Welcome to my newest and maybe my shortest fic! This is based on the house of Mouse universe, it's a little bare-bones when it comes to details. Still, I hope you enjoy it, and have a Happy Halloween!

"Do you really think we can pull it off…?"

"Of course. Just leave it to me, my dear… all of our good friends are going to enjoy our little surprise. It'll be a scream."

Normally, if Minnie Mouse had the chance to try on a new dress, she'd revel in its beauty, grasping it in her hands and twirling it around, reflecting in the joy of another's handiwork. Yet here she sat, in a brand new dress, a lovely one, but she only sat in front of the mirror, lips pursed and face dejected. She was being silly, she knew it, but feelings of disappointment and frustration were not easily shooed away, even when donned in glorious purple and orange. This dress, sequined with dark colors and made to be the very image of a spooky yet elegant lady, was for a very special night. She should be happy. She should be thrilled.

Yet.

"Minnie, are you ready yet?" Daisy Duck's voice chimed from outside, along with a couple of knocks, just in case. "It's not a party without us… and I want to get there before all the food is gone! And I have to help Goofy get a date! This is an important night for me!"

"… I'll be just a moment." Minnie replied, although by definition she was all set and ready to go. Her make-up had been carefully applied, her shoes were making her feet comfy, and she didn't need to carry anything else along but a smile. But the smile would not come, and the reason was a letter stuck half-heartedly in the mirror's edge. Despite knowing rereading it would do little good, Minnie plucked it out, laying it out flat on the vanity desk.

Daisy, she of little manners and patience, shoved the door open to poke her head inside the room. "What's taking so long? You look gorgeous, I look gorgeous, and Halloween won't be here forever."

"I'm sorry, really." And Minnie was, though her eyes were glued to the letter. "It's just… Oh, it's really nothing…"

"It's keeping us late, it's not nothing." Daisy propped herself behind Minnie, leaning her head over her best friend's shoulder to see what the problem was. "What is that?"

"… It's from our guests of honor." Minnie spoke slowly, tapping her fingers on the edge of her desk. This really was a silly issue. Ridiculous, childish, and yet it bothered her all the same. The letter read as thus –

Dear Mickey and Minnie Mouse,

We cannot thank you enough for this special invitation! We would be honored to host your Halloween party for the House of Mouse this year. Allow us to handle everything, even the location – The Haunted Mansion and the Tower of Terror have been done to death. We shall take Cinderella's castle and make it into a Masquerade ball! We'll even bring unique gifts from around the world!

We'll see you on Halloween night! Prepare for a spooktacular time!

Yours truly,

Mister Pumpkin and Missus Gourd.

"What a nice couple." Daisy chirped, though she'd known about this arrangement for days, much like everyone else in and out of the Club. Once Mickey and Minnie had gotten word about this grand arrangement, word had spread like wildfire, and everyone who was anyone knew that this was going to be the best part of the year. "I mean, going to all this trouble for us, and we haven't even met them yet. I wonder what they're like?"

Minnie began to fold up the letter again, intending to stick it back in its place in the mirror. "I have no idea… I've never met them before. I didn't even know who they were until I got this letter."

Daisy blinked a few times, pulling back as she tried to put the puzzle together in her head. "If you don't know who they are, why did you invite them?"

"I didn't invite them!" Minnie was out of her seat at once, answering in a tone much sharper than she intended. "Mickey did! And… and he did it without asking me once! Or even seeing if I'd like the idea!" She crossed her arms, and her delicate cheeks puffed out in immature annoyance. "We're supposed to be running this club all together, and I'm the one who arranges the acts, and the guests, and the parties… and then he goes out and has these random people do it! Oooh, it's so selfish! It really is! It's like he thinks I'm only there because I'm pretty!" Minnie huffed and puffed, with Daisy wondering if the house would blow down. Mickey always found it easy to talk about how nice Minnie looked, how gorgeous she was, and maybe after all this time it was all he cared about. "I don't think I want to go at all."

"Oh, no, no no no no no no." Daisy repeated rapidly in succession, her fingers pinching Minnie's shoulders from behind. "I'm not missing out on the coolest party of the year just because Mickey jumped the gun. Now, get moving, so we can dance, and eat, and you two can make-up."

Minnie felt herself being forcibly pushed forward, and she shot her companion an aggravated glance. "What makes you think we'll make-up?"

"Because you always do." Daisy continued to shove Minnie out of her bedroom, down the hall, and even down the stairs, determined to keep moving even if they had to keep arguing. "The sun will set, winter will come after fall and Mickey and Minnie will make-up. These are the ways of the world."

The sun happened to be setting right at the moment the two ladies were leaving Minnie's house. Minnie only stopped digging her heels when Daisy had all but tossed her into the back of the car – Daisy had insisted on driving since day one, since she felt everyone else on the road was as slow as snails – and she sat up, lower lip sticking out. "Fine. I'll go. But I don't think I'll dance. Not even if he asks me."

"Only he would ask you." Daisy slammed the door behind her, nestling herself behind the driver's seat. "Everyone else knows if they even tried to, Mickey would pull some stupid stunt to distract them and get you alone." The key met the ignition, and her car trembled into life. "Remember last Christmas, when Mortimer tried to get you under the mistletoe?"

