GodlyJewel: Okay, I know I said I wouldn't post another chapter until I got at least 10 new reviews — thank you 707cloud and Numbervania for your reviews — but I decided to be nice and give you the next chapter. Thanks again to CosmicHorse and Werejaguar of Halloween Town for helping write/edit this story.

And now, the end of Oogie Boogie!

Chapter 28: Final Battle - Fallen Heroes

(Narrator's POV)

Will was gone.

Her friends looked on while Oogie laughed, satisfied by his enemies' expression of pure horror.

Jack could hardly believe what had just happened. Oogie had swallowed Will whole and there was nothing he could have done to stop it. He could still see that look in her eyes before she had gone to face him alone. She must have planned on it, everything, but the shock of it was too much. He never should have let her go. He promised to keep them safe and now Will was… He shut his eyes, anger and loss welling up within him.

Al stared in sheer disbelief. She had just watched as her friend was swallowed up, taken before her very eyes.

"No… NO!" she screamed, her rage erupting. "You damnable bastard! I'm going to gut you slowly and painfully, let your bugs spill forth until there is nothing left but a burlap sack! I. Will. END. YOU!"

Oogie continued to laugh. "I think not, little girl. You're finished!" Al roared in anger, plunging forward with her chainsaw drawn back. Oogie blocked her attack, blowing her off the second floor. Al fell in a heap but brushed it off as Oogie moved to step on her. Al readied to pierce his foot with her chainsaw, but above, Frank had sprinted to the other side of the circle, jumping down and grabbing her just as Oogie brought his foot down. Al swung onto Frank's back and clung to him as he raced on before he stopped next to Jack.

"I can't focus…" Al said softly, "I just can't focus on anything beyond Will…" She couldn't to wipe the tears away, Al sniffed loudly. "Damn it, we promised each other we wouldn't cry until our deaths were avenged…" she said angrily.

"Al, we will stop him!" Jack promised. "There will be time to grieve but now, lets finish this so Will's sacrifice won't be in vain." He placed his hand on the young girl's shoulder before turning his gaze back to the monster before them. The old expression 'if looks could kill' had never been more prominent.

"You hear me, Oogie! No matter what you throw our way, this ends here and now!"

"You still think you can defeat me?!" Oogie roared. "Ha! There's only room in this town for one ruler. Time to end you, Boneman, and let the Seven Holidays King take the throne!"

"I stopped you twice before Oogie. You hide behind your army of insects to do your work," Jack shouted back. "First you sent your minions to fight your battles, then you let your own shadow take your place. I think you're nothing but a coward!"

Anger burned in his throat. Oogie roared and hammered at the ground, throwing out every attack he had.

OOGIE
Now it's time for you to see
What it really means to scare!
'Cause I'm a gamblin' Boogie Man
Although I don't play fair!

It's much more fun, I must confess
With lives on the line!
Not mine, of course, but yours, old friend!
Now that'd be just fine!

Trash rained down on the group, but they managed to hold off the onslaught. Meanwhile, Al and Frank danced around Oogie's attacks. Al used her chainsaw one handed to slash at Oogie's ankles while Franks bounced easily around the trash being thrown at them.

"So Jack, I'm feeling a bit of compensation from the Oogie-man, ya know what I mean?" Al asked, chuckling at her own joke.

Even Jack could not stop himself from laughing. "Never thought of it that way," he jibed, dodging Oogie's fist as it pounded the ground. "Though, come to think of it, I would imagine most of the insects making up his form are female."

Shocked by the Pumpkin King's banter, Al blinked at Jack's semi-perverted joke. "Really?" She looked up at the towering boogieman, trying to hold back a snicker as she made a disgusted face. "Damn son, you one REEEEALLLYYY UGLY WOMAN!"

Jack did his best to defend as Oogie continued his assault, his anger increased by Jack and Al's taunting. All the while the image of Will being devoured burned at the core of his mind. Once again, he felt the familiar flames licking at his bones, along with the primal urge to burn and tear his foe to shreds until nothing but an insignificant pile of ash was left.

