Ok guys, this chapter is an extemely horrible, extremely short little cliffhanger. I hate to do this to you guys, I really do, but college is a monsterous bitch and this was kind of an "DJ needs to arrange her thoughts now, but her Psychology reading needs to get done." So at least I'll set you up for what's going to happen before I need to do homework again... But the next chapter will be much longer and much more exciting, I promise! Thanks so much to all my reviewers, you guys are my inspiration!

Luv Ya!

-the DJ

The moon rose high over Halloweentown as Fink crept away. In the distance he could hear the music of the Halloween song playing in the town. The townspeople, still too full of the adrenaline and electricity that Fink's pre-celebration show had elicited, had not even begun to creep into the human world to scare yet. They remained in the town, dancing with each other in the streets, working themselves up into a further frenzy of excitement before they would make their plunge into the realm of humans. Fink gave a wry smile and he turned back to look at his town glowing in the combined gleam of firelight and moonlight. A few hours later he would wish he had run back to join them all, but wishing would do him no good. His last memory of glowing Halloweentown, burned into his brain, far from him and utterly out of his reach, he turned his back on it and went on into the cemetery to where someone would accept him.

Lock peering into the gloom and watchedthe tiny figure of Fink in the distance pause and look back. Lock scoffed.

"Sentimental little baby…" Then as Fink disappeared over the ridge into the cemetery, Lock's devil smile widened. His four shadow officers inched back as they watched him transform from just a mischievous little imp into a full blow evil demon, with only the crossing of a wicked smile across his features and a cold glint that came into his eyes.

Suddenly, the smile vanished, leaving only the cold gleam. Lock's eyes became glazed over. And oppressive quiet settled over the group.

"Zentalis is speaking to him…" One of the officers breathlessly whispered.

"Ah…then we should be moving out soon." Another said quietly. The third nodded at Lock.

"Do you trust this boy? Does Zentalis? Putting our entire plan in the hands of someone so unstable is-"

"Shshshssshhh!" The fourth shadow hissed. The first placed a firm hand on his companion's shoulder.

"It is not our place to question Zentalis. He has his reasons I'm sure…" He let his train of thought die as Lock shook himself out of the trance-like state speaking with Zentalis by telepathy put him in. He glanced up at his officers. His face was stony as he stared at them. Perhaps in the back of his mind, the small part of him that still belonged to him was crying for him to run and forego the whole plan. Perhaps he remembered that Halloweentown had been his haven all of his life, perhaps he was thinking of all the innocent people. But whatever thoughts of pity crossed his mind were quickly doused as he smiled his demon-smile and winked at the officers.

"Zentalis has given the order….to move out." The four shadow officers quickly bowed and glided down the hill to the waiting army of shadows. Hundreds of shadows quickly split into four groups and began to move out towards Halloweentown.

Lock watched them march below him. He could not believe the luck. The stupid townspeople were actually staying in the town. Fink had practically handed them over on a silver platter, jazzing them up like this. If they had rushed out of town to scare right away, it would have been nearly impossible to round them up. The last thing Lock needed was for Jack Skellington to have a small army of his devoted followers at his back.

Lock closed his eyes and ran Zentalis' plan over in his head one last time. He could still hear Zentalis' voice, as smooth and oily as snakes crawling through your fingers,

"The shadows will take up their positions out of sight around town. After you see Jack's brat leave for the cemetery, go into town and find our Pumpkin King. Let it slip that Fink has escaped his house. Remember, you are just concerned for his safety, of course (snicker). Skellington will undoubtedly run back to his house to check on your statement. Then we will have him. Signal the shadows immediately and we will take down all of Halloweentown with one swift stroke. The shadows will kill any Halloweentowner who resists. I will face Jack Skellington and we will see victory this night." The yellow eyes flashed.

"And then?" Lock had asked, the anticipation tingling in his voice. In the present time the daydreaming Lock repeated the question, this time with desperate excitement.

"And then?" Zentalis' bored voice floated to him.

"And then you wait for the son to bring your blushing beauty to you and our bargain is complete. Do with the boy as you will. I have promised no hurt to him."

Lock's blood had rushed. Now his heart seemed to labor with the intensity of this moment, this speck of time when all his dreams would come true. He was the tool for taking down Halloweentown. Zentalis would reward him with Elle, and with power. Now all of Halloweentown would respect him and no one would dare reject him.

Lock smiled a cruel smile.

'On pain of death' he thought to himself, his smile growing wider. Then it twisted into a painful grimace and he doubled over clutching his head. He groaned in agony as something from within tried to push its way out. He thought he heard Shock and Barrel, his loyal friends, calling his name in voices thick with tears. He shook his head from side to side trying to banish the pain.

Then as quickly as it had come, the anguish was gone. Lock stood straight again, glancing around him apprehensively. Then he squared his shoulders and looked towards Halloweentown. He nodded to himself.

"Now." He affirmed to the moon and stars. He lifted his devil mask to his face and tightened the leather strap that was now strung across the back to fit his head. One more nod to the sky, and Lock descended the hill into Halloweentown and black destiny.

Elle had peddled her heart out to the cemetery. Now, now, now was the time! She had hardly glanced around her as she traveled down the darkened streets of her hometown, so intent was she on reaching the cemetery. She hadn't even looked back when she had left her little sister. Straight on ahead… soon she's be with Fink.

Her breath came in short pants as the excitement of escape rose within her. The dark cemetery had long ago ceased to frighten her and now she looked on it as her refuge as she sat within the shadows of a tomb. She glanced at her watch again. The hands seemed to crawl around the face at an excruciatingly slow pace. Only an hour or so more and she could kiss this whole sucky world goodbye!

Deep within the caverns far outside the borders of Halloweentown, a huge blue fire crackled. Yellow eyes reflected the leaping flames. A white hand swirled a glass of wine… or was it blood? The glass was raised to pale lips which parted to receive their fill. The glass lowered to a small table next to the chair in which the man sat. The pale lips curled into a cruel, scrolling grin. One cold word split the silent air in the tomb-like room.

"Finally."