I don't own Danny Phantom! I'm a little behind on my update, but I was fast if you ask me. Oh, and I'll be updating again soon. I'm not going to specify, but it will be soon! Plus, if it works out this will be a double update, so there may be another chapter uploaded after this one. Also, we are almost at the end of the first arc. I hope you all are ready for the next arc! I'm hoping to be starting the next arc by Wednesday at the earliest.
Before I forget! FoundingRaiderChrona suggested the two emotions present in this chapter. Sorry for the long wait, but they finally appear. Thanks for the idea. And, thanks to Ariastella for giving me the idea to have more than one Love emoticon. I forgot to add that little thank you in the last chapter.
Dash glances around at the frozen emoticons, strangely calm in the sea of confusion. Perhaps his lower level of intelligence is the reason for his calmness. But, no matter the reason, Dash calmly glances from the emoticons to his panicky classmates. Strange, the freaks seem more calm than the ghost hunters. Even stranger, the loser freaks keep glancing worriedly at the emotions as they talk quietly. Dash shrugs, pushing away his curiosity and moving his attention back to the frozen figure of Truth. What did Truth say again? Someone is trying to take control of his hero? Well, that can't be allowed to happen! "I'll save you, Phantom!" Dash exclaims, startling many of the humans. In fact, Dash's outburst breaks many of the humans out of their panic. Without waiting, Dash rushes into the next room. After a moment, the rest of the humans race after their fellow classmate.
Inside the next room, Dash stands next to two new emotions. Dash keeps glancing from one emotion to the other, his face distorted in confusion. Strangely, the emotions are connected by a glowing, green chain. The first emotion moves slowly, his eyes blinking as he struggles to focus. Oddly, his head is tilted to the side, almost as if he is trying to hear something from far away. He's wearing a simple grey jumpsuit, though it lacks the DP icon. His white hair is a tangled mess, though the tangled mess makes the emotion look slightly crazy. In comparison, the other emotion looks extremely like the first. He is also wearing a grey jumpsuit, but he does have the DP icon on his chest, though, the DP symbol is green instead of the regular white. Lastly, the second emoticon's hair is clean and tangle free, and his eyes are clear instead of clouded.
"Mr. Baxter!" Mr. Lancer yells, his fear spurring him on. "You cannot run ahead like that! We don't know what is happening. You could have been hurt! You will not leave my sight for the rest of this trip or you will have detention every day for the rest of the year!" After his outbursts, Mr. Lancer calms slightly, though his uncharacteristic shuffling shows his discomfort. Curiously, Mr. Lancer glances at the other two emotions. After observing the duo for a moment, Lancer speaks. "Who might you be? And, why are you connected by the chain?"
The first emoticon begins to laugh hysterically, much to Mr. Lancer's surprise. As a result, Lancer takes a step back. Suddenly, the emotion stops laughing, and he stares at the humans with wild eyes. Slowly, the humans realize that the first emoticon's eyes have cleared. Unfortunately, the difference only makes the emotion seem more eccentric. Before the humans can continue thinking, the emotion speaks. "Who am I? Who am I! How don't you people know who I am? I mean-" Before the frenzied emotion can continue, the other emoticon clamps a hand over his mouth. Instantly, the action provokes the first emotion into attacking. After a short scuffle, the second emotion pins the first emotion.
The second emotion then addresses the humans. "I'm Sanity, and my counterpart here is Insanity. We are known as the Balance Twins." Sanity explains with a sigh. "If you can't tell, we are vital to the function of Phantom's mind. We should be the same size, but something is wrong. I'm shrinking slowly, while Insanity remains at our normal size. For some reason, the emotions that affect me, such as Happiness and Hope, are slowly disconnecting from our mind." Sanity suddenly turns his attention to Insanity. "What did you see or hear?"
Insanity groans, and struggles to escape Sanity's hold. "Not much. Just a few words, okay. I can't tell you what it means." Sanity rolls his eyes, and looks imploringly at his counterpart. "Fine, I heard a voice say something about 5%. Plan, mine, and a few other random words. Nothing concrete, okay?" Sanity nods, and turns his attention back to the humans.
