seeing is believing

Jack Skellington. 31. Halloweentown. Former Pumpkin King and skeleton, current funeral home director and human.

[smartass-shock-blog]

The Skeleton

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

No, it was impossible. Jack had made sure, he double checked, he had thought that he had grabbed everyone, he- “Oogie?” A soft whisper. He had hoped that his nemesis had been unable to flee from Halloweentown, but he should have known better than to think that the darkness got the best of him. God, he was such an idiot. “You- You started to say something there, something about Oogie. What did he do- what did I let him do?” Jack asked, tone pleading.

[smartass-shock-blog]

Shock shook their head trying not to let the tears fall from their eyes. If Shock was anything they were stubborn. “What didn’t he do, it doesn’t matter. It happened. Barrel is gone, but I’m getting him back. I’ll keep him safe this time.” Shock clenched her fists tightly by her side. “I won’t forgive you, you failed him and me. It’s your fault.” If Shock kept saying it was his fault maybe it would actually become true. Shock turned on their heels and headed for the door keeping their face away from his gaze as the tears finally fell.

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

He failed them. Jack wasn’t sure what happened or what he did wrong, but the knowledge that he failed the very people he swore to protect made his stomach twist and churn. He had to set this right. “Shock, please,” he said softly as he followed after them, resting his hand on their shoulder once he was close enough. “If there is anything I can do, anything at all to make it up to you and your brothers… I know we haven’t always been on the same page but I-I’m here for you, Shock. I want to make this up to you- to all three of you.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack smiled. He was glad that he had finally been able to talk some sense into him. “Another time, then. When you’re ready to find out just how that hammer works, just swing by the Funeral Home. I’ll be there.”

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“…Yeah, I’ll be sure to do that sometime.” Felix scratched the back of his neck, before looking up to the other and offering a light smile. “I’ll also be over to let ya know about Shock, more importantly.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

“Yes, of course.” The issue with Shock was more important, but just thinking about getting his hands on that hammer made his skin itch pleasantly. Jack always had loved a good mystery. “Let’s deal with that sooner rather than later, hmm?”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack shrugged. “Well, there’s only one way to find out. And I think it will work. If not, at least then you’ll know for certain. It’s all in the name of science.”

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“Uh, maybe let’s make that a last resort.” Felix gave a soft unsure laugh, suddenly very aware of the distance between the hammer and Jack and wanting to make sure it remained that distance. “Maybe another time, huh? For, uh, ‘science’.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack smiled. He was glad that he had finally been able to talk some sense into him. "Another time, then. When you're ready to find out just how that hammer works, just swing by the Funeral Home. I'll be there."

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Of course Shock was the one to instigate this whole event. Jack shouldn’t have been surprised. “Red pants. You should try hitting her with the oppsite side of the hammer while thinking of red pants. Although, if we really want to do this whole thing backwards, then she should be the one hitting you.”

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“…W-wait, ain’t that likely to just change me into somethin’ as opposed to reversin’ what happened before?” Felix returned, looking rather concerned by the suggestion.

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack shrugged. “Well, there’s only one way to find out. And I think it will work. If not, at least then you’ll know for certain. It’s all in the name of science.”

[smartass-shock-blog]

The Skeleton

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack didn’t understand. “Take a deep breath Shock,” he suggested gently, taking a step forward when he stepped back. “We’ll find Barrel. He must be around here somewhere- there’s no one left back home.” When the darkness came and destroyed Halloweentown, he had personally made sure that every citizen went through the portal before he himself jumped through. “This… Is this a joke? Are your brothers hiding somewhere, just waiting to jump out at me once I start looking for Barrel? It’ll take more than that to scare me, you should know that.” It had to be a joke.

Originally posted by suicideskwad

[smartass-shock-blog]

Shock narrowed their eyes and scoffed. “Right, I’m sure you got everyone out and left absolutely no one behind. Just like you protected everyone back in Halloweentown, just like you let no one get hurt and just like you let Oogie not get his hands on anyone.” Shock rolled their eyes and shook their head at the man. “He’s gone, he’s not going to jump out with Lock. He’s gone because you left him, you left him in the dark. Just like you left me and Lock. Just like you let Oogie…” Shock stopped their jaw clenched tight. This wasn’t the plan, they weren’t supposed to be telling him all of this. Just slap and get out. Still there Shock was with tight fists and tears in their eyes. Everything in them screaming to runaway. “It’s your fault.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

No, it was impossible. Jack had made sure, he double checked, he had thought that he had grabbed everyone, he- “Oogie?” A soft whisper. He had hoped that his nemesis had been unable to flee from Halloweentown, but he should have known better than to think that the darkness got the best of him. God, he was such an idiot. “You- You started to say something there, something about Oogie. What did he do- what did I let him do?” Jack asked, tone pleading.

