The New Breed

Jack Skellington wandered down the streets of New Orleans silently, glancing about uneasily. He was hear tonite on a mission; to find a new type of creature. It had been reported to him over a week ago, by one of his agents working in the human world. These 'agents' had been apointed by him to keep track of any creatures residing in the mortal world--to make sure they didn't get into trouble. Also to inform him when any new creatures were found.
And that was exactly what had happened now--there was supposed to be a new creature around him somewhere--and it was up to him to find it. Pictures of the creature had been presented to him--quite human-looking, tall with blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Indeed, it had appeared quite ordinary--ordinary enough to fool anyone.
He had been astonished with the news of these supposed creatures--astonished, but not in disbelief. He knew that these beings existed , somewhere. If ihis agents said they did, then he would believe him. It didn't matter what it took to find them. Who knew how long they had been going around in the human world? If it turned out that they indeed were Halloween-type beings, then an extensive search would have to be undertaken to find the rest of them. These creatures indeed were potentially dangerous. There had been crimes connected with them, of people having their blood totally drained of their bodies. Such brutal and bizarre murders could not be committed by humans. But nobody from Halloween would have committed them though. That was one of Jack's strictest rules--no murdering of humans. Even the vampires were ordered to leave just enough life in their victims so that they wouldn't die. So whoever these people were, chances were they didn't even know of these rules. Either that or they just didn't care.
He walked now down a darkened alley, trying to locate this particular being. According to what he'd been told by his agents, this one seemed to like the blood of criminals. From pety theives to stone-cold killers, he apparantly liked them all.
As Jack continued along his cape flew along in the breeze behind him, the tails of his jacket fluttering. To conceal his face he wore a thick brimmed hat, knowing that humans mustn't be able to see him. When he was out scaring, he didn't care, but right now he wouldn't take any risks. He hurried along on his way, checking over his shoulder every now and again. He cursed slightly, shaking his head. Where the hell was that creature?
He didn't get the chance to wonder any longer. He was suddenly struck in the chest by some invisible force, crashing into the brick wall. He was immediately seized by pain, but opened his eyes to see what he had wanted to see--it was the same man from the pictures. The same blonde hair, the piercing blue eyes--everything. And he was quite strong too. Surprisingly so, in fact. The man was obviously not human. This fact was confirmed as he bared a set of fangs to his prey, trying to frighten him. Jack could barely stiffle his laughter. Did this fool have any idea who he was? He was Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloween Town! The powers displayed to him here were still nothing compared to his. With a little smile he decided to prove this point. With one quick mental thought he threw the creature against the opposite wall, holding him there with his mind. The being was now immobile, totally frozen.
"Nice try," smiled Jack. "You're going to have to try better next time though. You're strong, but don't underestimate me."
The blonde haired man growled. "Who are you?" he demanded. "Why have you come in search of me?"
An impressed nod. "Ah, so you can read minds. Very good, saved me a lot of trouble. Allow me to introduce myself; Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. I have been alerted by my team of Watchers that a strange being existed in the human world. A vampiric-like being, but yet unlike any other vampire back at Halloween. It is my intent to find this being. And I am correct when I say that it is you, aren't I?"
The blonde creature nodded slightly. "I am. Let me down and I shall explain further."
"Alright, but no more trying to attack me." He released him, removing his hat. "As you can see, you're not going to get much blood out of me."
"A skeleton?" he asked with some disbelief.
"No need to sound shocked, sir. Ther are many more of my type back where I come frrom, plus many other strange creatures. You'll learn more about them. Now, what is your name?"
"Levar," he replied simply. "Levar de Masquerade.
"Ah, Levar. Intriging. Come along then, how about we move somewhere where we can discuss this state of affairs a little better?"
"I know a place. Follow me." Levar hurried from the alley way, hurrying down the street. "A cafe not far from here. Just around the block." He turned a corner. "Just up there."
Jack said nothing, just followed him into the little cafe. He took a seat and they both ordered a coffee. He sat across from the vampire, observing him. Slightly tanned skin with a strange luminescence to it. Eyes that shone like diamonds. Levar pulled out a pair of tinted sunglasses, putting them on.
"Thanks for reminding me," he said.
A nod. "Whatever." He leaned forward. "Now, tell me more about yourself. What are you?"
"I already said, a vampire. I was created in late 18th century France by another of my kind."
"There are others?"
"Yes. Some have been around for thouands of years, and others are legend in themselves."
"Thousands? Then why didn't Halloween know of them sooner? I myself have existed for nearly 500 years, but I still haven't ever crossed your path in all those days. This is my first encounter with one of you."
"We keep hidden well. The only reason I came to you was because I thought you were a mere mortal trying to do me harm. It was my original purpose to destroy you."
"Which you'd never succeed in doing," Jack replied.
"You indeed are quite powerful," Levar nodded. "Your mental capabilities are quite phenomenal. I've never seen anyone do what you did to me. I couldn't even move. Can you do other things like that?"
"Oh yes. I don't like to though. It feels like I'm bragging or something. I know I'm quite powerful though. I have the ability to blast this entire planet if I wanted to. But I don't use my powers--only in cases like tonight and when my own existence is endangered. But you have side-tracked me; continue on about yourself."
"What's to tell? I drink blood for a living. I'm immortal."
"Is it true that you can't go into the sunlight?"
"Yes."
How long has your type existed?"
"Since the days of early Egypt."
A frown from Jack. "There has got to be information about you! Why wasn't I informed earlier?"
"Does this create problems for you now?"
"Well, various things will have to be worked out. Had you been a normal type of vampire, you would most likely be living in Halloween. But your type isn't exactly normal. You can't even go in the sun. The guys back in town can go out in the brightest of day, provided they've got some type of shade. A hat maybe, or an umbrella. How strange...I really must speak to them..." Levar leaned back in his seat, throwing an arm around the back. "You keep going on about this Halloween place. What is it exactly?"
"The place where Halloween is created. We create the entire holiday, and I am high ruler of it all..."
"....the Pumpkin King," Levar cut in. "Yes, I remember you said that earlier. So you're in charge of the holiday? What about the other ones?"
"You mean like Easter and all? Oh, they have their own worlds as well. We try not to get them confused though. A few years back I ended up getting Halloween and Christmas all mixed up. Nearly got Santa Claus killed."
A laugh from the vampire. "Santa? Come now, you must be delusional..."
He shook his head. "Monsiuer de Masquerade, I do not joke. Do not play with me."
"No, of course not." He put on a straight face. "So what else do you do? I'm quite interested."
"We go scaring."
"Scaring?"
"Yes, it's all part of the job. We scare humans, it's our specialty."
"You do it yourself."
A laugh. "Of course! What would be the fun of living in Halloween if I didn't? It's kind of like you and blood drinking; it's what I live for. Just the thrill of the scare."
This was a comparison he could understand. "Like the excitement of the kill," he said quietly, tumbling the words over in his mind. "Yes, I see." He took his arm down from the back of the chair, moving closer towards the Pumpkin King. "You must show this place, this delightful little town of yours. Prove to me there are other demons like ourselves."
A laugh now. "Demons? I don't think I'd call us that exactly. We're not evil or anything. Most of us are quite nice, except for the scattered pure evil one. I know I've dealt with a number of them in my day. Demons exist, oh yes. And it's not like we work for the devil or anything. We help him, but never, ever, work for him."
"You're saying that he exists then?"
"Of course, Levar. I've met the guy. Nice, but crappy at poker. Yes, he exists, and yes, God exists as well. But really, Satan isn't as horrible as he's made out to be. He's not so much as in control of the ghosts and the monsters and things like that. Oh, no. That's me, all me. I'm in power of those things. And when it comes to all things spoooky or scary, then yes, that's me as well. Of course, Satan has come up to me in the past and asked for help with the occasional possession or stuff like that. I'll lend him a hand once in a while, lend him the use of some of our best demons. I myself have done such things for him. But quite frankly, I don't like to. He's screwed up in the head, I'm telling you, he's fgot some really weird ideas. That's why don't spend as much time together as we used to. He more or less creates the things that God wouldn't, like murder and rape and crime. That sort."
"But he has nothing to do with Halloween?"
"No, nothing. Just about as much as God himself does, and I don't think he'd ever want to be involved in it in any way."
He nodded. "So God exists...how sure are you, though?"
"Completely," he replied at once. "Fully. Trust me, he does."
Levar wanted to know more. "Jack, you must show me this fairy-tale land of yours. I need to know more! Meet these vampires you have mentioned, learn more about these things you speak of."
"Alright then, we can leave at once if you like. We simply need to go to the nearest graveyard from here, just a block or so away."
"Come then, let's not waste another hour of the night. We must go now."
"Of course."
Levar threw a bill onto the table, standing up. "Come," he told him. "Before it gets any later."
A chuckle from the king as they set on their way. "You don't honestly think of me as some Well of Wisdom do you? Cause really, I don't know the answers to these question any more then you do."
"But you're a wise man, you know more of the answers then I myself do. Tell me, are you immortal as well?"
"No, I'm not. I've been around for over 500 years, though, and I'll be around for at least another 300 yet. Technically we're all supposed to be dead, but in some ways, we're not. For example, we still have the ability to reproduce. That's really quite odd, actually, how that's possible, especially for a sekelton such as myself. I have a daughter you see, besides three adopted kids. But I don't really care about that. Something we were never destined to understand, I suppose."
"You're born into the world, like humans?"
"Yes, we all are in Halloween Town. As I've previusly mentioned, I have a daughter of my own, and three more adopted children. My own parents were both dead before I was 8. That's when I took possession of the throne."
Levar nodded. "I really must know more about all this."
"And you'll learn it all my friend, within good time. But later; we've arrived at the graveyard by now."
"How do we do it then?"
"Quite easily--in through that mausoleum over there. It'll take us to where we need to go."
He headed over, pulling open the door and allowing the King to step inside. "After you."
A nod. "Thanks." He lead them down through a long and twisting tunnel, Jack holding a torch that had previously been perched upon the walls. Levar was silent as he looked about, wondering what he could expect. How he wanted to simply read this character's mind, learn everything for himself. Not possible though. He had already cut off any access to his mind, pulling a mental veil down. How he hated when people did that. Was he walking into a trap here? And if he was, would he be able to get out of it? He was an enormously powerful vampire, having shared in the blood of the oldest vampires to ever roam the earth. Yet this skeleton was just as strong or stronger then he! And what about these other creatures having been mentioned? Ghosts and witches and the such. Others like him! Spawn of the devil, creatures of the immortal night! He had to know more about it all. Up ahead, Jack himself was wondering numerous things. Who was this creature exactly? Was he doing the wrong thing by bringing him into Halloween like this? He didn't believe so, but he could never be sure. It could all be one big lie. And if this Levar person had some sort of trick up his sleeve, would he be able to avoid it? Would he and his superior powers be able to avert it? He knew that he had an advantage here with that regard. His powers were highly advanced, and even though he didn't use them much he had the ability to do many things. His mental capabilities were enormous. Though Levar's mind was tightly closed, Jack had managed to wheedle out some information, the names of others like himself. Danny had been one, as well as Melissa, and Julian. Also the names of two particular ones, his own fledglings; Nicki and Christina. Apparantly the former had killed himself, also having been Levar's former friend and lover. Christina had supposedly been killed by others like them, pushed into the direct sunlight. A woman in a child's body she'd been. That had been all he'd been able to collect. Hopefully he'd get more later.
It wasn't long till they came to the other end. Jack stopped. "Ready?" he asked his new vampire friend. A simple nod, and he pushed open the door. "Here we are then. Welcome to my humble home."
Levar tried to hide his amazement, but his mind couldn't hide its thrill. It was wonderful here! A huge graveyard, with hundreds of old headstones. In the distance stood a hill with a curl at the end, and a pumpkin patch lay directly underneath that. "Nice isn't it?" he asked. "My dear, this is nothing. We still have to get to town."
"Yes, of course...I'm kind of amazed at all this actually. You live here?"
"Of course, where else would I live? This is my home. Now hurry up, or the su will be already risen by the time we get there."
"Right." They hurried along on their merry way, out of the graveyard and down the dirt path. Levar was admiring the landscape, marvelling at everything.
"It looks it's best at nighttime," Jack said as he read the vampire's thoughts. "You know, with the moonlight and stuff. Being creatures of darkness, we prefer the night."
"Yes, the night," Levar said quietly. "I know much about it."
"I would imagine." He stopped then, pointing ahead of him. "There it is!" he cried. "Halloween Town."
Levar was amazed. It was amazing to him, with it's dark shadows and looming houses. He clapped happily, hurrying up the path the the front gate. With a chuckle Jack pulled out a key, inserting it into the lock. Turning it, the gate creaked open, and the vampire stepped inside. He uttered a low moan of astonishment. "
"It's amazing," he said. "Better then I had imagined it. An entire world of dark beings like myself!" Though it was quite late in the night a number off people still hurried about; werewolves and witches, ghosts and demons. "You must introduce me to them," he begged the King.
A nod. "Follow me then." He waved to the group of werewolves, beckoning them over. They came over as asked, wondering who the strange new visitor was. "My good friends, I'd like you to meet a new friend of mine; his name is Levar de Masquerade. Levar, these are the werewolves."
A charming smile as he held out his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said.
"What kind of creature are you?" asked one of them.
"A vampire," he replied. "But according to Jack, a different breed of vampire. I don't quite understand it myself, but I'm pleased to meet you anyways."
"Levar is going to be visiting us for a while, learning more about Halloween Town. We'll be off now, see you tommorrow." He and Levar headed off down the street, past various other groups.
"Wow," he sighed. "Jack, I couldn't possibly be in any greater heaven right now. This place is like a dream to me!"
"You can stay around for a while if you choose to," offered the King. "My basement makes a good hiding place for you throughout the day, and tommorrow night we could hold a big gathering so you could meet everyone and learn more about our fair town. What do you say?"
A smile. "I'd love to. Do you have a coffin I could rest in?"
He laughed. "My friend, you're talking to the Lord of the Night here. Of course I do."
"Lord of the Night? I thought that was me."
He shook a bony finger at him. "Tut, tut. You are but another creature of the darkness. I am still the ruler of Halloween."
"Don't expect me to take orders from you, though. I have never obeyed commands very easily, you must know that."
"Of course." He paused. "Would you like to journey to my home with me, meet my family? I believe Sally is still awake, she promised she'd wait up for me. The children are probably already asleep though..."
"Sally?"
"Yes, my wife. We have three adopted children, Lock, Shock, and Barrel, as well as our newborn daughter, Kyrene. I think Kyrene will be asleep, but I'm still sure they'll all be delighted to meet you."
A nod. "I'd like to meet them as well."

