Los Angeles International Airport, 1 Hour After School…
Danny had recovered well. With Spring Break beginning the moment school let out, Jerry had wasted little time in getting him and the girls to the airport. Here, they were to catch a flight, on a private jet, to Rome. There they'd be staying in a villa with Martin and his team.
"Sorry we took so long Danny." Sam stated as she and the girls joined him. "Someone had way too much luggage."
"Ah, I'll have you know I packed light Sammy." Clover stated while crossing her arms.
Danny had insisted on staying to help, but the girls just weren't having it at the time.
"You know I could have helped, right?" Danny asked.
"No way Danny." Alex stated. "You've only just recovered from your injuries."
"We didn't want you to risk pulling something." Sam stated. "We all want to have fun on this vacation."
"I'm still unconvinced this isn't some test from Jerry like the last time he offered us a vacation." Clover stated.
"We can't say it's impossible." Alex stated. "That's why we should enjoy as much of the vacation as we can before the test potentially kicks in."
"Personally, I don't think uncle was kidding." Danny stated. "I believe him and M.O.M want us to genuinely, and naturally, bond with Martin and his team. If this is a test, it'd forge an artificial bond. What does that prove?"
Suddenly, someone came over the speaker. "Would a D-Fenton and his friends please report to the gate. Your jet will be departing shortly."
"Looks like that's our cue." Sam stated.
The group stood and approached the gate.
"By the way Danny, what have you done with Cujo?" Alex asked.
"Oh, don't worry about him." Danny stated. "WOOHP Labs developed a specter deflector collar that won't harm him while nullifying his ghostly abilities. With uncle looking after him, it should be fine."
Los Angles: WOOHP HQ, Training Room…
Cujo may not have had his ghostly abilities, but he was still a rather small dog with lots of energy. Which meant Jerry was currently chasing the small dog all around the room.
"Cujo heel!" Jerry called out. "Sit! Stay!"
Cujo happily barked as he continued to run forcing Jerry to chase him.
Hawaii: Kuai, C.W(The Center & WOOHP) 1st Base
Beverly Hills High was on Spring Break. For most students, this meant a well-deserved break; however, Arnold and David weren't taking that break. Not that they minded since they were going to be there for the start. This location was where The Center and WOOHP were closest.
Their branches out here were mere miles apart and had been recently connected. This would be the start of C.W. Honestly, the boys were honored to be here. This was the opportunity of a lifetime and one they wouldn't have without their respective connection.
Arnold was the apprentice to WOOHP's brightest mind, Quincy, and David were fortunate enough to be Dean's teammate. The group stepped off a WOOHP helicopter only to be greeted by a small, green alien in a floating chair.
"Welcome to C.W's first base." The alien smiled and waved. "My name is Billy, and I am M.O.M's assistant."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Billy." Dean nodded firmly. "I'm Dean and she's Quincy. The newbies we've brought with us are my partner David and her student Arnold."
"Interesting." Quincy was checking out the chair. "Arnold, take notes. This technology could be implemented in our hover vehicles. In fact, add to that as we'll see about combining the tech."
Make no mistake. David and Arnold were shocked upon seeing a living alien, but they did see two ghosts fighting it out in the woods not to long ago. Plus, Jerry gave them a briefing of what to expect, so it's not like they went in blind.
"Got it." Arnold brought out a notepad and jotted down his mentor's words. "I'll also start sketching out some rough designs for a later blueprint."
"Smart man." Quincy walked forward. "Keep up Arnold and remember to hold your head high as we greet our new colleagues. First impressions are everything, and we must make a good one on our fellow intellectuals. Also, grab the gadget case from the copter."
"Right." Arnold grabbed a suitcase before running after his mentor. "I won't let you down."
"Wow, those two sure are eager." Billy stated
"Quincy is rather eccentric at times." Dean stated. "Trust me when I say you'll find no finer mind in all of WOOHP when it comes to gadgets."
