This fic takes place between How It All Began and Friends. This just explains how Shadow met Jack Skellington. Just another of these little ideas I have.
Shadow drifted through the inky space-like blackness of the multiverse. He looked in awe, seeing thousands of….spiral things that looked like the Milky Way.
"Wow….who knew there were so many universes!" he said. "I can't believe I'm gonna have to help protect all of them…."
As he passed, he realized that he was able to tell which universe was which, as if he had a sixth sense.
"Well," he said "I guess I better be heading ba-OOH LOOK, NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS!"
He immediately brought up a rift and entered the universe.
5 MINUTES LATER….
Shadow soon came to a large metal gate. With caution, he opened it and went through, and suddenly, a familiar song began to play…
Eh, I'm too lazy to put the lyrics. Here's the whole song.
watch?v=xpvdAJYvofI
When the song ended, Shadow walked eagerly into the town square, looking at ghoul and monster in awe.
"Excuse me, can I help you?"
Shadow turned to see a very tall skeleton, dressed in white-lined suit, with a bat bowtie.
"Oh hey! You're Jack Skellington!"
"Why yes! And you must be the new Guardian!"
"How'd you know?"
He chuckled. "Why, I am the Pumpkin King! I'm the very skeleton in charge of Halloween! Of course a being such as I would be aware of the Guardian's existence!"
"Huh." Shadow said. "I guess that makes sense."
"Why yes! So, would you care to join in the festivities? After all, Halloween is tomorrow!"
Shadow realized he was right. It had been the day before Halloween when he was taken to see the Elders. He thought for a minute, then smiled.
"I think I'd love too, Jack."
After that, Shadow had an amazing time getting to know the citizens of Hallowentown. He talked with the Mayor, practiced roaring with the werewolf, had a staring contest with Axe-Head, danced with the Clown, and even pulled a few pranks with Lock, Shock, and Barrel.
When all was said and done, Shadow went looking for Jack, who he found in the graveyard.
"Wow Jack, the citizens of Halloweentown are really friendly when you get to know them." Shadow said.
"But of course," Jack remarked. "Our job maybe to scare, but that doesn't mean we're scary all the time." He gazed at the sky. "We all live our own lives here, even if they do get boring after a while..."
"What do you mean?" Shadow said.
"Well, each Halloween always seemed to get more and more repetitive each year. So much so, that I even tried to take over another holiday once."
"Really?"
"Yes. It seemed like a good idea at first, and I was thrilled. But then, everything went wrong, oh so horribly wrong! It was then that I realized my mistake, and I decided to stick to just doing Halloween."
"I guess you learned your lesson, huh?" Shadow said.
"Yes indeed. And now I do my best to spice up each Halloween, with at least one new idea. That's usually what I do to keep it from being repetitive!" Jack said.
"Well, maybe next Halloween, I could help out with a few ideas." Shadow said. "I have a few things that could be considered creepy spooky!"
"Why, that sounds marvelous!" Jack exclaimed. "I can't wait to see!"
"Yeah, well, I guess I should be going now." Shadow said, getting up.
"Alright then. And remember Shadow, you are always welcome here in Halloweentown!" Jack said, waving goodbye.
Shadow smiled and waved back, then left through a rift.