Poisoned
[The scene opens with a group of adults lined up at a building with their children in tow. This takes place during the events of "The Fire Inside" as a sort of story within a story. Merlin and the Fairy Godmother are seeing the guests into the room as the children are lead into a colorful space]
Merlin: Hoho, steady on there, little ones! No need to shove, o-OH, careful, mind your step.
Fairy Godmother: Now then, you all just line up in there, that's good, we'll be with you shortly.
Bandit: Right, thank you for lookin' after the kids this evening, Mr…Wizard, is it?
Merlin: Hehe, oh, don't worry about the formalities, old boy, just call me Merlin.
Chilli: Okay, girls, mum and dad are gonna be gone for a few hours, be good for the grown-ups, alright?
Bluey: Oh, we promise we will, mum. In fact, I'll bet you five biscuits we'll be as good as gold!
Chilli: Hehe, I'll hold you to it.
Bingo: Mum, are you and dad going to be gone for very long?
Chilli: Awww, don't worry, Bingo, we're just gonna be out for a few hours.
Bandit: Yeah, besides, we might leave early if the party's not a hoot.
Bluey: Awwww, I wish I could go to a gala.
Bandit: I know ya' would, sport, but in a place filled with booze, wine, and caviar, it's no place fa' little kids. But, hey, keep ya' chin up and someday ya' might come along.
[Bluey gives a small smile at this as the scene cuts to the Boat Gang and Georgette bidding Oliver goodbye]
Dodger: Now, you just sit tight for a lil' bit, kid, I've got some booze to dish out.
Georgette: If you get drunk, I am not going to be the one carrying you out.
Rita: Don't worry ya' pretty lil head, Georgie, we'll leave that to Francis and Einstein.
Francis: HMPH, of course you'd pin it on yours truly.
Einstein: Huh, what's the issue here?
Francis: [sighs] You don't pay enough attention, do you?
Einstein: Only to the most important things in front of me.
Francis: Wait…is that a double-meaning?
Oliver: You think you can get me anything from the party?
Tito: Ehhhhhh, man, I hear these high class places got the best cigars, hehe, what you say, hombre? We do a few rounds after I rummage the place?
Georgette: Absolutely not, unless you wanna be the one in charge of cleaning his mouth.
Tito: A feisty one, aren't you, amiga?
Georgette: Then it's lucky your tastes have changed, isn't that right, Tito?
Tito: Uh…I dunno what you mean by that…
[Tito's face flushes as Francis and Dodger flank him on either side]
Dodger: Oh, I think you know exactly what she means…
Francis: Still a bit…sheepish about the affair…?
Tito: …You both want burn marks, you could have just asked.
Oliver: …What does that mean, anyway?
Tito: Trust me, pequeno, it's a very private discussion.
Oliver: Oooooooh, now I get it…
Einstein: I sorta get it, so you're not alone.
Rita: Guys, am I right? [winks]
[The scene cuts to Augie
Doggie being held in his father's arms as he's about to leave]
Augie: Will you come back safe, dear old dad?
Doggie: Augie, my son, my son, ya' dad's just goin' to a fancy party. What's the worst that could happen?
Augie: You probably shouldn't jinx it, father of mine.
Doggie: Hehehe, no need ta' be superstitious of your old man. I promise I'll be back standin' on these own two legs. I might even bring ya' back a treat if I can.
Augie: Okay, I hope you have fun, pop.
Doggie: With dis suit, I'm sure ta' attract a crowd.
[Doggie Daddy straightens his collarbone over a navy blue suit. The scene cuts to Mama Bear and Papa Bear talking with the Fairy Godmother]
Mama: I know it's an odd thing to ask, but I trust the children will be in good hands?
Fairy Godmother: Oh, don't you worry bout a thing, Mrs. Bear, these little angels will be taken care of, we've a fun night ahead of us, that's for sure.
Papa: Well, in that case, there's nothin' to worry about. After all, with magic, I'm sure everything'll be just fine.
Mama: I suppose that's true. [leans down] Now, children, I want you to be extra good for Fairy Godmother and Merlin. We'll be gone for a few hours so if anything comes up, you can call us.
Brother: Don't worry, Mama, we'll be fine.
Sister: Yeah, you must be feeling lucky going to a fancy ball.
Mama: Haha, well, it is a special occasion, haven't been to one for a long time.
Papa: And now's the time to live it. So, you kids have fun, we'll see you in a bit.
[The final farewell is shown by Scrappy-Doo being dropped off by Mystery Inc. In comparison to the other children, the small Great Dane is more indignant about being left of the party]
Daphne: There you go, Scrappy-Doo, you'll have a fun time with the others here.
