This is a Horror AU of Chip and Potato, inspired by the Mandela Catalogue.
Chip and Potato belongs to Wildbrain.
The Mandela Catalogue belongs to Alex Kister.
All of this is non-profit. I simply create stories for fun, I enjoy it, and that's all.
With that said, enjoy.
It's been 9 months ever since the incident with Spud happened. Ever since, the pugs have moved away since they couldn't cope everytime they went past his room. Seeing his body laying cold and lifeless was just the start for them. Rainbow Forest High School would hold a memorial for him, but that was all they could do. Just because Spud is dead doesn't mean he's the only one. He is just one of the many people that have already succumbed in this cruel world. Now his tale is over. Now, in the streets of Happyton, animals of all types are walking about, either for no reason or for something else. But, among the crowd, one stood out in particular. It seemed to be a panda, around the age of 10 - 13. he seemed calm, just walking on his path. Despite knowing the current situation of his hometown, Happyton, he looked as if it's just something else. But really, he seemed lost. And he has been lost for a long time. For so long, he hasn't remembered what home had felt like, nor what it looked like. He doesn't remember his family, but only some aspects of it he can remember. Unbeknownst to him, it would be on this this day that he made a desicion that would forever alter the history of his life.
October 7th, 2026
3:41 PM
?: Sigh Why can I never remember what happened.. Why am I still walking on these streets alone..? Did I even have a family..? Life just feels so strange now.
He walks a little further, and notices something, a poster. He decides to go read it.
?: Hmm.. what's this..?
The poster read: "Interested in paranormal activity and wanna earn money for it? If so, join the Rainbow Forest Supernatural Investigators, or for short, The RFSI! Started by yours truly, Howie. If you would like to join, please call the number at the bottom."
?: Rainbow Forest.. Supernatural Investigators..? I mean.. I'm not really into paranormal and stuff but I think I can handle stuff like that.
He would take his phone out, and call the number on the bottom of the poster. A few seconds later, a voice came on the other end.
Voice: Hello! You've contacted the Rainbow Forest Supernatural Investigators, or what I like to call it, RFSI for short. Now tell me, would you like to schedule an appointment or join the RFSI?
?: Uh yeah.. So I saw a poster.. and I was wondering if I could join you..?
Voice: Of course! We're always open to new positions here. Meet me near Happy Camp Forest, I will interview you a bit before I declare you a member. Sounds good?
?: Yeah... good..
Voice: Awesome! I will see you there in a bit, so be quick!
The call ended.
?: Alright... I need to get there fast now.
He would start running to get to Happy Camp Forest.
3:44 PM
He would arrive at Happy Camp Forest, catching his breath.
?: Gosh.. that was a bit tiring.. But no worries, whoever that was will hopefully be here.
He waits for a good 35 seconds before a black van pulls up near him. The door opens and someone comes out. He seemed to be wearing a gray hoodie, black baggy pants, and some black shoes. He was also hooded and had a comedy mask on.
Unknown: So, are you the one I called?
?: Uh.. yeah.
Unknown: Perfect. So, here's the interview that I told you about. First off, tell me your name.
NEW CHARACTER:Bodi Panda. Age: 10-13, Gender: Male, Race: Panda
?: My name..? Bodi.
He seemed to be startled as he stated his name. It's as if he knew it from somewhere. He decided to shrug it off, and act professional, especially in a time like this,
Unknown: Alright Bodi! Well uh, I should tell you my name in return.
He took off his mask and unhooded himself, revealing himself.
Unknown: The names Howie. Howie Hyena.
NEW CHARACTER:Howie Hyena. Age: 16-17, Gender: Male, Race: Hyena
Bodi: Okay... hello Howie..
Howie: Why hello! Well, enough of that, lets continue on with the interview. Now, how familiar have you been with paranormal encounters?
Bodi: Well.. I remember being taken by something back when I was a baby, but i'm no-
Howie: Hold on.. I remember now! Don't you have an older brother named Nico? I remember him, I had him in my kindergarten class. I heard your mother died the same day you went missing, but thats a whole different story!
Bodi: ...And where did you get that information from..?
Howie: Heh, I just know. Anyway, next question. Why did you choose to work with me?
Bodi: Cause uhh.. I just don't fear anything that much, and i'm looking for some money to make, if you even do that.
Howie: Oh yeah, right now we're pulling around 1,000 - 5,000 dollars each. We get lots of money. You're getting yourself into some good stuff.
Bodi: 5,000 dollars? Woah, thats.. quite a lot.
Howie: Yeah, I know. Anyway, final question. Once you join me, I will have to change your identity altogether. So your new name will be Mason Panda instead of Bodi Panda. This is because you'll be sending out reports and videos out to the public to advertise the RFSI, and they require your name under it. Having your original name under it could catch an eye, leading to police being involved and eventually you being rediscovered. Even if you're back with your family, you'll lose the opportunity to make cash, so how does that sound?
