So yeah... maybe I did forget about this story a bit. It didn't seem very popular so it wasn't very hard to forget. That being said, there was one guest reviewer who got mad at me earlier for not posting this so you have Spector to thank that I got around to this since I honestly wouldn't have remembered till maybe... monday? maybe? It varies when stuff suddenly comes to me. Anyway, this will be the last installment of this one so please enjoy.=^-^=
Ch. 7 - Ghosts and Friends
Lao Shi flew over the skyscrapers with a perturbed expression. The two dragons flying behind him just happened to be most of what bothered him at the moment. After revealing the Amulet was no longer in their possession through an intricate story he'd come up with to keep Danny out of it, they insisted on investigating themselves. The dragons were two members of the Dragon Council Andam and Kulde. "More than the fact that the amulet was used, I am worried about how it made its way to our world." Andam commented as he looked down.
"Yes, if it came through an unknown portal we may have a problem on our hands."
"I think you're worry is misplaced councilors." Lao Shi began with a slightly flustered tone. "It is more likely that someone went and snatched it from the Infinite Realms purposefully." With the right spell making a portal wasn't hard at all.
"That is a good theory, but we should still be careful. I agree with Councilor Andam in that we should look into the possibility to be safe." Kulde responded. "With Pandarus in hiding we'll need all of the details we can get from the American Dragon." The three of them flew lower just over the electronics shop, and landed in back.
Lao Shi was quick to get to the door first. "Let me just make sure Fu Dog is not putting together any of his newest potions." He insisted. "Surprising him could.. lead to a mess." He finished roughly as he peeked in. He was surprised to find only a beat up gnome in the back room. "Fu Dog? Jake?" It was rather strange. Jake is supposed to come straight here after classes. He opened the door all the way in minor confusion. "Excuse me, but who are you?" He asked the Gnome who was enjoying the last of a large green drink.
"Oh, sorry. Didn't notice anyone come in. I'm Jackie."
Lao Shi raised a brow. "And?" He remarked to get more information.
"Oh right. I'm friends with Fu Dog. I came here when me and my friend Franky had a run in with a Naga in the sewer. I figured only the American Dragon could save Franky, but two dragons is way better odds." He explained fully with a confident expression.
The older dragon raised both brows as he turned to the Councilors. "Did you say... two dragons?" He finished as he looked back to the gnome.
Danny held up a glowing claw to help them see a bit better in the dark sewer. "Much better D." Jake thanked as he took a few more steps ahead. "So we're sure it's this way?"
"Definitely!" Fu encouraged from the manhole opening. "This is the area where Jackie was hangin out, plus the sewer here goes under Jake's school." The Shar Pei explained as he used a flashlight on a sewer map. "Just keep going down this way."
Jake flew ahead several meters before stopping at an odd sound. "Is that... growling?" He looked back at the small opening in the street.
"Do Nagas growl?" Danny wondered since they were supposed to be snake people.
A loud hissing rang down the tunnel next. "I'm thinking that's a maybe." Jake said with a nod.
As they went down a little further growls turned to barks which were not what one would associate with snakes. "Alright, maybe it was a no." Danny commented as he increased the glow to his hand. "You see that Jake?"
The red dragon narrowed his eyes to see exactly what was thrashing in the water up ahead. "I think so... That's gotta be the Naga."
Danny nodded as he took off right after Jake. Both were surprised to see the dangerous reptile was already in the heat of battle with another creature. The large green dog had the creature's tail in its fangs as it slammed it against the walls of the sewer. "What the heck!?" Jake asked with his jaw down.
"Cujo!" Danny called out at finally finding his lost dog. The large hound with a slight glow raised his head in alert to his name. The minute he spotted the 2 dragons he leaped at them with a vicious bark.
"Whoa! Down boy!" Jake ordered as he dogged the pounce.
"Cujo! Heel!" Danny ordered, and the dog was confused a moment before growling again.
"Is this your lost dog!?" The red dragon asked in bewilderment that Danny was trying to command it.
"Yeah... Calm down Cujo. It's me Danny." He informed as he held his claws up to calm the beast. Cujo scrutinized the strange dragon with a low growl before approaching slowly. He sniffed the black dragon carefully before a wonderfully familiar scent caught his notice. All at once his menacing growl turned to a playful whine for attention as he jumped at his master. "That's a good- Ow!" Danny grumbled as he was pinned to the ground with a splash by the large dog.