Scrappy: Not as fun as that party you're going to, why can't a guy like me be included?
Velma: Practicality, the grown-ups go to the big events while the children are left in the care of guardians. Besides, you'd probably find it boring.
Scrappy: I never get to go to any parties these days.
Fred: Well, that's due in part to what you do at said parties.
Scrappy: Such as?
Fred: [coughs] The cake.
Shaggy: Man, I dunno how you set fire to a twelve-layer, I was gonna savor every last bit of it.
Scooby: [claps his paws together] Rest in peace, rittle marble cake.
Scrappy: Uncle Scooby, can I please come to the ball? Please?
[Scrappy gives the puppy-dog eyes in an attempt to get his way…this seems to work on Scooby at first…before he shakes his head and gives a pat on his nephew's head]
Scooby: Ron't be upset, Scrappy. R'm sure you'll have a great 'rime.
[Scrappy crosses his arms as his uncle continues to dote on his head]
Scooby: Rome on, gimme rat Scrappy smile I 'row so well.
[Reluctantly, Scrappy gives a wide smile to appease his elders]
Daphne: We'll be back to pick you up after the party. Be good now.
[Daphne affectionately scritches the top of Scrappy's head]
[Upon giving their final goodbyes, the adults leave for the ball, leaving the children with Merlin and Fairy Godmother. The two magical figures smile down at the youths]
Fairy Godmother: Now then, what say we get our own party started?
Bingo: Really, we're going to have a party too?
Merlin: Hoho, of course, little one! After all, if they're going to a party, who's to say you can't have some fun too? In fact, I've got just the ticket!
[Merlin pulls out his wand and with a wave, a set of shiny baubles are now hanging from the roof, the children look up in wonderment]
Fairy Godmother: I believe a few games are in order. Bippity-boopity-boop!
[With a wave of her wand, Fairy Godmother produces a set of games that glide down to the floor, consisting of several recognizable board games, a Pin the Tail on the Donkey target on the wall, a set of targets with plastic arrows donning rubber suction tips, and a set of paints, brushes, pens, pencils, papers, and decals on the table to draw and sketch]
Fairy Godmother: And to top it off; snacks and sweets!
[With another wave of her wand, Fairy Godmother produces a tray of brownies and sets it on the table. The children appear quite happy with the arrangements. However, one pup in particular still has reservations over what's happening, but keeps it to himself for the time being]
Fairy Godmother: Now then, children, who wants to listen to a story?
[A chorus of "ME"s comes from Bluey, Bingo, Augie, Brother, Sister, Marie, Toulouse, Berlioz, Sagwa, Dongwa, Sheegwa, and Oliver]
Merlin: Hohoho, okay, okay, settle down, everyone.
Bingo: Fairy Godmother, can you tell us the story of Cinderella, please?
Toulouse: I wanna hear the story of Prince Arthur.
Fairy Godmother: Don't worry your little heads, there will be plenty of time to tell our stories.
Scrappy: AHEM! I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I happen to have a little story of my own.
Marie: Oh, not another one of your tall-tales, Scrappy-Doo.
Scrappy: Hey! They're not tall-tales!
Berlioz: They kind of are…
Sagwa: The last story you told was of some witch's ghost you didn't even see.
Toulouse: Besides, everyone knows I'm the best storyteller around here.
Scrappy: Okay then, I've got a better story this time around.
Patch: Is it another story you made up?
Scrappy: Oh no, the gang told me all about this one, it happened a long time ago before I came into the picture.
Dongwa: Gee, I wonder who the masked person was this time…
Sheegwa: This isn't a very scary story, is it?
Scrappy: Whaaaaat? Naaaah, it's perfectly PG.
[Unbeknownst to everyone else, Scrappy's fingers are crossed behind his back as he says this]
Sagwa: Well…I suppose a story couldn't hurt.
Toulouse: So long as it's entertaining.
Marie: And it makes sense.
Scrappy: [clears throat] Excuse me, Fairy Godmother, Merlin, may I please tell my story?
Fairy Godmother: Just so long as it's appropriate, you can tell us as you please.
Scrappy: Hehe, right then, gather 'round, I've got a story that'll knock your socks off.
