Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom.

Warning: This story contains reference to rape, sexual content, male sex and pedophilia. If any of this disturbs you, please do not read.

Chapter Nine: Heartbreak

I was on my late night shift but I wasn't doing too well. I was either getting unbearable heartburn or bouts of terrible nausea; I was either dealing with stiff joints or a sore back; I was also suffering through severe irritation. Every ghost there was adding to my irritability. Most left before the fight got underway, stating that I was no fun when all I was doing was weakening them and sucking them in. However, between all the different symptoms, I just didn't have the patients to play. Finally, in the middle of a ghost attack, I did something I never expected.

I returned the thermos to my human form, "Oh, I give up," I said, placing the ball of my fist to my chest. It felt like a miniature inferno inside the cavity there. "You can do as you wish but I'm giving you ample warning. If you make too much racket, my parents will come out and you will really wish I was still here!"

I belched, the burn increasing. I clenched my chest tighter, the feeling driving me insane. Why in the world was I getting heartburn? I know it's a common symptom for pregnant women but geez, I haven't even ate anything since the apple and breakfast before that… I think. Was it breakfast yesterday? I know for sure that I ate then!

I phased through the wall of the kitchen and grabbed a glass from the cabinet. I filled it with water and grabbed an Alka-Seltzer. I hoped that wouldn't affect the baby. After I finished drinking my medication, I phased out of my house and headed for my room. I flew through my open window, about to power down, when I heard something.

"Phantom," an angry voice declared and I saw her. Sitting in the corner of my room, out of my direct sight, was my mother. She pulled out an ectogun.

"Whoa," I cried, flying out of the room. "What was she doing there?"

"Get back here," my mom cried to the sky, hanging out of the window. I flew out of sight and landed on the ground.

"Shoot," I cried as I ducked behind a building. I powered down to my human form. "That was too close!" I walked back to the house, grabbed a rope from the shed and threw it into my bedroom window. Mom knows I'm not home, the house is probably on lockdown, like usual; and I need a plausible excuse to keep my window open. If I don't cover that basis, Mom may bolt my window shut because of my little stunt.

I came into my room, taking a silent breath to calm myself. I tried not to show that I knew she was there. I had to act just like I did before she nearly started shooting me. I paused for a minute after I climbed inside but Mom still remained quiet. I looked just to the left of where she had been sitting when I came in the first time and she was still sitting there. I kept my observations short because I didn't want her to notice I was watching her despite it being pitch black in my room.

I began to move again, knowing I couldn't sit still for the rest of the night. She was observing my nightly routine. Would she even make herself known? Was this observation or confrontation? I also had to keep in mind when the old Danny would have noticed his mother sitting in the room. With as high as my instincts have improved, I'm not sure when would be too soon and when would be too late.

I kicked my shoes off, my shoulders stiff from knowing she was in the corner. I was going over my recent injuries to see if anything would remain. If Mom had her goggles on, she could see in the dark. That may have been the reason I had startled her so when I came in. Have you ever looked at a light with night vision on?

"Obviously you know I'm here," Mom finally spoke, standing up from the chair. I noticed the sound from the noise that alerted me to her presence in the first place. Mom had stood up and that was what saved my hide.

"Hi, Mom," I said, removing my t-shirt. "I wasn't going to disturb you. Just because I have something to hide doesn't mean I'll play dirty to keep it from you."

"Where have you been," Mom asked me, crossing her arms.

"My normal routines," I answered. "I'm in a little early tonight." I burped again and groaned. "Stupid heartburn!"

"You have heartburn," Mom asked me, concerned.

"I can't explain it," I said, rubbing my chest. "I normally don't get sick."

"When was the last time you ate a good meal," Mom asked me.

"Did I eat breakfast this morning," I asked.

"No," Mom answered.

"Yesterday morning," I replied. "At breakfast."

"No wonder you have heartburn," Mom declared. "You need to eat small, frequent meals until the heartburn goes away and then at least eat two full meals. You should eat three full meals and a snack but at this point, I'm a beggar."

"Thanks," I smirked. "You should get some sleep. It's getting late."

"You're the one with school tomorrow," Mom replied.

"I'll be fine," I replied. "This is normal." I picked up my phone, dialing Sam's number. "Hey, I'm home. Tell Tucker and get some sleep."

"How did you know Tuck was here," Sam asked, then sighed, "Never mind. See you tomorrow, Danny."

"See you tomorrow," I replied. I looked at where Mom was, sitting just to the left of my desk, in my chair. "Get some sleep, Mom," I commented quietly.

"I'll see you in the morning and you will eat right," Mom said. She kissed my cheek and walked out of my room. Thankfully, she didn't suspect that Phantom and I were somehow connected.

O_O

I settled into my bed, my breathing slowing down for sleep. A soft sound came to my ears. I opened my eyes, my breathing returning to normal, and looked around. The sound disappeared. Confused but uninterested, I closed my eyes again. As my breathing slowed down, I heard the soft thumping again. I opened my eyes but initiated my ghost breath. With the loud breathing canceled out, the thumping became increasingly loud.

"No way," I said, laughing silently. I placed my hand on my stomach, feeling for the vibrations that only I could detect if they were there. Harmonious with the rapid thumping was an equally as rapid vibration. I placed my free hand on my own chest and compared the thumps. Two vibrations from my abdomen would resound for every one in my chest. Amazingly, the tiny vibrations were on par for four hundred beats per minute. "Hello, Lilly."

I was listening to my daughter's heartbeat. I knew my hearing and my detection of vibrations were acute compared to a human, but I had no idea they were comparable with an ultrasound. Normally, parents can't hear this without a machine. Actually, Dr. Reynolds hasn't been able to hear it yet but she wasn't too concerned. I know I can be anywhere from fourteen to nineteen weeks pregnant. We're not sure on the exact date. Either way, I'm in my second trimester now.

I settled down, allowing the soft thumping of my daughter's heartbeat to sing me to sleep. It was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. I couldn't stop smiling. This was proof of the little life inside me. I couldn't ask for a better shred of evidence.

O_O

I came down the stairs, the regular dream still in my memory. I held her in my arms and she cried and was healthy. I entered into the kitchen and the smell was overpowering. I coughed, retreating outside but the smile remained planted. After I took on my ghost breath, I walked back in the kitchen.

"Are you all right," Mom asked me.

"I'm fine," I answered. "I just got something caught in my throat."

"Okay," Mom frowned. I knew that excuse would get her off the trail. Nothing like spitting to make a woman back off. There's something about that natural phenomenon that has women worldwide grossed out. "I made you a small breakfast."

"I'll just have Froot Loops," I replied.

"No," Mom instructed, her voice firm. "You are going to eat properly. I think I found a way to help you."

"Help me," I asked, confused. "Help me how?"

"You said you had trouble tasting foods," Mom replied. "I think I may have found a way for you to taste this."

"Oh, Mom," I said, a little nervous. "I don't know."

"Come on," Mom instructed. "Try it, at least!"

"Would it kill a ghost," I asked, trying not to sound too obvious. "Or harm a growing fetus?"

"What," Mom laughed. "No, it won't harm a ghost but… I've never tried it on a pregnant woman."

"I don't know," I said again. "It could have effects we don't know about."

"Unless you're a ghost or you're pregnant, you have no reason to not try," Mom said, crossing her arms. I paled.

"Okay," I said. I picked up a piece of bacon and put it in my mouth. Oddly, it did have the burning sensation of bacon but it was too strong. I coughed from the overpowering flavor. "Wow, that's strong!"

"You can taste it," Mom asked, delighted.

"Yeah," I answered, "but it tastes like someone put a ton of pepper on it."

"At least it's something," Mom smiled brightly. "Try the eggs."

"Oh," I groaned, picking up the fork. I phased the piece of bacon to my shoe as I took the bite of egg. Again, it showed up on my palate but as inedible. However, the egg was even more so. It tasted like drywall plaster and believe me, I've tasted it before. I spat it out, groaning.

"Can you taste that too," Mom asked, even more delighted.

I rushed to the sink and turned on the cold water. I washed my mouth out, spitting the nasty stuff down the sink. I finally looked up, cutting the facet off, "Oh, yeah," I groaned. "I could taste it and it tasted just like when I slipped that year and took a bite out of the replacement wall Dad was building."

