Scenes from my story about Douglas and Stan
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 5:06 pm
Ok, so I've decided to post bits and pieces from my story about how my friend and I got to Babylon Gardens and what we're doing there. To make writing easier for me, I'm using a script style and scenes. These will be posted in no particular order, so it will probably jump back and forth between past and present.
The premise of the story is that I made a petty wish that I could be a dog and an entity known as The Djinni. So, I end up trapped in the Housepets! universe, having been turned into a corgi and stuck with the name "Douglas" (sort of like how King was stuck with that name). Unable to help me out, Bahamut called upon my best friend from the Rick Griffin universe (not sure why it's called that) to join me in the Housepets! universe as a friend to help me adjust to my new circumstances. Upon request, he was sent in as a husky, but as such, he had to give up his old name and go by the name Stanley or "Stan" for short; however, unlike me, he still has the ability to say and think his old name (lucky dog!), but chose to go by Stan because he felt bad for me.
Characters:
Housepets! Cast
Douglas Collier - a Pembroke Welsh corgi who was formerly human; from the RG universe. Made a petty wish and was trapped in the Housepets! universe by an entity known as "The Djinni". Has a crush on Shelly Goldstein that compares to King's crush on Bailey, and similar questions about the implications of dating a dog, since he was previously a human.
Stanley (Stan) Collier - an Alaskan/Siberian husky mix who was formerly human; from the RG universe. Sent by Bahamut to help me adjust to my new life as a dog in the Housepets! universe. Has a coin/medallion that he can use to go back and forth between the HP! and RG universes every couple of months for a week or so at a time (unfortunately it doesn't work for me).
Thomas (Tom) Collier - a human in his mid 20s; Takes Douglas and Stan into his home and serves as their owner/caretaker (hence us having the surname Collier). Very kind and religious, but very quiet. His parents died shortly after he finished college and, being an only child, he inherited his childhood home in Babylon Gardens, where he lived with his childhood pet and best friend, Garry. Garry died of old age a couple of years later, devastating Tom and causing him to become withdrawn to the point of becoming a recluse; but since the arrival of Stan and Douglas, he's been opening up more. Tom works from home. He enjoys cooking and fishing, and has a mild interest in gaming (mostly PC games, though he does have a Wii).
Shelly Goldstein - a sheltie mix; about 6 years old. Quieter than most dogs, but friendly and compassionate - especially toward Douglas, whom she thinks is cute.
Mary Goldstein - a human; owner of Shelly. In her mid 20s. Loves science fiction and fantasy. Attends the same church as Thomas, but never got a chance to really meet him until recently. But she sees in him a lot of potential, and wants to bring it out.
The Djenni - a demigod. The Djenni was banished to this universe and trapped in an old bottle as punishment for being such a troll in Universes and Unrealities. He keeps himself entertained by granting random people's wishes, but with a twist or two - nothing malevolent, just unexpected and vaguely annoying at worst - and then watching passively from afar (sort of the cosmic equivalent of watching soap operas). As an expert in cosmic law and the rules of U&U, he is very good about spinning webs of red tape and loopholes (part of the reason he was kicked out), which make any wishes he grants practically impossible to be overturned by the Heavenly court - at least not until after a good millennia or two of paperwork (not even subjective time makes that less of a drag).
Without further ado, here I go.
(At the Collier House)
*Knock at the door. Tom answers.*
Thomas: Stan! Doug! It’s for you.
*Stan and Doug come out of their room and look down over the banister.*
Stanley: Oh, hi Fox! Tarot. What’s up?
Fox: Well, the Good Ole Dogs club is meeting soon, and we were wondering if you guys might want to introduce yourselves.
Stanley: Thanks for the offer, Fox, but I’m not sure Doug is up to meeting other dogs right now.
Douglas: … No, I feel like we should go.
Stanley: (surprised) Really?
Douglas: Yeah – I just feel like this is important for me to do today.
Fox: Well great! Do you need to get anything before we go?
Stanley: *looks at Doug, who shrugs* Nope, I think we’re good.
