Linariel: Been Busy with college here's the next chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Danny Phantom characters from the series that honor goes to the incredibly creative Butch Hartman. I do however own all the characters who don't appear in the series are mine. That includes Adrian, Jennifer, Lilith, Alicia and any others.
Adrian Spook
In
Au Du Phantom
Episode Summary:
Whenever Adrian does something ghost like Danny's ghost sense goes off. Leading the halfa to start investigating and Alicia to try and find a remedy. Meanwhile Adrian's new found other half is attracting ghosts like crazy to him like perfume. Why is this happening, and can he continue keep his double life a secret?
Part 2
The most fetching scent since ghost nip!
By: Lydia (penname: Linariel)
The stairs creaked that morning as Adrian cautiously made his way up to the attic. Technically the space was not used as an attic at all but rather a storage room where various items related to specters were kept. It was sealed off with a passcode at the door but fortunately for Adrian and his siblings they'd figured out the combination some time ago. Their parents had yet to know they had free access to the room. Now with his other half he was thankful for that fact.
Glancing about the area after punching in the security code and gaining access Adrian was relieved to see no one was in the chamber. The space had somewhat the impression of his grandparent's lab but that was only because Danny and Sam received the remodeled room as an anniversary gift sometime in their first three years of marriage from the Fentons side of the family. Jack and Maddie insisted that the two needed a place to store their equipment if anything to keep it divided from cluttering the rest of the house thus ensuring their year old son's safety.
Although looking vaguely like the famed Fenton Works' basement lab it had many differences. Including the fact that the room was average in size, the counters were not cluttered with lab equipment, and there was no large portal built into the wall. Only a makeshift proto-portal that was so small it had to be propped up on a counter. It was rarely turned on and just kept for emergencies. Like any portal it had a DNA based lock that only a Fenton or a Foley could open. Along with that there were various ghost weapons from bazookas to shields leaning against on the wall, in shelves or cases. The most essential thing in the room was a large computer built into the side which controlled the ghost shield that surrounded the house. Other than that the room remained more or less bare.
Being a superhero you could never be too prepared. Still his parents didn't go up to the attic nearly as often as they used to. Danny relied heavily on the latest weaponry from the G.P.A. and Sam rarely fought ghosts now a days too busy with her career as a lawyer. So the room was visibly dusty with a few cobwebs here and there.
His family was expected at the committee's meeting site soon for the annual city cleanup, so he needed to make this quick as possible. Adrian let out a sigh as he trudged over to the proto-portal carefully retrieving the Fenton thermos from his backpack. It was risky relying on the tiny portal to send the ghosts back into their realm but it was easier than trying to comb through security at Ghost Patrol Agency Headquarters or deal with questions from his ghost hunting grandparents. Carefully uncapping the device just barely he pushed it into the closed slot on the escape hatch then punched the release button allowing the Box Ghost back into his realm. Only when he was sure the process was done did he retrieve the thermos and stuff it in his backpack.
"Brudder…" said a soft sleepy voice from underneath a nearby desk. "Is that you?"
Adrian turned around startled to see his littlest sister there.
She crawled out from the desk still rubbing her eyes as she tried to focus on him with a small yawn. "What you doing up here?"
Relieved to see it was only his little sister Adrian moved away from the proto-portal to sit down next to her on the floor. "I should be asking you the same question Lil." He watched his sister intently checking for any signs of suspicion in her lavender blue eyes but the sweet little Fenton only appeared slightly dazed. It was quite clear she didn't know what he was up to.
"I was slee-… taking a nap." Lilith yawned again slightly stretching. He noticed she was still in her pajamas and a small blanket wrapped around her waist. "Couldn't sleep down there so I came up here."
"Why on earth would you do that?"
"It's better up here… more peaceful." Lilith replied with a deep sigh her whole body relaxed. She crawled over to situate herself in her brother's open lap to which he didn't protest. Other than looking slightly stiff and disheveled she did indeed look serene. The littlest fenton leaned back into his chest still obviously sleepy eyed.
Adrian sighed soon concluding what she meant. Lilith's choice of napping arrangements could only be related to the fact that she had nearly died at birth. His father had told him she'd been in the middle of crossing over before they'd been able to revive her. So a part of her would remain connected to the ghost realm always. Given the circumstance it seemed plausible that she'd be more stress-free after being around the paranormal.
He stroked her hair affectionately and gave her a gentle hug knowing she needed comfort. A thought ran through Adrian's mind as he processed her words carefully only to find a gap in her explanation. "That still doesn't clarify why you couldn't sleep in your room."
She fiddled with the blanket not looking up at her brother instead taking a long moment to answer the question. Adrian felt concern for his sister increasing with her melancholy actions it did not fit his sister's character in the least. Finally she leaned back away to face him with her lavender blue eyes fixed on her brother's amethyst ones with much intensity. "I had a dream." She replied simply.
Raising an eyebrow Adrian looked at her perplexed by her brief answer. "Are we addressing a nightmare?" he asked trying to coax the truth out her.
Yawning again Lilith shook her head slightly. "No it wasn't a nighhh… a bad dream. It was…" her own eyebrows creased as she tried to decide the best way to describe it. "paranormal." Oddly enough even though she had trouble with big words that was one of the few she could pronounce perfectly.
Her answer intrigued Adrian for he could only guess that she had vision of the Ghostzone. It was something that happened randomly to her with no discernible pattern. She'd glimpse into the other realm through her dreams or just when she was daydreaming. Yet another side-effect of her being in limbo before her birth.
"It's going to alright Lil… Can you convey to me what it was about?" he asked her gently for some reason he had a feeling it was important otherwise Lilith would be her normal cheerful self. Obviously it had warred slightly on her naïve mind whatever had happened.
Lilith blinked as she started becoming slightly more awake and a rare frown came on her face. "I wonder if they'll find him…" she said absently not answering his question in the least.
Staring at his sister Adrian felt a lump forming in his throat. "Find Who?"
The mini fenton shrugged her shoulders and leaned again into her brother with a sigh. "The natural ghost everyone is talking about in the Ghostzone. All of them are looking for him now." Her words were so innocent and passive but the threat rang true to Adrian's mind.
"Did you overhear anything else they said?" Adrian persisted pushing his sister back once more to regain eye contact with the young red head.
She shook her head then she seemed to stare at him in a way that started making him feel uncomfortable. "Did something happen to you rec- not long ago Brudder?"
The parta couldn't help but become a bit guarded around his sister now. "Why do you ask?" Had she seen him in her visions? No it couldn't be she only ever seemed to have them about the Ghostzone. From what he could remember she'd never once mentioned the human realm.
But she eased his suspicion easily. "I don't know you seem different…better…con-…happy."
Adrian snorted at this declaration. Different yes but better, no way? He especially wasn't happier with his current problem, but there was no way he was dragging his little sister into it. Ever carefully he removed her from his lap and stood up to retrieve his backpack nearby. "I guess you're deduction is partly right." He found it ironic his choice of words but forced a small smile on his face for her sake and extended his hand out to her. "Come on Lil we're leaving soon and you're not even dressed scamp." He said in a playful tone.
Taking her brother's hand she pulled herself off the ground giggling at the nickname. Well it seemed she was back to normal. " 'Kay!" she chirped.
