Cobwebs Tend to Grow on Halloween
I don't own anything but my OC's.
Chapter 2
The sound of the skeletal cockerel echoed throughout Halloween Town. Residents, such as the Vampire Brothers, were already outside, preparing their shops and anything else they had to do. The jack-o-lantern sun began rising, making the orange colour flood over the town.
Jack slowly awoke. The first thing he spotted was Zero in his dog basket, sleeping soundly. The orange light shone through Jack's bedroom window, making the Pumpkin King squint and try to block out the light with his hand.
He threw the blankets off of himself and yawned, stretching his arms. They made a clicking noise.
Jack stood and straightened himself, still clad in his cream, puffy pyjamas and night cap. He walked over to the stairs and began to descend them.
Jack entered the living room soon after, glancing at the sofa. The skeleton boy was still asleep. He sighed and made his way to the kitchen.
The Pumpkin King stood in front of the sink and stared at it. What to do now? Should he wake the child up? Feed him? Probably. Well, minus the waking him up part. But feed him what? Cereal? Most likely.
Jack sighed again and pinched the bridge of his nose.
He suddenly heard a yawn and the springs in the sofa stretch. He turned to the doorway, only to find the boy standing there, looking up at him. Jack stared at the child and the child stared at Jack.
"Good morning," Jack let the silence end with that greeting. "Did you sleep well?"
The boy nodded.
"Well, um…Would you like something to eat?"
The boy tilted his head. "Eat?"
"Yes, you know, food."
"Oh, yes, of course, food. The yummy kind?" The boy asked.
Jack raised an imaginary eyebrow in confusion but nodded anyway.
"Alright then." The boy said and headed over to a chair and sat down at the table in the middle of the room.
Jack stared at him for a bit before searching for something to make the child's breakfast. "What would you like? Cereal? Eggs? Bacon?"
"Are those the things I'm allowed to eat?" The boy turned to Jack.
"Um…Yes. Why?"
"They told me I'm not allowed to eat certain things."
"They? Who're they?"
"I don't know." He paused before continuing. "May I have some cereal, please?"
"Of course." Jack replied, smiling. He reached up to the cupboard and pulled it open then began to dig through it. He found a box of 'Spider-O's' and took out a bowl then began to pour the contents into it. "With or without milk?"
"Is that the white stuff on the shelf?"
Jack looked at the boy to see him pointing at something. Jack followed his gaze. "No, that's sugar." He said, picking up the jar of sugar then placing it back on the shelf. "It's this." Jack made his way over to the fridge and pulled out a carton of milk.
The boy tilted his head once more but nodded. "Alright."
Jack began pouring the milk into the bowl for the lad. He picked up the bowl and strolled over to the table, putting the bowl in front of the boy and picking up a spoon from the rack of utensils and putting it into the milk. "There you are. Dig in."
The boy looked at the bowl before picking up the spoon and chewing on the soggy pieces of cereal and swallowing them. He kept repeating these actions while Jack sat on the chair opposite him.
"We're going to have to name you," Jack said. "We can't have you unnamed."
The boy looked up. "Could I not have your name?"
Jack chuckled. "No, I'm afraid not. But what would you like to be named?"
The boy paused in thought and shrugged. "The only name I know of is Jack Skellington."
Jack hummed thoughtfully. The boy couldn't have his name, so what name could he have?
Jack glanced back at the child and was surprised to find him tracing his finger along the cobweb patterns on the cereal box. "These…they're…they're…"
Jack tilted his head. "Interesting?" He recommended.
"Yes. What are they called?"
"Spider webs or cobwebs."
"Cobwebs…" The boy repeated, the word sounding good to him.
"Do you like that word, then?" Jack asked.
The boy nodded.
"There. Right there. We could call you Cobweb until we find out your real name."
The boy looked up. "Really?"
"Only if you think it's suitable."
The boy- now called Cobweb- smiled. "Yes, I like it."
"Then it's decided."
Jack stood up from the table. "I'll just go and get changed. You wait here, alright?"
Cobweb nodded.
Jack exited the kitchen, leaving Cobweb to finish his breakfast.