"So... He is your dog?" Jake wondered again as he watched Danny try to keep the large tongue off of himself.
"Yeah I lost him- whoa Cujo! Calm down!" He hacked on dog saliva. "I lost him that night I ran into you remember?" Danny finished as he held the dog's snout away. His features moved from frustration to fear as he pointed a claw. "Whoa Jake look out!"
The American Dragon only barely dodged the Naga's razor sharp fangs. "Hey snakey! Don't you know its rude to sneak up on people!" The dragon accused with a warning claw. The battered Naga didn't care as it hissed in warning with its back arched. As it made another leap Jake flew out of the way and lay down a fire blast in its wake. It hissed in agitation while whipping up its tail to put out the flames with the water. "Well well, looks like fire really burns you up." Jake quipped cockily as he floated just above the grimy waters.
"That's a good idea." Danny added in having finally gotten out from under the dog. "How's about a double dose?" He proposed.
Jake nodded with a smirk. "Sounds like a good idea Danny. He then took in a breath and a column of fire erupted from his jaws. The Naga slithered out of the way quickly finding itself pinned between the 2 dragons.
"My turn Jake." Danny called as he took in a breath.
Jake jumped back just as a column of blue energy erupted from the jaws of the black dragon. In a cloud of strange mist that formed the 2 of them tried to ascertain the creature's whereabouts. "Hey, where'd this steam come from?"
"Where's the Naga Jake?" Danny countered as he waved it away with both claws. As he took a few steps forward he found himself running into a large cold object. "What the?"
"No way..." Jake muttered as he found himself on the other side. "Its... frozen?" The mist cleared a bit more and the Naga was revealed to indeed be frozen.
"Hmmm... I guess I messed up the fire breath thing..." Danny muttered in minor disappointment.
"No worries D, you got the Naga on ice. Now we can get rid of it easy." Jake pointed out as he leaned on the frozen beast. "Let's get back to Fu." Both dragons cut the Naga's ice away from the frozen sewer water before flying it up and out.
"One Naga on ice, hold the venom." Danny joked as they set it down in the deserted ally.
"Whoa, nice job kids... uh.." Fu trailed off as he saw the small green dog hop out of the manhole. He shook the grimy water off before barking happily. "Who's the green bean over here?" He asked gesturing to strange green pup.
"That's just Cujo. We found him battling it out with the Naga when we found it." Danny explained as grabbed the dog up in his arms.
"He's the lost dog remember?" Jake probed as he looked at the way Danny was giving him attention.
"Yes, and I missed you yes I did." The halfa cooed in a babying tone. "Who's a good boy." He scratched the dog's belly lovingly while Fu looked a little annoyed at the display.
It was after dark when the dragons set the frozen beast on the roof of Lao Shi's shop with a loud thud. "Good, with the temperature going to the 20's tonight, we shouldn't have to worry about scaly here getting free." Fu remarked as he knocked the solid ice. "He should be fine frozen for a few days so we can ship him back to China."
"Good, cause I don't want to be this close the Naga fangs again." Jake responded as he remembered the near bite he'd gotten earlier.
He then looked back to the small green dog. "By the way... how'd he get so small? He was huge when he was fighting the Naga."
Danny gave a nod as he scratched the dog's ear. "Yeah, he can change his size, but he usually stays small like this. Remember the book? Cujo's a Black Dog."
"But he's your pet, you said you couldn't just make a Black Dog your pet since they're so dangerous." Jake countered as he crossed his arms.
"I said usually you can't. Cujo's one of those rare cases where you can. He only came back for a squeaky toy."
"He should not have come back for any reason." They all suddenly heard in a harsh tone. They turned to see Lao Shi and 2 other men exiting from the roof door.
"Yo, gramps... uh, what's the council doing here?" He asked in a whisper as he leaned down and gestured to them.
"They have come to investigate the amulet."
"And it would seem our worry was not misplaced if a ghost has indeed come to our world." Councilor Kulde remarked sternly.
"We should locate the portal from which it escaped and seal it back in immediately." Andam agreed.
"Hey, I know Black Dogs can be dangerous, but Cujo's a good boy. You don't have to worry about him really." Danny insisted to the older dragons calmly.
"That is where you are wrong young dragon. Any ghost poses a danger to the balance between magic and non-magic. We cannot allow any to roam free." Kulde declared as he glared at the green pup. Cujo obviously didn't care for them as he growled from Danny's arms. "Who exactly are you anyway young dragon. You are not a world dragon I have met."