Her actions almost made Adrian believe that their conversation had all been a hallucination. But then he noticed her glancing back at the proto-portal with a frown before heading down the stairs to her bedroom. No it had been very real for his sister and he had a bad feeling that the natural ghost the others were looking for was him.
Mid-morning set in as everyone arrived at the park for instructions. A large tent was set up nearby stuffed to the brim with everything they'd need for cleaning supplies. The crowd gathered around center stage was at least one third the size of the Amity Park's population. There were many volunteers some eager others that couldn't care in the least.
Each year these events were hosted and certain groups traded off on the task of cleaning the public property around the city. It was a written law that at least every three years people from a certain age and up were expected to help, those who were younger could assist as well but they weren't required to do so. Teenagers like Adrian who went to Casper High didn't have much of a choice.
The brooding poet tried his best to ignore the glares that tried to penetrate on him. If his classmates thought they were intimidating him with their accusing looks they had another thing coming to them. Adrian was rarely fazed by their petty grudges. He'd stared down many ghosts and barely flinched when they tried to scare him. After living around them so long he was at a point where specters gave little more than discomfort. So how could other humans think they'd be able threaten him?
He knew why his classmates were so hostile. Hardly any of them were excited to be stuck cleaning up citizens' messes. They were only doing it because the principle had required the Casper High students to participate. So naturally the easiest person to blame for their ruined weekend was the son of Sam Fenton because without the wife of Danny Phantom the idea of required groups to clean would not have been made reality. So he bared the weight of his mother today which was different considering he usually dealt with those who wanted a piece of his dad.
But they needn't bother trying to make him feel guilt. Adrian's mind was not at the park but instead back at home in the lab still trying to make sense of his conversation with Lilith. He really shouldn't dwell on it, it was probably nothing to worry about. But why did that foreboding feel still pound at his chest…
Shaking his head the young parta tried his best to focus his mind of his mother's speech as she addressed the crowd. Hearing his name spoken and seeing his classmates stares Adrian shook his head.
She just had to do it...
He'd been called on to fulfill the role of leadership.
His mother had warned him ahead of time that if they were shorthanded she would volunteer him for a spot. When he'd protested he was too young she plainly stated that was not so and besides he had more than enough experience with these events to qualify for the task.
Adrian still couldn't fathom what had possessed his mother to appoint him as a team captain. Honestly he'd rather be follower it required less work and kept him in the shadows. This concept just wasn't probable. But there was no getting around Sam Fenton's decisions when she made one. She was after all the one he inherited his stubbornness from.
Even so he'd never been in a leadership role and wasn't sure he'd be able to handle it. Still what was done was done and there wasn't much chance of getting his mother to change her mind.
Slowly the students and others were split up into teams. His was a team of ten and the only ones who he really knew personally or recognized were Miles & Timothy Foley who were Alicia's brothers ever since their father became mayor the Foley Siblings were expected at all city events. Then there was Chloe Baxter his sister's best friend, and Hope Rivers, Jazz and Lar's daughter his younger cousin. Thankfully his mother had enough discretion to eliminate the possibility of anyone five years older than him being assigned to his group. It would have been too awkward.
The team looked at him expectantly though there was mixture of doubt in some of their eyes as to whether or not this young Fenton was capable of taking up the role of leadership. Adrian took a long deep breath before focusing on his group directly. 'It's now or never.' He thought in the back of his mind as he cleared his throat to issue instructions…
Adrian was right to be concerned for Lilith's vision had been more of threat that he could ever have envisioned.
Early on in the Ghostzone much commotion had taken place as many spirits of various shapes and sizes were converging in one direction. They had all received a formal invitation to meet in the main plaza square of one of largest districts in the realm. The area was mainly used as a sort of trading post. Ghosts gathered there to exchange items or energy for things they desired. No fighting was to be done at these grounds it was a rule among their kind that most everyone abided in. Still with all the intimidating spirits hanging out there that day no neutral ghost would dare set foot in the region.
Specters from Phantom's rouge gallery and beyond that all looked at one another warily sizing the others up trying to decide if they posed a threat. Hostility was plainly in the air as one objective dominated all of the ghosts' minds.
Rumors had spread around of Johnny 13 and Salina the Shepherdess's encounters with the lone natural ghost who stayed in the human realm, and each had their own plans on how to coax little newborn into submission. It was rare to find one in such circumstances like this child and all wanted a piece of him but it was also plain that only so many would get the chance. The only reason an all-out battle hadn't started was because they didn't know where the newborn was and it would be a waste of energy on their part.
Especially according to the ghost whoever it was who gave out the invitations with the hinted possibility of being able to get to the human realm. Before any arguing could break out amongst the group a tall lean ghost made his appearance in the crowd. An air of strength and power could be plainly felt from him with a sense of foreboding that made all the ghosts back off slightly. The stranger's face remained shadowed by large black cloak that covered his whole body. The only thing that was present was a part of deep crimson red eyes peeking out from the depths of the cloak. By his actions alone it was obvious he was the one who issued the summons.
Chuckling slightly with a little mirth in his voice the ghost in question turned to address the crowd. "So I was right there are many who want a piece of this newborn. Though I didn't expect such a throng to show up all at once…"
He took a stance in the middle of the crowd as a burst of blood red ectoplasm danced in his hands crackling and sparking in a way that few had ever witnessed. The other spirits couldn't help but gasp this ghost had raw energy a rarity to their kind. It was rumored it could be both beneficial to a ghost's powers and deadly if used in an attack on another ghost. It was said to be hard to heal from. Only a handful of ghosts could tame and perfect this art. They were spoken only in myth and rarely in reality. It was plain their assumption was correct he wasn't someone to mess with.
The ecto energy extinguished in his palms allowing the creatures to relax slightly before he spoke in a clear authoritative voice "Now down to business the rumors are true I do possess path to the human realm."
"Oh yeah?" barked Skulker the Ghostzone's greatest hunter. He and a handful of others weren't completely intimidated by this ghost. Besides anyone who masked their appearance couldn't be trusted there was just no way this was possible. "What's in it for you?"
The others glanced at the ghost with raw energy expectantly some more suspicious then before.
"I bet he wants more energy."
"Maybe he's looking to have something retrieved from the human realm."
"Or…or he wants the newborn for himself."
That sent crowd into an uproar. No one wanted to share the rumored newborn they all wished a piece for themselves.
"QUIET!" snarled the ghost causing everyone to turn towards him and settled down as his loud voice echoed through the Ghostzone. Taking a moment to clear his throat the spirit composed his self yet again. "Your arguing is useless and petty it will get you nowhere in the long run. And might I remind you something that none of you simple minded fools seem to get. If I wanted the natural ghost for myself then why on Earth would I come to you?" The crowd grew even more silent exchanging glances. "I could easily go there and retrieve the creature myself but I have not."
"He's got a point." Spectra couldn't help but say glancing towards her partner Bertrand and the others around her. None of them could argue the spirit had enough power.
"Thank you. Now as I was saying you are correct I do need payment from all of you but not what you think." A small device came into view as he held it up for them to see. It looked much like a remote yet it had a small satellite dish sticking from its top. All and all it was strange to see something so human in the ghost's hands. "This is what I will use to get you there. Only I know the correct coordinates and how to use it so don't even think about trying to overpower me."
