Hello again all you wonderful people! Yes another update on a special day today. But wait, I can hear you asking what is so special about June 22? Well today is the day where Halloween is celebrated once more in Summerween! How do I that Summerween is today? Well if you pause on the episode where Stan is holding up the calendar, while none of the days are numbers they show the correct amount for June and the day marked for Summerween is June 22. Either that or it is the second to last Friday of June which for Gravity Falls, either is reasonable. I just decided to go with the first one.
But that's right folks, we are doing Summerween. A fan favorite episode and this chapter hopefully lives up to par. This was a fun chapter to do and I am proud of what Wolf and I manage to make. So grab your candy, put on your costumes and lit those Jack-o-Melons as we enter the Strangeness of Gravity Falls' best holiday.
Only one person got last chapter's code and it is once again Nomadskout8. Really on the ball with those and I have a feeling you will get it again.
The Cowardly Christian as the one that inspired this whole story. While we couldn't go with your idea for the chapter, I do hope you enjoy what we manage to come up with.
Disclaimer: Wolfpackersson09 and I don't own anything from Gravity Falls nor any other franchises that are featured in this story. They belong to their respected owners and we earn no profit from this. This is simply for fun.
Strange Engagement
Chapter Eight: This is Summerween!
A new day in Gravity Falls and Stan speed into a parking lot with Soos' truck coming behind at a more normal speed. Stan rushed into a handicapped spot, hitting the sign and titling it, while Soos parked into a normal one next to it. The group got out of the cars to show Stan and Soos with the twins, the underworld kids, and Wendy for this trip. It seems only Soos, Stan and Wendy had an idea of what was going on but none were saying what it was before they got there.
"What is this?" Junior asked looking at the building they park in front of. It was a normal-looking department store with a banner saying 'Summerween Superstore' in red and 'dripping' to make it seem like blood. On the store's roof was a large inflatable bat. It looked like it was decked out for Halloween, but it was the end of June.
"The Summerween Superstore," Stan said with a grin.
"Wait, Summer what?" Dipper asked.
"Summerween" Stan explained, "the people of this town loves Halloween so much they celebrate it twice a year. And wouldn't you know it, it's today."
"Halloween…in the summer?" Chi asked in amazement. Next to her Mimi was staring at the store with eyes wide and Dipper could have sworn they were sparkling.
Rias turned and glared at her friend, "why is this the first time I am hearing about this Wendy?"
Wendy simply shrugged. "I didn't think it was a big deal."
This caused the daughter of the devil to puff out her cheeks in irritation. "Not a big deal? I told you Halloween was not only the biggest, most celebrated holiday in the Underworld but also my favorite one."
"It is really that big?" Dipper asked Junior.
The son of the Grim Reaper nodded, "oh yeah. Almost everywhere in the Underworld loves and celebrates Halloween and is loved by all the Overlords, even Him celebrates it in his own style."
"Our family has close ties to All Hallow's Eve," Mini added, a graceful smile on her face in both remembering the past holidays with family as well as taking in this idea of Summerween. "If Stan has given up his deceiving way if just but a moment and for the first time speaking truthfully, then this is a cause for celebration. This Hallow's Eve of Summer is a new chapter of our lives that must be remembered and also brought back home for others to celebrate. My greatest thanks Stan Pines, for your trick has brought upon good for us this time."
"I have no idea what you said," Stan stated in a deadpan tone with a matching look, "but I think I've been insulted."
"Nothing new," Dani said to Lilith who agreed as both seemed eager to go into the store and check out the different costumes. Dani for her love of costumes and a holiday that allows her to go over the top.
"This seems like fun," Lilith said wondering if any of the costumes would be able to fit her style.
"Something seems odd about this," Mabel said tapping her chin.
"There's free candy," Soos pointed out.
"It's a second Halloween," Junior pointed out, "of course there is going to be trick-or-treating involved."
But this was the final straw the rest needed to rush into the store with their different goals in mind. Stan grabbed an oil drum that was labeled 'fake blood', planning on scaring a bunch of kids that come to the Shack this year. He even took pleasure in scaring a child with his mother shopping nearby. Soos was at a shelf with candy bowls with a large skull in the middle with Mimi next to him, also studying the skulls. Soos tabbed one of the skulls and it spoke "I'd lend you a hand, but I don't seem to have any. Yohohoho Skull Joke!"
Soos laughed at the joke, "this guy tells it as it is."
Mimi seemed intrigued and pushed another one of the skulls, "I can't believe my eyes at those costumes, wait…I don't have any. Yohohoho Skull Joke!"
"Sir," one employee said walking by with several boxes, "could you please stop pushing that?"
"Ma'am, make these less hilarious and you got yourself a deal," Soos said as Mimi pressed on the skull once more.
"This Candy smells so good. But wait…I don't have a nose. Yohohoho Skull Joke!"
The woman sighed before looking around seeing Stan scaring a couple of kids and the twins running through the costume props with their friends behind them. She went to the front counter and called over the loudspeaker "have the police come and eject the Pines family from the store."
"Not today!" Stan shouted before he dropped a smoke bomb near the front and they all ran out of the store.
As they ran Mabel asked an important question, "you paid for this stuff right?"
"Of course," Stan reassured her. What he didn't tell her is that what he left fake money he dubbed, 'Stan Bucks'. They quickly got into the car and speed out of the parking lot, and popping a giant inflatable Jack-o-melon, which was basically a jack-o-lantern but with a watermelon.
(scene change)
The gang was back at the cabin where the kids were in the living room, getting together their costumes, making plans for trick-or-treating, and overall having fun this Summerween.
"Ah man, this is going to be awesome!" Dipper said getting pumped for Summerween.
"We're going to have the best costumes and have huge stomach aches!" Mabel agreed as she high-fived her twin.
"Challenge accepted," Dani said in a serious tone for a moment before she broke out laughing. "This is going to be so fun."
"Dude, I've never seen you guys so pumped," Soos stated from his spot, wearing a homemade mask wrestler costume complete with a cape.
"Back him, Dipper and I are kind of the kings of trick-or-treating, twins in costumes easily got the candy." She also showed Soos some pictures of past costumes which included cute kittens salt and pepper shakers, and a pair of zombies. "People eat it up."
"Smart," Junior admitted as he looked at the pictures. "I don't think Mini and I could pull that off."
"Well, you dudes be careful out there," Soos said in warning. "It's the night of ghouls and goblins and not to mention; the Summerween Trickster."
Soos shined a flashlight under his face to add to the effect as he said the name.
"The what?" Dani was the first to ask as everyone turned to him.
Soos then began the legend once they were all paying attention. "The Trickster goes door to door, so the legend goes, eating children who lack the Summerween spirit."
"Sounds like something Uncle Jack would come up with," Junior said to this while those that knew the figure nodded in agreement.
"Uncle Jack?" Dipper asked as this was the first Junior or Mini spoke of other members of their family.
"Indeed, the brother of our honored father and the lord of Halloween. Tis the Pumpkin King that dances within the night of All Hallow's Eve sending all to fright," Mini answered and with a smile entirely on her face as she spoke brightly.
"That's uncle Jack. Jack Skellington is his full name, and yeah, he's the guy that pulls out all of the stops on Halloween celebrations. Every year he gets his town ready to party with the tricks and fears," Junior added his own two cents as he thought about what kind of costume to wear.
"That would be so cool and terrifying to see," Dipper admitted as he grabbed some candy and put one in his mouth, only to gag as he looked at the candy. "Gah, what kind of candy is this? Gummy chairs, sand pops, and Mr. Adequate Bar?"
"This is all cheap-o loser candy," Mabel moaned as they looked through the assortment of off-brand candies that were more for politely snubbing trick or treaters.
Soos grabbed the gummy lips and said, "quite your discontent children, less the Trickster overhears."
"Your cape is caught in your fly Soos," Dipper pointed out walking past him towards the window carrying the bowl.
Soos looks to see Dipper was right. "Touché" he mutters before he eats the gummy lips.
"Goodbye loser candy," Dipper muttered throwing the candy out the window and into the open garbage can outside. He didn't notice someone was watching this action, breathing deeply. Dipper however stopped when he heard the door open up and Rias calling out, "We're back!"
