Chapter Three

Negative Energy

Danny and Taylor sat in Lancer's cramped office. A few moments before his angry face explained that their parents had arrived and he would return shortly. He stormed out of the room, and everything became tense and silent.

They felt rather like prisoners as they sat in the two hard wooden chairs in front of his desk. The air around them was colder than Danny in his ghostly form, as though nature was forcasting something very bad happening. Knowing her conservative parents, that was a very unsettling truth.

Taylor knew that her parents wouldn't be happy about it. They were strict authoritarians, always expecting perfection from her, and this was very far from perfect. She could just imagine the look on her fathers face, and she could hear the scorn from her mother. Taylor closed her brown eyes as if in pain, and opened them again, an unreadable expression on her face. In some way she felt satisfied, ruining their expectations of her. After all, what right did they have? It was clear to her that they could care less about her. Wasn't it them that took her away from her home in Delaware? Ha! They didn't even notice the dissapearance of their own daughter. While they talked business, she was getting , beaten, most likely raped, and almost killed, not to mention being turned into a mutant freak.

Screw them. . . who cared if they were proud of her? She certainly didn't anymore. Of course, she wouldn't have to be concerned with her parents right now if it wasn't for him. It had almost been half a year since Taylor met Danny, and ever since her life had been nothing but one disaster after another.

Taylor looked over at Danny, trying not to be too obvious. In all honesty she was angry at him for being a jerk enough to use his wail so recklessly. However, as she did she felt her anger dissipate. His icy blue eyes weren't focused on anything in particular, but even then they looked intense and full of depth. Soft black jets of his hair fanned out on the side like raven feathers, showing his defined features. He got handsomer every day, and suddenly she wanted to reach out and touch him.

Damn him.

Danny stiffened, peaking out of the corner of his eye to see Taylor gazing at him in an odd way. Her eyes were filled with anger, and traces of affection. Still, he didn't understand why she was mad at him, as he did just save her butt. He decided that he was going to be brave, after all, what more did he have to lose? He turned to Taylor with irritation.

"Is there a reason why you're looking at me like that?" He knew he was being nervy to mess with her, but he couldn't help it right now. In his opinion this was all her fault. If she hadn't been so nosey and suspicious, she wouldn't have to be in his dangerous life, fighting along side him.

Taylor frowned, the look of admiration leaving her eyes like the flame to a candle in the wind, leaving nothing but ferocity. She didn't care for the tone of his voice; it sounded accusing. Why he was being this way was beyond her comprehension.

"What the hell is your problem?" she spat at him. It wasn't a question; it was an insult.

Danny's face hardened. How dare she be like this when he just saved her?! He felt his pusle quicken as he leaned towards her, his hands tightening around his seat.

"My problem? You seem to have the problem, always getting into trouble! Being involved in things you shouldn't!"

His real feelings were starting to show, pent up frustration reeling it's ugly head. Taylor couldn't believe the things she was hearing. She let out a low rumble of disbelif, and shook her hair out of her face, her eyes becoming narrow slits as she looked at the angered boy in front of her.

"And what is that supposed to mean!?" She didn't like where he was going with this. At all.

"It means that I always have to protect you from yourself! You don't even realize how dangerous you are!" His voice was rising with each syllable, and before both of them knew it they were standing, facing each other like two opponents at a duel.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" She leaned forwards, both hands stiffly to her sides. Danny met her move, and his face was close to hers. His blistering eyes met hers, and she could see one of his eyes twitch with irritation.

"Getting yourself beaten up by Vlad all the time, mocking dangerous ghosts, being so damn stubborn! So stubborn that you can't even think clearly! And might I mention that you are nowhere near strong enough to face them!" His voice was angry, but there was a hint of jelously to it. It felt so good to send that low blow to miss independent.

It wasn't easy to be around Taylor sometimes. Her personaliy was so strong and powerful, that he would often feel as though he was small and insiginicant beside her. After all, he was the man in the relationship. He was supposed to feel strong and brave, while she drooled over him.

Now however she looked to be the one hurt, and for a moment he couldn't believe that he had the power to wound such an amazing being, but that look was replaced as she became cold and still, straightening up to his level. She looked up at him, but the look on her face was strong enough that he felt as though he were the smaller person,she being the one glowering down at him with that frightening stare.

"Might I remind you Danny, that you wouldn't be here to protect me if I weren't so "dangerous." Who saved your sorry ass from Plasmius when I first met you? Who fought him off when we were on top of that stupid building? Who jumped in front of a goddmaned lazer just for you?!" she was shouting now, her voice cutting into him like a hot knife. He tried not to flinch, but he felt the horrible sting of her words, and it honestly hurt.

