Bloody Mary

For the scarezone, see Dark Reflections

Bloody Mary (aka Dr. Mary Agana) was the original event icon created for Halloween Horror Nights Orlando's 18^th event, Halloween Horror Nights: Reflections of Fear. Based on the legend of Bloody Mary, Universal created an elaborate backstory for her transformation from psychiatrist to Bloody Mary. Mary made appearances in the advertising and other aspects of the event.

Background

Dr. Mary Agana was introduced on the HalloweenHorrorNights.com website on July 1, 2008. Website visitors entered her office and read her journal as it appeared in 1958. Her office was shown with a large mirror reflecting her desk, initially shown as clean and orderly. In her journal appeared a letter establishing her as a psychiatrist whose methods were rejected by the National Association of Mental Health (NAMH), and whose grandmother had died and left her many of her possessions in her will. Weekly, new pages were added to the journal as she took new cases and used her methods despite the rejection letter. With each case it became clearer that her sanity was waning as she tortured her patients with fear. Treating the patients with an immersion therapy for their fears, she sent her first two patients to asylums, however her third patient was inadvertently killed during therapy. Her next journal entry showed the excitement she felt over the patient's death, and was accompanied by a change in her office becoming more disheveled.

With her next case, her writing became sloppier and she scribbled many pictures on the pages. This patient and the next were both killed, although not directly by Mary herself. She began to question her own sanity in her journal, but continued to see patients. Her next two cases included one of the NAMH doctors who had rejected her and another man (Boris Shuster). She killed the doctor with her own hands and had become insane.

In one of her last journal entries, Mary continually wrote August 27 on the page. Throughout that day, her office changed again, aging fifty-years to bring the website to the present. Her final journal entry was revealed as the mirror broke open and she became Bloody Mary. A paranormal investigation team founded by Shuster, Legendary Truth investigated the incident in the office on August 27, 2008, the fifty-year anniversary of Agana's transformation into Bloody Mary. They revealed her as the inspiration for the urban legend.

Backstory

The Old Urban Legend

The Urban Legend of Bloody Mary goes back as far as anyone can remember. Everyone knows it, yet no one knows it's true source. According to the legend, the ghost named Bloody Mary is said to appear in a mirror when her name is stated three times, though there are many variations as to what happens afterward. It is believed that legend stretches as far back as Queen Mary I of England. However, the most recent and historicaly accurate version concerns a doctor named Mary Agana & Bloody Mary's Music Box. There is/was this charm to see her through your bedroom mirror however, a lot of people think it as less likely.

The Events of 1908

Mary Worthington, a school teacher in the small town of Carey, Ohio, was killed on August 27, 1908 as a result of a Halloween prank orchestrated by the school handyman, Aldridge Kesterson. Six students (Louise Hatfield, George Von Stebler, Shawn McPherson, Jim Deedle, Alice Dodgson, and Jeremiah Kubsch) were also involved in the mysterious death of their teacher; one student, Thornton Kesterson, was not present due to the persistent goading by his father, Aldridge. The schoolmaster, Mr. Renshaw, found his schoolhouse in complete disarray with blood and shards of glass scattered across the room. Although suspected murdered, Mrs. Worthington's body was never found, and was classified missing.

The Events of 1958

Marie W. Agana, daughter of Mary Worthington, dies on June 20, 1958. Dr. Mary Agana, daughter of Marie W. Agana, receives a letter from Alexander Pohl, her family attorney, that informs her of the wishes of her late mother. Mary will receive several valuable silver heirlooms that originally belonged to her grandmother, Mary Worthington. Most notably, Mary receives a silver jewelry box/music box that seems to possess her over time. On June 25, 1958, Mary receives a letter from the National Association of Mental Health that informs her that the board members of the NAMH have denied funding for her immersive fear therapy program. Dr. Gustav Heim, the director of the NAMH, states within the letter that he is disturbed that Dr. Mary Agana may proceed with her plan regardless. Dr. Agana opens up her own facility, Living Fearlessly: Specialized Treatments for Fear Based Ailments, in 1958 to begin her immersive therapy program. She hires assistants from a local facility, that are believed to be ex-cons or mental patients.

Over the course of a few months, Mary sees several patients and discovers new ways to “cure” them of their fears and phobias. However, due to the disappearance of Charlie McPherson, a freelance photographer hired by private investigator Boris Shuster, Shuster begins an investigation into Dr. Mary Agana and her clinic. As patients begin to disappear from the clinic, Boris begins to wonder what really goes on inside of Dr. Agana’s practice. Mary begins to suspect she is being watched, perhaps by Boris, as well as by her grandmother Mary Worthington through the mirror. Shuster makes an appointment with Dr. Mary Agana on August 27, 1958 to discover the truth behind the mysterious psychiatrist. On this night, Mary Agana is brutally murdered, supposedly by Boris Shuster, but her body was never found (it was later dicovered that the murderer was a man named David Gronoll, a boxer/ ex- con who was either one of her patients or one of the assistants who worked for her). Some believe that the spirit of “Bloody Mary,” none other than Mary’s grandmother Mary Worthington, had been gradually possessing Dr. Mary Agana since she inherited her heirlooms in June of 1958. In 2008, Legendary Truth: The Collective, which was started by Boris Shuster back in 1958, begins an investigation on the disappearance of Mary Agana. Collective field operatives collect information and visit Dr. Agana’s office, which is still in utter disarray since her brutal death. At 11:03 pm on August 27, 2008, a manifestation of “Bloody Mary” is detected by the field agents, whom were never heard from again. Calvin Thorncastle, CEO of Legendary Truth: The Collective, quickly dispatches new operatives into Mary Agana’s world to collect additional information on the doctor and her relationship to “Bloody Mary” and the seven patients that fell victim to her treatments.

