Iiiiit's back!! ^_^ Sorry for the cliffie, but here you go, another chapter! Enjoy

Disclaimer: Tiny bite-sized midgets of gravy! I don't own DP!

Hmm…this chapter has a bit of religious-y stuff in it. If you don't like it, well then, I guess you don't have to read it. It's not bad though, it goes with the story.

--

You'll find better love,

Strong as it ever was.

Deep as the river runs,

Warm as the morning sun.

Please, remember me.

"Please Remember Me" by Tim McGraw.

--

Chapter three: One Way Back

~*~

Tucker sat in Mr. Lancer's class. He sighed and glanced at the two empty seats next to him. He couldn't believe it had been four days already since Danny passed on. Mr. Lancer and the other students seemed to be upset too. The homework was easier, class assignments shorter, and even Dash tried to cheer him up.

The two empty seats accounted for Danny and Sam. Since Danny's death, Sam hadn't been to school. She locked herself in her room and refused to come out. It didn't matter what Tucker said, he couldn't get her to come out. And the more the days passed, the more she secluded herself. Sam talked to him less and less and, in fact, last night she never answered his call. He sighed again. It just wasn't the same without him. Danny was the mediator between him and Sam whenever they got into their debates. And lately, their debates were escalating into full out arguments and, yesterday morning, a fight. Well, that was mostly Sam's fault. She was angry and yelled at Tucker for trying to get her to go to school 'before she was ready'. Without their blue-eyed companion, their friendship was falling apart.

Tucker let his head fall into his hands. He just couldn't sleep anymore; the dark circles under his eyes were evidence to that. He felt his eyes flutter closed as his exhaustion caught up to him.

"Mr. Foley." Mr. Lancer's voice snapped Tucker's head up. He looked around the room; many eyes of his fellow students were on him. "I know a lot has happened in the past week, Mr. Foley, but you can not sleep in my class. Understand?"

Tucker slumped again in his seat. "Yeah, sure, Mr. Lancer."

The bald teacher raised a brow at the dark-skinned teen. Worry flooded his face at the sight of the boy so distraught and fatigued. Even he had to admit he missed the C student, but he knew no one was taking it as hard as Mr. Foley and Ms. Manson. The said girl hadn't even been to school. With a somber shake of his head, he continued the lecture.

Tucker was too tired to care about the lecture, so he propped his head in one hand and pretended to take notes by doodling in his notebook. All that came of it were odd shapes that looked like ghosts, so Tucker drew in some ghostly eyes and a mouth on each. When he was done and surveyed his work, the drawings only served to sadden him further.

Since the ghost boy died, ghost activity was at a minimum. He wasn't sure if it was coincidence, or if the ghosts actually knew he was gone. Whatever the cause, Tucker was grateful. They only dug up bad memories.

The bell rang and Tucker looked up at the clock forlornly. School was over, time to go home and try to contact Sam again. He shut his notebook and placed it and his pencil into his backpack before picking it up and slinging it over his shoulder. Scooting back, his chair making scraping noises across the tile floor, Tucker stood and slowly walked to the door.

"Mr. Foley." Mr. Lancer stopped his progression. Tucker regarded him with sad eyes. "Please, sit." Mr. Lancer guided Tucker to a seat.

Tucker plopped himself into it and waited. The overweight teacher bit his lip before starting. "Look, I know this is hard. I know you all were very close. But time mends and you will heal soon enough."

Tucker turned his gaze to the floor. "Sam doesn't even speak to me anymore." He didn't know why he was saying this to Mr. Lancer. He supposed it was because he was keeping it in and finally felt like he could tell someone how he really felt. "We fought yesterday. We debate over things, that's just who we are. But without Danny here…we're falling apart."

Lancer sighed and clasped his hands in his lap as he sat on his desk. "I'm sorry to hear that." He was at a loss as to how to help the boy. All he could offer was his sympathy.

"His funeral is today."

The boy's words startled Lancer for a moment. Was it really that time already? "I'll be sure to pay my respects."

"Thanks…"

Lancer gave Tucker a small smile. "You better go then, before you're late."

Tucker nodded and stood to head out, but as he reached the door, Mr. Lancer stopped him again. "I know this isn't like me to say this, but cheer up, Mr. Foley. I miss seeing the chipper you, even if you did get in trouble a lot." He added the last sentence with a small chuckle to hopefully lighten the mood. "Be strong, for Sam."

It was Tucker's turn to be surprised. Mr. Lancer never used their first names. He really must be serious. "I will. Thank you, Mr. Lancer." He turned and left, leaving a solemn bald teacher in an empty room.

