Chapter 04: The Stars Align
Stolas and Octavia arrived at Danny's room, the familiar soft sound of their footsteps alerting Danny to their presence.
Danny, eagerly awaiting Stolas' return, looked up from his desk, where he was doing homework. His eyes widened with surprise and excitement when he saw them.
Stolas gently knocked on the door before pushing it open, revealing Octavia peeking from behind his legs.
"Danny, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Octavia," Stolas said, stepping aside to give her space.
Danny first noticed her pair of pink irises gazing at him with a mix of curiosity and shyness. Like her father, she was an owl demon with soft-looking slate-gray feathers. Combined with her hesitant expression, she looked rather cute.
Stepping forward, Danny gave a gentle smile and waved at the girl. "H-Hi, Octavia. I'm Danny. I-It's nice to meet you." He chuckled a bit to mask his nervousness.
Octavia's expression seemed to soften. While she didn't say anything, she smiled and waved back from behind her father.
Stolas chuckled and patted his daughter on the head. "Apologies. Via can be a bit shy."
Danny nodded, undeterred. He walked to his desk and pulled out two plates. His mother always said the path to a good impression was through their stomach.
Octavia seemed to snap to attention when the sweet scent hit her. "Is that cinnamon?"
Danny wafted the first plate towards her. "Frosted Cinnamon Rolls." He held up the second. "Cookie Brownies. Try them!"
Octavia moved beside Stolas and looked up at him. She could easily tell Stolas wanted a bite, but he gave her a light nudge to encourage her to get the first taste.
Danny noticed that Octavia was wearing a light pink dress with white-lilac stars and white-lilac puffed long sleeves. He moved the plate closer as she walked towards him.
Octavia approached Danny and reached for a cinnamon roll. Before taking a bite, Octavia bowed as her mother had tried to instill. "Thank you."
Danny beamed. "You're welcome."
For years, Danny would remember Octavia's expression when she took her first bite. Her innocent eyes shined like the stars. "So good!"
Danny and Stolas laughed when she went as far as to lick the remaining frosting on her hand.
Stolas took one for himself and savored the flavor without letting her feel left out. "Ah... human sweets are always better than those made in Hell."
Danny took a bite out of a cookie brownie. For a first impression, things were turning out well.
#
Finished stuffing her face, Octavia stepped cautiously across Danny's room, her wide eyes taking in the array of objects that filled the space. From posters of constellations and planets to a desk cluttered with books and gadgets, everything seemed fascinatingly new to her.
"This is amazing," Octavia whispered, her gaze sweeping across the room. "I've never seen a place like this before."
Danny, noticing her awe, smiled and stepped beside her. "Really? It's just my room. What's so amazing about it?"
Octavia glanced at him, her pink irises glowing with excitement. "I've only ever been to the homes of other nobles. They're so neat. It seems so fake." She gestured all around her. "This is something like my room. It has personality!" She moved closer to his desk, her fingers lightly brushing over a model spaceship. "What's this?"
"Oh, that's a model of the Space Shuttle," Danny explained. "Stolas mentioned how he can make portals to space, but this is what humans made to do it themselves. I've got a bunch of stuff like that."
"Woah." She had never thought of rockets before. Magic was just the normal method for her. Octavia walked over to the telescope, her eyes widening even more. "You have one too? I've only seen the night sky from my dad's portals."
"He's taken you to space?! That's amazing!"
"Yeah, but I've never seen it from Earth."
Putting his desire to see space from Stolas' portal, Danny grinned enthusiastically. "Want to try it out later?"
Octavia beamed. "I'd love that."
He turned to Stolas. "That's if it's okay with you, Mr. Stolas."
Stolas smirked as he rolled his eyes in amusement. "If we finish tonight's lesson early, that should be fine.
Hearing that, the two kids grinned. "Thank you!"
#
Stolas set up a small table with various plants and fungi. "For tonight's lesson, I thought we could delve into one of my other passions," Stolas began, his eyes gleaming excitedly. "Herbology."
Danny tilted his head, frowning slightly. "You mean like the stuff we use in cooking?"
Stolas chuckled. "Sometimes, yes. But to be more specific, you'll be learning about Herbology, the study of magical plants and fungi."
Danny made a face, clearly unconvinced. "You're already teaching me about space and cool rocks. What's so special about plants?"
Hearing that, Octavia huffed, sitting nearby with her collection of botanical books. "Plants are cool, especially the ones my daddy grows!"
Stolas smiled at his daughter's enthusiasm. "Octavia is right. The study of Herbology encompasses a vast array of topics, ranging from the mundane to the magical. Herbologists like myself explore the growth patterns of magical plants, their preferred habitats, cultivation techniques, and the effects of their magical properties on their surroundings. We also study their uses in potion-making, which can be quite fascinating."
Danny still looked hesitant, his interest only mildly piqued. Octavia, noticing his reluctance, tugged at his shirt sleeve and looked him straight in the eye with an adorable pout and wide eyes. "Give it a chance, please," she pleaded.
Danny found himself unable to look away from her big, pink eyes. The sheer cuteness of her expression was overwhelming. He sighed, feeling his resolve crumble. "Alright, alright. I guess there's no harm in giving it a chance."
Octavia pumped a fist at her success.
