Chapter 14_[Aftermath 2]_ "Hug to save a life"

If it wasn't that the shape of the face of the newcomer was more delicate than Danny's, Maddie would have mistaken her for her son. That and she was clearly younger than him.

Jack_exe had stopped working instead. When did they have a second daughter they knew nothing about (given Mads's surprised expression)? Wait, why was she surprised? If this girl was their daughter, his wife should surely be involved! ...But Dann-o had said delayed twin. And she looked younger, at least 3-4 years gap. Had Mads been unknowingly pregnant with the second twin all that time? How didn't either of them notice? Sure, the woman had been moody till their second born had gone to kindergarten, but at the time he had attributed it to the paranoia of having a child near experiments. Or the doctor could have lied and the second twin was actually an unborn one that had come back as a grown up ghost, albeit younger looking that Danny? Maybe that gap was due to the time needed to being reborn as a ghost? But she looked human!

Before any other speculation could pop up in his brain, Jack blurted: − What do you mean "delayed twin sister"? I didn't see her when your mother delivered you!

Both raven haired teens blushed furiously, while the redhead one made a disgusted face. − Dad! I didn't need that image right now, thank you!

− He's having a point though. − Maddie interjected, then added carefully. − Besides, you told us that she was a ghost. − she directed the indirect question at her sure child.

− I said "Phantom" as in Dani Phantom, mom. − the boy corrected, still standing in a slightly guarded stance, almost as if shielding the younger girl behind him.

− Dani with "i". − the red jacket wearing precised, still half hidden. Uh, that was one of Danny's old clothes.

− You mean that she's a ghost too? Both human and ghost? A halfa? − the man telegraphed his thought as they came to him. The duo nodded at him, the shorter looking wary at his behavior. − You mean that all halfas look do have to like you? That it's a fundamental requirement to be both human and ghost?

− Dad, that's really stretching things. − his firstborn intervened, probably to prevent things from escalating in a sour way. − It's more due to the topic we were discussing at breakfast, remember? The ghost signature thing and the twins percentage? − she explained carefully. A bulb of resemblance flashed above both adults' heads as they looked surprised at Jazz that at the almost identical duo at the doorway.

− So that's why you were laughing at the "twins" idea! − Maddie breathed. − But still, I'm absolutely certain that that Danny was alone in my uterus.

− Mom! − said boy squeaked, in part disgusted and in part embarrassed to half-death (Ha Maddie, you can make halfa-jokes too!). Probably if he hadn't been shielding this Danielle girl, he would have escaped at the first birth reference.

It was just because the woman was looking at the two carefully that she was able to notice when the little girl strengthened her hold on her son's arm a second before speaking for the first time since the hesitant greeting.

− Because unfortunately he was. Alone, I mean. − the pre-teen bit her lip. − Despite the fact that I'd liked any other crazy possibility instead of the reality, I'm actually... − she gulped audibly, eyes averted in a scared to (half?) death way. − ...I'm Danny's failed clone.

Any previous emotion on the Hero of Amity's face vanished and a frown painted his features. − Dani, you're no failure. − he said to the girl seriously.

− But I'm younger and a girl, he wanted a perfect and exact copy of you. − the ravenette argued.

− Now wait, little lady. − Jack ordered, stern enough to both make them stop quarrel and at the same time not frighten the girl. − No child, no matter where's from is a failure to begin with. Who told you that? And who wanted a clone of my son? − she looked at him hesitantly, then she glanced at her "original" (if they went along the theory) who nodded at her reassuringly.

− Plasmius for both. He wanted the perfect apprentice and son, but Danny kept on resisting. − Danielle explained in a quiet voice, still not looking at the adults.

− The Wisconsin Ghost? − at triple nods (Jazz's included), an ugly feeling coiled inside the huntress' guts. − That good for nothing scum! How dare he! Who is he for assuming to have the right to play with little girls' feelings and lives! − Maddie really wanted to stand up and pace to fend off some frustration, but she feared of scaring the poor dear. − Did he hurt you in any other way? Are you alright? What did he do?

