It Takes Two/Dialogues

You're reading peacefully in the quad one day when Classmate 1 and Classmate 2 spot you! They power-walk over to you.
Classmate 1: MC! We just got out of our weekly student council meeting...
Classmate 2: And we have a dire legislative emergency!
MC: What happened?
Classmate 1: Standard parliamentary procedure has been thrown out the window!
Classmate 2: The two powerhouses of our esteemed student government, Tariq and Talia, are fighting!
MC: What?!
You look from Classmate 1 to Classmate 2. They're clearly shocked by what happened in student council.
MC: Okay, start from the beginning. What happened?
Classmate 1: We were holding a student council meeting... but Tariq and Talia couldn't reconcile their ideological differences! They started to disagree...
Classmate 2: And it transformed into a total breakdown of legislative order!
MC: But what were they arguing about--
Just then, Talia and Tariq walk by, bickering loudly.
Talia: It's all about branding and budget, Tariq. Our goals are consistency and efficiency.
Tariq: No way! We need an ambitious vision if we're gonna accomplish anything!
Tariq: Look, there's MC. Let's see what MC thinks.
The twins march over to you.
Talia: MC. You usually have a clear-eyed view of things. Who's right? Me or Tariq?
Tariq: Pro-tip. The right answer is 'Tariq.'
MC: You're gonna have to fill me in on the details. This is some student council thing, right?
Tariq: That, and more. We're talking about the future of our school here...
Talia: Which is why we must go with my plan. Professionalism and practicality are crucial!
MC: Maybe you both have a point?
Tariq: Hm. Doubt it. Talia clearly doesn't understand what our school needs to do to achieve greatness.
Talia: Excuse me? You don't even get the basic logistics of your own plan!
Tariq: I do, too! Are you kidding me?
Talia: I would never. Clearly, the time for bipartisanship is over!
Tariq and Talia storm off in different directions.
Classmate 2: Oh, this is not good... though I don't see why Talia can't just agree with Tariq. He's obviously correct.
Classmate 1: Et tu, Classmate 2? You know I fully support Talia.
Classmate 2: What? How can you say that? See if I ever lend you my annotated copy of Robert's Rules of Order again!
MC: Whoa, hang on. Let's not burn any bridges just yet...
Classmate 1: I appreciate the sentiment, MC, but Talia is right. Reaching across the aisle just isn't possible anymore!
Your classmates leave, following Tariq and Talia.
MC: This'll all blow over by tomorrow... I hope.
The next day, you arrive at school to see everyone gathered around Tariq and Talia! You spot a few students holding signs...
MC: 'Vote smart! Vote with Talia on the Katze Referendum'...? What's going on?
Talia glares at Tariq, furious.
Talia: Face it, Tariq. Over-ambitious solutions are pointless!
Tariq: Wrong. We live in an age of innovation. Battles are won by the daring!
Talia: The Katze Referendum will go through... in my favor!
Tariq: You're really pushing a vote on this, when you know you'll lose?
Tariq: Fine. This means war!
You fight your way through the crowd of students on the quad toward Talia and Tariq...
MC: Guys! What are you doing?!
Talia: What does it look like? I'm campaigning to be on the right side of history.
Tariq: Dream on. There's no way the electorate will side with you.
MC: Oh, come on. You're both on the student council. Shouldn't you guys try harder to compromise on... whatever this is?
Talia: Very cute, MC. But it's too late for compromise.
Talia: Our school needs common sense policy. Strong foundations. Detailed-oriented, practical plans.
Tariq: Sure, if you want to fall asleep! What we need is a revolution... we've got to shoot for the stars! Think big!
Talia: Let's be real, Tariq. You're all talk and no action!
Talia's supporters cheer, waving their signs! At the same time, Tariq's supporters hiss and boo, starting up an opposing chant!
MC: This is out of control. I've got to get their attention and make them stop...
Choice
What do you do?
   Do a skateboard trick!
   Throw a water balloon!
   Start dabbing!
if "Do a skateboard trick!" then
   You duck into the Jock Hangout to grab a skateboard, then speed through the crowd and skate onto a nearby railing!
   You land beside Tariq and Talia with a thud! The onlookers gasp and cheer.
   MC: Now that I have everyone's attention... I have something to say!
if "Throw a water balloon!" then
   You duck into the Nerd Hangout and grab a water balloon from Nishan's stash.
