Disclaimer: Everything derives from Sanami Matoh's wonderful characters.. and I suppose Disney.

Title: The World Was Such a Wholesome Place

It was almost a week before Election Day. An exhibition hall had been reserved in one of New York City's poshiest hotels for a Halloween Party 'For the Kids'. It was a combination fund-raiser and meet-and-greet. A chance to rub elbows with the future leaders of one of the great metropolis of the world or at least to be personable in case there was a change in the regime and one needed a reference.

A little boy, just out of toddlerhood, sat dejectedly in the corner of the play area set up for the smallest kids. His father had brought him, having been invited because many of the guests of honor were clients and it would have been great if his only child could find someone to play with. The area was supervised by childcare workers to ensure the safety of the children but the bundle was sitting quietly by himself and didn't appear to be in any danger.

"Hey. Look at the cow!" as derisive laughter was directed towards him.

The little boy looked like he was about to cry. That wasn't the first time that evening he had been told he was such a cute cow. He said defiantly. "I'm not a cow, I'm a Dalmation. My name is Lucky."

"Whoa. You've got spunk, kid, but you look more like Roly-Poly."

"It was cold and mama made me wear my extra-big sweater. And she stuffed my costume so I can't move."

The pre-teen in the batman costume looked at the little boy with his piercing blue eyes. The little boy really was cute. His big dark eyes almost matched the spots on his costume. To the little boy, he liked the attention from the older boy who really did look like a superhero protecting his secret identity instead of a guy hiding behind a mask.

"Well. You look kind of sad getting dumped there. Get up and we'll try some of the games."

The attendent offered to let the little boy stand on the table but after watching the older boy aim for the target he wanted to do it the same way. After intense concentration, unexpected from someone so young, he succeeded in hitting the target.

"Yay. Great shot, kid. You ARE lucky." He was slapped on the back and might have toppled over without all that padding.

The little boy blushed in embarrassment.

A gang consisting of a Storm Trooper, a couple of Wizards, and a vampire were fast approaching them. "Why you hangin' out with the cow, dude?"

"He's not a cow. He's a Dalmation. His name is Lucky."

"Ditch the baby. They've got laser tag set up."

Batman knew the little boy would be physically crushed and ignored if he tried to play with the bigger boys so he tried to herd him back to the play area when a broad-shouldered man approached them. "There you are, Lucky." He lifted the little boy up and swung him up to his level. "Did you have fun?"

There was a huge grin on his face. "Yes, Daddy. I got to play with Batman."

"Thank you. I know your dad so I'll be sure to tell him you were looking out for my son."

"No problem, sir."

"Hey man. You coming or what?"

"Save me a spot! Take care, kid. Don't forget to tell people who you are."

After the little boy waved goodbye to his hero, his daddy said "It's time to go home. Mama will be glad you're still wearing your sweater."

"He was nice. Can I play with him, Daddy?"

"I'm sorry, Ryo, but his family is moving to Los Angeles next week. That's very far away on the other side of the country."

Later that evening the boys were being driven home in a limo. "This is probably the last year we'll dress up for Halloween. I hope you weren't bored. Berkeley."

"A kid was tagging after me but he was okay."

A/N: My niece lives in Maine and she was called a cow in her Dalmation costume.