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.

13. Chapter 13

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom, Control Freaks or the CD Three Days Grace.

AN: This story contains rape and male sex.

Chapter 13: Free Will

I couldn't find the ghosts again, so I returned home. I'd figure this out in the morning. I didn't want another sleepy day at school. Just because I had passed my English exam didn't mean I didn't have other things to worry about. All students were told to report to school, even though this was typically make-up day. With all the work and bad grades we were making because of the ghosts, everyone was to show up.

I phased through my wall to find something on my dresser. I walked over, picking up a CD case. A small note was attached to the case, disrupting my view of the name.

Daniel,

I'll be seeing you soon. I'm almost through here. Sunday, we will have dinner together in Saint Louis. I want you to be dressed appropriately. Until then, here's something I know you wanted. Merry Christmas!

Vlad

"Merry Christmas," I scoffed, removing the note. I gasped. The Three Days Grace CD that I wanted so badly! Mom and Dad had reviewed the CD and deemed it too inappropriate for me. If I went out and bought it, then I was disobeying but if it was a gift, then it was totally fine. This is awesome!

I placed the CD in my stereo, keeping the volume down. This won't make up for all he's done to me but maybe I won't be so bitter with him for this little token. I listened to the first track, nodding my head to the beat as I sat down to do a little homework. After tomorrow, my chances to finish anything more would disappear.

The second track was a song I knew. They had released this single though it didn't do too well. I hadn't given it much thought then because it was about a father and a son, but as I listened to it, 'Just Like You' wasn't about that anymore. It was now Vlad and I. I put the track on repeat, hearing a new side to the song, singing along the second time.

The third track started up after I turned off the repeat. This song was cool, the biggest hit of their career. 'I Hate Everything About You' had done well on the charts but it was also popular around town. Too many didn't understand what it was about, but my heart nearly stopped when I heard the line in a new light.

"Every roommate kept awake by every sigh and scream we make," the lead singer had sung. While the first part was irrelevant, the last part was dead on the money. Vlad done the sighing while I did the screaming. I shivered, placing it on repeat already.

I listened to it again and again, unable to turn it off. I sat on my bed, my knees pulled to my chest as the man unknowingly sang about my life. I couldn't understand it. It was a love song. He even says it, 'I hate everything about you, why do I love you?' I hate everything about Vlad but I do not love him! But… yet that dream reappeared in my mind. In my future, I will fall for him if I'm not careful.

Every line was just like it was written for me. I couldn't explain it. I couldn't understand it. Every word, every syllable, every bit of emotion was mine but they wrote it. I couldn't go to sleep. He'd visit me in my dreams. Soon, he'd be visiting me in the present.

XXX

I dressed, still listening to the song. I hadn't got a wink of sleep, just listening to Track 3 all night long. After the song concluded and before it began again, I opened my stereo, removing the disk. This thing is a keeper. I placed it in its case, wanting to ask Tucker to download it to his PDA so I could hear it anytime. I wanted to hear the rest of the CD but if this keeps up, I won't make it to Track 4.

XXX

I walked into Sam's house, ready to pick her up. "Hey, Sam," I announced. Her parents glared at me, more hatred in their stares than normal.

"Hey, Danny," Sam greeted.

"Guess what," I called, "I got that Three Days Grace CD that you wanted."

"You did," Sam called, happily. "The one with 'Home'! How did you talk your parents into buying it for you?"

"I didn't. It was a gift," I said. I looked to her parents, their stares even colder. "What, have you heard I Hate Everything About You? That cut rocks!"

"I am Freakshow," a voice over the television announced. I looked up, the name sounding familiar. However, I felt myself shift out of control. I stared at the man on the television, his pale skin, his larger than average nose, the staff. Before I could say anything, everything went black.

…

"Will you stop messing with my parents," Sam snapped. I looked around, trying to remember what was going on. How did we get outside? The last thing I remember was talking to her parents. "That's my job!"

Oh, the track. "Sorry, Sam, I must have got a little spacy. I was up pretty late last night." Pretty late; all night. Whatever.

"Just be careful what you say around them," Sam said, her voice kinder now. "They already think I'm on the road to troubled teen-hood."

Sam began walking in a different direction that Tucker's house. "Sam, where are you going? We've got to pick up Tucker?"

"I'm cutting first period to watch the circus come into town," Sam commented. Oh, right, that Goth circus Sam wants us to attend.

Still, it wasn't right. "Sam, you know they said all students were to show up."

"Tucker's got first period free! He's covering for me," Sam said. I mentally scoffed. How is Tucker going to cover for her?

"Okay, well don't blame me when you get caught," I called, watching her disappear down the road. My ghost sense went off, the midget ghost from before causing it. "And speaking of getting caught!"

I jumped up, taking to the top of a truck to rocket after them. After a quick transform, I flew after them but they never once turned back. It was like they were mindless, not caring about anything other than their task at hand. They flew into the train yard but before I could capture what was going on, everything went black.

…

I shook my head, focusing on the ghosts. I phased through a billboard, looking around but a large gathering of people caught my attention. They were all Goths.

"Wow, I've never seen so many Goths in broad daylight before," I said, stunned. Many of them pulled out an umbrella or pulled up hoodies.

"Look at who decided to slum it with the troubled teens," I heard a voice I knew well call up to me. I landed beside Sam.

"What," I called, appalled. "I'm not in trouble."

"Oh, yeah," Sam said, sarcastically. "You're an upstanding citizen!"

I heard loud footsteps clomping towards us and I disappeared from sight, running behind some large drum. I transformed, leaning against it on the other side. I so stood out, white t-shirt… it's not like I could pull off being Goth. But the cops ran right past me, calling me that God awful name: "Get back here, Invisobill!"

I looked over to Sam, her doing the same move as me. We smiled at each other; I was surprised that it even worked. A loud bang sounded, drawing my attention to the direction the crowd had faced. A man in a trench coat walked out, carrying this staff. I looked at it, horrified. I couldn't speak; I couldn't warn Sam. I knew what was going off but I couldn't stop it. Everything started to fade.

…

"Danny," Sam called sharply. "Why'd you do that?"

"Do what," I called, looking around wildly. I noticed black in the corner of my eye and I freaked, looking at my clothes. Luckily, my t-shirt was just painted black, the cloth soaking wet and some white patches sticking out.

"Samantha, Daniel, you are to follow us immediately," Mrs. Manson walked over to us. I stared at her in shock. When did she get here?

"We are calling your parents, Danny," Mr. Manson said, disappointed.

"What happened," I said, turning back to Sam.

"I don't know," Sam shot, pissed. "Why don't you tell me?"

Sam stomped off, following her parents. I followed after them, desperately trying to figure out what was going off. The Manson's took Sam and I to school, Sam not speaking to me once on the ride over. Mom and Dad met us in the principal's office. I couldn't figure out what I supposedly did!

Principal Ishyama gave us detention and Sam's parents forbidding her from seeing me or Tucker. My parents were furious. This is the same week I failed a major test! I'm dead! Then Mr. Lancer lead Tucker into the room, my heart stopping in my chest. He was wearing Sam's skirt and a wig.

Principal Ishyama said it all: "This is so wrong!"

"Oh, my God," I declared in shock.

"Tucker," Mom cried, horrified.

"It didn't work, Sam," Tucker said, shamefully. "Apparently, they could tell the difference." Ya think!

"What on Earth were you trying to do," Dad asked, suppressing a laugh.

"Well, no one pays attention to us. You remember that episode of MASH. Hawkeye wore nothing at all to the Mess Hall and only someone who was new spotted him. The substitute noticed."

"Tucker," Mom cried again. "Honey, Alice will have a heart attack!"

"Please don't call her," Tucker begged. "I just wanted to help Sam! We've been fighting so much lately, I just want to return to the way we were."

"Principal Ishyama, I'll take responsibility for him. You don't need to call his parents. I'm practically his mother as it is," Mom answered.

"As long as he puts on appropriate clothing, that's all I care about," Principal Ishyama stated from behind her hand.

"I brought my own clothes. This was only for first period," Tucker said. I shook my head, unable to hide the smile.

XXX

We returned to first period, the substitute absolutely pissed at Tucker. It wasn't Mrs. Harold for some reason. It was another teacher, someone I hadn't seen before. Maybe she finally got fed up with the ghosts? I took my seat, Sam and Tucker following me.

"Hey, Tuck, do you think you could download something onto your PDAs music system," I whispered.

"Sure," Tucker mouthed, not wanting to risk getting into any more trouble. Tucker pulled his backpack to the desk, removing a laptop Mom and Dad created for him. It was really tiny, so it fit nicely behind the book Sam set up. I reached in my bag, pulling out the Three Days Grace CD and discretely passed it to him. "Cool," Tucker declared in a hushed voice.

