Linariel: Yeah a long wait. But not as long as it usually takes for a new episode to come out. Either I'm gaining more confidence in my writing abilities or I just have simply more time on my hands. Probably a mix of both XD I truly wanted to get this done two weeks after Au Du Phantom was finished but my relatives came over for a week and my parents anniversary kept me really really busy. Not to mention the hot weather we've been plagued with hasn't been too pretty but hey that's what I get for living in California. Lol. So yup this will come as a surprise to most that it's been updated this soon but your patience paid off.
Thanks to all my humble readers I am deeply honored and touched by all of your positive outlooks on this story I've spunned and I hope the next episode doesn't disappoint you.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Danny Phantom characters from the series that honor goes to the incredibly creative Butch Hartman. I do however own all the characters who don't appear in the series are mine. That includes Adrian, Jennifer, Lilith, Alicia and any others.
Adrian Spook
In
Sibling Bonds
Episode Summary:
After being given the cold shoulder by her brother Jennifer decides to go against their parents rules. She gets captured by a ghost with not the usual motives of revenge. Unfortunately Danny has an extended Ghost Council so he doesn't know about this. Can Adrian save his sister from the specter's clutches on his own?
Part 1
Ties will be tested!
By: Lydia (penname: Linariel)
The beast ducked another corner as he headed deeper into the pink forest. He could feel his chest beginning to ache. Although he didn't have a heart some kind of pulse fluttering was against his ghost form. The blue furred being's reptilian green eyes searched back and forth trying to find an opening in the narrow path he caught himself in. But of course the Wild Realm of the Tribal Ghost's forest was alive so there were chances that it was playing tricks on him dragging him backwards and closer to his attacker.
Pressing on he soon found his energy expelling rapidly the only way he'd be able to keep going was if walked like an animal. Putting his hands on the ground he began to romp on four paws. It felt humiliating to indulge these primal instincts for he was not actually an animal or at least he thought not. The bare memories he still had from his past life told him he had been human a mortal at one time. Now he looked rather like a large cougar except with a human shape torso, a pair of hands instead of paws like what his feet were.
All around him the forest truly did seem to be changing. As he whisked past a branch he recognized a broken limb he'd purposely left as a marker to track his progress. Was he going in circles? The situation was getting dire. He couldn't fly though, that was one thing about the wild realm the trees grew too close their branches barring any way in or out. It also made it impossible to fly straight through without hitting them. For this was not the human realm there was no way to phase through objects for an undead being.
Presently his senses picked up a spark of energy warning him of his assailant closing in. Shadows played deceits on him as he kept trying to evade the enemy. The being's smell had gotten closer too close. Sure enough beams of red ectoplasm shot at him from all sides as if trying to corral him. He let out a mournful roar and kept going determined to break away. Another blast came and he ducked again only to not watch ahead of him where the energy landed, nor the fact that unlike red ectobeams this one had been green and artificial.
A pit appeared where the blast made contact with the purple grass. He fell directly in it having been blinded to the trap from the beginning. When he realized that, he floated to the top only for bars of green energy shoot across the pit boxing him in.
"You really should have saw that coming." Came a voice from above it had a dry tone of ill contempt. The ghost who spoke was an interesting one to say the least he wasn't a lesser that's for sure. He was a dinosaur-human hybrid with buff arms and body to boot. He wore no shirt, had on gray camo pants, black boots, and his scaly like blue hair was held down by a black beanie. His skin was a pale gray and his teeth looked like that of a crocodile as he grinned at his victim below his red eyes accessing him carefully.
"Y-You're Bullet…" the cougar hybrid ghost gasped with a hard swallow as he grew more nervous. He'd known all along someone was chasing him. His only unique ability was a sixth scent that identified a ghost's level of ecto energy in the direct area. What had he done wrong for this law enforcer to be after him? "Uh heh y-y-ou work for Walker right?"
Bullet's blue tail twitched behind his back as he moved about his red cloak rustling at his shoulders. "I formally worked for Walker but wouldn't you know it I don't anymore. However…" he held out a large card which instantly produced a hologram with the ghost in question's appearance on it. "I do work for whoever will pay me. Your designation Quid am I right?"
The blue furred ghost's green reptilian eyes widened recognizing the poster that had popped up in front of him. It had been posted in nearly every shady café or bar in the city and all around random zones. So that meant… "You're a bounty hunter?" the spirit named Quid knew who the ghost was planning to turn him into now and it was worse than Walker at least he was on the side of the law. "Please let me go! I'll pay you anything you want just don't turn me over to HER!"
Bullet fiddled with the poster a little more as he typed in a few keys to pull up information on the ghost. "I doubt you'd be able to top her offer." Pulling a small triangular device from his belt he tossed it at the trapped ghost. "Sleep tight Quid. You'll need all the rest you can where you're going."
The device latched onto its victim's face. Unsheathing his long nails Quid clawed at the foreign presence. Roaring as he tried to get it off. He went as far as to hit his head on the sides of the wall. But it did little good other than to produce more of a headache for cougar hybrid ghost. Presently Bullet's weapon surged up with white light shocking the ghost hard till it knocked him out. Pressing his spiked gauntlet the energy bars fade away. Then he cast a net he'd procured from Skulker at the ghost successfully trapping him before he reeled up his prey.
"That was a little too easy today." Bullet remarked with a yawn. There wasn't much fun in an easy victim. He still couldn't understand why Skulker, Ghostzone's greatest hunter obsessed over this type of life. Touching his gauntlet again a hologram beamed out of a female ghost with red hair in a flaming bun, and lilac toned skin garbed in a roman looking breast plate of bronze, a belly shirt tank top of dark blue, and a skirt to match.
Judging from the lipstick smeared on her face and the annoyed look in her eye he could tell she'd been in the middle of priming herself. It was obvious she didn't want to see him at the moment. That would change when he announced his findings. "Caught your little lion cub for you, Deidra." He grunted.
Her eyes brightened and a smirk set on. /Perfect as always Bounty Hunter I knew you'd be the one to snag him. The other warriors and I have been waiting for your call./ Deidra shrugged slightly. /Drop thief off at my current domain in the Wild Realm and the usual price will be met./
Bullet nodded. "I'm not far from your location I'll see you soon. Have your payment out." The screen blackened but the hologram continued to remain up. "What gives?" After he'd finished the call it always faded off this was most unusual.
