AN: Haha, I know I said Ch. 30 was the last, but the reality is I had one more scene in store. If you read my first story, you know I don't like to leave Will and her friends out of the ending. Even if I ended the last chapter with some super cute Jack and Sally fluffy-romanticness. Unfortunately, the demonic plot bunnies kept adding and adding, so I had to cut this from the original chapter, instead of subjecting you all to a chapter with 7,000+ words.

I swear, this is the final chapter for How We Saved Halloween, but I love this ending!

Epilogue

(Will's POV)

I sighed as I watched the entire scene from my perch on a tall tombstone. Where I sat, I was close enough to watch without being spotted, while at the same time I could use my new bat abilities to see and hear everything. I was, of course, in my bat form, so I if I was detected, I wouldn't immediately be recognized. Jack had just gotten over all my little attempts at pushing him and Sally together. If he caught me now, I'd probably be banned from Halloween Town for a week. Still, I just couldn't help it. It was about time he popped the question. And after all the effort he put into practicing, I was glad he didn't back out to wait until another time. And I had to say, Jack did so much better than all the rehearsing we did.

I remember how he would start to stutter and forget what he wanted to say. I tried to tell him that wouldn't matter to Sally, but the man insisted on the practice so the moment would be perfect. And the end result was just so dang cute! I was really happy for them.

Looks like there's gonna be a wedding to plan, I heard someone chuckle.

Eeep! I quickly turned around as a large brown bat swooped down to perch right next to me. I recognized that blackish-brown fur and groaned. Jeez, Puck. Don't sneak up on a girl, I berated.

He laughed. Sorry but I didn't wish to disturb you, he said, settling closer. You just looked adorable watching your friends, and I wanted to join you. And… Well, you look lovely under the moonlight.

To coin a phrase, 'If that's a line I ain't biting.' I took a quick look back at Spiral Hill to see my favorite couple. They had pulled back from their kiss and were now holding each other, the moonlight illuminating behind them to create a romantic silhouette.

Feeling like now we were intruding on a private moment, I turned to Puck and whispered, Let's give them some privacy.

As you wish, Baby Bat, he teased, his fangs glinting in the moonlight as he smirked.

I huffed and tried to use my wings to shove him off the tombstone, but instead of falling, Puck just laughed and flew up to the air. I rolled my eyes and followed after him as we made our way back towards the party. I watched from the air as everyone started gathering around the stage. It seemed my karaoke performance had gotten everyone excited. At the moment, Zack and Al were onstage performing a duet to "Beauty and the Beast."

I wasn't ready to head back just yet, so instead I flew to the top of the old tree and landed on one of the more hidden branches, shifting to my human form to sit more comfortably. I thought I'd have a few minutes to myself before Puck flew over and copied my movement. He changed from a bat and stood, making the branch sway from our combined weight.

Puck's focus was on the party below, giving me the chance to get a look at his profile. He did not look any different from when I first met him. Only, now he wore a more frilly white poet's shirt with tattered ends at the sleeves, and a much lower V-neck. He also had on dark red trousers and a pair of knee high black boots. He had the same black cloak he had worn before, and his hair was still pulled back in a ponytail.

He caught me staring, smirking when I turned to hide my embarrassment. When I looked back, Puck was smiling at me. "This seat taken?" he asked, a slight laugh to his voice.

"Very funny," I said, moving away. He sat down next to me on the branch, and this time I got a better look at his face.

Puck looked to be barely out of his twenties, though I suspected he was much older. He had an almost regal face, with an kind of aristocratic manner to his nose, jaw, and mouth. Being that close, I could see the tips of his ears were slightly pointed like mine, but what really caught my attention were his eyes. They were sort of almond shaped. When I first meet him, I thought they were more of a steely color, but when he was a bat there were like black onyx gemstones with hints of dark purple. Now looking at him, they were almost liquid silver.

"See something you like?" Puck asked, giving me a wink. I bet he thought it was pretty charming.

I, however, was not falling for it. "Look, let's get something straight. The flattery is nice but you can stop. I already found out that idiot Cupid shot you with one of his arrows, so you don't need to keep hanging around me if you don't want."

"Why would I not? I thought you said you would like to see me again," Puck added. For a moment, he sounded hurt. His eyes filled with worry and he asked, "You don't wish to see me?"

I sighed. "It's not like that," I tried to explain. "When I said that, I thought you were just a regular bat. Even if I couldn't understand animals, I would have liked to see you, but then you turned out it be a vampire…"

"So you don't like vampires?"

