Warning: This chapter has a bit more profanity than normal. Please excuse the potty mouthed chapter. It's brief, I promise. Adult content, violence and death are included in this chapter. Please be advised.
Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom.
Chapter Seven: Nature or Nurture
I didn't get a lot of sleep that night. It was uncomfortable trying to sleep in my ghost form. We each got our own bedrooms but it was too dangerous for me to power down. The other ghosts would notice my signature disappearing. A human's signature is very different from a ghost's signature. They could miss my presence entirely and think I was obliterated.
We met with Marco that morning but he told us what we already knew; we would be placed on a waiting list. He told us, though, that we would be expected to contribute to the group. Gauis and I both had jobs to perform. Neither job was challenging and neither job was flattering. I had to work for this snobby ghost who ran a travel agency (a travel agency!). The customers would tell me what experiences they wanted and what kind of activities they liked and disliked. I took notes and gave it to the ghost (George).
We'd never uncover anything like this.
When I made it home, our roommates had already returned home. They were rude and unkempt. Not that I was a neat freak or anything but these guys were terrible. Greg had his feet propped up on the coffee table while Chad was eating popcorn and watching a movie. I didn't see Trey anywhere but I could pretty much bet that wherever he was, he wasn't keeping the house spotless. At least they cleaned up before they went to bed. They did last night too.
I dismissed myself to my bedroom, retrieving my strong fear box. I hadn't had any yet but I was anticipating getting some tonight. I sat down on my bed, bringing the box with me. I was both anxious and nervous about what I was going to do. That small whiff I got at the merchant stand was enough to make me feel drunk. I know this stuff is addictive but Grandma said it was what ghosts ate. She feeds my boys this same product; this is just stronger. It's not human manufactured so it shouldn't cause any problems.
I inhaled, preparing my senses. The box was small, only these little perforated lines decorated the box. I grabbed the tip and opened the box. Surprisingly, the top didn't come off; only a small section of the box was opened. However, it didn't take long for the smell to hit me. I inhaled, closing my eyes and feeling the swell it gave me.
I fell back on my bed, the box forgotten on my abdomen. I only held the tiny strip of the box and inhaled the perfect fragrance. It was potent, intoxicating, numbing and perfect. The smell seemed to seep into my pores and seep into my brain. I had a phantom sensation of goose bumps on my arms and my nerves seemed to be coming alive. I felt pain as a human would feel nothing; this substance gave me incredible sensations. I kept my eyes closed, seeing colors swirl behind my eyelids. I was actually getting high.
(04)
"Danny," Gauis' voice tried to rise me out of my sleep. "Danny, wake up!"
I jerked up, my head splitting. "I'm up," I mumbled. I was up, but I didn't want to be. I felt like there was a marching band in my head, banging extra loudly on the drums. I peeked out behind my eyelids and was immediately assaulted by a blinding light. I hissed, shielding my hand with my glove. "What time is it?"
"Nine o'clock," Gauis remarked. "Sire, you should never go to sleep while feeding. That was very reckless of you."
"I-I didn't know that I did," I mumbled. The last moments were fuzzy. Hell, the last hour was fuzzy.
"You should always open the container away from yourself and feed from a distance." Gauis held the box up with one hand, eyeing it. "You are very lucky they packaged this the way they did."
"What do you mean," I asked, attempting to lower my hand. The light seemed to mock me with laughter.
Gauis traced his finger along the perforated section of the box. "These things hold the feedings. In each one is a separate feeding. You only got a small dose of it last night."
"You mean it's not empty," I said, delighted. However, my small window of happiness was crushed by a five hundred pound boulder. I hissed as the drums in my head got louder.
"No sire. Good thing, too. You would have been knocked unconscious by the potency of this for hours, if not days."
"When will these drums stop beating," I asked, cradling my head with my hand currently not shielding my eyes.
"For some time, Danny. You are not immune from these drugs."
"The buzz is great when I'm getting it. The crash is a bitch, though," I grumbled. "Okay, I'm up. I'm going to shower and I'll be ready to go in five."
"Very well," Gauis nodded. He put my box of tricks up on my closet shelf.
I made it to my job on time but I didn't really see the point. This work got me no closer to my real goal. I'd never be trusted enough to earn my way in. Every plan I try ends up failing miserably. I talked with a few patrons, finding out what they were hoping to gain from an experience from the real world. Nothing got me any closer to joining a nest, though. We needed to be out of the network before Serguis and Marcellus came to town. I didn't want us to be in the same general area.
The beat in my head didn't go away all day. I was moody and for some reason, I was starving. I spent a lot of money in the stands, buying junk food to snack on. I was free to leave my job after lunch. I wanted to go out to eat so I went in search for Gauis.
We went back to the real world to dig up some chow but Gauis was chewing me out. Apparently, he told me to get something to eat this morning. I either didn't hear him or ignored him; whichever one, I sure regretted it. I hadn't eaten so much in more than two years. The last time I ate like this, I was pregnant with Lilly and powerless.
"Are you satisfied, sire," Gauis asked me, annoyed.
"No," I smirked, grabbing another fortune cookie. "Now I'm satisfied."
"We should really get some work done, Danny," Gauis said, crossing his arms. I have to say I liked this attitude. He knows I'm acting out of line and he's not letting me get away with it.
"Yeah. You're right, let's go," I said quickly. I broke open my fortune cookie, walking towards the exit. Gauis and I disappeared in an alley, flying back to the network location. We needed to dig deeper, I knew, but I was starving.
(04)
Gauis and I ducked behind some trashcans, trying to hide from the ghost's sights. We had found a group of ghosts that were having a private conversation. If we wanted to live, the only choice we had was to sneak around and make our discoveries in secret.
"I heard a group in Brazil disappeared," one of the ghosts remarked candidly. "They weren't that strong, though."
"Yeah? Well some of the covens have been strong. Just because he picks off a small group, don't think we can't be next."
"Relax," the first ghost remarked. These guys were from all over the planet… and the times. While a few had modern clothing on (or at least clothing from the last century and a half), some were wearing pelt hides, telling me they were from a long time ago. "Maybe he's moving on. If he's taking out a coven in Brazil, maybe he's heading south. This is the longest he's stayed in one spot."
"This is the first time he's noticed a pattern," the other ghost snorted. He had long tussled hair, brown in color, and he had a dark complexion. He could have been a native. "Some of us warned you not to leave so many damn clues. I wish I had spoken out more."
"We'll nail the bastard and we'll forget all about him," a third ghost piped up. He was Hispanic looking with medium length black hair and dark eyes.
The only female in the group snorted. She had dark blonde curls going down her back, dressed in more modern clothing. "If anyone goes back to the real world, they are taking their own lives in their own hands. For me, I'm staying right here. After the bastard got Rico, I made my mind up. There's no way I'm messing with something that powerful."
"He's a coward that lurks in the shadows and uses surprise attacks to win. I'd bet he isn't even really that powerful." The fourth male in the group was American looking. He was dressed in period clothing, maybe Civil War era.
