Warning: Again, not many warnings here. Mpreg and adult situations. I think that's it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom.
Chapter 13: Identical
Second block had Sam, Tucker, Valerie and I all together again. Tucker and Valerie sat close together while Sam and I sat close together. All four of us were in the same area, though.
Mr. Fuluka was our teacher again. This is a class I'd rather not spend any time in. Mr. Fuluka, even though the event happened nearly three years ago, held a grudge against me. We were in ninth grade and I had gotten a ghost sense. I raised my hand but he was so engrossed in his lesson plan that he didn't notice me. I had snuck out of the classroom to go fight the ghost but was caught coming back in. When he threatened to have me suspended, Mom and Dad threatened to call the school board and he was forced to drop it or lose his license. Since that day in 2005, he's enjoyed torturing us.
Sam and I sat in the back, sharing my laptop. I wasn't focusing on the assignment and I sure as hell wasn't focusing on Mr. Fuluka's dull lecture.
"What's wrong," Sam asked me, sensing my trouble.
"Tucker and I were talking last class," I sighed. After we met the others, we dropped the conversation. I couldn't get it off my mind, though. Where were they? Where was Danielle? In fact, I don't see or hear from Danielle at all—human or ghost—after the genocide attack.
"We can talk after class," Sam spoke. It wasn't because she didn't want to discuss it. She knew I didn't want to say anything around Tucker.
"Thanks," I nodded. I leaned my head on her, going through the dreams I've had. I haven't had a dream in months. The last one I can really remember having was six months ago. I guess I've been too stressed since Vlad told Megan she was mine and his.
"I love you," Sam said, taking my hand, pulling it to her lips and kissing it.
"I love you, too," I smiled.
The bell rang and we broke. Sam and I went outside, where we could be completely alone. It wasn't snowing but it was cold and only half ghosts were brave enough to try it.
"So," Sam said as we sat on the picnic table. "What's on your mind?"
"Tucker wants to draw a line," I sighed. "We don't lose any children. If it comes down to losing a kid or losing the battle, we give up the battle. I guess it makes sense but I don't think it's practical."
"Of course it's not practical," Sam said, putting her legs behind her. "You can't just choose to walk away. Once the battle begins, it's a fight until one wins and the other loses. The only reason he thinks this could work is because we retreat. The battle wasn't life and death. We just lost someone. The battle was about territory. They wanted out and we wouldn't let them take any more land. When Sammy died, we let them do what they wanted."
"But what if it's just not you and I that lose a kid," I said, hanging my head. "I couldn't say it to Tucker, Sam. I think Tucker outlives Courtney."
Sam looked down. "What gives you that indication?"
"Tucker and you look a lot alike in the future," I sighed. "We all three have this… sadness about us. You remember how Mom described you. You didn't smile a lot. I notice Tucker was the same way and I don't see Courtney." If I thought the prospect of losing my daughter hurt, the thought of my brother losing his only daughter was a sack to the gut. I gasped. "Oh, God, Sam, what would we do?"
"Danny, you have to stop looking at your dreams as a concrete prediction. Even though you know without a doubt that Sammy doesn't survive the battle doesn't mean we give up when it comes time. I don't know what you plan to do, but I know exactly what my job is when that day comes. I will have babies to protect and I am going to do it. The twins won't even be ten yet. They will not be there. They're staying home."
"They were there in my dream," I sighed. "I'm with you, though. They won't be on that field. Sammy was an adult. I'll be damned if we lose our actual babies."
"It will only be our girls," Sam said softly. She laid her head on my shoulder. "Lilly, Megan, Sammy, Pammy… no. D.J. will be old enough."
"Yeah," I nodded. "D.J. will be nineteen."
"He's still too young," Sam said, wrapping her arms around her sides as she laid her head on my shoulder. "How old will Lilly be?"
A smile tugged at my lips. "Twenty-nine."
Sam's head shot off my shoulder. "Oh, wow." I laughed. "I wasn't expecting that."
"It's twenty-seven years away," I said, turning in her direction. I shook my head as I imagined Lilly with a family of her own. Would she have children herself to reassure before she goes to battle? No. I started laughing.
"What," Sam asked.
"Just imagining scaring away any man who even looks at my little girl."
Sam smiled, letting out a brief laugh. "God help her."
"She'll be fine," I smiled. Sam leaned against my shoulder. "It's him that'll need divine help." Sam let out another soft laugh.
"I'm scared for what the future holds but I'm ready to greet it. We may not be able to protect our kids the way we'd like but we will prepare them the best we can."
"And just think, in two years… five months, you, my Gothica, will be born."
Sam let out a nervous laugh. "Oh, man. Two and a half years. I wonder how that will play out."
I took her arm, kissing her hand. "I can tell you all about it. I will be there."
"You said it happens during the night," Sam said, rectifying herself. "How do I get a costume?"
Her question took me by surprise. "You don't wear your costumes to bed." It wasn't a question. I sleep with Sam every night.
"No. Why? Should we?"
"According to one dream, you and Tucker started wearing your costumes to bed. The transformation happens at night, that's why Vlad's costume resembled his nighttime attire." Sam nodded. I've told her this before. "You and Tuck were wearing your pre-portal clothes but I had a dream of you two in white outfits instead of black outfits and you changed your clothing again."
"You see, we didn't even think of wearing our costumes to bed. But I don't think we'll wear them to bed every night. We know when it happens."
"That's the difference," I said, nodding. "The dream wasn't involved in that timeline. Now that I know the exact date, you and Tucker aren't concerned about it."
"It's amazing how sometimes you dream of having a dream and then you dream of a world you never had it to begin with," Sam replied. "Do you have any idea how Lilly has her dreams?"
"I know she has them but that's the extent to it," I remarked. I shifted on the picnic table, turning to her. "She's never told me anything about them and I've never seen her stop breathing." I exhaled a breath. I'd probably freak if I ever witnessed Lilly not breathing. "The only proof I have of her having them outside of the womb is some of the things she says and does."
"What does that mean?"
"That skirt," I commented. "You wear those sort of things in the future. She was influenced by that."
"Oh," Sam said, her lips tugging into a smile. "I like that. She uses her dreams to make her own futures. If you had that dream, you'd wait for me to make that decision myself."
"How do you think it took us to tenth grade before we got together," I asked. "I've been dreaming of our future together since the second dream I've ever had. Tucker and I got into a fight over that before. In fact, the first dream I had of Lilly had me and Tucker fighting because I wouldn't tell you that you were my wife."
"I remember that day," Sam replied. "You dreamed of the first year of college and you didn't know about Lilly. I was jealous at first but then I realized I couldn't destroy a child because I loved you. Who knew that you'd be the one to deliver her?"
"Not me," I said, releasing a nervous laugh. "There was no indication that she was mine and Vlad's. She even called him Uncle Froot Loop. I remember her getting defensive because you and I were talking telepathically about him and she knew it. I was afraid of hurting her because I was missing him. Funny, because I think I did that earlier in this timeline."
"You probably did," Sam replied. She linked her arm and mine. "As long as you know that I'll always be here for you, I don't care. You'll never be alone, Danny."
