Warning: This chapter is going to have a huge twist. Be aware of some big changes. :) And, as always, adult situations, violence and mpreg.
Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom.
Chapter Ten: Cleaning up
"Are you okay, Tucker," Mom asked, walking over to us.
"I'm fine," Tucker replied. "Thanks for the potion."
"It's not a potion," Mom grimaced as she squatted in front of us. "It just gave you the energy to do what you needed to do. Think of it as a Red Bull."
"Brit was being shocked by the egg but she's better now," I answered. "She's sleeping."
"I'll check her over," Mom nodded. She rubbed Tucker's shoulder as she rectified herself.
Valerie was the next through the door, running for Tucker. I stood up to give her room. I walked back to where I dropped the egg, bending down to pick it up. I handed it to Dad. "You might want to invest in a remote."
"Great idea," Dad declared.
Dani ran towards me, jumping around my neck. "I have never been so happy in my life! My powers are back!"
I laughed. "Right? It feels great!"
"I'm glad you two are happy," Jazz smirked. "How did it go?"
"No problem," I sighed. I looked over my shoulder to Mom. "I think Mom knows something, though. I don't think she knows the whole picture but she gave Tuck a jellybean and a power booster. It's suspicious."
"We'll deal with it," Jazz said, patting my back. She rubbed Dani's hair.
"Cut it out," Dani retorted.
"Just be glad you have hair," I grumbled.
"Don't feel bad," Dani said, wrinkling her nose playfully. "Hair does grow back."
"Hey, pumpkin, do you have powers now," Dad asked as he walked over to us.
"Sure do," Dani declared. "I was just saying that it feels great to have powers again."
"Well, we'll be able to finish cleaning up the nests soon," Mom remarked. "We'll get some rest and go back out later."
"I'm going to check on Sam," I replied. "You know how to get a hold of me." I left the room, heading down the hall. When I was away from everyone, I changed to flying to get there sooner. I phased through the wall as a ghost instead of going through the wall as a human.
"Hey," Sam smiled at me. "I see you got your powers back."
"Thank God," I said, floating next to her. I put my hand on her shoulder, phasing through her. Sam visibally relaxed.
"Thanks," Sam sighed. "My powers wasn't enough to heal me completely. It was a long process."
"You're still staying here," I declared.
"Forget it," Sam retorted. Sam floated into my arms and I held her tightly. "I'm okay, Danny. I love you."
"I love you so much, Sam," I sighed, closing my eyes. "You scared me to death."
"I know," Sam said. I released her, Sam relaxing in my arms. She knocked my hood off—again—and rubbed my head. "You need to leave this down. I think you look sexy with a bald head."
"Don't say that," I said, shaking my head at her. "I might think you still have a concussion."
Sam laughed. I caught her lips in mine and kissed her deeply. Sam propped the elbow of her free hand on my shoulder, running her hand over my head. I floated her to the bed, laying us down. I wouldn't make love to her but I sure was going to touch. Sam removed her hand from my head, grabbing my belt and pulling me on top of her. My left hand went to her hip as my right hand grabbed her left hand and pinned her to the bed. I continued kissing her.
"Separate," Mom's voice declared. I lost control and floated off her, hitting the ceiling. "I knew the minute you two were alone, you'd be going at it. Get down here this instant, young man!"
"Jeez, don't scare me like that," I said, grabbing my heart. I floated to the floor as Sam sat up, flipping her hair out of her face.
"You interrupted a very important date," Sam said, standing up. "I've waited a long time to have him kiss me like that!"
"No more babies," Mom declared. "We can't take any more kids in this family!"
I huffed out. Then that's going to be a problem.
"No more kids from us until college," I replied. I felt my legs meld into a tail, causing me to react. I forced my legs back out. I'm too damn used to being a ghost all day long.
Sam laughed. "You'd better watch that, mister."
I wiped my face. "Don't I know it?"
"What," Mom asked, looking between us.
"Nothing, Mom," I huffed.
"You two aren't going to have sex. That's all I care about."
"I didn't plan on it to begin with," I smiled. "I came to check on her. That's all."
"Uh huh. You may be responsible but you still have more hormones in you than a testosterone shot."
"I don't know," Sam smirked, bumping me playfully. "He may have more hormones than even you might believe."
"Cut it out," I growled.
"I'm just saying," Sam shrugged. She smirked at me.
"I know what you're saying and I'm just saying it's not possible."
"I've learned not to underestimate froot loops."
"So have I," I agreed. Sam and I started laughing. I rubbed her hair, kissing her one more time. Sam moaned, snaking her arm around my rib. While I had her distracted, I pulled up the hood. I broke the kiss, following Mom out the door. I heard Sam gasp as I tightened my hoodie. Sam grabbed William out of the basinet, following us.
(04)
When we arrived back to the room, our room service was being delivered. Tucker was still sitting in the chair while Brit was still sleeping. I had the room service delivered to our chambers.
"What is this place," Mom asked as we entered the room. Mom was looking around in absolute astonishment.
The chambers was huge. The first time I visited here, it was when I started assigning nobilities. That was a fun time! I had the entire room redesigned to almost resemble the office space of the Divisional Headquarters. We had the three desks stationed in the back of the room but there were couches, tables, chairs, a couple computers besides the laptops on our desks and a large fireplace.
"This is our chambers," I announced. "Castle, please light a fire." In an instant, a fire erupted in the fireplace. "This is where we do our work."
"There's only three," Dad remarked, looking around the room. Mom was still staring at the fireplace. "What about the rest?"
"Only Sam, Tuck and I have any official business with the castle and Phantom's office is located elsewhere," I told a tiny fib. It wasn't a complete lie because I do have a separate office—I just never use it.
"This is quite amazing," Mom remarked. Behind the desks was a large bookshelf filled with books Sam reads frequently. My citizens began setting out the food as Sam began to position William.
"Castle, please produce William's bassinet," Sam instructed. In a poof of smoke, the bassinet arrived. Sam laid William down.
"When did you learn that," I asked, my eyes wide.
"I asked Flava for a bassinet and the castle produced it. Shocked the heck out of me, too. Goodnight, sweetheart." Sam rubbed his chest, walking over to the desk usually assigned to me. Sam sat down in the seat, reclining. "It feels good to be able to move around."
"Just don't overdo it, Sam. You are still recuperating."
"Don't be ridiculous," Sam waved it off. One of my workers placed a vegetarian meal in front of Sam.
"Anything further, mi lady," the worker asked.
"That looks wonderful. Thanks, Camillia."
"No problem, mi lady," she bowed.
I walked over to the desk, sitting down on top of it. "So. What are you doing in my desk?" I chuckled.
"It's not yours at the moment," Sam remarked, a smile lining her lips. She laughed. "It's because of the arrangement."
"You can have the place," I remarked, picking up a pencil. I rolled it over the desktop.
"That won't work," Sam smiled. "That's you, not me. I'm only filling in."
Sam reached up to me as I lowered my torso towards her, allowing us to kiss. I smiled as I pictured Sam with that playful smirk on her lips. I loved her so much.
