Grillin' 'n' Chillin'
Country Help Quest
Requirements
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Requirements
You and your friends are lounging around in the Nerd Hangout playing videogames when Ralph walks in.
Ralph: Howdy! What are y’all doing in here? It’s a beautiful day outside, with the sun shining and the birds chirping...
Sakura: We’re in the middle of a Warzone: Everywhere tournament! No time for birds!
Payton: Well, maybe a little time for birds, if they’re really cute! What did you have in mind, Ralph?
Ralph: Well, not birds exactly... but the county fair just opened!
Nishan: County fair?
Payton: With like, games and rides?
Ralph: Games, ride, cook-offs, hog-calling contests...
Ezra: And live music?
Ralph: Of course! It’s not a fair without the smooth sound of bluegrass in the background!
Autumn: Seems picturesque!
Mia: Seems a little... dusty.
Ralph: Well, it IS outdoors, but that’s the beauty of it. A fair’s always a great chance to get away from the craziness of school and breathe in the fresh air. Y’all should come with me! Danny, have you been to a county fair before?
Danny: I’ve never been before...
Ralph: Well then, you’re in for a treat!
Danny: I can’t wait!
Payton: Let’s do it!
Ralph: Yeehaw!
Ralph: We should go tomorrow ‘cause that’s when the big burger cook-off is!
Nishan: Cook-off? Can anyone enter?
Julian: Why enter the competition when you can just enjoy what everyone else cooks?
Nishan: Cooking is like chemistry! If I can find the ultimate formula for the perfect burger, I can sweep the competition while simultaneously preparing a delicious meal! Although... I’ll need some help forming those patties and mixing in the spices... Julian, yo can help me!
Julian: Meat? Fire? Count me in!
Ralph: Speaking of helpers, I need another pair of hands at my grill station. Want to be on my team, Danny?
Danny: Sure!
Payton: So it’s decided. We’ll all go to the fair tomorrow! That gives me just enough time to pick out the perfect outfit!
Autumn: Who wants to carpool with me?
Ralph: Not to worry, little lady. I can pick y’all up in my truck!
Requirements
The next day, you and your friends pile into Ralph’s pickup truck and set off!
Ralph: Y’all ready for a fun day at the county fair?
Payton: Yeehaw! It’s gonna be like one giant party... for the whole county!
Danny: Let’s go!
Time - 6 hours
Ralph steers the truck off the highway and onto a dusty, gravel road. The fairgrounds spread out in front of you.
Autumn: Look at the Ferris Wheel!
Nishan: Did you know the Ferris Wheel is the optimal example of centripetal acceleration and--
Payton: I know the top is the perfect make-out spot!
Autumn: And I know it’d make a great backdrop for a photo! Say cheese!
Autumn starts snapping pictures of everyone.
Payton: Cheese!
Danny: Cheese!
Nishan: Wha--DAIRY BYPRODUCT!
Autumn: These are some great shots!
Mia: How long are we gonna hang out in the parking lot? It’s so hot and dusty out here!
Ralph: All right folks, you heard the lady! Let’s get a move on!
Danny: So, Ralph, how does this compare to other county fairs?
Ralph: It’s just like the one back home! We had a tilt-whirl and bumper cars and carousels, just like those over there! Come on, y’all!
Requirements
You pass vendors selling every fried food imaginable.
Mia: Ugh. Now we’re gonna smell like oil for days!
Julian: I don’t care as long as I can get one of those deep-fried butter balls!
Mia: Gross!
Ezra: Hey, check out that bandstand!
On stage, a country singer strums a guitar and croons into the microphone.
Ezra: He’s pretty good. Not as good as yours truly, of course, but he can play.
Ralph: Look, that sign says the best bluegrass band this side of the Mississippi is playing tonight!
Julian: The best bluegrass band? Who’re they?
Ralph: The Bluehill Bugle Boys, of course!
Ezra: No way! Those guys rock! Figuratively, of course, since bluegrass is very different from rock ‘n’ roll!
Mia: Do we have to keep listening to this guy? Let’s go on some rides or play some games!
Ralph: She’s right. There’s plenty more to see! Let’s keep moving!
Time - 8 hours
You see a huge game area with all the fair classics, including ring toss, balloon darts, and basketball shoot-out! Julian excitedly runs over to the milk bottle game.
Julian: I bet I can knock over three bottles in one throw and win that giant stuffed panda!
Nishan: Actually Julian, a lot of fair games are manipulated so they’re pretty much--
Julian hurls a softball and hits the stack of milk bottles square in the middle. The milk bottles wobble gently, but do not fall.
