As days turned into weeks, Devina had been seeing more of that Vlad guy around town. Even when collecting groceries for Sasha when she can't due to her atharitis. However, this day was going to be interesting as not only will she make a new friend, but will also see the side of the world her eyes had been avoiding since the day they came into this world.
"Does he have anything better to do than follow me around town?" Devina thought deeply hearing his familar footsteps behind her as she carried bags not caring that they were making her fingers turn blue. The pain was worth the wait. Along the walk she accidentally bumped into a oncoming civilian, dropping some of the bags as they stumbled back after accidentally hitting heads.
"Hey, watch it—.. oh I'm so sorry" the woman spoke when seeing Devina who was now sat on the floor from the stumble and weight of the bags, she glanced up seeing a white skinned girl with, long straight ginger hair that was held back by a head band as the girl had bright blue eyes, taking them completely by surprise.
"I have to apologise, I should've seen where I was going" Devina apologised gently rubbing her own head, as the girl glanced down seeing the blue fingers slowly turning back to their original colour as blood began to circulate again.
"Let me help you, it's the least I can do as it looks like your hands were practically at the point of falling off" the girl chuckled offering a helping hand, making Devina unsure at first before peering down at their own hands seeing what had happened.
"You sure? I don't want to burden you with my responsibilities" Devina responded standing up appearing unsure if the girl actually wanted to help or just offered out of pity.
"Of course I'm sure! And the name is Jasmine by the way or Jazz for short if you want" she was cheery and eager to help a soul in need, leaving Devina no other choice than to accept their help, working together to collect the scattered groceries and headed back to the flower shop. As that was where Devina stayed with Sasha, just above on the second floor.
"I forgot to tell you my name" Devina stopped as they reached the shop, that was when Jazz remembered exactly who owned the place and went right in and greeted Sasha. "Never.. mind" she muttered quietly as bags were placed out of the way to prevent accidental accidents, even Jazz embraced an enlightened Sasha when seeing the girl.
"Oh my. Is that really you, Jazz? You've grown up so much!" Sasha was shocked to see them compared to their last encounter when the girl was only young. But how far back did this history go?
"You know each other?" Devina confusingly asked stepping forward as Sasha pulled them in close as if to introduce them to each other.
"Of course we do, Devina. I use to babysit when she was a little baby" Sasha answered taking Devin by surprise when realising that these two went way back. How they laughed and communicated like they were family, a thing Devina lacked a lot in. No parents and siblings leaving her to only fend for herself in personal matters.
"That explains why you two are so close" Devina was able to see how close people can be to one another, but immediately got the bags and headed upstairs to unpack. Leaving those two to do whatever they wanted to catch up on.
Later on that night, Devina was having one of her usual midnight snack being a banana as she stood looking out of the kitchen window, half asleep when someone zoomed past catching them off guard, she blinked frantically at first rubbing both eyes with her hands and looked again thinking her mind was playing tricks on them.
"That was.. odd" Devina thought as she walked into the living room, being wider and more window space to peek out of. It was open slightly when she peeked behind the curtain, then saw a weird glowing lad. His skin was pale, Snow White short hair and glowing green eyes, as he wore a black and white bodysuit with a D on the front. "What the?" She was stunned to see this trying to see if it was real by rubbing her eyes again, but it was still there. Is this the ghost boy people talk about?
The ghost boy flew off into the sky and was gone, it was something she hadn't expect to see happen in this town. Yet she saw one. A ghost.
Ever since that night Devina was left curious to know more of this ghost boy, and how he came to be. Possible know something she does not. Yet later on the following day, Vlad came by again and slid an invitation to a party, more specifically a ball. And she was invited along with Sasha.
"I hope to see you this weekend" Vlad said in a hushed tone as his index finger and middle finger slid the envelope sealed poshly towards her. Devina gulped quietly as she took the envelope, a little anxious of what this would lead to. Allowing him to eventually leave, Sasha came over not sure understanding what was going on until she saw the letter.
"Oh my! You're one lucky lady, Devina. An invitation to one of the most amazing balls to ever be hosted every year" Sasha was elated whilst explaining a little of what would inside, but Devina opened it anyway.