Stolas chuckled, clearly amused by Danny's reaction to Octavia's plea. This would become the first time of many that Danny succumbed to 'the look' from Octavia. Even Stolas could not resist it at times. "Excellent! I assure you, Danny, you won't be disappointed. Consider this, Danny. You could be a modern-day Renaissance man."
Danny blinked. "A what?"
Stolas placed a hand on his chest. "A person who has wide interests and is an expert in several areas, like myself."
Octavia smiled. "Yeah. Dad is great at a lot of stuff!"
Danny raised a brow. "Don't they say jack of all trades, master of none?"
Stolas waved off his concern. "Oh, I won't teach you everything, just the important stuff. Oh, I can already see my star pupil. We'll do musical theater, singing, dancing, zoology, and more. Oh, I better get itineraries drafted before we start today." A phone appeared in his hand as he started making notes.
Seeing Stolas preoccupied, Danny smiled at Octavia. "Your dad is pretty cool, doing all this for me. It's different to see how much he likes the arts." All his parents ever wanted to discuss was ghosts, so this was interesting.
Octavia stood a little taller. "Yeah. You should hear my dad sing. It's one of the most soothing voices in all of Hell."
Danny blinked. "Really? I've heard him hum but not sing."
Octavia smiled. "Trust me, when I had nightmares growing up, my dad would open a portal to another planet. At the same time, he sang me to sleep with a lovely lullaby."
Danny stared in awe. "Not gonna lie, I'd like to experience that even now."
#
Danny and Octavia sat cross-legged on the room floor, surrounded by various magical plants and herbs that Stolas had brought for their lesson.
As Stolas began the lesson, Danny gradually became more engaged. Stolas demonstrated how to identify various magical herbs and fungi, explaining their unique properties and uses. He also showed Danny how to properly care for a young Mandrake, a plant with roots that could produce powerful restorative potions.
Octavia sat close by, eagerly participating and sharing her knowledge. "This one is a Moonflower. It only blooms under the full moon's light and can be used in potions for night vision."
Danny listened, his initial reluctance fading. He even started asking questions, genuinely curious about the magical properties.
By the end of the lesson, Danny was carefully tending to a small plant of his own, a gift from Stolas. He looked up at Octavia and smiled. "Thanks for convincing me to give this a shot. It's actually pretty cool."
Octavia beamed, happy to see Danny's newfound interest. "See? I told you plants are awesome."
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah. Yeah." Danny stood up and walked to his telescope. "Come on, there's one last thing we must do."
Stolas made his way over to the children with a confident smile. "Alright, let's get started." With a wave, he opened a portal from Danny's room to the roof of the Fenton home. Danny and Octavia stepped through the shimmering gateway, emerging onto the rooftop and looking at the night sky.
Both children frowned when they saw the sky. While it was certainly visible, the light pollution from the city made it difficult to see the stars.
Stolas huffed, clearly displeased by the mundane interference. "Well, we can't have that," he muttered. "Something as trivial as city lights won't spoil our night."
Raising both his arms, Stolas began channeling magical energy. The air around him seemed to hum with power. "Umbra!" he intoned, his voice resonating with authority. With a powerful thrust of his arms, he unleashed his magic.
A wave of darkness spread from his hands, blanketing the city in a magical veil. The streetlights dimmed, and the surrounding buildings seemed to fade into the background. The night sky above them brightened, revealing a tapestry of stars that sparkled brilliantly.
Octavia clapped her hands in delight, her eyes wide with wonder. Danny gaped at Stolas, awe-struck by the display of magic.
Stolas dusted his hands off with a satisfied smile. "That's just one of the spells you could learn under my tutelage," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride.
Danny's eyes shone with excitement. "That's amazing, Mr. Stolas!"
Octavia nodded enthusiastically. "Daddy's magic is the best! You'll love learning from him."
Danny hummed. "I want to learn how to do that. Man, the apprentice pact is tempting."
"Take your time." Stolas chuckled, pleased by their reactions. "Now then," he said, gesturing to the now-clear night sky. "Danny, why don't you point out some constellations?"
Danny, still buzzing with excitement, eagerly pointed out various constellations. "That's the Big Dipper, and over there is Orion's Belt!" Danny adjusted his telescope and pointed towards a cluster of stars. "That's Orion," he said, tracing the familiar outline. "You can see his belt right there, those three stars in a row."
Stolas used magic to trace out the constellations they named in the sky, lines of faint light connecting the stars in the patterns Danny described. The constellations glowed softly, enhancing their visibility and adding a touch of magic to the night.
Feeling more confident, Octavia shared some constellations she knew from her own experiences. "The Demon's Wing and the Serpent's Coil should be somewhere over there."
Stolas nodded and began to trace them out with his magic as well, rotating the constellation traces to match Earth's view. The Demon's Wing spread across the sky, and the Serpent's Coil twisted elegantly among the stars.
Octavia leaned against her father. "It's too bad Hell doesn't have a night sky like here."
Danny blinked. "Hell has a sky?"
Octavia crossed her arms. "Yeah. The Pride Ring has a sky, but the only thing it has are clouds, a pentagram, one moon, and heaven."
"...You can see heaven from Hell?" It was hard for the boy to imagine such a thing.
Stolas nodded. "Indeed. From Hell, the heavenly realm looks like a planet in the sky. When they say Lucifer and Lilith fell, it wasn't just metaphorical."
The student made a face. 'Who's Lilith?'
