Chapter 05_Do you wanna skate?
− You two stay here with Danny-o, I'll check how much the water is deep − Jack proposed, letting his women sit on a stray boulder along with his son, cradled in Mads's arms, then with a rock and the Ecto-line he measured the real dept of the lake, as refraction could easily deceit.
After marking the level with a knot, the scientist rewound the line then measured it using his open palm.
− It's twice my height... and too cold to swim in it and not freeze us up too. − the man announced dejectedly.
− Don't you usually have the Jack-O-Ninetales? − asked his daughter, eliciting a spark of excitement in him.
− And swing over there? − intervened Mads − The stalactites won't hold our weight and we're too far. Besides, Danny's too unstable for that means of transportation. − she explained in a no-nonsense tone. The Fenton patriarch deflated at those words: she was right after all.
− Then what do we do? − he asked.
− I don't know. − Maddie's sorrow was heartbreaking.
They remained silent, defeated, trying however to not give up hope and so still keep on searching for a solution.
At a certain point, when the frost on Danny's was almost making him look like a frozen wounded raven, Jazz leaned forward and tried to brush off the rime, then knocked a knuckle on his forehead.
Tap tap ta-tap tap.
Maddie frowned as her daughter whispered something so low in her brother's ear that even she (who was practically inches away from her) couldn't hear. Was it a pray? A call for help? A sorrowful request for him to wake up?
...Strangely enough, something seemed to shift in the atmosphere and Danny' ragged breath pattern became slightly different than before as his sister kept on whispering.
The shivers became one single shudder and Jazz murmured one last thing...
− Jaaaaazz, pleeeease... − a complaining whine echoed all around the cave. − Not that one...
− I could shift to another princess if you want, Sleeping Beauty. − the younger redhead smirked, looking visibly relieved.
− You're doing it on purpose, I swear... − the slurring voice replied, dead tired.
− Of course I do, little brother. Do you think you can wake up all the way? We're kinda in a situation...
D ~O¤O~ Jz
The taps had been all too familiar.
However the lines had been what really had ruse him from his slumber.
Ever since that movie had been released, it had been an inside joke between the two of them (thankfully Tuck and Sam had spared him) and the similarities of the two sets of siblings were too coincidental, even if the age situation was reversed... Well, at least he wasn't going to build ice castles anytime soon.
− ...We're kinda in a situation... − Jazz's phrase seemed to spark something in him and suddenly Danny became very much awake.
Startled, he shuddered violently, eyes flashing open, uncaring about the sudden light, and frantically scanned his surroundings, terrified by the last thing he remembered.
− The rockslide! − unbidden he yelped, both for the panic and the pain in his legs that made itself notice at his jostle. Big room -a chamber?-, sound of dripping water, three -no, four counting himself- sets of breath and rock walls and ceiling, all dungeon-like. He was restrained, but it took a second to recognize the fabric of the Fenton emergency blanket and the feeling of broken bones, compounded at least if the dull but alternately piercing pain (due to his fast healing) was anything to go by. Subconsciously Danny redirected almost all his internal energy -since when he had this much raw one?- to the mending process, while he stared uncomprehending, but less trembling than before, at his mother's face.
She looked extremely anxious albeit part of it was being quickly replaced by relief.
− Don't worry, we're okay. − she answered his implied question, brushing his hair that oddly enough creaked like ice crystals. − How do you feel instead? − at her question he frowned a bit, trying to gulp. His mouth like coated by sand.
− I'm a bit thirsty − he began listing, noticing one after another all his ailments − my legs hurt a little... And I'm cold? − the last one was confusing: it had been ages since he had felt it. Since Undergrowth, but there it had been his ice core manifesting itself from its underuse.
Before he could think further about the matter, his father appeared in his view and offered him his canteen. Nodding his thanks he let his father help him drink: being wrapped wholly in a blanket and all your energy focused on healing were doing a number on him. Without counting that he had already been tired before coming to the rescue with Jazz... The raw energy in him felt more like a burden than a resource.
After a couple of gulps, Danny signaled he had enough and the Fenton patriarch withdrew the canteen, looking expectantly at him. Dad had been that worried, uh?
− What happened after... − his voice trembled from the shacking of his body. Even if the energy was being redirected, his ice-abilities were still waiting to be released. How could he do it with his parents this close?
− You and Jazz pushed us away from the rocks, but your sister's ankle is broken and...
− S-so are both my l-legs. − Danny concluded for the sake of his mother who seemed hesitant to "drop the bomb". She nodded, a bit stunned and worried. − I can tell, it's not the first... − he caught himself in his half-apology, wide eyed.
− Don't worry about that now Danny. They already saw the stitches. − he could practically hear the grimace on Jazz's face. He suppressed a groan, closing his eyelids in order not to show his mini-panic-attack. − Go on mom.
− Well, we casted both your fractures and Jazz woke up probably half an hour after the accident. She has an amnesia, but if you remember the rockslide, I assume you know if you called the S&R before arriving here.