Berlioz: I'm getting bad signs already…
[Marie, Berlioz, Toulouse, Sagwa, Dongwa, Sheegwa, Patch, Lucky, Rolly, Penny, Cadpig, Dizzy, Dee-Dee, Bluey, Bingo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Brother, Sister, Fievel, Oliver, Spike, and Pinocchio all gather around Scrappy as he makes a gesture for the lights to be dimmed before putting a flashlight behind him for dramatic effect]
Scrappy: This story goes all the way back to the 70s, on one Halloween night, the gang solved one of their biggest mysteries ever. This is the tale…of the Candy Man…
[The scene transitions to a flashback as the setting changes to Halloween night of '74. A VHS filter is placed over the footage with the soundtrack changed to fit the time period. On this night, the Mystery Inc Gang are cruising around a neighborhood in their iconic van, passing by the children decked out in costumes, going up and down the streets to collect candy from people's doors. The gang aren't slacking in that department either; Fred at the wheel is dressed as a vampire, Daphne in the middle is dressed as a black cat, Velma on the passenger side is dressed as mad scientist, Shaggy and Scooby in the back are dressed as a werewolf and pumpkin respectively]
Daphne: Man, who knew dressing as a black cat would win you so many dances at a party?
Velma: It's simple logic; the most revealing outfits attract the easiest targets.
Fred: Well, I like to think I got a few good passes at Susan's party, vampires are all the rage.
Shaggy: Like, if you ask me, the best part of a Halloween party ain't the dancin', but all the free loot you can scoop up. Just lookit all this.
[Inside a brown straw bag is a whole bunch of candy of various flavors and assortments]
Scooby: Reah, all you can eat and ren some.
Daphne: I could care less about candy, it would ruin this perfect complexion of mine.
Velma: Not even for a white chocolate snickerdoodle?
[Velma holds up the treat she was describing with a smug look on her face, even more so as Daphne turns in surprise]
Daphne: Where?!
[Scooby and Shaggy snicker as Fred rolls his eyes]
Fred: Honestly, we could do more tricks than treats. You shoulda seen those kids running when I said "I 'vant to suck your blood!"
Shaggy: Huh, vampires don't compare to werewolves, ain't that right, Scoob? Awooooooooooooo!
[Scooby snickers, but the fun is soon interrupted as an ambulance's siren pierces through the scene, and the vehicle rushes past the Mystery Machine]
Scooby: Roly smokes! Rat was that?!
Velma: It looks like it's heading towards that house.
Shaggy: Wow, that musta been one party, they got stretchers and everything.
[The scene cuts to another ambulance outside of a house as the paramedics are shown lifting a young boy up onto a stretcher while his panic-stricken parents watch from the porch, a little girl standing beside them unsure of what to think of the matter]
Daphne: I don't think that's a party, something doesn't look right over there…
Fred: Hmmm, maybe we can get a better look…
[Freddy parks the van on the side of the road and the gang disembarks from the vehicle, heading towards the house before they are stopped by the police]
Police Officer #1: Hold it, you kids! This is official police business!
Velma: We mean no disrespect, officer, but can you tell us what happened?
Police Officer #2: The boy in his house got sick from eating poisoned candy. He's in a pretty bad state as we speak.
Shaggy: P-P-Poisoned candy?
Scooby: But 're were rust eating candy…DOOOOOH!
Shaggy: Hooooo, Scoob, catch me, I think I'm gonna faint!
[Shaggy collapses to the ground in front of Daphne]
Daphne: Oh my!
Velma: Poisoned candy, you say, who'd be crooked enough to pull off such an extreme act?
Fred: Gang, I think we've got a mystery on our hands.
Daphne: Freddy, this is serious, we're talking about poison here.
[Fred's expression becomes humble and sheepish]
Fred: Uh, ahem, sorry, Daph, instinct, ya' know.
Velma: Right now, we should get Shaggy and Scooby over to the hospital, just in case.
[The scene transitions to the gang at the hospital as Fred, Daphne, and Velma are all waiting for their other two friends to be cleared]
Daphne: I just can't believe it, who would be giving out poisoned candy?
Fred: Some kind of nut job trying to do a sick prank, I reckon.
[At that moment, a doctor and a nurse are shown coming out into the main hall with Shaggy and Scooby right behind them]
Daphne: Oh thank goodness, you're alright!
Doctor: There's no need for any of you to worry. We couldn't find any traces of poison in your friends' systems, so they're good to go.
Shaggy: Phew, looks like candy's still my friend after all.
Velma: That's great to hear, but what about the boy from earlier? Is he alright?
[The doctor's expression turns grave as the nurse looks down at her clipboard]
Doctor: I'm afraid it's bad news for the little lad…
Nurse: He didn't even make it to the hospital before…you know…
[The Gang is silent for a moment, a feeling of sadness shared by one another]
Daphne: That poor boy…what was his name?
Nurse: Jimmy Harlan. We found out he had consumed a lethal dose of cyanide.
