Chapter 11_[Aftermath 1]_The Great Invitation
Even with a (not anymore unknown) Phantom in the household, the Fentons' ordinary daily life hadn't changed that much. The only tangible difference was the repartition of the patrol and no need to sneak away in the middle of the night. ...Well, almost no more.
Danny, being the selfless idiot that he was, if he was awakened by his Ghost Sense in the middle of the night after his parents turn for patrol and they had already gone to bed, he preferred to deal with the threat by himself (sometimes it was quicker like this) then go back to sleep. It worked most of the times... or at least till the option Jazz had jokingly foretold during the pre-Speech conversation through the Phones was actually applied. The fact that Jack had managed to make the GPS-tracker transformation proof (so it could signal Phantom even if the device had been sewed into Fenton's clothes) didn't gave Danny the heart to protest about it, so much he was admired by the achievement.
About two weeks after the expansion of Team Phantom, the four Fenton were having lunch together, so when a shiver run through Danny's spine, all actions ceased and the other three occupants of the room tensed.
The halfa frowned, the Ghost Sense had triggered only halfway, so it had to be something little...
− False alarm, nothing to worry about. − the boy shrugged and the others seemed to accept his statement because they relaxed, though his mother eyed him curiously.
− I thought that with your core, apart from the Ghost Sense and the cave you didn't need to shiver. − she noted.
− As a matter of fact it was a bit of Ghost Sense, but the ghost was too little to trigger it all the way. It happens often, you'll get used to it. −Danny dismissed, taking a bite of food.
− How much often if we never noticed before? − the father asked interested.
− Most of the time I'm either in my room or at school, so it's difficult for you to have noticed. Anyway the ghosts that have this kind of trigger aren't really dangerous, just... − he paused, a look of deadpan forming on his face as he felt his hair ruffle.
− "Just"? − the older redhead frowned, probably confused by his expression and the out of nowhere movement of his hair. Instead of answering her, the boy looked up a bit exasperated.
− Really? While I'm eating? And how did you know it was safe enough with my parents around? − he asked, seemingly to the thin air above him.
Jazz beside him had already felt a slight chill, so added to the depression in her brother's hair, she understood immediately the situation and snorted, suppressing a full laugh. It had been months since its last apparition.
Before any of the adults could ask anything, a couple of caws sounded out of nowhere, making Danny sigh and rub the bridge of his nose.
− What did it say? − the sister smirked, nudging him playfully, minding to be gentle in order not to jostle the guest.
− That loudmouth of a monkey must have heard it from the hawk and so told the "tiny community" about how mom and dad know about Phantom. − other caws interrupted him and the halfa groaned. − So most of them won't be so "timid" anymore.
M ~O¤O~ Jk
− Danny, what are you talking about? − Maddie worried. Her son sighed again and raised a finger to the area above his head and moved it like he was nudging something.
− If you're one of them, you could at least be polite and show yourself. − once those words left his mouth, a raven-shaped-blob appeared where he was pointing and the ectoplasmic being delicately nibbled his fingers. The avian ghost was comfortably nested inside the halfa's hair and, looking at the hunters while the boy retrieved his hand, gave a coo of greetings. − Mom, dad, this is the raven. It's a friend who apparently likes my hair.
− GHOST! − the automatic reaction was dying hard, but Jack caught himself almost immediately and cleared his throat embarrassedly under the glares of four beings. − I know Mads says that your hair is a bird nest, but I wouldn't have expected it to be literal! − he diverted the topic quickly, making his daughter snicker.
− The raven isn't the first and won't be the last to take advantage of coincidence... But it's certainly the most dedicated to its perch. − the girl explained sagely.
− How so? − Maddie asked. Maybe her son had become its haunt... But it that case it would constantly be around Danny. Perhaps he was just part of it.
− He kinda acts like a bouncer outside a club. For example the first time on Danny's head it defended Danny against a bully. − she enlightened waving her fork in the general direction of the avian ghost.
− Oh... Wait, Danny you're bullied? − the mother asked disbelieving. Sure, she had suspected much before discovering the "underground"-ghost-hunting activity of their children and friend and so leading her to believe that all the bruises were from battles. Besides since the actual birth of the Phantom half, she thought that his sassy "new" persona wouldn't have allowed himself to be bullied by anyone.
Danny sighed after shooting a glare to his sister. − Nothing big, the time Jazz was talking about was when they wanted to give me a noogie, so the raven wasn't very pleased. − the bird cawed in confirmation, then added something that made the teen look up again. − And you tell me this only now?
− Tell what? − Jack always found fascinating how ghosts could understand one another even if they belonged to different species or countries. There was a hidden language inside their words or was just an instant translation? He hadn't asked his son about it yet.
