first scare ☠ video

[curiousing]

[ Now folks, there's nothing to be alarmed about. Showing up on the feed is a skeleton. But, it is a skeleton that, from the neck up, can be seen wearing what looks like a pin-stripe suit and elaborate bat bow tie. His jaw is stretched out into a big grin as he waves a bony hand to those who may be watching. ]

Greetings, one and all! For those of you that I have not had the horrifying pleasure to meet, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, and I come from a terrifying little place known as HalloweenTown. And yes, I am, indeed, a skeleton! A real one at that! [ Because this has been brought into question many times. ]

My reasons for addressing everyone is that due to certain... well, the fact that I am a walking and talking skeleton, I seem to find it very difficult finding a job of sorts. Seeing as my usual duties I tend to at home are not required here, I wanted to offer up my skills to those in need!

[ Yes, take a moment to let that settle: a skeleton looking for employment.

... Moving on. ]

I'm very good at telling scary stories and frightening others, those happen to be my specialty. After all, one isn't a citizen of a town dedicated to the most horrendous night of the year for nothing. [ He chuckles at that before his eye sockets widen, remembering something. ] Oh! And I enjoy singing and performing songs too! Not to mention I get along well with monsters and ghouls, as well as dogs.

[ He continues to grin, not fully aware that this entire video is probably confusing a lot of people for one, if not multiple, reasons. ]

But if anyone could help me, I would be horrifically grateful.

Comments

video;

[truesight]

[ Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and now- the Pumpkin King. sure. yeah, that makes sense. she's wondering for a second if St. Patty's day has a representative around here, or Valentine's Day ( actually no, she'd rather not have anything to do with Cupid, thanks ), but that gets pushed to the back of her mind because right now she needs to have a conversation with this skeleton man. clearly. ]

Hello, Mr. Skellington. I'm Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Or just Rachel. [ grin! ] I'm not really in any position to help with a job offer, but I was on the job hunt not too long ago myself, so- There's options. And you'd be surprised, you might be able to find some stuff to do like whatever it was you were doing back home. So.

What did you do, back home?

video forever;

[curiousing]

A pleasure to meet you, Miss Rachel! [ A gentleman through and through. He gives a little flourish wave of his hand in greeting as he smiles. ] But call me Jack! Everyone at home does.

[ This bit of information is still helpful though, because it encourages him that he just might be able to find one. And a hopeful skeleton is better than a lamenting skeleton. ] Why, if I could, I would be thrilled! You see, I was the one in charge of the festivities for Halloween! I would often lead the parade and help to arrange the events that take place through out the night, such as screaming contests and who can drink the most blood in one night!

It's one heck of a challenge but it's one I take great pride in.

video

[true_renaissance_man]

[Living skeleton.
LIVING skeleton!!
... Trying not to stare... Trying not to stare... And failing at that!]

With abilities like that maybe you could find work as a street performer?

[He was just so fascinating!!]

Or a model! You would be perfect should there be any artist around who wished to draw a perfect version of a skeleton!

video forever;

[curiousing]

[ No worries, da Vinci. He is totally used to the staring and doesn't mind in the slightest. ]

A street performer? Hm... [ He rubs his chin curiously as he considered the idea. ] I admit I've seen my fair of them when I've visited various parts of the world, but I never thought of that for myself if it didn't involve frightening grown adults in the midnight hour.

[ But of course even Jack could be surprised because now his eye sockets blink in the feed at Leonardo's second suggestion. ] A model? Me?

video;

[littlesurvivor]

You're.....a skeleton.

[But. Okay. Okay, this one is talking. It's not like a walker or anything. It's actually kind of endearing almost. He seems pretty happy at least.]

Um, what kind of stories? I didn't know there was a whole town for Halloween.

video forever;

[curiousing]

[ He is considering wearing a sign around his neck stating this.

No, but Jack is doing his best not to frighten people away right now and that goes for children too. Hence him smiling brightly and jumping at her question in a heart beat.

That is if he had one that did. ]

All kinds of stories, little one! I know all of the scariest, frighten you out of your pants tales! When you've been around as long as I have you pick up on all sorts of them. [ Then, with a chuckle: ] Not many do, you know. In fact, until recently, I never knew there were even holidays outside of Halloween!

