WoM- Awww… You guys are so sweet! 'glomps reviewers,' Here's Chapter five, I hope you all enjoy!
"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose."
-Woody Allen
Scene 5
"Amazing!" Danny gritted his teeth as he clutched the armrests of his chair, all too aware of Vlad's steady, unwavering glare at the Director's words, "Absolutely Amazing! And lucky, too! If that cameraman hadn't been passing by, why we never would've caught him in the act! Derris, remind me later we need more cameras! Lots more!" Danny shrunk lower into his seat and Jazz spared him a worried look.
"I'm sure it's not that great, Mr. Lamburg," Jazz said with a nervous laugh. "I mean, it was just a fire. I'm sure all ghosts can stand wading through flames. After all, it's not like they have bodies or anything…"
"Oh, no my dear, that's not all that's amazing," Michael protested, "His speed, his reckless determination-!" (More shrinking on Danny's part here as Vlad's glare became even more pointed.) "-and most importantly, the fact that he'd take such a risk for someone he doesn't know. Viewers love that sort of thing, eat it up all the time."
"It's not like he had anything to lose," Danny muttered, "Ghosts are dead, and you can't much more then your life."
"Point," Michael grinned, "Which reminds me Danny- You don't mind if I call you Danny, do you? Good boy!- Have you considered taking up a role in the documentary? We'd love to have you aboard, and I know the perfect-!"
"No!" Danny said quickly, "I mean, I've got too much homework now to think about something like that," Michael's face brightened again at that.
"Oh, no worries there!" He said cheerfully, "Giving us a hand means you don't have to go to school. Casper High already agreed to waver any classes for students who got into the Documentary, since it's an educational movie about Amity Park." Well, that excuse just went down the toilet. Not to mention the fact that Danny was in a spot.
If he said yes, he'd be forced to be in the documentary right alongside his ghost self, and constantly worry that someone out there might actually have the common sence to see the resemblance. If he said no, everyone would immediately become suspicious. After all, what 14 year old boy wouldn't want to cut school to be in a movie? He could already see his dad accusing him of being overshadowed and his mom taking his temperature every three minutes…
"Are you crazy?" Jazz said, falling right into the 'nosey older sister' act, "Danny has a responsibility to his grades and himself. It would be unfair to the kids who don't get into the film if he got by just for a five minute part in a movie, right Danny?" Danny grinned at the save.
"Aw, come on Jazz!" He whined, playing his part, "This might actually be fun!"
"And what will Sam and Tucker say, hm?" Jazz asked, hiding a grin.
"Actually, The part your brother will play is a bit longer then five minutes," Michael chuckled, "And as for his friends, we could probably squeeze them in, too…" Danny's heart dropped to his shoes.
"Wait, how much longer?" he asked, uneasy.
"Michael," Mandy said, walking into the room, "They're having problems back at the hotel. They need us back there right now." Michael looked like he wanted to protest, but then he sighed and stood up.
"Well, It was nice speaking to you, Mr. And Mrs. Fenton. You too, Mr. Masters. Jazz, hope you get into that college your shooting for. Oh and Danny…" Danny tensed, "You haven't seen the last of me, kid," Michael said it in a joking tone, but as he left with the actors and Jack and Maddie, Danny exchanged looks with Jazz, telling her he found it anything but humorous.
"What," Vlad steamed, apparently on the same page with his younger halfa counterpart for once, "Were you thinking?"
"About how Mom would more or less die if anything happened to me or Jazz," Danny countered successfully, satisfied that the reference to his mother had the billionaire going quiet. "Besides, it's not like they caught anything on tape that's life shattering…"
"Danny! Mr. Masters!" Jazz hissed, "The Cameras!" Danny froze, but Vlad waved the Fenton children's fears away with a lazy hand gesture.
"Relax, my dear," He scoffed, "The first two or three days often involve technological tweaking. Every camera in this house has been out for nearly three hours now, and will stay out for another two. We cannot do this all the time, though, or else people will begin to get suspicious." Danny relaxed a little at that, begrudgingly impressed with Vlad's powers and resources.
"Well, why does it matter so much if he saw me save that kid?" Danny demanded again.
"He knows for sure you exist now," Vlad sighed, "Michael Lamburg is one of the most persistent directors in the world. That's what makes him such a talent, actually, because he sees the direction he can have a film go in and stops at nothing to make it reality. The more impossible, the better actually."
"What I don't get," Jazz said, "Is why he's trying so hard to get Danny Fenton in the film."
