Dark Minutes
Flashbacks
"Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see."
~Helen Keller~
Monday came too quickly. The weekend actually wasn't that bad. Mom tricked me into hanging out with Sam and Tucker yesterday, although we stayed at Sam's mansion the entire time. It was better than being anywhere else. Her parents seemed slightly more tolerate of me, but that might be because Sam had been so broken without me.
The doctor's appointment wasn't all that bad. After all the things I've been forced to do, going to the doctor's was no longer my worry. I didn't care as long as they didn't do anything that would cause something to go wrong. The last doctor to check up on me was in the Pits. The doctor had even asked about the last time I was checked over. I told him about the ghost flu and how that was one of the last times a doctor on checked on me. I told him about some of things that were around. He seemed surprised that I wasn't in even worse condition. I then decided to explain how they wanted the fighters in their top condition. He seemed hesitant about letting me go afterward, but I'm just glad I got out of that.
I actually wanted to go back to school too, if only to avoid Jazz's annoyingly sisterly ways. It's been four days since I've been anyway. It was the last week of school as well. They still wanted me to get some socialization before they missed their chance. Like I would really be staying in my room all summer. That actually probably would have been what happened if I didn't write that exam the way I did. It helped in more ways than I thought. It gave something for my friends to start on ways on how to talk to me about those missing months. Even though my family gave up on the physiatrist to help, that didn't mean that they had given up on me. That was just one more person that would have to learn about my condition, and they didn't think that would be a good idea.
Then that FBI agent stopped again. He stayed for a few moments just to talk to my mom, but every time I look outside, there's a police car. It's like he waiting for me to flip and just start killing people. The one part of the whole mess I hated. Eventually the fighting had grown on me, but the ending was always the hardest. I just hoped that they wouldn't stop me from going back to school. I wanted to go back now. My class, the ones who thought I would never hurt anyone, I want to know how they reacted. It was strange, but honestly, I had nothing much really to look forward. It was terrifying and exciting at the same time. Suddenly I want to see people's reaction to what I was forced though. The people who used to be so mean to me; for them to see that I was put through so much. Even though they don't know about Phantom yet, they would understand more of why I was the way I was.
"Danny," my mom called walking though the door. I was looking out the window staring at the car sitting outside and briefly wondered if they would follow and if I could get them to give me a ride. How cool would it be to get a ride to school in a police car? Okay, that might not be quite a sane thought, but hey, what kid wouldn't want to show up in one. It would certainly make kids wonder and would be highly entertaining.
It could also get me more trouble than I want. Of course I promised Sam and Tucker to walk with them...unless they would be willing to take us all to school. That would be fun for all three of us.
"Danny," my mom asked again suddenly beside me. Oh, got lost again.
"Yeah," I whispered looking at her.
"Are you sure you're ready to go back? You don't have to," she informed hoping that I would stay home. Truth was that I didn't want to stay home; I wanted to go out and see everything. I still don't want to go places with a lot of people, but I wanted to go out and see things. I didn't want to be trapped in my room. It would be like being in my cell, only less creepy.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," I smiled slightly, and suddenly her arms had wrapped around me.
"I'm so glad you're home," she whispered. "I'm so glad you can at least smile like that still." I blinked. I had smiled many times once I was home. Most of them were fake, but did she just realize that I was really healing. Or is it that she is starting to heal herself from the pain as well? She's finally letting herself see that the nightmare is over.
"Me too," I whispered back hugging her back. I was happy to be home away from all that, even though the memories haunted me, that was it. I didn't have to worry about surviving my next fight. Not yet at least. You'll still end up out there to protect...
"I love you," Mom uttered pulling away slightly, but kept her arms around me protectively. She looked down at my body and seemed to just take everything in like I would disappear again. Like when I had warned them about Walker coming. She pulled one of her hands away from my back and pulled my shirt back to where she could see my ribs though the shirt. Tears formed in her eyes. "You need to eat more, Danny. This isn't healthily."
"I know," I whispered. I found it strange that most teens worry about staying thin, and here I am, being told I need to eat more because I was too thin. Usually that's not the issue around here, but I guess things can change. She just gently moved her hand around like she was trying to figure out something.
"God, Danny," she whispered poking my chest. I winced slightly. She was just looking at my shirt, but she probably wanted to see the scars that covered me. "Come on, you have your medicine you have to take before you can go, and I made breakfast."
"Okay," I whispered following her while picking up my bag on the way out of my room. I took a quick look back at the police car and felt sadness well in my chest. I hope they're not going to follow me to every class. Can't they just go home? I'm not going to hurt anyone. I never wanted to hurt anyone no matter what, but I had no choice.
"DANNY," Dad yelled as I entered the kitchen. I flinched and covered my sensitive ears. It felt like I could hear every little thing at times.
