Author's note: So I can't make any promises on chapter length or time between chapters. I have read fanfic for 10+ years and decided to finally write something for fun. Feel free to leave reviews, questions, suggestions, etc.
Chapter 2
Danny, Sam, and Tucker are walking to school enjoying the beautiful weather. Sunny with patches of cloud to supply occasional shade and a moderate breeze.
As they turn a corner close to Casper High, they find someone leaning against a wall apparently waiting for them. "Oh boy…" mutters Danny.
"Fenton, perfect timing, I'm thirsty. Hand over something to drink or get whaled on," Dash threatened punching his own hand to intimidate him.
Danny smiled internally. *sigh* "Fine Dash," Danny said taking off his backpack and rummaging around it. After 30 seconds of Danny seeming to have trouble finding something.
"Speed it up Fenturd, or I'll whale on you and take your drink."
Seeming to find what he was looking for Danny produced an insulated lunchbox and retrieved an iced coffee and handed it to Dash.
Dash with a smug look on his face reached to remove the plastic seal on the bottle.
"Remember Dash it says to shake before drinking," said Danny.
Dash scowled. "I know that Fenton, I'm not an idiot," said Dash vigorously shaking the bottle.
Sam seemingly unable to stop herself said, "Since when?"
Dash glared and his muscled flexed. That was all Danny needed to know what Dash was about to do.
Thinking fast Danny added, in as snarky of a tone as he could muster, "Well of course since he passed 8th grade. I mean it only took him 3 years."
Dash turned his glare at Danny and threw the punch he was seconds ago about to send Sam's way. Danny had to admit Dash's punch would have hurt and he would have never seen it coming. That is if it wasn't for him being used to much faster and stronger punches from the many ghosts, he had fought in the last almost 3 years since the accident in his parents' lab. Danny however knew if he didn't at least act like it hurt it would only cause problems. Before Dash's fist made contact Danny made sure to flex his muscles just a little. As the punch landed in his gut Danny bent over and landed on all fours pretending to cough as if winded.
Dash's smirk returned, "Still just a wimp who doesn't know his place." Dash opened the iced coffee, chugged it and threw the empty bottle and Danny who was still on the ground pretending to finally recover from his coughing fit.
As the bottle hit the ground next to him, Danny, still looking down at the ground, couldn't hold back the smile that came to his lips.
Dash turned to leave and said, "That's just a taste of what's in store for you nerds this year."
Danny stood grabbing the bottle.
"Are you OK," came both Sam and Tucker's voices.
Danny waited until Dash was out of eyeshot and gave a mischievous grin saying, "I'm fine, I'd be more worried about Dash."
Looking confused Sam asked "Why?"
"Oh, nothing, I just spiked that iced coffee with about 2 tablespoons worth of pure polyethylene glycol."
Sam's eyes widened in amused surprise, "You didn't!?"
Tucker more confused said, "What the heck is polyethylene glycol?"
Danny started again on the way to school and replied, "JFGI"
Tucker pulled out his PDA and upon finding the answer burst out laughing.
"Hurry up or your gonna be late!" yelled a red head at the bottom of a set of stairs. The redhead was wearing a black hoodie will a skull surrounded by flames design on the front and a pair of black jeans. In her ears were simply looking earrings that had what appeared to be moderately sized green pearls. She appeared to be in her early 20's.
"I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying," came a voice from up the stairs. Suddenly a figure came from around the corner at the top of the stairs and slid down the handrail landing softly at the bottom.
"Ready!" said Dani in an excited voice despite the slightly nervous look on her face.
"Relax, your gonna do great. It's just high school," said the redhead.
"You do remember I have never been to school before, right?"
"Meh, how hard can it be? You'll crush it."
Dani smiled and gave her a hug. "Thanks Em. I'm liking the new look."
"I'm still getting use to it again but it ain't bad," said the redhead. "You got everything? We gotta fly or we'll never make it on time."
"Yeah," replied Dani, "let's go don't want to be late on my first day."
"So, I gotta ask Danny," said Tucker. "How did you spike the iced coffee if it was still sealed?"
Reaching his locker Danny just turned to look at Tucker and smiled. "That's easy just took a little prep." Danny opened his locker swapping out what was needed. "I used a finger from a disposable glove filled with the glycol and tied it off so that the material was already tight. After that I simply grabbed it between my fingers and partially phased my hand into the bottle and snapped the glove finger. As the powder lost contact with my hand it became tangible again and remained in the bottle. Once Dash shook the bottle there was no way he could tell anything was off about it."
