Chapter 12: Bad Idea
It felt like the whole world turned upside down for Scratch. Just an hour ago, he saw Adia explaining how she'd hunt down Molly. He couldn't handle the pressure the McGees were giving him, so he had no choice but to see his ghost friends.
''That's just ALL I NEEDED! I mean, what comes next?! That I have insane an cousin who likes to torture spirits?!'' Scratch asked, sarcastically.
''O-Okay, no panic, no panic! We can think of something!'' Geoff said.
''Maybe we can... Possess her? Yeah, possess her and tell those creeps that she quits!'' Clara suggested.
''Nope, their technology would track our ectoplasm from miles away...'' Jeff said.
''UGH, THERE'S NO NEED TO EVEN DISCUSS IT, IT'S HOPELESS! THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO! THEY'D CATCH MOLLY AND THAT'S IT, WE'RE NEVER SEEING HER AGAIN!'' Scratch said.
Normally, they'd all lecture him into thinking more positively but they understood why he was like this.
First, his best friend ran away... With no idea where she went, no way to track her, and no way to convince her to come back. And now the one person he sacrifised his life for was gonna try to capture her.
With nothing else to say, Scratch sighed and sat next to the table they were around in Clara's home. They all looked at each other and... Were also lost. There was no way for them to convince Adia otherwise if they wanted to keep their afterlife safe away from the O.A.S. Or maybe... There was. A crazy thought came across Clara's head...
''Okay... If we can't find Molly... What if we lure her out?''
''What?'' Scratch asked, confused.
''Think about it. She goes anywhere there is a crime... So, what if we wait for her somewhere there is a crime?'' Clara suggested.
The three male ghosts looked at each other. That was... Surprisingly good idea. And still, there were problems with it...
''Clara, we can't predict where a crime will appear! Plus, as far as I know, there aren't any crimes out there these days... Mainly because Molly scared criminals all over the world'' Jeff said.
''That's the thing! What if we cause a crime?''
''Wh-What?'' Geoff asked.
The three of them were confused again. They didn't know where her point was going, but it sure was getting more interesting. They all came closer as Clara started explaining...
''Now, hear me out...''
...
Ms. Langley was in the kitchen cooking the first dinner for Molly as her new companion. While doing that, Molly was looking around the many paintings and art Ms. Langley was keeping inside her house... And they sure were MANY!
''Please don't tell me you actually see that insanity as a real art...'' Molly said, annoyed when she saw a picture of the famous banana taped to a wall.
''Hahaha, not really! It's a gift from a friend of mine before she went on a vacation to Europe'' Ms. Langley explained.
''Oh great, I got worried for a second!''
Molly continued to look around. Ms. Langley had a lot of shelves around the house to keep all the weird and impressive statuettes and forms of art. There was a painted Oscar from clay, huge painted eggs in the form of friendly vampires... And many, many, many cats... It wasn't a surprise to say those made Molly very uncomfortable.
''Hope you like eggs, because I made them in a very special way! My own recipe'' Ms. Langley said with a smile.
''Hit me with the best you've got, Karen'' Molly said with a smile, not taking her eyes off the shelves.
There were many paintings of mountains and many ''twisted'' ones with figures making Molly question what they were supposed to mean. Her eyes stopped to a broken bowl. A broken bowl glued cracks in gold.
''Oh my!'' Molly gasped.
''What is it, Milly?''
''Did you accidentally break this?! I mean, I know we live in an expensive world nowadays, but there's no need to use already broken tools! No worries, I'll activate my gigs account tomorrow and try to find enough offers so I can get enough to repair it!''
''Oh, hahahaha! No, it's not like that, Milly'' Ms. Langley laughed from the kitchen, as she was pouring eggs in a plate. ''That's called kintsugi art. It's a Japanese traditional style that symbolizes that sometimes things aren't perfect'' Ms. Langley said, as she came to the living room and put Molly's plate on the table.
''How so?'' Molly asked, as she sat next to it and started to eat.
''Well... You see, art and life in general will always have flaws. The problem with some people... And I gotta be honest, your case too, is that they want everything to be perfect to the last detail'' Ms. Langley explained.
''Can't deny that!''
''Heh, well, the point of that art is to show those people that things can be beautiful even with flaws. If you break something, don't throw it away! Think of a way to make it even better than before'' Ms. Langley explained.
''W-Well... Isn't it for the best to create something without having to make mistakes at all?'' Molly asked.