"If you think a ghost that takes down dozens of covens without ever leaving a trace is a weakling, you are truly a fool, Trent."
"Yeah," the second ghost, the possible native, snorted. "No wonder his side lost the war."
"Hey! Damn Yankees played dirty. Just like this coward!"
"Maybe he's not a coward," the girl smirked, standing up from her seat. She bent forward, placing a friendly kiss on his lips. "Maybe he's smarter than any of us gave him credit for."
"What are you going to do, Antonia, if he comes looking for you," the first ghost asked. He too was different from the rest. He had rich gray hair and he looked Asian.
"Why, Che, I'm going to do what I do best," the girl said, rectifying herself. She blew the Asian ghost a kiss. "I have God given talents and I don't waste them."
The group of four men watched the girl walk away. As she disappeared, the men started laughing. "Yeah. Like screwing will save your pathetic life. The slut would deserve it." The Mexican reclined, tilting his head back.
"I'd bet she would be the first to go," the American laughed. "I'd give her to him."
"Not me," the native laughed. "No one deserves that kind of punishment."
"She will never face him," the Asian spoke gently. "She's too damn cowardly. I for one am not giving up my territory."
"Here here," the American declared.
"This one is very dangerous," the Mexican announced. "He's taken down too many covens and yet, no one knows who he is. I will not abandon my territory but I will not take this threat lightly. We do not even know what he looks like."
I leaned in, wanting to learn more about what they thought about us. I was about to put my body weight forward when I was jerked back. Gauis turned around as I hit the wall. "Why are you snooping around," a muscular ghost with a tan complexion and light brown hair demanded.
"Get your hands off him," Gauis demanded as I turned the brute's move around, slamming him into the wall.
"Don't mess with ghosts unless you know you can take them," I hissed, squeezing him between my forearm and the wall of the building.
The four men joined the squabble, trying to get Gauis and me off the brute. Before they could get to me, though, Gauis had them pushed away. He was back to being my guard. The four ganged up on Gauis, but he was throwing them off. I wrapped the brute in ectoplasm and sent out four blasts to adhere the others.
"Calm down," I said in a firm voice. "We're new to town and we were just checking things out. We didn't mean to intrude."
"It's rude to eavesdrop or did your parents not teach you, child," the Asian spat.
"Well, sorry, we'll go now," I said, crossing my arms. "Your story just caught our attention, that's all. I've heard some similar stories."
"You know about the Phantom," the Mexican ghost asked. Oh, wow, either that's a real big coincidence or one of the ghosts overheard my name and the word of mouth has distorted it.
"Is that his name," Gauis was way ahead of me.
"We're not sure," the Confederate soldier said, fighting in my ectoplasm.
"I'll release those bonds if you promise not to attack us," I added firmly.
"If you have questions, just join in," the native replied. "No one cares who you are or where you're from. We just can't stand weasels."
"Sorry," I said, releasing the ectoplasm. "Like I said, we're new to the area."
"Anyway," the Mexican stated. "My brother was a part of this gang in Mexico. The ghost got most of them but he missed a few. He says they called him Phantom but he couldn't be sure if it was how he introduced himself or if it was just a name the others had made for him. He came in, he done his business and he left. He stays in the shadows."
"Wow," I said, nodding my head. "I'm from an area where there was a ghost that sounds just like him. I can't imagine him coming down here, though. He loves that stupid town too much."
"No, it can't be him," Gauis remarked. "He's strong but he doesn't have half the skill needed to do this kind of damage. That ghost is young; he's not even half a decade old yet."
"Certainly not," the Asian laughed. "That's like saying this young fella could do that kind of damage."
"I trapped you, didn't I," I snorted. I hoped I was doing a well enough job.
"Pipe down, youngster," Gauis laughed. "Give them a beam that shoots out of their hand and they think they own the world."
"Isn't that the truth," the Asian ghost laughed. "Che, Ming Dynasty. Sixteenth century."
Gauis bowed back. "Gauis, Frankish Empire. Eighth Century."
"Impressive," Che nodded, a smile on his face.
"And what of you," the brute asked. "What's your story?" He pointed to me.
"Danny, American citizen. Twenty-first century." I tried to sound proud but it even sounded pathetic in my ears. The other laughed at me.
"I'm Trent. I fought and died in the American Civil war, circa 1860."
"Horatico," the Mexican introduced himself. "The Mexican Revolution. 1911."
"I am Tohil. Seventeenth century."
Still not sure if he's native or not. Sheesh!
"And you," I asked the brute. "Does muscles have a name or do you just yell 'hey mutt'!"
"Watch it, punk," the brute growled like he was a threat to me. I scoffed. "Don't make me hurt you!"
"You'd end up hurting yourself before you put a dent in me," I scoffed back. If Gauis thinks I'm just going to lie down and let these nobodies talk trash about me, he's got another thing coming. Mainly, it's a part of my image I'm making but still, I don't like being the butt of anyone's joke. Especially after I handed these guys their butts in the first place.
"Pipe down, child," Che said, smirking. "Keep a leash on that one, won't you?"
Gauis laughed. "I'll hook him if you hold him down. He's tougher than he looks."
"Not many yearlings can cause that much damage, Gauis. I believe you are delusional."
"He was a fighter in his old life," Gauis remarked. "Now that he has powers, he's a pistol. That's why I work for him and not the other way around."
That got their attention. The brute stuttered. "Y-you work for him and you are-are how old."
"You're older than I am, Gauis. Why would you work for a newborn?"
"Because I'd rather be his righthand man than be in his path," Gauis remarked. "It was nice talking to you all. Hope to see you around."
Gauis fell in behind me and I led the way out. There was no doubt as to who ran this party. It was embarrassing yet satisfying in the same regard. These ghosts now know that I am not a weakling.
"Hopefully the bad-boy image will stick," Gauis whispered as he fell in step with me instead of following. "We want them to believe you can defeat the Phantom, not that you are him."
"Did I give my name to anyone in Mexico," I asked Gauis.
"I remember you introducing yourself but I swore it was only to the female ghost that attacked the compound. I didn't think anyone else was there."
"Me either," I sighed. "I guess they escaped my sense because I was dealing with her. She was good. It took both Serguis and I both to get her down."
"I heard," Gauis nodded. "Let's find someone else to talk to. We might be able to get some more information."
"We may even be able to participate instead of listening in."
"With some," Gauis nodded. "But as you might have noticed, as soon as we stepped in the conversation, it changed. We'll still get more information if we stick to the shadows."
"Yeah," I nodded. We entered a tavern. I wanted an emotion anyway.
Gauis and I got our emotions, regularly priced, and picked a booth to sit down. The area was really bright but not because it had a lot of lights. The area was poorly lit by artificial lighting but the glows from the ghost patrons were flooding the area. It was painful, actually.
