In the confines of Clockwork's tower two voices could be heard arguing with one another. One belonged to Clockwork and the other belonged to his niece former Princess and High Priestess of the Ghost Zone, Nadera Apparition.
"I'm just saying that I'm getting a little tired of cleaning up this place. I'm your niece not your maid. Not to mention I'm tired of wearing my princess outfit when I'm here. It's so uncomfortable. Can't I wear my priestess clothes?" Nadera begged.
"No you can't. Part of your probation terms includes you wearing respectful clothes while you're here. When you return to Spirituala you may wear whatever you like, but here you dress as you were born," Clockwork informed her floating down from the rafters shifting from his old form to his young one.
"Fine, can we please get started with today's agenda so I can go home? I promised my servants we could throw a party. After all they've been doing so much to redeem themselves in the eyes of the other ghosts," she said.
"Very well, but please don't pout. After all it was your idea to combine our powers so we could locate the ghostly artifacts and bring them back to Spirituala where they can't cause any harm."
"Yeah I know. I'm sorry Uncle Clockwork I guess I'm just feeling down. It's been almost four months since my probation began and I've only received two visits from my brother and father. I know that they're busy and all but it would be nice to see them more often. After all its not like I can go see them seeing as how I'm forbidden to leave the Ghost Zone for a whole year."
"Tell you what, if we finish early today I'll take you on a visit to see your brother and give you tomorrow off so you can have your party. Is that okay with you?"
"Deal! Okay lets get started. Okay lets review the list of ghostly artifacts we've dealt with so far. Item's name, power, danger level, and location are as the following: Ring of Rage, increase a ghost power by tenfold, danger level 10, location in your safe along with its sister relic the Crown of Fire.
"Next item on the list is the Obedience Scepter, has the ability to control ghosts forcing them to commit crimes, danger level a six, location destroyed and its remains are in a river bed."
"Then we have the Time Medallions, ability to remain active when time is stopped and travel through time, danger level 10, location your wall. You sure no one is going to break in and misuse them?"
"I'm positive my dear. Just keep reading what's next on the list. Should be the Royal Items correct?"
"Yep, four items containing a stone of great power. Powers, which range from powerful attacks to aiding a ruling party. Danger level varies depending on how they're used. All four Royal items are present and accounted for with their rightful owner so no worries there."
"Okay newest item to come to our attention is the Reality Gauntlet and the reality gems. Has the power to control all reality. Danger level nine. Was destroyed not to long ago by my brother. A pity I would have loved to try it out." Nadera said sighing.
"Nadera what have we talked about using magical items for personal gain?"
"That's its morally and ethically wrong and those items should be destroyed at all costs. I know I know. Okay here's an item that I think we should definitely get our hands on before it's too late. The Chaos Puzzle Box."
"Ah the Chaos Puzzle Box. I remember that item very well. It's a prison to a dangerous entity and rates a level eleven; the highest rating there is. We should obtain the item as soon as possible just to make sure no one accidentally releases Chaos," Clockwork stated
"I got a fix on it. It's in an antique shop in Amity Park of all places. I could send Skull to fetch the item and bring it here at once. The sooner we have the puzzle box in our possession the sooner we can think of what to do with it," Nadera said summoning her right hand man. In seconds Skull appeared in a swirl of flames.
"Yes Mistress Nadera? How may I serve you today?" Skull asked bowing before her. He stood up and straightened his clothing up trying to make a good impression in front of the Ghost of Time.
"Skull you don't have to bow before me anymore if you don't want to. Just because I'm the ruler of Spiritula doesn't mean I should be treated any different," she said scolding him gently. She sighed knowing it wouldn't do any good.
"We have an assignment for you. We need you to return to Amity Park and obtain a mystical puzzle box from an antique shop and bring it to me at once. Do whatever you have to short of killing someone to obtain it. Whatever happens you must make sure that no one opens it. Do you understand?"
"I understand completely Mistress. Rest assured I will return with the item in tow and no one seriously harm. My only concern is you brother. What if he tries to stop me from getting the box?" Skull asked floating closer to Clockwork's time portal.