"I want to listen to it at lunch," I told him. Tucker nodded, downloading the music.

XXX

When lunchtime arrived, I was so anxious to hear the rest of the CD. I cleared away the snow while Sam set up the compact fridge and Tucker started the music download. Tucker really got into the first track, smiling through the whole song. Even Sam smiled a little at that one but it wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear. How many songs are out there about not lying down and not giving up? Honestly, 'Burn' was just another song that was rewritten and to Sam, that was bad.

"Dude," Tucker called. "If that isn't you, nothing is!"

"What are you talking about," I said as 'Just Like You' started.

"Oh, come on," Tucker called. " 'I'm not always flying, so on the way down I'll watch you burn!' Dude!"

I waved him off, listening to the lyrics of 'Just Like You.' I started beating my foot to the rhythm, really liking this song. I took a drink of soda, losing myself. "You thought you were standing beside me, you were only in my way," I sang, nodding my head, "You're wrong if you think that I'll be just like you!"

Sam smiled, "Finding someone in that song?"

"Yeah," I looked up, gusted. "Vlad! I could be cold, I could be ruthless. You know I could be just like you," I added for measure. Tucker beamed, listening to the lyrics. I hummed to the parts I didn't know too well and sung to the ones I did. They were my friends. They didn't mind my off-chorus singing and I didn't mind Tucker's. Sam had a beautiful voice.

We listened to the rest of the song. I wanted to both hear the next song and skip it. I was afraid I'd be too see through.

But I couldn't stop myself. I nodded my head to that guitar intro: "Every time we lay awake, after every hit we take."

They didn't say anything, even Sam and Tucker getting into the song. We silently laughed at Tucker's pitiful attempt to improve his singing, Tucker even laughing at himself. He was getting better, but it was a long road to haul. After he discovered his singing was so bad, it broke a spell, Tucker became determined to learn to sing. At the end of the song, I took another drink. I haven't heard anything beyond this track. I wondered what else was on it.

When that blaring music came on, to the beat of a dying chicken, Sam lit up. This was her song. This is what had her begging for more. She loved 'Home', the song telling the story of her life. She held it in until the chorus.

"No matter how hard I try, you're never satisfied," Sam sang, the lead singer not even able to hold a candle to her beautiful voice. We let her have her moment of glory, giving her the weapon to release her anger and frustration. Today especially, with what happened with her parents.

When track five came on, none of us had ever heard of it. We listened silently, listening to the lyrics. It was a strange song. I couldn't get what he was singing about, but I got loud and clear what the song meant to us. At the end of the track, I looked to Sam and Tucker. Sam's eyes betrayed her the most, the laughter already lost there. Tucker covered his mouth to keep from laughing. We three burst out laughing.

"Oh, my God," Tucker finished up his bout of the funnies.

"That is Amity Park," I said, controlling my laughter.

"I knew the minute the song started," Sam commented. "This thing is hilarious."

"Oh, come on. You so did not know from the beginning of the song," Tucker challenged.

"You two didn't," Sam retorted back. "'At night I hear it creeping, at night I feel it move. I'll never sleep here anymore. I wish you'd never told me, I wish I never knew. It's all because of you.'"

"You got that from hearing it once," I asked Sam.

"He repeats it a lot," Sam deadpanned. "This town is paralyzed at night. And the wishing, they wished they never learned of the existence of ghosts. We couldn't keep the ghosts out—it's all our faults."

Tucker giggled some more while I laughed a little less heartedly. It wasn't their faults, it's mine.

"That was perfect," Tucker coughed out, his giggle fit over.

"Yeah, I've got to admit it was pretty awesome," I commented, smiling softly.

"You're not the only person to blame, you know," Sam commented. I looked up at her, my face displaying how much I hate how much she knows me. "You know me just as well!" I couldn't help to think about Vlad. He needed to read minds to know what others were thinking. When it came to us, we three could read each other like a book. I've just become a harder book to crack.

I didn't really listen to Track six, having too much fun thinking about the track before that. Track seven had a better beat to it but it wasn't so closely related to our lives. Track eight was just plain weird although it did have a good beat. Track nine was another bitter love song, something about drowning while track ten blew Tucker and I away while it infuriated Sam beyond measure.

Track ten, 'Wake Up,' had a verse that said it all: 'I must be running out of luck, 'cause you're just not drunk enough to fuck.' It sent Tucker and I giggling like schoolgirls while it had Sam boiling like a furnace about to blow it's stack. I don't know why that made me so happy, but I enjoyed that line… which prompted Sam to give us a speech about respecting women.

"Why should we respect them," Tucker shot back, "They don't respect us."

"Besides, Sam, it's not like neither one of us will get a girlfriend any time soon," I commented. "We know better. I don't know about Tuck but I think he feels like I do…"

"Run, baby, run," Tucker took the words right out of my mouth. "We're rooting for her. She doesn't need that kind of crap. It's just funny."

Sam seethed but she did calm down a bit. I finally tuned in to the next track, Track eleven, and it made very little sense to me. I'm fourteen. About the only requirement for a good song to me is a good beat. But I did wonder if it was a love song or something else. Oh, well.

The last track made perfect sense. Track twelve, 'Overrated,' could have two different meanings but I couldn't help but think of the one that could relate to everyone in this town. To me, Vlad was overrated but to this town, they would hear the C-crew. Too many of the former C-crew, now adults, are trying to 'butt' into the town's politics. So, to Dash and his crew, hell yes the C-crew's shit would be overrated.

The bell rang, ending lunch, just before the end of the song. We gathered our belongings, rushing to the gym. The song ended just when we came in through the doors, Tucker placing his PDA back in one of his many pockets. I couldn't believe that we could listen to the entire CD during lunch but we could, but only if we pushed time. If we took our time at the beginning of lunch, we lost time for all the tracks.

XXX

When school was over, Sam and Tucker had to report for detention. Sam and I were in trouble for skipping and Tucker… well, Tucker was in trouble for being an idiot. I know we're dweebs and hardly anyone pays attention to us, but they're going to notice when Sam suddenly has darker skin and turns into a boy… even if said boy is wearing a skirt. Oh, hell, Tuck's right. If we didn't have a substitute teacher, he might have gotten away with it.

"I wanted to witness something horrifying and unimaginable," Sam commented, looking at her ticket for the Goth show. "This is not what I had in mind!" Mr. Lancer was clipping his toe nails.

"We could always go tomorrow," I tried to cheer her up.

"If my parents let me within a hundred feet in front of you," Sam scoffed. We smiled, finding that funny. Luckily, the Manson's had completely forgot about us going to the same school.

"And until then," Tucker said, playing his PDA really quietly behind a propped up book, "We can watch the viral videos."

I looked at the screen, wanting to see what the show would be like. On the screen, I saw the man from my pathetic dreams. I willed myself to scream at Tucker to turn it off, but I couldn't. I felt my control slipping away.

…

I'm looking for a friend of mine, a soft voice called. I fought towards it, trying to fight through the swamp I was traveling through. I couldn't figure out how I got here in this swamp or where exactly the swamp was but I had to find that voice. I knew that voice. It was Sam. I pushed myself towards her, she seeming so far away.

I kept trekking, but she never seemed to get closer. "Sam," I called out as loud as I could, trying to get her attention.

"What's that? Is that free will," a man's voice spoke. I felt a sharp pain impale my insides. He is your master! Obey him! No, I'm no one's puppet. Leave me alone. "Obey me, minion!"

…

A terrified scream cut above the crunching of the branches and the squishing of the mud. I looked around, my instincts kicking in. Sam was on a rope but the rope was cut from under her. I acted immediately, flying after her to catch her. You have no life! Your only purpose is to obey him!

No, I fought. I could feel myself slipping but I fought against it.

"Danny," Sam cried, worried. Obey him! The voice cut through me like a knife and I lost consciousness.

…

I felt the controlling substance lose its hold. It was still overpowering but I could overpower it if I tried hard enough. My friends came into my view but I couldn't do nothing more than speak their names from the far distance. You are nothing but a mere slave! He is the one who matters! Sometime later, I felt the hold losing its strength and I noticed I held something in my hand. Surrounding my friends were the ghosts from earlier and the man. We were all on a train, moving fast.

"Return my staff," the big-nosed man instructed, holding out his hand.

I looked at him, fighting the urge to hand it over immediately. Obey him! No! I don't have to!

"Fight it, Danny," Sam stepped in front of the man. "He's not holding the staff anymore. You are!"

"Silence," the man said, pushing Sam. She caught herself before she fell. "Give me the staff! Come on, give it."

