Chapter 2: Christmas Cookie Change
December 20
"We are truly sorry, Willa. We just wanted to make this toy perfect for Christmas," Bela apologized, holding the demon doll he and his brothers had completed. They were all looking apologetically at me, sharing their feelings of guilt.
I sighed. I knew they'd never hurt anyone. Halloween was about scaring all in good fun; never to harm anybody. Still, that didn't help my sore wrist. My gaze turned back to the vile thing in Bela's hand as I rubbed my wrist. After I'd tried to outrun the doll, the thing decided to go for a surprise attack. It snuck up and latched its teeth onto my arm. I still had the bite mark to prove it.
"It's fine guys," I told them. Even I couldn't stay mad for long. "Just remember: a doll is meant to be played with. Not bite off fingers."
"Don't worry," Max assured me. "We'll make sure it only snaps a little."
"That's not what I-" But the Vampire Brothers took off before I had a chance to finish. Well, that was a bust, I thought to myself. Things sure weren't going as I had hoped.
Christmas Eve was only four days away, and I still had yet to convince Jack into giving up the idea. Now I could knew why Sally needed the Fog Juice in the movie. The man practically teleported all over town as everyone needed his approval and praise for their nightmarish tricks. I barely saw him, especially after he threw me into the thrall as the official "toy tester." Let me tell you, I was relieved when I got a break to paint ornaments. Thank you countless practice of drawing Tim Burton characters. It really helped painting bats and tombstones. And Jack was pleased. According to him, it was the only job left, though I personally believe he wanted me too busy to pull anymore "stunts." He apparently still hadn't forgiven me.
Since the "Mistletoe Incident," as Jack liked to call it, I had still been trying to find ways to get him alone with Sally. But between all his hype about Christmas and Sally's nervousness being around him, the task was difficult. Aside from dropping a few hints; Jack too preoccupied to listen and Sally nearly blushing up a storm from being so flustered, I had only ever managed one other little "incident." Thinking of it made me grin.
It had been after I helped tightening the tracks on the train set. My hand was seriously cramped and Sally offered to help. Before I could politely turn her down, she took my hand and stared kneading it with her thumbs. Boy did that feel great! Al might have a run for her money next to Sally. As she continued working on my cramped fingers, I thought about how Jack would come back to the manor late, often rubbing a boney finger or two to his skull. And the little wicked lightbulb went off, prompting me to invite Sally over for lunch. Boy, did that plan back fire!
~Flashback~
Sally and I were sitting down to lunch, just talking, when Jack came downstairs from his tower. He spotted us in the kitchen, and came over to greet us. I smiled when I noticed the twitch in his brow.
"Well, afternoon ladies," he greeted, "and what have you been up to?"
"Just having some pumpkin pie," I commented. Then I put on my drama face to feign concern. "Boy, Jack, you look terrible. That headache still pestering you?"
"You have a headache, Jack?" Sally asked, true concern clear in her tone. Bait, set!
Jack smiled politely and waved his hand. "Nothing to worry over. It's not so bad."
"Oh please," I butted in, drawing my eyes to meet his tired sockets. "It's no wonder you have headaches, what with late night reading and planning. You're also working nonstop twenty-four/seven on this Christmas thing. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night because you can't sleep, moaning and rubbing your head. Constantly complaining how bone-on-bone contact just makes it worse…"
Jack glared at me. "I never said that."
"Could have fooled me," I retorted, then turned to Sally. "I'm half asleep while he's up dealing with the pain. I offered him some pain killers, but the guy would rather sit and be miserable instead of asking anyone for help."
Sally made a small gasp, and Jack instantly went to assure his friend he was alright, that I was just exaggerating. And that's when I sprung my trap. "You know Jack, there is a way to help make those nasty headaches disappear." Hopefully neither of them would notice the wicked glint in my eye.
"Oh, what's that?" Jack asked. His curiosity had him hooked.
"A massage. It works great and really helps you relax," I told him. Then I turned my gaze on the rag doll. "Sally gave me one when my hand cramped up, and now both my hands feel great. I'm sure she could ease the tension in your skull."
Both eyes and eye sockets widened, Jack looking away bashfully and Sally grabbing a lock of her hair to worry between her hands, though she was the first to speak.
"O-Oh, I..I-I don't think I-I…" she stuttered.
