Three
Danny knew that it must have been too long since he had made a proper visit to the Ghost Zone when he was astonished to note the lack of ghosts crowding his parents' portal.
He felt a renewed interest in the familiar landscape of glowing green atmosphere and floating purple doors that surrounded him. The novelty of this place would never wear off. It shifted too much for that.
"You sure you won't need directions?" asked Sam.
"I've still got them programmed into my PDA." Based on his tone, Tucker was enjoying this far too much.
Danny sighed. "I've got it this time, guys." He was unlikely to forget the way after what had happened the last time he'd gone there.
"What am I missing?" Valerie had been lent her own pair of Fenton Phones. She hovered behind Danny and the Speeder.
"Oh, Danny got us lost in the Ghost Zone again," said Tucker.
"So you really do come here a lot? It's a pretty creepy place."
"Yeah," Danny admitted. He knew two of its most unsettling characteristics were the still air and the distant sound of wailing ghosts—spectral noise. "But it grows on you." The first trip to the Ghost Zone had been terrifying, but now it felt oddly comfortable. Sam and Tucker had adapted just as well, so he knew it had nothing to do with his unique physiology.
They soon saw some ghosts passing through. Unlike the humanoid ghosts that tended to attack Amity Park, these ghosts were green blobs with red eyes that bobbed through the air, some landing on islands, others opening and disappearing behind various doors.
Danny had already warned Valerie that as long as the ghosts weren't attacking, it was best to just leave them alone. Attacking ghosts on sight had not ended well for him in his first few trips to the Ghost Zone. Or in his life in general. She was wise enough to take his advice and they passed them by.
Sam and Tucker bickered like always while Valerie remained silent as they traveled; the Speeder's engine hummed in the background. This continued for some time.
"Any reason why you're . . . you know, a ghost, right now?" said Valerie at one point as she came closer.
"Hmm?" Danny turned back to exchange surprised looks with his friends. "Why's that matter?"
"You said humans are the ghosts here," she explained. "Doesn't that make you more vulnerable?"
He could see her point, but: "I'm still stronger like this. I can use my ghost powers no matter what I look like but I'm much better at fighting in an emergency when I go ghost."
"Okay."
The rest of the way there was much more peaceful than the usual trip. Outside of catching glimpses of them or their lairs' from above, the group managed to avoid running into any of the usual Amity Park enemies.
Finally, Danny pointed up ahead to the floating island of ice. It took some time for them to travel deeper until the city was visible in the distance. Everyone landed smoothly.
"Come on. Let's find Frostbite."
"Welcome back, O Great One, to the Realm of the Far Frozen," said Frostbite. He would have been an intimidating figure if not for his friendly smile. He towered over all of them and had icy horns and claws, including an iced over arm.
They stood in the land of ice and snow. Glaciers peaked all around them, there was so much snow it almost looked like the ground was composed of flakes of frozen water, and the local ghosts were coated in thick fur to stave off the cool temperature. Danny appreciated his own ability to control the cold.
"Hi, Frostbite." Danny gestured in Valerie's direction. "This is Valerie Gray. The suit she's wearing is something we're currently trying to make sure won't hurt her and that she can't be spied on or tracked with it. Do you have anyone here who could look it over?"
The ghost put a clawed finger (paw?) to his chin. "We are experienced in technology here but I am not certain if we are advanced enough for such a suit. But we of the Far Frozen are always willing to help the Savior of the Ghost Zone and his friends." He gave Valerie a formal introduction that she accepted with a nod and wave. Then he signaled to one of the other yeti-like ghosts to his side. "Take Valerie Gray to the scientists."
Danny and Valerie waved goodbye to each other, then she went off with her guide. Neither of them had corrected Frostbite calling them friends. Was it still true? Danny supposed it was still too early to say. It had only been a couple of days.
He looked to Sam and Tucker, who gave him nods of encouragement.
"There's more. Is the Infi-Map still safe and sound?"
"Indeed," Frostbite said. "It has not moved from its place since you last used it. Why do you worry for it, Great One?"
"Plasmius was after it before and we know he's been planning something big lately, so we thought we'd ask about the Infi-Map."
"Unless you know if there's something else he could be after," said Sam.
The leader of the Far Frozen's expression became very serious. "I believe I know what you ask about, young ones. Follow me."
They were escorted to one of the many caves. They were offered a chance to sit down on chairs, which they accepted.
