foolishmortals | Forget all your troubles

[You wake up and instantly realize something is wrong.

There is a vague feeling of dread hanging in the air and, as comfortable as this bed is, there’s just something off about everything, even before you open your eyes. The dread only grows when you open your eyes and realize that you are in a completely unfamiliar room. One that has clearly seen better days at that.

As you explore your room, you will soon find a bedroom key resting on the dresser along with a note]

Welcome, esteemed guest, to our humble abode. We hope that you enjoy your stay in this Phantom Manor, as we expect you to stay with us for a very long time.

Feel free to make yourself at home as you enjoy what this manor has to offer, whether it’s the library, our projection room, or our famous wax museum. We’re sure you will find great joy

However, before you can get too comfortable, we ask you to please come to the portrait gallery at noon so we can discuss your stay here.

We eagerly await to meet you.

-Your Host

[The uncomfortable feeling doesn’t let up as you leave the safety of your bedroom. The manor seems old and decrepit, almost like it would fall over at the slightest breeze. Despite that, anyone who tries to escape will soon realize that the walls are unusually sturdy, and there are no doors that would seemingly lead to the outside world.

Still, at least you’re not alone in this scenario, if the other bedroom doors are any indications. Maybe there are a few more people coming out of their bedrooms too, so you have someone to talk toif you want to try to figure out what's going on. But if the 30 bios in the foyer hall are any indication, whoever has you here did not do this on accident. Whatever you’re here for, it seems like you’re here for a reason.

But hey, what’s the use of being pessimistic about this? Maybe it’s all an innocent situation… right?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oookay! Here we go!

[Wow now that he's looking it back over again these are a lot of words.]

...Y'know what, there's a lot. I think I'll just tell you about myself. Name's Louis. I'm an alligator, and I play jazz trumpet. That's about all you need to know here.

[He spots Pinocchio's entry and points at it.]

I think this is yours--Pinocchio, is that your name? Says here that you were brought to life by the Blue Fairy, whoever that is, and that you're a nice little boy.

Uh, by any chance, is the Blue Fairy a voodoo lady?

[That works for him.]

Wow, I've never met an alligator before! Or a jazz trumpet!

[...Whatever those things are. He's got enthusiasm, at least.]

Oh, yeah. I guess that's all true. [Although he didn't know he was nice. He lights up a bit at that-- maybe he's not doing as bad as he thought he was.] But she's not a voodoo lady, she's a star.

[Just. Entirely matter-of-fact.]

[He does a mock bow.] And now you have!

A star, huh? That's pretty cool. One of my friends used to know a star named Evangeline. [His face changes to an almost wistful expression.] He's a star, now, too, just as he should be.

Anyone else you want me to read off? Ooh--there's this duck here, he-- [He pauses, squinting at the bio.] Hm. Actually, it says he's...violent, manipulative, and evil. I'd stay away from him if I were you.

Really? Maybe you'll get to see 'em again. The Blue Fairy is only a star some of the time. She's visited us twice before.

[He looks for a long while at Negaduck's bio, contemplating. Sure, those are all bad things to be, from the sound of it. But... after a moment, he shrugs subtly.]

I dunno. Maybe he just needs somebody to show him right from wrong.

Huh, I didn't know that. Here's to hopin', kid.

[He frowns a little, scratching his chin.]

Uh, maybe. You might have your work cut out for ya, though, just from what I'm readin' here. Did you know he's called "public enemy number one"?

It could just be 'cause nobody else has tried to help him before. Maybe he doesn't have a conscience.

[He doesn't think there's a lot of consciences out there looking for jobs at the moment. Pinocchio has known several people without one.]

....Sorry to ask, but what's a conscience?

[no one has ever introduced these concepts to louis before--hes just a simple gator]

[Oh, good, he knows this one.]

It's that still, small voice that people don't listen to. And it tells you what's right and what's wrong, and teaches you stuff.

Oh! I know that voice sometimes! I usually follow its advice, though...but, knowin' how evil people usually are, I don't think this guy has one.

[He thinks for a minute.] Hm. Maybe you nag him about bein' good and all that stuff, he'll come around. After all, you seem to know stuff about this. But ya gotta be careful 'round him.

Really? But... I didn't see anybody following you around. What happened to it?

[All consciences are physical beings, right.]

Yeah, I know to be careful. But I think I'd probably be okay at nagging him about bein' good.

[He learned from the best, after all.]

[...what]

I thought you said consciences are voices? And, if you have a conscience, where is it?

Well, yeah. Consciences can talk.

[Obviously. But he just shrugs helplessly in response to the second question.]

I dunno where he went. I guess he's still back home.

[Hm. Okay.]

Well, then I guess my conscience is just really, really tiny, and in my ear at all times.

[you cant even see his ears]

Hey, didja know that there are no windows in this whole entire place? None? I've looked all over and can't so much as catch a peep outside.

[haha no ears louis]

I guess they usually are. My conscience is pretty short, too.

[He holds his hands about an inch or two apart to demonstrate.]

There isn't? ...Is that weird?

[He's been in like, two buildings in his entire life.]

[:^(]

Huh. It's easy for a lil' guy like that to be drowned out by all the noise. Especially since he's not here right now.

Uh...yeah? I think so. Most humans like bein' able to see outside. I think it's 'cos they don't like actually bein' outside with the wildlife.

[Trust him he's been in at least two buildings too.]

I dunno about that. He talks a lot.

[Though Pinocchio supposes he didn't always listen.]

I guess I never thought about it. Being outside is okay, but being inside is okay, too. I didn't think it mattered that much.

Well, apparently it matters to humans. Or, at least the fancy ones. A lotta times they'll just get a drop of mud on their shoes or their evening gowns and throw a fit. A little mud never hurt anyone, right?

[louis you dont even have clothes]

...Sure?

[His experience with mud is non-existent. Besides, he doesn't really know what does and doesn't hurt humans.]

....

Kid, how old are you? I mean, like, really, how long have you been walkin' around?

[Just a question, that's all.]

[He counts off on his fingers before glancing back up.]

One day.

One day--

[Okay actually that made a lot of sense.]

Hm. You've got a lot to learn, huh, kid? I think you should do your best to stay outta trouble for now.

I always stay outta--

[Hmmm actually, no, lying's probably not a good idea without the Blue Fairy around to fix it.]

Um, okay. I'll try.

Forget all your troubles

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