Tuckers eyes widen in understanding and nod approvingly. "Nice," said Tucker holding his hand up to get a high five.
Danny complied with a soft clapping sound. "I know right? Anyway, I gotta hit the restroom. See you in class."
"OK, we'll save you a seat," called Sam.
Danny went to the restroom and once in a stall and making sure nobody else was present he changed to his ghost form. 'Alright,' thought Danny, 'time to get this over with.'
Danny started to glow slightly and then it intensified. After a moment a second Danny walked out of the first and the glowing died away. The first Danny transformed back into his human form. "OK, you know the drill."
The second Danny still in ghost form said, "Patrol Amity, take care of minor disturbances, book it back to you if any heavy hitters show up, and be back by lunch for merger."
"Perfect," human Danny said and then ghost Danny went invisible and flew off. Danny yawned. 'Man, it's tiring giving the copy that much energy this early in the morning. Now I wish I had the iced coffee Dash stole.'
Danny flushed the toilet just in case someone was outside, washed his hands and left the restroom. About 20 feet away from the restroom Danny saw Dash running thru the hall.
"Move it Fenton or get run over."
Danny stepped aside and watched as Dash headed straight to the restroom as fast and he could. 'Then again being a little tired might be worth it,' thought Danny smiling all the way to the classroom.
"Faith of the Fallen! Mr. Fenton has joined us," said Mr. Lancer with mock surprise as he checked his watch smiling. "And with 5 minutes to spare. Who would have thought given your record in your freshmen year you could be so punctual?"
'Man am I glad I figured out how to duplicate Sophomore year,' thought Danny.
"Nice to see you too Mr. Lancer. Hope we have a fun final year," said Danny genuinely smiling at his homeroom/English teacher. Ever since the end of his freshmen year Mr. Lancer seemed to ease up on Danny and they now had mutual respect for each other.
"As do I Daniel. Please find a seat, class will start soon."
After scanning the room, Danny walked over the desks in the corner of the room where Sam and Tucker sat. Sam and Tucker sitting in the last 2 seats on the 2nd from last row. Danny took a seat behind Sam leaving one empty seat behind Tucker where the 3 of them deposited their packs.
"So, Sam and I are debating on how long until the coffee hits Dash." Tucker said as Danny sat down. "She thinks it will hit about lunchtime. I'm hoping it hits him during P.E. What do you think Danny?"
"I don't know considering I just say Dash running towards the restroom like his life depended on it, I'd say right about now." Danny replied with a satisfied grin.
Sam and Tucker started snickering just before the tardy bell rang.
"OK people, that is the signal to zip it. Time for rollcall," said Lancer as he closed the door and sat at his desk.
Picking up the student list from his deck, he put on his glasses and said "Dash,"
Silence
Lancer looked and said in a louder voice "Dash Baxter."
Danny, Sam, and Tucker were restraining themselves from busting out laughing.
"Has anyone seen Mr. Baxter?"
"I saw his earlier," supplied Kwan.
"Well hopefully he shows up before homeroom is over," said Lancer letting out a sigh.
Lancer continued with rollcall and finding everyone else was present laid the sheet down. "Alright everyone, small announcement before we go any further. We have 3 new students joining us this year and they happen to all be in this homeroom. So, lets welcome them to Casper High and make them feel welcome." Having said this Lancer walked to the door and motioned for some people to come in.
The new students walked in and stood at the front of the class.
"I don't know why but the one on the left looks familiar," whispered Tucker.
Upon following Tucker gaze Danny jaw drop in disbelief.
"I'll let everyone introduce themselves, if you would start young lady," gesturing toward the one Tucker mentioned.
"Hi, I'm Danielle M, but I normally go by either Dani, as in with an 'I,' or just D for short. Had to move here because of family and am hoping to make some friends and avoid jerks. Just remember karma can be a B!"
"Very… colorful, but while you technically didn't swear, I would appreciate you avoiding the implication for swearing while in school young lady," said Lancer. After seeing a sheepish acknowledgement of his reprimand, he gestured for the next new student to introduce themselves.
Danny had already stopped listening and was staring at Dani, his thoughts like a whirlwind in his head. 'What is she doing here? Is she in trouble? What's with M for her last name mean? How did she get admitted without a school history? Did she get taller?'
Dani locked eyes with Danny and using her finger to close her slight open mouth, silently told Danny to pick up his jaw. Shaking himself out of his stupor his did as she suggested before someone noticed his reaction.
Turning to Tucker, Danny whispered "That's because she is the clone Vlad made using my DNA."
