Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom, Teacher of the Year or Control Freaks.
AN: This story contains rape and male sex.
Chapter 12: In This Together
The class admittance slip had all three of our names written on the top, excusing us for our 'absence'. I lead my friends out of the office, heading back to fourth period. We had a little over ten minutes left of class. "Try to finish up all work he gives you. I wish you guys would just leave it be but if you're going to follow me every time my ghost sense goes off, just please remember to be discrete."
"Okay," they replied. I opened the door, walking into Mr. Lancer's classroom.
"Here's our excuse, Mr. Lancer. The full one was placed in your office by the secretary," I replied. Mr. Lancer eyed the excuse suspiciously but couldn't find anything wrong with it. We three took our seats.
I copied down the notes from my half of the board while Sam and Tucker done the same on their side. We continued like normal for the remainder of class.
When class let out for fourth period, it came the time where us three separated again, this time in completely different locations. I had Spanish, Tucker had Computer Technology and Sam had Social Sciences. I gave Tucker his book and grabbed my own, ready to bid them farewell. Spanish was on the second floor. Usually, the students took Spanish in tenth grade but I had got stuck with it because Samuels had interfered with my courses. He wanted his Radar to speak a second language.
We three split up and I headed to the second floor. I hated Spanish class! Neither of my friends were there, I was the only underclassmen and most of my sister's friends were in the class. The only good thing that came from the class was Jazz took it in ninth grade too. I couldn't imagine sharing a class with her!
I walked into my class, a new name on the board. I groaned. Spanish was bad enough but with the teacher interchanging so much, it was worse. I didn't think it was possible. Most of the substitutes didn't know the language themselves, so that added strain. I was the most fluent speaker in the class and it wasn't because of practice.
Ghosts are obviously an international species. Even beings from other galaxies come to the Ghost Zone, Skulker being one of them while Bullet was another. To help ease the culture differences, all ghosts know how to speak the other languages. The only thing I've seen that doesn't seem to fit quite right is Wulf. I haven't had time to study why I can't speak Esperanto but for some reason I don't speak that language.
I sat down in my seat, the furthest from everyone. Every one of these students were higher grades than me. Most were in tenth grade, but a few were eleventh and twelfth graders. A beautiful blonde haired girl, her hair in cute pigtails, walked into the door. I glanced away, hoping she wouldn't try to do as she always did. I heard the chair next to mine squeak as I knew Jessica sat down.
"Hey, Danny," Jessica greeted me.
"Hey," I said weakly, not looking up.
"How was your weekend," she asked me, trying to engage in conversation.
"Hmm, all right," I groaned. "Have you seen Jazz?"
"Yeah," she spoke up. "She was in my last class. She's worried about you, you know."
"She doesn't need to be," I said, finally looking up.
"There's those baby blues," Jessica coddled me.
"Oh, cut it out," I blushed. Just two years older than me and she had a way of making me feel eight again.
"Do you want to talk," Jessica asked me.
"Not really," I replied, taking my books out of my bag. Today was going to be a long one in class. Every time there's a new teacher, I get bombarded with questions. They're still carrying on the lessons, although they never send in a teacher with any experience.
The bell rang and Jessica gave up. She should be used to this by now. Jazz should be too. She can't send in her friend to get me to open up to her. For some reason, Jessica has been trying to get me to talk to Jazz since the beginning of December.
XXX
The lights were all out, and we were watching some kind of film in complete Spanish. The teacher didn't understand a bit of it and the rest could care less. I could see how all the older students' eyes were zoned out and even a few were drooping as the material made no sense to them. I listened intently, the dialogue entering my ears in the foreign language and translating to English in my mind. If I allowed myself to get caught up, like many of them were doing, it would sound like the program was in complete English.
When the teacher turned the film off and turned the lights back on, she told us the assignment. I began writing it down, completing my assignment. The other students were confused and a little scared. However, despite my efforts to make it unknown, someone saw that I understood the assignment. It started from there.
I began talking about the lesson, the teacher a far cry from discouraging it. I explained the exercise and talked about the film. I didn't give away any answers, just helped them understand it enough. When I turned my paper in to the teacher, she looked at me.
"You're really good at this," she spoke.
"Thanks," I grumbled. "I've dealt with foreign languages all my life. I've had to deal with interpreters and understanding foreign customs. A small assignment isn't anything."
"I don't just mean Spanish," she remarked. "I mean teaching. You're good at it. I was watching you… you never gave any answers. You actually taught them some things though it would have been easier to just give them the answers they wanted."
I nodded, not knowing what to say to that.
"I have a question for you," she replied. "I know nothing about Spanish and I understand the situation going on here. The board has ordered me to teach this class for the rest of the year until they can find a replacement. It's not easy to find teachers who are willing to put up with the ghosts but I'm more scared of the Spanish. Do you think you could… I don't know… teach the class?"
"What," I asked shocked. "But don't you need certification and all that," I asked.
"We're desperate," she said, exasperated. "There aren't enough teachers to cover all the classes. They're doubling up classes and giving teachers multiple subjects to teach. We're asking anyone in the community to come and watch classes. It's not something we should do but we're pressed up against a wall. If I can't teach these kids something, who will? You can!"
"But… you know, I just can't," I stuttered.
"It's up to you but you seemed so natural there. I don't know if you know you have a real talent, but you do, Kid."
"It's Danny," I remarked, "Danny Fenton."
"Fenton," she asked, surprised.
"Yeah."
"They asked your parents to teach Science," she remarked. My eyes widened. "Don't worry. Your parents turned them down. Said they had too much to do with all the ghosts. You're safe!"
I sighed. My eyes traced the board, "So, Mrs. Baker, huh."
"Yes," she smiled at me. "And I have absolutely no experience in Spanish. You do, Mr. Fenton. I'm certain you can make this not a complete loss."
I sighed, "I'll think about it. I have a lot of responsibilities to do. I can't exactly fit anything more in my schedule."
"Just give it some thought. And if you allow me to use your work as a grading system, I'll grade their papers based on yours."
I chuckled, feeling embarrassed even as I said it, "It'll be right." I knew it would. It sounds just like English. "So," I smacked my lips together. "Any relation to Mikey Baker?"
"I've got that question a lot," she smiled, "but afraid not. I'm not from around here."
I smiled, "Just checking. He's a friend of mine." I returned to my seat, thinking over her offer. I had no intentions teaching anyone anything. I want to be an astronaut. My expertise isn't even in Spanish; it's just because of these stupid abilities. Could I handle teaching and having to run out to fight a ghost? I won't always have fifth period free of ghost attacks. In fact, I've had eight happen in this period.
When fifth period ended, I met Sam and Tucker at the cafeteria to begin lunch. Since the incident with the menu and the menu was changed back to normal, we three pack our lunches. However, we don't pack our lunches like normal people do. One of my parents greatest inventions comes in the shapes of either a compact or a full sided refrigerator. Mom has designed the compact fridge we use to hold food for a period of 7 to 10 days, the typical lifespan of fresh food.
I placed the small cube on the table and pressed a button. The cube expanded into a compact refrigerator, ready to take our 'order.' Sam selected her usual vegetarian meal while Tucker pressed the button reserved for a Tucker-approved meal. When it came to my turn, I selected my usual sandwich and soda. However, my hand stayed extended longer than I usually do. Impulsively, I selected the button for an apple.
"Well," Sam smiled, "I'm impressed."
"I can't explain it," I commented, shrugging my shoulders. "I want an apple."
"You have a craving," Tucker asked me, surprised.
"Tell me about it," I smiled. I bit into the apple but no flavor came from the action. "Can't taste it, but I wanted it."
"Well, if you can't taste it, how do you know you're getting it," Tucker asked me.
