Chapter 08_The Box of Fate
Maddie had to keep her daughter in a standing position while the girl checked all over on herself for the device frantically. At a certain point she stopped, staring into the distance in horror.
− I haven't it! − she shrieked flabbergasted.
− Could it have fallen on our way here or in the cavern? − the huntress tried to resonate.
− It could be anywhere, but we can't go back in the cave: the portal is already closed and very difficult to find on this side. − Danny pointed out.
− Then how do we go back to our world? − Jazz demanded.
− We can try to hack from this side the controls of the Portal. We still have the wrist-pc for the Arecibo after all, they work wireless, so it's not impossible. − Jack proposed, putting down his son and showing the device.
− I believe it's the only solution available. − Maddie nodded, letting her daughter sit near the raven haired teen, then she dislodged her backpack to retrieve some tools in it. − You keep on watch for ghosts while we work on it, okay? − she asked her offsprings, who nodded.
Both inventors then dedicated themselves to disassemble the PCs and rearrange the sisterboards and the circuits to implement the power output and force of the signal for hacking: in order to make the Portal secure, they had put the strongest firewall (without any backdoors) they had created against the intrusion of ghosts like Technus or Skulker.
It will take a lot of time to manage another "open sesame".
D ~O¤O~ Jz
With their parents so engrossed in their task and a good distance away, Jazz faced her baby bro, silently asking him a solution.
− Okay, this is not the first time we've been stranded in the Zone, we'll find a way out, don't worry. − he reassured her.
− You mean going to Frostbite? Or we wait for them? − she pointed a thumb towards her parents behind her.
− We wait for them while we think about other way to escape... But Frostbite isn't one of them. The Far Frozen is actually how it sounds, "far". And it is so even with the Speeder, imagine by foot! − the halfa countered gesturing with his chin to her ankle. She winced remembering that she was still in pain: being worried made her kinda forget.
− You got a point... − she peeked at her parents then stared at them, while whispering − Can you check my ankle to see how much is damaged? I'll keep an eye on them. − and of course not see his creepy way of checking. At least this would put her heart at rest about how much weight she could carry on it and so value better their options.
− Okay, give me half a minute. − Danny turned his hand intangible and carefully checked from the inside the fracture. To him it felt like probing into water to search jello-like objects, while to Jazz only a cold feeling washed over her, making her slightly shudder at the sensation. He hummed pensively. − You're super lucky, it's not the actual ankle that is broken, but there's a hairline fracture on the upper bones.
She sighed both in relief for both the news and the removal of the intangible hand. − Good. Then how about Pandora? − she turned to look at her brother.
− She's nearer, but there's the whole bunch of traps and labyrinths before her domain... − he sighed as he just remembered a certain detail. − ...And just now I remembered that she went on holiday in Greece. Ancient Greece, on the worst time possible. At least I was lucky that the Box Ghost bought my bluff yesterday night.
− Then Dora? The Dragon-princess? − Jazz remembered mentioning her castle as a landmark.
− With Skulker and his traps between? He bought Klemper's imitation once, a second time it won't work... − Danny scratched his head, they were more or less stuck there before the Portal for at least a while. − Then again, we have the worst unlucky streak in the history because yesterday night I met her while I was returning home from the patrol and she was about to explore some modern amusement park. In our world. − he deadpanned.
− Okay, this is my very last option: Vlad? − Jazz hoped, but Danny grimaced.
− You don't remember, but the tip about how dangerous the cave was came from overhearing "uncle Vladdie". I didn't hear what he said myself, but from what I gathered he may expect our parents' deaths, so if we came through his Portal without them knowing he had one... − the younger teen hissed in discomfort, both for the thought and a sudden nasty throb in one of his legs, and shuddered mainly for the pain.
− Easy there, yours are worse! − his sister scolded, making him scoff. − Okay, right. Great. I suppose that waiting for a natural portal isn't an option either. − she added sarcastically.
− Not really. it could bring us anywhere and anywhen. We never studied if there were patterns in their appearance. − the hidden-Phantom admitted. − The only other non-errant "ally" I can think of is Clockwork, but he's a lost cause: he has to stay neutral and helping us isn't really part of his duty. We can really wait for them and cross our fingers.
The two teen looked hopefully at their parents' back and just waited in silence, all other option discarded.
A mini-explosion startled them and smoke rose from the burned device between Jack's hands. His face was comically blackened and luckily there weren't injuries, but the PCs seemed to be irredeemably destroyed. I reeeally have to stay with my mouth shut. Like, never to be opened again.
− Are you all right dad? − Jazz checked immediately. He let out a smoky coff.
− Yeah, nothing serious − he wiped the ash from his face with his sleeve and looked dejectly at the chuck of metal. − it is not though. It doesn't seem salvageable and we can't either try to break our way in through the reinforced steel doors because we made them Pariah-level proof!
− Danny! − she turned towards her brother with a quiet excited whisper, while both Maddie and Jack stared helplessly at the smoking machine − Aren't you... − she halted from explaining her whole idea after seeing his grimacing face. What...?