Velma: I'm sorry, did you say cyanide?
Doctor: Yes, we found out from his father that the Pixy Stick Jimmy consumed had been tampered with, poisoned in fact.
Shaggy: [gulps] Thank god we didn't eat any of those, right, Scoob?
[Scooby gulps and touches his stomach]
Scooby: Rah, rooooooooo…
Fred: You know, I once heard of an urban legend that a man would spike candies with poison, there just might be a connection there.
Velma: The difference is that was merely a legend, this is an actual case of food poisoning. Where did they say they got the candy from?
Nurse: Mr. Harlan said he got the candy from a neighbor when they went trick or treating.
Fred: How strange…there's gotta be more leads to this.
Daphne: I just hope none of the other kids got any of that candy.
Shaggy: Yeah, like, man, talk about havin' the worst night of your life, and it's on Halloween. And here I thought all that scary stuff was just for show.
Velma: I say we investigate further, we're bound to come up with a suspect.
[The scene transitions to a couple days later outside of a church as the organ inside can be heard playing. The doors are open as people are shown entering to attend the ceremony, including the gang as they keep their heads in respect. Daphne in particular has a tissue that she uses to wipe her eyes with]
Shaggy: [sighs] Funerals always give me a stone cold feeling inside. Does that make sense?
Velma: Well, given you're in proximity of where people have been laid to rest…it's perfectly reasonable.
[Daphne gives a solemn sigh as Fred puts a hand on her shoulder to console the redhead]
Daphne: I just can't imagine who would do such a thing…
Fred: I suppose…some people are just capable of pure evil like that…
[Daphne nods slowly…but then she hears the sound of someone laughing…]
Daphne: What the…?
Fred: What's up, Daph-?
Daphne: Shh…I hear something…
[Slowly, Daphne edges closer to the door to get a clearer sound. The audio towards the front of the altar is hard to hear, but a very faint "...have enough for a vacation abroad", can be made out]
Daphne: Hmm…
Velma: Did you find something?
Daphne: Well…I thought I did…but maybe it was just a passing comment…
Shaggy: Like, maybe we should leave them for a bit, wouldn't ya' say? You said something about leads, Fred?
Fred: Oh, yeah. Let's narrow down the likely suspects, starting with the candy store. There's bound to be something there. Shaggy, Scooby, do not touch or eat anything while we're there.
Scooby: Us?
[Scooby waves his paw dismissively]
Scooby: Rof all the ruggestions, honestly.
[The scene transitions to the candy store, contrary to most shops around this time with leftover Halloween treats, the store is stocked like any other, with the logo on top reading "Clark's Candies". It cuts to The Gang inside of the shop speaking with the clerk at the register]
Velma: And you're certain that none of the candies were contaminated upon arrival at the store?
Clerk: Why, ma'am, we take quality control very seriously around here. If we ever had a bad batch of candy, we'd dispose of it in an instant.
Shaggy: Scoob, try and sniff out the good stuff, will ya'?
Scooby: Righto, Raggy.
[Scooby puts his nose to the floor and begins to track around the shop like a bloodhound on a hunt. He squeezes in between two jars filled with either lemon drops or sugar hearts, then moves onto a jar filled with chocolate balls]
Clerk: If you're wondering if one of us was involved, lemme just say that none of us are in possession of lethal poisons, my hands are clean.
Fred: Uh-huh, may I ask, were any Pixy Stix purchased from here?
Clerk: Why, yes, a man came into the shop two days ago and bought five sticks.
Daphne: Do you know what he looked like?
Clerk: Well, I think he was dressed in a suit, but I didn't catch his name…
Velma: Interesting…he looks innocent to me, I'd say we ask around more people.
Fred: Okay then, thanks for your time anyway. C'mon, gang, let's-you two, come!
[Shaggy is shown holding several chocolate bars in his hands while Scooby has a wrapped candy cane in his mouth]
Shaggy: What? Mystery solvin's hungry work.
Fred: [sighs and murmurs] How are you not fat…?
Shaggy: You say something?
[Fred, Daphne, and Velma are shown leaving the shop]
Fred: Nothing, come on!
Scooby: [groans] Goodbye, candy cane…r'll come back for you…
[The scene transitions to the Gang driving back through the neighborhood just as Mr. Harlan is shown pulling into his driveway. Fred stops the van as he pulls up alongside the man coming out of his car]
Fred: Excuse me, Mr. Harlan?
Mr. Harlan: Oh, goodness me, what…oh, it's just you kids. However can I help you today?
Velma: I apologize if this comes off as intrusive, but we wanted to ask you a question if you wouldn't mind.
