Nightmare Before Holidays

THE NIGTHMARE BEFORE HOLIDAYS (Stella's Birthday edition)


'Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams. For the story that you are about to be told, took place in the holiday worlds of old. Now, you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun.


"Hey Smith, Heard you had to go to the Therapist again today! What are you crazy? And what are you going to do with that skin? It is like so pale! And those scars that you have? What are you a Zombie? Don't be so clumsy! Dropping your books again? When will you learn?"

it is the same over and over again. Yes my name is Stella Smith. yes my skin is white, like no blood flows. Yes I am clumsy. Yes I am crazy. Sometimes I think that I am really dead.

When I was an infant, I was picked up by my parents, Fiona and matthew Smith. My Therapist was assigned to me when I was 4. it was for those few weeks that I Had seen him. A man, I think. Well it was a takling Skeleton. his eyes will always fill with tears and I ask him what is wrong. but He always just gets up and walks away. I kept telling my parents about him and other people as well. they all say "goodbye dear princess..." and that was that. I wish that i knew the reason to this, but sadly I don't.

My Qualities you ask? Well I have been known to sing and dance gracefully. Strange yes, but it is in my blood. If I had any. I do have a very high grade in science and I am very good at sewing. Weird yes but I wish I know what it means. And Halloween, OH YES! I love scaring people. it makes me even more crazy, but I love it. The shrieks the horror. Pleasant.

But one day my life tottally changed. Today I heard that my parents are going to send me to a Aslym far from here in a strait jacket. That was it. I was hurt. I was different than everyone. I didn't belong. So that night I snuck out into the Darkness. I just ran. and ran and ran. until I couldn't see straight. But then I hit a circle of trees...

Something about the tree with the pumpkin on it made me curious. It was like it was calling out to me. I reached for the door knob and, with the help of my clumsyness, fell into the hole. then I heard music. And I was terrified. pumpkins where thrown in the air crashing down on the fences. Real ghost that I saw in my dreams filled the air. and then i saw him. the man of my Dreams! could this place hold my anwser? I was dieing to find out.

I slowly crept up to have a better and closer look, but I sliped on a puddle of green water, and splashed into the fountain! I felt like I was going to drown! until I was being draged up into the crowd. I turned to see that I skelinton man was looking at me. I gasped and tripped as I rush out to the exit that I came through. All I could hear was, HUMAN! WHAT IS IT DOING HERE! HALLOWEEN IS RUINED! I ran and ran until I could make it behind a wall. Then I broke down. I felt the tears flow. I was lost and alone and the place that I was suppose to find my anwser was rejecting me, just like everyone else. "Excuse me."

I turned around to see a face looking at me. A gentle face, one tha could wrap you in warmth...hoever, she had pale blue skin and her face was covered with stitches. Her hair was a beautiful red and her face was full of concern, something I haven't seen in a while. I nodded slowly and got upwith a slow movement. She asked for my name, and why I was here. I then told her my story. She nodded in agreement in such a motherly way, making me wish my mother could be like that. Then she asked if I would like to come and join her for the Halloween feast. I smiled, I knew I would like that... As we walked to her home, she told me her name was Sally and she was sorry if the town's people offended me. She was "The pumpkin Queen" and, something that surprised me the most, that she once had a child that reminded her of me. I smiled and mentioned that I was a foster child as well with no parents, and possible no past. She laughed and brought me to her home. "Maybe I can make it", I figured. "After all this was the place to find my answers."  

"Wow. nice place you have here."
"Do you like it? it's not really mine, it is my husband's but...oh! Cover your ears sweetie."
I did as Sally asked and cuffed my ears with my hands. She made sure that I was safe then pulled the spider on the door. SREEEEEEEEEEEEECH! I could still hear it with my shielded ears...


Just then the door opened. And out came the skeleton man. I gasped and fell backward. It would have hurt if that man didn't save me. I stared at him. He wasn't all that bad looking. in fact he was quite friendly. "Careful, or you will end up like the mayor when he came to me last week. Sally giggled and introduced me. I learned that his name was Jack and he ruled this town. He was perplexed at my situation. "Well Stella, I don't know why you would have dreams of me and other people. It is kind of creepy..." I hung my head. "But I do like creepy!" That was when i started laughing. This first for years. But I was the only one. Jack just stared at me and gasped. "only one other person can laugh like that!" Sally looked shooked. "you don't mean..." Jack nodded. He grabed my arm and told me to come with him. "we must consult the doctor!"

