SUMMARY: Auradon Prep becomes a house of horrors. Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos are trapped inside at night with their friends and enemies, both AKs and VKs. With Auradon Prep's Halloween party taking place that very same night, they must find a way to escape the haunted school before they miss it completely.

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I'd like to thank the following users for reviewing the previous chapter: TheGreatGodzilla, DragonEmperor999, xez2003, MaliceMalAmyMalevFaery, TheLifeStruggleIsREAL, Quartz Rider, CarvieCamfia

It was the night of Halloween. It was the night where kids dress up in scary costumes and go trick-or-treating. It was the night where teenagers dress up in scary costumes and go to all-night parties. Speaking of parties, Auradon Prep is having a Halloween party taking place at a special venue in Auradon City. Every student was getting ready, putting on their chosen costumes to amaze and/or frighten their peers.

One student, however, was not looking forward to the party. Carlos De Vil.

As always, he is too consumed by fear and trauma to manage being around other people. All he wanted to do was stay in his dorm and experiment, since he already finished all of his homework. Unfortunately for him, his friends don't take no for an answer. He was just sitting on his bed and working on something in his laptop when the door opened. Coming into the dorm were Evie and Jay. The former was holding Dude, who was wearing a dog-sized vampire robe.

"Hey, Carlos, look," Evie called, showing him Dude's costume. "Dude the Vampire Dog. Isn't he cute?"

"I hate this," Dude said honestly, truth gummy and all. "I wanted to be Franken-Dude. That'll scare the kids."

"Yeah, well, too bad. You're wearing the costume for the rest of the night," said Evie.

Doug replied with brutal honesty. "Now I'm beginning to wonder who's the real head-scratcher in the couple. You or the dwarf?"

Evie's mouth opened as her eyes squinched, offended by the dog's comment.

"Don't mind him. He never thinks before he talks," said Carlos.

"Still, he could be less brutally honest and just be more simply honest," said Jay.

"Guys, I know what you're doing here, and the answer is still no. I'm not going to the party," said Carlos.

"But you have to come," said Evie. "This is our first Halloween party together, and we all have to be there. Hell, Uma and her crew are coming along."

"Just listen to her, man. It won't be fun without you," said Jay.

Carlos glares at him in response.

"Okay, it will be fun, but not as much fun without you," Jay corrected himself. "I get it. You're scared and going to a party that celebrates fear is a bad idea in so many ways, but..."

"You don't have to be afraid around friends," said Evie. "You don't have to mingle with others. You can just stay with close to Jay. To Jane. To Dude. To me. You'll feel safe."

"Look, guys, I really want to go to the party. I really do, but..." Carlos paused as he hid his pained expression from his friends. "It's not about what Halloween is about. It's about you guys expecting this party to make me who I was six months ago. I can't be that person, not even for you. It's not because I don't want to, but because I can't, no matter how hard I try."

"Then you should've accepted help," said Dude.

"That's nice, Dude, but... no," said Carlos. "Enjoy the party."

"Well, your loss," said Jay nonchalantly.

Evie hits Jay on the shoulder, shooting at him a scolding look that was telling him to correct his behavior.

"I meant, uh... we'll bring home pictures," said Jay. "And I'll... uh... give Jane a dance for you."

"Very good," Evie said, proud of Jay.

"That's gonna be awkward. Don't you already have a girlfriend, man?" Dude asked Jay.

"Lonnie's not my girlfriend, well, yet. And she'll understand why I'm dancing with Jane if I just tell her why," Jay said to the dog.

Evie gives Dude to Jay so they can bicker while she sits down next to Carlos. She adjusts his hair and turns his face so he can see her smile at him.

"You know I worry about you," said Evie.

"I know," said Carlos. "I understand it's painful to see me like this. Being the scared little boy you met on the Isle. Honestly, I wish I can just change my hair back to its original style."

"Don't," said Evie. "You're not that boy anymore, no matter how much you try to convince us and yourself otherwise. If you won't come to the party, then do me this one favor. Keep your hair exactly the way it is. Besides, I like it better this way. Funny thing, though, when we first met, I was thinking you could comb your hair sideways to look cooler. To think, you did it even though I never told you."

Carlos smiled a bit, amused.

"Okay, I won't change my hair," Carlos promised.

"Good," said Evie.

Evie kisses Carlos on the cheek, which disgusts both Jay and Dude.

"Evie, he's your best friend. You know that, right?" Jay said.

"Is it wrong for a big sister to kiss her little brother?" Evie replied.

"Okay, I think it's time we vamoose," said Jay, hoping Evie doesn't attempt to disgust him further.

Jay puts Dude down, grabs his costume, and leaves the dorm, followed by the dog and the blue-haired narcissist. Carlos waves goodbye to Evie before returning to his digital experiment.


Ben, Audrey, Chad, Doug, and Freddie (and Dude) gathered at the staircase beside the front door of the school for the rest of both their AK and VK companions.

