NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 26: Uncle
Monday morning at Casper High felt surreal after the events of the weekend. Students still clustered near the Fenton siblings, seeking unconscious protection from threats they couldn't officially acknowledge. But now there was an added layer of complexity to maintain.
Samael noticed the subtle changes in the building's security - new cameras with slightly different configurations than the school's standard equipment. The Guys in White were expanding their surveillance beyond Axion Labs.
"They're setting up observation points throughout the town," Tucker whispered during first period, his PDA displaying encrypted data. "But they seem more interested in ghost detection than watching specific people."
"That'll change," Sam muttered from behind her textbook. "Especially once they analyze what happened at Axion more thoroughly."
Danny, struggling to maintain visibility as his anxiety peaked, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "At least we have backup now. Even if we can't tell anyone about it."
Mr. Lancer's voice cut through their whispered conversation: "Perhaps the Fenton group would like to share their insights about Shakespeare's use of supernatural elements in Macbeth?"
The irony was almost painful.
Another hopefully normal day of pretending to be normal teenagers was here.
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The school day progressed with its usual mix of ghost-related anxiety and academic monotony. By final period, even Paulina's attempts to stay near Samael had become almost routine.
Then the whispers started.
"Is that a Rolls-Royce Phantom?" Dash's voice carried across the parking lot as students began filing out. "The custom one?"
The vehicle in question made the school's surroundings look almost shabby by comparison. Its pristine black finish and distinctive modifications were unmistakable - this was Vlad Masters' personal car.
"No way," Star breathed, her phone already out. "That's... that's..."
A uniformed driver emerged, his bearing professional but commanding. He scanned the crowd until he spotted the three Fenton siblings.
"Miss Jasmine, Mr. Daniel, and Mr. Samael Fenton," he approached with practiced precision. "Mr. Masters has arranged to escort you home today. Your parents have already been notified."
The crowd's reaction was immediate. Vlad Masters - one of the three wealthiest men in the world, whose fortune regularly competed with only Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne for the top position - had sent his personal car for all three Fenton children.
"Dude," Tucker whispered, his PDA forgotten. "That's..."
"Unexpected," Jazz finished carefully, exchanging quick looks with both her brothers. They all knew this wasn't a simple courtesy call.
As they followed the driver, they could hear the excited chatter behind them:
"Masters actually knows them?"
"Didn't their dad go to college with him or something? At least I once heard their dad say so! Thought him a liar until now!"
"That car costs more than my house!"
The siblings maintained their composure as they approached the vehicle, knowing that whatever Vlad had planned, they couldn't show any hesitation in front of their classmates.
"I must say," Vlad continued smoothly, "I was quite concerned when I learned you three were present during that unfortunate ghost incident.
The government tried to keep it quiet, of course, but..." he gestured vaguely at their surroundings, a subtle reminder of his vast resources.
"We weren't supposed to talk about that," Jazz stated carefully. "The non-disclosure agreements..."
"Please, my dear," Vlad's laugh was perfectly cultured. "Such things hardly apply to someone in my position. When one regularly competes with Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne for financial supremacy, certain information becomes... accessible."
"You were worried about us?" Danny asked, maintaining an innocent tone.
"Naturally! Jack and Maddie's children, caught in such a dangerous situation." His concern seemed genuine, though something darker lurked beneath. "I feel somewhat responsible, you know. If I hadn't helped fund Axion's quantum research..."
"It wasn't your fault, Uncle Vlad," Samael spoke for the first time, watching the billionaire carefully. "No one could have predicted what happened."
"Perhaps not," Vlad's smile carried hidden meaning. "Though I find myself wondering why three such bright young people were in that particular section of the facility when the incident occurred."
The car turned down a quiet street as the siblings exchanged quick glances. Vlad was fishing for information, but his true motives remained unclear.
"In any case," he continued smoothly, "I've taken steps to ensure your future safety. Can't have anything happening to my favorite godchildren, can we?"
The way he said 'favorite' made it sound like a claim of ownership.
"Steps?" Jazz asked carefully, her analytical mind already calculating possibilities.
"Nothing too intrusive," Vlad assured them, though his smile remained predatory. "Just some additional security measures around Amity Park. After all, if one ghost could breach Axion's defenses, others might try as well."
"That's... thoughtful of you," Samael responded, noting how Vlad's attention kept shifting between him and Danny.
"Think nothing of it, my boy. Though I must admit," he leaned forward slightly, "the quantum processing technology that was compromised... fascinating applications, wouldn't you agree? The potential for evolution through computational enhancement..."
"We wouldn't know anything about that," Danny maintained his innocent facade.
"No? Pity." Vlad sat back, adjusting his perfectly pressed sleeve. "Such remarkable events occurring in our little town. One might almost think Amity Park was becoming a nexus for supernatural activity."
The car turned onto their street as Vlad continued casually, "Your parents are quite excited about all the recent developments. Though personally, I think some of these new elements might prove... dangerous."
The way he emphasized 'dangerous' carried subtle warning, though for whom wasn't clear.
"We're here," the driver announced smoothly.
"Ah, perfect timing," Vlad's smile broadened. "Do give your parents my regards. And children?" His eyes gleamed with dangerous intelligence. "Do be careful. These are... interesting times we live in."