"God, how things have changed," I huffed. "I really shouldn't take my dreams for face value after all the changes. Back then, it was one baby before Sammy. Now look how many we have."
"Three with us and three in the Ghost Zone," I went to object but she continued. "There's no guarantee that Eddie and Jacob didn't exist, though."
"One, two with us and three in the Ghost Zone. I'm not pregnant," I objected.
"Believe what you will," Sam said, a smile on her lips. Sometimes, I wonder if she's serious.
"But I'd say it was only Lilly. In my dream of the Battle of Amity Park, Megan wasn't a part of the battle. If I dreamed of it now, she'd be there."
"Why are you so focused on this battle," Sam asked. She looked at me, her cheek on the big muscle of my arm. "We've known about this for two years and never have I seen you so focused on it."
"Come on, Sam. Don't tell me it's too hard to figure out," I said, looking down. "That's my illness, honey. I'm afraid of failing my children. You said it yourself. This all began with Sammy."
"I didn't bring up these insecurities… did I," Sam asked.
"No, sweetheart. Losing innocents did." I sucked in a slow breath. "I'm okay, Sam. I just need to sort through my fears."
"But not alone," Sam said. She used her arm not linked with mine to lift my head up, tilting me to her. We began to kiss.
(04)
Sam and I spent as much time with each other as possible. I didn't see Tucker again until we came home. By that time, I had practiced enough to keep my insecurities in check. I was so curious by the time that bedtime arrived, that I decided to stay up all night watching Lilly sleep. There was no guarantee she'd dream tonight but I wanted to know.
I sat down in my glider, watching my girls. Sam still hadn't come to the room yet which was odd. Megan was having a hard time going to sleep so she kept fidgeting but Lilly drifted off immediately. I was feeling better so I picked up Megan and began to rock her. Lilly was sound asleep but Megan was still struck with insomnia.
"What's wrong, baby," I asked, holding her to my chest. She was still small and she fit perfectly in my arms. Megan had her head pressed against my heart.
"I don't feel good, Mama," Megan whimpered.
"Shh," I said gently, continuing to rock her. She was getting sick but she'd be better by the morning.
"I miss Dada," Megan cried.
"I miss him too," I said gently.
"Will he ever come back," Megan asked. She fidgeted in my arms.
"I'm sorry, baby," I said, stroking her black hair with my left hand. "It's just Sis-sis, Sam and I now."
"But Dawn," Megan cried. I heard her whimper.
"I know you miss Dawn and Vlad," I said, rocking her as I stroked her hair. "They miss you, too, baby."
"Then why don't they come visit," Megan asked.
"I don't know, baby," I said.
"Hey, Danny," Sam spoke softly as she came in the room. "Megan?"
"She's not feeling good," I said, looking up at her.
"I'll get her some Dimetapp," Sam said. She put some kind of machine on my bed and left the room.
"Mama, when you marry Sam, what will that make her," Megan asked me.
"Me marrying Sam won't change her a bit," I said, rocking her. "She'll be the same she always has been."
"But Sam is not my momma. You are. If you and Sam get married, will that make her my momma too?"
"I think Sam is already your momma," I said, rubbing the top of her head. "Sam has loved you since I found out I was pregnant. Sam loves you unconditionally like a momma. It's not about who carries you or who shares your blood. A momma loves you very much and will always be there for you. A daddy looks after you, nurtures you and protects you. A family is always there for you. There's no number or biology qualifications."
"Do you think Dada is a daddy," Megan asked.
"Yes," I nodded. I ran my hand down her side, picking up her foot and gently pinching her footed toes between my fingers. "Vlad loves you very much, he protected you, he looked after you and he would give everything for you. I think Blue qualifies as family, too." I wouldn't call him a momma or a daddy because I'm not sure which one Blue would want to be considered. "Sam loves you and I love you. Sis-sis loves you and Dawn loves you. We're all family, Megan. Just because Vlad and I are your biological parents doesn't mean that Blue and Sam don't have a place in our family either."
Megan pressed herself deeper in my chest and I went back to rubbing her hair. She began to cough. She finally began to sniffle again. "I love you, Mama."
"I love you so much, sweetheart," I said, tears filling my eyes. Sam came in the door, already measuring out the medication in a cup. She double checked the fill line and handed it to me. I put Megan on my lap, her sitting up, and helped her drink the medication. Once the cup was empty, Megan went back to lying on my chest. Sam returned from washing out the medicine cup.
Sam began to do something with the machine she brought up, taking these little pads out of a Ziploc bag. She attached them to Lilly's head, brushing her black hair out of her sleeping eyes. Sam kissed her head and began to hook the machine up to my television. I don't use it that often but I had a thirty inch flat screen television in my nursery. We had got it for the girls but then found out that it wasn't really necessary. At least it was coming in handy now.
"Mama," Megan said, her voice hoarse. "Could-could you maybe let Sam hold me?"
"Of course," I said, looking up. Sam was already reaching for her, taking Megan in her arms. I stood up, allowing Sam to sit down. I watched Megan meld with Sam and relief flood her system. Sam began to glide her backwards and forward. Before ten minutes, Megan was asleep.
"I have no idea why that seems to work," Sam said softly, walking to the TV. I sat down on my couch, watching Sam work. She finished hooking the machine up and programed it. All I could see was flat lines. It couldn't possibly be vital signs. I could clearly see Lilly's chest rising and falling. "She'd get sick before and Tucker would do what you were doing and she'd ask for me too. No matter how long she was with Tucker, five minutes or five hours, as soon as she was against my chest, she was sound asleep."
"You're her mother," I said, making room for her in my arms. She sat down. "So, what is this?"
"We're seeing Lilly's ghost power indicator. I was going to put one on Megan but with her sick, it wouldn't help. She's using her powers to heal."
"You got the same idea as I did," I realized. Except, as always, Sam thought ahead. She asked my parents.
"I had no idea Megan was sick. I asked Mrs. Fenton if she had anything for monitoring powers. I really thought it'd be bulky or something. I told her I thought Megan was getting sick more often and not telling anyone. I wanted a way to observe her power usage. And now Megan is sick."
"She'll be fine," I said, holding Sam in my arms.
"I know she will," Sam nodded. "She just makes me really worried. Megan gets sick more often than Jacky, Jamie or Lilly. We've sat up with all three of course but Megan gets sick all the time."
"Megan has Vlad's hot core," I remarked. "I don't know about the boys but Lilly has my core. She has more trouble during the summer."
"Burning up," Sam remembered. Scared us to death when Lilly woke up sweating heavily. She just got too hot.
"That's the problem when two ghosts of opposite cores get together," Sam said, smirking.
"I wonder what kind of core you have," I wondered.
"I have no idea," Sam shrugged. She smirked. "You mean you don't know."
"No. I've never had that question asked before. I'm not even quite sure what kind of cores there are. Tucker has mind control and tech control. What kind of core would he have?"
"Rotten," Sam remarked and I snickered. We sat on the couch, watching our girls sleep.
Throughout the night, I heard Megan recovering. She went from wheezing to shallow breaths to sleeping peacefully. I checked her temperature and she was fine. Ninety-nine degrees even.
