Disclaimer: Tying up a few loose ends.
Pip let out a sigh of relief as the story briefly paused, allowing himself to relax after turning into a stiff ball of worry, hugging his knees to his chest when it looked as though the Queen of Halloween wasn't going to win against the Shade. While some of the older kids quietly debated the merits of the Flame's plan, the little boy was just glad that everyone except the mean Shade was okay. It wouldn't be a very good story if the nice characters got hurt and the mean ones got away with everything, in his opinion.
The big bay window rattled for the first time in a while, prompting him to glance over and note the snow sticking to the panes and the streets beyond. The storm had let up gradually throughout the story, though he hadn't paid it much mind. He was far more invested in the plight of the characters than he was the weather, though every mention of the Snow Spirit did remind him how much he enjoyed playing in the white powder during winter. Truthfully, he was glad the Snow Spirit seemed okay after the Shade's attack; he would really hate the cold season if there was no hope for a snow day.
"Ah, the storm's let up, and it's starting to stick." The woman smiled, turning to the next page of the book. "Just a little more, but I'll make it quick. I'll skip the hijinks and harmless fun and get right to the end: the point of this tale and the message that I wish to send."
Leaning forward in interest, Pip ignored the older kids' groans of disappointment at not being able to start their trick-or-treating yet. While the story itself had a lot more kissing than he generally liked- something his mother assured her would change in a few short years- the little boy was eager to find out if everything would be okay in the fictional world. He hoped so; the Black Cat and the Snow Spirit didn't do anything wrong in becoming friends, so they shouldn't be punished for it either.
His eyes briefly scanned the pages of the book the old woman was skipping over, depicting the monsters landing in snow and marveling at the world the same way Blake had done on her first arrival in the snow covered plain. There were smaller scenes of various interactions- a whole host of creatures reacting in surprise and fear at the Silence saying something, the Flame gently smoking as she trudged through the snow while looking highly annoyed, the Twisted Clown being forcibly relieved of her squeaky shoes- before another two page spread of the night's outcome, where the woman began her story again.
Blake returned to the white expanse of Christmas Town a good deal more exhausted than she'd ever felt returning to her home. Traveling the mortal plane was far more taxing when she wasn't constantly soaking up the fear herself and the other monsters generated, but worth every second to see the world blanketed in a fresh layer of pristine white snow. The storm that Weiss and her family had generated to produce such an effect raged terribly in some areas, nearly driving some of even the most hardened creatures to anxiety, but they'd all stuck it out, trudging through the strong, cold winds and the onslaught of snow and sleet to deliver the presents the elves had worked so long to create for the little mortals. They lit candles as they went, in some areas, and consumed the offerings left for them with only a little trepidation. In the end, though it wasn't something any of them would be capable of doing multiple times without some scares to recharge, the denizens of Halloween Town managed to help save the peak of the Holiday Season, which was evidenced by their weary return to an exuberant Christmas Town.
The lights shone brighter, the cheer in the air even more infectious, and the elves were out in the streets soaking up the joy alongside the other creatures of their plane. The weary monsters, although not accustomed to the style in which it was done, recognized a party when they saw one and eagerly joined in as they returned. Despite returning to a hill some distance from the town itself, Blake could hear the mixed laughter, the high tinkling of the elves a sharp contrast to the more raucous amusement of the Clown or the Sound. However, before she could even head to Christmas Town to investigate, the Black Cat was suddenly struck by a strange sense of familiarity regarding her surroundings, looking around in confusion until it finally dawned.
Returning from the mortal plane to Halloween Town always put the creatures near the main gate. For Christmas Town, though, each came back at a different location, and the one whatever powers existed chose for her to return to was the very same hill from her first trip into the plane, where she met Weiss. On a whim, she walked towards the tree that she'd found Weiss sitting in what seemed like so long ago, the fresh snow crunching beneath her with every step.
