The scenery passed by at a whizzing speed as the van journeyed down the road. If anyone was also driving down that road, they would have stopped to stare at the van, since its design was one of a kind. Overall it was green, but painted all over that bright and dark green were red flowers and along the sides were the world known words "Mystery Machine."
Inside the famous Mystery Machine was the Scooby Doo Detective Agency, relaxing as they enjoyed the ride. Sharing the front seat were Velma Dinkly and Fred Jones, Fred as always the driver. In the back compartment, arranged in two groups were the remainder of the group, Daphne Blake, Shaggy Rogers, and Scooby Doo, with the latter two having fun together while Daphne hung over the rim of the front seat to join in the conversation with Fred and Velma.
Without turning his head from the road Fred said, "So, Daphne, tell us again about these friends of yours that we are going to meet."
Daphne sighed and said, 'They're not exactly friends, there more like acquaintances of the family. The head of the family, Victor Broderick, has been a business partner of my father's for years."
"If you're not close friends of theirs, why are we going to their celebration?" Velma asked.
"Dad said it would look good of the family to go. Besides it will give us a chance to relax from all of our cases."
From the back of the van Shaggy spoke up, saying, "Well, Scooby and I are excited about this. Imagine, a weekend with no spooky monsters, no dangerous stunts, and free food. It's going to be a blast."
"Yearh, a brast," Scooby added, nodding his head in agreement.
Daphne shook her head at the excitement that the two of them were exhibiting, especially when they turned to the favorite activity, eating. She turned back to continue talking with Fred and Velma, but as she did so her mind turned towards Shaggy's face as he devoured his meals. The expression that he displayed at a bountiful spread was one of rapture, and while it amused her at how fascinated he and Scooby could be at a meal, there was a part of her that felt slightly jealous. She shook her head to rid herself of that feeling before turning her full attention back to the front of the van.
The three of them continued to talk of nothing in particular when Fred called out, "There she is guys, the Broderick manor." As the van turned off the main road and onto the drive leading to it, the thoughts running through all of their minds was that it appeared that for once they would be having a mystery free vacation, for the surrounding terrain exhibited no hints of anything supernatural.
As the Mystery Machine drove up the lane, the manor in front of them grew in size until it encompassed the entire horizon. It was a classical white mansion with a red trim. The lane ended in a u-turn, with a flower garden in the center of it. The van stopped and the group climbed out but they did not move forward as they stared at awe at the building.
Finally the front door opened and a young man stepped out. He was a striking handsome man, tall, blond, and well-muscled. Unfortunately there was an air about him that indicated that he knew how handsome and rich he was and that he looked down on everyone else. With a condescending smile on his face he said, "My dear Daphne, it has been ages since we last meet, and you are still an image of glory."
"Hello Todd, "Daphne replied, a sick smile on her face. Indicating the rest of the group she said, "Let me introduce you to my friends."
Before she could continue Todd held up his hand and said, "There is no need for that since I only have eyes for you. Come; let me show you your room."
As Todd walked off Daphne turned to her friends with an expression of apology on her face and Fred said, "You don't have to say anything Daphne. It's not your fault that he's a jerk." She nodded and they picked up their luggage and headed into the building.
A couple of hours later the group walked into the ballroom, which was full of people, both Broderick family members and other invited guests. They were dressed in formal clothes, though Shaggy's clothes weren't the classiest of clothes. Turning toward the buffet table he said, "Later guys, me and Scooby have to check out the food."
As he departed Todd walked up, the smug smile still on his face. He looked Daphne up and down before saying, "You are truly an elegant woman Daphne, quite worthy of belonging to such an illustrious family as yours...and mine." Daphne silently groaned and headed toward Victor Broderick to pay her compliments, Fred and Velma following closely behind. As they passed through the crowds she glanced back to see Todd still staring suggestively at her and she shuddered in disgust. As her gaze drifted back to the Victor she noticed Shaggy and Scooby at the buffet table, gorging as always on the food.
A warm smile spread across her face at their activity, a wave of relief washing away the thought of Todd's smile. She stopped at she thought over this reaction but was unaware of that fact until Velma tugged at her shoulder and said, "Daphne, are you okay?"
Before she could reply an explosion sounded from the far wall, knocking guests to the floor. Smoke drifted from the hole in the wall and as people coughed and tried to clear the air a figure stepped through the hole and stalked through the smoke toward Victor Broderick. As the smoke began to thin out a gasp arose from those that could make out the figure, because it was a shocking sight, one that was clearly inhuman.