We walked up a large hill into a giant labratory. I was cautious of my steps as we walked up the stairs. then something suddenly jumped up onto me. I fell backwards and I was facing this...dog!?!? "No Zero! This is a friend!" jack exclaimed. Zero looked at me with playful eyes. He was actual kind of cute! I slowly got out and reached my hand toward him. then he cuddled next to me and I laughed again. "WHO GOES THERE! IGOR? DID YOU COME BACK WITH MY MATERIALS?" I shuddered. That voice was very harsh and deep. " NO DOCTOR! IT IS ME, JACK! I NEED YOUR HELP!" A large shadow appeared rolling down the spiral ramp. I gasped and held Zero tightly, causing him  to yelp a little. "Oh! Sorry!" I let go of him as soon as i could.

"Well! What a fine specimen!" A small man in a wheelchair exclaimed. "Stella, may I present to you, the genius of halloweentown, the creator of creepies, Doctor Finklestien!" I forced a smile. "doctor, we need to use your dream device." "Oh course Jack! But I am afraid I can't get it to work right now..." Thats when I was a blabber mouth. " Why don't I take a look at it? I am in a very advance science course, so I may be able to help..." The doctor looked surprised. "yes that sounds like a splendid idea Stella!" jack motioned me up the ramp and into the room with a giant device inside.

It was like a spider, with large wires and suctions. I walked toward it and atomatically opened the front case. after a few rewiring, the machine glowed to indicate that it was in operation. "Amazing!" cried the doctor. "ah doctor." "Oh yes! Stella, step into the machine and take a seat." I did what the doctor told me. He put the suctions on my head with the help of Jack and told me to hold still. I shuddered as the electricity rushed to my head. Memories passed through my head as the doctor and Jack watched the screen in horror. It hurt so much! I thought my head will explode! but a few seconds later Jack must of knew that I was in pain, and shouted to the Doctor to stop. relief came to me when the machine whired to a stop. i was so dizzy! Suddenly I felt someone pick me up. As soon as my focus was back, I was face to face with the pumkin king. his smile was so big, and tears were flowing from his cheeks. "Welcome home, Stella Jane Skellington." was all that he said.

Wait! What?" I asked. Then Jack told me what was the deep truth. I was thier only daughter. He and sally thought that I would be more safe and normal if they left me in the human world. So, when I was only 2 months old. They left me with the smiths. And well you know the rest of my life.

Then I started to cry. I was shocked but I now found out about my mystery of my life. But then Jack looked at me with weary eyes. "You have to make a choice now Stella. Do you want to stay here with me? Or go back to the Smiths?" I looked at him. Then to the Doctor. then to Zero. Then I thought about sally. And then i anwsered, "Of course I will stay forever............ Father." Tears flowed from his eyes as we held each other closely. Finally I was home. Not the one I knew for almost ten years...but the one now that I will know forever...

Years have passed since Stella found out about her past life. She grew to be a beautiful young pumpkin princess, with two red ponytails and a pumpkin clip to hold up her hair. But Sally knew there was something missing in her daughter's life. Love. Stella already had turned a good 19 years but hadn't shown any interest in the boys in town. Being the only heiress to the throne, she was bound to be married soon. But Stella only cared about the little things in life, her job, her role, her friends, her talents, and her parents. But that was soon to change, very soon.
One day Stella was hanging with one of her good friends, although it might have felt awkward.  Her name was Woggie, Woo for short, a reincarnation of the so called Oggie. She was a gambler, playing with the cards of chance, and in a way a leader of the refined trio…Lock, Shock, and Barrel. Sure, they weren't children anymore, more or less teens, but they were still the vicious little brats they once were. Kids in a teen's body. They each bore a sign, to show that they were in the little guild together. Lock, a heart, Shock, a diamond, and Barrel, a club. And Woo, an Ace. The royal flush gang, only better. But one thing that no one knew about was that Oggie never left his body. He is still in Woo, somewhere waiting for the right time to strike…for the rule of holidays…and today was the day…
Woo: so how about it? Still to chicken to see this surprise I have in store for you?
Stella: Please! Get real! I can scare anything, why should I be scared?
Woo: alright. Take your chances. Follow this path and I'll meet you there. *flies off*
Stella: Hey! Not very fair! *runs*
Now Stella didn't know what to expect. She'd only been here for a couple of years, but the one thing that intrigued her was this, Holidays. She'd heard tales of it, other holidays other than Halloween. Could that be true? I bet you know…
Woo told her that if she wasn't afraid, she would show Stella the hidden path to these holidays. And unfortunately, Stella took the chance…and finally made it to the hinterlands…
Stella: whoa.  *turns* look at that one! It's shaped like a tree! Woo! Woo! Hmm…I guess I could just take a peek…*opens the door and peers into the black opening* gee…this is pretty…weird. I better close the dooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Woo: *kicks Stella in* yes, little princess, take a closer look.