The Patients

Eileen Harrell

Markham Harrell (artist) marries Louise Hatfield (storyteller - Grimm’s fairytales) in 1920. They have a daughter, Eileen Harrell, on June 16, 1922. Eileen opens her own company illustrating children’s storybooks in 1954, but quickly goes bankrupt. She then begins working for a publishing business and publishes “Children’s Classics” in April 1955.

Eileen also illustrated for comic books, most notably AtomicComics volume number 24, entitled “Creatures!” that was based off of the mysterious death of bar owner Jim Deedle. Eileen regularly attends the Kitty Kat Club bar, where she meets Michael Petty and draws illustrations on a napkin keepsake for Michael. Eileen makes an appointment on July 9, 1958 to see Dr. Mary Agana in order to cure her fear of myths and legends, particularly the Headless Horseman. Dr. Agana makes Eileen approach a table next to a mirror and exposes her to a severed human head Agana borrowed from a local anatomy class, which sets Eileen into convulsion and uncontrolled hysteria. As a result, Dr. Agana arranged hospitalization and medication in a private facility. Mary herself becomes confused and puzzled by her reaction, seeing that an inanimate object like a severed head can hurt no one, even upon examining the object.

Lt. Von Stebler

German-American Admiral George Von Stebler (retired naval admiral and harbor master) fathers a son on December 11, 1936. Due to circumstances surrounding his father’s life during WWII, Lt. Von Stebler grows up with a fear of the infamous legend “Bloody Mary.” Lt. Von Stebler is rejected as an applicant to become an astronaut by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics due to his psychological distress. In order to help his son who is facing a Section 8 discharge from the U.S. Navy, George brings him to Dr. Christian Kubsch, who is a board member for the National Association of Mental Health. Unable to help Lt. Von Stebler with his fear himself, George Von Stebler becomes desperate for help. Admiral Von Stebler suggests taking his son to Dr. Mary Agana, who specializes in fear therapy, but Dr. Kubsch warns him not to bring his son to Dr. Agana since he was familiar with her work and her untraditional and possibly dangerous practices. Going against Dr. Kubsch’s opinion, George Von Stebler makes an appointment for his son to visit with Dr. Agana on July 15, 1958 in order to cure his fear of “visions” of undefined symbols that he believes will lead to catastrophic events.

Dr. Agana exposes him to a slideshow of Dr. Kubsch’s fishing trip in the summer of 1946, during which time Lt. Von Stebler first saw these symbols, which led him to uncontrollable night terrors. During the slideshow, Von Stebler is strapped into a seat that forces him to view the images, and is told he is allowed to draw anything he wishes with a pen and paper. The slideshow becomes too much for Von Stebler to comprehend and he uses his free hand to carve the symbols on his body, particularly with a fountain pen and he damages his left eye's blood vein in an attempt to free himself from the eye restraints. As a result, Dr. Agana arranged hospitalization and medication in a private facility. Dr. Agana kept the pen as a momento, while finding an interest in the fact that a single photo can drive a man mad.

Charlie McPherson

Shawn McPherson (photographer) graduates from Ohio University and replaces John R. Neill in 1930 as head magazine photographer. Shawn fathers a son, Charlie, on November 26, 1918. Charlie becomes a photographer with the Metropolitan Tribune in 1948, but is fired in 1955.

He becomes a freelance photographer and one of his first jobs, in 1955, deals with him photographing Thornton M. Kesterson, a gem dealer whose reputation is in dispute. McPherson is then hired by private investigator Boris Shuster in 1958 to take pictures of Frank Bennett’s infidelity against his wife Diane Bennett. Charlie McPherson makes an appointment on July 22, 1958 to see Dr. Mary Agana in order to cure his fear of seeing ghostly images in his photography. Also knowing about his fears of the dark and of enclosed spaces, Dr. Agana places McPherson in a glass box with limited air and gives him the choice to entomb himself in the box or to open the lid and face his fear of the surroundings, which included a dark room filled with flash bulbs illuminating ghostly images. McPherson chooses not to open the lid and he dies due to a lack of oxygen, becoming Dr. Agana's first victim. Dr. Agana finds his choice to be quite fascinating and this marks a change: one in Dr. Agana's behavior, and Boris begins to investigate MacPherson's disappearence.

Johnny Deedle

Jim Deedle opens the Butchered Buck bar in 1935. In 1939, Jim’s sister, Carla, marries Peter Samish (gun dealer), who owns his own company, Samish Gun Supply Wholesalers. Jim fathers a son, Johnny Deedle, on July 29, 1940 and he organizes a celebration in his bar on August 15, 1940. Jim dies under unexplained circumstances, which causes his son to move in with his uncle and becomes an apprentice gunsmith. Johnny reads volume 24 of AtomicComics entitled “Creatures!”, which was illustrated by Eileen Harrell. The comic book focused on the invasion of alien-like creatures with long tentacles that killed a man by the name of Jim Deedle. As a result of the traumatizing comic book, Johnny quickly develops a fear of creatures living under his bed, which is presumably tied into his father’s mysterious death.

