Linariel: Okay if you have kept up to date with me on deviantART you would know how busy I've been with school not to mention papers. So it's been difficult to finish this. I have a cold today but it's not as bad as yesterday so I'm doing better. Rough having it today though.
But I promised my reviewers that I'd get this done for my birthday and I have! So today October 31st is my birthday and here is my gift to give back to my readers. I hope to have some reviews if anything for my B-Day.
I apologize for any grammar issues I'll try to correct them later but I did what I could. My head isn't completely straight today because of the cold.
Anywho I hope you enjoy this.
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 2
Ties will be tested!
By: Lydia (penname: Linariel)
Humming… a constant pulsating was ringing in her ear.
Pain… she felt her sore wrist, and couldn't help but rub the spots that had been left from rope burn.
Through all this for a long moment her eyelids remained clasped shut. She groaned as she moved about but felt far too weak to do anything other than that. Taking a deep breath she forced her eyelids open. Anguish overwhelmed her head as she rubbed her temples trying to realign herself back to reality. She couldn't get up regardless of the fact that she was no longer tied up, she was too weak.
Jennifer Fenton sat there leaning against a cold wall her only support that kept her from collapsing. For a long moment everything looked dark she couldn't even see her own hands still she assumed after a minute she'd get her vision back once more. But as her sky blue pupils aligned and she felt her mind reoriented with reality she realized to her stunned shock that everything remained pitch black.
She swallowed hard as she touched the surface feeling about the floor that was made of hard metal for any trap doors or openings. The metal was smooth and no entry greeted her. This begun to puzzle her how on Earth had Jennifer's captor got her into this place or more to the point how did they plan to get her out of it? The buzzing continued it sounded mechanical now. She knocked on the wall nearest to her, the vibration bounced off and back from somewhere not far off.
"Ah so the phantom's brood has finally awakened." Spoke a voice from behind once the echoes had ceased.
"Where the snap am I?" Jennifer asked as her head thrust about trying to find the direction of the voice but everything was still completely dark.
"Right…I forgot your mortal eyes are useless in the dark." He huffed. Light suddenly flickered in his fist. Bathing the room in a dim red glow that made things slightly visible. "That should be accommodating."
Jennifer's memory caught up with her in that moment. Flashes of a dinosaur like ghost, tripping, ropes binding her, being carried off into the distance then dumped on the ground in front of a warehouse. Seeing the spirit… Bullet was his name… aiming a gun at her head. Her panicking then a flash of bright light blinding her after that she assumed that was the point she lost conscious.
She was sore all over and the young Fenton girl guessed her father wasn't going to be a good mood when he found her. 'If he finds me.' Jennifer couldn't help correcting herself. Since she'd snuck out of the house and no one was bound to check her room until the next morning. It was too late to get unwanted visitors. "I don't think untying me was a smart move." She stated the obvious rubbing at her burning wrists.
Bullet shrugged. "There wasn't much of a point in the added restraint princess. Not now that you're locked in here. I have the only key in or out."
Jennifer frowned at his words well so much for an escape plan.
"I just came to make sure you were comfortable." Bullet said with the least amount of enthusiasm. He could seriously give her brother a run for his money when it came to that tone. His glowing fist of ectoplasm alighted on her stunned bruised, disheveled face she was a mess as far as appearance go otherwise there didn't seem to be any internal damage. He nodded with satisfaction. "Well if everything is in order I think I'd better get going there's loads to accomplish before your father actually gets around to deciphering my invitation." He chuckled and touched his gauntlet but a grin came on his fangs startling Jennifer who had yet to see this expression on his face. "By the way kid thanks so much for providing such a unique homing beacon. That thing will be a blimp." Typing a few things out on his watch he tipped his beanie slightly at her. "Bye."
In a flash of light that nearly blinded Jenn's weak eyes he vanished from sight. This was just great, not only could she not see in front of her again but apparently her captor needed a teleportation device to get to her. Her location could be anywhere.
Then his last words came back to her and she finally understood what he'd been talking about. Sinking to the floor with her back touching the wall Jennifer hesitantly reached for her necklace sure enough it was gone. Her gift from Clockwork had been taken from her. She shivered hugging her chest she found her already fragile state becoming frailer.
Lazily sprawled out on his stomach Adrian let out a contented sigh as he felt one more burden being taken care of. Exiting the page he had open on his datapad containing his history notes test he felt the tension returning and becoming worse. Rolling over on his back and sitting up he stared at the assignment on his datapad.
Math.
Just the words threw his mind into turmoil. Staring at the screen he placed his touch pen on the surface. But as he begun to work on the first problem the numbers started to bend. Before his very eyes they began to swirl. Rubbing his eyes he tried to focus but again the numbers continue to distort into strange designs. This is why he hated math his mind just loved to play tricks on him making things increasingly complicated.
The numbers continued to dance on the screen mocking him. He felt his nerves getting worse. He wished Alicia was there, at least she'd be able to ease the tension and get him back on track. 'I'm never going to be able to complete this…'
A burst of tone interrupted his musing and startling him from his work. Adrian felt his body tingle and found himself involuntarily under the bed. Irritated he crawled out from under the bed not even bothering the phase through again. He glared at the anklet in an accusing manner as if that would get it to do its job properly. But he then he felt his head begin to pound from the aftermath. Ironic words yes they were.
The ringing continued to relentlessly echo throughout the house. Judging from how distant it sounded Adrian soon deduced it was coming from the phone downstairs. Grumbling the parta made his way down the steps to the kitchen where the only landline was installed. Secretly he was relieved that the phone had rung because it meant a break from trying to calculate the algebraic tables that had been on his page.
The phone continued to ring amazing the young parta. Usually someone would stop calling if they didn't get an answer after an extended period of time. Either this person was patient or they knew that the fentons had only four phones. His parents each had one, his sister was the only fenton sibling who had one and that was only because she talked Grandma Manson into buying her one (that and quite frankly Adrian didn't want to hassle with one), and then there was the landline.
Reaching the kitchen phone he picked it up hesitantly and exchanged the usual greeting.
"Adrian my little man this is your mother." Came Sam's voice on the other line. Adrian winced wondering what he did wrong now. "You're not in trouble." she said assuredly as if she could see him through the receiver. "I just wanted to let you know there are leftovers in the fridge. Also make sure your sister eats her dinner this time."
"I'll confirm it." That made sense. Jennifer was the least likely to eat unless reminded to do so. Where Adrian was picky she was just forgetful when it came to eating. Food didn't really appease her that much.
They exchanged goodbyes and then he hung up the phone. Moving onto the fridge he retrieved a soybean casserole. Adrian wrinkled his nose in disgust and grumbled, of course his mother was on her no meat priorities again. He knew his mother was an ultra-recycle vegetarian so was Jennifer. So sometimes despite his disgust he had to force down their health meals. He doubted his father liked them that much either.
Too hungry to really care at the moment Adrian transferred the meal into a metal tray. Then placed it in the oven to reheat.
Next he headed to the room nearby with butterflies and paint splatters on the front. Along with 'Jenn's Room' in perfect cursive. Knocking on the door he waited patiently for her to open it. Getting no response after a five minute limit, he become annoyed.
He tried it again. "Jenn answer the door there's food in the oven. It will be ready in ten minutes. You need to be there promptly on time… mom's orders." Still receiving no response Adrian rolled his eyes. "Come on Jenn you're not the type to keep a grudge…. Fine I'm coming in." He started to turn the metallic door knob but found to his dismay it wouldn't budge.
