Links in the Chain
By Lacey52

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

A note: Feel the love…feel it or else! Lol…I love you guys, the reviews gave me such a boost, I couldn't help making this chapter longer than I normally do!
Oh, and I think Lancer's first name is Edward, but I could be really wrong! Please tell me if I got it wrong, and I'll change it right away!

Thank you all for your continuing support and encouragement. It means so much to me, and knowing that I am producing a story that you all enjoy truly makes my day. Hope you enjoy the chapter and lots of love!

And I don't particularly like the ending, but it needed to end. My poor fingers needed a break, lol! Hope it isn't too bleh for you!

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

Chapter Twenty One: Sensations

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

'Alright,' Danny took a deep, shaky breath as he stood before the door to his fourth period class, which just so happened to contain not only his classmates, but Mr. Lancer as well, 'I can do this. If he tries anything, then I'll just have to…to…crap, I don't want to threaten him or anything…'

"Danny," Sam nudged him over slightly so they both stood in front of the door, "Just open the door already, you look like your having a staring contest with it."

Amusement washed over him, but that was definitely not what he was feeling. A smile edged his way to his mouth, before he realized what he was doing and frowned. Where had that come from? It was almost as if…

Danny turned to stare at the girl beside him, who was patiently waiting for him to stop being so weird and open the door, with a definite smirk on her face, 'It's like it's coming from Sam! It's like what happens in her room when I feel her being relaxed and happy and content, only I'm not reaching for it! Oh, God please no…it can't be growing again!'

"Well," Sam snapped her fingers in front of his face, her own slightly red, "as flattered as I am with you staring at me and all, I'd really like to get to class. We're already two minutes late you know."

'Crap!' Danny yelped mentally as he grabbed for the doorknob, 'Just what I need, a tardy! If he wasn't going to kill me before he'll kill me for sure now…'

"Ah, there you are," Mr. Lancer turned as the door swung open and Sam calmly walked in to sit at her desk. Danny was a different story, however, as he stood numbly at the door trying to drag up his courage which was currently trying to find a nice black hole to take a vacation in, "Well, come in, Mr. Fenton, we were just discussing dramatic entrances and how they help to move a play along. You did a splendid job demonstrating."

"Uh…" Danny was lost for words and felt as though he were walking on pins and needles as he moved quickly to his desk. The first half of the class period was spent in nervous contemplation of what was to come as students chattered about someone setting off the fire alarm last Friday as a prank.

A paper ball, however, soon had Danny breaking from his self-induced trance of worry. Sam's scrawling writing covered the page, pointing out he was drooling as well as stating that he needed to pay attention if he wanted to stay on Lancer's good side. She made a good point, and was feeling awfully smug right now…

'Gah,' Danny shook his head to clear it, 'Why am I starting to feel Sam's emotions without reaching for them…I shouldn't be able to yet. And can a person really feel smug enough to broadcast it?'

"Daniel," ice cold water pouring down his back couldn't have woken Danny from his musing any quicker, "Are you quite alright, you seem as if you don't feel good."

"I'm fine, Mr. Lancer," Danny averted his eyes nervously, "I just stayed up too late writing my report for history. Just a little tired."

"Ah," he turned back to the chalk board to write more about the story they were currently reading, "Just make sure you're a little more fresh for tomorrow, then. Now, if we look at the use of…"

'He didn't say anything,' the thought struck Danny hard, 'He didn't give me a tardy either…he usually is all over me about the littlest thing. Why not today?'

Another paper ball graced the back of his head with it's presence, 'Danny, I know you're worried about Lancer knowing who you are, but what if it's not a bad thing? What if you just think it's a bad thing? Maybe he's cool with you now that he knows…I mean you've only protected the town for the past two years…people have noticed. Think about it. Sam.'