A voice spoke project from the shady hologram. /You are Bullet are you not?/
"Yes I am." The bounty hunter's only good eye that wasn't covered by an eye patch narrowed. "How did you get my clearance code? I meet my clientele in person before I pass it on."
/ Call it a chance encounter with one of your past customers./ Presently a pair of blood red eyes came on the screen. / Does this make you more comfortable?/
"Hardly I still can't see ugly sorry mug." Bullet replied dryly not easily swayed by intimidation. "Now state your business quickly or this connection will be severed."
/My my…/ The eyes seemed to narrow slightly as a chuckle came over the screen. /You are an impatient ghost. Walker leaving you high dry for the chance to save his own hide must get to you?/ A snarl came from Bullet. /I thought as much./
"Who are you and how do you know so much about my past?" Bullet asked as his hands balled into fists with red ectoplasm glowing dangerously from them as he was more growing impatient.
/There is a term called client confidentiality./ Replied the voice smoothly. /Besides what I'm about to offer could have you drowning in raw energy for months./ Red ectoplasm alighted on the ghosts hand but sadly for Bullet the specter was wearing a dark cloak that covered most of his body. Still the plasm dancing in his palm crackled and sparked wildly. It truly was raw energy.
Bullet didn't trust this ghost then again he made it a point never to get personal with his clients. Regardless of how that warrior woman Deidra tried to gain his affections, so it really didn't matter to him. The idea of receiving raw energy instead of the usual weak kind he had to salvage from intrigued the bounty hunter. "I'm listening."
/I need you to procure several items for me./ A list flooded his screen for a moment. Scanning it Bullet pressed a certain button on his gauntlet to save it. The cloaked figure went on. /This not some simple job though for the last two items will be the hardest to obtain but the most vital. I recommend going after them first./
"Now hold on I'm not just some kind of delivery ghost." Bullet said crossing his arms over his chest looking away for a moment before he turned back. Who was he kidding? He'd rarely had a steady flow of customers lately he needed this job. "Unless the price is right that is."
/Would this suffice?/ A large percentage bar appeared on the screen that he'd receive a high amount of raw energy for this task.
Bullet nodded with a smirk that was more than enough. "Tolerable." Checking over the list carefully he found it was simple enough except. "Now where exactly am I supposed to find the last two items?"
/Why the Ghost Patrol Agency in Amity Park, of course./ The figure chuckled. /Where else would it be?/ There was a long pause before he went on, his blood red glowing eyes relaxing slightly. /I'll leave it up to you how you get them without being caught. I recommend using your imagination…/ The line fizzed out with those last words leaving nothing more but static, and a lot of questions from Walker's former second in command.
There was barely any light in the room except for random patches of sunbeams peeking in through the cracks. The floor creaked as his foot touched down on the decaying remnants. Dust shifted as he moved slowly across the boards that appeared to be suffering from termite damage. There were holes all over the exterior.
A snicker came from behind and the young teen's eyes shut for a moment. Before opening to glance back, he glared at his companion. The boy's obscure yellow pupils glowed brightly in annoyance. "Be a little more discreet 'Licia." He hissed.
Another giggle followed. "Hey don't you think it should be you being the one lectured? Adrian? Until a moment ago I have been nothing but quiet." She elbowed him playfully in the arm. "You on the other hand…"
Adrian Fenton currently in his parta form of Spook rolled his yellow eyes but nodded with a brief sigh. A sound behind him of the groaning boards and shuffling drew his attention away from Alicia Foley and towards the shadows that were there. "It appears that we have assailants."
"Too bad your ghost sense didn't go off alerting us of those specters ahead of time."
Adrian watched as a swarm of glowing red eyed beings emerged from the shadows, and phase through the walls abruptly to surround them. "You know it doesn't work on artificial life forms."
She shrugged. "Still it could come in handy. Everything is real enough as it is." Withdrawing two blasters from both sides of her belt Alicia took aim, and made quick work of their enemy. Ectoplasm shot at her randomly trying to hit target but her suit started glowing in bright green as her blast shield spread out to protect her from the ghosts attacks.
The parta followed her lead and managed to hit a fair amount of ghosts although it was clear it was taking him more effort than her. His suit was now glowing in bright orange as he too brought out his choice defense wrist gauntlets to aid in shielding himself. "You know equated to the last weeks combined this is starting to become effortless."
"What do you expect we do this every other day practically." Alicia said between her work, a blast hit her pushing her back to crash into a nearby wall flinging her onto a dusty old couch. Pushing herself upright again she soon rejoined Adrian and took her revenge on her attackers pelting them with laser blasts. "I say we amp up the difficulty and go after more rather than hanging back."
"Coming from you Miss 'no let's not be the aggressors' that is a surprising answer to our situation." Adrian said dryly ducking the ray of energy that nearly hit his stomach.
Alicia glanced at her best friend with a shake of her head. "Hey it's different in here."
"Sure… sure, sure." Adrian said rolling his yellow eyes then they widened. "Hey did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Alicia asked cocking her head ever so slightly.
He hushed her. "There it goes again."
Alicia was about to question her friend sanity when the familiar sound echoed in her own ears growing in volume. A vibration presently hummed at her hip. "Oh that…" she shrugged as she blasted at a ghost that got too close to Adrian backside. "It's just my phone."
"I assumed you turned it off when we started this. You didn't? As I recall your direct words it went something like this. 'Adrian we are not going to have any distractions…" He did air quote with his hands as he spoke. "I won't have you screwing up again like last time. This fight is going to be flawless.'"
"Spooky… for a minute you almost sounded like me." Shrugging Alicia smiled. "Well I guess I forgot. I am expecting an important call from my parents today. So I must have failed to leave it on vibrate no biggie." She shuffled her feet around with a small laugh before turning to the focus parta. "What should we do?"
"We have no choice. If it is your parents chances are they'll keep calling till you pick up." He shook his head slightly before aiming his ray gun down low towards a ghost that was beginning to phase through the floor boards. "I'd rather not face the wrath of Mrs. Foley again. She's nearly as terrifying as mother."
