Chapter 20: Failed hunt
It has been a year since Todd left Brighton. Probably the best decision he ever made. He never felt so alive, all the adventures him and Adia have, all the moments they share. In Brighton, he was just misarable, he was only wasting his life there, he never had any friends there... Or at least he doesn't remember having friends there. He should have left that small town years ago! It was another great day as he and Adia where now in Tokyo, exploring the forest Aokigahara. As kid he could only imagine going around the world and now he can go wherever he wants with his best friend.
''Adia, this is amazing!'' Todd said.
''I know, right? When I visited that forest few years ago, I was also amazed!''
''Everything about Japan is perfect! Especially the food!''
''Haha same old Todd, only thinking about food'' said Adia smiling at him
They were walking around the forest for 2 hours now. How could Todd reject Adia's invitations to come with her for so long? He was amazed and happy at every place they visited. Only for a year they visited so many places together, more than he had ever traveled in his life. He can finaly be with her.
"Hey Todd, wanna know something interesting?'' Adia asked.
''What?'' said Todd smiling at her.
''Did you know this is also called 'the suicide forest' because many people come here to commit suicide''
''Oh... Well... that's kinda sad'' said Todd and then he saw something in the distance.
Between all the trees and bushes he saw a little girl crying. He was first surpriced to see a kid alone in the forest, but he assumed that she probably got lost.
''Adia, do you see that kid?'' Todd asked and when he turned around, Adia was gone.
''What? Adia? Where did you go?''
The crying from the little girl got louder. He had no idea what was going on, but he knew he couldn't leave a little kid alone here. As he started to get closer to the girl, he saw what she looked like. She probably wasn't older than 13, had dark brown hair worn in a short ponytail, wearing ripped jean vest with white shirt, purple-pink skirt and red sneakers. He never met this kid before, but for some reason it looked so familiar to him.
''Uhhhh, kid? Is everythink alright'' Todd asked, as he got closer.
No response. He couldn't tell why, but he had the feeling that girl will jump at him and will cry his name... But that didn't happen... She gave him one look... And ran away.
''Wha, hey!''
The girl was just crying and running, but Todd started to chase her down. They were running past the trees... Nothing suspicious about middle aged man chasing a girl in the woods. He didn't even care about Adia anymore, he wanted to go stop that girl. He was getting closer, but she was still way ahead of him.
''Kid, come back!'' Todd was shouting, as he reached his arm.
Even though she was younger and faster than him, Todd was really close to catch her. So close, he finally grabbed her arm... But then he froze from fear when he saw that the girl had red demonic eyes.
''LET ME GO, YOU JERK!''
Molly shot a lighning at him, knocking him on the ground... And looked at him with her red eyes.
''I DON'T NEED YOU!''
...
''MOLLY!''
Scratch woke up and fell from his dollhouse. Molly who was already wearing her sunglasses, was on her desk and saw how he just fall.
''Woah, Scratch! What happened?'' Molly asked, as she got up and went to his side.
This didn't make any sense... Why? Why was Scratch having the same nightmare again? He looked at Molly with a worried and scared face.
''J-Just a nightmare...''
''Oh. Must've been a really scary one'' Molly joked, as she placed her hand on Scratch's head to comfort him.
''I-I guess...''
''Nothing to worry about, buddy, just a bad dream. Anyways, I'll go out with Hikari today'' Molly said, as she walked to her desk and grabbed her phone.
''Ugh, that japanese girl again? You know, you spend a lot of time with her lately''
''Well, she's my former girlfr- I mean friend! Of course, we'll spend time! Anyways, gotta go, bye!''
Before Molly could leave, Scratch got up and grabbed her arm.
''Wait! Molly... Are you okay?''
Scratch was worried. He had this nightmare when he started to remember Molly as a human... So what does it mean if he has creepier versions of that nightmare as a ghost?
''Uhhh, yeah, of course! Feeling perfect! Why do you ask?''
A lie... HUGE lie! Once again, Molly wasn't sleeping at all last night. She wasn't in her ghost form because of the agents. She hated the fact she can't have one peaceful night without nightmares.
This wasn't normal. Who else has nightmares every time when they fall asleep? Hers weren't just scary, they were super realistic, which was even more terrifying.
''J-Just... Making sure everything is alright. Don't forget, we have a Ghost Friends meeting after a few-
Before Scratch could finish, the ghost phone appeared right next to him.
''Come on, Scratch! Time for work!''
''Haha, looks like you have a meeting just now! No worries, I'll come... Bye!'' Molly said, as she walked down from the attic.