There were booths in the middle of the tavern while the front had a bar and the back was roped off. The lights in the back were really bright and this was from artificial lighting. I could still see everything; the only thing separating the back from the rest of the tavern were ropes and a couple muscles.
I began to tear at my perforated strip, as if it was a label on a beer. The boxes were different than the one I got last night. It was shaped more like a bottle than a box but it was paper instead of glass or plastic. The perforated strip began at the top of the bottle and ran all the way to the bottom. I was peeling where the cap would be. The strip came off cleanly, leaving nothing but a plastic shell; flimsy if I ever saw one.
I twirled the strip around my nose, inhaling the sweet fragrance. The scent didn't last long, though. I dropped the used piece of paper into the flimsy plastic holder. I imagine that's why it's there to begin with; the owner would hate to go through this bar looking for strips of paper.
"Did you hear that," Gauis whispered to me. My eyes widened as I realized that I was occupied with the emotion instead of paying attention to the conversations. "Come on, Danny. Don't do this to me."
"I'm sorry," I said, clearing my throat. "What is happening?"
"A female voice is talking about her nest. They're planning on feeding tomorrow so she won't be coming in the bar. We have an opportunity to take out another one."
"Okay. I'll pay more attention," I replied. I stared at the bottle while expanding my ears. Ghosts are just like humans. Even humans can ignore a conversation happening right in front of them if they choose to. I wasn't paying attention.
"…ing Bitch tried to throw a rock at me. It didn't do her much good, though," a man's voice caught my attention first.
"What did you do to her," an eager voice asked.
"Found out what her greatest fear was. She gives me plenty to eat now. This stuff is weak compared to my personal brand."
"You still have her," the eager one asked, his voice admiring.
"Of course," the one bragging replied. "These idiots will kill them within the first ten minutes. It's a lot easier to scoop one up and take her back to the coven. A few of the guys have disappeared because they take too much time chasing the creatures instead of using them for what they're designed to do. The best part is they're constantly scared. The trick is to not make them look forward to death. Treat them nicely most times and they'll have hope to escape. Treat them badly and they'll pray for death and it just takes away the great taste."
I was getting sick. I diverted my attention.
"I haven't seen him in five days," a female voice said frantically. "I think the Phantom got him. I'm worried sick. I told him to leave those filthy humans alone but he couldn't do it."
"Why would you say leave the humans alone," her female companion asked. "You go to the human realm, too."
"I don't cause trouble," she retorted. "No one seems to get that the ones making the most messes are drawing his attention. I feed, too, but I don't do it conspicuously. As long as I stay away from the wrong places, wrong times, I'll be fine. Charles hung a fucking strobe light around his neck. How are you supposed to keep a low profile when the bodies are piling up around your damn feet?"
"Wait a minute," the girl demanded just as I was about to tune out. I forced myself to listen in a few more minutes. "Are you saying the attacks have more to do with-with-with humans than territory? How the fuck does that make sense?"
"Think about it," she defended her perceptive. "There's that place in Australia. He set his coven up in the middle of the desert. They feed on animals. They don't bother humans and they're not tearing up the place. Not one member has been attacked. Then look at the others who have been attacked, if not exterminated. It all has to do with the humans. I'm starting to wonder if it's even really territory, either. Those nomads tear the shit out of their locations, I heard they flattened that one building. Nothing so far. No death toll."
"Why the hell would the Phantom care about humans," her companion asked. "It is perceived that he's after territory and power. How does protecting humans give him territory or power?"
"It's not about territory or power. It's the humans. He cares about them. He wants to be their savior or something. Fucking humanitarian. If you look closely, you'll see what I mean. Every place that has been wiped out was attracting large body counts. It makes no sense but that's what we're dealing with. A God damned hero."
"So what do you do," the friend asked. "How do you feed without getting caught?"
"Mostly, I take willing participators. They don't know they're participating, of course, but I don't kidnap them and I sure as hell don't kill them. I heal any injuries I inflict and set them free. Even if they do call someone, they won't be believed. There's nothing wrong with them."
The girl snickered like she heard the best plan ever. "That is really clever. You know, we should open a mental hospital. All the loons will provide us meals and pay us money to boot." She tee-heed.
"I'm not interested in money. I just want some fear now and again. I hate this bottled crap."
"The human fear is so much better, right."
"And the place in the back is too expensive. I don't have that kind of energy. Shit. That man is making a killing."
"I know, right," her friend said, her voice focused. "My son paid. He was laid up in bed for two days. He told me, 'but Mom, I would have been laid up for weeks without that power'. He swears by it and goes twice a week. Of course, the fucker sleeps on my couch while he recuperates. He can't go to his lazy fuck of a father's place. I hear he has whores running in and out of that haunt."
These can't be old fashioned ghosts or even ghosts from other nations. These bitches are modern Americans.
"You're lucky," the first woman groaned. "I got rid of my lazy ass husband only to find out after we both died that he was my mate. I wished that fuck would get obliterated." I thought her boyfriend was George?
"I heard it's world-shattering," her friend commented. "My next door neighbor's mate was obliterated. She never comes out of her haunt. The last time I was over there, she looked completely decimated. I swear I think she's dying of a broken heart."
"Well, I've heard you're tied and bound to your mate. I can't stand that lazy asshole."
"It's not what the fairytales make it out to be," the second woman commented. "I've been searching for my mate and I've gone on a few dates. I'm just not interested. I was just so heartbroken, though, after Craig turned out not to be my mate. I thought we were really soul mates."
"Craig was your second husband, right," the first woman remarked.
"Third," she remarked. "Franklin is still alive."
Her friend started snickering. "Ooh, what happens if he turns out to be your mate?"
"I'll obliterate myself," her friend groaned. The girls started laughing. "Lying, cheating bastard. He got his secretary knocked up and tried to hide it! I swear to God I'll kill myself if that lying sack of shit is my mate. He sent his mistress away and she came back to tell me what happened. I hope the shits are happy together."
"That's the only thing I can say is great about magnetism," the first woman remarked. "I have no attraction to anyone else. I mean," she laughed, "I saw Cary Grant the other day. Man, in my other life, I found that man irresistible. My man in boxers lying on the couch drinking a beer could turn me on more than he did. At least I'm safe from cheating."
"Was it hard to fall back in love with Mack," the second woman asked.
"No," she answered. "As soon as the bastard died and I saw him again, I was his. I love him. I was just so surprised that it was him. I don't know what changed between when we were living and now. Why was he not good enough alive but he's perfect now that he's dead."
"How many boys did we pass up when we were alive because they didn't wear the right clothes, didn't hang out with the right crowds, didn't have enough money or just weren't cute enough," the second woman asked with a sigh. "Humans are cruel creatures. We judged others and we oppressed them. I would have never hung around a homosexual when I was alive. I would have condemned them and doomed them to hell. One of my best friends was a homosexual. She didn't know it when she was alive. She thought she just didn't meet the right guy. I love those two now. I love their children, too."
