Guess who adopted a Story!… Me. Its me. Any way I adopted this story from Son of Zeus 0001. Keep in mind this is technically the second chapter. The first can still be read on the original piece under his name. We don't really know how to transfer it over to me… It's a work in progress. Any way I am honored to take over the writing of this story, I hope to do it justice.
To those that like my other stories, I have altered my update schedule. In stead of going in order, I'm going to work on whatever story that has my interest. It sucks for you guys, I know. Your favorite stories (of mine at least) might not be updated in timely fashions. I decided to do it this way because of how I tend to work. I hit a lot of blocks if I'm not into it, so over all I think it's slower for me to go in order. So please, people of the , bear with me.
Obviously I don't own anything, not even the initial idea.
"You have to close this portal!" Ebenezer was quickly getting tired of this conversation. In fact he was past being tired of it, yet the elder Fentons could be as pig headed and stubborn as anyone he knew. Considering that he mainly knew people who came from bygone times that was quite a feat.
"Mr. McCoy, we understand that it's dangerous, but I assure you we are equipped to deal with anything that might come out of the Ghost Zone." Maddie explained in a calm manner that did nothing to hid the fire building in her eyes.
"Yeah! We can kick any Ghost butt that comes our way!" Jack said with his usual exuberance not quite being able to hid the building irritation in his voice unlike his wife. It was actually rather impressive that he managed to be loud and quiet at the same time.
"First of all, its called the NeverNever, and there's more than ghost in there! Maintaining a constant opening will cause problems, to say the least!" Now to the point that his old scottish accent was starting to come out Ebenezer tried particularly hard to hammer in why the two scientists had to shut the portal down. "No wonder this place feels like it's drowning in dark magic! No one, not even the denizens of the NeverNever, can keep a portal open forever! Let alone two bloody years!
"Doesn't that just mean that we've made progress? Making progress? Science is all about pushing boundaries and making discoveries for the betterment of everyone!" Maddie countered harshly, the Fenton Matriarch loosing her outward calm.
"That may be so, but are you willing to put your family at risk of far worse things than death for the sake of 'discovery'?" Maddie and Jack both stiffened as if slapped. They didn't need specifics on "worse than death," given all they've experienced over the last two years. Seeing that he finally got through Ebenezer's voice softened "I can understand not wanting to stop moving forward with research, believe me I do, but there always comes a time to take stalk of whats right in front of you. Power like this-" the Blackstaff motioned to the portal "-can and will cause harm. Whether you wish it to or not." He finished by briefly glancing at where Danny was standing with is sister, still keeping his gaze locked at his feet.
Jack and Maddie shared a drawn out searching look. Some type of communication must have passed between the two because they both turned back towards the old Wizard all of their fire snuffed out. "Ca-can't we..." What ever Maddie was going to say died on her lips as she looked at the Fenton Ghost Portal. Her and Jack's life's work.
Locking eyes with Jack as he put a hand on her shoulder he managed to ask somberly "Do really need to shut her down? I mean what'f you're wrong?"
Unable to smile at this victory, Ebenezer nodded with a sigh "Sometimes when dealing with things like Magic it's never bad to be overly cautious. The fact that you made a gateway into the NeverNever with mortal science is simply astonishing, but in this case the safest option is to shut it down."
Jazz was surprised, although a more adequate word would be "gobsmacked." Her parents, the same parents that would never change their habits or mannerisms no matter how many times things blew up in there faces, where actually shutting down the ghost portal. They were shutting down their life's work. Their magnum opus. Even when it didn't work initially she was positive that they would've gone back to it eventually, seeing why it didn't work and making sense of the crazy stuff only they seem to really understand.
Or maybe not only them anymore. The old hillbilly had to have known about the same things that her parents know about if he was able to talk them into shutting the Fenton Ghost Portal down. But of course Mr. McCoy would know about things, he was a Wizard. With a capital "W." The wizard responsible for Danny's training and essentially the only reason Danny was still alive at the moment.