"No, I have nothing against vampires, though Stephanie Meyer did ruin your image a bit," I quickly assured. "I guess I just… Well, I guess I like the Puck I met back in the Hinterlands. The fun little bat or the caring guy I met at Finklestein's lab, instead of the vampiric flirt. You know, one who comes on too strong after I just wake up from a near-death experience, and then expects me to swoon at the sight of his smile."

Puck smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I overdid it, huh?"

"Ya think?" I smiled and then we started laughing. "But I guess that really wasn't your fault. Those arrows do make people act pretty ridiculous."

"I guess they do," Puck added. We were brought out of our teasing by the commotion going on below us. Uncle Sam had taken the stage and after convincing Al and Zack to step off, he called for attention.

"All right, everyone. The New Years countdown will begin in ten minutes," he announced. "If I can have everyone begin making their way toward the designated field where the fireworks will be displayed. Thank you."

As soon as the announcement was made, everyone — monster, legendary figure, and human alike — began making their way over. I was still not feeling up to joining the crowd, and I figured sitting in the tree would be the best spot to watch the show. That, and I could avoid Al and Zack, or any other couple for that matter, partaking in a New Years kiss.

"Aren't you going?" Puck asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Nah, I think I'll stay put," I answered. "Besides, if my hunch is correct, Eros might sneak away from Valentine to tend to his itchy trigger finger. That's something I prefer not to deal with, thank you."

"I can see you point." Puck was quiet for a moment, then out of nowhere, he asked me,"… Are you cold?"

I looked over at him, figuring I must have shivered or something. It was not that cold, actually. Sure, the air had a slight chill, but I had gotten used to it during my stay in Halloween Town. "No. I mean, it might be a little chilly, but…"

Suddenly, Puck tossed his black cloak aside and revealed a pair of enormous wings. I was shocked at first. His wings stretched twice the span of his height, yet were incredibly thin, and each was tipped with a clawed thumb. I felt dwarfed next to them, and it must have shown, because Puck seemed amused and laughed at my expression. When he open his eyes again, he set his cloak over my shoulders before wrapping his wings around us. I flinched at first, yet I was surprised at how they acted like a large covering to keep out the chill. In addition to his cloak, it was actually pretty nice, though I thought I saw his wings quiver at the contact.

"Better?" Puck asked.

"Yeah, thanks," I answered, pulling his cloak tighter around me. "But uh… Doesn't it bother your wings?"

"You know bats wrap their wings around themselves when they roost, right? This is no different," he explained, acting like I'd made a joke or something. "My wings may be sensitive, but they are strong enough to hold prey and trap the air so I don't freeze. Though…you'd be a lot warmer if you sat closer."

I glared at him, making Puck raise his hands in defense. "I only meant that by sitting closer, I could wrap my wings tighter to keep out the chill," he insisted. "But only if you are really cold, of course."

Well, I had to admit it was getting somewhat colder. It was the middle of winter, and beside that, my skin was still recovering from the massive burns, making me a little more sestina to weather change. So, next thing I knew, I was scooting closer until I sat side-by-side next to him as Puck pulled his wings tighter around us. I had to admit, I was a bit surprised to find him was so warm. Vampires — excluding sparkly knockoffs — were traditionally cold to the touch, but Puck seemed more like a large heater.

"I told you before, I'm not a true vampire."

"Huh?" I looked up at him. I had not expected him to say something like that, but now that he brought it up, I was a tad curious to how he knew what I was thinking. "How did you…"

Puck chuckled. "Sorry. When you live for bats for a year, you forget not everyone likes you reading their thoughts," he admitted nervously. "But, since you have that look in your eye, I would like to answer your question, and tell you. The truth is that I'm only half vampire."

I raised an eyebrow. "So what, you're like a Dhampir or something?" I asked.

"Sort of," Puck said, "expect instead of being half human, I'm half bat demon…"

"Please tell me this is a bad joke?" I snorted. Now it just felt like I was in some warped crossed over of Inuyasha and BloodRayne. Did he really expect me to buy this?

"No, I swear it's true. My mother was born to a vampire clan in Transylvania — a cliché, I know," he added, trying to make me believe him. I kept my eyebrow raised in disbelief. "And my father was the last of a bat demon tribe from South America. They live in a secluded part of the jungle near Brazil–"

"Okay, okay, enough." I help up my hand. "I get it."

"Too much again?" he asked sheepishly.

"To be honest, I just wanted to know if you could read my mind," I said, "but I guess it's cool about your family. It certainly explains the giant wings." We laughed over that a little. I then turned to look at sky. It was getting close to the firework show, and I didn't want to miss it.

Without thinking, I blurted out, "I can't wait for the fireworks to start."

"Really? Why is that?" Puck inquired, urging me to continue.