Bodi: Hmmm, yeah I'll do it. I think money is better in that way anyway.
Howie: Alright then, now before I declare you a member, would you like me to call you by your changed name or your real name?
Bodi: Uhh, I guess my real name, I communicate a bit better when I know people are calling me by my real name.
Howie: Alright, got it. So, you'll still be Bodi between me and you, but to everyone else, your Mason. Got it?
Bodi: Yep.
Howie: Alright then, with that said, welcome to the RFSI, Bodi!
Howie would grab Bodi's paw and shake it.
Howie: Now, lets go to the main building of the RFSI.. Or in short terms... a random abandoned house. Heh, sorry..
Bodi: Why an abandoned house..?
Howie: Just to keep it a secret, I've been in hot water many times before. Besides that, I should tell you that you get to meet some of my classmates that I had in kindergarten. Isn't that cool?
Bodi: Yeah I think thats neat.
Howie: Well, what are you waiting for? Lets hop in and go!
Bodi: Mkay.
Bodi would follow Howie into the black van, Bodi in the passenger seat. The car starts and drifts off. To fill in the silence, Bodi decided to ask something.
Bodi: Hey Howie, whats with that mask?
Howie: Oh, the mask. Well, nothing about it really. I just have it on cause I think it's cool. Wanna know something else?
Howie reached for something and showed it to Bodi. It was a purple snuggly bat.
Howie: This is Hug Bat. Back when I was a cub, I adored this thing. I have no idea why now, but looking back at it I think he was a cool guy.
Bodi: That's nice. How long is this drive?
Howie: Oh. I say around... 37 minutes. So sit back and relax.
Bodi: Alright I guess...
After that, they would go back to just being silent as the car drove on. For Howie, he is glad to have recruited another member to the RFSI. He sees this as a great opportunity to grow his buisness, especially with the position he has planned for him. As for Bodi, he just stared into the scenery of autumn Happyton. Despite the amount of years its been ever since it all started, he felt.. calm. His mind had finally been able to relax ever since so many years. If he remembers one thing, back when he was 5, he had overheard some people arguing , overhearing the statement that "no one should ever trust a stranger". Bodi had barely known or met this guy, yet he seems so kind and calm, it comforts him a bit. And on top of that, the song on the radio was really helping to comfort him. It was Howie's phone connected to it, playing a guitar solo of the famous "Clair De Lune". Just as he was gonna probably fall asleep, Howie struck up another conversation.
Howie: So, you seem a bit young eh? I would assume you were a baby when it all started. This town looks bland eh? I get it. It's nothing compared to how it used to look back when I was a cub. It was all rainbows, so sweet, so nice, but it all fell apart so quick. If I had one wish, you would assume that it would be to go back to the old times, but nah. I would wish that he never had to go through such a terrible life, having it end at a young age. Sebastian, thats who. I know people see him as the worst person, but in reality, hes just a kid who fell victim to the biggest lie in history. Because of that, that's why Happyton is what it is right now. Now when I say that, i'm not saying that I fully support him. I don't, I despise what he did, but I hope there's a chance that the real Sebastian lies within that monster of him. This place looks like a small town in the middle of a cloudy area, the wind cool yet warm, and places so familiar yet so new. It all sounds like a place to be, but really it doesnt hide what really lurks in here. Thats why I said what I would wish for, so we wouldn't live like this. But life just continues to go on its own path and not what you want.
Bodi: ...Wow. Your speaking... its... I don't know how to describe it but you made me feel comforted for the first time, despite some aspects you told me. I feel at ease despite knowing everything happening within me right now.
Howie: Really? Have you been stressed for that long? Did that incident realy bring you down?
Bodi: I mean, yeah.. I have no idea what my brother looks like, or my family for that matter.
Howie: Eh, i'm sure they're fine. Well, except for your mother I say.
Bodi: Hmm.. don't try and scare my like that.. i'm trying to rest..
Howie: Huh, alright.
Despite knowing full well that his mother had died back when he was a baby, Howie decided to just let him be. After all, he seemed to be chill right now. He didn't feel like spoiling anything for him, and to let him find out. Aside from that, the drive was still a long way ahead. So, for now, Howie continued to drive as Bodi slowly dozed off into a quick sleep..
4:14 PM
After a lot of driving, they finally made it to their destination. It was really only after Howie pulled into the driveway that he noticed that Bodi had been asleep the entire time. He chuckled, finding it a bit funny. He knew he had to wake him up now. He tapped his shoulder and spoke to him.
Howie: Heh, hey sleepy head. Hope you had a good nap but we're here now.
Bodi: mmmm... alright...
Bodi rubbed his eyes a bit and climbed out of the car, remembering everything that Howie had told him beforehand.
