Chapter 19: The First Halloween Part 1
Weeks Before Halloween
Casper Elementary School Cafeteria
Danny and Tucker sat across from each other at a table near the back. They laughed over some stories as they dug into their lunches.
"So, guess what?" Danny looked up at Tucker. "I was talking to Octavia again last night."
Tucker raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You bring her up all the time lately, dude, but how come I've never met her? I mean, we're practically best friends. Why haven't I met this girl by now?"
Danny sighed. "She's from outside the city." It doesn't help that she rarely comes around because of other stuff in Hell.
Tucker smirked and leaned back in his seat. "Yeah, right. Sounds to me like she doesn't even exist."
"She does! Why would I make her up? She's real!"
"Uh-huh. Prove it, then."
Danny's sagged his shoulders. Then, it hit him—Halloween.
"We'll all go trick or treating together on Halloween. It'll be you, me, Octavia, and her dad. You know how our parents are. If we have her dad with us, they'll likely let us trick or treat longer."
Tucker crossed his arms, tempted. "You mean she's actually gonna show up here in the city?"
"Yeah, she will," He knew Stolas would bring Octavia to Earth for Halloween. It would be the perfect chance to introduce her to Tucker and vice versa without giving anything away.
Tucker eyed Danny. "Alright, fine. But if she doesn't show, you owe me big time."
Danny gave a thumbs-up. "Deal. Trust me, you'll like her."
Tucker shook his head. "We'll see, dude. We'll see."
"By the way, we plan on doing a group costume. We're all gonna be witches."
Tucker hummed. "Group costumes do encourage people to give out more candy… Sure. I think I can whip up something good in time."
"Great!"
#
Danny and Tucker were halfway through their lunches, talking about their latest high scores, when Tucker noticed something over his shoulder. Peeking behind, Danny saw Dash and the rest of the jocks lurking a few tables away, whispering and pointing in his direction.
Tucker's stomach dropped. "Oh no..."
Dash coughed loudly. He walked over to their table with his cronies. "Hey, Fenton! Got any ghostly lunch today?" The jock leaned over Danny's shoulder.
Danny was immediately suspicious. "What do you want, Dash?"
"Oh, nothing, Fenton." Dash played innocent.
Tucker put down his sandwich. "Don't you guys have something better to do? Like, I don't know, maybe failing a math test?"
Dash's face twisted. "Careful, Foley, or I'll make you spill more than just your sandwich."
The other jocks snickered, and one of them nudged Tucker's sandwich off the table. "Oops," he said with a mock gasp, feigning innocence. "Didn't see that there."
Danny clenched his fists, but he tried to stay calm. "Real mature, guys..." Danny kept his eyes on his tray, clenching his fork. He knew better than to respond to Dash's taunts.
Dash laughed and grabbed an extra apple from the nearby table. He looked at Danny and smirked. "What's the matter, Fenton? Ghosts got your tongue?"
Danny mumbled. "Just leave us alone."
"What? No... Just thought you might be hungry for a sneak peek at our... Halloween surprise!" Suddenly, Dash threw a rat onto their table.
The two boys screamed in fright and jumped in surprise.
The jocks burst into laughter, and a few other students joined in.
Danny and Tucker blinked down at the rat in their lunch. In hindsight, the fake fur made it look disturbingly real.
"Aw, looks like Fenton's got himself a new little friend!" one of Dash's buddies slapped Danny on the back.
Danny flushed with anger and embarrassment. He could feel everyone's eyes on him, and his grip tightened on his fork.
Tucker was also trying hard to hold it in.
"Real mature, Dash," Tucker snapped. "Didn't know you were still in kindergarten."
Dash ignored Tucker. "Aw, come on, Fenton. You're into all that ghost stuff. I thought you'd appreciate a little Halloween... spirit!" He and his friends burst into another round of laughter.
Danny bit his tongue, not wanting to give them a reaction, but it was hard. His face was red, and he was fuming inside.
"Come on, Tuck." Danny stood up and gathered his tray. He didn't want to satisfy Dash.
