Chapter 4: Burning Talent Part 1
Monster High
Things were buzzing at Monster High, due to the school getting ready for another talent show tomorrow on Sunday, and various students were practicing their special talents.
Gob, a short green translucent slime monster was practicing how many objects he could stuff inside his body (mainly consisting of food). The phantom girl, Operetta, was practicing her new song on her banjo to play at the show and Abbey Bominable, a monster with the power of ice was practicing new ice sculptures to show everyone at the show.
While most of the students were practicing, a certain ghost girl was currently sitting outside alone, thinking. Ari Hauntingly, a rock star who lives a double life, with the monster world knowing her true identity, while the human world only knew her human persona, mega star Tash. She had long violet hair that that stretched down to her lower back and had two braids tied around the top with two long bangs that curled down the sides of her face, she had pale skin, and pink eyes. Her wardrobe consisted of a purple dress with violet diamond shaped patterns with a pink belt wrapped around her waist, violet boots, and she had red bands with violet chains wrapped around her lower left arm. Her most notable feature was the faint blue aura that surrounded her whenever she appeared translucent.
Ari was currently thinking what she wanted to do for the talent show. Obviously she wanted to sing but everyone knew she could do that and rock out, so she wanted to do something more than just sing, she wanted to do something spectacular, something bright and beautiful that was unique.
In that instant, Ari's eyes lit up as she finally thought of something. 'Of course!.' She thought. 'Why didn't I think of it before?'
Not wasting any time, the ghostly rock star floated off the ground and made her way into the school. While floating through the halls towards her destination, she received waves from multiple students, and returned them in kind. Eventually she reached the classroom of one of her favorite teachers, professor Vlad. He knew a lot about ghosts, specifically the ones from the Ghost Zone, and it fascinated her when she learned what those ghosts were capable of.
Too excited to knock, Ari, phased through the door. In the classroom, she spotted Vlad, who appeared to be looking over some papers.
"Excuse me, professor." Ari spoke.
For a brief moment, Vlad slightly jumped at the sudden sound of another voice. "A… Ari!" He stuttered, as his facial expression quickly changed to one of slight annoyance. "Don't you know it's rude to phase through a door without knocking!"
His stern and slightly loud tone made Ari take a small step back in fear. "I'm sorry, professor!." She quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to interrupt your work and startle you. I was so excited, I completely forgot my manners."
Vlad noticed he stepped out of character in that brief moment. He wasn't exactly mad at, Ari for phasing through the door without announcing her presence. It was the fact that he was currently looking over the data and notes from the monsters who's genetic codes he took. The last thing he needed was to be found out, especially so early.
"I should be the one apologizing, young Ari." Vlad said, trying his best to sound apologetic. "I shouldn't have raised my voice. I know how you teens are when you get worked up."
His words seemed to have done the trick, as a smile returned to the ghost girls face. "Now. What is it that you needed me for?"
"Well, I…" Ari took a deep breath. "I wanted to know if you could teach me some new ghost abilities."
Vlad was taken aback by her sudden request. Sure, he had all the standard ghost abilities and a few of his own but his knowledge mainly extended to ghosts like him, and if he remembered correctly, the data he received from Ari's ectoplasm that was obtained from Skulker when he captured her shows she's slightly different from the type of ghosts found in the Ghost Zone.
"May I ask what brought about such a request?" Vlad asked, raising a brow.
Ari looked slightly embarrassed. "Well, the schools talent show is tomorrow and I wanted to add something to my routine, and I remember in one of you classes you talk about how ghosts could project their energy in various ways so I was hoping you could help me… if your not too busy, that is?"
Vlad began to think if it was worth his time to teach her what he knew. He was still looking over the data he got from the gargoyle, Rochelle, and he didn't know if teaching this girl would actually lead to her learning anything. However, it might be possible for her to learn something which would improve his own knowledge, and Ari was very popular so if he could gain her trust it would be beneficial to him if he needed someone to vouch for him.
"I'll do it." He said.
"Really!?" Ari smile grew. "Thank you professor. When do we start?"
"Right now." He replied.
"In the classroom?" She asked, unsure if it was the right place for practice.
"No need to worry." Vlad said. "We'll be going over the basics so nothing to crazy, but first I'd like to see what abilities you have."
"Alright then. I can fly, turn intangible, change my appearance, and use my energy to lift objects." As she listed her abilities, Ari display them at the same time.
'Nothing beyond what I've seen.' He thought to himself. "I think it's best we start with teaching you how to project your energy in a more concentrated manner. The same energy you used to control those objects with, I want you to try and channel it through yourself and out from your hand."
"Ok, I'll try." She responded.
Taking a moment to concentrate, Ari raised her hand and tried exactly what Vlad had said. For a few seconds nothing happened but slowly, a beautiful deep violet energy started to radiate from her hand, glowing brightly with a light blue outline around it.