I shrugged again, biting into the apple again as I pushed the button on the compact fridge. The fridge compacted until it was nothing more than a small, black cube. I packed the invention in my backpack, the food guaranteed until Saturday. I bit into the apple again, nothing reacting in my mind. "Hey guys, I have something I need to ask you and I want you to be honest."
"Okay," Sam said, biting into her salad for the first time. Tucker also began eating, nodding his go-ahead.
"Well, my Spanish teacher doesn't know Spanish and she's drawn the short stick so to speak. With Principal Ishyama and Mr. Lancer expecting the lessons mapped out by our original teachers completed on schedule, our Spanish class is really in trouble. And then, there's her shining star," I started. I paused, allowing them to soak in what I was saying.
"What is her shining star," Sam asked me, her eyebrows knitting together.
I pointed my thumb to my chest, "Yours truly. With my powers, it's like I'm reading English. If I keep the rules of Spanish Grammar in check, I can read and speak perfect Spanish. I'm the only one in my class that is still progressing. How ironic! I'm failing the rest of my classes because of my ghost powers but my ghost powers are causing me to excel in one class and I'm the only one passing."
"What does she want you to do," Tucker asked, leaning closer to the table.
"She wants me to teach the class," I replied.
"What," Sam called out, surprised.
"You're telling me," I exclaimed, looking between my two friends.
"Danny," Tucker started then trailed off, "I mean… how will you explain your success?"
"So far, my story of dealing with other counties has done the trick. But I am worried that I could mess up. What happens if I slip up and begin talking the rest of the day in Spanish? What if I start speaking in Spanish to the class and it brings up questions?"
"So what are you going to do," Sam asked me.
I put my head in my hand, groaning, "I don't know! I mean, on one side of the coin I should do everything I can to help my class but on the other side, how far should I go? Do I expect to risk my secret? Is the progression of my class worth my secret?"
"That's something only you can answer," Sam replied.
I groaned again, still holding my head, "You guys want to do everything with me. You want to help me in the hard times! Help!"
"And you want to shield us from the pain you go through," Sam shot back.
"This doesn't hurt," I groaned playfully, "It's just a pain!"
"Danny," Tucker became the voice of reason, "We can't help you with this decision. We want to but ultimately it is only your choice. I think you can handle it but I don't know everything that is going off in your life."
"Which is completely your fault," Sam shot back.
"Okay, I've seen this episode before," I said, looking up. I looked into Tucker's eyes, "Sam?"
They started laughing, and soon I joined in as well. I didn't really believe they had changed bodies but considering Sam's hot headed and Tucker's more reasonable, it is a good assumption.
"Seriously, Danny, Tuck's right. We would like to say you could handle it but I have no idea what is going off in your private life," Sam commented.
I took a shaky breath, "Well, she did say that it would only be during class. She wants to use my paper as a grade sheet."
"So, you could totally pull this off," Tucker remarked.
"I don't know. I don't have either one of you two to back me up if I have to go fight a ghost," I remarked quietly.
"True," Sam said, "But we could handle the fifth period attacks."
"No," I shot back. "Absolutely not! I will not lay this on your heads!"
"You wouldn't be," Tucker cut in, a smile on his lips. "Come on, Danny. You were good when you began ghost hunting but you perfected the trade by live practices. Let us have the same opportunities!"
"Tucker," I cried out, "This isn't a video game! When those blasts hit you, you feel pain. When you get killed, you don't get any more lives. Ghost hunting is serious."
"You think we don't know that," Sam commented. "We worry about you all the time. The last we checked, you were getting real injuries! You have three large gashes on your body now that no one besides us knows about. Danny, we get how serious ghost hunting is."
"I know you worry," I said, soft spoken. "But… I'm half ghost. On most occasions, I heal rapidly. I get slammed into a wall, my broken bones heal immediately or at least when I power down. If you hit a wall, you guys could be laid up for weeks or months, paralyzed or killed! Right now, if I hit a wall, I can almost guarantee that I would heal up before the day was over. My nick Sam gave me already has."
I ripped the band aid from my hand to show them what I meant. You couldn't even see the puncture Sam had made on my hand this morning. The only sign of it was the tale-tale sign of the band aid.
"Still, is that something you want to risk," Tucker asked me, trying to make me cave.
"Yes," I shot back. "It's a hell of a lot better than risking you two. You have no idea what you mean to me. I've been more overprotective lately because of a dream, a normal one, I had. I woke up in the middle of the dream, so don't worry."
"What was the dream about," Sam asked me.
I took a shaky breath, "I had Vlad's offer on my head. He wants me to become his evil apprentice and I was spending a week with him. I dreamed of becoming evil. I killed Tucker, I killed Jazz, I did nothing while Vlad killed Dad and… and I helped him destroy the town," I stated. I altered the amount of information I was going to give them at the last minute. I couldn't tell Sam I had raped her. Not with what happened to her nearly two weeks ago.
"Danny," Tucker whispered to me, reaching his hand across the table to rest on mine. "We know you could never do those things!"
"Even I know that," I said, looking up at him. I suppressed the tears I felt building. "But I saw it. You two were so hurt. You tried to get me to see reason but I was too far gone. Tucker stepped up first, protecting Sam and I just heartlessly shot a beam through his chest." I choked up, looking away from their faces. "How could I do that?"
Tears started rolling down my cheeks, the energy to keep them at bay completely gone. "Danny," I heard Sam's voice. I forced myself to look up to look at her. "We know you would never hurt anyone. You wouldn't hurt a fly unless it was endangering one of us or your family."
"But you guys are my family," I said, looking between them. "Tuck has been my brother since I found him playing in the yard when we were four. Sam, you mean everything to me. I'd kill for you. I'd tear the world apart looking for you if something ever happened to you. You're more than my sister. You're more than my friend. You're my everything."
Sam's eyes welled with tears, her purple eyes beginning to shine. I looked down at my hands to notice her small ones on top of mine. I placed my free hand to cap off theirs. We sat at our table, feeling like it was only the three of us in this whole big world. Our lunches sat uneaten, just like all we ever needed was each other.
"What's this, a three-some," a voice cut above the cherished silence. I looked up, seeing Dash, Kwan, Chris and Tommy standing around our table, the three stooges backing up the biggest doofus of them all.
"Back off, Baxter," Sam shot off, pulling her hand from our collection. Tucker also removed his hand, sitting higher on the bench.
"Or what," Tommy asked, snickering.
"Leave them alone," I looked to my friends. "They're not worth it."
"Is that right, Fentonsky," Dash mocked.
I turned around, looking him in the eye, "I don't associate with lower life forms."
Dash grabbed me by my shirt's collar, heaving me into the air. I didn't flinch, just letting him have his fun. "What'd you call me?"
"I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't insult the intelligence challenged."
Dash grunted in anger, ready to hit me when suddenly his hand was wrenched behind his back painfully. "I suggest you leave," Tucker called angrily, holding Dash's hand behind his back. Dash dropped my shirt in surprise.
"Tucker," I called, angrily.
"No, Danny, he's not going to hurt you. You may sit there and take it, but I'm sick of being pushed around. Not when I can handle these losers!"
"Tuck," I said, softer. "They'll get off with this. We won't. Let him go."
"I got my eye on you, Baxter," Tucker said, releasing his arm. Tucker began walking towards me when I saw Sam standing beside me.
Dash unexpectedly grabbed Tucker's shirt, bringing him closer to him. This angered me, and apparently Sam as well. However, before either one of us could react, Tucker ducked the way he was taught, slipping easily out of the surprised jock's pathetic grip. However, when Tucker balled his fist up, I called quietly, "Tuck."
Tucker stopped, holding his fist in a ready to punch angle for a moment. Suddenly, his hand returned to normal, dropping to his side. "Sorry, Danny. You're right. I shouldn't beat up those weaker than me."