''Yeah, there's no denying that's what we all want... But we will make mistakes, it's inevitable. But we should always try again, even if it could be a little hard to repair our steps''
Being told that was supposed to be at least a little motivation for Molly, but she couldn't help but sigh in defeat. Especially since that last week she so many mistakes without learning anything...
''If only it was that simple...'' Molly muttered quietly.
''Something bothering you, hun?'' Ms. Langley asked, worried.
''No, n-no, really... Everything's fine...'' Molly said, as she continued to eat her dinner.
''You know, the principal did tell me about the recent days in school... Is that whole ''ladyboy'' thing true?'' Ms. Langley asked.
''I... Um... Y-Yes... I just don't understand what's up with them! Is there something wrong with me?! UGH!''
Ms. Langley sighed when she saw how mad Molly was about that. No wonder, she expected teens to be harsh on kind souls like her but that was definitely next level. While Molly was looking hopeless her on plate, Ms. Langley slowly ran her fingers across Molly's hair.
''There's nothing wrong with you, Milly... Sometimes, people are just mean for the sake of it. I know, it doesn't sound right, but it's true. There are some who can't explain what's the point of being a tease. They just are...''
''But... It's not fair! I try so hard to fit in...'' Molly said with a sad face.
''And you're doing great! You don't need to do something special or pull out some impressive move, you just... Need to act like you! Don't listen to them'' Ms. Langley said, as she hugged her.
''I-I... I guess you're right...'' Molly sighed and hugged her back.
So far, Molly did act like herself, like she always did... And it wasn't working at all. She was never bullied by her whole class or taken as a total joke. She shared her passions, her goals, and her optimistic personality, yet all she received was laughs and dirt thrown at her own dignity...
...
The four ghosts were all on top of a casino building in Las Vegas. Many people, filled streets, the perfect place for whatever idea they had.
''Clara, I'm not sure about that...'' Scratch said.
''It's simple! We'd possess someone to do something stupid, Molly would show up, then we'd get her back to her senses!'' Clara explained.
''Something stupid like what?'' Jeff asked.
''Eh... Would jaywalking do it?'' Geoff asked with a nervous smile.
''No! It has to be something big!'' Clara said.
''Stealing candy from a kid?'' Scratch asked.
''No!''
''Saying a slur, maybe?'' Jeff asked.
''NO! Mhhhh... If I wanted to attract the attention of a superhero, what would I do...'' Clara thought to herself.
She was looking around, thinking. Maybe possess someone and steal a random person's money? No, nothing serious the regular security can't handle... Maybe punching someone? Again, not something local authorities would have trouble with.
She then noticed a man coming out of a bar and a bottle in his hand. Next to him was a car... That's when the idea hit her.
''Ohohoho... Pss, Scratch, I got it! Here's what we're gonna do...''
Clara pulled him closer and whispered something in his ear. Jeff and Geoff looked at each other confused at what she was planning to do and couldn't wait to finally reveal.
''What?! Girl, Are you insane?!'' Scratch asked, shocked.
''Yeah, insane is exactly what we need right now if we want Molly back!'' Clara said.
''So, what are we up to, again?'' Jeff asked.
''You see the poor fella over there?'' Clara asked, pointing at the guy down. ''Let's say... We'd make him have a bit of a crazy ride''
''Oh... My gosh, is that even moral?'' Jeff asked.
''Forget about morals, honey, THAT'S HORRIBLE! We can't throw someone innocent in jail!'' Geoff said, angry.
''Oh please, he'd probably be fined a few dollars and maybe a day or two in a cell!'' Clara said.
''How do you know about that?!'' Geoff asked.
''That's a question I prefer not to answer... Anyways, what is it one guy over finding Molly, huh?! Do we want her back or no?!'' Clara asked, also getting angry.
Scratch was looking down for a moment. On their side, yeah, putting someone guilty was very wrong... But on Clara's side, there really isn't any other way to get even close to finding Molly. That was a very hard decision he had to make in such an impulsive moment... But he sighed, knowing what his answer was.
''Alright... For Molly!''
Scratch flew down and turned invisible. The guy was walking past people and drinking the bottle he just got from the bar... And then Scratch went through his body and possessed him.
His eyes started to glow in a blue shining light and turned around to the parking lot. By bumping at all the people around him, Scratch made his way to one of the cars, picked up a rock, and then smashed the glass. Crime number one made, stealing...