Jazz couldn't help but glance at Danny, who looked like he didn't know what to feel. As his older sister, she would like to believe that she could read him pretty well, at least now that she knew about his extracurricular activities. He had a odd expression, one of surprise. Although she could still see the grin in his eyes. She honestly wasn't aware that a person could have such an expression, she'll have to take note of that fact. A simple truth snapped her out of her off topic thoughts. Things really were changing, and Jazz couldn't figure out if they were for the best.
The rest of the day went as Jazz expected it to go, her parents didn't stay sullen for too terribly long and were soon pestering Mr. McCoy about things that she decided she wouldn't be able to understand even if she tried. Of course she still tried, and it went over her head. Danny was still in some form of shock, giddy that the portal was closed, whilst at the same time not willing to believe it had actually happened. Jazz was just trying to go with the flow, which was perhaps ironically Danny's specialty. Once dinner came around, and upon accepting the Fentons invitation, Ebenezer experienced an authentic Fenton Household meal. Thankfully it was only the meatloaf that came to life, and the kitchen wasn't destroyed. Again. Despite the normal - Fenton Normal at least - atmosphere there was definitely a tension in the air.
Danny had revealed most of his secrets, outside his alter ego. The Fenton Ghost portal was now closed for the first time in two years. Jazz was off to collage in a few weeks, and Danny was off to learn magic. Indeed, change was already here.
Danny was awake as the sun was making its way over the horizon. This was odd considering he slept like a rock, or maybe not. He didn't have to get up in the middle of the night to deal with a rouge specter or whatever for the first time in... Danny didn't even know. With the portal closed, nothing other worldly came into range of his ghost sense, or whatever he's going to have to call it now. Also by the time he went to bed he was practically dead on his feet, the start of his week wasn't pleasant to say the least. He was powerless to stop some whack job with a huge broadsword who ended up kidnapping him, then he was put on trial for breaking laws that he hadn't even known existed and was almost executed for it. Thankfully he was saved from having his head chopped off (ew) by a guy who looks like the archetypical hillbilly and was told that he was a wizard and not a half-ghost. Not to forget that now he was going to be dragged off to the old man's farm to be trained.
It was a busy week.
Around six-thirty Danny's stomach demanded that he get up and feed it and he was forced to oblige. It wasn't too much longer before the sound of sizzling eggs and bacon filled the kitchen of Fenton Works.
"You cook?" Ebenezer questioned from the kitchen entrance way startling Danny.
Seeing that there wasn't any danger - yet - Danny replied "Yeah. You saw how meals can be last night. Knowing how to cook is sort of a required skill to live here." Ebenezer made a sound of agreement and understanding, he was still wondering how the meatloaf had teeth. "Anyway you hungry?" Danny asked the old man.
"I suppose I could eat. Thank you." At that Danny nodded and quickly served up a plate of eggs, toast and bacon to the old wizard, who nodded in thanks and started eating quietly. Soon afterwards Danny joined Ebenezer at the table and began his own meal.
Neither spoke for several moments, both choosing to simply enjoy the meal. Eventually the silence was broken by Ebenezer. "You were pretty quiet yesterday, so you must have questions."
Danny took his time to swallow the food in his mouth before giving his answer "I figured you answered enough questions last night." Ebenezer simply gave the young man a look. Danny sighed before putting his fork down and looked at the old man. "Where am I supposed to start?" he asked tuning his gaze back to his food. "My world is quickly turning upside down. Again. I was one thing that I was just beginning to accept, and I mean really accept. Now I'm something completely different. I was almost killed. No, executed! Now I really don't have any idea where I stand, and I have no idea where to start!" Danny realized that his voice was beginning to raise in volume, so he quickly got control of himself before continuing "The only question I can ask right now is... What's actually going to happen now? And I don't really mean me going with you to some farm to train in magic. I mean..."