"Come on," I called, picking up my uneaten sandwich. "Let's go."
I walked away from the shocked A-Listers, leading my friends away from the cafeteria. When we were outside, nobody around at all from the insane cold temperatures, I walked over to a table. I formed a rectangle with my ecto-energy, pushing the snow that had compacted on the tabletop like a blade from a snow plow. I hopped up on the table, allowing my friends to gather around me. My near two hundred degree temperature was enough to keep them warm, even in the cold.
"Our personal space heater," Sam chuckled, leaning against my chest. She sat there, her coat wrapped around her waist. Tucker sat close to me but wasn't lying against me, his long sleeved shirt aiding in keeping him warm. I wrapped my arms around Sam's shoulders, giving her extra heat to combat against her short sleeves.
"You should really wear longer sleeves in the winter time," I commented, wrapping myself around her small form.
"I hate anything on my arms," she commented. "Except you," she added, the smile visible in her voice.
"Lovebirds," Tucker joked, earning a glare from both Sam and I.
"We're not lovebirds," we objected together. I swear I hate that saying. We are not a bunch of birds!
"Deny it all you want. I know the truth," Tucker joked, his eyes displaying his mischievous nature. I shot him a glare, warning him to keep our conversations private.
XXX
When the bell rang, ending lunch, I lifted Sam and myself into the air as Tucker climbed off the table. I landed her softly on the ground, landing right behind her. I kept my arm draped over her shoulder, keeping her warm until we reached inside. Tucker rushed to catch up to us, me too far away for him to feel my heat. He rubbed his hands together as he entered into the heat.
We walked through the doors, heading for the gym. Oh, how I hate this class! The only good that comes from it is the fact that we have it together. There are too many classes in my opinion where they leave my side. I dropped my hand from Sam's shoulder, satisfied that she's warm now from the heat of the school. We walked into the gymnasium, Sam heading for the girls' locker room and Tuck and I heading for the men's.
Tuck and I got dressed rather quickly but looking at Tucker's horrified expression, I knew something was wrong. "It's the leg, isn't it?" I had the sweater on that covered my arm and the chest wounds but my shorts didn't quite cover it."
"You can't go out there like that," Tucker cried, horrified. "You need to wear sweat pants."
"Cover for me," I said quietly as I turned invisible. Tucker nodded as I blasted out of the school and flew to the mall. I turned visible once again and proceeded to buy a pair of sweat pants. Hopefully, Mrs. Tetslaff wouldn't give me a hard time.
I was back in the gym before the bell rang, considering the mall was quite empty for the time of day. I slipped on the pants over the shorts and ran to the court before the bell rang. Luckily for me, many of the students had pants on in the gym. It was cold after all and the gym has always been the coldest building in the school.
"Leg," Sam mouthed to me. She meant for it to have no sound but I could still detect the softest whisper.
I nodded my head, waiting for Mrs. Tetslaff to start the class. Mrs. Tetslaff came onto the court and began to take roll. After she finished, she called out Dash and Paulina's names. "Form two teams. We're playing dodge ball!"
As usual, even the geeks got called before we did but Paulina drew the short stick so to speak. We three were on her team, making Sam simmer. "Can I just," Sam started, faking to throw the ball towards Paulina's head, "Oops."
"No," I smiled, knowing she was trying to make this into a joke. I don't believe she would pass up the opportunity if I gave her an inch, though. "But we can do something else. Most of the snobs are on the other team. Don't hold anything back. But, please, leave Dash to me."
"I don't believe you'll have any problems there," Tucker smirked. "He's been staring at you since class began."
"I know. Tommy will target you, Tuck," I warned. "Get him."
"You got it," Tucker smiled evilly.
Mrs. Tetslaff blew the whistle, starting the game. I didn't need to keep my eye on everyone, my instincts telling me everything I needed to know. I was built for battle and since the accident, I've just become a machine. I watched Sam and Tucker, causing Dash to believe now was the right time to take me out. He made it easier for me as he called out one of his random nicknames for me.
I lifted my hand, never taking my eyes off of Sam and Tucker as I watched them prepare for the blood bath we were about to commence. I caught the ball, instantly disqualifying him. I heard Mrs. Tetslaff cry, "Out!" As I half-heartedly threw the ball into the opposing crowd. Chris yelped loudly, slamming into the wall. Oops.
"Out," Mrs. Tetslaff called again. "Catch failed!"
"Ow," Chris walked slowly over to the bleachers. "I swore I could catch that. He wasn't even trying," he tried to explain.
"Did you see that," Dash cried. "Fenturd didn't even look at the ball and he caught it—single handedly.
I smirked, watching Sam catch a ball aimed at her. Mrs. Tetslaff cried out again, sending Annie Ford to the bleachers. I looked at Tucker, him having too much fun. He was moving side to side, escaping Tommy's aim every time. I looked around our team and not a single one was out yet. On the opposing team, half of theirs was out.
Tucker picked up two balls and placed it at his feet, picking up another ball. "Are you ready," he called to us. I picked up a ball, smiling as Sam followed suit.
"Oh, yeah," I called as Sam just smiled.
"Let's make them really fear us," Sam called out, finally speaking up.
We three rearing our balls back, Sam and Tucker throwing their weapons as hard as possible. I didn't want to kill anyone so I gently threw mine, the force still powerful. Tucker hit Tommy in the first try, going after Willow, Heather and Will. Sam shot at Nick, Mia, Brittany and caught the ball that Valerie threw. She used the extra ball to hit Kwan, who had tried to stay out of the way.
With my two balls, I shot out Randy and Tiffanie. The last one still standing on the court was Hannah Derrickson. She would be a problem, she always is, considering she is one of the best athletes around.
Tucker took aim first, Hannah ducking out of the line of fire. She knew she couldn't catch the ball for how fast it was going so her only choice was to duck. Sam took aim next, Hannah running out of the way. She had seen how all her teammates had underestimated us and were now on the bleachers. She was waiting for a weakness.
I decided to give her one. I shot my ball at her, much quicker than my others. Hannah slid out of the way, the ball flying through her up-blown hair. She jumped up to her feet from her knees, her eyes wide. I kicked another ball to my hand, throwing this one slightly less powerful. I threw every ball we had on our side to her side, her now having plenty of ammo. She ignored Sam, Tuck and I, focusing on our other teammates. She knew if she threw it to us, it was over. She knocked out Star, Ashley and Mikey. Nathan threw the ball to me, begging me, "Get her, Danny!"
"She's not going out because of one of us," I commented. "She'll take herself out."
I threw the ball again, allowing it to bounce against the wall. I threw the second ball, going over her head. I wanted her to make all the moves. She wouldn't screw up easily. I had to make her comfortable.
"Unless you want to go out, listen to me," I called. I watched Hannah with my side vision and allowed my instincts to kick in. Hannah was shooting the people she viewed as threats first, but not the ones who would knock her out like Sam, Tuck or I. I called to Lester, telling him to duck to the right. He barely moved before the ball slammed past right where he was standing. Hannah gave off a small grunt, knowing this wasn't going to be easy.
The ones who listened, lived; so to speak. Those who ignored me, walked away in shock as they realized I had been correct in my predictions. I never made my call after she threw. It would be too easy for them to make a mistake. I looked at our group, Travis being the next to be targeted. "Travis," I called, Hannah rearing the ball back. "Move to the left, towards Kelly."
Travis ran to the front, the ball flying right where he stood. Very few of them doubted me now. I was spot on, a perfect record on predicting her moves. Hannah screamed in range as yet another one of her marks stayed perfectly safe. Every one of the 'fallen' students sat on the edge of the bleachers, watching this remarkable game. Hannah was good. I would love to have her as one of my ghost hunters!
