Welcome to Hollowleaf Mansion

***"How is everything I've heard... real?"***
This piece of *Evie and Mya* literature is outdated and is scheduled to be rewritten or tweaked in the future. Please note that some events currently depicted will be heavily altered or removed when said content is updated. Read at your own risk of discombobulating the series canon in your head!
And spare yourself from Av's old writing, please.
"I'm not there yet!"
 This page contains ***major spoilers*** for the series. If you're not caught up, stay back! Av's not gonna be too thrilled if you react to spoilers prematurely...

## Welcome to Hollowleaf Mansion

### Director

Potato Flakin

***Welcome to Hollowleaf Mansion*** is the second episode of *The Adventures of Evie and Mya* in Season 3, and the twenty-second overall.

## Synopsis

Harlow and Ivanna whisk Mya away on a tour of their prized mansion. However, Evie suspects that the two are hiding something, and seeks to prove that she's right - but will her friends listen to her?

## Content Warning

*This episode contains some mature language.*

## Transcript

*The episode begins at Pinelake Park - two girls are staring in shock at an elderly couple, who have just had an unexpected meeting.*

"Oh my god!" Mya squealed. "Oh my god oh my god oh my god! It's really my grandparents! It's really you!"

"Mya!" The man said excitedly, and he ran forward to hug her, as did his wife. It was a beautiful reunion, and Evie brought herself to smile. *Aww. So happy for her.*

"We should introduce ourselves to you," the man then stated, kneeling down. "I'm your grandfather, Harlow Parker. This is my lovely wife, Ivanna."

"Hi, darling!" Ivanna exclaimed.

"I love your names! They're so pretty!" Mya bounced up and down again, her shirt flying up in the air, a smile present on her face. Then, a detail flashed into her mind once more - the donation of money.

"Wait - did you ever receive a donation of money after the deaths of Elloise and Luca Heartley?" She asked. "I was digging around for information with *her*-" She hesitated, then cast a glance at Evie, who shyly waved.

"Mmm. Yes," Ivanna confirmed. "We did, very long ago. We were trusted to hold those funds should something bad happen to your other grandparents... There was this terrible fire, believed to be arson." Her eyes clouded, becoming somber. "It was a tragic day, and a day we'll never forget."

Mya walked up to her grandmother, holding her hand. "I am sorry to hear about that, but I hoped you've done well since that?"

"We have prospered," Harlow responded. "Make a small living on the other side of town."

"That's nice," Mya concurred. She heard footsteps behind her, and Evie joined her. Harlow and Ivanna turned their eyes on her curiously.

"Why, who is she?" Harlow inquired, his hazel eyes thoughtful.

"Oh... Uh..." Mya started. She worried if her grandparents were homophobic, like the biological father of her sister, Winter, or Amira's despicable aunt Shetani. *What do I say? Should I just come out?*

Her face turned pink, and so did Evie's as she began to feel awkward.

"Mya," Ivanna rolled her eyes. "Is Evie a "best friend," so to speak?" A playful expression was on her face, and Mya relaxed. She knew what she was struggling to say.

"Okay, you caught me there," she responded at last. "This is Evie, and she is my girlfriend. I'm bi, she's a lesbian. We've been dating for a few months now."

"Hello. Nice to meet ya," Evie coolly said, shaking the hands of Harlow and Ivanna.

"My, sweetheart, you have such a wonderful partner." Harlow looked at the two affectionately before becoming more thoughtful. "I think it's *time* we paid Nita and Patrick a visit... Catch up on *loose* ends... And show them that we're *back* in business." A wide smirk then appeared on his face, and Ivanna gazed at him lovingly, a partially twisted smile on her own face. Mya could only stare at them, her love growing more by the minute.

But something in their faces began to unnerve Evie. *Why* was Harlow smirking like that? It didn't seem mischievous at all - it seemed like he was *planning* something. She then noted how he emphasized "time," "loose," and "back in business," making her stomach tingle with suspicion.

*Something is definitely brewing, and I'm not a fan of it.*

**SEASON 3, EPISODE 2 - WELCOME TO HOLLOWLEAF MANSION**

*The scene then transitions to a snug household mid-day. On the sofa sits Nita and Patrick Heartley, who are watching famed movie Shrek 2 with their adopted daughter, Winter. She takes a sip from a glass of milk before lying it down on the table, and wraps herself tighter in a blanket, pressing against her mother.*

"We're approaching the *I Need a Hero* scene. A scene of great cinematic excellence!" Winter exclaimed.

"Totally," Patrick murmured. "But right after finding the Muffin Man on Drury Lane."

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and a familiar, jovial voice rang out into the living room.

"**I'VE FOUND MY GRANDPARENTS**!"

"**WHAT**?" Nita and Patrick both questioned, shock on their faces. Nita held the hem of her shirt nervously.

Winter's startled look faded to one of excitement and happiness, and she got up, throwing the blanket aside and embracing her sister warmly. "You really found our grandparents? You really *really* did?"

"I have," Mya proclaimed. "I found them at Pinelake Park, and it was wonderful! Ev got to meet them!"

"I'm glad to hear that!"

"Mya? Your grandparents are in Oregon," her mother corrected. "They were too busy to visit Pineshadow-"

"*Did you miss us*?"

