Well, here's the first part of Episode 2, everybody. And for those who have been badgering me about episode two, take it, okay? I have a LIFE, you know! STOP. HASSLING. ME.
Late into the night, the Coolsville MegaMart stood as a beacon in the moonlight, its sign casting an eerie glow over the parking lot. Inside, the store was still bustling with activity, a few employees busy tidying up the aisles before they could finally call it a day. One employee in particular found himself mopping the shiny tiles of aisle 2, his casual humming filling the otherwise quiet space.
"~Du-du-dum, moppin' the floor, doo-du-dum, gettin' clean for sure!~" he sang to himself, twirling the mop with a touch of levity.
As the rhythmic swish of the mop mixed with the gentle hum, an unexpected chill trickled down his spine. The employee paused mid-twirl, sensing a fleeting presence darting across the aisle behind him.
"Huh? What was that?" he mumbled, swiveling around to catch a glimpse of the mysterious blur. Yet, as he turned, his surroundings remained empty, devoid of any intruders.
Puzzlement turned to unease as he stood in the silence, an odd sound slowly seeping into his consciousness. Was it the rustling of the overhead lights or the whisper of the night breeze? No, it was something different—a soft, eerie swaying.
Brows furrowing, he turned his attention forward, attempting to shake off the strange sensation. But then, a shadowy figure caught his eye, suspended in midair, rhythmically shifting back and forth.
"Alright, whoever's doing that, knock it off," he barked, his voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and bravado, masking his apprehension.
For a moment, he faced the aisle, hoping his demand would be met with silence. But when he turned to confront the source of his disturbance, his heart skipped a beat, his breath hitching in his throat.
"GYAAAAAAH!" he shrieked, his voice reaching a pitch he hadn't thought possible. There it was, right before him—a ghostly figure, its visage pale and distorted, trapped in an old, ragged uniform. The gruesome sight was heightened by the horrifying reality that the spirit's head hung from a broken neck, swaying upside down.
"WILL THAT BE PAPER...OR PLAAAAASTIC?" the unearthly voice groaned, its words echoing with a twisted mockery of customer service.
The employee's fear was palpable as he bolted from the aisle, leaving his mop behind. His frantic footsteps echoed through the store, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. But as he fled, he didn't look back. He didn't dare. He could almost feel the phantom's malevolent grin watching him retreat.
Left alone in the aisle, the ghastly figure righted its head and straightened its tattered hat, a malicious smirk forming on its spectral lips.
"Thanks for shopping at Coolsville MegaMart," it sneered, its voice dripping with otherworldly malice. "HAVE A DREADFUL DAY! BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HAAAAA!"
FADE TO BLACK.
[Featured intro music: The Original Scooby-Doo Theme by Ted Nichols. The idea's that it's a mix of scenes based on bits from the original intro, as well as brand-new scenes, to be added later.]
A crack of thunder is heard as a ton of bats fly out of a decrepit-looking house. Out of the house emerge wispy, ghostly-looking letters that form into words.
SCOOBY-DOO!
Tales of Crystal Cove
SHAGGY: "Scooby-Doo, where ARE you?"
We see a shot of the dog, given a terrified look to the screen. Cut to the gang, walking down a creepy hallway.
A bookshelf in the hallway slid open, revealing a mysterious spector watching as the gang walks past.
We see Daphne smiling before walking away from a painting that slid away as a hand tries and fails to grab her.
Fred suddenly falls backwards as a passageway opens behind his chair.
Scooby yelps out, as a ghostly figure floats in front of the gang, cackling wickedly.
The gang runs off as fast as they can as we cut to a frightening witch doctor!
Scooby and Shaggy tremble in fright; the Gang runs once more, then we see Shaggy on jet-powered rollerskates as he crashes through a doorway, landing in a bathtub whose showerhead sprays cold water down his back.
Cut to Scooby chuckling before cutting to Velma and Fred giving shocked looks at something.
Shots of a disembodied skull and the face of the Space Kook, as Scooby holds Shaggy this time.
Captain Cutler raises his arms; Scooby, inside a barrel, runs until he slams right into the blankly-staring face of Charlie the Robot.
Shaggy's hair spikes out in fright, and Scooby makes a "shhhh" gesture.
We see a close-up of the Black Knight Ghost, and a pair of glowing yellow eyes before Scooby jumps out of a large pot and runs off.
In a library, the Gang is gathered around a laptop, with the silhouettes of multiple monsters surrounding them, and then they look up.
Another shot of the logo, but at the bottom of the screen is
"© Copyright 2023 Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc."
