Episode 3: Hell Is Empty - Script

Script

This article is a script for Episode 3: Hell Is Empty of Life is Strange: Before the Storm.

Amber House

Downstairs

Chloe and Rachel sit on the couch in the living room. James sits on a chair facing them, and Rose stands next to him.

James: I want to tell you all of it. [sighs] But are you sure that you want Chloe to be here for—?

Rachel: Chloe stays.

Rachel holds Chloe's hand.

James: Of course. In every way that matters...

Rose rests her hand on James' shoulder and he places his hand on hers. They share a loving glance before turning back to the girls.

James: ...Rose is my wife and your mother. But the woman you saw at the overlook...her name is Sera. Your...birth mother.

Everything fades to black except for Chloe, Rachel, the couch, and the coffee table. A viewfinder appears in front of them. Spotlights shine on the viewfinder and the girls.

James: (voiceover) I'm going to tell you everything, Rachel. Everything I've shielded you from for so long.

Rachel gets up and walks forward.

James: (voiceover) But the truth can be hard to look at. Is this really something you're ready for?

Rachel looks back at Chloe, then approaches the viewfinder. Chloe gets up and watches her. Rachel holds the viewfinder, preparing to look through it, but then looks back at Chloe.

Rachel: Chloe?

Chloe: I'm right here.
Rachel: Good. I need you.

Chloe: You can handle this.
Rachel: Not without you.

Chloe joins Rachel at the viewfinder. They hold hands and look through it together. In the darkness, a spotlights shines on a scene from James' and Sera's life. A teenage Sera stands in front of her open locker, examining herself in the mirror.

James: (voiceover) When I was in high school, there was one person everyone adored.

Sera closes her locker to find James standing next to her, one hand resting on the row of lockers, the other on his hip. He grins and nods at her.

James: (voiceover) Her teachers, her friends... [sighs] Sera was everyone's favorite.

James and Sera begin chatting with each other.

James: (voiceover) Every boy wanted to date her.

James moves closer to Sera as they talk, and she laughs and brushes her hair behind her ear.

James: (voiceover) I could barely believe it when she picked me. Sometimes, I think that's what kept me blind for so long.

The scene fades out. Another spotlights appears; James and Sera are dressed up and dancing with each other as jaunty music plays in the background.

James: (voiceover) She was so alive, so passionate about...everything. Early on, though, I realized I wasn't enough for her. While the rest of us were pursuing college, careers, families... [sighs] Sera wasn't looking for any of that.

James stops dancing and fades out, but Sera continues dancing by herself. The music slows down and becomes distorted.

James: (voicover) She was looking...for escape.

The scene fades out and the next one appears. Sera is wearing a hospital gown and James holds their newborn baby.

James: (voiceover) When Sera became pregnant, [sighs] I thought it would solve everything. And it did...for a little while. Becoming your father was the greatest moment of my life. [sighs] There was so much love, but...I was still blind.

The moment disappears and the next one begins. Sera stands in front of a bed, a needle on the ground next to her and mascara smeared from her tears. Baby Rachel is heard crying in the background.

James: (voiceover) However much she loved you then, [sighs] it wasn't enough. For Sera, the need to escape was always there.

Sera reaches down and grabs the needle.

James: (voiceover) For over a year, I tried to help her. I made myself believe that she was still a good person.

Rachel continues crying, but Sera ignores her, injecting the needle into her arm.

James: (voiceover) That, no matter what happened, [sighs] (voice breaking) she would never do anything to hurt you.

Sera drops the needle and slowly falls to the ground. The baby's cries increase.

James: (voiceover) [sighs] (voice breaking) I...was wrong. [sighs] Eventually, I saw her... [inhales] for who she really was.

James runs into the room and begins shaking Sera, but her eyes stay shut and she doesn't move. The baby's cries continue, getting louder and more pained.

James: (voiceover) [sniffles] A destructive person. (voice breaking) Someone who could never be satisfied, [inhales] (normally) by anyone, or anything.

James runs over to the crib, worried.

James: (voiceover) (voice breaking) Even the love of her own daughter.

James picks up the baby and bounces her, trying to soothe her.

James: (voiceover) [inhales] (breathily) I was desperate. (sobbing) I didn't know what to do, [sniffles] s—so I made a choice. I was never going to let her harm you again.

The baby finally calms down. She closes her eyes and makes cooing noises. The scene fades away; the new image is of James and Sera standing under the tree at Overlook Park.

James: (voiceover) [inhales] (voice breaking) What you saw at the overlook, Rachel... [sighs] It was true, we kissed.

James and Sera kiss.

James: (voiceover) [inhales] (voice breaking) It was the saddest kiss of my life. It was a kiss goodbye. I told her [inhales] that I was happy for her, that she felt like she'd gotten her life together...finally. (tearfully) But she didn't get to just decide one day to be a mother.

James expression is sad and pained; he places his hands on Sera's shoulders and talks to her. Sera looks surprised, shaking her head as James speaks. James pulls away but Sera grabs his hands.

James: (voiceover) (tearfully) [sniffles] Not after what she'd done. Not after all the people she hurt, [sighs] all the lives she destroyed. I told her [inhales] she'd been given the greatest gift in the world...the chance to be your mother.

James backs away but Sera advances toward him. He turns and leaves.

James: (voiceover) [sighs] And she squandered it.

Sera stands alone, looking sad.

James: (voiceover) It...pained me to hurt her like that. [inhales] But I'd do it again...and again, and again, to keep you safe.

The scene fades away and Chloe and Rachel are left standing at the viewfinder. Then the viewfinder and the blackness disappear and Chloe and Rachel are again sitting on the couch across from James and Rose.

Rachel: (accusingly) So that was the first time you've seen her or spoken with her in 15 years?

James: No... [looks down sadly] I send her money... [exchanges pained glance with Rose] Every single month. [sighs, places hand on Rose's] It's our...arrangement.

Rose sits down in the armchair behind James.

Rachel: But now...she wants to see me?

James: Yes. But Rachel, it cannot be.

Chloe: Why not? If that's what Rachel wants?
James: Drug addiction is a disease. It afflicts everyone, not just the addict. I will not allow you to be victimized by her disease again.
Chloe: Even if that's true, Rachel could still meet her.
Rachel: And, maybe...the—the fact that she wants to see me...means she's gotten better?

Chloe: You think you have the right to decide that for her?
James: When I left Sera, when I took Rachel away, I truly believe I saved her life. And I will continue to protect her, no matter what.
Rachel: But maybe she's different now. People change, right?

James: Maybe so. But consider that for 15 years, she's preferred that money to you.

Rachel looks shocked and lightly sobs.

Chloe: Rachel...

Rachel: I think I need to lie down.

Everyone gets up. Rachel walks up the stairs to her room and James and Rose watch her with sadness and concern. James sits down in an armchair, his head in his hands. Rose goes into the kitchen, slumping over the sink.

Optional Conversation with James

Chloe sits in the chair across from him.

Chloe: Uh...um, this must be hard for you too...Mr. Amber.

James: [sighs] It could be far worse. My biggest fear is that Rachel will try to meet Sera. I've dreaded it.

Chloe: So that's why you never told her?

James: [sighs] You have no idea what pain Sera's caused. Her addiction has led her to do terrible things. I don't want Rachel to go through any of that.

Chloe: But...shouldn't that be up to Rachel to decide?
James: Rachel is curious and determined. [sighs] She's always going to want to know more.
Chloe: I can believe that.
James: She won't be concerned about her own safety. She never has been.

Chloe: I—I don't understand. Are you afraid that Sera would do something to Rachel?
James: I don't believe that she would deliberately harm anyone. But addicts can cause tremendous harm without meaning to.
Chloe: Yeah...but Rachel's not a baby anymore—
James: Listen to me. Sera brought criminals and drug dealers into our home. She put Rachel in serious danger just to chase her habit.

Chloe: Do you think Sera is involved with any of the drug dealers around here?
James: It wouldn't surprise me if she were. That's who she is.

James: Chloe, I believe Rachel trusts you more than anyone else right now.

Chloe: (angrily) Is this where you ask me to manipulate Rachel into doing what you want?

James: This is where I ask you to do what your conscience dictates. But, please...put my daughter's safety first.

Chloe: That is something I will always do.
James: She's so young...you are too. But I know you've experienced loss. (pleadingly) Protect her from that, please.

Chloe: Maybe...try the truth for a change?
James: What do you mean?
Chloe: Well, you did lie to your daughter for 15 years.
James: [sighs, looks down] This is true. And that's why I need your help. (sincerely) I only care about Rachel, Chloe.

Chloe: I'll do what I can. I care about her too, y'know?

James: I know. Thank you.

Chloe gets up.

Optional Conversation with Rose

Chloe: Hey...Mrs. Amber...

Rose: I think it's Rose at this point, considering everything.

Chloe: Okay...Rose.

Chloe: Do you need any help with...anything?
Rose: That's very kind of you. Could you get out the broom for me? It's in the breezeway; door to the left of the fridge.
Chloe can open the door and retrieve the broom. She can also look at the shirt lying in a cardboard box labeled "FOR DONATION".
Chloe: (thinking) Hey, cool graphic... Rachel was really getting rid of this?
Chloe can take the shirt. She picks it up out of the box and shows it to Rose.
Chloe: Mrs. Amber? Could I...have this?
Rose: Oh, sure, Chloe. Rachel was going to give it away anyhow.
Chloe: Thanks.
Chloe takes the broom and leans it against the counter next to Rose.
Chloe: Here you go.
Rose: Thank you.

Chloe: Sorry that tonight turned out so...differently.
Rose: That's...alright.

Rose: I'm really quite glad that you're here.

Chloe: Thanks, but...why?
Rose: While Rachel's dealing with all of this, it's a relief to know she can talk to you.

Chloe: I'm glad, too.
Rose: You've had to cope with much worse, I know. I'm grateful Rachel has someone as strong as you.

Rose: How are you doing, Chloe?

Chloe: How am I doing?

Rose: Your generation loves to talk about how awkward different things are. Well, this must be pretty awkward, I'd imagine.

Chloe: I guess I'm not great. Rachel and I were really happy a few hours ago. And now...
Rose: Maybe you can see why James wanted to keep this a secret...

Chloe: It's fine. Rachel's the one who's really upset.
Rose: She has every reason to be.

Rose: There are many painful things about Rachel's past. Including my own role in hiding the truth.

Chloe: Doesn't matter how painful it is. You don't lie to someone you love.
Rose: You might be right. But can any of us really know what we would do in his situation? He's been a devoted father for 15 years. I know he loves Rachel more than anything.
Chloe: I'm surprised you're defending him after what he did at the overlook.

Chloe: Sera shouldn't have taken money over seeing her daughter.
Rose: You know, I am so thankful to her that she did. It gave me the opportunity to be Rachel's mother. I never knew how much I could love someone until I had Rachel.
Chloe: But...hearing the truth, after all these years, hurt Rachel more than anything.
Rose: I'm not happy with James for the whole way this came out.
Chloe: You're not happy with James? What about what he did at the overlook?

Rose: It might be hard for you to understand, but after 13 years of marriage, I'm not threatened by what happened.

Chloe: You're right. I don't understand.

Rose: You don't have to worry about me. Or James. Rachel's the one who needs you right now.

Chloe: Do you think Sera is dangerous?

Rose: I've never met her, so...I don't know. But I'm inclined to trust my husband. His entire life is about keeping people safe. Rachel's extremely fortunate to have him as her father.

Chloe: [sighs] Thanks.

Rose: Thank you, Chloe.

Chloe goes up the stairs.

Rachel's Room

Rachel is lying on her side on her bed, tears streaming down her face.

Chloe: (thinking) I need some way to show Rachel that I'm here for her.

Chloe can save the flowers in the trashcan. She takes a single rose from the bouquet and puts it in the thermos on Rachel's desk.

Chloe: (thinking) At least she'll have something from tonight.

Chloe can speak to Rachel.

Chloe: Hey, Rachel.

Rachel: I'm glad you're here, Chloe.

Chloe: Of course.

Further attempts:

Chloe: Hey.

Chloe turns on the nightlight.

Chloe: Ugh. This light needs more...light.

Chloe turns off the light again.

Chloe: (thinking) Wonder what I could find around here to brighten up that nightlight.

Chloe opens the emergency kit and takes the flashlight. She takes off the top of the flashlight and the nightlight and puts them together.

Chloe: (thinking) All ready for Rachel's lightshow. Better get her attention first.

Chloe puts the flashlight on the floor and turns off the lamp. She sits on the bed next to Rachel and nudges her.

Chloe: Hey. Check it out.

Rachel sits up. The ceiling is covered in violet light and stars.

Rachel: It's...beautiful.

Chloe: I thought you might like it.

Rachel: I've always loved stars.

Chloe: Why?

Rachel: They remind us there's so much beauty out there...which we almost never see.

Chloe: Because we're blinded by what's in front of us.
Rachel: Exactly.

Chloe: Sometimes we see it.

Chloe: Guess I had a hunch.
Rachel holds up her arm, and she and Chloe look at the star on her wrist.

Rachel: But then I learned the truth. The stars we're seeing have already been dead for millions of years. They're all...lies.

Chloe: But that doesn't make them any less beautiful, right?
Rachel: I don't know. If they're not even real, then what's the point?

Chloe: Fuck the stars. We can make our own.
Rachel: Yeah.

Rachel: It's all lies. Everything.

Rachel lies down again with her back to Chloe.

Rachel: My entire life. My dad. (sobbing) My mom.

Rachel sobs and Chloe lies down and puts her arm around Rachel.

Rachel: If I can even call her that anymore. And that other woman...my real mom. She's the biggest lie of all. I can't trust any of them. I think you're the only one in the world I can trust.

Chloe: I'll take it. Even if it's only by process of elimination.
Rachel: Good.

Chloe: I don't know. I bet there's, like, one other chick in Australia who's super trustworthy.
Rachel: No chance. You're one in a hundred infinities, Chloe Price.

Rachel turns to lie on her back.

Rachel touches the bracelet on Chloe's wrist.

Rachel holds her right hand above her head and looks at her bracelet.

Rachel: I wore this bracelet my entire life. I never even asked why, never even thought about it. Somehow, I think I always knew. Even when I didn't know. That my real mother was gone.

Chloe: You should take it back.
Rachel: No. There's nowhere else I'd rather keep it than right here.

Rachel: The fact that she's here right now... That she came here? For me...

Rachel turns on her side to face Chloe.

Rachel: I think I need to see her? Is that wrong?

Chloe: Of course not. But...it—it might be tough to track her down.
Rachel: Yeah. That's true. Luckily, I've got my secret weapon.

Chloe: Honestly? I have no idea what's right or wrong in this situation. I just know that whatever you decide, I'm in.

Rachel: But what if we can't find her? It's not like I can ask my dad. I have no idea where to start.

Chloe: Let me handle it.
Rachel: Really?
Chloe: Really.
Rachel: (laughs) Mysterious. I like it.

Chloe: I think I know what to do. I'll call Frank and get him to connect us to her.
Rachel: You'd do that?
Chloe: I'll give it a shot.

Rachel: Of course, even if we know where she is, we need a way to get to her. I can't just ask my parents for a ride.

Chloe: Don't worry. I've got that one covered, too.
Rachel: You do?
Chloe: Yup. In fact, anything you could come up with, I'll handle it.

Chloe: I think I might be able to fix up that truck in the junkyard.
Rachel: Really?
Chloe: I'll give it my best.

Chloe: It's just like I told that biker dude at the mill, who was a lot scarier than your mom could ever be. There could be flamethrowers, an army of robot ninjas, and a motherfucking dragon on a leash between you and her, and I would still find a way to get you there.
Rachel: (laughs) Chloe-fucking-Price. My magical Shakespeare fairy.
Chloe: Shut up.
Rachel: (sighs) But once we find her...how will I talk to her? What do I say?

Rachel: (chuckles) I know you will. But even if we find her...how will I talk to her? What do I say?

Chloe: After my dad died, I was worried I wouldn't know how to talk to him anymore. But somehow, when we speak, I always know what to say.
Rachel: When you speak?

Chloe: After my dad died, I didn't know how to keep talking to him. I still don't. But it doesn't matter. All that matters is that he's there.
Rachel: Your dad?

Chloe: In my dreams. He's there, and it's so real. It's almost like it's another part of my life. It used to be the only part that mattered. I've never told anyone about that. Weird, huh? Uh...Rachel?

Rachel: I was just thinking. Maybe I was wrong before. Who cares if the stars are dead?

Rachel and Chloe move closer to hold each other.

Rachel: As long as we can still see them, that means they're real...to us. Right?

Chloe: Right.

Chloe's Dream

In her dream, Chloe, in her Ariel costume (minus the hat), is sleeping on two chairs on the Tempest stage, with a starry, violet sky above her. William sits on a chair in front of her, with his hands on an invisible steering wheel. One of William's country songs, "Burning the Midnight Oil", plays in the background. Chloe wakes up and sits on one of the chairs. David, Joyce, Wells, Victoria, James, Rose, and the raven are sitting in the audience, most of them with their arms crossed.

Chloe: Dad? I think we're stuck. Hey, maybe you should let me drive. You always do it wrong.

William: That was one time! When are you going to let it go?

There is faint, echoing laughter in the background.

William: Remember when we used to work on cars together?

William briefly morphs into David.

William: Those are some of my favorite memories.

Chloe: We never... That wasn't...you.
William: Hm. Coulda sworn that was me.
David puts his arm around Joyce and points to the stage, smirking.

Chloe: Don't you mean my memories? I don't think you remember after you're dead.
William: Touche.

William turns the wheel. The invisible "car" makes a sputtering sound and shudders to a halt.

William: Alright, you win. Why don't you go take a look?

William leans his arm on the car.

Chloe: You sure?

William nods. Chloe opens the invisible car door with a creaking sound and gets out, closing it again. She walks to the hood of the car and opens it.

Chloe: Ughhh.

William: What's wrong? Don't you see anything?

Chloe: Like what? There's nothing here.
William: Really? That's odd. Well, I know it's not the spark plug. I just got that replaced.
Chloe: What?
William: (leaning out the window, shouting with his hands around his mouth) I said, it's not the spark plug!