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Interesting. But now was the time for solving problems. Potential scientific discoveries could wait until after Shock was herself again. “Does the hammer work for anybody or just you? Perhaps she could hit herself or- or maybe it’s the intent of the blow? When you struck her down, what were you thinking of?”

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“…I mean… Huh, I don’t think anyone else has ever tried usin’ it before. I honestly ain’t too sure.” Felix scratched at his chin gently, tilting his head at the side. “I was thinking somethin’ along the lines of ‘what in blue blouses is that?!’ as Shock was jumpin’ out at me when it happened.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Of course Shock was the one to instigate this whole event. Jack shouldn’t have been surprised. “Red pants. You should try hitting her with the oppsite side of the hammer while thinking of red pants. Although, if we really want to do this whole thing backwards, then she should be the one hitting you.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

“Yes, please do.” Jack thought about it with a hum and a gentle scratch of his chin. “Since it’s impossible to un-hit someone, have you tried hitting her again? Or perhaps hitting her in the exact same spot, but with the other side of the hammer?”

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“I ain’t too sure I wanna risk it.” Felix admitted with a quick scratch at the back of his neck. “It’s real possible that if I hit her again, it could turn her into somethin’ far worse.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Interesting. But now was the time for solving problems. Potential scientific discoveries could wait until after Shock was herself again. “Does the hammer work for anybody or just you? Perhaps she could hit herself or- or maybe it’s the intent of the blow? When you struck her down, what were you thinking of?”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack felt like he should be more threatening, more intimidating, like he should truly strike fear into this man’s heart. But Jack was a nice guy and even though they had just met, his gut feeling told him to trust this man. “Alright. I’m putting my faith in you. I expect an update from you as soon as she’s herself again.“

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“I’ll send her your way when she’s back to long blonde hair and less peewee in the downstairs, if you really want.” Felix offered with a sheepish shrug.”If you’ve got any ideas on possible solutions for me, that could be real helpful about now…?”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

“Yes, please do.” Jack thought about it with a hum and a gentle scratch of his chin. “Since it’s impossible to un-hit someone, have you tried hitting her again? Or perhaps hitting her in the exact same spot, but with the other side of the hammer?”

[smartass-shock-blog]

The Skeleton

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Pumpkin King. It was a title he hadn’t heard in awhile and the thought of it brought feelings of both excitement and dread. Only a few people in town knew about his former title, and going by his prior conversation with the small man with the hammer, he had an idea who he was dealing with. “Shock, we’ve talked about this. Pranks are to scare people, not to hurt them.“ He wondered if his face would bruise from this. “Care to enlighten me to what it is that I didn’t do?”

Originally posted by nerdywelshman

[smartass-shock-blog]

Shock took a step back a bit surprised that Jack guess right away despite her not being subtle. She straighten up quickly regaining her composure, “lucky guess.” Shock rolled her eyes, pranks could be just as hazardous as anything hence why she was now a man. “Of course you wouldn’t know.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why would you? Barrel is gone and it’s your fault. God, I mean everyone looked up to you and when they needed you most where were you? Helping everyone, but my family as always. Barrel is gone, Jack! I don’t know where he is, if he’s okay or if he’s de-” Shock stopped unable to finish. She cleared her throat and took a step back from him. 

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack didn't understand. "Take a deep breath Shock," he suggested gently, taking a step forward when he stepped back. "We'll find Barrel. He must be around here somewhere- there's no one left back home." When the darkness came and destroyed Halloweentown, he had personally made sure that every citizen went through the portal before he himself jumped through. "This... Is this a joke? Are your brothers hiding somewhere, just waiting to jump out at me once I start looking for Barrel? It'll take more than that to scare me, you should know that." It had to be a joke.