I looked between him and Sam. I knew Sam was right but the voice was so painful.

"I saw you on that high wire. You were fighting him the whole time. Fight him now, Danny! Fight him!"

You can't fight him! He's your master. Give him the staff.

"Hand it over," the man instructed.

"Silence," I cried, bringing my hand to my aching head. They were all just too loud. I want to decide for myself. "I need to think!"

"It's either your friend or that staff, Danny. Which one is it going to be," Sam called, demandingly.

I looked between the two, fighting to choose Sam but the voice screaming at me to choose my master.

"Don't just stand there," the man cried, furious. "Stop her!"

The ghosts forced her to back up, my mind screaming at me to react while the voice told me to hand the staff to the man. "I didn't mean for that to be so literal!" Sam screamed, backing as far as she could. She stepped her foot too far, falling off the train.

"Sam," Tucker's voice screamed. "No!"

Danny, Sam screamed in her mind, the connection reaching me.

"Sam," I spoke, trying to piece it together. She's falling! She'll die! "Sam!"

I rocketed in the air, diving as far as I could. We were over widow maker's ravine, the deepest one in all of Amity Park. Let her die! She doesn't matter. I pushed myself, ignoring the voice as it cut deep in my soul. I reached out, accessing her mind to get her to save herself just in case I couldn't reach her. She was unresponsive, not even a scream coming from her.

The voice screamed at me again, shooting knives through my mind. Return at once to your master! I swooped past her, flexing my arms, the staff falling as I caught her. Sam was unconscious, the fall knocking her out from the lack of oxygen. Get the staff! She doesn't matter! Only it and your master matters. I ignored the voice, ignored the pain, phasing my hands into her, returning the oxygen levels to normal. She started to stir. She's the only thing that matters.

"Danny," Sam called. She looked me in the eyes. My red ones reflected into her purples until I saw the red vanish. I had complete control.

"Are you all right," I asked, feeling everything return in my body.

"Yeah. Are you," Sam asked.

"I done some bad stuff, didn't I," I asked, remembering the dream.

"Nothing you can't fix," Sam commented, smiling softly as I landed on the top of the train. I laid her down gently.

"Sam, thank God," Tucker called, being held by the body builder. "Maybe you could convince Tiny to let go of me now?"

"What happened," the lanky woman asked, looking to her hands.

"Are we free," the midget asked, "Finally free."

"Only one way to find out," I said, glaring at the man. He tried a weak smile but we tackled him, phasing him into the car below.

"Okay," the man said, holding his hands up, "When I called you minions, it was really a term of endearment. Like-like I love my minions!"

"You wanted a big haul, try this on for size!"

I blasted a wooden box above his head, trapping him in the loot he had us steal. I couldn't remember everything about the past few days but I knew this man was to blame.

"Oh, wow, that quite smarted."

He was going to pay for controlling me and more so for nearly killing Sam. This one wasn't going to get off the hook. The train came to a hard stop, sending us all swaying. Sirens surrounded the train, the sound deafening. "What do you say about sticking around and explaining to the cops we were all being controlled by an evil ringmaster?"

The ghosts answered my proposal by phasing out of the car, running for cover. "Ya know, I had a feeling that'd be their answer." I followed them, going to check on Sam and Tucker.

XXX

That night, I returned home, my parents infuriated with me. I went straight up to my room, trying to clear my head from all the events of the day. I didn't want to leave home tonight. I just wanted to stay safe for a day. I couldn't believe how easy it was for him to control me. I fought my hardest but it couldn't do anything. I'm just glad Sam and Tucker were okay. Something snapped my attention to my window, causing me to go to investigate. I looked down, seeing Sam and Tucker climbing up the ladder I had bought and hid behind the bushes below my window.

I smiled down at them, "Want to come up the easy way?"

"Yes," Sam smiled up at me.

"Help Tucker," I said, opening her mind only. I gently lifted her, using my hand to stabilize her. Since Sam would be flying herself, I might as well allow her to bring Tucker. They landed in my room. I shot a beam from my window, lassoing the ladder and gently laying it back in its hiding spot.

"Hey," Tucker greeted, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Hey," I smiled at them. I walked over to my door, locking it and activating the silent proof walls.

"How are you doing," Sam asked me.

"Me," I asked, trying to hide my true feelings. "Fine! Never better."

"It's all right," Sam said, sitting down on my bed. I took the spot towards my headboard and Tucker sat down across from Sam. "You don't have to hide or be ashamed."

"It's just… scary. I can hardly remember anything about the ordeal. I can remember trudging through a swampy area. I guess it just felt that way when I was fighting to gain control."

"You did good," Sam said. "You beat him."

"I don't know if I did or not," I said, lowering my head. "If I had been one second too late. If I didn't get to you when I did, you'd died of air-deprivation long before you would have hit the bottom. You were unconscious when I reached you."

"You saved my life. Thank you," Sam said, kissing my cheek. I touched the spot, surprised I felt it.

"I don't think it counts," I said, retracting my hand. "I'm the one who put you in danger."

"You warned us about the big-nosed man," Tucker said, feeling guilty. "We didn't see the signs."

"It was a pretty vague description," I tried to cheer them up.

Sam scoffed, "It was a dead ringer. I just couldn't see past the man I idled was hurting you!"

"Don't be so hard on yourselves. I didn't see it coming either. Most of my dreams come true anyway when they begin. It happens so fast, it's hard to stop them from happening. It's not exactly the way they describe premonitions or visions. You get caught up in the moment, and there's no director to slow down the day!"

Tucker laughed, "Yeah, nothing seems to slow down when we need it to."

"And when we want it to last, it flies by," I added. "That's life."

"You still did good," Sam commented. I tried to smile at her, trying to take comfort in her words. I couldn't find any.

XXX

I shot awake, my door twisting, someone trying to open it. Sam and Tucker laid beside me on the bed. "Guys, wake up," I called. They sat up, the soft clicking of the door coming through to them now that they were awake. "Keep it up," I said, turning them invisible and opening their minds. "And don't make a sound."

I walked over to my door, stealing a glance at my clock. It was just 10:30 pm. Wow, I would have woke up in a few hours anyway. I can't sleep more than 4 hours. I unlocked my door, the thing flying in as I did the action. My mom came flying in the room, the momentum pushing her inside.

"Danny," Mom said, upset. "Why did you lock the door?"

"I'm sorry," I said, putting my hand behind my neck. "I guess I forgot to unlock it when I got dressed last night. Jazz has a bad habit of coming in unannounced. I didn't want her to come in on me… you know!"

"I thought for a minute that Sam and Tucker might have hid in here," Mom scolded. "Alice called. She said Tucker wasn't in his room."

I looked away, "I don't know where he is. I haven't seen him since we left the Manson's."

"Mm-hmm," Mom commented, not believing me. "And you're not the least bit curious as to where he is."

"Right," I shot up. "I'm a bit sleepy. Did you call the Manson's? Tucker might have went over there?"

"No," Mom shot at me, "You know I haven't called them. Ugh," Mom shot off again. "Now, Sam will call her butler and he will say Tucker was over there and none of this will be heard of again. I hate this town's stupid outlook on children!" Mom walked out of the room and I couldn't help but smile. I closed my door, locking it again. Sam and Tucker resumed being visible, Sam on the phone.

"When Mrs. Fenton calls, Tucker's at my house," Sam told him. "Don't tell my parents."

"Yes, Miss Manson," the butler replied over the ear piece.

Sam closed her cell phone, returning it to my nightstand. I came back over, sitting down on my bed, smiling at them. Tucker smiled too, though his was a bit weary. "Don't worry, Tuck," Sam explained. "It's not like Mr. and Mrs. Foley are like the Fenton's. They know who is boss."

"I'll still get a scolding," Tucker said, his smile returning full force. "Oh, well. It's worth it."

"No, it's not," my smile faded. "You're getting in trouble for me!"

"We get in trouble for each other all the time," Sam explained. "It'll be fine."

The door twisted again. I groaned, resuming the earlier regime. This time the door bent in. I rushed over, opening it before Dad tore it down. "Why did we put a locking mechanism on this door from the inside but not from the outside again?"

"What," I asked, unable to hide my smile.

"You can't say you were getting dressed this time," Mom said, walking into my room. "And why is your silent proof on?"

"I snore," I replied. It was a lie. I hardly breathe when I sleep anymore. Where most people breathe on reflex, I hold my breath now on reflex.

"Where are they," Mom asked me.

"Who," I asked, shrugging my shoulders. I felt my intangibility access and I had to fight from going see-through. Shoot, I didn't warn them about that. I caught myself but if I don't know it's happening, my powers try to make me do it.

"You know who," Dad shot. "Where are Sam and Tucker?"

