ScaryRoots

SCARY ROOTS- A Halloween Story Train
by Melody, Azn Dragoon, emilia01, Emmygirl, and Deadly Chakrum

     It was getting to be that time of the year again, when the air cooled just a bit, and storms were more frequent
on Pulau Pulau. Fall was a grand season; farmers brought in their harvest and there were festivities galore. All Hallow's
Eve would soon pass, when-it was said-spirits of the dead would rise walk the earth for one night alone. While people
respected the day, they also held small family parties where guests would eat, drink, and be merry, and share ghost tales
well into the night. One of the more famous stories involved a teacher and a headless horseman.
      "I tell ya Em, the kids on this island are going to be bored if that's all that happens," Jack said as he stood with her in the
market, watching islanders buy things.
     "Well, what else is there for them to do?" Emilia asked, purchasing a piece of black silk from one of her suppliers.
     "I don't know. I just don't think they'd like being cooped up inside while their folks just do the same song and dance.
They should be able to enjoy the evening.."
    "Jack, you know that's almost impossible what with these people's beliefs of ghosts, ghouls, and monsters. According to
them, if a mortal is outside on All Hallow's Eve, a spirit or something will take over their souls and he or she will become one
of them..." Emilia's voice trailed as something clicked. "I've got it! There's this Greek tale of how people could go out on an evening
much like All Hallow's-"
    "What did the Greeks have to be afraid of?" Jack interrupted.
    "Bacchae," Emilia answered.
   "What?"
   "I don't have time to explain it Jack. Just find my copy of Euripides' works and read the play The Bacchae."
   "And Eurip-what would be who?"
   "A Greek playwright."
   "All right sister, why don't you just tell me what your grand plan is instead of trying to confuse me."
   "I'm only trying to introduce you to the classics, Jack. My plan is this-if the children are to go out on All Hallow's Eve, they need
to be in disguise, dressed like ghosts or goblins."
"Why?"
"Have you ever heard anything about a ghost or goblin attacking or startling another ghost or goblin?"
"No."
"There you go then. If the kids are in costume, then their parents shouldn't worry too much about them being attacked."
"Oh, I see. But what are the kids supposed to do while they're out?"
"That's where everyone else comes in," Emilia said, a twinkle in her eyes.

    Emilia's plan was set two days before All Hallow's Eve. Jack had to admit it was clever;the kids would dress up and go
around door to door a bit before supper and get little treats from people. "Almost makes me wish I was their age again,"the American
mused as he watched one little girl pick out some cloth. She then turned to her friends and started to describe the witch's costume she
was going to make with her mother's help.
   "Ah, Jack, just the man I wanted to see!"
Jack turned. "That's a first, Brogey, usually you want to avoid me."
Captain Brogard shrugged."Normally that would be the case, but I am in need of your help."
Jack gave the Frenchman a wary look."Really? Whatever for?"
   "Why for All Hallow's Eve. The Gouvenor wishes for me to..to..to.."Brogard's voice trailed and Jack noticed that his face was turning
a slight pink.
"For God's sake, spit it out! I don't have all day!"
"I am to chaperone the children as they go around garnering treats and the Gouvenor thought that maybe you'd like to help out, especially
since it was your employer's idea."
"Me? Chaperone a bunch of pipsqueaks? Hah! Not in your life!"
Brogard smirked. "I thought that might be your reaction, so I took the liberty of asking Emilia if she could spare your services on All Hallow's
and she said yes."
"Wonderful,"Jack muttered."Well,if that's the case, I guess I'll see you on All Hallow's.Anything we have to do in particular?"
"Only keep the children safe, otherwise we lose our heads. So, I will see you then."
Jack watched the Captain go and ran a hand across his neck."Why do I let myself get dragged into these things?" Just as he
was turning to leave, Brogard returned.
"Oh, just so you know, Emilia will also be coming with us."

On All Hallows' Eve........

   Jack and Emilia met up with Brougard and the rest of the children. Jack and Brougard were dressed up, but Emilia wasn't.
She didn't believe in ghosts and such. Besides, someone had to be the normal one. She was happy to just be herself and enjoyed taking
the children around to the houses.
The Governor's Palace was the next to last stop. All the kids went up to the Governor's mansion, with Jack and Brogard close behind.
They thought Emilia was right behind them but when Brogard and Jack turned around, Emilia was gone.
A little kid shouted, "I saw her being dragged by some white air....like a ghost or something."
    "Impossible!" Brogard scoffed.
    "But I saw it!" the child looked at Jack for support.
    "Well, if it wasn't a ghost, then why isn't Em here now?" Jack challenged after a moment.
    "Perhaps she had something else to do?" Brogard suggested.
    "She wouldn't just leave with a job half finished! Something ain't right, and the kid has our only lead!"
    "So what do you suggest?"
        It didn't take long for Jack and Brogard to decide to take the kids home, and then search for Emilia. The little kid wasn't lying
when he said he saw Emilia being dragged away by some white air.......

