Life's Changes

by Team04Phantom

Part 4 of the Danny's Story series. Dani's missing, his parents are closing in and Sam is in constant danger. Danny is at a breaking point. With Vlad denying responsibility, his parents on the verge of a discovery and Sam's blind eye to the danger, Danny wonders how much more can he take.

4. Chapter 4

Warning: This story contains MPreg and adult content. Please be advised.

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom. That honor belongs to Butch Hartman.

Chapter Four: Practice Makes Perfect

I was having another dream. The last thing I remembered was laying down that night after visiting Vlad and now I was staring at a book. I could hear squeals in the background but for some reason, I didn't look up to see if there were any problems. A small sensation came on my shoulder and my future-self finally looked up. Sam sat beside of him with an enormous baby bump. My future-self didn't react but the sight caused me to nearly jump.

"Sweetheart, I know you have to get your work done but can't you watch the girls. They want to show you something," Sam said softly.

I felt my lips tugging into a smile. "Okay, girls, what do you want to show me?"

I saw the most beautiful sight ever. My two girls stopped running and looked up at me in big smiles. Lilly was a beautiful child with pitch black hair with that one white stripe running down her right side. Her younger sister had the same black hair just minus the stripe. The girls were dressed very different, though.

Lilly had on typical street clothes: blue jeans, violet t-shirt and a pair of sneakers. Her sister, though, was dressed very elegantly. She had on a dress that looked to cost a small fortune. Her hair was tied back with two small ivory bows, keeping her bangs out of her eyes. She had on a pair of black slippers but they weren't the cheap stuff.

"Daddy," the child I was carrying now called out excitedly. "Watch us!"

"I'm watching, Megan," I replied softly. I figured that would be her name. That was the second child's name in my dream.

"Come on, Dawn," Lilly cried and it caused me to look casually in the direction Lilly was looking in. My future self didn't look how I would have. He expected a third child to be there.

"It isn't my fault you guys are slow pokes," Dawn retorted. She strolled back to stand with my two girls. She looked identical to Megan. Oh, God, not twins!

"I'm not a slow poke," Megan defended.

"You're the slowest here," Dawn retorted. She had on an outfit in a similar price range of Megan's but it wasn't a dress. She was dressed in pants and a long shirt with her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"Am not," Megan defended.

"Girls," I said softly. "Stop fighting. You are all very fast."

"But who's the fastest," Megan pleaded.

I stood up and walked over to them. "You each have your own qualities. Uncle Tucker is faster than I am. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"So you're saying I am faster than Megan," Dawn declared victoriously.

"You can run faster than Lilly and Megan but Megan can fly circles around you," I said softly, looking to Megan in the end. I glanced at Lilly, "But Lilly can beat all of you because she can teleport."

The three girls started giggling, the competition over. "Okay, Daddy, watch," Lilly declared. The three girls got in defensive gestures and they started a competition. It was just like how Sam, Tuck and I compete but with their powers and not weapons. Megan and Dawn had teamed up but Lilly was on her own. I went back to sit beside of Sam, watching the girls battle it out.

"They're advancing," Sam spoke softly to me.

"Very," I agreed with her in a whisper. I wrapped my arm around her neck, kissing her gently.

Sam chuckled. "I love you, too."

"Are you and Sammy okay," I asked softly.

"We're fine," Sam replied with a soft smile. "You know how pregnancy is," Sam giggled.

"I'm am all well too familiar with pregnancy," I replied with a sigh. We chuckled. Megan and Dawn each formed a small ecto-blast and fired it on Lilly at the same time. I was fearful when they did that but my future-self didn't seem to mind. He watched it carefully as Lilly started to spin. The energy coalesced around her almost like it did Vlad during our fight at the Nasty Burger but the energy spun out towards the girls. Now this got his full attention.

"What is she thinking," Sam said in a hushed voice. "They haven't learned how to redirect attacks!"

The girls took each other's hands and Sam and he gasped. Taking the other hand that was free, they touched their fingers together and a light exploded from the contact. A red beam began to grow from their fingertips and encircled them in an instant. Lilly's redirect was absorbed into the shield. The girls stopped holding hands and the shield collapsed.

"Well done, girls," I declared in a slightly shocked voice.

"That's what we wanted to show you," Lilly declared. "They can also form shields!"

"And it's stronger when they do," Sam said softly. "That's amazing, girls," Sam added in a louder voice.

"It happened on accident," Megan said but she wasn't apologizing.

"We took hands like we always do but we decided we were going to try to send the blast back. Our hands touched and a shield popped out. It dissolved the energy before we could bounce it off!"

My future self knew what they were talking about. When the girls take hands, it forms a barrier around them. The barrier isn't like a shield; it will ricochet the blast off in another direction and not absorb it or redirect it. They tried to send the blast back to Lilly and when they touched, they formed this new technique.

"I am thoroughly impressed, girls," I smiled softly. "There is nothing you girls can't do."

"All three of you," Sam added, covering my holes. I had meant all three but it could have sounded like I only meant Megan and Dawn.

"Can we go home now," Dawn asked, walking over to me. "I'm a little hungry."

"Sure," I said softly. I picked up my book and placed it in my backpack. I have work I need to finish, I remarked in my mind as I slipped the pack on my back.

Lilly took Sam's hand while I picked up the two girls. We left the park.

3 3 3

I came to a soft startle but it didn't alert Sam or Tucker. I turned over and glanced at my clock. It was after five. I stood up slowly as to not awaken Sam and took off the helmet as I walked to my cubby. It wasn't a dream about the war but I was going to keep this film. I slipped the recording out and put a new one in. I checked on Lilly and she was sound asleep. I walked over to my computer and started it up. I need to see that again.

It wasn't a very long dream. I must have watched it ten times before Sam and Tucker woke up. I couldn't figure it out. In my dream where I went to the island with Vlad, I only had a single daughter there. Where did the second one come from? I couldn't figure out that power, either. It was almost like magic. They took hands and nothing could hurt them. They don't have to bring up a shield but apparently when they do, it's the strongest shield shy of a ghost stinger.

Sam and Tucker watched it with me once but they couldn't figure it out, either. I decided to let it go and get ready for school.

3 3 3

I was in first period for maybe ten minutes the entire block. I keep the phone at all times now because we have different classes although Jazz is supposed to have it today. We've agreed that once Sam and Tucker have been changing for two years, they can carry the phone around too. Second block was a little better. I was there for one-third of the class. However, during this attack, Sam and Tucker tagged along because it's the one class we have together. We didn't even go to our fourth blocks. We got a call during lunch and it ended up taking up the rest of lunch and all of fourth block. I even came in late to detention.

It was getting worse. After we came in the house, I collapsed on the couch. Mom walked into the living room with Lilly on her hip. "Are you kids okay?"

"We just spent nearly two hours with one ghost," Sam groaned. "Two hours! That has never happened!"

"Did you get hurt," Mom asked, concerned. Tucker held out his hands and Mom passed him Lilly.

"No," I sighed. It was a lie but she wouldn't find anything… well, she won't find anything on Tucker and she wouldn't find any injuries on Sam that belonged to her. We all got beat up pretty bad but only Sam still wore those badges.

"What took so long," Mom asked after a moment. "You kids normally have the ghost thing cleared up rather easily."

"That wasn't the case today," Tucker said, not quite as aggravated anymore. Lilly was calming him down.

"We chased him down more than we did anything," Sam groaned. I didn't feel too comfortable with her sharing that detail. That's how we got hurt so much. That ghost had an amazing skill level. He even made the ground intangible around us and if Sam hadn't thought quickly, she and Tucker could have been crushed. I know I felt the squeeze to my core.

"Did you get him," Mom asked.

"Yeah," Tucker nodded exhaustedly. "We set a trap."

He was feeding and that's why it got so bloody. We figured out he was going after the strongest emotions that was close to him. We set up the trap for him by making everything but one wall in the vacant apartment ecto-proof and releasing our emotions. We knew which direction he was in so it was easy to predict what wall he'd fly through. As soon as he was inside, we made that wall ecto-proof as well and began the fight. It took us ten minutes to capture him even though we had him trapped in a small apartment.

"Just be careful," Mom pleaded. I knew she was scared. I was scared, too. So far, the injuries to our hunters have been minimal. We had an agent hospitalized for two days because of a cut they received. Knowles lost a lot of blood and they wanted to keep her for observation but she was lucky. It will get worst. Someone will be hospitalized for more than observation and soon.

3 3 3

Lilly had finished playing with her toys but I wasn't quite done with my homework. Mr. Lancer had made us go get everything that we had missed and we had a ton of work to finish. Mom was making dinner and I didn't know where Dad, Jazz or Grandpa was. We were trying to get her to be patient but that isn't Lilly's virtue. I saw her start to float but she went back to the ground for some reason.

She rolled over on her stomach, pulling herself up to her hands and knees. I stopped caring about the work.