"Dad, not so loud," I whispered looking up at him. "I don't have a hearing problem. Unless you count being able to hear everything."
"Hee, sorry," he apologized while walking up to me. "I'll work on being quieter."
"It's okay, just don't surprise me like that," I whispered. I enjoyed him getting excited; it helped me get back to normal, even though I'll never be the same Danny they knew. I've changed. I don't like attention or crowds of people. I still don't want to go into a room that would have more than twenty people. The classes I have don't have that many people. Usually I had a small class, and I was glad for that. It helped keep me from getting over whelmed.
"Danny, remember that the doctor wants you to eat all three meals for the next week. You have an appointment next week at the same time. He wants to make sure that you are gaining weight," Mom whispered going behind me making me tense slightly. I couldn't help it; I didn't like people being in my blind spot while they are talking to me.
"Jazz made you a lunch before she left," Jack informed somewhat loudly. He held out the brown bag for me to take. Usually they had just given me money trusting that I would get myself something to eat. I guess mom figured out that I wasn't eating. No doubt Sam and Tucker told her I don't go into the Cafeteria like at all. At least they're figuring out that I'm not eating lunch. "It's got pineapple in it."
"Thanks," I laughed. Dad loved his fudge, but he knew I liked pineapple. I took it and opened the top of my bag and slipped it in as my mom put a plate on the table and pointed to the chair.
"There's your breakfast, now eat it," she ordered seeming to keep her tears at bay. I hope it's not because she thinks she's not a good mother. None of this is her fault, but I kept quiet and sit down. Eggs and bacon; she has never made me that before school before. She has during the weekend when she had time, but we were always running out the door. I picked up the fork and slowly started eating. It was so much better than anything in the Pits.
"I got this idea," Dad whispered sitting down next to me. I looked up at him. "Maddie won't let me pursue anything until after you are out of school, but I have an idea that could help get your halves split again." I nearly choked.
"I don't want to lose..." I started but he cut me off.
"You'll still have your powers, but you'll be able to change back and forth again. It might be too early, but Amity needs Phantom. If only to act as a safety blanket," he informed looking at me. Mom had headed into another room when she realized he was going to talk about this. It was like she didn't want to talk about the fact that I had been going behind their back to play hero. Guilt made itself known in my gut and I looked down at the food not really hungry anymore but knew that they wouldn't let leave until I had most of it down.
"I don't know," I whispered. Of course I would love to go back to being the hero again. I loved the feeling of knowing I changed someone's life on a daily basis. Not to mention the peaceful flights over Amity. I can't do that anymore without being invisible just in case someone decided to look up at me. That would be really bad if they caught me flying around.
"The Guys in White have been working on something. They started throwing these rumors around," he explained to me. "About Phantom being a threat."
"You don't believe that do you?" I asked timidly. Dad shook his head and put his arm around me.
"You fought for your life, and tried to do everything you could to protect us," he explained pulling me closer to him, but making sure that I could still reach my food on the table. "The only people you are a threat to are the ones who are willing to try to harm us or Amity. Of course you're a danger, but only to those who are trying to fight you."
"I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing," I whispered unsure. He had a point. I pinned Masters against the wall when I believed he would harm my family. I've never shown out hate or hostility to him like that in front of them. It was weird, but I guess that after fighting for my life and having too many times to take the first strike, I just kind of lost it. I have to watch that. I don't need to attack people who aren't doing anything, yet at least.
"I see it as a good thing," Dad whispered giving a tight squeeze before getting up and heading towards the fridge. "Trust me; I think it's safer to have you around." I didn't know to say, so I just stayed quiet and finished eating. I wasn't hungry, but I still managed to eat everything. I felt full afterwards, and it made me feel really good. I left later than I had wanted to though and hoped I could make it back.
"I'll see you guys later," I called out as I headed out hoping that I met up with Sam and Tucker. I noticed the cop car again. As I headed out the car started and was slowly following me down the street. I sighed and turned to them. They visibility flinched. I just smiled gently at them wondering if they would take me to Sam's place where I'm supposed to meet her. I walked over to them.
"Since you guys have to follow me; can you take me to my friend's?" I asked kindly. They looked at each other. The driver shrugged.
"Why not?" he asked as he unlocked the back door. I smiled and slipped in.
"She lives on Salem Street."
"Alright," the officer in the driver's seat nodded as they headed towards my friend's house. "I was told you weren't really ready to actually talk to people. You were afraid of people."
"Only in big groups," I responded. "After last week I've been gaining the courage to actually talk to people."
"Ah," he responded as he stopped in front of a house that I told him to. Sam and Tucker were standing there talking when we pulled up. I grinned at them from the back seat while Sam shot me a glare. I couldn't help it. I stuck my tongue, and suddenly she was clawing at the door to open it. When she did, I was instantly pulled into a hug.
