Chapter 12_[Aftermath 1]_ Save us... a canapé, will ya?
Maddie hadn't missed Danny's blush at her husband's question. Did that mean that there was a secret lover among the Far Frozen people? Or just a crush? What about Sam? ...No, given his slightly uncomfortable expression that accompanied the green tinted cheeks, her son was just embarrassed. By what anyway?
Those thoughts recurred in the huntress head in the following undisturbed two hours of travel. It still amazed her how her son could find his way through the maze that Maddie was discovering that the Ghost Zone was.
A question peeked at that consideration and she caught the occasion to voice it after a turn around a skull shaped rock.
− Danny, we're doing this treasure hunt because otherwise we'll lose ourselves if we try to go straight forward? − the boy in ghost mode blinked, then nodded with a slight smile.
− Yeah, we tried once to make the direct route, but... − he scratched his head, avoiding the raven. − Probably the only time I successfully did it was by accident when I was escaping from Undergrowth.
− If I didn't know better, I would say that it was by sheer dumb luck, but given Danny's connections I'm not so sure. − her daughter's comment made Maddie frown.
− What do you mean? − she asked.
− She's talking about Clockwork, mom. The Master of Time and guardian of the halfas' fate, even if the second title is unofficial... mostly because only I call him that. − the teen beside her ranted till above his face with a pop and from a small flash of bluish light an object rained down on his nose and bounced on his lap, landing and staying there.
The unexpected event startled the four (raven included), but Danny just blinked like it was normal and retrieved the "UFO" which consisted in a crumpled piece of paper. He straightened the sheet and read the glyphs written on it, while Maddie curiously peeked at it. They looked like the hieroglyphs of the invitation.
− Oh, com'on, really?! Why do you have to be always so cryptic and mysterious? − suddenly the green eyed boy shouted, startling again the other occupants of the vehicle.
− ...Danny, you're making no sense. − that coming from the patriarch with the longest non-sequitur of the household was something. − What was that?
− Clockwork going all-Rafiki on me. − their son huffed. − He wrote about wanting a cameo in "Shivers" too, but I have no idea what he's talking about! Ha just likes to tease me about mysterious things I don't know about every now and then, really! − as those words left his mouth, another piece of paper popped into existence, always hitting Danny's nose.
− What did he say this time? − Jazz inquired amused. Her brother groaned after translating.
− "Don't be cheeky, chibi." Really?! Well sorry, all powerful one! − he sassed, looking at the roof of the speeder where another ball fell from. Without prompting, the halfa read drily. − "As long as you acknowledge it, you're forgiven."
Maddie turned slightly back towards her firstborn and whispered. − Is it always like this your daily life?
− Welcome to our life. − she smirked back. And looking beyond her, the younger redhead smiled wider. − And welcome to the Far Frozen. − she pointed.
A massive island (that looked more like a continent than the previous ones they had come across) extended before them, all covered in ice and snow that looked extremely livelier than the rest of the Zone, not-withstanding that frost was literally supposed to be the opposite.
− Where do we land? − she asked amazed.
− Last time we were here, they made us park inside that tunnel in the back. It's their hangar. − the pilot noticed a cornucopia shaped crystal formation only when the halfa mentioned it and dutifully drove the Speeder inside there.
The huntress wasn't really sure what she was really expecting to find: maybe skeletal golems of ice, Jack Frost-like creatures or even "normal" dead people with unusual cryokinetic powers.
Surely not three pristine white yetis adorned with different kinds of clothing, ranging from ocher pelts to deep blue bands. But the most impressive of the three individuals had an azure cloak and kilt, a golden band on its (his/her?) right bicep, while the left arm just from above the elbow was made almost entirely by ice. "Almost" because, due to the see-through property of the ice, at the core the bones were still visible. Moreover, the kilt was held up by a golden belt with a huge aquamarine embed in the middle. Oh, and of course all of the yetis had two ice horns at the top of their head (with shapes that differed from one person to another) and powerful thick tails that, as soon as Danny deactivated the barrier, seemed to swag slightly.
One of the "common" yetis made gestures to park to a side and the huntress numbly complied, still a bit shocked by their hosts' appearance. Jack instead had become focused and maybe a bit tense because of their brutish look. Perhaps it was because it reminded him about the attack of the rabid ghosts that had assaulted the Fenton Works when it was just him and Jazz alone.