'How did she know? Great now I have something else to think about after I figure this out,' Danny fussed even as he unknowingly took her advice, 'It's possible that Lancer isn't a ghost hating, 'kill them all', 'die halfa' sort of fellow…maybe this is his way of being okay with me?'

Class flew by after he began musing in a more positive light, ignoring the fact that Sam was still broadcasting her smug feeling loud and clear to him. The stronger the emotion, the easier it was for him to read, and she had to be damn smug for him to be able to feel it that clearly.

At the same time, it distracted him from worrying so much, 'I bet she's doing this on purpose, which makes her feel even more smug because it's working…it's a vicious cycle to keep me distracted…damn it's still working!'

The bell finally rang, and Danny had never felt so free. Gathering his things and turning to smile at Sam for having escaped the class unscathed, Danny felt like flying…if that wouldn't have been a very strange thing for a teenaged, human boy to do in the middle of school.

Danny waited as the classroom cleared before standing and nervously making his way to the desk at the front of the room, behind which Lancer was thumbing through a news magazine. Sam sent him a quick smile before heading out to the cafeteria where Tucker was more than likely already waiting.

"Mr. Fenton," Mr. Lancer looked up from his magazine, "How may I help you?"

"I just wanted," Danny took a deep breath before he could continue, "I just wanted to say thank you."

"Gratitude accepted," Lancer kept a cool face, "but I have a few questions to ask you. Care to sit?"

"Sure," Danny pulled up a chair beside the desk, "I don't know if I can answer everything you might ask me, but I'll try my best."

"Fair enough," Mr. Lancer gave a small smile, "Tucker mentioned your powers yesterday. What are they exactly?"

"You aren't recording this or anything right?" Danny questioned and Mr. Lancer decided to take a different approach.

"Let's walk the halls and talk," he stood and the young man stood as well, "they should be clear by now and that way you feel more secure. I'd like to know all about what you've been doing since Freshman year. I take it that's when you got your powers as mid-semester was the first time you dropped trough."

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

The lunch period had ended and fifth was well into its allotted time period before Danny had finished part of his explanation to Mr. Lancer. Many things had been explained and apologized for, as well as cringed about. Danny had nearly forgotten about getting Tucker out of trouble last year, and he was certain he was up for a detention now.

"So all this time you've been fighting to protect our town and it's people?" Mr. Lancer scratched his chin, "I always thought that 'Inviso-Bil' was a rather interesting character."

"Uh, yes sir," Danny shuffled along with the vice-principal, ignoring the many stares they received through the small windows on the doors as they walked through the corridors for the eighth time.

A chill and a sudden wisp of blue caught not only Danny's attention, but Lancer's as well, "What was that?"

"That's how I know when a ghost is around," Danny sighed tiredly, "I'm really sorry, but I have to go. It's not that I want to ditch school or get out of explaining things to you…"

"Go then," Mr. Lancer cracked a rare smile, "but if you wreck one more inch of my school, you'll know what a certain character in A Tale of Two Cities felt like…"

And to Mr. Lancer's amazement, Danny was gone.

"Thanks Mr. Lancer," the disembodied voice floated to him, "I'll find a way to repay you. For everything!"

"Ah, young Mr. Fenton," Lancer turned to head back to his office, finding the urge to set some things straight compelling him towards his computer, "You already have. You just need to gain a little more self-confidence and realize it…"

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

'Where is he?' Sam scanned the hallways as she headed towards her last period class, 'He didn't show up for lunch and that was bad enough, now it's the last period of the day and he still isn't back from his talk with Lancer…Oh, my God! What if I was wrong and Lancer turns him in or something?'

Just as Sam's panic attack was about to set in, a hand landed on her shoulder, turning her to face a speaker, "Ms. Manson, a word, if you please? I have something for you to give to Mr. Fenton when he returns from his, ah…job."

'His job?' Sam's eyebrows shot up as she followed her teacher and vice-principal into his office, 'He's calling Danny's ghost fighting his job…okay, way to almost freak out Sam. Of course Lancer wouldn't turn him in, he's not that cold hearted…I hope.'

