Weekend Warrior/Dialogues

After school one Friday, you and Autumn are sitting on a bench in the quad, enjoying the sunshine.
MC: You finish your physics project yet?
Autumn: Almost! All the circuits are in my mini-house. I just have to decorate it!
MC: Ooh. That's gonna be amazing. Are you gonna put in a tiny art gallery?
Autumn: Yup. And a mini darkroom!
Just then, Ace briskly walks by you and Autumn. He pauses next to your bench and nods in greeting.
MC: Hey, Ace. Whatcha up to this weekend?
Ace: The usual. Speeches to edit, campaigns to run, and an office to reorganize.
Autumn: Wow. You're quite the busy guy.
Ace: What can I say? Life moves at a sprint, and I've got my running shoes on. I take my three internships very seriously.
Ace: So, what's on your agenda this weekend?
MC: Nothing really. Just chilling. Hey... wanna join us?
Ace: And do nothing? Interesting proposition, but I've got work stacked a mile high on my plate.
MC: Aw, Ace. I'm sure that can wait. Why not take a break? Live a little!
Ace: Hm... I guess it wouldn't hurt. Fine, I'm sold.
Ace: I'll give this 'nothing' a try.
Ace joins you and Autumn on the bench. He glances around and starts twiddling his thumbs.
Ace: So... now what?
MC: That's the beauty of it! I don't know!
Autumn: It's kinda hot out today. Maybe we could... head to the pool?
MC: Love it. I bet we'll run into Julian there!
You, Autumn, and Ace head to the public pool near campus. You strip down to your swimsuits just as Julian cannonballs into the pool! A giant splash of water hits you!
MC: Hey, wait for me!
You run to the diving board and jump into the water!
Choice
What do you do?
   Belly flop!
   Front flip!
   Cannonball!
if "Belly flop!" then
   You fling your arms and legs out to the side as you hit the water hard!
   Julian: Whoa. You okay, MC? That must've hurt.
   MC: But I won style points, right?
   Julian: Definitely. I'd give it a ten.
if "Front flip!" then
   You tuck and roll midair, hitting the water in a perfect dive!
   Julian: Sweet moves! I'd give it a ten.
   MC: Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week.
if "Cannonball!" then
   You tuck your legs in as you hit the water, creating a huge splash!
   Julian: Hey! You stole my move!
   MC: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
if you run out of time
   You freeze up and your arms flail about as you hit the water!
   MC: Ahhhh!
   Julian: I've never seen that move before.
   MC: Let's call it... the MC.
Autumn follows you and jumps into the water! You and your friends glance back at Ace.
He stands on the edge of the diving board, a contemplative look on his face. Julian swims up to you...
Julian: I know Ace is different now, but I'm still not wild about him. You sure about bringing him along to hang with us?
MC: He's trying to change, Julian. Just give him a chance.
Autumn: You coming in, Ace? The water's great!
Ace: Just working out how to optimize this experience. You know me. Here I go...
Ace takes a step back, getting a running start before performing a perfect swan dive into the pool!
MC: Nice dive. Definitely worthy of a ten.
Ace: Practice makes perfect.
MC: So... does this beat your typical busy weekend yet?
Ace: It's certainly promising. Need a few more data points before I make that call...
Julian: Maybe your weekend would be better if you stuck to your original plans.
Ace: Ah. There it is. The data's in.
MC: Come on, guys. There's no need for that. Let's...
Choice
What do you suggest?
   Race across the pool!
   Have a splash war!
   Simply float!
if "Race across the pool!" then
   MC: Last one to the other side has to jump from the high dive!
   You and your friends take off swimming! Ace and Julian rush to the other side. Julian hits the wall just before him, closely followed by you and Autumn.
   Julian: Julian in the house! I won!
   Julian: And, uh... good race, Ace. You're not bad. I guess.
   Ace: Thanks. You certainly gave me a run for my money.
   MC: Looks like Autumn's jumping off the high dive though!
   Soon, Autumn climbs to the top of the highest platform and looks down at you all.
   Autumn: This is so much higher than I thought.
   MC: You can do it!
   Autumn takes a big breath and jumps straight into the pool like a pencil! She surfaces with a huge smile across her face.
   Autumn: Let's do that again!
if "Have a splash war!" then
   You look at Autumn and splash her in the face!
   Autumn: MC! A sneak attack?!