Energy glowed slightly from his hand in warning before he spoke again with narrowed red eyes "Now as for the price for admission it goes something like this… today is one of the few that a large amount of humans will be walking about in the streets. All I ask is for you to cause mayhem among the mortals like we used to do so freely."
Many the ghosts brightened at this deal. It had been a long time since such so many of them if any had engaged in such an activity.
The white hair electric ghost with sunglasses Technus spoke up. For all of them were thinking the same thing. "But doesn't the peace treaty prevent us from doing this?"
The ghost with the raw energy snarled. "Who cares what the peace treaty says? It was a silly law that doesn't even begin to stop our kind in the least. If you ask me we received the short end of pole when it came to the terms of it." The downright hostility in his words startled most but then he seemed to compose himself. "It's just for one day and there are some clauses in that treaty that keep it from affecting this situation. After all I doubt any of you are planning to work together am I right?"
All exchanged glances. While a portion started to leave, others stayed nodding their heads agreeing with the ghost's reasoning. No, none of them wanted to work as a team. It was all for one. After all there was only so much newborn to go around.
"Now you're singing my tune." Ember said with a grinned.
Others nodded in agreement and soon many were voicing their approval.
From under the cloak the ghost who just so happened to be the one who raided new tech smirked. "Then we have an accord I expect no part of Amity Park to remain unscathed after this attack." As an afterthought he added. "Oh, and if you happen to find that newborn then by all means, have at him first."
'What none of you realize is your bait is going to be easier to find than usual.' Although he didn't know the identity of the child he knew what safety instincts it would be living by. So he'd taken the liberty making sure the newborn could not hide.
Things were going according to plan. His leader would get the result he wanted and the specters would have the chance to find that naturally born ghost thus putting an end to those annoying rumors once and for all. He agreed with his master that extended hostility amongst their kind would make things rather difficult for their plans.
Without another word he began pressing buttons on the remote as the large group waited in anticipation. Then with one last click outward they watched in awe as a man or I should say ghost made portal appeared in a burst of light directly in the atmosphere showing blue skies instead of black and green. With a cry of excitement the group ascended on the portal.
After giving each of his crew their assigned tasks and making sure each had a handle of their job Adrian withdrew himself from the group to work on his own. He'd managed to make a separation between him and the others giving him space to labor without them noticing anything strange about their captain. All and all things were going well. The group he'd been put in charge from what he observed seemed diligent and more or less efficient in their work. Which was a load off because he had been assuming he'd get some of his disgruntled classmates.
The designated location they were toiling in was the large field of tall grass near the mall it was supposed to become the new location of recreation building but that was a year away. They'd arrived only ten minutes ago and were already making progress. The place had been piled up to the brim with trash littering the ground. Adrian felt a certain amount of disgust at how the field had been maintained. He might not be the biggest neat freak but his mother certainly influenced her children's outlook on the environment and Adrian was not exempt from this.
Stabbing a nearby gum wrapper with his poker stick he stuffed the piece into the large black trash bag he carried. Ever so often he glanced up everyone to assess his team's work. Progress was being made he was seeing less trash and more of the actual field.
A voice caught his attention and he noticed Chloe Baxter his eldest sister's best friend calling to him. Taking in the perplexed look on her face and her gestures towards something on the ground buried in the tall grass Adrian quickly assessed he needed her to examine what she'd found.
Nearing the area Chloe was at he caught a glimpse of shinning metal reflecting off the sun. His eyebrows creased wondering exactly what she found. As he came closer Adrian soon had a full view of the strange object. He blinked looking it over carefully. The thing reminded him of an old fashioned CD player only it was square instead of round with a large glowing red orb in the middle, on top four small metal antennas poked out from each side, and a thin silver band curved around the probes. Oddly enough it almost reminded him of a ghost trap with its edges and the now present thin green stripes but it he'd never seen anything like it in his life.
"What would be the proper course of action with removal of this gadget?" Spoke a hesitant male voice nearby. He glanced back to see one of Alicia's brother's Miles the thirteen year old genius prodigy of the Foley clan squatting down next to him to get a better look at the device. The African American pushed back some of his black bangs as he adjust his thin rimmed glasses to examine it more clearly with his green eyes that reflected Valerie's own.
Adrian's mind contemplated how to answer. He had a feeling it was a weapon used against ghosts, and from the looks of it device had been set on some kind of trigger. 'So it wouldn't be safe if that thing went off.' He may currently be in his human form but he could hazard a guess that it would be drawn to his parta DNA like a magnet especially since there were no ghosts in the area.
Before he could answer a soft voice spoke up. "I think we should leave it alone…" It could only come from his ten year old cousin Hope Rivers. The gentle childlike young girl stood there looking rather nervously at the device her somewhat autistic mind couldn't fathom its un natural appearance it was to surreal for her. "It's probably dangerous." She added her brown eyes glancing to her cousin while her wavy strawberry blond hair danced in the breeze.
He had to admit his cousin had the right idea. This thing was hazardous and they didn't know what it was capable of doing. 'It could more or less kill me for all I know.' He thought humorlessly. Turning to the others his eyes narrowed noticing that the rest of his team had gathered around to stare at the device. "Hope's assessment is accurate. We'll leave it here and I'll let notify the G.P.A. team to come examine at it."
"Must we?" wined Alicia's other brother on his team the five year old Timothy Foley. He had poofy black hair, dancing light green eyes, and chocolate brown skin with freckles spattered on his face. "We should find out what it does first!" The parta stepped closer to the object as begun to notice the look of hungry excitement on the young boy's face. Out of all the Foley siblings Adrian knew him to be the one who was the most passionate when it came to ghost hunting.
"No." Adrian said firmly shaking his head. "We don't know what this device is capable of. It would be foolish to activate it now."
Timothy seemed to pout. "Aw you and Alicia are always spoiling my fun."
"If you remember correctly brother that is what has kept you functioning thus far." Miles said effortlessly rolling his eyes. The genius could see the logic behind his sister's best friend's words. Adrian had proven himself on many occasions to the boy so out of all the siblings he was the least likely to argue.
For the most part little Timothy just glared at his older brother before letting out a huff and turning away.
Adrian rubbed his temples as he felt a headache coming on. He was not good at this leader business. Having to handle so many people at once was complicated. 'I can't imagine how my parents did it.' Though he had to admit according to his mother people seemed to listen more readily to the poet then his father when he was the same age. "Then let's get back to cleaning everyone. It's essential that we get this place impeccable before lunchtime."
The others weren't about to argue with this. Everyone could already feel their stomachs growling the chance of food was not something they were about to pass up.
Idly Adrian glanced at the device once more before taking off his backpack and pulling out a white strip of cloth left over from the sweater the alpha wolves destroyed. Picking up a nearby stick he carefully wrapped it around till it took on the appearance of a flag. Sticking it in the ground a few feet from the device Adrian looked on at his work more of less satisfied.
"There now the G.P.A. will have no problems identifying it." With that he turned and left the area to get back to cleaning up things and set his mind away from the strange item.
Once the team captain was a good distance away a small head poked up from the grass and Timothy Foley looked about before grinning ear to ear. Now that everyone was more or less occupied he could have some fun with the gadget. He just knew it had to do something cool. And besides none of them were ghosts so it shouldn't affect anyone. He saw no harm in checking it out.
