I ask of thee a question dear viewer; What is a story? Is it something you tell from one person to another? Does it revolve around a single individual that changes over the course of the plot? Some are sad, some are cheerful, and some are inspirational. Stories like these leave behind a legacy, a legacy that helps steer the world toward a brighter future.

Listen well dear viewer, for I shall take you on a journey through the world of: "The Megaverse."


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Greetings everyone, I hope you guys are having a wonderful Saturday if your awake reading this. If you remember my latest journal I did say there will be some changes around here including how the story of the Megaverse will go from here. All I ask if you would join me on the journey as we embarked on a new path of the Megaverse has to offer.

This has been a trial and error for me, but I would like to thank all of my friends that been supporting me through this endeavor. I dedicate the new dark chocolate to you, and to the adoring following I earned throughout this rough journey.

Special shout out to the goat  Stylish_Apollo for this cover page mastery, I beg you to go support this beautiful person or else!

And to the two cast members who place their trust and the characters to me, to give them a grand Halloween adventure. Who knew this would all come full circle huh?

Shenzel is own by  Shenzel

Lilly is own by  Rapidsoftime

Celo is yours truly.

Now sit back grab yourself some popcorn and enjoy the read!

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Story:

Once upon a cold Halloween evening within a beautiful town called Dark Oakwood, a place where nature and the technology of the modern era unified in harmony, the people dressed up in a plethora of monstrous costumes depicting ghouls, beasts, and other nightmarish creatures.

This, however, isn't where this story truly begins. We look into a large, old fashioned mansion, inside of which resides a golden retriever who has recently arrived five days ago to this town. Currently he is laying down on the couch, deep in thought about the emptiness that infests his being at the moment. The silence of the mansion doesn’t help but deepen such intrusions of the mind. Thoughts of different outcomes fester his mind, how his life would've been if he were still stuck with his family and still dependent on them.

"Man… I finally managed to get away from my old home and away from my annoying family, especially my sister, but something feels off. Something like an empty feeling, like nothing is ever enough, and a deep doubt in my heart. Damn, I really am pathetic…"

Sitting up and looking down at his paw in silence, his mind reels at trying to find some kind of purpose. Looking outside and seeing the houses in the distance shining their lights and the streets brimming with cotton and plastic monsters does remind him that it is Halloween. He should be out there having a good time and trick-or-treating, not being paralyzed by this spooky freedom he now has.

"Right, it's Halloween! I should go and enjoy the season while I can! Luckily I got this old grim reaper outfit I got, essentially with this prop scythe I have. Can't wait to see what types of candy I'll get, and what other crazy costumes I'll see!"

The young retriever now in high spirits jumps up from his couch and grabs his costume as he rushes out of the door, towards the filled streets where fellow trick-or-treaters are also on the hunt for some sweets.

Elsewhere, in a house not too far from the retriever's, lives a short, wide cat. He's adorable yet mischievous at heart, his desire to be around women of the hefty and curvy variety is always his goal. He is excited for this wonderful holiday, smiling as he's putting on his devil costume with wings, horns, and a pitch fork to tie it all together. Looking at a mirror beside him, his smile only gets bigger as he takes in his own visage.

"Hehehehe! Don't you look great you handsome devil! Now to get all the candy I can get my paws on!"

With a jump for great joy, the kitty happily prances out the house and into the bustling streets where he starts his quest for sweets.

The town darkens as the sky becomes a reddish orange color, symbolizing the holiday's influence is at its very peak. People walking around group together and stay within the light of houses or streetlights, knowing that within an hour or two the midnight hand will reach its destination. In the meantime the short cat is still on his search for any sweets he can get, slowly looking around for any houses that might be willing to give candies as a few houses now have their lights shut off.

"Mmmmm… I think I have enough, but these candies I got are so basic. At least I have some of these delicious chocolates, so yay!"

