This story is dedicated to my hamigo Heather She gave me the idea and ambition while we were watching N.M.B.C. so I'm gonna try the best I can to see this story through. None of the characters belong to me; they are all creations of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman (music wise). With out further ado, here we go . . .
WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS MILD LANGUAGE, SEXUAL SCENES, AND YAOI!!! THINK OF THESE FACTORS, BEFORE READING!! DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU!!!
"Barrel Roll"
Never did I think about Jack's title. I guess I was like everyone else; I just accepted the factor and admired him from afar. Of course, Halloween had been going on for ages, yet I never knew the real story behind the 'Pumpkin King' . . . surprisingly, it was actually interesting to hear the mayor talk about this to me.
"You know Barrel, you and Jack aren't too far apart. In fact, I remember Jack was a bit of a trouble-maker when he came to Halloween Town himself. In a way, I guess it all caught up to him again, when he started adoring the other holidays a little too much . . ."
I couldn't help but be a bit fidgety; after all, who got to hear the real story of the 'Pumpkin King' very often? Unintentionally, I was playing with the radio dials in the mayor's car.
"Please, try not to touch that. The least I want is the megaphone to go off at this moment."
"So, was Jack the first Pumpkin King?"
"Well, there's no easy way to answer that . . . if you want to be precise, there was more than one Jack. Perhaps there wasn't always a 'Jack Skellington' but there was a'Jack' nonetheless."
"What exactly do you mean?"
"For example, the original Jack was always known to be as you are no doubt aware, a 'Pumpkin King'. Let me make this clearer. You see, the original 'Pumpkin King' was in fact a true Pumpkin."
"So, it's kind of like that pumpkin gimmick that Jack puts on every year?"
"Exactly, in actuality, Jack is bringing the spirit of Halloween by playing the part as our old 'Pumpkin King', yet as a different 'Pumpkin King', he brings a new 'era' to Halloween Town."
"I suppose this all does somewhat make sense, I mean, Jack didn't seem all that old . . . well for being a dead Pumpkin King and all."
"You couldn't be more correct, Barrel. While, Jack has been our 'Pumpkin King' for the longest time, he isn't all that old, truth be told."
"So, Jack was elected?"
"Yes, indeed. When we first elected Jack, he was about the same as you. Only, he wasn't as gutsy at your age."
"Now, hold it! What makes you think that you actually know my age? If you're implying that I'm only six years old, that's a load of bull."
"You don't think I keep records of these things, Barrel? You might have arrived when you were six, you might be in the body of a six year old, but you are definitely not in the mind frame of a mere six year old. Didn't think I knew that, did you?"
Well, when he was right, he was right.
"You have to be the only one who thinks of me as being older than I am. The entire town thinks that me as well as Lock and Shock are siblings."
"You think the same way I do." I winced a little, but let him continue.
"The people are in fact, as dense as fog at early dusk. They'll believe anything, just to hide their thoughts about the truth. It's not that they are completely incapable of thinking for themselves; it's more along the lines of, they fear to think for themselves. Which brings the positions of myself and the 'Pumpkin King'. The 'Pumpkin King' brings about what the people idolize as well as act as a distraction; my position, on the other hand, is to enforce the town that Halloween remains intact. If Halloween were to be damaged . . . well let's just say it would be quite a sticky situation."
By this point, I was beginning to get bored. Technically, I was interested more in Jack than I was about the whole 'Pumpkin King' thing. I think that the mayor got the message too. Next thing I remember was hearing the booming voice of the speaker shouting:
"Town Meeting! Town Meeting!"
From the mayor's car, I watched as the people began making their way to the Town Hall; in a way, I was glad to be with the mayor. It meant that I could relax for a few minutes, before arriving. Catching some well-deserved shut-eye was definitely in need; however, actually getting the shut-eye was almost impossible, considering the rumbles of the car's speakerphone sounding throughout.
It was somewhat late, when the mayor finally dismissed me from his house, but that didn't stop the fact that I still had to return to Finklestein. And when I did return to Finklestein, he still wasn't going to let up on me. Turns out, I had to alphabetize the upper-most closet (the one that Shock and I had broken into). It's just easy to say that I didn't sleep, and I wasn't about to get the chance either. As we drove, I estimated that we'd probably arrive at Town Hall in about fifteen minutes (considering the mayor's current driving speed).