He tried a few more times but it continued to remain tight. Now he was starting to worry, Jennifer rarely bothered to lock her door. What if she was hurt or unconscious? His sister was light sleeper so he doubted she hadn't heard him. 'I have no choice.'Stepping away from the door he spread out his arms and stood straight. "Liberate." He said quietly reaching into his core. He transformed into his snow white hair and glowing yellow eyed self.
He'd worry about the consequences of Jennifer meeting his ghost half later. Who knows like dad she might not even recognize him. Touching the door he concentrated hard till he begun to tingle and glow brightly his hand soon went through the door and the rest of him followed. He felt slightly dizzy but other than that he'd managed it. He was beginning to get better at commanding his powers.
Barking sounded from the background. Adrian's eyes widened in alarm but instead of phasing through the floorboards, he for the most part remained tangible. Besides the cool air that enveloped his body in its icy grip. That was a new sensation.
Ignoring the change he focused on the room scanning it carefully. He was surprised and a bit alarmed to find it messy and in disarray. It wasn' t like her to leave her room in such a trashed state she was too much into cleanliness to do so. But Clothes were thrown on the bed and littered the floor. Drawers were open and Jenn's table had the remains of spilled nail polish along with girly make up he couldn't identify. The end result was her room looked like a tornado hit it. What he didn't notice was that the large dark blue framed mirror attached to her vanity held no reflection even though he was right in front of it.
The conclusion came easily to Adrian having always had a strong sense of deduction. That and the window nearby was open letting in a cold air from the night which was also not helping his already popsicle state. The answer was simple Jennifer had went behind his back and snuck out of the house. There was only one place she'd have gone, that stupid party she'd been pestering him about.
"I didn't think you'd do anything so drastic Jenn." Adrian sighed deeply in frustration. Well there was nothing else he could do but go retrieve her. He'd make better time in his specter form so he flew through the window into the night sky towards the public ice rink not realizing that she'd actually went to the private one in Polter Heights.
The secretary tried to stop her at the door but the woman was obviously new because nothing stopped Valerie Foley when her mind was set on a mission. Throwing the entrance doors open she headed inside where she could see her dear husband with his feet on the desk in the middle of a call. He jumped as the door slammed behind him and turned wide eyed to see his wife.
Gulping Tucker stammered into the phone. "Uh I have to go we'll continue discussing franchising that software at a later date…" Valerie raised an eyebrow at him looking expectant. "Why? Oh… Uhm an important client just showed up." He said his goodbyes then hung up the phone. Before his wife could speak he put his hand up shakily pleading for silence. Turning to one of the many buttons on the wall he spoke into the intercom. "Uh Beatrice hold all my calls till further notice." His voice was unsteady and came out in almost a squeak. Before his assistant could inquire to his attitude he turned off the intercom.
Taking a deep breath he prepared himself for what he could already assume was coming. Folding his hands on the desk Tucker tried his hardest not to look intimidated by his wife. He knew this was going to be hard for her to accept but they had to make the best of it.
Her next words threw him off guard though. "I see you have a new secretary."
Tucker shrugged. "She's a temp from the employment agency while Hillary is on maternity leave." Seeing his wife still looking at him accusingly he sighed. "Alright Val' what's eating you?"
"I think you know very well what's eating me…" she replied folding her arms across her chest not letting up on her penetrating gaze. "After all you're one of the only people in this town who could allow the Guys in White free access to both Amity Park and the Ghost Patrol Agency."
Tucker gulped letting out a nervous laugh. "Eh heh you heard about that huh?"
Valerie grumbled leaning closer to her husband from over the desk. "That's not the half of it. I've seen it for myself." She turned her back to him now sitting on the table. "Last I checked they were arranging their headquarters in the G.P.A. dojo." The huntress tapped her manicured nails against the surface of his desk she could tell from the silence her husband wasn't denying any of it. She turned her gaze to him staring him right in the eyes. "And now I want to know is why?" Turning once more she moved around the desk and poked at his chest. "Why you agreed to their demands, and exactly why you didn't warn me ahead of time that those creeps were going to be invading our headquarters."
"Must of slipped my mind?" he lied with a nervous smile.
"Well let's jog your memory." Valerie said glaring at him. "Talk now cause if you don't, I'm about to take matters into my own hands."
His green eyes darted around the room trying to find an escape but Valerie Foley stood in the way of the front door. He couldn't avoid this any longer. He took a deep breath clearing his throat as he began to explain things as calmly and rationally as he could to his irritable wife.
The stars gleamed in the winter night illuminating the sky and the white surface below with its glow as a lone figure flew through the air. Adrian would have found it bliss to be flying if not for the fact his focus was completely occupied. He scanned the ground with his yellow eyes darting about from one area to the next as he glided about above. He hadn't seen his sister at the ice rink and she wasn't at any of her favorite places. So she could be anywhere.
As he got closer to the pavement his ears pick up a familiar voice. Adrian Spook quickly ducked away from view in tree branch. He did not wish to be seen not yet. If he was seen by a normal human chances were he'd become the topic of gossip which would lead to his father growing suspicious. Either way he'd rather not reveal himself to his mortal kind right now. Things were complicated enough. He also wasn't about to be dragged into heroism.
He waited in the tree for the two people to turn down the block and leave. Presently on the sidewalk he catches a glimpse of blonde hair and a familiar face. Not the one he was looking for but the parta still panicked at the sight of Paige Lewis, and who he could only assume was her red head partner. Then something caught his eyes it was hard to miss the large yellow moon pendant the fourteen year old greek was carrying.
That had to be Jennifer's necklace. After all it was one of its kind and he'd never seen anything else like it before. But that raised the question how Paige had come into possession of it. He felt dread in his heart as conclusions drew up in his mind. 'Calm yourself Adrian. You're not even sure why she has it.'He told himself firmly. Though it was unlikely for Jenn to ever misplace it, he guessed it could be possible.
Gliding down from the tree into a nearby bush he quickly transformed back into his human half. He could hear the two girls had stopped their conversation having heard the rustling.
One voice spoke up and since he didn't recognize it he could only assume it was Paige's coworker. "I heard you intruder, come and face us."
Adrian maneuvered through the snow covered dead branches trying to escape. But found to his frustration he was trapped. He pushed once more. A tingle travelled through his body and he phased through the branches nearly knocking into Paige, who just had enough time to duck out of the way with a yelp.
The red head was quick to get in front to defend her friend with her fists brought to strike him. "Don't mess with us kid I grew up in family of three brothers. And I'm not afraid to get dirty."
But before she could reach him Paige stopped her. "Wait don't Lori he isn't threat. I know him." She moved over towards the teenager who was just starting to get up from the sidewalk. "Adrian are you A-O-K?"
Nodding Adrian pulling himself fully off the ground and brushed off the dust from his clothes. "Just acceptable Paige." He then turned to her remembering the reason he'd alerted them to his presence. "Where did you discover that?" the parta asked pointing the necklace.
Paige blinked in surprise then smiled with a shrug. "Oh this thing. Lori and I were out looking for pictures for the Amity Inquirer in one of the bizarre areas. On our way back we passed through the posh section of the city. Around there I stumbled on this pendant." She knit her brow in confusion. "I wasn't sure who it belonged to so I was going to take it down the police station to see who…"
"It's my little sister Jennifer's." Adrian said cutting her off. Another dead end. "Did you happen to see her around?"
"No I'm sorry but I'm glad we bumped into you so we could return her jewelry." Paige replied with a gentle smile she placed the pendant in his open palm and closed his fingers around the object. A faint blush came from her cheeks as she let go of his hand. Then her eyes widened as she began digging through her pocket. "Wait I also found this…" she handed him a piece of paper. "The necklace was tied around it sort of like a scroll."
