Warning: This story contains adult content, violence and inappropriate behavior. Please be advised.
Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom.
Chapter Six: Stepping Out
I flinched, watching his energy penetrate her core. I couldn't stand anymore and jumped from the ledge above them, hitting the leader. Carmen hit the ground, unconscious. The companion of Carmen's pushed energy into his core, pushing the others away from him. He ran to her as I wrapped the ghost in energy.
"What the hell," the leader gasped.
"You are a very bad leader," I hissed. I surrounded the other ghosts in one big energy blanket, leaving only Carmen and her companion.
"It's you, isn't it," he stuttered.
"You are going to answer my questions," I growled. "But first…" I turned to the two rogue ghosts to see the man holding Carmen, rubbing her hair. He had tears in his eyes.
"Can you fly her," I asked.
"Y-yeah," he said, emotional. "W-w-why?"
"I may protect humans more than ghosts but I fight for justice. I don't care who it is."
"Thank you, sir. Carmen would have died."
"I don't agree with what you are doing," I said, my stare going colder. "If you had been attacking a human, I would have killed her as well. Don't think this is a pass."
"Just, please, help me save her. She's my mate."
"I'm Phantom," I replied.
"Phantom," he laughed. "Wow. I've never heard of a name like that."
"It's an alias," I rolled my eyes. "I go by Phantom."
"Well, I'm Carlos. This is my mate Carmen. I don't really care about the humans. I'll leave if you help me save my Carmen."
"I'll save her life but you have to stop what you're doing to ensure she stays alive," I pointed out.
"Anything, sir," he pleaded.
I captured the others in a thermos and I led Carlos carrying Carmen to the tent. Carlos laid Carmen on my couch as I went to my bathroom. Before I left, I took several items that could help me if I got hurt too badly. I grabbed a small bottle that was filled with a green substance.
"This is ecto-repair," I replied, pulling the cork out of the vile. "It is like fillings. Until her energy increases enough, this will hold her core together. Once she heals, this ectoplasm will fall out. Are you okay with this?"
"Are you sure about this product? How much do you know about it? Where did you get it from?"
"Relax, Carlos. My parents invented it. It works. I've seen it."
"Your parents," he said, raising his eyebrow. "You went back to your parents after you died?"
"It's a long story," I said, frowning. I didn't want to tell him everything. He's still the enemy. Just now, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. "Just trust me."
"I can't," he growled. "That's my mate! I don't trust her with just anyone and you've been taking us down left and right."
"If you want her to die, it's all right by me," I said, holding my hand out. He eyed the vile tentatively as I splashed its contents around the uncapped vile. "She won't make it, though, unless you let me help her."
His eyes shook violently. "Fine. Do it!"
I pulled the vile down to my waistline gently, dropping a few drops on the hole in her chest. Ectoplasm filled the area, and Carmen stood up with incredible speed.
"What's going on," Carmen asked, startled.
"Carmen," Carlos declared, hugging her tight. "Oh, baby, I was so scared."
"Why aren't I obliterated," Carmen asked.
"The ghost that we've been hearing so much about was nearby. When Jesuit attacked you, he attacked him. He saved your life, baby."
Carmen whipped around, her eyes searching for something. When she saw me, they narrowed. "You obliterated my brother," she roared.
"Carmen," Carlos pleaded. "He saved your life. Isn't that enough?"
"Wait," I shook my head. "Was your brother in Mexico or the leader of a nest nearby. Diego?"
"No," she sneered, angry as hell. "Why do those two matter to you? You've destroyed countless ghosts. You're not one of us!"
"No, I'm not one of you and nor do I wish to be but I haven't obliterated anyone else. He's probably on a UPS truck, being delivered to the states."
"You capture ghosts," Carmen asked. At first, confusion covered her features but then hope. "Please, sir, please tell me if you know for a fact this ghost was captured and not destroyed!" She formed ectoplasm in her hand and an engraving appeared in ectoplasm. I could make out the features.
"I know every ghost I've ever obliterated. I can't point out every ghost I've captured. I'm sorry."
"Please, look hard," she pleaded. "I must know that Rico is okay!"
I studied her image but it didn't ring a bell. "The best I can do is check the list online. How long ago did he disappear?"
"Ugh," Carlos uttered, uncomfortable. "Do you know how incredibly long the days are in this dimension? We can't exactly judge time here."
"Right," I sighed. "I can look through the listings and if you see him, rest assured that he's fine." I paused for a second. "He doesn't have any amazing powers, does he?"
"Are you crazy," Carmen snapped. "He's a six! That's why I'm freaking out!"
"That's good news," I said, trying to pacify her. I pulled my laptop out and signed into my account. We scrolled through the ghosts for a while but I noticed something. Each ghost had a name. Samuels' has cataloged them. I asked her for her brother's name and we found him instantly. We had captured him. "See. He's fine."
"Can I talk to him," she said, rubbing her finger over the screen. "I'm worried sick. He's my little brother. I'm responsible for him."
I groaned, not really wanting to. One, I didn't want to expose myself as a human. Two, I'm bald in my human form and I don't want anyone else to see me! However, Carmen looked to me with pleasing eyes. I wanted to help her… even though she so didn't deserve it. I have to remind myself that she's not innocent. The whole reason she got into this mess was because she wanted backup to destroy me. Not the image of an angel.
"Okay," I groaned. "I want to make something very clear. I am no pushover. If you betray me, I will not hesitate to terminate this alliance. The humans come first."
"Why," Carmen spat. I powered down. "Oh."
"Yeah," I rolled my eyes. "I'm still a human. I just have ghost powers now. I don't consider myself a ghost; not really."
"What's with the hood," Carlos asked.
"I got in a bit of an accident yesterday," I said, smacking my lips. Hopefully, anyone at the Division won't ask me about the hood.
I looked through the agents online and I noticed that Ali was online. They have the triplets split up. Oh boy. I selected her to start a live chat.
"Hello," Ali remarked. She looked weird. Her blonde locks were pulled back in a ponytail and she had on glasses. "Can I help you?"
"It's Radar," I said, annoyance in my voice. I didn't want her to see me bald. "I was wondering if you'd help me out."
"I don't know who you are but Radar would never wear a hood," Ali retorted.
"There was a bit of an accident," I said, looking away. "I'll be wearing this hood for a while."
"If you're Radar, then tell me what I did to you six years ago?"
I rolled my eyes. "You and Leslie pranked the boys bunker at camp and you filled my bed with itching powder. I ran out in nothing but my underwear and you guys snapped pictures, selling them for fifty dollars apiece."
"Radar," Ali asked in shock.
"Yes, it's me," I said, crossing my arms. "I—well, I sort of lost all my hair. I-I'm bald."
"You poor baby," Ali swooned. "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"
"Besides being completely bald… no," I said. I hung my head. "I've never felt more like a fraud, Ali!"
"Oh, honey, it's going to be okay. Your hair will grow back, better than ever!"
"I need to talk to a ghost, Ali. Can you get me," I picked up a notepad, reading off a string of code. Ali typed it in the computer as I read the code.
"Sure thing, baby," Ali replied. "And don't feel so bad. You're still hot, Radar, no matter what you look like."