Julian: What?!
Nishan: I was going to say ‘impossible’... The milk bottles are weighed down with lead, and the softballs they give you are filled with cork.
Danny: Seriously, Ralph?
Ralph: Sure, but beating the odds is half the fun!
Sakura marches up to the game booth and slaps down a few dollars.
Sakura: Gimme a softball!
The guy working at the booth hurriedly hands Sakura a ball and backs away.
Ralph: Try aiming for the base of the bottom two bottles.
Sakura winds up and whips the ball at the stack of bottles! She hits the bottom row dead center, causing all three bottles to go flying!
Julian: Whoa! Nice arm, Sakura!
Ralph: What a throw!
The booth worker hands Sakura her prize, a giant stuffed panda wearing a red and gold sports jersey. Sakura snatches it up and shoves it into Julian’s arms.
Sakura: You’re welcome.
Ralph: Check it out! These are prize-winning pigs!
Ralph points to the pig in the nearest pen, a giant 400-pound sow proudly wearing a blue ribbon!
Ralph: Isn’t she a beauty?
Danny: She’s, uh, really pretty... for a pig.
Ralph: Her tag says she’s called ‘Abilene.’
Payton: That’s the CUTEST name for a pig!
You leave the pig pens behind and come across a big crowd!
Danny: I wonder what’s going on here...
Ralph: It must be...
Ralph pushes through the crowd, pulling you along. You break through to the center and find...
Ralph: ...a mechanical bull!
Autumn: That thing looks tough!
Ralph: What do you say, Danny? Wanna go for a ride?
Danny: Gulp! I guess!
Requirements
You clamber onto the mechanical bull!
Ralph: All right, Danny, it’s all you!
Danny: How do you even do this?
Ralph: It’s just like riding a real bull!
Danny: What?! That doesn’t help at all!
Ralph: Heh, you’ll be fine! Just remember three things... Hold onto the saddle with one hand... Squeeze the bull with your legs... And throw your other hand in the air to balance!
Danny: Uh, okay! Here goes nothing...
The bull starts to rock forward slowly, and you grab the saddle! You grab onto the saddle with your left hand!
Danny: Okay, easy boy, easy...
Ralph: You got this, Danny!
The bull starts to buck under you!
Danny: Whoa there!
Ralph: Hold onto him, Danny!
Danny: (What was I supposed to do next?)
You squeeze the bull with your legs and hold on tight!
Danny: Good thing I didn’t skip leg day!
Ralph: Woohoo! That’s the way!
The bull picks up speed! You feel yourself being throws back and forth in the saddle!
Danny: I gotta balance myself out if I want to stay on this thing!
Ralph: Remember what I told you!
You throw your hand out behind you to balance yourself as the bull bucks up and down!
Danny: I’m doing it! I’m really doing it!
Ralph: Yeehaw!
You hold on as the bull spins wildly!
Ralph: Yeah, Danny! Ride ‘em, cowboy!
Payton: Danny, Danny, he’s our man, if he can’t do it no one can!
Danny: Yeah! Take that, bull!
The mechanical bull gives a tremendous kick and sends you flying!
Danny: Whoooaaaaa!!
A big pile of hay breaks your fall!
Danny: Whew! I’m glad this hay was here...
Danny: So, Ralph... are you going to take on the bull and show us how it’s done?
Ralph: Nah, this is kiddie stuff. Back home I rode REAL bulls.
Nishan: Whaaaaat?! How are you not dead?
Ralph: You just gotta learn to anticipate the bull’s movements.
Just then, you hear a scream!
Payton: Whooaaa! Take it easy, Mr. Bull!
Payton tightens her grip on the saddle and throws a hand out to balance herself!
Payton: Ha! Not so tough now, are you!
Ralph: She’s a natural!
Julian: Go Payton!
Payton: This is easy! Hey, look everyone, no hands!
Ralph: No! Pride comes before the fall!
The bull swings low and then jerks back up! Payton goes flying backward!
Payton: Aaaah!!
You and Julian rush forward and catch Payton before she hits the floor!
Payton: Yay! My heroes!
Danny: That was close!
Julian: I’ll say!
The crackle of a loudspeaker interrupts your conversation!
Ralph: They’re announcing the cook-off! Come on, let’s hit the grills!
Julian: Now you’re talking my language!
Requirements
Everyone heads over to a roped-off area with dozens of grills set up! ‘Ladies and gentlemen, if you are participating in our annual cook-off, please line up by your stations!’ Nishan and Julian take their place behind their grill, and you and Ralph stand behind the grill opposite them.
Ralph: You ready, Danny?