"No matter what, use your strongest Pumpkin Flame blast on him."

Will's words repeated over in his mind as he tried to control his anger. He managed to bite back the bloodlust as he transformed into his Pumpkin King persona. Fire consumed his hands. Jack closed his eyes, struggling against the rage. He looked up; he knew what needed to be down. Just as before with the snowballs, Jack began to summon up all of his strength. Fire began to consume his whole body but he kept still. He let the pressure build within him, waiting for the right moment.

Then, it happened.

Right as Al wheeled Frank about for another attack, a large shot went through the air. Oogie stumbled back, clutching his stomach. BANG! Another blast, and then… BANG! Another one. He groaned from the pain and tried to hold himself together. A light began to build within his core, growing brighter and stronger. Neither Jack nor Al knew what was happening as Oogie's body began to expand, like a balloon being filled with air.

"Yeah! What now bitch! You gonna get all esplody!" Al said, making various gestures toward the bug sack while Frank wisely backed away from the expanding enemy.

"Frank, Al! Get out of here!" Jack called, stepping closer. He wasn't sure what had caused the explosion but he was going to use it to his advantage. However, he needed Al to get out of the way or else the blast would kill her too.

Sensing danger, Frank lifted Al onto his back and carried out of the pit as fast as his legs could carry him.

Meanwhile, Jack had stopped walking. The fire created a barrier around him, incinerating all the trash and bugs being hurled about as Oogie's body fought against the energy building within him. In his agony, the boogieman had walked himself right in-between the two gas pipes. The chemical compounds within the vapor poured out onto his body, fusing into the materials of the sack. The power of his flames were beginning to crack. Just one more second…

Something bright flashed within Oogie's center. Now!

JACK
I'm the only Pumpkin King!

With a spin and twirl, Jack raised his hands and summoned the largest fire blast he had ever created. The moment the flames touched the gas, a powerful burst shot from Oogie's center. The reaction, combined with the chemical reaction of Jack's fire and the gas, created an explosion to rival a nuclear blast that consumed the surrounding area in a white-hot light.

When the light faded Jack reverted back to his old self, falling to his knees, energy spent. His ears caught the sound of rolling thunder, and as he looked up, his eyes locked on Oogie.

The blast had torn through his body. Large holes and ripped seems covered him; even his legs had been blown clean off his body. And his bugs. There were thousands and thousands, maybe millions of them. The blast combined with his Pumpkin Fire had roasted the minuscule pests alive, leaving nothing but burnt shells. Waterfalls of the lifeless bodies poured from his body and spilled to the ground, disintegrating into dust the moment they touched the earth. Oogie tried to stop it, but his efforts were useless. He had been beaten. He looked up to the sky, bugs pouring from his mouth as he gave one final cry.

"Grooohh… Not again! My precious bugs… My precious bugs… My precious bugs…"

As Oogie Boogie took his final breath, his battered body began to collapse. Jack ran from the scene, using his Soul Robber to grapple out of the pit before he was covered in an avalanche of dead insects and burnt cloth. When he was out of the pit, he turned and looked back at his foe.

"Finally… It's over."

As Jack turned to leave, something caught his eye. He turned around to see something gleaming sticking out at the center of what remained of Oogie's sack body. Dropping back down, burnt exoskeletons crunched under his feet as he ran toward the object. A small spark of hope flared in his chest. He reached the spot and began digging through the ash. He didn't dig very deep before the object revealed itself. It was Al's halberd, now back its original forms. He began digging deeper, hoping to find something, anything. But alas, all that remained were the singed sledge hammer and machete. Jack gathered up the implements and slowly made his way from the pit.

Above, Frank and Al were waiting in the spot where they had parted ways with Santa Claus. It was the safest distance away from the blast. At the moment, Frank was nuzzling Al's shoulder. She was on her knees, bitter tears staining her cheeks as she wept. She didn't even look up at the sound of Jack's footsteps approaching her.