Now you can imagine that Stella was angry, excited, anxious, and worried at the same time.  How on earth will she get home? What was she going to do? Where was she? Was this wonderful, or terrible?
Stella: *lands on a snow bank* Ow! *dusts snow off* where am I? Wherever this is, I think it's pretty cool! Look at this! Is it really snow? OMG! The Smiths never let me play in the snow when I was little! Then again, they never let me do anything…OH WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!! I 'm going to have fun!
You can imagine that Stella probably had the time of her life! But that was also when a life changing experience happened to Stella…for you see, just beyond the snow bank behind Stella, there was someone playing music, on a trumpet to be exact. And this was no ordinary person. It was the most important person in this town. And his name was Noeltan. Stella somehow managed to get herself to a wonderful place, Déjà vu if you may, Christmas Town…
Stella peered over the hill of snow, for this music was very intriguing, but not just that. This young man was tall, with white hair and green highlights, his eyes were closed, but tears stood in them.  Stella was curious, and wanted to hear the music a little longer…leaning closer…closer…closer…and her hands slipped on a patch of ice leading her to tumble toward our music making male. She landed on her back and started to laugh. No sooner had she tumbled that this young man stopped his playing to investigate. He was simply mesmerized by this interesting female that had just taken a tumble.
Stella: Could you *snicker* help me up?
Noeltan: *blushes, but helps Stella up*
Stella: thank you. Oh I'm sorry, where are my manners? I'm Stella. You?
Noeltan: Me? Noeltan. Noeltan Claus.
Yep, you heard that right. He is a Claus. For you see, Noeltan is sort of the son of Kris Kringle himself.  He was found as a child and taken care of by the elves and angels. He somehow had Saint Nicks DNA, and was found to be the next Santa Claus.
After they got to know each other, they talked and talked about things. Stella had to admit that she had grown very fond of Noeltan…and question this new feeling…until something terrible happened…
Giant nutcracker soldiers came looking for Noeltan when they spotted Stella. For you see, Stella didn't know about a treaty set long ago, 10 years to be exact. It decreed that nobody from Halloweentown shall set foot onto other holidays, unless of severe emergencies, to prevent having anyone take over any holidays ever again. And poor Stella was captured by the guards without knowing her charges!
Stella: Hey! Let me GO!
Noeltan: It's alright men. Put her down!
Guards: we are sorry, but we cannot! She is a Halloweener. And you know what we do to Halloweeners! TO THE DUNGEON!
Stella was frightened at the candy cane bars around her cage. They sent some guards to get her parents and there was no hope of talking to her new found friend ever again…maybe to even tell him how she felt…


Once Stella got home, you can be sure she got a talk to. But being kind hearted as he was, Jack didn't really punish her, but instead sent her to live with her grandfather, the doctor, on the other side of town. But she really thought it wasn't fair. Finklestien locked her up in her mother's old room, and there was no escape. It wasn't like Stella could just jump out of the window…she wasn't like her mother. So she decided to just curl into her bed, and cry to sleep.
Noeltan on the other hand, knew he couldn't go down without a fight. He knew that his friend was in trouble, and he knew what he had to do. Even if it went against his greatest fear…
It may sound very odd to you, but even Noeltan, the next Saint Nick, had a fright of one of the sweetest Christmas symbols…now don't laugh! Candy canes. That's right…those super sweet favorite Christmas treat? Well no one knows why, but he would shudder at every time he saw some take a lick at it…so I guess he shuddered a lot.
Using this against him, the guards had to make sure that Noeltan wouldn't go off to Halloweentown, so they put him in a cage, with thick super minty double striped, you guessed it, candy canes. But what they didn't know was that Noeltan really feel head over heels for this girl, and he was going to do anything to see her again.
So that night, Stella was sobbing at bed…using every spell she knew to try to break down the door and try to sneak out, something she never thought she would do. For she to, although she wouldn't admit it, fell head over heels for this boy to. But all hope was lost…at least until there was a tapping noise coming from behind her. Stella turned around slowly, and guess what she saw?
Stella: NOELTAN! What are you doing here? *opens window*
Noeltan: I came to get you out of here…
Stella: Oh! That's so…*sniff* why is your breath all minty?
Noeltan: Well, my old man kind of kept me in a…
Stella: Oh! Not candy canes! You told me you had absolute phobia of that stuff! That fiend!
Noeltan: Well…I…ah…would eat though a thousand candy can walls if it meant saving you…
Stella: *blushes* Well, what do you say we get out of here?
And with that, the two of them ran off together, trying to stay hidden, and by morning made it to the Hinterlands…that is…when Finklestien sent Igor to sound the alarms…
"SHE'S GONE!!!!!!!!!"