Frostbite asked them about Vlad: about him in general, about what they'd figured out about him. He was especially interested when Danny mentioned the Fright Knight and Vlad's deal. Then he let out a heavy sigh. "Before I explain, I must ask if you have heard of the Elsewhereness."
The . . . what? Danny was unsurprised that Tucker's blank expression matched his own but even Sam was puzzled. And considering how she'd had a book about the Fright Knight, this must be obscure.
"I believe you would better know it as the ghost paradise," Frostbite said.
That didn't clear it up for Danny. Since when did ghosts have a paradise?
"Like Heaven?"
"Heaven or whatever your world considers a Realm free of pain, misery, or fear."
"That's a thing in the Ghost Zone?" Danny just kept finding out more and more things about this place.
"Yes." Frostbite's tone did not allow any argument. "The Ghost Zone as you know it is not the only part of it that exists. There are two others that are foretold of. The first is the Elsewhereness or paradise. The second is known as the Unworld: a land where neither ghost powers nor human abilities work and those who wind up there are forever trapped."
"Sounds like the Greek Underworld," said Tucker. After that time the Box Ghost stole Pandora's box, both he and Danny had done some basic reading about Greek mythology with Sam.
"Yep," Sam agreed. "It's got parallels for Elysium and Tartarus outright, and I guess the rest of the Ghost Zone is like the Asphodel Meadows?"
Danny interrupted before this turned into a mythology discussion. "So you were saying. This Elsewhereness. I'm guessing you think Vlad wants it?"
"I believe that he wants to find it," Frostbite said. "My people and I do not often leave our home but there have been words in the last few weeks throughout the Ghost Zone about something that was unexpected. Someone found a page of the lost journal of Sojourn."
"Who's Sojourn?" asked all three of them.
He directed their attention to an image on one of the cave walls: a bald green ghost in a hooded cloak.
"Alas, I am not one of our people's great storytellers but time is short. I will do my best:
"Long ago, long before just about any ghost who currently calls the Ghost Zone's many Realms or lairs home came into being, there was a nameless ghost who swore they would one day explore and map the entire Ghost Zone.
"They were not believed, of course. It is said that the Ghost Zone has infinite Realms for a reason. But the nameless one would not stray from their path and began their voyage. It was not long before they developed a reputation: the nameless nomad who always tried to befriend those they met in their temporary sojourns. This soon became their chosen name, Sojourn.
"There are many ideas about when they began to write in their fabled journal, which cataloged every travel destination. Some say they went through a natural portal and got it from the Human Realm, others say they were the one to make it. Regardless, it was enchanted with a special magic that allowed them to never run out of paper no matter how many Realms they visited. Many stories are told about their travels but the most famous is about the Elsewhereness.
"It was when Sojourn had gone to one of the most populous Realms that they regaled the crowd with the tale of a land that was so perfect that it was paradise. Sojourn called it the Elsewhereness. All who heard of it wanted to go. After enough people convinced them, Sojourn held tests and tournaments to judge who was worthy of Elsewhereness. It is said that very few, if any, met their approval. News of the paradise spread throughout the Ghost Zone.
But then one day, Sojourn vanished, and their journal went with them. It is said that even now pages of the journal can still be found throughout the Ghost Zone by those who know where to look and are found worthy. Some even say that one day, when all the pages have been gathered, or even the journal itself found, Sojourn will return and with them, the way to Elsewhereness. Only when all have joined them in paradise will their journey end."
Danny had listened to the whole story but it left more questions than it answered. "Sojourn was real?"
"That has been debated among some ghosts as they are said to have lived in the time Pariah Dark ruled the Ghost Zone, if not before. If asked for my own view, I do think so. The journal is believed to be real as pages have been rumored to have been found over centuries. Most ghosts will never come into contact with these pages as it's often said that those who find them hoard them because it is believed that these pages may even have special properties—what those may be, I cannot say without resorting to hyperbole. And that doesn't even bring up how many could have been lost in the natural portals."
Danny turned to his friends. They seemed just as overwhelmed by this as he was; Sam had stiffened and Tucker's mouth curled in unease.
"What do people think happened to Sojourn?" he asked.
"Some say they disappeared through a natural portal. Others believe they went to the Unworld. A less common theory is that they were sucked into a black hole."
"Black hole?" all three of them said.
Then Danny shook his head. "Nevermind. So, the Elsewhereness is a thing and Vlad wants to find this journal. I guess if he finds enough pages it'll show him how to get there?"
