Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom or Twilight.

AN: This story contains rape and male sex.

Chapter 14: Sacrifices

When the limo came to a halt, Vlad's eyes opened like an alarm had been sounded. Vlad removed his hand from my back, making me already miss the constant contact. I placed my right hand on top of my left, just to ensure I could still feel. The pressure on my arm made me relax.

"Are you wanting to go to school today and shop for apartments after school or stay with me and finish it while school is in session?"

I blinked at him, "You want me to be with you when you shop… for apartments of all things?"

Vlad coughed, "Well, the only homes in the area that are to my likings are either in Amity Park or in Jefferson. While I don't mind living in Jefferson, I would really enjoy staying in Elemerton where if a ghost would target my ecto-signature, the damage would be minimal. This close to the portal, I couldn't control what happens. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes," I said simply, "I would agree that keeping the ghost exposure minimal would be a wise choice. I just can't believe you are the one suggesting it?"

"I don't want to overburden you," Vlad said, standing from his seat. I relaxed my arms, following him. I wanted to stretch my legs. Since becoming half ghost, sitting still too long causes me to get antsy. I wanted to move around; be active. I haven't moved in an hour!

"Why not buy something in Amity Park," I asked, even though I burned at the thought of Vlad living in my town.

"That's why," Vlad said, playfully. "You would object to that thought a million ways to Sunday. I want to keep the mood between us at the same frequency and possibly improve it. I don't want to piss you off this soon after telling you how I feel."

I looked at him, puzzled, "Okay. Well, I need to go to school. It never fails, at least three ghost attacks happens during a normal school day. If I'm not there, who will take care of the ghosts. Besides, today's the first day of the third quarter. It's a new semester."

"All right," Vlad answered, his expression one of disappointment. "Well, do you want to get a hotel or stay in the limo?"

"Just stay in the limo," I answered. If I went to a hotel, I might have sex with Vlad again. I'm trying to avoid that. Vlad took a deep breath, exactly that being something he was trying to spur. "No. We've had sex enough. I'm drawing the line."

"Who says you have the right to draw the line," Vlad asked me. I glared at him but I couldn't make my expression mirror the look I wanted. "Besides, you can never have too much sex."

"I was actually thinking about going for a little flight. I need to stretch my muscles and get a little air," I replied. "I'll be back in a little while." I triggered my rings since no one but Vlad was around and lifted in the air.

"Um," Vlad cleared his throat. "Excuse me? That wasn't a request. It sounded a lot like a notice."

I looked back at him, shock on my face, "I have to ask for permission?"

"I'm only going softer, Daniel. You're still my bitch. I still own you. You still must receive my permission before doing anything."

I groaned, "I knew I should have read the fine print. May I go for a flight?"

"No," Vlad said, his voice rising. "You weren't even going to ask me before you left. You must earn these privileges. I'm only going softer, like I said, I'm not releasing you from the rules I set that week. I will be actually enforcing them more strictly."

I triggered my rings, returning to Danny Fenton again, sighing as I landed on the ground gently. "I'm sorry. I misunderstood."

"You're damn right you did, Daniel," Vlad commented. "What did you think? Since I was having feelings for you I would abandon my prospect. You refuse to be my apprentice and you won't follow my example. What would I have to gain from what you believed?"

"You said you wouldn't hurt me," I defended. "I thought—it was something along the lines of a relationship." I struggled to speak that. It's exactly what my dream said I would do and it's not something I want but I thought that's what Vlad was implying.

"No," Vlad replied. "You are still my property. If I want sex, I will force you to give it to me. I may not hurt you but I will take it. If I want to return to the way it was, I will resume. Just because we have this arrangement, does not mean it will last forever. If I want you and I am no longer interested in keeping this schedule, you will have no choice but to follow me. I am still your master and you will still obey me as if I were still hurting you because if you don't, the deal may expire."

"Yes, sir," I replied, bowing my head. I was an idiot for thinking this would be different.

XXX

We had spent hours outside, uncaring about the snow that fell around us. There wasn't much snow, only a powdery substance on the ground. Even the other areas wouldn't get out of school for this. Since Christmas, we haven't had a snow day. Finally, a quarter 'til seven, Vlad pushed me gently towards the limo. I reluctantly done as he suggested and climbed in, followed by Vlad. "Proceed to our next destinations," Vlad instructed the driver, settling into his seat. The driver accepted the order, rolling up the window between the back of the limo and the cab. Vlad leaned into me, kissing me deeply. I didn't return the kiss, no longer having the desire to be with him. I knew my future and I was content to wait.

Vlad laid me down, kissing me all the while. I never objected but I never returned the kiss. Vlad's hand unbuttoned my pants, pulling them down to my ankles. Next, he lowered my underwear. Vlad's lips proceeded to my neck as he began to remove his pants. Vlad laid behind me, his hand going to my pelvis.

Vlad thrust my pelvis backward, his penis slipping in my anus. I made no sounds or movements, this act not painful at all. Vlad began to thrust forward and backward, his actions strong but gentle. From behind me, Vlad continued to suck my neck. I took no participation in the act, allowing Vlad to do as he wished.

At seven-twenty, Vlad dropped me off at the school. The destinations he had spoken of were breakfast and then school. I dashed in the school, hoping to reach my class before the bell rang. However, as I approached my first period's door, I looked down at my arm. I gasped as I realized I had the suit Vlad had given me on. Cussing inwardly, I turned away from the classroom and darted for my locker.

I always kept a change of clothes in my locker so I could change out of this outfit. If Sam and Tucker were at school, and the odds of them not being there were slim, I could sneak by without my backpack. I could always use their book and they'd allow me to borrow pen and paper. I jogged towards my locker, hearing the bell ring, signaling the beginning of class. As I passed the library, I slowed my jogging since I was no longer concerned with time. Just before I left the vicinity of the library, I heard something that made me stop.

Ragged breathing was coming softly through the wall; breathing that was not healthy. I turned around, heading back in the direction I came from. I entered into the library, looking around. I wasn't sure what I thought I would find, but no one was in the room. I listened closely, trying to determine if the breathing was coming from this room or not. As far as I knew, the breathing could be coming from anywhere in a one-mile radius.

The breathing was definitely coming from this room and now I knew where. I walked over to the janitor's closet, the breathing sounding like a dragon behind a door. I put my hand on the door, twisting the knob but it didn't open. Forming ecto-energy in my hand, I formed a key in my hand without the teeth. The ectoplasm was still soft so as I set the key in the whole, I formed the key to match the mold.

Twisting the key, I heard the lock click. "Hello," a muffled voice cry through the door. "Please, help me, I'm in the closet!"

I tried to listen to who it was but his voice was too loud in my ears. I opened the door, releasing the mystery man. Mr. Lancer came through the door, giving me no time fully open the door.

"Mr. Lancer," I asked, completely surprised. "What happened to you?"

Mr. Lancer looked up, his eyes blood shot, his face pale, and his shirt dampened with water. "Mr. Fenton," Mr. Lancer called, his voice displaying complete disgust. "Why in the name of Shakespeare would you lock me in a closet?"

"I locked you," I asked, my eyes widening. "You've been in there since Friday," I said, realization dawning on me.

"What is today," Mr. Lancer said, keeping his eye on me.

"Monday," I replied. "Mr. Lancer, I am so sorry. I wasn't myself Friday. I swear I didn't know I hurt you!"

"I don't even know how you did it," Mr. Lancer said, his eyes squinting. "I remember you standing in front of me then being locked in the closet. How did you do it?"

"Mr. Lancer, I can honestly say I have no memory from shortly after sitting in detention until later that night. I have no idea how I locked you in that closet. I don't know of anything I did that evening."

"What happened to you, then," Mr. Lancer asked me.

"I don't know," I replied. "But I do know you need medical attention. You are dehydrated and you are probably suffering from the cold over the weekend. Please, go see the nurse or have someone drive you to the hospital. You need to be attended by someone."

"I'm fine, Mr. Fenton. I don't know if you deserve this," Mr. Lancer said, holding out his hand, "but thank you."

I took his hand, "I probably don't deserve it. I am really sorry and I will do something to make up for this. I promise."

"How about getting to class," Mr. Lancer replied, looking at the clock. "That'd be enough for me."

I gave a weak smile, my insides twisting. I stole, I attacked people, I nearly killed my friends and I nearly killed Mr. Lancer that evening. What else did I do that I don't know about?