[text]

[proudofwhatiam]

[Evy's shocked enough to see a living, moving skeleton talking on the network that even if she wasn't inclined to write responses already, she would. She'd rather not show off just how much he startled her.

Sorry, Jack. You're kind of scary, in light of her last experience with the undead.]

Did someone raise you from the dead?

[video]

[curiousing]

[ So Jack is still learning to get the hang of the different communication options on the bracelet, but it has been easiest to communicate through video or audio only. He reads her text but responds in video still.

Which just so happened to a laugh that might have sounded more like a cackle, but it wasn't intended to sound sinister. ]

I imagine so but it's been ages since! Why, I don't remember a thing from before when I was nothing more than bones.

{ video }

[applegoddess]

[Well well well, she knows this guy. Halloween may not be a kiwi celebration, but she knows about it, and his movie is usually aired around both, Halloween and Christmas, back home. Of course, it would be pretty confusing to try to tell him that.]

Hey there, Mr. Skellington, seems you have quite a repertory of talents there. Maybe you could try to find a job related to entertaining people instead of scaring them? I think you'd be good at that. I don't know if there's ghouls and monsters here, though. But if there's gods and giants... [She shrugs.]

You could try dog-walking too. I think there's quite a few people who have pets.

{ video forever }

[curiousing]

[ That would be extremely confusing for the dead man. And he has more than enough to think about, such as making sure he can keep enough cleaning solutions around to keep his bones clean and meeting everyone ever in Asgard. You know, the little things. ]

I admit my best work does involve scaring others. After all, having the title of 'Pumpkin King' isn't something given out to everyone. [ A thoughtful can be seen as he scratched the top of his skull. ] I suppose I could work on other talents of mine. I think I know a few songs that don't involve monsters or creatures of the night...

[ Walking dogs would turn into him leading a parade of dogs through town, let's be real. But does Jack think of this sensibly? ] But dog walking, now there's an idea!

[ N O P E. ]

video;

[necrowmantic]

[Oh wow, this is definitely one of the cooler things Henry's seen here. He's even a bit curious, and as friendly as ever.]

Hey, are you dead? 'Cause I've seen walking corpses before, but they're usually not so chatty!

And I dunno about employment, but I wanna hear one of those stories. Are they bloody? I love bloody!

video;

[curiousing]

[ He can't help but chuckle at the eager reply, pleased to have someone asking for stories from him. ]

I am very much dead but still I can move around and enjoy my after life! As for stories, I think I may know a few that aren't for the faint of heart!

[gayagenda]

[A talking skeleton is ... confusing, and frightening, and kind of annoying all at the same time. Plus, the way he talks about how scary he is just makes him annoying. So she'll go with annoying.]

One, you're not scary.

And two, why don't you go get some plastic surgery to get some skin reattached? Because gross.

1/2 - because omg how could you say that to his face whyyyy

[curiousing]

[ At first, Jack is actually speechless. Which is a first.

No one has ever told him he wasn't scary so bluntly. For a few seconds he looks upset and distraught as he stares, unsure of what to even say.Of course his intentions in this video didn't involve scaring others, but still. His pride as the most infamous scarer in all of HalloweenTown had just been kicked in the shin.

Congratulations, Santana. ]

[Video]

[madcuriosity]

You're absolutely incredible, your majesty! [Her scared? Nope. She's too busy being fascinated by the walking talking skeleton.]

Perhaps you should ask Professor Snape for a position at the school! Or you could work at the theater!

[Video forever]

[curiousing]

[ He is practically beaming at her praise. He will definitely accept fascination over fear in times like this. ]

Why, thank you young miss! But please call me Jack! [ He taps his chin then at her suggestions. ] Teaching you say? The thought never occurred to me to take up teaching! I can certainly do theater too!

[ He is totally wicked at Shakespeare works. Just saying. ]

[video]

[realmenknitplushies]

[Talking skeleton? ...Huh. That is very interesting. Kanji unconsciously rubs his arm as he responds, a slight smile on his face.]