"It's something," Mom declared. "I won't ask you to taste the biscuit because I imagine it tastes even worse. I've got to find the natural rhythm to it."

"Better yet, why not just forget about it," I said, my stomach doing summersaults.

"Because you're wasting away before my eyes," Mom said, gently stroking my cheek. "I bet you don't even weight one hundred pounds."

"I know I don't," I declared. The front door opened and closed but Mom didn't seem to notice. "I weigh something like eighty-eight pounds with only my underwear."

Footsteps made their way to the kitchen until Tucker finally announced, "Hey, Danny! Hey, Mom!"

"Hey, guys," I addressed.

"Eighty-eight pounds," Mom declared. I don't know what was the main emotion: anger, shock or fear.

"On a good day," Sam groaned. "Why are you telling her your weight?"

"She camped out in my room last night," I informed them.

Their eyes widened. "Did she," Tucker asked fearfully, leading me.

"No," I answered. "I caught on before that point."

Both Sam and Tucker breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God," Sam declared.

"You could tell her, you know," Tucker commented again.

"I don't know," I sighed. "Like I've said, a part of me agrees with Tucker and a part of me agrees with Sam. I'm down the middle."

"Where does Jazz sit on this," Mom asked me, her eyes searching ours individually.

"With Sam," I answered. "Brit's with Tucker, though. I have no definitive answer."

"Piggy tails," Sam declared, her eyes blazing. I chuckled.

"Yeah, piggy tails," I teased. "She has a lot of opinions."

"How's Marcie," Mom asked me.

"Like you don't know," I commented with a sly grin. Mom has every medical report faxed to her even though, technically, that's an illegal practice. What are they going to do, though? Mom knows every big secret this country has, she has the technology and evidence to prove it and what's worse, she's got Samuels on her side. "She's about the same. Her body is rejecting the chemo."

"We need to do something," Tucker said, letting out a deep breath.

"We need to get her out of Texas," I remarked.

"Bringing her up here to these winters would be a mistake," Mom replied. "She's more at risk for the flu up here."

"And the heat will put stress on her," I declared.

"It's hot up here too," Mom replied. "At least Texas is warmer in the wintertime."

"Winter is over, though," Tucker objected. "If we haven't seen the last snow already, then we will before the month is up. But I'd bet on winter being a thing of the past."

"I agree," I replied. "Winter has seen its last days."

"Until next year," Sam sighed.

"You will wear a coat next year," I retorted. "You've nearly froze to death all winter!"

"Next year, I'll have made the transformation," Sam said, a smile on her lips. "Next year won't matter."

"You won't be exactly like me," I objected. "You'll have five years before it's complete."

"We're not going that route," Tucker remarked. He sat down at the table and started to eat his breakfast. "It'll be the express route."

"And what happens when that happens," I asked. "You die?"

"No," Sam objected. Mom's head snapped between all three of us as we talked casually. Actually, we weren't really trying to hide what we were talking about. The biggest thing we were being careful about speaking aloud was half ghost.

"Then what," I spoke softly. "Cause I can't figure out around it."

"We take your approach to it but instead of locking it up with us, we isolate it by itself," Tucker remarked. "It's brilliant. The shield comes around the vial and the chemical can't breech the shield. No one dies, everyone, but you, are happy, and we're equal."

"Yeah, everyone but me," I sighed. "It might work. But I'm still not willing to risk your lives on a possible theory."

"Are you okay," Sam cut in, breaking the conversation. "I know whatever's going on is good because even though we're talking about something that really makes you stressed out, you're still smiling."

"I am," I asked, touching my cheeks. "I guess I am! If you hadn't noticed, I got in bed at two-ten last night."

"We noticed," Tucker chuckled. "How did you manage to swing it?"

"Invincible didn't come back, did he," Sam asked.

"No," I replied. "At least not as of bedtime last night. I just got fed up with it. I took my own time in my own hands. It actually felt pretty good!"

"Oh, my God," Mom declared, her eyes growing wide. "You are ghost hunting!"

I ignored her, "I just came home and went to bed. Anyone left tapping on my window got the hell shot out of them."

Tucker laughed. "Congratulations," he smiled. "I hope you can learn to do that more often."

I rested my hand on my stomach beneath the table but I don't believe anyone noticed, "I need to start taking better care of myself. I'm not good to anyone if I'm so exhausted that I can't stand. I don't know how this will fare but I'm willing to put forth the effort."

"We'll help," Sam smiled.

"Daniel, answer me," Mom declared. "You've been ghost hunting, haven't you?"

"Of course I have, Mom," I finally said, looking in her direction. "The clues have all been there. Why do you think we haven't been hiding our conversation to you. If you keep sneaking into my room, you were bound to figure it out. If you had stayed ten minutes last night, you would have heard them tapping on my window and asking me to 'come out to play.'" Actually, thank goodness she didn't stay. They always put 'Phantom' in front of that sentence.

"Danny," Mom cried. "It's too dangerous!"

"I haven't been hurt yet," I replied. "I'm the reigning champion of the ghost hunter's youth camp and I'm also the reigning champion of all ghost hunters, adult and youth divisions. I had to do something when I saw my town under attack!"

"I want to tag along," Mom said, her voice holding absolutely no room for objection. I looked to Sam and Tucker for their opinion. They seemed to agree with me. We could keep my secret identity still a secret if we worked diligently.

"Okay," I replied. "Meet us at the Nasty Burger at five-forty-five if you want something to eat and at six o'clock for…" I paused but I couldn't find a way around it. "Oh, what the hell. For patrol."

"It's not illegal," Sam sighed, looking to Mom.

"What are you talking about," Mom declared. "No matter how you spin it, if you are walking the streets with weapons, you are patrolling and patrolling is illegal for children under eighteen!"

"Not with a permit," I sighed. "I called Samuels before Thanksgiving and got a patrol permit because the director was threatening to look into it. He wouldn't have done anything like suspend me because of who we are but he would have discovered the ghosts. I was desperately trying to keep that secret in tack." Much like another secret.

"Before Thanksgiving," Mom asked, confused. Here goes everything…well, almost everything. "The ghosts didn't escape until after Christmas."

"You know that isn't true," Sam objected. "You saw the Lunch Lady and Phantom the same week they escaped. September fifteenth was the first ghost fight." I don't know if she was openly lying or if she saw the loophole she could slip through. Mom could take that 'they' refers to Lunch Lady and Phantom but in fact, Phantom 'escaped' on August twenty-seventh. Whether she knew she was lying or if she referred to all ghosts in general will be up to interpretation.

"All the way back then," Mom declared.

"Yep," Tucker clicked his tongue. "And it's only gotten worse."

"How worse," Mom declared. Her eyes were huge from fear or worry.

"Don't worry," I said, attempting to calm her down. "What he means is that they've only increased their numbers. The number of ghosts we capture and return to the Ghost Zone is staggering."

"I shall see tonight," Mom said. I looked to Sam and Tucker and they were scarfing down their food. I went to the fridge and retrieved my favorite fruit. Sam and Tucker stood up, but Tucker reached for my plate. "No," Mom cried as I caught on.

"Tucker," I declared but it was too late. He popped the bite of bacon in his mouth and then started coughing.

"That was a special bacon I created for Danny to add taste to his food!"

"More like synthetic bacon you made," Tucker said, scrapping his tongue with his fingers. He shivered in disgust, "Disgusting!"

"It didn't taste any better to me," I commented. "Let's go."

"Do you need a ride to school," Mom asked me.

"We got time," I remarked as I headed out the door. Once in my safety spot, I transformed and opened their minds. When I transformed, the bacon I stuffed in my shoe fell to the ground. "That bacon was horrible but it wasn't as bad as the egg. I couldn't hide the egg. I spit it back up right there instead of hiding it in my shoe like I hid the bacon."

Sam and Tucker laughed as I came to float beside them. "Are you sure you can keep this hidden from her," Sam asked, her voice soft.

"No," I admitted, "But I'm almost sure. I know I can fight the ghosts in human form and do a good job. I hardly turn ghost to fight the daytime ghosts anyway. But I am worried about all the 'whelps' and the 'ghost boys' and especially the 'halfas'. Mom is so close, just one nudge will have her falling into my secret and then nothing can save me then."