"Thanks," I whimpered. She gave me a smile, blowing a kiss at me.
The ghost appeared on screen and Carmen dang well near knocked me out of my chair. I stood up, giving her the chair so she could talk to her brother.
(04)
Carmen and Carlos promised never to return to the real world and they left quietly. I promised them that if they caused any more trouble, they wouldn't live to regret it. If anyone was hurt by them after I was the one who saved probably both of their lives, I wouldn't go easy. If they killed, it'd be an eye for an eye. They seemed to understand.
Then I removed the bottom piece of the thermos and retrieved the other six ghosts. I bound them in ectoplasm and had the power egg in my hand. I might be powered down too, but I could still fight as a human. I think it was clear that it was in their best interests to cooperate.
Well, it seemed obvious to me. To them, apparently not so much. If they said anything, it was always a slur. So I left them bound up for a couple days while I made my runs. Every time I was around, I'd let out just a hint of fear, making them crave it. We were in the middle of nowhere. They'd get it no other way and it was working on the weaker ones. I'd have the weakest one cracking in another day or two.
By Tuesday, I got enough information from the weakest one there. They were a part of a wider community of ghosts. 'The Network' was what they called themselves because they were followers of the Forbidden Zone. Every ghost I have ever caught was a part of this network. They were spread out worldwide, searching for portals. Mostly, they stuck with their demographic. The Russian ghosts banned together and go to Russia. These guys were from post-Columbian South America and they claimed this area. This was going on worldwide. To stop this, I had to infiltrate the network.
I left the ghosts in my tent as I did some investigation into the network. It wasn't easy to find. I thought if I went through one of the portals, I'd come to a large underground community. That wasn't the case. Once I passed through a portal, I just came into an empty part of the Ghost Zone. So I waited around. There'd be a ghost to come along and take me to the community. I just had to be patient.
Eventually, a ghost did just that. I followed silently behind him, allowing him to take me to his community. I allowed nature to carry me powerlessly through the Ghost Zone, spying on the network of ghosts. It was a lot bigger than I anticipated. Their community was built upon a large island. Walker would have a hissy fit if he saw this place. Real World items were everywhere. I saw a female draped over a chair, the chair secured to the ground by ectoplasm.
They had built structures on the island. There was a large place that many ghosts were entering and exiting; I assumed it was the living quarters. Other areas were less active. There were about eight structures built on this huge island. The worst part was I had the feeling I couldn't even see all of it. These ghosts didn't look or act professional. I'd imagine there's someplace for business.
We restructured our routines. For the first time, my party and I visited the outpost guards to redesign the plans. When we made it to their boundaries, I found my Army socializing with members of the Division. Turns out, Samuels did try to push the boundary and my Army captured them. Once everything was straightened out, the two travel together. Make no mistake, though; my army is in control.
Wednesday began the plans of construct. My party and I were to keep doing what we were doing but the army (and the Division members) were to capture any ghosts trying to go back to the network. We'd do this slowly. They were not to act unless they knew they could complete the task. Keep the ghosts from coming out and keep them from returning. I wanted as little information going back to the network as much as possible. The army was the first and last defense; we protected the humans.
The way we operated was different, too. Now that I understood where these ghosts were coming from and how they operated, I believed I had a better handle on the situation. We grouped together, no longer separated. We would do our best to protect the people but our previous methods weren't really working. The ghosts were still killing innocent people. Maybe we can clean up one ghost faster and get to the next one.
It didn't even last a day, though. We finished the fights sooner, sure, but it didn't deter the death tolls. I saw my first innocent killed right in front of me. We had always found the bodies after they were killed. I'd never been there to watch the life slip out of a human's eyes. Not from a ghost at least. I was numb. My team captured the ghost but I couldn't even focus. Would this be a reoccurrence? Could we get faster? Were we just powerless to stop this group? It didn't get any better when we talked with the army.
The egg beeped as I was reviewing the plan. I couldn't see how we could improve it anymore. I thought it was perfect. I groaned, standing up and grabbing the egg. I cannot catch a break anymore. Who will it be this time?
"Hello," I said, smacking it on. I sat back down, shuffling through papers.
"Danny, honey," Mom's voice called out to me. She could see me but I wasn't looking at her. I had lives to save.
"Sorry Mom," I sighed. I scribbled down a possible revision to the army's strategy. "What's up?"
"I want to see your head. Tucker said you had an accident!"
"He did now," I groaned, looking to the egg momentarily. "Yeah. Minor accident. I have bigger issues."
"What made you go bald," Mom declared. "Please tell me a ghost spit gum in your hair!"
I laughed out bitterly as the latest victim's face flashed in my mind. Yeah, I could definitely see them spitting gum in people's hair. "No, Mom. I'm not dealing with amateurs."
"What happened?"
"You don't want to know," I answered, picking up two maps. "Shit!"
"What," Mom asked.
"Fucking ghosts are too good for us," I spat. "We've got our time down to keeping up with the ghosts but the problem is they're one step ahead of us." I closed my eyes, picturing his throat slitting. I stood there, frozen, as he died in that thing's hands. I shook my head before I started crying. "I don't know how to get the upper ground."
"Were you hurt," Mom asked me.
"No," I answered. "I stood there like a fucking moron. The last image that man saw was me watching him die! See how fabulous I am!"
"Stop," Mom said firmly. "Some things you can't control. Stop making yourself responsible for every little thing."
"How are the kids," I changed the subject. An image of a small child, no older than eight, falling to her death flashed before my eyes. The bastard sucked the fear out of her like it was the filling of an éclair. Gaius tried to get to her in time but she hit a jagged cliff before he could get to her. If that thing wasn't there, she would have survived. He was almost to her.
"Jacky is doing great. We don't have any more trouble with him. I've finally got him to walk instead of flying… well, for the most part. Jamie is slightly having problems. He's behind his brother in his language. I've been working with him. Lilly really misses you. She spends a lot of time with Sam. I tried to move her to her own bedroom but she regressed a little. She's sleeping with Sam right now. Megan is a little sponge. She picks up so much, Danny. I can't believe how bright she is. She likes hanging out with me in the kitchen and she helps me sometimes. You'd be really proud of her."
"How is Sam," I asked.
"She's fine," Mom said, looking down. I looked to the papers, actually looking through them at the table. "Tucker is grounded. Alice caught him and Valerie getting hot and heavy."
I snapped my head up at that news. "No way! Did they do it?"
"No," Mom answered. "Tucker had half undressed Valerie but she was still in her clothes. He hadn't removed anything, just had his pants unzipped. Alice didn't even know they were dating. Nearly had a heart attack."
I chuckled nervously. "Déjà vu?"
"You are not kidding. It made me think exactly of when you came home for that night."
"I'm sorry," I said, looking down. "We really had no intentions of making you forget. If Dad didn't tease me about the possibility of Sam being my wife, I'd never figure out that you guys didn't know. Nothing has really changed about us. We're very private people."
"I just don't get why you thought you had to hide that from us. I love Sam to death. I want nothing more than for her to be my daughter-in-law."