Oh, my God! A female-female pregnancy. I know those are more common but I had never heard of one.
"I guess you're right," the first woman sighed. "How many people did I say were going to hell because they slept around, didn't go to church or whatever the hell they chose to do. Things aren't as black and white as I thought they were. I still wonder what it was all for. Why did I abstain from alcohol, wait until married to have sex, always acted the lady if this is where we're all destined to be anyway? The sinner and the saint have both come here. The only difference was the sinner had more fun."
I tuned out. Their conversation wasn't really giving me anything else I needed. It did make me wonder, though. If once you fall in magnetism, you don't have any interest in anyone else, why do so many ghosts have sex with others? I have so many questions about magnetism and apparently, I'm not alone. I know that while I was with Vlad, I was attracted to women still. Even though I'm with Sam, I can still look around. I just don't want to hurt her. So what gives?
"I just can't stand this stuff anymore," a guy's voice groaned. "It tastes horrible."
"Don't do it, man. You're becoming addicted. Back off the human emotion a little bit. You're going to get yourself obliterated."
"I can handle it. I'll just go out on my own tonight and get a couple hits," the addict said. His voice was the example of addiction. It shook and he spoke quickly.
"Paul, think about it," his friend pleaded him. "You've never done this before. You're getting hooked."
"I need it, Jacob," Paul screamed. The entire bar looked in their direction, allowing me to look. One ghost was standing up, his hands on the table, leaning forward. "Fuck you!"
"Paul," his friend declared, standing up. Paul stormed out of the bar.
"What's going on," an older woman asked.
"I don't know what to do with him, Mother," the boy remarked. He was just a young boy. My age. While most ghosts are young, few are that young. He must have died young and stopped aging at eighteen.
"Go find your younger brother," the woman addressed. I looked away as that's what most of the patrons were doing now. "Don't let him get obliterated, Jacob."
I peeled another strip of my emotion bottle, twirling the strip around my nose. I know the other boy was named Paul but I imagined my boys. I haven't seen them in a while. Jacob was older than Eddie, too, and he would never appear older than eighteen either. Our little boy William would be eternally frozen at eighteen. Three of our children would never see adulthood. They'd be frozen as teenagers. Maybe the three boys could be friends growing up. Maybe they could have friendships like Jacky, Jamie and Joey will have.
God I'm homesick. I'm tired of being out here, chasing tails and watching people die. I hate looking around these places, knowing that after I clean up the ghosts, their hell will not end. How many countries did I visit last month that I had to be careful not to break a law by doing something perfectly legal in the states? Some places I couldn't publish my website. Some areas, I had to be careful not to be identified as the one with the strange occurrence website.
I'm sick of being in places where people aren't free. The Division may have a lot of power, but we do it for the better of the people. It's always for the people. The countries in the Middle East, China and Russia among others do it because it gives them more power. They don't care about the everyday people. I'd like to throw those people in a dark hole and lose the key. People matter. Humans matter.
(04)
We stuck around for about forty more minutes but then went back to the house. The next morning, I woke up covered in sweat and breathing. I thought I had powered down in my sleep but I was still in ghost form. I was taking deep breaths as I opened my top drawer. The timer I had hidden was at sixty-six hours. I needed to power down.
I hid my timer back in my drawer to reset later and stuck my head out of my door. I couldn't possibly go near the others like this. Just my breathing would be a dead giveaway. I snuck down the hall, entering Gauis' room without knocking.
"We-we've got to-to go," I said, breathing hard. I closed my eyes, trying to take deeper breaths. It wasn't satisfying breaths, though. It felt like I had just come up for air but it was like that for every breath. The air was going in the balloon and then the balloon was deflating. That didn't mean I was getting the air I needed.
"Sire," Gauis cried, worried. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm telling you now," I said, keeping my eyes closed. "Let's go. I need-need to power down."
Gauis threw some items into a bag and we left his room. "Guys," a voice called from behind us.
"Not now," Gauis retorted as he pushed me out the door. As we began to run, my core began to get hot. Pain filled my senses as I was overloading myself. I was breathing hard, exclaiming in pain. I needed to power down now!
We made it out of the Ghost Zone but I felt like a building had collapsed on me. I hit my knees outside the portal, the snow feeling wet on my knees. I powered down, taking in a sharp breath. I clenched my chest, the pain unbelievable. I was shaking from the cold now, breathing in deep breaths.
My head felt like it weighed a ton and I could see the veins in my arms. I hung my head in the snow but jumped when my bald head touched the white, wet, cold stuff. I forgot I was bald. I have hair in my ghost form.
"Are you okay," Gauis asked me, his hand resting on my shoulder.
"Yeah," I gulped. "Let-let's go to the others." I inhaled deeply, slowly letting it out. My chest felt tight and my head swam. "Can-can you carry me," I asked reluctantly. I hated asking for help but I was in no shape to use my powers. I haven't done this since the Disasteroid, and that was the only other time I've ever pushed my body to the extremes, but I knew how to deal with it. After Tucker, Sam and Jazz found out I was hurting myself, it took three days—no more, no less—to recuperate. Of course, I couldn't get those three days until after the planet was saved.
"Of course, Danny," Gauis replied, pulling my left arm over his shoulder. "Don't feel bad. We've all been in bad shape before."
"I-I'm in no position to be prideful," I commented. I squeezed my eyes shut as pain filled my chest. I need to talk less and breathe more.
"I've got you," Gauis said as he started out of the mountains. Once we got to sea level, breathing became easier. It was still painful but it was easier.
We made it to Valentinus' tent and Gauis put me on the couch as my team gathered around me. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply. I was trying to keep my breaths even and slow. I didn't want to suck in too much air nor did I want to do it too fast. To get myself to do it at a pace, though, was nearly impossible. I had an urge to take short, shallow breaths but I resisted that urge.
"What happened," Serguis asked, worried.
"Sire failed to mention he had a medical condition. He needed to power down."
"He can't stay in ghost form all the time," Marcellus asked.
"I don't know all the details," Gauis said softly. "He's still recuperating."
"Come," Valentinus spoke. "Let Master Phantom rest. We can talk."
I peeked an eye open, glaring at Valentinus. "Cut it out." I took another deep, slow breath.
"Yes, sire," Valentinus nodded. "Now, rest."
No one had to tell me twice.
(04)
I didn't sleep that well but I did feel better when I woke up. I finally took a shower and I dressed warmly. My powers were recuperating but I still felt weird. I was cold, hungry and nauseas. That was weird, to tell you the truth. I had a hood over my head, tightened up to keep the cold out. These guys were ghosts, after all. They didn't need heat.
I poured myself a mug of coffee and made myself some scrambled eggs and bacon. My team sat down around me as I began sipping my coffee.
"It's a halfa thing," I explained softly. I told them about my vitals and the three-day rule. "I should have told Gauis about it but I didn't. Sorry."
"We can't allow you to do that again, sire," Marcellus stated. "It's too dangerous."