I walked into my science class, taking my seat in the back with Sam and Tucker. I was dressed in my usual attire now, having ran to my locker and dressed in the bathroom. Sam and Tucker looked at me worriedly, Sam placing her hand on my arm. "Danny," Sam asked worriedly, "What's wrong?"

"Why didn't you tell me I locked Mr. Lancer in the supply closet when I was under his control," I asked in a hushed voice.

I saw Sam and Tucker's eyes widen. "We forgot," Tucker stated in a concerned voice. "Did he approach you?"

"No," I raised my voice slightly. "I rescued him! He'd been in there since then!"

"Oh, my God," Sam cried in a hushed voice, horrified. "Was he all right?"

"He needs to be checked out by a doctor," I replied. "He's been stuck here with no food or water and no heat! I'm concerned he could get really sick."

"What if he tries to press charges," Tucker asked, his eyes widened, "Or asks questions?"

"Questions I'm worried about too, but not for the reasons you believe. I told him I don't remember much after I was in class. I'm afraid he might call my parents and try to find out what happened to me. I'm not too worried about pressing charges. If he tries, you know Sanchez would laugh him out of his office. But if he does, I can take care of it."

"Did he seem okay," Sam asked me.

"Nothing that screamed at me," I replied, thinking about it for a second. "He was really sweaty from the cold exposure and he was severely dehydrated but I think he'll be okay if he just goes to see a doctor."

XXX

Sam, Tuck and I walked into our second period classroom, anxious as to what would meet us. A substitute teacher, the one who had taken over for our history tests, sat at the desk. We three took a collective breath, I hoping Mr. Lancer was truly at a doctor. I took my seat, Sam and Tucker moving theirs closer to mine. I didn't need to use one of my friends book now since I had went to Tuck's locker between classes but I was using a pad of paper from Sam and a pen from Tucker. I opened my book and positioned my paper and pen but didn't pay much attention to it. My mind was elsewhere.

As the minutes tolled down, closer and closer to the beginning of class, the remainder of the class walked into the classroom and took a seat. The ringing of the bell did nothing to bring silence to the classroom. The substitute tried to bring order but she held no authority in this town. The substitute smacked a book down on the desk, trying to silence the group. Oh, lord, I thought. Here goes the neighborhood.

"Hey," Dash shot up to the teacher. "Sit down and stay out of this!"

"Excuse me, young man," the substitute asked, her temper flared.

"My name is Dash," he retorted, "or sir. Do not undermine me! We aren't going to do anything the teacher might have assigned. So sit down and shut up."

I covered my face with my hands, knowing this was going to end badly. "Young man, go to the principal's office, right now! You are out of my classroom!"

Dash snorted, "You don't own this classroom. I do!" Dash stood up, shoving the desk back against the wall as he acted all bad. "And when I get back, you won't find work in this county! Maybe not this state!"

Dash walked out, the other classmen sighing in awe. I kept my head hidden behind my hand, too embarrassed to show myself. However, that stupid little voice in the back of my mind screamed at me.

She doesn't understand the way this town works. She believes she just threw out a trouble-maker, not the boy who writes the principal's paycheck! Do something! Are you a hero or are you a mouse!

First off, I am no hero! I am just a boy trying to protect my town…

Exactly, you protect people. So are you going to allow her to suffer because she's not from this town or are you going to do your job!

I protect people from ghosts, not psycho Kings of the A-List! Besides, what can I do! Dash holds absolute power in this town!

Not absolute. You can go over his head!

That would require me to reveal myself as a Paranormal Ghost Hunter. A member of Homeland Security, Division G!

We all must make sacrifices for the greater good.

Sacrifices. Sacrifices! That's all I've done lately! When will someone sacrifice something for me? It's not like this town gives a damn anyway!

We didn't sign up for fame or adoration.

I didn't sign up for this at all! I was electrocuted. I tripped!

That's not true and you know it. The minute you walked into that lab you were asking for something to go wrong.

Yeah, like I expected something like that to happen.

I groaned out loud this time, whispering to Sam, "Can I borrow your cell phone?"

"What about yours," Sam asked me.

"Team Phantom's cell phone is at home where nothing bad can happen to it and my last two phones have both met terrible fates. Can I borrow yours?"

Sam reached into her backpack and handed me her cell, "Here."

"Thanks," I replied. I dialed the number to my Washington, D.C. office, listening to the tolling of the sending tone.

"You've called the office of Daniel Fenton, this is Carrie speaking. How may I help you," my secretary replied.

"Hey Carrie," I replied.

"Radar," Carrie remarked, surprised. "How may I help you, Sir."

"I need you to call the Illinois State Board of Education and step over the governor's head. He's about to fire a teacher. Her name is Tanner. Take care of it for me," I asked her.

"Tanner," Carrie asked me for clarification, spelling it. "Okay, sir. I will take care of it. Have a nice morning, Radar."

"Thank you, Carrie. And you can expect a little something extra in your paycheck." We said our goodbyes and I returned Sam's cell phone to her. "Hopefully," I replied, "I can keep both of us happy."

"Both of who," Tucker asked me, his eyebrow cocking.

"That nagging voice in the back of my head," I replied, sinking into my chair. I wrapped my arms around my waist, feeling sleep overcome me.

XXX

"Danny," Sam called, stifling a laugh. "Danny, it's not an alarm!"

"Huh," I opened my eyes groggily. I noticed my hand outstretched to where my alarm would be if I was in my bed. I groaned. "Oh, great. I'm trying to turn off the release bell."

Tucker laughed, "It was funny. You heard it before anyone in here."

"Of course I did," I replied, sitting up stretching. "I probably heard the person in the office tolling it."

Sam laughed at that, "I believe Casper High is more advanced then that!"

"Well, I hear something before the actual bell," I said, picking up my book and pad. Tucker and Sam slung their bags over their shoulders, Sam completing the action to make it rest on her back. I nestled my books in my hand. We walked out of the class, and I wondered what happened while I was asleep. I wasn't too concerned with what was going on but I wanted to put that voice at ease before he spoke up again. Gee, I miss the time when he was silenced already.

We stopped at Tucker's locker, Tucker actually being the one to exchange the books this time. After he placed his book in his locker, he held his outstretched hand for mine. I handed the book to him, holding onto my pad of paper. Tucker handed me my math book and I tucked it in the crook of my arm.

After a quick stop at Sam's locker we were on our way to Mr. Fuluka's classroom. I so didn't want to go to this class. Couldn't I get a ghost sense and have to skip? Oh well, it isn't all bad. We walked into the room, heading to our desks in the back of the classroom. Tucker pulled the desks closer together, taking a seat before connecting them.

Mr. Fuluka was droning on again and I could feel my head nodding. All I wanted to do was go to sleep. This was incredibly boring. However, as my eyes slid shut again a chill came over me and my ghost sense went off. I shot awake, sending my mind out to the surrounding areas, already searching for the ghost.

"You want us to tag along," Sam whispered to me.

"No," I replied as Sam and Tucker scooted their desks away from mine as quietly as possible. "I'll be fine," I replied in a quiet voice. I spoke up, "Mr. Fuluka, excuse me for interrupting but may I be excused."

"Well," Mr. Fuluka turned around. "At least this time you're asking," he replied, still sore about the first day back in the new year. "I see no harm in it. But, please return, Mr. Fenton."

I placed my book on Tucker's desk, "I'll try. Take care of this if I don't."

"Are you sure," Tucker asked me, worry evident.

"Don't worry," I called, running out of the classroom. I could already sense it. It was big; a seven or an eight. I darted around a corner, looking down the hall. With no one around, I leapt into the air, transforming in an instant. I flew down the hall, deadpanning for where I sensed the ghost.

XXX

I narrowed my eyes, furious that he had returned. This ghost had caused me a lot of trouble a while back. His name was Darcy Victor and in his old life he was a scientist. He enjoyed taking 'specimens' back to his lab and studying them. He was nothing more than a psychopath, experimenting and dissecting on others for his own amusement. The last time he was here, he had taken several plants and animals from our world and returned them to his lair to experiment on.

What had pissed me off more than anything was he had tried to abduct a human to further his research. This is why he's here. He's trying to take a student so he can continue his research.

"What are you doing back here, Darcy," I shot at the German doctor. "Didn't I tell you to stay out of my realm!"

"Ah, Phantom," the German greeted me. "Yes, I do recall you banishing me but I have returned for a very noble cause."