Bodi: ...You said that I was gonna meet some of your classmates that you had in kindergarten... does that mean they're in this buisness too..?
Howie: Heh, yep. You found that out quite quick, I know you'll be perfect for this position. Now, as I promised, lets go meet the gang.
Bodi: Alright then..
Howie would take his paw and walk him into the abandoned house. As they walked closer, Bodi asked something.
Bodi: Hey Howie, why did you make this place specifically your hideout.. or whatever you called it..?
Howie: Ah, well if I was to be honest, while we may seem good... I've been into a lot of trouble in the past, juvie stuff if you know what I mean. So because of that, they never allowed me to open any type of orginization. So in short terms, I'm running this place illegally. How is it so well-known you might think? Simple, I run it under a different name.
Bodi: Hmm, alright. Anyway, now I wanna get to the part that you promised me.
Howie: Alright, we're here then..
They both walked a bit closer inside, and they were in the main lounge. It consisted of various other RFSI members, such as a lioness, a pug, a raccoon, and now, a panda!
Howie: Everyone, I am excited to announce that i've recruited another member! Please welcome, Mason Panda!
Bodi: Hi..
Bodi stood there, shyly waving. The other members looked at him with interest.
Howie: I need to go do some other stuff now, take this opportunity to get to know your partners, Mason!
Bodi: Mkay..
Howie left, and Bodi went to take a seat at the table where they all were sitting at. The lioness spoke up first, introducing themself.
NEW CHARACTER:Betsy Roar. Age: 16-17, Gender: Female, Race: Lioness
Betsy: So you're the new one? Well nice to meet ya. I'm Betsy by the way.
Bodi: Hi Betsy...
The other members, despite Bodi seeing them as "higher-ups" or something, they really seem inviting and kind. They introduced themselves one by one.
NEW CHARACTER:Chip Pug. Age: 16-17, Gender: Female, Race: Pug
NEW CHARACTER:Michael "Mikey" Raccoon. Age: 22, Gender: Male, Race: Raccoon
Chip: Hi Mason, welcome to the team, my name's Chip.
Michael: Sup, they call me Mikey sometimes, but just call me Michael.
Bodi: Well uh... nice to meet you guys, heh..
Chip: Huh... Mason, it's quite odd how you remind me of someone. Don't sweat it though, i'm sure its no big deal. Other than that, how'd you get yourself in here?
Bodi: Well... it's because of this poster I saw.. and I called the number, went to the said location, a hyena came and brought me here. What was his name again..?
Chip: Oh, you mean Howie? Yeah, he's the owner of our little "gang", if that's what you would call it. You may see him as a cool guy but, heh, what if I told you he was quite literally in my kindergarten class?
Betsy: Same here.
Bodi: Really..?
Chip: Yep. I mean, he was quite the troublemaker when I first met him, it was only after I found his snuggly that we got along from there.
Bodi: Cool..
Chip: So, where are you from?
Bodi: H-hold on, what's with the sudden change in questions?
Chip: Well, I wanna know for sure if my thoughts are telling the truth.
Bodi: Oh, well uhm... i'm from... Dorman County. its next to here.
Chip: Oh, then I guess I was wrong. Sorry about that.
Bodi: No it's fine. So uh.. what's been going on recently..? Apologies, i'm just trying to get used to this kind of lifestyle now.
Chip: You're good. I think we have talked for long enough, so i'll let you talk with Betsy now.
Chip went to do her things, or whatever she had to do anyway. Betsy stood up and walked towards Bodi.
Betsy: Heh, my turn now. Anyway, we've been making some good money recently.
Betsy would pull out a band of 100 dollar bills, spreading them in her paw.
Betsy: It's quite a lot. I would buy a year's supply of yarn with this, heh.. Yeah alright enough with the jokes, im almost an adult dang it..
Bodi: ...Seriously..?
Betsy: Hey, i'm just trying to be nice for you since you're new here!
Bodi: If you make that much anyway, then I can only imagine how much yarn you must have.
Betsy: I might have a whole cabinet dedicated to it, hehe..
Meanwhile, Chip and Michael were watching the conversation go down.
Michael: Is this really how she greets someone new? I know Betsy for usually being professional, but geez, save your yarn talk for later!
Chip: I know, I would've let that slide back in kindergarten, but not really now, especially considering how our city is right now. I just hope it ends one day..
Michael: Mhm, thats what we all hope. Yet its been 7 years and things seem to never change. I guess you just have to adapt if it doesn't change.
Chip: Yep. Anyway, lets get back to what we were doing. You're gonna talk with Bodi anyway.
Michael: Right.
Both of them would go back to whatever they were doing. The conversation between Betsy and Bodi kinda went off topic about what was going on in the RFSI, and went to complete random thoughts. Eventually Betsy snapped back.