"Sam," both Tuck and I said at the same time. She glanced up as Lilly pulled herself to her feet. She wobbled as she tried to steady herself but eventually she collapsed on her butt.

"Lilly," Sam cried, happily. We all three dropped the books and ran over to her.

"Now you'll pay attention to me," Lilly groaned. I picked her up, kissing her cheek and placed her on her feet. I held her up but she was standing on her own two feet.

"I'm sorry you felt we were ignoring you," I said softly. "We love you very much."

"I know," Lilly said softly. "I just want some of your attention. You're never around."

Tucker squatted down to Lilly's level. "I know it's frustrating. I miss you too, Lilly-Bear. But we have things we need to do, just like you have things you need to do. We'll spend as much time with you as possible but you need to be patient, okay?"

"Okay," Lilly nodded in a sigh. "I understand."

"You're such a big girl," Sam said softly. She went to Lilly's level as well.

"Thanks, Mommy," Lilly giggled. She wrapped her arms around my neck and I took that as pick me up. I held on to her tightly and picked her up.

"You ready for dinner," I asked softly.

"I guess," Lilly said softly. "When are you guys heading out for patrol?"

"Six like always," I answered.

"Are you eating with me," Lilly asked.

"You bet'cha," Tucker said, playfully snubbing her nose with his knuckle.

Lilly giggled. "Let's eat!"

"You wanna try to walk to the kitchen," I asked softly. "I'll hold your hand the whole way."

"You won't let me fall," Lilly asked softly.

"Since when have you been afraid of falling," Tucker asked as I said, "I would never."

"I'm not afraid of getting hurt," Lilly replied. "I just don't want to make a fool of myself."

"You could never make a fool of yourself," Sam said softly.

"Still," Lilly grumbled. "Promise," she asked, looking to me.

"Promise," I smiled softly.

"Okay," Lilly said softly.

I put her on the floor in the standing position and balanced her with one hand while I took one of her hands in the other. I took her second hand with my second hand and she took her first step. I supported most of her weight as she took those wobbly steps. When we made it to the kitchen, Mom gasped. "Jack," she cried. Dad looked up and gasped as well. Lilly was walking just not all by herself. It didn't matter, though, because Lilly was walking.

"Congratulations, Lilly," Mom cooed, meeting her on the other side of the table.

"She can stand on her own, too," Tucker said proudly.

"She can," Dad asked in excitement. "Can we see?"

Lilly looked up at me. "I won't let you fall if you want to try."

"Only for a few seconds," Lilly replied. "I can't stand for very long."

"Is she afraid of falling," Dad asked softly. He stood up from his invention, squatting down to Lilly's level. "Everyone falls some time or another, Lilly-Bear."

"I just don't want to make a fool of myself," Lilly said softly. "It's bad enough I can do all these amazing things but normal babies my age are smoking me in the walking arena."

"Is that what has you afraid," Sam asked in a small laugh. "Oh, honey, you don't have to be embarrassed."

"Yeah," I said softly. "You are perfect the way you are."

"Don't give me the self-pride talk," Lilly said drily. "I know what I should be able to do and I can't do it. Just because I can do what I shouldn't be able to do doesn't excuse it!"

"You'll never change her mind. She's already made it up," Tucker said in a bored voice.

"Well, just know you're perfect to us," Mom said softly. "May we," Mom asked, hopeful.

"Let me go," Lilly said in a sigh. "But only for a moment!"

"You got it, baby girl," I said softly. I let go of one hand, allowing her to balance herself. I got an idea. "Why don't you take my hand instead? That way when you feel you're ready to let go, you can do it on your own terms and when you want to hold on again, even if it's only for a second, I'll be here. I'll still watch you and keep you from falling."

"Okay," Lilly said, her voice strained. I held her other hand again as I let go of Lilly's hand and let her take it on her own. It was harder for her to get her balance like this because she was holding up her own weight. "Okay. You can let go. I have a hold on you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Lilly said, nodding her head. I let go of her hand and she gripped mine tighter. I kept my hand in close proximity. She could take both hands if she wanted but most importantly, I could catch her if she started to fall. "Okay," Lilly said a little shakily. "I think I got it." She started to slowly release my hand. Finally, she was standing on her own feet, holding up her own weight. I kept my hand there for her and the other hand was in catching range still. She was doing fine, though.

Mom and Dad started clapping, Mom giggling and Dad chuckling excitedly. Lilly started to get wobbly. "I'm here," I reminded her. She still didn't take my hand.

"I've got it," Lilly said stubbornly. She started to wobble more out of control. She gripped my hand as I stabilized her from her waist. "Okay. That's enough," Lilly said, shakily.

I picked her up. "You did wonderful, baby."

"You sure did," Mom smiled brightly. She kissed Lilly's cheek, taking her hand and bouncing it. "That's my girl!"

"My little peanut," Dad cooed excitedly. "You're getting it, munchkin!"

"I'll get it," Lilly nodded, passionately. "I won't be second best to anyone!"

I chuckled, kissing her other cheek. "I love you, Lilly-Bear!"

"I love you, too," Sam said, kissing where Mom had kissed her earlier.

Tucker ruffled her hair. "You know who loves you most!"

Lilly giggled, smiling brightly. I placed her in her high chair, ready to start feeding her dinner.

3 3 3

We went on patrol but I went with a heavy heart. Of course, we were needed. It didn't keep me from feeling like I let my daughter down, though. The only thing that brought peace was the fact that school would be ending soon and there would be no summer school this year. Honestly, I was surprised. We've had more classes disrupted from a ghost attack this year than we did last year. However, we had more teachers and I think it balanced it out.

Patrol was bad. I know of at least eight ghosts who wanted blood. While they didn't start out that way, once a ghost hunter shows up, it turns out that way. The attacks escalade so fast that it's hard to imagine what an attack will look like anymore. Hardly any ghosts just surrender when we arrive on the scene. The ghosts are definitely taking on a kamikaze perceptive. And they try very hard to take us down with them.

The next day at school, I was gathering my homework when I noticed a note in the locker. "Hey, Tuck," I asked, picking it up. "Is this yours?"

"Not mine," Tucker said, puzzled. "Open it."

I opened the note to find neat handwriting.

Danny,

Trouble at Vlad's. Valerie says she has unfinished business with her ex-boss. I think she's going after him. You can't let her face him alone. Please, stop her.

"What in the world," I asked, confused. "Who wrote this and why are they telling me?"

"Valerie is attacking Vlad," Sam said, confused. "Who would know that Vlad was her old boss?"

"Who would think that Vlad would hurt someone," I asked, completely confused. "But if Val is going after Vlad—," I broke it off, slamming the locker shut and running down the hallway.

"You're her boyfriend," Sam demanded. "Find her!"

"I'll try," Tucker quipped in a panic.

I ran out of the school and towards the busses. Val's bus was gone.

"Crap," I declared, taking out of the crowds and running for a private place to transform. I haven't been to detention yet but screw it. Valerie's life is in jeopardy. I transformed and took to the skies, heading in the direction of Elemerton. I hope she's on the bus and isn't planning on doing it today.

I spotted her bus and started searching it with my senses. Val wasn't on the bus. I stopped in the air and turned to Posh Poltroon Heights. I hit the sonic mark and didn't stop until I was in Vlad's house. My heart stopped when I saw that red energy shooting for Val. I was too late.

The hell I am. I summoned all the energy I could produce and formed it right in front of me, diving in front of Val. I felt the blast hit me like a train and my powers started to fade. I screamed out, feeling my body starting to react to the assault. I hit the ground, crashing into something heavy. It didn't fall over on me but the impact made it that much harder to keep my powers up. I felt my energy wash away and I powered down.

"Danny," Val screamed, partially in panic and partially in surprise.

"Daniel," Vlad screamed in fear. He was there in an instant. "I am so sorry. She attacked me. I was defending myself."

"Y-You were going to kill her, Vlad," I said, my breathing rapid.

"I had already tried the other three energies, I swear, Daniel. That was my last option. I didn't want to do it," Vlad practically begged.

"Danny," Val repeated. She finally arrived at my side. "Get away from him," she retorted to Vlad. She picked me up and I gasped in pain. The blast was supposed to be fatal, the same blasts Vlad sends to terminate ghosts, and I took it almost directly. The energy I summoned protected me from the full blast but the energy I lost to create it isn't there to help me recuperate. I won't heal for a while.

"He's hurt," Vlad declared. "I need to heal him!"

"He's hurt because of you," Val retorted.

"Please, Val," I begged. "You don't know Vlad. You think-think," I gasped in pain. I winced, taking a breath. "You think you do but you don't!"

"I have got to heal him. It's endangering the baby," Vlad declared. If I could do it, I'd groan.

"What baby," Val asked, suddenly more interested in the mystery than my secret.