   You race back outside. Taking aim, you lob several water balloons at Tariq and Talia!
   MC: Take that! And that!
   Tariq: Aah! Who did that?
   Talia: MC! Explain yourself.
   MC: I just needed to get your attention. I have something to say!
if "Start dabbing!" then
   You pull up a song on your phone and put it on full blast! Heads turn as you start dancing along...
   MC: Woo!
   MC: And now that I have everyone's attention... I have something to say!
MC: Tariq, Talia... you guys are both brilliant at what you do, whether it's student council or launching start-ups...
MC: So maybe the two of you should listen to each other... instead of dragging the whole school into a student council dispute!
Talia: Oh, MC. It's not that simple. Tariq is just plain wrong...
Tariq: Actually, Talia is just plain wrong...
Talia: You'll have to choose a side eventually, and when you do, it'll be my side!
Tariq: No, it'll be my side!
MC: Seriously?
After the last class of the day, you head down the school steps...
And run into a chanting crowd led by Tariq! He wields a megaphone, shouting.
Tariq: If you're with me, then let me hear you!
Tariq: Vote NO on the Katze Referendum!
MC: Oh no...
You head down the school steps, where Tariq is rallying his supporters! You spot Payton among the students.
Tariq: What do we want?
Payton: Innovation!
Tariq: When do we want it?
Payton: Like, right now!
You join Payton in the cheering crowd.
MC: Payton, since when were you part of Tariq's... um, faction?
Payton: Since this morning! I heard Tariq's message, and I was like, wow, he totally gets it!
Tariq: The Katze Referendum is about our future. We need to dream big and be ambitious--
Tariq's speech is drowned out by a group of marching protestors led by Talia!
Talia: You've got the electorate fooled, Tariq. But not for long!
Talia leads her supporters up the school steps. She goes to stand beside Tariq at the very top.
Tariq: Interrupting my rally, Talia? Reminds me of the time you stole the TV remote, preventing me from marathoning America's Next Top Investor!
Talia: Whatever. The Great Start-up Race is way more compelling television!
MC: I can't believe this.
Payton: I know, right? I'd be sooo mad if my sister stole the remote!
Talia turns to the gathered students, her own megaphone in hand.
Talia: Here's the deal, people. Tariq has big dreams, sure. But what does that get you? Empty promises.
Talia: I'm all about the details. I believe in moderation and a balanced budget. It might not be as exciting as Tariq's plan--
Tariq: I'll say.
Talia: But my plan gets the job done. Now, let me begin by outlining my sixteen step plan...
You hear Nishan shout from the crowd...
Nishan: Yeah, tell it, Talia!
MC: Nishan, not you too...
Payton: No way! Go Tariq!
Talia and Tariq's supporters start cheering and shouting, each trying to drown the other out. You shove your way through the crowd toward Talia and Tariq...
MC: Talia, Tariq...
Choice
What do you say?
   Can't we all get along?
   SHUT UP!
if "Can't we all get along?" then
   MC: We should be working together and talking things out. Student council is a team effort.
   MC: It doesn't have to be this way...
   Talia: Actually, MC, it does. My brother just won't listen to what I have to say...
if "SHUT UP!" then
   MC: You're both being immature!
   MC: Just because you disagree, that doesn't mean you have to turn this into a schoolwide fight!
   Talia: I had no choice. My brother just won't listen to what I have to say...
Tariq: That's because you don't know what you're talking about!
Talia: Oh yeah? Well, you wouldn't know a Fortune 500 company if you walked right into it!
Tariq: What? You wanna say that again?
Talia slaps Tariq's shoulder, and he knocks her hand away... soon, the two of them are just slapping at each other!
MC: Guys! Come on, stop!
Talia and Tariq's supporters look on, stunned, as the twins continue to fight. You walk away, shaking your head.
MC: This can't go on...
MC: And I know just who to talk to about this.
if you chose Ace then
   You head to Ace's house. His mother opens the front door.
   MC: Hi, Mrs. de la Cruz. Is Ace home?
   Mrs. De la Cruz: Yes, I'll go get him. Won't you come in?
   You step inside Ace's house. Soon, he appears and takes a seat across from you in his living room.
   Ace: MC. Always a pleasure. I know why you're here--
   Mrs. De la Cruz: MC, would you like something to eat? Maybe some fruit and tea?
   Ace: Mom!