"I'm grounded, remember," I said, stuffing my hands in my pockets. I looked down. I was still in my jeans. Oh, crap.

"I thought you said you dressed last night," Mom said, catching the action.

My closet door opened, "We're right here, Mr. and Mrs. Fenton."

I shot up. "Guys," I cried, surprised. I thought they were leaving to prevent being caught not to ensure it.

Mom and Dad glared at me, clearly upset.

"It was my idea," Sam falsely admitted. Well, I don't know if she thought of it or not. They just showed up but I wasn't going to let her take the blame.

"You did not," I cut in. "I called them to come over."

"Your phone is broken," Dad informed me. "You didn't use the phone or the computer. How else could you have done it?"

"It was my idea," Tucker objected.

"Now, which one was it really," Mom asked. "Like you said, Jack, it couldn't have been Danny."

"How do you know I didn't e-mail them or P.M. them," I shot back. I wasn't going to let them take the blame for this.

"We've put a tracker on your communications devices," Mom said. "We'll know who you contact and who contacts you."

"What," I screamed. "This is unfair! That's a total violation of my privacy!"

"You don't have privacy," Dad stated. "You're a child."

"Oh, when Samuels hears of this," I threatened, my anger boiling over.

"Yeah, well, let's call him and tell him how you've been slacking off. Let's tell him about the 3 Cs and the 4 Ds and the one B. He'll be thrilled to know you're cutting classes and skipping school," Mom said.

"Mrs. Fenton," Sam shot off. "This isn't fair."

"Young lady, you will stay out of this. We are Danny's parents. We are responsible for him," Mom commented.

"No one is responsible for me," I shot back. "I make my own decisions. I make my own choices. Some are bad but they're mine!"

"Dude," Tucker put his arm on my hand.

"No, it's happening again," I said, turning away from them. "That damn voice is back, telling me what to do!"

"That voice is your mother," Dad said sternly.

"Not you guys," I screamed out. I sat down on my bed. "I want to be in control of my own life. I want to make my own decisions. I want to deal with my own consequences! I don't want someone mapping out my life like a God damn road trip."

"Danny," Mom said, sternly but concern in her voice. "What voices are you hearing?"

"Do good. Do bad. Listen to your parents. Listen to your instincts. Fight for the town. Leave them the hell alone. Include your friends. Protect them. Tell your family. They'll only hurt you," I said, every one becoming louder as I spoke them. More started circling in my head. They became so jumbled, I couldn't separate them. I screamed to rise above the noise, "I can't hear myself anymore!"

Sam took my hands in hers, pulling them down from my head. "Danny, look at me. Look at me," she said sternly. I opened my eyes, the noise so loud. "You are in control of your own life. You make these choices," Sam said. I fought to hear her, the voices overlapping themselves.

"I don't know if I do," I said, my voice so soft. I felt myself slipping. I couldn't stand on my own two feet anymore. Everything went black, the world spinning.

"Danny," I heard the chorus.

XXX

I opened my eyes, looking directly into my ceiling. A large poster of a space shuttle was directly above me. I was on my bed. I sat up, my head spinning. The bed shifted, my friends coming into my sight. "Danny," they asked me, their voices soft and worried.

"What happened," I asked, rubbing my head.

"You passed out," Sam said. "We don't know why. You just went out. Your parents are examining my blood, trying to determine if you're sick," Sam said. I knew what she meant. We couldn't very well give them my blood. The green ectoplasm would be a dead giveaway.

"How did you manage the swamp," I asked.

"She withdrew the blood while I helped them carry you to your bed. She gently placed the pack to your skin, causing it to vanish." I nodded. My parents own invention turned against them. Clever. "Are you okay, now?"

"I think so," I answered.

"When were you going to tell us you were hearing voices," Sam asked me, finally getting to the point they both wanted to get to.

I sighed, "I didn't plan on telling you. They don't disrupt my daily life. Just… every once and a while, I'll hear them louder than normal. I've had so much going on lately that they've actually slipped from my focus. It wasn't until the ordeal yesterday that they resurfaced. I kept hearing a voice telling me to obey him. And when I tried to ignore him…"

The pain on their faces was unbearable. I stopped talking, unable to hurt them anymore. Sam and Tucker's eyes glistened over. "Please, don't stop," Sam begged.

"I can't," I started, then I amended, "I shouldn't. Mom and Dad might be returning."

"Danny," Tucker said softly, "It may hurt to hear you talking but it's always better than keeping it bottled up."

"When it's bottled up, it don't hurt you guys," I said. "It doesn't hurt anyone."

"It hurts you," Sam said, her eyes pleading.

I came to my feet, "I'm fine. It's nothing." I left my room, Sam and Tucker's sighs coming from behind me.

I went into the bathroom, splashing water on my face. I tried focusing on Mom and Dad but I couldn't hear them. The sound proof walls must be activated. I turned myself intangible, letting the water drip from my face back into the bowl. I solidified myself again, looking in the mirror. I choked as Jazz's reflection looked back at me in the mirror.

"Jazz," I cried, turning around. Oh, my God.

"Danny," Jazz said, her eyebrow creased. "What's wrong with you?"

"W-what do you mean," I stuttered. My heartbeat became even more erratic, shooting well past 200 bpm.

"Why are you so upset lately," Jazz said, stepping into the bathroom with me. I looked at her nervously. She closed the door behind her. "You can talk to me. I won't tell anyone what you say."

"You're not a therapist, Jazz," I shot back, trying to sound like her annoyed brother and not the half-ghost who's secret has been exposed. "I don't need to talk to anyone."

"Danny, please," Jazz took hold of my hand. Her eyes widened and I reflexively pulled it away from her.

"Leave me alone," I called, opening the door and running out of the bathroom. This was horrible. Jazz had seen me turn intangible and now she had felt my temperature. Next, she'll tell our parents and they're going to rip me apart, molecule by molecule!

"Danny," Jazz yelled. I ignored her, running to my bedroom.

"Danny," Sam and Tucker asked worriedly.

"I think Jazz saw me turn intangible," I said, looking over my shoulder.

"Just calm down," Sam instructed. "It's better intangibility than anything else. If you don't act suspicious, then she'll just assume her eyes was playing with her."

"You don't understand," I said, my voice going high, "Jazz doesn't assume anything! She finds them out and my parents are going to dissect me!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Tucker scoffed. "When Mom and Dad find out, they'll accept you just like they always do."

"What do you mean 'when,'" I shot at him. "I'll carry this to my grave!"

"Danny," Sam said, locking eyes with me. "Calm down."

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes and tried to do as she told me to. Finally, I felt myself relax. "Okay," I said. "I can keep this secret from Jazz. She won't tell my parents. And they won't kill me."

"They wouldn't do that anyway," Tucker's voice said calmly. "Ow," he added in a loud voice.

I opened an eye, seeing Sam glaring at Tucker and him rubbing his arm, soothingly. Some things never change. I closed my eye again, going back to meditating. Finally, I opened both eyes, calm once again.

"There we go," Sam said soothingly. Tucker stopped rubbing his arm, either from the pain leaving or to keep me from seeing. I don't know for sure.

"Thanks, Sam," I said, locking eyes with her the way she did with me.

"That's what friends are for," Sam smiled at me.

The door opened and my parents walked in the room. "Danny," Mom called, running over to me. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I told her. "I'm sorry. I probably wasn't breathing correctly or something."

"Honey, I think I'm going to call a therapist," Mom said slowly.

"What," I stated, confused.

"You need to talk to someone. You're under so much pressure. If you won't talk to one of us, maybe you need someone who won't judge you," Mom said.

"I'm not talking to any quack. I don't care. I don't trust therapists. All they do is try to characterize everything you do. To a therapist, nothing is done in instinct. I know otherwise!"

"Sweetie, your sister isn't a therapist yet. They teach you how to handle a patient appropriately," Mom said.

"No," I replied. "I'll muddle through."

"Sweetheart, talk to someone," Mom begged.

"I'm fine," I said, turning away. I was met with Sam and Tucker's worried gazes. I turned from them to see Dad's. "Ugh, stop that. All of you! I'm fine."

"No, you're not Danny," Dad replied. "You're hearing voices. That is not the definition of fine."

"It's not real voices," I lied. "It's just suggestions… things that I want to do or should do. It's not actual people telling me what to do!" Mom's eyes still held mine. Her deep blue eyes stayed locked with my baby blues. I tried to pull away but that look was so powerful. I sighed, walking over to her. "If I talk to you some more, would you drop the therapist idea?"

"If you tell me the truth," Mom said, those eyes still boring into my soul. I felt like the Earth and Mom was a drill. She kept digging into me, extracting anything she needed to find out what she wanted to know. I desperately tried to pull out of those eyes, but the incline was just too high. Every time I tried, I fell back in the pit.

