The Ninth Trial

[advisories]

Who: everyone
When: Day 18, starting just after dawn
Where: The Hermit's Tent, and all around

[This morning as the sun begins to pour through the train's windows, there's the tremor that signals a Trial.]

Come hither, Heroes. Prove thy worth. Or something like that!

[It's the same older man's voice from the sixth trial, and outside is the same fortune teller's stall. Today the front flap is lifted to show a normal interior -- there's a wooden table, carved with geometric patterns and painted in bright colours, lit by teal-coloured carved candles.

At the table sits a man of indeterminate age, somewhere between 30 and 60. He's wearing what appear to be monk's robes, teal with patterned trimming. In front of him is a crystal ball and a stack of bingo cards, along with a stand-up sign bearing the rules of this Trial.

Across the top in large font, it says:

Icebreaker Bingo

Good luck and have fun!]

Comments

[bad_crowmance]

Honestly.... I doubt anyone other than you has that impression, anyway.

[ He's just going to aggressively slack off in public for a while. ]

[voreaciously]

So you hope. [And she is going to grind that hope beneath her very fashionable leather heels.]

There was the play for our trial in which you were instrumental, and we may not have been grouped together every time but it is difficult to imagine you not putting for an effort for other trials. You are also doing your best for this one. [And your team is gonna beat hers by one

FUCKING

POINT OH MY G--]

And not only are you competitive, you follow through.

[bad_crowmance]

There's a difference between hard work and being competitive! C'mooooon, you can't really be serious.

[voreaciously]

You will notice I said "follow through" as in, you do it well; as in, when you have committed to some pursuit or goal you do not give up frivolously. Though it brings me no joy to bear you this tragic news, being competitive and working hard go hand-in-hand in this particular case.

[It's funny how you can earnestly compliment someone while bullying them.]

[bad_crowmance]

Ugggghhh!!!

[ He's in!!! Despair!!! ]

[voreaciously]

It is terminal, I am afraid: you are a capable, competent, driven individual and I am likely not the only one who knows it. I suggest you get your house in order.

[She delivers this terrible news in the most solemn of tones as it warrants. Hopefully, he can come to terms with it.]

[bad_crowmance]

This is slander! Absolute slander!

[voreaciously]

[Her tone immediately lightens, not missing a beat.]

Hm, you are free to mount a case in your defense. [you know, something that will not be work at all! :D]

I am curious as to how you plan to dispel such notions.

[If nothing else, that will prove entertaining for her.]

But come now, it is to your credit if people do not think you are lazy for some things, yes?

[bad_crowmance]

For some things. Very few things. Two things, probably.

[voreaciously]

What is the other thing?

[like she is pretty sure they both know what one of those things are.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ They definitely both know what one of those things are. ]

Fighting, of course!

[voreaciously]

I wonder if you could be a terrible lay on purpose, if you are so determined to prove otherwise.

[bad_crowmance]

Didn't we agree that was one of the two things? Of course I can't do that!

[voreaciously]

Yes, but you are competitive, do dares and take part in wagers. I am wondering if you could beat yourself at something.

[bad_crowmance]

I don't wanna beat myself at that one....

[voreaciously]

Yes, that is what makes it so amusing. I mean interesting. Interesting is what I meant to say. You would not do it for sparks?

[bad_crowmance]

Not even for sparks. A guy's gotta have some pride in himself...!

[voreaciously]

And thus, to his grand dismay, Crow-san's character continued to grow.

[bad_crowmance]

I have lots of character! It's just that I don't want "hard-working" to be considered part of it.

[voreaciously]

Yes, well, I would have thought integrity to be equally anathema. At any rate, good luck with your lackadaisical pursuits, hmm?

[bad_crowmance]

Don't worry, I won't do my best at all.

[ Get it? ]

[voreaciously]

[She makes a gentle, mysterious noise in her throat.]

Of course.

[She is a clock, but she cannot help but look at the one in the kitchen.]

There is still some time before I should give you your massage. Were there other squares you wished to do?

[bad_crowmance]

There's always pretending to be your favourite animal!

[voreaciously]

[What is her favourite animal?

Something intelligent. Lethal. Aquatic.

But really, her favourite animal is the one animal that has been by her side until very recently. Watery moth-like wings form at her back and she sprouts antenna to match.]

Tzzz. Tzzz!

[It's a kind of squeaky buzzing noise.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ What... animal is this? He applauds, though. ]

Man, using your water magic's a nice touch!