     "Okay, the kid said he saw Emilia being pulled away about here,"Jack walked a few feet down the road."No sign of any ghost."
     "Brilliant deduction, Mr.Stiles,"Brogard sneered."But where is she now?"
    "I could tell you,"a creaky voice said suddenly, causing the two men to grab onto one another."Oh,pull yourselves together! I'm just
a little old lady." The men separated and waited.
A hunched figure came out of the shadows and into the small bit of light cast by the moon. It was an old woman, dressed in a dark,
green robe. Her hair was grey and her face...
Brogard hid behind Jack, shoving the American forward a step.
    "Do not be afraid of me-at least not yet," the woman said.
    "What do you want?"Jack asked after a moment.
    "You seek your lady friend,yes?"
   Jack and Brogard nodded.
    "Well, I have her, and you won't see her again unless I get four specific items by dawn."
    "Are you a witch?"Jack asked.
    "I suppose you could call me that,"the woman replied with a sly grin."Now, are you two handsome men going to help me or am
I going to have to turn you into a couple of toadstools?"
    "We'll help!"
    "Oui,most assuredly."
    "But first, we want to see Emilia, make sure she's safe," Jack said.
The woman glared at him,but Jack did not budge. After a moment she shrugged."Very well." Raising her walking stick, she aimed
into a patch of clouds. A picture formed showing Emilia and five others trapped in a room, all of them frozen.
    "Um..who are all those other people?" Brogard asked.
    "Oh, they're the first ones I tried to get to help me get these things, but they refused."
    "So, if we refuse.." Jack started.
    "You end up like them. But you didn't refuse, so, here is what I want you to get- first, the cow as white as milk; second; the cape
as red as blood; third, hair like corn silk, and lastly a golden shoe."
While she listed the items, Brogard wrote them down. "How are we supposed to find those things?" he asked.
    "Yeah. I don't remember seeing any white cows lately. Would a white sheep do?" Jack asked.
    "NO!" the woman boomed."YOU GET THESE THINGS OR YOU WILL NEVER SEE YOUR FRIEND AGAIN!" And with
that last warning, she vanished in a puff of smoke.
    "Witch!"Jack muttered.

   Jack knew that his "Dragoon" cape was red as blood. But how was he going to fetch it without Brogard discovering his secret?
     "Dammit!" He muttered. Then it hit him. "Hey, Brogard...let's split the items. Like I'll go look for the cape and hair. You go look
for the cow and shoe."
   Brogard frowned. "How come you get the EASY ones!"
      "Uh....because I think I found some a while ago. And if you can't find the cow or the shoe, after I've found the hair and the cape, I'll
help ya."
   Brogard's expression clearly said "no." "Aw, come on Brogey! It's for Em! And our lives as well!"
   Brougard sighed. "Fine. My men and I'll go look for the shoe and the cow."
       "Ok." Jack headed back to Em's house to get the cape and hair.
While Jack was fetching the cape and hair, Brogard and his men searched high and low for a white cow and golden shoe. They were
unsuccessful. Brogard sent his men home after several failed attempts. He decided to wait for Jack and have the American unfortunately help
him. As he stood waiting, he had an idea. Taking out a piece of paper, Brogard scribbled something down....

Reward: 500 francs for anyone that finds and bring these two items.
A WHITE Cow, and a GOLDEN Shoe!

"Brogard, you are a genius!" he praised.

     Jack returned an hour later with a red cape and some of Emilia's hair. "Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me!" he groaned, seeing
Brogard furiously hammering a reward notice onto a post. "Brogard, we don't have time for that! The witch only gave us until dawn to find
these things."
        "Perhaps I was a bit hasty." Jack jumped as the witch appeared behind him. "I've just read in the Almanac that we are supposed to have
a full moon for two more days, so I am giving you from now until sunset on the second day."
        "What's so special about the full moon except that's when all the crazies come out. Not that you're crazy,"Jack added quickly,"But
others."
        "I am not going to reveal my entire plan to you,"the witch scoffed. "Just find me those things! I will take the two you have already acquired,"
she curled a gnarled finger in Jack's direction. Jack cautiously approached her and handed her the cape and hair. The witch happily received the
items. Suddenly she scowled."THIS is NOT the hair I need!" she shrieked."You FOOL!"
    This time Jack hid behind Brogard."I thought you said get hair that was like corn silk!"
       "Yes, but I didn't mean HUMAN hair!" the witch huffed and her face started to turn red.
       "Madame, please,"Brogard spoke up. "You must forgive Monsieur Stiles. He is not that bright. Surely you must see he made an innocent
mistake."
      "Thanks a lot,pal!"Jack muttered.
      "And perhaps it would be more beneficial for you if you told us what kind of hair you are looking for,"Brogard continued, ignoring Jack.
   The witch made a growling noise and waved her stick around a moment, making Jack and Brogard cower. "I already told you what you must
find, and I have graciously given you more time. Now, it is up to you to find the rest of the items! And remember, there's one midnight gone!" Then
there was a cannonball sound and the witch was gone once more in a puff of smoke.
      "And you thought getting the hair would be easy,"Jack scoffed.

