Chapter 4: Welcome to Halloween Town
(Narrator's POV)
Back in Halloween Town everyone had been frantically searching for their missing leader. The Mayor had everyone double checking all the known haunts the Pumpkin King was known to be. They were now all resting in the Town Square. The Mayor was lying on top of his hearse, his hat off to the side. Others were gathered around: the Vampire Brothers were leaning on the side of the car under their umbrellas, while the witches sat inside the hearse. The Mayor's face was solid white with yellow eyes and blue frowning lips.
"Did anyone think to dredge the lake?" the Mayor asked pitifully.
"Ah, this morning," one of the vampires yawned.
"Ruff! Ruff!"
"Here that?" the big witch asked.
"What?" the smaller witch asked. The first witch shushed her friend and put her hat to her ear in an attempt to get a better fix on the sound.
The sound got louder and suddenly Zero flew through the bars of the gate as they opened up. Following right behind him was none other than his owner, Jack Skellington. The crowd cheered as he rode in on his snowmobile and pulled up in front of the Mayor's hearse. He stopped the vehicle and removed his goggles.
Upon seeing Jack the Mayor's face spun around to reveal a peach face with one black eye and one swirled eye and a bright red smile. "Where have you been?" he asked.
"Call a town meeting and I'll tell everyone all about it," he answered.
The Mayor's face spun around to reveal his nervous face. "When?"
"Immediately!" Jack was so excited that he stood up from his seat. Everyone began murmuring about what it was that Jack could possibly want to tell them. That's when the Corpse Kid noticed Jack wasn't alone.
"Hey who's that?" He pointed at the girl and her dog sitting behind Jack. The girl had pale skin and blue eyes, and her long strawberry-blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail. She had on strange clothing; the most obvious was her purple bat jacket.
Jack turned around and smiled. "Everyone, I'd like you to met a new friend of mine. This is Will. As you probably noticed, Will is a human. She's going to help me with what I've got planed for the town meeting."
After getting over the shock of seeing real life monsters Will stood up and introduced herself. Even standing up she was much smaller than Jack.
"Hey everyone, nice to meet you. Like Jack here said, my name is Will. And this little devil here is my dog, Mogwai. Funny thing, his name actually means 'little monster.'" She laughed, hoping to break the awkward tension.
Many of the citizens were surprised that the human wasn't scared to death of them. Usually girls were the easiest to scare but this human seemed generally thrilled to be in the presence of the Halloween citizens. Though no one mentioned it, they all thought it was strange that the Pumpkin King would bring a human girl back to Halloween Town. Still, they thought perhaps she would be used as a demonstration for a new scaring technique.
The Mayor, being the elected official, climbed down from his hearse and approached the snow mobile. He had his face turned to the more positive emotion and reached out his hand. "Welcome to Halloween Town Miss Will. We hope you have a terrible time."
"I'm sure it will be truly dreadful Mayor," Will replied. Being an NBC fan she knew the lingo the Mayor used was just Halloween talk for welcoming her to town. After that the rest of the citizens began greeting Will before heading off to their homes to get ready for the meeting.
"Well we better get ready. Oh I'm so excited for their reaction," Jack exclaimed as he started up the snowmobile.
"Jack, do we really need all this stuff?" Will asked. "Maybe we should take what we need and then drop the rest off at your house."
"Hmm, good point. Best not to overwhelm them with everything at once."
With that Jack turned from the Town Hall toward his home. He parked the snowmobile outside the gate and then he and Will began unloading the Christmas items into the house. It was a long walk since Jack's house was so tall, just like him.
The last thing Will carried inside was her pack. Placing her pack in the living room Will let out a grunt. "I hope you got everything you need for the presentation. My legs are killing me. Man I'm happy mom got that StairMaster."
"Yes, everything else is ready to go." Jack turned to leave but stopped when he noticed Will wasn't following. "Aren't you coming?"
"Yeah but I'm worried about Mogwai. I can't take him to the meeting, but I'm not sure about leaving him alone in you house," Will replied as she nervously watched her dog sniff around the living room. "I mean, you did offer to let us stay here and all, and I don't want Mogwai to ruin anything."