The little halfa seemed taken aback at her declaration and only a nudge from the other half-ghost made her recover. − Well, I wasn't the only unsuccessful clone, but... I was the most sentient one. − she began hesitantly. The grip on Danny's arm seemed like a boa one now judging from the wrinkles on the sleeve.

− Plasmius sent the others to hunt me down. − their son picked up, probably sensing her distress. − You know, apparently to make an exact replica of a halfa is necessary a mid-transformation sample of the subject. − here his expression turned into a grimace. − So the previous clones were somehow still useful to him to act as goons and collect it. Unfortunately I discovered only at the encounter with the second clone that every way of defending myself from their attacks made them liquefy in a puddle of goo. When the fruitloop tried to push Dani to practically sacrifice herself to meet his goal, I refused to fight her: I knew her only for two days, but I already knew I had to protect her. − Danny, slowly but fluidly, shifted the girl to stand before him and circled her shoulders with his arms, in a sort of backward hug. Her "safety grip" on him was still there though, probably even stronger due to the position change.

− By doing so, he saved me. And made me realize that my trust was misplaced. − she whispered.

− Luckily Sam and Tucker saved us at the end and we destroyed the cloning machine, so if the fruitloop ever wants to try again, it will take time. I doubt he will though: after Dani's second encounter with him months ago, I kinda went territorial on her. − his smirk was almost feral.

− What do you mean? What happened? − Maddie knew her concerned gaze also promised retribution, but she knew her son would recognize it to be directed to another target.

− After we escaped from Plasmius' lair, Dani went into hiding. I know you said that you went to "explore the world", but I know that in fact it was "running away", lil' sis. − the Hero of Amity cut the little girl's protest off before she could even voice it. − She was hunted for a bit, but when her ectoplasm-instability became too dangerous for her, she came back to Amity. We had a scuffle with the Red Huntress because she had been tricked by Plasmius under a disguise... This way that fruitloop had pawn to achieve his new goal: retrieve Dani and study her to make another "better" clone. − the disdain was tangible in his words. − If I hadn't convinced her that Dani is not an "evil ghost" and dad's Ecto-Dejecto hadn't been working backwards, we, as in the Huntress and I, wouldn't have been able to rescue Dani. We almost didn't make it, because even if I used the spray on Dani, she still turned into goo for few seconds before reforming.

The halfas shuddered, probably at the memory, making the mother's rage spike skyrockedly.

− ...You mean that she practically died all the way for a few seconds? − the mother asked, voice filled with horror and fury and an ugly feeling she couldn't place at the moment and didn't really care what it was. The little girl looked at her like a deer in the headlights, but Danny grimaced and nodded slightly. The huntress clenched her fists on the table and trained her gaze on her only male offspring. − Tell me that you know where his lair is. − she stated dangerously.

− ...If I do, how much pain are you going to bring him? − he asked uncertainly.

− He'll know the meaning behind "tearing apart molecule by molecule". − the matriarch promised. The raven teen made a strangled sound that resembled a snort.

− Them sorry mom, but I cannot let you do that yet. I'd rather make him live in terror. − his grin, even if mirthful, was probably more predatory than hers.

− For once I'm agreeing with mom, Danny. − said boy in response leveled a green glare at Jazz, who shrugged unfazed. − You know that she has a point. If anything, at least let her have a round with him.

− Do you know what will happen if she does? I'd rather keep things with him by how they are now. − he reinforced his hug on the younger halfa, whose eyes were darting around a bit lost, as if trying to assess each reaction.

− What do you mean? ...Are you still hiding something Danny? − the mother asked severe. The raven teen shifted uncomfortably, but Maddie waited patiently, arms crossed to add some more authority, as she saw him debate his answer.

At last he sighed and Dani looked up slightly fearful. − Okay, I admit that I know where his lair is, but I'm going to tell you only this: even if we think that he has a lower ectoplasmic power than me at the moment, he's way more experienced and had dangerous acquaintances. − he lectured serious. − Not counting his last attempt to capture Dani, which I think he did only because he hoped that I didn't catch any whiff of it, we've been in a stalemate. − he paused, but not long enough to let the woman object. − However recent events have given me the upper hand that, now thinking about it, I haven't still relayed to him. By doing so I'm pretty sure he'll stay put, even more if I'll keep the threat of telling you actually true. − the boy looked unflinchingly into his mother's eyes as he said − So, sorry mom, but right now I can't tell you.