For the party, Ben was dressed as a literal knight in shining armor, complete with a light-reflective armor plating. Audrey was wearing a pink dress resembling her mother's. Chad was dressed as "The Black knight." Doug dressed up like his father and uncles, wearing a green baggy tunic and a purple hat. Freddie was dressed like a voodoo witch from ancient times, including face paint and a hand-made staff.

"Why do I have to stay here and wait for them?" asked Audrey, growing impatient.

"Because Evie promised us a sweet ride to the party," Chad answered.

"Well, it better be worth it," said Audrey.

Two more familiar faces showed up. Lonnie and Jane.

"OMG, Lonnie! You look totes fabs horrifying," Audrey exclaimed, admiring Lonnie's costume.

"Thanks," Lonnie replied. She was wearing armor that was like a mishmash of the design of the Imperial Army and the Huns.

Freddie eyes Jane, who was wearing a blue cloak and a red bow tie that made her look like her mother. She was even holding a plastic replica of her mother's magic wand. Freddie sighs, confused as to why she, as well as Audrey and Doug are dressed in costumes that are not fitting for the holiday.

"I thought the idea of Halloween is to dress scary?" Freddie said. "Yet, Cheer Princess, Mini-God Mother, and Dwarf Boy here look like they're going to a fairy tale-themed costume party."

"At least I don't look like an a washed-up peasant with mud all over her face," Audrey replied disrespectfully.

"At least I don't look like an overgrown carnation," Freddie retorted.

"Okay, Freddie. There's no need for insults," said Lonnie, literally getting in between Freddie and Audrey. "Jeez, and I thought you and I were awful."

"I thought you were denying the whole we're-rivals thing," Freddie reminded her.

"I am, but I prefer to be the subject of your anger than my friends," said Lonnie.

Ben was about to pick up his phone to call Evie, hoping she can rush over so they can go to the party, hopefully to stop his friends from fighting. He didn't need to do it, however, because Evie had just arrived, accompanied by Jay.

All eyes were on Evie. She looked absolutely dazzling. Her costume looked like a modern take on her mother, the Evil Queen's look. She was wearing a glittered, long-sleeved black dress. The dark grey stitching on the skirt formed the shape of thorns. Her blue hair was tied up to a ponytail. Her black eye-liner and apple red lips made her appear ravishingly evil. Doug didn't know whether to be attracted or terrified of his girlfriend.

"Oh, I almost forgot," said Evie.

Evie removes her hand from behind her back and shows an apple, which caused everyone to stand back in fear.

"Relax, guys. It's not poisoned," said Evie.

Everyone sighed, relieved.

"Well, probably," Evie said playfully.

Everyone stood back again. Evie just giggled, enjoying herself.

As for Jay, he decided to look like a sorcerer. However, he did not want to wear a robe like his dad, so he stuck with a red and black leather tunic with a few gold features. He even had a 3D-printed copy of his father's staff.

"Pretty neat," Lonnie complimented.

"I could say the same about you," Jay said flirtatiously.

Lonnie blushed and Jay giggled at the sight.

"Hey, where's Carlos?" Jane asked.

"He's not coming, Jane," said Evie sadly.

Jane frowned, sad that her ex-boyfriend will not be attending the Halloween party.

"Oh, boo-hoo."

The mocking tone came from none other than Uma, who was accompanied by Harry, Gil, and Ginny. Everyone was very puzzled at the sight of their costumes. Harry was wearing Gil's clothes from the Isle, while Gil was wearing Harry's clothes, along with the hat. The hook, however, stayed with Harry, for obvious reasons. Uma and Ginny seemed to have swapped clothes as well. Ginny appears to be wearing hair extensions to mimic Uma's long braids, while Uma cut her hair and styled it to make it look frizzy like Ginny's.

"Okay, now that is horrifying," Audrey commented. "Oh, and, Uma, Mother Gothel called and she wants her hair back."

Uma growls as she tried to resist hurting Audrey.

"Okay, who's idea was this?" Evie asked, stupefied. "Because, this is a stupid idea."

"Gil," said Uma, Harry, and Ginny at the same time.

"We played rock-paper-scissors to see who comes up with the idea for our costumes," said Gil. "I won."

"Dude, too much guyliner," Jay commented.

"Really?" Gil asked.

Evie turns her Magic Mirror towards Gil.

"Nah, I don't think so," said Gil.

"Well, now that we're all here, let's hit the road," said Audrey, eager to leave.

"Not so fast, Audrey," said Evie, stopping the daughter of Aurora. "We're still waiting for one more person. And yes, I do mean her."

Much to Audrey's chagrin, she stood and waited. Much to her delight, the person they were waiting for arrived a few seconds later. Mal. Thanks to Evie, Fairy God Mother had allowed Mal to leave the campus for the party. Evie specifically said, "I understand that Mal is not be allowed to leave the campus, but she is allowed to participate in any school-related activity. However, Auradon Prep's Halloween party is, in fact, a school-related activity, meaning that Mal should be allowed to participate." The loophole worked.