"Oh I wouldn't worry," Jack said, "besides he's got Zero so the two can keep each other company, not to mention Zero will make sure they stay out of trouble."
Will thought it over and then agreed. She said her goodbyes to the dogs before following Jack outside.
XXX
Town Hall: Backstage...
(Will's POV)
"Well that's everything Jack," I said as I sat down. "Question: Where did you get the Christmas Town backdrop?"
Before Jack could answer the Mayor called him from behind door. "Jack! You ready?"
"Just a minute Mayor," Jack called back. Then he turned back to me. "Well its almost time. Would you like to assist me Will?"
"Nah, I think I'll just watch. Maybe if there are any questions at the end I'll come up and answer the ones you can't." I got up to slip out the side door. I just grabbed the doorknob when I remembered something. "Hey Jack, try not to get carried away out there, ok? Stick to what I told you and DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING."
"Of course, I just know they're going to love it!"
I nodded and then headed out the door. I knew Jack wouldn't keep his word, but it didn't bother me. All that mattered now was finding a place to sit. I made my way to the back and, since my attention was focused on other things, I didn't see the person in front of me and we collided.
"Oh sorry, sorry," I quickly apologized.
"It's alright." That voice, I'd know it anywhere. I looked up to see a blue skinned woman with royal blue stitches and long red hair. Thankfully I didn't have to look up as high since I reached to just about her shoulder (unlike Jack, who I barley reached his ribs). She wore a colorful patchwork dress, black and white socks, and black high-heeled shoes. Standing in front of me was none other than Sally, the rag doll invented by Dr. Finklestein. "Are you new to Halloween Town? I don't get out often, but I haven't seen you before."
"No, I just got here. Actually I came into town with Jack. He asked me to help him with this thing he's presenting to everybody. I guess you weren't in the Town Square when everyone practically mobbed the poor guy."
She chuckled. Of course I knew that Sally had heard about Jack's disappearance and slipped Old Finklestein some Deadly Nightshade in his soup. She couldn't even sneak out until he was passed out over his lab table. But I wasn't about to tell her that.
"I'm Sally by the way," she introduced herself.
"Oh I know who you are."
"You do?" she asked.
Nice job Will, I scolded myself. I quickly thought up an excuse. "Oh, ah... Jack told me about you."
"He did?" she asked in a surprised voice.
"Oh yeah," I told her. "He said you were one of the nicest people in town. Although you're defiantly prettier than he told me."
If it were possible Sally would have blushed. Instead she looked shocked then twiddled her fingers, finding the floor very interesting all of a sudden.
"Guess he doesn't say that often. I'm Will by the way."
"It's very nice to meet you," she said looking back at me.
"Well we should find our seats," I said, "looks like they're getting ready to start."
We looked around and saw most, if not all, the seats had been taken. Then Sally walked over to the Hanging Tree. She asked if he would mind if she and I could sit in his branches. He was fine with it; even his Hanging Men didn't seem to mind. Sally climbed up first and I followed behind.
"Thanks again dude," I whispered once I was settled on a firm branch. I was sitting between two Hanging Men and tried not to hit either of them with my feet.
"You're quite welcome," he whispered back. The Hanging Men I sat between looked up at me and gave me a thumb's up.
Then Jack appeared. "Listen everyone!" The room quieted down and focused their attention on Jack. "I want to tell you about… Christmas Town."
The Mayor shone a spotlight on Jack. Somehow it didn't surprise me when he suddenly broke out into song.
JACK
There were objects so peculiar
They were not to be believed
All around, things to tantalize my brain
It's a world unlike anything I've ever seen
And as hard as I try
I can't seem to describe
Like a most improbable dream
But you must believe when I tell you this
It's as real as my skull and it does exist
Here, let me show you
He pulled on the rope and drew back the curtain to reveal the stage we'd set up. Jack had found a backdrop that looked just like the outskirts of Christmas Town: snowy hills and little house where the elves lived. In the center was a thin tree decorated to look like a Christmas tree, with lights and ornaments. Of course it was dead so we used a cut-up wreath to create the illusion of a living tree. Then we had set a couple of presents under the tree and on two stools there were a present and a red stocking with white trim. These were the two examples Jack wanted to use first. You should have seen what was left back at Jack's house.