Betsy: Yeesh, anyway, about what you said, there's lots going on as of now. If you wanna know, we have a whole archive of horror and paranormal videos. We've been to many places, including going out to neighboring counties like Dorman County.
Bodi: Is is really necessary to travel THAT far?
Betsy: I guess so, but it's really only for the videos. Anyways, I have some buisness to do via the archives. Michael will speak with you now..
Betsy went and sat down at a desk. Michael came and stood before Bodi.
Michael: Yeah, The archives, it's like it's own Netflix show, not that we have intention to do so. But besides that, I wanna tell you something. No matter how much harder things get, we got your back. Even if we end up dead, we still do. Just don't lean onto us too much, those monsters are cruel and they will kill. I'll inform you that within this position in this gang, buisness, or whatever you wanna call it, you're gonna witness lots of dead bodies and lots of gore. I hope you understand it's a lot worse than what you probably imagine.
Michael then got a strange feeling, and looked suspicously at Bodi.
Michael: Hmmm... Mason.. how old are you..?
Bodi: Uhhh.. I don't really remember but I think i'm 10 or 12..
It was at that moment that everyone froze in the room, turning to him.
Chip: ...You're... TWELVE..?
Bodi: Well... I don't remember exactly so i'm not sure.
Betsy: I swear, that hyena gets more desperate day by day. He tried to recruit a grade 5 kid last month.. and now THIS?
Chip went over to Bodi, kneeling down and placing her paw on his shoulder.
Chip: Kid, I don't know HOW you are this gullible, but I really don't think this is meant for you. That guy with the mask.. Howie.. He's a desperate teen. The only ever good thing I did for him, at least in his eyes was back in kindergarten when I found his plushie of some sort. If you look at kindergarten Howie and today Howie, they nearly look like 2 different hyenas. I'm telling you right now, you've got yourself in something thats brung you one step closer to a grave. You have my warning.
Chip stood back up, sighing. She went and sat back down in her chair.
Chip: If only I could've understood what happened to her..
Bodi's ears perked up at the mention of "her". Then he walked to her.
Bodi: Uh, i'm sorry to bother you, but "her"? Whose "her"?
Chip: Ah, well.. Should I tell you?
Chip looked to Betsy, who nodded. She turned to Michael who did the same.
Chip: Hmm, alright then. Well, back in the ages of gold, when I was a little pup, I used to have a secret mouse pet named "Potato". She helped me through everything, and she could disguise, or what I used to call it, "hoodie-up" into a normal plush snuggly. It fooled everyone, heh. I say that disguise was top. I wish things could've remained the way they were, because I ended up finding her dead one morning. She looked all burnt and boiled beyond recognition. It destroyed me. To add on, before all that happened, she randomly began to just hide in her disguise. No matter what I tried, she just stayed in there, always scared of something. Especially when I was near Howie. She could sense him and always get scared. To this day I never know what happened to her. It was probably a bad dream that affected her too badly.
Bodi: Oh.. well.. sorry that happened to you.
Chip: Eh, thanks. I don't really care as much as I used to now.
Chip's ears perk up
Chip: Oh, seems he might be back.
Howie comes back, entering through a back door.
Howie: Hi guys, sorry for the unexpected delay in my arrival, I didn't expect it to be that long.
Michael: Oh no its fine, at least Mason was able to know us well.
Howie: Heh, is that so Mason?
Bodi: Mhm, yep. The lioness and the pug.. were in the same class as you back in kindergarten?
Howie: Yep. Betsy and Chip. Oh how much they've changed. But, lets put that aside. Bodi, make yourself comfortable here, because lets just say this is your new home. You're training will start in 3 days from now, so you can prepare now. Welcome in, Mason!
Bodi: Mhm, thanks.
Howie: Well, aside from that, just know that this stuff isn't nothing easy, kid. You're gonna go through some stuff far worse than anyone has ever gone through. Also, don't attach to us. I know we may seem friendly, but all it takes is just one spark to collapse everything. So, you have my word. It's really late now, so I suggest that you get yourself some rest.
Bodi: Huh..?
Bodi checks the time on his phone to see that its 10:44 PM. Howie was right.
Bodi: Oh, okay. Well, where am I sleeping?
Howie: Ah, that I need to show you. Whoops. Follow me.
Bodi followed Howie into a guest bedroom.
Howie: Right here, now get some rest. The next 3 days are gonna be a bit rough if I were to be honest.
Bodi: Alright, thanks.
Bodi closed the door and would lay down on the bed. He looked out the window, and it turns out that this isn't really a "abandoned house" like Howie said. It seemed furnished and cozy, perfect for living conditions. The house itself was on a hill, so an entire view of Happyton was there for Bodi to look out. He felt relaxed now. He slowly made himself comfortable and drifted off into sleep. Meanwhile, Howie was managing a few things on his laptop, then noticed something. He got another appointment request, this one being the 44th. He became very excited, but knew he had to save this information for tomorrow.
