7. Identity

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Morning came, lifting Danielle from sleep.

The sunlight beamed brightly into her room, comforting her with the warmth of its rays.

The girl lay in bed and took a few moments to really appreciate her sojourn at chez Lancer.

The mattress was soft and luxurious beneath her, which made for an amazing, nightmare-less sleep.

She nuzzled her face into the fluffy pillow.

A home, a bed, a shower, and...

She paused and lifted her head as a mouthwatering scent poured into her room.

"Breakfast," she realized with a smile.

That was enough to tear the girl out of bed.

She went to the bathroom and grabbed her toothbrush, quickly cleaning her mouth before stepping back to look at her reflection.

Her eyes widened when they landed on the mirror.

"Damn." She hissed. Her eyes were blue.

Clear, crystalline blue.

She groaned and ran a hand through her still-silvery-colored hair, exasperated. "What did Vlad do to me?"

She swallowed and peered at the door.

The girl ransacked the bathroom, scouring for anything to hide her crystalline eyes and found to her utter disappointment that there was no way to conceal them.

Danielle was suddenly hesitant to leave the room.

She had no idea how to change her eye color. She tried to conjure up her transformation rings.

Horror washed over her when she found no power to reach for.

Surely, the minor change in appearance would not go unnoticed.

How would she explain eyes that went from glowing green to a mundane blue?

Frustrated, she walked out the door.

Lancer was cooking in the kitchen.

He had tossed on a t-shirt and jeans and seemed intently absorbed in the meal he had prepared.

Danielle's stomach clenched in hunger when she caught sight of the dishes laid out on the table. The smell of the food drew her closer.

The happy yellow color of the scrambled eggs caught her eyes first. Then the seemingly endless supply of pancakes sitting on a plate settled between a jar of syrup and a can of whipped cream.

A large bowl of oatmeal sat beside a large container of orange juice.

Two empty plates and glass cups sat in front of empty chairs.

Lancer glanced up, catching sight of his guest.

"Good morning, Danielle." He smiled. "I made a lot of food, so I hope you're-"

He cut himself off the moment he met her eyes.

Danielle swallowed and remained quiet, struggling to think up an excuse.

To her immense relief, she didn't have to.

"Are you gonna freeze anything?" Lancer queried, cynically.

"What?"

"Your eyes." He pointed out. "They're blue. Yesterday, when you froze my yard, your eyes turned blue."

"No." Danielle assured him. "I can always feel the cold before I actually freeze anything. It's the same for all my powers. Anytime I'm about to go berserk, I always have a minimum five-minute warning. So, you're house is safe, for now." She waved a hand.

"Okay," Lancer nodded. "Well, the bacon is ready."

He lifted the pan of bacon and poured it into a plate. "Help yourself."

Danielle didn't need to be told twice.

The girl took the time to really appreciate her meal, and she had never tasted anything so amazing.

The pancakes were the highlight of the meal.

"Oh, my god," Danielle breathed. "Chocolate chip pancakes!" She chewed slowly, savoring the sweet taste in her mouth. "This is amazing."

Lancer blushed. "Thank you."

"You learn to make these yourself?"

"Yeah." Lancer smiled, modestly. "I haven't made them since-"

He cut himself off.

Danielle caught a trace of emotion in his teal eyes, but they were gone before she could read into them.

When he recovered, he was ready with a change of topic. "I was thinking we should go out today."

Danielle blinked, wondering about his incomplete sentence.

She remained quiet for a moment. Her theory of Lancer having lost a family returned, but she quickly pushed her curiosity away.

She had secrets, as did he.

Whatever he had gone through, it was none of her business.

"Where are we going?"

"The mall."

"The mall?" Danielle grimaced.

"Of course. I saw your little backpack. It doesn't seem like it could hold much, and it's wearing out. You obviously have no clothes either, seeing as how you're still wearing the same clothes as yesterday."

Dani glanced down at her t-shirt and jeans, then grimaced hesitantly.

"Don't you think taking me to a place crowded with people would be too dangerous?"