--

Sam lay in her bed, facing her ceiling, staring at the shadows on the ceiling. She just didn't have the strength to go any farther. Danny was gone…and she never told him how she felt. She took him for granted; even knowing being the infamous Danny Phantom could one day kill him. But it was done. And there was nothing she could do to change it.

Memories of the last few days flooded her thoughts. She had been rude to Tucker lately and she wasn't happy about it, but she needed her space. Jazz, while still going to school, was a mess. She had actually gotten a B on a test. Jack was staying strong for his family, but when he thought no one was looking, the sadness seemed to overwhelm him. His eyes betrayed his heart. Maddie…she wasn't fairing too well. She slept in Danny's room every night since he passed. She mumbled incoherent things, of which only a few phrases could be made out, while asleep. Mostly she said things like, "My baby…" or "Come back."

Sam flipped over and buried her face in her pillow. It was soaked from the tears she shed earlier, but now, she didn't have the strength to cry. She clutched the pillow and shoved her face hard into the plush fabric, briefly wondering if she suffocated herself could she then see him again? She shook the thought away and turned her head to lie in a more comfortable position.

Why, Danny? She thought. But she knew the answer; everyone did: he protected Jazz. He did exactly what he wanted to do. Danny would have gladly sacrificed himself for some hobo off the streets. That's just who he was.

You left me here…with no closure. I knew I could lose you someday. But I wasn't prepared…it happened so fast. I didn't want to lose you…not like that. She sighed.

It didn't matter. She could blame herself, she could blame the men who shot him, she could blame God for allowing it to happen, but none of it could bring him back. She could curse everyone until she was blue in the face, but it changed nothing.

She sat up and flipped her legs over the side of the bed. With a small push she got to her feet and walked to her window. It was pouring and the rain splattered loudly on her window pane. Glancing at the clock she saw it was almost 2:30. Tucker was sure to call her soon; Danny's funeral was in two and a half hours. With a heavy heart, she went to her dresser, picked out a simple black dress and black shoes from her closet and laid them on her bed. Grabbing a towel from her linen closet she went into her bathroom to shower and get ready for the funeral.

--

Tucker dialed Sam's number only to be ignored. "Come on, Sam. Don't do this, not now." He hissed angrily to himself. The funeral was in less than two hours and he needed to be sure she was there. She would never forgive herself if she missed her last chance to say goodbye. He dialed again, this time getting an answer.

Hello?

"Sam! Where have you been, I've called like ten times!" Tucker said exasperated.

I was in the shower, Tuck, calm down.

"You're telling me to calm down…that's rich." He said, almost sarcastically. He could tell Sam was glaring at the phone without needing to see it.

Look, Tuck, I'm sorry, ok? I'm having a really bad time-

"You're not the only one, Sam! Everyone is having a bad time! Think of his family!" he practically shouted into the phone.

Sam held the phone away from her ear. With an angry scowl she replaced the phone. I KNOW that, Tucker! I just…I don't know how to deal with it.

Tucker rubbed his temple with his free hand. "I know, Sam. But none of us do. Mrs. Fenton is a wreck, Mr. Fenton is like a ticking time bomb and Jazz…well she's doing better than most."

Silence greeted him. He sighed. "Look, Sam, You'd be better off if you dealt with it with someone."

Sam paused. Then, I'm perfectly fine by myself, thank you. Tucker didn't miss the somewhat hostile tone to the Goth girl.

The dark-skinned boy rolled his eyes. "Fine. Do what you want, Sam. I won't stop you, but I hope you at least make it to his funeral."

I was planning on it. I'm going to finish getting ready now. Bye, Tuck. Sam's tone calmed and her anger seeped from her. She knew she shouldn't treat Tucker so bad.

"Alright. See you later." Tucker hung up and fell back onto his bed. He rubbed his temples trying to alleviate the headache that was starting to form. This whole situation was really starting to wear on his nerves. Letting his hands fall to his sides, he stared at his ceiling with a distant look. In less than two hours…he was going to say his final farewell to his best friend…

--

Danny glared impatiently at the Angel. This guy was unnerving! "Just tell me what you mean already!"

Ambriel was unfazed by the boy's outburst. "Well, you won't be human."

Danny just stared at the man. The wheels in his mind slowly began to turn as he comprehended what Ambriel was saying. "Wait…I'm not going back as some reincarnated animal am I?"

Ambriel shook his head. "No, young one, not as an animal. You've been this 'something' before."

Danny balled his fists. "Just tell me! Stop beating around the bush!"

Ambriel chuckled lightly. "You're going to be a ghost, Daniel. Not a hybrid, but a full fledged ghost."

Danny stood dumbfounded. "What?"

