Chapter 05: Meet the Fentons Part 1
To keep things contained, Stolas placed a minor charm on the room to prevent intrusion and keep their noise from escaping. This allowed them to learn and enjoy themselves freely without worry.
Over the next few weeks, Octavia began accompanying her father to Danny's lessons. Her presence added a new dimension to the sessions, making them more dynamic and engaging. She often chimed in with her facts and insights, and her enthusiasm was infectious.
One afternoon, during a lesson on the constellations of both Earth and Hell, Octavia pointed to a particularly bright star in the sky. "That's the Eye of Azazel," she grinned. "It's said to be one of the brightest stars in the Hellish sky."
Danny's eyes widened. "Wow, that's so cool! I didn't know there were so many differences between our skies."
Stolas watched them with a warm smile, pleased to see his daughter having sincere fun.
Eventually, as the lessons continued, Danny and Octavia expressed a desire to do more activities together during the day. They wanted to explore the human world and spend more time bonding outside their lessons.
Recognizing this as an important step, Stolas knew it was time for him and his daughter to introduce themselves to Danny's parents.
One evening, after a particularly engaging lesson, Stolas approached the boy. "Danny," Stolas began, "How do you feel about Octavia and I meeting your parents next week?"
Danny nodded, a mixture of excitement in his eyes. "Let's do it!"
#
Stolas and Octavia stood on the doorstep of the Fenton household, both disguised as humans. Stolas wore a sophisticated, dark suit that made him look like a refined gentleman, while Octavia wore a simple yet elegant blouse, her hair styled neatly.
This was Octavia's first time on Earth during the day. Even seeing the sun was a surreal experience for her, and even her glamour was new.
Octavia clutched her father's hand for reassurance. "Do I look okay, Dad?"
He smiled at her softly, "You're perfect, sweetheart."
They shared a quick, encouraging look before Stolas rang the doorbell.
#
The Fenton family gathered in their living room on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Danny and Jack were relaxed, watching TV while Jazz was delving into a new book. On the side of the room, Maddie Fenton was tuning their latest experiment when the doorbell rang.
It took a few moments for it to register before Danny's eyes widened. He had almost forgotten the plan for today.
Maddie wiped her hands on a towel and called out to her husband. "Jack, can you get that? I'm in the middle of something."
"Sure thing, Mads." Jack Fenton, a burly man in a bright orange jumpsuit, went to answer.
Jazz glanced up from her book, seeing her brother follow her father.
Jack opened the door with his broad, welcoming smile.
Standing on the porch were two figures with an air of the upper class that immediately set them apart. The one as tall as him, a man with striking red eyes and raven-black hair, smiled warmly. Beside him was a girl around Danny's age with a shy but polite demeanor. Her eyes were an adorable shade of pink.
"Hello there!" Jack boomed, his voice full of curiosity. "Jack Fenton. Can I help you?"
"Good evening," the man said smoothly with a slight bow. "My name is Stolas Aster, and this is my daughter, Octavia."
Jack scratched his chin in thought. "I can't say I'm familiar. I don't suppose this is another complaint from the homeowner's association. We already promised to turn down the noise after 7 p.m."
Stolas chuckled. "Apologies, you are mistaken. We aren't from this neighborhood." He rubbed the back of the fidgeting Octavia. "We live on the outskirts of town."
Jack raised a brow. "If that's the case, what brings you-"
"Octavia! Mr. Stolas!"
Jack turned to see his son run up from behind him to give the two guests a beaming smile.
"Danny!" Octavia returned the expression excitedly.
The young man gave her a friendly hug. "I'm so happy you guys came!" the boy said, pushing down the butterflies in his stomach after seeing his friend's disguise.
Stolas got down to one knee to the boys' level. "Hello again, young Daniel."
Jack seemed to blink at the sight before him before he gave a hearty laugh. "Danny, my boy, you've made some friends."
Maddie and Jazz appeared behind Jack, intrigued by the commotion. Jazz looked mildly interested. Maddie wiped her hands on a towel. She touched Jack's shoulder, peering curiously at their guests. "Danny, do you know these people?"
Danny nodded eagerly. "Yeah, Mom. Dad. This is Octavia and her dad, Stolas. We met at the library a few weeks ago, and we've been meeting after school every other day since."
The rest of his family nodded at Danny's explanation. Danny did not tell them he was hanging out at Tucker's house to play video games.
Jack extended a hand to Stolas. "Well, any friend of Danny's is welcome here. Please, come in."
Stolas and Octavia stepped inside, and the family guided them to the living room. They all settled into the cozy space. Maddie re-entered the room with freshly baked cookies that Maddie had prepared earlier for Jack. They sat together, sipping on tea and enjoying the treats.
Next to her husband on the couch, Maddie introduced themselves. "Since you're already familiar with Danny, I'm his mother, Maddie. This is his father, Jack, and our daughter, Jazz. It's nice to meet you both."
Stolas smiled at them. "Yes, Danny mentioned you all."
Maddie turned to Danny with a gentle smile. "So, Danny, how exactly did you meet?"
Danny, prepared for this moment, launched into his rehearsed story. "Well, it happened at the library one day after school."
Jack perked up in excitement. "Were you finally reading that book on paranormal metaphysics that I recommended?"
"No, Dad..." Danny sighed.
Jack's shoulder slacked. "Aw..."
Octavia raised a brow at the question. She turned to her father, who whispered that he would tell her later.
"I was trying to read about astronomy but needed help finding a specific book." Danny rubbed his arm. "The librarians were busy, so I was alone for a while. While wandering the non-fiction section, I saw Octavia reading with her dad."
Stolas nodded, adding to the tale, "Danny approached us and asked for assistance. I was more than happy to help. We started reading together at a table and discovered that Danny was a fellow fan of the stars. It became a regular thing for us to meet."