She hated the fact she has to be at that meeting. The fact she has to listen how they can hunt her down was making her sick from her friends.
Scratch was still confused. He opened a ghost portal. Maybe it doesn't mean anything... Like Molly said, just a bad dream.
...
Early in the morning, no one was at the park. Maybe because it was a little hot today, or because of the O.A.S soldiers patrolling all over. A little raccoon was crawling around, looking for some left overs... And out of nowhere, Samantha jumped at it and grabbed it.
''GOT YA!''
The raccoon got so scared, it couldn't even move. Poor animal just accepted it's fate to be in this girl's hands.
''Pretty sad, isn't it? One day you're free to sniff around, but the other you get hunted... By the Princess of Hunting! Oh well, maybe next time you'll watch your-
''SAMANTHA!'' Ollie screamed behind her.
Taking his eyes off Samantha for just few seconds were enough for her to target her prey and catch it...
''Ugh, what?''
''We talked about this! No hunting! Put it down!'' Ollie said, as he ran to her.
This was unfair! She barely managed to catch a butterfly a few nights ago, now she hunted a whole raccoon from the first try. It was really annoying for her.
''Oh, come on! Think what his liver may taste like!''
''No! You're gonna act like a civil human being, not some wild predator! Let the raccoon go!''
''Ugh, fine, I'm not gonna eat it... But can I at least keep it? He's so fluffy'' Samantha said, as she got up, while she was hugging it.
''Ohoho, no way! We're not keeping pets! Put it down!''
''Hmmm... No!''
''Samantha, put the raccoon down!''
''NO! MINE!''
''That's an alive creature, it's not a toy!'' Ollie said, as he tried to get it from her, but she stepped back.
''I don't care, I hunted it!''
It was hard for the Chens to keep Samantha safe. Because of all the years she spent as a skinwalker, she barely remembered how to act like a normal girl.
She was gonna continue to argue... But she saw 2 of the agents getting closer, causing her to release her raccoon. Ollie also noticed them. Once again, they weren't doing anything... Just staring. Ollie was so creeped out again, he grabbed Samantha's hand and they started to walk away. Samantha was watching the raccoon running away.
''No es justo... Algún día iré con esos hijos de puta...''
''Wha, hey! You didn't tell us you can speak spanish!'' Ollie said, amazed.
''I'm spanish on my dad's side'' Samantha said, not taking her eyes off the soldiers.
They were also staring at her. Something was right... It was ridiculous how a girl at her age just widly attacks raccoons... Suspicious for them.
...
Libby was more worried than ever. Her mom was gone for the whole night. Not responding to her calls or messages, just like when Scratch attacked her when he was corrupted. Not even John knew where Leah was, which was really worrying. Libby was about to have a panic attack, but FINALLY her mom showed up.
''MOM! Where have you been?! Why weren't you responding to my-
Libby saw how awful her mom looked. Her skin was red... And she had a black eye.
''M-Mom...''
''Sorry, I... I had some trouble with those new agents...'' Leah said, barely keeping her balance.
''The agents? What do they want from you?''
''Yesterday some idiot tried to rob the place where I work, but... Some strange bright spirit came and saved me. When the agents showed up, she flew off... And they just...''
Leah started to tear up. Because she and her friend saw the phantom, they took her to their base close to Brighton for an interrogation. She was keeping her mouth shut the how time... And they just beated her and Tamara up. Tamara was even worse because they used a taser on her...
Libby was shocked when she saw how beaten her mom was. She walked to her, grabbed her arm and slowly walked her to the couch. Leah was so traumatized from this night, she sat and started to sob.
''Oh mom... It's okay, you're safe now!'' Libby said, still holding her mom's arm.
''Th-They have no respect for the living or the dead... Th-They j-just want power...''
''Shhhhh, don't think about them. You're safe now. Just wait, I'll give you something to eat and a cup of tea... After that, you're getting a much needed cuddle'' Libby said, as she walked to the kitchen to make breakfast for her mom.
''Thank you... I-I don't know what I've done to deserve a miracle like you...''
This was unbelievable! How dare those bastards to even touch Leah? Libby realized why they might be here. If they really beated her mom up over that phantom, this means those guys also want it. If she has to, she will rejoin the Ghost Friends team.
...
Molly and Hikari were at the park, like usual... This time with few soldiers watching them. Still, they didn't want their fun to be ruined, so they didn't care.
''You know, you're even more adorable with those sunglasses!''
''You're adorable without even wearing anything special!'' Molly giggled, as she wrapped her arm around Hikari.
''Awww, you too! But seriously, you look so good! Did you recently decide to go with purple style" Hikari asked, amazed.
