DarkFoxKit: Hello readers, look at who's back!
Andy: My shoulder's been dislocated…
DarkFoxKit: Well you jumped out of the window.
Andy: How did you think I was going to react to a giant dragon coming up right from behind?
Darkzdragon: To be honest, I didn't think you would jump out the window.
Andy: You do know I'm the same guy who went into the Ghost Zone just to find a way to bring my 'dead' brother back to life, right?
Darkzdragon: Yeah, but you've met Dora and you didn't jump out of a window then.
Andy: No, I've met her dragon self, when I turned into that same dragon. I at least knew her, but you, I didn't. You just suddenly appeared, I thought you were going to eat me!
DarkFoxKit: Alright, alright, why don't we just make up and get on with it? I'm sure the fans want to read the chapter now.
Darkzdragon: I don't eat humans. Now, you readers should get on to the chapter while Andy and I get to know each other better.
Andy: … Then what do you eat?
Chapter 43: Sibling Issues
No… no… nothing… I sighed as I tossed aside another book of ghosts that Mom and Dad keep in their lab. These were mostly notes Mom wrote about their researches, since most 'official' books are just media depictions of ghosts. Thank goodness Dad didn't write in them, I don't think I can read his handwriting. Still, nothing in them said anything about different elemental ghosts and how they affect one another. I could try the internet, but that's just as bad as looking for the 'official' books for ghosts. Is there anyone who knows about the actual ghosts in real life?
Before I could think about it further, I felt the familiar hot tingle going up my throat, and a dark blue mist came out of my mouth. As soon as the mist left my mouth, something or someone phased through the lab's ceiling and floated just above me.
"Where is it? He said it would be here!" An extremely familiar voice asked from above me.
I looked up and saw Skulker floating there, looking around.
"Where is that ecto-converter?" Skulker asked as he continued to look around, somehow not noticing me.
I kind of wanted to just sit there and stay quiet, just to see if he would notice me or not. But I also wanted to know why he wanted the ecto-converter and who sent him, he said 'he said it would be here', who is 'he'?
Unfortunately for me, before I could decide to hide or confront Skulker, Danny came flying down through the ceiling and punched Skulker.
"What are you doing here Skulker?" Danny asked.
"That's none of your business, ghost boy!" Skulker snapped. "Where is the ecto-converter?"
I wanted to bang my head on the table. I guess I can't expect Danny to sit around and stay quiet when he senses a ghost is nearby, but why can't he just wait and see what happens before he goes punching or blasting ghosts and getting them angry?
"Ecto-converter? Never heard of it," Danny said, acting dumb. "Maybe you could describe it to me."
"I don't have time for your games!" Skulker snapped as he grabbed Danny's suit.
"Alright, that's enough," I spoke up, surprising both of them. Seriously? Neither of them knew I was here?
"Oh great, the Ghost Twins are here," Skulker said, letting out a small, disgruntled sigh.
"Skulker, why do you want the ecto-converter?" I asked, not changing into my ghost form yet.
"Why should I answer you?" Skulker asked. "I'm the Ghost Zone's Greatest Hunter, not the Ghost Zone's Walking Encyclopedia. That title belongs to the Ghost Writer."
"If you're the Ghost Zone's Greatest Hunter, then why are you collecting these things humans made?" I asked.
"That is none of your business," Skulker said before he threw Danny away. "Now if you aren't going to tell me where it is, I have no choice but to start searching."
"Sorry, but you won't find it here," I said.
"But if you want ecto, I can give that to you, in my hand," Danny said before blasting Skulker right out of the lab with his ghost ray.
Danny flew out of the lab to follow Skulker. I sighed before running at the wall myself, transforming into my ghost form to follow Skulker and Danny outside. I think we went passed Jazz's room, because I got a glimpse of Jazz sleeping in front of her laptop before we were out in the night sky.
"I'll ask you one last time Ghost Kid, where is the ecto-converter?" Skulker asked as he righted himself and stared at Danny.
"As if we'd tell you anything since you won't tell us anything," I said before grabbing Skulker's foot and throwing him to the road below.
Before Skulker hit the pavement he turned intangible and flew into the ground.
I gave a frustrated sigh. As a ghost, I'm stronger than the average human, but I'm still physically weaker than my brother. If Danny had tossed him, Skulker would've left quite a crater in the ground before he could turn intangible.
"Andy! Look out!" Danny yelled at me.
I turned only to see a light blue net being shot at me. I didn't have time to react before I was caught up in the next and hit the sidewalk just outside of my house. This was clearly a net designed to trap ghosts, because I couldn't phase out of it. I struggled to try and break free.
"Now that the weaker one is out of the way…" Skulker said, turning to Danny. "If you don't want anything to happen to your brother, I suggest you tell me where the ecto-converter is, now."