Warmth- the kind that always accompanied the woman's presence- filled her the moment golden eyes landed on the Snow Spirit's form, sitting on the same branch as that first time. The only differences were the length of her hair, the pure white strands stretching nearly to the ground and swaying gently in the wind, and the expression on her face, the beautiful and soft smile a great improvement over the past annoyance.
She couldn't help but return the expression, standing beneath the tree as snow fell all around them. "Weiss."
"Blake." Her smile widened for a moment before she leaned back, falling towards the ground below gracefully. However, rather than simply landing, the woman dispersed into a flurry of snowflakes that rushed towards the Black Cat, engulfing her and lifting her off the snow covered hill.
She couldn't help it; she laughed. After weeks of seeing the woman so tired and exhausted from trying to catch up and dealing with her family, to see the Snow Spirit so strong and vibrant, surrounded by her element- it was almost cathartic, especially with the horror from the night before still fresh in her mind. Learning the tricks and nuances of delivering presents in the mortal realm had helped distract her but being reminded of their first meeting also brought her attention to the black scar she now bore, the mark Adam's ridiculous antics left behind. The realization that she would forever bear that mark- a testament to the Black Cat's broken promise- was sobering, even among so much jubilation.
Weiss must've sensed the shift in her demeanor, her physical form materializing as they remained suspended in the air, borne on a cloud of snowflakes effortlessly called forth. Cool fingers traced along her jaw, gently grabbing her chin and directed downcast golden eyes up to meet sparkling blue ones. "What's wrong, my love?"
She reached up, caressing the woman's cheek with tender care, Blake's thumb brushing against the lowest tip of the mark. "I want to promise you that this will never happen again... but I'm scared I can't keep it."
"I'm not, and I never will be." With her other hand, she flicked her wrist, summoning a ring of snowflakes to swirl around her open palm. "If there's one thing you taught me over the past few months, it's that there's no reason for us to be afraid of fear. This may have been a harsh lesson for us to learn, but we're stronger for it." With a subtle flexing of her hand, the snowflakes flew up to all four of the Black Cat's ears, the cold stinging for only a moment as they solidified and attached themselves. It took a moment- and a flicking of her feline appendages- for her to recognize the earrings for what they were, a smile tugging at her lips. "There. The mortals will be opening their own presents soon enough. It's only fair you should get one yourself."
"Ah, but now what am I to get you?" She tried to push aside the melancholy still plaguing her, acknowledging that she obviously wouldn't be the one to dissuade the determined Snow Spirit. "I'm not as good at conjuring as you are."
"Hmmm, you're creative," the woman replied, not-so-subtly running her thumb across Blake's lips. "You'll think of something."
Not one to disappoint, the Black Cat leaned in, using the hand still on Weiss' cheek to guide her into a kiss she was all too eager to return, the flurry pushing them just a tad bit higher. Not one to be outdone, however, Blake pulled her paramour more firmly against herself and began to growl softly, imitating the purr of a regular housecat. It surprised the woman enough that she broke the kiss to laugh, something the Queen of Halloween capitalized on by pressing soft little kisses to her face and neck to prolong her amusement, finally landing on her left eye and lingering there for a moment.
When she pulled back, Weiss looked even more vibrant than before, leaning in to rest her head against Blake's shoulder as they held each other. For a moment, she was content to remain like that, but then a thought occurred to her and she craned her neck a little, setting the words against her paramour's ear. "I love you, Weiss."
The Snow Spirit stiffened in surprise, pulling away just enough to look up into her eyes and confirm that she hadn't imagined hearing the words. The snow swirled around them more vigorously than before, pushing Weiss up into another kiss that sent the Black Cat staggering slightly, a laugh trapped behind her lips as they were both nearly brought down. Only the flurry surrounding them kept either on their feet, both laughing once they'd separated as the woman's brief surge of happiness settled. "I love you, too, Blake."
Pulling her paramour's lithe frame firmly again her, the Queen of Halloween allowed her eyes to slip closed as she rested her chin among snow white locks, a pleased smile on her face.
"You're tired, aren't you?"