"You're smiling again," she beamed. I blinked as she pushed me over to the side and sat in the middle so Tucker could get in. Only Tucker stood awkwardly right outside.
"You getting in kid?" the officer driver asked. His partner seemed like he wanted us all to get out.
"Dude, people are gonna think we got in trouble," Tucker stated as he sat next to Sam who was still hugging on me.
"I know," I smiled when Sam finally pulled away so I could breathe. "But at least we have a ride to school."
"We won't be doing this the entire time," the other officer informed glaring at me. Suddenly I felt like I was back in the Pits with one of the guards. Before they started being afraid of me. I grabbed my head as a sudden pain exploded around me. Starting at my neck. Sam looked at me worriedly.
"Stop the car," she ordered afraid my blades would come out. They won't, not with this pain. I groaned and leaned against the door.
"What's wrong?" I heard asked from one of the officers. I think it was the driver since he seemed to be the one who seemed to actually care.
"He's remembering something," Tucker whispered watching me carefully.
"I'm…I'm fine," I managed to get out. My voice was really raspy. I mean it was raspy before, but now it was worse. Sam gently put her hands on my face. I felt a sense of calmness overcome me.
"Danny, don't push yourself," she whispered. I blinked. "What was it?"
"Nothing," I muttered as I looked at the back of the driver's seat. The vehicle had stopped, and the two officers were looking at me worried. Even the one who seemed like he hated me.
"No, Danny, what did you remember?" she pushed grabbing my hands and squeezing them.
"It was the collar," I whispered looking at her. "I'm fine. Really, although I'm still in shock about asking what it did."
"What?" Sam questioned tilting her head to the side. I sighed remembering the first time I was shocked. I had literally asked for it. I find it funny now, but I guess that might just be me losing my mind. I guess I really am going insane.
"Nothing," I uttered not really wanting to show how stupid I had been then. Well, I had just been tortured, so I guess it made sense. Great now I'm starting to confuse myself.
"Daniel, when you say nothing, it means something," Sam growled out seeming to be bursting at the seams. I just smiled at her. She glared back.
"Just a moment of my own stupidity," I explained looking into her eyes. "Just a thought about it. Can we go now? I don't really want to be late."
"What moment?" Sam asked as the driver started heading towards the school. I just looked away.
"I literally asked to be shocked," I whispered. "I didn't know what the collar did, and Wa…he asked if I wanted to know what it was for. Literally, I kind of find it funny, but that may be just because of my own messed head."
"He?" the officer who apparently hated me for some unknown reason questioned. My entire body stiffened.
"Don't," I whispered and felt a slightly dangerous edge in my voice. Sam gently pressed me into the seat.
"Okay, let's talk about something else," she stated looking into my eyes. I could tell she wanted to keep talking about my time in the Pits, but she also didn't want those officers to hear any of it.
"I got a new PDA," Tucker put in with a grin. I forced myself to relax as he started explaining the new upgrades on it. Sam still was watching me closely. When we pulled up the school, the officers got out and opened the door for us. The other students' faces were funny, and I couldn't help the laugh that came out.
"It's nice to see that you are looking better, Mr. Fenton," Lancer stated coming up behind me. "Explain why you three arrived in a police car?"
"FBI is investigating my disappearance and has them following me everywhere. I asked for a ride," I answered with a slight grin. Lancer seemed to relax a little. "It's not a problem is it?"
"No, Danny," Lancer smiled as we all walked into the school. Sam and Tucker seemed slightly off about walking into school next to the most hated teacher. I could care less. I haven't been able to actually have a conversation with people for a couple months without having to kill them afterward. "But everyone will probably be asking about it."
"Okay, I thought it would be interesting," I whispered not wanting to really be the center of attention. "I really didn't want the attention that would follow."
"Didn't think it though?" Lancer asked. I suddenly remembered when I had been able to get out of my cell. I didn't think that though either. I just wandered around hoping to get out of there. I just wanted to get out so badly that I didn't learn anything in order to get out. I could've gotten myself killed if they found out I could have gotten out. I held my head for a moment before forcing the thoughts away.
I stopped right outside the school. Lancer was looking at me worriedly. Sam was holding on to my shoulders while Tucker picked up my bag I had dropped at some point.
"Danny, are you okay?" Lancer asked and I nodded.
"I'm fine," I muttered. Sam looked at me worriedly.
"Maybe you should go back home," she whispered. "You don't have to come here."
"I don't want to be trapped at home either," I whispered looking away, and I think Sam figured out why I wanted to go to school. I didn't want to stay there with nothing to do. I would get all weird again.
"Alright," Sam whispered guiding me into the school and to my locker to drop off a few things. "If you're sure."
"I'm sure," I whispered sending her a smile. It must have looked pained since she seemed like she wanted to pack me back up and head back to my house. She gave a once over and decided to just make sure I got to class okay. Lancer nodded to us as he headed towards his classroom.