As his wife and son engaged a staring contest, a battle of wills, Jack quickly casted aside that topic (Mads was already "fighting" on that battlefield and she was more than enough) because his mind was still reeling from the previous info dumped on him. Clone, copy or whatever, this little girl shared part of her genetic code with him. She has my blood. She had almost died by the hands of that ghost scum, but because I invented something by accident... she's still here. I indirectly saved her! Even if I didn't know about her, I'm not a failure of a father! I have another princess to spoil now!

From borderline depressed/astonished, the last realization made the man's eyes shine with sheer excitement, event that didn't pass unnoticed by both his daughters, who looked alarmed by the change.

The younger child must have tensed, because Danny broke the contest with Mads to check on his sister and in an instant he must have noticed the cause of her distress because he snapped his sharp gaze at Jack... Which after a blink turned incredulous and bewildered.

Maddie, startled by the sudden interruption, followed her son's line of sight and she also became aware of the eager look on her husband's face.

Oh, please, not the "papa's girl" routine! she almost facepalmed as she recognized that expression: he had always that on when he gushed over or strutted about Jazz!

Luckily (or maybe just thanks to years honed battle reflexes) Danny halted his father's incoming outburst by pointing the index of his left hand at him and shouting: − Dad, don't!

The eagerness was replaced by a scandalized kicked-puppy air, like his son had just denied him something precious. Not that Jack was entirely wrong... Fine, we'll discuss the "Wisconsin Ghost matter" when the emotional and mental stability of my new daughter isn't at stake. the woman decided with a deep sigh.

− He's right dear, it's too soon right now. Tone it down. − Maddie patted her husband's shoulder and he developed a mutinish pout.

There was a second of uncertainty, before the little girl dared to ask. − ...What did just happen?

Dy ~O¤O~ Jz

+Di

Dani felt really lost right now. The emotions shown by the adults had been a merry-go-round that she hadn't been able to decipher, so she had resorted in asking for the other teens' help.

Jazz groaned, rubbing her face. − Dad was about to gush over you like he usually does for me. Since he's also usually too intense, we stopped him beforehand.

− But I can't let one of my princesses go unspoiled, Jazzie-pants! She deserves it from what I heard! − the man pouted, pouted!, at the redhead teen.

Gush over me? "My princesses"? What in the Ghost Zone is he talking about? Her bewilderment was fueled further as Danny relaxed his embrace on her and sighed in both relief and deadpan.

− Dad, at least let Dani decide if she wants to stay? − the other halfa asked, partially answering one of her questions. − While I'd like her to remain here too, I don't want to force her!

Comprehension flashed on the woman's face (the ravenette would have liked to understand too) and she smiled warmly. She rose with careful slowness, paying attention to keep her hands visible, and approached the duo. Tension creeped on Dani's spine at the unknown purpose of the huntress' actions, but her brother's lax hold kept her grounded enough not to full out panic. The resolution seemed worth the waiting, because once the redhead adult was in front of Dani, she crouched to be at her eyelevel and offered her a hand, palm up.

A handshake? It should be harmless... the younger halfa wavered, but at last she removed one hand from the steel grip she had on Danny and let the appendage rest on the lady's one. Mrs. Fenton cradled that hand like a frail bird with both her ones and looked kindly and steadily right into the girl's azure eyes.

− Whatever that scums of the universe told you isn't true: you aren't a failure. − she began earnestly. − Even if the circumstances of your birth are... unusual, you are just a girl who didn't deserve what happened to her. In addition, since I discovered about Danny's halfa status, I learned to trust my son's judgment about ghosts and humans. − the pre-teen could practically feel the boy behind her raise his eyebrows in astonishment. − So, if he already regards you as a little sister, I don't see any reason why you, Danielle Phantom, couldn't become a full fledged Fenton. In name and fact. − the mother smiled tenderly.