"Andy, are you okay?" Danny asked me, ignoring Skulker, as he charged up a Ghost Ray in both of his hands.
"Fine, the hard way it is then," Skulker said as he aimed his weapons at the two of us.
I grabbed onto the net and tried to tear it, but it was made of some pretty strong stuff. I heard a loud blast and looked up, wondering if Danny just fired his ghost ray at Skulker, but Danny looked just as surprised as I was. There was an engine sound parking beside us, and there was the Fenton RV… with Jazz driving it.
"Get away from them, Ghost X!" Jazz yelled over the RV's speaker. "You have three seconds. If you don't back away from them, I will shoot you again! And it'll hurt you because the weapons are powered by the ecto-converter!"
"Jazz!" Danny yelled. "Just don't talk and stay away from Skulker!"
"You worry about Skulker and Andy, I'm going after Ghost X!" Jazz said.
Really Jazz? I know you know that Skulker is this 'Ghost X' you keep calling. And what about Skulker that makes you want to call him Ghost X anyways? I wonder… does our dad's genes kick in whenever she hunts ghosts?
"I like your new helper," Skulker said with a smirk as he flew towards the RV.
"Don't even try it, Ghost X!" Jazz yelled before a green glow shot out from one of the devices on the roof of the RV. A sphere of glowing green energy surrounded the RV within a few seconds.
At least Jazz is smart enough to put up a Ghost Shield. Skulker was frowning, before he looked over at me and smiled. I don't like that smile. Skulker flew at me and grabbed the net I was in.
"H-hey! What are you doing?" I demanded as I struggled against the net and his hold.
"Let him go!" I heard both Danny and Jazz yelling.
I saw Jazz tried to shoot Skulker, but she ended up hitting Danny instead, preventing him from trying to rescue me from whatever plans Skulker wanted to do with me.
"I'll make you a deal," Skulker said. "You give me the ecto-converter and I won't take this Ghost Child home and mount his head on a wall."
"Hey!" I snapped. "I'm not some animal you can use for ransom!"
"What's it going to be?" Skulker asked, ignoring me.
I remembered being in a similar situation with Johnny 13 before. I refuse to let ghosts use me against my family and friends like this again. I've decided to see if I could force Skulker to let me go with telekinesis. I held out my right hand tried to concentrate.
"We said to let him go, Ghost X!" Jazz yelled as she fired another volley of ecto-energy beams at Skulker.
"You want me to let him go?" Skulker asked as he dodged the beams of ecto-energy easily.
Ugh… it's too hard to concentrate like this. My hand glowed a bluish green before I noticed the same glow on Skulker's arm. Skulker frowned as he looked at his arm, seeing it start to dent.
"She wants me to let you go, Ghost Kid. So I think I will give her what she wants," Skulker said with an evil grin before he released his hold on the net.
I yelped as he let me go. I looked down and saw I was heading straight for the Ghost Shield around the RV. I noticed the shield crackling a bit… is it… electrocuted? Jazz looked up at me with horror filled eyes, and she turned off the Ghost Shield before I landed on top of the RV. I could see Skulker landing behind the RV. He reached in with a claw that was attached to his suit and tore something out.
Skulker looked at me and smiled before jetpacks came out of his suit. "I like your new member of the team, she's very helpful, to me." With that said, Skulker took off into the sky, quickly disappearing from sight.
I frowned and sighed. I saw Jazz coming out of the RV, holding the Fenton Thermos just as Danny landed on the road with a THUD.
"Are you okay, Danny?" Jazz asked as Danny got up and brushed himself off.
"No, no, let me save you the trouble," Danny groaned before he pushed a button on the Thermos, letting it suck him in.
Oh great, now Danny and I are both trapped.
"Jazz! Could you let me out of this net, please?" I yelled, getting her attention.
"Ummm, how do I do that?" Jazz asked as she walked over.
"Can't you untie it or something?" I asked.
"Let me see," Jazz said as she put down the Thermos next to me and started to look at the ecto-net. "Hmm… couldn't you just blast your way out of it?"
"Blast my way out?" I questioned. "It's a net made out of… I don't know, stuff that prevents ghosts from escaping. I doubt my ghost ray will be able to burn it."
"Maybe you have to focus your energy, kind of like a scalpel. Make it precise and it should be able to cut you out," Jazz said.
"Hmm… I could try doing that," I said.
I held out my index finger and fired out a small ghost ray on the net. To my surprise, the net was actually breaking. I smiled, seeing that it was working.
"Here, let me see if I can help by tugging on it," Jazz said as she started to reach over towards the net.
Then Jazz's elbow knocked over the Fenton Thermos, causing it to activate, and it was facing me.