"M.O.M has a lot of faith in Jerry's, so I to shall trust that he sent only his best." Billy nodded. "Plus, that sort of attitude is going to be a big hit with our department. They love their work, so she should fit in fine."
David noticed something in the air. "Dean, what is that?"
Dean and Billy both looked, but only caught sight of something as it vanished into the tree line a fair distance away.
"Forgive us Billy, but I believe David and I must do a sweep in that general direction." Dean stated. "We'll report our findings to you upon our return."
"Hold on." Billy pressed a button on his chair. "We have some recent graduates of our academy here, so I'll send two of them off with you as back up."
Jonny and Dani walked out of the base to join the group. Dani has been at this base for a couple of days, and she could not get over the fact that she was seeing real aliens. Even if such amazement came from Danny, it didn't make it any less spectacular for her.
"What's up Billy?" Dani asked.
"We've spotted something landing not to far from here." Billy stated. "I want you two to go with these WOOHP agents and check it out."
"Hey beats hanging around here." Jonny looked at the U-Watch on his wrist. "Plus, I've been itching to take this thing for a test run." He shrugged. "Now might just be the best chance."
Billy nodded. "You four can take one of our off-road jeeps over there."
He pressed another button which shot out a set of keys to Dean.
"Introductions can be done on the way." Dean walked to the nearest jeep. "Right now, we got to get moving."
The other three loaded up and they were off.
Forest
Dean, Dani, David, and Jonny exited the jeep around the area where David spotted the descending figure.
"Are you sure this is where we'll find whatever it was you saw?" Dani asked.
"Not entirely, but the math I was able to do leads me to believe this is as close to where the thing landed as possible." David stated.
"We'll split into pairs and head off in opposite directions." Dean stated. "Jonny, you and I are going to sweep back towards the base. Dani, take David and head in the opposite direction. Unless immediate action is required, contact the other pair if you find something."
"You got it." David stated.
"Look out for yourself Squirt." Jonny stated. "There are a lot of trees out here." He smirked. "Wouldn't want you to smack your face into them like you do light poles."
"That was one time." Dani stated. "At least I didn't end up somehow catching myself with my own net."
They two trainees shared a laugh while the WOOHP agents just shrugged it off. If this how they got along, who were they to get in the way. The pairs split off and starred moving in their intended directions.
With Technus
Unfortunately for the group sent to find him, Technus, within the Red Hunter's suit, was on his way to the base meaning their search was currently pointless. He eventually made it to the edge of the forest near the base. He found a decent hiding place and phased out of the suit.
"Everything I need is right here." Technus thought.
He went invisible and floated towards the building.
Inside
Quincy and Arnold were getting set up in the lab among various aliens, mythological beings, and humans. While this was surreal for Arnold, every one of them wore Center attire indicating where their allegiance laid.
These scientists aimed to serve the agents with their minds as much as Quincy and him. Those that were here had a desire to protect humanity from their threat. Together, they would work on many magnificent inventions to further protect humanity from the various threats.
"This is rather impressive." Arnold stated.
"They've done well merging our bases." Quincy nodded. "That said, neither WOOHP nor The Center had their best and brightest out here. Our first step should be to run diagnostics. If everything checks out, we'll work on the equipment's productivity."
"A wise choice." A male voice stated. "Innovation can only progress so long as we account for the safety of our people. Of course, we can take our time to do it right, and starting first thing in the morning, after a good night's rest, is imperative."
Arnold and Quincy turned to see a rather buff man with pointed ears. He had a mane of auburn hair, and his eyes were a piercing, forest green. His attire was a forest green shirt and matching pants underneath a white lab coat.
"Greeting Quincy Parker." The man stated. "I am Elwin Gael. Head of The Center Labs."
Quincy smiled. "So, you're the inventor behind that U-Watch."
"My proudest achievement in all my years working for The Center." Elwin smiled.