"Oh come on Adrian your mom isn't scary."
"That's because you usually remain on her pleasant side." Adrian remarked dryly touching the brim of his helmet he was about to pull it off when a chocolate brown skinned hand slapped it away. He glanced at his doe eyed companion with a raised eyebrow.
"Ahem." Alicia said with a slight cough pointing to his chest. He was still confused. "As much as I'd love for your parents to realize your secret identity I know you'd hate it Adri."
Realization struck Adrian soon after. Then his eyes relaxed. "I doubt they would find out this way. You know that it doesn't affect my appearance outside this zone."
"Better safe then sorry Adri." She chirped with a smirk. Reaching for her helmet she carefully pulled it off. As she faded away she waved at the parta. "See you on the other side A.D. Spook." With that she diminished out of existence.
Adrian shook his head annoyed; she still was pressing that calling card. True he was beginning to warm up to the name but it should be his choice not hers. 'Okay here we go.' He took a deep breath relaxing his mind. His eyes flashed in a brighter yellow for a moment before he spoke. "Liberate." Two beams of light passed over his torso and soon he was back to his old raven hair, amethyst eyed self. The aftermath of the transformation hit him like a ton of bricks and he let at a small groan, before rubbing his temples trying to ease headache.
It had been occurring off and on lately probably a side effect of the anklet. He could feel the weight of it on his ankle. But they'd checked him over with the first aid kit. Even swiped some of his mother Sam's medical supplies she used on his father Danny. (Since the halfa was immune to most forms of healing mortals now.) But everything tested out nothing seemed to be wrong with him.
He'd worry about it later beside it came and went on random and was never there long. He was almost used to it. Touching his orange lit helmet he pulled it off.
Presently he opened his eyes and was greeted to his relief by Hugo's father's arcade. He noticed Alicia wasn't around but came to the conclusion she was probably paying for the game they'd just completed. Right after school the two friends had headed down to the arcade for their annual duel. It had become apparent Adrian needed coaching after a while but they also agreed they needed to find somewhere secret to conduct in his parta training. Since they both played Ghost Catchers 0.7 so much it became the perfect substitute for being out on the field.
He was about to walk away to the lockers to retrieve his book bag when his best friend made her appearance holding out a drink. Adrian's eyes brightened and a rare soft smile came to his lips when he recognized one of his favorites a Caramel-double-chocolate-candy cane-twist milkshake. He quickly relieved her of her purchase and begun sipping the frozen beverage. He sighed happily it was just how he liked it. Nothing brightened the young poet's day better than a sweet treat.
"Finished the phone call it was my mom. Turns out I have to head home soon to babysit my sibs'." Alicia grinned amused by her friend's sweet tooth and sipped on her own old fashioned strawberry shake. "You know." She said presently between sips. "I think its nifty you can go ghost inside the game without doing so in reality. Who knew that was even possible?"
"Well dad was able to inhabit a computer while playing Doom when he was younger." Adrian replied with a shrug. "So it's not entirely improbable it would work for me in a diverse virtual reality."
The truth was it had been a complete accident for some reason his other half decided to deny his command and emerge when they'd been in the middle of a game against a pack of computerized ghosts. From then on it would happen off and on. Alicia had tested it and they'd found him still human while in the game as Spook. He was glowing a bit but other than that he looked normal enough. So now he transformed into his ghost half in the game all the time.
"Yup that's true. I guess it's another thing you and your dad have in common." Alicia replied with a wink elbowing him in his shoulder.
Rubbing his sore spot Adrian threw a light glare in the young Foley's direction. But either his B.F.F. didn't catch it or she was just too occupied to notice. He was about to remark on his discomfort with the association, and being his friend's punching bag when the familiar ring tone of Ember's oldest pop song filled the air. He raised an eyebrow surprised that the daughter of the G.P.A. Commissioner would be allowed to have such a tune on her person.
Alicia noticed his look and grinned. "Don't worry Adri…" she chirped as she started shuffling through her pocket for her phone. "It's filtered version of her song no hypnosis guaranteed." She hit the talk button on small green phone and put it up to her ear not even checking the caller I.D. it was probably her mom again. "Hi ya M- Oh Mrs. Fenton…" She glanced at Adrian with a look of slight surprise. "Nothing much just finished a game of Ghost Catchers 0.7… Uh huh Adrian's here." The young parta shook his head trying to make her nix her words but she turned ignoring him. "Do you want to talk to him?" she nodded as the voice of her best friend's mother went through the line. "Yup I'll get him for ya right now."
The young parta for the most part tried to evade being given the phone leaning this way and that to keep it from nearing his ears. His mother rarely called him through Alicia unless he was in trouble or needed to take care of something. He didn't know if he could take another punishment right now. Still his best friend shoved the phone up to his ear and he was forced to answer. "Greetings mom."
"Hello my little man." Sam replied on the other line with her signature nickname for him. Her voice was gentle and loose today. The young parta slowly found himself relaxing. If she'd been angry at him her tone would be much stricter. "Any chance you remember what today is?"
Adrian raised an eyebrow and sorted through his thoughts trying to figure out the best answer. There had to be some kind of hidden meaning behind her words. "Wednesday?" Was there something he was missing he knew Hanukah started in five days followed later by Christmas but that didn't sound like what his mother was hinting at. "I'm a bit baffled right now at your implications mom."
On the other line Sam let out a long sigh. "I should have expected you'd inherit some of your father's forgetful streak." The young parta winced at her words. "Never mind I'm just going to tell you flat out. You promised last week to watch your sisters today."
Why today of all days? Adrian groaned as he held his hand over the speaker to keep his mother from hearing his discomfort. Then uncovered the receiver. "Oh right it completely slipped my mind. You're supposed to be going to a seminar tonight?" He asked as he recalled his mother words soon after. He might forget things but that didn't mean that most of the time his brain didn't store them away often to come back to him when he was reminded of a task.
"Yes and I can't get out of it. I would ask your Aunt Jazz to watch them but she's busy taping her show tonight, your Uncle Lars has a big order of repairs to complete, and your Aunt Danielle is across the country at the moment. So I need you to be the big brother and watch your sister for me."