He remained silent, allowing her a moment. He needed one himself. After everything they had been through, their victory had been bittersweet. Oogie was finally defeated, for good this time, but throughout all the dangers and hardships, they had lost a friend. How would Al explain this to their friends and family? How could she tell Will's parent that their daughter would never be coming home?

All thoughts were interrupted by the sound of sleigh bells. Jack, Al, and Frank all looked up as a bright red sleigh and eight reindeer began to descend. The three moved back to allow room for the sleigh to land. When the reindeer came to a stop, the driver released the reins and let out a sigh.

"Whew! For a moment there I thought I was too late, but I managed to deliver the presents on time." Santa exclaimed. He looked to the group with cheery eyes, but his jolly mood dulled when he saw the looks on everyone's faces. Then he noticed one member of their party was missing.

"Where's Willa?"

Al began crying again, and Frank tried to comfort her. Startled by this reaction Santa turned to Jack for an explanation, but he was again met with a pained reaction. Jack's face was set in a deep frown, and his normally cheerful sockets were dark, full of anger and a deep rooted sorrow the saint had never seen before.

Jack took small steps toward the Christmas Leader, trying to keep his voice from cracking. "There was a… A misfortune, I regrettably admit…"

"Oh my, has something happened? Were you unable to defeat that vile creature?"

Jack's demeanor became grave. "Oogie is gone but…"

"Will went with him!" Al blurted out, latching herself onto Frank and weeping into his neck, adding some extra saltiness to the already damp mane.

"Wh-What?" Santa was stunned. The news caused him to stumble as he tried to stand. Will, the young lady who had stumbled into his land only a year ago, was gone. He could not believe it. Part of him felt guilty for leaving the girls with Jack, and now that part was angry. Angry at Jack for not protecting them, then at himself for not taking the girls out of danger, but mostly, he felt anger toward Oogie Boogie for taking Will's life. But as the anger passed the sorrow took its claim.

Turning back around, Santa looked at Al. She was rubbing her eyes on her arm. "Alice, I am terribly sorry for your loss," he offered his condolences. "If you like, I can escort back to your home."

Al shook her head.

"Very well then, if that is your wish," he agreed. "If there's anything I can do…"

"Any chance I can get my Christmas present early? All I want is my Will back," she asked, a dull glint of hope in her eyes.

Santa replied mournfully, "I'm sorry but that is not within my power." He then reached over and touched his hand to the young girl's shoulder. "Take time to grieve but do not allow yourself to blame or regret. Will was a treasured friend. She would not wish you to be unhappy, my dear."

Al jerked herself away from him. She didn't want his comfort. Who the hell did he think he was anyway? Yeah Will had helped last time but he didn't know her. She glared and slipped back to Frank's side. The kelpie shoved his head against her chest and she wrapped her arms around it, holding him close. She then ducked under his head to hug him around the neck. Frank arched his neck and held her, pressing the underside of his neck into her back. With a sad smile Santa then turned his sight on the old Pumpkin King.

Jack looked much older, more distraught. He looked to the Christmas leader with a deep regret in his eye sockets.

"I'm so…" He tried to apologize, but words could not express the regret he felt. Remorseful by all he had caused, Jack bowed and shook his head, too ashamed by his actions. When he finally looked Santa Claus in the eye, he held out his hands to offer his apology. "Forgive me, for causing you trouble again."

But the kind old eyes of the holiday saint only smiled, humbled by the skeleton king's apology. "No Jack, this time I owe you my gratitude," he replied in a gentle voice. "Thank you for saving my life."

"If only I could have saved Will too…"

"Jack, from what you told me, Willa knew the risks. She knew Oogie had to be stopped at all costs. Would you not have done everything within you power to stop such a fiend?"

"Of course!" Jack exclaimed, "I had to stop Oogie from destroying the Holiday Worlds. I'd have given my afterlife to keep him from hurting the ones I care about."