Vlad phased his hands in my side and I felt the pain flood away. It was kind of disappointing now that I'm looking back but I know Vlad was right. It's endangering the babies. Oh, God, that reminds me.

I sat up and socked him in the nose. "What the hell," Vlad declared. He was in a mixture of shock and pain.

"That's for impregnating me with twins again," I declared.

"It's twins," Vlad declared.

"Impregnate," Valerie declared after a moment of silence.

"Ghost biology 101," I said drily. "Ghosts can have babies, both male ghosts and female ghosts. I'm pregnant with my fourth and fifth children, both girls."

"You don't look pregnant," Val said in a shocked voice.

"I just started my second Tri yesterday," I said softly. "Vlad, I know Val was attacking you but if you ever attack another citizen from my town, I will personally skin you alive."

"It was self-defense," Vlad declared.

"Okay, can someone please fill me in here," Val demanded, aggravated.

"We're halfas," I said, turning to her. "Vlad became a halfa when he was involved in a portal accident during my parents' college years. I became a halfa when I opened the portal August of 2004. Dani became a halfa when Froot Loop here tried to create a perfect clone and he made her, the perfect sister. I'm Danny Phantom. I have been all along."

"This is amazing," Val said in shock. "I'm so sorry—."

"Stop," I declared. "You've already done this. You don't need to do it again."

"Do what," Val asked, raising an eyebrow.

"After we saved the planet, I powered down but the cameras were still rolling. That's the reason I reset reality. I couldn't take the insanity anymore."

"You erased my memory," Val demanded angrily.

"I erased everyone's memory who didn't know before," I said, sighing. "Vlad, stay away from Valerie. You come after her again, and you'll deal with me. We've got a lot to discuss," I said, turning to Val. "Come on."

"Yeah," Valerie declared. "Like how this is your fourth and fifth children."

"I guess," I sighed.

"I'm going to kill Tucker when I get my hands on him," Val said spitefully. "All this time and he never told me!"

"You haven't exactly shared your secret," I added with a playful elbow.

"True," Valerie sighed. We walked out of Vlad's house. "Hey, Danny," Valerie called as we exited the mansion. I turned around just to have Valerie sock me one. "We're even," she called, walking calmly again. I twisted my chin but it didn't really hurt. I started chuckling.

"I deserved that," I said, shaking my head.

3 3 3

We met up at headquarters and I made everyone a cup of coffee except for me. I poured a glass of milk for myself. "Okay," I sighed. "First of all, meet Lilly," I said, pointing to Jazz. She had brought Lilly over. "That is my oldest child."

"When did you have her," Valerie declared in surprise. She didn't go out of her way to touch her. Heck, she might have gone out of her way to avoid her.

"I got pregnant in December of 2004. Her birthday is August first and she's nine months old."

"Is she potty trained," Val asked in slight panic.

"No," Sam said, her voice hard. "She's nine months old!"

"Don't worry," Lilly said, causing Val to shriek and run clear across the room. "What did I say?"

"She can talk," I said, guiltily. "Sorry about not warning you."

"She can talk but she's not potty trained."

"Vlad kidnapped her when she was born," Tucker said softly. "When the Disasteroid happened, Vlad was killed by the Disasteroid. She had no choice but to learn how to talk."

"What do you mean Vlad was killed," Valerie demanded. "I just saw him! He tried to kill me and nearly killed Danny!"

"I revived him with the Reality Gauntlet," I began but it hit me. "Duh. I'm sorry, Valerie. You would have never lost your memory if I had known." I twisted my arm, causing Valerie to gasp in surprise. I pointed the gauntlet in her direction, returning her memories.

Valerie blinked for a few minutes as the memories flooded back. "Thanks, Danny," she said softly. "I owe you one."

"No," I said softly. "I am so sorry I erased your memories and separated you and Tucker. Believe me, I have been trying to get him to admit his feelings about you for a while."

"Are you and Sam still a couple," she asked me, looking from me to Sam.

"Yes," Sam nodded with a smile. "We're still together."

"I'm sorry I never told him about us," Tucker said softly. "I was so caught up in having Danny back and with being mayor; I never got around to telling Danny about us. I am so sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Val smiled softly at Tuck. She took his hand. "Do you still feel the same way about me?"

"I was bringing you back to me whether you knew from the Disasteroid or from when you were ready to know," Tuck smiled seductively. I chuckled, shaking my head. Valerie and Tucker moved in slowly for a kiss but it wasn't anything like Sam and my kisses. They were starting slowly and that was okay. Sam and I dived in headfirst. We always have.

"Is she going to replace me now," Lilly asked, slightly threatened.

I picked her up. "Shh," I shushed softly. "Uncle Tucker won't replace you. He's just adding someone else to his heart," I said softly.

"Absolutely," Tucker replied softly. He kissed Val on the cheek. "Excuse me." He walked over to us, holding out his hands for Lilly. I passed her to him. "You're my number one girl. If Val doesn't like it, then she'll just have to tough it out. My Lilly-Bear comes first."

"Really," Lilly asked with a frown.

"Really," Tucker said, bouncing her. "You're my number one; above Mommy and Daddy, above my parents, above everyone!"

Lilly snuggled into Tucker's shoulder. "I love you, Uncle Tucker."

"I love you, too, Lilly-Bear," Tucker said, rubbing his hand down her back.

Sam held her hands out. "It's like Daddy and I. We love each other but you're our number one."

"She's just like a real baby but she can talk," Valerie asked, hesitantly.

"She is a real baby," Tucker replied softly. "She just knows how to talk, that's all."

"Of course," Valerie said, smiling an awkward smile. She was the typical teenager. She's an only child, too, so she doesn't do babies. That's okay. Except for Tucker, she has no ties to Lilly.

"You don't have to interact with her," I chuckled. "You don't even have to see her. You just wanted to know about my children."

"Where are the other two," Valerie asked, looking around.

"I had a miscarriage," I said softly. "My grandparents have them but we see them from time to time."

"Oh," Val said, looking away from me. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," I sighed. "It's not anything you did."

Sam, Lilly, Jazz and I left the room to give Tuck and Val some room. We still have one piece of business to tend to but for now, we can give them some time.

3 3 3

"Are you okay," Sam asked softly.

"About what," I asked, confused.

"I know you were hurt," Sam said softly as we settled in the workstation. We left Tuck and Val in the living quarters. We were close but not so close that we could interrupt their happy reunion.

"Did you feel that," I asked, panicked.

"Yeah," Sam nodded softly. "It hurt like hell. The pain wouldn't go away. What happened to you?"

"What happened, period," Jazz asked in a soft voice.

Sam put Lilly on the workstation and took a seat in front of her. I sat down beside of Sam and Jazz sat down beside of me. I was in the middle.

I sighed. "Val attacked Vlad and he defended himself," I said, my voice holding an edge. "I don't know the entire story. I just know Vlad told me he tried the other three energies first. Even though she was in her suit, I'm not sure it could protect her from green, blue and especially purple energy."

"Did Vlad hit you with red energy," Sam demanded. "Why would he do that?"

"He was attacking Val," I replied softly. "Vlad didn't attack me. I took the blast."

"Even though it could have killed you," Jazz demanded.

My eyes fell on Lilly, "Hush! I brought up energy to shield me from most of the attack. I wasn't risking my life!" This was all show. I had no idea if that energy would protect me from that attack. I just couldn't allow Valerie to die. Someone trusted me to keep her safe.

"How did you even know what was going down," Jazz asked the question I was wondering.

"Someone wrote me a note," I said softly. "I have no idea who it was. As soon as Val and Tuck have some time alone, I'll be asking her if she knows anyone who would know Vlad was her old boss."

"Why did they write it to you," Jazz asked, confused.

"That's what I've got to figure out," I sighed. "It can't be related to the fact we're Team Phantom. She didn't mention for me to tell Phantom. It was addressed to me. She was asking me to protect Val and I don't know why."

"How do you know it was a girl," Jazz asked.

"The handwriting," both Sam and I replied.

"It was neat," I continued. "No guy wrote that."

"This is a mystery," Jazz replied in surprise. "Who still hangs around Valerie anyway?"

I snapped my head up. "Star! Star is the only person besides us who still hangs out with Valerie. But she's not exactly friendly with us. Why would she trust me to keep her friend alive?"

"But she is friendly with you," Sam said, turning to me. "Remember when we went over to the Adkins' home. Every time Star sees you, she always goes out of her way to remain friendly. She even said hello to Tucker in a friendly voice."

"When we're alone," I said, remembering when Val, Star and I bumped into each other in the hallway. Star had called me a freak and even refused to apologize to me (not that I cared) but every time we're alone, she gives me the most friendly attention. Then I remembered something. "Except for the King. When the A-List came into my room when I was weak, Star was practically in tears and she even-she even thanked me."

"What are you getting at," Jazz asked, confused.