Later......
    Jack and Brogard roamed up and down the streets. They were just passing a candy store when something caught Jack's eye. There, in the window,
was a miniature white chocolate cow.
      "I wonder," Jack thought aloud.
    Brogard thought this over for a minute before deciding, "I don't think it will work."
      "Well, when you have a better idea, let me know. I intend on saving Emilia," Jack retorted.
     Brogard sighed. He saw it was now use trying to argue with the American. Besides, Jack was wasting his own money. A few short minutes later,
Jack emerged from the shop with the cow in hand.
       "Oh witchy, come on out!" Jack thought.
     Suddenly she appeared before them. Jack swallowed hard. He hoped his plan would work. He HAD to save Emilia. Slowly, he reached out and
presented her with the white chocolate cow. The old woman stared at it for a minute, puzzled. Then the corners of her mouth turned up and she began
to laugh.
      "Clever! Very clever indeed!" She laughed.
      "Does that mean you'll accept it?" Jack asked.
      "Sure, why not. However, you must find the shoe and the hair........or your friend will become like me....a fate worse than death!!!"
    The witch disappeared. Jack and Brogard knew they had to find the two items.....but time was running out.....
    Jack thought for a moment. He grabbed Brogard by the arm and went back to Emilia's home. As they walked up to the door, Brogard noticed that
there were several pumpkins with ghoulish looking faces carved out of them. Candles were burning inside.
     "Jack, may I but ask why faces have been carved out of these fruits?"
     "Vegetables! They are vegetables. Well, I figured that even ghouls must get spooked sometimes. Plus, they are said to hate light. Why not scare them
away from the houses? Besides, Em made me gut the thing so she could bake the seeds to eat. I got a little creative with the remains. I call them 'Jack -o-
Lanterns!'." Jack seemed amused by what he had done.
    They entered the house and went straight to Emilia's closet. Fifteen minutes later, shoes were strewn throughout the room. There were no golden colored
shoes.
      "Rats," Jack exclaimed.
    Time was running out and he couldn't lost Emilia.
    Jack looked around once more at the clothing strewn about the room. "Wait a second! I know who might have golden shoes!" He grabbed Brogard's
arm and dragged him along.
    Brogard groaned when he realized they were heading toward the Governor's palace. "Oh no!"
      "Come on!! Just distract him...I'll look for it, and take it...if he finds out it's missing we'll blame the uh...Dragoon!"
    Jack had it planned out. Brogard sighed and agreed.
   While Brougard distracted Croque, Jack went to room to room, to search for a golden shoe. No luck! After Jack signaled Brogard he couldn't find it,
they both went outside to still search.
     "You didn't find it?"
     "Nope." Jack sighed. They passed a blacksmith's shop. There were a bunch of kids playing ball nearby. Suddenly the ball went wide and flew into the blacksmith's shop. Instead of returning the toy, he took the kids' ball.
     "Too bad!! Finders keepers!" the man shouted.
    Jack did not like that at all. "That bastard...why I ougtha..." Jack was pissed, and rolled up his sleeves and was about to beat the crap out the blacksmith
when he spotted something very shiny above the shop. It was a horseshoe that was made of GOLD! "Hmm....I wonder...." He glanced at Brogard. "You
stay put. I'll be right back!" Before Brogard could ask what Jack was doing, the American was gone.
   A little later Brogard saw a group of very pretty ladies (that Jack hired to distract the blacksmith) approach the blacksmith and they immediately engaged
him in conversation about his work. Brogard couldn't help but listen in and admire the women. He completely missed Jack climbing up on the roof of the
blacksmith's shop.
Jack watched the scene below a moment before snatching the horseshoe. While he climbed down, he sneaked into the shop and retrieved the kids'                         ball. "Finders keepers my ass!" he murmmered as he threw it to where the kids were trying to play something else. The kid who caught the ball looked
around in surprise, but saw no one.
   Meanwhile Jack returned to Brogard and pulled him away from the blacksmith's. After they were a ways off, Jack yelled for the old lady.
   She appeared and tapped on Jack's shoulder to get his attention. "What do you want now?" He showed her the shoe. She examined it carefully,
while Brogard and Jack bit their lips and crossed their fingers.
   The old woman looked at the shoe for a painfully long time. Then she looked at Jack. "You are a clever one indeed. I will accept this. It is, bascially,
a shoe of gold. But you stil have one more item to find...the HAIR! It won't be that easy to find." With that, the old woman vanished.
   Jack shivered a bit. She was really starting to creep him out. "Hair like corn silk," Jack said aloud, as if the words were alien to him. "Where are we
gonna find that." He knew that human hair was out of the question.

   Jack and Brogard walked the streets. It was getting late and the children had gone home. Brogard stifled an exhausted yawn. Jack was tired too,
but he wasn't about to give up. They had just passed the race track when Jack noticed that the roster had been put in place for the next day's races.
He looked at the names: Naughty Boy, Land Rover, Sparky, Perky Peter, Lightning, Corn Silk, Rolling Thunder, Brisco. Wait a minute! Corn Silk!
   "Hey Brogey, I think I have an idea!"
   "Whoopee!" Brogard muttered. Jack ignored the captain and pulled him along. They slipped into the barn. An overwhelming stench hit them hard.
   "Well, someone has to do the dirty work" Jack sighed. He picked his way carefully over to holding pen number 8 - Corn Silk. He drew a small knife
and cut an ich off of Corn Silk's tail. Then He and Brogard left the barn. The old woman was waiting for them outside. Jack offered her the handful of hair
and waited expectantly.
   "Nope, I'm sorry, I didn't mean horsehair."
   "You mean you won't take it??" Brogard asked.
   "Well....."
   "Uh.....please?" Jack asked.
   "Will you make it worth my while?"
   "Yuck!" Jack whispered to Brogard.
   "I mean, "the old lady said, hearnig Jack's response, "Could you do something for me? Deliver a message??"
   "Oh, sure!" Jack said.
   "Well, tell Governor Crack that his dearly departed auntie is coming to get him........be gone now! If you do this, I'll take the horsehair."
Brogard shrugged. "Oui, madame, we will."
The woman vanished in a cloud of smoke, leaving Brogard and Jack alone....