Mr. Harlan: Of course not, ma'am, as the good lord says, questions deserve answers.
Velma: Now, you wouldn't happen to know who had the Pixy Stix from last night, would you?
Mr. Harlan: Why, I do believe I know the very man we got them from. A Mista' John Sullivan to be exact, lives a couple streets away from us on 22 Marble Drive.
Velma: I see…
Daphne: Well, thank you anyway, Mr. Harlan, we wish you our condolences.
Mr. Harlan: Thank you very kindly, miss, may the good lord watch over you.
Shaggy: [murmuring] This guy's a bit of a preacher, isn't he?
[The van drives away from the Harlan residence, cutting to inside as Velma has an unsure look on her face]
Velma: That's strange…
Shaggy: What is?
Velma: What's he doing out all alone? Surely he'd still be looking over the funeral.
Daphne: You don't suppose he just wanted some time to think it over. After all, you saw what happened to his son.
Velma: You're not wrong…maybe we'll get some answers from this Mr. Sullivan.
[The scene cuts to the Mystery Machine stopping outside of a mailbox that has a "22" imprinted on the wooden stand]
Scooby: You don't think re's got a gun on him, roo you?
Velma: Not to worry, Scooby, I highly doubt firearms are allowed in a neighborhood full of children.
Shaggy: Well, what are we waiting for, let's get our man, book him, and all that jazz.
[The gang walks up the steps to the man's house. Fred knocks on the door three times and the sound of a lock being clicked off is heard on the other side as the door opens, revealing a man with a scruffy beard dressed in a leather brown jacket and jeans. He looks suspiciously at the teenagers and their dog]
Mr. Sullivan: Yeah, whatta you kids wan'?
Fred: We wanted to ask you a question, Mr. Sullivan, regarding last night's incident.
Mr. Sullivan: Ya'll look a little young to be police officers. What's yer game?
Daphne: I can assure you, sir, it's no game. We just wanna know your side of the story.
Mr. Sullivan: So, you think I'm the one who gave them kids the candy?
Shaggy: Like, we did get a tip from the dad, he said he got the candy from your house.
Mr. Sullivan: Now that's some dang ole poppycock! I wasn't home until eleven last night, I couldn't possibly have given anyone any candy.
Shaggy: Wait, so you were out when the trick or treating was going on?
Mr. Sullivan: Course I was, you can ask ma' coworkers, they can vouch for me.
Daphne: Hold on…Mr. Harlan said he got the candy from this residence…but if you weren't here…
Fred: That doesn't make sense, why would he lie about the location?
Velma: Hmmmm, I think I'm starting to smell a rat…
Shaggy: Whatta' ya' mean by that?
Velma: Is anyone else starting to get a little suspicious about Mr. Harlan? The circumstances don't correlate with his claims.
Mr. Sullivan: Ya' know, if I was one a' you kids, I'd press this Harlan man for further questions, somethin' about him ain't right.
Fred: Yeah…well, thank you anyway for your cooperation, Mr. Sullivan. We'll be on our way now.
[The Gang proceeds to walk away from the Sullivan residence, a feeling of unease creeping in on them]
Daphne: You know, I don't wanna jump to conclusions, but you might be onto something, Velma. I just wanna know for sure…
Velma: I'm hoping for the best, but I think we might not be dealing with a masked individual this time around…
[As the gang climbs back into the Mystery Machine, the scene transitions back to the Harlan residence where the van is shown parked outside on the side of the street. It then cuts to the inside of the house where everyone is gathered in the living room. To avoid appearing suspicious of what they already know, the Gang plays innocent when speaking with the Harlans]
Mrs. Harlan: Have you kids found any new information regarding last night?
Fred: Oh, I'm afraid to say we're no closer to the truth than we were before. We interviewed Mr. Sullivan and he wasn't much help.
Mr. Harlan: How unfortunate. I suppose we'll just have to keep pressin' on in these tryin' times.
Velma: Indeed, uh, you wouldn't mind if we examine the house for a bit, would you? We just wanna make sure everything's in order.
Mrs. Harlan: Why, by all means, feel free to do your little ole detective work.
Daphne: Thank you, Mrs. Harlan.
[As the Mystery Inc group pass by the parents, they see their daughter sitting on the staircase as if she was listening in on the conversation. This is Grace Harlan]
Shaggy: Why, hey there, lil girl, what are you doin'?
Grace: Were you talking about my brother?
Daphne: Oh, um, not necessarily. We were just…perusing the house for clues is all. What's your name, sweetie?
