Jack's Final Trial

Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, was at Town Hall as usual trying to keep the development of that years Big Night under control. "No, no no, don't put up those decorations, put up these. That pumpkin is too small for anything, forget carving it. Use another one. Not that big!" Things today, however, were going a bit poorly. Everyone kept messing up, and nothing was getting accomplished. "Oh, come on people!" he cried. "Get it right! Halloween is only 2 months away, don't let us get behind." Shock, his eldest daughter, came over from where she had been sitting and watching. The girl was to be the heir to his throne as soon as he was gone, and he knew that she would do an excellent job in his place. She and her three brothers were actually not his biologically, but he treated them as if they were. "Having problems?" she asked.
He groaned, placing a hand on his skull. "Nothing at all is going the way it should. I tell them one thing, they do the other."
"One of those days?"
"Unfortunately."
She took his hand, leading him to a seat and forcing him to sit down. "Take a load off you heels, let me do some of this for you. You deserve a nice rest."
He was a bit surprised by this. Usually she just watched and took notes as he did all of the work. She never wanted the oppurtunity to try, even when she was offered. Fear had been his guess. "If you really want to," he replied.
"I do." Then she set to it, setting everything to the way it should have been. Everyone was soon doing as she instructed, baffling Jack beyond belief. That girl definatley had a hidden talent for this, he could tell. Even the mayor, perhaps the most difficult to impress person in the world, was amazed. In the one hour he had given her she had every problem Jack had been fussing over fixed, and progress was going along quite smoothly. He sat open-jawed as she sat next to him.
"How-how did you do that?"
She just smiled. "Special touch."

At 5:00 the two of them went home, to where the rest of the family waited for them. As soon as they stepped inside, loud piercing screams began to echo in his skull.
"LOCK! BARREL!" yelled Jack. "KEEP DOWN THAT RACKET!"
Sudden silence. "Sorry," came a voice.
His wife Sally came down the stairs then, followed by their son Ezra. Nearing his first birthday, the boy was just learning how to walk.
"Ah, you're home," said Sally. "Good. Now I'll get supper started." She laid a kiss on his cheek.
"So how was your day?"
"Not too bad," he replied. "This girl here had a pretty good time, I think."
"Is that so? How nice."
Shock hated to be the center of attention. "Can I go now?" she whined.
"Sure, go on. Jack will call you down as soon as we're ready." She ran up the stairs, ready to have some fun with her siblings. Jack sat down in a chair, heaving a great sigh.
"What a day. First everything was all topsy-turvy and upside-down. Nothing seemed to be going right. That's when Shock stepped in. I tell you, within an hour it was all fixed."
Sally was impressed "Wow, that's amazing. If she can do that, than imagine what else she could do for Halloweentown! The girl will make a fine queen someday."
"That she will." He stood up and walked over to where his wife was preparing a batch of Spider Leg Stew. "Would you like any help there, dear?"
"You can set the table for me."
"No problem." He began to get together the dishes. "She's really something else though. Such talent! I'm still in in disbelief here."
"I guess you've trained her well then."
"Maybe so, but I still think it's just a hidden skill." He glanced back at Sally, who simply shrugged.
"Don't look at me, I don't have any answers for you. The child just has a gift, I guess."
"That's the best way to put it. Gifted." He finished setting the table. "Yes, Halloween is in good hands with Shock."
"You're definatley right there." She finished tossing ingredients into the big black pot, wiping her hands in her apron. "Well now that you've done that, would you get Ezra some food?"
"Sure." Jack scooped up his son, who was seated on the floor with a book. "And what would my boy like to eat?"
The little skeleton smiled at his father. "Bat wings."
"Again? But that's what you had for breakfast."
"Bat wings," repeated the boy.
There was obviously no reasoning. "Alright, if that's what you want." He set the toddler into his chair, heading for the refrigerator. "Well Sally," he began. "I don't know, but I believe Shock is one special girl. The girl has all of the skills needed in order to inherit my throne. She certainly is a true Skellington."

Jack awoke the next day feeling absolutely horrible. Sore throat, sniffles, a temperature, along with a cough. The flu, said Sally. But he couldn't believe that. After all, he had existed for nearly 400 years, and not once had he gotten this illness. Sally had just laughed at him. "Well, there's a first time for everything," she had told him.
He really didn't feel like going to work that day, but he did anyways. There was work to be done. Now here he was, while everybody busied about, serving very little use for anything. Instead he just lay on one of the long wooden seats trying to get his headache to go away. The mayor begged him to get up and do something about all the mess and racket that was going on, but he simply wasn't able to. He was very relieved when Shock came with some lunch for him. The girl set a brown paper bag next to his feet.
"I don't know if you'll want to eat this," she said, "but it's here in case you do."
He sat up, groaning. "Boy, am I glad to see you. Would you do my job for me today? I'm really not up to it."
"You really want me to?"
"I'm telling you to."
"Yeah, whatever. Just lie back down and get some shut eye. 'Kay?"
"Thank-you." He curled up into a ball in the seat, and fell asleep almost immediatley.

When he woke up things were back to normal once more, and everybody was beginning to go home for the day. Shock was just bidding farewell to the mayor when she noticed Jack waking up.
She came over, kneeling beside him.
"How are you feeling now?" she asked.
He moaned pitifully. "Even worse than before."
"You're very ill, Jack, running a high fever. Dr. Finklestein was in here to look at you, and demanded bedrest."
He sat up slowly, painfully. "Very well then. Let's go home now. If that's what he wants, then that's what he'll get."
Shock helped him to get up, looking back at the unopened paper bag still sitting on the seat.
"Weren't hungry?"
"I can't even think about food right now, let alone eat it." The two began to head towards the door, while he leaned on her. "Thank you very much much for all your help today," said Jack. "I never would have done any of it without you."
"My pleasure."
"You'll probably have to keep it up for a couple more days though. I don't think I'll be better for quite a while."
She just smiled, taking his hand. Whatever I can do to help."

Sally was extremely worried when Jack returned home, and sent him directly up to bed. Lock and Barrel both assisted him up the long set of stairs, letting him collapse on his bed. "Not a good day?" asked Lock.
He just groaned. "I don't ever recall feeling so miserable. Never in all of my years..."
"Want me to go get you anything?" Barrel offered kindly.
"Yes, a nice glass of water would be nice. The boy zipped back downstairs.
Lock felt Jack's forehead. "Wow, that's hot. You're really burning up."
"Yeah, and it's so much fun."
"I'll bet."
"I'll trade you spots, if you want."
"Uh...that's okay. Very kind of you, but no. I'll just sit here and sneer at you, if that's alright."
Jack growled. "Lock, if I had the strength to move, I would be tickling you so hard right now that you'd have peed in your pants long ago."
"But you can't."
"As soon as I can, though, watch out."
Sally came in then with his glass of water, followed by Shock, Barrel, and Ezra.
"How are you feeling now?" she asked.
"Not the greatest," was his reply.
"I heard that you were told to stay in bed."
"Apparently so. I was asleep at the time."
"Well if that's the case you'd better get comfy bud, cause the only reason you're going to leave that bed for is to shower."
He chuckled. "Good thing dead people don't need to use the washroom, eh?"
"For you, yeah." She picked up Ezra, giving the child a kiss. "Hey, listen to this. Okay, cutie. Say for Daddy what you said for mommy.
The boy smiled and bellowed, "Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King!"
He grinned at that, and Sally let the tyke down to stand next to his father. He touched his dad's jaw softly. "What's wrong with you, Daddy?" he asked.
I'm not feeling well, that's all. But I'll feel better soon, don't worry." He coughed. "I hope."
"Now, now, Jack, don't get like that. You'll be better in no time."
"I hope you're right." He yawned. "I think I'll try to catch a few winks of sleep."
"I'll take all of these creatures downstairs then. Will you have anything to eat later?"
"Maybe. Doubtful, but maybe."
"I'll keep some supper warm for you then, just in case."
"Thanks." His family departed than, leaving him alone. Very quickly he changed into his pajamas, before curling up in his nice warm bed and falling into one of his favourite nightmares.

