Chapter 17: First curse
It was now nighttime. Libby was in front of the McGee's house. To be specific, she payed Scratch a visit... To tell him that she won't be a Ghost Friend anymore.
''WHAT? Libs, you're one of the original members! Why do you wanna quit?'' Scratch asked, confused.
''Because Molly and I aren't friends anymore... And it's all my fault. I don't know how she overheard, but she knows what I said behind her back... I... I didn't mean to call her a freak or to talk about her ADHD... I was just trying to hold the conversation, but... That's not excuse. Now Molly refuses to forgive me. She hates me...'' Libby said, while she was crying.
Scratch was shocked. He couldn't believe Molly pushed Libby away. He knew Molly wasn't okay with unfriending people, so it didn't make sence for her to just tell Libby that she hates her.
''Libby...''
''M-Maybe I was better as an outcast... Or maybe I should've died in the fire...'' Libby cried, as she walked away.
Libby was completely broken. What does her fame means if she doesn't have her best friend?
''Ugh, teens are the worst...'' Scratch said, as he flew back to the attic.
Molly was just sitting quietly, drawing... Her own phantom form. She had that proud look on her face. How could not she be proud? She saved so many people from death, she had every right to be proud.
''Molly! Did you seriously just unfriend Libby?!''
''Of course I did, just told you'' Molly said, as she continued to draw.
''ARE YOU INSANE? Moll, we have a phantom to catch, we need EVERY member of our team!'' Scratch said, mad.
Molly was really annoyed. She saved people, but just because she is a phantom she has to be hunted down? This was so unfair!
''You know, maybe we shouldn't hunt that phantom at all!''
''Say what?''
''I mean, why does the Ghost Council want it so bad? What if that particular phantom is nice and just tries to make the world a better place?'' Molly asked.
''As I said already, phantoms are unpredictable! Come on, there has to be a reason the council are so scared of it!''
''Do you still trust those guys? They almost sent you to the flow of failed phantoms because you were friends with me!''
When Molly said that, this got Scratch thinking for a minute. Flow of failed phantoms... He focused more on ''phantoms''. Was there a reason it was called that? Did they... Used to send phantoms there?
''Well, you do have a point. Still, phantoms aren't joke! According to some legends, they used to be the most powerfull spirits to float around'' Scratch said, grabbing Molly's attention from her drawing.
''Wait... Really?''
''Yeah. Not sure what exactly they could do, but... Some say they could cast curses way too powerful for normal ghosts'' Scratch explained.
Molly just realized she hadn't even tried to cast a curse. She could fly, shoot lightning, travel everywhere she wants, but she never tried to curse... Oh, tonight she sure will try it out.
''Hmmm... Interesting. Anyway, time to go to bed!''
''Molly, I want you tomorrow to go to Libby and apologize! After everything we three have been through, you can't just abandon her!''
''Pfff, whatever...'' Molly said, as she layed on her bed.
''Really? Not even a goodnight hug?''
''A goodnight hug? Uhhh... Okay, sure'' Molly said, as she got up and hugged her best friend.
Weird how Scratch wanted a goodnight hug. When has he done that? They never hugged before falling asleep... Right? Molly layed on her bed again and pretended to fall asleep, watching Scratch turn off the lights and go into his dollhouse.
Molly's eyes were slightly glowing in the dark, like a little flashlights. She didn't even care, she waited for 10 minutes until she was sure Scratch fall asleep.
Very quietly, Molly got up and left the attic. She could fly around the USA to catch some criminals. So late at night, this was the time they strike. A known fact she read today on her laptop.
''Ohohoho... Boy, will this be fun!'' Molly said with an evil smile, as she went to the kitchen and drained as much energy as she could.
Time for the Phantom of Joy to bring justice again...
...
Ollie and June were in their living room, watching TV, as Samantha and their parents were already asleep.
''So what was it that saved all of you?'' Reporter asked.
''It was an angel! She came from the sky and stopped the huge building before it fall. We know God is watching all over us, that's why he sent one of his angels to save us! ONLY JESUS!'' Brazilian explained with a heavy portuguese accent.
''This is not the first case of that mysterious entity. By other reports, that was the same ghost that stopped the bank robbery in Los Angeles, while in Germany it also stopped a break-in and even left its mark on one robber's arm!'' The reporter said, as it showed picture of the robber with ''Phantom of Joy'' tattooed on his arm.