Minnie hadn't thought it was a stupid stunt on Mickey's part – no, it had been clever. "He had Tinkerbelle cover Mortimer in pixie dust. He couldn't touch the ground for three days." Her mouth twitched, and she put a hand over her lips to keep a giggle from bursting out. The memory was still clear, Mortimer ranting and raving as he floated upwards and Mickey ever so calmly waving him goodbye, his other arm around Minnie's shoulders. He'd given her a squeeze, and then acted surprised that mistletoe had been there at all. He lied to through his teeth that he'd never seen it before, but, well, long as it was there…

Minnie managed to catch herself before she was lost in memories of mischievous kisses. "Hey! You're trying to make me stop being mad at Mickey!"

"You're darn right I am!" Daisy's car was merciless to red lights, stops signs, sidewalks, and the occasional pedestrian. "You two are going to have a good time together, because if you aren't happy, then I'm not happy, and I'm not going to spend Halloween bummed out! So for my sake, you're going to do that cute little giggle you do, and have Mickey melt like chocolate in a microwave!"

Minnie's arms were back across her chest, now upset times two. "You know, the world doesn't revolve around you, Daisy."

"I still haven't seen any proof of that."

On the outside, Cinderella's castle looked the same, save for small pumpkins and festive lanterns hanging from side to side. But once a step was taken inside the famous building, it would have been understandable if you thought you'd made a wrong turn somewhere – the ballroom where once a prince had found his true love had turned into a ghoulish haunt for all spirits to dwell. Long banners depicting famous ghosts hung from the walls, cobwebs adorned every window, and a light fog had overtaken the marble floor. Only candlelight was allowed today, with wax dripping onto Jack-O-Lanterns, each carved face different than the last.

A few gargoyles had been placed inside, and even the food being served was enough to give someone a chill - candy skeletons, caramel apples akin to the one that brought Snow White's downfall, and blood red punch that a few startled onlookers thought was bubbling. Organ music was softly playing off in the distance, though from whence exactly it came could not be said. A few early guests had arrived to marvel at the transformation, but the one that caught the eye of every passerby was held by the left staircase. By it's side, there was a large decoration hidden unearth a black cloak. A shape could not be defined, as whatever was underneath was poking up above, and anyone who was tempted to peek underneath the covers found themselves changing their mind for – for – for some reason. Just a feeling that whatever was under there must not be disturbed.

Mickey Mouse was impressed. He let out a long whistle as he stepped into the castle, his pals right behind him – Goofy, Donald and Pluto – making similar noises of amazement. They hadn't known what to expect and yet were blown away anyway. They were all dressed to the nines, fitting with the masquerade theme. Donald had chosen to wear less, his aversion to pants not making an exception for holidays, but his puffy sleeves and large hat more than made up for it. Goofy had gone through an entirely different route, looking like a Jester from times of old, small bells jingling from his split cap. Mickey was decked from head to toe in purples and oranges, with an extra flourish of a cape, which made him feel like a suave, debonair gentleman. Even Pluto had gotten in on the festivities, a toy pumpkin hanging off his collar and a feathered hat plopped atop his head.

"I never thought I'd be spooked by anything related to Cinderella." Donald was the first to comment, eyes going right and left, back and forth as he took the entire scene in. "I feel like I stepped into a scary book…" With a bit of dramatic flair, he held up his arm, as if he was the one wearing a cape. "Where the bad guy lurks around, and gets his victims one by one!"

Goofy shrunk under that description, easily frightened by the light description. "Gwarsh, ya don't think there's any bad guys here, do ya…?"

"I didn't invite any." Mickey assured his pal, also taking a good long look at his surroundings. "Those guys always act like it's their birthday when Halloween comes around! This Halloween, we're just gunna dance, and eat, and enjoy the company." After all, as far as Mickey knew, masquerades weren't particularly scary – but they were particularly romantic. Of course, admitting such a thing would be an awful blow to his manly pride.

"Booooring." Donald stretched the word out as he walked up ahead, wanting to get a better look at the object underneath the cloak. "Everyone knows the best thing about Halloween is being scared. That Pumpkin guy and Gourd girl better have a ton of scares planned!"

At the mention of those names, Mickey took a pause, the formations of a frown on his lips. "… Well, I think you better ask Minnie about that. I didn't ask 'em to throw this party, Minnie did." Which slightly, ever so slightly, irritated him. "I didn't know who these guys were until I got their letter sayin' they'd do it. It was right out of the blue."

Goofy cocked his head, unintentionally asking the questions Mickey was already thinking. "Gosh, don't you and Minnie always plan out the House of Mouse acts together? I thought you two never did anythin' unless ya both agreed on it. Y'know, like a team."

Mickey glowered at his friend, wondering if sometimes Goofy only pretended to be so goofy. "Yeah. Usually." He clicked his tongue to his cheek, trying to swallow down his aggravation. "W-well… Minnie's always got good ideas. And look how everythin' turned out tonight. So… doesn't really matter that she went behind my back and invited them without askin' what I wanted. It's not like we only promised to run the club if we always talked things out before doin' them. I don't mind at all." He only realized how quickly he'd spoken when his breath came out hard.

"Well that's a relief!" Goofy chirped, clapping his hands together, making Mickey wonder even more.

Donald had slipped away from the conversation to take a peek under the tarp, but before that strange feeling could wash over him, as it had done to other guests before, a far more pleasing sight graced his vision. "Boy oh boy, look at our girls!"

How could you not look at them? Especially when Daisy had chosen to wear such a large, outspoken hat, and allowed her dress to trail behind her almost as long as a wedding train. Especially when Minnie had snugly fit into her gown like a ballroom dancer, ready to meet her destined one across a moonlit night. No, you could not miss such pretty girls, and Mickey's petty feelings were momentarily put aside when he gazed upon his lovely lady. How could you be mad at such a beautiful girl? Even if she was pouting and puffing.