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

“Yes. I know her.” Their relationship was complicated at best. “She’s an old, dear friend of mine and you better hope that that hammer of yours didn’t do any lasting damage to her, or you’ll have to deal with me.” Jack said, taking a step closer to jab his finger into the other man’s chest.

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“Hey now.” Felix held up his hands in a defensive manner, taking a step back from the other when he jabbed a finger forwards. “I think I prefer ya when you’re overly interested in the bizarre things I’ve been up to.” He huffed, straightening his shirt out. “Anyway, what do you think I’m doin’ when I’m trying to work out how to fix her back? I made a promise to her that I would change her back, and I don’t go back on my promises. Trust me.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack felt like he should be more threatening, more intimidating, like he should truly strike fear into this man’s heart. But Jack was a nice guy and even though they had just met, his gut feeling told him to trust this man. “Alright. I’m putting my faith in you. I expect an update from you as soon as she's herself again."

[smartass-shock-blog]

The Skeleton

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack simply blinked at the electrician. Now that he thoufht about it, it was strange that he didn’t have a tool box or one of those fancy belts with pockets. “Alright, but I don’t see how just standing here will-” Jack was cut off before he could finish. His head whipped to the side almost comically, hand immediately raising to gently cup his now stinging cheek. He stared at the other with a mix of surprise, distrust and anger. “That was- Why did you do that?!” Jack was aware that some people didn’t particularly like him but he had no idea who this stranger was. How could he have deserved that if he didn’t know what he did wrong?

Originally posted by falldiewakefly

[smartass-shock-blog]

Shock laughed even louder as his head jerked to one side. It was just like the movies. “You know why,” Shock said as she tried to compose herself again. “Well actually since it’s you I doubt it, but what can you do skeleton?” Shock shrugged. “I mean it’s the least you deserve considering what you’ve done. Or failed to do…” She said no longer finding the situation funny anymore as her frustration with began to boil out. “But hey, all hail the pumpkin king.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Pumpkin King. It was a title he hadn’t heard in awhile and the thought of it brought feelings of both excitement and dread. Only a few people in town knew about his former title, and going by his prior conversation with the small man with the hammer, he had an idea who he was dealing with. “Shock, we’ve talked about this. Pranks are to scare people, not to hurt them.“ He wondered if his face would bruise from this. "Care to enlighten me to what it is that I didn’t do?”

[smartass-shock-blog]

The Skeleton

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack hummed quietly to himself as he finished watering the last of the flowers. Personally, he thought it was more fitting to have dead flowers decorating the funeral home, but people had started to complain and unhappy people meant bad business. Jack hadn’t seen the stranger walk in and had he been anyone else, the sudden noise would have scared him. “Ah,” he greeted as he set the watering can down and turned to face him, “you must be the electrician! Thank you for coming on such short notice- there’s an issue with the fuse box, loose and broken wires, it seems, and I tried to fix it myself but now whenever we turn the front office lights on, the hallway lights turn off so I’m afraid I might have made the issue worse.”

Originally posted by johnswelsh

[smartass-shock-blog]

“What?” Shock asked a bit taken aback. So that’s why that kept happening, Shock thought it must have been ghosts or something equally cool. “No, I mean I don’t even have tools. Why would you thin-” They stopped themselves and pinched the bridge of their nose. Shock was loosing momentum and getting sucked into the madness that was Jack. “Okay, you know what just stand still for a moment.” They said stretching out there arms to prepare before slapping the man with as much force as they could muster. Shock began to cackle afterwards though feeling a tiny bit guilty. 

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack simply blinked at the electrician. Now that he thoufht about it, it was strange that he didn’t have a tool box or one of those fancy belts with pockets. “Alright, but I don’t see how just standing here will-” Jack was cut off before he could finish. His head whipped to the side almost comically, hand immediately raising to gently cup his now stinging cheek. He stared at the other with a mix of surprise, distrust and anger. “That was- Why did you do that?!” Jack was aware that some people didn’t particularly like him but he had no idea who this stranger was. How could he have deserved that if he didn’t know what he did wrong?

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack frowned. He wanted to see how it worked, wanted to see it in action with his own eyes, but how was he supposed to- “Shock?” Jack’s whole demeanor changed as he gave the other man a stern, disapproving look. “Blonde teenage girl, blue eyes, loves to play tricks? You mean that Shock?”

