It was late in the night, but that didn't stop Johnny from causing some trouble in Amity Park. The ghost biker was actually attacking Danny while riding up a building. He fired a ghost ray at Danny, but the ghost teen dodged the attack. Danny shot a beam back at Johnny, but missed him. The young hybrid was also flying backwards and wasn't paying attention to what's behind him.
"So Johnny, decided to go solo tonight?" commented Danny. "I haven't seen Shadow around," he added.
Without Danny noticing, Shadow appeared behind him and wrapped himself around the ghost hybrid. Danny struggled to break free as Johnny sped closer to Danny. Danny saw the ghost biker and opened his mouth. Ectoplasm started to appear within his mouth much to Johnny's surprise. Danny fired the ghost ray towards Johnny, who was too slow to react to the surprise attack. The attack knocked Johnny off his bike and tumbled down the side of the building along with his bike following him. Danny started to generate more ectoplasm and used it to blast himself free from Shadow.
Shadow exploded into pieces thanks to Danny's attack. Danny looked down at the ground as Johnny started to fly up towards him. Danny tilted his head back as Johnny flew passed him towards the top of the building. Danny followed slowly and grabbed his hook swords, ready to get up close and personal with Johnny. He found Johnny with his bike on the rooftop as Shadow slowly joined his master.
"So exactly why are you here Johnny?" asked Danny. "And it better be matter of un-life or permanent death. Or I can arrange those odds," he added as a threat while drawing his swords.
"Relax kid, Kitty and I had a little spat so I needed to blow some steam," explained Johnny. "What do you and the gloomy girl do when you have a lovers quarrel?" he asked.
"You do realize that I'm not even friends with Sam or Tucker anymore right?" asked Danny as he sheathed his swords.
"Seriously?" asked Johnny in shock.
"Yeah, she and I can't seem to trust each other anymore and Tucker doesn't like being put in my shadow so to speak," answered Danny.
"What happened?" asked Johnny as he offered Danny a spot to sit over by the ledge of the building.
The two ghost males sat on the ledge and looked at the town.
"Well, our argument started after I was spying on her and this guy…" started Danny.
"Wait, you spied on her?" asked Johnny.
"Yeah I did, but I was suspicious of the guy for the wrong reason. I though he was a member of the Guys in White. But it turns out that he was just some womanizer who was just trying to score with Sam. To be honest I was jealous, but I was more paranoid because the Jackasses in White were suddenly better equipped with ghost mimicking weapons," explained Danny.
"Those dorks got ghost mimicking weapons?" repeated Johnny sounding worried.
"Yeah, but luckily they haven't been doing much after I nearly killed two of their agents," replied Danny.
"Wait, you actually hurt two humans?" asked Johnny in disbelief. "Aren't you the one who usually defends these flesh-bags?" he questioned.
"I was pissed okay," retorted Danny. "What do you expect? I'm still a kid, I let my anger get the better of me," he added as he looked down.
"Do you regret it?" asked Johnny.
"The funny thing is I don't regret what I did to the Geeks in White," answered Danny. "I actually enjoyed it and ever since I've been more into just fighting rather than protecting anyone," he explained.
"So you quit the whole superhero gig?" asked the blonde ghost.
"Depends on whose point of view," replied Danny as he stood up. "Well I got to get going. It was actually nice talking to you Johnny. You know after kicking your ass," he said as he floated into the air.
"Yeah, for you maybe," said Johnny as he hopped onto his bike. "Say kid, you do plan on getting back with your friends right?" he asked as he looked at the hybrid.
"Who knows, maybe someday," answered Danny as he flew off towards his home.
"Kid's got some nice swords," whispered Johnny as he flew back into the Ghost Zone.
The next day was a generally normal Friday for Danny. His parents were talking to his uncle about the effects the F.A.S.T (Fenton Anti-Ghost System Thrasher) had on him. Jazz was either reading a psychology book or heading to school. Danny would either get a ride to school from his uncle or chose to skateboard to school after spending a weekend with his uncle skateboarding. He put up with the classes and luckily there were no ghosts attacking that actively sought Danny out.