He closed his eyes, feeling as though he was going to explode. When he opened them they were a piercing yellow, and he found that hers had turned a bright red. They growled at each other like two fierce cats, until Danny realized the closeness in their proximity. Her beatiful face was just inches from his, and he felt the warm heat of her body. Danny inhaled sharply, hating her for making his heart pound in such a way, and as if overtaken by a weird force, he pulled her roughly towards him and sealed his lips over hers.

Taylor gasped, completely flabergasted by his actions. She could feel his cold lips pressiong down against hers desperately, angrily, and hungrily at the same time. Overcome in emotions, Taylor wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back, wanting to dominate his daring move. Danny wouldn't allow that to happen, and he squeezed her to him. He was stronger, and she could feel the breath being stolen out of her mouth in a puff. Groaning, Taylor punched at his back to counter his strike, and Danny knew she didn't want him to stop.

After a few moments he let go, his lips wet and swolen. Taylor panted for air, wiping her mouth off as she stared at him. Both were breathing heavily, and their ghost scents went off at the same time. They watched as trails of their breath trailed up to create one large cloud of purple, and it was in that moment that they realized they were equals, equals who were both hopelessly in love with each other.

Both collapsed in their seats, stunned by what had happened.

"You're a weirdo, you know that?" Taylor stated finally, her breathing starting to return to normal. She casted Danny a slightly confused look, her head tilted to the side. Danny watched as long tangles of her spirally hair fell in front of her face and just smirked to himself. Taylor scowled, but didn't have time to say anything. There was a soft mumer of voices from down the hallway, and the sound of small footsteps, one pair seeming to be bigger than the rest.

Their parents were here.

The dusty door banged open, Lancer being the first one into the room. His smug form was followed by the very worried and angry forms of Mr. and Mrs. Fenton. Taylor had grown to like Danny's parents, but unfortunately his mother treated her like her own daughter, which meant all of that motherly anger was for her too.

Shit.

Following them, last of course, were her parents. Her dad's mouth was a thin line, and his face looked stiffer than usual. Her mother's normally perfect hair was a bit ruffled, and her clothes sagged as though she'd lost a bit of weight. Taylor didn't realize before, but this was the first time she'd seen them in perhaps a few days. Their furious demeanors didn't make them inviting however.

The parents stood behind their kids, and Danny could feel his mothers hands digging into his shoulder in an almost protective way. Taylor sagged in her seat and crossed her arms moodily as her parents stood beside her.

There was a stiff, angry silence. Lancer decided to begin. "I'm sorry to drag you folks out like this, just before spring break too. ." his face turned to the two teens as he frowned," but it seems like your little angels have wrecked the C hallway." He was going to be straighforward today.

"He what?" Mrs. Fenton looked down angrily at her son, who sent him a guilty smile.

Taylor's father spoke up next. "And where would they find the tools to do this? They couldn't have used their hands could they?" At this moment Taylor loved her father.

Lancer looked up at him and held up a small key. "The Janitors closet was unlocked."

Taylor wanted to lunge at Lancer. That closet was always locked. . . the same closet where she and Danny hid from Dash and the crazed fangirls a half a year before. But she couldn't do that, if she did they would get suspicious. . . most likely revealing their powers.

The parents nodded, seeming to take what he said for truth. Taylor felt a negative swoop of energy, sending waves of nausea radiating from her stomach to all four limbs. When she looked up she saw her parents glaring down at her.

"Their punishment will take place the first day of spring break." Taylor heard Lancer say, almost as though it was their execution day. Taylor thought back to SuperGhost stadium, and how close Danny and she were to losing their lives. She had enough executions to last for a lifetime. It's a good thing she was a ghost.

"The school doesn't have a janitor to clean the cafeteria, as he's leaving for Disney Land with his family. . . and that's where young Daniel and Taylor come in." Taylor groaned, as well as Danny, but they were silenced by the look of Daggers their parents gave them.

"It sounds like a fair punishment for an unfair crime." said Taylor's mother, always using her Lawyer's terminology. Taylor felt anger settle into the pitt of her stomach, and she crossed her arms tighter.

"They will come tommorow at 6:00 sharp. . . oh and kids, bring some old clothes, I think you might need it." Lancer added as he looked down at the angered teens in front of them. The parents nodded, and there was a soft mumble of consent.

Taylor couldn't believe this was happening. If Danny and her hadn't stopped that ghost, he would have wrecked the whole school! Life could be so unfair sometimes, and this couldn't get any more unfair.

"Well, it's settled then. " Lancer said, clapping his hands together. There was a rumage as the parents got their stuff together, and Danny and Taylor stood up, their bodies tired and quite distressed. Taylor's eyes fell on Lancer who smirked down at her evilly.

Son of a bitch.

Taylor's dad began shaking hands with the Fentons. "It was nice to see you two again, even though it is under the most unfortunate circumastances." Her mother smiled, though it looked rather forced, as she eyed the odd jumpsuits.