Danny: I was born ready, Ralph!
Nishan: Julian, just do exactly as I tell you, and we’ll be sure to win! I have the formula for victory!
Julian: As long as that formula also includes deliciousness, I’m in!
An announcement blasts from the speakers! ‘Grillers, on your marks, get set... GRILL!’ Nishan and Julian begin preparing their burgers.
Nishan: First we have to mix the spices with the meat. Come on Julian! Put your back into it!
Julian: I’m trying!
Nishan: More pepper! Use more pepper!
Meanwhile, you and Ralph peruse the protein option for grilling.
Ralph: So, Danny, what should we grill?
Danny: You want me to choose? Don’t you have a preference?
Ralph: With my secret weapon, it doesn’t matter what we use!
Danny: In that case... beef burgers!
Ralph: Mmmm... you can’t go wrong with classic beef patties!
Julian: Hey, we’re doing beef patties, too!
Payton: Looks like it’ll be a burger-off!
Danny: Ralph, are we ready?
Ralph: Almost! We just need my secret weapon!
Time - 10 hours
Danny: What’s your secret weapon?
Ralph: Barbecue sauce! Specifically, barbecue sauce made from my grandpa’s secret recipe!
Danny: Where is it?
Ralph: In the safest possible place... Under my hat!
Ralph and you start grilling!
After a few hours, each team has cleared off their grills and set their burger masterpieces before the judges. But before the judging begin, the cook-off is interrupted by shouting!
Danny: What’s going on?
A hog runs right through the grilling area!
Ralph: Look! Abilene’s loose! We gotta grab her! Hoo-o-o-o-ey! Hoo-o-o-whee-o-ey!
Abilene turns and charges toward Ralph! People dodge right and left out of the way, but Ralph doesn’t move!
Ralph: C’mere, old girl! Hoo-ey!
Abilene comes closer...and closer...and then at just the right moment... Ralph leaps and tackles Abilene to the ground!
Ralph: Gotcha!
Abilene struggles to get out of Ralph’s grasp!
Ralph: Mia! Help me out here!
Requirements
The crowd gasps as Ralph struggles with the hog!
Ralph: Mia! Give me that rope, quick!
Mia: On it!
Mia rushes forward with a loop of rope and helps Ralph fit it through the collar around the hog’s neck.
Ralph: Hold still, old girl!
Mia: She’s getting away!
The pig wriggles out of Ralph’s grasp and bowls Mia over! Ralph and Mia both land in the mud!
Mia: Aaah!
Ralph: Where’d Abilene go?
Julian: She ran into the woods!
Payton: She’s gone.
Time - 12 hours
Mia struggles to her feet, her clothes and hair plastered with mud! Ralph grins through the mud at you and your friends.
Julian: Whoa... that pig really got you guys good.
Ralph: Heh, nothing wrong with a little mud.
Mia: A little mud? A LITTLE MUD?!
Ralph: It’s not like it’s poisonous or something! What’s the big deal?
Mia: The big deal is that I’ve spent all day trying to enjoy your stupid county fair with it’s deep-fried butter balls, and now I’m covered in mud!
Ralph: That’s party of the fun!
Mia: If that’s your idea of fun, then I feel bad for you.
Before Ralph can reply, a voice comes on the loudspeaker! ‘Howdy folks! We regret to inform you that the revealing of this year’s cook-off winner will be delayed until Abilene has been recaptured!’
Ralph: Well, y’all can stay or go for all I care. I’m going to catch that hog, so we can find out who won.
Ralph turns and walks straight into the woods, following Abilene’s trail.
You and your friends exchange a look before following after Ralph.
Danny: Hey, Ralph... can we help you find Abilene?
Ralph: I don’t care much what you do. In fact, why don’t you all just run on home since you’re having such a bad time?
Danny: Come on, Ralph... you have to understand that Mia’s not really used to this scene... or being covered in mud.
Mia: I’m sorry I got angry, but it’s really not that unusual to want to stay clean, Ralph.
Ralph: Yeah... I guess I should’ve known none of you would take to it. Stupid of me. I just hoped... agh, never mind.
Danny: Come on, Ralph. What’s on your mind?
Requirements
Everyone sits down by the bak of a river winding through the forest. Fireflies flit out across the water. In the distance, you can hear fairgoers hog-calling in hopes of bringing Abilene home.
Danny: Talk to us, Ralph. What’s bothering you?
Ralph: Well... I guess I’m feeling a little homesick.
Time - 14 hours
Ralph shifts uneasily on the riverbank, not meeting your gaze.
