Lock Skellington leaned against the wall, watching his father Jack work away. It was your typical Halloween Town day; everybody was working together on the holiday, trying to make it another success. Well, except for one person; himself. As he watched Jack now he could barely contain his fury. The old geezer was taking his time dying. At nearly 750 years of age, the man was beginning to show the effects of his age. Leaning heavily on his cane, he was no longer the agile skeleton he once used to be. He was the Pumpkin King, almighty ruler of Halloween. And it was time he stepped down from his throne, let a younger person deal with it. Of course, his sister Shock would be the one to inherit it. Eldest of the siblings, she had been named Jack's heir a long time ago, when Jack and his wife Sally had first adopted them. Before that he, Shock, and their brother Barrel had lived under the care of the town villain, Oogie Boogie. They had once had parents, yes--but then they had skipped town on them, abandoning them with this evil creature. Then came the day that Jack destroyed him once and for all, and they went to live with him. Jack and Sally had no children at the time, and so together they decided to legally adopt the three. This way, they could choose one of them to be the heir. And Halloween Town law stated that it had to be the oldest child--Shock. He often wished that it could be him getting the throne, though, to recieve all that power. Which was partly why he gelt such distaste for Jack, his legal guardian and father. Bitterness because he had never gotten to become the heir, anger because he wanted more then anything for it to be him. He could do such a good job as well...better then Shock could ever do.
"Lock, what are you doing just standing there?" Jack suddenly cut into his thoughts. "We need your help here."
"Sorry, old man. I was just....thinking."
"Yeah, when are you not? You remind me of myself at your age, and I don't like that. Now I suggest you get out of that daydream and lend a hand around here."
"Hey, don't get on my back. I do lots of stuff around this place."
"Is any of it good though? Moping around all day, watching as others do the work." He didn't recieve a reply. The aging King simply sighed, shaking his weary skull. "Listen, if you're not going to help, then please leave. My health can't put up with your attitude. You're nothing but a overgrown teenager."
A groan. "Yeah, whatever."
At that Jack walked away, leaning heavily upon his cane. Lock just muttered to himself as he headed over to where a mummy was creating new headstones.
"Come to help?" asked the mummy.
"Lucky me," came the reply. "So what do I do?"

Jack watched as Lock chipped away at his slab of rock with a chisel and hammer. He had noticed how hard to get along with he had become lately, and he had become quite worried. Things had never been this tense between them, and he still didn't know what had caused it.
"Darling, something seems to be troubling you," came a voice. "What is it?"
He looked to see his wife, Sally. With her long white hair and gently aged face, she looked just as beautiful she had 250 years ago when they had first met. Through all those years, however, he had not once stopped loving her.
"It's our eldest son," he replied sadly. "His change in attitude towards me has gotten me upset."
She touched his arm softly. "Now then, dear, you musn't trouble yourself like this. You're getting old, it's not good for you. You know what the doctor said."
"Still, It bothers me. What happened to the nice boy we raised? It saddens me."
"My sweetheart," Sally soothed. "Don't let it get to you. Regardless of what his problem is, you are still the Pumpkin King. It is your job to ensure the smooth development of Halloween."
"You're right," he said. "Forget him for now, I've got other things to worry about. I must find Shock, I need her assitance regarding the jack-o-lanterns."
"And I'm going to go home now. So long, dear."
"See you at dinnertime."
Each then went on their own way, to do their own thing. Meanwhile Lock continued to fume, his anger seething beneath the surface. All he wanted to do right now was return to his home, to see his wife Elizabeth. To hell with this! his mind screamed suddenly. Jack can find someone else to carve headstones, I'm leaving. With that he threw down his tools and stormed out of the building, slamming the door closed behind him.
The King just shook his head at this sad display. The lad was headed on a one-way train to self-destruction.

On her walk home, Sally happened to bump into her youngest son, Barrel, and his girlfriend Cora. He nodded to his mother upon seeing her, slowing down when they drew near each other. He and his partner had linked arms, grins upon their faces.
"Hello, mother," said Barrel. "And how are you today?"
"Just lovely, darling, thank-you. Where are you two off to?"
"We were just on our way to Town Hall to see if they needed our help," replied Cora.
"How thoughtful. I believe that they could manage to find a task for you."
"Wonderful," her son responded. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to know if Lock is down there, would you? I wanted to talk to him."
She nodded sadly. "He is, but I'd be careful around him. You know his attitude lately."
"I know, but I can handle him. Thank-you."
"Anytime, dear. So long you two."
"Bye mother."
"See you, Mrs. Skellington!" cried Cora as she and Barrel walked away. Sally headed off once again towards the manison. Cora seemed to be anice girl, and Barrel seemed happy with her. But then again, he did with every girl. He had never been able to find a steady partner; all the women he had ever dated either dumped him or cheated on him. The poor lad just didn't seem to have good luck with girls.
When she finally got to the home that she and Jack shared, she was surprised to find her daughter Kyrene waiting for her. She smiled upon seeing her mother, waving. "Hey mom. Just wondering if you had any extra worm's wart. I wanted to make Jacob's favourite type of soup for supper, but I seem to have run out."
The Queen just smiled. "Certainly, dear. Come on in."
"Thanks." They stepped inside the house, entering the kitchen. "Worm's wart...I know we've got some around here somewhere," Sally muttered to herself. "Where did it go I wonder...aha, here we are!" She pulled down a small jar. "Losing my menory in my old age," she smiled as she handed it off to her now-seated daughter. She took a seat of her own. "That should do it for ya," she told her. "If it's not, then I might have some more around here somewhere..."
"No, that's alright," she replied. "Thanks."
Sally eyed her child, reading her emotions. "Darling, something's troubling you. What is it?"
"Oh, there's nothing. Everything's fine."
"I don't believe you. I'm have four children; I know these things. Tell me what's troubling you."
She shrugged. "I don't know, it's just...." She began to twiddle her thumbs. "It's Jacob, I suppose," she said finally. "He's been acting strange lately, and I don't know why."
"Ah," Sally replied. "Yes, I understand that feeling very well. Your father was always putting me through that, especially before you were born. He doesn't like to discuss it much, but before you came a long he used to be extremely depressed. I'm talking extremely here. We told you before thjat we had a son before you were born, Ezra. He died in a horrible accident, and Jack was sorely upset bny that. He disapeered for about a week, until a a search party I had sent out found his body in the woods. He had attempted suicide. Luckily we were able to save him though."
"I didn't know that dad had done that," Kyrene breathed. "He isn't like it any more though?"
"No," she told her. "When you came, that empty place inside of him was repaired somewhat. Of course, he still had the occasional bad spell, but I'd always help him through it. And never again did he ever try to kill himself."
"So are you suggesting that Jacob might just be depressed?" her daughter asked.
"That might be it,' she replied. "Talk to him tonight. Ask him about it. He'll tell you how he feels."
A smile as she stood up. "Thanks, mother. You're the greatest."
"No problem, dear. Have a good day."

Lock burst through the door of his home angrily, collapsing into his favourite armchair. Elizabeth came out from the kitchen upon hearing the door slam, knowing the mood that her husband was most likely in. Short and petite, she was a severe contrast to his 6 feet 5 inches. With long blonde hair that was almost white and pale violet skin, she was a beautiful young woman. And by no means was Lock exactly ugly either; with short black hair and skin that had a reddish-tint to it, he had been quite popular among the girls in his teens. His outfit was indeed impressive; a black suit and matching cape, with white gloves upon his hands and a top hat upon his head. He liked the 'dramatic look', as he prefered to call it.
"What's wrong dear?" Elizabeth asked him sympathetically as she sat on the couch beside him.
"That miserable old coot again," he muttered. "One day...."
"Come now," she cut in. "I know you might have your differences but I don't think that he's really done much to you. Has he?"
"I know, it's just...arg! He enfuriates me! Have you ever known anyone who did that to you? Just drove you mad every time you saw him?"
"I'm sure I have."
He scratched his goatee as he thought. "You know, I often imagine that I'd be a lot happier if I had the throne instead of him. That privilege, however, is reserved for Shock. Lucky little devil."
She smiled encouragingly. "My darling, I feel such sadness and heartache for you when you're like this. I mainly worry for your relationship with Jack. You should try to get along with him better, really. I never got along well with my own father, and I'll always regret it. After he died, I immediately knew what a horrible thing I had done." She took his hand. "Just try, okay? I only want you to be happy, and at the rate you're going now you're going to end up feeling very sorrry for your actions."
He sighed. "I can try, Elizabeth. And I will. But my feelings will stay the same."
She just nodded in reply. "I know, Lock. I can only pray that they'll change. For your own sake."

Jack sat in his office, reviewing a set of blueprints for Halloween. This was his favourite place to be; it always had been. It had once been his private sanctuary, where he'd go only when he needed to be alone. It was covered with old pictures of family and friends, his parents and deceased relatives. Even some of his ghost dog Zero, who sat in the corner of the room in his little basket. But now it was just his office, wheree he did all of his paperwork and such. And what was more, these days he would actually let people come in.
He was concentrating quite hard when a knock came at the door. "Come in," he called. His daughter Shock poked her head inside. "Hey dad, can I come in for a sec? I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Sure, step on in and fire away."
She did, taking a seat across from him. "I'm worried about someone, about Lock. I'm sure you've noticed his attitude lately."
A sigh. "Yes, I have. I've already determined that it's because of me, though I don't know why." She raised an eyebrow."Are you sure?"
"Positive."
She nodded at the aging King. "If that's what you think then, I'll go with that. But this new outlook of his is really starting to drag on Halloween. He does alot of work around here, he's a very important asset to Halloween. I think we have to do something now before it gets too out of hand. Lose him and you risk turning Halloween into a disaster. Get what I mean?"
He nodded. "Yes, I do. Here, tell you what. Me and Sally were going to have a bit of a family get-together tonight anyways. While we're there, you can talk to your brother about it. If that doesn't work, then we'll have to do something else. Alright?"
She nodded. "Yeah, thanks." She turned to leave, pausing when she was just about out through the doors. "Hey, Jack?"
"Yes, Shock?"
"Love ya."
A smile. "I love you too, dear.

It was around 4:00 when Jacob returned home from Town Hall, tired and worn out. He entered the small house they shared silently, hanging his coat upon the caot rack. Kyrene smiled as he entered the living room, standing up and embracing him. She kissed him softly, brushing his shoulder-length brown hair from his eyes. "Have a good day?" she asked him.
He shrugged. "I don't know. It was decent."
A frown as she sat down. "Jacob, sit with me." He did so. "Darling, what's the matter? I've been noticing how upset you seem lately, and it's been bothering me. You seem depressed."
He appeared confused. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, positive. Please, what is it?"
He sighed, taking her hands into his own. "I don't know, I've just been kind of down lately. I can't explain it really. I've just been in a sad state of mind. Why?"
"Because it worries me," she told him. "Jacob, I love you a lot, you know that. I don't what to see you hurting. I miss seeing that handsome smile of yours. Come on, give me a small grin."
He couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, you're so adorable, you know I can't help but break out into laughs." He paused, touching her cheek and gazing into her small black eyes. He was a bit older then her, but that didn't matter to either of them; they were in love, and that was all that mattered. He kissed her gently, and she sighed happily. "Thanks for asking, dearest," he told her. "It means a lot to me."
"Feeling any better?"
"Yes, actually. Just knowing it matter to you."
"That's great." A smile. "I love you, Jacob."
"You too, Kyrene."

It was about 5:00 when Shock got home, tired and worn out. "Jennifer, I'm back!" she called to her babysitter. The girl was 17 years old, but was also very mature and responsible. Shock trusted no other person with her daughter.
"Okay!" she called back politely. "I was just helping Alisa clean up her toys."
"How nice of you, dear." She headed to where they sat in the living room, just as the teenager was standing up. The child was sitting on the floor, her blond ringlets tumbling over her face as she played with a doll. She looked up suddenly, pleased to see her mother.
"Mommy, you're home!"
"Yes, isn't that great?" She turned towards the babysitter. "Thank-you once again."
"Not a problem, Ms. Skellington."
"Remember, tommorrow's payday."
"Oh, yeah. So long."
"Until then." Jennifer showed herself out, while Shock sat on the floor beside Alisa. She had been married once, to a man named Mark. Their relationship had been a rough one, however, and so they divorced. After that, she had gotten her last name changed back to her original one; Skellington. She didn't want to be reminded of the short time she had spent with that son of a bitch, with the exception of her beautiful little girl. She was the most important part of her life and had been for the past three years. And while Mark still flashed into her mind when she looked at Alisa, it didn't hurt as much. The child was perhaps one of the prettiest she had ever seen; with her pale skin and big black eyes, she truly was a living doll.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" asked Alisa suddenly.
"Oh, nothing sweetie. Just thinking."
" 'Bout what?"
"Lots of stuff. You, me, your father...."
"I don't remember him," said the tyke quietly.
"That's alright. You don't have to."
Silence for a moment. "Hey mommy, what's for supper?"
"Snake and spider stew."
"Yummy!"
A smile crossed the proud mother's face. "I like it too."
That was when the doorbell rang, the chimes ringing their happy tune as somebody waited patiently outside. "Oops, come on dear. Let's see who it is."
" 'Kay." They stood up together and held hands as they headed to the front entrance. "I wanna open it!" cried Alisa.
"Go to it then."
With a bit of struggle she managed to pull open the door, revealing a tall man wearing a handsome black suit. He removed his hat upon seeing the two.
"Um, I'm looking for Shock Skellington..."
"That's me, what can I do for you?"
He adjusted his tie, suddenly looking uneasy. "I'm sorry to barge in on your life like this but I just got here and wanted to see you. I couldn't stay away."
"What's your name?"
He cleared his throat. "Ira McVampson, madam."
She was stunned by this. "Really? Ira? Oh my goodness, my second boyfriend! I thought you had moved away a long time ago, while we were still dating!"
"I did, but I'm back now. To stay."
"Wonderful! Please, come in!"
"Thank-you." He stepped inside cautiously, allowing her to take his hat and place it on a coatrack.
"Come to the living room and sit down, take a load off your feet."
He smiled graciously. "That sounds wonderful. I've been going all day."
"Since when did you get a life?"
He groaned. "Since I moved. I tell you, a lot has happened since we last met."
"I know, same with me."
They now sat on the couch, while Alisa sat back on the floor to play with her dolls. "So who's the kid?"
"My daughter."
He blinked. "Really? Goodness, I should have known! Who's the father?"
Her face darkened. "I don't like to think about that. It's ancient history."
"Oh...I'm sorry -- did I offend you?"
A sigh. "No, it's just...well, I really did use to love him. I thought he was the one. That's when we split. I was 5 months pregnant. He didn't even come to see his daughter come into the world. Alisa has never met her father."
"That's her name?"
"Yeah, Alisa Rosalynn Skellington. I had both our names changed back to my maiden name after we split."
"That's rough, I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you."
A smile. "That's so like you, always kind and caring. It's not your fault though, so don't apologize. I can't possibly imagine life without my darling little girl. Enough about what I've been up to though - what about yourself?"
He shuddered. "I can barely remember half of it. Around two years after I moved away from Halloween Town, both my parents died in a car accident. So that left me all on my own then, with only the little bit of money I had and my dreams. From then on I just wandered everywhere, around the Holiday Worlds and even throughout the Human realm. I spent long periods in all sorts of different places, until people began to notice that I was a bit different. After a while I got tired of my travels and came back here. It's not like I didn't aquire a nice enough living, though. I managed to make a millionaire of myself, establishing various companies in the places I happened to settle. Then when I moved, I'd always have enough to start over."
"Travelling salesman, kind of?"
"Yeah, exactly. Travelling salesman. That's when I got tired of it though, about a week or so ago. Decided to come back here and start all over again."
"That's great. I'm so happy that you're here."
"So am I. So how's Jack been doing?"
"Oh, fine. He's getting old, though, and everyone's worried about his health. He's in great spirits though. Gotta give him credit for that."
He nodded. "And how's everyone else? Sally and your siblings?"
"Oh, great. Sally is as good as ever, simply adores little Alisa. Barrel's doing just fine with his latest girlfriend, and Lock is married."
"Wonderful! And your little sister Kyrene?"
"Oh, she's living with this guy named Jacob, they're really serious by now. I think he's going to pop the question to her soon."
"Really? Wow, that's different from the little infant I saw the last time I was here."
"I know. Unbelievable how quickly the years go by, eh?"
"It seems liike only yesterday that we were still an item," he said.
"Doesn't it?"
A nod. "Certainly does. Anyhow, Shock, I really can't stay for long, I have to go find a hotel to stay in until I can find a place."
"So soon? Here, you don't have to go at all, stay in one of my guest rooms."
"No, I couldn't," he insisted.
"Yes, you can," she replied. "Please, I insist. I don't get company much around here. And it's such a big house, too. I have to get a cleaning service to help me with it."
A chuckle. "Living the high life, eh?"
"Why not?"
"Exactly. If you have the oppurtunity, then take it." He stood up. "Well, I left my luggage outside so I'm going to go get it seeing as I'm staying for a bit. Just until I can get on my feet though."
"Sure, right. I'll be here with Alisa."
"Be only a sec." He disapeared, only to come back a moment later with a medium-sized suitcase. His only possessions in the world. "Where can I put this?"
"Oh, upstairs and into the first door on your right. Can't miss it."
"Thank-you, Shock." He hurried up the steps and found it right away, setting down his stuff. Nice room; Black bed with a canopy and matching dresser, plus lace curtains of the same colour. A charming little place. Nodding with satisfaction he headed back down the stairs, finding only Alisa in the lving room. Shock had probably popped away for a quick second. Sitting down beside the child, he watched her as she played with her dolls. What a gorgeous little child she was. Her beauty had come from only one person. After all these years, Shock was even more beautiful then he had remembered. At the young age of 15 they had started going out, before he had moved. He had always liked her, admired her. When they had started going out, he was quite surprised but pleased. Now she was the image of beauty. Tall and slim, she had huge green eyes and long silky black hair. Her skin, tinted slightly green as it had always been, was flawless. She was everything he had ever dreamed of in a woman, and more. Besides that, however, she had a great personality. Funny and charming, while at the same time could get her job done well and on time. So sweet and loving, too. He had always dreamed of being with her, through all his weary years of travel. Finally he had another chance with her.
"Hey Mister," said the child suddenly, "you wanna play?"
"Sure. What are you playing?"
"Dollies. Here, you be da prince and I'm the princess. The evil witch has caught me and you gotta save me."
"Okay, I can do that."
He played the game with her happily, acting the role of the fairy-tale prince charming who comes to the aid of his darling love. He actually found himself to be having fun, and didn't even notice Shock as she came in.
"Having fun, Ira?" she asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Wanna join?"
"That's okay, I've gotta be cooking something to bring to Jack and Sally's later on. I don't like making them do all the work."
He immediately jumped up. "Here, let me do it."
She was surprised by his offer. "Thank-you, but that's quite alright. I can handle it."
"Please????" he begged.
"Really, it's okay..."
"Aw, come on...."
She laughed. "Oh, alright. Do you know how to make snake and spider stew?"
"Of course, it's one of my favourites! Just let me handle everything."
Not used to this arrangement she did as he asked, following him out to the kitchen and sitting at the table. He nodded to her quickly before pulling the ingredients out one by one and setting them on the counter, then pulling out the utensils he'd need. He didn't even need a recipe as he began to make his creation, just tossed ewverything into a pot and stirred it before setting it on the stove to cook. It was only a few minutres by the time he was completed, sitting across from her at the table. He gave her a smile. "And now we wait," he said simply.
She gave him a smile. "Thank-you so much. I appreciate it."
"No problem."
"So did you ever get a chance during your travels to do your astronomy thing? I remember you telling me that you wanted to study the stars some day."
He shrugged. "Kind of. I did for a while, until I had to move again. But not really."
"Are you going to pick it up now that you're settling in?"
"Oh, most definately. It's still a great love of mine, always will be."
A nod. "How wonderful." She paused. "So, what would you say about going to see my dad later on this evening? I was going to take my daughter up to see her nanny and poppy, and I thought that Jack might like to meet you once again."
"Really? My, that would be wonderful, thank you."
"Mommy," came a small voice from the doorway. It was Alisa, who lept into her mothers arms while holding up her dolls. "Mommy," she repeated, "play with me."
"I'm sorry, darling, I was just speaking with our guest for a moment. His name is Ira."
"Iwa?" she marvelled.
"Yes. He's going to be visiting for a while."
"Why?"
"Because your mom is such a kind lady," he piped. The child giggled as he got up and headed over to the stove, stirring the brewing contents.
"You're just like you always were," sighed Shock. "Sweet."
He shrugged. "With around someone like you, it's unavoidable." She blushed slightly, her face growing red. He just laughed. "And as always, you just love the compliments. Of course, I like giving them out."
She pouted. "Now that's quite enough from you. Just cook that stew so we can get out of here."

It was around 7:00 when the door of the Skellington mansion rang. A crowd had already gathered here; Barrel and his girlfriend, Lock and his wife, Kyrene and her boyfriend. When the bell signalled another visitor, they all knew that it had to be Shock. Sally announced that she would get it and stood up, heading toward the front entrance. She pulled open the door.
"Darling," hello!" she cried to her daughter. "Come, you and Alisa step inside. Mmm, whatever you've got in that pot sure smells good."
"What about my guest?" Shock demanded, ignoring the compliment.
Sally glanced, only just noticing the male who stood by the child. "I'm sorry, dear, I didn't even see him. Please, step inside, all of you." She waited as they took off their shoes, tasking the dish.
"So, who is this fine man you've brought us this evening, darling?"
She grinned proudly. "Mother, this is Ira. Ira McVampson."
Sally cried out happily at that. "Ira! Wow, unbelieveable. How lovely to see you again, what are you doing back in Halloween?"
"I'm moving in," he replied. "I've been travelling the world my whole life and now I'm going to settle down."
"Wonderful! I'm just going to quickly put this in the kitchen and then we'll go see the others." They waited until Sally was done before they headed off. Ira took Shock's hand as they headed walked, Alisa walking besides her grandma.
In the living room they met the other seven, all sitting around and laughing merrily.
"Hey, Shock!" cried Barrel. "Who's the guy?"
She smiled. "You'll never believe. It's Ira McVampson."
He jumped up from his chair, the news cheering him. "What are you doing back here?" he cried as he slapped his old friend on the back. "It's been ages!"
A shrug. "Oh, around."
"Ira," came Lock's voice, "It's great to have you back." He turned, shaking hands with the now grown-up little boy he had once known.
"It's good to be back," he replied. Then he turned to another person, an unfamiliar one. However, he recognized her right away. "Ah, Kyrene. My dear little Kyrene. Come, rise from your chair so that Ira can hug you."
She did, embracing him warmly. "Hello, Ira. I can't quite remember you but Jack told me of what you did for me a long time ago, when I was still a baby. I was too small to remember, but I've been told that you helped save my life by journeying to the human world with my father, the mayor, and Shock. They tell me that you found the very rare plant that supposedly cured me. I guess I owe you, huh?"
He shrugged. "Nah, nobody owes me anything." He allowed her to sit down by her boyfriend Jacob, holding his arm tight.
"Ira," came another voice suddenly. He turned around to see an old skeleton, leaning heavily upon his cane as he approached the young man. "Ira, how good of you to come back."
"Mr. Skellington," he replied as he gave the father of his old girlfriend a hug. "It's been a while."
"It certainly has, eh?"
"Yeah. Much too long. I'm coming back though."
"For good?"
"Yeah, for good. I'm going to get a place and settle myself in nice and comfortable."
"Hey, how about we crack open one of those bottle of wine you've got his downstairs, Jack?" hinted Lock. "I think this calls this calls for a celebration!!!"
"That's a good idea," piped Shock. "How about Sally does that while I have a word with you, brother?"
He gave her a strange look. "What about?"
"Nothing important."
"So my wife can come, too?"
She glanced at Jack. He shook his head. "Sorry, bro," she replied. "I wanted to have a bit of a sibling chat. That okay?"
"Yeah, fine." He stood up and followed her into the kitchen, out of earshot. "Now, what's all this about?" he demanded.
"I wanted to speak with you regarding Jack," she told him.
"Ah geez, not this. Elizabeth already brought it up today, and now you?"
"It's important, Lock, now be quiet." He said nothing else. "Listen, we've all noticed your attitude towards Jack lately and we're all worried. For both you and him. He's very upset by it, and it's doing his health no good. The doctor fears that too much of the stress you've been putting him under will end up killing him. And it will, unless you change."
His face went blank, as if he had been slapped in the face. He hadn't known that he could have that much of an effect. The last thing he wanted was for Jack to die, no matter what he desired. "I...didn't know that," he replied honestly. "I had no idea...I really don't know what came over me, really. I can't quite explain it. But I am trying to change, I haven't once acted cruel toward him this evening."
"Yes, and it would be great if you could be like that from now on," she replied. "Please, be careful with him, alright? He means a lot to us all."
He took her hands into his own. "Of course. Anything. I'm sorry to put you all through this.
She smiled before nodding and walking away, heading towards the living room once more. He just sighed. He was seing the error in his greed. How typical of him, to think like this. To wish more for himself. Jack's demise was not what he wanted though, no matter how badly he wanted the throne. Not if it was going to be his> fault for killing the King. From now on, he resolved, I'm going to be different. No more wanting what I can't have. For Jack.

It was around 10:00 when Shock, Ira, and Alisa got home. The poor little girl had fallen asleep on Jack's lap, and Ira had carried her home. Shock showed him to the girl's room and he laid her into her bed, sneaking away silently.
He found Shock sitting on the sofa of the living room, deep in thought. He sat next to her, touching her hand softly. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Oh, nothing," she replied quickly as she stepped back into reality. "I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"You, really. I thought you were gone. Now you're back. And you know what else? I've dreamt of this day for so long, when we'd finally be back with each other again and would be able to live our lives together. I've missed you so much, you know. Now I don't know how to react." He touched her face softly, "Darling, I feel the exact same way. All I really want at this point is to get back together again and live our lives together." He kissed her softly upon the mouth, surprising her. He said nothing more, just continued to kiss her. His lips moved slowly down her face and towards her neck, reaching towards her shoulder. It was at that point that she pulled away. "What is it?" he asked.
"Don't you think that this is a bit...sudden? I mean, you only just got back." He appeared hurt by this. "Oh, Ira. I love you very much, and one day it will happen. We will both know when the time is right."
He nodded . "Yes, I understand." A smile. "If that's what my darling wants, then that's what she'll get."
"Thank-you, Ira."
"So I guess we're back where we left off?" he asked. "Dating again?"
"Yeah, I guess so. but you know what? I couldn't possibly be any happier right now."
"Me neither."
Silence for a moment. "I really do love you, you know. You mean more to me right now then my husband ever did. I can just feel how right we are for each other."
He smiled. "I've never really had anybody else whom I can say I had actual feelings for with the exception of you. I mean, yeah, I had lovers. Too many. I'd get with one girl and ditch her a few weeks later for the next. Always going I was. Then as soon as one of those girls began to mean something to me, I'd have to move again. Of course, how would I ever manage living like that? In the human world. How would I explain the fact that I aged so much more slowly then everyone else, that at 80 years of age in their terms I'd still look 25? It just doesn't work."
"You should have come home to me sooner," Shock told him.
"I should have, but I was too afraid. Afraid that you'd be already with someone or angry at me because I moved or something like that. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and just came home, thinking that there'd be no way we could ever get together. Some other guy would no doubt have gotten you. But I was lucky."
A smile and a sigh. "So was I."