If Evie managed to make everyone speechless with her appearance, Mal's costume made everyone both speechless and a bit terrified. Jane was hiding behind Audrey and Gil was hiding behind Harry. Doug held Evie's hand to make himself less afraid.

Mal was wearing a dress with the colors black and purple mixed into one dazzling fiery pattern. Her hair was curled up and the streak covering her right eye was dyed blonde. Her face looked very pale, probably because of Evie's make-up. The mascara on her face looked washed up, but that was obviously intentional. The fake blood on the side of her lip looked realistic.

"You look... terrifyingly wonderful," Ben said, amazed and afraid at the same time.

"Thanks," Mal replied, smiling at her ex.

"I made it myself," said Evie.

"She looked better," Uma said disrespectfully.

Mal turns and faces Uma with her trademark emotionless scowl and glowing green eyes. Uma would never look away, only to regret it immediately when her fear takes over her and she begins to feel weak, almost collapsing. Good thing Harry was there to keep her on her feet.

"Mal, please, not here," Ben pleaded.

"Relax, Bennyboo. I know my limits, believe it or not," said Mal. "So, no Snowball tonight?"

"Personally, I blame you," said Evie.

"O-Oh! Very funny," Mal replied, wagging her finger at Evie threateningly.

Audrey claps her hands together, capturing everyone's attention.

"Okay, if we're done here, maybe we can..."

Audrey was cut off when the doors slam shut and the lights go out. Everyone stood still and spoke no word as they tried to recover from the sudden shocking event.

"For the record, that was not me," said Mal.

"Then who was it? Jane? Uma?" Audrey asked sarcastically.

Audrey tried to open the door, but it won't budge. The doors were stuck. Mal pushes Audrey aside and attempts to kick the doors open, but they remained stuck.

"For the love of the seas, just magic it open," said Uma.

A strange moan was heard in the halls, spooking the teenagers. Well, most of them. Mal was just curious.

"Heh! Okay, very funny, Carlos!" Jay shouted, thinking that the white-haired tech prodigy was trying to scare them.

"Funny what?"

Everyone, except Mal, screamed and turned around, startled by the unexpected voice.

Fortunately for them, it was just Carlos.

"Sorry. I didn't meant to scare any of you," Carlos apologized.

"Yeah, well, I wasn't scared. I was just... surprised. Different thing," said Chad, defending his pride.

"What are you doing here?" Evie asked her friend. "I thought you weren't coming."

"And I'm still not. I just came here to give Mal this," Carlos said, holding up Mal's dragon necklace.

"Wait, isn't that the necklace your mother gave you?" Evie asked Mal.

"Yeah," Mal answered. "Hey, Carlos. Do you mind doing the honors?"

"Uh, i-i-in front of everyone?" Carlos asked, blushing.

Mal didn't say a word and just walked to him. He looked obviously terrified by her make-up, and she half-enjoyed the look on his face. She turns around and closes her eyes, waiting for Carlos to "do the honors." Carlos unclips the clasp and places the necklace around her neck. His hands ran through her purple locks as he reattaches the clasp. Mal can feel his fingers brushing against both her hair and skin. She felt like she was blushing, although not enough to redden her cheeks through the make-up.

After Carlos was finished, Mal turns around and shoots a smile at Carlos. He was a little nervous looking at her up-close and took a step back, but she held his hand before his foot can make the full step backward. He knew she wanted him in this position, so he played along.

"Um, nice hair," Carlos said casually.

"Is that all you have to say?" Mal asked, hoping for more.

"Well, I think I already have my pick for scariest costume," said Carlos.

Mal leaned closer as she grinned at Carlos. The boy did not dare make a move

"You sure you don't want to change your mind about the party?" She asked in a soft tone.

"I am sure," Carlos said after a brief hesitation.

"What if I make you a promise?" Mal proposed, keeping herself close to him. "I know you'll like it."

"Mal, please, stop torturing the poor guy," Jay pleaded.

Evie gets in between Mal and Carlos and gently pushes the purple-haired sorceress away from her first friend.

"No one's going to the party if we don't get out of here," said Evie. "Mal, just open the door with your magic. I'm sure Ben'll let this pass."

"I will," Ben confirmed.

Mal steps in front of the doors again as she cracks her knuckles, preparing to work her magic, literally. She raises her hand and waves it. However, nothing happened. The doors remained closed. Mal waves her hand several more times, but still nothing happened.

"My magic's not working," Mal said.

"What?" Uma asked, confused.

Uma tried using her own magic, but the doors remained closed no matter how many times she waved her hand.

"Mine's not working either," said Uma.

Freddie and Jane both attempted to use their magic, but nothing happened. Freddie had tried snapping her fingers to turn on the lights, to no avail. Jane shouted "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" twice, but not even a magical spark lit.

Evie even tried her Magic Mirror, but it wouldn't answer her no matter what she asks.

"Okay, this is getting spooky," said Jane.

"Locked doors. Lights off. Howling in the hallway. No magic," Mal enumerated. "And all on the night of Halloween. Doesn't seem coincidental, if you ask me."

