Chapter 20: Midnight Rendezvous

(Jack's POV)

I followed Zero into the water, not really knowing where he was leading me. I hit the water fast and quickly sprang to the surface. The water was much deeper than I had anticipated. Suddenly I heard two screams and saw a large shape heading for me. I moved just as it hit the water. I looked around for any sign of the girls, but the water remained undisturbed. Now I was beginning to worry. The water was just over my shoulders, but I knew it went deeper. After I waited about five minutes, I decided to dive down when two heads burst through the water. I sighed in relief as I watched them cough up the water to take in big gulps of air. Beneath them another head emerged, showing only the ears, eyes, and nostrils of the beast they rode.

"I thought he wasn't going to do that?" Will shouted at her friend.

"I'm sorry," Al apologized. "It's in his nature."

"Nature my butt! He's supposed to be a frog until you spliced him with kelpie DNA!"

"Will, Al," I called out, making the girls look at me. "You girls all right?"

"We're fine," Will answered. "A little soggy, but we're still breathing." Frank rolled his eyes and snorted. "Quiet, you."

"Was it really that bad?" Al asked, looking down at Frank. "Okay…maybe it was. I'll work on it with him for the future swimming expeditions."

"How about we focus on getting out of here." Will looked over at me, and asked, "So, how exactly does jumping into an underground water main get us out of Oogie's lair?"

"I'm not sure," I said. "I followed Zero, but I think I know where this lets out."

"You think? Yeah, okay. Just a quick question." Will looked me in the eye, and I was a little surprised to see the annoyance reflected in her gaze. Then she asked, "Why didn't we just backtrack to where the Holiday Leaders are being stashed, and go out that cage leading to the Plaza?"

"Oh yeah… I forgot about that way out," Al commented before turning to Will and asking, "Hey, how'd you know about that?"

"Oogie has the whole town bugged," she explained. Al started laughing and Will smacked her palm over her face.

I shook my head. We didn't have time for this. It was only a hunch, but I was sure I knew where this water main would take us. My only concern was for the girls. "We need to get out of here before Oogie gets too far ahead. Will, Al. How long do you think you can hold your breath?" I asked.

"No more than a few minutes," Al said, giving Frank a relative stink eye.

"Same here," Will added. "Let's just hope you boys can swim fast before us air breathers loose it."

"Okay. On my count: 1…" Will and Al gripped tight to Frank. "…2…" They each took in a large breath of air. "…3!"

I ducked down into the water, hearing Frank submerge behind me. I quickly propelled myself through the water, moving as fast as I could to find the exit point. Once or twice I looked over my shoulder to check on the girls. I was amazed how quickly Frank moved through the water, using his webbed hooves to kick faster. I looked over at the girls and noticed many bubbles around them. They were loosing air fast. I looked ahead, pushing myself faster. We made it about a few more feet when I spotted it. It was a flat, rounded out wall, and I could see a stream of light coming from the surface. Yes! This is what I was hoping for. I never thought the Mayor's extravagant entrance for my role in the Halloween celebration last year would help me now. Now I was glad he had kept it installed. I moved to stand at the base of the opening and then turned back to Franks and the girls. I pointed to the opening, then I used my hands to explain that only one of us could go up at time. They each gave me a thumbs up.

I nodded and then turned to enter. I used my feet to find the platform I used last year. Once I found it, I braced my feet onto it, crossed my arms over my chest, and closed my eyes as I felt the water rush past me with the platform rising to the surface. The moment I broke through the waters surface, my ears with filled with the roar of applause. I opened my eyes to find several of the tone citizens gathered around me, cheering as I made my entrance. I couldn't resist, and I waved to everyone, smiling just like I had last year. I even took a small bow as they clapped and cheered louder.

As the platform began to retract, I snapped out of my daze and moved from the fountain to allow the others to come up. The moment I stepped down all my friends surrounded me. Each of them asked if I was all right, or if Oogie had been stopped yet. I tried to answer them, but before I could Will appeared out of the fountain, gasping as she tried to fill her lungs with air. I rushed over and helped her out of the fountain.