"I don't care," I shot back. "Get out of my realm or I will throw you out!"

"Tsk, tsk young halfa. We are going to further the study of the human and the ghost research together. With my experiments and my research, we can fully understand how a human becomes a ghost. Don't you want to understand what makes you tick," Darcy asked me.

"I know what makes me ticked off," I shot off, powering up an ecto-blast. "What you do is inhuman!"

"You just do not understand, young halfa," Darcy explained. "In my day, there were no such laws prohibiting what you could study and what you couldn't. Of course, human experimentation was outlawed but I truly do believe in the work of my Fūhrer. He was a true visionary."

I growled, "Hitler was nothing but a racist bastard! A terrorist! He used his distrust and his paranoia to fuel the darkest days in our history! His game came to an end and so shall yours!"

"Ah, no my young halfa. We will continue Fūhrer's work. He will see his dreams come true and when he escapes the Forbidden Zone, he will rule this world the way he was always meant to. And you will help me," Darcy remarked. I felt the rage burn in me.

I charged at him, tackling him to where we both fell through the floor and into the basement. I focused on touching something from this realm, allowing me to slam into the concrete. Darcy didn't, falling through the foundation and into the earth below. I came to my feet, looking around wildly. He could come up anywhere.

A blast threw me from my spot, causing me to rocket into the air. I forced myself back to the ground, taking Darcy in my sight. Darcy threw another blast in my direction but I formed a shield, deflecting it. I rocketed two blasts in his direction, one being diverted while the other made its mark. Darcy slammed backwards, flying out the wall.

I flew after him, ready to finish this. I flew through the wall, my fists prepared to fire at the sight of him. However, when I made it the other portion of the basement, I couldn't see Darcy anywhere. I scanned the room but he was gone. I opened my mind, searching for his power and it screamed at me. I turned to my left but it was too late. A blast shot out, the ectoplasm acting as a conductor instead of a shot.

The ectoplasm shot through my body, the electric and energy causing my body to converse. I screamed out, partly in pain but mostly in rage. I tried to break free of the blast but it was no use. As I felt the last of my reserves kick in to help me escape the trap, Darcy turned his energy blue. I was shocked. I didn't know Darcy had any other energies.

My power gave out, the rings forming at my waist and turning me back into Danny Fenton. Darcy released the blast, causing me to come crashing to the ground on my hands and knees. I looked up weakly, unable to fight off any attacks. I only had one option.

Sam, Tucker, I called out in my mind, searching for my friend's signature.

"What the," I heard Sam and Tucker's voice say, an echo sounding.

I need help. Go to Grandma and Grandpa. Tell them one of the nighttime ghosts have me. His name is Darcy Victor. He's a scientist from Nazi Germany. I can't fight him off. I'm too weak. Hurry.

"Good night, halfa," I heard Darcy say, a sharp pain cutting into my neck. I screamed out, everything going black.

XXX

I awoke in a strange place. The room was enormous, some kind of lab from the early 20th Century. Many of the tools were updated to current standards but the setup of the lab was unmistakably 1900s. I tried raising up but my arms were strapped down in ecto-straps. I pulled on them but they didn't budge.

"It's no use, young halfa. You are forced to stay with me throughout this time," a German voice spoke out of my sight. I recognized it immediately as Darcy's thick accent.

"What do you want with me," I asked, still struggling with the bonds.

"I want to understand what allows you to exist in both realities," Darcy replied, his voice smug as if it were the simplest conclusion. "You are the missing link, my young halfa. If I understand what makes you exist, then I can understand the biology of both species. The anatomy of both species."

I looked wildly around the room, determined to discover if anyone else was here with me.

"No," Darcy replied. "I don't need another specimen. You are both. I can do my experiments on both of your forms and get the same answers."

I relaxed, knowing it was just me. Darcy came into my sight. "You are truly a testament to the remarkable abilities of both species. The physical endurance of a ghost yet the mental endurance of a human. You are truly the super species. It is true that when you mature, no one will want to be on your bad side."

"You're on my bad side now," I shot off, pulling harder at the restraints. "Let me go!"

"You have yet to mature, young halfa. You are not a threat now," Darcy said, walking away for a moment. He returned with a needle, "Now, hold still and this can be over in a few years."

"Years," I shot out, "Buddy, this ends now."

"I am afraid not," Darcy replied, sticking the needle in my human arm. It didn't hurt but it pissed me off. I struggled, but Darcy merely pushed a button, electric shock shooting through me. I screamed out while he removed the needle from my arm, the vile full of red blood with green mixed in. "Look at this," Darcy said, holding the vile up to examine it.

"It is unmistakably human yet there is ghost detection in it. Your ghost powers would be powerful in your human state… but yet, with you having another form, you must have a reason to sustain it."

I controlled my breathing, looking back up at him. Darcy shook his head, placing the vial on a medical cart. He walked back over with a scalpel, "Now, to do some experimentation. With your ghost form, you should have less pain receptacles. However, with your human form I wonder if it has been altered any. What do you resemble more?"

He placed the blade to my arm and pulled down. Upon it healing, Darcy called out happily. "Will you look at that! You couldn't feel that even if you weren't half ghost. The injury is healed before any pain can be detected! Incredible! I guess I will have to alter my procedure. I will return shorty, young halfa."

Darcy walked away and I tugged harder on the ropes. They wouldn't budge. I didn't know what the mad scientist was preparing to do but I know I don't want to stick around to find out. I tried to summon my ghost powers to escape but they stayed locked away, the trigger missing. No, come on. Go ghost!

Darcy returned a moment later carrying some kind of mechanical arm unit. They resembled the arms they use in underwater research. He placed them on the table and stepped away: "I will be completing this from the safe room. I can kill two birds with one stone here. See how you react to Ectoranium."

"What," I asked, my eyes going wide. "No, wait!"

"Best of luck, young halfa," Darcy replied, a wicked smile on his lips. My heart began to race as Darcy turned to leave. The arms lifted in the air, no one controlling them. When I looked closely, I could tell there was two small green ectoplasm beams wrapped around them. I raised up as far as I could, looking towards Darcy. He was moving his hands behind this glass, controlling the unit from afar.

It's the trick I've been trying to learn. Darcy knows how to use ecto-energy without shooting it or using his hands. Suddenly, his hands dropped to his side, the arms still moving though it looked like he wasn't controlling them anymore. The unit picked up a thick black box, bringing it closer. My heart raced, fearful of what was inside. The unit placed the box on the cart.

As the unit opened the box, I felt my insides being ripped apart. Not again. Oh, God, not again. I resisted from screaming though it was just at the back of my throat. The parts of my body closest, like my legs, started to convulse. I groaned out very painfully as I felt my body being ripped apart, the molecules seemingly scrambling.

The fingers picked up the Ectoranium, bringing it closer to me. I screamed out, closing my eyes to try to control myself. The ropes around my arms and legs began to tighten, my feeling returning. I could feel my heart beat in my chest and feel the sweat running down my forehead. My body stopped being pulled apart, the ectoplasm in my blood retreating.

The unit placed the Ectoranium on my chest, the action causing no pain. I felt the small rock sitting on my sternum, the light weight causing a small sensation. The unit picked up the Ectoranium again, this time cutting into my chest through my clothes. The minute the rock cut into my skin and mixed with my blood, pain shot through my body. I screamed, unable to hold it in.

Things started to get fuzzy, the pain sending me into shock. I smiled despite the pain, knowing at least I was feeling something. The unit collapsed, the rock landing on my cut. I screamed out again but I couldn't help but enjoy it. I looked towards Darcy, seeing the room he was in caught up in a fire tornado. Flames swirled in the box, the rims on the outside turning a crimson red from the heat.

"Danny," I heard three voices cry. I also heard screams of anger and of pain but those were incoherent.

"It's Ectoranium," I heard a sole voice, pain and fear covering it. "You need to get rid of that stuff. Carla and I can't go anywhere near it."

"We'll get rid of it," I heard a panicked voice. "Tucker, take this to the Specter Speeder! Hurry. If Mr. and Mrs. Simmons can't get around it, that means Danny can't either!"

"Right, Sam," I heard another voice. The tightness around one of my arms vanished while the light weight and the excruciating pain vanished. I felt my mind return and I noticed Tucker running from the table while Grandpa sat in the distance and Sam began cutting the rope from my leg.