"We'll protect your secret like we always do," Tucker commented, his voice displaying his displeasure. I know he wants me to tell Mom but I can't do that.

We disappeared from sight and flew off in the direction of school. I had to pick up the doll from Valerie in first period and try to get through the day with as little damage as possible. We had maybe five minutes to get to school so we wouldn't be goofing off. We just couldn't be late for first period. Mr. Fuluka and our fights get epic.

O_O

Fate was out to torture me today. Of all the days to have no homework, of all the days to not have a place to be; today had to be that day. I was left for two hours, knowing my fate. I felt like a man on death row. Of course, with my parents, the analogy couldn't be more accurate. I was certain that if I kept my eyes peeled for bad situations turning worse, I could keep my secret intact but that didn't stop my mind from producing all these worst-case scenarios.

"Are you sure you guys want to tag along," I asked for maybe the fifth time in only a fifteen minute time span.

"Yes," both Mom and Dad declared. Sam and Tucker sunk beside me on the couch while Jazz glanced up at me from her book. Don't give me that look, Jazz, I know how stupid of an idea this was!

I sunk in the couch as well, joining Sam and Tucker on their pity wagon. Only us three sat on the couch while Mom and Dad sat on the adjoining couch and Jazz sat in the armchair. I wanted anything to happen to stop this stupid thing I agreed to. I didn't care what it was and I would even deal with the consequences. Anything would be better than the consequences of this agreement going horribly wrong.

"What time do you kids usually go out," Dad asked me.

"Five-forty-five," I answered, "but we don't start patrol until six."

"How did you get Samuels to sign off on a patrol permit," Dad asked me another question.

"It's Samuels," Mom was the one to answer. "He told him to sign this paper and Samuels did it without reading it."

"Right," I said, my voice bored. It wasn't even four o'clock yet and I was bored out of my mind. I wish I had walked home now. At least I would have killed more time.

I stood up from the couch and stabilized myself from the sudden movement. I noticed all eyes fell on me but I ignored their concern. I walked to the kitchen and dug a box of saltines out. I had been plagued with nausea all day long and body aches since one. Luckily, I haven't been visited by heartburn but I think that had to do with me taking Mom's advice. I have been eating small (by my standards) meals all day. I think that has kept the heartburn away but it's done a doozy on my nausea.

I walked back to the chair and started to munch on the crackers. The salt did a wonder for my stomach but my daughter was not happy, like always, with anything other than apple-based foods. I removed a baggie of applesauce from my back pocket and squirted some on the saltine.

Sam gasped in disgust, "Danny!"

"What," I asked, taking the bite of cracker. The salt of the cracker and the sweet of the apple contrast loudly but it made both carrier and daughter happy so it would do. However, my family was deeply disturbed from the mixing of the foods. I don't see what the big deal is. It's not like I'm eating pickles and ice cream.

"You like that," Dad asked me, horrified.

"He can't taste it," Mom declared, glaring at Dad.

"I guess it's a cry out for attention," Jazz said. "He can't taste the food so he'll mix them in odd pairings."

"Or," I objected, my voice hard, "I just want to push my body to the limits."

"Don't push him," Sam said, her voice scolding. "He's got a hard enough time opening up as it is. We don't need him shutting down completely."

I groaned, the nausea still not settled. I hate this morning sickness stuff. I thought it was supposed to disappear after the first trimester. Mine started in the late first or the early second! I put my applesauce baggie back in my pocket and used my left arm to massage my right shoulder. Everything hurt and I didn't understand half of the pain. Sure, my feet and my back hurt like in a traditional pregnancy but why did my shoulder hurt or my neck. The baby wasn't that high or weighing them down.

"Are you okay, Danny," Dad asked me. "You're acting like your mother when she was pregnant with you!"

"Mom had aches all over when she was pregnant with me," I asked, confused.

"And nausea that lasted for the entire pregnancy," Mom groaned. "Not just for the first trimester like it's said to be."

"Oh," I said, rubbing the tense-muscle to be relaxed again. "You didn't by any chance invent something for that nausea, did you?"

"Yeah," Mom said. "I had to. Even with Jazz, my nausea was unbearable."

"I hear ya," I said, taking shallow breaths. "I don't think this is going to work," I said as I stood up and ran outside.

"There he goes again," Sam declared as I ran out the back door. I heard the couch squeak as probably Sam and Tucker came to my aid.

"Ginger Ale, please," I said, throwing up my crackers and applesauce.

Mom came to the door with the Ginger Ale. "It always helps me with nausea," she said softly. I slowly sipped it.

"Thanks," I said between drinks. I just may kill Vlad for this. After I finished the cup, I walked back to the kitchen. I opened the refrigerator and pulled out the apple juice.

"Oh, no you don't," Sam said, taking the jug. "I think you've had enough apples today."

"Give me that apple juice," I said, reaching for it. I felt like a wild animal that had its kill taken away. I wanted that jug. "Give it," I cried as I jumped for it.

"Danny," Sam declared. "I think that there's something wrong with those apples!"

"There's nothing wrong with the apples," I declared, taking another swipe at it. "Give me that jug!"

"Uh, Sam," Tucker said, his voice fearful. "I think maybe you should give him the apple juice."

"Why—oh," Sam said. She handed me the jug, "Calm down, big guy."

Once 'my beloved' was in my hands, I felt the stinging. "Oh," I said, blushing. "Oops."

"Over an apple juice jug," Sam said, shaking her head. "I've seen everything."

"You should have seen Maddie when you'd deny her cabbage when she was pregnant with Danny," Dad commented.

"Mom craved cabbage when she was pregnant with me," I asked, horrified. I hate cabbage.

"We joke that I ate so much that you hate it now," Mom laughed. "But I ate cabbage in all conditions. Raw, cooked, shredded, you name it."

"Huh," I smirked. "Maybe she won't like them after all."

"What," Mom asked me, cocking her head to the side.

"Nothing," I said, inwardly cursing myself. That was stupid.

"I'm telling you, Maddie," Dad smirked. "If Danny doesn't resemble you when you were pregnant, then I'm a monkey's uncle!"

I bowed my head, trying not to show how uncomfortable this conversation was making me. I hoped my failed attempts would just show up as embarrassment about when Mom was pregnant with me.

"How can a boy resemble a pregnant woman," Tucker retorted. "That's ridiculous."

"Well, obviously there are some similarities. I guess I'm just reminiscing."

"I've done that a lot," Mom sighed. "They grow up so fast."

"Ha," Sam retorted. "We don't grow up fast enough! It just drags on and on."

"I don't know," I commented. I took a drink of my apple juice. "We grew up fast."

"Grew," Dad laughed. "Danny, you're only fourteen!"

"Going on eighty," I groaned. "I don't feel fourteen."

"Well, you are," Mom smiled. "You just need to learn to slow down."

"It's not about learning," Tucker groaned. "It's about finding a moment to slow down with us."

"It's like trying to stop the clock," Sam groaned.

"Speaking of which," Tucker said, turning to me. I placed my cup back on the counter. "Has he ever returned?"

"Clockwork," I asked. "No! He's done."

"Well, what about the Observants. They're not just going to go away."

"They'll try to find another way," I said, picking up the cup and taking another drink. "I'll be ready when they attack. I have more important issues."

"Yeah," Sam agreed with me. "Like Invincible for instances. He made it clear he's not going to back down."

"Yeah," I smirked. "And he's getting smarter." I walked back to the couch after finishing my cup of apple juice. "That last attack was a doozy."

"You don't have to tell us," Sam groaned. "We were there."

"That also worries me," I sighed as I sat down. "You two are involved too but he doesn't know that. If he finds out about your involvement… I mean, if anything happens to me, you guys still have the ability to take over."

"We'd have to challenge him," Sam said, hugging her arms to her chest. "Technically, if you die he gets the throne. We're just a part of that system. He doesn't have to kill the Duke or the Duchess."

"But it's not like him to leave things to chance," I commented. "He's learned that I'm adaptable and I'm innovated. He might take you guys out to secure his rule."

"I'd like that," Tucker said, crossing his arms across his chest. "We're stronger together. When he picks on just you, he's getting us at our most vulnerable."

"Yeah, but when someone goes after us, Danny's his most vulnerable," Sam commented.