#
Eventually, the three of them lay down on a magically conjured blanket, staring at the stars. The air was cool, and the gentle sounds of the night surrounded them.
Octavia smiled, her eyes reflecting the starry sky. "Years from now, we'll get to witness Azathoth's Tears. It sounds incredible."
Danny's eyes widened with excitement. "Azathoth's Tears! Yeah. Stolas told me about them, too."
Octavia reached out to the sky, as if trying to grasp the stars. "We should find a great spot to watch it together."
Danny chuckled, rolling onto his side to face her. "Maybe somewhere with a clear view of the sky if I don't learn that darkness spell."
Stolas smiled warmly at the children's enthusiasm. "I'll have to recheck the comet's trajectory with Earth's. That way, we can portal to the right hemisphere for the perfect view."
Octavia's expression brightened at the thought. "Thank you, Dad!"
Danny grinned, looking forward to the future. "I'm looking forward to it."
They spent the rest of the night relaxing on the blanket, sharing stories and pointing out more constellations. The gentle hum of the night and the warmth of their companionship made the evening magical.
As the night grew late, Stolas knew it was time to return Danny to his room. "Alright, my star pupils," he said softly, "it's time for bed."
With a wave of his hand, Stolas conjured a portal back to Danny's room. He helped Danny to his feet, and the three of them stepped through the shimmering gateway.
Danny turned to Octavia and Stolas as they stood in his room. "Thanks for tonight. It was amazing."
Stolas ruffled Danny's hair affectionately. "You're very welcome, Danny."
"Goodnight, Stolas." Danny gazed back at those pink eyes with a smile. "Goodnight, Octavia."
With a genuine smile, Octavia bowed. "Goodnight, Danny." She turned to her father. "If it's okay with you two, can I hang out with you guys on Earth, not just at night and stuff?"
The boy's expression softened. "I'd like that."
Stolas adjusted his cape. "Will probably have to introduce myself to your parents."
"Should go better than the rest of the neighborhood," remarked Danny.
With that, Stolas and Octavia returned home through the portal.
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.
Chapter 06: Meet the Fentons Part 2
Octavia sat on the grass, her eyes closed, soaking in the sun. She thought of all the things she could do in the human world that she couldn't do in Hell.
"What's on your mind, Octavia?" Jazz asked, noticing the thoughtful look on her face.
Octavia opened her eyes, a spark of excitement in them. "I was just thinking... Is the ocean nearby? I've never been to an actual beach before. My home is landlocked, so I've only seen pictures."
Danny's eyes lit up. "The ocean? Yeah, there are beaches not too far from here. We could definitely go if our parents are cool with it."
Jazz smiled at Octavia's enthusiasm. "A beach trip sounds like a great idea."
Octavia's excitement grew. "I've always wanted to see the waves, feel the sand, and maybe even collect some seashells."
Jazz looked at Octavia, a bit surprised. "You seem really excited about going to the beach. Given how well-off you and your dad seem, I kind of assumed that you'd have gone on all sorts of fancy vacations around the world."
Octavia shook her head, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. "We are rich, but we hardly do things as a family. My parents are... busy with their own lives. My father tries, but it's not the same."
Jazz's expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that."
Octavia nodded slightly. "It is, sometimes. That's why I'm really looking forward to spending time with you guys if we hit it off." The Goetia pulled her legs into herself, "When I think about it, Danny is my first real friend." She huffed. "All those other kids my mother wanted me to talk to were fake."
Jazz blinked at the mention of her mom. "Your mom? What's she like?
Octavia's expression became complicated, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "My mom... She's really into the upper-class lifestyle. She loves hanging out with her friends, having dinner parties, and things like that."
To Danny and Jazz, it was reminiscent of the ads for the Real Housewives.
Jazz nodded sympathetically. "Do you get along with her?"
Octavia sighed, her gaze distant. "It's... complicated. I don't hate her. She's my mom, after all. But we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things. Some of the stuff we do can be fun. However, she wants me to be something I'm not, and it's hard to connect with her because of that."
Danny could sense that she didn't want to talk about it much. "By the way, Jazz, Stolas offered to be my private tutor."
On one side, Jazz knew what her brother was doing. They, too, felt the same parental pressure to become ghost hunters. On the other, Jazz's eyes widened with surprise. "Really? Someone like him wants to teach you?"
Annoyance flashed on his face. "Why did you have to say it like that?!"
Jazz waved her hands in apology. "Sorry. Sorry. I didn't mean it like that. It's amazing!" She paused, a slight frown crossing her face. "I know I say that it's never too early to learn, but isn't it a bit sudden? You're not even in middle school yet like me."
Octavia, sensing the tension and confusion, spoke up gently. "My dad is a good man, Jazz. He always tries his best to make me happy. Dad has the best intentions for Danny. He cares about those he teaches, me included."
Jazz studied Octavia's earnest expression, feeling her concerns at ease. "Well, if you say so, Octavia. And Danny, if you want to do this, and Mom and Dad are cool with it, then I'm all for it. Just be careful, okay?"
Danny nodded, grateful for his sister's support. "Thanks, Jazz!"
Octavia smiled warmly and pulled Danny into a half hug. "We'll take good care of him."
Earlier
The adults watched as the kids went out the back door.
Jack, ever the enthusiastic one, chimed in. "So, what brings you to our home today?"
