Chapter 7: Enlisting Help

Part Two: The Young Miss Grey

Casper High was no longer the cheerful school it had once been. Nobody seemed to be happy anymore. All spirits had been crush. No doubt because of the recent deaths that had taken place to fellow classmates. People didn't carry on as they used to. No more bullies shoved nerds into their lockers or gave out poundings. It would only serve as a painful reminder of those who once lived. Occasional glances were made at the tables where "the losers" used to sit. Many had regretted calling them that. Even regretted never offering a friendly invitation to their table. Three empty seats haunted very classroom. The trio that often kept their own was no longer there. No shy boy, techno geek or Goth. No overbearing sister patrolling the halls watching after her little brother. Not even the obnoxious cruising of jumpsuit wearing parents that scanned the halls for ghosts could be found. Everything exciting was gone. Too bad no tears were shed for the overweight teacher. But who really cares.

"Gee. Everybody sure seems…dead around here nowadays." Valerie stated as she surveyed the hallways looking for one smile. Distasteful glares turned toward her. Not before she realized that what she said wasn't very appropriate. "Bad choice of words?"

"You think? I feel so horrible right now I can't keep up with my good looks!" Paulina retorted. The wear and tear can be seen on the face. Her nearly flawless skin didn't have the same enchanting glow to it. Her attitude had transformed as well. And she refused to carry around a mirror anymore. Not that she would have use for it. She wasn't the pretty popular girl anymore. Everything that happened made it seem pointless to put on that act any longer.

"You think you've got it bad? I'm so torn up about this whole thing I can't even beat up nerds anymore." Dash pouted as he watched the nerds parade by. More and more countless targets got away. What did he have to live for? What was he other than the jerky jock? With everything he had done before just didn't seem right after all this.

"I wish I could take back everything I said about those guys! I didn't know I could be so mean." Star said to them. She was just as lost as the others. With Paulina being "out of commission" what did Star have to do? Who would she "orbit" around now? What did she know about being an "individual?"

"I feel bad about everything too. But what can we do? Its not like we can send a get well card or something." Valerie moped. Honestly she just wanted everything to cheer up around this place. It was so dull and she couldn't take it anymore. Now that ghost activity was low she had way too much free time on her hands.

"The worst part of it all is…ever since Danny moved I don't see the ghost boy around anymore." Paulina cried ash she opened her locker. Only to be bombarded with pictures of her missing love. She knew it was selfish but it was one of the perks that came along with having Danny around. Right now all she needed was some comfort. "At least he gets to live with a millionaire."

"How can you say that? Danny lost everything he ever held close to him. Money can't buy happiness you know…but I guess you wouldn't." Valerie corrected. In the back of her mind there was a little spot of worry for Danny. The poor guy must have been going through a lot since the whole Nasty Burger thing. What must it feel like to lose that much in one foul swoop? It even scared Valerie that she was the one who showed the most concern. "I wonder how he's doing in Wisconsin…"

For the rest of the day things carried on as usual. Same classes, same lunch, same goodbyes. Valerie got home at her usual time as she did always. Perfectly punctual and greeted by her dad in that dreary little apartment. Why hadn't they moved back into a house?

"Have a nice day at school sweetie?" Damon asked in normal soft voice. Used for talking to a daughter he cared deeply for. A smile was spread across his face. In hopes that it would transfer over to Valerie. But to his disappointment she slumped down on the couch in her usual listless demeanor. It saddened him.

"Nothing out of the ordinary. Same old, same old." Valerie complained. Ignoring the attempt at happiness her dad was trying to send over to her.

"Really that bored huh?" he sympathized. He really could understand that with all that was going on things would be very different. Things might be a little bit slow.

"I'll be in my room." Valerie informed him. She dragged herself to her bedroom door and locked herself in.

Valerie closed the door behind her and sat down at her desk. Picking up her backpack she poured all of her books out. The first book she opened was math. Back to those tedious math equations that she loathed so much. Why did she even bother? Not like she was any good at it. But soon her mind wandered off to other things. More important things. Like Danny. Valerie wondered how he was doing. All by himself in Wisconsin. Had he even partially gotten over this whole mess? Was he coping well or even enjoying himself. Did he even know there was someone back in Amity Park who cared? Maybe she could try to contact him and say hi. Right now all Danny needed was a friend he could talk to. I just hope you're okay.