Adrian raised an eyebrow and unrolled the paper to read it only to find to his confusion it had no letters on it. Nothing, the page was blank. He glanced back at Paige but she shrugged obviously she was just as perplexed by this as he was. "At least this points me in the general direction she went. I'm forever in gratitude for your assistance."
An awkward pause followed as the two teens looked away from each other. Adrian found himself rubbing the back of his head in his nervous state. "Well I should be moving on…" he started to move away.
Paige reached out before he could take a step and grabbed his arm. "Wait…" he turned to her with a raised eyebrow looking from her to his arm. "Uhm…" blushing she let go and backed away a bit. "How about I lend you a hand… I mean two sets of eyes is better than one."
A genuine smile came to Adrian's face touched by her kind gesture but glancing back towards Polter Heights he sighed, and shook his head. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline your generous offer." He couldn't take her along not only was he trying to remain incognito as Spook but he vaguely remembered Paige's phobia with ghosts. He had no doubt she'd freak if she found out he was one. Waving to the two he walked away before they could protest again. Once out of sight he sprinted behind a tree and transformed into his parta form taking off into the sky.
Back with the girls the redhead was glancing at her coworker and back towards the direction Adrian went. A grin formed on her large ruby red lips. "Well I never thought I'd see the day but Paige gal you're growing up." She giggled in an almost unnatural way with a shake of her head.
The greek blond looked to her coworker petrified. "Oh no it's not like that Lori." She shook her head. "I just thought I could lend a hand you know he's a friend… and I thought I could help." She laughed nervously fiddling with the camera she had around her neck.
"Uh huh sure sure if that's the truth then my name is Darth Laser." Lori shook head. "Come on Paige fess up you never like it when we stay out at night hunting for anomalies around Amity Park. I practically have to drag you out the door." Tapping her pencil against the paper she was writing for the Amity Inquirer the paper they both belong to she smirked. "You've got it bad for that boy Adrian don't you?" She poked her pencil at her coworker which the blond had to do her best to avoid.
Paige didn't respond but the redness in her cheeks told it all. Chuckling Lori grabbed her arm and dragged her towards their next destination for photos.
Touching her throat once more she felt about for the weight that was usually present. Obviously it wasn't but she was still having trouble believing it was gone. She'd had the necklace for what seemed like years. If ever she forced to choose what she couldn't live without that would be it. To most people even a good portion of her family Jennifer Fenton's necklace wasn't anything special. It didn't have any inscriptions or writing, no jewels or costly things. It looks like an ordinary blue ribbon with a cheap metal painted in yellow crescent moon clasped on it. But everyone would admit there was nothing like it of its kind.
The more she fingered at the empty space the more tears spread on her face. Her delicate moon pendant was gone. To someone else this might not be much of an upset but to the young girl it was a devastating turn of events. That object was more than a trinket to her. When she wore the necklace, she remembered her guardian's words. They resonated in her mind in times of crisis. She relied on it to remind her of his advice. Till subconsciously that was the only way she felt empowered to face her problems.
She felt the chill at her neck, without it there his words were but whispers. She could no longer remember these things. She felt like she'd blacked out, she couldn't think straight. Just continued to stare into the gloom. The weight was gone, and she was slowly finding herself sinking into a daze. Her confidence was so far away. It was like being stripped of her armor she felt vulnerable to any attack. If her kidnapper appeared right now she'd not have fought back.
The confident, independent, young born leader was gone in place was a husk of the true Jennifer Fenton. Curling up in a ball she stared into the darkness as tears rained down her cheeks. She felt utterly and hopelessly alone.
He didn't know when the wind started to pick up but it threw off his flight pattern drastically. Pressing against the invisible gravity that kept ghosts afloat he maneuvered to stay up right. Only to find himself being tossed about in the air, smacking against the invisible barrier the parta groaned. After a while he found himself floating upside down grumbling as he addressed his powers. "Very amusing. What next do you plan to heave at me?"
To answer his question the paper he'd stuffed in his jacket pocket fell out and begun floating off. Letting out a gasp Adrian kicked his legs out to regain control of his powers and flew towards it as the little piece of paper floated towards the fountain in the middle of the Polter Heights. Then he stopped for a moment. Why was he making such a big deal?
"After all there is noth…" he stopped in mid-sentence as his eyes caught a glimpse of glowing green writing on the parchment. Rubbing his yellow eyes he stared at the descending paper. That was peculiar. But he drew towards it faster now dipping down to snatch the paper just before it hit the water's surface.
Checking it over sure enough the green words were there plain as day. 'This can't be the same letter.' But no it looked exactly like before same size, same texture, just now with text added. Shaking his head Adrian's eyes went over the words taking each in as his glowing yellow eyes moved over the page. Once he'd finished Adrian looked more bewildered by the second. 'I need to find Alicia NOW!'
Taking off again at breakneck speed he found it difficult to avoid buildings as he headed towards the Foley Mansion. He would have flown above but the wind current was the strongest there, he knew from experience he'd have absolutely no control of his flight pattern. Every once and a while he found himself closing his eyes and bracing for impact only for his powers to kick in at last minute turning him intangible and he flew through the buildings.
His chest begun to his ache and his throat dried as he neared the lit up Foley Mansion. Not even taking a moment to think about the consequences he phased into Alicia's bedroom. She wasn't there at the moment. Taking a deep breath two beams of white light formed around his torso revealing his amethyst eyed self. Collapsing in her nearby forest green bean bag chair he sunk into it, and finally took a moment to rest. Once he collected himself his gaze wandered aimlessly through the familiar green, black, and gold patterned room.
Finding something new amongst her things he blinked staring at the wall next to her desk. It was plastered with posters of costumes most of them with the air of a superhero. There were stick figures with goggles others with capes, or different kinds of accessories. He kept a critical eye on the pictures then gave a snort most of her designs were just ridiculous, or too reminiscent of his father. The parta felt even more of a headache coming on. Just what had he unleashed by agreeing to his excitable friend's demands for a disguise?
The door opened and Adrian fixed his gaze on the entryway seeing his best friend standing there. She didn't look surprised to see him but then again she barged in on him so often in his own room that it wasn't really much different. Still her doe brown eyes held concern as she examined his tired state. Shaking her head Alicia tossed him something that she'd been holding at that moment.
Catching the object before it could hit him, he recognized the plastic device of clear liquid. Adrian gave her a grateful smile before unscrewing the cap on the water bottle and chugging it down in three gulps. The sweet cold H2O soothed his parched burning throat he finished it off with a deep sigh. Only after she was sure he'd had his fill did she speak.
"Wasn't excepting you to pop in tonight." Alicia remarked with her hands on her hips as she glanced at him, already guessing how he got in. "This is also probably the first time you ever used your powers to enter my house without an invitation."
Adrian rolled his eyes with a grunt. "I haven't had my powers long enough to explore all the possibilities they have. It never occurred to me before that this would be an easy way to reach you." Placing the bottle down he pulled the paper out of his pocket not even glancing at it. "Can you legibly read this?"
Raising an eyebrow Alicia walked over to the parta, and took the note from his grasp. Looking it over carefully she scrunched her face up. Tilting it about she looked at it from every angle she could think of till finally she turned to him looking mildly frustrated. "There's nothing written here."
He nodded with a sigh. "That's what I thought too… That is until I went ghost." Waving his hands about Adrian emphasized his next words. "The writing became clear as day."
"So…only a spirit could read it I'm guessing?"
"Or someone with specto-viso goggles." Adrian replied with a nod. "Which by the way I know you borrowed from my dad…" He looked at her crossly, recently they'd made a pact to try and keep from borrowing their parents gear whenever possible. Too many questions would be raised if they used it too often, but the part ghost knew his best friend been bending that rule.