"Danny, can you hear me," she asked me.

"Yeah," I replied, my voice weaker than I expected. "What's going on?"

"Victor tried to experiment on you," Grandpa replied, stepping up to me. Blue ectoplasm formed in his hand, shooting two beams around the other two bonds. They melted away. "You're safe now, Danny."

Sam cut through the last bond securing me and I stood up. Grandpa tried to heal me using his hand but he recoiled away. "Don't," I said too late. "He cut me."

"Why can't you heal yourself," Sam asked me, confusion on her face.

"Remember the gashes I got last week," I asked her.

"Yeah," Sam replied. "Did they ever heal?"

"If you want to call this healing," I said, lifting up my sleeve. A small scar, barely visible but visible, stood out. Sam stared at it in shock. "It was from the same stuff. Ectoranium."

"Ectoranium is the only element known to man or ghost that can cause real substantial damage to a ghost. There is an entire population that can withstand it's effects but most ghosts are highly sensitive to it. We need to get that stuff out of your chest," Grandpa remarked.

"Thanks," I said, looking to Sam. "I wasn't for sure it would work."

"How did both Tuck and I hear you in our heads," Sam asked me, confusion lighting her eyes.

"Something about a mental link. I'm not sure how it works, all I know is Vlad uses it all the time."

I heard a piercing howl, the scream vanishing like something you'd hear in a horror movie. My head, along with Sam and my grandfather's, snapped towards the sound: Darcy's box. The flames ceased, my grandmother phasing through the box. Her eyes glowed a furious red, the energy around her licking with blues, crimsons and a dark black color closest to her spectral body. Her pupils were gone, nothing but the furious red remaining.

"Grandma," I asked, concerned.

"Carla," Grandpa asked, concerned as well.

"He will hurt no one no more," Grandma said, her voice deep and terrifying.

"You didn't," I asked, horrified.

"What did you expect," Grandpa asked me. "I knew Darcy Victor would be no more after this."

"You obliterated him," I asked, my voice still carrying that horrified sound.

The glow returned to normal, Grandma's eyes also resuming the kind red glow. I've seen a picture of her before her death. Her powers had turned her brown eyes into a soft red, just a few shades darker than her human eyes. They returned, carrying a kindness that should seem impossible.

Grandma walked over to me, placing her hand on my shoulder. I tried to warn her but she ignored me, ignoring the pain as well. "Follow me, honey."

"Grandma, I just wanted you to rescue me," I said, horrified.

"And I did," she commented, her voice still kind. "Darcy Victor was a ghostly plight. He should have been sent to the Forbidden Zone but because he wasn't well known in his research, he was allowed to slip into the main Ghost Zone. I corrected their mistake."

"Grandma, he didn't deserve to die," I asked, my voice softening.

"He kills for research. He was willing to sacrifice you. I will not have anyone harming my child," Grandma replied. I embraced her, focusing to touch something from another realm. "Now, follow me so I can get you fixed up."

XXX

I looked around the haunt in surprise. I had never seen this place before. Sam and Tucker were forced to go back to Fentonworks and wait for me there. I tried to tell them to go back to school but I knew it was a losing battle before they told me no. I was still in human form but I was allowed in as an exception. With the opening of the portal, humans were outlawed from the ghost hospital. Because of my situation, I was allowed to stay in human form though it was made clear that this was a one-time situation.

I was immediately taken back to a room because of the urgency. A team assessed me, determining how bad I was. When it was deemed okay to proceed, they surgically removed the glass that had lodged in my chest. As soon as the last shard was removed, the doctor formed a board with white energy. I stared at it in shock.

"This will hurt but it will remove the remaining Ectoranium," the doctor replied. He pressed the board against my chest and I howled in pain. I could feel my skin where he pressed the board against it burning and dissolving.

"Stop, stop, stop," I screamed but he didn't. When he pulled his hand back, the board was gone but that wasn't all. A small portion of my chest, right below my left shoulder blade, was missing. A gaping hole looked up at me and I thought I'd faint but I didn't. "What the hell was that for," I asked, shock still going through me.

"It'll heal back. Quickly," the doctor said, looking me over. "Much faster than the Ectoranium would have allowed it to."

"You are crazy," I shot at him. "There has to be another way to remove Ectoranium from a body."

"Not that we know of," the doctor said. "It wasn't really necessary for you. But I did save you an entire day of normalcy and completely separate human and ghost forms. When that heals up, you are free to go."

I laid my head back, breathing heavily. I could feel my ghost side returning because the pain was starting to subside. After five minutes, all that was left was a small indication where it was finishing up healing. I got dressed, not waiting.

I walked out of the room, heading for the waiting room. My grandparents stood up, walking over to me.

"This place is crazy," I stated, shaking my head. "They burnt a hole where the Ectoranium was! Completely through."

"It's the only way to get rid of it," Grandma replied. "For you, it's not a medical emergency but to any other ghost, even that small amount can kill. That's why Ectoranium is such an effective way to destroy a ghost."

I paused for a moment, giving up on complaining about the doctor's methods. "Thank you, Grandma," I spoke after my pause. "Thank you, Grandpa."

My grandparents embraced me, holding me tightly and with me allowing them, there were no problems. After we broke the hug, Grandma smiled at me: "Go home to your family, Danny. I love you."

"Know that you two are my family, too," I said, looking to each of them. They nodded, their smiles soft and slightly sad. "I love you guys. I'll see you again, soon."

"Goodbye, Danny," Grandpa sent me off. I triggered my rings, heading for home.

XXX

When I landed in the lab, I looked around quickly but didn't see my parents. Sam and Tucker ran over to the portal, watching as I flashed back into Danny Fenton. "Danny, are you okay," Sam asked me.

"Yeah," I grumbled. "I won't be returning to that hospital, though. That's for sure!"

"What happened," Tucker asked me.

"The reason I could feel all day that day was because I had Ectoranium still in my bloodstream. As long as it was still in my bloodstream, my ghost form and my human form was still separated. If that happens, I don't heal in my human form the way I normally do. I'm literally half ghost and half human and the only way to access the other part of me is through the rings. Not good! The doctor killed all the blood, tissue and… I mean everything! I had a gaping hole in my chest where Darcy Victor slashed me."

"Oh, my God," Sam said, her eyes widened as she tried to imagine it.

"Don't try that," I replied. "You don't want to imagine what it felt like."

"But if that Ectoranium was in your bloodstream, wasn't your halves separated," Tucker asked me, his eyes wide.

"Yeah," I said, my voice hard but not towards them. "I felt every damn bit of it!"

"Danny," Sam jumped, taking me in her arms, "Do you need something."

I blushed at the contact, "Um, no. I'm healed now. It only lasted five minutes."

Sam gave me a quick hug, releasing me. Then she straightened her back, getting into scolding mood. Oh, lord here goes everything, "When were you going to tell us you were dealing with a dead Nazi!"

"I hadn't planned on telling you," I shot back. "He attacked one night back in October. I hadn't seen him since but I remembered him because of what he did. He had taken plants, animals, and he was trying to take a human to further his research. When I tracked him down in the Ghost Zone, I discovered he had taken a ghost with every power level. I only saw him once but that one time stuck with me. It was horrible what he did to them." I looked up to them, reminding myself I owed them a lot. "Thanks, guys. If you hadn't acted like you did, I have no doubt I'd been subjected to some pretty terrible stuff." I shivered.

"I'm not sure about this mental link you learned but I'm glad it worked out," Sam replied.

"What mental link," Tucker asked me. He had ran away with the Ectoranium before I mentioned that.

"Plasmius has been using something called a mental link lately. It's where you link up with someone and you can hear their thoughts or tell them yours. I wasn't sure if it'd work but I knew it was my last hope. Without a cell phone, I was in real trouble," I replied.

"Well, we'd better get back to school," Sam commented. "It's already lunchtime," Sam replied. I left in third period so it's been a while but not too long.

"We don't have to," Tucker replied. "I mean, Sam, Danny's been through a lot."

"Don't try that on me," I remarked. "I'm fine. Let's go before we get into any more trouble."

Before they could even ask, I transformed back into my ghost form, lifted them in the air, turned them invisible and opened their minds. I couldn't see their faces, but I could clearly taste their joy. Without letting them know, I phased upstairs to grab my bag and headed to the school. They couldn't beat me there even if they tried.