October 10th, 2026
7:30 AM
Bodi had gone through lots of tough training to be a certified RFSI member. After 2 days, he finally will complete training today. A couple hours earlier, Howie recieved an appointment request for an abandoned house on Welcome Walk. When Howie saw this, he thought it was the perfect opportunity to put Bodi's skills to the test. As much as he was excited, the same as when he saw it for the first time last night, he still respected him and let him sleep. After around 30 minutes, Bodi woke up.
Bodi: Mmmm.. today's the day..
Bodi climbed off the bed and stretched, not feeling tired but still a bit tired. He opened the door, and Howie was still there excited about the appointment request. Howie then noticed Bodi, first looking around to see if the other members were awake. They weren't, so Howie told Bodi the crazy news, but still had to keep it quiet.
Howie: Bodi! Guess what just happened!
Bodi: Huh..?
Howie: Look! We got an appointment request! We usually get them often, but this is just perfect timing since it can instantly put your skills to the test! How does this sound, Bodi?
Bodi: Really..? Yeah, i'm interested in this! But you said 3 days of training, and this is the third day. So, are we gonna start now?
Howie: Mhm! Follow me!
Howie led Bodi, and Bodi went through his last day of training. He succeeded, and now he had the skills to be a basic RFSI member. As they come back, it appears the other 3 have already awoken. Betsy spoke up first.
Betsy: Well well, looks like someone completed their training..
Bodi: Yep.
Howie: And it's good timing too, I have crazy news, last night we got an appointment request, and I think this is the BEST opportunity to put Mason's skills to the test!
Chip: Wait, we got another? Alright then, thats good for you two then. I'll continue the work on the one I was already on. Well, Mason, good luck on your first shift.
Betsy and Michael gave a little nod, showing they probably would say the same thing as Chip.
Bodi: Thanks. So, when do we start?
Howie: Oh, we're going right now. First of all, let me tell you how it works in here. So, once you get an appointment request, you simply write them a message that their request has been seen and you'll call them when ready to investigate. I already did that part, so now i'll call.
Howie looked back at his laptop to see the phone number attached to the appointment request, in which he took his phone out and called. The call picked up within a few seconds.
Howie: (Whispering: Now watch and learn.) Hello, you've reached the Rainbow Forest Supernatural Investigators, would you like to make an appointment, or have you already made one?
Caller: Hello, i've made a request already, yeah.
Howie: Got it, which case number were you given?
Caller: It's "C#044-2026-10-7-11:02PM"
Howie: Ah, so you're the one with the abandoned house on Welcome Walk, right?
Caller: Yeah.
Howie: Alright, gotcha. So, what's been happening there that made you contact us?
Caller: So basically, I just went to go see this old home because I was dared to by a friend, and ever since, i've just been hearing voices every time I get near that home..
Bodi: Oh so like.. an alternate or something?
Caller: No, I don't think so. If it was it would be a whole entity, you know?
Bodi: Alternates can appear both physically and mentally, you know?
Caller: Oh right! My bad, I forget stuff a few times. If i'm correct this is just a type 1, really easy for you guys to handle, right?
Bodi: Yep! We got what we need.
Howie: How long exactly do you need us to stay for?
Caller: 4 nights. Apologies if this is a bit too much time, I have a family reunion somewhere far away. I'm gonna be staying overnight there for 2 days too, and i'll return on October 14th around 11:00 PM.
Howie: Wait, so if the alternate is mentally within you, how are we supposed to take care of it if you aren't home?
Caller: It only happens when i'm near the home.
Howie: Okay, got it. We will take care of it, okay?
Caller: Thanks so much, you have no idea how much this helps me!
Howie: No problem, thats just what we do.
Howie would hang up.
Howie: And to you, I really just gotta give it to you for using your skills you learned in training to good use. You're gonna be super good at this, Mason!
Bodi: Yep, got it.
Howie: Well, what are you waiting for? Lets get in the car and lets go!
Bodi: Oh, right!
Howie turned to the other members.
Howie: Hey, i'll be sending some messages to the group chat as we are doing this. Why am I only bringing Mason you may ask? Well, he's new, and he seems to be really excellent in his skills. I think he's perfect for this one. Got it?
Michael: Alright. Take care then, and be safe.
Howie: Got it!
After that, they both got in the car and began driving to the location provided on the appointment request. Unlike last time, Bodi didn't feel calm, he felt excited. For the first time, he didn't feel calm or uneasy, safe or in danger, but rather felt like he actually wanted to do something now. He's really just grateful that he trusted his gut and got himself into this buisness, or whatever he calls it.