"Are you suggesting this school is haunted?" Chad laughed.

"This castle is over 300 years old. If it was haunted, then we would've known," said Audrey.

"Besides, out of the many Halloweens that have past, why this year?" Lonnie asked.

"Too many VKs?" Chad guessed.

"Hey!" All the VKs responded loudly, glaring at Chad.

"I'm just sayin'. Why would ghosts show up now after all this time?" Chad said.

"Okay, everyone calm down. We're not haunted," said Ben. "I know this place like the back of my hand. There are no ghosts here in Auradon Prep."

The ghostly moaning sounded again, scaring everyone but Mal.

"I think maybe you're wrong," said Gil, scared and hiding behind Harry for protection.

"A specter lurks in the shadows," said Harry ominously, seemingly fascinated about meeting an actual ghost. "What does it seek from us?"

"Okay, even if we're haunted, how does that explain why we don't have magic?" Evie wondered. "And even if these ghosts can keep us from using our magic, shouldn't Mal be, like, immune to any kind of magic that cuts off magic?"

"Well, this is the supernatural, E. Never encountered it before," said Mal.

"This night just got a whole lot more interesting," said Ginny. "Too bad Hadie isn't here. His father is the lord of all ghosts, after all."

"We're not haunted," Ben insisted. "So, let's all just calm down and..."

A disembodied laughter came out of nowhere and spooked the teenagers. Audrey, Chad, Lonnie, Jane, Gil, and Ginny all ran in different directions to escape the sound of the laughter. Doug grabbed Evie's hand and ran away, dragging her with him. The rest either screamed or, in Mal's case, remained unafraid.

"Guys!" Ben called to the running teenagers. "If this is a haunting, then we have to stick together!"

No one responded.

"Okay, so maybe we are haunted," Carlos said with fear, hiding behind Mal.

To Carlos' surprise, Mal held his hand. He saw the smirk on her face. Or was it a smile? He couldn't tell.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you," Mal promised.

"Okay, so what now?" Uma asked. "We got ghosts. We got eight of our classmates running around the halls, separately, may I add. Worse, we don't have magic."

"Okay, let's split up," said Mal. "Jay, go find Chad and Audrey. Uma, Harry, you two look for the rest of your crew. You can knock Gil out if you want to. Ben, Freddie, look for Evie, Lonnie, and Doug. Carlos, you and I look for Jane."

"Uh... you and me?" Carlos asked nervously.

"Yes, Snowball. You and me," said Mal, holding onto his hand tighter.

"And me," Dude added.

"Why don't I come with you?" Ben suggested to Mal.

"No," Mal answered immediately. "Just go. All of you."

"Aye-aye, captain," Uma said sarcastically.

And so, everyone splits up. The moaning in the halls continued, spooking them further. Was it really a ghost? If it was, what does it want from them? However, they were more focused on finding their friends than worrying about some ghost.


Gil runs all the way towards the chemistry lab. He locked the door and hid behind a table. He was whimpering with fear as he hoped that no ghost comes for him. Suddenly, someone started hitting the door. Gil thought it was the ghost and screamed. He picks up a couple of chemicals just in case he needed to defend himself, in spite not knowing what any of them do.

"Why have you come for me?" He whined.

"Gil!" Someone shouted from outside the door. It sounded like Uma.

"Oh no! Uma's in trouble," Gil panicked.

"Gil!" Harry shouted from outside.

"Harry's in trouble too!" Gil panicked again. "I have got to save them. Gh-Gh-Ghosts don't scare me."

Putting on a brave face, Gil gets up and throws the chemicals at the door. The two chemicals caused an explosion that destroyed the door completely.

"Harry! Uma!" Gil called. "Did I save you guys?"

Walking through the smoke created by the explosion are Uma and Harry. They were both covered in soot. Uma's hair was frizzier than ever. The tip of Harry's hook broke.

"I did it! I saved you guys," Gil cheered.

Harry growled as he pushed Gil towards the wall.

"You imbecile!" Harry yelled. "My hook is no longer

"Hey, I was trying to save you from the ghosts," said Gil. "They were at the door, trying to get it in. They kept trying to break it open."

"Why the heck would you thinks ghosts need to knock?!" Uma shouted.

Suddenly, a creepy laughter was heard from behind them. The three of them look to see where it came from.

They screamed in fright.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ ROTTEN TO THE CORE ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Ginny was running through the halls, trying to escape the creepy moaning that seemed to be chasing her. She looked over her shoulder to see if someone or something was following her. As she turned a corner and looked forward, she accidentally bumped into someone. It was Lonnie.

Both girls put a hand on their foreheads, hurt from the collision.

"Watch where you're going," Ginny grunted.

"I could say the same to you," said Lonnie. "Ow!"

"What happened to manners, princess?" Ginny replied disrespectfully.

"I am not a princess... ow," Lonnie replied. Her forehead still ached.

"Hey, guys!"

Ben and Freddie showed up. Ben quickly tends to Lonnie while Freddie does the same to Ginny.