To protect the Butchered Buck, Peter Samish begins supplying shotguns to the bar in 1957. Samish begins to worry about his eighteen-year-old nephew and makes an appointment for him to see Dr. Mary Agana in hopes that her immersive fear therapy will cure him of his phobia. Johnny sees Dr. Mary Agana on July 30, 1958 so she can help stop his recurring nightmares of strangulation by a octopus-like creature. Dr. Agana hypnotizes Johnny, puts a burlap sack over his head and ties ropes around his body to make it seem as if he is being strangulated by the tentacles belonging to the octopus-like monsters in the comic. Johnny is placed on a table and is forced to balance on it as Agana removes the hypnotic effects upon him. She gives him the choice to stand there and continue to be strangulated by the ropes or to step off the ledge (simply the table) into the green abyss he so often fears. Johnny chooses to step off the ledge, which results in his strangulation since Dr. Agana had tied a noose around his neck.

Diane Bennett

Charles Dodgson, Sr. and an unnamed minor give birth to a son, Charles Dodgson, Jr. Charles, Jr. fathers a daughter, Alice Dodgson, who develops a stutter as a result of a speech impediment that both her father and grandfather possessed. Alice mothers a daughter, Diane (Dodgson) Bennett, on November 21, 1920. Diane becomes a drama and vocal coach who develops a fear of stories and fairy tales after reading “Children‘s Classics,” which was published through Eileen Harrell‘s company. Diane marries Frank Bennett in New York City on March 25, 1951. Frank becomes unfaithful to his wife and Diane hires private investigator Boris Shuster to look into Frank’s possible infidelity. Freelance photographer Charlie McPherson takes photographs of Frank with his mistress, which ultimately results in the divorce between Diane and Frank Bennett in July of 1958.

This traumatic experience for Diane enhances her fear of stories that end with “happily ever after.” Diane Bennett makes an appointment on August 8, 1958 to see Dr. Mary Agana in order to cure her fear of poetry and stories. Dr. Agana places Diane in the center of a circle, where she is surrounded by hypnotized patients from a local facility, each patient has a mirror below their chair. When the testing begins, the patients begin reciting lines from various fairy tales, which causes Diane to enter a severe bout of crying and hysteria. When she can no longer handle the immersive treatment, Diane recites the safe word (presumably “Mary”), which triggers the patients to brutally attack and kill her.

Thornton Kesterson

Aldridge Kesterson moves from town to town around New England during the 1880’s as a carpenter and coffin maker. Aldridge fathers a son, Thornton M. Kesterson, on March 9, 1891 in Bristol County. Aldridge is suspected of criminal activity, possibly involving the smuggling of bodies to and from London as a result of the “Jack the Ripper” murders. Due to Aldridge’s suspected relationship to Body Collector George (Chapman) Kubsch and the “Ripper” murders, the Kestersons permanently relocated to the MidWest in 1892. Strong evidence, such as Thornton’s school poems, shows that Aldridge was physiologically abusive to his son throughout his childhood years. Aldridge is hired by Mr. Renshaw of the Carey, Ohio schoolhouse to be the handyman. On August 27, 1908, he developed a Halloween prank that would target the school teacher, Mary Worthington. He convinced six school children to participate in the ritual, while Thornton was scared by his father’s plan and left the schoolhouse running into the cornfields. Aldridge’s plan went too far and resulted in the accidental death/disappearence of Mary Worthingtone , which left blood and broken glass shattered across the schoolhouse. As an adult, Thornton becomes a gem trader and travels around the world in search for precious and valuable gems. He became paranoid of the various diseases that he might contract on his expeditions and developed a fear of fire, viruses, and cannibalism. Thornton visited the office of Dr. Christian Kubsch, a general practitioner at the time, to receive a variety of vaccinations from 1942-1943. His reputation as a reputable diamond broker came into question in 1955 when freelance photographer Charlie McPherson caught Thornton smuggling diamonds and other precious gems into the country. Thornton Kesterson makes an appointment on August 18, 1958 to see Dr. Mary Agana in order to cure his fear of being contaminated from his many international trips. Also knowing about his fear of fire, Dr. Agana straps Thornton into a table that is placed in front of an industrial jet surrounded by mirrors. She tells him that the flames from the jet will help "decontaminate" him, but when she turns the jet on, Thornton is quickly incinerated. Before he burns to death, Thorton croaks the word, "Mary" and the mirrors break due to the intense heat and the shards impale his charred body.