When all the balls fell on our side, I instructed everyone to throw them around her, not in her grasp. As my team lead the harmless onslaught, I talked to Tucker. "Hey, Tuck, remove your beret and slowly make your way over there beside Devon. Tell Devon I want him to come over here and put on your beret. We're playing dirty, but it'll win us the game. When she makes her move, catch it. I'll call out now when I'm talking to you."
Tucker smiled evilly, "Got it!"
Tucker removed his beret, slipping into the five or six students plus us three that remained in the game. Slowly, Devon introduced himself into our circle, wearing Tucker's beret.
"What are we exactly doing, Danny," Devon asked, as if I was putting into action the stupidest plan ever.
"Hannah will mistake Tucker for you," I explained. You're similar height, weight, build and she will think you're Tucker with that beret on. The court is too wide for her to see correctly and she won't risk coming to the middle line. When she feels that you pose more of a threat, she'll throw the ball at Tucker and I will give him the code. He will catch it and Team Sanchez will win."
Devon smiled wickedly, "Dweeb, I never knew you had an evil streak in you! Nice going!"
"Don't congratulate me yet," I smirked. I knew it would work but I have terrible luck.
I instructed each student to do what would keep them safe and when the balls all landed on our side, we aimed either too high or too far away for her to catch them. I never threw the ball once. I was waiting for Hannah to make the mistake. She would trust her eyes more than her gut. She would never speculate that Devon could be that much of a threat. Plus, with me instructing them out of the way, she would be careless. She wouldn't see it coming!
The time kept dragging closer to the bell. I was starting to get worried, thinking maybe she'd pull our trick on us. She was dragging it out, a tie better than a victory on our side. If she could drag it to the bell, the game would be a tie. It wouldn't matter if she was the last one standing. She would still win the spoils of victory. However, that competitive streak in her wouldn't let go, her shaping up to take out 'Devon.'
"Now," I cried. She released the ball, too late to curb her plan. I could see Hannah's eyes widen as she wondered what I meant. Tucker caught the ball spot on.
"Out," Mrs. Tetslaff cried happily. "Team Fenton wins!"
I snapped up, confused. My teammates started cheering, Tucker running back over. He got multiple pats on the back, his grin broad as daylight. Devon removed the cap, taking Tucker's free hand in his. "Good job, Techno-Geek!" He passed him his beret, moving away from the circle.
"No," Tucker said, looking at me. "Great job, Danny!"
"This wasn't my team," I cried. "I was picked last!"
"Maybe," Mrs. Tetslaff called, slapping her hand on my back, "But you kicked Team Baxter's hinny."
Mrs. Tetslaff walked over to the group, "Well done, class. I only wished I had recorded it. This may be the best game of Dodge Ball in Casper High history!"
I walked over to Hannah, her jaw hanging open. She was no doubt going over the last move in her head.
I held my hand out, "Well done! You are a worthy opponent!"
"How," Hannah cried, looking up in my eyes. "That was Devon! Then he turned into Tucker. I don't get it."
"You trusted your eyes too much," I stated. "Just because Tucker is the only one who wears a beret doesn't mean that you should get complacent in identifying him with it."
"Wow," Hannah said, startled. "I thought for sure I could drag it on. I didn't expect him to catch it. I thought for sure you would tell him to dodge it. Well played, play master."
"It wouldn't have been any fun without you. You made me strategize a lot," I remarked. "You know, if you're ever looking for a challenge, you should seek me out. I could hook you up with a sport you would find truly rewarding."
"Oh, really," Hannah smiled at me. "And what sport would that be?"
"Ghost hunting," I commented. "It's not the real thing, not like what my parents do. Kids our age can't patrol. It would all be simulated. But it would push you to your limits. Maybe even make you even more of a challenge to me."
"How do you hunt simulated ghosts," Hannah asked me, confused.
"Maybe I'll bring in a program one day," I stated. "Let my school into a small sample of my secret life."
"I would sure enjoy that," Hannah commented. "Of all the people I was summing up at the beginning of the game, you and your friends were not on my high list of priorities. I'm glad you weren't, to be honest. I would have been out a long time ago. That's what killed most of them. Underestimating you early in the game."
"Underestimating your opponent will always bring about bad results," I said with a smile. "Even I underestimate my opponents sometimes, though. It's easily done and nearly impossible to curb."
"Well, you didn't underestimate me. You had me spot on," Hannah smiled up at me, her eyes conceding. "Good game!"
"Good game," I remarked, shaking her outstretched hand. I walked away and back to my friends.
"That was awesome," Sam cried. "I love watching the real you come out at school."
"Dash pissed me off," I said simply. "This won't resurface too often."
"I bet we won't get picked last again," Tucker cried.
"I don't know," I commented, waiting for Mrs. Tetslaff to finish her second roll. "We're still Dweebs."
"Head to the showers," Mrs. Tetslaff cried. Sam headed one way while Tuck and I went into the locker room, feeling victorious.
XXX
Seventh period was Home Ec. with Sam and Tucker while Eight period was music, Sam and Tucker having Art at that time. When Sam and Tucker were there, it was easier to get through the classes but when I was alone, it was unbearable. I knew I wasn't the only one who feels that way. That was one of the biggest shocks of ninth grade (except for the one that is a pun). For eight years Tuck and I had shared every class and six for all three of us but ninth grade had put an end to that.
School let out and I made my way to Mr. Lancer's classroom. Sam and Tucker usually accompany me for detention though they have no reason to. Mr. Lancer doesn't seem to mind, long ago giving up keeping them out of the classroom.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Lancer," I greeted him, placing my books on a desk.
"Good afternoon," Mr. Lancer returned my greeting. "Have you been studying for the finals tomorrow?"
"Not really," I admitted. "I've been busy."
"Uh huh," Mr. Lancer stated, not having the ability to fathom the pressures I've been under. "Why don't you take the time today to study them while you're here?"
"It's English," I stated, not getting the point. "How do you study for English? I need to review my Science study guide and go over the key points from History… and uh, I have to memorize all the instruments for Music and then there's Home Economics. I need more hours between four and six!"
"That's all the time you allow yourself to study," Mr. Lancer asked me. Sam and Tucker walked into the classroom. "Good afternoon, Mr. Foley, Miss Manson."
"Good afternoon," Sam greeted.
"Hey," Tucker said informally.
"Are you guys ready for the finals," I said, holding up my Science study guide.
"No," Tucker remarked.
"We'll do fine," Sam commented. She took a seat beside me, pulling out her own study guide from science. "You want to go over the chemistry review?"
"Not me," I commented. "My parents are scientist. I know the chemicals, probably better than the people who wrote this book. They don't have a dad who may accidently put gallium in the refrigerator."
"What one is gallium again," Tucker asked, confused.
"Metal element. Used in lasers. My parents have plenty of it," I commented.
Sam shuffled through her backpack, "Okay, how about… History?"
"Ugh," I groaned. "I don't want to go to sleep this early. How about you guys work on what you need to and I'll study on my Music test."
"Okay," Sam said slowly. I pulled out the study sheet from my Music class and began to go over everything. I could see Tucker playing on his PDA, not even bothering to hide the gadget or pretend to study. I guess he had no reason to hide. School was technically over.
When Mr. Lancer released me from detention, I began walking home with Sam and Tucker. Tuck was bundled up in a heavy coat while Sam still stubbornly denied she was cold. Seeing her shivers despite her effort to withhold them, I finally pulled her closer to me, wrapping her in my heat.
"Thank you," Sam said, burying her head in my chest. It caused her to walk awkwardly, but she refused to leave the contour of my body. I helped guide her to keep her safe. Tucker smirked over in our direction but I didn't let his chiding affect me.
When we walked through my door, Sam finally erected herself to the proper position. "Thanks, Danny," Sam replied again.
