Bitter UNIONS

by Team04Phantom

First installment of the Danny's Story series. He knew the minute his dad suggested to spend Thanksgiving week in Wisconsin that there'd be trouble but he never imagined what actually happened. Struggling to separate fantasy from reality, Danny's world comes crashing around him when he agrees to one week with Vlad. His life will never be the same. Rated for graphic rape.

6. Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom or Public Enemies.

AN: This story contains rape and male sex. If this disturbs you, please do not read.

Chapter Six: Home

I saw my house pull into view and I couldn't help but sniffle. "Are you all right, Mr. Fenton," the driver asked.

"Yeah," I said, wiping the tear that slid down my face. "I just really missed home!"

"Well, here you are sir. Have a wonderful Christmas, Mr. Fenton and a Happy New Year."

"You as well," I replied, stepping back onto the soil I felt strongest. I could feel my power surging. It was almost as if this place had a magical property to it.

The driver came up beside me with my bags in tow. I lead him to the front door. The man placed the bags on the front step where I took my carry-on bag from the pile. I retrieved my key and opened the door. The man picked up my bags and placed them behind the couch. I shook the feeling of satisfaction to retrieve my money pouch. I tipped the man, him thanking me and going about his schedule. After he left the house, I looked around my home.

The house hadn't changed a bit and that seemed off. I knew it was only because it felt like I hadn't been home in years unlike the actual week it was. I even checked the calendar with the little ghost on the picture. It wore a Santa costume and said December 2004. See, I told myself, you've only been gone for one week.

I walked into the kitchen but couldn't see anyone. I figured they'd be in the lab so I walked downstairs. However, no one was there. I began to grow panicked. What if it wasn't I that was the plan? I called out frantic, "Mom! Dad! Jazz!"

From upstairs, my acute hearing picked up frantic footfalls. I dashed up the stairs, surely using my powers to boost me. "Danny," I heard my Mom's voice cry.

"Mom," I asked. Upon seeing her, I broke down crying and landed in her arms. She held me tight but I could tell she was worried. "Honey, what's wrong?"

"I-I just missed you, t-that's all," I tried to get a grip on my emotions. I failed miserably.

"I missed you too, sweetheart," Mom told me, placing a kiss on my head. I wished I could breathe in her scent but of course I couldn't. I settled for holding on for dear life. "Why didn't you call me? Were you having too much fun at Vlad's?"

I started to shake, unable to hold it all in. I heard another voice, "Mom, what happened?"

"I don't know," I picked up with my ears. I knew it wasn't meant to be heard by me. "He just started crying."

"Danny-boy," I heard my dad broadcast. Shortly after, I heard Mom and Jazz silence Dad. "What's wrong with him," Dad asked quietly. I knew I had to get a grip on myself. Vlad would be pissed if I spilled the beans within the first two minutes.

I pulled away from Mom, albeit hesitantly, and looked to Jazz and Dad who were standing side by side. "I'm okay," I replied miserably. "I just missed you guys so much!"

I hugged my dad next and kept my tears at bay. Next I hugged Jazz but let a whimper escape as I imagined the last image I had of her… well, dream her anyway.

"Danny," Mom spoke. "Honey, you can tell us what's wrong. We won't be upset."

I turned back to her, her sight almost causing me to break down again. I held my breath so I wouldn't. After a moment to compose myself, I spoke, "Nothing's the matter. I'm just being a baby."

"Nonsense," Dad said, smacking me on the back. "You are a man, Danny. You can tell us anything, son."

"I know," I lied. I knew that there were in fact many things I couldn't tell anyone. "I just got emotional, that's all. I went down to the lab hoping to surprise you but you guys weren't down there." I happened to get a real glance at my parents for the first time. They were out of their HAZMAT suits. "Hey, why are you guys guzzled up?"

"The same reason you are," Jazz remarked. I looked down at my clothes to discover I still had that hideous outfit on. "The pageant."

"Oh," I cried. That was the reason Mom had wanted me home early. "That's tonight," I whined. I so don't want to go to that thing tonight.

"Yes," Mom replied. "That's why I told Vlad to get you home early, which he disregarded. It starts in just three hours."

Vlad disregarded a lot, I thought to myself. "That's all right. I got plenty of sleep last night," I lied again. To me, this was still last night.

"Really," Jazz remarked dryly. "Because you look like hell."

She didn't know the half of it, I thought to myself. However, I just remarked, "Well, yeah. I broke down like a child. After I wash my face and get dressed, I'll look better." I'll be damned if I go to anything in town looking like this. I may go to the pageant in my normal clothes since I hadn't wore them in a week.

"Get dressed," Mom asked, surprised. "Why would you change out of that outfit, Danny? It looks great."

"No way I'm going into town looking like this," I replied with a playful tone. "Dash would destroy me! This suit probably cost more than his TV."

"I imagine that suit costs more than a small car," Jazz replied. She may be right.

"Anyway," I started up again, "I'll be upstairs. See you guys in a bit." I didn't want to leave their sights for a moment but I collected by bags and started upstairs.

I heard Mom comment as I passed what should be hearing range, "I wonder why he didn't dehydrate his baggage? Did he forget how to?"

"There's more than just that, Mom. Danny's acting really strange," Jazz replied, her voice worried. I left my door open so I could hear them clearly.

"Even I can tell that," Dad replied. "Maybe we should call Vlad and see what happened in the last week."

Oh, please don't do that. Don't give him any reason to take me! If you make him suspicious or cause him to have his doubts I can keep this to myself, I'm a goner!

"I don't know," Jazz remarked. "I think I can get Danny to talk to me."

"If not you, then one of us should be able to get him to open up," Mom remarked. "I know he's been distant lately, but if something's wrong, he'd tell us."

"Exactly," Jazz remarked. I breathed a sigh of relief. I could avoid disaster now.

I went through my closet to look for my suit but I couldn't pull away from my white t-shirt and blue jeans. I wanted the clothes to wrap me in the comfort they give me. I decided to go with them and pulled them out of my closet. I took a shower, washed my hair with my shampoo and dressed. When I appeared at the bottom of the stairs, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Mom's.

"Daniel," she scolded. "We're going to a formal pageant. You could at least dress appropriately!"

I winced, "Please, don't call me that. I'm been Daniel for the past week. I'd like to be Danny again."

Jazz chuckled, "Mr. Masters called you Daniel."

"All damn week long," I replied, accidently cussing. However, instead of scolding, my parent's and Jazz gasped. "Sorry, it's been a long week."

"You two didn't get along," Dad asked, crestfallen.

"I'm surprised we both made it out alive," I let them in to a small piece of the hell I've been in the last week.

"I haven't seen Mr. Masters," Jazz made a face. "He may not be."

Of course, I kept that part hidden. It wouldn't have been I that would survive if one of us had died. "Vlad's fine and dandy, if not a little crazy."

"So, you didn't have fun," Mom asked me. I laughed to stop from crying.

"No, far from it. That man needs some serious help," I replied. "So, has anyone heard from Sam and Tucker?"

"Wait another five minutes and you'll hear from them yourself," Mom replied.

"They've called every twenty minutes for the past five hours. It's getting annoying," Jazz remarked.

"I can't wait to see them," I replied and I'm certain I broke out in a huge grin. "I've missed everybody so, including the ghosts." I caught myself too late to stop from saying it. I looked fearfully to Mom and Dad and they had this strange look on their faces. "You know, your job. My job." I tried covering up. I wasn't lying… just neither telling the truth.

Mom's face broke out in a laugh, "You really were homesick, huh?"

"You have no idea," I replied softly. The telephone rang out.

"They're earlier this time," Jazz replied, walking over to the phone. "Hello. Is it Sam or Tucker?

"Sam," I heard over the earpiece. "But Tuck's here too. We're getting worried. It's after five and Danny isn't home yet. I think it's time we call up this Masters guy and tell him we're coming for him."

I laughed, trying to keep my voice down. They were definitely impatient.

"Actually, that's not necessary. Danny's home," Jazz replied, her eyes lit up by her smile. Suddenly, they dimmed and I heard the line click. "Hello?"

"They hung up, Jazz," I answered the questions her eyes asked. "You didn't expect them to stay there with me being here, did you?"

"You figured that out from her body language," Mom asked me. I paled. "You're getting better, Danny."

I chuckled nervously, "You know me. Never done improving."

"I do know you and I know that's not true at all," Mom remarked. "But it's showing. Good job, son."

I heard the door open behind me and I turned expectedly. Tucker and Sam barreled through the door. "Danny," they both cried out, excitedly.

I held it together as I embraced them but I couldn't help but hold on tighter than I normally would. "Oh, guys, you have no idea how good it is to see you guys."

"We missed you," Tucker remarked, getting chocked up. I haven't left their side very often since the accident and I know they don't take it well.

"I've missed you two so much," I replied. I pulled away to look at them, "Things go smoothly?"

"Too smoothly," Tucker replied, cryptic. I looked at him to convey my confusion. "Let's talk upstairs. We've got some time before that stupid pageant."

"Okay," I replied, taking the lead. "You guys didn't get in any kind of trouble, did you? I'm sorry if you tried to reach me. Vlad took my phone."

"He what," Mom called from the foot of the stairs.

"It's nothing, Mom," I replied back, quickly. I didn't realize she'd hear us. "He just wanted to make sure we didn't have any distractions." Maybe I gave too much information in that sentence. I walked into my room and stood by the door as Sam took her seat on the beanbag and Tucker took the computer chair. I closed the door and initiated the silent-proof walls.