Danny wore a wary expression. "A world dragon?"
"Yeah he's not a world dragon. Just a friend that dropped in for a visit." Jake corrected as the councilors grew suspicious. "And don't you worry, we'll take care of the dog too."
"Ah, but the dog is not the biggest problem American Dragon. The portal it came through is." Kulde reiterated. "If we were to allow more ghosts to enter our world it would only reignite the conflicts of old."
"What's your problem with ghosts? I mean I know a lot of ghosts are dangerous and cause nothing but problems, but you can't assume every ghost is like that you know." Danny countered in annoyance. "I mean I thought dragons were obnoxious, self-righteous, jerks who bossed everyone around. Of course, that turned out to be wrong when I actually met one, so I don't think you've ever met a ghost before now." The halfa deduced as looked down on them.
Both Councilors responded by transforming into their dragon forms. "I see now, you are a ghost in dragon form." Andam deduced from the dragon's slight glow and choice of words. "It would appear our problem is much bigger than initially thought." He raised all four wings in a show of intimidation though the halfa merely glared back.
"Step back!" A new voice roared from the other side of the roof. A large white beast appeared from a green portal just above the roof. He was followed by an armored knight with sword drawn. "I warn you now dragons. The consequences will be dire should you deal more than harsh words to the Great One."
"Frostbite?" Danny questioned at the strange timing of his arrival.
"Yes Great One. I received word from Queen Dorathea that you developed a problem with the amulet." He informed as he bowed.
"Oi... this roof top's getting crowded eh Jakey?" Fu whispered as he looked on at the new ghosts.
"I come on behalf of her royal highness to your aide Sir Phantom." The knight informed as he held his sword towards the irritated dragons.
"Return to your world at once ghosts!" Kulde commanded angrily at seeing more invade. "You know your kind have been banished from our world for millennia."
Frostbite glared at the blue dragon. "I am well aware dragon." He spat in distaste.
It was shared by the knight who only held his sword closer to the magical reptiles. "Yes we are well aware. We have only come for our own and the amulet. I assure you it is only a misfortune for me to see such insults to her majesty's great form." He then turned to the black dragon. "Come Sir Phantom. Her majesty awaits with the solution to your dilemma." He gestured to the portal.
Danny looked between him and Jake who seemed sad by the sudden conflict. The halfa gave a sigh as he nodded his head. "Yeah let's go." He strode over with the knight just behind him keeping an eye out for a sudden attack.
Frostbite gave an approving nod as his comrades entered the portal before turning back to the dragons. "Now we shall be taking our leave. You needn't worry about further meddling from our world. The last thing any ghost would want is to have to deal with magical creatures, especially those with your character Councilors. It is deplorable how with each new generation of the Dragon Council, I see the same ignorant policies for keeping order." He then turned without another word and went through the portal.
Both Kulde and Andam gave each other speculatory glances before the youngest dragon spoke up. "What the heck was that!? Could you guys be any more ridiculous!?" Jake rounded angrily.
"Calm yourself Jake. It is as I told you before-"
"I don't care gramps! You know I've been the American Dragon for only a couple of years, but I know one thing that none of you seemed to get with all your experience. Judging someone based on what species they are or what group they're from is just wrong!" He then turned back to his grandfather. "That's the kind of thing you taught me too."
"You must understand young dragon that ghosts nearly destroyed our world." Andam tried to reason.
"Well so did the Dark Dragon!" Jake snapped. "That ghost not only helped me get the amulet from Pandarus, but he helped me stop this Naga on a rampage in the sewer!" He gestured to the ice block. "So if a dragon can go bad, then a ghost could turn out to be a good guy don't you think!?" Neither dragon seemed ready to answer the young irate dragon.
"I understand your anger Jake. It has been a long day." He then gestured him to the door. "You should head home to rest."
Jake looked at his grandfather who didn't seem angry at his outburst at all before giving the Councilors one last angry glare. "I gotcha gramps..." He trailed off as he changed back and opened the door. He slammed it behind.
"Yesh... talk about tension.." Fu remarked as he found himself alone with the three dragons.