It didn't take long to meet them. Jack let them inside the house, not surprised to find a soft light radiating from the living room. "Sally?" he called. "Are you awake?"
"In here," she called. "Did you find him?"
"Indeed I did," he replied as he stepped into the room. She sat in a rocking chair, a quilt covering her legs. "Darling, meet Levar de Masquerade." The vampire stepped in beside him, taking Sally's hand and kissing it softly.
"Charmed, I'm sure."
She smiled as he stood up. "How lovely. What sort of creature would you happen to be?"
"A vampire, madam," he replied, enchanted by her gentle beauty. "Although not the type you're used to."
"Yes, you can't bear the rays of the sun," she replied. "So Jack has told me. Quite strange, really."
"So I'm beginning to think."
Jack motioned for his guest to take a seat, which he did. Meanwhile he sat on the piano bench, peering at the vampire. "I do hope you enjoy your stay here, Levar. It's a nice place, I think you'll enjoy it."
"I do as well."
That was when they saw three firgures at the foot of the stairs. Jack looked up at the clock. "Lock, Shock, and Barrel, isn't it a bit late for you to be up?"
The oldest child, the girl, just frowned. "We heard voices."
"Who's he?" asked Barrel as he pointed towards the stranger.
"Please allow me to introduce myself," said Levar as he stood up, bowing deeply. "Levar de Masquerade, 18th-century vampire."
"Monsieur de Masquerade will be visiting us for a while," Jack said. "I trust you'll do all you can to make him feel at home."
"Of course," they chorused, each taking a seat. Lock and Barrel sat on the floor, while an entranced Shock sat next to Levar. He gave her a smile.
"You're Shock," he said, before she had even introduced himself.
"How'd you know that?" she asked.
He tapped his head. "Read your mind. I also know how old you are and a great deal many more things about you already."
She was amazed. "That's cool. Read Barrel's mind."
"He's the youngest one of you three, over there by Jack."
Barrel wasn't pleased with having his thoughts read. "Don't do that," he insisted. "I don't like it."
"Levar," insisted Jack, "they're not used to seeing these types of powers displayed."
"You've never shown them your own?"
"Only very rarely."
A nod. "Guess I shouldn't try flying then."
"FLYING?" cried Lock. "Cool!" Jack just gave him a look, and he was quiet.
The King began to tap at the keys of the piano. "We're really quite a common folk," he continued.
"An ordinary family. I, for one, do not find enjoyment in flaunting my powers."
"Oh, come on, Jack," begged Shock. "At least show him how well you can play the piano."
Levar raised an eyebrow. "You are talented musically?"
"Yes. I can play several instruments."
"Show me."
A shrug. "Alright then." He swung around to face the piano, the tails of his jacket falling down behind him. "I'll start off with a favourite piece of mine." His fingers rode up and down the keys as he played the introduction to the song, like that of a master. Levar nodded his head, scratching his chin.
"Bach," he said. "The Fugue in C Minor. Wonderful piece, wonderful composer. Know Beethoven's ninth?"
"All of it. I like to play him when I'm in a dreary mood." He turned back to the keys, playing once more. The music swirled around the room, and Levar shut his eyes as he leaned back against the sofa. His fingers kept time to the music, and he marvelled at Jack's playing abilities. "You're very good," he said when Jack paused. "What other instruments can you play?"
"He does real good on the volin," Barrel piped.
That immedaitely snapped the vampire into alert. "The violin. Oh, Jack, you must play a little. The violin is such a special instrument to me."
A nod. "Very well." He rose, pulling the violin down from on top of the piano. He perched it on his shoulder, pulling the bow over the strings. It produced a marvelous, liquid sound, and Jack played it with an energy Levar had never seen before. Not even in his old friend, Nicki. He sighed contentedly, as a dark and melancholy tune enveloped him. Jack swayed in time to the music, his eyes closed. The music seemed to pour from his very soul, capturing the entire room in his spell.
When at last he stopped, Levar eyed him curiously. "I've never heard that one," he said. "Where is it from?"
A shrug. "I don't know. I just started to play."
"It's amazing, you ought to try composing as well." He glanced out the window; the early rays of the sun were appearing. "The dawn is fast approaching," he said. "Where shall I take shelter suring the day light?"
Jack set the volin back in its case. "In the basement. Follow me." Levar rose and followed him to the stairs, heding downwards. "It gets slightly chilly down here, hope you can take it," you could here the King saying.
Shock just marevelled silently as she sat back in her chair. "Wow. That's amazing. A vampire."
A nod from Sally. "Indeed. But I've spent the entire night up. I'm going to bed for a few extra winks."
Jack appeared at the top of the stairs. "Didn't need any help," he said as he shut the door behind him.
Sally just gave her husband a kiss. "I was just on my way to catch up on the sleep I didn't get last night."
"Good idea," he yawned. "As for me, I should change and go to work."
"Can we come?" begged the three children."
"Sure. But don't blame me if you get tired."
"We won't they chorused. "C'mon, let's change!"
Jack gave his wife another kiss as the kids ran away. "You don't mind being here by yourself, do you?"
"With Levar here? No, he's just another vampire. A weak one, though, he can't even stand the rays of the sun."
A laugh. "He believes himself to be quite strong, but in reality I myself am a lot stronger."
"Without a doubt," she replied. "C'mon, I'll walk upstairs with you."
A smile as he took her arm. "Thank you, my darling. An honour to have your company."
"As always," she replied.
He just laughed. "Don't push your luck."

Levar sat on the basement floor, his knees pulled up to his chest. So this was Halloween Town. He loved it, almost as much as he loved New Orleans. The sun wouldn't be up for a while yet; he just wanted to get away and think by himself for a while.
Jack's family was indeed quite charming. The woman he called Sally was simply charming. The kids were quite interesting as well--but he particularly liked the girl named Shock. He felt a strong allure for her. For her blood, his mind screamed. He silenced his thoughts. Nonsense, he could hever do any harm to the Skellington girl. It would be nice to get a word in with her though, get to know her. He suspected that there was much to learn about her.
He couldn't wait, though, for tommorrow night. To meet the rest of the creatures in this town. Particularly the vampires. He wiould feed first, quickly journey to the the human world. The thirst was getting quite unbearable now, but he would make due til then. But he must not put it off when he woke up; not a moment, Or else, he might end up hurting on e of these beloved creatures. He yawned, glancing around the room. Spotting a simple wood coffin against one wall he headed over to it, opening it up. Nothing fancy; just some wood formed in the shape of a box. But he didn't need fancy. Hopping into the box he pulled on the cover, closing his dark eyelids and falling into his eternal slumber.

The first thing Jack did upon reaching Town Hall that morning was talk to the vampires. He waved to them, heading over. "Hello, friends," he said. "I was wondering if I could speak with you."
"Of course!" cried one in a french accent. "Fire away!"
"Well, I was out in the human world last night scaring when I came across the most bizarre creature--a vampire like yourselves, except he can't go out in the sun," Jack told them. "Think you can explain this?"
"Simple!" cried a fat vampire. "See, he's like this because he was created by a human vampire. That simply means that the vampire who made him lived in the mortal world. Had he been created by one of us, he'd share the same qualities as us. But he wasn't. So his blood allows for certain things. The sun isn't included on that list."
"But our Halloween sun--it's the same as the Halloween sun, no?"
"Of course," replied a third vampire. "Exactly the same. The U.V. factor and everything, except for the fact that it looks like a pumpkin."
"Yes, yes I see," he nodded. "Umm, thank-you. I appreciate your time fellows."
"No problem, Jack!" they chorused as they headed off. He just scratched his chin. How very odd this all was.
"Ah, Jack," exclaimed the mayor as he came over. "What's new?"
"Plenty," he replied. "Last night I found a new creature."
"For real?" the mayor cried.
"Indeed," he replied. "Actually, he's here right now, asleep in my mansion."
"REALLY?" the little man said happily. "Wow, what type of creature is he?"
"A vampire. A different breed of vampire. He can't go out in the sun or anything."
"That's strange," came the baffled answer.
"Indeed. Levar is an interesting character."
"Levar, that's his name?"
"Yep. He'll be up by sunset."
"Wonderful."
A nod. "Yes. We'll hold a town meeting this evening, introduce Levar to them. Besides, there are some other affairs to be tended to regarding Halloween."
"Yes, sir. I'll get right started on that."

When Levar woke up once again, he knew that it was dark outside. He pushed the lid off the coffin, the thirst demanding human blood. "Alright, alright," he muttered. "Give me a chance."
Heading ustairts he opened the door, heading out the way he had come in last night. Passing through the kitchen, he followed the woman named Sally. She glanced at him, momentarily shocked. He glanced at his hands; he was awfully pale.
"Are you sick?" she asked him. He shook his head.
"No, thirsty. I must go get the blood I need to survive. I'll be no more then half an hour. Is that all right with Jack?"
"Certainly. We'll all be at Town Hall. Will you need directions?"
"No, I can find my way there. Thank you, ma'am."
"No problem, Levar. See you there."