"You don't have to worry about the ghost boy. I've been watching him over the past few days. He will be attending a birthday celebration on the other side of town. You won't have to worry about him or his parents. Now go," Clockwork said activating his powers and sending Skull to the human world.
In Amity Park Mr. Gray was currently shopping for a present to give to his daughter for her birthday. Her power was in two hours and because of his recent promotion to head of Axious (is that right?) security he hadn't had a chance to select a gift.
On a whim he entered Mystics Antique Shop hoping to find something that would please his daughter and keep her away from ghost hunting. He began to eagerly scan the shelves with no luck. "This is impossible. I don't even know what I'm looking for!"
"Pardon me sir, I couldn't help but overhear you. If you are having trouble finding something to buy I would be glad to help you," said the clerk. He looked way to young, about 15, to be working in a place like this and his green eyes and brown hair gave him a mischief look. He also wore a strange golden medallion around his neck. "My name is Dai and I've been working here awhile. Ask me anything about any item."
"Okay Dai. I'm looking for an item that would preoccupy a fifteen-year-old girl time. Something with mystery behind its origin and isn't to expensive." Mr. Gray told him.
"Follow me I think I have just the item for you in the back. It came in just a few weeks ago from one our private clients and hasn't had a chance to be appraised yet. It should fit your needs quite nicely though," Dai told him leading Mr. Gray to the backroom.
He dug around in some containers for a while until he found what he was looking for. "This little item should do the trick. It's an antique puzzle box all the way from China approximately 1500 years old. Apparently its never been solved, which is why it remains locked up and adds to its value. No one has been able to decipher the writing on it. This item should keep your daughter occupied," he said holding out an ancient puzzle box.
Mr. Gray took the item and glanced it over. It seemed to be made out of wood with bits of green flecks on it. There seem to be five open slots where something once was, but he couldn't be sure because it was all messed up. It wasn't very big or heavy about the size of his hand. Turning the box over he could barely make out faint Chinese letters on the bottom. The strangest thing about the box was that it felt warm. "This is certainly an interesting item. You say no one has been able to open it or figure out what the letters mean?"
"That's what I'm saying. According to legend something of great power is trapped inside the box and that whoever opens its will be greatly rewarded. Of course legend also says that this is one puzzle box that shouldn't be open. That the forces of good will battle to keep it locked up. Of course that's only legend," Dai said shrugging his shoulders.
"In my experience most legends have a grain of truth to them. Still this puzzle box does sound like the perfect item for my daughter. How much would you like for it?" Mr. Gray said urgently. He was aware that he was running late.
"It's worth at least five thousand dollars, but I'll be willing to sell it to you for three hundred. I'll even gift wrap it for you. Just be careful in handling that will you? Thank you for shopping at Mystic Antique Shop have a nice day," Dai said as Mr. Gray left.
Dai watched Mr. Gray leave before he flipped the sign for close. He then headed for the desk and picked up the phone and dialed. "Hi Cay? It's Dai. Listen I just sold the puzzle box and was wondering if you and the rest of the gang could check the ancient scroll. No, I'm not worried about the box being opened I just want to make sure that I sent the item to its next Guardian. Call me when you have more information and say hi to Meko, Om, Jac, and even Doj okay? See you soon, bye," he said hanging up the phone.
"Well I guess I should start cleaning up the shop before Mr. Young comes back. He would be furious if I left the place vulnerable to buglers," he said grabbing a broom and starting to sweep.
About an hour later he was finished with his chores. He had dusted all the antiques, cleaned the counters and the floors, locked up the registers, and secured the items for the night. He was just about to activate the security system when he heard the bell jingle. "I'm sorry we're closed for the day. Come back tomorrow!"
But person didn't reply. Instead they came even closer to the backroom breathing irregularly. Dai frowned and headed to see who the intruder was. "Listen I told you we're closed. You're going to have to come back tomorrow oh my god!"
"As you can plainly see I am not a customer. I have come here on an important mission. Follow my commands and I shall not harm you or the store. Disobey and suffer the consequences," Skull informed him hovering above the counter top with a flaming skull in his hand.
"What do you want?" Dai demanded
"Simple, I want the Chaos Puzzle Box. If you know anything about the legend surrounding that box then you know it is too dangerous to remain here on Earth where someone can accidentally open it. It would be safer in the Ghost Zone."