Fox: Cool. Come down and let’s get going then.
(At the Good Ole Dogs social, Fox is introducing Doug and Stan to various dogs; Tarot is quietly observing what’s going on.)
Fox: Ah, King! You’re here! Hey, I’d like to introduce some new friends, Stan and Douglas Collier.
King: Ah, newcomers! Welcome to the Good Ole Dogs club.
(Commotion in the background)
Fox: Oh dear, it looks like Bino’s being a nuisance again. I’d better go see what’s going on. Stan, do you want to join me?
Stanley: Sure.
Fox: We’ll be right back.
*Fox and Stan leave*
King: So, you must be Douglas.
Douglas: Er, yes.
King: *shakes Doug’s hand* It’s nice to meet you Douglas; it’s nice to see another corgi around here for a change. Listen, I’d really like to talk, but I really should get go –
Tarot: Douglas is a human that was turned into a dog, just like you, King.
King: (surprised) Really? *Doug nods, somewhat surprised himself*. We have a lot to talk about! Tell me, how’re you enjoying being a dog?
Douglas: Uh, sort of weird, but I’m getting used to it. You’re human?
King: Was – I think of myself as a dog now. The first year or two I didn’t think anything would be better than being changed back into a human – but I wouldn’t have it any other way now.
Douglas: Really, why’s that?
King: (sheepishly) Well, I found myself a girl. *turns and waves at Bailey, who is having fun talking to another dog friend; she notices and waves back* Yeah, Bailey’s my everything. *King stares dreamily, then turns back to Doug* Sorry, got lost for a second there. Where were we?
Douglas: You were talking about getting used to being a dog.
King: Oh yeah. Well, the hardest thing for me was making friends with other dogs, but I see you’ve managed to do that with your friend Stan.
Tarot: Stanley was human too.
King: Is everyone new to town a human in a dog suit?!
Tarot: No, just these two and you, and at least one other, maybe two.
King: Really? Who else?
Tarot: That's a secret.
King: *sighs exasperatedly and shakes his head* Well, if either of you need help figuring out how to be a dog, you can talk to me.
(Commotion in the background changes to cheering)
King: Ah, it looks like Bino is getting beat up. This I want to see.
Tarot: King, there’s one other thing you should know about Douglas and Stanley: They’re from another universe.
King: What? What do you mean by “another universe”? They’re not aliens are they?
Tarot: No, nothing like that. They’re from a universe parallel to ours where most things are the same. The biggest difference is that nearly all animals where they are from are quadrupeds that can’t talk.
King: Really? Wow… This must be pretty strange for you then.
Douglas: *nods sheepishly* A bit. Yeah.
King: *scratches head* Well, I’m not sure how to help you there. All I can say is try to make the best of it.
(Fox and Stan return)
Fox: Well, Bino’s off to the hospital to get his broken nose fixed. Stan convinced me not to put him in traction.
King: *turns to Stan* So you’re a human from another universe, huh?
Stanley: What?! Er – yeah. Did Doug tell you?
King: No, Tarot did.
Fox: Wait! You’re a human too??!
Stanley: Wait, what do you mean “too”?
King: I’m also human, or I used to be.
Stanley: Cool – so we’re not alone.
Fox: HOW MANY HUMAN DOGS ARE THERE AROUND HERE??!!
Tarot: Just these two, plus King – and one, maybe two other dogs, and soon a cat.
*Fox facepalms*
King: Just treat them the way you treated me when we first met.
Fox: I didn’t know you were a human then!
King: I wasn’t. I was a dog, just like I am now and just like they are. They’re just trying to fit in.
Fox: *sigh* This is going to take some getting used to. Alright, I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear this. I don’t even want to know about that part about another universe.
Tarot: Douglas and Stanley are from a univ-
Fox: *waving his arms* I said I didn’t want to hear it! As far as I’m concerned, they are two dogs that are new to the neighborhood and I am here to help them get acclimated to their new circumstances. I’ll deal with the rest later.