Donald grinned with wolf fangs, never able to resist the charms of his girlfriend. "I changed my mind – masquerades are the best!" He eagerly ran forward, wanting to embrace his duck dame, but two guests he hadn't expected ran across the floor, so tiny that he missed seeing them but big enough for him to trip over and fall flat on his face. Pride shattered, he growled, getting a good idea of who had ruined his evening. "Who… invited… you two?!"

High pitched giggling answered him first – Chip and Dale Chipmunk couldn't help but find some sadistic pleasure in seeing Donald blow his top. It wasn't their fault he made such funny faces. "We'd never miss a Halloween party!" Chip finally managed to find air enough to reply, read to bounce on his little legs.

"Yeah, with all of the treats!" Dale added on, still laughing in-between sentences. "We're taking them all back to the tree once Halloween is over!"

"Oh no you're not!" Donald snapped, sitting up and facing the diminutive devils. "Get over here, you little-!" But when he made a swipe for them, they dashed off on all four legs. They were clever boys, knowing exactly who to go for in times of need – good thing Daisy happened to be so close. They rapidly climbed up her dress, and then sat in her open hands as if they were the perfect angels, incapable of doing wrong, no sir.

Daisy, as usual, fell for this act. "Donald! Are you picking on these poor dears already?" She held them protectively against her chest, ignoring the winning grins the Chipmunks delivered. "It's Halloween! Can't you leave them alone?"

"They're the ones always picking on me!" Donald jumped to his feet, boiling mad with anger, fists clenched and ready to swing. "You always take their side!"

"Because my side is always right!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

Minnie walked right past their fight, content to let them bicker while being secretly amused. If Daisy wasn't ready to spit acid, Minnie might have repeated that line – "The sun will set, winter will come after fall, and Donald and Daisy will always argue. These are the ways of the world." And Daisy thought the mice making up was inevitable!

Speaking of that, Mickey was making his way over, loyal dogs behind him, as used to the arguments as anyone else. "Wow, Minnie!" Mickey dove straight into compliments, hands clasped together. "You look prettier than any princess!"

Minnie had to physically fight off the urge to smile at the sweet comment – a fight which was very difficult, as Mickey looked very handsome in that outfit – because she was right, and he was wrong, and lessons had to be learned, even on holidays. Maybe he really did think her only useful job at her Club was her looks. "Mmm. Thank you." She cast her head away, nose up, pretending not to take any joy in his honeyed words.

Mickey was taken aback – usually such a sappy sentiment would have earned him those adorable giggles he adored so deeply. "… Somethin' the matter, Minnie?"

"Oh, I think you know very well what the matter is." Minnie said without offering to look at him.

Mickey's upset feelings came back with a flourish – why was she upset? If anything, he should be upset! "If there's a problem here, I sure ain't the one behind it!"

Oh boy, Minnie looked at him now, but with very, very unhappy eyes. "You don't think you did anything wrong?"

"I know I didn't!" Mickey met her anger twofold, almost replicating the squawking couple beside them. "If anyone did anythin' wrong, I'm lookin' right at her!"

"Me?!" Minnie squeaked incredulously, starting to shake. "Why, Mickey Mouse, y-you, you inconsiderate, selfish, mean-"

"Say," Goofy interrupted, thankful there was something to be interrupted by, "Are those the guests of honor?" He pointed to the top of the staircase, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

All four arguing persons stopped in their tracks, and followed Goofy's finger to the very top of the stairs. In fact all of the guests were now looking, even the ones who hadn't heard Goofy's announcement – they had all gotten a feeling to look, an urge, must like the opposite feeling under the tarp. No one had yet to point out this was unusual.

No one had any idea who this man and woman were atop the staircase. The man had pumpkin shoulders as part of his noble attire, with flowing purple hanging down at his sides, pointed shows at the bottom, and a feather in his cap atop. His lady friend could have easily been mistake for a pumpkin patch, as her large bouncy dress had the exact color, shape and markings as fresh grown pumpkins, with hints of flowers poking out from under her sleeves. Both of them wore simple masks covering their eyes, and both of them were smiling down at the waiting crowd below. As the man carefully took the lady's hand, they made their way down the stairs, walking in sync. As they descended, the only sound that echoed in the castle was the continuous organ music.

Mickey squinted. He thought perhaps these figures might be someone they were familiar with, but as the couple became closer, he couldn't identify them. Minnie was doing a similar inspection, trying to remember any movie, any cartoon, any special feature that listed a "Mister Pumpkin" and "Missus Gourd", and could not come up with anything. This begged the question of how exact Mickey or Minnie invited them, and as they remembered their squabble, Mickey and Minnie made a point to take a step away from the other.

When the pair finally reached the floor, it was Mister Pumpkin that spoke first, letting go of Missus Gourd's hand in order to clap hard. "Welcome, welcome! I'm so glad you could all make it! The House of Mouse never disappoints!"

Missus Gourd turned out to be just as enthusiastic, rubbing her hands together. "And such beautiful costumes you're all wearing! You all look dearie and eerie!"

Mickey glanced at his friends, wondering if any of their faces would have a flicker of recognition – nothing. He shrugged it off, and walked forward offering his big gloved hand to shake. "Nice ta meetcha both in person! You did a swell job with Cinderella's castle! I can already tell this party's gunna be a hit!"