"A little." She confessed softly, the energy her paramour's presence instilled within her beginning to wane. There was no time to rest ever since banishing Adam and that had taken a good deal of her strength to do, not to mention jumping through shadows across the mortal plane to deliver all the presents.
"Where would you like to rest?" Despite her smaller stature, the Snow Spirit was obviously willing to take full advantage of her stronger state, lowering them to the ground gently while shifting her arms to bear the brunt of Blake's weight in a bridal carry. "I can take us anywhere. Christmas Town, Halloween Town, the mortal plane- wherever you desire."
"I should volunteer my services more often," she replied in jest, ears drooping slightly as the weight of her exhaustion began to settle on her. "I should find the Mayor and have him take the others back, first. Then... how about right here?"
"I give you the choice of anywhere we know exists, and you opt for the mundane." Weiss chuckled, shaking her head fondly. "But I suppose you don't think of it that way, do you?"
"No," she said, sneaking in another kiss to the woman's cheek. "I can't imagine your part is already done and I don't want to keep you from your duties." She rested their foreheads together. "But I don't want to leave your side just yet, either. Let's stay among the snow a little longer."
"As you wish." The snow swirled around them, forming a make shift bed softer than anything Blake had ever felt before, and strangely not as cold as she expected once they were settled down upon it. While the bedding made it extremely difficult to entertain the idea of seeking out Ozpin, there was no denying how utterly comfortable it was to curl up beside each other after such an eventful night, with nothing but the gently falling snow to keep them company.
However, their peace didn't last long.
"Weiss."
Blake frowned at the King's voice intruding upon their quiet, ears turning down as she cracked an eye open to regard the man standing just a few feet away.
"Father." Although she didn't seem enthused by the intrusion, the Snow Spirit rose up to politely acknowledge her father all the same. She stopped from getting all the way up, however, when he gestured with his hands at brought cold, biting wind to circle around his hands.
"It occurs to me that I played a part in these events and that, were I to make a simple concession, they might be avoided in the future."
Weiss bristled almost immediately, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. "You were eavesdropping."
"It's hardly eavesdropping when it occurs in my domain," he replied, brushing off her concern while focusing on a ball of light that had formed between his hands, the winds he'd conjured shaping it into a familiar object, though much smaller than the ones Blake had seen spread through Christmas Town and the mortal plane. The creation was quick- maybe a handful of seconds- and he presented the pure white fir tree to them the moment the winds died down, allowing both to see the black snowflake topper and the white cat stand curled around the base. "At any rate, here. This, I believe, will solve some of the problem."
Although she didn't really have the energy for it, Blake sat up to inspect the tree, reaching out to take it after the Snow Spirit gave a nod. She could feel the severe chill seeping into her fingers from holding the thing and the Christmas Town magic thrumming through each needle, glowing with a power all its own. "What's this?"
"A piece of my power." King Cold frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's clear to me, now, that whatever bond exists between the two of you, it won't break anytime soon. For the sake of both our planes and the mortals, I must take what measures I can to ensure that we don't compromise our respective purposes." Every word was a grudging admission, there was no doubt about that, but beneath the gruffness, Blake could pick out the genuine concern and care Old King Cold harbored for his daughter. Maybe, with time and effort, the Black Cat could erode the wariness with which he regarded her. "Take this to your plane and guard it well. So long as it exists, Weiss will retain the same strength she has here. But, I'll warn both of you now." His brows furrowed, expression grave. "The mortal realm can't sustain a long cold season every year. It will be a new responsibility for both of you to balance your visits to prevent the snow from coming too early." The King paused, shoulders sagging slightly. "However... it may be easier, on the years where much snow is needed, to start the season earlier."
Blake's ears perked up, golden eyes falling to the little tree before sliding towards her paramour. In all this time, she hadn't dared entertain the thought that Weiss could join her on Halloween Town's night, crossing into the mortal plane beside the Black Cat to enjoy a few scares. What sort of new tricks could they create with her snow? What wonders could the two of them experience, side-by-side and at the height of their strength?