Jack strolled into his bedroom, heading towards the strangely balanced wardrobe and opened it, taking out his pinstriped suit. He changed quickly and walked back down stairs. Jack entered the kitchen once more, only to find Cobweb staring at him; as if waiting for him to come down again. The bowl was empty, seemingly clean.
"I'm finished." Cobweb announced timidly.
"So I see." Jack chuckled and took the bowl from in front of him, placing it in the sink and beginning to wash it. "We'll head out into town soon. Just to get you acquainted with everyone. Then we'll buy some new clothes for you."
Cobweb nodded.
Jack left the bowl to dry. He stood beside Cobweb. "C'mon then, let's go." He held out his hand and Cobweb took hold of it, jumping off the chair and allowing Jack to lead him out of the house, Zero at their heels.
…
The streets were busy with different monsters and Halloween beings. Cobweb stayed close to Jack.
Suddenly, they came to a stop.
"Morning, Jack!" Cobweb heard a voice greet. He looked up to see a short, plump man with a wide grin and strange eyes. His top hat was tall and thin and Cobweb could see a badge on his jacket, the word: 'Mayor' carved into the surface.
"Hello, Mayor." Jack said, a wide grin on his face.
The Mayor looked like he was about to say something, but he paused when he saw Cobweb. "Oh, who's this?"
"This is Cobweb," Jack introduced the child. "He's new in town."
Cobweb hid behind Jack's legs.
The Mayor chuckled. "A little shy, this one."
"Afraid so. I found him in the graveyard." Jack said.
The Mayor's head spun around, showing his sad face.
If Cobweb had blood, it would've gone cold.
"Jack," The Mayor whispered, gesturing for Jack to lower himself to the Mayor's height. He did and began to listen. "You don't even know who this child is!"
"Now, now, Mayor." Jack smiled. "Cobweb is perfectly behaved. He's just a little shy."
"Then why does he look like you?"
Jack quickly glanced at Cobweb, then lowered himself again. "I asked myself that as well. I've never seen this child before and I-"
"Have I done something bad?"
Both men turned to Cobweb, whose eye sockets were lowered in sadness and worry.
"Of course not, Cobweb." Jack said, kneeling down to the boy. "We're just discussing a few things. Why don't you go and play with Zero until our conversation is over?"
Cobweb nodded. "Ok."
With that said, Cobweb ran off, over to Zero.
Jack watched him go. "See?" He turned back to the Mayor. "Nothing to worry about. He's hardly capable of hurting anyone, anyway. It seems Cobweb's lost his memories." Jack patted the Mayor's shoulder. "Trust me, Mayor, I know what I'm doing."
Mayor's head spun around again, displaying his happy face. "Alright, Jack, if you're sure."
"Of course, I'm sure, Mayor." Jack turned to Cobweb. "Come along, Cobweb!"
Said child turned back to Jack, finishing stroking Zero. "Ok." He began to stroll back over to Jack and the Mayor, Zero behind him.
Jack took hold of Cobweb's hand again and began to lead him to a shop opposite his house.
Jack straightened his bow tie before opening the door, making the bell above it jangle.
Rolls of thread decorated the walls, which were painted purple. The carpet was black. A violet sofa sat by the wall, a waiting area for customers.
Jack rang the bell on the counter.
"Coming!" a voice in the back called.
Jack straightened his bow tie once more.
A girl came through the door behind the counter. Her violet dress and black robe trailed behind her. Her long black hair came down just above her backside, a white streak in the middle. One of her eyes were red, the other was blue. They widened when they saw her customer. "Jack!"
"Hello, Shadow." Jack greeted, waving to her.
"H-Hello, Jack." Shadow said, wringing her hands behind her back. She spotted Cobweb standing beside Jack's leg. "Who's this little terror?"
"Oh, this is Cobweb." Jack said, gesturing to the skeleton next to him.
Shadow walked from behind the counter over to the skeletons. She knelt down to Cobweb, who took a few steps back. "Hello, Cobweb." She held out her hand. "My name is Shadow."
"Oh…Hello, Shadow." Cobweb greeted, shaking her hand.
Shadow tugged on the ripped sleeve of his shirt. "My…What're you wearing?"
"I found him in these clothes, Shadow." Jack said. "He was in the graveyard."