He returned to the living room as Rias and Wendy came in, "Hey guys. Did you get all the things you were looking for?"
"We did," Rias replied while giving Wendy a look, "and had Wendy do a few things for me for not telling me about Summerween before."
Wendy rolled her eyes at this, "yeah, yeah. You can also talk to the others tonight. Speaking of which I got a surprise for everyone." She pulled out an orange flier and showed it to everyone, "Tambry's parents are out of town so we're throwing a party."
The group looked at the flier, seeing that it looked like a normal flier with Summerween Party and Tambry's address with the time of 9:00 pm. Besides the large Jack-o-melon and witch silhouette had two notes, one being 'Not S+P approved' and 'No photos better end up online'.
"Wow, I don't think we've ever been invited to a party like this," Dipper said with a grin. "I mean we had Halloween parties as kids but this is an actual teenage party."
Wendy barely managed to keep a wider grin off her face than the normal one she usually had, excited to hear this. "Well, this can be your first. You know the gang would love to have you all join us, so you guys down?"
"If it's at Nine, then we should have time to go trick-or-treating for a few hours," Dani said thinking it over. "If we start and six or seven, we can get a good amount of candy and bring it back to the cabin before heading to the party."
"Sounds like fun," Lilith added and the others gave their own approval of the plan. Lilith couldn't wait for the party as she knew she would have a fun time either pranking guests or teasing others. Dipper was her prime target for teasing for the night but it didn't mean she couldn't enjoy having more fun.
"Sweet," Wendy said with a thumbs up.
"You want to join us trick-or-treating?" Mabel asked, not seeing a problem with their friend going with them.
Wendy didn't expect this, planning on just trying to get to hang out with Dipper at the party and have fun without any issue or people questioning it. She thought it over quickly to see what the pros and cons were. Finally, she replied, trying to play it cool, "I mean I dress up on years depending on my mood. So, I can at least join you guys while dressed up so you won't lose any candy."
"Good!" Chi said firmly while Mimi nodded, drooling at the mental image of the amount of candy she can get tonight. "We are expecting a generous number of tributes tonight and I will not be having you lowering our yield by your actions. You will be wearing a costume tonight even if we have to make you wear one."
Here Mimi once again nodded holding up a costume as an example, surprising Wendy of it being the Leia slave outfit. Don't get her wrong, she would wear it for a laugh and she knew she could pull it off, but she wasn't going to be wearing 'that' in front of her crush. She wouldn't be able to handle it. Rias however came to her rescue, "Well, in that case, Wendy care to help me get my costume together. I'm sure we can find something for you too."
Wendy took her way out easily, "oh sure no problem man."
The two teens walked past everyone and entered Rias' room in silence before Rias shut her town and sighed, "I think that went rather…" she turned and gained a look of surprise. "…well?"
As soon as Wendy entered the room, she flopped onto Rias's bed before pulling one of her pillows before screamed into it. Once she was done Wendy tossed it aside and looked exhausted. "God that was so stressful. Is this what guys go through when they are trying to play cool and invite their crush to a party?"
"I wouldn't know," Rias answered simply. "Still the move was good. If I didn't know you had a crush on Dipper already, I wouldn't have known your plan."
"Don't get me wrong I would have invited him and the others anyway," Wendy admitted. "But I want a cool Summerween and try to make the most of it. Why is this so stressful?"
"Could be because feelings are involved," Rias commented as she wasn't as sure as she already knew she was going to be married for a long while, it was just waiting for the groom to reach close to the appropriate age. "I already knew I was going to be married a while before this, so I had time to either look up Dipper's file or at least be mentally prepared."
"You have a file on Dipper?" Wendy asked as that bit was what caught the other red head's attention. Rias just shrugged a bit before answering.
"Hell's management has files on every mortal that lives and dies, so we have a file for Dipper. It was specially separated for my father's personal archives due to the arrangement." Rias then started looking through the costumes and outfits she had. "Now, enough about the stressful parts. Let's get into the fun of choosing an outfit to impress and have fun in. Summerween is going to be great."
"Okay I can deal with that," Wendy said calming down. "Just don't give me anything too sexy."
Rias gained a teasing glint in her eyes, "awww, you sure? I know you have no problem showing off your body before. Maybe I should ask Chi and Mimi for that slave outfit."
"Don't you dare," Wendy warned with a glare.
This didn't deter Rias, however, "I think Dipper wouldn't mind seeing you in that. Or perhaps you want to keep it for after Summerween, be a little slave girl for Dipper? Perhaps present yourself as a gift for him?"
"I swear Rias…" Wendy warned again which caused the devil to just giggle.
"I'm kidding…for now at least," she said to assure her while muttering the last part lowly. "I got some other costumes you should be able to wear without any issue."
"Fine," Wendy muttered, believing her friend for the moment. "Let's see what you got."
The first spar costume Rias had to offer, having already had her pick finalized, was a Sailor Moon Uniform. At first, Wendy rolled her eyes at the anime fan but tried it on anyway. It was a good fit and Wendy was sure she could pull it off even with a different hairstyle. However as Wendy moved about she found that the costume was flimsy and rips like tissue paper, nearly exposing herself, and knew if she went out with it she wouldn't last the night without ending up in ripped clothes and her underwear.
The second was a full pirate costume complete with a hat, blunt cutlass, and other pirate gear. The problem however was the small number of red stains that Wendy hoped was red paint. But when Rias was unable to figure out if it was paint or not, Wendy felt it was better to be safe than sorry.
The next costume was a sexy wolf girl which Wendy felt wouldn't be as embarrassing to wear and covered more than enough and could add her flannel jacket open up for the effect. However, there was another issue: the costume Rias had was small, smaller than Wendy thought it was. She had to remove her underwear to even get it on comfortably and even then, it was tight on her. "Damn Rias, why did you get something so small," Wendy said after she looked herself over after getting it all on while adjusting the top which might as well be a furry bra near ready to snap. "I know you're bigger than me and I feel like this will bust open if I go out for even an hour. Ow."
Wendy winced with a jerk as she accidentally scratched herself on the claws that were a part of her gloves. She shot a look towards Rias at this before she started to take the outfit off. Rias scratched her cheek in embarrassment, "to be one hundred percent transparent with that one; I got that one with you in mind. I figured it could be something you might wear tonight. I either got a size too small or you grew more than I thought."
"More like three sizes," Wendy said as she put her underwear back on, not ashamed that Rias was several eyefuls already. "got anything else?"
"Just one I think you would like," Rias answered before moving into the closet and pulled something out.
Wendy got a look at the costume before giving Rias a deadpan look, "and why didn't you bring that out first?"
Rias shrugged, "I figured you would pick this right away and I wanted to try and get you into something cute first."
Wendy just kept the deadpan look before she grabbed the costume from her friend.
(scene change)
The evening had finally come and the group was inside the cabin before they out for trick-or-treating. "Thanks for inviting us," Candy Chu told Mabel and Dani as she was let in with Grenda by her side. Candy decided to dress up as a piece of candy funny enough while Grenda wore a simple witch outfit and matching hat.
"Great costume guys," Grenda added looking everyone over.
Dipper and Mabel were a matching theme with Dipper dressed as a jar of peanut butter while Mabel dressed like a jar of jelly, with matching hats.
"Like we were going to leave our friends out," Dani said to their friends, dressing up like an old fashion Ghost Buster with fancy realistic powerpack on her back, her gun on her side, and the ghost trap hanging from her hip. It surprised the twins that she would dress like that since she was a ghost but apparently Dani told them that she and her father were fans of Ghost Busters from the movies, the Tv series, and more; except for the future reboot (which confused the hell out of the twins), they don't talk about that reboot.
"The more people that travel with us means we will gather more tributes," Chi said as she walked into the room with Mimi by her side. "The total gathering will help hold us over until the next season of Halloween."
Chi's outfit surprised most of the group as she was dressed in an icy blue dress while changing her hair to blond in a long braid but kept her skin her human shade, complete the look of being Frozen's Elsa. Mimi however turned into her normal form with the red skin, horns, and claws but wore a large pink fluffy coat with fur cuffs and collar, black leather boots, a wide brim hat with an oversize white feather while holding a cane, and wore pink sunglasses that were shaped like hearts.