Ambriel sighed and waved his hands. "A ghost, Daniel. You float around, walk through walls, and go invisible. Come on, you've done it before."

"Yes, I know I've done it before." Danny said, his anger flaring again. "What I mean is, you're sending me back to haunt my family?"

Ambriel raised a brow. "Not exactly, child. I guess you could if you really wanted, but all you're parents will see is the ghost boy whom they want to destroy."

Danny saddened. How could he tell his parents he was their son after he died? He had no way to prove to them he was their son now that he wouldn't be able to turn human.

Ambriel watched the emotions play on Danny's face. "Do not fret, young one. There is a way around it."

Danny brightened. "Really? What is it?"

Ambriel bit his lip. "Well…I have been forbidden by the Almighty Himself to tell you outright how you can obtain your humanity once more, but he didn't say I couldn't tell you in a riddle."

"A riddle? Why a riddle?" Danny questioned.

"Because that wouldn't be telling you outright, now would it?" Ambriel raised a brow playfully. Danny smiled. He liked loopholes.

He froze. "Wait…wouldn't that still technically be going against God?" Danny asked.

The Angel merely shrugged. "Not really. Besides, God is an understanding sort. I'm sure he'd be fine with it. Not to mention you're so clueless you need this to figure it out." He smirked.

Danny glowered. "I'm not clueless!"

Ambriel shrugged again. "If you say so."

Danny couldn't believe it. This guy was supposed to be an Angel, and there he was mocking him! What happened to the nice guy he met only moments ago? "Fine. What's the riddle?"

Ambriel stood straight and placed his hands together as if he was praying. "I lie in wait, away from light. I lie within, just out of sight. I'm something strong, you can not miss. Release me with true love's first kiss."

Danny stared at the man befuddled. Ambriel was quite pleased with himself for the riddle. Anyone could guess what the answer was. Anyone but Danny, of course. He was clueless and too naïve to understand the meaning of his words.

Ambriel sighed at the boy's lost look and turned around, walking away. "Wait!" Danny called, running after the Angel, his wings flapping behind him frantically. "What does it mean?"

Ambriel turned back around abruptly, Danny crashing into him and hitting the ground with a thud. He looked up at the man. "I can not tell you, Daniel, that's the point. You need to figure it out on your own. I thought it was simple enough…" his last thought was nearly whispered.

Danny rolled his eyes and subconsciously used his wings to right himself, feathers spraying everywhere. He brushed his robe off, though no dirt was present. "So when can I go back?"

Ambriel smiled. "Soon. But there is something you must know. Time here passes much differently than time on earth. A few days here could be months on earth."

Danny's eyes bulged. "Then I need to get back soon!" he screamed, making the Angel recoil and cover his ears.

"Keep it down, lad. My ears are very sensitive."

Danny rolled his eyes again. "I need to go back, Ambriel."

"I know that." The Angel said casually, angering Danny further. "But you need to know that I will be your…guardian Angel if you will."

Danny cocked his head. "You'll be spying on me?"

Ambriel placed a finger to his lip. "More like protecting you."

Danny shook his head. This time it was his turn to walk off. He mumbled something the Angel just barely caught. "God's a pervert…"

"He is not!" Ambriel stamped his foot. "Honestly, child. God created you. He knows every hair and freckle on your body."

Danny stopped and looked at the Angel with panicky eyes. "Ok, so now He's kinky…"

Ambriel scoffed. "Will you stop that? Don't let the Almighty hear you say these things! He is wonderful. There is nothing about him that is, as you said, 'kinky' or 'perverted'. He loves you and His only interest is to protect you."

Danny calmed. He never really believed in God before all this, and quite frankly, he was really wishing this was all a dream, but he knew it wasn't, and if God was real, then he supposed he had nothing to fear. His tension eased and regarded Ambriel with a calm gaze.

"That's more like it." Ambriel smiled. Danny inwardly chuckled at the man. He was pretty odd for an Angel. Well, he'd never met one before, but he had never really expected one to be this…lively.

"So," Danny started. "Is there any other catch?"

Ambriel gave Danny a confused look. "No, young one. What do you mean?"

"Well, you aren't going to tell me I can never see my friends, are you?"

The Angel smiled again. "No. This is your second chance at life, Daniel. God wants you to have it. You can see your friends and even your family if you like. Just be careful, you won't be human so it will be harder to hide from those who wish to hunt you. You won't be able to hide behind a building, turn back and pop out as if you were just a passer-by."

Danny nodded in understanding. It wouldn't be easy, at least not until he regained his human half. But with his friends he was sure to make it just fine.

