Chapter 17: A King's Parting Words
A few guests approached Danny with praise.
"You truly put on a good show, young man!" exclaimed a tall demon with swirling, dark horns. He shook Danny's hand.
A smaller demon also shook his hand. "I've never seen anything quite like it. You have a rare gift, indeed."
Octavia, gently hooked to his arm, beamed with pride.
A younger demon their age approached shyly. "That was... that was really cool, especially the fireworks and all." He offered his hand, which Danny shook warmly.
"Thanks!" Danny said. "I'm glad everyone enjoyed it."
Still clinging to Danny's arm, Octavia leaned closer and whispered loud enough for the others to hear, "He clearly wanted to make it memorable."
#
Tired after two performances tonight, Danny and Octavia returned to their seats.
Danny turned to Octavia. "So, after today, have you thought about what you want to do later?"
Octavia leaned her head against his shoulder. Her feathers were slightly ruffled from all the dancing. A slight smile curved her lips. "Well, the Fall Equinox is coming up. We could check that out. It's supposed to be bigger this year."
Danny's eyes lit up. "That sounds awesome."
Octavia nudged him playfully. "Plus, I hear they have this giant corn maze. Bet I could beat you finding the way out."
Raising an eyebrow, Danny accepted the challenge with a grin. "You're on. But if we're doing the maze, we're also trying all the festival food." The food here was good, thanks to Polymorph.
Suddenly, Danny got an idea. "Hey, Octavia, do you wanna go do Halloween trick-or-treating?"
"Trick-or-treating?" Her eyes sparkled. "What's that?"
"Wait. You've never heard of it before? I would have thought that Halloween would be a big holiday here."
She shook her head. "As far as I have learned, it's All Hallow's Eve, and no?"
"Well, you're in for a treat, Literally! You'll love it! Everyone dresses up in costumes, and we get free candy."
"Free candy! That sounds amazing! I've read about All Hallows' Eve. All I knew was that it was the few times a year demons of all kinds could go to the Earth without consequence."
Danny blinked at that revelation. "Huh. I guess that makes sense."
"So, what sort of costume would I wear?"
"Anything you want! We could even do a theme together."
Octavia thought about it for a moment. "Let's do it!"
"Great!" Danny clapped his hands together. "It's a plan. We'll have the festival and then Halloween. This is going to be awesome!"
#
Stolas and Stella exchanged polite pleasantries with their noble guests. Their smiles were less forced than earlier. A lot of the tension that was building before today eased. Still, they had both been enduring the social niceties for the sake of their daughter, but neither was in the mood for prolonged interactions with the guests. A familiar, grating voice returned as if the evening couldn't get any more taxing. Stolas had been avoiding talking to his brother-in-law up to this point.
"Hello, you two!" Andrealphus, Stella's brother, sauntered toward them. As he approached, his extravagant coat flared out behind him.
Stella's lips tightened into a thin line. It was already enough that he dragged her to the dance floor. She would never admit to enjoying herself to them. "Hello again, Andrealphus."
Stolas couldn't help the small sigh that escaped him. "Brother-in-law…"
Andrealphus, of course, was oblivious—or rather, he didn't care—about the less-than-enthusiastic reception. He grinned widely. "Ah, come now, don't be so dour! Not after those last two performances. I always knew you fit in a circus."
"Right…" The prince strained a smile.
"This is a celebration! You two did a decent job. Today was... acceptable."
Stella's eye twitched. "You always know just what to say…"
"Nothing less for my darling niece's birthday!" Andrealphus replied mockingly.
Stolas narrowed his eyes. "I don't recall Octavia unwrapping a gift from you."
Andrealphus waved it off. "Isn't family the greatest gift of all?"
'Cheapskate…' She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of getting under her skin—at least not in public. "Well, Stolas and I made something special for her." Then again, Andrealphus never gave gifts to anyone, herself included.
Stolas pinched the bridge of his nose. "Andrealphus, what do you want?"
Andrealphus chuckled. "Oh, I'll get to that. But first, I simply must congratulate the both of you." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You've done well to keep this little charade of a marriage going for so long. Quite the performance, if I do say so myself."
Stolas' eyes narrowed, anger flicking. "Seriously, Andrealphus. Now of all times?"
"I'm merely stating the obvious."
Stella clenched her jaw, her patience wearing thin. "Is that all?"
Andrealphus glanced across the room at Octavia and Danny sitting together, exchanging quiet words. The young halfbreed seemed utterly at ease. "So, Octavia's new friend," Andrealphus began, his tone dripping with feigned casualness. "Quite the interesting choice of company."
Stella hummed at the mention of Danny. "Despite the boy's background, he has shown to be a capable half-blood." In the back of her mind, she wondered if someone at the party was the actual sire of the boy.
Stolas clenched his jaw. "Yes, Danny is my student." His eyes flicked over to where the children sat. "He's shown remarkable potential in his studies." Seriously, did the demon not hear the lungs of that child? "And as for his lineage, it's not your concern."
Andrealphus chimed in. "Oh, I don't know about that. You see, appearances matter a lot, dear Stolas. The company one keeps can say a lot about them. It reflects on their status and their reputation. And to have our little Octavia associated with him can raise questions, no?"
Stella crossed her arms, clearly irritated by the entire situation. "Unless the boy does something untoward to our family, I'd rather not waste the time and energy on such paranoia." That was as close to a nice thing Stella could say about people.
Stolas shot Andrealphus a glare. "Danny and Octavia are good friends. End of story."
Andrealphus let out a soft, condescending chuckle. "You've always had a soft spot for the underdog, haven't you, Stolas? But be careful—these things have a way of backfiring."
Stella's lips curled into a scowl.
Stolas straightened, his patience wearing thin. "Octavia's happiness and well-being are far more important."
Stella sighed. "To be fair, sentimentality can only go so far, Stolas. It can be taken advantage of."
"Be that as it may. Sentiment isn't a weakness, Stella," Stolas replied, his tone firm. "Still, we all have to stand up to those who would in some regard."
Unseen by him, Stella smirked. 'One step at a time.'
Stella and Andrealphus exchanged a glance. "You've said your piece. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have more important guests to attend to."
"Oh, don't let me keep you," Andrealphus said with a mock bow. "I'll just be over there, mingling with the rest of the riffraff. Do enjoy the rest of your evening, dearest sister. And Stolas... always a pleasure."
As he walked away, Stolas locked eyes with Andrealphus. "Danny is under my protection. I suggest you remember that."
With that, Andrealphus sauntered into the crowd.
Stella exhaled sharply. "He's insufferable."
"One of the few things we agree." Stolas glanced at his wife. "After tonight, he'll be out of our hair for a few months."
#
Lucifer walked down the hallway toward the restroom, lost in thought. Honestly, he took the opportunity as a breather than anything else. Today was supposed to help. He was able to bring a smile to her again, but he was afraid it wouldn't be enough. He sighed, running a hand through his silver hair as he rounded the corner.
At the same moment, Danny, on his way to the same destination, was similarly distracted. Neither of them noticed the other until—
Bump.
Lucifer and Danny collided enough to snap both of them out of their respective dazes.
"Oh, sorry—" Danny looked up. His eyes widened. "So sorry, your Highness!"
Lucifer straightened. "No need to apologize. You're… Octavia's friend? The one who performed earlier."
Danny nodded. "Yeah, that's me. Just taking a bathroom break."
Lucifer chuckled. "Yeah… Same…"
Danny didn't seem to believe him. "You sure?
"Of course!" '...Too enthusiastic on that one…'
"Right… Are you… okay?"
"Totally…" Not even Lucifer would have believed himself. Granted, most people didn't genuinely ask him how he was.
"You seem… sad."
"It's… a personal matter."