Lilith found Mimi's costume the most amusing, "better work to keep that pimp hand strong Mimi. You need to keep your hoe in line tonight."
Chi turned and glared at the dressed succubus, not seeing that Mimi held up a sign showing a thumbs up to Lilith. "If anyone fits that role that would be you. You are even dressing the part."
Lilith scoff as if offended, "clearly you are more sheltered than I thought. Surely you recognize a belly dancer."
Lilith shook her hips to add to the effect of her costume. She was wearing a red belly dancer outfit with a small top that might as well be a bra or bikini, tight red pants with puffy see-through legs that show the outline of her legs, and a vial covering the bottom half of her face. She wore two golden band-like bracelets on her wrist and a ring of jewels and coin tied to her hips to bounce and make noise when she shakes her hips.
"Someone seems to be having fun already," Wendy said as she walked into the room with Rias.
Dipper noticed Rias's costume and couldn't help but blush. Her large bust was held back by nothing but a black bikini top with a flame design, a scarf around her neck, and tiny shorts that barely covered anything. With how she styled her hair and the hopefully fake sniper rifle, told Dipper she was dressed as Yoko from Gurren Lagan.
Wendy was dressed in a more modest manner, which Dipper was thankful for, but quickly recognized it as the original Han Solo uniform and Dipper thought she pulled off the look very well. Her normal cool demeanor and smirk add to the casual hand on the fake blaster on her hip only made it more believable.
"I hope we're not late," Junior said, walking into the room in his skeleton form with a torn blue hoodie with the hood up, black shorts, and sneakers while having his eyes glow blue. "I'm just bone tired from waiting for my sister."
Dipper looked his friend over before he snapped his fingers and grinned, "nice San's outfit dude."
Junior grinned, "you got it."
The last to walk into the room was Mini who was wearing a shirt with billowed sleeves and black pants, holding a fake dagger and. Once everyone's attention was on her she cleared her throat a few times, before she began to orate.
"To be, or not to be-that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep-
No more-and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to. 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep-
To sleep-perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub,
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause. There's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th' oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th' unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovered country, from whose bourn
No traveller returns puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprise of great pitch and moment
With this regard, their currents turn awry
And lose the name of action. - Soft you now,
The fair Ophelia! - Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remembered."
Once she finished, she bows while the others clapped. Junior rolled his eyes before he jokingly said, "show off," but the small grin he shared with his sister showed he was just joking.
Mini returned the grin with her own. "On the night of Hallow's Eve of Summer, we rejoice and prosper as we seek out our calling for treats."
The doorbell rang, though for some reason everyone felt a chill run down their spins while Junior and Mini's faces brighten with excitement. Junior all but ran to the door before anyone could do a thing and open it wide open. A figure bent down and entered the room before he gave an excited shriek that causes everyone to jump. They all stared but it was the underworld kids who knew the tall skeleton in the black suit and bat theme bowtie. "Uncle Jack!" Mini called out as she jumped over and hugged the skeleton.
"Jack?" Dipper asked aloud before it clicked. "Oh, this is Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King you two were telling us about."
"The king of Halloween!" Mabel said, excited now that the wave of fear was gone. "That sounds like an amazing job."
Jack chuckled, "you are too kind my dear. But when I got a call from my little niece and nephew about Gravity Falls having a Halloween in the summer, I had to come over and see for myself. I already feel so excited and can't wait to see more. I think I can get some inspiration from all of this." Jack paused and looked around, "say where is Stan? I haven't seen him since I played the booker and dealer for the poker game all those years ago."
"He's at the shack," Wendy said, pointing out the window to the Mystery Shack. "He's planning on scaring the kids the come tonight."
Jack chuckled as he heard this, "well I might stop for a quick chat before I head out and see what I can find." He paused when the doorbell rang once more. He beamed at this, "trick-or-treaters! May I?" he turned and asked the others as he picked up a bowl of candy on a side table.
"Go right ahead," Dipper assure him, not seeing a reason to deny the Pumpkin King.
Jack beamed and opens the door to see who was visiting them. It wasn't some kids like he was expecting but a tall figure with long skinny arms and legs, wearing a stitched-up overcoat and hat. He wore a mask showing a smiley face. "Trick-or-treat," the figure said in a waspy voice.
"Happy Halloween good sir," Jack greeted before he blinked, "Oh my apologies, Happy Summerween. Forgive me, I just came into town after my niece and nephew told me about this wonderful holiday and I had to rush right over."
"All is forgiven," the stranger said lifting a hand and waved him off. "It is good to see strangers enjoying the Summerween spirit, even those from out of town."
Jack nodded, "oh I agree. I plan on going into town and see what all that Summerween has to offer. But first," he dropped several pieces of candy into the stranger's bag. "Now have a wonderful night good sir, I wish you the best of luck on getting lots of goodies tonight."
"And I you sir," the stranger replied with a bow before he took his leave. "I hope your visit will be memorable and enjoy Summerween."
"Happy Summerween!" Jack called out to the stranger before he closed the door. "What a kind man. And well spirited too."
"Who was it?" Junior asked as he and Dipper were curious about who was there. Jack just smiled warmly, as warm as his bony grin could be for a skeleton, before replying.
"Oh just someone enjoying the Summerween spirit, and now I hope you kids don't get into too much trouble when trick-or-treating," Jack said as the group nodded to him and Wendy spoke up.
"Don't worry about that, I'm keeping an eye on everyone while trick-or-treating and after we do a bit of that, we're heading to a party at a friend's house before coming back here to munch on candy and watch horror movies." It was a solid plan as Mabel was even more pumped for the night.
"Alright, everyone, we only have a couple of hours to trick-or-treat before the party, so let's go already! Trick-or-treat! Trick-or-treat!" Mabel got everyone to chant 'trick-or-treat' as they all started exiting the house cabin that everyone now lived in for the summer at least.
"Good haunting and hunting!" Jack called out as they left the property of the shack as Jack laughed and decided to give Stan a visit and surprise.
(Scene Change)
The group was observing everything as they saw the town and nearly everyone was dressed up.
"For glory my children!" Came the boisterous voice of Manly Dan as he led his sons in an invasion for candy and noticed that Blubs and Durland were dressed as each other.
"This is amazing!" Lilith said as she stuck close to Dipper as she was happy about the whole town dressing up, and the same went for the others as they came to the first house.
They waited behind another group of children as Lazy Susan, a nice older lady that was the main waitress at the local dinner with one eye that is unable to stay open on its own. She was dressed as a giant ball of yarn with her head and limbs sticking out and several of her cats hanging off of it. She beamed at the kids all in costumes before opening a big bag of candy and poured some into each of the kids' bags. Once they left their group walked up "Trick-or-Treat!"
Lazy Susan beamed at them, "and is everyone in costume?" she asked before guessing what they were, however, her guesses were…
"Chimney sweep," She guesses as she points to Grenda before moving to Soos, "elephant man." She then guessed Candy was a Squiggle, that Dipper and Mabel were matching ant farms, Dani was a janitor, Chi was called a clown, Mimi was a mailman, Lilith was a cop, Junior was called a dancer while Mini a zebra. Wendy was struggling to keep herself from laughing from all these bad guesses, nearly cracking when she called Rias a teacher and herself a spaceman which wasn't inaccurate.
After her guesses, Lazy Susan dumped a bunch of candy into each bag before telling them goodnight and closed the door. Once they got off the porch, Wendy couldn't take it anymore and gave a loud laugh, hanging off Rias to keep herself from falling, "oh man, that, Ha-ha! was too much!"
"Is that woman blind?" Chi asked, growling at the insult the woman called her.
"She…not completely there," Candy tried to explain but couldn't figure the right words for it.
"At least she gives a large amount of candy," Lilith said with a pout as she likes the reaction of elder folks when they see a costume like the one she wore. It wasn't the same with Lazy Susan.
"That is the only reason I am not allowing any sort of revenge," Chi muttered before heading to the next house.