"... Should've seen this coming," I groaned just before it shot out a beam of light and forced me inside.
"Oof!" I heard Danny's voice.
It was dark and hard to see in the Thermos, but I think I was against something or someone, because I didn't just feel the cold metal of the Thermos.
"Hey Andy, she got you too?" I heard Danny's voice asking me.
"I wouldn't be in here if she didn't," I said. "It's a good thing we can't see, because this is probably a really awkward position."
"You should be happy, you aren't the one getting squished by both the Thermos and another ghost," Danny said with a small groan.
"Well, this is what happens when you don't talk to Jazz about your issues with her," I said. "Now we're stuck here until she finds a way to let us out."
"Oh don't worry, I'm done trying to make it seem like she's fitting in and helping," Danny said. "I'll be talking to her tomorrow for sure. I'm really tired of being constantly sucked into the Thermos."
"Hey, on the plus side, you can't say that nobody ever caught you," I chuckled.
"How is that a plus?" Danny frowned.
"Well, now you can tell your enemies you know what it's like being sucked into the Thermos again and again," I said. "Maybe they'll go easy on you next time."
"Doubtful," Danny said. "I just hope that Jazz let's us out of the Thermos soon."
"Hey, we haven't been this close since that incident in the closet during a game of hide-n-seek," I chuckled. "Or... when was the last time Dash stuffed both of us in our own locker together?"
"Heh… only you would be able to turn getting sucked into the thermos together into a good thing," Danny said with a small chuckle.
"Well, it's better to turn a bad situation into something good," I said. "Besides, even though it's cramped and dark in here, and for some reason our ghost sight can't see in this particular dark, I think it's quite fascinating how we're even in here in the first place. Look up, there's the exit, yet the Thermos is forcing us to stay in here. But how do you think the ghosts escapes whenever you take the cap off?"
"Hmmm… maybe they build up all of their energy and use it to force their way out of the Thermos?" Danny suggested.
"Good theory," I said. "But what I think that happens is that when the cap comes on the Thermos, it gives it the signal to stop the suction, because the ghost can't escape anymore. So when the cap is removed, the ghost can escape because the Thermos is deactivated. Maybe we should tell Jazz that."
"JAZZ!" Danny yelled, making my ears ring. "PUT THE CAP ON AND THEN TAKE IT OFF!"
"Argh! I'm going to go deaf, thank you very much!" I grumbled. "I can't move my hands to cover my ears you know!"
"Sorry bro," Danny apologized. I could tell that if he could and I could see him then he would be smiling guiltily.
"I just hope Jazz heard you so having my ears ring would be worth it," I said.
A few minutes later, the hole that lead to the outside was covered up with darkness. I felt really uneasy, and I was really thankful I wasn't claustrophobic. Then a few seconds later, the darkness over the hole was removed, and I felt like I could move again.
"I think we can fly out now," I said.
"Great, you gotta go first, bro, because I can't move with you up against me," Danny said.
I wasn't sure if I could fly out in such a small space, but I decided to try. I focused on the little exit hole of the Thermos and it got bigger and bigger until I was outside of the Thermos. Thank goodness.
Jazz gave me a sheepish grin as Danny came out of the Thermos next.
"Thanks Jazz…" Danny said with a sigh. "But it's a school night, so we should probably get back to bed."
"Yeah, you're right," Jazz said. "Sorry for trapping you two in the Thermos… again."
"Let's not talk about that now," I said.
Jazz nodded before smiling, "I think I know of a better way to find out what Ghost X is up to!"
Before we could say anything, Jazz ran into the house. Danny and I looked around before turning ourselves back to human.
"Remember Danny, you gotta talk to her," I said.
"Yeah, yeah, I won't forget," Danny said with a yawn before he started to walk back towards the house. "Let's get to sleep. And if Mom and Dad ask, we can tell them we saw a ghost and it took over the RV. We can blame it on Technus if we have to."
"Just like how we blamed Technus when the RV ran away with them earlier?" I said.
"Yup, exactly like that," Danny said with a small smile.
I rolled my eyes and said, "Whatever you say, bro."
I just finished my biology homework at home with Danny closing his textbook beside me before I said, "So… you didn't talk to Jazz, and instead hid from her in a janitor's closet all day."
"I guess I wimped out," Danny said with a sheepish shrug. "I just don't want to hurt Jazz, I mean all she is doing is trying her hardest to help. How can I be mad at her for just trying to help?"
"Danny, do you remember what happened when you didn't tell me you were part ghost because you didn't want to hurt me?" I asked. "I went insane and almost killed you. Maybe it won't be that extreme with Jazz, but I do worry what could happen if you don't tell her soon."
"If you're that set on me talking to her then why don't you do it yourself?" Danny said.