Chloe: Fine, it's...the spark plug.
William: No, that's not it. I just had that replaced.
Chloe: Isn't improv supposed to be all about "yes, and..."?
William: Yes, and...what?

There is faint, echoing laughter again.

Chloe: Dad, stop! None of this is real. You're not real. Rachel's family isn't...real. This whole thing...it—it's all just...theater.

William: Well, you know what William Shakespeare said...

Chloe: Something about the whole world being a stage, so might as well act the fuck out of it?

Chloe: Something about stories told by idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying fuck-all?

William: Nailed it.

More echoing laughter.

Chloe: But I don't want to be an actor. I just want to be myself.

A crowd of invisible voices says "Awww!"

Chloe: Gimme a break.

William: Hmm. Well, maybe there's a reason we pretend? Maybe the lies we tell each other are less horrible than the truths we keep hidden?

Chloe: Wow. That's...pretty dark, Dad.

William: Where do you think you get it from?

A truck honks in the distance and William and Chloe look toward the sound.

William: There's my cue.

William takes off his invisible seatbelt.

Chloe: Dad?

William: Relax, sweetie. It's all pretend, right?

Chloe: Right.

William: Just a bit of stage magic. Floodlights.

A light turns on.

William: Sound effects.

The truck honks again.

William: Chloe. Look at me. Look at me, sweetheart. It's going to be okay.

Chloe is hyperventilating. A green truck with bright headlights crashes into William and knocks Chloe to the floor.

Chloe: (screaming, sobbing) DAD!

Chloe covers her face with her hands, kneeling in front of the broken chairs and streak of blood on the stage.

Victoria: Boooooo!

Chloe's House

Chloe's Room

Chloe opens the window to her room and climbs inside.

Chloe picks up a globe on the floor and puts it back on her desk.
Chloe: (thinking) Wait, what the shit? Has someone been going through my room?
Chloe looks around the room, noticing that things have been knocked to the floor and spread haphazardly around the room.
Chloe: (thinking) Doesn't seem like Mom... She wouldn't leave a mess like this. Wait...David? That motherfucker!
Chloe pushes her crooked bed back into place.
Chloe: (thinking) Whatever. I don't have time for this shit. I've gotta help Rachel.

Chloe takes out her phone and sits on her bed.

Chloe: (thinking) Okay. I saw Sera leaving Frank's RV. He might know how to find her.

Chloe: (thinking) Plus he likes me, and he owes me one from yesterday. I can do this.
Chloe calls Frank and waits for him to answer.
Chloe: (thinking) Come on, dude. Pick up.
Frank: Price! I've got your collector's fee. Coming to get it?
Chloe: Hey, Frank... I was actually gonna cash in for a favor instead. What do you say?
Frank: Never run outta crap, do you? What's the problem?

Chloe: (thinking) He might also be totally pissed about Damon's money. I've got to get this exactly right. I can do this.
Chloe calls Frank and he answers right away.
Frank: Price.
Chloe: Whoa, Frank. Eager much?
Frank: Where's the money?

Frank: And don't try any "I gave it to my mom" bullshit.

Chloe: So, uh, the situation was a lot more...complicated than you told me.
Frank: What are you talking about?
Chloe: I promise I can explain. I...I have a favor to ask you first.

Chloe: I have a question to ask you first. I mean—a favor.

Chloe: Geez, would you just relax? I have it with me, okay?
Frank: I'm coming to get it right now.
Chloe: I have a favor to ask you.

Frank: You can't be fucking serious.

Chloe: I need to find that woman from yesterday, Sera.

Chloe: I need to find that woman who was in your RV yesterday.

There is a long pause.

Chloe: (sighs) Frank?

Frank: What the hell for?

Chloe: Something...important. Can you help?

Chloe: I'm trying to help a friend. It would mean a whole lot to her.
Frank: The girl with you at the mill?
Chloe: Yeah.

Chloe: I would...really appreciate it. I'm your favorite client, remember?

Frank: I'll meet you in the junkyard in two hours.

Frank: Bring the fucking money.

Chloe: Sweet! Thanks, man, you're a real—

Frank hangs up.

Chloe: (thinking) That went well...I guess.

Chloe lies on the bed.

Chloe: (thinking) What am I getting myself into?

Chloe gets up and puts her phone in her pocket.

Chloe: (thinking) Okay, I've got two hours to kill. A shower would be fucking amazing.

Chloe leaves her room.

Upstairs

Chloe: (thinking) Is Mom playing music? Huh.

Chloe enters the bathroom.

Chloe: (thinking) Is that...David's towel? Where the hell is mine? Okay, my towel's probably in here somewhere. I should just calmly look for it.

Chloe pulls out the tub in the cabinet.

Chloe: (thinking) Score.

Chloe takes her towel. The other contents of the tub are a pirate bandanna, hoop earrings, eyepatch, scissors, a pen, and a bottle of blue hair dye.

Chloe: (thinking) Can't believe Max and I were so into this shit when we were kids. Wait a minute...

Chloe pulls out the hair dye.

Chloe: (thinking) Captain Bluebeard's hair dye. Max was going to make me a pirate, but we never got around to it...

Chloe kicks the tub back under the shelf.

Chloe: (thinking) Ready for the best shower of my life. Hot water, don't let me down.

Chloe takes a shower and wraps her pirate towel around her. She also dyes a strip of her hair blue and admires it in the mirror. She enters her room and searches her cupboard.

Chloe: (thinking) I need...new clothes.

Chloe goes into Joyce's room and takes some boots out of her closet. On the way back to her room she notices a cardboard box labeled "William's clothes" on the floor, and she takes it. Later, the box, several outfits, and various accessories are laid out on Chloe's bed.

Chloe: (thinking) What do I feel like wearing on this crazy-ass day?

Chloe gets dressed.

Chloe: (thinking) Alright, one last thing. I need to get Dad's tools so I can fix that truck. Dad's toolbox should be in the garage downstairs.

Chloe decides to go downstairs.

Chloe: (thinking) Here goes. What are the chances I can avoid Mom or David?

Kitchen

Chloe is walking downstairs but she stops and crouches to look at David and Joyce. Joyce is laughing, and David stands at the stove, cooking pancakes.

David: (chuckles) I'm flippin' them over.

Joyce: Not yet! I told you, three minutes, each side.

David: They're gonna burn.

Joyce: (chuckles) Oh, you're the expert now?

David: (laughing) I can't stand it!

Joyce: I'm telling you, it'll make a mess!

Joyce laughs and David hums a tune, and they dance around together.

Joyce: You know, you don't have to make me breakfast. I'd settle for flowers.

David: You cook all the time. I want you to have a break at home.

Joyce: You are one class act, David Madsen.

Chloe: (thinking, sitting on the stairs) Huh. Mom actually looks pretty happy right now.

Chloe gets up and tries to enter the door to the garage.

David: Hey, who's there?

David and Joyce leave the kitchen.

Chloe: Hey...

Joyce: Chloe! Your hair! When did you—was this for the play? I heard you performed last night.

Chloe: Nope. I mean, I did, but this is, uh...is something different.

Joyce: And that shirt! I haven't seen it in ages.

Chloe: I was out of clean clothes.
Joyce: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd be coming home.

Chloe: Mom...smother me much?
Joyce: Right, sorry.

Joyce puts her arm around Chloe and guides her closer to the kitchen.

Joyce: None of that matters now. Oh, I am so glad to see you.

David: I'm...also glad you came home, Chloe.

David: Good to see you, Chloe. Coming home was a smart decision.

Chloe: Sure doesn't seem like home. There's someone else's shit all over the bathroom.
David goes back into the kitchen.
Joyce: Well, we've always talked about needing a bigger bathroom, haven't we?

Chloe: Seems like it's big enough for you two.

Chloe: Sorry, Mom. Just forget I said anything.

Chloe: I'm not staying long, anyway. Just here to pick up something.

Chloe: I'm...I'm not staying long. Just picking up some stuff.
Joyce: Oh.
David goes back into the kitchen.

Only available if Chloe looked at the Mother's Day card in David and Joyce's bedroom.
Chloe: Happy Mothers' Day, Mom.
Joyce: Thank you, sweetheart.
David goes back into the kitchen.
Chloe: I, uh, I didn't get you anything.
Joyce: Having you back home is present enough.
Chloe: I'm just here to pick up something. Then I...I have to go.

Joyce: Are you coming home tonight?

Chloe: Mom... I don't know.

Joyce: I wish you would tell me what you're up to.

Chloe: I'm...I'm just hanging out with Rachel.
Joyce: Oh! How is Rachel? I was telling David about the play and you being in it...

Chloe: Don't worry about me, okay? I...I can take care of myself.
Joyce: Will you at least tell me where you're staying?

Chloe: I really gotta go.

Chloe turns to leave.

Joyce: Listen, wait. Before you go, David has something to say to you.

Chloe rolls her eyes.

Joyce: It won't take but a minute.

Joyce gestures toward the dining room. She puts her hand on Chloe's shoulder and Chloe shrugs it away.

Chloe: Mom.

Dining Room

Joyce and Chloe enter the dining room. David puts two plates of pancakes on the table.

David: Chloe... I, uh...
Chloe: I don't have time for this.
Chloe starts to leave.
David: Now, hold on a minute! Please. I...owe you an apology.
Chloe: Let's hear it.
David: (sighs) Chloe, I should not have asked you to empty your pockets yesterday. I was, uh, out of line and...I'm sorry.

Chloe: Okay. Apology accepted.
David: Really?
Chloe: Yeah. Good job. And good job, Mom, for twisting his arm or whatever.
Joyce: Chloe...
Chloe: What? It's great. He listens to you. Can we be done now?
Chloe starts to leave.
David: Wait, one second. Don't go, Chloe. I've been...meaning to show you something. Maybe...maybe now's a good time.

Chloe: That's it? That's your apology?
David: Well, now, I thought that we—
Chloe: What about sorry for not trusting me in the first place? And convincing my mom to mistrust me, too?
Joyce: That's not David's fault—
Chloe: What about sorry for calling me a loser? And always talking to me like I just came out of juvie? What about sorry for lecturing me all the time when you're fucking no one? (voice breaking) You're not my dad, who the hell gave you that right? What about sorry for moving in with my mom against my wishes?
Joyce: Chloe...
David: Chloe, I know you don't...like me. I know you think I don't understand you. But...I do. I've been meaning to show you something.

David: (whispering, to Joyce) I don't think this is the...best idea.
Joyce: You already promised.
David: (exhales) Chloe, I've made an agreement with your mother to trust you from now on.
Chloe: Oh, really? And what does that mean?
David: (sighs) It means that, from today forward, I'm going to take you at your word. So if you if you say you haven't been smoking or drinking, then I'll just...leave you be.

David: Even though she had pot yesterday!
Joyce: David...

Joyce: The idea is you should feel comfortable here, Chloe. David's not going to question you and neither am I.

Chloe: David's lying to your face, Mom. He searched my room!

Joyce: What?
Chloe: You didn't know? Detective Dickwad here went through all of my drawers and my bed.
David: It's what you asked me to do. Make sure she's got no drugs or alcohol—
Joyce: I didn't mean—
David: —for her own good.
Joyce: Oh, my goodness, Chloe, I'm sorry.
David: I thought that—I'm sorry, Joyce, I didn't know this would upset you—
Joyce: It's Chloe who deserves the apology.
David: Well, Chloe, I'm sorry that I violated your privacy. I did it with your best interest in mind.

Chloe: Okay. I...I accept your lame apology.
Joyce: Chloe!
Chloe: What? I really meant it. Good job. Can we be done now?
Chloe starts to leave.
David: Wait, one second. Don't go, Chloe. I've been...meaning to show you something. Maybe...maybe now's a good time.

Chloe: That's it? That's your apology?
David: Well, now, I thought that—
Chloe: What about sorry for not trusting me in the first place? And convincing my mom to mistrust me, too?
Joyce: That's not David's fault—
Chloe: What about sorry for calling me a loser? And always talking to me like I just came out of juvie? What about sorry for lecturing me all the time when you're fucking no one? (voice breaking) You're not my dad, who the hell gave you that right? What about sorry for moving in with my mom against my wishes?
Joyce: Chloe...
David: Chloe, I know you don't...like me. I know you think I don't understand you. But...I do. I've been meaning to show you something.

David: You gave up any right to privacy when you—
Joyce: Chloe, I asked David to help me yesterday and he only did what he was best—
Chloe: You knew?! You knew that David went through all of my—?
Joyce: That was before I talked to him and explained why I disagreed with that method. But, Chloe, if I'd been able to trust you in the first place...
Chloe: I'm done with this.
Chloe starts to leave.
David: Chloe, stop! I know why you're acting this way, (sighs) and I know you're gonna regret it.
Chloe turns around.
David: Come here. Take a look at this.

Chloe: Well, this sounds like it's doomed to fail. But, hey, kudos for trying.
Joyce: Chloe!
Chloe: What? I really meant it. Good job. Can we be done now?
Chloe starts to leave.
David: Wait, one second. Don't go, Chloe. I've been...meaning to show you something. Maybe...maybe now's a good time.

David takes a photo out of his shirt pocket and puts it on the table. The picture shows David and another man holding guns and wearing army uniforms.

David: This...is my friend Phil Becker. We served in the same unit, two tours. Becker was...killed...near the end of our deployment. Roadside IED. We used to joke about all the trouble we were gonna get into once we got back home. But he died. He died, and I didn't. And I think about that fact every damn day. The point is, I've had my share of grief. I know what you're going through. So, I guess what I'm saying is...I'm here, to do what—whatever I can to help you get over the loss of your dad.

Joyce: Please, I'm begging you... Give David a chance, won't you?

David: Here, why don't you keep this photo for a little while? Think about what I've said.

David picks up the photo and offers it to Chloe.

Chloe takes the photo.
Chloe: (thinking) David looks so young. And this Phil guy... They look close.
Chloe puts the photo away.
Chloe: Thank you, David.
Joyce: Oh, Chloe...
Joyce hugs Chloe.
Chloe: Mom...
Joyce: I'm just so proud of you both.
Chloe: Mom, I really need to go.
David: Be careful out there, Chloe.
Joyce: I love you, sweetheart.
Chloe: (chuckles) Alright, alright.
Chloe leaves and enters the garage.

Chloe takes the photo.
Chloe: The last person I would ever talk to about my dad is you.
Joyce: Chloe...
David: Think it over for more than a—a minute! It's a basic courtesy, you know, when people offer to help!
Chloe tosses the photo to the floor.
Chloe: You're out of your fucking mind.
David: You disrespectful little shit. You just made a serious mistake!
Chloe tries to leave but David grabs her arm.
Joyce: Hey! Both of you...
Chloe pushes David's hand off her.
Chloe: You don't scare me, asshole!
Chloe leaves and enters the garage, slamming the door angrily.

Garage

Chloe enters the garage and is appalled to see David's possessions lying around.

Chloe: (thinking) What the hell? Just gotta grab Dad's toolbox and then get out of here quick.

Chloe notices David's toolbox is locked shut.
Chloe: (thinking, chuckles) What's the matter, David? Don't want any more decorations inside your toolbox?

Chloe sees a car manual in David's toolbox and takes it.
Chloe: (thinking) Holy crap. This might actually be helpful for fixing up the truck.

Chloe grabs William's toolbox and leaves.

Junkyard

Chloe has the hood of her truck open and is trying to fix it up.

Chloe: Gah! Come on!

Chloe takes a wrench from the toolbox and uses it on the truck.

Chloe: (thinking, sighs) Work with me here.

Chloe accidentally drops the wrench. She goes to the side of the truck and retrieves it, hitting her head on the hood. She holds the back of her head in pain.

Chloe: Damn it!

Chloe goes back to the front of the truck.

Chloe: (thinking) Better. But still needs a bit more love. I can salvage this beast. I just need to find the right tool for each problem.

Interview on the Radio

Stan: Stan Stanwick here, and we've got a special treat for all you Sunday Funday listeners out there. Live in STYR studios, Skip Matthews, lead singer of PissHead, one of the Bay's hottest new bands. Say hi to the fans, Skip.

Skip: Hi, fans.

Stan: Now, Skip, I understand you work as a security guard at Blackwell Academy. Is that true?

Skip: Yeah, uh, that's true.
Stan: Keeping the kiddies safe by day and melting their faces off by night. Is that the plan?
Skip: Uh, yeah, something like that.

Skip: Used to. I just, uh, quit, actually.
Stan: Really? Hold on to your horses, folks. Skip Matthews has traded in his badge and six-shooter for a life of rocking faces.
Skip: Hell yeah.

Stan: Fantastic. We're about to play a brand-new track from PissHead, and if you haven't heard these guys yet, what I want you to do is crank that stereo up as loud as it goes. And if anyone complains, you just tell them what, Skip?

Skip: Uh, PissHead rules?

Stan: Nailed it.

Chloe checks the radiator cap.

Chloe: (thinking) This thing seems pretty gunked up. I think I should move on to something else.

Chloe checks the battery post.

Chloe: (thinking) This connection is pretty shaky. I could fix this battery post if I could get a good enough grip on it...

Chloe uses pliers on the battery post.

Chloe: (thinking) There. Fits like a deadly electric glove.

Chloe checks the distributor cap.

Chloe: (thinking) The distributor cap looks pretty gross. I need something small to scrape the gunk off the cap.

Chloe takes a screwdriver from the toolbox. She picks up the distributor cap and scrapes it with the screwdriver.

Chloe: (thinking) That should help keep shit...distributed.

Chloe puts it back but knocks off one of the tubes connected to it.

Chloe: (thinking) Well, fuck.

Chloe reattaches the tube.

Chloe: (thinking) Go back from whence you came.

Chloe checks the serpentine belt.

Chloe: (thinking) It's pretty loose. How can I tighten it?

Chloe uses a wrench to fix it.

Chloe: (thinking) Much better!

Chloe checks the intake tube.

Chloe: (thinking) Looks like someone tried to patch this thing up...sometime before I was born. At this point, I think that ancient duct tape is better than anything I can do. Better leave it be.

Chloe checks the fuel filter. She takes it out and places it in front of her.