"That is the legend." Frostbite nodded. "It is rumored that some of the pages are kept in other Realms like the Infi-Map here. I have heard word that the Fright Knight had at least one of the pages, and from what you have told me, it seems he and Plasmius are allied."
"That's what I don't get, though. Why would Fright Knight help Vlad with this? Shouldn't he just search on his own?"
Frostbite stood up and walked over to the cave's entrance. "You must understand that we of the Ghost Zone are different from humans. There is one thing that is more often than not true about a ghost: we want to reach the Elsewhereness. I can feel it so strongly despite being perfectly happy here in the Far Frozen."
Sam spoke up. "You think he stands a better chance with Vlad's help than alone."
"I believe that is what the Fright Knight thinks," he corrected. "He is a very old ghost and is probably impatient for a chance at paradise. Time does things to any being."
"But why do they want to go there?" asked Valerie.
They all looked up as she strolled to the cave entrance, sans suit.
"Did you hear all of that?" Danny nodded to her, which she returned.
"Just the part about paradise and Vlad."
"Well, to answer your question," said Frostbite, "I must mention that I am not an expert. Ghosts who are older than I would probably know more. But we all want to reach Elsewhereness for the same reason why many in your world want paradise. Some of the stories say it is personalized to whoever goes so that all are equally content. The chance of going somewhere that has none of the negative feelings or experiences we learn to cope with is a very strong motivator, especially for a ghost. For us, in many ways, we are literally our emotions."
"Is it . . ." Valerie hesitated. "Is it because you're, you know—"
The three friends shook their heads rapidly, which led to her cutting off her speech and stuttering out an apology. Frostbite got the point, though. He seemed unoffended and accepted her apology.
"Ah, that is an understandable misconception. Many ghosts are indeed echoes of deceased beings from the Human World. That is not the only way to be a ghost, however. Several ghosts, including in my own Realm, were born here in the Ghost Zone. Ambient ectoplasm can naturally animate to create new ghosts. And, of course, being half-ghost brings a whole new dimension to what it means to be a ghost."
Danny didn't like thinking about what he was very much. It brought back memories of those awful words from Spectra: What are you? A ghost trying to fit in with humans? Or some creepy little boy with creepy little powers? . . . Not a ghost, not a boy! He knew that he was Danny Fenton and that he had cool ghost powers. That was enough for him.
He cleared his throat. "So you said word has gotten out in the Ghost Zone. Do people know Plasmius is behind it?"
"While officially a rumor, it is common knowledge in this part of the Ghost Zone. Many have been seen searching far and wide for any of the pages now that another has been discovered. He is most likely gathering allies as we speak. I believe that should help explain the situation about less ghosts going to your world. Though you should ask another ghost for more information. I'm afraid that that is all I know."
"Any suggestions?"
"Someone who might know more than I about Sojourn or perhaps the Ghost King, as the Fright Knight is involved. Some of the most powerful or ancient ghosts."
Danny would give it more thought later. For now, he felt like he needed time to adjust to all the information they gained.
"Thanks for everything, Frostbite. We should be heading home now."
"You are always welcome here, Danny Phantom. Thank you for the information you have given us and for visiting."
Everyone said their goodbyes and they set off to the Fenton Portal. This time they all loaded into the Specter Speeder, though Valerie immediately shoved her way to a seat furthest from the rest of them. They were not stopped on the way there, though Danny caught sight of Johnny 13 and Kitty riding together on Johnny's motorcycle in the distance, Shadow leading the way. Valerie told them on the trip back that the scientists had suggested some advice and had indeed found evidence of tampering in the suit but had admitted ignorance on how to improve things. In turn, they filled her in on the parts of the conversation she'd missed.
The group rocketed through the Portal into FentonWorks. The Specter Speeder was parked and everyone exited it.
Danny looked around, happy he'd straightened up in the lab earlier that morning. They'd been gone long enough for it to be early afternoon now.
Tucker whined in the background about how long a trip it'd been as he and Sam took off their winter gear while Valerie told Danny it was about time she left.
Before he could reply, however, there was a banging on the door followed by the patter of footsteps. His sister came into view.
"Danny." Jazz appeared relieved. "You're back for good?"
"Yeah, why?"
Another voice called from upstairs.
"Danny-boy, are you kids finished cleaning the lab yet?"
"Um, yeah, Dad! Just about."
"Good. Come upstairs and say hello to Vlad!"