"I've written this for the three of you, that's Daniel, Tucker, and yourself, to have a look over," he then handed Sam a pristine white envelope, sealed with both the adhesive and a piece of tape across the opening line, "I wanted to express, mainly to Mr. Fenton in a way he could understand, what my feelings regarding last Friday are. There are several other things covered as well, but I would appreciate if you waited until after school to read. The same goes for Mr. Foley."

"Uh, sure Mr. Lancer," Sam turned her gaze back from him to the envelope, "You said Danny was out, um, at his job, right?"

"Yes," he smiled in a self satisfied sort of way, "I now understand the excessive amounts of absences and tardiness, as well as the truancy the three of you often commit. This, however, does not change the fact that I still must punish you when it occurs."

"Right," Sam sighed, 'Sure…let us go off ghost fighting, but stick us when we get back…'

"However," her vice-principal's voice cut into her inner-rambling session, "I do believe that the punishments administered will be of a slightly lessened, shall we say, harshness. To keep up the appearances the three of you have been crafting over the last two years or so, I believe that keeping you after school for a short while will be beneficial whenever you are expected to be punished for something, though you will not be forced to sit in detention or clean chalk boards or whatnot."

"I…well," Sam's face lit up with a smile, "Thank you,Mr. Lancer. You have no idea how much this means to me, and to Danny, he'll…I mean…I'm sure he'll be ecstatic. He hates staying after school…and he really hates it when he has to stay after school for something he didn't deserve…"

"On that note," Mr. Lancer frowned slightly, "I hope that you realize the amount of trust that I am placing in the three of you. This is not to be taken lightly or used freely as an excuse to skip school or cut classes. I am putting a great deal of trust and faith in you all. Please consider this carefully, as it is most vital. If I ever find out you, friends included, use this as a reason to miss a class or classes, you will be in detention for the rest of your high school career. Understood?"

Sam's head moved slowly in the correct up and down motion, as the envelope weighed heavily in her hands, "I understand perfectly, Mr. Lancer. Thank you again, but I'm going to be late for class."

As she moved to leave, a note was held out to her, complete with time, date, reason, and signature, "I believe that you will have no problems with whatever teacher you are heading to. Thank you for your time, Ms. Manson, and I trust that my letter, and my faith, is in good hands."

"Thank you!" Sam snatched the note and hurriedly made her way out of the room and down the hall, 'Wait'll Danny hears about this…I was right all along…'

If Danny had thought Sam smug before, he'd surely be knocked over from the haughty feeling emanating from her now…

.o.O.o.o.O.o.

"Alright," Danny huffed to himself as he sat in the park, finally finished dealing with Klemper who had wanted to play hide and seek, "What is that girl doing to feel that damn smug?"

For the past hour and a half, Sam's feeling of being so self-righteous had been washing over him, a cool, clear, confident feeling that helped him fight, but was currently driving him nuts, 'She should be home by now shouldn't she? School should be out and she would have already stopped by Nasty Burger with Tucker and they'd both be home actually…why do I always end up leaving Tucker out of it? Alright, stupid question, but still…'

Danny was actually right. Sam was in her room right then, easing off her backpack and pulling the crisp, white envelope from her pocket, 'He said it was for all of us. I guess I just get to be the lucky one who reads it first. I hope the boys don't mind…'

Sam slipped her finger under the upper left corner of the lip and began to tear along the folded seam, enjoying the way she could rip though it like paper, 'Oh har, har, that's so 'pun'-y,' she laughed to herself, 'I'm as bad as Danny at the lame jokes now…that's just great.'

As Danny sat on the bench, regaining his breath and trying to figure out what he had missed in school, Sam began to read the letter.

'To Misters Foley and Fenton, and Miss Manson, in regards to the activities the three of you have been undertaking the past two years.