"As long as I power down every three days, I can keep this up," I said, picking up a piece of bacon. I took a bite. "It's no big deal."
"So you're going to stay in your ghost form for three days and then disappear for another three until you recuperate," Serguis asked. I stopped chewing. He's got me there. "No offense, sire, but get real."
"What else am I supposed to do," I said, shrugging. "I can't possibly allow you guys to do everything. This is my responsibility. You don't have to do any of this."
"Danny, as long as you are half human, this is our realm too," Gauis spoke. "So long as these monsters are attacking our subjects, we will defend our people."
I smiled softly. "I appreciate that. I really do. But your kingdom is Pariah's Keep. I don't own the world. I just choose to protect it."
"You are our king, sire," Serguis replied. "We choose to defend what you consider yours."
"That's what I'm trying to say," I said, looking to Serguis. "I don't own the world!"
"No," Valentinus agreed with me, "but you have chosen to protect it. Therefore you have assumed responsibility for it. You do the same thing with the ghosts. You've always felt obligated by the Ghost Zone because you were part ghost. Now that you are the king, you feel it is your duty to protect your people from your people."
"Okay, stop," I said, holding up my hand. I took another bite. "You make me sound like the most powerful man in the universe."
Serguis made himself appear taller in his chair and I already knew what he was going to say. I covered my face, hoping I wouldn't die of embarrassment. "In a way, you are, sir. Never has there been a ruler of both worlds. Until you become a full ghost, you are technically the King of the World."
"Say that again," I mumbled under my breath. "I dare you."
"We know it doesn't please you, sire, but the fact remains," Valentinus spoke. "You don't have to get on a stage and force the world to grovel at your feet but you made this choice."
I pushed my chair back, the wood screeching on the linoleum flooring. "I'm going for a walk," I said harshly. I couldn't believe they were making this argument! I protected people and I ran the Ghost King's castle. That didn't make me the King of either world in my book.
I walked outside and the sun was high in the sky. It was probably three in the afternoon. My powers were starting to rebuild so if I got into any trouble, I could defend myself for a brief period of time. I started down the mountain, heading towards the town. I didn't want to go back to the nest areas. It was too dangerous.
(04)
The next day I felt a lot better. I was able to go into town in my human form and snoop around a little bit. Of course, my team was completely against the idea but I told them to stand down. I was going to do this alone. I knew my human form was enough of a disguise but my party didn't have that option. I did some snooping around and got some information about where the most attacks were occurring. I was about to head back to town when a teenaged boy walked up to me discreetly. I was getting some groceries at the market and he walked up, picked up a piece of native fruit, studying it. "Are you that guy who is asking questions?"
I picked up a piece of fruit myself, trying not to look suspicious. "What do you have?"
The boy put the fruit back in the stand, turning slowly. "Meet me outside of town. There's a guard out there so be careful. Good evening."
He turned and left the market. Once he was out of the area, I turned away from the fruit stand. He sounded calm; not how someone terrified of ghosts should act. I'm not sure if I trust this kid.
But I have to say he had my attention. I could take care of myself so if this is a trap, it's his loss—not mine.
I saw the guard as I exited town just like he warned me but I was able to bypass him—even doing so without my powers. As soon as I was away from the last farm, he appeared on the tiny rural road. Before I had fully approached the boy, he began.
"Papi had an accident three years ago, leaving me in charge of the family. I did a good job and Mother and baby sister are cared for while big sister married a nice man two villages down. Last spring, sister wrote home telling of this awful experience she had. An older gentleman approached sister and asked her to join him. Sister said no and the old man violated sister. Three weeks later, Papi's brother fell ill and passed away. Uncle's family had no males and Aunt was with child. Mother invited Uncle's family to live with us and they have been doing so for the last six months. Five months ago, we awoke to a knock on our door. When I answered the door, Papi stood before me as if he were still living.
"Papi explained that when Uncle died, he told Papi what had happened at home. Sister is expecting the old man's child and the birth will not pass easily. Papi thinks Sister won't make the birth. The man is like Papi and our ancestors. His plan is to kill sister, take her newborn and make her his bride. Papi is determined not to let this happen though he says Sister's death is inevitable. The pregnancy is too advanced for a termination; the baby is too strong."
"Your sister is six months pregnant," I asked, swallowing. I've seen this before. The Guys in White got a human pregnant with a ghost's offspring seven years ago. I haven't seen Adam since we rescued him and turned him over to the Ghost Zone nursery but I know his mother didn't survive. The birth is too hard on a human.
"Yes," the kid said, lowering his head. "The baby is very strong. Sister is the picture of perfection. She is invincible. I do not understand why Papi is so scared."
"Trust me, kid," I said, lowering my head. "The birth will not be pretty. The only thing we can do is take down this ghost and help your sister."
"I want you to come with me," the boy said, taking my hand in his. "Perhaps you and Papi can work out something. You may be our only hope."
"Lead the way," I nodded. The boy smiled up at me. He couldn't have been fifteen years old. He must have been a child still when his father died in that accident. He had charcoal hair with brown eyes—he didn't quite look Hispanic but I knew he was born here. I've seen a lot of different people in this country. It's not as uncommon as I thought it was.
The boy led me back to his place but it wasn't at all what I was picturing. He lived on a farm but the home was not small in any form of the word. From the looks, I'd swear a politician or a rich man lived here. However, I knew this kid couldn't have been either one of them. I hoped they weren't growers. I've had enough business with drug dealers.
The boy led me inside and I noticed the inside was just as beautiful. I looked around the room and saw a pregnant woman lying on a couch. She looked absolutely stunning. Not because of her looks but because she had that perfect look. Her skin appeared air brushed, her hair fell proportionately and she had a glow about her (Paulina glow, not ghostly glow).
"Sister," the boy announced. He still had my hand in his so he began to pull me to the front of the couch so the woman could see us. The woman looked up and I could see why he is reluctant to believe anything bad would happen to her. She looked great. I don't know what kills the human in a hybrid pregnancy but it would be sudden. There was no sign of distress on her anywhere.
"Who is this," his sister asked.
"This is a man who is going to help us. He knows about the ancestors."
"Are you crazy, Hugo! You do not tell complete strangers about our family! Besides! This boy is American. I doubt he can speak Spanish!"
"No! He can. We've been talking in Spanish."
"I promise you, ma'am," I spoke. I knew I would be speaking in Spanish but I can never tell. "I will do everything to help. This is my specialty." I looked to her brother. "Where is your father?"
"I'll take you to him," the boy said, pulling me away from his sister.
"Wait, kid," I said, stopping him from pulling me. "You aren't going to the Ghost Zone. It's too dangerous!"
"No," he said, turning to me. "Papi is here. We don't go to Papi's house. The Spirit Realm is off limits."
"Your father is here," I said, my eyes wide. I allowed him to pull him again, him dragging me to wherever his father is.