"It's not that I thought you wouldn't approve of Sam. We knew you wouldn't approve of us being in the same room alone with the door closed. You knew about Vlad in that other timeline so you understood why I needed Sam so badly. I struggle with my emotions and Sam helped me calm down and prioritize. I couldn't explain to you that if Sam didn't sleep with me, I'd dream of Vlad and go back to being numb. I couldn't explain to you that I had a risk of going back to Vlad if Sam didn't help me through the tough times."
"Numb," Mom remarked as I looked to her. "I remember you saying you were numb once. It was around Christmas, too."
I held my right arm with my left hand. "I don't want to talk about it."
"I'm sorry, Danny. I haven't protected you enough."
"It's not your fault," I said, rubbing my arm. "I'm out of your league right now." I glanced down at the plan we drew out Wednesday. "And I completely understand that."
"You can do this," Mom said. "Once we get to you, we will finish it but I believe in you. I've never seen anyone as good at his job than you."
"Yeah? Well, you haven't met these ghosts," I replied. I saw more deaths yesterday than a suicide bomber I think. We saved three humans but got there too late for twenty-three. Not every death was unique. Too many times they broke their necks or crushed them like tin cans. I clenched my eyes shut, whimpering.
"Danny," Mom cried out. "How many people died yesterday?"
"Millions, Mom," I said, diverting the attention away from the deaths I saw personally. "Thousands die in Africa alone."
"How many did you see," Mom said firmly.
"Too many," I said. I wrapped my arms around my sides, my stomach lurching. The three lives we did save were with someone else. No one we saved were alone with the ghost. They died instantly it seems.
"Where are you," Mom declared. "If this many deaths were going on in this area, I'd hear about it! I want you to tell me in the most indescript of words where you are."
"Hell," I replied, tears leaking out of my eyes. "I have work to do, Mom. I'm sorry." I released a deep breath, removing my hoodie. "I'm fine. I had to shave off what was left of my hair. The damage was too much to leave it like it was after the accident. Don't worry."
"I'll always worry," Mom said, her voice breaking. "Get some sleep, Danny. Don't kill yourself, please, baby. You're no good to anyone dead."
I laughed out humorlessly. "I'm no good to anyone alive, either. Imagine that." I clicked off the egg, not even pretending to give a crap. I loved her. I loved all of my family. But lives were depending on me and I didn't have time for pleasantries.
(04)
I had a map out on the table, no longer only looking over the plan. I was looking over what we also knew.
There were dozens of nests in this area alone. Most along the Andes mountains—hard to get to. So far, the entire nests we were taking down were in the town at the time. I haven't traced one ghost back to its personal nest. Maybe I need to rethink this. I can save more lives if I just get rid of the nests. This nit picking isn't working. I am picking up leaves by hand when I need to cut down the damn tree. I'm not stupid enough to think that I can pull this out by the root. I've seen the complex. The network is too large for me to pull out by the roots.
I'm thinking though, if I get inside the network and clean this up from the inside, I can manage this better. I would need to be careful. If I was assigned to a nest and it suddenly vanished, I'd be the main suspect. If it happened more than once, I wouldn't even be awarded a trial. This could be really dangerous. I'd have to have a cover story. I'd have to leave some survivors but make sure that those ghosts didn't know I was behind it.
Okay, keeping my name off the suspect list will be sort of easy. I can leave the act of clean up to my team while I just infiltrate. I don't have to start cleaning it up right away. I imagine I will find out the location of more than just my nest. This will only be a minor issue. The major issue is the cover story. They will want to know why my sudden interest in the group. I will have to have a good reason, too. This Pablo will know that something is going off. I think that's why Carmen was threatening to tell. He must know something is happening in his community.
So if I come into his group and disappearances are happening, he's going to want to know if I have any part in it. If he's as smart as I think he is then he will piece it together that I am responsible. If he finds that out, there's nothing that will save me or my team. I won't put my men's lives at risk. So I will need a good cover. I'm too pale to be from this region. It will have to be good.
(04)
I took a deep breath as Gauis and I stood outside one of the portals. We worked this out and decided that this would be the best way possible. I was sick to my stomach. Not because of anything I ate or because I was nervous. It was because of a cost attached to this plan. We wouldn't be saving anymore lives like we used to. We decided that getting rid of the ghosts would save more lives in the long run even though the death toll would increase. It was too dangerous to try to live this double life and do patrols. If either of us were caught, it'd be instant death for all of us.
So to try to put an end to this insanity, it'd cost hundreds of people their lives. It made me sicker than a dog. I didn't want to force this price on the people but it really was for the best. No other plans were working. Before we redesigned the plan, an average of thirty people was dying daily. When we redesigned the plan, we just watched them die. It didn't decrease in the slightest. Maybe this would change something.
I frightened Mom, though. I thought I owed her something before I did this. As Gauis and I went in, disguised as the cousins of Diego's mate, I thought back to that discussion with my family.
I skipped the egg. There was a USB port on the egg that could be inserted into a computer and we could talk over a bigger screen. I wanted to be able to see everyone. I wanted to see my girls and my nephews in all of their glory. I wanted to see Sam as clearly as possible. Jazz was the one to answer the egg. I didn't think they would know I had the screen up. I planned to tell them of the danger I faced but I would protect them from knowing how dangerous I really thought it was. I wouldn't lie to them, but I wouldn't make them as scared as I was.
"Hey, Danny," Jazz said, a huge smile on her face. That was mid-morning in Venezuela so it was around eight in Illinois. I'd imagined Jazz would be going to Joseph's soon. Just in time.
"Where is everyone," I asked.
"Mom and Dad are in the lab, Dani is at school, Sam is upstairs and Tucker's at his house. Why?"
"Can you get everyone," I asked. I returned my communicator after I left Vlad's mansion in August. I could call Dani telepathically but it would be easier for Jazz to do it with her communicator.
"Is something wrong," Jazz asked, panic crossing her face.
"No," I smiled. "Not yet, anyway. I just want to talk to you guys."
"Mom and Dad included," Jazz asked.
"Everyone," I replied. She swallowed hard. "Look, nothing is wrong. I'm okay. I've just got to talk to everyone. It is important."
"The Calloway's too," Jazz asked. I nodded. "Hold up."
I could see Jazz waddling towards the kitchen as she pushed her finger above her ear canal. The communicators were invisible so it just looked like she was touching her ear. She was really pushing the talk button. Jazz called for Brit, Tucker, Sam and Dani and told Brit and Tucker to bring their families. She called down for Mom, Dad and Grandpa from the kitchen. The only person not there was Joseph. I decided that he didn't really need to be included. He knew what I wanted from him anyway. I couldn't say that in front of Mom and Dad, though.
"Look," I said, taking a deep breath. "I talked to Mom last night but I don't know how much she told you." My girls weren't there, though, thank God. I'd talk to them after I got the bad news out of the way. "I've stumbled upon a massive ghost invasion. An average of thirty people are dying a day down here. I know you're not stupid so I'm going to say it. I'm not in the states anymore. I won't tell you where I am but the situation is looking bleak. What I have found out is that there is this underground network if you will. All the ghosts that I've been taking care of are from the same place. My team has been to this complex. It's huge. It's remote. I've got a plan."
I saw panic cross Sam's face. "No, Danny!"