"Well," Lancer countered, "like you said, you always have a forewarning whenever things are about to go bad, so we can avoid any perilous situations. The mall has lots of exits." He paused. "We can get other things you may need or want. I know a woman at the mall who can help you with anything you need. I don't know how long it'll take for you to find your cousin, but we may as well get some traveling essentials."

Danielle blinked at him.

A smile slowly spread across her face.

A smile that made Lancer feel regret at having proposed a trip to the mall.

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The mall was incredibly big and bustling with people scurrying to and fro.

Each person varied in shape, size, color, and age.

Because of her tendency to avoid crowds, Danielle had never been in an edifice with so many people converged in one area and so much diversity all packed under one roof.

The buzzing mass intimidated her. Surely at least one person in the overcrowded mall would notice a ghost walking in their midst.

"This isn't going to work," Danielle hissed at Lancer.

"Of course it is," Lancer replied, assuredly. "There's a reason I chose this mall. It's deep in the city, and you can find all sorts of people here. No one will bat an eyelash at you."

"Oh, no?" Danielle pulled the hood around her face. "You think no one will take a second look at a silver-haired girl who glows a little bit?"

"First of all, you're covered from head to toe," Lancer pointed out. "Besides, your glow is so faint today, you could easily pass for human. As for the silver hair, anyone could easily mistaken you for goth with all the black you're wearing."

"Can we just get a move on, please?" Danielle bit her lip. "Where's this lady we're supposed to be meeting?"

Lancer strode across the bustling cafeteria. Danielle followed him as he guided her past the crowd. She carefully avoided human contact.

After some wandering, the pair eventually made their way into a large store that was filled with trendy clothing styles.

They cut their way past a group that consisted primarily of females and walked to the far back of the store where beaming young women stood behind cash registers, handling purchases and exchanging pleasantries with the customers.

Lancer politely called one of the employees handling clothes and asked for an Addison.

The girl nodded then departed, quickly returning with an older, attractive woman.

The woman—likely in her middle or late twenties—had light brown hair that tumbled down to her back and sparkling gray eyes that radiated exuberance.

Danielle took in the woman's loveliness from head to toe.

The woman had a heart-shaped face and painted red lips that parted into a genuine smile the moment her gaze landed on Lancer.

Peculiarly, the woman's face faintly tugged at Danielle's memory, though Danielle was certain she'd never forget a face as pretty as hers.

Addison, as Lancer had called her, wore stunning stilettoes the same vibrant color as her blue blazer. Beneath the blazer was a ruffled, cream-colored dress that wrapped around her thin frame, revealing just a peek at her slim legs. A beautiful gold chain dangled from her neck. The necklace's golden angel wing rested between her bosom and midriff; the diamond encrusted in it glittered each time it caught the light.

A Bluetooth-like earpiece was tucked into one of the woman's ears; its black cord swayed by one of her golden hoop earrings and disappeared behind her blazer.

The name Addison was engraved beneath the words Store Manager on the gold nametag pinned over her heart.

"Jonathon!" She laughed and ran to Lancer, pulling him into a tight embrace. "It's been such a long time!"

Lancer laughed. "It has been, Addie."

The woman stepped back and jokingly slapped at Lancer's arm. "Tell me, how has life been treating you?"

"I'm managing," Lancer nodded. "I finished paying off the house and am still teaching English at Casper High."

"Oh," Addison snapped with mock irritation. "I don't know why you're still teaching at that silly old high school anyways. There's nothing keeping you in Amity anymore. With those PhDs and Masters, you could be working at the best universities in the country. I bet you're still living all alone in that big old house, too." The young woman tsked and shook her head vigorously. "It's high time you got up and moved on to better things. You know it's what Madison would've wanted."

Lancer rolled his eyes. His vexation leaked into his words, despite his struggle to withhold his emotions. "Who are you to judge? You're twenty eight and still working at a department store."