Tucker's eyes widened and said "Dang she hit a bigger growth spurt than you did man. She's also one hell of a looker now." Danny lightly slugged Tucker at that comment. "What I calls them as I see them."
Danny looked around the room and saw that some of the guys in the class were ogling Dani as well. Only one seemed almost as shocked as Danny was when he saw Dani, Valerie.
"Alright everyone," started Lancer once again, "now that introductions are done, please make them feel welcomed. Since today is your first day back I will give you the rest of homeroom to socialize and meet our new students."
With that Danny and Valerie immediately stood up. Seeing this Dani stealthily gestured for Danny to wait a moment. Begrudgingly Danny slowed he advance and simply got close enough to discreetly eavesdrop on their conversation.
Valerie was the first to reach Dani. "Hey Dani, didn't expect to see you again! Have you been safe?"
"Hi Valerie, yeah, things have finally settled down for me. Good to see you again."
Danny relaxed, a little. 'It appears Valerie is still protective of Dani. Glad to see time hasn't changed her mind on that.'
Valerie seeing their semi-private conversation couldn't last said "Well if you need anything let me know. We'll have to get together at some point and catch up."
Danny saw that the crowds and clicks in the class were too close to allow a private conversation. Instead, he stayed where he was and listened to the conversations Dani was having. One of Dani's "admirers" was trying to make a good impression. Danny's fist clenched as he wrestled with his feelings of protectiveness. It was weird for him as she wasn't his "daughter" but in some ways he was the closest she had to a father; Vlad didn't count. Just, just no. He imagined this was how any father would probably feel but he knew it had to be weird for Dani too.
So wrapped up in his thought Danny almost didn't notice someone was talking to him. "Sorry, what did you say?"
"Danny looked at the person talking to him. He was a blonde-haired guy just a little shorter than Danny, so he guessed about 5'10" and was of slim build. He wore a navy-blue polo shirt and tan khakis. He had electric blue eyes. He seemed well dressed but not posh.
He was holding out his hand in greeting and repeated "Hi, as your heard I'm Apollo. It's nice to meet you. What's your name?"
'Good thing he said his name. I was not paying attention when he introduced himself,' thought Danny with relief. "I'm Danny Fenton nice to meet you." Danny grasped Apollo's hand and when he did, he thought he saw a faint flash in his eyes. It happened so quick Danny wasn't sure if it was a trick of the light. "Hope you enjoy your time at Casper High.
"I'm sure we will." Apollo turned to a girl slightly behind him and said, "Come now Lorelei, take your head out of your phone and be social."
Lorelei was about Apollo's height but had light brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a hoodie that read "Drop the Bass" and blue jeans that were torn in places. She was staring as her smartphone.
Lorelei scoffed but did as he requested, kind of... "Hi Danny, here's hoping you're not as boring as the rest of this town."
Danny replied, "Life is only as fun as you make it. Besides overall Amity Park is anything but boring, you'll see."
Apollo made a forced chuckle and said, "I apologize for my sister, she can be rather abrasive until you get to know her."
"Meh, I've dealt with worse," responded Danny looking behind himself to find Sam and Tucker there.
"These are my best friends, Sam Mason and Tucker Foley." They each shook Apollo's hand and said hello to Lorelei who replied with a monotone "Hello."
Sam spoke up and said, "I love your earrings. Where did you get them?"
Danny looked and saw she was wearing earrings that looked like green duplet music notes but in place of the ovals/circles at the bottom there were skulls. Danny smiled, mentally filing that away under gift ideas.
Lorelei looking slightly but pleasantly surprised said, "Not sure, my parents got them for me."
"At least your parents accept your style. The only thing my folks buy for me are pink dresses and gaudy jewelry. Basically, only stuff I wouldn't be caught dead wearing."
Lorelei laughed, and said "Well, mine still do that but, I guess they're alright."
Seeing the girl were going to continue talking Danny and Tucker turned back to Apollo. "Well, looks like she made at least one friend," said Danny.
Apollo chuckled but was distracted by his phone vibrating. Pulling it out he check the notification and was about to put it away.
Tucker stopped him saying, "Is that the new Do-Berry Bold?! I thought it wouldn't be out until late October."
Apollo looked at him smiling sheepishly, "Yeah, my family is friends with a higher up and got me a prototype to beta test. I'd let you check it out but for legal reasons I can't."
"Aw, come on, who is gonna know."
Seeing as both Apollo and Lorelei were occupied Danny's attention returned to Dani and saw she was watching him.
"Bet you have a thousand questions, huh?"
Danny chuckled, "Yeah but only two that are important now. Have you been safe, and are you gonna leave again before I can ask the rest?"