Stolas cleared his throat slightly before speaking. "Danny and Octavia wanted to spend time together outside the library. They wanted to do more than just read books and listen to lectures. Given the circumstances, I thought it was important to formally introduce ourselves."
Maddie smiled warmly. "That's very considerate of you, Stolas. To be honest, I've been concerned about his lack of friends at school. There's this one friend named Tucker, but that's about it."
Jack nodded in agreement. "If fact, this is one of the few times we've had company over. Our neighbors are always busy when I ask them."
Stolas gave a once-over to their jumpsuits and the gadget in the room. 'I wonder why,' he thought sarcastically.
Jack clapped his hands. "Maybe we can have a barbecue sometime and get to know each other better."
Stolas nodded. "That sounds lovely. I'm sure Octavia and I would look forward to it when we have time. On a related note, Octavia's birthday is coming up, and I would love for Danny to join the festivities."
Maddie hummed with a smile. "I'm sure that can be arranged. If I'm busy, Jack can bring Danny there."
Stolas chuckled. "That would work perfectly."
"Do I have to?" Jack sulked.
Maddie patted her husband's arm. "Come now, Jack. This is for Danny, and it would be good for you to mingle with other parents there, too."
His eyes brightened. "You're right, and I can tell them all about ghosts!"
Maddie chuckled nervously. "That's one possibility, dear."
Stolas stroked his chin. "Yes, about that. Danny spoke about your ghost profession in passing, but I hoped to get the source's clarification. Forgive me, but I am a bit skeptical about the idea."
Jack leaned forward, his broad smile infectious. "Well, you're in for a treat! Maddie and I have dedicated our lives to studying ghosts and the paranormal." Jack stood up with his wife. "Come! We'll show you our workshop."
With a shrug, Stolas followed.
Jack and Maddie led Stolas down the narrow staircase to their basement lab. The air grew cooler as they descended, the sounds of their footsteps echoing off the concrete walls. When they reached the bottom, Stolas took in the sight before him.
The basement was a sprawling space, filled with tables cluttered with various unfinished projects. Tools and gadgets lay scattered about, some buzzing faintly with latent energy. Wires snaked across the floor, connecting different devices, and the smell of soldered metal and ozone hung in the air.
Jack gestured around proudly. "Welcome to our lab, Stolas. This is where the magic happens—or will happen, once we finish some of these projects."
Stolas walked slowly, his eyes scanning the room with keen interest. He noticed an assortment of ghost traps in various stages of completion, each more intricate than the last. A large electromagnet stood in one corner, and a half-assembled ecto-gun lay on a nearby table.
Maddie gestured to a blueprint on the wall with an image of a stereotypical Halloween ghost. "We've concluded that ghosts are the residual energy of human spirits that have passed on."
Stolas nodded. 'That certainly sounds like sinners to me.' "I've read tales of ghosts in folklore, but aren't they just stories?"
Maddie continued, "Our current hypothesis is that these spirits exist in a parallel dimension to ours. I refer to it as the spirit plane, but Jack calls it the Ghost Zone."
"It's much more dynamic!"
Stolas hummed. 'Were they talking about Hell or even Heaven?'
"It's an alternate plane of existence that's separate from our own, but sometimes the barriers between our world and the Ghost Zone can weaken, allowing ghosts to cross over," added Maddie. "These visitors, in turn, make up said folklore."
Stolas hesitated. "So you think portals to other worlds like Heaven and Hell are possible?" Thoughts went back to his Grimoire. Had either Stolas' half siblings or agents of the sins been careless and revealed themselves?
Maddie made a thoughtful expression. "We refrain from using direct religious references in our research. It is our understanding that what people in past times interpreted as Heaven or Hell are explainable phenomena. They bore witness to the Spirit Plane Jack and I are pursuing."
Stolas blinked, not sure what to make of these so-called scientific deductions. "How far have you gone into proving their existence?"
Jack's eyes lit up. "Testing is ongoing, but we've drafted all kinds of gadgets to detect and capture ghosts."
Maddie pointed to a blueprint pinned to a wall. "That's the design for our Ecto-Skeleton. It's supposed to enhance our abilities to combat ghosts more effectively."
Stolas nodded, his gaze eventually drawn to the far side of the room. A large hole was cut into the wall, lined with metal, and surrounded by complex machinery. Next to it was a construction paper sign with lettering that read, "Ghost Portal."
"Our magnum opus: A portal that will allow us to travel directly into the Ghost Zone."
"Ah, I see," Stolas said, approaching the portal. On nearby tables, he noted old scriptures being used as references. Some of the circuits seemed to resemble runes.
Maddie added, "It's still in the design phase, but we're confident that once it's complete, we'll be able to make direct contact with the spirit world."
Stolas stood straight. "A man-made portal to the afterlife. I can hardly believe such a thing to be possible." He studied the arcane and traveled to Earth through such methods all his life. The Fentons had to be following a pointless pursuit. No?
Maddie sighed. "Perhaps, but we won't stop trying until we're sure."
Stolas' mouth thinned as he thought, 'I'm starting to see why they are always busy. A portal seems like an impossible task. They aren't outright bad parents compared to those I've met in the past. But still...' He looked directly at Jack and Maddie. "With such ambitions, I would believe it hard to balance both your work and your family life."
Jack put an arm around his wife with a confident smile. "Nonsense. The Fentons' family bonds are stronger than ever."