"I see," Shadow said thoughtfully. "Well, we'll have to do something about that, now won't we?" she asked, looking up and smiling at Jack.
"That's why we came, you're the best person for the job." Jack said.
Shadow blushed and rose to her feet, looking up at the skeleton. "Thank you, Jack…"
"Oh…You're welcome, Shadow." Jack rubbed the back of his head.
Cobweb glanced at Jack then Shadow. He had a strange feeling in his chest- or ribcage, as it were- as he watched them. He then found he had to look down to watch them.
"Well, anyway, we better get Cobweb measured up." Jack recommended.
"Oh, of course," Shadow said, pausing her stare into the Pumpkin King's eye sockets. "Now, Cobweb, if you just- Cobweb?"
Both of them looked around, confused.
"Cobweb?" Jack called. "Where are you? Cobweb?"
"Up here."
Both Halloween citizens looked up.
Cobweb was in the air, his small wings flapping madly; trying to support the weight of the child. He looked down at them, his eye sockets showing he was worried.
"How did you get up there?" Jack asked, tilting his head to the side.
"I don't know."
Shadow left the room and re-entered, carrying a folded up a step ladder. "I use this for extra tall Halloween residents." Shadow explained after seeing Jack's quizzical look. She unfolded the ladder and climbed it.
Jack watched her, ready to catch her if she fell.
Shadow opened her arms. "Come down, Cobweb," she told him gently.
"I can't." Cobweb said.
"Yes, you can, just imagine yourself coming down."
Cobweb tried. He failed, only rising higher into the air, craning his neck so his head didn't hit the low ceiling.
"Take your time, Cobweb." Jack added, his voice as gentle as Shadow's.
Cobweb then saw it. Himself, lowering down into Shadow's arms. He saw Shadow climbing down the ladder. Then it happened, all in that exact order.
He felt one of Jack's hands stroke his black and white hair.
Shadow lowered him to stand on his own two feet.
"There, all better now." Shadow whispered, holding his hand and smiling at him. "Now as I was saying, let's get you measured up."
"Measured up?" Cobweb asked.
Shadow nodded. "Come on, nothing to worry about."
The sorceress began leading the child into the back room. "You wait here, Jack." She told him. "Cobweb will be out soon."
Jack nodded and sat on the sofa. He looked down at his feet and sighed. He picked up a magazine from the square coffee table. He flicked through all the pages. Not one with a picture or article of him. Jack smiled. Shadow knew how much as hated it when people stared at pictures or read the same article over and over again, just because it had him in it.
The door behind the counter opened and Shadow and Cobweb walked through.
Jack turned in their direction.
"What do you think, Jack?" Shadow asked him.
Jack looked down at Cobweb, who was tugging at his jacket. The boy's suit looked similar to Jack's, except it was grey with black pinstripes. The suit fitted his thin, lanky frame perfectly; making him look like he had at least some muscles, not just bones. The tailcoat finished at his knees. Jack could see a crisp, white shirt underneath Cobweb's coat. The bow tie was shaped like a spider, its legs just about touching Cobweb's shoulders. Cobweb's new shoes were made of proper leather and polished.
"Splendid work, Shadow!" Jack exclaimed, walking over to them.
Shadow smiled. "Thank you, Jack." She showed him the bundle of clothing in her arms. "I made him some pyjamas as well."
Jack took the bundle of black fabric from Shadow's arms. "Thank you, Shadow."
"Yes, thank you, Shadow." Cobweb joined in. He didn't exactly understand what 'thank you' meant, but if Jack had said it, then maybe Cobweb should say it too.
"You're both welcome." Shadow replied then looked at Cobweb. "And it was a pleasure to meet you, Cobweb."
Cobweb nodded.
"How much do I owe you?" Jack asked, reaching into his pocket.
"Oh no, Jack! You don't owe me anything! Consider these clothes a gift." Shadow said.
"But Shadow, I can't just-"
"No, Jack, I insist." Shadow interrupted him, taking one of his hands in her own.
"Oh…" Jack whispered, beginning to blush. "Um…Alright, Shadow…"
Shadow smiled at him, then looked at Cobweb. "Now, Cobweb, those are special clothes. I cast a spell on them. They'll grow as you do."