He didn't awake until late the next afternoon, and was surprised to find everyone crowded around him, all looking very sad and forlorn. He felt even worse now then he had before he had gone to sleep. Why, he couldn't even move now. His entire body felt as if it didn't exist. He tried to talk, but only succeeded in making a number of grunts and groans. Sally looked up at him, as if surprised to see him actually awake.
"Shhh," she told him. "Don't try to move. You've been strapped to your bed, for your own safety." He grunted some more, but of course she couldn't understand. Lock tossed a pad pf paper and a pen next to his hand, which could move just enough so that he could write a message. Sally took the note and read it as soon as he was done. What's going on here? She sighed. "No one knows, really. A disease that nobody has ever heard of before, or knew existed. We had Dr. Finklestein in here while you slept, but he didn't have anything for us." Jack attempted to make more sounds, and she gave him back the pad. I don't get it. What happened to me to make everyone so upset??
"It's really odd," she began. You see, the reason you're strapped to your bed is because while you were sleeping, you kept trying to get up and kill yourself. You particulary liked the one spell, which would make you a human. So we did this to you, and by and by your efforts to break free wore you out. After a while, you were unable to even speak through your exhaustion. You were also running an extremely high fever, and still are." She handed back the paper and he wrote, Was the Doctor able to tell you anything? "Not much, she replied. "He's going to do some tests on a bone sample he took, and get back to us if he can find anything." All at once and without any warnings, a strong belt of pain coursed through Jack's body, and he grimmaced. "What's wrong? Are you all right?" She gave him the notepad, but he just flung it away. He clung to the bedsheets as it coursed through him, the horrible torture clawing away at him. A large burst of energy welled up inside him,and he screamed loudly. Lock, Shock and Barrel were unable to watch, and dragged Ezra downstairs. Small as he was the lad knew that something was not right, and he cried loudly as he was carried down the stairs. Jack continued to grimmace with pain, still screaming. He tried to get free of the straps which tied him down, but it was useless. All he could do was lie there and take it as it came. Sally just stood silent, afraid to do anything. What was going on here? What could she possibly do for him? Nearly 10 minutes passed and the Pumpkin King wasn't given a break. But at last the pain ceased, and he was still once again. Sally was now quivering. "J-Jack?" she whispered. "Are you all right?"
"No, I'm not bloody alright. Can't you see?" He winced as another quick shot of pain belted up his spine. "I don't know what's going on, but I fear for the worst, my dear."
"Don't say that. Whatever it is, we'll soon get you all fixed up."
He groaned. "It's odd how some things work. First I can't utter a word because I'm too tired to, then as soon as pain goes all throughout my body, I can."
She bit her lip. "Something is definatetly wrong here. This just isn't natural."
Lock, Shock and Barrel returned than, carry Dr. Finklestein wheelchair. The old man sat in it, his usual frown upon his face. "So, what's the matter this time?" he siad. "I was in the lab working on a new experiment when these three barged in and demanded I come."
"Oh Doctor," said Sally. "I'm so glad you're here. Thank you once agian for taking time out of your busy schedule for us."
"Not a problem. Well, hello once again Jack." He wheeled over to the side of the bed. "Third time we've met in two days, and this time you're actually awake."
I'd rather not be."
A chuckle. "Well, what's wrong now?"
"Well, about 15 minutes ago, I was suddenly over come by a sudden burst of pain, which never faded away until about a bit before you showed up. I've never experienced such a feeling before in my life. It was the worst thing to ever happen to me."
Dr. F scratched his chin. "Very peculiar. Never before have I come in contact with or even heard about an illness such as this. I'm quite concerned, really."
Sally wrung her hands together. "What do you mean, concerned?"
"It's very obvious that Jack needs a type of cure for whatever this is that he has. Thing is, I can't get one. I can't even pick up anything on the bone sample I took from him. It's like an invisible virus or something. If there was anything to be found, I would have found it, with hopes of a remedy. But there wasn't."
"So you're saying I'm not even sick?"
"Quite the opposite. I mean to say that I've never seen anyone in such bad condition before in my life.
I'm very sorry, but there's nothing I can do to help."
Jack sighed. "Do I have any hopes of living at all?"
The doctor was silent for a long moment. "Truthfully?" he said at last. "I would be extremely surprised."
Nothing was said, not a word was uttered. Lock, Shock and Barrel just took their cue and picked up the wheelchair, carrying it back down the stairs. Jack and his wife were now alone. Sally sat on a chair next to the bed, burying her head in her hands.
"I can't believe this is happening," she said. "I just won't accept it. How can you, of all people, possibly be dying?"
"It had to happen to someone, I guess," came the reply.
"But it's not fair." She began to cry, kneeling next to his side now and placing her head on his chest. "I love you too much."
Jack was justable to reach Sally's face, and he skimmed her cheek softly. "Look at me," he instructed. "Listen, I know how you're feeling, but we must keep our hope. Maybe by some chance I'll be alright, and everything will go back to normal once again. I love you too, but I won't give up now."
She lifted her head, drying her tear-stained cheeks. "You're right, we can't just quit. We'll pull through all this in the end."
"Right. But, do we really have to keep my hands tied down like this? It's quite uncomfortable."
"No, I don't think so. Wait and see if you try to kill yourself any more."
"Oh, fine." he yawned loudly. "I'm going to catch a bit of shut-eye now. Okay?"
"Sure." She stood up. "Happy nightmares."

He rested peacefully enough, and Sally took off the straps as soon as he awoke. He was very grateful, but only fell right back to sleep again.The next time he awoke it was nearing 9:30 PM, and he could see all of his family in the room playiong contently. Sally read to both Ezra Barrel, Lock sat in the corner sharpening an axe, and Shock was reading quietly. "My, my," he said. "All is silent in here."
"Ah, you're awake," exclaimed Sally she set Ezra down and coming over. "How are you feeling?"
He smiled weakly, using every last bit of strength he had. "Happier that I'm able to move now."
"Any better than before?"
"Hardly." He coughed loudly. "Ugh. If I ever manage to get through this..."
"Which you will, don't worry. You're Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloweentown. You'll be fine."
"I certainly hope you're right." Another series of coughs. "Why is it that no-one in my family has ever died at an old age, or of something normal? You know, something actually heard of. First my mother, then my father, now me."
"Oh, don't be such a quiter. You'll pull through this. And we'll be right here for you. Always."
"Thank-you." He gave her a kiss. "I love you, very much." He called Lock and Barrel over, kissing them as well. "And you two also. Even if you are a bunch of trouble makers." Both scrrewed up their faces, but said nothing. He then allowed his youngest son to climb up on him, giving him a kiss also.
"My dear boy. Your old man loves you, more than his own life."
Sally frowned. "Oh, quit that. It's as if you're saying your last good-byes or something." She glanced at the clock. "I better give Ezra his bath now his bath now. Come on, kids, lets go and let Jack sleep." Everyone began to pile out of the room, but Jack called back Shock.
"Yes?" she asked.
He waited until he was sure they were alone before beginning. "Listen, I don't know how much time I have left, so I midas well get this over with now. You know how serious my condition, whatever it may be, is. Don't you?" She nodded. "Well, I fear that the time I have remaining with you is very little, so listen carefully. This is the one and only time time You'll hear it. My dearest daughter, I am dying, with no hope of recovering. I wanted to believe that I would be alright, but I know that I won't be. Within 24 hours, you will become the new Pumpkin Queen, inheriting all of my magic and responsibilities." She began to sob, but he just wiped one of her tears away. "You must be strong, for Sally's sake. You will have to carry on all of my duties, and make sure that Halloween prospers once again this year. Even though I won't be here. Do you understand me?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes, I do. But...do you think I'm ready?"
"After the work I saw you do over the last few days, I certainly do. You possess a talent unlike any other, Shock, one that will help you to succeed. I have every confidence in you."
She stood tall. "Jack, I will promise to do the best job I can. I won't let you down, no matter what happens."
He smiled. "That's my girl. Go on, now. I want to rest." She turned to leave. "I love you. Never forget that. No matter what, I always will."
"I love you, too," she replied. And then she was gone, leaving him alone again. He smiled, and closed his eyes once more.

Jack walked towards a blinding white light, shielding his eyes. He didn't want to go, but something seemed to be calling him, beckoning him forward. Wait! If he looked just carefully, he could see...no...was it possible? "Father!" he cried, changing to a run now. "Dad! Wait for me! I'm coming!" As he neared, Robert Skellington reached his hand out towards his son.
"That's it, my boy," he said. "Come towards the light. Follow the light."
"Yes, I am! Just wait for me!" He reached out his own hand, taking his fathers into his own.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
Robert just smiled. "Somewhere wonderful."

Shock awoke in a cold sweat, looking at her clock. 1:27 AM. She closed her eyes and tried to get back to sleep, but found it impossible. Something was definatley up, very wrong. she could sense it. That's when it happened. Suddenly she was surrounded by a strange purple glow, which seemed to give her some sort of strength. What could be happening? All at once she knew. The powers, Jack's powers! She knew that as soon as the Pumpkin King died, the heir would recieve all the magic which went with the job. The transfer would be signified by a strange purple glow around the eldest child of the family, the heir. Her. "Sally!" she screamed. "Sally!" The woman bolted up from the the living room where she had been sleeping, so she wouldn't catch whatever it was that Jack had. Her eyes opened wide with terror as soon as she saw the girl, and the both of them ran up the stairs towards the bedroom. The glow had just faded as soon as they had reached the top, and the two ran to the bed. Jack lay there, quiet and unmoving. Lock and Barrel burst into the room then, stopping as soon as they saw the solomn sight. The two joined them next to the bed.
"Jack," whispered Sally. "Come on, wake up now. This isn't funny." She shook him. "Please, stop playing this game." She began to cry. "Don't leave me alone. You promised that it would be alright. You promised me." She began to shake harder, getting louder. "Wake up! Do you hear me? Wake up right now!" But she knew that it would do no good. They all did. Together the four of them sat down on the floor and cried, mourning the passing of a king.