Sam had the first period class with me, but the teacher seemed to not even realize I was there, or she just didn't care. Were they told about my essay? Well, I'm sure they could have heard from the students that were in my class. Sam looked like she wanted to pass notes as well, but the teacher kept a close eye on her to make sure that she was paying attention. I didn't understand why. It was the last week of school, so why did she did seem like she didn't want any of us to act out. Or maybe it was just me.
That's how the morning went. Teachers seeming to not even see me while students whispered behind my back; it didn't effect as much as I had thought. Although Dash made it obvious that he was trying to avoid me. I wondered why for a while trying to wrap my head around it. Did he think I was going to attack him? He was in my English class and gym, but he seemed farther off than usual. As did Paulina. Sam and Tucker had said something about them earlier before the exam, but I didn't really care. I wonder what it was about. Probably what started him avoiding me. I haven't even seen Paulina, but I don't have her until English class.
Lunch came and I just slipped outside and sat under at tree that was out back. Sam had me meet her there, but she had to get her lunch first. I sat down and grabbed out my lunch to see what Mom and Jazz had gotten me. When I first started school, I would have hated going to school with something packed by my parents, but now I could care less. I refused to go into the cafeteria anyway.
The breeze was nice and cool, and I looked up at the sky. There were a few clouds in the sky, and I closed my eyes. Suddenly I felt someone sit next to me, and when I looked over it was Valerie. I hadn't seen her since I got back.
"I heard what you did in Lancer's class," she whispered as she looked down. Wow, what a way to start the conversation. "I had seen what had happened first hand, so it didn't surprise me. You were going to kill me as well." I flinched. Oh yeah, I was planning on that unless I could find a way to get her home. Which is what I did. Who knew that the Box Ghost was helpful in learning things like that? Wait…did he have a key then?
"I didn't; I figured out how to get you home," I whispered looking over at her.
"You always fought better than me," she whispered. "I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry about?" I asked curiously. I didn't understand. Why should she be sorry? She didn't do anything wrong.
"I should have seen that you were willing to help before. Maybe…maybe you wouldn't have been captured," Valerie muttered. I looked away as I felt guilt run around in my stomach. "I could have helped, or something. Maybe instead of fighting you; I could have helped you and you may have never ended up in that place."
"I doubt it," I whispered. "I…I ticked off a lot of ghosts before you got involved. It doesn't really matter."
"I'm sorry that you were put though so much," Valerie stated looking at me. I smiled at her trying to help ease the dark atmosphere that transpired. I really didn't want to talk about what happened or anything close to it today. I just wanted a somewhat normal day.
"It happened, and there nothing we can do about it," I explained looking at her. Sam and Tucker showed up suddenly.
"Valerie, you're back. I thought your dad didn't want you to come back to school yet," Sam stated. It was weird hearing her talk to Valerie like a normal person. Usually she was pretty up in her face, but she must have known that Valerie helped get me out of the Pits.
"He doesn't, but I told him that I wanted at least the last week. Even after the accident, and then having to save Danny, he doesn't like to see me leave," Valerie explained. Accident?
"What accident?" I asked completely confused and concerned. I didn't hear of any kind of accident, and everyone seems okay. I didn't understand. Valerie looked at me for a moment before getting up.
"I need to talk to Lancer, but it was nice seeing you, Danny. I'm glad that you are getting better," Valerie smiled as she disappeared into the school. Sam sat down next to me where Valerie had been while Tucker sat on the other side.
"What accident?" I asked looking at Sam. I wanted to know.
"Something happened while you were gone," Sam explained gently moving some of my hair out of my eyes. I still didn't understand, and Sam wasn't going to say anymore about it either. She had already started eating her food while watching me nibble on mine for a little bit. Tucker then decided to explain more about a few new games that came out while I was gone. And some new ones that would be coming out over the summer. I just smiled and listened as he continued on until the bell. Sam made sure that I hadn't eaten everything, but there was still some things left. Although I did eat all the pineapple slices.
Danny: Well this is bittersweet...
Me: Shorter than I wanted it, but I wanted it to be ended there. We'll have more on the FBI investigation because well...every missing person is usually investigated by them.
Danny: She also has another plan in store for the next chapter...It's going to be a bit more on edge for Danny and a bit more of a mental breakdown...
Me: Yes...Danny breaking down is like the coolest thing in the world...XD
Danny: Playing Mortal Kombat vs. DC Heroes...
Me: Just the stupidity of the heroes...it's so funny...
Danny: Joker kicked the crap out of Deathstroke, and he didn't stand a chance.
Me: I'M FREAKING OUT NOW
Danny: She hasn't been able to sleep in a while and has more plot bunnies attacking...
Me: MAKE IT STOP...hey look CHARLIE THE UNICORN!
Danny: oh dear