Shock awoke the next morning to a knock on her bedroom door. She looked up, surprised to see Ira standing before her with a tray full of food. "Good morning," he sung. "Time to eat."
"Oh, you shouldn't have," she said. "How adorable..."
He smiled at her as she sat up, allowing him to place the tray on her lap. "Anything for you, darling," he told her.
She combed her fingers through her hair. "Right when my hair isn't done or anything, he has to come up and surprise me with breakfast."
A laugh as he kneeled beside her on the bed, laying a finger on her cheek. "Shock, you don't need any of that stuff for me. It covers up the true you underneath." He gave her a kiss. "That's the girl I like the best."
She blushed as she picked up her fork and knife, looking at the food. He had prepared her a special feed of tarantula legs and snake eyes, along with a glass of spider venom and a slice of toast, burnt to perfection. The work of an expert. She took a bite out of the snake eyes.
"Mmmmm!" She cried. "Delicious! You must have been a gourmet chef somewhere during your travels. First that incrediable snake and spider stew last night, now this."
"Actually, I was," he replied. "Cooking is a hobby of mine, as I believe I told you last night."
"And what a tasty hobby it is, too."
A laugh. "It is, isn't it? Well, I'm going go now, I have dishes to wash."
"How long have you been up?" she asked.
"A while now. I got up, showered, dressed, ate, and then made something for you. That's all. Anyways, happy eating." He left the room, letting her chew in siilence. Her heart sang for joy as she listened to him hurrry down the stairs. Ira definately was one-in-a-million.

Jennifer showed up at exactly 8:45. Alisa was still in bed when she arrived. Needless to say, she was quite surprised when Ira answered the door.
"Oh, hello there," he smiled. "You must be Jennifer. Shock's told me all about you. Come in."
She stepped in, removing her shoes. "Ummm....thanks."
"Is that you, Jenn? I'm in the living room." The two followed the voice, to find Shock putting some papers in a briefcase. "Alisa's still napping, but she'll probably wake up soon," she told her. "By the way, this is Ira. He'll be staying with me for a while until he gets his own place. Today he'll be joining me at Town Hall, but tomorrow he said that he might like to spend the day with my daughter. Give you a bit of a break. Is that okay with you?"
She nodded. "Oh yes, just fine. Thanks, Ms. Skellington."
"Anytime, dear. Come along, Ira."
"Right behind you." He nodded towards the sitter. "See you later, miss." And with that the two of them left, leaving Jennifer very confused. Since when did her employer ever date? And especially with such good-looking guys?

Shock and Ira walked into Town Hall together, holding hands. "Ah, memories," Ira sighed. "It looks just like it did before I left. Even better."
"We've been trying to do some reconstructing," she replied. "The place is old and falling apart, so we're trying to fix it up. You know....paint the outside a new shade of black, steady up the columns, repair the stairs....it's coming along slowly but surely."
"And it looks great."
"Yeah, Jack's been putting a lot into this place. The holiday just wouldn't be the same without it."
A nod. "Sure wouldn't."
"Ah, Hello you two!" cried the aging King suddenly as he hobbled over. "I see you decided to come along as well, Ira?"
"Yes sir. I was just hoping to get a bit of a brush-up on my Halloween skills."
"How wonderful! Here, I believe that we could use your help with the headstones...."
"Wrong," cut in a voice. "That's my station, remember?" They turned to see Lock. He gave them a grin. "Well?"
"Oh, yes," replied Jack. "Well, there's always pumpkin carving left."
"Thanks." Ira turned toward Shock, pulling her close to him and giving her a kiss. "See ya."
She gave him a kiss in return. "I'll be keeping an eye on you." He released her and headed over to his station, leaving Shock in joyful bliss. A sigh escaped her lips.
"It's happening to her," said the Pumpkin King to his son. "She's falling for him."
"Huh? What? No way!" she cried suddenly, waking out of her trance. "Of course I'm not, don't be ubsurd."
"Come on sis, admit it," urged her brother. "You are so."
She frowned. "Well, maybe I am. So what? He's just so wonderful though...better then that horrid ex-husband of mine."
Laughs. "Ah, my dearest daughter. It's so good to see a smile upon your face once more."
"And it's good to have one." She wrapped an arm across her father's shoulder as they began to walk away, waving to Lock. "Now, old man, I believe we have a holiday to make."
He nodded. "Yes, you're right. No more dawdling, let's get to work."

That day turned out to be a hectic one. It seemed there was always something to be done; check on the decorations, change the blueprints, talk to this person and then talk to that person...it was an endless day. By the time 5:00 came, Shock was more then willing to go home.
"I'm leaving now, Jack," she said to her father as soon as the last of the helpers had walked out the door. "See ya tommorrow."
"Of course, darling," he said. He beckoned her closer, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I love you."
A smile. "Love you too, pop." She turned to head away with Ira, but the Pumpkin King called out once more.
"Ira? Could you come over for a second?"
Shock grinned at him. "He wants to talk about you and me."
"Really? Um....okay."
A laugh. "I'm going to head on home, Alisa and Jenn are waiting. Just follow along when you're done."
"Right, be only a little while."
She waved and headed off, leaving the two men behind.
"Now, my boy," said Jack, "Come stand with me."
"Yes sir." He did as he was told, standing before the aging hero of Halloween Town. "What did you need me for?"
"I just wanted to speak to you about my daughter. You know how much she means to me, right?"
'I do."
"And you do realize that I'm always taking her feelings into account, right?"
"Yes."
"Then you know I'm only trying to protect her. I've always been cautious over, especially after she and her husband Mark divorced."
"That's his name?"
"Yes. Shock prefers not to call him by his proper name. It pains her to be reminded of him."
A nod. "I know."
"Which makes me even more careful with her. I don't want the same thing happening to her. All her life she's experienced nothing but heartbreak; her first boyfriend, you, Mark...even her biological parents. It's a very tender area for her. But now she appears to be happy again, for the first time in ages. I don't want her to be hurt again."
"Because you already broke her heart once; should it happen again, I don't think she'll be able to take it as well."
"I know, Mr. Skellington."
A chuckle. "Please, call me Jack."
"Right." He bit his lip. "I understand your point quite clearly, Jack, and I want to put your fears to rest. I have always loved Shock, ever since the day we first met. I've always dreamed of being with her, of marrying her and then having a family together. She is the only one for me, and I'll be damned if I ever do anything to harm the love of my life. The only thing on my mind right now is making her happy."
"So it is your intention to establish a long-term relationship with her?"
He nodded. "Yes, most definately."
"And you are willing to become the father of her children, to support any offspring you have and love your entire family?"
"Yes I am." A smile. "I promise you, I'll make your daughter happy. I'll give her all the love and support she could ever need, I'll be a wonderful father and a devoted husband. That's exactly what I want to be like."
Jack seemed impressed. "Very well then, my boy. I give you my blessing to court my daughter. Based on what you have told me, I trust you with her. Just don't disapoint me, like Mark did."
Ira stood tall. "You can count on me, Jack. I'll never break that vow."
As he left the building, the Pumpkin King just watched as he left. The love he felt for Shock reminded him of what he felt for his dearest Sally.

When Ira finally entered Shock's home, it was nearly 5:30. He could smell rat tails cooking, the heavenly aroma drifting throught out the house. He headed towards the aroma, tiptoeing silently as to surprise her.
He found her in front of the stove, stirring the pan of dinner. He grinned as he silenced for Alisa to be quiet, who was sitting at the table with a colouring book. She returned the greeting, watching with a smile as he silently approached her mother.
Shock didn't even notice that he had come in until he laid his hands on her shoulder, kissing her neck. She sighed happily. "Oh, that feels so nice..." She turned her head to look at him. "So what did he say?"
"Not much. I have permission to start seeing you. He even said that I could marry you one day."
"Oh, I think that would be marvellous. Imagine....Mrs. Shock McVampson."
"It sounds rather nice, actually." He began to play with her hair as she resumed her stirring. "You must know, however, that I have no intentions of marrying any other girl. I have waited this long for you, I'm not going let you leave me now. I don't care what happens, I'll never end up losing you again."
"And I'm not going to let you. Not now, not ever." He let go of her hair, reaching for her hand.
"Darling, why don't you take a seat? You've had a hard day, let me finish here."
"Oh, but I couldn't...."
"No, I insist. Sit down."
A relieved sigh. "Thank-you so much. I'm exhausted." She sat across from Alisa at the table, who was still colouring happily. "What's that picture of?" asked the proud mother, pointing to the page in the book.
"It's a spider," came the reply. "Don't be silly, mommy."
"Oh, so it is. And there's a jack-o-lantern on the other." No reply as the child chose a new colour. Ira just chuckled, beginning to massage Shock's shoulders. "Oh my God, you have no idea how nice that feels."
"You're very tense tonight," he replied. "You need to relax a bit."
"I can't help it. All this stuff about being Jack's heir is so stressful. I'm always faced with it, they never let me forget it. And there's never a break. When I'm not at Town Hall, I'm being a full-time mom. It never stops. There's so much to do and so little time..."
He continued to massage her. "Listen, don't worry about that now. I'm here, and I'll help you as much as I can. I always will."
"I could never let you, though....that's my job...."
"Oh, yes you can. You're just too polite to. And besides, since when is it your job?"
"Since always."
He cried out in protest. "I'm hurt that you could say something like that about yourself! Maybe I enjoy cooking! Perhaps I like to help out around the house!" He lowered his voice. "You really mustn't say such things. I'm certain it doesn't set such a great example to your daughter."
She chuckled. "Ira, how'd I ever manage to get a great guy like you? I mean, my ex-husband never did anything nice like this. He never told me to sit down and take it easy or anything like. I was his little housewife. I did everything around the house."
"Well I'm not him. From now on, I'm going to help you out in any way that I can."
A pleased sigh escaped her lips. "Ira, why are you so nice to me?"
He let go of her, kneeling next to her side. "Because," he replied, "I love you. More then anything else in the world. I'd do anything for you. I'd give up my life for you! Anything at all. Never forget that, my dear."
She sniffled. "I won't."
He smiled as he stood up, patting her one the back. "You won't be able to; I'll never let you." He then resumed stirring the food, humming a tune to himself. Shock just sat there, watching in what seemed like fascination.
"Really though," she said, "I can't let you do all this for me. I mean, this is the third meal you've after prepared here! I can't let you do it."
"Darling, I am going to assist you as much as I can this for you. Regardless of what you say."
A sigh. "I know. I can pretty much tell that I can't do anything about it."
"And you're right about that." He finished stirring, turning the stove off. "There we go, all done."
He reached up to the cupboard, pulling down three plates; one for each him and Shock, and a smaller one for Alisa. Carefully he spooned some up for each of them, sitting at the table and giving each of them a plate and some utensils.
"Thanks, Ira," she said. "It's very kind of you to help me."
A shrug as he smiled at her. "No prob. Anything for my you, my darling. Anything."

The next day Ira stayed home with Alisa while Shock went to Town Hall. He and the child waved to her from the doorway as she left, both smiling happily.
"Good-bye, kiddo!" she called. "Be kind to Ira!"
"Me will!" she called back. "Buh-bye mummy!"
"So long, Alisa!"
Ira closed the door once she was no longer visible. "Now then," he said, "let's have a bit of fun, eh?"
"Like what?" she asked.
"Well, anything you want. Dollies, dress-up, house...whatever you say!"
"Really?" cried the happy little girl happily.
"Yes indeed," he replied. "What'll it be?"
She thought for a moment before smiling and slapping him on the arm. "Tag!" she cried. "You're it! Now you've gotta catch me!" With that the tyke ran off, giggling wildly. He just smiled to himself. She was indeed an adorable child.

As soon as Shock got to Town Hall, work got under way. Jack arrived not long after her, not surprised to see that all was working as scheduled. He smiled at his daughter as he hobbled over to her on his cane.
"I see you're already doing quite well without me," he said.
"Sure am," she replied. "I'm no dunce, you know."
"I know. You're a wonderful woman."
A smile. "Thanks, old man."
He touched her arm softly. "I couldn't be prouder of you, my child. Just look at what a lovely person you've turned out to be....all grown up with a child of her own...." A tear appeared in the corner of his eye. "I never thought I'd see the day."
"Aw, Jack...." she sighed, embracing him. "You're so sweet." She stood back. "I only turned out this way because of you, you know. I remember when I was just a small child....living under the care of that horrible Oogie Boogie after my parents had abandoned me and my brothers. But then you came along and took us in, you and Sally. And had it not been for that, I wouldn't be where I am today. Certainly not as the heir to the throne."
He nodded. "You're probably right about that. But today you're a terrific person." A grin. "And what's this I've seen going on between you and Ira? You seemed pretty close there the other day."
"Oh, we've decided to start going out again."
"Really? That's wonderful!"
"Yeah, as if you didn't already know."
He appeared surprised. "Whatever are you talking about?"
A laugh. "Nothing, Jack. Absolutely nothing. Anyways, he decided that he wanted to stay home with Alisa today, he wanted to her to get to know him a bit better."
He raised a socket. "My, you two sound pretty....involved."
A happy sigh. "We are, very much so. He's so adorable!"
He chuckled. "Oh, Shock. Well, if you're happy then so am I. I can see how much you mean to each other."
"Thanks, father." They embraced briefly, before she pulled away. "Now, enough of this idle chit-chat. We've got work to do here."

Before Shock left that day, Jack invited her and Shock up to the mansion for a family dinner. She had agreed enthusiastically, saying that she's got straight home and deliver the news to Ira.
Within 10 minutes she had arrived, heading through the doors quickly.
"Guys, I'm home!" she called. No reply. "Guys? Where are you?"
"Mommy!" came a cry as Alisa bounded toward her from the living room. Shock smiled happily and swept her child into her arms, kissing her fondly.
"Hey there, kid. Where's Ira?"
She pointed towards the living room. "We played cops an' robbers. He was the cop but he lost."
"Oh really? Did you have fun?"
"Yup."
They had by now reached the living room entrance. The sight Shock beheld was one that made her burst into peals of laughter. There was Ira tied to a chair, tape across his mouth. It looked hilarious. She put down her daughter as she headed over to him, pulling off the rope.
"My goodness, how'd you ever let a three year old tie you up?" she asked as she yanked the tape from his mouth.
A shrug. "Anything can happen."
"That's quite obvious." A laugh. "Anyways, my father has invited us to join him for supper tonight. Go up and change into something nice."
"Right. Something nice. Be right back." He ran up the stairs, leaving her with Alisa.
"Now then little girl, let's go get you something as well, huh?" a nod from the child. "Good. Come along, up the steps." Little Alisa took her mother's hand and walked up the long flight, towards her bedroom. It was located just opposite Shock's at the end of the hall, a nice little black nameplate on the door with her ame on it. Shock pushed it open, heding towards the closet. "Now, let's find something here..." She hunted through the variety of dresses, until she found the proper one; black, with a lacey trim. One of her grandmother's favourites. "Here then, this'll do," she said. "Now let's get you dressed."
Alisa allowed her mom to assist her, smiling once she was done. "Der," she announced. "Now me looks pwetty."
"You always do, dear. Mommy's going to go change now."
"Can I come?"
"Sure." Together they headed towards the master bedroom, where Shock headed for her own closet. She aready knew what she wanted to wear; her favourite black pants and an oversized sweater of the same colour. She quickly found the articles of clothing, pulling it out and changing into them. She was done in a second, and after quickly pulling a brush through her long black hair she was ready. She dearly loved her hair; it was her best feature. "Now, we're ready to go downstairs," she said. "Come along."
"Is Ira done?" asked the tyke.
"I don't know. Why?"
"Cause I wanna play."
"Is he a nice person to play with?"
"Yeah. He's a wot of fun."
"I'm glad you like him dear. I think he likes you too." Alisa just smiled.
They found that he had already completed, and was standing at the bottom of the stairs wating for them. He was quite handsome looking; he wore a black tuxedo with long tails, a top hat upon his head and a cane in his hand. Shock whistled.
"My, don't we look dashing," she said. "Shall we leave?"
A nod. "Certainly." At that he took her hand as well as Alisa's, leading them out of the house.

When Sally opened the door to her guests, she was quite impressed upon seeing Ira's outfit. "My my," she said. "How handsome."
He bowed low, taking her hand into his own and kissing it softly. "Thank-you, m'lady. You look quite lovely yourself."
A smile as he rose up. "How respectful of you. Please, come in." They stepped inside, pulling off their shoes. Sally couldn't help but marvel at how adorable Alisa looked. The girl just giggled at her grandma, allowing herself to be scooped up into the old woman's arms.
They headed towards the living room, where Barrel and Kyrene were already sitting. Shock glanced around. "Hey sis," she began, "where's Jacob?"
"Working late," she replied. "He'll be here soon."
"And little bro?" she asked, turning to Barrel. "Where's Cora?"
A shrug. "Why should I care? Happy, I suppose."
She nodded, understanding. "She broke up with you."
"Yep."
"Oh, I'm so sorry..." She sat down beside him, giving him a hug. He accepted it graciously.
"Don't be," he said as he released her. "It's not your fault."
"But I know how much you liked her..."
A chuckle. "Yeah. I thought she was the one. Of course, that's what I think every time."
She patted his knee. "Don't be so pessimistic. You'll find the right woman someday. And when you do you'll know that she's the right one."
A sad smile. "I hope you're right."
"Course I am, aren't I always?'
He laughed. "Yeah, sure. You can just think that."
"Thanks."
Sally cleared her throat. "Jack is upstairs takling a bit of a rest. As for Lock and Elizabeth, they'll be along shortly. I'll be in the kitchen seeing how the butler is making out." With that she left the room, and Ira took a seat next to Shock on the black leather sofa.
"Since when do they have a butler?" he asked?
"Since Jack got too old to do his share of the chores. Geoffrey's just around to tend to the house...clean, cook, wash laundry....that sort of stuff."
"Oh, I see. Too bad, Jack was an excellent chef."
"Yeah. They use his recipies all the time but they don't have that special touch." Shock lowered her voice at that point. "Talking about Jack, I had a bit of a chat with him today."
Ira raised an eyebrow.. "Oh, really? What did he say?"
"Nothing that he didn't say to you, really. Just that he supported my decision and wanted what was best for me."
"Really?" he beamed. "Gee, he actually likes me."
"And why wouldn't he?" she replied. "You're a wonderful guy, Ira." She took his hand. "There's no reason in this world not to love you."
"Are you two going out now?" asked Kyrene out of the blue. Her sister nodded.
"Yep. We used to be before he moved away when we were both 15, but he's finally come back to me."
A smile. "You two look so cute with each other. Like the perfect couple."
Barrel frowned. "No fair. Shock has no problems with finding a soul mate, how come I do?"
A sympathetic smile from his big sister as she patted his knee. "Come on, little bro. Cheer up."
"I am cheery!" he cried. "I am, see! I didn't even like Cora anyways. Really I didn't!"
She nodded, not convinced. It was clear from the look in his eyes that he was heartbroken; he just didn't want anyone to know. Didn't want anyone to think he was any less of a man. That saddened the heir to the throne, to see her brother going through such heartache. But what else could she do for him? She'd tried her hardest, but it never seemed to work.

Elizabeth and Lock walked slowly towards the mansion on the hill, their arms intertwined. It was a wonderful afternoon; overcast with a chance of rain. The wind nipped at them slightly, a pleasant feeling. Elizabeth sighed as she laid her head on her husband's shoulder.
"Isn't it a lovely day?" she sighed.
He nodded. "Sure is." A look of sadness and anger lay across his face.
"What's wrong, dear?" she asked. "You seem upset."
"I don't know....it's Jack again. Shock talked to me the other day, begged me to be a little 'kinder' towards him. I know my sister's right. I'm not doing his health any good and even though I sometimes get pissed off with him, I could never let anything bad happen to him. And I really should treat him with a bit more respect. I mean, this is the man who raised me, who saved me from what would have been a life of doom and gave me a chance. He's the man I call my father, he's the damned Pumpkin King! He could have my head chopped off with the blink of an eye."
"Come on now, I don't think he'd do that."
"Maybe not, but he has the power to. And I think it's in everyone's best interest not to anger him. I really don't want to harm his health, though. If he died becasue of me, Sally and my siblings would never forgive me. They'd ban me from the family, exile me from Halloween Town. I can't risk that happening. I'd end up losing you..."
"Awwww!" she cried, giving him a kiss. "How sweet!"
"I mean it," he continued. "So starting now I'm going to put allk my childish feelings behind me. It's beitterness over not getting the throne is all; as a kid I never cared that Shock was getting it, but as I grew older it seemed more important." A shrug. "I dunno, maybe I should seek professional help or something.
Whatever you feel necessary. If you think it will help matters, I fully enocourage it."
He gave her hand a little squeeze. "Thanks, Liz." By now they had reached the mansion and were just climbing the front stairs towards it.
You're my husband, I love you, and I want the best for you."
A grin. "Well of course you love me!
She stifled a laugh. "You're not conceited, are you?"
"Course not."
Upon reaching the front door Lock turned the knob, stepping inside. "Hello," he called. "We're here!"
"In the living room!" called Kyrene.
They removed their shoes, heading to where everyone was sitting. Shock and Ira, Kyrene and Jacob (who had just arrived), Sally and Barrel.
"Where's Jack?" he asked. "And Cora?"
"Jack's taking a nap," replied Barrel. "As for Cora, we broke up."
"Oh, that's horrible. you alright?"
A shrug. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks bro."
"You're sure?"
"Positive."
A nod. "That's too bad though. Oh well, there's lots of women out there."
"And I've already been with half of them."
"Oh, Barrel," sighed his mother. "I'd hardly say that. You haven't ever dated any human women after all."
He chuckled softly; he wasn't in the mood for humor. "What a strange idea."
The aging queen shook a finger. "I'm telling you, I'll never let a mortal girl in my home."
"I've never given a thought to it."
Shock nodded eagerly. "I'm sure you never have."
"What are you all talking about down here?" came a voice. They turned to see Jack, hobbling down the stairs from his bedroom.
"Oh, darling!" cried his wife, helping him down. "Let me help you."
"No, I'm quite capable of handling it myself. Go sit."
"You stubborn old man, let me give you a hand."
"Hey, I'm not FULLY uncapable here."
A frown. "Alright, but it's not my fault if you fall down and kill yourself."
"Certainly not." He hobbled down the remainder of the stairs, taking a seat in his favourite rocking chair in front of the fireplace. "What a nice snooze," he said. "I could have stayed up there all day but I probably wouldn't have gotten any sleep tonight."
"A wise old king," said Shock.
"So how are you, Jack?" asked Elizabeth. "Feeling well?"
"Oh, yes, my dear, thank-you. And you?"
"Oh, pretty good."
"My son treating you nice?"
"He always does."
A pleased nod. "That's my boy. A wonderful son." Lock just frowned, doubting those words.
"What's wrong, my lad? You seem troubled."
He shook himself from his daydream. "What? Oh, I'm fine. Don't worry about it."
"Are you sure? You can talk to me if you need to."
A smile. "That's alright. Thanks anyways."
Jack wasn't believing him, but shrugged. "If you insist then."
Sally rose from her spot. "Would you like anything, dear?"
"A glass of tarantula venom might be nice," he replied. "Maybe with an aspirin, I've got a touch of a headache."
"Certainly, dear. Best take your calcium ones now that you're at it. Barrel, would you mind giving me a hand please?"
"Certainly."
They headed out together, walking towards the kitchen. They said nothing, until they had reached their destination. It was then that Sally stopped, holding her son by the arm as she looked at him.
"Sweetie, I'm worried about you. You seem so upset with your break-up."
A sigh. "Well, I'm rather upset, it's true. I mean, I really loved her. I was going to propose, you know."
"Oh, my darling...." A nail was suddenly stabbed through her heart. "Well, if she broke up with you, it probably saved you from a long and costly divorce. She would have probably taken you for all you were worth."
A smile. "You're right, Mom. I don't need her. There's plenty of fish in the sea, right?"
"Exactly. Now come along, let's get your father's pills."
They walked into the kitchen togetther, where the butler was carving the wild turkey.
"How are you doing, Geoffrey?" asked the Queen.
"Fine, madam," he replied in a British accent. "Just about done."
Ding-dong! Rang the doorbell suddenly. "I'll get it" called Lock from the living room. He headed past the kitchen to the front door.
"Ah, that must be my package I was waiting for."
"Package?" asked Barrel.
"I ordered some special scorpion claws for dinner, and I asked for them to drop them off. " She hunted through the cupboards, searching for the calcium pills. "Oh darn it, they must be up in the bathroom. I'll be right back." She hurried out of the kitchen and scurried down the hall towards the bathroom, just as Elizabeth was stepping out.
"Oh, did you want to get in there?" she asked.
"Yes, just for Jack's pills," she replied. "Thanks dear."
A nod. "Did you need any help in the kitchen? I can lend a hand."
"That's okay, Geoffrey's got it all under control."
"Aright then, I'll be in the living room if you need me."
"So long."
Elizabeth left, while Sally rummaged for the pills. At last she found them, hiding in the hidden cabinet. It was located behind a stone in the wall, which nobody could find. This was where they put the most important of things, stuff that couldn't be forgotten. Such as calcium pills, for example. Pulling them down she opened up the bottle, pulling out two and replacing the cover. She then went replaced the stone and went back to get the drink.
When she reached the kitchen she was surprised to find Shock instead of Barrel. "Where's your brother?" she asked.
"Speaking with Jack, so I came and got the drink instead."
"Thank-you, darling. Did you get the aspirin too?"
"Both right here."
"Great. Think you could take them out to him? I wanted to assist the butler with laying the the table."
"Sure, no problem." Taking the calcium pills, Shock headed out towards the living room.
When she got out there, she found that Jack had disapeered. Barrel was sitting in his place.
"Where'd dad go?" she asked.
"On the patio," he replied. "But don't go out there yet, Lock wanted to have a word with him." A smile. "I think everything between them is going to be great."