"Okay, you two," Mom grumbled. "I swear I can't keep them apart."
"Now, come on," Dani said, floating in the air. She turned over, crossing her legs behind her. "Would you want to any other way." Mom eyed Danielle very carefully. She knew Dani was exerting too much control.
"Stop that," Mom declared, pulling Dani in a right position. "Just because you have your powers back does not mean you can flaunt them."
"I'm just glad to have them back," Dani declared. She shot up, doing a circle in the air. I shook my head. I wanted to do that, too.
"It's amazing what a few hours without powers will do to someone," Dad declared. "We could have never got Danielle to use her powers so openly last week!"
"I'm confused," Joseph remarked. "How does Danielle have powers?"
"Did I not tell you," Jazz asked, cocking her head at Joseph. "Oh, sorry, honey. Danielle is Danny's clone that is built on ectoplasm. Danny's ex-boyfriend created her."
"But she's our daughter now," Mom remarked, putting her hand heavily on Dani's shoulders. I started laughing. "Cut it out, mister," she snapped in my direction.
"Mom, chill," I laughed. "She's just excited. It'll wear out."
"That explains how the boys have powers," Joseph nodded. "Who is their father?"
"I don't know," Dani remarked. "Vlad kidnapped me and impregnated me. I don't know whose sperm he used."
"Joseph has been a part of this family for five months now," I declared. "How come he doesn't know all this?"
"He doesn't ask," Jazz shrugged.
"Jeez, Jazz, you could fill him in on some things," I laughed.
"I am lucky to not snap at someone at least once a day," Jazz snapped at me. "You of all people should understand."
I held my hands up. "Sorry. Sheech! I got it!"
"Well, it's not really my place, either," Joseph remarked. "I know who is a part of this family and all that matters is I accept them. Not where they came from or what their DNA is made of."
"Well put," Mom remarked, kissing Dani's head.
"Mom," Dani whined.
"One thing has bugged me," Joseph spoke up. "Who is Megan and Lilly's mother?"
Everyone that knew put their heads down. "That's a great question," Mom remarked. "Danny is their father but we have no idea who the mother is. Danny and Vlad claim rights, though."
"Actually, Sam and I claim rights," I remarked. "Nothing has been done officially but after we marry, Sam will adopt the girls. Vlad gave his blessing in a letter, too."
"He did," Sam said, cocking her head to the side. "When?"
"He left Lilly, Megan and I letters when he willed his empire to me," I replied. "He blessed our relationship, asked for forgiveness and said goodbye to us. It meant a lot to me."
"I'd say it did," Sam said, rubbing my arm. "He asked for forgiveness?" I nodded. "What did he say?"
"He said he hurt me because he was a coward and he needed to lash out at others to feel powerful. He said that he admired my strength and that he loved me and that's why he was setting me free." I lowered my head. "I wished I had read the letter before I saw him last. I want him to know I forgive him."
"I don't care what he says," Mom replied. "I'll never forgive him for hurting you like that."
"He didn't know what he was doing," I said, looking up. Mom and Dad snorted. "He didn't. He was doing the only thing he knew how. He regrets it and I wish him the best of luck."
"You are better than he ever deserved," Dani remarked. "Both of you are."
"No," I shook my head. "We were both burned and we both felt alone in the world. We were drawn together because of the bond we shared." I squeezed Sam's hand. "There are times I wished we never got together but I know that I'm better because of it. We both are. I believe now that we could have made it if it had happened any other time. I didn't have enough time to adjust to the changes in my life when it happened and then I had to deal with the ghost invasion that Christmas. I couldn't deal with all three. That's why he and Blue are going to make it. It never happened in Blue's memories."
"It's wrong," Mom said, crossing her arms. "Blue should have to know what that monster put you through."
"No, he shouldn't," I said, giving a tight smile. "We'd all be better if we all forgot about it. I'm not holding onto it any more. I asked myself for forgiveness and I forgave Vlad. That's all that matters."
"Why did you ask yourself for forgiveness," Dad asked.
"I kept dragging Vlad down," I said, looking at him. "When I told him goodbye, I should have walked away. Blue was right. As long as I was around, Vlad never had a chance. I should have never hung around. I should have left him be."
"You tried," Sam said, rubbing my arm. "Vlad didn't want to say goodbye either."
"I know," I nodded. "But there was a time that Vlad begged for me to leave him alone the same way I did. I shouldn't have pushed him to have a working relationship with us. I knew Lilly's perceptive on him. Now I've only made it worse on Vlad and hurt Megan, too. Not to mention myself." I took a soft breath.
"Don't you dare blame yourself for the rape, though, Danny. You had nothing to do with it."
"I know that," I remarked. "I did nothing to deserve that. I didn't ask for it and I don't think I had it coming. Vlad had no right to do that to me but what's done is done. I can hold onto the pain or I can let it go. I have two beautiful girls and two handsome boys that give me plenty of reason to let it go."
"Yes, we do," Sam said, kissing me again. I was content. I just wished I could tell Vlad I forgive him.
We ate dinner and hung around until we got tired. Tucker and Brit eventually joined us but they were both tired. When it was time for bed, Mom separated us, though, making sure Sam and I didn't sleep in the same bed. She said she would let us sleep together but not right away. It was too much of a temptation. I kind of agreed.
(04)
"I'm going," Sam declared as she laced up her boots that night.
"No, you are not," I said, turning her boots intangible and stealing them.
"Would you prefer I go barefoot," Sam retorted.
"I'd prefer you not go at all," I said, sitting her boots by her bed. Sam grabbed them. "Come on, Sam. Just one more day."
"I'm going. Besides. You have more important things to do. Like stopping Tucker from going."
"And Brit," I said, throwing my head back. "You're not going! I'll be right back!"
I ran out of the room, my feet not even touching the ground. I peddled around the corner, entering Tucker's room. "Forget it," Tucker announced.
"You aren't going! Neither is Sam. Neither is Brit!" I held my hand up. "Be right back." I turned on my heel, leaving Tucker's room. Without looking, I held my hand in Sam's direction. "You aren't going."
"You know I am," Sam's voice announced. I continued down the hall. I entered Brit's room to see her slipping on her work vest.
"Brit!"
"I'm going," Brit announced. She bent over, grabbing a pair of boots beside her bed.
"No," I whined. Tucker and Sam floated in the doorway of Brit's room, a smirk on their lips. "Back to bed!"
"We're going," all three declared.
"They're going," Mom's voice traveled from behind. I turned back to my family to see Mom with her hands on both of their shoulders. "They're safer with us than attempting it alone."
"This is not fair," I said, hanging my head.
"We all have jobs to do," Sam remarked. "Life is not fair. Life isn't going to wait because we need an extra day. Besides, we don't need that day."
"We're fine," Tucker remarked. "Like you haven't pushed yourself when you shouldn't have."
"You know why I'm different than you," I said, huffing.
"Still," Mom remarked. "It's all the same. They'll be fine. They passed the physicals."
"Thank you," Sam nodded.
