Mason walked down the busy streets, lights all around him as the dark sky covered in stars flickered above him. People walked passed him, smiling and waving at him. They were strangers but Mason felt... safe. "Greeting, young man. Beautiful night ain't it?" one man told him his hazel eyes shining as he smiled at him.

"Y-Yeah," Mason smiled back, as he waved at him continuing on his way. He looked around, every resident smiling. Not one had a frown on their face. It kind of creeped him out- maybe it was because the town was bright and cheery? Or maybe something else? A chill shot up his spine, and a little ounce of something flickered within him. It felt like.. fear? "Probably just me.." he whispered not paying attention to the sudden urge to run back home and tell his mom there wasn't anything really good.

As he walked down the conversation filled town- something caught his attention. A shiny pink orb that glowed- floating amongst the croud of civilians. He looked around, seeing no one noticed it was there- but him. He found himself following it, it lighting the way as he wandered into a dark ally, the reflection of the glowing pink orb in his eyes.

He forgot what he came to the town for, more curious in finding out what the heck that thing was. He followed it as it led him into a small building. Red brick created the building, a dark and eerie feel to it as Mason entered it. The light went through a shelf on the wall- small figures on it. Mason squinted, unsure what they were. A car drove past, it's headlights brightening the room he was in. He fell back as soon as he saw he was in front of a shelf full of dolls and puppets. Chill went up his spine- making him wanna run out of there. As soon as he left, one of the dolls in the corner of the room looked over at him as he left, it's eyes flickering open. A dim pink spot light landing on the door as it slammed shut.

"..."

*TS*

Mason ran back up the ally running into a tall figure. He fell back and onto his hind. "Hey! Watch where your going! You almost made me drop my donut!" A girl's voice exclaimed annoyed. Mason looked up to see a girl and a boy, the girl glaring at him.

"Whoa now, Agetha. Go easy on'im- it was an accident-- Hey, I've never seen you around before. You new?" the boy asked, holding out his hand.

"U-Uh. Yeah, sorry. U-Um... Mason.." he replied, taking it- the boy pulling him up with both hands.

"Henry. Henry Stein. This is my friend Agetha Ross." the boy smiled, motioning towards the red haired girl. Her yellow eyes staring him in the eyes. "Ag- c'mon. Be nice."

"I'm sorry for running into you.. I haven't really gotten any sleep since me, my mom, and my little sister moved.. and I kinda saw.. saw something.." Mason muttered, trailing off as he looked down the ally he came running out of.

"Wait- you saw it too? The creepy ass puppet shop?" Agetha whispered, "You shouldn't go there- the owner is crazy. Legend has it- she turns her victims into puppets and dolls."

"You don't actually believe that do you?" Henry chuckled, crossing his arms. "Don't listen to Agetha, she's got a screw loose too." he laughed as Agetha glared at him.

"I-Is it true..?" Mason asked looking down and back towards Agetha.

"Well I believe it. I don't know about you but- I won't be the one to go see if it is. Or not. Cuz I don't have the guts to do it- if it false and you visit- nothing happens. If it's real--"

Mason gulped as Henry and Agetha signaled death. "Call me crazy but... I kinda wanna find out.." Mason muttered thoughtfully, looking down the ally again.

"Find what out?" a voice asked softly in back of him. A girl stood there, her hair pulled behind her ear- a chunk of it on her shoulder. In her arms were a book, white gloves covering her light peach skin.

"Hey Chloe. We were just talking about... the lady." Agetha whispered mysteriously.

"Henry. I told you not to talk of her. She's a sweet old lady- you guys are just being bullies."  she huffed, putting a hand on her hip annoyed. "Dad's told you over and over to stay the hell away from that building- you two idiots are always harassing that poor lady! Give the conspiracy a rest would you?"

"What they say of the woman is true! You don't think it's weird that every single person in this town are always happy? Like... a puppet? Or a doll? It kind of lines up y'know." Agetha told Chloe. "All of us just moved here, so maybe the woman has something to do with the fact that everyone has the same blank happy expression."

Henry knodded, Mason staring in thought. "Except for us because--"

"We're new here- and only have a bit of time before we become what... they. Are." Mason interupted, looking around at the civilians marching towards their destinations.

"Ugh. I'm telling you- everyone who hangs out with Henry loses braincells. You two should find someone else to hangout with. Cuz he's gonna be grounded for a long time." Chloe huffed before, turning around and trotting down the sidewalk.

"No! dON'T tELL oN mE!!!" Henry exclaimed, running after her.

"Hehe~" Agetha giggled, the both of them watching as Henry and Chloe ran down the street. "I got to get home. My parents want me home before dark. See ya around, Mason."

"Oh! Wait-- Agetha!

Do you recommend any good restaurants in this town?"