"Well," Sam began. "Things were going like normal for the first… four days or so. Then, they just mysteriously disappeared. We haven't had a single ghost attack since the seventeenth!"

"Okay, that's weird," I replied. "I'm happy that things have been good for the last three days," I replied. At least they've had a break. "But it sounds off."

"Tell us about it. You weren't the only one that got a holiday," Tucker joked. I laughed along with him because that's what I would have done if he were actually right. I had to keep up appearances.

"This is serious, guys," Sam butt in. "Ghosts just don't take days off. They need to feed to stay alive. Something is keeping them away!"

I chuckled and looked to Sam to put her fears at ease, "Calm down, Sam. Most time, the ghosts don't come here to feed. They actually have restaurants in the Ghost Zone, you know. They usually come to the real world so they can pester me. No Phantom, no fun you know."

"Danny, I get that but not everyone would vanish. If it was that easy to keep the ghosts away, then we'd just quit Team Phantom while we're still ahead. Something is keeping them away!" Sam truly believed we were in danger but I didn't. We could handle whatever they threw at us… we always did. Right now, I wanted to get this stupid pageant over and get some sleep tonight. I didn't want to spend my first day back worrying about ghosts.

"Just calm down, Sam. I just got back and I'm not in a good mood. We can deal with this later; I just want to spend some time relaxing."

"Okay," Sam replied reluctantly. She was worried and I knew it. Deep down, I thought maybe I should be too.

"So, what happened over the week? Did anything sweet happen," Tucker asked innocently.

Images flashed in my mind from the past week. Sweet? Hardly, I thought. I closed my eyes momentarily, trying to erase the nightmares. "Oh, just this and that," I commented. "Vlad tried to get me and him to be friends but the man is a serious froot loop. Needless to say, the past week was a waste." A waste of blood, energy, tears, and a waste of innocence is what it was.

"He didn't even give you anything," Tucker asked. The question was innocent enough but the image that passed through my mind wasn't. Vlad had raped so many people and God knows if he's actually dated before. What if he had something? "Hello, Danny? Are you okay, dude?"

"What," I asked, panic rising in my system. My mind was racing and I could barely catch my breath before it was released again.

"Danny, are you okay," Sam asked me, concerned. She studied me for a moment. "You're pale?"

"It's nothing," I replied. I tried to calm my breaths down but it was rapid.

"Danny, something's wrong," Sam informed me. I controlled my anger. Of course something was wrong! I could have a sexually transmitted disease!

"Just relax guys," I tried to sound impassive. It didn't work.

"We would if you would," Tucker replied.

"What time is it? I don't want to be late," I replied. Some of the kids were going to be in the pageant this year.

"No, we're not going until you tell us what's going on," Sam replied, stubborn.

"You know that's illegal. Everyone attends the pageant," I replied. It wasn't really a concern of mine but I had to come up with a subject changer.

"I don't care. Dash Baxter could have those laws shoved up his rear for all I care," Sam replied. I jumped back as a reflex. "Danny?"

"No," I said, growing so small. I went over to my bed and lay down.

"Danny," Sam asked, concerned.

"Ju-Just leave me alone," I said, pulling my knees to my chest. I didn't want them to leave but they were pushing. I was already broken; it wouldn't take much more for me to shatter.

Tucker looked hurt, "You want us to leave?"

"Or just stop asking all these questions," I yelled out. I didn't want to yell at them! Get a grip, Fenton!

"Danny, we're asking all these questions because we care," Sam said gently.

"Then stop caring," I yelled out again. I closed my eyes, angry with myself for yelling at them again. They're just trying to help… but you can't tell them either. I turned over so I wasn't facing them. "I'm sorry guys. I-I don't want you to leave. You're my best friends. I need you."

I felt a hand on my shoulder and for a moment I thought it was Vlad's. I jumped off the bed, flying into the air. It was Sam.

"Danny," Sam said, holding her hand out in front of her in surprise.

I floated back down to my bed, gently. I looked in their eyes, hurt and worry evident. I closed my eyes again, the tears spilling down my face. "I-I can't, guys. It's not possible."

"Why not," Sam asked me, accusingly. "We agreed to tell each other everything. We made a pact!"

"I know," I said, softly. I opened my eyes again to look at her. "But long before that, I made a pact to myself that I'd never hurt anyone. This would hurt." Not only me, but them. Especially them.

"Danny, we need to trust each other. You have to tell us what's got you like this," Tucker said. I locked eyes with the boy who's my brother for all intents and purposes. I couldn't.

"I'm sorry guys," I said, lying back down. I faced them this time though. "Sometimes, you've got to do what you think is right."

"Even though it may not be," Sam replied. Yeah, even then too.

I stayed quiet, just staring at my wall behind my friends. I thought everything would return to normal once I got home but things have seemed to get worse. Did Vlad change me that much?

XXX

When seven o'clock came around, Mom called us down for the pageant. We all traveled to the pageant together, picking up Mom and Dad Number Two on the way. It went smoothly, the kids waving at me when they saw me. I waved back, their smiling faces taking my troubles away for a short while. After the pageant, most people were leaving but I wanted to go see my kids. Laura came running over to me excitedly.

"Danny, Danny, Danny! Did you see me," she asked me in a breath of air. I laughed at Star's nine-year-old sister.

"Of course I saw you, Laurie. Did you have fun," I asked her. She smiled brightly back at me.

"Yeah," she cried out. "Tori! Danny's here!"

"Danny," Victoria came running over to me. She jumped in my arms which I easily caught her.

"Hey there, sunshine. How's the world been treating you?"

"Fine, now. I didn't think you were going to make it," Victoria said, slightly upset.

"What," I asked, mock shock on my face. "No way would I miss my girls' debut performance."

"Did you hear that, Tori? Danny called me his girl!"

"No, he called me his girl," Victoria retorted. I smiled brighter.

"Girls, there's enough of me to go around," I replied, jokingly. I don't know why these kids are obsessed with me but ever since Dan, Dash's little brother, asked me for my autograph I've been bombarded by all small people. It's all right, though. I don't mind.

After I saw Courtney walking away from the stage, I picked up Laura and carried the two to go greet their older sister. "Hey there, beautiful."

"Danny," Courtney cried. She rushed over and gave me a hug despite the fact I couldn't return it. Those two weren't going to let go easily.

"You were great this year," I replied. This wasn't her first pageant.

"These two didn't do too bad, themselves, did they?"

"No, they didn't," I replied with pride. "You must have passed it on in your genes."

"Must have," Courtney said, jokingly.

"Have you seen Dan or Jake," I asked about the King and Prince's brothers.

"They're around here somewhere," Courtney laughed. "trying to get out of the leotards before they're caught." Courtney laughed some more.

"Well, I'd better go find them before they get away with it, huh," I said with a sly smile.

"Hurry, Danny," Victoria cried out, giggling.

"Let's go, girls," I said, taking off in a slow pace to the dressing room. When we made it to the dressing rooms, Jake and Dan were running around in a half-crazed dash to remove the clothing. "Busted!"

"Danny," Jake cried out, in shock.

"Danny," Dan cried out, running to me. When he took a jump towards me, I barely swung Victoria towards her sister in my other arm so I could catch him.

"I know he's super and all, Dan, but geez, can you treat him human," Courtney replied. I looked to her strangely.

"What does that mean, Courtney," I asked.

She shrugged, "You're awesome!"

I chuckled, "Okay, kids. Time to disembark from the Danny Train!"

"Dis-en-what," Jake asked, his nose wrinkled up.

"Disembark," I repeated. "Get off."

Laura, Victoria and Dan groaned. I chuckled.

"Why didn't you just say that," Jake asked, confused.

"Because," I replied, "I've been called dumb all week. I'm trying something different to prove otherwise!"

"Who called you dumb," Victoria asked, angry. "Dumb is a bad word."

"It sure is," I told her. "You only use that word when you're a bad person. Are you a bad person, Victoria?"

"No way," Victoria declared. "I'm one of the good guys!"

"Then don't ever hurt someone's feeling with that word and you're on your way for a medal," I replied.

"Did someone hurt your feelings, Danny," Laura asked me.

"A little," I replied gently, "But I know he only done it because he's a small man."

"Like my brother," Dan replied, nose wrinkled. "He's a small boy compared to you."

I chuckled, "Only in self-esteem. Dash is pretty large for our age."

"Right," Dan remarked, nodding his head.

"So, ladies, how are your sisters?" A sudden smell invaded my nose, causing me to become curious. The smell was something I had never smelled before.

"You're going to have to be clearer than that," Courtney remarked. "Do you mean Jessica, Star, Emily, or Abigail?"

"I meant all of them," I said. "How are they?"

"Jessica and Star are mean butts, Emily never leaves us alone and Abigail sleeps all day."

"Mean butt is a bad word too, Laura," I informed her. That smell became more prominent and thus more difficult for me to ignore. I still couldn't identify it, though.

She covered her mouth, "Ten hail Danny's, please forgive me Father."

"Laura, you shouldn't do that. That is a sacred saying," I scolded her gently. I knew she wasn't catholic. She was just making a point. The smell started to change over to something I recognize. It was fried chicken, no doubt, which meant someone was scared.

"I'm sorry, Danny," Laura said, her eyes glistening over.