The school day ended with no trouble for Danny as he skated towards his house. He got into a short one-sided fight with Dash outside of school grounds that ended with Dash flipped towards a stop sign. He arrived at his house about fifteen minutes later and saw his dad and uncle packing the GAV. He got off his board and walked by them.
"Hey Dad, hey Uncle Vince, going on trip?" asked Danny.
"Sure are son and it's going to be great," declared Jack as he tossed a large bag towards his brother.
"Well, be sure to call us when you get there," said Danny as he walked towards the door.
"But Danny, this is a special trip with me and a good friend," said Jack.
"Oh, Hamato Raphael?" joked Danny.
"Who?" asked Jack. "No son, with you," he said after a second of wondering who this Hamato Raphael was.
Danny had a shocked expression on his face before he fainted.
"Danny!" yelled Vince as he rushed towards his nephew.
Danny slowly regained his consciousness to see his family looking over him. His Mom was to his right, Jazz to his left, his uncle looking at him upside down from Danny's point of view, and his dad waving his hand in front of him.
"Danny-boy how many fingers am I holding?" asked Jack as he continued to wave his hand.
Danny grabbed his dad's hand and look at it closely.
"Twenty-seven," answered Danny as he passed out again.
Jack, Maddie and Jazz looked at each other in confusion. Vince looked at his brother who was holding out three fingers.
"Eh… Close enough," said Vince as he broke the silence and lifted his nephew off the ground. "Wow Danny's really light," he commented as he looked at his brother and sister in law. "You two better hope for you sake that Danny is just a light eater," he muttered as he took the boy into the house.
Over at Tucker's room, the techno-geek was typing on his computer. Ever since Desiree told him about his unexpected wish, Tucker had started to think of a way to get back at Danny and show the hybrid that he was the better man. As he types Desiree phased into his room and floated behind him. Tucker stopped typing and turned to face her.
"So child, have finally decided on your wish?" asked Desiree.
"Actually, yes I have," replied Tucker as he looked at a picture of him along with Danny and Sam. "I wish for the power to cancel out Danny Phantom's powers," he declared.
"So you have wished it, so shall it be," chanted Desiree as she did her magic.
Tucker closed his eyes as Desiree's magic started to affect him. He felt a slight tingling sensation, but it ended as soon as it came. He looked himself over and saw no change in his appearance.
"What, that's it?" commented Tucker in annoyance. "No fancy glow?" he questioned.
"That is because the ghost child is not around us for your new power to take in effect," replied Desiree as she floated closer to Tucker. "But I would not worry. Your power will be enough to defeat him," she whispered into Tucker's ear as she caressed his cheek with her right hand.
Tucker felt tightness in his boxers as Desiree continued to move her ghostly green hand over his face. Desiree noticed and smirked as she continued to play with Tucker.
Over in Clockwork's domain, the ancient and ever knowing Ghost of Time was observing the events that have unfolded on Earth.
"As much as I wish for things to go in the preferred direction, this one proves to be much more productive and helpful for young Daniel and his friends," said Clockwork as he watched Danny try to talk his dad out of taking him fishing.
Over on his table he heard a certain thermos rattle. He turned to see it gain more dents as its occupant continued to struggle to break free.
"I can see that you're anxious to get out Daniel, but do not fret. For soon, you will get your chance and hopefully you will make the right one as well," Clockwork told the thermos's occupant as it continued to rattle.
Back with Danny and his family, things were going about as normal as one can expect from the Fenton family. Danny and his dad got up relatively early the next day for their father/son bonding fishing trip. Vince was finishing up the packing for his brother and nephew with Jack talking to his wife. Jazz was assuring Danny that she can handle any ghost problems with Sam and Tucker despite the simple fact that Danny is no longer friends with them. After talking to his sister, Danny headed towards his uncle to beg him to come and save him from any level of embarrassment.