"You guys know what I'm going to do and you know how dangerous it is. For those of you who don't know, I could get killed. If I screw this up, they will kill me. Now, I know this is scary and the worst case we imagined but just remember the Reality Gauntlet. If I die, as soon as I can, I'll contact you. If you don't hear from me for a while, don't expect the worst. This plan of ours is going to take up most of my free time. If I die, I will contact you. I'm not afraid, guys. I'm prepared to do what I have to."
"Daniel," Mom said, her voice choking. "No. Baby, it is not worth it."
"Lives are on the line," I said, looking at her image on screen. They too had put the egg on the big screen but they did it because there were so many of them. They'd have no idea I had it set up the same way. Well, I assume they don't. I can tell it has a wider angle so they may be able too. "Listen, nothing else we've tried has worked. This can close down the entire operation. I just wanted you to know."
"Come on, Danny," Tucker said, his voice hesitant. He gave me a weak smile but I saw him cracking below the surface. "This is dangerous. I mean stupidly dangerous. There has to be another way."
I took in a deep breath. "Not that we can think of. We tried to do this separately and then we worked together. The only thing that changed was we watched them die. I know this is dangerous. I will take every precaution and I will get out of there if it becomes too dangerous… but I think this could work. I just wanted you to know."
"What exactly are you doing," Mom Number Three asked. She wasn't aggressive or angry. She was scared to death.
"It's complicated," I answered. "We've found the network of ghosts and my team is going undercover. My job isn't nearly as dangerous, though. Once they're gone, they're gone."
"There has to be another way," Sam declared. "Danny, please, don't do this. You're going to get yourself killed!"
"I promise, sweetheart, I will look out for myself. This is the only stupid thing I'm going to do. I will not risk my neck for any mission."
"That's the problem," Tucker declared. "You are risking your neck for the mission! If you get in over your head, everything will fall on top of you! Danny, I know we have the Reality Gauntlet but I do not want to rely on that thing to make sure you see your golden years! There's no guarantee you can hold on!"
"If it's anything like the last time, I know I can," I said, looking to his image on the screen.
Tucker laughed but it wasn't humorous. "Who knows how we die? Who has done it more than once?"
I smirked. "Come on, buddy. Have faith in me. I can do this. I know I can. Like I've said, I just wanted you to know. I promised you I wouldn't lie to you and I meant it. I will not look you in the eye and promise I'll be back. But I will promise that I will do my best to come back."
"What will this accomplish," Brit asked. "Is there any proof that this will save lives?"
I breathed deeply as I was reminded the cost. "No. At first, this will bring back the previous death toll. It was about fifty before. I think, though, that in the long run, we can close down this network. I have to look at this from the inside out. I'm not doing any good by taking out the ghosts as I come across them. I have no idea where their nests are. I pick a community and try my best to protect them."
"So these ghosts are communing on a small band of communities," Sam asked.
"I'm in a part of the world that has high populations in small pockets. The ghosts have taken refuge in a local landmark and they travel to the communities. Before, we were picking a community and walking the streets. They're smarter than that. The nests are breaking up. They know something is after them. It's like when I came back from the tour and those ghosts would send out a decoy while they were feeding. Well, instead of sending in a decoy, they're breaking up and spreading out. We split up so we could take care of several at a time but it wasn't enough because it took us longer to capture the ghosts. Then we worked together but there were still the others out there. Most of the humans are smart enough to stay off the streets… especially at night. It doesn't matter, though. They're not feeding at night anyway."
"Wait," Mom declared. "I don't get your role in this, Danny! What is your role, honey?"
"All you need to know is it's dangerous," I said softly. "I have a big job but I can't tell you what it is. I'm sorry."
"There's no way you can be going undercover," Mom declared. "You'd need to be a ghost to pull that off!"
I nodded. "I know. Just don't worry. I'm sorry I am scaring you guys. I just wanted you to know."
"I know what you are going to do," Mom Number Two said. "Danny, please don't do it, honey. They are killing humans!"
I nodded slowly, trying to imagine what she thinks I'm going to do. The only scenario I could imagine her thinking of is me pretending to be a victim. She doesn't know what these ghosts are doing down here. I could never go under cover as an ordinary human. Not even they could do that because the ghosts aren't keeping humans as pets. She wouldn't know that, though, so that's the closest I can come up with. No matter what she's imagining, she knows it's deadly.
"I have to do it, though. I know it's dangerous and I know it can kill me. It's a price I'm willing to pay to shut this thing down. I'm just sorry I have to put you through this."
"What do you hope to accomplish," Dad Number Two asked. He rubbed Mom Number Two's shoulders.
I nodded. "I hope to stop the deaths. I hope that my team can infiltrate the nests and tell us where these guys are living. We can take out entire nests that way."
"What's the chance of success," Dad Number Three asked.
I chuckled humorlessly. "That I don't know. I thought our last plan would be a success. It didn't change a thing. This new plan may be a flop as well."
"I'm coming to you," Dani declared.
"No," I said firmly. "You know how I feel about this, Dani."
"And the town doesn't need me as much as you do," Dani retorted.
"Please, Dani, do your job there. I've got a good team here. I'm in good hands."
Dani's eyes filled with tears. "If you die and leave me, when I find you in the Ghost Zone, I'm going to beat your ass."
I laughed sadly. "It's a deal."
The room then fell into silence. The situation was bleak and I portrayed that right. I had looked to the clock. Gauis and I planned to go undercover around noon. As soon as this line of conversation was over, I wanted to see my girls. I wanted to spend as much time as I could with them; even if it was over a monitor.
"Where are the kids," I asked.
"They're upstairs," Jazz answered. She wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Can someone go get them for me," I asked.
"You want Jacky and Jamie, too," Mom asked.
"Yeah," I nodded.
"We'll get them," Mom Number Two said, nudging her husband. The Foley's went upstairs to get the kids.
"Danny," Dad said hesitantly. "I know you are looking at the best options and I know you would never jeopardize your life for something you didn't believe in. I don't like it, but I've accepted that you are going to do this. I just want you to do something for me, son."
"What," I asked, looking at his image. There was something off about his voice. Dad has become serious in the last two years since the Disasteroid but his voice sounded… defeated. It was weird, even for the less playful Dad.
"You are looking at this as they kill you. You have enough evidence that says that's what they will do. But your studies are from what they are doing to other humans. You aren't looking at what they will do to you if you are caught. There are worst things they can do to you than kill you."
The images of my four captives entered my mind. "Oh, man."
"No," Sam whispered with her voice breaking. Tucker wrapped his arms around her and I was glad to see he could touch her.
"You need to come up with a plan in case you are captured. If you die, then we can revive you once your spirit recharges. If you are captured and purposely kept alive, you could be there for years. We may never find you."
"I have that distress beacon," I said, as I thought through my options. "I won't be able to check in with you guys. I'm taking down my tent. Gauis is going with me today but two more members will be joining at a later date. I have Valentinus running the operation on the outside but if any of us are caught, we are all going down. There won't be anyone to send out a distress signal." I pulled the beacon out of my pocket. "I'll break this if I'm in danger. I keep it with me at all times. How does that sound?"
"Like a gong at a funeral," Sam muttered miserably.