Mister Pumpkin shook Mickey's hand firm and wildly, almost shaking Mickey right out of his glove. "You're too kind, Mickey, too kind! Why, Missus Gourd and I live for Halloween! It's our favorite time of the year! We wanted to go the extra mile for the House of Mouse, so we brought these magnificent decorations from around the world!"

Missus Gourd strolled over to the cloaked mystery, taking the cloth in her hands. "Before the party officially begins, we wanted to show you our gifts. We spent the whole year collecting them, and they're in five different places around the castle. First…" She then yanked hard on the cloak, and what lay underneath was enough to make the group of friends gasp in surprise.

Three gigantic wooden masks stood in place, standing together by bamboo and rope. The masks were taller than any person had a right to be, and the faces that were harshly carved in them were full of malice. They were painted with whites, reds and blues, to make the eyes angrier, and the mouth appear full of fangs. Behind each mask was an old spear, similarly made out of bamboo but with a sharp, metal top to stab the enemy. Donald couldn't help but grin – now this was some scary stuff.

"These masks and weapons belonged to an ancient clan in Africa." Mister Pumpkin had thankfully let go of Mickey's hand by this point. Now he was circling the masks, demonstrating history with his hands. "Their leader was a bloodthirsty tyrant… nothing could quell his anger! Every day he sought new fights, even among his own men, and even in victory he was enraged… Of all the pleasures in life, he loved nothing more than fighting."

"Those masks are super scary!" Donald's eyes glittered, thrilled at the chance to be scary himself. "Let me try one on!"

But when Donald made an attempt to touch them, Missus Gourd grabbed his hands, spun him around, and then pushed him towards the stairs. "Now now, these are only meant to be admired… never touched."

"Hey!" Donald squirmed, unwillingly being shoved up as everyone followed the duo. "Why not? I was only going to borrow it for a little while!"

"We'll explain everything after gift number five." Mister Pumpkin bounded up the top of the stairs, jumping at every other step. "Let's not waste any time and see number two! It truly is a treasure!"

At the top of the staircase was the throne room, where Cinderella and her prince tended to sit in their mighty chairs and hear the ways of the world. Another hidden object had been placed there, in front of the gorgeous thrones, and once again Missus gourd took it upon herself to reveal what lay beneath. This time it was a jade dragon, its body made entirely out of squares, standing up on its hind legs and ready to take a bite out of the nearest person. Ruby red eyes shone out, and it wore a feathered headdress, still looking freshly plucked. Upon closer inspection, even the dragon's teeth and nails were made out of jewels.

Daisy's eyes shone brighter than gems before her. "Would you look at all those pretty jewels? Why are they wasted on a silly dragon, when I could be wearing them?" Chip and Dale quickly moved to her shoulders, as she'd begun to squeeze her hands in awe of the dragon's beauty.

"The owner of this dragon also had an eye for pretty things." Mister Pumpkin elaborated wagging a little finger. "She was a princess of a Mayan tribe, and the most selfish creature to ever walk the earth. Every day she demanded her people give her gifts, and if they weren't lovely enough for her taste…" He drew the same finger across his neck, and several 'gulps' were heard. "She made everything about her, demanding that everyone must always pay attention to her, and that she could never be wrong. Every day was a holiday for the princess."

"Now, for number three!" Missus Gourd chirped, merrily moving along, as if these stories weren't gut-wrenching. Minnie strayed closer to Mickey's side, without meaning to, but Mickey found a macabre interest in these history lessons. Maybe when the party was over, he'd ask the two how they got a hand on these rare treasures.

Gifts number three, four, and five, were in the east, west, and north wings, specifically. Number three hung onto a wall that once held a painting of Prince Charming as a boy – now it held a wooden figurehead, tainted gray with time. It depicted a hauntingly ravishing woman from the stomach up, her arms outstretched to caress a lover, though her fingernails had grown long and sharp. Her eyes were hidden under carved hair that resembled seaweed, and it trailed down her body, creating a risqué dress that seemed to drown her at the same time. Her lips, covered in splinters, were ready for a kiss.

"A long time ago," Mister Pumpkin stood beside the wooden wench. "There lived a pirate who sailed the seven seas for brides… In every village his crew raided, he took every woman he found, and forced them to stay with him. When he got tired of his current wives, he made them walk the plank! Legend says that soon he got tired of going after the women of the land, and instead tried to make brides out of mermaids and sea nymphs."

"Well that ain't nice at all." Goofy decided to comment, steadily approaching the lumber lady. "He shoulda stuck with this gal, and left all them girls alone."

"Hey, then you'd have something in common." Donald snickered, jabbing Goofy with his elbow. "A wooden girl's the only one you'd be brave enough to talk to."

Goofy's cheeks reddened, and he pulled down his hat in embarrassment. "Aw, gosh… I think she'd probably turn me down too."

Donald snickered again, until Daisy's heel met his foot, and he screeched in pain. Daisy had her hands on her hips, and the chipmunks copied her. "Don't go picking on Goofy! He's sensitive! He may be a little shy, but maybe tonight's the night he can ask a girl out. I won't have you running his chances by being so rude!"

Donald easily turned this into another full-scale argument. "Now you're sticking your beak into Goofy's business! You always have to take control!"

"You always have to lose your temper!"

"I DON'T LOSE MY TEMPER! I'VE NEVER LOST MY TEMPER, NOT ONCE!"