It has currently come to my attention, due to the unfortunate incident of last Friday, and from a very informative talk with Daniel, that you have all faced extraordinary problems, odds, and trials at a very unbalanced and trying time in your young lives.'

"You could say that again," Sam spoke under her breath and laughed at how true this was as she continued to read. In the park, Danny noticed a slight bubble of amusement forming in his chest.

'I know that in several situations, imminent danger, much like what we four found ourselves in three days ago, has become routine and seems mundane to you. I am also aware that precious few actually know who, and what in some cases, you are. These few are fortunate to realize, and be able to recognize, the true heroes of our town. You may think you go unnoticed, but for those who truly know what occurs, you are seen as this town's safety, protectors, and saviors.'

'Heroes? Saviors? I'm not a hero,' Sam shook her head, 'That's Danny's job, not mine or Tucker's. We just help out and tag along for the ride…we're sidekicks kinda'.'

Danny's bubble of amusement settled and was replaced by a slightly confused feeling emotion. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but realized that Sam was obviously doing something to trigger the rapid-fire change in her emotions.

'First, to one; Tucker Foley. I wish to tell you I am greatly impressed by your technological knowledge and capabilities. You have great potential in today's technology driven world and I urge you to pursue this talent.
I caution you, however, and must lecture you on using this skill responsibly. You more than likely have the talent to wreck great havoc, since most of the world runs on machines and such contraptions. I trust that you will not use your skills to undermine this school in anyway, nor any member of the student body or faculty.
I also trust that you will use your talent in a constructive, and generally innocuous way. This is my way of nicely stating, 'Do not cheat or change your grades, or those of a friend.' I trust you knew this, though.
I wish for you to know that your actions, as a part of the team Daniel described to me, are greatly appreciated. Many times did he mention you saving him or helping him defeat a foe, as well as you just being there when he needed personal help or a friend to lean on. I would also like to thank you for your part in keeping this town and its citizens safe.'

'Wow,' Sam thought to herself, for the first time thinking on everything Tucker had done over the years for not just Danny, but for herself as well, 'Talk about your unsung heroes…or rather, unsung techno-geek heroes…'

Danny was starting to get uncomfortable as Sam's confused feeling shifted into a slightly amazed and amused one, 'What the heck is going on? Should I head over and find out, or just head home like I had planned? They're both the same distance from here…'

'Next to Samantha Manson. You too are a hero, however unusual and individualistic you may be. I know you might not agree with such a stereotype, but I must say you fall under the category of 'heroine' quite nicely.

Danny spoke extremely highly of you, and I am convinced that much of what has occurred would not have turned out so well if it hadn't of been for your influence. This is part of the reason why I have decided to have you deliver this letter and speak with you about my sentiments.

You are a unique and caring individual who seems the much needed level-headed thinker of your group. I admire your ability to say coolly collected and detached in a daunting situation, as I am sure you have had your share of, and believe that you have had much to do with the maturity of the young man I have just spoken with. Though Danny seems very much the normal teenage boy at times, he demonstrates a great sensibleness in many matters better left to full grown, or even battle hardened, men.

I thank you for your dedication, not only to keeping Amity Park and the people here safe, but to the two boys who are undoubtedly under your constant care, whether they realize it or not. Danny relies on you a great deal, and I am certain that he would not be nearly so sane to this day if it weren't for you.'

For the first time in a long while, Sam felt like crying, in a good way. The letter was held loosely in her fingers, slipping slightly as she took a moment to just breath and let her own volatile emotions run their course, 'Someone noticed,' she thought, 'I never thought I'd want someone to notice, but I do. I want people to know what we do for them, to know what Danny goes through all the time. It's just nice to feel appreciated…and they're right again, I so don't sound as dark and gloomy as I should.'