   Mrs. De la Cruz: Oh, Bartholomew. Don't mind me. I'll bring over some snacks in a bit.
   Mrs. de la Cruz bustles away, humming to herself. Ace turns back to you.
   Ace: Ahem. Anyway. I know why you're here. It's the student council, isn't it?
   MC: Yeah. Tariq and Talia are disagreeing over something big... and they've dragged the whole school into it!
   Ace: So I've heard. Unfortunate, but it was bound to happen. Let me tell you what's really going on here...
if you chose Julian then
   You head to Julian's house. His younger sister, Hope, opens the front door.
   MC: Hey, Hope! Is Julian home?
   Hope: Yep, let me call him for you.
   Hope: Julian! Get your butt over here!
   Julian shows up in the doorway, and Hope disappears down the hall.
   Julian: What's up, MC?
   MC: I take it you know about Tariq and Talia?
   Julian: I heard. You worried about them?
   MC: Yeah. They started fighting during student council... and now the whole school is involved!
   MC: And it doesn't look like they'll be working things out any time soon.
   Julian: That's too bad...
   Julian: But I think I know what's happening here.
if you chose Ace then
   You're at Ace's house, sitting across from him in his living room.
   Ace: When I first met Talia and Tariq, I could tell right away. They have promise.
   MC: Well, yeah. They are famous entrepreneurs.
   Ace: Not just that. Their political acumen is incredible. But no one is infallible.
   Ace: They may be great at what they do, but they're letting their emotions taint their politics.
   MC: So what you're saying is... this isn't just about some student council vote.
   Ace: Exactly. At its core, this is a fight between siblings. No treaty or compromise will fix things.
   Ace: They'll have to work things out themselves. And they will.
   MC: Ace...
   Choice
   What do you say?
       I hope you're right.
       I can't just do NOTHING!
   if "I hope you're right." then
       Ace: Of course I am.
       MC: But... the more they fight, the more it feels like they'll never resolve things.
   if "I can't just do NOTHING!" then
       MC: They're dividing the whole school! I can't sit back and let it happen!
       Ace: MC, it's okay.
   Ace: This fighting isn't sustainable. Fire needs fuel, and they'll run out. I know it.
if you chose Julian then
   You and Julian sit together on his front porch.
   Julian: I know from the outside, this looks like some important student council fight...
   MC: Isn't it?
   Julian: Maybe. But it kinda reminds me of when I get into a fight with Hope...
   Julian: And we fight a lot. We're different people, and we just don't see eye-to-eye all the time.
   MC: Hm... the way things have been going, it does feel like Tariq and Talia have turned this student council disagreement into a sibling rivalry...
   MC: But what do we do about it?
   Julian: I don't think you need to worry.
   Julian: Sure, me and Hope fight. But in the end, we're family. We work things out. You know what I mean?
   
   Choice
   What do you say?
       Yeah, I know what you mean.
       No, not really.
   if "Yeah, I know what you mean." then
       MC: When I fight with family, we always make up... eventually. You just can't stay mad at family for long.
       Julian: Yeah. Exactly. Talia and Tariq are family...
   if "No, not really." then
       MC: Honestly, that hasn't really been my experience.
       Julian: Fair enough. But Tariq and Talia are close.
   Julian: Even if they get into a huge fight, I think they'll work things out...
   Julian: Just like me and Hope always do.
   Suddenly, Hope pokes her head out the door.
   Hope: I heard my name! What'd you say about me?
   Julian: Nothing! Get out of here, dork!
   Hope: Whatever, Julian! I'm eating your chips, by the way!
   Julian: Seriously? I'm telling Mom!
   Hope sticks her tongue out at Julian, then goes back inside.
   Julian: Anyway, don't sweat it, MC. Things'll work out.
MC: I guess we'll see...
The following day, you're in the school halls, when you see Tariq walk past Talia...
Tariq: ...
Talia: ...
But the two of them ignore each other! They avoid eye contact as they continue on their way.
MC: Okay, this is ridiculous. I've got to make them talk!
You text Talia and Tariq from the student council room...
MC: 'Emergency student council meeting happening right now!'
Within minutes, Talia and Tariq burst into the room!
Talia: Where is everyone?
MC: Sorry, it's just me. I wanted to get you guys over here to talk.
Tariq: Not happening. We're way past that point.
Tariq and Talia stalk to opposite ends of the room.
Tariq: If we must talk, you can tell Talia that a compromise is impossible!