Shaggy: "Scooby-Doo, where ARE you?"
Cut to a final shot of Scooby-Doo, licking off the ice-cream around himself.
Scooby: "Mmm~!"
He smiles at the camera as we FADE OUT.
Title card: SCOOBY-DOO! Tales of Crystal Cove
in: "SCOOBY-DOO on AISLE TWO!"
The art shows Scooby and Shaggy in a supermarket aisle—Scooby riding in the shopping cart—while a scary-looking pair of red eyes watches them from within a shelf.
The following morning found the Scooby-Doo Detective Agency gathered in a weathered groundskeeper's shed situated on the sprawling Blake estate. A sense of determination filled the air as they assessed their new project.
"Well...it's not the Explorer's Club," Fred noted, glancing around the rustic surroundings. "But I think we can get this place fixed up if we all pitch in! Might need some new wood."
Almost on cue, a worn wooden board came loose from the ceiling, clattering to the floor before Velma.
"Or it should just be condemned..." Velma quipped, giving the dilapidated structure a skeptical once-over.
"It's fiiine," Fred dismissed with a wave of his hand, exuding his signature optimism. "We don't need some big fancy clubhouse. Besides, we just need some tools and we can get this place up & running in no time!"
As he spoke, Shaggy and Scooby exchanged a nervous glance. Shaggy voiced their concern, "Like, where are we gonna get some tools?"
Fred's enthusiasm remained undaunted. "Well, my dad has plenty of hardware. And I bet Daphne's family does too!"
"Actually, Daddy prefers to leave the manual labor to Jenkins and the staff," Daphne chimed in, her tone tinged with a hint of detachment.
Velma couldn't help but be intrigued. "You have a butler and staff on call? You lucky duck."
Daphne's expression shifted, revealing a mix of gratitude and melancholy. "Eh, it isn't that great. I mean, Jenkins is at least good to talk to; he doesn't judge."
Shaggy reached out to pat Daphne's shoulder in a comforting gesture, earning a genuine smile from her.
"Thanks," she blushed, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson.
Shifting the focus back to their task, Shaggy proposed a plan. "Like, I think my Dad's got some paint and wood in the backyard. Maybe that could help out?"
Fred nodded in approval. "Good thinking, Shaggy."
"Like, let's just try and be real quiet when we're getting stuff from the shed, okay?" Shaggy requested with a hint of nervousness. "I just got some new neighbors and I'd rather not draw too much attention."
The gang collectively agreed, understanding the need for discretion in their snooping business.
"So, what're we getting first?" Daphne inquired, shifting the conversation back to their immediate plans. "And for that matter, have we even decided how we're going to make this place look?"
Velma, always the practical thinker, suggested, "I suggest we pick up the supplies we need, then start working out the layout for this place."
"I've got plenty of paint and brushes in the basement," Daphne offered. "But...I'll go with Shaggy and Scooby-Doo to get the lumber."
A faint blush crept across Shaggy's cheeks while Scooby flashed a friendly grin.
"Okay, gang; let's split up!" Fred rallied, channeling his leadership spirit.
The group readily agreed, their shared mission propelling them into action. Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby departed, ready to gather the necessary materials for their ambitious project.
As Shaggy, Daphne, and Scooby gathered supplies in Shaggy's backyard, Shaggy found himself momentarily lost in thought, leaning against the fence. However, his contemplation was swiftly interrupted when he felt a pair of arms wrapping around his shoulders. His startled yelp echoed through the air as he swiftly disentangled himself from the unexpected embrace and turned around to confront the source.
Standing before him was a freckle-faced girl with an energetic demeanor and a country charm. She sported a tank top, cutoff jean shorts, cowboy boots, and a pair of pigtails that added to her playful appearance.
"Like, are you my neighbor?" Shaggy inquired, trying to make sense of the surprise encounter.
The girl's response came with a hint of flirtatious playfulness, "Sure as shootin', sweetie~! Mah name's Sadie Mae Scroggins, an' my family and I jes' moved in next door to ya~!"
Shaggy's nervous chuckle escaped him as he tried to regain his composure. "N-nice to meet ya... like, I'm just getting some stuff to help my friends."
Sadie Mae's giggles persisted as she playfully assessed Shaggy. "Oooh, you a man of honor, pumpkin?"
Blushing slightly, Shaggy stammered, "Yeah, you could say that. And I should go lend them a hand; in fact, I'd better go lend both hands!"
Before him stood a cheerful and lively young girl with a charming freckled face framed by blonde pigtails. Her outfit exuded a spirited country charm, with a tank top, cutoff jean shorts, and cowboy boots that matched her bubbly demeanor.
