Courting
A concentrated beam of dazzling red energy hit the moving dummy dead on. Suddenly a vibrant ray of turquoise light hit the surprise flying target that came streaking out of nowhere. The couple gazed intensely around for supplementary 'enemies' to strike. Instead, they heard a charming voice say. "End simulation program."
An artificial voice chimed. "Simulation ending. Have a pleasant day." Immediately the entire vacancy became nothing more then snow-white walls, and all the automated targets and additional hazards all evaporated from view.
They're looking disappointed that their practice had come to an end for the day. They'd load more energy to burn and wished to continue their training. Woefully it was over with for the day.
A third person glided taciturnly into the room, applauding jubilantly and beamed at the pair. "Well, I must admit you're progressing faster then even I anticipated. You're genuine prodigies, without a doubt. Well done, Plasmius and Soulwings," the enchanting voice addressed the other two people in the chamber.
"Plasmius and Soulwings" turned out to be what Vlad and Magdalene had adopted as their ghost titles. The couple looked radically different from their human forms. It'd appear that their ghosts forms were manifestations of who they're on the inside, to an extent.
Vlad, given his name ghost form, resembled a vampire. His mother, Anastasia, used to read her children's classic novels, and his favorite had been Dracula. Consequently, he did fancy vampire books and films. Therefore his brand-new form made sense.
Mag's form, on the other hand, seemed to manifest her beautiful soul with its bright colors. It also revealed her desire to stand out and be somewhat sexy. Given the family's religious background, Mag had never been permitted to dress sensually. Her parents insisted she dress in a traditionalistic, furthermore humble style. Her ghost form liberated her from those limits and let her inner sensual self out.
Mag's cascading wavy auburn and plum locks became a striking tangerine and magenta, held in place with a neon green headband. Her skin tone remained the same. However, her blue-violet eyes transformed into a dazzling magenta.
Her ghost outfit consists of a tangerine crop top that exposed her midriff. She additionally wore tangerine and neon green hot pants, magenta ankle boots, and wrist-length gloves. Her Mark, an eye-catching turquoise butterfly, displayed prominently on her chest and hot pants.
They gazed upon the young woman who had spoken. The ravishing young woman was the spitting image of Princess Jasmine. Only her coloring and garments showed a difference.
The attractive specter had teal hair, bright pink eyes, neon green skin. Though she wore the same top as Princess Jasmine instead of pants, she wore a long skirt. Furthermore, nothing she wore was sky-blue. Instead, it was soft pink and lavender.
"You truly believe we're improving that much?" Mag inquired anxiously, and the mysterious woman nodded. Grinning with happiness and replied merrily.
"Yes, I do, as the Keeper of the Spirits its my job to keep tabs on all ghosts. I've to know what they are capable of. Also, where they are at all times. Not an uncomplicated task, mind you. Yet between my Ghost Gene abilities moreover my photographic memory, it's a little more manageable."
"I'm sincerely fascinated by ghosts biological science and general anatomy. Also, this concept of a person possessing a "Ghost Gene." It genuinely intrigues me, Lilith." Vlad said in wonderment, and Lilith tittered.
"Well, you always did well in that particular field of study in schooling. Though you've got numerous other subjects, you were excellent at Vlad. But yes, you've got a brilliant mind when it comes to scientific discipline.
I know you both possess many other skills, along with a great deal of potential. That's why I and the other Ancients are striving to help you reach it all."
"It's still shocking to learn about this universe and its people. Or that the founders of the Ghost Zone have taken a particular interest in the two of us. Is this honestly because Vlad and I are the first hybrids?" Mag probed curiously.
Lilith gave them a peculiar smile and responded. "All will be revealed in time. That's all I can say for now. At present, I wanted to hand you back your test results. I'm assuming you did as well on my fellow Ancients examinations as you're doing in basic training," as she gave each of them a thick envelope with their results.
"You know this is still peculiar and irritating, treated as if we were in school. The demand to study, having homework, and passing tests should be behind us. We both graduated!" Vlad couldn't help but feel exasperated as he glanced at his sealed results.