"They're my favorite part." I shrugged. "I don't know, I guess… Well, I just love the magic of it, you know?" He looked like I was talking in another language. "Think about it: the explosion of colors, and the loud boom and the blasts. It should be scary, but you can't look away because you want to see what the next one will be like," I explained, getting excited. "And then there's the music. Whether it's New Years Eve, or the Fourth of July, they always play the best music to fit with the display."

"Wow, you really like fireworks a lot," he commented, nudging my shoulder playfully.

"Hehe, well, I guess so," I confessed. In the background I could hear the crowd begin the countdown.

10, 9, 8…

"But I guess," I continued, "another reason I like them are because they usually happen at the most intense part, like in a story or a movie. It could just be a huge party, or some loved one comes home from a dangerous situation and there's celebration. Or, it's the climax in a romance when someone confesses their feelings." I closed my eyes, trying to picture the scene in my head. "The couple look deeply into each other's eyes before they are caught in a sensual kiss, while fireworks explode in the background to symbolize the love and passion between the young lovers."

I sighed. Sometimes I could get carried away, but I couldn't help it. I was a true romantic at heart. However, Puck was unusually quiet. I guess he was giving me an odd look.

"What?" I chuckled. "Did I bore you into silence?" I asked, keeping my eyes shut out of embarrassment. "Guess I overdid it this time. Too many fairy tales, and you go babbling on like an idiot, right?"

"Not at all."

I opened my eyes. "Huh? What do you mean, Pu…"

3, 2, 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The fireworks erupted in the night sky, filling the once black canvas in an array of light and hues. The air was filled with a multitude of booms, cracks, and hums; intense explosions of sharp whistling and high pitched screeches. It all combined to create a dazzling display of brilliant, colorful auras. However, I was oblivious to it all.

My eyes, wide open from the shock, stared at Puck. His own were shut, a soft sigh of pleasure escaping him as he continued to kiss me. It had been hesitant at first, but then Puck gained more confidence, making his kiss soft, tender.

I hadn't even seen it coming. One minute I turned to asked him what he was talking about, and the next thing I knew, he had leaned in to kiss me. No warning, no asking permission; he just kissed me.

I felt paralyzed, unable to move; my heart stopped beating, but Puck only deepened the kiss, his lips overlapping mine as he pressed closer. The breath from his nose tickled my flushed cheeks. A small squeak escaped my throat, and suddenly I felt his hands move; one on my arm and the other gently cupping the back of my neck, pulling me even closer. My skin was warm were he touched me, even through the thick fabric of his cloak.

My mind tried to catch up to it all. Here I was, sitting in a tree with a guy I hardly knew, kissing me to the point all rational thought left me. When I finally grasped onto the last of my common sense, I panicked.

Quickly, I placed my hands on his chest to push him off and pulled my mouth from his. "NO!"

Smack!

I tried to slow my rapid breathing. My left hand covered my mouth while my right hand began to sting. My eyes were hard on him as a red mark formed on his cheek. Puck's head remained angled, eyes open and full of surprise. His hand reached up to touch his face. When he finally looked at me it was with a look of bewilderment and disbelief, while shadowed with a sense of hurt.

"What's wrong?"

What's wrong? What's wrong!? He had the audacity to ask me what was wrong? Unbelievable! I instantly removed myself from his wings to stand on the branch, glaring down at him. I was beyond angry. I felt my blood all but boil as I removed his cloak and threw the thing at him. It hit him in the face. Puck took it off and continued to stare at me with questioning eyes.

"What the hell was that!?" I demanded.

Puck stood up, tucking his wings behind him, and faced me. But his expression was not what I expected, and to my disbelief, he smirked. He freaking smirked! Instead of sorry, he looked at me with eyes like a predator corning his prey.

"I believe I was kissing you," he replied with a low voice. The triumphant look in his eyes made me tense. "Or perhaps… I need to demonstrate again?"

I was about ready to punch this time so I could clear that smug look off his face. "Yeah, I got that!" I shouted at him. "What I meant was what made you think I wanted you to kiss me?"

Puck chuckled. "Heat of the moment, perhaps," he replied, trying to step closer. "The way you described the fireworks, causing that innocent, childlike look on your face… What man in his right mind wouldn't take the chance to steal a kiss."

I stepped back. Damn that Eros! "I guess that arrow is still in effect…" I muttered under my breath.

Puck shook his head. "I'm afraid not, my little bat," he replied, looking at me with smoldering eyes. "You see, I realized the effects of the arrow had worn off after you left, but my feelings for you remained."

"Huh?"