"I can take care of myself," I commented. "I'm just worried about you guys. I mean, Jazz doesn't even understand this but would she be included because she's my sister. What about my parents? Mom and Dad would be defenseless against Invincible."

"Hey," Mom and Dad declared.

"I wouldn't worry about them," Sam commented. "I mean, as far as you can tell, he has no clue. I think if we keep it like that, then we can keep them safe."

"We are more than capable," Mom declared.

"Yeah," Tucker remarked. "Well, Invincible is one bad ass ghost. He had us captured, Danny surrounded and if Plasmius didn't show up… I hate to imagine what would have happened."

"Nothing," I said, locking eyes with him. "I've already told you. He didn't leave a scratch."

"But do you think that would have stopped him," Tucker said. "Danny, I've heard the rumors. I know the truth now."

Shit! "Tucker," I said, my voice soft.

"Damn it, Danny, you didn't even tell us," Tucker cut in. "You made it out to be a scrape. It was more than that."

"No it wasn't," I retorted. "It wasn't even a scrape. It didn't hurt. I wasn't hurt."

"What," Sam called, her voice desperate. "Tucker, what did you learn that I didn't?"

"No," I interrupted Tucker.

"No," Tucker said at the same time as me but softer. My voice actually drowned out his voice. "No, Sam. I won't hurt you that way."

"Don't you dare," Sam said, her eyes narrowing. "Don't you dare try to 'protect' me like Danny 'protects' me. Damn it, Foley, you know what that does to me!"

"This is one thing that I agree with Danny on," Tucker said, his voice soft. "I wish I didn't know."

"I'm sorry you had to find out," I said, my voice low.

"I just don't get how you go through these things," Tucker said, his eyes watering. "How do you do this alone?"

"Who says I'm alone," I asked, smiling softly at him. "I've never been alone. It took me a while to figure that out but now I know. I have always had you guys by my side and you have no idea how good that feels. All the hell I've gone through and all the hell I'll go through, you guys have been by my side since day one. I am truly blessed."

"In a cursed kind of way," Sam said, her voice soft. "I am so sorry, Danny."

I stood up and walked over to her, taking her in my arms, "Hey." I looked her in the eye, "How many times do I have to say you are not responsible?"

"Until you don't believe it anymore," Sam whispered.

I pulled her close, rubbing her hair. She fit like a glove. She truly was the missing piece that made me fit. I forgot how this could feel. I have never held her like this and it made my knees weak.

Sam whispered something but my attention was directed to the center of the room. I let go of her, knowing that feeling. What the hell?

Vlad in his ghost form, to my horror, teleported into the middle of the living room. "There you are," Vlad declared.

"What the hell," I asked, my mind racing. I walked away from Sam to come close to him. "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here," Vlad asked in shock. "I'm going to drag you back, kicking and screaming!"

"Do not start this," I declared.

"Get away from my son," my mom declared and I froze. I spun around and saw that they weren't being controlled.

"Vlad," I gasped. "Control them!"

"I told you that you could come back," Vlad said. "How am I supposed to explain that without telling them about us?"

"Whoa," I shot at him. "I told you yesterday that I wasn't going with you! I have obligations that I have to take care of and you are pushing the damn limit!"

"Daniel, I won't jeopardize you or him," Vlad said.

"Shut up," I declared. "Now control them!"

"No," Vlad replied.

I stepped up to him, "You control them or they will see me kick your ass!"

"We're going home," Vlad said, his hand going out to touch mine.

"Let go of my son," Dad declared, pulling out a weapon.

"Vlad, now," I declared. I ripped my arm out of his hand. "You are two seconds from destroying this!"

"I'm doing what I have to do to protect my wife and my son," Vlad said. He grabbed my arm again.

"Vlad," I said. My eyes started to tear up. I was being forced, in the real world, to choose and I wasn't making the same decision that I made in my dream. Vlad was getting into the way of too many important things. He wouldn't come out on top here.

"I'm sorry," Vlad said.

"So am I," I said as I done a swift jerk. The twist of my body twisted Vlad's arm to an extended length and I took that opportunity to use my free arm to jab him in the gut. Tears slipped out of my eyes as I hit him. It was tearing me apart.

"Daniel," Vlad asked, hurt.

"You're demanding too much," I said, the tears freely falling. "I'm sorry." I sent out a kick and a few punches. Vlad caught maybe three of them but he was too afraid of hurting the baby or me. I know this because of one time he did lay a hand on me. It was a normal gasp but he nearly came unglued. Finally, he stopped.

"I'm sorry," Vlad said, his voice soft.

"It's too late for that," I said, wiping the tears away. "Now, leave."

"Daniel," Vlad asked, his heart sagging.

"Leave," I screamed. The tears spewed down my face and I know I was making my family confused. Vlad teleported out of the house and I hit my knees, fully sobbing. No one gathered around me from the shock. All the better. "I'm sorry," I spoke softly. I entered into everyone's mind, opening them for myself to peer in.

It was so weird. I could see myself from their point of view. I wasn't looking for myself, I was looking through them. Tucker was baffled about the spectacle but he was refusing to let it slide as another brush off. He was going to dog me until he found out the truth. The way I remember the fight played differently in his mind. Whereas I pointed out my flaws, Tucker was pointing out my strong points. Many of the things that Vlad did right didn't show up in Tucker's mind. They were just blurs.

I didn't know how to do this but I have a pretty good idea of how my powers work so I'll take it from there. I want them to forget something so eraser. I could imagine the eraser in Tucker's mind and I was applying it to those memories. They disappeared like dust to a broom. Finally, I released Tucker. I swayed back and forth, the transformation draining me.

"Danny," Mom called my name. I looked to my right to see her, holding my shoulder still. "Honey, what's the matter?"

I focused on Sam alone this time instead of having to focus on her later. Sam found out. She was steaming on the inside and imagining many ways to torture Vlad. Of course, Lilly was a mystery to her but she did know that Vlad and I were in a relationship and that it started out as rape. I imagined the eraser again and started to clean the images. Finally, her last memory was wrapped up in my arms. I pulled from her thoughts.

The next person's memories I entered into was Jazz. Jazz too had figured out the relationship Vlad and I used to have. I took a shaky breath, focusing on just erasing the memories. I imagined the eraser and started to clear the revelation. However, once I reached the beginning of the situation, I couldn't go any further. I tried to erase the tense moments between Vlad and I but they remained put.

When I pulled out of her memories, I swayed more wildly this time. I fell over, catching myself against the wall before I collapsed. I focused on Dad next not because he was my next choice but because I was afraid I was losing strength. I began to erase his memory but before I got to the climax of the fight, I was losing my grip on his mind. I made it all the way back to when he told Vlad to let go of me and I was expelled forcefully.

I fell over this time, hitting the ground hard. I focused on Mom and I screamed out as I passed her protective layers. I was living in dual worlds now, like they were overlapping themselves. In the real world, my hands shook as I was wrestling with my own strength. My entire family was surrounding me except for my mom. She remained frozen where I left her as I entered her mind. I screamed out in the real world as I started to lose control. I focused again.

You don't have to do this, Mom declared. I could clearly hear her voice. You're hurting yourself Danny. Obviously, you've used up too much power.

I can do this, I declared. The added strain forced my physical plane form to scream as my spiritual plane form started to black out. No! I imagined the eraser and it appeared but my real world form started to convulse. I began to wipe the memory of Mom discovering I had ghost powers from her mind and a jolt shot through my spiritual form. My physical form shrieked, my agonized screams flooding the house. It was taking too much energy. More than I currently had. I erased too much with Sam and Tucker. I'm not a mind control ghost so I don't have unlimited abilities. This would be a lot easier on Vlad.

My gentle strokes over the memory only erased certain memories, layer by layer. Mom forgot all things about a son or a mysterious him, she forgot about Vlad making a claim on me, she forgot my tears. Finally, I erased all traces of ghostly powers from her mind as her mind collapsed onto itself. I saw Mom collapse in her spot and everything went black.

O_O

I groggily opened my eyes as aches resonated all over my body. I groaned as I put my hand to my head. I sat up on the bed to see Mom lying still unconscious beside me. I threw my legs over the edge of the bed and slowly made my way to the bed beside of me. I looked around but no one was around so I phased my hand in her side. As she began to come to, I wobbled back over to my bed and lay down. I closed my eyes, pretending to still be asleep.