"Vlad, I thought you'd be more understanding of the subject after all your parents had to do a great deal of paperwork and pass various examinations to become legitimate citizens of America. Why should that be any different if you and Mag are striving to become legal citizens of the Ghost Zone?"
"It's just been an exhausting last six months is all, Lilith. Between all the training lessons, studying and attempting to make companions in the Ghost Zone, we still have to think of our lives in the Human World. Plus, we're just pooped every day is all," Mag explained patiently for the both of them.
"That's understandable, but as my wife has assured you both many a times before all this is essential. Also, it will aid you in the future in the long run," said a brand-new voice who materialize from a spinning clock gateway.
"Clockwork! Honey, I didn't realize you were back!" Lilith exclaimed with ecstasy as her husband, the Ancient Ghost of Time, materialized. Clockwork's line of work was to watch over the time stream and only intervene if he must.
"Sorry, I'm late, honey," as he was in his old man form as he held his wife in a tender embrace. Being the Ghost of Time, his body by nature went through all stages of life, childhood, adulthood, and old age.
"I understand, I do, beloved," Lilith replied understandingly as she kissed his features, "So where did you time-dance this time, love?" she inquired curiously.
"My dance landed me in a child's bedroom in the United States," came the short answer, which left everyone else in the room somewhat mystified.
"And why did you have to go to this child's bedroom?" Lilith inquired to her husband in befuddlement. Time Dancing didn't make a lot of sense, given the fact you genuinely couldn't control where and when you ended up. Even if you couldn't control where you ended up, you always ended up where and when you needed to be.
"Simply to ensure the child created the beloved Kermit the Frog when he grew up," Clockwork answered as to why he'd ended up there for this particular dance.
Vlad couldn't resist laughing. Of all the things to make sure come about creating the Muppets was a bizarre one to keep the time stream unimpaired. But then again, he wasn't the Master of Time, and he wasn't about to tell him how to do his job.
He then opened his test results and looked at them. He'd done exceptionally well on the examination given by Vida, Ancient Ghost of Life. Her questioning was regarding ghost bio-science. Their cores, energy, and ecto-types. All which he'd gotten correct.
He didn't do as well on the history questioning that Cognite the Ancient Ghost of Wisdom had to test them on. He still wasn't as well-versed in Ghost Zone history, so that wasn't a surprise.
Though he passed both Dynama, the Ancient Ghost of Energy and Dimensie, the Ancient Ghost of Dimensions brainteaser, they'd been on various types of energy and the perplexing mysteries of multiple dimensions.
Mag had done excellent on Harmony and Discord's test regarding Peace and Chaos. She passed with flying colors on Tempest, the Ancient Ghost of the Elements quiz. Considering she previously was well-versed in both elemental spirits, traditional knowledge, and environmental changes.
Neither, however, done particularly well on Enchantra, the Ancient Ghost of Magic's test. Neither could recall all celestial objects and their capabilities found in the Ghost Zone. Even Mag hadn't been able to remember all of them.
Also, they'd gotten more or less a C when it came to Cronos's test about Death though that been more of an essay thrown in with a bit of humanistic discipline; thus, that had thrown them for a bit of a loop.
They'd gotten all the answers correct when it came to distinguishing the Ancients, the 12 Ancient Laws, and every last of the laws that the ghost warden Walker was in charge of.
"I'd have to say we've done pretty decently, Vlad. I think we've exceeded exceptions."
"Yes, but we need to reach Outstanding to pass these tests and become part of the Ghost Zone. I'm reckoning, that means long hours studying and working on our weaker subjects."
"Don't get discouraged, you two. The fact you've gotten to Exceed Exceptions is very much an accomplishment. Given you've only been at this for six months. I'm positive by the time you take the final exam you'll pass. Then all that's left after that is swearing an oath of loyalty to the Ancients, and you'll be granted citizenship," Lilith said encouragingly to her brand-new friends.
"Does that mean if we pass these tests, we can eventually start taking part in things in the Ghost Zone or also start utilizing those objects we didn't classify so well?" Mag desired to know.