Mister Pumpkin and Misses Gourd continued to walk on, either oblivious to the war of the feathers or ignoring it. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy continued to follow them, making the ducks have to chase them in order to catch up. During the travel from one wing to another, Minnie let out a sigh. "… It was nice of those two to bring these gifts, but I feel like they belong in a museum, not a party."

"Maybe we can have them moved to a museum after the party." Mickey suggested. "If you thought this idea wasn't so great, you could have told them."

Minnie's head whipped around to give Mickey a disbelieving look. "I could have told them?! Y-You…" It was then she noticed that during their walk, somehow Mickey and Minnie's arms had linked up, cuddling close. Judging by Mickey's slow blink, he also hadn't realized that they'd been drawn to each other. She hurriedly withdrew her arm, and grumbled quietly.

In the back, Daisy gave a whispered hum. "The sun will set…"

In the west wing was gift number four, and if the group had been told beforehand it was possible to be creeped out by a musical instrument, they wouldn't have believed it. Now they could have. A massive and wide gong was held aloft by rusted red metal, and two small mallets hung by its sides. The gong was covered in deep claw marks, made by different types of wild animals, and there was a distinct smell of decay rising from the mallets. An old Chinese symbol was painted on the gong, but time and the scratches now made it impossible to tell what it was saying.

Missus Gourd took over the storytelling. "This gong belonged to twin performers… They would do anything to get a laugh, even if it meant hurting those around them. To them, life was only a game to be played, and they were the victors every time. They played tricks and pranks on everyone, even on their emperor, and would take utter joy in scaring people to death for their amusement." She made a knocking motion with her fingers, but didn't touch the gong. "They'd use the gong to announce the start of their show… and when the people heard it, they knew torture and terror would soon be followed."

"Sounds like a couple of brats I know." Donald grumbled underneath his breath, not daring to speak up any louder lest he and Daisy start another squabble.

Dale rubbed his tiny tummy, taking a comfortable seat on Daisy's shoulder. "I can't tell if I'm more hungry or more scared. After we see the last gift, let's grab some candy!"

"I bet I can grab more than you." Chip wagered, already starting to laugh.

"I bet I can grab more than Donald!" Dale bet, and the two burst into impish giggling. Goofy had to physically hold Donald back so the duck wouldn't attempt to throttle them, which only caused them to laugh even harder.

"Now now, boys." Daisy gave each chipmunk a part on the head. "You can eat all you'd like once the party really gets started. Just be good little chipmunks and make sure there's plenty for everyone." She happened to miss the insulting gestures they were making.

The final gift waited for them in the north wing, causing all their heads to crane upwards. If Minnie wasn't surrounded by company she trusted, she would have started to shriek. This gift was an immaculate tomb made entirely out of gold, shining so harshly it was painful to look at for too long. Painted blue snakes were wrapped around the tomb, as if strangling the very person they were meant to protect. The tomb's shape and carvings suggested a woman with long regal robes, her hands clutching her heart in an attempt to pull it out. The woman's face was encased in a snarl, her tongue sliding out to add one more snake to the gruesome display.

"Last, but far beyond least," Mister Pumpkin resumed his narrator role, "This is the tomb of the vainest Pharaoh to have ever cursed Egypt. Instead of being grateful for her beauty, she had it control her life, and would only allow other beautiful things to be in her presence. Clothes, food, even her servants had to fit her ideal of beauty, or they'd be banished to wander the deserts forever. She only cared for her looks, and nothing else – she even declared she was more beautiful than the gods. One of her last acts as Pharaoh was to gather all the men to decide a husband, but because no one could fit her impossible standards, they were all sent to wither under the harsh sun."

Minnie had to lean on Mickey for support, barely able to comprehend such a ghastly person. "S-She's not actually in there, is she?"

Mickey squeezed Minnie's shoulders. "Aw, it's okay, Minnie! Even if she was, she's just a dried-up old mummy!" He let that hang, but couldn't help looking at the hosts. "… She's just a mummy, right?"

"I assure you," Mister Pumpkin stepped forward, his hand with Missus' Pumpkin's. "The only thing inside is dust. In fact, all of our gifts are harmless… when the sun is up."

The group of friends all exchanged worried glances. Who would be the brave soul to question what in the world that ominous statement meant? The awkward silence lingered, and finally Goofy raised his hand like a worried student in school. "'Scuse me, but… these gifts sure are scary, but how come you chose these in par-tik-u-lar? I think even one of 'em would be enough… the only thing they got in common is that they were all really mean."

Missus Gourd held out her free arm, and Mister Pumpkin copied the same action, the two of them taking turns to cheerfully speak –

"Oh, but they have so much more in common! All of these really mean people created fear wherever they went!"

"Families, friends, servants, citizens, everyone feared them! Every day their fear grew more and more, so much that they even dreaded the rising and setting of the sun, because soon another day of terror would come!"

"This fear became so great, that it took on a life of its own! This collective power of fear became a living entity, a demon! It was called the King of Fear! And for its very first act, the King of Fear took down each of these terrible people! They all died on Halloween!"

"And since then, their spirits had inhabited these special objects! When the sun sets on Halloween, anyone who dares to touch them will awaken their ghosts, and summon the King of Fear!"

By now, all eight companions had clung to each other, only seeing how silly this looked when the story was over. Mickey straightened his hat, pretending he hadn't been as afraid as everyone else. "… Then what happens?"

Mister Pumpkin cut out the dramatics and merely shrugged. "No one knows. There's never been someone foolish enough to try it out."