"I guess so." Alicia said with a sheepish smile. "I couldn't help it Adri." She retorted when he glared at her. "Come on. How am I supposed to help you cope with your powers if I thee human is handicap when we work in the dark? Unlike you I don't have powers to help me through that hurdle."
"Very well." He said with an exasperated sigh. "Can you retrieve it so you'll be able to help me figure out the next course of action, please?"
Nodding Alicia turned and headed to her closet. She shuffled through a massive pile of junk. Unlike her best friend the young foley girl wasn't always the most tidy generally her stuff ended up in crammed in her armoire. Producing her find she slipped on a pair of metallic goggles with red lenses. The ecto green writing instantly appeared on the page as if it had always been there.
'I have your daughter Phantom. Not to worry she's fine but I need you to do a little something delivered to me in order for her to remain intact, and back in your possession. I know you don't want to see her hurt. I require two items that I know your Ghost Patrol Agency has stashed in that vault of yours. They will be listed on the other side. I expect these items by tomorrow morning at the town square Clock Tower or I can't guarantee her safe return. Pleasure doing business with you.'
After reading the letter over Alicia shook her head with alarm. Not speaking to her friend right off the bat she went to her desk and pulled out her data pad to copy down the note. "So since Lilith is downstairs with my sibs, I'm guessing Jenifer is the one being ransomed for some of the Fenton Works early weapons?"
Adrian nodded with a frown. Kidnappings were a monthly occurrence for all the fenton siblings so he wasn't nearly as upset as one would expect. He was angry at her ignoring him and getting herself in danger usually Lilith was one to do something this stupid not her. Of course he was concerned, but he'd never been on the other side of this kind of mess. "That's the gist of it. Though I can't imagine why the ghost is after my grandparents outdated junk they've improved most of those models already."
"So what are we going to do A.D. Spook?" His best friend asked in a professional tone and using his alias to imply what she thought should be done.
"Well obviously my dad isn't going to be home in time…" running his fingers through his raven hair Adrian grumbled. "I'll have to save her." He shook his head with a growl. "She was supposed to stay at home why can't she just listen to reason."
"She is a kid still Adri' my brothers, and sisters get into all kinds of trouble too." Alicia shrugged and pushed the goggles away from her eyes. If anyone would know how it would feel it would be the young foley, since she was the second eldest out of the seven children of Tucker and Valerie. "You should have saw this coming."
"I suppose so." Adrian started to get up prepared to leave right then to get her.
"Hold on Adrian." Alicia said pressing him back into the bean bag chair, she ignored her best friend's irritated grumble. "Before we go out we need to do something about your clothes." Her eyes seemed to examine him with such great depth it was beginning to make Adrian uncomfortable.
"What's wrong with them?" They seemed fine to him he couldn't imagine what the problem was.
Alicia looked at him pointedly. "Well they don't exactly work well for a disguise." The parta's eyes widened realizing just what she was saying. She giggled despite the situation seeing the amusing expression on his face then she turned to business.
Without another word she moved away from him and headed towards her closet once more. Adrian got up to follow her. He was about to protest knowing how long it would probably take to get whatever she was looking for. But quicker then he expected possible a nylon grocery bag was shoved in his face. Raising an eyebrow he glanced at his BF only to see an expectant smile. Taking the bag warily he checked over the contents.
Looking to his friend startled he was about to speak before she cut in. "Don't worry Adri' that's just the prototype I'm not done with the overall design but it should work well enough to keep anybody from recognizing you." He stared at her still not looking the least bit anxious to try out her theory. "Well what are you waiting for Spooky go try it on already."
Still looking at her wary Adrian nodded and walked towards the door to head for the bathroom nearby .
Alicia grinned brightly feeling a swell of accomplishment go through her. She got her stubborn best friend to try out her design. The possibilities after that break through were endless now that she had a living model to test her ideas out on. Soon the door opened and she turned to get a good look at her friend, true she knew exactly what he'd be wearing but it was another thing to see him in it. "Not bad Adri." She said admiring her handy work. "A few changes we'll need here and there but I think I got A.D. Spook's ready for action."
"ARE KIDING ME?" Adrian replied loudly he wasn't exactly shouting but his voice projected much especially because he was now in his parta form. He didn't agree with his best friend's taste. "This outfit needs a lot of work." He wrinkled his nose looking at himself in Alicia's foot long mirror cringing at what reflected back at him.
The so called getup she'd designed for him looked much like a large white track suit it was a bit too poofy for his taste with black stripe on the sides of the pants. The shirt itself was somewhat tight at the chest to display what little muscle he had which wasn't much but the most annoying part about it was the black silhouette of a stereotypical specter and a caption next to it saying boo. Black biker gloves were on his fisted hands, a pair of white track shoes, but to complete the ensemble in his snow white hair was a pair of metallic goggles with yellow lenses that were obviously just for show.
He shivered turning from side to side. It made him look like a geek more than anything. Plus the whole thing was uncomfortable. "I don't think I'll be able to intimidate anyone with this get up 'Licia. Even the ghosts will be in hysterics when they see me." He said dryly.
Alicia groaned in frustration punching him hard in the arm. "Get a grip Adri'. We're you even listening to me that's not the finished design." Then she shrugged. " I think it will work for now."
"Well that makes one of us." Adrian replied rolling his eyes.
"What did you say?" she snapped at him.
Throwing his hands up in defeat he grumbled. "Never mind it will efficient enough. We're wasting time, we need to go now!"
"Yeah but how are we going to get there? Walking will take too long." already guessing her friend's destination.
"Well flying would be faster then walking so..." Without another word he scooped her up in his arms, and dived out the window.
Letting out a yelp Alicia grabbed onto his neck holding on tightly. She glared at her friend who had an amused smirk on his lips for once. "You'd better no drop me or I'll beat you so hard you'll wish you were completely a ghost."
"Don't worry I do have added strength thanks to the fact I'm not completely tied to Earth's gravity." Adrian Spook shrugged. "I knew I'd be able to handle the extra weight easily."
"So you used me as an experiment to test that move?" Alicia asked it her turn to be upset it took a long minute to adjust to the change of altitude the cold feeling her friend's hands produced despite the biker gloves. They'd never tried something like that before.
"Hey I was your guinea pig it's only reasonable."
She fixed a pointed gaze at her best friend. "Warn me next time you do that."
The parta shrugged innocently though it was obvious he was finding amusement in his friend's rare discomfort. "No promises 'Licia."
"Okay remember the last time the Guys in White tried to take over operations in Amity Park?"
"How can I forget." Valerie muttered rubbing her arms as the bad memories of hers and Danny's confrontation against them. "We nearly lost G.P.A. with all the lies they were telling the current mayor before you took over."
"Right." Tucker nodded turning towards the clear glass wall that showed a glimpse of the downtown district. "Well I wanted to avoid all that so I figured the best way to beat them is join them."
Valerie looked at him perplexed. "I'm not sure I follow your reasoning."
"If their headquarters is in G.P.A. your crew can keep an eye on them easily. After all they can't hack into those cameras of yours." Tucker said with a slight grin at the memory of the complex system. "I created it to be nearly 98% hacker proof. With this we'll be able to keep them from doing anything sneaky."
"You're leaving out the two percent chance they do find a way in. What then huh?!" The G.P.A. Commissioner stated with a long sigh. "But I see what you're getting at. Honestly Danny would probably agree with your logic."
The techno geek mayor grinned. "Exactly think about it Val' you and I both know they are up to something but won't this make things easier?" Fiddling with the pen on his desk he bit his lip. "At least we're not dealing with some kind of unpredictable whacko like before. We know enough about them to know their next plan of attack."