He went inside, used his telepathic powers to start the car and pressed the guy's foot as hard as he could to the pedal, driving right through the lot's gates.
''Oh, that's what I'm talking about!'' Clara said, watching the show from the roof.
With no hesitation, Scratch was now making the guy drive insanely across the streets, making sure to hit every car and street light.
He also started to drive through the walkway, as all people started screaming and jumping out of the car's way. Hitting someone was the last thing Scratch wanted, but he needed to make the ride as chaotic as possible.
He was hitting every upcoming car, made sure to drift, and drove through post boxes... Oh, that would definitely get the news' attention soon.
...
Molly was laying on the couch, watching her favorite show while her pet bunny was sleeping. As scheduled, the first thing they'd do in the morning is take it to a vet.
''Thank heavens there's a decent connection in here!'' Molly said it loudly to make sure Ms. Langley heard it.
''Haha, I know, the gallery's interenet sucks. Oh well, that's all I could afford with my already low payment, but I always have future plans. What are you watching anyway?'' Ms. Langley asked, while washing the dishes in the kitchen.
''Oh, it's very interesting! It's a series about a family of criminals! The husband is a seriel killer, the wife is a cannibal, and the kids are bank robbers! It's so much drama, it's addicting!''
''I'm not even gonna ask...'' Ms. Langley laughed, both confused and terrified.
Molly giggled at herself and continued to watch until... A notification popped up. A notification from the site she uses for reporting crime, but their crime page was empty these days... Until now.
Surprised, she opened it up and saw live broadcasting of a madman driving like a total maniac across the streets of Vegas.
''Yes, FINALLY SOMETHING INTERESTING!'' Molly said in joy.
''What was that, Milly?''
''Uh... N-Nothing! Aghhhh, those eggs definitely are not sitting well in there...'' Molly lied, patting her tummy. ''I-I'd need to powder my nose! Where was the bathroom again?''
''Oh, I understand. The hall before my bedroom, the left door''
''Thanks!''
Finally, the Phantom of Joy gets to deliver justice again! Without a doubt, Molly jumped out of the couch and went to the bathroom. Then she raised her hand and drained the light out of the blulb, and transformed into her phantom form. It was now time... To be a hero again!
...
As Scratch was driving his way out of Vegas, while his friends were following him through the air and many police cars were after him, he was still looking at the sky through the window for Molly.
''Ugh! Drive like a psycho, Scratch, they say! It would get Molly back, they say! ALL I'D GET IS A FIVE YEAR SENTENCE FOR THE POOR GUY!'' Scratch said, still possessing the man to drive.
Things were getting hopeless... Until a thunder lightened the skies above them. Scratch could feel goosebumps both in the body he was possessing and his own ghost one. A shining figure was flying above him, then she landed right in front of the car...
''WAIT, MOLLY-
Scratch made the guy press the brakes so he wouldn't hit her... But Molly straight up punched the car in the air and it crashed back to the ground, making a few turns.
A serious headache struck Scratch, but he didn't have time to react as Molly pulled the door out, grabbed the body he was possessing, and threw it out of the car. The police cars all stopped behind, ready for the phantom to surrender the guy for them.
''Sir, you better have a good excuse for this recklessness!''
Scratch... Couldn't believe it. He did it... He actually found her after months of being away from home.
''How about... Me trying to get my friend back! Is that a good enough reason, huh?!''
''Uh... What?''
While the officers were coming to arrest the guy, a ghost aura started to leave his body. An invisible figure came out, staring at Molly with his yellow eyes... Then she immediately froze when she recognized the ghost...
''M-Molly! Oh, thank God, that worked!''
''Wh- S-Scratch?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?''
''I'M LOOKING FOR YOU, THAT'S WHAT I'M DOING! Listen, things got out of hand-
Before he could explain anything more, Molly flew back in the sky out of fear. She had so many thoughts, mostly angry ones. That ghost... Was back?! No! She was not gonna let him touch her!
''OH, NO YOU DON'T!'' Jeff said in the distance, opening a portal.
Before Molly could hide in the dark clouds, another portal opened right above her, and Jeff came out grabbing her.
''WH-WHAT?! YOU TOO?!''
''We're not letting you go that easy, kid!''
Even though she was just a kid, Molly was definitely a struggle to hold as a phantom. Jeff completely lost control in seconds when Molly started to fly around while he was holding her. It angered her to the point of her making a spin and sending him away back.