Danny press. "Okay. Personal stuff can be hard, but I'm happy to talk if you want."
"The fact you asked at all is… appreciated."
"Oh, well, you're not exactly what I expected, to be honest."
Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what did you expect?"
Danny hesitated. "Well, I don't know... something more... menacing? You're the Devil, after all. But you're... um, nicer than I thought."
Lucifer laughed. "I suppose I was when I was first cast down here, but I'd like to think I mellowed out since then."
The boy smiled. "Charlie seems like a ray of sunshine, too. She even psyched me up before I performed."
"Yeah… out of everything I had a hand in creating, she's the best of them." Lucifer's eyes shined.
"She's great! Charlie even mentioned her cool plan to help you with Hell."
"She… did… Did she?"
"Yeah. Redeeming sinners. I think she's on to something."
"Right… Daniel, you're young. Have you met any sinners before?"
"Well, no, but I have a general idea."
"You sweet summer child…" It was probably better to rip the bandage off. "Listen… Sinners, they're a real piece of work. Most of them are violent psychopaths, hell-bent on causing as much pain and destruction as they can. They flood Hell with their endless cycle of hatred and bloodshed. It's enough to drive even the most patient of rulers mad." 'Wait…' What Lilith mentioned earlier was coming to light. The sinners barely respected him and the Sins. Father knows what they think of Lilith. He had little doubt that the lower Hellborn treated her with the same respect as him. Ruling a place where no one respects her. Has he been blind to this for so long…
"Oh…" Danny tilted his head and thought about the True Crime specials on TV. "Are all of them that bad?"
Lucifer let out a dry laugh. "Bad doesn't even begin to cover it, Daniel. They had free will, the ability to choose between right and wrong, to build something beautiful, and look what they did with it! Everything's terrible!" He threw his hands up in exasperation. "They squandered every opportunity, every blessing, and ended up here, where they continue their wicked ways without a shred of remorse!"
Danny could see the frustration. "I guess… Earthlings really let you down, huh."
Lucifer huffed. "Let me down? Oh, they've done far worse than that!" "They've turned Hell, my home, into a nightmare for everyone. The constant violence, destruction, and depravity. There's really no point in trying to help them. They don't want redemption. This isn't the home Lilith and I imagined to make for us. For our daughter. I can already feel it tearing my family apart…"
Danny frowned. "Charlie doesn't seem to think that. From what I hear, she loves you.
Lucifer's eyes watered. "She said that?" His baby girl was already in her adult stage, and hearing it from her directly didn't come up as often as she used to.
"Yup!"
Lucifer paused. "Ah, Charlie. My sweet girl. I love her too, so much. She believes that souls can change. But I can't help but worry she's fighting a losing battle. Sinners are awful!"
"Maybe, but is there a written rule or something that says souls can't be redeemed?"
Lucifer chuckled. "Well, no. Perhaps not. But the last time any soul left Hell was because of divine intervention, and I doubt that Dad will be that forgiving again." Meeting Yeshua was one of the few times he was allowed to walk the Earth. A permit directly from Father. He tried so hard for 40 days to get him to be buds and hang out, but he was so focused on Dad's tasks. A bright young man. 'All he ever asked was for people to be kind to each other. Look where we are now…'
"I see," Danny nodded. "I'd feel terrible if my parents disapproved of my dreams." He still did in some capacity. Ghost hunting was… Fine? But not in his top three choices. Top five, maybe. "Are you okay with her feeling that way?"
Lucifer sighed again, leaning against the wall. "No… She deserves better than that chance. I suppose, even if it's just to see her smile, to let her hold onto that hope a little longer."
Danny smiled. 'I would like that for myself.'
"Best case scenario, it actually works. Worst case scenario, she fails, but I'll be there to hold her."
"That's… one way of putting it."
"In the meantime, Danny, you'd do well to keep your distance from the sinners. They're not like the demons you've met here, for the most part. They'll tear you apart the moment they sense any weakness. Literally, in some cases."
Thinking of the horror movies he tried to sneakily watch, Danny took the warning to heart. "I'll be careful."
"Good. You've got a good head on your shoulders, kid."
Lucifer placed a hand on Danny's shoulder. "And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask." Lucifer gave Danny a final nod before heading to the restroom.
Danny let out a breath. Hell was so much more complicated than he had ever imagined.
Chapter 18: Farewells Under the Stars
The night of entertainment was coming to a close. Over the next hour, the Goetia manor gradually began to empty. The party simmered down as guests departed. Octavia and her parents stood near the grand entrance. Danny was seated at a nearby table, waving demons as they left.
Stolas extended his hand to each departing guest, expressing the family's genuine appreciation for everyone who came. "Thank you for celebrating with us."
Next to him, Stella nodded politely.
Octavia was a flutter of excitement. "I hope you had as much fun as I did!"
The various demon nobles murmured their thanks. Some lingered a bit longer, exchanging pleasantries.
Danny and Octavia spotted Amara and Ignis's families leaving.
"Hey, Amara, Ignis!" Octavia called out.
"Octavia, Danny," Amara greeted. "This was some party, huh?"
"Yeah, it was pretty incredible." Danny smiled. "Thanks for coming. It was great seeing you guys here."
Ignis nodded. "It was an enjoyable evening. Your performance was quite the highlight, Danny. Didn't expect you to light up the stage like that."
Danny chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Ignis. I worked hard on it for Octavia."
Octavia blushed a bit. "It was rather pleasant that you both could make it."
Amara's smile widened. "We hope to come to the next one, but we might expect Daniel on stage again next time."
"Uh, maybe. We'll see." Danny chuckled.
"Might bring a pair of swords if we don't get a chance to duel any time soon," Ignis added.
"Well, we better head out," Amara saw her parents walking ahead.
"Bye!" Danny and Octavia waved them off.
#
The Morningstar family was the last to leave and made their way over to the family.
Lucifer Morningstar approached first with an extended hand. "Stolas, it's been a marvelous evening. Your family knows how to host a memorable celebration."
Stolas bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Highness. It was an honor."
The king turned to the girl. "You've set quite the standard."
Octavia chuckled. "Not sure how I'll top this birthday."
"I'm sure you'll think of something." He then looked down at Daniel. "You showed quite a bit of bravery tonight. You should be proud."
Daniel blushed slightly. "Thank you, sir."
"And I appreciate your kind words afterward."
Several people raised a brow at that. Had they spoken earlier?
The boy smiled. "No problem."
Lilith stepped forward and gave Stella a courteous nod. "The decorations were simply lovely, Stella."
Stella offered a polite smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
The Queen regarded Daniel for a moment. "You did well today, young man. It's been quite some time since I last danced with my husband. You have my tanks for such an opportunity."
Danny stood straight. "Thank you. Words can't express how I feel." In truth, Danny didn't know how to feel about that.
Lilith's gaze softened as she looked at the children. "You have bright futures ahead."
Charlie pulled Octavia and Daniel into a hug. "You both were amazing tonight! Seeing my parents dance again was like a dream."
Octavia smiled shyly. "Thank you, Princess Charlie. I'm really glad you came."
Daniel grinned. "I wish you well with your passion project."
Lilith turned back to Stolas and Stella. "We must be going now. Enjoy the rest of your night."
Stolas nodded. "Of course. Take care."
Charlie waved back and skipped after her parents.
When the Morningstars departed, the family breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over. Tonight had gone over better than expected.
#
After the family assigned the imps to begin clean-up, Stolas, Octavia, and Danny prepared to return to Earth and made their way to the foyer.
When Stella approached them, Danny was chatting with Octavia about more plans for later that year.
"Daniel," Stella drew his attention immediately. "I wanted to say that I genuinely appreciated your performance tonight."
"Thank you."