− Jazz, I can't reach it, could you look at its back? There should be a backpack or something. − the halfa turned his head to make more accessible the emerald eyed black ghost back to the other teen. − And you up there, be nice. − he warned like a parent. The bird only cawed and ruffled its feathers, making visible a bluish pouch tied on its back.
− What's inside? − the man inquired, overly curious. The girl obliged her brother's request and retrieved a roll of parchment. Curious herself, Jazz tried to open it only to notice a bluish sigil that closed it. The four leaned over to observe the pattern engraved, then three looked up when Danny gasped.
− Frostbite? − he asked to no one as he snatched the parchment and inspected the outline with the top of his fingertips. He briefly frowned in concentration and the sigil morphed into a gem-like octahedron much like the one he had synthesized in the cave. This meant that it had been closed by ice? And the name... To the adult Fentons sounded familiar, it had come up in one of Danny's tales...
The parents for once waited as the halfa rolled open the paper and distended it on the table (away from the forgotten food) to make it wholly visible to everyone: the words were beautifully painted and looked eerily similar to either Japanese or Chinese... But it was neither of them, since Maddie didn't recognize anything familiar (she had studied both languages to research those countries folklore).
− Is he in trouble? − Jazz asked after a while, sounding worried.
− I don't think so, but I'm still at the usual greetings and titles. Wait, here's the main topic. − the boy went silent as his green eyes scanned the lines. He could actually read it? How? Was it because of "Phantom's eyes"?
− Jazzerincess, who's this Frostbite fellow? − Jack asked his oldest offspring as the younger one was occupied. Said teen raised an eyebrow at him.
− Didn't we talk about him? And yet we were more detailed during the second go about the Undergrowth incident. − the girl seemed confused and mild annoyed.
− Oh right! The one who taught Danny how to tame his cryokinesis! − the huntress reached an epiphany, snapping her fingers. − But why would he write to him instead of coming in person if they're friends?
A groan, a bonk and an indignant squeak were her answer as the halfa facedesked, jostling the raven that pecked in retaliation one of his ears. Either the power behind it hadn't been much or his shock was higher.
Before they could ask what was wrong, Danny had straightened up and rubbed his face, answering in advance. − Because like the "tiny community", he had heard that you know about me. − he looked at his parents directly, eyes unlit, equally serious, disbelieving and exasperated. − Probably even from one of them, but I'll ask him directly. The thing is... Frostbite wants to meet you officially in the Far Frozen. He also mentioned a banquet in you honor.
− But he doesn't even know us! − Jack blurted, a bit embarrassed: he wanted to know beforehand people and then if there was any need they could throw a party!
− He knows that you're my parents and that you accept me, this is why he throws a party. − Danny answered as if reading his mind. − That and his tribe is very hospitable.
− Above all if it's involved the Sav... − Jazz's sing-song remark was cut off by the halfa's hand which covered her mouth.
− "Sav" what? − Maddie inquired, frowning at the slightly panicked expression of her son.
− Nothing! − the answer was too quick and... did Danny's cheeks seem more red? He released his sister and the raven cawed in warning at the girl, as if sensing the distress of its nest.
− Fine, I won't say anything and spoil the surprise. − she relented exasperated and sarcastic.
− What kind of surprise? − Jack asked excitedly. If it was ghost-related it would make his day.
− Something festive I suppose, he wasn't that detailed. Though we waits us for dinner. − Phantom's human persona scanned the text again to double check. − At 7 PM and if we can't make it, to reply through raven-mail.
− We're not busy. − Maddie shrugged and the man nodded in agreement. − Plus, we can meet in person who saved you and so thank him.
− Rrrright. − her son sighed in defeat. − I'll call Sam and Tuck later to warn them we'll not be missing. Last time they almost went mental because of our disappearance.
− Good. What about the means of transportation? − the scientist asked, still a bit upset letting two teenager without supervision ghost-hunting. While it was okay with their (as in Jack, Maddie or Phantom's) assistance, two unprotected by hazmat suit human were at risk. But they had to deal with it till they'll manage to built (and convince them to wear) personalized jumpsuits like the Fentons'. Even Danny's Phantom persona had one despite everything!
− The Speeder is the only way. If we depart from here at 2 PM we'll arrive with a good half an hour early. − Jazz calculated.
− It takes that much to go there? − Maddie was surprised.
− It's called Far Frozen for a reason, mom. − Danny joked, making her smile.
− Okay smart guy: do we have to pack something in particular? − she asked him.
− If you or dad manages to make work the power-upped barrier around the Speeder, the Peeler, the Lipstick and the Jack-O-Ninetails will be enough. Oh and no Deflector. − Jazz intercepted the question.