8:02 AM
After not long of a drive, they both arrive at the specified destination. The abandoned house seemed that it used to belong to some sort of dog family. Despite being abandoned for quite a while now, it seemed to still be in good condition. It still had plumbing, electricity, it had all basic house needs. The two exit the car, Howie looking at the house.
Howie: Well, guess this is where we stay for the next 4 nights.
Bodi: You know... I can't help but feel an awful sense of deja vu here..
Howie: Trust me, you're fine. This happens normally when we are at locations like these. You'll just have to ignore it.
Bodi: Alright then..
Howie: So, first of all, were trying to get rid of a type 1 alternate here. Mainly they are apparitions and invisible to us, so they reside in the minds of anyone they desire, and I mean anyone. Whoever that was on the phone, they have a type 1 alternate pursuing them as of now. It stays within this home and it will pursue another if disturbed, but don't worry. They're very easy to get rid of, if you have these advanced devices that we have.
Bodi: Huh..
Howie: Well, enough talking, lets get on with this.
They both approached and walked through the front door, and are met with the eerie breeze of a house that once was alive.
Howie: You'll have to get used to feelings like these, you know.
Bodi: Yeah, I got it. Okay? Now, what exactly does this do..
Howie: Oh, that's called a "Spirit Box". It's what you use to identify and provoke a type 1. It does so by scanning through various radio frequencies to pick up sounds, mainly from entities like a type 1. Also, I have what's called an "Alternate Laser Detector", how they work is that you set these two objects apart, then switch this lever, and boom!
When he switched the lever, a laser formed between the two points.
Howie: It's so strong that it can detect a type 1. Don't worry, it won't mistake you for one or hurt you. Save this for later though, we won't need it for now. Type 1 alternates are usually most active from sunset to midnight. And right now its 8:04 AM. Hey, did I tell you that they still have electricity and plumbing running through this house? You can still entertain yourself if you like, just don't draw any suspicion.
Bodi: Gotcha.
To pass the time, the two were doing things that entertained them. Bodi was doing stuff that was entertaining to him, and Howie was watching some paranormal content on YouTube. This helped them pass time a bunch, since Howie would eventually look back at the time and saw it was 8:14 PM.
Howie: Hey Bodi, its past 8 PM, it's time to hunt now! Oh, also I should tell you that theres security cameras here since the father of the family that used to live here was a police officer. I already hacked into them, so no biggie. There's a tablet connected to them in there, and I also left a walkie talkie for you in there.
Bodi: Alright, got it.
Bodi walked out of the home and into the car, and sure enough, what Howie said would be there was there. He took the tablet that was recording in real time, and also made sure to test out the walkie talkie.
Bodi: Am I clear?
Howie: Yep! Now anyway, lets begin. Watch closely, and tell me if there's anything I should be aware of that you see on the cameras.
Bodi: Mhm.
Howie grabbed his phone and started recording as he turned on the spirit box and the lasers. A few seconds later, he could feel another presence within the house. This was good, since he knew he was doing it right so far.
Howie: If anyone is there, please make yourself known.
As Bodi carefully watched the security cameras, Howie's ears would perk up as a faint voice came on the spirit box.
Howie: Hello? Who's there?
A voice that sounded like it was gasping for air and distorted started speaking.
?: im... dead...
Howie: (Whispering: Woah...) ...How did you die?
?: I... I trusted them...
Howie: Them? Whose "them"?
?: my best friend... my biggest mistake...
Howie: ...Are you an alternate..?
Suddenly the voice got very quiet. Only then did Howie look up and notice something obstructing the laser grid. It seemed like a tall, dog-like entity. Meanwhile with Bodi, he noticed something in the kitchen. It was a creepy, distorted face looking at the camera as if it knew it was there. Seeing it, it startled him. Somehow, this face seemed familiar to him, yet he didn't know why. He snapped out of his thoughts and told Howie about it.
Bodi: Uh, Howie? There's a face in the kitchen if you could check it out..
Howie: Really?
Howie instantly went to go check if anything was there. Weirdly, there wasn't anything there.
Howie: Alright Bodi, I get that it's your first day with us, but don't try and pull pranks. It ain't cool.
Bodi: Wha- But I swear I saw it!
Howie: Shh, stop playing with me.
Howie sounded annoyed as he went back, only to see the outline on the laser grid gone.
Howie: Great, now you made the alternate go away. I'm only gonna let you off today once since its your first day. Anyways...
He went back to talking to whatever alternate could be with him.
Howie: Answer me, are you an alternate or not?
On the cameras, Bodi would see that same creepy face again, and immediately alerted Howie.
Bodi: It's there again! Trust me!
Howie: Alright! Geez!
Howie dashed back, but the face wasn't there anymore.
Howie: Seriously man? Can you cut it out? You're ruining buisness here.
Bodi: Dude, I swear I saw something alright.
Howie: (Sigh) If you don't stop FUCKING around with me, it's gonna get real messy. So stop.