"I can certainly see why. It is a marvel of an invention." Quincy stuck out her hand. "I am Quincy Parker, and this is my apprentice Arnold Jackson."
"Ah yes, head of WOOHP Labs." Elwin shook her hand. "Pleasure to meet you." He let go and looked at Arnold. "Please, forgive me for not addressing you lad."
"It's fine." Arnold tried to help it, but he couldn't stop staring at Elwin's ears. "I'm rather new around WOOHP and became Quincy's student not even a month ago."
Elwin chuckled. "Considering how well WOOHP does, I'm certain our collaboration will lead to great things." He then smiled at Arnold. "Also, you're curious about my ears, aren't you?"
"I'm sorry!" Arnold apologized. "I didn't mean to stare."
"Worry not dear boy." Elwin stated. "Most humans I've met tend to focus on the ears. I've never been one to feel insulted, and I'm proud of my heritage. Comfortable in my own shoes you can say."
"Well, I assumed you weren't human." Arnold stated. "Honestly, I thought you were an elf, but any I've read of, in the few myths I've read, most certainly aren't like you."
"There's a grain of truth in every legend dear boy." Elwin stated. "While I would say many traits have been rather exaggerated, there is truth. For instance, my race knows magic, but we also know technology. It's collaborative you see.
That said, ever since I was young, I tended to find more value in technology over magic. As you can imagine, my position here is a dream job." He winked. "If you're interested, I'll tell you more someday. For now, know many mythical creatures aren't native to earth."
"He really values technology over magic?" Arnold thought. "Also, he comes from a world where magic and technology are used together. Not to mention, not all mythological beings are of earth. Interesting. I wonder what he means by that."
"As interesting as this is, I think we should see what's around here." Quincy stated.
"Ah, then you will likely find what our men have found rather interesting." Elwin stated. "Follow me." He led them to an ancient looking, wooden box which was surrounded by various gadgets. "They uncovered this buried in the ground."
Quincy observed the various pieces of equipment littered around it. "Based on what I'm seeing, no technology has been able to open it thus far."
"That's odd." Arnold stated. "Despite the ancient writing, it seems like a normal box."
"While I may not have had much interest in it back home, I can still recognize magic" Elwin stated. "This is unlike the magic I have back home, but it is magic. Someone put a powerful spell over this relic to seal something inside."
"What do you think is in there?" Arnold asked.
"Uncertain, but at this point the leading theory is that it's technology from another world." Elwin stated. "Often people can use objects as a sort of guise to hide valuable tech."
"An interesting theory." Quincy stated. "One I'll help get to the bottom of."
The WOOHP scientist began looking at the tech and building up ideas on how to open that box. Then, the box began to glow an ectoplasmic green drawing their attention.
"It seems there is no need for that scientist." Technus called out. "This box is reacting to my presence, so I shall open it."
Other scientist in the room took note of the ghost's appearance.
"Someone needs to stop him." Arnold stated. "That's Technus, and according to Phantom's records, he's a villain."
Arnold wasn't confident going up against a bully, so the thought of going up against a ghost was an impossibility to him.
"Elwin, catch!" Elwin caught a small Fenton Blaster before looking at Quincy who held her own. "Fire!"
Quincy fired on Technus while Elwin shortly followed; however, both blasts were too late as the box was opened letting loose a green tiger which shielded the technological ghost from the blast. The tiger then shot up through the roof of the building and high into the sky.
With Dani & David
The pair had been moving through the woods in their intended direction only to find nothing thus far. David glanced at Dani. He now knew who she was thanks to Danny, but that wasn't the main thing on his mind.
"She's fairly young. I wonder if all of this is hard for her or if she's used to this?" David pondered.
"Hey." Dani called out getting his attention. "Are you searching or not?" She rolled her eyes. "I mean, with the way you're spacing out, I'm beginning to doubt you saw something."
David rubbed the back of his head. "That's a possibility, but I'm fairly certain I saw something. Something that isn't native to these parts."