"Heya there, cutie pie!" the girl greeted, her tone lighthearted and playful.
Shaggy couldn't help but yelp in surprise, his heart racing from the sudden encounter. "Like, are you my neighbor?" he stammered, trying to make sense of the situation.
The girl's laughter filled the air as she replied, "Sure as shootin', sweetie~! Mah name's Sadie Mae Scroggins, an' my family and I jes' moved in next door to ya~!"
Caught off guard and slightly flustered, Shaggy managed to chuckle nervously and respond, "N-nice to meet ya... like, I'm just getting some stuff to help my friends."
Sadie Mae playfully regarded Shaggy with a twinkle in her eye. "Oooh. You a man of honor, pumpkin?" she teased.
Blushing even deeper, Shaggy nodded. "Yeah, you could say that. And I should go lend them a hand; in fact, I'd better go lend both hands!" he stammered, feeling a bit flustered by the girl's attention.
Sadie Mae's giggles continued to echo as she commented, "A knight in shining armor. That's what you are, honey. Hehe."
Shaggy offered a sheepish chuckle. "Heheheh...sure. Knight in shinin' armor...Sir Shaggy Rogers, that's me," he playfully quipped before making a hasty exit to rejoin Daphne and Scooby.
Left behind, Sadie Mae couldn't help but giggle to herself, her infatuation with Shaggy evident. "That boy is as sweet as honey baked ham! I can't wait to make him mine!" she mused, completely smitten.
However, her daydreaming was soon interrupted by a gruffer voice, causing her to straighten up. Emerging from the house was a young man, a head taller than Sadie Mae, with an air of authority about him. This was her older brother, Robert, who was affectionately known as 'Billy-Bob' by most.
Sadie Mae groaned, her playful demeanor momentarily shifting to irritation. "Ugh! What is it, Billy-Bob? Can't you see I'm swooning?"
Billy-Bob's stern response was immediate. "You OUGHTA be inside, with more important matters. Not makin' lovesick goo-goo eyes at some scruffy-lookin' hippy-type!"
Clearly not one to be bossed around, Sadie Mae's irritation flared as she grabbed a board from the fence and whacked her brother on the head with it.
THWACK!
Billy-Bob rubbed his sore head, grumbling, "I always knew havin' a little sister was gonna be a big headache...!"
As the sibling drama unfolded, Daphne and Scooby wrapped up their own preparations and were soon joined by Shaggy.
Meanwhile, back with Daphne and Scooby, Shaggy rejoined them, the trio successfully gathering their supplies.
"Did you get everything you need?" Daphne inquired.
"Like, yeah, I think so," Shaggy confirmed with a nod, glancing around. "Wonder how Fred an' Velma are doing?"
MEANWHILE WITH FRED AND VELMA...
, Fred and Velma embarked on their own mission within the confines of the Jones' residence. The primary objective: to unearth hammers, nails, and a plethora of other necessary tools to bolster their aspiring detective headquarters. While Fred energetically combed the space, Velma engaged in a curious exchange with him.
Curiosity piqued, Velma queried, "What do you usually use these tools for, Fred?"
Fred paused momentarily, his expression reflecting a blend of nostalgia and amusement. "Well, my dad builds birdhouses sometimes," he divulged. "And I like to help him out. But my dad says to just watch instead of pitching in. Maybe it was cuz of that time a few years ago when I accidentally hammered his thumb? I had to apologize so many times for that!" he recounted with a chuckle.
Velma couldn't help but chuckle as well, finding the anecdote endearing and relatable.
As they continued their search, Fred's curiosity turned the spotlight onto Velma. "Speaking of which...have you ever done any hardware work, Velma?" he inquired, his tone carrying an unmistakable sincerity.
Velma candidly admitted, "Not much. I mean, I'm not exactly built for that kind of work. Given my weak joints and such."
Ever the considerate companion, Fred offered an earnest assurance. "Well...I'd be glad to help you out. And I promise, I'll be careful to not hurt your thumbs or anything."
A genuine smile graced Velma's features as she responded, her tone carrying a note of appreciation, "Thanks."
Having successfully located the toolbox and other essential supplies, Fred's optimism remained undaunted. "Alright, got the toolbox and the art supplies," he declared. "Let's head back to the future HQ of the Scooby-Doo Detective Agency and see if we can work out a design for our clubhouse!"
Velma found herself responding to Fred's optimism, her smile widening. There was something reassuring about his unwavering enthusiasm that managed to uplift not just her spirits but the whole atmosphere around him.
