The Reign of the Nightmare King (A Don't Starve fanfic)[CURRENTLY ON HOLD]

Chapter One~ A Delightful Thanksgiving Dinner...?

It's a beautiful late autumn Thanksgiving. Wigfrid is on turkey duty this year, so we we're in good hands. That Valkyrie can smoke a mean turkey. I can too, but strangely, everyone told me I can't cook the turkey anymore. They say I burn it, but I cook it perfectly- charcoal black and crispy, seasoned to taste.

I watch as Wilson sets heaping plates of cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a steaming pot of mushroom stew onto the long wooden table. I don't ask how he got half the stuff; after living on this island for so long you learn not to ask too many questions. 

"Happy Thanksgiving," I say. Thanksgiving is certainly not my favorite holiday, but I have to admit, it's nice hanging out with all the other survivors, even if it's just once a year.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Miss Willow." He glances up from setting down the plates for a moment and nearly drops one. 

"Gah!" he cries and grabs the platter of green beans just before it hits the ground. Wickerbottom strides by, her constant look of disapproval outlined even more by the pretty candles on the table. I lit them myself! 

"Is everything alright here, Mr. Higgsbury?" she asks as Wilson quickly sets the platter down. 

"Er, yes ma'am. Willow and I were just wishing each other a happy Thanksgiving." he smiles sheepishly. 

"I've told you, dear, you don't have to call me 'ma'am'. Happy Thanksgiving." she walks away, her tall heels clicking against the brick path that Winona built.

"Happy Thanksgiving ma'am. Er, sorry! Wickerbottom," he corrects, but the old librarian is already out of earshot. He scuttles off, his face flushing a cherry pink.

As I watch him walk away, I feel a soft tugging on my skirt. I glance down. Standing at my next to me is Wendy, with Abigail hovering at her side. They both stare up at me with big eyes. 

"Oh, hello Wendy! Whatcha need?" I inquire. I hope I sound helpful, but I kinda just want to get rid of her. This kid might look cute, but she's got issues. She's like the blonde Wednesday Addams.

"Um, we're missing a chair. For Abigail. There's only twelve." She speaks quietly, in a small, hushed voice. I spin around and count the seats, and there are indeed twelve. 

"Yeah, you're right. I'll go grab another chair. Thanks for letting me know." I dash off in search of another seat. I don't know why the ghost needs a chair. She doesn't even eat; she just floats around. 

The rest of the evening goes on like this, until everyone is settled in and ready to eat. Wickerbottom seats herself at the end of the table, in her elegant party gown. I sit between Wigfrid and Winona and across from Wilson. He looks kinda grumpy. I wonder why; he seemed fine earlier. Then I realize he's wearing a fancy black suit with a spiffy red dress shirt underneath. He looks nice, but he hates fancy parties, and in addition to his formal attire he wears a pouty frown.

Before I can say something, Wickerbottom taps her glass with a spoon. The low general murmur of the table comes to an abrupt stop. 

"Now," the old woman clears her throat. "As you all know today is a special occasion. It is one of the only days that we celebrate something pleasant in our...," she pauses, glancing briefly at Maxwell, "unfortunate situation. Let us say what we are thankful for, one at a time please, counterclockwise."

Wx-78 raises a metallic hand. 

"Yes, dear?" 

"DO WE HAVE TO?"

"Yes, dear."

"THIS IS STUPID." The robot crosses his arms and glares across the table.

"Wait," Wilson mumbles. I almost don't hear it, and I wouldn't have if I wasn't sitting near him.

"I'll start," Wicker begins. " I'm thankful for-"

"Wait," he says, louder this time. It's not like him to interrupt others, unless it's important or "Dear, it's very rude to interrupt others, especially when-"

"We're missing someone," he states, pointing to the end of the table as if Wickerbottom doesn't exist. There is an empty chair. Had I counted wrong? Maybe Abigail had already had a chair. However, it does seem like a certain energy is missing, like a hole in the atmosphere.

"Webber!" I exclaim.

A murmur rises among the survivors.

"Where is öur belöved spider- child?!" Wigfrid cries.

"How could we have missed 'im?" Winona chimes in.

"I'll go look for him," Wilson and I say at the same time, getting out of our seats. I laugh. Maxwell and Wx-78 roll their eyes.

"Alright dears," Wickerbottom says begrudgingly. "But if you're not back in fifteen minutes, we're coming to help."