"Are you guys okay?" asked Ben.

"No thanks to Captain Careless over there," Ginny replied, glaring at Lonnie.

"Hey! No one talks about her like that but me," said Freddie. "Lonnie's my rival. You already have Ruby."

"Freddie, we are not..." Lonnie stops, deciding it was not worth the effort. "So, any of you find anything?"

"Nothing but a ghostly moan that seems to be coming from everywhere," said Lonnie.

"Can't tell whether it's coming from behind us or above us or below us," said Ginny.

Suddenly, thunder boomed and lightning flashed as a deep voice spoke to them.

"Behind you..."

The teenagers slowly turn around to see who or what it was.

"Hello..."

They screamed with fear.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ ROTTEN TO THE CORE ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Doug dragged Evie to his dorm. He locks the door behind her and then crawls under his bed. Evie was still bothered by him grabbing her hand and taking her away without warning.

"Evie, what are you doing? Get down here," Doug whispered loudly.

"Doug, get out from under there," Evie insisted. "Look, I appreciate you trying to protect me like a knight in shining armor, but I can take care of myself. Besides, you're a knight in whatever clothes you're wearing. Even one as dopey as the one you're wearing right now. Pun intended."

Doug smiled. Evie leans in for a kiss.

However, before she could close the gap, the ghostly moan was heard again. Evie holds Doug's hand as she stepped in front of him, shielding him.

"You know, I actually locked the door. Why would I do that? Ghosts can phase through walls," said Doug, feeling stupid for locking the door.

"Well, it's basic instinct to lock your door when a hostile is chasing after you," said Evie.

"So, uh, do I still get that kiss?" Doug asked nervously, hoping it wasn't a bad time to ask the question.

"Moment's ruined, I'm afraid," said Evie. "I think I'll hide under the bed now."

Evie and Doug both hide under the bed. Just when everything seemed silent, the door suddenly opens. There were no feet on the floor, however, which frightened the couple. They held each other's hands as they tried to stay quiet, trying not to draw any attention.

"Well, well, well..."

The deep voice came from the side of the bed.

"Princess and Dwarfy Boy hiding under the bed, K.I.S.S.I.N.G..."

The two reluctantly turned their heads to the left.

They screamed in fear.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ ROTTEN TO THE CORE ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Audrey and Chad were running away from the moaning together. It was getting louder and louder no matter how fast they ran, but they didn't stop. Suddenly, Chad stopped.

"Wait a minute," he said. "Why am I running? I'm no coward. I'm a Knight, well, Fighting Knight, but you get that point."

"And you expect to fight... whatever it is that's chasing us?" Audrey questioned him. "I doubt a sword of any kind can do anything to a ghost."

"Regardless, Chad Charming does not run from a fight," said Chad. "Right Audrey?" He asked as he looked at her flirtatiously.

"R-Right," Audrey replied.

"Stay behind me, Audrey. Chad 'The Black Knight' Charming is about to come face-to-face with an actual ghost," said Chad as he stood in front of the two girls.

Chad draws his plastic sword and waits for the specter to show itself. The moaning got louder. They were spooked, but Chad tried his best to remain brave.

Suddenly, red eyes lit up in the shadows, scaring them.

The eyes came closer and closer, until... it turned out to be just Jay. His snake scepter's eyes were glowing.

"Dude, not funny!" Chad shouted.

"You scared us," said Audrey.

Jay laughed. "Yeah, sorry about that."

"No, you're not," Chad accused.

"Hey, it's Halloween. The day for scares," said Chad.

"That's my job..."

The deep, ominous voice spoke, scaring the three of them. Audrey held on to Chad tightly as both men hold up their "weapons" in an effort to "combat" who or what speaks to them.

"Show yourself, you evil ghost!" Chad demanded.

"If you insist..."

The three teenagers look up at the ceiling, where the voice originated from.

They screamed.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ ROTTEN TO THE CORE ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Jane was trying to get out of the school through another door, but it was stuck as well. It was safe to assume that every door in the school was locked by the ghost to keep all of them inside. When she heard the moaning again, Jane screamed and ran.

She ran all the way to Jay and Carlos' dorm. To her surprise, the door was slightly open and Dude was standing outside.

"Hard time running in that dress, girl?" Dude asked, noticing how Jane struggles running in the cloak.

"Tripped over the skirt twice, so yeah," said Jane. "Who's inside?"

"My boy and his purple-haired friend," said Dude. "I'm just here as lookout. Honestly, I'm scared."

"Me too," said Jane.

Jane picks up Dude and heads inside the dorm. Mal and Carlos were sitting down on Carlos' bed. Carlos was doing something on his laptop while Mal was casually resting her arm on his shoulder. Carlos' black recoding remote was plugged into his laptop.

"Hey, Jane," Mal greeted her.

"Aren't you guys supposed to be running for your lives?" asked Jane, still freaked out.

"We were, but then Snowball here and his big brain came up with an ingenious idea to take care of our specter," Mal said. "Carlos, tell your ex what you've got."