Then, walking through the door elegantly and with elements of swag, came Harlow and Ivanna Parker. Patrick put a hand above on his forehead, struggling to believe what he had really just seen.

"Har-Harlow. Ivan-na," Nita stuttered. "What brings you... Here?" She grabbed her shoulder with her hand.

"Lovely Nita. Isn't it *nice* to see you after *so* long?" Ivanna asked.

"Yeah... It does." She looked at the ground, anxiety welling in her. Mya noticed this, and wondered why she seemed so reluctant and reclusive. *Probably just has the blues from not seeing them for so long.*

"Grandpa! Grandma!" Surprised, Harlow and Ivanna looked down at a pale face - Winter - and her ice-blue eyes were *shining*.

"Why, who could this be?" Harlow inquired to his son.

"That is our adopted daughter, Winter. We adopted her a few months ago. She's really sweet."

"Not to mention a total *badass*!" Winter said, revealing her pocket knife and taking a few slashes at the air, making her parents laugh. "I'm so happy to meet you too. I never had a true family until the Heartleys chose to make me their daughter... And *her* sister." She rested her chin on Mya's shoulder.

Harlow chuckled, ruffling her short, unique sandy-brown hair. "You're one of a kind," he remarked, causing her to blush.

Nita then walked up to her in-laws, still nervous, yet keeping her composure. "Harlow, Ivanna, why are you here? I thought you were away."

Ivanna placed a hand on Mya's shoulder, tugging her closer to her body, and she looked up at her dreamily. "Away? Pfft. *Someone* gave us a phone call."

It was like an electric shock. Nita backed up, stunned, right into Patrick, and both of their faces became eerily pale.

"*Mya Heartley*, how on *earth* did you even-"

"I took a chance, and it paid off," Mya explained. "And I've met my grandparents!" She skipped around them, full of glee. "I can't wait to do a lot with you! Drawing, movies, family game night, reading, learning about history, oooh!"

"Count me in!" Winter added.

"Alright, alright, kiddos. Let's settle down for a bit." Harlow scratched the two under their chins, then walked up to Nita and Patrick, who were holding hands tightly. "We need to speak to you. *In private*. Important matters await us, quite frankly, *very* important."

He eyed them with a hazel gaze so strong it left them frozen. Fear welled in them. Blood was roaring like geysers in their ears.

Finally, Patrick nodded curtly, and together, they reluctantly followed him and Ivanna to their bedroom, all while Mya and Winter looked on with eager eyes.

"What do you think they're discussing?" Mya pondered. "Top secret... Hmm..."

"Likely just family matters, My. By the way, if we do game night, I petition for Candyland."

"I call dibs on the blue character!"

The two laughed, and hugged. This day was going sweet.

The next day, Evie paced in her living room in front of her parents, who were looking at her, serious expressions in their gazes.

"Something is just up with Harlow and Ivanna, I *know* it. Harlow's smirk, his points on "loose ends" and "back in business..." He's scheming, and so is Ivanna." She had just explained everything to her stunned parents, who had sat down to listen to her, and obviously had a lot on her mind.

After a minute of silence, her mother finally spoke.

"Evie. I completely get where you're coming from, honey. It's hard to trust a stranger, we all can relate - but you have to give a person *time*. Pulling conclusions out of thin air can lead to trouble, and that's what we don't want you getting in."

"Mom, that smirk was more than just full of mischief. He's seriously plotting something!"

Anderson sighed, standing up and placing a hand on Evie's shoulder. "Ev, Opal is right. We get that you don't trust Harlow and Ivanna - after all, you've always been wary of strangers and had a high regard for your safety. But let's be real - is it *really* wise to make assumptions about people you have only *just* met?"

"What if he's planning something malicious? I don't want him to hurt-"

"Honey," Opal said firmly. "You're thinking too far ahead. Go relax for a bit, and stop stressing about Mya's grandparents. Things are going to be alright, just take it easy."

*I know what I saw! But I guess they're right...* Evie trudged back to her room, where she collapsed onto her bed, looking up at a sign that said "Breathe in. What is happening?" - it often served as a breathing visualizer for her, with its space background and all.

*Maybe I'm being too apprehensive. I did only just meet them.* Her parents were right, she was leaping to more confusions than conclusions. She shut her eyes, beginning to zone out.

Suddenly, a lithe shape jumped up onto her bed, and poked her face with a black paw. Evie turned, finding the family cat glancing at her with curious green eyes. "Hey Holly!" She greeted. "Have you come to see me?"

Holly meowed in response, curling up next to her head and purring. Evie hugged her, relieved to have her cat here with her.

"You think I'm just crazy?" She whispered. Holly's ear twitched, and her tail flicked, as if she was actually considering Evie's words, but she remained silent.

An hour later, the doorbell rung. Evie got up out of bed and unlocked the door, finding Mya, and her heart bounced in joy. "Hi Mya!" She greeted, hugging her and kissing her chin.

Then, she looked up to find Harlow and Ivanna standing behind her, and Evie forced herself to avoid frowning in dismay. *Are you kidding me? Why are THEY here? Can't I spend time with Mya alone?*

Mya jumped up and down excitedly, her fluffy auburn hair flying with each move she made. "Ev! I'm so excited! My grandparents are taking me to their manor on the other side of Pineshadow, and they wanted you to come along! It's gonna be *amazing*!"