Autumn: It’s perfectly understandable to be homesick. It sounds like your old home was pretty great...
Ralph: It was. Don’t get me wrong, I like it here, too. You guys have a good thing going here. The school’s great, and everyone’s super friendly...
Payton: But you miss your old life?
Ralph: Parts of it, yeah. Just the little things, you know? Waking up with the sun and taking your horse out for a day’s ride, relaxing in the bed of your pickup strumming a guitar...
Ezra: That does sound pretty awesome...
Ralph: And swimming in the river! Man, we used to spend whole summer days by the river... catching crawdads, fishing... There was this one old oak tree with a rope swing tied to the branch. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more fun than swinging out over the water and just letting go.
Mia: You mean like this?
You all turn around to see Mia, still covered in mud, run down the bank and leap onto a rope hanging from a tree branch! She soars out over the river before letting go and cannonballing into the water, soaking everyone!
Ralph: Like that, yeah.
Julian: Was that rope swing there the whole time?! Why am I not on that RIGHT NOW?
Mia swims back to the riverbank and splashes Ralph.
Mia: So, you guys getting in or what?
Payton: Mia! This river water can’t be good for your clothes!
Mia: Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, Payton. Ralph made the rope swing sound so fun... I just had to try it! Besides, all the mud is gone!
Ralph: Make some room! I’m coming in!
Ralph takes a running start and swings into the river!
Julian: I call next!
Soon, you and the rest of your friends are all swinging and laughing in the water.
Nishan: You know, I bet we could increase the load bearing capacity of this swing by an order of magnitude with a little--
Julian: Enough science stuff, Nish. Let’s just enjoy this.
Nishan: Fair enough.
Requirements
You and your friends crawl onto the bank and lay yourselves out to dry.
Payton: Can we do this all the time?
Ralph: I’m down. The county fair won’t always be here, but the river will.
Mia: Sounds good to me. This whole county fair thing wasn’t half bad in the end.
Julian: Whoa. That’s like Mia-speak for ‘the best thing ever.’
Ralph: I guess that’s the best I could hope for. I gotta say, it was nice to be able to share this with everyone. Maybe you don’t have to live in the country to get a taste of country life. I guess it’s--
A low grunting interrupts Ralph! On the far bank of the river, Abilene the pig stands silhouetted between two elms!
Ralph: Abilene! Quick, let’s catch her!
Time - 16 hours
Mia nods at Ralph, and the two of them take off after Abilene! Abilene squeals in terror and tries to dart away, but Mia heads her off, shooing her toward Ralph!
Mia: Oh no! You’re not getting away this time!
Ralph lunges for the collar around the pig’s neck and manages to catch hold of it!
Ralph: Gotcha!
Danny: Nice teamwork! Now we can find out who won the cook-off...
Julian: I think we all know who won, Danny. Ready to reap the fruits of our labor, Nishan?
Nishan: Boy howdy! Am I ever!
You and your friends lead Abilene back to her pen and join the rest of the county fair guests as the cook-off judges prepare to announce the winners!
Ralph: Danny... whether we win or lose, I just want to thank you.
Danny: For what?
Ralph: You know. Welcoming me to your school, giving me the chance to share a bit of my world with you guys... you’re a gem, Danny.
Danny: Heh. Thanks, Ralph.
The judges take the stage and announce the winner of the cook-off! Nishan and Julian manage to snag an honorable mention... And you and Ralph steal first!
Ralph: Woo! Grandpa’s barbecue sauce wins the day AGAIN! Nice work, Danny!
Danny: And great job out there, Nishan and Julian. I’m amazed you didn’t place higher!
Nishan: Well, I suppose science can’t account for taste...
Julian: Man, next time I see my grandpa I’ll have a few stern words for him. I mean, where’s my secret barbecue sauce recipe?
Payton: Oh, don’t be a sore loser! Let’s eat!
You and your friends hunker down in the bed of Ralph’s pickup and enjoy some award-winning burgers. The sun sets on the fair as the Bluehill Bugle Boys take the stage and start up a lively jig!
Ezra: Man, I knew these guys were good, but they’re even better live!
Ralph: You should see some of the bands back home. Crawdaddy and the Crayfish... now THERE’S a real bluegrass band. But these guys are pretty good, too.
Julian tears into one of the burgers he and Nishan grilled for the cook-off.
Julian: Hey, Ralph... you don’t have any more of that sauce, do you?
Nishan: Traitor! Although, I wouldn’t say no to some if you do have more, Ralph.
Ralph: No worries, boys. I don’t go anywhere without it.
- Have Ralph
You and your friends are lounging around in the Nerd Hangout playing videogames when Ralph walks in.