"No doubt he's hoping for more pizzazz," Vlad sighed, "It's not as impressive to see two adults fighting off ghosts as it is to see a child doing the same, with less time and weapons. That or he's smarter then we've given him credit for and noticed the Fenton/Phantom connection…"
Before any more questions could be asked, or theories thrown out, Jack Fenton came bursting back into the room, stacks of board games in both hands.
"Okay, Kids! Who's up for a night of Ghostopoly?"
"Pass," Danny and Jazz said as one.
"Actually, I've gotta get to bed…" Danny continued, standing, "Out astrology projects have to be presented tomorrow and Mr. Lancer won't appreciate me falling asleep in the middle of my presentation." 'Again.'
"Me too, Dad," Jazz said hastily, "I've got that Young Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting in the morning. Don't wanna be late for that!"
"Aww…" Jack pouted.
"Danny, have you considered taking up Mr. Lamburg's offer?" Maddie asked as she entered the room, "Normally, I wouldn't want you missing school, but I think this could be more educational in the long run."
"No thanks, mom," Danny said instantly, "I get nervous when they take my class picture at school, you think I can handle being in a movie seen across the continent?"
"Well, if that's what you want…" Maddie said, smiling at her son, "You two are right, though, it's getting late, and you should head up for bed."
"Right," Danny grinned at her, "Oh, Vlad? Do you need any help unpacking?" The billionaire seemed alarmed at the admittedly unexpected burst of generosity Danny suddenly felt, but when he caught sight of Danny's face, he realized he just wanted to speak to him more in private.
"Why, yes Daniel," He said smiling, "And it would be most appreciated! Here, let me show you where everything goes…"
Vlad, Jazz and Danny all headed up the stairs, Jazz shooting her brother a worried look as he trailed into the room after his archenemy. Danny gave her a reassuring smile before ducking inside, closing the door behind him so Jack and Maddie couldn't overhear them. After a moment's hesitation, Jazz went into her own room, deciding that Danny and Vlad could handle this ghost stuff much better then she could.
"What do you know about Pyrokinesis-based ghosts?" Danny asked as soon as the door had shut. Vlad gave him a startled look.
"What?"
"Pyrokinesis. I know they're fairly common in the Ghost Zone and that they're powers can range between them, but that's about it." Vlad looked impressed despite himself.
"You've been studying," He said approvingly.
"Which the lives of everyone I care about at stake? Duh." Danny sighed, not in the mood for Vlad's mind games. "Can you tell me anything else about them? Is there one in particular that is very needy for attention, or violent?" The rest of Vlad's confusion cleared up instantly.
"So, you think it was a Pyro who attacked that apartment? And of the undead variety even…"
"I saw a ghost there for a second that more or less screamed trouble." Danny supplied, "And with the ability to start fires out of thin air, I believe it,"
"Well, as you said the Pyrokinesis are fairly common," Vlad shrugged. "Ember's the only one I know who has anything close to that. But I suppose I can have my vultures ask around a bit so we know exactly what we're up against here." Danny blinked.
"…We?"
"There's only two reasons he could be attacking this area now," Vlad said, "One is to draw one of us out into battle and the other, as you've already suggested, is for attention. Either way, I could not tolerate it if someone using such crude tactics to played a part in my exposure."
"I'm pretty sure it's the second one," Danny said thoughtfully, "He's starting out with little things, then gonna move up as he goes along. And if all he wanted was to fight me, he could've attacked easily last night when my guard was down and I was tired from saving that kid." Danny pointed out, "I doubt someone who's willing to burn an apartment down to draw someone out for a fight is gonna be that sporting."
"Pyrokinesises are complex, Daniel," Vlad shrugged, "They tend to live as loners, with only their own rules to guide them," Danny was tempted to point out that Vlad was a lot like this before deciding against it.
"Is there anything to combat their fire-starting abilities?" Danny asked.
"Not that I know of…" Vlad reluctantly admitted, "I doubt it. Unless you have some sort of ice powers."
"You mean like Klemper?" Danny asked, frowning, "Guess that makes sense…"
"I have yet to develop any such power, though," Vlad said, "And powers cannot be developed willingly, as I'm sure you've found," A hint of amusement had entered Vlad's voice here, and Danny found himself wondering if the billionaire knew about his many failed attempts at Duplication, which he still hadn't quite gotten. (He could create two separate beings now, but they were often missing arms or legs and afterwards he was left exhausted.)
Somehow, Danny didn't doubt it.
"And hoping that life is gonna be easier for once and give one of us the ability is probably asking too much." Danny added dryly. Then he sighed, "Look, you talk to your minions, I'll get Sam and Tuck to give me a hand with getting a map out of the cameras and trying to find a way to track this guy before he lights up anything else."