Cobweb tugged at this jacket one more time. "Hmm…Smart."
Jack smiled. Good. This was good. Cobweb wasn't fighting with anyone or misbehaving. To be honest, Jack didn't expect him to. Cobweb was far too shy. He wasn't like Lock, Shock and Barrel.
Jack took hold of Cobweb's hand. Thanking Shadow one last time, he turned to exit the shop.
…
Jack knocked at the large, iron door.
"Come in, the door's open!" A hoarse yell was heard from inside.
Upon hearing it, Cobweb clutched Jack's hand tighter.
"Don't worry, Cobweb." Jack reassured, beginning to open the door.
They entered the building and ascended the stairs. A man in a wheelchair sat at the top. His head was shaped strangely and his mouth looked rather like a duck bill. "Ah, Jack Skellington, my boy! What a wonderful surprise!"
"Hello, Doctor." Jack greeted. He gestured to Cobweb. "Doctor Finkelstein, this is Cobweb. Cobweb, this is Doctor Finkelstein, our town's doctor and scientist."
Dr. Finkelstein wheeled up to Cobweb and leaned forward to get a better look at him. He opened his large head and scratched his brain.
Seeing this, Cobweb hid behind Jack's legs.
"I'm afraid he's a little bit shy." Jack said.
Zero rubbed his nose against Cobweb, who looked up and began laughing.
"And it seems Zero and I are the only ones who he's not afraid of. Oh, and Shadow." Jack chuckled.
Dr. Finkelstein nodded and hummed thoughtfully. "Jack, how old is this boy?"
"I'm not sure, Doctor. I found him in the graveyard."
"He looks just like you."
"I know. Everyone points that out."
Dr. Finkelstein began to turn, using the controller on his wheelchair. "Come. Let's go to my lab."
Jack nodded and began to lead Cobweb and Zero into the lab.
…
Cobweb searched through all the test-tubes of chemicals as Dr. Finkelstein and Jack had a private chat, as Jack had put it.
"Don't touch that, Cobweb!" Jack told him, suddenly turning around and seeing the child's grab for a test-tube.
Cobweb looked up at Jack then looked at his own two feet.
"Jack," Dr. Finkelstein whispered, catching the Pumpkin King's attention and making him turn back around to face the doctor. "Jack, are you sure you know that child as well as you think you do?"
"Honestly, Doctor. Cobweb is but a child. He doesn't remember a thing."
"Perhaps I could do some experiments?" Dr. Finkelstein asked, beginning to smile.
Jack's eye sockets widened. Experiment on a child? What was going through the Doctor's mind? "Absolutely not, Doctor!" Jack said, a little louder then he wanted.
Dr. Finkelstein shrank in to his wheelchair a little, frightened by the volume of Jack's voice.
Cobweb too shrank back.
Jack saddened. "I'm sorry, everyone. I didn't mean to snap."
Dr. Finkelstein nodded, taking in the apology. "All we can do, Jack, is let you take care of the boy. If he isn't afraid of you, it means he's probably not from Halloween Town."
Jack nodded. He looked at Cobweb, who was wringing his hands.
"Understandable, Doctor." Jack said, looking back to the man in the wheelchair.
The Pumpkin King walked over to Cobweb and held out his hand. Cobweb hesitantly took hold of it.
Together, they thanked the doctor and strolled out of his lab.
…
After introducing Cobweb to the rest of the town, Jack decided it was about time they went home. The jack-o-lantern sun was beginning to set.
Jack opened the door to his house and allowed Cobweb to enter first. He shut the door behind them. The Pumpkin King still had the bundle of clothing under his arm.
Jack walked into the living room and placed Cobweb's new pyjamas on the couch. He stretched his arms.
Cobweb sat on the couch and looked up at Jack.
Jack smiled at him. "I suppose we should get dinner ready, hm?"
Cobweb nodded.
Jack ruffled his hair and walked into the kitchen.
Cobweb watched him go, then turned to the ghost dog in front of him. He smiled and patted his head. Zero spun around in a circle.
Cobweb stood up from the couch. He walked over to the bookcase in the corner and explored the various hardbacks. Then spotted one he liked. It was red and leather, with the word 'Christmas' in gold letters.