"Ghosts are considered untouchable, but when you look at it from a scientific point of view, their spectral energy can be detected, meaning they're not completely intangible," said Carlos. "I repurposed my recoding device to tap into the ghosts' frequency. Once it detects them, it will send a sonic wave that will disrupt their frequency. Think of it as the sound of a microphone against a speaker at max volume, except only the ghosts will hear them."

"Wow," Jane and Dude said at the same time.

"Why didn't you just say the last part?" asked Dude. "At least we understood that."

"Because our resident boy genius here loves his tech-y talk," Mal said as she petted Carlos like a dog.

"Y-Yeah, I do," Carlos replied, blushing from the petting.

Screaming could be heard in the hallway, meaning that the rest are nearby.

"Carlos, is that device ready to go?" Mal asked.

"Just a few more seconds," said Carlos.

Carlos finishes the code for the reprogramming and uploads it to his device.

"Okay, it's done," Carlos said as he unplugged the device from the laptop.

"Let's go hunt ourselves a ghost," said Mal.


Jay, Audrey, and Chad were slowly walking through the halls, sticking close to each other. Chad held his plastic sword tightly in his hand, as did Jay with his scepter. Audrey held both Jay and Chad's arms as she tried not to panic.

"It's quiet," said Jay.

"Too quiet," said Chad.

"It's not quiet if you guys are talking," Audrey whispered loudly.

"You get the point," said Jay. "It's just that in this one movie I saw, a quiet haunted house means you're not alone."

"Well, this is not a movie," said Audrey, still whispering. "So, shh!"

The three were about to walk passed Mal and Evie's dorm. Suddenly, the door opened. They were dragged inside. They were about to scream until hands were placed on their mouths. Fortunately, they were in the presence of friends, not hostiles. All AKs and VKs (except for Mal, Carlos, and Jane) were in the room with them.

"Shh! Be quiet," Evie whispered. "It's us."

"Whew," Jay said with relief after Evie removed his hand from his mouth. "Street rats, Evie! You almost scared us to death."

"Are you guys okay?" Ben asked.

"For now," said Audrey. "We... we saw it. We saw it."

"Us too," said Lonnie.

"So, how are all of you still alive?" asked Chad. "Not that I'm complaining. It's just..."

"Simple. We ran," said Freddie. "Apparently, this ghost wants to toy with us instead of eating our souls."

"That wasn't just any ghost, though," said Ben. "I've heard about a rumor. Trent Ghoss. A hundred years ago, he came to this castle in search of shelter from a snowstorm. The cruel knights refused to take him in. They mocked him, hurt him even. When Ghoss wouldn't take no for an answer, he was slaughtered and his body was put away where no one would ever find it."

"And you're saying that this Trent Ghoss happens to look like a homeless man wearing a trench coat with a scar across his eye?" Uma asked, remembering the appearance of the ghost she saw.

"It's no coincidence that the ghost we saw matches the description of Ghoss," said Ben. "He must be here to enact revenge on anyone who lives here."

"Funny. A man whose name is Ghoss ends up being a ghost," Gil joked, laughing at the similar pronunciations of Ghoss' name and what he is now.

"Yeah, well, you won't be laughing when he sends your soul to the Underworld," said Harry, smacking Gil on the head with his party-damaged hook.

"So, Ghoss never showed up until now because it's the 100th anniversary of his death?" Evie asked.

"It's the most logical conclusion," said Ben.

"So, we're trapped here in school about to be scared to death by a 100-year-old ghost while wearing these ridiculous outfits, huh?" Ginny complained. "Couldn't think of a more embarrassing end than that."

"It could be worse. At least we're together, safe and sound," said Lonnie.

"If this is my final night, I'm honored to stand by all of you," said Doug as he held Evie's hand, believing this was gonna be his final day in the land of the living.

"This is not anyone's final night," said Evie. "We've got fifteen minutes left until the party starts. The best we can do is be fashionably late. Regardless, we are gonna show up at that party. This night will not be our end."

"Are you sure about that?"

Everyone silenced themselves as they heard the familiar ghostly voice. Turning their heads to the ceiling, they can see him. Trent Ghoss.

"You better start running..."

And with those words, everyone dashed out of the door and ran as far away as they can from the ghost. Ghoss laughed evilly as he chased the teenagers across the halls. He wasn't even trying. He loved toying with them.

The teenagers ran down the stairs, except for Jay and Chad, who instead jump off the railing and landed hard on the floor. All they got were bruised shoulders, fortunately. They were helped back on their feet and continued running with the others. As they ran through the halls, the janitor's closet opened. Coming out were Mal, Carlos, Jane, and Dude.

"Hold it right there, buster," Mal said, looking directly at the ghost.

"It's time for you to rest. For good this time," said Carlos.

Carlos activates his device and points it at Ghoss. The sonic wave from the device seemed to disturb Ghoss. It was as if a high-pitched sound was threatening to break his eardrums, even if he was a ghost.

"It's working!" Jane exclaimed happily, hugging Dude.