Stolas frowned slightly, his gaze softening with concern. Meanwhile, Jack and Maddie enthusiastically discuss their latest ghost-hunting invention designs. 'I don't know them well enough,' Stolas mused, 'but I'm starting to understand why Danny has been feeling lonely as of late.' He glanced toward the window, where he could faintly hear Danny chatting animatedly with Octavia and Jazz. 'Danny would not appreciate me telling his parents that he's been feeling lonely,' Stolas thought. 'Granted, this eventually led to us meeting in the first place.'
Recalling his conversations with Danny, Stolas remembered how the boy had mentioned his parents' hectic work schedule. 'I had hoped he was exaggerating in some regard,' Stolas reflected. The memories of his own childhood surfaced unbidden. 'My parents were... distant,' Stolas thought, feeling a pang of empathy for Danny. 'I'd hate for him to go through the same thing I did. For what it's worth, I see a bit of myself when spending time with Danny and my daughter.' He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. 'Perhaps it would be best to confront them when I build better relations.' "Well, in any case, I'd like to offer a proposal to you and your son."
Maddie and Jack raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
Stolas cleared his throat. "As you know, Danny has aspirations for the stars and becoming an astronaut. It may seem early, but I'd like to help him on his journey. I'd like to become his mentor and tutor, free of charge."
The Fentons seemed to reel from the declaration. "Mr. Aster, that's extremely generous of you, but like you said, our little boy's still young."
"Perhaps, but I would be remiss if I didn't first put the offer on the table for discussion."
Maddie blinked in surprise. "Well, we would have to talk about it with our son. Forgive us, Mr. Aster. This is more than we expected from a friendly visit of Danny's new friend."
Stolas waved it off. "I understand. Like I told Daniel, please take your time. There is no rush."
Jack brought his hands together. "Hmm. Well, we want what's best for Danny. If he wants to, we're willing to give it a try."
The Goetia smiled softly. "That's all we parents can do for our children, no?"
The Fentons seemed to relax at the question. "We'd be lying if we said our parents were excited about our career choices, and our kids deserve better than that."
"Yes, indeed. I feel the same about my father and how I treat Octavia. " Stolas affirmed. "I see a lot of potential in Danny, and I want to help him become the best version of himself."
Later
The atmosphere relaxed, and by the end of the evening, it was clear that Stolas and Octavia had made a positive impression.
Jack laughed heartily. "Well, if you ever see anything strange, you know who to call!"
Stolas chuckled, nodding. "We'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for your hospitality. It's wonderful to feel so welcomed."
Maddie beamed. "Of course! If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
As the father and daughter left, Stolas smiled at Danny. "We'll see you next week, Danny. And perhaps we can plan some daytime activities as well."
Danny grinned. "I can't wait. Thanks, Stolas! Thanks, Octavia!"
"Thank you for welcoming us so warmly. We're looking forward to getting to know you all better."
"Absolutely," Jack said, clapping Stolas on the back. "We're glad to have you here. You'd be the first to come for a second time and not for a complaint."
From the window, Danny watched them go, a smile on his face.
As they walked down the street, Stolas looked down at Octavia, who was smiling happily. "See, that wasn't so bad, was it?" he asked.
Octavia shook her head and looked up at her father. "It went well."
Stolas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, it did. I think we'll fit in just fine."
"It felt nice to talk normally with people, unlike those who come to our home."
Stolas seemed to gush. "Oh, I knew this would be good for you. Just wait until our next few outings."
Chapter 07: Invitation to Hell
The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the town as Danny and Octavia sat outside the quaint ice cream parlor. The storefront with striped awnings and wooden benches. The gentle hum of the town's evening bustle provided a comforting background noise as they enjoyed their treats.
Octavia, disguised as a human, looked like any other kid enjoying their evening. She wore a simple sundress, and her hair had subtle highlights.
Danny sat across from her, holding a cone with a generous scoop of chocolate ice cream. He took a bite, savoring the rich flavor, before grinning at Octavia. "You know, this place has the best ice cream in town. I've been coming here for years."
Octavia nodded, her expression curious as she tasted her ice cream. She had chosen a colorful, cookie caramel-swirled flavor. "It's really good," she agreed, licking her lips.
Danny chuckled, leaning back on the bench. "So, what's the verdict? Is it better than anything you've had before?"
Octavia tilted her head, considering. "It's different. But in a good way. Everything here is so... lively. There's a certain charm to it all." She took another bite, savoring the sweetness. "And this ice cream? Definitely a highlight."
Danny smiled, pleased. "I'm glad you like it. It's nice to just hang out and enjoy ourselves without our parents."
Octavia nodded, her gaze drifting to the passing people on the street. She watched them with fascination, her eyes taking in every detail. "It's so different from what I'm used to. People here seem so... carefree. The sinners in my ring can be awful."
Danny followed her gaze, observing the relaxed atmosphere around them. "Yeah, I guess so. That is why they're there. Earth's not always perfect, but having moments like this is nice."
They sat silently momentarily, enjoying their ice cream and the gentle breeze.
Danny looked over at Octavia, who was licking her cone. He hesitated momentarily before asking, "Octavia, what's it like growing up in Hell?"
Octavia looked up, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "Well, I don't leave the house much, but I've seen the news," she began. "My dad doesn't want me to interact with the sinners in the Pride Ring. They're a bad influence. He says it's not safe, and honestly, I believe him. They're not the kind of people you'd want to be around."