''Yeah, honestly! After that haircut your mom gave me, I thought it would be even cooler if-
Molly was about to finish, but when she saw how almost every agent was staring at them, she felt very embarrassed. It was so uncomfortable how they just stared at people. This is probably why Molly and Hikari were the only ones at the park.
''Y-You know... We should go somewhere else...''
''Yeah, we should... What's up with these guys anyway? Do they really want this phantom so bad?'' Hikari asked, annoyed by the way the agents were still staring at them.
''Oh, so you heard about the Phantom of Joy?''
''Pffff, yeah! Everyone has! She's like a trend!''
''Wait, what?''
Hikari showed her phone... And Molly was speechless. There was a documentary YouTube video about the Phantom of Joy, uploaded 2 days ago... It already has around 250M views. Not just videos... News articles, theories, footage... And even an official anthem.
''WH-WHAT?!''
''I know, right? It's a real life superhero! Oh, it will be so cool if I just see her once!''
When Hikari said this, a grin smile appeared on Molly's face.
''You know... Maybe you can see her''
''Huh?''
''Yes. You know what I say... Keep believing and your dreams will come true'' Molly said, as she wrapped her arms around Hikari's hip... And got really close to her.
''Oh... Mmmm, you think I'll see her?'' Hikari asked in a very flirty voice.
''I know you will, koibito''
Molly and Hikari were about to kiss... But they stopped, realizing all of the agents were staring at them.
''W-We should go somewhere private...'' Molly said, as she and Hikari started to walk away, both weirded out by the stares.
It was so uncomfortable and annoying how those creeps were watching two 15 year olds. Molly was actually convinced they may be pedophiles.
The way Hikari was amazed and inspired by the Phantom of Joy melted Molly's heart... Which gave her an idea about a very interesting surprise.
...
It was now 13:00 PM. Ollie, June, Darryl, and Scratch were all in the garage... And even Libby showed up. After she explained what happened, they were all disgusted by the O.A.S.
After some time spent with Hikari... And few minutes of making out with her in one of the park's restrooms, Molly came... And froze when she saw Libby.
''You! What are YOU doing back?!''
''Sorry, Molly, but I don't care how you feel about me anymore! I did some research, those are agents from the O.A.S! Or the longer version, Organization Against the Supernatural! They want to catch that phantom we also track, but they had the nerve to torture MY MOM for it!'' Libby explained.
''We need Libby! With her, we'll find that phantom and-
''Ugh, still with the hunting? Why can't we just convince those creeps to leave the supernatural alone... Especially that phantom! It's not doing any harm, it's a hero! Look!''
Molly also brought her tablet. She wanted to convince her friends to leave the phantom alone... More like to leave her alone. She showed all the videos, all the articles, and how everyone was praising her as a hero.
''That's even worse! The whole world knows about its existence!'' Scratch said, shocked.
''If that thing is a hero, then why did it just ran away when the agents showed up, huh? My mom was completely broken when she came back home!'' Libby said.
''Oh, please! Just one little mistake! If those capture her, God knows what they might to do it!'' Molly said.
June was getting suspicious at how Molly was defending the phantom. She knew Molly can see the good in everything, but... It was weird how much she was trying to convince the team to stop with the hunt.
''Still doesn't stop the fact it can AND WILL go wild at some point! I talked to Axel. He told me how their curse will overtake and might even end them'' Scratch said.
When he said this... Molly's heart skipped a beat and she turned pale.
''Wh-What?''
''They can't control their power! Sure, it might be good now, but the power will overtake that thing's brain! If not that, it will kill it! We have to catch that thing before it's too late!''
''N-Nonsense! What if that phantom is strong enough to handle that power? Just because some turned bad, doesn't mean this one will!'' Molly said, both angry and scared.
''Okay, Molly, that's enough! We talked, we decided! It's going down! We can't take any risks if the power can really overtake it!'' Ollie said.
Molly was speechless. They were 100 percent sure to hunt her. Just because she is a phantom, this didn't mean she will turn bad... At least that's what Molly hoped.
''But... This can't be... You know what, fine! I'm out!'' Molly said, as she turned around and walked through the open garage door.
''Where are you going?!''
''I'm not gonna be part of this! We can't judge every book by its cover! You guys are sick!'' Molly said, as she walked away.
Everyone was confused from what just happened.
''What's up with her?''
''Ugh, I can't believe this... I'll talk with her later, but first we need to make a plan!'' Scratch said.
Molly hid next to the wall of the garage. She wanted to eavesdrop on their plan...
''Maybe we can search around the wood parts... Where aren't many of those agents'' Libby suggested.
