Away from the holiday land of spooks and specters, the eternally bright Easter Town was buzzing with life. Animals that had been sleeping in their burrows had awakened to find strangers in the land and immediately took to them. However, the Easter Bunny had other things on his mind. Especially when two familiar figures brought company back through the Rabbit Hole.
"Is that who I think it is?" asked the Easter Bunny, sniffing at the love struck deity.
"Well, the good news is that we found Cupid," Jacob started, "Unfortunately, he is insane."
"He's not insane. Looks like he had an accident of some sort," Tevel added.
"Oh, Lover. Ignore those around us. They do not understand what I feel for thee," Cupid said to the hand mirror.
"Alas, the lad's in love with himself," Saint Patrick said as he and Santa Claus walked up to the returning travelers and their new companion.
"There sure are a lot of people in our forest today," said a small white rabbit.
"And not any of those mean Romans either," a yellow chick said as it hopped away from its mother for a second.
"Hush, child. I saw them leave moments ago. Let us pray that they do not return," said the mother hen.
"What do you mean the Romans left?" the Easter Bunny asked.
"They're gone. Off with some strange creatures in a walking vessel."
"Oh no. Those three little demons are at it again," Santa Claus said.
"Demons? I must protect my lover," Cupid said as he perked up slightly.
"Something is not right. Every world must have a balance," the Easter Bunny said, "If every bad element collects in one place, things will most certainly turn out for the worst. If anything, we have to take Cupid to his mother. Maybe she can cure him."
"She should. Venus is in charge of love after all."
"Right, Patrick. Let's be on our way," Santa Claus said.
With that, the reassembled Council of Celebrations guided Cupid out of Easter Town and back through the forest. All the while, Oogie Boogie was having quite a time with the Druids and Puritans. Only he could get religious men to gamble, and right now, Oogie was winning big.
"Alright, you owe me a hat, old man," Oogie Boogie said to the blonde Puritan Elder.
"Blast it.Your trickery is making a fool of me," Robert said as he gave his hat to Oogie Boogie.
"Is it alright for us to play such wicked games?" Daniel asked.
"You ignorant pilgrims fear everything," Sloane said bluntly.
"You could all use a little magic," Bram added.
"Magic? Hast thou lost thy wits! Magic indeed. Talk of a pagan," said Grand Elder Joseph.
"Now, now. Pagans aren't all that bad. After all, they worship me," Eris said as she strolled into the lair, "Have you been down here gambling this entire time?"
"Hey, you said you didn't want me out yet. So I'm doing the next best thing," Oogie Boogie said, "Besides, I'm beating these chumps senseless."
"Not too senseless, I've brought more. Lock, Shock, Barrel, bring them in."
Oogie Boogie and the collection of inter-holiday villains watched as three costumed children riding in a walking bathtub led two groups of small armies into the lair. On their right were a seemingly ancient group wearing leather armor and sandals and carrying wooden shields and spears. On their left were men with bronzed armor and helmets, carrying slightly more advanced weaponry. They all bowed to Eris and mumbled ancient words of prayers.
"To your right are the Greeks of times long past. These are the ones who tried, unsuccessfully, to instill their religion in the Holy Land of the East. Nice try boys, but you have a second chance," Eris said to them, smiling as they trembled in fear, "To your left are soldiers of the greatest empire ever to exist in the ancient world. They too believe in me, yet are forced to be defeated every single year by one person. Annoying, is it not?"
The Roman soldiers were much more vocal in their response. They cheered at Eris and raised their weapons in salute to their Goddess of Discord. Eris, of course, took this all in stride.
"Well, this is when everything changes. Together, we will take back what is rightfully ours and destroy our enemies. No longer will we have to suffer defeat at the hands of ones unworthy of such high standings in our worlds. When I return to you, tonight, I will bring our greatest ally yet. Then we will truly be unstoppable."
"Who's that, Eris?" Oogie Boogie asked.
"Why, Jack Skellington of course," Eris said with a sly smile that immediately broke into laughter.
Her cackles echoed through Oogie Boogie's lair and into the night. However, wicked cackling was common in Halloween Town, so when it reached Guillotine Square, the townsfolk though it to be just a normal part of the night. As people were allowed into the Town Hall, the Mayor was worrying backstage with Jack and Zero.
"Are you sure that particular outfit is a good idea?" the Mayor asked.
"Positive. Lady Venus wanted me to show of some bone," Jack said, proudly puffing out his ribcage.
"You better tell the women to keep their money to themselves," the Mayor said, shaking his head as he left to man the stage light.
"Well, this is it, boy," Jack said to Zero, "Let's see how that practice helped me."
Zero gave his owner an affectionate nudge on the hand before barking in agreement.
"The band's playing. That's my cue," Jack said before taking a deep breath and walking out into the public eye.
Oh my, lots of interesting stuff going on. Can Venus find out how Cupid got that way and how to cure him? And how is Eris going to get Jack to help the bad people? But most importantly- How does Jack look in his Cupid Costume! The answers to all these questions and more the next time I write. (Re-edit Comment: There's that rabid fangirl again.)