Then she glanced over at the many posters of the ghost kid. Otherwise known as Public Enemy Number One. Or for those who liked him: Danny Phantom. Ever since the accident he didn't come around anymore. All the other ghosts were active and but that didn't matter much. None of them posed a greater threat than closing school. Her dad didn't let her hunt them anymore. This only added to her current mood. What was there left to do? A knock came from behind from her door and disturbed her concentration.

"Valerie?" Damon said on the other side.

"Yes dad?" Valerie responded annoyed.

"I thought you might want to see the news."

"Why? So I can just see all the depressing things happening in the world. No thanks." She just wanted him to go away. She really didn't have the patience to put up with this.

"It's about your friend Danny. Incase you're interested." He stated with a smirk. Knowing this would get a reaction. Even if Valerie didn't show it he knew that he really cared about him. And just as he expected Valerie did perk her head up in excitement.

"Danny!" She exclaimed as she rushed over to the TV and glued her eyes to it. Turning up the volume to be sure she didn't miss a word. Maybe it was some good news that Danny was okay. But little did she know that right now things were far from okay. The bubbling yet serious face of Tiffany Snow appeared on the screen.

"Many of you may still have a fresh memory of the recent Nasty Burger accident that occurred in Amity Park only a few months ago. A truly horrific event that rattled the citizens to wits end. The only surviving victim Danny Fenton, son to the victims Jack, Maddie and brother to Jazmine Fenton was sent to Wisconsin to live with one of the most prestigious millionaires in the area: Vlad Masters. Apparently of friend of the Fenton family."

Valerie was fine so far. She didn't want to be regaled of the details but it was the news. There job was to inform people. But what she was really waiting for was news on Danny. A frightening image that was placed on the screen made her nervous. It looked strangely similar to the mansion she always saw in those rich guy magazines. But this one looked different. It was in shambles and was a total disgrace. Nothing like what she saw. Something about it scared her.

"This was the scene in Wisconsin only days ago as a mysterious explosion destroyed the Masters mansion. Unfortunately taking with it the life of the only remaining Fenton. Young 14 year old Danny Fenton was reported dead after his guardian Vlad Masters contacted authorities and remains the sole survivor. No one is to clear as to why the mansion exploded and no evidence has been found. Today we say goodbye to our dearly beloved Danny. May you always rest in peace."

Damon was pretty sure he heard the deafening sound of a heart breaking. It shattered into a million pieces inside of his daughter. Now he regretted showing her the news. It was supposed to make her feel better. But it made her feel worse. Valerie was forced to hold back tears. She didn't want her dad to see her cry.

"I'm so sorry Valerie." That was all he could say. Nothing else seemed right or fitting. He laid a hand on Valerie's shoulder.

"I just can't believe he's gone." Valerie replied sullenly. Feeling even worse than she already had when she first stepped through the door. How her mood had shifted. She wanted some good news to cancel all of this misery out. Nothing could ever make her forget about this. Why did this have to happen? It wouldn't have mattered as much if it happened to someone else but…to someone she knew. Someone so close.

"I'm gonna take a walk…get some things off my mind." Valerie said as she stepped outside into the hallway. Everything in the world was just wrong and stupid. What made sense anymore?

Outside it was sunny and happy and just delightful. Valerie ignored everything about it. The sun's smile didn't pierce through the solid shield of her mind. Not being able to shed any light on the situation. Her head hung low and her eyes drooped. All they watched were the countless cement blocks she walked on. Part of her was in a flurry of rage. The madness couldn't stay inside of her. Locked up like a forgotten prisoner.

"Why did you have to die Danny! Why would you do something so stupid!" Valerie muttered to herself as she kicked a stone across the pavement. Letting the steam flow out of her. Asking all these questions that only one person could answer. Not that she could talk to him now. Not that she could talk to him. But Valerie knew that she shouldn't be mad at Danny. Dieing wasn't something anybody really had control over. Besides eating right, exercise and what not. That made Valerie think that Danny should have never moved. If he had stayed here he would still be alive. He could've rebuilt everything and moved on. With a loyal counterpart by his side. Valerie's trailing soon brought her to Fenton Works. A familiar and unmistakable man was found leaning against the door.