"Sorry Danny, I can't help with this," apologized Vince as he shut the door of the GAV.
"Why not?" complained Danny.
"Because a father and son fishing trip is supposed to be a meaningful experience," replied Vince. "And I never want to go through that Hell ever again," he added as he started to walk back to the house.
"Bad experience?" questioned Danny.
"Let's just say that after going fishing with your Grandpa and your dad, I have vowed that all Octopi are to be killed on sight," answered Vince.
"Octopi?" repeated Danny as he raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, when I was your age your Grandpa took your dad and me fishing out in the Gulf of Mexico," said Vince. "That was a dark day," he muttered with dread in his voice. "Besides I actually have something to take care of out of town and I should be back by the time you two get back," he added as he went into the house to get his keys.
"Climb aboard Danny-boy!" yelled Jack from the driver seat. "We got to get moving if we want a good spot over at good old Lake Eerie," he declared.
"Lake what?" asked Danny as he climbed into the GAV.
He didn't get his answer because as soon as he sat down Jack floored it and sped off towards Lake Eerie. Maddie and Jazz waved goodbye to the Jack and Danny as the GAV got farther and farther away.
"Finally!" cheered Maddie as she ran towards the house.
Vince exited out of the house right after Maddie entered. He looked at his sister in law in confusion and walked towards his niece.
"Should I be worried about something?" asked Vince.
"No, I think Mom is just happy to finally be able to invent her own machines rather than fix Dad's inventions," answered Jazz. "Where are you going Uncle Vince?" she asked.
"Oh me, I have a couple of things I need to take care of outside of town," answered Jazz's uncle as he hopped on his motorcycle. "I should be back by the time your dad and Danny do," he said as he revved up his bike and took off.
Over at the Manson mansion, Sam was in her room thinking over what her grandmother told her. She tried to think of a way to apologize to Danny and decided to write down what she wants to say to him. She pulled a piece of paper and a pen from her backpack, and then she headed towards her desk. She started to write after thinking of the words she wanted to say. After about fifteen minutes of writing, Sam put her pen down and looked over her paper. There were lines crossing out several words, but Sam was happy with how it looks.
'It may not look nice, but it's a start,' thought Sam as she got up from her chair and headed out of her room.
Sam went down the stairs and headed for the front door to leave the mansion. She spotted her parents in the den watching their favorite show 'Extreme Nanny Makeover' again. She didn't bother to make her presence known and just opened the door to leave.
'I can't believe I never noticed how much I acted like them,' thought Sam as she continued to walk. 'No wonder Danny called me a hypocrite. They tell me to treat others in a proper manner, but they treat Danny's family like crap,' she mentally ranted as she continued to walk. 'I try to become the opposite of them because of how they act, but in the end I was no better,' she admitted to herself. 'I talk about not judging others and doing the right thing, but I judged my classmates without even getting to really know any of them,' she added.
As Sam was mentally ranting to herself, she bumped into Jazz who was going out for a walk. The two fell onto the ground and landed on their butts. Sam was rubbing her sore rear while Jazz picked herself back up also rubbing her butt. She saw that she collided with Sam and stretched out her right hand to her.
"Need a hand Sam?" asked Jazz.
The Goth girl looked at the older girl and then towards her out stretched hand. She nodded her head, grabbed Jazz's hand and was pulled up onto her feet.
"Thanks," said Sam in a soft tone as she started to walk again.
"Sam wait," Jazz called out. "Danny is out fishing with Dad," she said.
Sam stopped after hearing what Jazz said to her.
"Danny's fishing?" repeated Sam. "How long will he be gone?" she asked.
"They should be back by tonight," answered Jazz. "I promised him that the two of us and Tucker will make sure that no ghost will attack while he is away," she explained.
"But Jazz, Danny doesn't want anything to do with Tucker and me," stated Sam.