Seeing Danny lose his steam and words, Ebenezer took his chance to speak "I see. That is definitely a fair question. Well, as you know it is my responsibility to train you. To teach you how, and why you use your magic. It is also my responsibility to keep an eye on you and make sure you don't start using dark magic again. After that, you can live your life as you see fit, at least to a point." Ebenezer took a chance to organize his thoughts before continuing.
"After your training is complete you will be full fledged member of the White Council, and all that being a member means. But you will also have something call the Doom of Damocles hanging over your head. A Warden will be assigned to you, they will be something of a parol officer for you. The only difference is if they catch you preforming dark magic they are ordered to execute you on the spot."
Danny couldn't hold back a wince "So... This whole thing will never be over?" He snorted "Story of my freaking life."
"Unfortunately, that may be the case." Ebenezer said locking eyes with Danny, the fact the boy tensed didn't escape his notice. "The Doom can be lifted if you behave and prove that you won't turn back to dark magic." His gaze turned distant as he continued "My last apprentice was in a similar situation as you, but he ended up helping to deal with a warlock that was murdering people and causing some type of havoc with some magical drugs. As such he ended up getting the Doom of Damocles lifted from his head. He still can't break the laws, but he's not being hounded by a Warden anymore."
Danny was silent for a minute before he said anything. "Well I guess I shouldn't waste this second chance then." It hasn't been too long since his trip through time, second chances don't come by every day.
"Wise choice. Considering that I took responsibility for you, I also have the Doom over my head. So... Yes please, don't squander this chance." This earned a wry smile form Ebenezer's latest apprentice.
"Right." Danny said as he leaned back into his chair staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. He sighed "How am I going to explain this to Sam and Tucker."
"I don't think thats a good idea, boy." Ebenezer warned.
"What?" Danny said quickly sitting up and looking to the old man in outrage. "Why not? They've been with me since the beginning!"
"The Council doesn't like to broadcast its existence. If you must tell them anything keep it on a need-to-know basis."
"I understand having secrets, but those two are my best friends. Hell, they've risked their lives for me! How can I not tell them what's going on!?"
"To protect them." Was Ebenezer's simple reply, earning him a startled look from Danny. "If they learn about the wider community they could get involved in things that they wouldn't ever be able to handle."
Danny scowled "They've been with me since the beginning! Every stupid adventure I've ever experienced they've experienced with me!"
Ebenezer silently looked at the young man for a moment before calmly asking "And how many times have they almost died? Even with you there to protect them?" Danny couldn't bring himself to answer that question. Partially out of simple stubbornness, and partially because he knew perfectly well how many times they've almost been killed. Ebenezer continued, seeing through Danny's stubbornness "If they learn about the wider world, about the higher powers that govern the world we live in. It could mean more than their lives."
Danny took a moment to mull over the ominous information Ebenezer had given him. On one hand he was confident in his friends, they've definitely proven themselves in a pinch and they've both gotten to be pretty good shots with the Fenton Ghost Weapons.
Though, on the other hand, both Sam and Tucker have been in really bad situations. Tucker was given similar power to him, but he couldn't handle them and went crazy. Sam had gotten a hold of a magic amulet that made her transform into a freaking dragon when she got upset. Heck. Danny himself had almost killed both of them when he was under Freakshows control. The fact of the matter was that the situations he found himself in were dangerous. Stupidly so. And he was about to step out into the wider stage, so-to-speak. The answer to his dilemma was sadly obvious.
"Alright, fine." Danny said solemnly. "I won't tell them."
Nodding in a understanding way "You don't have to keep everything from them, if what have you said is true, they're already in too deep to do that. Just try to filter what you tell them, like how you did with your parents."
Danny didn't have the motivation to look up at the old hillbilly, startled that he knew he didn't tell his parents everything. Because, of course he knew. The two finished their food in silence and Danny quickly left to meet with his friends. It didn't surprise him much that both Sam and Tucker were just about to knock on his door when he stepped out.
"Perfect timing." Sam said with a grin that quickly morphed into something more serious. "Now what the hell happened? Who's the old redneck? And why did you chase us out of the house yesterday?"