They knocked on the door and before they could say 'trick or treat' was subjected to one of the most horrifying things that humanity had ever produced. "Hello."
They all screamed at the strange and somewhat horrifying face of the owner of the Gravity Falls Gossiper: Toby Determined.
"What a horrible mask!" Chi screamed pointing to Toby Determined.
"That's just my face," Toby explained before he reached inside his house and pulled out a green snarling monster mask with horns. He puts it on showing none of his face at all. "This is a mask."
The trick or treater sighed in relief and Lilith muttered, "Much better."
Toby Determined just moaned in defeat. Afterward, he dumps a bunch of candy into their bags and shuts his door. The others began to head to the next house and Rias shivered, "that guy was not natural."
"Everyone knows it," Wendy said, "I'm just surprised no one has put him out of his misery."
Junior glanced at his sister, "you think dad's just been avoiding him?"
"If that is indeed the case then I do not place any blame upon father," Mini replied after thinking it over.
"Well, well, well, look who decided to have some fun."
Dipper blinked at this but recognized the voice of the person behind him. He offered a smile before he greeted her, remembering to use the correct name based on her form. "Hey, Pacifica."
The human daughter of Bill Cipher stood dressed for the holiday in an outfit similar to Lilith but with her own flair with the slight glow she gave off and a golden lamp tied to a chain on her waist told Dipper that she was being a genie. Pacifica grinned and wrapped an arm around Dipper, "and I hope you are enjoying yourself on this wonderful Summerween night?"
"I'm having fun," Dipper said before checking to see the others already at the next house for more candy. "And so is everyone else. What about you, are you having fun?"
Pacifica seemed to beam at the question or maybe it was because of the attention she was given. "Oh, I've been having fun for a few years now. When I finally came into my rightful power, I have been able to enjoy the new night of the strange and weird. As long as I avoid old candy face." She leaned over and laid her head on Dipper's shoulder. "But I can make this night even more entertaining for you, if you wish Master."
This last word had her voice change slightly as she opens her right eye to show it was glowing blue, revealing what she truly means. Dipper chuckled but shook his head. "I think we can just enjoy tonight as it is."
Pacifica closed her eyes once before she straightens up and shrugs before saying, "your lost."
(scene change)
At the Mystery Shack, a group of kids were trick-or-treating and rang the bell for Stan. They already tried the other cabin and someone in a very convincing skeleton costume open the door and gave out candy. What they didn't know that it was one of the servant skeletons that was used for keeping the cabin clean one being used to give out candy. Now they waited for Stan to open the door, and he did dress like an old fashion Dracula. "Well, well, well, a bunch of brave kids tonight," he said in a gleeful tone that would show any adult that he was up to no good.
"Trick-or-treat!" The kids all called out.
"Oh of course," he said in the same tone. "It's right…ahhhh!"
He screamed as if in pain while arching his back. Then to the kids' horror, Stan's face melted away like wax, revealing a skull underneath. They all screamed in horror before running away, candy no longer on their minds. Stan laughed as he straightens out and pulled the skull off to reveal it was a mask. But then he noticed he wasn't alone.
It turned out not all the kids ran in fear, two kids dressed as a mummy and the other wearing something akin to military fatigues, possibly as Rambo, stood looking at him and waiting.
"Can we have candy now?" Asked one of them and received a disbelieving look from Stan.
"Wasn't that scariest thing you ever saw?" Stan asked the question. The kid with the Rambo look just made a sign with his hands to indicate it was so-so.
Stan scowled at the attack to his pride and tried a new tactic. He thrust his hand into his chest, bursting through it before pulling sausage links as if he was pulling his own guts, all while screaming as if in pain before he collapsed onto his porch. However, when he didn't hear any screaming, he looked up to see that the two kids were bored. "What's the matter with the two of you?" Stan asked.
"We've been watching horror movies since we were like two-year old's," the mummy explained.
"Yeah we're not scared," the second child added.
"Oh really?"
The kids paused hearing a voice behind them, a shiver running down their spine for some reason. They noticed Stan was looking behind them and they turned around, positive they wouldn't be scared. An inhuman screech filled their ears as a towering figure roared at them, clawing at them, ready to take them apart. The kids screamed in fear before they took off running, not caring that they left their bags of candy behind. Stan watched the whole thing before he laughed hard, leaning in his doorway to keep himself steady. "Oh, that was too good."
"Thank you, Stan," Jack said as he stepped onto the porch. "Sorry to steal your thunder right there."
Stan manages to calm down and waved him off, "it's fine. They would no doubt be pains. At least I got a good laugh." He then addressed Jack, "So how you been Jack? It's been a long time."
"Too long," Jack agreed. "Not since the poker game."
"Ah, those were the good old days," Stan said as he remembered that particular day and now his family was expanding at the end of the summer to include some new nieces-in-law. "How about you and me hit the town and scare anyone that gets in our way!"
"That sounds like an excellent plan, and it gives me a chance to try a few new techniques to scare bone-chilling terror in them," Jack added as Stan grabbed the candy and put it in the house, and locked the shack to hit the town with Jack.
(Scene Change)
Dipper and the gang were finishing their trick-or-treating to get ready for the party, and with Pacific in tow, which was getting some jealousy with the other girls.
When Pacifica first joined the others weren't all that thrilled. Mabel was the most accepting while Candy and Grenda were stunned at the girl willingly going trick or treating with their group. Wendy didn't seem too bothered though she was worried that the girl would try and keep Dipper's attention all to herself. The rest of the Underworld gang however were on edge, wondering what the daughter of Bill Cipher was up to. They wouldn't cause any problems since it was a pseudo-Halloween and wouldn't ruin this night for anyone but the actions Paradox did before still made them cautious.
Pacifica could tell the others didn't trust her and even if they allow her to join them in trick-or-treating. She rolled her eyes at this but wasn't offended by their paranoia since she didn't care for any of their opinions. The only person's opinion she cared about was Dipper and she was happy to spend Summerween with him. And hearing they were planning on attending a party, she planned on also attending with ideas of getting Dipper's attention for most of the time and if the others raise a fuss about it she could think of how to make the party more entertaining for her.
Up near the head of the pack, Dipper checked his watch, "okay it's half past eight now. If we head back to drop off our candy back at the cabin now, we should still get to Tambry's house by nine."
Wendy's face broke into a beaming smile at this before she managed to go back to her normal cool look before anyone besides Rias noticed. "No rush there guys. Nothing wrong with being a bit late."
"Fashionably late," Chi corrected her while Mimi nodded. "And even if time wasn't the issue, we won't be leaving until we have secured all our candy before we organized it."
"True," Dani agreed as she glanced in her bag of goodies with glee. "We can all do it together in the living room, work out what we got and what we would be willing to trade."
"And don't worry about any loser candy," Wendy informed them. "When the gang goes trick or treating, we always saved and gave Thompson our loser candy. You can get some good trades from him."
"I knew he would make a good servant," Chi said with a smirk. "Already willing to give us the best for ourselves."
"Not the words I would use," Wendy admitted.
"Speaking of which," Lilith said as she paused before pointing up ahead. "Isn't that Lee and Nate?"
They followed her finger to see the two teens in question, sneaking into some bushes carrying a bag between them and snickering. They were dressed like army commandos with dark vests, army camouflage paint, and decorate helmets, even having a few paintball guys hanging from their back. "What are they up to?" Chi asked, narrowed her in suspicion.
Wendy however knew her friends and calmed the others down. "Oh, those two like to play pranks most of the time during Summerween. But they know better than to prank us during your first Summerween here; Right Guys?" she said last part a bit louder to make sure the two teens in hiding could hear her.
They could tell the two winced at the warning from the slight shaking of the bush before they each held a thumbs up to show they got the message before going back into hiding for their next target. Dani and Lilith shared a look, already thinking of a way to prank them later at the party. With the knowledge of being saved from the next prank the group passed by the hiding duo with ease. Chi and Mimi paused only for a moment to stick out their tongues while each pulled the bottom of one of their eyelids to taunt them. Junior chuckled but let his friends have their fun for the night. After all, even his mother would approve of others pulling tricks as long as none of her children fall for them. He glanced at Wendy who was the main guild for their night, "so where too next?"