Jack now found himself flying through the starry sky, holding somebody's hand. Not his father's, but a new person. He looked to his left and saw a man with large white wings and a robe of the same colour.
"Hey!" he said to the stranger. "Who are you? Where are we going?"
"We are about to learn what the rest of eternity has in store for you."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that it will be decided whether or not you shall remain in heaven or go directly to Satan and the firey pits of hell."
Jack shook his head. "Hold on here - you say that I'm dead, and I'm going for my final judgement?"
His flying companion didn't bother to look at him, but continued to look straight ahead. "Exactly."
"I can't believe that this is happening to me. I'm in the second stage, already? I mean, I knew I was going to die, but I never wanted to. But you still never told me who you are."
"I am the angel of death."
"You? Ha! Not the one I know, buddy. If I'm right, you should be in a black robe carrying a sickle. At least that's what the guy I know wears. Nice guy, but lousy at poker."
His comments didn't recieve a reaction. Instead the angel just pointed ahead of him. "That is our destination."
In the blink of an eye, Jack found himself now standing in front of a large set of stairs. At the top sat a white figure surrounded by light, whose face he couldn't see. All he knew was that this person, whoever he was, had a lot of power.
"What is your name?" stated the figure.
"Jack Skellington," he replied. "What's going on here?"
"Yes, I've heard about you. A very odd case."
"Odd? How so?"
"You are a creature of the darkness, a part of the devil. Usually the type such as yourself wouldn't even be allowed this far, but for you I have made an exception. The last time I did this it was over 400 years ago, 408 to be exact." "Yeah? So?"
"Jack, despite the many horrible things you had to do during your stay in Halloweentown, you always were a good person. Loving, devoted to your family and friends, always ensuring the best for Halloweentown, in short a fine person. While you have spent most of your life trying to scare my mortal children, one can't help but admiring your many good qualities. While you despised humans, you never allowed one of your fellow demonic beings to do any harm upon them, though you could have done so very easily.
"I never did believe in killing an innocent being."
"I'm glad for that. It shows another one of your good qualities." He paused for a moment. "Let's get on with it, then. Open the Book of Life!"
"Yes, my Lord," said an angel, who began to search through a thick book.
"Hold on a minute here," said Jack. "You're God? What happened to all the thees and thous?"
"Hey, welcome to the 21st century."
"Here is his name!" called the angel. "Jack Skellington."
"Very well then. Welcome to my kingdom, child." He motioned forward the same fellow from earlier. "Show him where he must go."
"Yes, my Lord." Together the two made their way toward a large set of golden gates. "This will be your new home now."
"Oh, goody."
"Don't feel that way. Paradise is by far more better than hell. Your lucky you were accepted here."
"Yeah, I suppose."
The angel opened the gates slowly, allowing Jack to step inside. "Would you like a change of clothes?"
"Huh?"
"You know, the white robe, wings, a halo?"
"Does everyone else?"
"Yes."
"No thank-you. I prefer black."
"Suit yourself. I must go now. New arrival."
"Thanks." The gate was closed, and Jack was left to himself. Now, most folks would be amazed by the sight held before them, but not he. The land was pure green, greener than anything he had ever seen in his entire life. Rare and exotic plants bloomed all around, and waterfalls could slso be seen. So this was heaven? How...happy. But he was here to stay. Midas well get used to it.
"Hey, there!" came a voice. "You're new here?"
Jack spun around to face another angel. A female, similar in features to Sally. Obviously not though.
"Oh, hello. Yeah, I just arrived."
"You don't seemed too thrilled about it."
"I'm not. I was only 417 years old, dammit. I have a wife, my kids...I need them."
"I think that 417 is a ripe old age. I was 29."
"Well, in Halloween terms..."
"Oh right, you're that skeleton guy. John, is it?"
"Jack. Jack Skellington."
"I'm Nora Thompson. So you miss your family, eh?"
He sighed. "Horribly."
"Well, there is a way you can see them again..."
"Really? How?"
"Come with me." She led him over to a pool of water. "When you look in this, you can see your family and know how they are. Give it a try."
"Okay." He looked inside, and watched as the riples turned into an image. The graveyard. Everyone was standing around his coffin, crying. His family was at the head, sobbing. Sally was crouched, so that Lock and Barrel were able to hug her. Ezra still didn't know what was going on and just sat there silently. Shock stood by herself, not bothering with tears and condolances. He could tell that she was very stressed out by all of this. Of course, she was the Pumpkin Queen now. She had a huge burden on her shoulders. He could see himself in her, the darkness and depression.
"It seems alot of people really loved you," said Nora quietly.
"Yeah. Lots. Too many." He was still looking at Shock. "If only I could actually talk to them, let them know that everything's alright.
"Oh, but there is."
"Really? How?"
"You've heard about how people have been visited by the spirits of their loved ones, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, that's what you'll be doing. It's quite simple, really. I can help you with it."
"Thank you very much."
"But let's wait until tonight, when they're all in bed. Okay?"
"Right. Sounds good with me."

They waited until 11:00, when Jack knew they'd all be asleep. Up in heaven it was still as bright as day. "Geez," he said. "Doesn't it ever get dark around here?"
"Nope. Never has, never will."
That saddened him to know he'd never see the moon again. But oh well. "Alright," he said. "Let's get this over with. What do we do?"
"Well, first of all, sit with your legs crossed." They did. "Now close your eyes and just let yourself relax. As soon, as you've done this, imagine the place you'd like to go." He pictured Lock's room in his mind, the boy sleeping peacefully in his bed. "Now, tell yourself to go to that place, to leave your body behind and just go there." He did. "Now, feel yourself lifting out of your body, up and away. Feel your spirit fly towards your destination." Her voice began to get smaller as they went along. He could sense himself hurtling through space, see the stars and planets. It was all quite clear, as if he was actually there. "Now," said the voice. "You have arrived."
When Jack looked again, he was in Lock's room, watching over the boy. The lad twisted and turned fitfully, anything but peaceful. He glided over the floor towards the bed, kissing his son on the cheek. The child woke up, startled to see the apparition of his dead father.
"Jack...?" he whispered. "Is that you?"
"Shh. Don't worry about me, I'm alright. Everything is going to be fine."
"Are you a ghost or something?"
"No. I am an angel now, up in heaven."
"But you said you never believed in that stuff. God isn't real, that's what you told me."
"Well turns out I was wrong. But be as it may I am here, and you must not mourn my passing. I love you, Lock, and I always will."
A smile. "Thanks." He then closed his eyes again, smiling as he drifted back into sleep. He was still now.
The next room he visited was Barrels. The boy was curled up into a ball in his bed, a frown upon his face. He must have sensed the presence in the room, for he woke up very suddenly, sitting up in his bed. "Jack!" he exclaimed. "What are you doing her? You're dead."
"Shhh, Don't worry about that. I have just come to let you know that I am alright, and not to feel upset that I'm gone. I will always be here, in my own special way. Remember that."
The boy smiled. "I will. Thank-you for coming."
"I had to, just to let my own poor soul rest easily. I was watching you all at my funeral, and I saw how upset you all were."
"Well, I'm not anymore."
"That's great. Good-night now."
Barrel yawned, closing his eyes slowly. "I love you."
He visited Shock next. He expected her to be in bed also but instead she was seated at her desk, going over some of the plans for Halloween. He shook his head sadly. Yes, she was definatley the spitting image of him. It hurt to know that. His life never had been that easy, what with him always being so damn depressive. It had definatley cost him. All he wanted to do now was prevent his only daughter from becoming like that.
"Shock," he said. "Shock."
She turned around, startled. "Huh? Jack? But you died last night, I have your magic to prove it."
"I know I am, I'm here as an angel. But I have come to tell you something. I have been observing you, and I realize that you have been come far too much like myself."
"What do you mean?"
"Always down-in-the-dumps and mopey. Don't do that to yourself, please. Trust an expert."
"Well how do I do that then?"
"Be grateful with what you have, don't ask for any more. Be a happy person, don't wish for what you can't get. For my entire life I longed for something more, and a number of horrible things happened. Surely you remember the whole Christmas thing."
"Boy, do I ever. I'll really try remember what you told me, Jack. I promise."
"Good. Just be who you are and you'll be fine. Never change on me."
"I won't."
"And one more thing."
"Yes?"
"Put away that work. Never do that stuff when you don't have to."
She chuckled. "Alright." She climbed into her bed. "Good night, Jack."
"Good night, Shock." He kissed her forehead. "I love you."
But she was already fast asleep. He sighed happily. He now felt alot better. Suddenly he heard a loud cry, coming from Ezras room. He hurried in, to find the boy lying in his crib with tears rolling down his cheaks. He picked up the lad, sitting down in a rocking chair. Immediatley he fell silent, cooing happily. Jack rubbed a finger against his jaw softly. "Daddy's here," he said. "Never forget how much I loved you, son." His kissed him on the head. "I'm sorry you never got to know me better. We never had a chance to do any of the things a father and a son do together. But at least I had you, and that's good enough for me."
That's when Sally appeared in the doorway, to see what Ezra was upset over. She uttered a little gasp as soon as she saw Jack, who simply smiled. "Ah, my dearest wife," he said as he put back the infant. "Never did I have any greater love for one person. I want you to know that I'm alright, and things will be okay. Shock will make a great queen, and as long as you never forget me I shall never be gone. Do you understand?"
She nodded, smiling joyfully. "You're really here?"
"Yes, I am. I couldn't rest without seeing you all again." He walked over to her, kissing her on the lips. The sensation made shivers crawl up and down her spine. His very touch felt like a cold breeze of air.
"I miss you very much," she told him.
"I miss you too, and I always will. But you must try to move on with your life. You still have much to live for. Don't forget that."
"I won't."
He combed his deceased fingers through her hair. "I love you."
"I love you too."
And then with a small cloud of smoke he vanished, leaving her alone with her son. She smiled. No longer did she feel upset. She felt oddly content now, at peace with her mind. And she knew that wherever Jack was right now, he was in a better place.