Ralph: Howdy! What are y’all doing in here? It’s a beautiful day outside, with the sun shining and the birds chirping...
Sakura: We’re in the middle of a Warzone: Everywhere tournament! No time for birds!
Payton: Well, maybe a little time for birds, if they’re really cute! What did you have in mind, Ralph?
Ralph: Well, not birds exactly... but the county fair just opened!
Nishan: County fair?
Payton: With like, games and rides?
Ralph: Games, ride, cook-offs, hog-calling contests...
Ezra: And live music?
Ralph: Of course! It’s not a fair without the smooth sound of bluegrass in the background!
Autumn: Seems picturesque!
Mia: Seems a little... dusty.
Ralph: Well, it IS outdoors, but that’s the beauty of it. A fair’s always a great chance to get away from the craziness of school and breathe in the fresh air. Y’all should come with me! Danny, have you been to a county fair before?
Danny: I’ve never been before...
Ralph: Well then, you’re in for a treat!
Danny: I can’t wait!
Payton: Let’s do it!
Ralph: Yeehaw!
Ralph: We should go tomorrow ‘cause that’s when the big burger cook-off is!
Nishan: Cook-off? Can anyone enter?
Julian: Why enter the competition when you can just enjoy what everyone else cooks?
Nishan: Cooking is like chemistry! If I can find the ultimate formula for the perfect burger, I can sweep the competition while simultaneously preparing a delicious meal! Although... I’ll need some help forming those patties and mixing in the spices... Julian, yo can help me!
Julian: Meat? Fire? Count me in!
Ralph: Speaking of helpers, I need another pair of hands at my grill station. Want to be on my team, Danny?
Danny: Sure!
Payton: So it’s decided. We’ll all go to the fair tomorrow! That gives me just enough time to pick out the perfect outfit!
Autumn: Who wants to carpool with me?
Ralph: Not to worry, little lady. I can pick y’all up in my truck!
Requirements
- Danny
- Ralph
The next day, you and your friends pile into Ralph’s pickup truck and set off!
Ralph: Y’all ready for a fun day at the county fair?
Payton: Yeehaw! It’s gonna be like one giant party... for the whole county!
Danny: Let’s go!
Time - 6 hours
Ralph steers the truck off the highway and onto a dusty, gravel road. The fairgrounds spread out in front of you.
Autumn: Look at the Ferris Wheel!
Nishan: Did you know the Ferris Wheel is the optimal example of centripetal acceleration and--
Payton: I know the top is the perfect make-out spot!
Autumn: And I know it’d make a great backdrop for a photo! Say cheese!
Autumn starts snapping pictures of everyone.
Payton: Cheese!
Danny: Cheese!
Nishan: Wha--DAIRY BYPRODUCT!
Autumn: These are some great shots!
Mia: How long are we gonna hang out in the parking lot? It’s so hot and dusty out here!
Ralph: All right folks, you heard the lady! Let’s get a move on!
Danny: So, Ralph, how does this compare to other county fairs?
Ralph: It’s just like the one back home! We had a tilt-whirl and bumper cars and carousels, just like those over there! Come on, y’all!
Requirements
- Payton
- Julian
- Nishan
You pass vendors selling every fried food imaginable.
Mia: Ugh. Now we’re gonna smell like oil for days!
Julian: I don’t care as long as I can get one of those deep-fried butter balls!
Mia: Gross!
Ezra: Hey, check out that bandstand!
On stage, a country singer strums a guitar and croons into the microphone.
Ezra: He’s pretty good. Not as good as yours truly, of course, but he can play.
Ralph: Look, that sign says the best bluegrass band this side of the Mississippi is playing tonight!
Julian: The best bluegrass band? Who’re they?
Ralph: The Bluehill Bugle Boys, of course!
Ezra: No way! Those guys rock! Figuratively, of course, since bluegrass is very different from rock ‘n’ roll!
Mia: Do we have to keep listening to this guy? Let’s go on some rides or play some games!
Ralph: She’s right. There’s plenty more to see! Let’s keep moving!
Time - 8 hours
You see a huge game area with all the fair classics, including ring toss, balloon darts, and basketball shoot-out! Julian excitedly runs over to the milk bottle game.
Julian: I bet I can knock over three bottles in one throw and win that giant stuffed panda!
Nishan: Actually Julian, a lot of fair games are manipulated so they’re pretty much--
Julian hurls a softball and hits the stack of milk bottles square in the middle. The milk bottles wobble gently, but do not fall.
Julian: What?!