"Insanity here can occasionally hear things that occur outside our mind. From the little he can hear, we are trying to piece together what is happening to Phantom's mind." As Sanity explains, he begins to loosen his hold on Insanity. Slowly, Insanity notices the new development. "As of now, we have two ideas. But, there isn't enough evidence to prove which is correct. Heck, the little information we have might even be pointing us in the wrong direction." Sanity groans.
Before Sanity can continue, Insanity breaks free of his hold. "I may not all be here, but I'm not dangerous. You don't need to treat me like a rapid dog, brother." Insanity glances at the humans before continuing. "But, I do know that you humans are not the cause of the mental shift. I can tell. The main factor comes from outside our mind, I can hear the words whispering to me. The words son, mine, finally, plan, and more break through the haze. I know it! I know that voice anywhere, but I just can't place it." Insanity begins to laugh hysterically, shaking his head in mirth. "I'm not insane." Insanity suddenly adds, as he tilts his head to the side. His eyes scan the humans present, and the emotion deflates a little when he notices Sam and Tucker's reactions. Sam looks worried, concern painting her face. Unknowingly, Sam bounces on the balls of her feet as she works off her nervous energy. Tucker, on the other hand, tries to hide his discomfort behind a shaky smile. But, he can't hide it from his friend, or part of his friend anyway. Valerie also catches his attention. Anger, fear, and worry wars within her, though mainly discomfort is present. With a sigh, Insanity looks away.
Star hesitantly takes a step forward. Memories of her crazy cousin rapidly flash though her mind. Her cousin was diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses ten years ago. Thanks to the work of a psychiatrists, he received treatment. While Phantom is already talking to Jazz, she isn't a registered psychiatrist. Hesitantly, Star decides to offer him a way to get the help he may truly need. "Are you sure?" She asks, her voice uncharacteristically meek. "Many people suffer from mental illnesses, and they often can live perfectly normal lives if they receive treatment. Perhaps you need to talk with someone besides Jazz, like a registered psychiatrist." Star tries comforting the distraught emotion, but she freezes when two pairs of green eyes glare at her.
Sanity answers, his voice cold. "Phantom is not insane, Star." Sanity sighs, shaking his head as he shrinks a few more inches. Now, Insanity is 6 inches taller than Sanity, much to the humans' discomfort. "In fact, Sanity and Insanity are rather vague words to describe what we really represent. When we are balanced in height, then Phantom is perfectly sane. Well, his emotions are at least balanced, at least. But, our definition of sane is not the same as the human definition." While Sanity speaks, he begins to pace. Unknowingly, Sanity pulls Insanity along behind him, much to Insanity's chagrin.
Suddenly, Insanity cuts in. He jumps forward, pulling Sanity forward. Sanity stumbles, which makes Insanity smirk. Before Sanity can protest, Insanity begins to explain. "Our terms of sanity and insanity just deal with the balance of emotions. If the negative emotions and the positive emotions are balanced, then everything is okay. Of course, some differences are okay. After all, it is rare that the negative and positive aspects are in perfect harmony. For everything to be okay, Sanity and myself must be within eleven inches of the other height." Insanity explains, bouncing happily on his feet. For a moment, Insanity's eyes begin to cloud. Luckily, Sanity tugs on the chain and makes Insanity stumble. As a result, Insanity's eyes clear. Without missing a beat, Insanity continues. "I represent the more eccentric and negative emotions. While Sanity represents the calmer and more positive emotions." Insanity spins around to indicate Sanity, but he becomes tangled up in the chain. Unfortunately, Insanity falls over and pulls Sanity to the ground. Within seconds, the duo is tangled up in the chain.
Star breathes a sigh of relief, banishing the memories of her cousin. Phantom wouldn't go insane, and even if Insanity took control he wouldn't hurt the town, probably. Before she can speak, however, Lester and Mikey step forward. Hesitantly, Lester speaks as Mikey waits impatiently for his turn. "Can you explain better? I understand that you represent the balance of Phantom's mind. But, why call yourselves Insanity and Sanity if you don't represent Phantom's sanity?"