"Don't think I won't be monitoring you," Mom remarked. "Meet in the chambers for a meeting. We'll be heading out in thirty."
"Okay," I remarked. Brit finished lacing her boots up.
In the chambers, everyone had all gathered. Mom was restocking our supplies and preparing for our night out.
"What's the plan," Dani asked as she sat down on a couch.
"Well, the network is covered. If any ghosts retreat to the network, we'll get them. That only leaves the individual nests. Right now, our priority is the Andes. There is no way we can chase the ghosts into the mountains so the only choice we have is to capture them in the villages."
"There's a problem with that, though," I remarked, sitting forward on my couch. "The ghosts attack a broad area. There's no place they can't go. They're not limited to space like humans are. There's not enough of us to protect the entire area."
"Our new radar should be able to pick up where the ghosts are," Dad explained. "That's how we found you. We were tracing Phantom and I guess he broke away before you guys returned. Anyway, we can find out where the increased activity is."
"Yeah, Tucker was telling me about this updated radar. Can I see it?"
"Sure," Dad remarked. He stood up, putting his hands behind his back. "Castle, please access Fentonworks file SR500 please."
A screen dropped down beside of Dad, an image appearing. Dad smirked, looking over the image. "Wow," I remarked, walking up to it. I could see the entire Ghost Zone. There was a large red dot beneath a black target sign with an arrow inside it. "What is this? Our location. What's with the dot?"
"When there's a large gathering of ghosts, instead of pointing out every one, a large dot appears. That means there are over ten thousand ghosts in five hundred meters. That's the highest population dot."
"It's the castle," I laughed. "Can you zoom in?"
"Sure," Dad remarked. "Castle, zoom in on file SR500 six plus, please." The screen increased and I saw five green dots with a ten inside and four brown dots in the room. "What in the world?"
"What does that mean," I asked, swallowing.
"It means there are five level ten ghosts in this room but only four humans." Dad looked around the room. "Why is it identifying some of us as ghosts?"
"It must be flawed," Mom groaned. "You know it kept misreading three dots at home, too."
"Well you know why it doesn't identify me as a human, right," Dani asked. "I am built on ectoplasm."
"But that doesn't mean it should identify you as a ghost," Mom remarked. "You shouldn't have an ectoplasmic signature. None—I mean, neither you nor Blue should. You're only built on ectoplasm."
"What about the kids," Dad remarked. "How does it identify them?"
"Let's find out," Mom remarked. "Castle, show file SR500 located in Amity Park, Illinois." The image changed again. "Six brown dots! See, that's how you should be identified."
Mom missed something, though. In four of the brown dots, a number ten sat in it. With our radar, the girls are purple just like us. Mom and Dad's radar is built upon signatures. "That's it," I declared. "Your radar identifies signatures. How did you do it? It used to be built upon ectoplasm and blood."
"It wasn't working," Mom remarked. "We were able to be blocked from locating a signature. We figured out that the signature never vanishes and we isolated them. We can also identify power level only searches. Like, Castle, please show file SR500, power level eight." All the dots vanished. "Zoom out to minus one." The image had a white dot, about four sizes smaller than the red dot earlier. "See, it's telling us there is about sixteen hundred level eight ghosts in this castle."
"Wow," I remarked, looking over the images. "This-this really is impressive, guys. It's outdone ours."
"Told you," Tucker remarked. "Ours can still be blocked and it can't sense ghosts from a far distance. Theirs can tell you how many signatures there are. I wouldn't ask it to now, though." He chuckled.
"No. It might blow up," Mom said, crossing her arms. "It doesn't total numbers all the time. I have to ask it specifically for that result."
"But why does it identify us as ghosts but not the girls," Sam asked, walking beside me. "It makes no sense."
"I have no idea why it is identifying you kids as ghosts but I know why it doesn't identify the girls. They aren't ghosts."
I guess Mom and Dad don't buy that Lilly is a ghost anymore. I have no idea how they view my daughters now.
"Well, right now we need to focus on the nest issue," I remarked. "When we get home, I'll decide what to do."
"What to do," Dad asked, looking to Mom. Mom waved her hand at him, telling him to dismiss it. Yeah, she is so confusing me lately. Does she know or doesn't she? Any ideas?
Yeah, right, Tucker snorted. She isn't giving up one brain cell.
You can't read her, I asked.
Not iota cell, Tucker grumbled.
What's protecting her, I asked.
Hell if I know, Tucker remarked. I've given up. She knows and I'm not hiding it from her. I'm not giving her the satisfaction.
She may not understand everything, Tuck, I declared. Don't tell her what she doesn't know.
She's playing you, D. She knows more than she's telling anyone. Even Dad is so freaking confused.
"Let's head back to the real world," I remarked. "We'll need to get on the streets to stop anything."
"Let's go," Sam remarked.
(04)
It was the thirteen of us again and we had gathered in the Ops Center. Mom was scanning the area for the ghosts and it was amazing me how technical it was. I allowed Mom to determine where we'd need to go—I wanted to find out how to break us up or decide to keep us together. I think the thirteen of us would be too awkward for us to make any improvements. I needed to break us up in smaller groups. I didn't want to do two pairs anymore; I think that's too much. So let's break us up into a group of four—one ghost per group.
Gauis, Sam, Mom and Brit can work together. I think I would rather have Gauis be in charge of my girls. Dani can take care of herself so I'm not too concerned. Marcellus, Tucker, Valerie and Joseph can work together; I think I would be comfortable with that. Serguis, Dad, Dani… okay, I'm out of team members. What can I say, I'm bad at math. Okay, I have myself and Valentinus to decide what to do with. I can stick Valentinus with Gauis and I can join Serguis. That way Gauis can have help with the girls and I can be paired with Serguis and Danielle.
My eyes fell on Sam though and I rubbed my neck. She isn't going to like this. I know Sam wants to be with me but I want her safe. I wish she, Tucker and Brit would sit this out with Jazz but I know I have absolutely zero chance of that. I sighed. What if I put Dad and Mom together and Sam and I were on the same team. Tucker and Valerie are on the same team so it's only fair that I use our magnetism to our advantage. Also, with Dad working with Mom, I will be able to use my powers. Okay, that's what I'll do. Spare myself the wrath of my wife.
"I think it'd be best we break the team up into four different groups," Mom remarked. "Two of these guys look pretty strong."
"I've divided us into three groups," I spoke up. I viewed the monitor. I put my finger over an area with two groups, one with eight and the other with four. "Serguis, Sam, Danielle and I will take these two groups." I moved my finger to a group of seven. "Marcellus, Tucker, Valerie and Joseph will take this one." I moved my finger to the last group, a large group of six's. "Gauis, Mom, Dad and Brit will take these guys. Does that sound doable?"
"You're actually putting me on your team," Sam smirked at me.
"Yeah. I imagined you skinning me alive for putting you where Dad is and me being on the same team with Dad. I'd rather not upset you if I can avoid it."
"Smart thinking," Sam smirked.
"So our group is going to have two ghosts," Brit declared, crossing her arms.