Everyone in the gang let out a sigh of immense relief, except for Donald, who felt it had been plenty of build-up without any payoff. Mickey began to laugh, his entire body shaking with gratitude that the whole thing had a 'happy' ending, or at the very least not a gruesome one. "Boy, that was a fun ride! I can't wait ta tell everyone else these stories! I bet Pooch shivers his stitches off! Which, ah, reminds me…" Far behind the tomb were clean wide windows, and night had begun to take over the land. "It's time ta welcome everyone! Let's go wish 'em a Happy Halloween!"

Mickey took the lead, keen to get the celebrations rolling. His friends all followed, talking excitedly about the festivities, all of them collectively comforted that the scary stories were over. Donald lagged behind, glancing back at the tomb before trying to catch up. All of those tales, and not even a single 'boo'? What kind of Halloween treat was that? Obviously there were no such things as curses, but couldn't they pretend something terrible would happen?

Donald's temper flickered. Maybe he should let things be. Everyone else appeared to be satisfied, so he decided that he wouldn't try and 'help' make this a better party. As long as no one got him angry again, he told himself, he wouldn't return the favor.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Boys and girls,

Welcome to a very mysterious masquerade…

You're invited…

You're invited…

You're invited…

Mickey took his place at the top of the stairs, and by now the ballroom was filled with costumed guests of every age and species. Minnie could guess who many of them were, judging by body shape, and as she watched Mickey officially announce the party to begin, she admitted to herself that there was a reason he hosted the House of Mouse – people were drawn to him. He was born to lead, to be in the spotlight, and even though he was introducing Mister Pumpkin and Missus Gourd, it was he that everyone was looking at. She could even hear it in the applause, after Mickey wished everyone a Happy Halloween – they were applauding for him, not for the hosts of honor, nor even for the holiday itself.

As they all walked down the stairs to join the party, Mickey took Minnie's hand without giving it a thought, and Minnie was resigned to admit that Daisy was right. The sun would set, winter would come after fall, and Mickey and Minnie would be together again. No matter what fights there were between them, theirs was a relationship that could not be forced apart long. The party was going off without a hitch, and it would be something to talk about for ages. Perhaps she could forgive his transgression this once. Surely he cared for her brains as much as her beauty.

Similar thoughts went through Mickey's head, praising Minnie's cleverness about this whole masquerade, and mentally confessing that she was the brains of the couple. Besides, holidays weren't a time for fights. They could always talk about this once the shenanigans were over, but for now they should enjoy this break from every-day life. "Hey, Minnie." He tugged on both of her hands, leading her to the dance floor. "May I have this dance?"

How could she say no to that? A curly smile came across her lips. "Of course."

While the world is cloaked in darkness,

There's a wonderful after…

Beast and beauty joins together,

Sensing magic in the air!

Elsewhere, Goofy was hiding behind one of the banners – as well as a lanky, tall dog could expect to be hidden. While Mickey and Minnie had inevitably made up, he'd accidentally locked eyes with a female – he believed it to be one of the newcomers from that superhero movie, something about a large hero and the number six – and shyness had come over him so incredibly that he'd ducked for the closest place to hide. He nervously peeked out, envying Mickey and Minnie as they so easily graced the dance floor, along with all the other sweet couples. They were good looking folks with good balance. He was a not-so-good looking fellow with not-so-good balance.

Boy, was he lonely.

He lacked the nerve to hold solid eye contact with any lovely girl, so he decided he stay in place for the rest of the night. Maybe he could have fun like this. You couldn't be sure unless you tried. It had to be better than making an embarrassment of himself in front of those nice girls. But the introspective on his self-doubt was disturbed by a solid poke to his side, making him yelp in fright – "Yeow! It's the King of Fear!" – and causing him to flail so wildly that he tangled himself up in the banner. With his limbs askew, he now saw that who had attacked him was not the King of Fear, but the Queen of Busybodies, Daisy Duck. She took a moment to wonder if that was a new world record in fastest entanglement.

"Don't tell me you're going to spend all night in this spot!" She asked, moving to help free him. "It's a party! Go and mingle! Max needs a new mommy!"

Goofy rubbed his shoulders once he was liberated, choosing to ignore that last remark. "Aw, it ain't that easy fer a fella like me, Daisy! None of them girls wants ta dance with a goof like me! I ain't confident like Mickey, and even Donald's braver than I am!"

"You're over-thinking things." Which Daisy thought was an accomplishment, given who she was talking to. "Just start a conversation! Look, all the new girls are together by the punch bowl." She pointed towards the long table that held dozens and dozens of different candy treats. As she indicated, the ladies of Big Hero Six and Frozen were making idle chatter, Elsa in particular enjoying what was now a punch-sicle. "Go welcome them! You're a major celebrity compared to them! Go, go, go!" Much like when she had shoved Minnie earlier in the day, now she was doing the same thing to Goofy, determined to have her way.

"B-B-But what if I… say somethin' dumb?" Goofy squeaked, not having the strength to defy Daisy's wishes.

"You're Goofy, that's a given!" Daisy snapped, ready to give him one final push. "Look, if I see you being miserable in that corner, I won't have fun, and I'm not going to let you ruin this party for me! Now! Go! Mingle!"

With that last hard thrust, Goofy stumbled over to the ladies, managing to grab their attention all at once. He stood up straight, suddenly besieged by four pairs of pretty eyes blinking at him. He was tempted to look behind him and ask Daisy for help, but he could barely move his neck. After an awkward silence that could have killed a lesser man, Goofy held up a hand, wiggling his fingers in an attempt of greeting. "… Hullo."