"Really," Jack insisted, "it's not a problem…"
"Nonsense!" I insisted. I got up from my chair to move behind Jack, pushing him to take a seat. "Jack, you work so hard but you gotta take better care of yourself," I continued before turning to Sally. "It won't do to have the leader of Halloween sick and pained come the big night. Besides, Sally's a wonder. She has the softest, most gentle hands and she knows just how to hit the right pressure points. Why, I betcha she'll have you feeling five hundred years younger when she's through with you."
Jack huffed. "Just how old do you think I am?"
"Heck if I know?" I shrugged. "You could be six hundred and Sally like a year or two old. I gave up guessing ages in this place a long time ago." I got them both laughing and noted that the tension seemed to leave the room. "Well, my pie is done so I'll get back to work. I promised Ethan I'd give him and his friends a hand with their project. Later!"
I slipped out the door but before leaving I added, "Oh, and Jack. I just wanted to remind you that you still owe Sally a thank you."
"I fully intended on thanking her for this," he stated, "though I still feel it is quite unnecessary."
"Not what I meant." Seeing his puzzled look, I made sure to remind him about certain events not long ago that led to a mysterious package being delivered via rope and pulley to his tower window. He nearly blanched from embarrassment. "You keep telling me to remind you, but since this is the first chance you've been able to listen to me, I just thought you ought to know. Bye guys!"
I made it seem like I was headed out the door, but I quickly plastered my back against the wall, close to the kitchen. Staying with the Pumpkin King did have an advantage: you got a few spare moments to learn the proper way to sneak up on others. I watched from the shadows as Jack and Sally stood there. To start, he did thank her for the basket but the conversation quickly returned to awkward silence. It took a few more minutes before he consented to let her try my suggestion. With a nervous smile Sally stepped behind him. Hesitantly, she placed her hands on his skull and began running her fingers over the smooth surface, gently applying pressure to certain areas. For a moment, Sally's hands drifted and began rubbing his shoulders. Apparently, she noticed some tension there too.
The look on Jack's face was priceless! Clearly I'd called it on the soreness but to see him nearly purr with pleasure? And Sally looked utterly smitten as her hands trailed from his skull to his shoulders, sometimes even working out a few kinks in Jack's neck. I could tell she was happy. Not only was she helping her dearest friend, but I think part of her might have been living out a little fantasy, no doubt thinking about that inadvertent kiss a few weeks ago.
I couldn't take the cuteness. Silently, I whipped out my cellphone and snapped a picture just as Jack leaned his head into Sally's hand. However, I forgot to turn my phone on silent and the camera clicked, the sound causing the two to snap out of their trance. Jack practically jumped from his seat and Sally almost tripped to avoid being hit by the chair. It didn't take long for Jack's very expressive eye sockets to find my hiding spot.
And boy, was he mad…
~Flashback~
I shook my head, not wanting to relieve the lecture that followed after Jack had chased me around the house, demanding the phone. I still remember yelling, "I ain't giving it to you! Just last week you didn't even understand how to turn it on, remember?!"
Of course he eventually caught me—damn long arms—and I had to show them both the photo. The looks I got when Jack made me show them, having no idea about the camera, were (again) priceless! Though I was laughing, Jack and Sally were not. Not only did I have to erase my photo—thank you PhotoStream for backups—but later I was lectured for nearly three hours about my "misguided scheming," and that I should never meddle in other people's affairs, blah, blah blah. Later I apologized to Sally, because I wanted to and not because Jack ordered me for humiliating her like that. Though immensely flustered, she was fine and didn't berate me as much.
"Maybe when they're a couple Jack will learn to cool it… Then again, maybe not," I said to myself, chuckling. "Okay, enough daydreaming. Back to work."
As I was about to sit down to finish the skulls on my eightieth ornament for the day—I was seriously going to hurt a certain bonehead for this repetitive task—my stomach decided to remind me that I had skipped breakfast that morning to help Glenn and Hyde with hanging black and orange Christmas lights. With a groan, I hoisted myself up for the trek back to Skellington Manor.
"Oh, Willa dear! Could you come here for a moment?"
I turned around to see Helgamine and Zeldaborne walking over towards me. I couldn't helping noticing that Helga was carrying a large, covered silver plate in her hands.
I smiled politely as the two approached. "Afternoon ladies. What can I do for ya?" Bad question.
"Will dear," Zelda began, "Jack asked Helga and I to work on Christmas goodies, so we've been hexing up a storm."
"And…" Helga added. "We were hoping you would be the first to sample our treats."