Before the situation could turn for the worse, Danny had excitedly hopped down his seat, black bird still perched on his head, and reached for the Speeder door.
− Hey Jazz, need a hand? − he asked, pausing to look at her, but she huffed retrieving her crutches.
− No, thank you, I think I'm still able to walk. − she stood, finally shacking the adults from each reverie.
− Wait, are they...? − Maddie trailed, unsure.
− The people of the Far Frozen. We haven't really described them, have we? − the girl realized, looking at her brother that was forcing her to wear a coat.
− ...Now that I think of it, no, we haven't. − the halfa admitted a beat later, as he passed a coat to each parent. − They're good people despite the appearance. − he stated honestly, almost as if trying to force them to believe him.
Jack looked at his wife uncertainly and a silent discussion passed between them, arguing without words about pro and cons of going out. At last the agreed conclusion was: "We travelled 5 hours for a banquet in our honor, so let's at least give them a chance; if anything, just because we trust our son."
− Okay son, let's make the introductions. − the man announced, making the siblings smile.
D ~O¤O~ Jz
At least one of the problems is gone. Jazz sighed in relief as his half-ghost bro opened the Specter Speeder door, letting the five occupants come in sight of the three inhabitants of the frozen Lair.
− Frostbite! − Danny enthusiastically greeted, hurrying towards the most decorated ghost who swept him into a yeti-hug. − It's been a while, how're you?
− My people and I are doing unbelievably well thanks to your actions, Great One! Even more since we came across another of your accomplishments! − the tribe chief deposited her brother back on the ice, but kept the icy limb on his shoulder.
− Another... Are you talking about my parents? − he looked back at the adults, making Jazz follow his glance and fight back a snicker at their astounded faces. Their resemblance of a Venus trap was too amusing.
− But of course, Great One! But first of all, we should make the introductions. − he stepped forth, Danny in tow, and spired even above her father's height. − I am Frostbite, chief of the tribe of spirits that inhabits the Far Frozen. These are Iceclaw and Brinehorn. − he gestured to his companions who nodded in tandem. − It's a pleasure to finally meet in person the ones who gave birth to the Savior of the Ghost Zone!
− ...The what now? − their mother finally weakly asked, recovering from the surprise.
− But of course, the Great One was the hero who managed to overthrow the King of the Ghost Zone and so prevent him to subject us all to his tyranny! − Frostbite smiled.
At the flabbergasted expression of the parents, the girl helpfully whispered. − Pariah Dark.
− Oh, the jerk that invaded Amity Park and dragged it into the Ghost Zone! − the huntress realized.
− That very one! You must be Madeline Fenton, I presume. − the yeti offered his right paw to the woman who hesitated in surprise. − Your son has spoken a great deal about you and your husband.
− Nothing bad, I hope! − the hunter interjected, completely oblivious of his wife's falter.
− No such thing! He sang your praises about your combat expertise and your never-ending creativity. As a matter of fact it is thanks to you that both sides of the Great One, human and ghost, were born! − Frostbite grinned, making Danny squirm in embarrassment.
Oh. Jazz paused, realizing how much that statement was true: without their parents' contribution (direct and indirect), someone sooner or later would have summoned Pariah and no-one would have been able to defeat him, both because of Phantom existence itself and the Skeleton invention.
− Your words are too kind. Most of the work was Danny's after all. − the lilac eyed finally shook the yeti's hand and the spirit beamed.
− Yeah, he's too good for his own good. − the younger redhead teased, making her brother yelp a "Hey!" in protest.
− Great One, you cannot deny your reckless tendencies, they are part of your legend after all. − the icy talons gripped gently the halfa's shoulder, making him pout. − But let us not indulge in this matter now, I invited you to celebrate your new bonds and try and forge new ones!
− How do you usually banquet anyway? Do we get to eat ghost food or normal one? − their father blurted tactlessly, horrifying the future psychologist. Luckily, the yeti seemed not to be offended, instead he looked delighted to explain.
− Since all of you are still alive, the gathering of the ingredients was a wondrous and interesting adventure! I will narrate it during the banquet itself, so come along with us; we set some tables in the central plaza.