"Then you understand," Santa replied. "You saved the holidays from a despicable villain, and saved the other leaders and myself. You are a hero, Jack Skellington, never forget that."

Jack only nodded.

"Well then, all I ask of you now is to make sure Alice returns home safely. Here–" He handed Jack a silver envelope. Taking it, Jack emptied the contents into his hand. It was a rose-gold skeleton key with a Lot Bow to give it an antique vintage look.

Santa smiled. "This key will open a door to wherever the bearer may wish. I was unable to mend the key those three scoundrels damaged, so I had this new one made. Use it to take Alice home when she is ready."

Clutching the gift in his boney fingers, Jack nodded. "I'll see to it she gets home."

With a nod Santa returned to sit in the drivers seat. He took the reigns in his hands before taking one last look at the group, then he flicked the reigns and took off into the night, a winter-white flurry of snow trailing behind him.

Jack waved goodbye, a small small appearing on his face. He knew what Santa said had been right. He slipped the key into his jacket pocket, then turned around to face Al. Both she and Frank had sunk to the ground, Al sitting between the kelpie's forelegs and tucked against his shoulder. Frank had one leg up acting like a barrier for the girl. He pricked his ears at Jack and gave a shake. She wasn't ready to move or could move by her own will.

"We'll head back when you're ready, okay?" Jack asked, not wanting to further upset his friend.

"Do I have to go? Will was here…" she asked softly.

"I'm afraid so. I can't have both of you disappearing from your world." He tried to remain strong, knowing if he let even his voice crack, Al would fall into another bout of tears. "And don't you think Will's family has the right to know she…she won't be coming home?"

Al pulled back. "Damn you're reasoning," she muttered, making herself stand.

Jack reached to place a comforting hand on her shoulder but quickly drew it back. He didn't need to be an empath to recognize the signs of someone wanting to be left alone. Silently they made their way back to Halloween Town.

As Jack and Al journeyed home, the land behind them left behind traces of their battle. Pieces from the explosion scattered all over the area, even as far as the Hinterlands. Small clouds of burning smoke reached toward the sky as the fires began to die down. Many parts of the haunted woods now carried burns as the flames turned to cinder, leaving behind dark scars.

What bugs survived the explosion crawled back into the underground of the earth. With no food, the bats returned to their home in the darkness of the trees. Though one small group hovered over the Hinterlands. Three of the bats looked on as their leader vigorously flew over the treetops, his large eyes scanning every detail of the surrounding area.

One of the bats, a light brown female, flew down next to his side. Please stop, she pleaded, there's no way a human could survive something like that.

No, I won't stop until I know for sure.

Geese Puck, what is with you? another bat replied as he joined his friends. Ever since you met her you can't stop thinking about her.

I think it got worse after that winged archer shot at us, the fourth bat replied. I told you he got hit by one of those weird looking arrows.

Enough! Puck shouted, turning to face the others. I'm going to find Willa whether you three help me or not!

The three bats looked at him with shock in their eyes. The female bravely came to his side hovering slightly over him, almost gesturing an aerial side hug. Puck, we're just worried about you, she told him. I know you wanna find her, but you've got to face facts. Even if that monster swallowed her whole, she would have been at the center of that explosion. No human could survive a blast like that.

But what if…

She has a point, the fourth bat added. I know you said a potion made her a bat, but be reasonable. There's just no possible way.

But Puck would not listen. He looked at the three bats, determination in his eyes. Then… I'll find her myself! he shouted.

With that, he took off further into the Hinterlands.

XXX

Halloween Town…

(Al's POV)

My body worked on autopilot as Jack led the way back to town. It just didn't feel like she was really gone. Hell, what was I gonna tell her parents. 'Sorry but Will got eaten by a boogieman to save the Holiday Worlds. I've come to offer my condolences.' Yeah, because that would go over so well.

In what seem like only a few seconds we were outside the Halloween Town gate. I didn't think I could take another step. Jack stopped and turned to face me.