"Wait I recall you referring to them in plural a moment ago."
"My bad I meant one of them Lilith is going to be at an extended practice for her gymnastics team. So that leaves just you and Jennifer together for the rest of the day."
The world really hated him lately didn't it? It just had to be the sister he'd been quarreling with. He loved his siblings but it was easier to get along with Lilith then it was Jennifer. "I would but Alicia and I have planned recreational activities at her house."
His best friend glanced at him with a bewildered look as if to ask 'why are you pulling me into this.' But it was true they'd made up their minds last week to watch a Thriller Movie marathon. If he was babysitting Jenn there was no chance in that since more of the material they were watching was PG13.
"Well you'r just going to have to cancel." Sam replied firmly from the other line. "When you make a promise you can't break it Adrian Devin Fenton. Besides I would let you off the hook my little man but as I said before you're my last reserve. I expect you back at the house in a half an hour…"
"But…"
"No buts… You know how your father is about hiring a complete stranger." Adrian knew it was true ever since that one ghost disguised themselves as a sitter to get to him and his siblings they'd never had a stranger watch them again.
Sam sighed. "I have to go another call is trying to get through and I'm still at the office. See you soon son. I love you." She hung up the line before he could protest further.
"So I guess our plans will have to take rain check huh Adri?" Alicia said with shrug as he handed her back her phone. It was okay with her. Since she had to watch her younger siblings there was a chance they'd bug the two of them during their movie anyways.
"Yeah it appears so 'Licia." Adrian balled up his hands into fists relieving his frustration slightly. This was not supposed to happen.
As if reading his thoughts Alicia gave him a concerned glance. "Are you going to okay Adri'?"
"Why- why wouldn't I be…" Adrian laughed rather dryly. "It's just going to be just Jenn and I for the next eight hours. Alone." Or at least half if Lilith was dropped off before his mom got home. His dad was in the middle of a council meeting in the Ghostzone so it would be just him and Jenn alone… This wasn't going to end well.
One, two, three. One, two, three. Valerie Foley a black belt fighter moved across the large mat with honed in grace and precision. She raised her leg and kicked out then preformed punches and swipes in the air as twelve sets of eyes watched her. She paid no attention to them for that moment but circled about with a skip then a well-aimed kick up high. Taking a deep breath she relaxed herself then bowed ever so slightly before taking position in front of the group.
"And that is how you execute maneuver 37-B of our training. Any questions?" She asked her eyes scanning over the group of young adults who were for the most part focused on her every word. The famed ghost huntress had made up a complete program for her strike team to execute, and she prided herself on whipping her team into shape.
Five out of the twelve were the newest recruits of the task force. Having held up to all of her challenges thus far they'd come to their next phase in their training. Seeing if they could handle what the rest of team dished out. She was a strict teacher and always managed to weed out the weaker ones from the strike team.
But that didn't go to say those with a passion couldn't work at the Ghost Patrol Agency on the contrary they were just placed in other areas. Danny helped her off and on with the new recruits but for the most part he preferred to be out in the field.
One of the young adult's raised their hand and she couldn't help but smile at the boy. He was one of her prodigies almost reminded her of herself when she'd got into the field of ghost hunter. "Yes Cain."
The boy with ruffled black hair, and focused brown eyes seemed to scan through things. "Commissioner how will we be able to use these moves against a fast target?"
"You can't." Valerie said with her hands now folded over her chest. "There are certain moves for certain types of ghosts. As long as you have proper equipment you can fight them but…" She went Cain and he had to quickly bring his arms out to block a punch in the stomach. "Sometimes you're left with nothing but your wits."
Moving to jab him on the shoulder. "The key to beating your ghostly opponent is to know how to improvise." Her hands moved to his neck before he could stop her. "You can't always follow everything by the book. Now does that answer your question Cain Samuels?"
"Y-"
Before he could finish that sentence the right wall literally crashed in. A large vehicle with a battering ram built onto the front drove into the building. The students scrambled out of the way while the older more experienced ones got into fighting stances to face their opponents.
Valerie did the same until she saw who it was that had created the mess. Her eyes narrowed. "Don't you guys ever use the door?"
"Why? It never gets anything done." Said one of the men with tan skin stepped out tank. He was wearing a pristine white business suit, and a pair of dark shaded glasses that covered his eyes from view.
"Besides it's an easy fix." Said his African American partner. Who was also dressed in the same choice of attire.
They were the Guys in White. Once dedicated to the movement of destroying ghosts now they spent most of their time detaining them. Still there were rumors going around of the unquestionable things they did with the spirits they managed captured. They had become more efficient then back in Danny Phantom's days before his secret identity was exposed. However they paled in comparison next to the G.P.A. so naturally there was a rivalry between the two.
Valerie gritted her teeth as her anger rose. "We don't have government funding like you do so this place can't afford to be used as a crash dummy."
A swarm of Guys in White agents dropped out of nowhere with their weapons raised at the group. Valerie's own students stood close to her in fighting stance. It had been a long time since Valerie Foley had crossed paths with the Guys in White. She still could remember their offer to train her in their ways as an agent. But she didn't hold any respect for them after what she'd seen what they tried to do to Danny Fenton in their senior year of High School.
"What are you doing here?" Valerie asked with a glare at them not the least bit intimidated by the weaponry. True they had gotten better but so had she.
The lead member with tan skin and a bald head stepped forward flashing his badge in her face. "From this moment forward the freelance Ghost Patrol Agency will be occupied by government group known as The Guys in White, until such time as the threat has been neutralized."
A chorus of protests followed from the G.P.A. Commissioner's Strike Force but Valerie held up her hand to silence them. "I can handle this guys you are dismissed." She glanced at the ghost hunters. "Unless you men want to go up against my team that is?"
"No that's fine because there isn't really anything to discuss. However we'd rather just speak with you Commissioner Foley then your team of juveniles." The main man said coldly with his arms folded over his chest.
"I can assure you gentlemen." She said the name dripping with sarcasm. "That they are much more than that." With her hands on her hips Valerie nodded. "But fine." Turning to her squad she spoke firmly. "Hit the showers team and report to your original stations."
"But Commissioner Gray..." Cain began to protest.
"That is an order Mr. Samuels."