"I don't have it anymore. I just sold it to a gentleman. I didn't get his name and I have no idea where he lives. He paid for the item in question with cash."
"Fool! Do you have any idea what will happen if that box is open? Of the danger you have placed this city along with the entire world in? You are lucky my Mistress believes in leaving humans unharmed otherwise I incinerate you for your foolishness. I would attempt to find the box and bring it back here or else I'm going after it myself. The least you can do to make up for your foolish mistake is describe the man who purchased the item," Skull said grabbing him by the front of his uniform.
"Why should I tell you anything ghost? How do I know that you aren't trying to take control of the box? What proof do I have that your intentions are simply to protect it from harm?" Dai challenged.
"You don't have any. You merely have to trust your heart. Now I ask again, what did the man look like?" Skull said pushing the flaming skull into Dai face.
Dai told him what he wanted to know and was then dropped to the floor. Skull didn't even apologize as he phased through the door and headed away at top speeds. "I hope I didn't make a mistake selling that box."
Back in the Ghost Zone Nadera was desperately trying not to lose her cool upon learning about the sale of the Chaos Puzzle Box. "I'm very disappointed in you Skull. You not only missed a good chance at getting the puzzle box, but you threatened a human with his very life!" she screamed into her magic mirror
"I'm sorry Mistress but I felt that it required to get the information we desired. I will continue with my search to find the man and obtain the box. Is there anything else?" Skull said lowering his head in submission.
"No not now at least. I'm going to try to locate the box using magic. See if you can use your ghost sense to locate it. Hurry before someone opens it up and watch out for the Box Ghost. He may want to have the item," Nadera said terminating the connection.
"It's been fifteen hundred years since the box was sealed. In all that time no one has been able to solve the unsolvable puzzle. Do you really believe that whoever has it now can?" Clockwork asked her
"Better safe then sorry Uncle. Now stop floating around and help me. I need a few ingredients if I'm going to create a locater spell for the box in question. And to think I was going to go party tonight. Danny is so lucky."
"How lucky are we? The three of us are invited to one of the coolest parties of the year! Valerie is throwing her fifteenth birthday party in her new two level apartment complete with pool and game room!" Danny exclaimed tossing up his present and catching it.
"Not to mention now that she's rich again she's part of the popular crowd. Which means we can count on becoming part of the crowd by association!" Tucker exclaimed already calculating how many dates he get.
"Yeah tell me why again were going to the party of a ghost hunter who doesn't like us and how did she even afford this new apartment?" Sam asked suspiciously.
"Were going because Val invited us personally and were friends Sam. As for her apartment ever since her dad's promotion they've been able to live better," Danny explained as they came to a halt right outside a cool looking apartment building.
"I don't know about you, but I still think this is a bad idea," Sam said as they took the elevator to the top floor.
"Come on Sam. Just for one afternoon can you try to get along with Valerie?"
"Alright I'll try, but no promises. Let's just get this over with." Sam said as they knocked on the door to Valerie's apartment
The door swung open revealing a smiling Valerie dressed up in a purple top and mini skirt. "Hey guys I'm glad you could make it! Come on in the party just getting started."
They were all amazed at the sleek sophistication and trendy look of the apartment. There was a huge buffet table filled to capacity with food, a surround sound system blaring the latest tunes with flashing lights while people danced. On the second floor they could make out people swimming in the pool or playing the games. This party rocked!
"This is sweet! I can't you live here!" Danny told her.
"I especially love that you have all the latest technology!" Tucker added.
"Yeah its almost as nice as my place," Sam stated handing over her gift.
"Thanks, I still can't believe Mr. Masters was kind enough to buy this place as my birthday present. I didn't even know he knew when my birthday was! Well enjoy yourselves were not eating the cake until later," Valerie said taking there gifts and placing them with the humungous stack she already had.
The gang headed to the buffet table to eat their fill. They were enjoying the potato chips and dip when Dash and Kwan shoved them away.
"Hey Fenturd. What are you and your losers friends doing here? This is a party for only the cool kids and your definitely not cool," Dash taunted
"Yeah you and your friends are like the most unpopular kids in school! You three being here has to be some sort of joke. Ha, Ha, Ha." Kwan said hi fiving Dash.