"Yes, I'm afraid you captured my heart from the first moment," Puck added, trying to sound romantic. "I knew you were special, and I wanted to see you again. I felt proud battling alongside you, and horror when I saw you near death. After I almost lost you, I vowed I'd never make that mistake again."

He finally managed to corner me before I could step off the branch. He took my hands and pressed them to his heart. I tried to pull away, but Puck grabbed my chin with a free hand, pulling my head up so our eyes met.

"You are the one," he said, without even the slightest hesitation. "And the truth is that I've fallen in love with you, Willa."

I shook my head, trying to pull away from him. "No way!" I insisted, trying to ignore my heart beating faster. "It's that damn arrow! I don't feel that way about you, and I know you don't really feel that way about me. That stupid spell has you saying all this."

But Puck shook his head. "You're wrong, my sweetest little blood orange."

"Don't call me that!"

I couldn't take this. Jerking myself free, I fell back. We were at the end of the branch and my foot had dropped over the edge. Puck reached out to grab me, but I quickly shifted forms so my wings could hold kept me steady. I hovered in the air above him. My eyes burned bright, the colors of the fireworks playing off us as we faced each other. I was angry…and confused.

"Willa.." Puck made one more plea, reaching his hand out to me. "I–"

"Stop!" I glared at him, not wanting to hear what he was going to say. "You don't even know me, so you have no right to say things like that!"

"But…"

"No! I told you, I just want to be friends, but arrow or not, I can see that's not enough for you."

"Willa, please!" But before he could say anything else, I flew off.

I felt terrible for leaving him, but at the same time I just couldn't deal with this. I really only liked Puck as a friend.

I kept flying, keeping low to avoid any stray fireworks, until I spotted the crowd below. Managing to locate my friends, I dropped down beside them. Al and Zack were huddled together watching the show. Al cuddled under her boyfriend's chin, gazing at the light display as Zack held her tightly with one arm. She turned to smile at him when she spotted me. I gave her a small wave.

"How was the weather up there? Why didn't you join us earlier?" Al called over the fireworks.

"Found a spot high ground to watch the fireworks, but decided I wanted to be with my friends instead," I replied. I didn't want to tell Al about what happened with Puck just yet. I was still trying to process it. That, and Al would tease me mercilessly for a week if she found out. "Plus," I added, "I wanted to avoid being a third wheel."

"You would never be a third wheel, Wings," Zack said.

"Will!" I turned to see Jack and Sally walking over to me. I instantly got a big smile on my face and starting pushing through the crowd. It didn't take long before we stood in front of each other, Jack and Sally smiling gleefully with their hands intertwined.

"So… You two look pretty happy," I said with a sly, knowing grin. "Didn't think the fireworks were that good."

"Well, we might have another reason," Sally replied. She tried to hide her excitement, but she easily gave herself away by the small smile and the way her cheeks were turning a pretty pink.

I giggled and whispered to Jack, "Told you there was nothing to worry about."

The poor skeleton blanched, trying to cover his embarrassment. "O-Oh, right, well…"

"Jack," Sally inquired, looking up suspiciously, "did you tell Will?"

I laughed. Hopefully Jack would forgive me. "Who do you think helped him pick out the ring?"

"Will!"

"Oh Jack, that's so sweet," Sally cooed. She then leaned up and kissed his cheek. It seemed to calm him down as Sally turned her attention back to me.

"We were thinking of making the announcement tomorrow," she continued. "We know the Mayor will want to start plans for the wedding immediately."

"But," Jack added, "we would prefer to wait a while, since this is rather sudden. We have only courted for about a year, and I don't want us to rush into anything. So, Sally and I agreed to take our time planning everything for the wedding."

"Good call," I agreed.

Our attention was then focused on the display behind us as the firework show came to an end. When it was all over, everyone gave one more cheer.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

After that, the crowds began to disperse. Everyone started saying their goodbyes before making their way back to their homes. As hosts, Jack and Sally made the more formal send-offs. I had to admit, Sally did an excellent job concealing her engagement ring.

Meanwhile, Zack, Al and I were gathering up our gear from the party. Al tried loading up cupcakes, until Zack swooped in to steal a kiss, resulting in Al chasing him off toward the pumpkin patch. I was grabbing my stereo when Sally came over to help clean up. She told me Jack had gone to escort the Holiday Leaders back to their worlds. She also wanted to take home some of the leftover sweets from the party. I was helping her put together a plate when the Vampire Brothers walked over to us.

"Wonderful party, Miss Sally," Max praised.

"Yes, you were an exceptional hostess," John added. "Please, give our regards to Jack as well."

"Of course, and I'm glad you all enjoyed the party." Sally smiled pleasantly.