Shocked, Evie gasped. *Me? Come along? To a place I've never been?* She turned to her parents, a questioning look in her dark green eyes.

"You can go, Evie," her father said. "Have fun!"

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Mya asked her. "Let's get this *show* on the *road*!" Evie looked at Mya, and felt her concerns about Harlow and Ivanna vanish. They didn't matter at the moment - what mattered was that she was going on a fun trip with her girlfriend - the person she *loved*. All she wanted to do was drown in her affection and be with her every step of the way. She held her hand, finding it smooth to the touch.

The car ride to the manor only took ten minutes. Evie and Mya snuggled together in the back of car, sharing euphoric energy only they could share with one another.

Soon enough, they arrived at an open clearing near a dense forest, and got out of the car. Harlow puffed out his chest, proudly glancing at a two-story mansion, with a small garden and tidy stone path leading up to the door.

"Ladies, this is the *one and only* Hollowleaf Mansion. Old, but perfectly modern, with a touch of life from us. It is one of our greatest accomplishments."

"And once you'll see the inside, you'll be just as amazed!" Ivanna added.

"Cool," Evie remarked, hardly as flattered as Mya. "Take me in take me in *take me in*!"

Ivanna led the two girls inside the manor, and both looked around. The dining room sat square in the middle, neatly furnished and polished. The walls were covered in picture frames, and two stairwells led to the top floors of the manor. It seemed to be old-styled in general.

"Wow! This place is so *cool*!" Mya dashed around, glancing at every picture, every detail, admiring everything with stars in her eyes while Evie just watched, finding it less exciting.

I heard the words in your eyes

Let go of what you see

Listen as it tells you of this place this used to be

*At least it's not Cracklog Manor,* she thought. *I swear on my grave I'll never return to that place.*

"Don't worry, Mya!" Harlow called out to her. "We'll show you everything this mansion has to offer."

"Where would you like to go first?" Ivanna asked, smiling at her lovingly.

"To the left, bottom floor please."

"The treasure room, I see... You will love that place." Harlow led her and Evie to a small room, opening the door. Evie glanced around, and felt her nerves tensing. Goosebumps formed on her skin.

The walls were lined with guns. Revolvers, pistols, rifles. A lot of them. Immediately, Evie began receiving flashbacks to the terrifying game of Russian roulette she played to save Mya's life.

She had come *too close* to dying, a revolver bullet having just barely missed her head. She almost wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words, and kept quiet.

"Ohohohoho! You have a lot of weapons. Where did you get them?"

"In trades with the hunters that occasionally come to the Hollowleaf Forest," Harlow explained. "I like guns, especially antique ones. In a place that's historic, it adds on to the... History. But this bad boy... It's different." He lifted up a glass case, and grabbed a shining silver dagger with a golden handle.

"This is my signature dagger, and it has never been used. Only time will tell if it will come in handy." He set it down and shut the glass case.

I saw you move through the air

I saw the lights fall down

"Where are we going next?" Mya questioned.

"The living room, and then, we'll settle down for a bit, perhaps eat, and catch a drink," Ivanna said, shrugging. "All up to you, love."

Everyone headed to the living room, and Evie cast her glance around. She noticed interesting old-style furnishings, and felt the need to talk about it.

"Damn, look at those banisters you have on those windows. Pale green with pink rose patterning. Goes well with the spruce floor. Is that a rug manufactured in Mongolia? I can tell because-"

I saw it come for our care

If I could just know where

Evie stopped, finding that Harlow and Ivanna were already in a deep conversation with Mya. *Con chó đi nó!*

Frustration slowly began to fill her. They should have heard her! She was speaking in a normal living room voice. Why weren't they paying attention to the details she was describing about their own manor?

It was like she didn't even *exist*.

Harlow then lead Mya to the living room. "This is our living room, Mya. Small, yet big enough for a family like us." He ruffled her hair, and she giggled. Seeing the sofa cushions had vibrant colors, she jumped onto them, bouncing up and down in glee. "They're so soft and squishy! I could do this all day!"

Evie rolled her eyes. *Yeah, find someone else who agrees with you on that.*

"You know, Mya, we watch a lot of movies. Which one is your favorite?" Ivanna inquired.

"*Shrek 2*! It's a *classic*. A rare case where the sequel is better than the original. Everything about it is master class. In fact, I think Winter was watching it today with the fam..."

"Why, that's lovely to hear!" Ivanna responded jovially. She sat down on the couch with Harlow, and they shared a quick kiss. Evie noticed her chance to shine. *Come on. Stop treating me like I don't freaking exist!*

"My favorite movie is *Jaws*. A perfect classic from decades ago, full of horror and a compelling, engaging storyline!" She stated.

All she got was silence.

I heard the words in your eyes

Let go of what you see

Silence.

Again.

Evie almost wanted to stamp her feet on the ground and snort like a raging bull. Harlow and Ivanna were turned toward Mya, in yet another conversation with her, and meanwhile, she was just there... Nonexistent.

They were ignoring her on purpose in favor of her own granddaughter. "God damn it," she muttered under her breath.

"Come on, Mya, let's show you more of the mansion." Harlow got up, finally casting a hazel eye to Evie. "Wanna come with?"