Chloe: (thinking) This thing is gunked-the-fuck-up.

Chloe picks it up.

Chloe: Maybe...

Chloe blows into the fuel filter and grease flies out of it and splatters the hood of the truck.

Chloe: Sick!

Chloe puts the fuel filter back. She pulls out the spark plug.

Chloe: (thinking) Spark plug's busted. Carbon deposits. Of course.

Chloe notices William's old car and uses the spark plug from it. She gets into the driver's seat in her truck.

Chloe: Please. I need you.

Chloe starts the car.

Chloe: Yeah!

Chloe turns on her radio and drives around the junkyard.

Chloe: (laughing, pumps fists) Yes! Yeah!

Chloe is now in the hideout. She shakes off some of the grease on her hands and wipes them on her clothes. She pulls back a sheet covering a mirror and looks at her new streak of blue hair. Rachel enters the junkyard.

Rachel: Hey, Junkyard Queen, where you at?

Chloe wipes her hands on her clothes to get the last bits of grease off. Rachel enters the hideout.

Rachel: Hey. Holy shit, your hair! (sweeps hand over Chloe's hair) It's so...

Chloe: Badass?

Chloe touches Rachel's earring.
Rachel: I was gonna say hot. But, yeah, badass too.

Chloe touches her hair.
Rachel: Exactly.

Rachel: That shirt looks awesome too, I might add.
Chloe: You like anything that starts fire.

Rachel: Interesting choice in shirt, too.
Chloe: Thought you'd like it. It involves fire.

Rachel: Hey, not sure if you saw, but someone moved your truck.

Chloe: No way.

Rachel: You're practically a certified mechanic now. Even have the shirt to prove it.

Rachel: Should we check it out?

Chloe nods and Rachel pushes her outside. They walk towards Chloe's truck and see Frank nearby.

Frank: Hey, Price. Nice wheels.

Chloe: You're early, Frank. What's the occasion?

Damon walks out and stands next to Frank.

Damon: It's his fucking bar mitzvah. Frank here's becoming a man. Aren't you, big guy? (taps Frank's arm)

Chloe: What's he doing here?

Damon: Hey. I thought we were cool after that Drew North thing. Don't you wanna be cool?

Chloe: We're not anything, scumbag. Fuck off and let me talk to Frank.
Damon: Did you just call me a scumbag?

Chloe says nothing.

Chloe: I just wanna talk to Frank. As long as you don't get in the way, we'll be fine.

Frank: I told you. She's like this.
Damon: (advancing toward Chloe) Gotta say, I really dig the whole tough girl thing.
Damon grabs Chloe's arm and Rachel gasps.
Damon: Frank was right about you. How'd you like to work full time for us?

Frank: What do you think? We're not dealing with a couple of dime bags anymore, Chloe. Where's the money?

Chloe: For fuck's sake, the money wasn't there. What do you want from me?
Frank: I don't think she has it.
Damon: Oh? It's cute how she acts like you two are friends.

Chloe: Seriously, Frank? If you think I would pocket a thousand bucks of your money, you're even dumber than you look.
Frank: I don't think she has it.
Damon: Oh? It's cute how she acts like you two are friends.

Chloe: (sighs) It's right here.
Chloe pulls out the envelope of money.
Chloe: Obviously I was gonna give it to you.(tosses it to Frank) You don't have to be such a dick about it.
Frank opens the envelope and nods to Damon.

Damon advances toward Chloe and grabs her arm, and Rachel gasps.
Damon: You heard what happened to Drew, right? Maybe try keeping that in mind when you talk to me.

Rachel pushes Damon to the ground.

Rachel: Don't fucking touch her.

Damon gets up.

Damon: Why is it that chicks think it's okay to hit me, but if I lay a single finger on them (pointing his finger), suddenly it's a whole other thing? Frank says you were asking about a client of his. That true?

Chloe: Yeah, it's true. I don't see why you should give a shit.
Damon: You don't? Maybe I'll show you.

Chloe: No. I was just asking for some help. It's not a big deal.
Damon: No? Maybe I'll make it one.

Damon: See, you two Nancy Drews decided it would be a good idea to call your drug dealer and ask about his business. I didn't go to a fancy academy, but that doesn't strike me as smart. (gestures to Frank) Maybe it was this man's sunny disposition that confused you. But he's got a whole other side to him that I don't think you'd like. Should we let them see it?

Frank: We're just talking here.

Damon: (sighs) Okay. Then let's talk. I wanna know, right now, why you give a shit about this woman.

Chloe: She's a friend. An old family friend.
Damon: (chuckles) This chick doesn't have any family. Or any friends.

Chloe: Why do you care so much?
Damon: Because fuck you. I'm asking the questions here.

Chloe: This is between us and Frank. It's none of your fucking business.
Damon: Problem is, you made it my business. And your tough girl shit is starting to get on my nerves.

Frank: Look, none of this matters. All we care about is that you stop asking questions. Got it?

Frank and Damon turn to leave.

Rachel: No.

Rachel moves forward but Chloe steps in front of her. Rachel walks past her and Chloe moves to the side.

Rachel: Tell me where she is. Now.

Chloe: Rachel...

Damon turns around.

Damon: Wait a minute... (chuckles) No way.

Rachel: What the fuck is your pro—?

Damon: Rachel? As in...Rachel Amber? Huh. That makes so much sense. This is James Amber's fucking kid.

Frank: Damon...

Damon: Your dad's a real piece of shit, you know.

Chloe: We're aware. Not sure what that has to do with us.
Damon: Me neither. But I'd like to find out.

Chloe: So? We don't have anything to do with him.
Damon: Right.

Damon: Here's what happens next...

Damon pulls out a knife and points it at Chloe and Rachel.

Frank: Come on, man. They're just kids.

Damon: No, they're not. This one (points knife at Rachel) is the fucking DA's daughter! And right now she's going to fill me in on what her daddy is up to and how he's connected to that whore everyone's asking about!

Frank: Damon! Calm down! We're still talking. Everything's still cool. No need to get crazy.

Rachel grabs a plank of wood lying on the ground and whacks Damon's head and making him drop his knife. He falls to the ground and trips Frank, who falls too.

Damon: Argh! You fucking bitch!

Frank gets up. Rachel runs at Damon with the plank, but he blocks it, picking up his knife and stabbing her in the arm. Rachel stumbles backward, holding her arm.

Chloe: Rachel!

Frank: Damon, what the fuck?

Damon tries to attack Rachel again but Frank holds him back.

Frank: Chloe, go! Now!

Chloe puts her arm around Rachel and helps her into the truck.

Chloe: Hold on. Shit, shit, shit!

Rachel: Chloe?

Chloe: Hey! Hold on, okay?

Chloe gets into the truck and starts it up. Rachel passes out.

Chloe: Rachel? No. No!

Blood spills out of Rachel's arm.

Chloe: No... I'm not losing you!

Chloe drives away from the junkyard, knocking over the "American Rust Salvage Yard" sign.

Hospital

Waiting Room

Chloe enters the hospital with tears streaming down her face, supporting Rachel, who is barely conscious. A nurse carries Rachel onto a gurney and another nurse helps her wheel Rachel away. Chloe paces the waiting room for a while, and eventually Rose and James show up. James speaks to Chloe briefly, but Rose holds his hand and pulls him away. Chloe sits in a chair, continuing to wait. Later, a police officer speaks to one of the nurses. Two firefighters show up as well, and one of them speaks to the officer. After a while, James enters the waiting room to speak to Chloe, who is still crying.

James: Rachel is going to be alright. The knife damaged her brachial artery, but didn't cut it. She's out of surgery, and now she's resting. Chloe, what happened?

Chloe: I don't—I don't know. Everything happened so fast.

Chloe: That guy you have a file on, Damon Merrick? Why does he hate you so much?

Chloe: Do you know who Damon Merrick is? Or why he hates you?

Chloe: It's my fault. I should've listened to you.

Chloe: I even saw your file saying Sera was connected to Damon Merrick.

Chloe: Sera's mixed up somehow with this psycho, Damon Merrick.

James: I know exactly who Damon Merrick is.

James sits down next to Chloe.

James: Start over and tell me everything. Did you and Rachel try to contact Sera? I'm not going to chastise or blame you, Chloe, but I need the whole story.

Chloe: So...I got my dealer to meet us since he knows Sera...

James: Frank Bowers?

Chloe: Yeah, that's right. But Damon showed up with him.

James: What did Merrick want?

Chloe: He asked us why we were so interested in Sera.
James: And what did you say?
Chloe: Nothing, of course.

Chloe: I think he wanted to scare us, so we'd stop asking questions about his business.

James: Is that how it became violent?

Chloe: When he found out Rachel was the DA's daughter, he wanted information about you.
James: And how did he know that I'm her father?

Chloe: I called her Rachel...and he figured it out from there.
James: It's not your fault.

Chloe: I don't know. Maybe he's seen her before?

Chloe: It was...it was actually Rachel who got angry. She was furious that he wouldn't tell her where Sera was.
James: This is exactly what I was afraid of. Rachel won't let anything stop her.

Chloe: It wasn't only that. She was already angry about Damon pushing me around.
James: She is like her mother. Quick-tempered. Rash. I've always been afraid of losing her the way I lost Sera.

Chloe: If you let her meet Sera in the first place, we wouldn't have had to try something more desperate.
James: There are many things I wish I'd handled differently.

James: What happened next?

Chloe: Damon had a knife out and we all could see it...but then he said something that pissed Rachel off. And she just grabbed a piece of wood and hit him, and then he stabbed her. I keep thinking that maybe I could've done something, but...when he attacked her, I just froze.

James: It's not your fault.

Chloe: Then Frank held him off so we could get to the truck. I heard a scream, but I don't know what happened. And then we were here.

James: I appreciate you telling me the truth.

James: I'll see if I can pull some strings with Ray, maybe get you back into Blackwell.

Chloe: What are you going to do about Damon?
James: Find out if he is alive, first of all. My department's been after him for some time.

Chloe: What if Rachel still wants to meet Sera?
James: After all this? (sighs) I'm hoping she'll finally see reason.

James: I was told that if Rachel had arrived only a few minutes later, she might not have, um... Thank you, Chloe. You saved my world. It will be some time before Rachel wakes up. I promise I'll let you know when she does.

Chloe: Okay. Thanks.

James walks away. Steph, who was speaking to Rose, goes over to Chloe, who is crying with her head in her hands.

Steph: Hey.

Chloe hastily wipes away her tears.

Chloe: Steph.

Chloe stands up.

Chloe: How's Drew?

Chloe: How's Mikey?

Steph: (sighs) Pretty good.

In the background, James hugs Rose, who is crying.

Steph: Ms. Amber just told me Rachel's going to be okay. (sighs) I'm really glad.

Chloe: Yeah.

Steph: Well, our room's just down the hall. You should come by.

Chloe: Okay, sure. Definitely.

Steph walks away. She high-fives Anthony North, then returns to Drew/Mikey's room.

Chloe: (thinking) I don't think I can sit still any longer. Might as well stretch my legs while I wait for Rachel to wake up. If I want to stay sane, I need to stay busy. What's there to do around here?

Conversation Between Picnic Couple

Chloe goes near the entrance of the hospital and the picnic couple emerges from a door.

Chloe: (thinking) Oh, shit, I know those guys.

Chloe sits in a chair behind a corner and watches them.

Man: Uh, this doesn't look like the maternity wing...

Woman: (gestures to signboard) There's a sign for the prenatal class!
The man and woman hold hands.
Man: I can't believe we're finally doing this! I'm so excited!
Woman: (chuckles) You're gonna be a good dad.
The man and woman leave and Chloe gets up.
Chloe: (thinking) Guess I'm glad we stole their wine.

Woman: Ya think? Ugh. If you're this useless now, what are you gonna do at 3 AM when the baby needs—?
Man: (points to signboard) There's a sign for the prenatal class.
Woman: Great. I guess that's your contribution for today.
The man and woman leave and Chloe gets up.
Chloe: (thinking) Those people suck.

Chloe can slam the vending machine. She slams it with her arm and the receptionist glances at her. She can slam it again, this time with her foot, and the firefighters look up when they hear the sound. She slams it a final time and a candy bar falls down.

Chloe: Yes!

Chloe eats the candy bar and tosses away the wrapper.

Chloe: (thinking) I want, like, twenty more of those.

Hallway

Optional Conversation with Anthony

Anthony: (on the phone) Alright, then. Thank you. (hangs up)

Chloe: Hi... Mr. North?

Anthony: That's me. And you are?

Chloe: I'm Chloe.

Anthony: You here to see Drew?

Anthony: You here to see Mikey?

Chloe: Yeah.

Chloe: How are, uh...how are things going?
Anthony: Oh, you know how it is. Ups and downs.

Anthony: Drew's hurt, of course, but there's other things going well for us. I'm moving back into my...my old apartment in... (looks at watch) Two and a half hours. I don't know if you know this, but, uh...Mikey's been crashing at Drew's dorm.
Chloe: Oh?
Anthony: I had a bit of trouble with work, and it's all been pretty hard. Anyway, Drew managed to scrape together enough to get me back on my feet.
Chloe: I'm glad things are starting to work out, then.

Anthony: Drew's hurt, of course, but, uh, I'm between jobs, so... Got plenty of time to visit, you know?
Chloe: Yeah.

Anthony: Mikey's hurt, of course, but the doctors are saying it should heal up relatively quick. And Drew—hey, maybe you heard—he's all set to go to Oregon State. Full ride for four years.
Chloe: That's...that's awesome.

Anthony: Hold on, you said you were Chloe? Mikey's mentioned you a few times now. I have a question maybe you can answer.
Chloe: S...sure...
Anthony: Both of those boys have been acting a little...well, guilty, lately. I've been spending most of my time looking for work. I'm worried I missed something important. Do you know if anything's going on with them?

Chloe: Uh, no, sorry... This weekend was actually the first time I really hung out with them.
Anthony: That's alright. I appreciate that you've been keeping my boys company.

Anthony: Drew's got so many hopes for himself riding on that knee. It seems like he's been even more driven lately.

Anthony: Mikey said he feels a lot safer around you. He's been seeming a little scared these days.

Anthony: I think my work situation's disappointed him. Both of them, actually, in different ways. Sorry I'm laying all this on you. I've been trying to keep it light in there.
Chloe: That's okay.
Anthony: Nice of you to listen. Do me a favor? Don't worry either of them with—

Chloe: You should probably ask Drew. I, uh, don't really know any details. I do know that whatever they did, they did it because they wanted to help you.
Anthony: Thanks, Chloe.

Anthony: They actually have helped me out, money-wise.

Anthony: I know they've been trying to help me out, money-wise.

Anthony: We're a family, you know? We deal with things together.

Chloe: Well...it was nice meeting you.
Anthony: Likewise.

Anthony's phone rings.

Anthony: Oh, excuse me.

Anthony answers his phone.

Conversation Between Firefighters

Firefighter 1: Hey. Just heard the fire went out.

Firefighter 2: Went out? You mean it's controlled?

Firefighter 1: No. It's completely out. It extinguished itself.

Firefighter 2: How could that be?

Firefighter 1: Hell if I know.

Optional Conversation with Rose

Chloe: Hey.

Chloe and Rose hug.

Rose: Chloe, I can't even express... Thank you. So much. (sighs) I'm sorry. I'm...a wreck. I stepped out to get some air. Rachel doesn't need me crying in front of her. Your hair! I almost didn't notice it.

Chloe: Oh. Yeah. It's..it's not a big deal.

Rose: I bet Rachel loves it. I can't imagine what I would do if we lost her.

Chloe: Me, too.
Rose: You've grown so close, haven't you?
Chloe: Yeah. It's weird to think we just met a few days ago.

Chloe: I'm sure everything's going to be fine.
Rose: That's what James keeps saying. He's so strong in crisis, you know?
Chloe: My dad was like that.
Rose: I'm sure he was. Just like his daughter.

Chloe: I don't know about that.
Rose: You saved her, didn't you?
Chloe: When everything happened, I just...I froze up.
Rose: But you were there for her when she needed you. That's what matters.

Chloe: I just keep feeling like we were lucky. It could have gone so much worse, you know?
Rose: I'm sure it would have been if you weren't there for her.

Rose: I'm so glad you and Rachel have found each other.

Rose: When you meet someone who changes everything, you just know.

Chloe: Well...hang in there, Mrs. Amber.

Rose: I will.

Conversation in Room 780E

Samantha: You didn't have to bring me ice cream.
Chloe: (thinking) Is that...Samantha Myers?
Nathan: I feel bad.
Chloe: (thinking) Holy shit, is that Nathan Prescott?
Samantha: It wasn't your fault. I'm a klutz.
Chloe: (thinking) Oh, god... Nathan and Samantha...together? What have I done?
Nathan: I should've seen that biker, though.
Samantha: (chuckles) I just think it's sweet you wanted to take my photograph.
Nathan: Of course. I think it came out really well, too. Wait 'til you see it.

Samantha's Mom: My daughter has two broken ribs!
Sean: Nathan was clearly defending himself against unwanted and inappropriate physical contact. Continuing to involve my son will have extremely unpleasant ramifications for you.
Samantha's Mom: What could possibly be more unpleasant than what we've already gone through?
Chloe: (thinking) Holy shit...

Sean: Why has my son been assigned to you? I never authorized that he be seen by—
Man: I was assigned because Nathan was becoming quite upset—
Sean: So they sent a psychiatrist? Because my son was upset?
Chloe: (thinking) Holy shit...
Man: Please, Mr. Prescott, your son needs serious psychiatric—
Sean: My son needs nothing from you. He put down a couple of bullies who were harassing him at school! That is all.
Man: Sir, I believe your son is manifesting serious and alarming symptoms. Allow me the chance to—
Sean: Nathan's already getting more than enough attention from one of you. I am fed up with these made-up problems!

The door to the room closes.

Drew's Room (Drew was hurt)

Drew is on the hospital bed with his leg in a cast and propped up on a pillow; he also has bandages on his cheek and nose. Steph and Mikey are sitting in chairs and playing a tabletop game.

Mikey: Hey!

Steph: You made it.

Drew: Oh, hey, Chloe.

Chloe: Hey, Drew.