"Well, they were sent there for some reason or another." Danny nodded, intrigued. "So, you stay home a lot?"
"Yeah," Octavia sighed. "I mostly stay at home or go to my parents' stuff, but those aren't fun either."
Danny frowned, feeling a pang of sympathy for her. "That sounds tough. Do you ever get to visit the other rings?"
Octavia shook her head. "Not often. Sometimes, it's for special occasions or important events, but it's rare. Each ring is different and can be dangerous in its own way. My dad is very protective and wants to ensure I'm safe."
Danny smiled gently. "Well, I'm glad you're here now. You deserve to have fun and be a kid like anyone else."
Octavia returned his smile, her eyes brightening. "Thanks, Danny. Being here with you and your family is really nice. I like it."
Danny felt fuzziness in his chest. "We can have our own fun and do our own thing," he said.
Octavia nodded, her spirits lifted. "Yeah, I'd like that. Maybe next time you can come to my place. My dad's mansion has some really cool rooms and secret passages."
Danny's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds awesome! I'd love to see it."
Octavia looked at Danny thoughtfully. There was a hint of excitement in her eyes, something she'd been holding back. She took a deep breath as if gathering her courage. "Actually, Danny," she began, her voice soft but steady, "my birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm turning ten. We usually have a big celebration at our mansion in Hell. Would you like to come?"
Danny's eyes widened slightly, surprise flashing across his face. "Your birthday in Hell? Huh." The idea of visiting such a place was ironically tempting.
Octavia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. My mom and dad usually go all out for me. There's always a huge party with lots of guests, music, and food. There won't be any sinners around. It's... different from anything you might have experienced here." She paused, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the table. "I know it's not your typical birthday party, but I'd really like you to come. It would mean a lot to me." If all else failed, she would give him the eyes.
Danny blinked, processing the invitation. He'd known Octavia's background was far from ordinary, but the idea of attending a party in Hell, at a mansion, no less, was beyond anything he'd imagined. Despite the unusual nature of the offer, there was a genuine warmth in Octavia's voice, a hint of vulnerability that made the invitation feel special.
He smiled, his nervousness melting away. "I'd love to come," he said, trying to match her excitement. "It sounds... incredible, actually. I've never been to Hell before, but I'm sure it'll be an experience I won't forget."
Octavia's eyes lit up, a mix of relief and joy washing over her features. "Really? You'd come?" She seemed almost surprised by his enthusiasm, as if she hadn't fully expected him to agree so quickly.
Danny nodded, grinning. "Of course! It sounds amazing. And besides, how many alive people can say they've been to a birthday party in Hell?" He chuckled, the situation's absurdity making him feel more at ease.
Octavia laughed along with him, the tension lifting. "True! Not many, I guess."
He chuckled. "So long as I'm not having a permanent stay."
She nodded. "Yeah. Hell is my home, but even I sometimes want time outside of it."
Danny hummed. "So, do I have to wear a disguise like you are right now? I would think that a human showing up would be strange."
Octavia froze. "Oh, right. I forgot about that." She slumped a bit. "I still have to ask my dad to portal you to our house and back."
Danny patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. You still have time to set things up with Stolas. In the meantime, I'll let my parents know about the party. So, do I have to wear anything specific for fancy rich people's birthdays? Just tell me, and I'll be ready."
Octavia shook her head. "If anything, Dad will probably give you a glamour."
Danny beamed. "So I get to look like you guys? Sweet!"
"That's one way of looking at it." She reached out and took his hand, a gesture of genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Danny. It really means a lot to me that you'll be there."
Danny felt a warmth spread through him at her touch, a connection that had grown stronger since they'd become friends. "I wouldn't miss it," he replied, squeezing her hand gently.
Octavia nodded, her smile widening. "I'll take care of everything. My dad can set up a portal so you can get there easily. And don't worry about the dress code; just be yourself."
#
Octavia found her father in his study, surrounded by stacks of ancient books and scrolls. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the soft glow of a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Stolas was seated at his desk, flipping through an old tome with a look of intense concentration. As Octavia entered, she hesitated momentarily, not wanting to interrupt. But the excitement bubbling inside her couldn't be contained any longer.
"Dad," she called softly, stepping closer.
Stolas looked up, his red eyes softening as he saw his daughter. "Ah, my little starlight. What brings you here?" He closed the book gently, giving her his full attention.
Octavia took a deep breath, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt. "I was wondering... Can we bring Danny to my birthday party?" She looked at him with hopeful eyes, her voice a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I really want him to be there."
Stolas leaned back in his chair, pondering the request. He tapped his chin thoughtfully, considering the implications. After a moment, a smile spread across his face. "Of course, anything for you, my dear. It would be lovely to have Danny join us for the celebration."
Octavia's face lit up with a bright smile. "Thank you, Dad! I know he'll love it." She paused, then added, "But... Danny might need a glamour disguise. You know, to blend in."
Stolas nodded, understanding the need for discretion. "Indeed. Stella usually handles the guest list and invitations, but adding one more should be simple enough." He chuckled, the sound deep and melodic. "A lost child from a lower family, perhaps? It would explain his unfamiliarity with aspects of hell and why he's not well-known."
Octavia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds perfect! Danny could fit right in without drawing too much attention." She was thrilled at the prospect, imagining her friend navigating the strange and wondrous world of Hell. Maybe they could travel the other rings down the line.