King: Thanks friend, I owe you one. *King catches sight of Bailey waving him over to her* Well, I’d better get going. As I said earlier, if you two ever need help figuring out how to be dogs, just ask me. Enjoy the party! *King goes to join Bailey*
Stanley: I see why you felt we needed to be here tonight.
Douglas: (thinking) I feel like that was a big part of it, but I don’t think that’s the only reason I was supposed to be here tonight.
Fox: Well, there are some more people I’d like to introduce you too (and a few I probably shouldn’t introduce you to). Come on.
(A little later, after introductions to various dogs)
Fox: … And that’s Shelly Goldstein. She’s a little bit quieter than most, but friendly. Hey, Shelly! Come and meet our newest club members, Stan and Doug – er – Douglas.
Shelly: *walks up to them* Hi, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Shelly.
Stanley: It’s good to meet you. I’m Stan.
Shelly: Nice to meet you, Stan. *turns and stoops down* So this little guy must be Douglas.
Douglas: *blushes* I, uh, er. Yeah. I’m Douglas. I think.
Shelly: *giggles* I guess you had your name changed pretty recently, huh?
Douglas: Um, yeah, but I’m getting used to it.
*Sasha walks up and tugs at Shelly’s arm*
Sasha: Shelly, I think Mary’s looking for you.
Shelly: Oh, I suppose I should go. It was nice to meet you guys. I hope to see more of you in the future.
Stanley: *looks at Doug’s reaction and smiles* I think you will.
(Following Shelly and Sasha)
Sasha: Hey, you were more talkative with them than most of the other new dogs… especially with that little corgi. *Sasha winks and nudges Shelly*
Shelly: (blushing) Well… I – kinda like Douglas... I think he’s cute.
Sasha: Yay! Maybe we’ll have another doggy wedding sooner than I thought.
Shelly: (embarrassed smile) Oh Sasha…
(Back to Douglas, Stan and Fox)
Douglas: … She smells nice.
Fox: *smiles knowingly and ribs Doug* Ah, Doug has a crush. That’s what they all say.
*Douglas smiles dreamily, watching Shelly leave.*
EDIT: Changed the spacing to make it easier to read and made a couple of changes to the dialogue.
The premise of the story is that I made a petty wish that I could be a dog and an entity known as The Djinni. So, I end up trapped in the Housepets! universe, having been turned into a corgi and stuck with the name "Douglas" (sort of like how King was stuck with that name). Unable to help me out, Bahamut called upon my best friend from the Rick Griffin universe (not sure why it's called that) to join me in the Housepets! universe as a friend to help me adjust to my new circumstances. Upon request, he was sent in as a husky, but as such, he had to give up his old name and go by the name Stanley or "Stan" for short; however, unlike me, he still has the ability to say and think his old name (lucky dog!), but chose to go by Stan because he felt bad for me.
Characters:
Housepets! Cast
Douglas Collier - a Pembroke Welsh corgi who was formerly human; from the RG universe. Made a petty wish and was trapped in the Housepets! universe by an entity known as "The Djinni". Has a crush on Shelly Goldstein that compares to King's crush on Bailey, and similar questions about the implications of dating a dog, since he was previously a human.
Stanley (Stan) Collier - an Alaskan/Siberian husky mix who was formerly human; from the RG universe. Sent by Bahamut to help me adjust to my new life as a dog in the Housepets! universe. Has a coin/medallion that he can use to go back and forth between the HP! and RG universes every couple of months for a week or so at a time (unfortunately it doesn't work for me).
Thomas (Tom) Collier - a human in his mid 20s; Takes Douglas and Stan into his home and serves as their owner/caretaker (hence us having the surname Collier). Very kind and religious, but very quiet. His parents died shortly after he finished college and, being an only child, he inherited his childhood home in Babylon Gardens, where he lived with his childhood pet and best friend, Garry. Garry died of old age a couple of years later, devastating Tom and causing him to become withdrawn to the point of becoming a recluse; but since the arrival of Stan and Douglas, he's been opening up more. Tom works from home. He enjoys cooking and fishing, and has a mild interest in gaming (mostly PC games, though he does have a Wii).
