Pumpkin spice season had finally arrived. Shaliver meticulously goes out of his way to crunch leaves with each bounding hop. Seems distracting enough he doesn't care about the odd looks people give him in his adorable pink bandana. Birch would comment if it didn't seem so fun to watch. October had to be her favorite month, encompassing everything she loved and more. Thanksgiving dinners, everything spooky everywhere, being prime time for horror movies, and not forgetting the all so wonderful Halloween night. She still laughs at the time her mother made her a monster costume like the one in her beloved kids movies. Purple scale skin and googly eyes that had everyone at the doors fawning over her.

Younger kids were ogling the windows of costume displays while discussing their last minute costumes. So bright were their smiles as they made references she barely understood. One of her favorite things about Halloween is just seeing so many happy faces. Laughing together as they tried to amass a horde of candy that would last them months. It tempted her to try another year before she gets too old. Maybe she can share some with him this time. After all this is Shaliver's first Halloween officially with her family. So they ought to make it special.

The storefront already had large boxes of pumpkins out, being inspected by the local mothers and kids. Pumpkins also hung from the ceiling on banners next to the bats. All were having a good time, aside from two figures that seemed to be arguing near the dairy. Birch approached but could only watch as the man begrudgingly left. Her mother mumbled something under his breath before nudging her mothers leg. Whatever annoyance she had faded as she reached down to pet the faux feline.

"So you're making this a habit?"

"Just making sure your kid arrives home safely," He bowed his head. She then started scratching right underneath his one horn, making him flop over to his side.

Mom really knew how to tame the beast.

"So what was up with that guy? Was it another person complaining about the lack of some brand item?"

She huffed, "Sort of. He wanted to sell their candy bars here. However when asking what was in it he refused to elaborate. That rude man practically tried shoving it down my throat."

Her mom crossed her arms, "So I told him that his business is not welcome here. This place is meant to support respectable local shops. Besides, we already know some great candy stores that have far better variety."

Birch saw the fire burn in her mothers ominously calm eyes. Fatemore Supermarket was her mother's pride and joy aside from herself. It helped prop up local stores while enticing others to go visit them for more of their product. After the fall of Old Fate people see this as one of the beacons of the community. Her mother even had local artists paint graffiti on the unoccupied sides of the store to support the arts. The last thing her mom would ever do is do something to ruin all that.

Dad says he always did love her mothers dedication to others.

"So since you're working late tonight I was planning to get supper ready." Without a word the woman took money out of her pocket and gently patted her daughter's head. She was glowing with pride.

She grabbed the sauces and meats necessary for a nice chicken dinner. Then grabbed some essentials like coffee that she noted were lacking in the house. Birch made sure to say hi to Lou's mom working on the floor before heading home. Shaliver offered to carry them for the sake of her little lady arms but she refused. She would regret this one block into the trip. They had the two dropping by store after store to catch her breath.

With each shop she found that the man had also stopped by, offering samples for anyone he came into contact with. All commented on the man's odd but extremely beautiful appearance. Some described his dark brown locks waving as if calming lakes. His hypnotic eyes seemed to glow in the falling sun. And a smile that melted any frown within sight. She shuddered at each fawning detail. They eventually arrived home where she took an hour before making dinner.

By the time both parents arrived home they found food on the table. The four ate happily together as the sun passed the horizon. After the dinner small talk Birch returned to her room with Shaliver not too far behind. Just as he is about to enter he is told to wait outside while she prepares her "surprise."

When the door opens he finds an odd creature now occupying her room. It was a t-rex onesie with fake cyborg enhancements and feathers. Cardboard was painted silver with fake gems used for what she said were their "Laser Eyes." The Feathers were just for historical accuracy. She apparently was replicating two movies she likes into one costume. The final touch being the bundle of trashed usb cords acting as a tongue/tie. Though the costume was not at the level of quality as Presely's he had to admit it was almost charming in a childish sort of way.