Danny's smile widened, surprised but pleased by her compliment. "Thank you. Octavia and I even saw you da-"
Stella held up her hand. "You are already ahead. Don't make me take it back."
Danny quickly shut himself up.
"Now, while I vet those who visit my home, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing you here now and then, provided you continue to be on your best behavior."
Danny glanced at Octavia, who gave him an encouraging smile. "I'd like that."
A rare smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "That's all I ask. Carry on, then. Safe travels."
Stolas clapped a hand on Danny's shoulder, guiding him toward the door. "Let's get you home."
#
In a secluded room and away from prying eyes, Stolas used his grimoire to open the portal back to the Earth home. The trio stepped through and into the living room. They found Jack Fenton still out on the couch, sleeping soundly. A faint mumble about ghosts escaped his lips.
Stolas chuckled at the sight as he reapplied his human glamour, Octavia's human form shimmering into place. Stolas waved his hand over Danny, stripping him of his demonic lupagriff form and returning him to his usual self.
"Thank you," Danny whispered, glancing over to his father, sleeping peacefully.
With a little magic, he altered the room to look like a proper aftermath. Stolas strode over to Jack and placed a hand on his head. He looked over his shoulder at Danny. "I'll be giving your father a modified version of events tonight. Any suggestions?"
Danny hummed in thought. "Okay, make sure he met a few nice people. I get that some stuck-up rich folks were at the party, but let's add in a few who actually listened to his ghost stories. It'd make him happy."
"Reasonable."
Danny gave a little grin. "Oh! Make one of the deserts fudge."
"A favorite for all of us. Would you like him to remember seeing our performances as well?"
Danny paused for a moment. He glanced over at Octavia, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Yeah, sure. I think he'd like it. He likes spectacle. Would be a surprise to him, too."
Stolas focused his magic on Jack's mind. Surprisingly, there was a lot of free room. "Alright... Done!"
Jack began to stir and fluttered his eyes open. He blinked groggily and looked around the room in confusion. "Huh... What happened?" He rubbed his face and sat up. "Where'd everyone go?"
Stolas cleared his throat. "Ah, Mr. Fenton, you may have had a bit too much to drink earlier."
Jack furrowed his brow and let out a hearty laugh. "Ha! Must've gone back to my college days! Partyin' hard, huh? But hey, no hangover and I feel great!" He patted his belly as he looked around. He saw Danny staring at him and quickly changed his tune. "Which you won't be doing until you're much older... and we will not tell your mother about this.
Danny giggled. "Okay, Dad."
He ruffled his son's hair. "That's my boy."
Stolas exchanged a glance with Danny and Octavia. "Indeed. It seems the night was quite enjoyable."
Jack stretched his arms with a grin. "Best birthday party I never thought I'd be invited to. Finally got to meet that wife of yours. She's a beaut. A real spitfire. You're lucky to have her."
Stolas coughed into a fist. "Right… That's one way of putting it…"
"And that performance, wow! You know, Danny, you should think about doin' more of that! The fireworks, the music—it was amazing!" He gave his son an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Danny chuckled with a hint of a blush touching his cheeks. "Thanks, Dad."
Jack nodded and got to his feet. "Now then, where did they keep the fudge? I swear I remember some delicious cake and fudge... If we can take some home, that'd be even better!"
"Alright, Dad, let's see what we can find."
Behind his back, Stolas began to conjure a take-out container for the Fentons, among other things.
#
Maddie and Jazz sat in the living room, waiting for the boys to join them. Maddie was curious about the party Jack had taken Danny to. Stolas and Octavia seemed nice, and she would be interested in meeting his wife.
The front door clacked. Jack and Danny entered the room together and placed a large bag on the coffee table. Jack moved to his favorite chair with a thud and leaned back.
Danny quickly planted himself on the couch.
Maddie crossed her arms with a smile. "So, you boys had quite the night, huh? I want to hear all about this fancy party."
Jack grinned with excitement. "Oh, you wouldn't believe it, Mads! There were rich people just like Vladdie."
Maddie grits her teeth. "Oh... That's... Nice."
"They had the best food I've had in years!"
Danny chuckled. "Stolas prepared a bag for us. Pretty sure they had to cook extra because of him."
Jack puffed out his chest proudly. "Darn right! Some of those rich guys even listened to my stories!"
"Really?" Maddie smiled. "Which ones did you tell?"
"A whole bunch. There was the time we tried to track down the Jersey Devil, the Winchester House, the Goatman's Bridge, and the Sallie House.
Maddie cupped his cheek. Not many were patient enough to listen. "Well, I'm glad you had a good time."
Jack had a big grin on his face. "The party was like something outta those high society magazines."
Maddie patted Danny on the shoulder. "What about you, son? Did you enjoy yourself?"
Danny nodded, looking thoughtful. "Yeah, I did. Octavia loved my gift, too!"
Maddie raised an eyebrow while Jazz looked intrigued. "Really?" Maddie didn't remember helping him buy anything. "What did you get her?"
Jack laughed. "He didn't need to buy anything. Our Danny gave her the best gift of the night! Oh, you should have seen it."
Maddie and Jazz stared at the boy. "Danny..."
Danny had a small blush on his face. He shrugged modestly. "Oh, nothing much."
"Sounds much more than that."
"I, uh, performed some musical numbers." He couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips.
Jazz's eyes went wide. "Wait, what? You sang? Like, in front of everyone?"
Maddie shared the same expression.
Jack nodded enthusiastically. "He sure did! Danny-boy was part of a whole circus performance. It was one heck of a show. Everyone loved it. Stolas was like a ringmaster, and Danny was right there with him."
Maddie blinked. "Danny, when did you start singing?"
Jazz nodded. "Yeah."
Danny scratched the back of his neck. "Well, it kind of came up as part of Stolas' mentorship. He's teaching me all sorts of things—it's not just academics. He called it becoming a renaissance man. Music started growing on me. For the past few weeks, we practiced for weeks to get it all right."
Jazz crossed her arms in disbelief. "No way. I can't believe it."
Maddie held a hand to her daughter. "I don't doubt you or your father, Danny, but you must understand that this is quite a surprise." Her shoulders sagged. "If anything, I feel crushed that I couldn't see my baby boy on stage."
Jazz nodded. "Yeah, little bro. You never mentioned you were working on anything like that. I would have come too."
Maddie sighed. "I don't suppose you got it recorded. We would love to see you perform."
Danny thought for a moment before something clicked. He walked over to the coffee table and opened one of the boxes. Looking at the object inside, he grinned and pulled out an MP3 player. Stolas knew just how to prepare.
Jazz plucked the player from Danny and connected it to the living room speakers.
"Alright, everyone! You're about to hear our little superstar in action!" Jack grinned, giving Danny a hearty clap on the back.
Danny blushed. "Dad, come on..."
Maddie settled into her seat. "Nonsense, sweetie. I'm sure you did wonderful."
Jazz nodded in curiosity. She pressed play, and a moment later, the audio began.
The first song played, and they heard Stolas's voice during the first half.
"Wow. Stolas is really good."
"Wait for it."
During the second half, Danny's familiar voice finally came. The family was quickly shushed.
Maddie and Jazz exchanged surprised glances.
When the first song ended, Jazz quickly skipped to the next part of the performance.
"This is when Danny did his solo," Jack whispered.
A few jaws dropped at Danny's solo song. To think he did all this for Octavia's birthday.
By the time the recording finished, the living room had fallen stunned.
Maddie was the first to speak and hug him." That was amazing, honey." She smiled warmly and full of pride. "I'm so proud of you."
Jazz pulled her brother into a hug as well. "Yeah, Danny. I knew you were talented, but that was... something else."
Danny went bashful. "Thanks, guys. I, uh..."