Shelly Goldstein - a sheltie mix; about 6 years old. Quieter than most dogs, but friendly and compassionate - especially toward Douglas, whom she thinks is cute.
Mary Goldstein - a human; owner of Shelly. In her mid 20s. Loves science fiction and fantasy. Attends the same church as Thomas, but never got a chance to really meet him until recently. But she sees in him a lot of potential, and wants to bring it out.
The Djenni - a demigod. The Djenni was banished to this universe and trapped in an old bottle as punishment for being such a troll in Universes and Unrealities. He keeps himself entertained by granting random people's wishes, but with a twist or two - nothing malevolent, just unexpected and vaguely annoying at worst - and then watching passively from afar (sort of the cosmic equivalent of watching soap operas). As an expert in cosmic law and the rules of U&U, he is very good about spinning webs of red tape and loopholes (part of the reason he was kicked out), which make any wishes he grants practically impossible to be overturned by the Heavenly court - at least not until after a good millennia or two of paperwork (not even subjective time makes that less of a drag).
Without further ado, here I go.
(At the Collier House)
*Knock at the door. Tom answers.*
Thomas: Stan! Doug! It’s for you.
*Stan and Doug come out of their room and look down over the banister.*
Stanley: Oh, hi Fox! Tarot. What’s up?
Fox: Well, the Good Ole Dogs club is meeting soon, and we were wondering if you guys might want to introduce yourselves.
Stanley: Thanks for the offer, Fox, but I’m not sure Doug is up to meeting other dogs right now.
Douglas: … No, I feel like we should go.
Stanley: (surprised) Really?
Douglas: Yeah – I just feel like this is important for me to do today.
Fox: Well great! Do you need to get anything before we go?
Stanley: *looks at Doug, who shrugs* Nope, I think we’re good.
Fox: Cool. Come down and let’s get going then.
(At the Good Ole Dogs social, Fox is introducing Doug and Stan to various dogs; Tarot is quietly observing what’s going on.)
Fox: Ah, King! You’re here! Hey, I’d like to introduce some new friends, Stan and Douglas Collier.
King: Ah, newcomers! Welcome to the Good Ole Dogs club.
(Commotion in the background)
Fox: Oh dear, it looks like Bino’s being a nuisance again. I’d better go see what’s going on. Stan, do you want to join me?
Stanley: Sure.
Fox: We’ll be right back.
*Fox and Stan leave*
King: So, you must be Douglas.
Douglas: Er, yes.
King: *shakes Doug’s hand* It’s nice to meet you Douglas; it’s nice to see another corgi around here for a change. Listen, I’d really like to talk, but I really should get go –
Tarot: Douglas is a human that was turned into a dog, just like you, King.
King: (surprised) Really? *Doug nods, somewhat surprised himself*. We have a lot to talk about! Tell me, how’re you enjoying being a dog?
Douglas: Uh, sort of weird, but I’m getting used to it. You’re human?
King: Was – I think of myself as a dog now. The first year or two I didn’t think anything would be better than being changed back into a human – but I wouldn’t have it any other way now.
Douglas: Really, why’s that?
King: (sheepishly) Well, I found myself a girl. *turns and waves at Bailey, who is having fun talking to another dog friend; she notices and waves back* Yeah, Bailey’s my everything. *King stares dreamily, then turns back to Doug* Sorry, got lost for a second there. Where were we?
Douglas: You were talking about getting used to being a dog.
King: Oh yeah. Well, the hardest thing for me was making friends with other dogs, but I see you’ve managed to do that with your friend Stan.
Tarot: Stanley was human too.
King: Is everyone new to town a human in a dog suit?!
Tarot: No, just these two and you, and at least one other, maybe two.
King: Really? Who else?
Tarot: That's a secret.
King: *sighs exasperatedly and shakes his head* Well, if either of you need help figuring out how to be a dog, you can talk to me.
(Commotion in the background changes to cheering)
King: Ah, it looks like Bino is getting beat up. This I want to see.