Jack and Brogard went to the Croque's office, and told him about his "aunt."
Croque was turning pale.
    "Uh...Croquie? Hello?" Jack waved his hand up and down in front of Croque's face. The governor did not respond at all. He just continued to
stare blankly passed Jack and Brogard. "Uh.....something is wrong with the govie, Brogey."
    "It is probably the gouvenor is shocked about his "aunt."
    "How come?"
    "Well....it is a long story Jack"
    "Then make it short," Jack snapped. Emilia's being held for a very odd ransom was eating away at his patience.
   "Ten years ago, on this evening, the Goovenor's aunt died. She had had a very high fever for a week or so. It kept getting worse. The doctors
could not do anything for her. Since she died on such a night as this, she could not be given a proper burial. She must be back because of that."
   "So ol' Govie's superstious!" Jack exclaimed.
Brogard gave a look of disgust. The American wouls never be able to understand such things.
Jack shrugged. "Oh well...that's his prob! But we have to rescue Emilia." As Jack turned around, all of sudden he came face-to-face with the witch.
"Whoa! You scared me there! What are you doing here?"
Croque's eyes grew wider and he ducked under his desk. After a moment he cautiously peered over the edge.
"I am the Govenor's aunt!" she cackled.
"I don't care if your the Queen of England! I...um...we...got you the four items. Now I want Emilia back." Jack stood his ground, defiance flashing in his
eyes. His looked dared her to to do anything less then comply.
"Who?" the witch asked, looking around innocently.
"Our friend!"
"What friend?"
"Emilia dammit!"
"Oooooooooooooh!! Her!! Well, too bad..."
"Whadaya mean by that?"
"I mean that you've been tricked! I'm keeping the girl, while you two and the others can be added to my brew for extra flavor!!" she cackled insanely.                 She started to chant a weird spell. In the middle of the room a huge tornado formed and thunder and lighting crashed. The tornado swept everything and
everybody up--except Jack who was hanging on tight to the door knob while Brogard was holding on tight to the door. Croque gripped the window,
and he jumped out.
Jack's hand started to slip. He managed to catch himself before being claimed by the tornado. He could hear the French soldiers in the torando yelling
and screaming. "I'm gonna puke!" he heard someone yell. The witch cackled and disappeared suddenly, along with her indoor storm.
Jack and Brogard crashed to the floor.
   "That witch! She tricked us!" Brougard was enraged.
   "Naw, really?" Jack looked around. Everyone was gone, including Croque. Just then, he saw hands gripping the windowsill. "Hey Croque, you made it."
   "Just barely, Jack. I think..I think I need to lie down," Croque just barely finished speaking before he fainted.
   "Wonderful," Jack muttered.
A while later, Brogard and Jack had Croque resting in his room. Once they were sure he was settled, they stepped out.
   "Okay, Brogey. We've gotta come up with a plan to get Emilia," Jack said. "The witch wants her for some spell it seems--"
   "And just how do you suggest we find them and stop the witch?" Brogard asked.
Jack could not answer.

The witch's hidden cave....

She was cackling insanely as she added all the stuff that Jack and Brogard gave her into a bubbling brew. Emilia was gagged and chained to the wall,
watching with horror..
    "Now that I got everything I need...time to add the girl!"
    "Why are you doing this?!" Em asked when the witch removed her gag.
    "I thought you'd never asked...well...of course I'm a witch and I have a spell book that has every spell you can possibly ask for. And when I died I
always wanted to be beautiful and young forever!"
   "So what does that got to do with me?"
   "My child...you're beautiful AND young! You were perfect for my spell!" she laughed and tied Emilia onto a rope that pulled her up while releasing her
slowly down to the bubbling brew. "As for you..." she told the French soldiers that were also gagged and chained to the wall. "You will be my breakfast,
lunch, AND dinner for the rest of my life!" she cackled once more while a lighting streaked across and the thunder boomed through the air. She lowered
Emilia toward the brew closer.
    "Help!" Emilia cried.
    "Yell help all you want because NOBODY knows where this secret and HIDDEN cave is!" she grinned.

*************************************************************************************************
Jack paced back asnd forth. His mind was spinning. The witch had Emilia, a bunch of French fries, and four very strange items. Jack could feel a spell
was afoot. "Say Brogey," Jack asked with a sudden idea, "in the myths where do the witches usually have their hideouts?"
    "In the forests, in caves, in other realms beyond this one which we mortals live in. Why?"
    "I think we may be able to track our friend the witch down."
Brogard looked at Jack for a moment before answering "How? The other realms are beyond our reach."
    "Think Brogey. Not too much heavily forested areas around here. And I don't think her powers are up to full par. She conjured up a storm that could
have easily taken us with her, but it didn't. That leaves one option: a cave. We just have to figure out what cave she's hiding out in." Jack finished with a
yawn. He was exhausted. He and Brogard had been searching all night. In a few hours it would be dawn. "We start looking tomorrow at sunset. I remember
hearing it somewhere that witches are most active at night and usually can't be found during the day."
Brogard agreed to this new plan and headed back to the barracks.
Jack returned to Emilia's. The house was so empty there without her....
     "Please be okay, Em," Jack whispered before falling into a troubled sleep.