Chloe: So, what have you been doing all day?
Drew: Um, not much. Homework, hanging out with my dad, dealing with the dumb jokes about the plate in my leg...

Chloe: How's your knee doing? Do they think it's gonna heal?
Drew: Uh, I'm not sure, actually. It's too early to tell.

Chloe: Sorry to hear it.

Drew: It's...it's all good.

Steph: Love the hair, by the way.

Mikey: Pretty cool!

Chloe: Thanks. Just trying it out.
Steph: Sometimes you've just gotta do something new.

Chloe: I figured it might fit with my new barbarian look. You, know, war paint?
Mikey: Awesome!
Drew: Nerds.

Chloe: I bet you'd look cool with a little color.
Steph: Yeah? I'll have to think about it. Maybe something red?

Steph: Hey, any news about Rachel? Her mom seemed hopeful.

Chloe: She just woke up. I'm going to see her soon.

Chloe: Rachel's stable. She'll probably wake up soon.

Drew: How'd she get hurt?

Chloe: You'll think I'm joking when I tell you, but I'm not.

Mikey: What happened?

Chloe: She got stabbed in the arm by Damon fucking Merrick.

Drew: Seriously? It...it wasn't because of me, was it?

Chloe: No, not at all. If anything, I should've thought about what happened to you before getting Rachel involved.

Chloe: Uh, no. Somehow we've got our own shit with him now.

Mikey: That's crazy.

Drew: Fuck that guy! I wish I could get my hands on him.

Steph: Drew, chill out, okay?

Anthony opens the door.

Anthony: I'm headed out. Everything okay in here?

Steph: Yup.

Drew: Yeah.

Anthony: Don't have too much fun, now. Try to keep it appropriate for the hospital.

Mikey: Bye, Dad.

Drew: See ya, Pops.

Anthony leaves. Drew still looks upset and clenches his fists.

Chloe: (thinking) Man...maybe I shouldn't have mentioned Damon. Rachel's gonna be up soon. Should probably head over when I'm ready.

Optional Conversation with Steph and Mikey

Steph: Drew's been in a lot of pain today.

Optional Conversation with Drew

Drew: Hey, sorry for losing it there. It's nice of you to come by.

Chloe: Yeah, no problem. Easier than you coming to me.

Chloe: Feel better. I mean, no pressure. I...I know it's gonna take a while.

Drew: You know what, I'm kind of tired.

Chloe: Oh, uh, right. I'll, um, I'll leave you alone.

Further attempts:

Drew: (sighs) Dude, leave me alone.

Chloe can try to take Drew's pudding but he takes it out of her hands.

Drew: (chuckling) Uh, what do you think you're doing?

Chloe: Uh, you don't want that pudding, right? I'll take it off your hands for you.

Drew: Over my dead body.

Chloe: (thinking) Wonder if a little friendly competition'll cheer Drew up?

Chloe: Alright, alright. I don't want you dead that badly. You can put it down now.
Drew: I'm no idiot.
Mikey: Don't take it personally, Chloe. Drew takes his desserts pretty seriously.
Drew puts down the pudding.
To unlock the "Leave it be" option, Chloe must walk away, then try to steal the pudding again, and Drew takes it out of her hands.
Chloe: (thinking) Drew's not gonna give that pudding up without a fight.
The rest of the dialogue is the same as "Walk away."

To unlock the "Get. That. Pudding." option, Chloe must walk away, then try to steal the pudding again, and Drew takes it out of her hands.
Chloe: So are you ready to give me that pudding or what?
Drew: Like I said, Price, over my dead body.
The rest of the dialogue continues below.
Chloe: (thinking) Let's see if I can convince Drew that I need the pudding more than he does.
Chloe: Good thing we're in a hospital, 'cause they'll know exactly what to do with your corpse.
Steph: Oohhh.
Drew: You don't scare me, Chloe Price.

Chloe: Know what's scary? The shit they put in cafeteria pudding. Animal connective tissue causes cancer.
Drew: Doesn't matter. I'm gonna eat this pudding and there's nothing you can do about it.

Chloe jumps forward with her hands out and yells, startling Drew.
Chloe: Are you sure about that? 'Cause it looks like you're kinda scared of me.
Drew: Doesn't matter. I'm gonna eat this pudding and there's nothing you can do about it.

Chloe: Come on, Drew. Have I ever let you down?
Drew offers the pudding to Chloe but moves it away at the last second.
Drew: Yes. Now you can watch me eat this.

Chloe: You're keeping that all to yourself? Don't you care about me?
Drew: (raises one hand) Love pudding. (raises other hand) Barely like you. (raises pudding hand and lowers other one) So, no.

Chloe: Is that what your coach would want? You don't wanna lose your edge, you know. You're getting a little soft. And by soft, I mean fat.
Drew: If you loved pudding as much as I do, you might understand.

Chloe: Ohhh, I get it. You eat your feelings. Whatever stops the tears, man.
Drew: If you loved pudding as much as I do, you might understand.

Chloe takes out the piece of candy Mikey/Elamon gave her in Episode 1.
Chloe: What if I throw in this, uh, token of goodwill?
Chloe waves around the candy.
Drew: I love these! How'd you know?
Chloe: Uh...
Mikey: She's got ways.
Drew: Still a no.
Chloe puts the candy back.
Drew: Don't be a sore loser.

Chloe: If you love something, let it go. It's the noble thing to do.
Drew: Nah, that's something losers say.

Chloe: Hey, it's better to have loved and lost, right?
Drew: Nah, that's something losers say.

Chloe: Let's duel for it. Come on, you and me, thumb wrestling. Best two outta three.
Drew: Best two outta three? Sounds like something a loser would say.

Chloe: Who are you calling a loser? I'm not the one who lost the use of my leg.
Steph: She went there!
Mikey: Oh, shit.
Drew: Damn, Chloe. That was cold.

Chloe: You really should give me that pudding. Do you want to be known as a bully forever?
Drew: Damn, Chloe. That was cold.

Chloe: Takes one to know one.
Drew: Huh?
Chloe: I heard about last year's state championship.
Mikey: Ohhh!
Steph: Sportsball burn!

Chloe: Two things are best served cold. That pudding, and what I'll do to you if you don't let me have it.

Chloe: If you think that was cold, you should feel my blood when I murder you for that pudding!

Chloe: You're right, that was cold. You know what would warm me up? A big old cup of pudding.

Drew: She's not gonna quit, is she?
Chloe: Okay, I give in. We can share it.
Drew: (chuckles) Alright. But don't get used to it.
Drew offers the pudding to Chloe, who snatches it out of his hands.
Chloe: Hahaha! Sucker!
Chloe turns around and eats all of the pudding.
Chloe: Mm. Mm-hmm. Mmmm.
Drew: Why are you even in my room?
Chloe: Mmmm... So good. Mm. Mmm. Mm-hmm.
Chloe drops the empty cup onto the beside table and Drew chuckles.

Drew: You don't know when to quit, do you?
Chloe: Okay, I give in. We can share it.
Drew: Now that is an interesting idea.
Drew grabs a spoon and eats the pudding.
Drew: Oh, man! That's...really good. Really, really good.
Chloe: You're a monster.
Drew drops the empty cup onto the bedside table and chuckles.

Chloe: (thinking) Mission accomplished.

Chloe opens the door to leave.

Chloe: Alright, I'm gonna head out.

Steph and Mikey wave goodbye.

Steph: It was really great to see you, Chloe.

Mikey: Agreed. Don't be stranger, okay?

Drew: Next time you better bring me a snack!
Chloe: Next time, for sure.
Drew: Oh, and, Chloe?

Drew: Next time, maybe I'll share. Maybe.
Chloe: Next time. Suuure.
Drew: Oh, and, Chloe?

Chloe: Yeah?

Drew: Tell Rachel we're rooting for her.

Chloe: You bet.

Chloe leaves.

Mikey's Room (Mikey was hurt)

Mikey sits in the hospital bed, his right arm in a cast. Drew sits in one of the chairs, looking at his phone, and Steph sits in the other chair, reading something. Mikey has a wizard bear near his bed. Chloe enters and waves.

Mikey: Chloe!

Steph: (puts down what she was reading) Hey! You made it!

Drew: Hey, Chloe.

Chloe: Hey. How's the arm, Mikey?
Mikey: I wish it was the other one, so I could draw and stuff, but...other than that, it's just...broken.

Chloe: So, what have you all been up to? Homework, I guess?

Steph: Yeaaaahhh. Homework. Totallyyyy.

Mikey: Yeah, and hanging out with Dad...

Steph: Sweet hair, by the way.

Mikey: I bet you could pull off Sailor Mercury.

Chloe: (touching her hair) Uh, thanks.

Steph: Any news about Rachel? Her mom seemed hopeful.

Drew: How'd she get hurt?

Chloe: You'll think I'm joking when I tell you, but I'm not.

Mikey: Why, what happened?

Chloe: Rachel was stabbed in the arm by Damon fucking Merrick.

Drew: Yeah, that's not funny. Shit, you're serious?

Mikey: Fuck that guy!

Drew: It wasn't because of me, was it?

Chloe: No, not at all. If—if anything, I...I should've thought about what happened with you guys before getting Rachel involved.

Chloe: Oh, no. We've got our own set of problems with him.

Mikey: That's crazy.

Steph: The whole thing makes me wanna just... (sighs) I swear, if I ever meet that shithead...I'm gonna—

Mikey: What? What are you gonna do when you meet Damon Merrick?

Steph: Something...terrible!

Drew: Uh-huh.

Steph: I am!

Mikey: Like...?

Chloe: Challenge him to a karaoke battle?
Drew: (chuckles) Yeah, that's how we settle things on the street, huh?

Chloe: Yell at him? Like, a lot?
Mikey: In a stage manager voice.
Drew: That is actually pretty scary.

Steph: Okay.

Chloe: Throw dice at him.

Mikey: Criticize his taste in film!

Steph: Okay!

Drew: Tell him about a band he's probably never heard of, but should have.

Steph: Enough!

Mikey, Drew, and Chloe smile at each other.

Steph: Anyway, we're glad Rachel's okay.

Steph: Oh, uh, you should hang out here 'til she wakes up.

Chloe: (thinking) Rachel's gonna be up soon. Should probably head over when I'm ready.

Optional Conversation with Mikey

Mikey: Tell Rachel she's gotta come to board game night. Soon.

Optional Conversation with Steph, Drew, and Mikey

Mikey: Is your shirt a...fire cone?
Chloe: Uh...sure. Why not?
Mikey: That's one of my favorite spells! From our tabletop game.
Chloe: You're thinking about tabletop right now?
Steph: Why, of course.

Chloe: What are you guys doing?
Mikey: I thought you'd never ask.

Mikey: I had to hide our game from the nurse.

Steph takes off the upside-down tray covering the bedside table to reveal Elamon and two dragonkin figurines.

Mikey: She thinks it's "negatively affecting my mood".

Steph: Elamon's backed himself into a pretty tight spot this time. He...might not make it.

Mikey: Wait a sec...

Mikey: Callamastia!

Mikey: Barb the elf barbarian!

Mikey: Elven Chloe!

Mikey: She can join Elamon in battle. Maybe the two of us together could actually make it out alive.

Drew: Wait, you're into this nerd shit, too?

Chloe: I mean, I just played with them once.
Mikey: It was epic.
Chloe: It was a little epic, yeah.

Chloe: It's a game where I win if I make up crazy shit and act like a badass.
Steph: So, yes.

Steph: I hate to be such a game master about it, but I'm pretty sure Chloe's character died last time.

Mikey: Oh...yeah...

Steph: Wait a sec...didn't you have that Anklet of Reincarnation in your inventory?

Chloe: Uh...yeah. I totally did have that thing.

Mikey: Holy shit! So you can actually swoop in and save my ass.

Steph: What do you say?

Chloe: Gotta save Elamon, right?
Chloe sits on Mikey's hospital bed and Steph moves the tabletop game closer. Steph scoots her chair closer and puts the game board on the table.
Steph: We rejoin Elamon as he majestically soars over the Traveler's Path. He glances over his shoulder only to discover his pursuers are right behind him.
Chloe: Wait, you can fly?
Elamon: I'm a wizard! Plus, I kinda have to since you cut my feet off last time.

Chloe: Oh, shit. I—I forgot I did that. Sorry.
Mikey: It's cool.

Chloe: (chuckling) Oh, yeah! I totally did that.
Mikey: You totally did.
Chloe: This game is awesome.

Steph: Elamon comes around a corner to discover...
Steph places Chloe's character on the table.

Steph: Chloe, the elf barbarian, sitting by a fire, roasting squirrels.

Steph: Barb, the elf barbarian, sitting by a fire, roasting squirrels.

Steph: Callamastia, the elf barbarian, sitting by a fire, roasting squirrels.

Chloe: 'Sup?
Mikey: "'Sup"? I'm running from dragonkin because of you.

Chloe: Uh... "Greetings, powerful Elamon. From whence do you run? Er, uh...float...or whatever?"
Mikey: Funny you should ask. I'm being chased by an army of dragonkin.

Steph: Remember when you killed that jailor and took his key to free the prisoners in the prison camp? Turns out you offended their entire clan.
Mikey: And they're after me now.

Chloe: Well, I—I think that was really more of a team effort...

Mikey: You mean when you told that dragonkin that you'd skin him, make a handbag from his flesh, and then carry him around in it?

Mikey: You mean when you used your axe to cut out the key out of that dragonkin's stomach?

Mikey: Yeah, that was really a team effort.

Chloe: Sounds like you could use a hand from your favorite elf barbarian.

Mikey: Your crotch-punching abilities are second to none.

Mikey: Well, you did manage to inflict an insane amount of damage on...everything.

Steph: Suddenly, dragonkin scouts rush in, clawing you while your backs are turned. Take 4 damage. (to Chloe) You're up first, what do you want to do?

Chloe: I disarm them.
Steph: They're not carrying weapons.
Chloe: Then I grab the arm of the nearest dragonkin and rip it from its socket. (rolls dice)
Mikey: Eighteen?
Steph: (chuckles) Okay, you now wield a severed dragonkin arm. What's next?
Chloe: I beat them to death with it.
Steph: You curl the fingers into a fist and bludgeon them with it, swinging the arm with a blind fury until no dragonkin remain.

Chloe: I do a Spinning Slash. (rolls dice)
Mikey: Sixteen.
Steph: Good enough. You spin around, using your axe to slash all six dragonkin at once. They all drop dead in a puddle of blood.

Chloe: I beat the shit of them with my bare hands! (rolls dice)
Mikey: Eighteen?
Steph: You channel all your barbarian rage into your clenched fists, whaling on the dragonkin until the light slowly fades from their little dragonkin eyes.

Steph removes the dragonkin figurines from the table.
Mikey: Hey, nice one!
Steph: Don't celebrate yet. You begin to hear the clinking armor of hundreds of dragonkin warriors. The sound grows louder as they grow closer.
Mikey: And this is why I was running.

Chloe: Oh, come on! You can totally take these fuckers down. I just killed six of them.
Mikey: Those were scouts, Chloe. Warriors are four times that hard.
Chloe: Oh. Well, shit. Hmm. Running and living... (inhales) Yeah, sounds like a plan.

Chloe: Hmm. Running and living... (inhales) Yeah, sounds like a plan.

Steph: You sprint as fast as you can until you come across a fork in the road. One path leads into the mouth of a deep, dark cave. The other takes you into a dense, misty forest. Which way do you go?

Chloe: Can I...y'know, feel it out first?
Steph: Totally. Roll for perception.
Chloe rolls the dice.

Chloe rolls a 4 if she did none of the following: saw the condoms (Episode 1), read Eliot's journal (Episode 2), nor looked at Damon Merrick's file (beginning of Episode 3).
Chloe: Uhh... Four?
Steph: You can't be totally positive, but you're pretty sure the forest has trees.
Chloe: Helpful.

Chloe rolls a 13 if she did 1-2 of the following: saw the condoms (Episode 1), read Eliot's journal (Episode 2), or looked at Damon Merrick's file (beginning of Episode 3).
Chloe: Uhh... Thirteen?
Steph: Despite the desolate look of the caves, your elvish senses tell you that something does in fact live inside. Something...unfriendly.
Chloe: That's some...solid intel.
Steph: Next, you turn to the forest. Though it seems still, you sense that what's inside is not entirely at rest.

Chloe rolls a 19 if she did all of the following: saw the condoms (Episode 1), read Eliot's journal (Episode 2), and looked at Damon Merrick's file (beginning of Episode 3).
Chloe: (chuckles) Nineteen!
Steph: You become still, channeling your elf hearing into the caves. Inside, you hear something moving around. It sounds squishy...and possibly very, very evil.
Chloe: Okay, not the cave, got it.
Steph: Not so fast. You now turn to listen to the forest. You hear the spirits of those buried there, whispering to each other. This is sacred ground.

Mikey: Okay, come on. The dragonkin are still behind us.
Chloe is forced to choose "To the Caves" or "To the Forest".

Chloe: Maybe the dragonkin won't follow us into the caves. Let's go there.
Mikey: I guess I don't have a better plan.
Steph: You plunge into the darkness. The uneven, rocky terrain beneath your feet makes it difficult to navigate. You come around a corner to find (places jello cube on the table) a cube of bright green goo sitting in your path. Dead rats float around inside it, slowly dissolving.
Mikey: (sighs) Of course. It's a Gelatinous Polyhedron.
Steph: (rolls dice) You fall into it.
Chloe: Ugh, seriously?
Steph: It starts to burn your skin. A little at first, but the pain only grows the longer you stay stuck.
Mikey: I cast Scorching Scythe! (rolls dice)
Steph: Your flame-made scythe slices the Gelatinous Polyhedron in half, freeing your companion.
Chloe and Mikey laugh and fist-bumps each other.
Steph: But, right before your very eyes, the two halves grow and shift (places another jello cube next to the first one) until your face-to-jelly with two full Gelatinous Polyhedra.
Mikey: Damn.
Steph: Your move.

Chloe: Let's see, uh... Astral Axe! That sounds destructive as shit.
Steph: You swing your axe with the power of a small sun, slicing each of the cubes into thirds.