Sanity groans, giving up on untangling himself from Insanity. "Well, it has to do with the emotions attached to us. I deal with the positive and calm emotions. So, that means I deal with the emotions that help our current Obsession." As Sanity explains, Insanity begins to slowly untangle the duo. "But, I also deal with the emotions humans prefer. Everyone prefers Curiosity, Intelligences, Happiness, Childishness, and even Slacker more than other emotions. Thus, those emotions influence me."
Insanity finally finishes untangling the duo, and he takes over from there. "On the other hand, I represent the more hyper and negative emotions. Thus, I typically deal with the emotions that go against our current Obsession. Hate, Fear, Self-Loathing, Paranoia, and even Curiosity and Childishness influence me. Before you ask, some of the emotions fit into both categories, and we share those emotions." Insanity smiles, though a strange look comes into his eyes. The once vibrant eyes suddenly dull, and the emotion begins to twitch. "Though, I do admit a certain level of craziness is present as well. After all, the negative emotions have taken their toll on me. Not to mention all the things we have seen throughout our existence." Insanity and Sanity shiver, their eyes briefly glance towards the far wall.
Curiously, the humans follow the emotions' eyes. Surprisingly, a third door stands there. "What's through there?" Mikey asks, his previous question momentarily pushed aside. "I feel like I should already know the answer." Mikey mutters under his breathe. Curious eyes glare at the new door, the answer floating just out of reach. Strange, he never had trouble recalling facts before. Mikey glances back at the emotions for a moment, and he manages to catch the slight look of alarm that briefly forms on the emoticon's faces.
Sanity and Insanity glance at one another. After a silent debate, they look at the humans. "That the door to the Memory Triplets' room. I'm surprised no one told you before now." Insanity and Sanity say together, their voices syncing in perfect balance. The humans blink, surprised by the balance the duo achieve. "But, then again." The duo continues as they walk towards the door. "It is easy to forget what you do not see." Each emotion place their unchained hand on the door, and the humans are surprised to see the door glow a faint grey. As they watch, the image of the door seems to blur. The knob melts, turning into a wisp of air that slowly dissipates. Next, the door's outline blurs until it is undiscernible from the wall. Once the door completely fades, the two emotions let go of the wall. Slowly, the two emoticons return to the center of the room, though they are more sluggish than before.
Maddie and Jack growl, angry at the emotions and themselves for not acting faster. How dare the emoticons prevent them from discovering Phantom's hidden secrets! Obviously, that door would reveal something Phantom wants to hide. In the Fentons' minds, that is the only logical reason Phantom's emotions would hide the door. "Why did you do that you unfeeling globs of post-human consciousness!" Maddie yells as she runs forwards. However, Jack, shockingly, puts his arm out and stops her, much to Maddie and the students' surprise. Maddie glances back at her husband, incredulously. Before long, her entire body relaxes. Maddie's eyes begin to twinkle with curiosity, though an underlying layer of cruelty is present as well. Maddie nods, and Jack releases her. Taking a deep breath, Maddie questions the emotions again. "Why did you close that door?"
Insanity shrugs, waving a hand. At the movement, a chair pops into existence. The emotion sits down, and a table instantly forms in front of him. Soon, Sanity forms a chair and sits down as well. Cards pop into existence, and the emotions both glance longingly at the deck for a moment. Distractingly, Insanity responds. "The Memory Triplets came by earlier. They asked all the emotions to hide their doors for some reason. They already known you must meet all us emoticons in order to leave, so we assume they want you to meet them last. But, it is also logical. The Memory Triplets' room connects to everyone's room. It's easy to get lost when you leave their room, even if you are an emotion." Insanity chuckles, shaking his head as he reaches out for the cards. Quickly, the emotions shuffles and begins to play Solitaire. Sanity sighs, shaking his head disapprovingly.