I blushed, "Really, the pleasure was mine."
Sam looked away, darting up the steps. Tuck and I followed her upstairs, Sam sitting down on my bed. Tucker took a seat in my computer chair while I sat down on my bed across from Sam. Tucker turned towards the computer, pulling his backpack over his shoulder and into his lap.
Sam removed her own book bag, removing her study guides, "If we plan on passing this semester, we need to work diligently to pass these tests. Especially you, Danny. With the constant ghost senses, you have a high risk of failing this semester."
I groaned, admitting, "I know! But I don't know where I'm going to find the time to invest into this."
"Danny, it's only for two days. This is essential for your grades. You need to forget about the nuisance ghosts and focus on your school work. Any big bad can be dealt with, but for once let the Box Ghost have his boxes!"
"They may not pose a threat to us, but they still terrify the citizens," I objected. "I can't just neglect my work because I may fail a grade!"
"Danny," Sam objected.
"No, Sam, I'm sorry. I get what you're saying, I do, but I have other obligations. I will work hard on this but I will not neglect my other priorities."
Sam sighed, resigning, as she pulled out the History study guide. "No weaseling out of this, now. We're going to go over this!"
I resigned as well. I glanced over at Tucker, seeing him downloading something on my computer. I ignored him, trying to focus on Sam and studying. However, I've never been a very good student. I kept taking my eyes off of Sam and watching Tucker intently. He had installed some kind of game on my computer, and he was creating an account.
FRYER_TUCK
"Hey, what's that," I asked, focusing on what he was doing.
"It's this cool new game," Tucker said, turning towards me. "It's a computer game that when you win, you gain access to the worldwide web, even if you don't have internet access."
"Cool," I called, watching him go back to downloading it. "What is it about?"
"You face different foes, collecting seven keys. It's really challenging. I'm downloading it on your computer so we can play later. I was thinking while you're waiting for the late shift?"
"I see no harm in that," I commented. I heard Sam cough. "Okay, okay." We got back to studying.
XXX
That night, I returned home from patrolling, late for curfew as always. I ran up the stairs, starting up the game Tucker had downloaded on my computer. I have been dying to try this game all evening. I stared at the computer, taping the plastic on my keyboard as I wondered what I would call my avatar.
GHOST_BOY
I designed my character up, making him look nearly identical to me in human form and designed a D on his chest. I've always imagined what my HAZMAT suit would look like had I had on some kind of insignia. I started up the game, Tucker already playing on his own. This game was quite advanced, having multiple players on the screen even though it could be played without Internet access. It's like something my parents would invent!
GHOST_BOY: Hey, Tuck. Any luck?
FRYER_TUCK: Hey! Not so far. I was hoping my best bud could get the edge.
GHOST_BOY: We'll try.
The other players were way too easy to expunge but the game itself was most challenging. Tuck and I chatted while I tried to find a way to out maneuver the game. Tucker had a lot of cool tricks to help us out of some sticky situations but nothing too fancy. We still got our butts handed to us. However, as the night wore on, one player stood out. His avatar was bad ass, dressed to kill no doubt. His name said it all: CHAOS. And that's exactly what he was when it came to our game.
CHAOS turned out to be quite the player, coming onto the scene unknown but wiping the floor with all of us. I looked at the clock and it read three am. As much as I wanted to continue on, I knew Tuck and I needed some sleep. Tucker was still human after all.
GHOST_BOY: We have a big day, tomorrow, Tuck. U can stay up if u want but I suggest u get some sleep. I need to do a sweep before I turn in. 'Night.
FRYER_TUCK: U want me to tag along?
GHOST_BOY: Don't u dare. C u tomorrow.
FRYER_TUCK: Goodnight!
I signed off of the account, leaving Tucker to do what he wanted. I triggered my rings, floating outside through my window. Just one sweep, I told myself. Then I'd return to go to sleep.
XXX
The next day at school was pretty normal. Mrs. Baker asked me again if I was still thinking about her offer. I mulled it over, but that small voice in my head kept telling me I should do everything I could to help out. With a heavy heart and a nausea no one could rival, I accepted her offer. However, I did tell her that sometimes I had to run out of the class unexpectedly and she would have to carry the class on without me. She seemed to accept this, though I could detect her curiosity as to why that was.
I returned home after school, heading up to my room. I signed into DOOMED, ready to try to tackle the game. Tuck was already logged in, trying to come up with a strategy. CHAOS was not signed in as far as I could tell.
XXX
FRYER_TUCK: R we going out 2nite?
I looked over at the clock, surprised to see it was after six. Wow, I had really lost time.
GHOST_BOY: I don't think so. I haven't got any senses lately and if I do, I'll let u know. They usually don't get out of the portal w/o me knowing.
FRYER_TUCK: Sam would kill u 2 know u r blowing off patrolling 4 gaming and not 4 studying.
GHOST_BOY: ha, ha. Actually, she probably would.
FRYER_TUCK: Oh, well. Hopefully, CHAOS will show his face soon.
GHOST_BOY: I don't know I'd want that or not. We're leading as of right now. When he shows back up, we'll be 2nd and 3rd.
FRYER_TUCK: I've got a trick up my sleeve!
GHOST_BOY: We'll see.
My cell phone rang and I figured it was Sam. I picked it up, answering, "Hey."
"Are we going out or not," Sam asked me, her voice calm.
"Not today," I answered. "I lost track of time. If a ghost comes through the portal, I'll know it. I'll call you if I need you. Chill for tonight. You deserve it."
"All right," Sam said, a little weary. "Try to spend some time studying."
"I will," I replied. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
I got my first ghost sense around seven-thirty. I typed a quick note to Tuck, going after it. It turned out to just be Box Ghost and I sucked him into the thermos. With my parents upstairs, eating dinner, I decided to download the game on the computer downstairs. Maybe the Fenton Reality Helmet could give me an edge.
I signed in, greeting Tucker. I tried to get ahead in the game but CHAOS had signed in while I was dealing with the Box Ghost. I tried to make up for the loss ground, but it was no good. CHAOS had taken the lead, Tucker the runner up. It wouldn't be long, though, before I exceeded Tucker's score. He only got ahead of me because of my little distraction.
XXX
I groaned out for what must have been the twelfth time, removing the helmet. I cursed the darn thing, throwing it as hard as I could. It had slicked my hair down, looking worse than it did when I went to Grandpa's. I heard a beeping sound, causing me to turn in that direction. I was surprised and startled to see the portal door opening. How did that happen? I locked it!
Technus flew from the Ghost Zone, laughing in his obnoxious way. "Child! You have freed me. Technus! And now, I will conquer this world!"
I stared at him, a mixture of shock and annoyance. Just great. First I get my butt handed to me in DOOMED and now I have to face Technus. He floated over to where I was, looking at my computer.
"Although, this world seems more fun. And it's fashion sense is much more advanced," he commented, staring at CHAOS on my screen.
"Oh, no you don't," I called, snapping out of the stupor he had put me in. He always did that to me when he started his crap.
However, I didn't expect him to wrap me in some enormous motherboard chip. The shock shot through my body, the volts causing me to convulse. I screamed out at first, but the pain subsided. I fought against the bonds but I was completely wrapped up. An electric current traveled from my body into the lab's computer, shattering the screen.
"Well, that stinks," Technus called, dissolving the wrap. I landed in the floor, looking up a bit dazed. "Oh, well, see you, Ghost Child!"
Technus turned intangible and escaped the lab. "Great. It's not bad enough I'm getting zapped in DOOMED, now I'm getting zapped at home. I'll have to deal with it tomorrow," I said. Suddenly, it hit me. I have been up a long time, trying to defeat the game. I frighteningly looked at the clock, the display reading 5:30 am. "It is tomorrow! I've been up all night!" I cried. "Oh, well, one lame ghost freed and one sleepy day at school, what's the worst that could happen?"