He reopened his eyes, to find himself sitting on the ground once again. Nora stood over him, watching. "You're back," she said. "How did it go?"
"Great. They won't be upset anymore. But now I miss them even more just by seeing them."
"I understand how you're feeling. And you never will stop missing them. Just remember; you shall meet again one day."
"Yeah. Hey, wait a minute..."
"What?"
"Do they have a Robert Skellington here?"
"Is he your father or something?"
"Yes. What about a Naomi Skellington?"
"Mother?"
"Yep."
"The names sound awfully familiar. Yes, there are two folks here with those names. I have heard of them, but never actully met them."
Jack was exstatic. "Well, do you know where they can be found?"
"Well, you can probably find your father over there somewhere playing chess. Alot of the guys do. I think that your mother usually hangs out at a waterfall near there, with some other women."
"Great! I'd like to go see my mom."
"So would I. Come on then, let's go." She led him in through a small wooded area, towards a small waterfall which was concealed behind the greenery. He stood behind one of the many trees as he observed the ladies sitting near the water's edge. "Is she there?" Nora asked.
He squinted, trying to get a better look. After a minute or two he spotted her, sitting in a circle with some of her friends. She laughed merrily, tossing back her long brown hair. "There she is!" he cried. "Mother!" He began to run towards her. She looked up, surprised to hear the name. It had been so long since she had heard it, before she had died when her only son was two. She stood up, to see a skeleton very much like Robert headed right for her. He swept her off her feet, twirling her around in the air joyfully. "Oh my goodness, It's so great to see you!"
She backed away, raising an eyebrow. "Um...who are you?"
He was a bit hurt at this. "Well, It's been a while, and I've probably changed quite a bit. It's me, mom. It's Jack."
All at once the sudden realization hit her, and she hugged him. "My son! What are you doing here?"
"I'm dead, of course."
"Well, obviously. My, you look like something else you do. So grown up. And how tall you are. Even taller than your father." He beamed at this. As a child, he had always admired his father's height. "You certainly are the dashing one," she said. "Nice outfit." (Naomi wore the robe).
"Yeah, well the wings didn't quite appeal to me."
"Not dark enough for you?"
"Exactly."
She chuckled at that. "I'm so glad you're here. I'm sorry for your wife and children, of course."
"You know about them?"
"Sure do. Robert always checked up on you through the pool, and let me know the latest knews." That was nice to know. "Oh, mother, have you met Nora Thompson before?"
"No, I haven't. Hello, Nora."
"Good-day, Mrs. Skellington."
The elder woman smiled. "Oh, just call me Naomi. That's what all my friends call me."
"Sure."
"So," cut in Jack. "Can we go see dad now?"
His mother smiled. "Sure. Come on, let's go find him."

Robert was exactly where Nora had predicted; playing chess. He and another man were in the middle of a game, both of them playing a very good game. It was, at present Robert's move, and he was searching for a good spot. He was startled when he heard a strangely familiar voice calling to him. "Dad!" came the call. "Dad!" Could it be? Was it possible?"
"Jack!" he cried, jumping up from his game and running towards his son. The two collided together, embracing in a warm hug. "My boy! At last, you've arrived! It's about time to!"
They pulled back a bit. "I've been here a while, actaualy," said Jack, "But I've been busy."
"Yes. He glanced at Jack's black pinstripped suit with the bat bow tie. "Nice outfit."
"Yeah, and nice wings. How dashing."
"Don't get smart boy. you might be taller than me now, but I'm still older."
"Get a grip, Dad."
A laugh and a sigh from Robert. "Wow. You're here. I knew you were coming since yesterday, and I've been very excited about it."
"You knew?"
"Of course. Remember? The light.....taking my hand....?"
"That was really you?"
"Sure was."
"I thought that was just my imagination."
"Think again."
"Hold on," cut in Naomi. "You knew about this and didn't tell me?"
"I wanted to surprise you," he protested.
She just smiled. "And a wonderful surprise it is, too."
He beamed happily. "And who do we have here?" was his comment as he noticed Nora. "A lady friend of yours, son?"
"Yes, father. Meet Nora Thompson. Sh's helped me out a bit since I arrived here."
"Well, how nice of her. It was very kind of her to do so." He took her hand, kissing it. "I don't believe we've met before. Have we?"
"No, sir. We haven't."
"Please, call me Robert."
"Of course."He dropped her hand, turning towards Jack. "Well, son, how about you and me go and have a lkittle chat, catch up on each other?"
"Certainly. Ah, Mom, maybe you and Nora might enjoy each other's company a little while."
Naomi nodded. "That would be very pleasant. We'll be at the waterfalls if you want us."
"Right." Jack and Robert began to walk towards a small forest.
"So, son," began the elder Skellington. "How did life treat you after I left?"
"Pretty good," came the reply. "I had a wife, and you became a grandfather after."
The forest canopy covered them now, the shadows of the tall trees falling over them. "Yes, I knew that much. I always kept checking up on you. But I never did learn their names. What are they?"
"Sally is...or rather was...my wife. Ezra was my son, only one year old."
"Didn't you have three others?"
Jack nodded. "Yes, and we adopted them all. Shock is 13, Lock is 11 and a half, and Barrel is 10. All are siblings, abandoned at a young age by their parents."
"I see. But who's on the throne now that you're gone? Ezra is by far too young to handle the job."
"Shock, of course. She is the oldest, after all."
"But she's not a pure blood Skellington though! Your biological son should rule, not an adopted daughter."
"Well, Shock can do a much better job than Ezra could, him being only a baby and all. Besides, I have trained her too long and hard to take away her right. She has earned the title as my heir, and will rule well now that I am gone."
Robert scratched his chin. "Hmmm, point for you." He was quiet for a moment. "I'm sorry, son," he said at last. "I was never there for you while you were growing up. Even while I was alive, I never gave you the attention and dedication you deserved. As I watched you play with your children, I realized that's the one thing I never did with you. Play. IO was always too bust with my work to bother. Or so I thought. Only too late do I realize this. Just look at you now, all grown up. What did you do when I died, where did you go? Went with the mayor, I think?"
"Yes, I did. He took me in for a while, until he passed into the second stage. Is he here?"
"Yes, I spend a lot of my time with him."
"Great! We got a new mayor after him, but I don't like him as much. Anyhow, after his death when I was 17, I returned to our mansion. That's where I've lived ever since."
"Never got tired of the place?"
"Nope. Never."
"It's a grand old house."
"Certainly is."
Another minute of silence. "You miss your family, don't you?" said Robert.
"How can you tell?"
"You're so sad and upset looking. It's written all over your face."
"Yeah, I do miss them. Like crazy. Even though I let my spirit visit them not too long ago. It only made it worse."
"I understand the feeling. After I died, I missed you like nothing else. Even though I did have your mother once more. Things just weren't the same without you. The pain subsided after a while, but it never went away."
Jack walked with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sun. It filtered in through the trees, shining warmly on his face. "Did you ever come back to visit me?" he asked. "Your spirit, I mean?"
"Oh yes, often. I always came in your sleep though. I wouldn't have been able to face you while you were awake."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. I just felt that I couldn't do it." He sighed. "I really wish that I had been able to be there for you. I feel as if I let you down."
"No, you didn't. I knew then and I know now that you have always loved me."
"Thank-you son. I appreciate it."
"It's only the truth. I never did get over your death, you know."
"No?"
"Never. I should have gotten over it as soon as I could, but I didn't. Remember the night before you died? We had a fight, what over I have no idea."
"Yes, I do."
"Well, I never quite forgave myself for that. The next thing I knew you were gone, and I never even had a chance to say I was sorry or good-bye."
"I forgot all about that within an hour or two," Robert told him.
"Maybe so, but I never knew that. I just assumed that you had passed on angry with me. From then on, i was more or less a very...depressive person. I'd like to use a different term, but I can't. I let this ruin my life. Seems like any time I found a girl I really liked, she left because of it. Sally, though, was more accepting, and helped me through it a lot. Everything was just so much better when she was there."
His father was very solomn at this. "All of that...over me? Jack, you shouldn't have let you do that to yourself. Acted on it or something."
"But I never knew that anything was really wrong with me until I met Sally. She helped me to realize that I needed to let go of my held in feelings. I was just about well again before I died." Robert flung an arm around his son's shoulder as they walked. "My dearest boy," he said. "I have and always will love you. No matter what has happened to us in the past, this will never change. You are more special to me than anyhing else in the world."
"What about mom?"
"Well, her also."
Jack put one of his own arms around his father's shoulder. "Dad," he said, "I'm glad we cleared this up."