The trio reconvened at the Blake residence, their respective supplies poised for action. As the topic of hunger surfaced, Shaggy couldn't help but voice his appetite-induced concern.
"Like...anyone else feeling kinda hungry?" he inquired.
"Ri know I am!" Scooby chimed in.
"I suppose I could get Jenkins to make us a snack?" Daphne suggested.
"Like, you don't just grab something from the fridge?" asked Shaggy.
"Well...no, not really," Daphne replied, her lack of familiarity with such mundane tasks evident. "Why would we?"
Shaggy's earnest response struck a chord, echoed by Velma. "He's right. You might not always have a butler."
Recognizing the truth in their words, Daphne conceded, "Okay, that is a solid point. Maybe we'd better go get something."
In agreement, the decision was made. "To the kitchen!" Shaggy exclaimed.
"Rokay!" Scooby saluted with his tail...until he realized he didn't know where it was. "...uh, where's the kitchen?"
Daphne took the lead, guiding the group through the expansive mansion's lavish interior. The extensive use of the color purple pervaded the décor, a reflection of the family's unique tastes.
Upon reaching the kitchen, Shaggy and Scooby found themselves entranced by its opulent yet inviting atmosphere, eliciting awe and heartfelt admiration.
Fred marveled at the sight. "Woooo. Fancy!"
Velma, displaying her intellect in a more unique manner, chimed in with an insightful observation. "The application of periwinkle, mixed with mauve and orchid is quite impressive."
Shaggy, clearly out of his element, commended Velma's knowledge. "Wow. Like, you know a lot of fancy terms."
Velma's response carried a hint of modesty. "Thank you."
With the goal in sight, the group continued their journey, navigating a twisty staircase to reach the kitchen. The revelation of this culinary haven was met with unabashed amazement from both Shaggy and Scooby, whose sheer delight was unmistakable.
Shaggy, overcome by his surroundings, uttered a breathless exclamation. "Whoa...like, this must be what Heaven looks like..."
Scooby, equally enthralled, wiped away a tear of joy as he echoed Shaggy's sentiment. "Rit's rabsolutely reautiful!"
Scooby and Shaggy were equally captivated by the culinary haven that unfolded before them. Their heartfelt reactions were a testament to the kitchen's grandeur and allure.
"Like, let's check the pantry!" exclaimed Shaggy.
"Rokay!" Scooby said as he put his nose up and started sniffing around to track the pantry down. Suddenly, his nose began flashing like a red light. "Ri've rot the scent!"
"Then c'mon, Scoob!" Shaggy laughed. "Lead us there!"
Scooby nodded and put his nose to the floor, before he started sniffing around with Shaggy.
They slowly made their way over to the pantry and opened it up in excitement. It was stuffed to the GILLS with tons upon tons of foods, piled high enough to reach the ceiling!
"Scoob, I think I just found my new happy place!" Shaggy laughed giddily.
"Reah! Re too!" nodded Scooby.
"As you can see, we have an expansive selection of food to choose from—" Daphne began, her tone infused with hospitality and anticipation. However, her introduction was abruptly disrupted as a cacophony of loud, whirring, and chomping sounds echoed from within the pantry, accompanied by the erratic movement of empty boxes and cans that sailed through the air.
In an instant, the pantry's contents seemed to come alive, the chaos narrowly missing Daphne as she instinctively sidestepped to avoid the flying debris. As Velma, Fred, and Daphne converged to investigate the source of the commotion, the pantry's door swung open, revealing the unexpected culprits within.
Daphne's exasperation was evident, her incredulity punctuating her response. "...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" she exclaimed, her usually composed demeanor replaced by a vivid display of frustration.
Within the pantry, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo appeared, their bellies conspicuously bloated from their impromptu and voracious food binge. Emitting an embarrassed belch, Shaggy managed to convey his remorse. "Sorry... Scoob and I couldn't help ourselves..."
Scooby, in response, offered a nervous chuckle, clearly sharing in their self-admitted guilt.
Daphne's pent-up frustration finally erupted, her words reverberating with exasperation. "When people say 'help yourselves'...THEY DON'T MEAN EAT EVERYTHING IN THE PANTRY!"
The magnitude of their actions weighed heavily on Shaggy and Scooby, their expressions riddled with guilt as they registered Daphne's anger.
Amid the tension, Fred interjected with a suggestion that blended practicality with the potential for bonding. "How about we go out and restock?" he proposed, a subtle shift in tone coaxing cooperation and unity. "Could be a good opportunity to get to know each other better!"