"Yes, within reason," Lilith nodded as she twirled a strand of blue-green hair, "Once you obtain citizenship, you'll be able to get a library card for Ghostwriter's library. Then you'll be welcome as the next to read his spoiler section, the one that allows you to read publication not yet in writing on Earth. You'll also be able to witness motion pictures or hear musical compositions again not yet made on Earth by watching films at the Haunted Theater by the Omni-Cameras and listening to Ghost Box Radio."
Mag laughed at the irony, "Your radio station is what inspired paranormal investigators to modify radio sets to enable you to speak through them as EVPS. Though they also borrowed the name EVPs and K2 from your currency. Though without knowing it."
"Yes, that always been hilarious how they use the names for somethings that we have used for something entirely different," Lilith mused wistfully. Flipping her hair, she added, "Or how we have both applied science and yes magic to do things that humans are not able to do yet or ever."
"Well, if we learned anything about the Ghost Zone, it challenges everything that the human world finds logical and rational. But then again, it is a whole new world; therefore, it should be contrary to the humans," Vlad pointed out to the Keeper of Spirits.
"Very true, Plasmius. Though we don't refute the fact that ghosts are still in a manner of speaking evolutionary kin of humans, I don't know how well-versed you are in biological science and organic evolution. Still, I'm sure you understand the basic concept, correct?"
"Yes, Lilith, we both are quite intelligent. I've read sufficient enough books on flora and fauna that deal with biology and phylogeny. Just as animals and plants have grown and adapted to their ever-changing worlds, so have humans.
But if you want a more of a recent speaking of 'cousins' then here one.
Take grizzly bears, for example. A part of their bloodline broke off and evolved into polar bears. Although even if I can't say the precise amount of time, men of science have said its really a fraction of what you would call the evolution of a species," Mag recited what she had researched extensively.
"True enough, and one day you'll possibly see two Animal Planet specials that talk about how its plausible for creatures such as dragons and mermaids to have evolved.
Except what humans will never know is those creatures exist. Nor what they did for a bogus documentary is the truth. Except to safeguard any being that falls under the line of 'otherworldly' is offered asylum here in the Ghost Zone."
"The Ancients seemed to be particularly good at humanitarian work. Your actions seem to speak volumes about how much you care regarding humanity and other living things."
"You are too kind, Magdalene Soulwings. But yes, we try to do good work for all that we watch over. Even if it's seldom just for entertainment purposes such as the Omni-Cameras or the Ghost Box Radio."
"Well, we all need to have a little fun once in a while—no doubt about that. Though I do understand the rule that none of this foreknowledge of the future of any kind is to leave the Ghost Zone," Vlad replied immediately.
One of the laws of the Ghost Zone is that even with their abilities to get various knowledge on future events, they respected human copyright laws. Also, Lilith's husband, Clockwork, had to make sure nothing disrupt the time-stream by bringing items not from the current time-period to the present.
"Yeah, we do need to have some pleasure in our lives. Speaking of which, Clockwork, is there anything going to happen you can tell us about?" Lilith questioned her husband in a hopeful tone.
"All, I will say for now is this. Vlad Plasmius and Magdalene Soulwings, you and those yet to be born, will change both worlds in ways not foreseen yet. But that's all I'm going to say."
"We understand, of course, Clockwork. After all, no-one should know their future. We must shape it according to how we live in the present. Consequently, we must learn from the past to do better in the present and develop a better future. That's what my love and I've learned from your lessons, and we have taken them to heart," Mag replied in a thoughtful voice.
"Nice to know many of our teachings have sunk in. Now again, you still have two months to go before your final tests. So remember to study hard and again be careful not to reveal yourselves to the humans," Clockwork warned the young couple.
"We won't, we promise," the hybrid couple replied to the Ancient Couple.
"One more thing before we send you home for the day," Lilith spoke up as if she just remembered something vital. Likely she had just remembered given they'd been so occupied for the past three hours with training and studying. "In two weeks is an event known as the Ghostly Gala. It's a social occasion we throw every year to celebrate the birth of the Ghost Zone and for everyone to have fun," to which both hybrids looked excited about the news. The Ancient couple smiled to see the hybrids ecstatic about being included in the forthcoming celebration.