Bodi: Okay okay, my bad!
Howie: Is there at least anything else you see that's not a face?
The face then reappeared again, in front of Bodi's eyes.
Bodi: Dude, its there again!
Howie quickly turned, and there was nothing there.
Howie: DUDE, FUCKING STOP ALRIGHT!?
Bodi: Huh? What did I do..?
Silence came on both ends.
Howie: Just forget about it...
The rest of the night was a bit awkward for Bodi. This was the first time ever that Howie, someone who he saw as cool, had become aggresive towards him. He feld a bit regretful, completely blaming himself despite knowing that he did indeed saw that face. Howie would eventually upload that footage to the group chat, then the archive.
Howie: I should tell you that you should come back in the house to sleep now at least..
Bodi: Well, now that I think about it, something about this home makes me feel uneasy. I hope it's just the alternate causing problems, i'll just sleep here in the car if thats fine.
Howie: ...Fine.
Bodi: Thanks, I'll leave the cameras recording just in case something happens during our sleep.
Howie: Got it.
Howie and Bodi would eventually doze off. A few hours later, the cameras detected movement at 1:51 AM. It rotated over to where it suspected movement, which was in the kitchen. It stayed there for a few seconds before a groggy, low pitched voice started speaking.
?: What have you done. You are a fool. You brought yourself to where you shouldn't have. You are following the same fate as your grandmother. Leave soon if you would like to keep your life.
An abnormally tall figure's outline was seen in the laser grid before fading away. This was all that was there for Night 1. The next 2 nights didn't have much exciting things about them. It was only night 4 that was the craziest of all. The morning started as usual with Howie giving an update to the other members. He was about to close the group chat, when Betsy messaged Howie.
October 10th, 2026
12:23 PM
Betsy: Uh.. Howie? These two videos don't make sense.
Howie: Which?
Betsy sent 2 videos.
Betsy: Watch the first one.
Howie would do as Betsy said, and watched it. It had the date "October 10th, 2026, 5:04 PM", which was odd since it was 12:24 PM. It was around noon at the time of these texts. In the video, it was Howie recording, saying a bunch of random stuff that he did not have planned for today. He could also hear what sounded like Bodi's voice towards the end, but a bit off. The video ends.
Betsy: Could you explain that?
Howie: What the... I didn't put that there.. Why does it say 5:04 PM? That isn't even possible, it's only 12:24 PM..
Betsy: So this wasn't intentional..?
Howie: Look, maybe it's just a type 3 alternate or whatever. Just ignore the video. Make sure you tell the others that too.
Betsy: Alright, got it.
Howie placed his phone back down. He went outside, since Bodi had been sleeping in the car for the past 3 nights. He finally thought it was time to talk about it. He approached the car and looked at Bodi. Bodi noticed him, and then rolled down the window.
Bodi: Yes Howie?
Howie: Bodi, we need to talk about something. Why have you been sleeping here the past 3 nights?
Bodi immediately tensed up.
Bodi: Well uh.. I don't know. If I can tell you something, the more I look at this house the more I really don't like it. I don't know about you but I really think I pushed my limit a bit too far. Can we just chill for the rest of the night and say we did the best we could?
Howie: Dude, we literally PROMISED that we would be able to get it taken care of. We can't just break a promise, that's not what we do. We promise and we deliver.
Bodi: I get that, but the thing is, this alternate really doens't feel like a type 1, it might be a type 2.
Howie: Really man..? What kind of nonsense are you saying? Type 2 alternates are physically and mentally seen, and can appear to you in the real world but not to anybody else.
Bodi: You know what, fine then. But just know that if something bad happens then i'm gonna ditch you.
Howie: Funny words, I doubt you know how to drive.
Bodi: ...Okay fine, i'll stay.
Howie: That's what I thought. Now, that aside, I got something new in mind that I wanted to tell you. The most activity occurs at night with the living room TV. Even though it functioned normally, it stopped functioning during night hours, specifically from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM. I have no idea why, but recently during the 3rd night it functioned correctly. I was awake all night yesterday trying to get it to work and I succeeded. The TV kept telling me to "leave now" and to "save myself", so that was some footage I got and uploaded. I believe this is the alternate that is causing this residence the problems they have at home, so 8:00 PM is our only shot to try and subdue it. If we fail, it will greatly affect our buisness. So, you have my word. Don't. Screw. Up.
Bodi gave a scared little nod. Howie noticed it.
Howie: Are you scared?
Bodi: I mean.. kind of.. but not much.
Howie: Don't worry. You'll get used to things like these. I once was afraid, and so were the others. Now, enough talking. Take some time to chill before we end this shift.
Bodi: Okay then..