Velma lent her support to Fred's proposal, further emphasizing its practicality. "Good idea, Fred. We can head to the local supermarket and replenish our supplies."
Recognizing the need for restitution, Fred physically intervened, tugging Shaggy and Scooby out from the pantry's depths. The two culprits, burdened with shame, responded with sheepish nods, their guilt palpable.
Undeterred, Velma seized the moment to establish a constructive path forward. "We'll come back and see if you've calmed down by then," she stated, her practicality meshing with a semblance of understanding. Addressing Daphne, she inquired, "Would you have a shopping list of some sort?"
Daphne's grumpy nod signaled her agreement, and she swiftly compiled a list of the items that had been devoured during Shaggy and Scooby's culinary escapade.
Shaggy's apology, genuine and earnest, cut through the tension. "Like, would it help if we said we're sorry?" he implored. "Because we're sorry! We're really, REALLY sorry!"
Scooby echoed the sentiment, his heartfelt remorse evident in his own words. "Ruper-mega-ultra sorry!"
Daphne acknowledged their sincerity, responding with a compromise that hinted at the potential for forgiveness. She handed them the list and a bundle of money, her voice laced with a mixture of severity and reservation. "Get the food and bring it back WITHOUT eating it all...and maybe I'll forgive you two." She paused, her voice lowering, teeth clenched, "MAYBE."
Shaggy and Scooby's nod of acknowledgment carried an air of trepidation as they accepted the challenge, acutely aware of the task at hand.
As they hurriedly left the room to fulfill their mission, Daphne's gaze lingered on their retreating figures. Left alone, she contemplated the events that had unfolded and took a deep breath before making her exit, allowing her emotions to simmer down.
Meanwhile, in a different part of the house, Fred assumed the role of the moral compass, gently reproaching his friends for their actions. "That was NOT the right thing to do, guys," he chastised, his voice tinged with a blend of disappointment and concern. "How could you two be so inconsiderate?"
Shaggy, genuine in his remorse, offered an explanation tinged with vulnerability. "I'm sorry. Me and Scoob just love food so much! We just lost control..." His voice wavered slightly as he continued, revealing his true intentions. "That's why Scoob and I volunteered to restock for Daph... I really don't wanna lose my first friend."
"Well...I may not have heard of HALF of these items," said Fred as he glanced over the shopping list. "But we've got to make sure this gets done! Seriously, what ARE most of these? Rich people sure are into some strange things!"
"Freddie?" asked Velma as she looked over his shoulder. "It's upside down."
"Oh!" Fred realized as he took another look and his face went red. "Oh... oops."
Velma giggled a little.
"Like, where are we gonna get all of this stuff?" asked Shaggy.
"At the supermarket, of course," stated Velma.
"Which one?" asked Fred. "There's a ton of them."
Just then, Shaggy spoke up. "The Coolsville MegaMart!" he exclaimed. "My mom always brought me there whenever I was having a bad day. Of course, this was BEFORE I discovered Pizza Potamus."
"That place seems to have everything there," replied Velma. "Might just be the perfect place to restock Daphne's pantry."
The collective agreement among the group was palpable, each nod reflecting the consensus that the Coolsville MegaMart was the optimal destination for their restocking endeavor.
With their decision made, Shaggy led the way confidently as they headed towards the Coolsville MegaMart. Upon their arrival, an unexpected scene unfolded, as the beleaguered store manager pleaded with his employees to stay, resorting to desperate promises and concessions.
"Please! Don't quit! I'll double your salaries! No more bathroom key! Unlimited breaks! Anything!" the manager beseeched.
However, his entreaties were met with frustration from one of the employees, who decided to walk away from it all. "For-get it, man! With the Undead Bagboy hanging around, I'm punching out for good!" With a final gesture of defiance, the employee discarded his apron and badge before making his exit, leaving a noticeable void in the store's workforce.
Amidst this turmoil, the gang entered the Coolsville MegaMart with their shopping list in tow, ready to embark on their mission to restock Daphne's pantry. As they navigated the aisles, Velma couldn't help but comment on the apparent scarcity of staff. "We'll need to ask about that," Fred asserted, taking the initiative to gather more information. "Hopefully we can find someone to talk to..."
Shaggy pitched in, his voice wavering, "Like, I guess me and Scooby will grab stuff while you guys handle that."
Fred quickly intervened, his tone firm, "Actually, we're all going together. It's easier to keep an eye on you both that way."
Shaggy exchanged a glance with Scooby, realizing the logic in Fred's plan.
