IMPORTANT!!!!

Due to circumstance beyond my control (that is, my own bumbling stupidity) the date of Sam's party and the completion of the Amity Park Ghost Shield will be moved up to the end of the current story week. Why? Well, because if I didn't I'd have two choices: 1, Create a week worth of filler and subplot that would distract from the story and somehow keep people from figuring things out about each other the ENTIRE time. Or 2, have a week where nothing happens, even though Vlad and GIW are increadibly motivated to speedy...whatever they're doing...of Danny Phantom. So, since both those options are really really stupid, I'm editing the story so that the big finale is moved up a week. This will not shorten the story. I just made a bad length call on the date before. Sorry. I'll fix it after I'm done. For now, just read this and ignore the previous two-week thing. Thanks. Also, the website I reference is either fake or something else. I'm not endorsing it, just using the address as a joke. And I don't own it.

Okay, now HI!

Yes, I know this one is a day late, but if you read the above section (and you should) you'll understand that I had a major decision to make before I could write this. I hope this works. It should...

Love and Adoration to all reviewers: Epona Harper, Meagainsttheworld, egyptianqueen777, bluename, The Fluff Ghost, BratCat, DP fan, Diamond Raider, Pieling, BarnOwl93, cordia, Unrealistic, Egyptian Ghost Kitty, Queen S of Randomness 016, SevenStar, FanFictionist, Chaos Dragon, Adran06, AirGirl Phantom, hermie-the-frog, and ShiroAndFubuki. You guys rock!!

To those reading and not reviewing, or to the new converts (muahaha), drop me a line, ya? I love reviews. All reviews. Good, bad, or in between. I can be a bit spastic and weird with my responses, but I really do appreciate all of them, and I've never had a review I didn't like to read. Just be honest. I'll write back.

Finally, this chapter does NOT show what is on the tape. That'll come up in the next one. For those who don't know, I'm offering a cookie to anyone who can tell me what's on the tape before I write it up. Please use a PM and not a review, I don't want the surprise ruined. I'm sure someone will get it; it's just a matter of time.

Ciao,

HiddenAuthor

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Chapter 10 – Lies

"So in conclusion, Danny Phantom is a true Amity Park hero, and is way too cool and handsome to be in love with that gross huntress girl." Smiling, Paulina took down an elaborate photo chart cobbled from the most 'flattering' of her private shrine collection. Danny shuffled off behind her, incredibly red-faced. Sam and Val seemed a bit red as well, though likely more from rage than embarrassment. Looking at his friends for support, the only disappointment Danny found was Tucker, who seemed to be having some kind of humor-induced fit.

"…Thank you, Danny and Paulina, for that very unique presentation. While I'm not sure a tabloid can be considered a real newspaper, I didn't specify last week, so…B+." Mr. Lancer gave the perky girl a tired nod, and turned towards his next pair. "Now, Dash and Kwan will be presenting their paper, about the symbolism of last week's editorial cartoon." Smiling, the pair pulled up a large poster of a knocked-out elephant with red boxing gloves staring up dazedly at a grinning blue-gloved donkey.

"Do you think blushes can stick?" Danny muttered over Tucker's suppressed laughter.

"I don't know." She hissed back, eyes lit up with an intense glow Danny didn't think his ghost form could manage. "But she dies for this." Neither of them saw exactly what Val did to her boyfriend, but Tucker's laughter abruptly stopped.

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"I can't believe she used those…pictures." Danny said, shuddering. Tucker grinned from across the table.

"I just want to know where she got those." He said lewdly. "I mean how many times has your shirt actually been torn off anyway? Where did they come from?"

"Website called TorsoPhantom." Sam answered absently from over her meal, then froze. Danny shot her a sideways look. From across the table, Val cleared her throat loudly as she sat down. Bracing himself, Danny set questions aside for later and turned towards the huntress.

"Okay Val. Why did you want to talk with me here?" Danny asked, pointing out the cafeteria full of students. "Don't you think this is kind of private?" Valerie shrugged.

"I wanted Tucker to be here for this, and I thought you'd want Sam to be here too." She answered simply. "Since she's grounded this was the only way I could think of. Besides, as much as they like you, I don't think they'd let you lie to me, and I'm not about to chance that. I want to like you again, Danny, but I'm going to need help." Danny deflated slightly at that, but nodded his acceptance.

"All right. What do you want to know?"

"First, were you telling the truth when you said you didn't know what you are? You're really not a ghost?" Danny closed his eyes for a second and rubbed the bridge of his nose in irritation, but after a deep breath he was visibly calmer.