"This is incredible!" Ari said in amazement.
"Good. Now, I want you to project that energy at me with force." Vlad said.
"What! I… I can't. I don't want to attack you." She stated, not wanting to cause potential harm to her teacher.
"Don't worry." Vlad said with a calm voice. "Projecting ones energy is a normal thing for most ghosts. And this can also be a lesson in helping you learn to defend yourself if the need ever arises."
"If you say so professor." She replied, though still wasn't sure about this.
Though hesitating at first, Ari pointed her hand at Vlad and focused. It only took a moment before a violet beam of energy shot forth from her hand towards Vlad. In a one quick motion, Vlad lifted his hand up an caught the beam of energy and observed it.
'This child has impressive energy, and she learns fast. Looks like this was worth my time after all.' Vlad's inner thoughts were interrupted when the energy faded away and the sounds of Ari's voice filled the room.
"I did it! I actually did!" The ghostly rock star shouted with glee.
"Very impressive, young Ari. You're a quick learner." Vlad praised.
Hearing his praises made her blush in embarrassment. "Thanks professor." She replied. "You've also mentioned ghosts could potentially learn how to duplicate themselves?... I wanted to know if I could as well?"
"Yes, a ghost can potentially duplicate themselves either by splitting their ectoplasmic forms in two or by constructing a copy using their ectoplasmic energy and shaping it with their consciousness." Vlad explained. "However, it is an advanced technique that would require a lot of practice, but if you wish to try, go ahead."
Hearing that last part about how duplication was an advanced technique made Ari unsure if she'd be able to do it. However, she was determined to try, and given the look of observation on Vlad's face, he seemed to wonder if she could pull it off.
"Here goes nothing." Ari said as she tried the first method of trying to split her form into two.
For about a few minutes, nothing happened. Ari began to strain herself trying to create a copy, and looked like she about to over exert herself before Vlad spoke up.
"Stop." He said. "Straining yourself won't do you any good, and it seems you lack the capability of manipulating the form to the degree of ghosts such as myself."
Hearing this, Ari started to feel down.
"Don't give up yet." He said sternly. "You've already shown capable of projecting your energy, so you can still try the second method."
"Right." She responded.
"Remember to focus but don't strain yourself." Vlad said. "Draw out your energy, and shape it with your consciousness."
Ari did as she was told. Closing her eyes and bringing for her violet energy, she extended it off herself and started to try and shape it. Vlad watched sharply as the energy begin to swirl up, and before his eyes, another are appeared. It was almost an exact copy, only slightly faded when compared to the original.
'Almost a perfect copy!' Vlad thought as he watched on.
Ari had opened her eyes and gasped. She looked in silence at her duplicate who in turn looking at the original. It was almost like looking in a mirror.
"I… I can't believe it." She said softly. "I made another, me!"
Suddenly, the duplicate vanished. "What happened?" Ari said in confusion.
"Don't worry." Vlad spoke up, getting the you ghost's attention. "The copy wasn't complete and since it was made from a finite amount of energy, it couldn't sustain itself for long. But all in all, I must say you've surpassed my expectations, Ari."
To say Ari was happy would be an understatement. She had learned to better manipulate her energy and create a duplicate, she was overjoyed. So overjoyed, she quickly gave rushed over and gave Vlad a hug.
"Oh thank you, professor! I couldn't have done it without your help!" She said.
Vlad was surprised at the girls action but couldn't help but smile. However, that moment of happiness turned to anger, this reminded him of the time, Daniel trick him into letting his guard down when he thought the boy accepted him as his new father! And here he was, teaching this child how to learn knew abilities, but when he offered to train Daniel when they first met, the boy rejected his offer. Before his rage boiled over, he reminded himself that he wasn't allow. As he regained his composer, he slowly separated Ari from himself.
"Y… yes, well I'm glad I could help." He said. "Though I think we should stop for today, it's not good to over exert yourself."
Ari didn't want to admit it but creating that duplicate did use up a lot of her energy. "Alright, professor, I'll continue to practice later today after a break. I can't wait to add what I've learned to my act and show everyone! See you tomorrow at the talent show!"
With those final words, the young rock star took off, phasing through the wall, and leaving Vlad to himself. He sighed in relief, almost having gave into his rage in front of Ari. He needed to work on controlling he rage, the last thing he needs it them suspecting he isn't the type of person they think he is.
Meanwhile, in another part of the school, Lagoona Blue was in her swimsuit, currently doing laps in the school's swimming pool. With the new indoor pool being so large now, she didn't half to worry about other swimmers, and while she still missed the ocean, this gave her a place to have some connection to the sea.