"Are you sure you want to go in?" he asked. "I can still take you home."

I stared directly ahead. Might as well use the citizens of this now cursed place to practice with so I didn't go in blind with her parents. "Let's just go in," I said shortly and quickly, entwining my finger's in Frank's mane. I was surely going to need his support now.

"If that's what you want, but be ready. I know Mr. Hyde mentioned everyone in town was watching from the witches' caldron. If they saw…"

"Then they have more than the right to know what has happened and who…" I struggled the next words out, "who has f-fallen to keep them safe."

With a nod we walked through the gate. The reaction we got, however, was not what either of us had anticipated.

"Jack's back!"

"They stopped Oogie Boogie!"

"Oogie's gone forever!"

"Our heroes!"

All the monsters crowded around us, cheering and applauding. Somehow, I felt hollow. Will was the real hero here. What did we do? Jack tried to quiet everyone, but his voice was drowned out by the crowds. Suddenly, I felt myself being lifted. I squeaked as fears of heights took a hold, but I quickly quelled that fear as I turned to find Clown had somehow hoisted me up and was now carrying me on his shoulders while balancing the both of us on his unicycle. Needless to say, I was terrified but hid it behind a mask, though I'm sure everyone else took it as screams of delight. I turned to find Jack being lifted up by the Behemoth and Wolfman as they kept cheering us on. From what I could tell as we were jostled about, Jack was trying his best to calm them down.

"Thank you, thank you all, but–" Jack was cut off by more cheering as we were carried over to Town Hall. I looked back to see my poor Franky trying to get to me. When we were inside, Jack was on stage with the Mayor shaking his boney hand. Just as Jack got it back, another voice called out from the crowd.

"Jack!"

I looked back and saw Sally practically racing down the aisle. She stumbled as she got to the stage but Jack quickly held out his arm, pulling her up only to find himself nearly tackled by the rag doll. I'm surprised he didn't fall. That doll near tripped them over. Once Jack had them steady, Sally surprised him by throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him full on the lips. Never thought the skeleton's eye sockets could get that big. Then of course every creature in the room began cheering as he kissed back, a couple of the guys throwing a few calls and Wolfie letting loose a loud whistle. It'd be funny if Will were here. I could even hear her saying something like, Looks like I didn't need mistletoe. About time you got up to bat Bone Daddy! I wish she was here to say that.

I was set down up front between Behemoth, Wolfman and the fish-lady. They were all still cheering when the Mayor called for attention.

"This marks a special occasion in our fine town," he began, "as we commend our leader on his glorious triumph over that dastardly evil villain. Never more will Oogie Boogie cause harm to our fair Halloween Town ever again!" Everyone was cheering. The Mayor just kept going. "We can never repay you for what you have done."

"Mayor, that's not necessary at all," Jack spoke, trying to tell everyone what had happened. "And I couldn't have done it without the help of…"

"Oh, of course!" the Mayor interrupted. "We must also congratulate Willa and Alice for aided our Pumpkin King." The mayor held out his hand to me, and the next thing I knew I was under a spotlight. I had to shield my eyes against the bright light. As the cheers and applause nearly deafened my ears, I once again found myself being lifted — this time by the Harlequin Demon and Mr. Hyde — right onto the stage. I froze. I wasn't expecting to be on a stage when I told everyone that Will was… Then the Mayor patted me on the back.

"Yes, yes, let us not forget the brave efforts of our esteemed human friends as we commemorate this occasion," he said.

"Hey wait a minute?" I looked and saw the corpse dad was the one who spoke up. "Where's Will?"

"Haha! Leave the jokes to Clown and come take a bow," Wolfman shouted, making everyone laugh. Then they all started cheering for Will to join Jack and I on stage. Shaking my head slightly, I looked to Jack. These people weren't letting us explain anything! Looking from Jack, I met Frank's gaze. In seeming understanding, the kelpie bobbed his head.

Frank pinned his ears and reared up, screaming only like a kelpie could. The ear shattering screech made everyone shut up long enough for Jack to speak without being interrupted by their cheering.