'Dear, miss Goldfern
It would a pleasure to have you attend one of our finest events this year at the Gloom Ball Mansion where the ball will take place. Since you're new, our ball's style for this year is formal attire anything that would make you look dashing or professional. We do hope you enjoy the event! Bring a friend if it helps you into our wonderful society.
Sincerely,
Beckman Gloom.'
Devina was a little taken by the personal letter invitation, but even when Sasha took the paper and read it. She seemed more interested and enthusiastic than Devina was who didn't seem to get the grasp of these kind of things yet.
"You'll look dashing, and it being your first ball I'm going to make sure you looking breathtaking, dear" Sasha patted their back showing support in the cloth department, as she gains a lot of money just for selling top quality flowers and products.
"I'm not sure.." Devina replied scratching the side of her right cheek uncertain if she wanted to go. Sasha gasped never hearing anyone deny or even questioned going to such an event.
"You have to go! You'll probably never get to see or even get the chance to experience this again. I'll go with you just in case you want to go home" Sasha protest with a minor suggestion as in the letter she read it said Devina could invite someone. Still she remained unsure and wanted to take some time to think things over first, and walked upstairs to freshen up during her break as Sasha took over. "That girl is going to drive me insane one day" Sasha chuckled to herself shaking their head in the process when more people came for flowers, a good day for business especially for the event.
When closing shop, Sasha had Devina do more rounds as the sun had set making the streets dark and dimly lit up by street lights and passing cars. Devina was going for a walk around town after Sasha suggested her to go see the best shop or online to find the right dress if she wants to go to the ball, but Devina still was unsure.
"WATCH OUT?!" A male voice called out as she was tackled out of the way, followed with something colliding against the ground before them. She was shocked to see that it was the ghost boy who saved her from a collapsing part of a building, from a fight he was in. With another ghost?
"W-who are you?" Devina was anxious to even reach out and stuck to speaking, when he turned to look at her. It was the ghost boy she saw the other night on the opposite rooftop.
"Everyone calls me Danny Phantom, just be careful when you're walking about at times like this. It can be dangerous" he replied as if giving her some advice, before flying off leaving them confused as he was immediately tackled and threw in Devina's direction as she immediately jumped out of the way. He was mere inches from colliding into her, but by luck she remained unharmed.
"Are you alright?!" Devina was concerned rushing to his aid as she knelt down, seeing him now bruised up and had fresh scratches from the attack. He glanced up seeing their oddly worried demeanour putting his hand up denying her help.
"I am fine lady. Just go before you end up getting yourself hurt" Danny warned her as another ghost floated down, Skulker. The treacherous ghost hunter, and he appeared intrigued on this odd encounter along with an unfamiliar energy originating within Devina's body. "Go!" He yelled shoving them to go as she tried to go, but was immediately captured my a net. She was stuck squirming like captured prey.
"They're different, can't you feel it?" Skulker spoke when his cold robotic eyes glanced between the two before resting at a struggling Devina. Danny was confused not sure what the ghost was blabbering on about.
"Feel what? The fear she's experiencing right now" Danny responded not exactly feeling what Skulker had detected. She panicked as nothing they did could break the net, being improved to trap both humans and ghosts.
"So naive. Her energy! No human has that much flowing throughout their body, one alone would die within seconds after injected with that amount!" Skulker growled pointing at the woman in question gesturing the lad to turn and look at her. He was confused at first not exactly feeling any energy in or around her, before glancing back at Skulker who was still annoyed on how the kid couldn't sense it.
"I can't feel anything, so I know you're lying" Danny was certain that she was innocent by her petrified expression aimed at Skulker, who only grinned when seeing in until it suddenly changed to shock when Danny rushed over and freed her. "Quick, I'll distract him" he whispered lowly to Devina as she rushed back home to Sasha. Sticking to online shopping for a while, and more earlier walks to avoid these kind of situations.
Sneaking back in, Devina shut her bedroom door and tried to clear their mind of what happened, before eventually going to bed after changing into a cat onesie. Sasha came and checked in on them, seeing how she slept in her room and left not a minute after.
