Polly and Filbert were surprised to see that there had been a car waiting for them not far from their house. There was also a driver inside. Dolly introduced him as Rylan. He always drove her everywhere. Rylan gave the two a smile before starting the drive. Some time had passed before Filbert noticed Polly was quiet during the drive.

"You okay?" Filbert whispered.

Polly, having put her mask back in before they left the house, looked at him and whispered back, "I'm still not sure about this."

"Me neither, but I saw the way you two, I don't know, connected back there," Filbert said. "You finally found someone like you and she wants to show you her home. It's gotta be a little exciting, right?"

Polly couldn't deny that. She was a little excited to see what Dolly had in store for her, see what her home looked like. She noticed that the other woman had turned to face them. Unlike Polly, she hadn't put her mask back on, so they could see the smile on her face.

"What are you guys talking about?" Dolly asked.

"We're just... really excited to see your house," Polly said.

"That's great!" Dolly grinned. "Trust me, you're gonna love it." She looked out the window. "Looks like we're here. What do you think of the outside?"

Polly looked out the window and was saw not a house, but a huge mansion. Filbert's mouth was left agape upon seeing it.

"This is your home?" Polly asked.

"That's right!" Dolly opened her door and got out of the car. "Well come on! You're not just gonna stay out here the whole time are you?"

Polly and Filbert got out of the car as well. The latter still couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"It's huge!" Filbert said. "You must be really loaded!"

Dolly chuckled. "It is really amazing, huh?"

"Yeah..." Polly took off her mask and smiled at Dolly. "It really is." She normally wouldn't just take off her mask like this, but the fact that Dolly lived here left her hopeful that any other people who might live here wouldn't be scared of her.

"Decided to take your mask off again, huh?" Dolly grinned at the blonde. "I'm glad. You really are beautiful, Polly."

Before Polly could respond, she noticed that the artist had grabbed her hand and was now walking her towards the mansion.

"I'm really excited for you to see the inside," Dolly said.

Rylan was the first to make it to the door. He opened and held it for the three.

"Thanks, man," Filbert said as he walked inside.

"No problem," Rylan smiled.

Polly thanked him as well as she walked in with Dolly. She saw Filbert standing still in awe as he looked around.

Her eyes started to wander around as well and she saw all sorts of paintings all over the walls. Day and night paintings of the sky, nature, animals, the beach, monsters, and much more.

"Did you paint all these?" Polly asked.

"I did," Dolly replied with a proud smile. "I put a lot of love into all of these pieces. They mean a lot to me."

Polly walked forward as she continued gazing upon all the beautiful pieces of art around her. It was like she was at an art museum. She could tell a lot of work went into all of these pieces. Had it not been for Dolly's situation, she would've asked if she thought about showing these pieces to others. She couldn't help but feel more people needed to see them.

"You're really good at art," Filbert commented.

"Are you guys hungry?" Dolly asked. "Come on, let's go to the kitchen."

She led the two to the kitchen. It was a huge one and there was cook that was already in there making food.

"What's he making?" Polly asked.

"I was kinda really hungry before I left so I asked Fred to make me and the guests I was hoping to bring a big meal," Dolly admitted with a chuckle. "I'm smelling chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese. She then called out to him. "Hey, Fred!"

Fred stopped what he was doing when he heard Dolly call him. He made his way over with a smile. "Welcome home, Dolly. Dinner is almost finished."

"I can tell," Dolly said with a smile. "It smells great."

"It'll taste even better," Fred told her before he noticed Polly and Filbert. "Oh hello, you must be Dolly's guests." He held out his hand. "I'm Fred."

"Hi Fred," Polly shook his hand. "I'm Polly."

"Filbert," Filbert said as he shook Fred's hand as well.

"I'm so glad you too will be joining Dolly for dinner," Fred said, smiling at the two. "She doesn't normally have guests here."

"We're glad to be here," Filbert said. He looked at his cousin. "Right, Polly?"

"Right," Polly smiled. Dolly was glad to hear that. This. Was going even better than he hoped. She could tell Polly was a but hesitate but that didn't bother her. She did just show up at her house out of nowhere after all so of course there would be some hesitation. The artist knew she would be able to get through to the blonde and make her more comfortable.