   MC: All's fair in love and water wars!
   Soon, you're in the midst of an all-out splash battle! Julian and Ace aim at each other, while you take on Autumn.
   Julian: I have you now!
   Ace: We'll see about that!
   MC: You're all wrong! I am the water master!
   After a while, you and your friends call a truce. Julian and Ace look at each other.
   Julian: I won't forget what you did, but... you're all right, Ace.
   Ace: Thanks, Julian. That means a lot to me.
if "Simply float!" then
   You float on your back, soaking in the sun's rays. Your friends follow suit.
   MC: Now this is the life.
   Ace: I haven't felt this relaxed since...
   Julian: Before you backstabbed us?
   Autumn: Julian... give him a second chance.
   Julian: Fine. I'm not saying I'll forget, but... you seem like you're trying to change.
   Ace: Thanks, Julian. I want to make it up to you. To all of you.
   Julian: You can start by passing me that pool noodle.
   MC: Pass me one, too. I'm ready to relax.
After you and your friends dry off and leave the pool area, a sleek car pulls up. The window rolls down, and you see Mia and Payton!
Mia: Get in, MC. We're going shopping.
Payton: Pretty please?
Autumn: Sorry, Payton. I'm all shopped out. I think I'll stick around here.
Payton: Awww, okay. What about you, MC?
MC: I'm in. But only if Ace can tag along!
Mia looks Ace over and nods.
Mia: If he must. Now get in! We're wasting business hours!
Mia drives you, Ace, and Payton to a street lined with boutiques. You and your friends sift through the store Chez Chic.
Ace: Does any shopping ever happen on these trips? We've been just browsing for half an hour.
MC: You've clearly never been to the mall with Mia and Payton before.
Payton: Hey, don't joke! Shopping is serious business!
Mia: Not just that. This is war.
Ace: Got it. Message received. I can respect that passion.
Payton pulls off a large beach hat off the top shelf. She puts it on and twirls around for you and your friends.
Payton: OMG. I need this hat. It's perfect!
MC: Whoa. Check out that price tag.
Payton: It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but... how can you say no to the most perfect hat ever?
Ace: I've got an idea. Let me handle the talking.
You, Mia, and Payton watch as Ace talks to the boutique owner.
MC: You think he can score a discount?
Payton: Who knows? He's really good at smooth-talking.
Payton: I mean, just look at what he did on the district council...
Mia: Well, I think we're about to see him eat a slice of humble pie. I know the owners of this boutique, and they are not easy to butter up.
After a brief conversation, Ace returns with the hat, a smirk on his face.
MC: Any luck?
Ace: Mrs. Reina's a sweetheart. She's willing to give you the hat for half off, Payton.
Payton: Seriously? How'd you pull that off?
Ace: Worked out a deal with the owners, sold them on your social media reach. If you tweet about Chez Chic, she'll give you her best discount.
Payton: Thank you, thank you, thank you! I take back all the mean but totally true things I've said about you before!
Mia: Nice job, Ace. I'm kind of impressed... just a little bit.
MC: That's saying a lot, coming from Mia. Hat's off to you, Ace!
Ace: Thank you, MC. All in a day's work.
As you head back to your car, you get a text from Sakura...
Sakura: 'Get to the arcade now. And prepare to be destroyed!'
MC: Say... how good are you at gaming?
Ace: Well, I live to win... and I've been known to have an ace up my sleeve.
Ace: So I'd have to say that I'm pretty good.
MC: Good. Because it's time to face Sakura and Nishan...
You and Ace arrive at the local arcade. You find Nishan watching Sakura playing Galaxy Defenders.
Sakura: Yeah, new high score! Take that alien scum!
Nishan: Hey MC! And... uh, Ace?
Nishan drops his voice to a whisper.
Nishan: MC... why is he here? I was kinda hoping for a Kepler-free game sesh, you know?
MC: We're just hanging out. I thought he'd like the arcade.
Sakura shares a look with Nishan and shrugs.
Sakura: Fine, whatever. He can stay...
Sakura raises her voice to include Ace.
Sakura: We'll see how much you like it after you both mega lose to us!
Ace: Big words. It'd be a shame if you had to eat them.
Sakura: You're going down... DDR style!
You and your friends gather around the DDR machine. Sakura and Ace face off first, while you and Nishan wait by their sides.