"Just don't do it again, Laura. Be respectful," I told her softly, my mind elsewhere. I tried to focus on her but it was difficult.

"Right," Laura said, drying her spilt tears.

Sam came running into the dressing room, "Danny!"

"Oh, my goodness it's Sam," I heard Laura declare but I laid my full attention on Sam. She was acting urgent. I have a feeling this has something to do with the emotions I'm smelling.

"What's wrong, Sam."

"We've got problems. Our problems," Sam said cryptically. I looked to the five kids in the room. I knew a ghost was attacking now.

"Danny's got to go, kids. Behave and great job tonight," I said quickly. They all grinned broadly.

"Go get 'em, Danny!"

I ignored the confusion and followed Sam outside. As soon as I approached the exit of the auditorium, I heard it.

"Ghost!"

Never before have they called the monster attacks that before, I thought to myself. Sam and I ran for several blocks in the direction of the area where everyone was. In a split second, out of nowhere, I was hit with a wave of emotional smells. I stopped, swaying and fighting nausea. I pushed myself forward, knowing this was no time to get sidetracked. Tucker finally came into view at the top of the hill and I noticed I was almost half a mile away from the auditorium. Tucker stared out in shock but I had no idea what was going on.

When Sam and I finally came to a stop beside Tucker, I looked over the hill. No wonder the smell was so strong. Sam gasped.

"Oh, man. I've never seen this many ghosts attacking at once," Sam said in shock. There's that, but there's also the fact that so many people are witnessing the attacks. Of all the times for an attack!

I pulled out my thermos and then realized, "I'm going to need a bigger thermos."

Suddenly a ghost took aim at me and ransacked me. I was all right but I heard Tucker say in shock, "And a paramedic!"

XXX

We tried. That's all I can say. There were just too many ghosts out for us three to capture. Even if we caught a dozen, there must have been dozens more still left to fight. I gave the first order of my career to retreat, despite Sam and Tucker's objections. They didn't understand and I don't blame them… they had yet to look at defeat. I have.

The next day, the royalty had given an order for all students to arrive at Casper High's auditorium despite it being Christmas Break. When Sam, Tuck and I arrived, the entire school body was there. Children of all ages, despite if they were in first or twelfth grade, was there. I saw many of the children that hang around my house there but many of them were in another portion of the auditorium. When we took our seats, I could hear our peers gossiping about last night's ghost attack. Emotions swirled around the room, invading my nose.

I sunk down in the seat, too embarrassed to sit up straight. It felt as if I made myself known, they'd all know it was me who brought this upon our town. Why didn't I listen to Sam last night? She knew something was going off but I blew her off saying we could handle it. I was wrong, big time, and I couldn't do a damn thing about it. Amity Park would be the first place in the history of Division G that knew about ghosts. Samuels would have my head.

Sam and Tucker looked in my direction; their faces betraying their stance on this whole ordeal. The smells I picked up also betrayed them. I've been able to smell emotions since I became half ghost, however I can't help but notice how acute my nose was. I ignored it, chalking it up to be related to all the time I've spent with Vlad. Tucker felt guilty because he too had laughed at Sam and her 'ridiculous' idea. Sam was trying to pull off a look that said she didn't have any hard feelings but I knew she must have. This was my fault. If I had taken Sam's warning seriously, we might not be in this mess.

"Good morning, children. I am your mayor, Ernesto Montez. I want to speak to you about last night," the mayor began. I tuned him out. It was actually a mockery to have him speaking to us. What did he know about ghosts? All he'll do is feed to the mayhem and make this prime feeding ground.

He gave this big speech about being the best, what he would do to keep us safe, and blah, blah, blah. Then he brought out a television and showed a clip from the local news. I did notice Star running her little legs away from this ghost behind her but I tuned out again. It was hard to ignore the mayor because of my powers but it was easy to ignore the television. The mayor was there in the present while the television was just a recording. Big difference when you can feel the emotions of others.

Next, the principal came out and said they had a set of rules to keep us safe. I whispered to Sam and Tucker, "This is going to end badly."

"One, there will be no contact with these specters." Well, I don't know if that's good news or bad news. I do know I'm the one who breaks that one into a million little pieces. "Two, all students will be escorted home. And three, there will be a nine o'clock curfew."

Tucker was the first to object, "An escort!"

Sam was next, "A curfew." I thought to myself, hello, no contact with specters. I'm a specter!

I couldn't help voicing aloud: "Okay, who's the mayor's idiot advisors." And the door burst open. My parents are the idiot advisors.

Mom came in, decked to the nine in ghost hunting weapons. Like the student body doesn't already think my parents are crazy! Then the injury to insult: "Hey, sweetie!" Yep, right there over the loudspeaker.

"Time to move to the back where no one can notice us," I asked.

Sam agreed, "Time to move to the back where no one can notice us."

Before we even settled into our seats, more smells invaded my nostrils. This tasted different, though. Sam and Tucker followed me into the back but I covered my nose. Of course, it didn't help. Ghosts don't breathe through their noses. A sudden chill of a ghost sense formed, popping out of my mouth. I'd gotten so many last night, I now knew what they felt like again. "Here? Now?" I asked myself regrettably. I was miserable because of the smells but also because my parents were here. That's all I needed was to transform where my parents were. I'd have to be careful so not to tip them off.

However, I never got the chance to slip out of the auditorium before this man leapt out of thin air. I couldn't help but notice how his claws retracted back into his fists the way Wolverine's did. Come to think of it, he looked like Wolverine.

And the screaming began. Students were running around, trying to find a safe place but they weren't exiting the auditorium. Instead, they were relocating to another spot in the auditorium. I guess they believed they were safe because of Mom and Dad. I'd hate to tell them this, but my parents have never fought a ghost before now.

I tried to duck down below the chairs but they were foldable and so when I ducked, I fell over, knocking over a few. Now I wish I hadn't went to the back. I went to stand back up to relocate when this giant, muscled, and hairy arm came crashing down upon me. I landed back on my butt then fell the rest of the way down.

I stared up at the man in shock. Body hair covered him from head to toe. He spoke something that I didn't quite catch but my mind began to work again. I brought my legs up to kick when suddenly he flew off me. I looked in the direction of behind him to see my parents, Mom's bazooka aimed in my direction.

"Get off of him," Mom yelled angrily. I should have known she'd come looking for us.

"Hey, where did you learn to shoot that good," Dad asked surprised.

"What," Mom looked at him cheerily, "You think I sit home and invent new cookie recipes all day?"

Dad went on to ask for a butterscotch apple doodle, causing me to squirm. I turned my head to look for the man but he disappeared through the floorboard. Mom and Dad then took that time to give chase. I decided it'd be wise to do the same. Maybe I could transform once I was away from all these witnesses.

I headed for the door and actually made it outside when I looked behind me to make sure the coast was clear. No one was in the hallway, so it'd be safe to transform, but…

"Bridget Jones's Diary, Fenton! Stop your screaming and get over there to the safe area," Mr. Lancer had instructed me. I turned behind me to see if I saw any ghosts. I didn't. So instead, I searched for Sam and Tucker, leaving Mr. Lancer alone.

"Hey, Danny," Sam called. I walked over to where her and Tucker were.

"What are you guys still doing in the auditorium," I asked them, very disappointed. They know better.

"They're keeping everyone here," Tucker said, annoyed. "Really smart. Just stay where the ghosts can get you."

"Why didn't you go ghost," Sam asked me, quietly.

"I tried," I returned quietly myself. "The chairs were pull-out chairs—they don't make good hiding spots. Then I got attacked by that hairball. I tried to go outside," I replied, looking at Mr. Lancer, "But he stopped me."

"Shoot," Tucker replied.

"Well, we've got to get out of here somehow," Sam replied. "Go back to your place and get some weapons."

"No, you guys are going to stay out of this," I instructed.

"But Danny, you need our help," Sam objected.

"I don't care. It's too dangerous. If I could get Mom and Dad to leave it be, I'd do that too."

"Danny," Tucker objected as well.

"No, and that's my final word. It's too dangerous and I couldn't live with myself if either one of you two got hurt. This isn't just one or two ghosts. This is bigger than any of us has faced before," I tried reasoning.

"More reason to stick together," Sam objected.

"…and you two haven't had formal training. No!"

"Dude, come on. Let us help," Tucker begged.

I took a breath, knowing it was best for all of us, "No, look I'm sorry guys. I don't want to be the bad guy here but I've got no choice. I don't care if you stay home, stay at my house or one of either one of your houses but stay off the streets. I won't jeopardize your lives."

"And we won't yours either," Sam said but she sounded defeated. The three of us ducked out of the crowd and ran from the building. We had business to tend to elsewhere.

We made it back to my house where we found ourselves alone. Perfect! I gave them each a weapon to protect themselves and went to the basement myself. Tonight was going to be a long one.

XXX

I came downstairs the next morning, having just phased into my room via my window. Mom and Dad probably had a long night too because I hadn't seen or heard from them. I grabbed a bowl of Apple Jacks and gobbled them down, determined to return to the streets. Everywhere you looked; there was an eerie glow last night.

I hit the streets again and tried my best to keep the most frequented areas clear and myself out of sight. I didn't want to stick out or be associated with the ghosts. As of right now, my name was pale face boy. I wanted to keep it that way. Around lunchtime, I was heading to Nasty Burger. I had just finished capturing a ghost in my thermos when I noticed my parents heading this direction. I turned invisible quickly and found a place to transform back. I do not want them putting the pieces together.