Stolas couldn't help but giggle at the enthusiasm. He and his daughter were on the same wavelength, understanding the delicate balance of blending Danny into their world. He reached for his grimoire, going over the demon families. As he flipped through the pages, he considered the different appearances he could bestow upon Danny. Ambiguity would help them craft a believable backstory. In his mind's eye, Stolas envisioned a few possible disguises for Danny. After a few moments of deliberation, he closed the grimoire with a satisfied nod.
Octavia, practically bouncing on her feet, asked, "So, what will he look like? Can you tell me?"
Stolas smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Ah, that, my dear, will be a surprise. You'll find out when we pick up Danny for the party." He winked at her, enjoying the anticipation on her face.
Octavia pouted slightly, but her excitement quickly returned. "Fine, I'll wait. But I can't wait to see it!" She hugged her father tightly, her gratitude evident in her embrace.
Stolas hugged her back. "It will be a memorable night, my little starlight." His heart swelled with affection as he watched his daughter leave the study. For Octavia, he would move mountains, and if it meant bringing joy to her life, he would ensure Danny's presence at the party was nothing short of perfect. He giggled at the thought of a new gift, sure Danny would be on board.
Chapter 08: A Night to Remember
Pride Ring
Morningstar Manor
The Manor echoed with Lucifer's pacing. His situation with Lilith had become increasingly strained. They barely talked to each other for days on end.
With a growl of annoyance, Lucifer swept a hand across his desk, sending a stack of papers across the floor. He stared at the mess he had created. After a moment, he sighed. He knelt on the floor, gathering them.
As he worked, a letter adorned with star patterns stood out. Curious, Lucifer opened it. The handwriting inside said it was an invitation to a Goetia's tenth birthday.
Lucifer's initial reaction was one of indifference. He always received invitations like this, and he rarely paid them much attention. Most events in Hell were tedious affairs, more about flaunting power and status. Typically, he'd dismiss such an invitation without a second thought, attending only when absolutely necessary or when one of his sibling Sins hosted.
But as he stared at the invitation, a thought began to form. Perhaps this could be a family outing to remind them of the better times and rekindle their family's spark.
A kid's birthday was simple enough. Stolas, the Goetia prince, was not one he interacted with often. Still, from what Lucifer had observed, he seemed like an upstanding member of his lineage. It was as good a place to start as any.
Lucifer set the invitation aside, his mind already working on the details. He would speak with Lilith and make the arrangements. Regardless, he was sure Charlie would love to see the kids having fun. It would be a refreshing scene compared to the depravity that went on in Pentagram City.
Weeks Later
Goetia Manor
Goetia Manor were alive with activity as servant imps scurried about, putting the final touches on the decorations and preparing the lavish feast for the evening's festivities. Meanwhile, Stolas and Octavia stood near the door, dressed for their station.
Stolas adjusted his regal suit vest, smoothing out the fabric of his long cape before placing a tall, top hat on his head. Octavia was practically glowing in her purple sequined dress. Her head feathers were tied back in a ponytail.
"You look beautiful, my little star," Stolas said warmly.
Octavia beamed up at her father. "Thanks, Dad. You look great, too!"
Stella's sharp voice cut through the air as they were about to leave the door. "And where exactly do you two think you're going?"
Stolas and Octavia turned to see Stella standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and an unimpressed look on her face. The imps around her quickly hurried out of her way, clearly not wanting to be the target of her ire.
"The party is starting in an hour," Stella continued, eyeing them critically. "I don't want either of you getting into trouble to dirty after all the time it took to get you presentable."
Octavia, unfazed, answered casually, "We're gonna pick up my friend, Danny."
Stella's brow arched in skepticism. "Danny? What is a Danny? I don't recall meeting someone with that name before."
Stolas cleared his throat, trying to keep the conversation on neutral ground. "Danny is a recent friend of Octavia's. They met while I was… doing my work."
"So he's a charity case? Seriously?" Stella's frown deepened.
"He's actually more of a student of mine. The best, if I may say so." Stolas huffed, a hint of frustration seeping into his tone.
"Really?" Stella's skepticism didn't waver.
Octavia chimed in, eager to defend her friend. "Yeah, we hang out every week!"
Stella looked between them, her expression a mix of surprise and indifference. "Huh… That's where you two have been… I hadn't noticed."
"Indeed…" Stolas's shoulders slumped ever so slightly.
Stella groaned, clearly not thrilled with the idea but relenting nonetheless. "Fine. He can come, but he better not embarrass us."
"I can very much guarantee the opposite." Stolas couldn't help but chuckle.
With Stella's begrudging approval, Stolas and Octavia resumed their departure, stepping out into the cool night air. With Stella out of sight, Stolas opened the portal for them to Earth and stepped through.
Earth
Time had flown since Danny received the invitation to Octavia's birthday party. His regular meetups with Stolas and Octavia had become a blend of casual hangouts and surprisingly formal lessons. The father-daughter duo had taken it upon themselves to prepare him for the party, giving him a crash course in the mannerisms and etiquette expected at such a high-society event. It was a significant change of pace.
During the days when Octavia was busy with her chores and responsibilities, Stolas took Danny aside for additional lessons as a surprise for his daughter. When Danny first heard Stolas' idea, he was hesitant, but with a little persuasion, Danny was on board. The lessons went faster and smoother with magical assistance than Danny had anticipated. As Stolas anticipated, Danny quickly got the hang of it when his heart was into it. Soon, both were confident that they had it in the bag.
