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Chapter thirty-six (XXXVI) of A PHANTOM SPIDER!

Dare-Devil dropped in on the Superhero meeting unannounced. Most of the costumed vigilantes in attendance, here at Hell's Kitchen, were minor crime fighters. One or two might have been Avenger material, or even back up for the world team, but like the White Tiger, they preferred working one on one, saving their hometown.

Ghost Rider acknowledged the red-clad hero's entrence. "Sorry about using your land for this meeting, but it's one of the few places we know are safe from Spider-Man's enemies—no one will visit Hell's Kitchen without an invite from you."

DareDevil stood up from the crouch he had landed in. "Actually, I have news. Does anyone have information of this Sheol character?"

The White Tiger shook his head. He had been chased shortly after filling in for S.M., but that was it. Nearby, Iceman—a mutant from the X-Men team—spoke up. "The Mansion grapevine says he's a powerful assassinator. Rumor has it Sheol only attacks the highly placed and powerful humans."

Wolverine—also on loan from Xavier's school for gifted children—nodded to confirm the news. "Haven't met the guy, but he did attack the Cap. Yes, you all heard the news right, Captain America is alive and well."

There was a huge uproar at that statement—most of these small-town heroes had a notion of the number of death-defying stunts the Avengers and other Superheroes (like the Fantastic Four) faced, but to realize death had been cheated again was shocking. It gave more power to the rumors that those like Thor were invincible. Rather, Iron Man, since Mr. Stark's bodyguard had been seen recently, and the Asguard Thunder god had gone missing. Hulk had been grievously injured too, but not too many were concerned about the Green Monster, seeing as he was not a team player.

Moon Knight grinned wickedly. He turned the conversation back to a previous topic. "So, Dare-Devil, what news brings you out of solitude fighting?" The warrior made a huge circle with his hands to encompass everyone in this unlikely meeting.

Daredevil let his teeth show in a feral smile. "He's gone too far. Taking refuge behind Kingpin and siding with last week's non-corporal attackers." His hands were quickly raised to calm the crowd down. "Sheol used a phasing technique to hide his weapons on himself. Ingenious really, but too similar to the techniques used by the unstoppable invasion. I'll talk to Reed Richards, to see what he can find out about Dalv company; see if they suffered a break-in, or if Sheol is legally using their products for unethical reasons."

Wolverine traded glances with Iceman. "We can take a message to Charles Xavier too, if you think that will help." The older mutant volunteered.

Dare-Devil nodded. "That would be good. Someone also needs to notify General Nick Fury—he's not going to be happy about the fact weapons can be smuggled on board, or passed to the incarcerated inmates. At least, the Green Goblin doesn't seem inclined to use this technological break-through, but if Octavious Octopus can recreate it, then hello Apocalypse."

Since D.D. didn't have a sense of humor, that last statement only verified how powerful this phasing technology was.

Goodbye NYC: Hello Amity Park

Parker leaned against the mall wall. Keeping Dash Baxter from actively hitting upcoming freshmen, geeks and nerds, was not a fun prospect. Preventing fights was challenging enough at Casper High, but to watch the Football Jock outside school functions was overstepping the teacher's bounds.

Parker realized this, but he'd gotten into similar habits as Spider-Man. Though, New York City, more specifically, Manhattan or the Big Apple, had enough crime that he couldn't cover everything. In this small town, Dash would soon feel harassed and take drastic steps to remove the adult presences in his life.

It wasn't his job to push kids away, but his instincts were to protect him. In some respects, it was harder to let the teenagers to learn from their mistakes than to keep them from making them. Picking fights with those who would one-day be better off was a major mistake that could cost him dearly—if the targets didn't break the law to satisfy their need for revenge or justice.

In the few seconds Parker had closed his eyes after leaning on a wall in the busy food court, Dash Baxter had retreated to a nearby shop and actively browsed the clothing and other items for sale. For now, he ignored the presence of other Casper-High students.

Peter's brown eyes scanned the crowd before him. Barely opening his eyes, or slitting then shut, worked wonders at times. Right now it brought into focus, the edges of the crowd and he could scan the corner of his vision with less effort. The cost of this advantage was a lack of sight right in front of him, but his Spider-sense would protect him from most threats and alert him if the danger grew.

All Peter Parker knew at this time, was something was off. Not dangerously so, at this particular time, but it could escalate into a fight, given the right circumstances.

Hmm. It had slowly popped up after Valerie Grey left with her Dad and friend. Coincidence, probably, but she was the Red Huntress, even if no one else was connecting the dots. Had to have been something in the water, because seeing hovering boards was not common in this town.

