Chapter 4: The Best Halloween

The Next Day:

Briar and her friends arrive at their first class, and of course, Divus Crewel being their instructor.

Crewel says as he checks on the students, "One dog, two dogs, three dogs…" And sees all the students in the class, "Yes, the whole kennel is here. It's time for homeroom to begin."

Soon, all the students are sitting at their desks as they listen to Crewel. Briar and the others are in the class as well.

Then says, "I have an important announcement for you today. As I'm sure you're all aware, Halloween is one month from now."

Soon, all the students grow excited.

A Heartslabyul student says, "FINALLY! I've waited so long for this!"

"I've always dreamed of spending Halloween at Night Raven College!" A Scarabia student adds, very excited.

Briar and the others watch as the students are growing excited for Halloween.

"Wow, everybody's gettin' excited just hearing the word. Lilia and the ghosts weren't kiddin' when they said Halloween is special." Grim says.

"I have to agree. Even I'm getting excited about it," Sereia says.

Suddenly, they hear someone, "Psst. Hey."

The group turns around to see Ace and Deuce sitting behind them.

Then Ace says, "I saw Ramshackle Dorm for a sec this morning. Things are pretty wild over there, huh?"

Malleus and Lilia must be really going all-out," Deuce says.

"Yeah. Doesn't it just scream Halloween?" Briar replies.

Ace grins and says, "Yeah, that's the spirit! Glad you're having fun with it. Halloween's all about the spectacle."

"Speaking of spectacles-have you and the others bought a pumpkin for your room yet, Briar?" Deuce asks.

"No. Not yet. Maybe we can get some after class," Briar says.

Then Deuce says, "People are already lining up at the Mystery Shop. You'd better get in quick before all the good pumpkins sell out."

"A jack-o'-lantern's the perfect thing for that ghostly holiday vibe," Ace says.

"You guys are pretty jazzed up about this," Grim says.

Trinket nods her head in reply.

"Well, sure. Who DOESN'T get all jazzed up for Halloween?" Ace replies.

Then says, "I bet even the Ignihyde students will turn out for this, and they're like textbook shut-ins. Not to mention Lossey-Deucey over there, right?" And turns to Deuce with a smirk on his face.

Hearing that, Deuce says, "I-I mean, it's nice having a day with slightly relaxed rules. And getting to dress up in cool costumes is fun… I doubt there's a single kid or grown-up in all of Twisted Wonderland who hates Halloween."

"So Briar, do you celebrate Halloween where you came from?" Ace asks.

"I actually do. We get to wear costumes, have all kinds of Halloween treats and all kinds of fun, kind of like what you do. Even at my old school we dress up in costumes," Briar says.

"That sounds fun," Sereia says.

"I remember Jasper and I used to celebrate Halloween at our home town too," Tanzanite says.

"Yeah. I can't wait to see what the college comes up with," Jasper says.

Soon, all the students continue chatting and talking about the fun Halloween Event taking place in the school, and not really paying much attention to their instructors.

Crewel sighs, "I am reminded that this is the time of year when you pups' giddy yapping becomes downright unbearable."

Just then, he cracks his whips and sternly shouts, "Stay! Be quiet!"

That causes everyone to stop their conversation, remain quiet, and turn to the teacher.

Then Crewel says, "I know this is your first Halloween since enrolling, and I don't care. What I DO care about is you behaving like I've trained you. As I expect you all know, this holiday is a major event at Night Raven College. This week leading up to it is called Halloween Week. For its duration, students are expected to host a stamp tour for visitors from off-campus. Each dorm will select one campus location to decorate and use as their stamp tour checkpoint. The key that off-campus visitors must have free and complete access to this event. In short, for the duration of Halloween week, there will be visitors walking the school grounds. Do you know why it is that we go out of our way to run these labor-intensive festivities?"

Grim raises his paw, "Ooh, ooh, I know ! So you can rack in big bucks with entry fees!"

But Crewel sternly says, "ABSOLUTELY NOT. The very idea of taking money from participants is absurd! They tour the campus free of charge!"

And then calmly explains, "How do you whelps think Night Raven College has lasted for as long as it has? Simple: by virtue of the understanding, cooperation, and subsistence of Sage' Island locals. Halloween Week is a prime opportunity to showcase your training to our visitors. I expect you all to look your best at all times. No slacking!"

Tanzanite replies, "A stamp tour? I never heard of one before."

"Sounds kind of cool," Jasper says.

Then Grim asks, "Is that why Lilia was decorating Ramshackle?" Then Grim grows excited, "Now it's all cool and festive!"

Ace arches an eyebrow, "You act like you didn't hear about this from your Halloween management committee member already?"

"Huh? The what committee?" Grim says, confused.

"Halloween management committee? What committee?" Briar says, just as confused.

Then Crewel answers, "Each dorm puts a student in charge of Halloween affairs to keep things running smoothly. You must have heard about this from the headmage."

"Nope. Never," Grim says.

"I don't think he did," Tanzanite says.

"He never told us," Jasper says.

"We never heard of it until now," Sereia says.

Even Trinket shakes her head in reply.

"What?!" Crewel replies, confused.

Then turns to Briar, "Briar. Do you mean to tell me this is also your first exposure to this information?"

"I'm afraid not, sir. This is actually the first we've heard of this," Briar says.

"She's right. We weren't told about Lilia and Malleus decorating our dorm until Lilia told us about it yesterday evening," Sereia replies.

"I see…" Crewel calmly replies, "Perhaps the headmage forgot to reach out to Ramshackle Dorm.

"Dude. Talk about sloppy management," Ace says, dumbfounded.

Then Deuce says, "Don't worry though! If any of you get confused about anything… Feel free to ask me. After all, I'm one of this year's Halloween management committee members for Heartslabyul!"

"Whatever, man," Ace says, not taking much of an interest, "Your name just happened to come up when we drew lots for it.

"Can it, Ace. Luck of the draw or not, Housewarden Rosehearts told me he expected the best from me," Deuce says.

Then says with confidence, "I'm going to make sure Night Raven College's Halloween traditions are proudly represented!"

"Your enthusiasm is noted, but do ensure that committee affairs do not impact your school work," Crewel points out.

Deuce quickly says, "Y-yes, Professor! Absolutely."

Then Crewel announces to the students, "Anyway, my point is, you pups had better not get TOO carried away by the Halloween spirit. Any disobedient bad boys and girls in MY class won't be allowed to attend the party on the 31st."

"What, there's a PARTY?!" Grim asks, surprised.

"Indeed there is - here at Night Raven College, on Halloween night. It's held primarily for our off-campus guests, but students and ghosts can also take part," Crewel explains.

"So, does that mean…" Grim asks, surprised.

Then grows excited again, "They'll have food? Fancy food? Fancy-SCHMANCY food?!"

"I hear they get catering from big-name chefs as a treat for the cafeteria ghosts," Deuce says.

"Yeah. I hear they put out so much grub, nobody can finish it all," Ace adds. "My brother sent me some pics of the event back when he went, and those dishes are TOPS. It's supposed to be as ritzy and exciting as prom."

"Myah…" Grim replies with more excitement, "Now you've got my attention! I can't wait for Halloween!"

"I'm excited too, especially being able to dress up," Briar says.

"Yeah. Sounds like the Halloween event is going to get exciting," Tanzanite says.

Jasper smirks and says, "And scary."

"I hope it won't be too scary," Sereia replies.

Then Crewel says, "I'm sure you'll all stay busy working on costumes and decorations for the next month… But I expect you to make this the best Halloween it can be. Is that clear?"

All the students answer, "Yes, sir!"