Jake spent the rest of the night and most of the next day in a foul mood. He waved off his friends who were headed to the skate park, while he continued on to meet with his grandfather who insisted they should talk about last night. At this point he really didn't care. Danny was a cool guy, and knew exactly how it felt to deal with more than the average teen every day. He opened the door to the shop to see his grandfather counting the drawer with a smile on his face. "Hey G... What are you so happy about?" Jake almost snapped thinking back to how he'd done nothing to defend Danny last night.
"Oh, just taking in the rewards of a good day of business."
Jake scowled. "You mean all that stuff Danny helped you fix right?" He recalled with a pointed tone.
"Yes." Lao Shi responded with a strangely contented tone.
It irked Jake to no end how his grandfather didn't seem guilty at all that he thanked Danny by let him get sent back to the Infinite Realms because the dragon Council said so. "I can't believe you G!-"
He started before Fu Dog dashed through from the back with 2 game consoles. "Check this out! He fixed both Game Station XLs with parts from 1 first gen Game Station!" He raved as he set them on the counter with the cords on top.
"That is perfect Fu Dog, I had just sold the last console a few minutes ago." He directed him to the empty shelf labeled Game Systems.
"Whoa! Can't keep this stuff in stock!" He brought them over enthusiastically while Jake started to take note of the newer stock. He'd thought they had already sold out of most of the stuff Danny fixed yesterday.
"Okay, so that's it for what I can fix. You should keep the others in the back for parts."
Jake turned the familiar voice and was surprised to see Danny in his human form giving a list to his grandfather. "Danny!? I thought you went back to that ghost world?" He asked as he ran up to the counter in excited confusion.
Danny gave a nod. "Yeah I did. Dora was able to get the amulet out of me, and then I came back this morning."
"But how did you... I though the Dragon council.."
"I understand your confusion Jake. You see since the ghosts had left on their own the Councilor's believed their intervention was unnecessary. I was able to convince them that the American Dragon was fully capable in managing even ghostly affairs since they are still part of the magical community."
Danny looked at him distastefully. "Even if it was a good loop hole, I'm still not a magical creature."
Lao Shi shrugged. "Of course, but as I was saying Jake. As long as you keep ghosts from our world, then they do not feel they should intervene in your duties." The old man explained with a grin of victory.
"But G... What about Danny? He's a ghost.. or a half ghost in our world." Jake pointed out with a more amicable expression.
"Ghost?" Lao Shi wondered as he looked around. "I see no ghost Jake. Are you sure you got enough rest last night?" He insisted with a teasing tone of ignorance.
Jake grinned at that. "You rock gramps."
"I know." He bragged as he looked down the list of what was sure to be part of a booming business week.
"Well whatever rules aside, I needed to come back to check out of my hotel room anyway." He then looked to Fu Dog. "Plus to pick up a special souvenir."
The Shar Pei finished placing the merchandise and gave him a thumbs up. "Oh right, I got what you're lookin for." He dashed into the back and returned with what looked like a small snow globe only it looked purple and had nothing in it. He held it up to Danny with a confident expression. "Here you go, one specially customized Lumen Orb. Good for diming the light in any room no matter how many windows." He then leaned in with a sly expression. "Especially good for setting the mood in the middle of the day."
"Or for a girl who's not a morning person when her parents insist on prying open the curtains if she sleeps past noon." Danny corrected with a minor blush on his face. "Anyway, sorry to get going even though you just got here Jake, but I need to get back home." He insisted as he picked up his bag. He then pulled out a business card and handed it to him. "But feel free to call if you have any ghost problems or," He continued with a shrug. "Maybe we can hang out some time."
Jake took it happily. "Of course, and don't hesitate to call the Amdrag if you need any help either. Drop a line if you hit the town again."
"As long as you don't shove me in one of those ghost ball things again." He joked back as he headed out the door with his bag over his shoulder.
"Oh I'm gonna miss that kid." Fu commented with longing as he looked at the repaired electronics around the store.
"Perhaps he would be interested in a part time summer job?" Lao Shi wondered aloud as he stroked his beard.
"Yeah, I guess once this stuff is sold we'll have to go to, 'Canal Street Electronics, almost never have customers' or something." Jake remarked in amusement.
So that's the end. I'm sorry to those who expected more but this wasn't supposed to be some epic story. Just something small like and animated two-parter or something. If your curious about the councilors I used their season one forms because of Andam's quad wings. He looked fiercer with them. Thanks for reading and if you like Kim Possible I'm posting a short cross over for that one next.
As always reviews or any comments are appreciated.=^-^=