"No thanks," Evie mumbled quickly, sitting down on her sofa and choosing to play a game on her phone. *Better than running around with a bunch of unlikeable chickens.*

Eventually, Mya returned. "Evie, you should have seen their bedroom! It was so neat! And the guest room, and-" Her words blurred out in her girlfriend's ears.

*Someone please kill me.*

"Mya, would you like to tell us more about your adventures? What have you been getting up to all these years?" Questioned Ivanna, who held her granddaughter's hand.

"Of course! Would you like to know how I met Evie?" Evie perked up, and turned toward them. *Okay, maybe someone don't kill me yet. These two can see I'm relevant through storytelling!*

"I would be delighted to."

Mya smiled, sitting down. "It all started one day when I went to Pinelake Park, looking to meet a new face. And I got lucky, because there Evie was, sitting under a tree, reading a book, and talking to herself. That was *my chance*!"

"Then, she startled me, and I raised my *Fighters* book in defense-"

"That's when she raised her book at me, and acted like I was about to battle her!"

Surprised, Evie frowned. It was... *Unusual* that Mya would abruptly cut her off like that. *She never cuts me off! What the hell was that for?*

She clenched her fists, yet calmed herself, not wanting Mya to see that she was slowly becoming more mad as time went on.

Mya had continued on with their backstory. "And so, we became friends after that day. Three years later, we realized we were in love, and kissed in our favorite tree. That's our story."

Harlow and Ivanna clapped. "Mya, such an *awesome* story! You surely have more to tell us," Harlow said to her, pride shining in his eyes.

"She does, but I'd like to mention how I fell for her. It was a few months ago, and we were about to go to a-"

"Quiet down, Evie," Ivanna murmured, putting a finger to her lips. "Mya has another great story. Don't interrupt her, we don't need interjections."

This time, Evie couldn't hide her anger, and shot Ivanna a sour, piercing glare. Mya noticed, and cast her an apologetic look, mouthing "Sorry" briefly before turning back to her grandparents.

*This is freaking ridiculous!* Evie thought. *Love them all you want, Mya, but I'm not going to love them and follow them around like a lost puppy. These two not only treat me like I'm a ghost, they fawn over you and seem to have you spellbound.*

She scooted to the other end of the sofa, and pulled out her phone, grabbing her earbuds from her jean pocket and turning her music way up. She wasn't going to hear any of this.

Harlow and Ivanna weren't only suspicious. They were a bunch of jolly *don't*-gooders.

Oh please don't ask me how I've been

Don't make me play pretend

Oh no, oh what's the use?

Oh please, I bet everybody here is fake happy too

Two days later, Evie sat on Amira's bed in her bedroom, twiddling her fingers. Winter and Daniela were also with her, and they looked at her, confusion in Daniela's gaze. Winter snuggled close to Amira; she had been sleeping over with her for the past few days, buried deep in her affection.

Amira poked Evie on the shoulder. "Ev," she said. "What did you call us here for? You made it seem pretty urgent."

"It *is* urgent," she responded. "Harlow and Ivanna are *no good*. Not only do they seem to be plotting something, they have Mya *spellbound*. She's doing everything they tell her to do. And they treated me like *I don't exist*. There is something wrong, and we *need* to do something about it!"

The three other girls in the room turned toward her in shock.

"What? How?" Winter questioned. "Harlow and Ivanna are nice people."

"You sure you aren't just jumping to things, Ev?" Amira replied, gazing at her sympathetically. "I mean, I know what it's like to be ignored."

"Okay, okay," Daniela interrupted. "I would state my opinion right now. However, there is an issue. *Who in the name of god's green earth are Harlow and Ivanna*?"

Winter facepalmed. "My bad! Sorry, Dani, I forgot to tell you about them." She quickly whispered the details on Mya's grandparents into her ear, and she nodded slowly. "Wait, so you're telling me Mya has grandparents and this is a secret and now Evie is becoming Sherlock-"

"I am *not* Sherlock." Evie whipped toward her, annoyance on her face. "But anyways, back to the main point. Harlow and Ivanna are *nothing* but a bad influence on Mya, and if we don't get her away from them, something *bad* will happen! We *have* to act!"

"Evie... How do you know? What did they do? You didn't explain that clearly," Winter pointed out.

"When I first met Harlow and Ivanna, they seemed really friendly. However, Harlow began talking about things that concerned me. He *emphasized* "back in business" and "loose ends," and he smirked like he was the Grinch about to ruin Christmas."

"He could have just been feeling mischievous," Daniela pointed out. "When I was a bad guy, mischief came easy, and I was usually almost always smirking."

"Well, I went with Harlow and Ivanna two days ago to their place, and it seemed all sunshine and rainbows at first. But then, it became more apparent that they only saw Mya, and only Mya. I wasn't there."

"Mya's their granddaughter. They're bound to give her more attention than you," Amira stated. "That's how most parent-child dynamics work."

"That isn't just the main point. They had an entire room of *weapons*. Harlow has *guns* and a *freaking dagger*. You think that's telling something about him?"

Winter raised an eyebrow. "He could collect them. Hunters and gun owners do that. Besides, he wouldn't let Mya get hurt."

Evie groaned, nobody was getting the point. Yet she continued on.