Wendy took a look around to figure out the best plan. "We can hit the next street over since the rest of this street mostly have some dentist handing out toothbrushes and a vegan couple that hands out regular apples. The next street has some good houses we can hit before heading back."
The others agreed to this plan but before they could go too far they stop when they heard a scream of anger from behind them. They turned around to see Lee and Nate had popped up from their hiding spot and were rapidly firing their paintball guns at a new target. The target was none other than the first Trick-or-Treater that Jack Skellington, the scarecrow man trying to protect himself from the paint assault, but it did little before they stop firing. The two teens laughed and high-fived in victory. The figure quickly stood over them and glared down at them, able to project his anger even with his mask on. "How dare you…" he growled.
The group stared at the scene, not seeing Pacifica got an annoyed look seeing who it was. "Oh great…candy face."
"Oh sorry man," Lee said, pretending to regret his actions. "That wasn't meant for you."
"Here," Nate said as he offered the bag to the figure. "A peace offering. It's the candy we got while out tonight."
"It will take more to appease me," the figure stated but still took the bag and looked inside. He seemed to pause as he reached into the bag and pulled out a few pieces of candy. A familiar style of candy in fact.
"Sorry but we already ate most of the good stuff," Lee admitted with a laugh, showing this was another part of their joke. "All we got is Loser Candy."
"Too bad no one wants to eat that," Nate added, causing both to laugh uncontrollably.
If anything this seems to anger the figure, even more, crushing the candy into his fist and seem to grow in size. "How dare you!" he growled at the boys, causing them to stop laughing. "This insult will not stand!"
Wendy scowled before walking forward to help her friends, "Hey buddy! It's just a prank, no need to go crazy here."
"This is more than their trick," the figure declared, turning to Wendy with a glare. "Any who insults me on this special day will face my wrath." He growled as the others gathered together behind Wendy while Lee and Nate shifted so they were with the group too. "And if you wish to get in my way then I shall eat you too."
"Eat?" this was echoed by the others while some of the group started to connect the dots.
"You're joking right?" Nate asked, trying to hide his worry.
"Yeah, trying to get us back for the jokes."
The figure said nothing before he noticed a small child walking on the other side of the street dressed like a pirate. He stretched his arm, grabbed the child by the top of his head and open a wide toothy mouth, and swallowed the kid whole as he screamed in terror. The group gapped as he turned back to them, showing that he wasn't playing around.
"You're the Summerween Trickster!" Dipper called out, pointing to the figure.
Pacifica offered Dipper a smile, not affected by this reveal. "I knew you would figure it out, Hubby."
Lee was about to ask along the lines of 'Isn't he a myth?' but then he remembered most of his new friends were supernatural as well. He noticed that Nate made the same connection and realized how much they messed up. "We're sorry Mr. Trickster sir," Lee said nervously to hopefully appease the spirit. "We weren't trying to do it to be mean."
"Yeah," Nate added just as nervous. "It was all for the spirit of Summerween. I'm sure we can all just enjoy a good laugh."
"Maybe we can get you some candy as an apology?" Lee offered for the spirit.
"You aren't touching any of our candy," Chi warned holding her bag behind her while also stepping in front of Mimi to protect her bag.
"I would be willing to make a bargain at the beginning of the night," The Trickster admitted, giving the boys a small glimmer of hope before he blew it out with his next words, "but I will not be deterred, your punishment is nigh."
Lee gulped. "I see…Run For Our Lives!"
The group all turned and ran down the street, not taking any chances with the angry spirit. The Trickster just growled before he stalked after them, growing in size as he did. He wouldn't be denied tonight.
(scene change)
The wind blew as the night waded on as people were blowing out their Jack-o-melons as the last trick-or-treaters went to get the last remaining houses. A trio of children laughed as they ran from one house with bags full of candy before they paused and stared at a strange sight. Standing in the middle of a vacant lot was a scarecrow with a Pumpkin head carved into a scary face, tied to a post while at its feet was a bowl of candy. The trio glanced around before they cautiously made their way to the bowl. They saw it had different colorful candy inside, just waiting for them to take it. They grinned and reached down when they all shivered and felt a chill wash through the area. They all turned in different directions, hoping to spot whatever cause their terrifying feeling. Then they heard a creaking sound from behind them; right where the scarecrow was. They all turned to see the scarecrow was no longer on the post but standing behind them, the head not longer a single glowing light inside but on fire as it raised its stick arms and roared at them. The children all screamed, running as fast as they could from the monster. From a hidden bush, Stan fell out laughing at the running children. "Oh, that was funny! Well done Jack!"
The Scarecrow bowed before it twirled on the spot and become the normally dressed Pumpkin King as before. "Oh, I am having so much fun tonight."
"I'll say," Stan agreed. "Usually, I just scare some brats that come to my house. But it's nice to go into town and scare kids. It might be only this year but I'm willing to make the most out of it."
"I love the spirit Stan," Jack chuckled before waving a hand towards the street. "And tonight we will have so much fun. And maybe I can stop by Halloween to at least end the year on a good scare."
Stan beamed, always willing to go out with a bang when it entertained him. But before they can set out for their next scare, a series of screams caught their attention. Seeing as it wasn't them doing the work, they peeked over the fence to the next street over to see the gang running pass them, most of them screaming as they ran. Now both Jack and Stan don't mind their family being scared on a holiday like this but they both feel that something was off. This feeling was added when they saw the Trickster scuttering pass them on his limbs like a bug, clearly chasing their family. Both men frowned, not liking this before they nodded to each other and took off themselves.
(scene change)
"Run faster!" Dani said, glancing back to see the Trickster crawling after them.
While she and several of the other children of the Underworld can fly in some shape or form, they knew they wouldn't be able to carry everyone that couldn't all keep them safe. Not to mention they had a feeling that simply flying wouldn't slow the Trickster down.
"Ladies first!" Chi shouts, making sure Mimi and their candy was in the middle of the pack.
"What about us?" Junior asked, glaring at the daughter of Aku.
"Sacrifice yourself for the sake of the ladies!" was the answer she gave without hesitation.
"Take one for the team!" Candy added, being held by Grenda to make sure she wouldn't trip.
"Amen!" Grenda added with a few other nods from the other girls.
"To Hell With That!" shouted Junior, Dipper, Lee, and Nate as one.
"Just keep running!" Wendy shouts as she saw the Trickster adding some speed to gain up on them.
Up ahead, none of them noticed a line of Jack-o-melons which were previously blown out seem to roll to the front of the street and lite up once more. Once the children have passed they grew in size before their carved mouths widened and shot out searing flames as if they were flamethrowers. The Trickster slid to a stop to keep himself from getting caught in the flames The kids slid to a stop as they heard the flames and saw the light from behind them. They saw that their attacker was trapped on the other side. The Trickster straightens up and scowled behind his mask, "what trickery is this?"
"Mine."
The Trickster pause before he turned to see Jack walking calmly towards him, though unlike before the excited look was replaced with a serious scowl. Stopping before the Trickster, Jack kept his gaze on his opponent. "I usually work best with pumpkins but the spirit of Halloween was enough to work my magic. Now I'm going to only ask this once: why are you chasing my nephew and niece as well as their friends?"
"Uncle Jack?" Junior asked aloud, seeing his uncle through the flames.
"Let him handle this," came a voice behind them.
They all jumped and were ready to fight but paused seeing it was just Stan.
Stan was relieved to see his family and future extended family all safe from their attacker. "I don't know what's going on nor do I care. Let's get you guys out of the line of fire."
"Grunkle Stan, do you know who that is?" Dipper asked, taking another look at the Trickster as he stood before Jack.
"Not a clue," Stan admitted truthfully. "But if he is chasing and wanting to hurt you guys then he will be dealt with. Jack can handle him."
The Trickster studied Jack as the flames receded, but he made no motion of chasing the children, especially now that he has lost their trail. Instead, he focused on the figure that seems to have powers rivaling his own it seems. Finally, the Trickster asked, "who are you?"