The group started following their hosts, but after few steps the icy surface threatened to make Jazz skid at least three times, a bone-deep sigh made her look up just in time to be swept up by the halfa into a side along carry that almost got changed into a bridal style if she hadn't given him a Look. The boy groaned under his breath, but before an argument could even start, a huge figure moved into their peripheral vision.
− Allow me, the floor is quite slippery. − strong arms lifted her up away from her brother's hold and the next moment find her sat atop Frostbite's shoulder, the crutches still in Danny's hands.
− Thanks Frostbite, she was being too stubborn. − the boy beamed and the raven bobbed its head in agreement.
− It is always a pleasure to help those in need, especially if they are your relatives, Great One! − his sort-of-mentor replied toothily.
Meanwhile the alarm born from the action in the parents' eyes drained away at the exchange, as if realizing that the spirit hadn't done anything threatening. The Fenton firstborn instead was pouting away her wounded pride, but she was deep down grateful of the assistance.
The following walk was shorter than expected as the cavern opened into a huge plaza dressed up for party with wreaths, festoons, and tables with any kind of food.
− People of the Far Frozen! − Frostbite roared, masking them all (sans Phantom, who of course was expecting it) jump. − It is not without joy that I announce you that the Savior of the Ghost Zone and his relatives have joined us! − he gestured with the frozen limb to the guests. − So let the feast begin!
Roar of approval thundered all around them and the girl couldn't help to raise an eyebrow when she noticed Danny had joined the chorus. He noticed it soon after and lamely asked her a silent "What?". She just shook her head in a "forget it" fashion as the chief of the tribe walked to a seat which became hers soon after.
− Do you feel comfortable enough, Jasmine? − the yeti asked her, a bit apprehensive.
− Yes, thank you. You didn't have to carry me, by the way. − she answered kindly, making the yeti smile.
− It was not a bother. − he waved off. Turning to the adults he added − All you see on this table is edible only for living beings, while on that one − he pointed towards a stall with a blue tablecloth on − unfortunately for you is only designated for full ghosts. On the other hand, the table with the green cover is safely edible for both human and spirits, if you want to give a try for unique tastes.
− Excuse me Frostbite sir, is that a peculiar reason or those ones are just poisonous for organic living matter? − all caution had been thrown away as the scientist side of their mother was quavering.
− I believe one of the legends of your world would explain the matter better than me; I first heard of it from Lady Pandora. Are you familiar with the myth of Hades and Persephone?
− Oh, you mean that gal that was kidnapped by the king of the Underworld and became its queen? − the patriarch casually asked as he served himself a pint of what looked like punch from the "safe" table. The other Fentons paused whatever thought or act they were about to do in order to stare astounded to the man. − What? I like Epic that talks about ghost-related subjects.
Unfazed by the exchange, the chief nodded. − Yes, that one. The goddess of the agriculture was abducted in order to become the wife of Hades. There are different versions of the tale about her time in the Underworld, but all of them agree about the fact that she ate six seeds of a pomegranate. An Underworld pomegranate. That alone was enough to chain her to that realm, even when the king of gods intervened to make her go back to her mother in the living world. Given that indissoluble bond, Persephone was allowed to leave the Underworld only for six months, while the remaining six must have been spent in the Realm of Dead. − he narrated gravely. − I believe this myth was usually employed by humans to explain why Autumn and Winter existed, but the real meaning behind it is to warn incautious visitors of the Ghost Zone not to eat food that belong entirely to this place.
− What about the food on the green table? − the huntress eyed it half warily and half suspiciously.
− Those are merely receipts made with the use of synthesized and purified ectoplasm. The Great One once told me that you already tried doing it, so it is safe to eat. − the chieftain reassured, but it had the contrary effect on Jazz that looked frightened at the green table: scenes of revived food came to her mind with horrified familiarity. A dismay that grew once she noticed her half-idiot brother (that had probably wandered during the explanation of the myth) placidly munching a fluorescent green hotdog from the table of the same color.
− Danny! − the mother had probably jumped to the same conclusions and leaped towards him, leaving a confused hunter behind.
− What, are we under attack?! − the halfa tensed, eyes darting around.
M ~O¤O~ Jk
− No, but we could be! This food is made with ectoplasm! − Maddie shout-whispered, reaching to grab the hotdog. To her utter surprise he backtracked, keeping the food out of her reach with an incredulous expression.