"I tried pointing out details of the mansion to them, and they ignored me. I mentioned my favorite movie to them. They ignored me. And when I tried to tell some of my history with Mya, Ivanna told me the equivalent of *shut up*! All the damn time I was there, they **only cared** about Mya!"

She panted. That was tough for her to explain, and now, Winter, Amira, and Daniela looked at her in silence, processing what she had just said.

Then Winter got up, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I understand you're worried, Evie. I get where you're coming from. But you only just *met* Harlow and Ivanna, and to me, you're jumping to conclusions far too soon. Give them time, and maybe you'll come to see that they're awesome."

Evie stomped her foot on the ground. She didn't *need* Winter reminding her about what her parents had said. It was already taking a lot out of her to remain calm.

"My parents already told me that," she muttered.

"Evie..." Winter started. "You seem upset that Harlow and Ivanna have really made Mya over the moon. I really think you could be jealous-"

"I am **NOT JEALOUS**!" Evie snapped, startling Winter, who jumped back. "This isn't an issue where I'm jealous! This is an issue where Harlow and Ivanna could be brainwashing Mya!"

Amira then chose to speak next. "You're not jealous. If you were, I would be able to tell if you were sulking about how much more attention Mya got. But, as much as I want to side with you right now, I don't know much about Harlow and Ivanna. I'm going to wait for more information on them, and if things seem suspicious, count me in on your side." She hugged Evie, who turned at Daniela, expecting a response from her.

"As an ex-villain, I should be able to tell if Harlow and Ivanna are villains. But, to me, they don't have the makings of one. I'm sorry, Ev, but I'm going to side with Amira and wait for more information."

Exhausted, Evie gave up, and sat between Amira and Daniela on the bed. "Okay. You have fair points. Thank you for your input." She hugged Amira, who blushed, and rubbed her finger.

Suddenly, Winter's phone buzzed, and she grabbed it out of her pocket. It was a text from her parents.

*Get home! Now. Mya's gone!!*

Winter gasped. "Mya's gone!"

Immediately, Evie dashed up to her at the speed of lightning, her heart thumping. "What? For how long?"

"I don't know! But I need to go." Quickly, she gathered her things she took on her sleepover with Amira, and headed out.

Amira and Daniela huddled closer to Evie, who had a look of worry on her face.

"Mya was kidnapped by a strange man before... I fear..." Amira and Daniela finished for her.

"...That Harlow and Ivanna have taken her!"

Winter dashed inside her house as fast as she could, placing her sleepover bag down by the door and hugging her worried parents, who stood in the living room.

"Mom! Dad! What's happening?"

"Mya has been in and out for the past few days. She keeps leaving on terms of "important business," goes to her room to get something, and then leaves *again*. We've tried finding where she's been going off to, but we just don't know!" Said Nita.

Patrick shuddered. The thought of his daughter *disappearing* again, like the day of the roulette game, sat in his mind. An *unwelcome* memory. "I don't know where she's going off to. She hasn't dropped any hints! It isn't like her!"

Winter gasped. "She hasn't told you anything at all?" This was definitely unlike Mya. She was a chatterbox and would more than likely say where she would be going if she were to head out.

"No! And we've tried texting her... But... But..." Nita's hands shook, her skin a ghostly white. "She hasn't responded."

Fear pooled in Winter's stomach, and the roulette game immediately appeared in her head. Mya was kidnapped by a strange man, who held her at gunpoint, and hidden her in the cabin she used to call home. That *could* have happened again. Mya could be held hostage somewhere.

*She could be tortured as we speak. Violently. She can't withstand lots of pain.* That thought made Winter sick, and she forced herself to stop thinking about it.

"Winter, please try texting her. You're her sister. Please see if you can contact her... I can't lose my pride, my joy, the very little girl who-"

"Marigold." Patrick shushed her. "You're getting ahead of yourself. Don't stress Winter out by revealing that."

Ignoring them, Winter grabbed her phone and texted Mya.

*Mya! We're worried sick about you! Where have you been???*

Five minutes passed by. "Any luck?" Asked her mother.

"Nope." Nita hugged her tightly, her eyes a sea of great concern. Winter noticed that tears were in her mother's eyes, and she hugged her back.

"It's okay, mom. We'll get her back."

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. Winter noticed that it was Mya who texted.

"It's Mya!" Relieved, her parents stood behind her as she read the text.

*Hey Win! Sorry I've been vanishing like a ninja. I've been spending the time with my amazing grandparents! Ooh, they need me now, they're telling me a story of the time they saved a local business. Mya out!"*

"Harlow and Ivanna!" Winter gasped, regret filling her body. She should have *seen* this coming. Before she had left for her sleepover sleepover with Amira, Mya had been talking *nonstop* about her grandparents, and how entertaining, comedic, and charming they were. She was *obsessed*, just like she was to her idols in music.

Then, she realized that Evie wasn't lying to her. She was never jealous of Harlow and Ivanna - they only seemed to care *for Mya*. And Mya was enamored by them. She was so enamored that she wasn't caring about her own family life.

"She's... She's with them?" Her father shook nervously, clinging onto Nita.

"She is. I think I know what the issue is here - Mya's too obsessed with them. Her obsession is leading her to spend more time with them instead of us, which is why you've been up a wall the past few days. But I know what to do."