"Yes. I don't know what I am. I don't really like to think about it. I like to think I'm still human, though. Technically, the lab accident mutated me and gave me ghost powers, but I'm still me. I'm different, but I'm still a person. And I really do want to help people." Val pursed her lips for a second, and nodded.

"Okay. I'll ask your parents more about the 'accident' thing later if I think I have to, but that's enough about that for now. You told me once that you owned Amity Park. What did you mean by that?"

"The ghosts say I own it." Danny said quickly. "I asked Clockwork about it after everything settled down a few months ago, and he explained it to me. Most ghosts like to make their homes in the Ghost Zone. But some like to live here. To keep the ghosts on this side from fighting, some ancient ghosts used some major powers to set up this system of rules. Since I live in Amity Park, it's 'mine'." He answered, using air quotes where appropriate.

"But why would ghosts fight about where to live? There's plenty of space over here." Danny hesitated for a second, but answered the question.

"All the ghosts want places with lots of people." He said. "Ghosts on Earth need human emotion to survive. It's food. That's why ghosts scare people all the time. When they get scared, they feel more, and the ghost can feed on that fear to get stronger and keep their bodies together. So they always fight about who owns what human." He said distastefully. Val had gone slightly pale.

"You…you don't…feed on us, right?" She asked nauseously. Danny winced, a little pale himself.

"Not on purpose." He finally said shakily. "It's sort of automatic, like breathing. I'm doing it all the time, even if I don't want to. It isn't hurting you," he added hastily, "and I'm not trying to scare any of you like ghosts do. Since I still have a human body, I get a lot of energy from food and stuff. Oh," he added ruefully, fishing in his backpack, "and this, too." He quickly pulled out his 'medicine' thermos and screwed off the cap, giving Val a good look.

"What is that stuff?" She asked softly, eyes wide as she saw that it glowed.

"A supplement, like I told you." Danny said simply, before quickly chugging the vile stuff and shuddering. "It's ectoplasm. Ghost food, I guess. If I didn't take it, I'd have to scare people, live in the Ghost Zone, or starve." He added bleakly. "And the more powerful I get the more of the junk I have to take."

"How powerful…will you get?" Val asked hesitantly. Danny chuckled helplessly as he shoved the thermos back into his backpack.

"That's the million dollar question." He answered, and Val raised an eyebrow at the fear in his own voice. "I don't know. If it gives you a hint, the Ghost Council is made up of some of the most powerful ghosts to ever exist, and I give them the creeps. Lots of ghosts would kill to have the kind of power I do, but I don't want it. Try explaining that to ghosts, though. Or humans." He added sadly. "They don't seem too comfortable around me either."

Valerie nodded agreement for a second, and then remained silent. Danny lifted an eyebrow.

"Can I ask you a question?" Val nodded.

"What made you change your mind so fast? Not that I'm complaining, I just thought you'd take a little longer to come around." The huntress sat still for a while.

"I haven't changed my mind." She answered. "Not exactly anyway. But my dad and I had a talk this weekend. He said some things…well, I think I figured out why I'm so mad at you, and I don't want any part of it. Hating you because you're a ghost is just stupid. I know that now. If I can get past that and I still hate you, fine. But I'm not going to hate you for no good reason, Fenton. I'm a better person than that." At that, Danny actually managed a smile.

"I know that." He said simply.

"I've been really confused lately." Val continued, frowning. "First finding out about you, then Vlad calling, an-"

"Vlad?" Danny asked sharply, his eyes flickering briefly. "What about Vlad?" Valerie stared for a second at his eyes, then flushed.

"First tell me what really happened to him in September." She pressed. "He told me you did something terrible to him because he figured out your secret. He's lied to me before, so I'm not siding with him without a real good reason. But something happened."

"Err…" Danny paused, not really sure how to proceed. "Um, Vlad worked with my mom and dad in college." He said lamely. Val raised an eyebrow as Tucker discretely edged closer to her and lifted a hand for support.

"Yeah, so?"

"So," the ghost boy cleared his throat for a second, looking at Sam for support. All he got was a helpless smile and a shrug. "They, uh, built the first ghost portal together. And, um, something went wrong." Val's eyes narrowed a bit.

"Wrong? Wrong how?"

"'Danny' wrong." Tucker said gently. His girlfriend stared for a second, mouth gaping.

"No. No way." She said, pulling back from the table and bumping against Tucker's waiting arm. "One time maybe. But twice? You can't be serious!"

"We are." Sam said simply. "Danny Fenton. Danny Phantom. Vlad Masters…"

"Vlad Plasmius." Val said in horror. "I…but it makes sense." She said quietly. "They both disappeared at the same time in September. And they both showed up at the same time when the Ghost King showed up. He gave me that ring. Said it was a hunter's ring, but then it was a ghost ring. You're not lying?" She asked quietly. All three shook their heads. Val stared off into space for a good minute, letting all the hints fall into place in her head.