--

Danny's friends and family watched as Danny's casket was lowered into his grave. The funeral had gone pretty well, as funerals go, and a lot of people showed up. Danny's uncles, aunts, and cousins all came to see him. Even his grandparents were able to make it. Maddie, Jack, Jazz, and even Sam all made eulogies in the halfa's honor. Tucker decided against it. He didn't seem like it, but he wasn't really one for public speaking. Not to mention he had been trying to hold himself together for quite some time now and giving a sad speech on behalf of his best friend was bound to break him.

It was pouring pretty badly, but they still stood there in the rain and said their goodbyes as Danny's casket disappeared into the ground. They stood there even as the dirt was poured over it, even as the sod was placed over the mound, and even as the people started to part and leave. Unable to stare at the tombstone any longer, the Fenton's went home, leaving a soaked Sam and Tucker still standing there.

Tucker glanced at Sam, her emotionless face rising concern in him. "You ok, Sam?"

"Yes." She answered simply. "I'm ok." She knelt down and placed the roses she had been holding the entire service next to the stone.

Daniel James Fenton

Oct. 12 1991 – Nov. 3 2007

Beloved son and friend.

When Sam stood, Tucker put his arm around her shoulder. She leaned into his embrace and sighed heavily. "Farewell, my friend." Tucker said.

"I'm sorry, Danny. I wish I could have shared my secret with you." Sam wiped her drenched hair from her face.

They turned after a few moments and left, walking down the street.

--

"Can I go now?" a very impatient Danny was losing all he had left.

Ambriel simply smiled. "Soon, there is still much to explain. Now, the restoring process takes some time. You, however, will not notice the passing of time. You'll be unconscious for it. But earth will progress and by the time you get back, it will probably be at least a few days since your death."

Danny nodded. Ambriel took this as a sign and continued. "I can't be with you, I must remain here. But since I am your 'guardian angel' you can contact me." Danny looked at the Angel questioningly. "Just pray."

Danny raised a brow. "So I just talk to myself and you appear?"

"No, Daniel. One: praying is not talking to yourself, it's talking to God. Two: I will not appear, I need to stay here. If you pray and ask a question I will answer you. If you simply need someone to talk to, pray and I will listen."

"Isn't that how it works with God?" Danny asked. Ambriel nodded. "Ok, then why doesn't he answer?" Danny said annoyed.

Ambriel shook his head. "So naïve." He muttered. "God does answer your prayers, but he may not answer them in the way you expected or in your timeline. God knows the plans he has for you. You can't change that."

Danny sighed. "Saying it that way makes me feel like a puppet."

Ambriel grinned. "Quite the contrary, my boy! It should make you feel secure knowing God is in control!"

"Sure…" Danny said. "Can I go now?"

Ambriel shook his head playfully. "Yes, Daniel. Now you may go."

As Ambriel finished the sentence a white light surrounded Danny. He yelped in surprise but calmed when a serene feeling took over. His eyes fluttered as a familiar darkness swept over him. Instincts told him to fight it, but his body said otherwise. With one last peaceful glance at the white world around him, he allowed the darkness to take him.

--

Sam still didn't go to school. She barely left her room. Well, she basically had everything she needed right there; a bed, a bathroom, her computer, and a mini fridge stocked with food and drinks. She kept in touch with Tucker, albeit on the down low. They only talked about once a day, if that. She just didn't care for it anymore. Besides, they just argued.

The more she drew into herself, the more her mother pestered her. Sam knew what she was doing wasn't healthy, and she didn't care, but to get her mother off her back, she went to a doctor and was prescribed various kinds of medication. Yeah, that's just what she needed. Her best friend dies, let's medicate her!

The last few days she had resorted to screaming fits with her mom and dad and got herself so wound up she could barely breathe. For that, they gave her Ace, a sedative pill to take when she got too worked up. She had anti-depressants, sleeping pills to help her sleep, and vitamins because she wasn't eating like she should. She didn't want them, but if it made her mother shut up she'd gladly down the whole bottle. She shook her head. Where did that thought come from?

Maybe I really do need those anti-depressants. She mused.

Sighing, she opened a few of the bottles, took a few pills and lay back down in bed, hoping sleep would come soon.

--

Yea…depressing I know. And the funeral…I didn't type out the service because…well I've only been to two services in my life and it's been a while since then. Therefore, I don't really know what goes on besides a viewing and eulogies. My apologies to those who may have wanted to read about it.

I also wrote this chapter while at work. I work at an animal hospital and this weekend was my turn for graveyard. So I'm sitting here from midnight to 8am with…well basically nothing to do. Just gotta walk the dogs and sweep and mop. *sigh* can't fall asleep so yea. Good time to write!

Next time: Danny returns! But now that he's back, what will he do? Everyone thinks he's dead…