Jack cheered. "You were incredible, son! That was even better the second time."
Danny liked the warmth of his family's praise. He thought back to the way Octavia's eyes had lit up as he sang. He'd made her happy. But having his family be proud of him, too? That was something special.
Jazz turned mischievous. "So... does this mean we'll see more of this, Danny? Maybe we'll see you on stage again soon."
Danny rolled his eyes. "Don't get used to it, Jazz. This was a special occasion, alright?"
With that, the family shared a laugh before heading to bed.
Chapter 19: The First Halloween Part 1
Weeks Before Halloween
Casper Elementary School Cafeteria
Danny and Tucker sat across from each other at a table near the back. They laughed over some stories as they dug into their lunches.
"So, guess what?" Danny looked up at Tucker. "I was talking to Octavia again last night."
Tucker raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You bring her up all the time lately, dude, but how come I've never met her? I mean, we're practically best friends. Why haven't I met this girl by now?"
Danny sighed. "She's from outside the city." It doesn't help that she rarely comes around because of other stuff in Hell.
Tucker smirked and leaned back in his seat. "Yeah, right. Sounds to me like she doesn't even exist."
"She does! Why would I make her up? She's real!"
"Uh-huh. Prove it, then."
Danny's sagged his shoulders. Then, it hit him—Halloween.
"We'll all go trick or treating together on Halloween. It'll be you, me, Octavia, and her dad. You know how our parents are. If we have her dad with us, they'll likely let us trick or treat longer."
Tucker crossed his arms, tempted. "You mean she's actually gonna show up here in the city?"
"Yeah, she will," He knew Stolas would bring Octavia to Earth for Halloween. It would be the perfect chance to introduce her to Tucker and vice versa without giving anything away.
Tucker eyed Danny. "Alright, fine. But if she doesn't show, you owe me big time."
Danny gave a thumbs-up. "Deal. Trust me, you'll like her."
Tucker shook his head. "We'll see, dude. We'll see."
"By the way, we plan on doing a group costume. We're all gonna be witches."
Tucker hummed. "Group costumes do encourage people to give out more candy… Sure. I think I can whip up something good in time."
"Great!"
#
Danny and Tucker were halfway through their lunches, talking about their latest high scores, when Tucker noticed something over his shoulder. Peeking behind, Danny saw Dash and the rest of the jocks lurking a few tables away, whispering and pointing in his direction.
Tucker's stomach dropped. "Oh no..."
Dash coughed loudly. He walked over to their table with his cronies. "Hey, Fenton! Got any ghostly lunch today?" The jock leaned over Danny's shoulder.
Danny was immediately suspicious. "What do you want, Dash?"
"Oh, nothing, Fenton." Dash played innocent.
Tucker put down his sandwich. "Don't you guys have something better to do? Like, I don't know, maybe failing a math test?"
Dash's face twisted. "Careful, Foley, or I'll make you spill more than just your sandwich."
The other jocks snickered, and one of them nudged Tucker's sandwich off the table. "Oops," he said with a mock gasp, feigning innocence. "Didn't see that there."
Danny clenched his fists, but he tried to stay calm. "Real mature, guys..." Danny kept his eyes on his tray, clenching his fork. He knew better than to respond to Dash's taunts.
Dash laughed and grabbed an extra apple from the nearby table. He looked at Danny and smirked. "What's the matter, Fenton? Ghosts got your tongue?"
Danny mumbled. "Just leave us alone."
"What? No... Just thought you might be hungry for a sneak peek at our... Halloween surprise!" Suddenly, Dash threw a rat onto their table.
The two boys screamed in fright and jumped in surprise.
The jocks burst into laughter, and a few other students joined in.
Danny and Tucker blinked down at the rat in their lunch. In hindsight, the fake fur made it look disturbingly real.
"Aw, looks like Fenton's got himself a new little friend!" one of Dash's buddies slapped Danny on the back.
Danny flushed with anger and embarrassment. He could feel everyone's eyes on him, and his grip tightened on his fork.
Tucker was also trying hard to hold it in.
"Real mature, Dash," Tucker snapped. "Didn't know you were still in kindergarten."
Dash ignored Tucker. "Aw, come on, Fenton. You're into all that ghost stuff. I thought you'd appreciate a little Halloween... spirit!" He and his friends burst into another round of laughter.
Danny bit his tongue, not wanting to give them a reaction, but it was hard. His face was red, and he was fuming inside.
"Come on, Tuck." Danny stood up and gathered his tray. He didn't want to satisfy Dash.
"Aw, leaving already?" Dash taunted as they walked away. "Guess Fenturd can't handle a real scare!"
As they dumped their trays, Tucker muttered. "One of these days, he's gonna get what's coming to him. I swear, Danny, it's gonna be good."
They walked away from the cafeteria. "I hope I'm there to see it, Tuck."
October 31
Halloween / All Hallows Eve / Samhain
Danny stood by the front door, adjusting the brim of his witch hat
His parents were gearing up for yet another ghost-hunting mission. "Danny, we're so sorry we can't be here to take you out for Halloween again this year," Maddie set her ecto-goggles on the counter. "But we've got a hot lead on some ghost activity downtown. This could be the breakthrough we've been waiting for."
"Maybe this is the year we finally prove to the world that ghosts are real." Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "But we know you'll have fun with Tucker and Octavia. You guys will be just fine, right? Plus, since Stolas will be there and it's not a school night, your mother and I agreed to let you stay up till Midnight."
His parents did this every year. They would freak out any kids who came to their house and be unable to take him late at night for trick-or-treating.
Danny forced a smile, though inside, he couldn't help but feel disappointed again. Halloween was the one night that he really looked forward to going out as a regular kid with his parents. "Yeah, don't worry about it." His voice was as upbeat as he could make it. It's Halloween! I'll have fun. You two do your ghost… thing."
Maddie gave him a quick hug. "Thank you for understanding again, sweetie. Just promise you'll stay safe.
"And don't eat too much candy!" added Jack.
Danny laughed. "Right, like you're one to talk. Last year, you swiped half my chocolate stash."
Jack placed a hand on Danny's shoulder. "Have fun out there, son. Bring back some candy for your old man too, okay?"
As Danny moved, he nearly bumped into Jazz, who was adjusting her costume in the mirror by the hallway.
She was dressed as a gothic vampire with dark lipstick, a flowing black cape, and a tasteful amount of fake blood.
"Heading out, too, Danny?" Jazz fluffed her collar.
"Yep, meeting up with the others." Danny raised an eyebrow. "Going all-out with the vampire thing, huh?"
Jazz rolled her eyes. "It's Halloween, Danny. You can't just go halfway." She then turned back toward the living room, calling to her parents. "Mom, Dad, I'm heading out to that Halloween party at Laura's place!"
Maddie looked up from her equipment and smiled. "You look great, sweetheart. Just remember, stay safe, and let us know if you need a ride back."
Jazz grinned. "Thanks! I'll be back by midnight." As Jazz slipped out the door, she hugged Danny. "Have fun trick-or-treating with Tucker and Octavia."
Danny chuckled and hugged back. "You, too, Jazz."
#
Danny waited on his porch with his witch hat slightly askew. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a shimmering portal coming from the side of his house and out stepped Stolas and Octavia.
Stolas and Octavia adjusted their human disguises. He adjusted his witch cloak, and Octavia grinned as she adjusted her sleeves.
Danny's mood lifted instantly, grinning. "You guys look awesome! Ready for your first human Halloween?"
Octavia beamed brightly. "Definitely. Can't wait to meet this Tucker, too."
"Great!"
Stolas crossed his arms. "So what is this other friend of yours like?"