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense," Shaggy agreed.
Scooby chimed in, "We know we're not the most trustworthy."
With a unified decision, they approached the manager.
Velma inquired, "Excuse me, would you happen to know why many employees are quitting? And what's the deal with this 'Undead Bagboy'?"
The visibly anxious manager explained, "Oh, it's been quite a situation. Folks are quitting because of the 'Undead Bagboy.' The story goes..."
Fred interrupted, "Wait, what exactly is this Undead Bagboy?"
The manager recounted, "Back in the 1980s, there was an employee named Lester Perkins. He was an underpaid bagboy who took on overtime just to make ends meet. One night, he had a terrible accident while stocking high shelves. He fell from a ladder and broke his neck. The employees say his spirit is haunting the store now."
Fred remarked, "Whoa, that's definitely eerie."
Shaggy gulped, "And if you ask me, I'm about ready to check out!"
Velma swiftly took control of the situation, grabbing Shaggy's shirt collar and Scooby's dog collar before they could make a run for it.
"Whatever it is, we need to figure it out," Velma declared.
Fred agreed, "Yeah, we should finish shopping and then get Daphne over here."
Shaggy sighed and reluctantly admitted, "Alright, let's get this shopping done."
"Alright, Velma, first item is saffron," Fred directed, consulting the list. "So, where's the spice aisle?"
Velma requested, "A little help here?" before she found herself hoisted onto Fred's shoulders.
Fred grinned, "Up you go, Velma. How's the view?"
Velma blushed, "It's...uh, good. Thanks, Freddie."
"No problem," Fred said as he adjusted Velma's position for a better look. "What do you see?"
Velma replied, "Aisle 3 has the spices."
Shaggy cheered, "Alright, Aisle 3, here we come!"
With Velma still on his shoulders, Fred led the way to the spice aisle.
Upon arrival, they began scanning the shelves for the elusive saffron. Velma's higher vantage point proved useful, allowing her to reach and retrieve the required spices.
"What's up next?" Fred inquired.
Shaggy checked the list, "Next, oysters."
Fred strategized, "So, off to the seafood section, right?"
Scooby nodded in agreement, "Ruh-huh."
And so, they embarked on their journey to the seafood section, where an array of fish options greeted them.
As they browsed, Shaggy mused, "Haddock... crabmeat... lobster tails... This place reminds me of this dream I had..."
Velma inquired, "What was the dream about?"
Shaggy shrugged, "I don't remember much, but I know it was really good."
Scooby added, "Reah, good."
Unbeknownst to them, something shadowy stalked behind them, its heavy footsteps resonating on the floor.
Fred kept the focus on the mission, "Alright, let's wrap up the shopping and then tackle the mystery."
As they continued, the ominous presence drew nearer.
Fred inquired again, "So, what's next on the list?"
Velma checked, "Wagyu beef."
Shaggy caught a glimpse of the approaching figure and panicked, "Uh, let's just grab it and go before he catches up!" he exclaimed.
"Before who catches up?" asked Fred as he and the others turned to look behind them.
Approaching them was the Undead Bagboy. "Would you like your bodies in PAPER or PLASTIC?!" he laughed wickedly.
Shaggy and Scooby let out terrified screams and sought refuge in Velma's arms. Surprisingly, Velma managed to hold them both up effortlessly.
"Uh, guys, maybe it's time we checked out!" Shaggy stammered.
"Check out? Oh, right! We still need the oysters and the beef!" Fred realized. "If we're being chased, let's at least grab what we need, head to the checkout counter, and then make our escape!"
"Fred, are you SURE that's even possible?" Shaggy questioned nervously.
"Hey, we made a promise to Daphne!" Fred asserted. "We have to try and keep it."
Velma let out a groan. "Fine, fine! Let's shop on the run!"
With determination, the group began grabbing items from the shelves while the Undead Bagboy pursued them relentlessly.
Shaggy's panic was palpable as he cried out, "Like, he's gaining on us! Hurry!"
"Maximum turbo-speed!" Scooby-Doo saluted, putting all his strength into pushing the cart. The cart surged forward, creating a significant gap between the gang and the Undead Bagboy.
"Great work, Scoob! What's left on the list?" Shaggy asked urgently.
"Nope, all done!" Scooby replied just before the cart unexpectedly crashed into a fruit display. The impact sent the group, along with their purchases, flying through the air, eventually landing on the checkout counter.
Velma groaned as she pulled herself up to the counter, stating, "We'd like to check out, please... and make it quick!"