While Sam and Tucker went to eat lunch, I went to the office to take care of our two absences and our 'skipped' third period. I got five copies of the excuse from the secretary, giving one to each of our teachers. After that was taken care of, I headed to the lunchroom to meet up with Sam and Tucker. I wasn't hungry so I wouldn't eat.

When I walked into the cafeteria, I noticed that the room was abuzz with chatter. I tuned in to one student out of the crowd, trying to determine what was going on: "She just came out of nowhere. I was running from the ghost and this girl in red just took it down. I couldn't believe it. She was on some kind of board that floated. It was like science fiction."

Valerie? Another ghost attacked today? I listened in to another conversation: "She's been appearing all day. I don't know what's so different from today but the ghosts are attacking. I haven't seen one in at least a week!"

More than one ghost attacked. That is strange. I took a seat beside Sam, still listening in to the conversations. "Did you notice how some were asking for a phantom. They wanted to know where a phantom was? Don't they have names after they die?"

So they were asking for me. Was this attack aimed at me?

"No, no, I don't believe that's what that ghost meant at all. He was shocked… I think it was a guy. He was in armor. But he was asking where the phantom was. You know, Invisobill! He wanted a contest! It has to be!"

Okay, so that was Skulker. When Valerie showed up instead of me, he wanted to know where I was.

"Do you believe Invisobill has been taking care of the ghosts and that's why we haven't seen as many of them? If so, where is he now? Is he hurt?"

Why would they care?

"Earth to Danny," Tucker called, his hand waving in front of my face. I jumped back, not expecting his hand to come in front of my face.

"What," I asked after a moment to catch my breath.

"Are you okay," Sam asked me.

"There have been ghost attacks since we've been gone. Valerie has been taking care of them," I replied.

"Who attacked the school," Sam asked me.

"Skulker for one. I don't know about anyone else. I just know someone identified one in armor."

"Well, we're here now," Tucker replied. "We can handle it."

I nodded but I was still worried. They usually don't attack this close together. I wonder why today is so different.

After lunch, we grabbed our belongings and headed to the gym. I was so not looking forward to this class. Then again, that's nothing different; I never do. Just as I was about to walk in the door, my ghost sense went off and I heard a scream from a different part of the school.

I paused just outside the door, panic racing through my veins. "Guys, go ahead. I'll catch up to you in a minute." I turned around without anything further and darted in the other direction. Valerie had my gym class so she shouldn't hear the scream. I'll find out if she has ghost detectors this way.

Still on the Freshman floor but towards the classes, I saw the culprit. Skulker had returned, probably looking for me. I ducked into an empty classroom and changed into my ghost form, flying through the wall.

"Finally, ghost child, I've been looking for you," Skulker said, his metallic suit displaying artificial emotions akin to what he himself was feeling.

"Well, I'm here now so we can get this on," I shot out. All the kids in the hallway had stopped running, focusing on the fight. In the back of the crowd, I saw Sam and Tucker stop. I took my mind off my distraction, placing my focus on Skulker. I charged at him, knocking him back. He grabbed me by the middle, attempting to throw me off of him.

As soon as I felt him grab my waist, I allowed nature take over, making it difficult for him to hold on to me. I flipped over, rocketing a couple blasts at him to knock him off guard. Skulker activated a cannon, blasting me back. I screamed as I was blasted through a wall but focused on hitting the next one. Once my momentum was cut off, I flew back to Skulker, his animated grin displayed.

Skulker bought up another canon, this one shooting a net at me. Caught in the net, I landed on the ground but sunk through the floor, escaping. I blasted back up through the floor, right under Skulker. Skulker tried to catch himself from falling, but he failed miserably, crashing into the ground. Because his suit was from the real world, he hit the ground.

I blasted a few shots his way, destroying his cannons. I focused on my thermos on my human form, making it appear on my side. I took it off my belt, sucking Skulker inside. I landed back on the ground, taking in the damage. However, what I noticed was the chorus of applause from the students. Some of the guys whistled while the girls done the typical fan-girl screams. I blushed, disbelief crossing my mind. Of course, the blush didn't appear but I was blushing.

I lifted into the air, ready to depart when I felt a claw grab my leg. I looked down in surprise to see Valerie, in her suit, standing on the ground. "Thought I forgot about you, spook?"

I went to say something when I heard a thick Hispanic accent, "Leave him alone!"

"What are you doing," someone else called, backing up Paulina.

"That's the ghost boy," another one called.

"I know that," Valerie barked off. "He's evil! I'm going to—,"

But before she could say anything, one of the kids in the mob surrounding her took their backpack and swung it at her. "Leave him alone! He is not evil! He was framed for what happened to the mayor!"

Soon, a barrage of an attack took place, the kids using anything in their grasps. Most used their backpacks but a few grabbed brooms and mops from the janitor's closets. A slur of defenses came about, knocking Valerie back. I phased my leg out of the claw.

"Hey," I called. Fear gripped me when I realized I had just drew attention to myself. I was a little nervous about speaking but I can't just let them beat Valerie up. I have to at least try. "That's her opinion," I continued once I knew I had their attention. "We haven't exactly had the best of conditions in our meetings. Everyone has their own opinion. I appreciate your help, but she's not the enemy either. She's one of you! I'm a ghost!"

"You are not just a ghost," Dash cried up to me. "You protect us. I know the ghosts would have been attacking before now. You've been keeping them away, just like you told that group that day."

"What happened with the mayor is complicated," I replied, "but this isn't any more justified. She's just trying to protect the ones she loves, just like I am. I don't blame the huntress for her outlook on my mission and I'd hope that you wouldn't either. She's saved you guys today while I wasn't there. I show up and you start attacking her. I don't know what that says to you, but to me it doesn't look good."

"Well, you just protected us all from that metallic ghost and she attacked you," Paulina replied, "Wouldn't you call that the same thing."

"In the huntress's mind, I bring all these threats with me. I don't know, maybe I do attract them but I try to keep people from getting hurt. She has the right to believe I'm evil. Everyone has the right to their own opinion," I remarked.

"Even if that means getting you hurt," Sam spoke up. I glared on her, hoping she'd be on my side here.

"I can take care of myself. I'm a ghost, I don't get hurt. Ghost biology isn't exactly human biology. It's not the same," I remarked, trying to keep a low profile.

"Here's what I have to say about this," Dash spoke up, "It is against Amity Park law to hunt the ghost boy. As soon as I get to my office, this will be passed into legislature. If anyone is caught doing so, they will be arrested," Dash looked directly at Valerie, "and unmasked."

Valerie jumped up without a word, the board materializing below her. She rocketed off, leaving the mess behind.

I groaned but followed suit the other way. Once the rings vanished and left my human form in place, the door opened. I looked up fearful to see Sam and Tucker walk in the room.

"Sam," I shot off, angrily. "Why were you on their side?"

"Because," Sam shot off, "No matter how popular it may become, protecting my friend will always be a top priority of mine!"

"What was that nonsense about ghost biology," Tucker asked me, confused. "Ghosts don't feel? You sound like your parents."

"Well, I didn't want to explain why I couldn't feel," I remarked. "I just wanted to have a plausible explanation to that. You know, just in case they go to Mom and Dad. My parents really believe that."

"And it's a bunch of horseshit," Tucker remarked. "Ghosts are just humans who have passed on to the other side. That's why it's so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that you can't taste, smell or feel cold."

"Well, those things the ghosts don't have. They don't eat regular food like humans do, they can't breathe, therefore, so they can't smell and they're intolerant to the cold and heat. It makes perfect sense."

"Not as to why you heal so rapidly or say it doesn't hurt when you get injured," Sam commented.

"Yes, it does," I replied, walking towards the door. My friends began to follow me. "Ghosts are more tolerable to pain. They've already died. How much more painful can it get? So when I get hurt, my receptors don't pick up the sensation. Unfortunately, because I can't feel pain, I can't feel cold, or heat, or touch or anything else."

"What," Sam shot out, "You can't feel someone touching you?"

I looked up, "Um, you didn't know that," I asked, confused. "Oh, right. That's something I was hiding from you. Oops."

"Danny," Tucker groaned. "Why didn't you tell us it was more than taste, smell and temperatures."

"Because you guys worry," I replied.

"It's something to worry about," Sam retorted. "We always thought that you could feel that."

"It doesn't matter," I replied, heading towards the gym. We separated, Sam going to the girls' locker room and Tucker and I heading to the boys'.