''NO! YOU ALL MEAN NOTHING TO ME ANYMORE! GO AWAY!''
Out of panic, Molly started to fly in the other direction, while Scratch, Geoff, and Jeff were already back flying behind her... One ghost she didn't know was there was Clara. But she did notice when another portal opened in front of her and a lasso wrapped around Molly's body.
''I'm sorry, Molly, but this time you're not going anywhere!'' Clara said, struggling to pull her back.
''LET ME GO, YOU-
Molly once again started to fly freely while Clara was screaming as she was flying with Molly around the air like a farmer trying to calm a wild animal.
Scratch also grabbed the lasso, but he couldn't do any difference and was just dragged with Clara around the air.
''I SAID- LET! ME! GO!''
Lightning struck Molly and she released many bolts around her as a shield, striking both Scratch and Clara, and tearing up the lasso around her.
''A-AGH! Molly, listen! You need to get back home! We were all worried sick about you, but now-
''NO! I TOLD YOU EVERYTHING I HAD TO SAY THAT NIGHT, I DON'T HAVE A HOME ANYMORE! LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU BASTARDS!''
Molly was speaking through tears, not believing that they actually found her, that this was a trap made for her. She tried to fly away again, but once again a portal opened with Geoff coming out, but she managed to miss his grab attack.
A second portal opened once again with Jeff, but she dodged him though. All of this was only for Clara to come out of a third portal, and this time Molly barely managed to miss her.
But that last distraction wasn't gonna save her from the fourth portal that Scratch opened as he came out through and grabbed Molly in a tight hug.
''JUST LISTEN TO ME!''
''LET! ME! GOOOOOOOOOOO!''
Molly managed to free her one arm and punched Scratch with a striking bolt, sending him to the ground. She was once again flying free and was hoping that she could finally get away... But after just a few seconds, Scratch yelled in annoyance and she saw was now in a bright blue light and blue eyes...
''FINE! I TRIED TO TALK, BUT IT'S CLEARLY NOT WORKING!''
He started to fly towards her. She finally had the chance to go full speed, but... He was flying as fast as her. He didn't have her powers, but the boost made him as strong as her.
''LEAVE ME ALOOOOOONE!''
''NO! WE SPENT ENOUGH TIME SEARCHING, YOU'RE COMING BACK HOME, MOLLY! EVEN IF I HAVE TO DRAG YOU ALL THE WAY TO BRIGHTON!'' Scratch yelled behind her, as he managed to grab her again.
This time, the force he was holding her was way too much for Molly to handle. He was now capable of resisting her speed and pulling her around with him which terrified Molly...
''NO! NO, NO, NO, NO!''
Desperate, she started flying with him across the clouds, many thunders heard in the background. Scratch was trying his hardest to keep his grip on her but Molly was not going down without a fight.
''LET! ME! GO!''
''NEVER! IN! ETERNITY! OR BEYOND!''
Lightnings around them started to hit Molly, but Scratch was still not letting go of her... In fact, a few bolts also started to hit him too.
Now they were flying to the point where the ground was barely visible. Molly was spinning, trying to use the lighting around them, but Scratch was not letting her. Like a pitbull, he was simply NOT gonna release his grip.
Her sudden golden aura started to change. Her eyes' red brightness started to mix with blue, while her bright shine was mixed with a light blue aura around her. Scratch's aura was changing from blue to her golden one.
It felt like the clouds around them and hitting lightnings were slowly combining both Molly and Scratch's powers into one, as they continued to fly higher and higher.
They were now trapped fighting in a circle of nothing but clouds and lighting bolts striking both of them. Scratch and Molly were becoming so bright to the point where they could blind a person.
Clara, Geoff, and Jeff were watching from a down perspective with dropped jaws. The police officers were also in disbelief when they saw the huge storm that was forming in just one place full of both yellow and blue lightnings.
In the end, Scratch and Molly started to aggresively spin in the clouds, her trying to get away and him trying to hold her in one place. It all came down to the point where the lighting was shining like a day... And both of them caused a huge explosion in the sky.
Clara, Geoff, and Jeff were all watching how... Scratch and Molly were gone. When the clouds started to clear, no one was coming down because they just... Vanished.
''Where did they go?!'' Jeff asked.
''C-Clara?! Where are they?!'' Geoff asked.
Clara didn't say a thing because... Even she didn't have an answer to that. What the heck did they just watch? In trying to get her down, both Scratch and Molly were... Gone.