As if on cue, Tucker jogged over, his witch hat flopping slightly as he caught sight of Danny and the two strangers. He adjusted his glasses, his eyes wide at seeing Stolas and Octavia. "Whoa, dude. You weren't lying." He nodded to Octavia. "I'm Tucker, nice to meet ya."
Octavia gave him a small smile, nodding in return. "Octavia. Nice hat."
Tucker grinned. "Thanks!"
Danny introduced Tucker to the disguised Octavia and Stolas with a smile. "Tucker, meet Octavia and her dad, Mr. Stolas. They're the friends I told you about."
Tucker raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "So… that whole thing about meeting Danny at the library was true?"
Octavia went along with the lie from before. "Yes, we don't come to the city often, but when we do, the library's one of the few places that's… peaceful."
Stolas smiled. "One thing led to another, and we eventually met young Daniel and immediately enjoyed each other's company. It got to the point that he was my new apprentice.
Tucker raised a brow. "What's that like?"
Danny shrugged. "Stolas is teaching me all sorts of stuff for when I grow up."
Tucker cringed. "Gross. That sounds like more school..."
Danny crossed his arms. "Well, I'm enjoying it. Not a lot of people at school like space as I do. It's like how you're big into computers and stuff."
"Whatever, dude." Tucker turned to the father and daughter for one more test. "You guys like meat, right?"
Stolas and Octavia exchanged glances. "We mostly eat meat, yes."
Tucker was relieved. "I think we're gonna get along just fine."
As they started walking, Tucker spoke up. "So, Octavia, is this your first time trick-or-treating in this part of town?"
Octavia went sheepish. "Honestly? This is… actually my first time trick-or-treating at all."
Tucker nearly stopped in his tracks. "Wait—what? You've never been trick-or-treating? Like, ever?"
Octavia shook her head, smiling a little at his dramatic reaction. "Nope. This is the first time."
Tucker whirled at Stolas. "Man, what's wrong with you?"
Stolas huffed, offended. "I'll have you know that my daughter has enjoyed this day every year." He had to make up an excuse. "Due to where we live, there isn't much to trick or treat nearby. Coming to the city can be a hassle."
Accepting the lie, Tucker sighed. "Right... Sorry. In any case, Octavia, you've missed one of the best holidays for years. You've got a ton of candy to make up for."
She laughed. "I guess I do."
"Well, I've already planned out a route for optimal candy collection." Tucker pulled out a marked map. "And if you feel like it's too much candy for one night, I'm more than happy to take some off your hands."
Octavia smirked, holding her bag a little closer to her. "Not on your life."
Tucker raised his hands. "Okay, okay! But I'm just saying, expect a serious haul."
Danny gave Octavia a playful nudge. "Don't let Tucker fool you—he's just after more candy for himself."
Tucker was unashamed. "Absolutely."
Octavia grinned. "You'll have to fight me first."
"By the way, there's somewhere we want to check out first before we start."
"We heard about it at school. Apparently, this store has the best Halloween decorations."
The guests shrugged and nodded along. It would be interesting.
Danny and Tucker led the way as they approached the nearby shopping center. Above the doorway, a sign read "Skulk and Lurk."
As they reached the store, Danny and Tucker's faces fell. The shop was closed.
"Dang looks like it's closed for the night," Tucker said, frowning.
"Yeah," Danny sighed, pressing his face against the glass. "Guess we won't see this year's setup."
Just as they stepped back, torch-like lights flickered to life behind the glass revealing a castle-like display. The kids jumped as a statue of a black knight, seated ominously on a throne, lit up and laughed with a sinister echo. The group paused, taking in the detailed display.
The statue had been designed to look as though it was ablaze. A massive, crafted sword with a skull crossguard leaned against the throne.
Danny's eyes widened. "Woah, he looks wicked."
Tucker's mouth hung open. "This is insane."
Octavia's gaze landed on a nearby sign."'Introducing our latest addition to the collection: Chronicles of the Fright Knight.'"
Next to the sign, a book titled "The Fright Knight" was open to its first page on a stand. The book was detailed in black-and-white and illustrated with a knight astride a horse with bat-like wings brandishing his flaming sword. Stolas moved closer, curious, and began to read the book's opening lines.
"The Fright Knight, riding upon his ghoulish steed, the Nightmare, is notorious as the Spirit of Halloween. With his ghostly broadsword, he appears to those who dare cross his path."
Octavia raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know there was an age-old spirit of Halloween."
Stolas couldn't help but raise a brow. During this time, most of the media he saw from the mortal world mentioned either Satan or Lucifer. The other sins weren't as popular, not that they cared or anything. Then again, the roots of Halloween had no relation to Heaven or Hell. It was all something drum up by European pagans.
Danny's eyes lit up as he continued reading beneath the image of the burning sword. "'Those cut down by his Soul Shredder shall live an eternity of their worst fear.'" He studied another illustration of the Fright Knight charging forward, sword blazing.
Stolas hummed thoughtfully, leaning closer. "This is the first I've heard of it as well." Although, the general figure of a dark knight was not unknown to him. The human legend must have originated from medieval times.
It's too bad for them. They would have to return when it was open if they wanted to read more.
However, that was a thought for later. It was Halloween! As children, it was their duty to go trick-or-treating.
"Time for candy!" the three cheered.
#
Danny, Tucker, Octavia, and Stolas strolled up the sidewalk as they approached the first house. The neighborhood was bustling with other trick-or-treaters.
Pumpkins glowed on porches with menacing or grinning faces. Some were even intricate carved.
"This is it," Danny said, grinning. "Our first stop."
Although demons could come to Earth during Halloween, that didn't mean they partook in the same festivities.
Danny could tell he was intrigued.
"Alright, so the way it works is we go up, ring the doorbell, and say, 'Trick or treat!'" Tucker explained.
Octavia raised an eyebrow. "And they just... give us candy? No questions?"
"Yup, it's as easy as that," Danny said, chuckling.
"I get the treat part, but what about the 'trick part'?"
"Oh, well, normally, you prank the person if they answer but don't give you candy."
Octavia frowned. "That sounds kinda mean if they don't have anything to give."
"Yeah... It's not as common nowadays."
Tucker shrugged. "Most people just turn off their porch light when they run out of candy, so kids move onto the next house."
Stolas thought it was an innocent custom for the children to have fun.
"I've factored that into my map. This path has the best candy-to-house ratio." Tucker laughed. "You'll see just how awesome it is in a minute."
They reached the porch, and Danny rang the doorbell. They could hear footsteps approaching. The door creaked open, and an older man holding a candy bowl with a kind smile greeted them.
"Well, don't you all look great!" the man said, his eyes twinkling as he took in their costumes. "Trick or treat!"
The four of them chorused, "Trick or treat!" as they held out their bags, and the man chuckled and dropped a handful of treats into each.
"Thank you!"
"Happy Halloween!" the man waved, closing the door behind him.
As they walked back down the pathway, Octavia inspected her bag, looking pleased. "That... was kind of fun," she admitted, glancing up at the others.
Tucker grinned. "Told you! And that was just the start. By the night's end, your bag's gonna be overflowing."
Stolas patted Octavia. "Enjoy it, my dear. For tonight only, I'll let you indulge in all the sweets you can carry. Just try not to get sugar-sick."
When they continued to the next house, they let Octavia go first.
"Go on, Via," Danny whispered, nudging her.
Octavia pressed the doorbell.
Soon, the door swung open, revealing a friendly older woman dressed as a witch with a broomstick. Her eyes lit up when she saw Octavia and the others in matching witch costumes.
"Trick or treat!" Octavia beamed.
The woman chuckled. "Well, aren't you all adorable!" She held out the bowl. "Take a handful, dears. You look like you're in for a fun night!"