Mom saw me immediately after I had transformed. "Hey, Danny!" I walked over to them. "Did you sleep well last night?"

I mulled over my answers. "Kinda," I settled for something in the middle of the truth. "Did you guys get in last night?"

"No," Mom replied tiredly. "Everywhere you look, there are bands of these ghosts. They travel in numbers so it's not like you can clean them up. Your father and I are trying to fix a gun so we can take care of it but it's not going well."

I found my opening, "Maybe you should take the afternoon off and work on your weapon?"

"No, sweetheart. You will not fight these ghosts. This is not the same as the camp's program. Just because you do well there doesn't mean you're ready for the real things," Mom informed me. Ha! She's lecturing me about fighting ghosts!

I smiled sheepishly, "Never crossed my mind. I was just stating that since you have no real purpose here maybe you could spend your time wiser."

"Go have some lunch, young man," Mom said playfully. I walked off, seeing my parents talking amongst themselves.

XXX

As I exited the long line, I couldn't believe the number of people here at the Nasty Burger. Not a single table sat unoccupied, the place incredibly packed. "Hey, Danny," I heard a female voice call me. I looked up to see Sam calling again, "Danny!"

"What are you guys doing out," I asked in a hushed voice. "You guys should be at home!"

"Danny, you can tell us not to face these ghosts but you can't tell us to hide! That's not who Team Phantom is," Sam retorted. I guess I understood. I just didn't want them to get hurt.

"Have you found anything out," Tucker asked me.

"Yeah," I replied, "I can't count this high!"

"I mean about who set this up," Tucker asked me, harshly.

"No," I replied more earnest, "As far as I can tell there is no conspiracy."

"I don't believe that," Sam replied, taking a bite of her salad.

"What do you believe," I asked her, unwrapping my mighty-meaty burger. I saw Tucker had already started his.

"Well, like I said, I don't believe that this could all be coincidental. Besides, they're all dressed alike."

"I found that odd, too. I can't quite put my finger on it, but they seem familiar," I replied, taking my first bite. It felt so bland and boring on my tongue.

Sam seemed to notice my change, "Are you okay, Danny?"

"Yeah," I replied, taking another tasteless bite. "Just thinking."

"I wish you'd let us help you," Tucker replied. "We can help!"

"Yeah, and you can bleed and break bones and die," I retorted. "No!"

"Where did that come from," Sam asked me in shock.

"Oh, nowhere," I said, looking down at the table. I grabbed a handful of fries and popped them in my mouth.

"I'm beginning not to like this man," Sam replied unexpectedly.

"What man," I asked suspiciously. I looked around the room to see if I spotted anyone standing out. I didn't.

"Not here," Sam scolded, "This guy you spent the week with. Both times, you come back completely cut off and depressed. Except this time, you came back emotional. I don't know what this guy is doing to you, but I don't like it."

"Don't worry about Vlad. I can handle him," I replied. Of course, I couldn't but they didn't need to know that.

"Apparently, you're not. Danny, you're depressed, you're emotional, you think you're alone. Let us help you."

"There's nothing anyone can do," I said, standing up with my half-eaten tray. I walked away calling, "You guys get back to where it's safe!"

XXX

I was flying over Amity when I spotted Jazz below. Jazz looked up, startling me, but I quickly turned invisible. I might have been seen by her once before but I won't take that chance again. I landed behind a tree and transformed back into Danny Fenton. Oddly, Jazz stood perfectly still.

"There you are, Danny," Jazz replied once I stepped onto the sidewalk. She began walking again. "Mom wanted me to find you and bring you home to get some sleep tonight. She wants us home by no later than six. With the ghosts coming out at that time, she's worried."

"Okay," I said slowly. I wondered why she was looking for me here. I shook my head; that's ridiculous! Jazz didn't see anything! "Let's go."

We walked home in silence for most of the way but when we came upon our street, Jazz began speaking. "I won't be able to keep an eye on you all night, so you're going to have to stay in your room and be so quiet it's like you're not even there. I have a lot of work to complete before the end of the semester so just stay in your room and be so quiet it's like you're not even there." Jazz was acting strange.

I opened the door and stepped inside, asking, "What are you getting at?" However, I heard Dad's voice broadcast.

"Welcome to the first after school meeting of the Casper High Ghostketeers."

"But Jack, it's not after school," Mom replied, looking to him in confusion.

"It will be when school starts up," Dad answered, trying to muffle the response.

"Come on, kids, join us in a battle song," Mom replied cheerfully. I could already feel myself dying of embarrassment. In the front row were Dash, Kwan and Paulina.

"Uh, no thanks," I replied, horrorstricken. "I'm going to be…" I took Jazz's words, "in my room being so quiet like I'm not even there."

Dad began this revision of the Mickey Mouse club theme song, and soon Mom and the rest of the kids chimed in too. I darted up the steps so I could sneak back outside. After I heard the conclusion of the song, I heard Jazz gasp in horror. Why did you even stay that long?

XXX

It was my fifth night of no sleep and I was feeling my human half giving under the strain. I was once again having lunch with Sam and Tucker despite my asking of them to stay home. I gave up lecturing them… they knew what they were doing and nothing I could say could deter them.

I wanted to find that man. I hadn't seen him since the attack in the auditorium. I sat at the Nasty Burger, eating with Sam and Tucker and watching my parents go about 'protecting' the town from the ghosts. Mom was greeting the students as they entered the building and Dad was setting up the portable ghost shield to run off the juice of the RV.

Mom and Dad had a few space heaters set up outside, warming up the outdoor booths, to accommodate the large number of crowds. It seemed to work because the patrons were spread out. Few people, though, were outside like Sam, Tuck and I were. I began gobbling down my food, desperately trying to finish so I could escape this torture. First real torture and now mental; I'm going to lose my mind from this past week. Sam placed her fork back on her bowl of salad, "Are you all right, Danny?"

"Why wouldn't I be," I asked, still shoveling the bites in my mouth. "Just because the town is on high alert, my parents are in the public eye," suddenly, I felt something catch in my throat. I coughed, then turned my hand intangible and retrieved it from my throat: "and I'm eating so fast I just swallowed my spork." I looked at my spork with satisfaction, "There we go. All I know as soon as I find that blathering hairball," I said, smacking my fists together, "I'm gonna toss him back into the Ghost Zone."

Dad came over to our table, and shouted angrily, "I said keep chewing!" Because of Dad's towering size and the fact it was right over our heads, Sam and I began eating faster.

Tucker looked at me, unfazed by Dad's interruption, "I don't think it was blather. I think it was Esperanto."

"Es-pa-wha-wha," Sam asked what was on my mind.

"Esperanto," Tucker repeated. "It's an artificial language from the eighteen hundreds. It's only purpose now is to give geeks a secret language to talk to other geeks. He just looked scared and alone to me."

I went to take another bite of my food when I noticed a ghost sense slip out of my mouth. I groaned out, "Here? Again?"

"But we're chewing like the wind inside an anti-ghost dome. Where could the ghost be," Tucker replied. He had a good point.

A loud explosion went off behind Sam and my seat. We both spun around, Sam exclaiming: "Survey says, behind us." Dad began to cry, devastated as I realized the RV blew up. I thought maybe it wasn't a ghost, but I saw the hairy man in question float up through the ground.

"If anybody asks where I am," I instructed, "lie!" I gave no more instructions as I headed for the nearest hiding spot to go ghost. "I'm go—eek," I came to abrupt stop. Jazz was behind the tree I was running to.

"Danny," Jazz called out, surprised. "Are you hiding here? I'll go hide somewhere else?" Jazz took off, not asking me any more questions. I wondered why she didn't just propose we hide together but whatever her reason, I was grateful. Once she was out of sight, I declared: "Okay, now I'm going ghost!"

I blasted into the air as soon as the transformation took hold. I figured Mom and Dad would be too occupied with the RV to see me. I wanted to catch that ghost! However, two of the ghosts ahead of me suddenly spiraled out of the real world into a green whirlpool. I stopped dead in my tracks and looked behind me. Dad had a gun aimed in my direction.

"A portable ghost portal," I declared, remembering what Mom told me yesterday. As realization dawned on me, all I had to say was: "Oh, great!"

I saw another ghost attacking my ghost. I zoomed after the ghost, knocking him into a spiral. I flew over to my ghost, determined to free him from his painful hold. I shot the rope away from the ghost I was after, the rope around his ghostly tail dissipating. Because the other portion of the rope still drew power from a power source, I knew it would be perfect to implement my ghost stinger.

I grabbed the ends with my hands, calling out the code words: "Go ghost stinger," the rope turning into a painful energy. As it trapped him against the ghost stinger, the ghost vanished before I could identify him. I turned to the man and attempted to show him I was on his side. "Friend. Friend," I called. Surprisingly, the man licked me.

I wiped the saliva away from my face. Gross! Why do I keep getting the weirdos!

"Hold it right there," Dad jumped up from behind a bush. I was startled but Dad's weapon chose to become tangled. "As soon as I untangle this thing, you beasties are going down."

I chuckled softly at Dad's expense, "Don't worry. He's not much of a threat. Now, if my mom were here, we'd be in trouble."