"Yes," I said, crossing my arms as well. "Tucker and Valerie are professionals and so is Sam, Danielle and I. That only leaves poor Gauis to guard three novices. I think he needs a buddy."
"I agree," Tucker replied as Mom and Dad scoffed.
"Novices," Dad declared. "Don't tell me you are calling your mother and me novices."
"Compared to us, yes," Tucker answered.
"We found him," Mom declared. "I thought that was clear language that we are better!"
"Don't get bent out of shape," Sam said, rolling her eyes. "Didn't you hear him? He was going to put me and Brit on that team. That means three of eight of his girls were going to be on one team. He just changed his mind because he knew I'd tear him a new one."
"It's not only that," Tucker replied, sounding genuine. "Serguis and Danielle. Marcellus and Valerie. Gauis. It sounds a little disadvantaged, right?"
"Wait a minute," Mom declared. "Absolutely not! Danielle Caroline Fenton, you will not use your powers against full ghosts! Am I clear?"
"Mom, chill," Dani said. "I'll be fine. I know my limits."
"You will not be going unless you promise me that you will not use your powers against a ghost," Mom declared. "These guys have full control. I do not know how well you can control your powers or what your boundaries are."
"But I do," Dani protested.
"No," Mom declared.
"It's final," Dad said, crossing his arms. "It's too dangerous. This isn't Valerie's suit. Your powers are generated from a weak source and we have no idea what happens when you push yourself. Promise us!"
"Fine," Dani groaned. "Jeez. You guys are bending way out of whack about this."
"She'll be fine, guys," I said, wrapping my arms around Dani's neck. Dani looked up at me, sticking her tongue out at me. "I'll take care of her."
"Make sure she doesn't use her powers, son. I'm counting on you to keep your little sister safe."
"Nothing's going to happen," I remarked. "That's why I've split us up this way. Gauis and Valentinus have you three, Marcellus has Tucker, Valerie and Joseph, and Serguis and I have Sam and Dani."
"More like we have him," Dani retorted. She grabbed my neck, flipping me over her shoulder. I hit the ground, laughing.
"You little rat," I laughed. Dani crossed her arms, looking quite satisfied with what she did.
"Danielle," Mom cried, horrified. "Don't flip your brother!"
"He can take it," Dani said smugly.
I pulled myself up, dusting off my pants. "You're in for it when we get home," I joked.
"I'm so scared," Dani said, leaning in to taunt me.
"Okay," I laughed. I shook my head. "Everyone okay with the plan?"
"As long as you make sure Dani doesn't use her powers," Mom said, crossing her arms. "I don't like that you consider us novices but I guess it's something I have to live with. You kids will never admit your father and I are better than your team."
"That's because you're not," Sam smirked.
"You found me purely by accident," I remarked. "But I have my reasons for grouping us like this. Just trust me."
"I do," Mom sighed. "Okay, let's split up."
We loaded our bags with fresh inventory.
(04)
It was Sam, Danielle, Serguis and I now and we were heading for the region with the two ghost groups. The first group we were targeting was a group of four. These guys were strong, though. Three were eights and one was a nine; not pushovers. The group of eight wasn't small fry either. Two were actually tens and that made me a little nervous. The remaining was all above seven so that meant that the group would not go down without a fight… a hard one at that.
"Okay, what's the plan," Dani asked as soon as we were free to do so.
"We're going after the four first," I replied. "Then we go after the eight and stick to the community to protect the humans."
"I can use my powers, right," Dani asked. I snorted. "What?"
"You're asking me," I said, raising my eyebrow. "Please. If I was in your shoes, I wouldn't even bat an eye."
"Well, if you were in my shoes, you wouldn't consider that you're stronger than I am," Dani retorted. "If you wanted to stop me, I couldn't fight back."
Her response surprised me. "Danielle? I'm not stronger than you are. We're equal."
"Please," Dani spat. "All power levels aren't equal and you know that. Grandma and Grandpa Simmons are both the same power level but Grandma is more powerful. It's the same way with me and you. We're both eleven's but you have an edge over everyone. You're the strongest ghost there is."
"It's only because I'm the King, Dani," I said gently. "You're a big girl, cuz. I wouldn't make you do anything you didn't want to."
She gave me a soft smirk. "Thanks."
"I wonder why that is," Sam remarked. "Dani is based off your DNA. Shouldn't that mean you would be equal?"
"I think we are," I said, shaking my head.
"No, the duchess is correct," Serguis remarked. "Danny has more strength than Duchess Danielle. Just a couple points but enough to make an impact."
"Why," Sam asked.
"I do not know," Serguis answered. "Some ghosts are just more powerful."
"Well, I think that's unfair," I snorted. "What's the point of magnetism if one ghost can be more powerful than the other?"
"The points aren't that significant," Serguis remarked. "One mate may be more advantaged but that doesn't mean that the other is at risk of being overpowered. It just means they have one or two things that are in their favor. You should be one to know, sire, that power levels don't mean one level will always lose to the other. It's the experience and the determination that make the difference, too."
"That's true," I sighed. "You're only a ten but you can kick my ass any day of the week."
Serguis chuckled. "Yes, sire. That is a fine example."
"Got it, Dani," I said, pulling her close to me. Dani laughed.
"I got it," she remarked.
"I bet I'm more powerful than you," Sam said, smirking. She stuck her chest out.
"That may be a possibility," Serguis nodded. "You will be Queen of the Ghost Zone which means you will have a powerful title as well. If you were meant to be more powerful than Danny before he became the King of the Ghost Zone, you just may spike his power."
"See," Sam said, smiling at me. "I could be more powerful than you."
"Why would you want to be," I laughed. "Like I could win a fight with you anyway. You were just a human and you had me and every other ghost running scared." Sam laughed.
"That was very sweet," Sam smiled.
"It's the truth," I said, looking to the horizon.
Dani giggled a little. We fell into silence as we approached the location of the gang. Serguis pulled out his PDA. "They are still there, sire. We may proceed."
I triggered my rings, seeing a flash of light beside me. I looked to Dani to see her in her ghost form. "I can't wait to do that," Sam sighed.
"Do you feel rested enough to use your powers," I asked, looking to Sam.
"I won't use them unless I have to," Sam replied. "I feel okay but I'd rather not deplete my energy by using powers."
"Let me know if you start wearing down, Sam. I won't see you hurt again."
"I'll be fine, honey," Sam replied. She stepped up to me, kissing me gently. She pulled away, "Just be careful." She looked to Danielle. "All of you." Her gaze fell to Serguis as well. "No one is going to die today."
"That's right," I replied.
Sam reached her hand behind her back, pulling out a miniature bazooka. "Let's do this." We each started for the village but Sam spoke up again. "Baby, be careful."
"You too, sweetheart," I smiled, looking back to her. Sam nodded and we followed Dani and Serguis.
(04)
The streets were quiet and only the glows from Serguis, Dani and I was casting any light in the alley. I knew the four ghosts were around here somewhere but I couldn't locate them. Sam was the only one of us that wasn't a ghost. Her ecto-blaster was firmly in her hand but still in its miniature form. She wouldn't expand it until the need arose. Serguis lifted his PDA and I saw his glow dim.