A wry grin crossed her face just as Danny decided to stand up, 'That's it. I am going to find out what she's doing. First something's funny, then confusion, then she really likes something, then it's back to being confused, but really happy and content…and feeling wanted? I can't just feel normal emotions, she has to be feeling them to an extreme or she's making me feel them…wait a minute, her emotions used to be this strong and change this fast when she was hanging out with me…who is she with?'

Back in her room Sam noticed a knot of jealousy tightening in her stomach, 'What's up with Danny, did he see Paulina out with some other guy? I mean to be this jealous he'd have…to…oh. I bet he's feeling what I'm feeling and wants to know what's going on."

Sam couldn't help it. She started laughing, far harder than she normally did. Danny was jealous…of a letter. It was too good, and could definitely be taken as a good sign for her, 'I know that he can only feel my emotions when I'm sending them to him, or feeling them really strongly, I guess I just let them slip out…'

Sam's laughter continued as she glanced down at the paper in her grasp. So many emotions inspired by one little letter. It was just so weird how life turned out sometimes, 'I think I'm going to put this letter in my book…'

Tap, tap, came the call from her window, along with the phrase, "Hey, it's me, Danny!"

'Oh yeah,' Sam rolled her eyes as she headed to her window, 'Like it could be anyone else this high off the ground…'

"Who else would it be?" Sam asked as she leaned against the wall and watched the halfa phase in right beside her to mimic her action.

"The boogey man?" he shot her a smile, "I dunno' I was just trying to be nice and let you know I was there. I just wanted to stop by and see how you were. I know I left school early, and I didn't want you, or Tucker, to worry."

'Ah, 'just wanted to see how I was'? I know you felt me, Daniel Fenton,' Sam eyed the boy beside her, 'The question is, why are we avoiding it, Danny? Why haven't you mentioned it to me yet, are you afraid still?'

"So…" Danny took a quick look around her room, "What have you been up to since school got out?"

"Just reading something Lancer gave to me. It's for all three of us; you, me, and Tucker. It was really interesting…"

"Can I read it?" Danny turned his head back to her, "I mean…it is to all of us right, nothing too embarrassing or anything is there?"

"No Danny," Sam rolled her eyes, walking back to her desk where she had previously laid the letter, "I haven't finished it yet though, I didn't get the chance to read the part about you and the little bit after that."

Sam handed over the letter, watching as Danny's face lit up in amazement, amusement, and admiration, obviously reliving whatever he had told Lancer about his two best friends. A soft, shy smile flittered over his face as he glanced up at Sam upon reaching the part addressed to her, "He's right you know. I wouldn't be sane if you weren't around."

Moment over, Danny moved closer to Sam's side, offering the letter by holding it between the two of them, "I, uh, don't mind if you read the rest of it with me. I know you wanted to anyways, and you'd probably find a way to do it," and then he chuckled softly as she playfully elbowed him in the side.

'Last, but most assuredly not least amongst those I have been addressing, to Mr. Daniel James Fenton, also referred to and known as Danny P., which I have abbreviated for fear of someone reading this letter, though I doubt it would do much good if someone was determined enough to discover the truth.'

The two chuckled at Lancer's observation, both thinking along the lines of how wrong he was. Even if someone was determined the still couldn't manage to figure it out sometimes…

'Our talk and walk in the hall was quite informative, young man. I have a great deal to say to you, but I fear I do not have the lung capacity to say it out loud, nor the amount of paper and ink required to write this all down. Therefore, I shall be condensing it into many small, main points that I feel imperative that we address.

First, let me extend my offer of a slight armistice, where detention and other disciplinary actions are concerned. I have already discussed this with Ms. Manson in greater detail and leave it to her to fill you in, but I feel it necessary to reiterate my main point; Do not abuse the privilege I am giving you. I would be most disappointed to find out I am being taken advantage of by a person I consider a hero. Do not disappoint me, you would not enjoy the rest of high school if you do.