She coughed and then said, "I always wondered how you did that trick." I smiled.

I helped her out of the fountain and took a few steps back. Next, Al came out as Frank exploded out of the water. She coughed a bit, but hugged Frank's neck. "Gotta love this Kelpie," she said, breathing in the air. Frank bobbed his head and helped Al out of the fountain. Once she was on here feet, Frank pranced over to Will and I. That's when everyone crowded around us. I got separated as the crowds pulled Will and Al away.

The first person I talked to was Behemoth. "Behemoth how is the Pumpkin Patch?"

"Pumpkins," he answered. "Take time to grow back. I grow again. My job."

"I'm sure they'll be the best pumpkins you've ever grown." I patted his shoulder, and turned to see Will talking with Ethan.

"Looks like the whole town is here," she said.

"Everyone's come to cheer our Pumpkin King," Ethan answered. Then he turned to me and asked, "How about you take my quiz? It will spin your spine."

"Ethan." Will chuckled. "We need to stop Oogie first. Otherwise, I'd love to beat you again."

"I still don't know how you beat my last quiz, but I'll really stump you next time," he promised.

"Sure thing, squirt." She waved him off, and then pulled me aside to look for Al. As we searched Will asked, "Jack, any idea what we're gonna do about the Holiday Leaders? We did kinda leave them behind."

I could have smacked my skull right off with how hard my palm hit my forehead. How could I have forgotten about the Holiday Leaders!? They were still locked in cages down in Oogie's lair. I had to go back and free them, but there wasn't time to run back down there, free all the leaders, and return to Christmas Town in time to save Sandy. I didn't even know where Oogie had hidden the Christmas Door. What was I going to do? I couldn't be in two places at once. Then I had an idea. "Will, I'm going to look for the Mayor."

"Okay. Meanwhile, Al and I will keep the paparazzi at bay." She ran back into the crowd, giving me a chance to slip away to the Town Hall. As I walked, I noticed Al had stopped to talk to Clown.

He twirled on his unicycle. "After that ride, I've got a need for speed."

"I know the feeling." Al laughed, patting Frank's neck.

I chuckled to myself and entered the Town Hall. I was amazed by what I saw. Not a trace of Oogie's "redecorating" was seen anywhere. It looked as if everyone had pitched in to turn it back to the way it was. As I looked around, I spotted the Mayor up on the stage. I began to walk over to him when Doctor Finkelstein and Igor stopped me.

"Jack, my boy," Doctor Finklestein called out.

"Doctor, good to see you. How is Jewel doing?" I asked.

I couldn't help but notice the soft smile on the Doctor's face as he said, "Much better. I would be back at the lab, but the Mayor called everyone who was able to help restore the town. I was just finishing rewiring the lighting when I spotted you."

Taking another look around, I nodded in agreement. "The Town Hall was a disaster, but now it's looking pretty spiffy," I said. "You all did a wonderful job. I'm sorry, Doctor, but I must talk to the Mayor about an urgent matter." Excusing myself, I quickly raced up the stage to the Mayor. He smiled when he greeted me. "Jack!"

"Mayor, I have a favor to ask. Five Holiday Leaders are trapped in Oogie's hideout."

The shock made his head spin. "What!?"

"I have to follow Oogie to Christmas Town," I explained. "While I'm gone, I'd like you to kindly escort them to a safe place, and then return each of them to their own worlds."

"You want me to save the Holiday Leaders?"

"Exactly."

The Mayor's face spun until he was smiling ear-to-ear. He was positively enthralled I had asked him to do something so important. "You can count on me, Jack!" he exclaimed. "I won't let you down. But, uh… How do I get down there?"

"There's a way straight down to where the Leaders are being held. Go to the cage by the fountain, and take it all the way down. You'll be put directly in the center of where the Holiday Leaders are being held captive."