"Sam," I said, swallowing hard. "I'm so sorry, Sam. I'm sorry I'm doing this to you."
Sam nodded. "It's nothing none of us would do," Sam sighed. "I just want to be with you. I want to be your partner. We are your team. The party is your guard."
"You guys are the ones I work best with," I nodded. "The party is good but none of us work well together. Not like they do without me and I do with you guys. You haven't lost your spots. I just have to do this alone. Don't worry, though. Two and a half more years, guys. That's it."
"You're kidding," Tucker sighed. "Wow. I forgot how much time has passed."
"We can join you then," Sam asked, looking into the camera.
"Yeah," I nodded. "Assuming I'm still alive, I'll be home for a few weeks in February. I'll take some time off. I'm hoping to shut this down in a few weeks and be able to come home for good but I'm not that optimistic. There will be other instances." I let out a sigh. "And then there's 2012."
"What's May 2010," Mom asked.
I decided to tell the truth without giving anything away. "Graduation."
"Do you know when in February," Jazz asked.
"Sneaky," I smirked at her. "Sometime mid-February. You know those things are never set in stone."
"And you will be home," Jazz asked.
"Of course," I nodded. "Assuming I'm still alive." And I wasn't kidding.
"Be careful, Danny." Jazz placed her hands on her stomach and I nodded to her. I promise, Jazz. Joey will have his uncle. Whether it's with this body or not, I can't promise.
"Daddy," Lilly's voice traveled across the speakers. She came running through the throng of family members, disappearing from my sight.
"Lilly," I laughed. "I can't see you, honey, if you press up against the screen."
"Sorry," Lilly replied, stepping back. I smiled brightly. My beautiful girl, I thought.
"How have you been," I asked.
"It's starting to get cold," Lilly replied. "Megan hates the cold. I have a place all of my own now."
"Yeah," Sam grumbled. "Like father like daughter. I have to chase her down from the roof of the ops center."
I laughed. I was so proud I could bust. "That is my favorite place in Fentonworks, you know. I like sitting up there and watching the sky. Do you like it at night or in the daytime?"
"I like it at all times," Lilly replied. "It's beautiful at night, though. It's a little cold, though, so I have to wear a coat."
"Don't get sick, baby girl, and watch yourself up there. It's high."
"You aren't kidding," Mom scolded. "I can't believe you are encouraging this!"
"What," I shrugged. "At least she can fly."
"I can't wait for it to get cold enough to skate," Lilly replied. "Grandma said she's going to teach me to do it with shoes this year!"
I smiled. "I was going to teach you this year, too. I'm glad Mom has decided to do it. You'll love it."
"When are you coming home," Lilly asked. Megan appeared behind Lilly, in Mom Number Two's arms. Dad Number Two passed Jacky to Sam.
"I don't know, baby. I'll be coming home to visit in February. I expect you to be able to skate for me, baby girl."
"I will, Daddy," Lilly smiled.
"Hey, Megan. How are you, baby?"
"I miss you, Mama," Megan answered. "Uncle Tucker gave me your present. I loved it!"
I smiled. "I thought you would. So, you haven't been enjoying this new weather."
"No," Megan denied, shaking her head. "It's too cold! You can't do anything! I like the heat!" I smiled but not because of her dislike of winter or even like of summer. She was talking so clearly. Mom really has made a world of difference in her language skills.
"So, Grandma told me that you help her in the kitchen. What is your favorite recipe?"
"Chocolate Chip cookies," Megan declared. "I like making those because I get to make more after we get through with them." She giggled.
"What do you make for Sam," I asked.
"Some kind of grass," Megan said, turning her nose up.
"She made me seaweed cookies," Sam chuckled. "She's certainly not taking after me in the food area."
I smiled. "Don't worry. We bound to have at least one vegan."
"She made me meatloaf cookies," Tucker declared proudly. "Of course, it was just meatloaf made out in the shape of stars but oh well."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Why on earth are you eating meatloaf like cookies?"
"I'm entitled to meat cookies," Tucker declared.
"Oh, I think I'm going to be sick!"
"I'm with you," Sam agreed.
I shook my head. "Hey, boys. How are my guys doing?"
"Uncle Danny," Jacky declared, smiling. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you, Jacky."
"I'm okay," Jacky answered.
"Hey, Uncle Danny," Jamie said, waving a tiny bit.
"Hey there, baby boy. It's so good to see you boys."
"When are you coming home, Uncle Danny," Jacky asked.
"I'll be home soon, Jacky. I've got work to do still."
"We miss you," Jamie said, putting his hands in his mouth. Dad Number Two bounced him.
"I miss everyone so much. So, tell me what's been going on?"
"Grandma says we have a birthday coming up," Jacky replied. "I can't wait!"
"You'll be a big boy, huh," I smiled.
"Megan already turned one," Jacky replied. "It's our turn!"
"Have you been playing a lot," I asked.
"Uh huh," Jamie answered, chewing on his hand. "Paw-Paw set up this thing." He pulled his hand out of his mouth, spreading his arms. "It's huge!"
"Jack set up a play set," Mom answered with a soft chuckle. "They can swing and go down a slide and they love terrorizing Megan on the swinging bridge. Don't worry, we have a dome over everything in the back yard."
"Thank you," I sighed in relief. I could just imagine the kids starting a marathon run and vanishing from the face of the earth. "So," I quipped, "what's your favorite thing about the play lot?"
"I like swinging," Jacky answered. "I get to go high without flying. Grandma gets mad when I jump."
"Just be careful, little man," I smirked. "You don't want to get a boo-boo."
"I like the tall thing," Jamie said, raising his hand above his head as if to set a height. "I like dropping stuff."
"Yeah, like my dollies," Lilly retorted. "Daddy, they kidnapped Mr. Wiggles! They held him hostage out in the rain!"
Lilly's serious face caused me to crack up. I bent over, laughing. I heard Lilly scoff. "I'm sorry."
"Mr. Wiggles was soaking wet, Daddy! And Grandma had to sew his arm back on! He lost an eye!"
I covered my mouth, fighting a laugh. I remember tearing up Jazz's toys. I think the last time I did it was Bearbert Einstein. "Did Grandma save him?"
"I gave him an eye patch," Lilly grumbled.
"I thought Jacky and Jamie would need medical attention," Mom said, shaking her head. "Lilly went after them and there was nothing I could do to stop her."
"Now Lilly," I said seriously. "Don't hurt your cousins."
"I will avenge my friends," Lilly declared.
"What about your sister," I asked. "How have you and Megan been getting along?"
"Okay," Lilly nodded. "She's okay. I know there are worst evils in the world."
"They're mean, Mama," Megan added. "Jacky pushed me."
"And he got a time out," Mom added.
"Jacky," I declared. "Don't push your cousin!"
"She was being a sissy," Jacky replied, his voice one hundred percent honest. He felt that was an excuse. "I told her not to be a sissy!"
"Did you get hurt, Megan," I asked.
"No," Megan answered. "I said he pushed me. I didn't say I fell."
"Oh, no," I said, my eyes going wide.