"Now the event is formal when it comes to dressing style, and as you know, ghosts bodies require different kinds of nourishment then humans. Thus we will only be serving ghost foods and drinks. It might taste funny to you at first, but you'll get used to it quickly enough. So again, best behavior, and do try to find something appropriate to wear for the occasion," Lilith finished filling them in on the specifications for the upcoming celebration.
"Will do, Lilith. See you tomorrow for our next lessons." the couple waved goodbye as Lilith opened a unique gateway that took them home.
As soon as they returned home, rings of black and turquoise went up and down their bodies changing them from ghosts to their human selves. Right now they're dressed quite casually, jeans and t-shirts. Except Vlad's t-shirt was, of course, a Green Bay Packer t-shirt and Magdalene's was a white shirt with bluebells and roses on it.
"So that was another long day, Vlad. I don't feel like cooking tonight, so let's order pizza," Magdalene suggested as she yawned and did some stretches.
"Okay, but you know we are on a tight budget," he cautioned her, and she lamented. "I know neither of us has careers yet, but that doesn't mean we won't before long."
"I wish we could make our dreams come true," he sighed, and she caressed his features. "Don't worry about it, Vlad. I'm sure one day we will create your dream company of Vladco. But we still have several obstacles to get through first. At least both of you and I studied business in school, among other things."
"Yes, but how do we start the company if we don't have cash in the first place?"
"I'm sure something will happen that will give us the money we need. We just need to pray about it."
"If you say so, but only a miracle can help us at this point. We've got plenty of ideas for the business. However, we still need some funds for startup capital."
"And we will. Don't agonize about it. Now, how about that pizza?" Ordering from the pizza parlor down the street, they quickly were sitting on the green and gold sofa watching a romantic comedy movie as they slowly devoured their pizza. As the film was reaching the end, Vlad sighed theatrically, and Mag asked him what was bothering him.
"We've got the same routine every day, Mag," he answered her as he ran his fingers through her silky locks. "We spent half the day in the Ghost Zone training and studying. Then we spend at least four hours every day attempting to live our normal lives. And then we always eat dinner and go to bed only to do it all over again the next day."
"You think its too mundane?" as she snuggled closer to him.
"No, I love and respect you, but I can't help but feel depressed all the same I've to wait till we are married before we can take our relationship to the next level. And that is if your parents say yes," at that both of them frowned.
"I told you its sacrilegious in my family to have sex before you are married. Furthermore, my parents are still old-fashion in the sense they want to meet the guy and his family before anything goes any further. I'm lucky they bent a little and let us live together! My parents didn't even live together until they were married and ready to buy a house!"
"And your parents have yet to meet my mother and sister. Not that we've had any time for either of our families to meet properly. They only met once and didn't genuinely have a conversation."
"No, seeing us getting out of the medical institution isn't the same as a proper dinner party. But how are we going to find time to have a proper get-together, start our business and even hope to get married?"
"I guess we just have to wait and see. For now, its time for bed," as they retired to their small bedroom.
After being turned into half-ghosts, the couple's dreams had become more vivid and more unusual, and they always remembered their dreams afterward. Beforehand they'd been like most people who didn't remember their dreams, and if they did, it was only bits and pieces. But there was no doubt about it their dreams had taken a whole new level since becoming ghosts.
They not yet had time to ask if this was the norm for ghosts. Since the person they'd have to talk to would be the Nocturne the Ghost of Dreams. Perhaps they could speak with him about it at the Gala. Though thinking about the Gala brought other problems to mind—namely, a fashion problem. Neither of them owned anything fancy enough for that kind of a party. And they did not want to stick out like sore thumbs they needed to find a solution and quickly.
Luckily a solution called them the next morning. They were having coffee and instant ginger maple oatmeal for breakfast when the phone rang. Vlad answered it on the third ring.