"Aren't you concerned for their safety?" Vlad pressed, "this is a very dangerous creature towards those who lack intangibility, Daniel, do you really want to risk your friends lives like that?"
"Sam and Tucker can take care of themselves." Danny said, a little defensive. "They've been helping me since I got my powers, and I'm not going to push them away when I need them most."
"Ah, but what about their needs?" Vlad asked shrewdly, "They can survive attacks, true enough, but you're allowing yourself to forget that unlike you Daniel, your friends are only human…"
"Danny… Danny, are you okay?" Sam frowned as her friend blinked back to reality.
"Fine," He said shortly, glancing around, "Any cameras?"
"Nope," Tucker said, playing with his PDA "They're mostly by Lancer's room and in the cafeteria. Why?"
"I've got a new power," Danny said.
"Really?" Sam looked surprised, "Wow, so soon after telekinesis, too? You're on a roll…"
"So, what is it this time?" Tucker asked, "Size-Alteration? Electricity? Or are you a time controller now like Clockwork?"
"None of the above," Danny answered, "It's some sort of Hearing thing I think. When I went to save that girl, it was like I was able to mute the fire and turn up the volume of everything else, so I could find out where she was. Then, it was normal again."
"Wow," Sam said, impressed.
"Leave it to ghosts to take selective hearing to a whole new level." Tucker added, "Still that sounds kinda cool. I bet it'd be killer for listening in on conversations. Think it'll work on sound-proof rooms?"
"Dunno," Danny admitted, "I wish I could find out…" he trailed off bitterly as he was once again reminded of his current situation.
"Well, we can find out at my place this weekend," Sam said, soothing his irritation, "We have plenty of sound proof rooms, we'll turn a radio on in one of them and see how it goes."
"Yeah." Danny said, grinning, "And even if it can't, I bet I'll come to love this power when Tucker starts singing."
"…HEY!"
"Danny!" All three ghost-busting teens stopped dead at the yell, gaping at the girl who was running up to them.
"Paulina?" Danny said, confused.
"Hey, you!" Paulina said with a giggle, "How've you been?"
"Uhh…"
"Great!" Paulina's perky tone never dropped, "So, I hear you and your family are really close with the people here from 'Spirits'…"
"Depends on how loosely you use the term 'close,'" Sam cut in, glaring at the cheerleader.
"Oh, that's right, you and Electra Lunette don't like each other, do you?" Paulina feigned an innocent expression, "Guess it's a good thing I'm not talking to you right now, isn't it?"
"Actually, you are Oh Smart One," Sam said sarcastically. "Come on, Danny, we're gonna be late for class," The halfa yelped as Sam yanked him away from the popular girl, missing the way her eyes narrowed on Sam. Tucker gave a weak laughed and an apologetic smile (Which Paulina didn't bother acknowledging,) before taking off after his friends.
"Geeze, Sam, did you have to be so hard on her?" Danny chided with a frown, "She was just being polite." Sam scowled.
"Forget Paulina," She sighed, reigning her temper before the Hispanic girl caused her to fight yet again with her best friend. "About this ghost you saw- much as hate to say it, we're probably not gonna make any leeway there on our own unless he attacks again, and with his powers that could be dangerous. Best thing to do is hope he's tapped himself out after last night and sit tight for Vlad's report,"
"Yeah," Danny sighed, "You're probably right. I'd hate to rely on Vlad for anything, but in this case we have no choice."
"Hey, Sam, you do remember we're still running late for class, right?" Tucker reminded the girl. Both baby blue and lilac eyes widened and Tucker couldn't help but laugh as he ran along side his friends.
"And we can even use the usual short cut," Sam griped, "Just when I thought I couldn't hate Electra anymore-!"
"Danny!" Sam came screeching to a halt, catching Danny and Tucker off guard and making them both plow into her. Danny caught himself before he accidentally went intangible to avoid the collision, but this also mean he couldn't do a thing as the three of them landed in a painfully tangled heap on the floor.
"What are you doing here?" Sam exploded before she could stop herself, pushing Tucker's foot out of the way to glare up at Electra. The starlet was unfazed by the look.
"Michael wanted me to talk to people here about being interviewed for the movie," She said sweetly. "I've already signed up a Valerie Grey. She mentioned she knew you, Danny, another friend?"