Lock stood outside the door to the patio, looking at Jack. The King merely stood gazing down at Halloween Town below him, admiring it silently. Lock just took a spot beside him, clearing his throat. Jack turned, startled to see someone there.
"Oh, I didn't see you, my boy. Didn't even hear you."
A smile. "That's okay." He ran a hand throguh his haair. "Um, hey....Jack? I wanted to say....sorry."
The old man nodded softly, understand. "It's okay, my son." "Mean, You acted the role of my father when my own had abandoned me," he went on. "You were so wonderful to me and yet I treated you like dirt. I want to apologize for being so horrible. I know how rotten I 've been, but I want to say I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
A smile. "Son, I was never angry. Never have been. But it's so nice to hear you say it. Yes, you're forgiven, so have a clear conscience from now on. Consider it forgotten."
He sighed with relief. "Oh, thank you. You don't know how glad I am to hear that." He cleared his throat. "Anyways, I'm going to go inside now. Coming?"
"No, I need some air. My head is killing me."
"Alright then. See ya."
"So long, my son. Love you." Lock disapeered into the house, closing the door behind him. Jack just stood there and smiled, looking back at his Kingdom.
"Hey Jack, I got your pills." He turned to see Shock, entering just as his son was leaving.
"Oh thank-you darling. How kind of you."
"No problem." She handed it to him and watched as he swallowed the medication. He shuddered once he was done. "I hate pills," he moaned. "They're disgusting."
"You've got to take them though, father," she replied sternly. "You need your calcium. Your bones aren't as strong as they used to be."
"I know, I just find them difficult to take."
She smiled. "Poor Jack."
"I know." He coughed. "So you and Ira seem happy."
"Yeah. He's great."
"I can tell. What a well-mannered young man he is. Can't wait until the wedding."
"Jack!" she cried. "Who said anything about marriage?"
"Well, I was just assuming."
A chuckle. "Well, you're probably right. He's so perfect for me...I love him more then anything. And he's so wonderful with Alisa, a terrific father. We could be one big happy family."
"And I think you're a wonderful match. It's quite obvious how much you mean to him."
"And he means a lot to me as well. I'm not going to let him leave me this time." A nod and a smile. "That's great, I'm so...." He cut off in mid-sentance, clutching at his skull.
"Jack, are you alright?" asked Shock.
"Yes, I--I'm fine. Geez, I feel ready to faint. Hurry child, get me to the living room..." But she never got to. With a final groan he lurched forward and fell to the ground, his skull making a horrible cracking sound on the floor. The glass dropped from his hand, shattering into a million pieces.
"Jack!" called Sally from the living room suddenly. "I heard him fall, I know it!" She burst through the doors to find the awful scene; Jack unconsious upon the floor, with Shock standing over him. Barrel, Lock, and Kyrene followed soon after, as well as Ira, Jacob, and Elizabeth. Lock cried out in horror, dropping to his knees by his father.
"Jack!" he cried. "What happened? Answer me?" Nothing. He shook the poor old skeleton. "Say something!" He didn't move. "Oh my God...." He stood up slowly, hatred forming in his eye. He looked up at Shock, pointing at her accusingly. "You," he hissed. "What have you done?"
"Lock, I didn't do anything! I swear it!"
"WHAT DID YOU DO?" he yelled at her. "What did you do to him?"
"NOTHING!" She screamed back. "He just dropped."
"Likely story," he fumed. He glared at her. "Did you poison him? Got tired of him being around? Decided to kill him and get the throne for yourself?" He began to advance towards her. "He was fine, dammit! And now look at him!" He motioned towards the fallen King. "It had to have been you! When you got the aspirin for him, you probably replaced it with some type of poison. Then you took it out to him and watched him as he took it, laughing as he slowly died. CONFESS! I know you did it!"
"Lock!" cried Sally. "We have no proof as of now. You can't accuse her of anything yet."
"Yet?" screamed Shock. "Sally, you believe me, right? You have to! Why would I do it?"
She bit her lip. "I don't know, quite honestly. He has a good point. You're the only one who could have done it. As far as I know, nobody saw you fetch the pill. Geoffrey was setting the table; Barrel was helping Lock, I was getting his Calcium, and everyone else was in the living room. It's only logical."
"But what if it wasn't the aspirin that did it," she demanded. "It could have been the calcium pills!"
Sally shook her head. "Not possible. They were in a hidden cabinet in the bathrom. There's no way anyone could have found them. Nobody knows where this cabinet is, besides me and Jack. So nobody but you could have done it."
"Except for you," Shock sneered.
"Me? Do you know how much I love that skeleton? I could never kill him! If I had wanted to, then I would have a long time ago. Not when he was old and grey. Don't be so foolish."
"FOOLISH? You're telling ME not to be foolish? Look at yourself! Accusing me of murdering my own father!"
Ira stepped between the two women, holding his hands up. "Listen, let's talk about this calmly. I'm sure there's some reasonable explanation for this...I'm certain about that."
Barrel sneered. "Sure. If that's the case, then why does all the evidence point to her?"
"Barrel, you too?" she cried. "Kyrene, don't you believe me?"
Her sister just stood there silently. "I--I don't know," she replied softly. "I don't know who to believe."
"She'll believe the truth," snarled Lock, "And the truth is that YOU tried to KILL the Pumpkin King just so you could get the throne. Well it's not going to work. I'm going to call the police right now!" And with that he ran from the patio, towards the kitchen and the phone.
Shock just collapsed to her knees in front of the still body, touching the skull softly. "Oh, Jack," she moaned. "Why did this have to happen? Why are they blaming me? Why?" She began to cry, tears of bitter sadness that rolled down her cheeks and stained Jack's suit. Ira knelt beside her, holding her in his comforting arms.
"Don't worry," he whispered. "It'll be alright. They'll soon realize that it wasn't you."
"Ira, you believe me, right?" she asked. "You do, don't you?"
He nodded. "Of course I do. I love you."
A sob. "Thank-you."
Not much was said after that for around 10 minutes until the loud roar of three police cars appeared outside, followed by an ambulance. The cops barged into the home, hurrying towards the patio. There were three officers, two of them who rushed over and grabbed Shock from Ira. They shoved her against a wall, cuffing her hands.
"Geez, what are you doing?" she cried. "I didn't do anything!"
"Ms. Skellington, you have been charged with murder," said one of the officers. "I'm going to repeat to you your rights...."
"I know my rights already!" she screamed at them. No need to friggin' scream it in my ear."
The paramedics came in at that point, picking up Jack and placing him on the stretcher. "I'd like to ask you a few questions about what happened here," the cop went on.
"Can I just go with him to the hospital first, make sure he's all right?"
The officer nodded. "Of course you can. We'll meet escort there."

They all journeyed to the hospital, piling into the three police cars--Lock, Elizabeth, Ira, Alisa, Barrel, and even Geoffrey, whom the officers wanted to question. Sally rode in the ambulance with her husband, ahead of the rest of the vehicles. As for Shock, she was seated by herself in one of the vehicles--the cops wouldn't allow anyone else to sit with her. She was cuffed hand and foot and she wasn't at all pleased by how they were treating her. With the exception of Ira, nobody believed that she hadn't poisioned Jack.
It was a silent ride to the hospital---not much was said. When they finally arrived, Jack was unloaded from the ambulance and rushed in through the main doors. Sally was by his side the entire time, holding his hand as they hurried along.
Meanwhile, everyone piled out of the three police vehicles. Even Shock, who was escorted by two of the officers. Ira attemted to squeeze in beside her, but was warned to keep his distance. Alisa didn't know what to make of it all, seeing her mother bound hand and foot. She was scared, but clung to Ira for comfort.
They all sat in the waiting room impatiently, waiting for some news as to what was going on. Great tension filled the air. Shock was made to stand, away from her family.
Alisa sobbed from Ira's arms. "Mommy...." she whispered. "Mommy, I want my mommy...."
"Darling, I'm right over here," she replied. "See? I'm still here!"
"No, I want them to let you go. I wants a hug."
"For crying out loud, have you no heart?" cried Elizabeth suddenly. "She's not going to harm her own daughter, that kid means more to her then anything. Let her give the child a hug."
The officers glanced at each other before nodding. "Fine," said one of them. "Let her go."
The happy tyke jumped from Ira's arms, running towards Shock. The delighted mother tried to hug the child in return, but the cuffs limited the use of her arms. "My darling baby," she said. "Don't worry, everything'll be fine. I don't know for how long, but mommy's not going to be home for a while. Ira will take care of you though....he'll do a good job."
"But mommy....I don't want you to leave me...."
"I'm not! We can still see each other, you can come to visit me!"
"Where will you be?"
Shock grew quiter. "Jail, dear. They're putting me in jail."
"Why?"
"Because they think I tried to harm your grandfather."
"HA!" cried Lock suddenly, jumping up. "Tried my butt! You did mean to kill him, I know you did!"
"Shut up, you have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't do anything!" Alisa ran from her mother and towards Elizabeth, whose arms were outstretched to welcome her.
"What are you doing?" cried Lock to his wife. "That's the child of a murderer!"
"So? She's also a child. She doesn't need to be involved in such stuff. She still needs to be loved."
"I don't care! That bitch over there tried to kill our father!"
"THAT'S IT!" cried Ira, standing up. "NOBODY treats her in that manner, the love of my life. She didn't do anything, and I'll prove it."
"Why don't you keep your nose out of it, lover boy," sneered Lock. "You have no input here."
"The hell I don't," he replied. "I'll show you all how wrong you are. Then you'll be sorry!" He then hurried over to Shock, embracing her. She touched his face with her cuffed hands, tears flowing down her face as they kissed.
Shock pulled away slightly, feeling his hands. "You're trembling," she said.
"I know," he said. "I---I've never been so scared in my entire life." Another kiss. "I don't want anything to happen to you, or Jack. I know you didn't do it. I'll prove it too, somehow."
A brave smile flashed across her face. "Thanks, Ira. You're the only one who believes me."
It was at that moment that Sally appeared from down the hall, her face as white as snow. She shot her eldest daughter a quick glance before sitting down next to Lock.
"Mother, how is he?" asked Barrel. "Will he be alright?"
"The doctors aren't quite sure yet," she replied. "He was poisoned after all, apparantly by a very strong deadly nightshade pill. Specially formulated to kill. There's no way of getting rid of the poison, but it can be fought off with alternate medicines."
Relieved sighs from around the room. "Oh thank God," Shock sighed.
"I wouldn't go talking over there," replied Lock with a sneer. "You're the one who wanted to poison him in the first place."
"Alright, that's enough!" cried one of the officers suddenly. "Her Majesty the Queen isn't done speaking yet."
"Thank-you," she nodded. "There is some bad news, though. The treatment might not be effective, he might resist it. The chance that he might yet die still exists." Horrible silence filled the room as they all took this in.
"How awful," stammered Kyrene. "My father...our father....he's dying...why is this happening to us?"
"We all know why," Lock said, fuming. "Because of my sister."
"She didn't do it!" roared Ira, standing up. "She's innocent, now stop accusing her of what she didn't do!"
"THAT"S ENOUGH!" cried one of the officers. "That will be all of the arguing for tonight. Ms. Skellington, you'll be coming with us down to the station."
She didn't resist as they escorted her from the hospital. "So long, everyone," she called. "Hope you're pleased now."
"See you at the trial!" Lock cried back happily.
Ira just shook his head with disgrace as he gathered up Alisa. "You people make me sick," he told them. "Blaming my darling Shock for doing such a horrible deed! Sally, she's your daughter! Lock, Barrel, and Kyrene, isn't she your sister?"
Sally just shook her head with dismay. "She might be my daughter legally, but not biologically. When me and Jack adopted her and her brothers, they were all rude, mean, and heartless. I guess she never quite outgrew that."
Ira didn't respond to that; instead he just took little Alisa's hand and walked away. He'd prove that Shock was innocent, one way or another.

Shock was put into a cell at the police station that night, among a row of other cells. She knew this area well; she had demanded its construction. Funny how now she was stuck here. This section was for female prisoners only; it was also quite crowded. Every cell had an occupant, except for one. This was the one they put her into. Of curse, not until forcing her to change into the customary black-and-white two-piece striped uniform. She even had to pose for the pictures; she was prisoner number 5H63Q7Z.
"Here you go, ms. Skellington," said the officer as he showed her to her cell. "Welcome to your new home."
"You can't do this to me!" she cried. "I demand my rights!"
"Ma'am, these are your rights," he replied. "Sleep well." And with that he disapeered, whistling a happy tune as he walked down the darkened hall.
Shock just groaned as she sat on her cold metal bed. What a horrible night this was turning out to be...first Jack's near death, now this. As if it wasn't bad enough that it had happened in the first place, now they were accusing her of doing it! How unfair was that?
"Pssst!" she heard suddenly. "Hey you! Psst!"
She looked around. "Who is it?"
"Me, you dolt," came the reply. "Across the hall. Stand up and walk to your bars." She did so, looking across. Sure enough there was another woman there, waving. She was about average height with short black hair, which was kept in spikes. Her pale skin seemed to radiate in the dim light, the standard stripped uniform hanging from her slim frame.
"Oh, uh...hi.," replied Shock. "I...didn't see you at first."
"Don't worry about it. Name's Demonica Witchly. Who are you?"
"Shock. Shock Skellington."
Demonica's jaw dropped. "You mean Skellington, as in the Shock Skellington?"
A sigh. "Yeah, that's me."
"Hey, neat! Never thought we'd see you here. Hey girls!" she called down the row of cells.
"Guess who we've got here? Genuine royalty, the heir of the throne herself!"
They were greeted by cries from both sides.
"Really? What did she do?"
"I can't see! Let me see!!!"
"Sweet! I can't believe it!"
Shock just sighed. "I don't see what's so great about it."
"Forget about them" replied Demonica. "Tell me, what're ya in for?"
"Murder, apparantly."
"Murder?" she cried. "You? Capable of murder? No way? I personally killed my boyfriend, but I don't believe that you could have done such a thing. Who they saying you killed?"
"My father."
"Really?" she replied, surprisingly casual. "Geez, harsh. You didn't, did you?"
"Of course not!" she cried. "I love him!"
"So somebody framed you?"
"Exactly! And now nobody will believe me besides Ira!"
"Who's he?"
"Oh, my boyfriend."
She nodded. "So will he take care of your daughter?"
"Yep. He also promised to prove my innocence, but I doubt if that's possible. Everyone believes I did it, even Sally!"
"That's pretty bad. You must feel like crap."
A chuckle. "You'd better believe it."
Demonica nodded. "It's not fair that they should accuse an innocent person of such a horrible deed. I know now that killing my boyfriend probably wasn't the way to go but I've still got another 15 years to go here yet."
"How long you been here for?"
"10. In the exact same cell." She paused. "Is Jack really dead though? Did he die?"
She shook her head. "No, he's alive. They're concerned for him though."
"Oh good. Do you think you know who really did it?"
Shock thought for a moment, then shrugged. "No idea," she said. "When you piece together the facts I'm the most obvious suspect. But I'm perfectlly innoent! I'm telling you, I was framed."
"How awful," said someone to Demonica's left. Shock looked to see a plump woman, probably around 40 years of age in human years. Her light blue skin showed signs of aging and her shoulder-length hair was going slightly grey. Despite this her eyes showed the firey youth that still burnt inside her. The women smiled. "Oh, please allow me to introduce myself. Spectral Goblinson."
"Shock Skellington."
A nod. "I know. Who doesn't? After all, everyone knows you."
"That's not fair! I have no idea who anyone is in this town yet they all know me!"
"Dear, that's what you get for being royalty," replied Demonica.
A sigh. "I know. Those are the breaks though. Sometimes though I wish I could just be normal. Nobody would know my name or that I was the heir to the throne, and they wouldn't care. They'd like me for me."
"I liked you before you even told me your name," she replied. "Even after I did find out, it didn't really make a difference."
"Yes, but you're one of the very few who don't know who I am upon first sight. Even so, you still know all about me. What I want for once it just to be normal."
"Maybe what you need," said Spectral suddenly, "is to get away from Halloween."
"I'm in jail, remember?" she replied. "Probably for quite a while too."
"So? Break out."
A gasp. "Break out! I could never!"
"Why not? When this Ira guys comes to see you, ask him to help."
"What if he doesn't?"
"If he loves you then he will, trust me. So once you're out you can leave this joint, go on to another holiday...imagine the possibilities!"
"Yeah, but then I'd be forced to run from the law."
"Nah!" she cried. "The cops'll never find ya as long as you've covered your tracks well. You know, created a new identity for yourself, gotten a place to live, made yourself look like an average citizen..."
"Maybe," she muttered. "Just maybe it might work. Go to a holiday no-one would ever dream of looking for me. Like Valentine's Day for example, or Easter. Both the exact opposite of Halloween with lots of loving and caring."
"There you go!" replied Spectral. "Get my point?"
"Yeah," Shock nodded. "I'll ask Ira to help me...I just hope he visits...."
"So give him a call," interrupted Demonica.
"How?"
"You get one phone call. Just ask to make it."
An excited smile. "That's a great idea." She took a deep breath. "HEY, COPPERS! WHERE'S MY PHONE CALL? I THOUGHT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GET ONE! SO MUCH FOR EQUAL TREATMENT, EH? SO MUCH FOR...."
"Alright, alright, keep your shirt on," came a holler as a cop hurried down the hall. He pulled out a key and unlocked Shock's cell, frowning at her. "You know, you're really loud."
A smile. "Thanks. Now where's my phone call?"
"Follow me." He led her past the rest of the cells, and she gave a thumbs up sign to Demonica and Spectral as she went by them.
He brought to the end of the hall, where there was a telephone poised on the wall. He lifted the reciever, passing it to her. "You've got 10 minutes before I tell you to get off," he said. "Make it snappy."
With a nod she began to dial the number, watching eagerly as he stood nearby. One ring....two ring....gee, maybe Ira wasn't home yet. Maybe he was telling Lock off somewhere or even worse was giving Sally a rough time...
"Hello?" came a voice suddenly.
"Ira!" she cried. "Oh, how happy I am to hear your voice!"
"Shock!" he replied. "Are you in jail? What have they done to you? Oh my darling..."
"Don't worry about me," she replied. "I'm fine. I get to wear a cool striped uniform."
A chuckle. "Congratulations." He sighed. "I don't know how we'll pull through this mess...everyone seems so sure that it was you..."
"But it wasn't, you see," she told him. "And that's what counts." When she glanced up she noticed that the officer was no longer there; instead he was off patrolling the area. She quickly turned back to the phone. "Okay, here's the deal," she told him. "I want you to come visit me here tommorrow. We're going to bust me out of here."
"Bust you out?" he cried. "What are you thinking!?!? You'll get yourself into even worse trouble then you already are..."
"Not if they don't find out," she replied. "Come at night, alone. Now, in the back of my cell there's an open window, and this window is covered by a set of bars. What I suggest is using a file..."
It was quite obvious that he didn't like this idea. "But what if we're caught? What will we do?"
"Easy; you're going to run like hell," she replied. "Just be here okay? I'm counting on you."
A moment's silence on the other line. "Oh, alright," he replied. "I'll be there, but with a better method then a file."
"How then?"
"You'll see," he replied. "Until tomorrow."
"See you then," she answered him. "Love you, Ira."
"Love you too, Shock. Good-night."
At that the line whent dead, and she hung up the phone. He hadn't seemed very pleased with any of that; if anything, he'd been quite angry. Would he show up at all? Would he help her? With a sigh she headed back to her cell, where the officer was waiting. She stepped inside as he pulled the opening shut.
"Happy now, Ms. Skellington?" he asked.
"Very," she muttered. "Ecstatic."
With a nod he left, leaving the room of imprisoned women to chatter once more.
"So what'd he say?" asked Demonica. "Did he say he'd help?"
She collasped on to her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Yeah, but I know I'm putting a lot of stress on him. He sounded awfully upset at the end..."
"Oh, don't worry about it," Spectral shrugged. "As long as he gets ya out of this hell-hole."
"I don't know if I'm doing the right thing though, breaking the law and all...and what's more, I'm bringing him into it as well. I don't want him getting into trouble if we're caught, thaqt's the last thing I want to do..."
"Hey Shock, just calm down," urged Demonica. "It'll turn out fine, trust me."
She snorted as she turned her back to them. "Yeah, sure," came the reply. "Whatever you say."

Jack managed to regain conciousness the next morning. Sally was the only one around when his eyes cracked open, watching him from a chair at the side of the bed. Upon seeing that he was awake her eyes lit up with happiness, and she lept up.
"My darling!" she cried. "I was so worried, how are you?" He tried to reply, but that when he opened his mouth, no sound came out. She tsk-tsked. "Yes, the doctors said that this might happen. The medication you were given is a powerful poison. It's fighting off the rest of the poison in your system. However, you might be experienceing few side-effects. Don't worry though. You'll be able to speak soon." She could see that he was dying to ask what was going on. "Yes, my dear, I understand what you want to say," she told him. "You're in the hospital, Jack, after you took a deadly pill last night. Your aspirin was exchanged for a drug that was intended to kill you. But we managed to get you here before it took too much action.
Who was it? his eyes seemed to ask.
"Do you want to know who did it?" A nod. She just sighed. "We don't know for sure, dear, but all the evidence seems to point in her direction...we believe that it was Shock.
His expression changed into a combination of fury and confusion. What do you mean? his face read.
"I know it sounds odd," she continued, "but the evidence is too strong..."
It was then that the door swung open and in stepped the doctor. He appeared pleased to see Jack awake. "Oh, good-morning, sir," he said cheerfully. "How are you?"
"He can't speak, doc," replied Sally. "It's as you said, the other poision is taking effect now..."
"That'll clear up soon," he said. "Just give it time." He proceeded to give his patient a check-up. Every now and again he 'hmmmed' and clucked his tongue, and neither Jack nor Sally were sure if it was a good report or a bad one. At last he stood back. "He's going to be okay," he said at last. "A week or two and he'll be as right as rain. Maybe even sooner."
The Queen clapped her hands with delight. "Oh, thank-you! You have no idea how happy this makes me!"
A smile. "No problem. Have a good day now." At that he left, closing the door to behind him. Sally meanwhile laid down next to her husband, hugging him. Though the both of them had aged over the years, the love they felt had never died. She gave him a kiss.
"Hear that?" she said. "You're going to be just fine." He tried to share her enthusiasm, but his concern about Shock prevented him from doing so. She just shook her head. "Listen, I know you don't want to believe she did it, but you might have to. I don't want to myself but I'm afraid that I already do." With a brave smile she hugged him, holding him close to her. "Don't worry though," she told him. "Whoever did it, we'll find 'em. I promise you."
That, however, was what Jack had been most afraid of.

It was late that evening when Ira showed up. So late, in fact, that Shock was beginning to think he wasn't going to show up after all. She was just expressing her concerns to Demonica and Spectral when she heard him calling to her from the window.
"Psst," he hissed. "Over here."
"Ira!" she cried. "I didn't think you'd show!"
"Course I did, I love you. Now stand back, I'm going to get rid of these bars."
"But how?"
A strange grin. "With a little recipe I cooked up earlier today. Highly acidic, goes right through metal. I strongly advise that you don't get any on yourself."
She backed away. "Alright, go to it."
He then pulled a small vial from his coat pocket, removing the stopper. The liquid was a lime-green color, and stank horribly. She had to plug her nose as he poured a few drops onto the bars, of which there were four. Almost instantly, they had been reduced to nothing. "Wonderful!" she cried. "Simply magnificent!" She then hurried back over to the windwo, hoisting herself up carefully. She waved to her two friends, who returned the greeting.
"Good-luck!" said Spectral. "See ya round!"
"So long!" she called back. With that she grabbed Ira's hand and dragged him away, leading him towards her home. She heaved a huge sigh of relief. "Thank-goodness I'm out of there," she said. "Now I've got to get out of this town..."
"What are you talking about?" he demanded. "I don't understand..."
"I'm leaving, Ira," she told him. "If I stay the cops'll get me, and then I'll be in even more trouble."
"So instead you're just taking off?" he cried. "Just abandoning me and your daughter?"
"That's what I had to talk to you about," she said. "I need you to take care of her, make sure she grows up properly. Make sure she knows that I never did it."
"But how am I going to raise a child? I couldn't possibly do it!!!"
"Yes, you can!" she cried. "I know you can! Please, do it for me?"
He frowned., "Oh, alright. For you."
A smile. "Thanks Ira."
"No problem." A sigh. "I had to bring her to Jennifer's before coming to break you out...told her I had no idea how long I'd be..."
"That's fine," she replied. "Stay in my house once I'm gone, I don't want Alisa being moved. Don't let anybody try to take her from you. Okay?"
"Okay."
By now they had reached her home. He pulled out a key, letting them both in. She then hurried up the stairs towards her bedroom, Ira right behind her.
"So where're ya going?" he asked.
"Easter Town," she replied. "I figure I'll be safe there."
"Ah." She led him down the hallways, stepping into her room. She then reached under the bed, pulling out a suitcase. She opened it up and laid it on the bed, pulling clothes from the closet and flinging it inside. She didn't bother with folding; all that was on her mind was getting out of town. It didn't take very long for to get everything she needed. Along with her clothes she had stashed $5,000 of her emergency money, a special type that was accepted in all holiday lands. With that she laid her suitcase upon the floor. "There," she said. "Now I'd best change my clothes and get out of here..." It was at this point, however, that she stopped. She froze in her place, her eyes wide upon realizing a new and bitter reality.
"Darling, what's wrong?" he cried. "Are you alright?"
She shook her head as she sat on the bed. He sat next to her. "No, I'm not...Ira, this is the last time we'll ever see each other...after this we'll both be separated..."
He moaned sadly, wrapping an arm around her. "Oh, Shock...we'll meet again one day..."
A tear rolled down her eye. "No Ira, don't you understand? I want you now, I need you now. I can't wait until later. I love you so much!" She broke into sobs, collapsing into his strong arms.
"Shock," he said softly. "Oh my dearest Shock. You don't know how happy it makes me to hear those words. My entire life I've wanted to be with you, to call you my lover. I'd dream of us being together, having a family, living in peace...but now things have changed on us. We'll never get to raise a family together or grow old together or any of those other things. Still, I love you more then words alone can say." He kissed her. "I'll look after Alisa, I promise, and I'll never let any harm come to her."
A sad smile. "You'll be a great father to her," she said. "I know you will."
He said nothing after that, just touched her face softly. He then pulled her closer to him, drawing her into a kiss. This kiss was not soft and gentle as all his others were, but frantic and needy. She returned his kiss, her body trembling. He pulled away slightly.
"Shock, what's wrong?" he asked. "Are you okay?"
She just nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. I just...I love you, Ira..." Their lips met once more and they fell back onto the bed, their hearts racing.
Everything else was forgotten as they made love; Jack, the escape from jail; everything. All that really mattered now was each other.