Dani shook her head. "Nah I plan on sticking around this time, and yeah I've been safe."
"Glad to hear it Squirt."
"Hey I'm 5'4", that's average height, you're just tall," Dani said in mild annoyance.
Danny laughing said, "6 foot is only 2 inches above average for me."
"I'm still not short…"
"Ok, ok, you're not short," said Danny in a placating tone. Dropping his voice he continued, "anymore."
"I heard that!"
*smack*
"Ow, that hurt," Danny said rubbing where Dani had slugged his arm.
"Good, that'll teach ya!"
Sam snickered overhearing the last of their conversation. "Not likely, he can be pretty dense."
"Amen," came Tuckers voice.
"I thought as my best friends you were supposed to defend me."
"We are," supplied Sam. "Just making sure Dani knows that isn't likely to work. If we said nothing she might keep trying and then you'd be all black and blue."
"Oh, har-dee-har-har," said Danny playfully rolling his eyes.
"OK EVERYONE," came Lancer's voice cutting through the chatter in the room. "Homeroom will be over shortly, so everybody please take a seat for some last minute announcements."
Everyone took a seat. Dani sitting in the desk where Danny, Sam, and Tucker's backpack were after they removed them.
"Starting this year there will be designated classrooms with ghost shields as safe zones during any ghost attacks. The classrooms are marked green on all fire route charts posted throughout the school. Said classrooms also have an emergency exit door to leave the school thru but opening them will sound an alarm. Any false alarms due to student carelessness will be disciplined."
"Finally," whispered Tucker. "It only took 3 years of ghost attacks for them think of that."
"Also," continued Mr. Lancer, "this year we are enforcing stricter rules for bullying. While it is near impossible to restrict what students say to one another, any forms of physical violence will result in severe punishment if seen by patrolling faculty. Unlike previous years, no favoritism shall protect anyone, including those in athletics."
Half of the class erupted in cheers. Several of the less popular started crying tears of joy.
"Repeat offender of this rule can be suspended from school and any school related activities. Any athletes among you should keep this in mind. As this is your senior year if you are kicked off of the team it will be very hard to impress any scouters for a possible scholarship to college."
Lancer glanced around the class seeing that all the students seem to understand the implications. "Any questions before homeroom ends?"
Just then the door to the class creaked loudly dispute being opened slowly drawing everyone's attention.
Dash stood at the door. It was clear he was trying to enter the class quietly in hopes of sneaking in unseen. Looking nervous Dash said "Hey everybody, what did I miss."
*BRRRRRRING*
"All of homeroom Mr. Baxter." said Lancer not looking pleased. "If we're going to skip homeroom at least fully commit to it.
-Skies above Amity Park-
'Well, nothing too crazy is happening today,' thought Danny's duplicate. 'One ecto-puss, a ghost tiger, a not-a-clue-what-it-is, and the Box Ghost. Pretty slow day overall. Just gives me a chance to enjoy this beautiful weather before heading back to school.'
As if to prove him wrong storm clouds rolled in and started down pouring.
"That's weird, forecast said it was supposed to be sunny all week," the duplicate said aloud.
Danny gasped as blue vapor escaped his mouth.
A monstrous clap of thunder and lightning flashed and a voice just as loud could be heard. "Where is he!? Where is Danny Phantom? I will rip him a sunder."
"Uh oh," said the duplicate as he when invisible. "I know that voice and it is NOT good news."
The duplicate flew as fast as possible back to Casper High. 'Heavy hitters are one thing, but Vortex is flying natural disaster."
"Oh poo, looks like the weather has taken a turn. I guess I should head down to my reinforced subterranean bunker and 'wait out the storm.' Let's see how you handle this rematch, Daniel."
Vlad starts laughing maniacally as he turns intangible and sinks deep underground to said bunker. As he reaches the bunker his laughter is cut short by a deep angry voice.
"I thought I made it clear you were to leave the boy alone," said a large figure from the shadows.
Vlad smirked. "No, your exact words were I was not to attack the boy anymore. I won't be, but our mutual acquaintance Vortex is more than happy to do so. I simply helped him obtain his freedom again. Our deal is still intact."
The figure's eyes lit up a deep blue as it glared at Vlad. "Deal? DEAL?! A DEAL IMPLIES YOU HAVE ANY BARGAINING POWER. I DID NOT OFFER YOU A DEAL, I GAVE YOU AN ULTIMATUM!" The figure's booming voice, emanating with power, shook the bunker.