Nodding with grumble Cain Samuels walked off to join the rest of the group. Although unlike the others he glanced back a few times till he was finally out the door.
"Now…" Valerie turned back to the Guys in White. "What gives you the right to occupy my building?" before they could respond she glared at them severely. "As I recall the Peace Treaty clearly states that unless approved by the Ghost Council no Hunters are allowed in Amity Park. I don't see any citations with you or your men." She and Danny made sure the Guys in White along with other organizations didn't get rights to the protection of Amity not after all the hard work they'd done to maintain balance.
"It doesn't matter Mrs. Foley." The man produced a paper from a brief another one of his men held. "By Order of the President through the clause of the Ghostzone and Earth Treaty of Peace we have the right to be here."
"Right… and on what charges?"
"On the charge of the current wave of large ghost anomalies..." One of his men produced a billboard and diagram to illustrate his point. "There has been more portals popping up then has ever been recorded since the since the peace treaty was established." The man replied coldly a smug smirk was on his face. The evidence was substantial after all there was no way the G.P.A. could muscle out of it this time.
"According to the treaty whichever side being opposed has the right to bear arms against the enemy." Spoke the other one. "And since the threat has been made the situation needs to be nullified. You and your team may continue your activities provided we have free access to your facilities."
"This spot should do nicely to conduct our research." The bald Caucasian agent turned to his team. "Alright men this area should do nicely. Begin setting up equipment." He motioned towards a crane that begun placing different crates and boxes into piles as the men worked to make temporary walls around the area.
Valerie balled up her fists and spoke angrily. "Oh no. You are not setting up in my dojo or anywhere in this building!"
"We've gained permission from the Mayor of Amity Park not to mention the President of United States so you have no say in the matter."
The Guys in White for the most part ignored her and worked like clockwork to turn her training grounds into a mock up lab and research room.
Valerie huffed leaving the room. "We'll just see about that." She trudged out the door heading for her husband's office at New Tech. One way or another she was getting to the bottom of this.
December 3rd
Dear Journal,
I'm having a rough day.
It started out alright everything was fine at school and I have yet to have any fatal problems with my powers lurking their ugly head. But things haven't been so good since Alicia picked up her phone and informed me my mother was on the other line. Apparently I have to babysit my younger sister Jennifer. All alone… just the two of us.
Now it might not seem like much but let me just say we haven't been getting along lately. In fact I wrote recently in here about a certain busy body borrowing my mp3 without permission. That's Jenn. Takes things without asking all the time but that isn't really what bugs me because I'm sort of getting used to it.
It's just we have not been getting along well ever since she started hanging out with the popular crowd. Don't get me wrong I love my sister to bits and would do anything for her but within reason. I'm glad she finally has people who she can relate to and all. It's just lately her request have been unreasonable. She expects Lil and I to become popular and A list zombies. She thinks that with a high status quo it will up her own status and make things better for us. That and she'll do literally anything they want her too I can't understand why? Needless to say she's been annoy…
The abrupt opening and slamming of Adrian's door burst him out of his writing to fix his gaze on the only culprit in the house Jennifer Fenton. The blue eyed raven haired girl with long locks and a high ponytail strutted towards her brother with vain little steps that reminded him a peacock for some reason. Before she could catch a glimpse of his notebook he stuffed into under his pillow knowing how nosey she could be. He was not going to have her reading his inner most thoughts.
"Jenn…" he replied as calmly as he could manage keeping his face neutral. "Why do you constantly disregard my 'do not disturb' sign." Adrian remembered specifically placing the cardboard paper sign around his doorknob when he'd entered his room. It was supposed to keep people from bugging him when he was in the middle of writing. But to be honest it didn't' seem to help much not even Lil paid attention to it.
The young girl plopped down on his bed gazing idly around the room looking completely bored. "We're the only ones home Adri' I don't need to have a reason to come see you." Then her eyes spied a small purple and yellow bag near her brother. It looked to girly to be something she'd catch him with so she raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"
Adrian's eyes widened only slightly but he tried to remain calm in front of his insightful sibling. However he carefully grasped the palm sized object in his hands. "Oh this? Nothing significant."
Truth be told it was important however. It was something Alicia had made for him urging him to keep it on his person at all time. It was a strange smelly concoction of sorts that according to her acted as a sort of repellent against ghosts. Apparently it had been designed by her father Tucker Foley only to be realized later as a weapon against ghosts. For the most part it seemed to work even when fighting them they rarely attempted to extract energy from him. Though now he had to wear cologne to cover up the gym socks and sweat odor it emitted.
"What is it you want anyways?" He asked trying to pull her attention away from the scented bag.
Jennifer shrugged her shoulders kicking her feet outward. "Oh I don't really know. Like I said I came to see you." She smiled up at him in a sweet way but it was a look only Lilith could pull off without a double meaning. "I wouldn't be your loving admiring ever caring sister if I just left you alone."
The young parta winced finding the threat very clear in her words. She wasn't going to let him have any space or privacy until he did whatever she wanted. "What do you lack now Jenn?"
"Will you please, please, please, take me ice-skating at the rink?" Jennifer asked putting on a puppy dog pout for emphasis. "I promise I'll never bother you again."
It might have worked on his parents or even Lilith but Adrian was not as easily taken in by her manipulative ways. That and he was positive she'd break her promise. Besides… "Jenn I have a lot of assignments I need to complete after I finish my journal entry." He motioned to the pile of books on his dresser. He'd been planning to go over them with Alicia before they had their movie marathon and now it seemed he'd have to do it on his own. "Can't you just postpone till either mom or dad to get home?"
"But Adrian." Jennifer replied kicking her feet against the bed to keep his attention in her own annoying twelve year old way. "You know as well as I they won't be home till really late. You also know Mom and Dad won't let me go without someone going with me."
"I realize our parents don't let us go anywhere without using buddy system but you're just going to have to wait till tomorrow." Adrian replied. He disregarded her and turned to pick up his books from the desk and take them to the bed.
"But today's important…" Jennifer whined. "All of my friends will be there and I won't." She gasped grabbing at her loose side locks and pulling. "Do you know what it means when an A-lister doesn't attend an event put on by the king or queen of the grade?"