She looked and saw Filbert looking around the kitchen in awe. He seemed to be more fascinated by it than the paintings he saw.

"Interested in the kitchen, huh?" Dolly chuckled as she walked up to him. "It is a big one."

"Real big!" Filbert said in amazement. "I always wanted a kitchen like this!"

"You have?" Dolly asked. She then got an idea and wrapped an arm around Filbert. "How would you like to cook something in here?"

"Huh? Really?!" Filbert's eyes lit up at that but then he looked at Fred, "But Fred's almost done."

"No problem," Dolly told him. "Cook something for later. I'm sure Fred won't mind."

"Not at all," Fred smiled at Filbert. "I'm intrigued to see what you cook."

Filbert started looking around for all the utensils he might need to get cooking. He knew he should probably decide what to cook first, but the excitement had gotten to him. He had a pretty good idea what he wanted to cook anyway. He figured that he would make a simple steak.

Polly giggled as she watched her cousin begin to work. A hand was placed on her shoulder and the blonde turned to see it was Dolly's.

"Would you mind walking with me?" Dolly asked. "There's more I want to show you."

"Sure," Polly said. She followed Dolly out of the kitchen, the artist leading her to a big hallway where there were more paintings, specifically of monsters. "You sure do like monsters."

Dolly stopped and looked at the paintings, giving a loving smile. "Yes, I do. I got inspired to make all these by movies I've watched. People always watch those movies, connecting with the human characters in them. As for me! I feel more connected to the monsters."

"You too?" Polly found herself asking. She herself had also felt an attachment to the monsters she would see in movies over the years. The resentment people had towards them to her felt no different than what the townspeople felt about Polly herself.

Dolly turned to face Polly once again, walking closer to her. "Yes. Those creatures, those beautiful, fascinating, enchanting creatures are made out to be evil itself, when really, they can't help their situations a lot of the time. They don't choose to be born the way they are. They don't choose to look the way they do. But people judge them anyway, without a care or want to help them. Doesn't that sound familiar, Polly?"

The blonde couldn't help but nod.

"They may seem dangerous and evil but they're misunderstood. Just like us." Dolly continued. "The normal people come into their territory, hunt them down, among other horrific things when they just want to be left around." Her fist calls up as she growls. "I just can't stand it."

Polly saw that the other woman was shaking. The artist's head had gone down. The blonde placed a gentle hand on Dolly's shoulder, causing her to look back up.

"That's really sweet of you to care about those that are different from others," Polly said. "You're telling me I have a beautiful soul but yours is wonderful too."

Polly found herself wrapped in a hug by Dolly. She held tightly onto her, as if her very life depended on it. A soft smile came to Polly's face as she returned the hug.

"I really appreciate you saying that, Polly," Dolly said softly. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

The two kept the hug in for a bit. Just as they realized it, a meow was heard. Polly looked down to see a cat looking up at her."

"There you are, Coopy," Dolly picked the cat up and started to pet it. "I was wondering when you would come to greet our guests."

Polly smiled. "He's so cute." She petted the cat as well causing him to purr.

"Isn't he?" Dolly chuckled. "Such an adorable little guy. I named him after my dad."

"That's so sweet," Polly said. "Does he live with you?"

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Dolly laughed. "Of course he does. He's my cat."

"I meant your dad," Polly said.

"Oh..." Dolly sighed. "I'm afraid he isn't with us anymore."

Polly went silent After that. She didn't mean to upset Dolly and make her reveal such a thing that she probably wasn't ready to. The blonde quickly put a hand on the other woman's shoulder. "You don't have to say anything else. I'm sorry for asking."

Dolly shook her head. "No need to apolgisize. I know you are just curious. But hey, why don't I show you where I connect with all the monsters?"

"Oh? You mean the living room?" Polly asked.

"Someone like that." Dollly laughed and grabbed Polly's hand and began walking with her.

The two of them soon ended up in what looked to be a movie theater. Polly's eyes were wide.

"You have your own movie theater?"