A hand on her shoulder brought her attention away from the endless list of possibilities forming in her head, the Snow Spirit looking just as excited as she when their eyes met. Still, the woman tempered her enthusiasm. "Although I appreciate the gesture, Father, I'm not sure if Blake-"
Her ears laid back as she pulled the tree closer to her chest protectively. "Please don't finish that sentence." Weiss raised a brow, a teasing smile on her lips, but acquiesced, allowing the Black Cat to address Old King Cold herself. "Thank you for the gift, sir; I'll treat it with the respect it deserves." She paused, bowing her head. "And I am truly sorry for my own negligence."
Even if the Snow Spirit didn't want any more of her apologies, she felt obligated to offer them to the King.
"I... believe that's something we're both guilty of, in this particular case," he said, though he seemed entirely unwilling to do so. After a moment's hesitation, he sighed and nodded his head. "Perhaps they'll even make a carol out of the lesson we've learned today." Turning away, the cold wind blew once more signalling his departure. "Happy Halloween, to both of you."
"Merry Christmas," Blake replied, looking down at the tree in wonder at the precious gift, imagining what the next Halloween might be like with her paramour at her side.
"Happy Holidays, Father."
Even as Old King Cold disappeared, a new surge of energy rushed through the Black Cat and propelled her to her feet, one hand held out for the Snow Spirit while the other carefully cradled her prize. "We should go find Ozpin. The sooner we get back to Halloween Town, the sooner I can put this in it's place."
"Already picked a spot out, have you?" The Snow Spirit smiled, accepting the help and pressing close to Blake's side without prompting, enjoying the fond nuzzle she received as the Black Cat teemed with energy. "I will have to return relatively soon."
Blake frowned slightly, looking away from the tree to meet her paramour's gaze. "... maybe this can wait-"
"No." Weiss squeezed her around the middle gently. "Let's attend to it now. If my guess is right, I'll be able to transition between the planes much easier once it's in place, and I can bring us both back the moment it is." She paused, raising a hand to gently trace the sapphire sitting at the hollow of her throat. "If I'm wrong, then I'm sure Father or Winter will come fetch me."
With a smile reclaiming her features, the Black Cat took a moment to steal another kiss, which was returned even as a flurry of snowflakes lifted the pair up. Hopefully, she would have enough energy to land them safely in Halloween Town, and then they could return for some much needed rest.
The sun was just beginning to set as they reached the towering Hellsgate that led down to the catacombs, the dying light illuminated the presently abandoned town in a beautiful dark red so alike fresh blood. Off in the distance, the Crow and the Raven circled, waiting for the monsters of Halloween Town to step through the portal so they could be caught and flown down to a more manageable height, though that often depended on how difficult the particular individual was being. Regardless, Blake left them to their antics and turned her attention to prompting the gate to swing open and admit her entry, but the iron held fast.
"That's strange," she said, exchanging a slightly worried look with the Snow Spirit. Blake reached out a hand to see if she could force the door open but stopped when Gambol Shroud materialized in front of her, her coat shining a brilliant purple that gently pulsed with its own light.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Blake gestured with the tree in her hand. "To put this in the room with the items from other planes. It's the most protected place in all Halloween Town that I know of."
"That's about to change." Weiss pressed closer to the Black Cat as the First formed, far more solid than its previous appearance. Jet black shadows rippled as it stepped forward, far larger than Gambol Shroud though the latter seemed unconcerned regarding the size difference. Perhaps the two had communicated since their first meeting or it was simply the calm air surrounding the projection but either way, when the First looked up at her, Blake didn't feel the need to aggressively assert her place, bearing the weight of its gaze much easier than before. She inclined her head respectfully and was given a nod in response before the First continued. "This is not something to be hidden away. As long as you reign, it should be where all can see it." Immediately, her gaze deviated towards the cliff where Adam's mansion stood, worry pinching her brow. "You needn't be concerned. We will guard it from all."