"I can't tell you everything," I tried to get through to her. "There is something… I'm dealing with that I can't tell anyone but I promise you that I will tell you everything I can."

Mom pulled me into a hug, finally releasing me from that stare. I felt so exposed… so vulnerable. I returned the hug, holding onto Mom like it was the last hug I'd ever get. Hell, with whatever Vlad is going to do tomorrow in St. Louis, it might be the last hug I get.

XXX

Sam, Tucker and I came down the stairs later that morning, ready to get this Saturday started. I entered into the kitchen, Mom having already made breakfast. We took our seats, Mom handing out the plates. Dad and Jazz descended the stairs shortly after us, taking their seats. Jazz stared at me for a moment longer than normal and I stuffed the fear into a box I've created in my body… okay, not a real box but you get what I mean.

I took a bite of egg, not tasting anything. Sam and Tucker looked at me for a moment, but began to eat anyway. I picked up the orange juice and took a drink. I swallowed hard, my stomach doing summersaults. I covered my mouth, rushing from the table to the sink. I coughed up the orange juice, my sight swimming.

"Honey," Mom asked, concerned. I noticed all eyes were on me. Tucker and Sam's were huge, fear and curiosity swimming.

"I'm fine," I breathed, my stomach wrenching. I coughed up more juice, my body swaying. I turned on the sink, washing out my mouth. "That juice tasted horrible."

"It tastes fine to me," Dad said, though the worry was evident.

"I don't know," I chuckled weakly. "Maybe it wasn't what I wanted."

I walked over to the cabinet and picked up a glass. I started to get some water, but I changed my mind and went to the fridge. I picked up the apple juice and poured a glass.

I tentatively took a sip and it tasted fine. A sudden urge to down it came over me but I suppressed it. The urge screamed at me again and I took a bigger drink. Things just keep getting weirder and weirder.

I sat down at the table and began to eat again. I couldn't taste anything but for some reason if I tried to touch that orange juice, I would get sicker than a dog. I swear, maybe that saying is right: Drink apple juice because OJ will kill you.

XXX

We all took a seat in the living room, all eyes falling on me. Sam, Tucker and Jazz's(?) eyes all held worry but Mom and Dad looked expectantly at me. I took a deep breath, trying to find a way to cease all the worrying but not cause more questions, or worse, answers.

"Okay," I said, forcing myself to breathe. "I've been having problems lately because of the ghosts. I haven't been hunting, but I'm afraid someone is going to get hurt. I've been carrying one of your trackers and when a ghost comes into range, I leave class to make sure no one is around. If the ghost is spotted, I help people escape. If no one spots the ghost, I keep my eye on it to make sure nothing bad happens. Usually before things get out of hand, the ghost boy shows up and chases away the ghost. He never knows I'm there. He just… guards his turf."

"Sweetheart, why didn't you tell us," Mom asked me, her eyes mellowing.

"I was born premature," I explained. "You freak out over the simplest things. I didn't want a repeat of the first day of ghost hunting camp: dog-attack costume. I wanted to do something that could make a difference. I am the reigning champion of the camp after all."

"Danny, honey, I was worried it was something serious. I don't mind you protecting your fellow students as long as you don't face the ghosts. I'm certain you could help children escape where they might actually make a critical mistake. I don't mind that," Mom said, her eyes kind.

"Yeah," Dad beamed, "and one day when you're old enough, you can join us in a real ghost fight. Maybe we'll catch the ghost boy and rip him apart, molecule by molecule."

I gulped, "Sure, Dad, sounds… fun."

Tucker fell over on the couch, laughing. Sam grabbed him by the tender spot on his neck, bringing him to an upright position, his laughter traded in for a chorus of 'ow's.'

Sam and Jazz glared at him, Tucker shrinking. Sam turned to Jazz, her eyes looking confused.

"That's not very nice," Jazz shot in, her eyes escaping Sam's accusing ones. "He used to be a real boy and now he's a ghost. That doesn't give you the right to study him like one of your experiments!"

"Jazz, honey, you don't understand. The ghost boy could help us further our research. Just studying him in our lab could open numerous doors."

"The same way that opening a portal to the Ghost Zone could give you more information in just two minutes than what you've learned over all of twenty years," Sam shot back. "He may not be alive anymore but it doesn't mean that he doesn't have the right to exist!"

"I never said anything about removing him from existence," Mom said, coolly. "Jack just gets excited. We would do some tests on him to help us learn about his species. It's just like when someone collects a wild animal. Most times they're returned to the wild and on the off condition that they're not, they always live the rest of their lives in the zoo."

"You mean cages," Tucker shot back, now his turn to not find this funny. "Let's put you in a cage for the rest of eternity and see if you'll like it."

"Sam, Tucker," I said slowly. They turned to me and I shook my head no.

"Oh, that's easy for you to say," Tucker shot back. "You're not the one who has to deal with the guilt."

"Guilt," I asked. "Why would you feel guilty about that? It wouldn't be your fault if that happens."

Sam's eyes widened, "You haven't…"

"No," I smiled. "Actually, I've had some pretty good ones about that. I don't trust them because it's such a delicate balance. I don't get enough information to find out what could possibly alter the outcome. You know, the future is always changing."

"Okay, spill," Mom barked at me.

"Sorry," I said, looking at her. "One of the two things I can't explain."

"Two things," Tucker asked me, confused.

"Yeah," I said, looking down. "The other thing is even excluded from you guys."

"So help me if I find out he hurt you," Sam began, her temper flaring.

"Sam, calm down. It's nothing you know about," I tried to keep her from saying something I may come to regret.

"Who," Mom cried. "Who could have hurt Danny?"

"Hey," I cried, upset. "No fair! You can't ask them to tell you something!"

"Then answer my questions when I ask them. I will get answers any way I can. All is fair in love and war and when you step between a mother and her son, it's both," Mom replied. She turned to Sam, "Who are you talking about?"

"Sorry," Sam looked at me. "I'm Danny's friend. That means I keep Danny's secrets from you."

I smiled at her, grateful. I locked eyes with Tucker and I could see the crack in the dam of emotions.

"Hey, Tuck," I said. "Stay strong."

"But what if Sam's right. What if it does have something to do with that," Tucker asked, his eyes full of grief and sorrow. "Is the Dude Code worth your safety? I don't think so!"

"Tucker, if you break the Dude Code, my safety is jeopardized. I wouldn't risk anything too serious. Come on," I said, softly.

"Tucker, do what's right here," Mom said, looking him in the eyes.

"I am," Tucker said, looking at me. "I'm Danny's friend. That means I keep Danny's secrets from you."

"Is that an oath or something," Jazz snapped. "I've been told that too!"

"No," Sam said. "The oath is the guardian of the secret."

I groaned, rolling my eyes. They take that role very seriously.

"The secret," Mom asked. "A specific one?"

"When it comes to matters of Danny, it's the secret," Tucker said. "Nothing else matters. When you are entrusted in that secret, you guard it with your life and you threaten anyone who threatens it."

"That's enough," Sam barked.

"Yes," Tucker backed down.

"You two," I rolled my eyes again. "It's not that big of a deal… well, it is, but it doesn't mean it's worth that kind of attention."

"That's the only thing that matters," Sam replied. "Without it, we have nothing."

"You only say that because you hope one day it will include you," I said, "In an active manner."

"It will soon," Tucker said, his eyes gleaming. "I can't wait!"

"Can we please wait the five years," I asked them.

"No," both shot at me. I groaned.

"Why are you two so desperate to walk that damned line," I threw my hands up in the air.

"I hate this," Mom declared. "What are you talking about?"

"If we told you, we'd have to kill you," Tucker said but there was absolutely no humor in his voice.

"Tucker," I scolded. "It's not that severe!"

"You'd like to pretend it is," Tucker shot at me. "You really don't believe they'll accept you."

"This is driving me nuts," Mom declared. "What are you talking about?"

Sam stood up, snapping her fingers, "Follow me." Tucker and I stood up but Mom, Dad and Jazz stood up too. I chuckled as Sam added: "Not you three."

"Talk to you guys later," I said, disappearing upstairs.

XXX

"Are you two trying to expose the secret," Sam scolded us, turning on the silent proof walls. "Tucker, check the cameras. Make sure they're still off."

Tucker pulled out his PDA, "Yes, sir!"

Sam glared at him but eventually laid her kind eyes on me, "Danny, we really need to come up with a cover story. Your parents are too close."

"The more reason to leave the cover story alone. When I come up with something on the whim, it sounds plausible. It's something they teach you at camp. If you make it up beforehand, it will sound rehearsed."