"Manson, Fenton," Mrs. Tetslaff called, "Form two teams."

"What," I asked, looking at Mrs. Tetslaff.

"Form a team, Fenton, now," she called again.

"But Sam," I asked, confused.

"Is not available," she replied. Sam and I looked at each other worriedly. Finally, I sighed.

"Take Tucker," I commented. "I don't want you two separated."

"But Danny," Sam asked, her eyes searching mine.

"Mikey," I called, picking my first student.

"Tucker," Sam called, taking my advice.

"Lester," I picked my next one.

"Travis," Sam picked her next one.

"Nathan," I picked Lester's twin brother.

"Star," Sam selected.

"Valerie," I picked.

Sam glared at me, but proceeded, "Mia."

"Hannah," I called. The gasps filled the other team and I saw Sam pause for a moment as she tried to find a way to balance the team.

"Nick," Sam tried to even up the score. He had a wicked throw.

"Heather."

"Randy."

"Tiffanie."

"Frankie."

"Devon."

"About time, dude," Devon called, smacking my hand. "I helped you win the game after all, remember."

"I haven't forgotten," I told him with a small smile. "I'm just trying to be fair here. Those two are my best friends. It's not easy pitted against them."

Not to mention dangerous. Sam and Tucker know everything there is to know about me. Not just my secret; everything. They might have the advantage anyway.

"Will."

"Brittany," Sam grunted as we reached the populars.

"Willow," I chose the last good one.

Sam grunted again, "Kelly."

"Kwan."

"Annie," Sam said, disappointment in her voice. I think she wanted Kwan.

"No," Annie cried. "What; you can't have him, no one can?"

I ignored Annie and Sam's quarrel, "Rebecca."

"Chris."

"Ashley."

"Paulina," I said, causing Sam's grin to widen. "That's for you, Sam."

"Thank you, Danny," Sam cried out. "Dash. That's for you!"

I laughed. "You're too kind. Tommy."

"Sarah."

And that was the last of them. The A-List was standing with their mouths open. They haven't been picked last ever! I think Paulina and Dash were the most shocked—they were picked as dedications.

"Okay," Mrs. Tetslaff called. "We're playing Dodge ball again!"

My stomach went into knots. I'd have to face my friends. I guess it could have been worse. She could have chosen Sam and Tucker as the team captains. With the fight that's going on between them, I'd hate to imagine the bloodbath over who would get me.

I studied Sam's team. Sam, Tucker, Nick, Randy and Frankie were the biggest threats. Sam and Tucker for obvious reasons, Nick for his throwing arm, Randy for his speed and Frankie for his unmoral conscious. Dash, Chris, Annie, Ashley, Brittany, Kelly and Sarah were no threat at all. Star, Mia, and Travis could pose a problem if they wanted to but more than likely wouldn't. Star and Travis had good skills but ignored them because of their popularity and Mia was good at math so she could determine velocity and the such but I don't believe they'll be a problem.

The most reasonable solution would be to take out Sam and Tucker first. However, should I do that? They are my friends, after all. Do I take them out because that's the best for my team or do I leave them alone because they're my friends?

I groaned. Ghost Hunting Rule Number Eighteen, do not let your emotions cloud your better judgment. Of course, they were talking about the possibility of coming across a loved one who was now a ghost but I always applied it to the camp. Every one of those kids at camp was my friend but I had to take them out to progress. I'll have to do that here, too.

Mrs. Tetslaff blew her whistle and I got in my stance. I evaluated Sam's team, determining who would be taken out first. Of course, Sam had her eyes trained on Paulina. Oh, curse the heavens for this.

"Paulina, just so you know, Sam's summing you up," I replied. I wouldn't give her anything more than that. "Tucker's aiming at Will. Tiffanie, you can catch the throw that Sarah's throwing. Valerie, go to where Willow is and catch the ball that Chris is throwing, please. No one else is in danger."

Sam's team was pausing as they too tried to come up with a game plan meaning that when the balls started this way on the court; there had been plenty of time. They all paused, wondering if they should proceed and decided to go for it. Paulina stepped out of the way, Will went out and Tiffanie caught Sarah's ball. Valerie dived for Willow, catching the ball as she slid into the court."

"Reid, Abraham, Mathews," Mrs. Teslaff called, "out!"

I summed them up again, Nick rearing back. He had Valerie in his sights. Val was still on the ground, standing up from catching Chris's ball. I walked over towards Valerie, Nick releasing the ball.

"No," I heard Sam call but it was too late. I caught the ball.

"Olsen's out," Mrs. Tetslaff cried.

"Listen to me," Sam said in a hushed voice but I could easily hear her. "No one targets anyone distracted. Danny will see that throw long before you can think it up. He will protect his teammates! Do not target anyone who can't defend themselves!"

I cracked a smile, watching the group. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tommy taking aim for Tucker.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I said casually.

"And why not," Tommy said.

"Because, he'll see you and you'll be out," I told him.

"How do you know who I'm targeting," Tommy asked, thinking I couldn't possibly know.

"Your body is giving you away," I commented calmly. Tucker looked dead into Tommy's eyes and Tommy dropped the ball in shock. "He sees me talking to you now. That's the only reason he's given himself away. I taught those two everything I know. They aren't the ones you need to target. You want to get someone, shoot Ashley."

"But she's looking this way," Paulina remarked, confused.

"No," I commented, "She's talking to Annie. They're both oblivious to their surroundings. Mia is looking this way."

"That's ridiculous," Heather scoffed. "Mia is looking at the bleachers."

"No," I commented. "Watch her." I walked over towards Devon and I could see her eyes trail me. My teammates gasped as they saw it too. "See."

"What else are you observing," Mikey asked me.

"Brittany is watching Hannah," I commented, "Travis isn't paying attention, thinking the game is paused I think, Sam is observing Paulina again, Dash is planning on taking out the nerds…"

"How do you know he's planning on taking out the nerds," Tommy asked me.

"One, he's Dash. He's that shallow. Two, he's eyeing Lester and Nathan, who are standing too close together and judging how much distance is between Nathan and Tiffanie, if he hits Lester, the ball will bounce off of Nathan and hit Tiffanie in the ricochet."

Nathan and Lester each took a step back while Tiffanie came to stand by me. "Okay, Dash is now summing up Rebecca. It'll be an overhand, so bend down to where your head is below your knees."

Rebecca bent over, her heart pounding in my ears because of how close she was. When she heard the ball slam the wall, she sat up, her eyes wide.

"The ball Travis will throw will be off by an angle because of the ball Frankie will throw. It'll go towards Lester. Nathan, step back three steps, Lester, turn the other direction."

Travis released his ball after he'd calculated it while Frankie released his mindlessly. Frankie's ball slammed into Travis's, sending it careening into the bleachers while Frankie's actually gained a direction. Nathan ran out of the way, way more than the three I told him, while Lester turned around. The ball slammed in to the wall, heading towards me. I caught it.

"Cobert, out," Mrs. Testlaff called.

A chorus of whoa was released, surprising everyone in the room. Even Mrs. Tetslaff's eyes widened a bit, but she quickly stuffed it away.

I picked up a ball, eyeing the opposite team. Most of the idiots had been ousted already, only leaving a few. I picked out Dash and thought, why not? I lightly threw the ball, it slamming into Dash.

"Baxter, out," Mrs. Tetslaff called.

Everyone looked at me, "What? He wasn't looking."

Sam picked up another ball, her eyes trailing over everyone. I couldn't tell who she was going for as she tossed the ball leisurely. "I'm not sure," I called up, panicked. "All I can say is, Paulina, watch out!"

Paulina ran over to me, hiding behind my shoulder. "I'll give you a kiss if you catch that ball."

"What, are you nuts. I'd duck if I was you," I replied. "Sam packs a punch!"

"Just help me," she cried but I kept my eyes on my team. Then I saw it. "Valerie, look alive."

Valerie looked up and noticed her predicament. She was in a perfect angle from Sam: a ricochet. Sam released the ball and it hit the wall perfectly, bouncing into Valerie's direction.

"Don't try to…" but it was too late. She reached up, trying to catch it but it hit her hard in the stomach, knocking her to the ground. The ball slipped from her hand. "catch it."

"Gray, out," Mrs. Tetslaff cried. "Catch failed!"

"Sorry, Valerie," I replied, scanning my team again. I was stupid. I left one of my teammates open to attack.