Although slightly dubious, the Black Cat was set at ease as two more projections materialized out of thin air. Caught somewhere between Gambol Shroud's translucent purple and the First's midnight black, the other two were also between them in size, the Second and Third former rulers dipping their heads politely to the reigning Queen.
Seeing as there were likely no better protectors than her predecessors, Blake turned her gaze up towards the tower of her home, the shattered top catching the dying light of the setting sun beautifully. "There."
"As you command."
The specters dissipated just as a flurry of snowflakes appeared beneath her, Weiss' arms wrapping around her middle.
"Shall we?" Blue eyes glanced up to their destination, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths.
"Let's."
Blake smiled as the power of the little tree already began working its magic, the duo lifted up through the Snow Spirit's strength alone. They soared up and over Halloween Town, borne on the flurry and a lightly chilly breeze instead of the shadows they usually used to traverse the Black Cat's plane, arriving at the top of the tower just as the spectral projections were materializing themselves. Conjuring a stand in the most stable part of the tower's ruined top, Blake set the tree in the middle of it and stood back, wrapping an arm around Weiss' waist as her predecessors turned their attention to the little tree.
"We shall stand guard over this for as long as you rule," the First said, black vapors slipping away from its body to swirl around the stand.
"We shall add its power to ours, and ours to its; we cement the bond," the second said, its voice much softer as it mimicked their predecessor.
The Third nodded, purple tinged whisps of darkness sliding from its form. "We, who came before you, stand with you now to ensure this."
"By the edict of the Queen of Halloween, past and present, we make this vow." Gambol Shroud stepped up, placing a paw just in front of the stand.
With a flash of purple light, the forms of her predecessors dispelled, leaving behind a shimmering barrier that fell over the tree and stand like an ethereal blanket. On the wood floor where Gambol had stood, there were two fresh carvings- a black snowflake and a white cat curled beneath it.
Standing before the testament to their bond- to their love, she decided with a smile- Blake turned to look into her paramour's eyes, seeing the happiness coursing through her reflected back. With hardly a moment's hesitation, Weiss moved forward and the Black Cat eagerly met her, the two sharing a kiss as, for the first time, snow fell in Halloween Town.
"And so every few years, on Halloween Night, our world is blanketed by snow and fright," the woman said, holding the book open so it displayed the last page of the story, where the Black Cat and the Snow Spirit stood side-by-side while the monsters of Halloween Town cheered and played in the newly fallen snow. "It's the time when these two can freely roam the word beyond each other's home. The Snow Spirit and the Queen of Halloween, a union the likes of which we've never seen, are rarely ever far apart, and they always dwell within the other's heart." She chuckled, standing up from her chair and moving towards the bookcase to return the tome. "Now, the storm has settled and both are here to play, so let's gather our bags and be on our way!" She turned back around once the book was tucked back into its place, smiling widely. "It's Halloween, so children come, and enjoy the night of fright and fun!"
With a shout from several of the more antsy kids, there was an explosion of motion all around Pip, the little boy taking a moment to process that the story was really over before he got up himself. Pushing his eye patch back into place, he gathered up this plastic sword and shoved it into his belt before grabbing the bag he'd picked out for collecting candy and joined the rest of the kids by the door while their caretaker helped the smaller ones with their costumes. Now that his first official trick-or-treating adventure was all set to begin, he couldn't help but think of the story and how excited the Black Cat must've been on her first Halloween.
"Careful children, and away we go," the woman said, pulling the door open and calling out as the first few older kids dashed out. "And no running in the snow!"
Pip just barely heeded the warning himself as he pushed out into the cool, early winter night. It wasn't as cold as the wind earlier, the falling snow bringing a little warmth thanks to the blanket of clouds overhead, and the excitement running through his tiny frame fought back against the chill of the wind more effectively than a coat, though he doubted they would stay out very long. Still, a little trick-or-treating was better than none, so Pip adjusted his hat and set off with everyone else, the bigger kids leading the way while the one adult accompanying them brought up the rear with the smaller ones.