Grace: Grace, but I'm sometimes called Gracie…can I show you something? But promise you won't tell daddy.
Fred: Sure thing, but why don't you want us to tell…
[Before Fred can finish his sentence, Grace heads off in the direction of the family office. The teens and their dog follow the little girl inside and notice the large stack of papers all over the desk]
Scooby: Roah, ris place is a mess!
Shaggy: Huh, like no kiddin', Scoob! I've seen pot settlements in better shape than this.
Velma: This place is in serious need of organization. Um, Grace, can I ask why you're so cautious of coming in here?
Grace: Daddy's told me the office is off-limits for the children, but I just wanted to take a peek.
Daphne: Hmmm, I wonder why…oops!
[As Daphne leans on the desk, she accidentally knocks over some papers onto the floor]
Daphne: Oh, shoot! Sorry about that, I'll just pick those up.
Shaggy: Here, man, I'll give you a hand with that.
Scooby: Rah, me too.
[Daphne and Shaggy lean down to pick up the papers while Scooby tries to pick them up with his mouth. Shaggy looks at one of the papers with an odd eye]
Shaggy: Huh! Man, I don't think I've ever seen so much debt in my life!
Daphne: Debt, you say?
Shaggy: Yeah, like, lookit this, what's the guy spendin' all his money on?
Velma: Interesting…
Scooby: Rook at this, I round some job applications! Runny-one to be exact!
[Scooby looks down at the pile of applications he's collected]
Fred: Hmmm…whoever this Mr. Harlan is, he certainly can't keep a job down to save his life.
Velma: Actually, life is an important footnote in all of this.
Scooby: Really? Rat did you find?
[Velma holds up two sheets of paper]
Velma: These are a couple of life insurance policies, and they're prescribed to the names of "James Neil Harlan" and "Grace Amanda Harlan".
Shaggy: But, like, those are the names of his kids…why would he have those…?
Fred: Unless he was planning on taking the money in those policies for himself if they happened to…you know…
Daphne: Wait a minute…that means he was…
[The teens look over to the little girl, the reality of the situation dawning on all of them]
Daphne: Gracie…did you know anything about this?
Grace: No…did daddy kill my brother?
Scooby: Ruh, uh, I…
Grace: Was he going to kill me too…?
[At this point, Grace's voice begins to break, and tears start to well up in her eyes. Daphne leans down to comfort the little girl with a hug]
Grace: I don't want daddy to get in trouble…
Daphne: Nonono, sweetie, it's okay, it's okay…
[Grace sobs as Daphne gently strokes her back. Scooby whimpers as he approaches the girl, pressing his muzzle against her shoulder as an extra means of comfort]
Scooby: Rit's okay, ron't cry…
[The rest of the Gang look down on the situation with grave expressions. At that point, Mrs. Harlan walks into the room to see what the commotion is about]
Mrs. Harlan: What's goin' on, what's wrong with Gracie?
Fred: Um, Mrs. Harlan…I don't know how to say this, but we found some…disturbing information regarding your husband.
Mrs. Harlan: Whateva' do you mean…?
Velma: We found…life insurance policies listed for your children.
Mrs. Harlan: For my children? But that doesn't make sense…then again, we did go to the insurance company not too long ago…he never told me about this though…
Scooby: Rook, I found another one.
[Scooby hands the paper to Fred who looks over it]
Fred: Huh, this is prescribed under your name, Mrs. Harlan…
[Mrs. Harlan is handed the note and sees the insurance policy was listed in her name; Mary Diane Harlan]
Mrs. Harlan: …Now it makes sense.
[As if on cue, the front door is opened and shut, drawing everyone's attention]
Shaggy: Zoinks! Where's he going?!
[The sound of a car starting up can be heard from outside]
Daphne: That jerk is getting away!
Fred: Oh no he isn't, quickly, gang, to the van!
[Quickly, the teens and Great Dane run out of the office and out the front door, just as Mr. Harlan's car has pulled out of the driveway and is now heading down the road]
Velma: We've gotta stop him!
[Everyone hops into the van and fastens their seatbelts. Fred pumps the gas and the van speeds off in pursuit of their target]
[A police car is stationed behind a billboard as two officers are shown sitting in the front seats. A car whooshes past the officers, followed by a brightly colored van]
Officer #3: Holy smokes, we've got a couple a' runners!
[The police car heads off in pursuit of the chase, sounding off the siren as the scene cuts back to the Mystery Machine]
Shaggy: Where's this guy even going?!
Fred: If he gets to the highway, we'll lose him!