"Since I don't fit into that category of rank obviously not…" Adrian replied dryly. So that was why she wanted to go so badly. Well it wasn't going to work on him. She'd be fine being popular wasn't everything and he doubted they'd kick her out.
"Well it would be really bad!" Jennifer cried with a pout. For once she was not acting like her mature self. Then again only her siblings and her best friend ever saw the insecure side of the young fenton girl. Fingering her crescent moon pendant she let out a loud sad sigh. "They'll think I'm abandoning them I just know it."
After the silence became too much Adrian spoke. "Jenn…" His voice had become softer. "There will be other events. I really can't honestly take you. Besides did you see the time?" He motioned to the numbers on the clock reading 6:50 and outside his window to the growing darkness. "Even if I wanted to help you it's far too late to be venturing out there." He gently pulled her into a light hug which for the most part out of protest she ignored. "I can't drive yet anyways."
Jennifer withdrew from his arms and looked at him desperately. "Please Adrian just this once?"
Letting out a sigh Adrian shook his head he didn't know how much more of this he could take. "No Jenn." He was angry and annoyed at her but he was trying to his best to keep his emotions down. After all he did love her but sometimes his middle sibling could bring out the worst side of him. Sometimes she could be downright selfish and demanding. Plus he wasn't about to give into her wish to gain more popularity which he could only assume was one of her meanings to this who charade.
With that he put on his headphones and blasted his hard rock music ignoring any more protests or pleas she had to say. He barely heard Jenn slamming the door as he pulled his journal out from under his pillow to keep writing. Nor did he pay attention the upset and determined look in her eyes as she exited the room.
The gathering had amassed in one large dome nearly the size of football stadium. Various kinds of ghosts some even the halfa had never even heard of made their presence known for this event. Ghosts of all types, the ones who had died and those naturally born, beasts to ones that looked similar to mortals were there. It truly was a sight that no human had ever witnessed before.
"That is till I became a permanent fixture in this group." Danny Phantom said to himself. He'd never get used to how large the Council of Ghosts really was. Not that he could ever tell any humans about it other than perhaps his original team. He had taken an oath to keep their proceedings a secret.
The Council of Ghosts was made up of every realm the Ghostzone had to offer and the hybrid quickly realized in his first meeting that he, Sam, and Tucker had barely even explored the zone for what it was worth it was practically endless.
There were groups dedicated to certain elements he recognized Frostbite not far off who threw him a friendly wave when their eyes met. Representatives for realms trapped in a certain time period or once were. Like Princess Dora who looked slightly nervous around all the other ghosts, but she truly took her place as a ruler seriously. It was no wonder she represented the Dark Age Realm. Pandora also made her presence known as the representative for no doubt the Greek Realm of what humans saw as mythology.
So many ghosts it would take too long for the halfa to make sense of them all. And there was Clockwork in the middle a long with a group of ancient ghosts who were said to be the leaders long ago when the zone was young. He had no idea what realm the time ghost represented but Danny was still relieved to see him there either way.
At the end of the long list of ghost realms there was their newer acquisition the Human Realm. Up until the peace treaty the ghosts barely even acknowledged or accepted Danny's world. They saw Earth as their playground and mortals as nothing more than pawns. But after the distasteriod and a long discussion by the ancients it was decided they could no longer ignore the realm that they were bound to. For even if many had forgotten, the human realm was just as connected as the vast endless dark sky of green swirls they lived under.
So Danny Fenton aka Danny Phantom the half human half ghost bridge between their two worlds had been called on to accept the duty. After a long amount of endless studying, and training he had been set in the middle the throng as the representative of Earth. Not all were that happy with this current event though. The halfa could feel the stares of distrust or disgust from at least half of the council. But he endured trying his best to ignore them.
"Talk about dead silence." Danny muttered receiving a glare from a nearby representative that looked like a crocodile human hybrid he put his hands out. "Er no offense." The beast snorted and turned away.
Letting out a deep breath he focused his glowing green eyes in the middle of the proceeding at the High Council they seemed to be in deep discussion. He just hoped they'd finish soon. Taking a piece of paper out of his knapsack he chose ignored the hisses, and growls coming from his associates and begun to doodle. He knew it wasn't the best place but he didn't how long these conference between their leaders could last.
His artwork caught the eye of the ghost in the pod next to him. "What are you depicting half breed?"
The hero of Amity Park glanced up to see the representative of the Tribal Ghosts and Wild Realm. He was a ghost completely covered in tribal tattoos, wore a head dress of sorts orange flames, and an tan robe that barely covered his chest. His eyes were a soulless red, as was his skin a burgundy color of sorts. He for the most part looked human but both his ears were pointed and the left one was pierced. Danny knew the ghost vaguely he'd been one the less hostile ones in fact sometimes he'd even helped guide him when some of proceedings were lost to him.
"Uh I guess my family sort of…" Danny admitted rubbing the back of his neck he added. "Although I'm not really much of an artist, Pyro." It was true though at least his artwork had not become stick figure.
The tribal ghost chuckled. "I can see that but you're not so bad." He sighed looking up to the top of the dome where a mural of sorts had been crafted showing glimpses of the history of the Ghostzone's foundation. "I too miss my kin. You have every right to do so." He said glancing at the halfa with slightly narrowed eyes. "Do not let the others bully you. Just because you are of two realms does not make you less important than the rest of us, half breed."
Danny Phantom nodded for some reason this ghost was really good at reading the actions of others around him. "Thanks appreciate the vote of confidence. I guess I'm also a bit idle waiting for this whole thing to start."
"From what I've seen and what has been spoken of I have no doubt this meeting will be significant." Pyro replied as his soulless red eyes zeroed in on the ancients. "Prepare yourself boy there is going to be much hostility I can sense it."
He was about to correct the ghost that he was actually an able bodied adult but remembered that Pyro was an elder among ghost kind so to him Danny would always be a young spirit.
Idly Danny wonder what was happening with his family. It was true he missed them terribly. Sometimes these meetings took a week to complete. For to a ghost time was practically irrelevant His green eyes glanced about to make sure no one was looking his way. It seemed for the most part they'd begun to converse among themselves so he was in the clear.
