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]

[ A clueless little shrug. ]

Sounds a lot more advanced than what I've seen... Is it some fancy program you put on a floppy disc? I'm no good with computers.

[upgradeit]

A . . . floppy . . . disc . . .

[You can literally hear the gears in his brain grinding to a halt. They put those in museums when he's from.

Then, in a disbelieving, hushed tone of voice:]

Do you even know what the internet is?

[pinkflip]

[ Okay, now she's a little offended. With a huff, she crosses her arms. ]

Of course I do! It's just- it's new, that's all! I haven't gotten the hang of it!

[upgradeit]

[????????????????????????????????????????

She must be from, like. Montana. One of those places in Africa out in the middle of the desert. Maybe she just got stuck in a pocket dimension for a while!!! That happens sometimes!!!]

Sorry. I'm a computer engineering major, I forget other people aren't, like. Up on all the new technology.

[pinkflip]

[ An apology is all she needs and she bounces back quickly. The pout forming on her lips dissolves and she raises her chin, in a sort of good-natured "so there" kind of way. ]

You techies. You'd get along with my friend Billy. He's always talking about some new invention or another. Sometimes I couldn't even understand what he was saying when we were younger.

[upgradeit]

If it makes you feel any better, you could probably say a bunch of [Gymnastics? He thinks that's what the bio said.] stuff about triple axel flips or whatever and I wouldn't know what the heck you were saying.

[pinkflip]

[ ...thank god he didn't say something about being a Power Ranger, she's still trying to pretend that's completely secret. ]

Oh, yeah? You know...probably. Hm! That does make me feel a little better. Thanks, um... [ A quick glance, she won't read anything more, but his name-- ] Oh, uh...Hiiiro...?

[ Mostly correct pronunciation but very unsure of herself. ]

[upgradeit]

Hiro. [He uses the slightly more American pronunciation because it's what he's used to.] You know, like "hero" - which is the opposite of what I am.

[pinkflip]

[ He says that and her eyes can't help but drift to something that says...otherwise, on his profile, before they jolt away. If she doesn't ask about his, he won't ask about hers, right? ]

Oh! Hiro like hero, that's cute. [ The name, see, the name. ] I wouldn't count yourself completely out, everyone can do a little for someone else, and isn't that all you need?

But, um, I'm Kimberly. Kim, if you like.

[upgradeit]

[Yeaaaaaaaaah. Yeah, the "vigilante" part is the key there.]

That's what's Fred's always saying. I'd rather just try to graduate college unscathed, honestly.

[pinkflip]

[ He may be a vigilante, but he's still a hero, right?! ]

College? Isn't that a little far off for you?