"Who is this," a ghost declared, staring me down. "What is your name and why are you in my home?"
"This isn't your home," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Your son asked for my help. I'm Danny. I may be the only chance for your daughter!"
"My daughter is in good hands," the ghost said. "We don't need any outside help."
"Please, Xavier," an older woman said, turning to him. She looked a lot older than she probably was. "We need all the help we can get. If this young man can help Esmeralda, let him."
"Amaya, no one can help Esmeralda. I'm sorry, my heaven, she won't survive this. This is why he raped her. The human cannot survive the depleted energy the birth brings. Once that thing is born, it will take its energy with it. She will not have the energy to live. There's nothing we can do."
"But this ghost will take your daughter and force her to be his wife if you're not careful," I said, looking to the husband.
"It's nothing we can't handle. I have gathered our ancestors and we are prepared to fight."
"I'm betting your family isn't fighters. You may have powers but so do others. You have to be prepared to do this sort of thing. Before you assure yourself that you can handle it, ask yourself if you would be certain if you all were humans."
"Xavier, if you do not accept his help, I will," the wife, Amaya, declared. "I will not lose my baby!"
"What do you plan to do with the baby," I asked.
"We will raise it of course," the mother said, startled. "He is still our grandchild."
"This will not be an average child," I said, sighing. "This child will be extremely powerful. It will adapt to its surrounding quickly and learn to survive in the most dire of situations. Depending on his environment, he will learn how to do things much quicker than other children his age. He will be largely influenced. I'm not sure you can handle the kid."
"We will raise our grandson just fine, young man," Amaya nodded.
"I'll leave you with my number. In any case that he becomes too much trouble, you are to contact me first. No exceptions. This child is not to leave your supervision for anyone else. I'll also help you get the tools you'll need to raise him."
"Who are you and how do you know so much about ghosts," Xavier asked.
"You could say it's a family industry," I said, giving a tight smile.
(04)
We talked to the others, about twenty relatives from as far as four generations ago. Xavier said more in the Ghost Zone had pledged their allegiance to the cause. I called Gauis and Serguis and we three went with the Hispanic ghosts to take care of the ghost. I done it in my human form and while it was difficult, the ghost and his goons went down like all the bad guys do. I had a frank conversation with the ghosts about exposure and protecting the identity of ghosts. After that, we went back to the farmhouse.
When we made it back, though, something wasn't right. I couldn't tell but Xavier looked to his watch and commented about Amaya not in the kitchen. We went upstairs and his daughter, Esmeralda, was in labor.
"Her water just broke," Amaya declared, her eyes wide. "She hasn't screamed or shown any signs of discomfort. She is in painless labor."
But it will kill her. That's hardly a great trade.
"How long," the father asked.
"Twenty minutes," Hugo, the boy who reached out to me, responded. "How did it go with the man?"
"He's taken care of, Hugo," his father said, putting his hand on his son's shoulder. "You did well, my son."
"I feel fine, Papi," the daughter spoke, her voice even. "It doesn't hurt and I'm not even tired. I'm having contractions."
"He's protecting Esmeralda," one of the ancestors spoke. "Once that protection leaves—." He trailed off.
"We'll try," I said, looking to my team members.
"I don't know, Danny," Serguis said, looking down. "A ghost is so diverse. It needs so much energy to survive. A human has no way to nurture that." He looked to Esmeralda. "I'm not trying to discourage you or make you scared. I just don't want to lie to you, child."
"I think you are all wrong," Esmeralda spoke. "I think my child will protect its mother."
Lilly did. "Maybe." I gave a soft smile. "Gauis, what is the threat we are facing here?"
"I'd say severe exhaustion," Gauis spoke. "Her body has been providing for the child as every mother does. However, the child is pure energy. Once she started giving her life energy to the child, he started returning the energy to her. That's why she never appeared sick. Once that energy is removed, though, I'm afraid that there will be no way for Esmeralda to rebuild her strength. Every pregnancy is hard on the mother, but a human pregnant with a ghost's child taxes the mother more."
"So this is about recuperating," I nodded. "If we come together, we may be able to pump enough energy in her to keep her alive after the birth. I need all the ghosts to surround her, putting their hands on her. I need two people around her heart. She needs her blood pumping." I started telling everyone where to go and watched from afar. She had eight ghosts surrounding her, the strongest in the group apart from me. I wouldn't be much help and I think there is enough to make this work.
Within thirty minutes, the head crowned. Esmeralda never screamed. The child came out cleanly, no complications. The ghosts began pumping energy in Esmeralda but I noticed the lack of response from the girl. Amaya cleaned up Esmeralda's son, the child glowing in the dark room. The baby didn't cry but he was alert. As Amaya was trying to get the boy to cry and begin breathing, I watched Esmeralda begin drifting off to sleep.
"Her energy is dropping," Serguis declared. The smell of death filled the room and I knew we were losing her.
"Esmeralda," I cried, rushing to her. Her breathing was slow and she was drifting off to sleep gently. It would be a gentle death but I refused to lose her. I stepped between Gauis and Xavier's cousin, forcing them to have to stretch to keep their hands on Esmeralda's shoulders. "Esmeralda, wake up," I said, shaking her. I gently patted her on her face but it wasn't working. I shook a little harder. "Esmeralda!"
Her breathing stopped and I could sense her blood stop pumping. Xavier and his brother began to pump more energy into her heart as I put my hands on her head. "Sire," Serguis protested.
"I'm not letting her die," I declared, pushing energy into her brain. I felt her energy kick up just a fraction but my head started swimming. I wasn't strong enough to be giving anyone power. I looked up to the group of ghosts not participating. "Join in. I need three of you here, now!" I looked to Hugo. "Give your sister CPR. Don't worry about chest compressions. They're doing that."
Hugo began to push air in his sister's mouth although he was crying hard. I kept putting energy into Esmeralda although it was a much smaller stream now unlike the first push that revived her. Esmeralda was in a vegetative state but she was alive. If we could keep this up for a while, she might have the energy needed to survive.
"Stop," Xavier announced unexpectedly. I looked up in surprise.
"Are you crazy," Amaya declared. "That is the only thing keeping Esmeralda alive!"
"This is the same as a life support system. We do not have the energy to continue this indefinitely. Esmeralda will die, no matter what we do. Say goodbye and let go. She's gone."
"You will not kill my daughter," Amaya screamed, tears running down her face. "That's all you've said. You didn't think she could survive after the birth. You want her to die! You want her to leave me!"
"Ma'am," Serguis spoke softly. "I know how difficult this is. This is what's best for Esmeralda, though. She will be safe in the Ghost Zone. She didn't suffer. Let her go."
Esmeralda's husband went to push Serguis, "Listen here," he declared but he abruptly hit the bed. "That is my wife," he said, shaken. He turned around to face Serguis. "She is a human! Not a ghost!"