Jack chuckled at this. "Introductions then? Very well, if you grant me the same courtesy." He took a bow while spreading his arms. All around him the lights seem to dim and the remaining Jack-o-melons seem to glow brighter and the carved faces become scarier. Jack spoke as bats seem to appear and flew around them. "I am the Master of Fear! The face of Halloween! The Knight of Nightmares! I am the Great Pumpkin King! I am…Jack Skellington!"
At the last words, Jack rose with a cry, forcing to bats to flee while sending a feeling of unease and fear through the air.
The Trickster stared before he gained something he thought he has lost a decade ago, a feeling of excitement. Much like Jack, he bowed while taking off his hat to be polite, all while going his introduction. "I am the figure that stalks the shadowy summer streets. The whispers of warning and defender of the Summerween spirit. I am…the Summerween Trickster!"
He returned from his bow and stared at Jack, who was grinning in return. "A wonderful performance. When I first meet you, I love the feeling of Summerween and you bringing it to life." He sighed and now frowned, "shame that this is happening. I do not wish you ill will, but I won't let anyone harm my family and their friends. Surely whatever causes them to anger you can be forgiven, in the spirit of Summerween."
"I cannot," the Trickster growled. "I do not wish you fight you but they and their friends have caused a great insult to Summerween. I will not let it be."
Jack sighed, seeing the mirror spirit was firm on this so he would return with a firmer hand. "if you dare take another step towards my family…I will put a stop to you; permanently if I must."
The Trickster growled, "I will not be denied! I may be a new holiday spirit, but this is my night! My powers are at their peak! You may have the spirit of Summerween tonight but if you stand in my way then so be it."
Jack took a moment to close his eyes, wishing he didn't have to put an end to a kindred spirit much like his own. "One shall stand…" he said, opening his eyes once more and stepping forward. "One shall fall."
The Trickster followed Jack's actions before they lashed out their hands when they were close enough. The clawed hands stopped inches from each other, pushing on a force no one could see but could be felt as the wind blew around them and the shadows on the ground seem to sneak away as if afraid.
At the end of the street was the entrance to the Gravity Falls junkyard Stan peeked out with the others. He felt this was safe enough to keep away from the actions as no matter what he tried he couldn't get them to leave back to the Shack. He knew he couldn't carry all of them, two at most, and even then the others would struggle to stop him. So he manages to get them to at least stay a reasonable distance from the fight. The others watched as the two holiday spirits seem to dance around each other, weaving between strikes and trying to counter, each one using different tricks to try and gang the advantage. Jack summoned more bats to distract and possibly blind the Trickster, while his opponent in return summoned a series of hot yet strong summer winds to push Jack and tried to attack from behind.
Jack weaved around the Trickster's arms, using his boney body to slip through before he pulled his hands up as if commanding something to rise. The Trickster noticed several shadows pooling below him before they sprang from the ground and formed ghostly hands and started to pull at his limbs. As both his arms were caught, the Trickster surprised Jack by jumped back, allowing his arms to be ripped away still caught in the shadow's hands. Jack was taken aback when the Trickster had his arms ripped off but saw why as the arms he had captured broke apart into dark chunks of something he couldn't identify. He glanced up at his opponent to see that his arms regrew as if nothing happens. The Trickster then hunched over as the back of his coat ripped and two more arms grew out of it. Jack narrows his eyes but wasn't deterred as he forced to shadows to sink down before they snaked after the Trickster. Once close enough the shadows jumped out and formed mouths at the end like snakes, aiming to take bites out of the Trickster. The Trickster however spread his arms out before a color shield shaped like a Jack-o-melon appeared and blocked the attacking shadows. Taking a moment to hold the attack before the Trickster pushed the magical shield through the shadows and towards Jack. Jack saw the shield was winning this bout, dropped the shadows, and jumped out of the way.
Jack turned back to his opponent to see that he used the distraction to form four colorful skulls in each of his hands before he threw them right at Jack. Jack twirled away to avoid another skill before he created three Jack-o-lanterns with his own power which seem to roar and unleashed a shower of flames. The remaining skulls slowed in the flames before they exploded into powder and tiny shards. Jack frowned as he felt something was off before he caught one of the shards that flew out of the flames. He carefully examined it with narrowed eyes as he could tell it wasn't bone at all. He brought it closer for a quick sniff before he blinked in surprise 'Sugar?'
Seeing he needed to investigate this hunch, Jack forced the pumpkins to grow in size before sending them rolling at the Trickster liked flaming boulders. While distracted, Jack crouched down to the remains of what was once the Trickster's arms and picked some of the mass up. He studied it for a moment before, surprising everyone who was watching him, took a small bite. Jack blinked once more in surprise as said aloud what he discovered. "Candy?"
He stood up and turned towards the Trickster, who had three giant Jack-o-melons be used to crush the attacking pumpkins. The spirit stood, watching Jack as he went about his discovery. "You, my friend, are entirely made of candy?"
The Trickster simply chuckled, and reached for his mask, "I am. But not just any candy, one special type of candy." He noticed the kids and Stan peeking out from the junkyard and made sure they could see him too, "do you recognize me, children? Recognize my face?"
The monster took his mask off to show its true face. It was made out of candy. Peppermint candy for eyes and tootsie-rolls for eyebrows. Its lips and tongue were back licorice, and the teeth were candy corn. The group gasped before Mabel pointed to him, "loser candy!"
"Yep," Pacifica replied with a small pop to the 'P'.
Wendy blinked at not only what the Trickster really was but the fact Pacifica already knew this secret. "You knew?"
The daughter of Bill Cipher rolled her eyes, "well duh. There's a reason I called him old candy face."
"Fair enough."
The Trickster glanced their way to show he knew where they were hiding before he addressed everyone. "Yes, that's right. Did you ever stop to think about the candy at the bottom of the bag that no one likes? Every year the picky children of Gravity Falls throw away all of the 'rejected candy' in the dump. I am made of every piece of black licorice, candy corn, and other rejected pieces of candy like that chocolate with that white powder stuff, you know that stuff!?"
"I hate that stuff!" Pacifica called out, ignoring the annoyed look the Trickster sent her way.
"Pacifica you're not helping," Dipper chided to hopefully keep her from adding fuel to the fire.
"Who says I was helping?"
Lee and Nate glanced at each other, realizing now why the Trickster was so angry with them and felt bad at how they accidentally got their friends involved. Well, they felt bad before but now seeing the true reason for all of this made them feel any worst. "Would it help if we said we were sorry!?" Lee yelled over to the Trickster.
"Yeah, you can be mad at us for the candy prank," Nate added. "But can you at least leave our friends out of it?"
The Trickster glared at them. "No one is leaving! No one would eat me, so now I will eat all of you!"
"Not happening!" Jack countered, sliding between the Trickster and the others. "You are angry at the fact not all of the candy of Summerween and Halloween was treated with respect and eaten, I can respect that. I for one believe that all tricks and treats should be given their time to shine. But I also believe those not involved with any tricks or not demeaning any treats shouldn't be punished. It is not true to the spirit of the holiday, be it Summerween or Halloween."
The Trickster focused his candy eyes to meet Jack's, studying the pumpkin king before it turned into a glare. "I would think you of all people would understand, but it seems I was wrong. I am truly alone in this matter but not for long. If you are against me, then so is every one of Halloween as well. I will eat you oh great Pumpkin King, and make sure both Summerween and Halloween will be mine. I will become the true Double Holiday King!"
Jack looked stunned by this decree before his face turned harsh and if anything the shadows and cold feeling of the air seem to get colder. "That is a line I won't allow you to cross."
"No one will stop me!" the Trickster shouts, holding his hands into the air. "Come to me, forgotten and discarded candy of Summerween!"
No one said a word as the wind blew, getting stronger and stronger. Then against the moonlit sky, they saw several spirals, shifting and twist like a swarm of bats or insects. More and more appeared, some crawling from the shadows of houses before they launched themselves at the Trickster, covering his body. The Trickster wasn't bothered, in fact, he laughed as he was hidden away. The mass grew in size and started to take shape as it towers over everyone. Everyone gapped as the Trickster finished his transformation and gave a roar. He was a mountain of candy, the dark mass losing any color besides dark gray and black with the only visible feature was his face enlarged as well as his arms. At nearly ten stories tall, the Trickster shadowed everyone and if the street wasn't already empty and most people starting to enjoy the rest of Summerween at home there would have been panic. "There's a 'fat-free candy' joke here but we're already on thin ice," Nate said getting a snicker from his buddy.