Crawling through the grass he quietly made his way towards the device keeping as close to the ground as he could. The young Foley checked every once and a while to make sure the others weren't looking. Finally near enough he gazed in wonder at the strange contraption. "This has to be the bee's knees when it comes to ghost gear no doubt." He shook his head with a grin. There was no way he was passing up this opportunity.
Reaching out for the device he hesitated for a moment. "Maybe they're right…" then rolled his little eyes. "No way Adrian's just being dumb." Anyone could see the thing was harmless.
Timothy resumed reaching to touch it. As soon as his hand passed over the top a little light sparked around the wire circle. Withdrawing his hand the young foley's eyes widened then a grin broke out on his face. "Cool!" copying his actions again only this time he waved his hand above the orb. The device preformed the same function then the light begun to swirl around. Slowly a beam of red emerged looking much like a laser but when the simple minded foley reached for it the light bounced off his hand and away from it.
This was just simply amazing to Timothy although he still couldn't understand what the device was meant for. It was acting so strange. A buzzing suddenly reached his ear and he watched as the thing thrummed with the red light swirling around passing straight through him. Suddenly a large crackling thread of energy emerged and the young Foley had barely enough time to duck away as it hit the area he'd just been sitting at slicing the bladed grass in half.
Gulping the young Foley decided he'd had enough of this weird thing. It had been fun at first but now it was just getting dangerous. Still he wasn't about to tell the others what he was doing not when there was a chance of getting in trouble. Fortunately the light sprung up and away from the grass now only passing through things rather than cutting them. So he assumed everyone would be fine.
Rapidly working through his area the parta was satisfied to see that he'd made excellent progress. Just a little more effort and he'd be done. 'Then of course I'll have to help the others.' He reminded himself he kept forgetting he was team captain and the others were relying on him right now. It was getting easier but he still wasn't used to the title after all he was a poet and a loner by nature it wasn't natural to be surrounded by so many people.
A tingle met his body and Adrian groaned knowing what it meant. But oddly enough no rings of light sprung out to represent his impending transformation. Raising an eyebrow the parta was confused. 'Shouldn't that be a sign I'm going ghost?' It usually was. This was too surreal. Then as if to answer his question he felt something reach in and touch his chest right above his heart. Waves of pain shot through his body as he fell to the ground in discomfort. Glancing up his eyes widened seeing a red laser aiming directly at his chest. It was if it had phased through his body straight to his heart.
The faint sound of metal screeching on metal was heard as he tried to get his baring and pull himself off the ground. The tingling grew rapidly as the clashing of metal grew then it all but stopped. Looking down he bulked at the site of the large metallic looking probe thing a few feet in front of him. He noted that it looked similar to the device Chloe had found. 'Someone activated it?' was that why he'd felt the pain did it come from this thing.
Hovering near him the thing continued to shine the painful beam of red directly at his heart. Then before he could even move a muscle strands of red ecto energy formed into a sort of net and fell right on him. The net shocked him hard and Adrian had to bite his lip to keep from crying out in agony, and alerting the others to his predicament. Then he felt it another tingle but this time it wasn't from the laser which had finally disappeared as the device sank near his feet.
Two beams of light surrounded his body and in place of Adrian Fenton was the parta Spook. Gasping he struggled with the net but before things could get any worse it disintegrated right before his eyes. The probe having finished its job activated again this time shooting off into the air away from the teenager. Stunned and slightly disoriented the young parta tried to get his thoughts straight.
"What was that noise?"
"It came from over there."
"Finally some action!"
"Oh knock it off Tim."
Panic set in for the parta as he realized his predicament he could not have them seeing him like this. Luckily he and Alicia had prepared an emergency supply kit in his backpack for just such a mishap. Adrian rummaged through it drawing out then slipping on a plain white pullover, a white newsboy cap, and his pair sunglasses that were miraculously still intact. Taking a deep breath he tried his best to settle his nerves he did not need any suspicions from them especially with the insightful Miles around.
The group came upon Adrian already back to cleaning and they all looked about puzzled.
"I know it was coming from over here." Chloe said with a frustrated sigh. Then she raised an eyebrow noticing her best friend's brother's change of clothing. 'It's not that cold out here. Why on earth is he dressed in that?'
"Did you see anything out of the ordinary cuz?" Hope asked curiously to Adrian.
As much as he'd rather reply honestly he knew he could only give them a half truth. "Well if you mean by that device hovering around the area then yes I did…" he replied dryly. "Unfortunately it flew off before I could stop it."
"Well at least it didn't hurt anyone." Hope said with a small smile relieved her cousin was okay. "So no harm done right."
"Yeah…" Adrian muttered he glanced up at the ghost trap that was slowly fading into the distance. It was the strangest he'd ever came across. 'Was that thing mouth functioning or something? Why did it up and leave after catching me?' he thought to himself. Rubbing his chest he tried to ease the burning sensation it gave him. 'I'll have to ask Alicia what she thinks of it when I see her again…' It was really too bad they hadn't been assigned to the same group. He could use her support right now.
Following their benefactor's instructions the ghosts wasted no time at all creating the random mayhem he desired. The towns people were unprepared for the onslaught of attacks, even the neutral ghosts who resided in Amity Park as citizens faced the wrath of the own kin. Nothing was left unturned and for a while the spirits enjoyed the random messes, and fear they were instilling just by their presence alone. But soon it grew well rather boring they hadn't signed up simply for this. They were loosing sight of their main objective one by one the ghosts stopped converging on the mortals and neutral spirits and started looking for the Natural Born Ghost for that was what they desired to find more chaos could wait for later.
That didn't stop the destruction by a long shot though. Instead of going after those that moved they went after every inanimate object they could get their hands on. Things were upturned right and left leaving a mess as the ghosts got more a more frustrated not being able to find their quarry. All the hard work that was put into cleaning up the city was slowly but surely being put back into disarray in fact things were becoming even worse now.
In the middle of the storm was Sam Fenton with a large Fenton Bazooka as she hit the ghost left and right with beams of energy. Her eyes were practically livid with rage. "We've worked hard to get this area cleaned and I'm not about to let all our work go to waste because of some putrid ghost!" She targeted her blasts receiving the desired effect of pushing them the specters back.
Behind her, her team was making their way to the safest nearby location of a boutique that happened to belong to Pauliana Baxter. Phillip Miller having since the attack at the school by the ectopuses was familiar with these events and remained level headed as he helped the others into the building. Surprisingly Debbie Storm the A List Queen of Casper High was making an effort to help him as well.
A good distance from the door Lilith struggled in the grip of the twelve year old Riley Foley. Who's determined purple eyes were set as the jet black hair pony tail girl with chocolate color skin pulled the curious young Fenton away from the fighting. "We can't stay out here Lil it's too dangerous right now."
"No I need to be there…" Lilith said trying to break from her hold. "I know them…"
"You might but you have ta remember they have no problem with using you as a hostage kiddo."
The red head stared back at the attack. "But they're just… frusss- upset. They can be reasoned with to leave."
Riley tried to take a more gentle approach. "If your mom is going to have any chance against them we have to get to safety."
Lilith frowned looking back at her mother's attackers her lavender blue eyes creasing. "Be safe…" she whispered a silent words of hope for the newborn wherever the boy was. Though she might be naïve she knew it wouldn't good for the ghosts to find him.