"I'm starting to think we should regroup with the others back at the jeep and try a different strategy." Dani stated.
"Sounds like a…" David began.
The agent of WOOHP stopped as the green tiger shot high into the sky behind them drawing the pair's attention.
"Wait, weren't Dean and Jonny walking back to base?" Dani questioned worriedly.
"We're getting back to the jeep now!" David yelled worriedly. "They may need help."
The pair sped off back to the jeep.
With Dean and Jonny
The pair had searched from the jeep to the base, and so far, they'd found a path of minor destruction on their way back. Whatever it was, the thing hadn't been concerned with stealth as broken twigs and branches were scattered about.
"Seems someone really needed to head this way in a major hurry." Jonny stated. "Question is, where's this whack job at?"
"Perhaps this discarded suit will give us an answer." Dean stated after finding the abandoned Red Huntress' suit.
"Hold up." Jonny walked over. "I recognize these duds. They belong to the Red Huntress. A hunter with a major gear to grind when it comes to ghost."
"Think she's behind this?" Dean asked.
"Far as I know, hunters not associated with an agency." Jonny stated. "Reason I bring this up is that her goal is hunting ghost, so unless she somehow knows about my new job, it can't be her. Amity Park is her usual haunt, and she wouldn't have left this if it were her."
"What's this doing here then?" Dean questioned.
At that moment, the ectoplasmic green tiger shot high into the sky through the ground.
"Far out." Jonny commented. "I think that may be related."
"The people inside may be in trouble." Dean turned to see Jonny concentrating. "What are you doing?"
Jonny went from intangible to tangible and back again. "I'm trying to nab the suit. I'm no Technus, but this suit's schtick is to hunt ghost. A major boon in this instance that can help us stand up to what's in there."
He finally managed to push through as phased into the suit.
"Did it work?" Dean asked.
"Don't doubt me when I want to achieve something." The suit stood as Jonny's voice came through it. "I'm already starting to dig this suit, but it's going to take a moment to get down."
"You better learn fast." Dean took off towards the base. "We're heading in."
Jonny ran after him.
Inside
The scientists, Arnold, Quincy, and Elwin watched as the tiger vanished revealing Technus held up by his throat. The one holding him seemed like nothing more than a common guy. Well, common save for the fact that he was ghostly white with ice blue hair and glowing green eyes.
"You were sealed inside that box." Technus wasn't happy about this. "I can't phase through. What are you?"
"I am no one." The ghost held out his hand. "Portal Open." He created a portal to the Ghost Zone. "Go back where you belong." He then chucked Technus into the portal. "Portal Close."
Just like that, some of the brightest minds in the room were confused on what just happened.
"Excuse me." Arnold spoke up getting the ghosts attention. "If you don't mind me asking, who are you?"
"Who am I?" The ghost smiled. "I am nothing." He turned away from them. "To anyone that knows him, deliver Danny Phantom a message. Phantom defeat the other side of the coin, and I shall bestow upon you a gift. This won't matter for some time since he currently sleeps."
He vanished into green particles just as Billy, Dean, and Jonny entered the room rather quickly.
"What just happened?" Billy asked.
"Where's the ghosts!?" Jonny added.
"Is everyone alright?" Dean asked.
Despite how shocking this was, no one had been hurt. That meant everyone was just utterly confused as to what this all meant. One thing was for certain; reports needed to be made to Jerry and M.O.M just as soon as Dani and David returned.
Ghost Zone: Walker's Prison
Walker sat in his office feeling rather furious that one of their longest standing prisoners had somehow escaped without a trace. No matter how hard they looked, the ghost of dreams, Nocturn, was nowhere to be found.
"I've had my men search high and low, but he's vanished." Walker thought. "To top it off, the Observants, every one of them, has vanished. What is going on within the Ghost Zone, and why am I left out of the loop?"
One of his guards burst into the office. "Sir, I'm sorry for interrupting you, but you need to see this."
