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

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Oh no, a nice person. Jane's... honestly kind of confused.]

...I wasn't scared. [Yes, she was.] And I don't live here. I don't think anyone would live here- I'm not even sure where this place is supposed to be.

[quiet frustrated noise.] I'm sorry.

[pinkflip]

[ She shakes her head. ] Sorry? No sorry. We're all a little creeped out here, it's okay to be confused.

Did you just wake up?

[lostbutnotaboy]

[It's her turn to shake her head.] No, I just came back in here to check if I could find anything else.

[Also because she's stressing out just a little?]

All I can find is a note, and a key for this room. Nothing else.

[pinkflip]

[ The lack of findings would trouble her, but the obviously distressed kid is so much more important. Kim keeps her soothing look in place. ]

Well, I'm gonna take a look around myself, and I'll come on back here and tell you if I find anything. Or do you want to come with me? It can't feel too nice, being all by yourself.

[lostbutnotaboy]

If you'll have me, I could try to help. I am pretty responsible. [She tries to make that sound like an accomplishment, and not something that kind of ruined her life for a day or so.]

I don't... really want to be alone around here.

[pinkflip]

[ Kim holds out a hand with a bright smile. ]

Then come on out! We'll be a team, okay?

1/2

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Looks at the hand, and she's about to shake her head.]

No, that's...

2/2

[lostbutnotaboy]

[...But, heck. She takes it.]

Alright. We're a team then. So, where to first?

[pinkflip]

[ A bright grin!! ]

Well, I haven't really investigated yet. Where have you looked, so we know not to go there.

...And, I'm gonna need a name, if we're teammates.

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Gosh Kim, your smiles are contagious.]

Well, I was just starting to check through my room, but I can't seem to fine anything in there. And I don't think it's really right to check anyone else's room without asking.

[She pauses. Oh, right.]

I'm Jane. Just Jane is fine with me.

[pinkflip]

Jane. That's a nice name.

[ Come on, out of the room and down the hall... Oh, might as well just go where the hall takes them. Kim's got Jane's hand in hers and a hyper-focus on what's around them. There could be something out here ready to attack them...and if that happens, there's no way she's going to let a kid get hurt. ]

I haven't checked beyond this hall...so stay close, okay? Just so we don't get turned around.

[lostbutnotaboy]

Thank you.

[Jane follows along at an even pace with Kim. No dawdling allowed, especially in a place like this. Somewhere in her mind, she knows she's ready to throw down against something if it pops out at them. Hopefully it's not a certain pirate again.]

Don't worry, I know how to duck and cover. I've read all the pamphlets.

[At least the ones she could find.]

Too bad we can't see what's happening outside, it could be dangerous.

[pinkflip]

[ Pamphlets? Duck and cover? ...Okay, you know, sometimes people just talk a little weird. She rolls with it. ]

Right... We've got enough to worry about in here already. The place is totally gross and decrepit.

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Oh, Kim. If only you knew.]

Makes me worry that it could come down on top of our heads. [A glance at the ceiling.] That's not something I want to think about.

[pinkflip]

[ A small hand-squeeze. ]

Then don't you think about it. We'll deal with it if it happens, but...I don't think we'll have to worry about hat right now.

[lostbutnotaboy]

[Wow, It's not every day she meets someone this responsible. She's actually feeling a little better.]

Well.... you never know. There is a war going on, right now.

[pinkflip]

[ That's...worrying. Has the Machine Empire spread farther? ...Should she have asked more about their conquests before sending that letter? ]

Oh... You're right, there is...but I'm- I've got some experience with ducking and covering myself, okay? I'll make sure we don't get hurt.

[lostbutnotaboy]

I hope so. [She doesn't want to wind up in a dangerous spot again, just as she's trying to get home. That would be very "fairytale" in her experience.]

Uh, if you don't mind me asking, what were you doing before you got here?

[pinkflip]

Me? Uhh... Well, I was just on my way to gymnastics practice. [ She gestures at her clothes with one hand. Leotard and headband only. ] Last I knew, I was walking to the training center near my dorm.

What about you?

[lostbutnotaboy]

Gymnastics? Oh! That's lovely. [Even though she couldn't tell at all by the outfit at first.]

But, a little odd... [She gestures to herself.] I was just trying to return home after a big adventure. Actually, I'm not sure how I really managed it, but I've never really flown before.

[pinkflip]

[ Just assumes she's talking about flying in a plane, like any normal kid, but- ]

I guess we can't really look for something on common there...but we'll figure it out. There's got to be a reason why everyone's here.