"That's right," Dolly said. "Pretty impressive huh?"

Polly went to sit on one of the front seats and looked at the screens. Dolly sat next to her, Coopy on her lap.

"So you feeling in the mood to watch one of the movies after dinner?" Dolly asked. "We can even invite Filbert too."

Polly laughed at Dolly's joke. "Sure, that sounds really. Fun actually." Part of her was still wary of this whole thing, but she was warming up to it the more and more time she spent with Dolly. She had been really nice, caring, and supportive so far. Part of her was worried that Dolly's scar was somehow fake and this was some kind of setup that would end up causing her to scare more people. Another part of her felt absolutely horrible for even thinking of that possibly. Dolly was just trying to share her life with her to show her that she wasn't alone and here she was letting her fears getting the best of her. She would keep an eye on the artist, but she seemed genuine.

"Great," Dolly grinned as she petted Coopy. She looks down at her cat. "I have a feeling this guy is gonna like him."

"Oh yeah, Filbert loves cats," Polly smiled. "I know they'll get along really well if Coopy plays nice."

"Sweet," Dolly said. "...So I've been wondering."

Polly looked back up at her. "Yes?"

"How long have you been working to help this town?" Dolly asked.

"Ever since I could walk basically," Polly said. "I love helping people. That's what makes me happy. I'll do whatever it takes to make them feel happy and safe...

even if a lot of they don't like me very much."

Dolly shook her head. "Well just know that I like you."

The two of them smiled at each other. The more they got to know each other made Polly warm up even more to Dolly

"Come on," Dolly said as she got up. "Let's go check and see if dinner's ready."

——

Polly and Filbert enjoyed the dinner that had been made for them. Both of them were sure to thank Fred and compliment him as they enjoyed their meal which made Fred very happy. After she was done with hers, Polly insisted on helping Fred with the dishes but he declined, letting her know it was no trouble. As she watched Fred walk back into the kitchen, she felt a hand on her shoulder and her eyes went to Dolly.

“I want to show you something,” Dolly said.

“Sure,” Polly replied. She followed Dolly as the artist led the way, stopping for a moment to turn to her cousin. “You coming, Filbert?

Filbert shook his head and got up. “You guys go ahead. I know Fred said he was fine but I’m gonna see what I can do for him in the kitchen.”

Polly nodded and went after Dolly. She would soon see the backyard, which was huge. A wide space that was lit up by Jack-o-lanterns.

“You really like Jack-o-lanterns,” Polly commented with a smile.

Dolly chuckled. “It may be October but you’d probably be surprised to know that have them all year round.”

Polly blinked in surprise at this. “Really?”

“Halloween has always been my favorite holiday,” Dolly replied with a smirk. “Part of the reason why I chose a pumpkin mask to wear.”

“I see,” Polly chuckled. “There’s definitely nothing wrong with that. I always loved Halloween too.”

“I’ve got a whole room full of pieces dedicated to Halloween,” Dolly said. “I’ll show you when we head back inside.”

“I look forward to seeing them,” Polly replied. “So this what you wanted to show me?”

“Part of it,” Dolly said. “But here’s something I think you might really like.”

Polly continued following the artist and ended up in a garden. Polly’s eyes lit up as she gazed upon the flowers there. They were beautiful. There were different kinds all around. Her eyes scanned them all until she found herself coming across ones that she wasn’t familiar with. These flowers were orange and black.

“What kind of flowers are these?” Polly asked.

“Have a closer look and find out,” Dolly replied with a smile.

Polly walked towards the flowers. Once she was close enough, she noticed that one of them started to move. Yellow eyes stare back at her, much to her surprise. A mouth was also there, one that would be found on a jack-o-lantern. It broke into laughter.

Polly looked back at Dolly. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but this is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.”

“You think so, huh?” Dolly smirked as she walked next to Polly and picked the flower. “I think you’ll like this then.”

She let the flower go. Just as it was about to hit the ground, it grew legs and landed fine. Arms would follow seconds after.

The flower continued its laughter as it looked up at Polly before proceeding to run around until it tripped and fell.

Polly giggled at the sight before her. “It’s so cute.”

