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lornteeleaf · 4 months ago

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Commander Week: Day 1 Race

Iowey Lorn was human. Had been human, all her life. Growing-up-in-Divinity's-Reach human. Every-day-at-the-Shrine-of-the-Six human. Praying-to-Lyssa human.

Praying. For her mother to serve Lyssa well. For her to serve the godess well. For the gods to make her mother whole again, not sick by her own making. To not have to gather her mother up at the tavern tonight. For her mother to at least be able to walk still. Thats what she prayed for as a child.

For the other children to stop pointing at her and laughting. For her bones to stop hurting, her bones and the flesh around it and the skin. For the tears in her skin to fade, not be so deep red and purple anymore. For her shoulders to finally even out. For the other teens to stop calling her an Ettin, waiting for a second head to sprout.

Only some thing she prayed for came true.

The stretch marks faded, now only faintly blue and shimmering like expensive gossamer. It would take years for her bones to stop hurting eventually, and even far into adulthood she would feel the ghost of the well known pain, her body reminding her of their struggle. Her shoulders still hurt the most, even as they had come to the same hight.

The other teenagers and children stopped calling her an Ettin. They still called her a freak, but she got used to that as well. Iowey felt like a freak, when she stood 6 feet tall in her 16th year. She would grow another foot after. But in her 16th year it was, that her best friend, Jessica, blond and bright and ever by her side, came home from the Durmand Hall with a new book.

She meant well, not mocking Iowey, just wanting to help her find an answer, when she put the book down in front of her. »I found it today. Thought you might want to look at it.« her voice was kind and soft as always. As she went downstairs, taking on their shared shift at her fathers Tavern, Iowey opened up the flimsy paper backing of the book. 'A dissertation on the crossbreeding of humanoid species.' She flipped it shut. This could not be real. Just the possibilities that this title spawned into her mind made her stomach drop. With shaking hands she opened it again, and started reading. Just a few sentences each page, until she picked something up that sounded helpfull.

'The possibility of human and norn compatibility.'

She read further. The author thought it possible.

More and more of her mothers drunken rambling returned to her, long pushed away into dark corners of her mind. Giada Lorn hadn't had the best relationship to her godess, but she had always spoken fondly of her travel through the Shiverpeaks, trying to find even the farthest human settlements and bring Lyssas blessing to them. It had been Lyssa that send her there, through a dream. At least that was what she had slurred into Ioweys ear, more them once, recounting the one moment her godess had reached out directly. Only she had spared the details. When Iowey had dared to ask questions, Giada had gotten silent quickly and cold as ice.

Iowey knew little about her mothers travels. But she knew that she had been born somehwere north of Hoelbrack, over two years into Giadas travel and only few weeks before she returned to the human city.

Her father had never been a topic to speak of. The once she had asked, a bottle broke. She didn't dare ask a second time. But now, a thought crept into her mind. What of she was not just a freakish creature? What if her spine that was too long, her shoulders which were too broad, were simply too long and too broad for a human? What if they were a perfectly fine size for a Norn?

The author of the book in front of her not only thought it possible, they had proof. They mentioned subjects of their study, people like her, at home on the edges of the Siverpeaks, where human and Norn populations mixed. there was a list of attributes, higher strenght, higher tolerance for cold, difficulties in growth, the adverse shape of bodies. Difficulties in fertility too, though that was not of interest to Iowey.

She closed the book and showed it under her pillow. The others would still think her a freak. But she knew better now. Her feet were not too large anymore, as she ran down the creaky stairs to join Jessica behind the bar.