"Remember what Mom told us," I asked, turning to Sam.

"What," Sam asked, shaking her head.

"She didn't believe me about the pirates because Mrs. Adkins told her that Star had seen me fall off the pirate ship. What if—no! That is insane! What A-List member would discover my secret and not blab it to the world?!"

"You think Star knows your secret," Jazz asked in shock.

"I don't know," I said, laying my head on the tabletop. "I just know that according to Mrs. Adkins, Star saw me fall off the ship and since then, Star has been friendly around me unless someone else is around."

"We'll get to the bottom of this," Sam said, looking at me. "Don't worry."

"I'll try not to," I sighed, covering my head with my hands.

3 3 3

Valerie could think of no one else either. Friday at school, we arrived early. Val met us at the entrance and we walked in the school, ready to put Star to the test. If she does know, she will not give up this information easily. Even Jazz, someone else who knew before I told them, was here. She wanted to know how much Jess knew.

"Star," Valerie asked, stopping at the A-List table. Star looked up but everyone else did too. They gave her a hard look.

"Give it a rest," I declared in aggravation. "So she couldn't save her father's job. It wasn't her fault. If anything, those C-crew abandoned Mr. Gray as soon as he married into an A-List family."

"Besides," Tucker interjected. "Val's the newest member of Team Phantom." He looked to Val and she smiled softly for a brief moment before turning serious again, "She and I are dating!"

"Congratulations," Star cried excitedly, standing up and hugging Val. She returned it stiffly. "Val?"

"We need to talk," Val said sternly. "In private." She shot glances at the other A-List members.

"Sure," Star said hesitantly. "We can speak in my office. Follow me."

We entered the offices in the front of the school, by the administrator's offices, and Star led us into her private office. She allowed us to enter first and locked the door behind us. She sighed.

"Thank you for saving my life," Valerie said pointedly.

"I knew I wouldn't get away with it," Star sighed, turning to us softly. She locked eyes with me. "Val and I were talking and I asked her what she had planned yesterday. She told me she had a score to settle with her ex-boss and I knew she was talking about Vlad. You were the only person I knew I could trust."

"Why did you know you could trust me," I asked, giving her a stern look. I still had hope that it was because I was on Team Phantom but the odds of that are against me.

"I saw you fall off the pirate ship," Star said softly. "Danny Fenton fell to his death and Danny Phantom floated up. I thought you were dead until Phantom said that he had caught you. There wasn't enough time. I spent some time thinking it over and it's as plain as the nose on my face. I don't know why anyone else don't see it."

"Do you have any questions," I asked, sighing. Why fight it? She's known for more than a year. She isn't going to tell anyone.

"I have dozens of questions," Star smiled softly. "But I've got to say, thank you for keeping Valerie alive. Vlad would have killed her."

"I have a question for you," Valerie demanded. "How did you know I used to work for Vlad?"

Star paled and struggled to find the words. Finally, she looked to me with a pained expression. "Fridays at eight o'clock?"

"You know about the show," I declared in shock. "Did your sisters introduce you to it?"

"The twerps know about it," Star declared in shock.

"You found it on your own," I asked, surprised. I found that very surprising.

"I was online," Star said, explaining. "I wanted to find something about you online and I found more things about you than I ever imagined. I had no idea the hooligans knew."

"Everyone in the middle school, most of the elementary school and the entire ninth grade knows about the show," I said, shuttering a breath when I spoke about the ninth grade. Next year, half of the school will know my secret. By the time we're seniors, more people will know than they won't.

"Oh, man," Valerie shuttered. I looked to her in confusion and then it donned on me.

"They know your secret, too," I declared.

"Everyone knew my secret after the Disasteroid. The only solace I had was Tucker."

"How did everyone learn of your secret," Star demanded.

I looked to my hand, thinking of the Gauntlet. Star had no reason to know of the other timeline. There's no point in burdening her with that information.

"Oh, it's nothing," Valerie shook off. "Forget it."

I guess Tucker got to her. I wonder if she knows about Tuck becoming half ghost.

"I'm really sorry about not telling you that I knew," Star said softly. "I just didn't know how you'd react to it. I mean," she chuckled, looking to Jazz, "I'm not your sister."

"No," I smiled, "but you're my friend. I owe you for telling me about Valerie's plan. Anything you need, I'll help."

"How about helping Team Raven become a legit team," Star asked with a soft smile.

"The camp is open," I smiled back. "You can learn anything you want right now and starting the third week of June, we start accepting applicants for the summer camp. Sign up early or you may not get in. It's on a first come-first serve basis."

"What is the limit you can teach," Star asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Three hundred," I replied. "Normally, it's not a big deal but with so many hunters in one area and now this being the divisional headquarters, spots will fly out."

"Thanks," she smiled at me. She went back to the door, unlocking it. "I'll keep your secret. I know how much you value your privacy. You can count on me."

"We'd better," Sam declared. Oh, no. "We protect Danny's secret with our lives. Knowing the secret demands at least that allegiance!"

"You have it," Star smiled.

"Don't mind her," I said, putting my hands on her shoulder. "She gets a little pushy when it comes to the secret."

"She's right," Star smiled. "Your secret means everything. Keeping it can mean the difference between helping and hurting. I won't ever hurt you."

I smiled softly. "Thanks. I know you go through a lot to keep that a secret."

"Especially after I shot my mouth off in the beginning," Star whispered. Everyone there but Jazz looked up.

"What," we declared, causing Jazz to jump.

Star's eyes widened. "I-I-I didn't think! I had just found out and I thought everyone had the right to know. I am so sorry! I know differently now!"

I took a breath, calming myself down. "It's okay. You know not to blab it now and I owe you for it. Let's just drop it."

"Anyone else finds out, and you will be my first suspect," Sam said with squinted eyes.

"She wouldn't be mine," I said, pulling Sam close to me. She still had her finger pointed outward but she was snuggled into my chest. "Sam, the proof is out there. The biggest thing I'm worried about is the show. While it won't per se give my secret away, it will provide the clues and cause people to become curious."

"Maybe but it's a small chance. I think Star poses the biggest threat to the secret!"

"She's fine," I said sternly. "I'm sorry, Star. Sam takes this very seriously."

"She should. Sam, I do too. I haven't done it for months. No one believed me anyway. That's why I treat Danny so horribly around people. I told everyone that I was an idiot for believing it and it was Danny's fault I was laughed at. I hope that my treatment of him will convince the others."

"It better," Sam retorted. I pulled her into me, hugging her tightly. I kissed her head, hoping to calm her down.

"I knew it! You are the boyfriend," Star declared. She started laughing. "I am so happy for you. Congratulations."

"Thanks," I smiled. "Come on, Sam. Calm down."

"I'm calm," Sam snorted. Didn't sound like it. I released her anyway. "Just, if anyone finds out, don't become surprised when you become my number one suspect."

"I won't," Star said softly.

"Bye, Star," I said, pulling Sam with me. Tuck and Val fell behind me.

"Uh, Star," I heard Jazz speak. Oh! She had a question. "How much does Jessica know?"

"Nothing," Star said, blinking. She made a grunting noise. "I suppose," she added in urgency. "I didn't know the hooligans knew either."

"Thanks," Jazz said softly.

"Bye," Star called from behind us.

"We owe you one," I added, heading for the second floor.

3 3 3

Valerie had every block with someone except for first block; second block with all of us, third block with Sam and fourth block with Tuck. I know during second block and lunch, we talked as much as we could and I have a suspicion that she talked with Sam and I'm certain Tuck and Val talked during fourth block. Valerie accompanied us after school so I decided to go to headquarters. By the time patrol came around, she asked if she could join us. We took Lilly home and patrolled for the first time as a complete team.

When I thought of Dani, though, I knew I had to tell her. Val and Dani got along well.

Saturday, though, I knew I was heading into trouble when I went to therapy. After what happened Thursday, I never went to therapy. I had an essay due as punishment for skipping detention as it was. Somehow, I don't think I'll get off so lucky in therapy.

"You could have called me," Richardson declared. She was mad but she was taking it better than I thought. It was Saturday morning, around nine. Lilly has been up for an hour so it's okay to take her with us at this time. Anything earlier and it's like poking a grizzly bear with a stick.

"I know," I sighed. "I'm really sorry. Something just came up."

"Something," she asked, raising her eyebrow. "Come on, Danny, you know me better than that. Something isn't going to cut it."

"I got a note in my locker warning me that a friend of mine was attacking a powerful ghost. I had to rescue her."

"That happens all the time," Richardson gave me a pointed look. "You've never missed therapy before for something like that. What happened this time that was so bad?"

"That friend of mine is the Red Huntress, okay," I declared.

Richardson's eyes widened. "Don't tell me she hurt you after you saved her!"

"No," I added in a sigh. "I was too late." Richardson's eyes widened as she misinterpreted what I was saying. "I had to take the blast for her or it would have killed her. She found out my secret."