− And don't forget the warm coats. The temperature is below 0°C [42° F] − Danny concluded.
Thirty minute after finishing lunch the preparations were almost done and Jack was hauling up some extra blankets in the Speeder, just in case.
Jazz limped carefully with her crutches inside, since the leg was still healing, and sat on one of the backseats, leaving the front for her mother and Danny. Who served more like a navigator than a co-pilot in fact.
− Okay, the guys know about the field trip and they have the house reserve keys in case of emergency if they have to take refuge in the Fenton Works. − the halfa announced as he phased down the ceiling of the lab, gracefully floating down with his wispy tail swishing behind him and the black raven striking a huge contrast on his fluffy white hair.
− We'll still apply the Total Lock Down though, I don't want to give to the more annoying ghosts a chance to wreck havoc in our home. − Jack declared as he picked up the remote and took it with him on the Speeder while his wife was doing the last check up with the controls of the machine from the pilot seat.
The Fentons had almost bullied the patriarch into not driving, due to the combo of his bad driving and the need to make a safe journey to the Far Frozen. Besides, Danny had stated that he felt more comfortable with his mother's precision in following the instructions to a T.
− It's all set sweetheart. Get inside, will you? − Maddie called after the third circle Phantom had done around the ship.
− Yeah, yeah, I'm here. − he mumbled getting in, closing the door and sitting beside her. − Ah, this is important. − he turned hovering a bit upper than his seat, so he could see both the adults. − The same rules we had last time we passed through the Zone still apply: no fighting, we flee or hide. Well, most likely we flee thanks to the barrier. − he shrugged.
− Yes, don't worry. I have no intention of getting caught into a brawl on our way to our host. − the woman assured, making the raven chirp pleased, and started the engine.
The vehicle plunged into the Portal that closed right behind them thanks to the remote Jack had activated promptly.
− Now where to? − the huntress asked, making her son sit back and look around.
− Steer to the middle of the space at the right of that lush tropical island there. − he pointed. − That's Skulker's Lair. Its only redeeming feature is that's a good landmark.
− That's for sure! How many times has attacked you this week? − Jazz asked, making the parents perk up.
− Surprisingly only once and he wasn't in his top form either. Not that I complain, of course, but it's worrying. − he wondered.
− Maybe for once Walker did his actual job instead of pestering you. − the long red haired huffed, making her brother startle.
− Don't say his name or you'll jinx us! We have to fly by his prison in few hours! − the ghost boy hissed and the avian blob echoed with a screech.
− Oh, com'on lil' bro, I know that's okay being paranoid in the Zone, but this is too much! − the girl protested, crossing her arms.
The parents snorted in amusement at the banter: discovering Danny's secret had somehow opened a new world before them and they were discovering a bit more every day.
− There's no need to worry Danno, with our shield nothing could threat us! − Jack boasted, making green eyes peek at him warily over the seat.
− ...Is it on? − he dare to ask in response.
− Ooops! Now it is! − the huntress hurriedly amended, pushing a blue button and a green sphere surrounded them. The halfa threw a little glare at his mother, but said nothing as she drove.
The following three hours were spent in small talk and indications, at least till they reached the general area of the Prison.
D ~O¤O~ Jz
− Okay, now things get tricky: we have to dive toward that opossum-like rock and pass it from below. − Danny pointed beneath. − Try to keep a cruise speed, even if the guards swarm around us. Your instincts will tell you otherwise, but trust me: we don't want another charge on us besides what I've already had.
− Like what? − the father was frowning in a dangerous way.
− Smuggling real world objects, jail break, speeding, resistance to "public officer"... And I'm not really sure if generally existing is considered too. I'll ask him next Christmas. − he counted and hummed in thought.
− "Existing"?! − the hunter blurted, bewildered.
− The whole "halfa" thing is considered an abomination by some, but they're nasty piece of garbage, so I don't really care. − Phantom shrugged unconcerned, but careful not to dislodge the raven.
− I expect a full list of them when we go home, mister. − his mother warned, making him shiver in dread. Ah no, wait, it was the Ghost Sense.
Cold air escaped from his mouth and as predicted a flock of shapes swarmed towards them from the prison, with a white blur at the head of them.
− Oh boy. Thank you very much Jazz. − he trailed dryly.
− Danny, you can't be serious! It was obvious they would have seen us while we passed by! − she protested.
− Whatever. − the white haired teen stood and walked to the door, but hesitated, looking up − Sorry, can you either go invisible or to my seat? I don't want you to get in trouble.
The raven ruffled its feathers and vanished, making him sigh through a smile.