Dr. Christian Kubsch

Andrew Borden fathers a daughter, Lizzie, in London, England. Andrew builds coffins for a living and is noted for making coffins for two of the “Jack the Ripper” victims, Mary Ann Nichols who was murdered on August 31, 1888 and Elizabeth Stride who was murdered on September 30, 1888. The autopsies for Nichols and Stride were conducted by George Chapman, who is under suspicion for being involved in their deaths based on evidence of falsified death certificates. It is also believed that George Chapman was the founder of the Body Collectors outfit, which collects and murders people to sell their bodies and body parts on the black market. This, along with Chapman’s side job of being a barber (“Sweeny Todd”) and general practitioner, helped supplement his family income. With the fear of being caught, George Chapman fled to the United States in 1888, where he changed the family name from Chapman to Kubsch. In 1892, George fathered a son, Jeremiah Kubsch. George Kubsch returned to England in 1903, when his real identity of Seweryn Klosowski was discovered, and was hung for murdering his three wives as part of his “collecting” business. Back in the United States, Jeremiah Kubsch attends school in the small town of Carey, Ohio. When he turned eighteen, Jeremiah and seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Carol of England gave birth to a son, Christian Kubsch on May 5, 1910 in the Wyandot County Hospital. Christian grows up to be a general practitioner and he immunizes gem dealer Thornton Kesterson between 1942 and 1943 so he can travel the world looking for exotic and precious gems and diamonds. He takes a break from his job and goes on a fishing trip in the summer of 1946 with navy pilot Lt. Von Stebler and his father Admiral George Von Stebler, where he creates a slideshow of their trip. Curious about the human mind and Von Stebler’s developing fear of apocalyptic signs, Christian becomes a doctor of psychiatry in 1948. He is also driven to make this decision due to his own developing fear of operations and cadavers, which probably emulated from the work of his grandfather. Christian Kubsch is hired by Dr. Gustav Heim to be a board member of the National Association of Mental Health. He is later approached by George Von Stebler, who is requesting help for his son, Lt. Von Stebler and his growing fear of apocalyptic “visions” and signs. Christian cannot offer help, but warns George Von Stebler about the practices of Dr. Mary Agana, one of their doctors. In 1958, Dr. Mary Agana requests funding from the NAMH for her Phobia Exposure Therapy Project. On June 25, 1958, Dr. Heim and the board members of the NAMH deny this grant to Dr. Agana for fear that her treatments would cause irreversible damage to her patients. Dr. Mary Agana leaves the NAMH and begins her own business. She kidnaps Christian Kubsch and brings him to her office on August 20, 1958, where she brutally kills him by drilling a hole through his back in an attempt to cure him of his fear of dead bodies and gruesome operations and as an act of revenge.

Boris Shuster, P.I.

Boris Shuster is a private investigator in New York City. He is hired by Diane Bennett to investigate the possible infidelity of her husband, Frank. Boris hires freelance photographer Charlie McPherson to take photographs of the affair. His pictures do indicate Frank’s infidelity, which leads to the Bennetts’ divorce, but McPherson disappears in the process of acquiring additional proof. Boris discovers that Charlie McPherson disappeared after making an appointment with Dr. Mary Agana, founder of Living Fearlessly: Specialized Treatments for Fear Based Ailments in upstate New York. Shuster begins an investigation on the works and practices of Dr. Agana after her patients gradually begin to disappear. With hopes of finding the ultimate truth behind the bizarre practice of Dr. Agana, Boris makes an appointment with Dr. Mary Agana on August 27, 1958, claiming that he has a fear of doctors. It is unknown exactly what happened during the session, but two things have been confirmed: first, that a boxer and former convict named David Gromnoll was her "killer", not Boris as previously suspected; and Dr. Mary Agana was never seen in this world again. Following this traumatic incident, Boris organizes the Legendary Truth: The Collective in order to research this, and other paranormal events that have occurred over the years. The full fate of Boris Shuster is still not known, but hopefully the Legendary Truth operatives will soon discover what really happened on the night of August 27, 1958.

Journal Entries

Monday, July 7, 1958

Re: Phobia Exposure Therapy Project grant application 48-278

Dear, Applicant,

It is with much regret that I must inform you that your application for a grant funding the above-referenced project has been denied. Please understand that the committee carefully reviewed your research, your thesis, and program outline. By unanimous decision, all 13 board members agreed that your proposal to conduct experimental immersive phobia therapy is far too unorthodox for the National Association of Mental Health to participate in or be associated with. On a personal note, I am complied to say that I am deeply disturbed by rumors to the effect that you plan to carry on this project even if our association denies funding. You simply cannot foresee the danger to patients that might exist if immersive technique is administered in any setting other than a recognized clinical research facility.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gustav Heim,

Director, NAMH

...and thus a milestone is reached and documented.

Receipt of the "official" denial to the request for funding by the National Association leaves me no choice but to continue the project on my own.

Upon reflection, I must confess that this comes as no great surprise - for the board members' opinions of revoloutionary psychiatric treatment are at best, uninspired, their philosophies are archaic...and their imagination barren.

Accordingly, I have scheduled my first patient interview, will conduct an in depth analysis of underlying classic manic phobia and will then consider and administer the most direct approach to immersive exposure treatment, adhering strictly to the guideline set forth in my thesis.

I harbor no doubt that time and results will prove me correct in my theories, methods and techniques.

Eileen Harrell

Wednesday, July 9, 1958

Patient: Female

D.O.B.: 1922-6-6

Occupation: Illustrator, children's books and periodicals. Co-owner of advertising agency

Neurosis suspected: Mythophobia

Details: Patient exhibits an inordinate fear of all things related to myth stories, associated customs and classic images, and legends (in particular, the Headless Horseman), etc. Hallucinatory episodes on a specific earthly focal point of these elements.

Assessment Scale: 3

Thursday, July 10, 1958

Mental Status: Patient unable to complete simple work assignments, severe adverse financial situation as a result.

Symptoms: Inconsolable crying at exposure to graphic images and elements associated with myths and legends. Inability to sleep; nausea; weight loss and bizarre psychotic episodes that include unreasonable prediction of death.