"Nonsense, I'm sure Danny still thinks of you two as friends," assured Jazz.
Meanwhile, Danny and his Jack are in the middle of a lake, in the middle of a forest filled with dead trees and eerie fog. Jack was facing the bow while Danny was facing the stern of their tiny boat.
"Ah… Lake Eerie, with two 'E's," announced Jack with a smile. "So what do you think Danny?" he asked his son.
"Creep, also with two 'E's," replied Danny in an upset tone.
The two fish in silence for quite some time after that little conversation. Jack was trying to think something to talk about. He pulled out a small book titled Father/Son Relationship for Stupids and started looking through it.
"So how's that… uh… monkey?" asked Jack sort of.
"What monkey?" replied Danny in confusion.
"You know that… uh…" started Jack before he went back to reading his book. "Let's see, strike up a conversation about your son's social life such as relationships with friends," he read quietly.
"Dad, are you reading a guide book?" asked Danny.
"What, no what gave you that idea?" lied Jack as he tossed the book into the lake. "How are things with you and that Sam girl?" he asked saving himself from embarrassment.
Danny felt a jolt of surprise after hearing his Dad ask that question.
"What?" asked Danny as he tried to focus on the water.
"You know that gloomy girl you like, like," explained Jack.
Danny blushed a bit after hearing that as he looked at the water for a moment.
'Why am I blushing? I'm not friends with her and I'm with Janelle. Shouldn't I be happy without Sam in my life and with Janelle? Sam was part of the reason why I can't be an astronaut or even a normal human. So why do I feel like I can't breathe without her around?' thought Danny.
"Danny, you okay son?" asked Jack.
"Yeah, I'm fine Dad," replied Danny.
"Okay then, but you didn't answer my question," said Jack.
"Well, I really don't know what to say to that question," answered Danny. "I guess I'll just have to wait and see," he added.
"Oh," replied Jack as he looked at his line.
"Hey Dad," called out Danny.
"Yes Danny?" replied Jack.
"Why do you and Mom hate ghosts so much?" asked Danny.
"Well son, it's because all ghosts are capable of is destruction. They have lost what it means to be human and can no longer be seen as humans because they will only feed their own selfish desires. In fact our ancestor John Fenton-Nightingale changed his old occupation from Witch hunter to Ghost hunter during the Salem Witch trials. Since then the Fenton Family has become dedicated Ghost hunters," explained Jack. "Sadly, your Uncle doesn't share the family honor because he foolishly believed that ghosts are capable of feeling emotions. It's a shame really, my own brother is the black sheep of the Fenton family," he added.
"Black sheep huh?" whispered Danny. 'More like the other way around,' thought the youngest of the Fenton men.
The two of them continued to fish in silence in the middle of Lake Eerie. About a minute later Danny caught something, it was the book his dad threw into the lake.
Back at Amity Park, Jazz and Sam were walking in the park keeping an eye out for any possible ghost activities. Well, that's what Jazz says, but in truth Jazz was trying to help Sam open up and talk about what happened to cause her, Danny, and Tucker to split up. At times she believed the three of them would have grown apart when they got to college. She figured that eventually the three of them would have joined up with the stereotypical cliques that they seem to have fit.
Sam was a Goth and despite being titled as 'Casper High's Token Goth' she was not the only Goth in Casper High. She was only the most outspoken Goth in their school. However, despite her preference to horror and supernatural stuff, Sam doesn't really behave like most Goths because she loves all forms of life and expressing her opinion. Most of that love is directed towards nature, which explains her desire to protect nature against human progress. Most Goths stereotypically could care less about anything that happens around them, due to not being interested conflict. Generally Goths favor being individuals, tolerance for diversity, and mildly cynicism, Sam on the other hand tends act more as an Activist which contradicts the generally known ideology of Goths. However, Jazz does not blame Sam for acting like this ever since she and Danny met. She believes it is Sam's parents who are at fault because they focus more on their social standing or morals as they claimed in Amity Park rather than teach Sam how to respect others' opinions instead of trying to get others to think one way. So it was no surprise that Sam acted the way she does.