"Sounds simple enough. I'll get to it right away." He hoped off the stage and raced out the door. Now that I had that problem taken care of, I needed to get to the Hinterlands. As I raced down the aisle I heard Doctor Finklestein and Igor call out.

"Go get that Oogie," cheered the Doctor. "You're the only one who can do it. We're all counting on you, Jack!"

"Get that Oogie," Igor echoed. "He trick Igor."

I nodded to them and then went out the door. Once I was outside, I began looking for Will and Al. I searched through the crowds, but so far the human girls couldn't be spotted. I spotted Frank next to the fountain with the Undersea Gal, but Al was nowhere in sight. Finally I found them over by Helgamine and Zeldaborne. I ran over to them. "There you two are." All four turned and greeted me.

"Hey Jack," Will said. "We were just having a little chat. You talk to the Mayor about that thing?"

"Yes, it's taken care of," I told her. "Al, I'm surprised Frank isn't with you."

"Yea, I'll miss my Kelpie, but he'll always come when I call for him," Al said, holding up a small, green whistle from her neck."

"Carmen went head over gills when she saw him." Will laughed. "Actually, since Frank can't come home with us."

"Cesario will get jealous," Al interrupted.

Will rolled her eyes. "Anyway, we talked to Carmen, and she's agreed to take care of him."

"I'm more amazed that the potion had that kind of effect on the little toad," Helgamine stated. "I think Zelda and I will need to acquire some more. Imagine the kind of scares we'll bring up with a few more kelpies."

"Just as long as you keep them away from water," Will noted. "Wouldn't want to drown anyone by accident."

"Hmm, good point," Zeldaborne agreed.

"My apologies, ladies," I interrupted apologetically. "But we need to be on our way."

"The skeleton has a point. Besides, I got a score to settle with those three brats for swiping my key, and my dad's katanas," Will said, punching her fist into her open palm.

"Take care, Jack," Zeldaborne said.

"And take care of these girls," Helgamine added.

"More like we'll take care of him," Al laughed. "Come on Frank. Let's go kick some Buggy Buns." She rushed over to the fountain to retrieve her kelpie.

We said our goodbyes and then made our way to the Graveyard. Al managed to take Frank away from Carmen and they both soon joined us. As we walked, Will and told me some of the things they learned while I had spoken to the Mayor. Apparently, no one in town had seen any sign of Oogie, but I still kept my guard up. As we approached the Graveyard, I spotted the Hanging Tree over by the guillotine.

"Hey Hanging Tree!" Will called and ran over to him. "Nice to see you and the Hanged Men again."

Al and I soon caught up with them. "Stop running off Will," Al scolded. "The Hanging Men aren't going anywhere… No offense, guys."

"Not a problem," Hanging Tree said. Then he turned to me. "Jack! I'm so glad you're okay, and it's good to see you two are all right as well."

"And I'd like you to meet Frank, former toad turned Kelpie." Al patted the dark green equine's neck.

"Quite the fine steed. And Will," he turned to face her, "You look different."

Will chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head. "Yeah, kinda gave myself bat eyes. I'd rather not go into it."

"It's a really long story," Al said, crossing her arms.

"I wish we could tell you more, Hanging Tree, but we're in a hurry," I said. "We need to stop Oogie before he does something terrible to Sandy."

"Jack, I should warn you," Hanging Tree said. "Oogie took the Spiral Hill road toward the Hinterlands. But his minions are swarming everywhere. They're guarding Spiral Hill gate. You'll probably need Zero to help find the gate key."

"Where did the ghost pup scamper off to?" Al asked.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen him since we got out of Oogie's lair?" Will said.

"I'll bet he's gone back to his grave," Hanging Tree suggested. "Go trounce those monsters and save us all."

"We will, Hanging Tree," I said. "And thanks."

"Like I said before, hordes of corpses roam the Graveyard at night," Hanging Tree warned. "Be careful." We thanked him and ran toward the Graveyard.

"Running once again… NOT!" Al muttered before vaulting onto Frank and trotting toward the graveyard. Will and I just shook our heads and continued toward the graveyard.