The tallest of the group, a blonde with wide glasses, perked up, waving her punch glass as recognition came to him. "Hey, you're Goofy, right?" She didn't give him time to answer, suddenly speaking quickly. "Oh, it is, how cool! So cool! My name's Honey Lemon, this is Gogo Tagamo, Princess Anna, and Queen Elsa. I was just about to ask how Elsa's subzero temperatures affect typical hydration around her."

"Please don't say any 'cool' puns." Gogo added drolly. "I've heard enough for one lifetime."

"Aw, I know better jokes anyway!" Goofy replied with a burst of inspiration. "How come Cinder-elly ain't on a soccer team?"

The girls looked at each other, at a loss for an answer. Anna took the initiative, curiosity always being her forte. "I have no idea. Why isn't she on a soccer team?"

Goofy grinned, and he spread out his hands, hoping the joke would land. "Cause she always runs away from the ball!"

No sweet music could he have heard, than the eruptive laughter that came out of his little crowd. Honey was doubled over, clutching her stomach as she convulsed. Gogo had her palm covering her mouth, eyes glancing away as if the joke wasn't affecting her at all, but her puffy cheeks and quaking body gave her away. Anna and Elsa had to lean on each other for support, although Elsa's laughter was considerably quieter and more refined than her little sister's. Goofy had to laugh at his own joke as well, his shyness breaking up with each 'ha' he heard. Daisy was right, this could be easy if he tried less.

When Anna caught her breath, she began to bounce on her heels. "Do you know another? You have to know another!"

"I got tons of 'em!" Goofy got himself ready for the next round, but as he told them what Ariel loved to put on toast – Mermalade – he'd backed up against the table, using it as a support system whenever his laughter made him lose the ability to stand. Just as he was about to reveal the answer to the question to why Peter Pan flies – he never lands – his hands slid on the tablecloth, and his body went backwards, slamming into the table, breaking the table in half, causing the punch bowl to flip, and as he sat down, cookies and cakes now slid and splattered onto his outfit, and for the finale, the punch bowl landed on his head, splashing him in red.

Goofy was temporarily blinded, but he assumed the girls were looking at him as if he was the biggest fool to have ever graced their presence. Instead of making an effort to recover the conversation, Goofy clicked his tongue. "Well… iff'n you excuse me, I think I'll just hide under this table all night. Goodnight." As a result, he didn't see that all four women had started to offer their hands to help him get back up.

In the shadows of disguises,

Hearts are bolder, eyes are bright…

Truth is sealed beneath the costumes,

All is mystery tonight!

But perhaps he still wouldn't have noticed them, as a loud "WAUUUUUUGH" roared into their area. The broken table wasn't stopping the full-blown chase of Donald Duck and the chipmunks, as all three of them ran, stepping in the remains of the candy and sweets that hadn't gone through Goofy's clumsiness. "I was going to eat that cookie!" Donald hollered, his fingers out as far as he could make them. "And you both knew it!"

"It was just a coincidence!" Chip answered, the two of them always a good distance from Donald's reach.

"And a really delicious one!" Dale managed a magnificent backflip over a gingerbread house resembling a gravestone – at least it did, until Donald hopped on it up and down in his fury, realizing that once again he wouldn't be able to catch them.

"Whyyyy you rotten little…" Donald swung his fists around, his boiling point reached. Those cretins would pay for this! If he couldn't catch them and teach them a lesson, then… then maybe…

All at once, his anger evaporated. He slowly turned his head back, seeing the masks waiting at the bottom of the stairs. If anger wouldn't give those chipmunks a reason to behave, then fear would be an even better teacher. Grinning maliciously, he sped off of the table, only screeching to a halt in front of the cursed display. Not that he believed it was cursed – of course not, such things weren't real – but he knew Chip and Dale had been as frightened as everyone else during that story. Oooh, he'd give them a real fright now!

He pushed the largest of the masks aside in order to grab the tallest spear, and the mask collapsed onto the floor with a quiet thud. As he pulled the targeted spear back, he planned. He'd sneak up on the chipmunks, maybe give them a good poke, pretend he was possessed by that silly King of Fear, and they'd be so scared they'd never touch Donald's sweets again! This was perfect!

"Donald! What do you think you're doing!"

"… Aw, nuts." Donald closed his eyes, but there was no denying that at his girlfriend was at his side, giving him a lecturing glare. "… It's not what it looks like."

"It looks like you just dismantled the display in order to play around with it!"

"… Then it's exactly what it looks like."

"Donald Fauntleroy Duck!" Daisy now leaned over him, the use of his middle name always meaning serious business. "Mister Pumpkin and Missus Gourd went through all this trouble to give us a nice party, and these gifts, and you show your appreciation by putting a curse on all of us?!"

Donald had started to agree with her, that in a certain light this was a fairly awful thing to do, but when she mentioned the curse, all pity paused. "Daisy, there are no such things as curses! It's just a stick!"

"You put that thing back where it came from or so help me…" She let the end of that sentence hang, and it succeeded in worrying Donald so much that he decided his revenge could be put on hold.

