"They're not just sick Ellie," started Danny calmly as he re-joined the group around the table, sitting next to Sam. "They're about as stupid as they come." The group didn't know what to be more surprised at; Danny's abrupt change in mood, or the fact that he just appeared out of nowhere when they could have sworn he had just been on the opposite side of the room.
"Dude, what the hell?" Exclaimed Tucker, trying to get his breathing under control, as were the rest of the group, all eying Danny with wary looks.
"What?" Asked Danny, clueless as to what the problem was.
"Five minutes ago you looked as if you could kill someone, and now you've gone all Buddha on us." Said Bradley.
"Sam told us it was Skulker who brought us here. Was that why you are, or were, angry?" Asked Star, eying Danny nervously.
"Now hang on a minute," Dash chimed in. "What is going on with you Fenton? Like Bradley said, what is up with you?"
"It's a funny thing time," started Danny mysteriously, trying to hint to Sam and Tucker what had happened. "Sometimes five minutes can feel like twenty minutes. And a lot can happen in twenty minutes." Whilst everyone looked at Danny with baffled looks on their faces, Sam and Tucker caught on to what he was trying to say and knew exactly what he was talking about.
"So, care to share what you figured out in your five/ twenty minutes?" Asked Sam, trying to get as much attention away from Danny's mysterious mood changes. Danny took Sam's hand in appreciation.
"First of all, you're right Star. I was angry at Skulker, but not for the reason you think." Danny said, this time confusing everyone in the room.
"Would you care to elaborate on that Danny?" Asked Mr Lancer.
"Skulker is indeed responsible for the ship blowing up, but he isn't the reason why we're here. That was probably his intention, but he didn't cause the change in the currents. Hunter and his gang did that."
"Wait," interrupted Valerie. "Hunter said they had no explanation for the currents."
"And he probably thinks that, but like I said before. They're not just sick, they're stupid."
"Now what are you talking about?" Asked Frank. Danny looked at Sam, Tucker, Valerie and Mr Lancer.
"Remember when Hunter let spill information about how he made the energy-field around this island?"
"Yeah. He stole tech from NASA and ghost tech from your parents thirty years ago." Said Tucker.
"From your parents?" Queried Mr Lancer, casting his mind back to the conversation they had with Hunter. "There was no mention of your parents, was there?"
"They said they stole ghost tech from a trio of young scientists trying to create a ghost portal. Those were my parents and our current mayor."
"Anyway," said Danny, getting back on track. "Ghost technology can be temperamental, even at the best of times. And this was ghost technology which was still in its early stages. And when you merge it with more prototype technology, consequences can be catastrophic."
"I don't know about the rest you," said James, looking around the rest of the group. "But I am completely lost. What are you talking about Danny?"
"The technology my parents were making weren't designed to be used as a force-field. It was designed to create ghost portals." Danny said.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Asked Sam, suddenly becoming very worried.
"This isn't any ordinary island. This island is creating a massive ghost portal." Said Danny, looking at the expressions of horror spreading across everybody's faces. "It's using hydropower, generated by the ocean currents. It is literally pulling in water to feed itself. And we've got about a week until it finishes, and either we fall into the Ghost Zone, or something falls out of the Ghost Zone onto us."
"How do you know we've got a week until this ghost portal happens?" Asked Alice.
"I make a habit of learning the ins and outs of my parents' inventions." Danny said simply, lying through his teeth. "I once found their original plans from when they were at school with Vlad and had a look at them."
"Are you saying at the age of fourteen, you understood complex machinery related to ghosts?" Asked Nathan, flummoxed that the usual dim teen could possibly understand complicated ghost technology.
"My parents are science geniuses. I must have inherited something." Said Danny. "Anyway, I didn't think it would do any harm. From what I could gather, the technology was seriously unstable to begin with. Whereas their current ghost portal can last for hundreds of years, this one would only have a shelf life of a few decades. There is also the matter of its sheer strength; it was changing powerful sea currents with ease. I put two and two together; we haven't got long before everything goes pear-shaped."
For what seemed like too many times, the group of survivors were once again left speechless as they took in and accepted what Danny had just told them. Even Sam and Tucker seemed impressed by his manufactured story; Valerie was none the wiser as she hadn't caught on to what Danny was hinting about before. Danny inwardly congratulated himself at being able to fool everyone. His usual 'bathroom' lie gets seen through almost instantly every time he uses it. When Danny thought about it, he wasn't entirely sure whether he should be proud or ashamed at being able to lie to people so easily. After what seemed an age, Frank stood up and Danny suddenly became very nervous about the look on his face and his physical demeanour. Making his way around the table to face Danny, he spoke.
"So let me get this straight," he started, his whole frame starting to shake. Out of fear or anger, Danny wasn't entirely sure, but he thought he could give a good guess. "You mean to tell me that this ghost of yours is the reason why we almost died at sea, and now you're telling me, that because of some crackpot invention your parents made, we're now in danger of dying again?"
"Well that's hardly fair." Defended Danny, standing up also in anticipation. "You can't blame us for what happened here. We have nothing to do with any of this." Once again, Danny lied through his teeth; he doubted the truth would exactly put their minds at ease. It wold probably cause them to panic and gang up on him.