XXX

Finklestein's lab…

(Sally's POV)

I stirred the last ingredients in before ladling the cauldron's contents into the bowl. I then set the bowl on the tray and carried it up the ramp to my old room. Once there, I carefully balanced the tray and lightly knocked on the door.

"Come in."

I smiled and walked into the room. It was good to see Jewel sitting up, but she still seemed exhausted. I walked to her side and set the tray on the bed. She smiled at me. "Sally, you really are a dear," Jewel complimented. She took a deep breath and sighed. "Mmm, is that Worm's Wart I smell?"

"I though you might be hungry," I said, taking the lid off the bowl. "The Doctor wanted me to add something to help with your headache, but I promise, it's Nightshade free." We both laughed.

"Honestly, that man worries too much. Speaking of which, Sally, where is the Doctor?" Jewel asked, taking a spoonful of the soup.

"The Mayor made an announcement while you were resting," I explained. "He asked that everyone who was able come to help clean up the mess Oogie made in the Town Hall. I offered to go, but Doctor Finklestein insisted that I stay and look after you. He left with Igor about half an hour ago. They should be back very soon."

"Well, that's good. I shudder to think about the damage that vile thing did." She took another bite, savoring the flavor. "Hmm, I wonder if anyone has heard anything about Jack yet?"

I sighed, prompting Jewel to set aside the rest of her soup. "Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry. I know you're worried, but I'm sure Jack is just fine." She took my hand in hers and panted the back.

"I know," I said. "And it's not your fault. I just can't stop worrying. I know Jack can handle this, and he has Will and Al to help him, but then again, those girls are human." I sighed and quickly shook my head. I needed to stop getting myself worked up. Jack knew what he was doing, and he wouldn't let any harm come to our friends. I just had to get my mind on something else.

"Well, how about we brighten up the room?" I suggested. "I was thinking about putting some flowers by your bedside. What do you think?"

"Oh, that sounds wonderfully horrible, but uh…do you think it wise to go out, Sally?" Jewel's voice was full of concern. "I mean, I know everything's been quiet, but not a word's been said on the whereabouts of Oogie or his monsters. They might be lurking around, just waiting for a chance to pounce. I know Jack would have a fit if you were taken again."

I gently squeezed her fingers before slipping my hand from her grasp. "Oh, I'll be fine," I assured her. "I'm just going to the Graveyard to pick some flowers. It shouldn't take long, and I'll stay close to Town."

"Well… All right, but be careful," Jewel warned. "And please don't stray too far."

"I won't, I promise." I stood up and walked out of the room. I made my way outside and walked over to the Graveyard entrance. I looked around and noticed everyone bustling about getting the town back in order. They all seemed cheerful. I wanted to help, but I had promised Jewel I would return soon. I slid though the bars and made my way over to the flower patch. There weren't many growing by the tombstone, no doubt a result of Oogie's monsters taking residence. I finally managed to find a nice patch of thistles. I gathered a nice bundle, and stood to make my way back when something caught the corner of my eye. Curled over one headstone were some black roses. They were so lovely, I just had to pick a few. I set down my thistles and kneeled in front of the roses. I reached out, carefully minding the thorns, and plucked one of the blooms.

The petals were a haunting shade of onyx. I gently touch one with the tips of my finger when, suddenly, the rose began to quiver. I stared in shock as the petals began to twist and take on a different shape. I suddenly saw Spiral Hill, and it slowly began to ice over. I could even feel the frost start to cover my hand. As I looked closer, I could see a bright light coming from the center of the hill. Suddenly, the image before me exploded in a flurry of fire and ice. I dropped the flower and scooted back before I was burnt. I could hardly breath and I felt a cold chill down my spine. This premonition was far worse then the one I had last year. Jack was headed for trouble, and I had to warn him, fast.