"What happened," Mom groaned as she came to. I heard her rise up on the bed then she declared, "Danny!"

"What," I groaned.

"What happened, baby," Mom asked me as she wobbly came to her feet. How do I explain that I erased your memory, overexerted myself and caused both of our spiritual worlds to collapse?

"I don't know."

"What happened to the Wisconsin Ghost," Mom asked me.

"I don't know," I repeated. "The last thing I remember was fighting him."

"Did he do this," Mom asked. "You kept asking him to control us. What did that mean?"

Shoot! I should have erased that moment. I don't think I had any more strength to erase anything, though. I had reached the end of my powers. "I don't remember that. I know the Wisconsin Ghost, or Plasmius, has mind control. He might have been controlling us and that's why we collapsed."

"If he overexerted himself, that may be possible," Mom said, thinking. "But I don't think he has mind control if he overexerted himself. He must only have the basics of mind control."

"All ghosts have mind control," I asked, mocking surprise.

"That's where their powers come from," Mom answered. "All of the powers are connected in the brain so when a ghost uses powers, he's using mind control. That's basically all a ghost is. A mentalist."

Footsteps began to descend the stairs rapidly. Sam, Tucker, Jazz and Dad came around the door but stopped abruptly upon seeing us awake. "You're awake," Dad declared, rushing to my bed to take both of us in his arms. "I was so worried!"

"We were just talking," Mom replied, hugging Dad back. "Danny can't remember what happened either. I think that Wisconsin Ghost done this."

"You remember Plasmius attacking too," Tucker declared, exasperated.

"Well, I sure don't," Sam declared.

"I remember this ghost coming in but it's fuzzy," Jazz replied. "It's like I can't get a strong signal."

"I don't remember anything," I replied. "I remember Plasmius but it gets fuzzy from there, too."

"I say we pay him a visit and find out what he did to us," Sam declared.

"No," I declared. "I've told you Plasmius is no one to mess with!"

"What time is it," Mom asked suddenly.

"Six-thirty," Tucker said, looking to his watch.

"Crap," I declared. "We're late!"

"I'm sure the ghosts will forgive you," Jazz declared, rolling her eyes.

"I'm not looking for the ghosts' forgiveness," I declared, "It's the humans who would never forgive me!"

Mom stood up. "Let's go," she declared.

"You shouldn't go anywhere," I objected. "You were unconscious."

"So were you," Mom retorted.

"Fine," I grumbled. "But let's go. I know the ghosts out this time of night. They like to wreak havoc."

O_O

Five ghosts awaited us when we hit the streets. Sam, Tuck and I took a collective sigh of relief but Mom, Dad and Jazz stared in shock at the mini-chaos that was going on. Sam and Tucker sat back, smirking, as I began my daily ritual. The first ghost I got my hands on was always the poorest creature of the day. However, today, even I pitied the fool. I might be weakened by my little stunt earlier but I'm also stressed. The four lucky ones scattered and left the weakest of the group. He tried to escape but I grabbed him before he had the chance.

"Wait," he cried as I threw him in the opposite direction. The ghost looked around wildly but I was upon him before he could come up with a plan. I took my first swing at him and relief flooded my system. I took it easy on him so that he had a chance. As soon as he took that first swing, then I'd allow all my emotions to flood out at once. The ghost backed away, bringing up ecto-energy in his hands. I groaned, pulling the reflector out of my back pocket.

He shot the first blast at me and I deflected it with the small invention. I hated using my parents' inventions because nothing worked quite like my powers but I couldn't very well use that power in front of my parents. The ghost shot a couple blasts which I deflected easy. He wasn't trying yet. He knows that once he tries, it's all over.

"What's with you," he asked me, his confidence building. "You're using human weaponry."

"I know that," I retorted, resting the reflector by my side. "My parents are observing. If you call me any of my nicknames, I will make your life a living hell."

"I'm your first," he retorted. "What more could you do to me?"

"You mean besides keep you locked in the thermos for days instead of hours," I said, cocking my head.

"You wouldn't," he hissed.

"You want to test that theory," I said, giving him a cocky grin.

"Fine," he declared. "Let's get this over with. I'm fighting a lost cause." He clenched his eyes shut and threw his hand out lazily. I allowed it to hit for good measure. He wouldn't hit me again, anyway. He gasped as his fist came into contact with my chin. I grinned back at him. "Oh, shit."

I dug my fist in his gut, sending him leaning forward. In a smooth movement, I sent my fist up to his chin. He became inverted again but I didn't stop. I slammed my fist into his chin again, but this time he went flying several feet. He came to his feet, his eyes scanning for me. I used my elbow to jab into his back. He never looked behind him. He turned in my direction, his fist aimed for my head. I ducked his charge, allowing him to lose his balance. I used my foot to push him down.

That's enough. "You done," I asked.

"Yes," he replied, his aura fluctuating.

"Thanks for the outlet," I said, pulling out my thermos. I sucked him inside and returned the cap.

"Danny," Sam breathed. "That was a bit much, even for you."

"I'm a little stressed today," I said, releasing a big breath. "Well, did you guys get any of the others?"

"We got two," Tucker answered, "but your little spectacle captured our attention."

"Sorry," I replied. "I'll get the remaining two. It shouldn't take long."

I spotted the two ghosts, pulled out a gun from my pocket, expanded it and fired two shots. The ghosts fell to the ground and I sucked them in the thermos. I always drag out the first ghost. It's an excellent stress reliever.

"Whoa," Jazz cried. "That took you two seconds!"

"Did it take that long," I asked, going over the scene in my head. "Oh, well. We've got to go. There's probably more on the other side of town."

"Five ghosts and it's only been two minutes," Mom declared, her voice displaying her shock.

"We're lucky," Tucker sighed happily. "Normally, there's a lot more if we're this late."

O_O

By seven o'clock, Mom and Dad understood the severity of the situation our town was in. By eight, they had realized that they were in over their head. By nine, they were scared. Ghost after ghost, attack after attack, capture after capture; Mom and Dad now understood why we were always so busy. They had no idea that there were that many ghosts, much less that that many were attacking our town on a daily basis. At nine-thirty, we started for home as we always do. Sam was safely inside her house by nine-forty-five and Tucker by nine-fifty.

"You should be home by curfew today," Dad said the magic phrase. My eyes scanned the skies.

"Just wait for it," I said, walking slowly.

"What is it," Mom asked me as her eyes too went to the sky. Their glows breeched the horizon and I saw the first ghost.

"That," I said, crouching. "Stay down and don't come out for anything! Don't make a sound. I'll be all right."

"Oh, my God," Jazz gasped aloud first. Mom and Dad just audibly gasped as their numbers started to increase.

"Get down," I turned in their direction. I whipped my head in the direction my attackers were coming from. Skulker was leading the group.

"Hello, whelp," Skulker grinned.

"Howdy," I smirked. I charged at Skulker, taking his arm off his shoulder first. My family gasped in the back.

"Who's that," another ghost, Reggie laughed. "We have humans."

"Stay away from them," I screamed, taking off Skulker's head. It rolled to the ground but I left it alone. I wrapped my hand around a light pole, throwing myself in his advancing direction. The force sent Reggie back.

"These humans mean something to ya, halfa," he smirked. "Well, I mights wanna dispose of em, if ya know what I mean."

"If you know what's best for you, Reggie, you'd stay away from them," I said, my voice going low.

"I ain't never been scared of ya, halfa," Reggie said, a wicked smile in his eyes, "Ya know that."

"And you would be if you were smart," I screamed at him as I kicked him back. Reggie charged at me, on the offensive. I took the defense, blocking every hit he made.

"Hey, ya, George! Get those humans while I'ma dealing with the halfa," Reggie called.

"No," I retorted. I took the offense, kicking him in his core. He howled in pain with the force my kick inflicted. I retrieved my thermos, sucking Reggie in.

I ran towards my family, reaching George before he reached my family. I grabbed him by his shirt and yanked backwards. The force sent him sliding further than I intended. George rose up, flying in my direction. I blocked his attacks but lined my arms over top the other. I forced the formation at his chest, breaking his formation. I swung my fist a couple times, knocking him to the ground.