Nishan: This is tag team DDR. The rules are simple... dance your heart out until the timer goes off. Then, switch with your partner!
MC: Gotcha. Let's do this!
Sakura cranks the difficulty up to the max, and the song begins. Sakura and Ace dance, keeping pace with each other.
Ace: Left, down, side-to-side, and up!
Sakura: I could do this in my sleep.
Suddenly, the timer goes off! Without hesitation, Nishan tags Sakura out. You go up to Ace and...
Choice
What do you do?
   Tag!
   Brag!
   Lag!
if "Tag!" then
   You high-five Ace and switch spots with him seamlessly.
   MC: Now that's what I call teamwork!
   Nishan: But will it be enough to beat us?
   You and Nishan finish the song, matching each other almost step for step. Finally, the winner appears on screen...
   MC: We won, Ace!
   Ace: Great team effort! Should we take this show on the road? Is there competitive DDR on the national track?
   MC: Ace, seriously?
   Ace: Kidding, kidding... kind of.
if "Brag!" then
   MC: Oh yeah! We're the best! We're gonna wipe the floor with Sakura and Nish!
   Ace: MC, you're supposed to switch with me!
   MC: Oh... oops. My bad.
if "Lag!" then
   MC: Uh... what was I supposed to do?
   Ace: MC, switch with me!
   MC: Oh yeah! That!
You spring into action, finally tagging out Ace. You struggle to keep up with Nishan's moves.
MC: Right, left, I mean... up!
Nishan: This song's all me!
You and Nishan finish the song, and the winner appears on screen...
Sakura: Yes! In your face! I'm still the DDR queen!
MC: All hail the queen!
Ace: Better luck next time. If at first you don't succeed...
MC: Dance, dance, dance again?
Ace: Took the words right out of my mouth, MC.
end
Sakura: Not too shabby, Ace. But let's see how you do on Galaxy Defenders.
Ace: You're on.
MC: Oh boy... here we go again.
As you're leaving the arcade with Ace, you get a phone call from Wes...
Wes: Hey, MC. Let's hang out. Meet me at my spot outside of town.
Wes hangs up, and you turn to Ace.
MC: Do you mind if I swing by to see Wes before we go home?
Ace: Fine by me. Lead on.
You and Ace drive to Wes's spot outside of town. You find him leaning against a tree by his motorcycle.
Wes: Hmph. Why'd you bring two-face?
MC: Play nice, Wes. You know he's changed.
Wes: Yeah, for now. Don't try anything tricky. It won't work.
Ace: Not to worry. I'm not so foolish as to try to pull anything over on you. I made that mistake already.
Ace: And I learn from my mistakes.
Wes: We'll see... come on.
You and Ace follow Wes through the trees to a flowing river. The three of you sit down at the water's edge, watching the current.
MC: This is what I needed. I could sit here all day...
Ace: Agreed. It's nice. Nature has its charms.
Wes: If only the company were better...
MC: Can we just enjoy this view for a bit and relax?
Choice
How do you relax?
   Zone out...
   Watch the clouds!
   Contemplate life's mysteries!
if "Zone out..." then
   You focus on the river's current, your attention wandering...
   Ace: So what do you think, MC?
   Wes: MC? Hello? You with us?
   MC: Sorry, zoned out there for a bit. What did you say?
   Ace: Never mind. Was just thinking out loud.
if "Watch the clouds!" then
   You lie on your back and stare at the clouds overhead.
   MC: That one looks like a dog!
   Wes: Looks more like a skateboard to me...
   Ace: That one looks like the presidential seal!
   Ace: No? Just me?
   MC: I guess if I close one eye... I can kinda see the eagle.
if "Contemplate life's mysteries!" then
   MC: You ever wonder why we're here? Like, what is our purpose?
   Wes: Nope.
   Ace: Not really. I already know.
   Ace: Finish undergrad in three years. Go to law school. Run for office. Win. Change the direction of the nation. Support my mother.
   MC: That's... very specific.
   Ace: I'm a results-oriented guy.
   Wes: I'll say.
Ace settles back on the grassy riverbank.
Ace: You know, I wish I had a place like this to escape to when I was a kid. Somewhere to just be.
MC: Yeah, it's great here. Wes knows what's up.
Wes: After everything we've been through together, we need a spot to get away from it all. Forget all the drama and stuff...