They lay together in bed the next morning, holding each other close. Ira let out a happy sigh as he embraced his love.
"At last," he said, "I've finally made her mine, for good. Of course, that's when she decides to go ahead and skip town."
She frowned. "Ira, you know it's unavoidable..."
"I know, I just don't want you to go yet."
"But I have to if I don't want to spend my life in jail accused of a crime I didn't commit."
"I know," he replied sadly. "It's just not fair."
"That's the way life is," she said with a shrug. "By the way, you didn't happen to hear anything about Jack yesterday, did you? I forgot to ask last night."
"Apparantly he woke up," he replied. "However, he's going to be stuck in the hospital for a while yet."
"Then who's going to take care of Halloween while I'm gone?"
"Lock, apparantly, seing as how he's next in line for the throne now. They've kind of ruled against your being the heir."
She shook her head sadly. "Great, just bloody great. They're making me an outlaw."
"Want me to be an outlaw with you?"
"No," she said quickly. "Alisa needs you here. I can't leave her alone."
A nod. "I understand."
They didn't get a chance to add any more to the conversation. From downstairs a loud pounding sound came from the door, followed by Lock's indistinguishable voice.
"OPEN UP, MCVAMPSON!" he shouted. "SHOCK'S IN THERE, I KNOW IT, NOW OPEN UP!!!"
"Aw, damn it," Ira muttered as he climbed out of bed, grabbing his pants and pulling them on frantically. "Shock, run! Get out of here, jump out the window, anything! Just get out!"
"But---"
"JUST DO IT!" he screamed back.
He eyes brimed with tears. "I'm not ready to leave you yet!"
He swore underneath his breath, before pulling her in for a kiss. He released her, shoving her suitcase and clothes in her hand. "Now dress and get out of here! Quickly! Through the back door!"
A nod. "Alright. Good-bye, Ira."
"So long, Shock."
Downstairs the pounding grew more impatient. "MCVAMPSON, DON'T MAKE ME BREAK DOWN THIS DOOR!"
"Hold your bloody horses already!" he called. "I'm coming!" He ran down the steps and towards the front door, swinging it open. Lock stood there, his face contorted with furious anger. Angrily he pushed his way inside, searching the area.
"I know she's in here!" he cried. "You helped her escape and brought her here!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" he demanded. "She's not here!"
"Bullshit," he snarled. "I'll find her." With a growl he looking around therough each room, calling out to her. "Where are you, big sister?" he cried tauntingly. "I'm going to get you!" He found nothing downstairs and proceeded to head to the bedrooms, taking the steps three at a time. He looked in each of the guest rooms first; nothing. "She is here, he growled as he headed towards the master bedroom. "I'll find her and then the both of you will hang for your crimes. Just watch!!!"
Ira didn't reply at that, just held his breath as Lock walked into the main bedroom. He followed cloe behind, glad to see that she had gone. However, the new heir to the throne grew even angrier then he already was. "I knew it!" he cried as he picked up Shock's prision uniform. "She was here! You helped her escape and then brought her here!"
"How dare you accuse me of such a crime!"
"The evidence speaks for itself, McVampson," he replied. "I happen to see alot of your own clothes around as well. What a coincidence, huh?"
Ira's temper flared. "You can't just barge into this house and make accusations like this..."
"BECAUSE THEY'RE TRUE, AREN'T THEY?" he hollered. "You helped my sister escape, brought her back here and had sex with her! You've warped her! She wasn't like this before you came along, she was sweet and innocent and kind! Now you've got her trying to murder her own father, my father. Well it's not going to work!" He threw aside the uniform. "I'm getting the cops. You'll pay for what you've done this time!"
"Lock, listen to me..."
"NO! I'm through with listening! I finally make amends with Jack and then you convince Shock to try and kill him. Well I'll show you! I'll have you both hung for this!" And with that he stormed from the room and headed downstairs. "Just watch me, Ira!" he called. "You can't cover the truth for long!" The front door slammed as he left, shaking a picture off the wall.
Ira just swore. He should have had more sense, hid the clothes...there was one thing he could do about them however; burn them.
And that's exactly what he did. Lighting the fireplace in the living room downstairs he tossed in the prision uniform, watching as they smoldered to ashes. He smiled to himself. They'd never prove anything now. Just moments earlier he had cleaned up the master bedroom; made the bed, brought his clothes to his own room, and made sure that there was no evidence to be found. Then he changed into a black suit, one his his favourite outfits.
That's when he realized how late he was with getting Alisa. Suddenly concerned he ran for the phone, picking it upo and dialing the number. Jennifer answered on the 3rd ring.
"Hello?"
"Jennifer? It's Ira McVampson, I'm so sorry about Alisa!"
"Don't worry about it," she replied casually. "She's having a blast painting. You know, she's a pretty good little artist."
A sigh of relief. "Good. I would have come back earlier but I was...busy."
"Ah. I see," she replied simply.
"What's more, I don't know when I'll get a chance to come over for a while yet. I figure the cops'll be over here any minute now demanding where Shock is. She escaped from the prision."
"Really? How?"
"I don't know," he answered. "No clue at all. Now they're blaming me for it, probably going to try to pin Jack's poisoning on me as well."
"Harsh."
"I know." A sudden pounding at the door. "Crap, that's them. Listen, Jennifer, make sure Alisa knows I haven't forgotten about her. I'll be there as soon as I can shake these guys off. If I'm too long I might have to call Sally, although I'm not too sure on how happy she'll be to hear from me."
"Sure, no prob. Bye."
He hung up the phone quickly, heading to the front foor. There as he had predicted were three policemen accompanied by Lock. He grinned smugly as one of the officers began to speak.
"Mr. Vampson," he began, "we have a warrant to search this home. It is our belief that your are witholding information about Shock Skellington's whereabouts."
A shrug. "Help yourselves, but it'll do you no good. I've done nothing, I know nothing. All I know is that she escaped, and that I only know because Lock over there woke me up to tell me. Quite rudely, as well, might I add."
The officers didn't reply, just walked on into the house. They each took a separate level; upstairs, the main floor, and the basement.
Lock continued to grin at Ira. "Going to get caught red-handed, eh?" he jeered.
A shrug. "Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe I didn't do it at all."
"The hell you didn't, McVampson, I saw Shock's clothes there on the floor."
"Stop calling me McVampson already, Skellington! You're driving me insane!"
"Don't switch the topic, you can't avoid it. You will be caught, and then you'll be sorry."
He laughed. "We'll see now, won't we? We'll see."
Ira shook his head sadly. "You're so confident, aren't you? But you're soon going to realize that you're wrong, horibly wrong."
He recieved a glare. "You know, I don't se what my sister saw in you. She did a lot better with Mark. You, however, are nothing but useless trash, cluttering up Halloween Town."
"I love Shock!" he fired back. "With all my heart and soul. And you know what else? She loves me. I've waited all my life for her and now that I've finally found her and we're back together, I will not let anything stand between our love. Not you, not Jack's poisoning, NOTHING!!! So just accept it because no matter what, I will always love her."
A strange smile passed accross Lock's lips. "Yes, but how do you know that she loves you? Hmm?"
Ira growled. "If I were you, I'd keep my trap shut right about now before I punch you."
A shrugged as he pulled out a cigar. "Whatever. But I'll show you. Once and for all."

The police concluded their investigation 20 minutes later, not finding anything (thanks to Ira's quick thinking in concealing the evidence, plus the fact that the officers weren't too bright).
"What do you mean you can't find anything?" cried Lock. "The evidence should be up there! Shock was here last night, I know it!"
"Mr. Skellington, I am afraid that we have no evidence to back up your claims. I see no proof that Mr. McVampson assisted your sister's escape in any way."
"This is insane!!!"
"Maybe so, sir. However, I am dismissing all your claims as false. I believe that you're simply trying to accuse Mr. McVampson because he's the easiest one to blame."
"FALSE?" he roared. "You're calling them FALSE? How can you?"
"The details you have given me--about the prison uniform and the unmade bed--are untrue. The bed is nicely made and no uniform is in sight."
"So you're saying I'm lying?"
He shook his head. "No sir, we're just saying that there is no proof against Mr. McVampson as of yet. Nothing worth charging him for, at least."
An angry sigh. "I don't believe this...this has got to be some sort of joke."
One of the other two officers tilted his hat at the men. "Have a good day." With that they were gone, leaving Lock and Ira in silence.
"You lying little son of a bitch!" cried Lock suddenly. "What did you do to the uniform? Threw it away? Hid it?"
A shrug. "Listen, I don't know what you're referring to. Now, I suggest you get out of this house."
"I saw it, McVampson, as plain as day. You were there!"
"I think you're delusional. Maybe you'd better go lie down for a while."
Lock let out an angry cry, throwing his hands into the air as he walked out the door. "I don't believe this!" he cried as he stormed way. "I saw it, I know I did..."
Ira just chuckled as he watched him walk off. He had managed to escape--for now.

He went back immediately after the confrontation to get Alisa. As soon as Alisa had opened the door, he thrust a 100 dollar bill into her face.
"Oh my, this is far too much...." she protested.
"No it isn't," he replied. "I'd just like to apologize once again for last night. I came back horribly late..."
"Don't worry about it."
"I'm not quite sure what days we'll need you now that Shock's gone, but for now I'll tend to Alisa. But when she does return, we'll probably require you on an off-an-on basis."
"Sure, thanks. Here, let me get Alisa for you." She disappeared, an in a moment the little girl was
standing before him. A huge smile was upon her face as she hugged the teddy bear she had brought with her the night before.
"Ready to go?" he asked her. She nodded. He then look back to Jennifer. "Once again, I appreciate it."
A smile. "Anytime, Mr. McVampson."
With that he headed off with Alisa, holding her hand. The child toddled along, hugging her toy.
"So did you have fun?" he asked.
A nod. "Yep. Me and Jenn played dollies and tag and den she painted wiff me."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah, and I slept in her room."
A chuckle. "That's lovely, darling."
"But me didn't get my bath wast night. Me needs a bath."
"Oh...I see...." He wasn't sure how to react at that; he had never washed kids before, especially not little girls.
"Me likes bubble baths," she continued. "Mummy lets me have wots of bubbles."
"Do you have toys in the tub too?"
"Yep."
"Great. I guess that's what we'll do when we get back home then."
The child was silent for a moment. "Iwa?" she asked at last.
"Yes, sweetie."
"When's mommy coming back home?"
He sighed. "I don't know dear. She's gone far, far away, she might not come home for along time."
"Will you stay with me?"
A nod. "Of course I will. I'll be right here if you need me."
"But why did she go?"
He squeezed her hand. "Listen, don't worry about it," he told her. "She'll be fine, I promise. And when she does come back someday, we'll all be one big happy family."
"Really?" she cried.
"Really."
Alisa was silent for a moment as she hugged her teddy. "Iwa, I miss her," she said at last. "I wants her to come home."
He picked her up, carrying her as they walked. "Me too, darling," he told her. "Me too."

A week later they finally recieved a letter from Shock. They had both gone to check the mail together after having gone grocery shopping, and were happily playing a game of "I spy". When Alisa realized who the letter was from she cried out with joy, but Ira told her that they should open it up at home. That way, he figured, nobody could eavesdrop on them and learn about where Shock was.
When they reached home at last they both curled up on the chesterfield, opening up the envelope. Ira read it silently to himself first;

My Dearest Ira,

What an horrid trip I had. I only barely made it here, being chased by hunting dogs the entire time. I guess they really want me caught. I came to Easter Town, and it's the queerest place I ever did see. Filled with fuzzy pinks bunnies and cute little duckling; it's enough to drive a person mad! I showed up in a medium-length black dress and striped stockings. My hair was a state; full of branches and twigs from my race through the forest. How horrid. Needless to say, I didn't quite fit in. Had to buy an entirely new wardrobe upon my arrival. Pink and yellow just aren't my colours, I learned that soon upon arriving.
Anyhow, life fares well. I haven't been tracked down yet, so I feel relatively safe. I'm slowly adjusting to my life. I own a small apartment, a cheap place that provides me only with a dry shelter and a place to sleep. Everyday I am supposed to help out with the holiday, but I find it quite difficult sometimes. I mean, I'm from Halloween! Am I supposed to magically understand how things work? Take this for example; the other day I was assigned to paint some of the eggs. Simple enough, eh? I was doing a lovely job, black and white stripes, when the big head haunch the Easter Bunny comes around and tells me I'm doing it all wrong. But how, I ask. All I'm doing is painting. Turns out I was using the 'wrong colours'. Black is not permitted, apparantly. It's supposed to be an evil colour. Whatever. Too bad they don't know it's the same colour I've always worn. They'd die if they could visit Halloween Town!
I can't hide how much I hate this place, Ira. I'd much rather be back there with you, holding you close and kissing you so softly...oh, this BITES!
I ought to go now...please give Alisa a big kiss for me and tell her that mommy misses her! Until next time!

Love always,
Shock

Ira sighed sadly as he folded up the letter. "What did she say?" asked Alisa.
"Oh, not much," he replied. "She wants you to know that she misses you."
"Is she safe?"
"Yes, very safe."
The girl nodded as she hopped off the couch, content knowing this. " 'Kay, me gonna go pway in my room now."
"Alright, dear. Have fun." She toddled off to play with her dollies, while he sat there in silence with the paper. After a few moments he hurried upstairs to the office, siting at the desk and pulling out a sheet of paper. He began to write a letter back to Shock;

My Dearest Shock,

How it relieves me to hear from you, to know that you're safe there in Easter Town! Though you might not like it there, it's the best place you could possibly be right now. Lock, I'm afraid, is quite intent on catching you, and has accused me numerous times of helping you escape. Remember the morning you left, when he came banging on the door? Well, he found your prison uniform, as well as my own clothes sprawled across the floor. Kind of a giveaway, huh? He went and got the cops; he wasn't too bright though, leaving me with the evidence. The second he left I burned the uniform and made the bed, putting my own clothes back in my room and changing. So when the cops came, they could find nothing. I know that Lock still suspects me though. Luckily the police don't though.
As for Jack, he's improving. Slowly but surely he's improving. Sally gave me a call this morning--she doesn't feel that Alisa should be left out on anything. Apparantly he's not getting better as quickly as they'd like him too, but he's showing some signs of healing. He's able to talk again, and he's even able to walk a bit (with help, of course). At the current rate he's going at, the doctors figure he'll be out within 1 or 2 weeks.
Alisa misses you greatly, she's forever asking where you are and when you'll be coming back. I hate to do it, but I am forced to lie, saying that I'm not sure where you are. Anybody could be listening, and she could tell anyone your location. What if Lock overheard? It'd be the end of us both. Still, it breaks my heart to keep the truth from her like this. We've grown quite close the two of us, I love her dearly. It's as if she's becoming my own daughter by now. Now and then she even calls me Daddy. I find myself beaming with joy when she does.
Not a moment goes by when I don't think of you, my love. How I wish we could be together again...to lay side-by-side in bed once more, to feel your heavenly presence beside me. Oh, God how I love you! I never thought it possible to have such feelings for someone! But it is. It's enough to drive a man insane! I swear if this nightmare ever ends, there'll be nothing left of me to come back home to. I love you.

Forever yours,
Ira

He sent the letter that very same day, drawing a little heart in the corner of the envelope. Alisa wanted to drop it in the box, so he lifted her up and let her do as she wished. As he watched her he couldn't help but worry about Shock. He wanted her again, he needed her again. They both did. But it was not meant to be. All he could do now was sit and pray that his darling love would be alright.

Shock sat in a pink armchair by the window, a cup of hot coffee in her hands. The food here was somewhat strange, but when you were starved it didn't taste as bad as it looked. Chicken and mashed potatoes and chocolate...sickening, every bit of it. It was okay when there was nothing else around though. She especially hated the clothes...ugh! When she went out she had no choice but to wear the pink and yellow styles that everyone else wore. When she was in her own home, however, she put on the clothes she had brought from Halloween; currently she was wearing a knee-length skirt and the same striped stockings she had worn upon her arrival. Her shirt was one that Barrel had given her as a birthday gift one year--it was also her favourite. Low neck with long sleeves that flared at the ends. The people here would freak if they saw it.
She sat here now simply thinking--about Ira, Lock, Alisa....everything. It was at that exact moment that the doorbell rang. She lept up, setting the coffee on a nearby table and rushing to answer it. "Hold on!" she cried, wondering who it could be.
Upon opening the door, she was surprised to find a short little woman carrying a tray of cookies. She was quite plump and around her middle-ages, a friendly smile upon her lips. "Hello there," she said. "I noticed that you had moved in the other week, but I didn't get to come over until just now."
"Oh, how lovely," she replied. "Please, come in."
The lady stepped inside, setting the cookies upon the table beside the coffee. "I wish I had goten around to you sooner but I've been pressed for time this week. Oh, let me introduce myself. Sandra Bunnyson."
"Shock Skellington." They shook hands.
"That's an interesting name," Sandra said as she sat on the couch. "Skellington...."
"Well, I'm new around these parts. I come from Halloween, you see. That's why I'm dressed in black."
"And white," proclaimed the guest.
A laugh. "Yes, and white. Black is my favourite color though. I like to wear my normal clothes around my apartment. Makes me feel a little less homesick..."
"You'd rather be home?" she asked witha sympathetic smile.
"Kind of. I miss my boyfriend...my daughter...my parents. You know."
"You can always go back."
She chuckled. "No way, impossible. I should hate to think of what my brother would do to me if I did."
"What would he do?"
"Have me burnt at the stake, most likely."
A shocked gasp. "Whatever for?"
"Well, they're all accusing me of commiting a ghastly crime, posioning my own father. Can you believe that? I love Jack with all my heart and soul. Anyways, I had to break out of jail, and then decided to hide. I decided that this place would be as good as any."
Sandra tsk-tsked. "How awful. Well, you'll grow to like it here. It's a bit of a change at first coming from Halloween, but you'll adapt. And I hope that all this mess you're in clears up..."
A smile. "Thanks. I'm happy to have a visitor over at last. It gets dull being alone all the time."
She headed into the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink? I have some coffee on if you'd like."
"I'd love some."
Shock got the drink and came back with it, handing it to her visitor. "So where do you live?" she asked.
"Just across the hall," she replied. "And please remember, you can visit me any time you like. I simply love entertaining people."
"Oh, really? I'm not much good at it. Usually just put down a tray of food and talk."
She laughed. "And that's all there is to it. Dress up the plate a bit and they'll never be able to tell that it was just something you slapped together at the last moment."
Shock's turn to chuckle. "That's it. I'm not much to cook though. I mean I do because I have to, but not because I like it or anything."
"Oh, I love cooking. Whether or not I'm any good at it or not I don't know."
"My boyfriend Ira cooks a lot. He's a fabulous chef." A sigh. "I wish he could be here right now. I'd ask him to come visit but I don't want anyone learning where I live. All of Halloween Town is probably looking for me."
"My, this Jack fellow must be important then."
"He is. He's the King."
A surprised glance. "Really? Then you must be the princess."
She shrugged. "I don't think of myself that way often. Others do, but I don't. I was also supposed to be the heir to the throne, but that's off now...."
"Oh, how awful. People these days..."
"What are you going to do though? Not much I can change from here, especially when my life is at risk if I expose myself."
"Hmmm. Tough situation." She took a sip of the coffee. "Is there not anything you can do about it though?"
"Nope, nothing. Just sit here and try not to get caught."
She nodded. "I see. Well, I promise to reveal to no-one your location."
"Thank-you."
They talked for close to an hour, Shock telling stories about life in Halloween and Sandra telling a bit about herself. She was divorced, apparantly, with 2 grown-up children.
Alas, the time came when Sandra had to leave. "I've got a cake to prepare," she said. "I've got a meeting with my cooking club tommorow. This recipe is going to blow them away!"
"I had a wondferful time," Shock replied. "We should do this again soon."
A smile. "We should, shouldn't we? Good-night now."

The next day in Halloween Town, Ira recieved a phone call from Sally. "Can you come to the hospital?" she asked.
"Um, yeah....why?"
"Jack wants to talk to you. I don't know what about, but he says it's important."
"Oh, sure. If I brought Alisa, could you keep an eye on her?"
"Of course, I've been wanting to see my darling little grandchild. Bring her along."
"Thanks, see you in a bit."
"Bye."
Upon hanging up the phone he turned to Alisa, who had been eating a bowl of tarnantula legs.
"Wanna go see nanny?" he asked.
"Yea!" she cried, leaping up. "Can we go right now?"
Ira laughed. "Of course we can. Go get on your shoes and we'll be off."

Ira found Sally standing outside Jack's room. She appeared quite lost in thought, but nodded respectfully upon seeing him.
"My husband's waiting for you," she said.
"Thanks. Alisa, why don't you and nanny go play a game now?"
" 'Kay," she said cheerfully. Sally took her hand and led her towards the playroom.
"We'll be just down here if you need us," she called over her shoulder.
"Thanks." He turned towards the door, taking a deep breath. Here goes nothing, he thought.
He found the almighty Pumpkin King laid out in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. "You wanted to see me, sir?" he asked nervously.
Jack turned his head abruptly, startled. "Oh, yes, my lad. Come in, take a seat." He did so.
"What did you want to speak about to me about?"
"My daughter," he replied. "I know she didn't do it."
"How?"
"I don't know. I simply have a feeling. I love that girl very much, and I know how much she loves me. She'd never attempt to harm me in any way, especially not to get my throne."
"I don't think she did it either. She couldn't have."
"What puzzles me," said the old man, "is how she escaped her prison cell. You wouldn't happen to know, would you?"
Beads of sweat began to form on Ira's forehead. "Well, sir....um...you see...."
A nod. "I thought so. Listen, I'm not interested in having her hunted out or anything like that. Quite the contrary. I know that right now she's safe wherever she is. I just want to know where that place is. Can you tell me?"
"You swear you'll leave her alone?"
"I promise with all my soul."
He took a deep breath. "Alright. She's in Easter Town. She's safe there, has an apartment and everything. Are you happy now?"
"Almost. How did she get out?"
"I helped her. Whipped up a highly corrosive formula and used it on the bars of her cell. Worked like a charm."
"Well, I'd rather have her in Easter Town then on Death Row. Thank-you Ira."
"No problem," he shrugged.
"I thought you'd know something. I know you love her a great lot, and Lock told me about what he found...."
"You believed him?"
"Of course I did, that boy would never lie to me. Especially since we've grown so close lately. He told me about the prison uniform, the clothes, the unmade bed..."
Ira's face went scarlett. "Well...."
Jack laughed. "Don't worry about it, I'm not mad. My daughter is a big girl now, she can make her own decisions as to whom she takes into her bedroom."
"It wasn't part of the plan though, it just kind of....happened."
"I understand, and it's perfectly alright. You two love each other very dearly, I realize that."
"Thank-you, very much."
A smile. "For you? Anything. How did you fool the cops though?"
"Easy. Burnt the uniform, made the bed and put my clothes back into my own bedroom. When they came, nothing appeared out of place."
"Ah, clever." He cleared out his throat before continuing. "Um, Ira? Could I get you to do something for me? Something important?"
He became curious at this. "What is it?"
Jack pulled out a letter. "Send her this. As well, tell her that I'm dropping any charges laid against her. Neither of you are going to get into any trouble for breaking out, and she will not be at any risk of being accused of trying to kill me. Lock won't be at all pleased with it, but I don't really care what he thinks. I know she didn't do it, and that's all that matters."
"Really? Oh, this is wonderful, thank-you so much Mr. Skellington! I'll get to be with her again! I love you so much for this!" He stood up, giving the old man a hug. "I'll go do it right now."
A smile. "That's good. Send it Courier."
"Right." He clutched the letter tightly in his hand. "See ya, Jack."
"So long, Ira. You've made me feel a lot better."

Lock heard the news later on that day. He took it badly, storming from the hospital in rage. How could Jack so naturally assume that it wasn't Shock? It had to be her, who else could it have been?
He burst into his house angrily, slamming the door so hard the paintings shook on the walls. "My goodness, dear!" cried Elizabeth, looking up from the television program she had been watching. "What's the matter?"
"He collapsed into his favourite armchair. "Jack. He's dropping all charges against Shock. And what's more, that boyfriend of hers knew all along where she was! Jack won't say exactly where, but Ira knew! He lied to us, to the police! And Jack still isn't pressing charges! He thinks she didn't do it! Doesn't give so much as a damn that the moment Ira broke her free they went back to her place and had sex. Had sex! As if taunting the authorities, saying to them 'ha ha, we're so much smarter then you!'. Geez, I can't believe this..."
Elizabeth filcked off the TV, standing up and sitting on the arm of his chair. "My poor Lock...how I wish there were something I could do for you...."
"Darling, your simply being here is enough for me."
A smile as her face went red. A knock on the door.
"It's open," called Lock.
In stepped Barrel. "You heard?" he asked.
A nod. "Unfortunately. I can't believe it."
"Neither can I." At that point Elizabeth stood up, heading upstairs to let the two brothers talk. Barrel took a seat on the sofa. "I really don't know what to make of it. And the fact the Ira lied makes it even worse. He should at least have to pay a fine of some sort for witholding evidence if Jack refuses to press charges."
Lock nodded. "I know." A pause. "So do you think she did it? Do you believe that Shock tried to kill our father?"
He sighed. "I don't know really, I just don't know. I mean, all of the clues seem to point to her. The fact that she was the only one who could have replaced the pill, she was alone...even her motive fits! But I don't see her trying to kill someone she holds so dear to her. You know what I'm saying?" "Yes, but what if that was all an act? Maybe she had this planned all along, ever since we first moved in with Jack and Sally!"
Barrel gave him a look. "I don't know. Why not just get rid of him then and there if that were the case?"
"How the hell should I know? I'm not a friggin' scholar here! I only want to find the person behind all this."
"Yeah, and so do I. I'm just looking at it the logical way. Shock loves that guy way too much. I know the close bond they share, extremely close. She tells him everything, they're like the perfect father/daughter combination. She would never try to harm him, I'm telling you. It just doesn't make any sense for her to try and do so."
"You think I don't love Jack too?" he exclaimed. "Listen, that evening I tried to make up to that man for all the crap I had given him over the years. All the trouble and the hatred...I finally decided to change my ways. But as soon as I saw him there near death...I don't know...something inside of me just snapped. Made me so angry that I'd do anything to find the person behind the crime. I'll do whatever it takes to get this criminal....even if it's my own sister. It doesn't matter who it was. And if it indeed was her, I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that she's properly dealt with."
"Even if it means the death penalty?" asked Barrel.
"Yes. I will show so sympathy for anyone--relative or not."
"But Lock, she's not just any relative!" he cried. "She's our sister! The same girl we grew up with, who loved us and played with us. Remember all those years with Oogie Boogie, before we were ever adopted by Jack? She's the same one who performed all the evil deeds we were forced to do! The one who tried countless times to decapitate us, who tied nooses around our necks and attempted to poison us. Remember that, all the fun we used to have? And now you'd kill her if you found proof that she had harmed Jack, deliberately or not!"
"Listen, if she had really been tricked into it then I would be forgiving. If she had been framed, I'd let her go. But right now, I don't think that's the way it is." He pulled a cigar out of his jacket pocket, lighting it. "I guess we'll find out when she comes back, though, won't she?"
It was then that another knock came at the door. "Come in," they both called at once. It was Kyrene. She wore a black hooded cloak, of which she removed upon stepping inside.
"I thought you'd both be here. Listen, I had an idea."
"Which would be...?" prompted Barrel.
"I wanted to have a welcome back party for our sister," she replied. "You know, just to say we're sorry for accusing her, that we hope she can forgive us..."
"Absolutely not!" cried Lock. "No way, not ever!"
"Oh, come on. Don't tell me you still blame her."
"I certainly do."
"Then talk to her about it. Confront her, tell her how you feel. Ask her face-to-face."
"I can't..."
"Why not? You're her brother, her sibling. From the same flesh and blood. Why can't you?"
He was silent for a moment. "Fine," he replied at last. "I'll talk to her. We'll organize a welcome back party and I'll talk to to her about it then. Alright?"
She clapped her hands with delight, throwing her arms around him. "Thanks, big brother! You're the best!"
He hugged her back, very stiffly. "Yeah. The greatest."
She pulled back, frowning. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, alright? I'm fine."
"Lock, please...."
He put out the cigar, standing up. "You're just like Sally! You'll hound a person and ask them if they're alright until they go mad!!!! Just give it a break, alright? I already agreed to speak with her, what more what do you want?"
Her face looked as if she had been slapped. "Don't you dare talk about my mother that way," she hissed. "I love her very much, she gave life to me! And if you're going to put her down just because she and Jack aren't your biological parents, then you can just get out of our family. Because we don't need someone like you, somebody to pull us apart the way you're trying to do now. You're not even my blood sibling! Who are you to say such things to me?!?!?!?" <>br>Those words went through him like nails, harder then anything else in the entire world. He did love them, more then anything. Was this the way people looked at him? Was this the way he treated Jack and Sally? He sat back in his chair once more, trembling. "I---I....Jesus, Kyrene...If only you realized how much I truly love you all, how very important you are to me. And to hear such words simply kills me, destroys me. Geez, why are you doing this?" He sighed, holding his head in his hands. "I love you, Kyrene. Christ, I care so much about you all...Jack and Sally..."
Instantly her anger melted away. Realizing the depth of her words she became overwhelmed with sadness, throwing her arms around his shoulders. "Oh my God, Lock....I'm so sorry! That was uncalled for, you didn't deserve it...I can't believe I did that." He remained stiff and motionless. "Can you forgive me?" Nothing. She pulled back, looking at the pained expression on his face. "I really hurt you, didn't I?" she whispered.
"You did. I've always seen myself as part of the Skellington family...saw Jack as my father, Sally as my mother. It hurts me to think about my real parents, it really does. And I'm sure Barrel knows where I'm coming from here."
He nodded. "When our parents left us, Kyrene, a wound was opened that will never be fully healed. It often hurts to be reminded of them, especially in such a manner. Even I am hurt by your words, though they weren't directed at me. I am Lock's brother, we are the children of the same mother and father. We grew up under the care of the town villain, and only gained normal caretakers when Jack and Sally took us in. They became role models to us, and we saw them not as our legal gaurdians but as our parents, the mother and father we never had. Can you understand that?"
She nodded. "I'm sorry...I didn't realize...."
He waved a hand at her. "Don't worry about it. Our love for you as our sister has never changed. When you were born we couldn't have been happier."
"And we could never imagine life without you," concluded Lock.
A smile. "Thanks. I apologize for what I said...."
"Think nothing of it," he replied with a shrug. "It's over, just never say it again. And I will have that discussion with Shock if you so want me to."
"You promise?"
"Promise."
"Oh, you're the greatest, brother!" She hugged him again.
"Where's my hug?" whined Barrel. "You've given him lots already, and I haven't gotten one."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Here." Another one. "Happier now?"
A grin. "Much." With that he stood up. "I have to be off then. Thank you Lock, Kyrene. Good evening."
His sister nodded. "I'll be off now to then. I'm really very sorry....."
"Don't worry about it. Let me know when she's back and we'll make arrangements for a welcome back party."
"Thanks, big bro. Check ya later."
"Bye." She left, leaving the two men. Barrel nodded towards his sibling. "I'm glad to see you handling this so well."
"It's the only thing I can do, I guess. I've done everything else."
"I know you have. See ya." He left then as well, leaving Lock alone in his chair. He could only sigh and shake his head sadly. What was the world coming to, letting criminals off scot-free?

