Royal Murder

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...I guess we were never meant to be together, huh? Right when we realize how in love we are and how much we were meant to be together, something happens to tear us apart. But oh, how I love you! My heart aches when I think of you, my darling, I constantly yearn to be with you. To feel your strong arms around me, feel you against me. Touch your face, kiss you all over....I'm starting to cry now. I've been doing a lot of that lately. I should stop now before I soak this entire piece of paper. 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. I want to see you again, let my eyes absorb every miniscule feature about you; your eyes, your hair, your slender frame...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 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."
"I love him though. I don't want him to be angry with me."
"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. Don't let him ruin it for us." He wiped away the tears that were forming. "I love you, you know."
"I love you too, Ira," she replied. "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 glanced 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."
"Thanks. That means a lot to me."
"Hey, there you are," called Ira from behind her.
She turned around. "Oh, hi."
"So, 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." A quick 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. "Some things just have priority."

They lay there together 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?"
"Darling, I love you 10 times as much," he replied. "I'm actually 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 momnt. 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. "We kind of do, don't we?"
"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 laghing 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." She gave him a kiss. "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 lovers 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 asnd 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 retuerned 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 $3,000, 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 the cash--all $3,000 of it. She then turned back to him.
"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. "Oh, you. 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 son, the doctor says. A little boy."
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?"
"$3,000."
"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've 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."
She returned the kiss. "Such a sweetheart."
A smile. "I know." He played with her hair. "So what was that all about earlier this evening? With that guy?"
"Don't tell me you're jealous, Ira."
"No, I'm not. I know you'd never get fresh with another guy, especially in front of me." He leaned closer. "Who was he though? I'm dying to know!"
She laughed. "Aren't you nosy! Well if you must know, it was Lock. He was kind of upset about my sentancing, he was real devestated. Turns out Elizabeth is pregnant."
"Holy Christ, no way! What did you say about that?"
"I told him that I wouldn'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. Her flannel nightdress made her a bit warm, but she was too comfotable to get up and change.
"So this is what true love is," she smiled. "Who would have known?"
He kissed her head softly. "I love you. Mon Dieu, I love you. 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." Another kiss. "Sweet lord, there's that feeling again! How good you feel! Your soft skin, your moist lips! I've always dreamed of having you, being able to call you mine. Now that I do, I couldn't be happier. It's like a dream come true. A dream I've held for over 235 years." 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 the happy couple kissed
"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 with a sigh. "Always."

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 so 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 softly, leaning his forehead on hers. She smiled gently. "Ira the King," she said. "Ira Skellington. Ira, husband of Halloween Town's almighty Pumpkin Queen. All sound rather nice I think."
"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 your 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. "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 a lot 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."

*********************************************************************

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. "Wow, I'm gonna be a daddy!" he jumped up, doing a victory dance in the middle of the floor. 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, I've gotta sit down." He took his place beside his wife. "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 God, 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.
"Shut up, you big ape," she told him with a chuckle.
He said nothing after that, just sat there with her in his arms letting it all sink in. 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.