"What," I asked, flying to his side. I glanced at the screen when he made it easy for me to do so. The ghosts weren't in this location anymore. "Can you find them?"
Serguis started backing the program out. "Sire, the ghosts are retreating."
"Danny," Sam called out to me. I turned my head in her direction. "Tucker called. They've got a situation."
"Someone hurt," I asked. Joseph was on his team.
"No," Sam said, shaking her head. "The ghosts are retreating. Their nest is leaving the real world."
I pushed the communicator. "Gauis," I spoke into the mic.
"Sire," Gauis responded.
"Are your ghosts retreating," I asked.
"Yes, sire. I was about to call you."
"Thanks." I hit a second button. "All members, we are retreating. The ghosts aren't staying in the real world. We need to figure this out."
"What's going on, Danny," Mom asked me.
"I think they know the network was attacked," I said, looking at Serguis.
Serguis nodded as Marcellus spoke. "I sure as hell would get out of dodge if something that took down that place had me in their sights."
"How would they know the network is shut down, though," Joseph asked. "If they get close to the network, they're captured. Right?"
"Yes," I answered. "But the ghosts have mates. They have friends. Word is probably just now getting out. It's been twenty-four hours since we first went in."
"Yeah. Let's meet back at the Ops Center," Mom remarked. "They could be retreating to other places. We need them captured."
"See you back at camp," I replied. I disconnected from continuous connection. "Mom's right. We can't let anyone get away if we can help it."
"And we won't," Sam said, taking my hand. "Okay, you two. Power down. Let's head back."
Danielle and I looked at each other but powered down as she suggested.
(04)
The night was a drag. We were tracking down ghosts fleeing and capturing them. My party did the most work because the ghosts were fleeing into the mountains for the portals. Humans couldn't keep up with the ghosts on foot and Mom and Dad refused to let Danielle use her powers. That put a lot of strain on my party. We captured some ghosts but they were mostly coming into the area after we were already there.
The sun cracked the dark sky and I had never been so happy to see daylight. My party was chasing three ghosts currently so it would be over soon. When we saw the additional three ghost dots disappear, we started back to the Ops Center. The party was waiting on us when we arrived.
"Please, sire," Serguis said, hanging his head. "Say it's over."
"It's over," I smiled. The look on Mom's face reminded me to finish that sentence. "For you at least. For us humans, it's just begun." Mom gave me a sympathetic look.
"What do you mean, Danny," Gauis asked me.
"We have to shut these portals down," I remarked. "That means that we'll be out here biggest part of the day. Ghost hunting is over, though."
"Why is it over for us if it's not over for you," Serguis asked.
"You're going back to the Ghost Zone," I replied. My party went on the defensive. "I'll be fine. I have my team with me. What you need to do is return to the castle. You've done so much for me."
"We will not leave you unprotected," Marcellus declared. "Our duty…"
"Is to leave," I said gently. "It's not a request. That's an order. You have finished your obligations. Now, take a few weeks off."
"Sire," Valentinus spoke unsure.
"No," I said, shaking my head. "You four are the best team I know. You were there when I needed you. I am glad you are my friends. Now, please, go home to your family. I have my own now."
"We have him," Sam said, linking her arm in mine. I kissed her head.
"The protection we provide is more than for Danny," Gauis spoke.
"We understand that," Tucker nodded. "But Danny's right. Your jobs are done. Go home. I know a lot of people want to see you."
Gauis looked conflicted but he got that hardened look. "As you wish, my liege."
"Thank you," I smiled. "Go home, boys. It's more than the last two months. You've been on duty since Megan's birth. Enjoy some time off."
"It's been an honor to serve you, my lord," Marcellus bowed.
"It's been an honor to work with you," Serguis purposely rephrased.
"You two, boys," I nodded.
"We will be at your call, sire," Valentinus spoke.
"We've been friends for two months," I smirked. "No need for the titles."
"For any of us," Sam replied.
"I'm sorry, mi lady. I cannot take orders…"
"From anyone but Danny. Yeah, yeah, yeah," Sam said, rolling her eyes. "I'm going to miss being in charge."
I looked to Tucker. "You feel the same way, Tucker? Danielle?"
"They can call me whatever they want."
"I hate being called Duchess anyway," Dani rolled her eyes.
"You may call these guys by Sam, Tucker and Danielle," I said, smirking.
"Or Dani."
"Or Dani," I repeated. I had to. Dani Phantom was her ghost name.
"As you wish. Good day, Sam. Good day, Tucker. Good day, Danielle."
"We've got him," Tucker replied.
"It was a pleasure to serve you," Gauis spoke, bowing to us four. Sam, Tucker, Dani and I nodded back. "It was also a pleasure to serve with you, humans."
"Yeah," Joseph said, a little eerie. "You too." Jazz squeezed his hand. The four ghost guards faded away, causing Joseph to nearly come out of his skin. "Where did they go?"
"Back home," Sam replied. "They can sort of teleport that way."
"Cool," Brit cried.
"Or really creepy," Joseph remarked. Jazz laughed.
"Let's get something to eat before we call Samuels," Mom remarked.
"I'm all for that," Jazz said softly.
"Young lady, we need to have a chat."
Jazz looked to Joseph. They shared a look.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Joseph began. "When I returned, Jazz and I had unprotected sex. Jazz is pregnant with my son."
Jazz's jaw dropped as she stared in amazement and surprise. Dad gasped as Mom just nodded her head. "How far along?"
"I'm just about to enter my third trimester," Jazz said, looking to our parents. "I found out a while ago but so much was going on… I didn't know how to tell you. I'm so sorry."
"I guess with Danny's absence, I can understand why you didn't tell us," Mom sighed. She took Jazz in her arms and hugged her. Joseph stepped to the side, giving them room. "I love you, Jazz. Nothing will ever change that."
"I know," Jazz nodded. She shuddered a breath. "And that's not the reason I didn't tell you. I just didn't want to stress you. I saw what Sam's pregnancy did to you."
"Sam's still in school. While I wished you were older and married, I know you have a good man by your side."
"Yes, I do," Jazz said, looking up at Joseph.
"We've already got a house, Mrs. Fenton. We've been spending a lot of time there."
"You are becoming a part of this family, Joseph. It's time you called me Maddie."
A warm smile spread on Joseph's face. "If that's what you want… Maddie."
"Now wait a minute," Dad declared. "Pregnant? Sex? But-but-but?"
"Daddy, I haven't been a virgin for a while."
"At least six months," Mom smirked.
"Well, I wasn't a virgin when Joseph and I had sex either," Jazz said, looking down. Her cheeks burned and I know it wasn't because she was pregnant when she and Joseph had sex. I know how embarrassing it is to talk sex with our parents.
"Pumpkin," Dad cried, turning to Danielle.
"Don't look at me," Dani declared. "I was penetrated. That's it!" Dani put her palms towards Dad but looked at me. "I'm two. I have no interest in having sex."