Shock recieved a special telegram from Ira the next morning:
YOU HAVE BEEN CLEARED OFF ALL CHARGES. COME BACK TO HALLOWEEN TOWN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I LOVE YOU.
With the telegram there had also been a note from Jack. She eyed it curiously before opening it, reading it slowly;

My Dearest Shock,

I don't quite know how all of this came to be. All I know is that one instant everything grew dark and the next everyone's claiming that you tried to kill me. But my darling, I could never believe them. I know it wasn't you, and I want you to come back home. Whoever really did it will be caught, I promise you, and I will not let you be convicted of anything. Even though you did in fact break the law by busting out of jail, I will make sure nothing happens to you or Ira. I know how much you two love each other, and it is not my place to interfere with your feelings.
I must tell you though, Lock isn't at all pleased with my decision. He could be the best kind when you come back, but quite frankly I don't know. He seemed awfully angry when I told him. There are still a lot of people who are positive you did it. However, nobody is about to make a stand and say try to convince me that you actually did it. They're too afraid to. Even Lock is, and I don't blame him.
Anyways, I hope that I see you back here in Halloween Town soon. I miss you a lot, and so does Sally. We all love you dearly, no matter what happens.

Until your arrival,
Jack

Shock could hardly believe it as she jumped up, running towards her bedroom and pulling out her suitcase. She was free to go home! No more of this hiding, no more fearing for her life. She could go back and be with Ira again, live a normal life....finally, things seemed to be improving for her. Before she left, however, there was one person she had to say good-bye to; Sandra. She left her room for the last time and headed for the room across the hall, pulling her small suitcase along with her. Knocking on the door, she stood back and waited.
It opened a second later, the familiar old face appearing. "Oh, Shock! How lovely to see you again, please come in..."
"I'm sorry, but not right now I can't. I just recieved a mesage from home. I've been cleared of everything! I'm going back right now."
"Oh, that's wonderful. You can go back and be with your family again."
"I know! Oh Sandra, I'm just so happy! I must be going though, I can't wait to get back..."
"Alright dear," she smiled. "Have a safe trip."
"Thank-you. Keep in touch!"
"I sure will, dear. You let me know what happens, won't you?"
She nodded before picking up her suitcase and hurrying away, waving over her shoulder. Sandra just waved back, still smiling. That certainly was one person she'd never forget.

Shock burst into her home later that afternoon. "Ira!" she cried. "Ira, I'm home!"
"SHOCK!!!!" came the cry as he came barreling from the kitchen. "Oh my God Shock, I've missed you!" He grabbed her and pulled her tight, kissing her hungrily as if to reassure himself that she were really there.
"Oh Ira, I was so happy when I heard the news. Is it really true?"
"Yes, it is. Jack knows you didn't try to do it, and demanded that you be set free."
"It's like a dream, a wonderful vision I could never imagine coming true. Oh Ira...." She pulled him in for another kiss, clinging to him tightly. "I never want to be separated from you again."
"I know." He pulled away suddenly. "Oh my God, we've got to call Jack and tell him that you're home. They released him from the hospital today you know."
"Really?"
"Yeah, he said that he wouldn't be in there when you got back. He's really improved though, just like his normal self again. What's more, there's going to be a big dinner up at his place tonight to celebrate your return. Everyone's going to be there, even Lock apparantly."
"Really? I thought he'd be far too pissed off to show up."
"Jack's probably forcing him to or something, I don't know. He didn't say much about it at Town Hall today. When I asked him he just muttered something I couldn't hear and walked away. I really don't think he likes me, you know."
A kiss. "I don't care. I do, and that's all that matters. Now, where's Alisa?"
"In the living room. She's been waiting to see you."
She found the girl sitting on the rug playing doctor with some of her dolls. Currently she was trying to decapitate her patient.
"Alisa, mommy's home!" Shock called. The child looked up, startled, then grinned upon seeing her mother.
"MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!" she cried, leaping up and jumping into her arms.
"Oh, my darling! I missed you so much!" She gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Were you a good girl for Ira?"
"Yes, mommy."
"And did he take good care of you?"
"Yeps. We had lots of fun."
"That's great."
"Mommy, are we gonna go up to nanny and poppy's house today?"
"Yes, dear, for supper."
"Goody!"
"You like that?"
"Uh-huh. Can I wear my pretty dress?"
"The one with the black lace?" she asked.
"Yeah."
A smile. "Why not. You can even wear you fancy shoes."
" 'Kay. Is Ira coming?"
"Of course he is."
"Dat's good, cause me wikes Ira."
"That's nice. He might be staying around for a while."
"How wong?"
"Oh, probably a long time." She placed the child back on the ground. "Alright, let's go get a bath before we leave. We don't want to go up there smelling stinky, do we?"
"But mommy, I'm playing!!!"
"You can do that afterwards, now come on."
A frown as she crossed her arms grumily, heading upstairs. "Oh, alwight."
"That's my girl." Shock smiled at Ira as she passed him. "Kids," she mouthed. He just smiled.

They left for the mansion at about 6:00 that evening. Shock was extremely nervous--her stomach was doing flip-flops. What would they say? How would Lock react? Was this just a big scheme to get her into custody once again? Ira could sense her nervousness as he took her hand, willing her on. Taking a deep breath she forced herself further, until they had finally reached the front door.
"Are you ready?" he asked her as he touched her face softly.
She nodded slowly, clutching Alisa close to her. "As ready as I'll ever be."
After a moment or so the door finally creaked open to reveal Geoffrey, the butler. "Ah, her majesty has arrived. Everybody is waiting for you in the grand dining room, madam."
"Thank-you." They stepped inside, heading for where they had been instructed to go. They could here the laughter and chatter going on from down the hall; there were a lot of people here tonight. Shock was the first to step inside. As soon as she had been spotted, the entire room went silent. Indeed, Lock had showed, as had Jack, Sally, Lock, Barrel, Kyrene, and all the other townspeople. Jack stood up instantly, reaching out for his daughter. "Shock," he whispered. Tears formed in her eyes as she ran towards him, hugging him tightly.
"Oh, Jack!" she cried. "I didn't do it, I swear to you I didn't! I love you so much, I could never do anything to harm you!!!"
"Shhh, I know you didn't," he comforted her. "I have more faith in you then that." He pushed her back so he could look into her eyes. "I trained you to be just like me," he told her. "I know you as well as I know my own self. You would never try something like that to anyone, I'm sure of it."
"You don't know how happy I am to hear that," she sobbed. "I was so afraid that you hated me, that you'd have me killed or something...."
"I could never do that to you! No matter what anybody else said." He shot a glance at Lock. "I love you, Shock; I could never do anything like that to you, even if you had done it."
"Oh, thank-you." She gave him another hug before releasing him, turning to Sally. The woman rose up, smiling at her daughter.
"I'm glad you're back," she said. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you."
"Thank-you. I'm just glad to be here." She spent a few more minutes saying hello to her family before the Pumpkin King announced for everyone to sit down. Shock got the seat of honour at the end of the table. Jack sat to her left, and Ira to her right. At the opposite end, she could see the mayor. Upon making eye contact with him she nodded pleasantly, and he returned the salutation with a grin upon his face. Obviously he didn't have any harsh feelings towards her. As for Lock, however, he looked somewhat uptight. Elizabeth sat next to him, trying to soothe him as she held his hand. He just shook his head at her words, picking up his glass of wine and taking another sip.
"I'd like to start this meal," started Jack, "by saying a few words. First of all, thank-you all for coming and welcoming back my daughter. You company is greatly welcomed. Secondly, I think we all owe her an apology. I, for one, know that she did not in any way try to harm me. If the pill she gave me indeed was laced with poison, then I'm sure she didn't know about it. I have faith that she wouldn't try to harm me. I trust that you all do as well." He glanced around the table; everyone appeared guilty, doubting the heir to the throne. "Don't worry about it now, though," he reassured them. "It's all over. Now, let the feasting begin!" Then with a clap of his hands a long procession of caterers filed in, each carrying a tray of food. The aromas drifted around the room as the covers were lifted; Snake Skin, Tarantula Legs, and various other delacacies. Shock just smiled as she helped herself to some of it, winking at Jack. He winked back, patting her hand. Everything was going to be just fine.

Once the meal was over, everyone headed to the ballroom, perhaps the most extravagant part of the house. It was a newer section, one Jack had gotten built on to the house around 25 years ago. He liked to entertain people here, watch as they twirled across the floor. And tonight was no exception; everyone was having a blast, dancing and laughing merrily. And all evening, people were constantly coming up to Shock, apologizing for their rude behavior.
"Having fun?" Ira asked her after a while.
She nodded. "Sure am. I'm glad I put Alisa to bed early. She wouldn't have any fun at something like this."
"Is that butler guy tending to her?"
"Geoffrey? Yes." She sighed. "I'm just worried about Lock though. He hasn't said a word to me all evening. He's probably still angry, but I don't want him to be. I want him to realize the truth."
"Hey, don't worry about him. He'll get over it." He pulled her in for a hug, letting her bury her head in his chest.
"I love him though. I don't want him to be angry with me."
He tilted her head up to look at him. "Listen, don't worry about him now. This is your special party. Have fun, live it up. Look at the bigger picture; we have each other again, we have our entire lives to spend together. We're young and in love, with the rest of our lives ahead of us. One day we'll get married and have children of our own, little siblings for Alisa. And Lock will never change that."
She gave him a smile. "Thanks, Ira. For everything."
"Anything for you, darling."
"Ahem...am I interupting something?"
They released each other, only to see....Lock. "Oh, hi there," said Shock, trying to sound as if nothing was troubling her. "How have you been?"
"Good," he replied. "And you?"
"Great." Taking his cue, Ira departed the scene.
"Listen Shock," Lock began, "I'd like to talk to about all this...would you mind stepping outside with me?"
"Of course, little brother." Together they headed outside onto the patio, where nobody would bother them. "You wanted to say something?" she continued once they were out there.
"Yes...I just wanted to know your side of the story on this. Did you do it or not?"
"No," she replied simply. "I didn't. I don't know what would possess you to think that I would, but I didn't. I love Jack a great deal. I could never harm him. All I know is that one minute he was down on the ground and I was being handcuffed. I met a few nice women in jail though, they convinced me to bust out. So I called Ira and he helped me. Then I packed all my stuff up and headed for Easter Town, to avoid you and your prosecutions. But I swear to you, I did not try to poison Jack. I could never do such a horrible thing, to anyone. And I'm surprised you could think such horrid things about me, Lock. The fact that you accused me of such a crime really hurts."
He nodded, biting his lip. "I know...I should have come to my senses before now....but my anger, you see....it just got the better of me. I was ready to blame anyone, even you. But I've asked the cops now that a new search be conducted now, and I ask...no, beg...for your forgiveness. Could you ever find it in your heart to accept my apology?"
She smiled, nodding. "Of course. You're my brother."
"Thank goodness. I was just so upset though...then you broke out of jail and all that. And when I found out what had happened after that..."
"Listen, that wasn't exactly part of the plan...I had originally hoped to just grab my stuff and go, but that's not the way it happened...."
"Still, it made me really angry. I thought horrible things about Ira, that he was trying to talk you into it and all kinds of other things. I hated the idea of you being involved with him."
"We love each other though," she told him. "We're hopelessly in love. I know that he's the one for me, we're so perfect for each other. And that night we were facing the possibilty that we might never meet again. I just needed to hold him one last time, to feel him there beside me...do you understand?" "Yes, I do. I'm just so sorry....I convicted my own sister of murder! How heartless of me! and Shock, I just want you to be happy. I know how much Ira means to you, and my opinion of him now is not the same as it was before. If you're happy together, then that's the way it should be."
"Thanks, bro. That means a lot to me."
He gave her a grin. "It was so obvious, though. All the clothes strewn about, the unmade bed....it's kind of funny when you think about it."
She gave him a strange look. "Yeah, hilarious."
"Hey, I'm just teasing ya. Come on, how about a dance with your kid brother?"
A nod. "I'd love one."

Everyone was quite surprised when Shock and her brother returned together, and became even more flabergasted when the two shared a dance. Jack smiled as they came back from the main ballroom floor, outstretching his arms for to give them a hug. He held them tightly, still grinning.
"I'm so glad that you two have made up. You have no idea how much it means to me."
Lock nodded. "I am too, actually. I guess everyone's right. She didn't do it. I wanted to believe it really badly, and after a lot of thinking I think I've finally come back to my senses. There's no way she would have attempted to, never. I feel so stupid now though."
"Don't," his father reassured him. "I'm sure you weren't the only one who thought so. Even Sally doubted her." He then glanced over to Elizabeth, who was not far off and watching. "I think you should go see your wife now," he told him. "I think she wants you."
"Right. Thanks." He headed off, leaving father and daughter together. They both watched Lock.
"That boy," muttered Jack. "He confuses me. His attitude is constantly changing. I mean, one minute it seems that he hates me and the next he's ready to kill just about anyone when I'm poisoned. Then when he's so angry at you, he just comes out and seems to be perfectly alright once again."
"Oh well," she shrugged. "Just as long as it's all over." She spotted Barrel and Kyrene speaking on the other side of the ballroom. "I'm going to speak to my siblings," she told him. "See ya later."
"Have fun, dear." Leaving him she headed over to where the two were standing. Immediately her sister raised her arms to embrace her.
"Oh, Shock," she said once they had met. "I missed you so much. How are you?"
"Great," she replied as she pulled back, holding Kyrene's hands. "How about you? How's things going with you and Jacob?"
"Wonderful," she said. "I'm so glad you're back."
"What about me?" Barrel cut in.
"I'm sorry, little bro," Shock chuckled. "Come here."
"Awwww......." He embraced her, before pulling back and smiling at her. "I really missed you, ya know," he told her. "There was always something inside of me that said it couldn't have been you who did it. I knew better then that. But my anger got the best of me...it often does that."
"Thanks. That means a lot to me to know that."
"Hey, there you are," called Ira from behind her.
She turned around. "Oh, hi."
"Hey, Ira, are you pleased to be back in Halloween Town?" asked Kyrene.
"Yes, very," he replied. "It's a lot better then the human world. I spent just about 250 years travelling around the place, and it's still the same hell hole it was before."
"Go figure," shrugged Shock. She stopped when she spotted Sally. "Ira, do you mind if I go speak to my mother?"
"Not at all, dear. Knock yourself out."
"Thanks." Another kiss. "See you later." She zipped off once again, leaving the three to themselves.
"You look quite happy together," said Kyrene.
"We are," he replied. "I love her dearly. She means a lot to me."
"I think you'll be good for her," Barrel told him honestly. "She's had bad luck with men. Especially after her divorce. That really got to her, made her afraid of commitment. But now that she has you, I can see the change in her already. She's a lot happier."
"Really?"
"Indeed. She's in love."
"And so am I. Oh, God, so am I. I've always adored her, ever since I first met her. I want to propose to her, you know. I want her to be my wife."
"Go for it then," Kyrene responded. "I know she'd say yes."
"She might think it too early though. But I personally can't wait any longer. I've waited all my life to be with her. I can't put off marriage any more."
"Then don't," Barrel shrugged. "Just get a ring and pop the question. Tell her how you feel."
"You think so?"
"I do. Just do it. That girl really loves you, Ira. I can tell that she wouldn't refuse you."
A pause. "Well....why not. I've got a 50/50 chance, right? Midas well just shoot for the 'yes'. "Don't worry about it," she replied. "But mother, can we talk? Just you and me, mother and daughter?"
"Of course. Come on, let's go to my room where we won't be bothered."
"Thank-you." She followed Sally to the master bedroom, sitting upon the bed when she got there.
The Queen closed the door behind her, sitting beside her daughter. "Now dear, go ahead."
She just stared up at the ceiling. "Mom--how did you know that you and Jack were meant to be together? I mean, you two are so perfect for each other, you share a bond that few others possess. How did you know that he was the one?"
"How? Well, I just had this feeling in me, deep inside, that just felt good whenever I was around him. My heart would swell up whenever he was around, and I'd feel so safe in his arms. And I still do. To this day, those feelings haven't died. Why do you ask, sweetie?"
"Because of Ira. I love him so much, Sally, and I know that this is a lot different from what me and Mark shared. This is true love. I guess I'm just afraid that he doesn't feel the same way."
"Well, dear, the only way to find out is to ask, isn't it?"
"Yes, but...I'm afraid of rejection. What if he says no? I love him so much...."
"Listen, if he truly loves you, he'll tell you the full and honest truth. Guaranteed. Jack has never told me a lie, and if Ira truly is your mate then he won't lie to you either. Believe me."
"Thank-you Sally. I've never felt this way about someone though, and to be perfectly honest it scares me. All I want is to marry him and be his wife, have his child and live happily ever after with him. Ever since I was a teenager I've loved him. Then when he moved away, I loved him even more. Now that we're back together, I'm afraid that we'll be separated once again. And that's the last thing I want."
"Darling, calm down. Everything will be alright, I promise you. Remember that I'm always here to help, through the good times and the bad. Whatever happens, I'm here."
"You mean it?"
"Of course I do. Now, why don't we go back to the party, hmmm? I'm sure your darling would love to see you again."

The party didn't end until late, and it was 3:00 AM by the time they got home. After putting Alisa in her bed, she headed downstairs into the kitchen where she found Ira. He was sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee, apparantly deep in thought.
"Darling, what's the matter?" she asked. "Are you upset?"
"No, I'm fine," he replied quickly. "Perfectly fine."
"You seem upset about something."
"Don't worry over me, it's nothing. Did you have a nice evening?"
"I did, thank-you."
He finished the last of his coffee, standing up and placing his cup in the sink. "That's great." He walked over to her, embracing her in his arms. He kissed her forehead softly. "I love you," he told her.
"I love you too, Ira," she replied. "You know, we should go upstairs and put all your stuff in my room. I don't want you staying in the guest room, makes you seem like a visitor."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, of course. I want to do this right now."
"If you want to. Come on then, let's go." Releasing her they headed upstairs, towards his room. There wasn't much to get together, just to toss his clothes and personal belongings into a suitcase and drag them down the hall. "You do know that this means we'll be sleeping in the same bed."
A mischevious smile. "I know."
"You sly little devil."
"Gotta love it."
He laughed. "Here we are then, lover's suite." Pushing open the door he threw his suitcase upon the floor, the contents spilling out.
"Here, let me make room in some of these drawers for you."
"Thank-you. Okay if I hang some things up?"
"It's your room too, isn't it?"
"Hey, good point." He opened the closet, pulling down a hanger and placing a white shirt upon it. "So here we are," he said. "You and me, sharing a room. Wow. It just makes everything seem so...real.
"Want me to put some of this stuff in your drawers?" she asked.
"If you don't mind my underwear, then go ahead."
"Great."
It didn't take long for the two of them to finish (he didn't have much clothes). "I really need to get you out to the store," she said. "You have such little to wear."
"I don't care," she shrugged. "That type of stuff means so little to me. Yet here you are, your closets and drawers filled to the max."
"Yeah, and half of it doesn't even fit anymore."
A laugh. "That's my girl." He yawned. "Well, I'm beat. I'm going to sleep."
She giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Not yet you're not," she told him as she began to smother him in kisses.
"Sleep can wait I guess," he muttered as he pulled her down towards the bed. "Some things just have priority."

They laid together in bed later on, Shock nestled into Ira's arms. "Ira," she began, "do you feel the same way about me that I do about you? Do you love me as much as I love you?"
"I'm quite shocked that you asked me that. Did you doubt my love in you or something?"
"No, I just adore you so much that I'm afraid of what would happen to me if you didn't. You're the one for me, Ira, I can tell. I just want to make sure that you feel the same."
"Shock, I've waited my entire life for you," he said. "My only wish was to be with you, to hold you in my arms and be able to call you mine. To me, you are the only thing that really matters right now." He held her hand. "My heart swells up with joy whenever I think of you. I want to have children with you and grow old with you. And I promise you, that'll never change."
"Oh, Ira..." A tear fell down her cheek. "No man has ever been so kind to me. Why do you love me so much?"
"Simply because you're the most perfect girl in the world," he told her. "I could never love anyone more. My life is so much better when I have you by my side, you make me so happy. I want to be that happy for the rest of my life." He rolled over to face her. "Which is where this comes in. I wanted to ask you this later, maybe when we had some clothes on, but I can't wait any longer. Shock, will you marry me?"
"Oh my God, Ira...of course I will!" She embraced him.
"I wish I had a ring for you, but this was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing."
"That's alright. We can go ring-shopping tommorrow." A kiss. "Oh, Ira....I love you so much, and now we'll get to spend the rest of our lives together. I couldn't possibly be any happier right now."
"Nor could I, my darling." With that he swept her back into his arms, kissing her passionately as they sank back into the bed.

Alisa was thrilled with the news when they told her the next morning. "You mean Ira will be my new daddy?" she cried.
"Sure will," replied Shock with a smile.
"And we'll all be a famiwy?"
"We certainly will," Ira told her.
"Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" she cried, jumping away from her breakfast and dancing with joy.
"Now darling, come back and sit down," said her mother sternly. "We're kind of in a hurry, so please settle down. Mommy and Ira are going to drop you off at the baby sitters and then we've got to go tell everybody the news."
"You mean I'm gonna play with Jennifer all day?"
"Uh-huh. But first you've gotta have a nice healthy breakfast. Can't play on an empty stomache now, can we?"
She shook her head as she took her seat once again, picking up her spoon and continuing to eat her cereal.
Once she was done they all got on their shoes, heading outside. It was a dull, overcast day, the dark clouds overhead threatening to pour at any moment. But that didn't dim their spirits any; after dropping Alisa off they headed for Town Hall, holding hands. Shock sighed as she laid her head on Ira's shoulder.
"I'm so happy," she told him. "I never imagined that it was possible to love someone this much. Especially after Mark. But you've shown me that it's possible. I couldn't imagine life without you right now. Thank-you."
"No, thank you Shock. For taking me back, for loving me once again. I used to be afraid that you wouldn't take me back, that you'd be angry at me for leaving."
"But how could I be?" she asked. "It wasn't your choice to leave Halloween Town."
"I know, but...I was just letting my fear of rejection get to me, I suppose."
A smile. "But here we are together, for now and for always. Promise me that you'll never leave me, Ira. Promise me that."
"I promise, Shock. I give you my unconditional word."
By now they had reached Town Hall. "Ready?" she asked him.
He nodded. "Let's do it."
Together they walked inside, still holding hands. "Oh, hello there you two," said Jack when he saw them. "How are you today?"
"Wonderful, father. We've got some news for you."
"You're pregnant."
Laughter. "No, not yet. Jack, me and Ira are getting married."
The old man's face lit up with joy. "Oh my goodness, that's wonderful, Shock! I'm so happy for you!" He swept her into a warm hug. "I'm so pleased. I knew that he'd have to ask you sooner or later." He pulled away so that he could look at her face. "Less then three weeks back together and already they're engaged. How magnificent!" He turned towards Ira. "Congratulations, my son-in-law to be. You've certainly found yourself a good one."
"Father..." Shock cut in, blushing furiously.
"I'm not joking. You're definately the pick of the crop. He's lucky to have found you, and I believe that you're lucky to have found him as well."
"Thank-you, Mr. Skellington," Ira smiled. "I've always believed myself to be a pretty fine catch."
Shock elbowed him. "Don't be a retard."
Jack laughed. "You two. Now, where's Sally? Sally! Come here!"
She looked up from the place where she had been carving pumpkins. Placing down her tools and wiping off her hands in a towel she smiled, heading over. "You called?"
"Yes, I did," he replied enthusiastically. "Our daughter is getting married."
A delighted grin spread across her face. "Oh, Shock! How marvelous!" She embraced her. "I take it you were wrong?" she whispered into her daughters ear. She recieved a small chuckle in response.
"Oh my dear girl, how pleased I am for you," she sighed as she pulled away. "The both of you are made for each other. I know you'll be just as happy in your marriage as Jack and myself are." She took her husbands arm and they shared in a brief kiss. Their eyes twinkled, and you could see the true love they shared. Shock just glanced at Ira, pulling him close to her.
"I know we will," she said with a smile in her voice.
Ira kissed his fiance's forehead. "We most certainly will."

They were visited that evening by Lock, Barrel, and Kyrene. Alisa ran to get the door, and returned on her Uncle Lock's shoulders.
"Mommy, mommy, look who's here!" she cried.
"Oh, look who you found!" she chuckled. "Come in, all of you."
"Is it true?" asked Kyrene immediately. "Did he really propose?"
Shock just smiled and nodded. "Uh-huh, sure is."
"Oh my God!" she cried as she grabbed Shock's hands. They began to scream together with joy, jumping up and down and embracing each other. "You're so lucky!"
"I know!" came the reply. "Isn't it great?"
"You girls," laughed Barrel. "I'll never understand you."
"Don't worry big brother," Kyrene said as she patted him on the back. "You'll get a woman of your own one day. Maybe then you'll get it."
He just gave her a look. Lock couldn't help but laugh as he put down his niece. "I'm so happy for you and Ira," he smiled. "You're the perfect couple."
"Thanks bro."
"Hey, what's up?" called Ira as he came out from the kitchen. "Oh, hey you three."
"Ah, Ira, my dear Ira!" beckoned Kyrene. "Come over to your soon-to-be sister-in-law!"
He smiled. "I take it you heard?"
"We did indeed," she said as she embraced him. "I'm so happy for the two of you."
A grin as she released him. "Thanks."
Barrel slapped Ira hard upon the back. "I'm gonna have a lot of fun planning your bachelor party," he chuckled.
"Oh no you're not," intervened Shock. "I know your mind well, dearest sibling, and there will be no strippers."
A groan. "Ah, lighten up, sis. It's his last night as a free man. Let him enjoy it."
Ira just laughed. "We'll discuss it later, Barrel." He recieved a frown.
"You'd better treat my sister well, though," Lock warned. "If I hear that you're not treating her with a respect she deserves then I'll personally come over here and kick your ass. I'm sure Jack would do it himself but I don't think his bones would stand for it."
"I'm sure he could use that cane of his, though, to give him a good beating," Shock said thoughtfully.
"Gee, thanks," Ira said as he rolled his eyes.
A laugh. "Come on in you three, what are you just standing in the door for? Come in, sit down, have a glass of wine or something."
"Thank-you," replied Barrel as she took a seat beside Alisa on the sofa.
"Now, let me get you something to drink..."
"No, let me," Ira insisted. "Sit down, dear, let me handle it. What will it be, everyone? Brandy?
Red wine? Sherry? We've got it all."
"Nothing for me, please," Kyrene told him politely. "I don't drink."
"Lock?" Barrel?"
"I'll have the wine, please," said the former.
"Let's give the brandy a try," replied the latter.
"Very well then. My darling?"
"Don't we have some champagne around here somewhere?"
"We do indeed. Want some?"
"Of course, you know it's my favourite."
He nodded, heading off.
Kyrene gave her sister a smile, sliding closer once he left. "He's something else," she said with a grin.
"Isn't he? This is the way he always is, insisting for me to take a break and heading off to do whatever it was I had in mind. It's just like the way Jack used to be with Sally, before he got old. He'd always tell her to sit down while he did the chores. Cooking, cleaning, the laundry...everything."
"And you should have seen him when she was expecting you, Kyrene," cut in Barrel. "It was pretty much mandatory that she had to rest 24/7. She hated it."
"And that's going to be exactly the way Ira will be," Shock said. "But I don't mind that. A little rest sounds mighty fine."
"I'm back," called Ira as he reappeared. "Let's see...wine for Lock, brandy for Barrel, and champagne for me and my darling."
"Here, you can sit next to your fiance," Kyrene said as she slid over.
"How nice of you, thanks." He took his seat, waving at Alisa to come over and sit on his lap. With a giggle she scrambled down from beside her Uncle Barrel, jumping into Ira's arms.
"You look so cute together," sighed Kyrene. "Like the perfect little family."
"You think so?" asked Shock.
"I'm warning you though, Ira, be careful of married life," Lock told him. "It can be a nightmare."
"I don't know about that," he smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."
"Yeah, so was I." Laughs.
"Oh, brother, don't make him nervous," Shock told him. "I'll still smack you if I have to."
"Just like when we were kids?"
"Exactly."
"I'd better be careful then."
"You'd better."
They spent the entire evening laughing and talking, until Alisa grew tired and Shock announced that she would be putting her to bed.
"Yes, I guess we'd better be off anyways," Kyrene said. "Jacob must be wondering what I'm up to."
"Elizabeth is going to shoot me if I'm not there within 5 minutes," muttered Lock.
"Well it was nice having you over. Thank-you for dropping by."
"Anytime," cried Barrel as they all left. "And congratulations to the both of you!"
"Thanks!" they called back.
Ira just shook his head and chuckled to himself as he closed the door. Your relatives. Gotta love 'em."
She just shrugged. "So my family's a bit weird. Isn't everyone's? Never mind that now though; I'm going to put Alisa to bed."
"While I get rid of these glasses."
Shock scooped up her daughter, giving her fiance a kiss. "I love you, Ira."
"I love you too, Shock." With that they each headed their seperate ways, waving until the next time they met in about 10 minutes.