As he said, it took no more then half an hour to feed. His skin was nnot nearly as pale now, and he was full. He managed to find the hall by reading people's minds. He found Jack standing outside, waiting for him. He recieved a smile. "Good evening, Levar," he said. "Have a nice snack?"
"Yes, thank-you," he replied.
"Wonderful. Anyways, what's going on tonight is basically just a town meeting. You can introduce yourself, and then take a look around while we conduct some other business. Is that alright?"
"Perfectly, yes."
"Wonderful. Let's go inside then." Without hesitation Jack swiung open the door, revealing all of Halloween Town sitting inside. He nodded to his people as he headed for the stage, waving Levar up. Both took the stairs, and Jack took the podium.
"I'm glad you could all make it tonight," he said with a smile. "First of all, I want you to meet our new visitor, Levar de Masquerade. He'll be visiting us for a while." Applause. "Lestst, would you like to introduce yourself?"
A nod. "I'd love to." He didn't need the mike, as he could project his voice quite well. "My name, as your King said, is Levar. I am a vampire, although a different breed of vampire. You will never see me out in the day, as the rays of the sun could kill me. I have been studying your little town, and I moust admit that it's quite lovely. A quaint little town, nice and cozy. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better."
Applause as Jack stepped to the mike. "Thanks, Levar." A nod, as the vampire hopped down fom the stage. Stopping to shake the hands of a few townspeople he headed outside, as Jack picked up talking about Halloween plans.
Standing outside now, he closed his eyes for a breief second. Reopening them quickly he looked up to the sky, as he began to float upwards. Up, body, he willed himself silently. Forward. He took off, heading in a straight line. Turn. Left. Right. His body followed every command. He didn't enjoy travelling this way, but it was better then walking.
It took no time at all before he had reached his location; the graveyard. After setting himself upon the ground he looked around, until he finally saw what he wanted to see; the young Skellington girl, sitting upon a spiral hill. He smiled to himself, starting up the hill. "Good evening, my lady," he said with a smile. She looked up, surprised to see him. "Oh, Mr. Masquerade, I never saw you..."
"Please, call me Levar. Might I sit with you?"
"Um, sure."
He lowered himself down so that he was sitting next to her. He smiled. "Nice town you have here," he said. "I rather like it."
"Really? Why's that?"
"Well, for most of my life I've been living in the human world, an other-world creature living amongst mortals. never thought that there could be beings like myself, creatures that weren't human. Now that I've found Halloweentown though, I finally feel as if I fit!"
"Will you stay then?"
He was silent for a moment. "I don't know," he said at last. "I love Halloween very much...but my life is back in New Orleans. Tim and Danny...they're both there."
"Who are they?
"Other vampires, both of them whom I created."
"Wow," she sighed. "Did you create any others?"
His face darkened at that. "Yes. My first creation, I have no idea where she is. Melissa, my mother. Then there was Nicki, my mortal friend. He killed himself, to my dismay. Then there was Christine..." Shock could tell that his heart was breaking. "Ah, Christine. A horrible mistake I made when I created her. I must have been half mad at the time. Just a child she was...just a little girl. She was murdered, in the end, by others of my kind."
"I'm so sorry...."
He waved a hand at her. "Don't be. Not your fault." A smile. "Tell me more about yourself though, Shock."
"Why don't you just read my mind and find what you want?"
"I already have, actually. I know all about your biological parents, how they abandoned you and your brothers, your last boyfriend that moved away..."
"Ira," she said. "Yes, Ira. I miss him a lot."
"I know that, too," he replied. "I understand perfectly what it's like to loose someone you love a great deal."
"He was the best though. I hardly got to know him. I do know, however, that I loved him a great deal. God, did I ever....."
He put an arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry about him now." He traced the flesh of her neck with his finger. "I'm sure you'll meet him again. And when you'll do you'll both live happily ever after."
"Can you see the future?"
He shook his head. "No. This is just instinct." He lowered his mouth to her ear. "I can take you to him if you wish, Shock," he said. "I can take you to see Ira in Christmas Town."
Her heart skipped a beat, and he enjoyed listening to this difference. "Really?"
"Yes. We can fly there, together. You don't have to, though, if you don't want to."
"Oh, I don't know," she said. "Oh...no, I can't. Thanks, Levar, but...I can't. It'll open another wound for me. Cause more trouble then it's worth. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the thought, but...I simply couldn't." A smile. "I'm sure you're telling the truth though. I trust you."
"I'm glad," he said as he glanced at her neck once more. He could see the veins, full of life.
A chuckle. "You're wondering what my blood tastes like," she said.
He just smiled. "Not anymore." He lowered his fangs to her neck, puncturing the soft skin. She let out a soft cry, soon relaxing in his strong arms. She groaned slightly, the sensation pleasing to her. His blonde hair tumbled over his shoulder, dangling before her face. She just closed her eyes, smiling dreamily. He drank for a moment, before biting his tongue and allowing the blood to drip on the wounds. Instantly they vanished.
She opened her eyes slowly, still laying in his arms. "That--that was..simply wonderful," she told him. "Words along cannot describe it. Tell me, does my blood taste good?"
A grin crossed his face. "Actually, yes. The blood of an inncocent."
She laughed. "Innocent? Hardly! Maybe Halloween people simply taste better."
He shrugged. "I don't know." He played with her hair. She was a lovely young girl. In the days when he was a young mortal man, he could very easily have fallen in love with her, perhaps wedded her. She was 16; he himself looked no more then 20.
"How much about me do you really know?" she asked.
"I didn't steal much, just some basic facts. That's because I'd like to talk with you more."
"Stay around for a while, we can do that."
"I'd like that," he said as he stood up. "Care to join me back to town?"
A smile. "I'd love to."

A while later Shock sat on her bed, writing an entry in her journal. She sighed dreamily as she shut the book, lying on her back as she stared up at the ceiling. This Levar character was quite interesting, she felt a stong like towards him; your typical teenage crush. He was so wonderful. Good looking, intelligent...and so mysterious. Who was he? Where did he come from? How did he become who he was? It was all so strange. And the way he drank her blood; she hadn't forseen that happening. She touched her neck softly, where his fangs had been. It had been so unexpected, yet it had given her such an unbelieveable rush.
A sudden knock came at the door. "Who is it?" she called. In stepped Sally, who smiled at her.
"Shock? Just wondering where you were. I didn't see you at the meeting tonight."
"No, I was in the graveyard."
"Ah, I see. Have you gotten a chance to speak with our visitor yet?"
"Yes, I have."
"He's a nice man."
"I already know."
Sally smiled as she closed the door, sitting on the bed. "What're ya hiding?"
A shrug. "Nothing. Something. Never know."
"It's something." Her grin grew bigger. "You like him."
Shock's turn to smile. "Yeah."
"I knew it. I suppose he's rather nice-looking."
"Duh! He's gorgeous!"
"I'm not much of a judge with that stuff; Jack is the most perfect looking guy to me."
"I actually used to have this huge thing for Jack, before he ever adopted me and my brothers. That's over now though."
"Really? How amusing!" A pause. "Is that where Levar went tonight though? To see you?"
"Yeah. We had a nice talk, he's rather friendly."
"Indeed." She stood up. "Anyways, I'll be off now. I'm going to bed. Jack will be going soon, seeing as it's nearly 3 AM. He's just speaking with Levar."
"Right. I'll be off too then."
"Good night then." A wave as she disapeered though the door, closing it too behind her. Shock chuckled happily as she rose from her bed, dancing across the room to find her nightdress. Pulling off her shirt she pulled the black gown on, unbuckling her jeans and pulling them off. After tossing these items in her closet she pulled a comb though her hair, satisfied.
"Lovely nightgown," came a voice from directly behind her. She gasped, whirling around to find Levar.
"Oh my God! How long have you been there?" she cried.
A shrug. "Long enough."
"I thought you were talking with Jack."
"He had to go do something, I don't know what."
"You know, he'd kill you for spying on me like that." She flashed him a flirtatious smile. "I should probably do it myself. I was wearing pretty much nothing, besides my bra."
He shrugged once again. "And a lovely one it is too. Black."
"You're a nasty little man."
"I already know. My impulsive side. I've gotten myself in a great deal of trouble for that."
"How?"
"Well, not too long ago I turned a mortal friend of mine into a vampire, totally against his will. I wanted to do it so bad....so I did it. He hated me for a while, yes, but he got over it. Then there was the time I nearly got the entire vampire race killed. There are many more such instances."
"You'd better keep this impulsive side of yours to yourself."
"I already know you enjoy it, Shock. I can read your thoughts, remember?"
She pouted. "No fair. Don't play that trick on me."
"Alright, no more. But you know I'm right."
"So what?" She turned down the sheets of her bed. "I really want to talk more tommorrow."
"Yes, as do I. There are so many things I'd like to talk about, Shock. We'll have a blast, just talking and having fun."
"I'd like that," she said as he hopped beneath the covers. "It's time for bed now, Levar. Unlike you, I'm not a nocturnal creature of the night. I can actually go out into the sunlight."
A frown. "Yes, I know. I wish I could actually go out into the sun....but oh well. Good-night." He gave her a kiss upon the forehead as she snuggled down. "See you tommorrow night, princess."
"Tommorrow," she whispered as she closed her eyes.
He stood there, watching as she fell asleep. A smile fell upon his face as she drifted off. He gave her one last kiss upon the cheek, before drifting silently from her room and back towards the den.

It was around 4 AM when Jack found Levar once again. "Ah, Levar, here you are," he said. "I'm sorry, some last minute things came up. Anyways, I'm off to bed now. I would stay up to keep you company, but I can't last without sleep, I've gone two days without it so far."
A laugh. "Of course, Jack. Don't worry about me, I'll just wander around Halloweentown."
"That's fine then. Goodnight, my friend."
A nod. "Sleep well, sir."
Jack nodded, heading upstairs towards the master bedroom.
Levar heaved a sigh as he stepped out upon the balcony. He looked up towards the sky, the eternal night. His mind wandered to various things; His friends in the human world, Shock, his past...too many things. He just shook his head as he ordered himself up into flight. Midas well see what there was to see in this town.

Levar found a nice little bar by 4:30 and stepped inside, even though the alcohol was in no way appealing to him. He just liked the night scene, places like this where he could be with people. He was just sitting at the bar when someone approached him from behind.
"Mr. Masquerade?"
He whirled around, to find another vampire. "Oh, hello," he smiled as he stood up. "So pleased to meet you."
"They pleasure's mine," came the reply. "Can I sit?"
"Go for it." Levar eyed the stranger carefully. These vampires had a much different style then him. They dressed in long black robes with red and black capes, high collars framing their neck. Their skin was pale as well, but not nearly as pale as his own. The vampire smiled.
"Allow me to introduce myself; Dale Vampula."
They shook hands. "Lovely to meet you. There is much to be discussed, as I am greatly interested in you."
"Indeed. So, what's this about you not being able to go out in the sun?"
"You've already explained most of it; I simply can't go into the light. None of my breed can. I have tried it before, and I should have been killed. But at this point in my life, I am too strong to be weakened by the sun's rays. All it did to me was give me a slight tan, and even that's mostly faded by now."
"What else can kill you?"
"Fire, most definately. Perhaps the currently fashionable wooden stake through the heart, but that I doubt. All I'd have to do is pull it out and my flesh would heal itself once again. A bit of blood lost, but that's always easy to make up for."
Dale was deeply intrigued. "How do you make another of our kind?"
"First the victim must be nearly totally drained of all blood. Then they must drink my own, or that of any vampire willing to bring them to the dark side. It sounds easy, but it's pysically exhausting. Kind of like mortals and their act of making love."
A casual nod. "Fascinating, it truly is. In order for me to make another of my kind, all I need to do is take three small sips of their blood. That does the trick."
Levar frowned. "Why that's ubsurd. How on earth could that ever work? But never mind that now. Can you eat?"
"Yes, anything I want."
"Besides the blood."
"Yes. I don't neccessarily need blood, but I still love it."
He nodded once again. "Do you feed like us then?"
"Hows that? I just drink their blood. I have my two front fangs, I drive them into the person's flesh, and I drink the blood. That's all."
"One similarity then," he remarked. "But this whole affair with the sun and all, it's driving me mad! Why can't I stand it? I hate it!"
"Then test yourself," came the answer. "Try it. Stand outside, close to your daytime resting place. See if it does anything. Perhaps it's the sun here that makes all the difference."
An interested nod. "Yes, I understand." He stood up. "Thank-you, Dale. I've enjoyed talking you you, but I must be off now."
A smile as he ordered up a beer. "Certainly, my friend. Have a good evening."
Levar just gave a little wave, heading off into the night.

Levar wasn't going to tell anyone his plan; he was going to subject himself to the rays of the sun on his own, without anyone to hinder him. If it did harm him, he'd run to the basement. Just like that. He stood now on the balcony, waiting for the sun to rise. It wouldn't be too much longer, he thought. Then he'd know.
He was still standing there 15 minutes later when the first rays of morning appeared. He stood waiting for the familiar burning senstation to appear, the same feeling that effected him whenever hestayed out too long. But nothing. His eyes welcomed the sight of the sunrise, something he hadn't seen in ages. He began to weep, reaching toward the ball of fire in the sky. Rays of light danced around him, and he joined them. The sun, the sky! At last, here they were, and he wasn't being burnt! The sun shone brightly into his eyes as it rose, nearly blinding him. But he welcomed it, he gloried in it. At last, he had found the sun! And he was still alive!
He was near fainting in his pleasure when it struck him. The belts of fire tearing up his body, the same burning that the mortal son had brung him so many time before. He buckled over in his pain, now sobbing with sorrow. So quick it had been. So brief, and now it was over. He glanced back at the sun, tears streaming down his face. He blew it a farewell kiss before stumbling into the house and down the stairs towards the basement, collapsing into his coffin.
He fell into his immortal sleep a few seconds later, tear stains still upon his face.

Levar woke early the next night, stretching in his cramped little coffin. His flesh stung a little from the morning sun, but he'd be fine. He wouldn't even mention it to anyone; if anyone happened to bring it up, he'd simply say he didn't mak it indoors quick enough. Rising he pushed the lid aside, trudging up the stairs to where he knew Shock and her family would be sitting.
He was correct; there sat the entire Skellington clan, talking and laughing jokes merrily. "Ah, Levar!" called Jack. "You've awakened. Care to join us?"
He shook his head. "When I come back, perhaps. Right now, it is time to go feed." It really was, as well; the sunlight from that morning had drained him of a lot of energy.
"Yes, of course. It's only around 9, so we'll still be up when you get back."
"Of course. So long." He hurried off, leaving the family once more in their content.