During the time that I had, I decided to take a second glance at myself through one of the mayor's car windows. Before I had left Finklestein's this morning to meet the mayor, Finklestein forced me into a dark emerald suit jacket and matching pants. I can't forget that Jewel slicked my hair back in an attractive and appealing way, and put makeup on all of the cuts and scars from my little 'accident'. The makeup really hid all of the cuts and bruises that I had, and for the first time in a while, I had a very smooth complexion. I couldn't help but admire myself; I really did look nice; and the emerald green cane that Finklestein gave me to walk with, was a nice touch (eventhough it was hard to give up such a treasure as the crutches made by Jack). At that moment, I didn't feel like the little six year old kid that everyone thought I was, but a young gentleman capable of doing whatever I saw fit.
"My, you certainly do look the part, as a young gentleman, Barrel."
I didn't bother to answer him; I continued inspecting my attire, and began correcting the collar of my shirt. "What exactly do you want me to do again?"
"It's simple. All I really want you to do is be like an assistant, well except for the speech portion."
"Speech? You didn't say anything about a speech?!"
"Relax, dear Barrel, I've taken the liberty of already writing it. Now, all you'll really have to do is convince the Town about the sincerity of Halloween Town, and talk about how we are still going onward, as scheduled."
"But this doesn't make any sense. Why do I have to read it? Why not you? You're the mayor after all."
"Think about it this way: If I take the stage, it would seem like a normal meeting; and heaven knows how often they actually pay attention. Now, if you take the stage, the people will be more intrigued, considering the change. Are you catching on?"
As much as I wanted to say yes, I really didn't think something like that would work. I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy . . . "I suppose so . . . but I'm still no following why you selected ME."
"Barrel, if these people want you to be Halloween Town's 'Pumpkin King', then you have to familiarize yourself to the public."
"But, I never agreed to be the 'Pumpkin King' . . ."
"In time, dear Barrel, in time."
The mayor then continued yelling through the speakerphone, leaving me to think to myself. Last night, the mayor told me about the position, but I didn't say that I would take it; but that wasn't enough for him. In the end, the mayor convinced me to help him with the meeting (I hardly remember how he did it, but he sure as hell pulled it off . . .), and sure enough, there I was, wondering what I had just gotten myself into (or more like what Dr. Finklestein and the mayor dragged me into).
After the fifteen minutes I had estimated, the mayor pulled the car up to Town Hall and the two of us rushed inside. Behind the stage, the mayor briefed me of the speech, and handed me a paper to read off of. Using the few minutes that I had left, I made sure my hair was perfectly slicked back and my suit was wrinkle free. I was lucky enough to have time to spit-shine my black shoes, free of spots, before I entranced onto the stage.
The crowd was massive. Most of the denizens, I had recognized, and some were obscured by the darkness in the room. I watched as the lights shone brightly on the stage, and the mayor walked proudly to the stage; myself following behind like a lost puppy (to my embarrassment). An amazing thing happened then. Once the mayor took to the podium, the whole room quieted and all stares were fixed to him.
"Fellow denizens of Halloween Town." He began, "I, your mayor am here to inform you that you are not alone in your disappointment of our beloved 'Pumpkin King'. But we must look into our hearts to forgive him; fore he is not a sinner. We can not punish him for his lack of interest. We all lose interest in something? Am I right?" The crowd was filled with so many responses; it was no wonder that he was the mayor. Despite how much I hated the mayor, I had to admit; he was very charismatic. That was something I was not . . . Persuasive, yes . . . charismatic, no. Getting on a stage like this irked me a little, but it was probably the factor that I hadn't really been the true center of attention before; especially to so many people. As the mayor continued his introduction speech (which was beginning to become rambled jibber-jabber; I looked unto the crowd and noticed two seats available in the front row. Closer inspection, I saw the name Jack Skellington; the other one was no doubt Sally's. In a way, I was kind of saddened that Jack wasn't here, but then again, if I were Jack, I wouldn't be here either . . . it would be too painful. Still, that didn't explain why Sally's presence wasn't here to at least be in Jack's stead. My gaze was interrupted by the mayor:
"And now, allow me to introduce a young gentleman who is willing to tell us how he views this situation, would you kindly tell us, Barrel?" Nervously, I nodded and approached the podium without letting my gaze escape from the audience. Just as I was about to unfurl the paper and speak, I looked in the distance to find Lock and Shock glaring back at me. Sweat drops were forming all around my neck; not only was I nervous about being there, but I didn't know what was on the paper I was reading. For all I know, the mayor could've told me one thing, and have me read the other. Uneasily, I began speaking.