"Oh please, you may be as powerful as me, but I still have money and the most advanced ghost tech on the planet. You don't scare me," Vlad replied.
"You think we are on the same level? HA! Even if I were to fight you it would be no contest. With you however, a fight is not even needed." The figures eyes glow brighter.
A blue aura surrounded Vlad and his eyes widened. "What are you doing? What is this?!"
As Vlad hunched over in pain, the blue aura began to take the shape of Vlad's ghost form appearing to overlap with Vlad in his human form. Then the ghost form separated from Vlad and floated to the out-stretched hand of the cloaked figure. Vlad's ghost form was motionless and limp. Vlad looked up at his ghost form seeing it was semi-transparent.
"You didn't," Vlad said, "You couldn't!" Vlad stood while scowling, taking a battle stance. After a seconds pause Vlad's face turned pale as he fell to his knees. "How?"
"How doesn't matter. The real question is, what will I do with this," said the cloaked figure.
Vlad could only watch as his fate was decided.
"I think I made my point." Suddenly, the figure flung Vlad's ghost form back at Vlad and it merged with him once again.
Vlad shocked by his turn of luck said, "Okay, this time I really must know why."
"I am a believer in second chances."
Vlad cautiously stood and transformed, and this time was able to. "Yes," Vlad quietly exclaimed.
"Know this," came the figure's voice. "While I may believe in second chances there are no third chances with me," and narrowed his eyes.
"Oh yes, of course. I understand. This 'misunderstanding' shall not happen again."
"See that it doesn't," and with that the figure disappeared.
*BRRRRRRING*
"Heck yeah! Lunch time!" exclaimed Tucker.
"We should grab something to eat and head outside, weather is supposed to be beautiful today," suggested Sam.
"Sure, let's find the Double Ds and do it."
Sam stare at Tucker in disbelief, "Really, the Double Ds?"
"What? We got to come up with something cuz just calling them both by their names will get confusing."
"Agreed, but that isn't the answer. Think of something else," demanded Sam. "Something less suggestive maybe?"
"Ah, come on. That was half the reason it was good."
Dani popped up from nowhere asking, "Half the reason what was good?
Sam and Tucker turned to find both Dani and Danny were right behind them.
"Tucker here thinks 'Double D' a good nickname for referring to the 2 of you."
"Nice," replied both of them causing Sam to face palm.
Sam turned to Dani and asked, "Don't you think it's too suggestive?"
"Nah, Tucker's right, that is half the reason it is funny," as she and Tucker high-fived.
"Ugh, she's just as bad as you boys," remarked Sam.
Tucker excitedly said, "Enough chit-chat, food is calling my name."
"Okay, okay, heel Tucker. Let's head to the cafeteria before Tuck…" Danny started but stopped mid-sentence.
"Are you ok Danny," asked Sam seeing the look on his face.
Unseen to everyone else Danny's duplicate had merged with him, and the memories were flooding his mind.
The rest had stopped and were watching Danny. Sam and Tucker had seen Danny like this before, it rarely meant good news.
"Vortex," was all Danny could say as panic fought to take hold.
Tucker was the first to respond. "Wait, you mean the weather controlling ghost that you were only able to beat because it accidently transferred some of it power to you?"
Danny's mind raced to remember every detail of that fight he could remember.
Dani spoke up in a confused but surprised tone, "Wait, Danny was able to use a newly obtained power to defeat a ghost that knew how to use the same power?!"
"Well, to be fair, the power was linked to Danny emotions, and he lost the ability after the fight. He was extremely moody that day and we had to use my VR helmet to manipulate his emotions. Without all that on our side I don't think we would have been able to clear the storm Vortex was using to try and destroy the town."
That made Danny come up with a crazy idea. "I was able to wrestle control of the weather from Vortex…" said Danny as his crazy idea took a more defined form in his mind.
"Yeah, but again, you lost that power, so we don't even have that on our side this time!" Sam was beginning to full on panic.
"I got a plan," Danny said as his ability to focus came back.
"But dude," Tucker started.
"No, I don't have a choice. If I just hide, he will completely destroy Amity. You all get to the ops center get ready to take it and leave if my plan doesn't work," Danny ordered.
"Not happening Danny, we're helping you. If you fail then the world is screwed," Sam rebuked.
Danny bowed his head in acceptance and looked toward Dani.
"Don't even think you can convince me to sit this one out," Dani smirked.
"Ok, if that is the case then there is something in my parents' lab that might be useful. Sam and Tucker, you guys head there and grab the Maddie Modulator and the Specter Speeder and any easy to grab weapons."
"On it," both said and took off running for the exit.
