Chapter 2: An Unlikely Alliance
As soon as he finished up the paperwork for Old Man Deer, the doorbell shrieked once again. Sure enough, it was Mayor. But it was his companion that intrigued Jack.
Everything, from the tip of the elf's crimson pointed cap to its long shoes, stood out from the gloomy surroundings of the Pumpkin Kings house. At hand, the Mayor fidgeted uneasily and bit his lip.
Jack didn't know what to expect. Two Christmas Town visitors in one day? What does it mean?
The red elf bowed deeply before Jack, its nose almost touching the carpet. "Santa sends his greetings, Mr. Skellingon."
Jack nodded. "Likewise. Though you caught me unexpectedly.'
"Forgive us for not informing you ahead of time. But a pressing matter arose and Santa is currently preoccupied," the elf piped. "And yet he says he seeks an audience with you."
Jack stared. "Santa wishes to see me?"
The elf nodded so abruptly that the puff-tip of his cap bounced madly. "Yes sir."
"JACK!" The Mayor spoke up. "You know that we're busy too! What with the plans for Halloween and all." He shook the blueprints for emphasis.
"I'm aware of it, Mayor. But I'm sure it can wait." Jack turned back to the elf. "Very well. I shall come with you to Christmas Town."
Jack landed softly unto the powdered snow and glanced about his surroundings. Up ahead were the glistening roofs of the sleepy town of Christmas. The warm aura cast by the myriad of electric lights embroidered the pastoral scenery. Even from afar the aroma of baked pies and cakes wafted under Jack's nose.
The Pumpkin King knew that he would never grow tired of the sight. Since the first time he laid eyes on Christmas, a part of him had awaken. Never had the world seem so new, so exciting. It was like walking into a faded memory and rediscovering it again.
The crunching of snow reminded him of the elf's presence and Jack turned to face his escort. "Have I done anything wrong that Sandy would want to see me about?"
"No sir. On the contrary." The elf said no more but began their trek from the snow-top hill toward the bustling town, leaving Jack to his own doubts.
Somehow the elf's words did not alleviate Jack's fears. Jack doubted that the Jolly Old Elf would want to associate with him more than need be. No, usually trouble ensued when the two met.
But it was too late to have second thoughts for all too soon they came to the festive door of St. Nick's house. Jack could only stand and wait apprehensively as the doorbell chimed its merry little ditty to 'Jingle Bells.' He tried to ignore the stares from passersby.
A column of light spilled from the doorway as a rounded face peeped out. A stout, elderly woman peered out at them, a warm smile spread on her lips, giving her the appearance of a kind grandmother.
"Yes, may I help you?"
Jack nodded in greeting. "Hello. I'm Jack. Jack Skelling…"
A squeal and in seconds Jack found himself in a bone crushing embrace. The old woman's cheek pressed against his.
"EEEEEEEE! Aren't you doll! My husband told me all about you, but he never mentioned how CUTE you are!"
Jack grinned sheepishly as the elf stared on with a dumbfounded gaze. "Really Mrs. Claws, I must speak with…"
"Oh dear. You're frozen to the bone! And how thin you are. Wait! I got just the thing to fatten you up." Still toting Jack effortlessly, Mrs. Claus carried a stunned Pumpkin King into the depths of the house.
Their little journey ended inside a quaint homely kitchen. Close by, a roaring fire blazed as a teakettle whistled cheerfully upon the stove. Mrs. Claus dumped Jack unceremoniously unto a high-backed cottage chair.
As the little old lady puttered by the soup kettle, Jack exchanged glances with the elf. "Is she always like this?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, pretty much. Once she even nursed an injured Yeti back to health."
Jack stared when a large bowl of noodle soup plopped down before him. Luckily, he was spared the ordeal when a familiar voice boomed from the living room.
"Cindy? Who do you have there?"
Cheeks red from the cold, Santa stomped in, clad in his snow-powdered crimson overcoat. He rubbed his hands briskly and gave Jack a smile. "Well, I see that my wife has taken a fancy to you." He sniffed as he eyed the noodle soup hungrily. "Smells great, dear. Mind if I have a bite?"
As Mrs. Claus prepared the cinnamon tea, Santa sat himself across from Jack. "I apologize for being late. I had to deal with a wolf back in the reindeer pen. I hope you didn't have to wait long."