Chloe: Striking Smash! I'm gonna smash the shit outta them!
Steph: You bring the flat of your axe down over the Polyhedra, smashing them each into three little globs.

Steph: (chuckles) But, yet again, the chunks of jelly grow and shift until you're looking at a small army of six Gelatinous Polyhedra.
Steph stands up to place more cubes of jello onto the table.
Chloe: Where do you keep getting these?
Steph: A good game master's always prepared. The Polyhedra engulf you, burning any exposed skin and searing your clothes. Take 12 damage.
Mikey: I cast...Ring of Fire! (rolls dice)
Steph: You send out a burst of fire, exploding the Polyhedra into hundreds of tiny pieces.

Chloe: I use Temper Tantrum! I stomp on all the little pieces and grind them into the ground like—like cigarette butts!
Steph: It's super effective. Your attack managed to split the jelly into thousands of tiny globs...

Chloe: Um, let's try Rage Roll!
Steph: You curl up into an angry little elf ball, and roll furiously around the caves, smashing each of the little jelly bits into even more, even little-er jelly bits...

Mikey: Uh...I feel like we should run!
Chloe: Run screaming.
Steph: Luckily, Gelatinous Polyhedra have a very low movement speed. The party flees safely, but the Polyhedra aren't far behind.

Steph: You're the near the exit of the caves when you run across...
Drew: Oh, shit, is that me?
Drew gets up and walks over to the others.
Mikey: You're gonna play?
Drew: Yeah, little brother.
Steph: Povel, the arrogant gnome bard, joins your party.
Steph places a figurine of a gnome playing a lute.

Chloe: Arrogant?
Drew: You're not used to words that big, are you?
Mikey: Daaamn.

Chloe: Gnome bard?
Drew: That's what she said.
Chloe: Know any Firewalk?
Drew: No, I don't know any of your shitty music.
Mikey: Daaamn.

Chloe: That's some big talk from someone who's only three feet tall.
Drew: Size isn't everything.
Mikey: (laughing) This is awesome.

Chloe: Why don't you pick on someone your own size? There's probably a squirrel somewhere that you could fight.
Drew: I don't need violence to solve my problems. I just need the power of music.
Mikey: (laughing) This is awesome.

Chloe: Fine, but don't slow us down.
Steph: In the time you've been chatting...the army of Gelatinous Polyhedra has caught up to you. Several spew acid directly at Elamon. What do you do?

Chloe: I heroically jump in front of Elamon, using my axe to block each attack.
Steph: You block almost every attack, but one makes it through. Take 6 damage.
Mikey: Hey, thanks.
Drew: Do YOU have to be the hero? That's just selfish.
Steph: The army is still advancing. What do you do next?

Chloe: We can't fight a whole army of them. Not just with a gnome bard as backup. We should run.
Drew: Doing a lot of running today.
Chloe: Shut up.
Steph: As you close in on your path out of the caves, all the Gelatinous Polyhedra smush together to form a Boss Polyhedra. It's catching up to the party.
Mikey: Shit.

Chloe: I throw my axe at it. (rolls dice)
Steph: Your attack doesn't do nearly enough damage to kill it, but it buys you enough time to escape into the meadows.
Mikey: Good effort.
Drew: Can't even kill it? Pathetic.

Chloe: I pick up the bard and throw him like a football, right at the monster!
Drew: What the hell?
Steph: Brutal. Despite the perfect spiral his oddly-shaped body makes as it spins through the air, the small gnome doesn't do much damage. Then he begins to slowly dissolve before your eyes inside the Gelatinous Polyhedra's acidic grasp.
Chloe: Let's go.
Mikey: Cool.
Drew: So harsh!
Steph: His screams follow you, a perfect E-flat, as you escape into the meadows.
Steph removes the Povel figurine.

Chloe: I trip the bard and run!
Drew: What? Hey!
Steph: You stick your foot out. He tries, but Povel's (chuckling) little legs aren't long enough for him to dodge you. He falls the whole three feet to the ground in slow motion. As your allies escape, the acidic Polyhedra creep over your fallen body. The acid burns like hell as it slowly dissolves your tiny, gnomish body. His cries of agony, pitched to a dissonant C sharp, follow you as you leave.
Steph removes the Povel figurine from the table.
Drew: This game is dark.

Chloe: I grab the bard and use him to shield Elamon. (rolls dice)
Drew: Whoa, hey! Can she do that?
Steph: All's fair in love and tabletop. You whip the bard's little body back and forth, blocking each blast of acid as they fly at you. The gnome shrieks a perfect F-sharp with every hit. Eventually, all the skin melts from your body, and you die.
Steph removes the Povel figurine.
Mikey: That...(chuckling) was sick!
Drew: Oh, my god. You're a monster.

Steph: As you near the exit of the caves, you hear the familiar boom, boom, boom of heavy footsteps. Out of the shadows and into your path steps...Duurgaron!
Steph places the Duurgaron figurine on the table.
Drew: Oh, shit, is that me?
Drew gets up and walks over to the others.
Mikey: You're gonna play?
Drew: I'ma kick your ass.
Mikey: This is awesome!
Drew: What do I do?
Steph: Say something threatening!
Drew: Uh... "You shall not pass."
Mikey: I've heard you sound more threatening when ordering pizza.

Chloe: Dude, you're worse at this than I am.
Drew: Okay, you know what, Price?

Chloe: You got this, Drew! I mean, Duurgaron!

Drew: "Weak, foolish creatures! You were lucky to escape me the last time, but fortune does not shine forever! When I'm done with you, death shall seem a quiet reprieve! Hahaha!"
Mikey: Word.
Steph: I wrote that for him.
Drew: (laughs) Shut up.
Steph: Now, remember, Duurgaron is still wearing his Bracer of Fire Immunity and is impervious to all of Elamon's battle spells.
Drew: Yeah, as it should be.
Steph: It's your move.

Chloe: I call upon Elamon. Help an Elf out!
Mikey: Hmm... I know. I cast Clairvoyance.
Steph: What would you like to see?
Mikey: Duurgaron's weakness!
Drew: Hey, what?
Steph: An image forms in your mind. You see a small, adorable gnome bard, singing a sweet song in a city street. Suddenly, Duurgaron appears standing over him. He snatches up the bard, carries him to the sea, and throws him like a football far into the storm-tossed currents. Immediately after, he grabs his throwing shoulder in pain.
Chloe: (chuckles) You hurt your shoulder tossing a gnome into the ocean?
Drew: I don't know what she's talking about.
Mikey: Didn't you throw that marching band kid in the pool last week?
Drew: Not that you can prove.

Chloe: I stab at his right side, where he can't fend me off! (rolls dice)
Drew: Come at me!
Steph: She lunges for you. You try to raise your sword but pain shoots through your arm like lightning. Her axe gets you right in the ribcage, dropping you to your knees.
Chloe: This one's all yours.
Mikey: Skull Bomb! (rolls dice) Yes!
Drew: Wait, "Skull Bomb"?
Mikey: I ignite a very small sun inside my enemy's head.
Steph: Though his bracer shields him from the heat, the gravitational force of the sun causes Duurgaron's head to implode until it disappears with a bloody pop.
Mikey: Haha! Finally! Whew, man!
Drew: Finally? That was, like, two seconds. I barely got to play!
Steph removes Duurgaron's figurine.

Drew: (sighs) Man...
Chloe: Here, I have a potion. (pulls out candy) It'll make you feel better. (offers it to Drew)
Drew: I love these! How'd you know? (takes candy)
Mikey: She's got ways.

Chloe: Nicely done, Elamon.

Chloe: I feel like Rage Slam might be good.
Drew: (laughs) Bring it!
Steph: Channeling your immense fury, you try to lift Duurgaron into the air for a body slam, badass style.
Chloe and Drew roll their dice.
Chloe: Twelve...
Drew: Uh, sixteen.
Steph: Duurgaron's stronger than you think. He reverses your grip and lifts you up, throwing you through air easily.
Drew: Ha!
Chloe: Bullshit.
Steph: You land in an embarrassingly awkward way. Take 5 damage.
Chloe: (sighs) I take it all back. This game is dumb.
Drew: I kick her while she's down.
Steph: Uh, make that...16 damage. Back to you.

Chloe: So, this says I have some special kind of magical frost sword that does some Ice Slice thing. I'm doing that.
Mikey: Here we go.
Chloe rolls the dice.
Mikey: A twenty?!
Drew: Shit, that's good, right?
Steph: Duurgaron, roll to reduce damage!
Drew rolls the dice and it lands on a 6.
Steph: You pull out your magically frozen blade and then unleash the Ice Slice to end all other Ice Slices.
Chloe: Ice Slice!
Steph: Duurgaron takes 21 damage, but is still standing strong.
Drew: I swing my giant-ass sword at your head. (rolls dice)
Steph: The elf just manages to duck under your blade, avoiding damage, but getting a pretty nasty haircut.
Chloe: You'll pay for that!

Mikey: Uhh... If Duurgaron's dead, I grab his bracer.
Chloe: Oh-ho, yeah! The Bracelet of Fire Resistance!
Steph: Bracer of Fire Immunity.
Chloe: Whatever.

Chloe: Alright, to the forest it is!
Mikey: Let's go!
Steph: As soon as you enter the shade of the great trees, it becomes eerily silent and very cold. You notice the stones on the ground are arranged in strange patterns, creating huge designs all over the forest floor.
Mikey: I think I know what this is... I follow the stones!
Steph: The stones lead you to the center of the forest, where you see a mysterious glowing idol upon a pedestal.
Mikey: A forest idol! I could use that to regrow my feet! Help me steal it!

Chloe: Hell, yeah, now this is my kind of skill challenge!
Steph: Awesome! Roll for Idol Theft.

Chloe rolls an 8 if she didn't steal both the shirt and the money (Episode 1).
Chloe: Ugh. Eight.
Steph: As you approach the idol, you dash your foot against one of the stones and fall face-first into the dirt. A bony hand shoots up from the ground right before your eyes. You feel the ground move, and jump up just in time for the undead soldier buried there to sit up from his shallow grave. Dirt and pebbles cascade down his fleshless torso.

Chloe rolls a 20 if she did steal both the shirt and the money (Episode 1).
Chloe: Haha! Twenty!
Steph: You find a log on the ground and pick it up. Ever so slowly, you lift the idol and slide the log into its place. Sweat pours down your face. You wait, but nothing happens. No net appears to catch you, no blowdarts shoot from the trees. The idol is yours.
Chloe: Fuck yeah!
Mikey: Nice! You Indiana Jones'd the shit outta that!
Steph: Using the idol, Elamon channels the energy of the forest. Fog sweeps in from all around, obscuring his legs. When the fog rolls out, Elamon has a brand-new pair of feet.
Mikey: Yes! Finally!
Steph: Suddenly, an undead hand shoots up from the ground in front of you. Then, the undead soldier it belongs to sits up from his grave, sending dirt and pebbles flying. Your excited shouts have woken him from his slumber.
Mikey: Balls!

Chloe: Dude. That thing's gotta be rigged with, like, a thousand booby traps.
Mikey: I'm gonna go for it!
Steph: Roll to steal the Forest Idol.
Mikey: Aw, man. Seven.
Steph: You approach the idol and thoughtlessly snatch it off its pedestal.

Steph places two figurines of a skeleton holding a sword.
Steph: Then, the ground beneath you shakes. Bony, rotting hands shoot up from the ground all around as an entire army of undead warriors rises from their graves. You have disrupted the Undead Forest, an ancient burial ground for fallen soldiers. They surround you now, armed to the teeth, bony faces grinning.

Chloe: Totally worth it.

Mikey: Run!
Steph: Luckily, the Undead have a very low running speed. The party flees safely, but the soldiers aren't far behind.

Steph: You're near the edge of the forest when you run across...
Drew: Oh, shit, is that me?
Drew gets up and walks over to the others.
Mikey: You're gonna play?
Drew: Yeah, little brother.
Steph: Povel, the arrogant gnome bard, joins your party.
Steph places a figurine of a gnome playing a lute.

Chloe: Arrogant?
Drew: You're not used to words that big, are you?
Mikey: Daaamn.

Chloe: Gnome bard?
Drew: That's what she said.
Chloe: Know any Firewalk?
Drew: No, I don't know any of your shitty music.
Mikey: Daaamn.

Chloe: That's some big talk from someone who's only three feet tall.
Drew: Size isn't everything.
Mikey: (laughing) This is awesome.

Chloe: Why don't you pick on someone your own size? There's probably a squirrel somewhere that you could fight.
Drew: I don't need violence to solve my problems. I just need the power of music.
Mikey: (laughing) This is awesome.

Chloe: Fine, but don't slow us down.
Steph: In the time you've been chatting...the army of Undead has caught up to you. The first cohort launches iron spears directly at Elamon. What do you do?

Chloe: I heroically jump in front of Elamon, using my axe to block each attack.
Steph: You block almost every attack, but one makes it through. Take 6 damage.
Mikey: Hey, thanks.
Drew: Do YOU have to be the hero? That's just selfish.
Steph: The army is still advancing. What do you do next?

Chloe: We can't fight a whole army of them. Not just with a gnome bard as backup. We should run.
Drew: Doing a lot of running today.
Chloe: Shut up.
Steph: As you near the edge of the forest, an enormous Undead soldier steps into your path. (places down skeleton figurine with armor and an axe) He roars, sending thousands of years of bad breath at you like a wave.
Mikey: Shit.

Chloe: I throw my axe at it. (rolls dice)
Steph: Your attack doesn't do nearly enough damage to kill it, but it buys you enough time to escape into the meadows.
Mikey: Good effort.
Drew: Can't even kill it? Pathetic.

Chloe: I pick up the bard and throw him like a football, right at the monster!
Drew: What the hell?
Steph: Brutal. The small gnome doesn't do much damage, but the beast stops to tear the bard limb from bloody limb.
Chloe: Let's go.
Mikey: Cool.
Drew: So harsh!
Steph: His screams follow you, a perfect E-flat, as you escape into the meadows.
Steph removes the Povel figurine.

Chloe: I trip the bard and run!
Drew: What? Hey!
Steph: You stick your foot out. He tries, but Povel's (chuckling) little legs aren't long enough for him to dodge you. He falls the whole three feet to the ground in slow motion. As your allies escape, the Undead soldiers approach your fallen body. Thirsty for blood after thousands of years, they eagerly rip you limb from limb. His cries of agony, pitched to a dissonant C sharp, follow you as you leave.
Steph removes the Povel figurine from the table.
Drew: This game is dark.

Chloe: I grab the bard and use him to shield Elamon. (rolls dice)
Drew: Whoa, hey! Can she do that?
Steph: All's fair in love and tabletop. You whip the bard's little body back and forth, catching every spear as they fly at you. The gnome shrieks a perfect F-sharp with every impact.
Steph removes the Povel figurine.
Mikey: That...(chuckling) was sick!
Drew: Oh, my god. You're a monster.

Steph: As you near the edge of the forest, you hear the familiar boom, boom, boom of heavy footsteps. Out of the shadows and into your path steps...Duurgaron!
Steph places the Duurgaron figurine on the table.
Drew: Oh, shit, is that me?
Drew gets up and walks over to the others.
Mikey: You're gonna play?
Drew: I'ma kick your ass.
Mikey: This is awesome!
Drew: What do I do?
Steph: Say something threatening!
Drew: Uh... "You shall not pass."
Mikey: I've heard you sound more threatening when ordering pizza.

Chloe: Dude, you're worse at this than I am.
Drew: Okay, you know what, Price?

Chloe: You got this, Drew! I mean, Duurgaron!

Drew: "Weak, foolish creatures! You were lucky to escape me the last time, but fortune does not shine forever! When I'm done with you, death shall seem a quiet reprieve! Hahaha!"
Mikey: Word.
Steph: I wrote that for him.
Drew: (laughs) Shut up.
Steph: Now, remember, Duurgaron is still wearing his Bracer of Fire Immunity and is impervious to all of Elamon's battle spells.
Drew: Yeah, as it should be.
Steph: It's your move.

Chloe: I call upon Elamon. Help an Elf out!
Mikey: Hmm... I know. I cast Clairvoyance.
Steph: What would you like to see?
Mikey: Duurgaron's weakness!
Drew: Hey, what?
Steph: An image forms in your mind. You see a small, adorable gnome bard, singing a sweet song in a city street. Suddenly, Duurgaron appears standing over him. He snatches up the bard, carries him to thea sea, and throws him like a football far into the storm-tossed currents. Immediately after, he grabs his throwing shoulder in pain.
Chloe: (chuckles) You hurt your shoulder tossing a gnome into the ocean?
Drew: I don't know what she's talking about.
Mikey: Didn't you throw that marching band kid in the pool last week?
Drew: Not that you can prove.

Chloe: I stab at his right side, where he can't fend me off! (rolls dice)
Drew: Come at me!
Steph: She lunges for you. You try to raise your sword but pain shoots through your arm like lightning. Her axe gets you right in the ribcage, dropping you to your knees.
Chloe: This one's all yours.
Mikey: Skull Bomb! (rolls dice) Yes!
Drew: Wait, "Skull Bomb"?
Mikey: I ignite a very small sun inside my enemy's head.
Steph: Though his bracer shields him from the heat, the gravitational force of the sun causes Duurgaron's head to implode until it disappears with a bloody pop.
Mikey: Haha! Finally! Whew, man!
Drew: Finally? That was, like, two seconds. I barely got to play!
Steph removes Duurgaron's figurine.

Drew: (sighs) Man...
Chloe: Here, I have a potion. (pulls out candy) It'll make you feel better. (offers it to Drew)
Drew: I love these! How'd you know? (takes candy)
Mikey: She's got ways.

Chloe: Nicely done, Elamon.

Chloe: I feel like Rage Slam might be good.
Drew: (laughs) Bring it!
Steph: Channeling your immense fury, you try to lift Duurgaron into the air for a body slam, badass style.
Chloe and Drew roll their dice.
Chloe: Twelve...
Drew: Uh, sixteen.
Steph: Duurgaron's stronger than you think. He reverses your grip and lifts you up, throwing you through air easily.
Drew: Ha!
Chloe: Bullshit.
Steph: You land in an embarrassingly awkward way. Take 5 damage.
Chloe: (sighs) I take it all back. This game is dumb.
Drew: I kick her while she's down.
Steph: Uh, make that...16 damage. Back to you.