After three, though, a change happened in Lilly. I first noticed her blinking rapidly. About two minutes in, she started tossing. Five minutes on the dot, the line jumped to the top of the monitor.
"Whoa," Sam said, almost losing control. I heard her curb her reaction before she woke Megan. Sam stood up, going for the machine. She hit a switch and the screen changed. A picture came on the screen, fuzzy and ill focused. Above the picture, though, was the activity line, miniaturized. Sam stood in front of the screen. I joined her.
"It's a dream of an uncertain future," I explained softly. "When it's fuzzy like that, there's still changing factors."
"Megan," a disembodied voice called. It was weird not hearing my voice knowing this was a prophetic dream. "What's your twenty?"
"Docks," a voice transmitted. It was over a communicator. "Box Ghost causing more trouble. What about you?"
"I'm checking out the old penitentiary," she replied. "It used to be the headquarters."
"Do you think he'd be that stupid," Megan asked.
"You're talking about O here," Lilly scoffed. "Please. He'd be that stupid on his best days."
"I agree," Megan remarked. "Should we tell someone?"
"You know Mom will call us back," Lilly replied. "Dad was adamant about keeping us away. I'm not going to sit on the sidelines, though."
"I'm with ya, Sis," Megan replied. "If you get anything, call me. Don't go in there alone."
"I won't," Lilly replied.
Sam looked to me as Lilly continued flying. "O? The Penitentiary? That's the Guys In White."
"I know," I said, frowning. "What in the world are they doing back? We got rid of them."
"What is going on? How old are they?"
"This isn't my dream," I defended. "I don't know, honey."
Lilly arrived at the Penitentiary, landing on the ground. She began walking, entering the building. She didn't use any powers and took extreme caution. Finally, she stopped. We couldn't hear her thoughts or feel what she was feeling but I know that reaction. She found what she was looking for. Lilly peered in the room, looking around. Lab equipment was everywhere. A tall man dressed in all white with no hair was standing at the helms.
"Dad," Lilly whispered. She backed out, turning around. She hit something.
"Hello, little missy," a voice crowed. Lilly looked up to see the second GIW, the black one.
"K," Lilly said, gritting her teeth.
"Come to save Daddy," he teased.
"My Dad doesn't need any help," Lilly declared, shooting K with a blast. "Megan, they got him at the Penitentiary! They're in the upper floor! Call Mom and the rest!"
"Lilly," Megan cried. "Are you okay?"
"Hurry," Lilly cried. She phased through the wall, shooting a blast at O. He was bonded to the control panel. "Daddy," Lilly cried. She looked in a windowed section and I saw myself, in ghost form, slumped over a chair. I was bound. Sam gasped.
"Crap," I said, dully.
"I don't think so, ecto-brat," K's voice broadcasted. Lilly turned around, capturing the attack he sent to her.
"You don't mess with my family," Lilly hissed.
"You ecto-anomalies shouldn't even exist," O said, the ectoplasm evaporating. "And thanks to the Fenton's, we have the best available equipment."
"It's not about the equipment," A voice broadcasted. O went stiff as a board and his partner in crime joined him. "It's about the people using it." Lilly looked up to see Tucker, black long sleeved shirt, black cargos, a T shaped out of numbers on his chest and a head full of flames. "Lillian Madeline Fenton, what in the world are you doing?"
"Daddy," Lilly cried, paying no mind to Tucker. She opened a blast but the wall absorbed it.
"Wait a minute, Lilly," Tucker said. He put his arm on her shoulder. The screen went blurry as she looked at me, slumped over. "He's okay, Lilly. They put him through a lot but he'll recover."
"I had to come, Uncle Tucker," Lilly said. She looked back at him. "I knew where they were but no one would listen to me!"
"So you took your little sister out with you," Tucker asked, incredulously. "You're twelve, Lilly. You both could have gotten yourself killed."
Lilly looked back to my future self. "He's too important, Uncle Tucker. I knew where he was, and I was sure to be the one to go. I needed someone to have my back, though. If Megan wasn't with me, I would have been caught too."
"Which is why you shouldn't have attempted this rescue alone," Tucker said softly. "You're a smart kid, Lilly. Why did you try this?"
"Baby," Sam's voice cried out. She landed on the ground, wrapping her arms around Lilly. "Oh, my God, are you okay? What were you thinking?"
"Mom, you have to help Dad. Please. He's hurt," Lilly said. Sam looked up and Lilly followed her gaze.
"Can you disarm that thing, Techno," Sam asked.
"Of course," Tucker replied.
"Do it," Sam replied.
"Why hasn't he done it before then," Sam asked, looking to me. I shrugged.
"You know it's going to be swift," Tucker replied.
"I know," Sam replied. Sam secured her hands around Lilly. "I can protect us. The longer we leave Phantom in there, though, the worse he'll be."
"Should we send Lilly—," Tucker began.
"I'm not leaving until Dad is safe," Lilly quipped.
"That's what I was thinking. She's Phantom's kid," Sam smirked. Lilly centered on my form again.
"Okay," Tucker replied. Sparks began to fly from the control panel. Finally, an explosion rocked the room. Lilly jerked but was stopped.
"Stay," Sam said. "It's not safe for you. Especially you. Phantom is safe for now."
"How did they even contaminate that," Lilly asked. "The Fenton's never meant it to be lethal."
"O and K have been reprogramming the inventions," Sam said. I finally saw it.
"It's a gas," I said, looking to Sam. I don't know if she could see it. "That's the reason I'm knocked out."
Sam covered her mouth. "Oh, no."
"Dad," Lilly said, the screen becoming blurry again.
"He's okay, Lilith," Tucker said. I furrowed my brow.
"Did he just call her Lilith," Sam asked, looking to me.
"I think so."
"Now you call me my ghost name, Techno," Lilly scoffed.
"Sorry. You're my niece, not a ghost fighter."
"I'm both," Lilly replied. Sam finally moved in, wrapping my arm over her shoulder.
"Come on, honey. Let's get out of here."
She floated me out of the room. "Gothica," Tucker asked.
"It's toxic," Sam replied. "My purifiers aren't doing the job fast enough. Let's get out of here."
"Is Dad okay," Lilly asked.
"He's fine, Lilith," Sam replied. "Let's go."
The three flew out of the penitentiary and landed on the ground. Danielle, three kids, Jazz and Valerie were outside. "Daddy," a young girl shot forward. She had short cropped white hair with seaweed green eyes. Her suit was black with white trim, almost identical to mine. She ran to Lilly's side.
"Stay back, Gale! They had him in the toxin," Sam replied. "We have to get him to the Fenton's."
"Let's go," Jazz replied.
"What in the world are Cobra and Raven doing here," Sam declared, looking away from my future self. Lilly had her eyes trained on me.
"Raven heard Lilith and Gale talking," a boy's voice said. "We knew she knew where he was. No way we were missing out on the fun."
"Trust me, all four of you are going to get a lecturing," Danielle's voice scolded.
"Come on, Lilith saved Daddy," the girl with short hair declared. "You're going to punish her."
"She could have got hurt. You all could have got hurt," Valerie said firmly.
"We can discuss this later," Lilly declared, looking up. The two boys were wearing identical suits to mine. One had a white bird on his chest while the other had some kind of spiral.