Holding her own against the ghosts, Sam Fenton took only a moment to make sure her team was in safety before letting out more deadly attacks. The ghosts for the most part held their own against her though oddly enough those from Danny's Rouge gallery were only ones that didn't go after her. Which was the strangest thing because they were the ones with the grudges why were they leaving her alone? Even when she hit them with beams to drive them away from apartment buildings and stores they continued to ignore her.
The truth was the ghosts themselves were not in the least interested in going to toe to toe with Phantom's wife today. Not when they knew she might have a thermos handy there was no way they were going back to the Ghostzone right now. But their search was leading to frustration which they took out by vandalizing and damaging property here and there. They were growing irritated when something hit them.
A soft sweet delicate scent wafted into the air that only a spirit of the dead would be able to sense. It had a tang to it pure, somewhat raw, and untainted. The ones who spread the rumors were right it was too much to resist.
The ghosts stopped their assault as they drew it in sensing the energy signature stronger than ever now. They wondered how it had been masked for the last hour and why had they not sensed it before. Somehow the newborn had learned to mask his scent that was the only conclusion they could draw. But either way now a beacon had been lit. The trail was fresh and they knew if they followed it, it would lead directly to him. Taking off to the sky they let the damaged district be, as they fled racing against each other to be the first to find the naturally born ghost.
The old halfa found himself traveling down memory lane with the location he and his team had been put in charge of. It was the old kid's baseball field where he'd played at when he was young with his dad, it also was the location of many ghost fights he experienced as a teen. If one didn't believe that the scorch marks on dugout, and various random areas of the field that have yet to fixed would speak volumes of proof. None were really that visible anymore but to his sharp eyes everything threw him into flash back. Danny smiled fondly remembering others things from his teen years besides them. He wouldn't admit it but after his experience he'd grown to have warm memories of many of his adventures.
He sighed he wasn't that young anymore. Noticing his middle daughter approaching him with her matching eyes fixed on his own sky blue the senior ghost hero raised an eyebrow. "What's up Jenny?"
"We're nearly done with the second half of the field…" She said firmly with a mature expression that didn't fit her age. The young fenton had self-appointed herself co-captain and Danny couldn't argue with the results she was a natural leader to her own right. It was only her age that kept her from being in charge of her own group. "Should we move on to the next soon?"
"I think that will work out alright although all that's left is the area the others are at." He motioned to the second half of the team.
Jennifer nodded and guided her group over to the rest of them.
Some of the members he knew from Adrian's birthday Paige Lewis, and Hector Morale (who for some reason glared at him whenever they made eye contact). The rest he knew only vaguely besides his nephew Benjamin. The seven year old red head was focused and showing his efficiency in his work. He had a feeling the boy was sharper then he let on at random times he showed burst of intellect but unlike his mother Danny's sister he did not broadcast this ability.
His thoughts once again drifted down memory lane as he used a rake to gather leaves together that had drifted onto the field. Danny didn't know exactly why he was feeling so nostalgic right now but it was nice to have a long term memory so he could play back these experiences. As he worked a chill filled the air catching up the halfa and making him shiver in the process. Quickly he realized it wasn't coming from the air but directly from his body as a wisp of light blue escaped his mouth confirming his suspicious.
Swifter then anyone could think possible a light broke out and in place of Danny Fenton was Danny Phantom his group stopped their work to stare up in the sky at the superhero who'd ascended there only moments ago. But he didn't even notice their gaze for his attention was focused on a green and silver dot that was presently getting bigger and bigger. All too soon Phantom hit impact with a rush of metal and barely had enough time to push back to keep himself from being driven into the ground.
"What do you want Skulker?" He snarled, glaring up at Ghostzone's Greatest Hunter.
Skulker just smirked in response with his arms crossed over his chest. "Oh wouldn't you like to know Ghost Child." He glanced about taking in a full view of potential victims before grin broke out on his face. "I see one of your spawn is here with you today. How nice to finally that finally meet the child."
"You stay away from her." Danny as his hand begun to glow with green ectoplasm. The halfa could only assume that the ghost was after his daughter. She was the only one who hadn't experienced a firsthand capture by the crafty hunter.
Out of nowhere a sickening tune filled the air only for a very visible note to fly at him head on that he'd barely had time to duck before it hit the grass exploding. The spectators withdrew rapidly and with the help of Jennifer made it into the dugout where they'd be safely out of firing range.
"I should have known your girlfriend would be along soon she's always fighting your battles for you…" Danny exclaimed making a fist.
"For your information Dipstick." Came the now visible voice of the flaming blue hair green eyed ghost as she made her appearance floating nearby with her guitar ready. "We aren't here for your kid nor any of your delightful family for that matter. That's not the tune we're strumming to right now…" She hit a power cord ofher guitar blasting the halfa dead on with sound waves making him stumble.
Skulker nodded. "She's right you know. We're after a much bigger trophy today…"
Even if they claimed not to be after his child Danny wasn't about to let his guard down. "Oh and what is that more ghost weapons for you to hide behind cause of your tiny form? Or how about more songs for your girlfriend…" Glancing at Ember he added. "Seriously do you always play the same tunes? I've heard the same ones over and over since I was a teenager."
Bringing up their identifiable weaknesses the two ghosts eyes were glowing brightly with fury. Skulker glanced to Ember. "I think we should make a pit stop before we head out." He wanted to have go at the cocky halfa with his weapons, he had a few in his arsenal he was just dying to test.
"No can do Skulkie baby that would lead to the others getting to the newborn before us." Ember said with a shake of his head. She clenched her free hand into a first. "I'm not about to let them get first dibs on that sweet prize."
With a sigh Skulker reprimanded not wanting to deal with another argument with his girlfriend. "Fine then let's get this over with." He on lined his arm cannon he took at hitting the ghost boy dead on.
But hybrid caught the attack in his hands stopping it in midair and throwing it back all his might at the ghosts. "What are you guys talking about?"
Ember strummed her guitar in a certain note bringing up a shield of pink energy to the halfa's attack. They both raised an eyebrow at the senior ghost hero.
"You mean you haven't heard the news?" Ember asked sounding undeniably surprised.
Skulker remained quiet but his expression was enough words to show how stunned he was.
Now the halfa was frustrated. "I haven't exactly been subscribing the Ghost's Digest lately…" he said sarcastically.
"Well I suppose it won't matter to tell you." Skulker said with a shrug. "It's not like you can benefit from it only ghosts who died completely have this kind of chance. For your information Phantom an abandoned newborn is roaming Amity Park…"
"And every ghost is after him." Ember added with a smirk.
Danny Phantom's eyes widened at this statement as he stared from one ghost to the next. The two were perplexed by his actions for some reason this wasn't the type of expression they expected to find from their old enemy.
Rapidly the halfa's eyes begun glowing brightly in a threating tone of neon green. "Not if I have anything to say about it." He stated coldly drawing confused looks from the ghosts.
"Why should you care? It's only a mere ghost not one of those frail mortals you protect."
Phantom did not respond and instead without another word the senior ghost hero drew out a huge ball of ectoplasm and threw it with deadly accuracy at the two ghosts.
There was only so much of her twin Alicia could take before she was ready to explode. Her brother Jonathan Foley who was only older by a few minutes had been pronounced one of the team captains of the city cleanup. This didn't come as much of surprise to Adrian's best friend she'd been expecting his skills and title as Class President to lead to this. Though they looked much alike with the same doe eyes, curly dark chestnut hair although his was shorter, and chocolate brown skin. They were very different from each other.