Although feeling so free, Stella still had a pit inside of her stomach. She knew what she was doing was wrong and eventually skidded to a stop. "Anything wrong?" She stared at her friend's concerned, green eyes. She shook her head and continued walking. But that discomfort, still lingered within her mind. "What will her parents think? Heck, what will the whole town think…?" She was torn between her family, and this one person whom she would love to stay with forever…what was she to do?

But unaware of what was happening back in there home towns, chaos struck…and I think you can guess who's behind this one…

Back at the pumpkin patch, a teenage female looked at the job in front of her in disgust, "But why do WE have to do this? I mean seriously! Smashing pumpkins? So amateur!" one of her teammates, who finished smashing one, explained, "But Woo said…" "I heard what she said!" She snapped. "But you can't stop acting like a snobby princess!" a red headed boy who walked past her pointed out." "Oh shut up!" She snapped back at him. "I am not going to…" But she was interrupted when one of her immature teammates threw a nice gushy soft pumpkin, knocking off her witch hat and soaking her hair. "LOCK!!" She screamed. Her screams echoed into the night…with no one aware until next morning.

But on the other town, another female had another job to do. She sneaked in at a workshop, and finally as she saw her target. She smirked a little, then took out a pair of scissors and snipped off a little bit of her shoulder, almost immediately termites and cockroaches started crawling out. She signaled them to go after the sleigh. In at least a minute flat, the whole sleigh was empty, and every bug retreated back to her body. She threw the scissors across the room, and started laughing knowing her plan was in total action.

And by the next morning, after a whole day for searching for there heirs, both towns went back home and found a "wonderful" surprise…


And I think you probably know what happened the next morning. Both of the towns were furious! But without any evidence, they each started to blame each other. They thought this was a "plan" to get some type of revenge…but what they didn't know was that the two people they were fighting about were just right there with them. Meeting in the hinterlands…was about to be the battle of all holiday history.

But here is not the only battle that has to be dealt with. Stella who had been hiding from all she knew, all that she loved, would have to make a choice of her lifetime.

"I think we should help them…if we leave this to go on, then someone, from either towns will get hurt…we need to submit ourselves so that this senseless fight will be put to an end." She stammered every time she spoke to her friend, the one person whom she had more affection for than anyone…but he did not agree. "After we both worked so hard to get away, and finally get to be together…you want to get rid of it all?" He stared at her in anger. "No, Noeltan." She took his hand. "I want nothing more than to get to be with you forever…but I have a duty, to keep may people in peace. Don't you understand?" Stella looked at him with concern in her eyes. But he just was too stubborn to follow. She knew what she had to do. "Well, I guess, I could kind of help…it's just that I lo…" Noeltan turned around to face down his friend…only to find that she disappeared…

"YOU SHOULD CONTROL THOSE SHORT PEOPLE THAT YOU CARRY AROUND! THEY CAN'T GO INTO OTHER PEOPLE'S PATCHES AND CRUSH THERE PRIZED PUMPKINS! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO FOR NEXT HALLOWEEN?"

"WHO'S TO TALK? YOU WHERE THE ONES WHO DESTROYED EVERYTHING! IT WILL TAKE MONTHS TO RESTORE IT ALL!"

"WELL TAKE BACK WHAT YOU GOT RID OFF!" and without warning, both sides started throwing pieces of junk, pumpkin shells and wrapping scraps. But to there surprise…none of it ever landed on the other side.

"Stella? What are you doing here?"  


Being taught by the many witches in her town, Stella knew a little bit of magic. She didn't really have the total spark for it, but she was capable for simple spells. And today, she put all her skills to the test.
There she stood, the princess of terror, the future queen of nightmares, Stella Skellington. And with her voice, still strong yet shaking, she spoke these words to her fellow townsfolk.
"Citizens of both Halloween town and Christmas town! Why are you attacking each other? What has the other one done to the other? And what proof do you have of this madness?"
One of the little elves walked up to the edge of the wall, "well, when I checked this morning, I saw the whole sleigh completely empty…only a few pieces remain, but they have large holes in them…and I found this next to the sleigh." The little elf held up a pair of scissors in the air. "I recognize this from before, it's in the shape of a spider…and only you have spiders!" A whole group of people behind him started to chatter in agreement.
"QUIET!" Everybody was silent when Stella yelled. Then she continued. "Thank you. Now here is what I have to say. First of all, what do we want to do with presents? Second, how can one pair of scissors "eat" a whole year's preparation? Why you would probably need…" It then hit her…she knew who did the crime! …but her thoughts were interrupted when Behemoth started shouting.
"My pumpkins! Go smash! Take time to grow! Evil elves smash pumpkins!"
Again, the crowd behind him started to agree. Until Stella let out her well known bloodcurdling scream which sent them all into silence.  
And just as that scream left Stella's lips, Noeltan, who wasn't far off, jump at the sudden noise. He must have realized that Stella was in trouble…and if not her, someone was… and he wanted to be forgiven for everything he said and done to hurt Stella…rushing to try not to be too late.