"Willa," Lon greeted, drawing my attention. "I do hope you enjoyed yourself. The music selection was quite phenomenal."

"Thanks," I said.

"By the way," Bella asked. "Was our nephew able to find you, my dear? He paid us a surprise visit earlier, and was asking for you."

"Nephew?"

"Yes, well, he really is our godson," Max explained. "We knew his mother's father many centuries ago in Transylvania. His mother looked to us as family and named each of us the boy's godfather, though he prefers to call us his uncles."

Suddenly, my mood soured. "Do you mean Puck?"

Bella chuckled. "Ah, he still prefers to call himself that. Yes, that is his name. I take it you found each other then?" he asked.

"Oh, I saw him alright," I said through clenched teeth, trying my best not to snap at them. "We… We had a, shall we say, disagreement."

"Oh dear, I do hope it was nothing serious," John asked. "The boy was rather rambunctious as a child."

"Hey, no harm done," I exaggerated, not wanting to continue the conversation.

Guess I my emotions were projecting too much because it seemed like Bela picked up on my mood. He turned to his brothers and said, "Well, it's about time we retire. Pleasant evening everyone."

"Pleasant evening," his brothers replied before all four vampires slipped away into the night.

I felt like I could finally catch my breath when Sally asked, "If you don't mind my asking, what exactly happened between you and this Puck? You seem really bothered by it."

I stayed quiet. Any other time I would gladly tell Sally what was bothering me, but this… This was something I wanted to keep to myself. Besides, how could I even explain what had happened? Al or Kat would give me hell, and then encourage me to go on a date with the guy. Though, to be honest, that wasn't the real problem.

I guess what really had me upset was the fact that Puck had kissed me. Considering we did not know each other at all, asking my permission with a have been nice. It's a bit cliché and completely old-fashioned, and I'm all for the idea of stealing a peck being cute if the mood is right.

But Puck had stolen my first kiss.

I guess I had paused too long because I felt a small hand on my shoulder. I looked over to find Sally smiling at me in an understanding way. She seemed to know that I didn't want to talk about it, and instead gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze before walking off with her bundle of party treats.

"I'll walk you and your friends back to the Underground Burial Chamber," Sally said as she continued walking. "Jack will meet us there after he's escorted the Holiday Leaders back to their worlds to give you all a proper goodbye."

From far off, I could see Zack running towards the Old Graveyard, yelling, "I regret nothing!"

"I run faster than you!" Al shouted, not far behind him.

"Just don't run over Sally, you two, or Zack is banned for a week!" I called as they disappeared ahead. Taking one last look around, I picked up my cupcake tray and, pulling my key from my pocket, I followed my friends back to the crypt.

I didn't have to walk far before I reached the Burial Chamber. Al had caught Zack and it was clear she had her way with him from the telltale lipstick marks around his lips. The triumphant grin on her face and Zack's flustered appearance had Sally laughing pretty hard. So hard, she never noticed the tall shadow creeping toward her. Without warning, Jack easily snuck up and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She screamed in delight as he turned her around and pressed a kiss to her red lips. It was a sight that made me smile.

What an adventure! Oogie Boogie was finally gone, but now Halloween Town could look forward to the upcoming wedding of its Pumpkin King and his rag doll bride-to-be. Al and Zach were getting closer every day, especially now that Zack shared our secret, and I could focus on finishing my college credits to be able to apply for a major university next Fall. Funny how my life had changed since that fateful night I was pulled into one of my favorite movies, only to discover another world, and then go on two epic adventures, one of them almost costing me my life. Looking down at my key, I had to wonder what other places I had thought to be only fiction could be waiting for me. I bet there are still plenty other places I could explore, but right now I will take cramming for finals and working at the craft store over battling giant world dominating monsters any day

"Let's get a move on!" Al shouted at me impatiently. "I've got my heart going, so let's keep it that way while we go through the creep crawlies' nest that you call a tunnel."

"Coming!" Besides, I still had to tell Al we were going to be Sally's bridesmaids.

The End

AN: Now the story has come to a close. I mean it, it's over this time. No more chapters!

Wow, this is the longest story I've ever written. I'd like to say thanks again to Werejaguar of Halloween Town and CosmicHorse for helping me with the edits, and I also wanna thank the readers for all the wonderful reviews. You guys really encouraged me in writing this, even when I hit a block and it took forever to update — again, sorry about that.

But I bet some of you are wondering if this is the end… Nope! It may be the final-final chapter (seriously, it's says "Complete" in the status) of this story, but there are plenty more adventures left in store. I hope you all enjoyed this and thank you again for all your reviews.