Unfortunately, however, Carlos' device malfunctioned. Ghoss stopped covering his ears when the noise stopped. He started laughing again.

"Dalmatians!" Carlos cursed.

"Language!" Dude scolded him.

"A feeble attempt, young one," said Ghoss.

Ghoss flies straight towards Carlos and phases right into him. Carlos passes out.

"Carlos! No! Wake up! C'mon, you son of a devil. Wake up!" Mal cried as she shook Carlos, trying to wake him up.

Carlos wakes up. However, something was strange. His eyes were glowing green. His mouth opened, but Ghoss' voice came out of it.

"There is no Carlos. Only Ghoss."

Mal backs up as did everyone else. Fear was all over their faces. Ghoss, having possessed Carlos' body, gets up on his feet and looks at everyone with an evil smile on his face.

"Holy poison apples," Evie cursed.

"We should start running," Audrey suggested.

Carlos' body was beginning to raise his hand, seemingly preparing to do something. Before anyone could start running, Carlos started giggling. The giggle turned into a chuckle. The chuckle turned into laughter. His voice reverted back to its original sound.

Mal, for some reason, started laughing as well.

"Um, what?" Jay was confused.

Everyone was confused.

Mal puts an arm around Carlos and leans on his shoulder as the two of them continue to laugh.

"Would someone explain what the hell is going on?" Evie asked.

"Okay. Okay. First things first..." Carlos pushes a button on his device and his eyes reverted back to their original color.

"Uh... what the heck just happened?" Jay asked, still confused.

"Nanotechnology," said Carlos. "The contacts are designed to change color with just a push of a button."

"Okay, wait. Time out!" Uma shouted. "Why aren't you still acting like Ghoss? I thought you were possessed."

"Mal, care to do the honors?" Carlos asked.

"Gladly," said Mal. She faces everyone and explains. "None of it was real. Ghoss' ghost, that was fake."

"What?!" Everyone reacted.

"But you aren't supposed to use magic," said Chad, assuming Mal used magic to create the fake ghost.

"I didn't say I used magic," said Mal. "I used technology. Carlos' technology."

"Can you be more specific?" Lonnie asked.

Mal explained further. "The ghost was a hologram. Last night, we planted tiny little projectors all over the school, not to mention some hidden cameras..."

Lonnie flinched, but tried to remain calm as she listened.

"They're all linked to Carlos' laptop," Mal continued. "The moaning and laughter, they came from the PA system. Carlos hacked them. While we were busy getting ready, he was busy spooking us. When we split up, he and I were in his room watching all of you look like scaredy-cats as we haunted all of you with the ghost of Trent Ghoss."

"But how did you know about the tale of Ghoss?" Ben asked.

"Carlos' research on Auradon Prep. He read every rumor that has been said about this place," Mal answered.

"And the whole fake being-possessed thing?" Jay asked.

"We just wanted to see the looks on your faces," Mal answered with a smirk. "And now that the testing phase is over, we're ready to take this to the party. Everyone is gonna be in for quite a fright."

Jay fake-laughed nervously.

"You got us," he said, feeling proud and embarrassed at the same time.

"For the record, I was never scared," Chad lied, trying to maintain his pride.

"Not according to the footage showing you screaming like a girl upon seeing Ghoss," said Carlos.

"Wait. There's still a few things I don't get," said Evie. "Why was our magic cut off?"

"Carlos' newest anti-magic device," Mal answered.

"And it worked on you?" Evie asked.

"No," Mal answered. "I was faking it. I had to, just to sell it."

"Carlos' voice?" Evie asked.

"Voice modulator," Mal answered.

"And why were the doors locked?" Evie asked.

"We had someone on the outside to take care of that," said Mal.

Mal takes out her phone and contacts someone.

"It's over. You can come in now," she said.

A minute later, a familiar face shows up. It was Dizzy Tremaine, dressed as a witch, complete with a pointy hat and a broom. She runs towards Mal and gives her a hug. She then hugs Carlos, who was kind enough to return the favor.

"Hi, everyone," Dizzy greeted the rest.

"Hi," Evie greeted her. "What are you doing here?"

"Trick-or-Treating ended at seven, so I had enough time to come here and help Mal and Carlos with their Halloween surprise," said Dizzy.

"Which scared us half to death," Jane pointed out.

"I know," said Dizzy, amused. "I can't wait to see the footage."

Uma looked like she was about to explode. "You little para..."

"Touch her and we'll upload the footage on AuraTube," Mal threatened her as she shielded Dizzy. "I'm sure all of Auradon will love seeing the big bad Uma, daughter of the once great Ursula, shrieking like a damsel in distress."

Uma decided to stand down for the sake of her image.

"Dizzy, why would you do this to us? To your friends?" Evie asked, feeling a bit hurt.

"Mal promised me two things," said Dizzy. "One, I get to see the footage. Two, I get to come with you to your party."

"But the party is for Auradon Prep students only. You're still in Auradon Junior," said Audrey.