This has gone on long enough. I scan the area, summing up my teammates. I rubbed my arm, a chill running through my body as I scanned the group. Kwan was fine. Paulina was putting us both in danger. Tommy was fine. Heather was fine. Hannah was fine. Fine. Fine. Fine. Fine. And of course, Nathan, Lester and Mikey were once again making themselves easy targets.

"Nathan, Lester, Mikey," I called. "Separate!"

They instinctively took a step back. I scanned my group again, noticing how Tommy had become timid. I looked across to Sam's team and Tucker now had a ball. I watched his eyes, him telling me who he's going after. "Rebecca, when I say to, run to the end of the court. Don't stop until you get to the white line."

I watched Tucker watch Rebecca. Rebecca was giving herself away to knowing Tucker had targeted her. I scanned the group again. Tucker reared back. "Tiffanie, duck!"

Rebecca took off running, the slightest sound spooking her. I looked back to Tucker and he had targeted Rebecca again. Keep going then turn around at the line. Wait for it. Wait for it. "Come back!"

Rebecca turned again just as Tucker threw the ball. I heard Tucker cuss, loudly. Everyone else heard him too.

"You can sit up, Tiff," I replied. Sam released a ball, catching me off guard. "Damn!" I called, watching the three pins get knocked down.

"Johnson twins and Baker, out!"

And now the score was even. Five out, ten to go. I was stalling the game, allowing them to make the moves but it won't work now. If I keep this up, my team will lose. I don't like to lose. I picked up a ball and I watched how Sam and Tucker froze. Shoot, I thought as I saw Tucker step into an area of vulnerability. Tuck it is.

I watched Tucker's eyes widen as he realized I zoned in on him. I gently tossed the ball, softer than normal but still exceeding human strength limitations. Tucker held his ground and I knew I wouldn't get him. Just as the ball came within his reach, Tucker turned towards the wall, putting his strength into it. The ball chases him to the end of the room, hitting the wall as Tucker dove out of the way and bounced back. The ricochet caught Ashley in the back, scaring her.

"Miller, out. Good job, Foley."

"Danny," Tucker whispered, knowing I could hear him. "I had to reach into training there."

Wait until what I make Sam do. I know her weakness. As soon as I catch her guard down, I'll show her how to beat that level.

Star was the next to drop her guard. I kicked a ball to my hands, gently tossing the ball. It slammed into Star, hitting her in the side. It didn't send her flying but it disqualified her.

"Adkins, out!"

Sam picked up a ball and she started the eye thing again. I scanned the group, trying to determine who was sticking out. No one. She's going for a direct throw. "Paulina," I called, keeping her on her toes.

Sam released the ball and my eyes widened. She's going after me! I looked behind me and three students stood in my path. Damnit, Fenton, you were the one who was in a bad position! She's using my weakness against me. Paulina would be the one to take it if I ducked… no! Not even Paulina should be sacrificed. I can't bump it out of the way. I have to either catch it or go out. Sorry, Sam.

I caught the ball, the impact jarring me but nothing extravagant. I knew if I was a normal person, though, her throw would have sent me flying.

"Manson, out," Mrs. Tetslaff cried. Sam's eyes widened.

I tossed the ball to the other side, taking out Randy.

"Parker, out," Mrs. Tetslaff cried.

Well, that only leaves Tucker, Mia, and Travis that's any good. I kicked another ball to my hand, feeling bored. I knocked Kelly out.

"Jones."

I was so hoping to teach Sam how to beat that level but I had to screw up and collect the pins behind me. Oh, that reminds me.

"Paulina, Tommy, Rebecca and Tiffanie will you please spread out. You're creating a perfect opportunity for Tucker. He knows I won't jeopardize anyone and if I mess up, we're all going."

Everyone but Paulina spread out, standing in a single file. I looked to Tucker and he was bored, too. I released a big puff of air, wishing for this thing to be over already. I should have let Sam keep Hannah. It would have been cooler that way.

I looked across the gym when suddenly this thing came up from the floorboards, in front of me: "Boo!"

Paulina, still behind me, screamed: "Ghost!"

I stared at him in shock. Why… cold. Idiot! "Quiet," I cried, moving around the ghost. I refused to step back to him so I circled him. "No one scream. Try to calm down. He's here for a meal!"

"Well, give him one," Tommy screamed, running away. I looked around the room, noticing how everyone started screaming and running away. I looked back to the ghost, him closing his eyes and savoring every bite.

"You're pretty smart, kid," the ghost replied, opening his eyes again. "Well, in a dumb kind of way. Aren't you scared at all?"

"No, I'm not," I said, deepening my voice and lowering my eyebrows. "You're in my haunt and I suggest you leave."

"Your haunt," the ghost asked, narrowing his eyes, "Those are some pretty stupid words for a human to say."

I looked around the room, noticing only Sam and Tucker there. "Good thing I'm not only a human," I called, transforming. "I'm also a ghost," I said, sending a blast into him.

"The ghost child," the ghost cried, scurrying to his feet. "It is true. You can hold both forms!"

"And you're in my haunt," I said again.

"Yes, of course, halfa. I'm sorry," the ghost replied. "I'll leave at once."

"Back to the Ghost Zone," I said sternly. "No one is allowed out of the Ghost Zone!" I inwardly shivered. I did sound like a conquering ghost.

"Right away, halfa," he called, flying away.

"Danny," Sam said, a little concerned. "That didn't sound like you."

"I'm sorry," I replied, looking down. I changed back into my human form. "I just got really angry. I shouldn't have. He was just coming for a meal. He was so weak that he can't sense energies. If he could, he would have known not to come here. Most ghosts that low avoid power levels as high as mine."

"It's okay," Tucker replied. "Danny's been under a lot of stress, Sam. He's entitled to an off moment."

I don't know that I am.

Sam, Tuck and I took a seat on the bleachers, alone in the entire gym. We had another eight minutes in class and thirteen minutes left of the period. I laid back into the bleachers, taking up three rows. Ten minutes was plenty of time for a nap.

Through my closed eyes, my ears picked up a noise. I heard Sam and Tucker's hushed whispers coming at me next, trying to remain as quiet as possible but still being able to hear each other.

"What do you think is wrong with Danny," Tucker whispered to Sam.

"I-I'm not sure," I heard Sam hesitate. "I'm a little concerned about that trip to Washington yesterday. Danny's acting like he always does when he gets back from an encounter with Vlad."

"But Mom and Dad saw Samuels.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fenton thought they saw Samuels," Sam replied. "You must remember that Plasmius has mind control."

"Do you think that Plasmius made Mom and Dad think they were sending Danny with Samuels? I mean… what would he want with Danny? Why wouldn't Danny get away?"

"Danny doesn't fight Plasmius," Sam said, raising her voice an octave. She lowered it back to their hushed conversation: "He's surrendered to him."

"Danny doesn't surrender," Tucker shot back. "He never gives up!"

"Vlad's broken Danny," Sam said, her voice distracted. "He doesn't have the fight left in him. Do you remember when Danny had that dream about the boy and the woman? How he had shot off—that was the real Danny. The Danny that came back after his flight was the Danny Vlad's created. That week that Vlad had Danny he discovered something. When he had Danny, I'm certain Danny gave him hell but as soon as he returned him, he became tame. It's because during that week, the only person in danger was Danny."

"What do we do to help Danny find himself," Tucker asked.

Sam's voice hummed for several seconds as she stuttered to find the right response. "I don't know. Without Danny opening to us, there is nothing we can do. We have no idea what Vlad is putting him through. We don't even know the man. We have no way of fighting this without a little ammo."

"Well we can't just stand here, watching Danny crumble," Tucker shot up, his voice full strength.

"Shh," Sam silenced him. "I don't know what else to do, Tucker. We have to get Danny to open up to us."

Silence fell over my two friends. Even though I wasn't looking at them, I could feel their eyes boring into me.

XXX

"Manson, Foley, Fenton," I heard Mrs. Tetslaff call through the silent gym.

"Yes, Mrs. Tetslaff," Sam asked, her voice quiet but loud enough for the teacher to hear.

"Why didn't you evacuate," Mrs. Tetslaff cried out, her loud boots clomping on the gym floor. I kept my eyes closed but I sat up.

"It was just a small ghost," Tucker replied. "Two, three power level. It wasn't a threat."

"It was a ghost," Mrs. Tetslaff cried out, her voice displaying the obscurity of the sentence Tucker spoke.