Danny shook his head while thinking. So he was on his own in making excuses about how they came here. Crud. − W-we were too much in h-hurry and... Y-you didn't answer t-the phone, s-so either it already h-happened something or t-there was no s-signal. We d-didn't want t-to disturb them if-f it was the l-latter. ...I'm in a b-blanket, s-so why am I c-cold? − he tried to stir the conversation again towards what they knew of the situation as he reopened his eyes. In that way he could think which "means of transportation" they had used.
− The cave works as a capacitor that instead of an electro-magnetic field it creates an "ecto"-magnetic one. As a matter of fact the rockslide happened because the waves of the Arecibo were partly ectoplasmic, so they overcharged the rocks that fell. − Jack began explaining. A pang of guilt seared across the halfa: it had been all his fault.
− I had to tell them you're still "contaminated" by ectoplasm. They had already figured out already it was something somewhat connected to what they had find out in a check up three years ago. − Jazz amended apologetically and his guilt turned into pure panic. − They were worried about you turning into a popsicle. − she hinted, hoping he would catch up quickly.
− ...Undergrowth-th? − he asked through chattering teeth, still partially form the cold and fear.
− Yeah, I knew the pieces about how you were the last survivor from the roots attack and Phantom saved you by bringing you away from the city, because it was too much saturated with raw energy like now. After helping you he came back to rescue the city, right? − Oh. So Jazz had done the damage control by going to the lesser of evil and tell an edited version of truth. Being his secret still somehow safe (for now at least), he relaxed a bit, setting to nod in answer.
− M-my... "c-contamination"... − he starter hesitantly − I had b-been explained t-that... if-f not d-discharged every once in a w-while could overwhelm me, s-so... I've b-been taught h-how to d-do it s-safely. − he looked away from his stunned mom, afraid of her reaction: technically he wasn't allowed to interact friendly with and trust ghosts.
− Why haven't you ever told us? − the woman's tone was more incredulous than angry, so maybe it was a good sign.
− And m-make you t-think that I was a d-diseased or worse t-that I was a f-freak? − he vented, refusing to look at her. Instead he scanned the cave in search of where that sensation of calling he was starting to feel at the edge of his senses was coming from.
− We won't ever think so! − the woman exclaimed anguished − We would just worry if the level of contamination could harm you! − then she added soberly − Like it's doing now.
− So you won't try to "fix" him if it isn't dangerous? − Jazz suddenly accused in his defense. − And now it doesn't count because we're in an exceptional situation.
The girl observed their parents exchange glances in a silent conversation while the Taco-Danny was still shivering.
M ~O¤O~ Jk
Maddie first impulse was to answer "Of course we won't!", but a mutinous surge from her scientist side stopped her for a second. She glanced at her husband and he seemed to agree with her musings.
− It really only depends on the concept of "dangerous" we're talking about. − she said cautiously. The answer seemed to make her charge flinch, as if he was expecting a response of that kind and had been afraid of it. Perhaps this had been the very reason why their children had kept quiet about the whole affair and it pained her that this "fixing" matter was probably the cause of their lack of trust towards their parents. − But... − she amended and both teens perked up. − We worry about this matter because we don't really want anything to harm you. This is our concept of dangerous. So, now I am asking you: is it dangerous? − carefully and gently Maddie guided Danny's face to make him look at her. He seemed to stare at his mother face almost bee-searchingly, as if trying to discover if she was sincere or not.
− N-no, it's not. − Danny's voice would have been firm if he hadn't been for the shivers.
− Then we don't need to fix anything. Just know what we have to avoid as "extreme situation" − reassured the woman, ruffling his frosted hair.
− Yeah, after all even our inventions could malfunction if given the chance. − intervened Jack practical. − Is it what's happening here? − he asked, serious and worried.
Danny seemed to hesitate and threw a glance to Jazz, who sighed and nodded encouragingly.
− W-well, k-kinda. − the younger teen relented − I'm overcharged like t-that t-time with Overgrowth-th. − he explained uncomfortably. − And it-t's more like having t-to empty a f-full glass of-f water b-before it c-could overflow.
− And you said somebody taught you how to right the matter, didn't you? − Maddie encouraged. Hopefully that would give one less problem to be solved. He nodded hesitantly and looked around, as if searching for something.
− I c-could d-do it right n-now if you p-promise n-not to f-freak out. − even through the chattering teen both parents could feel the worry and slight fear in his voice. Did he dread their rejection that much?
− So I swear! − Jack's booming whisper cut her thoughts and she nodded in agreement.
− I promise sweetheart. − the double oath seemed effective enough to relax both the boy and his sister who glanced at each other and nodded.
− C-can you h-help me r-reach the water-r? − the raven teen asked. It was an odd request, but the mother decided that it was about time she had to trust her children without question, so she obliged, helping Jack pick up their son.