The cashier responded, "Good timing! You've landed on the 'Speedy Checkout' aisle." With remarkable efficiency, he swiftly scanned each item, double-bagged them, and prepared them for departure.
"That'll be... $246.00, please!" the cashier informed them.
The gang wasted no time in handing over the money, receiving their change just as quickly, and then bolting out of the supermarket's doors.
"Back to Daphne's, gang!" Fred exclaimed.
Everyone was in agreement, and they pushed the cart all the way back to the Blake Mansion, constantly checking over their shoulders to ensure they weren't being pursued.
Upon their return to the mansion, they realized they had inadvertently taken the cart with them.
"Let's unload it first," Fred suggested, as he and Shaggy brought the groceries inside. Scooby, acting like an aircraft marshaller, guided them in with precise hand movements.
"Bring it in...nice and easy, boys," he directed. "Gently...that's it, gently!"
Velma carried all the seafood as she said, "Let's hope we didn't forget anything..."
As they came in, they passed by Jenkins, who picked Velma up and carried her the rest of the way to the kitchen. "I suspected you might need some assistance, Miss Dinkley," the butler responded.
Velma sighed in relief. "Thank you, sir," she replied. "We had a lot of food to carry in."
"Think nothing of it, Miss Dinkley," replied Jenkins as he arrived at the kitchen and brought both Velma and the groceries inside. "Miss Blake instructed me to aid her friends, and you fit into that category."
"Oh, you're back," Daphne greeted, observing Fred and Shaggy unloading the groceries. "And it looks like you managed to get everything on the shopping list. Nice work, gang."
"Like, we sure did," Shaggy proudly responded. "And we even stumbled upon something not on the list: a scream-fest on aisle four!"
Daphne's curiosity piqued. "A scream-fest? What happened in aisle four?"
Fred explained, "We had a run-in with what appeared to be an undead bagboy haunting the store."
Scooby joined in, adding, "He chased us all around while we were shopping."
Daphne's skepticism was palpable. "Come on, guys. There's no such thing as the undead."
"Like, Daphne, I KNOW what I saw!" Shaggy insisted. "He had a busted neck, an upside-down head, and was pale like a corpse!"
As Shaggy described what they'd seen, Scooby proceeded to mime it out, even making the scary ghostly noises as he mimed like his head was dangling off his neck by a hinge.
Raising an eyebrow, Daphne seemed somewhat unconvinced by the tale. She turned to Fred, seeking affirmation. "Fred, did you really see an 'undead bagboy'?"
Fred's response was straightforward. "It was dressed like a bagboy, with a broken neck and a pale complexion. So, yes, I'm fairly certain it fits the description of an undead bagboy."
Velma corroborated their account. "I can vouch for that as well. We were chased all around the store by it!"
At that moment, Daphne's four older sisters made their entrance into the room. Daisy, the confident and aspiring doctor, commented with a hint of condescension, "Oh, what's all the commotion about now, little sis?"
Dawn, dressed in a white and pink jumpsuit, added with a cheerful smile, "Are you causing another spectacle, Daphne?"
Dorothy, sporting a purple race car jumpsuit and a matching helmet, chimed in, "Let me guess, Daphne's dragging everyone into another one of her adventures?"
Delilah, with a gruff voice and a casual demeanor, casually mentioned, "If it involves chaos, it's probably Daphne's doing."
Daphne's gaze shifted to her sisters as they exchanged knowing glances among themselves. She sighed, accustomed to their dynamics, and turned back to the gang. "Ignore them. They're just trying to get under my skin."
Jenkins, the ever-attentive butler, shared his insights. "I believe it would be prudent to conduct a more thorough investigation of the Mega-Mart. Coincidentally, the store is actively seeking new employees due to the departure of the previous staff, who were frightened away by this 'Undead Bagboy'—though a small, determined group has chosen to stay."
AND SO, A FEW MINUTES LATER...
Thus, the Scooby-Doo Detective Agency found themselves back at the Coolsville MegaMart, stepping up to fill the void left by the departed employees. As they entered, they made sure to return the borrowed shopping cart—a small act of courtesy in the midst of a burgeoning mystery.
The gang's plan was steadily coming together, providing them with a prime opportunity to witness the reappearance of the Undead Bagboy.
"Alright, Daphne, you, Shaggy, and Scooby can handle the shelves," Fred organized. "Velma and I will tackle the produce section."
Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby nodded in unison, heading towards their designated area.
"Alright, Scoob, let's prioritize stacking over snacking," Shaggy instructed as they reached Aisle 3, designated for Sauces and Condiments.