Up in their mansion overlooking Halloween, Jack and Sally were sitting in their lavishly-furnished living room. Sally was knitting, while Jack sat in his favourite chair staring out the window. The queen glanced up from the sweater she'd been working on, noticing her husband as he sat.
"What are you thinking about, darling?" she asked him.
"Our eldest daughter," he replied. "She seems so happy now with Ira."
"I know, isn't it wonderful? She's finally found her one true love."
"Don't they remind you a lot of our younger selves?" he asked her. "When we first began dating..."
"They certainly do," she said with a smile. "I still remember the day you proposed to me on the spiral hill in the graveyard. I had just told you that I was pregnant..."
"...with Ezra," he concluded sadly. "Our son. Who died within 2 years." His eyes reflected the pain that he still felt after this great length of time.
"My dearest Jack..." Sally tried to comfort him as she stood up, standing by his side and holding his hand. "That was a long time ago. It's over now. We've got four wonderful children; don't let the one that we lost get you down. You know it's not good for your health."
He grinned meekly. "What would I do without you, my little doctor? Always looking out for me..."
"Cause you're too old to do it yourself," she reminded him. "You're over 750 years old by now."
"Isn't it funny how quickly the years pass by?" he sighed. "Seems like just yesterday that Kyrene was born."
"I know, It's astonishing."
A nod as he struggled to stand up. He groaned as she passed him his cane. "You know, I'm getting too old for this Pumpkin King deal. Maybe I should just pass it off to Shock now...I know I haven't got a great deal of time left anyways."
"Oh Jack, don't talk like that..."
"Well, why deny it? I can feel death approaching me, give me a few years or so. But I can't keep up with it anymore. I hobble around at Town Hall all day as best I can, but Shock does most of the work anyways. And as for the scaring part of it, that's as good as over for me. Shock handles that too, performs all of my scares for me. And a wonderful job she does of it, every bit as good as when I was a young man. So I don't see any reason not to just give her the title now, get it over with. That way she's got a while to ask me questions about the job if she needs to do so."
Sally nodded, understanding his point. "I can actually understand your logic...perhaps you're right, maybe it is the best choice."
"Should I do it though?"
She hesitated. "Well dear, I think that you should make that choice for yourself. What do you feel deep in your bones?"
He was silent for a moment as he closed his eyes. At last he opened them. "I want to do it," he told her. "Tommorow I'll tell everyone. But until then, let's go to bed. I'm exhausted, and it's going to a big day at Town Hall."

They entrusted Alisa to Jennifer's care the next day once again, who was more then pleased to accept the little girl into her home. After dropping off the child they headed off to Town Hall, hand-in-hand.
When they were got there they were surprised to see that Jack had already called everyone together for what looked like a town meeting. "Ah, here's my darling daughter now," he said upon seeing her. "Here darling, step up here next to your father. The both of you."
Ira glanced at her, but she only shrugged. They headed up to his side, still unsure of what was going on. "First of all," said the king," I'd like to inform you that my daughter and Ira McVampson here will be getting married." Thunderous applause and cheering, while the two just stood there and waved. "But that's not why I gathered you here today," the King silenced them. "I have a very important announcement to make." He took a deep breath. "I'm sure you've all noticed that I'm not exactly the agile skeleton I once was. 250 years ago I was young and fit, I could do just about anyting I wanted to. But over the years I've aged, I'm not that same man. I'm old and brittle, I can't walk without this cane here. I'm not suited for this job anymore, I'm too worn out for it. I can't even perform my scares anymore. Which is where this comes into place." He paused. "I've decided to resign from my position as Pumpkin King." Horrified gasps.
"But Jack--!" cried many. "What will we do without you?"
"Don't worry about it," he reassured them. "I've already thought of everything."
"What are you doing?" Shock hissed at him.
He ignored her, smiling at the crowd. "Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to your new Pumpkin Queen - my daughter, Shock."
The entire room burst into deafening cheers. Shock, however, couldn't react. "But---Jack!" she exclaimed. "How will I do it?"
"I'll be here to assist you," he reassured her. "Don't worry about it." Then he turned and looked towards the other side of the stage, beckoning someone towards them. In stepped Sally, holding Jack's former crown on a purple velvet pillow. Stepping in front of her daughter she picked up the crown, placing it on top of her head. With a smile she planted a kiss on her cheek.
"You'll do a wonderful job," she told her. "So smile, don't be afraid. This is your coronation; enjoy it. Besides, you'll never argue your father out of his decision."
That gave her the courage she needed. Standing straight she grabbed hold of Ira, pulling him towards her and giving him a long kiss. The crowd cheered, going into hysterics.
When she finally released him, he had to wait a moment in order to get air. "Wow," he breathed. "You must be excited."
"Well, why not?" she shrugged. "Sally's right; midas well live it up." She gave him another kiss, this time longer. He held her afterwards, grinning.
"Congratulations, my queen."
"Thank-you, my prince. Soon you'll be my King."
Jack had to chuckle. "You two."
Shock released Ira. "Jack, thanks," she told him. "At first I was going to protest, but I know there's no point of it. I've got to take the responsibility sooner or later. Now is as good as any."
"Exactly. But later on we're going to have to fill out the paperwork. In a situation such as this, that will be the case."
She clapped cheerfully. "Oh, Alisa's going to be so happy when she hears this."
"I can just hear her," said Ira. " 'You mean I'm a real princess mommy?' "
The crowd was still applauding as this happened. "Go on dear," Sally urged her. "Speak to them. You are their Queen, after all."
Nodding she stepped up to the front of the stage, signalling for silence. Everyone hushed, anxious to hear what she had to say.
"I don't quite know what to say," she began. "After all these years here I am, your ruler. But I have trained long and hard for this, and I know that I will serve this town well. I want to thank Jack for giving me this opportunity. Being the queen is an important responsibility to me, it's so important. And every step of the way my father has been there to see me down the road towards the day when I would inherit the throne. I guess that day is today." She wiped away a tear that had formed in the corner of her eye. "I'm so happy right now. As well, thank-you to Sally, whom without I could never had come all this way with. Her loving inspration and motherly advice has always been of greast help along the path towards where I am today. Thank-you, Sally." The former queen smiled, nodding. "Lock and Barrel, you've always been there, from the very beginning. Before Jack and Sally even adopted us you were there, and you still are. I know that over the years we've had our share of the arguments and fights, but I couldn't possibly imagine growing up without you. Thank-you." She smiled as she glanced over at Kyrene. "My dear baby sister. How glad I am to have been brought into the Skellington clan, to have you as a sibling. You don't know the joy I felt the first day you came into this world, the love I feel for you right now. You've always been there for me, whenever I needed someone to cry to or just someone to talk with. Thank-you." She glanced now at Ira, taking his hand. "And finally Ira," she smiled. "My darling, dearest, Ira. We've only been recently reunited, but I feel as if we've never been apart. Whenever I've needed you, you've been there, and when I need to talk you're always there to listen. You make me feel so loved, so special. I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone but you. And I have no intent to." Finally she turned to the crowd. "And of course, all of you. You've never doubted my ability to rule Halloween Town, never given me a reason not to believe in myself. You're always there to help out, and your kindness towards me when my life has been in shambles. Thank-you." A smile. "Anyways, I've never been good at speeches so I'm going to be quiet now. The rest of the day is a holiday; go on and have fun. Tommorrow the real work will begin." Applause as everyone began to stand up, leaving Town Hall.
Jack just touched her shoulder. "Well said, darling."
"Thank-you, father." She gave him a hug. "Oh, I can't believe this. My mind is racing! It's just so overwhelming!"
He nodded as he released her. "I understand. Go on home, enjoy your day off. We'll do all the paperwork later."
She took Ira's hand, their fingers intertwining. "Thank you, Jack. See you everyone." With that they both left, mixing among the crowd still lingering outside. Numerous people came up to her to congratulate her. She just smiled graciously, heading home with her beloved finace. They didn't follow, just let the lovers head on their way.
Shock laid her head on Ira's shoulder, sighing. "I don't believe it," she told him. "I'm the queen."
He reached up to her head, pulling off the the crown and admiring it. The gold shone in the sunlight, while numerous rare and priceless jewels shimmered brightly. "Quite beautiful, isn't it?" he asked.
"I know. Amazing. But you know what? We've got to start planning our wedding."
"We do, don't we? Lots of planning." By now they had reached the house and she unlocked the door, allowing them to step inside. Heading for the kitchen she grabbed a pad of paper and a pen, while
Ira sat on the sofa and set the crown upon the table.
"Now let's do some basic planning first," she said as she took a seat beside him. "What'll we be wearing? You'll be wearing some type of suit, right?"
"Of course. Black tuxedo with tails. I've always loved tails."
"I think that would be lovely. I want my dress to be absolutley perfect. Black silk, with a magnificent train."
"You'll be absolutely beautiful, I know." A smile. "You already are, my Queen." Without a word he reached and took away the paper and pen, placing them both on the table. Then he touched her face, kissing her slowly. They fell back into the sofa, like the first night he had arrived almost three weeks ago. This time though she didn't resist; instead she pulled him closer, her lips moving down his neck. It was the feeling they both craved, the love they so needed to feel. And as long as they had each other, they knew that nothing would ever become of either of them. They were one now, and nothing could could ever change how they felt for each other. Never.

Ira announced at around lunchtime that he would go get Alisa and bring her home. Shock agreed, and suggested that they go out for a day of fun. He liked this thought and headed off to the babysitter's to gather up the girl.
Jennifer opened the door to her home when he got there, Alisa at her side. "Ah, Mr. McVampson," she said. "I didn't expect you back so early. I thought that you and your fiance were at Town Hall today?"
"We were, but an amazing thing happened. Jack resigned from his throne, Shock's the queen now."
"Oh my goodness, really?" she cried. "Wow, please give her my congratulations!"

"I know, I'm ecstatic for her." He glanced down at Alisa. "You ready to go now?"
"Aw, we were having fun though...."
"Well, we're gonna go out and have even more fun now in a minute, you, me and your mommy."
"Why, where we going?"
"Well, I'm not quite sure. We'll find out when we get there."
"Can we bring a picnic?"
"Why not. I'll pack one when we get home."
"Yea!" she cried as she dashed off, not even saying good-bye to her sitter.
"See ya, Jennifer," Ira called as he followed her.
"Sure," she replied as she went back inside. Closing the door she smioled to herself, heading up the stairs. So Shock was the queen, huh? This definately was an important day in Halloween Town history. Never before had a ruler resigned. But Jack was a smart man; he knew what was right from wrong. And this had been a very wise decision.

Alisa was the first to burst through the door, running to find her mother. She found her in the kitchen waiting for them. "Mommy, mommy, are you really the queen?" she cried as she lept into her arms.
"I certainly am dear," she replied with a chuckle.
"And does that make me a princess?"
"Yep."
"What about Ira, what's he?"
"Ira?" she asked as she looked towards him. "Well, I guess he's my King-to-be. But for now he can just be my prince."
Alisa smiled as she scrambled to get down. "So where we going?"
Shock looked at Irea. "Good question. Where to?"
"Well, I was thinking maybe scaring in the human world. I haven't gone scaring in ages."
"Sounds wonderful. Mommy wanted to get in a lesson for her little girl sometime."
"First we have to pack a picnic," he told her as he headed to find the basket. "I promised."
"Well then, I guess that's your responsibility."
He saluted her. "Yes, ma'am."
"Very funny. We'll be waiting."
"Righty-o." He found the basket, placing it on the counter as he began to prepare some sandwiches. It didn't take him long to finish; when he finally was he gathered up the picnic, smiling.
"Ready to go you two?" he asked.
"Yea!!!!!" exclaimed Alisa as she ran to get on her shoes.
The two just chuckled as they followed. "She's looking forward to it," Ira said.
"Yeah, she loves to go scaring. She's not the greatest at it yet, but mommy's teaching her."
"While mommy's at it, she can teach her prince how to as well. He hasn't gone scaring in 235 years."
"Think you can handle it?" she asked tauntingly.
He smiling mockingly. "Ha ha, Shock. Let's just go now, huh?"
A nod. "Come on then. Lead the way, Alisa."
She smiled happily as they left, walking towards the main gates of Halloweentown. Darting ahead of them she began to skip, humming a tune happily to herself.
Shock just grinnned, resting her head on Ira's shoulder. "Isn't she adorable?" she sighed. "My little angel...."
"I know. Simply wonderful."
"Three years old,,,where does the time fly? I still remember when...." She didn't get a chance to finish her sentance. Suddenly bolted up straight, her eyes wide. A series of choking noises erupted from her throat as her eyes began to roll up into the back of her head.
"Shock!" he cried, just as he caught her from collapsing. "What's wrong?"
Alisa stopped as well now, watching. Seeing what was going on she began to cry, afraid for her mother.
"Shock!" he cried again what's wrong?" He allowed her to slip down to the ground, unconsious. It was by doing this he saw what had caused it; a poisonous dart, stuck in her back. Carefully he pulled it out, staring at it. Probably handcrafted, it had most certainly been crafted especially to kill her. Tossing it aside he rolled his beauty onto her back, checking to see if she was still breathing. She was, but only bare. "Shock, wake up, dammit," he told her angrily. "Don't do this to me!" Tears began to form in his eyes, but he had to be strong. "Alisa," he said, "You've got to go find help. Go to the nearest house and ask them to call an ambulance. Tell them that the Queen is in danger. Alright?"
She nodded, sobbing. "Okay, Ira. I'll be wight back." She dashed off to do as he had told her, leaving him and his dying lover. He touched her face, kissing her softly. "Damn you, Shock, don't do this to us. You can't. I've waited all my life for you, I'm not going to loose you now..."
Alisa returned a few minutes later, and the ambulance not long after. "What happened here?" asked on of the paramedics as they loaded her aboard.
He handed him the needle. "Poison. In the upper back. Just a few minutes ago..."
"Okay, we've got her. Come on, you and the girl can come to the hospital with us."
He nodded as they scrambled aboard. Shock just lay there, her face pale.
"Ira, is she gonna be okay?" asked Alisa.
He couldn't reply for a moment. "I'm not sure," he responded truthfully. "I really don't. All we can do is pray."

She was taken directly to the Emergency Room, and they were told to wait for her. Ira decided that he should call her family, and perhaps the cops as well.
From a payphone he called the authorities, telling them the problem; attempted assasination of the queen. The dispatcher told him to wait, that a cop would be there soon.
His next call was to Jack and Sally. It was one he dreaded making. Jack answered. "Mr. Skellington?" he said once he answered. "I'm afraid I've got some bads news..."
"Bad news? Like what?"
"It's your daughter, my fiance. We were going scaring, the both of us and your grand-daughter, when someone shot a poisonous dart into her back. She's in bad shape."
"Oh my God...." he muttered. "Have you called the cops?"
"I have."
"Good man. Geez....okay, I'll call her siblings and we'll be there as quick as we can."
"Right. See you in a bit." The other end of the line went dead as he hung up the phone. With a sigh he took a seat beside Alisa, sighing. Somebody had tried to kill his fiance, his one true love....would she be okay? He couldn't possiby imagine life without her....
Meanwhile Alisa curled up beisde him, closing her eyes and settling in for a nap. He just smiled as he touched her soft little cheek. His Alisa...his darling little Alisa. He loved her so much, like his own daughter. He had always wanted a child, and now he finally had one. She opened her eyes slightly, grinning at him. He returned the gesture as she settled back in, sitting and staring at the beautiful child.
Jack and Sally appeared around 10 minutes later. Standing up Ira greeted them, embracing them both.
"Oh my God, tell me it's not true," said the former King. "My girl, is she okay?"
"I don't know yet," he told them. "The doctor still hasn't appeared."
"Is her daughter alright?"
"Yes, she's taking a nap."
"And yourself?" asked Sally.
"Oh, fine. Mentally, I don't know, but otherwise I'm fine."
"This has to be pretty hard on you as well," Jack said as he sat down. "You seem to care about her a great deal."
"I do," he replied as he took a seat besides him and his wife. "I'm so worried...we were going to go and have a fun day together as a family, but then she just went down. And I haven't got the slightest clue as to who did it."
"Whoever it is must want to get rid of whoever it is on the throne. First me as the King, now Shock as the Queen...."
"Ah, Mr. Skellington," they were interupted. They looked up to see a police officer. "Detective McBoo," he introduced himself. "I recieved a call of an attempted murder?"
"Yes, it's my daughter, Shock," he told him. "She was shot in the back by a poisonous dart apparantly."
"Any witnesses?"
"Yes, her fiance." He motioned towards Ira.
"What's your name?" asked the cop as he pulled out a note pad.
"Ira McVampson, sir."
A nod as he scribbled down the information. "Can you describe the situation to me?"
"It was all quite ordinary. Myself, Shock and Alisa were going to go scaring in the human world. We had almost made it out the main gates when suddenly she stopped and fell unconcious. I pulled the dart out of her back, but I didn't know where it had come from or who shot it."
"Mmm hmm," he muttered. "This is the second murder attempt of a crowned ruler within two weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if they are somehow connected."
"But who did it? Who would want to?" begged Sally.
"I'm not sure," he told her. "Tell me, who is the next in line to the throne now?"
"Umm--Alisa, then Lock if anything happens to her. Why?"
"Just a hunch. It is possible that your son is behind this, trying to get the throne for himself."
"That's ridiculous!" Jack cried as he stood up. "Ubsurd! Lock wouldn't try to kill me!"
"You never know, Mr. Skellington. People will do crazy things. Either him or one of his siblings. They'll probably strike at Alisa next, so we have to get him or her down now."
"You've got to be kidding me...."
"I'm afraid that I don't kid, sir. I'm going to have to bring them all in for questioning, I'm afraid."
A sigh. "Very well then. They should be here any minute now anyways."
It was then that in came the three, Lock, Barrel, and Kyrene. They rushed over to their parents and Ira, embracing then.
"How is she?" asked Lock immediately.
"We don't know yet," Sally told him. "The doctors haven't told us."
The cop clerared his throat, getting everyone's attention once again. "I hate to do this, but I'm afraid I have to. Lock, Kyrene, and Barrel Skellington, I'm going to have to ask you to come down to the station with me for questioning regarding the attempted murder of your sister."
"WHAT?" cried Lock. "Absurd, I wouldn't try to harm my own sibling! Regardess of what had happened in the past!"
"Officer, you must have made a mistake..." Kyrene sputtered. "What type of evidence do you have to prove that we're guilty of such a crime?"
"Logics, madam. This is the second ruler who was attacked. I figure that whoever is doing this simply wants to get the thone for themself."
"What if you're wrong though?" demanded Barrel. "What if it isn't us? What are you going to do then?"
"Pick up somewhere else of course," he said. "But for now, I believe I'm on the right track. Now come along quietly please and I won't need to use the cuffs on you."
"No, I want to stay here to see how my sister turns out," Lock told him. "Only then will I come, and no sooner."
A sigh. "Fine. We'll wait. For ten minutes." He took a seat. "But no more."
Jack sat back down besides his wife, grabbing her hand for re-assurance. "I don't understand it," he muttered. "My own children would never try to kill their father or their sister. Sally, we raised them teaching them not to desire the throne for themselves. They know better then that! So why is this damned cop accusing them of such a horrible crime?"
She shook her head. "I don't know, darling. We'll see this through to the end though, I'll be by your side the whole time. I promise you."
"Father," cried Barrel as he came over. "I didn't do it, I swear! Neither of us did! You've gotta believe us!"
He nodded. "I do, my son. I always have and I always will."
The doctor walked in at that point. "Is the family here?"
"Yes, sir," Ira replied as he stood up. "How is she?"
"Good," he answered. "We've moved her down to the Intensive Care Unit. Apparantly she was given the Deadly Nightshade drug, and just enough to properlly kill her. We've pumped most of it out of her system; the worst it can do now is give her a mighty bad headache."
"So she'll be alright?" insisted Sally.
"Yes, she'll be fine."
"Oh thank God..."
Barrel spoke now. "Can we see her please?"
A nod. "Of course. Follow me, please." He led them down the hall towards a door marked 'Skellington, Shock'. He pushed the door open, turning back to her. "She might or might not wake up," he told them. "But she can hear you."
They walked in and surounded the bed. She lay there, various tubes entering her body. Sally stiffled a sob as she grabbed Jack's hand.
"My baby girl..." she sobbed. "My darling baby girl...."
"The bastards," muttered Lock. "Someone did this to her....and someone's going to pay. Dearly."
Kyrene stepped up, touching her forehead. At that moment her eyes slowly began to open, and they all gasped.
"Shock, can you hear me?" her sister asked. "Shock, can you speak?"
"Ira," she mumbled. "Get me Ira."
He pushed his way forward, standing on her other side. "Right here, darling."
"Come here," she whispered. He leaned closer. She raised her hand slowly, touching his face. A smile slowly broke through as she pulled him in for a kiss. "That's all I needed," she told him as she released him. He embraced her.
"Oh, I was so worried about you...don't you ever do that again. How are you feeling?"
A groan as she pulled back. "Crappy. I have a headache the size of Halloween itself."
He laughed. "The doctor said that might happen."
She beckoned him forward then, close enough to whisper something into his ear. "I know who did it," she told him. "I saw her as she ran away from the corner of my eye."
His heart skipped a beat. "She knows who it was," he told the rest of them. "Who was it?" he demanded. "Tell us, so we can get whoever it is behind bars."
"It was...." her voice trailed off.
"Who, sweetheart," insisted her mother. "We need to know."
"Elizabeth," she said at last. "It was Elizabeth."
"No..." muttered Lock. "It couldn't have been...not my wife...."
"It was," she cut in. "I saw her with my own two eyes."
The police officer nodded. "I guess I was wrong then. To the three I accused, I offer my sincere apologies." He looked towards Shock. "Do you want her arrested?"
She paused, glancing at Lock. He sighed, nodding. "If she's trying to murder the ones I love, then arrest her," he sighed. "I'm sure we'll understand this when we hear her side of the story."
"Thank-you, brother. Officer, arrest her."
A nod. "Right away, my Queen." He disapeared, the door shutting closed behind him.
Shock meanwhile beckoned Lock forward, holding his hand. "Dearest sibling," she told him. "I'm sorry, really I am, but you know that if Elizabeth is really doing this then she's got to be rightfully punished."
"I know....and it's alright, I don't blame you. I agree. I love her a great deal, but I can't let her do these things. My father, my sister....I can't let it go on."
A smile. "I'm glad you understand."
Sally cut in now. "Alright everyone, I think we should leave now. Let her get her rest."
No arguing as everyone departed. "Ira, stay with me," Shock insisted. He remained where he was until the last person had filed out.
"Oh, Ira..." she cried as she sat up, flinging her arms around his shoulder. "I hated doing that, but I can't let this continue..."
"Whoa there, sit back down. You nearly died not long ago there, I think you should be taking it easy."
She frowned. "But I'm fine..."
"I'm asking you to relax though. Please, for your prince?"
She grinned as she laid back down. "What nerve, trying to order the queen around. Off with his head!"
"You wouldn't."
"And why not?"
A sly smile. "Cause you love me too much."
"Maybe so," she shrugged. "Is Alisa alright?"
"Yes, fine. She's napping."
"My little angel...I just can't believe this. Why would Elizabeth want me dead? Why would she want Jack dead?"
"I don't know dear." A kiss. "Now rest. You've had a rough day."
She nodded. "Right. Good-night, darling."
"Sleep tight." With a little wave he left, heading back out to the waiting room. He knew that once Elizabeth was in custody things would go back to normal. This nightmare would finally be over at last, and they could be a normal family. Just him, Shock and Alisa.

Elizabeth was woken from her nap by two strong hands on either side grabbing her. Her eyelids snapped open, to see two policemen holding her arms plus one standing in front of her. "Mrs. Skellington, I'm afraid that you're being charged of the attempted murders of Jack and Shock Skellingon. We're going to have to take you to the station, ma'am."
"What? How can this be, I never--" she protested, staring at the cop who was watching her now. He motioned the other officers out of the building now, the both of them dragging her to one of the two patrol cars outside. "Her majesty saw you fleeing the scene of the crime," he went on. "She has ordered that you be taken into custody."
"Listen, I don't know what Shock's talking about, I didn't do it."
"Course not," he said blankly. "Just get in the car."