"Because I'm not the leader of Team Phantom, you are," I said. "If I told her, she wouldn't take me seriously, or she would rather hear it from you."
"I think it would be safer and easier if you talked to her," Danny said. "I'm still angry that she hacked my computer to get those files on the ghosts we've been fighting."
"So that's what all that ruckus was about at school?" I said. "I was busy tutoring Paulina and Dash, but I did hear that you and Jazz were fighting. I could try to talk to her, but you and Jazz need to make up first, or I'd just be the person in the middle sending your angry messages to each other."
Danny sighed before he said, "Fine! I'll talk to her when she gets home. She said she would staying at school for a bit to do an after school activity."
"Just be sure you do. I'm going to work on my telekinesis for a while," I said.
"Why?" Danny asked.
"Because unlike you, Danny, I don't have a lot of physical strength as a ghost," I said. "I couldn't throw Skulker very well, and I couldn't break out of the net."
"Maybe you should work out more, but alright, have fun, I have some homework I have to do anyways," Danny said as he sat down on the couch in the living room.
I walked up to my bedroom and closed the door. Mom and Dad were busy in their lab, Danny was doing homework in the living room and Jazz wasn't home yet. It was a perfect time to work on my telekinesis. I remembered that I was able to put a dent in Skulker's armor, even though it was a small one, but it showed that I'd been improving. My future self was able to easily lift me and Danny with his telekinesis and held us both easily. I wondered if I'd ever be able to do something like that…
I started moving the pencil on the desk around. It was getting easier to move the smaller object, now let's see if I can handle two. I used my telekinesis to try and lift up a pen nearby. After a few seconds I had gotten both the pen and pencil to levitate in the air.
Next, I decided to try to move them around the room. I started by moving just the pencil at first, since moving the pen would require me to split concentration. Once I got the pencil moving, I shifted my focus a little more to the pen. Once I got the pen moving I decided to move them both at the same time. I started to move the pencil and pen around each other, making them dance in the air a little bit. Once I had gotten the hang of that I decided I would try to split them apart to test if I could control two objects when they were at a distance from each other.
I used my right hand for the pencil and my left hand for the pen and spread the two objects out from each other. If I could do this in my human form, it should be easier in my ghost form.
Once I had gotten a feel for how to levitate two objects at a distance from each other I thought it would be best to keep going. So I decided I would see if I could add more objects to each hand, starting first with one extra item in each hand and working my way up.
I kept the pen and pencil floating completely still in front of me while I tried to pick up another object with my telekinesis.
"YOU'RE KICKING ME OFF THE TEAM?!" I heard Jazz yelling.
This sudden interruption caused me to lose my concentration which caused both the pen and pencil to the floor, making me sigh. I wanted to continue my training but I was more concerned about the loud argument I was hearing downstairs.
"Well after you trapped me and Andy in the Thermos several times and let the ghosts get away, not to mention letting Skulker get away with the ecto-converter, I can't say you've been a very helpful member of the team!" Danny snapped.
"I'm still new to the team, Danny! You can't expect me to be perfect right off the bat!" Jazz yelled back. "And do you honestly expect me to sit by while my brothers are putting their lives in danger?!"
"No, but I expected you to be more HELPFUL rather than harmful to us!" Danny yelled. "Just stop trying to help us Jazz, you couldn't ever catch a ghost like Skulker without screwing everything up!"
"Fine! If that's what you think of me then I'm done helping you!" Jazz yelled before she started to stomp up the stairs angrily.
I was standing just outside my room when I heard them yelling at each other. Jazz came up the stairs and faced me.
"... Did you hear all that, Andy?" Jazz asked.
"It was pretty hard not to hear with all the yelling you two were doing," I said.
"Sorry you had to hear that," Jazz said. "I think I'm just gonna… go spend some time alone in my room."
"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" I asked.
"You know… if you give me a few minutes to calm down I think I would be willing to talk," Jazz said. "But I'm too heated right now and need to cool off."
"Alright," I said. "But don't do anything hasty without telling me."
"I promise I won't," Jazz said with a small smile before she walked into her room.
I sighed before going into my room. I could talk to Danny about what happened between them, but he's probably too angry to really listen. I think Danny would just blame me for telling him to talk to her as he is right now.
"Andy! Tell Mom and Dad I'll be back later!" Danny yelled at me from downstairs. "I'm going out for a bit. If they ask, tell them I went for a walk."
I didn't even have to answer, I saw Danny already outside flying in his ghost form. I sighed as I looked down at the pen and pencil I dropped earlier. It's times like this I wonder what it's like to be an only child. I had hoped that when Danny finally told Jazz his secret, we could all finally start working together and get along, but now it seems to be raising even more tension between us.
I sighed and walked over to my desk, deciding to practice my telekinesis a bit more.