As the day of the party arrived, Danny sat in the passenger seat of the family van driven by his dad. The sun was setting when they reached the address Stolas had provided. The drive was filled with a mixture of anticipation and a hint of nervousness. Danny had no idea what to expect from a birthday party in Hell, especially one hosted by a demon prince. His attire was kept simple with a crimson longsleeve button-down with slacks that his father and mother helped put together.
Jack glanced over at Danny. "So, how are the lessons with Stolas going?"
Danny shrugged casually. "They're going well. Stolas is a great teacher, and Octavia's been really helpful, too. It's fun."
Jack nodded thoughtfully. "Glad to hear it, son. Stolas seems like a good guy." He paused, his mind wandering back to a recent conversation with Stolas. "Speaking of new things, I've been working on something in the lab. I call it the Specter Speeder. It's like a spaceship but for the Ghost Zone. Thought you might find it interesting."
Danny's eyes lit up with excitement. "You're building a spaceship?"
Jack grinned. "Exactly! It's still in the planning phase, but the idea is to have a vehicle to navigate the Ghost Zone safely and efficiently. We expect similar environmental hazards in space: no air, radiation, or abnormal gravity wells. I've been working on the propulsion system, trying to figure out how to handle projected ectoplasmic currents. It's a lot of work, but if we can pull it off, it could revolutionize our ghost-hunting expeditions."
Danny's mind raced with the possibilities. Just the idea of building a spaceship with his parents was thrilling. "That sounds incredible, Dad. Can it still work as a regular spaceship?"
"Of course! The designs for our anti-gravity thrusters can work in multiple environments. Your mother and I might test it in space before we send it into the Ghost Zone, but we have to deal with the red tape before anything else."
"I can't wait to see it in action!"
Jack chuckled. "Just you see, son. Ghost hunting's in our blood." The man had no problem showing his son the scientific breakthroughs they could accomplish, not only in space but in the dimension beyond as well.
Jack and Danny arrived at Stolas's address, a three-story house just outside the city.
Stolas and Octavia stood on the porch, waving to them with welcoming smiles. When they got out, Octavia hurried down to meet them.
Danny's eyes were immediately drawn to her. She stood just a few steps away, and his legs felt wobbly momentarily. Her hair was tied back into a neat ponytail, but her dress and the hint of makeup truly captivated him. The stunning purple sequined gown shimmered with every subtle movement. The deep purple contrasted beautifully with her skin and dark hair. For the young boy, she looked like she had stepped right out of a fairytale, and Danny couldn't help but stare.
Octavia noticed his reaction and gave him a shy smile, wrapping Danny in a warm hug. "I'm so glad you're here." Her voice filled with happiness.
Danny grinned, hugging her back. "I promised, didn't I?"
Octavia giggled softly, stepping closer to him. "I'm really glad you're here, Danny. I was nervous about tonight, but seeing you makes it much better."
Danny felt a warmth spread through him at her words, and he returned her smile affectionately. "I wouldn't miss this for anything. You're... you're really something else tonight, Octavia."
She bit her lip, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "So are you, Danny. Let's make this a night to remember."
Meanwhile, Jack and Stolas looked at their kids knowingly. It was intoxicatingly sweet. He approached Stolas, extending his hand in greeting. The demon prince accepted it with a firm shake.
"Thanks for inviting us," Jack said.
Jack glanced around, noticing the lack of other cars parked nearby. His brow furrowed in mild confusion as he scratched the back of his head. "Where's everyone else? Did we arrive too early?"
Stolas smiled reassuringly. "Oh, there's nothing wrong, Mr. Fenton. You're simply the first to arrive."
Jack's curiosity shifted as he took in the sight of the house. It was impressive. He whistled in appreciation. "This is one heck of a place you've got here. You've got great taste, Mr. Aster."
Stolas's smile widened. "Thank you, Mr. Fenton. I wanted something that would be... fitting for the occasion." He glanced briefly at the house, knowing the truth. It hadn't been hard to pull a few strings, call in some favors, and secure the property. A little demon magic had done wonders to refurbish the place.
Jack turned back to Stolas with a broad grin. "I can't wait to see the inside! It's been a while since one of my kids was invited to a friend's birthday party."
Stolas placed a hand on his shoulder. "Not at all, Mr. Fenton. In fact, I'm sure you'll have one of your best nights ever." As Stolas spoke, a subtle wave of magic flowed from his hand into Jack. "Somnum," Stolas murmured.
Jack's eyes immediately drooped, and before he could react, he was fast asleep. His body swayed slightly before Stolas caught him, using his magic to levitate Jack's unconscious form effortlessly. With a casual motion, Stolas lay him gently on the couch.
Danny watched with concern. He turned to Stolas with worry. "Is my dad gonna be okay?"
Stolas placed a reassuring hand on Danny's shoulder. "Don't worry, young Daniel. Your father is merely sleeping. He will wake up tomorrow morning with false memories, feeling completely rested and at ease. At worst, he'll believe he had too much to drink."
Danny nodded. "Okay... If you say so."
Octavia stepped closer. "Come on, Danny. Let's not worry about that now. It's my birthday, and we'll have a great time."
Danny managed a small smile in return as he followed Octavia and Stolas into the other room.