I showered, my hair going from hat hair to sticking up from the shock and back to normal after I dried it. Well, at least my hair was better! I grabbed a bowl of Froot Loops and afterwards walked to Sam's house, deciding to walk to school. Maybe the cold air would wake me up. After picking up Sam, we walked to Tucker's. I stayed close to Sam, keeping her warm as she walked without her jacket on.
When we arrived at the school, the entire school was preparing for the finals taking place over the next two days. Second, Fourth, Sixth and eighth periods had tests scheduled today while First, Third, Fifth and Seventh were planned for tomorrow. First period was easy because it was spent reviewing for tomorrow's test but when I went to Mr. Lancer's classroom for our second period, he told his English class to wait for him.
Sam and Tucker walked into the class because they had the History class held here. Mr. Lancer lead his English class to the Math room where he told us to take a seat. I sat down as Mr. Lancer began to go over all the rules. After a few moments of his droning, he handed out the tests.
I stared at the sheet, the words blurring. I hated English. All it did was drone on and on about something, in these big and descriptive words. It was boring. I yawned, trying to shake the sleepy feeling. I tried stretching, but it did little to wake me up. The words continued to blur, making it difficult to concentrate. I felt my eye lids drooping. I shook my head, trying to maintain control. However, I felt myself slipping.
XXX
I jolted awake, not even aware I had fell asleep. Mr. Lancer held up my test, a look of sarcasm crossing his face. "Oh, the joys of teaching." Oh, shit, I thought to myself. The bell rang and I stood up shakily. "A word Danny?"
"Yes, Mr. Lancer," I replied, sleepily. I shouldn't have stayed up so late last night.
"Danny, when a teacher looks at his students, he sees a reflection of his own ability. When I see you, I see my own F. I don't like to fail. Do you?"
"Mr. Lancer," I tried to come up with a plausible explanation but I stuttered over my own words. There was no excuse for this, even one I couldn't tell him.
"I need no excuses," Mr. Lancer cut my babbling off. "I need results! Now, what I'm going to do is make you retake the test!"
"But, it's just one stupid test," I exclaimed, appalled.
"That equals one-quarter of your final grade," Mr. Lancer explained. I blinked in understanding. This was bad. "That's 25 percent in case you're failing Math as well."
Okay, Vlad, I thought bitterly. I may be failing Math but I know what a quarter is. I nodded my head, collecting my things. For wanting to take on more responsibility, I sure have got off to a bad start. I walked out of the room, trailing slowly to third period. Why is it I stayed awake for the stupid review but fell asleep on the test the next period?
Oh, I hate English!
My next test was History, and Sam and Tucker were lead probably to another classroom. I hoped I wouldn't fall asleep on this test too. I felt better, having gotten over the sleepiness I was feeling earlier in the day. The substitute handed out the test and I began to read over it. I can do this!
In gym, Mrs. Tetslaff gave a physical test for our semester final. I hated the physical contests. I had a much higher physical withstanding, the ability to pass everyone too easy to risk. I considerably held back my talents, hoping no one would notice the lackluster attitude I had. I've always held back, but more recently I've increased my 'clumsiness' and withheld my natural born talents. Since the accident, I haven't had a clumsy moment or a problem with my physical abilities.
Music was the last test of the day and I was grateful. I'd have to hit the streets tonight to search for Technus, so my mind would be elsewhere. This test would be a bit challenging since Music is an elective and the test would require me to remember all the instruments. With all the hassles my life has brought, electives just didn't seem important at the time.
Detention was awkward being as I had it with Mr. Lancer. I hadn't told Sam and Tucker about me falling asleep in class and not completing the test. When Sam and Tucker came in the room, I wanted to die before the embarrassment Mr. Lancer would put me through would do it for me.
I waited for that unenviable conversation. Mr. Lancer wouldn't just let it slide. Every teacher in this building had it out for me although I do believe that Mrs. Baker's attack was less about me than it was about helping students. I might exclude her from the list.
"Okay, Mr. Fenton, you're released," Mr. Lancer called at the end of detention. I sighed a breath of relief, happy to escape before he nailed it to me. "Don't forget to study. You will retake that test Friday."
I flinched. So close. So damn close! I turned to Sam and Tucker, their faces displaying confusion. I glanced up at Mr. Lancer with my side vision, his face smug. Oh, I should ecto-ray your ass.
"What's he talking about," Sam asked. "Didn't you take the test?"
I coughed, "I- um," I started, trying to find an easy way to break it. "I fell asleep," I blurted out, realizing there was no easy way.
"Oh, no," Sam breathed.
I walked out the door, "I was stupid! I stayed up all night last night, and when I stared at that sheet… I just lost it. I couldn't focus my eyes. I couldn't hold my head up. I couldn't go more than two seconds without yawning. It wasn't just the lack of sleep; it was English. I get sleepy reading that stuff even when I've had plenty of sleep!"
"And we weren't there to wake you up," Tucker said, looking down.
"Hey," I said gently, "It's not you guys jobs to make sure I do my work. You stayed up all night too, Tucker."
"Yeah, but I had Sam to keep me company. You had nobody," Tucker said, sadly. "Stupid Lancer! You didn't fall asleep on the history test, did you?"
"No," I commented, "It was just because it was English, I think. I didn't have any more trouble."
"I'm so sorry, Danny," Sam said, her eyes wide and horrorstricken.
"Don't be," I commented, giving her a small smile. "I'll muddle through."
After I took Sam and Tucker to grab a bite to eat from Nasty Burger, I lead them back to our houses to get their scooters. We needed to find Technus and put him back in the Ghost Zone before he wracked too much chaos. I went as my ghost form, considering I may have to engage in battle. We three split up but Tucker was already chatting about DOOMED through the Fentonfones.
Sam wasn't too interested in the game, and considering she's a girl I didn't blame her. She probably didn't understand half of what we were saying, choosing to ignore us. However, she was the one to find Technus. Tuck and I caught up to her, watching Technus building another body for himself in the park. His new body was big like the last time but completely unoriginal.
"He saw me playing DOOMED yesterday and now he's modeling his new body after CHAOS," I said, surprised. Tucker made some kind of snide remark about my gaming skills but we decided if he was going to enter that world, he'd face challenges from that world.
It didn't work out too well.
After I added my ghost powers to the mix, though, he found us difficult to face. He self-destructed, forfeiting from the game. I don't care if he gave up or not, he's gone and I'm still here. Tucker and I grew excited. More time to play.
With my computer in the lab destroyed, Tuck and I decided to go to the Internet Café so we could play side by side. We were trying to put our joint effort in to beat the game considering CHAOS was nowhere to be seen. We discovered a few new tricks and tips but was still a far cry from beating the game. No wonder the prize is so extraordinary. A high score on a game board just wouldn't be worth it!
I discovered a new way to earn an extra life, including Tucker in my newfound ability. I heard Sam's voice broadcast about needing that extra life when Mr. Lancer caches me anywhere with my nose out of a book.
"What are you doing here," Tucker asked, surprised. "You can't be here to play!"
"And why not," Sam shot back, "Us girls are lacking exactly what? Opposable thumbs? One track minds? Stupid berets?"
Tucker took offense on the last statement and I knew that the bickering was back on for now. It has cooled down considerably since Christmas but every once and a while, it would resurface. But there was one thing I couldn't deny.
"Sam's right," I groaned. "I should be studying. Tuck?"
"I'll stick to goofing off," Tucker answered, pausing to look at me.
I chuckled, "Could you imagine Lancer's face if he caught me in here?"
"Yes, imagine that," I heard a voice broadcast from behind me. Why? What have I done to the universe to deserve this?
"Hi, Mr. Lancer," I said nervously, turning to face him.
