Chapter 6: Brave Faces
Danny ran his hand through overlong black hair, scrubbing wearily at his eyes as he walked to the back of the storage unit that had been 'home' for the last 10 days. 10 days… he'd have to move on soon, it was risky to stay more than 2 weeks in any one place. Dusk was falling over the city outside. At this point he'd usually be preparing for a night's patrol, waiting until the shadows were deepest before setting out invisibly to scour the town for danger, any clues about his pursuers. But tonight…
Exhaustion seeped into his bones, casting a grey veil over the world. He was well-acquainted with the feeling; constant tiredness was a natural consequence of nine months of running. Tonight though, it was different. It all felt wrong, off-kilter somehow. The shadows were darker, the bite of the air colder. The world was a vast, unfamiliar place and he was facing it alone.
He wished Cujo was still there. The tiny green guard dog had dug his way out of the Zone within a day of settling into his current hiding place. The pup's hyperactive, happy presence had been a major concern - it was difficult enough to keep hidden on his own - but the sheer fact that someone was waiting for him 'at home' had been an immeasurable comfort. Entertaining his playful companion was a welcome distraction from the dark clouds that had been building since his encounter with Spectra and the junior Leaguers. He regretted having to send the puppy back to the other side, but the risk of discovery was too high and Danny couldn't bear the idea of his small friend being hurt or captured.
Now he was alone again, and the silence was deafening. For three months he had managed it, operating almost on autopilot, staying hidden, chasing down new leads. But life kept building and building, and sooner or later it had to come crashing down. That was why he had sent Danielle away. No matter how he tried, he couldn't keep being strong, couldn't keep putting on the same brave face he had managed before the accident. 'Jazz, Tucker, Sam…' even though they were on the run the five of them had been together, one team, one family. Unstoppable.
Unbreakable.
'Why did they have to be on that train?'
Hopefully Dani was safely in the Far Frozen with Frostbite by now. He couldn't protect his cousin anymore, not on his own. Couldn't keep her safe, couldn't provide for her properly… definitely couldn't stand the thought of making her worry. She deserved better than that. The polar ghosts would take care of her, train her, keep her happy.
The half-ghost settled in the corner of the bunker, draping a blanket loosely around his shoulders. He had an ice-core, but it was January and the floor of the storage locker was cold. He leaned into the wall, drawing up his knees as he tried to shut out the memories that had been whispering to him since the fight.
His Dad's booming victory cry and Mom's gentle laugh echoed in his ears. His sister's fingers reached out to tweak his nose. His shoulder twitched from a playful shove, best friend's eyes flashing wickedly behind his glasses. Sam's hand gently folded around his in a rare show of comfort. His heart ached under the weight of questions unanswered and words left unsaid.
Alone in the darkness, far from everything he held dear, for the first time in many months Danny Fenton allowed himself to cry.
Short chapter, I know. And less time between posts than I thought.
But I'm past the exam and I'm finally happy with the outline of next chapter.
(I try not to post a chapter until I have a good plan for the how the chapter after it will go. Helps with continuity)
Reviews are always welcome! And they motivate me to write more and post more often so...
See you in the next update
-3WD