About a third of them had fled at this point and only eight remained. Two ghosts charged at me at the same time. I swung out of the way and rested right behind them. I shoved my fists in their backs, grabbing their clothes. I tossed them in the air, bringing out my thermos and capturing them. Six more. While I was thinking about it, I sucked George and Skulker in the thermos. I returned my thermos to my belt.

Two of the ghost fled at that point while three of them charged at me. I grabbed the ghost closest to me, using him as a missile for the remaining two. He crashed into the other charging ghost and they all landed on the final ghost. The last ghost climbed out of the pile and fled while the other two sat dazed. I retrieved my thermos and sucked them inside. I looked around; all ghosts taken care of.

I walked over to my family and helped them to their feet, "Are you okay?"

"Danny," Mom breathed, absolutely terrified. "How did you learn to do that?"

"Practice," I grimaced. "Let's go home."

We walked through the door, Dad stating, "Ten-oh-one."

"Welcome to my life," I sighed. "Goodnight."

O_O

My right arm laid limp to my side as I climbed up the rope with only my left arm. I don't know whether to call that fight with Invincible a success or a failure. On the high note, I only got sliced once. On the low note, it was my own damn fault I was sliced at all. I knew better than to put up that ecto-energy Ghost Stinger shield without first repairing it but I still did it. Invincible's Ectoranium sliced through that busted shield like hot knife through butter.

Once inside, I made my way over to the bed and removed my first aid kit. I wondered if I should ask Mom for help. She had fallen asleep in the chair waiting for me to come home. I decided I could do it myself and I cleared the glass. After I wrapped it though, I had difficulty fastening the bandage. I reluctantly walked over to Mom, holding the pin in place but very poorly.

"Mom," I asked softly. "Mom?"

"Huh," Mom snapped awake. "Danny?"

"Would you mind fastening this pin," I asked.

"What happened," she said as she fastened it.

"I got sliced," I said, my voice hard. "I made a stupid miscalculation and I paid for it."

Mom looked to the clock but she gasped loudly, "It's three-forty-five," Mom declared.

"I'm fifteen minutes late," I said, yawning. "You can go to bed, now. I'm in for the night."

"You mean for the morning," Mom declared. "Danny, this is too late for you to be out."

"I'm fine," I replied. I climbed into bed, snuggling into the covers. "Goodnight."

"Sleep tight, baby," Mom sighed. She walked out of my room, closing my door. I drifted off to sleep.

O_O

Much too soon, the tapping returned. Invincible had come late tonight so that meant he was the last ghost I faced. Shortly after his energy vanished from the area, the normal ghosts returned. Ghosts started tapping on the wall behind my bed, crying, "Phantom, come out and play!" I covered my head with my pillow but it did little to drown out the incessant tapping.

"I'm still human," I screamed, turning over. A gasp and a shriek sounded and I jumped out of bed. I lit up my hand with Ectoplasm to see Sam standing in my room but reaching outside my window. Her butt sat straight in the air, her skirt nearly exposing her. Then I got to thinking about why she was like that. The shriek. "Tucker!"

I rushed over, taking one of his hands from Sam and helping her pull him into my room. Tucker started shaking on the floor, breathing hard. His glasses sat crooked on his face. "Don't scare me like that again," Tucker retorted, repositioning his glasses.

"What are you guys doing here," I asked, keeping the glow in place with my free hand. It was more for them than it was for me. I could see perfectly.

"You didn't call," Sam retorted. "We were worried and then you screamed about being human. You scared us!"

"Sorry," I replied. "The ghosts were aggravating me."

"What ghosts," Tucker asked, standing up.

I pointed to the wall behind me, "They're on the other side, tapping the wall. I used to shoot them when they were at the window so they've started to tap at the wall because it would be harder for me to shoot them. Doesn't mean I can't," I screamed at the ghosts. "Sorry I didn't call. Invincible showed up tonight."

"What," Sam said, fearful. "Did you get hurt?"

I pulled my pajama top down to expose the cut on my upper arm, "Just one slash. It was my own fault. I pulled the glass out and bandaged it."

"How was it your fault," Tucker said, crossing his arms.

"I didn't repair my shield," I replied. "I use my ecto-energy and my Ghost Stinger to create a shield and it can block the Ectoranium as long as I keep filling in the grooves Invincible cuts in my shield. I didn't that time and the shield broke, his sword cutting my arm. That was the only time he touched me."

"Good," Sam said. "Get some rest," She said, turning me to the bed. "We'll be over here on the cots."

"Okay," I said, lying down in the bed. I wasn't up for arguing. I was too tired.

O_O

Wednesday came and I gave Valerie the doll. I had been stuck with it all evening yesterday because I passed out but Valerie agreed to keep it all day at school and I would take it at the end of school. I was starting to see a pattern. Valerie did most of her patrolling in the early afternoon before her shift at the Nasty Burger so she was keeping that time free. I wasn't too concerned about it. The doll had more of a chance to survive with me than it did with her and everyone knew that the ghosts didn't really start to attack until the evening. They just came out during school hours because of the crowd.

Sam and Tucker were starting to get on each other's nerves now that they had been working together for three days. Tucker had the doll in baggy clothes and wearing a beret while Sam would redress it in Goth when she had the baby. They weren't arguing about the sex of the baby because it wasn't a flour sack but they were arguing about its attitude and personality. This was going much differently than I expected from what I saw on the show. It's more real and not so cartoonish. I still wonder what's going to happen at the end of the week when the assignments were accidently baked in a cookie. I guess I'll have to wait to find out.

After detention, I went to therapy. I wrote down something in detention and I hoped she wouldn't notice that it was done in a hurry. I have enough to do without worrying about a therapy class. We discussed a few things but I was more interested in something else.

"I broke up with Vlad," I said, my voice small.

She didn't see that coming, "What?" Her smile grew. "What made you realize?"

"Nothing," I declared, covering my face with my hands. "He pushed me too hard. I didn't want to but what else was I supposed to do!"

"Oh," she said, her voice more reserved. "What happened?"

"He tried to take me from my family," I whispered. "I got hurt on Sunday and he freaked out. He has a right to be afraid but doesn't he trust me!"

"I can't answer for Vlad," she said softly, "but you can get through this. You're strong and independent. You don't need him."

"I know," I said, breathing deeply. "But that doesn't make it any easier. I've buried it so deeply that I don't believe I even understand that we're over. I keep expecting to forgive him but I haven't yet."

"Have you seen him since your breakup," she asked me.

"No," I sighed. "I think he's giving me space but I don't think I'll forgive him when he does return. I warned him and he ignored me."

"I know you're conflicted," she said, "but you need to hold your ground. This will be the basis of your relationship if you go back to him."

"I'm not going back," I declared. "He knew that he was the second most important thing in my life but how well does he think he does when stacked up to the rest of my world? I would have sacrificed my life and the life of my daughter to save my family. I can't be any more sacrificial."

"That's true," she agreed. "You need to hold your ground. When you're not compatible, you just aren't compatible. If you go back to him, the rest of your relationship will be nothing but fights."

O_O

I arrived at the Nasty Burger at five-forty-five, actually on time. However, I was surprised to find not only Sam and Tucker waiting for me, but the rest of my family there, too. I came to a stop in front of the two tables that held my family, groaning.

"What are you three doing here," I asked, looking at my parents and sister.

"We're not letting you three do this alone," Mom said, turning in the booth to look at me. "You kids are overwhelmed. We have been working all afternoon to be at better service today."

"You guys nearly got hurt last night," I sighed. Sam and Tucker turned in their booth to look at me now. "I don't want to see you guys hurt. These things can get messy."

"We know you can take care of yourself, Danny, but we also want to let you know we're here for you," Jazz said, her voice soft.

"We don't know that he can take care of himself," Mom declared, her eyes momentarily snapping to Jazz. "Danny came in last night at three-forty-five hurt! He got up this morning with no signs that he had only got three hours of sleep!"

"I wasn't hurt that bad," I declared, smirking at Jazz. "I just got cut."

"Just got cut," Mom declared in sarcasm. My smirk went to her now. "Danny, I don't know how bad you got hurt last night. You had it cleaned and wrapped before I could see it!"