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“Plays tricks like a lil’ minx.” Felix nodded before blinking up at the other, slipping his hammer into his belt. He noted the completely different change in attitude, looking somewhat cautious. “Wait, you know her?”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

“Yes. I know her.” Their relationship was complicated at best. “She’s an old, dear friend of mine and you better hope that that hammer of yours didn’t do any lasting damage to her, or you’ll have to deal with me.” Jack said, taking a step closer to jab his finger into the other man’s chest.

[smartass-shock-blog]

The Skeleton

Shock had avoided the funeral home mainly because she was still getting used to being a he. There was some awkwardness, okay there was a lot of awkwardness, but the promise of having fun with Jack was too much to resist. Like Oogie he wouldn’t know this face assuming Felix kept his trap shut, she had already gotten her fun with Oogie by punching him and smashing his window now was Jack’s turn. So Shock went about looking for Jack checking ever room for the skeleton with great purpose, when they saw him a wide smile formed on her face. “Oui!” They yelled rubbing their hands together preparing to slap the ever living crap out of the man before her. “I’ve got something for you.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack hummed quietly to himself as he finished watering the last of the flowers. Personally, he thought it was more fitting to have dead flowers decorating the funeral home, but people had started to complain and unhappy people meant bad business. Jack hadn’t seen the stranger walk in and had he been anyone else, the sudden noise would have scared him. “Ah,” he greeted as he set the watering can down and turned to face him, “you must be the electrician! Thank you for coming on such short notice- there’s an issue with the fuse box, loose and broken wires, it seems, and I tried to fix it myself but now whenever we turn the front office lights on, the hallway lights turn off so I’m afraid I might have made the issue worse.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

A golden hammer. Not the strangest thing he had seen, but it was certainly different. “How does it work? Do you have to hit something or…” he trailed off as he reached out a hand to gently poke the side of it.

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“Ah-ah-ah.” Felix pulled the hammer away from Jack’s reach, holding a hand up at the other. “I already messed up one person, I ain’t gonna do it to another.” Felix huffed, shaking his head. “Well, all it used to do was fix things, heal wounds, take somethin’ back to its original mint-condition status. You’d simply hit stuff with it, and ‘DING’ done, sorted, everyone can go home now. But, since I got here, it’s doin’ more wreckin’ than fixin’. It musta got messed up, but it’s outta my control now. It could do anythin’. And it did do anythin’ to poor Shock.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack frowned. He wanted to see how it worked, wanted to see it in action with his own eyes, but how was he supposed to- “Shock?” Jack's whole demeanor changed as he gave the other man a stern, disapproving look. "Blonde teenage girl, blue eyes, loves to play tricks? You mean that Shock?"

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

“A lady turning into a man. How interesting. Was it some sort of spell or potion or did you do it chemically?” Jack had started to think that this world was dreadfully boring compared to Halloweentown but if magic and the like still existed, the possibilities were endless.

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“Chemically- what? No.” Felix stared at the other, baffled slightly that the other approached the conversation that way, seeing as how lacking in this sort of thing. “N-no, it’s sorta… a weird one, and a little strange to understand. But-” With a quick twirl between his fingers, he pulled his golden hammer off his tool belt to merely show the other. “It happened with this.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

A golden hammer. Not the strangest thing he had seen, but it was certainly different. “How does it work? Do you have to hit something or…” he trailed off as he reached out a hand to gently poke the side of it.

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

Jack hummed in thought. That didn’t sound good at all. “And have you tried apologizing for this bloop? That usually works as long as it’s sincere and coming from the heart.”

[i-can-fix-it-felix]

“Uh, well you see, I tried that, but this person wants me to try and fix said bloop, and I don’t know how, and she’s about to go out and start slappin’ these people as revenge since they ain’t gonna recognise her because she’s now a man and I feel responsible for doing this to her and…” He paused, turning to look at the other. “…A lot more detail came out in that than I was expectin’.”

[wearyskeletonbones-blog]

"A lady turning into a man. How interesting. Was it some sort of spell or potion or did you do it chemically?" Jack had started to think that this world was dreadfully boring compared to Halloweentown but if magic and the like still existed, the possibilities were endless.