Kamen Rider SideRide Chronicles: Oscura's Encore

Reprise VI: The Happiest Place on Earth

The next day, the group filled their bellies at the breakfast buffet before they headed out for the theme park. After getting past the main gates, Camila, Vee, Masha, Amity, and Luz gazed upon the famous Main Street. It was made to look like an old-timey town and was their first stop before entering the park proper. There were horse-drawn carriages, workers in themed costumes, and of course, the several shops that lined up Main Street. Some sold glass wares, and handcrafted figurines of Disney characters, many of which were collections from different artists. And of course, the price matched the craft.

The Noceda family followed Main Street until they came to the centre of the park, where a statue of Walt Disney himself and Mickey Mouse stood. Standing behind this famous statue was the Disney Castle. It was not hard to miss, even from Main Street. The castle was an iconic structure that could be seen from almost anywhere in the park. It was a majestic sight to behold and filled one with a sense of childlike wonder and joy.

Vee and Amity gazed up at the castle. Amity had only ever known and seen (former) Emperor Belos' castle, and it was an intimidating fortress, to say the least. But Disney Castle was different. She didn't get the impression of a magical ruler living above everyone, but rather a kingdom that welcomed everyone, big and small, young and old. A place where you could forget your troubles and be a kid once again.

The two Demon Realm denizens wanted to get a closer look at the castle, so that was their first stop. The castle mostly served as a giant gateway but was treated like a real castle. There was a drawbridge that had a large moat running all around it, and the closer they got, the more Vee and Amity stared up in awe at the tall spires and alabaster bricks that shined in the sunlight. Luz wasn't immune to that same awe either. It had been so many years since she had been here. She only had faint memories so it was like seeing it all for the first time. Masha, despite her Mashaness, also couldn't help but stare up at the huge whimsical castle. The four teens were laughing and pointing out different parts of the castle as they made their way through it. All the while, Camila was hanging back and watching her children smile broadly as if they had forgotten all their troubles.

Once they were through the castle, they arrived in Fantasyland, another section of the park. They rechecked the map and decided to go to another part of the park, mostly to take some photos. They followed the path which eventually led them to ToonTown. The area had a cartoonish appearance, and it was here that famous characters like Donald Duck, Goofy and of course, Mickey Mouse himself resided.

"Say, cheese!" Camila had her camera out to take a picture.

"CHEESE!" her kids and Masha cheered as they posed with Mickey Mouse. The teens each wore Mickey Mouse ears on their heads and were doing silly poses with the mascot.

When Luz made Amity wear the Mickey Mouse ears, she thought they looked ridiculous until Luz put on a pair of her own so they would match.

The first ride they went on was the Mad Tea Party ride. Camila sat this one out, as Amity and Luz sat in one teacup while Masha and Vee sat in another. As the ride started, the cups spun with the couples in them. Vee threw her arms up, yelling in excitement.

Their next stop was Tomorrowland. This section of the park had a futuristic appearance, showing off the wonders of the stars and unexplored regions of space. That was not all. It was also meant to showcase what kind of amazing technology humanity might one day achieve in the future.

Amity was fascinated with this place. Seeing all the tall structures, futuristic buildings and attractions, reminded her of the Blight Industries factory, except dialled up to eleven. The pink-haired witch could not help but imagine how much her father would have loved coming to a place like this. She was already getting inspired and she couldn't imagine the kind of ideas this place would spark in her dad's brilliant mind.

As they explored Tomorrowland, Masha spotted a ride that they wanted to go on.

"Hey, how about we take a ride on Space Mountain?" Masha pointed and Vee's eyes goggled as soon as she saw it. Space Mountain was a huge, greyish-white dome-like structure which had a few spires sticking out from the top. Space Mountain was one of the famous rides/attractions at Disneyland and a must-ride for any parkgoer.

Amity and Vee checked their brochure and noted that it was a rollercoaster. Amity was aware of how rollercoasters worked in the Demon Realm, but according to Masha, Luz, and Camila, these didn't induce traumatizing nightmares. Vee, on the other hand, had no reference to compare it to and so this would be her first time riding on a rollercoaster, ever.

"Eep!" Vee squeaked, intimidated by its size.

"C'mon, babe!" Masha encouraged her. "It's not that scary. Just a few twists, turns and loop de loops and it'll be over."