"Oh, no," Richardson said in worry. "How did she take it?"

"She was confused," I said softly. "A little angry. She took it okay. We haven't had the same relationship since the Disasteroid. It's been friendlier than before."

"I'm glad," she sighed in content. "Are you okay with her knowing your secret?"

"Yeah," I smiled. "She won't tell anyone and she won't freak like my parents. She's one of the few people I trust with my secret."

"Unlike me," Richardson gave me a cheeky grin.

"You more than freaked," I chuckled. "You've put me through the wringer."

"You deserve that much attention," she said softly. "You are a vital asset to this town. No one understands what you mean to this world except for us that are here. You deserve to be taken care of."

"I think you guys give me more attention than I deserve," I sighed. I bounced Lilly on my lap. "Okay. Shall we begin?"

"I guess," she said softly. She started the therapy session.

3 3 3

We spent more time with Lilly this weekend once therapy was taken care of. We still went on patrol but we spent most of the waking day with Lilly. I tried to take those feelings of jealousy to my advantage and get Lilly to agree to a meeting but she didn't see that I had the advantage so I guess I didn't. When school started back Monday, Lilly was a little happier. She had her time with all of us and she was back to understanding why we were always gone.

We decided Monday afternoon to go visit the twins. I thought maybe seeing the boys would help ease Lilly's jealousy. I hugged both my grandmothers and my grandfather. Grandma Miranda was mostly in the dark here in the Ghost Zone so I had to be careful how I acted around the twins. They had grown a foot since I saw them it felt like. They were almost two months old.

We visited for a while but then it was time to go on patrol. That's when Lilly threw her fit. We went to headquarters and set up the monitor. We weren't going anywhere. Lilly threated to tantrum.

I updated my files on my computer and the date happened to capture my attention. "May fifteenth," I declared in shock.

"What," Sam asked.

"No way," Tucker said in shock.

"What's going on," Sam asked in a panic.

"It's been a year," Tucker said, still in shock. "Vlad infected us with ecto-acne a year ago."

"I can't believe it," I said in shock. "I almost missed your birthdays!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Tucker scoffed. "We won't be born for another four years!"

I smirked. "Still. This is a special day."

"Only because we're one year closer," Sam smiled. "I can't believe it's been a year, though!"

"I know," I sighed. "The day after I found out I was pregnant was the one-year anniversary of Dan. I didn't realize that until later that week."

Tucker glanced over Lilly's sleeping form. "We just can't forget her birthday. It'll be here before we know it."

"I know," I nearly cried. "She is getting so big. Did you see the boys?"

"They were monsters," Sam chuckled softly. "Jacob was starting to crawl."

"He was a little advanced but it's not unusual Grandma said," I smiled softly. Honestly, Lilly just started to learn how to crawl a month ago. It can be done.

"They'll be big enough to start walking soon," Tucker chuckled. "Wait until this one gets here."

"It's going by so fast," I sighed. "I knew it would. I've just got to keep getting at Vlad and hope his conscious will win out."

"What conscious," Tucker snorted.

"It's small but when it comes to me and the kids, he's got one," I said softly. "Vlad loves his new boyfriend but he's still holding out for the hope I'll come back. It's not right but I'll play dirty to get Dani back."

"Are you sure he has a boyfriend," Sam asked, furrowing her brow. "I'm not convinced that this wasn't just a way to make you let your guard down."

"Honestly," I sighed, "I'm a little concerned too. I saw him texting someone but then again, Vlad can do anything. It could have been someone pretending to be his boyfriend."

"Just don't let your guard down," Sam said softly. "I don't want you to get comfortable around him and him make a move."

"I won't fall for that," I said softly. "You're all I want."

Sam smiled at me as Tucker groaned. "Oh, God!"

"Sorry, Tuck. We'll stop," I smirked. I stood up from the computer and joined Sam and Tuck on the couch. Sam snuggled into me.

3 3 3

Wednesday after therapy, I visited Vlad. I was trying to move in his personal space and maybe discover where he's got Dani. I know he has her. I can sense her when I'm there, I just can't locate her. Whatever he's done, he's hidden her really well. However, today, I think I stumbled onto the boyfriend. I felt a signature as the butler took me into his study. I didn't see anyone but I could feel a signature for a moment or two. When the signature disappeared, I became even more aware of how easy it would be for Vlad to make an entire signature disappear.

Vlad and I talked for a while but I didn't get anything of use out of him. I was curious about Vlad's boyfriend and I asked to meet him. However, Vlad came up with some cockamamie story about the boyfriend stepping out. He was still here just like Dani is here. If he admits to the boyfriend being here, then he admits that he can hide signatures. He wasn't about to do that.

The next couple of days were going like normal. There was more than a few ghosts who were better than average but we handled them with little damage. My hunters had a few reported injuries as well. I had two with loss time accidents and had another admitted to the hospital overnight. That big accident was still in the works but I dreaded it with every fiber of my being. I talked to them as much as I could, teaching them tips to remain smart and go in with a plan.

It still wouldn't be enough.

And all the while, I had citizens coming in wanting to be hunters. The newspapers were full of these stories of injury and damage but the citizens kept coming in. I believe most were only coming in to get the license so they could have a means for protecting themselves. I stuck to the rules, signing them up for training. The only law I added was any hunter signed up must take a course with me this summer. I would be booked this summer and I don't know where I'll find the free time.

The last days of school started ticking down and it made me antsy. I was gearing up for the busy summer this year but I had an appointment the day before school let out for my second-tri ultrasound. That day, my mind was on nothing else.

"There she is," Dr. Reynolds replied softly. "She's the right size and weight and everything is going great."

"What about the other," I asked, sighing.

"Other," Dr. Reynolds replied in confusion. "The other what?"

"The other baby," I declared. She can't tell me that she doesn't see it!

"There is no other baby," Reynolds replied in a confused voice. "There is only one baby girl."

"But in my dream," I said, confused. "Are you sure?"

"There's a slight chance," she added in a high voice, "but it is really slight. Your HCG levels are only at a level for one child. The ultrasound only shows one. Even your eating habits say only one. I'd say there is only one baby on board."

"But I had a dream of two daughters. They were the same age and looked identical to each other!"

"I don't know," Reynolds shrugged. "I only see one."

"I don't know if I'm happier or depressed," I said with a pitch. Having twins scared the hell out of me but I had accepted it. Now, I'm back to just one. What does that mean for the second one? Which one is the second one? Just because I had never dreamed of Dawn before doesn't mean she's not the one I'm pregnant with.

"Talk to Richardson," she said softly. "If you've dreamed of her, then that means you've formed a relationship with her. It could be just like Eddie and Jacob."

We completed the examination and then Sam, Tuck and Lilly joined me for therapy. I explained to everyone how my ultrasound only showed one baby and we repeated the procedure for everything traumatic that happens in my life.

That night, I took the disc to Vlad's and apologized for socking him when I thought I was pregnant with two.

"It's nothing," Vlad chuckled. "So," he said softly, "if you had no evidence, how did you know you had two?"

"I had a dream," I sighed. "I saw two little girls who looked identical and were the same age. I just assumed I was pregnant with two. I don't know," I sighed. A thought occurred to me and I chocked, "Maybe I was pregnant with two when I had that dream."

"Hey," Vlad said softly. He was trying to comfort me but I couldn't help but notice that he wasn't sad. Just the opposite. He seemed very excited; nothing like he was just told we might have lost one of the twins. I couldn't listen to him after that point. He kept talking but the mystery kept getting deeper and deeper.

3 3 3

That night, I dreamed of the twin girls again. This time, Megan and Dawn were playing in our home and I was watching them with Sam. After I woke up, I just couldn't shake the feeling of depression. I left the room so I wouldn't wake anyone up and cried in the bathroom. I just couldn't figure it out; if I really have lost one of them, why am I still dreaming of both?

After I calmed my emotions down, I went back to bed. Tuck was sound asleep but Sam was sitting propped up in bed. I laid down beside of her and Sam wrapped her arm around my side. "What happened, babe?"

"I dreamed of both girls again," I said softly, trying not to break down again. "I didn't want to wake you up. I'm sorry."

"I'm here," she said softly. She had that look on her face, though.

"I don't know, Sam," I said, shaking my head. "I don't know why I'm dreaming of both of them still. I mean… is something trying to punish me? Did I do something wrong and that's why both of them aren't there?"

"No," Sam said sternly. "You have done nothing wrong, Danny. There is something going on here. There is a reason you're still dreaming of them."

"I can't figure out Vlad's reaction, either," I said, shaking my head. "He was trying to act like the news had disturbed him but it did just the opposite. Sam, he was thrilled when I told him I had dreamed of two girls but was only pregnant with one. Why would he be happy that we lost one daughter?"

"I can't speak for Vlad," Sam scoured. "But I know that you did not do anything wrong. You are a wonderful father."