     He could almost see. The darkness that surrounded him became less as an eerie green light appeared ahead of him. He walked forward quietly,
wanting to investigate.
    This has gotta be where the witch is! Jack thought. But where is it?
      "Jack, remember..."a voice whispered.
      "Emilia?" Jack looked around him, yet saw nothing. He continued on, thinking that maybe it had just been his imagination.
      "They were gone faster than you can say greedybuggers!" Again he heard her voice.
      "Greedybuggers?" For some reason, the name sounded familiar...but how?
      "Remember to aim for the nose and lead with the spine!" Emilia's voice came again.....
    Jack shook his head and pressed on, hoping he'd reach wherever he was supposed to reach before he grew tired. As he walked, he started to
hear faint music....and it sounded like a fife. Suddenly two huge furry shapes jumped out in front of him.
      "Jackie boy? Is that you?" one asked.
      "Lewis and Clark?" Jack was confused. He hadn't seen his two childhood friends since they mistakenly came to Pulau Pulau, thinking it was
Oregon. His friends did not answer and faded away into the darkness.
      "What is going on here?" Jack demanded. Another image appeared-it was the dining room of the Governor's Palace. Croque, Camille, Emilia,
Jack, Brogard, and King George were sitting around the table eating-King George was actually playing with his food, building a castle out of his
mashed potatoes. King George said something about Camille's ring, and Camille went on to say how it was a diamond, and about the only thing
Croque had done right by her....
       "Remember Jack..."
       "Remember what?" Only silence answered. Jack started to run towards the green light. Just as he reached it, it started to turn purple, then pink,
then a fiery orange, and then a flaming yellow....

      "Jack? Jack wake up!"
      "Aww,let me sleep,ma! It's Saturday!" he grumbled as something tickled his nose.
      "Jack, wake up!" JC flapped his wings, hoping that would get the American up better than his one feather idea.
    Jack swatted absently and JC barely missed being struck. "Ooops. Sorry JC," Jack yawned his apology, almost opening his eyes..
      "Jack, remember you have to find Emilia!"
      "I know, JC. I haven't forgotten-neither has she," he added inaudibly, recalling the strangeness of his dream. He knew they involved events from his
past assignments, but what was the significance? There was something Emilia (if it was her, and of that Jack was not certain)was trying to tell him."Hey JC,
do you know anything about dream interpretation?"
      "I am just a bird, Jack. I do not understand all the complexities of you homosapiens."
      "'Complexities'? 'homosapiens'?" Jack was befuddled. "Since when do you talk like someone who attended Harvard, JC?"
      "Jack, stop asking questions and look for Emilia!" JC squawked before taking off.
Jack sighed and finished getting dressed. He was just stepping out when he spotted the daily paper laying on the step. Jack picked it up and was about
to take it inside when an article caught his eye: SIGMUND FREUD VISITS PULAU PULAU.
      "Why does that name sound familar?" Jack thought "Do I owe him money?" Shaking his head, Jack took the paper inside and then set out to try
to find Emilia.

After a full morning of searching for Emilia, Jack returned home. "Well that was fun" He said to himself as he walked through the door. He then spied
the paper that he'd put on the end table earlier. "Who is that guy? Everyone was talking about him today!Something about psycology. Must be another
nut job!" Jack continued to talk to himself. "Can't figure that out now!I've got to visit the throne! NOW!" he yelled as he ran down the hall toward the
bathroom.
Emerging from the bathroom a few minutes later, Jack saw a signed picture on the wall. It was a portrit of Emilia and a short man with a beard and
glasses. At the bottom of the picture were the words-
Emilia, Farewell to you and do continue in your scientific persuits in Pulau Pulau. Your close friend-Sigmund Freud.

       "Sigmund Freud!" Jack said, slapping himself on the forehead "That's where I know that name! I have to talk to him mabye he can help me figure
out that crazy dream!"
    Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Jack ran to answer the it and discovered Brogard standing on the front step. Jack sighed. "Not now
Brogey! I gotta find Sigmund Freud!" Brogard looked confused. "Aww, Come on!" Jack said and pulled Brogard after him.
        "He is at the Goovenor's house," Brogard started after a moment, trying to calm Jack down. His arm was beginning to hurt. "He is trying to calm
the Gouvenor down after his aunt turned out to be that witch. He will not see anyone else."
         "We'll see about that," Jack swore, for once eager to get to Croque's house.

Meanwhile.............
    The witch lowered Em down which the bubbling brew were heating Emilia's feet. Emilia screamed and screamed for help, but it was no use.
        "Now my pretty...do you want to get this over with by like placing you in the cauldron...or would you like to tatse it?" the witch asked.
        "Well...if I taste it would I die too?"
        "Of course not! Just your soul dies! But nothing else."
        "And if I refuse..."
        "I'll kill all the men here." she said, pointing at the French.
       "You said you were gonna eat them anyway!"
       "Good point...then I'll go back to your lover and kill him too!"
    Emilia sighed. "If you let them go and leave Jack alone, I'll drink the stuff."
       "You can't tell me what to do!" She paced around the room. "Alright! I'll them go, but I get to keep this one to be my husband!" She pinched
a soldier's cheek, while the soldier fainted of shock. She then waved her hands and chanted a spell that swept every soldier, except the one she was going
to marry back to the govenor's mansion. "Now drink!" She scooped a bowl of the brew, and placed it toward Emilia's lips. Emilia swallowed nervously, but
she kept her part of the bargain and drank. Suddenly Emilia started to shake and screamed in pain. As she screamed, a white mist came out of her mouth,
and entered the witch's mouth. Emilia fainted as the witch changed, becoming younger with every second. Years of aging fell away; her hair became golden,
her figure of the utmost perfection. When her change was complete, she looked excatly like EMILIA! She smiled.
       "Perfect!" Her voice matched Emilia's perfectly.

At Croque's mansion.......