[However, before the car can turn off onto the hill leading up to the bridge, workmen are shown fixing the road that goes towards the intersection. Mr. Harlan sees the oncoming men who try to flag him down and tries to swerve out of the way]
Velma: Oh no!
Shaggy: Zoinks!
Scooby: Ru-oh!
Daphne: Freddy, look out!
Freddy: Hold on!
[Fred steps hard on the brakes as the van's tires screech on the road. Mr. Harlan's car sways and lurches on the road before turning to the right onto the grass before ending up in a ditch. The Mystery Machine comes off the road and screeches to a stop in the field, while the police have pulled onto the side of the road. Once the officers have regained their senses, they step out from their vehicle and head out to the ones in the field. The lead officer storms up to the driver's side of the van and points angrily at the teens]
Officer #3: What are you crazy kids playing at?! I've half a mind to revoke your license on the spot!
Fred: [clears throat] I'm sorry, officer. We were just trying to track down a perp.
Officer #3: Huh! Fine job ya' did of it, you leave the daredevil escapades to the real officers.
Officer #4: We'd better check on the other guy further up.
Daphne: Officer, you have to understand, the man inside that car is the one you're after!
Officer #4: Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down, young lady! What do you mean by that?
[At that moment, a rather disheveled Mr. Harlan steps out of the car, looking quite dazed and confused. Scooby bares his teeth as he growls at the man]
Velma: You recall last night's "incident", he's behind the whole thing.
Officer #3: Wait a minute, that's David Harlan, the man we spoke to the night before…
Officer #4: I think we need to have a bit of a discussion with him…
[The scene cuts to a set of cuffs being placed around Mr. Harlan's wrists as the officers hold him steady. Shaggy is holding Scooby back from tearing the man a new face as the Great Dane continues to snarl at him]
Shaggy: Easy on, Scoob, I'll let ya' know when you can have at him.
Scooby: Grrrrrrrrr, I wanna rip off his suit and romp on it to shreds!
Velma: Mr. Harlan, I have a few questions for you, and I want answers for 'em.
Mr. Harlan: Whateva' do you mean, ma' dear?
Velma: Where did you get those Pixy Stix?
Mr. Harlan: Like I told you, I got 'em from the neighbor on Marble Drive.
Shaggy: HUH! That's bogus, Mr. Sullivan told us he was never at the house when you came to the door.
Scooby: Riar, riar, pants on fire, rou are.
Velma: Secondly, we found some insurance papers in your office under your children and wife's names. May I ask, why would you need so much money from your children in case they died?
[Mr. Harlan is silent upon hearing this]
Velma: Thirdly, why were you home alone just after your son's funeral? Were you doing something before then?
[Again, Mr. Harlan is silent upon hearing this]
Daphne: Not to mention, I heard someone saying something about having enough money for a vacation…
Fred: Which coincides with the debt papers we found, you were in some serious financial trouble, weren't you?
Officer #3: That reminds me, we had a few cases of the Pixy Stix being distributed to other children in the neighborhood.
Velma: Seems he was trying to cover his tracks by distribution of the murder weapon.
Officer #4: We'll be taking you in for further questioning. Come on, let's go.
[As the police lead Mr. Harlan back towards their vehicle, the man mutters something under his breath]
Mr. Harlan: Dear lord, smite those who oppose me at my behest, for they shall reap what they sow…
[The Gang is silent for a little bit. While they feel relieved to have caught the perpetrator, a sense of uncertainty is present on their faces]
Shaggy: Man, the first time we caught a bad guy and he wasn't wearing a disguise…I dunno how to feel about that.
Daphne: Normally, they're just crooks looking to scare people, but this time, we got a killer…
Velma: Not just that, a case of familicide…that poor girl and her mother…
Fred: Well, at least we know he won't be getting out anytime soon.
Scooby: Rooooooo, dear…
[Shaggy reaches into his pocket and finds some leftover candy from the night before. Scooby leans his head over to survey them and looks up at the scruffy brunette cautiously. The scene transitions to black and white stills over the following events as Scrappy narrates over them]
"David Mel Harlan was booked into jail and tried for murder a year later. The man tried to retain his innocence, but everyone could tell he was full of dung. Any claims he made were quashed by witnesses or the people he accused. For the poisoning of his son, the jury took less than an hour to find him guilty and he was sentenced to death."
[Mr. Harlan is shown in court while the jurors look at him with cold, stoic expressions. Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred are among those shown in the audience during the court proceedings]
"After he blew through several appeals, it took till the mid 80s to finally put him down…hehe, on the night of his execution, people stood outside the prison and chanted "Trick or Treat!"