As the cat was on his merry way, ignorant of any bystander in his way, he bumped into a large cloaked figure carrying a large scythe in hand. Rebounding and looking at the taller figure, the cat was shaking in fear. His heart was racing as he feared what this mysterious man would do from such rudeness.

"O-oh uh excuse me M-Mr. I didn't mean to bump into you or anything!"

The man looking like death himself was holding his hand out toward the frightened cat, the prop scythe looking scarily real to the feline. Fearing for his impending demise he kept his eyes closed. The man though unexpectedly grabs his hood. Pulling it back, death is revealed to be a golden retriever, a curious glare from him being seen as he examines the scared cat.

"Woah… nice costume little dude! I gotta say it looks quite devilish of you, hahaha!"

The cat's eyes widened in confusion, questioning himself as to why would death be a dog? Shaking his head and trying to regain his composure he realized it's just a costume and laughed.

"Hehehe, oh boy you got me good! Great costume by the way, uh… sorry what's your name?"

The small cat sheepishly smiled while the retriever reached out his hand and introduced himself.

"My name is Celo, Celo Grim! Funny that my name is related to death but I don't mind. So what's your name, little guy?"

"Call me Shenzel, it's nice to meet you Celo! To be honest I haven't seen you before, are you new in town?"

He shook the dog's hand with a smile, waiting for an answer from Celo.

"Well I recently moved here a few days ago, I hear this town is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. I haven't made friends here yet since I’m still new here. Don’t know if I want to make one too soon or something either."

Celo nervously scratches behind his head, a bit embarrassed about his situation currently. Shenzel looked at him, wondering if having a companion to get some candy with might be a bit of fun..

"Hey, how about I be your friend and trick-or-treating partner?"

Celo looked at him with his eyebrows raised.

"You mean that? I mean we just met and I'm afraid to think I made a bad impression."

Shen simply waves his hand and chuckles.

"Hahaha! Nah don't worry I can tell you're a great guy! Besides, what's a better way to have fun than being a kid again?"

The two boys smile and shake each other's hands, ready to give this impromptu friendship a go.

"Hehehe! You're right, now let's go get some candy!”

“Yeah, and maybe some big booties to hug and kiss, hahaha!"

The retriever does a turn to look at Shenzel, with emotionless eyes from what he said, before a grin appears on his face.

"Damn a devilish pervert? I like your style Shenz. Let's go get our sugar rush on!"

Celo happily starts to walk down the street, with Shenzel following behind excitedly going trick-or-treating with someone to get even more sweets than he has.

"Yeah! Soon all of the candy will be ours, mwahahaha!!!"

The two would cheer and continue their Halloween adventure. As they walk to different houses for treats, the howling winds blow whispers to Celo and Shenzel's ears when they recently arrived at an eerie household.

Though it looks to be normal with some decorations, the vibe it's giving off is quite a frightening presence. Both the boys shiver with a tingling chill running down their backs.

"C-Celo I don't like this at all, it's giving off a really weird vibe. We should just leave, there's probably other places we can get candy at!"

Shenzel's ears are folded down as he tries to convince his new friend to leave. But Celo was determined to have some sweets no matter the cost.

"I'm not leaving until we get some candy, now come on. Look it'll be a quick grab and then we're done okay? Trust me."

The retriever slowly steps forward, his heart beats slowly with fear, his teeth chatter, and his fur rising with adrenaline. His breathing became faster and more difficult as he felt a heavy weight in his chest, causing him to grunt as he held onto it.

"O-okay but please, be quick. I don't want to become lunch for what's behind that door..."

The small cat shakes in fear while having his tail between his legs, looking back and forth to make sure they're not being stalked. Celo slowly turns his head and looks back at his new friend.

"Don't worry buddy, I won't let you become anyone's lunch. Now, to ring this damn door bell. Ugh...."