While everyone clung to every word of Jonathan's speeches and agreed on most everything he said regardless if he was right. Alicia rarely drew in such reactions. Honestly she loved her brother but the fact he was currently outranking her as team captain didn't make her all that much happy. That and Malcolm Daryl had been assigned to the same group as her, and he continued to despite her rejections try to flirt with her. Oh well at least she knew Hugo was on her side although for the life of her she couldn't understand the hostile glances he threw at Malcolm.
She really wished Adrian was here even with his sour moods from time to time she'd welcome them over her brother or the A List pretty boy. It was mystery to her why for once Alicia had been separated from her best friend. She did really like Hugo but when the trio was together things were so much more balanced. Speaking of the parta though she still had to figure out where exactly and what exactly she could get to help Adrian mask he powers. He needed something but she didn't remembered her mother Valerie or her father Tucker going over any kind of gadget that could accomplish such a thing in the many teachings she endured.
Still there was no way she wanted to stay here with Jonathan not while he was in a position of power. Another bright side would be getting away from Malcolm. So she made up her mind and slipped away after her twin had finished assigning everyone their tasks. It had been a pure luck to think that there assigned location wasn't far from her house. One opportunity she wasn't about to let go to waste.
Spotting the immaculate green and white mansion with gold trim, the second largest on it's block, and always had an immaculate appearance to it. She knew her home anywhere with a garden in front and large iron fence surrounding it. Though most of it was just for appearances sake neither of her parents were into gardening although Riley seemed to have a certain fondness for it. Either way although it spoke volumes of the Foley's title their place didn't even begin to compare to the other wealthy families in the neighborhood but that had to do much with her parents quaint beginnings and the outside said nothing about the backyard or the inside of the mansion which was equipped with the latest technology.
Alicia made her way to the entrance but before she even had a chance to open the door to enter the family butler was already doing so. He was a tall dark haired man in his late fifties which was only noticeable by the splotches of gray in his hair. He had a rather mysterious vacant look to his sharp cobalt eyes that seemed to stare right through her almost as he was actually a robot or zombie. Anyone else would be intimidated by the creepy butler of Foley Manor but not Alicia she'd known him since she was young. Though he tried to hide it underneath a cold exterior he did have soft spot which she'd seen on rare occasions.
That was not so today though. He stared at her for a long moment with his eyes before letting out a rather loud snort. "Miss Foley whatever are you doing home at this hour, isn't the annual city cleanup today. Are you not required to attend?"
"Hi Wesley." She chirped with a bright grin. "Don't worry I'm going back I just had to come home and pick up some things for Jonathan." Alicia lied smoothly not breaking her cheerful exterior. She wasn't about to let the family's nosey butler know what she was up to regardless if she cared the big guy. "I'll be upstairs and I wish not to be disturbed for the next half hour."
Eyeing her for a long moment the butler Wesley finally nodded. "Oh very well Miss. Shall I ask the cook to prepare something for you to take back to young Mr. Foley for his lunch?"
She nodded with a grateful smile. "That would be great." Alicia herself was getting a bit hungry thanks to her fast metabolism that oddly enough her brother didn't get. But she also saw the chance to keep her sharp housekeeper more or less occupied she didn't want her parents finding out about this and drawing up conclusions. For Adrian's sake everything had to remain under wraps. Taking a deep breath she headed towards the room where she was sure to find answers but also where she'd been forbidden from trespassing, her mother Valerie's office.
He was finally alone… at last he had some time to himself.
Adrian was pleased with how things had turned out despite the fact that he was currently stuck in ghost mode (he wasn't even going to try to exhaust the energy to become his other half). Once he set the others up at the food court for their free complimentary lunches, he'd politely as he could rejected their offer to eat with them. It's not like he had to eat at the moment he'd found when he was ghost mode he could go hours without eating a single thing. So he'd escaped their chattering ways to have some time to himself.
Being an introvert he desperately needed to clear his thoughts and relax and it wasn't possible among that social group. Finding a bench alone by the mall fountain he slipped on his earphones and took a seat to allow his mind to be enveloped in the hard edged rock and roll he so enjoyed. The loud strumming filled his mind to a point where he slipped into his thoughts and away from the outside world. So he didn't hear the shouting, nor the hustle and bustle of the shoppers as they frantically moved about.
Instead he withdrew his note book from his backpack and did what calmed him the most writing.
Closing in on time
Is that rhyme
That never breaks
The parta did not hear the screaming nor the yelling as people scrambled about… only pounding of the drums filled his mind as he listened to the lyrics and continued onward into his poem.
No matter how much it quakes
The void is filled
So far that it spills
Cold slowly crept into the air the poet shivered slightly but continued to write.
With endless voices
Calling out with Choices
What is right and wrong this time
A crashing could be heard in the distance but he was dead to the world around him drowned out in his thoughts and the words he was writing. He barely paid attention even to the loud rock that was ringing in his ears.
Are there crimes
What wakes
In the breaks…
Then it happened his thoughts were broken by a burning that slowly filled his lungs he clenched his teeth as it evaporated what cold made him a parta. As it rose it he started to feel an increasing heat in his chest. Until he couldn't take it anymore and opened his mouth to let out air. In an instant he saw a large wisp of bright orange air burst from his mouth in a sudden instant. Adrian's eyes widened never before had his ghost sense been this violent.
Before he could move a blast of ectoplasm hit the ground near him only inches away from his head. He scrambled to his feet stuffing his earphones and notebook quickly in his bag. Ducking another shot that came at him from some direction he'd yet to see the culprit. Retrieving the fenton wrist ray from his bag and strapped it on his arm, he was about to get the thermos when a nearby ghost ray hit it out of his hands lightly scathing his skin the process. He let out a yelp grasping his hand as pain built up on the raw skin.
Frantically Adrian searched for the thermos his best weapon against his attackers but is eyes widened when he found it. His trusty device was in the middle of the fountain, and from the looks of it, it a hole had been burned through it somehow. 'That's not good.'
His instincts kicked in as a green ghost came at him blasting ectoplasm at him from all directions. He only had enough time to duck and roll out of the way. Then he retaliated at the spirit driving it back. The parta only took one moment to assess the situation and he found his position grim.
There was not one but at least three dozen ghosts of various shapes and sizes floating about the area. Thankfully not all of them had noticed him yet. But a good portion of them were enemies of his halfa father. Letting out a quiet curse Adrian decided he needed to find a way out of the mall fast. It was a closed building and it was easier and more sufficient to fight the enemy in the open. Right now it appeared he was trapped.
"But they might not be looking for me." Adrian said to trying to reassure himself. "They could very well just be here to haunt the mall alone. I'm probably just some bystander to them." Then the memory of Lilith's words echoed through his mind '. All of them are looking for him now.' It couldn't be true but that could be the only reason they were all after him.
A harsh light hit him dead on causing him to have to shield his face from the spotlight as nearly every light in the vicinity directed towards him. The cackling voice that could only be Technus rung out through the air. "Ah I found him the newborn is all mine."
Adrian's eyes tinted to a bright yellow in irritation despite the impending threat. "I AM NOT A NEWBORN!" He proceeded to hit the ghost with an artificial ray of energy causing the electric specter to lose control of the lights.