Nishan: I was going to say ‘impossible’... The milk bottles are weighed down with lead, and the softballs they give you are filled with cork.
Danny: Seriously, Ralph?
Ralph: Sure, but beating the odds is half the fun!
Sakura marches up to the game booth and slaps down a few dollars.
Sakura: Gimme a softball!
The guy working at the booth hurriedly hands Sakura a ball and backs away.
Ralph: Try aiming for the base of the bottom two bottles.
Sakura winds up and whips the ball at the stack of bottles! She hits the bottom row dead center, causing all three bottles to go flying!
Julian: Whoa! Nice arm, Sakura!
Ralph: What a throw!
The booth worker hands Sakura her prize, a giant stuffed panda wearing a red and gold sports jersey. Sakura snatches it up and shoves it into Julian’s arms.
Sakura: You’re welcome.
Ralph: Check it out! These are prize-winning pigs!
Ralph points to the pig in the nearest pen, a giant 400-pound sow proudly wearing a blue ribbon!
Ralph: Isn’t she a beauty?
Danny: She’s, uh, really pretty... for a pig.
Ralph: Her tag says she’s called ‘Abilene.’
Payton: That’s the CUTEST name for a pig!
You leave the pig pens behind and come across a big crowd!
Danny: I wonder what’s going on here...
Ralph: It must be...
Ralph pushes through the crowd, pulling you along. You break through to the center and find...
Ralph: ...a mechanical bull!
Autumn: That thing looks tough!
Ralph: What do you say, Danny? Wanna go for a ride?
Danny: Gulp! I guess!
Requirements
- Spend 8000 coins
- Ride Bull!
You clamber onto the mechanical bull!
Ralph: All right, Danny, it’s all you!
Danny: How do you even do this?
Ralph: It’s just like riding a real bull!
Danny: What?! That doesn’t help at all!
Ralph: Heh, you’ll be fine! Just remember three things... Hold onto the saddle with one hand... Squeeze the bull with your legs... And throw your other hand in the air to balance!
Danny: Uh, okay! Here goes nothing...
The bull starts to rock forward slowly, and you grab the saddle! You grab onto the saddle with your left hand!
Danny: Okay, easy boy, easy...
Ralph: You got this, Danny!
The bull starts to buck under you!
Danny: Whoa there!
Ralph: Hold onto him, Danny!
Danny: (What was I supposed to do next?)
You squeeze the bull with your legs and hold on tight!
Danny: Good thing I didn’t skip leg day!
Ralph: Woohoo! That’s the way!
The bull picks up speed! You feel yourself being throws back and forth in the saddle!
Danny: I gotta balance myself out if I want to stay on this thing!
Ralph: Remember what I told you!
You throw your hand out behind you to balance yourself as the bull bucks up and down!
Danny: I’m doing it! I’m really doing it!
Ralph: Yeehaw!
You hold on as the bull spins wildly!
Ralph: Yeah, Danny! Ride ‘em, cowboy!
Payton: Danny, Danny, he’s our man, if he can’t do it no one can!
Danny: Yeah! Take that, bull!
The mechanical bull gives a tremendous kick and sends you flying!
Danny: Whoooaaaaa!!
A big pile of hay breaks your fall!
Danny: Whew! I’m glad this hay was here...
Danny: So, Ralph... are you going to take on the bull and show us how it’s done?
Ralph: Nah, this is kiddie stuff. Back home I rode REAL bulls.
Nishan: Whaaaaat?! How are you not dead?
Ralph: You just gotta learn to anticipate the bull’s movements.
Just then, you hear a scream!
Payton: Whooaaa! Take it easy, Mr. Bull!
Payton tightens her grip on the saddle and throws a hand out to balance herself!
Payton: Ha! Not so tough now, are you!
Ralph: She’s a natural!
Julian: Go Payton!
Payton: This is easy! Hey, look everyone, no hands!
Ralph: No! Pride comes before the fall!
The bull swings low and then jerks back up! Payton goes flying backward!
Payton: Aaaah!!
You and Julian rush forward and catch Payton before she hits the floor!
Payton: Yay! My heroes!
Danny: That was close!
Julian: I’ll say!
The crackle of a loudspeaker interrupts your conversation!
Ralph: They’re announcing the cook-off! Come on, let’s hit the grills!
Julian: Now you’re talking my language!
Requirements
- Nishan
- Julian
Everyone heads over to a roped-off area with dozens of grills set up! ‘Ladies and gentlemen, if you are participating in our annual cook-off, please line up by your stations!’ Nishan and Julian take their place behind their grill, and you and Ralph stand behind the grill opposite them.
Ralph: You ready, Danny?