Opening his utility belt he pulled out a small framed picture although there was no glass around it because the chances of it cracking. It depicted Sam, him, Adrian, Jennifer, and Lilith it was the most recent picture he had of them. His eyes softened as he looked at it. "I miss you all. I need your strength to get through this. Even if not in flesh but in spirit." He said quietly holding the picture close with a small smile. He could get through this he always managed to in the end but it felt good to know his family was just on the other side. Safe and sound.
This…
Was not going to be as simple as he first assumed it would be. "I should make that guy pay me double then what he offered." He'd scoped out his target and found the building was completely covered in an invisible anti-ghost shield. He'd had found this out in a rather unpleasant manner when he tried to fly straight inside. Not to mention guards were posted on every corner alert and armed with both ghost weaponry and armaments that worked against humans.
So how was he going to do this? It was true his employer had told him it would not be easy to get anything out of the Ghost Patrol Agency. But he refused to believe it until he actually came face to face with it himself. He needed to find a way to get past this iron clad security system. He doubted he had any gadgets that could accomplish it.
It was true he could use his own natural abilities and try to penetrate it but Bullet had one major weakness he possessed no special power. None it was rather upsetting when he'd discovered this. If he did have some kind of unique gift so far he hadn't found it. So he relied on weaponry much like Skulker but unlike Ghostzone Greatest Hunter he did not hunt for pelts or trophies. He just hunted for spirits that would bring him money. This was the first time he'd been sent on a scavenger hunt for inanimate objects.
Tapping his clawed right hand against his chin he thought back to ghost's words. 'Use your imagination…' How exactly? Well he supposed he could go over the basics. What was the one weakness Danny Phantom and The Red Huntress had that could be exploitable in getting the arsenal or whatever it was from their vault? Then a thought came him and a fanged grin came on his face. Not only was it the perfect chink in their armor but it was a way to get back at the halfa for ruining his life and getting him fired from the one job where he actually felt like he belonged.
Then he turned to logic. No it would probably be easier to get at the ghost hunter then the hybrid. He was keen on crossing paths with the ghost boy.
Turning away from the G.P.A. building he headed to the opposite end of town where he knew his answers resided. Arriving in the more ritzy area of Amity Park he looked over his holographic map thoroughly. "According to this the home of the mayor should be in this direct area." He pulled the map away to look around. "But that can't be right because there are no houses in this area. Ugh what is wrong with this blasted thing…" he hit his gauntlet hard with his claw as if that would get it on track. All it did was fritz out on him.
Grumbling he switched it off. "Perfect I'm lost. Well I suppose it shouldn't be far from here. I'm guessing they aren't the most subtle in their décor." He was about to turn down another street when his one eye picked up something in the distance. Overshadowing a nearby lamp post he hid himself from view and watched as the lone figure glided on the frozen surface alone. A predatory grin came on his face.
A soft relieved sigh came from Jennifer Fenton as she skated across the ice in the dimming moonlight. It was over she'd made it just in time to meet the current queen's approval. Not to mention she'd been applauded on her attire a sparkling purple skating outfit with blue highlights, and leotard to match which she now had covered by a dark purple coat. She knew for sure by the next lunch period she'd take an even higher place of honor at the A List table then before.
The rink she was at was far superior to the one at the mall. It was a private one or so she'd been told by the hostess of the event. Which was lovely, plus the ice was so smooth that skating across the surface had been far less bumpy then the other rink. Once all the festivities had completed and everyone else went home she remained. She knew it would probably be better to head home but when would she really get another chance like this again.
Still there was the fact that she could possibly be grounded if she didn't get home before her parents. Though she doubted they'd be home before midnight at the latest. In fact her dad wouldn't even be home assuming his Council meeting continued on into the next day as it often did.
Jennifer frowned as guilt started to build up in her heart. She tried to push it away. Just because her parents were paranoid about letting them go anywhere alone and they weren't allowed out of the house after dark didn't mean she had to follow their rules always. After all they were silly rules in the end. "Sometimes you've got the break them to get anywhere in life."
A shadow illuminated on the ice near her causing her to draw in a breath. Then it disappeared she turned to look about trying to find the owner. But she saw no one. Another shadow seemingly appeared out of nowhere directly about her. She moved away from it, it only for it to follow. Glancing up she still saw nothing.
"Maybe I'm just imagining it. Right I must be." She laughed nervously. "No person could do that…"
"I'm surprised that a spawn of the hybrid wouldn't think of the obvious answer." Interrupted a voice just above her ear.
A cold presence was directly next to her. Jennifer's blue eyes turned to look to her left. There before her was a pale skinned dinosaur hybrid, eye patched ghost. The specter grinned at her. She bulked sliding clear across the rink as far away from the ghost as she could manage. Like any fenton she had had many encounters with ghosts but this one she'd never met this one before, and that made her nervous. "W-who a-are y-you s-supposed t-to be?" She stammered.
"What? Your father never mentioned me before I'm crushed." He said bringing his hand up to his chest in mock irritation.
Jenn maneuvered closer to the opening for the rink. She needed to get her skates off even if she had to run barefoot. Obviously he was an enemy of her father but she couldn't remember who he was. Her heart beat madly against her chest in fear. "What are you here for?"
"Well there isn't anything else in the dead of night more interesting…" the ghost grinned floating just above the ice had barely moved from the spot she'd first saw him at. "I'd have to say you Phantom's Little Spawn."
Not again, no this couldn't be happening. She couldn't be taken hostage she was in enough trouble as it is. 'Plus I've never seen this ghost before. He could be one of the really dangerous ones…' Then an plan came to mind. "Why? Another convoluted hostage scheme?" she shrugged though it was plain to anyone she was shaking. "Been there done that." As she spoke she worked her feet to slip out of the shoes.
"Oh it's more complicated than that princess." The ghost replied with shrug. "Since your father has so rudely forgotten to mention me or you need a memory check. I'm Bullet I used to work for Walker."
"Bullet that's a funny name was it given to you because you were a guard or something." Jennifer asked as she felt her ankles slowly coming out of her skates. She was close enough to the entrance of the rink that she grabbed onto the side and started pulling. 'I shouldn't have asked Chloe to lace these things so tightly.' "And why would it be so complex-ish might I ask?" She could feel her toes touching the laces. 'Almost there.'