"OK, if you're sure," Vee said, trusting Masha. Her friend had not ever steered her wrong, not since they met at Reality Check Camp. That was an amazing summer.

"And you're sure this doesn't give you nightmare-inducing trauma?" Amity asked.

"Yes, Amity. It's just a normal human ride with no magic involved whatsoever and definitely nothing that can cause nightmares. Just thrilling, wholesome fun," Luz assured.

Amity had to admit, she was a bit giddy about it. While this wouldn't be her first rollercoaster, it would be her first rollercoaster in the Human Realm.

"Okay, let's go!" Amity exclaimed, excitedly.

"Yeah, rollercoaster time!" Luz cheered as the four of them lined up.

The Space Mountain ride was fun. Camila didn't join them for this one, and as it turned out, that was for the best. The ride took them through a tunnel of warbling, spinning lights. For a few seconds, Vee and Amity thought the ride was trying to hypnotize them, but they were assured by their partners that was not the case. After getting through the tunnel, they were brought into another tunnel that was pitch-black and filled with twinkling stars. There was a voice in the background that initiated a countdown as if a shuttle was about to launch. The tunnel of twinkling stars began to open up and expand, revealing a vast ocean of stars all around them.

Once the countdown ended, the rollercoaster suddenly made a sharp drop. The darkness made the ride a bit disorienting, as it was hard to tell which way was up or down. Given how many times they turned and looped, that wasn't exactly a big deal. All they could see was stars rushing past them while the excited, joyous screaming of the other passengers assaulted their ears. By the time the ride ended, everyone was brought back to where they started to disembark.

The moment there was a clear path, Amity bolted from her seat and ran out of Space Mountain. Camila was waiting for them outside and greeted Amity, but the pink-haired witch zoomed past her and headed straight for the nearest trash can before she puked up her meal from earlier.

Space Mountain was fun and while it did not cause any nightmare-inducing trauma, it was still able to cause nausea for people with weak stomachs.

"I'm...so...sorry..." Amity apologized as she stood up. Luz handed her a bottle of water to wash out her mouth."Thanks."

"It's OK, hermosa. Coasters aren't for everybody."

"I've scaled the castle walls of the Emperor's palace…flew through the sky on my staff…fought Phantoms…trained day and night to learn the other eight types of magic…and yet…I can't handle one little rollercoaster…ugh…I feel so pathetic right now," Amity moaned.

"Shh, there, there, batata. Even if you can't handle a rollercoaster, you're always going to be my badass, awesome fiancée.," said Luz. "Masha, on the other hand…"

Ironically enough, the one who wanted to ride the rollercoaster the most, and showed the most bravado, was the one who screamed the loudest. Now, she was shaking like a leaf in the middle of Fall on a windy day. The enby had managed to pry herself out of the cars and outside, trailing behind Luz and Vee as they went to check on Amity. Once Amity was confirmed to be okay, Vee wanted to go on the ride again. She was scared before but now she was bubbling with excitement, sporting sparkling eyes and a face-splitting grin. Space Mountain had been her first rollercoaster ever and she loved every second of it, which was unfortunate for Masha.

"C'mon, Masha! Let's go again!" Vee urged.

"No...more...I beg of you…" Masha groaned as Vee dragged her back to the coaster.

"C'mon, Mash, a couple more times won't kill ya," Vee retorted.

"C-Couple more?!" Masha tried to pull herself away from the basilisk but it was futile. "H-How the heck are you this strong all of a sudden?! L-Luz! Help me!"

Luz brought her hands together as if praying.

"Camila! Cam-Cam! Control your daughter!" Masha begged.

Camila mimicked her eldest daughter.

"Let's go again! Let's go again!" Vee chanted as they entered Space Mountain.

"I swear…Vee…I'll get you back for this!" Masha threatened.

Vee stopped, looked down at her enbyfriend, and then gave them a smirk as she made her tongue pop out, letting it return to its snake-like appearance as she hissed at Masha.

"Oh, Masha, babe…" The basilisk whispered. "Your ass is mine tonight, and it's mine now."

"Nooooooooooo…!"

Masha was both incredibly scared and at the same time, incredibly aroused. Yes, she was scaroused.

After Vee and Masha rode Space Mountain two more times, much to the latter's relief, their next stop was that of Star Battles: Universe's Rim. It was themed after a film franchise that was very popular among the sci-fi community. Lud Luz had seen a lot of videos and pictures of this place after it was first constructed and, of course, the nerd in her geeked out over it.