"Early dusk everyone. My name is Barrel, and I have been asked to state my opinion on the matter at hand . . ." I looked to the now retreated mayor backstage; he motioned his hand for me to continue.
"Well . . ." I finally began reading. "As you are no doubt aware, we are in a very tough spot. The daily lives of Halloween Town are slowly being affected, and I myself can say the same." I paused to look around. Only a few coughs here and there, but everyone was hung on my every word for some reason.
"A-As I was saying, we as residents of Halloween Town have taken the tradition and pride of becoming a full-fledged holiday, and now here we are wondering about the state of our beloved holiday and it's master, the 'Pumpkin King'." Just the mention of the 'Pumpkin King' in such a manner was already disagreeing with me, but I had to think about the dirt that Finklestein and the mayor had on me; also there was the factor of embarrassing myself in front of the entire town. I continued again:
"In such a desperate time, we are in need of some kind of miracle, which we can't say is in the hands of our old 'Pumpkin King' any longer. It is time to overcome our grief and shame at a time like this and make a change. I for one am not ashamed at our 'Pumpkin King' ,because I understand his notions very well. Do not think that he has abandoned us, but think of it as a time of growth. He shall grow from his own experiences, and we shall grow from our renewal of this experience. And Halloween shall always be with us, even if our beloved 'Pumpkin King' will not." I bowed my head down as if I were about to pray; apparently a few people bought it, because I heard a few sobs from across the room.
After a few minutes of silence, I decided to pull my head up and begin again.
"I for one-" Suddenly, the large doors in the back of the room burst open. All heads turned to see a certain ragdoll walk into the room and make her way for the stage. That 'certain' ragdoll was none other than Sally . . . There were gasps all around; even the mayor was worried (his head was turned around to reveal the concerned white face). There were numerous blueprints in her hands and her hair looked like it desperately needed a comb run through it.
"I'm sorry I'm late everyone, but I've come bearing news!" By this point the mayor rushed to the stage and pushed me away from the podium. "Fellow citizens, you have heard our crisis, now we in turn shall do our best to correct what has been wronged to us. Now if you all could make your way out of the Town Hall then-"
"That's just it! This isn't correcting what is wrong!" Sally officially stepped onto the stage and ceased the podium from the mayor. "You see, Jack isn't quitting. He never quit on us before, and I know he'll come through! Jack is too much in love with the holidays to qui-"
The mayor ceased the podium back again. "You're absolutely right; he is in love with the holidays; all of them EXCEPT for Halloween. He has already proven this, and thus we must move on!"
"But you didn't move on from him before! You all forgave him; and in return, he STILL brought one of the best Halloween's ever! You all love him, and despite his recent behavior, I still love him. I tell you this because; we shouldn't give up on Jack! He'll come through, I just know he will!!!"
Bursts of applause sounded throughout the entire room. Sally had apparently succeeded in winning them over. But it wasn't over yet; the mayor made sure of that. Distracted by Sally's words, the crowd failed to see the mayor shaking me uncontrollably and telling me to fight back.
"You're persuasive! Tell them something! Just don't let her get away with this!"
I didn't necessarily know the true importance of this meeting, but I wasn't too keen on Sally winning anything. If I had to throw all of the morals that I stood for, they would be at this exact moment. I took the stage again, using my persuasion (not necessarily charisma) skills to the best of my ability.
"Fellows! You and I are the same that we both feel pained by Jack's absence . . . but can we honestly say that he will truly come through?" What was I saying?! It didn't matter as long as the mayor had his eyes fixed on me . . . "I don't know about you, but I for one am tired of waiting, tired of feeling alone, and tired of feeling betrayed!" Hey, I was telling the truth, but the truth in that was that I was tired of Sally having Jack.
"It's time for a new light to come forth! We can't wait forever, and who says we should have to wait?! Her?!? We have a reputation to uphold; we have a tradition to maintain, we have a love that shouldn't be lost! If we wait now, then we wait an eternity more! And if we wait and eternity might be a world where Halloween ceases to exist! So, embrace the fact that we must progress and step forward. We must rejuvenate and reincarnate! We must unite!!!!!"