… I thought I heard something… I blinked open my eyes and slowly sat up from my chair. Oh no, did I fall asleep at the desk again? I hope I didn't leave a drool… My attention on the desk left when I heard a small thud outside my door. What was that? And what time is it?
I looked over at Danny's bed, it was empty. I guess Danny's still out or he fell asleep in the living room's couch again.
I walked over to the door and opened it, seeing someone moving down the stairs. I walked over to the stairs to see Jazz silently walking down, but because the stairs were old they squeaked a bit with each step she took. What was she doing? I could see a small suitcase in her hand.
Not wanting to alert Mom and Dad, who were most likely asleep right now, I silently walked down the stairs. Sure I could just float over the stairs or turn intangible, but I didn't feel like it right now. Jazz must've heard me coming down the stairs, because she quickly turned her head up and saw me.
"Andy, what are you doing?" Jazz asked quietly.
"Oh don't mind me, I'm just going down the stairs, wondering what my sister is doing with a suitcase and trying to sneak quietly out of the house," I said.
"Well for one, I'm not leaving the house just yet," Jazz whispered. "I'm going to get the Specter Speeder so I can prove to Danny that I am helpful."
"And just how are you going to do that?" I asked. "Don't tell me you're actually planning to go into the Ghost Zone all by yourself just to prove to Danny you can catch a ghost."
"No, I was going to go to Vlad Master's home," Jazz said. "From what I saw on Danny's computer he is just like you two, half ghost and half human. But he's evil. So I think he may have something to do with Ghost X- I mean Skulker's attacks."
"... Wait, you're going to go all the way to Wisconsin and try to convince Vlad Masters to take you in just to prove Danny wrong?" I said. "Don't you think that's a little extreme?"
"Well it's the only way that this situation is going to be resolved," Jazz said. "Besides, I'm guessing that you would go to any extremes to help out Danny if the situation required it."
"..." Well, she wasn't wrong there. "Okay Jazz, I can see trying to talk you out of this is going to be like talking to a wall. So how about you do me a favor?"
"What kind of favor?" Jazz asked.
"You take me with you," I answered. "I know you want to do this so you can prove to our brother that you can handle yourself, but I would rather not let you go all by yourself, and besides, I do have some things I want to talk about with Vlad himself."
"I'm guessing you'll follow me even if I say no?" Jazz asked.
"I'd probably stow away in the Specter Speeder without you ever knowing," I said with a smirk.
"Alright, fine," Jazz said. "Go quickly pack something, I'll bring the Specter Speeder out front."
"Thanks Jazz," I whispered before going back to my room upstairs.
I looked over at Danny's empty bed. He'll probably be worried to see I'm gone when he comes back. I guess I should write a note to him at least. I sat by the desk and wrote on a blank sheet of paper with a pen.
Before I could start writing Jazz came into my room. "We don't have time to leave any notes or anything Andy. Just pack up what you want to bring like clothes, your phone charger, and your toothbrush and toothpaste. We need to leave before Danny gets back because I want to prove to him that I can do it on my own. And he would probably tell Mom and Dad where we were going or even follow us himself."
"You just don't want Danny to follow us," I said as I put the pen down. "I won't write the note, but we do have to call them when we reach Vlad's mansion, or else our family will start putting up missing posters all over Amity Park."
"Fine, but not until we get there. I don't want him coming in and blowing my operation," Jazz said.
"Do you think you'll be able to convince Vlad to take us in? He's a mastermind himself after all," I said as I began packing up my clothes in my clothes closet.
"Yeah I plan on going with, 'Oh Uncle Vlad, please let us in. We ran away from home because our brother was annoying and our dad is an idiot. Please, we'll behave, we just couldn't live there anymore.'," Jazz said, sounding like she rehearsed it.
"That… might work since Vlad doesn't know you all that well, and he'll probably especially like it when you call Dad an idiot," I said as I went into the bathroom to pack up my toothbrush and toothpaste. I also made sure to bring my handheld game and charger for both it and my phone, I don't want to go anywhere far without them. "He might want to take us both in, in hopes of luring Danny over too. From what I can tell, Vlad is obsessed with teaching Danny how to use his ghost powers. I don't know how he feels about me yet."
"He'll probably try to turn you to his side and train you so you can force Danny to train with him, by the sound of it," Jazz said. "Now are you done packing? I doubt Danny will just be out all night and Dad is sure to wake up soon for his midnight snack."
I put everything I needed into my own suitcase and nodded, "I didn't have much time to think about what to bring, but I think I brought what I need." I closed my suitcase and picked it up. "Let's go."
"Right!" Jazz said before we made our way out into the hall. We looked around to make sure that Mom and Dad weren't up and that Danny hadn't come home without us realizing it. Once we figured that we were in the clear we headed outside to the Specter Speeder.