"Okay now what is this plan of yours?" Dani asked.
"First," Danny said rummaging through his backpack, "put these on and then I can explain the plan to everyone as we fly." Danny then held his hand out with a pair of Fenton Phones in his palm.
Dani took them and placed them in her ears.
They both walked into a broom closet as the tornado alarms started going off in the school.
Danny pressed a button on his and said "Sound check, come in Dark 1 and Techwiz. Do you read?"
"Dark 1 here, hearing you loud and clear Phantom," came Sam's voice.
"Same here dude. What about the newest addition to the team?"
Danny turned back to Dani, "She's online but as for a call name let's just use…"
"Banshee," interrupted Dani as she transformed.
As the rings of light disappeared Danny couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Dani's ghost form had changed drastically. She had a black one shoulder crop top with an emblem on the front. The top was short enough to expose the midriff. On her left arm, with the exposed shoulder, she wore a studded leather armband in the middle of the upper arm. She also had gloves the went to the elbow. The emblem on her top was the front view of a skull with its mouth open and 3 tightly spaced circles surrounding it. The circles appeared to be segmented to make it resemble sound waves going in all directions away from the skull. The sound waves were a blueish green. Instead of pants like she used to wear, she now had a moderate length black skirt that had metal studs evenly spaced across the skirt in a staggered pattern like a checkerboard. On the vertical edge of the fabric that made the skirt there were metal loops that with a long black thread you could use a crisscross pattern to hold the skirt in place. Without the thread it was just a long rectangular piece of fabric with studs on it. The top few loops are tightened to preserve some modesty. Lastly, she was wearing black thigh high boots that disappeared under the bottom edge of her skirt.
"Ok, that is just getting added to the list of questions for later," Danny said as he transformed.
His ghost form was the same as it has always been (since Sam's change to it using Desiree's wish granting powers). If anything could be said to change about it, that would be that his proportions match his human form. Aside from being taller, Danny has more lean muscle then his lanky fourteen-year-old self had.
With that both halfas went intangible and flew toward downtown Amity Park, Dani following Danny.
The storm was raging, and, in the distance, they could see Vortex.
"Alright everyone, listen up, here's the plan."
"Worm to base, target is on the move towards a hostile entity. Do you want Siren and I to follow and assist?"
"Negative Worm, we have a shadow team on scene and ready to assist if needed. We've also tapped into their communications. Your orders are to maintain cover, same goes for Siren."
*Sigh* "Fine."
"Don't worry kid, you'll both get a chance to show the world what you got."
"Are you sure about this Phantom."
"No, but it the only chance we have of beating him without weather manipulation powers on our side. Last time my normal powers didn't even phase him and even Vlad didn't stand a chance without Vortex's control device," replied Danny.
"Ok so who is gonna distract him while Phantom tries to pull off this crazy idea," asked Dani.
"Well actually it won't exactly be me doing it."
Tucker cut in, "Ah dude, you're the only one with ice powers."
"I know that. It just won't be this me."
Sam realizing what he meant said, "Duplicates?"
"Exactly."
"Okay, well we got the Speeder loaded up and are heading your way."
"Alright, fly safe it is getting pretty crazy out here."
Danny focused inward for a moment and created 6 duplicates that immediately went invisible and flew off in different directions.
"Ok let's get his attention," said Dani looking ready for a fight.
"Remember, check your aim and hit him with all you got cuz anything less won't stand a chance of phasing him. Start the count now," Danny said. With that they flew off to different positions around Vortex.
After they had both counted to 20, they both unleashed a blast of energy at Vortex. The beams converged on him and, thankfully, sent him flying towards outskirts of Amity Park.
"Yes, that actually worked!"
Dani looked at her 'cousin,' "Of course it did, we're awesome."
"Cheap shots and trickery won't save Phantom! Taste my fury!"
Vortex hurled lightning at them.
The halfas formed sphere shaped shields around themselves and as the assault ended unleashed ecto-blasts of their own to no apparent effect. Without the element of surprised even their combined power wasn't going to cut it.
"Unlike some people, I learn from my mistakes Vortex. It's a shame you didn't, cuz now, we're gonna have to kick your butt again."
"Wretched cur, even a mountain yields to the might of water. Now drown under my power!
"Now!" yelled Danny.
Just as the rain intensified the duplicates appeared and released their ice power like an explosion high in the air surrounding the fight spending the energy making up their forms. The rain above the fight froze instantly and plummeted.
Danny began to glow an icy blue and raised his hands. With massive effort he took control of the ice saturated in his ghostly energy and forced a change of trajectory towards Vortex, pelting him in an avalanche of hail.