Levar was a bit longer then he had anticipated, and Lock and Barrel had already gone to sleep when he returned. It was around 11 when he stepped inside, blood staining the front of his suit. He frowned.
"My victim tried to get away," he said. "He didn't win, but I still got in an awful mess."
"Oh, dear," said Sally. "Do you have any other clothes?"
He held up a bag. "Right here. Where shall I change?"
"You can take our room," Jack told him. "Shock, would you mind showing him where that is?"
She nodded, jumping up eagerly. "Sure. This way, Levar."
"Thank-you." She led him down the hallway and up a flight of narrow, twisting stairs. She stepped into the tower room, motioning towards her surroundings. "Here it is," she said. "No-one'll bother ya in here."
"Thanks," he said as he leaned over, laying a kiss gently upon her lips. "Don't forget our conversation for later on tonite."
She blushed. "Of course not. After you're changed."
"Wonderful." He headed towards the bathroom. "Wait there, alright?"
"Sure." She watched as he disapeered behind the door.
"I didn't think it proper to change before you," he called out as he pulled of his shirt. "You're only 16, after all."
"Aw," she said with mock disapointment. "Shucks."
He just chuckled. "I wonder, though, how your parents would feel about a relationship between us."
Her heart did a little flip-flop for joy. "I don't think they'd like it," she said. "I want to, but...they wouldn't agree to it. We'd have to be careful they didn't find out."
The door opened and he stepped out, now in a black velvet suit. "I am a master of secrets, Shock," he said. "You should know that by now."
"I should," she agreed. "But your forgetting; I'm a 16 year old girl; you are a 200 year old vampire. We have nothing in common."
"I don't know about that," he replied. "We are more similar then you might think. Give it a chance. I can show you things beyond your wildest dreams." He brushed her hair from her face with one hand, stepping closer. "Please?"
A sigh. "Alright. It's impossible to say no."
He smiled as he kissed her once. "Thank-you," he said. "Come, let's journey downstairs." They hurried down the spiral staircase, to find the family still sitting there.
"My, you look charming," marvelled Sally.
"So do you, madam," he replied.
"Please, just call me Sally. No formalities; it sounds too stiff."
"Sorry." He took a seat next to Lock and Barrel on the sofa, Shock sitting at his feet. "I really like your town though," he said. "I am contemplating finding an apartment or something and moving in. I love being here."
"That would be lovely," Jack said.
"Of course, I'm not sure yet. I have friends in the human world, roommates who are no doubt worried about me. I must go visit them tonight, actually."
"You could bring them along as well," piped Shock.
He shrugged. "I don't know if they'd like that. I must ask them, though. I should do that now, actually." He looked towards the Pumpkin King. "Is it alright if Shock came along with me?"
A shrug from Jack. "Why not? Someone to keep you company." He turned to his daughter. "You be back before sunrise with Levar, okay?"
She nodded. "Right." They stood up, and she gave both him and Sally a kiss on the forehead.
"See you later, then."
Smiles. "Have a lovely evening."
With that the two of them left the house, stepping outside into the night air. "So, are we really going to visit your friends?" Shock asked.
He nodded. "We are. I know they're wondering where I am; it's only fair that I inform them of my location." Upon reaching the street Levar looked around, suddenly grabbing Shock by the waist.
"What are you doing?" she cried.
"Trust me," he answered as they rose into the air slowly.
"Oh my God, we're flying!" she cried. "How are you doing this?"
"Special trick I picked up," he replied as he focused on what he was doing.
"Wow." A laugh as the wind whipped through her hair. She glanced down at the passing scenery; there was the graveyard, not too far ahead. "Didn't Jack say no flying?"
"What he doesn't know can't hurt him."
She let out a dissapointed sigh a few moments later as he lowered them to the ground. "Done already?"
"Sorry," he smiled. "From here we're going back to New Orleans."
"Right," she replied as she led them to the nearest mausoleum. "Vampires first."

A half hour later they stood outside his home; a fair sized place, two stories tall. It had a victorian feel to it, a wooden fence around the area. "Stay by my side," he directed her. "Don't stray off, for your own safety. When Tim and Danny see you, chances are they're going to think you're an intruder."
She dug her nails into his arm. Alright."
He opened the front door silently, stepping inside. "Hello?" he called. "Anyone here? Perhaps they're out hunting..."
"Here," came a voice suddenly. "Living room."
Levar took her hand, leading her to where the voices had come from. There Shock beheld two more beings; a black haired one, and another one with longer, light brown hair. The one with the shorter hair leapt from his seat upon seeing her. "A mortal," he cried. "Levar, what are you doing?"
"Calm down, Danny," he replied. "It's fine, and if you had eyes you could tell that she isn't a human. Look at her skin."
The other man stared at her from his chair by the fire. "A green tinge. How odd."
She stepped forward, holding out her hand. "The name's Shock, Shock Skellington. I am the Princess of Halloween Town, daughter of the almighty Pumpkin King. Pleased to meet your aquaintance."
He took her hand, shaking it. "Impressive title. I've never heard of a Pumpkin King before, nor of a place called Halloween Town."
"Believe me, it exists," Levar replied. "That's where I've been these past evenings."
"We were getting worried," Danny said with a sigh as he sat back down."
"I know. I apologize, but I was pre-occupied. You really must visit Halloweentown, it's a marvelous place."
A nod from Tim, his luminescent skin glowing. "That's wonderful, Levar," he said. "Could you follow me to the kitchen for a sec?"
Levar stole a glance at Shock, who looked cocerned. He mouthed "Don't worry," and was gone.
She just sighed. "Oh dear," she proclaimed. "I've gone ahead and gotten him into trouble."
Danny just offered her a smile. "No need to fret. Tim's always had a paranoia of mortals coming into our home."
"But I'm not a mortal! I've died once already, doesn't that make a difference?"
He gave her an odd look. "You're telling the truth, aren't you?"
"Absolutely, I don't lie. Only to get my ass out of trouble. But this is not one of those times."
"You're a princess then."
"Yes, I am. And one day I shall be queen. We live in one of the many holiday worlds; in our world we are responsible for creating Halloween."
"I see. Just like Christmas Town would be responsible for creating Christmas?"
"Exactly."
He nodded. "Quite interesting. Don't worry about Levar though; none of this is your fault, and he won't be in too much trouble."
A sigh. "I certainly hope not."

In the kitchen, Tim shot Levar a horrible look. "What are you doing?" he cried. "Disapeering for two days, then bringing back some stranger?"
"She's no stranger," he replied. "Her name is Shock. Just as she said, she comes from Halloween Town."
"Yeah, so I heard," Tim muttered. "But Levar, you can't bring her here!"
"Why not? I love her, Tim."
"Love? She's but a girl! Not even from our world!"
He shook a finger at him. "Don't say that. Technically, we Vampires are all creatures of Halloween; it's us who don't belong here, we should be in Halloween with them."
"Levar..." he growled.
"No, listen to me. She already know what we are, her whole town does. But you see, that doesn't matter, cause there are more of us still! More of us vampires in Halloweentown! There are also witches and ghosts, werewolves and skeletons, all living in that place! We're perfectly safe! You know me perfectly well enough to know that if I felt myself in an dangerous, I'd destroy them all immediately upon seeing them. But I didn't."
A moment of silence. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. Trust me."
"You bring up a good point. Alright, I won't say any more about it then. I still don't like it, but I won't get upset. Tell me more about this place, though."
"Well, there's one person in particular that astonishes me," Levar said. "Shock's father, Jack. Jack is the Pumpkin King, the high ruler of this place called Halloween. And he is powerful, more powerful then the three of us combined. The first night I met him, he pinned me against a wall just by using his thoguhts. It's astonishing! He doesn't like to show off his powers, but I can tell, they're astronomical!"
"More then your own?" asked Tim curiously.
"Far more!"
"Can he fly, like you?"
"I'm not sure, as he wouldn't show me."
"Hmmm," he muttered. "Find out. It's quite curious."
"Yes, I will. Come, let's go back to the living room."
A nod as they did so, finding Shock and Danny in mid-conversation. Levar just smiled as he took a seat next to Shock. She knew automatically that he wasn't in trouble. She heaved a sigh of relief to herself, touching his arm softly to let him know that she was pleased.
"Well, I'm glad to know that you're alright, Levar," Tim said. "How long will you be in this Halloween Town place?"
A shrug. "I've no idea. Perhaps for a while, I don't know. Perhaps I'll take up permanant residence there."
That brought a look of alarm, but he quickly swallowed it. "Yes, whatever you please," he said.
"Do let us know how you're making out," Danny said. "Visit us."
"Yes, certainly." He rose, taking Shock's hand. "Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that. We have to be off now, places to see and such..."
"Right," came the reply. "Thanks for putting our fears to doubt."
A nod as he headed for the door. "Good-bye." With that he and his companion were gone, leaving the two vampires.
Tim let out a sigh as he collapsed into a chair. "Oh God," he breathed. "What the hell has he gone ahead and done now?"

Back in Halloweentown Jack and Sally were getting ready for bed. Sally brushed her hair, while her husband hopped underneath the covers.
A sigh from the queen as she glanced at the clock. "It's 12:30," she muttered. "I have no clue when Shock will be back."
"I know," came the reply. "I know something's up between them, I just know it. But I'm not going to interfere. He's a bit old for her, yes, but she'll realize that eventually."
"Well, who cares about age?" questioned Sally. "I mean, I was created by Dr. Finklestein over 500 years after you were even born. That's a huge age gap."
"But at least we look the same age," he replied. "I mean, she's only 16. She's just gotten over Ira, and probably feeling empty right now. I say we let her get over it."
"You're probably right," came the answer as she settled into bed next to him. "Back off for now." She wrapped an arm across his chest, kissing him. "She'll get over it."
"Until then, keep an eye on Levar. I don't want him sucking her blood dry or anything."
"Right." Another kiss. "Good-night, Jack."
A smile as he stroked her hair. "Good-night, my queen."

A while later Shock and Levar walked down a darkened street together, their arms linked. "I don't know though," Shock was saying. "About us, I mean. Jack and Sally'd have a fit if they knew..."
"They don't have to," he replied. "I can just as easily brainwash them."
She shook her head. "No, none of that. I couldn't bear that."
He smiled. "Listen, fear not. Everything'll be perfect. You'll see." A kiss. "I'll prove it to you."
A sigh. "I hope you're right, Levar." She rested her head on his shoulder, his arm around her neck. He began to sing her a song, a soft lullaby. She found herself growing sleepy as she asked him what song it was.
"Something my mother taught me," he replied. "A long time ago, when we were both human."
"Melissa?"
"Yes, Melissa. The woman who gave birth to me, whom I in turn brought into darkness. I haven't seen her in so long..."
"I'm sorry," she told him.
"Don't be," he replied. "It isn't your fault. She was on her death bed when I did it; I just didn't want to see her dead. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been the better thing to do."
"I don't know where my mom is either, or my dad," Shock said quietly. "Jack and Sally aren't my biological parents, you know."
"Really? What happened to make you end up with the King?"
"No folks. Ours ran away when we were really little, left us to live with the town villain. Real little devils we were, until Jack brought us out of it."
"You're happy now though?"
"Yes, and the heir. Although I sometimes feel as if I don't deserve it."
"Oh, hush," he warned her as he stopped walking, his hands on her forearms. "You do. You'll make a fine queen one of these days, I know it." A kiss. "And a beautiful one as well." She blushed, looking at her feet. He just chuckled, laying a finger beneath her chin and bringing her head up. He stared at her for a second or two, before lowering his mouth to hers and sharing in a long and deep kiss. She closed her eyes, allowing him to wrap his fingers in her hair. She wrapped her arms around his waist, enjoying the feel of him there beside her.
He looked into her eyes when he released her, placing his hands on her face. "Never doubt yourself, Shock. I know that much. Never question your talents, your abilities, nothing." He kissed her forehead, closing his eyes as he laid his head on her shoulder. "Oh, what is it with me? How is it that I've fallen in love with a 16 year old girl? I can't quite explain it, really...there's something about you, something I'm magnetically drawn to. Perhaps because we're both creatures of another world. I don't know. But this is a feeling I've never known before, in all my 200 years."
A small smile as she pulled him closer to her. "I know exactly how you feel. How did I ever come to be with a 200 year old vampire? It's strange to me. But who cares? The point is, we're together; that's all that counts." It was her turn to give the kiss this time, long and deep. He gave into it, his hands once more in her hair. He was quite enjoying it, until she pushed him away. "Oh, damn it..." she muttered.
"What?" he asked.
"There," she pointed. He looked to where she was pointing. He saw a man, short and obese with a tall hat.
"So?"
"It's the mayor!" she cried. "Christ, he's already seen the kiss..."
The little man walked a long, giving them a little wave. "Hello, Shock," he said with a smile. "Jack know you're out here?"
"Well, kind of...he knows I'm outside, but not exactly where I am."
He gave Levar a friendly nod, before raising his eyebrows at the heir. "You two seem kind of...close."
"Uh, yeah," she replied nervously, hand behind her neck. "Yeah, we are." She tried to act casual.
"Er...you're not going to tell my folks are ya?"
A shrug. "Why should I care? None of my business."
She let out a happy cry as she threw her arms around the mayor's neck. "Oh, thank you! You don't know how much that means to me!"
"No problem," he said. A glance at Levar. "And how are you this fine evening?"
"Very good, sir," he replied. "Thank-you."
"You do know who this girl is, right?"
"Of course. Shock Skellington, daughter of the Pumpkin King. And now, my girlfriend."
"Just making sure. Anyways, if you're happy, then I'm not going to interupt. I trust you two know what you're doing."
"We do," they replied together.
"Great then. Have a good night."
"Good-bye," they chorused once more, watching as he headed off.
Shock let out a huge sigh as she and Levar walked down the street, heading for the front gates of Halloweentown. "Oh, that was a close one," she breathed. "But you know, we're going to have to spill it to Jack and Sally one day."
A nod. "I know. But for now, let's enjoy it. While we still can."
She smiled as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Sounds good to me."