"Hello, Vlad Masters speaking. Oh! Hi, Nayda! How are you, big sis?" he answered in a cheerful voice.
"On the one hand, I'm fine, little badger. On the other hand, you have me, and Mom worried sick! You promised to call each of us at least twice a week once you got out of the hospital. You've not called either of us for over a month! What is going on little brother?" demanded his sister irritably
"My apologies, Nayda. Mag and I've been quite busy with trying to make a life for ourselves as well as spending time with some new friends since getting out of the hospital," he explained the half-truth to his older sister, who let out a snort on the telephone.
"So, you mean you found support groups or something like that?" she asked, slightly annoyed. Of course, Nayda was thrilled for her little brother for finding love and making friends but didn't mean she still wasn't mad at him for not calling for over a month.
"There was a hospital volunteer who helped both of us, and she introduced us to her family and friends. We've been spending time with them and again trying to get on our feet. So sorry I've not called," Vlad repeatedly apologized to his sister, who he could see in his mind shaking her head and smiling.
"Okay, well, try harder in the future. How are things going between you and Magdalene?" she inquired enthusiastically. She wanted all the juicy details on her brother's love life, seeing how she didn't have one of her own at the moment.
"Splendid. Maybe it was fate; I have an accident; otherwise, I would have never met the love of my life."
"That's good to hear. Is there anything you need help with? Mom and I are willing to help both of you any way we can, you know."
"I don't want Mom attempting to do anything that might make it harder for her later in life after she retires. But do you think you could help me out with something?"
"Depends, what is it?"
"Our new friend Lilith invited Mag and me to a formal dinner party she's having with her family and friends. It's in two weeks, but we don't..."
"You and Mag don't have anything to wear, is that it? Well, that won't be a problem, little brother. You know I do have a degree in fashion as well as fine art. Heck, I could even be an art appraiser or fashion critique!"
"So do you think you could come up with something for me and Magdalene to wear to the event? I do believe I told you before her measurements."
"Yeah, you did. Don't worry, little brother. I'll have your outfits done before the function. Trust me, by the time I'm finished, both of you will be the best dressed there!"
"I hope so. I'll try to remember to call Mom later, I promise."
"Okay, well, do it soon. I know you just said you don't want to bother her about money or anything like that. But I get the feeling she wants to talk to both of us about something to do with that topic.
She's been acting weird the last three weeks. I was over at her apartment, and she got some strange letter in the mail. I think it was from a lawyer. Don't know what that was about but we shall see."
"Okay, see you soon, sis. Have a good day."
"Same for you, Little Brother. Bye."
"What was all that about Vlad?" Mag wanted to know after he hung up. Sighing, he kissed her cheek before sitting back down at their small table and resuming eating his oatmeal. After a small spoonful, he answered Mag's question.
"Just my sister was scolding me for not checking in with her and Mom as often as I should. I asked her to design some outfits for us for the Ghostly Gala. She's got an eye for detail and a great fashion sense."
"You did say before she was a gifted artist and quite the little designer when it came to clothes."
"Yeah, growing up, she made a lot of our clothes. She'd also during school events, and the summer sell her various artwork for much-needed money. One of the vessels she made the summer before Dad was arrested was bought for 150$," he recalled proudly.
"Wow, she must have been good to get that much money for one of her vases!" exclaimed Magdalene, very impressed with her boyfriend's older sister's talents.
"She was seeking to replicate well-known ceramics from Asia. It wasn't perfect, but it did have some resemblance to the legendary "Thousand Crane Vase," which is found in Korea."
"Hmm, that is quite impressive. So what is she doing now that she out of school?" Magdalene asked curiously as she took their dishes to the sink to wash.
"She's opened a gallery and still designs on the side. She calls her art studio and gallery "Nayda Dream World" We have to go see it one day."
"And we will, my love, when we have the time. But I've got to in an hour help out Leta. She's trying to find a space big enough for her dream shop. And I told her I'd help her look."
"Okay, you go do that, and I'll keep busy trying to figure out how to overcome some of the obstacles we've hindering us from starting the company."