#gw2commanderweek #gw2 #guildwars2 #gw2 commander #i havent written in some time #please consider that #i also havent taken screenshots in a while #so no screenshots today #also this is so very much outside of canon #i'm pretty sure ANet even stated somewhere that human/norn offspring was not possible #but i'm a norn player at heart and its not my fault my main of 8 years is a human #it was an accident i swear #trying to do this commander week to force my creative juices back into flowing #also peek that definitely not tragic backstory in the making... oh jessica if only you knew #i wrote this in my notes app in 40 minutes without any backround noise but my brains rendition of 'Casual' by Chapell Roan

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dp-marvel94 · 1 year ago

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It was an Accident, I Swear. Part 8

For EctoberHaunt day 11, Dread and Calm

Summary: Elle finally meets Jack and Maddie.

Word Count: 3,376

First -> Previous

Also on AO3 and Fanfiction.net

Note: Surprise! Who thought this story was dead? *author raises hand* In all seriousness, I figured I'd brush off this story in celebration of finishing Face to Face (epilogue still to be posted!) Plus Ectoberhaunt gives me helpful prompts and more excuses to write! The dread/calm prompt for October 11th is pretty loosely used here but hey, I tried. 🤷 Anyway, enjoy!

The confrontation with Valerie behind them, the three half ghosts flew off into the night… and towards Fentonworks.

Elle’s stomach churned with nerves at the thought. Fentonworks. Where Danny lived. With his ghost hunter parents, the Drs. Fenton.

The half ghost had seen both of the adults before, of course. During her short stays in Amity, the girl had caught glimpses in passing, despite her efforts to avoid them. Jack and Maddie, barreling down the road in their RV, in pursuit of a ghost. The blue-suited hunter’s aim was scarily accurate. And the man…. His boisterous laugh rang in her mind, effortlessly swinging a massive bazooka on his shoulder. From the little she’d seen, the two were a terrifyingly good ghost-hunting team. And she was a ghost.

Normally, those two thoughts together would be dread-inducing. But…

“Long story short. Dad accidentally cloned me….. they know about me being Phantom now.”

They knew. Jack and Maddie knew about Danny’s powers, the ghost hunting, about Phantom. Not only that but… they knew about her.

“And he and Mom have already said they want you as their kid.”

When Elle had first met Danny, she’d overshadowed Maddie and Jack to get him and his friends out of trouble. She’d felt so much more than a flash of each parents’ worry for their son.

The overwhelming motherly love…the MADDIE program, Vlad’s sad attempt to copy the woman, was a painfully dull imitation in light of the real thing; The contrast shocked her, enough that her control of the overshadowing wavered.

And Jack…she’d caught a whiff of memory. Late at night, the man peering into Danny’s empty bedroom. A chilling dread in the pit of his stomach. Where was his son?

The Fenton parents loved their children, without a doubt. And…the off-hand comment Danny had made, about Jamie’s origin…..

The girl blinks, mind sputtering. “Your dad cloned you.”

“Technically he’s your dad too.”

That was true in the technical sense. Maddie Fenton was her biological mother, Jack Fenton her biological father. They were her parents by blood. And they wanted her.

But did she want them?

Elle pushed the thought away, the Fenton house now looming large in her vision. This was it…

Danny and then Jamie turned invisible, both half ghosts’ outlines shimmering in her vision. Elle followed, invisible herself, as the two boys flew down and phased through the front door.

For just a moment, the girl took in the scene. The living room, suspiciously clean and organized, compared to her last time seeing it. Maddie, mid-pace, worrying her lip. Jack on the couch, face just as tight, fiddling with something on his lap.

“Mads, they’re fine.” The man was saying. “The kids will be back any second- Ow.” He cut himself off, pricked finger going into his mouth. Needlepoint… that’s what he was messing with.

“We’re back.” Danny said, he and Jamie wavering back into visibility.

Both adults startled at the sound, turning.

“Boys.” The woman gasped. “Don’t scare me like that.”

“Sorry.” The oldest half ghost blushed sheepishly.

Maddie waved it off. “No need to be sorry.” She hurried forward. “Are you two alright? What happened?”

A hand reached under Jamie’s chin, concerned eyes looking for… something. Bruise? Cuts?