With a ding dong from the doorbell, Celo waits patiently as the two are ready to leave. They hear the sound of footsteps, the door knob slowly twists, and the door creaks open. A silhouette appears at the doorway, with only a few details visible, the large shadow figure speaks.

"Oh so the grim reaper decided to visit me? Sorry hun, I don't believe it's my time just yet."

The woman's voice sounded rather raspy, as she chuckled at her joke.

"Now what can I help you with?"

Celo, the dog who is dressed up as death, gulps before he would answer.

"I uh... trick-or-treat?"

The retriever gave out a nervous smile, holding his bag of candy in his hand. The shadow woman sighs with a chuckle before responding.

"Hmhmhm, how cute but you forgot one important thing."

The woman then steps out of the door, she appears to be a large voluptuous lioness wearing a beautiful black dress and the makeup to match the costumes theme.

"Oh my, w-what t is it? What did I forget?"

Celo asks in a nervous tone, but his heart beats to the awe and beauty of this lion he sees before him.

"Your blood!!!"

She hissed and roared after she tackled the dog, terrifying both Shenzel and Celo. The dog screams in fright as he is pinned down by the lion.

"Ahhh!! Someone save me!!! Get her off me!!! Ahhh!!!!"

Celo is screaming at the top of his lungs as the lion is pinning him down. Shenzel panics in circles believing he's going to die, yet as he took another look, Shenzel realized that he recognized the lioness as he asked.

"Lilly, is that you?!"

The lioness stops and looks back, her pupils turning into slits and her expression softened when she saw her friend.

"Oh my gosh Shenzel is that you?!! How have you been sweetie, I see this is your new cute friend?"

The big cat asks while she looks down to the heavy breathing retriever who realizes that it was all a scare tactic. Feeling embarrassed and the soft but heavy weight the lioness is carrying, he tries his best to keep himself composed.

"I-i'm fine, but... can you get off me already?!"

The lioness looked at him and smiled, as she would tease him.

"Awww did I scare the little puppy dog? Awww I'm sorry, it's Halloween and I just love a scare, hahaha!"

After the lioness finally got off the dog, Celo stood up, feeling the weight on him had now gone away. Celo growls with anger as he gets up but calms himself down before Shenzel runs up to the big lion and licks her cheek.

"Hehe, oh you're so cute Shenzy, I missed you so much! Also I love your costume, you make a great devil you little scamp!"

She giggles at his kisses, and nuzzles his nose while also admiring his costume.

"Well Lilly, you definitely got us good with that beautiful vampire look, I was really scared but I'm glad to know it was you in there."

As the two get well acquainted with each other, Celo then introduces himself to the lioness with a not cheerful but respectful tone.

"I'm Celo Grim, and I take it your name is Lilly?"

Lilly turned around and giggled, before introducing herself properly to Celo.

"Hahaha, well nice to meet you Celo, I'm Lilly Miller, Shenzel and I have been good pals since we first met at a market near the city area."

The lioness smiled with a soft chuckle and a warm expression towards her best friend.

"Heh, I'm still shocked how she tackled you, that was a good one."

Shenzel laughs while the retriever crosses his arms and huffs.

"Humph, it wasn't that good to me."

Celo looks away from the lion, while Lilly just smirks and looks at him.

"Oh really, I thought a brave young man like yourself wouldn't get scared easily? But I guess you're all bark and no bite, right?"

She chuckles with a smile, seeing that Celo would fall for her trap and he would retaliate.

"Oh yeah? You wanna see something really scary? Oh my god what the hell is that?!"

Celo eyes widened, he extended his finger as it pointed towards the house behind them. Soon the two felines turned towards the household, but they found nothing. All of a sudden a loud plap was heard and the big lioness screamed in terror as she felt something slapped her hefty rear. At the time of the slap Shenzel shouted and fell on his back whereas Lilly is rubbing her backside in pain.

"Ow…. That hurt!"

