Chapter Text
Twenty-five years have passed since the Pumpkin Queen restored time in Halloween Town. The once looming threat of the Prince has long faded, and peace has settled over the known realms. In the years since, Sally has embraced her role as queen while also traveling alongside her
husband, exploring new worlds and holidays beyond their own.
But one day, the King and Queen of Halloween made an announcement—one that would change the future of their town forever.
The entire town gathered in the square, joined by leaders from every holiday realm. This was a moment Jack and Sally had chosen to share with all, one that would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Halloween Town's history.
"Hello, all!" Jack began, instantly capturing everyone's attention. Curious gazes locked onto the royal couple, thick with anticipation. After all, such announcements were typically made inside Town Hall—never in the open square like this. The setting alone made the moment feel different, monumental.
"We have an important announcement to make and, well—" Jack paused, but he didn't need to say much more. All eyes shifted to Sally, who stepped forward holding a small bundle in her stitched hands. Wrapped in soft fabric was a baby rag doll with crimson red hair, her mother's wide, thoughtful eyes, and her father's sharp jawline.
"We would like to introduce you all to the new Crown Princess of Halloween, Judy," Jack said with pride. "She is our heir and the next in line to rule over Halloween Town."
For a beat, the crowd was silent in awe, then the square erupted in cheer. It had been generations since an heir had been named. And now, from their beloved rulers, came a new chapter for the town—small, curious, and already wrapped in destiny.
That night, celebrations filled the streets with the spirit of Halloween, despite the holiday still being a week away. None of it mattered—tonight marked the beginning of a new chapter. The air buzzed with excitement, laughter, and music as creatures from every realm came to honor the birth of their future queen.
Little Judy, swaddled in her mother's arms, could only gaze wide-eyed at the world around her. Though still just a baby, her curious stare wandered across the flickering lights and painted faces, taking in her strange, enchanting new home.
Ruby Valentino cradled the infant gently, reading her whimsical sonnets in a soft, theatrical tone. Luna, now the governor of Dream Town, recited lullabies so sweet and soothing that Judy's heavy eyes began to flutter shut. Though she was small, she could already feel the warmth and love surrounding her—most of all from her mother, who held her close and sang softly into the night.
The night slowly faded, the echoes of music and celebration lingering faintly in the streets as Halloween Town settled into peaceful slumber. Jack, Sally, and little Judy had returned home, the warmth of the evening still fresh in their hearts.
Judy now slept soundly in her cradle, nestled in soft black and orange blankets. Zero hovered nearby, nuzzling close to her, his soft glow casting a gentle light over the nursery. Jack and Sally stood over their daughter, watching her in silence. She was a perfect combination of them both, with Jack's angular jawline, Sally's button-stitched eyes, and a spark of wonder already blooming behind her tiny lashes.
They had loved her from the moment they first held her. This night had been the start of something new, something joyful. But just as the calm began to settle over them, a sharp pain flared in Sally's head. Her breath caught. Her vision blurred.
Then it hit.
She stood no longer in the nursery but in a darkened reflection of Halloween Town. Fire cracked in the distance, buildings crumbled into ash. The sky above was a stormy, dead gray. The town she had fought to save once before was now in ruin.
Before her stood Judy, no longer a baby but a young woman. Her once-crimson hair had turned pitch black, her eyes dim and hollow, laced with hate. Beside her stood a cloaked figure, shrouded in shadow, faceless and ominous, yet painfully familiar.
Then he spoke. His voice was soft and youthful, yet carried a venomous chill that gripped Sally's soul.
"Twist your time I shall. When your daughter turns eighteen and meets her true love, Halloween Town will finally meet its doom, corrupted by its own ruler."
The words echoed like a curse. Sally's heart pounded as the vision ended. She jolted, gasping for air, and Jack caught her before she could stumble.
"Sally? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
But she couldn't speak, not yet. The image of her daughter's cold gaze and the ruined town burned in her mind.
The threat wasn't over.
He was still here.
And the countdown to Halloween Town's fall had already begun.