Talia: And you can tell Tariq that the student council likes my plan better!
MC: This is not what I had in mind, guys.
Tariq: Well, you can tell Talia that she's... unoriginal!
MC: Fine. Talia...
Choice
What do you say?
   You're unoriginal.
   Tariq misses you and wants to make up.
if "You're unoriginal." then
   MC: Happy?
   Tariq: Delighted.
if "Tariq misses you and wants to make up." then
   Tariq: Hey!
   MC: Oops. Maybe something got lost in translation.
Talia: Kindly tell Tariq that his net worth is less than a sack of potatoes!
Tariq: Oh yeah? Well, your net worth is a pile of garbage--
MC: Enough! You guys are a team. You shouldn't be fighting over... whatever this is!
MC: Until you grow up and sort things out, I'm done with you two.
Later, you're heading to the school cafeteria with Julian...
Julian: Hey, isn't that Talia and Tariq?
You turn to see Talia and Tariq across the quad. They're standing apart, their stances tense.
MC: Oh, not again...
But then you see Talia offer Tariq a handshake! Tariq accepts... and then pulls Talia into a hug!
Talia: ...
Tariq: ...
MC: Did they... did they just work things out?
Julian: Looks like it. Good for them.
Talia and Tariq walk over to you, both sheepishly grinning.
MC: Hey, guys! Everything good now?
Tariq: Yep. Thanks for the wake-up call. We appreciate it.
Talia: Sorry for dragging you and, well, everyone else into our fight.
Tariq: We lost sight of our common goal, and got carried away. Apologies.
MC: Apology accepted.
Talia: Now that we've worked things out, we've got a big surprise in store for you, MC! Just you wait...
One week later...
You're heading out of class when Talia and Tariq fall into step with you!
MC: Oh, hey guys. What's up? No more student council disputes, I hope?
Tariq: Not at all. In fact, quite the opposite!
Talia: MC, we'd like to formally invite you to... well, it's a surprise!
Tariq: We're celebrating the resolution of the Katze Referendum...
Talia: Now known as the Great Katze Compromise! Will you come?
MC: Of course! Lead the way.
You follow Tariq and Talia to the school entrance, where a tarp is covering a large shape. The student council and many of your classmates are already gathered there.
MC: Is that... a statue? That's what you were fighting over?!
You look at the covered statue by the school entrance. You hear excited murmurs from the gathered crowd.
MC: You mean... all that fighting... was for a statue?
Talia: Not just a statue! The pose for the statue!
Tariq: You see, I wanted our wildcat mascot statue to convey innovation and infinite potential!
Tariq: I pushed for a statue that was leaping into the sky with huge wings and a flaming sword!
Talia: But I wanted for something professional and dignified... a stiff stance with arms folded.
Tariq: After we stopped fighting, we reached a compromise! It's genius, if I do say so myself. Check it out!
Together, Talia and Tariq yank off the cover, revealing a wildcat mascot with its arms folded... and intricately detailed wings unfurling from its back!
Some students cheer, while others look stunned by the statue.
Payton: Whoa. I was not expecting something like... this.
Nishan: Is it just me, or is that design Lovecraftian?
Tariq: Talia and I worked hard to come up with the the perfect combo of inspiring and dignified!
MC: Well... it's something, all right.
if (hss.isCharacterAdmitted("ACE) then
Ace walks up to Talia and Tariq. He offers them both a brisk handshake.
Ace: I like the statue. It's got flair. My compliments.
Tariq: Thanks, Ace. That means a lot, coming from you.
Ace: Glad you resolved things.
Ace: At the end of the day, keeping allies on your side is more important than any victory. True in politics and family.
As he leaves, Ace flashes a grin at you. He speaks to you in a low voice, just loud enough for only you to hear...
Ace: Nice work as always, MC.
MC: I do my best. But they worked things out themselves.
Ace: Take the praise, MC. You deserve it.
Tariq: You know, this statue gives me an idea...
Talia: Way ahead of you. Are you thinking branded merchandise?
Tariq: You read my mind. We can combine that with promos to increase school spirit by at least fifteen percent.
MC: Do you guys ever take a break?
Tariq: Why would we do that? That's time we could spend doing things!
MC: Gotcha. Well, have fun with your new ideas. I'm sure they'll be brilliant.
Talia: Oh, but we need you to make them happen, MC...
Tariq: After all, you're part of our team!