Chapter 6: A Princess' Welcome

Coraline smiled as she arrived at the witch's shop, going inside and finding Helga at the big cauldron. "Ah, good morning, Coraline," she said pleasantly. "Jack informed my sister and I that you're now the Pumpkin Princess."

"Yeah," the girl said, looking a bit bashful. "It's...going to take a little getting used to. Plus...I don't want anyone to treat me differently now that I'm the princess."

Helga smiled. "As in you wish to be the princess but still not be treated like you're better than anyone else now?" She asked gently.

"Yeah," Coraline said with a nod.

The witch smiled. "We are all friends here, dearie," she said kindly. "Jack even insists that we be informal around him mostly." She chuckled. "He was so bashful to be called the Pumpkin King when he first accepted the title."

The girl giggled. "Really?" She asked.

"Yes," Helga said, gently pinching Coraline's cheek. "Now, what brings you to the shop, dearie?"

"Mom needs some pickled nettles," Coraline said. "And Dad was hoping you had some slime shine."

"Coming right up."

As the witch was getting the items, Clown came in and he smiled at Coraline. "Oh, Coraline, Jack asked me to find you and tell you to head over to the Town Hall after you got the nettles and slime," he said.

"Thank you, Clown," she said. "Please tell Dad that I'll be right there."

As he pedaled away, she then grew curious. "Maybe he needs me to grab something else," she thought to herself.

Helga came out with the slime and nettles. "Here you are, dearie. Jack already paid for them," she said.

"Thank you, Helga," the girl said before heading out to the town hall. Mr. Hyde was outside and he smiled at her.

"Ah, there you are, Princess Coraline," he said politely, bowing to her.

She smiled. "You can call me Coraline," she said graciously. "Clown said that my dad was here?"

"Yes," he replied. "Go right in."

She opened the door and to her surprise, there were many of the inhabitants of Halloween Town in there, all sitting and looking eagerly at the stage. Curious, Coraline looked around for Jack, but didn't see him. Hanging Tree noticed her and gently tapped her shoulder, making her turn to look at him. "Your folks are backstage," he said kindly, gesturing to the side. "The door is right there to the right."

"Thank you," she said, walking over to the door. The Mayor was beside it and he smiled, opening the door.

"Go on," he said kindly. "They're waiting for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Mayor," she said before entering the backstage and looking around. "Dad? Mom?" She called out.

She didn't see them and she didn't see the person creeping up behind her until two thin arms wrapped around her and she was lifted up. A surprised scream left her before she noticed the arms were clad in black and white. A familiar chuckle in her ear further confirmed who was behind her. "Dad, you scared me," she said, tilting her head back to look at him.

"Sorry, my little sugar skull. I couldn't resist," he said.

One thing Coraline had learned quickly was that Jack liked to practice his scares and would target her and Sally, but he was careful to never take it too far. She smiled up at him now and held up a bag. "I got the nettles and the slime," she said.

"Ah, good," he said, accepting them and setting them aside before smiling at her. "And now, it's time for something very important."

"What's that, Dad?" She asked.

"Why, your official welcome as the Pumpkin Princess, sweetie," he said with a smile.

Coraline blinked in surprise. "What?" She asked.

"Yes," Jack said, still smiling. "The town throws a celebration to welcome someone new and they are ready to do so to give you an official welcome."

She blinked again. "But...why?" She asked softy before looking away. "It's...It's really not...um...necessary."

The skeleton smirked and began tickling her, making her squeal and giggle as he did so. "Of course it's necessary, little one," he said. "Because you're important and a part of this town too. Also, this way, you can meet the inhabitants you haven't met yet."

The child was still laughing and giggling as he tickled her and Jack smirked again before letting her up. She snuggled against him and hugged him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Dad, do you think...we can keep it small?" She asked. "Just...not really big?"

He chuckled. "The whole town pitched in, sweetie," he said gently. "I think you'll like it."

Deciding not to be rude, she nodded. It wouldn't be fair to not enjoy the party that the inhabitants had so nicely put together for her. Sally came up and smiled at her. "Don't worry, sweetie," she said gently. "It's going to be a good one. I promise."