They ended up staying out for three full streets, going to every door, knocking, and asking for candy. Most of the houses were decorated, and even some of the adults too, giving out more candy than normal seeing as a lot of people stayed in due to the storm. Pip's bag was heavy when they finally started heading back towards their starting point, and he was eager to sort through it all and trade away the ones he didn't want- a tradition, he was told, that was as old as trick-or-treating itself- but one of the older kids tapped him on the shoulder as they started around a corner.
"Hey, wanna see something cool?"
He nodded and followed the older kids as they ducked into an alleyway behind the row of houses they'd just trick-or-treated at, curious as to what he was going to be shown. However, almost the moment they made the turn, the group came to a sudden stop, apparently confused by what they were seeing themselves. Pip had to walk around the bigger kids so he could see, spotting two girls playing in the snow, their laughter ringing out in the night air easily. He squinted at them, realizing belatedly that they were much older than him- adults, probably, and dressed up in costumes of their own. One looked like a witch, with a flowing blue dress that swirled around her heels and a big floppy hat while the other...
"She's a pirate! Just like me!" He couldn't help but note with a wide smile, admiring the way her long, white coat looked as it shifted just enough to reveal the buckles on her boots and belt, a more realistic sword hanging off her hip. She also wore a cool hat that completed the look, where he only had an old bandanna tied around his head.
"Pirates are lame." One of the older kids sneered, looking down at him through his skeleton mask. "They're not even that scary!"
Pip frowned, looking down at his bag as he tried to hold back the tears. He didn't care if pirates were scary; he thought they were cool, and Halloween was the one time every year he could dress up as one. It didn't have to be scary to be a good Halloween costume, right?
"What do you know about being scary, kid?"
His head snapped up as a few of the other kids muttered to themselves, all of them looking around. Pip didn't recognize the voice and it sounded really close, but there was no one but their little group in the alleyway. Even the two adults had disappeared and, suddenly, in their place stood someone in bluejeans and a dark hoodie, hands in the pouch and the hood drawn up to obscure their face.
"Who are you?" The skeleton boy puffed out his chest, acting like he wasn't afraid. The person at the other end of the alleyway might believe it but Pip, standing next to him, could see the faint tremble in the boy's arms.
The hooded figure looked up, blood red eyes glowing from beneath his hood as his mouth split in a sharp, toothy grin. "Your worst nightmare."
It sounded like some one was coming up behind them and the older kids looked, whirling around to face the threat creeping up on them, while Pip remained still. In a blink of his eyes, the figure was gone, though his voice remained, taunting them.
"Don't try to run. You won't wake up." The hairs on the back of the little boy's neck stood up at the laughter that followed, clutching his bag tightly and shutting his eyes while the bigger kids shrieked and ran away, pelting back out into the street and towards their guardian for the night while Pip remained, muttering to himself under his breath.
"He won't hurt me, he won't hurt me, he won't hurt me," he said, forcing himself to open his eyes and look up.
There, in front of him, was the figure, towering over his small frame. The man leaned down, his eyes glowing brighter as he sneered. "And what makes you think I'll be so kind, little boy?"
In that moment, Pip gave the only answer he could muster. "B-b-b-b-because the Black C-cat won't let you."
It was like a switch was flipped. Before his conscious mind could register the change, the terrifying man was gone, and in his place stood a boy perhaps no taller than Pip himself, pulling back his black hood to reveal a shock of hair as red as his eyes. "Whoa, you're one of Blake's friends? No wonder you weren't scared."
The boy looked kinda sad, his shoulders slumping slightly, and Pip realized that he was, in fact, talk to the Shade- the new one, though, not the old mean one- and quickly spoke up. "Nuh uh! I was really scared! Terrified! I just... knew you weren't going to hurt me."
The Shade tilted his head to the side in contemplation before seeming to accept his explanation. "Well, I wouldn't- I'm not like the one who came before me."