"We're trapped here with technology created by your parents." Frank said, his voice beginning to rise. "It all comes back to you and your little group. A ghost from your town is out to get us, and now because of what your parents have created, we're now stuck here with no hope of escaping." Without hesitation, Frank balled his hand into a fist and struck out at Danny's head. Had it connected, it would have knocked any human out swiftly and easily. Danny on the other hand, with his ghost-like reflexes saw it coming a mile away. He waited until the last possible second before ducking underneath it; then grabbing Frank's arm, he twisted it and pushed it up against Frank's back and slammed him down onto the table. Frank struggled ferociously under Danny's pinning action, but his effort was in vain. He simply couldn't escape the sheer strength Danny was applying to him. When he finally realised that he wasn't going anywhere, he calmed down, causing Danny to lessen his hold. Once again, the rest of the group looked on with shock and awe at how fast Danny had moved and the strength he was using to pin down a fully grown man. His classmates weren't as surprised; they had already witnessed Danny's remarkable strength when he faced the panthers, but the rest couldn't believe what they were seeing.
"Frank, you've got to calm down, seriously." Danny said sternly.
"Don't you dare tell me what I need to do." Said Frank, resuming his struggle. "You're just a kid. You have no idea what's going on."
"Trust me, I do." Replied Danny, pressing down on Frank once again. "You have a daughter, probably a wife too, and you're afraid you'll never see them again." Frank was so surprised by what Danny said, he ceased struggling immediately. Feeling that Frank would no longer be a problem, Danny released him slowly, allowing him to straighten up and massage his arm.
"How could you have possibly known that?" Frank asked in a small voice. If Danny had turned around, he would have seen the same looks of puzzlement on the rest of the groups' faces.
"I knew from the moment we walked in the room that you had a daughter. The way you protected Megan, even though she isn't yours." Danny said, using the same logic he applied when catching Striker out. "As for trusting me, I know exactly how you feel. We all do." Memories flashed through Danny's brain of the various times Danny had almost lost the people he cared about: when he almost lost his family when Freakshow took over the world, when he almost lost Dani to Vlad, and when he almost lost his friends to Dan. Frank must have seen the pain and anguish in Danny's eyes, as he calmed down and his whole frame physically sagged.
"I'm sorry kid, I mean Danny." Frank apologised, embarrassed at his previous outburst. "I guess I let my temper get the better of me."
"Hey, don't worry about it." Chuckled Danny, sticking out his hand. "I know the feeling." Shaking Danny's hand, Frank grimaced in pain as he used the arm Danny had pinned against his back.
"You're quite strong lad. Fast too." Frank said, pulling a face as he continued to massage his arm and shoulder. "I shouldn't be too surprised as you were able to take out four panthers single-handedly. You'll have to show us some moves." Frank laughed when he saw the look of confusion on Danny's face.
"Your friends have been regaling us with stories of your recent exploits since we've been waiting for you to return. I think one of them mentioned something about a Komodo dragon too." Laughing, Frank walked back to his seat as Danny rubbed his neck with embarrassment. Whilst the others too were chuckling at Danny's embarrassment, all of them failed to notice the door to their cell open. Hunter, Striker and Brawler walked in, malicious grins on their faces.
"Yes, indeed. I think we would all like a demonstration." Hunter said striding forwards, causing the whole room to fall into an uncomfortable silence. He left his associates at the door and walked towards Danny, who stood up to meet him. Once again, Danny stood his ground under Hunter's gaze.
"Something we can help you with Hunter?" Danny asked bluntly, his eyes never leaving the man stood before him.
"We were just coming to inform you that we will be feeding you soon." Right on cue, everyone's stomach began to growl; loudly in Tucker's case. Danny, on the hand, just frowned.
"And what is it you want in return?" This caused Hunter to laugh.
"Astute as ever. I knew I was right about you. But yes, there will be something we would require of you. Just you though." Danny's nagging feeling came back with a vengeance.
"What do you want?" His voice took on a dangerous tone, which everyone picked up on. Whilst everyone flinched, including Brawler and Striker, Hunter just shrugged it off.
"That may work with the others, but your 'dangerous' voice won't work with me. Now, if you don't want to see some very unfortunate occurrences, you will calm down." When Danny saw Hunter's eyes wander over Sam and Megan, Danny calmed down, knowing full well that Hunter would follow through with any threat he made.
"Now, as I was saying," began Hunter, breaking the silence. "Things have started becoming a bit stale around here. Isn't that right boys?"
"You're right there boss." Confirmed Striker from the doorway.
"I don't think we've had any fun since we last went hunting." Smirked Brawler, twirling his machete around in his hand. It was then that the group realised what they meant by hunting; Frank, Ellie, the twins and Megan gasped when they realised it was when they had killed the family.
"So I would like to propose a deal." Hunter began again. "I know our food isn't exactly gourmet, but in exchange for a little entertainment, we are willing to give you a proper meal. Only one, mind you."
"What did you have in mind?" Asked Danny.