''Perfect! I already have a few gadgets which will help!'' June said, as she showed everyone the ghost hunting knives she made.
A grin formed on Molly's face. She also had a plan... A cruel and evil plan. They want to hunt her, right? Well... If she shows them that they can't just mess with her, they surely will give up... And she would really enjoy hurting Libby...
...
It was nighttime. June learned in which areas of the forest the O.A.S don't look around, so they were in them. The Ghost Friends were walking around the woods, searching for any tracks this phantom might've left.
''So, I take Molly didn't want to come?'' Ollie asked.
''She wasn't even home! Guess she's with that japanese girl again'' Scratch said.
''She's with who?''
''Some girl named Hikari. I've seen them a few times... Not gonna lie, Molly's really ''touchy'' with her. I see the sparks between those two every time they meet''
Ollie was starting to get mad. He was just sure she was cheating on him... Again. He didn't know what was more embarrassing... The fact Molly's cheating on him, or the fact she does with girls...
''Oh, I'll have A SERIOUS conversation with her tomorrow!'' Ollie said, angry.
While they were all walking... A bright butterfly appeared in front of them... And started to fly away.
''THAT'S ONE OF THE PHANTOM'S BUTTERFLIES!''
Scratch started to fly after it, while the others followed him. It was really fast and was dragging them in deeper parts of the woods. Scratch was desperate to catch it. He was flying... And they all reached the abandoned ''Johnson's Toy Shop''.
There she was... Molly in her phantom form... Waiting for them.
''Ah, there you guys are...''
''We... We found it... WE FOUND IT!'' June screamed with happiness.
''Don't get hyped... More like I knew you'd come''
Scratch stood in front of everyone like he is the main leader.
''Alright, Joy... Or whatever you're called, I don't care! Time for your little silly show to end!''
''Awwww, really? But it's just starting to get interesting! You know, I'll make you a deal... All of you can stop with your hunting game and leave me alone!''
''Ha, not happening! You have two options, surrender to the Reaper or we'll drag you to him!'' Ollie said, behind Scratch.
''Oh really? I'd like to see you try...''
It was clear she won't surrender without a fight... So they will fight her. All of them took out the small goo-guns they had, while Scratch was preparing to jump at her.
''Last chance, Joy!''
''No, no, no, I'm the one warning you all! Stop with this... Or prepare for a world of pain''
Scratch lost his patience...
''Alright, SECOND OPTION IT IS!''
He flew with all the speed he had to her... Only for Molly to fly in the air, dodging his attack. Everyone else started to shoot at her with their goo-guns... But Molly was flying on circles, dodging all of their shots.
''So, this is supposed to stop me or what?''
June took out a small ghost grenade and threw it at her... Only for Molly to hit it with lightning, sending it in the sky where it exploded. Scratch started to chase her down, while Ollie, Darryl and Libby were shooting her... But Molly again dodged their shots and just... Hugged Scratch when he flew close to her.
''Shall we dance?''
''LET ME GO, YOU JERK!''
While Scratch was struggling to free himself, Molly started to spin with him in the air... Sending him right next to a tree.
''So, you all somehow stopped Jinx? Come on, you disappoint me!''
They all started to get angry by her game...
''Is she... Mocking us?'' June asked, confused.
''More like you guys mock yourselves! Do you seriously think your silly toys can-
When he immediately recovered from the hit, Scratch flew with all the speed he got and jumped at her... And he actually managed to pin her on the ground.
''HA! I DID IT, I GOT HER!''
''You're so cute when you're excited!''
''Huh?''
''Oh Gosh, Scratch, I never knew you're so... Good looking...''
June prepared the little ghost trap she did for her. A special trap that will capture all the energy this phantom has.
''ARE YOU DOING THIS ON PURPOSE?!''
''And the way you get angry... Oh, so lovely...''
''WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!'' Scratch yelled, disgusted... And this reaction was enough to get distracted, causing Molly to push him away and get up.
''Okay, that's it!'' Libby said, as she got out her ghost knife, turned it on and ran to her.
She was running, ready to stab her... But Molly just dodged her attack... Then the other one... and another one. Every single time, Libby was trying and trying to stab her, but Molly just dodged all her attacks... And then she grabbed Libby's hand.
''Jeez, I knew you like turtles, but I didn't know you're slow as one''
''Oh no...''
Molly punched Libby in the chest... Sending her right where Libby was just a moment ago... All of the Ghost Friends were shocked at how good this phantom was...
''Hahaha... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! My turn''
Molly started to levitate higher, while the electricity in her hands was increasing... And all of them realized what she was about to do...