The man spoke his foreign language again and I looked to see if his body language could tell me what he was saying. However, I saw a little red dot light up on the man's forehead. I traced the beam back to see Mom aiming a gun in my direction. I pushed him towards the skyline, "Go!" The blast barely missed us, creating a giant whole in the earth. This gun wasn't a portable ghost portal. "Oh, man, you are so not getting anything for mother's day," I yelled out in distress.

I flew by Sam's house, the ghost floating by the road. "Stay here," I told him, holding my hand firmly.

I floated to Sam's window and gently pecked on the glass. Sam came running to the window and opened it for me. "Sorry, it's freezing tonight," Sam apologized for closing the window.

"Actually, I'm glad that you did. I wouldn't want any ghost coming in here, surprising you while you slept."

Sam groaned, "Oh, Danny! So, what's up," she quipped in a better mood.

"Well, I found the ghost. I was wondering if you'd accompany me to Tucker's so we could have a team meeting."

"Of course," Sam said. She grabbed her coat from her computer chair and reluctantly put it on. "I hate long sleeves."

"Well, flying with me will only make it worse," I replied. Sam smiled weakly but took my hand anyway. I lowered her to the ground and we walked over to where the man was.

"Follow us," I told him slowly. The man followed Sam and I all the way to Tucker's.

"Phase him into Tuck's attic," Sam instructed. "I'll go get Tucker."

"Okay," I replied. I waved my hand at the man and floated to the attic. I stuck my head in the wall to make sure no one was there. With the coast clear, the man and I phased into the attic. I floated in the middle of the room, too lazy to replace my tail with my legs.

"Oh, no, no, no," Tucker came into the room. "Danny, not here!"

Tucker and Sam came over and sat down in the chairs that Mom and Dad Number Two had stored upstairs. "He's got to stay somewhere," I replied.

"But here," Tucker asked me in shock. I know this was not our best choice but it was our only choice. At least until I get our headquarters set up.

I remained quiet, just shrugging my shoulders.

Tucker sighed, defeated. "I guess but I still think this is a bad idea!"

"Well, he can't stay at Danny's. Not with it being ghostketeer central," Sam remarked dryly.

"And besides, you're the only one who can sorta understand him," I replied. Tucker did seem to know more about the language than the rest of us.

Sam walked over to the man and gently placed her hand towards this huge collar around his neck. I hadn't noticed it before. Suddenly, the man growled and swatted Sam's hand away animalistic. Scared, she pushed herself all the way back to the chair. I noticed she wasn't hurt.

"He said not to touch that," Tucker pointed out how ridiculous my last point was for a reason.

I didn't object. I hated leaving my human friends behind to deal with this. It was dangerous but I didn't have a choice, "I need to get my thermos out of my locker. Try to find out what he knows."

I phased out of the roof, heading for the school. I heard Tucker ask the man something in that special language. Before I was out of hearing range, I heard Tucker laugh manically. Well, there goes that plan!

XXX

I phased through the wall of the school, careful not to touch anything. I even phased my hand through my locker so I wouldn't touch it. However, my ghost sense abruptly went off, causing me to wonder off and leaving my thermos in the locker. A high, squeaky voice announced: "So is everyone clear with the plan?"

"Yes, yes. It will all go down at the town meeting," a Hispanic voice responded.

I knew those voices instantly. The first was Dash and the second was Paulina. I powered down outside of the classroom that the voices came from and walked in just past the door, "What town meeting?"

Dash turned on me, startled someone else was there. However, his shocked look turned into one of satisfaction. I heard the door slam shut behind me and I turned to see Kwan had slammed it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the entire room, probably 50 or more, come to their feet. All eyes began to glow in the low-light conditions.

I stared at the students and townspeople in shock. Dash suddenly dropped to the floor in a thud, but a pale man in a pure white suit stood there. I couldn't believe my eyes: "Walker!"

"Gotcha, punk," he said, all the overshadowed humans coming closer to back Walker up. "So, how does it feel knowing you have nowhere to hide? By the time I'm through with you, you'll be begging for the safety of my prison, where you belong, in the Ghost Zone."

That pissed me off. This is what this is all about? I triggered the rings that transformed me into my ghost form, and brought my hand up to shoot Walker with a beam: "The only thing I'm begging for is for you to try some mouthwash!" As soon as he was away, I blasted off, desperate to reach the comfort and safety of home.

However, before I could escape the area, I noticed my ghost sense go off. I looked around for the ghost but instead found Dash. His eyes glowed the same green as mine; signaling Walker had taken him over again. Walker let out a furious roar, making Dash look completely demonic. I used my strength to aim an attack at him. Actually, it felt good to get back at Dash without the guilt.

Walker as Dash and I hit the ground, bending a car in half with the impact. I flew away from the stunned Walker only to be thrown off course by a blast. I looked up to see Mr. Lancer and Principal Ishyama standing in my way. I shot at Mr. Lancer but I felt something wrap around my mid-waste. I grabbed the contraption but not in time, the thing lighting up and electrocuting me. I screamed out but the pain was premature. I found comfort in that, knowing that my pain would end soon again unlike it had with Vlad. I grabbed the contraption and yanked with all my might until it sent my principal caroling away. I broke the claw, dropping it to the ground.

I blasted off only to have Paulina attack me. It looked like her, it even sounded like her. "You can't get away from me," she said, angrily. However, all I heard was the crush of my middle school years say she wanted me. I sighed.

"I've waited all puberty for that girl to say that to me and now it's a complete bummer," I remarked dryly. I've already had a man tell me that, I thought. I don't need another. I grabbed her hand, hesitating, but tossed her into the other direction.

With those ghosts taken care of, I had time to go after the ghost inside Kwan. He landed on the wall of a building and I closely followed. The motion made me sick but I bit it down, too angry to feel the motion. Kwan twirled a stick in his hand, acting big and tough. Who needs weapons when you yourself is a weapon? I blasted Kwan off the building, crushing him further into the concrete. Now, I have the start I needed.

I phased through my house, darting for the basement. I didn't care that I was in Phantom form. I needed to activate the ghost shield and fast. I darted from one corner of the basement to the next, crying, "Ghost shield, ghost shield!" Finally, I found it, activating it without hesitation. I phased up to my bedroom, opening the blind and triggering my rings. The group of overshadowed humans looked on in disappointment. I dropped the blinds.

I walked back downstairs, too tired to stay awake but too scared to sleep in my bed. If Mom and Dad came home and discovered the shield up, they might deactivate it. I needed to be there so I could alert them that it needed activation. I lay down on the couch, looking to the ceiling.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Walker coming inside my house. My sister was probably upstairs and I just survived someone taking me away from home. I'd be damned if I faced this again. I decided to just stay awake another day. This can't last much longer.

XXX

I opened my eyes groggily, trying to figure out what happened. "I fell asleep," I asked, confused. My eyes fell upon a clock and I jumped off the couch, "and it's ten-eighteen!" I hadn't slept this late in a long time. Well, it was late last night. My mind flashed to the shield and I hurried to check it, "Well, at least the shield's still up," I said relieved.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Sam's voice made herself known. I looked in the direction of the voice to see Sam and Tucker looking at me amused.

"How did you guys get inside," I asked, confused. "The shield's still up?"

"Hey," Tucker replied, casually, "It's a ghost shield, not a human shield."

"Walker's overshadowing everyone around me," I rushed to tell them what was going on.

"What," Sam called surprised. "How do you know?"

"I saw him and his posse yesterday. That's the reason I activated the shield. I think he's trying to turn everyone against me."

"Danny, there's something you need to know," Sam replied. I looked at her, wondering what else. "The ghosts have disappeared."

"What," I asked, completely alarmed. I hadn't expected that at all.

"No one can explain it. They just ceased attacking one minute before midnight last night. That's the reason Sam and I came over. We wanted to make sure you were okay."

"What about the ghost," I asked them about our ally.

"Wulf," Tucker asked me. I stared at him. "The ghost that you hid away in my attic last night, his name is Wulf."

"What a name," I remarked. True, he did look like an animal with all the hair. "Well, what's going on with him?"

"Well, that collar on his neck started shocking him last night just before nine. I deactivated the collar and… he left," Tucker remarked.

"He's gone," I asked, surprised.

"Yeah," Sam replied. "Which was a good thing. Tucker's parents came in right afterward and stayed the entire night with us. They wouldn't even let me go home!"

"So, no more ghosts. That is so weird. Do you know where my parents are," I asked.

"No, I haven't seen them," Sam replied.

"Jazz is staying with the Adkins," Tucker remarked. It made sense that she would want to be with someone. With Mom, Dad and I always gone, I have to say I feel sorry for her.

"Well, I guess that's it. Maybe Walker realized what a mess he was in," I remarked. "Keep your eyes open and alert me to anything you find suspicious."

"You got it," Sam replied. Tucker broke out in a grin as he too grew excited. Why these two find pleasure in dangerous experiences I'll never know.

XXX

It was the next day and still no ghost had attacked. Sam and Tucker had spent the night with me but I hadn't seen Mom or Dad in two days. I was getting worried. I grabbed my cell phone and hit Mom's speed dial setting. I listened to the soft hum until I heard the phone click. I put the earpiece to my ear.

"Danny, honey, is that you," Mom asked as she came on the line.

"Yeah," I replied. "Where are you," I asked worriedly.

"We're in the basement, sweetheart."

