Ch 2 Finkelstiens's Invention Revealed

The next day came quickly, the three woke early it was hard to sleep the night before. They just wanted to get it over with. Eating their breakfast, which was some sort of stew; Barrel of course had his lolly and was looking more confidant than the others. While Lock and Shock were casting suspicious glances and glares at each other, some of the glances were directed towards Barrel though mostly to each other. Still not a word had been spoken, heading out of the tree house they headed for the Town Hall. Lock, Shock, and Barrel were all anxious, nervous, and curious as to what had won in the voting. Masks on their faces the three walked briskly into the hall, amazed to see they were the second ones there. The first had been the Mayor who was busily getting things ready, and did not even notice the small beings enter.

They took the seats they had yesterday. Shock drummed her fingers against the bench nervously, while Lock removed his mask and continuously looked about the room waiting for people to enter. All the while little Barrel just sat there lost in his own thoughts licking his lolly. After a moment of the still too awkward silence Shock whispered "What do you think will happen?" This was directed towards Barrel, she was still quite suspicious of Lock. The smallest of them blinked a few times, coming out of his thoughts and looking to Shock. He just shrugged "I'm sure it'll be alright" Then went back to his own thoughts that clouded his head. The devil boy was still looking about the room before saying "What makes you so sure of what will happen?" His voice accusing as he looked to Barrel.

"What do you mean?" Barrel questioned looking utterly confused. "I just mean that I'm hoping for the best if that's what you mean." The poor boy looked to his friend dressed in red. This was getting a little weird. The silence came again and not one of them spoke, except for the small mutterings heard from Lock. Sometimes though Shock would get up and walk around as if trying to find a way out, though she would always return to her seat. Barrel, however didn't mutter nor did he get up. He simply sat there licking his candy. "Ah I see your feeling better that's good" Sounded the voice of the Mayor. The three looked up to see his smiling happy face was on. Odd, he hadn't been like that in awhile. Well at least not when the trio could see. "Yes much better," The voice was of an all too familiar being to the three.

Looking to the entrance of the building, the tall figure could be spotted easily. Seeing as there was no one else there and he kind of stood out. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. Lock, Shock, and Barrel seemed to cringe to see a crack lining the left side of his head. The injury had been worse two days ago. At least the doctor was making it heal quickly. The Pumpkin Kings gaze landed on them with one of disapproval and one of curiosity. He was curious wondering why they were here so early. No, Jack had not been told of the voting. The mayor had thought it would only trouble Jacks mind. The Mayor looked sad again only for a moment as Jack began to approach the three. "And what are you doing here this early?" He questioned now standing next to the three.

"Um, today's when what was voted is being announced" Shock managed after a moments pause. She looked surprised when Jack just stared looking confused. Mr. Skellingtons gaze turned to the Mayor who frowned "Well you see Jack…Come this way and I'll explain everything." So Jack Skellington followed after the Mayor behind the curtains, where their mutterings could be heard, though only as a low hum. Obviously someone didn't want anyone to know of Jacks lack of knowledge. The Pumpkin King emerged from behind the curtain looking a bit troubled. The Mayor following behind. "Now get some rest Jack!" He called to the skeleton man walking towards the door. Jack simply put his hand up as he walked out the door.

Slowly, very slowly the creatures of Halloween Town made their way into the hall and to their seats. Once everyone was seat the Mayor spoke, "Good Morning everyone." He nodded, "The votes have been tallied and you are all here to hear the results. Shock will you please come up?" The witch slowly slipped off the bench and went up to stand on the stage. Her mask had been placed upon her face, though it did hide her mouth and expression, it didn't hide her eyes. "Shock yours when totaled I'm afraid to say was not innocent. By a single vote it is said you are to be changed." There were murmurings about the room. Though Shock's head drooped and she stepped off the stage. Casting a disappointed look to her friends. Lock was next and the results were similar. Though he looked like he was angry rather than disappointed. Barrel was last, and again the same results and Lock and Shock. Though the Mayor murmured in his ear "Though I will admit you were nearly innocent." Now there was a surprise. Sitting back down, the mayor went behind the still closed curtains. The voice of the doctor could be heard only to the front rows of the Town Hall.

The curtains were slowly pulled back to reveal Doctor Finkelstien sitting there in his wheel chair. His lovely assistant wasn't there, amazingly enough he was by himself. Rolling forward he began to speak. "You three will come to my lab in exactly one hour." His voice directed towards of course; Lock, Shock, and Barrel. Then he rolled off a ramp exiting the building. Then slowly as fast as they had entered everyone began to exit the Hall. Once it was quiet, only the light foot-steps of the three Trick-or-Treaters were to be heard making their way to the exit were to be heard. Three sighs could be heard if anyone was near, as well as a creaking noise from the building behind as if it was sighing as well.

The hour was up and the witch, devil, and skeleton dressed children were standing just outside the building that was said to be the lair of Doctor Finkelstien. A loud thundering noise could be heard as Lock knocked on the door. The idea of running and hiding in the tree house had passed through their minds though they knew it was pointless. "Coming." Sounded the annoyed sounding voice of the Doctor. The door slowly creaked open "As yes, the troublemakers come in." His voice sounded awfully menacing to Barrel, Shock, and Lock. The skittish children entered in step with each other. "Follow me" the onein the wheelchair ordered and began to roll off. His assistant still nowhere to be seen. The three followed obediently into the next room where they saw a machine that Doctor Finkelstien looked fondly at. "Shall we begin?" He questioned a small smirk on his face.

The machine was quite large. Calculations written on a blackboard off to the side. Levers sticking out of the side, then in the center were a platform tall enough for Jack to only kneel inside. Wires hung out from the top just above the platform, which looked like it could rise and be moved. Red sparks could be seen coming out the rear of the contraption as it was turned on and a few clicking noises as the Doctor apparently put some information into it. "Now…" He began looking to each of them "Who will be first?"

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Theres chapter two...I know its not that good sorry...