When Mag meet up with Leta, she was impressed by what her best friend was wearing. Leta was no doubt quite the beauty, but she knew how to flaunt it.
Today she was wearing a long summer gown made from a fascinating silken material. It was a combination of snow-white, jet-black, royal purple, and peacock green, swirling in waves that form a beautiful configuration and naturally, pattern.
Magdalene herself was today dressed in a pair of light denim bell-bottoms, a violet top with a distinctive neckline and thin straps, and wearing a pair of high-platform Chanel sandals.
After greeting each other with their secret handshake, the two young women started looking at different mercantile establishments in the various neck of the woods seeking to find the ideal location Leta could transform into her dream outlet.
Leta's dreams had not died in the slightest. She had a vision that she saw clear as day. Her journals were overflowing with meticulously written notes and intricate design plans for when she ultimately found a location.
She planned to call her shop, "Leta's Alternative World Shop." It'd fulfill all her passions, be as unique as she was, and hopefully because of the individualism she might potentially making a killing.
She intended for the shop to have homeopathic remedies along with holistic healing. There would be yoga classes and lessons in the art of Feng Shui. Plus, the subject field of crystal healing and handbooks on meditating.
People would be able to acquire books on witchcraft, legends, and mythicism, Wiccan items, fresh wildflowers, and also protective ornaments and emblems. She also planned to sell home-made beauty products, items for spells, and finally, healthy foods and herbs.
Of course, she would need the right type of employees to help her manage the shop and make it work. But she worries about that when she came to it. Right now, it was shopping for the perfect location.
They spent most of the morning looking for the right location. It was nearly lunchtime, and they're thinking of giving up. They'd stopped at a cafe for a quick bit to eat when something happened that changed everything.
Strangely colored butterflies that seemed to be glowing appeared before them. They seemed to be wanting them to follow them. Mag had no doubt these butterflies had come from the Ghost Zone.
During their studies to pass their tests, both she and Vlad had read about the different flora and fauna found in the Ghost Zone. Namely, because it was also part of the final test given by Vida, so she was aware the Ghost Zone had a particular type of butterflies who did have some symbolic meanings in the world of living to those who had passed on.
The butterflies lead them both to the perfect location for Leta's shop and then seemed to be fluttering around a nearby gas station. Mag didn't know why but she could see one butterfly shimmer above where you bought lotto tickets.
So she and Leta both bought some lotto tickets. They chose their numbers based on the study of how magic and numbers work together. She couldn't remember what it was called, but Leta said she felt it be the best way to make it work.
Two weeks later, Vlad and Magdalene were busy getting gussy up for the night. True to Nayda's word, she'd made them stylish formal wear. Vlad's evening clothes tailored to fit him, and he looked very much like a gentleman. Mag's look, however, was far more awe-inspiring.
She was wearing an elaborate snow-white ballgown, Strings of eye-popping jewels and rose-red silk ribbons held up her hair in two lavish buns. Long silk gloves adorned her arms, and stunning pearl accessories adored her body. Finally, she was carrying a pretty garden pink, snow-white, and lilac parasol.
The portal opened, and soon they were in a sizeable golden-white canopy tent—the buffet table overflowing with ghostly foods and punch. Ghosts weren't able to drink alcoholic beverages. Their bodies simply couldn't metabolize it or expel it from the body. Of course, even if it was against the laws to bring any sort of poison from Earth ( Hard liquor, cigarettes, and narcotics), it didn't stop some people from being foolish enough to try it.
When they arrived, the person who greeted them was the Fright Knight. In the old days, he served the evil Pariah Dark. Nowadays, the Fright Knight faithfully served the Ancients. They gave him the responsibility of being the Honor Guard during formal events plus additionally protecting the children when they attended school.
He didn't do security alone at formal events, of course. Walker and his guards still had to help and deal with the hooligans. Though one had to make sure Walker himself didn't go overboard with the 'rules." Some he just made up on the spot, and the Ancients had to remind him of his place more then once gently.
