Introduction

[grimgrinningghosts]

[You wake up in a bed.

A rather comfy bed, but as you open your eyes, you realize that this room is not one you’ve ever been in before. And even the most villainous of you should notice that something is immediately very off by how morbid your room looks. While generally clean, it looked dark and like it was a part of a very old house.

And that “Rest in Peace” throw pillow really isn’t doing the room any favors.

Meanwhile, on the dresser on top of your new notebook, there is also a message:]

When the clock strikes 13 o’clock. You must all meet in the stretching room for a special announcement.

[Well, it would be rude to refuse an invitation, right?

As soon as you leave your room, you notice a stark difference between the bedroom and the rest of the building. It looked like it hadn’t been kept up in ages, and it shows with how everything is caked in dust or covered in cobwebs. But judging by the other bedroom doors, possibly with other people peering out at the same time you, at least you’re not alone in this strange situation.

As you explore the rest of the first floor of the mansion, you’ll come to realize that, besides the bedrooms, the whole place is rather decrepit and dimly lit. While all rooms may provide a great interest in you, the the bios of all your foolish mortals might be useful to you, especially if you enjoy finding out how much your new captor has learned about you.]

Comments

[sixfingeredstan]

Wendy. [He amends quickly, looking only vaguely embarrassed.] Of course. And—please, you can call me Ford. Stan has always fit my brother better than it fits me.

[He draws his notebook out from the inner pocket of his coat and consults one of several pages already full of notes. He scribbles down 'WENDY' and circles it a couple of times, and then tracks back a couple of pages.]

Now. Have you experienced any ghosts, phantoms, specters, poltergeists, or other incorporeal beings?

[kindaruledatit]

Corduroy. [It's alright, Ford. They're only the family that built your house.] Sure thing, Ford.

[She waits for him as he gets to his scribbles, hands in her pockets and briefly attempting to whistle a tune.]

Uhh... I met an alien? Does that count for any of those?

[sixfingeredstan]

Yes! Of course. [He remembers her dad. Good, strong man.]

You did? Really? Here?

[That definitely counts. Ford leans in, looking about 1000% more interested in this conversation all of a sudden.]

From what planet?

[kindaruledatit]

Uh... [Y'know, she didn't check if Sylvia's profile had a home planet listed on it. But she gestures in that general direction.]

See for yourself I guess? She's stuck here, just like the rest of us.

[And probably not too pleased with her either.]

[sixfingeredstan]

Ah! Of course. Aliens. [He's so excited right now Wendy you just made his whole day.]

Fascinating that they collected different species. You'd think they would stick with humans. Though it does appear they've also kidnapped a live lioness...

[kindaruledatit]

Yeah, y'know. Aliens. [the answer to everything. At least that's how Dipper thinks. God it's like talking to a taller, grayer Dipper.]

Oh yeah, the lion girl? Turns out she's pretty cool. Didn't even try to eat me.

[sixfingeredstan]

[That's pretty much exactly what he is, Wendy. Get used to it.]

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her. Is it true that she's capable of speech?

[kindaruledatit]

Well, she told me I looked like a monkey. So there's that.

[It was odd at first.]

[sixfingeredstan]

[Ford throws his head back and lets out a big, boisterous laugh.]

I suppose to her, we all would look like a strange breed of monkey, yes!

[kindaruledatit]

She was also trying to eat her pillow, I think.

I have no idea where they got a lion that talks.

[sixfingeredstan]

It probably smelled like a bird. I'm sure she thought it was prey.

[A beat.]

I'm going to make an educated guess and say 'Africa'.

[kindaruledatit]

...Wow, was that like, an attempt at a joke? Nice.

[She didn't think you had it in you, Ford.]

[sixfingeredstan]

'Attempt'?

[Excuse you that was funny!]

It was a joke.

[kindaruledatit]

Oh yeah. Sure, it was pretty good. Absolutely.

[Thumbs up. You did... well...! Ford....!]

but yeah, there's literally a lion hanging around here. And a cricket, that can talk. And a girl that can sparkle.

[sixfingeredstan]

[DON'T PATRONIZE HIM.]

Talking lion, talking cricket...tell me, how is 'sparkling' a special talent? Mabel can do that, too.

[kindaruledatit]

I mean, yeah. But Mabel wishes she could turn her skin into a rainbow.

[Honestly, she does.]

[sixfingeredstan]

Wait, as in, this girl can actually turn her skin into a rainbow? What are the benefits of that power?

[kindaruledatit]

Well, she said she could like, fly and stuff. So I don't think it's just the glowing part.

Also her parents are actors in Hollywood and her life basically just sounds really awesome.

[sixfingeredstan]

Fascinating. I'll have to talk to her as soon as I can.

[Ford gives Wendy a little smile.]

I'm glad to hear you're making friends here.

[kindaruledatit]

[She scoffs.] Yeah, thanks. I was really lonely before I came here.

[Actually, she was kind of morose about a few, certain friends going home...]

But, thanks? What about you, mister Pines? Found anyone interesting yet?

[sixfingeredstan]

Oh, many people! Most interestingly, however, is Fiddleford. Have you seen him? He's young again. He looks just like he did when we were partners.

[In work. Working partners.]

It's quite remarkable.