Pacifica however gained a wicked grin, "I'll tell him."
"Don't you dare," Dani warned with narrowed eyes.
Their attention quickly went back to the Trickster when he quickly swung an arm and backhanded Jack into the woods, before he focuses his attention on the hidden group. And from the glare he was given them, he still wasn't happy about it before. "Kids," Stan said as he took out some brass knuckles and put them on his hands. "Start running to the shack. I'll hold Mt. Sugar-rush off."
"Don't do it, Grunkle Stan," Mabel called out, not wanting any of her family to get hurt.
The Trickster moves his entire form despite not having any legs into the junkyard. He reached out for the group, Stan pushing them behind him, but a flaming jack-o-lantern came flying and exploded into flames on the Trickster's arm. The Trickster cried in both anger and pain as he turned to where the attack came from. There stood Jack, looking very determined at his Summerween counterpart. "We're not done yet."
The Trickster growled at Jack, "let's finish this.
Jack gave a humorless chuckle, "Very well big guy…Let's dance."
Jack walked towards the Trickster as Stan had the group move to a new hiding spot, one where they would be out of the crossfire. Music filled the air as the two holiday spirits stood ready for battle. "It's payback time," the Trickster growled.
"Is that all you've got to say?" countered Jack, not intimidated at all.
The Trickster chuckled before starting the bout:
Well, well, well!
What a pest, you are!
Still around, huh?
Oh, can't say I like that!
So why don't you just give up?
You know, surrender!
The Trickster summoned several masses of loser candy and hurled them at Jack, but the Pumpkin King dodged them easily. Jack counterattack with a swarm of bats as he did the next bout.
It's over! It's over!
Your scheme was bound to fail!
It's over, you're finished here!
Your next stop will be jail!
The Trickster grunts as the swarm tore chunks of him away but he repaired the damage and swatted the bats away.
The Trickster
He mocks me! He fights me!
I don't know which is worse!
I might just split a seam now
If I don't die laughin' first!
Ha, ha, ha!
The Trickster tried to slam his hands down onto Jack but once more Jack all but danced around his attacks.
Jack
What's this? A trick? I'm not impressed!
You're bad, and now you're tall!
It makes it all the more worthwhile
To see a giant fall!
Jack spun around and suddenly he was in a new costume. He was dressed like a skinny Santa Claus with his skeleton face and hands but a long fake white beard. But the Trickster summoned more masses of candy to try and spike Jack from beneath him. However, the Pumpkin King avoid the now candy pillars and stood on top of them to be more level with the Trickster.
The Trickster
Talk, talk, talk! But I tell you
This giant's goin' nowhere!
If I were you, I'd take a hike!
There's danger in the air!
The Trickster swung his arms to smash Jack, but he easily avoided the arms which smashed the candy pillars and was back on the ground. The Trickster swiped at Jack who was all but dancing around him, swinging his arms around as clouds seem to gather overhead.
Whoa oh!
Jack
Whoa oh!
The Trickster
Whoa oh!
Jack
Whoa oh!
The Trickster
Whoa oh!
Dipper felt the air get colder and noticed something falling just outside of their hiding spot and closer to the fight. "Hail?" he questioned as the tiny ice balls seem to fall slowly but getting bigger. He looked up as Jack laughed and pointing at the Trickster with both arms.
Jack
Ha, ha, ha!
I'm the only Pumpkin King!
Giant hail the size of boulders rained from the sky, smashing into the Trickster. The Trickster roared in pain as chucks of himself were breaking off from the attack.
"Halloween Town is Mine!" Jack called out to the Trickster.
The Trickster repaired the damage and gave an almost amused look, "well aren't we confidant."
Jack spun around and was now dressed in the same scarecrow outfit as before.
Jack
Well, I'm feeling angry
And there's plenty left to do!
I've fought your most unwelcome help
And now I'm after you!
As he sang, Jack jumped from place to place, throwing several flaming jack-o-lanterns the size of baseballs. This caused the Trickster to cry in pain as he quickly put out the fires on his body.
The Trickster
Even if you catch me
You could never do me in!
I'm ten stories high, and just as strong!
Which means I'm gonna win!
The Trickster slammed his fist onto the ground, trying to smash jack, but the scarecrow form made it look easy. As the Trickster tried again, he didn't notice several pumpkins appearing in front of him.
Jack
Whoa oh!
The Trickster
Whoa oh!
Jack
Whoa oh!
The Trickster
Whoa oh oh!
Together
Whoa oh!
Jack
I'm the only Pumpkin King!
Jack snapped his fingers, and the pumpkins grew in size, became Jack-o-lanterns and all unleashed a massive wave of flames. The Trickster screamed in pain as his body burned.
"This ends here" Jack warned, spinning and was once more dressed as his normal self.
"I'm laughing to death!" the Trickster taunts as he dropped the burning chunks of candy away and gathered more to repair himself.
Jack wasn't deterred as he attacked once more, sending bats, shadows, and more at the giant spirit.
Jack
It's over! You're finished!
You'll never get away!
You, the Double Holidays King?
That will be the day!
The Trickster
How feeble! How childish!
Is that the best you've got?
You think that you're a hero, Jack!
But I think you are not!
"I'm the Double Holiday King!" the Trickster declared angrily.
"You're king of nothing!" Jack countered, just as angry.
Suddenly more candy swarmed around the Trickster, as he sang once more and sent the waves at Jack.
The Trickster
Whoooah!
Now it's time for you to see
What it really means to scare!
'Cause I'm a gamblin' Boogie Man
Although I don't play fair!
It's much more fun, I must confess
With lives on the line!
Not mine, of course, but yours, old friend!
Now that'd be just fine!
Shadows danced around as both spirits attacks in droves, sending their power into each blow as Jack speed around while the Trickster seemed to be endless. The kids all gapped at this scene, not sure they were able to believe this was happening.
The Trickster
Whoa oh!
Jack
Whoa oh!
The Trickster
Whoa oh!
Jack
Whoa oh!
The Trickster
Whoa oh!
Jack
Whoa oh!
I'm the only Pumpkin King!
At this last line, Jack threw a flaming pumpkin at the Trickster, only for the spirit to swallow it whole. The Trickster laughed at the failed attack, only to pause as he felt great pain inside his body. He looked down to see his chest was glowing before started to lit on fire before the pumpkin exploded, forcing the Trickster to scream and break apart. The giant body didn't seem to be able to hold its form anymore with chucks falling off and collapsing into a pile of burnt candy and dust.
Everyone cheered as Jack was victorious against the Summerween Trickster, and proved that he is still the Pumpkin King.
"That was awesome uncle Jack!" Junior said as he and Mini jumped up and cheered at the victory.
"Indeed, twas a grand battle and song," Mini added as the group started to clap as well, and Jack took some bows.
"Thank you, thank you, and I hope that this hasn't spoiled the Summerween spirit for you kids," Jack said as he genuinely hoped that their fun wasn't ruined by the possible problems the Trickster was going to give them, eating them alive being the main one.
"I don't think we're that done with Halloween or Summerween just yet." Dipper said as he was most certainly glad to still be alive with the rest from the incident, and he checked his watch, "And if we get back to the Shack soon we should still have enough time to get to the party."
Jack chuckled as he rubbed the heads of his niece and nephew. "Then I won't keep you here any longer. Go have your fun."
"Not….yet!"
To everyone's surprise, they turned to see the Summerween Trickster pulled himself out of the wreckage that was his giant form. He didn't escape unscratched either as he had chunks missing from his body, barely any scraps of his coats remained, his left arm was a string of black licorice, and as he breaths, a small dribble of jellybeans were spilling out of his mouth. "I'm," he gasped and coughed, spilling more jellybeans, "not through with you!"
"Dude, what the hell!?" Lee shouts stunned like everyone else.
"How is he still alive?" Stan asked, getting slightly annoyed and putting himself between the kids and the spirit.