Danny: I was born ready, Ralph!
Nishan: Julian, just do exactly as I tell you, and we’ll be sure to win! I have the formula for victory!
Julian: As long as that formula also includes deliciousness, I’m in!
An announcement blasts from the speakers! ‘Grillers, on your marks, get set... GRILL!’ Nishan and Julian begin preparing their burgers.
Nishan: First we have to mix the spices with the meat. Come on Julian! Put your back into it!
Julian: I’m trying!
Nishan: More pepper! Use more pepper!
Meanwhile, you and Ralph peruse the protein option for grilling.
Ralph: So, Danny, what should we grill?
Danny: You want me to choose? Don’t you have a preference?
Ralph: With my secret weapon, it doesn’t matter what we use!
Danny: In that case... beef burgers!
Ralph: Mmmm... you can’t go wrong with classic beef patties!
Julian: Hey, we’re doing beef patties, too!
Payton: Looks like it’ll be a burger-off!
Danny: Ralph, are we ready?
Ralph: Almost! We just need my secret weapon!
Time - 10 hours
Danny: What’s your secret weapon?
Ralph: Barbecue sauce! Specifically, barbecue sauce made from my grandpa’s secret recipe!
Danny: Where is it?
Ralph: In the safest possible place... Under my hat!
Ralph and you start grilling!
After a few hours, each team has cleared off their grills and set their burger masterpieces before the judges. But before the judging begin, the cook-off is interrupted by shouting!
Danny: What’s going on?
A hog runs right through the grilling area!
Ralph: Look! Abilene’s loose! We gotta grab her! Hoo-o-o-o-ey! Hoo-o-o-whee-o-ey!
Abilene turns and charges toward Ralph! People dodge right and left out of the way, but Ralph doesn’t move!
Ralph: C’mere, old girl! Hoo-ey!
Abilene comes closer...and closer...and then at just the right moment... Ralph leaps and tackles Abilene to the ground!
Ralph: Gotcha!
Abilene struggles to get out of Ralph’s grasp!
Ralph: Mia! Help me out here!
Requirements
- Ralph
- Mia
The crowd gasps as Ralph struggles with the hog!
Ralph: Mia! Give me that rope, quick!
Mia: On it!
Mia rushes forward with a loop of rope and helps Ralph fit it through the collar around the hog’s neck.
Ralph: Hold still, old girl!
Mia: She’s getting away!
The pig wriggles out of Ralph’s grasp and bowls Mia over! Ralph and Mia both land in the mud!
Mia: Aaah!
Ralph: Where’d Abilene go?
Julian: She ran into the woods!
Payton: She’s gone.
Time - 12 hours
Mia struggles to her feet, her clothes and hair plastered with mud! Ralph grins through the mud at you and your friends.
Julian: Whoa... that pig really got you guys good.
Ralph: Heh, nothing wrong with a little mud.
Mia: A little mud? A LITTLE MUD?!
Ralph: It’s not like it’s poisonous or something! What’s the big deal?
Mia: The big deal is that I’ve spent all day trying to enjoy your stupid county fair with it’s deep-fried butter balls, and now I’m covered in mud!
Ralph: That’s party of the fun!
Mia: If that’s your idea of fun, then I feel bad for you.
Before Ralph can reply, a voice comes on the loudspeaker! ‘Howdy folks! We regret to inform you that the revealing of this year’s cook-off winner will be delayed until Abilene has been recaptured!’
Ralph: Well, y’all can stay or go for all I care. I’m going to catch that hog, so we can find out who won.
Ralph turns and walks straight into the woods, following Abilene’s trail.
You and your friends exchange a look before following after Ralph.
Danny: Hey, Ralph... can we help you find Abilene?
Ralph: I don’t care much what you do. In fact, why don’t you all just run on home since you’re having such a bad time?
Danny: Come on, Ralph... you have to understand that Mia’s not really used to this scene... or being covered in mud.
Mia: I’m sorry I got angry, but it’s really not that unusual to want to stay clean, Ralph.
Ralph: Yeah... I guess I should’ve known none of you would take to it. Stupid of me. I just hoped... agh, never mind.
Danny: Come on, Ralph. What’s on your mind?
Requirements
- Danny
- Ralph
Everyone sits down by the bak of a river winding through the forest. Fireflies flit out across the water. In the distance, you can hear fairgoers hog-calling in hopes of bringing Abilene home.
Danny: Talk to us, Ralph. What’s bothering you?
Ralph: Well... I guess I’m feeling a little homesick.
Time - 14 hours
Ralph shifts uneasily on the riverbank, not meeting your gaze.