“Mom, I’m fine.” The boy didn’t pull away. He didn’t even sound annoyed, just tired. “A lot happened but we’re all fine.”

The woman just looked more worried. Jack joined her, standing in front of both boys. He hugged both while Maddie continued fussing over non-existent injuries.

And Elle… she still floated there invisibly, mouth agape. This was unreal. Danny and Jamie were in spectral form, both glowing and floating in the ghost hunters’ living room. And the two adults… weren’t blinking an eye. They were hovering, concerned, affectionate even. But… they were acting like this was completely normal.

Jack and Maddie knew. They really knew.

The man pulled out of the hug with his two sons. His head turned, searching. “Where’s Elle-bug?”

Elle- bug….?

“That’s right.” Maddie stepped back. “Your little sister was supposed to be here today. Did you find her? Is she alright? Where is she?” Her gaze flickered, just a hint below frantic. Why…

Right. Elle was still invisible.

She popped back into sight. “I’m uh… right here. Hi.” The girl gave a tentative wave.

Both adults turned at the scene, eyes widening.

“You must be Elle.” Maddie’s lips crinkled, a warm, relieved smile spreading on her face. “Danny told us so much about you.”

And Jack… “You’re here, kiddo!” His jovial voice boomed, all previous anxiety gone.

Before the clone girl even registered, strong arms swept her up. She squeaked, pulled to the man’s steady chest.

“It’s great to finally meet ya, Elle.” The laughter shook her. “Your mom and me have been so excited. We already starting setting up your room and-”

“Jack, honey.” Maddie cut in. “Don’t overwhelm her.”

“Oh. Sorry, girlie.” The man let her go.

Elle dropped, too overwhelmed to even try to keep herself in the air. She stumbled, managing to land on her feet.

Jamie drifted over, a comforting hand resting on her shoulder. “You alright?”

“Fine.” She shuffled awkwardly, half-standing behind him. “‘S just a lot.”

Both adults’ brows furrowed, for just a moment faces flickering between something like hurt and disappointment.

Then Jack reached up to rub the back of his neck. “Sorry, kiddo.” He smiled apologetically. “I got excited. Just so happy you’re here.”

“We’re both very relieved you’re safe.” Maddie added kindly. “How about we start again? I’m Maddie Fenton, Danny and James’ mom.”

“And I’m Jack! Fenton family patriarch. This one’s lucky husband and dad to two… I mean three… err, four? Beautiful kids.”

Elle winced at each of those slips up. Four… he wasn’t counting her, was he?

“And you are?” The woman gently cued her on.

“I’m uh… Danielle. But I go by Elle. I’m half ghost. I like burgers and traveling and playing tag with Danny. And uh… I don’t have a favorite color because they’re all great. And uh… what else am I supposed to say?”

The woman chuckled. “There’s nothing you’re supposed to say, sweetie.” She shook her head, a fond smile on her face. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Elle.” She motioned to the couch. “Would you like to sit down for a bit? Maybe something to eat or drink?”

“I’m sure you want some fudge!” Jack turned, enthusiastically stomping towards the kitchen.

“Uh… a snack sounds good. I guess.” Ellie shrugged.

“Yeah!” Jamie agreed. With a flash of light, he turned human. Danny and Elle did the same. “We didn’t get to finish our burgers and shakes.” He pouted, arms crossed.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie. I’m sure we can fix that.” Maddie turned, also walking into the kitchen. “Burgers and shakes I can’t do tonight but…” She opened the freezer, brow furrowing in consideration. “How do pizza rolls sound?”

“Pizza rolls?” The girl perked up slightly.

“That sounds great, Mom.” Danny answered, at the same time Jamie nodded eagerly.

“What are pizza rolls?” Elle looked between the two boys, picking up on their excitement.

The oldest grinned. “It’s this crispy crust pillow thing.” He motioned with shape with his fingers. “With cheese and sauce and little bits of pepperoni inside.”