[The demonstrators are shown in a recreation of the photo taken the night of '84. This time, Scooby is shown accompanying the gang, and surprisingly enough, Scrappy is also in attendance, holding up a sign that says "Trick or Treat" in bold letters]
"Down to his last breath, Harlan showed no remorse for his actions, and blamed everyone but himself. He died in the same way his son did, poisoned…"
[The man is shown lying in the Death Chamber as one of the wardens comes up with a needle in hand. The focus continues on the syringe to be injected into the criminal before it transitions back to reality as Scrappy finishes his story]
"Legend says, he was the man who killed Halloween as superstitions over candies and treats sparked fear among the public, even to this day…and that was the story…of the Candy Man…"
[Scrappy ends with an ominous pause…]
[Cut back to the kids listening, most of them are looking quite shell-shocked from the tale, their mouths agape and a few of them are quivering. Even Merlin and Fairy Godmother don't know what to say in that moment]
Merlin: …Uh, w-well, that was an…interesting story, youngster?
Patch: Y-You made that up, right? There was no candy man…
Scrappy: Au contraire, my spotted friend, every word I've told you is the truth. Every. Single. Word.
[Rolly looks down at the treat in his hand and slowly puts it down]
Berlioz: I-I don't know if I can eat anymore tonight…
Bingo: Me too…
Sheegwa: Sagwa, I'm scared…
Sagwa: Uh, don't worry, Sheegwa, Scrappy was just having a laugh, wasn't he? Hehe, HMM!
[Sagwa glares at Scrappy who innocently shrugs]
Scrappy: It's not my fault if you can't handle a scary story.
Sagwa: That wasn't funny!
Augie: Fairy Godmother, those treats are safe to eat, aren't they?
Fairy Godmother: Oh, ooooh, of course, my dears, we would never do such an awful thing. I think that's enough stories for the night.
Bluey: Y-Yeah, I wanna listen to something else now…
[Scrappy rolls his eyes as Dongwa and Toulouse pull up alongside him]
Dongwa: You know, that wasn't too bad, Doo. Maybe you're a better storyteller than I thought.
Toulouse: You got anymore, I wanna use 'em for Marie and Berlioz, just in case. [winks]
Scrappy: Well, let's just say, I might have more in store…
[At that moment, a knock is heard at the door, and the Fairy Godmother goes to answer it. The children are relieved to see that their parents and guardians have returned to pick them up…only to see that the adults are looking quite worn, their clothes are covered with stains and tears, their hair and fur are frazzled or out of place, and their expressions suggest they've had a terrible shock]
Bluey: Mum, Dad…what happened to you?
Bandit: We'll discuss this later…tomorrow…a couple days…
Oliver: You all look a bit…rattled.
Dodger: Ehhhhhhhh, it's a long story, kid.
Georgette: My, my clothes, my…clothes, they're, they're ruined, literally spoiled, torn, stained, killed…
[As Scrappy passes by the CMC and Spike being reunited with the Mane Six, further showing Thomas and Duchess attending to the kittens while Pongo and Perdita are making sure the pups are all in order, Scrappy makes his way over to the Gang as they wait to pick him up]
Scrappy: Huh, you all looked like ya' had an adventure.
Daphne: That's…one way to describe it.
Shaggy: The other…[groans]...an experience I never wanna go through again…
Scrappy: Well…regardless, I had a fun time…very fun, hehehe…
[Baba and Mama Miao are shown escorting their children away from the building as Scrappy leaves with the Gang…he is then shown pulling out a candy cane from his pocket before giving a sly expression to the viewer as the camera pans up to the moon, a wolf's howl echoing in the distance]
[Cut to black]
Character Guide:
Scrappy-Doo, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy Rogers, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, Fred Jones - Scooby-Doo
Augie Doggie, Doggie Daddy - Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy
Bluey Heeler, Bingo Heeler, Bandit Heeler, Chilli Heeler - Bluey
Brother Bear, Sister Bear, Papa Bear, Mama Bear - The Berenstein Bears
Fairy Godmother - Cinderella (1950)
Marie, Toulouse, Berlioz, Duchess, Thomas O'Malley - The Aristocats (1970)
Merlin the Magician - The Sword and the Stone (1963)
Oliver, Dodger, Georgette, Rita, Tito, Francis, Einstein - Oliver and Company (1988)
Patch, Lucky, Rolly, Penny, Cadpig, Dizzy, Dee-Dee, Pongo, Perdita - 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Sagwa Miao, Dongwa Miao, Sheegwa Miao, Mama Miao, Baba Miao - Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat
Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Spike - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Fievel Mousekewitz - An American Tail (1986)
Pinocchio - Pinocchio (1940)