"Fine. Fine, fine, fine…" Donald grumbled, intending to put the spear back exactly righty. Except he soon noticed a problem – he couldn't let it go. He blinked hard, and then moved his arms around. His fingers wouldn't budge. It was if they weren't connected to his brain at all. His stomach began to drop, and he made an attempt to throw the spear away, but his fingers still wouldn't release it. "… Uh… D-Daisy…"

Daisy hadn't been watching his struggle, eyes momentarily on the dance floor. "Good, it doesn't look like anyone's noticed what you did. Once you put it back, you can treat me to a nice dance."

"D-D-D-Daisy…" Donald stammered with shivering spit. "I… I can't get this off.""

Daisy whipped her head around. "Donald! You are acting like such a child! Let go already!" She grabbed the spear, and tried to yank it out of his hands, but it refused to budge. "Donald! Let! Go!"

"I'm TELLING you, I CAN'T!" Donald was close to screaming, now trying to use his foot to pry himself free but even that wouldn't work. "My hands won't listen to me!" The couple worked together, pulling, shoving, tugging, and all they got was exhausted. But on their tenth attempt, a shadow had landed upon them, and they both reluctantly began to turn their heads.

"… Donald. Didn't you knock that mask down?"

"A-huh."

"And it's standing up now, isn't it."

"A-huh."

Yes it was, looming over them at an impossible angle, and the carved red eyes had started to glow like a freshly lit candle. Before, the lifeless mask's expression was one of cruel anger. Now the mouth had moved, and it was grinning.

You're invited to a masquerade,

One night only, let yourself escape!

Make your way as black cats serenade,

You're invited to a Mysterious Masquerade!

Moments ago, Chip and Dale were finishing the cookie between them, currently using the apple-bobbing bucket as a hot tub. "Y'know," Dale said after rubbing his dirty mouth clean with the back of his arm. "I think we've played around with Donald enough for one night."

"Me too, me too." Dale agreed. "I don't think he's having as much fun as we are."

Moments ago, Goofy still hadn't emerged from his not-really-hiding place under the broken table, lamenting his lack of flirting finesse. He hugged his knees, wondering how long he could stay under there. He'd give anything for the ability to talk to a girl normally, even for just a moment. He sighed, squeezing his wet hat so he could fill an empty punch cup.

Moments ago, Mickey and Minnie were lost in each other's eyes, enjoying the slow dancing and the music around them. Minnie had decided one and for all to get the problem out in the open, so they could end it, and move on with their lives. "Mickey… can I ask you something?"

"Sure." Mickey chirped.

"… You think I'm more than just a pretty face, don't you?"

Mickey stopped dancing, as the nature of such a question threw him off completely. "O-of course! I mean, well, of course you're pretty, but, well, ya got more than that…"

"But you want me around the club for more than just how I look, right?" Minnie gestured to herself, weaving around the issue. "You trust me? Because you know I trust you more than anyone in the whole wide world…"

You're invited…

You're invited…

You're invited…

You're invited…

Before Mickey could answer, before Goofy could enjoy his drink, before Chip and Dale could promise to behave better, two screams of sheer panic reached all throughout the ballroom. Now everyone was looking at Donald and Daisy, who had begun to back up from the moving mask – the MOVING mask?!

You're invited to a masquerade,

One night only, let yourself escape!

Make your way as black cats serenade,

You're invited to a Mysterious Masquerade!

A sickening, crunching noise emerged from the mask – and the two other masks began to make the same sound. The first mask shook, and then from the back, an ashen colored flesh arm began to writhe out. It had a bracelet of leaves around the wrist, and broken, jagged, blackened nails emerging from the scarred hand. Then a second arm appeared – then a leg, with the same inhuman qualities of nails and skin, slamming down onto the floor, and another leg – and then the other masks began to grow out the same limbs, quivering with bloodlust, taking hard heavy step towards the ducks.

Faces are hidden from view,

Strangers revel and make believe!

Deep purple clouds mask the mood,

On this glorious Halloween!

"What did you doooo?!" Daisy screeched, clinging to Donald so tightly she almost choked the air out of him. Donald didn't have an answer for her, trying to back up as much as he could. Everyone watching was so stunned by what was going on that they could barely process it. All they did for now was watching as the ducks scrambled backwards, and the masks took lumbering steps forward. There were only two spears left, and the two masks at the side took them into their warped hands, taking aim.

Donald aimed his own spear back at them, getting in front of Daisy while they both still moved away. "G-G-Go away! Go away! There's no such things as curses! I-I just wanted to scare Chip and Dale!"

FACES ARE HIDDEN FROM VIEW!

STRANGERS REVEL AND MAKE BELIEVE!

DEEP PURPLE CLOUDS MASK THE MOOD!

ON THIS GLORIOUS HALLOWEEEEN!

As Daisy took one more step back, her right foot sunk into the floor, and with tears in her eyes, she forced herself to look down – no, it wasn't fear making her imagination run into overdrive – the floor was sinking below them! A slamming sound resounded underneath their feet, and the floor beneath Donald and Daisy vanished. As the two began to fall down into an unknown abyss, Mickey snapped out of his shock, and ran for his friends, arm outstretched. He yelled their names, desperate to grab them, save them, but it was too late. The floor sealed up, silencing their screams, and now there was no proof they had ever stood there in the first place.

Mickey stomped hard on the same place, shouting. "H-Hey! Give 'em back! W-Where are they?!" Harsh foot-stomps answered him – the masks were still there, still coming forward, and with the ducks gone, they needed a new target.

The clock struck midnight.

You're invited to a masquerade,

One night only, let yourself escape!

Make your way as black cats serenade,

You're invited to a Mysterious Masquerade!

Masquerade!

MASQUERAAADE!