"ARRG. How dare you. It hails when I say it does. I am the master of weather. The artist of storms! THE MAESTRO OF MONSOONS!"
"Really? Looks like your losing touch. Looks like a cold front moved in and your storms are waning," Danny said pointing to where his duplicated had exploded.
Vortex looked and a large chunk of the storm cloud were gone. Apparently, the water vapor they were made of froze and became part of the hail. As the break in the clouds spread the sun broke thru.
"NO!" screamed Vortex visible shrinking a little as the sun seemed to burn him.
"Techwiz to Phantom. Ready on our side when you are."
'Perfect timing'
"HA! If that is all you got this won't be as hard as I thought," taunted Danny.
"I can always summon more clouds!"
"That is what I was hoping for," Danny said more to himself than anyone else. "Hit it Techwiz. Maximum dispersion."
Just as Vortex raised his hand to the sky the Specter Speeder came thru the break in the clouds and Tucker flipped a switch.
The Maddie Modulator which was strapped to the bottom of the Speeder activated but released it effect outward instead of directionally.
Though unseen as Vortex's power reached for the cloud it intersected with the waves coming from the Speeder and when they met, the clouds in the sky started rapidly dispersing.
"NO! NOT AGAIN!" yelled Vortex as he shrunk again and recoiled from the sunlight.
"Can't even move a few clouds. So much for the master of weather. Sound like your nothing but hot air," Danny quipped.
"Hot air you say. Since you were so kind to supply a 'cold front,' some hot air is all I need to finish you and this town." With that he moved one hand palm up skyward and while bringing the other palm downward seemingly with great effort.
Speaking to his team over the Fenton Phones Danny said "As the fight has progressed, each time we take away his control over a type of weather, he shrinks and must exert himself more to cause any change. If we can push him a little bit more, we should be able to overpower him like any other ghost."
"Ok I gotta admit, this plan isn't as crazy as I first thought," came Tucker's voice.
It soon became clear what Vortex was doing as below him debris started circling around him, picking up speed as he worked.
"Oh no," Danny exclaimed.
"What, what's wrong," asked Sam.
"He's creating a tornado. I thought if he couldn't manipulate the clouds, he wouldn't be able to."
"He must be manipulating the cold air left from your ice attack and heating the residual moisture on the ground to cause once to form," stated Dani having looked at the situation and deduced the cause.
Danny stared dumbstruck at Dani.
"What I'm a pretty good student. It's just natural science."
"Regardless, we've got to find a way to stop him. Any ideas guys?"
"We could redirect the Modulator and cut off what he is doing," suggested Tucker.
"No because then he could start controlling the clouds again and we would be trading one problem for another," Danny countered. "Stay where you are and be ready to fire if an opening comes up but otherwise keep him from being able to take control of the clouds again."
"What if we try attacking him now?" Dani continued, "It might distract him enough that he loses focus on what he is doing. You said it yourself he has to exert more effort to do what he is doing."
Seeing the base of the tornado starting to take shape they didn't have much time. "It's our best bet," said Danny. "Get ready to hit him with everything you've got guys."
The weapons on the Specter Speeder starting priming. The 2 halfas started charging ecto-blasts, readying to hit vortex with everything they had.
"Alright everybody, concentrate fire at his chest on the count of 3."
Just then, the speed at which the tornado was forming increased, going higher in the air. The top opening of the funnel was heading straight for Vortex.
Realizing what Vortex was up to Danny screamed, "THREE!"
All 3 blasts were let loose, but not soon enough. A half second before the blasts could hit their mark Vortex was swallowed into the Tornado and safe behind the debris and dirt making up the outer layers of it.
"Dammit!"
Everyone agreed with Dani's sentiment.
From the safety of the tornado Vortex cackled triumphantly.
"Now you shall taste my vengeance Phantom. You and all the pests in this wretched city of yours!"
Suddenly lightning came from within the tornado. Danny was able to get his shield up in time but not Danielle.
"Dani, NO!" bellowed Danny but was unable to help her as Vortex keep up his attack.
Dani starting plummeting toward the ground and all Danny could do was watch.
From the shadows a hooded figure flew out and snatched Dani out of the air, bringing her safely to the ground.
As she was being gently lowered to the ground Dani was able to see who had saved her. "Hey, thanks for the save. Hate to ask but think you could lend a hand."
After making sure Dani was able to stand on her own 2 feet, it ruffled Dani's hair and turn toward the tornado.
"We've been trying to take control or make him lose control of the weather and turn it against him. It appears to hurt and weaken him," Dani explained.