Or maybe, it was the food. Either way, there was no way everyone was ignorant as to the identity of the young Red Ghost Hunter. Though, no one had noticed her leaving and flying over their heads. Perhaps a ghost power had been incorporated into her suit, making her invisible when she chose? That didn't make sense, because Parker saw her take off and leave.

Then again, she did go right after the News Report, and everyone had been taking about familiar attackers in New York City—along with the fact Cap was still alive. Combined, it may have been enough to distract them enough that they didn't notice the flying group.

Parker sighed. There was no good explanation for this mystery. He let curiosity rule and followed the faint touch outside, where the storm was brewing. The 'danger' was pretty weak, and the trail almost impossible to track, still, the science teacher pursued the feeling.

CHANGE OF VIEW/LOCATION

Mr. Lancer sat behind his desk, grading papers. It was his way of letting the thoughts wander. As the main English teacher, and an unlikely substitute, he had learned how to read and decipher handwritten work. It was a chore, but no less than the duties of Vice Principle.

This time, instead of wondering what would happen in the upcoming Winter Break, he found himself amazed at the enigma the Replacement Science teacher became. Lancer thought he had understood the young adult's position, but now realized he had underestimated Professor Parker's determination. It was doubtful that anyone else was as good as leading a double life as Parker had proven himself to be. Granted, there wasn't any real need for Spider-Man to appear, which reduced the stress and limited unexplainable absences, but still, the New Yorker was definitely from a different cloth.

Mr. Lancer slammed the papers on the wooden desk. The satisfying thump was absent, but at least nothing broke. Pencils and pens tended to shatter or scatter when they were dumped on the table. He grabbed his empty coffee mug and stomped to the Teacher's Lounge for a fresh cup.

At least Mrs. Tetslaff was absent. Though, she may have been talking with the non-existent school nurse. Honestly, sometimes Mr. Lancer thought the gym teacher took it upon herself to see how many roles she could fill and still be effieient. Thankfully, most of the teachers had basic First-Aid training—anything worse than a minor cut or scrape should probably go to the hospital anyway.

On his way back to the office, Mr. Lancer bumped into Mr. Falluca. "Sorry, I didn't see you there, Falluca."

The short adult glared through his think glass lenses. "No one ever does, Rob. That's one thing I dislike about being short."

Rob Lancer sighed. "Perhaps. I'm happy at the absence of Principal Ishiyama, but perplexed as to Peter Parker."

Falluca nodded. "Same here—though I'm not surprised at the lack of effort on uncovering secrets in this town. Seems almost everyone has one, but no one wants to know the real person." He shrugged and followed Lancer back to his private office. "Tetslaff shrieked when she saw a ghost in the library. I think he was looking at the classics."

Rob Lancer dropped his keys and tore off towards the library; headless of the fact Laraine Tetslaff might be encountered. "Mark Twain! Not the classics!" Oddly, his capped cup of caffine remained in his hand, and did not spill during the run to a perceived refuge.

Behind him, unseen, Falluca shook his head. It didn't take much to trick Lancer—seeing him run towards something instead of away was a treat in itself. At least this prank would not leave any traces.

Rob Lancer was panting by the time he pushed his overweight body through the double swinging doors. Headless of the librarian's glare and demand for both silence and a walk, Rob almost slid past the dusty Classics. There was an individual browsing the books, but he looked almost human—if one didn't notice the faint glow and pointy ears.

The not-quite human glanced up from the book he was taking notes out of. "Can I help you?" he asked.

Lancer stepped back. Psalms and Proverbs, there was a ghost in the library. "Are you harming anything or anyone?" he retorted, completely covering up the stuttering caused by facing a ghost alone.

Apparently, this ghost, wearing a purple coat, and caring a scarf, still noticed his fear. "My passion is writing. I'm out of my depth right now and needed some info on a story in progress—cultural things mainly." His glowing eyes were similar to Phantom's in color, but they weren't as intense or as frightening—the appearance of the rest of him more than made up for the lack. "Actually, I need to speak with Phantom."

Lancer growled. "Phantom has no respect for books! He seems intent on destroying everything. Why do you need to speak with him?!"

The ghost was taken back—so much that instead of stepping away, he started floating up and through the shelves. "I have a warning for Amity's Protector. Plasmius is trying to take over the world, but he's decided raising the Ghost boy as his own is useless. I'm afraid Plasmius has gotten power hungry and a few of my colleges have banded together in an effort to discover if he is following in Pariah Dark's footsteps.