It was now around 12:30 the next day, and Jack was sitting alone on large rock near the woods he and his father had been to last night. He had learned that up in heaven people just sleep wherever they wanted to if they feel like it, but nobody ever did, really. Despite the fact that he no longer felt upset by his Robert's death so long ago, his heart still ached the same way it had before. Now he was just missing his family. No matter what anybody said to him, the feelings never faded as they had promised. It probably just took time.
He sighed heavily, leaning back on the stone. His arms dangled over the edges, and he closed his eyes. He could see them, Sally and Ezra, Lock, Shock and Barrel. The very thought made his non-existant heart ache.
"Hey there," came a familiar voice. Nora's. "Need to talk?"
He made no motion to move, just stayed there. "There's nothing there to discuss. It's my family, that's all."
"Yeah, I know the feeling. When I died I ended up leaving my husband and my 2 year old daughter. Jake and I had been married for about three years at the time, and I missed him like crazy. I still do."
Jack kept opened his eyes. "I just wish I could be with them again, not here. I wish that I had never died."
"So do I, but what are you going to do?" She smiled, taking his hand. "Come on, then. It's time for lunch."
"They eat here?"
"Of course, all of the greatest foods that you could ever desire. Whatever you want, there it is." He sat up at that point, following her as she led him away. "There was no breakfast."
"Yeah, there was. You just never came."
"Oh. Well, let's get going then. I'm famished." It was quiet for a minute. "So," said Jack. "Do you have any other relatives up here?"
She shook her head. "Nope. I didn't have any deceased aunts or uncles, and my parents are both still alive."
"What about grandparents?"
"They're dead, yes. And they're probably here somewhere. Thing is, I never even saw them while I was alive, they both died too early. I never knew what they looked like."
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
"Don't be. I'm not. Besides, my mother never had much good to say about them anyways."
"You sound bitter."
"Not really, no. I mean, sure, It would be nice to meet them and all, but it's not that big of a deal to me. I could care less."
He nodded. "Do you like it up here?"
"I love it. What about you?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. I've had better."
Nora spotted the picnic grounds just dead ahead of them. "Ah, we're here! Looks like we're a bit late, but as few people are still here." They could see Robert, Naomi, a couple of other folks and...could it be? Jack rubbed his eyes as he got nearer, not believing it. He began to run, waving excitedly at the person he had seen. The man sat next to his father, laughing heartily. He looked up, and spotted the fellow running straight for him. He, as well, couldn't believe it. "Jack...?" he said quietly. "Oh, Jack!" He stood up, embracing his good friend as soon as he was near enough.
"Mr. Mayor!" he exclaimed. "I'm here!"
"Ah, my boy. So many years have passed, but I can still recognize you." They both pulled back.
"My, how you've grown. As if you weren't tall enough when I left!"
"Yep. So, how are you?"
"Oh, fine. After life has been treating me grand. How did you make out without me? You made a fantastic Pumpkin King, I'll bet."
"I did the best job I could. People told me I was the best, but I can't compare personally. Not against my father."
"No, I suppose not. Other than that, though."
"Alright, I guess. I got married, had a little boy and adopted three others."
"That's lovely. Enjoying yourself here so far?"
"Not really, no. I miss my wife and children."
"Expected. When I died, I had no real family. But at the time you had been living with me for close to eight years, and I loved you as if you were my own son. I missed you a lot."
"I was really upset after you were gone. I moved back into my mansion, though, and went on. I knew that's what you would have wanted."
"And you're right. I would expect nothing more." He then took a seat at the long table next to Robert, and Jack sat next to him. "I'm glad we're back together again, my boy. We have much to catch up on."

Back in Halloweentown, a lot of people were still mourning for Jack. Everyone in the Skellington household still were, but they were getting over it. They all remembered his visit to them, and were somewhat comforted by it. It hurt whenever they realized that he was gone, but they tried to keep in mind his wish for them all. Shock picked up were Jack had left off, and was keeping Halloween running nice and smoothly. Everything was progressing well, and everyone had to admit that the girl had a natural talent for this job. However, a few people still had their doubts, but she intended to prove them wrong. She would show them all. The mayor was one of these people. While he thought she had a chance, he didn't belive she could do it as well as Jack had. For one thing, she definatley required a lot of practise with her scaring. No-one could amount Jack in that area, he knew. And so he decided to put her to the test.
That day it was relatively peaceful. Jack had been gone for about five days by now, and everything was under control. Everybody was pulling together again, no longer feeling sorry over the loss of the Pumpkin King. Shock was quietly talking with her brothers, giving them instructions on what to do. The boys nodded, heading over to begin carving pumpkins. She watched as they headed off, returning to her other work.The mayor just stood on the side, eyeing the girl with unease and distrust. After a moment or two he approached her, folding his arms in front of him. He remained at her side, not saying anything for a second. Then he spoke. "So you think you can handle this job, eh?" he challenged.
"I do, and I can."
He raised an eyebrow. "Can you prove that to me? Will you even dare?"
"Sure. Tell me what to do."
He smiled demonically. "Gee, I don't know if you could possibly handle it. Not like Jack could."
She turned fiercley, staring coldly into his eyes. "You complete fool!" she cried. "How dare you try to make me look so horrible!" She clenched her hands into fists. "I could fire you right now, and I probably should. But I won't. I accept your challenge, Mr. Mayor. State it now."
He chuckled. "Full of confidence now, aren't we? We'll just see about that, then. Here it is; I will bet you my job that you will not be able to scare over 100 people in one night."
She was a bit shocked at this. 100? In one night? And what a price he was willing to pay. Must be awfully sure of himself. Her features tightened. She would prove this big know-it-all wrong, and then he would be awfully sorry. Without another hesitation she stuck out her hand and they shook on it. "Alright then, It's a deal. I will show you wrong, once and for all."
He began to leave, laughing. "Ah, my dear. If anyone will prove anybody else wrong, it's me. Just you watch."

Shock was scheduled to leave for her test the next evening, and was pumped up and ready to go. Sally frowned upon the idea, and was sure to make this known. "Darling," she had said, "are you positive that you should be doing this?"
The girl had just nodded. "Positive. I have to prove it to them that I can handle my job. I have to prove it to myself. If I succeed now, I can do anything."
"But I already know that you can do whatever you set out to!" Sally had exclaimed. "Why can't you believe in that as well?"
"If that's what you think," Shock had replied, "then you will have faith in me tonight."
There had obviously been no coming to terms here, so the young Pumpkin Queen set out on her way towards the graveyard. The mayor stood by the gate as she walked away, laughing. "Good-bye!" he called. "Remember, 100 people."
"Yeah, yeah," she'd grumbled. "I know."
Now she was in front of a mausoleum, which would automatically bring her to the human world once she entered it. She took a few steady breaths, before stepping inside cautiously.

First she was blinded by a bright flash of light, and the next thing she knew she was standing in a new graveyard. This was obviously a mortal one which she stood in. Well, she thought, time to get to work. She stepped onto the street, heading past a long row of houses. It was only about 7:30 at the moment. Hopefully she'd have enough time. It was quiet as she walked, not too many people around. She was beginning to wonder where everyone was when she saw a boy, no older than herself, heading right towards her. She stopped where she was, leaning against a fence in wait. It wasn't long until he was right in front of her, passing by.
"Psst," she said. He turned around.
"Who, me?"
"Yes, you. Come here." He did. She put her face right next to his. "Do you have any clue as to who I am?" He shook his head. "Well, then. I'll just have to show you." And with a quick wave of her hand she transformed her face into that of a hideous creature, more gruesome then the poor, lad could ever have imagined. The boy lept into the air, running as far away from this stranger as he could. Shock smiled. One down, 99 more to go.

9 scares later she was sitting along the wall of an alley, looking grimly at the ground. A middle aged man in a suit passed by, carrying a briefcase. A buisness man, she thought. At first he didn't notice the girl sitting next to all the mounds of trash, but then he did. Immediatley his heart ached with sympathy for the girl, and he kneeled in front of her. "Oh, my," he said. "You poor thing. Would you like to come home with me, have something nice to eat? I can help you."
She chuckled. "You...help me?"
"I will, if you want."
"You will be the one requiring help when I'm through with you. Psychiatric help."
"Excuse me...?"
She looked up at him, an evil grin across her face. "I," she began, "Am your worst nightmare. The one who gives you nightmares at night. The one who makes of your worst dreams come true. I am the one whom all of the creatures of the darkness bow down to, the person they worship." She stood up, and began to rise up slowly off of the ground, hovering in the air. The man's eyes bulged out of their sockets as he watched this. He returned his gaze to the girls face. She continued to smile, accompanied now by a red glow in her eyes. The glow got brighter and brighter, until he was unable to look at her anymore. "I," she said,"am the Pumpkin Queen of Halloweentown, and I feel no mercy at your screams." The poor fellow believed every word she had just said and began to flee for his life, shrieking all the way down the road. Shock laughed heartily at his foolishness as she set herself back onto the ground. She hadn't known that it was possible to do that with her powers, float. Then again, Jack never had told her much about his magic. He had never really bothered with it all that much. She, however, rather enjoyed them. But she had a problem. It had taken nearly an hour an a half to do those 10 scares. How would she ever get the job done on time? She had 90 more to left to go! Then she got a sudden idea. Why not do all of the scares at one place? It would be far more successful that way. All she had to do was find the perfect spot.