The figure nodded it heads seeming to think on what Dani had said.
"Dani!"
She turned and saw her cousin had managed to get away from Vortex's assault. He flew and landed next to Dani but between her and the hooded figure.
"You OK?" Danny asked over his shoulder towards Danielle.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Danny turned his attention back to the figure. "Who are you?" he asked with an edge to his voice.
"I know her, she's a friend. I trust her," Dani pleaded.
Danny's posture relaxed a little. "Okay, I'm assuming Banshee filled you in?"
The figure nodded.
Any ideas on how to turn that tornado against Vortex.
Saying nothing the figure when intangible and invisible, disappearing from view.
"She's your friend, any idea what she's up to?" asked Danny.
"Nope but let's provide a distraction and give her a chance to do it," replied Danielle.
The duo flew back out in the open and did their best to keep Vortex distracted. Blasting where lightning had come from before.
Lightning once again arched toward them, but they were both ready this time.
"Crap, he moved within the tornado. The lightning came from higher up this time," remarked Danielle.
"Then just aim where we last knew him to be and be ready to defend instantly. If he thinks he has us confused he won't notice whatever your friend is doing," Danny ordered.
The hooded figure made her way to the base of the tornado. "This is gonna be difficult to stay in place. Two-hundred mile an hour winds are no joke."
Positioning herself directly below the base of the tornado she touched down and became tangible again. Immediately the winds tried to send her flying but she was able to resist it if barely.
"It's now or never," and with that cyan blue flames escaped from under her cloak and started rising being swept up in the tornado and flowing into the spiral movements of the tornado.
"Any idea what your friend is up to yet? I don't know how much longer we can keep this up," Danny inquired.
Danielle searching for any sign saw flames start to creep up the base of the tornado. "Look at the base. That has to be her doing."
Danny saw the flames rising. "Ok that is one way to turn the tornado against him.
As they defended against yet more lightning, they stayed aware of the flame's progress.
When it was about half way up the tornado they heard Vortex yell, "What treachery is this?"
The lightning ceased and the flames started to recede back down before trying to rise back up again.
"Crap he noticed what she's doing and is fighting back," observed Danny.
They remained still in the air watching the flames go back and forth for about 20 seconds. "It looks like neither one can get a leg up on the other and there is nothing we can do to help," Danny stated.
Danielle stared with a worried look before an idea came to her. "Maybe nothing you can do but me on the other hand…"
Danielle cupped her hands to her mouth as if she was about to yell at someone far away.
"There's no way she will be able to hear you over all this noise. Without the Fenton phones I wouldn't be able to hear you and we are practical next to each other."
Danielle smirked before taking a deep breathe in. She started to glow slightly before releasing a yell that rivaled Vortex's when he first arrived in Amity.
"YOU GOT THIS SIS! I BELIEVE IN YOU!"
Danny was amazed at what he was hearing. Even with the Fenton Phones which are supposed canceled out ghostly noise he was still about to hear enough of the yell to make his ears ring.
Turning his attention back to the conflict of fire and air, Danny noticed the flames were now steadily raising once more.
"No!" Vortex screamed. "THIS CANNOT BE!"
The flames continued to rise until the whole of the tornado was a twister of fire.
Danny noticing an opportunity, zoomed off as fast as he could to the top of the tornado.
"You've got nowhere to go Vortex."
"HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?"
"Duh, we're the good guys."
With that Danny pulled out the Fenton Thermos and aimed it at Vortex.
"Looks like you're a wash out." Triggering the Thermos, he sucked Vortex in and replaced the lid.
Flying back to Danielle, he noticed the tornado quickly disappeared and with it the flames.
Seeing she had touched down in the park Danny followed.
Just as he touched down the Specter Speeder landed behind him.
"Dude that was awesome," yelled Tucker. "How did you do that?"
"I didn't," said Danny exhausted.
Sam and Tucker looked at Danielle. "Nope, not me either."
"We had a little help," interjected Danny.
"Speaking of which," Danny started, turning to Dani, "where is your friend?"
Danielle's face turned anxious, "About that, promise you won't do anything rash and give me a chance to explain."
Just then the figure appeared out of the ground.
"Explain what?"
Danielle turned to the figure and after a moments hesitation said, "Alright let's get this over with."
Confused Sam, Tucker, and Danny turned to the figure. Facing Danny the figure lowered her hood, saying "Long time no see. How ya been Babypop?"
The Trio yelled in unison, "EMBER MCLAIN?!
Ending note: More to come just no idea how soon. 'til next time