The little girl had to blink several times before the meaning behind those words finally caught up with her... and she promptly did a double-take. − You... want to adopt me even if you know nothing about me?! − Dani almost shrilled in disbelief. − I could have, I don't know, hypnotized Danny or something, to make him think that I'm his sister!

− We've seen what's Danny like when he's hypnotized and he had never "performed" this genuinely. − Jazz dismissed off-hand. − Besides, you would have included me, Sam and Tucker too at the same time and notwithstanding our usual bad luck, it's too difficult to achieve... and by now it would have worn off. It's been almost a year and no ghost-hypnosis has ever lasted this long. − she relayed the statistics unconcerned.

− But... − the younger tried to protest again, but this time it was the man who cut her off, standing and speaking with uncharacteristic gentleness.

− Dani-bell, why are you trying to fight this offer? It's not a trick. − his wife glanced at him truly impressed, before returning her gaze on Dani.

− He's right, sweety. What's the matter? − she asked softly.

Danielle's sight inexplicably blurred a bit and she felt herself tremble from sheer inner pressure. − I feel like... − her voice broke a bit and in instant response Danny tightened his embrace on her. − ...like I don't deserve this. − Why am I spilling my thoughts like this? I must stop! she thought, but instead her mouth kept running free. − I'm a fake, a draft. I shouldn't have been created in the first place! ...It's not fair either to you or Danny. − she bit her lip to make it stop trembling, but she wasn't that successful, because the woman before her sighed sympathetically.

− Dani, it's not true! − Danny disentangled himself (with perhaps a bit of intangibility) and made her turn towards him, keeping a steady hold on her shoulders. Icy blue eyes meet their reflection. − While the fruitloop's actions had been despicable, you're the best and only good thing he ever did in his life! He was just too stupid to notice that he already had the "perfect child" he wanted. You're fine just the way you are. And for once I'm glad for one of his crazy schemes, otherwise you wouldn't be here. You're my little sister, Danielle, and I love you.

Danny had never been this direct before and that straight-foreness was amazing even him. Though... it seemed to do the trick, because Dani's eyes spilled the tears that had been pooling inside and their owner launched herself forward, burrowing her face into his chest and arms circling his midsection. Uh, I hope that Cindy won't mind... the halfa inner-wished, cradling the crying sister and whispering encouragements and reassurances.

He looked up at his mother who seemed to get the message and joined the group hug, followed suit by her husband and Jazz, all the while keeping Dani at the center.

They let her emotion flow freely, probably under most of her façade boldness she had kept them suppressed for too long.

After what felt like hours but instead was just 10 minutes later, Dani's tears were reduced to mere sniffles and out of nowhere she dry-chuckled. − Sorry Danny, I've soiled the Tardis.

− The starship can be washed; it's not a big deal and the Doctor wouldn't mind. You okay though? − he ruffled her hair as she nodded slightly.

− I bet you're hungry after this outburst, how about we dig in into lunch and then we can continue this family drama? − their father boasterly proposed, surprisingly eliciting a laugh from all of them. Really some things never change.

− We're lucky mom made sandwiches this time: when Danny did his Speech, she burned the pancakes! − Jazz sassed a bit as they disengaged the hug.

− In my defense, I believed that my idiotic son had just carried down the stairs his sister while having two broken legs. − the woman shot back, preparing one more plate on the table for Dani, since she had probably believed the guest couldn't eat earthly food because she was a ghost.

− Danny, did you break your legs?! How? − the little sister asked in disbelief, sitting beside him at the table, caught so much in the discussion that she didn't notice the naturalness with which she did so.

− That's the tale of how mom and dad discovered I'm a halfa. − he smiled as the family members started piling food on their plates after sitting down. − You see, it all started with me being grounded for breaking the curfew and our parents had to go and investigate a strange cave...

The five ate and exchanged stories, Dani listening more that speaking, but eventually she started to warm up to the adults and even if shyly, she started to adders them directly (she still used Mr. & Mrs. Fenton).