"Well you know, us parents gotta stick together." came the voice of Jack Fenton.

"Oh great, they're bonding." Taylor whispered to Danny, who nodded with a scowl.

The parents soon left the room, not before Mrs.Fenton warned Danny that she'd see him at him in thirty minutes. Lancer too left, his large stomach shaking with his wheezing laughter. All that was left behind were the two teens, standing next to each other as though then end of the world might come.

"He is the biggest ass I've ever met in my life." Taylor finally said with a gritt of her teeth.

"You can say that again, and again, and again." Danny held open the door for Taylor as they walked out of the room. They were surprised to find Sam and Tucker wating for them. School had ended an hour ago.

"What happened?" breathed Sam, looking from Danny to Taylor with worry. Tucker looked relaxed however, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"What happened was Lancer is an ass!" Taylor repeated, too angry to say anymore. Danny shook his head and began.

"We have to come in tommorow to clean the cafeteria."

The kids walked down the hallway, down the stone steps, out of the school with a strained silence. All were digesting what had happened. Danny felt the cool air on his face and inhaled the scent of Amity Park. Right now it was a mixture of car exhaust, and Speedy's Icy Glazed Buns, a bakery down the street that sold decadent cakes and pastries.

Danny only used his car when he had too; gas was expensive, and his ghost powers could get him anywhere, so the kids were walking home.

"I just can't believe that happened." Sam commented finally, her hands in the pockets of her skirt. Danny glanced over at her with a smile. Sam was always so supportive of him, and he really was glad she was his friend.

"Harsh dude... harsh." agreed Tucker as he pulled out his PDA. "Need to add this to the list of things we have to do."

Taylor watched Tucker for a moment before sighing in exhaspiration. "How come it is that every heroic thing we do, we end up paying for?"

Sam looked over at Taylor. "Maybe it's karma, trying to tell you not to use your powers for controling people." She still apparently hadn't gotten over the incident with Dash. Taylor let out an angered laugh, not believing what she was hearing.

"You hippies and your karma." was all she said. Sam rolled her eyes at her and continued walking down the broken concrete sidwalk. All around them cars scooted by, most likely people going home for the day. A few trees would pop up here and there, all a litter box for the various dogs in the area.

They arrived at Tucker's house, and his mom was at the door. She waved to the kids with a smile. "Bye guys!" They waved back and continued on.

Danny looked to Taylor, studying her face. She was obviously in a bad mood, and Sam's comment hadn't made it any better. He sighed and reached out to hold her hand when she stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. Danny and Sam stopped as well.

"What's wrong?" Danny asked, watching as Taylor looked around as though someone was watching.

Taylor felt negative energy, the same feeling she got when something bad was happening. She knew this had to be a ghost power for sure, but she didn't know how to describe it. All she knew was that someone was watching them . . .someone bad.

"We have to get out of here. . .now."

"What are you-" Danny began to ask, but was silenced as their ghostly breath went off. Danny wanted to turn to Phantom, but Taylor took his hand and Sams' and began to run. It was hard to keep up with her pace, but after about three blocks she stopped, breathing heavily. She turned to Danny and Sam who were gasping for air.

"What- was- that-about?" Sam choked out, holding her side.

"Ghosts! I'm telling you. .!'

"Well yeah obviously. .. " Danny said reffering to the ghost scents. "But that still doesn't explain how you knew they were there before I did." He looked at Taylor, studying her.

"I. . I don't know exactly. All I know is that I felt energy, negative energy. ." and she was telling the truth too.

"How long has this happened?" Sam asked. She looked Taylor over, wondering if she was sick.

"Just today, when Dash wanted to start a fight with Danny. . when my parents were mad at me, and now. ."

It was quickly getting dark out, and some of the street lights flickered on. A cool wind ruffled their hair, and Taylor could have sworn she heard whispers upon it. Darkness was all around them, no chance of light.

"Let's just get out of here." Sam said, pulling on her two friends arms. They followed her in silence to her house, where she turned around before going inside."I'll see you guys tommorow." She looked at the darkening city and then back down at her two friends who suddenly looked pale. "Be careful." And she was gone.

Danny and Taylor lived closest to each other, ten doors to be exact. They always were the ones to get home last, not that they minded. Being in each other's company was oddly refreshing and now Taylor needed Danny to explain things more than ever.

"Can new powers just pop up whenever?" Taylor asked, looking at her friend as they approuched his house. Danny insisted that they walk to hers first, and she didn't argue. She couldn't right now, her mind was on too many things.

"That's what happened to me." Danny remembered how randomly he recieved most of his powers. It was hard to believe it was only two years ago.

"Great. I couldn't get a cool power like you. I have to get this." Taylor complained.