The words should've angered the young woman, but—much to Danielle's surprise—she laughed it off. "Actually, I'm being promoted. My boss told me that as soon as I get my degree, she's promoting me. She sees potential and firmly believes that I can make it to CFO. As soon as I get my Masters, I'm going corporate. In a few weeks, I will be leaving this job and going on to earning the big bucks." The woman laughed and waved her hand dismissively. "But that's enough about me. I'm sure after all this time you didn't call me just to find out how well I've been doing."

"You are correct," Lancer admitted, eager to change the subject. "I'm sorry. I failed to introduce you to Danielle. Danielle, this is my sister-in-law, Addison."

"Sister-in-law?" Danielle queried.

The reason for the woman's familiarity struck Dani dumb. Addison bore an undeniable resemblance to the woman from Lancer's college pictures—Madison, Lancer's wife.

"Addison, this is Danielle."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance," the woman reached out and grasped Danielle's hands before she could realize what was happening. Addison's eyes widened. "Goodness gracious, girl. You're as cold as ice."

Danielle smiled sheepishly and retracted her hand.

"Addie, Danielle here is...well, she's a kid I'm helping out. She's staying at my place for a while until she's reunited with her relatives."

Addison folded her arms across her chest. "And you brought her to me because...?"

"You're the only trustworthy person I know who can help this girl get whatever she needs in terms of necessities and, quite possibly, advice." He swallowed, melancholy filling his gaze. "You know how bad I am dealing with rebellious teenage girls."

Empathy welled from Addison's gray eyes, which quickly became analytical when her gaze landed on Danielle.

She sighed and spoke after several moments of pensive silence. "Give me a moment to get my things and call the assistant manager to cover the rest of my shift."

She turned on her heels and strutted away, disappearing behind a door that read 'Employees Only.'

After several moments of waiting, Addison rejoined the pair, this time without her headset and nametag.

"Let's walk." She ordered, walking right past them, clearly expecting them to comply. Danielle had half a mind to defy, but she followed Lancer who followed his sister-in-law out the double doors.

"Jeez. She seems demanding," Danielle muttered to Lancer.

"Only because it's what she's used to," Lancer replied. "Her heart's in the right place, though. I promise. If there's anyone we can trust, it's her. She's the second most loyal person I know."

"Who's the first?" Danielle queried.

Lancer sighed. "My wife."

Danielle immediately dropped the subject.

Once they exited the store, Addison turned to look at them. Her gray eyes bore into Danielle's. "Alright, cutie. I need to know exactly what you need and why you need it."

Dani tucked her hands into her pockets, a faint blush tracing over her cheeks. "I-I need clothes."

"Alright," Addison tilted her head to the side. "What kind of clothes will you be needing? How much? You said you were meeting a relative. How long will it take before you meet up with them? Where do they live and how far away?"

Danielle furrowed her brows.

The woman was already asking one too many questions, putting Danielle on edge. She struck a defensive tone into her reply. "Why do you care?"

Addie gave her another analytical once over. She sighed, her eyes softening. "Look, Dani. That's your name, right? Sweetheart, I'm just trying to help, okay? The reason I'm asking is because I would like to know approximately how much clothes we need to get you and what kind. If your relative lives in a place that's hot all the time, we may need to get you out of that sweater and into something lighter and more comfortable. Something easier to travel in. I don't know where you come from or where you're going, and I don't mind not knowing but, if you expect me to help, I need to know specifically what you need help with."

Danielle nodded slowly. "Okay." She cast a glance at a silent Lancer, suddenly hesitant.

Mercifully, Addison noticed her tentativeness and took charge of the situation.

"Give me your card." She held her palm out towards Lancer.

"What?" Lancer blinked.

Addison sighed and impatiently flicked her fingers. "Give me your card. I need your credit card."

"What? Why?" Lancer was dumbfounded.

"Oh, please, Jonathon." Addison rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you remember what it was like having shopping sprees with us girls. Just give us the money, we'll get what we need, and we'll meet you back here at the cafeteria."

Lancer sighed but fished his wallet out of his back pocket.