Once near the edge, the man put Danny down who, after a weak tentative to dislodge himself from the blanket, was assisted by his father by unwrapping half of the "Taco". The fingers of the freed arm briefly brushed the water surface, then the teen turned towards them.
− Are t-the canteen f-full enough f-for a while? − he asked, making the two adults painfully remind about the elephant in the room.
− Uhm... − was Jack's eloquent response.
− They're less than half each. Mom, maybe it's better if you refill them. Oh, by the way Danny, − she called and he hummed in to signal he was listening while Maddie fulfilled the request − try to make it as thick as possible. We have to cross to the other side.
− R-roger t-that − the boy answered even if there was a hint of question in his voice.
− Done. − Mads announced, rejoining her daughter near the stray boulder and eyed curiously her son. What were they plotting?
− Okay. − Danny took a deep breath and dipped his hand under the cold surface. As he slowly exhaled, eyes closed as if concentrating, his shivers slowed down till only a sporadic twitch was left.
Whatever he was doing it was working! Not that they could see anything at all. Why would they freak out from something... like... this...
The adults' breath hitched as a whitish trail began forming in the water with creepy cracks amplified by the chamber dimension. The two stared, astounded, as a path of ice literally solidified right before their eyes.
− Is t-two feet thick enough? − Danny's voice had never been this concentrated and determined in their presence. Was really this their little boy? He had almost always been insecure, timid and reserved!
− I think so. Are you discharged enough? − his sister answered.
− Yes. − the boy sighed and the cracks stopped as he retrieved his hand from the water and reopened his eyes. − But whatever we have to do on the other s-side has to be quick: within half an hour I'll have to do it again.
− Don't worry, our gateway is right there. − Jazz reassured him, trying to stand up without weighting on the injured ankle.
− That was... − Maddie asked faintly, still astounded. That had been both mind-blowing and beyond belief!
− Cryokinesis, yeah. − Danny answered uncomfortable. − I can be more subtle though. − hesitantly and eyeing carefully them, he held out a palm and, after a flicker, a perfect ice crystal was conjured on it.
− It's magnificent! − breathed Jack and moved his hand to reach and pick it, but stopped shortly after starting the gesture, instead looked at his son's eyed in order both to ask permission and not startle him. Danny felt like wild deer to Jack, wary of his surroundings, so the man feared that a wrong movement would scary him away. Recognizing the gesture, the teen smiled gratefully and slid the icy-gem into his father's hand, who examined it with his flashlight help. − It's free of impurities and geometrically perfect! How...? − for once he was at loss of words. That seemed to encourage the boy.
− I synthesized it from the air humidity and the shape... It t-takes practice. My first attempt was a snowball. − he chuckled sheepishly.
− It's still impressive! Is this everything your contaminations makes you able to do? − the scientist inside him was having his field day. However his enthusiasm toned down when Danny shifted uncomfortably inside his bundle, trying to avoid their glances.
Maddie had noticed that too: probably Danny still had arrows in his quiver and wasn't still ready to share them, but he didn't really want to lie to them.
− Don't worry sweetheart, you'll tell us when you're ready − and if the woman heard a quiet relieved sigh she didn't comment about it. − Jack, help Danny, we're crossing the ice-bridge.
− It's anchored to the rocks, so it won't wobble. − their son piped up as Jack picked him up.
Jazz murmured a thanks as Maddie helped her stabilize on her foot, then the three of them took some tentative steps on the slippery surface.
Carefully they walked on the ice-path and both parents (even if still a bit cautious in order not to fall in the freezing water) marveled at the product of Danny's ecto-contamination.
That morning they wouldn't ever have thought of doing something like that... and, as Jack tightened his grip around his younger offspring to secure him better, he noticed how little to none he was whimpering, wincing or tensing for all the jostle he was subjected of. Maybe the adrenaline, the cold and the ectoplasm in his system were still numbing the sensation. Or he had a high-pain-tolerance.
Jack really hoped it was the first option as they finally reached the safe area.
A/N. Aaand cut! Don't say I didn't warn you last time!
I really hope Clockwork won't show up behind me with a disbelieving look, crossed arms and asking me "Really? I already knew you would do that, but really?" xD
Because, yes, I answer in advance that Jazz sang-whispered the first verses of "Do you want to built a snowman?".
Anyway, now Danny's awake, but not all Maddie's and Jack's questions will be answered (at least not right away)... Because they're all still a bit in shock, too worried about getting out of there and make sure their children will be okay to spend too much time investigating about Danny's "contamination".
[BTW Sockenmonster01, I tried to make Jazz say the truth, just without mentioning that Phantom and Fenton are the same person... In a way the ghost half helped the human one out of the city, right? xD As for Frostbite... we'll see. xP
Thanks to Invader Johnny that reviews every chapter, hoped you liked it!
And Katpet and Sabina (Guest), wish granted!]
Thanks for all the follows (54!) and favorites (28!) and to the other non-mentioned reviewers (7!), I really appreciate your support!
Type ya next weekend!