MC: Oh, man. Tell me about it. Remember when we broke into Hearst?
Wes: Mhm. One of my better schemes.
MC: Not to mention everything with the district council...
MC: Uh, I mean...
Wes shoots a glare at Ace.
Wes: Good times.
Ace: You know what? I'm gonna go for a walk. Let me know when you're ready to leave, MC.
Ace stands up and starts walking downstream.
MC: Wait! Ace!
You catch up with Ace further downstream, skipping rocks across the river.
MC: Hey, Ace. So... about that back there.
Ace: Sorry, MC. Not all of your friends are ready to forgive me. But that's understandable.
Ace: I don't belong with you guys. You all trust each other. But me? I haven't earned that trust.
Choice
What do you say?
   You're right. You haven't.
   You're wrong. You have.
if "You're right. You haven't." then
   MC: It's a work in progress. Are you really gonna give up now?
   MC: The Ace I know would never quit in the face of a challenge.
   Ace: When you put it that way...
   Ace: I guess I can't give up now, can I? I'd hate to disappoint you. I owe you, after all.
if "You're wrong. You have." then
   MC: If I can look past everything you did, the others can, too.
   MC: I'm not saying it'll be easy. What you did back then... with New Start and the district council... that wasn't okay.
   MC: But here and now, I trust you. And that's what matters.
   Ace: Thanks, MC. Not to be trite, but that means a lot to me.
Just then, you hear a twig snap. You look back and see Wes striding over.
Wes: Ace, we need to talk.
Wes leans against a nearby tree and folds his arms. He levels another glare at Ace.
MC: So you heard all of that?
Wes: Enough of it. Look, Ace, I hate to admit it, but... I respected you. As a contact and as a guy who made things happen.
Wes: But I got burned. We all did. What hurt the most was knowing that I should've seen it coming. And I didn't.
Ace: For what it's worth, I respected you, too. All I can say is that I'm sorry.
Wes: The thing is... I was in the same boat when I started here.
MC: I haven't forgotten that mayo incident.
Wes: Heh. Classic. You and everyone else still gave me a second chance though. It's what our school does.
Wes: Not saying I trust you, Ace. But I guess I can give you another chance.
Wes extends his hand to Ace, who cautiously shakes it.
Wes: But if you ever mess with us again... you won't like what happens.
Ace: Understood.
The next evening, you're at home when Ace calls you.
Ace: I wanted to do something special for everyone... so Payton helped me out.
Ace: Get over to her house. As Payton would say, it's guaranteed to be the best sleepover ever.
MC: Big promises. You'd better follow through with that.
When you arrive at Payton's house, you're immediately greeted by Ace, Payton, and the rest of your friends!
Payton: MC's here! Now it's a party!
Autumn: What do you want to do first? We could sing some karaoke...
Mia: How about some truth or dare instead?
MC: Hm... that's a tough call.
You and your friends are gathered around the karaoke machine, listening to Payton and Autumn finish their duet.
Autumn: 'And youuuu... you're the one for me! The one to set to me freeeee!'
Payton: 'You'll always be... there for me!'
The music fades out. Autumn and Payton take a bow as you and your friends applaud.
MC: Ace, let's sing a song together! How about it?
Ace: Not much of a karaoke guy.
Ace: But... I'll give it a shot. Just for you.
You and Ace each grab a mic and look through the music selection.
Ace: Hm... what kind of song should we sing?
MC: Let's pick a...
Choice
What do you choose?
   Cartoon theme song!
   Romantic duet!
   Rock and roll jam!
if "Cartoon theme song!" then
   The upbeat theme song plays. You and Ace belt out the lyrics as they appear across the monitor.
   Ace: 'Pick up that tuba and oboe and do that quacky, wacky song!'
   MC: 'Because it's time to sing along, you know you've waited all day long!'
   Ace: 'For the Treble Beats Show!
if "Romantic duet!" then
   The romantic ballad plays. You and Ace belt out the lyrics as they appear across the monitor.
   MC: 'Hold me! Love me! Only in your arms do I feel safe and sound!'
   Ace: 'I never knew I needed anyone 'til I found you. I'll be true...'
   MC: 'Because... I love youuuu!'
if "Rock and roll jam!" then
   The heavy rock music plays. You and Ace belt out the lyrics as they appear across the monitor.
   MC: 'Darkness closes in, looking for the skeletons within...'