"Oh boy." She sighed, plopping her head into her hands. "This whole time he was using me. Telling me to fight ghosts like you. But he was a ghost. Or, whatever you are, anyway." She finished, forgetting her recent attempt at politeness in her distress. Danny winced slightly, but pressed on. This was important.

"Look. I know that's a big thing to hear, but what about Vlad?" He pressed. Val was quite for a while, but Tucker's gentle pressure eventually helped.

"He called me." She answered dully. "And asked for my help. He told me that now that I knew the truth about you, I'd need to work extra hard to protect the town. He told me you were using me, and you think of people here as cattle, and…" She trailed off as Danny's eyes lit up the table. "And he said you were really scary when you got mad." She finished quietly. Danny blinked for a second as that last comment registered, and quickly dropped the glow, looking a bit chagrined.

"I know you're shocked." Sam said. Val laughed hollowly. "But…you seem to be taking it better this time." She continued bracingly. Valerie shook her head.

"A ghost-thing I can actually hate and call evil for a good reason." She muttered. "What's not to like?" Her eyes narrowed. "But just you wait, I'm gonna make him pay for this." Suddenly Danny's eyes shot up.

"Val." He said, eyes slightly larger than usual. "Call him back and say yes."

"But I don't want to help that lying, creepy, sleezeball ghost!" Val spat, fuming.

"Yeah," Danny said back, a genuinely scary grin starting to form on his face, "but Vlad doesn't know that."

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If anything, Skulker and Technus's choice to merge together only made them more annoying. But Vlad had to admit that the ridiculous creature was still useful.

"You're sure this footage is accurate?" Vlad asked curtly. Skulker nodded his head in affirmation, but Technus scowled.

"Are you suggesting my data is faulty?" He growled in his nasally voice. The hunter ghost 'discretely' punched himself in the stomach. "Ow!"

"Well, provided it is authentic, I think it might be worth something after all." Masters remarked in an offhand manner. Truth be told, this information could give him an infinitely larger window of activity. His plan was absolutely flawless, except for one small problem that he'd thus far been unable to fix. This information might work. Not that he'd tell these two imbeciles. They'd want more money.

"One more thing." Skulker said as Plasmius started to fly off. "Is it true what the ghosts are saying? That you're going to be frozen in time in just five months?"

"Of course not." Vlad answered condescendingly, and then smiled quietly. "Thanks for that tape. You two fight well together."

"He still beat us." Grumbled Technus.

"Oh, I don't think that will be a problem for long." Masters answered quietly, and flew off for home.

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Danny strolled through the front door of his house, feeling better than he had in days. Val was talking to him, he was going to know what Vlad was up to, and he'd bribed Tucker into bringing down that embarrassing webpage. He was walking on air, his mood only slightly dampened by the effort of making sure that stayed a metaphor. Good moods seemed to do that to him. Grinning, he quickly dropped off his books upstairs and came back down for some floating cookies.

"Daniel Fenton." Good mood gone.

Bracing himself, Danny turned and locked gazes with a pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses that were perched on a very serious face, attached to a very white suit. The man wearing both glasses and suit consulted his watch and then returned his gaze to the very flustered half ghost.

"According to my watch, it's 2:45." He said in that creepy military monotone. Nodding, Danny hid his shaking hand in the cookie jar.

"I…uh…get out of school early." He stuttered, all the while casing the room for hidden ghost mines or whatever these bozos had now. The man's expression didn't change.

"We know that. We're with the government." He said calmly. "Your parents are out. We want to know how long they'll be."

"I don't know." Danny answered carefully, grabbing a cookie. Suddenly he froze. "Wait a minute. How'd you get in here?" A second white suit stepped through into the kitchen to stand by his partner.

"This place was built with a government grant." He said smoothly. "We have a key."

Danny made a mental note to check if that was legal and went through the motions of offering them cookies. Both declined. Fed up with feds, Danny decided on the blunt approach.

"Why are you here?" He asked. Both men exchanged glances, then motioned into the living room. Carefully cupping his cookies upside down, Danny followed, once again scanning for ghost weapons. A loud bang from behind heralded his parent's return.

"Danny! Good to se- hold it!" Jack's beaming face darkened. "Who the heck are you and what are you doing in my house?" As one the two agents stood and strode over to Danny's parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fenton, I am agent M and this is my associate, agent S. We're with the Guys in White, special detail on a resident ghost. It calls itself Danny Phantom. We came here to ask you all some questions about it." Jack and Maddie's eyes deliberately looked anywhere but at Danny, who was busy digesting the 'it' comment. Though clearly unhappy, the couple was at a loss on how to safely get rid of the agents, so begrudgingly offered them a seat.