Funnily enough, Luz wasn't the only one geeking out right now. Camila stared wide-eyed at the scenery while the actors in their Shocktrooper armour marched past them, carrying their blasters. There were a few times when they were approached by a few Resistance Union spies, asking for their allegiance to help take down the Galactic Empire. Camila was a diehard Cosmic Frontier fangirl, but Star Battles was a very close second favourite.

After spending some time exploring the area, and seeing the life-sized replica of the Epoch Hawk sitting in the created starship hangar bay, Luz couldn't help but feel a strange sense of deja vu. The Shocktroopers reminded her of the Phantoms and the way they searched for resistance spies was not unlike the way her forces attempted to search and destroy the WATs.

The way the occasional trooper would come up to people and ask if they were spies before 'taking them away for questioning', brought back memories of her Phantoms hauling off people or killing them for speaking out against her rule. Then she saw the black-robed masked villain who led the Shocktroopers while issuing commands and could not help but see herself standing in his place, ruling like a tyrant.

All of this was way too familiar. The struggle between the light and the dark, tales of heroes fighting against an oppressive regime, a battle between good and evil for the fate of many. Replace the Shocktroopers with Phantoms, the actor in black robes with Empress Oscura, and it was almost an exact recreation of her past follies. Those months that she spent ruling the Demon Realm as Empress Oscura managed to taint a place that she had once called home.

'Well…this sucks…'

"So, do you want to try it, Luz?" Vee asked.

"Huh? Try what?" Luz responded.

"Try making our very own custom beamswords! It's a whole experience, mija! C'mon, it'll be really fun!" Camila squealed happily.

"Oh…um…" Luz hesitated. She kind of wanted to leave this place right now. It was bringing back a lot of unpleasant memories, memories she thought she had gotten over. Then again, it was called trauma for a reason.

"Luz, you okay? You looked like ya zoned out when we got here," Masha pointed out.

"Yeah, no, sorry. It's just I've always wanted to come here, and I can hardly believe that we're here," Luz lied.

"So, do you want to try?" Camila asked.

Luz looked at the faces of her loved ones, all of whom were waiting for her answer. She wanted to tell them to go on ahead without her. But if she did that, then they would know something was wrong and would opt to leave with her. The last thing Luz wanted was for them to miss out on something fun just because she was reliving bad memories.

"Sure, guys. Let's do it," Luz nodded, forcing a smile.

Camila danced in place as she kept repeating 'yes' several times.

The place they were looking for was Navi's Workshop. Unlike the other attractions, this one was kind of hidden. This whole section of the park was set up to feel like it was ripped right out of the Star Battles universe, ergo, a place where people could forge weapons to fight against the Galactic Empire would not stand out. After following the coded signs, they were brought to an area where a few other patrons were waiting for their turn to enter. While standing in line, they were given menus which displayed numerous beamswords designs. There was one that had a feral design, another that was gold and silver, one that looked closer to some of the swords wielded by the villains, and one that was of the modern era.

Amity, Luz, Vee, Masha, and Camila looked through the menu, deciding which type they wanted before going to the register. Luz's eye was drawn to the silver and gold beamsword hilt, but the modern design also looked sleek. Then again, there were always the ones that looked made for villains.

'If there was ever one the fit me the most–'

"I think you should pick this one," said Amity as she pointed at the modern-era model.

"What? Why that one?" Luz asked.

"Why not? I think it looks cool."

Luz glanced between that one and the villainous design.

"Don't you think this one suits me better?" Luz questioned as she pointed to the darker-themed hilts.

Amity didn't need to ask why Luz thought those would suit her better.

"No, I don't. Oscura is the past, Luz. We're going to be making a new future for ourselves. So I think you need a sword that represents our new beginning."

"But…"

Amity wrapped her left hand around Luz's right.

"Luz, trust me. That is the one for you."

The Latina sighed and nodded her head, agreeing to the choice.

After making their selections and paying the price of admission, they went to the waiting area with the rest of the patrons. After a few minutes, the door to the workshop opened with a whoosh, and a woman dressed as a junker stepped out. She ushered them in through the door, urging them to make haste before they were discovered by the Galactic Empire's troopers. After stepping through the door, they were taken to a room that was filled with pieces of machinery, parts from spaceships, and junk from across the universe. There were also some candles added for ambience.