"Sam, Tuck and I are coming down. We'll see you in a bit," I remarked. I disconnected the line. "Mom and Dad are in the basement!"

"All this time," Tucker replied, surprised.

"Tell me about it," I remarked. I lead my friends downstairs until I was in the lab. "Mom, Dad?"

"Over here, sweetheart," Mom called. I walked from where I was to where she had called.

"What have you guys heard about the ghosts retreating?"

"We're not sure if they have or not," Mom replied. Dad was busy working on the ghost fisher though it should have been renamed the ghost tangler. "They just vanished yesterday."

I glanced over to where the main breaker of the shield was. Wires were exposed and dangling out of the container. "I still can't believe that the shield failed yesterday," I remarked. I had checked it upstairs when I saw it fall. If I had went in the lab, I would have known where Mom and Dad were, I realized. "Damn thing!"

"Danny," Mom chided. "What is up with this cussing increase?"

I thought to myself if they knew what I had been through the past two weeks, they wouldn't question it but I just shrugged. "Sorry, I'll try to curb it."

"I don't know why you picked it up at all," Mom remarked, her voice low.

"Well, I for one say he has a right to cuss. There's nothing wrong with a few good cuss words," Tucker defended me. He had no clue as to how right he was.

"Well, I say he doesn't. Danny has an obligation to remain pure and he doesn't need to be displaying bad habits," Sam retorted.

"Yeah, like anyone will look up to me now," I replied quietly.

"Danny," Sam remarked, quietly as well. "You can't give up."

I sat down on a chair in the lab, "Why not? It's over! I can't beat them!" We were far from Mom and Dad, talking in hushed voices.

"Danny, what about our mission," Tucker asked me. I spun my chair away from their faces.

"I-I just don't have the fight in me anymore, guys. I'm done! The ghosts can have the town for all I care. I've been thinking about this for a while," I replied. I was so tired of defeating or scrapping by one thing just to face another. They don't understand. They can walk away at any time… this will follow me forever.

"Danny, if you don't do something, who will," Sam asked me, trying to apply pressure.

I tried to say I didn't care but it wasn't the truth. If I gave up and did nothing; then and only then would I truly lose. There was no second-guessing. I had to continue to protect my town and I would from the next threat.

I pushed the chair back to face them, "I'm really sorry. I don't know what's going on with me. Of course, I'll continue to protect the town. I can't just walk away…" I said. I added the next part, not intending it for their ears: "No matter how much I may want to."

I saw the way their shoulders sank and I knew I spoke too loud. I kicked my seat back to the position it was at before, this time placing my elbows on the table and propping my head on my hands. I didn't believe that Vlad could affect me this badly. I thought as soon as I was home things would return to normal but they weren't. I felt worse.

XXX

Sometime later, I heard the door to the lab tap. I walked over to the changing room, thinking it may have been Jazz but wondering why she would knock. When Jazz's signature didn't pop out at me, I walked into the changing room, leaving the door open. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and looked up. Mom Number Two stuck her head inside the doorway. "Hey, Maddie? Jack? Kids," she called down the stairs. "Are you down here?"

"Mom," Tucker asked, stepping around me. Sam and I followed him. I expanded my sensors to see if I could sense anyone else. I was suspicious.

"Where are Maddie and Jack, kids," Mom #2 asked us. No one else was in the house.

"We're right here, Alice," Mom came up behind me. I felt her hands touch my shoulder and I struggled not to jump. "What are you doing here? Are there more ghosts?"

"No, the streets have been clear all day today, too. I was just coming over so you guys could have some dinner. I cooked," Mom Number Two remarked. "Come on up."

Mom nudged me forward, causing me to bump slightly into Sam. I caught myself from slamming into her, my body language telling her to start climbing the stairs. Tucker, Sam, Mom, Dad and I walked into the kitchen and I saw how their eyes glistened. Sam turned her head in my direction: "It's a turkey," she said, letting me know what was going on. I knew she didn't find that part of the meal appetizing.

"Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah," Mom Number Two replied. I stared at the food prepared in shock. I had forgotten all about today being Christmas.

"Alice," Mom cried out in surprise. "You should have told me you were doing this!"

"Hey, you were saving our town. Let me do what I do best and I won't ask you next time to help me publish an article!"

Mom chuckled at Mom Number Two's saying. Tucker made a mad dash to the table and tried to dig in, "Tucker," I stated softly. "Wait to be invited!"

"Danny," Tucker whined. I went to stand by him, knowing how unfair this was. "If only you could smell this or get hungry again!"

"Trust me, I miss smelling a turkey as much as you think I do if not more. It looks truly appetizing," I remarked. "But you need to wait for Mom to give the go ahead."

"Oh, it is appetizing. I'll bet Sam takes a bite of this it's so good," Tucker joked. We all knew Sam wouldn't eat meat if her life depended on it.

"Very funny," Sam retorted. "It does smell good but I can't help but think of the poor turkey that had to die to give us this."

"Yeah, that's another reason not to let Mom near a turkey. It might come alive," I replied, raising my voice so Mom could hear.

"One time," Mom cried out. "One time and you can't let it go!"

"It wasn't just one time, Mom! Remember the one when I was four," I told her. That one was on Easter. I shivered. I hate Easter!

Tucker laughed, "And the one four years later was clearly no winner. While arguing, Mom and Dad ruined Easter dinner! The turkey came to live, slurring with revenge with fork and knife!"

"Can it," I barked. Why he rhymed that tale I'll never knew.

Sam and I took a seat beside Tucker as our Moms' began to serve the diner. Dad took a seat, his fork and knife at the ready.

"Hey, Mom Number Two, where's Dad," I asked. There was no reason to distinguish the difference.

"Picking up Jazz," Mom Number Two replied. I nodded my head. I looked around the room, noticing how everyone eyed the turkey hungrily. How I wished I could smell it just once.

"Are you hungry, Danny-boy," my Dad asked me.

"Yes, sir," I lied back, putting the enthusiasm in it I would have could I smell the damn thing. It seemed to work, because Dad just grinned. However, Sam and Tucker looked at me sympathetically.

By the time Mom and Mom Number Two had proportioned out the meal, Dad Number Two and Jazz walked in the room. I could hear Dad whoop out as what I imagine was the smell got to him. Jazz hummed a happy tone, "Wow, that smells wonderful!" Sam and Tucker locked eyes with me.

I shook my head, putting on a smile for my friends. True, it did hurt to know I was missing what was clearly a big part of the meal but I'd miss the rest of it too. I couldn't really taste it and I would have to fake savoring the flavor so Mom Number Two wouldn't think I didn't like it. Mom Number Two placed a plate in front of me and it did look good. I wondered what I was missing with my inability to smell.

Then a thought occurred to me. If I just wondered what Tucker was thinking or feeling, I could get that experience firsthand. I had no shame in controlling Tucker. He's my little brother… that's my job. So I concentrated on Tucker for a moment, thinking about what he was thinking about. However, the turkey wasn't what came across to me.

Tucker was apparently watching me out of the corner of his eye, careful not to let me on to his observation. He was heartbroken that I couldn't smell or taste anymore and that I may be pressured to try even harder to fake a response. It didn't take him long to catch on to my stare and I had to think of something. If I just looked away… I didn't want to think of their reaction of me being able to read minds.

Tucker turned his head, placing me in his direct sight. I took this as my cue. "Don't worry," I mouthed.

Oh! He's well aware of my concern, Tucker thought to himself. Still, something is definitely wrong with him. Sam's right, he's not himself.

Bringing Sam into the conversation, I wondered what she was thinking. However, to my surprise, Tucker's connection didn't break. I heard both of my friends in my mind.

Sam was too looking at me out of the corner of her eye. However, her fear was greater than that of Tucker's. What is wrong with him? Why won't he talk to us? What did that Vlad guy do to him? I don't know how to answer Tucker's question. I myself don't understand what is going on with him. Moody one minute, emotional the next and depressed the one after that. It's like he can't figure things out anymore. It's like's he's lost or alone! I think we need to… wait! Why is he staring at me?

Apparently, they're better at silent observation than I am. I continued to stare at her for a few more seconds, then deliberately transferred my focus to Tucker to make it look natural. Tucker was again looking at me, but he was at a loss to what was causing my sudden behavioral change.

Okay, you can try that on someone else, Danny Fenton, but it doesn't work on me, Sam thought silently. I wondered if she was aware I was listening to her conversation. He thinks he can just look away from me gradually and I not notice it. I know you too well… so why can't I figure this out?

I breathed a sigh of relief. However, her last comment made me feel guilty. My behavior has gotten so bad that they're worried. I can't tell them the truth because that would put us all in danger but if I say nothing, I'm going to alienate them. I need to find a path down the middle. I stopped wondering what Sam and Tucker were thinking.

"Okay, everyone," Mom Number Two began, "dig in!"

By the declares of everyone at the table, I'd assume it was good. Sam ate her traditional vegetarian dinner but I caught her every once and a while stealing a glance at the turkey. Most days, I knew she had no problem devoting herself as a full vegetarian but there were days that she missed meat. After all, she wasn't always a vegetarian.

It felt awkward, but every once and a while I'd let out a moan or a compliment about the dinner. Of course, I couldn't taste a bit of it but I did know that it was cooked to perfection. Nothing was burnt or undercooked; everything was perfect. How it tasted, though, was another story.