The team left the area.
"I thought you were upstairs," Mom's voice cried two minutes later. "Lilly, Megan, Jacky, Jamie, big trouble!"
"I tried to tell you," Lilly declared. "I knew where he was!"
"You are twelve years old. You leave the fighting to the adults!"
"They'd still be searching Clearmont if I didn't step in," Lilly objected.
"We may be young but we're strong. Let us help!" The one they called Gale now had black hair. If I'm not mistaken, that's Megan.
"Your father is going to have a heart attack," Sam cut in. She was now back to black hair and wearing a short black dress. "Lilly, you could have gotten hurt! You know your Dad doesn't want to see you kids hurt."
"Jeez," a young boy with brown hair scoffed. "They saved Uncle Danny! They're heroes."
"Joey," Jazz cut in. "Stay out of this."
"I agree," a boy around Joey's age announced. "You treat us like we're going to break. We can handle it."
"Who in the heck is that," I declared.
"You don't recognize him," Sam asked, looking to me.
"I've never seen him before," I remarked.
"You're kids," Future Sam replied. They were in the lab, separate from me.
"But you guys were doing this when you were my age," Lilly objected. "I know the ghosts weren't exposed yet, but Daddy had already rescued that man from the Hoover Dam."
"The Hoover Dam can't shoot blasts at you," Tucker objected. "We have made this decision for a reason, Lilly. You kids aren't allowed to get involved in ghost hunting."
"But why," Lilly cried. "There's a war going on out there if you haven't noticed and that's without O and K acting as vigilantes!"
"Lilly Bear," Dad walked up to Lilly. "You kids are the most precious things we have. We want to protect you. You have to let your parents, uncle and aunts do the work. You'll take over someday."
"It's like every time we try to help, we do something wrong," one of the twins protested. "What are you so afraid of?"
Sam and Tucker shared a look. "We have our reasons."
"How soon is Danny from recovering," Danielle asked.
"He's responding well to my purifier," Sam replied. "He should be awake soon."
"You'd better get Sammy," Valerie replied. "You know she was with him when they attacked."
My eyes widened and fire burned in my gut.
"That's how they got him," Sam said through clenched teeth. "Okay, kids. Let's go. Hup two!"
"I want to be here when Daddy wakes up," Lilly objected.
"No. You will see him later. We have to talk to Danny when he wakes up."
Lilly groaned but complied. "Come on, guys. Let's go."
Lilly led the group out of the basement, Sam bringing in the rear. Lilly led the kids to my bedroom. "Don't tell me we're still living in Fentonworks," I groaned.
The door opened and it was converted into a playroom. There was toys, electronics, the very television we were watching now, and baby equipment. "I'll be back with the babies."
"No, Mom," Lilly groaned.
"You want to be a big girl, don't you," Sam smirked.
"Not Courtney! Please!"
"Someone needs to watch her."
"Get Aunt Brit to do it. Heck, she's Aunt Valerie's baby!"
"Valerie is needed downstairs," Sam replied. She left the room.
"This sucks," Lilly said, plopping down on a violet couch.
"We won't miss anything," one of the twins said.
"You know Uncle Tucker can know you're doing that, Jamie," the one I identify as Megan informed him.
"Please," Jamie waved it off. "Tucker is small fly. I can handle him. It's Uncle Danny I'm worried about. He's the one who knows when he's being tricked. No one else can realize it."
"I wonder why that is," Megan asked. She lay down on the couch, on her stomach. She started swinging her legs.
"Beats me," the mystery boy remarked. He plopped down in the floor. "Do you think they'll bring her here?"
"No," Joey scoffed. "Didn't you hear them? He'll want to see her. She'll be down there."
"Don't be so hard on her," Lilly replied. "You know she is the weakest. They freak over her because of that."
"Why is she so weak," Megan asked.
"That's the million dollar question," Jacky, I assumed, remarked.
The door opened and Sam came in with a four year old, a one year old and a newborn. A little girl stood in the doorway, peeking in. Lilly looked at her as Sam brought in the youngest children. The little girl smiled.
"Is Sammy playing with us, Mom," Lilly asked.
"Um, no. I need to watch her. She doesn't feel so good."
"Okay," Lilly replied.
"Pam-pam," Sam said, "play nicely, baby." The four year old ran to age appropriate toys. "Lilly, watch Courtney for me." Sam put Tucker's daughter down in a basinet. She then put down the one year old in a play pen. "Behave, D.J." Her voice went quiet. "If you know the meaning of the word."
Sam went out, taking Sammy by the hand. "Sick," Jacky scoffed. "Yeah, right. The only ones sick are them. She looked fine to me."
"Don't talk bad about my sis-sis," Pammy declared, putting her hands on her hips.
"You guys are freaks," the mystery boy scoffed. "Leave us alone!"
"I'm the same as you," Pammy defended.
"No, you're not," Jamie retorted. "Now, get lost."
"Come on, guys," Lilly said softly. She stood up. "We're all family. We have to get along so we might as well try."
"I don't know, Lil," Megan said, sitting up. "You have to admit they're different."
"Well, so is Joey," Lilly objected. "We don't signal him out."
"He's ag," the mystery boy shrugged. "He's not a halfa like us. Except for her, they're just like us. They feel different, though. Like how Jacky and Jamie feel different. Who knows why they're weird?"
"It's a good question, Lil," Megan replied. She floated up, turning on the television. "If we're all from the same power, why do they feel different? I mean, we have more in common with Jacky and Jamie than we do them."
"Shut up," Lilly retorted. "Sammy, Pammy and Danny Jr. are our siblings. Just because they feel different doesn't mean they aren't."
"Sam became a half ghost after Sammy's birth," Joey shrugged. "Maybe that's why they feel different."
"No, that can't be it," Megan objected. "They're freaks and that's it."
"I'm not a freak," Pammy said, her voice going defensive.
"No, you're not, Pammy," Lilly said, rubbing her shoulders. The kids were starting to gather across the room. "Never mind them, Pammy. I love you."
"Thanks, Lilly," Pammy said, hanging her head.
"Although, you have to admit liking Grandma Manson is pretty freaky," Lilly kidded.
"What, she's fun to be around," Pammy defended.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Sam declared, covering her mouth. I furrowed my brow. The Manson's. We socialize with them again?
"Love ya, sis," Lilly said, rubbing her hair.
"Hey," Pammy objected.
"See. Definitely Dad's kid."
"Thanks," Pammy smiled. Lilly walked over to the group.
"I don't get why you try to play mediator," Megan shrugged.
"It makes Dad happy," Lilly replied. "You know how he reacted when he heard Doc call Sammy a freak."
"That was only because it was her," the mystery boy remarked. "You know he freaks over any little thing she did. You heard them. That's the reason he got caught!"
"But Dad would do it for any of us," Lilly objected. "Just because he obsesses over Sammy doesn't mean he doesn't love us. I've never seen Dad play favorites."
"Ready," Jamie asked.
"What are they doing," Jacky asked.
"Sam is drawing the last of the toxins out of his system," Jamie replied. The screen went black but a shaky image of the basement appeared. It rippled like it was on the surface of a lake. Sam came into focus and she had her hand on my chest. Finally, Sam lifted her hand and my eyes opened.