"Aw, leaving already?" Dash taunted as they walked away. "Guess Fenturd can't handle a real scare!"
As they dumped their trays, Tucker muttered. "One of these days, he's gonna get what's coming to him. I swear, Danny, it's gonna be good."
They walked away from the cafeteria. "I hope I'm there to see it, Tuck."
October 31
Halloween / All Hallows Eve / Samhain
Danny stood by the front door, adjusting the brim of his witch hat
His parents were gearing up for yet another ghost-hunting mission. "Danny, we're so sorry we can't be here to take you out for Halloween again this year," Maddie set her ecto-goggles on the counter. "But we've got a hot lead on some ghost activity downtown. This could be the breakthrough we've been waiting for."
"Maybe this is the year we finally prove to the world that ghosts are real." Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "But we know you'll have fun with Tucker and Octavia. You guys will be just fine, right? Plus, since Stolas will be there and it's not a school night, your mother and I agreed to let you stay up till Midnight."
His parents did this every year. They would freak out any kids who came to their house and be unable to take him late at night for trick-or-treating.
Danny forced a smile, though inside, he couldn't help but feel disappointed again. Halloween was the one night that he really looked forward to going out as a regular kid with his parents. "Yeah, don't worry about it." His voice was as upbeat as he could make it. It's Halloween! I'll have fun. You two do your ghost… thing."
Maddie gave him a quick hug. "Thank you for understanding again, sweetie. Just promise you'll stay safe.
"And don't eat too much candy!" added Jack.
Danny laughed. "Right, like you're one to talk. Last year, you swiped half my chocolate stash."
Jack placed a hand on Danny's shoulder. "Have fun out there, son. Bring back some candy for your old man too, okay?"
As Danny moved, he nearly bumped into Jazz, who was adjusting her costume in the mirror by the hallway.
She was dressed as a gothic vampire with dark lipstick, a flowing black cape, and a tasteful amount of fake blood.
"Heading out, too, Danny?" Jazz fluffed her collar.
"Yep, meeting up with the others." Danny raised an eyebrow. "Going all-out with the vampire thing, huh?"
Jazz rolled her eyes. "It's Halloween, Danny. You can't just go halfway." She then turned back toward the living room, calling to her parents. "Mom, Dad, I'm heading out to that Halloween party at Laura's place!"
Maddie looked up from her equipment and smiled. "You look great, sweetheart. Just remember, stay safe, and let us know if you need a ride back."
Jazz grinned. "Thanks! I'll be back by midnight." As Jazz slipped out the door, she hugged Danny. "Have fun trick-or-treating with Tucker and Octavia."
Danny chuckled and hugged back. "You, too, Jazz."
#
Danny waited on his porch with his witch hat slightly askew. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a shimmering portal coming from the side of his house and out stepped Stolas and Octavia.
Stolas and Octavia adjusted their human disguises. He adjusted his witch cloak, and Octavia grinned as she adjusted her sleeves.
Danny's mood lifted instantly, grinning. "You guys look awesome! Ready for your first human Halloween?"
Octavia beamed brightly. "Definitely. Can't wait to meet this Tucker, too."
"Great!"
Stolas crossed his arms. "So what is this other friend of yours like?"
As if on cue, Tucker jogged over, his witch hat flopping slightly as he caught sight of Danny and the two strangers. He adjusted his glasses, his eyes wide at seeing Stolas and Octavia. "Whoa, dude. You weren't lying." He nodded to Octavia. "I'm Tucker, nice to meet ya."
Octavia gave him a small smile, nodding in return. "Octavia. Nice hat."
Tucker grinned. "Thanks!"
Danny introduced Tucker to the disguised Octavia and Stolas with a smile. "Tucker, meet Octavia and her dad, Mr. Stolas. They're the friends I told you about."
Tucker raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "So… that whole thing about meeting Danny at the library was true?"
Octavia went along with the lie from before. "Yes, we don't come to the city often, but when we do, the library's one of the few places that's… peaceful."