A little while later she found it. It was a college football game, and there were far more people than 90 there. More like hundreds! She smiled as she crept into the stadium. This would be a cinch. At present she stood in the seats among the cheering fans, but she wanted to get down to the playing field. She stood next to the rail in front of the seats, leaning against it. It was along ways down, but she wasn't afraid of heights. She glanced around to make sure no-one was going to stop her, and then climbed onto the edge. A couple of people began to take notice of her, crying out. "Stop that girl!" they cried. "She's going to jump!" But it was too late, she already had. A number of people crowded around the place she had just been, watching her with horror as she fell. For sure she'd be killed on impact. Shock, however, was enjoying the feeling, loving the way the wind swept past her and stole her breath away. It was a thrilling experience, and she prayed it wouldn't end. But of course it did, and she landed hard upon her feet. She brushed the dust from her dress, then looked up. The people above were all dumbfounded by this, every one of them speechless. She just smiled and waved, then went on her way.
She was now standing next to the player's benches, who sat on the edges of their seats in anticipation of a chance to get on the field. They paid no heed to her, as if she wasn't there. Exactly as she wanted it. Not paying any furthur attention to them she stepped out onto the field, where all players were carrying on with their foolish football nonsense. The coach suddenly spotted her and called out for her to come off the field. Yet she ignore him, heading out for the center of the field. The men who were announcing for the game had noticed her as well, and her face now appeared on the big screen overhead.
"Hey, Bob," said the first announcer. "Who's that on the field?"
"I don't know, Bill, but this isn't anywhere in the program!"
"I don't think she's up to any good down there."
The game action immediatley stopped, and all were watching Shock. She stopped when she was at the center, still on the big screen. It was quiet in the stadium. Slowly she raised both arms into the air, a wild look across her face. A wind began to gust around her, blowing her hair around. The manager of this school was definatley not impressed, and had entered the announcer's booth. He snatched the mike from Bill, staring hard at this strange girl.
"Alright, kid," he said. "I'll have to ask you to please move off the field, or else I shall be forced to call the police."
Shock smiled, putting her arms back down. The wind immediatley ceased. "Oh, really?" she teased. Her voice rang out loud and clear and everyone could easily hear her, without any old microphone.
"Miss, I'm asking you nicely..."
"And I am saying no."
He was enfuriated now, and sent for his guards to go down and take the girl out from there. "Alright," he said. "If you won't come along easily, I shall have to use force. Please leave now, before you get hurt."
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that."
That's when the bulky guards grabed her from behind, one at each arm. A flash of anger went through her eye, and she broke free from one of them long enough to send a blast of energy at the both of them through her hand. The two went flying across the field, crashing into the walls. Everyone was petrified by her strength.
"Fools!" she cried. "Complete moronic idiots! Did you really believe that you could win like that?" The manager was speechless. "It'll take a lot more than that!" She growled. "I shall teach all of you foolish humans a leason you will never forget, to not mess around with the Pumpkin Queen!" And with that she released another energy blast and the mortals all began to scream with fright, running away with terror. They crowded the exits, pushing and shoving their way through. "That's it!" she cried. "Run home to your mommys!" Even the players left, and Shock was soon left alone in the stadium. She was suddenly overcome by a huge fit of laughter, and she began to roll around on the grass while she held her stomach. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, and she dried them as she stood up. It was all too funny, their foolishness and all. Of course, she never would have hurt any of them. It was just a con to frighten them. And it had worked! They had almost peed in their pants as she stood there before them. But never in a million years could she ever do harm upon another beings, human or not. It was one thing to scare them, a whole other to kill them. If she did that, a lot of trouble would fall upon her. Jack had made it a law long ago never to do harm upon a mortal, and she didn't intend to change that rule now. The man had known what he meant when he had made that order of them. She began to head out of the stadium now, towards the graveyard. Her job was done; time to go home.

Lock and Barrel burst through the Halloweentown gates, out of breath. Both boys stood leaned over, hamds on their knees. The mayor was waiting for them with his car. "So?" he demanded. "Did she get them done?"
"Yes," gasped Barrel. Every last one."
"But--how? Impossible!"
"She did...most of them...all at once..." Lock wheezed.
"WHAT!!!"
"It's true," said Barrel as he straightened himself. "All of them are done, we saw it."
Lock stood as well now. "We followed her just as you asked, and everything we are telling you is the truth! She's coming back now as we speak."
The mayor scratched his chin. "She's good. Almost as good as Jack. It took her 2 hours...Jack needed about one and a half."
That's when Shock appeared, her silhouette in front of the main gates. "I'm back," she said, "and I have completed your challenge."
"So I've heard."
She was confused. "How could you have known?" Her brothers tried to look innocent, but she could right through them. "You followed me," she said. "You lied to me, you plotted against your own sibling. Your queen. I could have you all charged with treason and burned at the stake."
"No, you haven't heard the whole story!" protested Barrel. "He threatened us, told us that if we didn't do as he told us he'd make sure we were punished. Please believe us!"
She nodded slowly. To be punished was not exactly what you wanted. It usually meant death. "Alright then, I believe your words. I'll forgive you." She turned to the mayor. "But as for you..."
He raised his hands, backing away slowly. "Now, now..." he said. "I'm sure we can work something out here..."
She raised her hand, allowing a few small sparks of energy to form around it. The sparks transformed into a ball no bigger than that of a golf ball, which seemed to hover on top of her index finger. "Do you realize the force I contain in this thing?"
He nodded, trembling. "You could take out all of Halloweentown with that thing."
"I could, couldn't I? Or why not just use it on you? I certainly despise you enough to."
His bottom lip quivered. "No, please don't. I'm sorry I doubted you, and I apologize for doing that to your brothers! You're obviously very capable of your job."
She smiled, letting the ball of energy disapear. "It's nice to hear that. And I won't even take your job away as our bet stated. But only because it would be too much work to find a new one. I trust you'll do what you're supposed to this time?"
The mayor tried to stop trembling as he got into his car. "Yes, yes, of course. Thank you!" And with that he drove away, trying to get away from the girl as fast as he could. Lock and Barrel just stood there, dumbfounded.
"Wow," said the latter. "I had no idea that those powers were that strong. Jack never showed them to us while he was still alive."
"Neat, huh? Jack rarely ever used them, didn't he?"
"No," replied Lock. "I wonder why?"
Shock just shrugged. "What does it matter now? Come on, let's go home."

Back up in the lofty hights of heaven above, Jack sat on his rock in silence. It was the only place up here where he could actually sit and be undisturbed. Back in Halloweentown, it had been the curly hill. Here it was slighty harder to get a minute alone. He was layed back on the large stone, his eyes shut. He wasn't any better. He still missed his family. Typical of him. Never satisfied. But why had he gone so early? He had only been 400 years old, 37 in human years! It just wasn't fair. He still had so much to live for.
Meanwhile Nora looked on from behind a tree, frowning. He was still like this. Why couldn't he snap out of it? She had gotten over the worst of it within a couple of days, but he was worse than anybody she had ever seen. This just wasn't right.
"Still hasn't moved?" Robert came up next to her.
She sighed. "Nope. He hasn't even budged all day."
"I do wish he'd cheer up. This isn't the way he acted back on earth, is it?"
"He told me that at one point it was, but afterwards he got over it. Now he's gone right back, worse, apparantly."
"Ah." A moment of silence. "It's such a pity to see him like this. Heartbreaking."
"If you had one, that is."
"Yes, well..."
"Don't worry. I know what you mean." He leaned against the tree, gazing out at his son. "I do wish he'd lighten up a little. It's really not that bad here."
"It's his family he's so worked up over."
"Still?"
"Yep. Still."
He began to head out to the rock. "I should have a little chat with him," he said. "See if I can make him any better."
Nora nodded. "Good-luck."
He walked over to where Jack was, shoving his hands inside the pockets of his robe. "Hello, son," he said. "Can we talk?" No reply. "Hello? Will you even speak?"
A groan came Jack sat up slowly. It was ovbvious that the lad was very upset; his expresision showed it.
"Oh, father. Hi. Would you like to sit?"
"Sure." Robert sat next to the boy as soon as there was enough room made. "What's happening with you boy?" he asked. "All you ever do is sit here and feel sorry for yourself. Cheer up, you're in heaven! You're supposed to be happy up here!"
"Well, I can't forget my family back on earth. I worry about them."
"Try not to, they'll be fine. Why don't you look at them through the pool?"
"No," Jack replied quickly. "That would only make it worse."
"Alright then. Wiould you at least try to be a little more cheery? You still have me and your mother, and we both love you very much." He tried to smile. "Being with you again is the greatest thing to ever happen to me, son. Remember that."
"I will, thanks."
Robert got up. "I'd better be going now, I promised the mayor to a game of chess. You'll be okay now, won't you?"
"Sure, I'll be fine."
Taking his word Robert left, heading back to the woods. Jack just sat there, leaning against the rock. His father was doing his best to make him feel better, and he appreciated that. But it would take more than a simple little pep talk to get him over this.
Nora was looked worried as Robert came over. "So, what's the story?"
"We talked, but I don't know how much good it did. Probably not much."
"Oh, well. At least we tried." She patted him on the back. "Hopefully he'll get over this whole thing soon. For his own sake."