Both June and Ollie were annoyed.
''Looks like that phantom is becoming quite famous'' June said.
''Should we even try to hunt it? Looks like it wants to help people... I don't want to hunt innocent ghost again'' Ollie said.
''Well, if Scratch is the one who says we should hunt it, then it sure is dangerous. Come on, think about it! Ghosts want to be hidden, to never reveal themselves to us humans. Then why does that phantom just show itself to hundreds of people and leave evidence of its existence?''
''It's either planning something, or it's just too insane to hide''
''Whatever it is, I don't like it... This is why I made those bad boys!'' June said, as she pulled up a red knife with a button.
''Woah, June! What the heck?!''
''Come on, just press the button'' June said, as she gave her brother the knife.
Ollie pressed the little button, activating a red electricity around it. He could even feel how it was vibrating in his hand.
''What's that?''
''I call it 'Spengler'. It's a ghost hunting knife. I studied the butterfly and its energy. If we say this phantom has the same kind of energy, then this knife's electricity can hurt it and make it weaker'' June explained.
It sure was a cool looking weapon. That wasn't the only one, June had many other ideas for traps. She couldn't tell why, but she REALLY wanted to catch that phantom. She was really curious how they work. A human who can turn to a ghost whenever they like, it sounded interesting. It may be hard, but they sure will hunt it down.
...
In a dark parking in Vegas, some kid was trying to steal a car. He probably was around Molly's age, so it was shocking someone so young was doing such a thing.
After a few minutes of trying, he finally managed to open the car. With the biggest grin on his face, he went inside and started it... But he felt something hot next to him... And turned around and saw a bright ghost right next to him.
''You know, you probably should focus on things like gaming, homework, friends... But DEFINITELY not stealing cars, kiddo!''
''WHAT THE F-
The boy was so shocked, he jumped out of the car and fell on the ground... And when he looked up, that ghost was gone.
He had no idea what was that, or if it was even real, but it sure scared him. He got back up... Only to see the ghost behind him.
''DEAR GOSH!''
He fell again, and started to crawl backwards from fear. Molly was just watching and even though he couldn't see it, he knew the bright ghost was smiling at him.
''WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?!''
''Me? Oh, I'm many things. The hero the world doesn't deserve, but needs! The light in the darkness! Joy itself! THE PHANTOM OF JOY!''
For a moment Molly was shocked she just made that up. It sounded so good, she was mad she didn't write it somewhere, because she was sure she'll forget it.
''S-STAY BACK! I'M WARNING YOU!'' The boy said, as he got back up... And pulled out a gun.
''Really, dude? You know, I have a friend who used a gun at your age... Spoiler, it didn't turn out well for him''
''LEAVE ME THE F*CK ALONE, OR I'M SHOOTING!''
''Listen, kid, I'm giving you a chance to walk back home, or things will get ugly!''
''THAT'S IT, DIE!'' The boy screamed... As he shot.
He froze when the bullet just went through Molly. He was watching in fear how the ghost was just watching him.
''Oh yeah, two can play that game. MY TURN!''
The moment she said that, the boy turned around and ran away... Only to get shot by lightning.
''AAAAHHHH!''
Smoke was coming out of the poor boy's back, as he was screaming in pain... While Molly was getting closer.
''I did warn you, kid. Someone should teach you manners... Which gives me an idea...''
Molly floated in the air and levitated him. Her red eyes became even more red...
''I CURSEEEEE YOU, LITTLE BRAT! IF YOU EVER TRY TO STEAL AGAIN, I'LL KNOW... AND I'LL COME TO BREAK THOSE LITTLE DIRTY FINGERS OF YOURS!''
She was done with her curse. For a first time, she wanted it to be something simple, because she knew curses are tiring for ghosts. The boy was still on the ground, looking at her with a scared look.
A police car came. The officers came out and saw the thief with tears in his eyes, laying on the ground from fear.
''OH, THANK GOD! ARREST ME, LOCK ME AWAY, DO WHATEVER YOU WANT... JUST DON'T LET HER TO GET ANY CLOSER TO ME!'' The boy screamed, as he ran to the cops.
''What? Who are you talking about, kid?''
''HER!''
When he pointed to where the phantom was... She was gone. Only one little note was left on the ground...
Remember... I'll know if you steal again...
-The Phantom of Joy