"Danny," Sam spoke softly. "Sweetheart."
"What," I said, sitting up. Sam stepped back, allowing me to sit up. "How did I get here?"
"Our children," Sam said, grimacing.
"Sammy," I said, standing up.
"I'm here, Daddy," Sammy stepped forward. I heard snorts in the background.
"Oh, Sammy, baby," I said, picking her up. "Did you do what I told you to, butterfly?"
"I did, Daddy. I'm sorry you got caught."
"Don't be, baby," I said, holding her to my chest. I closed my eyes, holding on for dear life.
"Sammy's fine, Danny," Sam spoke softly. "But Lilly and Megan went on a rescue mission and Jacky and Jamie followed."
My eyes opened. My head snapped and the screen focused on my parents. "I told you to keep them safe!"
"Dude," Tucker's voice came through loud in my ears. Sam and I started laughing. Jamie was using Tucker as a host. "You know they can't be deterred."
"What about Doc," I asked. "He didn't tag along, did he? So help me, they will be grounded for an eternity!"
"Danny," Sam cut in. "Lilly only took Megan. Jacky and Jamie followed on their own. You know Doc doesn't do things like that. Please, that kid is so his father's son."
"You're right," I sighed.
"What does that mean," a voice in the background asked.
"I have no idea. His father's son? Doc is nothing like his father," I think that was Joey.
"I guess you're better," the first voice asked. I assume that's Doc.
"Hey, I don't get involved in ghost attacks."
"And neither do I," Doc objected. "There are better ways of doing it."
"Sometimes, Doc, you have to get your hands dirty," Megan retorted.
"Quiet, squirts," Lilly objected. "We're missing things!"
"What were they after," Mom asked.
"Oh, you know," I said, sitting Sammy on my lap. "Team Phantom, as always."
"You don't think they know, do you," Dad asked. "I mean… they just tortured your human half six weeks ago."
"That's totally different," I remarked. "They have two grudges: Danny Fenton for liquidating the GIW and Danny Phantom for existing."
"We have to be careful," Sam replied. "Lilly's involved now."
"That's why she was supposed to be looked after," I declared, glaring at Mom.
"Come on, Danny. She's your daughter. Do you honestly believe she isn't going to take after you," Jazz asked.
I tightened my hands around my daughter. "You know why I'm protective—."
"Then tell us," someone in the background cried.
"Of course we know," Sam said, squatting down in front of her husband and daughter. "We are just as scared." She rubbed Sammy's hand between her fingers. "But the kids are going to become involved, no matter how badly we want to protect them, Danny. If we don't control their involvement, we'll have rogue missions like this."
"We just have to—," I began.
"No, Danny, Sam's right," Mom spoke up. "I went through this, honey. You kids scared me to death when you were younger. I wanted to wrap you in bubble wrap, too, but I knew you'd do it despite my wishes. So I had to work with you. If you don't work with the kids, they'll be repeating your first few months of being half ghost. They will be going out the window and you will think they are tucked safely in their bed."
"I can sense," I said, my emotions getting the best of me.
"The only way to protect them is to train them," Danielle said. "We've already started with Jacky and Jamie."
I let out a shaky breath. "I guess we have no choice."
"Anything you need sweetheart, anything at all, we're here," Mom said, rubbing his shoulder.
"I know. And thanks, Mom." He looked to Sam. "Am I free to go, Doctor Sam?"
"The toxins were cleared from your system," Sam answered. "We have some discussions to give."
"And I have to feed Courtney," Valerie replied.
"I guess we'll go home too," Tucker said.
"Is anyone going to tell Brit," Dani asked.
"No," I replied. I placed Sammy on my shoulder. "She's busy with the new baby. Thanks for coming out, Valerie. I appreciate it."
"Hey, it's no prob, brother in law," Valerie smiled. He nodded, a smile on his face as well.
"Let's get the kids," I said.
"You take Sammy out to the car," Sam replied. "She's almost knocked out."
"Okay," I agreed. We left the basement.
The shaky water-vision ended and my bedroom reappeared. "Well, that wasn't helpful."
"I think they believe their own lies," Jacky retorted.
"Or maybe they aren't lying," Lilly defended.
"They're lying about something," Megan disagreed. "Maybe our family will get some answers."
"Doubt it," Doc scoffed. "They'll put us in the same dumb stuff they teach at school. They're not going to let us get involved."
"Dad's against it," Lilly replied. "That means that there's a chance for a change."
"Thanks, Jamie," Megan said, nodding.
"No problem," Jamie nodded. "I like pushing the boundaries. The only thing I can't do is mess with Uncle Tucker's tech."
Doc laughed. "Yeah. That's halfa suicide."
"He has a direct connection to them. Tech is too smart. If I had connected to the camera to get a general POV, I would have alerted Tucker. Even if he didn't get it right away, he could figure out I did it after the fact. I can't trip them up."
"Maybe Dad will come up with a way around that," Jacky asked.
"Maybe but I doubt it. Dad isn't as smart as Uncle Tucker."
"Uncle Tucker is on par for Grandma and Grandpa," Lilly said, turning to the others. "Forget it, Jacky. No one is going to touch his tech."
The door opened. "Kids," Sam appeared. "Time to go home."
"You too, Jacky and Jamie," Dani walked in behind Sam.
"What about me," Joey asked.
"I think Jazz is sticking around a little bit more. Joseph hasn't come back with your brother and sister yet."
"Philip can't take the flying," Joey said, a smirk on his lips.
Sam laughed. "Okay, Fenton five, let's go!"
She picked up D.J., cradling him on her shoulder. She took Pammy's hand. Five? There's Lilly, Megan, Pammy and D.J. Who is the fifth?
"See ya, guys," Jacky waved.
"Come by and see us," Megan replied. "I'll kick your butt at Demolition Taxi again."
"Dream on! You're just a girl," Jacky scoffed.
"I can still whip your tush."
"All right," Dani said, putting her hands behind Jacky and Jamie. She urged them forward. "Sloppy Joes for dinner."
"Oh, man," Jamie cried out, excited. "Let's go!"
"Race ya," Jacky challenged.
"You're on!" The boys were darting from the room, Danielle chuckling.
"Behave, Joey. Love ya."
"Love ya, too, Aunt Danielle," Joey smiled.
"Come on, brood," Sam said, She led Pammy while carrying D.J. out of the room. Lilly led the group but I couldn't see who followed her. "Bye, Maddie! Bye, Jack! Bye, Jazz!"
"Bye, kids," Mom's voice sounded in the speakers.
Sam lifted Pammy in the van with one hand, then leaned in, fastening D.J. in. Pammy began to buckle up as Sam removed herself from the door. Lilly climbed in, going to the back of the van. She, Megan and Doc got in the last three seats.
"Everyone secure," my future self asked.
"Yes," Lilly replied.
"Then let's go home," he sighed.
Lilly eyed her parents holding hands as I drove the van home. She relaxed in the seat. My future self drove the van to the current Manson residence. He parked the car in the garage, hitting a button in the car to close the garage door. Everyone got out of the car, Lilly getting Pammy out while Sam got D.J. out of the car. I got Sammy. Our three youngest were asleep, Lilly carrying Pammy effortlessly even though she was only twelve years old.