"It's a swell power." Danny took both of Taylor's hands in his and they stopped. Taylor could see the love in his eyes as he reached down and kissed her forehead. Taylor sighed, feeling a smile spread across her face. She looked up at him , and Danny admired the way her eyes turned bright cold in the light of the streetlamp. "Just don't worry about it. We have enough things to worry about." And he let her go. "Now go get some sleep." Taylor didn't say anything back, she just grinned at him. Her door swung open and her father stood sternly in the doorway. Her smile faded, and with one last desperate look to Danny she scrambled into her house. Taylor's father shook his head, waved to Danny, and shut the door.

He was alone now. Danny looked around, a frown on his face. And then he walked to his house, leaving a silence in his wake. But it was not as peacful as it appeared. Somewhere above, nestled in a few stray trees floated Amathis, Lucentar, and Centaro. Centaro casted a cool look down upon the neighborhood, his long robes billowing in the breeze.

"So that's what Taylor Specter and Danny Phantom look like in their human forms." he drawled, feeling his hunger peak. It would be so easy to get their blood now. As if reading his mind. Amathis hit him in the side.

"We can't do that. We have to capture the brats first." He smirked, snapping his fingers and making two ghostly forms appear. One was Sam with her neck broken open, and the other was Tucker, seeming to cry. The group shared a quivering laugh.

"But I could have sworn Taylor Specter knew we were here. . ." Lucentar spoke up, not liking the new power of his enemy.

"Oh poo. Who cares? It's not like she can see us." And it was true. No human could see them when they wanted to become invisible.

And they remained invisible, long after they dissapered to tell Vlad of the news.

Taylor didn't feel their presence this time. She was locked up in her room, music on at a high.

Beaten why for? Can't take much more Blared the music loudly. Taylor felt satisfied blasting it, for her parents hated that kind of music. And right now, she hated her parents. She recalled the cool looks they gave her as she ascended the stairs to her large and spacious room. She had yelled at the Tucker hologram loudly, and he didn't argue letting her in.

Let the bodies hit the floor! Let the bodies hit the floor! Let the bodies hit the flooorrr!

Taylor rumaged through her closet, looking for old clothes to wear for the next day. She didn't really have any old clothes. Any ones she did have she threw out, or made homemade pillows out of and sold them to buy new clothes. Old clothes were just out, new clothes were so in. The song faded into the background, a quiet, symphony filling her room. Taylor liked all kinds of music, and this particular song was soothing.

She listened to it, humming the toon moodily as she threw random shirts out of her closet. Then she stopped, upon finding something she hadn't seen in a good few years.

It was Teddy.

Teddy was her babytoy, a toy so precious to her that she kept it long after she grew out of it. He was a soft pink bear, with big brown eyes, and whenver she would squeeze his arm he would giggle. That had broken, and now all she could see were his faded eyes that still held the warmth of all those years.

"Oh Teddy. If you only knew how hard my lifes gotten." she told her doll, feeling tears leak dramtically out of her eyes. Her older brother Derrick always told her that she was a drama queen, and this was exactly why.

"I mean, it's not like I meant to take control of Dash like that. . .I just got so mad." she continued, mostly talking to herself as she collapsed on her bed. She held her doll up high so that she could see his eyes looking down at her.

"But it felt so good. . . having control over people feels. . .good." she told Teddy with honesty, a bewlidered expression on her face. Then her eyes narrowed evilly.

"And then that stupid ghost shows up and I have to clean the smelly cafeteria!" She remebered the look on Lancer's face.

"One day, Mr.Lancer is going to push me too far. . .the son of a bitch." Taylor growled and threw Teddy across the room. When it hit the wall she heard it giggle stupidly. Taylor raised an eyebrow slowly as she heard the sound then she scowled, feeling herself sink into her matress.

"Great. Even my bear thinks I'm funny." she said tiredly.. .and her bed suddenly seemed to invite her into the warm cradle of sleep. Taylor yawned and stretched out. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to sleep for a few good moments. . .

Then she was out like a light.

Unknown to her, about ten miles away, Vlad sat in his Mayor's chair, though he treated it more like a thrown. His leg was crossed over his other one, and he held his cat Maddie in his arms while he petted her. He watched on his wide screen TV as Taylor slept. A cruel smirk spread across his face.

"Your bear isn't the only one who thinks you're rather amusing." he said in a clearly amused voice.

"It is fun to control people isn't it? I thought it was rather funny as well." He looked more than evil, sitting in his chair as he switched the television off. His face became rather serious.

"You'd be more than a good match for me. . .once you know what it feels like to have power." he said more to himself as he stood, pacing his dark office. "We aren't so different, after all." and he began to laugh, crazed and derranged. Maddie jumped off the chair and hissed, hiding in the shadows as he watched his master turn into his ghostly form with two black rings.

And he took off into the night. He had a meeting with the serpant ghosts, a meeting that would change the lives of Daniel and his friends, and Vlad had full control.