Everyone seemed thoroughly impressed as everyone marveled at all the items on stage. I peeked over and watched as Sally leaned forward to get a better look. I giggled at her excitement before looking back at Jack. After letting everyone take in the sight, Jack picked up a present that was sitting on a stool.
JACK
This is a thing called a present
The whole thing starts with a box
HARLEQUIN DEMON
A box?
DEVIL
Is it steel?
WEREWOLF
Are there locks?
HARLEQUIN DEMON
Is it filled with a pox?
DEVIL
A pox
How delightful, a pox
JACK
If you please
Just a box with bright-colored paper
And the whole thing's topped with a bow
WITCHES
A bow?
But why?
How ugly
What's in it?
What's in it?
JACK
That's the point of the thing, not to know
Suddenly the Clown snatched the present from Jack's hand with a mechanical hand.
CLOWN
It's a bat
CREATURE UNDER THE STAIRS
Will it bend?
CLOWN
It's a rat
CREATURE UNDER THE STAIRS
Will it break?
UNDERSEA GAL
Perhaps it's the head that I found in the lake
Jack managed to retrieve the present back from the clown.
JACK
Listen now, you don't understand
That's not the point of Christmas land
He placed the present on the stool before picking up the stocking.
Now pay attention
We pick up an oversized sock
And hang it like this on the wall
MR. HYDE
Oh yes! Does it still have a foot?
MEDIUM MR. HYDE
Let me see, let me look
SMALL MR. HYDE
Is it rotted and covered with gook?
JACK
Hmm, let me explain
There's no foot inside, but there's candy
Or sometimes it's filled with small toys
MUMMY AND WINGED DEMON
Small toys
WINGED DEMON
Do they bite?
MUMMY
Do they snap?
WINGED DEMON
Or explode in the sack?
CORPSE KID
Or perhaps they just spring out
And scare girls and boys
MAYOR
What a splendid idea
This Christmas sounds fun
Why, I fully endorse it
Let's try it at once
A floorboard cracked and fell slightly hinged where it snapped, causing the Mayor to slip and knock the spotlight. It spun and twirled until the Mayor straightened himself and brought the light back on Jack.
JACK
Everyone, please now, not so fast
There's something here that you don't quite grasp
I could hear the crowd murmuring stuff like "I don't know" and "You get it?" It was clear the monsters and ghouls couldn't grasp that Christmas was all about joy and good will, not thrills and chills. The only ones who seemed to like this presentation, besides Jack, were Sally and I. I looked over to where Jack stood. I knew what he was thinking; he was going to forget what I said and "give them what they want." The crowd settled down once more.
JACK
And the best I must confess, I have saved for the last
For the ruler of this Christmas land
Is a fearsome king with a deep mighty voice
Least that's what I've come to understand
And I've also heard it told
That he's something to behold
Like a lobster, huge and red
And sets out to slay with his rain gear on
Carting bulging sacks with his big great arms
That is so I've heard it said
And on a dark, cold night
Under full moon light
He flies into a fog
Like a vulture in the sky
And they call him, Sandy... Clawssss...!
The crowd cheered and praised Jack for the display as the curtain closed on Jack. They all loved his display of the bone chilling terror the new holiday entailed. Of course Sally and I both knew Jack had changed that last part.
When the curtain closed and the cheering died down everyone started leaving. Sally climbed down from her spot and I jumped down to the floor. We thanked the Hanging Tree and his men again, and then we made our way outside. I had to help Jack pack up the presentation since he didn't get to use everything he'd brought, but I wanted to chat with Sally some more. So instead of heading backstage, I walked with Sally to the front of Town Hall.
"Well that was... interesting," Sally said.
"You know he made up all that stuff in the end, right?" I asked.
"Yes", she sighed. "I know why he did it, but I would've like to know what this Sandy Claws was really like."
"First off his name is Santa Claus, C-L-A-U-S, not Sandy Claws, C-L-A-W-S," I explained. "Easy mistake. Second, I can help you understand it. Jack took... ah, borrowed a bunch of Christmas books from Christmas Town. You can come over and borrow some if you'd like."