Stolas smiled. "One thing led to another, and we eventually met young Daniel and immediately enjoyed each other's company. It got to the point that he was my new apprentice.
Tucker raised a brow. "What's that like?"
Danny shrugged. "Stolas is teaching me all sorts of stuff for when I grow up."
Tucker cringed. "Gross. That sounds like more school..."
Danny crossed his arms. "Well, I'm enjoying it. Not a lot of people at school like space as I do. It's like how you're big into computers and stuff."
"Whatever, dude." Tucker turned to the father and daughter for one more test. "You guys like meat, right?"
Stolas and Octavia exchanged glances. "We mostly eat meat, yes."
Tucker was relieved. "I think we're gonna get along just fine."
As they started walking, Tucker spoke up. "So, Octavia, is this your first time trick-or-treating in this part of town?"
Octavia went sheepish. "Honestly? This is… actually my first time trick-or-treating at all."
Tucker nearly stopped in his tracks. "Wait—what? You've never been trick-or-treating? Like, ever?"
Octavia shook her head, smiling a little at his dramatic reaction. "Nope. This is the first time."
Tucker whirled at Stolas. "Man, what's wrong with you?"
Stolas huffed, offended. "I'll have you know that my daughter has enjoyed this day every year." He had to make up an excuse. "Due to where we live, there isn't much to trick or treat nearby. Coming to the city can be a hassle."
Accepting the lie, Tucker sighed. "Right... Sorry. In any case, Octavia, you've missed one of the best holidays for years. You've got a ton of candy to make up for."
She laughed. "I guess I do."
"Well, I've already planned out a route for optimal candy collection." Tucker pulled out a marked map. "And if you feel like it's too much candy for one night, I'm more than happy to take some off your hands."
Octavia smirked, holding her bag a little closer to her. "Not on your life."
Tucker raised his hands. "Okay, okay! But I'm just saying, expect a serious haul."
Danny gave Octavia a playful nudge. "Don't let Tucker fool you—he's just after more candy for himself."
Tucker was unashamed. "Absolutely."
Octavia grinned. "You'll have to fight me first."
"By the way, there's somewhere we want to check out first before we start."
"We heard about it at school. Apparently, this store has the best Halloween decorations."
The guests shrugged and nodded along. It would be interesting.
Danny and Tucker led the way as they approached the nearby shopping center. Above the doorway, a sign read "Skulk and Lurk."
As they reached the store, Danny and Tucker's faces fell. The shop was closed.
"Dang looks like it's closed for the night," Tucker said, frowning.
"Yeah," Danny sighed, pressing his face against the glass. "Guess we won't see this year's setup."
Just as they stepped back, torch-like lights flickered to life behind the glass revealing a castle-like display. The kids jumped as a statue of a black knight, seated ominously on a throne, lit up and laughed with a sinister echo. The group paused, taking in the detailed display.
The statue had been designed to look as though it was ablaze. A massive, crafted sword with a skull crossguard leaned against the throne.
Danny's eyes widened. "Woah, he looks wicked."
Tucker's mouth hung open. "This is insane."
Octavia's gaze landed on a nearby sign."'Introducing our latest addition to the collection: Chronicles of the Fright Knight.'"
Next to the sign, a book titled "The Fright Knight" was open to its first page on a stand. The book was detailed in black-and-white and illustrated with a knight astride a horse with bat-like wings brandishing his flaming sword. Stolas moved closer, curious, and began to read the book's opening lines.
"The Fright Knight, riding upon his ghoulish steed, the Nightmare, is notorious as the Spirit of Halloween. With his ghostly broadsword, he appears to those who dare cross his path."
Octavia raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know there was an age-old spirit of Halloween."
Stolas couldn't help but raise a brow. During this time, most of the media he saw from the mortal world mentioned either Satan or Lucifer. The other sins weren't as popular, not that they cared or anything. Then again, the roots of Halloween had no relation to Heaven or Hell. It was all something drum up by European pagans.