Tucker, who based on appearance and focus on technology, would be established as a nerd. Specifically a techno-geek as many would call him. Where Sam favors nature, Tucker champions human progress and technology. Danny once told her how when Tucker tried to run for school president, his campaign was about 'victory through technology and the triumph of machine over man' and Danny was right about it being creepy. Danny even told her about how Tucker once gained ghost powers by Desiree and basically abused those powers for his own pleasures. Jazz started to think that Tucker may have an inferiority complex and desires to compensate his short comings. Outside that major flaw, Tucker constantly flirts with nearly every girl in school and has been shot down every time.
The toughest one to classify would be Danny. His peers call him a loser just because Danny doesn't fit in the many cliques of high school. Danny at the beginning tried to fit into a clique, the A-list because he wanted to find his place, but he was always insulted and was once the victim of the clique he wanted to join. Luckily, her little brother always knew who would accept him despite his mistakes. There were times that Jazz believed that Sam and Tucker would abandon Danny during one of his mistakes, but they didn't because they were friends and loyal to each other. But now, Danny has changed dramatically facing things violently as evident with his bouts with Dash Baxter. Also because he is half ghost, Danny would at times feel less human and wants to once again find his place. He tried to be a hero and did a good job, but now he just wants to fight and seems to embrace his status as a hybrid. Luckily, he doesn't use his powers for personal gain like Vlad Masters or Tucker during his short time as a ghost.
Three kids that are unlikely friends and their friendship lasted amazingly long before it was destroyed. Danny wouldn't talk about the reason, so it's no surprise that Sam would be tight lipped about what happened. Still, that wasn't going to stop Jazz from trying to get either of them to talk.
"So Sam," started Jazz. "How are things going for you now days?" she asked the Goth girl.
"Not too bad," answered Sam as they continued to walk forward.
"I've noticed that you haven't been talking about animal rights in school or talked back at Paulina," said Jazz.
"So?" replied Sam. "It's not like I can change anyone's opinion about respecting nature or getting Paulina to stop thinking about her own wants instead of others," she added.
"So you're just giving up on the world?" asked the older girl.
"Why not, it not like I have any real power to change things," griped Sam as she looked down on the grass. "I used to think that I was right about what I was standing up for, but now I can't even tell what's right anymore," she admitted.
"This is really about what happened between you and Danny isn't it," said Jazz. What she said wasn't a question it was a statement.
"So what if it is?" retorted Sam.
"Can you at least tell what happened?" asked Jazz. "I tried asking Danny, but he won't tell me," she added.
"That's between him and me," said Sam.
"What about Tucker?" asked the older girl.
Sam paused for a moment thinking about Tucker. She remembered how he was usually the jokester of the group, but now he was holding a grudge against Danny and her. She started to remember when their friendship finally broke off.
Flashback
"Come on Sam, you got to shake this off," said Tucker as he watched his friend skulk during lunch.
"No Tucker I can't," said Sam as she played with her salad.
"Come on, it was just one argument," said Tucker. "Chances are Danny will get over his anger and will come back begging for us to take him back. Just like before," he added.
"Danny never begged!" yelled Sam in anger.
"Sam how many times has Danny tried to go off and try to join Dash and Paulina's group?" asked Tucker. "I have never done that to you Sam and I would never do it," he added.
Sam looked up at Tucker in disbelief and doubt. She knew that Danny has done that, but he always came back because he feels bad about doing what he did. Tucker on the other hand, he actually has betrayed her and Danny. During the incident with Hotep-Ra he actually tried to rule everyone and used her and their peers as slaves and had Danny fight for his life. Even though she and Danny apologized to Tucker, he let his ego get the better of him after saving the day by using his Sphinx against the mummy ghost.
"I seriously doubt that Tucker," replied Sam.