"But I always hold up my end of a bargain," said Mal, putting an arm around Dizzy. "Like it or not, she comes. Punish me all you want, but I want her to spend Halloween night with her closest friends."

"Well, there's no harm in it, I guess," said Ben.

"So long as you don't let her drink the cider at the party," said Evie. "She's too young."

"I promise," Mal said as she crossed her fingers behind her back.

"Okay, if we're done, can we go to the party now?" Audrey asked.

"Doors are open now," said Dizzy.

And so, everyone headed for the front door. Mal, Evie, Jay, Carlos, Ben, and Dizzy remained behind for a little chat.

"Mal, you know I don't condone this kind of action," said Ben.

"No one is hurt, right?" Mal replied. "I did tell you that I wasn't gonna play nice with you. Now, I have a movie worth watching for Christmas. King Ben Scared Silly... with Friends."

Ben decided not to say anything else. He was warned and now he felt the impact of her payback. He was very scared tonight and he can only guess that this is what Mal wanted from him. Fear.

"Shall we go the party?" He asked, changing the subject.

"You guys wait outside. Carlos and I will stay behind and prepare for The Big Scare," said Mal.

Everyone but Mal and Carlos went outside and wait by the limo that Evie bought just for the night. It was big enough to hold all sixteen of the students. Audrey was definitely pleased that they were traveling in style, and so were the others, if not as much as the daughter of Sleeping Beauty.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ ROTTEN TO THE CORE ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Meanwhile, Mal and Carlos are packing up all their projectors and cameras, preparing to use them at the party. Mal was clearly eager to see the looks on everyone's faces when they unleash the "Ghost of Trent Ghoss."

"So, Snowball, what did you think?" Mal asked the white-haired tech prodigy. "Did you have fun?"

"Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't," said Carlos.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me," said Dude, feeling betrayed for being left out.

"If we told you, you would've told everyone," said Carlos. "Truth gummy, remember?"

"Oh," Dude replied.

"I'm proud of you, Carlos," Mal said sincerely. "It's nice to know that you agreed to this. This wouldn't have been possible without you."

"Honestly, I'm still surprised you let me choose," said Carlos.

"What's the point in making things right if I keep ordering you around like a little puppy?" Mal replied. "Like I said, I want to make up for what I've done."

"This is an unusual way of accomplishing that," said Carlos.

"I've caused mischief with Evie. I've stolen stuff with Jay. But I've never done anything evil with you, just the two of us," said Mal. "I wanted to know how it feels like. Just you and me, scaring everyone like the old days."

"Well, I was only feared because I was a member of your gang," said Carlos.

"The teenagers, maybe, but with the kids, that's a whole different story," said Mal. "Don't worry. I haven't told anyone."

"Thank you," said Carlos.

Carlos was zipping his bag when he felt something press against his cheek. He didn't need to look to see what it was. It was Mal, kissing him again.

"You're welcome," Mal said.

Mal gave Carlos one more kiss on the cheek before walking out the dorm, not wanting him to see her flustered and blushing. Carlos, meanwhile, was busy standing in place, frozen and blushing. The more of these kisses he receives, the hotter he blushes after each one. The question is, why?

"Dude, are you gonna make a move on her or what?" Dude asked.

Carlos finally blinked, but he ignored Dude's question. He just grabbed his bag and left the dorm with his canine companion following him.


After the party, everyone returned to Auradon Prep, including Dizzy. She has been allowed to spend the night at Mal and Evie's dorm. As soon as both Evie and Dizzy were fast asleep, Mal takes out her diary and writes down her latest entry.

"Dear Diary,

Tonight was, without a doubt, one of the best nights of my life. As I said once before, It feels good to be bad. And that's what I've been tonight. A bad girl. Carlos and I played a hilarious Halloween prank on everyone. Oh, and Dizzy helped as well. To put it simply, we locked them inside the school and scared them with a hologram of the ghost of Trent Ghoss. The looks on everyone's faces, priceless. Best part, we have footage, which means I can watch it over and over and over again. My favorite part was definitely Uma screaming like a helpless little girl. She's lucky I'm keeping it to myself.

The party was a blast. The Big Scare worked. Filmed and recorded for future viewing. Everyone was so scared they ran out of the building until I explained the whole thing. Oh, and I may have slipped a glass of cider for Dizzy. Just one. She was alright, apart from accidentally running into a wall just once.

But the true best part of tonight was being able to do all this with Carlos. When I came to him with this idea, he was so against it. I didn't force him to cooperate, though. I let him choose. He chose to help me, and I can tell he didn't regret it. I am just so glad that we're becoming close again. Maybe we're still far from 100%, but if tonight proved anything, he's no longer afraid to be around me. We can talk. We can hang out. Maybe I have chance to make this work. All that's left now is to tell him. Can I? Well, no pressure, right?

After all, I always get what I want.

'Til next time
- Mal"

I tried to go for a horror movie vibe, but with the little time I had on my hands, I could only settle for a sitcom-like Halloween story. I just hope this was still entertaining... in a way.