Chloe: So, this says I have some special kind of magical frost sword that does some Ice Slice thing. I'm doing that.
Mikey: Here we go.
Chloe rolls the dice.
Mikey: A twenty?!
Drew: Shit, that's good, right?
Steph: Duurgaron, roll to reduce damage!
Drew rolls the dice and it lands on a 6.
Steph: You pull out your magically frozen blade and then unleash the Ice Slice to end all other Ice Slices.
Chloe: Ice Slice!
Steph: Duurgaron takes 21 damage, but is still standing strong.
Drew: I swing my giant-ass sword at your head. (rolls dice)
Steph: The elf just manages to duck under your blade, avoiding damage, but getting a pretty nasty haircut.
Chloe: You'll pay for that!

Mikey: Uhh... If Duurgaron's dead, I grab his bracer.
Chloe: Oh-ho, yeah! The Bracelet of Fire Resistance!
Steph: Bracer of Fire Immunity.
Chloe: Whatever.

Steph: You burst forth into the Majestic Meadow. Horizon to horizon, all you can see is lush green fields full of birds, flowers...
Steph places two figurines of a giant dragonkin wearing armor and holding a shield and spear.
Steph: And dragonkin.
Mikey: What?
Steph: Instead of chasing you, they circle around to set a trap. And you just walked right into it.

Steph: A spear from the waiting army soars through the sky, hitting and killing Povel, the arrogant gnome bard.
Steph removes the Povel figurine.
Drew: What? I barely got to play.
Steph: I rolled really high.

Steph: As the dragonkin ahead prepare to attack...

Steph: The army of Undead arrive behind you.

Steph: The army of Gelatinous Polyhedra arrive behind you.

Mikey: Ugh. We're surrounded and screwed.
Chloe: Aw, come on, Elamon! I'm sure you've got some sweet spell that'll save us.
Mikey: Uh...I do have Searing Crystal...
Chloe: Perfect! Searing Crystal these fuckers.
Mikey: You don't get it. This isn't just another battle spell. This crystal is like...like dropping a nuke. It'll kill everything. Including you and me.
Steph: Actually, you did grab Duurgaron's Bracer of Fire Immunity. Whoever wears it would survive.
Chloe: See? Problem solved.
Mikey: (sighs) But there's only one bracer.

Chloe: Oh, damn. Then let's go down in a blaze of glory, together.
Mikey: I cast...(holds out hand) Shield of Stars.
Chloe: Oh, boy...
Steph: (sighs) A dome of blinding light surrounds the party. It captures the attention of all surrounding creatures. They immediately charge.
Chloe: This...sucks.
Steph: The Shield of Stars withstands some of the blows, but wave after wave of attacks weakens it, until...
Mikey: Until?
Steph: The shield gives out.

Steph: Dragonkin and undead warriors descend upon the party.

Steph: Dragonkin and Gelatinous Polyhedra descend upon the party.

Chloe: Do we fight valiantly?
Steph: Oh, yeah. By fire and sword you take many of them down, though there are always more to take their place.
Drew: Sounds like state last year.
Steph: Their numbers overwhelm you, hacking you to death.

Steph: Or burning you with acid, or both.

Steph: Eventually, you die, your bodies torn to pieces.
Chloe: Damn. Mikey, I'm...I'm really sorry.
Mikey: I've been playing Elamon for three years. He was like...(sighs) a friend.
Steph covers the table with a tray and moves it back beside Mikey's bed.
Drew: But you can create a new character, right?
Mikey: Yeah... I guess.
Drew: (gets up) Then let's do this shit. How do we start?
Mikey: Wait, really? You'll play with me?
Drew: Sure, why not? We're not gonna let those shitheads think that they're better than...than the North brothers.

Chloe: (thinking) Mikey loves his character. I can't just let him get Elamon killed.
Chloe: "Elamon, keep the bracer and cast the spell. I'll hold them off so you can survive."
Mikey: It won't work! Look at all of them! (sighs) I should've never started this quest. I'm too weak.

Chloe: Elamon, you beat the shit out of Duurgaron and took his bracelet!
Steph: Bracer.
Chloe: Yeah, that. See, you can do anything!
Mikey: But I've never even used this spell before. What if I roll too low?

Chloe: Hey, wizards cast spells. It's what you do, so do it already!
Mikey: I've never even used this spell before. What if I roll too low?

Chloe: You're Elamon, freaking Wizard of the Third Circle, Foremost Advisor to King Tiberius, and Sworn Defender of Avalon!
Steph: Avernon.
Chloe: Yeah, that. See, you can do anything!
Mikey: Wow, you actually remember all of that? But I've never even used this spell before. What if I roll too low?

Chloe: So you've never used this spell before. You've also never died! It's gonna be a first time either way.
Mikey: You're the only friend who's ever helped me. I can't leave you behind!

Chloe: You know what else you've never done? Given up. If either of us is going to survive, this is the only way.
Mikey: You're the only friend who's ever helped me. I can't leave you behind!

Chloe: I believe in you. I know you'll roll high.
Mikey: You're the only party member I've ever had who's actually helped me. I can't leave you behind.

Chloe: People must be lining up to adventure with the great Elamon. You could replace me in no time!
Mikey: I won't just kill you! You're the only one I want to fight beside.

Chloe: Some party mate I've been. I got your feet cut off. Taking the hit is the best thing I can do for this party.

Mikey: No, Callamastia. I won't just kill you!

Mikey: No, Barb. I won't just kill you!

Mikey: No, Chloe. I won't just kill you!

Chloe: You're, like, the most heroic person I know. You help everyone. It's my turn to save you from something.

Mikey: No, Callamastia. I won't just kill you!

Mikey: No, Barb. I won't just kill you!

Mikey: No, Chloe. I won't just kill you!

Chloe: Think of all the distressed villagers out there who need you. If you kill yourself, you're also killing them.
Mikey: But I can save everyone! I know I can. Somehow.

Chloe: You'll kill all of these monsters, too! Think of how many lives you'll be saving by nuking their stupid faces off.
Mikey: But I can save everyone! I know I can. Somehow.

Chloe: Don't be afraid, Elamon. You are destined for great things.
Mikey: If I can't save everyone, then I'm nothing.

Chloe: Everyone dies sooner or later. It's okay, I can handle it. I've had a... short but adventurous life.

Chloe: It's not about what you can and can't do. It's about the greater good. I know you'll make the right call.

Chloe: Elamon, dude, if you can't save everyone, you should at least save someone. Save yourself.

Mikey: Alright. (sighs) I'm so sorry, Chloe. (rolls dice)
Steph: Elamon secures the Bracer of Fire Immunity on his wrist. He gives the elf barbarian one last nod, and reaches to the sky. The Searing Crystal lifts from his hands, floating up into the clouds.
Drew: You got this, bro.
Steph: Suddenly, an explosion! Fire arcs outward in a ring, then the ring begins to spin.
Mikey: Whoa.
Steph: A quiet stillness encompasses the meadow, as all creatures gaze upward at the swirling flames.
Mikey: Thank you, Chloe. For everything.
Chloe salutes Mikey.
Steph: The flames descend over the meadow, bathing everything in liquefying arcs of infernal chaos. Monsters begin screaming in agony.
Chloe: Badass.
Steph: Chloe, you've got one final moment before your angry, elven body is burned away forever. Any last words?

Chloe: Yeah. I turn to the monsters surrounding us and yell, "Hey, dudes, fuck you!"
Drew: At least it's true to character.

Chloe: I turn to Elamon and say, "Thank you," before the flames burn me away forever.
Mikey: (voice breaking) Elamon rolls not to cry. (tearfully) I rolled a three.

Chloe: No words, but I do flip all the monsters a double bird.
Steph: Way to keep the moment going.

Steph: The spell comes to a spectacular climax, until all you can see is white. Then, all is calm, all is quiet. All is ash.
Drew: Daaamn.
Steph: Congratulations, Elamon. You have completed Revenge of the Dragonkin.
Steph puts the tray over the table and returns it to the side of the bed.
Drew: That's it? She's dead and the game's over?
Mikey: Yup. And Elamon's left alone once again. It was fun having a companion while it lasted.
Drew: (gets up) Well...what if I make a new character?
Mikey: Wait, really? You wanna keep playing?
Drew: Sure.

Mikey: No. I won't abandon the best partner I've ever had.
Steph: Mikey...
Mikey: I cast...(holds out hand) Shield of Stars.
Chloe: Oh, boy...
Steph: (sighs) A dome of blinding light surrounds the party. It captures the attention of all surrounding creatures. They immediately charge.
Chloe: This...sucks.
Steph: The Shield of Stars withstands some of the blows, but wave after wave of attacks weakens it, until...
Mikey: Until?
Steph: The shield gives out.

Steph: Dragonkin and undead warriors descend upon the party.

Steph: Dragonkin and Gelatinous Polyhedra descend upon the party.

Chloe: Do we fight valiantly?
Steph: Oh, yeah. By fire and sword you take many of them down, though there are always more to take their place.
Drew: Sounds like state last year.
Steph: Their numbers overwhelm you, hacking you to death.

Steph: Or burning you with acid, or both.

Steph: Eventually, you die, your bodies torn to pieces.
Chloe: Damn. Mikey, I'm...I'm really sorry.
Mikey: I've been playing Elamon for three years. He was like...(sighs) a friend.
Steph covers the table with a tray and moves it back beside Mikey's bed.
Drew: But you can create a new character, right?
Mikey: Yeah... I guess.
Drew: (gets up) Then let's do this shit. How do we start?
Mikey: Wait, really? You'll play with me?
Drew: Sure, why not? We're not gonna let those shitheads think that they're better than...than the North brothers.

Steph: This is gonna be dope. (to Chloe) That was a pretty intense one.
Chloe: Yeah...
Steph: Thanks for playing. It always means a lot to Mikey.
Chloe: Seems like the least I could do.
Chloe gets up.

Chloe: Maybe later.
Steph: Okay, let me know when.
If Chloe speaks to them again:
Steph: Ready to play?

Chloe: Yeah, let's do it.
Continued in "Yeah, you bet" tabber.

Chloe: Actually, not quite yet.
Steph: We'll be right here when you are.

Optional Conversation with Mikey (after playing)

Mikey: Thanks for playing, Chloe. That was one of the most emotional adventures I've ever had.

Optional Conversation with Steph and Drew (didn't play/after playing)

Steph: Say hi to Rachel for us.

Drew: We're rooting for her.

Chloe approaches the door to leave. Drew gets up and walks over to her.

Drew: Hey, wait up a sec. Sorry I got angry at you yesterday, about the money. You were just trying to help.

Chloe: Don't worry about it. You were in a really tough situation.
Drew: A situation I created.

Chloe: I told you... I was working for Frank.
Drew: I know. That doesn't mean you weren't trying to help us, too.

Drew: When you said that Damon stabbed Rachel, I kept thinking, I'm supposed to look out for Mikey, not bring this shit into his life. I think you saved us from something so much worse. Thank you.

Chloe: Yeah, sure.

Steph: Thanks for stopping by!

Mikey: Bye, Chloe!

Rachel's Room

James is kneeling next to Rachel's bed, holding her hand.

Rachel: Dad...I'm glad that you're here.

James: Me, too, Rachel...

Rachel: It really hurts.

James: Shh... The pain will pass...

Chloe enters.

James: Chloe's here. You want me to stay?

Rachel: No, I'll be okay. Thanks, Dad.

James gets up.

James: I'll come back in a little while.

James leaves and Chloe sits on Rachel's bed, holding her hand.

Rachel: (chuckles) My guardian angel.

Chloe: How are you?
Rachel: Not great. Better with you here.

Chloe: I saw Steph earlier. She says hey.
Rachel: Steph's so cute.

Rachel: But not as cute as you.
Chloe: Stop.
Rachel: I mean it.

Rachel: Thanks for the message.

Chloe: Rachel, I'm sorry.

Chloe starts crying.

Rachel: What? What for?

Chloe: (sniffles) You're here because of me. (sniffles) Because I choked back there in the junkyard.

Rachel: What? Shut up!

Chloe: You were so fierce, and I just froze. I fucked it up, and I'm so sorry, and...

Rachel: And you saved my life. You. Saved. My. Life.

Chloe: I almost lost you. I can't believe I almost...
Rachel: You're not getting rid of me that easy.
Chloe: Good.

Chloe: Just don't do that again.
Rachel: Play the damsel in distress? You got it.
Chloe: No, attack a psycho with a two-by-four. That was crazy!
Rachel: Newsflash, Chloe. I'm a little crazy.

Chloe: Crazy hot.

Chloe: Crazy awesome.

Chloe: Happy that your dad's here?

Rachel: I mean, I'm still mad at him for everything he's done, but...it felt so good to lean on him. He's my dad, you know? I felt completely safe.

Chloe: Like on Mount Hood.

Rachel: Would you do something for me?

Chloe: Anything.

Rachel: Sera. My mom. That's so weird to say. I'm not even sure what she is, honestly. But...I think I still wanna meet her.

Chloe: I figured you would.

Chloe: Are you sure? She could be completely different than you imagine.
Rachel: I'm sure.

Rachel: I don't even know if she's still in Arcadia Bay... But if she is, will you find her, please?

Chloe: You really want this, don't you?

Rachel: I do. Chloe, I really do.

Chloe: Then...of course. Whatever it takes.

Rachel: I bet my dad has her number...maybe in his office. Our house key's just under the mat. The code is 0722.

Chloe: To your...your dad's office? 0722...

Rachel: Yeah. My birthday.

Chloe: I'll find her, Rachel. And then I'll tell her how fucking cool you are.

Rachel punches Chloe's shoulder.

Rachel: Thank you, Chloe. For...everything...

Rachel falls asleep.

Chloe kisses Rachel's cheek.

Chloe leaves.

Hallway

Chloe runs into Eliot, who has a figurine of Hawt Dawg Man holding a "get well" balloon.

Chloe: Uh, hey, Eliot.

Eliot: Hey. Wait, your hair! It's different.

Chloe: Uh, yeah, yeah.

Eliot: I like it. It's, uh...it's nice.

Eliot: I like your shirt, too. You never told me you were into cars.
Chloe: Guess you don't know everything about me.

Eliot: I like your shirt, too. I didn't know you were into dragons...
Chloe: Who the fuck isn't into dragons?

Eliot: I like your shirt, too. I don't think I've ever seen you wear that before.
Chloe: You keeping tabs on what I wear?

Chloe: Uh, nice balloon, I guess.

Eliot: Yeah, it's for Drew.

Eliot: Yeah, it's for Mikey.

Eliot: Were you just in there?
Chloe: I'm actually here for Rachel.

Chloe: How've you been?
Eliot: Like, since last night?
Chloe: Holy shit, The Tempest was just yesterday?
Eliot: Yes?
Chloe: So much has been happening lately... I actually brought Rachel here just awhile ago, but it feels like forever.

Chloe: Sorry I bailed on seeing The Tempest with you. The whole thing just sort of happened.
Eliot: Um, no, not—not a problem at all. So, what's going on with you?
Chloe: I don't even know where to start. At the moment, I'm here for Rachel.

Eliot: What? Rachel's here? What happened?

Chloe: She got stabbed by a psycho.
Eliot: Oh, my god!
Chloe: Yeah. It was insane.
Eliot: Holy shit, are you okay?

Chloe: Uh, I'm fine. She's fine, too, by the way.

Chloe: I mean, I'm probably not okay, but I can deal with that later.

Chloe: I think she's keeping that private for now. She's okay, though.
Eliot: Well, that's good.

Eliot: I guess I'll stop by after I see Drew.

Eliot: I guess I'll stop by after I see Mikey.

Chloe: She probably wants privacy.
Eliot: Oh. Right, of course.

Eliot: Are...are you two in some kind of trouble? You can tell me if you are, you know. I won't judge.

Chloe: Nothing we can't handle.

Chloe: What? I don't even know what you mean.

Eliot: Come on. A random psycho going around stabbing people for no reason?
Chloe: Well, that's what happened.

Eliot: It's kind of weird that Rachel's being so private. Isn't it?
Chloe: No, it's really not.

Chloe: I'll make sure to keep you posted. Right now I'm here to take care of Rachel.

Eliot: Chloe, I'm seriously worried about you.

Chloe: Well...don't be.

Eliot: I mean, you're hanging out with Rachel Amber a lot lately, right?

Chloe: So what?

Eliot: So...obviously something is going on.

Chloe: It's really...It's really not your business, Eliot.
Eliot: (scoffs) Okay, That's fair.

Chloe: I swear, man, everything's really okay.
Eliot: (deep breath) Okay, I trust you.

Eliot: Just remember I'm here, okay? If you suddenly need something.

Chloe: Thanks.

Eliot: Oh, hey, I almost forgot. Did you, like...write on my whiteboard?
Chloe: I totally did, didn't I?
Eliot: Yeah, I was pretty sure that was your handwriting.
Chloe: What did I write?

Eliot: You called me a creeper?
Chloe: Oh. I was probably messing with you. Don't worry about it, man.
Eliot: Yeah, creepers aren't... That stuff's not cool.

Eliot: You wrote me a poem? Emotional, Loyal, et cetera? Ended with Talented?
Chloe: Oh. Well, you are pretty talented, man.
Eliot: Thanks.

Chloe: Anyway, see you around.

Eliot: Yeah. See you around, Chloe.

Eliot watches Chloe walk away and press the elevator button. Chloe notices James and Rose sitting in the waiting room; James has his arm around Rose and is comforting her. The elevator door opens and Chloe gets in.

James' Office

Chloe enters the Amber House.

Chloe: Hello?

Chloe enters the code to unlock James' office and goes inside.

Chloe: (thinking) I need to search this office for any communication with Sera that can help me find her.

Chloe can try to open a locked drawer in James' desk, but without a way to unlock it, the attempt fails.

Chloe: (thinking) Not gonna be able to smash my way out of this one. Hopefully there's a key around somewhere.

Chloe picks up the award on James' shelf.