Taking a deep breath, she went on.

"Take me to Hollowleaf Mansion. I'll get her back, I promise."

"Are you sure, honey?" Nita asked.

"Surer then a bow is to a target."

"Okay, let's go right now. There is no time to waste. Pat, do you remember the way to the mansion?"

Patrick nodded, hooking his car keys from his pocket.

The drive to Hollowleaf Mansion only took ten minutes. Winter made sure her pocket knife was on her, tucked safely in her back pocket. She headed out of her car, nodding a farewell to her parents, and she walked forward. Her nerves were building inside of her.

She *hadn't* been here before. She'd only heard Mya's descriptions of it. Now, she was entering the lair of her adopted grandparents.

Slowly, she knocked on the door. "Hello? Harlow? Ivanna? It's your adopted granddaughter, Winterlyn!"

After a minute, the door opened, and out came Ivanna. "Winter!" She hugged her granddaughter, not seeing her apprehension. "Come in, come in. You can settle down in the living room."

"Where's Mya?" She inquired.

"Oh! She's in the treasury with Harlow, looking at his weapon collection. She was intrigued by that dagger..."

Winter stifled a gasp, horrified. *Weapon room? Dagger? With Harlow?* Evie's suspicions lingered in her head, and she couldn't stand it anymore.

"Where is that at?"

"To your left."

Winter sped off without a word, listening closely for the sound of Mya's voice. She went down the hall, further and further...

"Tell me more about the dagger, please! It's sooooo cool!"

*Bingo.*

She kicked the door open, startling Mya and Harlow, but Harlow placed a calm look on his face. *Too* calm.

"Why, hello there Winterlyn," he greeted, walking up to her and rubbing her chin. God, she hated that.

"Winter?" Mya asked in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here because **we're worried sick**! You've been disappearing repeatedly! Mom and dad have been developing *gray hairs* because of you!"

Harlow glanced at Mya warmly. Winter gritted her teeth. *Why* was he looking at her that way when the mood was serious? He was definitely acting off. Evie wasn't lying to her.

"I'm fine," Mya replied plainly. "I don't get why you're so worried."

Winter had to stop her mouth from falling open in shock. *This* wasn't the Mya she knew. This Mya was too smooth and too plain, lacking her comedic, upbeat voice or charm.

Harlow and Ivanna were making her *monotone*.

"Uh... Harlow. If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to her privately. Where can we go?"

"There is a guest bedroom up the right stairwell with a balcony. You may go there."

Nodding, Winter yanked Mya by her wrist and dragged her up the flight of stairs. Finding the room with the door ajar, she roughly threw Mya into the room and slammed the door shut.

"Winter?" Mya asked. "What are we here for? I told you I was fine-"

"You are **NOT FINE**!" Winter snapped. "Mya, don't you realize how worried mom and dad have been about you? I get you *love* your grandparents and want to learn more about them. But your *obsession* is leading to trouble!"

"What trouble? I know my parents miss me, but I'm alright. Harlow and Ivanna are keeping me company. In fact, I have my own room here now!" Winter was about ready to lose her temper with her own sister, something she hadn't done in a long, long time. She was denying she was causing a kerfuffle within the Heartley family, and now straying away from the main point was driving her nuts.

*This isn't Mya. She's acting like somebody I've never met.*

"Mya, that is not the point!" She spat. "You need to **STOP** spending time with your grandparents and stay home with *your family*. I don't want you getting hurt, and I want to spend my time with *you*."

"Relax, Win," Mya told her, her eyes blank and lacking conviction. "It's all handled. Harlow and Ivanna said that to me. I really want more time with *them*! They're telling me all these amazing things!"

Slowly, Winter realized that Evie's words, everything she had said to her, Amira, and Daniela, was true.

Harlow and Ivanna were a *terrible* influence on Mya. And now she was so obsessed with them to the point where her other family didn't matter to her.

"You should see how *amazing* they are!" Mya babbled. "They saved a local business from bankruptcy! One time, Ivanna helped The Haven adopt out its entire shelter! Daniela would be *so jealous*. And did I tell you about the time-"

"***JUST SHUT UP ALREADY***!" Winter suddenly screamed, directly at her face. Startled, Mya stumbled back and fell onto the floor. She hadn't expected her own sister to snap at her like that - she hadn't *even* screamed at her like that before, not even when they first met. Her eyes were wide and finally full of more emotion.

Guilt appeared on Winter's face immediately. Mya had pissed her off, and now, she had just startled her. She stood there, watching her sister breathe in shock, struggling to comprehend what just happened.

"Oh, Mya... I'm so sorry, I-I didn't mean to lose my cool!" She slid to her side, wrapping her in a hug and refusing to let go of her for a minute. To her relief, Mya wasn't crying - she was just shaken.

"Why... Why did you yell at me?"

Winter sighed. "Look at me, My," she demanded. Mya turned a leaf-green gaze onto her. Winter felt her cheek, then placed her hands on her shoulders.

"I know you love Harlow and Ivanna very dearly. They've been great grandparents to you. But in the process, you've been unable to realize that you've been hurting your parents. They're already really concerned for you, since you've been going in and out for the past few days without telling them why. And I've been worried too, sis."