"But wouldn't your parents know how to spot a half-baked story," Sam asked me, concerned.

"I don't come up with a half-baked anythings. I pause for a moment while I'm really thinking up the plan and when I speak, it sounds like I've resigned and told them the truth. Trust me. It works all the time. You're talking to the boy who his parents didn't know he didn't believe in ghosts until he became one."

"Camera is still off," Tucker said, looking up. "And I put a password on it so they can't turn it on."

"Thanks, Tuck," I said, looking around the room. "We need to be careful about what we say over communication devices. If we need to talk about something, we'll meet here or at the headquarters when I open it."

"When will it be ready," Sam asked me.

I sighed, "Contractor says it will be ready in one week. He's had some difficulty getting to and from the location. It may work when keeping its location a secret but it's a bitch to go to and fro."

"I can't wait to get TPHQ up and running. I want to remove all this incriminating evidence from your parents' house," Sam replied.

"Tell me about it," I replied. "Before, I just hiding the fact I changed my DNA profile. Now, I'm hiding that I'm Phantom. It isn't the same anymore."

XXX

Sam, Tuck and I headed out at six o'clock like usual and patrolled for the four hours we always do. Things were normal, nothing too extreme and nothing too minor. I walked them home, getting attacked on the way back. Same old, same old. I came home, got yelled at for missing curfew and went to bed. However, what wasn't same old, same old was Vlad was upstairs waiting on me.

I closed my door quickly, hitting the silent proof button. Why don't I just leave that thing on? "What are you doing here? Your note said you'd see me tomorrow!"

"And I will," Vlad answered. "I just had no way to reach you. That's why I left you a note."

"Dad destroyed my cell phone that I got after you took my other," I said, glaring at him. "I'd like it back!"

"Sorry," Vlad said. "It blew up in Wisconsin."

I groaned, "What do you want then?"

"Tomorrow at noon is when I'm coming to pick you up. You'll be with me all day tomorrow, so don't worry about when to be back. I'll return you when you go to school Monday. Man, your parents are mad. I tried to get them to let you come with me but I ended up erasing the meeting from their memories. They blame me for your mood changes."

"Where have you been," I asked, my voice low. I shook a strange feeling I had, changing my tone of voice, "I mean, what's took you so long?"

"I've been… thinking. We'll talk tomorrow. Don't you worry," Vlad said, walking over to me. I caught myself reaching for him but I shoved it away. What is wrong with me? Vlad's lips brushed mine and I fought the urge to return it. Vlad hesitantly removed himself from our… I mean his kiss. I breathed hard, a funny feeling rushing through my head. "See you tomorrow at noon."

"What do I tell them," I asked, my heart beating.

"Nothing. You'll have an excuse," Vlad replied. His eyes traced mine for a minute and I shook another feeling from my body. "Goodnight, Daniel." Vlad teleported out, taking a deep breath if I'm not mistaken.

"Goodnight, Vlad," I said after he'd gone. I stared at the spot he was last at. Come on, Fenton, get a grip. What's wrong with me?

XXX

"It's called magnetism," my grandmother explained to me early this morning. "It's where two uncoupled ghosts of the same power level are drawn to each other in an unyielding force. Ghosts are just like humans and they're not meant to be alone. However, once a person dies, the need becomes even stronger. What we fail to understand in the human realm is we do have soul mates. We are destined for each other and when we die it proves it. If we married our soul mate, the power level will be the same.

"If two ghosts have two different power levels, they aren't meant to be. Sometimes, the one you're destined to be with died before you could meet them. Sometimes, they're not from this world. If two ghosts that are married are from different power levels, the attraction they once felt will vanish. The way humans are attracted to looks or wealth, ghosts are attracted to power. The couple will fall apart."

"So I'm falling in love with Plasmius because he is the only other eleven," I asked, completely surprised.

"Yes," Grandma said sadly. "And there's nothing you can do about it."

"The hell there's not," Grandpa said. "The boy is meant to be with Sam. We have five grandchildren from that couple!"

"David, you know as well as I do the future is always changing."

"Wait a minute," I said, confused. "Five! I only know of three."

"You must not have had the dream about when you've been half ghost for twenty-one years," Grandpa said. "You and Sam have been under pressure with three teenaged children and one night, on patrol, you kind of… yeah, this is weird with my grandson."

"And it's not so pleasant with my grandfather," I said, turning away. "How on Earth… you know what, I'll dream it when I get home." A thought occurred to me, "I want to watch it anyway."

Grandma smirked at me, "Well, good luck honey. If you need us, always know the Fire Queen is at your beck and call."

I flew home, watching the minutes tick by so fast. Soon, Mom would be up and she'd make breakfast. I sat in the living room, all the lights turned off. Once again, while I prayed for time to stand still, it apparently decided to fly clear out of the park. At noon, the doorbell rang from downstairs where I was dressing in that stupid monkey suit Vlad had sent me home in. I always wondered why I didn't destroy that thing?

I came down to find my parents talking to thin air. Mom and Dad were communicating with something I couldn't see. Go to the limo, I heard a voice in my head say. I walked outside, knowing it must be Vlad.

Outside was a big black limo, reeking of Vlad. I walked to the door, it opening automatically. Vlad sat on the inside, his legs crossed, "Good afternoon, Daniel."

"What are they seeing," I asked him as I came into the back.

"Samuels," Vlad informed me, the door closing without any interference.

"Samuels," I asked, shocked. "How did you… never mind. What is Samuels telling them?"

"You're needed in Washington. He's taking you for the evening, you'll be staying with him through the night, and he will drop you off at school. They are much more lenient with him than they were with me."

"They haven't seen you in twenty years," I commented. "Samuels has been a part of my life all my life."

"Oh well. The point is that you and I have now and until school starts tomorrow to spend together." Vlad grabbed my hand, kissing it quickly, "I cannot tell you how long I've waited for this moment."

My pulse quickened and I fought the urge to lean it. Damn it, I will not fall for this trap! Just because he and I are the only elevens in the universe does not mean that I will fall into his arms. I'm meant to be with Sam. I'm meant to have my three, five, whatever children. Do not fall into this pit, Danny! Fight it.

Vlad's lips brushed against mine as I felt the limo kick into gear, driving off. My lips moved against his ever so lightly but I forced them still. Vlad leaned into me, pushing me against the cushions. My lips kicked up again, wrapping around his in an intricate pattern. I stopped as soon as I caught on to what I was doing but the urge was so impossibly strong. Vlad's hand slid down my waist, grabbing my right hip.

I moaned through his lip, the feeling driving me insane. It was no longer just a dream who desired Vlad. I wanted him. No! Fight it, damn it! It's just some stupid law that doesn't apply to us. We're freaks of nature! That means we can bend the rules of nature. My lips curled in with his, Vlad's saliva mixing with mine. I moaned, the taste of his breath tantalizing. I could taste him. It wasn't bland—it was real!

Vlad introduced his tongue to my mouth and I welcomed it. The taste of peppermint and methanol lingered on my tongue. Vlad grabbed my hip, holstering me to straddle him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, sucking in the taste. That's what I wanted. I could taste him on my lips.

Vlad placed his hands just on the inside of my coat, kissing me all the while. Ever so lightly, he sheathed it from my back. Once the coat hit the cushion, Vlad pulled on my undershirt. The action caused it to come out to lay against my body, untucked. I kissed him deeper, drawing in as much of his taste as I could.

Vlad's hands traveled up my spine from where he pulled my shirt out, his fingers causing a tingle. Vlad slipped the shirt over my head, the air nipping at my flesh. It wasn't cold, that's not what I'm saying. I could feel the air from the heater hitting my back. I could taste and now I could feel. I don't get it but I want more of it.

This is where I've been, Vlad replied inside my mind. I've been trying to discover the secret of this. I've never felt this phenomenon before.

I don't get it, I replied. I shouldn't be able to taste, I shouldn't be able to feel but I can. Your taste is so sweet to me. Your hands, it's spellbinding!

I feel the same way, Vlad replied. Never, ever have I felt something for one of my bitches. You are a first Daniel. You make me sick, you make me weak, you make me want you.

But I don't want to feel this way, I thought. I didn't want to say that to him. I wanted him to continue what he was doing. But I couldn't hide how I felt.

It's okay, Vlad replied. I get it. That's why it's taken me so long to return. When I figured out what I wanted, I kept thinking it over. I can't expect you to return the way I feel, but I can do something for you. I won't hurt you again. If you obey me, I will never hurt you like that again.

I want you, I thought to myself. God only knows how much I've missed you and loved every minute you've been gone. I just don't understand it. I don't think I'll ever get over this, but I want the feeling. Can we have a mutual agreement? It's not only me who's reaping the benefits.