Valerie could think of the many times during their senior and junior situations like Tucker described came up. It wasn't just ghosts they'd dealt with it was humans too. After Danny was revealed to be a hybrid, endless groups of scientists, strange people, even cults were trying to get their hands on him. She'd found herself teaming with her old crush more often than she'd ever thought possible to stop them. Thankfully no major crisis happened since then but all of Team Phantom was still on alert.
"I guess we'll have to manage somehow." Then Valerie gave her a pointed look. "For now."
Reaching over Tucker squeezed her hand lightly before letting go, he wanted to give her a hug but he knew when his wife was stewing it wasn't the best time to do so. But the ghost huntress rolled her eyes and pulled him into an embrace. It wasn't like she was entirely mad at him but he was within hitting distance. His stunned expression turned into a wide smile as the techno geek hugged her back.
Trailing behind Alicia the young parta tried his best to keep up. She'd eventually stop to dip her head around the corner of the building and check for anyone coming in their direction. Then she'd snap back into action circling about down another steel gray hall. Unlike her best friend the young Foley had spent most of her time at the Ghost Patrol Agency, when she wasn't hanging out with him. She knew this place like the back of hand. Mostly due to the rigorous training in ghost weaponry, offense, and defense Valerie implemented on her children. Adrian hadn't had nearly as much training.
After the tenth time she'd stopped their progress Adrian let out a irritated sigh, he didn't know why she was being so cautious after all he looked normal right now. He'd changed into his human form of course he'd never have gotten into the G.P.A. building without being detected otherwise. But they'd had to hide his costume somehow so Alicia had come up with a brilliant idea 'well in her opinion' of wrapping an oversized black cape (he still wondered when she got it) to cover his clothes. They'd received a few strange looks from the security but for the most part they allowed their founders children to enter the premises.
It still left Adrian on edge one false move, one action with his power would likely set off the spectral detection system. It had been keyed in to ignore the frequency of Danny, and Danielle so it never did activated around them when they visited headquarters. But the parta had a feeling it would be another story with him. Alicia had told him that his anklet should keep him from being detected but he'd rather not take any chances for all they knew her techno nerd father might have figured out a way to bypass the anklet's abilities in case it ever fell in the wrong hands.
"You know I'm beginning to think something's up did you see how tense the guards were." Remarked Alicia as they headed down yet another hall.
Adrian thought back to the faces of the security officers he hadn't been thinking about it at the time but he immediately drew to the same conclusion she did soon after. "They seemed agitated like things were going to explode in their faces any moment."
With a nod the young Foley turned another corner passing another door. How many steps had they been walking this place felt like a maze. Adrian rarely went to his father's work mainly because of his dislike in his secret identity for so many years. He was so out of sync it almost made him feel regretful that he was so misinformed. Not watching ahead of him he bumped into Alicia's backside.
Grumbling Adrian rubbed his already aching chest that had the unpleasant chance of bearing the brunt of the painful action. He nearly tripped over his makeshift cape. "Why did you halt?"
Not saying a word Alicia put a finger to her lips, drew in a breath and pointed ahead.
Three feet away was the reason for her sudden break in pace. Standing there was one of the Strike Force's main hunters he looked rather angry as he glared at a man in a completely white suit, and dark shaded sunglasses. They seemed to be in some kind of standoff.
Oh this was just lovely not only did he need to keep himself disguised around Danny and Valerie's experienced team but now it seemed the Guys in White had reared their ugly heads once more. He remembered meeting them only once and it was an unpleasant experience. He and his siblings had become the subject of discussion among the scientist community for a number of years. All of them wanted to test or examine the only offspring ever born to a half ghost. But Danny, Sam, Tucker, Valerie and some of their allies stopped them right off the bat. They even went as far as to prove none of their children would become like their father.
Yeah that theory recently went through a paper shredder even though none of them knew of Adrian Fenton's ghostly gene awakening. Shaking his head the parta turned away from his thoughts to focus on the two agents who seemed ready to draw their weapons at any moment. The static tension could be felt easily in the air.
"Just because you have access to our headquarters doesn't mean you have full range of the premise." Said the irritated dark haired young man with a scar on his cheek.
Now that surprised Adrian. Not only were the worst team of ghost hunters back in Amity Park but apparently they were staying in the G.P.A. building. Why would his father ever allow this? He'd heard both of his parents rant with each other one too many times about this horrible group. They didn't like them at all. So why…
His answer came from the older man who looked to be of Asian descent. "The President gave us access to the building and this town. We can go wherever we wish."
"Commissioner Gray will make sure you stay in line."
"She no longer has full rights to this facility." Tilting his shaded glasses slightly he looked at the young adult with dark eyes, before returning his frames to their normal position. "Government stands over your young inexperienced group. You can't fight the law."
"Watch me." The young adult said with a growl.
Another person appeared before the two could begin their brawl. An older gentleman African American with graying hair and a buff build looked at strike force member pointedly. "Cain Samuels what in the name of all things paranormal are you trying to do? Stand down now!"
The young man looked ready to protest his brownish amber eyes burned with sharp intensity that looked almost inhuman. He clearly did not want to listen to the older man. "Now Damon..."
"I think even you would remember Valerie's last orders. We wait for her before we do anything. Is that clear?" Damon Gray stated plainly to the trainee.
Grumbling he looked ready to snap back but then nodded and threw one dirty look at the Guys in White agent before heading off. Damon said not a word to the smug looking agent but shot him a warning glance before heading back to the room not far off. The two young teens waited in silence following the white coated man's movement until he retreated down another hall.
Despite what happened Alicia's mouth quirked into a grin. "Now we're getting somewhere." She pointed directly to the door the older man just entered in. It looked seemingly ordinary besides the tinted window that gave no idea what's inside. "That's The Control Room for entire building. My grandfather Damon Gray is one of Mom's main operatives he's is rarely seen anywhere else in this building. From there I should have full access to the security system and we should be able to do a little sabotage." She cracked her knuckles with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
"I'm not sure about that 'Licia. It will be more problematic with those government agents prying around." Adrian reminded her. He was beginning to wonder if it would have been better to show up to the ghost empty handed, and take the chance. The he clenched his hands together in fists and shook his head. He couldn't do that it was too much of a risk, and despite his sister currently being in hot water already with her disobedience he wasn't going to let that ghost hurt her. 'She's my sister I'm supposed to look out for her. This is just as much my fault as it is hers.'He thought to himself.
While Alicia slipped into the Control Room Adrian shuffled through his pockets underneath the cloak to pull out his mp3 and earphones he'd stuffed in the side pocket of the white sweats, before heading towards the elevator. He knew the vault was in the basement where the interrogation room was. Hopefully there wouldn't be any spirits down there or what his BF was doing could liberate a lot of dangerous ghosts.
As he looked through the buttons he did not find one that led to the basement level. That wasn't right he knew they had one. Feeling about the cracks and crevices in the panel his fingers got stuck on a hidden latch pulling open he found a button labeled level four. Punching it he then relaxed against one of the bars while slipping on his headphones.
Instead of the blaring rock and roll music he was so fond of, the humming of a machine and voices greeted his ears. But this wasn't a surprise to Adrian because his mp3 was currently interfaced with Alicia's own device. He could hear everything going on in the surveillance room while she did her work.
Shuffling and a bit of rustling was heard as Alicia made her way around the room. A pitter patter and whistling sounding much like a tea kettle was the next noise present before she spoke. "Mind if I use some of this to make hot coco?"
Another voice spoke up this one obviously further away. "Sure what ever you want Alicia just be careful pouring the hot water from the machine."
"Thanks!"she chirped. Adrian rolled his eyes recognizing her fake happy voice. The sound of a bag being dug into was the next noise he heard. Then pouring, and steam easing was next. What was she up to exactly.