It didn't take long before I couldn't eat another bite. I read somewhere that most people overeat because they eat too fast or are bored. With no taste buds and no appetite, it's easy for me to push a plate away. Honestly, maybe I could do it a little too easy.

I sat at the table listening to and upon occasion engaging in the conversation going on. Mostly, I just listened to my family's discussion because it seemed to focus on the ghosts. However, more than I would have liked for it to happen, someone asked me my opinion. By the end of the meal, Tucker had finished most of my dinner, without my family's knowledge of course, and we were retreating to the living room. Dad and Dad Number Two turned on the television, eager to catch a game.

Tuck, Sam and I climbed on the couch, crossing our legs on the cushions. Tucker looked absolutely full, as if I tried to even overshadow him he'd bust. Sam was her normal self, not overeating yet not starving herself. I relaxed knowing that my family was almost complete. With Brit in mind, I flipped open my phone and dialed her number. Tucker and Sam were whispering beside me, wondering once again what was up with me. I heard the sending tone.

"Hello," I heard a voice come over the line. She sounded drained and upset.

"Hey, Brit. It's Danny," I remarked. Almost immediately, it sounded as if a ton of weight lifted off her shoulders.

"Oh, thank God, Danny," Brit said, relieved. "Why haven't you called me yet? You were due back on the twentieth."

I chuckled nervously. "We've had a situation in town since then. I've been busy. It's over now," I told her so she wouldn't worry.

"I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm glad your Christmas wasn't ruined," Brit replied.

"What about yours," I replied, taking the spotlight off my situation.

"Mom went in the hospital night before last," Brit said sadly. "We just got back."

"Oh, Brit," I replied, my heart breaking. Why on Christmas?

"Hey, Mom's okay. She just contracted a bad cold and they needed to put her on some fluids. She'll be home soon," Brit tried to lighten the mood. I could tell, though, that Brit's heart was weighing heavily. "So, how did things go with Vlad," Brit said darkly. I really regretted telling her my 'nightmares' now.

"Oh, it went as good as anything with Vlad could go," I lied. However, my eyes diverted as if she could see them.

"Danny Fenton, don't you lie to me! I may not be able to see you but I can tell when you're hiding something," Brit said. Why must older sisters be so telling?

"I can't really talk about it, Brit, but I can say it wasn't a dream," I said slowly. I tried to chase the horrible images that raced through my mind but it took a while to succeed.

"Danny," Brit's voice broke. "Oh, God, no!"

"Yeah," I said slowly. "It's worse than any one of us could have imagined," I replied. I felt my voice break. "I'm sorry, Brit, but I can't talk a-about this here. We're in the living room and I don't want to tip anyone off."

"Danny, you need to tell Mom and Dad Number Two," Brit demanded.

"Brit, I can't," I said sternly. I drew Sam and Tucker's attention. "Just, I can't," I said, my voice low. Sam and Tucker were watching me closely.

"Danny, please! Mom and Dad could help," Brit said, her voice choked with tears.

"No one can help. I've got to go. Merry Christmas," I replied.

As I closed my phone, I could hear Brit's cries, "Danny! Don't hang up!"

I jumped off the couch, discreetly using my powers to lift me upward. I took off for my room, not stopping to tell anyone where I was going or anything. I heard Sam and Tucker scrambling off the couch, chasing after me. Before they made it to the door, I met them in the doorway. "Just go back downstairs, guys. I'm going to take a nap," I replied, trying my best to sound tired and not fed up. "Don't worry." Without another word, I closed the door.

I laid down flat on my bed, covering my eyes with the back of my hand. I fought the tears I felt bubbling. I hated this feeling. I wanted to go back to the way it was before I met Vlad. I wanted to feel like my old self again. The tears stung in my eyes as I continued to stubbornly hold them. Finally, the barrier broke and I couldn't hold it in anymore.

I came to my feet, hoping I could compose myself before I lost control. However, nothing seemed to work. I pushed my belongings clear across my dresser into a crumpled mess on the floor. "God damn you," I screamed out. "Why me?" I didn't want to cry anymore. Vlad wasn't here and he couldn't hurt me for this outburst.

I began tearing things up, shattering them to pieces. I tossed my thermos until it busted hard against the wall, the can falling harmlessly against the less-than-lucky wall. I shot a beam, blowing the television set up. I kicked at my bed, the post flying clear off and slamming into the brick wall. I hit the floor, my knees buckling as I began to sob uncontrollably.

"Why did you have to do it," I sobbed, laying my head on the ground. "Why couldn't you just kill me and get it over with? Why hurt me that way?"

Suddenly, my head came to rest on someone's shoulder. From the teal blue suit, I discovered it was Mom. I hadn't even heard her come in. Mom held me tight and I just couldn't stay strong anymore.

"I don't want to do this anymore, Mom," I cried. "I don't want to!"

"Shh, shh, baby. You don't have to do anything. I'm here," Mom soothed. Of course, if she knew what I was talking about, she wouldn't have said that. I don't want to live.

I continued to cry on her shoulder, knowing I'd probably be taken by Vlad. I had said too much. There was no way he'd let this go on.

I finally began to grip my surroundings, noticing how Sam, Tucker and Jazz watched in horror from the corner while Mom Number Two, Dad Number Two and my dad watched concerned as Mom consoled me to the best of her ability. I finally raised up and wiped the tears from my eyes. However, Mom wouldn't let me off the hook that easily.

"Are you ready to talk," Mom asked. Sam and Tucker looked on in shock and horror. I couldn't get a grip on what was going through their heads.

I looked to both sets of my parents, eventually locking eyes with Mom, "I can't."

"I asked it as if it were optional but it's not. It's time you tell me what's going on in your life," Mom replied.

I backed away, my moodiness exposing itself, "I can't, alright! I want to, God only knows that, but I'd be in more trouble than I'm worth!" I added the next part lowly, "I already am."

"Danny, I can't protect you or help you unless you tell me what is going off," Mom replied. Sam and Tucker nodded their heads.

"No one can and I've accepted that. Just… be a shoulder to cry on when I feel I can't take no more."

"No," Mom Number Two cut in. "I will not sit on the sidelines while you are being destroyed by this secret. I'm not entirely sure what you can't take anymore of but with the fact you're now saying you'll keep it up, I'm fearing it may be your life!"

I looked away, and Dad gasped. "Danny! Son, nothing is that bad."

I laughed out bitterly. "You have no idea what hurt is! You don't," I screamed the last part.

"Then tell us," Sam begged me, her eyes penetrating mine. I looked away.

"And what, get one of you guys in the shit I'm in or worse! He won't hurt me, he'll hurt one of you guys," I stated in anger. Then I realized what I had said. "I-I shouldn't tell you anything!"

"Who is he," Dad Number Two asked. "We can help!"

"No, you can't. I can't handle him and I don't expect any of you to interfere." I turned to Sam and Tucker, "Am I clear?"

"No," Tucker retorted. "Danny, I've known you for what seems like my entire life. You are not my best friend, you're my brother. We fight, we joke, we cry. But never have I seen you break down like you have here. I haven't seen your room like this since that incident the first of October."

I took a glance around my room. He was right there, I had wrecked the place. I finally looked back to Tuck, "I'm sorry. You know, before, I'd tell you two everything. Now… I can't tell you anything."

"Why," Sam screamed out. Her eyes shone the look of glassy eyes. I knew she was fighting tears.

"Because, I don't want to hurt you guys any more than I already have. If I hadn't lost control, you guys wouldn't be hurt at all but if I fill you in and you realize that no one can help… well, it's only going to hurt you more. I can't have that," I replied. I sat down on my broken bed, not caring that it leaned.

"What is up with this protection," Sam demanded of me.

"Because I can't protect myself," I shot back. I covered my face with my hands as soon as I said that. I stood up, quickly, "I've got to get out of here."

"Danny," Mom ordered, "Don't you leave this house!"

"I'm sorry," I called back, running out of the house. As soon as I hit the sidewalk, I transformed into my Phantom form and blasted into the air. As I flew out of sight, I saw Tucker and Sam cry my name to the sky while my parents' looked down the street in confusion.

XXX

It was dark when I walked back into my house gently. I didn't know what to expect. I tried to sneak upstairs to go to sleep, but I heard Mom's voice, "Danny, come in here, son."

I put my foot back on the floor where I was climbing the stairs and walked over to the living room. Almost all the lights were out and Mom was sitting on the couch alone. A lone table lamp illuminated the area.

"Yes, Mom," I said, quietly. I knew I had hurt her this evening.

"Alice, Maurice, Tucker and Sam are upstairs. They didn't want to leave until you were safely home," Mom informed me. I sat down beside of Mom but I didn't look at her.

"I'm sorry about earlier," I tried to apologize.

"I'm even sorrier that we didn't accomplish anything," Mom replied, cutting me off. "Can you tell me, just the two of us?"

"I-," I started to say, but stopped abruptly. "No, I can't."

"Can you tell me anything," Mom asked me. From the corner of my eye, I saw her place her hand on my leg.

I flinched, causing Mom to retreat her hand. "I wished I could. I want to tell you everything. I want to have you tell me it's going to be okay but I know if I do, nothing will ever be the same again."

"Sweetheart, do you believe that you can just go back to the way it was before as if nothing, whatever it may be, happened," Mom asked me. I could tell she was looking in my direction. "Danny, look at me!"

"I can't do that either," I whispered. A tear slipped down my cheek, "I can't take the disappointment."