"Wait," I declared, startled. "You're not two. You are just like an average fifteen year old!"
"I don't know about that but I have no interest in sex. I'll pass."
"Oh, my God," Mom declared, looking to me. "It is. She's in post-partum because she's too young!"
"But Blue," I said, frowning. "He had no problem."
"He could be different but he also chose to take care of Dawn. He also didn't deliver her."
I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. "There has to be more than that, Mom. I wasn't exactly on board when… with Lilly." Yeah, tell her you were once pregnant. That won't hurt anything. "I had a lot of problems in the early stages but I overcame them. There's something different about Dani."
"Jeez, come on people," Danielle cried. "I'm not in post-partum. I just don't want anything to do with them!"
"We'll get to the bottom of it, Danny," Mom said, looking at me. "Right now, I want to hear all about my newest grandson."
Jazz blushed. "We're naming him Joey. He's born sometime in February."
"February," Mom declared, looking back at me. She had just looked away from me to look at Jazz a fraction of a second ago. "That was a staple."
"Danny was actually the first one besides me to know," Jazz said bashfully. "I found out first because I missed my—."
"Ut ut," I said, covering my ears. "We know how that works!"
"Anyway," Jazz said, her voice annoyed. "I started acting weird so Joseph pulled Danny aside. Once Joseph highlighted my pregnancy symptoms, Danny remembered that Joey was born shortly after Jacky and Jamie. He talked to me in private and I told him I was pregnant."
"When was this," Mom asked.
"Before I died," I remarked.
"Oh, wow, you've known for a while, then," Mom said, rubbing her hand down Jazz's hair. "You could have told us, you know. We wouldn't have been mad."
"I know," Jazz said shamefully. "I-I just didn't want to add any more stress to you. First it was Danny's death, then it was him coming back, then it was him running away… you were under so much pressure. I'm sorry, Mom."
"It's over now," Mom said. She kissed Jazz's head. "You don't have to worry, sweetheart."
"Thanks," Jazz smiled at our parents. Mom released her, allowing Jazz to nestle in Joseph's arms.
We began to prepare for the big day ahead of us.
(04)
Samuels was on the way down but we were outside of a portal. Mom and Dad were going all geek over it but I was using my sensing abilities. Dani walked over to me.
"What is it," Dani asked me.
"It's a natural portal," I replied. "Tap into your ghost sense. You'll be able to sense the humans and the ghosts but mostly, you'll feel this tugging feel. An urge to return home."
Dani stared up at it. "Why does it feel that way?"
"It's home," I said, giving her a tight smile. I looked back at it. "All ghosts have a connection to the Ghost Zone. Even us. The call of the Ghost Zone is strong."
"According to a book I read it's to lead a ghost home," Sam replied. "Ghosts travel through portals all the time but they aren't permanent portals. They need to find a way to always go home. You never know where the next portal will be."
Tucker, Valerie, Sam, Dani and I were looking at the portal from a distance but Mom, Dad and Brit were examining it up close. Brit is into this sort of thing so that's why she's with my parents instead of us. Jazz is in the Ops Center and Joseph is on Jazz duty. Mom and Dad nearly skinned me when they realized we left Jazz unprotected. As I pointed out, if anyone got to her, there's nothing any of us could do. That Ops Center is as fortress-like as anything can get.
"I can't wait to go home," Tucker sighed. "I miss my girls."
I felt my chest squeeze but I tried not to draw attention to myself. I don't know what, but something has me nervous about going home. I'm homesick and sick and tired of being useless out here but I can't imagine any other reason why I don't feel good about going home. It's been a while since I've been around and with the town noticing Danny Phantom has left, I'm nervous about going back home. I'm still not sure about what to do.
"I know what you mean," Dani replied. "Not about the kids, but about wanting to go home."
"You guys can go home at any time," I replied. "Mom, Dad and I can handle things from here."
"No," Tucker shook his head. "I can't wait to see the girls' face when you come home."
"Wait until you see Danny's reaction," Sam smiled. "The monitor couldn't have done Lilly, Megan, Jacky and Jamie justice. You know how big they've gotten."
"How long has it been since I left them in Amity Park," I asked.
"Almost two months," Sam said, holding her head down. "They miss you so much, Danny. I'm happy that you're coming home."
"Yeah," I nodded, feeling my heart squeeze again. I coughed, thinking maybe I had something caught in my throat. I know it can't be the girls making me nervous!
"It's been three months since you left," Tucker replied. "Lift that shirt up!"
Tucker's attitude went from serious to accusing. I swatted my hand in his direction. "Shut up!"
"Three months, we'd be able to see," Valerie commented.
"Not you too," I groaned, throwing my head back. Just for the hell of it, I pulled my shirt up, displaying my flat stomach. "Satisfied?"
"Have you been eating well," Sam asked me. Her question made me bow my head in submission. "Then, no, I am not satisfied. I'm scared senseless. If you're pregnant and you're that thin… the baby could be at risk."
"I'm not pregnant," I whispered. I didn't want that spoken too loudly. "Now hush!"
"Okay, kids, we've located the abnormality," Mom spoke up. We moved in to surround she, Dad and Brit. "It's the same kind of abnormality we detected with Phantom's portal power. The only difference is this is opening sporadically—it needs to have a predetermined location. This might be why Phantom is able to open a portal anywhere in the Ghost Zone."
"So this is the cause, not the consequence," I asked.
"That's what we're understanding," Brit replied. "The portal responds to high levels of energy. I mean, look at this." Brit picked up a rock and threw it as hard as she could at the portal she and my parents were studying. The portal closed but the rock disappeared.
"It's any energy," I declared, surprised. We were able to open it before with just a small ecto-blast. It doesn't have to be ghost energy to begin with.
"Yeah," Mom answered. "Any kind of force will do. If a ghost would fly through it too fast, they could force it shut. It's quite amazing."
"So closing these things should be easy," I replied. "I mean, you can't open them the same way."
"That's what we're going to study now," Mom replied.
"I closed the portal so we would know where one is located. If our theory is right, we should be able to open it by repeating the process. If we're right, we're in trouble. We'll have to find another way to stop them from coming in another way," Brit replied.
Dad reared back this time with a rock and threw it in the direction the portal once was. A blinding flash erupted from the sky and a green hole tore out, swirling continuously. "We're in trouble," I sighed.
"Yes, we are," Mom sighed. She let out a frustrated growl. "How are we supposed to contain this?"
"Maybe we aren't," Tucker said hesitantly. We all looked to him. "Come on, you know this is the same issue we will face in 2012. I'm sorry. I want to stop the war, too, but not at the cost of her."
"Look," I said softly. "If anyone understands," I said, looking to Sam. Sam leaned on me. "It's us. We don't want to lose her either. But we can't just give up. Whatever we do with the shields protects the world for thirty years, Tucker. If we give up and let the Forbidden Zone to wreak havoc on the world, we may lose more than one."
"But it's the fight for the shields that causes everything," Tucker replied. "And what good are we doing pushing the inevitable? Doesn't the people deserve to know what we're up against?"