The patrons gathered around four workstations, circling the leader of the junkers who stood at the centre of the room. From there, the man, who had a British accent, began to speak of how the Galactic Empire's reach was growing, and that new heroes were needed to stop it. He spoke of the current heroes who were bravely fighting against the Empire, but he reminded them that this was not a continuation of their tale.

Today, new legends would be made and new tales would be told of those standing in this room today. The lead junker informed them that they learned the secrets to crafting the fabled, elegant weapon known as a beamsword, a weapon held by the Knights who once maintained peace and order in the universe.

"Now, I want you to close your eyes, yes, close them. And I want you to envision the colour of your crystal."

While everyone had their eyes closed, his assistants went to one corner of the room where they grabbed onto some handles on the wall, twisted, and pulled out canisters loaded with a rainbow of different coloured crystals.

"Now, everyone, open your eyes and take hold of the crystal that speaks to you," he instructed.

The assistants went around, letting the patrons choose the crystal that resonated with them. Amity chose a pink crystal, Vee's was green, Masha's was black, Camila's was blue, and Luz…

'Yellow…or…red…?' In the movies, the main evil overlord wielded a yellow beamsword while his master wielded a red one.

'If you ask me, red suits us better. Considering all the blood that's still on our hands.'

Luz's hand shook as she hovered closer to the red gemstone.

'So what if you brought back all the people you killed? It doesn't erase the fact that you killed them. By your own hands, and by the claws of our summoned Phantoms, many were injured, maimed, and killed. So, grab that gemstone and understand what you really are: a ruler, a killer.'

Luz was about to pick the red gemstone but paused as she spotted the violet gemstone.

'No.'

The Latina plucked the violet gemstone out of the canister, allowing the assistant junker to continue handing the rest out.

"So, why did you choose that colour?" Amity asked.

"Its colour represents someone who understands the dark, but also maintains their will to follow the path of light. Not too much of one or the other, but someone who can walk both sides and fight according to their will," Luz explained.

Amity smiled and asked no more.

From there, the lead junker told them that they were now to assemble their beamswords. The assistant junkers began pulling out trays that contained various key components in the creation of their custom sword hilts. Once everyone's trays were on their workstations, the assistant junkers walked everyone through the assembly process of their beamsword hilts.

Amity was paying close attention. It was so cute the way she listened intently and seriously to the junker's instruction as if she was back in Hexside listening to a teacher's lecture. Vee was smiling as she stood next to Masha and began mixing and matching the different hilt components. Camila was scrutinising her beamsword hilt, taking great care in choosing the right parts for it.

Luz looked down at her tray, sighing heavily. She started by affixing the crystal to the emitter. After that, she started looking over the different hilt components, choosing the ones she liked the most.

'Who are you trying to kid? Do you think you're a hero? That what you're doing will somehow absolve us of our sins? The people of the Demon Realm hate and fear us. Willow and Gus, hell, even Boscha, pretty much confirm it. Even after we brought back the dead, those ungrateful peons still will never forgive us. Face it, no matter what good we do, we're always going to be seen as a monstrous tyrant.'

Luz continued assembling her beamsword.

'Yeah…you're right. It's just like before. I was trying to do the right thing, trying to be a hero, trying to save them all from a monster, but I became a bigger monster instead, worse than the one I saved them from. I know there's nothing I can do to make up for what I did, and that the denizens of the Demon Realm would sooner see me dead than allow me to set one foot in their world again.'

Luz completed the lower half of her hilt and began work on the top half.

'But I didn't bring them back to life expecting a 'thank you'. I'm not that naive little girl anymore. I know bringing them back won't erase my past sins. I doubt anything will.'

Luz completed the top half of the hilt and then put the bottom half together with it, twisting them to lock the two pieces in place.

'Then why bother fighting in the DGP? Sasha Waybright wants revenge on us even though we're fighting for the same thing. Yet she's fixated on defeating us despite the fact you're trying to bring back the person she cares about the most. I say that we finally get what we deserve. After we win this game, compete again, and make this world the way we want it to be.'

'And prove Boscha right?'

'As annoying as that is to admit, she's not wrong. What has this world ever given us? It only ever takes from us. It took Papa from us, even when he fought to try and cure himself. The world never understood us. We were seen as an outcast, and treated as such. Even our own mother didn't know how to deal with us, and was quick to accept Vee since she behaved like the ideal daughter.'