Belly filled and full explanation given, the little girl seemed no more tense, so when the mother launched her next attempt, the response had changed.

− So, Danielle, would you like helping me remodel the guest room? − she asked causally. The girl frowned in confusion.

− Uhh... − she hesitated glancing at her brother who shrugged, for once faking cluelessness. − Sure, what for?

− You just have to decide the wall color and where to move the furniture, after all your room should be personalized. − the woman explained sagely. Once again the little halfa was stunned speechless, but this time she blushed at the casual offer.

The Hero of Amity observed with an amused smile as his lil' sis played embarrassedly with a crumble, before nodding. − I'd really like to. If you really want to, I mean. − she whispered.

− Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have asked! Come with me, there's a lot to do! − the oldest redhead practically dragged the youngest halfa with her upstairs. Taking pity on that poor soul, Jazz followed suit, leaving the males to clean the dishes in the kitchen.

Father and son worked together in "silence" for a bit, (Cindy was complaining in low hisses all the while about being squished, but after a whispered "Dani needed it" it mollified a bit) before Danny finally broke it. − It's amazing how fast you accepted Dani. How did you do that? − he grabbed a plate from his father to dry it with intangibility.

− Dann-o, after discovering that you're a half-ghost and meeting a tribe of ice-yetis, a cloned twin sister is hardly stranger anymore. Besides, now I've got another daughter! − the man grinned making the boy chuckle.

− I'm sorry I was born male then, dad. − he joked sarcastically, making the orange jumpsuit wearer snort.

− Nope, as you said before, you're fine the way you are. It's just that I like more the balance of this family genders tipped on the female side. Your mother is always the best muse for inspiration. − his father shot back.

− You said it. Anyway, thanks. For taking my sister in the family. − Danny said earnestly.

− You're welcome, but there's no need. She deserves a family. − Jack stated and the duo quietly finished the chore, before sneaking upstairs and finding the female trio discuss which shade of cyan was better to put on the walls.

Danielle Fenton seemed finally to be at home now.

A/N. Here's the (probably) final piece! Happy Airdate Anniversary Dani!

Sorry if the ending seems a bit rushed or un-detailed, but I run out of inspiration past a certain point of Dani's Speech and after that I followed my Fluff Sense (Danny's Ghost Sense pales in comparison, ha! xD).

Hope you didn't find Dani too OoC, but I thought that after that near death experience in "D-Stabilized" and the sort of psychological abuse she received from Vlad, she had suppressed her emotions that finally busted out at Danny's final big bro-declaration.

I choose Jack's nickname "Dani-bell" for Danielle with meaning behind it: since Jazz comes from Jasmine (a flower) and the short of it is a musical genre, I tried to follow a similar logic where "bell" is both for the instrument and a type of flower (Campanulaceae, look it up!). Plus "bell" could also refer to a slang from "beautiful". Triple combo! Yay!

Right now I'm not able to say for certain when I'll post another chapter of Shivers to tie the loose ends, but I'll do my best!

Thanks to both old and new Favs, Follows, Reviewers and Viewers, you stimulate my muse!

Type ya soon!

EDIT: How my excellent reviewer "Great" pointed out to me, the previous title "Ghost Zone hath no fury like a huntress scorned" wasn's really fit for the content of the chapter and they're absolutely right! I admit that when I completed the chapter I was still searching for the perfect title (and was way too late at night and the following day I was too busy finish writing this chapter), but it eluded me, sooooo... I went for the rage that Maddie felt for Plasmius, as short as it was. Rethinking with calm about the matter after publishing in time for the deadline, I finally came upon a more fitting title that is a reference to one of my favourite songs: "How to save a life" by The Fray... plus it contains a pun like most of the other titles do! xD Now I feel satisfied!

[Anilime Ahsim: good spotting on the date! I read too a couple fics on the daughter interpretation, but while I can see the logic behind that type of bond, I like more the bro-sis relationship. Hope you had fun with Jack's inner debate!

ElealehBlue: happy (late) Easter to you too and thanks for the compliment! o^w^o]