Jack however frowned and studied his summer counterpart. He saw that the spirit wasn't healing any of his wounds and pieces were starting to fall from his body. "No, it's over. I'm finishing this once and for all."
The Trickster cough once more and steady himself, "And how do you plan to do-Ahh!"
Everyone jumped when Jack suddenly moved, in front of the Trickster in seconds before the Pumpkin King jabbed his entire arm right into the Trickster's chest. Everyone else was gapping before Jack ripped his arm from the chest and held a mass of candy that was shaped like a heart. The Trickster seems to scream in pain, more jellybeans spilling out of his mouth. He fell to the ground, coughing up more jellybeans as if it was blood. Stan grimaced at the scene and he wasn't the only one. "If he wasn't made from candy then I would say that would be very graphic. I know he was bad but that escalated quickly."
Jack however focused on the candy heart. "It needs to be done," he said before he stunned them all by taking a bite out of the heart.
They all screamed in fright as the Pumpkin King chewed for a moment before taking another bite. "Seriously Jack, this is going from zero to a hundred way too fast," Stan complained as he shook his head.
On the ground, the Trickster blinked and looked up at Jack, "you're…eating me?" he asked, surprised by this.
"I am," Jack said as he took another bite. "You are made of candy meant to be eaten on the holiday. It would be disrespectful to not eat you."
The Trickster stared before, to the surprise of everyone else, started to give a small laugh as candy corn fell from his eyes showing he was crying. Then finally he whispered happily "That's…. that's all I ever wanted. Thank you…Pumpkin King."
And with that he closed his eyes and laid still, making the other realize that he had truly passed on. They all bowed their heads in respect as Jack finished the candy heart. "Well that took a dark turn," Stan muttered after a moment of respect.
"Fitting end for Summerween," Jack said as he seems to get an idea. But before that, he turned to the group, "that should be enough excitement for tonight, now run along and enjoy the rest of the night."
The group didn't have anything to object to this and said their goodbyes before breaking off to head back to the cabin to stash their loot before finishing the night at the party. Jack waited until they were gone and glanced at Stan, "I got one last thing to do, why don't you start ahead Stan?"
Stan knew his friend was up to something but honestly, he felt it wasn't his concern. "I think I'm done for tonight. Stop by the shack before you leave Jack."
"Will do!" Jack replied with a wave as Stan started to track back to his home. Jack watched and waited until he was alone. At least until the mass that was the Trickster's body started to shift and a small child poked his way out of the body. Jack blinked at this surprise but smiled at him, "hello little one."
"I've been traumatized," the boy said softly.
Jack gave a small chuckle before he lifted the child up and gently sets him on the ground. "In that case, why don't you head home and rest up. I'm sure you will feel better in the morning."
The boy nodded and started to head for home, hoping that this was all a dream. He didn't say anything else but did give a wave when Jack called out, "Happy Summerween!"
Once the child was out of sight, Jack turned his attention to the remains of the Trickster. He took a deep breath before he closed his eyes and focus his power. No words were said as the wind seem to pick up and add a chill in the air, the sky got more cloudy and covered the moon slightly. Jack held a hand over the mass of candy, willing his power to do what he felt was right. For a few minutes, nothing seems to happen. Then suddenly…some of the candy shifted. The candy seems to brighten up, be full of life, and swarmed together in the center over Jack's hand. Shadows and dark lights swirled around before it all collapsed into the center and was gone. Jack lowered his hands and open his eyes, beaming at the figure who was standing before him.
The Trickster, back in his mask, coat, and hat in perfect health seems to stir and open his eyes. "Wha-?" He asked before he noticed Jack in front of him before looking down at himself. "But…you ate me?"
"I did," Jack confirmed.
"And yet…you brought me back to life."
"I did," Jack repeated.
The Trickster could only stare at Jack, bewildered. "…why?"
Jack tilted his head in confusion at the question. The Trickster shook his head as he tried to understand what has happened, "I threaten to eat your family, I threaten to kill you and I threaten to take Halloween for myself." He focuses his gaze back to Jack, "you could have taken Summerween, easily with my death."
"I could have," Jack admitted before he shrugged, "but I don't have a need to."
The Trickster stagger, trying to understand everything but finding no answer. Jack noticed this and reaches out to gently grab his shoulder to steady him. This seems to help as the spirit looked to Jack, the Pumpkin King offering him a smile, "your actions may seem out of malice, but they were more of anger and abuse. You were born from the remains of the discarded candy, and the spirit that comes with Summerween brought it to life. And in the short time, you have been alive you have brought more to Summerween than you realize."
Jack led him out of the junkyard, before he waved his arm towards the town, causing the Trickster to follow it. "I see that you are adding to the town, adding to Summerween. It is not just a second Halloween to the town, it has become its own holiday with traditions, storied and most importantly spirit."
The Trickster could only stare at the few stragglers that were trick or treating for the night, but all around he could still feel the spirit of Summerween in the air. It helped create him as much as the discarded candy did. And for the first time in a long time, he felt more at peace with the holiday. But even so, he still felt doubt in Jack's words. "I've been so angry since my creation that keeping the spirit of Summerween was more a mission to punish those who lack it. Can I truly take credit when that is all I do? Can I even become something more than a creature of fear?"
Jack chuckled, "You make it sound like fear is a bad thing."
The Trickster blinked and turned to Jack, wanting to know what he meant. Jack didn't waste time to give his answer. "Fear and doubt are the signs of a strong heart. They push your heart, strike out in new directions. Without them, your zest for life might fade as well as your taste for fear. And believe me, that would really ruin my fun."
The Trickster pause in his stroll to think this over. Jack waited for him to find his resolve, knowing that this was important for any holiday spirit. Finally, the Trickster asked, "Do you really think I can truly change? To be a true caretaker of Summerween?"
"I can't be the one to answer that," Jack replied truthfully. "But we can find the answer together my friend."
The Trickster thought it over before he nodded, smiling behind his mask, "I believe we can…my friend."
"Then let's finish this Summerween in high spirits!" Jack proclaimed happily.
The two once more started to walk down the street, the Jack-o-melons seeming to lit up once more as they pass. "After tonight, feel free to visit us at Halloween town," Jack offered to his new friend.
"I don't wish to impose," the Trickster said, feeling slightly embarrassed by the invite.
Jack however assured him, "nonsense. I'm sure we can each learn from each holiday and be inspired. I know I am. Plus I plan to bring Sally here next year. I'm sure she will love Summerween."
The Trickster then chuckled, finding himself excited for next year. "Well then, I better work hard to make sure her first Summerween…is a treat."
Jack laughed at both the pun and promise. "That's the spirit!"
(scene change)
Wendy couldn't keep the smile off her face as she was finally in front of Tambry's house and from the sounds of it the party had already started. She turned back to the group, seeing Dipper at the front and happy she was able to at least enjoy the party with him. Pacifica, who was right next to Dipper, caught her train of thought and rolled her eyes at it. but she did catch Wendy looking and offered a wink. This help soothe Wendy's nerves as she beamed at them, "ready for end this night on a high note?"
"Let's party!" Mabel shouts to which the others cheered. Dipper laughed but cheered with them.
Wendy opens the door, planning on making sure her crush has fun for the next few hours. "The life of the party has arrived people!" Wendy shouts being the first to enter.
The others followed afterward, all getting calls of greeting and also cheers. That is until they heard someone shout "Han didn't shoot first!"
"Who's the dead man that said that!" shouted not only Wendy but Rias and Dani, as they found those to be fighting words.
The others just laughed, starting to split up and enjoy the party their way.
Outside on a hill, overlooking not only the house but the town itself two figures stood against the moonlight. Both holiday spirits were grinning madly before they shouted for all of Gravity Falls to hear:
"Happy Summerween!"
Happy Summerween! Wooo! This was a fun one and I hope it was something you enjoyed too. Lot of fun this chapter and so many references and all around joy to see. Some characters get their moments, some just enjoyed Summerween and most importantly it was a blast.
So what holiday easter eggs did you enjoy the most? Did I do too much or was there not enough? Leave a review on what you think. And Remember all flames will be brought to Stan Pines who will gather them up as an attraction for the Mystery Shack so keep them coming.
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