Diagnosis: After comprehensive analysis of patient's primary phobia, it became clear that exposure to a single element embodying the physical manifestation of that fear was paramount in the successful confrontation of the phobia itself and thus would result in an elimination of neurosis generated by illusion of impeding death.

Friday July 11, 1958

Treatment Assessment

Dr.: I can see you; you will not be able to see me. Do you understand? (silence; Patient presumably nods) Good. The room you have just entered is locked from the outside, and you will not be permitted to leave until the session ends. Understand? (Patient presumably nods again) Good. Now, you will direct your attention to the table by the mirror. You will remove the fabric draped over the object on the table. Proceed.

(Silence, soon followed by Patient hysterically screaming)

-Fully cognizant of entrapment in an inescapable environment, subject was exposed to a freshly severed human head.

-Reaction was unexpectedly severe

Convulsions following uncontrollable hysteria left subject in a state of catatonia.

Have arranged appropriate hospitalization/medication in private facility. Will monitor progress. On personal note, I am intrigued by this result and find myself fascinated by the inordinately strong reaction to this inanimate object (a lifeless head after all, makes no movement or sound beyond the sonus gurgulio associated with recent capulatio humanus).

Dr.: Subject's extreme reaction to a severed head, an inanimate object, leaves me apprehensive and puzzled. In an effort to determine the source of terror, I chose to closely examine the object itself. As expected, the flesh was cold to the touch. Muscle tissue, stiff as a result of rigor mortis, no doubt. Eyes, opaque and dull. Smell, sweet smell of cut meat and coagulating blood. Reminds me of the butcher shop.

Lt. Von Stebler

Tuesday, July 15, 1958

Patient: Male

D.O.B.: 1936-12-11

Occupation: Navy pilot, astronaut recruiting program

Neurosis suspected: Paranoia with underlying Astro/Placophobia

Details: Patient suffers night terrors with repetitive "visions" of undefined symbols he percieves as precursors to impending catastrophe.

Assessment Scale: 6

Wednesday, July 16, 1958

Mental Status: Patient "released" from embryonic NACA program with discharge recommendation from program psychiatric board.

Symptoms: Disassociation and bizarre ranting centered on predictions of unseen horrific consequences of his work. Obsession with sketches of unrecognizable symbols.

Diagnosis: Analysis of patient's underlying phobia suggests that prolonged exposure to images of the "symbols" will obtain desired result of desensitization.

Thursday July 17, 1958

Treatment Assessment

Patient secured and made immobile with cranial restraint preventing head movement; ocular clamps forcing direct and uninterrupted viewing of image; headphone straps insuring aural experience

Dr.: Lieutenant, I'm sure you can hear my voice. It would be best to breath more slowly and adjust to the restrains securing your head and eyes. I realize you are in discomfort but struggling against the devices will only make you more so. While your left hand is bound, you will note that your right hand is not. There's a pen and paper for free form association. Please make sketches as you experience what is about to happen. I'm going to show you some images now. You may recognize some that come from your own earlier drawings.

(As the slide images are displayed, Patient's muffled screams, and sounds of struggling and cutting can be heard.)

Reaction: Violent (especially at sight of "the symbols").

Physical strength of individual resulted in contusions to left wrist and broken ankles during treatment. Broken blood vessels in right eye. Dental damage as a result of biting through gag.

Patient self inflicted deep gashes on thighs, using pen to carve symbols in his own flesh. Attention is required.

Dr.: I found this inconclusive, although it leads me on the next decision of the next treatment. Audio feedback is too distracting. I find that I like to watch. But I guess I should least monitor vital signs. The emotion I experienced was much stronger this time. The fact that a single image can drive a man to self mutilation is...Hmm...I think I'll make the pen my own.

Charlie McPherson

Tuesday, July 22, 1958

Patient: Male

D.O.B.: 1918-11-18

Occupation: Photographer

Neurosis speculated: Nyctophobia, Claustrophobia (associated with work related accident)

Details: Subject haunted by terrifying glimpses of...incapable of articulating specific description...images themselves are apparent through the lens...the momentary flash of the camera's bulb.

Assessment Scale: 5

Wednesday, July 23, 1958

Mental Status: Extreme antisocial behavior. One conviction of disorderly conduct.

Symptoms: Dangerously elevated blood pressure during preliminary interviews, profuse perspiration and rapid breathing/hearbeat when describing condition. Irrational and offensive language at inappropriate times during interview.

Diagnosis: Analysis suggests that total immersion in feared environment will test limit of subject's physical reaction to intense psychological testing. Recommendation: Total Immersive Phobia Exposure Therapy with vital monitors only - NO audio feedback.

Thursday, July 24, 1958

Treatment Assessment

Dr.: As you can tell, the room you are lying in is completely dark, and the coffin-like box that holds you, while made of glass so i can visually monitor your reaction, will in no way restrict your movements should you chose to leave it. However, the air supply inside is limited and you will have to decide for yourself when to push open the glass lid in order to breath and when to step out into the world you claim contains your worst fears. There are flash bulbs installed in strategic placements throughout the space and they are of the exact same type you use in your photography work. In fact, I obtained them from your office. These will illuminate the same images your flash camera does. In a moment they will begin to fire and I will note your reaction.

(The sound of the bulbs going off can be heard. Patient's heart rate monitor and heartbeat can be heard, increasing in speed.)