I gulped and felt a sudden rush of chills at the back of my neck. One thing I had tried to avoid while staying in Halloween Town was the food. Don't get me wrong, I like trying new things, but the local cuisine around here wasn't exactly appealing. I had been grateful that Jack had brought back some food from Christmas Town. Not the healthiest but better than jellied brains and wormswort soup. One could only imagine what sort of "treats" the two witches had conjured up (no pun intended). Thoughts of deviled lizard fingers and spleens in blankets came to mind, but this wasn't the time to think of an Adam Sandler movie. Besides, this was Christmas snacks done Halloween style. Supposedly.
Hesitantly I nodded, making the sisters smile wickedly. They took off the cover and I looked down.
Cookies. An assorted array of cookies with black and red sprinkles lay on the tray before me. I wasn't sure whether to let out a huge sigh of relief, or be somewhat disappointed. Honestly, I thought they'd make something a bit more gruesome. I blame too much Wicked Witch of the West and Macbeth quotations.
"Wow, cookies…" I finally managed to say. "These look..really great."
"Thank you, dear." Helga smiled at the praise.
"Could you try one for us?" Zelda asked. "We want to make sure they taste as good as they look before we bring them to Jack."
"Well…" I looked back at the cookies. There were all cats though I think one looked sort of like a black skull. Oh, what the heck, I thought, After all, they're just cookies. I can always find a vacant trash can after they tell me what's in it.
I picked up one of the black cat-shaped cookies. It was lean and had red sprinkles for eyes. I hesitated for half a second before taking a bite out of the ear. To my surprise, it was good. It tasted like one of the sugar cookies I got from the super market back home. Remembering my empty stomach, I finished off the treat in a few bites and then ate four more. I must have had a smile on my face because both Helga and Zelda were beaming proudly.
"I take it you enjoyed them, dear?" Helga inquired.
"Very much, thanks," I said through a mouthful before swallowing the last of it. "Very tasty. Thanks again for the snack. After the day I had, I needed a break from all the tricks everyone's come up with for Christmas."
"You're welcome, dear," Helga said with a grin. It was then I caught the wicked glint in the old witch's eye as she winked at her sister. I felt that red flag to up in my head, almost as if my common sense had just smacked its forehead to say, "You stupid, stupid girl."
I gulped. "Umm… Just out of curiosity, w-what exactly did you put in those cookies?"
"Oh…the usual, I suppose," Helga answered. "A bit of this, a pinch of that…"
"And our special hex," Zelda chimed in. Though I noticed her smile turn to a puzzled frown. "Though, I was sure it would have kicked in by now?"
"Hex? What hex?!"
Instead of getting an answer, Zelda and Helga walked off toward their shop, muttering about not using enough rat tails or something. Meanwhile, I was panicking. What the hell had I been thinking!? Hadn't I read enough fairy tales and watched marathons of SyFy movies to know you NEVER accept, let alone eat food made by witches! I felt like I jipped Snow White whenever I ate an apple.
Suddenly, I felt different. My bones and muscles began to ache terribly, and my head felt like it would split in two. I stumbled blindly over the back alley by Town Hall. My back hit the wall as a slid to my knees, clutching my throbbing head between my hands. The pain I was feeling made me want to rip off my skin to massage my aching muscles.
It was over in a matter of moments. I waited until the world stopped spinning before opening my eyes. What the heck was in those cookies?! I better let Helga and Zelda know they cause mass headaches before they even think about giving them to kids. I also needed to inform them that it is Santa that gets the cookies. I decided to look around for the two sisters when something strange occurred. The town seemed bigger than usual. There was also a sudden draft, making me shiver. I wrapped my arms around my shoulders, only to find them bare! Looking around, I noticed my clothes were no longer on, but instead they were piled around me.
For a moment, I thought the cookies had somehow made me shrink. It was then I realized something else: my shoulders seemed hairy. I thought my hair had just spilled over my shoulders, but when I tossed my head back, my usual thick locks were nowhere to be found. And why could I no longer feel my fingers?!
Nyaa? I looked down at my hands…only to find two small blonde paws in place of ten digits. I felt my eyes grow wider as the hair on the back of my neck stood. Hey, wait a minute? Why did it suddenly feel like my hairline had grown? I thought about checking the rest of my body, but I was too freaked to search. I spotted the fountain to my left. Maybe my reflection could tell me what was going on. Not wanting to leave them in the open, I pushed my clothes behind a garbage can. Then I quickly scanned the Square for signs of anyone nearby. I know I must be covered, but the idea of streaking through town was not something I wanted to do. Luckily, everyone was too absorbed in their Christmas projects to notice me.