"My point exactly," I smiled at her. "I did everything myself. If I was hurt bad, I would have called someone. I even climbed up the rope on my own last night. I wasn't really hurt."

"What happened last night after you dropped us off," Sam asked.

I turned in her direction, dropping my smirk. "The ghosts ambushed me like always except this time they saw Mom, Dad and Jazz. They tried to hurt me through hurting them."

"Danny was amazing," Jazz said. I turned to her and her face was lit up in a smile. "I bet there were twenty or more ghosts there when they first attacked but he only captured eight of them." Jazz started giggling, "The rest ran away screaming."

I smirked at her again, "It wasn't a big deal. Most of the ghosts involved in the ambushes flee before actually facing me. Most don't have the guts to face me in the end."

"It still frightens me," Mom said, her voice soft. "There were so many of them there. It could have really turned ugly last night."

"You don't need to worry about me," I said, looking at Mom now. I dropped the smirk and gave her the most serious look I could muster. I knew she was afraid. Mom worried about me when I got a paper cut.

"You know I always worry about you," Mom said, taking my hand in hers. "I always will."

"I know," I smiled softly at her. I turned to Sam and Tucker, "Have you guys got something to eat?"

"Yeah," Sam said, clearing her throat. "Do you want to go out earlier than we usually do?"

"I'm thinking about it," I said, crossing my arms across my chest. "I've got a bad feeling about tonight."

"That can't be good," Tucker said, grabbing his bag. Sam slid out of the booth followed by Tucker. They were now in a rush.

"What's going on," Mom asked as Jazz slid out of the booth. Dad looked at us in confusion.

"Danny's got a bad feeling," Jazz remarked, reaching in her bag. She pulled out the peeler.

"Put that away," I declared. "I'll let you know when things might get hairy but that doesn't mean you'll get involved!"

Mom and Dad slid out of their booth, coming to stand beside us. They were very confused. "I don't understand," Dad said, cocking his head. "Why is it that Danny says he has a bad feeling and you guys react?"

"I don't know," I groaned. "They just do that!"

"You'll see," Tucker smirked. "You'll become a believer today."

I rolled my eyes but started for the door. Sam and Tucker were on my heels while Jazz followed closely behind. Mom and Dad brought up the rear, keeping up but not in such a hurry. I hoped my gut was wrong but it rarely is.

O_O

It was not even seven o'clock and we were already capturing more than fifty ghosts. I was getting worried. When the night draws to a close, that's usually when the ghost activity increases. We were just getting started and we had already exceeded our normal numbers. I did not want to see what this place would look like between eight tonight and four in the morning.

"Mom, Dad, Jazz," I said, my voice growing panicked. I could sense their numbers increasing, "I think it's time for you to leave!"

"What," Mom declared. "You can't be serious. It's getting worse!"

"I know," I declared. A spike in energy exploded to my left. I turned in that direction but I sensed that its magnitude increased every second. It's a blast. "Get down," I cried, taking Mom, Dad and Jazz to the ground. I gently lowered them down with my strength and turned around. One of the more sinister ghosts during my daytime patrol floated a few feet off the ground. "Hanover!"

"Pleasure seeing you again," he smirked at me. "Sorry to play dirty but you give me no choice, Phantom."

I glared at him, "Why'd you turn this way? You used to be harmless!"

"You forced me to become offensive," he said, his voice rising with authority. "If you had allowed me to feed in your haunt, then maybe we wouldn't be enemies."

"You never were much of a threat," I said, my voice soft, "but that doesn't matter. I won't allow you or anyone else to feed on these innocent people!"

Mom came to her feet, "Who is this?"

"Victor Hanover," I said, my voice level. "He became more sinister in his attacks when I refused to allow him a pass."

"I never meant to harm anyone," Hanover said, his voice soft. "I apologize if I harmed you, ma'am. I was only attacking the boy."

"That boy is my son," Mom declared. "You won't touch one hair on his head!"

"Mom," I declared. "He's more powerful than you think!"

"Damn straight," Tucker retorted. "This ghost is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."

"He can go from curious to sinister in instances," Sam added, her voice hard. All three of us had our eyes glued to Hanover. He was so unpredictable.

"You guys need to get out of here," I declared. "Jazz, get them out of here!"

Jazz pulled out her peeler again, this time activating it, "I'm staying and fighting!" Damn!

"No," Sam and Tucker cried.

"Are you challenging me," Hanover said, his voice becoming threatening.

"Hanover," I screamed. "Mom, please. Take Jazz and Dad and go!"

I pulled out a reflector but I knew it wasn't enough. I needed to go ghost to defeat Hanover. Once I was in my ghost form then I could take care of him but as a human, I was in trouble.

Sam and Tucker pulled out bazookas and extended them.

"You go after them and you'll deal with us," Tucker shouted. "Fight us and we'll go easy. Attack them and you'll get what you got last time you hurt Danny!"

Hanover's glow did lessen. That day was amazing but I'm not sure if Sam and Tucker could repeat it. Hanover was alone that day. There are several ghosts here tonight and I don't know if they're part of his party or if they've come simply at the same time. "The girl shows signs of wanting to invoke a fight with me. I am not attacking you. Just the boy!"

"Then let's leave this between us," I shouted up. "You and me! Just like you want it to be!"

"That works for me but you must keep your helpers out of this, ghost boy," Hanover declared. "I will not abide by your rules if you play unfair."

"What," Mom called as I glared harder at Hanover. "What did you call my son?"

"Ignore him, Mom," I said, keeping my eyes on Hanover. "Come down here and let's dance!"

"Don't you usually like to take to the skies," Hanover asked me. Damnit! I went all day yesterday without anyone calling me my ghostly nicknames but obviously, I'm not getting the luck I got yesterday.

"Just come down here and fight me," I barked. Hopefully I could pull my fat from the fire after I finish this. "Sam, Tucker! Can I count on you to get them home safely?"

"What," Tucker declared. "What if you need us?"

"Tucker," Sam hissed. Her voice was low so I didn't know if a normal person could hear her. "You know Danny needs to go ghost to defeat him!" I'm guessing that she is … or at least that's her idea.

"Oh," Tucker replied quietly. They began to try to usher Mom, Dad and Jazz out of there. Jazz began to help once Sam explained to her what she explained to Tucker. Mom and Dad refused to leave as Hanover and I circled each other. Somehow, Sam, Tucker and Jazz managed to drag them away before the fight began.

"Sorry about that," I said, triggering my rings. "My parents have recently become aware of my ghost hunting expeditions but they still don't know my secret. I had my hands tied."

"Oh," Hanover exclaimed, his mood reserved. "I was wondering what was up with you. Nice to know it was just human related."

I charged at him and he came to meet me in the middle. Hanover wasn't very good at combat but he was an excellent marksman with his energy. I tried to keep our battles equal by engaging in hand-to-hand combat very few times but most times, I still fought him with my combat skills. I do blame myself for how bloody our battles have become because Hanover wasn't that bad. He's still not bad when it comes to others but I can't allow my emotions to corrupt me. Hanover can't be allowed to feed on the citizens of my town.

I rocketed a few blasts from my hands but Hanover captured them in a shield. I looked behind me, trying to find something to take cover behind but nothing stood out. I pulled up a shield but knew it would do little against the bomb Hanover just created. He tossed his shield that had been infused with my energy at me but my shield did little to protect me. The shield collapsed and the force of the explosion sent me flying. I screamed from the loss of control but managed to fall harmlessly through one of the buildings.

I focused on hitting something from this world and slammed several meters into the earth. I shook the dirt and concrete from my hair and rocketed back to the scene of the fight. I need to learn to better judge the force coming off me before I do that! I could do a lot less damage if I learned to do that!

I sent a few more blasts, this time aimed at the ground. They were meant to be a decoy and it worked beautifully. Hanover's eyes watched the spectacle while I sent more blasts in his direction. With his eyes on the decoy, he was vulnerable to attack. He flew through the air.

I kept my mind open to his energy and I sensed him below my feet. I turned around, anticipating him coming from behind me. I took in my family's signatures and discovered them surrounded by other ghosts. It panicked me but I could sense that they were in control. They were fighting the other ghosts that I had sensed before Hanover's attack.