Secondly, thank you for all you have done for this town and the citizens. I know, as you mentioned on Friday last, that you have saved even myself many times, no matter the differences that we have had in the past.

I appreciate your continuing efforts, and realize that this was a choice for you. You did not have to use your abilities to protect these people, but you chose to do so. Thank you, sincerely, for everything you have done.

Also, I would like to point out the continuing dedication you have to your friends and that they have to you. It is amazing to see the depth of the relationship the three of you share, especially between you and Ms. Manson at times. I admire what you have, and would even go so far to say that I am envious of your bond with one another. The three of you make quite the team, in school and out. I hope that you realize this and let nothing take you from each other. Friendships last for life and are the things that get us through hard times, though I'm sure that you, Manson, and Foley have already discovered this.

I would like to extend another offer of my help, whenever I can, in whatever way I can. If you need assistance in your 'job' then I will help, though I doubt at my age I can do much. Medical help, however I can give, with a promise of no hospitals. If you ever need a place to stay, my home is open, not that walls or locks could stop you anyway. Just know that I will try to make your life slightly easier, in whatever way I can.

Know that I do not blame you for anything that has happened, especially after your explanation. I understand that what you do is dangerous and results in property damage and the like. However, I prefer property damage to death or enslavement. Know that I trust you and appreciate what you do and have done, Daniel. I do not think you get enough recognition for it all.'

Emotions chased through Danny at top speed, Sam not only feeling her own and having her own thoughts, but feeling the echoes of Danny's emotional roller coaster ride, 'If that's what he felt from me, no wonder he got upset. It feels like he's having a very interesting conversation with someone…'

Sam's quite chuckle and the shaking of her head snapped Danny's attention from the letter, 'I can barely tell what she's feeling versus what I'm feeling. This is…this is just amazing…'

"I don't know what to say…" Danny shook his head as he looked wide eyed from Sam to the letter and back again, "He's right about you guys, but…I mean, I'm not a hero. I just do what I have to and I didn't have a choice. If I didn't fight to protect you guys, that would just be wrong…"

"Danny," Sam smiled half-heartedly, "Stop being so insecure. You're usually so confident when you're being Phantom, start feeling better about yourself already. Lancer is being serious, and so am I. You are a hero, and you know it. You do so much for this town, and the people who know, really do appreciate it. I know I do."

Turning back to letter, Danny could only shake his head, feelings of gratitude and affection and half a million other things sweeping through him all over again.

'To the three of you, know that I support what you have been doing, though I do not condone all that goes into it. Violence is not always the answer, but I suppose that there is not always a way around it.

If you ever find yourselves in a situation that you aren't sure how to handle, feel free to seek me out. I will advise you in anyway I can.

I express my deepest gratitude to the three of you for everything that you have done. I am proud of you, honestly, for dealing with such extreme circumstances at so young an age. If people knew who you are and what you do, I am sure they would feel the same.

Thank you again for all you do, and know that you have at least one person who is there for you.

Sincerely,

Edward Lancer'

Danny leaned back even more against the wall and slid down to sit, Sam doing the same beside him. Nothing was said, but no words were really needed. Sam's head found its way to the halfa's shoulder, his own resting on top of hers. They sat in contented silence, thinking about how, for once, things were turning out their way.

No worries and no cares the two spent the rest of the afternoon in the other's company, laughing about old times and playing games, before remembering Tucker's part in the letter. He, needless to say, was overjoyed, and immediately puffed up about his 'mad computer skills'.

Danny and Sam were sure they'd never hear the end of it, and started to plan ways of deflating the boy's rapidly inflating head…

'Thanks for all you've done, he says,' Danny sighed as he watched his two best friends interact, 'It's more like, thanks to Tucker and Sam,' the halfa smiled then, 'I'm still alive and happy and sane because of those two.'

Getting hit upside his head with a couch pillow Danny decided he'd done enough thinking for the night and joined in the play. It couldn't have been a better ending to an extremely stressful day.