"Thank you Frank." He turned to me, his arms around Sally who had clung to him when Frank called for silence. He turned his soul slightly to me. "W-Would you prefer if I…" he offered, knowing how this news affected me.

"Whatever!" I snapped.

With a nod, Jack pulled away from Sally to address the crowd. I remained still, trying not to let my emotions burst out at once. I heard the clacking of hooves and soon Frank was by my side, resting his large head on my left shoulder, his breath warming through my shirt to my collarbone.

As he looked out over the sea of puzzled faces, Jack cleared his throat, and began to speak. "Attention everyone. While this moment should be a joyous occasion, I regret to say that this was a hollow victory. Oogie may be gone, but before he was destroyed, he managed one final act that cost us dearly."

"Jack, what are you talking about?" Sally asked, coming beside him to lay her hand on his upper arm.

I couldn't take it anymore. This suspense was too damn much. "Oh for St. Peter's sake, WILL IS DEAD!"

And I broke down. Quite literally, my legs gave out and I collapsed.

XXX

(Jack's POV)

I panicked as Al began to fall to the floor. There was no time for me to catch her, but luckily Frank was quicker. He nickered in alarm, catching her by the back of her shirt before she could totally collapse. Carefully lowering her to the ground, he stood near her, gently resting his nose on her cheek, absorbing her tears as they fell.

Now I had to face the uproar of my town as everyone took the news of Will's death. I wondered how they could not have known. I thought it strange they congratulated us so cheerfully at the gate. Mr. Hyde had said the whole town was watching from Helgamine and Zeldaborne's cauldron, but then Ned had just asked about Will.

"Please, everyone," I tried to reassure them. When everyone looked at me I saw many questions reflected in their eyes.

It was Glenn who spoke first. "Jack, how..what does Al mean Will is dead?"

"We saw you defeat Oogie," added Davy, his usual 'devil's grin' absent from his face. "But we never saw anything attack Will or Al."

"We did loose part of the picture when those brats tried to escape," Helgamine recalled. That drew my attention and she held up her hands in defense. "It was an accident, Jack."

"Oogie's boys tried slipping away while we were all watching you, and in the chase to recapture them, Barrel knocked over the cauldron," Zeldaborne added. "We just managed to get it working again in time to see you make Oogie explode."

That explains things; they never saw what happened. Barrel must have knocked over the caldron before Will faced Oogie.

"I understand," I explained. "The truth was Oogie was defeated because of Will's plan. There was gas leaking from the pipes in the pit. I had been using my Pumpkin Fire on it to stop Oogie, but each time the gas ran out he would summon more insects to repair the damage I'd cause. I was only able to get to the pipes one at a time, so Will thought to use the same technique but with both Al and I attacking while she and the bats created a distraction. Once Al and I got into position, Will signaled the bats and get out of the way for the flames to hit Oogie. But…"

I took a breath. Even without the need to breathe, it helped to keep my voice steady before I continued. "But when the bats cleared, Will stood alone, and before any of us knew what happened, Will charged at Oogie. I thought she was going to duck out of the way at the last moment to give us the chance to spring our trap. However… Oogie swallowed her before she even had a chance to escape. She was blown up along with him."

The relative gasp filling the room didn't surprise me. I looked out as my friends as my words sank in. Tears filled their eyes and Glenn let loose a mournful howl. I turned to Al to see her shed silent tears, hiding her face in Frank's neck. Then I turned to Sally. Already her eyes blurred with tears as both her hands covered her mouth. She was taking in deep breaths, trying not to cry.

My heart broke at the sight of my beloved in tears. I took her into my arms, wishing there was something I could do to take away her sorrow.

"She died a hero…" Al muttered, gently hugging Frank's face. "She gave up everything to save Halloween Town… Oh god, what am I going to tell her parents?!"