Hanover popped up through the ground a few inches from my face but I was prepared for him. I grabbed his shirt and tossed him into the air. I flew up to meet him. He was right. I did love fighting in the air. It made the fight much more predictable because there was less spaces for them to hide. When you can go intangible or can phase through objects of this world, things can go in any direction.

"I was wondering when you'd take us up here," Hanover chuckled. "Doesn't matter either way! I'll probably still lose."

"Then why do you engage in these battles," I declared.

"You've got to fight for what you believe in, Phantom. Tell me, if you need food and the only place you could get what you need was being controlled by someone determined to keep you out, wouldn't you fight despite knowing the outcome." His voice rose, "I have a family, Phantom but we have nothing! This is the only place I can bring back food! Tell me you wouldn't face the entire world if it meant your child could eat!"

My throat swelled. This was the most intimate conversation we had ever had. "I didn't know, Hanover."

"Of course not," he declared. "You have no idea what it's like inside that Zone! When you're hungry, you don't die! You lose precious energy! Energy that helps protect your family. When you run out of energy, you die. When a ghost runs out of energy, he's defenseless. Stronger ghosts, of course, could kill us but they usually don't. We're usually forced to suffer through our humiliation."

"I can't allow you to feed off these people," I said, my voice soft, "but I can help you another way." I relaxed my posture, "Could you meet me at the Ghost King's castle tonight. Say around ten-thirty."

"Why," Hanover asked, his body not as relaxed as mine but more so than before.

"I can help you feed your family," I replied. "I know you need actual fear to boost your energies but I can give you food first. I'll come up with another way to give you fear later."

"What's your reasons," he asked me, his posture finally relaxing.

"I have a family of my own," I said softly. I placed my hand on my stomach, "I'm pregnant and I would do anything for my daughter. I guess you could say I already understand."

"You're pregnant," he asked, surprised. "I didn't know you were involved with anyone. Is it a woman or a man?"

"The father is a man," I answered, "but we're not together."

"Oh," he said, his voice softer. "I should have known. That stench is unmistakable."

"Yeah," I sighed. "But that's not the reason we're not together. It's complicated and I'd rather not explain it."

"You don't have to," Hanover replied. "Ten-thirty at the Ghost King's castle. You got it."

"Thanks," I smiled.

"No, thank you," he said as he flew away. Like Tucker said: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

O_O

I kept my word and went to the castle after evening patrol but before nighttime patrol. Steven and the record keeper were on my heels before I walked through the double doors. They were not happy that I hadn't returned since Sunday. I didn't have time for their accusations.

"You," I said, barking at the record keeper, "I'll talk to you later. Go! You," I said, turning to Steven, "I need to know if we have enough funds to set up a soup kitchen."

"Actually, sire, that would be my department," the record keeper addressed me.

"He's the pope," I asked, confused. "Shouldn't that be his department?"

"When you order that kind of service I would distribute that but it is Anastasius who would tell you if we could afford it."

"Whatever," I retorted. "Mr. Record Keeper, do we have the funds?"

"We do, sire," he addressed. "You have the riches of all Kingdoms: Pippin, Pariah, and the Observants. If you so wish, we could assist the peasants."

"Set it up," I said, turning to Steven. "Spread the word that all is welcome and don't take a cent. If you need any money or food, let me know. I can bring some from the real world."

"As you wish," Steven said, bowing. "But sire, you need to do as Anastasius says."

"We need to build our kingdom," the record keeper replied. "You need to build your army, knight your highest soldiers and increase your noblemen."

"I will," I replied. "I've been busy this week with school back in session. I probably won't be back until this weekend but I'll be back."

"Thank you, my high king," he replied, bowing. He returned to his quarters. Steven bowed as well, returning to the church. I finally got a chance to look around and I was startled that it didn't occur to me before. The castle had lights.

"What," I asked as I looked around. Tucker hadn't finished this when we were last here on Sunday. The door opened from behind me and I turned in that direction, thinking it was Hanover. However, I stared in shock as Tucker walked in the door. He froze in his spot, clearly not expecting me here either. "What the hell are you doing here," I demanded.

"Danny," Tucker shrieked and tried to hide behind a pillar. I walked over, grabbing him by his shirt and forced him back in the hallway. "Hi! Fancy meeting you here!"

I released his shirt, staring him in the eye, "Tucker, what are you doing here?"

"I'm trying to get the internet working in here," Tucker sighed. "It's not as easy as putting electricity or cell service. Hell, you could put satellite television in here easier than internet!"

"Tucker, this is nuts," I declared. "You're unprotected!"

"I don't need to be protected," Tucker retorted. "Besides, I have an entire castle at my beck and call. I always have them escort me back to the portal."

"But what about from the portal to here," I declared, "or what if the castle is seized. You could be killed!"

"Don't be ridiculous. This castle is a million strong," Tucker retorted, rolling his eyes. "No one is going to defeat this castle taking it head on."

"I still don't like you being here alone," I sighed.

"Just don't worry," Tucker said sarcastic. "I'm only risking my life in your eyes. There's no problem!"

"Okay," I retorted. "I get it. You guys feel the same way about me!"

"Every damn minute," Tucker retorted. "But there really is no reason to be worried. I'm perfectly safe here. You go take care of the ghosts and I'll try to find a way to give our subjects internet. Talk about not living!"

Despite myself, I chuckled, "Be careful." I locked eyes with him, "Call if you need me."

"Of course," Tucker said, exasperated. "Just like you call us every time you need us."

I rolled my eyes in aggravation as he walked past me. I settled in, waiting for Hanover to arrive.

Finally, he floated into the castle. Upon seeing me, his glow all but disappeared. "The rumors are true," he said, his voice soft. "You are the new King of All Ghosts."

"I like to call it the new owner of King Pariah's belongings," I sighed. "I have opened up the kitchen to all ghosts. Anyone needing assistance can find it here. Nothing will be required for payment. You are the first I am inviting," I said as I led him to the kitchen.

"Is there anything I can do," Hanover asked. "I don't like taking handouts.".

I smirked, "Ask the pope. He'll let you know if there is any volunteer work needing done."

"This is really surprising, Phantom," Hanover replied. "I don't know whether to thank you or be suspicious of your attitude."

"Just take care of your family," I replied. "Believe me, I know how important family is. To me, there's nothing more important."

"I agree with you," Hanover remarked. We still weren't on good terms but maybe the sinister activity could stop. I didn't know what I was doing when I angered him when he first appeared. Now I know how low he can go.

AN: I have a million things I need to do today so I decided to post this chapter early this morning. I probably wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to do this later tonight as I'll probably be passed out from exhaustion. I will post regular tomorrow, I just didn't want to miss an update. You guys deserve it.

Check out the forums for previous chapter companions and my profile page for the current installment. PM, review or post any questions. Remember, I also have QA threads posted if you have a specific question. If you have a certain topic you'd like me to discuss, such as Magnetism (that one is up, just so you know), then drop me a line. I may have already recognized it but I may not have. You never know until I post.

I said this yesterday but I have a new poll on my profile page. This poll is very important. If you are reading this now, you may participate. It's a simple question. Please take the time. I would very much appreciate it. Thank you.

To 0-MagicMelody-0:

For some reason, I can't view your review on the review page but I know you sent one from my e-mail account. Weird. Anyhow, here is the reply I've been trying to give you since midnight last night.

Thank you so much! No problem. You're reviewing now. I appreciate the feedback. Danny is actually nineteen weeks pregnant (or 5 months) but as stated above, he doesn't know exactly how far along he really is. Vlad impregnated Danny when he found his sensitive spot during the first thirty-two hours but Danny has no way of knowing that. ;) The timeline in my story right now is second Wednesday after TUE. Life Lessons just happened but it happened out of order from the way the show put it in there. Dani will show up at the end of June and it is the beginning of April. It happens in Chapter 19, the very end of the story. It may seem a long way away, but it'll be here before you know it! Right now, Danny isn't really showing. In my stories, he is severely small. He doesn't get hungry and the only consequence is a small frame. Right now, he looks normal because his baby weight is making him look normal. This is not good for Lilly, though, because she isn't getting the nutrients or the room she needs. He will begin to gain weight but for the moment, he's severely neglecting his child and himself. Again, thank you and I hope that answered your questions! I look forward to hearing from you again!