Never had I been so influentially motivating in my life! And the crowd was eating it up! Sally didn't stand a chance now, but of course, that didn't stop her from trying.
"Please, listen to me! We can't give up on Jack! He's always been there for us! Don't you see?!?"
One person shouted "Then if he's been there for us, where was he when we truly needed him?!?" Another person shouted, "Yeah, where is he now?!?"
It was time I had a little fun with this.
"Now, now, I fore one might be in a way, disappointed, but I have no grudge against Jack or Miss Sally in any way, shape, or form. We all know that she is just and she only hopes to prove that Jack is a good person; but these are things that we already knew. What she fails to say is what would happen to our society as we know it, if Jack appears randomly."
Absolute roars from the crowd. Damn, I was more persuasive than I thought; now if only I had hypnotism . . . it was close enough, for now. I held out my hand to Sally, who was now batting bitter tears from her eyes.
"Sally, have no hard feelings, we only mean to move on and live." She looked at my hand and slapped it down, in refusal. I thought about making a snotty remark to tie the whole thing on top, when she spoke out for what looked like her final time.
"Why should Jack have to be believed in, when Jack can't even believe in the town that he's serving? You all fear Jack! You all fear what you don't know! You would rather listen to a snot-nosed, bratty kid than the own thoughts dwelling in your common sense! Believe in Jack! I know he'll come through!" Again the crowd lapped it up and ate it whole. No matter what I did at this point didn't even remotely get the crowd's attention. Not only that, but at that moment I was enraged. How dare she call me some snot-nosed, brat?!? Who did she think she was?!? Continually she kept the crowds attention, and to put the cherry on top, she pulled the papers that she had been carrying earlier and unfolded them, revealing Halloween plans written and signed by Jack himself. And apparently that wasn't enough to satisfy her.
"If you really loved Halloween, would you be up here stating that we should give up on the very spirit of Halloween?!? Jack makes Halloween; you would never even amount to Jack's power! So here I say that you cannot be a true lover of Halloween; fore if you give up on the 'Pumpkin King', you give up on us all!!!"
Now it was getting outrageous. She was taking it way to far!!! Sweat began to make quick work of my suit jacket and I was beginning to lose my focus. Then, she met the extremity.
"You all should know better! He's Oogie's boy! He has helped bring the downfall of us all many times before. Don't listen to him; he is a liar and a thief!!!" The crowd was in an uproar; they began yelling and screaming at me to get of the stage. Some threw a few shriveled heads at me, while others verbally assaulted me. For the first time in a while, I really just wanted to break down and let tears fill the rims of my eyes. It was too much to bear! Ignoring the constant shouts of the mayor telling me to fight back; I ran out of the Town Hall leaving the insults behind me. As I ran, I tore the very essence of suit to shreds; my cane was thrown down a block back, and there I was running barefoot, half-naked down the alleyways of Halloween Town. Rain decided to make it's descent upon my presence, and mixed with the bitter tears that were emitting from my eyes. I leaned against the wall of a building and there I sobbed, wishing that it had never happened.
"I hate her! I fucking hate her!!!!" I wouldn't live this down! I would make her suffer more than the pain that she had given me! She would pay overtime for this!!!!!
I buried my head in my hands and continued sobbing, when I heard a voice talking to me. The voice wasn't angelic, but at the same time, not overly annoying. It was somewhat quiet against the beating of the rain, but I was able to make out the words:
"Barrel . . . are you okay?"
My eyes sadly drifted upwards to see Shock looking at me with a sympathetic gaze. Behind her was Lock giving off the same concerned look. He held out his hand to help me up, and Shock placed an umbrella over my head to shelter me from the rain. As much as I wanted to confide in them and just keep crying, I wiped the tears from my eyes and fought back the horrible breathing that my sobs had given me. I tried as hard as I could to edge out the words, thank you, but as I waited for them, the words never came . . .
For a long while, Lock, Shock, and I exchanged glances, until I turned around to look up into the cloudy sky. My words were weak when I edged them from my mouth, but they were clearly understood. Lock and Shock both nodded and the three of us began walking to the clubhouse above Oogie's. I could still hear the words ringing in my head as we went along. Like a faint whisper, but interpreted the same for us all. "We strike tonight. No exceptions."