Tarot: King, there’s one other thing you should know about Douglas and Stanley: They’re from another universe.
King: What? What do you mean by “another universe”? They’re not aliens are they?
Tarot: No, nothing like that. They’re from a universe parallel to ours where most things are the same. The biggest difference is that nearly all animals where they are from are quadrupeds that can’t talk.
King: Really? Wow… This must be pretty strange for you then.
Douglas: *nods sheepishly* A bit. Yeah.
King: *scratches head* Well, I’m not sure how to help you there. All I can say is try to make the best of it.
(Fox and Stan return)
Fox: Well, Bino’s off to the hospital to get his broken nose fixed. Stan convinced me not to put him in traction.
King: *turns to Stan* So you’re a human from another universe, huh?
Stanley: What?! Er – yeah. Did Doug tell you?
King: No, Tarot did.
Fox: Wait! You’re a human too??!
Stanley: Wait, what do you mean “too”?
King: I’m also human, or I used to be.
Stanley: Cool – so we’re not alone.
Fox: HOW MANY HUMAN DOGS ARE THERE AROUND HERE??!!
Tarot: Just these two, plus King – and one, maybe two other dogs, and soon a cat.
*Fox facepalms*
King: Just treat them the way you treated me when we first met.
Fox: I didn’t know you were a human then!
King: I wasn’t. I was a dog, just like I am now and just like they are. They’re just trying to fit in.
Fox: *sigh* This is going to take some getting used to. Alright, I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear this. I don’t even want to know about that part about another universe.
Tarot: Douglas and Stanley are from a univ-
Fox: *waving his arms* I said I didn’t want to hear it! As far as I’m concerned, they are two dogs that are new to the neighborhood and I am here to help them get acclimated to their new circumstances. I’ll deal with the rest later.
King: Thanks friend, I owe you one. *King catches sight of Bailey waving him over to her* Well, I’d better get going. As I said earlier, if you two ever need help figuring out how to be dogs, just ask me. Enjoy the party! *King goes to join Bailey*
Stanley: I see why you felt we needed to be here tonight.
Douglas: (thinking) I feel like that was a big part of it, but I don’t think that’s the only reason I was supposed to be here tonight.
Fox: Well, there are some more people I’d like to introduce you too (and a few I probably shouldn’t introduce you to). Come on.
(A little later, after introductions to various dogs)
Fox: … And that’s Shelly Goldstein. She’s a little bit quieter than most, but friendly. Hey, Shelly! Come and meet our newest club members, Stan and Doug – er – Douglas.
Shelly: *walks up to them* Hi, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Shelly.
Stanley: It’s good to meet you. I’m Stan.
Shelly: Nice to meet you, Stan. *turns and stoops down* So this little guy must be Douglas.
Douglas: *blushes* I, uh, er. Yeah. I’m Douglas. I think.
Shelly: *giggles* I guess you had your name changed pretty recently, huh?
Douglas: Um, yeah, but I’m getting used to it.
*Sasha walks up and tugs at Shelly’s arm*
Sasha: Shelly, I think Mary’s looking for you.
Shelly: Oh, I suppose I should go. It was nice to meet you guys. I hope to see more of you in the future.
Stanley: *looks at Doug’s reaction and smiles* I think you will.
(Following Shelly and Sasha)
Sasha: Hey, you were more talkative with them than most of the other new dogs… especially with that little corgi. *Sasha winks and nudges Shelly*
Shelly: (blushing) Well… I – kinda like Douglas... I think he’s cute.
Sasha: Yay! Maybe we’ll have another doggy wedding sooner than I thought.
Shelly: (embarrassed smile) Oh Sasha…
(Back to Douglas, Stan and Fox)
Douglas: … She smells nice.
Fox: *smiles knowingly and ribs Doug* Ah, Doug has a crush. That’s what they all say.
*Douglas smiles dreamily, watching Shelly leave.*
EDIT: Changed the spacing to make it easier to read and made a couple of changes to the dialogue.