Luz placed the completed beamsword hilt onto the stand in front of her and waited for everyone else to finish.

'Don't you see? The Desire Grand Prix is the key to creating our ideal world! The world that we always wanted! The world that we deserve! One that accepts us! One that will never look down on us, and will always, always see us as their superior, as their Empress! Earth is long overdue for a regime change. So why not make it ours?!'

Luz paused for a second, considering the words. All her life, she had been misunderstood. She was the weird kid, the freak, and she never could fit in. But then she found the Demon Realm, and she thought she found a rule that could understand her but even they rejected her. Now, she was stuck on Earth, away from the magical world she loved. And yet, she did not hate it like she did before.

'I already have my ideal world. It may not be perfect, but I have my family, and I have Amity. They're all I really need.'

The other patrons completed their beamsword hilts and once they had, the lead junker instructed everyone to step back. When everyone did, the assistant junkers came around and placed their completed hilts into a special slot at the edge of the workstations, screwing them in until they were securely fastened.

"Very good, very good. Now–" Just then, the room got dark as a green glow shined over the ceiling. "–W-What is this?"

{Many parts they were. Now joined. A new beginning. It is time…}

"Great Master…Yes…Yes, it is time!" the lead junker announced with vigour. "Now, everyone, when I say so, I want you to take a step forward and place your hand on the hilts – but do not – activate them. For you started together, and you will end together."

'I may not be the hero I sought to be and while Alt Luz is living that dream for both of us, I need to write my own story. I need to move forward, and be my own kind of hero.'

"Are you ready to create the bond between you and your swords?" the lead junker asked.

"YES!" Everyone responded.

"Forgers, step forward."

Everyone took a step forward and placed their hands on their created hilts. Luz firmly gripped the beamsword hilt, sparing a glance at Amity who smiled and nodded at her. She then turned to Vee and Masha, who did the same as Amity. Finally, she looked upon her mother who beamed brightly at her, happy to be sharing this experience with her daughter.

'Now…it's my story.'

"Now…activate."

Everyone flipped the switch on their beamswords and, immediately upon doing so, the cylindrical tubes that they were connected to began to glow with the colour of the crystals they each chose. The cylinders slowly opened, revealing a glowing blade that hummed softly. The entire room was filled with this humming as everyone giddily looked upon their fully forged beamswords. At the same time, music began to swell in the background.

"Forgers, raise your weapons for you have created a beamsword! Like the Knights and Raiders before you! Like them, you too can change the galaxy! Remember it only takes a spark!"

Luz held her beamsword high into the air, and her family followed suit. The Latina glanced to her left and right, seeing the happy faces of her loved ones as they held up these imaginary weapons. Seeing their smiling faces, standing here with them to share in this experience, Luz couldn't help but shed a few tears. As dorky as it may look, she couldn't help but see the creation of this toy weapon, this shared experience, as a point where her future was hers to decide, to become her kind of hero so she could protect this family that loved and cherished her, and whom she cherished and loved in return.

After they finished forging their beamswords, everyone was given a complimentary sheath with their newly made souvenirs as they exited the workshop. Once outside, they were able to see that Luz wasn't the only one whose eyes were watering as Camila was still happily weeping.

"That was a beautiful experience," said Camila.

"Sure was, Cam-Cam," Masha agreed as she had Vee in a one-armed hug.

"Yeah, I'm so glad we all did it together," said Vee.

Luz took out her beamsword from the sheath and activated it again to stare at the glowing violet blade. Amity walked up next to her, unsheathed her sword, and placed hers next to Luz's.

"It suits you, mi amor," said Amity.

"I agree," Luz said. "Thank you, hermosa."

The family of five sat down at a rest area, and a lot of them were starting to feel hunger pangs.

"So, is anyone hungry?" Camila asked. "We should grab a bite to eat."

"I'll get it, Mama!" Luz volunteered, giving Amity a kiss on the cheek before she went to line up for snacks.

The last attraction had brought back some bad memories, but Luz knew she needed to move on from the past. For this week, Luz could leave all her troubles behind and have fun with her family. No DGP and no Jyamatos. Just family and fun for a whole week.

Luz wished she could share a room with just Amity, but her mom was adamant about them sharing a room with her. At least she did not object to the couple sleeping in the same bed, as long as all they did was sleep.