Cobweb glanced at the kitchen doorway, just in case Jack decided to come back. When he didn't, Cobweb turned back to the bookcase and put his hand on the book, grabbing it, and began to pull. It wouldn't budge, so Cobweb pulled harder. He clenched his teeth and put his foot flat against the bookcase. He pulled again. The book came out, making Cobweb stumble over and fall on to his bottom. Several other hardbacks fell to the floor, the pages fluttering as they fell.
"Ok in there, Cobweb?" Jack called.
"Yes, Jack!" Cobweb responded, quickly getting up and putting the books back before Jack could come in and see what he was up to.
Cobweb sat back down, legs crossed and the book in front of him. He opened it and stared at the picture inside. On the page, sat a drawing of a man in a red suit. The trim looked furry and white. The hat matched the suit the person was wearing. The man was rather large- in width, that is- and had a long, puffy beard.
He suddenly heard someone clearing their throat and looked up.
Jack stood beside him, arms folded over his chest. He was staring down at Cobweb, neither looking angry nor happy. Just…neutral.
Cobweb saddened. "Did I do something wrong?"
Jack smiled. "No, Cobweb. You just got me a bit worried, that's all. I called you, but you didn't answer."
"Oh."
"Well, dinner's ready."
Cobweb nodded and got up, leaving the book on the floor and began walked to the kitchen.
Jack watched him go. His attention was caught by the book on the floor. He looked at it, narrowing his eye sockets a little. Sandy Claws… Jack's eye sockets widened. What was that old book doing there? Jack shook his head and walked into the kitchen.
…
Jack leaned back on his chair and patted the place his stomach should be. He sighed contently. "That was lovely." He said, looking over at Cobweb, who was just finishing his Spaghetti and Eyeballs. "Is that nice, Cobweb?"
Cobweb looked up, a few noodles hanging from his mouth. He nodded, making one of the noodles flip from his mouth and drop on to the plate in front of him.
Jack smiled and waited a few moments as Cobweb finished his dinner, then stood and took both their plates, placing them in the sink and washing them.
"Now," Jack spoke up. "I believe it's time for bed."
Cobweb nodded and pulled the bib from his neck, laying it on the table. "Am I sleeping on the couch again?"
"Afraid so." Jack put a hand to his chin in thought. "I suppose we'll have to build you a room. Perhaps I could ask Shadow if she knows any spells."
Cobweb had already began walking to the door. He strolled over to the couch, lifting up the pyjama shirt. He unbuttoned his coat, putting it on the arm of the couch, then took of his spider bow tie and shirt. He picked up the pyjama shirt and slipped it on, buttoning it up. He took off his trousers and pulled the pyjama trousers on.
Jack walked into the room. He smiled. "Wonderful, they fit perfectly."
Cobweb glanced down at the black silk used for his pyjamas, almost trying to follow the pattern the white pinstripes made.
"And they're made of silk too." Jack pointed out.
Cobweb climbed onto the couch, moving the crumpled blanket over himself and resting his head on the pillow.
Jack smiled at him. "Good night, my boy." Was the last thing Jack said before turning out the light and heading upstairs into his own bedroom.
…
Jack lay awake in bed, the main light out but the fire behind him still flickering. He sighed. At least they had found the boy a name, that was something. Jack hoped he would be able to find the boy's parents soon. Not that he wanted Cobweb to go, he just didn't want to seem like a kidnapper to whoever was looking for the child. Jack shook his head before turning the lever to turn out the fire, plunging the room into total darkness. Soon, the Pumpkin King fell asleep.
…
Author's note:
First of all, I'd like to apologize for the time it took to update. Seriously guys, I feel really bad for keeping you guys waiting. But school projects were keeping me busy, as were my other stories. Second of all, I apologize if the Mayor or Dr. Finkelstein seem a bit OOC. I've never written about their character before, so it was pretty tough. If anyone has any advice about improving the way I write about their character, please put it in a review. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. By the way, I watched The Nightmare Before Christmas today. I sang every one of the songs when they came on. I told my brother that I could act out the film, word-for-word, and he agreed! Lol. See ya next time, folks!