"Just a set of small challenges. In front of an audience of course. Complete them all and you get fed. Simple as that."
"These aren't going to be anything simple, are they?" Hunter laughed out loud.
"Now where would the fun be in that?" With that, he turned to leave the room, Brawler and Striker right on his heels. "I'll give you an hour to think it over. But bear this in mind, if you decline my most gracious offer, you won't get fed. Ever again." The door slammed closed behind them, leaving the occupants of the room to ponder their new dilemma, all eyes on Danny.
"Are you completely out of your mind?" Demanded Sam as Danny sat back down next to her.
"I suppose I must be." Said Danny offhandedly, wondering whether he would live to regret his decision.
"You seriously can't be considering accepting his offer Danny?" Asked Tucker. "There's no telling what psychotic thing he's going to make you do."
"I don't see any other option here." Said Danny. "You heard Hunter. If I don't do what he asks, none of us gets fed. And you know he'll following through with it. We already know that he's more than enough sick to do it."
"And if they make you take part in something dangerous?" Asked Mr Lancer, fearful for his student.
"I think we can be almost certain he'll make me do something dangerous." Said Danny. The group couldn't believe what they were hearing. Here was Danny, being threatened with his probable and imminent death, and he was talking as if it were no big deal; almost like he has done this kind of thing before. Once again, Frank got up from his seat and walked around to Danny.
"You're prepared to give up everything for us?" He asked. "For people you don't even know?"
"Call it a character flaw." Chuckled Danny. "You can come back in now, if you want?" Whilst everyone just looked confused, a small chuckle was heard from the other side of the door to their cell. The groups' jaw dropped when the door opened and the three men returned, a grin on Hunter's face as he applauded Danny.
"Once again, I'm impressed."
"Don't be. Brawler there breathes like an elephant with asthma. I'd hate to hear how loud his snoring is." Even though Danny said it mirthlessly, everyone in the room, including Hunter and Striker laughed at Brawler's expense. Brawler advanced forwards, his hand on the handle of his machete, but was stopped by a stern look from Hunter. Danny didn't even flinch.
"Come now Brawler, play nice. We wouldn't want to lose our TV dinner now, would we?" Brawler grunted in response, but backed off nevertheless.
"I take it you have agreed to my offer?" Asked Hunter, turning back to the teen.
"I accept." Was Danny's only response.
"Excellent." Clapped Hunter. "And as an added bonus, your friends will be fed nonetheless. No matter what happens to you." This confirmed Danny's thoughts that Hunter really was going to make him do something dangerous. Smiling malevolently, Hunter walked back to the door, gesturing for everyone to follow him.
"Shall we?" He asked. "My men are getting hungry. And they tend to get a little, trigger happy shall we say, when they're hungry." One by one, everyone stood up and followed Hunter out of the room and down a series of hallways; stopping when they arrived at a T-junction.
"Danny will be coming with this way." Said Hunter, pointing to the left corridor. "The rest of you will follow Striker to the observation area the other way. Any trouble, and Brawler will not hesitate in the slightest to give you a 'shave'. Oh, and if any of you get any wise ideas of making a run for it during the spectacle, I have brought Sniper inside and will be placed at the top of the arena. If anyone leaves without my say-so, he'll give you a brand new piercing." With that, Striker began to lead off the group of survivors; Sam quickly darted to Danny and embraced him.
"Don't you dare die on me Fenton." She said, tears threatening to spill.
"I'll try my hardest not to die. Honestly, it's my main thing." Said Danny, forcing a smile for Sam's sake; she reluctantly returned it, before being dragged away by Valerie as Brawler was looking at them distastefully. Once they were all out of sight, Danny turned and began to walk with Hunter down a gentle descending corridor.
"She's quite the looker, that girl of yours." Hunter said in a casual tone, but Danny saw through it. He had heard the same tone from Vlad on numerous occasions. Danny remained silent.
"So now you're the strong silent type? Psyching yourself up for what is to come?"
"No. I'm just getting a little bored of your voice." Hunter laughed.
"There's that spirit." Hunter said, chuckling. "You and I are a lot alike."
"I am nothing like you." Declared Danny. "Don't you dare compare me to you."
"We're both leaders. We're both ruthless when its required. Face it kid, we have a lot in common, whether you admit it or not." Before Danny could argue, they came to a gate, with a large arena beyond it.
"Here is where you'll be working for your supper." Hunter said sarcastically, unlocking the gate. "Just survive, and you'll have a stomach full of food in no time. But like I said before. Any funny business and your friends won't live to see another day; starting with your little girlfriend." With that, he opened the gate and pushed Danny in, locking it swiftly behind him. Regaining his balance, Danny looked around at the arena he was stood in. It was massive; it could easily fit twenty running elephants in it, and then some. It's high walls curved into a dome shape. With Danny's heightened vision, he could easily make out Sniper perched at the top. The whole place was a giant, viewing cage; Danny could make out row upon row of seats circling the cage on the outside. Just as Danny picked out his classmates in the front row, a screeching sound came from the side. Turning, Danny watched as large, metal grate opened slowly, a deep growling emanating from within. Danny's challenge had begun.