        "Now say...there's no such things as witches, goblins, vampires, werewolves, frankensteins, and zombies."
     Croque repeated what Sigmund told him. "But what about ghosts?" he asked after a moment.
        "Uh...hey, I'm the one that's a doctor and I know everything to and what to say! So just repeat everything I say, and ask no questions. Understand?"
     Croque nodded quickly. Freud smiled and was about to continue when Jack burst through the door. "Jack! What are you doing here? Get out!" Croque
demanded.
        "Sorry Croquey but I need to talk to Sigmund here too."
       "Whatever it is, Jack, I do believe it can wait until I've had my hour," Croque sniffed. "Brogard!"
       "I am sorry Gouvenor. I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen!" Brogard explained.
       "I am not leaving until I've talked to Siggy here," Jack said determinedly.
       "Then I am afraid I'm just going to have to execute you at once! Brogard, take him away!"
       "But what about Emilia--" the captain started, but was interrupted by a loud THUD and several painful groans in the hallway. Jack, Brogard, Croque,
and Freud went to investigate. Jack, Brogard, and Croque were stunned to see that it was the soldiers the witch had taken. They were piled on top of one
another.
      "What happened?!" Jack demanded. "And where's EM?!" The soldiers related what happened. "That son of a witch! Do you know where the cave is?"
      "No, it is hidden."
     "Then if it's hidden, then we gotta go seek it!" Jack shouted..
     "But Jack, if the cave is hidden, how are we supposed to find it?" Brogard pointed out.
     "I don't know...I had this weird dream last night about Em and where she was..but it never became clear on just where."
     "Dreams, my boy?" Freud turned away from the governor. "Dreams are manifestations of our sexual wants..or at least that is a theory I have."
     "Wonderful," Jack muttered.And Em always thinks MY head is in the gutter! "Interesting theory Freud, but unless I want to have a romp in the hay
with 'Greedybuggers' I don't think I was dreaming about sex--although I wouldn't mind having one about it some time," Jack added with a grin. "Wait a
minute! I think I know where Em is. Govy, where were you when you and Brogey here went looking for diamonds?"
     "Why, on the other side of the island," Croque replied. "But sadly there weren't any diamonds."
     "What about caves?"
    "There were certainly a few of those," Brogard said after a moment."You think Emilia might be in one of those?"
    "There's only one way to find out. You gather the cavalry and I'll go on ahead," Jack directed.
    "I'm going too," Freud announced, surprising everyone.
    "Okay," Jack said uncertainly. "If you're sure."
    "I have never been more sure in my life. I've always wanted to analyze a witch."
Jack groaned. "O.K.Come with me, Freud."

They were walking along a small dirty street back toward Emilia's house.
     "Where are we going exactly?" Sigmund asked "And who we looking for exactly?"
Jack stopped short causeing Freud to run into him. "Wait just one cotton pickin minute!" Jack excalimed "I thought you knew Em?"
     "Know her? I don't even know who your talking about!"
     "Emilia. Emilia Rothschild. You know, a proper english blond. A real knockout!"
     "Emilia Rothschild!" Sigmund cried "That Emilia? She's who everyone is looking for?"
     "How many Emilias do you know? Never mind! We just have to find her soon or she'll be dead!"
They reached the house and Jack sat Freud down in the parlor to collect his thoughts while he walked through the fireplace to collect his Dragoon
outfit. "Ok" he said as he picked it up and held the mask to his face "It's time to kick some halloween wicked witch of the island butt!"
Suddenly there was a noise from behind him. He turned around and saw Sigmund standing at the enterance to the lab. Jack had completely forgotten
that he had brought someone home with him.
     "Holyshipwreckedsonofaditchdigger!" Jack cried!
     "So you're the Darring Dragoon that Mr. Croque fears so much!" Freud said with a smile!
     "Uh...no I'm not! This was just my uh...Hallow's Eve costume! That's right! I admire the Daring Dragoon so much because of his wits and
everything, it made me wanna be him for Hallow's Eve!" Jack quickly lied, hoping the psychologist bought it.
    "Then why are you wearing it right now?" Freud asked pointedly.
    "Uh...because I need to return it to someone, that I borrowed it from, and he only recongizes me if I wear it and give it to him back!"
    "Of course! You're too dumb, ugly, and weak to be the Daring Dragoon! The Dragoon is very smart, strong, and I heard he was quite the ladies'
man! So far I have only seen a captain around you."
    "Now wait a minute! I have women around me all the time--at least when I'm not trying to save them. And I'm not weak!!"
    "Oh, so you're saying you are the Dragoon?..."
    "Hell yeah! Wait a minute...did I just blabbed out my secret?" Jack paused. Sigmund nodded and smiled.
    "Reverse physology always work Jack, or should I say Mr. Daring Dragoon?"
    "Please don't blab my secret to Croque or anybody else!" Jack begged.
   "Don't worry Jack...I won't." He stuck out his hand. Jack shook it and thanked him.
   "Now come on...we gotta save a woman and..."
   "And analyze a witch!" Sigmund finished.

Back at the Cave...
   "Now, that I got your looks and accent...time for revenge on my nephew...Croque! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!" The witch ran out of the secret cave and
went to get revenge on her nephew.
   "Heeyah! Go Nutcracker!" Jack rode on his horse, Nutcracker as he galloped through teh woods. Sigmund on the other hand rode on one of Croque's
horse that the "Dragoon" stole and was right behind Jack. As they got closer to the caves, Jack spotted someone running towards them.
   "Emilia!" Jack stopped his horse. "Is that you?!" He dismounted and rushed over to her.
   "Wait a minute...I am her, and he thinks I'm her. This is perfect!" she thought. "Yes! It's me!"
Jack hugged her tightly. "Are you ok? How did you escape?"
   "I'm fine, and I uh...tricked the witch into letting me go! Then took her spell book and turned her into a rock!"
   "That's good! As long as you're fine...let's go home!" Jack smiled, and lifted her on top of Nutcracker. "And you remember Mr. Freud right Em?"
Jack mounted and sat behind her, nodding towards Sigmund Freud.
    "Uh...yeah! How are you Mr. Freud? And can we just go and dicuss more tommorrow? Because I'm really tired."
    "Of course Emilia!" Sigmund smiled.
    "Hold on tight Em!" The witch held on tight to Jack as they rode away to Em's house. She smiled and evil smile.
   "After when everyone's asleep, I shall break into Croque's house and get my revenge!" she thought, cackling on the inside.