Of course, Vlad replied. We both get to feel, I get to have you and you don't have to feel pain. We all win.

Feeling pain isn't the problem, I replied. Sometimes, pain is a good thing.

XXX

What have I done? I pulled myself away from Vlad, trying to put as much distance between he and I but Vlad pulled me back towards him, his hand having a possessive hold on me. I tried to regulate my breathing but I just couldn't believe what I just did. Vlad didn't hold a gun to my head. He didn't threaten my family unless I surrendered to him. I just had sex with Vlad willingly. This isn't right!

Vlad pulled me close, holding me against his chest. My shirt and coat lay discarded on the other line of cushions while my pants laid crumpled around my ankles. Vlad was dressed from the waist up but his pants laid like mine. I had sex with Vlad. This isn't happening. I wouldn't do this willingly, I couldn't give myself over to him like that. This isn't happening.

There's nothing to be ashamed of, Daniel, Vlad replied coolly. It would have happened whether or not you had consented. This just made it easier on yourself.

Then why do I feel so damn terrible, I shot back mentally.

"I don't know," Vlad spoke aloud. He pulled his pants up, tucking his shirt in. "Why do you?"

"Because I swore I'd never give in to you," I shot at him, yanking my pants up haphazardly.

"Daniel, we all make promises we can't keep," Vlad spoke. I turned away from him, the unshed tears in my eyes stinging.

"Why," I shot at him. "Why must I always falter to you? Damn you, I'm stronger than this! You make me feel so damn powerless!"

"Daniel," Vlad said, his voice disapproving. "We have been over this before. It's only because you are a hybrid. Those other ghosts couldn't stand a chance against you."

"That can't be the only reason," I said, turning back to face him. I wanted to kick myself the minute I did. I was letting him in to one of my vulnerabilities. "I may draw strength from both worlds, but I wasn't a weakling before the accident. That has to stand for something!"

Vlad pulled me towards him, forcing me to rest my head on his shoulder, "Hush, now. We'll be in St. Louis soon."

I laid still but I desperately wanted to pull away. Here, I could feel his warmth, I could feel how his chest rose and fell, I could smell his cologne, and I could smell the aroma of his taste. I wanted to forget those things. Being here, being so close to my old life made me want it even more. Wanting it made me consider erratic decisions. I didn't want that.

XXX

Soon, the limo came to a stop. Vlad straightened his coat and proceeded to straighten mine. The limo door opened, Vlad's driver holding it open for us to exit. Vlad ducked out of the limo and waited for me to come stand beside him. Once outside the limo, I noticed we were in the shopping district of Saint Louis. I couldn't believe my eyes. Some of the best-known suit and dress designers are in this very neighborhood. Wait a minute.

"Yes," Vlad answered. "We are here to shop for you and for me as well. I've had little time to restock my supplies from when my home blew up two weeks ago. I've been dealing with the merger and with the insurance payout. I haven't had time to do much else."

"So why include me," I asked, confused. "And why do I need to have suits. I'm fine in my regular clothing."

"Daniel," Vlad scolded, "I can't have my apprentice wearing rags."

"I'm not your apprentice," I retorted. "And I don't wear rags!"

"Nevertheless, you will be accompanying me for many outings. I want you looking the part," Vlad answered.

"Great," I groaned. I followed Vlad into one of the shops, the driver and another man trailing behind us. This was going to be a long day.

XXX

The limo kicked into gear, taking us further from the last shop we had visited. It was incredibly late. I believe Vlad had dragged me to every shop in St. Louis. It was now after midnight. Not too many shops should still be open. A small dome light illuminated the cab though I could see perfectly without it and I'm sure Vlad could too. Boxes and bags of all shapes and sizes sat around us.

Vlad pulled me in, the touch on my arm causing goose bumps. Vlad's fingers gently brushed my cheek, causing me to lean into his warm touch. I could feel my defenses literally crumbling. When he touched me, I could feel it. I no longer desired to stop the pain. The pain was worth it if I could feel the other emotions.

Vlad moved in closer, his lips a breath from my own. I could taste him already and I wanted to seal the deal. I wanted his tongue in my mouth so the taste would be more prominent. I leaned in, surrendering again. Our lips met and I worked my tongue into his mouth. Instantly, the flavors rushed, each one stronger than the last. I wrapped my arms around his neck, getting deeper in the kiss. Finally, I straddled him.

Vlad's hands went to my hips and he started to rub his hands against my clothing. A moan escaped my lips and entered his mouth as the sensation caused me to desire him more. I deepened the kiss, my hands going for his coat. It slipped harmlessly to the cushion. I was going to have sex with Vlad again. I was willing to pay any price to feel again.

XXX

I felt like a teeter-totter. The variables never changed but the outcome was always changing. I was in control of myself. I knew what I was doing and I was prepared to deal with the consequences but as soon as the deed was done, I desperately wished to change the outcome. Vlad held on to me possessively again, a small gesture to remind me I was still his. I wasn't his equal… I wasn't even his apprentice. I was still his bitch. I was just giving it over willingly.

We were on our way back to Amity Park now, the trip an hour ride. Vlad told me we would not be getting for any sleep tonight. I was trying to get some sleep now but my mind was racing too fast for sleep. I know one thing for sure. I would suffer tomorrow at school.

I glanced at my wrist watch, the display reading twelve-thirty. I wanted out of his grasp but wanted to stay wrapped up in his arms at the same time. Inside I still hated Vlad for what he's put me through, but simultaneously I can feel again because of him.

Shouldn't that count for something?

No! He's hurt me and he's caused my life a living hell. What part of that is forgivable? What part of him is sacrificing anything now? What is he giving up for me? How much have I given up for him?

But would you be able to have any senses without him?

I could feel after I was slashed with that Ectoranium.

True, but look what you had to sacrifice to get that feeling. Do you plan to go through that again to get a similar result? With Vlad, it's simple. Just have sex with him. Just stay near him. Is it really that hard?

How can you say that? What part of this deal isn't as painful as the Ectoranium? Sure, he may have not hurt us but that doesn't mean he won't do it later. What's to say as soon as we surrender completely, he won't take us and the Vlad we see disappears forever. What if this is his plan?

The voice became quiet again. I haven't had a conversation with 'myself' in a long time. Not since before the reunion. I'm not exactly sure what it means but I started hearing it after I became half ghost. Whenever something… life changing or impacting happens, I hear the voice. It's like the voice of reason.

Although I don't always agree with his reason.

I looked over in Vlad's direction, his eyes closed peacefully. I could actually feel his hand possessively wrapped around my shoulder although I was not looking at the action. I could feel his chest rising and falling and I could feel his hot breath come down on my head. It was so calming, to be able to feel these otherwise innocuous activities. To anyone else, these things would be taken for granted. To me, they were precious as gold.

I wrapped my arm around Vlad's waist, wanting something concrete to hold on to. If I closed my eyes, I could imagine he was anyone else. I breathed in his scent, the action calming me down. I could feel myself slipping, the aroma relaxing me into slumber. I took a deep breath, bringing in the scent and pretending it was Sam's shampoo I was breathing.

XXX

I awoke to small pattering footsteps, something small slamming into the bed. I sat up stretching, looking into the shinning blue eyes of a small black haired boy. His hair was messy like mine but it didn't quite resemble mine. A body beside mine sat up too, her arms stretching into the air above her head.

"Good morning, D.J.," the woman beside me said, smiling sleepily.

"Mommy, Daddy," the little boy cried up, hanging on my arm.

"What is it, Little Man," I asked, looking into his handsome face. He wasn't older than three.

"Is it time to get up," the little boy asked, his articulation of the words much greater than his years.

"I guess it is," the girl responded. I couldn't tell who she was but I had a sinking suspicion. My future-self hadn't taken his eyes off of our son.

"Sammy and Pammy are still sleeping. Can you wake them up," D.J. asked, looking into my eyes.

"You wanna wake them up the Phantom way," I asked.

"Yeah," he cried, excited. "Mommy, will you come?"

"How could I miss it," she replied. I looked over to her, Sam's face coming into my vision. Her hair was longer but her eyes were the same beautiful amethyst. Sam gently tossed the covers to the side, standing to her feet. I picked up my son, removing my eyes from my beautiful wife. I stood up with D.J. in my arms, carrying him gently.

"D.J.," Sam called from behind me. "Are you ready to turn to P.J.?"

"Yeah," D.J. cried. He concentrated, the power building from his small frame. My arms shook from the excursion being released from our son. Finally, a blinding white light exploded from my arms and I had to close my eyes from the assault. When I opened them again, in my arms was a pure white haired young boy, his green eyes shining up at mine. His outfit was pitch black, a symbol on his chest that resembled a 'P' and a 'J' connected. The power radiating off of him could easily surpass both Sam's and my own.