Mya began to nod in understanding, and tension left Winter's body. She was beginning to see her clearly.

"Mya, please come home and change your schedule so you visit your grandparents and stay with us equally. You don't want to cause a rift with your family... Or end up in a *bad* place. Like me."

Mya nodded again. Winter's life was flipped upside down when Daniela, then her girlfriend, had forced her to come out too early. Her father was homophobic, and as a punishment for his daughter being a "sin," he'd cut her with the knife she now owned. Winter had lived alone in a cabin for much of her teenage life until her family adopted her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, burying her face in Winter's shoulder.

"Mya. Look at me," she demanded again, and her sister cast her eyes on her.

At this point, Winter couldn't hold back tears that formed at her eyes, and she let herself cry. "I almost lost you once. And I can't ever lose you. You were the person that helped me realize that I shouldn't have run away from my past. You were kidnapped... By a man... And you were almost shot... I can't have that happen! I don't want to lose-"

Without warning, Mya threw herself onto her, squeezing her tightly, and Winter blushed. Mya stared into her ice-blue eyes, locking stares with her.

"Winter, I promise you'll never lose me. I'll always be your sister, and I'll never leave. I'll always love you." She grasped Winter's hands, and Winter smiled, letting herself ease.

"Okay. Let's go home."

Mya looked away. "Harlow and Ivanna wanted me to sleep over tonight. They had something... Something special to show me. One more night, please? Then I *swear* I'll be back tomorrow."

Winter almost wanted to reject it, but it was one more night anyway. Her parents would be relieved to hear her report. "Okay, that's fine. But if you're not back tomorrow..." She grabbed her knife and held it up, a goofy look on her face.

Mya's eyes widened. "*OKAY OKAY I WILL COME BACK TOMORROW*."

Winter grinned. Things were going back to normal - but still, Harlow and Ivanna were *not* to be trusted.

Something was brewing. Something *bad*.

A few hours later, Winter sat in her bedroom with Evie and Amira. Daniela sat nearby, tossing a softball up in the air nonchalantly. It was time to explain to the others what had happened.

She sighed, then spoke.

"Mya's alright. She's happy, she's well, and she's spending one more full night with Harlow and Ivanna. However... She seemed to be... *Ordinary*. Just plain. She didn't even think about mom and dad biting their fingernails! She didn't even think about the previous time she went missing! We... We could've lost her again."

She looked at the ground, trying to find the words, which came to the tip of her tongue. Winter glanced at Evie, and walked up to her.

"You were right, Ev. Harlow and Ivanna are a *bad* influence. I shouldn't have doubted you, or called you jealous. I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Evie whispered, hugging her. "With what you just said, I think it's all but clear to us now - Harlow and Ivanna are a *threat*. If we don't keep Mya away from them... Something is going to happen. But I'm going to stop it no matter what."

Winter put her hand on her shoulder. "Count me in."

This just left Amira and Daniela, the latter of which had stopped throwing the softball. Amira walked forward to stand by the side of her girlfriend.

"Hearing about *this* Mya doesn't sit well with me. It isn't like her, being so flat and plain and so *mesmerized* by familial figures. Harlow and Ivanna are just feeding her tales of grandeur, and if we don't stop it, trouble is going to befall Pineshadow. You can count on me to help!"

The other girls turned toward Daniela, who hadn't spoken as of yet. She looked deep in thought, her amber eyes containing mixed feelings. Finally, she got up.

"I know I said I didn't sense Harlow and Ivanna were villains. And, to be honest... I still don't."

"Does that mean you-"

"But," Daniela cut Winter off. "Their effect on Mya isn't the same effect a celebrity will have on her. Sure, she loves her pop stars and likes them. But this *sick obsession* with her grandparents is going to lead to something, something we, as a group - aren't prepared for."

"Dani?" Amira questioned. "What are you getting at?"

Daniela stepped forward, feeling the stares of her friends. "I'm with you all the way. I haven't been a friend of Mya's for very long. Once, I took her kindness as weakness and broke her down inside. I was cruel, and she has yet to forgive me for what I've done... Which is understandable. I want to prove that I'm a good person to her, and show that I've made up for the horrible, vile mistakes I've made in the past."

After a brief pause, she finished.

"Until my dying breath, I will work to prove to Mya and Pineshadow that I'm a person worthy of redemption and compassion - and that I've moved far away from the heartless demon I once was."

The girls around her smiled, and Winter pumped her fist up in the air. "Hell yeah! Let's go!"

Evie put her hand on Daniela's shoulder, making her blush. "You've come a long way, Daniela. I love your commitment to proving that you've changed. And together, we will be *victorious*!"

That night, Mya followed her grandparents into Hollowleaf Forest. Dark green treetops covered the night sky, and starlight partially shone through the leaves. It was beautiful here, more so than the Piney Woods. *If only I could stay forever.*

Harlow and Ivanna gripped her hands as they took her to a place they described as "sacred." Her nerves were building.

What did they plan on showing her?

"Are we almost there?" She asked.

"Almost, young one," Harlow murmured. "This place is not far from the mansion. But it is time we showed you it, in its full beauty, that is."

The path ahead became more dirt instead of cobblestone, and the woods became thicker.

Then, they stopped. Ivanna placed her hands around Mya's eyes, saying, "Walk forward slowly. Don't try to peek until we tell you to."