While they talked, someone else was watching Jack as well. Two other angels stood next to the big golden gates, shaking their heads at this sorry sight.
"It's not everyday you see such as sight," said the first one, Pierre.
His friend Michael nodded. "Most folks are warmed up to this place by now. I don't understand why he isn't."
"It could be what the Lord told us to watch out for."
"What's that?"
Pierre rolled his eyes. "You don't recall?"
"No."
"Well, he told us to make sure that no-body was ever upset while in heaven. It's a sign that a mistake was made and it wasn't their time to go."
"Oh, I remember now. Perhaps it is. He sure doesn't seem all too happy." Michael thought for a minute. "Shouldn't we report this? That's what we were instructed to do in a matter like this."
"Right. Let's do it now, brefore it's too late for the poor thing."

Pierre and Michael stood before the Lord, who was obviously puzzled by the affairs at hand. "So, what seems to be the problem here?" He asked.
Pierre spoke. "It's that new guy, Jack. He's been horribly depressed. Never eating or speaking to anyone, just lying on that rock all day. We remembered what you told us, and came directly here."
"Good for you. Well, it could be all just a matter of it not being his time. It's happened before. Michael..."
"Yes, my Lord?"
"Go check the book of life. Maybe a mistake was made."
"Right away." He headed over to the book, which stood on top of a pedastol.
"These things happen sometimes," said the Lord. "When it does, well then there's not much we can do. But for him it's different. We can send back his spirit to his body and he can live again, without the people who know him being too freaked out. They deal with odd things like resurrections of the deceased every day. And what's more, a person is not supposed to be in heaven unless they are fully content here. It is a land of paradise; you must be able to enjoy it."
"Ah ha!" came a voice suddenly. "Jack Skellington, scheduled to arrive...oh, dear."
"What is it?"
"He wasn't even supposed to be here for a very long time. At least 500 more years."
"Goodness, that long? Well, midas well do what's right. You two go send for Mr. Skellington immediately. Tell him he is going home, and to say any final good byes he may have. He leaves tommorow at noon."
"Ay, my Lord," said Michael. "Right away."

They found Jack still on his rock, deep in thought. Together they headed over to him, and he looked up in surprise. "Oh, hi there," he said. "May I help you?"
"Hi, Jack," said the first stranger. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Pierre, and this is Michael. We have some good news for you from the Lord."
"Oh, really? What is it?"
"Well," said the other, "It appears as if there was a mistake made in the case of your death. Turns out you weren't supposed to go for another 500 years."
"Oh." Jack found this definately disappointing. He could still have been there? What a bummer. "So, what's the good news?"
"The Lord says that tommorrow at noon your spirit will be set free, and you will be sent back down to earth. All of this was just one big misunderstanding."
Jack was silent for amoment. Then he smiled and jumped up, grabbing Michael and hugging him.
"Oh, wow!" he cried. "I'm going home! I'm really going home!" He hugged them both. "Oh, thank you, thank-you so much! I have to go tell everyone!" He began to dash away, but Pierre called to him.
"Be at the gates at 12:00 PM. Don't forget!"
"Don't worry, I won't!" And with that said he ran off happily, to inform his mother and father of the news.

He found his mother exactly where he had thought she would be; the waterfall with the other women. With her was Nora, who wasn't saying much. Naomi, however, was the life of the party, making jokes and having everybody laugh at them. Jack ran up to her, and she appeared very surprised to see him in such a good mood. This past week he had been very forlorn. She stood up, obviously very puzzled.
"Oh, mother!" he cried, leading her in a dance. "I must be the happiest person in heaven right now!"
"My son, what's happened?"
"I'm going home, mom! All of this was just a big mistake, and they're sending me back! I leave tommorrow!"
Her heart sank. And she thought that he was just over that little depression thing. Guess not. But if this was what he wanted, then she wanted him to be happy. That's all that mattered to her. She smiled. "That's wonderful dear. You'll get to see your family again."
"Not only that, but get my job back! I'll be the King of Halloween once again!"
"You certainly will be. Don't you think everyone back there will be surprised to see you alive once again?"
"Of course, but it won't matter. Things will all go back to the way they were before."
"I'm glad for you, son," she told him. "I really am."
Nora came over then, standing in front of Jack. "So, I guess you're leaving, eh?"
"Yep. I'm out of here tommorrow at noon. "
She was sad. "Oh."
He took her hand, and they began to head for the forest. Naomi knew well enough to stay out of something when a woman had an expression like that on her face, and stayed at the waterfall.
Once concealed in the abundence of trees they stopped. Nora wrung her hands together, and Jack just looked into her pale blue eyes. She was a beautiful girl, something like his own Sally. Nora, however, was very upset. She realized now the feelings she had for Jack. He reminded her of her husband in the way he was, and that was why she loved him so. A tear formed in her eye, but she brushed it away quickly. Not before he caught sight of it though. "What's wrong?" he asked her.
"Oh-nothing. Don't worry about it."
But he did. He caught another one of her tears. "You don't want me to leave?" She shook her head. "My dear..." He swept her into a hug. "I had no idea you felt that way..."
"Neither did I," she confessed.
He pulled away a little, and touched her face with one hand. "Nora," he said. "Don't feel upset over me, I'll always be with you. I will be back, but not for a long, long, time." He caught yet another tear. "Please don't cry for me, I hate it when people do that. Just remember that I'll always be with you" Then he lowered his head and they shared in a long kiss, and he could sense her sadness. But she amounted to Sally in no way, and while he liked her there was no way he could make her happy, and she could never make him happy him either. The kiss ended, and she realized she was the only person he had kissed since he had fallen in love with Sally. He touched her hand. "Nora," he said softly. "You don't know how much you mean to me. I'll never forget you, my dear. Never."
She gave a little sigh. "Sally is a very lucky woman."
"And I am a very lucky man. But there will always be a place left in my heart for you. Always." He smiled at her. "Come on," he said. "Let's go tell my father. I don't know what his reaction to this will be like."

Robert sat across from the mayor, his move. He was so close to winning that he could smell it. Then again, so was the mayor. If he movd over there he would be able to get the bishop. but then he would get caught. If he moved his knight over that way he could get the tower, but risk being captured by the queen. But if he moved his king over there, he would probably be safe from it all. And he could easily get at the bishop without losing. He was about to do this when Jack and Nora came over, arm in arm. "Ah, son," he said. "Come sit, why don't you? It's a fine match we've got going here."
"Um, no thanks. Listen, Dad, I've got some news for you."
Robert raised an eye at that. "News? Like what?"
Jack cleared his throat. "I'm going home. Tommorrow."
"Huh? But why?"
"All of this was just one big mistake, I'm not even supposed to be here. They're sending my spirit back."
"Oh..." Robert sighed. "What a pity. I really looked forward to spending some quality time together. This is what you want, though?"
"Yes, very much."
"Well, If that's the case, then I am pleased for you. We'll meet again, one day."
"We certainly will." Jack helped his father to his feet. "Will you visit me sometimes? Please?"
"Of course. At least we get to say good-bye this time. Not like last."
"Yeah. I love you Dad." They hugged.
"I love you too, son. Have a good life."
"I will." He backed off a little, heading over to where the mayor sat.
"Congradulations, Jack. You must be very excited."
"I am."
"It certainly was nice to see you again. I'll visit you sometime."
"Yes, do. You'll all have to." He glanced back at Nora. She wasn't saying much, just standing by herself. "I'll miss you all," he said. "Very much."
"As we will miss you," said his father. "Well, we'd better get a move on, It's nearly time to eat. Coming, son?"
"Yeah, sure. I'll be right behind you." Robert and the Mayor headed off, and Jack took Nora's hand. He smiled warmly at her, and they followed along afterwards. He felt sad for her, that he had to break her heart like this. But he had Sally, his one true love. Nora could never take her spot. Yet she would always hold a special place in his heart. Always.