"Good job, son," Sam replied, her voice cheerful.

"Daddy, Mommy, go Phantom. Go ghost," D.J. called.

"Who do you want to go first," I asked him.

He put his gloved hand to his mouth, pondering the question. His eyes lit up as he came to his solution. I heard Sam yelp and my future-self instantly turned to her. "Now you both can change at the same time," D.J. said from my arms.

"I can watch Mommy from over here," another D.J. said from Sam's arms.

"When did you learn to duplicate your form," I asked, looking at my version of our twin son.

"I don't really know," Sam's version replied. "I just been watching you, Mommy, Aunt Jazz, Aunt Valerie, Uncle Tucker and Aunt Dani do it. I tried it and I could do it."

"We'll I'm very proud of you, Little Man," I replied.

"I am too, pumpkin," Sam replied, kissing his head.

"Mommy," D.J. cried dismally. "Not the hair!"

"And you wonder why he's a Daniel Junior," Sam smiled in my direction.

"No," I shot back playfully, "I just wonder when all the Dannys will stop?"

I triggered my rings, Sam copying my action across the room. I looked back at Sam, her black hair now snowy white, her violet eyes now a cool orange and her night slip converted into a form fitting, mid-drift exposing one piece. Her costume looked almost identical to the one she wears currently, but her purple leggings were traded in for orange in color. Her combat boots, long since traded in for black dress boots, still remained but now with her alter ego, Gothic Angel Phantom, Danny Phantom's wife.

I released D.J. from my arms, allowing him to float on his own. I lifted off the ground, floating casually in the air. Sam came to float beside us, her hand gently brushing my cheek. I closed my eyes, embracing her touch with every fiber of my being. Her fingers gripped gently around my head, Sam's body crushing against mine. Her lips entangled with mine, our kiss deepening with every passing second. Her taste, her touch, her smell, it all graced my sensors.

"Mommy, Daddy," the two D.J.'s called in unison.

Sam's lips pulled from mine. "I think our son is annoyed," Sam spoke softly. I opened my eyes, taking in Sam's soft luminescent tangelo eyes as they lit up in a smile.

"He does have my temper," I smiled back.

"You two can do that later," D.J. cried out, upset, after he became one again. "We need to wake up my sisters!"

I kissed Sam quickly, moving in to follow D.J. to the girls' rooms. D.J. flew into Sammy's room first, the small girl of eight laying curled in on herself. D.J. floated over towards his sister, Sam and I standing in the doorway, watching amused.

D.J. crept over his sister, ready to launch his attack when a bust of energy came from the bed, blowing D.J. through Sammy's bedroom wall. I heard D.J. grunt a floor below us. Sammy floated in the air, rolling over to face her bed, laughing uncontrollably. D.J. floated up through the bedroom floor, glaring at his sister.

"I can't believe you fell for that," Sammy laughed, her childish giggling obstructing her voice.

"No fair, Sammy," D.J. cried out.

"Like you weren't planning on doing the same thing to me," Sammy shot back, her giggling stiffened.

D.J. shot a glare at her but didn't retort any words back at his sister. Sammy floated into the air, triggering her own rings. The flash was bright but more resembling the genesis generation than the naturally born generation. Sammy's pajamas dissolved away into a black costume resembling mine currently, but no insignia like her siblings.

Sammy's eyes were my same green and her hair a snowy white. Sammy floated over into my arms, grabbing a hold of me tightly.

"Hey there, butterfly," I said, holding onto my daughter just as tightly. D.J. floated over to Sam, resting in her arms. Sammy has yet to name her ghost form but my dreams tell me she will become Claire Phantom. She will turn her middle name into her ghost name just like Jazz did.

We floated into Pammy's room, D.J. flying over to her bed. Pammy jumped out of the bed, trying her best to cause D.J. to have a similar reaction that Sammy had produced. However, a Phantom doesn't get fooled twice, D.J. glowing a bright green. His body shaped into a box of chocolates before Pammy caught onto the trick. Sam winced, knowing our daughter was going to have a heart attack. Pammy looked around surprised, looking in the direction of us three.

Pammy looked back to her bed, where she was sensing her brother. Seeing the chocolates, Pammy tried to pick them up. As her five year old fingers graced the top, D.J. transformed back into himself, crying: "Boo!"

Pammy let out a shriek, completely taken by surprise. D.J. started laughing uncontrollably, finally getting one on one of his sisters. Pammy screamed, completely furious. She leapt at him, turning intangible, tacking him through the floors again. Sam and I listened together, training our ears to their sibling quibble. I sunk through the floor, holding Sammy as I did. Pammy might be able to hold her own, but none of us compare to D.J.'s reserves of strength. With his age, he could accidently hurt Pammy.

"All right," I said, ending the squabble. The two of them floated up to look at me, Pammy already in her costume. Being the least powerful of the two, Pammy's outfit was designed to stand out. Her outfit was a one piece suit with the mid drift exposed.

Her sleeves cut short in a cute cut-off cuff but her gloves reached well above her elbows, the skin barely visible. In the middle of her chest was a midnight-blue filled rectangle, white sparkling stars covering the shape. At the top of her gloves and above the cuff of her boots were the same shapes, although they were more designed as boarders. Above her belt was the name 'MidNite Phantom' written in white Franklin Gothic Medium font.

"Daddy," Pammy cried, her eyes looking into mine. "Why did you let him do that to me?"

"Pamela," I said slowly, picking her up in my free arm, "I didn't allow him to do that to you. He's your brother. Believe me, your siblings will torment you for the rest of your life. Mine still do," I added playfully.

"Really," Pammy looked at me, her eyes wondering. "You are still bugged by your siblings."

"Yes," I said, brushing my nose to hers. "Jazz, Tucker and Dani bug me all the time."

Pammy beamed at me, excited to share something with me. My children are my world and I am their world in their eyes. I don't understand why they try to mirror my every move but all my children struggle to be the most like me. To me, I aim to be more like them: powerful, beautiful, sweet and generous. To me, nothing I can do can stand up to their efforts.

"We have the best kids in the world, don't we," Sam said, laying her hand on Pammy's shoulder and looking in my eyes.

"Best children in the universe," I amended, looking back into her own.

Pammy removed herself from my arms, floating between Sam and I.

"Let's go get some breakfast," Sam remarked, gently pushing Pammy further into the home as she turned in that direction. I dropped my arm from where I had her cuddled with me to lay on her long, snowy white hair. D.J. jumped into Sam's arms as she started towards the dining room, relaxing in his mother's touch. I packed Sammy while Pammy floated between us, a location she wanted to be in more than anything. Pammy wasn't loved less than Sammy or D.J., she just loved Sam and I equally and wanted to be a part of us both.

We all flashed our rings, the Phantom family once again becoming the Fenton family before we walked into the dining room to be served breakfast. Our three children sat on one side of the table while Sam and I sat on the opposite side awaiting our family. Soon, Tucker, Valerie, Jazz, Dani, Joseph and the six children came running in.

Joseph was Jazz's husband and the couple's three children trailed behind them. Tucker and Valerie walked in, a toddler bouncing between them. Courtney would be their only child but she was the center of the two's world.

Dani is the strangest person to explain. I don't know her in the present but I've had a few dreams about her. I consider her my sister and my cousin but as to who she really is, I don't have a clue. She playfully pushed two 12 year old twin boys, Jacky and Jamie, to follow the three children Jazz brought. The oldest of Jazz's, Joey, was ten years old. The other two were Jazz and Joseph's three year old twins, Philip and Tessa.

Once our family was complete, Sam waved for the butler to begin breakfast. The genesis generation sat on one side of the table while the natural born generation sat together on the other side. Sam and I held hands, the feeling present in the tips of my fingers. Tucker, to my left, grabbed my shoulder playfully. I looked in his direction, feeling that as well.

One thought happily rung out in my future-self's mind: the more Halfas, the more you feel. And I have an entire family of them.

XXX

I shot awake, my vitals reviving. I felt Vlad's hand still wrapped around my waist but it was nothing like I felt in my dream. This was only a small sample of my future. When that time came, this moment wouldn't even compare.

AN: Please drop me a line. I'd like to send out a shout out to my wonderful reviewers. I love the feedback you guys give me. Please, send me any feedback you wish to share. I love to read your take on my work. Chrissie Guenever, thank you so much for your kind words. PrincessBetty01, you rock! You read my entire story in one day? Not even I can do that! Forever-stained-crimson, you've reviewed me several times. Thank you! The rest of my wonderful reviewers, thank you so much! Really, from the bottom of my heart.

Team04Phantom