"I'm serious Sam, I would never leave you. Come on how about after school we'll go see a movie my treat," said Tucker.
"Tucker, are you…?" started Sam in shock.
"Yes Sam, I've actually thought of you as this awesome girl," interrupted Tucker. "You're smart, pretty, and you don't let anyone treat you horribly. Danny's an idiot for not seeing it," he added. "So what do you say?" he asked.
"Tucker, I…" started Sam.
"Please say yes Sam," interrupted Tucker. "I'm much better than Danny could ever be," he added.
Sam was shocked to hear this coming from Tucker. Here she was feeling like crap for betraying Danny for her spying on him, and Tucker is talking her into dating him. She felt a certain amount of anger against her second best friend.
'I've spied on Danny when he was with Valerie, I've made that big mistake going out with that asshole Elliot, and I lost Danny as a friend and any chance of telling how I really felt. And now Tucker wants me to forget about Danny. No, not again. I won't make that mistake again," thought Sam.
"I'm sorry Tucker, but I don't feel the same way as you do," said Sam.
"What, what are you talking about Sam?" asked Tucker.
I don't like you like that Tucker, and I don't want to be another one of the many girls that you hit on," explained Sam.
"But Sam, I truly like you," said Tucker.
"And I don't," replied Sam.
"It's because of Danny isn't it?" growled Tucker. "It's always about Danny. You still cling to the idea that Danny will come back and apologize," he ranted. "Are you really that pathetic to desperately hope that Danny will come back? Get over it Sam!" he yelled.
In one quick movement Sam stood up and kicked Tucker very hard in his stomach. She picked up his head and punched him in his right eye. Tucker backed up in pain, but Sam moved closer and punched in his stomach again.
End of flashback
After that event Sam stopped talking to Tucker. She was mad at him for what he tried to do, but she also felt regret for hurting him. However, she refuses to give up on being Danny's friend again.
"Sam, are you okay?" asked Jazz in concern for the Goth girl.
"Huh? Sorry what were saying Jazz?" asked Sam.
"I was asking if you were going to tell me if you and Danny are going to talk out your problems," explained Jazz.
"I, I don't know," admitted Sam.
"Sam you guys need to settle your problems and get back together again," suggested Jazz.
"I know," agreed Sam.
The two girls left after talking a little bit more. Sam headed back home to thinking how to talk to Danny.
As for Jazz, she saw that the GAV was at the driveway. She saw her Dad and Danny exit the vehicle and she noticed that Danny was a little pissed off. Jack opened the GAV and unloaded the all the fishing gear. She walked up to her little brother and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Hey Danny, how was the fishing trip?" asked Jazz.
"It was the stupidest thing I've ever gone through!" yelled Danny. "Who's the genius who decided to go fishing in a dead lake in a dead forest?" he ranted.
"That bad huh?" questioned Jazz.
"It got worse because I was stuck talking to Dad about my social life," complained Danny.
"You have a social life?" repeated Jazz.
"Shut up," deadpanned Danny as he headed into the house.
"Sounds like Danny hated the trip," said Vince as he walked behind his niece.
"When did you get back Uncle Vince?" asked Jazz.
"A couple of minutes ago," answered Vince as he walked towards the GAV to help his brother unpack.
Author's note: That all I have for this chapter. Not much on action, but that's all I got for this chapter. I thought about following the episode Girl's Night Out, but I didn't feel the need for it. Instead I wanted to make a chapter to focus a little on Sam. Personally I don't really like this chapter. To be honest I more eager to get to Danny's fight with Undergrowth and get to Sam's biggest changing point. I think I might be able to make one or two more chapters before my version of Urban Jungle. After the Urban Jungle chapter, I plan on turning Sam's changing point into its own story that would serve as the sequel to Cross my Heart and I'll Fight Back.
I might be able to work on some more chapters for this story and 'If you don't Fight, you don't Survive.' I hope I can achieve this and put in some good fight scenes because those are my favorite parts of writing these stories.