Octavia pulled out a mix of chocolates, lollipops, and gummy bears.
"Thank you!"
The woman winked. "Oh, and happy Halloween!"
As they walked back to the street, Tucker pumped a fist. "Just wait until we get to the houses that give out full-size candy bars."
"Full-size?" Octavia's eyes widened.
"Oh yeah," Danny smirked. "And don't forget the people who leave bowls out with signs saying 'take one.'"
Octavia laughed. Her first Halloween was gonna be great!
Chapter 20: The First Halloween Part 2
The group moved down the neighborhood street, accumulating candy from every new house. Some neighborhoods went all-out with the decorations, especially the richer homes. They saw jack-o'-lanterns of every shape and size. While there were the classical silly smiles, there were even beautiful designs that used the inner husk's transparency to give the image a sort of shading.
"Dude, check this one out!" Tucker pointed to a house with a fully decorated graveyard on its front lawn. A sign said, "HAUNTED HOUSE!" The actual house was covered in cobwebs and fake spiders. Smoke machines and curtains concealed the bedrooms' windows. The window ledges even had plastic gargoyles.
Shadows of "ghosts" floated across the lawn, eerie sounds played from hidden speakers, and fog machines pumped thick, rolling mist across the path.
They could hear the speakers playing icon sound effects and the cackling of a witch. A skeleton sat on a rocking chair by the door, creaking back and forth.
They all heard the screams of children from the back of the house as they ran back to the sidewalk on the other side.
"This is legit!" Tucker grinned, darting forward to be the first in line.
"That's not creepy at all…" Danny grinned, nudging Octavia forward.
Twisted vines and flickering lights decorated the pathway leading to a doorway draped in cobwebs. An eerie fog spilled out from beneath the door.
The group stepped up to the entrance, and a voice came from the skeleton. It's jaw moved along. "Welcome to the Manchester Manor! Endure the curse of the home and be rewarded at the end!"
Tucker smiled. "Loving the special effects so far."
"Let's do it!"
They rang the doorbell, and it creaked open with a chilling groan. The floorboards creaked beneath them.
Danny turned to Tucker. "Ready to see who jumps first?"
Tucker scoffed, though his voice was a little shaky. "Please, this is nothing. I watch horror movies all the time."
Octavia unconsciously latched onto her father's hand.
Meanwhile, Stolas's heart warmed at the act.
The door creaked shut behind them as they stepped inside. The room immediately darkened. Alight shined and showed a ghostly bride hovering at the room's far end. She had sunken eyes and contours that emphasized the shape of her skull. She let out a slow, chilling moan that sent a shiver down the children's spines.
"Alright, that's pretty good," Danny admitted, a nervous laugh slipping out.
Suddenly, a pair of skeletal hands shot out from a hidden panel in the wall, reaching right for Tucker. He yelped and stumbled back, bumping into Danny.
"Not scared, huh?" Danny teased.
Tucker scowled, a bit rattled. "It was just... !"
Despite Octavia's grip tightening, she had a sense of excitement. "They really put effort into this."
Stolas's gaze lingered on a particularly detailed vampire statue. "Though it lacks the... authenticity I'm used to."
They moved further into the haunted house, winding through rooms filled with more creepy props: a mummy springing to life from a sarcophagus, a werewolf snarling from the shadows, and a disembodied voice whispering from the dark corners. Each scare made Tucker jump or shiver, though he tried his best to play it off.
In one hallway, a fog machine created a thick, eerie mist that made it difficult to see where they were going. Out of nowhere, a costumed figure in a black cloak and a skeleton mask jumped out from a hidden corner, raising his scythe high. Tucker and Danny both yelped while Octavia smirked, unfazed.
Danny laughed nervously. "Okay, that one was actually kind of creepy."
The group continued through the darkened corridors and reached the final room. The dining room was dimly lit, and the table was set for a ghostly feast. A man in a butler outfit stood by the covered table tray. As they walked next to the man, he began to lift the cover. "Dinner is served."
He revealed a head on the table whose eyes moved to them. "Looks like dessert just arrived. Hahhahahah!"
The kids were starting to slow down, so Stolas started ushering them to the next hallway. It was almost over. Just as they were about to cross a decorated archway, a ghastly face appeared in the mirror by the exit, letting out a banshee-like scream. Tucker yelled and practically pushed everyone out of the room and into the backyard.
Outside, the tension melted away as they caught their breath.
There, a man dressed in a classic vampire costume stood by the gate, leaning casually against a fog-shrouded fence. With a warm smile, he straightened up as the group approached.
"Well, well, looks like you brave souls made it through," he said with a chuckle, his fake fangs glinting under the dim porch light.
"Not bad!" Danny said, grinning at the haunted house. "Definitely better than last year."
Stolas chuckled, raising an amused brow at Tucker, who was still looking over his shoulder as if he expected another jump scare. "You know how to entertain."
Octavia nodded, smiling. "I'll admit, that was more fun than I expected."
"Fun?" Tucker muttered, still a little pale. "Yeah, let's... let's call it that."
The man reached into a cauldron filled with candy and held it out to each of them. "Take a handful— you've earned it! Happy Halloween!"
"Thanks!" Octavia replied, clutching her growing bag of candy with an excited smile.
"Thank you!" Danny grinned, grabbing a small pile of candy bars. Still a little shaky, Tucker managed to grin as he took some candy. Octavia and Stolas each took a piece, nodding in thanks as the man gave them a friendly nod.
"Enjoy the rest of your night, and stay safe out there!" he called as they turned to leave, his voice echoing with a mix of amusement and mischief.
Just as they stepped into the yard, the fog around them thickened, and a loud mechanical shriek suddenly echoed from behind. A motion-sensor skeleton popped out of the bushes, its bony fingers reaching toward them as its eyes flashed a sinister red.
"AAAAH!" Tucker yelped, leaping back and bolting toward the street.
Octavia did the same, grabbing Danny and dragging him along with her.
Stolas picked up his pace, letting out a low chuckle as he jogged after them.
They didn't stop until they reached the sidewalk, all of them catching their breath as laughter bubbled up.
"I did not see that one coming," Danny admitted.
Tucker gave a mock glare toward the haunted house, clutching his candy protectively. "That was so not fair! They got us when we were already out!"
Octavia smirked, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "To be fair, a haunted house should include the entire home, including the backyard. I think that made it even better."
Stolas fixed his cloak. "Oh, how I wish I had come to one when I was younger."
Tucker chuckled. "You're really getting the full Halloween experience tonight, Via!"
Octavia's eyes sparkled with thrill. "Why do people do this just for one night? I'd want this all year!"
"That's the magic of Halloween," Danny said, holding out his bag as they moved to the next house. "Still think Halloween's not a big deal?"
She laughed. "I think I'm sold."
#
At one house, an elderly woman answered the door smiling and held out a bowl. She smiled at the trio and handed them each a small box. But instead of candy, they each received a small box of raisins. "Here you go, dearies. They're good for you."
The four stared at their new "treats" in mild disbelief.
Danny's face fell slightly. "Right… Thank you."
Stolas, however, was less forgiving. He looked at the woman with stern disapproval, "There's a special place in Hell for people like you."
Tucker nodded, raising a fist in agreement. "Yeah! Raisins? Seriously?"
The woman's smile fell. "Ungrateful kids..." She quickly closed the door.
Danny and Octavia couldn't help but frown at them. "Did you have to scare her like that?"
Stolas smirked, his stern expression softening as he patted Danny on the shoulder. "Sometimes, people need a little reminder to treat others kindly. Besides, raisins on Halloween? That's just cruel."
"I mean, really," Stolas continued, shaking his head. "Raisins are hardly a proper offering for such an occasion."
