The first feeling I remember was that of flying, high up into the sky. I had never felt so free before.
But just as I was fully embracing my newfound freedom, I felt a harsh tug pulling me down.
I was suddenly jerked back, no longer flying, but falling. My mind grew dark, everything grew dark, as I fell towards unconsciousness.
Before I opened my eyes, voices surrounded me.
"Another one already?"
"Didn't our last vassal arrive only last month?"
"Cruelty is rising in the human world, what else do you expect?"
"Give her some room to breathe. We don't want to the poor thing to be smothered upon awakening."
There.
That voice of motherly concern brought me to full awareness. I opened my eyes and gasped at the world around me.
Creatures I only vaguely remember hearing of surrounded me. People with fangs and hair all over their bodies. Others with sickly green, slimy skin or skin as pale as Death.
Death…was that where I was? A land of Death?
"Am I dead?" My voice came out hoarse and frail.
"No, Fauna. You have come back to serve our time. Our special time of the year."
I turned my head towards the motherly voice. It belonged to a woman with long brown hair and a sewn face. She reminded me of a rag doll, one that seemed so familiar…
She smiled kindly at me and said, "Welcome to Halloween Town, Fauna Mangle."
The monsters around her cheered my name- at least, I think that was my name- and offered me greetings.
I sat on what seemed to be the edge of a smoky fountain in the middle of a town square. I didn't remember how, or even when I got here, so I stood, looking at faces around me, confused.
The sewn woman took my elbow, for I was a little wobbly on my feet, and started leading me through the crowd.
"Don't worry, Fauna. All will be explained shortly."