It was around half an hour to sunrise by the time they got back. Levar decided to wait it out with Shock in the living room, sitting on the sofa. "I had a great time tonght," she was saying. "Thanks."
"So did I," he replied.
She gave him a kiss. "Tommorrow night, let's do it again."
"Of course." He returned the kiss, hands on her face. She let out a small sigh, closing her eyes as she went limp in his arms. She fell back upon the sofa, allowing him to kiss and caress her. His lips found their way down her neck, sending shivers down her spine. He surrounded her in his vampire kisses, his hands sliding down her slender frame. She didn't want him to stop, and reached out for him in protest when he pulled away.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Sally," he said. "Coming downstairs, up early. Quick, sit up." He resumed his postion, and she took hers as she fixed her hair. "Make it look like we're talking," he mumbled.
She nodded. "Sure. So, um, when did you make Tim and Danny?"
"Danny came first," he replied. "I made him when I around 50 years of age, I had been a vampire for around 25 years by that time. I was getting lonely, you see. I lived with him, and the vampire child I had created not long after I made him."
"Christine."
"Yes, Christine. But she and him moved out, and then she was killed. So we didn't talk much after that, until recently. As for Tim, he's my most recent fledgling. Created him by brute force. He's also quite powerful. Almost as strong as me."
Sally appeared then, smiling at the two. "Ah, having a nice quiet chat," she said. "Have a good evening?"
"Yes, madam," Levar nodded. "I was actually just going to head downstairs before the sun rises. Any minute now it'll show."
"Okay then. Sleep well."
"I'll show you off," Shock volunteered as she walked him to the door as Sally went to open the drapes.
He headed to the the door, opening it up so that both of them were shielded. He then kissed her goodnight, smiling at her.
"See you tommorrow night," he said quietly. "Don't forget."
"I won't," she promised as she returned the kiss. "Love you, Levar."
"Love you too, Shock." He gave a little wave as he let her go, closing the door behind him as he slipped into the basement. Shock just sighed, heading back over to the sofa. Sally smiled at her daughter.
"You're going out," she grinned.
A startled cough. "What?"
"You're seeing each other."
"What? No way!"
"Come on, admit it. I can tell."
A frown. "How could you?"
She laughed. "Oh, please! The way you two were looking at each other, the way he looked at me as if he had a secret...it was so obvious." Another grin. "The way you were kissing behind the door...the way you must have been doing the same on the couch, judging from your hair."
"You knew about that?"
"Of course. Type of stuff me and Jack used to do. Stuff we still do."
"You're not going to get upset though, are you?"
A small smile. "Of course not. It's kind of cute I suppose, in an odd sort of way. Also somewhat disturbing. He's quite older then you, as you've most likely already realized. And it makes me wonder how far you've gone with him, or any of the other guys you've dated."
"I haven't done what you're thinking about."
She raised an eyebrow. "Are you telling me the absolute truth?"
"Yes. I swear it."
A nod. "I believe you. I mean, I don't mind you kissing, even in front of me, but nothing else."
"I know."
She yawned. "Oh, you must be beat after being out all night."
"I am. I'm going to head upstairs, catch a few winks."
She smiled. "Sure. Good-night."
The girl headed up the stairs, before pausing. "Hey, are you going to tell Jack about this?"
"Yes. He deserves to know."
"Will he be mad?"
"I don't think so. He'll talk to you before the day is over."
"Okay. Night-night."

The next day was an exhausting one. Dead tired, Shock could barely keep focused that day at Town Hall. She saw the mayor again, who just acted as nothing had happened. She thanked him again, and went off to do her work.
Depite the fact that she hadn't slept in nearly two days, she managed to keep up her end of Halloween quite well. In fact, they were able to half an extra 5 minute break between lunch and leaving time. Heaving a huge sigh of relief she took a seat at one of the benches, curling up with the intent of a nap in mind.
"Shock?" came a voice as she drifted off.
She sat up and blicked. "Huh? Oh, Jack. Hi."
"Hey there. Can we talk?"
"Sure," she replied, knowing what he was referring to. He was silent for a moment. "Sally told me," he said at last.
"I know."
"You and Levar, eh? I already saw it coming. Sally and I both did, really. But I never thought...I guess I didn't want to. I didn't want to face the fact that my little girl is all grown up now."
"Jack--"
"No, don't interupt. I'm not done yet." He drummed his long, bony fingers on the seat. "See, most fathers don't want to see their children getting boyfriends and girfriends and such. It means that they're growing up, that soon they're going to be moving out and having their own children. And that's what I'm thinking now. I mean, just look at you. You're a woman now, not the little girl I took into my home 5 years ago. And that kind of saddens me. But still, I know that I can't protect you from the world forever. I could use all my powers as the Pumpkin King to keep you and your brothers protected from the world, but I can't. It just doesn't happen that way. And you don't know this, Shock, because Lock was afraid you'd pick on him; even he has a girlfriend now. A young girl named Jackie. He asked me to tell you that." A sigh. "I guess I'm just starting to miss my kids. Cause they're not kids anymore. They're young adults."
Shock's heart broke as she wrapped her arm around Jack's shoulder. "I'm sorry Jack. I have to admit, I didn't see any of this coming with Levar. I have no idea where it came from, or why it developed so quickly. But I know it's love. I know it. I felt the same thing with Ira, before he left. I still miss him actually. But Lesat..." she paused. "There's something wonderful about him. He's dark and charming and handsome, and he makes me experience emotions I've never felt before."
"Has he kissed you yet?"
"Jack, you know the answer already."
"Yeah, I guess so. More self-denial. I can't picture his lips touching yours. Anyone's lips touching yours." He smiled weakly, touching her face with one of his fingers. "Oh, my dearest Shock...my first daughter. Before you know it, Kyrene will be dating and everything as well."
"That's a long time away, Jack."
"But it'll happen." He took her hand, kissing it gently. "But don't worry about any of it. You have my blessing to see Levar."
"Oh, thank you!" she cried, flinging her arms around him. "I love you, Jack, do you know that?"
A smile. "Thank-you," he replied. "I'm just getting old I guess. Worrying about my daughter."
She pulled away slightly, hands on his shoulders. "Jack, you have no reason to worry for me. I'll be fine. I'm always going to love you, no matter what happens. I promise you."
"That means a lot to me."
She sat back in her seat. "But when you spoke about Lock having a girlfriend now...is that true?"
"Uh-huh. He didn't want to tell you himself. Frightened of being teased. But he's really pleased about it."
"So that's why I haven't seen him around as much," she said as she scratched her chin. "He's with Jackie. I'll talk to him later. But I wouldn't have poked fun at him. No, that would have been mean."
"I guess he just doesn't know when to trust you," Jack grinned. "No surprise, you pick on him for just about everything else."
"He picks on me too!"
A laugh. "Not as much though. Anyway, we'd better be getting back to work now." br>She nodded. "Okay. We've still got lots to do."

Upon arriving home that day, Shock immediately went in search of her younger brother. She found him in his room, sitting on his bed. She knocked on the door, smiling. "Hey little bro," she said. "Can I come in?"
He looked up, surprised to see her. "Huh? Oh, yeah, sure."
"Thanks." She stepped inside, shutting the door and taking a seat beside him. In his hands he held a red ribbion, of which he was twisting around your fingers. She watched him do this for a moment. "Is that Jackie's?" she asked at last.
His breath caught in his throat. "Jack told you?"
"Yep. I don't understand why you were so afriad that I'd make fun of you. Cause I wouldn't have. Good heavens, no. I know what it's like to date someone that you really care about. I know that if you really like this girl, then I have no place to make fun of you."
"Really?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Thanks for not laughing or anything, cause I really like Jackie. I can't describe it, but I do.
She smiled. "That's wonderful. But I have a bit of a secret too. I'm dating someone as well."
"Oh really?" he asked. "Who is he?"
"Levar," she replied.
That caught him off guard. "Whoa, the vampire? He's 200 years old!"
"Yeah, but I love him so much," she sighed. "Jack and Sally already know, of course."
"They get mad?"
"Nope. I was actually very surprised by that."
"Well, I think it's pretty cool. He's a neat guy."
She nodded. "Isn't he? Hey, I want to meet this girl of yours sometime."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I do." A yawn. "Oh, I'm so tired. After supper I'm going to take a nice long nap before Levar rises. I want to be able to spend the night with him."
"You two are spending a lot of time together, aren't you?"
A sly smile. "Yeah, kinda." She stood up. "Anyways, little bro, just remember what I told you. Alright?"
He nodded. "Alright."

Shock took her nap after supper as promised. She slept all through the evening, and was still asleep by the time Levar rose from his immortal sleep. He didn't mind this though; he needed to go out and fed, something he didn't want her to watch him do. Besides, he had some things he had to check up on.
He was an hour or two at that, returning home at around 11:00. She was still resting. Instead, she found her father, sitting in the living and gazing out the window. "Hello, Jack," he smiled.
"Wonderful evening."
"Ah, Levar," he grinned. "It is, isn't it?"
"Indeed."
"You've fed already?"
"Yes. I just wanted to tell you that I've come to a decision. I've decided to stay in Halloween."
He smiled. "Well, how lovely that is! Congratulations, another member of Halloween. I'll work on making you an official citizen if you want."
His eyes grew wide. "Really?"
"Oh, certainly. Here, take a seat." Levar did, taking a chair opposite the King.
"I've already gone house hunting, I'd like to get a small but cozy little house. Put some furnishings from my old houses in it."
"You have more than one?"
A nod. "Yes. Over time, I've aquired a hefty sum of money. Most vampires do. So it's no trouble to me. I've got homes in France, New Orleans, Malibu...oh, all over. But I'd love to live here."
"Well, that's perfectly delightful," Jack said. "I'm sure Shock will be delighted to know this."
"Ah, Shock," Levar breathed. "She's a lovely girl."
"Indeed. My precious daugther." He cleared his throat. "Um....I know that you two are...ah...going out."
"Oh," he said simply. "I see."
"I'm not mad, of course," Jack went on. "No, of course not. I mean, it's Shock decision. But when were you planning on telling us this?"
"Shock was waiting for the right time," the vampire replied.
A smile from the king. "Ah, that's her style. Anyways, Levar, I'm not going to say much about this. Not my place to. But be good to her. Remember, you're a fully grown man; she's only 16, my daughter. Treat her well."
He nodded. "Of course, sir. I love her very much; I could never break her heart, never on purpose." He rose. "Anyways, I'm going to go check on her. See if she's woken up yet."
"Yes, very well. Good night, Levar."
"Good night, Jack."

