Green Eyes on the Prize
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
2. This really is a homecoming.
Danny holds Valerie, trembling in her battle suit. Bethea and Damon check various ghost-hunting equipment and talismans.
Tucker hands Valerie a Specter Deflector, then displays his. "That's how I'm able to sleep at all," he says. "Knowing what that dude was capable of in life, I don't even want to think of what he'd do as a ghost."
"These aren't ordinary nightmares, huh?" Danny asks as he releases Valerie.
"Apparently," spits Valerie, donning the Deflector, "Jackson Daniel Barrineau discovered Nightmare on Elm Street during the Eighties."
"That would require him to have a TV," scoffs Danny.
"I actually have to thank that ghost kid," says Valerie, scowling. "I almost didn't wake up from that one."
"Why is Barrineau after you?" wonders Danny.
"Because our mutual ancestor, Danny," says Valerie, "knows that I'm coming to Oglethorpe Springs to send his ass back to hell-so he's trying to head off his incoming ass-whupping."
Danny turns on Valerie's Deflector, then inches away. "Keep that turned on at all times," he says.
"Why don't you have one on?" wonders Valerie.
Danny blanches. "My...all-powerful ghost-hunting Fenton genes will protect me!" he says.
A semi-visible Bessie and Tucker give each other quizzical glances.
"Maybe it's because Jackie won't target his only begotten," says Bethea carefully, studying Danny as she sits in the back seat. "You move up front with Damon," she orders Danny.
Danny nods, climbing over to the front passenger seat as Damon takes the wheel. Bessie phases to the top of the SUV.
Outside a Wal-Mart in Tennesee, near Georgia's border, Shane loads up coolers along with Dash and Sam.
"I'm going to have to sit in his lap, you know," says Sam wryly, nodding to Dash.
"I'd cop a feel, Manson," quips Dash, "but there would have to be something to feel up."
"Keep your hands to yourself, Dash," says Shane.
Dash rolls his eyes as he sits in the passenger seat; Sam carefully seats herself on Dash's thigh.
"Why are we risking the possiblity of being pulled over again?" Sam asks Dash.
"Shane heard that there's a hurricane coming over the area," says Dash. "He wants to catch the rainwater."
"Ah. Crystal-clear Baxter logic," says Sam.
Dash pouts.
Shane enters the driver's side of the SUV and sits behind the wheel. "Hands up where I can see 'em, Dash!" he bellows.
Dash complies. "I didn't touch her! Get a grip!" he spits.
Shane tugs on Sam's bra strap. "Yeah," he says wryly, "that's why her bra's loose."
"How would he even know the difference...?" hisses Dash, blushing.
"You ain't the only Baxter who was a high school quarterback," scoffs Shane.
"I'm still a high school quarterback, old man!" spits Dash.
"You're still in high school," say Shane and Sam in unison.
Sam pouts as she slips off her bra and quickly redons it.
"How do girls do that without showing anything?" balks Dash.
"A secret feminine tactic for girls with male friends," says Sam with a grin.
Shane shakes his head as he drives the SUV towards the Georgia border.
"I'm serious," continues Dash. "Even Paulina can do that shit, and you know she's packing some serious casava melons. Not even any side boob."
"Let it go, Dash," snorts Shane. "And get your hand away from her thigh if you plan on throwing a football again."
"Yeah, Shane," says Dash sardonically, waving his hands to prove his intent, "I was plotting to rape Madame Goth here while you're driving right next to me."
"I only know that you're a teenage boy," says Shane, "and I'm pretending that Sam is my teenage girl."
"My dad would approve of your paranoia," says Sam, "but he's in Israel with my mom and grandma."
"Yep," says Shane, "and I aim to return you to your family the same way they left you. That's what I'd want any parent to do for my little girls."
Dash snorts.
"And you'd better quit breathing on that girl's earlobe, boy," Shane continues with an accusing look at Dash.
"I can't breathe!?" wonders Dash.
Sam chuckles.
Jack stands at a precipice, staring down at a ravine. "Once there was a creek down there," he grins crudely, "but it done dried up over the years."
"Don't go tryin' to fight me, Jack-boy," Jack continues, gently stroking his own cheek. "It ain't the fall what kills you-it's the landing. It'll be over so quick you won't even feel it."
Jack trembles a moment, then jumps...
...except the Phantom catches Jack and flies him to safety.
Jack glares at the Phantom. "You again!" he spits. "Why don't you listen to your father, boy," he says, "and git!?"
"I don't know why you've decided to overshadow Mr. Fenton," says the Phantom coldly as he sets Jack down, "but you will leave him now."
"Oh, we're playin' that game, Danny-boy?" laughs Jack.
"No, sir," says Tucker wryly, hitting Jack over the head with the Ghost Catcher, "we're playing The Exorcist."
The Ghost Catcher separates Jackie from Jack; Jack staggers away from Jackie, snatches the Ghost Catcher from Tucker, then heads to the FFAV.
Jackie leers down at Tucker. "Welcome home, Foley," he grins. "How you been, boy?" He pulls out a whip.
Tucker steps back as Jackie cracks the whip.
"See, boy," continues Jackie, "you know that tacky little belt ain't gonna save your hide from me."
"That's okay," says Valerie, "because nothing's going to save you from me!" She starts to attack, but Jack holds her shoulder.
"With all due respect, Valerie," says Jack, charging his Fenton Gauntlets, "the bastard is mine!" He punches Jackie, knocking the ghost back into Barrineau Plantation. Jack follows Jackie inside, shutting and locking the gate.
Damon curses.
"Yeah," says Bethea, "he's so stubborn."
"My teams from Axion couldn't take him out either," says Damon. "Jackie has too strong a hold over the plantation."
"What's your angle in this, ghost?" asks Valerie.
"You're welcome as always, Miss Gray," says the Phantom. He flies off.
"How did he get here!?" Valerie spits.
"He probably flew," says Tucker.
Valerie folds her arms as she removes her suit, reverting to normal, then glares at Tucker. "Don't be a smartass," she spits.
Bessie shakes her head.
"This really is a homecoming," says Bethea as she smiles at Bessie. "God only knows that we need to drive Jackie out."
"To be free," whispers Bessie.
NEXT: Be filled with an unholy ghost.