night
><Write-In>

>>1620253
>Play video games with Donna and Keith
Bring David in as well and see if they have that old 4-player Gauntlet.

>>1620253
>Talk with Sofia and Ruth

>>1620253
>>Talk with Sofia and Ruth

>>1620253
>>Talk with Sofia and Ruth

>>1620257
>Play video games with Donna and Keith
>>1620259
>>1620260
>>1620272
>Talk with Sofia and Ruth (Chosen)
Sofia is knitting socks sized for herself, it seems, and she and Ruth both look up from what they're doing as you sit nearby.

You ask what The Tempest is about, and Ruth holds up the cover. "I just thought it might be good to brush up on Shakespeare. This was one of the last plays he wrote along, and involves a magician playing tricks to restore himself and his daughter to power."

Sofia nods and continues knitting. "Shakespeare has written stranger things, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was quite nice reading."

You still sense a little bit of the hostility Carrollo's been giving you recently, and Ruth seems to pick up on it as well.
"Did you two happen to know each other in the past?" she asks. "It seems like you do, for some reason."

"Why do you say that?" Sofia looks between you and Ruth in honest questioning.

"I don't know..." Flores shakes her head. "Forget about it."

Sofia rolls her eyes. "He's from New York, so no." She looks at her sock and puts her finger through a gaping hole in the make. "I'm going to have to re-do this, aren't I?"

>>Topic
>Sofia: How much would it cost for you to make me a set of socks? I'm willing to pay.
>Ruth: Do you inline skate a lot? You seemed to be good at it.
>Sofia: That doesn't answer the question.
>Ruth: She reminds me of a girl I used to date.
>Sofia: Where do YOU live?
>Ruth: What do the cards have to say now?
><Write-In>

>>1620305
>Sofia: Where do YOU live?
>Ruth: She reminds me of a girl I used to date.

>>1620305
>>Sofia: That doesn't answer the question.
>>Ruth: She reminds me of a girl I used to date.

>>1620305
Sofia: How much would it cost for you to make me a set of socks? I'm willing to pay.
Ruth: What do the cards say

>>1620324
>>1620327
>>1620336
>Ruth: She reminds me of a girl I used to date.
Sofia rolls her eyes so hard you think she's going to drop them out of her head. "Not for very long, I take it?"
>Sofia: That doesn't answer the question.
>Sofia: Where do YOU live?
You remind her that the fact that you were raised in New York doesn't mean you never crossed paths, especially because you don't know where she was raised.
Carrollo furrows her brow and mutters something under her breath.

"What?" Ruth asks.

"I was BORN in Manhattan, but I was raised here more than there. My family has a house here, but it's too large and too far from the city for me to live in at it during school anyways. I used to go to one of the higher-end private schools here, until my mother died and my father was asked to return to New York by his boss. He does a lot of international business. The chance we would meet in the past is next to none."

>Sofia: How much would it cost for you to make me a set of socks? I'm willing to pay.
"As long as I'm putting up with your nonsense, I suppose I could make you some for ten dollars. They're quite durable."

>Ruth: What do the cards say?
She pulls out the deck, holds it up as if she's listening to someone other than you, and lays out three cards.
"Let me guess," Carrollo puts away the knitting materials and crosses her arms, "You asked her to do this so she could show us the Lovers and make yourself feel good."

Ruth shakes her head. "No, not the Lovers... The past- The Priestess, reversed. The Present- The Magician... Reversed?" She becomes more nervous, before turning over the third card. "The Future- The Devil?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sofia asks, now off the line of thought where she rebuffs your jokes and flirting. "Reversed means a negative interpretation, right?"

"Priestess Reversed...Intuition has been deceived... Magician Reversed... Someone is abusing their power... Devil...We're going to be trapped in something."

That's a bit of a sobering thought, and enough to kill the conversation dead for the moment.

---
That's going to be it for the week. I'll stick around to answer any questions.

And this might be of interest:
https://pastebin.com/ZPKj50NC

>>1620401
Very ominous I like it

when are you running again?

>>1620613
9 PM US Central Sunday nights, with a usual continuation the next two days after at the same time. Usually run until 2 AM.