Ghostly Presence

Bubblegum didn't believe in ghosts, ghouls, vampires, werewolves, or anything else like that. They were firmly in the skeptical side of things, but not for the typical reason someone wouldn't.

They weren't a realistic person - no, the whole reason they didn't believe in these things was because they were unrealistic. If they believed in the supernatural, they'd have nothing but constant anxiety nonstop! They had no other choice for the sake of their sanity than to choose that all that was... simply not real!

It was... difficult thinking about this while they were walking around a graveyard, though.

Why did they let their friend rope them into this? It was a stupid dare, they should have just said no... but instead, they got offended that their friend said they were chicken, and felt the need to prove themself. How stupid...

So now here they were. Most Mantla graveyards were closed during the nighttime, but this one was open - specifically to allow for family and visitors to be able to see the gravestones of those they love even if they had busy schedules.

In reality, Bubblegum thought that it was so that people would visit to take a good photo op. Goth Mantla needed somewhere to get their Finstagram pics, after all.

However... now that they were here, they could see a small flame in the distance of the cemetery. Perhaps some Mantla families were buried here so that their family could cast rituals for them. That was another possibility.

That sounded... nice, actually. It made them feel a little less alone. Maybe striking up a friendly conversation with this other Mantla would help them feel less frightened, too.

They began making their way towards it, but as they did, a creeping feeling ran up their spine.

As they continued forward, it became more and more clear that there... actually wasn't someone there. There was simply a flame, resting atop a grave, unattended. That was eerie.

Their curiosity got the better of them as they continued closer, and as they did, they realized again that something was off. The flame wasn't atop the grave - it was floating above it.

Bubblegum clenched their teeth together as they tried hiding behind a gravestone, but the wisp blazed even brighter - and it felt like it had almost... turned its attention at Bubblegum?

Bubblegum tried to ignore their memories of will-o-wisps, the stories they were told when they were younger. Even if those were real, will-o-wisps were supposed to be benevolent... right?

"Hey-"

"Yyyyipe!"

Bubblegum jumped as something touched their shoulder. Just as that happened, whatever had touched her yelped slightly in response... before straightening back up.

"What do you think you're DOING, kid? Walking around the graveyard all alone at night... where are your parents?"

It was just the groundskeeper. Of course it was.

Bubblegum turned back towards the grave that they were just looking at, and saw... nothing. The wisp was gone. Did they just imagine it...?

They let out a sigh. Thank goodness. Probably.

They let the groundskeeper lead them away from the cemetery, but all the while, they kept looking over their shoulder, almost feeling like something was following them...