− What do you want to do? − the huntress looked up from the steering cloche that was pointed down due to their dive.
− Just try and discourage them from attacking by talking them out of it. − he answered then added under his breath. − Maybe this time it'll work.
He phased his head (raven included) to look at the guards now flanking the shields, but wary of touching them. And they had every right to think so.
− Walker! I'm here! − Danny called to make himself noticed. A second later, a white clad ghost zoomed in front of him at the other side of the barrier.
− Ghost punk! Do you believe yourself so smart to pass by my prison unscathed? Are you mocking me with an unauthorized real world object and three stowaways? − the ghost growled, but didn't make a move to try and disrupt the barrier. A smirk caused by a sudden realization appeared on the halfa's face.
− Unauthorized? Well, this time you got it wrong. − he said smugly as he phased fully to come near the edge of the barrier and fly by the Speeder. He reached in his pocket of holding and pulled out Frostbite's letter, unraveling it in the part where he had referred to the banquet (and managing to keep hidden the reference of why it was held). − You see, the ruler of the Far Frozen invited me and my Team to his realm, so we're not "unauthorized". − he rolled up the parchment in satisfaction after the jailer had read.
A look of pure rage and frustration plastered the buff fedora-wearer as he grinded his ectoplasmic teeth so much that they cracked.
− You're not that stupid to engage a quarrel with Frostbite and his people, are you? − Danny asked, hiding his mirth behind a solemn mask.
− Not this time Ghost punk. But you won't be able to hide behind your friends forever, remember this! − the enemy managed to spat like words were venom. He sharply turned to the others ghosts flanking the ship and barked. − Guards, we're going back to the prison! We're not wasting any more time here.
Without a look back, the jailer took off towards his lair, hesitantly followed by his goons. Once out of sight, Danny let himself relax. Who knew this could have worked?
Phantom went back to his seat and plonked down bonelessly, raven reappearing on his head.
− I can't believe you managed to talk Walker out of it. − Jazz finally commented, sounding impressed. That ghost was the most stubborn one she remembered.
− Not even he could go back to the "official" rules. Invited guests aren't unauthorized after all. − the boy reasoned, making his mother hum.
− There's also the fact that he seemed cautious about crossing your friend. − she observed.
− The people of the Far Frozen are an ancient tribe, it's not that surprising. − Danny acknowledged.
− And you're welcome among them only thanks to your Ice core? − his father asked eagerly.
That reminded the halfa of his epithet among the yeti and turned his head away with a slight blush, refusing to give an answer. Even after all these years he still wasn't used to that kind of recognition.
− Don't worry dad, you'll understand once we arrive at our destination, trust me. − Jazz was having the time of her life, wasn't she?
As they passed under the opossum rock, Danny pointed to another landmark and let his mother regain the previous speed now that they were out of Walker's territory.
He really hoped that Frostbite and his tribe wouldn't embarrass him too much in front of his parents.
A/N. "Shivers" is back at ya! And right on the date of the first airing of "Urban Jungle"!
If my estimations are correct this is the first part of two of Episode 1 of the aftermath and there's a second episode as well, but that one's publication depends on my muse and how quickly I'm fast at typing... that's not really a quick pace, I'm sorry. u_ù
If you're wondering why Walker gave up so easily it's because he's bound by his "Rules obsession" and he's genuinely careful about not crossing Frostbite. After all they're guardians of the Infi-map for a reason.
If you had noticed, there's a reference to Chapter 3 of "Haunted Drabbles", though the raven is somewhat a "spoiler" because I haven't gathered enough tiny ghost followers to make a decent sized new chapter. If you want to take a look back at it and give other suggestions, you'll be very welcome. :3
Next time we'll finally arrive into the Far Frozen and we'll be hit by an unsuspected cameo, hope you'll enjoy that.
Hope you liked "Shiver"'s comeback, so type ya soon!
[SneezySoul: I'm grateful that you kept on reading my story, I really enjoyed your reviews!
Ohsochich: I'm glad my chapter was useful for you like that!
Great: they periodically check for Vlad's bugs and the last bugs had been very recent, so there's no imminent danger. u_ù
The-Unnamed-Artist: thank you very much for your positive review! What do you think about my go for the Fenton organization of the aftermath? They kinda have what you suggested, but since they managed to sew a GPS tracker on all Danny's clothes, they didn't have to "cage" him at night (mostly because Jazz talked them out of it). They just count the times and how much he's gone and they punish him accordingly afterward (extenuating circumstances considered). Though they could force him in bed if he's injured more than usual with creative methods, I still haven't thought about them. xP
Thanks to the other reviewers too for their support, favs and follows!]