Chloe: (thinking) Best Dad? (scoffs) That stuff is all politics, anyway.

Chloe puts the award back but hears a rattling sound.

Chloe: (thinking) Hmm...

Chloe investigates by picking up the award again and shaking it, and it continues to rattle. She opens the bottom of it and shakes it, a key falling into her hand. She puts the award back.

Chloe: (thinking) Sweet, a secret key. Now to find the secret lock.

Chloe: (thinking) Found you!

Chloe unlocks and opens the bottom drawer of James' desk.

Chloe: (thinking) Welcome to Shadyville.

Chloe pulls the box out of the drawer and puts it on the desk, then opens it. She takes the phone from the box.

Chloe: (thinking) I have to know who James is talking to on this secret phone of his. It could be about Sera.

Chloe reads the messages on the phone.

Chloe: (thinking) James is working with...Damon Merrick? This is insane. What were they talking about? Is the girl Damon's talking about Sera? Whatever's going on, I need to see if Damon knows where Sera is. But how do I get him to tell me?

Chloe (SMS): You'll pay for what you did to Rachel.
Damon (SMS): I told you, she came at me. It was self-defense. Besides, pretty sure you still need me.

Chloe (SMS): Where is Sera?
Damon (SMS): So we're using names, now? Relax man.

Damon (SMS): It's simple, either you do what I want, or your little problem becomes a big problem.

Damon (SMS): Now, did you take care of the evidence, or not?

Chloe: Shit. What do I say?

Chloe (SMS): I did.
Damon (SMS): I know you're new at this, but here's how it works. You show me proof. I give you what you want.

Chloe (SMS): You first.
Damon (SMS): I know you're new at this, so I'll give you a pass. Don't fuck with me. Let's see proof of the evidence.

Chloe: (thinking) Hope James actually has this evidence. Don't think Damon will tell me where Sera is unless I send him a picture.

Chloe opens a drawer and the box inside it. There are several sealed bags of evidence.

Chloe: (thinking) This must be what Damon was talking about. Shit, which one of is Damon talking about? I could just take a wild guess and see what he says. Or maybe there's some info on the case hanging around the office.

Chloe takes a picture of one of the items in the evidence box.

Chloe takes a picture of the bullet casings.
Damon (SMS): The hell? I didn't shoot anyone. What are you trying to pin on me?
Chloe has to send a picture of something else.

Chloe takes a picture of the knife.
Damon (SMS): Why are you sending me this shit? You know what I'm talking about.
Chloe has to send a picture of something else.

Chloe takes a picture of the glove.
Damon (SMS): I'm waiting...
Chloe (SMS): What? That's evidence, right?
Damon (SMS): Yeah, and now you fucking destroy it. Why are you so bad at this?
Chloe (SMS): I'll get right on that.

Chloe: (thinking) If I can figure out how. How do I destroy a glove? Maybe I can burn it somehow?

Chloe puts the trashcan over by the window. She uses her lighter to set the glove on fire and tosses it in the can. Chloe fans the smoke out the window, then closes it. The keypad next to the door beeps.

Chloe: (thinking) Better not touch that again.

Chloe sends a picture of the burned glove to Damon.

Damon (SMS): You've taken care of it, good.

Chloe (SMS): So...

Damon (SMS): Since you're destroying evidence, might as well tell me which of my guys was the snitch.

Chloe (SMS): I checked with the ABPD. There is no snitch.
Damon (SMS): Bullshit.

Chloe (SMS): Where is she. No more games.
Damon (SMS): Sorry chief, but I think you're gonna do what I asked.

Chloe (SMS): Any leads on who it might be?
Damon (SMS): Sorry, that's your job.

Damon (SMS): Tell me who it is. Or maybe you'd rather deal with your problem yourself?

Chloe: (thinking) Damn. I hope James has something here to tell me who James informant is. So I need to find out who's been snitching? I should search around the office to see if there's any info to help me out.

Chloe checks the corkboard.

Chloe: (thinking) Okay. If I'm going to accuse one of these guys, I'd better be sure I'm right.

Chloe (SMS): Gerald is the guy.

Damon (SMS): The fuck he is. I'm getting sick of you playing games with me.

Damon (SMS): I think you don't know what the fuck you're talking about.

Chloe (SMS): Of course I do. I'm the DA, remember?
Damon (SMS): And yet you've never pinned anything on me. It's not Gerald.

Chloe (SMS): Come on, why would I lie?
Damon (SMS): Because you're a fucking pig? It's not Gerald.

Chloe (SMS): Maybe you should ask him about the plea bargain he copped for himself. Wonder how he swung that...
Damon (SMS): Fuck. I never woulda thought...
Damon (SMS): Gerald's gonna wish we never met. Good work.

Damon (SMS): Fuck, really? I never woulda thought...
Damon (SMS): Gerald's gonna wish we never met. Good work.

Chloe (SMS): The informant is Sheldon Pike.

Damon (SMS): The fuck he is. I'm getting sick of you playing games with me.

Damon (SMS): How do I know you're not fucking with me?

Chloe (SMS): Because I say so, that's why.
Damon (SMS): Not buying it. I just met the guy last month, can't be him.

Chloe (SMS): You can trust me. We're partners.
Damon (SMS): Not buying it. I just met the guy last month, can't be him.

Chloe (SMS): He's been meeting with a parole officer every week. What do you think they talk about?
Damon (SMS): Shit...
Damon (SMS): I can't wait to take care of that fucker. Thanks.

Damon (SMS): Shit, really? I barely know that guy.
Damon (SMS): And now he's gonna wish we never met. Good work.

Chloe (SMS): Thunder is the snitch.
Damon (SMS): Shit. That makes sense. I can't wait to take care of that fucker.

Chloe (SMS): Francis Bowers is the guy.
Damon (SMS): Francis? Hah. Totally calling him that now.
Damon (SMS): I've known Frank most of my life. He's a brother to me. I'd kill for him.
Damon (SMS): Think about that the next time you make up some bullshit about Frank being a snitch, okay?

Chloe: (thinking) Damn. This will be tougher than I thought. Maybe I should dig around for some evidence?

Chloe tells Damon who the snitch is or manages to convince Damon that it's someone else.

Damon (SMS): Guess all that leaves is our hand off. Show me you have my payment and I'll tell you where to meet.

Chloe: Payment? Fuck...

Chloe (SMS): How much?
Damon (SMS): The exact amount your pigs stole from me.

Chloe (SMS): I've got your money...
Damon (SMS): Good! Send me a pic and we're all set.

Chloe: (thinking) Here's hoping James already has Damon's money. But where would it be?

Chloe looks at the sawdust on one of the shelves.

Chloe: (thinking) I wonder if this has anything to do with Damon's stash?

Chloe moves aside the books to discover a hole in the shelf, and she takes the money out of it.

Chloe: Holy shit!

Chloe sends a picture of the money to Damon.

Damon (SMS): Alright, good work! And now here's your girl, ready to go.

Damon sends Chloe a picture of Sera tied to a chair.

Chloe: (thinking) Fuck, that's Sera. And...she's at the mill. What is he doing to her?

Damon (SMS): Bring me the package and we can finish the job.

Chloe (SMS): I'm calling it off. Let her go.
Damon (SMS): Cold feet, huh? You really are new at this. How about I leave her body on your doorstep? Bring me the cash, then we can talk.

Chloe (SMS): On my way. Don't do anything in the meantime.
Damon (SMS): You really are new at this. Better hurry, this chick's starting to get on my nerves.

Chloe: (thinking) Holy shit, does James even know what he's doing? (puts down phone) Okay, I still have time. Damon's waiting for his money, right? He wouldn't do anything to her yet... Fuck, I need to get there fast.

Eliot: (from outside the office) Chloe?

Chloe: Eliot?

Eliot enters the room.

Eliot: Hey.

Chloe: Eliot, what are you doing here?

Eliot: What are YOU doing here? This is Rachel's house, right?

Chloe tries to move forward but Eliot spreads his arms out to block her.

Chloe: (thinking) Did he really just follow me here?

Chloe: Did you...did you follow me from the hospital?
Eliot: I did. I'm worried about you.

Chloe: I can't really talk about it. Rachel...Rachel needs my help.
Eliot: I'm sure she does. I'm more concerned about you.

Chloe: I'm fine. You're the one acting crazy. You shouldn't be here.

Eliot notices the money on the desk.

Eliot: Chloe, what is—?

Chloe lunges toward the money but Eliot grabs it before she can.

Chloe: Eliot, put that down. You have no idea what you're dealing with.

Eliot: And you do? Chloe, what have you gotten yourself into?

Chloe: You...you wouldn't understand.

Chloe tries to grab the money but Eliot moves his hand away. He puts the money back on the desk.

Eliot: Give me a chance! What the hell are you doing?

Chloe: I can't talk much about it. It has to do with Rachel's mother. Her real mother.
Eliot: And that explains you breaking into the DA's home and having...this? (gestures to money)
Chloe: Believe it or not, yes.

Chloe: I can't tell you. But obviously this is pretty serious shit. That's why I need to leave, right now.
Eliot: You mean serious for Rachel, right? But you're the one putting yourself in danger. Again.

Chloe: Honestly, Eliot, you can judge me all you want. But it's pretty fucked up that you're here right now, and I don't have time for this.
Eliot: When?
Chloe: What?
Eliot: When will you have time? For me? You have all the time in the world for—for Rachel.

Eliot: I'm so sick of you not seeing who Rachel really is. When will you realize what she's doing to you?

Chloe: Eliot, just take a step back...

Eliot: No! You need to listen to me. What has your relationship with her gotten you?

Chloe: You—you don't know what you're talking about.

Eliot: First night you hang out, what happens?

Eliot: You end up with a black eye.

Eliot: You end up in a fight.

Chloe: I can see why you'd think that, but it wasn't her fault.
Eliot: It's never her fault. That's the point.

Chloe: You don't know what you're talking about. Rachel saved my ass.
Eliot: I'm sure that's how it seemed to you.

Chloe: Stop—stop suggesting that she's somehow bad for—

Eliot: The next day she convinces you to skip school. Magically, she barely gets in trouble.

Eliot: And you get suspended.

Eliot: And you get expelled.

Chloe: I took the fall because I wanted to. Rachel tried to protect me.
Eliot: Yet, somehow, it all worked out for her in the end. As usual.

Chloe: Rachel was there for me. She did everything she could to protect me.
Eliot: I guess it wasn't enough, huh?

Chloe: You don't understand. You weren't there!

Eliot: Was she protecting you when she made you take part in a play you didn't wanna be in?

Eliot: She let you make a fool outta yourself.

Chloe: Look, I'm sorry I ditched you for the play, but—
Eliot: This isn't about that!

Chloe: Seriously, man. You need to shut the fuck up before—

Eliot: I've been quiet long enough! Look, Rachel is an amazing actress. And I don't mean onstage. She's fake. You're real. And I hate to see her manipulate you like this.

Chloe: Eliot, I promise, no one is manipulating me.

Eliot: No? Just look where you are now. A highschool dropout, hanging out with criminals, and breaking into houses. It's crazy! It just as easily could've been you in that hospital today. If that ever happened...

Chloe: Dude, you know you sound a little stalker-ish right now?
Eliot: (slams fist on desk) Stalking is defined as repeated unwanted interactions. How long have my interactions been unwanted?

Chloe: Look, I hear you. I appreciate the concern.
Eliot: I don't think you do.

Chloe: Eliot...

Eliot: I'm the one who cares about you, Chloe. Me! Not Rachel! It's time you saw the truth.

Chloe: What does that mean?

Eliot: It means you're going to stop thinking about Rachel and pay attention to me now! For once!

Chloe: Eliot, please. I know you're upset, but—
Eliot picks up a snowglobe and throws it to the floor, smashing it.
Eliot: I'm not upset! I'm trying to help you.

Chloe: Look, I'm sorry. But I really need to go.
Chloe tries to walk away, but Eliot pushes her back, and she bumps into the desk, hurting her arm.
Eliot: Why did you make me do that? Can't you just listen to me?

Chloe: (thinking) Eliot's gone full-blown crazy. I need to get the police to come without tipping him off.
Eliot: Who was there for you? When Max left? When your dad died? No one else gave a shit about you except for me! We have a lot to talk about, and I don't care how long it takes. We're not leaving until you see that I'm right.
As Eliot paces the room, he turns his back to Chloe. She dials 911 on James' phone and places it on the desk, leaning on the edge in front of it to obscure Eliot's view of the phone. The keypad next to the door beeps and becomes armed. Eliot turns back around.
Woman: (on phone) 911, what's your emergency?
Chloe: Alright, Eliot. You wanna talk so bad? Let's talk.
Eliot: What's really going on here? You can tell me.

Chloe: You mean here, specifically? Like, the Amber house?
Eliot: I'm talking about your situation. Rachel is dangerous. You need to realize that.

Chloe: Okay. Right now we are here at 2420 Blackfriars Road. Is that what you mean?

Chloe: Here's what's going on: we're at the DA's house, and we should probably leave before he comes back.
Eliot: Don't worry. With Rachel in the hospital, James isn't coming anytime soon. I'm talking about your situation. Rachel is dangerous. You need to realize that.

Chloe: You're the one who's keeping me here. At the Arcadia Bay DA James Amber's house.

Chloe: You're right, Eliot. I didn't want to admit it before, but it's true: my life is at great risk.
Eliot: Thank you, Chloe. All I want is to help you. I'm glad you can finally see that.

Chloe: You're right, Eliot. I didn't want to admit it before, but it's true: my life is in danger.
Eliot: Thank you, Chloe. All I want is to help you. I'm glad you can finally see that.

Chloe: You're right. I do need help. I need help, immediately.
Eliot: Hey, it's okay. I'm not going anywhere.

Chloe: You're right. This whole thing has been a cry for help. Help me. Help me, now!
Eliot: Hey, it's okay. I'm not going anywhere.

Chloe: I don't need your help. I need help from you. Help!

Chloe: I feel trapped. Boxed in. I desperately want to leave this situation.

Chloe: I just need things to hurry up and get here...now.

Chloe: I'm attempting to move on. But it feels like I'm being blocked. Against my will.

Eliot: It takes a lotta guts to tell me all this. And...I want you to know that I will always be there for you. No matter what.
Eliot hugs Chloe. Police sirens start wailing and Eliot and Chloe look out the window.
Chloe: It's the police!
Eliot: Okay, don't panic. Uh, I'm sure they'll just wanna ask us why we're here.
Chloe: What do we do?
Eliot: I'll talk to them. Um...there's nothing to be concerned about.
Chloe: Thank you, Eliot. You're a great friend.
Eliot tries to open the door but sets off the alarm. Chloe grabs the money and runs away.

Eliot: You're acting strange. What's going on?
Chloe: What? Nothing. I...
Eliot: What are you...?
Eliot looks behind Chloe, despite her attempts to block his view. He grabs the phone and hangs up, tossing it back on the desk.
Eliot: Argh! You bitch! Can't you see I just wanna help you?!
Eliot advances and Chloe back up. When she's near the shelves, she grabs the "Best Dad Award".
Eliot: You're going to assault me now?! That's how far you'll go to protect Rachel? This is what I'm talking about.
Chloe: No, you idiot!
Chloe throws the award out of the window, setting off the alarm.
Eliot: What the fuck?
Chloe: Better run, dickbag! Cops'll be here any minute!
Eliot runs away. Chloe grabs the money and runs away as well.

Burned Forest

Chloe is driving her truck and listening Don't Mess With Me. She looks over at the spot of blood from Rachel's injury. When she looks up again, she narrowly misses crashing into a truck.

Chloe: Shit!

Chloe swerves to avoid the truck and ends up on the side of the road. She hits the steering wheel in frustration, turns off the music, and gets out of the car. She looks at the burned forest and falling ash.

Chloe: So much destruction...all because Rachel got angry at her dad. Who's been lying to her all her life. And he's still lying.

William: Hey, being a dad's tough.

William, or the illusion of him, is suddenly standing behind Chloe, leaning his arm on her truck.

Chloe: That doesn't justify what he's done.

William: I'm just saying... I'd probably do anything to keep you safe.

Chloe: Hey, Dad?

William: Yeah?

Chloe: Did you ever lie to me? I don't mean telling me that ashtray I made for Mom wasn't a piece of crap. I mean, like, really lied about...something that might hurt me to know.

William: What do you think?

Chloe: I just don't know anymore. That's what makes it so horrible. James Amber, the perfect dad, and James Amber, the scheming asshole, would act exactly the same around Rachel.
William: Oh, sweetheart. You're a terrible liar, so I couldn't have been much better, right?

Chloe: I think you didn't. You didn't have to. You didn't, right?

Chloe: I suppose everyone lies about big things. I mean, the stuff Mom doesn't know about me... So, you probably lied, too.

William: Would you love me less?

Chloe: Of course not.
William: You sound pretty sure, sweetheart. You were pretty sure Mom would never fall in love with someone like David, too.

Chloe: I guess it depends on what it was.
William: That's the trouble, sweetheart. The truth's risky. And the idea of you loving me even a little less? I don't think I'd ever want to risk that.

Chloe: Maybe a little.
William: I'd never want you to love me any less. I might do all kinds of things to prevent that.

William: Are you really ready to hear the answer to your question?

Chloe: Ready as I'll ever be.
William: Problem is, I'm dead, so how am I supposed to tell you anything?

Chloe: Know what, Dad? Nevermind. I don't...I don't need to know.

Chloe looks behind her but William has disappeared. She gets back in her truck.

Chloe: I guess it's better this way. Not knowing.
William: Then, I'll always be the perfect dad?
Chloe: How many people get to say that?

Chloe: I wish you'd told me when you could've.
William: You don't like the perfect relationship we had?
Chloe: I wish you'd lived long enough for us to fuck it up.

Chloe: I like it better this way.
William: What way? That I'll always be the perfect dad?
Chloe: How many people get to say that?

William is sitting in the seat next to Chloe. She turns on the radio and hears William's country song, "Burning the Midnight Oil".

Chloe: No way. My ride, my tunes.

Chloe turns on "Don't Mess With Me" again and drives back onto the road.

Chloe: Am I seriously going in to face Damon Merrick? All for Rachel. Am I crazy?