"You're right about that," Danny said, still chuckling. "But hey, look on the bright side—at least we've got plenty of other houses to hit tonight. Let's just make sure we avoid another 'Raisin Lady' next time."
Octavia grinned, nudging Danny's shoulder. "Lead the way, oh wise witch."
#
As Danny, Tucker, Octavia, and Stolas moved along the sidewalk, laughter and shouts of other trick-or-treaters filled the air. They were headed toward a house when suddenly a loud snap sounded behind them.
Before they could react, a splash of water came out of nowhere, drenching Danny and Tucker in icy-cold liquid.
Then, something cold and slimy splattered across the back of their heads.
The two sputtered, looking around in shock as laughter erupted nearby. Dash Baxter and his gang stood nearby, holding empty buckets and egg cartons. Laughter rang out. Some of the nearby trick-or-treaters joined in as well.
"Aw, looks like you guys needed a little bath!" Dash sneered. "And here I thought you guys were going as witches, not wet cats."
"What the—?"
Tucker's jaw dropped, and Octavia's eyes narrowed.
Stolas immediately got between the two of them. "What is the meaning of this!"
Dash and their friends quickly held up their hands in a placating gesture. "Relax, old man, it was just a harmless prank."
Stolas huffed indignation. "Who are you calling old?! Besides that, you ruffian better apologize for ruining our night."
Dash stuck his tongue out at him. "Psh... As if. You're not my dad. You can't tell me what to do."
Stolas squezzed his hand. He so desperately wanted to cast a spell on these brats. Looking to the side, he could see a few parents whispering about the situation yet doing nothing to chastise the aggressors.
Danny shook his hands out, water dripping down his sleeves. His face turned red with frustration and embarrassment. "Come on! Can't you find something better to do?"
"Yeah. You suck! Mind your own business," spat Tucker."
Dash crossed his arms. "Why would I? You two make it too easy! You guys are just a couple of freaks and geeks." He smirked, glancing over at Octavia. "Let me guess. She's just as weird if she's hanging out with you."
Stolas could feel his eyes glowing red. These ingrates had the nerve to insult his daughter. He stepped forward, but Danny was the one to get up in Dash's face.
"You can say and do whatever you want to me, but don't you dare bring her into this." Danny clenched his jaw, trying to hold back his frustration.
Stolas separated the boys. "I suggest you and your little gang leave."
"Why should I?"
The Goetia's shadow seemed to stretch. "NOW!"
"Pfff." Dash shrugged, hiding the fear. "Whatever. I'm just keeping Halloween fun. Maybe you losers should stay home next year." With that, Dash and his friends took off, laughing as they ran down the street, toilet paper trailing from their backpacks.
Stolas quickly ushered the children away from prying eyes and to get them cleaned up.
Octavia pulled him into a hug, not caring about the wetness. "Danny... It's alright..."
"No, it's not alright." He pushed her away slightly. "This was supposed to be your first Halloween, and because of me, Dash ruined it."
Octavia glanced at him, confused. "Dash?"
"He's just a bully from school," Danny muttered bitterly.
Tucker nodded. "He's been messing with us since forever."
"Yeah," Danny admitted quietly. "I'm the 'freaky kid with weird ghost-hunter parents.'"
Tucker, fists clenched. "Buncha jerks." He didn't question when Stolas pulled a pair of towels from under his cloak and handed them to the boys.
Octavia's eyes narrowed, but she held her tongue, glancing at Danny with concern.
Stolas, however, fixed his gaze on the retreating crew.
With one last taunting laugh, Dash and his friends tossed their empty bucket aside and disappeared around the corner, still laughing over their prank.
Danny forced a small smile, but Octavia wasn't fooled. "Let's just keep going."
But as the group started walking again, Octavia shot a look at her father. Stolas returned it, his expression calm but filled with intent. There was no need for words.
Father and daughter shared a silent agreement: Before this night ended, Dash Baxter and his cronies would know what it felt like to be haunted by something far worse than eggs and toilet paper.
Chapter 21: The First Halloween Part 3
The Ghost Zone
The Zone stretched infinitely in every direction. This primordial layer of reality was shaped by the collective unconsciousness and constituted of metaphysical ectoplasmic energy that took on myriad bizarre forms. Floating islands drifted lazily, green and purple mists coiling through the void and the sea of infinite realms.
Amidst this landscape stood one of the oldest structures in existence: Pariah's Keep, a massive crimson fortress. It was from an age long before most of the ghosts that now wandered the Zone had even been spawned. This was the throne of Pariah Dark, the ancient King of Ghosts, who had once ruled this spectral realm with ironclad dominion. His empire had encompassed the entire Ghost Zone.
Now, the king was sealed in the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep. This was the prison of Pariah Dark.
Nearby, another relic lay dormant—a grotesque purple pumpkin with glowing runes. Within this macabre vessel was the imprisonment of Pariah Dark's loyal knight and enforcer: the Fright Knight, the Spirit of Halloween, and the wielder of the cursed blade, the Soul Shredder.
A bony skeleton, one of their loyal soldiers, held the artifact. Even when their leaders were sealed, the army was vigilant in protecting the last domain of their kingdom.
Halloween was no ordinary day for the Ghost Zone—it was a liminal moment when the barriers between the material world and the ether weakened. Natural portals flickered to life at random across the globe.
Pariah Dark and the Fright Knight were not without influence, even in their sealed state. They thrived on the ambient energy of belief, fear, and tyranny, which bled through the dimensional barrier from the material world. Halloween's collective dread and celebration sent energy cascading into the Zone, pooling in the Soul Shredder.
The sword pulsed faintly as though it were alive. The blade absorbed the ambient fear of billions of humans celebrating the Spirit of Halloween. This energy revitalized the Fright Knight's dormant power, recharging it for the day he might awaken once more.
While Pariah Dark remained locked within the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep, his loyal enforcer, the Fright Knight, had not been rendered entirely powerless.
Unlike his king, the Fright Knight could channel the ambient energy of Halloween into a small fraction of his former self—a vessel through which his influence could still touch the material world. Sadly, it could not be used to unseal him, much like the rest of his skeleton army.
The energy coalesced in front of the pedestal, holding the cursed sword. Sparks of spectral light gathered, forming the silhouette of a child-like figure. From this glowing maelstrom emerged a figure dressed in a simple, almost unassuming Halloween costume. The being's orange pajamas were frayed at the cuffs, with faded stitching suggesting years of wear. Its head was covered by a burlap sack mask with crudely sewn button eyes, giving it an unnerving, doll-like appearance. The mask's jagged smile, stitched in dark thread, seemed to twitch in the dim light. Over one tiny shoulder hung a filthy sack, dirt-stained and worn, dragging lightly on the floor.
This was Samhain, the Fright Knight's yearly Avatar.
Samhain took a few tentative steps forward. A faint, hollow laugh echoed from within the mask.
Samhain could walk the material world for this night alone, spreading fear and trickery wherever it roamed.
The creature giggled through the empty halls of the Keep. It then slung the sack over its shoulder and began to skip toward the swirling mists of the Ghost Zone.
Samhain's form shimmered faintly as it neared an emerging portal formed naturally by the thinning veil between dimensions.
The spectral child disappeared into the portal.
#
Amity Park
Danny and Tucker stood on the porch of a dimly lit house, their clothes damp and sticky from the egg fiasco. They had managed to wipe most of the mess off with the towels Stolas had mysteriously provided, but the unpleasant smell of egg still lingered.
Tucker wrinkled his nose. "Man, I still smell like a rotten omelet."
Danny groaned, inspecting his sleeve. "Yeah, me too. This is disgusting."
Stolas, who had been quietly observing with a look of mild disdain for the egg prank, reached into his cloak and pulled out a sleek bottle of perfume. "Not to worry, boys. I have just the thing."