And so it was soon the next day, and Jack was preparing to leave for his trip back home. His parents were there, as well as the mayor and Nora. Jack shook hands with his father.
"Well," he said, "good-bye, old man. Until we meet again."
"Don't go calling me old, mister. Next time you come back here, you'll be ancient compared to me. I'm only 617; you're 508."
"Alright, I get the point. Still, I'm younger than you."
"And I'm still your father."
"Good point." He stepped over to his mother, who gave him one final hug.
"Ah, my son," she said. "It was nice to have you back for a while. This last while has meant more to me than anything else."
He smiled at her. "I'll be back, don't worry. I love you."
"I love you too."
The mayor came next, who shook Jack's hand firmly. "Well, my boy," he said, "this is it. Good-bye for now."
"The same to you, friend. It was nice to find you up here."
"Yes, it was delightful to see you. Godspeed to you."
"Thank you." Now for the final person, Nora. He stood in front of her for a moment, silent. He didn't what to say to her. But that was soon resolved. She grabbed the collar of his jacket suddenly, pulling him in for a kiss. He was surprised at first, but closed his eyes and enjoyed it. She was smiling as she released him.
"So long, Jack. I'll never forget you."
"Nor I you. Will you visit me as well?"
"Of course I will."
"You'll all have to come sometime during the day, meet my family. They'd like that." Everyone agreed to that idea.
At that point Pierre and Michael arrived. It was time to leave. Jack gave every person a hug before he was on his way.
"So long, all," he said. "My best of wishes goes out to you all."
"Same to you, Jack," said the mayor. "Good-bye."
The gates were opened, and Jack made his way past them. He turned back one last time, to wave one last time. He would miss them all, but they would meet again in the not-so-distant future. He was sure of it. He smiled, and began head away.

He last stop before his journey home was to see the Lord, who had asked to see him before his departure. Now here he stood, in front of the gigantic throne.
"So, Jack," came the familiar voice. "How are you feeling about returning home?"
"Very excited. Thank-you very much for this. You have no idea how much this means to me."
"Well, I couldn't have you moping around there all the time, now, could I? It's the only thing I could have done."
"Still, thank you. I'll enjoy it more next time."
"I believe so." He made a motioning guesture with a hand to one of His other angels. "It's time for you to go now. You have already met Pierre; he will be bringing you home."
"Alright."
"Take care of yourself, now, Jack. Consider yourself lucky."
"Oh, I do, trust me."
Pierre came over, standing next to him. "Leave now?" he asked.
The Lord nodded. "Yes. Go in peace, my son. Remember all of what has happened, and keep it near to you. Always."
"Thanks." And with that he was swept into a brilliant light, and he found himself flying through space again with Pierre. "Hey," he began, "Where are we going now?"
"To the part of space where reality connects with heaven. It is here that the spirits pass through in order to get to heaven, but it will also work to get back to earth."
"How far is it?"
"Not too far, but you still need an escort. Don't want you to get lost, you know." It was silent for a moment. "I certainly hope that this makes you feel better. Me and Michael couldn't help but notice you the other day, and we knew that something was up. And there was."
"So this is all because of you? You're the one who got me sent back home?"
"I guess so, yeah. And Michael."
"Oh, wow, thank you. Very much."
"Don't sweat it. It's my job." He stopped then. "There it is, about a meter in front of us. Just pass through there, and you're on your way."
"Really? That's it?"
"Yep, that's all there is to it."
Jack shook Pierre's hand. "Well, good-bye. I'll always be grateful."
"So long now."
Then Jack stepped through the invisible gateway, and was sucked into the unknown.

He was now heading away from a light, the first one he had seen. Now he was travelling away from it, into the darkness. He could hear Sally calling him, and he called back to her. "Hold on!" he cried. "I'm coming! Just wait for me, and I'll be right there!" He walked on until the darkness covered him, and he couldn't see a thing. A blue circle of light appeared before him now, and the hand of his love passed through it. It was asking him to come, to join it her. He held out his own, and placed it in hers. That was the last thing he saw before he was engulfed once more in darkness.

Shock was at Town Hall when it happened; the strange purple glow appeared, and she could sense the magic being drained from her body. What was happening here? Could somebody be trying to steal them? No, impossible. Everyone knew that it couldn't be done. It could only be one thing-Jack! But ho? She didn't care, really. She called out to the mayor, who rushed over immeadiately. He was wide-eyed when he saw the sight. "Oh, my..." he said. They both knew what this had to mean, and what they should do. "Quick," he cried. "To the graveyard!" Everyone began to follow, including Sally and her siblings, who had been helping out that day. Even Ezra came along for the trip. All of Halloweentown followed, wondering what exactly was going on.
It was a few minutes later when they got there, and everyone headed over to Jack's mausoleum. One of the vampires was instructed to open it up, which he did so. as soon as this was done, a tall and recognizable figure appeared in the doorway. The shadow made it's way out, blinking at the sun. All the citizens of Halloween cried out. "Jack!" exclaimed Sally, and she ran over to him. He swept her up into his arms, twirling her around. "What are you doing alive? you're supposed to be dead!"
"Oh, you'd never believe it! I scarcely can myself, but it's true." He kissed her on the lips, not releasing her for a long while. He loved her now more than he ever had before, if that was possible. "Oh, Sally," he said. "I never want that to happen again! I missed you too much."
"I know, neither do I."
His childen came over then, and he bnt down so that he could give them each a hug. "Ah, my loving kids! How good it is to be back with you again!" He gave them all a quick peck on the cheek.
"Did you miss me?"
Barrel had tears streaming down his cheeks. "You're back," he sobbed. "You're really back!"
"Yes, I am. And I promise never to leave like that any more." He held Ezra in his arms, lifting him as he stood up. "Wow, I can't believe I'm really home. But I am. I truly am." He smiled. "And now things will go back to the way they were. I shall reign once again, and Shock will continue to train. There is still much you have to learn, my girl, for I was watching you from where I was. You need a good lesson in using your powers wisely."
She frowned. "Then what am I supposed to do with them?"
"Well, use them occasionally, but not too often. Never use them to get your own way in things, or to take a shortcut in scaring people. Use your natural talents for that. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I do."
Jack turned to face the crowd. "Take the rest of the day off. I would like to spend the a bit of time with my family." The citizens of Halloween began to break up, heading for home. He returned his attention back to Sally and the kids. He set down Ezra, taking his wife's hand. "Come on," he said.
"Let's go home."

Sally lay next to Jack in bed, her arms wrapped tightly around him. His pajamas felt very warm, better than her little nightdress. She sighed happily.
"Gee," he said. "It's great to be home."
"And it's wonderful to have you back."
He stroked her hair. "Imagine, this is the same bed I died in."
She was silent for a minute as she thought about that last remark. "Promise me that you'll never leave me like that again," she said finally. "It was so horrible without you."
"I won't, promise. I couldn't bear it without you." He looked into her eyes. "And will you promise me the same?"
"I will. For now and forever." They kissed, and he felt a flutter in his chest where a heart should have been.
"Mmm..." he sighed. "You're as sweet as ever, my queen." She blushed, which he simply adored. "You look so cute when you do that." She only got redder, and he kissed her again. "Ah," he said. "It's so good to have you back, to be able to hold you once again. I missed playing with your hair."
"My hair?" she asked, reaching up to her head. "Why my hair?"
"I don't know. It's almost as cute as when you blush."
"You are so full of it, did you know that?"
He looked hurt. "Sally, whatever I say to you I mean. That's the way it is and always will be." He touched her cheek. "I love you, you know. More than anything else that you could imagine. Without you, life would be meaningless for me. I wouldn't have a son, and I'd have lost my sanity long ago. You mean more now to me than you ever have before. And I love you more every day."
She smiled. "I know that you meant it, I was just playing with you." Another kiss. "I would never doubt you."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, really."
He twirled a lock of her hair around one of his bony skeleton fingers. The texture of it felt so nice between them. "It's nice to have things back to the way they were," he said. "I missed you so very much."
"It was so odd not to have you around. Too quiet. But that's all over now, and we won't dwell on it any more. From now on, things will be just as they were before."
He nodded as he hugged her tighter. It was comforting to feel her there next to him, to know that he was at home once more. No other words were exchanged between the two that evening. They just enjoyed the presence of one another, lying together in silence. After a while they both fell asleep, drifting into a happy and peacful slumber.
The ghost of Robert Skellington meanwhile stood at his son's side, smiling to himself. Jack looked so happy now. He was satisfied now that he was back with his family, was able to be with them again. Robert was just happy that the lad was finally pleased with his life, and wasn't plagued by the deaths of his parents anymore. As long as his child was content, then he was as well. He pulled the covers tighter around the two lovebirds, tucking them in. Jack stirred a bit and opened his eyes just slightly, enough to see his father there. He grinned as much as his sleepy state would allow him to.
"Good-night, dad," he whispered.
"Good-night. Pleseant nightmares." And at that he vanished, leaving Jack staring into the dark. He just cozied up closer to Sally and continued to sleep. For the first time in ages he was a happy man. No worries in the world, everything was just carefree. He would have liked it all to be this way sooner, but that's the way it worked. Besides, that hardly mattered to him. All that he cared about was that he had the perect life now, and he would vow to keep it this way. Nothing would ever destroy the happiness he had here now. Nothing. The End