Shock initially ignored Carver. Having been trapped under Barrel numerous times, even the heavier weight of the pumpkin creature's new metal body was light as a witch's broom in comparison. She felt the new curves on Carver's chest plate dig into her back. After a moment or two, they annoyed her. Shock shifted her body to move Carver a little higher, where they could [i]properly[/i] dig into her ribcage, like her favorite floorboard and the uneven springs on Oogie's bed. She settled in again to start the next chapter on swords.

Once the vocals were done and Barrel did a few proper sets, Lock looked over at Shock and Carver.

"Yo, Carver," he said. "Get your ass back over here. We're starting."