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“Hmmmm,” said Ashiok.
“It’s what people call a cosy game,” said Jace. “I think it would be good for you. You really need a hobby besides terrifying people.”
“I like doing that.”
“You still can. You can just grow crops on this adorable imaginary island too. Sometimes pirates wash up on the beach and give you treasure.”
“Shipwrecked?”
“I guess?”
“That’s a bit more interesting,” said the nightmare with half a face. Ashiok tapped at Jace’s switch, face pressed so close that the misty tendrils sprouting from their head spilled across it. Jace had no idea how they could even see the screen through all that.
“The owl is afraid of insects,” continued Ashiok. “When I bring him insects, he grows fearful. Delightful. Can we fill the island with insects?”
“I don’t think so. Uh, there’s a guy with a pumpkin head every Halloween. He’s kind of scary I guess. You might like him.”
“Pumpkins are a nutritional and tasty vegetable,” the nightmare mused. “A man with a pumpkin for a head would appear delectable rather than terrifying, I should think.”
“Not my area of expertise, dude. Ash? Can I call you Ash?”
“You may not.”
“Jace, why did you invite them?” Chandra groaned.
“It’s my house and I’ll invite who I want to.”
“But why would you want to invite them? Come here and play Mario with us.”
“Ooh, the bear with the stitches looks appropriately frightening,” commented Ashiok.
“Yeah, Stitches is pretty great.”
“They are asking to leave-”
“No!!”
Jace whirled around but it was too late. Ashiok, with the toothiest and most eyeless grin he’d seen from them yet, extended one delicate hand towards him and offered him the console. Jace took it in shaking hands.
“Stitches? No! Why would you let him leave?”
“The game is called New Horizons, is it not? Let him find some new horizons of his own.”
“I am going to kill you in your sleep.”
“I do not sleep,” said the living nightmare.
“Well, whatever. One day when your guard is down I’m going to find you. And I’ll get you back for this.”
“I shall look forward to it,” said Ashiok.