****************************************************************************************************

The real Emilia was laying on the floor, not dead, but very close. She knew the witch had her body.....or something like it. Emilia knew that the witch
was in her body....she made a replica of it.....so she was laying there, with no strenth to even move, and the witch was outside tramping around as her....and there was nothing Emilia could do...........
Unless she could get to Jack through his dreams again. But the first time hadn't worked, had it? He hadn't rescued her yet. Emilia knew that she had to do something fast. At the first light of dawn the next day, the witch would be in this realm to stay and Emilia would die.

*****************************************************************************************************
Jack was having trouble with Nutcracker. As soon as he, Emilia, and Freud turned around to head home, Nutcracker stopped dead and refused
to move..
    "Come on Nutcracker, let's go home," Jack nudged him in the ribs.
Nutcracker neighed and tossed his head. Jack glanced at Freud."Have any theories on horse behavior?"
    "I only deal with humans. I must say, our horses' behavior perplexes me," the man said, his horse following Nutcracker's lead.
    "Jack, do something! Before that witch breaks the spell and comes after us!" Emilia cried, clinging tightly to him.
    "Relax, Em. I'll have Nutcracker moving in a minute." Jack nudged the horse a few more times without any results, except for Nutcracker looking
back at him with an expression saying,"What do you think you're doing?"
    "What's the matter, Nuts?" Jack asked softly. As if Nutcracker understood, he turned his head and looked at Emilia. "Hmmm.." Jack thought for a minute, recalling what Emilia said when she came out of the cave.....

                        "I'm fine, and I uh...tricked the witch into letting me go! Then took her spell book and turned her into a
                         rock!"....."Uh...yeah! How are you Mr. Freud? And can we just go and dicuss more tommorrow? Because I'm
                         really tired."

Suddenly it hit him. Emilia wasn't Emilia! It was the witch. "Hey Em, I just remembered something Brogard asked me to check out," Jack said,
dismounting. "Why don't you stay here with the Frood dude and catch up."
    "I beg your pardon!" Freud exclaimed.
    "Where are you going, Jack?" Emilia asked. "If the witch has broken the spell.."
   "Hey, don't worry about me. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve." He squeezed her hand before going over to Freud. They whispered, exchanging a
few words before Jack took off.
Emilia watched him go and then turned to Freud. "What were you two whispering about?" she asked.
    "Oh, he just told me what I should do if the witch shows up."
    "What?"
    "Run! So, Emilia, tell me how you've been?"