Jack smirks as he approaches the duo. "So, they are trying to keep us out until the end. Why?" Jack questions innocently. Though, the cruelty that briefly sparks in his eyes show his true intentions. Behind his curious façade, Jack is waiting to strike. Sam and Tucker watch the Fenton patriarchs closely, unnerved by their out-of-character behavior. Sam and Tucker glance at one another as they silently deliberate. After a few minutes, Tucker nods. Acting on instinct, Sam moves closer to Maddie while Tucker moves closer to Jack. Both teens appear to be relaxed, but they are watching their respective Fentons closely. Both teens are ready to interfere if either parent moves to strike, no matter what the consequences may be. If anyone attempts to hurt their friend, then they will take them down.
Sanity shrugs, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. "They didn't explain. Strange. All they said was-" Sanity trails off, both hands suddenly grasping his head as he cries out in pain. Sanity closes his eyes as his face scrunches up in pain. Simultaneously, his body begins to shake as his muscles spasm. Instantly, Insanity drops the cards as he whips his head around to look at his other half. Within seconds, Insanity rushes to Sanity's side. Unfortunately, Sanity falls out of his chair before Insanity arrives. Rapidly, Sanity begins to shrink. In a matter of seconds, Sanity goes from five feet 10 inches tall to five feet tall. With the latest change in height, the eleven-inch difference is broken. As if on cue, Insanity starts to twitch, a strange look appearing in his eyes.
However, Insanity is unaware of the changes as he panics. "Talk to me, Sanity. What's going on?" Insanity questions as his eyes dart around the room, almost as if he is searching for someone to blame. "Are more of the good emotions disappearing? Is it because of the humans? Let me know!" Insanity's eyes darken, and Insanity spins around to glare at the humans. The humans take a step back from the emoticon, an unnatural level of fear flooding their systems. "What have you done!" Insanity screeches.
Sanity coughs, drawing Insanity's attention once again. The anger fades from his eyes, through the humans remain warry. Sadly, the caged emotions, and others, influence Insanity. Thus, Insanity could easily snap at them, especially with Phantom's mental state currently unbalanced. Without thinking, the students and Mr. Lancer slip behind Maddie and Jack Fenton. Only Tucker and Sam remain where they originally stood. Of course, the Fentons notice, and they glance at one another. Without any words, the Fentons form a plan to protect the humans. Before they can act, however, Sanity speaks. "All the positive emotions, at least the ones the humans have met, just froze. An outside force is beginning to take control of our mind. So far, it is only targeting the positive emotions. But, I can't tell what is causing this. It could be a side effect of the human's machine or it could something else." Without warning, Sanity begins to cough.
Once the coughing fit ends, Sanity takes a few minutes to regain his breath. Then, Sanity turns to gaze imploringly at the humans. "Please, hurry and continue walking through our mind." Sanity weakly begs, his green eyes duller than normal. "Maybe you can discover what's causing this. Perhaps you'll even be able to reverse it. I don't know what will happen when this ends. But, it won't be good." Sanity groans, closing his eyes as another wave of pain hits.
Swiftly, Insanity forms a bed and helps Sanity lay down. Once he makes sure Sanity is comfortable, he faces the humans. "Keep moving forward, please. I wish I could help you, but I have to stay here." Insanity says a he holds up his chained wrist. Insanity starts to return to Sanity's side, but he hesitates. Insanity chews on his lip in thought as he glances back and forth between the humans and Sanity. "Take this," Insanity says while forming a small book. Strangely, the book is cloud-like, and small tendrils of smoke rise from it. Hesitantly, Jack takes the book from the emoticon. Once Jack touches the book, it seems to solidify. "It will help as you continue. Now, get out!" Insanity growls as he steps towards the humans threateningly.
Quickly, the humans rush out of the room. As the door slams shut, nobody notices how Insanity stumbles backwards, one hand raising to rest on his head. Insanity's eyes cloud, words slowly becoming clear in his mind. "15% and counting." Shaking his head, Insanity's eyes uncloud. Briefly, he glances towards the door, before sighing. "What's going on?" Insanity mutters as he returns to Sanity's side.
AN: For some reason, I can't see any reviews that you guys have posted for this chapter. Does anyone have any idea how I can see them? Thanks!