She remembered Vee telling her about the pool. Maybe she and Amity could hit the pool tomorrow before they came to the park again. Even though Amity had packed a modest swimsuit, it was enough to entice the Latina.

The lines for the refreshment stands were pretty long and Luz chose one and lined up. She hoped the line would not take too long. A lot of times, going to a theme park meant wasting time standing in line to get on the ride. Fortunately, they had a week to enjoy the whole park together. Knowing Amity, she already had their activities planned and scheduled for the whole week.

When Luz's turn in line came, she purchased the food and beverages which she carried in two paper bags. This should fill everyone's stomach before dinner.

"Noceda, is that you?!"

'Oh, eff me…'

Luz recognised that voice. She hoped it was not who she thought it was. She slowly turned around to find Sasha staring at her in shock.

'Oh, this cannot be happening!' That was what both of them were thinking at this exact moment.

Marcy had told Luz that Sasha lived in the Los Angeles area, but she also said that the chances of the blonde coming to Disneyland were slim since it was something Sasha and Anne used to do together.

It could have been at any time, but why, why in the multiverse, did Sasha Waybright have to be here, in Disneyland, during her family vacation, with her fiancée!?

'Leave my baggage at the airport, my ass, Marcy!' Luz thought. 'How about when my baggage just happens to be in the same place I am?'

"What are you doing here!?" Sasha demanded.

"On vacation with my family," Luz answered calmly. She saw Sasha wearing a Disneyland T-shirt with the signature Mickey Mouse ears. "I'm guessing you're doing the same."

"My mom dragged me here along with my stepdad and his kids," Sasha grumbled, crossing her arms.

"Not enjoying yourself in the happiest place on Earth?" Luz teased.

"I never said that," Sasha responded defensively. "So, how's Blight doing?"

"Never better," Luz smiled.

"Lucky you," Sasha frowned scornfully. She was glad that Amity was not dead, and yet she hated how unfair it was.

"Anyway, I'm on a food run. My family's waiting. It was nice seeing you, Sasha."

"Noceda," Sasha interrupted. "Remember, when we're the only ones left, only one of us can get our wish."

"I know, Sasha. I know," Luz sighed. "But until that happens, I'm gonna enjoy my life, the one I fought for."

Sasha growled as she ran up and got in Luz's face.

"You don't have the right to say that! You have this life, at the cost of someone I love!" Sasha yelled. "Anne should be here, she should be here and we would have the time of our lives! Going on rides, having fun, singing cheesy Disney songs and tearing up at the Lion King, dammit!"

"Wait, you like the 'Lion King' too?" Luz shook her head, she was getting off-topic. "Sasha, I am sorry for what happened to Anne but I am done taking the blame for it from you. At the end of this season, Anne will be back, either by my wish or yours."

Sasha narrowed her gaze and grabbed fistfuls of Luz's shirt as she glared daggers at the Latina. Luckily, Luz did not drop or spill anything.

"So, you just don't care who dies around you, so long as the ends justify the means, is that it?!" Sasha accused. "Is that how you operate, Empress Oscura?"

Luz's brow furrowed as she began to growl.

"Waybright–!"

"Luz?" Luz turned her head to look over her shoulder and saw Amity standing there, a worried expression on her face. "Is everything okay here?"

"It's OK, Amity. Just catching up with someone I met at a convention a while back," Luz answered.

Amity could see the animosity in the other girl's eyes, and how Luz's shirt was being pulled tight against her. Yeah, she was definitely harassing Luz.

"Luz, is she bothering you?" Amity's eyes narrowed and she addressed Sasha. "Would you please let go of my fiancée?"

Sasha's eyes widened in shock as she released Luz.

"W-wait, what did you call her?" Sasha questioned.

Amity walked up to Luz, putting her behind her protectively as she stared down the blonde.

"My fiancée, as in the person I'm going to marry someday and really I don't appreciate it when people manhandle the person I love." Amity, despite the aggressive tone, managed to keep her cool, remembering where they were. "I don't know who you are or what your problem is, but I suggest you leave us alone. I'm here to have fun with my future wife, and my family so I'm not about to get us kicked out because some blonde bimbo wants to pick a fight. It's a big park. So you go your way, and we go ours, and let's not meet again."

"You! Ugh!" Sasha's fists shook, ready to start a fight with Amity right then and there. But then her mind flashed back to the sight of Amity dying and lying in a pool of her blood. It was then replaced by an image of Anne as she died in Sasha's arms. The fire in Sasha's eyes died down to a small ember as her fists unclenched.