Shock woke up to the gentle kisses of her vampire love. She smiled gently, returning the kisses.
"Sleep well?" He smiled as he lay beside her, stroking her forehead gently.
A happy little sigh as she wrapped her arm around him, cuddling into him. "Mmm, you feel so good," she sighed. "My big friendly teddy bear."
"I talked to Jack."
"About us?" she asked as she accepted another kiss.
"Yes. He didn't say much, but he's fine with it."
"That's great." A yawn. "Oh, I'm still exhausted."
He touched her cheek softly. "Do you want to sleep some more?"
She shook her head. "No, I want to be with you."
"But you need your sleep. You'll get sick without it."
"But Levar, I love you, I want to be with you."
"And I love you too, and I want what's best for you."
She frowned. "You're not going to let me get up, are you?"
"I'll sit on top of you and prevent you from doing so, if need be."
"I knew it," she sighed. "Well, I'm not going to be able to sleep any more anyways," she said.
He shook his head. "Not if I can help it." He raised his wrist to his fangs, tearing a gash in it.
"Levar, what are you doing?' she cried. "You're going to hurt yourself!"
"No, trust me. You see my blood, right?"
"Yes."
"I want you to drink it."
"Drink it?"
He rolled his eyes. "I just said that. It will put you in a deep sleep, which will only last for a couple of hours. When you rise you will feel well rested and invincible."
"Isn't that how you make more of your kind?"
"Kind of. In order to create another vampire, I must first drain you of most of your blood and then give you my own. This is only going to make you sleep."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, I've done this before. Here, drink it."
"I don't think I can," she said with a quiver in her voice.
He placed his arm underneath her head, opening her jaw softly and holding his wrist to her lips. "Let me help you then."
Her eyes widened as the intoxicating elixir flooded her mouth, swirling inside of her. Instantaneously she reached for his hand, trying to squeeze out more of his blood. He just smiled at her, smoothing down her hair.
He allowed her to remain like this for a few moments, until he pulled himself away. She didn't put up a fight, and her eyelids became heavy. He gave her a kiss before she drifted off. "Good-night, my princess."
A smile. "Goodnight." Her eyes closed, and she was soon asleep.
Levar just stood up, wiping the blood that remained on the corners of her lips with his fingers. It had been the only solution as far as he could tell. He licked at the blood as he headed downstairs, watching as the gash he had made resealed itself. Heading into the kitchen he turned on the tap, washing the remaining blood away. She'd sleep for a couple of hours now, and would feel wonderfully refreshed for days afterwards.
Slowly he headed downstairs, to where Jack remained in the living room. "Sleeping like a baby," he smiled."
"That's wonderful."
The vampire took a seat across from the King, eying him for a second. "You know, Jack," he said after a few moments, "I have a theory about you."
"Which would be?"
"That you are the most powerful being on earth."
That caught him off guard. "Why's that?"
"Because I've seen you in action, and it appears that way to me. I always believed I myself was, and if you are indeed more powerful then it is not so." A grin. "So here's what I'm thinking. I'd like to test your capabilities, see for myself."
A frown. "I don't know, I prefer not to use my powers..."
"Come, on, Jack! Surely you're a bit curious."
That got him thinking. Yes, he was very curious. It was intriguing. "Do you think I should?"
"If I didn't would I even be mentioning this to you?"
He nodded. "Yeah, I guess so...well, alright then. I'll follow along with this. Give me my first test."
"Alright then." He rose, as did Jack. "There, the couch. Lift it."
"What?"
"Lift it. Pick it up. Physical strength, how much do you possess?"
A shrug. "Whatever. Here we go...." He headed to the couch, placing both his hands under the bottom edges. He took a few deep breaths, gathering all his strength and lifting the piece of furniture with great ease. He nearly dropped it once again with surprise at his strength, but didn't. "Wow," he gasped. "I'm...shocked. I had no idea I could do this...."
"And very well too," Levar said as he scratched his chin. "Alright, let me try." Jack set it down, allowing Levar to try. He did it as well, although not quite so easily. He let it drop, making the walls rattle. "Sorry," he said. "Now, outside. Another test." A nod as they headed out of the house, standing in the front yard. Levar pointed a finger then at an axe belonging to Barrel, using his mental capabilities to lift it into the air. He swung it up, using it to chop at a pile of wood. Jack found himself marveling at this as the immortal let it drop.
"Now, you try," he said.
A nod. "Um....alright." He looked at the axe, once more taking a few deep breaths. This was something he had never played with before. But he could do it - he knew it. Glancing at the axe he gave it a simple mental command--rise. And it did, shooting quickly up into the air at first until he ordered to slow down. He told it where to go, and go it did, following his every whim. He was delighted as he set it down.
"Wonderful!" he cried. "I did it!"
Levar was impressed. "What a quick learner. You've won yet again."
"What else shall we do?"
"Whatever you want," came the reply. "Do something--anything you want."
He thought for a moment. "Anything. I don't know. Let me try."
He held his hand out in front of himself, palm out. He gathered all his energy together, focusing on his palms.
Levar sat intrigued as this happened. What was going to happen? His eyes widened as he watched a blue ball of enrergy form itself in Jack's hand. The king stared at it proudly, using his mind to make it fly around the yard.
"I wonder what it is?" he smiled.
"I know exactly," came the answer. "I've heard of it---only the most powerful can do it. It's called Devil's Breath, and has the ability to blow this planet up 6 times over."
A low whistle. "Really? How do I get rid of it?"
"Just wish it away." Jack did this, and it vanished. He was left in shock.
"Wow. I...never knew I could do any of that."
"I'm greatly impressed, Jack. Your powers exceed even mine. You are indeed the most powerful creature on this earth. You and I, two men with powers unmatched by anyone else. How remarkable!"
"Indeed," he replied. "Thank-you, Levar, that was quite enoyable."
A smile. "My pleasure."

Levar was left dumbounded by his experient. Jack was so strong! The devil's breath--it was so unbelieveably rare that a being came along with the strength to actually create it! But Jack had done it, and effortlessly. This was surely something Tim would love to hear about.
Shock rose a few hours later, well rested and bright-eyed. She gave her love a kiss as he invited her for a midnight stroll. She accepted, heading to tell Jack before zipping off.
They had barely reached the graveyard when Shock turned towards Levar. "Do you remember," she began, "our first night here?"
"Yes."
"You offered to take me to Christmas Town, to let me see Ira."
"I remember."
"I want to go now."
He raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"
"Yes. Positive. I've thought long and hard about this. I want to go."
A nod. "Okay then. I'll get us there."
"We can't fly though, it won't work. None of the holiday worlds have a set location."
"Who said anything about flying? Come, hold my hand." She did so. "Now, think happy thoughts..."

Instantly, they were standing in the middle of Christmas Town. Bright lights twinkled all around them as the town slept, a wonderful feeling of love and warmth sturrounding them. "I'll find him," Levar whispered, closing his eyes. "Just give me a sec..." He was silent for a moment, soon grabbing taking her into his arms as he took to the air. "This way," he called, as the wind whipped through her hair.
It took less then 5 minutes to get there, and soon they were sitting outside a small white house.
"Is this is?" she asked.
"Apparantly, yes. Shall I come up with you or not?"
She paused. "I don't know...how would he react knowing you're my boyfriend? I know he's missed me a lot, as I've missed him...it'd only break his heart. No, come back for me. Besides, I want to surprise him."
"Want me to get you in through the window?"
"Sure," she nodded. "Of course, I don't know what's going to happen up there..."
A laugh. "Don't worry about it. Here, let me help you..." He took her once more into his arms, towards an open window. She peered inside, her heart thumping for joy when she recognized Ira. He sat at his desk, back hunched over and turned away from her. Silently she climbed inside, watching as Levar gave a little wave and took off to explore Christmas Town. Having this accomplished she tiptoed towards Ira slowly, smiling. She looked at what he was doing for a second; little drawings of men carrying axes, and one which was quite indistinguishably herself. She kissed his neck softly, making him jump. He spun around, his eyes growing wide at the sight of her.
"Shock....?" he whispered. "What are you doing here?"
"It's a long story," she replied.
He stood up, grinning ear-to-ear as he swung his arms around her. "Oh, how I've missed you..." A long kiss.
"I know the feeling," she replied. "Oh, Ira, it's been awful without you, I've been wanting you so bad..."
"As I've been wanting you, needing you." Another kiss. "How are you?"
"Wonderful," she answered. "And you?"
"Awful," he sighed, sitting on the bed. "Miserable. I hate it here. The happiness, the colours. I've been consoling myself by drawing pictures of Halloween Town, and of you."
"I know," she said, taking a seat on his right. "Oh, Ira..." She threw her arms around him. "I...I could just cry I'm so happy..."
"I already am," he chuckled.
She pulled back slightly, dabbing at his tear streaked face as one fell down her own. He kissed it away gently, his hands on her face. Slowly they slid down the frame of her body, caressing her softly. She shivered at his touch, her lips finding his. She forced him onto the bed, sitting above him as her hands moved down the front of his shirt, playing with his buttons. He let her do this, shuddering as she pulled the shirt off. With great care he allowed his mouth to trace its way down her neck, his hands sliding towards her own buttons. It wasn't long till they were both topless and her lips started kissing their way down his bare chest, her hands unbuckling the clasp on his jeans. It was here that he stopped her.
"Shock, no...I...I can't do this. Not to you. The only girl I truly love. We're only 16..."
"Ira, I want my first time to be special. I can't have it any more special then this. I love you, Ira, with all my heart and soul, and I won't leave until I make you know that." She didn't wait for a reply, just pushed him back to the bed. She didn't go gentle now; her kisses were heavy and heated, her hands warm as they sped to remove the jeans. This time, he didn't put up a fight; he couldn't. He let out a soft moan as her tongue teased his chest, his hands shaking as they removed her bra. He trembled now, at seeing her naked chest. Yet he enjoyed it, he rebelled in it as he kissed her bare skin.
Shock cried out when he finally entered her for the first time, biting her lip to keep from sceaming in passion. He moaned her name, his hands grasping her damp skin, sliding across her breasts as she demanded more.
And so together, they forever lost their virginity. They lay together in his bed afterwads, she in his arms, he playing with her hair.
"I can't believe we really did it," he sighed. "I never imagined it'd be like that, and I don't really know where it came from. But I don't care; I loved it. And I love you. Oh, Fuck, I love you more now then ever before."
She buried her head in his chest. "I never want to leave you. I missed you so much, Ira...when you left me, I cried for days afterwards."
"So did I. But, Shock...how did you get here?"
"A friend," she replied. "A good friend, an exceptional friend. He's so strange, yet oddly magnificent. A vampire, one from the New Breed."
"The New Breed?"
"Yeah. Apparantly there's this whole other vampire race living in the human world. He's one of them. He can fly, read minds, instantly transport himself places...it's amazing! He's off exploring town right now."
He kissed her hair gently. "I'm very grateful to him for bringing you here. So we could be together once again."
"Ira, before I leave you've got to give me your address. So I can right to you. I won't lose you this time, I won't let you abandon me again. Especially not after tonight."
"I know," he replied. "I won't let you leave without solemnly promising to write every week. Besides, after this, how could I? My first lover, the one I love most in this world. Because it is love, Shock, I know that much. And never will I allow my heart to be broken again like it was when I left you. Ever."
Another kiss. "Oh, I know Levar is going to be back soon...but I don't want him to be! I want to lay here with you all night."
"Or until my parents find us," he replied. "Christ, I forgot all about them. They didn't hear us though, I'm sure of it; they'd have barreled into the room long ago."
"I tried to stay quiet; you wouldn't believe how hard that was!"
A laugh. "I know."
She gave him another kiss before standing up, walking over to her clothes. He eyed her naked body as she dressed. She gave him a grin as she buttoned up her jeans. "Like what you see?"
"Very much," he admitted. "I'm not gonna lie Shock, you've got an amazing body. I knew that before, but after seeing you like this...wow. I hate to see you getting dressed."
"You're not that bad yourself," came the answer. "Come on, get dressed before Levar comes." She found his clothes, tossing them at him as she looked for her shirt. He just frowned as he hauled them on.
Soon they sat fully clothed and repectable, waiting for the vampire to arrive. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder lovingly, one hand on her knee. "I'm going to miss you like crazy," he whispered.
"I know," she replied quietly, afraid of the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.
It was at this moment that a knock came at the window. Ira pulled his arm away as the stranger entered.
"Here you are, Shock," he smiled. "I assume you had a nice time with Ira?"
"Indeed," she replied. "Thank-you. By the way Ira, this is the guy I told you about--Levar de Masquerade."
They shook hands. "My pleasure," the vampire said.
"I guess we'll be off," she said sadly," standing up.
Ira rose as well, grabbing a piece of paper and scrawling down his address and handing it to her.
"Write me," he said.
"I will." She embraced him. "Oh, I'll miss you...I'll be back though, I promise you."
"You'd better,' he replied, trying to stay strong.
Tears began to spill down her cheeks. "I love you," she whispered into his ear.
He kissed her neck gently. "Until we meet again, my princess."
She pulled herself away gently, dabbing at her cheeks. "Alright, Levar...let's go."
He nodded, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Alright, hold on tight..." A nod towards Ira. "A pleasure meeting you. Here we go..." With that he took off through the window, standing perfectly still on the ground. And in the blink of an eye, he was gone.
Ira just sighed as he sat down on the floor. Shock...his beloved Shock. Gone once again. Would he ever see her again? Kiss her again? Make passionate love to her again? The questions nagged at his mind, driving him insane.
With a sad little moan he curled up into a ball, wrapping his arms around his knees. Someday, they would meet again. He didn't know how and he didn't know when, but one day they'd meet up again. He would make sure of it.

Shock and Levar were already walking on the road towards Halloweentown, walking side-by-side in silence. She walked with her hands in her pockets, him with his behind his back.
"So," he said. "Have fun?"
"Uh-huh," she replied simply. "Thank-you."
"No problem." He cleared his throat. "Shock, um---"
"I know, you read my mind, you know we did it. I'm sorry, but...I can't explain it, I was just so overwhelmed and I..."
"Don't worry about it," he said with a gentle smile. "I understand fully."
"You're not going to break up with me then?'
"No, besides, you already gave me warning enough. I knew already how much you loved him, I got it from your mind. Images of the two of you together. I still love you."
"Oh, Levar," she cried, flinging her arms around his neck. "You're so wonderful, I did this and you're not even upset."
"Of course not," he smiled, touching her chin softly.
"Just don't tell Jack though. I'll tell him when I'm ready."
"You're not afraid to?"
A shrug. "I don't know. I tell him everything, all that goes on in my life. I can't keep this back from him. No, he has to know."
"I understand."
She laid her head on his shoulder. "Oh, I feel so awful now..."
"Why?" he asked.
"For making love with Ira like that! For totally decieving you, and Jack, and Sally..."
He silenced her, laying a finger on her lips. "Shock, don't you dare. I already forgave you. I know where you're coming from. You loved him; you lost him; you missed him dearly. You found him again, and in your joy you did the unthinkable. It's alright."
"You know, not many guys would be so open to this," she said. "Ira would have dumped me, been broken-hearted and dumped me."
"That's because I know to be patient with love. I'm over 200 years old; I know these things."
A smile as she gave him a kiss. "Thank-you, Levar."
He smiled warmly. "Anytime, my dearest."