When the day of the ball came, Devina managed to find a nice elegant red dress with no straps, that flowed at the bottom a few inches as the right leg was revealed. As she wore black heels along with see through white gloves. Black choker and a gold pendant with a green gem in the middle, as her hair was tied up in a high bun, as the fringe was able to flow on each sides.
"Are you sure I'm not over dressed?" Devina was self conscious of being over done for the ball, but Sasha wasn't able to go due to being ill making Devina go alone. The poor sick lady coughed, high fevered as she sat in her chair within the living room waiting to see Devina in the dress. The one she hadn't seen yet.
"You'll look amazing regardless, now let me see you, dear" Sasha weakly said followed with a chesty cough, as the door opened allowing Devina to walk out a little shy, stunning Sasha as soon as she entered. "Oh my.." lost for words and stuck staring in awe of how good they looked in red.
"Just admit it, I looked dumb don't I?" Devina slightly panicked seeing how silent and shocked they had become. Anxiously stretching her own hand whilst waiting for a response.
"Are you kidding! You're absolutely stunning?!.. ack.." just as Sasha exclaimed in awe a pain shot through their chest brining Devina over, just to be stopped a few feet away. "I'm fine.. I'm fine. I just pulled something is all" dismissing it off as nothing, catching her breath Sasha didn't want to take this opportunity away from Devina.
"But-.." Devina was worried for their wellbeing and how it was declining drastically recently, even the medicine wasn't helping anyone. Is it time that Sasha meets her end? Or is just the flu?
"No buts, now go get the keys and go drop them dead.. it's about time you get out there and expand your horizons" Sasha said pushing them to open up and allow more into their life, but Devina never had the opportunity due to fear and uncertainty of being attacked by ghosts at night. Losing friends due to being too much of a softie and having no bite nor bark, when in confrontations. Violence and insults just isn't in her vocabulary.
"I'll try my best.. just call whenever you need anything" Devina said before leaving Sasha who slumped exhausted into their single sofa, hearing the door shut and lock. Followed by the sound of a motorcycle starting and driving off a few moments later.
"Be safe my dear.. life can be a dangerous place if you step in the wrong path.. I know you'll do great" Sasha muttered feeling her eyes grow heavy the more they fought to stay away, eventually going into a sleep they won't ever be able to wake up from. Their chest stopped heaving a few seconds later, as rigor mortis slowly begins to kick in as the body temperature began to decline, when the body is no longer receiving oxygen to pump through the blood stream the brain's activity immediately begins to shut down.
When arriving at the address, Devina parked up and took the keys, putting them in her little black leather bag, taking off the helmet shaking their head for a moment and immediately started to adjust their hair until satisfied before walking in.
"Good evening, ma'am. May I see your letter?" A guard asked as she went into her bag pulling it out and handed it to them. They took a minute to scan it properly and handed it back. "You may proceed. Have a great night" he approved the letter and let her in, allowing Devina to approach the large mansion where the ball was taking place. It was suitable for a queen, all white and elegant looking no matter how far or close she stood.
"This place is amazing, I'm glad Sasha pushed to come here" Devina said to herself not realising what exactly is waiting for them when they get back home. Heading inside through the mansion doors, seeing all the posh and rich individuals along with a selected few who were lucky to come tonight, just like Devina.
Walked through the halls, she took her time to admire everything. They saw the painting and stone handmade statues that were stood high and steadily for all to see. Eventually reaching the ball room after a few minutes, hearing the band play elegant music that played throughout the mansion, it was pleasant and relaxing to hear. It felt like one was in a fairytale.
"DEVINA!" Jazz's voice called out as she turned to the left seeing the eager girl waving for her attention, Devina waved back spotting her and walked over admiring each other's dresses. "You look amazing, not even that. Gorgeous!" Compliments were given as Devina admired her blue dress.
"The colour blue surely does suit you. It's like you're a walking jewel" Devina responded giving their friend a just as deserved compliment, which eventually turned to natural gossip as Jazz began to realise that Sasha wasn't with them.
"Where's Sasha? She told me she was going to come with you tonight" she asked for an answer from Devina who was a bit taken by the question. She then rubbed the back of her neck unsure of what to tell them.