Jack and Sally left not too long afterwards, as did Lock, Barrel, and Kyrene. Ira decided to stay for a while longer, until he recieved word as to how long she'd have to remain in the hospital. He sat with his dearest by her bedside with Alisa, who had since woken up. The girl was all smiles as she embraced her mother, allowing Ira to sit pick her up and sit her next to Shock on the bed. "Feewing better mommy?" she asked.
"Yes dear, I am," came the reply. "A lot better. I'm sorry we had to cancel our picnic plans...."
"Hey, I think I still have it here somewhere," Ira cut in. "I'll go get it." Without waiting he dashed out to the waiting room, leaving the two.
Alisa began to play with one of the I.V. tubes connected to her mother's arm. "Who did it?" she asked. "Who tried to hurt you?"
"Aunt Elizabeth, dear. Uncle Lock's wife."
"Weally?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so."
She twisted her face. "That meanie. Are you gonna punish her?"
"I don't know sweetie. Do you think I should?"
"Yep. She did a bad thing. She needs a time-out."
"Maybe I should....."
"Hey you two," came a cheerful cry as Ira returned. "I'm back with the grub!"
"That was quick," replied Shock. "Will they even let me eat that?"
"Course they will. I asked the doctor, he said it was pefectly fine. Says that you'll be permitted to leave first thing in the morning." He opened up the basket, pulling out Rat Sandwiches for them all.
"Great, so I won't have to miss my first day on the job."
"I guess you're pretty eager to get back to your job, eh?"
"Extremely. I'm going to be such a great ruler, Ira. And you'll be my King, ruling by my side."
"And Alisa our little princess."
"Maybe one day she'll get her own little brother or sister."
He smiled. "Wouldn't that be wonderful? To have a child together...with the love of my life. Wow, imagine me having a kid of my own. What a scary thought."
"No, you'll make a great dad, trust me. You're wonderful with Alisa. You took perfect care of her while I was away, didn't you?"
"Well, I'm sure I'll make a crappy husband."
?"How so?"
"I dunno. I'm just trying to get you to flatter me some more."
"And it's working." She took a bite of her sandwich. "You know what we still have to do yet?"
"What?"
"Pick out an engagement ring. We totally forgot."
"Hey, yeah. We should do that tommorrow."
"After work."
"Right." He paused for a moment. "Hey Shock, I just thought of something. When we get married you're going to have to change your last name to McVampson, my name."
"So?"
"Well, I just don't want to ruin hundreds of years of Skellington history. I want to change my name to Skellington."
She raised and eyebrow. "You sure?"
"Positive. The Skellington family has a strong history and reputation. It's always been a Skellington on the throne, for as long as Halloween has existed. I don't want to change that."
"That's a good point," she said thoughtfully. "Alright, let's do that. Ira Skellington."
"Nice ring to it," he said with a smile.
"After marrying my first husband, Mark, my name became Shock McGhoul. I hated that, so once we divorced I got back my maiden name. I still think that Shock McVampson sounds rather nice, but I think that this is a good idea."
"It feels weird knowing that you're going into your second marriage already when I've never been married," he told her. "I mean, knowing that you've already done this and all..."
"But this time it's different," she cut in. "We're going to have a huge wedding, the most elaborate in Halloween. Then for the Honeymoon I'm going to make sure it's one you'll never forget."
A grin. "I'm liking that already."
She smiled. "You would." A pause as she finished her sandwich. "Hey Ira," she said after a few moments, "what do you think I should do about Elizabeth? Should I put her in jail? Forget about it? I mean, she's my brother's wife here."
"Talk to her," he replied. "Ask her why she did it, then gather your judgement from that. Remember, you're the queen now. You can do whatever you want."
"But I want to be fair...."
"I know you do, dear. And I think that's pretty fair, don't you? I mean I wouldn't have her hung or anything..."
"Oh, I'm not that cruel. I just want justice, in a way that won't have Lock angry at me for the rest of my life."
He just gave her a kiss. "Listen, don't worry about that now," he told her. "Sit back and enjoy the picnic. You, me, and Alisa."
She just grinned. "Right." They each took a drink of the juice he had packed. "Love you, Ira," she told him.
A nod as he smiled. "Love you too, darling. Always."

Shock left the hospital the next day at around 7:30 AM, thanking the doctors and proceeding directly towards the police station. She wanted to see Elizabeth and get her judgement over with. The officer at the front desk nodded when he saw her, immediately proceeding to lead her towards Elizaeth's cell. "Do you want me to stand guard?" he asked. "In case she tries to kill you again?"
"No, I can handle it," she replied. "Thanks anyways."
A nod. "Alright, let me know when you're done."
They arrived at the cell a few minutes later. It was the same one she had stayed in when accused of murdering Jack, the bars having been replaced. She was let into the cell, the bars closed behind her. Quickly she waved at Demonica and Spectral, her old cell mates. Then she headed over to sit besides Elizabeth on the bed. She was quiet for a moment before saying anything.
"Why?" she asked at last. "Why did you do it? Why did you try to kill my father, to kill me? I'd like to understand that."
She didn't look at her. "I did it all for Lock," she replied. "For my husband. He looked so sad, so glum. I knew that they only way to make him happy was to make him the heir for the throne."
"But Elizabeth, that was a long time ago," Shock sighed. "I know that he wanted the throne and all, he didn't want me to have it. He was bitter and jealous, hurt that it wasn't him. But that's changed now. I talked to him about it long ago, and then he apologized to Jack for the way he had been treating him. Because he really was crappy to our father, and he knew it. But so did you, and you knew that he was wanting to make it up, that all that was fine now. You knew that he understood the fact that he would most likely never get to rule. Yet you still did it! Why?"
"I only wanted him to be happy!" she cried, a tear rolling down her cheek. "I thought that if I could get rid of Jack and then you, then he'd get the throne and he'd be so pleased. When you got the blame for it I thought it was a wonderful idea, got me off the hook. But Jack didn't die, and then you came back. I was at square one again. But when Jack decided to give you the throne ahead of time, I realized that it was the perfect opportunity. Just get rid of you and your daughter and then he'd be the King. But it didn't work out that way. You looked up, and saw me as I fled the scene." She shook her head. "Why was I so stupid? I should have gone the other way, then you wouldn't have seen me! Damn it, a perfect crime gone to waste."
"Tell me more about how you tried to do it though," Shock said as she leaned closer towards her. "Tell me your plan."
"It was quite simple, fool proof I thought. In order to poison Jack, I decided to replace his Calcium pills with Deadly Nightshade tablets. I had watched Sally fetching them before by spying upon her; in the upstairs bathroom, behind a hiden cabinet. So I made the switch. I was just coming out from having performed the deed when she came to get them. I was so confident I'd never be caught. Then when you got blamed, I figured my luck was twice as good. But you came back, and he named you Queen. Pretty good I thought; only you and your kid to get rid of now. So I constructed a dart that would carry the poison for killing you, and shot it directly into your back. Unfortunately though, you saw me. Should have thought about that happening..."
Shock just sighed. "Oh, Elizabeth, why do you have to put me in this position? Now that you've confessed everything to me, I have no choice but to properlly punish you. For the crime of treason, the legal sentance is 150 years of your lifetime spent in jail. But you commited the crime twice. By law, you should be getting double that--300. But I'll be nice--200 years in prison with no chance of parole."
"WHAT?" she cried. "You can't prove that! What evidence do you have other then your word?"
A smile as she pulled out a tape recorder. "This will do the job quite nicely." She stood up, heading back over to the bars and calling out for the officer. She turned back to Elizabeth. "I'm sorry it had to be this way, but the law is the law. I will not allow you to continue like this. And if you go back to the same behavior when you're released in 200 years time, then I shall proceed to take drastic measures. Do you understand me?"
A frown. "Yes, your majesty," she hissed as the guard let Shock out. She just smiled graciously.
"I'm glad that you do." Then without another word she left, leaving Elizabeth to fume in her anger. Never would anyone be given the chance again to harm anyone in her family--and that was her solemn vow.

It was around 8:30 when she got to town hall. She was early--the days activities usually didn't start until around 9. The only people here yet were herself, Jack, and a few earlybirds. Nodding to herself she started these few loyal Halloweeners to work, heading overto where Jack was watching. She gave him a smile.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. "I thought that I was in charge now."
"You are," he replied. "There's just some stuff that needs to be cleared up yet. Number one, I need to move the things out of my office. Since I'm no longer the King, it's pointless for me to have it. Secondly, we have paperwork to be done regarding the change of command."
"We've got a busy day then. Midas well get started now. Where's the papers you were talking about?"
"The mayor has them," he rpelied. "I asked him to fix them up and have them ready before I resigned yesterday. They should be ready to go, he said he'd put them on my desk afterwards."
"Let's go get them then. Perhaps we can get started on moving out your things."
"Good thinking. Let's go then." They headed directly for the office, Jack entering first. He flicked on a light, allowing Shock to get a good view of the place. For as long as she could remember, she'd loved Jack's office. It was covered in pictures from his life--some of his parents, others of him and Sally, and plenty of herself, Lock, Barrel, and Kyrene. His entire life played out upon the walls, from childhood to the presesnt. But now it would be coming down....after nearly 750 years upon these walls they would all be coming down.
The entire room in itself was quite splendid. The walls were a dark red, the carpets black. Heavy black curtains framed the window, and an antique mahogany desk stood in the center of the room. Papers littered the top of the desk, and a small basket stood in one corner of the room for Zero, Jack's pet ghost-dog. The old boy was getting quite old, and would most likely pass into the second realm any day now. A pile of boxes had already been placed by one wall and she pulled one out, proceeding to the shrine of pictures. "Midas well get started on these things," she proclaimed as she pulled down one of Robert Skellington, Jack's father. Jack had been only eight when Robert died, recieving the throne far earlier then intended. His mother had passed away when he was two, so he had really never gotten to know either of them. Shock placed the framed picture into the box, moving on. "Father, do you ever think about your parents?" she asked him after a while.
"All the time," he replied. "I often wish that things had been different, that they wouldn't have died so soon on me. But I can't change the past now, can I? I know though that they'd be proud of my acomplishments. As King of Halloween I've done a pretty good job, one to be satisfied with." He gave her a smile. "And I think you'll do just as well."
She returned the gesture as she continued to pack up. "I often think of my parents as well," she replied. "Not, you, but my biological ones. The ones who abandoned me and my brothers. I still can't seem to forgive them for that, leaving us to rot. But had they not done that, then you never would have adopted us. I wouldn't be the Queen right now. I guess I'm recieving mixed feelings about it."
He proceeded to organize the papers on the desk., "Don't worry about them now," he told her. "I'm not. To me, they don't exist. Never have. I don't care if you're not biologically my daughter quite frankly. I love you as if you were, regardless. No matter what's happened in the past, I always have." He uttered a low grunt as he tried to straighten away some papers. "Damn this blasted paperwork... most of this stuff should be kept, it still applies to Hallowen. But I have stuff in my drawers from 300 years ago. My recomendation to you? Get a filing cabinet."
A chuckle. "I'll do that." She finished with the pictures, looking towards the basket. "What should we do with that?" she asked. "Bring it up to your place?"
"No, leave it there. Zero likes it here, don't ya boy?" The little dog said nothing, just rippled his aged little body as continued to sleep. "Getting old, I guess," the former king laughed. "I guess we all are." He glanced around. "Well darling, everything else I guess I'll keep here. For you to use."
"You sure?"
"Positive. All you've gotta do is decorate it your way."
A nod. "Thanks. Let's do that paperwork now, eh?"
"Good idea. Grab it from the desk and we'll go do it where everyone can watch."

Half and hour later they both sat upon the stage at a desk, pens in their hands. All of Halloweentown watched below. Sally, Lock, Barrel, and Kyrene had showed up by now, as well as Ira and Alisa. He waved to his queen, Alisa smiling and clapping joyfully. She just waved back, turning to her father. "Shall we get this done then?" she asked.
"We shall." He held up the paper, putting on his reading glasses and reading the words to the crowd;
"I, Jack Skellington, hereby give up all my legal rights asthe King of Halloween. No longer do I possess any legal status, and no longer do I have the right to perform the duties of the crowned sovereign. I give up all titles and priveliges, and acknoledge the fact that I am no longer the King." He then put down the paper, signing the dotted line. He then passed it on to Shock, who read her part;
"I, Shock Skellington, hereby recieve all legal rights as the Queen of Halloween. I realize that in doing so, I am fully in charge of making sure that the holiday is completed each and every year so long as I live. Knowing this, I shall perform my duties with dignity and honour, forever keeping in mind the welfare and well-being of the citizens of Halloween." She then put down the paper, signing it. She looked up with a smile on her face. "And that's all there is to it," she proclaimed. "Everyone, I guarantee to be the best Queen I can be. I promise, I won't let you down."
At that the crowd began to cheer songs of glory to their new queen, chanting her name as they cried, "Hail Queen Shock!" She couldn't help but smile at them.
"I appreciate your kindess," she said kindly. "However, we must get on with the holiday. Time to get back to work."
The crowd began to break apart, a few people still chanting. Ira made his way through them all and up to the stage with Alisa, giving his Queen a kiss.
"I'm so proud of you," he told her. "What a lucky man I am to have you as my fiance."
She returned the kiss. "As am I. But we must get back to work, darling. Today is a very big day for us all."
"Of course, your majesty. I'm going to take Alisa home then. I'll have supper ready when you come home."
"What a doll!" she cried. "Thank-you, darling. See you then."
"Right." He deaprted, leaving her standing alone. She watched for a moment as the left, but then snapped back to reality. She had a job to do.

When she returned home at 5:30, she was greeted by the smell of fried spider legs. "Something smells wonderful!" she called as she entered the kitchen. There she found Alisa and Ira at the table, supper already laid out and ready to eat.
"Oh, hey there," Ira said with a smile. "Food's ready."
"Wow, you're good. Been waiting long?"
"Only a minute. Sit and eat."
"I'd love to." She took her spot, picking up her fork and beginning her meal. "We've got to go out after supper and choose an engagement ring," she told him. "I wonder if Jennifer would be able to babysit Alisa? I'll give her a call once I'm done eating."
"Already did it," he replied. "She said that she'll be expecting us."
"Gee, you're quite the little housewife, aren't you?"
A shrug. "I like this type of stuff. I'd rather be home with Alisa then at a job somewhere."
"You know, not many men will admit to something like that. I admire you for it."
A grin as he ate. "I know, I'm the best."
"Don't flatter yourself there, mister." Another forkful of food. "Hurry up and finish now, the stores close at 9 and I want to get a good look at the stuff. Maybe at some wedding dresses and tuxedos as well...."
"Sure, sounds good. We'll have the best dressed wedding ever."
"It'll be maginificent," she replied dreamily. Halloween's own royal wedding..."
Silence as they both took a drink. "So what's the story on Elizabeth?" he asked. "Did you sentance her yet?"
"Yes. 200 years in prison with no chance of parole."
A nod. "That's quite fair I believe. What was her reason for doing it?"
"Apparantly she just wanted to make Lock happy. She told me that for the longest time he had wanted to be the King, and she wanted to make his wish come true. Even when he stopped acting so immature, she pursued to try and kill Jack and then myself. I chose the sentancing that I thought was appropriate though. And if it ever happens again after that, then I shall be forced to take more extreme actions. I don't want to happen, but if I have to I will..."
"Understandable," he replied truthfrully. "Now hurry and finish eating. We have a lot of things to do tonight."

45 minutes later they were walking through a nearby mall, hand-in-hand. "How nice this is," Shock sighed. "Just you and me...look, a jewellry store! Let's head over there!" He nodded, leading her inside.
It was a nice place, filled with beautiful and rare gems. A warlock in a fancy suit and bow tie gave them a smile as he asked if he could help them.
"Actually, yes," Ira told him. "We're looking for engagement rings. Got any?"
"Sure, just over here." He motioned them over towards a display case. "This is our selection." Shock peered inside. Hundreds of diamonds glittered inside. "Oh my....how beautiful!"
"And costly," Ira muttered.
She elbowed him. "Money's no object here. Don't worry about it."
"But---"
"Trust me, dear." She turned back to the rings. "Take a look. See anything interesting?"
He looked at them, observing them for moment. After a second one managed to capture his eye--it was small and plain, yet it stood out from the rest. The diamond stone was of modest size, but its brilliant shine was the most spectacular of any of them. "That one," he said instantly. "I like that one. It stands out--it's special. Just like you. Oh, I really like that one."
"How much?" she asked the man behind the counter.
"That one is part of a very rare set, by a designer who died not too long ago. We sell it for about $4,000, but that's a bargain compared to what you'll pay elsewhere."
A nod. "I see. We'll take it."
"Shock, we can't afford that!" he cried.
"Sure we can, trust me."
"Would you like that in a bag, your Majesty, or do you chose to wear it out of the store?"
"I'll wear it out, thanks."
"A wise choice." He opened the display case, removing the ring. He picked out a small black box and placed it in a bag, handing the ring over to Ira. He accepted it, holding the small ring while Shock paid for it. Reaching into her purse she pulled out her credit card, letting him ring it up before putting the card away. She then turned back to Ira.
"Care to do me the honour?"
He nodded as she extended her hand, slipping it over her ring finger. She held it up to the light, the diamond shining beautifully.
"Amazing, isn't it?"
"It certainly is," he replied. "Thank-you sir."
A smile. "No problem."
They left the store, both admiring the ring. "Shock," Ira breathed, "How could you afford that? It's so expensive! I don't understand!"
She grinned. "Ira, my dearest Ira. Don't forget--the Skellington family is filthy rich. I sound really stuck-up, I know, but I'm telling you the truth. That was one of the reasons I originally agreed to let Jack adopt me and my brothers. Cause he was loaded! But over the years I've grown to simply not care. And Ira, as Queen, I'll grow just as rich or richer then Jack. It's not something we like to flaunt or even tell anyone, but it's true."
"Wow, impressive. I feel guilty though, not being able to chip in for the ring. I know that I'm not going to be able to do anything for the wedding. When I came here I had absolutely no Halloween money, just human cash. $500 worth of human cash. In Halloween denominations, that's only about $311."
She just gave him a kiss. "Darling, don't worry about it. I love you. Even if you are poor."
"Gee, thanks."
A laugh. "I'm only kidding. Come on now, let's go look at tuxedos. I think there's a nice shop around the corner that deals in Wedding apparel--ah, there it is!" She showed him over, leading him in.
On the inside there were a variety of wonderful suits and dresses. Fancy ones and plain ones, but all quite costly. Ira whistled softly upon examining the price of one tux. "I really don't want to cost you that much..."
"Who cares?" she shrugged. "Jack won't miss the money. He doesn't even bother with his millions. It's pretty much been split equally among me and my siblings already. He doesn't feel the need for it."
"I know, but I---ah, why argue? You're the queen, right?" A smile. "What the Queen wants, the Queen gets."
"Better believe it."
"Excuse me," came a friendly voice. "Do you need some help?"
"We're just browsing, thanks," Shock replied to the saleswoman. She just nodded, happily heading back to her work. She turned back to Ira. "I don't know about any of these items," she told him. "I think I'd like to have my dress custom made. I know exactlly what I want already. I just need to do some sketches."
"A good idea," he replied. "I'd actually like to create my own tuxedo. I want tails, I know that much."
"Then it's agreed," she replied. "Let's go pick up Alisa then and head back home. I can't wait to get started on this!"
They walked out of the store arm-in-arm, heading for the main entrance. Halfway there Shock stopped, looking at someone. A man, sitting hunched over on a bench. He wore a black hooded pullover, his head covered. Without a word then she released Ira's arm, walking over to him. He didn't follow; he knew that whatever the situation was, he'd best stay out of it.
Shock sat next to the man, laying her hand on his. "I'm sorry, Lock," was all she could say. "I did what I had to. I can't let Elizabeth do this to us."
He looked up at her, tears streaking his cheeks. "I know you can't...it's just that...I'm going to miss her. I mean, she's my wife. I love her, and she loves me. She nearly killed you and Jack she loves me so much." A sob. "Oh my God, why is this happening to me? Why do I deserve this? Am I being punished for some reason? Oh, I just don't understand it!"
Shock's heart broke as she hugged him, letting him cry. "You can still visit her as much as you want, brother," she told him. "I'll give you special permission."
"That's not just it though," he replied. "Shock, did I tell you that she was pregnant? She's going to have my baby. A daughter, the doctor says. A little girl."
She gasped slightly. "What have I done?" she whispered. "Tell me she's not. This can't be true! Lock, you know I can't let her go free, regardless of the situation."
A nod. "I know. But I never dreamed of something like this happening...I had planned on spending the rest of my life with her..."
She put an arm across his shoulder. "This is extremely hard on me, Lock, but I must leave her in prison. She will be permitted to leave now and then for special reasons; to have her child, of course, and I wanted her to be one of my bridesmaids. I still care about her, you know. Anytime there's a family reunion or something she'll be allowed to leave, and so many times a year I'll allow her to go see her child. You will be given the duty of raising the child, and when the lad gets old enough he'll be permitted to visit her whenever he likes as well. But no way, under any circumstances, can I release her."
He just sighed. "I know, and that's more then fair." A weak smile crossed his face. "Thanks, Shock. I know that you're doing exactly what Jack would have done."
"Thanks, litttle bro."
He looked at her ring. "Wow, pretty nice. Engagment ring?"
"Yep. Isn't she a beauty?"
"Sure is." He took her small hand into his own, admiring the stone. "Wow, impressive. Small but sweet how much?"
"$4,000."
"Whoa, pricey. Why so much?"
"Some dead designer guy created it apparantly. Both me and Ira thought it was amazing."
"It is." He released her hand. "Congratulations, sis. You're a lucky woman."
"Thanks, Lock." She stood up. "Wanna join me and Ira back at the house for a drink or something?"
He shook his head, no. "Maybe next time," he told her. "Right now I've got some thinking I need to do."
" 'Kay then." She kissed his cheek. "See you later." With a slight wave she headed back over to where Ira was waiting.
"What was that all about?" he asked.
She just smiled, taking his hand. "I'll tell you later," she replied."Let's just go home."

At around 10:00 that night Shock sat on the living room sofa, sketching her wedding dress. She was loving the way it was turning out, just as she had imagined it. It featured a low neckline and full length sleeves, made exclusively of black lace. The entire dress was covered in tiny diamonds and jewels, of the most rare and precious types. Her hair would be pinned back upon her head in the latest style, sparkles adorning her chest. A tiny tiara would be perched atop of her head, a black veil covering her face. Upon her feet would be matching velvet slippers, designed especially for and by her. As she held up the finished product she smiled triumphantly, pleased with her artwork. Ira would be blown away.
Meanwhile Ira sat in the kitchen, developing his own creation. He wasn't the best artist by far, but he could get a rough sketch of what he wanted. A handsome tuxedo (with tails, of course), featuring a top hat and a walking cane. He's be wearing a cape as well to complete the ensemble, which he'd remove at the reception to show off the tails. He thought it quite dashing, and knew that Shock would like it as well.
A few minutes later he made his way out to where his fiance sat, attentively working on her dress. "Oh hey there," she smiled. "How's it going?"
"Great," he replied. "I'm already done."
"Really? So am I. Here, let's compare work. First take a look a mine."
He took her sketching pad, nodding impressively. "Wow. Not only are you a great artist, but this is fabulous. Amazing, Shock! It's better then that, it's stupendous! The jewels, the train...everything! Oh, you're going to be absolutely beautiful!"
She blushed. "Thank-you. Now let me see yours." She took his piece of paper, nodding at his sketches. "Mmm, nice. Very elegant. The whole cape thing going on...how romantic! Somehow I had a feeling you'd choose something like that."
"Do you like it?"
"I love it! You'll be the sharpest-dressed groom in Halloween history."
"So we'll just hand these designs over to the tailors and they'll fix everything up for us?"
"Yep. They'll have to get us in for sizing and stuff, of course..."
"I know. What about the date thugh? When will the wedding be?"
She paused for a moment. "Well, it's early May now," she thought aloud. "How about in
October?"
He pulled a personal schedule from his jacket pocket, searching through it. "Actually, I'm thinking early November. October will interfere with Halloween to much. Early November, the holiday will be over with and we'll have some time to relax. No worrying during the honeymoon because you're falling behind on things."
A nod. "Sounds good to me. November second then--we'll take the first to wind down after the big night. Let's go for 4:00 in the afternoon. That way we can go directly to the reception afterwards."
"I guess it's set then. Saturday, November the Second at 4 PM." He released a deep breath.
"Wow. It's really happening. We're getting married. The ring proves it."
"Unbelieveable, isn't it? We'v got a lot of work to do though. Invitations to write, a church to find, reception party planning to do...."
"We'll get it done though," he replied. "We'll do it together, our wedding. It'll be amazing. I want a big, old fashioned church, an Elizabethan style one with a huge organ."
"And a party unlike any other afterwards, with only the finest of foods and most elaborate of decorations." A happy sigh.
"Oh, Ira, how did I ever manage to get a guy like you? You're so wonderful to me..."
He put an arm around her shoulder. "Because I love you, Shock. I always have and I always will." He gave her a kiss. "Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I knew there was something about you, something that connected us. That bond was love."
A smile. "Such a sweetheart."
"I know." He played with her hair. "So what was that all about earlier this evening with Lock? He looked pretty upset."
Well, he was upset about my sentancing, he was real devastated in fact. Turns out Elizabeth is pregnant."
"Holy Christ, no way! What did you say about that?"
"I told him that I still couldn't release her, that he could visit her whenever he wants but would have to raise the child. I will not have my niece being raised in jail."
"Understandable."
"I also offered to allow Elizabeth release for special occasions once in a while. Like for our wedding; I wanted her to be one of my bridesmaids."
"I think that's more then fair. Did he accept?"
"He did. I actually think he's doing a lot better now, he seemed much happier to me." A yawn. "Man, I'm tired. I think I should be going to bed now. I'm beat."
"You've had a big day. Good-night dear."
She smiled. "See you in the morning, Ira. I love you."
He returned the gesture. "I love you too, Shock. I'll be up in a moment."
"Right."
She disapeared, and he was alone. He sighed as he sat back in the chair, looking once more at the sketch of the dress. This was really happening; Shock was his fiance, and he was going to be marrying her. He could scarcely believe it. The wedding would be amazing, and the reception party even more astounding. He also wanted to prepare a bachelor party for himself. Who cared if he barely knew anyone in this town? Invite them anyways! Get Lock and Barrel to invite their friends! It probably wouldn't be too elaborate. A club or something maybe. Despite how much Barrel might protest, no strippers. A slight chuckle escaped from his throat as he stood up. Yes, this wedding would definately be one to remember.

Ira and Shock lay together in each other's arms not too long after that, safe in each other's company. Shock rested her head on her love's chest, enjoying the way he was toying with her hair.
"So this is what true love is," she smiled. "Who would have known?"
He kissed her head softly. "I love you. Mond Dieu, it's like my heart fills up to bursting when I think of you, that's what it's like."
A chuckle. "Since when do you know french, pet?"
"I can speak the entire launguage. I lived in the country for over 20 years of my travels. I love the place, it's amazing."
"Where else did you live?"
"Brazil, Denmark, Japan, Austrailia...all over really. I particularly liked Ireland though, what an enchanting place. It feels like something straight out of a fairy tale."
"You're quite the traveller then."
"Indeed. I loved to travel. I journeyed through the rainforests once, what an adventure. Goodness, there's so many stories I could tell you! People I've met and things I've done...oh, it was fantastic!"
She lowered her voice. "You know, when you moved away I was broken hearted. Couldn't figure out why you had left me like that. I cried for days, just ask Jack. You wouldn't believe how long he sat with me, just talking."
He touched her face softly. "You don't believe I was upset too? God, I never got over it! Not until now, that is. But let's forget about that now; what matters is that we have each other."
She nodded. "I'm just wondering though," she said. "Did you ever settle with anybody during those years? You know, find someone you really cared about?"
"No, never. It was too risky. To fall in love, only to frighten her away when she learned that I was from a totally different world. No, I couldn't let it happen. How would I explain that when she was 80, I'd still look only 20? Impossible. Better to steer clear of that area."
"Ever come close though? Did you ever meet anyone and want to spend your life with them but not be able to?"
He shook his head immediately. "Not once. I only got into the relationship for the simple need of companionship. I'm not the type of creature that can endure being by himself; I needed someone to talk to, to be with. But no, I didn't ever feel so close to somebody that I felt I was in love. My heart always belonged to you."
"Do you mean that?"
"Yes. I spent all those years simply wanting you, wanting to hold you just like this." He kissed her again. "Never leave me, Shock. Don't ever leave me."
She shook her head as she held him. "And neither you. This we shall make our solemn vow."
A nod. "Our little promise."
They said nothing after that, just lay there and fell into their peaceful slumber. After all these years, they finally had each other. And nothing, absolutely nothing, could ever destroy that.

November 1st, 2235 A.D.