"Hahahaha that's what you get for trying to give me a heart attack, scaredy cat! I do have to admit you have a soft rump that a hand would be swallowed within the mass, hehehe."

The dog laughs in pride at the successful prank he put up. Lilly however, growled in anger and chased after Celo with Shenzel watching on.

"I'm going to get you, you blonde bitch and once I do I'll sit on you!!!"

As the lioness ran, she would trip and land on her stomach. The two boys look back and laugh their hearts out. Lilly however just lifted her head and with an annoyed expression, she blew the grass away from her and laughed with her two friends.

---

Sometime later, Celo had offered his newfound friends a tour to his house which is the old mansion he currently lives in. The two felines had their doubts, but as they arrived at the area itself their doubts were proven wrong.

The area was surrounded by trees and the path leading to the mansion was dark and quiet. The wind blows, making a whistling sound and the leaves rustling. The moon is full, and it shines over the dark area. There's even a garden at the side, filled with a variety of flowers, bushes, and a tree with a swing.

"No way, this is..."

Lilly's eyes widened and felt an uneasiness in her heart, all the while Shenzel then explained the identity and the story behind this manor.

"Celo, don't you know what you're living in!? This is the Latte Family mansion! Home of Dave Latte, the world's greatest chocolatier, and owner of the Cocoa Latte Factory! But he died many years ago."

Celo slowly tilted his head at the thought and questioned Shenzel's words about his new home.

"He's dead, but this is his mansion right? Then, why does no one live here!? Okay, first let's just go inside and talk it out, cause I'm getting tired already."

Celo, not caring if the owner was dead or not, and just wants to rest, walks through the door and inside the mansion. The two felines followed him with Lilly and Shenzel, still having their doubts about Celo's home. Once inside they're greeted by decent looking furniture and the interior well kept.

The trio are in the living room sitting on the soft couch near the coffee table, the two felines are astonished how well kept his place is, even if the owner of the mansion was deceased.

"I still can't believe you even got this place, not even the richest person would ever stay here! But, it's quite beautiful and cozy, and also smells like chocolate in here, mmhmmm!"

The lioness smiled in comfort of the interior, the smell of chocolate was intoxicating and very inviting, but the house is still giving her a feeling of uneasiness.

"Celo, don't tell me you're a secret billionaire or something?! If you are then why out of all places you chose this one?!"

Curious, the cat doesn't like the idea of being in this house, but Celo just shrugs it off.

"Relax Shenz, besides this house was dirt cheap when I bought it! I was looking for a place to stay around the city until I met up with a sales person and they told me that the house was going on sale and the rent was like fifty bucks a month! So, nah I'm not rich, but I'm just lucky to take this chance and own this very cool pad, I mean, who wouldn't buy a mansion for a low price? Though it's big as heck I'll figure out a way to have my new home spick and span."

When Celo finished explaining how he obtained the Latte Family home. Lilly and Shenzel are dumbfounded as to how he wouldn't know about the Latte Family tragedy many years ago but they forget that Celo is new to this fair city and Lilly made an obligation to tell him the full story.

"Well Celo, it's time that you know what this place is, and why those who tried to take this house, left horrified, or ended up missing…"

Celo listening in, and Shenzel staying quiet just Lilly begin to explain this mansion story.

"It was about many years ago when the Latte cooperation was at its peak, they had the best tasting chocolates in the entire world, everyone would give anything to have their chocolate. Because of the taste, people would describe it as divine sustenance.

Shenzel then chimes in with some Intel of his own about the family.

"I remember hearing he had a son, Dave Jr, and his wife who was a famous singer and stage performer Eva Latte, but her stage name was Eva Starlight at the time. They even have a factory at the edge of the neighborhood and near the city too. That's where the tragedy happened and the people will never forget that day."

After hearing Shenzel's side to the story, Celo touched his chin feeling anxious for a bit as he asked.

"So, what happened at the factory, did the dude and his family died?"