"Which doesn't scare us," I said, opening my eyes. "Mrs. Tetslaff, there's a ghost in my house some time or another." I chuckled and I heard Sam and Tucker stifle laughs as well. I hadn't meant to make that a pun. I was talking about the portal being open. "Anyway, we three understand when it becomes desperate and when it's a minor annoyance."

"So while the rest of your class ran away, you three walked over to the bleachers and went to sleep?"

I looked to Sam and Tucker, "No. I told the ghost to go away and then we did that."

"You can go get dressed now," Mrs. Tetslaff said, sighing, "I'll call the rest of the class to do the same."

I stood up, "Okay." Sam and Tucker followed my lead, Sam heading to the girls' locker room and Tuck and I going to the boys'.

XXX

Home Economics. Oh, the joy of learning to live in today's world. Why don't they make it more practical? Like learning to live with ghosts? I stared at the lemon squares recipe Sam, Tuck and I had to make, the letters blurring. "Why do I have to learn to cook again?"

"So you'll know how to feed yourself when you go to college, ghost boy," Sam said, measuring out the flower.

"But I don't need to eat," I said, rolling the lemon over the counter. "And that's why they have restaurants, isn't it?"

Tucker laughed at my first reason, "Yes, Danny. You don't need to eat so you'll just waste away to bones and flesh."

"That's the only consequence," I replied, stopping my little game. "That's the bad thing about that. I don't need sleep or food but if I don't get those things, I end up looking like the living dead. It's not how people talk about those creatures at all."

"Well even a vampire sleeps in a coffin," Tucker commented.

"Oh, come on," I shot out. "You get to live forever and you waste your days sleeping in a wooden box forever remembering you'll never set foot in one the way the rest of the population will. I don't care, even vampires could spend their days better."

"It could be how Twilight explains it," Sam commented.

"That book you started complaining about," Tucker asked.

"It got way too popular," Sam said, scrunching up her nose. "But anyway, Stephanie Meyer believes that vampires stay awake 24/7."

"Really," I said, cocking my eyebrows. "No coffins?"

"None," Sam said.

"Well, maybe there is someone out there with a little sense," I commented, beginning to roll the lemon again.

"Could you maybe slice that," Sam said, annoyed.

"Do you need zest or juice," I asked.

"Read the card," Sam retorted with a laugh, "It's right in front of you."

"It's like it's written in another language," I commented.

"Then read that language," Tucker joked.

"Fine," I retorted with a soft smile. "Zest." I powered up an energy blast, creating a small block hidden in my hand. I began rubbing the lemon against my energy, the zest falling in the bowl.

"You're finding more interesting ways to use that power," Sam commented, a small smile on her lips.

"I've always liked ecto-energy because it made fighting the ghosts so much more easier but when I discovered it could be used for other purposes, I've really had fun with it. I rarely bathe in the shower anymore. I create my own, making it as hot as I want."

"You can make the water warm," Tucker asked in awe.

"Yeah," I commented. "The same way the blasts hurt when they hit you, it can warm the water. Believe me, ecto-energy can do some amazing things."

"I can't wait to become half-ghost," Tucker whispered as to not attract the attention of our classmates. I focused on my lemon, not wanting to look at their smiling faces. They're making a mistake.

XXX

The lemon bars were done and the teacher was going around, inspecting them. I kept hoping against hope that I could make it through this class and the next without a ghost sense but my stomach was twisting in a nauseating way. I know I haven't seen the end of the attacks during the school day. Something's happened that's making them more restless today and I might have to ask Vlad for a rain check on shopping for apartments. I need to discover what's got them all revved up.

Just as the teacher came over to inspect our lemon bars, I felt a sudden chill and my ghost sense went off. Crap!

"Mr. Fenton, are you okay," Mrs. Powers asked me. She was the original teacher of the class, sticking it out with us.

"I-I'm fine," I said, my heart racing. I could already feel this ghost's power and it made me panicked. "Actually, I have been feeling a little under the weather. May I go to the nurses office?"

"Sure," Mrs. Powers replied. "Do you want Sam or Tucker to join you?"

"No," I replied, "I can do it by myself," I said, turning to Sam and Tucker. Their shoulders slumped, knowing I meant that sentence more to them than to Mrs. Powers.

I ran out of the class, giving Tucker my backpack. I have a feeling I might not be done with this until the next class has already began.

XXX

Stupid, no good, unrighteous animal ghosts. I hate these more than anything because some animals travel in packs. I learned through my ghost hunting that pack animals stick with the same pack through life and it also carries on into the Ghost Zone. Some packs can reach up in the thousands. When going to feed, they do the same thing the other ghosts do: they feed on fear.

When the pack goes to feed, they split up in small groups of a couple hundred and attack the areas with the most people. I had a sub group of forty ghost-wolves attacking the school and I could sense the remaining 160 were somewhere in town. I'll be lucky to be finished before Vlad comes calling. The worst part is this will progress for a couple days while the entire pack goes to feed.

I sent out an ecto-blast, shooting down a leaping wolf. Oh, I hate this! I had eight of them in the thermos already while the remaining 32 were attacking me to claim the right to this land. Each one wasn't particularly powerful; it was their numbers that made them terrifying. Imagine going up against a wolf as a human then imagine going up against one as a ghost. There's not much difference.

I sent out another ecto-blast, roping a wolf instead of shooting it. I pulled my thermos out, sucking him in. Two wolves jumped at me at the same time. I released my energy, blasting them back. Individually, they were maybe a five but together, as a pack, they were a seven or an eight. And that's how they work: in packs. I pointed the thermos at the two that attacked me, capturing them. Eleven down, 29 to go.

XXX

The bell rang, releasing seventh period and I'd only captured fifteen. Great. That means that the ghost wolves were now going to feed, only making them stronger. I tried to keep my head but it wasn't working. As the classroom doors began to open, I heard several of the wolves start growling. Instantly, screams started to flood the hallways, the ghosts becoming stronger. Three of them jumped on me, pinning me to the ground with their strengths returning.

"Danny," Sam and Tucker screamed. Sam swung her bag around to her front while Tucker dropped my bag and followed suit. I sent out another wave of energy, blasting the wolves off of me but when I went to suck them in the thermos, the ghosts pulled out of the beam. They're too strong. I need to weaken them.

Ecto-blasts began firing at the wolves, Sam and Tucker back to back as they started their procession. Sam had a Fenton bazooka but Tucker only had an ecto-pistol. Very rarely did Tucker interfere actively in the attacks. He's mostly a techo-geek but he has had some training. The noise was defening but I tried to ignore it. The rest of the students were hiding in their classrooms so most of this was only reaching them by sounds. A wolf jumped towards Sam and Tucker and I shot out a blast, lassoing it. I yanked on its leash, pulling it back.

I sucked a few they had shot into the thermos, the ghosts too weak to escape the beam this time. Twenty; halfway through. I rocketed a few blasts myself, weakening them further. With the kids scared, the ghosts were still collecting strength but with Sam and Tucker, the odds were more evened out. What was taking me ten minutes to do, Sam and Tucker finished it up before the bell sounded, ending class intermission.

"Next time," Sam seethed, "call us when you're in trouble!"

"Sorry guys," I said, my voice echoing from my ghost powers. "I didn't want you guys to get into trouble."

"That's something you're just going to have to get over," Tucker said, his anger boiling as well. Tucker passed me my bag and walked down the hall. I looked for a place to transform.

AN: I have a long chapter companion for yesterday's chapter. There's a lot I felt needed explaining. I hope you check it out and drop me a line. On a side note, it was nice to hear from you Forever-stained-crimson. I remembered you from your previous reviews but I hadn't noticed that you hadn't reviewed me in a few days. I'm glad you are still sticking around. I have a few others who reviewed me early on but I haven't heard from in a while. Drop me a line and let me know you're still reading. I love to get feedback.

Also, if anyone is finding the companions useful, let me know. I just wrote the companion for this chapter as I was proofreading and I noticed there wasn't a lot to add. If no one is reading them every chapter, I think I will combine them when there isn't much. I will continue to write one for each chapter for Bitter UNIONS but since New Beginnings begins in another three chapters, I will start the new way of writing the companions then. If anyone likes the way it is now, speak up. When I post Saturday, it will be too late. I like to keep things regular.

Thanks for your time and drop me a line!

Team04Phantom