Everyone was dressed to the nines tonight. A few of the female guests stood out. Spectra, a ghost who was the embodiment of vanity, for instance, was wearing a dark red dress with an empire style waist and skirt with jet-black trim, and a rather large ruby locket decorated her neck.
Desiree, the Wishing Ghost, was wearing an ocean blue silk gown. It had a sweetheart neckline, and tight-fitting bodice and her brand-new gemstones sparkled like the stars on the ocean itself.
Others weren't as high fashion as the rest or at least not for the time. Dora, for example, was wearing what would've been a stylish gown a few centuries ago. It resembled what Drew Barrymore wore as Danielle in the movie Ever After to the masqueraded ball.
It made Magdalene and Vlad laugh that there were ghosts who were snapping pictures and trying to interview people. The Ghost Zone had many surprising places that parallel with Earth.
For instance, one rather sizable floating isle was where their films, radio, and newspaper buildings were all located. The most renowned Ghost Zone filmmaker in charge of Horror Studios was a twenty-four-year-old named Teddy Lycan. (His mother Ainu was Wulf's younger sister hence his last name.)
Teddy himself was only half-werewolf; his mother had wedded a regular human ghost. However, even being only half-werewolf, he did have some wolfish qualities about him. Giving he was passive-aggressive, with wolfish features, and his long aquamarine hair looked a lot like a wolf's tail. He also wore jewelry made from wolves teeth and claws and had several tattoos about wolves.
His girlfriend was twenty-two-year-old Maya, whose older sister was Lydia, the tattooed ghost. Maya, who ran the Ghost Box Radio Station went for a grunge girl look with her cotton candy pink hair and manner of dress.
Then there was editor-in-chief of the Ghost Zone Poltergeist (the Ghost Zone's newspaper since newspapers came into reality) was run by Walker's second in command Bullet's twenty-three-year-old daughter named Annie. (Bullet named his daughter after Annie Oakley given she was outstanding sharpshooter)
But that's not the only particular places in the Ghost Zone or its people. The Ghost Zone Bank was run by the Miser, aka the Ghost of Scrooge. He looked and sounded like Disney character Scrooge McDuck, just not a duck, of course. Otherwise, they're dead ringers for each other in looks and mannerisms.
They could hear the Miser having a discussion with the other "Great Minds" who been transformed into ghosts after their deaths. There was the ghost of Sigmund Freud, aka the Therapist who ran the mental health clinic in the Ghost Zone since everyone who lived there needed their mental health addressed.
Some of the high school teachers like the ghosts of Mozart, Plato, Einstein, and Edison were chatting with people like Nanny Anna, who was the Ghost of Anna Leonowens. (People knew about her from the movie "The King and I")
It appeared that Nanny Anna was in the company of the Lunch Lady and Pandora, and from what they could catch, the women were arguing with the men about the hardships they'd with children and how to get them to behave.
Needing to mingle, Vlad soon struck up a conversation with Skulker and grudgingly Technus. In contrast, Magdalene was being entertained by their significant others Huntress and Pixel, who were talking about fashion.
There is only one Ghost House of Fashion. The founder and top designer is a young woman named Creelisel. But she'd been the Ghost Zone Fashion Designer since the Dark Ages though she was a master at what she did.
She needed to get good critiques tonight for her new line, which is why what the girls were wearing this evening was so important. Mag had to admit that both Huntress and Pixel's dressed, (which looked what Anastasia wore in the animated movie, during Once Upon a December and at the Opera House), looked fantastic.
But other people stole the spotlight when it came to who was most noticeable at that Gala. One remarkable beauty that stood out was Nocturne's twin sister Dreama. She had Rapunzel-length glowing chartreuse hair, alabaster skin, midnight-blue eyes, and a twelve pointed star birthmark on her forehead. Her outfit seemed to be an enchanting mix of liquid and light.
She was one to stand out in a crowd. She also happened to be the wife of the Ancient Ghost of Death Cronos. Surprising as that was Clockwork and Lilith were not the only Ancients who had wedded.