   Ace: 'Now's the time for the anger to begin...'
   MC: 'Wreck the walls, smash the expectations. Here comes the warrior!'
Soon, you and Ace finish the song, and your friends cheer you on.
Nishan: Woo! That was fantastic!
Julian and Nishan stand up and grab the mics.
Julian: Stand back everyone. We're up next.
You and your friends gather in the living room to play truth or dare.
Sakura: It's your turn next, MC.
MC: Hmm... Ace. Truth or dare?
Ace: Dare. I'm not afraid of a challenge.
MC: I dare you to...
Choice
What do you say?
   Imitate a chicken!
   Drink a mystery smoothie!
   Kiss me!
if "Imitate a chicken!" then
   Ace starts flapping his arms and runs around, clucking.
   Ace: Bawk! Ba-gawk!
   Payton: Ooh. Does this mean it's time for the chicken dance?
   Ace: Your wish. My command.
   Ace starts dancing around the room...
   Ace: Cluck, cluck, ba-gawk!
   MC: I guess Ace really does go all out.
if "Drink a mystery smoothie!" then
   You and your friends head to the kitchen. You start throwing anything you can find into a blender.
   MC: Let's see... some ketchup, honey, milk. Ooh! Tabasco sauce!
   Payton: Throw in this ice cream to top it all off!
   Wes: That smells awful. Good luck, Ace.
   Ace: Trust me, nothing tastes as bitter as defeat. Whatever you've mixed up is nothing...
   Ace downs the concoction smoothly and smiles.
   Ace: You know... that's not bad.
if "Kiss me!" then
   MC: Or you can jump up and down with socks on your hands. Your choice.
   Ace: I'll take the kiss.
   Ace swiftly leans over and presses a kiss to your lips. He gives you a confident grin, but you see him start to blush.
   MC: You're not bad at truth or dare.
   Ace: Give me more of a challenge next time.
As the night winds down, you and your friends settle down to watch the movie Summer Sweethearts on the giant TV.
Payton: Ohmygosh, this is, like, the thirty-fourth time I've watched this movie, but I still love it.
Ace: Seriously? I understand the mass market appeal of romcoms, but doesn't it get old? This movie is just rife with cliches.
MC: Lemme guess... not your kind of movie?
Ace: Not to knock on our lovely host's choice of film, but I just don't see the point. We all know what's going to happen.
Ace: Meet cute. Romance. Obstacles. True love and a white picket fence. The plot is shockingly predictable.
MC: It's not about the plot. We watch it because...
Choice
What do you say?
   It's heartwarming!
   It's funny!
   We're with friends!
if "It's heartwarming!" then
   MC: The plot may be predictable, but all the warm and fuzzy feelings still hit me every single time.
   Autumn: It's good escapism. And we can watch something more your speed after this.
   Ace: All right. All right. Deal.
if "It's funny!" then
   MC: You're right, it is predictable. But all the corny plot twists are what make it funny!
   Autumn: Like, what are the chances that these high school sweethearts end up at the same summer festival all the way across the country?
   Ace: Slim to none.
   Autumn: Exactly. It's weirdly fun to just yell at the screen whenever something silly happens.
   Ace: All right. All right. I'll give a try.
if "We're with friends!" then
   MC: Doesn't matter the movie, watching it with friends makes it all worth it.
   Autumn: That's kind of what we're all about, you know?
   Ace: I'm starting to pick up on that.
As the movie continues, you pass Ace the bowl of popcorn.
Ace: Hang on. Are they breaking up? It's obvious they love each other. All the signs are there!
Mia: Oh, they'll get back together. Just you wait.
MC: You're really getting into this movie, Ace.
Ace: Shocking, I know. But I'm an all or nothing kind of guy. Right now? I'm all in.
A few days later, you run into Ace in the quad.
MC: Hey Ace! So what big plans do you have this weekend?
Ace: Well, I've got a few presentations to run, a workshop to host, and about seven school clubs want a piece of me.
Ace: But that can wait. I think I'm gonna just... chill.
MC: Really. Mind if I join you?
Ace: Not at all. In fact, I'd love it if you did.
Ace is already striding purposefully toward the school gates. He waits for you to fall into step with him, flashing his usual, charismatic grin.
MC: You look like you're ready to take the world by storm.
Ace: Nah, not this weekend. The world can wait... we've got nothing to do.