"Thanks," I smiled softly. Sam snuggled into my chest and I held her tightly, drifting off to sleep.

3 3 3

We were finally starting the last day of school. We rushed to get everything done so we could get to school on time. I was excited beyond belief but anxious more than I was showing. I was glad school would be over for more than two months (compared to two weeks, two months was forever) but I knew that I wasn't off duty. This summer would be the most taxing year at the Ghost Hunters Camp Headquarters. Normally, I only dealt with the Third Region's camp so this was something new.

First block was boring. There were no assignments so Mrs. Hans allowed us to browse the internet for ninety minutes. The rest of the class proved that they could in fact waste ninety minutes online but I have always been more active. After browsing for a few minutes, I grew bored of the action. With it being so early, no ghosts attacked so I was stuck here. I played solitaire until I swore I was going to scream if I watched another row of cards skip across my screen. I pulled up minesweeper. Nothing gets my blood pumping like the thought of dying.

Second block was a lot easier to handle. Sam, Tuck and Valerie were with me so it made the eventless-class pass quicker. Mr. Fuluka tried to make it hell but despite him teaching Geometry, I look forward to this class every day.

Third block was just like first but less boring. I had a few ghosts attacks in this class as well so I got out of most of it. Third block was Creative Writing so it wasn't exciting but it was better than staring at a stupid monitor.

Fourth block was more troublesome than boring. Everyone knows that I speak fluent Spanish now but the group likes to mess with me. They can't figure out why I speak Spanish unconsciously but they look at it like a game. Most of the class was seniors so it was mostly empty but there were a few juniors in the class as well. Even Mrs. Victor would mess with me for the entertainment. She should act more professional but I see why everyone enjoys my ability so much. I was like a robot.

I hope this is my last foreign language class!

I went to detention and finally I was free. We celebrated at home with Lilly and my parents. We haven't received our final report cards yet but I know that I have a tremendously low grade. I finished all the work I could possibly finish but most of the second semester has been spent ghost hunting and not learning. It has taken a toll on my grades. I passed, though, and that's all that matters. I don't know how Mom and Dad are going to react to the three D's and the one B but I gave it my all.

3 3 3

Thursday, I got up at the same time I always do. I had to stick to my schedule or things could get ugly. Sam and Tuck woke up with me but Lilly was still sound asleep. We were making breakfast.

"You know, Tuck, you and Val can go on a date sometimes if you want," I said softly.

"We go on dates every day," Tucker smirked. "There is nothing we enjoy more than beating the hell out of a couple ghosts."

"I meant a literal date," I said softly. "Take her out dancing like you had planned on with Cassandra when you two first hooked up. Take her out to dinner. Have a picnic. You know, normal date things. Sam and I do it every once and a while, too!"

"We haven't for a while," Sam scoured. I looked to her in shock and she broke out in a laugh. "Really? You think I would feel like that."

"No," I smirked. "That's what made me look at you. You surprised me." I lowered my voice, teasing, "Although, you were the one who wanted to know what your future self was wearing."

"I was curious," Sam defended in a laugh. "Seriously, Tuck, take Valerie out. You two haven't been alone in a while."

"Okay," Tucker smirked. "This is going to blow her away, though."

"Do you need any money," I asked him softly.

"Actually," Tucker laughed, "no, I don't. I haven't been anywhere recently so I haven't spent any money. I have plenty."

"Go treat your lady," I smiled. I think I'll treat my girls.

Good idea, Tucker remarked softly. His eyes held a smile but his lips remained closed.

3 3 3

Tucker and Valerie went out later that afternoon and Sam and I were just hanging out. Sam was reading a book so I took that as my cue to pick my treat. I sat down at the computer and browsed for some place nice that Sam would enjoy. I found a few places but I kept hitting a roadblock. Lilly wouldn't cause a fuss of course but she would have to act her age. I decided a little time alone would be perfect. Summer would be beginning soon so it was a perfect temperature and the skies were clear today; no chance of rain.

I pulled up my e-mail and sent Carrie a message to have a picnic set up at our favorite spot on Summerset Lake. We hadn't been there since I got back from the world tour so I thought that was a great idea. There were wildflowers in the distance, a perfect access to the lake and most importantly, it was private. You had to walk a piece from the road to get to the spot but once you were on the lake, it was perfect. The biggest threat there is snakes, bees and ghosts. We weren't afraid of any of them.

I climbed on the couch and sat behind Sam, kissing her neck. Lilly was sitting in the floor, playing with some toys. I wasn't going to start anything, just trying to get her attention. It worked. She put down the book, looking at me.

"Do you mind," Sam said in a low voice. "It is very hard for me to concentrate when you're doing that! You're driving me nuts."

"I want you to concentrate on us," I said softly. "Come on, Sam, how many books on child psychology do you have to read? I think we're doing fine."

"I'm trying to understand your dreams," Sam retorted, turning the book so I could see it clearly. It had the title of Prophetic Dream Psychology. Oops.

"Okay. So you're reading about a different subject. Come on. I miss you."

"Oh, you miss me," Sam retorted, looking at me with amusement. "I spend every waking moment with you but you miss me."

"Not every waking moment," I said, playfully pouting. "We were separated for three and a half hours when school was in."

"Oh," Sam smiled. "Three and a half long hours, huh?"

"Very long," I said, taking her hand in mine. I kissed it softly. "Felt like an eternity. Three and a half eternities."

Sam laughed out. "You are such a romantic! You are milking this."

"Is it working," I asked with mock seriousness.

"Very," Sam smiled. She leaned into me, kissing me passionately. Success!

"Mommy! Daddy," Lilly declared. We broke our kiss to see her standing in front of us with a toy in her hand. She can pull herself up now but she will fly when she wants to go somewhere. I'm still working on that. I sat up some on the couch, pulling her onto the couch. She stood up between us.

"What is it, pumpkin," Sam asked softly.

"It's out of batteries," she said, looking to me. "Do you have any triple A's?"

"Let's see," I smiled. "If not, we can pick some up at the store." Sam stabilized her while I went to the kitchen. I found every type of batteries except triple A's. That's just our luck. "Sorry, cupcake, we're out of triple A's."

"Are you sure it's triple A's," Sam asked Lilly softly.

"Unless three A's on the battery mean something else," Lilly declared in a dry voice, giving Sam a look.

"How did you get the back off," Sam asked, reviewing the toy. "There is a screw here."

"Easy," Lilly said, taking the toy from Sam. She held it out for us to look at it and put her tiny finger on the top of the toy, where the batteries weren't, and turned the cap invisible. I laughed, so proud I could bust. "See," she said softly. "Three A's."

"Oh, my goodness, that is so cleaver," Sam declared excitedly.

"I've got to use that next time, dumpling," I declared.

"You mean you never thought of it," Lilly asked, surprised, looking at me.

"You take after your mother," I said, giving her a look. Sam chuckled.

"Well, in case you haven't figured it out, let me show you something else," she said slowly. The toy turned intangible and the batteries fell out onto the floor. "And when you get new, just turn the battery intangible."

"That is so cleaver," Sam declared. She kissed her cheek.

"Of course," Lilly declared. I chuckled as Sam picked her up.

"Let's go get those batteries," Sam said softly.

"I'll get her bag," I said softly. "Why don't you call the transport service and have them meet us at the road. We'll walk there."

"Okay," Sam smiled. She walked to the workstations.

I packed Lilly's bag but I also got a few toys for her and more items than just for a trip to the store. Time we get the batteries, Carrie should text me to tell me the site is set up.

3 3 3

Sam was so surprised when we made it to our spot and found a picnic waiting. I kept the surprise the entire time, even telling her that I just wanted to spend some time on the lake. Sam had no idea what I had set up. Lilly smelled the wildflowers as Sam and I sat down on the blanket. I kept my eye on Lilly, sitting facing in her direction. I was more afraid of her walking into the lake than of her encountering a wild animal, though. I felt sorry for any unfortunate creature that messes with her. It's enough having to deal with Lilly and I but to have to face Sam afterwards… I shudder at the thought.

I wrapped my arm around Sam as she leaned back into me. She was keeping an eye on Lilly as well. It didn't really surprise me. Sam isn't Lilly's father's girlfriend… she's her mom. Sam has stepped up to that role one hundred percent and it's better than I deserve. Most young people would run away screaming and even adults have trouble taking in children who isn't their own but to say Sam is like most people should be criminal. Sam loves Lilly and she protects her as her own.

I sighed. Sam looked up at me from an angle. "What's wrong," she asked, confused.

"Nothing's wrong… per se," I sighed again. "A stupid idea crossed my mind. I don't even know why I thought it."

"What? You can tell me," Sam said, turning to look at me. My eyes fell on Lilly.