Despite Cognite being gender-fluid as neither Cognite or Dimensie had a specified gender. Therefore that made them gender-fluid. Though most people used "He" when addressing them at council meetings. Nevertheless, Cognite was in a relationship with Ghostwriter. Vida was married to Undergrowth while Discord and Harmony were married to the ancient deities of chaos and the sun Eris and Helios, who came from Pandora's realm. Tempest was married to an elemental spirit named Dogoda, and she was the sister of Vortex. But thankfully not as temperamental as her brother. There were rumors that Enchantra was in a relationship, but no one knew the truth about that as she kept her personal life a tightly guarded secret.
Overall it looked like Vlad and Magdalene weren't the only ones involved in courting. The Ancients being well Ancient, had all been married well over a millennium. The more youthful ghosts were in budding relationships with people they'd all gone to school with and dreaming for something more. But at least tonight everyone was having a night of romance and fun.
In the end, the night was unequivocally magical for everyone. There were many speeches given by both the Ancients as well as many other ghosts. In the end, it was a hugely successful night for one and all.
Vlad and Magdalene, when they returned home that night, could only hope that they soon indeed be apart of this world. Consequently, they better hit the books and hope they pass those tests. And still, figure out their human world problems of starting a corporation and making sure their families adequately met.
Still, all that could wait till another day. For now, they just wanted to sleep.
OC Voices. (Even if they not indeed spoken yet they will)
Lilith- Keeper of the Spirits- Linda Larkin- Princess Jasmine
The Miser (Scrooge's Ghost) David Tennant Scrooge McDuck 2017 reboot
Nanny Anna-the Ghost of Anna Leonowens- Jodi Foster
The Genius- Albert's Einstein's Ghost- Tom Kane (Darwin Wild Thornberrys)- eccentric genius- Math and Science
The Storyteller- Charles Dickens's ghost- Nicolas Cage (famous actor but Ghost Rider and National Treasure to name two films of his) - very intent on grammar being perfect.- English Lit
The Stargazer- Galileo- Robert De Niro (Again famous. But chose him for this role because of his character in the movie Stardust)- Astronomy
The Artist- Da Vinici- Tom Hanks (Who doesn't know this guy? Everyone has seen Forrest Gump at least once right?)- Art
The Philosopher- Plato- Michel Caine (He was in a Muppet Christmas Carol as Scrooge, In the Sandra Bullock film Ms. Congeniality and the Batman movies)- Philosophy
The Composer- Mozart- Viggo Mortensen ( He was in the Sandra Bullock movie 28 days)- Music
The Actor- Shakespeare- Keanu Reeves (Sure people know this guy. I know he and Sandra Bullock were in both Speed and The Lake House)- Drama
The Inventor- Edison- Tim Gunn (Anyone who a fan of project runway knows him. He also voiced Balieywick on Sofia the First)- Science and workshop
The Therapist- Freud- Dennis Miller (Popular guy too but I got his name from the Sandra Bullock film "The Net" - Ghost Zone Therapist
Vida- Nicole Oliver. Most famous role to date Princess Celestia of MLP.
Cronos- Mark Acheson- Lord Tirek- the final villain of season 4 MLP.
Dimensie- David McCallum- Ben Ten Alien Force Professor Paradox.
Dynama- Juliet Landau- Verdona- Ben Ten's grandma.
Cognite- Chris Britton- Starswirl the Bearded.
Discord- John De Lancie- Discord from MLP duh
Harmony- Britt McKillip- Princess Candace MLP
Tempest- Steven Yeun- Avatar Wan The first-ever Avatar.
Enchantra- Catherine Tate- Magica De Spell DuckTales 2017.
Eris - Arleen Sorkin ( Harley Quinn in Batman the Animated Series)
Dogoda - Stephanie Sheh ( Orihime Inoue in Bleach)
Dreama - Nicole Oliver Princess Celestia in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic)
Helios - Seth Rogen- Pumbaa Live-Action Lion King
Huntress- Skulker's common-law wife- Angelina Jolie
Pixel- Technus's wife and Techna's mother- Whoopie Goldberg
Some of the outfits were designed by jimelization