"I've been thinking the same thing, Danny," Danielle remarked. "I don't agree about the portals. The protection is needed. But we need to inform the public. We can't keep the world in the dark and expect them to know what to do."
"And what happens if we are able to keep the ghosts at bay," I asked. "Should we expose the world to something that they may never have to face? I'm sorry. I think the world is best left in the dark unless they absolutely have to know. We've been there, guys. We know how this world reacts to things like this."
"I'm with Danny," Sam said softly. "We keep the world as safe as we can and we keep them in the dark. If ghosts have to be exposed, then they will be busy with survival. I want someone out there to be able to raise their children without the threat of an attack. We may never get that chance, but I will feel better knowing not everyone is faced with these issues."
"You're braver than I am," Brit said, bowing her head. "I couldn't do it, guys. I couldn't put anyone above my children."
"Your children won't have to save the world someday," Sam said, keeping her head down. "I won't be able to see them go if I put them above everyone now."
"We'll be proud, Sam," I said, holding her tight. "Our children will grow up to be heroes. They will succeed where we have failed. They are the future, honey. It will be our honor to watch them make the same sacrifices we made."
"Yeah, right," Tucker scoffed. "Just wait until Lilly goes on her first ghost hunt."
I swallowed. "She's two. I'll have to take her out on her fourth birthday."
"Says who," Mom declared, her voice shrill.
"Says our policy," I replied. "I'll begin training her soon. I've let her advance at her own pace so far. Soon, I'll start honing those powers."
"How," Dad asked. "What could you know about ghost powers?"
"You'll find out soon enough, Dad," I smiled. Mom held her gaze on me, neither curious nor confused. Her gaze told me she understood. What does she know?
"Well," Mom sighed, "let's catalog these portals so we'll be ready when Samuels gets here." She snapped her fingers. "Let's get to work." We began to catalog the portals, knowing where each one was.
(04)
"A little higher," Samuels called about two hours after we conducted the experiment. Danielle was in the air, holding a shield generator. Samuels had brought along the prototype to see if the shield would do the trick. We had to make sure it could guard the portal or if we were wasting our time. The only way to do that was to use Dani as the pole.
"Be careful," Mom called up, covering her mouth. Dani rose a little higher. She got too close to the portal though, and disappeared. "Danielle," Mom cried.
"Chill," Dani's disembodied voice called out. She floated back into the real world. "I got too close. We have to make sure any part of this shield doesn't go into the portal. We'll have a shield opening in the Ghost Zone if we don't watch."
"Try balancing it away from the portal," I called up. I wished I could fly up there and show her what I mean.
Keep that image in your head and you can show Dani what you mean, Tucker responded.
Are you seeing this, Dani, I asked her.
Yeah. I'm trying to match it exactly as you imagined it, Dani answered. It's a little trickier in my human form.
She finally got it exactly as I pictured it. "Okay. I'm turning it on now!"
Dani turned the shield on and the dome expanded around the portal. It looked perfect.
"That's great," Samuels declared. "Okay, we have fifty of those generators and the equipment needed. We need about eight hundred more, Maddie."
"What," Mom strangled out.
"There's an estimate of eight hundred temporary portals like these here that open sporadically around the world. We need two hundred in the next thirty days. Do you think you can do that?"
"If I got a team," Mom said, her eyes wide.
"Great. I'll form one. Radar," Samuels looked to me.
"Not yet," I answered.
"You need to. I could use what she could use from you if you know what I mean."
"I'm your Radar, of course I know what you mean," I rolled my eyes. He needs the information Mom would collect from me.
"Just think about it, all right."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I grumbled. "Okay, sis. Come on down."
"How did Danielle get ghost powers," Samuels asked. I covered my face with my hand. I wanted to disappear and if I didn't watch, I'd get my wish.
"It's a long story, Samuels. Why are you so calm about it?"
"It's a long story," Samuels replied. I whimpered, wishing I'd be hit by lightning. Mom is going to find out you know and she is going to kill both of us!
Dani landed on the ground, putting the generator on the ground. Samuels leaned in, whispering something in Dani's ear. I actually missed it because I was dying of embarrassment. "Yeah," Dani nodded. Samuels nodded as well. I whimpered some more.
"Okay, we need to take a trip to meet this woman that you saved," Mom replied. "If we don't find her, she's as good as dead."
"How am I supposed to find her," I groaned.
"You're the hero. Find her," Mom declared.
"I'm not a hero," I muttered. "I'm just trying to help."
"What," Mom asked, snapping her eyes to mine. I froze, seeing that suspicion in her eyes. She doesn't know. She doesn't know I'm Danny Phantom!
"Nothing," I said, feeling a smile forming. I fought it off but I was super excited. Whatever she's thinking, it has nothing to do with me being Danny Phantom.
"Okay," Mom said, watching me closely. "We need to find her, though, and any others. Maybe the Division resources can help."
"Help yourself," Samuels offered.
"Thanks," Mom replied. "Okay, kids, let's go."
(04)
Trying to find the village I was in when I obliterated Diego was nearly impossible. We had Divisional agents going door to door and village to village trying to find anyone who fit the profile. Any woman who is pregnant, anyone who is weak, bruises easily, constantly hungry and in the first trimester or any woman who is mysteriously strong, impervious to illness, needs less food and beyond the first trimester. Any woman pregnant was ordered to our testing facilities. We had the full cooperation of the Venezuelan government; they couldn't afford to go to war with us.
The amount of women turning up was staggering. They were all over the gestational timeline, though, so many we knew were a lost cause. Not one pregnancy exceeded seven months, though. I found that very peculiar. However, the biggest listing we had was from the vital records. We had women who had died under suspicious circumstances and we had odd children in foster homes. We tracked down the ones in private homes.
"How many do we have unaccounted for," I asked as I thumbed through the vital records in Caracas. There were numerous babies who were unaccounted for.
"Thirty," Tucker answered. He rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses. "How are we supposed to find these kids?"
"Esmeralda came back for her son," Mom answered from across the table. "Could you look them up in the Ghost Zone? See if the mothers came back for them."
"That's a possibility," I nodded. I threw the stack of files down. "I need to get out of here, anyway."
"I hope I live to see the day you take over the Division," Mom smirked. "It's going to be hilarious."
"There will be nothing funny about an old man crying," I said point blankly. Tucker and Mom snickered.
"I think we have everything," Mom smiled. "We just need to get back to Amity so we can find those records in the Ghost Zone."
"Thank God," I said, hanging back my head. I was so sick of death, abuse and cruel ghosts. I remember when I used to think a ghost scaring a human meant they were trying to kill them. It's going to be strange to see a ghost just torturing a human. I've seen them kill mercilessly.
No torture. No chasing. No 'boo!'. Just a shot of ectoplasm to take their head off.
I snapped my eyes open, afraid of seeing the images. Tucker rested his hand on my shoulder. "I'm scared, Tucker. I'll never be the same."
"I remember you thinking the same thing after Vlad raped you," Tucker said softly. "You got over that, too."
"Vlad regretted what he did," I said, hanging my head. "These ghosts have no remorse."