"Suits you perfectly," he says without an ounce of sarcasm. To that her eyes sparkled with appreciation.

"Thank you!" She proceeds to do a little dinosaur arms dance in the costume. He then notices the googly eye on the left and snickers to himself.

The two continue to joke about, with their little toy car Vroomy hyperly doing drifts on the floor. After a while they seemed to tire themselves out and returned to the homemade garage. Shaliver was skeptical of keeping them but she decided to take a chance since they weren't hurting anyone now. She even had her friends help her construct a mini garage out of cardboard, acrylic paint and led lights for the interior. This addition next to her storage chest was somehow fitting, considering it's designed after one she knew from her horror movie collection.

"By the way, Presely was pretty grateful you stepped in to try on some pet costumes."

Even as she stared at the popcorn ceiling she could feel his face press into her spare blanket. "I'm just hoping she doesn't post those images anywhere. Ugh." If it meant that the girl would more quickly forget about the incident of early September, then it was well worth it. Of course he didn't forget his debt to the young boy Lou. His repayment was far more fun in spite of the fact that it meant getting up early.

Taking care of those black winged devils was a cinch for him. After hearing of Lou's complaints from Birch he decided on this mission. No longer did the boy have to wake up early to scare away the crows that squawked at the break of dawn. Now Birch comments on how his mornings have been far more quiet, allowing his mother to sleep more comfortably. It was only recently he was found crushing the ribs of one of the bigger birds between his teeth. Lou didn't say a word, just nodded before going back inside. Whether that meant thank you or don't do that to me was uncertain. It only mattered that it helped.

No one cares if there might be a few less crows.

Not a sound of interruption could disturb the twos sleep as they dreamt of the sweet October to come.

In a few days time it seemed that a new chocolate bar had taken off. Bitty Bites. Everyone didn't question it too much, she did. Kids were still laughing passing by the ridiculous costumes in store windows, teens were still having their pumpkin spice lattes, and adults still talked amongst themselves. But their faces. Their smiles. The corners of the mouths pulled up like metal clamps on eyelids. The kind of grin that had her averting her view.

Keeping her head low she watched others hand out the candy bars like it was Black Friday. At first she is almost tempted to try it out. Till someone mentions a delicious molasses accent to round out the flavor.

"Ugh." She shuffles away before they offer her that insult to sweet confections. Sadly she does not escape in time.

"Hello girly!" An overly excited man struts over past the crowds of people. "You look rather hungry. Have a snack!" Eyes clawed at her as their grins grew wider. She can only think how these people almost rival Shaliver's smile in terms of off-putting-ness. Just when the corners of their lips were about to touch their eyes she undid the wrapper. Then turning away while pretending to eat, giving a thumbs up as she left.

They're really hopped up on that stuff. What's in it?

Upon looking closer there appears to be no listed ingredients. Just like the guy mom mentioned.

Tucking it away into her pocket she makes an effort to avoid any groups like that again. Sadly this was harder than first thought with how many groups she found at the fronts of restaurants, clothing stores and other local shops. She even watched as Mr.Clemens tries to get them to stop crowding his doors while being shoved out of the way. It wasn't till they tried to offer him the chocolate bar that he hides back inside. She prays for his safety as she works her way to the main strip.

This is where the most notable stores sit in Fatemore, and sadly where the biggest of these crowds are. As she is about to head elsewhere she feels a nudge at her leg. Shaliver, who is not dawning his bandana to cover his clearly glowing horns, was eyeing between her and the crowd. He leans against her leg and subtly points with his tail. She and Shaliver go somewhere farther from the other people. Once far enough Birch pulls the bandana out of her backpack and starts tieing over his head.

"Can't you be a bit more careful out in public?"

"No need to be when everyone's too focused on that stuff." She glanced over to the overly enthusiastic crowd and sighed.