Shock went straight to bed on arriving home, and so did an exhausted Levar. She didn't wake up until late the next morning. Jack, Sally, and her siblings had already left for town hall. After taking a quick shower and dressing, she headed down to meet them.
She found everything in full scale by the time she got there; Jack was busily setting people to work, while the rest of them busied themselves fulfilling his wishes. Shock just took a seat in one of the benches, watching her father work.
He laid eyes on her a moment later, heading over to her and sitting down. "Hey there," he smiled.
"Nice evening?"
"Yeah," she sighed. "It was...unbelieveable."
"What did you do?"
"Everything."
"Which would be....?" he prompted. Typical of him, to be nosy like this.
"We went to visit Ira in Christmas Town," she replied.
"Oh really?" he cried happily. "How wonderful!"
"It certainly was." She paused, planning her next words carefully. "Um, Jack, could I...talk to you? Privately? It's...important."
He appeared concerned. "Oh, uh, yes, of course. Come, let's go to my office." They stood up, heading into a fair sized room located just off the stage. Here he did all of his paperwork and other such stuff. He took a seat behind his desk, plopping down into a large leather chair. He motioned her into a smaller chair opposite him. "Close the door, dear, and sit down." She did so, taking his large bony hands into her own small ones. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Me and Ira," she said cautiously. "Jack, last night we kind of...well....we...."
"Did it," he finished for her. She could see the anger in his eye. "You did it. You and that boy had sex last night in Christmas Town."
"I had to tell you," she said quickly. "I couldn't lie. Not to you."
He slipped his hands out of hers, rubbing his eyes with remorse. "Oh, Christ, Shock...you're 16...only 16....I know you love him, but Shock! This is another matter altogether! What if he got you pregnant? What if he gave you some weird STD? What if..."
"Jack, you're not making this any easier," she told him. "Besides, there's no way he could have had an STD, and neither could I...it was the first time for both of us."
"I don't care," he muttered. "I really don't care." An exasperated sigh. "Oh, just...get out of my office."
"But...but Jack...."
"NOW!" he yelled, jumping up and tossing his desk across the room angrily. It crashed into the wall, spliting in two. Shock just looked back towards her father, shivering with fear. "Just get the hell out! Go! I don't ever want to see you here anymore! Go straight home!"
She burst into tears, leaping up and allowing the chair to topple over as she ran outside. "And don't you dare come back!" he screamed as she ran from Town Hall. "We'll discuss this later!" Considerable attention had already been drawn by now. "Get back to work!" he blared at them, storming into the office and slamming the door.
Sally entered the room just a few seconds later, to find the broken desk and her husband crying in the corner. His knees were brought up to his chest as he sobbed, head hidden beneath his arms.
"Jack!" she cried upon seeing him. "What's wrong? What happened in here?"
"Shock," he sobbed. "Oh, Sally, where did we go wrong?"
"What happened?" she repeated.
"Last night Sally, that damned Levar took my baby to Christmas Town, where she met up with Ira, and..."
"What?"
"They had sex!" he cried. "Oh, Jesus, they had sex, my little girl, my angel!" He broke into tears once again, sinking into her warm embrace.
"Oh, my..." Sally sighed as she wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "What has she done now?"

Shock lay on her bed a while later, angry tears streaming down her cheeks. She had let them all down so bad...chances were Jack would never set eyes on her again. She had never seen him fly into a rage like he had now. As a rule, he was a very mild-tempered man. He kept his calm and never over-reacted. He must have been pretty upset to flip the desk over like he had.
She sat up sadly, whiping away her tears. She couldn't feel angry at Jack; it was a natural reaction, she should have seen it coming. It was her own fault. Why had she ever done it? And why couldn't she have just lied about it? Because she loved Jack and Sally too much, that was why. They did everything for her, they had provided for her and her brothers when nobody else would. And now, this was what she was doing to them.
She let out another little cry as she flung herself back onto her pillow. She missed Ira so very much, she wanted him her beside her. She needed to feel his arms around her, his lips on her own. An angry growl as she shook her head free of his picture. She had to get over him; they wouldn't be seeing each other again for a long time.
When a knock came at the door she sat up, hugging her knees close to her chest. "Come in," she said quietly as she brushed the hair out of her face. Sally stuck her head in. "Hey, kiddo," she said with a smile. "Can we talk?"
"I guess."
She stepped in and closed the door, taking a seat beside her daughter. A little sigh escaped her lips. "Jack told me," she said.
"I know."
"I'm going to be quite honest, Shock; I'm disgusted. I don't want to sound cruel or anything, but I am. I mean I still love you and all, but my respect for you as a person has slipped a notch or two. And I don't care what you do when you move out, but for now, you're going by our rules. And we've set these rules for a reason, namely so that you don't end up getting hurt. Do you understand me?"
"Sally, I'm 16 now, I can look after myself."
"Maybe so, but darling, me and your father just want to keep you safe while we still have you. In a few years you'll be moving out and having children of your own, and then you'll know how we feel. The love a parent feels for a child. But for now, you have to try and understand why we're upset. We don't want you getting hurt."
"But I'm not hurt," she countered. "I'm fine, and last night was the most wonderful night of my life. I love Ira, and he loves me."
"I know, dear," she sighed. "I know you love him. But we love you too! Very much! I understand what it's like to be head over heals in love. That's the way it's been with Jack since the first time I laid eyes on him. And I'm still crazy about him. We love each other so much, I could never imagine being with another. I also know what it's like to make love for your first time, to feel the passion and the emotion. Do I ever! Jack was my first; he'll be my last; we are destined to be together. So I know what you mean when you say you love Ira. But I've also learned not to be crazy with love. It can destroy you, it can do awful things. In your passion, who knows what could have happened? He could have gotten you pregnant! You never know. All I'm asking you though is to use your common sense. Alright?"
A sigh. "Yes, I understand...I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize to me, dear. Apologize to Jack. He's the one who needs to hear it." She stood up. "Anyways, you can stay up here if you want, cry some more. Just remember what I told you, alright?"
She nodded. "Okay. Bye, Sally."
A smile as she headed towards the door. "Goodbye, dear."

It was silent in the Skellington mansion that evening as they ate. Shock of course was up in her bedroom crying, while the rest of the family sat picking at their food. Lock and Barrel were still confused as to what was going on.
"What's up?" asked the later. "Why's everyone so upset?"
"More food?" asked Sally, trying to distract him.
"I already know," shrugged Lock. "I don't really care either."
Jack looked up from his supper angrily. "Lock, how can you possibly say that? Look what your sister is doing to her life! Doesn't that sadden you?"
A shrug. "Oh, yes, of course," he replied. "But right now, I'm not going to abandon her. What she needs is for someone to be there for her."
Jack grunted. "She already does--that Ira boy."
"No, I mean a friend."
"Look, do you want to go up there and join her? Then you can both be in trouble."
"No, that's alright," he replied quickly.
Jack just shoved his supper away, standing up. "The hell with this. I'm going upstairs to talk to her."
Sally rose as well, touching his arm gently. "Please, try and stay calm. Don't frighten her."
"Whatever," he said as he left, heading up the stairs.
Barrel just gave an odd look as his mother sat back down. "Ummm....did I miss something here?"

Shock was lying on her bed when Jack pounded upon the door. It was locked, and he was obviously angry. "Shock!" he cried. "Open this door!"
"No," she called. "Yell at me from out there."
"Open the door, before I kick it in!"
"No," she replied simply."
He stood outside the door as she refused, fuming. He was about to act on his impulse to break down the door when a sudden thought crossed his mind. He glanced at the door, giving it one mental command - unlock. And immeditely it did, swinging open. The girl just sat there, open-mouthed.
"How the hell did you do that?" she asked.
"Special trick," he muttered. "Now you're going to listen, and you're going to listen well. You know how angry I am with you right now."
"Yes."
"Quite upset. Angry enough to flip my desk over earlier. But believe me, my dear--that is only the beginning of it. You don't know how upset I can become, trust me." He leaned against the wall. "But Shock, I really don't understand--why would you do this to me, to yourself? Why? Just to see us suffer?"
"No, of course not," she cut in.
He silenced her. "No, be quiet for a minute. You might think I'm overreacting, but I'm not. I have a bit of a story for you actually. It's a true story, Sally already knows about it. God bless her heart." He paused. "You need to understand this if you're going to understand why I'm so upset. Here we go then.
"I was around 15 when I met her, Marie Ghoul. What a knockout she was! Gorgeous! I still remember it, the way she laughed, the way she moved...I fell for her the instant I laid eyes on her. So I asked her out. She accepted. Of course, who was going to deny the wishes of the almighty Pumpkin King?" He frowned bitterly. "So anyways, we started going out. I lived alone at this time, in this very same house--remember, my parents were both already dead.
"I can still remember that night. We were just returning from a lovely evening of scaring. We had a blast out there, and I was in love. So I invited her up to my place afterwards, just to sit and talk."
"That's not what happened," Shock said.
"Exactly. We did it. That was my first time, and I must say, I found it remarkable. I had never felt something like this, so much power! The passion, the thrill of it all! Her hands all over me, mine on her..." A osft chuckle. "She was no virgin, though, I'll tell you that much. She was a well trained pro. Remember, we were both only 15! Younger then you are right now! I gave myself up so young!" A sad shake of his head as he continued. "But I digress.
"Two weeks later, Marie broke it to me. She was pregnant. With my child."
Shock was dumbfounded. "What? Really?"
"Yes. I was mortified. What would the townspeople say, knowing what their boy king had done? Oh my God, I was so upset. It's awful being reminded of it."
"So what happened when the baby was born?" Shock asked.
He shook his head. "It was never born, Shock. She got an abortion."
Her jaw dropped. "What?!?"
"Remember, this was a long time ago. It was perfectly legal back then. Totally alright. So she got it done; an abortion.
"We broke up after that. Go figure. Her parents would have made us anyways. They hated me so much for that, and quite frankly I hated myself. I hadn't planned on that one night of passion to go so horribly wrong. I hadn't planned on it at all! I mean, I didn't even see it coming, she was just suddenly there on top of me." He let out a sigh, sitting down beside her. "So now you know why I'm so pissed off over this. Beause of what happened to me. Because I don't want what happened to me to happen to you. And in this case, it's a lot different! You're the woman, the one responsible for carrying around that child. And it's not as simple as getting an abortion. Number one, I'd never allow you to do it. Number two--it's still illegal. And besides, the emotional termoil you go through--" He paused here, shuddering. "It was a little life growing in there, Shock! My child! My own life and soul! A piece of me, there inside Marie! You never quite get over it. I loved it the first instant she told me about it, but I knew what had to be done. I paid for the abortion myself." A little sigh. "Now do you understand me?"
She nodded. "Yes, I do. I know why you're upset. But Jack, you still don't understand! We both love each other so much, and I know Ira would never leave me if anything did happen. It wasn't just an accident, either; we didn't force it, it just kind of...happened. We were just so happy to see each other, though...and before we knew it, it was already over."
He shook his head, standing up once again. "Oh, you're so thick..." He turned to face her, holding his head directly in front of hers and speaking in a menacing tone of voice. "Listen very carefully to me, to my message; never do any like this again. I promise you, Shock, I will personally make your life a living hell. I'm still furious with you, you know; The only reason I'm not throwing your stuff around the place is because Sally told me to stay calm. And believe me, I'm trying my absolute hardest. Oh, God, it's hard. I've never been so upset. Just look at my hand!" He held it out, and she could see it trembling. He sat upon the floor, sitting cross-legged as he held his head in his hands. "Dammit, Shock, I'm only doing this because I'm concerned for you! Don't you care! I love you very much, and I don't care about Ira! He can screw himself for all I care! The kid means nothing to me. It's you I'm worried for." He looked up. "You have no idea how upset I am right now! I'm furious, yet I feel like crying. That's what I did this afternoon, after I told you to leave. Just sat there in Sally's arms and cried like a baby." A faint smile when he thought about Sally. "God love her." He then sighed. "Shock, come here and sit beside me." She did so, sitting in the same fashion as him. He took her tiny hand into his own, kissing it gently. "My baby girl. Not such a baby anymore, is she? Growing up..." He wiped away a tear. "Oh, sweetheart...I want you to promise me you'll never do this to me again."
She nodded, fully meaning it. "I won't."
"Swear it to me, on Ira's life."
"I swear."
He just shook his head sadly. "Oh, Shock," he sighed. "You have no idea how upset I am...how long it'll take me to recover. You have no idea...but no matter now. Don't worry about it anymore. Just remember--it happens again, and I'm not going to be so leniant."
"I know. Thank-you, Jack."
A brave smile. "No problem."

Shock was already left for the night to go out with Levar by the time Jack and Sally went to bed. The King let out a sigh as he collapsed beside his queen, staring at the ceiling.
"I still can't believe it," he muttered. "What did we do wrong? Was something not perfectly clear to her? Damn it, Sally, I thought she knew better...."
"You know for yourself the crazy things you can do for love, Jack," she replied simply. "The things you yourself have done for me and that I've done for you."
"I know, I know," he replied bitterly. "But that's not my point! She's 16, Sally, she's still my little girl. I love her a lot. I don't want to sit back and watch as she screws up her life."
"I really don't think it's that bad," she said. "We've both talked to her about it, she understands by now. I'd be extremely upset and surprised if she did it again."
A sigh from the King. "It's just that...Sally, I've told you about Marie? Our baby?"
"You have."
"I don't want that to happen to her. I wouldn't be able to stand it! Imagine, the heir to the royal throne pregnant at 16. Jesus Christ, Sally, I got Marie pregnant when we were only 15! I felt like such an idiot, for having done that to the both of us..."
"We can just put her on birth control if you want, Jack. Would that make it easier? Get her whatever STD vacines you can get..."
"No," he replied quickly. "I don't want to do that to her, reduce her to that. If we catch her at it again, I probably will as a punishment. But no, not now." He turned out the light. "Let's just let her be for now. Hopefully we've gotten through to her. If it ever happens again, then we'll take action."
"Very well," the Queen replied as she wrapped her arms around her King. A kiss. "Let her be."
"Exactly." He pulled her closer to himself, swarming her in kisses, seeking the warmth of her body against his. She sensed the need in him and decided to give him what he wanted, to envelope him in her love. Right now, what he needed most was her.