After finishing her laps, she leaped out of the water, preforming several flips in the process before sticking the landing. The sound of clapping caught her attention, and when she looked to see who it was, she saw her ghoul friend, Frankie.
"Nice moves, Lagoona." Frankie said.
"Thanks mate." Lagoona replied. "So what brings you hear? Going for a swim?"
"Uh… electricity and water don't mix well." Frankie said with a laugh.
Lagoon gave a small laugh. "Sorry, forgot about that."
"It's ok." Frankie said. "I actually came to see if you wanted to be talent parents again. We could go with our original plan, only this time we build the skate ramp outside."
"That sounds like clawsome idea, Frankie. I can finally show off my moves!." Lagoona said excitingly.
"Then meet me outside when your done, and we can get to work." Frankie said as she went on her way.
'This is going to be great.' Lagoona thought. 'Everyone's going to see me shred that skate ramp… well almost everyone.'
Lagoona's thoughts then went back to Danny, who was still on her mind from time to time. She wanted to hang out with him but even with Cleo talking to her about him, she still was hesitant to call him. That and with the time they spent fixing up the school and everything else, she hadn't had many opportunities.
Then the obvious thought popped into her head. 'I can call him and ask if he wants to come see the talent show! Then he'll come see me… I mean watch the show!'
As she made her way to the locker room to change, she really hoped he'd be able to come.
Amity Park
Speaking of Danny, he and Tucker were currently at the bowling alley, playing a few games.
"So." Tucker began. "You tell your folks about the monster school yet?"
"Nah, not yet." Danny took his turn before continuing. "I'm planning on it after we finished up this last game. I wanted to hang out today just incase I'm not available tomorrow."
Danny wanted to hang out with Tucker before seeing if his parents would let him go to Monster High to hang out with the Ghoul Squad tomorrow. If they did, he knew Tucker would be by himself since Sam had already left with her parents out of town for the weekend.
"Thanks dude. Though I wish I could go with you, Monster High sounds awesome." Tucker said.
"Does Monster High sound awesome or the monster girls?" Danny asked, knowing Tucker was more interested in the girls then school itself.
"Ok, you got me." Tucker smiled and shrugged.
Danny shook his head but still smiled 'Same old Tucker.' He thought.
The played for a bit longer before calling it a day. A short time later he arrived at his home, ready to talk to his parents but as he searched the house, they were nowhere to be found. He went up to Jazz's room to find her in her room on her computer.
"Hey, Jazz." He greeted. "Where are mom and dad?"
"Hey, Danny." She greeted back. "You missed them not to long ago, mom's sister got sick so she went to visit her and make sure she got better, and dad didn't want her to go alone cause you know how our ante can be when talking bad about him."
"Dang it." Danny sighed. "I wanted to talk to them about Monster High, and see if I could head out their tomorrow."
"Well, I'm sure they wouldn't mind." Jazz spoke up. "They know now that you can handle yourself and they'd want you to get out more be social so I think it's ok."
Danny had to agree with her. "Your right, Jazz. At least this time." He joked, Jazz responded by throwing her pillow at his face.
"You should give the monsters a call, and let them know your coming." Jazz said.
"Your right." Danny said.
But before he could take out his I Coffin, it began ringing. As he checked to see who was calling, he saw it was Lagoona's.
"Huh… what do you know, it's Lagoona." He said.
Not wanting to keep her waiting, he answered the call. "Hello?" He said.
"Hey, Danny it's me, Lagoona." He heard her say through the phone.
"Hey, Lagoona. It's been awhile, what's up?" He asked.
"Well, Monster High is having a talent show tomorrow, and I wanted to know if you'd be interested in coming to see me?" She said, but only just realized how that sounded. "I mean!... Coming to watch the show and see everyone show their talent!" She quickly corrected herself.
"Uh, sure." He replied, noticing but not commenting on how nervous she sounded. "I actually was planning on coming to visit you guys tomorrow anyway."
"That's great!" She said glee. "The show starts at 2PM, I'll let the other ghouls know your coming, see you tomorrow."
"I'll be there, later, Lagoona." He said, ending the call.
"So what happened?" Jazz asked.
"It turns out, their having a talent show tomorrow, and Lagoona wanted asked if I'd come watch. So, I said yes." He explained.
"That's great, Danny." She replied. "If mom or dad call tomorrow, I'll let them know your out with some friends."
"Thanks, Jazz." He said before, heading to his own room
Danny couldn't wait for tomorrow. He was thinking maybe this would be his chance to tell them his secret but for now, he was going to rest up.
New Salem (Vlad's Home)
Vlad was currently in his lab in front of his active ghost portal, waiting for one of the ghost vultures to arrive. He needed a plan to cause a major upset at the talent show so he could capture more monsters without no one noticing. Lucky for him, he new just the ghost who couldn't resist showing off her talent.