"Don't take it personal," I said softly. Finally, I looked at her. "I was thinking about how well you have taken over the job of Lilly's mother and it crossed my mind that maybe you wouldn't love her as much as you do when we have children of our own."

Sam took my hand in hers. "You listen to me," Sam said sternly but affectionately, "Lilly is my daughter! She is my firstborn. Whichever twin survived is my second born. When we have Sammy, Pammy, DJ, Donnie and Jay, they will be my third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh born."

"Wait a minute," I declared. Sam looked at me strangely. "The boys!"

"Oh," Sam said, panic crossing her face. "I mean Jacob is my second born, Eddie is my third born and so on and so forth."

"No," I smiled at her. "The twin that didn't survive! If I really did have a miscarriage, she'll be with Grandma and Grandpa."

"We went over there a couple weeks ago," Sam said, confused. "There were no new children."

"It might not have happened then," I said, a smile spreading across my face. "But if she's not there, then I am still carrying her."

"Of course," Sam said, a look of understanding lighting her eyes. "You want to give them a call?"

"No," I said softly. "I'll go over there later. We're in no big hurry. I really don't want to ask them that question with the line popping and cracking."

"Of course," Sam smiled softly. She looked at me seriously. "I'm sorry I forgot the boys. I love them, too."

"I know you do," I said softly. "It's hard for me to count them, too. We're lucky, Sam but we're also a little bit cursed. Most parents don't name their miscarriages and I'm pretty sure most parents don't name the children they lost that early in the pregnancy."

"My goodness," Sam sighed as what I was thinking donned on her as well.

"How many children are miscarried a year," I spoke softly. "No wonder the nurseries are so full of ghost infants. The parents have no connection to these babies."

"Not only that," Sam said, looking across the water. "Do you know how many pregnancies fail a year? I'd bet most of the parents to the infants in the nurseries have no idea they even existed. Pregnancies fall apart all the time and no one did anything wrong."

"And what kills me the most," I sighed. She was talking about natural abortions so I might as well bring in the unnatural ones. "That's why I never even considered an abortion when I found out I was pregnant. I had no reason to carry this child to term. But I could never face that child after having thrown it away like a piece of trash."

"It occurred to me, too," Sam said softly. "But I saw how you immediately bonded and I knew I was becoming a mother again."

"I should have discussed it with you but I couldn't kill this child, Sam. She did nothing wrong," I said softly.

"It's not my decision," Sam smiled at me. "I'm not the one who will deliver her."

"Don't say the D word," I said, mocking a shudder. "I don't want to think about that right now."

Sam smiled at me, "You're eighteen weeks. You're approaching the half-way point."

I looked to my stomach and the large shirt was starting to push outward. "I'll have to go to a 2X soon," I said, sighing. "I'm trying to learn how to deal with the glow but it isn't working out in my favor."

Sam shifted her weight, her voice getting a pitch. "Yeah, about that! I was thinking and what if we are overthinking this. I mean, ghosts blend in unless there is no light or they use powers. What if you change and unless the teacher turns the lights out, we allow their ignorance be our bliss."

"I guess," I sighed. "I can test it out during the summer. Perfect the technique and figure out if this can work. I'm just really worried about my parents. Especially Mom. I mean, if I'm skinny that day but fat that night, I'm cooked."

"Well, you can wear the baggy clothes to bed but use the power during the day."

"I just don't know how this is going to work," I sighed. "Mom has let the tumor idea go away because I did lose the weight but if I regain it, she will not rest until I've had every test imagined."

"We'll get through this," Sam said, leaning back into me. Lilly floated away from the wildflowers and landed softly on her stomach. I chuckled. "Remember when she refused to lay on her stomach?"

"That's what I was thinking of," I smiled. "You okay, princess?"

"I'm perfect," Lilly declared excitedly. "I saw a bee!"

"Did it try to sting you," I asked with a soft smile.

"No," Lilly looked at me surprised. "I didn't mean it any harm! Why would it try to harm me?"

"Bees don't know that," I said softly. "Sometimes, they attack without the facts."

Sam laughed, finding the statement funny. I gave her a laughing smile. "Well, we understood each other," Lilly said, shrugging. Maybe the bee knew that one was more trouble than he was worth.

"Well, beee careful," I said, drawing out the e's. Lilly giggled.

"I will, Daddy," Lilly laughed. I pulled Lilly's bag over and retrieved some toys for her to play with. "Thanks," Lilly declared when I put a few in front of her.

"You're welcome, pumpkin," I smiled. I wrapped my arms around Sam, pulling us down to stare at the sky. Sam shrieked a laugh because she didn't expect it. "Now, this is better," I sighed.

"Daniel Fenton, you scared me," Sam declared.

"I prefer to call it spontaneity," I said mischievously.

"I'd like to call it childish," Sam retorted.

"But isn't that why you love me," I teased her.

"Surprisingly, yes," Sam laughed. "I don't know why I want to raise my husband. Shouldn't I want to raise his kids?"

I kissed her cheek quickly. "You want to do both!"

"I guess," Sam laughed. I chuckled with her.

We watched the clouds cross the sky. There are few things that we like to do that are considered 'normal.' I guess this is one of them. We are both fascinated with celestial bodies. We weren't pointing out clouds that took the shape of bunnies. We identified the height and almost gave the history of the cloud.

3 3 3

Friday was starting out peaceful. Tucker spent the night at his house and that gave Sam and I some more alone time. Tuck and Val were continuing their date and I had to say I was glad. Sam and I haven't had some time to ourselves in a long time. I was worried that Tuck would get jealous again but now that he's got a girlfriend himself again, I don't feel so guilty. Jazz was in the living room with us but you couldn't tell. She was texting her fingers to the bone.

"Does Joseph do any work now," I chuckled, shaking my head.

Jazz shot me a look. "Of course he does work. He's a technological operative. Being on a computer all day long is his job!"

"Yeah. Doing marine things, though, not chatting with you," I snorted a laugh.

"He does his work, too," Jazz retorted playfully. Her eyes fell back to the screen.

"She's in young love," Grandpa chuckled. "Leave your sister alone."

"I get it," I chuckled. "I'm just wondering if he does any work. The way she texts him, it's a legitimate question."

"Ha, ha," Jazz retorted with her eyes on the screen. If she doesn't slow down, she'll develop carpal tunnel!

I wrapped my arm around Sam, lying back against the cushion. We weren't fooling Grandpa. If Mom and Dad were here, then I might not put my arm around her neck but Grandpa identified it from the first look we shared. Sam's granny knows and my grandpa knows. It's equal.

The doorbell rang and I sighed. "I'll get it," I sighed. I stood up, going for the door. I opened it up to find a weird scene. A few officers stood outside our door. "Can I help you," I asked, my eyes widening.

"Are your parents' home," an officer asked.

"They're downstairs. What can I do for you?"

"We had a tip on a case we're investigating. Could you get your parents, young man?"

"I'm his grandfather," Grandpa said, coming to the door. "How can I help you?"

"We'd like to ask you a few questions," a second officer replied. "Regarding the disappearance of Samantha Manson."

"Disappearance," Sam declared, standing up. Jazz followed her. "I'm Sam Manson. What is this about?"

Suddenly, the weird scene turned into chaos. The officers pulled out handguns, pointing them at Grandpa. "Put your hands up and step away from the young lady."

"Put your weapons away," I declared. "You have no jurisdiction here!"

"Miss Manson, are you hurt," one of the officers asked.

"No," Sam declared. "I haven't disappeared! I've been right here."

"Your parents have reported you missing for two months, young lady," the first officer replied. There were four of them.

"Put your weapons away," Grandpa declared. They weren't pointed at us anymore but they were in sight.

"We need to get the facts straight here," he replied.

"The facts are that I have been living over here and my parents aren't happy with it," Sam retorted. "Now put those weapons away before we do it for you!"

"Young lady, you are in some hot water," the second one reported. She placed the weapon away. "Now, will you please come with us?"

"No," Sam retorted. "Just walk away and forget you ever heard from the Manson's if you know what is best for you."

"Are you threatening us," the third one asked, appalled.

"No," I said calmly. "We are just giving you friendly advice. Leave the property and forget about this investigation or you will come to regret it." There was no reason to involve Division G at the moment but they are pushing their luck.

"You need to make a statement so we can close this case," the fourth one replied, courteously.

"Here's the statement," Sam declared. "You were made the fool of but if you don't leave now, it will only get worse."

The first one put his hands on a set of cuffs. "I would not do that if I were you," I said simply. "That would make things worse in ways you couldn't imagine."

"Either come willingly or we will use force," the first one said calmly.

"You don't have the authority," I said simply. "You aren't even supposed to be in this town. It's federal lands."

"It's an urban area," the girl asked in confusion.

"Get out," Grandpa declared, going for the door. I looked to Jazz, predicting where this was going to go. They would go to apprehend Grandpa first but I would stop them. Four weren't enough to stop me but Jazz needs to get out of the way in case weapons start to fire. Jazz nodded.