− So what? It's not like it's gonna come to life. − he defended his sausage bun.
− It always has! − she insisted leaping to catch the treat.
− Maybe because you just didn't cook it properly! − her second born dodged, chomping the hotdog probably in order to eliminate the very reason behind this impromptu fight. Meanwhile the raven had took flight to avoid taking part to this "mother-son" bonding ritual, or whatever it was thinking since it wasn't attacking her for the aggression of its nest.
− But I don't think these people are used to eat food from the living world imbued with ectoplasm! − she tried before the last bite could be consumed. Though she had underrated the hunger of a (albeit half-dead) growing teenager, because, as soon as she had finished her warning, the food had vanished and not because of invisibility. The huntress let out an exasperated deep sigh and gave up the chase.
− If I could Madeline... − the now familiar voice of Danny's friend made her perk up and turn around to face him. It was still a bit strange to be in company of so many huge tame spirits. − While I understand your maternal concerns, we are more than capable of cooking Earthly food with ectoplasm. Here in the Far Frozen is considered a treat, so we have different receipts that are used for several important occasions. None of these dishes is going to come to life, I assure you this. − the yeti grinned.
The woman's face flushed in embarrassment and averted her eyes just in time to see her son facepalm at the situation. Soon after, deeming the circumstances back to non-crazy, the raven landed again on Danny's head and ruffled both its feather and his hair. − Just try one mom. − he said drily.
Tentatively the matriarch peered at the middle table and selected a greenish pudding, along with a tiny spoon. Before taking a bite she glanced at her husband who nodded and smiled cheeringly. The first taste was almost disappointing: it wasn't anywhere different from a normal pudding. However... what made her change idea was the aftertaste. There was a note of copper, of course, but an intense fragrance of flowers almost covered it, leaving her a bit stunned. − How did you do this? − she immediately asked their host, who chuckled.
− You will have more luck with Snowsaber, she is our best chef here in the Far Frozen. − Frostbite pointed to a yeti with at least half of her talons made by ice and clothed with a cyan kilt and several bands on her arms of the same color. Nodding in thanks, the huntress eagerly hurried towards said spirit and after introducing herself they started chattering each other's ears off. Snowsaber, even if a bit surly, seemed delighted to have found a kindred warrior (and attempted cook) in a mortal relative of the "Savior of the Ghost Zone".
Meanwhile Jack had almost accidentally found someone to blather about ghost and invention too, when one of their first escorts (Brinehorn, he found afterward) had approached him to ask about the Speeder. Soon after a gal called Rimetail, a physician, had joined the conversation to discuss about the differences between ghosts of the dead and spirits that had never been "alive" to begin with. The opinions, both physical and philosophical, were making him feel like a kid into a candy shop.
D ~O¤O~ Jz
− I was afraid of how this could have ended, but it seems like they're mellowing out. − his sister sighed, then munched a halfa-canapé.
− Naah, the people of the Far Frozen are capable of melting any icy heart when they set to do so. Do you know anything about it Frostbite? − the teenage superhero gulped down a sip of iced coke and glanced at his sort-of-mentor.
− I have no knowledge of it, Great One, I'm afraid. − he answered, but his mischievous eyes told another story. Danny snorted and went back at looking his parents.
− Speaking of knowledge, how did you discover about them? I'd like to keep this matter as reserved as possible after all. − he requested seriously. The chief hummed with a sense of solemnity.
− I understand your concerns, but you do not have to worry. − he smirked. − Even if my source was a little enthusiastic in sharing that information, it was only because he knew we are allies. I doubt the community he is part would break such an important secret... along with the fact that you welcome them without any kind of malice. That would deprive them all of a safe harbor.
− ...So it was the monkey after all. − the halfa deadpanned.
− Indeed it was! − the yeti heartily laughed. − He and his companions most likely will pass by to throw a party or at least congratulate you.
− I dread that day. Dad and the rhino would hit like a house on fire. − Danny shuddered at the thought.
− Well, at least the cat could give you a paw if things go south. − Jazz punned, making the other two snort and the raven huff.
− And mom and the hawk will creep us all only by looking at us and conspiring. Yep, I dread the day. − the halfa reaffirmed, resolute.