“They all are,” Dolly replied with a chuckle.

Polly looked to the other flowers and saw that they were all laughing. “This is incredible. It’s probably a good thing that Filbert didn’t come though. He would likely freak out.” She giggled again.

“His loss,” Dolly chuckled. “These are the coolest flowers ever.”

“How did you plant these?” Polly asked.

Dolly smirked once again. “I didn’t. All I had to do was this.”

The artist started to draw something in her sketchpad. Polly tilted her head in curiosity as she watched her.

Dolly showed her the picture she had drawn, which was of a crow

Just as she was about to comment, Polly’s eyes went wide as the bird in the drawing flew out of the page

Her eyes stayed on the now alive drawing as it flew above her and Dolly. The shock soon turned into excitement. The crow soon went on Polly’s shoulder. The blonde looked back at Dolly.

“Dolly…” Polly was unable to get the words out to express her amazement at what she had just witnessed. “I don’t know why I’m too surprised since I just saw the laughter of flowers. Are they…”

“Drawings too? Yes, they are,” Dolly was amused at Polly’s reaction. She watched as the crow flew from Polly’s shoulder to her own. “I can bring whichever drawings I please to life.”

Polly smiled brightly at her. “That’s amazing. To be able to bring the things you put so much of yourself and your heart into to life. Such a beautiful ability.”

“You have no idea how much it means to me,” Dolly said. “It’s truly the greatest feeling in the world.” She gazed at the crow on her shoulder that looked back at her. Her expression took that of a frown. “If only the world was as beautiful as the drawings I create.”

“What do you mean?” Polly asked.

“Don’t be fooled,” Dolly told her. “The nature this world provides such as the wilderness, the breathtaking beaches, the peaceful rainy days, all are wonderful but sadly help in creating the illusion that this world is a beautiful place. That couldn’t be further from the truth. For every beautiful beach, for every calm rainy night, there is a cruel, disgusting person who casts out those they see as different.” Her look turned to one of sadness and sorrow. “That’s something you know all too well, Polly. I know you do. I do as well.”

Polly gave Dolly her own look of sorrow. The look in the artist’s eyes was enough to tell Polly that at that moment, as she was telling her all this, she was reliving painful memories. Memories that no doubt Polly herself felt she would be able to relate to. She walked closer and placed a comforting hand on the other woman’s shoulder.

Dolly gave her a grateful smile before her expression became a serious one. “Tell me Polly… how do you really feel about Rothly?”

Polly was surprised by the question Dolly had asked her. How did she feel about Rothly? Despite the surprise of the question, the answer was an easy one for her. “Rothly is a wonderful place that sadly a lot of people outside of it are too afraid to come to and experience. I know the stories that have been told about it, and even if they are true, things that happened in the past shouldn’t define the town’s present or future. If only people would give a chance, they would see how wonderful it is.”

“That’s the funny thing isn’t it, Polly?” Dolly asked with a chuckle. “The people outside of this town avoid it, act like they’re better when they are no different from the ones here.” She turned away from Polly, a bitter frown forming on her face as she looked up at the night sky. “They think they’re so different when they’re all the same. Disgusting hypocrites.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Polly replied, putting a gentle hand on Dolly’s shoulder. “They’re just afraid. They have families, friends, loved ones that they want to keep safe. They think if they come here, something will happen. Something that either takes them or those loved ones away.” She looks down. “It pains that people think of our town that way.” Her head goes up again. “But it can be changed.”

Dolly gazed back at her. “…I believe that too. No doubt that you plan on making that happen. It’s obvious with what you’ve done.”

“Well all it takes is one person to start one person to start that path to change,” Polly smiled at the artist. “If you don’t give up, show people you really believe in your cause, it’ll inspire them to as well.”

“You really believe in this town,” Dolly replied. A smile came on her face. “I see what you mean when you talk about inspiring people. I feel inspired just by listening to you.”

Hearing this made me Polly happy. Dolly was another person who believed in the town and the changes that could be made. “That makes me very happy to hear, Dolly.”