Jack shook his head. "Not at all. I'm just surprised to be here really."
"I know that you're busy, what with Halloween coming up," Santa continued. "So I'll be quick. I know we don't exactly see eye to eye on certain things but after last year, I have no doubts. You've proven to me that you are of good character."
Jack frowned puzzled and curious of where this was leading to. Yet the worry he felt earlier dissipated at the mention of last Christmas. He had done the impossible. He stood up to the ten story tall Oogie and dethroned the so called "Seven Holidays King." Fortunately, it ended with Sandy and him parting ways on good terms.
"What I mean to say is," Santa continued. "Christmas Town is indebted to you and wishes to express its thanks by extending its friendship to you and the denizens of Halloween Town."
Jack cocked a brow. "Sandy?"
Santa beamed as he stood and offered his tiny hand to Jack. "As of this day Jack, our towns are allies. As with any alliance, trade will be opened to you and visitors will be welcomed. And of course, if anything should happen, we will come to your aid."
A wide grin crossed Jack's face. "Really? Wow! I don't know what to say!" he said quickly, hardly able to control himself. It took a second before he saw Santa's hand. He took it, giving the old elf a hearty hand-shake which nearly shook Santa's whole body.
"Why this is marvelous news!" Jack bubbled. "The best I've heard all morning!"
Santa pushed his cap from his eyes. "Of course, it's not official yet. We must tell our people at town meeting. And I'm afraid I've held you too long. After all, you do have only a week left before Halloween as I remember."
Jack's eyes widened. "You're right! Mayor will hang himself on the gallows if I don't get back." He got up quickly, knocking over his chair. "Give Christmas Town my warmest regards, Sandy," Jack called as he disappeared around the threshold.
Truth be told, the town residents took the news differently. The witches were ecstatic of the possibilities open trade with Christmas Town would bring. Maybe a bit too enthusiastically, Jack thought, and he made a mental note to set up trade regulations as soon as possible.
As for the others, some received it with mixed feelings, not knowing what to expect from the alliance or whether it worked at all.
Gills, the scaly mermaid, rose a webbed hand. "Not that I want to dim your spirits, Jack, but are you sure both sides would gain much from this? Christmas and Halloween don't exactly go together, like you can't mix water and…and…"
"Snot soup," quipped Cyclops. Behind the creature, the Vampire Brothers nodded in agreement.
Jack knew they were thinking about his little holiday fiasco the year before. Frankly, he didn't need the reminder. He frowned, bothered that some residents still held it against him.
"I'm sure," Jack replied firmly, tapping his long spindly fingers on the podium. "All I expect from everyone is respect for anyone visiting our town. That means not tricks, or 'treats,' unless they are okay with it. We want to give them a good impression of Halloween Town."
The town hall was filled with murmurs at this. Among them, Sally watched from her post on the hanging tree. Her face unreadable from the stage where Jack stood. Mayor pounded the gavel, bringing the session back to order.
The meeting continued with the usual thrills and chills planning. By the end, Jack was relieved that everyone's minds were preoccupied with Halloween instead.
As the last of the town inhabitants filed out, Jack caught Sally's eye and gave her a quick smile. He nearly flew from the stage to her side.
"I'm sorry I didn't call last night. Something came up and…"
"It's all right," Sally reassured him. "I practiced by myself. I'll be ready then."
Sighing in relief, Jack gave her an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder. "I knew you could do it. Soon we'll show the rest of Halloween Town as well."
Sally smiled. "Speaking of which, are you inviting Santa over as well? I'm sure he'll enjoy the celebrations."
"An excellent idea, Sally!" Jack replied. "And here I thought you would say this whole alliance thing was a bad idea. You haven't had any of those visions of yours, did you?" he asked cautiously.
Shaking her head, she answered. "Not since that night last year. Don't worry, Jack. I'm sure this whole alliance thing would work out. After all, it would bring both our worlds closer to understanding the other."
"I never thought of that. We'll let Fate weave tomorrow, but as for now…" He gripped her delicate hands tightly. "Let's continue those lessons shall we?"
That night, not a single wisp of fog touched the land. Only the golden orb hung over the town. And if anyone looked in the direction of the cemetery, they would see two forms alit by the heavenly illumination, moving in a slow, intricate dance.