"Okay. Whatever. We better not run into each other again," Sasha huffed as she turned her back and walked away.

Once Sasha was out of sight, Amity turned to Luz.

"Luz, who was that girl?" she asked. "She looked like she was ready to kill you a moment ago."

"It's nothing, Amity, she…she just lost someone important to her and you know how grief can bring out the worst in people," Luz answered.

" …Grief or not, I don't like it when some random girl comes up and gets in your face like that. Should we contact park security? The police?" Amity suggested.

"Amity, you know damn well I can take care of myself. If I thought she was a threat, I would've put her in a hurt locker already." Luz brought Amity close and kissed her on the forehead. "But her beef is not worth ruining our fun. So, please just let it go. For me?"

Amity wanted to inquire further. She felt like she knew that girl, and somehow, she had a feeling she was dangerous. Like deja vu. But Luz did have a point. Besides, the park was enormous, and there were many rides and attractions. The chances of running into that girl again were pretty slim.

"Okay, for you, mi amor. But if she shows up and starts something again, I'm finishing it," Amity warned.

"Oooh, batata, have I ever told you how sexy you are when you get all angry and protective like that?" Luz swooned.

"Keep it in your pants, you horn dog," Amity playfully chided. "Anyway, Camila, Vee, and Masha are waiting."

"Oh, right. The food!"

It was getting dark as the sun was starting to fall down the horizon. The Noceda party made it into the New Orleans section of the park, having stopped by Cafe Orleans for a light dinner. The lights came on around the park. The ones illuminating Disney Castle were particularly beautiful to see as they changed hues every so often, like an aurora borealis. They sat outside, enjoying the night air as they ate their soups and sandwiches. When Masha was done, they decided to announce the last activity for the evening.

"OK, it's Disney after dark, so I say we go to the Haunted Mansion!" Masha declared.

"Ah, so that's why you wanted to come to the New Orleans section, figures," said Luz before she slurped her soup.

"It's not going to be some super fast ride, right?" Amity lowered her head in disappointment. "I'm sorry for my abysmal performance during Space Mountain…"

"Batata, c'mon, stop beating yourself up over that. Not everyone can handle rollercoasters," Luz assured.

"Case in point," Vee said with a cattish smirk as she threw a thumb in Masha's direction.

Masha blushed as they tried to remain composed.

"No, no. It's not. It's just scary fun, not like the rollercoaster."

"Sounds good to me. In that case, I'm in," said Amity.

"Nice! Let's go enjoy some ghostly hijinks!" Masha pumped their fist excitedly.

The group of five followed the street signs until they arrived close to a large plantation-style house. There was a wrought iron gate that acted as the main entrance to the Haunted Mansion and was where the line started. Thunder and lightning went off around the building, adding to its spooky atmosphere. Along the way to the mansion, they spotted a graveyard that had assorted tombstones. Each one had a silly-sounding name and an equally silly way of how the person died etched onto the stone. The group, along with other patrons, entered the foyer of the famous Haunted Mansion. It had classic Victorian decor but with a more haunted aesthetic. The lights were dim and there were cobwebs everywhere, giving the space a spooky ambience.

{When hinges creak in doorless chambers, strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still. That is the time when ghosts are present, practising their terror with ghoulish delight!}

The group of five and other patrons were led into the Portrait Gallery, where there were five or six different portraits of the past residents of the Haunted Mansion. Once inside, the doors slammed shut behind them, sealing everyone inside.

{Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion! I am your host, your Ghost Host. Kindly step all the way in please and make room for everyone. There's no turning back now.

Our tour begins here in this gallery where you see paintings of some of our guests as they appeared in their corruptible, mortal state.

Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis.}

As the disembodied voice spoke, the walls began to stretch, getting taller and longer. And as they did, the portraits got longer too. This revealed that there was more to the portraits as the walls continued to stretch upwards.

{Is this haunted room actually stretching? Or is it your imagination, hmm? And consider this dismaying observation: this chamber has no windows and no doors, which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out!

Of course, there's always my way.}

A pair of staff members, dressed as a ghostly butler and maid, came to welcome them and lead them onto the ride. Along the hallway, they saw the portraits lining the walls which seemed to shift and change as they passed them by.