The moment the words left Al's lips I felt the full blow of what had been lost. I knew going into this battle would be very dangerous the moment I learned of what Oogie had done, and what he planned to do with the Holiday Worlds. I was willing to do anything for my town, my friends. I would gladly have given my life if it meant their safety. But it had been Will who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Already I could feel my grief turn to anger. I never should have let the girls come with me! I knew something like this could happened, and it had. A young girl was dead and it was all my fault. I never should have left Halloween Town!

I could still see the image playing over and over in my mind. Part of me wanted to believe Will had been trying to evade Oogie. But another part, the part I knew to be painfully true; knew that what Will had done was intentional. Perhaps I should have realized when we first set out on this mission. I should have questioned the girls' reason for bringing those weapons, but as per usual, I didn't give it a second thought. And all throughout our adventure Will seemed to know when something would happen the exact moment it occurred. I wonder if Will shared the same prophetic abilities my Sally possessed. It would certainly explain her knowledge of events.

My arms tightened around Sally as I held her close. Will had been rather pushy when she tried getting us together. In some ways I wish she had tried harder. Maybe then I could have seen what I was truly missing and avoided that whole Christmas debacle to discover that what I needed all along, I now held in my arms. Then none of this, last year's Christmas takeover and now Oogie's revenge, would have occurred.

"It should have been me…"

"Jack." The gasp made me realize I had spoken aloud. I looked into the teary eyes of my beloved. Her lips trembled as she continued to speak. "Please don't say that," she begged of me. "You mustn't blame yourself. You couldn't have known this would happen."

"But I did!" I argued. "I knew the girls were putting themselves in danger, but I couldn't stop them!"

"I know, Jack, but…" Sally paused for a moment. "Will and Al both knew of the risks. They were willing to put themselves in danger to protect our town, just as you were," she reasoned. She then reached up and laid her hand over my cheek. "And I know Will wouldn't want you to say such a thing."

I placed my hand over hers, pressing it to my cheek. Though I still felt regret, I knew her words to be true. I took in her face, now stained with tears, and drew my beloved doll back into my arms. I tucked her head under my chin, feeling my shirt again become damp from her silent tears.

My clever little Sally, what would I do without you.

"Arf! Arf!"

The sound of that familiar bark caught my attention, and I opened my eyes to find Zero's hollow gaze looking expectantly at me. I couldn't help the choked chuckle that escaped my throat.

"Hello Zero. I see you kept Sally safe for me, huh boy?"

"Arf! Arf!" he barked. Only I knew he could sense our sorrow for his little sheet didn't wag and his happy barks were replaced by soft whimpers. I reached out one hand and patted him between his ghostly ears.

"Hey Jack?" I looked up to see Ethan and his friends had stepped up to the stage.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well… We were just thinking…" Ethan began. "If Will died, couldn't we just bring her back?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, curious to what he was proposing. I barely noticed Al raising her head to listen.

"Well," Sherwood continued, his one eye looking up at me hopefully through his bandages. "Ethan and I were talking, and Susan said if Will died here, then we could just get her body and have Dr. Finklestein bring her back to life, r-right?"

I looked down at the young monsters. What they suggested sounded possible. After all, the Doctor had brought Sally to life, as well as Jewel and the skeletal reindeer. It would be easy for him to bring Will to life. I felt a spark of hope… Only for it to fade as reality tiptoed back into my brain. I released Sally and approached the children, getting down on one knee to be somewhat eye level with them. I shook my head mournfully.

"I'm sorry, children. While I admire your wishful thinking, I'm afraid it is impossible."

"But why?" Ethan asked.

"Will was swallowed up by Oogie," I explained. "She would have been at the center during the explosion. And there was no trace of her body."

Susan fidgeted on her large, withered wings. "But-But then…" she stuttered, not wanting to accept what I'd said. "Then if her body is gone, couldn't she come back as a ghost?"

"Well, I…"

"Yeah, Suzy's right!" Ethan exclaimed. "She could be a ghost, just like Zero!"

"Now, children, please…" I tried but was cut off as the others had been listening in.