''EVERYONE, RUN!''
All of them started to run in the opposite direction, while Scratch was flying behind them... As Molly started to aggresively shoot lightning arcs.
They were running through the darkness and trees, while Molly was laughing and shooting lightning arcs... And managed to shoot June.
''AAAHHHH!''
''JUNE!''
Then Ollie got shot by a few arcs... Then Darryl... Only Libby and Scratch were standing.
''COME HERE, GIRL WHO REFUSES TO DIE!''
Before she could try to run again, Molly grabbed her and started to fly as high as possible with her.
''NOOOO! LET ME GO, LET ME GO, LET ME GO!''
Now Molly was holding her 150 meters from the ground... Even though she couldn't see it, Libby knew the phantom had a huge grin on her face.
''You survived a shadow demon and being burned alive... LET'S SEE IF YOU CAN SURVIVE A FREE FALL!''
''LET HER GO!'' Scratch followed.
''Let her go? Alright, CATCH!''
Molly let Libby fall. She was screaming from fear, knowing she was about to get crushed to the ground. She was falling and falling, but Scratch caught her right before she hit the ground.
He slowly placed her to the ground, while Libby was shaking from what just happened... And while Molly was still up in the sky, laughing at the situation.
''UGH! YOU KNOW, FOR SOMEONE WHO CLAIMS TO BE A HERO, YOU'RE INSANE!''
''HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I KNOW!''
That's it, that's the final straw! No one messes with Scratch's friends like that! He flew back up in the air... Facing Molly.
''ENOUGH! YOU'RE GOING DOWN... LITERALLY AND METAPHORICALLY!''
''Hmmm, do I? Come on, Scratch, hit with all you've got!''
He started to fly like a nuke, ready to punch her... Only for her to dodge his attack again and even started to fly away.
''HEY! GET BACK HERE!''
''Nah, I prefer a game of chase!''
Molly started to fly far away from Brighton, while Scratch was chasing her. He was getting close, tried to hit her, only for her to dodge his attack again... And this was repeating while they were chasing each other in the air.
''Come on, I know you can do better! Don't go easy on me, give everything you've got! I know how powerful you are!''
Scratch was getting more and more angry with her. He stopped in the air when he started to feel some rage coming up... Some power he had hidden inside.
''Awww, did someone get tired?''
''UGHHHHH! SHUT! THE HELL! UUUUUP!''
Scratch's ectoplasm became bright blue. His eyes changed in the exact same bright color. He expected the phantom to be scared, but... She wasn't.
''ALRIGHT! FINALLY! SOME EXCITMENT!''
''UGHHHH, YOU LITTLE-
Scratch's speed increased. He was feeling more strong and more free. Molly tried to fly away, but he grabbed her in the air. Because she was trying to break free, he started to fly around with her.
''Well, isn't that romantic!''
''WHAT?! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR GODDAMN MIND?!''
''The way we're flying, the way you're holding me... Scratch, you're soooo kinky!''
Scratch was so disguised by her, he was ready to end her. Not give her to Reaper, he wanted personally to kill that phantom. The way she playing with him was just sickening to him.
He lost it. He started to fly down, ready to pin her with unbelievable force to the ground... But while he was going down with her, He could feel the energy becoming stronger in her.
''P-Pretty fun... BUT I FEAR YOU AIN'T WINNING THAT CHASE!''
Molly then started to circle around while they were still holding... And then hit him with the biggest and most bright lightning she had, sending him to the ground.
Scratch fall with incredible speed and crashed. He couldn't move at all... Both because of the pain from the lightning and the fall. Molly was slowly flying down... And even though all her friends were in pain, she was enjoying how defeated they were.
Molly floated right next to Scratch, who was looking like an overcooked pancake on the ground... And she grabbed him by his hair, making eye contact with him.
''Guess you aren't the best ghost in town anymore, huh. Well... You know... Next time when Molly gives you advice to not mess with me, better listen to her''
She let him go and flew away in the skies. Scratch couldn't believe how easily they were beaten. It looked like she wasn't even trying, but still managed to win.
...
Scratch and Darryl were back home... Both of them were in agonizing pain. Ollie and June also looked the same, which caused their parents to bandage them up. Scratch and Darryl both sat on the couch to rest... And didn't even notice Molly, who was drinking water in the kitchen.
''So... How did the hunt went?''
She had that mocking grin, but they were in too much pain to notice it... Especially Scratch.
''Don't... Even... Ask...'' Darryl struggled to speak.
Molly was proud... Proud she gave her friends a good lesson to never mess with the Phantom of Joy ever again...