We followed Lilly taking Pammy to her room. Pammy had her own room, painted a purple/pink color. Pink frilly curtains covered the two windows and she had a white canopy bed. Sam covered her face, humiliated. "We create a kid who likes that?"
"Oh, well," I smiled. Lilly left the room, going down the hall and opening her own room. She had a simple bed with purple sheets. The walls were a blue/purple and she had a computer. Her curtains were black.
"Unbelievable. The kid with my DNA comes out like my parents and the kid who doesn't share my DNA is most like me."
"DNA doesn't matter," I smiled. I wrapped my arm around her, watching Lilly pick up a brush. She finally stopped in front of a mirror. Long black hair, down to the small of her back. The white streak was pulled out, highlighted with a purple bow. Lilly pulled the bow out, brushing her hair. She pulled her hair up, securing it in a pony tail.
"She's beautiful," Sam smiled.
"Of course she is," I smiled. I kissed Sam's head.
A knock came to the door. "Come in," Lilly called.
"Hey," my future self said as he pushed the door open. "Thanks for taking care of Pammy."
"No problem, Dad," Lilly replied. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Lilly," I said, walking up behind her. I put my hand behind her back, urging her to the bed. "We need to have a conversation."
"I don't regret coming after you, Dad," Lilly said.
"I know you don't," I smiled. We sat down on the bed. "I'm very proud of you, Lilly. You could have done it better but you didn't do it alone and you didn't send your sister in the lion's den. You done like I would have done."
"And that's bad," Lilly sighed.
"Yes," I said softly. "Lilly, do you know how many times I've killed myself. I mean, I go running down that tunnel anymore." He cracked a smile. "I don't want the same thing for you, honey. You are so much like me. I see you in me so much and you're only twelve. You are growing up so fast, Lilly Bear, that it scares me. I don't want you to end up like me."
"But, Dad, that's all I want to do," Lilly said. "I'm ready. I'm ready to fight. I hate these ghosts and I don't want you to die anymore."
"I know you guys get scared," he said, rubbing her back. "I'm scared, too. I'm scared for you. You have the dreams, too, Lilly."
"I know, Dad," Lilly said, looking down. "That's why I don't gang up on Sammy like everyone else does. I don't know why we're so different but I know why you treat her differently. I won't tell anyone, I promise."
"I know," I said, standing up. "So we're going to start taking you and Megan out for some practice. I think Jacky and Jamie will join us. You know Doc—."
"Ha," Lilly scoffed. "He has his own ways of contributing."
"Yes, he does," I smiled. "I love you, Lilly. Thank you for today. You did well."
Lilly jumped up, hugging me. The screen went black as she closed her eyes. "I love you so much, Daddy. I'll never let anyone hurt you if I can help it."
"I know," his voice replied. "Now, get some sleep, Lilly Bear. You have school in the morning."
"Night, Daddy," Lilly replied, opening her eyes.
"Goodnight, baby girl," he replied. He left the room as Lilly sat down.
"I can't believe it," Lilly said softly. The screen shook as she shook her head. "He's really going to do it."
She grabbed a gown and left her room. The film ended, the line on the top smoothing out. Lilly began to move in her sleep again, easing back into restful sleep.
"What did you mean by you have died so many times," Sam demanded, turning on me.
"I have no idea," I said, holding my hands up. "I only know of the two times." I shook my head. "I find it highly disturbing how I felt comfortable enough to joke with my twelve year old daughter about dying!"
"There's a lot of things I don't understand," Sam said, shaking her head. "Who is Doc? Why do the kids gang up on the last three? Why are we shielding the kids? What's up with the GIW? What kind of power does Jamie have? Why are we singling out Sammy?"
"Well, I think we are singling out Sammy because we've been terrified by losing her. Even the kids know she's weaker."
"So we have locked the kids away and hidden the key," Sam asked, shaking her head. "Have we completely forgotten our present? They will find a way to ghost hunt. We did."
"I want to know more about the GIW," I replied. "We got rid of them but it's like O and K come back on their own. Dad said they had kidnapped my human half six weeks prior to that and tortured me."
"And what was with that gas," Sam asked. "Your parents invented it and the agent taunted that he had the best equipment before Tucker got there."
"I'm still trying to sort out the ghost names," I said, shaking my head. "Lilith. I get that one. It's Lilly's Goth name. But Raven, Cobra and Gale. I can't even remember which boy was which and where in the heck did Megan get Gale? Her name is Megan Melissa."
"I remember," Sam replied. "Raven was Jamie and Cobra was Jacky. I thought Jacky's name was perfect because he is like a Cobra snake."
"The coil," I said, looking up. "There was a coil on his hazmat suit. It was a snake!"
"But Gale is a mystery," Sam said, shaking her head. "It doesn't have to come from her name. She could just like the name. Gale Phantom."
"And who is Doc," I said, throwing my head back. "He's our kid. You said Fenton five which meant that he was the fifth kid. He went home with us so I'm assuming he's our kid."
"He couldn't be William. William would be younger."
"He wasn't William," I replied. "William would be one year old. He didn't quite look ten yet."
"He couldn't be. Megan would be ten." Sam's eyes fell to my abdomen. "He would be conceived."
"Oh, no," I objected. "That is not proof of a pregnancy."
"You don't dream of them until after they're conceived," Sam said, smirking.
"I didn't dream of him," I pointed out.
"He got along with the Vlad kids, Danny," Sam said gently. "Maybe that's the riff they were talking about. But why don't they remember Vlad? I know it's been a while since he left—and apparently, he's still gone—but not even Lilly remembers him? That's odd."
"I don't know," I sighed. "Lilly had one hell of a dream."
"I wished I knew how she was internalizing it," Sam sighed. "Is she just as confused as we are? Has she seen more like this and this is no big deal to her?"
"Even her future self could have clued her in on some things. We were getting the detached version. She got the front row seat."
"Oh, Danny," Sam sighed, leaning into me. "I get why you never wanted our kids to inherit this power now. That is horrible for a kid to have to put up with."
"Yeah," I sighed. "But Lilly has it. She seems okay with it, though. I survived it. She can too."
"I don't know," Sam scoffed. "You've died so many times, you go running down the tunnel, remember?"
"Not looking forward to that," I groaned.
I knew Sam was scared. She hugged me but I pretended not to notice. I pushed the button, flipping the screen back to the indicator. Lilly should be finished for the night. I never wanted my children to inherit this power but there was nothing I could do about it. I could only help Lilly deal with it. I know her powers deal with it differently. Why didn't she wake up? She didn't stop breathing. Her powers spiked but that was it. There were no other signs that she was having a prophetic dream.
But I smiled. My little Lilith Phantom. I looked to the crib, seeing Megan. I saw the child she would become. Gale Phantom. Sam and I went to bed.
(04)
The next day at school, things went smoother than they did yesterday. When we met up during first block, we told Tucker, Valerie, Danielle, and Brit about Lilly's dream Sam and I saw. We had no way of showing them the dream again because we didn't record it. We really regretted not recording it. There's so many things we'd like to go over. Tucker made us promise to contact him if we did it again, though. He thinks he might be able to hear Lilly's internal dialogue.