"No, the kid's got a point," Glenn chimed in.

"Why yes," Kerry added, his snake fingers hissing as he spoke. "I bet she could be on her way."

"Oh! We would gladly let her join our quintet," Luciano said, his fellow ghosts gathering around.

"Maria and I would love another ghost-girl," Sophia said.

"I bet she has a ghastly voice," Pietro added.

"What a horrible idea!" declared the Mayor, his face gone from sad to glad. "Of course she would be a welcomed addition to our town. We could make the arrangements as soon as she arrives."

Suddenly everyone was getting excited, thinking about how Will could be incorporated now that she was a ghost — if that indeed were the case. I know everyone was trying to think positively, and part of me wanted to join in. After all, Will as a ghost would be interesting. All the schemes she had thought up would make her an excellent specter. But still, I was a little upset. While the idea was hopeful, if Will truly was an apparition she would have appeared in town by now.

It was only a second before I noticed Al stand, the anger burning in her eyes like a green flame. "No! All of you just shut the hell up!" Everyone fell silent.

"You don't get it at all! Will doesn't belong here, neither do I. We are…were…just here to help out then go home. Home with our families…our parents… Now it's just me. I have to go home and tell Will's parents that she's never coming back. She isn't coming back! Do you see? Even if she becomes a ghost here, she can never go home! NEVER!"

She stopped to breathe slowly. "Let me put it in perspective for you lot. Imagine that you left Halloween Town to help out another realm. Then, something happens and you can't ever come back. No more Halloween Town, no more Mayor, no more witches, no more vampires, no more Pumpkin King. You can't even come back as a ghost since ghosts don't exist where you went to help. You are just gone!"

I felt the agony in her voice, and so did everyone else in the room. A few looked away, shamed by suggesting Will could live here. And her words hit very close to home with me. That had almost happened to me last Christmas when the army had blown me up. By luck I managed to survive. If only the same could be said of Will.

Slowly, I stood and walked to Al's side. I reached out to rest a comforting hand to her shoulder, but she smacked it away. "Don't touch me!" she hissed, stepping away. "Just… Just leave me alo–"

It was Sally who stopped her, having wrapped both arms around the young mortal. I could tell Al wanted to protest but Sally drew the young girl into her arms. She didn't fight back as she leaned into Sally's embrace, another wave of tears flowing from her eyes. Sally rubbed her back, trying her best to soothe Al. She looked to me, and I nodded, not needing her to voice that I should speak.

I turned back to face the crowd.

"Now… I-I know you all were trying to look on the bright side, but this is all too sudden. We don't know for sure if Will might come to us, and even if it were so, it would still be a very confusing situation for her. But the fact is Will may very well be gone, and we shall never see her again. However…" I looked around the room to make sure my words were being herd. I knew they understood but I couldn't help sharing their desire to hope for the impossible. "… If there's the slightest chance Will is…still with us, then we can rally a search party of Trash Hill. But for now, I think it best if we–"

"Jack!"

"Oh, what now?" I hated to sound annoyed but I was getting rather tired of all these interruptions.

I looked up to see the Vampire Brothers were the ones to call out. It was Bela who spoke. "Forgive me, Jack, but there's something going on outside. My brothers and I thought we should notify you about it."

What in the world could they mean? Could it be that… No, I wasn't about to let myself get too hopeful. Without another word, I followed the Vampires Brothers outside. It didn't take long before everyone else pooled out of Town Hall, all of us curious as to what could cause such a commotion. At my side were Sally and Al. I kept them both behind me, not knowing whether we were facing another attack.

I turned my gaze back to the Vampire Brothers for an explanation. Instead, the four brothers each raised a hand and pointed a long finger in the same direction. My gaze followed toward the Hinterlands. A large, dark cloud hovered over the trees, headed towards town. At first I feared Oogie somehow managed to create another swarm. I quickly assured myself that it was impossible. That blast had assured Oogie would never return. But still, what could this be?