"Phantom was able to defeat the Ghost King the last time he showed up and has only gotten more powerful since. He's our only chance at disbanding from the 'Martial Law' that Walker has imposed recently. Please, tell Phantom we need his help."

Message and cryptic warning delivered, the old-style clothed ghost turned invisible before retreating back to the Fenton Portal so he could go home. He left the book he'd been looking through, on the shelf. Lancer picked up the dropped item and glanced at the page the ghost had been examining. "The rise and defeat of Kings from all ages?"

Rob Lancer placed the history book in its proper place. Regardless of his personal feelings on the matter, someone had to be told. Phantom really did do his best to protect the town, despite damaging property and destroying parts of the town when other ghosts came to fight.

ESLEWHERE

The Box Ghost approached the Lunch Lady. "My dear, what are we to do?" He wasn't speaking of Perplexer, who was sleeping off his attack.

The Lunch Lady slapped her ladle against her apron. "I don't know. Cookie?"

Box Ghost took the dessert and munched on it, thinking. "Beware!" He yelled at encroaching shadows. He wasn't fully healed from his run across America, but The Box Ghost was indisputably feeling better. Lunch Lady shook her green-skinned head. She didn't know what was happening, but something bad was coming up.

BACK IN THE REAL WORLD

Daniel Fenton tagged Jasmine and ran to tackle Jack. The Fenton family was playing Freeze Tag—if adults could play without looking silly, it was Jack and Madeline Fenton. Maddie stood up from the rock she had been crouching behind and touched her daughter's outstretched hand.

Danny was fast and observant, she had to give him that. He put on a burst of speed, let Jack know he was 'frozen', by slapping him hard on the orange hazmat suit, and quickly turned to tag Maddie before she could spin around to escape his touch. Jazz didn't last long, because her long hair was gently pulled as she sprinted away. Danny smiled after freezing Maddie. "I win again."

Jazz panted and glared at her younger brother. "Cheat," she hissed shortly before Jack came ambling back. Maddie shook her head in silent disbelief. Hard to believe someone who didn't take gym seriously could do so well in the physical games.

Before she could comment on that, an ominous beeping came from one of the untested weapons and malfunctioning gear that lay abandoned on the picnic table. "Is that a ghost warning signal, or something else, dear?" Maddie asked of her husband. Jack was able to keep all the ghost-hunting items straight, and could instantly tell the difference between ghost appearances and ghost attacks, just by the sound of the beeping on various items.

Jack scratched his head. "I'm not sure, that particular warning never came up." He picked up a Bazooka and passed the Foamer to Maddie while Jazz picked up the Ghost Peeler. Danny didn't pick up anything, but he did prepare himself for an attack—either offensive, or defensive.

Off to the side, sharp, glowing claws appeared and proceeded to tear apart space itself. Jack and Maddie pointed their weapons at the incoming ghost, but Jazz just dropped her arms to the side while Danny calmly stepped in front of his parents, obscuring their line of fire.

Out of a temporary hole into the Ghost Zone, stepped a green-furred wolf-human. He sniffed the air and showed dripping, white canines before dropping to all fours and approaching the boy. "FRIEND!" he growled.

Danny laughed. "Hey, Wulf, glad to see you, too." He sidestepped around the huge wolf, and scratched the ears, just above the black nose and eyes. "Mom, Dad, this is one of the good ghosts. Wulf won't attack anyone."

Wulf, the wolf, grinned. "No," he agreed, struggling with the English Language. "Danny friend. No attacking friends." He stood up on his hind legs. "Must warn friend, evil coming. Big evil. Others know too." Wulf stepped back and turned to go back into the ghost zone. "Follow? Danger, need help."

Danny shrugged and would have stepped after the animal, but Maddie grabbed his arm and held him back. "Just one second, young man. You are not following any ghosts. I don't care how friendly they seem to be." Jack nodded his agreement.

Meanwhile the clawed portal began shrinking. Wulf stuck his head through and pleaded, "Help!" before pulling his head back and allowing the passageway to close.

Jazz sighed. "If Wulf is asking for help, then Danny's assistance is needed. Can you let him go, or will you insist on coming with?"

It was the parents' turn to sigh. "Jazz, you and Daniel are just kids. We can't allow you to fight unassisted, and we really don't want to have you two fighting at all. Still, this raises some questions, and your father and I need answers."

Danny frowned, then slipped out of Maddie's grasp. She gasped. Jazz shook her head, while Jack pulled out the Fenton Finder and attached it to the Ghost Gabber. Danny groaned when he saw the two items.