"One day a fire broke out, and it's said to have been a freak accident, maybe one of the machines malfunctioned and exploded. No one was able to escape. The only thing left were their charred remains and dead carcasses. They say the whole factory burned for hours, and it would have continued had the rain not fallen and put it out."

Lilly with a heavy sigh and her head slightly leaning downward. Celo on the other hand felt his heart sinking at the idea of their family dying and the loss of everything they worked for.

"That's just... horrible. But wait a minute, how did you two know about the fire, and how did it happen? Were you there to witness it?"

The dog tilted his head and questioned the lioness, the small cat and the big cat looking at each other, before Shenzel then answered.

"It was Dave's son, he was able to make it out of the fire. Lilly and I met him a year ago, he was very kind, but dreadful and grumpy at times. There's been many rumors about him and his family, but me and Lilly know that he's an honest man, unlike his parents."

Lilly then continued where Shenzel left off.

"Yeah, he was a very sweet old man. Back then when he was younger he had a fiancee, he told me how beautiful and wonderful she was. She was his life, his happiness, and the person he wanted to spend eternity with. Unfortunately, she was taken away from him thanks to his parents. He found out that the chocolate his father makes is from people's souls." Lilly said with a scared tone.

"Lilly's telling the truth, they were a part of some cult that worships a God or something, I even find it hard to believe but the whereabouts of his girlfriend was never found. Some say she committed suicide, others say she's a missing person, and the last is that she was taken away."

Shenzel added as Celo then made his conclusion.

"Okay so the father, Dave, and his wife were a part of a cult and the chocolate was made from people's souls, and the son, Dave Jr is the only survivor of the tragedy and lost his girlfriend so she could be this God's sacrifice?! You know what, I'm glad those assholes are dead, that's just horrible!"

Celo growled in anger, and his friends felt the same way, but the dog couldn't help but wonder about his whereabouts.

"Wait, what happened with Dave after he told you all of this? And why no one has ever stayed in this place. Don't tell me this place is haunted..."

Celo's voice gets lower as he feels a little scared and annoyed at the idea, but the big lioness reassures her new friend that they are alone and there is no ghost, yet she didn't tell him about the rumors.

"There's no ghost but, it's about a certain door in this very house. Every time someone stayed in this house for more than two days. They would always see a strange door at the end of the hallway. The person would have dreams of darkness, monsters, and people screaming. After that they left the house never coming back even if their stuff was in there, but they rather keep their heads intact."

"The fact that you stayed there for five days is amazing! How did you do it?"

Shenzel, squinting his eyes for Celo to give him an answer, but the retriever responds with an explanation of his stay within this mansion.

"Well, it's like this. The first was simple: settling in, getting to know my surroundings, this house is huge, I even got a big ball room and a theater for any special occasion. Funny that there is no basement although it has a storage room further back."

He then further explained the next day about his time seeing the city's beautiful scenery with trees tall as buildings, some are used as tree houses which are common, the sidewalk matching the elements of the earth, and the streets filled with many unique stores some have never seen before. Furthermore, Celo then tells his experience about the mysterious door that never opens.

"When I first saw it, it was big, it had no locks, no knobs, nothing as it was looking at an out of place wall. It appears to be metal once I went in for a closer look, I couldn't find a way to open it. That's when I heard a voice, it was almost silent but it was so clear…"

His voice lowered, a cold sweat looming over him. With Lilly concerned for her friend, calmly asked.

"Celo, what did you hear?"

Celo in response said nothing, as Shenzel is thinking to himself, what could make this guy scared to tell him and Lilly?

With a deep breath from the retriever, Celo then said in a deep tone.

"Someone, help me. I don't know how, but it sounded like a woman crying for help."

Silence filled the room, the sound of slow creeks on the floor setting a dreadful mood. At that moment Shenzel had a hunch on who it could be, but he isn't sure if it's true.