Today was their last night at this abandoned home. Howie was truly invested in this home based on the past couple nights, but Bodi seemed like he really wanted to leave here as soon as possible. He feels uneasy around this home, let alone having deja vu from this neighborhood. He now started having more doubts. Was Howie really someone he can trust? Overtime he had been getting more and more aggresive towards him because Howie thinks Bodi is tricking him with all the distorted faces he's been seeing. Bodi knew there was one more night to get through, but he still decided to play it cool and push through. He tried to watch something on YouTube to calm himself down, but it only helps a little. By the time it was 3:00 PM, Howie had already uploaded around 15 videos on the archive dedicated to this house alone. It's obvious he really likes this house, even making points to come back to it sometime.
7:57 PM
Howie noticed the time was just about to strike 8:00 PM. He immediately went to tell Bodi, who was still hiding in the car. It's like his own hideout now.
Howie: Bodi! It's about to be 8, turn on the cameras! We will capture this alternate now!
Bodi: Huh..? Oh, sorry!
Bodi scrambled to find the tablet, and turned on the security cameras.
Howie: Great! Now as I said before, I was able to get that TV functioning again, it's playing some eerie noises now, its perfect.
Bodi stayed silent, but Howie thought he agreed. He stepped up to the front door, about to open it, when Bodi suddenly spoke from the walkie talkie.
Bodi: No.. Stop..
Howie: ...Huh?
Bodi: Stop, get away from that door, NOW.
Howie: What's with this sudden change in mood huh? Trying to be a hero?
Bodi: I've been trying to be a hero these past 3 nights, but you've never listened to me. I was trying to tell you that there's something wrong with this home, but you never FUCKING listen to me!
Howie: What the fuck are you talking about!?
Bodi: I'm telling you, there is something evil hiding in that home, and if you even dare step into the living room, you're just ASKING to be killed!
Howie: That's not what's gonna happen!
Bodi: Mark my fucking words, you're not some immortal being that can do whatever the hell you want, these alternates are ruthless, and based on what I researched on the internet, those things take ANY chance to kill you, and i'm trying to save you right now!
Howie: What do you mean i'm some immortal bein-
Bodi: You know what, trying to connect with your grandmother was the worst thing you could've done. She is fucking dead, she is gone, and that's the reason you're so much into this, huh?
Howie: What the FUCK did you just say to me dumbass!?
Bodi: And though I do apologize for how foul that was, I lost my mother from what I remember from that night, but I am trying to save you right now. And if you even return from that home by some sort of miracle, you're definetly not the person I thought you were, and if that is the case, I won't budge to abandon you.
Howie: ...THEN FUCKING LEAVE THEN DUMBASS! GO FUCK YOURSELF AND LEAVE!
There was silence before Howie could hear Bodi driving off on the walkie talkie. He sighed, and opened the front door, walking into the home. It was unusually darker in the home than usual.
Howie: ...Gosh..
He went to the TV. It was still in its non-functioning state, so Howie got to work and tried to get it working. After an hour and 44 minutes at 9:45 PM, he finally got it to work. The TV really wasn't normal. It was playing static. He turned on the spirit box and tried speaking again.
Howie: Hello..?
There was silence on the spirit box before it started playing high frequencies. The TV went from static to just pure white.
Howie: I'm here to take care of you..
The same groggy and low pitched voice spoke to Howie again, sounding more hostile.
?: Why.. did you... not listen..
Howie: It was for the better.
Another voice, the gasping for air and distorted one started speaking, sounding a lot more hostile.
?: No one is coming to save you. You ignored all his pleas, now you will suffer the consequences of your ignorance.
Howie: This isn't funny, alright?
Howie looked at his walkie talkie, taking it out and tried to speak to Bodi again.
Howie: Bodi..? Hello..? I'm sorry..
?: He hates you now. This is your fault, Howie.
The TV then started glitching, a shadow figure that looked like the abductor appeared on the TV. Howie immediately grew startled.
Howie: ..Who are you..?
Abductor: Don't you remember me? Don't you remember that day when I became your friend? I miss you. They miss you. Now they don't want you. Give up.
The shadow's eyes glowed for a second, before the TV started rapidly glitching. The Abductor then started climbing out of the TV, spooking Howie.
Abductor: Your fault. All your fault. You will never know the truth, Howie.
Howie blinked, and the Abductor seemed to be gone, yet he could still hear her. After a few seconds, the TV went back to a white screen, while the famous "Clair De Lune" played. Howie came closer to the TV, and an image of Happyton slowly faded on the TV, the music still playing. The text: "All your fault." faded in and out. The image faded out, and the TV turned off. The only thing that remained was the music. The house was pure silent now. Bodi on the other hand was driving while shaking and crying. But back at the abandoned home, Howie seemed to just not care. He stared sadly at it. He now realized Bodi was right all along, and that it truly is his fault. He shed a few tears of regret as the music continued to play in this once alive home.