We began making plans to redesign the school on a side note. We wouldn't be completely remaking it, but we wanted to give the kids a place to meet that resembled how they transformed the classrooms. We talked with the A-List and took suggestions. The school was the least of my worries, though. I wanted to find a way to help my little girl. I didn't know if she had any troubles but I wanted to be there for her. I wanted to make the right choices for all of my children.
We came home and I just felt so out of element. My future self just seemed to know what to do. I completely disagree with him joking about death with Lilly but she didn't get uncomfortable. He was so obviously a better parent than I was. Since I found out I was pregnant, I looked at my children and feared them growing up. Now, seeing the small toddlers playing in the living room tells me that the hardest job was the beginning.
I sat down beside Mom, hanging my head back. "Were you ever self-conscious before, Mom? Terrified of screwing up as a parent."
"Are you kidding," Mom asked, looking to me. "All the time. You are responsible for this life. It's terrifying. Why? What's wrong?"
"Sam and I watched a dream from Lilly last night," I said, sighing. "Lilly dreamed of the future and we saw our future family. It was so freaky. I saw that we made so many mistakes and… I've never been afraid of that before. Of all the things I was scared of, making the wrong choices was never one of them."
"You never had insecurities that you weren't doing right as a parent," Mom asked. She let out a disbelieving laugh. "Wow. You were really confident."
"Cocky was more like it," I groaned. "Now I see I will make mistakes, Mom, and I don't want to make those same mistakes. I want to do right by my children."
"We can't be perfect parents, Danny. There will always be one thing that we could have done better. What you need to focus on is being the best parent to your girls. I'm sure Lilly was still a great kid."
"Oh, she made me so proud, Mom," I smiled. "Scared me to death but I was so proud. I wanted to protect my kids so we kind of circled the wagons. Of course, they found a way around that and they were still doing things we disapproved of. It will be a fitting dose of karma," I laughed.
"Indeed," Mom nodded with a smile.
"You even told me that if I didn't work with them, then they'd strike out on their own. And that's what they were doing. Lilly knew the answer but we ignored her." That part of the dream had come back to haunt me later in the day. When Sam and I were discussing it, I overlooked it. The longer since we saw the dream, the more it occurs to me. We shouldn't ignore our children just because they're young. Lilly did know where O and K had stored me. I could have died—apparently again—if it weren't for Lilly and Megan.
"How far in the future was it," Mom asked.
"Lilly was twelve," I replied. I smiled. "She was so beautiful. Made us wait because we were seeing it from her POV but she finally stepped in front of the mirror. I was worried for the longest time," I laughed. "Megan had her hair short."
"You saw Megan, too," Mom asked.
"I saw everyone," I said, thinking back. I couldn't stop smiling. To see our lives from the perceptive of our children, it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. "You and Dad were there. I guess you guys had an empty nest because Dani was married, Jazz lived with Joseph and Sam and I lived at the Manson mansion."
"The Manson's," Mom asked, surprised.
"Yeah," I laughed. "It surprised Sam, too. And I would be lying if I said I expected for Pammy to say she thought Mrs. Manson was cool."
"So not only do you live in their house, your daughter likes them," Mom asked.
"You should have seen Sam's face when Lilly tucked Pammy in. Her room was a pink/purple color and she had pink curtains." I laughed.
"Yeah, I imagine Sam nearly died," Mom laughed.
"I'm hoping to talk to Lilly today and get some information. I want to make sure she's okay. I know that power can be confusing and I couldn't imagine being a toddler and having it."
"Yeah, I bet it does scare her," Mom said, looking concerned. "Are you and Sam going to do it together or are you going to sit her down by yourself."
"Sam and I will do it," I nodded. "We have to explain to Lilly that we watched her dreams without her permission first. That's going to be fun."
"Well, if you need me, you know where I am," Mom said, giving me a kiss. "Love you, baby."
"Thanks, Mom," I smiled. Thinking back to the dream, seeing my parents involved in my ghost half again. That made me happier than I have been in a while.
Mom stood up, going downstairs. I wonder if she had plans to go down there or if she's back on the war path. I'd sure like to know if I can keep this secret another six months.
(04)
I was wringing my hands together as Sam and I took Lilly to our bedroom. Last night, it didn't seem so bad. Now, I realize how much of an invasion what we did really was. Even dismissing the fact that Mom and Dad don't know my secret, I couldn't imagine them peering into my head without my knowledge. The dreams reveal a lot about ourselves. They are sparked by questions and thoughts. What was Lilly thinking last night that she dreamed of rescuing me from two ex-GIW agents and got in trouble for it.
"Will the two of you tell me what's going on," Lilly demanded, her hands on her hips. She was so tiny but I saw that spark I saw last night. The take charge kind of girl, fearless but thoughtful.
"Sweetie, your father and I were curious about your prophetic dream power," Sam began.
"Oh," Lilly said, relaxing. "What do you want to know?"
"It's not about what we want to know," I said softly. "Me and your mom used one of Grandma's inventions to see your power output and view the dream with you."
"You saw," Lilly said, her face paling. "What I dreamed last night?"
"We were curious, Lilly, and I know it was a huge violation," I said softly.
"Why didn't you just ask me," Lilly asked. "You didn't have to go behind my back."
"Were you embarrassed of something last night," Sam asked, frowning.
"No," Lilly said, her voice reserved, "but that doesn't mean I want you snooping around my brain. I'm a person not a book."
"We know that, sweetheart," I said, bending down to her level. "And if I could take it back, I'd tell you we were doing it before we did it. I didn't think, baby."
"Danny, you don't have to take the blame here. You were just going to watch her sleep. Lilly, I was the one who brought in the machine."
"It doesn't matter. I still chose to watch it." I took Lilly's hand. "I'm the one who shares this power. Your mom doesn't understand how it is. I should have known better."
"Last night was actually one of the best dreams you could have seen," Lilly sighed. "But, please, don't do it without my permission again. I dream some pretty private moments."
"These dreams are age appropriate, right," Sam's voice went high. I looked to her and her eyes were wide, staring at me.
Lilly giggled. "Not exactly. Like I said, last night was pretty tame."
"Oh, boy," I sighed, covering my face. "Way to go, ghost powers. Show a baby porn!"
"So, did you have any questions? You can't get the dream the way I did."
"My only real question is had you ever woke up after or during a dream," I asked.
"It's weird," Lilly replied. "When I go into these dreams and I'm awoken, I kind of continue it while I'm awake. When Megan was little, I was having a dream when she started crying. It was like I was daydreaming."
"That's amazing," I said, surprised.
"Why? Don't you do the same thing," Lilly asked me.
"No. Once my dreams begin, I can't wake up and I wake up immediately after the dream. You stayed asleep."
"I never wake up after the dream unless something wakes me up," Lilly replied. I smiled. "What?"
"Just imaging you from last night," I said, picking her up. "You were so beautiful, Lilly. I was so proud of you, baby."
Lilly's eyes downcast. "You won't be when it happens. You are so afraid of losing one of us. Sammy becomes your obsession, almost. We Vlad kids know there's something about the others but we've forgotten about Vlad and Doc doesn't even know." I looked away. She thinks Doc is Vlad's too.