Danny's eyes lit up as he continued reading beneath the image of the burning sword. "'Those cut down by his Soul Shredder shall live an eternity of their worst fear.'" He studied another illustration of the Fright Knight charging forward, sword blazing.
Stolas hummed thoughtfully, leaning closer. "This is the first I've heard of it as well." Although, the general figure of a dark knight was not unknown to him. The human legend must have originated from medieval times.
It's too bad for them. They would have to return when it was open if they wanted to read more.
However, that was a thought for later. It was Halloween! As children, it was their duty to go trick-or-treating.
"Time for candy!" the three cheered.
#
Danny, Tucker, Octavia, and Stolas strolled up the sidewalk as they approached the first house. The neighborhood was bustling with other trick-or-treaters.
Pumpkins glowed on porches with menacing or grinning faces. Some were even intricate carved.
"This is it," Danny said, grinning. "Our first stop."
Although demons could come to Earth during Halloween, that didn't mean they partook in the same festivities.
Danny could tell he was intrigued.
"Alright, so the way it works is we go up, ring the doorbell, and say, 'Trick or treat!'" Tucker explained.
Octavia raised an eyebrow. "And they just... give us candy? No questions?"
"Yup, it's as easy as that," Danny said, chuckling.
"I get the treat part, but what about the 'trick part'?"
"Oh, well, normally, you prank the person if they answer but don't give you candy."
Octavia frowned. "That sounds kinda mean if they don't have anything to give."
"Yeah... It's not as common nowadays."
Tucker shrugged. "Most people just turn off their porch light when they run out of candy, so kids move onto the next house."
Stolas thought it was an innocent custom for the children to have fun.
"I've factored that into my map. This path has the best candy-to-house ratio." Tucker laughed. "You'll see just how awesome it is in a minute."
They reached the porch, and Danny rang the doorbell. They could hear footsteps approaching. The door creaked open, and an older man holding a candy bowl with a kind smile greeted them.
"Well, don't you all look great!" the man said, his eyes twinkling as he took in their costumes. "Trick or treat!"
The four of them chorused, "Trick or treat!" as they held out their bags, and the man chuckled and dropped a handful of treats into each.
"Thank you!"
"Happy Halloween!" the man waved, closing the door behind him.
As they walked back down the pathway, Octavia inspected her bag, looking pleased. "That... was kind of fun," she admitted, glancing up at the others.
Tucker grinned. "Told you! And that was just the start. By the night's end, your bag's gonna be overflowing."
Stolas patted Octavia. "Enjoy it, my dear. For tonight only, I'll let you indulge in all the sweets you can carry. Just try not to get sugar-sick."
When they continued to the next house, they let Octavia go first.
"Go on, Via," Danny whispered, nudging her.
Octavia pressed the doorbell.
Soon, the door swung open, revealing a friendly older woman dressed as a witch with a broomstick. Her eyes lit up when she saw Octavia and the others in matching witch costumes.
"Trick or treat!" Octavia beamed.
The woman chuckled. "Well, aren't you all adorable!" She held out the bowl. "Take a handful, dears. You look like you're in for a fun night!"
Octavia pulled out a mix of chocolates, lollipops, and gummy bears.
"Thank you!"
The woman winked. "Oh, and happy Halloween!"
As they walked back to the street, Tucker pumped a fist. "Just wait until we get to the houses that give out full-size candy bars."
"Full-size?" Octavia's eyes widened.
"Oh yeah," Danny smirked. "And don't forget the people who leave bowls out with signs saying 'take one.'"
Octavia laughed. Her first Halloween was gonna be great!
#
AN: Special thanks to Seana, Jebest4781, Charles, vividlearner744, OmegaDelta, Henry Stickman, fearmegu, Kitsune Robyn, SonicSonicsSonic, Dragon lord, Shooter1344, Alexander, Red Rasher, Ajax Roranson, trey, Asaf, Legion, DJC, $hane-08, Daniel, Alex, nighnight, Camden, decimator, Roswell, SpeX Smoking_ash12!
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