Despite my promise, I headed for Spiral Hill as fast as my legs could carry me. I stuck close to the shadows, keeping my eyes out for any of Oogie's minions. I just had to get to Spiral Hill and wait for Jack to come by. I only hoped I wasn't too late.

XXX

(Narrator's POV)

They ran to the Graveyard and spotted Zero hovering next to his grave. He barked when he saw his master approach, and circled around Jack's legs.

"There you are, Zero," Jack said. "I need your help to find the Spiral Hill gate key."

Zero barked happily before flying off into the night. "Great. I sense traps!" Al complained, watching as Zero flew towards the old tree again.

"Come on, Ally. It'll be fun," Will encouraged, and then took off after the pup. Jack and Al followed but they didn't get more than a few feet when three zombie skeletons and a Troll Skeleton ambushed them. Al charged Frank, and used her halberd like a lance to take out the zombie skeletons. Frank reared up and smashed the skull into dust before kicking his hind legs out and batting another away, while Jack took out the Troll Skeleton with his Soul Robber.

"Very nice my good sir. You would make a fine knight's horse," Al cheered, patting Frank on his neck. "This could actually be fun now. Hey, where's Will?"

"Over here." Jack and Al turned to see Will crawl out from behind a tombstone. "No swords, remember? Al, can I borrow Bertha till I get them back?"

"Yeah sure. Just be careful. She can be a beast," Al said, handing the chainsaw to Will.

Will took the chainsaw and readied to use it. Jack looked around where the monsters had risen from the ground. "That's strange. I could have sworn we'd taken care of these monsters."

"Hey, that's right. I thought you guys stopped the monsters from popping up when you went looking for Sally and I?" Will asked, turning to Jack.

"I thought so too. Hmm… I wonder…" Jack walked along the path, but suddenly stopped as he got closer to the wall lining the path. "Here's the problem. It seems someone knocked over the tombstones." Jack latched the Soul Robber onto the tombstone and pulled it back up.

Al groaned. "Not again."

"Maybe not. I don't think Lard Butt would waste his time raising all the of them, so it should only be the tombstones leading up to Spiral Hill that will need fixing," Will suggested. Then she looked up and pointed to a spot over the wall. "Hey! I think Zero found the key."

"Come on!" Jack called. They took off down the path, but when they got close to the old tree another horde of zombie skeletons rose from the ground. They growled and started to charge.

"Hey Al," Will called. "Wanna see who can whack the most zombies?"

"Oh, it is so on!" Al said with a sinister smile and a relatively insane laugh. Even Frank reared up on his hind legs and screamed loudly into the air. He landed and stomped his front legs in eager anticipation. "Steady son." Al rubbed his neck.

"Sweet. Jack, Al and I will take care of these ghouls," Will called out. "You get over to Zero and get the key."

Jack nodded and stayed back as the girls charged the zombie skeletons. Will revved the chainsaw, the blade bursting into bright red flames. She sliced through one skeleton's ribcage, and hacked of another's head. All the while, Al was having a more maniacal battle plan. She pressed her heels into Frank's sides and the Kelpie surged forward. His stride ate up the ground as he galloped into the fray. Al used her halberd at both ends, the blade slicing zombies and the electric side paralyzing them. Banking sharply, Frank rounded about and charged through the immobilized zombies, using his hooves, teeth and bulk to render them into piles of useless bones.

Once there was an opening, Jack ran right through and followed the sound of Zero's barking. He slashed at two zombies before he finally found his ghostly pup. Zero was circling over a grave marked "HEN BANE." Zero barked twice and circled Jack, showing his master what he had found. Jack got down on his knees and found just what he was looking for.

"There it is! Thanks, Zero." Jack patted Zero's head, and then bent down to pick up the key. He placed it in his pocket and turned back to his faithful hound. "Good boy. Now, think you can do me another favor?"

"Arf. Arf."

"Fly back to town, and help the Mayor get the Holiday Leaders to a safe place," Jack instructed. Zero gave Jack another bark before flying off to town.

ROAR!

"Jack, hit the dirt!"