Meanwhile, a certain trio was watching, from a tall tree, the commotion in satisfaction.

The one with the purple outfit was grinning so much she couldn't help but show her razor sharp teeth. Her other companions were just as happy, the red one smirking and the last one indulging on a year's worth of candy. The same thought registered in all of their minds: This was the best game they could pull off.

"See? I told you a girl could do a much better job", boasted the teenage witch. "Unfortunately that doesn't apply to all girls…" joked the young devil. In her anger, the girl pushed her idiotic friend off the tree, causing him to lose his balance. In panic he grabbed the witch's skirt pulling her down with him. She to, grabbed onto the sleeve of the last skeleton teen, pulling him down with her. Together they all fell from the top of the tree landing on top of each other.

"LOCK! You idiot!" The brunette witch got up dusting off her skirt in anger.

"It isn't my fault!  You pushed me off first!" Lock argued in defense.

"Is it okay for me to say that you both are stupid and you both are the reason we fell from the tree and that it is Shock's problem to have a temper and Lock's problem to have to poke at every situation?" The skeleton boy asked.

"SHUTUP BARREL!" the devil and witch screamed at the same time.

And just that moment Stella turned, startled from the noise. She walked up to the spot of the noise, not aware that she still had the wall up, blocking the citizens. Seeing past the bushes and trees, she saw the criminals of the problem. She pushed past the trees revealing herself, although the trio, caught up in their argument, didn't notice her until…

"Hey! You three!" Stella glared at her suspects. "Did you have anything to do with this chaos?"

The trio turned to face a very angry Stella, and in panic, they could only stare at her like deer looking at headlights.

Lock, being the first to speak asked, "We're busted aren't we?"

Shock and Barrel answer together, "Definitely…"  


Meanwhile, Noeltan was looking through the whole town trying to find the items he needed. Since no one was in town, he could easily sneak around without getting spotted. But the only thing keeping him going was the thought and determination to bring back Stella. To see her again, to apologize to her and to tell her how he felt. That deep inside, he never felt this way with any other girl before…and that he thought it was love.
Walking down the toy soldier's station, Noeltan quickly grabbed one of the swords, and slowly continued his search. He bravely made his way across Candy Cane lane…even though it took him a while…and sneaked into his own home. Taking out a golden key from his pocket, he clicked the lock and opened the door. He crept past the fire of the living room, but something was drawing him back. He looked around to make sure no one was there, and then took a seat in the chair nearest to the fire. He peered into the flames, remembering the good times when he was a kid. When a guardian angel always watched him, and when she brought him to the Claus' home. He smiled as he remembered his first Christmas, when he was told that this would be what would have to take over. He would have to bring cheer to boys and girls all over the world. Just as his father does every year. Noeltan remembered how happy he was, and how excited he felt when he envisioned himself as the new Santa Claus…but now…now he had something that meant more than being a Claus…now…
As he starred into the red blaze he remembered something else he loved…a girl. With hair also red…whom he vowed he would protect…
Noeltan got up from the chair and continued his hunt. He walked up to his room, and packed along with the sword, his faithful trumpet. He figured he needed the support he could get…and he always played his trumpet when he was in need of support. He slipped both items onto his belt, and hurried down to the packaging room. There, he looked for something he could use as a rope, but was out of luck. Fortunately he spied a roll of strong ribbon, and took it with him.
With satisfaction, Noeltan packed everything he had, and started to head back to the crowd.  