Taking a gulp as I readied to brave the open, I quickly made a mad dash for the fountain.
Hey, since when can I run on all fours? I thought as I got closer. I jumped, finding it a lot easier than I had expected, and peered over the edge of the fountain. I hesitated. Part of me wanted to know just what those cookies had done to me, while the other part was too apprehensive to brave a look. But I had to know.
I forced my eyes open as I leaned over the side to look into the water. Peering back at me from the reflective surface was a blonde cat with large blue eyes.
NYAA!
I stumbled back, falling over the edge only to land perfectly on my feet. Then I began running around like a maniac.
NYAA! I'm a cat! I'm a cat! Why am I a cat?!"
It was only a few seconds before the reality of the situation hit me smack in the face. The cookies! It was those blasted cookies Helgamine and Zeldaborne gave me! Oh this was horrible, and not by Halloween's definition. I couldn't let kids get turned into cats on Christmas! It was like a parody scene out of The Witches. I had to find Helgamine and Zeldaborne before they got to Jack. Though, Jack as a skeleton cat would be hilarious. No, no! Had to focus! Not only did I have to stop them from turning every child all over the world into kittens, but I needed to be turned back into me. But first, I had to find them!
I figured the obvious place to look was the Witch Shop. If they thought the cookies weren't working then they would need to perfect the spell before using it. I began running toward that direction, though everything looked different from this perspective. Still, I kept running until I stopped in front of one of the workstations. It was Glenn, Ned, and Davy's station, though at the moment I only spotted Ned and Davy. I never thought I'd be so happy. I ran up to them and tried getting their attention.
Hey guys! Have you seen Helga and Zelda?
"Hey, where'd that cat come from?" Ned asked.
"Beats me," Davy said. "Darn things are everywhere. Though looks like it got into some of the yellow paint."
What the heck? Answer the question! I yelled, hissing a little.
"Go on kitty, we got work to do," Ned scolded. He reached out his hand and started to shoo me.
"Hey guys, I found a bear trap that would work for the teeth!" I turned around to see Glenn running up to the work tent with a large bear trap in hand.
I sighed. Hey Glenn, help a girl out, will ya? These guys aren't listening to me, I asked, slightly pleading.
However, I didn't get the desired reaction. "What's with the cat?" he growled.
Oh come on, not you too. Can't anybody in this town understand me!
"Annoying pest. I'll fix ya!" Glenn set his trap down and then his snarling turned into vicious barking. If I weren't so startled this might actually be funny to watch.
I backed up when his teeth got too close to my fur. Hey! I growled back, What's the big idea? It's me, you big fur ball! I swatted my right paw and managed to hit his snout.
Glenn snorted and backed up. Meanwhile, Ned and Davy were having a grand time laughing at the two of us.
"Looks like you lost your touch," Ned chortled, pointing and holding his stomach.
Davy grinned. "Might want to work on your bark, old man," he taunted. "Terrible thing if you're unable to scare even a little kitten."
"What was that!"
Glenn and the others were soon in a heated argument, meanwhile I was back at square one. One might think being in the land of the living undead, someone—especially a freaking wolf man—would be able to understand animals. So now I had no chance of talking with Helgamine or Zeldaborne to explain what had happened. If I didn't figure out something soon, I may be looking at the next years sitting by someone's fireplace, or stalking the back alleyways.
Well… At least things can't possibly get any worse.
Well hello there, little kitty, a suave voice chirped, followed with simultaneous purring.
I turned around and found myself nose-to-nose with another cat. He was a little taller than me with sleek black fur and a lean body. His long tail twitched slightly, while his yellow-green eyes were looking straight into mine, just staring at me. He had a pleased smirk on his face.
Oh…umm, hi… I backed up and sat down, keeping my eyes on this strange cat. Wait?! I understood you?!
Well, you're a funny little thing, the other cat replied after briefly chuckling. Of course you can understand me, and I can understand you.
No, I just… I didn't think anyone could. I sighed, grateful that I found someone to communicate with. I looked back at the cat and smiled. My name's Will.
Interesting name and yet appropriate, he replied thoughtfully, whiskers twitching.
Say, do you know the way to the Witch Shop? I asked. It's important I get there as soon as possible.
But of course I do! He got up and came to my side. Oh, but where are my manners. Let me properly introduce myself. My name is Hexxus.