Your vital signs are reaching critical level. All you need to do is push open the glass lid above you. Life or death...the choice is (Patient flatlines) yours.

Patient worst phobia created in clinical setting.

Reaction: Pulmonary failure due to oxygen deprivation at subject's failure to open container lid

Cardiac arrest irreversible--Subject deceased.

Session lasted less than ten minutes.

Dr.: Hmm. Subject's irrational decision to remain entombed in an airless glass coffin rather than face his fears was an unexpected...thrill! I must change, conduct myself accordingly. And another observation; as the subject's heart stopped beating, I thought I heard...music. Odd to notice such a thing at such a time. Hmm...

Friday, July 25, 1958

First two subject sessions proved to be as informative as I had hoped.

Immersive Exposure was far more dramatic and physical.

Both subjects required medical attention as a result, and institutionalization as necessary.

The unfortunate death of subject 3 leaves me with a personal emotion that I find...(word crossed out)

N̶a̶t̶u̶r̶a̶l̶l̶y̶,̶ ̶I̶ ̶w̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶m̶a̶i̶n̶t̶a̶i̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶h̶e̶a̶l̶t̶h̶y̶ ̶s̶e̶p̶a̶r̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ ̶b̶e̶t̶w̶e̶e̶n̶ ̶m̶y̶ ̶o̶w̶n̶ ̶a̶n̶t̶i̶c̶i̶p̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶f̶i̶n̶a̶n̶c̶i̶a̶l̶ ̶c̶l̶i̶n̶i̶c̶a̶l̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶p̶o̶n̶s̶e̶.̶

I...I am...The first subject sessions proved to be as informative as I had hoped. Although in ways that were not anticipated. Immersive exposure therapy reaction was far more intense than I imagined it would be. And I discovered an empathy I did not expect. The severed head, the self mutilation and finally the ultimate surrender to be no more. Watching a life end; this fascinating decision by the photographer leaves me with more questions than answers. But I now know what must be done. For I feel as if I'm growing stronger as I acknowledge my own fears of the inevitable; through others...and I've...I...I...like it. It is only through watching them die that I live. I am drawn in a new direction, excited by the prospects and feel renewed.

And now my favorite shutterbug has gone missing - which is jamming me up 'cause I need the pictures he promised as evidence in a messy divorce case I already been paid for. So I start nosin' around and find out he's seeing some lady shrink 'cause he's havin' nightmares or something. I check her out as best I can and I'm here to tell ya somethin' ain't Jake with this twist. Took myself a little tour of her digs and find out she's taking in patients and sending out basket weavers. Some artist broad, and a washed out navy pilot. And there ain't no sign of my boy. Near as I can tell, he went in but never came out - and I says he ain't wearin' a wooden kimono. He's gone Claude Rains. Anyway, I tell ya, the doctor dame ain't what she appears to be. So I'm gonna nose around some more 'cause there's something hinky goin' on. Can't quite crab it yet. An old gumshoe like me don't usually need one - but in this case, I might just need some outside help. And like I always say - if you know what's good for ya, you'll keep it to yourself. B.S.

Johnny Deedle

Wednesday, July 30, 1958

Patient: Male

D.O.B.: 1940-7-29

Occupation: N/A (high school student)

Neurosis suspected: Megalo/Herpetophobia

Detials: Subject reluctantly relates recurring nightmare of bodily constriction by Enteroctopus Dofleini like animal emerging from crevasse or gaping fissure beneath bedroom floor of residence.

Assessment Scale: 3

Friday, August 1, 1958

Mental Status: Extreme mental anguish. Self medication and experimentation with mind altering pharmaceuticals.

Symptoms: Subject exhibits physical symptoms of strangulation during regressive hypnosis (highly susceptible).

Diagnosis: Inability to draw breath. Indescribable pain. Choking. Loss of consciousness.

August 5, 1958

Treatment Assessment

Dr.: Eight...seven...six. When I reach the number five, you will begin to awaken from a deep sleep. Five...four. When I reach the number three, you will be very aware of your surroundings and condition. Three, two, one. You are fully awake now. And as you feared, you are standing at the edge of an abyss. And although you cannot see it, a greenish light emanates from within. Moving up and out of this pit are long snake-like limbs. You are held tight by the tentacles of an immense creature that is slowly strangling the life out of your body. It covers your face completely, and its long sinewy feelers are wrapped tight around your neck. I cannot hear you but I can see you struggling, but keep your balance and to escape it's grip, there is but one escape. You can end this nightmare by simply facing your worst fear. (Three) By simply stepping into the thing you fear the most. (Two) One step (One) into the abyss and your nightmare ends forever. (Snap!)

(The sound of a table falling over and a rope snapping is heard)

Dr.: One...step. That was as I hoped.

Fear terminated

Diane Bennett

August 8, 1958

Patient: Female

Occupation: Drama voice coach

D.O.B.: 11-21-1921

Neurosis suspected: Bibliophobia, Metrophobia

Details: Bouts of crying, bizarre behavior when confronted by stories, stories, stories

August 8, 1958

Mental Status: Total Mental/Physical submission

Symptoms: Assumes fetal position

August 8, 1958

Treatment Assessment

Dr.: The individuals seated in a circle of chairs around you are patients transported here from a state facility. You'll note that they sit beneath a mirror that reflects your image back to me and gives me a different angle from which to observe you. A closer perspective if you will. In addition to the performances they have been rehearsing for you, each has been conditioned to react to the safe word we discussed. Should you feel threatened at any time, please repeat the word and your session will promptly end. I promise. Let the show begin!