Jack turned just in time to duck as a large club nearly connected with his skull. He turned to see Al and Will run at two Troll Skeletons. Will slashed at one with the flaming chainsaw, hacking through one of its thick femurs. Meanwhile, Al charged another Troll, wedging her halberd into the spine and using it to bounce off Frank, and land on the skeleton's shoulders.

Not wasting any time Jack quickly rushed in to help the girls. He created a mace with the Soul Robber and knocked off the head off the Troll Skeleton Will was attacking. Once the monster went down, he turned to help Al, only to find Al had dodged and ripped its head off with a sickening snap of the bone. The troll sagged to its knees before falling completely. Getting up, Al brushed herself off and jerked her halberd out of her fallen quarry.

"Not today, bit– Something shiny!" Slipping away from Frank's side, Al rushed over to a large gravestone that "DEADLY NIGHTSHADE" and dug through the plants. Jack was about to ask what she was looking for, she jumped up and held a dazzling Crystal Skull in her hand. "Woohoo!"

"Of course." Will sighed. "Well, let's get a move on people. We don't got all night. Al, make room, I call backseat."

With the girls riding Frank, Jack led the way back to the Old Graveyard. They crossed the old bridge and were about to cross through the flamethrowers, only to get attacked by two King Ghosts. Jack grabbed one with his Soul Robber and slammed it into the other one. Once they were gone, Jack turned to see Will and Al being attacked by vampire teddy bear. As they drew closer to the flamethrowers, Al got an idea. "Will…"

"Al, what are you–"

"Hang on!" Al said, running her hands up Frank's neck and crouched over his thick neck. Getting her idea, Frank half reared and galloped toward the flamethrowers. Gathering his legs under him, Frank shot off the ground and landed safely on the other side, prancing lightly at the end. "Oh, I like this… Hanna wouldn't stand a chance at the Evergreen Open." Al laughed

Will slowly released the death hold she had on her friend's waist, trying to get her heartbeat back to normal. "Al," she hissed. "Normally, I'd get you for pulling a Daredevil without a better warning, but I think we have other problems." Will pointed behind them to see the vampiric teddy burst through the flames, laughing and threatening them with its steel bear trap. And to make matters worse, three more ghosts and a Gumby appeared.

"Oh shit!" Al muttered.

Seeing his friends were in trouble, Jack quickly ran through the flames. Once he was through, he slashed at the ghosts, but they easily dodged his attacks. Meanwhile, Will and Al were being swarmed.

"I got an idea," Will said. "Al, think Frank could keep me balanced if I stood up?"

"Yeah, go for it," Al said, giving her a strange look.

"Okay, when you think it's safe, give me a sign," Will instructed. She moved around so that they were now back-to-back. "Ready?"

"Whenever you are," Al said and gave her the signal. Will quickly got to her feet. She swayed a little, but she managed to steady herself enough, and drew Bertha to her side. She waited until the Gumby got close, and then before it could snap its bear trap over her face, Will whipped out the chainsaw and sliced the demonic toys in half. The vapor teddy bear was next, but Will pivoted around before it could sneak up from behind. She lopped its head clean off before she sat back down.

"Nice execution!" Al laughed.

"Nice maneuvering." Will replaced the chainsaw in her lap and patted the side. "I'm beginning to see why you like this thing," she said, a devilish grin appearing on her lips.

"No, you can't keep her," Al said very seriously. They both started laughing.

Meanwhile, Jack had just managed to defeat all three ghosts as Frank came trotting up with the girls. Making sure there were no more enemies, Jack took the key from his pocket and opened the gate. The passed through and followed the path to a large open area that had a cage-like structure off to the side. Al started to lead Frank over to it, when Will pulled her back. "Bad idea."

"Why?" Al asked.

Will shut her eyes for a moment, before saying, "Another trap, this time I'd say about five or so King Skeletons. I recommended skipping that area."

Al nodded. "Good plan."