Autumn: It’s perfectly understandable to be homesick. It sounds like your old home was pretty great...
Ralph: It was. Don’t get me wrong, I like it here, too. You guys have a good thing going here. The school’s great, and everyone’s super friendly...
Payton: But you miss your old life?
Ralph: Parts of it, yeah. Just the little things, you know? Waking up with the sun and taking your horse out for a day’s ride, relaxing in the bed of your pickup strumming a guitar...
Ezra: That does sound pretty awesome...
Ralph: And swimming in the river! Man, we used to spend whole summer days by the river... catching crawdads, fishing... There was this one old oak tree with a rope swing tied to the branch. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more fun than swinging out over the water and just letting go.
Mia: You mean like this?
You all turn around to see Mia, still covered in mud, run down the bank and leap onto a rope hanging from a tree branch! She soars out over the river before letting go and cannonballing into the water, soaking everyone!
Ralph: Like that, yeah.
Julian: Was that rope swing there the whole time?! Why am I not on that RIGHT NOW?
Mia swims back to the riverbank and splashes Ralph.
Mia: So, you guys getting in or what?
Payton: Mia! This river water can’t be good for your clothes!
Mia: Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, Payton. Ralph made the rope swing sound so fun... I just had to try it! Besides, all the mud is gone!
Ralph: Make some room! I’m coming in!
Ralph takes a running start and swings into the river!
Julian: I call next!
Soon, you and the rest of your friends are all swinging and laughing in the water.
Nishan: You know, I bet we could increase the load bearing capacity of this swing by an order of magnitude with a little--
Julian: Enough science stuff, Nish. Let’s just enjoy this.
Nishan: Fair enough.
Requirements
- Ralph
- Mia
You and your friends crawl onto the bank and lay yourselves out to dry.
Payton: Can we do this all the time?
Ralph: I’m down. The county fair won’t always be here, but the river will.
Mia: Sounds good to me. This whole county fair thing wasn’t half bad in the end.
Julian: Whoa. That’s like Mia-speak for ‘the best thing ever.’
Ralph: I guess that’s the best I could hope for. I gotta say, it was nice to be able to share this with everyone. Maybe you don’t have to live in the country to get a taste of country life. I guess it’s--
A low grunting interrupts Ralph! On the far bank of the river, Abilene the pig stands silhouetted between two elms!
Ralph: Abilene! Quick, let’s catch her!
Time - 16 hours
Mia nods at Ralph, and the two of them take off after Abilene! Abilene squeals in terror and tries to dart away, but Mia heads her off, shooing her toward Ralph!
Mia: Oh no! You’re not getting away this time!
Ralph lunges for the collar around the pig’s neck and manages to catch hold of it!
Ralph: Gotcha!
Danny: Nice teamwork! Now we can find out who won the cook-off...
Julian: I think we all know who won, Danny. Ready to reap the fruits of our labor, Nishan?
Nishan: Boy howdy! Am I ever!
You and your friends lead Abilene back to her pen and join the rest of the county fair guests as the cook-off judges prepare to announce the winners!
Ralph: Danny... whether we win or lose, I just want to thank you.
Danny: For what?
Ralph: You know. Welcoming me to your school, giving me the chance to share a bit of my world with you guys... you’re a gem, Danny.
Danny: Heh. Thanks, Ralph.
The judges take the stage and announce the winner of the cook-off! Nishan and Julian manage to snag an honorable mention... And you and Ralph steal first!
Ralph: Woo! Grandpa’s barbecue sauce wins the day AGAIN! Nice work, Danny!
Danny: And great job out there, Nishan and Julian. I’m amazed you didn’t place higher!
Nishan: Well, I suppose science can’t account for taste...
Julian: Man, next time I see my grandpa I’ll have a few stern words for him. I mean, where’s my secret barbecue sauce recipe?
Payton: Oh, don’t be a sore loser! Let’s eat!
You and your friends hunker down in the bed of Ralph’s pickup and enjoy some award-winning burgers. The sun sets on the fair as the Bluehill Bugle Boys take the stage and start up a lively jig!
Ezra: Man, I knew these guys were good, but they’re even better live!
Ralph: You should see some of the bands back home. Crawdaddy and the Crayfish... now THERE’S a real bluegrass band. But these guys are pretty good, too.
Julian tears into one of the burgers he and Nishan grilled for the cook-off.
Julian: Hey, Ralph... you don’t have any more of that sauce, do you?
Nishan: Traitor! Although, I wouldn’t say no to some if you do have more, Ralph.
Ralph: No worries, boys. I don’t go anywhere without it.