Danny and Tucker exchanged wary glances.
Tucker raised an eyebrow. "Perfume? Uh, that's for girls."
Octavia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Seriously?"
Stolas chuckled, completely unbothered by Tucker's comment. "Don't be ridiculous. This is a sophisticated scent. I assure you, it's nothing you'd consider overly... 'girly.' It's a light vanilla fragrance. And tell me, don't you both enjoy vanilla ice cream?"
Danny and Tucker hesitated, but then both nodded.
"Exactly. A universally pleasant aroma," Stolas said with a flourish, taking the towels from them. "Now, hold still."
Tucker squinted at him. "Where did you even get those towels, anyway?"
Danny knew the answer without asking. "Magic," he muttered under his breath.
Stolas gave Danny a sly grin. "A father must always be prepared for their children."
With a quick shake of the perfume bottle, Stolas spritzed each boy lightly. The air filled with the warm, sweet scent of vanilla, which quickly masked the lingering odor of egg.
Tucker sniffed his sleeve cautiously. "Huh. Not bad."
Danny raised his arm and gave it a tentative sniff. "Yeah, I don't hate it."
Stolas smiled approvingly as he tucked the perfume bottle back into his cloak. Unbeknownst to Tucker, the towels disappeared under the man's cloak.
"Now," Stolas said, brushing his hands together, "shall we continue? I believe there's candy waiting for you two at the next house."
"Sounds good to me," Danny said, eager to move on. Tucker nodded in agreement, still occasionally sniffing his sleeve as they headed toward the next street, the faint scent of vanilla trailing behind them. Octavia smirked but said nothing, letting the boys enjoy their newly improved aroma without further comment.
The earlier pranks dampened the festive spirit, which showed in their slumped shoulders and downcast expressions. Stolas, noticing their mood, tilted his head curiously. "Would you prefer to head home for the night?" Stolas asked gently, his crimson eyes flickering with concern.
Before Octavia could protest, Danny shook his head, his voice low as he sat down heavily on the curb. "Maybe I should go home early. You guys can keep trick-or-treating without me."
Tucker frowned. "What? No way, dude!"
Danny avoided their eyes, staring at the pavement. "I don't want to ruin your Halloween any more than I already have. I should've just stayed home."
Octavia's feathers would have ruffled if she weren't in human form. Her sharp gaze darted to Tucker, silently urging him to help.
"Danny," Tucker said firmly, sitting beside him. "If you go home now, Dash wins. You really want to give him that satisfaction?"
Octavia crossed her arms and nodded. "Tucker's right. Beating him means enjoying yourself, not letting him ruin the night."
Tucker grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, if you go home, our candy-collecting rate drops by a whole third. We need you, man!"
Octavia rolled her eyes and smacked Tucker on the shoulder. "Not the point, Tucker."
"Okay, okay," Tucker relented. "But seriously, you deserve to have a great Halloween too, Danny. Don't let Dash take that away from you."
Danny hummed in thought. A hand settled on his shoulder, and he glanced up to see Stolas.
"Don't worry, Daniel. I guarantee you'll all have the most fun possible tonight."
Stolas' eyes flashed a brief red.
Danny assumed he was going to use magic.
Stolas smirked faintly. "After all, you helped with Octavia's birthday and welcomed us into this delightful holiday. It's only fitting that I return the favor."
Tucker's jaw dropped. "Wait. You went to her birthday party and didn't bring me?!"
Danny rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Octavia's family is kinda… uh, rich. I don't think you'd have liked the vibe."
Tucker hummed, then shrugged. "Eh, you're probably right."
Octavia bent down and reached out to Danny. "So, what do you say? Wanna give this another try?"
Tucker smirked. "Come on. If you let Dash get to you now, what do you think the rest of our school years are gonna be like?"
With a breath, Danny grabbed Octavia's hand and stood up. "Alright. I can't give up that easily."
2 Hours Later
The group continued their journey down the block on the last leg of their route. Danny, trying his best to keep his spirits high, glanced down at his bag, now filled to the brim thanks to Stolas' subtle magical charm at each house.
Tucker and Octavia traded stories, each more absurd than the last, their laughter echoing softly through the crisp Halloween night.
As they neared the final block of Tucker's meticulously planned route, the sounds of laughter drew their attention. But it wasn't the joyful kind—it was cruel and mocking. Across the street, near the park, they saw Dash and his friends circling two smaller boys dressed in sci-fi costumes. Dash snatched one of the boys' candy bags and held it high above his head, laughing as the boy tried in vain to jump for it.
Danny's jaw tightened as he slowed his pace. Tucker frowned, shaking his head.
"Those hooligans are at it again," Stolas said.
Danny sighed. "Yeah. They found new victims."
Octavia's brow furrowed. "Do you know them?"
Tucker nodded. "That's Mikey and Tommy. They're in our grade. Good kids, but they're not exactly... well, fighters."
Stolas tilted his head thoughtfully. "I see."
The tall demon gave Danny a knowing look, his red eyes flashing faintly under his human glamour. "Why don't you and Tucker head to the next house? Octavia and I will meet you shortly."
Tucker shrugged, already turning away. "Your call, man. Free candy's not gonna wait."
Danny hesitated. He could see Stolas and Octavia's mischievous expressions. Something was about to happen, but he trusted them not to go too far. "Just… don't make it worse, okay?".
Stolas placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Of course, Daniel. I'll ensure it's... educational."
As Danny and Tucker walked away, Stolas turned to his daughter, the playful spark in his expression growing. "Any ideas, my dear?"
Octavia's lips curled into a smirk as she folded her arms. "I have a few."
Elsewhere
The night had been relatively peaceful, and the humans he encountered were honoring the traditions of Halloween properly.
As Samhain reached the midpoint of the alley, the shadows seemed to shift. A low, guttural laugh echoed from behind, followed by the clatter of claws against the pavement.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" a slimy voice crooned.
The burlap mask tilted slightly as Samhain stopped in its tracks.
Several fish-like demons emerged from the darkness, their grotesque, slimy bodies glistening under the faint moonlight. Their scales reflected an oily sheen and their jagged teeth glinted as they sneered.
"Ooh, look at the little guy," another demon hissed, licking its lips with a long, forked tongue.
"Bet he's filled with something tasty," a third one growled. "I'm sure he'll be a good meal."
The group cackled as they surrounded the small figure, their claws scraping the ground in anticipation.
Samhain didn't move. It stood there silently, the stitched smile of its mask facing forward, the sack of candy resting beside its small feet.
One of the demons leaned closer, its milky eyes narrowing. "What's wrong, little one? No fear? Or are you too dumb to know what's coming?"
The demons chuckled darkly, their voices filled with malice. Then, they made their fatal mistake. They tried to peer into the child's mind.
The laughter stopped abruptly.
The demons froze. A wave of terror flooded into their consciousness like a flood. Their worst fears played out with relentless clarity.
They clutched their heads, shrieking in agony as their claws tore at their own skulls. One collapsed to its knees, eyes rolling back, while another staggered back, babbling incoherently.
"What is this?!" one managed to gasp.
In a last-ditch effort to escape, one of the demons shifted its form, transforming into a black, goo-like substance. The sludge began seeping through the pavement's cracks, inching away from the scene.
Samhain tilted its head, taking a step forward. Its tiny hand rose. Samhain's raised hand froze the fleeing goo mid-escape. The black substance trembled in the air. Slowly, it began to return to its demonic form. The demon couldn't break free.
In Samhain's other hand, a carving knife appeared, its blade gleaming wickedly in the faint light. The small figure stepped forward without hesitation, its movements slow but deliberate. The demons could only let out a wet, guttural cry before the knife silenced them for good.