They continued down the path until they found themselves in a ditch at the base of Spiral Hill. Jack grappled up as Frank jumped. Jack took the lead and went down the path. Their way was filled with mace-launching gargoyles and head-tossing guillotines. Jack hacked away at each of them with his Soul Robber as Al carefully steered Frank through the projectiles, occasionally making both girls duck and swerve to avoid being hit. They came to a dead end and once again, Jack grappled while Frank jumped up to the next level. Finally, they reached their destination.

"All right," Jack said. "Once we cross over, we'll be put straight into the Hinterlands. You girls ready?"

"Game on, Bones" Al said, taking a bigger chunk of Frank's mane in her hands.

Jack smiled and then they began to race foreword when they were suddenly propelled backwards. Jack did a backwards flip, but managed to land on his feet, propping himself up with one hand. Will and Al were tossed to the ground as the force from the impact caused Frank to crash his head as his body took a violent jerk back, throwing his fronts legs under him, as his plowed into the ground.

Al yelped but instantly was more concerned about Frank. The kelpie whinnied lightly but clearly was in pain. Dropping to her knees, she eased Frank's large head in her lap and cradled him. She hurried and took off the backpack but her frantic searching seemed in vain. "Damn it! Why'd we have to forget to fill up on Fountain Water!?"

"With all our focus on stopping Oogie, I guess it never occurred to us," Jack said. He looked over the large creature and asked, "Is he badly injured?"

"He just ran into a wall, you idiot! Of course he's injured!" Al all but screamed at him.

"Wait a minute!" Will exclaimed. "Al, give me the backpack." Al did as she said and handed it to Will. Taking her pack, Will rifled through the contents until she pulled out one of the Crystal Skulls.

"What are you doing?" Jack asked.

"Here, Al, press this on Frank," Will instructed. "It should help heal him."

"This better work on broken bones…" Al muttered and carefully skimmed her hands over the kelpie. He hissed in pain near his cheek. Al dug through the backpack again and pulled out the other skull. She pressed the skulls onto the bulging wound and it instantly snapped back into place. She then proceeded to press the skull onto his other wounds, healing them as well. He swung his head around and motioned to a hind leg. Al pressed the skull to the hind leg, healing the other broken bone. Frank sighed and let the skull work it's magic. "What the hell happened anyway?"

"I have no idea," Jack said. He walked over to the base of the hill. He put his hand out, only to meet an unseen wall. "It appears to be some sort of barrier."

"No shit, Spock. Please, tell me more," Al said, touching her finger to her chin.

"I think I might know," Will said. She had moved from Al's side and approached an odd looking stone figure. "Hey Jack, was this demonic violinist statue here before?" she asked.

"What's this?" Jack walked over to it and examined it. "I've never seen this before, but I bet this is what's keeping us from crossing Spiral Hill."

"That hunk of stone hurt my baby Frank? Oh, hell no! Want to smash. Yes?" Al asked, continuing to press the skull against Frank.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Jack said. "No, I think we need some kind of key." As Jack looked over the statue, he noticed four smaller headstones, each with a different image carved on it, surrounded it. "Hmm… There's a stone shaped like the Halloween Door. If I can get this device to work, Spiral Hill will stretch out."

Behind them, Al had firmly pressed her hand against her forehead with a loud Smack!

"Well, if you're sure." Will slung her backpack around and searched for the pocket containing the Holiday Doors. She held all the doors they had collected in the palm of her hand.

"Oh they are so cute…but not very door-ish," Al said in a relative baby voice.

"Just what I was thinking," Will agreed. "Seriously Jack, there's no way these doors will fit in this state."

Jack picked up the Halloween Door and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, only one way to find out." He placed the tiny door into the stone shaped like a pumpkin. Suddenly, the tiny door shook and grew back to its original size, filling the slot.

"Okay, I'm impressed." Will took the Valentine's Day Door and placed it into the heart-shaped stone. It did the same thing as the Halloween Door. Jack took the Thanksgiving Door and gave Will the Easter Door, each placing their doors into the correct slots. Once all the doors were in place, the stone statue began to move. The arms moved as if to play its violin and then moved as if it stood on top of a record player.