"You do know how to drive this thing, right?" I asked as she got into the driver's seat and I got into the passenger side.
"Of course, I have been teaching myself how to use all of the Fenton Works equipment ever since we found out Danny was a ghost," Jazz said as she started up the Specter Speeder. "So yes, I know how to pilot the Specter Speeder."
Jazz pulled a lever to her right and pushed down a petal before we started to move forward. "It's kind of like a combination of a car and a plane. Pull back on the controls to go up, push down to go down, then the paddles on the left and right to rotate left and right. To spin you turn the wheel left to spin counter clockwise and right to spin clockwise. To turn left and right you simply push the pedals down next to the gas and brake, and to fire the weapons you press on the buttons on the controls. Once you have forward momentum going you can let off of the gas and continue at the speed you were going, and to stop you just got to-"
Before she could go on further, I held up my hands and said, "Y-yeah, Jazz, I get it. I drove the Specter Speeder before myself a few times. I think Tucker and Sam did too at one point."
"Oh, right," Jazz nodded as she brought the Specter Speeder up to a nice speed once we got off the ground a little. "So, it'll take a little bit to get to Wisconsin, is there anything you want to do or do you have anything you want to talk about?"
"Well, I do want to ask what happened between you and Danny, but you told me you'd rather not talk about it right now," I said. "But I also wanted to ask you something about that too."
"What?" Jazz asked.
"Maybe you should just focus on getting the Specter Speeder into the sky first," I said.
"You should look at the window Andy, we're already pretty high up," Jazz said as she hit a button on the controls between us and turned her chair to me. "Don't worry I set the autopilot to take us to Vlad's mansion."
I looked out the window. It was really different flying in a machine and flying myself, it's hard to describe. Flying in a machine is relaxing, but there's nothing better than experiencing the sky with your own ability.
"But I do wonder, Andy, what's it like to actually fly?" Jazz asked me.
"It's… really different from using a machine to fly," I said. "It feels more free I guess I could say."
"Is it scary?" Jazz asked. "You know, being up that high without a parachute or anything."
I couldn't help but chuckle, "Heck yeah it was. Well for me it was. I could barely fly when I first became half ghost. You should've seen my attempts, they were pathetic and embarrassing. But I guess after awhile, you get used to it and falling doesn't really seem that scary anymore, especially if you're… you know, a ghost."
"A part of me wishes I could feel what it's like for you and Danny," Jazz said. "Being able to fly anytime you want, being able to go through walls, and even fighting ghosts like you guys do. To be honest… I sometimes feel jealous."
"..." I frowned a bit.
"Hey Andy… you ever felt that way with Danny before the second accident?" Jazz asked.
"Yeah, I did. I mostly tried to hide it, even from myself, but I was pretty envious of Danny and his powers," I said. "But I convinced myself I didn't want anything to do with it, because it meant giving up my life and humanity, mostly because at the time I didn't know what it means to be half ghost. I'm still trying to figure that out myself."
"I kinda wish I could get powers like you two have," Jazz said. "I would love to actually be able to help you and Danny fight those ghosts."
"You know, I always thought the same thing," I said. "But Jazz, would you really want to have powers like this? What happened to Danny and I in the accident, it turned us half ghost. It could be through science of ectoplasm, but it could also be because we technically half died."
"Isn't it funny how ghosts and dead people get more of our parents' attention than their own kids?" Jazz said.
"... Jazz… do you have ghost envy?" I asked. "Or do you just wish you had powers in general?"
"... I just wish I could have powers, that way I could be more helpful to you and Danny," Jazz said.
"Jazz, you don't need to have powers to be helpful," I said. "Trust me on this. I had to help Danny before he even included me on the team as an ordinary human. I've seen you fight before, Jazz, you were especially brutal to that turkey that came to life during that one Christmas dinner years ago. I know you're not that clumsy, so why were you trying so hard?"
"Because no matter how hard I try Danny, Sam, and Tucker don't actually accept me," Jazz said. "I can tell that he has been just trying to let me fit in. But he isn't actually accepting me into the group."
"Is that what you two were arguing about?" I asked. "I was actually surprised to hear you hacked into his computer just to get the files on the ghost enemies we've fought."
"His password is Paulinafenton1, he has it written down on a piece of paper at his desk," Jazz said. "He should choose a more secure password than that if he doesn't want anyone to look."
I shivered at the idea of Paulina becoming a Fenton any time soon. Sure we're getting along a little better, but we still don't like each other that much.
"That wasn't what I meant, and now I'm going to have nightmares about Paulina marrying my brother tonight," I said. "I just meant it wasn't like you to not respect our brother's privacy. Were you really that desperate?"