Danny suddenly wished he had more time to go over his lines. "Ok, first..." He shifted his gaze between the expectant gaze of his best friends "I'll tell you guys as we walk." He started down the street before his friends could say anything. He waited for them to catch up before he started to speak. "Alright. In order. Well on the day that I disappeared I ran into some trouble... Trouble that I couldn't really deal with-"
"Wait." Tucker interrupted. "You ran into something that you couldn't deal with? Like what?"
Danny had to think quickly for an answer. Not finding one, he instead went with what was probably a safe answer. "I don't know what it was. It was something that we never ran into before. To say the least it kicked my butt." Danny paused as they passed some kids from Casper High that he couldn't really be bothered to place names with. Once they had passed out of ear shot he continued "The old man, his name is Ebenezer McCoy... Well he helped me out."
"He's a Ghost Hunter?" Sam asked, not being able to see it in the old man.
"...No, not really." Danny adopted a look of debating with ones self before he continued. "Apparently there's weird crap that doesn't involve ghosts. Ebenezer's a Wizard... Don't look at me like that." He said catching his friends disbelieving looks.
"A wizard?" Tucker asked.
"Like crazy long beards, hats with stars on them, and making brooms come to life?" Sam asked.
"Kind of?" Danny answered. "Although less Disney and more D&D... And I might be a wizard too." This earned him odd looks from Sam and Tucker, obviously.
"You believe him?" Sam asked.
"Well he would know, right?" Danny said lamely.
"He's not going to be dragging you off to some castile in Europe is he?" Tucker asked.
The question made Danny snort "No, and thank what ever higher power that that isn't a thing. He's taking me to some farm to train."
"Wait, wait, wait! You're leaving?" Sam asked. Before Danny could answer she continued "We don't even know if this whole thing is real! And even if it is, he could be wrong about you!"
Danny sighed "Yeah. Although I'm pretty sure he's the real deal, and if he's wrong about me then I'm just back to being the freak of nature."
Both of his friends winced. "Come on man, you're not a freak. So don't talk like that." Tucker said.
"What else would you call someone who is both alive and dead?"
"Has it been bugging you that much? The half-ghost thing I mean." Sam asked, worried.
"A little. I guess." Danny replied.
"A little more than a little, I think." Tucker stated.
Danny shrugged. "Ok fine. It's been bothering me a lot. Ever since the accident I think."
"Why didn't you ever say anything?" Sam asked.
"Because there was nothing we could do about it. Why complain when I was pretty much stuck like that. Hell, every attempt I've made to get rid of it has back fired in some way. But now? Now I might be something completely different. I might be a wizard, not half-dead. Human. Frankly I think I prefer magic over ghosty-ness." Seeing his friends still seem worried Danny added "And if it turns out that I'm a half-ghost anyway, then I'm ok with that too. Been one for two years, I'm used to it. Just another part of my life, ya know?"
Sam and Tucker appeared to have accepted his answer and they both nodded.
"Well whatever happens, we're behind you." Sam said grinning.
"Yeah, come hell or high water." Tucker said adding his support too. Danny could only smile in thanks.
"Of course you're going to have to tell us what's really going on." Sam said smugly. She laughed when Danny froze in place "We know you way too well. So we know for a fact that you're not telling us everything."
"But we can wait, we trust you enough for that." Tucker said. "But you will tell us eventually." He ordered.
"Yeah." Danny said unable to keep his smile from his face. "Its a promise."
The trio of friends spent as much time as they could before Danny got the call that it was time for him to leave. He said his farewells to his friends and headed home to pack. Not a half-hour later Danny was back in Ebenezer's beat up old truck, leaving Amity Park. His leaving was pretty standard fair as far as someone leaving could be, despite the fact that he was leaving to learn magic.
The several hour drive went by mostly in silence, with only the occasional inkling of conversation breaking it. Eventually, Ebenezer and his new protégé finally made it to his farm, which was firmly in the middle of nowhere. It was the next day that Danny's lessons would start.