~Stella~
But deep within the hole, Stella was in for the fight of her life. She was still falling, so she assumed that the hole was quite deep. But surprisingly enough she wasn't a bit afraid. Fear wasn't on her mind right now. It was something else. She was wondering about one person only, Noeltan. She worried if he would be okay, and if he was safe. She wondered if she would ever see him again…or would she die before then.
But before she could think about anything else, she landed hard on what seemed to be like a flat and circular table. Suddenly, a burst of light shot down at Stella, blinding her, as she heard the familiar sound of bats squeaking and the hissing of snakes. When Stella finally managed to look around, she saw what looked like a nightclub or a casino, with all sorts of weird looking contraptions, bright neon lights, and all sorts of booby traps. Stella looked down as well, surprised to see herself sitting on a giant saw. She quickly jumped off, landing gracefully on the ground, which looked like a giant wheel. "Are we enjoying ourselves?" asked a very dark but familiar voice. Stella turned around to stare at the darkness, where the figure of Woogie slowly sauntered out. Stella just glared at her as she replied, "That all you got? Just some giant hole that leads to some dump? I thought you could do better Ooggie…" Woogie frowned and whispered, "No fun huh? Well then let us play." And with that, she pulled a bright orange lever, sending the giant saw flying towards Stella. Luckily she jumped out of the way, letting the saw soar up and hit the ceiling, with no way to show it could escape. The saw gave one last noise, and then came to a complete stop. "Aw…now we have to play another game…" laughed Woogie. She pulled another lever sending a giant laser after Stella. With no other option Stella started running. But soon she ran out of room, with no place to hide, until she spotted a giant metal piece and took one final leap to reach it. Stella made a quick dodge, and the laser reflected off the metal shooting towards the ceiling thus sending something to fall onto the machine, destroying it. Stella peeked behind her hiding place, and saw a very furious Woogie pull two giant levers at the same time. Suddenly the giant metal piece started to move, and Stella realized that her hiding place was actually a giant knife. The knife turned towards its target and slowly rose up preparing to attack. With no place left to run, Stella shut her eyes, and screamed, thinking the worst would happen, until someone or something pulled her out of the way. She heard a faint voice calling her name…
~Noeltan~
Noeltan had just got back from Christmas town, and was desperate to find a way in. He knew he wouldn't have any luck if he went towards the crowd, and there was no way he would turn back. So the only choice he had was to find some other way in. As he kept walking, the trio watched over him very closely…
"Is that him?" asked Barrel. Lock gave him a whack in the head whispering, "Of course it is stupid." However Shock wasn't paying attention to her comrades. Instead, she was thinking of a plan. Finally she whispered, "He doesn't look so tough…let's just do what we always do. Kill him." Lock gave a very devilish grin, "Now that's what I'm talking about". Barrel gave one last lick of his lollipop, and then tossed it over his shoulder while giving a mischievous laugh. Meanwhile Noeltan jumped at the sudden laughter, and stopped walking to look around. Shaking, he weakly cried out, "W-W-Who's…uh…there?" Slowly backing up towards the nearest tree Noeltan had to admit to himself that he was a little scared. He told himself what he came here for, and regained his confidence. Again he asked, "Who's the-", until he was interrupted by something sticky landing on his shoulder. Noeltan took the mystery object from his shoulder, which turned out to be a lollipop, then tossed it onto the ground. "Hey! You'll have to pay for that!" cried Barrel, who almost fell from the tree. Noeltan gave a perplexed look, and then asked, "Who are you?" Suddenly the trio came out one by one. "Lock!" said the devil boy as he jumped from the tree. "Shock!" giggled the little witch girl floating down from the tree. "Barrel!" cried the last one before he fell out of the tree. "You idiot!" cried Shock. "Oh well, you're going to miss all of the fun!"Lock shrugged.  Noeltan gave an even more confused look, "Fun?" Shock turned towards him just as Barrel finally recovered and ran to join his group, "Oh of course! It is our job to follow orders; in fact it's plenty of fun…which is also why we have to eliminate you…" Noeltan gave a little gasp as the trio started walking towards him, for he had nowhere else to run. Quickly he took out his trusty sword, although his hand was shaking, hoping to fight off the trio. Whatever courage he had was now gone, as he slowly said, "Stay back! I know how to use this thing! I was the Nutcracker prince in my school play!" The Trio stopped walking, staring for a minute, only to start laughing. Suddenly a giant saw grew from the ground, and since the trio wasn't paying attention, the saw knocked them over. Like dominos, they each fell on top of each other, which triggered another argument. "Barrel! This is all your fault!" "My fault? It was all Shock!" "WHAT? It was Lock's fault!" But before any of them could say anything else, a laser shot up from the ground, creating a hole, and the Trio fell in. Noeltan, shocked from his luck, puts away his sword and looked within the hole. He was surprised to see a giant Casino, but the most shocking thing he saw was Stella in the middle as the target. He knew he had to save her, so he took out the strong ribbon, tied it to a tree, and then slowly climbed down. On his way down he saw the Trio, apparently knocked out, on top of a machine. Noeltan shook his head and continued his descend. He spotted what looked like a girl made of cloth pull down two levers, and looked over at Stella who screamed for help. Noeltan quickly ran up to her, and just at the last moment, pulled her out of the way. He held her in his arms then whispered to her, "Stella? Stella? Are you okay?"