"Oh, I couldn't do that."
"Why not? Jack won't mind and I like to see you again," I said. "Actually, I'm staying with him so I can help him understand what Christmas is all about."
"Really?" She pondered the idea. I guess the idea of having someone else there would break the awkward tension between the two. She smiled. "I would like–"
"SALLY! There you are!"
We turned around and saw an extremely ticked off Dr. Finklestein headed our way. He was being wheeled over by his lab assistant, Igor, and had an ice bag on his head. I would've laughed if he weren't snarling at Sally.
"You wretched girl, I'll show you to poison your creator!" he yelled when they were finally in front of us. He grabbed Sally's arm and started to drag her away. "I don't know how you slipped that accursed plant past me, but from now on you'll be watched constantly and you are never leaving the lab again."
And this is why Finklestein was one of my least favorite characters. I marched over and stood in his path. "Hey! In case ya didn't notice, she's a person, not a piece of property. You can't just lock her up and make her do whatever you want."
Dr. Finklestein didn't see it that way. "Out of my way you brat! Sally is my creation and she will do as I say."
Okay, he had a point on the creation thing, but Sally was a living being. No one deserved to be treated like that especially someone as sweet as Sally. I felt my temper rise and I just let him have it.
"Now listen here, Doc. I get that you made Sally and all, but that doesn't mean you can just hang that over her for the rest of her life. She's not a machine or some scared little kid you think isn't ready for the outside world. Whether you like it or not she's a grown woman with a mind of her own. You can't keep her locked up in a tower, only to let her out to do your housework. It's not right! For Pete's sake she's practically your daughter when you think about it. And you treat her like this!? Unbelievable!"
The looks on Dr. Finklestein and Sally's faces were something to see. Sally looked completely shocked by my daughter remark. As for Finklestein, it was shock, then he looked about ready to explode. I could see he wanted to argue, but I wasn't done yet.
"And here's some advice. Next time you want your own personal slave, either a.) don't create a woman, or b.) hire a housekeeper or buy this new little device called a vacuum. I think the latter works more in your favor."
Needless to say the doctor didn't take to kindly to that. I knew he was mad because his top lip was twitching in frustration. He looked like he wanted to let me have it, but nothing came out of his mouth. So he just growled at me and stormed off, Sally in tow. No doubt he was going to take it out on her but that jerk had it coming. I watched as they walked (and wheeled) away when unnoticed by her creator, Sally turned and looked back at me. She mouthed "Thank you" before Finklestein gave another yank on her arm, and dragged her away. A small smile tugged at my lips. No doubt anyone had stood up for her like that.
I decided to head back inside. I made my way backstage and found Jack staring at a snow globe with a little snowman inside. Nothing had been packed up yet. I walked up and stood right behind him. "Hey Jack."
"Aaaaah!" I swear Jack jump three feet in the air. He turned around with his hands griping the table and stared at me with wide eye sockets in disbelief. I on the other hand, couldn't stop laughing. I had to grab my sides because they were starting to hurt.
"Oh man," I laughed. "Did I seriously just scare you? Ha!"
"I, I wasn't scared," he scoffed. "I was just... surprised is all."
"Sure you were," I smirked and pointed at him. "Admit it, I scared you and you know it. Best part: wasn't even trying." I laughed more and did a fist pump. "Ha! I just pulled a ninja on the Pumpkin King."
After a minute even Jack saw the humor in it and chuckled as well. "Alright, you got me. But if I had not been distracted you would be the one terrified. You should never sneak up on the Master of Terror."
"Whatever you say Jack. Now how bout we pack this stuff up and head back."
He agreed and we started packing up the stuff.
XXX
GodlyJewel: Whew, think Willa will get away with talking/yelling at Doctor Finklestein like that? I bet many of you readers have wanted to tell him off at one point or another. Not trying to hate on any Finklestein fans, or anyone who writes him with a soft side. I always saw him as the mean creator, but I can also see him as overprotective. Still doesn't give him the right to treat Sally the way he does.
On a lighter note, how funny was it for a mortal to scare Jack? That had to be my favorite part so far. Oh but just wait for what's to come; I got a few more plans in store. *evil grin*