“They’re so good.” Jamie gushed, stars in his eyes.

Well, Ellie was sold.

The three half ghosts watched, wide-eyed and practically drooling, while Maddie lined up the tiny pockets on the tray. She placed it in the heating oven.

“It will take at least fifteen minutes.” The woman waved the kids off, fondly exacerbated. “Go sit down.”

“Fine, fine.” Jamie huffed, eyes still smiling.

He and Danny obliged, Elle following with a curious look. The three kids sat on the couch, the girl in the middle. Maddie joined, taking the armchair.

“I’ve got the fudge!” Jack announced, almost reverently placing the tray onto the coffee table. He grabbed a piece, flopping into the recliner. Then, popping the piece into his mouth, he chewed excitedly and swallowed. “Good old Fenton Family recipe!”

Both boys grabbed their own pieces.

As soon as Jamie took a bite, he groaned appreciatively. “So good.”

“I know, right?” Danny agreed, mouth full of chocolate.

“Danny, don’t talk with your mouth full.” Maddie reprimanded lightly.

“What’d ya say?” The boy answered playfully, opening his mouth wider.

“Gross.” Jamie laughed, a hand held up to block his brother’s mouth. “I don’t wanna see your food!”

“You don’t?” Danny’s head titled, tone exaggeratedly innocent. “How’s this?” He blinked invisible, another piece of fudge disappearing from the plate a second later. “Problem solved.” Came the witty response, through loud chewing.

Elle giggled at the scene, something in her loosening.

Jack’s eyes widened, excitedly fixing on her at the sound. “Go ahead and try some, kiddo.”

Without hesitation, the girl obliged. The soft confection touched her tongue and she melted. Not literally, of course. Her eyes practically rolled back in bliss, her body untensing.

Beside her, Danny laughed. “It is good, huh?” Popping into visibility, he ruffled her hair.

At that, Elle straightened up a bit, crossing her arms in a pout. Still…. Her lips twisted, pleased.

For a long moment, the group ate their own pieces of fudge, a contented quiet falling over the room. The youngest half ghost hummed happily, eating her third piece. Jack Fenton could make good fudge; she had to give him that.

Finally… Maddie wiped her fingers on a paper towel and broke the silence. “I’m very relieved that Elle found us safely and you three were able to spend time together. But you are back later than expected. And I’m sensing that wasn’t from just losing track of time. James, Danny, what happened?”

The woman asked gently, with no hint of accusation. And yet… dread dropped again in Elle’s stomach.

The boys traded worried looks. “Well….” Jamie bit his lip, drawing out the word. “Skulker kidnapped me for Vlad.”

“What?!” Both adults exclaimed at the same time.

The boy winced. “Apparently the fruitloop was mad you haven’t been answering his calls.” He frowned at Danny.

“Of course I haven’t.” The oldest teen crossed his arms. “He just wants to rant about how much better he is than Dad. And how I should have joined him when I had the chance.” His voice drawled, a grating impression of Vlad. “And ‘Daniel, how is your dear mother? Has she left the oaf yet?”

“Danny.” Maddie cut in softly, pained eyes flitting to her husband.

Elle’s gaze fell on the man and she winced. Instead of the happy, boisterous man she was getting used to, he was pale, face fallen and misty-eyed, like someone had shot his puppy.

“Oh.” Beside her, Danny looked down guilty. “Sorry Dad.”

“It’s alright son.” Despite the words, Jack Fenton did not look alright. But… he wiped his face, expression hardening. “James, son, did he hurt you?”

“No.. umm…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, he got in a few ectoblasts. And he slapped me…” The younger boy looked down, rubbing one of his cheeks.

A hint of Jamie’s discomfort and hurt brushed Elle’s consciousness and her core buzzed in sympathy. She understood. All too well. Vlad had yelled at her too, slapped her, and… done much worse. She shivered at the thought.