Shock sat with her sister Kyrene in her bedroom, sitting on the bed with her legs crossed. In her closet hung the elaborate wedding dress that she would wear tommorrow; Ira's suit was at the hotel, where she had insisted her stay tonight. It was bad luck for the groom to see the bride the night before the wedding, she'd told him. Go on to his bachelor party and then to the hotel. He had agreed, saying that if that's what she wanted then he would oblige. Currently it was 11:00; certainly his party was under full way by now.
"You're a lucky woman, Shock," Kyrene told her. "Ira really loves you."
"I think that you and Jacob make quite the cute couple," she replied. "He's a nice man, it's obvious he really loves you. He's so quiet though. Does he ever say anything?"
"Oh yes," came the reply. "He's quite the talker. Never shuts up, in fact." They laughed. "He's wonderful though. But still, Ira is every girl's dream, and you know it. He showers you in gifts, and he loves Alisa so dearly. What a great guy. How long have you been together now? Six months?"
"About that, yeah."
"Six months, wow. He loves you so much. The look on his face when he's with you...it's adorable really."
"I feel the exact same way," she replied. "My God, I can't believe the wedding's tommorrow! It's all so amazing..."
"I know, isn't it? Mom and Dad absolutely adore Ira, you know. Couldn't ask for a better son-in-law, they say."
"I know. Jack's after telling me countless of times what a wonderful choice I made."
"It's a hell of a better match then you and Mark. Has he ever come back, to see Alisa or anything?"
"No, never. Not so much as a card."
"Bastard. She's his own daughter."
"I know, it's sad really. She doesn't mind it though, I don't think. She calls Ira 'Daddy' now."
A smile lit her sister's face. "Really? Oh, how cute! I bet he really enjoys that."
"Oh, he does. Calls her his little princess."
Sis, did I ever tell you how he proposed to me?"
"No, how? Bet it was real romantic."
A laugh. "In bed. Get that."
She giggled. "Yep, a regular Romeo. What a doll."
"Well, he said that he had planned on doing the whole on-your-knee bit, but apparantly he couldn't wait any longer. He apologized for popping the question while we were naked though..."
"Well, how sweet of him." Kyrene just glanced at the wedding dress. "I'm so happy for you though, sis," she said. "It's going to be a beautiful ceremony. He has his suit with him at the hotel, right?"
"Oh yeah. I just hope he doesn't have a huge hangover at the wedding." Laughs. "I guess his party is well under way by now. He certainly has made quite a title for himself
since he got here. He's so friendly! Whenever he meets someone new he goes right on over and introuduces himself."
"Yeah, it was his goal to have the largest bachelor party possible."
"And I think he's accieved that. Even Jacob went, who isn't much for that stuff."
"That's my Ira for you. It's down at the largest club in town, Spooks. Drinks are free of course, but he wouldn't let me see what he had planned for the evening. I already know though that one of his friends is planning a stripper. He has no clue about it."
Kyrene smiled. "We can only guess what else it is they're up to."

Down at Spooks Ira was having the time of his life. Having lost track of the number of beers he'd had he was out on the dance floor, grooving to old disco music by himself.
"You fruit, come off of there!" laughed Lock. "Geez, what a moron."
A smile as Ira grabbed his shoulder, pulling him on the floor with him. "Okay now, none of that. You're getting married tommorrow."
Barrel laughed from the side. "Come on, live a little," he smiled.
Ira just continued dancing, even as Lock tried to make a getaway. Barrel just shoved his brother off to the side, joining Ira. The man of the hour smiled, having absolutely no idea what he was doing. Which was probably why he gave Barrel a big, wet kiss on the lips. Now it was Lock's turn to laugh.
"Way to go, there. Getting fresh with your wife's brother, Ira?"
Barrel just slung an arm around his soon-to-be brother-in-law's shoulder. "Hey, we're all friends here, huh?"
"Yeah, man," grinned Ira. "Hey, I need one of those cocktails..." He pulled away, heading over to the bar and ordering one up. "Man, I can't believe this. I'm getting married tommorrow. Hope the hangover's over by then..."
At that point one of his friends joined the groups. Luke Warlockson, one of his groomsmen. Luke smiled. "Hey, it's the man himself. We've got a surprise for ya."
He raised an eyebrow. "Hmm...let me see it."
Luke waved to someone on the other side of the room. "Bring it in, boys!" he called. Slipping into the backroom they disapeered for a moment, reappearing a second later with a large cake. It was humungous, towering over Ira by at least 5 feet.
"Holy crap," he cried. "Where the hell did you find something like that?"
A grin. "You ain't seen nothing yet." All at once the top of the cake burst off, and out popped the highlight of the event; the stripper.
Ira could scarcely react. "I told Shock there would be any of this..." he stammered.
"Come on, she isn't here now, is she? Enjoy it. Come on, she's a beauty, isn't she?"
Ira had to admit that it was true. She was amazing; dressed as a gypsy she made her way over to him, waving various veils and scarves in his face as he danced. A smile played across his lips as he sat back on the bar stool he had claimed. "Forget about it," he grinned. "I'm sure Shock'll understand."

At 3:00 the next day, Shock was busy getting into her wedding dress. Sally was helping, since it was so unbelieveabley complex to put on. Kyrene stood near by, in case extra assistance was required. Alisa sat upon the floor, watching it all.
"My, what a gorgeous gown," Sally smiled. "You remind me of myself on the day I married Jack. I had a magnificent dress, also one I had designed myself. This one, though, surpasses that one in every way."
"You think so? I remember your wedding day, I thought that one was simply amazing."
"Definately. Without a doubt." She stood back when she was completed. "There, all ready. Just have to get your tiara and the rest of your jewelry..."
Kyrene grinned from the side. "Hope Ira doesn't have this much trouble on the honeymoon getting it off."
"Sis...."
Sally laughed. "Indeed. What a waste, huh, having to cut her out? Such a beautiful gown..."
Shock blushed furiously. "Just get me the jewlery."
The former queen chuckled, reaching for the diamond necklace that her daughter had picked out months before. With around 20 priceless diamonds, it was a true wonder. She clipped it around her next, next asking her other daughter to bring over the tiara and veil. She nodded, bringing it over and helping to place it over her elaborate hairdo.
"Wow," she breathed. "You look amazing."
"Thanks," she replied. "I hope Ira thinks so as well." At that point the phrone rang. "I'll get it!" she cried, grabbing the phone off the reciever. "Hello?"
"You all ready?" came a familiar voice.
"Ira!" she cried. "What are you doing calling me?"
"I had to hear your voice. Are you all set?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Anxious?"
"Very. Oh, I can't believe this! We're finally getting married!"
"I know, unbelieveable, huh? Mr. Ira Skellington. Nice ring to it. I'm so nervous though...what if I sneeze right in the middle of it?"
"Then we'll all laugh at you, of course."
"Gee, thanks."
"Don't worry," she chuckled. "You'll be fine. And I'll be fine, as long as I know you're there beside me. At least, you'd better be there."
"Oh, I will be. So you got you dress on?"
"Oh yeah, all done that. What about you and your suit?"
"Working on this damn tie. I hate formal wear."
A laugh. "So how'd you party go?" she asked. "Get drunk?"
"Very," he groaned. "Man, what a hangover I had this morning. It's over though." He paused. "By the way, Shock...some friends of mine kinda brought in a stripper..."
A giggle. "I already know, but thanks for telling me. Makes me good knowing that you're telling me the truth."
"I always do," came the reply. "I could never lie to you."
"And that's why I love you so much," she told him. "No go on and finish getting dressed. See you at the church."
"Love you."
"Love you too, dearest. Good-bye now."
She hung up the phone, a smile upon her face.
"Ira?" asked Kyrene.
"Yep. Just wanted to know how I was, if I was all ready."
"How cute," Sally cooed. "I think you two are a perfect match for each other." She fixed the veil. "There, all ready. We'd best be on our way, I guess. The limo is outside, darling, ready to take you to the church."
"I'll ride behind in my car," Kyrene told them. "Mother, you riding in the limo?"
"Me and your father, yes," she replied. "I'm all ready then, got my dress on and everything. Kyrene, you ready?"
A nod. Being her sister's maid of honour, she wore the same dress as all the other bridesmaids; long, black, with spaghetti straps, trailing just slightly behind her. Other bridesmaids included Elizabeth, Jacob's sister, and some of Shock's closest friends. However, she had decided upon he baby sister to be her maid of honour. Her sister was her best friend, she had said; no other female could be closer to her then her sister.
"Great," Shock said. "I'm ready then. Alisa dear, come along."
The little flower girl rose, clutching her little basket of rose petals. "We going now mommy?"
"Yes sweetie. Take Auntie Kyrene's hand now and we'll be off." Heading downstaris she led them to the limo, kissing her sibling. "See you at the church," she told her. "You can handle Alisa?"
"Of course. See you later." She disappeared and Shock slipped in to sit next to her dather. Sally sat in the seat in front of them, deciding to let father and daughter talk together privately.
The aged man took his daughter's hand, kissing it softly. "Ah my darling Shock," he sighed. "How beautiful you are. Just like Sally...words along could not express how happy I am for you at this moment."
"Don't make me cry, it took forever to fix my make-up like this."
"I'm sorry, I can't help it." A tear rolled down his own cheek. "I'm so proud for you. Halloween the other day was a huge success; the best one in years. And now here you are, getting married. Ira is one hell of a lucky man to have you." He pulled a tissue from his pocket. "You know, when I first adopted you I didn't see any of this coming. Never saw you as queen, or getting married, or nothing like this. Back then you were a rebel...a born renegade. You and your brothers were quite the little devils. I still remember that. But look at you now...I can hardly believe it."
She smiled, giving him a hug. "Thanks, father."
He returned the gesture. "Anything for you, my darling daughter. Anything."

Ira stood at the alter, tapping his cane anxiously. It was nearly 4:00, and the church was packed. It was the largest one in Haloween, and by far the oldest. With the Elizabethan feel to it that he had desired, it was exactly as he wanted it to be.
His best man, Lock, appeared at that. "All ready?" He asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," he replied. "Wow, I can't believe this is happening...I must thank-you,
Lock, for agreeing to be my best man..."
"Nothing at all! I would have been deeply insulted had you not."
A nod. "Geez, what's taking so long...I can't stand this waiting much longer."
"I don't think you'll have to," he replied. Motioning towards the door, he saw Kyrene beckoning
him. "See ya, bud. Good-luck." He hurried off, and Ira was alonge once more. A couple of minutes later the organs began to play their music, and in came the procession of gromsmen and bridesmaids. Kyrene and Jacob, Lock and Elizabeth, many other faces. His hands began to sweat and he whiped them on his pants, knowing that she'd be there soon.
And when he thought we wouldn't be able to stand it any longer - there she was. With Jack on one side and Sally on the other, she was a sight to behold. Her beauty astouded him, stealing his very breath from him. Mon Dieu, he thought. She's gorgeous! As she walked up the aisleway now with her parents she smiled at him, not taking her eyes away until she was at the front, where she kissed Jack and Sally good-bye. Then she continued on to him, grinning. He just smiled, taking her hand as they faced the preist.
"Dearly beloved," he began, "We are gathered here today...."
The ceremony was a beautiful one. Many muffled sobs could be heard, and Shock herself could barely keep in her tears of joy.
At last it came to the end of the wedding. The priest smiled at them. "Shock, Ira," he began, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The church began to applaude with happiness, watching as Ira grabbed Shock and pulled her close, kissing her. The kiss was a long one, but both were pleased when it was over.
"Congratulations, Mr. Skellington," she whispered to him softly when he released her.
He just smiled as they headed to sign the official documents, declaring that they were now officially married.
Once they were done they left the church, entering into the crowd that was waiting outside. Rice and confetti was thrown as they headed for their limo, while the crowd cheered for them both. Ira and Shock headed for the first limosine, allowing the driver to open the door for them. The bride slid in first, followed by the groom.
Ira immediately gave his wife a long, passionate kiss. "We did it," he breathed. "We're married. Together forever...oh my God...this is so amazing..."
She removed his top hat, placing it on his other side. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him softly. "I love you," she whispered. "With all my heart and soul."
"As do I," he replied. "What a great honeymoon spot we've got though. Right on the edge of Lake Halloween. How long will it take us to get there from the reception hall?"
"Around half an hour," she replied. "The hall's just on the outer limits of town, as you remember. This place is farther out. We'll be spending three days there together."
"Alisa will be with Kyrene, right?"
"Correct." She hugged him again, this time snuggling into his chest. "Let me know when we're there, 'kay? This is so comfy...."
He smiled. "Of course. Sleep tight."

They arrived there not too long after that. He shook his queen slightly, rousing her from her slumber. "We're here," he told her. "Come on."
"Already?" she muttered. "Oh well. Here, your hat."
"Thanks." He hopped out, taking her hand and assisting her. "My lady?"
"What a gentleman." They linked arms, heading for the reception hall.
"Everyone should already be inside," he told her. "If I'm correct, they took a shortcut here so we'd be able to make our grand entrance."
"Go figure," she laughed. "They should be here...ah yes, there's Jack and Sally's car. There's Kyrene's as well...Lock and Barrel travelled with her and Alisa. Elizabeth was made to travel in the company of a polce officer...there's the cop car over there."
"Indeed," he replied. "Here we are then, the main doors. Ready?"
"And willing. Come on, let's go."
They went inside, and immediately the room burst into cheers for the King and Queen. "Hooray for Ira and Shock!" they cried. Indeed, everyone was there. Most of Halloween Town, in fact. Certainly a lot of mouths to feed. The caterers would see to that, no doubt.
Without another hesitation they went o sit up at the main table. Jack and Sally were already sitting there, as well as Lock, Barrel, Kyrene, Jacob, Alisa, and even Elizabeth (who was escorted by the officer). There were two seats saved directly in the middle, the seats of honour. It was these two that they sat in, welcoming the cheers.
A few speeches followed once the crowd had calmed down. One by Jack, another by Sally, one by Kyrene, plus a few jokes provided by Lock and Barrel. It was to no surprise that Elizabeth didn't present one, and neither did the soft-spoken Jacob.
Next came the good part: supper. Rat Tail Flambe was the main item for the evening; everyone had a blast lighting their meals ablaze. Ira and Shock whispered quietly to each other, now and then looking up whenever anybody spoke to them. They now and then shared in a private little kiss, and then the occasional snicker. Jack and Sally couldn't help but smile. These two were so in love; it was adorable!
When Shock had finished, she announced that she wuold like to be excused. Ira nodded, and she headed towards the end of of the table, where Elizabeth was sitting besides her husband.
"Excuse me sir," she said to the officer beside her, "I'd like to speak with my sister-in-law please." He jumped up, allowing her to sit. The bridesmaid said nothing, just watched as Shock took her seat. The Queen looked down at Elizabeth's swollen stomach; she was nearly 6 months pregnant by now, and showing. "How are you feeling?" she asked finally. "Is the baby alright?"
A nod. "Fine. Thank-you."
"I'm sorry I have to keep you in jail, Elizabeth, but you know the rules..."
"I know," she sighed. "Still, I can't help but regret my actions. How stupid I was. Had I known that I was going to get pregnant I wouldn't have done it, would have thought about my baby's well-being. It was the last thing I had wanted, for my son to grow up with his mother in jail."
Shock was silent, thinking about the situation. This had to be the hardest choice she'd ever made in her entire life. At last she spoke;
"Listen," she began, "I'm willing to compromise with you. I'm willing to release you from prison--I think you understand where you went wrong now. But on one condition."
She nodded, thrilled beyond belief. "Yes, anything."
"It's simple enough really--no more trying to murder people. Okay?"
Elizabeth's eyes began to fill with water. "Yes...oh, thank you!" She flung her arms around her sister-in-law's neck. "This is wonderful! Lock, guess what!"
Shock said nothing after that, just rose and sat back next to her husband. "How'd it go?" he asked, already knowing what her mission had been.
"Good," she replied. "I let her go."
"Really? That's wonderful."
"Yeah, I think she's learned her lesson by now."
Jack peered over at them, having heard the news. "Nice job, daughter. A fair and wise ruler, as always."
A shrug. "It's only fair. They want to lead a happy life with their son as much as Ira and I do with Alisa. Besides, I don't think she'll try to kill anybody else though. She does, and I'm not going to be so nice."
"Swift in her actions. I'm proud of you."
"You've told me that already. A number of times today."
He grinned. "Can't blame me though, can you?"
"I guess not."
Jack gave her a smile, turning to say something to Sally. Ira meanwhile took Shock's hand, kissing it. His heart filled with love as he glanced up at her face. How beautiful she was...and his, all his. He kissed her soft lips, leaning his forehead on hers. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his shoulder. "Ira the King," she said. "Ira Skellington. Ira, husband of Halloween Town's almighty Pumpkin Queen. All sound rather nice I think."
He laid his hands on her waist as he kissed her again. "Hope your parents don't mind us 'getting mushy', as Alisa would call it."
She just laughed. "Of course they don't. They're not going to be there tonight to guard us, are they?"
"I hope not," he replied.
"Excuse me," came a voice, interrupting them. It was the mayor. "Sorry to intrude, but might we proceed with that dance, your majestys?"
Shock nodded as she released Ira. "Yes, do that. I'd like to get out on the dance floor."
From the other end of the table, Lock let out a loud laugh. "Watch out of that guy when you're dancing, sis!" he called. "You should have seen him last night! Eh, Barrel?"
Shock just glanced playfully at her love. "What does he mean by that?" she asked.
"I can't even remember," he shrugged. "I think I kissed him, but it's blurry."
"Believe me, you did!" called Barrel.
"Enjoy it?" he asked.
A shrug. "Not bad for a guy actually."
"How would you know, son?" teased Jack.
He frowned, but said nothing.
It wasn't long until the mayor made his announcement from the microphone; it was time for the dance. But first, the King had a few words he'd like to say to his new wife and the citizens of Halloween.
Ira stood up, smiling. Shock couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle. Go figure he'd pull something like this.
"Thanks, Mr. Mayor," he said when he got up there. "I just have a few things I'd like to say. First of all, I want to thank you all for helping to make our wedding such a joyous one. A lot of hard work was put into this event, and I'm glad to see so much benefit from the effort we gave this. Of course, I want to thank all the Skellington clan for accepting me into their lives so willingly. God knows we've had our share of disagreements, especially in my first days here, but that's all behind us. You have very graciously let me become a part of your lives, and have welcomed me with open arms." He now set his gaze on Shock. "Finally, my beloved wife. Words alone cannot describe my love for her. I have loved her all my life, and now I finally have her. She lifts me up when I'm down, sets me back on the right road when I'm lost. I couldn't imagine my life without her. I love her very much, and I hope she knows that."
Shock's eyes began to tear up as she rose from her seat, dashing over to him. She flung her arms around him, kissing him. "I do," she sobbed. "Believe me, I do."
He dried her tears. "Come on now, none of that. This is supposed to be a happy event, no tears."
A smile. "Of course." She turned back to the mike. "And now for the dance," she told them. "We have a fine D.J. here tonight, the best in all of Halloween Town. There's going to be a great light show and lots of contests, plus lots of other stuff. And once again, I'd like to thank you all for coming." At once the lights dimmed, and a disco ball descended from the ceiling. Dots of white light appeared on the walls as other fancy effects lit up the room. Popular music filled the air as couples headed for the dance floor, ready to get down. Alisa jumped from her chair, delighted for the opportunity to have some fun. Pulling on her mother's gown, she asked if she could go play with some of her little friends. She recieved a smile in reply. "Of course, darling. Have fun." Clapping her little hands the child went off, waving to her playmates. Ira just sighed as he shook his head, embracing his bride.
"What a wonderful little girl. So beautiful. Our little heir to the throne."
"And one day, perhaps she'll get a little brother or sister."
"I hope so. How amazing it would be knowing that my child grew inside of you...my own flesh and blood."
A kiss. "Why not then? Let's try it."
He stared at her. "You sure? What about your job..."
"I can be pregnant and be queen at the same time, you know. Besides, this is something I want. To have your baby." A sly smile. "We can get started tonight. It's the perfect timing and everything."
"All those 'female' things are in order?"
"Mmm-hmm."
"So you're sure then?"
"Absolutely. Believe me, I've already thought it over. Planned it out and everything."
"Great then." A slow song started playing. "Care for a dance?"
She nodded. "I'd love one, my King."

The night was indeed one to remember. Everybody had a blast; even the former Pumpkin King went out on the dance floor with his wife for a while. Not until she pulled him off, however, reminding him of his health. He wasn't happy with this, but agreed. Lock and Elizabeth had a blast, both delighted at her newfound freedom. Even the shy Jacob burst out of his bubble, drawing all of the intention as he and Kyrene grabbed the spotlight on the main floor. There was a limbo competition and a dance contest, which was won by a vampire couple. Even though the alcohol flowed freely that evening, Ira avoided it; this was one night he wanted to remember. There were a heap of presents to be brought home and opened, but none of them were opened at the moment; later on they'd tackle that task. But not now.
It was around 1 AM when the first couples began to go home, thanking their hosts before grabbing their jackets and heading off. Sally made the suggestion that perhaps Ira and Shock be off; leaving in style, kind of. The party would continue on for a while, Jack and herself would oversee it.
"You don't mind?" Ira asked.
"Course not," she replied. "You two go on. Have a great honeymoon." Jack meanwhile slipped away to make the announcement that they were leaving.
"Thanks mother," Shock replied. "Alisa's asleep already, Kyrene will be taking her home with her...give her a kiss for me."
"I will."
"Alright everyone," came Jack's voice now. "The newlyweds will be leaving soon, so it's time that we all bid them our fairwell and best wishes." Applause now, and people came up to hug them good-bye. Lock, Barrel, Kyrene, Elizabeth, Jacob, and countless other faces.
"So long you two," smiled a friendly old witch. "Congratulations."
"Thank-you, madam," replied the Queen. "See you in a few days." She then turned to her father and mother, giving them each a warm embrace. "I love you," she told them.
"And we love you too," Jack replied. "Now get going, you're wasting the night away. It'll be morning before you even get to the lake if you hang around much longer."
A laugh. "Fine then. Say good-bye, Ira."
"Good-bye, Ira."
"Very funny." She waved once more. "See ya guys!"
"Bye!" came a cry from the crowd.
They headed out into the night air, where their vehicle was all ready to take off. Ira held the pasenger's seat open for his beloved wife, then hopped into the driver's seat. Waving to his in-laws one last time he sped away from the reception hall, on his way for their honeymoon retreat.
"Wow, what an evening," he breathed. "Can't wait to get out of this monkey suit."
"This dress is really driving me insane."
He glanced over at her. "It doesn't have, like, a lot of latches that need undoing or anything? Cause I'm afraid I'll rip it all to shreds if it does."
A giggle. "No, just a zipper in the back."
"Good. It's such a beautiful dress, I want to poke it away and save it."
"What about your suit? I thought you looked quite dashing."
"Yes, but you were downright breathtaking. How much did it cost to get that thing made?"
"A lot, even for the Skellingtons. But it's worth it. You only get so many weddings." She shook her head. "My wedding to Mark was a lot more downscale then this. In fact, we got eloped in some little chapel downtown."
"Really?"
"Yeah. It's not something I like to talk about much, the whole topic in general really."
"I'm your husband, Shock; you can tell me these things."
She took a deep breath. "Alright then, you deserve to know. I met him around 6 years ago, at a bar. Alisa wasn't around then, so I had the ability to come and go as I pleased. He seemed a nice enough guy. Funny, smart, and handsome. I thought he was really something esle. I fell for him immediately, thought this was the real thing happening here. So we eloped. Jack was extremely upset, and I don't blame him really. Didn't tell him about it till it was over. So anyways, after a while I conceived a child from him; this hadn't been in the plan book of course, not until later. So he panicked and ran. Left us alone."
"He abandoned you?"
"Yep. Only showed up once to sign the divorce papers. Wasn't there when Alisa was born or anything. I asked Jack to come instead. My dearest father." A faint smile as she relaxed in her chair. "I remember when I told him that I was pregnant, and that Mark had run off on me. He just sat there and let me cry on his shoulder, told me that it was going to be alright. Of everyone in the world, he was the only person I could have wanted to witness the birth of my daughter."
"Your father means a lot to you."
"Oh yes. He made me what I am today. When he and Sally adopted me and my brothers, I hated the idea of it. Only went cause I knew he was filthy stinkin' rich. But he gave me a chance, dubbed me his heir and everything. He's always been there for me, during everything. He could read me like a book, and I could read him just as well." A slight chuckle. "I remember that before he had ever taken me in, I had this absoutely huge crush on him. What young girl wouldn't? He was the best looking guy in town. I told him that once, after I had been living with him for a while. He just laughed and said, 'of course!'. I love him alot though. He was definately my biggest role model growing up."
"My folks died when I was only 17," he said quietly. "In Christmas Town. Car accident. I moved to the human world after that."
"I remember hearing about that for the first time...I was so upset for you, so sorry and heartbroken. I'm sorry, love, about your parents..."
"Don't be. Not your fault."
"Do you miss them?"
"Oh, of course. But I've learned to deal with it. Got over the pain. No sense in dwelling on it, after all. For a while I was heartbroken; didn't know what to do. But I pulled through, moved on. Then I came back to you, decided to settle down. Have a family." He let out a low growl. "That Mark though...if I ever see, him, I swear I'll punch his fuckin' lights out. What he did to you was wrong. Goddamn leaving you like that...my wife..."
She turned to look back out that window. "I don't think I'll ever forgive him for leaving abandoning me. He really upset me. Here I was with his kid inside me, and he disappears. It was awful. What was I going to do? I thought life was over. He hurt me so bad...I hated myself for the longest time afterwards. To this day it pains me to speak of it."
She hadn't noticed that they had since arrived at their destination. Ira stopped the car, turning to her and kissing her quite suddenly. He released her, looking directly into her eyes. "Let me make it quite clear," he told her, "that I will never let that happen again. I love you more then anything else in this entire world. I'd die for you if I had to, you and Alisa. And I promise you, I'll never let anyone hurt you like that again. Ever." Another kiss.
"Thanks, Ira."
He nodded, letting her go and hopping out of the car. He made his way to her door, opening it up and lifting her in his arms. He kissed her passionately, kicking the door shut. "Anything for you, my love." He then carried her into the little cabin, pushing his way inside as he carried her up the stairs. As he laid her out on the bed his heart swelled up once again with the familiar feeling that the passion always brought. But tonight was a special night; at last they would finally unite as husband and wife. Tonight, he would show her just how much he truly loved her.

Three weeks later they were back in Halloween Town, and life was going normally once more. Ira and Shock were both happily settled in as husband and wife; life couldn't be better. It was one Saturday, however, that the Queen sat her love down on the sofa, sitting beside him.
"What's up?" he asked. "You said you needed to have a word with me. Whatever it is, am I in trouble?"
A laugh. "No, you're not in trouble."
"Then what is it? I'm dying to know."
A nod. "Alright, I don't want to put this off any longer so I'm just going to say it. Ira, I'm pregnant."
His eyes opened wide as he stared at her, open-mouthed. "What? Are you sure?" She just grinned. "Oh my God, I'm gonna be a daddy!" he jumped up, doing a victory dance in the middle of the floor. "Yes, Ira scores! Alright!" He grabbed Alisa from the floor, giving her a kiss. "Here that, Ally? A new little brother or sister!" The girl just stared at him blankly. "I know, a bit overwhelming. Holy God, I've gotta sit down." He took his place beside his wife, grabbing her and kissing her passionately. "I knew it, I simply knew it was going to happen. My child...our child. I can't believe this, I'm going to be a father!"
"I knew you'd be pleased."
"Pleased? I'm thrilled! My own flesh and blood, growing inside of you. A true symbol of the power of our love. Oh, we've gotta tell everyone..."
A laugh as she placed a hand on his knee. "Calm down, pet. There'll be plenty of time for that."
"I can't help it! I've never been a father before!" A kiss. "Wow, this is big..." He placed a hand on her stomache. "My baby's in there...my own little part of me. We're going to have a child Shock! Can you believe it?" He took her into his arms, letting her bury her head into his chest. "Oh my goodness, I'm trembling here..." he held up his hand, allowing her to see for himself. She just took the shaking limb, kissing it softly as she wrapped it around her shoulder.
Nothing was said a long while after that; instead they just sat there letting it all sink in.
Ira was exploding with joy inside. At last, after all these years. He was finally gonna be a daddy, with his one true love as the mother. As he gave her hair a gentle kiss, he couldn't prevent a single joyful tear from flowing down his cheek. He made no move to wipe it off as he sat there, just let it remain. This was one moment he didn't want ever to end.