"Yeah," Danny grunted as he and his two best friends detangled themselves. 'When I'm Fenton, anyways…' "She's helped me out in the past,"
"Anyone else you can think of who'd make a good reference, Danny?" Electra asked, smiling, "I need one more student, and you seem like you'd have a better idea of who I could talk to then your sister, and no offence or anything, but I really, reeeeally don't want to sit through another one of your dad's ghost rants," Danny couldn't suppress a smile at that one, combined with the genuinely pained look that passed Electra's face.
"Join the club," He said, then he sighed. "Sorry, I would tell you if I could think of anyone, but I really can't off the top of my head. Other then Valerie, the only student here who's really had enough encounters with Phantom that they've actually had a conversation is Paulina," Danny said, purposely leaving out his sister and friends.
"Well, then," Electra said reasonably, "I guess I'll just have to interview you," And, before Danny could protest, Electra had grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him away.
"You two really must hate each other," Tucker observed, watching his friend try to slip away from the actress without revealing his powers.
"What was you first clue?" Sam snapped, glaring at the Techno-geek.
"The fact that she realized so quickly that the best way to hurt you is through Danny," Tucker shrugged. He grinned at Sam's blush. "Oh, don't worry, Danny doesn't like her, you can be sure of that,"
"Tucker?" Sam said, trying to make the rosy coloring in her cheeks go away unsuccessfully.
"Yes, Sam?" Tucker said innocently.
"I'm going to make you pay one of these days…" Tucker laughed. Sam sighed and tucked a strand of raven hair behind her ear before grinning at her friend, "Hey, Tuck?"
"What now?" Tucker asked, still chuckling.
"Danny forgot all about November 15th," Tucker stopped laughing long enough to give Sam a stunned look.
"You're kidding!" He exclaimed.
"Nope,"
"He, he of all people forgot about-?"
"Yep," Tucker grinned.
"Oh, this is sweet…"
"Tell me about it," Sam laughed, "I was thinking maybe we could-!"
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggg!
Tucker and Sam froze.
"The bell!" Tucker exclaimed.
"Oh, man…" Sam groaned, yanking Tucker toward their class, "Someone must be punishing me, that's the only explanation…"
"Well did they have to bring me along for the ride?" Tucker griped.
Sam responded with a glare that reminded Tucker of the Nasty Burger incident, successfully silencing the boy for about three minutes.
"Really, Electra, I don't want to-!"
"I know," Electra cut him off with a smile, "the cameras are still down today, anyways. But I've already phoned in that you're helping. There's really nothing for either of us to do, so why don't we take the day off? You sister mentioned an amusement park last night…"
"I can't," Danny frowned, "I don't have the money,"
"I can lend some to you," Electra offered.
"That's okay," Danny said, feeling uncomfortable. There was something about the pretty actress that set him on edge. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Sam hated her so much, or maybe it was because she was a part of the movie that stood a good chance of ruining his life, but Danny knew there was something about Electra EstellaLunette that was untrustworthy.
"I insist," Electra smiled, "I'd feel better with you then anyone else. You're the only boy here who hasn't tried to hit on me."
"Thanks for the offer, it is tempting, especially since I have a test next hour, but If I don't get back to class as of now I can expect to spend the rest of the week in the Fenton Stockades." Electra blinked.
"…The Fenton what?"
Danny was about to explain the purpose of the medieval torture device when a familiar gasp of breath escaped him, along with a shiver. He clapped a hand over his mouth, when Electra's confused look deepened, though it was already far too late.
"Are you cold?" She asked, "But it's, like seventy out…" Danny was about to think up some half bit excuse when suddenly he caught sight of something behind Electra.
"GET DOWN!" He yelled, tackling the girl to the ground just in time to save both of them from a long jet of flames that came close enough to them for Danny for feel the heat sharply on the back of his neck.
"W-Wha-?" Electra gasped, looking up at the ghost in front of them with wide eyes. Red orbs glared under a black cloak for a moment before the creature turned and floated away at a pointed pace. Danny's eyes narrowed. He'd been led to enough traps to recognize that this ghost wanted him to follow it, but the halfa really had no choice. He couldn't risk him burning the school down.
…The fact that Danny probably wouldn't have stood in the way of such during finals week aside, of course.
"Electra, get out of here and call my parents," Danny said, pulling her up and giving her a gentle push in the direction of the phones, "Tell them there's a ghost at the school, a Pyrokinesis!" And, after he was sure the girl would do as she was told, Danny headed off to chase his new friend down.
He found himself in an abandoned science lab, where he knew no cameras were set up. (Much to his relief.) The ghost floated in the middle of the empty, room, not moving. He turned into Danny Phantom, forgoing the battle-cry as he tended to do in more serious situations.