(Various people can be heard reciting fairy tales. As the reciting becomes louder, Patient starts crying. Suddenly, loud shouting and fighting sounds can be heard and Patient screams. As the beating ends, Patient falls silent and the lunatics stop reciting.)

Dr.: Experiment a total success! Conclusion: mob mentality infects even psychotic, deranged and diseased minds. Savage violence begets savage violence. Uninhibited murder can be therapeutic as any treatment ever conceived. At least for me.

(A music box can be heard and Mary starts humming along)

And so it occurs to me now that as I watch the others, I am being watched myself. Closely, perhaps even followed, as I come and go. Either that or my imagination is going stronger as I grow stronger. Maybe it's that I am so full of life, as I watch others end, that I am distracted at times. Nevertheless, I reflect upon each and the reflections themselves help me grow stronger. But, some things are not where I'd leave them to be, nor where I'd left them. But the music is soothing, and my thoughts are not my own anymore. Not solely my own. That is to say I think that others hear me even when I speak only to myself. No need to sneak or hide one's desire. This fascination with me and my work is surely seductive and so easy to join. All you need to do is simply ask.

...So it turns out the appointment book I borrowed ain't helping me crab this anymore than the pages the doc rips out of her journal and tosses. The only ID for each patient is their initials. Once I put monickers to the to the monograms, I can check 'em out and get to noodling the connection. I've been stakin' out her place and near as I can tell, two more plugs have gone missing - some pimple face kid and a canary with great gams. And I get a little closer up-and-down of this wacky dame herself - which I don't mind 'cause she ain't so bad looking lately. I noticed she's wearing her hair different. She looks younger. Skinny but strong. And she's never without that fountain pen and that silver jewelry box. I gotta see what she's keeping in there. So I'm gonna call for an appointment myself - tell her that I suffer from iatrophobia (Ought to get her attention!). B.S.

Thornton Kesterson

August 18, 1958

Patient: Male

Occupation: Gem dealer

D.O.B.: 3-9-1891

Neurosis suspected: Phagophobia, Misophobia, Pyrophobia

Details: Possible senility, related cardiac arrest

August 18, 1958

Treatment Assessment

Dr.: While your sense of touch and thus your ability to move has been completely disabled by the powerful anesthetic I administered, your other faculties are in tact. You can see, you can smell, and obviously, you can hear. The incinerator jets bellow your legs and back are the same used in crematoriums. So when I ignite them, I will adjust them to about...fifty percent. So as to prolong the experience for us. I've arranged for you to both experience and observe as flames consume your flesh. This should be really be interesting, for you will face your worst fear, comprehended and yet feel none of the pain that your mind tells that you should. However, if your fear becomes too much to bear, just repeat the word and I will end this. The mirrors arranged around you gives us multiple views of you doing this and of your terror which if you think about it is...perfect!

(The jets ignite and fire starts blazing. Patient's muffled screaming is heard followed by the sound of glass shattering and impaling flesh and Patient's body disentigrating)

Dr.: This was fantastic! When the mirrors cracked and the reflections multiplied, and our purpose became less clouded, I think we know what must happen now. And we're getting closer with each...

(A music box can be heard and Mary starts humming along)

Sweet sound of music

Dr. Christian Kubsch

August 20, 1958

Patient: Male

Occupation: p̶h̶y̶s̶i̶c̶i̶a̶n̶ psychiatric board

D.O.B.: 5-5-1910

Neurosis suspected: tomophobia, necrophobia

Details: England descendants. Cadavers, examiners, autopsies, cadavers.

August 20, 1958

Treatment Assessment

Dr.: I understand that you left your medical practice for psychiatry. The result of an aversion to surgery and cadavers and such.

Patient: Where-where do you have me sitting? What is this place? Could you please turn on the lights?

Dr.: Very well, as you ask.

Patient: Dear lord! What have you done?! What did you do to these people?!

Dr.: (as Patient begins whimpering) Ah, the corpses you see so artfully arranged around you and reflected in the mirrors placed beside them are quite simply evidence of the success I achieved on my own. This is at the heart of my thesis that exposure to one's worst fear results in their cure. A thesis that you and your board members rejected!

Patient: (both angry and scared) No! No! You-you murdered and mutilated your patients?!

Dr.: TREATED! THEY SUFFERED, I TREATED! They suffer no more, as you have suffered but will suffer no more!

Patient: No!

Dr.: I can see in your eyes that the mere presence of violent death terrifies more than you can stand. Just say my name and I will put an end to all this!

Patient: Dear lord! Mary! Mary!

Dr.: And so it ends...

(The sound of a drill boring through Patient's body can be heard, followed the music box's tune.)

Oh, yes. Yes. Did you think that you will go unnoticed? That a fragile piece of darkened glass would make you impossible to see? Somehow protect as you...spy on my world? And you eavesdrop on my private conversations? Upon reflection, don't you see that I see you every bit as clearly as you see me? Like mirror images; reversed images...that you can lurk, but you can't hide. Simply say the word, and we'll be...as one expects: in your worst nightmare.

