Everyone had gathered at Visionary’s new residence, the old light-house on Parody Island, for a Christmas celebration. There were members of the mighty Lair Legion and their associates, friends and colleagues, various hangers on, and even a few unexpected arrivals who, nonetheless, were made equally welcome in the spirit of the festive season, although that did cause a few tense moments in some cases, especially by the punch bowl.
By the time Al B. Harper, Amy Aston and Miss Framlicker (who currently make up the staff of Extraordinary Endeavour Enterprises) arrived, Visionary had taken to a long soft couch in the light-house’s main circle room, with a cold compress on his forehead.
“Anyone would think he was the one with child,” said Amy, noting the pregnant green hued Caph administering to the League of Regulars regular with tender care.
“Tsk-tsk,” chided Muffy Framlicker.
Al B. Harper thanked Visionary on behalf of the EEE crew, and handed over a Christmas gift.
“Abraham B. Harper and the Parodiopolis Jazz Ensemble Greatest Hits,” read Visionary from the cover of the CD, “Your Grandfather’s band right? Didn’t you give me this for a housewarming present also?”
“Well, I would have,” started Al B., “except that never went further than a poll I posted on the board, as you never got around to writing an actual housewarming chapter, you slacker.”
Al B. was developing a very annoying trait of breaking the fourth wall whenever the plot called for it.
“Not quite as annoying as writing in script though,” said Amy Aston.
“Well, I happen to quite enjoy the script format,” said the narrator, who then politely reminded the EEE crew that he was writing this story and they’d better stop interrupting less he be forced to introduce a scene where Amy loses her overalls again. This brought a snicker from Fleabot, who was perched on Al B.’s shoulder although none of them knew it. Amy of course thought it was Al B. who snickered, and walloped him one.
Visionary just moaned and reached for his compress, his simple mind not really handling concepts like Breaking the Fourth Wall.
“Dork-faces!” said Kerry Shepherdson, turning to her Junior Legion team-mates. “Come on, lets go explore this dump of a home I’m now stuck in. Any longer around these lame-o’s and we risk turning into major l-o-s-e-r-s.”
“I don’t think they’re so bad, I quite admire many of our Lair Legion teachers,” said Ham Boy, puffing out his chest.
“Well, that’s only helping to prove Kerry’s point,” said Fashion Accessory, rolling her eyes.
The Juniors all followed Kerry in the end though, after all, there were still areas of the old light-house that hadn’t been fully explored yet, and if there’s one thing a bunch of teenagers like to do better than lying around in their rooms being moody and listening to music, it is exploring spooky old places.
Presently, they came to an area of the light-house they were sure they hadn’t been in before. Being somewhat of a dimensionally challenged light-house, it did seem to add on extra areas every now and again that you were sure weren’t there a minute ago.
“I’m sure this door wasn’t here a minute ago,” said Ham Boy.
“Verily,” added Harlagaz, “we’d best be prepared for anything, Trolls, Gnolls, or Molls if we’re lucky.” He slapped Ham Boy on the back.
Cautiously, Ham Boy opened the door, and the Juniors peeked inside the room.
“It’s empty!” exclaimed Kerry with disappointment, “well, except for that old wardrobe over in the corner.”
“This bites,” moaned Hacker 9, patting Glory on her muzzle.
Fashion Accessory pushed her way through to the centre of the room. “There’s got to be some clothes worth looking at, at least, inside the wardrobe. Come on Kes.” She grabbed Kerry by her arm and strode towards the wardrobe.
Glory went padding along after the two girls, as did Ham Boy. Harlagaz looked at Hacker 9, shrugged, and followed.
“This is no good!” exclaimed Hacker 9 evilly, (he was suffering technology withdrawal after all) but in the end he too joined the others by the wardrobe.
I was a very large wardrobe, made from a dark, stained wood, with two large, almost double-sized doors, intricately carved with geometric centrepieces resembling leaves and flowers and other designs from nature. FA took hold of one of the gilded bronze knobs, and turned it slowly. The door inched open with a spooky creak. Kerry peered inside. “Damn. This is empty too,” she sighed.
“Not even a steak?” asked Ham Boy.
“Or a Moll?” Harlagaz added.
“Or a computer?” Hacker 9 logged on.
“Wait a minute Kes,” interjected FA, “there’s something in the back there, just out of the light.” She stepped up into the wardrobe and made her way to the back, which, being such a large wardrobe, was in shadow. “Oh my!” she exclaimed several seconds later. “Guys, come check this out, you’re not going to believe this!”
The others all clambered into the wardrobe to follow, being very careful to leave the door open, but, being somewhat of an odd wardrobe, in somewhat of a dimensionally challenged light-house, they didn’t have much luck with that, because after they were all inside, it slammed shut with a bang!
To be continued….???
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