"For you two boneheads information we were invited. Now if you excuse us were going to listen to some music. Come on guys lets go," Sam, snarled brushing past with Tucker.
Dash tripped Danny as he went by sending him careening into the far end of the table sending food flying everywhere. Soon everyone was laughing at him. "You are such a klutz Fenturd. You better leave before you smash the gifts!"
Danny growled angrily and his eyes light up. At that moment he wanted so badly to beat the living daylights out of Dash, but he knew he couldn't. He had promised to start using his powers more responsively.
The three of them headed upstairs to see if they could cool of in the pool, but even there they found resistance. Paullina and Star seemed eager to get a rise out of the three losers.
"I can't believe you three actually decided to show. You can't possibly believe that being here will increase your social status," Paullina said haughtily.
"Yeah, why don't you three go hang out with the rest of the social rejects?" Star sneered taking a huge sip of her strawberry smoothie.
"Would you two grow up? I mean god just a few weeks ago Valerie was just as much a loser as us and now that she has cash again you're willing to let her back into your group?" Sam said in disbelief.
"That's pretty shallow of you. You guys may be popular, but you're also a bunch of hypocrites," Tucker added.
"We may envy you at times, but at least we know when to stick by our friends. Come on guys let's go for a swim," Danny said diving in the pool. He didn't notice Valerie smiling at the three of them from across the room.
A couple hours and encounters later it was time for the main event of the party. Mr. Gray came out of the kitchen with a huge chocolate and vanilla cake that had Valerie's picture on it along with fifteen candles. Everyone sang the birthday song and she blew out her candles wishing for a chance to get rid of all the ghosts that plagued her.
"Thank you everyone. I'm so glad that you were able to make it today. This birthday has been the best ever. Dig in!" she said happily handing out pieces of cake.
Danny was in the front of the line when Dash knocked him to the floor. "Oops. Sorry Fenturd. I didn't see you there!" he said laughing hysterically.
"That's enough everyone. There will no rough housing in this apartment. Get your cake and soda then sit down and eat." Mr. Gray ordered as he helped Danny up. "You okay son?"
"Yeah, thanks. I really like the new place you have. You two deserve it after everything you've been through," Danny told him as he got his slice of cake.
"Well I could hardly say no to Mr. Masters when he gave it to us. It is a nice place and I think Valerie will like it. Well go enjoy your cake because soon we'll be opening gifts," Mr. Gray responded.
"What were you and Valerie's dad talking about?" Sam asked as Danny joined the group.
"Nothing really. Just talking about Val and the apartment. You have nothing to worry about trust me."
"Yeah Sam just chill for awhile. The party isn't that much longer. We'll be out of here soon enough."
After everyone ate his or her fill of cake Valerie began to rip open her presents. She was thrilled with receiving all the latest clothes, music, and real jewelry. She was surprised by Sam's gift of a real shrunken head, and thought Tucker's new digital camera was awesome, but it was Danny's gift that touched her heart. It was a framed picture of the two of them hanging. Not everyone thought it was so great.
"What's the matter Fenturd? Couldn't afford a real gift?" Dash said shoving Danny into Kwan.
"Yeah, it's the most cheesiest gift I've ever seen!" he said laughing.
Danny couldn't stand it anymore. He was tired of being laughed at. Taking a great care not to be noticed he fired a beam of ecto energy from his fingers, which bounced of the walls and nailed Dash in the back of the head. That shut him up.
A little while later everyone started leaving. They all told Valerie what a great time they had and she thanked them for coming. As the gang started to leave she stopped them. "Guys wait a minute. I just want to say I'm sorry about everyone's behavior. I thought they might have let things be at my party. I guess I was wrong."
"Look Valerie its okay really. Where use to be treating like dirt by the popular kids. It was nice of you to defend us though," Tucker said smiling at her.
"Yeah I was certain that you start treating us like you did before when you were first popular. Its nice to see that you haven't changed that much," Sam admitted.
"Thanks again for inviting us. It was an excellent party. See you at school tomorrow," Danny called over his shoulder as they headed for the elevator.
Valerie sighed happily and closed the door. It was nice to still have some real friends. She headed to her room to relax after what had been one of the most stressful days of her life.