"Fine. But don't try not to go too overboard, okay?"

Addison laughed jovially. "Excuse me, when I have I ever gone overboard?" Lancer's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to say something but Addison interrupted.

Her expression became reminiscent. "Just like the good old days, huh, John?"

Lancer smiled, his expression mirroring hers. "Like the good old days." He nodded then became solemn again.

"Look, Addie. Danielle is going through some things right now, and I'm going to need to make sure she can contact me in case of an emergency. If she asks for your phone, you give it to her. No questions asked."

His attention shifted to Danielle. "Dani, if there's any problem at all, if you even suspect..." he paused, "if you feel like there'll be trouble or you get one of those forewarnings, call me immediately. Even if it is just a false alarm."

Danielle nodded.

The man paused, then turned and walked away.

Within moments, she was alone with Addison.

"Well," the woman chirped, "let's get shopping!"

Danielle was quickly ushered into the changing room of a teen-centric store.

"Alright, let's see what we're working with here." Addison sat on the changing room's sitting bench. "Mind taking off your hoodie?"

Danielle hesitated but complied.

Addison's breath audibly caught in her throat.

"You-you look like-"

"A ghost?" Danielle offered.

"Wh-what?" Addison laughed. "No, silly! You look like an actress from some fantasy movie or something. Doll, you're gorgeous!"

Danielle blushed. Addison continued. "Shopping for youis going to be spectacular!"

Addison rose to her feet. "Your hair is absolutely breathtaking."

She held up a bundle of Danielle's incredibly long locks. "Who dyed it?"

"It's natural," Dani blurted without thinking.

"Natural?" Addison chuckled. "The only person with hair that's naturally silver is Danny Phantom."

Danielle cast an incredulous look at Addison.

The girl furrowed her brows. "Now that I mention it, you do look a little like him. If you had his eyes, outfit, and glowing skin, you could pass for his..." Addie paused. "Relative."

"Th-that's impossible," Danielle offered, though her voice betrayed anxiety. "Do-do I really look that much like him?"

Addison blinked and thoroughly inspected Danielle. "This person you're looking for wouldn't happen to be him, would it?"

Danielle felt fear wash through her. "I-"

Addison laughed. "Calm down, buttercup. I've got a keen eye. At a glance, no one would suspect you of being related to our town's infamous hero. You look too human."

"Your hair, however, is too flashy. That'll draw attention to you, and it doesn't seem like you want to stand out." She paused. "We could dye your hair-"

"No," Dani cut in.

"...Or you could wear a hat." Addison chuckled. "Scratch that. Not a hat. Maybe just a cute beanie for now. And a bra. Sweetums, that tee shirt isn't doing much good hiding your boobs. What size bra are you?"

"I-" Danielle paused, her face burning. "I don't know."

"You don't know?" The woman paused. "Have you had your period yet?"

"My what?"

"Are you..." Addison seemed reluctant to ask. "Are you human?"

"You think I'm not?" Danielle queried.

"To be honest, I'm starting not to think so, what with your white hair and ice cold skin. I'm also starting to think that gorgeous glow you have has nothing to do with great skin."

Damn, Danielle thought. Addison was certainly perceptive.

"I'm human enough," Danielle admitted, choosing her words carefully. "But I don't interact with people much because of...my condition. I also...don't really know much about...puberty."

"Girl, you are a mystery wrapped up in an enigma." Addison smiled. "Don't you worry. I won't pry anymore than I need to. As your temporary mentor in all things female, I will respect your right to secrecy. We can talk as we shop. We'll start with beanies and undergarments, and we'll have what I like to call the 'Growing Girls' talk. Then we can find you some thing to wear. If you're looking for our Amity's guardian-slash-ghost hunter-"

"I never said I-"

"-it means you'll be staying within the city limits, which narrows down our clothing options. We can get you some cute skirts, a nice dress-"

"Nothing frilly," Dani cut in, overwhelmed by the woman's prattle. "I'm not into all that girly crap."