"Okay, Charlie," Danny said with narrowed eyes, "How about giving me a name and occupation before I throw your ass back in the Ghost Zone?"
"Introduction?" A thick voice clarified, "Fair enough. You may call me Inferno. I am the leader."
"Leader?" Danny repeated, frowning, "Leader of what?"
"Us," Danny barely had time to dodge the stream of fire, landing on the old desk that probably wouldn't have been able to support his weight had he been human. He turned to glare at the ghost who'd attacked him when his back was turned, but was horrified to find not one, but twenty new ghosts, all wearing the same black robes Inferno was.
"He's fast," one of them commented.
"Not to mention cute," another one, far more feminine, giggled, "Can we keep him?"
"Behave, Sparks," Another voice chided lazily. Danny tensed. One, maybe two pyrokinesises he could take, but twenty?
"Why are you guys here?" He demanded, "What do you want?"
"The truth, child," Inferno told him, "We merely wish for mortals to acknowledge a truth that they ignore, that they've ignored for years now."
"Don't worry," Another ghost said, "We won't disturb you or your friends."
"On what conditions?" Danny asked shortly.
"Merely that you stay out of our way, Phantom." Inferno told him. "your little show last night set us back, and we thought to give you fair warning before we decided to take a more permanent approach to ridding ourselves of you,"
"MY little show!" Danny exploded, "I wasn't the one trying to barbecue a building, pal!"
"Then you won't heed our warning?" Inferno asked, sounding genuinely disappointed.
"Over here, Jack!" Maddie called out to her husband. Danny froze when he heard them coming. Apparently, Inferno sensed his unease, since he nodded to the other ghosts to leave before turning to go himself.
"Please recognize you place, young halfa," He said before he left, "I would hate to destroy such potential…"
And with that, he was gone. Danny wasted no time jumping to the floor and going human again, just in time to see his parents burst through the doors.
"Danny?" Jack said blinked, "Where is it? Where is the ghost?"
"They just took off, Dad," Maddie frowned.
"They?"
"It's a long story, mom," Danny sighed.
'And getting longer by the second…'WoM- There, now you've met Inferno! He's not gonna be quite like any other villain I've made. This'll get a little more mysterious from here on out, as everyone's trying to find out more about everyone, and the stars of 'Spirits' are getting in everyone's way! Oh, and next chapter will also include Mandy, who I've been neglecting recently.
PS. pyrokinesis is the ability to start fires with your mind. Charlie, the name Danny called Inferno, is a seven year old femalepyrokinesis from the Steven King book 'Firestarter.' (Highly suggested read, by the way)
Thanks to;
the sleep warrior
Master of ProcrastinationCelloSolo2007
DannysGirlForever
epobbp
random-idiot-v2
Sqweakie the Wonder Mouse
PhantomKat7
Tetsukon
shadowspinner1
EvilRobotZombieLoofaOverlord
conan98002
Happy-Raven
WhiteMoonDragon
purrbaby101
cakreut12
SarcasticallyShy
Rosadina formerly Tima
Purple Person
Satoshi Silver Syoran
Questions;
Master of Procrastination (You guessed right! Have a cookie! Or you can just accept this chapter. I like it, too. I'd kill to have something like that, especially when my brothers start watching thier TV shows.)
CelloSolo2007 (Sorry, but no. I really like Inferno, villian wise. I think he's be an interesting person)
random-idiot-v2 (Two reviews! 'laughs' You'll have to wait and see!)
PhantomKat7 (Spiderman? 'blinks' I loved the movies, (Second one especially,) But I haven't seen them in a while, and don't remember anything about a fire...)
Happy-Raven (You'll find out later, promise!)
WhiteMoonDragon 'blushing' Thanks! You review is something of an irony for me, considering what I've written in my Bio,)
cakreut12 'whistles' long review... I like Vlad, too. He's so much fun to work with just because he's both evil and smart, a rare combination in Danny's foes nowadays. Lol wow, Sam's nickname for Electra's alrady catching on? I didn't realized she'd be that hatable. Derris and Micheal will both play an important plot in the story, and as for Mandy... well we'll have to see with her, won't we? 'winks'
Rosadina formerly Tima (YAY! 'huggles' Thank you! Wow, I feel so flattered!)
Purple Person (Hmm... 'muses smak her for contemplating revealing big plot secrets' OW! 'pouts' I'd love you tell you, but as you can see, I'd be giving too much away. 'grumbles about evil muses'
Next Update; December 8th.
See you then!