− Yeah, I could break in, − he elaborated distastefully − but that would raise more questions than I'd like to answer: "why if you're just contaminated, you are more powerful than the Ghost King himself?" I can already hear them ask. Without mentioning that with the amount of power necessary to stave the door, the Portal itself could be damaged. No, it's too risky. − he shook his head, then a sudden shout made them all jump a foot.
− BEWARE! − like a single entity, the Fentons turned at the same time to face the most annoying ghost in existence. − I AM THE BOX GHOST AND YOU PITIFUL HUMANS ARE IN MY DOMAIN!
Rather than being shocked, Jazz turned her head to glare accusingly at her brother who seemed to have just realized something.
− That fit of pain must have hidden the triggering of the Ghost Sense! − he said bewildered. Okay, then he was justified.
− Wasn't it boxes and their contents? − Jazz shot back while their parents fumbled in search of their weapons after recovering from their surprise. The overweight specter seemed ready to argue back indignantly when another shout stopped everyone in their place.
− WAIT! − Danny extended one arm each toward both his parents and the Box Ghost. − We agreed in no fighting here in the Zone if not necessary. − he said the last part to his parents' direction.
− But he saw and is threatening us! − Maddie protested.
− But he's the Box Ghost! − the boy gestured towards the ectoplasmic man − He just appears at an annoyingly... high... − he paused, probably reaching the solution of the Century. He turned so rapidly towards the blue man that Jazz was surprised he didn't whiplash. − You! − he pointed rather intimidatory − You keep on popping out like mushrooms after rainy weather every single night, so you must either know where to find the right natural portals or somebody sets you free! − Danny accused.
− I AM THE BOX GHOST, MY KNOWLEDGE IS ABSOLUTE! − and again the false bravado, but it played in their favor.
− Then, oh so powerful being, I want to make a deal with you. − the halfa proposed. The alive adults' reaction was immediate.
− Danny! − the huntress protested, but further arguments were blocked by Jazz, who, sensing the plan behind her brother's offer, extended too an arm towards the woman, signaling to stop. The older redhead questioned the younger one with a side glance but was ignored, while she still faced the intruder, battle-ready. The hunter beside her looked equally confused at the annoying menace, while Danny decided to continue as if he hadn't been interrupted.
− We − the hidden-Phantom gestured to the Fentons − won't hunt you for 24 hours. In exchange you will bring us back to Amity. − he stated seriously. The Box Ghost raised an eye ridge.
− How do I know you will keep the deal? − he demanded suspicious, but confused enough not to stage-shout.
− Com'on, I've got two broken legs, do you really think I could hunt you? − the halfa asked disbelieving.
The Box Ghost seemed to consider before answering. − ... Rrright. − he paused then popped up − BUT YOU DON'T REALLY NEED THEM! − Jazz observed that effectively he had a point.
− Dude, I'm really in no condition to chase you around Amity or the Zone! − he insisted and he really meant that: he was too exhausted to deal with his megalomaniac ambitions. − Besides, if you just leave us here, nobody will call off the rest of the Team. You know how they are without me and if they don't know where I am. − the raven boy added smugly. The ghost became rapidly horrified.
− FINE! I, THE BOX GHOST, WILL HAVE MERCY OF YOU AND GUIDE YOU TO AMITY! BUT I DEMAND 48 HOURS! − the dead warehouseman tried to negotiate.
− 36! And I'll try to mollify the Red Huntress too. − the ghost ghost-hunter haggled.
− And I'll give you a roll of duck tape! It's used to close boxes, isn't it? − Jazz added, appealing to the ghost's obsession. That seemed the turning point.
− DEAL! NOW COME WITH ME AT ONCE, A PORTAL WILL SOON OPEN IN THIS WAY! − as the pact was sealed, relief washed on the two of Team Phantom.
As Jazz tried to stand up, a stunned and wary huntress collected her things then helped her, keeping a hand ready on the lipstick. At the same time, Jack did the same with his own things and Danny, who adjusted himself in his hold. The quartet, once ready, nodded at their unusual guide, who floated above the path and, after taking a dead-end branch of the purple path, gestured at the space above its termination.
− IT WILL OPEN JUST IN FEW MINUTES! − the Box Ghost clarified at the adults' demanding glare.
− So after all you do really just know all the timed portals? − Danny asked casually to fill the tense silence.
− OF COURSE I DO, THE BOX GHOST NEEDS NO OUTSIDE HELP! − the specter bragged, but doing so he also revealed he had no friends or allies.
After that, there was an awkward silence, during which the teens noted how oddly quiet were their parents: they were tense and wary, but considering how they were hunters in presence of a ghost... It was just that their compliance to Danny's request and letting them negotiate with the dead man that was unsettling.
What worried Jazz was that they could either suspect something, but they couldn't still voice it because of the ghost's presence or they were just plain mad for agreeing to a temporary truce with the annoying fellow without consulting them. Maybe both.
While she was considering all of this, a swirling green disk flickered out of nowhere exactly where the Box Ghost had pointed them.
− Quick, everybody in! Natural portals are ephemeral! − Danny urged.
− Shouldn't we check first? − his mother protested.