"Vlad Masters?" Valerie questioned as she ran up the stoop. Coming to a halt inches in front of him.

"And how is the young Miss Grey doing nowadays?" Vlad responded with a bright smile on his face. Waiting for an answer from the flustered looking girl.

"What are you doing here?" Valerie asked puzzled. She didn't expect to see him all the way down here with all this commotion going on. He should've been doing something more important right now.

"Just dropping by to take care of a few items of business. Starting with you." Vlad answered as he opened the Fenton Works door. Immediately afterward walking in and motioning for Valerie to follow.

Inside wasn't much different then when the family had left it. Covered in cobwebs the place needed a good dusting. Valerie quite resented being there. It brought back way too many memories.

"So um…what business do you have with me?" Valerie questioned. She was curious as to what Vlad could possibly want with her. A big shot like him talking to a small town girl like her. Maybe it wasn't that important.

"I've come here hoping to confide in you something I haven't told anyone else. About Daniel…" Vlad started. This peaked Valerie's attention. Her ears begged to hear more. What was it about Danny that she was about to be told.

"I just saw the news a while ago. I feel real bad for him. That's a terrible way to die." Valerie said as she flashed back to what she viewed on the television screen.

"And that is exactly what I wanted to tell you. The way that he died didn't happen the way it was described on the news. There was no "freak accident" or any other name you can think for it."

"There wasn't?"

"It all happened very much on purpose." Valerie then gave a glare over to him at the thought she formed. Vlad saw this and realized that he should choose better wording. "But it wasn't my doing!"

"But if there wasn't an accident and it wasn't you then…"

"In Wisconsin we do have our celebrity ghost as you do here in Amity Park…" Vlad trailed as he got closer to the point. Now Valerie was really into what he was saying. She was already on bad terms with "Public Ghost Enemy Number One" and this would really set it off. What did that ghost do this time.

"I'm listening." She said with a look of fascination on her face. Yet at the same time showed a small amount of worry.

"It was him that caused Daniel's sudden departure from this world. And it was an awful thing to witness." Vlad finished. Valerie nearly lost her breath when she heard this.

"What!" She bellowed as the anger she once had resurfaced. Her hands starting to form fists.

"Calm down for I have more to tell." Vlad eased. He wasn't done. This was the type of reaction he was hoping for from Valerie. The kind that would get her flustered and motivated.

"I can't believe this! I just can't!" Valerie screamed at the top of her lungs. She wasn't trying to listen to more. She just wanted to get on her jet sled and pace that troublesome ghost. "The minute I see that jerk I'll waste him!"

"I'm sure that won't be a problem with all of your new equipment." Vlad stated as he turned to Valerie. She turned to him as well. Not sure about what he was saying.

"What new equipment?" Valerie asked.

"As you can well imagine I'm incredibly busy now. I have no time to carry out my vengeance. What use would all of this be if I don't have time for it? The least I can do is hand it over to a competent young lady such as yourself." Vlad finished.

"Me? You mean me? You're giving Fenton Works to me!" Valerie shouted as her eyes went wide. Overcome by the present she was receiving.

"Yes I do. With all of this technology I'm positive that you can develop new weaponry and get the job done. But be careful. I don't want the Phantom destroyed…just captured." Vlad cautioned her.

"Done! Thank you Mr. Masters! I won't let you down!" Valerie assured him as she bounded out of the door. Running of to tell her dad the good news. Her spirit had been lifted.

Vlad watched amused as the young girl ran down the street. It was good to see her so enthusiastic. He would be able to relax while Valerie did the "dirty work". In no time he would have his ghost side returned to his body and then Valerie would be able to do off with him as she wished. Hopefully she would do exactly what she was supposed to.


Finally chapter 8 is up! My step dad's been keeping off the computer with this stuff he had to do. I had no chance to write this story and now I've made you guys suffer. I had to be lucky enough to use a computer at school. So until next time!

And I promise it won't be a month's wait!