"Yeah, I was," Jazz said quietly.
"... It's kind of funny… I used to be like you when Danny finally told me his secret," I said. "Or more like talked to me about it since I pretty much told him I knew."
"You told him?" Jazz asked.
"... Kind of… I rather not talk about it," I said, remembering I was pretty much at my darkest at the time. "But that's not important right now. The point is when I was finally a part of Team Phantom, I didn't get good with them right away. I made a lot of clumsy mistakes, half the time Danny, Tucker and Sam forgot I was a part of the group and left without me, and even I screwed up enough to let a ghost get away from time to time. But I knew better than to try so hard that I make things worse, and instead tried to make helpful suggestions that would help us start getting into sync better."
"... when did you become so wise?" Jazz asked as she looked at me.
"Heh… I guess that happens when you're alone, you just take the time to observe everything," I said. "And I always try my best to help whenever I can if I couldn't do much on the field."
Jazz looked down, "Oh right… I almost forgot that you were mostly alone after the first accident."
"Well, it did give me time to talk with you more and even read some of those psychology books," I chuckled. "But I am still just a 14 year old boy, I know I'll screw up a lot, and make the same kind of mistakes any teenage boy would. I also know how you feel about wanting to be helpful to Team Phantom, which is why I'm going with you to Wisconsin."
"Thanks little brother," Jazz said as she gave me a smile.
"And well, when this is over and Danny doesn't kill both of us for this, maybe we can work something out about your role in Team Phantom," I said. "You're pretty good with first aid, and you did help bandage Danny when he got really hurt in his fights. You could be like our big sister nurse."
"Well I would prefer to keep you two from getting hurt," Jazz said.
"And you do have really good athletic skills, when you're not trying too hard to use the Thermos or trying to come up with a witty banter," I said before frowning. "Seriously, don't try with the banter, it either comes to you naturally or it doesn't. I rather not waste my time with those."
"Yeah, I think I'm done with witty banter and trying to use the Thermos," Jazz said. "The only ghosts I seem to be able to catch are the two quote-on-quote uncatchable ghost kids."
"Heheh, well I'm not that famous yet like Mr. Public Enemy #1," I said.
"That's probably a good thing," Jazz said. "It means you can work a little more inconspicuously."
"Yeah, I'm more of the in the shadows kind of guy," I said. "But… listen, about you and Danny… I know you were angry and wanted to help him, but Danny does have a lot of stress too. I can only do so much to help, but Danny's been doing this far longer than I have, so even though it was wrong that he yelled at you like that, it's understandable too since he tends to not show his more negative emotions as the ghost hero."
"Yeah, I know…" Jazz sighed. "I guess my own emotions were a little out of control. I mean Danny finally let me in on his secret, and I was so happy to be a part of his team. I guess I screwed that up big time, huh?"
"Just give Danny some time to cool off, he'll come around," I said. "Being cramped in that Thermos wasn't exactly the highlight of his… or my night after all, but he knows you mean well. Although, when he discovers we 'ran away' from home, he might not be too happy with either of us."
"Then maybe we shouldn't call him when we get to Vlad's mansion," Jazz suggested. "We can call them tomorrow, after school. That way mom and dad can find out as well. That way we have time to find out if Vlad knows anything about why Skulker has been collecting those items, before Danny finds out about us leaving."
"That's probably not going to help our case very much," I said. "But I do agree on trying to figure out if Vlad has anything to do with what Skulker is doing."
"Let's at least wait until it's daytime before we call them, okay?" Jazz pleaded.
"Yeah, besides, knowing Vlad, he might call them once we get settled in anyways," I said. "And then try to manipulate it so we are okay with staying with Vlad. He's a tricky one, Jazz, so be careful around him."
"I promise I will Andy," Jazz said. "Now how about you go to the back and lay down and get some rest, I will wake you up when we get to Vlad's mansion."
"What about you?" I asked. "Don't you need to sleep?"
"Nah, I got some coffee," Jazz said as she held up a Thermos.
"H-hey! Watch where you point that thing!" I flinched on my seat.
"Oh, this is just a normal Thermos, Andy," Jazz said as she unscrewed the lid and took it off. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the Specter Speeder's cockpit. "See? Just coffee."
I let myself relax, but that thermos better not magically suddenly start sucking me into it. "I see… well then… that's okay. But Jazz, be sure to get some sleep when we reach Vlad's mansion. Coffee can't replace good old fashion sleep after all, but I'll sleep so I can be at my best in case Vlad tries something."
"I promise, Andy," Jazz said. "I know coffee can't replace sleep, but I need it because someone has to be awake during our drive."
With that said, I went to the back of the Specter Speeder where there was plenty of room to lay down and sleep.
"Hey Andy! Wake up! We're here!" Jazz yelled, stirring me from my sleep.