"This is no time to get side tracked Alicia." Adrian said out loud although she never heard him. His connection was simply to the speaker on her own mp3 but that was the limit. Still he wished he could be there. Glancing at the number countdown on the elevator door he watched it go from one level to the next. The main basement was hidden and he only knew about it thanks to 'Licia and eves dropping on his parents private conversations when he was little.
Slurping echoed in his headphones and Adrian wrinkled his nose in disgust. His best friend let out a content sigh then he could hear her footsteps echoing as she walked across the room. The humming of the computers and clicking of mechanical devices alerted him that she was at the controls.
"So how you guys holding up with the Guys in White bunking it?"Alicia asked. The young parta wanted to smack her. How was this supposed to help? Any minute he'd be in the basement level of the complex and he needed her to bypass the machine.
A long sigh sounded from the other voice obviously Damon Gray. "We're managing. They showed up out of nowhere and claimed our turf…" his tone was littered with disgust then he sighed. "But there isn't anything we can do till Valerie – I mean your mom comes back." A creaking sounded and then his voice took on a deeper tone. "So what are you really doing here granddaughter? I don't think your mom would allow you to be up this late it's nearly midnight."
He could hear Alicia's teeth begin grinding. That wasn't good she only ever did that when she was really nervous. "Uhm just… mom you know I had some…" A thud echoed on the other line as her voice was cut off. Sizzling, fizing, alarm bells sounded pounding in the background so loud that Adrian had to turn down the volume not get a splitting headache. "Oh no what have I done I'm so sorry!"
Over the blaring alarm came Damon Gray's voice. "What you've done is spilled an entire cup of coco on my controls." He muttered with a grunt, he was obviously upset. Then Adrian could hear running about more mechanical sounds greeted his ears. "Now the whole system is fried. I told my son in law he needed to make it water proof but he wouldn't listen to me!"
"SO EVEN THE GHOST SHIELD IS DOWN?" Alicia voice came in loud making Adrian jerked his head back. But he got the message and waited earnestly for her grandfather's answer.
"Yes that's how vulnerable we are!" Damon stated plainly, Adrian could hear metal crashing against metal like he'd got into an old fashioned tool box. "I'll have to reroute everything and try to fix this mess on my own."
"How long will that take?"
"Roughly thirty minutes at the most." Was Damon Gray's response. "And I think you need to leave before you cause any more problems."
"I'm really sorry."Alicia replied in a voice carrying so much hurt and guilt it would be hard for anyone to guess she was acting. But Adrian knew that was what she was doing. Despite the fact it was her grandfather she was deceiving.
"I know." Damon responded his tone softer, show his affection for his granddaughter. So he'd obviously fell for Alicia's guilt trick. The alarm was rapidly fading so the parta could only assume the man shut it off. "Just go I don't want you to get hurt when I get to the more dangerous work."
"Okay bye Grandpa." A creaking occurred and a door slammed shut. Alicia let out a sigh of relief. "Got all that Adri?"
'We have a half hour to be in and out.' Adrian texted on his mp3 since he could reply out loud, a ding nearby alerted him he near his destination. 'Perfect timing because I'm almost there. I'll meet you outside wish me luck. Adrian over and out.'He didn't wait for her response instead he slipped off the headphones and jammed them in his pocket. Taking a deep breath he shut his eyes and focused on the cold core in his chest. Once he found it his eyes opened and a flash of yellow met. "Liberate." He whispered two rings of light spread out at his chest and traveled over his entire body until he was transformed back into his ghost half.
As soon as the doors opened A.D. Spook exited elevator and walked cautiously into the room. His shoulders relaxed he realized there didn't seem to be humans in the basement level, nor did he see any ghosts. 'That will make it easier.'
Remembering the blue prints Alicia showed him earlier he headed towards the east corridor. Passing the empty cells a shiver went down his spine it was too quiet in here for comfort. He actually expected at least someone…
The alarm begun to blare again, this time louder and more frantically. Adrian nearly leaped out of his skin when it begun its awful sound. His body started growing colder he could feel his temperature dropping even more drastically. Chilly air seemed to blow through his entire essence as if he wasn't even present.
There was no time to question it because at that moment a warm blooded human burst into the room having exited what looked like a closet they darted straight through him not even acknowledging his presence. He shivered at the contact of phasing through something alive, he didn't even activate that power he should have been solid. Oh well probably just a glitch in the anklet. But that was odd he'd think one of the strike force members would at least not a ghost floating in front of him.
"I'm on my way." Was all he heard from the man as he continued to ignore the hybrid. "That ghost will think twice about robbing any more stores." Slamming his fist down on the button for the elevator they wasted no time entering it and leaving.
"Well…" Adrian said with a shrug. "Now it should be deserted."
He glided towards the large sealed metal door. Thanks to Alicia sabotaged he should be able to phase in and out without them detecting him. Sometimes he hated to admit it but he had respect for his BF's master mind plans.
Placing his hand on the steel entrance he concentrated his energy on its center. His yellow pupils glowed brightly as he used all of his power to phase through the heavily secured door.
He could still remember that day so vividly…
Cursing and muttering under his breath the dinosaur humanoid hybrid made his way through the building. Different guards glanced at the buff ghost taking notice of the various claw marks aligning his usually flawless chest. His face was swollen even his pace was uneven. Even though he'd healed somewhat there were still vivid scars still evident. The other ghosts couldn't help but shiver at the result of Wulf' attack on Walker's Second in Command.
It was all thanks to that young half ghost Danny Phantom that he was such a mess. The stinging pain reminded him of the ghost boy's interference. Clenching his right brass knuckled hand into a fist he growled bearing his crocodile teeth. He'd so get back at that boy. Walker might get first dibs on the halfa but that didn't mean he wasn't going to fight for his share.
He grunted out in pain as reminiscent feelings of Wulf's work echoed through his body. Every once and a while he'd flinch, take a moment to draw in a deep breath, before continuing up the steps to his boss's office. He felt grim satisfaction once he'd reached the door without any needed aid. From here on out things would be easier all he needed was some time to recuperate and he'd be ready to tackle another case for his leader. But first he needed to report what had occurred when they'd gone their separate ways. He'd never had a chance to do so when they'd been incognito in Amity Park. Pushing the door open he composed himself to face his leader.
Walker stood facing one of the windows overlooking the prison yard. He didn't even turn as his second command came in. Immediately the officer grew wary something was up.
"Bullet you made it good." There was no pat on the back. No questions or concern for the state he was in. Just those simple words, but of course his leader had always been informal it was simply his nature. "Anything to report? How about explain to me how Wulf got that collar off when I sent you to make sure he kept up his end of the bargain."
For the first time in a long time Bullet flinched. Oh he remembered how he'd lost track of their ace. Not knowing what else to do he confessed to Walker what he'd done. He'd foolishly went behind his leader's back and activated the collar, even after one of his lieutenants protested against it. That had changed the thin allegiance they had with the ghost. It had been even more severed once that hybrid set him free.
Walker just listened he didn't speak a word till the end, though his face held no surprise or accusation. But what he said next caught the law enforcer off guard. "You know as soon as I got back I was summoned by the Ancients."
That was a surprise. They rarely interfered with Walker's work or had anything to do with him. "What did they want?" he asked his eyes squinting slightly showing his disgust.
"Oh they wanted to know who was to be punished for the impulsive act of going into the human realm." He let out a sigh shaking his head as he pulled his book of rules from a nearby shelf. He skimmed through the pages turning them idly as he continued to not make eye contact. "The Six really are something thinking just because they were ones to lock up the Ghost King they can control everything." His soulless green eyes glanced at his second in command for a moment. "You know sometimes I wish someone would usurp them." When it came to rules Walker only ever followed his own. Sometimes he did cooperate with others but it was a rare occurrence.