Shock and Levar walked slowly through the graveyard, strangely silent. Neither spoke a word, trying to avoid the topic of Ira and last night. But it was inevitable; Levar brought it up.
"Listen, Shock," he said at last. "I was thinking this morning before I went to sleep, and I've realized something..."
"Levar...."
"No, hear me out. I'm going back to Tim and Danny."
A little cry. "But Levar, I don't want to lose you, not now!"
"I think it's for the best. You love Ira, and Ira loves you. Hell, I love you too but I think you're besdt being with Ira. He's more your age, and you've already shared so much. I know how important he is to you. Besides, this isn't working out."
"Levar, please stay around, we can fix this..."
"No," he replied. "We can't. Please, I'm doing this in everyone's best interests. I can't live knowing about you and Ira. I don't want to burden Jack with our relationship." A smile as he smoothed her hair down with one hand. "I was going to move in to Town, you know? To be with you. But now...I think I'm better off in New Orleans. Besides, I miss my nightly jaunts around town. Going to the theatre with Danny, my talks with Tim. Besides, it's getting to be a hell of a pain travelling to the human world every night in order to feed. So please don't object to any of this. This is our final good-bye."
"You can't do this to me!" Shock cried. "You couldn't!"
"I'm sorry," he replied. "It's for the best. Go write to Ira, give him a call. Live your lives together. Do this for me, make me happy. That's what I want. Your happiness."
Her eyes filled with tears as she flung her arms around his shoulders. She didn't want to lose him, but she knew it was for the best "I'll miss you, Levar," she sobbed.
"I'll miss you as well," he replied as he gave her a kiss. "I must go now, I need to feed."
She released him. "Will I ever see you again?"
"Yes," he replied. "You will. But not for a long, long time." A last kiss. "So long, my love." With that he stepped towards the nearest mausoleum and opened the door, waving to her one last time.
"Say good-bye to your family for me. And make sure Ira knows I have no hard feelings for him. I love you."
"Levar..." she whispered. But it was too late; in the blink of an eye he was gone, and she was all alone. With a little sniffle she turned and headed back towards Halloween Town, hugging herself tightly as her tears fell from her face and onto the ground.

She went to bed immediately upon returning home, sleeping restlessly. When she awoke she was no more rested then she had been the night before.
"Hey there," Jack said with a smile as soon as she saw Shock. She knew that things had been resolved between them immediately by the tone of his voice. She just sat down and poured herself up a bowl of cereal. He frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Levar went back to New Orleans," she replied sadly.
"Ah," he replied. "I saw it coming after that whole thing with Ira. I'm very sorry."
"Don't be," she shrugged. "My own fault, I suppose. I got carried away, made too many mistakes. He's gone, and there's nobody to blame but me."
"I'm pleased to see you taking it so well dear. I'm proud." He took a bite of his own breakfast.
"Coming to Town Hall today?"
"I guess so," she replied. "I'm sorry I'm not bringing much conversation this morning, it's just that I'm kind of depressed right now."
He nodded. "I know. But it'll pass, I guarantee it."
A sigh. "I hope so, Jack. I really do hope so."

When lunchtime rolled around at Town Hall Shock took a seat in one of the many benches, pulling out a pad of paper and a pen. Pulling off the cap she began to write;

My Dearest Ira,
Jack has since found out about the two of us; I told him myself. I couldn't possibly keep such a secret from him, not ever. He was very upset, but things have calmed down somewhat. I am exceedingly depressed today. I miss you, and Levar just left for home. There's something you must no about him and myself; we were dating. I know you're probably deeply angered by this, and I'm sorry. But I didn't love him half as much as I loved you. He knew this as well though, and that's why he left me. So please don't be upset; I've been upset enough at myself.
Anyways I'm sitting her in my black dress and veil, agonizing over how much I want you. Jack still isn't quite over the shock he recieved when I told him about us. He flipped his desk upside down and smashed it to pieces! But we had a good long talk about him, and I promised it wouldn't happen any more. And I intend to keep it that way, at least until I'm 18. When we both hit that age, Ira, I want you to move back here and we can get an apartment together. Think about it, just you and me! Wouldn't that be the life?
Anyways, I must be going now. I love you, and please write back.
Love always,
Shock

She re-read the letter before poking it into an envelope, addressing it a pyulling a stamp from her pocket. After licking it she stuck it upon the envelope, holding it up proudly. Time to let Ira know the truth.
"Hey Shock," came a voiuce suddenly. She whirled around to see Lock, accompanied by a lovely blonde-headed girl. They were holding hands, and it was quite obvious that Lock was very proud of his girlfriend. She rose, smiling.
"And whose this?" she smiled. "Let me guess; Jackie, right? Lock's told me about you."
They shook hands. "As he's told me much about you," she replied. "I'm sorry about Levar."
"Don't be," she shrugged. "Not your fault, it's mine."
Jackie smiled shyly, glancing at Lock. "I'm going to go say hi to my brother, he's over there working," she said. "I'll be right back."
"Alright," he replied, giving her a kiss. "Don't be long." He watched with Shock as she walked away. A smile from the princess as they sat down.
"You adore her," she said immediately.
He just sighed, stretching his arms across the back of the bench. "I do. I'm in love. Totally head over heals." He glanced back at her. "Hey, how are you?" he asked with some concern.
A shrug from Shock as her brother sat back up. "Oh fine, I guess," she replied. "I miss Ira a lot, and I miss Levar. I screwed things up my own self though. When me and Ira did it two night ago, I really messed things up." A sigh. "Geez, was it that long ago?" She went on. "Jack will never be able to look at me the same again. I lost Levar. Sally is horribly disapointed with me. And what's more, I opened a wound that I had tried to heal a long time ago. My heart is breaking once again." A sigh. "Little bro, things will never be the same again."
"I know," he replied, gazing at Jackie. She was talking to a man Shock supposed to be her brother; a tall, 20-ish, darkhaired fellow. Her hair caught the afternoon sunlight beautifully as she laughed. Another smile from Shock.
"Infatuated," she sighed. "Listen, Lock, I'm going to give you a piee of advice; don't make the same mistake I did. Alright?"
A nod. "Of course." They shared in a brief hug. "I love you, Shock. No matter what happens."
She held back a tear. "I love you too, little bro."

Levar sat by the window that evening, gazing out at the traffic passing by. He sighed as his mind drifted to Shock. He loved her; Oh Christ, did her love her. More then anything. But it just wasn't meant to be. After he had lft her last ngiht he had mainly driftd around New Orleans, digging a small grave for himself in the soil of a local graveyard when the sun began to acend in the sky. He had only just gotten home, having changed and showered already. Tim and Danny were out hunting, he assumed.
He shook his head as he drifted back to Shock. Why had he fallen so madly in love with her? How could it have been that she had had feelings all along for another? Because it hadn't been meant to be, that was why. He wiped a tear of blood from his eye. No use crying over it now.
"...either way, I think he's messing with the lives of the entire vampiric race," came Tim's voice suddenly as he and Danny walked inside. He stopped upon seeing Levar, smiling. "Ah, my friend. We were just talking about you."
"So I figured," he mumbled.
"Why aren't you with the girl in Halloween Town?" asked Danny with some confusion.
A sigh. "I left. It broke my heart to, but I left. We weren't meant to be together."
"I should certainly think not," replied Tim. "You, a 16th century vampire. She, a 16 year old girl from another world altogether. The two hardly work together."
An annoyed grunt from Danny. "Have a heart now. I think Levar is very upset by this, I believe he truly cared for her. Have some compassion for once." He sat beside Levar. "Tell me more, my friend."
"The other boy," he said, "Ira. He loved her just as much or more then I, and Shock loved him a great deal as well. Two nights ago I took her to visit him in Christmas Town. I left them to talk. When I came back I knew immediately that they had made love; I could smell it in the air. I made nothing of it though, I figured perhaps we could carry on. I was wrong, of course."
An encouraging smile from his friend as he rose. "I know how you must be feeling. But cheer up, let's go out. There's a new play in town, I've heard it's supposed to be quite a lovely production."
"I really don't feel up to it..."
A frown. "Stand up, Levar, we're going out. Besides, you havn't fed tonight, I can tell. I won't let you suffer here in your misery. Now rise."
A bitter smile as he stood. "We're getting pushy in our old age, aren't we?"
"Oh, shut up," he laughed. "Coming, Tim?"
"Why not?" came the answer as they headed for the door. "Dinner and theatre, what a lovely combination.
Levar just grinned as they stepped outside and into the night air. Things in his life were back to normal once again.

Two weeks later, Shock was sitting contentedly in the living room reading. It was a very interesting book, one by Anne Rice about a vampire named Levar. It was an excellent novel, she couldn't wait to read the rest of the series.
Jack walked into the room at that point, the mail in his hand. She looked up eagerly at him.
"Is there anything for me?" she asked excitedly.
"Not today," he replied. "Just a bunch of bills. You know, I'm the king, but I still can't get free electricity?"
"Suck it up, buttercup," Shock cracked.
He just rolled his sockets. "How original," he said dryly. Silence for a moment until he let out an interested "hmmmmm......."
"What is it?" she inquired.
"Something from Sandy Claws," he replied. "How bizarre..." He ripped it open, reading it to himself. His eyes skimmened that paper as he read, his face taking on an aged and wise look. "Shock, read it," he told her simply as he handed it to her. "Take it slowly."
She just gave him a bizzare look as he took her hand. She read silently;

Dear Jack,
I just thought you should know, since the accident involved one of your people. Just the other day a car crash occured just off of Jingle Street and Snowy Lane. There were only two cars involved. In one, filled with 4 passengers, no one was hurt. In the other, however, two of three were killed. I am most upset to report that these three beings were originally from Halloween Town. Luke and Marie McVampson, two very hard working and kind individuals, were both killed instantaeously. Their son, Ira, was gone before the ambulance ever got there; he was not able to be found nor located. I deeply sympathisize the loss of the two adults, as well as the disapearance of the young man. I am confidently sure, however, that the boy is fine and well; he strikes me as the strong type, I'd be highly surpised if he had suffered the same eventual fate as his parents.
Please be assured that the memory of all three people has been excellently preserved. A Town-wide funeral was held, attended by a great portion of Christmas Town. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt apologies.
Sincerly,
S. Claus

"Oh my god..." Shock murmered. "This is awful, my dearest Ira! Mr. and Mrs. McVampson!" Tears ran down her cheeks. "Jack, this is awful, my Ira, he's out there somewhere, lost and afraid..."
"Calm down," he urged her. "I think he's going to be just fine. Sandy Claws said so himself. I'm postive he'll be okay, you just have to keep your hopes up."
"You're right," she sighed. "I know we'll meet again one day. And when we do, it'll be the happiest day of my life."
"A wonderful way of looking at it," Jack smiled. "Now, my little heir to the throne, I believe we've got some issues to discuss about Halloween..."
A groan. "Wonderful way of taking my mind off things, by punishing me."
He laughed, knowing she was only kidding. "You know it. Anyways, about jack-o-lantern production this year...."

Ira walked down the dark streets of New York, hands in his pockets as the wind bit at his face. This area was gang territory, but he wasn't frightened; he could scare any of those big brutes away any day.
He walked here now, reminiscing on wht had happened over the past two weeks. His parents had been killed in a car crash, and in his grief he had fled from Christmas Town to the human world. Now here he was, freezing his homeless ass off.
He coughed slightly, gazing around the neighborhood. Shabby and run down. And here he was, a part of it all. Just two weeks ago he had been with Shock, lying in her arms, madly in love with her. Now he was all alone and on the streets. He yearned to go back to Halloween Town, but he knew he couldn't do that. No, not ever again could he return there. He pulled out the letter from Shock, holding it in his hands. It was still scented by her perfume. He knew by reading it that Jack would have a hairy fit should he ever come back. He didn't so much care about this Levar character, for he believed his love when she said that she didn't feel so much about the vampire as she did her first lover. In fact, he really didn't care. He just didn't want to face the wrath of her father...
But why should he be so frightened, though? He was still a creature of Halloween Town, a being of the night. He belonged there, not out here.
He shook his head with dismay as he continued walking. How stupid could he be? No, this was were he belonged now; among the mortals. A misfit in the human world. Better then a misfit in his own home. And even though he might night like it here he would come to accept it. And one day, he would find Shock again. They'd live happily ever after together, get married and have children...
As sigh escaped his lips as he thought about these things. He'd return to her one day, though...one day....