Across from them, Maddie sucked in a breath, a fire lit in her eyes. “That man…”

“I’m going to hurt him.” Jack’s fists clenched in his lap, shaking slightly.

“Jamie captured him.” Danny cut in. “In the thermos.” With a flash of light, the object appeared in his hands. He carefully placed it on the table.

Elle eyed it warily. “I still can’t believe you got him in that.” She said quietly, insides still twisting fearfully. Vlad was in there. In there, right in front of her and-

Meanwhile, both adults blinked, surprised by the sudden appearance. “Where did that come from?” Maddie pointed.

“From wherever my clothes go when I go ghost.” Danny shrugged.

“Anyway.” Jamie continued. “That’s one less thing to worry about, I guess.”

Jack just stared at the device. “That’s the thermos I made for Vladdie for Christmas.” He then shook his head, face hardening. “How long can he stay in there?”

“Jazz had me stuck in there for a whole day once so he’ll be fine for a while.” Danny said.

“No, I mean… can he break out?” His eyes narrowed.

Elle’s gaze whipped from the thermos. That tone. He didn’t mean…

“Probably not?” Danny eyed the device dubiously.

“Good.” Jack said darkly.

And the clone girl gasped, taken aback. Where was the bubbly man she’d just meet? Or…

“I want to bury that in the backyard and forget about it.” The man’s voice shook with anger.

Her stomach turned, sour. Was this the vicious hunter she’d seen chasing ghosts at all hours?

“Punt it to the farthest corners of the ghost Zone.” His fists clinched, eyes sharp. “Shoot it with ever ghost weapon we’ve ever made.”

Elle’s mouth was dry, her heart in her throat. What...

The man’s voice finally wavered. “He hurt my kids.” Something was glistening in the corner of his eye… “He’s tortured Danny-boy. Made Jazzy-pants fight her brother. Just met Jamie-bean and already hurt him. And… and…” That something fell. And it was… tears. “He almost killed Elle-bug, before we even knew she existed. ”

Jack Fenton was… crying.

“He tried to kill Elle.” Jack’s shoulders shook. “I hate him. I want to make him pay. I want to hurt him but…” His voice lowered, a near whimper. “I can’t. I can’t do it. He was my best friend. This… this wasn’t supposed to happen…” The man trailed off, sniffling quietly

The words sank the room into heavy silence and Elle’s head swam. Jack was crying. He was crying… over her.

“We’ll figure this out Jack.” Maddie finally cut in, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “It will be okay. We wouldn’t let him keep hurting our family.”

Another silent pause. Jack lifted his head, meeting his wife’s eyes. Still watery eyes, he nodded and squeezed her hand.

Then… he lifted his chin. Whipping his face, a determined gaze fixed on the three half ghosts huddled on the couch. “He won’t touch any of you. Never again. We’ll protect you.” Guilt flickered again, behind his eyes. “We should have been long before now. But we failed. We failed you kids. Especially you, baby girl.”

Baby girl… Something in her cracked at the affectionate nickname. “You didn’t… you didn’t even know about me though…” She looked down, wringing her hands.

“We should have.” The woman emphasized, eyes serious. “We should have made Danny and Jazz feel safe enough to come to us about anything. This should have been your home from the beginning.” She shook her head. “We can’t do anything about the past. But we will do everything we can to make it up to you now.”

Just then, the oven timer beeped.

“That’s the pizza rolls.” Maddie stood, walking over to the kitchen.

And Elle stared down at her hands, feeling her world turn on its head. The excitement, the kind words. The hug. The fudge. The nicknames. Promises of protection, a home.

The girl sniffled, her core aching. It was too much.

She barely registered the movement around her, mind consumed.

…Won’t touch you. Never again. Protect you…

Voices speaking. “...idea… do with him…. Lab… for now…”

Your home from the beginning… do everything we can to make it up…

The thump of metal against wood. Jack’s heavy steps, walking away.