"That's good." He turned, looking towards the street where the other kids had escaped. "Are you going to scare them again?"
"Should I?"
"I think you should." Pip blinked and turned, noting the adults from earlier had reappeared, both wearing small smiles. The pirate was the one who spoke, though, continuing with a mischievous twinkle in her golden eyes. "They were being very rude, and that's not in the Halloween Spirit."
"Okay!" The young Shade started to turn away before pausing. "One of those kids... I think he's scared of clowns?"
"I think you're right. Go ahead and call for Yang; she's always willing to help," the pirate replied, lifting her gaze for a moment. "Just remember to stay out of sight; that's where your strength lies, so use it to your advantage."
He nodded, turning and disappearing into the night in the blink of an eye while a horn ominously honked in the distance, followed by a series of screams. Pip didn't pay either much mind, however, his own chocolate colored gaze riveted to the two women standing before him. Now that they were closer, he could see the witch's snow white hair and the white piercings in the pirate's ears.
Tentatively, he spoke. "Are... are you the Black Cat and the Snow Spirit?"
The two exchanged a glance before they knelt in front of him, the pirate lifting a hand to pick up her hat and wiggle the feline ears beneath it while the witch pulled snowflakes from the air around them to dance in her palm.
"You caught us, little one," the Snow Spirit said, a wide smile on her lips. "I'm glad our story hasn't been forgotten yet."
"It's been a few decades, hasn't it?" The Black Cat mused, reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder. He could feel it, but just barely, like she was only partly there. "Believe me when I say that pirates are not lame, little one. I wouldn't have dressed up as one myself if they were." She looked up briefly. "Now, run along; your guardian should be along soon."
"Okay!" He took a few steps backwards, smiling and nodding. "Happy Halloween! And Merry Christmas!"
The Black Cat and the Snow Spirit smiled, looking at one another just like they did in the book. Pip didn't understand why love was so important to adults, but he hoped he would find someone who looked at him the same way they looked at each other. It just seemed right.
When he reached the beginning of the alleyway, the two waved him goodbye before the Black Cat reached over and took the Snow Spirit's hand, leading her away as they pressed close.
"Pip, little one, where did the others go?" His gaze was pulled away from the sight by the woman rounding the corner, a furrow in her brows. "Why is it only you standing here in the snow?"
He couldn't help but smile rushing towards her. "They got scared off by the Shade! I got to talk to him! And the Black Cat and the Snow Spirit, too!"
While the other kids expressed with disbelief or disappointment at having missed them, the woman merely laughed. She did so again when the older kids came running around the corner, each looking pale, as though they were terrified, and begging to go back to the house. She ushered the lot of them down the street, and this time it was Pip pulling up the rear, looking around to see if he could catch one last glimpse of the otherworldly couple.
By luck, he spied them sitting on a house's roof a little ways off, side-by-side and leaning into one another, gazing up at the moon. From the shadows below them, he could see the Shade poke his head out, catching sight of the little pirate and waving a hand in farewell, a gesture Pip readily returned before hurrying to catch up with the others.
Even though he knew it probably couldn't happen next year, he hoped the snow would come on Halloween again very soon. Maybe then he could see the two again, and the Shade too, and some of the other Halloween Town monsters.
And maybe he could ask about the one he swore was hiding under his bed.
Author's Note: IT'S FINALLY DONE. Holy crap. Like. Seriously. I didn't think it would get this long. Credit for the 'costumes' worn by Blake and Weiss at the end go to tumblr user dashingicecream, from her Halloween stream earlier this year; go check out her art, it's all adorable and awesome. Hope you're enjoying your holidays, thank you for reading, faving, following, and reviewing, and stay safe out there. Oh, and if you're curious as to what my next big fic might be, head over to my tumblr (same username as here) DEC 26-30 for previews of some fics I've been working on this year. In the meantime, I'll be posting up some ridiculous, short stuff. Again, happy holidays, take care, and here's hoping 2017 doesn't suck as bad.