− No, if he − like an attacking snake the halfa's hand shot and grabbed the Box Ghost's tracksuit. − comes whit us!
Understood the plan, Jazz, mustering all her force in her only good leg, propelled herself and her mother forward, like the trick used earlier with Ember. Just like the time before, she managed to take her off guard and so both fall into the portal. Obviously Jack, alarmed by the event, jumped straight after them, Danny and the Box Ghost with him.
All of the five tumbled on the soft grass, almost making a "happy" pile, while soon after their passage the portal closed. The Fentons looked around to identify time and place: clearly they were in a park, at night, not far from its gates because at the edge of the field (which had just sprouted because of the chilly season) there was one of this tall construction that conveniently stated hour, date and air temperature on a glowing screen.
After reading what it said, the halfa released the ectoplasmic cloth of their guide. − You have till 10 AM of the day after tomorrow* − he warned − we won't hunt you during during this time as I promised, but if you cause too much mess or disasters, I'll personally search for you afterwards, remember. − he glared, just for an instant flickering his irises toxic green.
The Box Ghost gulped, nodding unconsciously, then remembering the deal, he regained his bravado and flew away shouting in the night. − BEWARE! I HAVE BEEN UNLEASHED, FEAR ME!
There was a pause of silence where the ghost-hunter family just rested sprawled on the grass of the park of Amity Park.
− We... made it. − at last Jack breathed astounded. Danny scoffed.
− The Box Ghost isn't bright enough to try and deceive somebody after making a deal that is fruitful for him. But anyway, that was our only way out. − the boy sat up from where he was laying beside his dad and ruffled tiredly his own hair, trying to comb it.
M ~O¤O~ Jk
− Daniel Fenton! − Maddie thundered, sitting up, elicited by Danny's sentence, making her son flinch. She had kept quiet because she had saw the potential in the deal and didn't want to mess up, but now that they were safe she could speak freely. − While I understand the need, how on Earth did it come to your mind to make a deal with a clearly malicious ghost? Don't you remember what he did with Pandora's Box? And why did it involve not just us, but you, your sister and somebody else?! And last but not least, why did you threatened him to hunt him down personally?! − she seethed.
− Ah, well... − he scratched the back of his head sheepishly, like he had just slipped something he hadn't meant to. − I know you won't like it, but... Can we talk about all of this tomorrow? Jazz's leg needs a decent cast and we're all hungry and exhausted. It's not good at all to discuss something in this state.
− But will you explain everything? − she gestured to all of him and Jazz. After all she seemed pretty involved in whatever Danny was doing. Just exploring the Zone and the contamination didn't explain everything. The boy sighed tiredly.
− After all it's about time. Jazz was insisting on it since when? − he relented as his sister forced herself to sit up with the help of Jack, who had been up since his son's response.
− For two whole years Danny. − she answered exasperated. − "It's about time" all right. But I call dibs on the bath!
− And I'll have to call Sam and Tuck to reassure them we're fine. Probably you should send the S&R to secure the RV and your equipment too. − the younger teen pointed out.
− No, it's enough to call the Rangers. − Maddie countered, calmed down by the reasonable request. The delay was mind-nagging, but there was logic behind it. − We'll tell them an emergency came up here and we had to rush back without taking anything. The RV... didn't start up and we took a hitchhike to go back home quicker. − the woman nodded at her own reasoning and the man agreed with her.
− It works. Com'on, we have to take our last walk for today. − Jack nudged, standing up and picking up again his son. Jazz leaned rather heavily on Maddie and the Fentons started walking home exhausted.
Danny had been right: it was better talking about whatever he hid the following day.
* Guess what time is it? ^w^
A/N. Just for you to know: the remote is buried under the rockslide. And sorry for the Box Ghost's Caps Lock. xP
Urgh, I can hear from here the sound of crushed hopes, I'm sorryyyyy! I preferred a plot twist/an unconventional development than something I've already read at least once (like "A Field Trip To Remember" by TheCastorbean, you should take a look at it, it's good!; plus this reconnects to my headcanon about the Box Ghost), but I want to do something that will involve Frostbite, I promise you this. I hope Danny's explanation was logic and understandable enough. *Japanese-like bow of apology*
Moreover, somewhere in the Ghost Zone, Clockwork is dancing around his lair every time he's mentioned because he likes to troll people (and ghost, or half of it anyway xD).
Anyway, if any of you (who doesn't already follow it) is curious about how the Truce between Fenton and Phantom was born, you can check "Haunted Drabbles" fifth theme (8th chapter).
[Wait, does anybody else hear stomps and shouts outside? Are those... An angry mob! Nooooohhhhh!
*roars of fight, clashes of spears and broken shields*
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Answers left behind:
Lunapok, there's a possibility in the aftermath just like for Frostbite, I'm still working on it (if I came back alive from the soon to be brawl, that is).
Great (Guest), while options "a" and "b" where answered by Danny's speech, I will do so for the "c": Wulf's always on the run and barely in the same place twice (sans for Walker's prison, but that isn't his fault), so it will take a more than a miracle/coincidence (like the Box Ghost one) to cross roads with him. Hope you won't be too disappointed by me choosing option "d"! xD ]