But in the process all the spirits turned their attention to their direction. "Shoot!" Adrian grumbled to himself suddenly feeling very small. He hesitated for only a split second then took off in a sprint leaving his backpack under the bench, and his only source of beating the ghosts in the fountain.
He heard the echoes of voices as he ran towards the only place that seemed to be ghost free the upper story where the food court among other things was located.
"There he is."
"Me first."
"I get him!"
"No me!"
"Quick he's heading up there."
So many more voices were speaking but Adrian couldn't process them all as he scrambled up the stairs towards the second story. He still didn't know what possessed him to do so but it seemed like a good idea at the time.
"You didn't get your lunch did you young man well we can't have that." Many piles of meat assaulted him as soon as he made it up the second story. The Lunch Lady ghost grinning wickedly as she sent random meat zombies after him.
"Snap it." He cursed under his breath. The young parta should have known better then to walk where a ghost's obsession could be used against him. Lunch Lady had obviously used the meat in the food court to create her army. He ducked grabs here and there and managed to use his wrist ray to deflect most of the masses since they weren't strong creatures they evaporated on contact.
Managing to get away from the meat minions Adrian didn't notice the way he was going and headed right into the arms of the shadow ghost Spectra. He shivered on contact like Johnny 13's shadow he had a certain fear towards the former psychiatrist when she took on this form. "I can feel your emotional turmoil and energy." She cackled. "It's so pure! Give it to me!"
The parta quivered feeling his body begin to glow yellow with her touch. But having experienced this all too often he managed to endure the weakened stat, and get his hand free. Aiming he hit the ghost with a ray of energy driving her back. Once he was away from her he spoke dryly. "Sorry but my mom always told me to stay away from strangers especially goes for those that are strange."
"You brat how dare you harm my flawless skin!" Spectra cried out rushing at him with the now green mountain lion Bertrand.
Adrian raised an eyebrow as he hit a nearby nameless ghost with his ray. "Have you looked in a mirror lately by any chance?" he asked dryly.
Vibrations echoed around the building causing the halfa to have to cover his ears in the process. The wave of sound shattered the nearby glass windows and soon emerged the first ghosts Adrian had ever encountered.
"Great should have known you'd be along soon." Adrian said rolling his eyes.
"What did I tell ya Skulkie baby it seems they've started without us." Ember said eyeing the now paused group of ghosts.
Skulker evaluated the circumstances. "Well it doesn't appear their doing any better at caging the child." He grinned withdrawing a large gun out of his arsenal. "Time to get things done."
Though Adrian wasn't really afraid of them he knew what the two were capable of caution was best in this scenario. Assessing the situation he noticed a nearby entrance to the roof. It was for personal only but he had a feeling it wouldn't matter. He quickly made a run for it phasing through the door and heading up the stairs.
None had noticed his exit yet all of them were getting reprimanded hard by Ember who didn't waste time using her guitar to make her superiority known with her sound.
Once Skulker had his weapon set only then did he turn back to the boy. "Now we shall…" he stopped in midsentence drawing everyone's attention to the area. "He's escaping. After him!" He cried as he and Ember led the way towards the last spot they'd seen the newborn it. It didn't take long for Skulker to pick up his energy signature and they all headed up above towards the roof top.
Adrian could feel his body sweating up a storm as he reached the top of the staircase. The trip had been over at least three flights of stairs it had not been easy. Exhaustion was setting in from the small extraction Spectra had performed on him, his body shuddered with the discomfort. He didn't have the strength to use his powers properly so instead he opened the last door and found himself on the rooftop of the Amity Park Mall.
"Now what?" Adrian asked himself with a groan. But he wasn't about to surrender to the ghosts yet. With every last bit of energy he had left he took off in a jog towards the end of the roof hoping there was some way down from there.
It didn't take long for the ghosts to make their appearance phasing through the roof they looked around till they spotted their quarry. All of them drew closer to the boy but oddly enough they maintained a respectful distance now then again it might have something to do with how close Adrian was to the edge.
"Now, now there is no need to be hasty." Said the Lunch Lady ghost in her motherly tone.
Skulker the Hunter charged up his weapon aiming it at the boy. "All we want is your excess energy. You should have more than enough to spare child…"
"So give it to us!" Spectra said with a hiss. "And we'll leave you alone.
"Somehow I doubt that." Adrian replied dryly. So they wanted his energy well that made sense after all that's all the others ever got in his encounters but why exactly. It still was a puzzle to him. Walking closer to the edge he nearly lost his balance finding that he was at the roofs tip.
"End of the line Baby Pop." Ember exclaimed as she begun tuning her guitar to capture the misfit newborn.
It did seem that way from what Adrian could tell even if he did fight back they'd eventually overpower him and all exits were blocked.'Unless…' his eyes glimpsed a flash of rusty metal and he saw a fire escape built into the side of the building. It was a good distance away from him but if he could manage he just might make it.
"Come on there is no need to cause unnecessary harm to yourself." Coaxed Technus treating him like a little kid, this was beginning to really irk him.
Adrian had a choice either die at the hands of these ghosts somehow or make an effort to reach that fire escape, and by some miracle get himself down to the ground where he'd at least be able to make an run for it. There wasn't any question in this. Turning abruptly startling the ghosts they didn't have time to grab him before he vaulted off the roof towards the metal railing that was at least a ten foot drop below.
As gravity took over the parta found his body rushing towards the fire escape. His aim was close but he'd make it he surmised. A stray beam of energy come from a random ghost hit him hard pushing him away from his intended, and he missed it by a few inches. He could see the cement closing in either he'd die from this crash or he'd be in serious injury.
"Nice job." Came a sarcastic voice he could hear through the wind. "Now he's going be a splat like a pancake on the road below."
Air rushed through Adrian's lungs causing him to gasp with the feeling. Then he felt it an almost magnate repelling his body from the ground. Staring down he found his body was mere inches from the road. He hadn't crashed… he was….floating. Despite the danger above the parta was mystified. It was true instead of making impact another power kicked in. He was now drifting above and slowly going higher as his body adjusted to the change.
This feeling he remembered it somewhat from the various time he'd flown with his father but now that he was the one in the driver's seat it was so much more. It was like the air had a surface, and he was able to grasp onto it. His body was completely weightless defying the laws of gravity but not of ghost kind. He struggled a little with retaining balance but for the most part stayed still enough that he remained upright.
On the rooftop the ghosts were watching absolutely stunned. This wasn't supposed to happen. Newborns gained this power after they reached stage 2 and not before, it was clear he was at stage 1. They had yet to see one do this so soon. But that just made them look at each other with much more hostility and more hunger was in their gaze. This natural ghost was truly a unique specimen. They began approaching more cautiously now not knowing what else their quarry was capable of.
Adrian noticed their approach and panicked slightly. He'd been floating about in one spot forgetting about the enemy. But that had obviously not been wise. 'Focus… you need to get away from them not go towards them. Maybe I could try flying?' Though he didn't know exactly how to do he assumed it would be somewhat like when his father used to take him for flights. Trying to access his memories he thought hard on how his father flew.
Flexing his muscles he pushed at the air, and found it responded though he was a bit wobbly in the process. Gaining grip he pushed himself forward and propelled his arms in front of him. Gaining momentum he found his new powers responding more readily then his last projecting him forward in a slightly out of control flight pattern. He felt like he was on a roller coaster as he found his body going in loop dee loops and upside down but at least he was going forward.