The remaining ghosts stepped away but I still pushed energy in her brain. Once no one else was adding energy, my stream just wasn't enough. My energy was consumed by her but it didn't do anything to help. I had tears in my eyes as I smelled the scent of death fade away. She was gone. "I'm sorry," I said heartbroken.
"No," Amaya cried angrily. She began to hit Xavier but he held her in his arms. "Why, Xavier? Why would you allow your daughter to die?"
"I didn't want Esmeralda to die," Xavier said, blinking tears out of his eyes. "She has been dead for the past six months, Amaya. It was only the baby alive."
Hugo and Esmeralda's husband cried over her body as we ghosts just bowed our head in mourning and respect. Xavier's brother's oldest daughter held the baby in her arms, tears running down her face for her cousin. The baby was swaddled in a brilliant blue blanket, sleeping peacefully. I couldn't believe it. Another literal half ghost was born.
(04)
Gauis, Serguis and I left the family to mourn after we prepared them for raising the child. They still chose to raise the boy and I promised them I would send them all the tools at my disposal. They needed a way to 'ground' him and they needed a way to keep him in the places he was allowed. A fence and a baby gate wouldn't stop this grandchild.
Gauis and Serguis were floating beside me as I was walking up the hill to Valentinus' tent. I was sore and a little tired from trying to save Esmeralda but I was okay. A good night's rest would set me right and I could return to the network tomorrow assuming it's safe to do so. The air was suddenly sucked out of my lungs and I clenched my chest. I felt dizzy but I noticed Gauis and Serguis fall as if they tripped.
"Sire," Gauis cried, rushing to my side. He ran, though. He never runs.
"What-what's wrong," I asked.
"We don't have any powers," Serguis replied. They helped me to my feet as breathing became easier. Within a minute, I felt terrific.
"That's strange," I replied, tightening and untightening my fists. Before, I couldn't beat up a twelve year old bully. Now I felt like I could bench press weights.
"What is it," Gauis asked me.
"I feel better," I remarked. I wondered if I could power up? I decided to try it and issued the command to summon the rings. They didn't appear.
"Something is blocking our energy," Serguis spoke. "It's probably blocking yours as well."
"You need to recuperate but if your powers are blocked, you are only recuperating for one. That's probably why you feel great. You don't need to rebuild your ghostly energy."
"But why is our powers blocked," I asked, looking up. I furrowed my brow. "We need to get to the tent. Marcellus and Valentinus could be in trouble."
We finished the trip to the tent in a run but when we broke through the tent flap, I came to a dead stop. "Oh, man," I said, my eyes wide.
"Danny," Mom declared, her eyes growing wide. "Oh, my God! You were with Phantom?!"
My parents sat on the couch, staring at me in shock. They weren't tracking me. They were tracking Phantom and now due to our agreement, I have to come home. This is so not good. "What are you doing here," I asked.
"I had to find Phantom," Mom said, standing up. She crossed the room, coming out of the shock, engulfing me in a huge hug. I actually gasped for breath for real. I had no reserves to back me up. I broke down, though, and returned the hug. I missed her so much. "I wanted to ask him about the ghosts. I had no idea I'd find you here."
"I've missed you, Mom," I said, breaking down. I wept in her arms, so thankful to have her here today of all days.
"What happened," Mom asked me, rubbing the back of my head. I could feel her body heat. I could feel her hands rubbing my head. I could smell her scent. I haven't done this in years.
"A boy approached me today and asked for my help. His sister was raped by a ghost and impregnated. She gave birth today and didn't make it. I tried, Mom. I just can't do this anymore."
"Shh," Mom soothed me and it felt so comforting. I felt my dad come in behind me, wrapping his arms around us both. I wrapped my other hand around Dad's side, holding onto my parents. God, I missed them both so much.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Danny. Some things are out of your control, son."
"It's more than some things," I said, breathing out slowly. "I'm out of my element down here."
"Where are Valentinus and Marcellus," Gauis asked. I looked up to see him looking around the room. I was so surprised to see my parents, I didn't even notice they were missing.
"They got a little rowdy," Dad remarked and I pulled away.
"Where is my team," I demanded. Mom's eyes fell on the coffee table and I looked there for the first time. "You trapped them in the thermos," I demanded.
"It was the best outcome," Mom said, trying to make peace. I grabbed the thermos, twisting the bottom off. There was more than Marcellus and Valentinus in the thermos. "Those other ghosts crossed our paths. I'm sorry to put your team in the thermos with those thugs."
"They're not thugs," Gauis hissed. "They're our first defense!"
"They're with you," Dad asked, surprised.
"Yes," I declared, opening the slots. I released the twelve ghosts from my army out of their prison. My parents subdued my entire defense. I can't believe it.
"You have a lot of nerve, children," Marcellus hissed, starting towards my parents. He was pissed. Gauis grabbed him from the back while I cut him off, putting my hand up to halt his procession.
"Calm down," Gauis ordered.
"They come in here, stripping our powers and then when we were capable of defeating them, they capture us in that tool! They do not fight fair!"
"I'll deal with it, Marcellus," I said, giving him a firm look.
Marcellus' face fell in defeat. "Sire?"
"Let it go," I said, lifting my hand to clasp his shoulder. He hung his head, conceding. "Thanks."
"I thought there were only two ghosts besides Dom and Gage that were in your party," Mom asked, her brow furrowing.
"That's what I had you think," I said, turning around to face my parents. "I didn't want all my secrets exposed." That's funny, because that would be an insignificant snippet of my exposed secrets that were revealed on the day Jacky and Jamie were born. "I have four members that protected the girls as a last defense and I had an army of ten that were stationed around us." I put my hand up to highlight my party. "This is my team. The others were a last defense." I wrinkled my nose. "I don't even know their names."
"Well, it's time to come home," Mom said, giving me a soft smile. "A deal is a deal."
I sighed, disturbed. "I guess. There's nothing I can do anyway. The plan wasn't working out."
"I thought you said you were giving up the tent," Dad said, crossing his arms casually.
"I did. This is Valentinus' tent. We were only here for one more day or you wouldn't have found me."
"Where is Phantom," Mom asked me, looking around the room. "I swore his signature was in this area."
"Sir Phantom has left for the time being. We were destined to leave today."
"Well, can't you call him back," Mom asked.
"Phantom was just traveling around on his own, Mom. He'd stop by time to time. He's like Cujo."
"Shoot," Mom growled. "We'll have to track him down again, Jack."
"Looks like it, Mads," Dad said, snorting. "I could have sworn he was around here somewhere."
"Me too," Mom sighed. She wrapped her arms around my neck, kissing my head. "I'm so happy to have you back."
I let out a huff of air, disappointed. "I've missed you guys so much, but my job isn't done. I don't know what to do, though. My hands are tied."
"We can do this together," Mom said. She placed a kiss on my head again. "That was part of the deal. Maybe we can do this together."
"Maybe," I sighed but I knew we couldn't achieve anything. What good was I in human form against the network? There were a lot of ghosts there and a significant amount of them were eights or higher. I had to do this in my ghost form but there was no way Mom and Dad were going to let me out of their sight.