Dolly looked serious. “It’s gonna be hard. But it can be done.” She grinned at the other woman. “Seeing that you believe in this so much I think already know the answer when I ask if you will be able to do what needs to be done to make that change happen.”

“Of course,” Polly nodded.

“Great!” Dolly beamed. “I’m glad that we were able to talk like this. I knew us finally meeting face to face was right for us both.”

“I agree,” Polly smiled.

“We’re going to change this town, Polly,” Dolly said. “We’re going to fix Rothly and make it better than it ever was in the past. We’ll show this world the mistake it made by casting us out and leaving us in the darkness.”

Before Polly could respond, Dolly wrapped her arms around in a hug. It didn’t take long for Polly to hug her back. It was quite a night she had. She finally put Laura away, then she had that visit at the store that didn’t go so well, but then she met a new friend. One who was just like her. One who wanted to help the town like her.

They would change everything. Make things better for everyone. Together.

——

The events of the previous night ran through Polly’s mind the next morning as she looked in the mirror of her room. She sat there for a few moments, thinking about her conversation with Dolly. How she also wanted to help the town become. She smiled. She wasn’t sure what to make of the whole thing when she first encountered Dolly but she was grateful to have met her. After their talk, she really felt that they could both do great things for everyone. Not only that but maybe they would be able to make everyone see that they didn’t have to be afraid. That they wanted to help.

“Polly?” Filbert’s voice was heard. Polly turned to the door where he was standing with a breakfast sandwich. “How’d you sleep?”

Polly smiled at him. “Really well.”

“Glad to hear it,” Filbert said as he walked in and set the sandwich down next to her. A small smirk came on his face. “It wouldn’t have to do with your new friend would it?”

Polly chuckled and turned back to the mirror. “And what if I said yes?”

“I would say that’s amazing to hear,” Filbert replied. “I’m really glad for you, Polly.”

“Dolly says that she wants to make the town a better place, too,” Polly told Filbert. “She also wants things to be better for everyone. We’re both intent on making that happen, and I just know that together we will.”

“You’ve already been making the town better just by the help you’ve given people,” Filbert told his cousin with a smile. “Regardless of how ungrateful most of them are for it. To know that there is someone for you to connect with, who understands that same goal that you have, makes me feel that you’re more motivated than ever.”

A grin appeared on Polly’s face as she turned to him once again. “You have no idea.” Picking up the sandwich he made her, she took a bite. “Just what I needed. I’ll never get tired of eating, well, anything you make, Filbert.”

Hearing this made Filbert grin as well. “Hey, if I’m gonna be a big chef, I should at least make sure I’m able to make a happy eater out of my cousin.”

“Which is what you’ve always done,” Polly giggled before taking another bite. “Maybe Dolly could have one of these one day.”

“I’d be glad to make one for her,” Filbert said. “So what’s the plan for today?”

“Doing some patrolling,” Polly replied. “The town should be safe with Laura gone, but you never know.”

Filbert nodded in understanding. “I’m guessing you’re planning on dropping by Dolly’s after? Or is she coming with you?”

“I actually didn’t think of that,” Polly replied as she finished her sandwich. “I could ask her. I do have her number.”

“I’d say it’s worth a shot,” Filbert shrugged with a chuckle. “As you said, she wants to help too.”

Polly nodded with a smile. “Yeah, that’s true. I think I’ll call her right now.” She took out her phone and called the artist.

It wasn’t long before Dolly picked up. “Hello?”

“Dolly?” Polly asked. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

“I slept wonderfully,” Dolly replied with a chuckle. “I’ll be honest. I didn’t expect you to call me this early.”

“I just got the idea now,” Polly told her. “I wanted to see if you’d like to come patrolling with me?”

“Patrolling, huh?” Dolly replied. “Are you sure? You’re used to patrolling alone, right?”

“I never minded the idea of company,” Polly said. “The more the merrier. It’s a great way to help everyone and keep the town safe. Just like we talked about.”

There was silence from the other end for a bit. Polly was about to say something when Dolly spoke up. “Alright. If it isn’t any trouble. I’d love to come patrolling with you.”

Polly smiled when she heard that. “Great! I’ll be over your place soon.”