"Now." Started M. "I'm sure you're aware that Phantom's energy potential has risen at an alarming rate."

"Oh yeah." Danny muttered to himself.

"For this and…other reasons, our agency has deemed Phantom to be an imminent threat to national security." At this Maddie finally slipped and allowed a stray glance at her son, who'd paled slightly. "We've come here to question you about its behavior, to try and understand it better."

"Why us?" Jack asked brusquely.

"It 'lives' here, for one." S answered, using air quotes. "And for another, a former agent, agent K, seemed to suggest we visit. Last summer, Phantom invaded our base and did something to him. We still don't know what, but the man went completely insane." At this Jack stole a glance at Danny, who now looked visibly sick. "He started screaming to 'stay away from the Fentons'. We can only assume you know something it doesn't want us to find out."

"Something we'd like you to tell us." Concluded agent M.

"Well why don't you talk to Phantom?" Maddie suggested hesitantly. From behind the agents, Danny vigorously shook his head 'no'. "I'm sure he'd be willing to clear up this mess."

"We'd rather not interact sociably with it." S said calmly. "Neither of us wants to end up like K. We just want information. Something a pair of fine, upstanding, human ghost hunters like you can surely provide."

"For starters," said M, pushing forward a newspaper clipping. "Who's this ghost in the photo?"

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"What is this?" Damon asked coldly, gesturing towards his computer screen. Smith looked on coolly and crooked an eyebrow.

"What is what? Sir." He amended casually. Gray scowled and gestured at the 'ACCESS DENIED' window on his screen.

"That." He said. "This is my system, Smith. As such, everything in this computer is mine. I don't like not being able to look at my stuff, Smith. Fix it." Damon had run into wall after wall all day. He already had a major headache.

It had started simply enough. The local power company had accidentally sent the month's compound power bill for the shield to Damon's office instead of accounting. No big deal. But when Damon checked the information, he noticed an unusually large power drain in tower 22. When he asked the tower supervisor about it, he was told that they were testing a new experimental series of lasers. Lasers he had not cosigned an order for. Lasers that had been sent back before he could see them. When he asked to talk to a tester, he was told they had all been fired. Again, without his approval. He checked the employment record. He didn't have a copy on file. Which meant he'd never hired or interviewed any of them. He asked who had. Mr. Smith. Who'd ordered the lasers? Mr. Smith. Who'd shipped them back? Smith.

And now he was researching the infrastructure of tower 22 itself, to check for any irregularities. Damon was willing to bet something wasn't quite right. If the power company hadn't slipped up, he'd have never found out. By the end of the week, the shield towers would have two independent power sources. He knew about the solar panels covering the outer walls of all the towers. As for the other source…well he was sure Smith knew.

Snarling at the irritating console and the irritating man beside the irritating console, Damon tried his administrative password.

'ACCESS DENIED'

"What's so special about tower 22 Smith?" Damon asked quietly. Mr. Smith didn't say a word. "Well? I have full access everywhere else." He quickly sent a request for an update on tower 4. "See? The only-"

'ACCESS DENIED'

"It looks like a major computer glitch." Smith answered smoothly.

"But I just accessed this tower an hour ago!" Damon shouted at the screen. Not only that, he'd tried hacking them, too. Nothing. And he was very, very good.

"We just updated the new security protocols." His 'assistant' said. "The ones that were designed to make sure computer ghosts like Technus could only control one tower at a time. The program might prevent administration from accessing towers remotely. Why not try visiting the tower? I'm sure it would work fine."

"I'll do that." Damon answered coldly. "And I'd like a look at those 'protocols' too. In case you didn't know, I'm a very capable programmer." Scowling at whatever Smith was up to – and he WAS up to something – Gray stomped out of the room and took off for tower 22. Smith watched him go without expression and calmly whipped out a cell phone.

"Mike, this is Smith." He said calmly. "Gray's coming for an inspection. Is the edited schematic ready to be uploaded?"

"Good. And get the real protocol uploaded as fast as you can." The normally still face twisted into a scowl. "I swear if this weren't so low key, that interfering fool would have disappeared by now."

"I know. And make sure the ghost is kept quiet. We don't want him finding the lab. We need it to assemble all the generators, and I'm not about to explain to our superior how we lost those."

"Oh, really? Well I suppose the ghost won't be making any noise then. Yes, and at least we know the things work. Right Mike. Smith out."