"For sure," Mom said. Out of her sight? Hell, she wasn't going to let go of me. Yet, I could have pulled away from her at any time. I just didn't want to.
"I've missed you so much, Mom. You'll never believe how homesick I was," I said, turning my head to snuggle into her chest. Here I was, a seventeen-year-old man, father of five, snuggling with my mommy. What can I say? Once a mama's boy, always a mama's boy.
"I've missed you so much, Danny. My baby boy." Mom pressed her face up against my hoodie, burying her nose in the shirt.
"Let's go home," Dad said, putting his hand on my shoulder. I rectified myself but I was still in Mom's arms. It wasn't just her; I didn't want her to let go either.
Mom gently pushed me towards the tent exit and I looked over my shoulder. "Gauis. Can you take care of everything for me? We'll talk later about how to deal with the ghosts."
"Gauis, right," Mom asked, hesitantly. "You'll ride back with us. We'll work out a plan and when we have everyone, we can take care of the problem."
My eyes widened as I looked up at Mom. "You're serious?"
"I promised you that we'd do this together. We'll finish it up. We've already proven that we are the best."
"You weren't even looking for me," I joked, laughing.
"Which only means we're better than we thought," Dad declared. He wasn't joking.
"Hey," I smiled, looking up at Mom. "He's more jolly."
"Yes," Mom smiled, nodding happily. "Playing with the kids has helped Jack get back to the way he was," Mom whispered softly. "With you back home, I expect him to be the biggest baby there."
"I heard that," Dad protested. We looked up in shock, Mom snickering.
"Okay," I laughed, calming down. "Gauis, get the things together. I want the Perimeter team back around my girls when we get back home. Have them alternate with the sub-team if they want. Find ghosts to replace the ones not staying. You four will be my primary team. I will be getting you replacements."
"You don't need to do that, Danny," Serguis remarked. "We love working for you."
"I'm glad that you do," I nodded, my face void of emotion, "but you've sacrificed a lot to help me out the last couple months. You deserve some time off. Don't worry," I finally broke out a smile, "it'll take me a while to find a team I will trust enough to be your stand in's. You'll still be on the clock for a while later."
"Yes, sir," Gauis said. He bowed to me and turned around. "All right! We're going to clean this up and do as the king says. Let's move!" My eyes widened as he called me the king and I started urging Mom and Dad out the door, hoping they'd miss the title.
"They're loyal," Mom remarked. We exited the tent as Mom forked her thumb over her shoulder. "They do realize that Phantom is their king, not you, right?"
I laughed nervously. "Sometimes, I forget I'm not the king." Dad chuckled as my parents led me away from the campsite. About five hundred yards away was the Ops Center. Dad pushed a button on his key ring and the hatch opened from below. "When did you install that?"
"We've done some work on the side. With the kids being taken care of by the kids, we've had some free time."
"How is everyone," I asked, wondering about Sam.
"Lilly is completely potty trained and we've got her a bedroom set up but she doesn't like to use it. She'll play in there but she still sleeps in your bedroom. Megan is going through a spell. She's really upset that Vlad, Blue and Dawn aren't here anymore and she misses you a lot. Sam spends a lot of time with her. Megan has completely accepted Sam. She doesn't call her mommy but she won't cause any more trouble for Sam. She's actually quite attached to Sam and Tucker. Jacky and Jamie are getting ready for their first birthday. I've learned a lot about the kids' powers so I've created a little invention to help them develop their powers. Jacky is advancing fast. He loves playing the power game. Jamie is less advanced but he's ahead of schedule. He loves to play games and he's addicted to coloring. Our fridge is covered in masterpieces." Mom snickered softly.
"That's great," I said, swallowing. My chest felt tight and my palms got sweaty. I rubbed my hands on my pants, flexing my fingers. "What about the others?"
"The biggest news," Mom said, looking away, "is Rafe moving out." Her eyes fell back on me as Mom and I settled down, awaiting my team to come back. My eyes widened, my body hutching over in my seat. "Something happened between Miranda and Mom. There was a big fight between the two and Miranda moved out of my parents' haunt. She stayed with us for a while but Rafe and her decided to move out together. We bought Rafe a small house and he and Miranda moved in together. I still don't know what happened between my mom and Jack's mom but Miranda was furious. Dad said they practically destroyed the haunt and Miranda just had to get out. No one knows what the fight was about or they're not talking."
"Man," I said, my eyes wide. I sat back up, wondering what the fight was about. As far as I knew, Grandma Simmons and Grandma Fenton got along great. It's shocking to think they could have a fallout. "You went over the rules with her, right. I'd hate for Grandma to be arrested."
"We gave her the rulebook, the Division knows her situation and she wears a bracelet to let anyone who may capture her know who she is. I don't worry about Miranda, though. Your grandmother is a tough old bird."
"That's true," I smirked. "They both are. I have to say, though, that I'm surprised that Grandma Simmons didn't hurt her."
"Actually, according to Dad, he was surprised that the entire haunt wasn't evaporated. Dad said it was terrifying. Fire and pure, raw ghost energy; never a good combination."
Dad sat down beside of me, bumping me playfully. "I've called the gang. They know we have you and they're getting ready to take down this big bad."
Great. My palms started sweating again, me rubbing my hands together to try to dry them. "What about the kids? Who's going to take care of them?"
"Marcie, Wayne, Alice and Maurice will take care of them," Dad answered. "Sam hasn't told the kids yet. She doesn't want them to get too excited, especially since we don't know how long we'll be down here."
"Mom and Dad Number Three," I asked, my eyes widening. "Are you going to drop them off in Texas?"
"No," Mom declared. "Marcie, Wayne and Brit live in Amity Park again." Ut oh. "They moved back shortly after you left."
"So they were living there when I came home for that day," I asked.
"No. That's when they came down. They only came to visit for a while but after you scared Marcie like crazy, she had the family move back. Samuels was pissed." Mom snickered. "He had to replace Brit in Region Four and she's doing your job right now. She was running both Region Four and the youth division of Region Three at the same time until he replaced her in Four."
"I can't believe it," I said, shaking my head. A flashback image from a few days ago appeared in my memory. "That's right. They were there the other day."
"Yes, they were."
"So, the Foley's and the Calloway's will watch the children while we return back here and work out a plan," Dad summed it up.
I heard a knock and turned around in my chair to see Gauis. "We're finished."
"Come on in," Mom welcomed my team. The ghosts entered the ship and Dad set the course for Amity Park, Illinois. I'd return today but I knew it wouldn't be the same. I won't be alone, now, and I'm still not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
AN: Shoo, another chapter cranked out! I'd love any feedback! As for the progress of this story in the long run, I'm on the second to last chapter. I'm on Chapter nineteen and there will be twenty chapters. I'd say I'm a shoo in to finish but I'd hate to jinx myself. =)