The Gabber groaned, then intoned "Fear Me" shortly before the Finder whispered in its female voice, "you'd have to be some sort of moron to not notice the ghost directly ahead."

Danny rubbed his arm. "Yeah, I do have something I need to show you." He took a deep breath then transformed into Phantom. Meanwhile, the Gabber repeated the sentences, almost perfectly—with the exception of two added "Fear Me" statements.

Jazz just slapped her forehead. "I don't think this is how you wanted to reveal the secret, little brother."

Danny shrugged. "I needed to tell them sooner or later, and this is as good as time as any—what with the missing appearances of my enemies."

Before Jack or Maddie could react, the Red Huntress came gliding across the clearing. She hopped off her hover board and approached Phantom—their ghostly son—weaponless. Actually, she had several pink guns on her red outfit, but none were in her hands, which were slightly raised away from her body. "Phantom. I know I've promised to destroy you, but there's a problem. Can you help me?"

Phantom nodded; there was trepidation in his eyes as he watched the Red Huntress approach. "Sure. What ghosts were you cursing now?"

Red glared. "The ones that attacked New York! Something's up and I need to know what, so the world is safe." She pointed a finger at him. "Don't worry, this isn't the start of a beautiful friendship—I just need your acquaintances and power."

Phantom started floating up. He headed towards the Fenton Residence. "The quickest way to New York should be via the Ghost Zone. It'd take too long to fly straight across North America, and I need to round up a few 'acquaintances' as you call them." He leveled off at tree top height and zoomed across the sky, with the Red Huntress right on his tail.

Now with their mouths and bodies working again, Jack and Maddie turned towards Jazz. Their red-haired daughter had a sheepish look on her face. "Um, opps?"

Meanwhile, with Phantom gone, the Gabber and Finder fell silent. Somehow, Jack's fiddling with the machines caused them to record the conversation and power levels emitted by the unhidden Phantom.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thirty-six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 . . . . . . . . . . Thirty-six . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lancer drove by the Fenton home. They were the resident ghost hunters. They had been here longer than Phantom. If anyone knew anything about that particular ghosts, it would be them.

He stopped the car and stepped out. Perhaps they were still celebrating their safety. It didn't matter, really. He had a note to deliver, and this was the best way to contact the Fenton family. Mr. Lancer paused in shock when he saw Parker stepping up to the front steps. "What are you doing here, Parker?"

Peter glanced at the V.P. Brown eyes searched the sky for something. "Getting closer." He said cryptically.

Lancer sighed. That was worse than the warning he was to pass on. "Is whatever you're searching for dangerous?"

Parker's head shook. "Not yet." His head tilted back as he spied movement. "Huh, Visitors."

Phantom and the Red Huntress touched ground. "Um, why are you two standing around like you've seen a ghost?" Phantom began sinking through the asphalt roadway.

Huntress waved her arms. "Stop with the puns! Do you have a message, or are you two just hanging out?"

Peter Parker grinned. Lancer slowly stepped back. He did not want to be anywhere nearby when the inevitable fight between Phantom and Red broke out. "Actually, I have a message from a ghost. I think he was warning about Plasmius? Pariah?" He shook his head. "The name doesn't matter. The Ghost mentioned you, Phantom, are the only one powerful enough to stop him and they need your help."

Phantom blinked. "Okay, but I'm not sure how I'll be able to help, since Red's recruited me to fix a problem in NYC."

The Fenton Speeder roared up. The side, and passenger doors opened up, allowing the humans inside to rush out. Jazz slid to a stop, almost slamming into Parker. "Professor, I didn't see you." She turned on Phantom, shaking her fist. "Don't you even think about leaving without back-up. You will need our help, eventually, and there are transportation issues." She pointed to the Speeder. "Now, climb in both of you—if New York is suffering from a ghost attack, then New York will be invaded by Amity Park's Ghost Hunters/Defenders."

Peter Parker smiled. "Just you five, or is there room for others? New York is my home."

Jack approached and pounded the teacher's back. "We'll take all the people we can get." He joyfully announced. "Mr. Lancer, care to spare a few students? I've got Fudge. Lots and lots of it."

Lancer made a face. Chocolate was not his favorite treat. He didn't even like it as a dessert. "Thanks, but I've got papers that need grading. If I find anyone who wants to fight for humans, I'll be sure to send them over." He stepped back into his care and drove off—leaving the perplexed group of people (and ghost) behind.

Thanks to: Em Phantom, SpartanCommander, JC, HikaruOfDreams, and Hordak's Pupil. Your reviews are awesome, and I appreciate the fact you take time to let me know what you think.THANKS