"The situation is just splendid!" the Mayor reassured a dashing young punk named Spag, hitting him heartily on the shoulder. Spag's piercing green eyes squinted down at the Mayor in question. The Mayor continued, "I'm sure Jack's called this meeting to organize the plans for this Halloween."
"As usual," the vampire drawled back, fixing his hands in his burgundy, alligator skin coat. He stood on the high alert, his straight-legged black pants accenting his long frame. His shiny black platforms took on an extra glossy sheen under the brand new chandelier hanging above them in the town hall.
"You must be dreadfully excited. He has anointed you leader of the Vampire Gang."
A confused look graced Spag's pale features. "I can't imagine why though…. Mr. Skellington and I have never met."
"Ah…" The Mayor's ecstatic banter was suddenly taking a downward spiral. "Well, then… you got lucky, my boy. I must admit, Jack and I both agreed on different candidates; I sent a final draft back to his house, filled with the same things we had agreed on, but since that date there have been some last minute changes I've only just heard about. I suppose he's called the meeting simply to clarify…"
Spag was no longer paying attention. His starlit eyes were now focused upon the tall figure sweeping into the room, sending a hush over the crowd. His eyes were expressionless, but his mouth was fixed in a foolish grin- almost too painful to form. Spag instantly tensed.
"My… my fellow citizens of Halloween Town," began Jack. "Another year is upon us; to grow, to celebrate, to do what we do best, and to do it better than the year preceding." Several creatures in the front row cheered, but Shock loudest of all, as she was co-leader of the Witches this year. "Another year," he continued, "to add to our frightful skills, to impress upon those ever-loving mortals just how fun life can be with a genuinely good scare." Jack sighed. He was usually very straightforward, and the Mayor was wondering why he was beating around the bush. "For a long time now, I have been the arbitrator of what we do and who is in charge. This year evokes within me a need for change. With that said, I have found someone with equally fearful prowess to take my place. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to hand over the crown to the new Chairman—oh, excuse me, Chairwoman— of the Frightboard: Miss Isis Lefou!"
He was the only one clapping as she pranced out in a blue corset, glass high heels, and a twinkling, fairy-like tutu adorned with jingle-bells, which echoed across the deadly silent Hall. Hundreds of crestfallen faces gazed from the retired Pumpkin King to this giddy, jingle-bell-laden successor. Sally tore from the room, her tears splashing onto the cold stone floor. Jack's smile was as hollow as his cavernous eyes and as forced as the laughter he emitted in trying to lighten the mood.
"Thank you so much, Jack!" she said, stepping in front of him, beaming, the shade of her ice blue lipstick stabbing hopeful hearts and deflating them in a single blow.
"Isis is an old friend of mine and has promised to make this a very terrifying year! Please treat her with the same respect as you would me. En…enjoy your new positions." Swiftly, spider-like, Jack took a seat right beside Spag. Everyone burst into wild chatter.
"I've seen bad things happen… but this? This is… ridiculous," Spag thought. "Mr. Skellington?" he said aloud. The skeleton made no response— his forward gaze was unbreakable.
"It's like he's lost his touch!" someone whispered a bit too loudly. "Is this… Christmas fever again?"
"Hey, Christmas kicks ass!" another fired back in his defense.
"Oh, the Pumpkin King can't lose his crown!"
"Everyone, please settle," came Isis' soothing lull. Her white-blond hair had been crimped and pulled back into a bun since Jack last saw her. She was so fluffy and cute it was…
"Scary," remarked the bass player.
"Definitely scary," agreed the sax player.
"I think I just shit my pants," said the midget inside the bass.
"I'm glad you like me," Isis commented, walking about on beautifully sculpted legs and stiletto heels. Okay, so she wasn't that cute and fluffy; she had a dangerous edge as well.
Spag could bear this no longer. He ran from the Hall, Isis' voice ringing in his ears.
He saw Sally just down the way, her balance a bit more off kilter than usual. He placed his hand on her shoulder and spun her around.
"Sally," he said softly. "What the hell is going on? Who is that… that… that thing in there taking over Halloween?"
"I…" Sally struggled to hold back tears. "I… don't… know."
"What's… why is he…?" Even Spag was at a loss for words. He stood there and held Sally in his arms while she sobbed, disturbed by Jack's actions and this newcomer. Somewhere, a clock struck 8, and a murder of crows fluttered overhead. Spag stood in their shadow. Sally kept crying. To reassure her, Spag said, "Maybe… maybe I could do something. I… could talk to him."
Sally nodded weakly. Spag gave her another reassuring pat and sped away. He would try to catch Jack after the meeting was over. He turned around, watching the poor rag doll go. I don't like that Isis. Something's going on here, and I'm going to figure it out.