"She's.. not well. The medicine isn't exactly working for her right now, so she decided to stick home and rest. I promised to come, as I didn't want to let anyone down tonight" Devina answered sounding a bit nervous when explaining the situation as lying isn't her best suit, but what she said was true. Sasha was sick and unable to come.
"Aw, that's so sad. I wanted to see her again too, but at least you're here" Jazz was slightly disappointed to not see their ex-babysitter again, but understood the situation due to how easy Sasha can get sick for her old age. "When you see her later, tell her I wish them well" she added before instantly grabbing Devina's wrist and pulled them through the crowd, as if wanting to show them something.
"Wait-where are you taking me?" Devina was taken off guard by this as they stopped in front of a boy that kinda looked similar to the ghost boy she saw a few days ago, and when he saw her he acted like they recognised them.
"Danny, this is the friend I was talking to you about. Devina Goldfern" Jazz introduced him to them, and turned to their friend to do the same for her little brother. "And this is my little brother, Danny" she added as the two blankly stared at one another, until Jazz saw this and waved a hand in front of their faces.
"O-oh! My bad.. it's nice to meet you, Danny" Devina gently spoke like usual to finally be able to meet a member of Jazz's family, especially her little brother. A bit suspicious to think he was actually the phantom people blabbering on about.
"Same here, but don't I know you from somewhere?" Danny asked scratching his chin as he acted like he hadn't seen them ever in their life, before clicking their fingers after getting something. "Aha! You're the flower girl at the shop working with Sasha aren't you?" He seemed confident with that answer as she nodded with a tender smile, glad to see that they were making some acquaintances with someone other than flowers and animals.
"Yes, that's me. I do say, you do look mighty familiar though. I could say you're a twin to that phantom boy, heh" Devina chuckled as he froze when she said that and faked laughed to avoid suspicion along with Jazz, who was less than convincing.
"How does she know? I haven't even mentioned anything about ghosts to her yet" Jazz leaned in whispering to her brother who was just as sceptical.
"You sure?" He whispered back as Devina was distracted and walked off allowing the two to chat.
"Of course I'm sure! We only talk about girl things, like cooking, skin care routines and drama. What else do you expect?" Jazz raised her voice and covered her mouth hoping Devina hadn't heard, but when they looked she was gone.
"It might be my fault then.. uh, where did she go?" Danny admitted before too realising that she was gone, stepping forward to find a blonde in a red dress, but bad luck in a ball this huge she could be anywhere.
"What do you mean it's your fault? What did you do?!" Jazz was growing annoyed by how bold her little brother was getting, but he raised his hands up immediately surrendering to prevent any unwanted attention.
"Let's just say that I bumped into her during that fight with Skulker.. she's a lot smarter than most blondes, right? So it won't be long until she puts the pieces together" Danny whispered jokingly as if expecting Devina to be dumb due to their hair colour, but he was greatly underestimating someone before even having a chance to know them.
Jazz smacked him at the back of the head with her hand, as he hissed rubbing it after contact. Glaring up at her before she stormed off.
Somewhere in the mansion, Devina had wondered off. Somehow finding herself to a closed library which had a door slightly open, so someone had to be inside. Stupidly she went in seeing all the books stood up straight for several feet, the room was huge with any book you could possibly read. Her imagination was wondering to book heaven.
"Who's there?" A male voice called out as she walked towards it before spotting Vlad, he was sorting out the books when he spotted her standing there dressed up. Taking in her appearance his eyes wondered on their figure and how it perfectly hugged their curves. "Oh my~.. aren't you all dolled up. You look absolutely astonishing, my dear~" he spoke with a deeper tone as his eyes lowered down to her revealed right leg, and then up to that unmarked smooth neck.
"Oh.. it's you.." Devina was quiet and didn't feel exactly comfortable in his presence and stepped back. "I wasn't aware that this room was off bounds.. I'll be off" she panicked and quickly walked out before he could even speak, but he didn't want her to leave. Using his powers he dragged them back and sat them down on one of the chairs.
"You don't have to run from me, love. I do not bite" he spoke sounding like his usual self sorting books before stopping, with a grin now on his face. "That's if you want me to~?" Vlad flirted in a way resting his hands against the back of the chair Devina was sat in, frozen in fear and confusion on what had just happened.