"Honey," Mom said, gently taking my chin with her finger. She tried to pull my head in her direction but I held my ground. After I noticed her grow confused, I acted like I lost the battle with her strength and turned in her direction. "I am not disappointed," Mom replied, hesitant at first but finding her bearings at the end.

I looked her in the eye, the love there nearly smothering me. I felt my heart grow heavy as I knew I was going to break down again. I guess Mom saw it too, because she took me in her arms and pulled me close.

"I'm just so tired of it," I choked out. "I don't know if I can do this anymore."

"Was it Vlad," Mom asked me, still holding me to her chest. "Did he hurt you?"

I didn't want to overreact because that is a tell-tell sign that it's true. I forced myself to breathe, trying to do everything the ghost hunters camp taught us to do when asked to answer questions from other organizations. After ten beats, I spoke up, "No," I replied. "Vlad wasn't the one who hurt me it just gave me some time to think when I was with him."

Mom seemed to buy the charade. "I don't care who this guy is. I know you think you're powerless to stop him but that doesn't mean you're alone. You have a family who cares for you," Mom replied.

"I know," I replied. "Just keep doing what you're doing now. Don't ask me to tell you what's going on or who it is and help me cope so I won't do something everyone else will regret."

"Honey," Mom said, her voice choking up with tears, "Please don't hurt yourself."

I laughed softly, a hint of tears in the response. "Mom, if I do that, it will be the least painful thing of all."

I stood up from the couch and gently walked off. I didn't look back but I caught the whimpers of Mom's cries.

XXX

Morning came much too soon, but instead of waking up to a house full of people I found Sam and Tucker the only ones home. They were watching something on the television. I didn't know how to react, but I proceeded to ask anyway: "Hey, where are our Moms and Dads?

Sam and Tucker looked up to me fearfully, their eyes telling me they didn't know what to tell me. Finally, Sam spoke up, "Something's come up."

"What," I asked. Tucker turned the television down.

"There's been a town meeting called," Sam replied. "The ghosts resurfaced again after midnight."

"What," I asked, shocked. This just keeps getting weirder and weirder.

"Yeah," Tucker replied. "Mom and Dad, both of them, got called in for the meeting. They're planning on a mass expulsion."

I looked to the two of them, knowing what was so hush-hush. They wanted to know if I was going down there. I thought about not going, but my heart tugged. I couldn't give up, not so long as there was life-energy coursing through my veins. "I'm going down there," I replied. I saw how Sam and Tucker somehow managed to both tense and relax at the same time.

"Are you sure," Tucker asked me.

"No," I replied. "But the world isn't going to stop for my broken heart so neither should I."

"You don't have to do anything," Sam reminded me.

"Yeah," I asked, casually, "So why are my instincts screaming at me?"

"It's who you are," Sam answered back. Suddenly, the television volume began to grow.

"It's starting," Tucker called, the one increasing the volume.

"We only have one piece of business today," the mayor declared over the television. "To defeat the ghost vermin that infests our town. We have determined the ghost behind the recent attacks. This one." I knew I had to go now! My picture in ghost form graced the television sets of hundreds of homes.

Without saying goodbye, I leapt into the sky, turning intangible and rocketing towards town hall. I could hear the sonic boom as I passed. Before I finished phasing through the roof, I transformed into Danny Phantom.

"All those in favor of the motion, say…," the mayor asked. I'm always amazed at how fast I can travel at that speed.

"I may not be old enough to vote, but I'm casting one anyway," I interrupted. I had to stop this insanity. "I'm on your side!"

"You're not fooling anyone, ghost," Dad cried up. No, I thought to myself. Yesterday, my parents were fine because Walker had regrouped to come up with a plan. Today, though, they're once again overshadowed like they were with the kids.

"My parents may be overshadowed," I spoke softly, getting an idea, "But this beam should push the ghosts harmlessly out of them." I released the beam, preparing to see two of Walker's goons expelled from my parent's bodies. However, Mom and Dad flew backwards which meant only one thing: "Or they could not be overshadowed, and I could've totally ticked them off!"

It was definitely the latter of the two because I saw Mom pull her hood over her head and prime a weapon. Oh, shit, Fenton, you did it now! I ducked out of the way of two of her beams then took refuge below the seats so I could figure out my next game plan. I needed to let them know it was an accident but how without getting myself stripped clean?

Before I could come up with anything similar to a plan, I found myself falling through the floorboards. I landed hard on the concrete, stunned for just a minute. I looked up, seeing the mayor and all from before. It didn't take me long to realize who the mayor was being overshadowed by.

"Walker," I declared. "I should have known you'd be the one who makes the rules!"

"Shouldn't you be running," Walker asked with snide.

This time I came prepared. I pulled my thermos from my belt, "Shouldn't you?" The looks on their faces told me everything.

God do I love Mom and Dad, I thought. All but one ghost darted away. The one left behind, overshadowing Paulina, ran towards me. Determined to expel at least one ghost using energy, I shot the ghost out of her. Paulina stood dazed and confused, while the ghost floated above her head unnoticed. When the guard made a noise, Paulina looked up and shrieked. I sucked him into the thermos.

"One down, three to go," I stated, feeling my confidence building. I am not a screw up! I am powerful!

"You saved me," Paulina asked me, stunned. "So that means you're a friendly ghost."

Well, this is good news. If I have the Queen of the A-List on my side, it can't all be bad. "Yeah, with some friendly advice," I commented, not wanting her to get hurt. However, I noticed behind her, Kwan and Mr. Lancer both flying towards us. Back to work. "Run!"

Paulina shrieked again but ducked out of the way, narrowly escaping the path of Kwan and Lancer. The two of them split up, coming at me from both sides. I learned a lot in the past two weeks. I powered up both hands with ecto-energy, focusing on keeping them equal. I nearly lost the balance, but fought to keep it, screaming as it tore me apart. Kwan and Lancer stumbled back in shock.

I looked up to my classmate and teacher to find them staring stupidly at their surroundings. Then they noticed each other, screaming but when their eyes lay upon me, they screamed in horror. Stunned, I focused on my task at hand. "Where's the thermos," I asked as Kwan and Lancer scrambled away. However, something sounded and the two guards spiraled away. I looked up, happy for the intervention, until I noticed whom it was.

Mommy, I thought terrifyingly. I mean, Mom! She had the portable ghost portal and she marked the two ghosts she blasted back to the Ghost Zone. Mom then centered the gun on me! Oh, crap. Before I could collect my thoughts, someone pulled me in another direction. I looked up from my location on my back to see my principal and Dash.

"Looking for this," Principal Ishyama asked me, mockingly. She pointed my thermos directly at me. Oh, crap!

The thermos powered up and I was sure I was done for when my principal and Dash were knocked down. Behind where they were, Wulf stood, battle-ready. Wulf spoke something in his language as Dash's ghost demanded what Wulf was doing. "Friend," Wulf said in English. I smiled up at the ghost. Let's do this!

I came to my feet, watching as Wulf jumped on Dash and Principal Ishyama and retrieved the ghosts. A guard and Bullet stumbled back, the sudden termination of the overshadow command disarraying. Suddenly, a swirling vortex wisped the guard away. Next, Bullet began to collapse inside himself from the center of his being. Serves you right!

Before I could come to terms with where to go next, I was now flying through the air. I looked below me to see the mayor flying me towards the ceiling. "What are you doing," I demanded.

"There are more types of prisons, kid," Walker's voice said mysteriously.

Suddenly, he forced me to hang around his neck and held my right hand in his. He carried me outside, the stun overpowering. Cameras began clicking as I realized what was going off. I fought back, but Walker cried out in the mayor's voice: "Help! Help me!" Then we backed back into the meeting hall. I found my bearings, pulling away from him. I noticed Wulf stood behind us. I let him handle this one.

Walker was stunned as Wulf pulled him from the mayor's body. I caught the mayor before he slammed into the bleachers and gently placed him on the ground. Then I heard Mom again: "Keep your hands off our duly elected public official, you…" I lost track of what she was saying as she continued on. Jeez, Mom, I get it, you're pissed. However, as she took aim at me, Wulf dragged Walker and himself in front of me.

"Wulf, no," I cried. Mom had intended that for me!

"Friend," Wulf cried out, but not in fear. "We'll meet again."

"And so will we, punk. Feared on Earth and wanted in the Ghost Zone! You've lost, ghost kid, lost," Walker yelled triumphant. I stared at the closed wormhole, stunned. He was right.

I heard a whining sound at the side of my head. "I hereby sentence you back from whence you came," Mom declared, ready to fire. I looked at the gun from the corner of my eye, wondering where the hell she came from. "Oh, man, I so need to start paying better attention in these fights."

However, instead of a painful pulling, the gun fizzled out. Mom removed a note. "Dear Maddie, forgot to charge Fenton bazooka. P.S. can I have a cookie!"

"And with that, I bid you a fond farewell," I called out, lifting into the air.

I heard Mom call from behind me, "You haven't seen the last of me."

I couldn't help myself, "Duh, I'll see you at dinner!" I knew one thing. When I got home, Dad wouldn't just get a cookie, he'd get a pound of fudge.

AN: Chapter companions available at fan fiction dot net slash my forums slash Team 04 Phantom slash 3876657. Thank you to all my reviewers and their lovely feedback. I would love to hear from you. Any feedback is welcomed. Thank you, again.

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