Strange Exchange

Part 1

Bony hands emerged from a forgotten portal before being joined by a rather odd visage. Curious 'eyes' scanned the area before a figure emerged completely.

"What's this?" A curious voice inquired, their long bony fingers touching the glass cases various artifacts. "This is most assuredly neither Halloween Town nor the North Pole."

Silently, the figure slipped through the room. He inspected everything, taking great care to avoid 'waking' the artifacts as he sensed their auras. Deep in amazed wonder, he was unaware of the door opening to reveal a male.

"Who are you and how did you get in here?" A stern voice asked from the blacklit opening.

The figure stood tall and brushed off his clothes. "I am the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington. As for how I came to be here... I was taking a stroll through the woods near my home when a strange portal opened before me. I must say that you have quite the collection of unique items. Don't worry, I haven't awakened anything. All is as it should be, or so I hope. I'd hate to accidentally repeat my worst blunder out of my uncontrollable curiosity."

He strode closer to the male, crossing over various symbols and secret spells easily. The male's brow raised in interest. Those wards were meant to entrap any with evil intentions. It was apparent that this unusual being, despite his rather skeletal appearance, was a curious creature with no ill will or malice.

"Follow me. We can discuss how to get you back to your home without upsetting the universal balance."

"Oh, upsetting any balance is never a good thing. I did that once... many Christmases ago. Very nearly wiped out the holiday with my mistakes." Jack mused as he followed the male.

They entered a room as far from the room Jack had found himself in. He politely stood and waited for an indication of where to sit. The spirit of Halloween didn't want to offend his unwilling host and only means home. The male motioned to an empty chair. "You can sit there. Any preference on what you would like to drink?"

Jack lit up, his eye sockets widening in amazed wonder. "Do you have any swamp scum tea? The thicker, the better."

"Unfortunately that is unavailable. The closest I can get is spoiled milk and-"

"A delicacy! Even better!" Jack exclaimed as a tall glass of the curdled liquid appeared before him.

"You are an odd fellow." The man mused as he took a seat opposite Jack.

Jack took a drink of the spoiled milk before responding. "I'm the Pumpkin King. It's my responsibility to ensure that every Halloween is frightfully fun for all ages. However, I would very much like to return home before I miss my annual meeting with Santa Claus."

.........................................................................

Author Notes:

End Part 1.

I aim to post the next and final part before Christmas.