Your mom and me have been so excited. We already starting setting up your room and-

Movement in front of her. “Here’s… rolls.”

Elle-bug. Baby Girl. Sweetie. Kiddo.

Red hair, kind purple eyes. “And… water.”

Mom and Dad said they want you as their kid.

“Elle?”

The girl blinked, the word finally perforating her watery brain. Her eyes focused on… Oh. It was Maddie, kneeling in front of her. A small plate was offered to her from one hand, a cup of water from the other.

Numbly, Elle nodded, reaching for the drink. A shaking hand enveloped the cup, pulling it towards her and… Water splashed onto her shirt. She dropped it.

In front of her, Maddie’s brow wrinkled… “Are you alright, sweetie?” with a motherly concern.

Elle broke.

Practically throwing herself at the woman, she blubbered, cried.

With a gasp of surprise, the woman hugged her back. “It’s okay. It’s just a cup of water.” She soothed.

No. No. That wasn’t…. She wasn’t…

“Do you… do you really…” Elle’s chest heaved, panting out the words. “Really want me?”

Silence. Maddie’s hushing cut off. The girl’s heart skipped. No. No. She’d done it now. She’d messed up and-

One hand reached, cradling the back of her head. “Yes. Yes, of course. We want you.” The sincere, intense conviction in those words… “You’re our daughter.”

“You’re our baby girl.” Jack agreed, strong but gentle arms enveloping her. “We love you.”

Love. They loved her. The words rung in her head. Impossible, unbelievable. They didn’t even know her and she didn’t know them. But…

Jamie and Danny moving to either side of her, their hands on her back, her shoulder. And… their conviction, determination. Her brothers loved her. They wanted her to be safe and happy and here with them. And…

Reassurance. A silence vow. This was true. It was real. Jack and Maddie. Mom and Dad did love her. They wanted to be her parents, this her home. And she could have it. Those things could be hers. If she could just have the courage to take them.

Elle cried harder, her core trembling. She… she wanted to believe but… Vlad’s red eyes, his sneaking face rang in her head.

You exist to serve me.

He’d… he’d been her parent. He’d made her. He’d been her father. And… and he threw her away. She’d just been a placeholder, a failed proto type to him. Vlad had never loved her.

So how could she believe…

But… Jack Fenton’s face, crying over her.

“He tried to kill Elle.” Jack’s shoulders shook. “I hate him. I want to make him pay.”

Anger. Not because he hated ghosts inherently. Not because he personally felt betrayed but…

He hurt my kids. His kids….. His kids. And… Elle counted in those, didn’t she?

The girl gasped, more tears coming. It really was too good to be true but… a touch of bravery from her brothers. It licked at the doubts, ready to burn them away. And…

Elle grasped the courage, fanning it into flame. “I… I want to stay.” She managed out. “I want to stay.”

The arms holding her tightened. “Of course you can stay. We… we want you to stay.” Maddie… Mom promised.

“You’re going to be okay, kiddo. I promise.” Jack… Dad said.

The girl nodded, relaxing more into the hug, into the caring arms around him. Soft words, reassurances washed over her. Love made manifest. The longer she stayed in the embrace, the more calm settled. A much needed peace.

Elle let herself believe her new dad’s words. She was going to be okay.

Note: Sorry for the rushed ending. I'd hoped to address where Jazz is; Jack and Maddie were supposed to get her when her younger sibs got back but they forgot. 😂 (Actually, I didn't want to add anymore characters to a full scene.) Also, the confrontation with Valerie still has to be addressed and the actual plan to deal with Vlad. Hopefully I can address that at some point. And maybe not with a three year gasp between chapters this time. That's it for now! 😅

But that's it for now. I really wanted to finish and post this before starting on my Ectoimplosion fic! I got my assignment tonight and I'm very excited!

#Danny Phantom #my fic #It was an accident I swear #Ectoberhaunt 2023 #Elle Phantom #James Phantom #Clone OC

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