"Want to have mine? If it wasn't this it would be the molasses that makes it... unappealing." His face scrunches in only a way he could, turning away. For the first time in the whole year she has known him, he was disgusted.

"Keep that away from me. It smells horrendous." Birch chuckled a bit before returning it to her pocket. However this was now even more concerning. If he wouldn't eat it, then how good was this stuff really? Wait... He has a nose?

"Hello!" She jumps from the sudden greeting. Sunlight radiated over the silhouette of his sculpted face. Every feature she made out from the shadow had her more on edge. In his pockets were absurd amounts of bills and what appeared to be phone numbers. The clothing he wore was without a wrinkle or imperfection, like most of him. Yet when meeting his eyes her skin wanted to crawl and skitter away. She felt the familiar pressure of Shaliver's presence and finally got the nerve to speak.

"Are you the guy advertising these things?" She says waving the unbitten bar at his face.

"Guy? You mean you haven't heard of me?" He's 100% feigning shock. Taking out his gold cased cellphone he brings up his Flipsagram and shows him dramatically posing with some kind of expensive brand shirt. His muscles are clearly defined by the tight fabric.

"Cassius Carter. Influencer. And one of the hottest models on the market. I've offered my wisdom to my followers in an effort to help them beautify themselves. Like myself." He flexes his biceps which causes many of his fans to start vocally swooning. Ewww.

"And I'm offering the town an exclusive health bar meant to improve as much physically as it would mentally."

"But if this is a health product it should label the ingredient-"

He shushes her, "But then how would we keep an edge on our competition."

"Well if you're going to do business here then at least have your people stop crowding in front of stores. Have a designated area so you don't disturb others who actually have businesses here."

The murmurs of the crowd stop as all eyes set themselves on Birch. She meets his umber eyes. His expression did not cease smiling. Instead he amusingly laughed at her comment, to which the crowd mimicked.

Then as the crowd laughs he leans close into her face. Whispering, "Why should I care about the thoughts of some freckled faced punk and her butt ugly cat have to say? I'll do this business wherever I damn well please. Get rid of those loathsome spots before you dare to talk like that again."

RIIIIIIIIPPPP!

He stumbles back, falling to the pavement. Lifting his left pant leg he finds a chunk of it gone. Bringing his eyes down he sees the misshapen cat nibbling on the last of the silky fabric.

"That... That was five thousand for these pants." And with that the "Cat" bounds from his head to the crowds before leaping over the roof of one of the shops. When looking back he finds the girl gone too. Taking a deep breath in, he composes his posture and aura.

"Forgive them. They must have not been taught manners where they are from." This restarts the laughter that consumed the whole crowd. But would be momentarily interrupted when an empty can goes flying onto Cassius's head. Again, he remains poised as he takes the can to the recycling bin to which his fans applaud.

It is irrelevant what they think. They'll change their tune soon enough.

She had to check behind her a few times before she knew she wasn't followed. It wasn't long when she was joined again by the amused Shaliver. Yet when glancing up his smugness fizzled away. Never had the people disturbed her so. This was an achievement of New Fates, not her home turf. Not where the locals complained about the birds squawking at the crack of dawn. Not where kids saved up their allowance to play the games at the arcade. She has lived here all her life yet the place had never felt more foreign to her.

Birch hadn't realized she was hugging herself. Fingertips pressed down tensely to her forearms. If it wasn't for the grip of the brick wall on her back she would have slipped down to the sidewalk. Shaliver simply leaned on her leg as she stared into nothingness. Picking the bar from her pocket she examines it with agitated suspicion.

Nothing about that was normal. Everything about that screams wrong. And that face. Why does it remind me of those skin stealing gremlins from Puppet Pals Forever. All of this is linked to a stupid chocolate bar. How could anyone like these if it has molasses in it? What even is in this?

With a few seconds of thought she puts the chocolate bar away. Motioning for him to follow, Shaliver starts walking with her. "So what is the plan?"

"We figure out what is in this stuff. And I know just the man."