"Neither did Vlad when he did that," Mom snorted. "You'll be fine, honey. I promise, I will protect you."
"How can you promise that, Mom. I'll never promise my children they'll be safe. I have no guarantee."
"Oh, you'll find a way when you see defeat in their eyes," Mom said, wrapping a comforting arm around my shoulder. I allowed her to pull me close. "You'll be surprised the things you can do when it's your children needing it."
"Thanks, Mom," I smiled up at her. It wasn't a comforted smile, though. It felt forced and I felt defeated.
"I love you, Danny," Mom said, kissing my head.
"I love you, too, Mom," I replied, hugging her side. I stood up and we left the vital room to join Sam, Dad, Brit and Valerie in the records room.
We left Venezuela and I hoped it was the last time I'd ever be here.
(04)
The entire flight home had me jumpy. I was so nervous about seeing the girls again. The Ops Center attached back to the roof of Fentonworks and we entered the house. I settled down in the living room as Sam went to the Foley residence to get the kids. I sat at the edge of the couch, hutched over my legs. Tucker positioned himself to be sitting identical to me. "Are you nervous?"
"And a bit scared, Tuck," I admitted quietly. It was only us two in the living room. I double checked to make sure before I spoke my mind. "Tucker, I-I've been getting these weird feelings."
"What kind of weird feelings," Tucker asked me, leaning towards me.
"I-I'm scared, Tucker," I said, looking my brother in the eye. I found comfort in those green eyes. I needed something to keep me from coming out of my skin. "I-I haven't felt like myself lately." I released a shallow breath. "When I brought William to Sam the other day… it took me a while to pick him up." The memory played in my head so I knew Tucker was getting it.
I stood in front of that crib, no one around me. I knew Sister Victoria was a few rooms over so I wouldn't be alone for long. I reached my hand out, shaking badly. Maybe I'm just scared for Sam, I had questioned. Why would I be scared of touching my own son? I forced my hand steady as the back of my hand rubbed the blanket. A jolt of pain went through my heart and I gasped. William stirred in his sleep.
I took another breath, forcing myself to calm down. I don't have any powers, my family just found me and I haven't had any sleep in a while; of course I'm nervous. I put my hand back towards the blanket and rested my hand on the mattress beside our son. The back of my hand just barely touched William's side but it felt like I had stuck my hand in a shark tank. I could see my muscles twitching as if something was about to bite me.
"It's only temporarily," I said, forcing out another shallow breath. "I'm only holding him until he gets to his mother. Then he's someone else's problem." I couldn't believe I called my son a problem but I did. It felt relieving, though; shamefully so. I lifted him up, cradling him to my chest. "It's just like with Eddie and Jacob. He's not my responsibility." The words sounded awful coming out but oh so relaxing.
"Danny," Tucker said once the memory played itself out. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"Tucker, I can't do this," I said, feeling tears coming to my eyes. "I can't see the girls."
"You have to," Tucker said firmly. "These girls are going to be devastated if you ignore them!"
"What am I supposed to do," I asked, covering my face in my hands. I didn't want to see my own girls. There, I've said it.
"You have to," Tucker declared. "This is what we're going to do. I'm going to open a connection to you and we are not going to mention this to anyone, am I clear? You are going to do this vicariously through me. You will not tell these kids that you don't want to see them. Understood."
"I-I'll try," I said, looking at him. I felt my stomach flip and I bit back the nausea.
"You are going to do it," Tucker said firmly, his gaze hard. He stood up. "I'll be back."
He looked around us and turned intangible, slipping through the floor into the basement. I covered my face, shuddering a breath. Sam would be here any minute and she'd be coming with the kids. How am I supposed to be their father when I can't even be around them? Why am I feeling this way? Please, let me get over this. My girls deserve better.
I heard footsteps and looked in the direction. Tucker was coming out of the kitchen with a mug of coffee. "I got one of those ghostly red bull things and put it in this mug. I'm going to keep my powers boosted so I can do this for you. If you give away one iota that you are uncomfortable, I will seal you in the thermos for the rest of eternity, is that understood."
I nodded numbly, fighting the nausea. Tucker released a calming breath, sitting back on the couch. I swallowed, trying to expel the nausea I felt. I thought I was going to throw up but when that door opened, I felt Tucker's connection.
We are going to do this and we aren't going to tell anyone, am I clear, Tucker asked. I could feel his tranquility taking over my mind. The nausea began to loosen up and a sense of excitement filled me. I felt myself smiling, my skin crawling in nerves. Sam opened the door, Megan in her arms. Tears flooded my eyes and it was as if I really felt this. Behind Sam was our additional parents, my two nephews and my oldest in their arms; only Mom Number Three didn't carry in a kid.
"Where did you have to go, Mommy," Lilly's voice asked childlike.
"We were needed for business," Sam said. She stepped down into the living room and I came to my feet, feeling the apprehension building in me. Seeing the girls filled me with a sense of wonder and I had an urge to pull them in my arms. A shot of fear ran through me at that thought, though, and I backed up. I hit the table, drawing attention to myself. Megan was the first to look at me and her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Mommy," Megan cried and the feeling of love drowned me. I pushed myself along the side of the couch, darting behind it and taking my baby girl in my arms. Tears leaked out of my eyes as she melted in my arms and I collapsed to my knees. Lilly came running at me but I couldn't make out her shrill (although I was certain of what it was she said). I opened my left arm, taking her in my arms beside her sister. I didn't feel any of this overwhelming feeling but I was able to broadcast it.
"My girls," I cried. I held onto them tightly, not feeling that crushing fear in my heart. I lifted them up and held them to my chest, my hands wrapped tightly around their bottoms. I kissed them both on the side of the face.
"I didn't—when did—I've missed you so much, Daddy," Lilly cried.
"I missed you so much, Lilly. My Megan," I cried. I returned them to the floor, sitting back to get a good look at them. They both had tears in their eyes but those were real. My girls loved me so much, crying real tears for me, missing me for real. The tears coming from my eyes came from their uncle.
AN: If anyone is wondering, I received the sixth review two days ago. If you check the review page, you'll only find six on Chapter Nine but I received seven. My sixth reviewer couldn't have her review posted so she sent me a PM. I got six though and that was the conditions. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I can't believe I got that extra one! :)
So many things are happening. There are eight chapters that happen in just three weeks. I do believe this is the longest story arc I've ever written. ^_^ I hope you guys like it as much as I loved writing it. Please don't hold anything back. If you have something on your mind, I take all forms of feedback. I know you guys must have something to say about this latest development. ;)
Also, can anyone remember if I've ever said that Sam is listed as Lilly and Megan's mother on their birth certificates? I remember when Megan was born, Danny told Reynolds that he was the only parent listed on Lilly's BC but I can't remember if I've said anything since then. I'm going to go through the story but that's a big project. If I ever did say that, ignore it. They aren't supposed to do that until AFTER Sam and Danny are married. Sometimes, things get jumbled up. Sorry :/
Thanks for reading. The next chapter will be up tomorrow!
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