Bullet couldn't understand why Walker was telling him all this. If he did have a point to it but it was lost to him at the moment. "What did you tell them…"
"Bullet I told them what they needed to know." Walker said it so simply it almost made sense but there was a hidden message and he wanted to understand it.
"And that is?"
For a long moment there was no response before Walker let out a long sigh. "There needed to be a sacrifice made for this to work. The rules wouldn't be maintained if I was gone so…" his green eyes fixed a stare right into Bullet's red ones putting him on edge. "Someone has to bare the blame, they won't be satisfied unless they get a plausible answer."
From that moment Bullet knew exactly what he'd done. "Why?" he asked quietly. "I've been nothing but loyal to you."
"You've messed up one to many times." Walker said with a shake of his head. "And that…" A smirk creased on his face as he slammed shut the book. "…is against the rules."
Bullet had no time to react before six of his leaders guards had him pinned down. All of his weapons were then removed including his badge he usually kept in his pocket signify him as Walker's second in command. Handcuffs were clasped onto his wrists like he was a criminal then without another word from Walker he was dragged away towards a portal that had opened.
Bullet knew where it led to, the Council of Ghosts.
He'd been tried and found guilty by the Council. Though he should be thankful because if he'd been given a harsher sentence chances are the observents would get involved as they usually did when high powered ghost did devastating destruction. But he'd been given a minor sentence three years in exile. For that time he'd been stranded in a desert like realm. He'd been provided with rations of energy just enough to keep him functioning but he'd been locked in there for a long time.
Through that time he spent most of it seething, pondering, and waiting for when he could get even with the one who made him end up here. He didn't blame his boss despite Walker casting him aside like that he could see his reasoning. He didn't like it at all but he could see why he'd done it. No all that bitter hatred was reserved for one particular ghost alone… Danny Phantom.
But he realized he couldn't flat out attack the older hybrid now. Not when the halfa had grown so much with his powers. While he'd been stuck in a void without gaining anything to measure up the so called hero. Bullet decided instead to become a bounty hunter he figured it would increase his skills, plus it's the only way he'd have a purpose now that his life as a law enforcer was over. He'd stopped pondering his revenge on Danny Phantom too focused on becoming stronger. Up till now.
Now he had a trump card a weakness and he intended to use it to his advantage. Idly checking over his list of items grim satisfaction came to his face. Everything was in order he'd managed to gather all he needed. The stores didn't stand a chance against him he'd pillaged them of everything required and a few duplicates. After all it was always useful to have backups. Still he was missing two key ingredients and that's where his whole revenge plans came into play.
Aiming his wrist gauntlet at the large pile of goods, a light hit them slowly digitizing them till they were transported into storage. His little hostage would probably be crowded now but it wouldn't be for much longer. Glancing at the sky he could see the sun peaking over the horizon it was nearing dawn. Not that it matter to a ghost because his kind didn't need excessive amounts of sleep but it did tell him that he needed to be prepared. Phantom was sure to strike soon and he wasn't overly ambitious enough to be caught off guard.
Energy sizzled over his head and he barely had time to duck out of the way. Looking expectantly from his location a good distance from the city's Clock Tower, he tried to make out his attacker. Only to let out a snarl seeing it was a mere human dressed in a ridiculously pristine white uniform.
"Guys in White." He muttered in annoyance. "How the heck did they get here?" He'd never run into the bunch personally but plenty complaints from fellow ghosts made him wary. "Still they couldn't measure up to the Danny Phantom." He admitted almost reluctantly. He never wanted to give the ghost boy (now man) props but it was true the halfa had grown into a formidable opponent.
Blasts of more energy came out at him but Bullet easily dipped out of way of the attack. His hands glowed with his own powers as he drew out his energy to create a giant ball to crush the pests. Another beam came at him this time he had no time to evade, it hit hard him pushing him back a bit. Flinching he squinted his one good eye to get a look at the other direction. This time he growled loudly his eyes nearly burning with red energy. He'd again expected Danny Phantom but no it was the hybrid and the Red Huntress's trained Strike Force.
He lost it. "WHERE IS THAT COWARD?!" Bullet bellowed causing both of his attackers attention to draw on the raging spirit.
"Stand down ghost you are under arrest for breaking treaty." Said one of the individuals of the G.P.A. strike force, they at least had the decency to warn him but Bullet wasn't interested.
But when then the two ghost hunter associations noticed each other. Eyes met and narrowed. Now completely disregarding the ghost for the moment they turned their hostilities to one another. Staring each other down they both told the other to back off. Soon a debate emerged as their conflict turned them against each other.
Clenching his teeth Bullet moved away from the two hunters easily escaping while they verbally assaulted each other. Both of them clearly thought they had the right away. He could honestly never understand humans tendency to engage in debates rather than physical violence. Either way it worked for him.
The specter flew towards the Clock Tower disregarding the humans. As he neared it he calmed his rage down so he could think clearly. Phantom wasn't there yet but he reminded himself he would be eventually. He couldn't ignore the danger his daughter was in. That hybrid was single minded when it came to his children nothing else mattered. It had been proven time and time again. But he was confident he'd be able to handle the raging spirit unlike the others before him.
A speeding force collided directly into Bullet spinning him out of control. After getting over his dizziness he became even more wary. Aiming his wrist gauntlet around the area he tried to find what hit him.
"Ouch! Why is it so hard to control flight patterns these days?!" Came voice from behind.
Swinging around he found himself face to face with a snow white haired floating individual. "Phantom?"
"Not the last time I checked." His offender replied in a dry tone. "And I'm fairly sure I know my own identity."
Bullet took a moment to focus his gaze on the stranger. It was true this wasn't Phantom now that he got a look at the glowing yellow eyes that confirmed it. But his appearance he looked vaguely like the ghostboy when he was younger. Not completely there were noticeable differences especially expression wise. The child was garbed in one of the most ridiculous outfits he'd ever seen. If things weren't so tense at the moment he might have found it humorous.
"Just who are you then?" Bullet asked glaring at the boy.
The boy shrugged looking slightly bored. "I'm A.D. Spook."
That name struck a bell. Gossip had been going around and assumptions had been drawn. But the more elite of the Ghostzone knew of this character and his true identity. "You're Danny Phantom's son." A smirk came on his face. "And here I thought the rumors weren't true that Fenton Junior is now also Phantom Junior."
The boy seemed to flinch at this remark but glared from his position at the ghost. "Don't ever. Call me. That again. My full name is Adrian Spook ."
Bullet waved his hand in . "Like I care." Scratching his chin he eyed the young spirit from his position. "So Spooky-kid where is your old man? Did he get my letter yet?"
"He's unavailable at the moment." Adrian replied then recollection seemed to meet in the boy's eyes. He glared at the ghost and started aiming a fenton wrist ray at him. Not that it would do much good. "You're the one who sent that note?"
"Guilty as charged. Now where is your father?"
"I already said he's not here. He's actually…" Adrian said keeping his fenton wrist ray aimed. "in the Ghostzone at a Council Meeting."
Bullet's eyes narrowed he could still remember when the council gave the position to Phantom. He was insulted and outraged that his enemy had been giving a standing over him. But that was beside the point.
Grumbling Bullet felt his frustration building up. Phantom wasn't even here? What was the point of kidnapping his brat now? Then he glanced at the young fenton boy wondering why he had not attack him yet. Now that he thought about it the kid was a newborn he obviously only gained a few stages so he was still not strong enough to take him head on.