The patrons were all led to a set of cars that sat on a track called the 'Doom Buggies'.

"This is gonna be good," Masha grinned.

"I don't know what to tell you, Masha, but the Demon Realm is a lot scarier than this," Luz commented.

"Don't ruin it for me, Luz."

"Please, take a seat," the ghost butler said as he pointed to a set of chairs that were on a track. Camila ended up sitting alone while the couples took seats together.

"Enjoy," the ghost maid said before the Doom Buggies went down the track.

The chairs rolled down the track and scary piano music played. They saw a suit of armour moving by itself and the chairs went by a hallway where a candelabra floated by itself. The Doom Buggies entered what appeared to be the greenhouse where a coffin lay. The lid opened slightly as a skeletal hand emerged.

{We find it delightfully unlivable here in this ghostly retreat. Every room has wall-to-wall creeps and hot and cold running chills. Shhh, listen!

All our ghosts have been dying to meet you! This one can hardly contain himself!}

The chairs rolled into a hallway lined with doors as the lights flickered all around them. The sounds of bells rang as they entered a darkened hallway. They entered a fortuneteller's parlour and inside of the crystal ball was a ghostly head.

{Unfortunately, they all seem to have trouble getting through. Perhaps Madame Leota can establish contact. She has a remarkable head for materialising the disembodied.}

At that moment, the disembodied head of the fortuneteller, Madame Leota, began to speak.

{Horntoads and lizards, fiddle and strum. Please answer the role by beating a drum!

Ghost fiends and furies, old friends and new! Blow in a horn, so we'll know whether it's you!

Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, call in the spirits, wherever they're at.

Rap on a table, it's time to respond. Send us a message from somewhere beyond.

Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween. Awaken the spirits with your tambourine.

Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond, let there be music, from regions beyond!

Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, give us a hint, by ringing a bell!}

Amity raised an eyebrow after hearing Madame Leota's chant.

"I somehow find this depiction of ghosts and witches a bit offensive, like that Halloween witch movie you had us watch a couple of years back," Amity commented.

"Amity, please, just enjoy the ride. And what's wrong with 'Hocus Pocus'? It's a Halloween classic," Luz argued.

"Agree to disagree, mi amor."

Luz puffed out her cheeks.

"We're going to talk about this when we get home."

As the Doom Buggies rolled away, they found themselves on the second floor. Down in the foyer, they could see ghosts flying around. As the chandelier flickered, they showed the ghosts dancing like they were in a ballroom as haunting piano music played.

{The happy haunts have received your sympathetic vibrations and are beginning to materialise. They're assembling for a swinging wake, and they'll be expecting me. I'll see you all a little later.}

The ride soon took them to the attic with various cobwebbed items surrounding them. It had a spooky and creepy atmosphere that caused chills to run up their spines. Afterwards, the Doom Buggies came into a graveyard. They saw the singing busts and ghosts having a midnight tea party.

{When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake,
Spooks come out for a swinging wake!
Happy haunts materialise and begin to vocalise.
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialise!

Now don't close your eyes and don't try to hide,
For a silly spook may sit by your side.
Shrouded in a daft disguise, they pretend to terrorise.
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialise!

As the moon climbs high o'er the dead oak tree,
Spooks arrive for the midnight spree.
Creepy creeps with eerie eyes start to shriek and harmonise.
Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialise!

When you hear the knell of a requiem bell,
weird glows gleam where spirits dwell.
Restless bones etherealize, rise as spooks of every size!}

Amity, being a denizen of the Demon Realm, had seen scarier things but even she could not help but feel the chills. Luz put an arm around her fiancée's shoulders and pulled her close.

'Hmm, well, it may not be scary. Camila did say it was also supposed to be a fun ride. And it is fun having Luz sit this close to me,' Amity thought as she leaned against her fiancée.

As for Vee, well, she had her face buried in Masha's chest as she trembled, frightened by everything around them. The enby just held the disguised close, whispering sweet nothings into her ear.

"Babe, relax, I got ya," whispered Masha as she chuckled. "You're so cute when you're scared, Vee."

"S-Shut up and hold me!"

As the ride continued with horrific sights and sounds around them, there was a flash of red as a crimson wave spread out from the Haunted Mansion. Suddenly, the ground shook, causing the people inside to cry out. At first, they thought it was special effects but then the ground under the Doom Buggies opened and everyone in their seats fell into a huge hole as they screamed.