"Uh, huh," Sam said, shaking her head. "Jacky had a hundred volts go through his body. I felt sorry for the kid. I think it was enough of a punishment. Like the hot stove punishment."
"Megan," I said, sternly. "We don't use our powers on our cousins, remember?"
"I was defending meself," Megan retorted. There's the baby voice.
"Myself, sweetheart," Mom said, rubbing her shoulder from Megan's position in Mom Number Two's arms.
"Still, don't use your powers on your cousin. That's a no-no."
"Sorry, Mama," Megan said but I knew she wasn't. Megan felt she was justified. It was only six months ago that Megan would cry when she thought she was doing wrong. Now she is definitely Vlad's child. She's almost proud of it.
"She was acting a sissy but she's a bubba," Jacky said, eyeing his cousin eerily.
"Hey, Dani," I said, finding her in the back of the group. She moved there when the boys came in. "Have you made any progress with the boys?"
"Not a whole lot," Dani said, sighing. "They're very difficult."
"They're no different than we were when we were kids," I smirked.
"What are you talking about," Dani smirked. "I was born like this."
I laughed. "Okay, okay. But you have to admit you had a naive period."
"So I believed Vlad," Dani retorted. "It's not like you aren't guilty of the same thing."
"Funny," I retorted. "Sit down and watch them color. Eat lunch with them. Take them for a walk." Mom let out an unsure groan. "Maybe not a walk."
"Unless she has them on a leash," Mom retorted.
"I guess," Dani sighed. "I can find something to do with them."
"That's the spirit," I smiled. "I will not let you give up on them. You will regret this when you get older. You're not the quitting type, Danielle. I won't let you give up on your boys."
"The boys," Dani said, her eyes focusing on the wall to her left. "Not my boys, the boys."
"Okay," I nodded.
"What time are you planning on starting this," Sam sighed.
I looked to my clock. Eleven-forty-eight. "Not much longer. I had plans to begin in twelve minutes."
Mom sucked in a breath and released it slowly. "Just be careful, baby. If you have even the slightest bad feeling, get out of there."
"Don't worry," I smirked. "I know what I'm doing."
"Daddy," Lilly asked. "What are you talking about?"
"I have a mission tonight," I said. "Grandma is worried about me. You know how she is."
"Okay," Lilly replied, totally buying it.
"Mama," Megan quipped. "Guess what?"
"What," I asked, smiling.
"I got one of those play houses like Lilly," Megan replied. "I have a kitchen and a wash room and a living room. I like to pretend it's my house!"
"That's great, baby," I smiled. "Do you feed your dollies?"
"Uh huh," Megan said, her voice displaying her excitement. "I like cooking for real but pretend is fun too!"
"I want one of those trucks for my birthday," Jacky said as I cringed. "Grandma said no."
"Good call," I said, sighing.
"I know these kids," Mom laughed. "Before you buy anything, imagine the worst that owning it can mean. Jacky rolling over the girls or chasing them in the yard was too much of a risk."
"Forget chasing the girls," I said, my eyes wide. That was her fear? "I'm more worried about the girls destroying the boys because Jacky and Jamie destroy their toys with the trucks?"
"Oh, man," Mom said, her eyes widening. "I didn't even think about that."
"Uh huh," I said, nodding. "That's the real issue. Lilly and Megan can handle themselves. They're the ones you have to be worried about."
"Especially Lilly," Sam said, shaking her head. "Megan, Jacky and Jamie are more even in age so they play on a similar playing field. Lilly's been around. She's like a mob boss."
"But don't think Megan can't cause any trouble," Tucker defended my youngest. "When Jacky pushed her proved that. That girl has heat."
I laughed. "Yes she does."
We talked for a little while but when Gauis showed up, I knew it was time to go. That's when the nausea set in. That's when the grief set in. I couldn't imaging my girls losing Sam or I or us losing the girls. There would be mothers, daughters, aunts, fathers, sons, uncles, cousins and friends all losing their lives. People were going to die and I didn't know for sure that this was going to work. It made me sick but I had to put that behind me. I had to be on target. I couldn't screw this up.
(04)
Gauis and I fit in perfectly with the surroundings. The network was set up like a real world town; ghosts coming and going along the 'city' streets. Gauis and I floated through the community, the other ghosts not even glancing at us. They were used to outsiders. That was a good sign.
"May I interest you fine gentlemen in one of my products," a ghost announced, giving us a friendly smile.
"What do you have," I asked, floating to his stand. He had a table set up with various objects literally tied to the table.
"We have food and we have nutrition. We also offer anything you see there."
"Food," I asked, cocking my head to the side.
"You're new here," he said, giving me a wide smile. I took in his appearance for the first time. He was a fair skinned ghost with bronze hair and dark brown eyes. He wasn't from around here, I could tell that much. Well, he wasn't from South America; all ghosts are from the Ghost Zone—or destined to go there.
"You caught us," Gauis smirked. "We're just trying to get the hang of this location."
"On the house," he spoke as he bent down to below the table. I looked at the front of the table but it was boxed in. I couldn't see anything beneath or behind the table. He brought out two boxes. He balanced them on top of each other, lifting the lid on the top one. Fried Chicken assaulted my nose.
"Have anything a little softer," Gauis spoke, rubbing his nose.
"I have just what you want, my good sir," he said, trying to rope in a sale. "I also have real world food." He opened the second box and a bite-sized pear piece floated out of the box. When the second one floated out, he closed the lid by forcing the first box down.
"Can we eat it," Gauis asked. "I mean, I can't even touch that thing without thinking about it.
"Did you ever eat anything in the real world without thinking about it," the ghost asked with a sly remarked. I snorted. "What," he asked me.
"Have you seen the population nowadays," I laughed. "Humans eat without thinking all the time now."
The ghost laughed. "Yes. The new generation has the resources to get fat and happy. They do not waste that privilege."
Gauis was the first one to swallow the pear piece floating in midair. The piece did go down. "Amazing. I haven't had a pear in forever."
"How about you, my young lad," he asked me.
"Why not," I shrugged. I caught it in my mouth and swallowed. It had no taste, of course, but it felt awful going down. "What happens to the food? I mean, ghosts don't have digestion systems."
"The ectoplasm will do the same as human digestive fluids," he remarked candidly. He gave us a wide smile. "What do you say, gentlemen? Anything I can do you for?"
"What are you trading with," Gauis asked.
"For you, I'd ask for any currency you have on you or energy. I accept other barter items, though."
"Any currency," I asked. "Like only current money."
"Any," he remarked. "Even outdated currency fetches good prices in the real world." He got a wide smile on his face. "You're not from the American Civil War era, are you?"
"Uh, no," I remarked, a little freaked out. I wanted to ask why he wanted currency, any era, but I thought that might sound odd coming from a potential customer.
"Do you barter in the real world too," Gauis asked, sounding off hand. He was much better at this than I was.
"Of course," he remarked. "Many of us do. There's a real market here. So many folks trying desperately to get back something of what they lost." He got a sad look on his face.
Gauis started looking through the items the ghost had strapped to the table. "How are your prices," Gauis asked.
"Why, sir, you won't find a better deal," the ghost declared, faux offense in his voice.
Gauis rested his hand on the table, tapping his index finger by one of the objects. "So I won't find this anywhere else for as cheap as it is here?"