Stella slowly opened her eyes once more to face her saviour. Her head still was hurting from the confusion, but as soon as her eyes came to focus, she realized who the person was. Inside her heart she was overfilled with great joy, and couldn't believe her eyes. "Noeltan!" she cried out, giving the unexpected hero a hug. Noeltan was shocked himself, one moment not really knowing if Stella was alive or dead, and then suddenly having her jump up on him like that. But he shrugged it off and hugged her back warmly. He felt that he wanted to be in that position for all eternity, but he knew what he had to do. He pulled away from her warm embrace looking deep into her dark eyes. Then Noeltan softly whispered back to her, "Of course it's me. I would never ever leave you. Even if things get rough up ahead, and I might be likely to run away, I won't ever leave you. But most importantly, I want to apolo-" Noeltan was silenced by Stella placing her finger on his lips. She gave him a smile, one that melted his heart, and then answered back, "I know. We both made some mistakes. But we also both share the same thing." Noeltan was a little shocked by Stella's next action. She slowly took a slight lean towards Noeltan, and he consciously took a bold move and leaned in. Both of them thought the same thing, each of them had to confess. And just as their lips almost touched, they were interrupted by the sound of a whirring machine. And sitting on top of the machine, was Woogie. While Noeltan and Stella were having their conversation, Woo took advantage of the moment and brought out her bad of the bad machinery. It was hard to see, for it blended in the background, but massive in size with four metal, machine legs and metal chains for arms. It was a deadly machine, ready to kill whatever was in its path, which meant Stella and Noeltan. Fortunately Stella noticed just at the last moment, and saw Woo try to throw a sneak attack. Stella bravely pushed Noeltan out of the way, but unfortunately could not save herself. Before she could run, multiple chains wrapped around her lower body, imprisoning her arms along with her body and legs. Noeltan was devastated, for her knew that he had to help her...yet he was so useless...all he could do was call out to her. "Stella!"



Even in danger, Stella refused to think of herself. With the last of her energy, she told him to run before passing out. Noeltan just shook his head. He promised he would stay with Stella no matter if he was scared. He got up, but immediately was knocked back down by one of the machine's legs. Woo commanded the machine to bring up the somewhat corpse of Stella, to mock and toss around. Noeltan didn't know what else to do...except try to get Stella to come back. So he shouted from the top of his lungs, "Stella! You're not dead! Wake up! I know you; you wouldn't give up so easily! Wake up! What happened to that girl that I knew who never surrendered?" Stella, hearing what Noeltan had said, suddenly regained strength and immediately shot her eyes open. Stella knew Noeltan was right and, glaring at Woo, Stella tried one last tactic. Stella knew that Woo was confused and not sure who she was. Stella made it her job to snap some sense into the bag of bugs. She then began to protest, "Woo! I know you're in there! Listen to me! I know who you are. You not anything like Ooggie. Can't you see what you're doing is wrong?" Suddenly the figure of Woogie started to look confused, and Stella knew she was getting to her so she continued. "Remember who brought you into society, who helped you feel welcomed? Even though most thought you might end up like Ooggie, except for me? Remember who your first friend was?" It was all me...I was the one who helped you. And I'm telling you because I care." Woogie held her head in pain. "You have to fight it!" Stella screamed. Woo started to have little blue bugs crawl out of her eyes: like tears. Again Stella said, "Fight it!" Woo began to feel her heart hurt. One last time, Stella told her the same words "Fight it!" Woo couldn't take the pain, and as a result, she lost control.

With a scream, Woogie lost control of the machine, sending everything flying in all sorts of directions. As a result, she was collapsed in the heap of junk and became lifeless. Noeltan on the other hand was protected by the leg of the machine, which fell beside him. After a couple crashes and smashes, Noelatn managed to get out of there with only a few bruises and scratches. Once everything seemed to be safe, Noeltan crawled out of his hiding place. He called out to Stella, but unfortunately got no reply. He walked around for quite a while, but no sign of her...until he noticed a limp arm underneath a pile of junk.

Noeltan quickly cleared the junk to find a dusty and beat up Stella. Across her chest there was a giant opening where leaves were falling out and a damaged looking device in the middle of the body. Noeltan didn't know what to do...he felt desperate and hopeless. Suddenly, the limped arm started to move. It pointed to its owner's pocket, almost as if it was asking Noeltan to look there. Noeltan gently placed Stella's head on his lap, and reached into the pocket. Inside he found a needle and a roll of thread. Seeing as he had no choice, Noeltan took the thread and the needle and started to sew together Stella's ripped body. He was never very good at sewing, so the stitches were very awkward, some looking like X's and some going in many directions. By the time he was finished, he heard noises from above. Looking up, he saw that the crowd of angry citizens come storming in. The only thing Noeltan was thinking about was how much trouble he was going to be in. He could have bolted out of there and saved himself, but there was no way he'd leave Stella by herself.