Jack leaned forward, intrigued. "So, it was just a random encounter?"
Danny nodded. "Yeah, but we quickly found out that we all love space! Stolas even started giving us mini-lectures on space and other cool topics. It became a regular thing for us to meet up at the library."
Smiling warmly, Stolas added, "I'm an astronomer by profession, so seeing Danny's interest in the stars brought me back to my childhood. It was a joy to share that passion with him."
Octavia chimed in, her voice soft but enthusiastic, "It was really fun to learn alongside Danny."
"That's wonderful," Maddie said, her interest genuine. Maddie and Jack's hearts eased hearing how Danny and Octavia became friends. We've got a bit of a scientific background, though our focus is more on the paranormal. While I hoped our son would follow in our footsteps, we're glad that Danny's taken the initiative."
Jack pumped a fist. "Oh, I wouldn't say that too soon, honey. We still have time before he goes to college to show the greatness of Ghost Hunting!"
Octavia blinked at the declaration. Octavia's eyes widened, and she looked at her father with curiosity. "Ghost hunters? That sounds... interesting.
Jazz sighed. "Yeah, our parents are ghost hunters. They run FentonWorks. You probably saw the big sign outside our building."
"Oh, I thought that was an ad or something." Octavia turned to Danny's parents. "So, you've seen ghosts before?"
"Well, not yet." Jack put a finger up. But we're close!"
"There's a lot of complicated math and paranormal biology, sweetie," added Maddie. "Rest assured, my husband and I will deal with those evil manifestations of energy and post-human consciousness."
'Were they talking about sinners returning to Earth through a portal or something? I don't think that's possible.' "Isn't that..." Octava stopped after feeling Stolas place a hand on her shoulder.
"Now. Now. Let's not be rude to our hosts." Stolas turned to Mr. and Mrs. Fenton. "Apologies."
Maddie waved off the concern. "Oh, don't worry. We're used to the naysayers since college, but we know we're on to something."
Jazz rolled her eyes at her parents before looking at Octavia with newfound respect. She tried to get Danny to apply himself more in school for the longest time. "Ignore them. I still can't believe Danny found someone who loves space as much as he does. So, you two became friends through these library sessions?"
The parents exchanged glances, clearly pleased with the story. Maddie smiled, clearly impressed. "Well, I'm glad you found such good friends, Danny. And Stolas, thank you for taking an interest in our son's education when you didn't have to."
Stolas nodded. "My pleasure."
"Hey, Mom, can Jazz, Octavia, and I hand out in the backyard while you guys talk?" asked Danny.
She ruffled her son's hair. "Sure, honey."
The boy beamed. "Come on!" He grabbed Octavia's hand and led her outside, Jazz in tow.
#
Jazz leaned against the wooden fence in the Fenton home's backyard. She observed the girl standing next to her brother. Danny stood nearby, a bit nervous but trying to look casual. Octavia smiled politely.
Jazz raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "So, Danny, I'm surprised you managed to come out of your shell to talk to new people, especially a girl." She smirked, her tone turned to tease before whispering in his ear. "Maybe you like like her?"
Danny's face turned pink. "Jazz... It's not like that," he whispered back, his voice a mix of embarrassment.
The siblings turned to Octavia, who sat on the grass and enjoyed the warm sun. "Danny, is the sun always this bright during the day?"
"Sometimes." Danny felt a small, unfamiliar warmth in his chest. Despite his denial, a tiny voice whispered that Octavia was very cute. Pushing those thoughts aside, Danny and Jazz sat with her.
Jazz smiled at Octavia, eager to make a good impression. "So, Octavia, tell me a bit about yourself. I mean, you know, beyond what Danny's already said."
Octavia glanced at Danny before responding, "Well, there's not much to say. Just like Danny, I love the night sky, and I like gardening with my dad. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up." She gave an amused huff. "According to Danny, I'm a bit of a daddy's girl."
"You never deny it," remarked Danny.
Jazz chuckled. "Nothing wrong with that." Jazz leaned forward slightly. "Well, I'm taking time to study psychology?"
Octavia tilted her head. "Which is?"
"Well, it's basically learning why people behave the way we do. You've met our parents, and you've noticed their... passions. I want to help them become more normal."
Danny snickered, adding, "She always argues with our parents about ghosts."
Jazz sighed, rolling her eyes. "Well, someone has to keep things grounded around here. Outside the house, I don't really like being associated with their... eccentricities."
For a moment, Octavia thought about how that would also work for her parents.
"So, Octavia, where are you and your dad from?" asked Jazz.
Octavia's eyes flickered slightly before she replied smoothly, "We're originally from out of town, way down south."
Jazz nodded, accepting the answer. "Are you going to be attending school here in Amity Park?"
Octavia shook her head. "No, I'm homeschooled by private tutors. It's a bit lonely sometimes, but I manage."
Danny glanced at Octavia, a sympathetic look on his face. "I get that. School can be rough. I've felt a bit alone there, too, but I've made a few friends even if we're part of the rejected crowd."
Jazz frowned, for both of them. "School can be tough, but I'm glad you've made some friends, Danny." She turned to Octavia, her expression softening. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you two met. Spending more time together will do you both a lot of good."
Octavia smiled warmly at Jazz's words. "Thank you, Jazz. Danny's been really nice to me. I'm happy we met."
Danny blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, me too."
#
Meanwhile, inside, the adults talked for a bit before the Fentons escorted their guest downstairs to show off their lab.
#
AN: Special thanks to Seana, Jebest4781, Charles, vividlearner744, OmegaDelta, Henry Stickman, fearmegu, and Kitsune Robyn!
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