Mya bounced in excitement, taking careful steps forward. She could smell water, and hear it dripping. *Where am I?*

"Okay, Ivanna. Show her now," Harlow commanded.

At once, Ivanna took away her hands from Mya's eyes, and Mya gasped in sheer amazement at the sight in front of her.

In front of her was a small pond, glowing a *pristine* cyan in the starlight. She could see her reflection, crystal-clear, inside. Water dripped into the pond from several slabs of rocks growing out of a tree.

She fell to her knees, her ears taking in the sounds of the water. She touched it, and cold water lapped against her fingers. It was so *peaceful*, and so *mysterious*.

"This is the Pond of Ori, also known as the Reflection Pond," Harlow explained. "We found it many years ago while strolling through Hollowleaf Forest, and since then, we have worked to protect its natural beauty."

Mya looked at her reflection in the pond again, seeing her smile, her green eyes, her auburn hair, everything. "T-Thank you. This place is really special to me... And you."

"Indeed, for it is very sacred," Ivanna added. "Few have come to share its beauty but us, and us only."

Harlow then kneeled down next to Mya. "Treasure this moment, dear Mya. You may not realize it... But we have plans for you. Big plans. You will help us achieve what we have long sought for, however long it takes. You are the *chosen one*, and when you come to this pond to reflect, think about the role you hold in this family."

Mya was dumbfounded. What Harlow had just told her was very cryptic. But shock filled her.

She, the *chosen one*? What did he mean? What was she to do? And what was her role in the family?

More importantly, what plans was he referring to?

"You will find answers to these questions sooner than later. Now, we must be heading back... And prepare for what fate comes calling us to next." He winked at Ivanna, and she smirked. The two kissed, which turned into a minor makeout session, and they headed back.

Mya was about to head with them, but she turned back to the Pond of Ori, and stared at her own reflection.

*Am I really the chosen one?*

She searched for an answer in her reflection, which looked at her in confusion, but she realized something.

Harlow wouldn't say she was the chosen one randomly. It was because he knew she had a *purpose* to fulfill. And whatever purpose, she was the right person for it.

A voice echoed in her head, a heavenly, soft one which she welcomed.

*You're the one*

"I really am the chosen one. Harlow and Ivanna, I will work to prove myself to you, no matter how hard life can get. *Nobody* will stand in my way!" *Not even Evie. Or Winter. Or my family.*

The voice repeated itself.

*You're the one*

Mya was determined now. She was ready to show Pineshadow that she was chosen for greatness.

And nobody would get in her way.

## Cast

* **Dakota Fanning** as Mya
* **Udo Kier** as Harlow
* **Pam Ferris** as Ivanna
* **Peyton Elizabeth Lee** as Evie
* **Mae Whitman** as Winter
* **Trent Garrett** as Patrick
* **Wendie Malick** as Nita
* **Lauren Tom** as Opal
* **John Hodgman** as Anderson
* **Zoe Saldaña** as Amira
* **Eden Riegel** as Daniela

## Songs

* Icehunt - *Hover* (feat. Helen Tess)
* Paramore - *Fake Happy* (snippet)
* NIVIRO - *The Guardian of Angels* (snippet)
* TheFatRat & Anna Yvette & Laura Brehm - *Chosen* (snippet)

## Trivia

* This episode is named after *The Lion Guard* song *Welcome to the Tree of Life*.
* It is revealed that:
	+ Elloise and Luca's money was given to Harlow and Ivanna.
	+ Harlow and Ivanna live on the other side of Pineshadow. This confirms that Nita and Patrick were lying about where they lived.
	+ Mya's favorite movie is *Shrek 2*, while Evie's favorite is *Jaws*.
	+ Harlow and Ivanna have been gradually brainwashing Mya, causing her to spend more time with them instead of with her parents and her adopted sister.
	+ There is a mystical pond in Hollowleaf Forest known as the Pond of Ori.
	+ Mya has a destiny to fulfill as a "chosen one."
* Evie's breathing visualizer is a reference to *Losing You* by Ephixa and Laura Brehm. This was previously depicted in artwork by Av, in which she also hinted at Evie being a fan of Ephixa and Brehm.
* As Mya explores Hollowleaf Mansion, the Icehunt song *Hover* is heard in the background.
* "Con chó đi nó!" means "Dog gone it!" in Vietnamese.
* Evie calling Harlow and Ivanna don't-gooders is a reference to *The Ghost and Molly McGee* episode *The Don't-Gooder*.
* The song Evie plays to drown out Mya and the Parkers is *Fake Happy* by Paramore. Prior to this, she had played *Fake Happy* offscreen in *Little Miss Perfect*.
* This is the first episode where Daniela appears as a protagonist, not counting *The Guardian of Angels*.
* Daniela describing how she originally took Mya's kindness as weakness is a reference to the Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney song *FourFiveSeconds*.
* The Pond of Ori is named after video game *Ori and the Blind Forest*, and it is based off the Moonpool from *Warriors*.
* As Mya gazes at the Pond of Ori, the opening of the NIVIRO song *The Guardian of Angels* is heard.
* The voice Mya hears at the end of the episode is Laura Brehm's ending vocals in TheFatRat song *Chosen*.