'Well at least I can get what I came for.'Bullet thought. A smirk creased on his lips and the boy tensed up. But the former officer of Walker only brought up his left gauntlet showing it to the hybrid. The parta watched curiously then as the image beamed out then he looked alarmed. The hologram played out from it showing the young fenton girl trying to stifle in sobs.
That got the desired answer from Phantom's son. "Where is she? You Purtrid Pulse of Ectoplasm!"
"You need better comebacks kid." Bullet said with chuckle. This might work for him, he had no idea Phantom's offspring cared so strongly for one another. 'Must get it from their father.'He thought. He ducked a swipe the boy made at him and put up a shield to block a ray of artificial energy. "I need something and since it's pretty obvious you're the one to receive the note, you'll be the one to get the loot for me."
"And if I refuse?" Adrian asked folding his arms over his chest as they floated there facing each other off.
Shaking his pointed finger in the air Bullet replied. "Oh I wouldn't if I were you. You're sister doesn't have much time till I turn her over to one of Phantom's other enemies. They'd pay big for an easy victim." He glanced at the boy with a wicked grin coming in through his crocodile teeth as the hologram faded from view. "Now you wouldn't want that would you?"
The parta didn't respond for a long moment just stared out into open space reflecting on what he'd seen. Jennifer looked a mess but still she looked alright. It could have been worse. But what really concerned Adrian was the fact she had been reduced to a crying heap. He'd never seen her so vulnerable, scared, or weak. Not Jenn, she was one of the strongest, confident people he had known in his life time. She rarely gave ghosts the freedom to see her scared even when they terrified her.
Questions swirled through his mind but one answer was relevant. Her life was hanging in the balance and the spirit was giving him an ultimatum. He doubted he'd be able to stand up to him so what choice did he have but to comply. The ghost could threaten her life if he fought, and Adrian wasn't so impulsive as to just act on his emotions.
Adrian's eyes went down cast as he sighed loudly before nodding. "Very well I agree."
"Excellent…" Exclaimed the ghost cracking his knuckles. With smirk that Adrian was really beginning to despise. "We'll meet back here in a three hours to finish business."
Adrian shook his head as he folded his arms over his chest, knowing any fighting would be pointless. "No need… I've already assessed the note and retrieved the items." It hadn't been easy but he managed to phase through the tight vault and find the devices that were asked for. He still couldn't understand why the ghost wanted them, other than the fact that they wouldn't hurt him if he used them.
"That's more like it." The ghost said with a grin. "By the way the names Bullet, you probably haven't heard of me thanks to your incompetent father." He used the words so idly but there almost seemed to be caution in his tone like he didn't want Phantom to overhear.
"Actually I have…" replied Adrian dryly he glanced back once more. Alicia should have reached him by now where was she. "But not enough detail to make you seem like a real threat."
Bullet snarled at the parta. "Watch it kid or you might not see your sister again."
"I doubt it." Adrian said with a shrug. "You need me right now, whether you want to admit it or not."
Bullet was about to retort when something caught his eye from down below.
Noticing the specter's gaze he turned his attention towards the direction the ghost was looking. He breathed a sigh of relief seeing Alicia Foley walking towards them looking determined with the duffle bag, he'd given her before he left in her grasp. They'd agreed it would be safer with her, less chance of it getting damage. Adrian would have liked to carry her so they could get there faster. But his B.F. flat out refused to go on another one of his flying rides.
They both flew down to join Alicia. The hybrid quickly brought his fenton wrist ray prepared to shoot if he made any funny moves.
"Now before we give you the fenton devices, you will bring Jennifer here."
"I can't just go and get her."
"Oh yes you can." Adrian replied feeling confident he'd discerned correctly. "That device…" He pointed to the wrist gauntlet that produced the holo. "It can be used to transport your victim to any location you prefer am I right?"
"Your pretty sharp kid." Bullet replied mildly impressed. "Alright it's a deal but just to warn you I strapped something to her. Even if you double cross me she'll be sent back through the portal before you can blink an eye."
Typing in a sequence of coordinates in his watch Bullet aimed it nearby. A blue light presently glowed and an image became solid. Pretty soon his younger sister and completely materialized. Adrian soon found out he was wrong Jennifer was worst off then he'd fist assumed. Her leggings were torn, her coat looked beyond dirty, and she was sporting a bruise on her forehead. There were other things but the young parta didn't focus on that. Something strange was going on, Jennifer sat there staring off into the distance her pupils weren't completely dilated, and she appeared to be in a daze.
"What's wrong with her?" Adrian asked glaring at the ghost with threatening gaze.
Bullet just shrugged. "She decided to put up a struggle and run is all. Those injuries were her own mistakes."
Jennifer blinked her eyes lids shutting over halfway over her eyes as she squinted them. "Adrian?" She croaked. "Is that you why do you look like a snowman?"
The parta's eyes twitched as he stared at his sister, waving his hand out in front of him to see if her eyes would follow. They didn't.
"Oh I forgot to mention she's been in the dark for the past six hours or so. She won't be able to see straight for a while till her eyes adjust to the light." Bullet glanced at the parta. "Which I'm guessing is good news for you."
"Quiet." Adrian hissed he turned his concern gaze to his sister. "Jenn I'm going to get you out of here." He reached in his pocket and dug something out of it. "I also have pendant I know how much you might be missing it."
Reaching her hands out Jennifer's gaze fixed on him. "Thank you brother…" she replied quietly.
The whole time Alicia remained silent since he had his back to her he couldn't see her face to guess how she was feeling about this whole thing. Finally she said something. "So are we going to finish up this trade or not?" she asked, Adrian glanced back to see her looking more and more agitated.
Adrian nodded and motioned for Alicia to give him the bag. Carefully he set out a few green liquid vials of the Ecto Dejecto along with the syringe for injecting the chemical compound. He started pulling out the next item when a voice interrupted their proceedings.
"Those two ghosts are in cahoots! Even the G.P.A. Commissioner's daughter is involved." They glanced up to find the Guys in White approaching the scene with their blasters raised. "Return the stolen property now and maybe we won't disintegrate you."
The young Foley looked annoyed. "Really now? I see no reason why I can't do what I want with my parents things."
"This doesn't concern you little lady. Step away from the anomalies." The agent said he motioned to one of his men to pull the trigger.
The blast came at them before anyone had a chance to react. Adrian ducked but a little too late to save what he'd been holding from caught in the fire. The cylinder shape bowl attached to a backpack of sorts fell out of his grasp. He could only watch as the Maddie Modulator, one of their only bargaining chips literally shattered to pieces before their very eyes.
To Be Continued in Part 3 of
Siblings Bonds
A/N: Please Review it makes me really happy when I get a response and besides it's my Birthday today even if late I'd love a review just because that!
- I think this is one of my weaker chapters but I could be wrong. I really look forward to the next part because I have a lot planned this is just the middle not the ending.
- Finding a way to have Adrian become aware of the situation involving Jennifer's kidnapping wasn't easy but I think I managed. Plus a bonus little AdrianxPaige scene. Just so you know I plan to have more of those in the next episode.
- Yes Valerie's father works for the G.P.A. he is the head of security
- A glimpse into Bullet's past. Wondered why he was never around after that episode. Well now you know at least my idea of how things played out. Walker seems like a guy who would save his own skin and feed his men to the wolves rather then be caught.
- Also notice how I explain the Observents High Council. They take care of dangerous threat to the safety of both realms such as Vortex. But when it comes to mild disturbances that falls under The Council of Ghost's jurisdiction.
- I was planning to have the council meeting in here but it would have made things too long besides it fits better with the last part of the episode. I can't wait to introduce the Six We already know Clockwork is one of them but I made identities for the five others.