"Raximum racking, Raggy!" Scooby saluted, ready for the task at hand.
Amid the shelf-stacking mission, Daphne grabbed some cans and rallied the team. "Let's get to work, guys!"
"Got it!" Shaggy exclaimed with a salute, utilizing Scooby's shoulders to reach the higher shelves. "Scoob, give me a lift to that third shelf over there!"
Scooby eagerly complied, striding forward as Shaggy efficiently placed cans on the appropriate shelves. The task was progressing smoothly until Shaggy reached for the last can.
"Just one more, Scoob!" he requested, only to find the can already in Scooby's mouth. "Uh, Scoob?"
Shaggy's eyes widened as he watched Scooby gnawing on the can. "No, Scoob, no!"
Whimpering, Scooby relinquished the can, and Shaggy sighed in relief. "Thanks, pal."
As the comical episode unfolded, a voice interrupted their endeavors. A blonde employee named Kathy, whose nametag bore her name, observed them with an irritated expression.
"Still some workers left, huh?" Kathy commented dryly. "I thought the Undead Bagboy scared everyone away, at least the ones with common sense."
Daphne and the others turned their attention to Kathy as she lingered nearby.
"Hello, Kathy. Can we help you?" Daphne inquired as she descended via the shelf ladder.
"Just checking out the new recruits," Kathy grumbled. "Seems like common sense is in short supply."
"And that's because of the Undead Bagboy, correct?" Shaggy inquired, seeking confirmation. "So, why haven't you quit like the others?"
Kathy explained, "This is the only job close to my house that pays decently. Commuting isn't my thing."
"Understood," Daphne nodded. "Any idea who might be behind the sightings?"
Kathy shrugged, "Could be anyone. A disgruntled customer, or maybe Jerry. He was fired for laziness, and he's been known to graffiti the back of the store as revenge."
Daphne jotted down the information in her mind. "Thanks for sharing. How long have these sightings been going on?"
Kathy thought for a moment before answering, "Around two or three weeks, I guess."
Daphne noted the timeframe and moved on to inquire, "So, what brought you here, Kathy?"
With a hint of sarcasm, Kathy asked, "Curious about the harsh life of MegaMart employees, Blake?"
Daphne laughed off the remark, improvising a cover story, "Actually, my dad thought I needed to understand hard work and earn my own money. You know how it is. And well, my family doesn't believe in ghosts."
Kathy rolled her eyes in response. "Right. Well, good luck with that. At least one of you Blakes knows the grind."
Undeterred, Daphne returned to her task, sharing an amused glance with Shaggy and Scooby. With the newfound information, they decided to rendezvous with Fred and Velma after their break.
Meanwhile, Fred and Velma expertly managed the produce section, exhibiting efficiency and teamwork.
"This job's a breeze," Fred commented. "Just a bit of stacking with these eggplants and carrots."
"Absolutely," Velma agreed, before both of them heard footsteps originating from the back of the store. "Did you hear that?"
Fred nodded, concerned. "Maybe we should check it out quickly?"
Agreeing, Velma and Fred discreetly approached the source of the sounds, their curiosity piqued. Peering around a corner, they witnessed a figure spray-painting on the delivery doors.
"Who's that?" Velma whispered, her curiosity overriding her caution.
Fred shrugged, equally mystified by the sight unfolding before them.
After a few minutes, the spray-painting ceased, and the figure abruptly departed.
Fred pondered, "I wonder who that could be?"
"Let's investigate," Velma suggested, leading the way towards the painted doors.
"Good idea," Fred concurred, following closely behind her.
Stepping out to examine the scene, they discovered a trail of paint-splattered footsteps leading away from the freshly vandalized doors. Scrawled across the doors were the words, "FOOLSVILLE MEGAMART STINKS."
"Hmm... it looks like we might have a suspect on our hands," Fred mused, scrutinizing the graffiti.
Velma agreed, her analytical mind kicking into gear. She retrieved her camera, capturing photographs of the incriminating evidence for documentation.
"I wonder who this person could be," Fred pondered aloud, his curiosity evident.
Curiosity echoed in Velma's response as she said, "I'm quite intrigued myself. Perhaps during our break, we should gather with the others and share what we've found?"
"Absolutely," Fred nodded in agreement. The two of them temporarily returned to their tasks, maintaining appearances while harboring a growing desire to uncover the truth.
Yup, this chapter introduces Sadie-Mae Scroggins, whom some Scooby fans might remember from the TV movie "Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers". I liked her quite a bit, so she and her brother will be more-or-less recurring characters in this series.