Addison sighed and continued. "Fine. Nothing overly girl-ish, I promise. However, that doesn't mean you have to go around dressed like a guy. Everyone—female or not—has their own personal style, and we can figure out yours. I'm sure we can find you some cute, inconspicuous, comfortable clothing. Just enough for a few weeks."

Addison paused for the briefest moment, once again analytical. "You seem to settle for simplicity, but you've also got a tomboy-ish attitude about you." Addison tapped her chin. "I'm thinking a laidback, skater style is a good start. Something cute, but not exaggeratedly feminine."

Addie laughed and clapped her hands. "I can already tell you're gonna make this shopping experience difficult. Oh, how I love a challenge!" She clapped her hands.

Danielle flinched at the woman's glee.

"Let's get started!"

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Much to Danielle's delight, she only had two power freak-outs throughout their shopping spree: levitation and cyrokinesis.

The first one had begun as a light, airy, feeling. Like Earth's gravity had suddenly weakened its hold on her.

Then she felt almost like she was floating. Like her feet were just barely touching the ground.

She'd run into the changing rooms the moment she realized what was going on and hid inside.

She'd floated all the way to the ceiling and, for several terrible moments, she thought she'd be stuck up there with no way of contacting Lancer.

Eventually, though, gravity slowly returned, weighing her back down.

She reunited with a puzzled Addison who quickly shrugged off Danielle's abrupt disappearance.

During her second power attack, Danielle felt a cold at her core, and she ran out the nearest exit.

She ran as far as the surprisingly empty parking lot before the ice escaped and froze the ground.

The rest of the spree continued without incident.

Danielle enjoyed Addison's presence. The woman seemed to sift through the clothes as if she were seeking out pieces to a puzzle. She'd grab something, ponder it, and then, if the article of clothing received her own approval, she would ask for Danielle's opinion.

The two girls finished with five bags worth of clothing, two bags worth of shoes, and another bag filled with beanies, as Danielle had requested.

In addition to the clothing garments, Danielle had another, larger, beige bag resting against her back; her thumbs were tucked beneath the brown straps that wrapped around her arms.

Danielle thought the bag rather pretty, despite its simplicity, but found it rather ludicrous that they had paid fifty dollars for such a simple backpack. Her former bag had been purchased for fifty cents at a flea market, though it was worn and had missing buttons.

Addison had assured her that the backpack would last a long time and would make an excellent traveling companion.

Danielle unhooked a thumb from the strap and adjusted the black beanie that covered her head.

Addison had laughed at Danielle's beanie fetish, but she assured her that beanies looked 'absolutely adorable' on her.

They reunited with Lancer who raised an eye at their numerous bags.

His greeting was an admonishing glare towards Addie and a demand from her. "How much did you spend?"

Addison paused to calculate the numbers. "We spent about 160 on clothes, 74 on shoes, 30 on beanies, 58 on feminine items, 50 on the bag, and 20 on the black highlights. So...I'd say only 382. Maybe 385."

"Jesus, Addie!" Lancer proclaimed. "That's almost 390!"

"Oh, don't get you panties in a twist. It would've been way more expensive if she hadn't' been so nitpicky about everything. She's actually cheap when it comes to shopping. Still, I think we made a huge success and made great progress in her fashion department."

"I'm starving," Danielle complained, interrupting the family's spat.

"We ate like two hours ago," Lancer blinked.

"Three hours ago actually," Danielle smiled. "Well, almost three hours. I want food."

Lancer sighed. "Addie, care to join us for lunch?"

She grinned. "Can't. My fiancé's taking me out today."

"So this is where we part?" Dani queried, suddenly disappointed.

"Yes, Dani. Hope to see you around again." Addie sighed, though a smiled played on her lips. "Maybe I'll get to see you and that relative of yours." She winked then turned and trotted off in the opposite direction. "Bye, guys!"

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A/N: Next chapter will be posted either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. I wasn't completely satisfied with this chapter. Seemed a bit rushed to me and disinteresting. But it was necessary and I wanted to get it out of the way for the next one.

Review? Please?