William: Hella crazy.

Chloe: I'm glad you're here, Dad.

William: You don't want me to go?

Chloe: Nah, I like the company. Besides, you don't wanna miss this. Things are about to get real.

Old Mill

Chloe drives her truck up to the mill. Frank's RV is there as well, and Chloe notices a red smear on it.

Chloe: (thinking) Shit, is that blood?

Chloe knocks on the RV door.

Chloe: Frank?

Chloe tries to look inside the RV window.

Chloe: Frank! Shit, this is bad. I'll get you help, Frank. But, first, I've gotta help Rachel's mom.

Chloe goes inside. The mill and almost everything inside it is completely burned.

Chloe: (thinking) Where the hell is Sera?

Chloe can optionally take the knife stuck in a pillar. Chloe peeks around the corner. Sera is strapped to a chair and Damon stands next to her. On the makeshift table nearby there is a syringe.

Sera: No!

Damon: Shh... Everything's going to be just fine. Just a little longer and all your troubles are going bye-bye.

Chloe: (thinking) What the fuck...?

Sera: I just want to meet my daughter. Can't you understand? Why does he—?

Damon: Your daughter? Jesus. So that's what he's worried about. Can't let the public know the mother of his daughter is some junkie.

Sera: I just want to see her. You don't have to—

Damon grabs Sera's neck.

Damon: Shut up. James Amber wants you out of the picture, so that's what's going to happen.

Chloe: (thinking) This is so messed up.

Damon picks up the syringe.

Damon: After all, no one believes a junkie.

Sera: No!

Damon: He said you've been sober a year. Respect. (flicking syringe) It's hard to kick this shit.

Chloe holds the money.

Chloe: (thinking) You can do this.

Chloe walks into the open.

Chloe: Damon.

Damon: What the hell are you doing here?

Damon puts down the syringe.

Chloe: I've got the money right here. Your money. Want it?
Chloe holds the knife behind her and offers the money to Damon, who approaches her.
Damon: How the fuck—?
Chloe swings the knife and slashes Damon's face and Damon screams in agony.

Chloe: I've got your money right here. The money James owes you?
Damon: How the fuck do you—?
Sera: Run!
Chloe: No one has to know. Just...just let her go and I won't say—

Chloe: Can we just talk about what's going on here?
Damon: Okay. What should we talk about?

Chloe: Whatever James promised you, he's a liar and a cheater. He'll screw you over the first chance he gets.
Damon: (chuckles) You think I'm a fucking idiot? James Amber came to me because he was desperate. And now I'm squeezing him for all he's worth.

Chloe: Whatever James told you, Sera doesn't deserve this. She didn't do anything wrong.
Damon: You think I give a shit about what she did? My job is to make problems go away. And she's the problem.
Chloe: Look, I just think—

Damon slaps Chloe and she falls to the ground. If Chloe had a knife falls to the floor.

Sera: No!

Damon kicks the knife away (determinant).

Damon: Talking's over.

Damon picks up the money.

Sera: Leave her alone!

Damon: Shut up.

Damon notices James' phone on the ground.

Damon: What the fuck?

He picks up the phone and opens it, looking at the messages.

Damon: You boosted the DA's shit? Got my money, burned the evidence, all that?

Chloe: (struggling to get up) I'm just...trying to help.

Damon kicks Chloe and she cries out in pain.

Sera: Get away from her!

Damon puts the money and phone on the table.

Damon: I said shut the fuck up!

Damon slaps Sera.

Damon: You are one stupid, crazy bitch. (sighs, picks up syringe) Shoulda never gotten mixed up in this shit.
Damon puts Chloe in a headlock, holding the syringe near her as she struggles.
Damon: The DA's family, an out-of-town junkie...and now high school girls? What a fucking mess. It's okay. A girl's first time should be special.
Sera: No...
Damon: Not so tough, now, are you?

Chloe: Go to hell.
Damon: (laughs) That's the spirit.

Chloe: Please don't do this.
Damon: You're not gonna get anywhere being a pussy.

Sera: Hey! Touch her again and I'll kill you.
Damon lets go of Chloe.
Damon: Is that so? (gets up)
Sera: Try me.
Damon walks toward Sera.

Damon grabs Sera and injects her with the syringe.

Chloe: No!

Damon: Go to your fucking happy place.

Sera: Run...

Damon: (grabbing Sera's face) Let this be a lesson, kid. Make good life choices, or you'll end up like her. (approaching Chloe) Now, what do I do with—?

Frank: Damon!

Frank leans on a nearby wall, blood gushing out of a wound on his shoulder.

Frank: What did you do?!

Damon: (chuckling) I fucked you up good, didn't I? Guess you really don't know when to quit. Glad to see you back on your feet.

Frank: Chloe?

Chloe: Frank...?

Damon: You don't really wanna do this again, do you? Okay, (pulls out knife) then I don't want to do this again. Come on, man.

Frank: Fuck you.

Damon kicks Chloe in the head. He and Frank rush at each other and fight.

Chloe: Sera... Rachel...your daughter, she...

Chloe passes out. When she wakes up again, Frank and Damon are gone, and Sera sits in front of the table, smoking.

Chloe: Sera...?

Sera: Chloe Price.

Chloe gets up.

Chloe: You know who I am?
Sera: I saw you in the play. You were funny.
Chloe: Uh...thanks.

Chloe: Where's Frank? Or...or Damon?
Sera: Your friend, Frank, took care of Damon. You don't need to worry about them right now.

Sera: (commandingly) Sit.

Chloe sits across from Sera.

Chloe: Sera, are you okay?

Sera: We need to talk about what happened.

Chloe: I am so, so sorry for—

Sera: Rachel can never know.

Chloe: I think you need help. Let me call someone or something.
Sera: I need you to listen.

Chloe: What exactly can't Rachel know?

Sera: What James did. Hiring that thug. Shooting me up with—

Chloe: (slams fist on table) He's a piece of shit and I promise that—

Sera: Rachel can never know.

Chloe: That's bullshit, Sera.
Sera: You're not listening—
Chloe: Rachel deserves to know what happened to you.
Sera: No, she doesn't.

Chloe: Tell me why. Doesn't she deserve to know what her father did?
Sera: No.

Sera: Rachel deserves a loving father. A father who cares for her.

Chloe: James is a liar who—

Sera: James is a desperate man who loves his daughter. And she loves him. Tell her what happened here and you'll take that away from her. Forever.

Chloe: Don't you think the truth matters more?
Sera: The truth? What's so great about the truth, Chloe?

Chloe: And just what is James protecting her from? You? She wants to meet you, Sera!
Sera: No, she doesn't. She wants to meet her mother. I can never be that for her.

Chloe: Why are you saying all this?

Sera: Because James is right. He’s taken something from me that I might not ever get back...but he’s right. I'm broken.

Chloe: Everybody's broken, Sera.
Sera: Oh? Does everybody abandon their own child for fifteen years? Does everybody take money to stay away?
Chloe: You're here now. That's what matters.
Sera: What do you know?

Chloe: No, you're not. You're stronger than you realize.
Sera: You don't know anything about me.

Chloe: I know Rachel needs you. I know loss.

Chloe: I lost my father, two years ago.
Sera: How?
Chloe: Car accident. He was...he was picking up my mother from the grocery store, and a truck ran a red light, and...and that was it.
Sera: I'm sorry.

Chloe: A couple of years ago, my best friend left me. Didn't write, didn't call. Like I never existed.
Sera: Friends come and go, Chloe.
Chloe: Not like this. We were... I thought we were gonna be friends forever. I...was wrong.

Sera: You don't know what this is to me. Every pain, every fear. Gone. No more sadness, no more grief. Why would anyone not want to feel that way? Ever?

Chloe: I read your letter to James.

Chloe: I heard what Damon said. You've been sober for a year.

Chloe: You beat this before. You can beat it again.
Sera: No. I can't.

Chloe: I don't know anything about addiction. But I know what it's like to be needed by someone. It gives you strength you never knew you had. Rachel needs you.
Sera: Rachel needs her family.

Chloe: I recognize I might not know what the fuck I'm talking about here, but I just... I wish you could know how amazing Rachel is.

Sera: I know.

Chloe: She's fearless. She's brilliant, and talented, and she feels so much...she's strong.

Sera: She's had a good life. Raised in a loving home. Given opportunities I could never give her.

Chloe: At least talk to her. She's felt like something's been missing her whole life, she told me so. That something was you.

Sera: She didn't miss anything. She has a perfect family.

Chloe: Even without all this shit, the Ambers are far from perfect. James is an elitist asshole, and Rose lets him walk all over her.
Sera: Maybe.

Chloe: I used to think my dad was perfect. But now I realize, he was probably just as messed up as everyone. And it doesn't make me love him any less.
Sera: That's a nice thought.

Sera: What Rachel needs, though, is not to have her father taken away from her.

Chloe: He doesn't deserve—

Sera: It's not about James. It's not about me, and it's not about you. It's about Rachel. Tell her what James did, and you'll be killing him for her. You understand that, don't you?

Sera: You lost your father. Do you really want to put Rachel through that?

Chloe: The worst mistake you ever made was giving Rachel up. That's what you said in your letter to her.
Sera: You read that?
Chloe: You don't have to make the same mistake twice.

Chloe: I can't lie to Rachel. I won't do it. She trusts me, and I don't want to ruin that.
Sera: If you love her, you'll lie to her.

Chloe: Don't you want to see her? You came here for it. You got sober. You deserve the chance to know your daughter.

Sera: Nothing can change the mistakes I made. I'll never get to be Rachel's mother. Not really. But there's one thing I can still do for her. The only thing I can do.

Sera gets up.

Sera: Let me give her the father she deserves. The one who raised her, protected her. The one who loves her more than anything. You can do whatever you want, Chloe. You have the power. What you have to decide is whether you're going to protect Rachel, or cause her even more hurt. So, please, tell her I was never here. Let her have what peace she can. Without me.

Sera starts to leave, but Chloe gets up.

Chloe: Wait!

Chloe: Don't go, Sera.
Sera: I'm done here. Goodbye, Chloe.

Chloe: I'll take care of her, you know.
Sera: I believe you. Goodbye, Chloe.

Chloe: Here.
Chloe takes off Rachel's bracelet.
Chloe: Rachel gave this to me. She said she's had it her whole life, since she was a baby.
Sera takes the bracelet.
Sera: I...I gave it to her.
Chloe: She'd want you to have it.
Sera: Thank you, Chloe.

Sera: But I don't deserve it.
Sera hands the bracelet back to Chloe.

Sera leaves.

Hospital

Chloe enters Rachel's room in the hospital. James and Rose are asleep next to Rachel, and the nightlight Chloe modified is projecting stars onto the ceiling.

Chloe: Hello?

Rose wakes up.

Rose: Hi, Chloe. Rachel's just fallen asleep.

James wakes up and walks over to Chloe.

James: I know she will be thrilled to see you when she wakes up. Maybe come back a little later.

Rachel: Hey.

James: Go back to sleep, kiddo. You need your rest.

Rachel: Can I talk to Chloe alone for a minute?

Rose: Okay, sweetie. We'll be right outside.

James and Rose leave, and Chloe sits on Rachel's bed.

Chloe: How you feeling?

Rachel: Like I got stabbed. Doc says there'll be a sick scar.

Rachel: Maybe another tat is in order. To go with the one you gave me.

Rachel: Maybe a tattoo is in order.

Chloe: Fuck yeah.

Rachel: We never actually escaped, did we?

Chloe: We've got time.

Rachel: All the time in the world. So...how did everything go?

Chloe moves to the seat next to the bed and Rachel turns toward her.

Chloe: Rachel... I've gotta tell you something.

No dialogue can be heard. According to the voice lines in the game files, their conversation is as follows.
Chloe: Your dad...he's been working with Damon.
Rachel: What?
Chloe: They found your mom. Kidnapped her. Almost killed her.
Rachel: No. That's not...that's not true.
Chloe: I was there. I saw all of it. It was so horrible. But, it's true.
Rachel: No.
Chloe: I'm so sorry.
Rachel: No. No, no, no!
Rachel is shocked and upset, and James and Rose presumably hear her and enter the room, concerned. They both go over to her, but Rachel forces James to back off by holding out her hand. Chloe gets up and tries to hug Rachel, and she resists at first, but then lets Chloe comfort her. Rachel begins crying and glares angrily at James, who looks heartbroken and distressed.

Rachel: Hey, what's wrong?
Chloe starts crying.
Chloe: I failed you. I couldn't find her. I'm so sorry.
Rachel: Funny. You seemed so confident... I really thought you'd find her.
Chloe: Yeah. Me, too.
Rachel: Maybe we can try tomorrow. Maybe she hasn't left town yet.
Chloe: Of course. I know wherever she is, she loves you very much.
Chloe sits on the bed again and holds Rachel's hand.
Rachel: How do you know that?
Rachel starts crying.
Chloe: Because... Why should she be any different from the rest of us?

Epilogue

Rose sits at the dining table with her hand on her head. James paces in the living room with a glass in his hand. He looks sadly at the picture of the Ambers in Paris, then throws his cup to the floor in despair, shattering it.

Chloe and the Ambers are having dinner together. They are all laughing and talking happily, but Chloe looks away sadly.

Frank sits in front of his RV with Pompidou sleeping at his side. He opens a box, and inside are pictures and other items. On top is a picture of Frank and Damon, and there are spots of blood on Damon's face. Frank takes out Damon's knife and puts it in the box, closing it and setting it at his feet. He picks up the bottle of beer next to him and pours it out.

Joyce is in the kitchen. David enters, and puts a bouquet of flowers on the counter. He then gets down on one knee and proposes to Joyce. She says yes, and they hug.

David and Joyce give Chloe a hug.

Joyce shows the ring to Chloe, who puts her hands over her heart in mock joy, then gives the finger.

Eliot's dorm room has been cleaned out and his belongings are in cardboard boxes.

Principal Wells stands outside his room, watching him as he picks up one of the boxes.

Eliot sits in front of his desk feeling bitter, looking at a picture of him and Chloe at a concert, then rips it in half and throws it in the trash.

Steph, Mikey, and Drew are playing a tabletop game together.

Drew's leg is still in a cast and his face is bandaged. He celebrates and high-fives Mikey as he rolls a high number.

Mikey's arm is in a cast and sling. Drew playfully smacks his arm and rubs his head.

Samantha sits under a tree, reading a book. Nathan approaches her, also holding a book.

Samantha leaves when she sees Nathan, and he becomes sad.

Nathan sits next to Samantha and they both read their books.

Hayden, Dana, and Victoria walk down the stairs. Victoria looks at Evan taking pictures.

Chloe sits in her truck, smoking, near the Blackwell steps. Principal Wells looks at her and she waves. Rachel rushes past him. Chloe puts out her cigarette and throws it away, opening the passenger door for Rachel. She gets in and they drive away, Rachel waving and Chloe giving him the middle finger.

Chloe and Rachel sit at the lighthouse bench together.

Sera is at the lighthouse, holding a flower. Rachel hugs her.

Chloe and Rachel talk and laugh, then Rachel becomes sad. Chloe hugs her.

Rachel is lying down on Chloe's bed and reading Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Chloe enters, wearing a towel around her head, then takes it off, revealing her blue hair. Rachel hugs her. Chloe spins around to show off her hair and Rachel claps.

Rachel and Chloe are in Rachel's room, pointing out places they want to go on the map.

Rachel and Chloe are in the hideout. "Chloe was here" is written on the wall. Chloe offers the marker to Rachel but she shakes her head. Chloe grabs her hand and pulls her to the wall, handing her the marker and patting her back. Chloe claps as Rachel writes "Rachel was here". Chloe takes the pen back and playfully shoves Rachel.

Rachel and Chloe are sitting on top of Chloe's truck, admiring their tattoos. In the back of Chloe's truck are several potted plants, a toolbox, planks, and other random items.

Rachel and Chloe are in a photobooth taking pictures together.

Rachel kisses Chloe's cheek.

Rachel hugs Chloe.

Rachel's phone is shown on a table in the Dark Room. The phone vibrates as Chloe calls her, and displays 17 other missed calls from Chloe. Offscreen, a camera shutter flashes several times, indicating Jefferson or Nathan taking pictures of Rachel.

END OF EPISODE 3: HELL IS EMPTY

← Episode 2: Brave New World - Script

Farewell - Script →

Contents

Amber House

Downstairs

I'm here.

You can handle this.

Why not?

Who says it's your decision?

Shouldn't that be up to Rachel?

What are you afraid Sera would do?

(Chloe saw the file)

I will.

Try the truth.

Do you need any help?

Sorry about tonight...

Why?

Me, too.

Yeah, it's super weird.

Doing better than Rachel.

James lied.

Sera chose money.

Rachel's Room

(High romance score)

(Low romance score)

(Asked for Rachel to get a tattoo)

Still beautiful.

Stars suck.

I'm honored.

Maybe...

(Asked for Rachel's bracelet)

(Didn't ask for bracelet)

(Asked for Rachel's bracelet)

No.

I don't know.

I've got this.

I've got an idea.

I've got that one too.

I think I can handle that.

(Said "I've got this" and "I've got that one too" and won bouncer backtalk)

(Didn't say both)

You'll know.

It doesn't matter.

Chloe's Dream

Your memories?

Or my memories?

Nothing here.

Here it is.

The world's a stage.

Sound and fury.

Chloe's House

Chloe's Room

(Refused to empty pockets/agreed but bought weed)

(Gave money to Damon)

(Didn't give money to Damon)

(Said Chloe gave Joyce money)

I can explain.

Answer my question first.

Chill, I've got it.

(Won backtalk challenge with Frank)

(Didn't win/challenge)

I'm helping a friend.

It would mean a lot to me.

(Chloe said she had the money)

Upstairs

Kitchen

(Wore Skull outfit)

Out of clean clothes.

Smother much?

(Was nice to David)

(Was mean to David)

Doesn't seem like home.

Seems big enough for you two.

Sorry, forget I said anything.

Not staying long.

Happy Mother's Day.

Hanging out with Rachel.

Don't worry about it.

Dining Room

(Agreed to empty pockets without the weed)

Apology accepted.

That's it?