CHAPTER NINE: Strike Three You're Out
Ok calm down, there's no proof of this ludicrous theory being even close to true. But all the evidence lines up, he can't deny it. The reason he's always late to class, the reason for him being so very tired all hours of the day, the reason he skips classes, the reason he never finishes his homework, the reason he's always cut or bruised. The ridiculously obvious play on his name! How could he not have seen this sooner!? But how could this be possible? How could he be both alive AND dead?
No, the Better question is how could he shoulder the responsibility of the entire town's protection without cracking under its pressure? He's surprised the boy hasn't broken down mid lecture. He truly does have the heart of a hero if this turns out to be the truth. Lancer decides that he's going to be subtle about his. There's no definitive proof yet and he could just be grasping at straws. Turning off the water he steps out of the shower and drying himself down formulates a plan of attack.
After getting dressed and collecting his thoughts he walks back downstairs, hearing laughter from the living room. Upon crossing the threshold he is awed by what he sees. His living room has been turned into an ice crystal cave. Diamonds of all sizes floating around the space, creating a rainbow of colors from the refracting sunlight. Phantom manipulates the crystals into different shapes to entertain Tabbetha.
He must have sensed his presence because the boy turns to look at him and resumes that hunched over, embarrassed look that is so distinctly Fenton he wants to cry for not realizing it sooner. He mentally shakes himself, he can't jump to conclusions yet, he needs more information. He walks in as Tabbetha runs over talking a mile a minute. He reaches up to touch one of the crystals, which drifts lazily away at the disturbance. He doesn't know how to address the boy now, if his theory proves correct, he's not sure what he would do.
"Phantom, could I ask you something?"
The boy looks up at him, with those glowing green eyes. Those battle hardened eyes that are too sharp for someone so young, exactly like Fenton.
"Sure...Mr. Lancer"
"Why do you protect the town and it's people? Even though you gain nothing in return, even when the people are so unappreciative, even though some may openly hate you, why do you do it?"
He sighs and gains this far away look, like he's asked himself the same thing. He smiles bittersweetly, and looks over at him.
"Because if I don't, then who will?"
It was such a simple answer, and yet, there was so much resignation behind it. A duty he has takes upon himself at the cost of his own personal wants and needs. However the determination to keep the town safe could be felt throughout. He cares so much, too much if he's willing to sacrifice his wellbeing for the greater good of the town.
They continue the back and forth, playing twenty questions without the boy's knowledge. Every question and every answer slowly filling in the missing pieces to the puzzle that is Danny Phantom. Hours pass, the both of them talking about anything and everything, all the while Lancer is secretly gathering information. Phantom proves to be quite amiable and excellent company. The boy is quite knowledgeable about history and science, though this isn't really a surprise as more of a confirmation. These happen to be Fenton's best subjects.
Finally the topic of music rolls around and Lancer chooses this moment to strike the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
DPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPD
Danny doesn't know how to feel. He's hanging out in his teacher's living room, snacking on cheese crackers with his niece sitting in his lap, as Phantom, having a leisurely conversation. It's both surreal and confusing. Lancer seems genuinely curious about him as a person, what his wants and desires are or were when he was alive, what his thought are on the world today. Simple everyday things that you'd talk about with a close friend. Some of his questions get a little too invasive but Danny's learned that the best way to lie is with half truths.
They talk about whatever comes to mind, expertly deflecting questions that are a bit too risky to answer even with half truths. He learns a lot about Lancer, little things that cement his appreciation for the educator. He eventually asks the question Danny was anticipating since the beginning, he's surprised it took so long.
"Phantom, please don't think me rude but, how did you...um..."
"Die? It's ok, I'm not too terribly sensitive about it like other ghosts"
He can see Lancer is a bit uncomfortable and it's understandable. That's not really something you'd ask someone and think they'll react favorably. He retells the accident story, of course omitting certain details. Lancer looks both horrified and pitying at Danny, he sighs and says it's fine, no big deal, it's in the past and that's that. Lancer then moves to a more friendly topic, music.
Danny visibly brightens and delves into the recent love of music and song writing. How it came out of nowhere after the development of one of his powers, and just sort of stuck. The whole time he's describing his songs and their meanings Lancer gets this strange look on his face. Like he's made the discovery of the century but is trying to play it cool, well, finding out Phantom sings and writes music is probably something way out of left field for the people who see him as just a ghostly hero.
Lancer excuses himself, saying he needs to check on a few things. As he makes his way up the stairs and into his study, his legs begin to wobble. Making it into the plush office chair he opens his briefcase and steels his nerves. He carefully opens Daniel's notebook and reads a few lines, then he skims through a few more pages. After five agonizingly long minutes he closes the notebook as well as the briefcase.
He is so pale that Dracula looks tan in comparison. The cross referencing he just did proved his theory is one hundred percent true with out a doubt. Daniel Fenton and Danny Phantom are one and the same.
DPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPD
Phew, this one was very hard to write...I'm sorry if it's a little strange to read, idk why it was so difficult. Anyway, DUN DUN DUNNNNN! Lancer knows! So buckle up your pants kids it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Thanks so much for reading and please review!
—DigitalArtMonster