Well, it's very nice to meet you.
Likewise, I'm sure, he replied. And if you still wish to go to the Witch Shop, I'd be happy to escort you there myself. Lucky for you, I happen to live there.
Really! Oh, thanks so much.
I started to follow him, though it was difficult seeing as he walked directly beside me. Along the way, he tried to tell me all the best places to get a meal around town. I only half listened. It was when he mentioned a delightful spot behind the Mayor's house that Hexxus got too close. He started snuggling against me and I had to push him off.
Just what are you doing? I demanded, slightly annoyed.
Just catching your scent, he replied nonchalantly. It's a very interesting blend of berries, silk, and orchid. Not like anything I've smelled here in Halloween Town before. Then again," he purred in that silky voice. "Candle yellow cats are quite out of the standard variety of feline in these parts."
Okay, that mental red flag was popping up again. I started taking a few steps back. Sadly, Hexxus only advanced. Umm… Don't you think we should be headed for the shop now? I asked.
He merely smiled crookedly and walked up ahead. Follow me then.
Cautiously, I followed him into a dark alleyway. Hexxus insisted it was a shortcut to the shop, but I kept myself wary. I'd seen enough slasher films to know where this could end up. Soon he had me climbing up garbage cans and onto the roof. The whole time Hexxus kept glancing back at me, as if to make sure I was still there. It was giving me the heebie-jeebies. Finally, he jumped down into another alleyway and stopped halfway down.
Hexxus, what's going on? I demanded. This is the longest shortcut I've ever been on. I'm starting to think you're not even taking me to the Witch Shop.
Hexxus smirked. I thought we might spend a few moments alone together, he purred, turning around to sit on his haunches. His tail wrapped around him while his eyes narrowed, like he was memorizing every inch of me. Just some…simple conversation, perhaps.
The way he seemed to caress each word made me shiver. I had definitely not paid enough attention to the warning signs. Now my inner alert system was sounding off all the red lights and sirens.
Hexxus was smiling wickedly. It made my skin crawl. The simple truth is I have no intention of taking you to my mistresses, he confessed. At least, not yet.
Why not? I asked as I tried to back up slowly, one paw at a time.
Now his smile resembled an evil looking Cheshire Cat. Because, my dear little kitten, Hexxus confessed. I intend to make you my mate.
WHAT?!
Now don't play coy, my sweet, he purred, standing up and creeping closer to me. You've been tempting me with that sweet innocence of yours. Quite an alluring trait. Perfect in my choice for a mate.
As he tried to back me into the wall, I smacked his jaw before turning on my heel and racing the other way. Hexxus, however, seemed to think I was flirting because he called after me, So, a game of chase is it? Well, get ready because here I come.
NYAA! I don't think I've ever run so fast in my entire life. I had no plan or destination; all I knew was if I stopped, I'd be trapped. I sped through town until cobblestone turned to dirt. My heart pounded in my chest as adrenaline pumped through my veins. I finally looked around and saw I had raced myself all the way into the graveyard. Bittersweet moment, really. There were plenty of tombstones I could hide behind, but at the same time Hexxus knew this area much better than I did. Even if I found the perfect hiding spot, he could easily find me. And having that cat find me was the absolute last thing I wanted.
Don't make me wait, babe, Hexxus called. It only makes you more desirable.
He was getting closer; I needed a place to hide, and I needed one now. I kept running until I found myself in the Pet Cemetery. I jumped up on the first tombstone in my path. Maybe from that height I could find a place to hide until Hexxus gave up.
Ah! Here you are, little kitty-cat.
Nya! I turned around and saw Hexxus stalking his way towards me. I felt my claws biting into the stone as he drew closer.
Now my sweet, the game comes to an end, Hexxus called. I swear I saw his whiskers curl in wicked pleasure. And looks like I've won.
Just-Just get away from me! I hissed. There was no way I was going to allow this cat to come anywhere near me.
Hexxus just crept closer, arching his back as he readied to pounce, a wicked glint in his eyes as he looked up at me. Now don't be difficult, my dear…
I believe the lady asked you to leave!
What the devil? Hexxus shouted.
I had no idea where the other voice had come from, until suddenly something white shot from the ground. It hovered just over the grave I was perched on and emitted a low growling sound. Hexxus hissed, crouching directly on top of his paws as his claws extended. His whole body seemed to shake and the hair along his back stood up.
That's when my eyes turned to the creature in front of me. Even though I could see through it, I recognized this specter.
Zero?!
