(Author's Note): For this first paragraph Emily the corpse bride is reffered to as Eleanor.
Andrew yelled helplessly and scrabbled at the grave, digging away at the ground where Eleanor had disappeared. He would have unearthed the coffin if Victor hadn't stopped him. Andrew thought he was going to burst into tears, which was a very embarrassing thing to do. Victor had not cried when his child died. But Victor was so strong, and Andrew felt so powerless. Andrew's heart collapsed. He would not admit it, but he had somewhat of a soft spot for Eleanor. He would never admit that though, he was too shy. When he had met her, he had admired her strawberry hair, her sparkling green eyes, her fair complexion. And as he got to know her, she was so kind and caring. He found herself liking her more and more. He would use any excuse to be with her. She made his heart flutter. Andrew had never felt this before. He tried to deny it, but it was true. He loved Eleanor. The words made him shiver. He asumed she could never love him back, but over the past few days, she had seemed closer to him. And losing her, he couldn't bear it. Then a spark went off in Andrew's mind.
"Victor," he began. "Who is Mayhew?" Victor had a grave look on his face.
"Mayhew was an associate of my parents. He died 5 years ago." Andrew jumped to his feet.
"And that was him? That mouldy, revolting piece of flesh that dragged Eleanor away was him?"
"Yes." Victor nodded. "Although he was quite a charming man."
"Ah, yes." Andrew looked embarrassed. "Sorry."
"Don't worry. Weren't you afraid?"
"More for Eleanor than myself" Andrew replied. "But you seemed as bold as anything. Why?" Victor sighed and sat on a nearby bench.
"I suppose it's time I tell you" he said. His eyes became stern. "But you must promise to keep this a secret." Andrew nodded vigorously. Andrew was a terrible secret keeper, but this seemed important to the kidnapping of Eleanor.
"Five years ago," Victor began. "Back when Victoria and I were engaged, I had my own encouter with the dead. I-I-Somehow married a corpse."
"a CORPSE?"
"Yes. Now let me finish. The corpse's name was Emily. I spent my time trying to reach Victoria, but it took me a while. Emily was a charming woman, and she must now know Mayhew well. But I don't understand what they want with Eleanor." Victor got up and paced the graveyard. Andrew watched intently. Victor suddenly stopped dead. His eyes became wide, and he slapped his forehead.
"Eureka!" he cried. "Of course! How could I not have seen it before!"
"What?" asked Andrew impatiently. "WHAT?"
"The signs! I missed them! But now I see them! Come on Andrew!" Victor began to run.
"What? Where are we going?"
"I'll tell you on the way. We're going to find Emily!"
****
Emily was dragged under the earth, kicking and screaming. Her last views of the upper world was Andrew clinging to her desperately. She had clung to him, willing to stay up top. But Mayhew was too strong. Why was he doing this? Didn't he know how happy she was? Didn't he CARE? Why did he have to ruin it for her? She had gotten to know Victor and Victoria, and she had met her dearest friend Andrew. She had never met anyone like him. He was so clumsy and nervous around her, and he always made her laugh. She was confused when her stomach had rolled at the thought of not seeing him again. When she emerged from the dirt, she found she was in her own bedroom. All the corpses were there, and some of the ladies flew at her and hugged her joyously. She pushed them away angrily.
"What are you doing?" she screamed.
"We were trying to help you-" Mayhew began. Emily flew into a rage.
"Help me? HELP ME? WITH WHAT? I was so happu up there, I had friends, and you had to ruin it all by bringing me back to this HOLE!" The corpsed bent their heads. Emily looked away in shame. She had not meant to insult her friends, or their home. Elder Godknect stepped forward, and took her hand.
"My dear," he began softly. "Please let me explain." And with that he explained all about the Soul Stalker, and his evil ways of feeding.
"The creeper." Emily whispered. She placed her hand on her heart. "He's feeding on ME? And Victor- I caused this? Oh this is all my fault! I'm such a selfish idiot!" She collapsed on her bed, crying pitifully. "Is there any way we can fix this?" Elder Godknect put a hand on her shoulder.
"Not at the moment. The book says your soul will leave that body, and we can help you guide it to your true form. For now you are trapped as a half-human." Suddenly a little girl rushed forward. "Eleanor!" Emily yelled. "I saw you when I floated away!" Little Emily hugged 'Eleanor'.
"Oh Emily! Victor's little girl!" Emily (the older one) turned to Elder Godknecht. "Is there any way we can help her?"
"I'm afraid not. The dead can not be revived." Little Emily then skipped off to play with the other children.
"Now Emily," said Elder Godknect. "Let's take you to your body." Elder Godknecht led Emily up to his tower. Emily was puffing and panting by the time they reached the top. It had been a while since she climbed those steps. Elder Godknecht turned to the table and gasped. The body was gone.
****
Barkis returned to the hideout, chuckling, then grunting over the wait of the bag he was carrying. He thrust it in front of the creeper.
"Good, Barkis." cooed the creeper coldly. "I thought we had a problem there for a second, but now it seems those Imbeciles have made the job easier, look." He drew a circle in the wall to reveal Victor and Andrew in a coach. Barkis jumped in delight.
"There's the boy! That is the one we want?" The creeper nodded.
"Now all we need to do is get HER" he said pointing at the sack. Barkis opened it and out tumbled Emily's body.
"Everything is almost ready."