I groaned, it feels like I just closed my eyes for a few seconds. I sat up, feeling groggy.
"We're here…?" I yawned. "What time is it?"
"Around 8AM," Jazz responded as I rejoined her in the cockpit.
I could see Vlad's huge mansion coming up. I felt really nervous now that we're close. I know Vlad knows I'm half ghost now, especially after I attacked him when Pariah Dark's army was taking over Amity Park, but I still don't know how he feels about me. I knew he didn't care for me that much when Danny, Mom and I last saw him, but how does he feel about me now?
"Alright, Andy, anything you want to tell me about Vlad before we ring his doorbell?" Jazz asked as she began landing the Specter Speeder near the front door.
"Don't let him know you know about him and us being half ghost," I said. "And watch yourself around him. And he may have ghosts in his mansion, so be careful of that too."
"Alright, I promise I will be careful and watch what I say," Jazz said as she turned off the Specter Speeder. "Now let's get out and go ring the doorbell."
Jazz and I got out of the Specter Speeder and walked up to Vlad's door. I was getting more and more nervous. The more I think about it, the more I worry at how so many things could go wrong.
"Andy, relax," Jazz said. "Or else Vlad will know something is up. Besides, being nervous isn't going to help us in any way."
"R-right, I know… I know, just… let me calm myself," I said as I took a deep breath and let it out. "Okay, I'm ready."
Jazz nodded to me before ringing the doorbell. This is it, there's no turning back now. I heard the doorknob start to turn before the large doors slowly began to open.
zachwheeler: DarkFoxKit: Yes, I know there's a difference. So you're saying all I do is talk crap about the characters in the show? Kind of like how you do the same to me. But whatever, this isn't about that. I'm sorry if that's how you see me, maybe I shouldn't talk about the show at all then.
Darkzdragon: Zach, seriously. Back off. Fox is entitled to her opinions and if you are bothered by that then you can stop reading the story or just stay quiet. You don't need to be against Fox just because she expresses her opinion in the story. I mean it's a fanfic, meaning the writer can do whatever they want. Now stop attacking Fox and just deal with the fact that she is going to express her opinions as freely as she wants in the story.
mysteryfan4ever: DarkFoxKit: Heh, I'm very happy to know Andy's a really good OC for people. I don't plan on stopping this story until the end of it.
ZAFT Prime: Darkzdragon: Nice. I would have to say the Wing and SEED series were my favorites. I might check out your Gundam SEED story if I have the chance.
Luna Lillyth: DarkFoxKit: Of course. And yup, I thought it was fitting for someone calling Jazz that. XP
sjsreader: DarkFoxKit: Yup, pretty fitting that everyone would ignore Andy when he's being the voice of reason. XD
Andy: Yes, it is annoying. The only way to get people to listen is to be non-sensible.
Just another fan: Darkzdragon: Lol why are you running away? And if your life is really that empty may I recommend you check out some of DarkFoxKit's other works like Child of Mew and The RESET Warfare.
OMNISENSE95: Darkzdragon: First off, watch your language. And second off, yes, Valerie could use a wakeup call, but that naivety is what makes her the person she is.
PrincessDragon96: DarkFoxKit: You found a shiny Pikipek? Lucky! … Anyways, the idea of Valerie wanting Andy to join her is a new idea for me too, Dragon came up with that, and I saw it has some potential for character development. Heh, I figured Foxfire would be a lot more interesting for the readers when they actually see it in action with Future Andy. Hurricane Jazz is proper for Jazz in this episode. Heh, well I'm glad you had a happy birthday!
Darkzdragon: Nice to meet you too. Also, good luck in your shiny hunt. Fox has pretty much given up on trying to find a shiny, she's mainly focusing on Digimon Cyber Sleuth right now.
Boredom438: Darkzdragon: I wouldn't say 'best fanfic ever' because there are some other fanfics out there that are really good. But if this is, in your opinion, the best fanfic you have ever read then that is pretty cool.
Mana: DarkFoxKit: Heh, Tucker seems to be the punching bag most of the time in the series, either that or he's the one who gets ignored. Hmm… I'm not sure how the episode 'King Tuck' is going to play out, because I doubt Andy would suddenly start ignoring Tucker like Danny and Sam… and just about everyone else did. But it should be fun working on that episode with Andy being there. Well, I don't think the ecto converter hurts the ghost, because Danny seemed absolutely fine when he activated it. ^^' Yup, Andy can be pretty devious alright. Heh, Danny is usually pretty forgiving, but even he has his limits. Yeah, it's really too bad they had to end the show the way they did, they had a great character development potential with Valerie, but I guess that's life, huh? I do hope Butch can revive the show, but until then, all we can do is read fanfics for it.