"Sir, we order you to stay still," the first one replied. Grandpa went to slam the door but the first officer stopped the slam. The two with their weapons drawn still held them up while the one who put her weapon away redrew it.

"Freeze," they all replied. Jazz darted in the house as I grabbed the first officer's hand off our door and bent it behind his back. Sam had Grandpa in the house in a matter of seconds as I forced the officer outside. I went with him.

"Release him," they declared.

"I will not harm him," I said softly. "I am going to show you my credentials and you are going to leave this city. If you do not, I will be speaking with your supervisors and we will be involving IA. Do you understand?"

I released him softly and the officer pulled his own weapon on me, panting slightly. I rolled my eyes. "We will use deadly force, young man. Do you understand that? Get up against the wall and keep your hands where we can see them."

"I am not looking for trouble. I am sorry about my grandfather. He doesn't take orders very well. I want to solve this peacefully."

"Get up against the wall," they all ordered at the same time. Oh, what a lousy time to not have my weapon bag! I could have this over with no blood loss.

"This is your last chance," I said softly.

"No, young man, this is your last chance," the third one replied.

Suddenly the guns and anything metal flew off the officers, flying in the direction of the kitchen. I looked to see a very large magnet. "Stay where you are," Mom's voice declared over a loudspeaker.

"What the hell," the woman declared in absolute shock.

Mom and Dad walked around the house from the backdoor. "Special Agent Fenton, Homeland Security," Mom declared, holding up a badge. She stopped in front of me. "That is my son, also a Homeland Security Special Agent. You pulled a weapon on a federal officer."

"We are officers as well, ma'am," the first officer replied. "We were responding to a tip."

"One I explained," Sam declared. She came to stand beside me. "Mrs. Fenton, may I please cuff these idiots?"

Mom retrieved a set of cuffs, "One."

"We don't have to do this," I declared. "We can end this peacefully. They didn't know any better!"

"They were going to shoot you," Mom declared. "They better be glad I used the magnet and not deadly force. I have a beam on that roof that can incinerate flesh!"

"Okay, too much information," I sighed. I held my hand out and Mom put a cuff in my palm. Grandpa cuffed the fourth one while I cuffed the third one and Mom cuffed the girl. Sam had the first one in some very tight cuffs.

The cuffs weren't the typical cuffs. Mom and Dad have their own cuffs and they are made from plasma beams. It doesn't burn but no one can wiggle out of them or break them either. Even if someone escaped custody with them on, they'd better prepare for an eternity in cuffs.

We took them to the RV and transported them to the Headquarters. Within the hour, their supervisors were on site. Just trying to get Samuels to play nice was a headache and a half. He wanted to shoot them here on the spot, execution style. What am I going to do with him?

The team leader had his stripes taken away and was removed from field duty for six weeks. The third and fourth officers were placed on probationary suspensions. The woman officer received a suspension for three weeks and received the lightest punishment for putting her weapon away.

The division work with and respect the state police of every state! Samuels said it was because they didn't investigate the case thoroughly and I guess he's right. All they had to do was check school records and they would have seen where Sam was. However, I felt bad that these good officers were done this way. If anyone was to blame, it was Grandpa, I'm afraid. Most divisional agents are like that, though, so it wasn't that Grandpa was acting overtly horrible. Honestly, the Manson's were largely to blame. They knew were Sam was they just couldn't get anyone to get her since they were too scared to do it.

We went home but it didn't take twenty minutes for the Manson's to arrive. I guess they aren't too afraid after all. However, once Sam saw them, I underestimated her reaction.

"Get the hell out of here," Sam said, each word more venomous than the last.

"This has gone on long enough," Mrs. Manson retorted. She took a step towards Sam and my temper flared.

"Get back," I said, my voice dangerous.

"I won't allow you crazy people to keep my daughter any longer," Mrs. Manson retorted.

"She won't be going home with you," I declared.

"Maddie. Jack," Mr. Manson sighed. "Please. We just want our daughter back."

"Is that why you auctioned her off to the highest bidder," I retorted. "Does money mean that much to you," I continued as Mom and Dad stood motionless and speechless. "Your father cuts you off and you're willing to give her to a grown man like she's a dog! I don't think so!"

"What is he talking about," Mom demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"I have no idea," Mr. Manson said, his eyes wide.

"He's talking about how Mother invited a twenty-six year old man into my room and he watched me shower," Sam declared. She turned to her father. "Jonah wasn't staying with us because he had a job over here. We was his job or more specifically, I was!"

"You're lucky I haven't pushed this further," I said, my voice low. "Sam is never going back to that house as long as you people are in there. You are supposed to protect your children, not sell them for the chance to get some money!"

"Get out of my house," Mom declared, her voice growing in fury. "I have always known you were a lousy piece of a crap mother but never would I think you would exploit your own daughter for any reason! I will be in touch with guardian papers."

"No," Sam said softly. "They can't do anything to me. I'm ward of the Division. This is just my home now."

"You know it is," Mom said softly. Mom turned a steely look on the Manson's. "Get out!"

"This is not over," Mrs. Manson retorted. Both of their husbands were silent as can be. I think Mr. Manson was in shock but I know Dad was. He just couldn't process it.

"Oh, it's been over for two months," Sam retorted. "You will never be able to beat us. I am finally in control of my own life."

"Out," Mom screamed, on the verge of losing it. Mrs. Manson practically pulled Mr. Manson home. He was really out of it. "I want to know what happened," Mom said softly.

"The first of January, this man moved in. Mom told us that Grandfather knew him and he needed a place to stay while he completed his job. He had his own wing and we hardly saw him. However, at the same time, I was moved into a new room. I spent my money from ghost hunting to get new furniture and left my old furniture in my old room so I could get it by Danny and Tuck. I knew something was going on but I had no idea how bad it was. Two months ago, I came out of my shower in my towel to find Jonah in my room. He had watched me," Sam said, shuddering. She breathed in slowly. "I threw him out and he kept trying to tell me I had no choice. I showed him. I had him deported and he can't step foot on American soil. I haven't been home since but I've talked to Granny several times."

"Did he hurt you," Dad finally asked, his voice so soft.

"No," Sam said softly. "He tried," she said, her eyes diverting. "He wasn't strong enough."

"Did he try to rape you," Mom asked softly.

"No," Sam sighed. "He just tried to stop me from kicking him out. He wanted to… watch."

"Sam," Dad said softly. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, you know. Even if he did."

"He didn't," Sam said, looking at them. I swallowed hard. I know what happened. She was still in her towel. He tried to take the towel away from her. Mrs. Manson ordered him not to touch her so he had to make due with seeing. That's why the bastard watched her in the shower.

"We're here, honey," Mom said softly. Sam nodded, walking towards the door. I followed her upstairs. Lilly was taking a nap when this all began and I noticed her still sleeping peacefully. I sat down behind Sam on my bed but surprisingly, Sam turned to me, laying her head on my chest. She started to sob.

"Sam," I asked, panicked. Did I misread it? Do I have to go to the Netherlands to kill someone?

"I'm sorry," Sam sobbed in my arms. "I tried to bury it. It's hard to co-contain it now that I'v-I've exposed it again."

"Sam, did he touch you," I asked, my voice breaking.

Sam's head started nodding before she said it, brokenly. "Y-Yes." She paused for a few seconds as I planned a murder. "He-He didn't rape me. He didn't even try. But he got the towel, Danny. He got the towel," Sam cried. I held her tighter.

"Why didn't you tell me," I asked, feeling nauseas.

"You had just found out you were pregnant," Sam said, her voice pitchy. "Vlad had you knocked unconscious, impregnated you and dumped you on the porch without your knowledge. How does losing a towel compare to that?"

"Oh, Sam," I said, softly. "This isn't about me. Honey, I was more upset about Paulina supposedly raping me than I was about Vlad really doing it. Vlad has seen every inch of me. Sure, I was upset about being pregnant again but this is about you. You were the one hurt. I was fine."

"So was I," Sam sobbed.

"Apparently not," I continued in a soft voice. "You wouldn't be breaking down like this if you were okay."

"I'm just so sorry that I didn't tell you. You probably don't think the same way about me," Sam sobbed harder.

"That's a lie," I said softly. I knew how she felt. The thought that something so innocuous could alter your appearance is a strong one. I used to think Sam could never love me because I was with a man. "You are just as beautiful today as you were yesterday. Maybe even more beautiful."

"I love you, Danny," Sam sobbed in my arms.

"I love you, too, Sam," I said softly. She cried herself to sleep in my arms. She was finally letting out some of this stress.

AN: It's out. Whatever happens to Danny, happens to Sam. I consider this to be Sam's skeleton in the closet like the rape is Danny's. It may not be balanced, but it's no small matter either. Thoughts? Drop me a line. All feedback accepted.