Forget all your troubles

[grimgrinningghosts]

[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?]

Comments

[pinkflip]

Well, I saw you, all alone! This place seems dangerous enough, and a kid all by himself? No way could I just ignore it.

[madeofpine]

I've been alone before. It's not that bad, sometimes. [Except for when it is, but he doesn't see any cages or axes around here so he's probably fine this time around.] But I guess this place is sorta creepy.

[The building as a whole, not the wax figures. He'll defend the wax figures even if they don't talk.]

[pinkflip]

Tell me about it! Gives me the willies. [ She offers a sweet smile. ] But there are so many people here, I'm sure someone will find a way out. So we'll all be home in a jiff.

[madeofpine]

That's good. I was kinda in the middle of something when I woke up here.

[He might have incurable allergies now that he's here instead of where he was supposed to be going.]

[pinkflip]

[ Kim kneels a little, to be more on his level. Trying to ignore how the wax figures totally look like they're staring at her, ugh. ...Though being closer she's starting to notice he looks a little...different from kids she's used to. ]

Um... Yeah, me too. I think there's a lot of us who've got an important thing to go home to. That'll just make us all more determined!

[madeofpine]

[This is kinda weird for him? He's never met anyone this Nice before and he sort of doesn't know how to deal with it.]

Yeah, I guess it might.

I'm just worried that my family will be scared that I'm missing again.

[pinkflip]

[ Are his...is this little boy made of wood? A minor distraction, really. ]

Of course. A boy your age-- wait, did you say again? Oh, gosh. What happened?

[madeofpine]

Um... a lot of stuff. I became an actor instead of going to school and then I got locked in a cage 'cause of it, and then I was gonna go to some island that'd cure my allergies 'cause one of my friends told me I was sick, and then--

[He belatedly realizes that's actually more than he thought it was and trails off with a shrug. Keeping track of all the time that'd passed and everywhere he'd been was getting difficult, anyways.]

I guess I haven't really been home since... the morning after I got brought to life?

[pinkflip]

[ She was going to say something about how that's a lot to happen to one boy, and how whoever locked him up should get a good kick in the pants, but then--

Things took a bit of a turn there. ]

Since you were...brought to life? Um. H-how long have you been alive, little boy...?

[madeofpine]

I've been alive for one whole day already!

[Ha pauses for a bit. Actually, the Blue Fairy sorta came at night, so...]

Or... wait, I guess a day and a half.

[pinkflip]

[ in that moment kimberly knows it's ride or die for this boy who is apparently also a puppet ]

Oh...! Oh, my gosh, this must all be so confusing for you, then...! I- [ A hesitant hand on his shoulder. Yep, he feels like wood. ] I'm going to make sure you get home safe and sound, alright?

[ He's too friendly to be a monster. Magic to bring things to life peacefully surely does exist, as this boy proves. ]

[madeofpine]

Yeah, everything's kinda confusing all the time.

[it's-- it's fine. he's fine.]

But I'd sure appreciate it! I think I need to get back so I can actually go to school this time.

[pinkflip]

Good. You know- school is very important, and it can be really fun to learn new things!

[ save the wooden child ]

And- if you need any help while we're here, understanding anything or doing anything, just let me know, okay? I'm Kimberly, and I want to help you out.

[madeofpine]

[She sounds like Jiminy, and he's beginning to suspect people may be over-exaggerating how great school is.]

Okay, thanks, I will! And my name's Pinocchio.

[pinkflip]

[ i can't believe kimberly's going to kill two people in cold blood ]

It is very nice to meet you, Pinocchio.