The siblings exited the car, maintaining their composure until the expensive vehicle disappeared around the corner.
"That was..." Danny started as they entered their house.
"Calculated," Jazz finished, her psychology training kicking in. "Every word, every gesture - he was testing us, watching our reactions."
"But testing for what?" Samael's voice carried controlled tension. "He knows about the incident at Axion, but how much does he really know?"
Before anyone could respond, their parents burst from the lab, both wearing their usual jumpsuits and carrying what looked like new ghost-detection equipment.
"Kids!" Jack boomed enthusiastically. "Did Vladdie give you a good ride home? Man, that car of his - almost as impressive as the Fenton RV!"
"Though I wish he'd called first," Maddie added, adjusting some settings on her device. "It's sweet of him to look out for you, but with all the strange readings we've been getting lately..."
"Speaking of readings," Jack held up his invention proudly, "wait until you see what we've developed! The Fenton Ghost Analyzer 3000! It can detect even the slightest trace of ectoplasmic energy!"
The siblings froze momentarily before Jazz smoothly intervened. "That's fascinating, Dad, but we have a lot of homework. Maybe you can show us later?"
"Of course, sweetie! Though the calibration should only take a few more minutes..."
"Homework first," Maddie insisted, though she looked equally excited about their new invention. "Science can wait."
As they headed upstairs, the siblings exchanged worried looks, yet knew, now was not the time to deal with it, first they must live their normal lives - as normal as they can be.
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Vlad's Pov:
I sit in my private study, the soft glow of multiple screens casting shadows across priceless artifacts.
Young Tucker's attempted digital erasure plays across my main monitor - really, the boy shows remarkable talent. After I recovered this particular footage, even my most expensive technicians couldn't break through his subsequent security measures.
"Computer, replay sequence 47-B," I command, reaching for my perfectly aged wine. "Focus on subject Samael Fenton."
The footage shifts, showing that crucial moment in pristine clarity. Samael, rushing toward the portal, toward his brother.
No hesitation, no self-preservation - just pure protective instinct. And there's Jasmine, already moving to manage the crisis even as it unfolds, her brilliant mind instantly calculating contingencies.
"Pause." The image freezes on Samael's expression, determination etched across young features. My hand unconsciously traces the scars beneath my custom-tailored suit.
"Twenty years of nightmares, dear boy, and you willingly faced what I still fear again - and for me even, even though you're most definitely intelligent enough to sense my hatred for your bumbeling buffoon of a father..."
"Sir," my assistant's voice interrupts through the intercom. Always with the impeccably poor timing.
"Yes, what is it?" I don't bother hiding my irritation.
"The operatives in white have submitted their latest reports. And the quantum processing data..."
"Send it to my private server," I cut her off smoothly. "I'll review it personally."
"Of course, sir. Though their findings about the green entity's energy signature are... unusual."
"I imagine they are," I murmur, turning back to the footage. "Resume playback."
The scene continues - the portal's activation, the transformation, young Daniel's fate intertwining with his brother's. Such beautiful symmetry. And Jasmine, brilliant girl, already establishing cover stories, protecting her brothers with remarkable efficiency.
"Computer, access file Jazz-173." Another screen lights up, but my focus remains on my two future sons. Her psychological acumen, while impressive, is secondary to their unique conditions. Though having such a competent sister will certainly prove useful.
The wine tastes particularly excellent as I consider the possibilities. Three extraordinary children, each with their own remarkable qualities. Such potential, wasted under Jack's bumbling influence.
"Sir?" My assistant again. "Mr. Luthor's office has requested a response about the quantum technology sharing initiative."
"Tell him I'm otherwise occupied," I wave dismissively. "Family matters, you understand."
The footage continues to play across multiple screens - every angle, every moment I've managed to capture of these fascinating siblings. Each interaction, each display of their unique abilities carefully catalogued.
"Oh, Jack," I chuckle softly, "you never could properly secure your experiments, could you? But don't worry, old friend. I'll ensure your children receive the guidance they deserve. The understanding only someone with... personal experience can provide."
I stand, moving closer to the largest screen. "Computer, compile all footage of subjects' power manifestations. Cross-reference with my own ecto-signature readings."
"Processing," the AI responds. "Compilation will take approximately seventeen minutes."
"Perfect." I sip my wine, watching the brothers protect each other across multiple recordings, their sister's strategic mind ensuring their secrets remain safe. "That should give me just enough time to adjust certain... long-term plans."
After all, what kind of father would I be if I didn't keep such a gifted family together? Under proper guidance, of course.
My guidance.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
So, Vlad is still obsessed just like in canon with having the halfas as his children, this time Samael and Jazz as well, since Samael of course is a halfa, and Jazz is very good in her acceptance - something Vlad always craved.
This Vlad though is a bit different. He will be more logically written - in his intelligence and power use that is, and his obsession with Maddie will be dwarfed with his obsession of having people who are like him and accept his form of existence.
He still wants Maddie of course, and wants Jack dead, but having people like him, no longer being alone, the only one of his species, will be his ghostly obsession, based on his loneliness in that hospital bed.
It is a bit similar to Samael's obsession with protection of those he considers his, no matter what he must do.
So yeah, that's it, do tell me how you find it and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)