"Could it be, Willow?" The cat asks curiously.

"No way it couldn't be, Willow would've been dead a long time ago!"

Lilly exclaimed, doubting the cat's assumptions, but Celo turned to face the two and asked.

"What is her name huh, junior's bride to be? Also you never did answer me about Dave junior's whereabouts. Judging by the look on your faces… He's dead isn't he?"

They nodded to everything he stated, Celo shook his head in sympathy for the man, even if he didn't know him personally he believed no one shouldn't go through this suffering as Dave Jr went through.

"Guys, we need to open that door, and find out the truth of everything. I'm not going to settle in this house until I free whoever is behind that door! I don't care if it's the gate that leads to hell itself, we are going to set things right!"

He shouts with courage burning through his eyes, as his words alone raised Lilly and Shenzel's spirits. The dog now feeling better from his own speech, he then stands up and holds out his paw, his eyes closed.

"So, will you guys join me in this quest to discover the truth behind the Latte Family's success and downfall?"

"Yeah, I'm with you Celo!" Shouted Shenzel.

"Not only you're cute but you have such a way with words don't you? I'm in, hun!" Cheered Lilly as the trio brought their paws together, shaking in unison and a promise to reveal the mystery behind the Latte's, and the girl called Willow.

---

A few minutes later after a small celebration of Celo and his two new friends, the three had gone to explore the door, trying to figure a way inside. The retriever is trying to pull on the door with his weight, grunting and pulling but to no avail.

"Ugh! Damn, how are we going to open this thing!?"

"Well brute force won't help, I don't see anything we can open the door with. Got any suggestions Shenzel?"

Lilly asks her little friend as the cat was deep in thought, thinking of a possible solution, but he raises both of his hands as he has no idea either.

"Sorry I got nothing, the only thing we can do is find another way in. I know there's gotta be one, but where."

Celo however, finds something on the top side of this door, the writing was partially visible but the color of the blue text helps make it out.

"Hey guys, come here and take a look at this!"

Both of them ran up to Celo and looked up to where he was pointing, they saw nothing.

"Uh, are you sure you're not just seeing things or this is another prank of yours?"

Lilly asked with emotionless eyes, as the dog then sighed.

"Woman, are you calling me a liar? I'm telling you there is writing on this door! Come on Shenz, I know you could see it!"

Celo shouted at his two friends, hoping at least the kitten could see the text.

"Nope, all I'm seeing is a blank wall?"

Celo faced palms after Shenzel's answer, and came to a conclusion that only he could see the text, but why only him? Celo takes a closer look at the blue highlighted text, as it reads.

"Willow whispers into the starry night sky."

Once Celo read the text out loud the door began to open, the rumbling sound it made was so loud it echoed throughout the entire house.

"What the- it opened?!" Lilly gasps at the sight of the door opening.

"How did you open it?!" Shenzel yelled in amazement.

"I didn't, I just read a phrase on the top and then the door just opened by itself. I don't know if I should be amazed or frightened? Nethertheless we need to go to the other side and see what's really happening, I just have a feeling it'll lead us to the answers we need."

Celo, the dog who has a grim reaper costume, takes a step forward with a flashlight in hand. His body trembling with fear with his friends feeling the same way, the trio walks in.

Inside is a vast tunnel of darkness, with only subtle lights of blue twinkling along the walls, it has a slight echo, the wind blowing through their fur making the coldness of the area much more chilling, and a faint scent of vanilla in the air.

"Where are we, and why does it feel so cold?" Shenzel whimpered as the lioness was also frightened by their surroundings.

"I have no idea, but keep your voices down. We don't want to attract anything living or dead here."

Celo warns them as the three cautiously walk through the tunnel. The darkness slowly swallowed up the view of the trio. As we have reached the first part of this story's end.

Do not fret, dear viewer, for this tale of the dark chocolate will continue soon. But first, we dive deeper, into its deep, dark past.