10

This chapter is dedicated to my little brother...inspiration for Jake Skellington and he's always giving me new fic ideas...he can't write (its really quite sad when he tries) but he illustrates all my fics written on paper...he's working on the cover for this fic...anyway, this one's for you little bro!

"How strange." said Cedric.

"What?" asked Vanessa.

"The moon is just as beautiful in HalloweenTown or the Human World."

"It is." agreed Vanessa, snuggling againest Cedric. It was getting chilly outside.

Cedric took off his long coat. "You're cold. Here." he said, draping it on her shoulders.

Vanessa drew back a lock of her hair. "Thank you." Cedric grinned. He couldn't explain it...his heart usually felt so heavy in his chest...but with Vanessa it leaped in his throat. It was so different...but in a good way.

"I think its the same for people." said Vanessa. "Hmmm?" mumbled Cedric. "Beauty. It doesn't matter where you're from. What a shame most people don't take time to appreciate it."

"Indeed." said Cedric, gazing at the stars. It was then he noticed the time.

"What time is it????" he asked Vanessa feverently. Vanessa shrugged. "Ummm...two or three in the morning." she said. "Why?"

Cedric's sockets bulged. "It can't be! I've gotta get to the portal! Its...its too late! Do you understand? I've missed the portal! How will I get home??"

"Where could he be?" asked Sally worridely. She watched out the window anxiously.

Jack put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm going to hunt up and search party to find him. I'll get the doctor to make a portal and search in the Human World. We'll find him Sally." he said, suredly.

"Be careful Jack!" Sally called as he went through the door. "I will." he called back. If only he felt as sure as he seemed. He first stopped at Jake's house.

"Dad? What brings you here?" asked Jake when he answered the door.

"Cedric still hasn't come home. Your mother fears for the worst. I'm going to get the mayor to start up a seach party, you and I will go to the Human World."

"What?" asked Vanessa, confused.

Cedric sighed. "You see, if I don't go through the portal by midnight, it closes till next Halloween. I wouldn't mind, your world is so interesting, but my mother and father will worry. I'm sure they've already sent out a search party by now..."

Vanessa looked down. "What's wrong?" asked Cedric. "If you go back to HalloweenTown, I'll never see you again."

This hit Cedric like a direct blow with a sledge hammer.

"Thats...true...No! I won't let it! I promise you, I will find a way to see you again!"

And then a plan began to form in Cedric's mind.