"Let me give you a lift so you can get back to studying. I wouldn't want you to lose track of time again," Mr. Lancer said, sarcasm in his voice. I sighed.
Mr. Lancer lead me to his car, taking me home. I was completely upset. This happens every time! I can't just be in trouble. No, I have to be in over my head and suffocating from the pressure. This is all Vlad's fault. If he would return from his trip, then I'd have an excuse for goofing off!
Mr. Lancer started babbling about something about human drama and comparing it to a videogame. He wanted me to see I was wasting my time.
"I just want to have some fun sometimes," I stated, crossing my arms across my chest. "I've been under so much stress lately. I didn't mean to fall asleep."
"Fun can mean other things," Mr. Lancer began, not getting what I meant. "Like for me, when a student passes through the portals of Casper High learning everything he can… that, to me, is fun."
I scoffed, "Then you need to get out more!"
"And you need to stay in more," Mr. Lancer remarked, his voice showing enthusiasm, "And here are a couple of people who will help you do just that."
Standing on the sidewalk in front of my house, arms crossed across their chests, stood my parents—angry as hell. I gulped: "My parents! You called them!"
"Yes, I did. How do you think I knew you would be at the Internet Café."
"You called my parents before you found me," I shot back. I gingerly removed my seatbelt, climbing out of the car. This wasn't going to be good.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Fenton," Mr. Lancer greeted, getting out of the car.
"Hello, Mr. Lancer," my mom greeted, her voice anything but cheery.
"May I come in and have a word with you about Danny," Mr. Lancer asked. Oh, God, I hate my life.
"Please," Dad said, his voice mirroring Mom's.
Mom and Dad led Lancer into the house, me bringing in the rear. This just keeps getting better and better. Once inside, I saw Jazz standing by the stairwell. She came to stand beside me, the only one seemingly on my side.
"What's going on," Jazz asked, eyeing the adults suspiciously.
"Your brother is in a lot of trouble," Mom said, her voice cold towards me.
"I-I'm sorry," I said, my voice weak.
"Well, what did he do," Jazz said, placing her hand on my shoulder.
"He failed a test," Dad shot back to Jazz. Jazz shot a glare at Dad.
"That's it? Danny," she said, much calmer when she spoke to me, "What happened?"
"I was up pretty late last night and I couldn't keep my eyes open for the damn test," I said, looking down. "I know it wasn't because I was too tired. I stayed awake for the rest of my classes. It's just that when I was looking at the text, I couldn't focus. I've never been good at literature anyway!"
"It's more than just a test or a few assignments. Mr. Fenton has considerably faltered in his studies as of lately. He constantly runs out of class, sometimes not returning at all. He skips classes altogether. He comes in late. And when he is there, he is lazy, unfocused, ill prepared, lethargic; need I go on?"
I looked up to my parents', my Dad the most angry. "Dad, I can-," I tried.
"That'll be enough of your sass talk," Dad shot back.
"What do you suggest we do, Mr. Lancer," Mom asked.
"Danny can pass, I know it. I propose he stay with me during his after-school hours until he makes up the test," Mr. Lancer said.
I gulped, "But I have things to do after class!" However, Jazz commented the same sentence. Confused, I turned to her, "How do you know that?"
Jazz gave me a weak shrug, making me even more confused… and a little suspicious. "Aw," Mr. lancer interrupted my thought train, "but if you fail you will have to take it again. If you think it's boring the first time around, try taking it again."
I sighed, but Mom cut in again, "Get this straight, young man. You're a Fenton and Fenton's get A's. Or B-minus's in your Father's case."
"Solid B-minus's," Dad said, proudly.
"Until you retake this test, and pass it with flying colors, we are forbidding all access to electronic devices. Am I clear," Mom stated, angrily.
I nodded, but as if by a cruel twist in fate, my cell phone rang. I tried to keep it in my pocket, but Mom held her hand out. I reached my hand in my pocket, glancing at the ID as I passed it over. "It's Tucker," I tried to get her to allow me to answer it.
Before Mom could take it, Dad grabbed it, crushing it in his anger, "He's busy!"
"Hey," I cried, upset. Oh, great, my second phone gone in one month.
"Daniel," Dad said, scolding.
"You didn't have to destroy it," I shot back. "That's the second phone I've lost!"
"We'll make you a new one," Mom said, her voice calmer.
"It won't make up for the time I'll go without a phone," I mumbled under my breath.
"I'll see you after school tomorrow, Danny," Mr. Lancer remarked. I glared at him out of the corner of my eye.
"Don't I always, anyway," I said, my voice sarcastic.
"Danny," Mom scolded.
"I'm sorry," I said, starting up the stairs. "Actually, no I'm not!" I stopped, "If any of you had any idea what it was like, you wouldn't even blink! Oh, never mind! It's not like you care!"
I shot up the stairs, jumping three to four at a time. I slammed my door, turning on the silent proof walls. I let out a loud scream, releasing all the pent up anger I had. Just one time I tried to have a little fun. I haven't taken a moment for myself in so long, I just wanted to have a little fun. But, no, I can't even do that!
I lifted into the air, landing softly on my bed. This won't last much longer. Vlad will return and I will once again be forced to be his bitch while I try to juggle home, school and ghost attacks. I don't even know why it's taking him so long to return. I figured he'd be back a long time ago.
My door opened slowly and my mom walked into the room. I looked up at her, noticing she was alone. "I don't feel like talking," I shot back, covering my head.
"Honey," Mom said softly, sitting down on my bed. "I thought you were over this?"
"How can I be over it," I said, sitting back up on my bed. "I try to push through but I can't. I just wanted to have a little fun. I just wanted to hang out with Tucker and show them how much I care but I can't even do that. I just don't know if it's worth it anymore."
"Honey, what's wrong," Mom asked, placing her hand on my shoulder.
"I have so much pressure. I can't breathe! I don't know where to turn to or who to turn to. The only people I have is Sam and Tucker and I've demanded so much of them lately. How can I expect them to still be my friends if I don't relieve some of the pressure?"
"Honey, you have us," Mom said, looking me in the eyes. She diverted her eyes from mine, fear crossing them.
"What," I asked, a little fearful.
"Honey, how long has it been since you've slept," Mom asked me.
"I told you I didn't get any sleep last night," I told her.
"Danny, those circles didn't form because you missed a night of sleep," Mom commented. "Your eyes, they're sullen and discolored. You've been getting poor sleep quality for a while."
"I'm fine," I commented, looking away from her graze.
"You are not fine," Mom commented, "You're exhausted!"
"I'm fine, okay," I snapped, standing up from my bed. "Just, please," I said, a little calmer, "leave me alone."
I could hear Mom's heartbeat it was so loud. She exhaled loudly, quieting her heartbeat, her footsteps retreating from my room. As the door shut, I fell to my knees, my body shaking from the stress. I wasn't crying, I haven't done that in a while. But I was like an egg with a crack in its shell, trying to be boiled.
XXX
The next day at school, Tucker was telling me all about how Technus had tricked him into believing he was just a random player and he had learned all his tricks. Tucker hadn't meant to mess up and it's not like he could hear his voice or see him up close. He was watching an avatar on a screen and talking through chat boards. I couldn't blame him.
However, they left the fact that Sam was CHAOS until the end of the day. I believe he was just too embarrassed to admit that until it was impossible to ignore anymore. Sam and Tucker assured they could hold off Technus until I could finish my test. I didn't know what we could do once I finished the test. Technus was just playing a game!
"Danny Fenton," Mr. Lancer declared angrily. "My classroom, now!"
"Here goes everything," I commented, looking to them. "Keep him occupied. I'll help as soon as I can."
"You got it," Sam said as Tucker nodded. I followed Mr. Lancer to his classroom.