The rest of the banquet was full of excitement, chatters and food. At last Frostbite narrated how they had gathered the "living" ingredients, finally solving one of the mysteries Danny had always wandered about: were the legends about yetis and bigfoot real?
It was only when hours later a loud gong echoed in the lands that the murmurs of the people died down and everybody looked up to the tribe Chief who had conjured an ice stage.
− I thank everyone for your contribution to this banquet and for taking part in it; it was an honor for me to host the festivity. But the biggest expression of gratitude is addressed to the Fentons who raised, nurtured and accepted the Savior of the Ghost Zone among them! So raise your glasses for the last cheer of the event. − everyone obliged, even Danny who had been dragged by the yeti beside him on the stage and was blushing so green that it seemed to have substituted the natural tan of his Ghost Mode. − Cheers!
Half an hour later the family had returned to the Specter Speeder, accompanied only by Frostbite since the other tribesmen and women were busy tidying the plaza. Although... that wasn't the only reason, if the rolled up parchment in the spirit's ice hand was of any indication.
− Thank you again for the hospitality sir. I haven't had this much fun in ages! − Jack exclaimed giddily.
− It was a pleasure Mr. Fenton, you are welcome anytime here in the Far Frozen. Though, given the long way back and your exhaustion, I would like to offer you a ride back. − he raised the scroll and Danny smirked.
− Are you sure it will take us home and not where we are needed? − he crossed his arms in mock suspicious, bird still perched on him, but asleep with the head tucked under its wing.
The older cryokinetic laughed at the sass. − I believe there is where you are needed the most right now. Besides, I will be the one steering this time.
− The helm is all yours. − the halfa grinned cheekily and joined the others on the Speeder, closing the door behind him. − Take a hold on anything, traveling by Infi-map can be a little rowdy.
As soon as the order was followed, the spirit had taken hold of the front of the vehicle and had muttered something.
What happened next could be only described as a rollercoaster but without vertigo or nausea involved. Frostbite really knew his way with the artifact. In just a few seconds they found themselves in front of the still closed by the TLD Ghost Portal.
− Here we depart, Great One. I will see you next time. − the Chief saluted and the Fentons reciprocated, before he zipped away with the help of the Infi-map.
− I like him. − the huntress commented, as she righted the Speeder while her husband opened the passage with the remote.
− I know right? − finally dropping the "guard" (more like he felt more comfortable as Phantom inside the Zone) he turned back into his human mode, concealing almost entirely the black "birdie" blob inside his jungle of hair of the same color.
The check up routine post travel was almost automatic between him and Jazz, so the parents easily followed their lead. It probably helped a ton the fact that Rimetail had given the girl a Far Frozen remedy that accelerated the healing rate of humans and so she could move around more comfortably.
− Sooooo... − after a while the mother trailed, a note of mischief in her voice that alarmed the second born immediately as they were ascending from the lab. − "The Savior of the Ghost Zone?"
A loud groan and poor concealed snicker luckily weren't enough to wake the current ghost-guest and Danny was really grateful of it, because raven complains atop of embarrassment weren't how he had planned of concluding that amazing day.
A/N. Hey there! I reeaaally wanted to post the second part of Episode 1 of the Aftermath on Halloween, but my muse decided that it liked more making carved pumpkins and reading Miraculous fanfictions, so I ended up postponing it in the deep of the night of the Day of the Dead (a Christian celebration in memory of our lost ones), you know, because my poor sense of humor sucks. u_ù
Anyway, always given my whimsy muse, I was more ahead in the start of Episode 2 in mid-October, but I don't know when it will be published because I want to go ahead with the next chapter of "PMD: Mega (Shinka) Mix" since on the 17th is gonna come out Pokémon UltraSun and UltraMoon and it is near the second anniversary of that story... We'll see. \_(ツ)_/
Hope you enjoyed the chapter and the (two) little cameo I put in, thanks for all the new favs, follows and reviews, type ya next time!
[SneezySoul: I'm glad you feel like that, how did you find the ending? Was everyone enough in character? :3 Thanks for your vote!
Invader Johnny: I honestly forgot about that aspect, thanks for reminding me! Liked it? ;)
Magic Enchilladas: thanks for pointing out the typo, I'll correct it probably when it's not 2 in the morning ^^'...]