   It did not take long for Jack to reach the caves. He entered the one he saw "Emilia" run out of. Like his dream, it was pitch black. He walked
slowly, watching for any bats or other cave dwelling creatures. Suddenly an eerie green light began to glow and lit the cave up a bit.
     "Great,"Jack thought."Does this mean I'm getting close to Em or does this mean I'm walking into a trap?"
     "Jack..." a light, frigid breeze blew past, Emilia's voice sounding faint rode on its tip.
     "Hold on,Em! I'm coming!" Jack picked up his pace and followed the winding cavern until he came to an open area that was made up to look like a
home. A black cauldron sat in the center and Emilia lay a few feet away.
     "Emilia!" Jack rushed to her side and gathered her in his arms. "Emilia, speak to me!"
For a moment she was still; her eyes closed and her skin a ghastly white. Suddenly her eyes fluttered open.
     "Jack!" she gasped weakly. "You came!"
     "Of course I did. I wasn't about to let a friend become part of a witch's brew."
     "But I did,"Emilia rasped. As fast as she could, Emilia explained what had happened to her.
     "Is there an antidote for what she did?" Jack asked hopefully.
     "I wouldn't know." Emilia's eyes closed once more, and her chest started to heave.
     "Oh, no you don't! You just hang on! You hear me Em!"
     "I'm so..sorry, Jack.." Emilia became still.
     "Nooooooo!" Jack wailed.
     "I take it from your cry we might be a bit too late?" Jack whirled around and was shocked to see Freud behind him with the witch.
     "What are you doing here?"Jack asked.
     "I convinced our lady friend here to undo her spell."
Jack looked at the witch. She did not meet his eyes. "But you can't do anything now,can you?"
     "Maybe..it's tricky. Your friend is dead, but she hasn't crossed over yet," she said.
     "Crossed over?"
     "Oh, don't act like you don't know what I mean!" the witch snapped."You think when you die you go straight to heaven or hell? No way buddy!
There's a seven year waiting period where you just float around in this place they call purgatory...or was it Snore City? Anyway, I was there once,
and I hated it so I came back, which means I'll really be getting it when I return-"
     "So you can save her?" Jack cut her off.
     "Yes, but I will need that last ingredient I asked you and that bumbling captain to get."
     "But we got it for you,"Jack protested.
     "No, you got something I could use instead if the last thing couldn't be found, but that was only for the spell I used on her. I need the real thing to
bring her back."
     "Well, then can you tell me what it is? You said 'hair like corn silk'-"
     "And that's all I can tell you," the witch said.
     "Why?"
     "It just is! I don't make the rules, Mr. Stiles. I just follow the coven."
     "Hmmm...hair like corn silk," they heard Freud muse just as he pulled out an ear of corn from his pocket. He started to shuck it and Jack watched as
the green leaves and a few strands of strands fell to the ground.
     "Wait a second.."Jack went over to Freud and snatched the corn from his hands.
     "Hey! I was going to eat that!"
Jack made a face. "Raw???"
    "Well, no. I was going to clean it first and then boil it later. Just thought cleaning it a bit now would help me with your puzzle."
    "Actually Freud, I may have found the last piece," Jack gathered the yellow strands from the corn into one hand and held them up to the witch.
"Hair like corn silk. But you meant actual corn, right? I hope?"
   To his relief, the witch smiled. "Congratulations, Jack. You figured it out. Now, get your friend ready while I make another brew."
   Jack picked Emilia up and held her while they waited for the brew to boil. "Just hang in there, kiddo. We'll have you back in the land of the living before
you can say 'trick-or-"
     "Treat!" the witch finished."It's ready!" The witch slowly raised a ladel full and poured it into a vial. "Hey Mr.Gratification, would you be so kind as
to hold Ms.Rothschild's head up so I might be able to get this in her?"
   Freud nodded and gently lifted Emilia's head up. The witch then pried her mouth open and poured the liquid into Emilia's mouth, making sure it went
down and did not choke her.
     "Is it gonna work?" Jack asked after a moment and nothing happened.
    "Patience, Mr.Stiles. Give it a minute or two," the witch said.
Sure enough, Emilia's chest started to rise and fall. The color returned to her cheeks and she slowly opened her eyes. "Where..where am I? What
happened?" she asked.
     "You don't remember?" Jack was surprised. He put Emilia down, making sure she was steady on her feet before letting her go.
     "No..wait I do! The witch..the potion-I was dead!" Emilia looked around."But I'm not now, am I?"
     "Nope. You're alive as I am," Jack said with a grin. "And you have our neighborhood witch to thank."
The witch took a small step towards Emilia, her features once again old and haggard. "I do hope you'll forgive me. I just loved life too much when I had
it that when I lost it..I just went mad."
     "Well..I do suppose it is understandable," Emilia said after a moment. "Perhaps you could tell me why there's a Seven Year waiting period?"
     "I know a lot of things, my dear, but that isn't one of them," the witch smiled sadly. "Well, I guess my time haunting is over. Time I returned to
Snore City."
     "You've been missed there. Several people were wondering when you'd come back."
      "Awww, those old kings still pining for me? Oh well, guess I can't disappoint them. It's been fun dearies! My fan club awaits!" The witch started to
turn and turn and turn, spinning faster and faster until she disappeared in a flash of green light.
      "I've just had about enough fun for one Hallow's Eve and the day after. How about you?" Jack said, removing his Dragoon outfit. "Oh, don't worry
Em, Freudy here knows about me being the Dragoon," he added, seeing the concerned look on his partner's face.
      "And I have assured Jack that his secret his safe. You know you can always trust me," Freud said.
Emilia smiled. "Of course, Sigmund. At least until you write a book,"she added silently. Looking at Jack,"Yes, I've had enough as well. Shall we go
home?"
       "You took the words right out of my mouth, sister!" Jack hooked Emilia's arm and together they headed out.
Freud brought up the rear, still trying to get his corn ready for boiling.
       "Oh, how beautiful!" Emilia exclaimed as they came out. She pointed to where the sun was coming up, the sky a midnight blue, yet fired up with pinks,
purples, and light oranges. "I thought I'd never see a sight so wonderful again!"
       "Yeah, it is pretty grand," Jack admitted.
       "Messieur Stiles! Madame Rothschild! You are okay!" Jack, Emilia, and Freud turned and saw Brogard accompanied by several soldiers approaching.
       "Well whaddya know? The infantry finally decided to show up," Jack scoffed.
       "We would have been here sooner, but we were a little sidetracked," Brogard explained. "Emilia, I am happy to see you are alive."
      "Thank you, Captain. I must say I am happy, and most thankful to be alive as well."
Brogard nodded and then looked toward the cave. "Where is the witch?"
      "You mean Croque's aunt? She decided her haunting time was up and left," Jack said.
      "You mean, she's gone?"
      "What, am I speaking German?" Jack muttered.
      "Die Frau ist weggegangen," Freud put in.
   Jack and Brogard just stared.
       "That was German," Emilia smiled. "He just said she is gone."
       "Good," Brogard was pleased. "Oh, Jack, Emilia, I was supposed to tell you-if I found you alive and well, which I have-the Gouvenor says that
even though our Hallow's Eve night was cut short, he said we will try it again next year and make it a tradition. I can count on the two of you to participate
again, oui?"
       "Of course we will,"Emilia said.
       "Em, are you nuts?" Jack could not believe they'd just signed away another night-even if it was a year away.
       "No. I actually had fun going around with the children-at least before we had witch problems."
       "Yeah, but Em-"
       "You're doing it Jack. Nothing you can say will change my mind."
       "What if we run into ghosts next year? Or vampires? Or some crazy guy with a chainsaw-- where the heck did that come from?--EM!" Jack ran to
catch up with his partner who was heading away from the caves. Brogard and his men followed after making sure the witch was indeed gone, and Freud accompanied them, waving the ear of corn around as new thoughts entered his mind......

THE END

Disclaimer: Emilia was completely harmed during the writing of this story, but she forgives the writers. No Dragoon capes, horses, or milk chocolate cows
were harmed during the writing of this story, although one ear of corn was completely "shucked" and the witch's "groom to be" was completely forgotten
at the end of the story--much to his relief :-)