Clouds caressed his face as he moved and the wind tickled his senses as he took in a full view of Amity Park from his location. He hadn't been in the sky in so long things looked so much different now that he was a teenager. It was just so breathtaking. Regardless of how he seemed to move in spazzy out of control way, he had to admit of all the powers he acquired so far flying was quickly becoming his favorite.
With his out control movements here and a burst of incredible speed he soon lost sight of the ghosts managing to evade them for a moment. Glancing back he breathed in a sigh of relief only to smash smack dab into something throwing him back in the air and stopping his flight pattern. He lost control of his powers and found himself hurtling towards the ground below. Pushing and pulling he tried to grab at the air finally he managed to get firm grip and begin floating again.
Glancing up he squinted his eyes trying to find what hit him almost to once again lose control of his floating only to quickly regain it again. There above him looking more intimidating than ever before was Danny Phantom his father.
'I am so screwed.'
The halfa eyed the strange ghost that had run into him suspicious for a moment until his sense picked up the pure energy surrounding the boy. He stared at the ghost in surprise no this couldn't be the newborn all of them were after. 'Anyone with half a mind would see he is way too old to be that.' He thought but the energy signature was clear.
Danny Phantom took a deep breath knowing he'd sort through questions later. "So…" he began drawing the ghost whose eyes were oddly shaded by a pair of sunglasses to gaze straight at him. "You're the newborn."
It took a moment before the boy spoke although there a snarl in his echoing voice that sounded almost familiar. "You know I'm getting really sick of hearing that… Either way it's old news da-dude I'm hearing that a lot now…nice to meet you but I really need to get going…"
This wasn't good he did not like the idea of losing sight of the boy not when he was in danger. He begun to glow and the young ghost slightly bulked as he created duplicates that quickly surrounded the newborn. "No stop moving and listen to me for a second!" Danny said firmly.
"Why should I?" The young ghost glared in his direction though the halfa couldn't understand outright hostility.
The senior ghost hero didn't know how much more patience he had for this newborn. Taking a deep breath he spoke carefully. "Because I may be the only one who will actually help you."
Blinking the young one stared at him. "What do you mean?"
"You're in danger right now kid."
The newborn snorted. "So I've gathered that's nothing new."
"Do you know why they are after you?"
That made him pause and the newborn stared at him straight on. "Maybe… Kind of… No."
Oh boy this was going to be fun explaining. "Well you've probably realized you're a naturally born ghost" he received a brief nod and continued. "because of this unlike other types of spirits your born with a large amount of pure energy more than an average specter. Having excess energy is important when you're young but there is a sacrifice involved." Danny added grimly as spoke. "You don't have a thick protective shield to keep you safe. So ghosts have the chance to access your energy."
There was a long pause as the newborn tried to process all his words. "How do you know all this…"
"Let's just say it was required curriculum for members of the Council of Ghosts and leave it at that." The halfa replied remembering the countless knowledge that had been poured into to him before he could be accepted into his new status.
It just had to be his father he bumped into. Adrian didn't know whether to be hurt or relieved that he hadn't recognized him. 'Mom's right he is pretty clueless.' Then again it had been the same for him and his own parents maybe it was the change in uniform or something else for whatever reason that halfa hadn't realized this newborn happened to be his son.
As he listened to Danny's explanation for boxing him in he was surprised with what the halfa wanted. Adrian could not believe what he was learning. Though the strangest part had to be that it was coming from his father. But it made a lot of sense when he figured it all out. Soon conclusion drew in his mind and his eyes widened. "So that means my energy signal is distinct so it attracts ghosts to me easily?"
His father smiled slightly with a nod of his head. "You're pretty smart for a newborn."
"You have no idea." he muttered under his breath. "So they want it for themselves?"
"Exactly but it's not safe for a newborn to be wandering while your protective shield is weak you're near defenseless."
"I disagree."
"Well in the long run you are. Newborn energy is precious commodity and as such your parent is supposed to keep safe until you're out of your first stage. The ghosts feed off of that pure energy if you don't have your parents around to protect you you're going to loose all your energy and they could suck away half of your soul."
Adrian stayed quiet for a moment trying to assess all of his words and make sense of them. He sighed knowing as much as it pained him his father understood this stuff at a higher level then him. "Well my parents are gone… I've been alone…"
The halfa takes on a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry to hear that…"
Sweat started appearing on Adrian brow and heat built up in his throat he had barely enough time cover his mouth before his ghost sense activated. Alerting both of them to the oncoming ghosts who were mere inches away.
Surprising him Danny pushed the boy back behind him. "Go." He said firmly eyeing the ghosts. "It's you they're after I'll keep them busy. Find a Foley or a Fenton and get them to help you back into the Ghostzone. There you should be able to find Clockwork…"
"What can he…"
"NO MORE QUESTIONS GO!" With that Danny started hitting the ghosts with ectoplasm to keep them back.
Adrian hesitated for a moment before allowing his body once more to push forward and soon he was off like a bullet barely able to control his body as he hit flight. He still couldn't believe Danny was helping him. Why exactly? He obviously didn't know who he was so why go through so much effort for one newborn.
He shook his head clearing his thoughts he couldn't focus on that right now he needed to follow his father's instructions. 'Fine dad I'll find a Foley but there is no way I'm going to the Ghostzone.' He thought firmly he couldn't do that. Not only was he a newborn he was also a parta and probably had more excess energy then an average newborn. It would be like blood in the water he'd soon be caught in a feeding frenzy. He needed to find Alicia fast.
He was so busy looking down that didn't notice what was above him. Until a reptilian shadow shroud his search. The young parta didn't look up fast enough before a set of talons swiped at him directly in the face causing him to fall. Adrian managed to gain ground and begin drifting again.
As he tried to move to face his attack a set of wrappings that smelled much like death encircled his body tightly he found himself flung through the air this time not being able to miss hitting a nearby tree smack in the face completely shattering his shades and causing him to yelp in agony. Resulting in cracked sunglasses which now showed his glowing yellow eyes quite well as green ecto blood bled through a large cut on his forehead.
Cackles reached his ears from where he laid but he couldn't find the strength to stand up.
"What did I tell you we leave him to the others and strike once he is alone."
"You were right and now he's all ours."
He squinted his eyes catching a glimpse with his blurry vision of what appeared to be a large lizard, and mummy. The parta once again tried to sit up but his energy was quickly depleting from the loss of blood, and his lack of water to dehydrate his body. Adrian fought against his body as it tried to shut down but he couldn't stop his eyes from closing with exhaustion.
A tingle rushed through his body at last moment, and he transformed into his human half right in front of his enemy.
To Be Continued in Part 3 of
Au Du Phantom
A/N: All who are reading on here to keep me posting I need reviews okay if I don't get many cause I know a lot of you watch this. I'll just be posting this on DeviantART I'm sorry but this is just getting annoying.
- So we introduced the Foley Siblings a bit and as an added bonus Jazz and Lars' kids
- I hope my explanation for why the ghosts are after Adrian makes sense now. Anymore questions let me know.
- Guys I'll fix this up later if there are more errors. I always go back through my work later but I looked it over it seems okay. Right now I don't have a betareader so it leaves things kind hard to fix.