The Mayor came up to them and smiled. "Are we ready?" He asked.

"Yes," Jack said. "Mayor, if you'd be so kind...?"

"Of course," the mayor said, going to the podium and clearing his throat. "Citizens of our lovely town. It is my greatest pleasure to announce that we have a new princess."

Cheers erupted from the crowd and settled down politely when the mayor raised his hands. "It is custom that we welcome anyone new to Halloweentown with a celebration to officially welcome them," he continued. "So, without further ado, I will pass the podium to our wonderful King to begin the celebration."

Smiling, Jack set Coraline down gently and walked up to the podium. "People of Halloweentown, I am pleased that my daughter has been warmly welcomed by all of you. And now, let the wonderful celebration begin!" He called out with a smile.

The crowd erupted once again in cheers and Coraline shyly hid behind her mother, who smiled gently at her. "Are you alright, dear?" She asked gently.

The girl nodded. "It's just...I never expected this," she admitted.

Sally smiled. "It is a big deal when someone new arrives, especially a new princess," she said gently. "I felt the same way when your father asked me to marry him and the town celebrated our union."

"Really?" Coraline asked, surprised that her mother had felt bashful too over the celebration.

"Yes, but everyone made the celebration a wonderful one and one of the days I cherish," the ragdoll said. "Now, let's go join your father. I believe the parade will start in a moment and the inhabitants have gifts for you."

The parade was an amazing one with everyone joining in and the Mayor allowed Coraline to ride in his vehicle. Everyone bowed to the girl and wished her well all the way throughout the parade and when they arrived at the home of the Pumpkin King, Queen, and Princess, the girl's eyes nearly popped out of her head at the gifts that were by the gate. There were so many that she thought that surely some of them were for her folks.

The townspeople stood and cheered again as the family stood together with huge smiles. "Thank you, everyone," Coraline said gratefully as she had truly enjoyed the parade.

"There will be a feast in the town square, so bring your stomachs!" Helga cackled with a laugh, making everyone else laugh too.

Jack smiled at Coraline. "Do you want to open your gifts now or later?" He asked her.

She gave it some thought. "Can I do it later when it's just the three of us?" She asked.

He nodded. "Then let's go enjoy that feast."

And what a marvelous feast it was. Coraline was surprised to see that everyone had brought their favorite dish and even brought some human food in respect for her. Not wanting to have anyone feel left out, she tried the human dishes they made and was pleased to announce they were delicious and she thanked the inhabitants who made them, eating until she was full and content.

That evening, she opened her gifts and her eyes widened at seeing the lovely clothes and shoes that the inhabitants had given her, along with some stuffed animals, books, and a few other toys that were handmade. She wrote down who had sent her gifts and what they sent so that she could write them thank-you notes.

Sally smiled as she saw this and looked at Jack, who nodded. The ragdoll turned to her daughter. "Coraline, Jack and I have a gift for you and one from your grandparents," she said.

She handed the girl a box and when Coraline opened it, it was a chemistry set that was complete with everything she needed to do experiments. Sally giggled. "I think my father is hoping you'll have a good, strong mind," she said.

"I like it," the girl said. "I can use it for school."

"Just be careful too," Jack said gently before handing her another gift. "This one is from your mother and I."

Coraline opened it gently and gasped at what she saw. It was a doll with a pale, pretty face and a beautiful black and white dress. On her head was a crown that was gold and studded with obsidian and onyx. "I love it!" She said, grinning because the doll was a special one and given to her out of love. She hugged her parents, who hugged her back before Jack pulled something out from behind his back and placed it on his daughter's head. Sally held up a mirror and Coraline saw she was wearing a crown just like her doll was.

"Your pumpkin princess crown," the skeleton explained. "Your mother and I have crowns too, though we keep them locked away for safekeeping."

The child nodded before hugging her parents again. "Thank you," she said, her tone not only grateful for the gifts, but also for being accepted.

Just as her mother said, it was a memorable day that she would never forget.

I figured we needed some fluff. :)

I know some of you are eager to see the battle and believe me, that is coming up soon. :)

Next up: Barrel has a nightmare about the Beldam and rushes to warn Jack.

Please leave a review, but no flames!

GoldGuardian2418