• The looker sits starin' and talking to herself in that mirror for hours - STOP
• I don't know what I'm dealing with anymore - STOP
• Scheduled a face to face with her on the 27th - STOP
• The way her visitors have been disappearing, I may not make it myself - STOP
• If I don't, it's up to you - STOP

Boris Shuster, P.I.

August 27, 1958

Patient: Male

Occupation: Private investigator

August271958August271958August271958August271958eisoptrophobianarcissisticAugust27,1958August271958August27autophobia1958August271958August27meningitophobia1958August271958August271958 You know better than anyone. Since you spy upon us, and listen and approach the final hour of our time where we meet as one expects. Hear...sweet sounds the other side...where we belong. Shattered image sets us free! Razor sharp shards release...torn tissue, bared bone and flayed flesh. Speak my name. Hear my name. KNOW MY NAME!

(The following is from the voice mail box of a Legendary Truth: The Collective member's cell phone received from 12:01 AM to 11:00 PM.)

This is a Level 2, possible Level 1 qualification advisory and authorization for TCE Unit 32819 to immobilize and proceed to location indicated. Reference case: PM-M8A-271958. This is the last known whereabouts of an individual by the name of Mary Agana. 50 years ago tonight, she is rumored to have taken her own life, or had been murdered at the location. Our research indicates that the time of her disappearance was 11:00 PM and we are in position of evidence that supports a potential paranormal incident on this anniversary. Alert this office upon arrival of premises. See photo attached.

Legendary Truth investigative team 32819 is positioned around the building and is in prep to enter premises. Tech elements assembled. Exterior photo attached. Entry attempt to commence at time indicated. Will call again - one hour from now with update. SlayBelle636 Skeptikal1 BadBoyTech BlytheSpearit

I'm recording this call to camera. We've found a possible entry point into the building that 50 years ago tonight, was the scene of a particularly gruesome and grisly incident involving a woman reported to have been the very real basis of famous urban legends. Our video and research technical team is standing by to record any evidence of paranormal activity. Legendary Truth: The Collective believes that 11:00 PM tonight is the time most likely to produce a manifestation and the return of the entity herself. We will enter the premises in one hour.

It is now 9:58 and we are about to enter unexplored premises once occupied by Dr. Mary Agana. Premises that has remained abandoned since her bizarre disappearance in exactly 50 years ago tonight. We are transmitting a photo taken outside the building to document the deterioration of the building itself. Once inside, we will record, blog and document all findings. Stand by for video transmission at 11:00.

• Secret store room. Evidence everywhere! Journals, drawings! Looks like blood!
• At precisely 11:03 PM and, we are getting evidence of her reported death!
• I can't get all this on video!
• Looks like an entire file of her patients!
• Oh, my god! Do you see this?!
• Physical presence detected!
• Are you getting this? Video and audio file?
• If this doesn't qualify as a level 2, nothing ever will!
• No, it's level 1!
• Damn right, level 1!
• Behind you! It's behind you!

Appearances

As the event icon, Bloody Mary made a number of appearances before and during the event. She was the main advertising tool in commercials, and appeared in some off the mazes in the event.

Prior to the event

After the revelation of Bloody Mary as the event icon, the website was updated with her appearing to crash out of a mirror after it said her name three times. A number of billboards appeared in the Orlando area featuring her face and glowing eyes with the word "Bloody" written looking like blood. Additionally, a commercial featuring her mirror world was shown on television. In the commercial, Mary is sitting at her mirror with a man on the other side. He continually says her name, and on the third she breaks out of the mirror lunging at him screaming.

At the event

In Mary's story, it is painful every time she breaks out of the mirror, which is why she screams. For this reason, there was not a main, opening show featuring her. The only show she in which she appeared was the media-only Opening Scare-a-monies. In the show, an investigator brought a mirror and placed it on the stage in front of the audience. With the audience chanting her name, and a flicker of the lights, Mary crashed out of the mirror and was interviewed by the media.

The general public also experienced Mary during the event. A large LED screen was placed in the entrance to the park. Looking like a mirror, Mary would talk from it taunting guests to enter her world. Periodically she would break out of the screen like a mirror, screaming as she did so. Additionally, Mary appeared in a number of the mazes. A ghostly apparition of her appeared in The Hallow and Scary Tales: Once Upon a Nightmare, and her picture appeared in the static of a television in Creatures! and a monitor in Interstellar Terror. Finally, Dr. Agana's office was visited in the Reflections of Fear maze, where both of Mary's personalities made appearances.

In 2009's event Ripped from the Silver Screen, Mary's decapitated head was put in the house Leave it to Cleaver.

Twenty Years of Fear

Bloody Mary, while not appearing in the any houses or scarezones, was featured as part of the VIP Lounge area at the the event as a mannequin wearing her doctor's coat. In 2012, it's revealed that she's a member of the Legions of Horror. Ironically, she's in the Baccanoid legion like Shuster.

In the 2015 Legendary Truth investigation (which was held during the event's last three nights), it was strongly implied that she played a major role in freeing the icons from Fear's lantern. Also, during the event, the chalkboard that has her poem from The Skoolhouse scarezone has her name erased, a reference to the legal issues regarding Bloody Mary's use in entertainment.

See also

• Living Fearlessly
• Boris Shuster
• Reflections of Fear

External links

• Halloween Horror Nights 18 Commercial featuring Bloody Mary
• Opening Scare-a-monies with Bloody Mary