Only a few moments later, one of the ghost vultures arrive. "Hey, boss. What's the emergency?" The vulture asked.
"I need you to deliver this message to a resident of the Ghost Zone." Vlad held up an note. "See that it makes it to the one called, Ember McLain."
"No problem, boss." The vulture grabbed the note and flew back into the Ghost Zone.
Ghost Zone
The ghost vulture flew through the endless void, passing by countless doors before eventually reaching it's destination, a floating door with a blue flame design. The sound of rock music could be heard from the other side of the door.
Using it's claw to knock on the door repeatedly until it heard the music stop, the vulture waited as the sound of footsteps grew closer and closer until the door opened, revealing the realms only resident, Ember McLain.
Ember was a female ghost that had the appearance of a teenager. She had flaming blue hair that was tied into a ponytail, blue skin, and green eyes. Her wardrobe consisted of a short black top, a black chocker, a single black glove on her right arm with a black band on her left wrist, black pants with a gray belt, and gray skull boots. She also had her ears pierced, and black eye makeup.
"What do you want, you old dodo bird?" Ember said. "I'm practicing my music."
If the vulture was angered by her comment, it didn't show it. "Message to one pop teen idol, Ember McLain." The vulture said, handing over the latter before flying away without a word.
Ember looked at the letter before closer the door to her home. She unfolded it and read it's contents aloud. "Want to test your skill against other talented monsters? Enter in the Monster High talent show and see how you stack up against some of the greatest teen talent in the monster world, including the likes of Ari Hauntingly…"
'That name!' Ember thought.
She remembered hearing it before. Ari Hauntingly was an up incoming ghost rock star who mainly played for monsters in the human world but her music was listened to even in the Ghost Zone.
A grin appeared on Ember's face as she picked up her guitar and play a few cords. "Ready or not, Monster High. The one and only teen sensation is coming to New Salem!"
New Salem (Vlad's Home)
The ghost vulture had returned through the portal, where Vlad was waiting.
"Well?" Vlad said impatiently.
"The message was delivered." The vulture replied. "But are you sure, she'll take the bait?"
Vlad laughed. "Of course, I'm sure. I've monitored, Daniel's other enemies as well, and miss McLain isn't one to back down when it comes to showing her skill, which is all I need."
Now all he had to do was wait for tomorrow's little show to erupt and he'll be able to continue his work.
End Chapter.
Author Note: And that's part one of this two part chapter! First off, yup, everybody's favorite ghost rocker, Ember is coming to Monster High and there's going to be trouble. Secondly, Danny will be heading to Monster High in the next chapter but he won't be going alone so if you wanted some interactions from members of Team Phantom (Jazz and Tucker) with the Monster High ghouls your in for a treat next chapter. Finally, did you guys hear the confirmed news on the new Danny Phantom Glitch in Time Graphic Novel!? I'm so hyped, it comes out next year in July! And it's continuing after the main series with Vlad and Dan making returns, I can't wait! Anyway, thanks for the favs and follows, and please read and review, I like hearing the feedback. Also, I'm not sure if it's my internet connection or what but some reviews take longer to be posted to the site but I still get the Email so I'll be responding to them, don't worry.
Reviews
simm36: In the future, yeah.
qazse: He'll be seeing them in part two of this chapter, along with some of the other members of team phantom. And yeah, Sam has never been bullied like Danny has, even when she was the one to change the school's menu, Dash went straight for Danny without a second thought. She doesn't know what it's like to be beaten up and holding back just because he's suppose to be the good guy, and I do plan on them having one final moment about it.
The Brod Road: Yup, a gargoyle is made of stone so it has good durability properties when compared to normal flesh and bone, which is what I was going for. I do plan on a few major battles at the end of the story, and a group match is one of them. Sam will eventually half to hash out her feelings towards Danny before it's to late and ruins their friendship, I have something planned for that and well see if Sam can overcome her jealousy. Funny enough, Tucker and Jazz will be appearing at Monster High in the second part of this chapter so those questions will be answered but I think we both know the answer too them. And yeah, Jack and Maddie will have their moments in the future.
DinoZillaPrime: I still need to watch the rest of the Generation 1 movies (13 wishes included) but I do have a similar plan in mind.
Guest 1: Sorry, I didn't comment on your review before but it was posted right when I posted the chapter 3. Anyway, I'll be updating as frequently as possible, I hope you enjoy part one of this chapter, part two is being written.
Guest 2: The reason I don't see him as a father figure to Dani is because he's too young to understand that responsibility. Danny's a teen and acts like one most of the time. I'm not saying he can't fill that type of roll if he put his mind too it but it's just not how I see their relationship. But hey, that's just me, a lot of stories I've seen go the "father figure" route and people like it, it's just mine will be different.