Instead he picked her up and boldly went his way to the crowd, hoping to get some help.



Well, Noeltan got what he "deserved". Mr. Claus wouldn't stop scolding him and Mrs. Claus was worried as usual. However, Noeltan didn't care one bit. All he did was to keep walking and soon got Stella into a lab, so she could get help. Throughout the whole thing, climbing out of the hole, treading long walks, and hearing his father complain, Noeltan never let go of Stella. After he got her safely to the lab, some elves that were specialized in paramedics fixed Noeltan, putting bandages here and there.

It was concluded that Stella would need surgery to fix her heart, the mechanism inside her body, and to fill her with the same leaves. After that, she wouldn't wake up for a couple of days.

After the operation, Noeltan wouldn't leave Halloweentown. He spent his time next to Stella, Either just talking to her (Even if she couldn't hear) or just watching her. He wouldn't let her out of his sight. Each day, someone would accompany him.

                                                       ~Day 1~

Noeltan, Sat in the closest chair to the bed, where a pale girl who was hooked to wires and covered in bandages, lay. Just then, a tall and skinny man walked up to him, and tapped Noeltan's shoulder. Noeltan turned around to see Jack Skellington look down at him. Noeltan thought he was going to be yelled at for messing with the Pumpkin King's daughter, but instead the bony hand was placed on his shoulder. Jack whispered to him, "Thank you for saving my daughter. You're a good man." And with that, Jack walked out the door, leaving Noeltan to figure out what was just said…

                                                         ~Day 2~

Again, Noeltan sat in the same chair beside Stella. He fell asleep with his head on the bed, and the rest of his body resting on the chair. Mrs. Claus, who came to Halloweentown with the help of some citizens, came to check on her son. Seeing him asleep, she walked up to him slowly and placed her jacket on top of him. Patting his head, she smiled then put down her basket of cookies, and walked off whispering, "I knew it! I knew it! He's finally fallen…"

                                                         ~Day 3~

Noeltan was sitting in his chair, talking to himself. He asked "what if" questions: "What if he couldn't save Stella? What if she never wakes up? What if he can't confess? What if he does? What if she doesn't feel the same?" Without knowing it, a little demon boy heard every word. He told a couple of his friends that a Christmas Boy was in love with the Pumpkin Princess…and so on. Soon the word travelled everywhere, and almost everyone knew about it. Even Santa couldn't help but know. But with the thought of losing his son to someone he didn't really trust…was it worth it? But when Santa asked Jack about this, he was told to come see for it himself. And what Mr. Claus saw was his son, who had never been so brave, so sure, and so in love in his life…and the girl was what he wanted the most…



                                                        ~Day 4~

Stella slowly opened her eyes. In her head she counted. 1…2…3…4…5…

She nodded to the sound of her heart beat…she was still considered alive…but how?

As she slowly got up, she saw Noeltan fast asleep next to her. She smiled and tapped his shoulder, hoping to wake him up. She got a quick response, scaring the poor boy, as he put his hands in front of him, and falling out of his chair. Stella gave a soft giggle as Noeltan slowly got back up from the floor. He was about to yell at Stella for scaring him, but then he realized something. Stella scared him…Stella…

And at that moment, Stella found herself embraced by the arms of Noeltan. She could hear him cry tears; and immediately asked why. Noeltan loosened his grasp, of her, and he couldn't stop smiling or crying. Stella didn't know what to say or do. She reached up to Noeltan's face and wiped his tears.  She opened her mouth and her lovely voice came out. "Don't cry my friend…I hate to see your tears…" Noeltan gave a laugh, "But I can't bear to lose you…these tears are of hope…And I hope…" Noeltan bit his tongue…he just couldn't say it…what if something went wrong?

Stella leaned closer to Noeltan's face, oblivious to her actions, peering at the poor embarrassed boy. She laughed and gave him a hug. Placing her heart on his chest, she whisper to him, "If it hadn't been for you…my heart would be dead…but if you die my heart will die anyway…" She looked up at Noeltan, who was both embarrassed and shocked. Stella continued, "I guess I'm trying to tell you that…I love you more than anything in the word Noeltan…and if anything happened to you…I wouldn't forgiven myself…"

Stella looked up at Noeltan, who finally looked a little bit relaxed. With a smile, Noeltan leaned in closer, and whispered to Stella, "You beat me to the punch." Before taking another move to let his lips touch hers...sealing their future together forever...

               "For it is plain as anyone can see…We're simply meant to be…"



                                                          ~End~