Gotta say, good luck, man. You're kinda late for Halloween, but there's gotta be something around here...

And I've gotta ask. How can you have a town dedicated to it?

[video forever]

[curiousing]

[ Jack frowns, but it lasts just long enough for him to say-- ]

I was disappointed to see that I had missed Halloween, especially since I have so many ideas bouncing in my skull I wish to use! [ Before the frown was replaced instantly with a grin. ] But of course when I did arrive it was just in time for winter and the winter holidays! So not all is lost!

Very easily, young man! Each of the citizens of HalloweenTown dedicate their hearts, corpses, and souls to making Halloween the best it can be every year.

[Video]

[comeonthensexy]

The Pumpking King. I love it!

[Video forever]

[curiousing]

Why, thank you! I'm very proud of my title!

[becauseichooseto]

You're king of pumpkins? Or is it a purely ceremonial title?

[curiousing]

Ceremonial only, but I happen to know of the perfect pumpkin patch not far from my house! Each and every one of them is home to a wailing ghost too.

video

[subecho]

[ A construct of bones, speaking as it pleases, with no witchcraft to have raised him known to the land. Well, then. ]

...who has tortured you?

video

[curiousing]

[ Have a rather confused skeleton man, Thor. ]

No one has as far I know!

audio;

[discrepant]

[The Pumpkin King? He has heard of the legend, but...he was suppose to have a pumpkin for a head. At least, that is how the tale and demon appears as in his world. Somehow Jack being a skeleton while being the pumpkin king did not add up, but neither did Hallooween Town for that matter. That's why it won't be long until Soushi decides to dismiss that piece of knowledge as it isn't similar to the other man's.]

Welcome to Asgard, Skellington-sama. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintanceship. My name is Soushi Miketsukami. I am known as an Secret Service Agent in a city known as Seijou.

[All said in the calmest and more formal of voices.]

Other than having a difficult time finding steady work, I do hope you have been enjoying your time in the city. If I may suggest, have you ever been over to the amusement park at Hel's district?

audio;

[curiousing]

And it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mister Miketsukami!

[ He does a small bow of his head since the bracelet wouldn't have shown a proper bow. ]

And I find myself to be enthralled by the city! I've seen many around the world but this one has so many sights and wonders to see still. [ Aaaaand going the curious look on Jack's face, Soushi can assume that he had no idea about this park. ] There is? I should go visit this park right away!

[justonetouch]

Ah hope you're not getting along too well with those dogs.

[But he appears to be more or less in one piece, one piece being the relative term.]

[curiousing]

Now there's no need to worry! I've got a few tricks up my sleeve in case a pack of them start following me around again!

[bythewaves]

[ his first reaction is one of horror and black fury - to think that the Enemy would send a Wight here! But not for nothing is he considered the one most like his mother - the longer he listens, the more he realises - no spy of the Enemy would show such heart. So by the time he chooses to reply, he is calm once more ]

Well met, Jack Skellington. Maglor, at your service. Have you had luck finding work, then?

[curiousing]

Hello there, Mister Maglor! [ TOTALLY OBLIVIOUS AND JUST GOING TO KEEP ON BEING A CHIPPER DEAD MAN. ] I've had many suggestions so far and people continue to offer their advice!

[trust_us]

.....When you say scare, does that involve harming people?

[curiousing]

Oh, no, no! I never mean for anyone to get hurt, only for them to enjoy a good scare. Especially on the spookiest night of the year!

text;

[palebee]

[ Oh my word, this is just fascinating. A corporeal ghost, of sorts? No, not quite -- still -- ]

Terrific in all manners of the word, King Skellington!

Doubtless your existing skills for organization and leadership should make you a natural candidate for any number of positions. While I am afraid that I cannot yet offer one myself, I have little doubt that you shall chance upon one soon.

If I may say so, you possess the presence and charisma of an entertainer already -- inherent, I think, to those in any position of rule -- and I see that others have suggested several applications to those ends.