"How did you-" she was immediately cut off as if he had expected this from them, like it was something he was use to doing.
"Move you?.. it's simple, dear. I ain't entirely human" Vlad explained moving his head down to Devina's ear level, as she shivered not in pleasure, but in fear of what he'll do. "And I know that you aren't too.. I can feel it, your energy. It's practically bursting to come out" there was no limits for him as he came in front of them, sliding his hand along her shoulder allowing their eyes to glance up at him.
"I don't get it? If I'm not human, then what am I?" Devina was a lost for words now convinced that she isn't normal or human like the others. Which could explain for her lack of knowledge when she first arrived, but the nightmares always showed a different world. Was that where she is really from?
"Simple.. you're not from this realm. I could explain why you're so beautiful, perfect in a way compared to the other woman here. Defective and hungry for greed" Vlad began to interrogate them loving how clueless they were, whilst he messed with their mind for as long as they desired.
"Devina?" Jazz's voice could be heard calling out for them, closing in the longer they waited. Vlad cursed under his breath when hearing the Fenton closing in, staring at the door expecting them to come in anytime soon.
"Where are you?" Danny joined in which was a shocker glancing back at Devina who was deciding to yell for help or run for it.
"Don't even think about it.. I'm not done with you yet" Vlad whispered wanting to keep this going on for a little longer, before he detected a spirit nearby glancing back at the library doors again. Acting in desperation, Vlad reached out to grab them, yet felt nothing with his eyes glued to the door until eventually turning to see that she had already got out of the chair. "That little.." he growled glancing around when he spotted her trying to sneak out past him, but the heels gave their location away thanks to the wood. "There you are!" He yelled stretching out his hand as a pinkish red glow appeared around his hand, then around Devina causing her to float as he threw her back into the chair again.
"Stop it!.. I want to go" Devina spoke up being a bit more louder than usual, as he restrained her, chucking at their struggle to escape.
"Never.. you'll be stuck with me for-" just as he was about to finish the door slammed over, allowing Danny and Jazz to come in, ready to fight when spotting Devina strapped to the chair beside Vlad who was scowling at him. "Such a pest..." he lowly muttered jumping back as Danny transformed proving Devina's point and went straight at Vlad. Tackling him down as they began to scrap after Vlad managed to transform into his ghost form.
"Don't worry, I'll get you out of this" Jazz rushed over attempting with her bare hands to help release Devina free from their bounds, but it was no use.
"Move, let me do it" another voice called out, a human looking tall muscular man with bright blue eyes, dark black hair similar to Danny's, but longer and tied in a ponytail, as he wore a suit. Jazz moved as he gripped the bounds with his hand and ripped them off with ease, like it was nothing. "There.. now where is the old bastard?" He growled rolling up his sleeves revealing his well built muscular arms, ready to fight. Noticing Danny and Vlad fighting in their ghost forms which gave him the go, and transformed too. He now had Light green skin and glowing white hair, but the suit remained on as he jumped in.
"What's happening?" Devina was confused and panicked at what she saw, everything was happening so fast that her brain was spinning. Jazz immediately came to their aid walking them away from the fight.
"I'll explain everything to you later. Just please don't distance yourself because of this, they're not like Vlad at all. I need my best friend!" Jazz panicked not wanting to risk loosing their 23 year old friend, which is odd, but sweet as they had somewhat similar things in common.
"It's not that.. Vlad said to me that I'm not human. I'm so confused.." Devina was lost in thought of something else, not a thing about the ghost situation at all. Allowing Jazz to sigh with a relief for knowing that she wasn't losing a good friend.
"That's good. I thought for minute that you'll stop being friends with me because you'll think that my family is full of... crazies?" Jazz tried to put it lightly of what the Fentons were, ghost hunters whilst their son was half ghost along with his future self and clone little sister too. A very powerful trio.
"Heh, great way to put it, but can we talk about this another day? I don't want to make this meeting with your family awkward" Devina wondered as she was already lost in thought of what she could be, but there wasn't actually any physical truth behind it. So for now she is safe. Or is she?