Her room was three times as big as her old room and was her favorite color, hot pink. It had everything in it a teenager could want including, a walk in closet, a three way full length mirror, a queen sized bed, a complete entertainment system, and a bathroom complete with a heart shaped Jacuzzi. But her favorite feature was the secret wall that held her upgraded ghost hunting gear.
"What a day! It was the best birthday party ever!" she said sighing in contentment as she flopped down on the bed. Looking at the pile of gifts resting at the foot of her bed she couldn't imagine how it could be any better.
Mr. Gray chose that moment to enter his daughter's room with his hands behind his back. "Hi Valerie. I hope you had a good time at your party."
"I had a great time Dad. Thank you so much for letting me through the party at are new place. What do you have behind your back?"
Mr. Gray smiled and revealed a gift-wrapped package. "Happy Birthday Princess. I hope you like it."
Valerie snatched the gift from her father's hand and ripped of the wrapping. When she saw what the gift was she looked at it curiously. Slowly she examed the puzzle box and gave her dad a questioning glance.
"What is it exactly Dad?"
"Its an antique puzzle box all the way from China. Its never been solved. According to the guy I bought it from whomever opens it will reward greatly by a great power. I hope that you like it," Mr. Gray replied nervously.
"Never been solved? Well then I'll be the first one to solve. I'm going to start right now. I'm sure I can solve this thing," Valerie told him already beginning to move the pieces around.
"Well take your time and don't stay up to late working on it. You have school tomorrow. Good night," he said kissing her on the forehead and leaving.
Valerie stared at the box intensely. She was determined to see if the legend about the puzzle box was true. If she could obtain this great power it would be a lot easier to hunt down those ghosts and make them pay.
Ignoring the writing on the bottom of the box she continued to move the pieces around. It was a complex puzzle and many of the pieces divided into smaller ones. It was tiring work, but she refused to give up.
Hours flew by and soon it was midnight and still the box remained unsolved. But she was so close she could feel the power emulating from the box. With a few more twists she smiled happily as the holes lined up. On the right face was the outline of a narrow red rectangle, the left a blue oval, the back a purple tear drop, the front a green circle, and on top a black heart shape.
"Yes I did it. Now, time to open up this thing up and see what's inside here. Man this thing is shut tight. Just need pull harder and there! Yes its open!" she exclaimed pleased at the lid sprang apart revealing a heart shaped opal ring lying on what looked like a black cloth
"Wow a real opal ring! I wonder if this is the great power the legend talked about? Hmm it fits!" she said tossing the box on the bed and going over to her mirrors to check out her blink.
She was so absorbed in checking out the ring she failed to see what was occurring behind her. On the bed the box began to glow red, blue, purple, green, and black while levitating in the air.
A black mist began to seep out of the box and began to take form. It soon resembled a floating black tail with two wispy ghosts hands and a gray mask with green eyes and strange markings and mouth full of sharp little teeth. It took a deep breath and let out a cry. "I AM FREE!"
Valerie jumped five feet in the air and spun around. She let out a scream upon seeing the floating menace. Pressing a secret button on the mirror she had an ecto gun deposited in her hands and she took aim. "Who are you and what do you want!"
The being floated over to her and bowed submissively in front of her. "I am the entity known as Chaos and my sole purpose is to serve you," Chaos whispered startling Valerie so much she dropped her gun. She was in shock so she didn't even see the lighting show going on outside.
Meanwhile across town at the Mystics Antiques Shop Dai watched the lighting and shivered. He knew what it meant. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have sold the box. Now it's been open and darkness will fall."
In the Ghost Zone Nadera, Skull, and Clockwork screamed in agony as the magical energy spread through out the tower and passed through their bodies. The potion spilled across the floor and Nadera's pendent. Finally it came to an end.
"What was that all about? What caused the surge in power?" Skull asked picking himself up off the floor.
"Only something of both mystical and ghostly power could have shifted the balance of power like that. The Chaos Puzzle Box must have been opened," Clockwork stated ominously.
"Which means that Chaos has been freed from his prison. Which means it's the end of the world as we know it unless we find a way to put him back in the box," Nadera replied with fear in her voice.