"Do we give ourselves this fear through paranoia or does something happen," Sam asked.
"Something happens," Lilly replied. I snapped my head up.
"What," I asked, my eyes wide. Was it her or Megan? One of the others. Soon. Far away.
"Daddy sticks with the plan to train us starting at four. He begins by saying these powers are natural. When Doc is four, one of his first tag-alongs, this ghost targets us. Megan and I are able to protect ourselves but Doc isn't strong enough. Megan and I team up to defend Doc but we're not enough to protect Doc and Daddy. It's the second time Daddy dies. It's the reason Doc doesn't ghost hunt like the rest of us. That's what Daddy was talking about in the room last night. Doc wouldn't be going out with us. He was weak enough before the accident."
"You dreamed of this," Sam asked, her eyes watering. Lilly nodded.
"I knew I didn't want my children to inherit this power," I said, cradling her to my chest. "I am so sorry, Lilly. I wished I could take this power from you."
"Why," Lilly asked me. She snuggled into me. "I have a chance to be stronger, Daddy. I have to protect my sister and my brother. I want to protect you but they have to come first."
"You protect your siblings, Lilly," I said, holding her out from my chest. "I will try to protect you myself but if I can't do it and you have to choose between your siblings and me, you protect your siblings. That's the only thing I agree with my future self about. You shouldn't have put you and Megan in danger by coming after me."
"I tried to tell you guys," Lilly objected. "Sammy and Daddy were coming back from the festival because Sammy wasn't feeling well. The GIW ambushed Daddy but didn't see Sammy. Daddy could have fought them but it jeopardized Sammy. He told her to hide until they were gone and then fly back and get Mommy. Mommy, Uncle Tucker, Aunt Jazz, Aunt Danielle, and Aunt Valerie were going to rescue you but I told them that you wouldn't be where you were that night. They ignored me, telling me to go home with Grandma and Grandpa. They were looking for you in the wrong place and time was running out. So I asked Megan to come with me and I sent her to the docks, knowing Box Ghost was there. Even Doc can handle Box Ghost so I knew Gale would make quick work of him. I didn't expect them to have poisoned him, though. The gas was only meant to subdue a ghost to do testing. O and K had reprogrammed it to target a ghost's core. It was squeezing the life out of Daddy but he was still safe because he couldn't breathe it. It would take several hours for that chemical to break down his form but for me, once it got in my lungs and got in my bloodstream, I would have succumbed really fast."
"Have you been hiding something from us," Sam asked, her eyes wide.
"I have a wider vocabulary, okay. I've dreamed two thousand years in the future!"
My eyes widened and I coughed. "Excuse me!"
"I have several dreams a night every night. Sometimes, I dream during the day. I never dream the same dream twice. I only act immature because I know I'm still a kid. I dream a lot about two thousand years in the future. It's the most active time."
"Oh, my God," Sam said, covering her mouth.
"But I'll act sweet and innocent for you, Daddy," Lilly said, her voice going back down to the level I know. She swung back and forth and the child I just saw vanished behind the baby.
"And I thought I was a good actor," I said, blinking my eyes.
"What is with the GIW," Sam asked, shaking her head.
"They want to destroy us," Lilly replied. "That was the final piece to the puzzle. Before that, I never got involved with the GIW but after that, they start targeting me more often. Daddy talked about the Penitentiary a lot but they would never say what happened. That's how I knew where he was. When Sammy came back alone, I knew he had been taken and us kids knew it was because of her. I was the only one that knew of her fate so I tried to smooth things over but the others are intimidated by her. Even Doc, who has issues of his own, can't get away with picking on her. Daddy is really protective of Sammy. It doesn't stop, not even after she dies."
"Your dreams say it too," I said, looking down.
"Yeah. The Battle of Amity Park was the weirdest dream I've ever had. I dreamed it straight through, broken up by times of awakens. I know the whole story. Besides keeping Sammy out of the fight, I don't know how to save her." Lilly looked down.
"Nothing is written in stone, Lilly," Sam said, putting her hand on her shoulder. "Just because you saw it doesn't mean it has to happen."
"I know," Lilly agreed. "But you don't know the details. No one understands what happened but me. It's hard to imagine anything else happening. Especially…"
"Especially, what," I asked. She hung her head, keeping her eyes on the floor. "Lilly, you can talk to me."
"When Sammy got older, she started noticing she was different. We began ghost hunting and she was behind the rest of us. Mommy and Daddy spent more time protecting her than fighting the ghosts when she was there. Sammy begged for answers but no one would give them to her. She cornered me and demanded that I tell her. I tried to deny I knew anything but she knew I was lying. I told her that Daddy and I had seen her death in the future. I didn't know she wasn't a pure half ghost. I thought if Doc, Megan and I were pure half ghosts before Mommy turned half ghost then there must have been something else that made her weaker, like Doc's accident. Sammy and I bonded over our shared secret and we became close friends. I started-I started telling her," she broke down, crying. I was shocked. "I started telling her about her future, how powerful she became. How she was stronger than all of us after she died. I wanted to make her feel better." Lilly started to sob and my chest constricted. "I never knew she'd look forward to it, Daddy, I swear. I told her after the boys started their summer break that this was the year she died. I begged her not to go to that fight. I even told her the day. When we heard the sirens ring, Sammy refused to stay behind. She went there to die, Daddy, and it was all my fault. I am so sorry."
"Oh, sweetheart," Sam said, wrapping her arms around us. "You haven't done that yet, baby. You don't have to feel guilty for something you haven't done yet."
"But I don't remember Vlad," Lilly cried. I tilted my head, surprised. "If I don't remember Vlad, how am I supposed to remember not to tell Sammy? I'll do it again and her death will be on my hands."
"Shh," I said, bouncing her. She may be an old soul but she's still a child. Sammy made her own choice. Sammy was a grown woman. Lilly didn't force her to go. "This isn't your fault, Lilly. Sammy wanted to feel useful. I made the mistake. That was my fault for treating her like something that could break."
"We will keep you kids safe, Lilly, and you don't have to worry about anything, baby," Sam said, kissing her head. "You just need to focus on growing up."
"I love you, Daddy. I'm so sorry," Lilly cried.
"Don't be, baby," I said, kissing her hair. "You did nothing wrong." I did.
Sam and I shared a look. I held Lilly in my arms, trying to comfort her as we absorbed this new information. What do we do? I want to protect our kids but it seems that our efforts have put them more in jeopardy than protect. I have two kids, Doc and Sammy, who aren't as strong as their siblings. Sammy is natural, except for the fact I don't teach her to defend for herself, but Doc is negligence. Somehow, an accident makes him weaker. The future holds a lot of uncertainties, as always, but for once, I'm apprehensive about it. How can we protect our children and still give them the childhood they deserve?
AN: Here's the newest chapter. Any comments? I'd love to hear from you. Also, I am involved in my own series on one shots now. If there's anything you'd like to read or for me to explore further, from anyone's POV or from General POV, let me know. I've already completed a Danielle POV piece when she was Vlad's captive. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I'm taking requests!
Thanks for reading.
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