“See you then,” Dolly said.

Polly stood up as she put her phone away and grinned at Filbert. “Looks like she’s coming.”

“I’m sure you two will have a great time,” Filbert smiled. “I’d say be careful, but it’s you so I know you’ll be fine.”

“I’ll see you later,” Polly said as she walked past him.

——

Dolly looked at her newest painting that she had finished not long ago. One that she was sure her new friend would like. It was the two of them, both with smiles on their faces. The artist smiled at her work as she ran a hand in the fur of her cat, the animal purring in response.

“Such a beautiful painting,” Dolly commented. “Wouldn’t you agree, Coopy?” She looked down at the cat, her expression not changing. “It’s like a window of things to come. Me and Polly standing together after our work is done. After we’ve fixed and cleansed the filth of this town and leave a truly beautiful work of art.”

Coopy gazed at the painting. His eyes soon went up to Dolly and he let out a meow. She chuckled and turned as she started walking.

“I just knew you’d like it,” Dolly said. “And Polly’s going to like it, too. This patrol we’re doing should be interesting.” She ended up in the living room and setting the cat down on the couch. “It’s like a chance to work over what we have to work on.”

She sat next to him and took out her sketchpad, going to the pages that were still empty. “I can already see what lies ahead of us. We will see so many mistakes, so many corrections that need to be made, through layers upon layers of the rotten. But it will be no problem for us. We told each other we were going to change things for the better, and that’s what will be done.”

The doorbell soon rang. Dolly looked at her cat again. “I’ll be seeing you later, Coopy.” She got up and headed for the door.

——-

Polly looked upon the town she loved so much from the rooftop she was sitting on. An hour had passed since she and Dolly arrived, and nothing, not one crime, had come to their attention. It was peaceful. The townspeople were going about their day undisturbed. Polly was glad. They were all safe. But she knew something could happen at any moment. Someone could find themselves in danger in need of someone to help, and she would be there.

She looked next to her to see Dolly was drawing on her sketchpad. Having her mask off, Polly smiled at her.

“What are you drawing?” She asked.

“The view,” Dolly replied, not taking her eyes off the pad. “It’s amazing from up here after all. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Absolutely,” Polly smiled before turning back to the view. “I’ve been up here a lot.”

“I could’ve guessed that,” Dolly chuckled. “You did mention you do this a lot.”

“Yep,” Polly chuckled as well. “All the time.”

“Seems pretty peaceful I’d say,” Dolly continued. “The town, I mean. Not a crime in sight.” She grinned as she looked at Polly. “And it has you to thank for that.”

“Well, my friend Henry helped,” Polly said. “We looked and got the info we needed on her together.”

“I didn’t see him in the final fight, though,“ Dolly said.

“He may not have been there until after it was over, but I couldn’t have done it without him,” Polly said.

Dolly didn’t agree, but she didn’t say anything. She just continued on her drawing, finishing it not long after.

She showed it to Polly. “You can keep this one if you want. A nice reminder of the town you protect.”

“I’d love to keep it,” Polly said, taking the picture after Dolly ripped it off the sketchpad. “Thanks.”

Dolly sat her sketchpad beside her as her eyes were on the view. Polly could see that a soft smile came to her face as she was taking it in with full appreciation.

“Have you gotten out?” Polly asked. “You know, been around town?”

“Mostly to take walks or sit at the park,” Dolly replied.

“I like to do that, too,” Polly said. “Funny how I’ve never seen you around there.”

“That’s probably because I only ever do it at night,” Dolly said. “When it’s truly peaceful and there’s no sight of anything bothersome.”

“I see,” Polly said. “Well, have you tried doing anything else?”

“Why would I?” Dolly asked. “I’ve got all I need in my home otherwise.”

“Well, you love the town too, right?” Polly responded. “Don’t you wanna see more of it?”

Dolly looked to be in thought for a moment. “The thought hasn’t really come to my mind. I’ve been thinking more on how to change it.”

“Don’t you think seeing more of it would help with that?” Polly asked. “I know you may be worried when it comes to everyone, but you can start slow, like I did.”

Dolly raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”