"Well you don't really need to know. Nor should you be trying escape little one." Bullet replied as his gauntlet popped out a large laser aiming directly at her.
She was surprised to hear he knew what she was up to but that wasn't about to stop her. "Maybe you don't know but I've gotten better at evading you ghosts then when I was a kid." Pushing against the rink once more finally the tight skates gave. She slipped out of them and jumped over the side of the rink. She barely had time to scramble for her sandals before she sprinted off towards the Foley Mansion the closest shelter she knew of.
"You still are one Daughter of Phantom." Bullet watched with amusement as his little hostage tried to make a run for it. You had to admire her spunk, this was going to be fun. But the poor little thing even with the ghost DNA she did possess wasn't a halfa so she'd be easy game either way. He'd take his leisure in this. Still he couldn't have her getting away.
Taking to the skies he circled above the streets looking for the direction his prey was going. Then he noticed the absurdly large mansion not far off and vaguely assumed it had to the Foley Mansion. That wouldn't do at all. There was no doubt a ghost shield around the place too. If she managed to get through then his hostage plan was for naught.
Jennifer ran as fast as she could manage in sandals, her feet were starting to ache from ice-skating for so long. "I should have taken Chloe's offer for a ride home." She muttered. "Now I'm as good as toast." But she kept going running straight for the mansion of the Foley's keeping to the sidewalk and out of the way of cars. Thankfully other then a few homeless people here and there she didn't run into a lot of pedestrians. Then again the wealthy liked to keep their streets clean of riff raff. 'I wonder what I look like to them.' She could imagine she was a mess for the most part.
A beam of ectoplasm hit near her left side and she barely had time to duck the next ecto ray that came at her. If only she had some kind of gadget but stupidly or stubbornly she'd left all the weaponry she'd received from her grandparents at home. She was really beginning to regret going against her parents rule. Another one shot at her this time hitting a stop sign knocking it completely of its hinge to land inches from her face. Jenn jumped over the sign but her foot got caught in the rod making her trip barely having enough time to shield her face from impact.
She looked about and could see the ghost approaching rapidly. In the process of falling she had lost a shoe but Jennifer wasn't about to stop running. Scrambling to her feet she limped as quick as she could with one foot unprotected as she rushed towards her haven. She could see the Foley Mansion alighted in the distance like beacon calling out to her with warmth and protection she had to get there.
Ectobeams nipped at her heels nearly getting at her but not completely. Then they started hitting her from the front. Forcing her away from the house.
She saw the ghost Bullet directly in front of her tossing rays here and there. He yawned slightly for the most part looking bored. "Well I admit you're putting up with this more than most of my prey but please this battle was over before it even begun." He tossed plasm directly at her causing her to yelp but it had amassed into ecto goo and slapped onto her wrists in a pair of cuffs slamming her against the building.
Jennifer's heart pounded as she struggled to get her hand free from the wall. But the goo was strong and held her firmly in place. Still she kicked and pulled and tried to get out. Finding that there was no way to break the cuff she did the one thing that a little girl like her had left. She let out a scre-
Plasm silenced her mouth instantly forming a gag as Bullet alighted down on the ground. Pointing up he waved his finger about. "Uh uh uh. We can't have that my dear. Then this whole chase would have been for nothing." Touching the plasm connected to her hand it instantly evaporated to mist but before she could bolt he grasped her hands in a steal grip then bond her hands and feet together so she couldn't moved then pushed her to the ground. "You know I was looking for Foley child to take hostage but finding the daughter of that no good hybrid is an even better bargaining chip. Plus yes there is the whole revenge on your father too I suppose that would be extra."
Jennifer's eyes widened as she tried to speak but her words came out in murmurs from underneath the gag. She kicked her feet out where he'd laid her on the ground.
"Now…" Bullet said almost speaking to himself. "What can we use as a calling card to grab his attention." Then his eyes caught on to something gleaming at her neck. "Ah ha that will do nicely."
She tried to protest as she found her moon pendant unclasped from her neck. She let out a shout outrage that came at nothing more than a whisper. Jennifer stared at the necklace that her guardian Clockwork gave her. It was the most important possession she owned she couldn't part with it. But try as she might she could only flop about as her captor finished his ransom notice. He flew off for a moment to place it who knows where then came back to her side where he'd left her in the alley way.
"There now that all is done we should be going little one." The ghost flung Jennifer over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and she could to no more than try to reach out with tears. As she watched the last place her necklace had been slowly fade away from view. She really should have listened to her brother and stayed home that night.
To Be Continued in Part 2 of
Siblings Bonds
A/N: Please Review it makes me really happy when I get a response and know what people think of my story!
- I picked Bullet as the main baddy of this episode because he isn't used too often in stories and barely in art. But he was a rather intriguing character when he appeared in Public Enemies. There wasn't a lot to go on from the episode but I tried my hardest to match him up to how he was back then. Except for some changes here and there.
- Okay before you ask on when Hanukah falls I've done research and it can fall on different days depending on the year so I pretty much just went with when it will fall this year. Pretty much but we have no idea what the year is when this takes place sometime in the future so it doesn't really matter. And yes because Sam always celebrated it with her family they do it, but also do Christmas too because it's a tradition for Danny. Don't expect too much holiday reference in this episode I'm trying to avoid using most holidays in the episodes unless they are important to plot.
- The Guys in White bet you didn't see them coming into his episode XD They a part of my subplot you'll see where that goes. It's going to be fun I can tell you that much.
- Ah the Council of Ghosts we finally get to see what it's all about. Yet another important subplot. The way it's set up is sort of like in Stars Wars the first trilogy the Senator dome 'or whatever it's called I can't remember at the moment' that's often how I picture things sort of set up. At least how they can fit all those ghosts in one area.
- Oh and yes if you haven't guessed it yet the ghost Danny is talking to Pyro is Flick (see bios if you don't know who that is) & Butch (The leader of the Ghost Punks)'s father. It was a spur of the moment decision but it just works so well. Hope you like him. I will definitely be drawing him.
- I'll admit it when necessary I look for situations to torture my characters life isn't all chocolate and hearts after all. And being Fenton surely isn't xD