"We did it!" Jack exclaimed. "Come on. Now that Spiral Hill can stretch out, we can get to the other side."

"You go on ahead," Will said, slipping her backpack onto her shoulders. "I'll hang back with Al. Once Frank is back on his feet, we'll meet you over there."

"All right but hurry." He left the girls and began to make his way up the hill. As he made his way up, he suddenly stopped a third of the way as he spotted a lone figure standing a few feet in front of him. The silhouette against the moon was familiar, and as he stepped closer, he gasped when he saw who stood there.

"Sally. You shouldn't be here, it's dangerous."

The rag doll turned to face him, a forlorn look on her face. "I had to warn you," she told him. "Oogie's headed for the Hinterlands. I have a bad feeling more trouble is waiting for you down this path."

Jack smiled and shook his head. How just like his Sally. She was worried for him, even risking coming out when danger still lurked in the shadows. This was just like the year before, only this time he knew to trust Sally's visions. As he looked closer, he was brought back to the night he and Sally had confessed to each other. He could still hear her beautiful voice harmonizing with his own. That feeling from the night filled his bones as he walked toward Sally.

JACK
You give me strength to show you care
I cannot fail with you so near
I know I'd be lost without you

Not far off, Will and Al were watching the tender moment from where they sat. They were on pins and needles as they watched the two lovers draw close together under the full moonlight. It was as though all the danger had been forgotten.

"At least this song is good," Al whispered.

"Shh!" Will shushed before drawing her eyes back to the loving scene.

Atop the hill, Sally smiled as a light laugh escaped her lips. Only Jack could make her feel like this when everything seemed like it could go so wrong. The low tenor of Jack's voice swept her away and for a moment, all her doubts began to fade. She held out her hands to him, the words already forming as Jack drew closer.

BOTH
We'll stand together, now and forever
And I tell you, this very troubled night
That we will set things right

Jack reached the top of the hill, and took Sally's outstretched hands in his own. They gazed into each other's eyes, all time seeming to stop around them.

Their joined hands lowered, but instead of stepping closer, Sally drew back. She slipped her hands from his grasp and turned away from him. Her eyes closed as she lifted one hand over her heart. The images from her premonition frightened her. She had no idea what was to come, only that it put Jack and their friends in great danger. She wanted to tell Jack not to go, but he was the only one who could stop Oogie Boogie.

Jack was surprised when Sally drew back from him, but he understood why she did. He was about to rush off into danger and leave her behind to worry whether he would come back. He reached out and settled his right hand on her shoulder. Her eyes opened and she looked up at him. He smiled down at her. "It's okay, Sally," he promised. "Nothing's going to stop me from returning Halloween Town to how it was before."

"I know you will, Jack. It's just…" She paused, looking down at the ground. A soft sigh escaped her lips. "I almost lost you the last time. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you."

Jack instantly took his beloved in his arms, holding her close and tucking her head under his chin. Sally blushed as she felt the steady beat of his phantom heart. She slowly wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed closer to him. Removing one of his hands, Jack pulled back enough to slip his forefinger under Sally's chin and titled her face up to meet his gaze. His thumb brushed over her chin and bottom lip, earning a feathery light kiss to the tip. He leaned down until his forehead was touching hers. His hand moved from her chin to cup her cheek. Sally's eyes never left his gaze as she leaned up on tiptoe until her lips were a breath away before Jack closed the remaining space between them.

XXX

GodlyJewel: Okay, I hoped you all enjoyed the added fluff to that scene. Seriously, I don't care that it was a video game, the creators had NO FREAKING RIGHT to build up that much romantic fluff and have Jack just walk off. NO! FAIL, SIR! EPIC FAIL!

CosmicHorse: It wouldn't be so bad if he had kissed her before running off, but NOOOOOO! He just ran off and left poor Sally alone on the hill! My inner Hulk almost came out, haha.