"Have a seat," Mr. Lancer instructed me.
"I want to take the test today," I told him. "I'll study a bit before but I'm not leaving here until I've retook that test!"
"You don't have to," Mr. Lancer said, looking at me. "You can take all the time you need."
I looked at the clock, "That's the problem," I stated. "I don't have all the time I need."
I sat down, pulling out my study guide. After I reviewed that, I began reading over the text in my book. Soon, I could feel the exhaustion overtake me. I snapped awake, realizing my head was in my desk. I shot up, turning back to my normal self. I looked at Mr. Lancer fearfully. How long has it been since I lost control of my powers? Mr. Lancer was working on something else, not paying attention to me. Thank goodness for that!
I stood up, stretching my back. I looked at Mr. Lancer's desk, taking in what he was doing.
"Going somewhere," Mr. Lancer asked me.
"Just stretching my legs," I commented. Mr. Lancer was writing some kind of letter. 'Dear sis,' was in the top left-hand corner.
"Writing your sister," I asked. I wasn't even aware Mr. Lancer had a sister.
"I haven't seen her in ages," Mr. Lancer said, taking a picture of his sister off his desk. She had an uncanny resemblance to him. "Can't afford the airfare." I sat looking at the picture. That's just him in a dress! "This is where you're supposed to say 'Gee, Mr. Lancer, I had no idea being a teacher could be so difficult.'"
I don't know about difficult, but it can definitely mess with the mind. "I'm fourteen," I commented instead. "I don't care." I'm not stupid. That is just him in a dress!
Mr. Lancer groaned disappointedly, standing up, "I'm going to get some air."
Mr. Lancer left, and I stared after him. "Gotta cross teacher off the what I wanna be when I grow up list." If being a teacher makes you believe a picture of yourself in a dress is your sister, I can't handle two insanities in my life!
I did look around the desk, though, seeing other more realistic pictures. He had pictures of his previous and current students, showing me a man who really cared for his students. I looked at his computer to see if he had any pictures on his background but I saw DOOMED instead. I could check up on Sam and Tucker.
I didn't have time to sign in, so I used whatever Mr. Lancer was on.
USER: Hey, guys, it's Danny.
CHAOS: What are you doing on?
USER: Just checking in? How's it going?
FRYER_TUCK: Technus is quickly learning the game. In a few more hours, he will have mastered it!
USER: Wish I could help. Studying is a drag!
"Is it now," I heard Mr. Lancer's voice. I had been speaking my responses.
"Mr. Lancer," I stuttered, turning to him. "I-I was just," I started but couldn't form a reliable excuse.
"Just taking up my free time," Mr. Lancer shot back. "But if you don't care, why should I?"
Mr. Lancer began to walk out of the room. I sighed. Okay, Fenton, it's time you got to work. I clicked off the web browser, picked up my book from my desk and walked outside.
"It's not that I don't care," I spoke softly. "That was wrong of me to say. It's just… we all have pressures that we must face. And a lot of the time, I don't ask for the help I need. I can't do this alone. Will you help me?"
Mr. Lancer looked up, his expression one of surprise. "I would be honored."
"In Eye of the Tiger," I began, opening the book to the poem. "Why does he rhyme 'I' with 'symmetry'."
"The poem was written in the late 1800s," Mr. Lancer explained. "I'm sure there were multiple ways to pronounce that word."
"And it's Blake," I stated, looking into the book to get his first name: "William Blake."
"Yes," Mr. Lancer said, satisfied. "And there are other works that are written in that same style."
"Really, which ones," I asked. Mr. Lancer began to point out the different poem works. We went over everything I could think of, Mr. Lancer helping me along the way. As the time slipped by, I knew that I had to make my move. I had more responsibilities than just this test.
XXX
"Not an idiot," I cried, slamming my test on the kitchen table where my parents' were working. "Gotta go!"
I ran up the stairs to my bedroom as that was the only computer in the house besides Jazz's. I logged in, trying to make my way through all the levels but it was taking too long. Technus was almost to the last level.
FRYER_TUCK: He's using his ghost powers! We can't stop him.
GHOST_BOY: Oh, I'm such an idiot! If Technus can use his powers in the game, why can't I?
I left it at that, standing up and transforming into my ghost form. I was nervous but turned intangible anyway, phasing into the game. Instantly my body became prickled with little pin pricks. Everything seemed so strange. Everything was pixelated. I looked down at myself; my ghost form and my avatar had merged, a D finally on my costume.
"Cool," I spoke. I floated into the air, determined to reach Sam and Tucker's levels. It was fairly easy. "My ghost powers are the ultimate cheat code!"
I reached their level rather quickly, none of them aware that I was there. Technus was babbling on about something (I have long since given up trying to listen) when I cut in, "Of Long Winded Introductions! Do you ever stop talking about yourself?"
"Danny, stop him," Sam cried, seeing more urgency in the matter than I did. I got to work. We three worked together, Sam and Tucker as avatars while I was in the flesh… so to speak. As soon as Technus became vulnerable, Sam and Tucker began hammering him with their own attacks. It wasn't easy but eventually with the help of Sam and a cheat code she knew, we defeated Technus.
Then the unexpected happened. I was thrown from the computer, hitting my wall hard. I looked up, dazed from the surprise. Thank goodness it was my room because those aren't ecto-proof. "Who could have done that," I asked myself, looking around. Whoever just beat us, I'm glad they're just in a game. If that was real-world, I'd be in trouble!
XXX
That night, my ghost sense went off after I dropped Tucker off. I followed the signature far into town, much too far for my ghost sense. The ghost must have come into my range before heading into town. I floated through the wall of the jewelry story, 24K Jewelry, intangible. The jewels were actually floating out of the display boxes.
"And I just thought 'the merchandise is flying off the shelves' was just an expression!" Apparently not, because here it was, flying off the shelves. I shot a beam at the energies I felt, causing their invisibility to falter. What a group of characters these guys were. One was a hulking of a ghost, at least two times bigger than me. The only other male was the exact opposite of his partner in crime, a midget!
Then there were the last two, a lanky young woman and a robed figure. The midget attacked first, landing on my head. I felt my blood boil, "Hey," I cried out angrily, "I'm not a hat person," I said, throwing the thing away from me. Unfortunately for me, he chose to hit a display box instead of flying through the wall like I intended for him to do. Great, the cops will be coming. "Especially if it's a tiny hat person!"
Being temporarily disoriented, I rammed into the body builder. Being so close to him, I was finally able to compare us correctly. I may have been off on that 2-times bigger suggestion, "On second thought, maybe the tiny hat person was better!"
The body builder picked me up like a stick and threw me. The lanky woman stretched around two beams, creating a slingshot that I flew into. I screamed as I couldn't stop myself, flinging back towards the man. However, I hit the floor. I came to my feet, shakily, to see the robed figure disrobe. It turned out to be a woman, her clothing scantily clad, exposing her body to be covered in tattoos. However, they flew off of her body, coming alive.
They swarmed around me, like a pack of birds. I covered my face, backing away. Oh, that's it! I lifted into the air, twirling into a ball as I summoned every ounce of energy in my body. I expelled it towards the tattoos, sending them careening away from me. Once they were expelled, I returned to my former position, floating high above their heads: "You know, it's ghosts like you that give ghosts like me a bad name!"
I heard tires squealing and a siren blaring as it headed straight towards us. The ghosts all turned intangible, phasing out of the building. The jewelry they had gripped in their hands slipped down on top of me. The door burst open, two cops drawing their revolvers on me: "Freeze, Inviso-Bill!"
"Although, it's hard to come up with a worse name than that!" I phased out, leaving the mess behind.
AN: Please drop me a line about your experience reading my story. The end is approaching. I know you must have a lot of questions. You will get your answers. See you around!