I'm not sure if I conveyed this correctly back in the first chapter/prologue: They all died back there. The thing-which-has-not-been-named killed them the end next timeline.
I am now going to proceed to go back to the beginning. Prepare for completely awful suspense or whatever this is.
You stood outside the large mansion doors with John Egbert. The building was huge and run-down looking, and looked slightly eerie in the late-afternoon light. It was your friend, Rose Lalonde's fault you were all here, of course. She had heard about this "haunted" mansion up on the hill and decided to drag you all on some supernatural investigation. She and Jade Harley had already gone in, while you and John had brought some supplies, since Rose had planned an overnight at this creepy old house. You had food, water, sleeping bags, a flashlight, and pajamas for all of you, plus an extra change of clothes for tomorrow, all in a backpack hanging on your left shoulder.
Next to you, John shivered and pushed up his square-rimmed glasses. "Dave," he began, "Is this house creeping you out at all?"
You looked at him askance, your eyes—thankfully covered by your trusty shades—mirroring his own apprehension. "Nah. It's probably just the lighting or something. Don't get your panties in a twist, Egbert."
John gulped and nodded, walking forward and opening the large double doors, just to show he wasn't scared. A cloud of dust rose up from the entryway. He sneezed while you looked on in confusion. If the girls had gone in earlier today, why was there about a week's worth of debris lying around?
You followed John in. His steps were light and cautious, like the floor would cave in at any moment.
Maybe he was on to something. You moved away from that board that was creaking under your weight.
"ROSE!" You yelled once you were free from the weak boards, "ROSE, WE'RE HERE!" No answer.
You sighed, pushing some of your platinum-blonde hair back into place. Striders have to look cool at all times, of course. Even if they were in an abandoned old shack like you were.
"ROSE?" John yelled. A small noise was heard from upstairs.
"That sounds like Harley" You commented, starting calmly towards the stairs.
John grabbed your arm, stopping you. "Dave. What if it's not Jade?"
"Egbert, what in the WORLD could it be if it's not her?"
"Well," he looked away, slightly embarrassed, "Rose did say this house was haunted."
"All the more reason to find them. What if they're under attack from a big, bad ghostie?" You made a scary face and moved up the stairs, John having no choice but to follow you.
"Yo, Harley!" You called, a bit softer now that you were closer, "You and Lalonde okay?"
A muffled sound came from behind a door further down the hall. John jogged up ahead and carefully maneuvered the decrepit piece of wood into an opened position. You followed casually after him, swaggering just a bit—why not?
Inside, you were met with a staircase stretching into a black expanse. John was already halfway down the stairs before he disappeared.
You followed him, digging around in the pack for the flashlight. After what seemed like hours searching—actually, you knew it was only about 30 seconds, but it sure felt long—you pulled it out and felt around the cylinder for the on switch. You had just found it when, up ahead, you heard a screech, followed by a loud thump.
I WARNED YOU!
Fail suspense up there, but you know. If there's anything you can tell me that'll help, pleasepleasepleasePLEASE tell me. I'd love any help you can get!
(That's a cheap way to say "Review please :3")
Also, I'm still stumped on what the big bad monster should be… I'm leaning toward Bec Noir right now, but whoever it is probably won't come in 'till way later. Tell me what you think!