"Cheap is a negative word," the ghost said, looking uncomfortable. "But you won't find a better deal."
"I'll take a cubic foot of admiration, please. He'll take a cubic foot of happiness."
"Hap-happiness," the man spoke, hesitantly. "I don't get many requests for happiness."
"Is that a problem," Gauis asked. He rectified himself, crossing his arms.
"Well-well, yes, it is," the ghost remarked nervously. "I don't carry happiness."
"Okay. How about humor," Gauis asked.
"I don't have a lot of positive feelings," the ghost remarked, fidgeting.
"But you have admiration, right," Gauis asked.
"Well, yes," the ghost remarked. His nerves were shot. I could taste the agitation he felt. He wasn't upset that we were asking for it; he was upset that he didn't have it. I guess he's afraid he'll lose the sale.
"Okay. You like fear, right, Danny," Gauis asked.
"Sure," I remarked, distracted. "That'd be fine."
"Was the concentration right for you, son," the ghost asked me.
"Do you have anything stronger," I asked. It tasted weak.
"My kind of guy," he said, getting a wide smile. "Come over here, son." He walked a few feet behind his stand and I came around to join him. He stood before a wall with small holes in them. "Just put your nose near the holes and tell me which one you want. Start right here. The rest are weaker than the one you sampled."
I stood in front of the hole-series he pointed to and put my nose in front of the area. The ghost squeezed a hand pump and the smell fear invaded my nostrils. I rubbed my nose. "I can do stronger."
"Move up one then, son, unless it's really weak. The last one is the strongest I have." The fear I was tasting still had a watery taste to it so I moved to the last one. "That's a bit strong for a youngin such as yourself. Maybe you should move back a few."
"I can handle it," I said, snorting. I bent down, waiting for him to spray it. I looked out of the corner of my eye to see him shrug and squeeze the pump. My head swam from the level of fear that came at me. I sat up, shaking my head. It was incredible. Like nothing I've ever tasted before.
"Uh, Danny," Gauis remarked, nervously. "Don't even think about it. You can't handle that stuff."
And that's exactly why I want it. "I'll take it."
"Really," the ghost smirked.
"Listen to me, Danny," Gauis spoke softly. "It's too strong. It will overcharge your senses."
"It's not hurting anyone," I shot back.
"Why do you care if anyone gets hurt," the ghost asked.
"Uh, he's new to being a ghost. It's still hard for him to see them as below us," Gauis spoke, selling it.
"All right," the ghost nodded, buying it. "I know it's hard. You'll get over it." He went back to his stand and I stood beside of Gauis. The ghost retrieved two boxes from below the stand. "How are you paying?"
"Energy," Gauis remarked.
"That'll be twenty points," the merchant remarked.
"Twenty points," Gauis declared. "Jeez, I can get the same thing for two points each back home."
"They don't have this back home. Twenty points or get lost."
"Fine," he snorted. "Into you or do you have a vessel."
The ghost started laughing. "Into me! Yeah right. You either think I don't get much business or that I am really weak."
"I know you aren't weak," Gauis retorted. "Why do you think I mentioned the vessel? It's illegal to collect more energy than you can carry."
"What the King don't know can't hurt us," the ghost remarked. He laughed as Gauis crossed his arms. The ghost turned around, retrieving a vase like object. "Are you paying?"
"Yes," Gauis remarked. "I'll show him how to do it."
"Do you know how to transfer energy into an object," the ghost asked.
"Of course," Gauis remarked. "I've been around." Gauis put his hands on the vessel and I felt Gauis' energy swelling. The vessel glowed green for a few minutes until the glow dimmed to a white essence. "There," Gauis said, his glow now dim. "Twenty points."
"Thank you very much, my good sir. Enjoy," the ghost replied. He returned the vessel to its shelf and handed Gauis the two boxes. Gauis resumed our walking.
Once we were alone, I turned to Gauis. "What? What did you sense?"
"He's got a very powerful vessel. He has to be putting them things up somewhere. I can't imagine him creating an army of vases."
"What does that mean," I asked.
"When a vessel gets to a certain power level, it turns into an eleven. Like the Reality Gauntlet. Pariah's items. I say he collects the energy until a certain point and then he gets a new vessel."
"What can he do with the energy," I asked.
"Anything," Gauis remarked, looking up at me briefly. "It's outlawed in the Ghost Zone to hold vessels with energy. They're unfair. It's like weapons. It was the only law Pariah made that we agreed with. Of course, the reason he outlawed it was because these objects could be used against him. They were more powerful than any ghost… until Pariah and the halfas."
"So they use this energy to make themselves more powerful," I asked.
"Yeah," Gauis remarked. "It's like this one group. They wear these bracelets filled with energy. They don't have enough energy to become elevens but they have so much that there's no way to defeat them. They have an unlimited source of power. They are very dangerous."
"So that ghost," I asked, looking over my shoulder, "he has unlimited power!"
"That's not the only problem," Gauis remarked. He stopped in this alley, away from nosy bodies. "This entire place is partaking in illegal activity. I asked him if he had the best price on something and he balked on me. I was hoping he'd say he was the only place that had it. He suggested that I could find it cheaper somewhere else."
"What was it," I asked.
"It doesn't really matter. The point is that these ghosts have opened a trade line between the Ghost Zone and the real world and they are collecting energy in vessels. These vessels must be destroyed at all costs."
"I don't get these vessels," I said, crossing my arms. "What purpose do they serve?"
"You know how powerful the Reality Gauntlet is, right," Gauis asked. I nodded. "Imagine something almost as powerful available at your disposal. They are making themselves even stronger."
"How do you draw energy from them, though," I asked. "What threat do they pose? What good would breaking the vase do?"
"Okay," Gauis sighed, as if he were dealing with a small child. I guess in his case, he is. "The vase holds the energy. I transferred my energy into the vase. It's not like water in a vase. If the vase breaks, the energy is destroyed. The vase holds the energy but as long as it is being held together, energy can be added and siphoned from the vase. That's what the bracelets do. The ghost would draw the energy from the bracelet, which they would wear twenty-four seven, and it adds to their energy. The threat is that when someone is fighting that ghost, they have the energy of two ghosts to call from. It's not like an eleven which just has a little bit more power. That vessel adds to their powers. It's like two ghosts in one."
"Like a superior," I nodded, understanding. "And if he has more than one, he could be even stronger."
"Yes," Gauis remarked. "He poses a real threat to the Ghost Zone. All of these ghosts here do."
I looked back to the town. "Then let's get out there and do something about it."
Gauis gave me a smile. "Let's do it."
We walked out of the alley, continuing down the city street. Several venders were set up, offering their goods. I looked at them with more unease now that I knew what they meant. These ghosts were trading in the real world (and that's the best way to look at it!). We stayed away from the merchants this time, just walking through the town. I needed to find out where we needed to go to make a scene. If outsiders are welcome in this part of town, I needed to find the part of town we wouldn't be welcome at. We won't be doing any good until we find the off-limits part of town.