Walker stood as he knew none of his officers would bother him at this time unless it was something he needed to see. Without a word, Walker followed the guard out of his office only to see Fun House standing there.
"Son, who are you?" Walker asked.
He did not recognize this ghost at all.
"I'll tell you sir, but first, allow me to give you a gift." Fun House snapped his fingers causing every empty cell in the place to be filled with ghost. "I believe every empty cell you had is now occupied by a criminal on your wanted posters."
Walker was genuinely shocked and impressed as just from what he could see, many of the formerly empty cells did in fact contain various criminals that had been wanted for some time.
"Who are you?" Walker asked.
"I am Fun House." Fun House replied. "Messenger of my master and his ally. They'd like to extend an invitation to a partnership. In return for you and your men, they will grant you full control over the ghost zone once our goals are met. What do you say?"
"Not a bad incentive." Walker genuinely stated. "That doesn't change the fact that you are an unregistered ghost."
"I can explain everything, but only in your office as to avoid the prying eyes." Fun House stated.
"Very well." Walker stated. "If I don't like your story, I'm throwing you in a cell."
"Duly noted." Fun House stated.
They entered the office and Fun House proceeded to tell Walker everything. When he was done, the warden slumped back into his seat.
"All this time." Walked shook his head angrily. "Your telling me the ghost zone has been out a ruler because of Clockwork?"
"It was his and the observant doing at first." Fun House nodded. "It all stemmed from separation. Eventually, this wrong shall be righted. Even before then, Clockwork will perish for what he's done. I know you are a ghost of justice Walker, so please help us deal out justice."
"After hearing the tale of your master, it's my job to help this wrong be righted." Walker held out his hand. "Tell your master's alley that he has the aid of the warden and his men."
"Excellent." Fun House shook the hand. "You and your men will receive training, but we need you to spend a majority of your time here to keep the order." He stood and summoned a mirror behind him. "Trust me when I say, you'll see our kingdom many times."
WOOHP HQ
Jerry stood in his office facing his screen with M.O.M and Billy currently on screen. Naturally, his office was closed completely. Introductions to the more paranormal side of The Center had to be handled with care.
"It was crazy!" Billy exclaimed. "Some green tiger just busted through the base like it was nothing. Made it really hard for me to arrive, so what I've told you is all secondhand accounts from mainly our scientist."
"What do you think Jerry?" M.O.M asked. "You are the one who knows Danny the best."
"Phantom defeat the other side of the coin, and I shall bestow upon you a gift. This won't matter for some time since he currently sleeps." Jerry repeated the words of the ghost. "I'm not sure. This is rather troubling."
"That's something we're starting to become accustomed to." M.O.M stated.
"We're already in the process of doing everything we can, on our ends, in the pursuit of protecting humanity from the enemies of the future." Jerry shook his head. "The most we can do is stay vigilant. We'll let the kids enjoy their holiday before telling them."
"I agree." M.O.M stated. "Billy, have the agents get to work repairing the base."
"Do an extensive scan of the red huntress's suit before returning it, anomalously, to Valerie Gray." Jerry asked. "That suit could be key moving forward."
"Right away." Billy stated.
Just who was that ghostly male and what in the world did a large, ectoplasmic tiger coming from that box mean. WOOHP and The Center could search for answers, but who's to say they'll ever find them even with their resources.
IrishKatana: Go for it
Jebest4781: All good things to those who wait. Even before then, Danny's going to be forced to unlock quite the ability. In all seriousness, season 2, since we are currently in season 1 of this story, is going to be a big season for this story.
Yakuza2010: I figured it was about time Cujo has more staying presence. Awe, Dark Dan... I have plans for him, and he will be returning shortly. We'll see what WOOHP and the Center they can come up with once they're unified. We'll see what happens with Diana.
HinataSoup: They will be introduced as WOOHP employees to the girls, but I just thought I should give it some time in favor of other things that need to be developed.
Matt: That is an apt comparison.