disclaimer: i don't own nuttin. tim burton does. well except for cascata's name. i came up with that (applause) but not the character (aaw)
"You'll need a place to stay won't you?" Sally asked. They sat at the edge of the fountain, staring into the green, toxic looking waters. Sally bit her lip as she thought. The doctor didn't acknowledge newcomers, let alone invite them to stay in his house.
"Hm, yes, I suppose I will," Jack replied casually. He wasn't especially worried about it at the moment. He tossed a small pebble into the fountain, and immediately after, heard a watery "Ow!" from the murky depths. A slightly amphibious-looking head poked above the surface
"Watch were you're throwing things!" the fishlike ghoul said, and splashed them angrily.
"Sorry!" Jack said, holding his hands up in an apologetic gesture. The ghoul stopped her splashing and eyed Jack carefully.
"So you're the new one!" she said, "How terribly exciting! We haven't had a newcomer in ages!"
Zero growled.
"Except the dog, of course," the ghoul said. She held out a slimy, webbed hand, "I am Cascata. Though, many know me by the humiliating name of 'Undersea Gal'."
Jack shook her hand, trying to ignore the fact that it felt like holding a slug.
"It's nice to meet you Cascata. My name is- Jack Skellington."
He had almost gotten his new name down, but he still needed a bit of practice. Cascata chuckled.
"Most appropriate," she said, "But is that your real name?"
Strange that she would ask, Jack thought, No one else has.
"Well, it is now. My name used to be John Kellington. Why do you ask?"
Cascata shrugged nonchalantly. "No reason. So, Jack, you don't have a place to stay?"
Both Jack and Sally looked slightly startled at the fact that she knew what they had been talking about.
"I, ahem, happened to overhear your conversation," Cascata said uncomfortably, although they all knew she had been eavesdropping. "Anyway, I think I have a solution to your problem."
She pointed her slimy finger at the tall mansion where Jack had first seen himself as a skeleton. "No one lives there," Cascata said, "It's been empty for years and years. I seriously doubt anyone would object to you making that your new residence."
Jack smiled. "Terrific idea, Cascata! Thank you!"
"Don't mention it," Cascata said, waving his gratitude away with her hand, and sunk back into the green water.
"How wonderful, Jack!" Sally said. She was infinitely relieved that he had a place to stay. She had been willing to convince even the doctor to take Jack in if no one else would. It comforted her to know that she wouldn't have to argue with the doctor (especially since it was a lost cause; he always won) and that Jack now had a home.
short chapter :( sorry everybody. i'll write s'more soon. probably after halloween tho. i need to finish my costume and it's only five days away!! gasp!