I looked at the broad scope of the ghosts in the area, categorizing them. I picked out the locals. "Come on," I whispered, picking up speed. Gauis and I entered a small area where a small band of ghosts were sitting in a circle, chatting. "Excuse me," I spoke up, entering their space. The look I got was exactly what I was looking for. They weren't happy an outsider was butting in. "I was wondering if any of you knew a place that was renting."
"This is an exclusive membership area, kid. Get lost," a rough looking old ghost spat. He sneered, narrowing his eyes at me.
"I came here for a reason and if you won't help me, then I'll take what I need," I said, crossing my arms. The ghosts lost all expressions, looking at each other. They started laughing.
"Get lost before you wet your diaper," another ghost snickered. He was younger than his partner; black hair and dark skin. He too wasn't from around here; none of them were. They had either too dark of a complexion or too fair. None looked Native American or Hispanic.
I grabbed the dark skinned ghost, hoisting him in the air and forcing him to the wall. "I have a sister who is distraught because her mate was murdered. No one is going to prevent me from revenging them. So either talk or be my first victim!"
"Hey," his companions declared. The remaining four came to their feet but Gauis stepped in front of them, blocking their attempt to help their friend.
"My cousin asked politely. Now you have to deal with the consequences."
"Who the hell do you think you are," the first ghost declared. He looked Middle Eastern.
"I'm Gauis," he introduced himself. I put the dark skinned ghost back on the ground. He dusted himself off.
"And I'm Danny," I announced. "I'm looking for the son of a bitch that killed my sister's fiancé. I thought the first place I could look was where Diego liked to hang out."
"Your brother-in-law associated with our group," one of the ghosts remarked. He was white; possibly American.
"Yeah," I said, dusting my hands off. "He had a set up in Venezuela but some bastard got a hold of him. Someone obliterated him and now my sister wants his murder avenged. That's my job."
"Just because he dealt with the network doesn't mean he was one of us," the American remarked. "We have a lot of outsiders come in for a day or two."
"No, he dealed here. He had a set up in the real world."
"Oh," the American said, crossing his arms. "There's a lot of us who deal in the real world. We go in groups. I can hook you up with someone who can partner you up with someone with more information."
"I'd appreciate it," I said, nodding. I held my hand out to the dark skinned ghost. "I'm sorry, buddy. My sister means a lot to me. I've been stressed lately."
The ghost shook my hand. "No problem. You're stronger than I gave you credit for."
"Come on," said the American. "I'll introduce you to someone who can help." He led us down an alley, forcing Gauis and I to be on our toes. It was just the American and us so I didn't really expect him to pull anything. I've been wrong before, though, so I didn't let my guard down.
We stopped at a door and a tiny slot opened, just like in the movies. I rolled my eyes. The ghosts exchanged a code word and we were let in. What are they, eight?
We were led back to a small room. Inside was a middle-aged male ghost. He looked to be from a European nation. "What can I do you for," he asked and I heard an English accent. How cliché? The English madman.
"These two gentlemen need to do some investigating and I told them you might be able to help. They're in your territory."
"Oh, well welcome, gentlemen. I've got this, Matthew. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Preston. Have a good night."
"Happy hunting to you as well," he smiled. The American left the room. "Well, gentlemen, what can I do for you?"
"My sister's mate had a set up in Venezuela. He and his entire organization turned up missing. I want to find out who was responsible."
"Where was your brother-in-law stationed," he asked, his glow dimming. He knows about our work.
"In the Andes Mountains. He was working in a small village," I replied.
"Well, you and I both want to know what happened," Preston sighed.
"I'm Danny," I said, holding my hand out.
"And I'm Gauis."
Preston shook both of our hands then released another sigh. "I've had some members disappearing. It's happening across the board. There is no rhyme or reason to the disappearances but it happens in very large numbers. Our members are running scared. Some won't go back to the real world for fear of obliteration. I can set you up with a nest but I can't guarantee you will find out anything. I can't even guarantee that you will return to the Ghost Zone. It'll be at your own peril."
"I have to find the bastard that killed Diego," I said, feigning anger. I clenched my fists together, trying to find inspiration. I imagined if something had happened to Jazz, Brit or Tucker's mates. I wondered if I should imagine something happening to Valerie or would it be too much; Valerie isn't just Tucker's girlfriend anymore.
"Okay," Preston shrugged. He wasn't the least bit concerned for our safety. I hoped it was only because we were new but knowing bad guys like I do, it's probably because he's too self-absorbed.
Preston pushed a button and a female showed up behind us. "Follow me, gentlemen." We were led out of Preston's office and down the hall. "Marco is out today but he will be in tomorrow. I will tell him you will see him tomorrow and he will set you up with a nest. Until then, see Hua. She will help you find a place to stay tonight."
I just felt lost. Gauis, though, was on top of things. "Where can we find her?"
"Go down this street, hang a left. There's a small complex. Go inside and say 'water fowl'. They will let you see her if you say the code word."
Does everyone use clubhouse passwords around here?
She showed us where to come tomorrow then Gauis and I left the building. We arrived at the small hut (complex! Yeah, right!) and were let in with the password. There was a Chinese woman who gave us a place to sleep. There were no hotels or apartments. Everyone who lived in the network had a home.
"Well," Gauis sighed, plopping down on the couch. He let out a deep sigh of content. "I haven't slept on a ghost bed in so long!"
"Sorry," I laughed as I sat down. It was comfortable to my ghost body. Too bad I couldn't sleep in this form. It'll probably be horrible to my human body.
"No. I like working for you. It's just, to a ghost, a human bed gets old. But, we'll meet this Marco tomorrow and hopefully get assigned to a nest. Maybe we can get some answers starting tomorrow. Serguis and Marcellus will be joining us day after tomorrow so that's going to pose a small problem. I didn't want us joining too soon."
"What choice do we have," I asked, reclining my head back on the couch. I let out a deep sigh. I heard the exhale of air but I didn't feel the relief or anything the same move would do in my human form. So ghosts can inhale and exhale. I guess it's like a balloon, though. I chuckled, imagining me blown up like a cartoon character.
"Is something the matter, Danny," Gauis asked.
"No," I laughed. "Just thinking. That's all." I snickered, closing my eyes.
Gauis stood up, about to head to the shower when the front door opened. We both powered up our hands, ready to attack the intruders when these three men started laughing.
"Chill, dudes," a tall, blonde haired male ghost laughed. "It's just your room mates." We let our power extinguish. The ghost threw his hand out. "I'm Chad." I shook his hand in shock as his last buddy shut the door. "Those are Greg and Trey. How are you doing?"
"I-I thought that we got homes to ourselves," I said, shaken. How would I power down?
"No," he laughed. "We room until we find a permanent home. I have an eight day wait to see if I'm trustworthy. These guys have longer wait periods."
"Are you guys together," Gauis asked.
"No," the second one remarked. He was brown headed, average height and kind of stout. "We met after we enlisted to join. I'm Greg."
"I'm Trey," the third one, last in the group said, nodding. I nodded back, acknowledging the mildly build, average height dark skinned ghost. They looked like total opposites. It didn't surprise me that they were introduced recently.
"So chill out and relax. You'll be here a while."
And I may not live for very long.
AN: Here's the latest chapter! Any reviews would be appreciated! Thanks for reading!