To narrow down your abundant opportunities, it may help to determine more of the details of your skillset: what manner of scaring do you most prefer, and are there any particular vocations that you do not wish to consider? How good are you with children?

video;

[curiousing]

[ At first Jack doesn't respond, if only because it takes him a few minutes to read all that was in the text. Since he was not completely familiar with technology here he still had yet to learn how to properly respond to anyone by text. And so he was reply through video but still respecting the other's preference of text responses.

Once he had finished reading, Jack was all smiles again as he made sure to address everything he had read. ]

That is terribly gracious of you to say! But please, I'm not really a king! The title is one that is earned by talents and skills alone, but I am far from royalty. I am simply a skeleton dedicated to the fine art of scaring and Halloween fun!

[ Tapping a boney digit against his lower jaw, Jack thought carefully on how to answer the questions presented to him. ] To be perfectly honest I find myself fond of many methods of scaring! But if I am to pick what I am best at, it would be both the classic jump scaring as well as planning scare tactics around what scares people most. Haunted houses are especially fantastic since I can put both of these skills to use!

The only thing I would never consider is scaring anyone to death. It can happen of course but that isn't something I strive for. Certainly can't scare someone after they've died! [ Says the skeleton. ] As for children I find myself to be very talented at entertaining!

[ Children do include zombie kids and weird mutated animal-like ones, right? ]

audio;

[unsparing]

You tell scary stories, you sing and you perform songs. This mean you dance the jig, too, if asked?

[ Tess squints down at her bracelet. A talking skeleton who calls himself the Pumpkin King. Now she's seen everything. ]

audio;

[curiousing]

Most certainly! I have yet to find a dance I cannot enjoy!

[ A good everything, one hopes! ]

[Video]

[in_loveless_memory]

Could always get a job at the haunted carnival, I'm sure.

[Video]

[curiousing]

Is that the one to be found in the Hel District? Because someone has mentioned it to me already and I am most eager to see it!

voice.

[cryingontheinside]

You get along with dogs? [ this monster doesn't. and apparently that's all he finds alarming about this. ]

voice.

[curiousing]

Absolutely! And while I'm a more used to playing with ghost dogs I've found myself to enjoy the company of living ones too! [ Because that doesn't sound weird at all. ]

video;

[bays]

['It's not polite to stare' is one of the first things that his father taught him. So Tom is trying not to.]

Eh. Ya like dogs? Maybe ya could get a job as a dog walker or something.

video;

[curiousing]

[ Apparently to Jack staring is extremely polite when it comes to.... well, himself. ]

I do like dogs! In fact I have one myself! [ His smile wavers a little now. ] But he is home while I am here. I do miss him terribly.

1/2 - video;

[digophelia]

[believe it or not, for all of Alice's weird quirks, the mere sight of him does slightly startle her. Just a flinch. But never mind that, Alice has to really have to take a very long look at him just to make sure she's not hallucinating.

It does help when the little white dog she carts around licks her face. And Alice is suddenly back to reality. So many questions!]

video;

[digophelia]

[So many questions.

So very many questions. Did he just mention dogs?]

Ah-

[Alice really can't compose a thought due to her mixture of bewilderment and curiosity. She even almost flails.]

Erm. There could be... places in Freyr. But I am not so sure.

[HELLO, STRANGER, CAN ALICE FOLLOW YOU AROUND FOR A WHILE?]

video;

[longwinded]

[Holy shit on a cracker that certainly is a talking and walking skeleton.]

Wow, um. Your majesty right?

[John is pretty...not spooked? More like amazed.]

Jobs are difficult to find around here sometimes. But I'm sure you could find natives who would hire you to do odd jobs for them, since uh- I'm sure they won't find you too strange.

video;

[curiousing]

[ While flattering as it is to hear someone call him 'majesty' that wasn't what the skeleton had wanted anyone to address him as. Next time he'll remember to drop the 'Pumpkin King' bit from his introduction. But for now, he chuckles and waves his other hand as it batting away a fly. ]

Please, Jack will be just fine. I like to think we're all friends here!

[ Amazement is totally an acceptable reaction. ]

I've had such helpful suggestions and advice given to me today that I'm certain I'll be able to be more helpful around here!