Disclaimer: I own nothing from Danny Phantom

Note: Honestly it's not surprising that my focus has shifted since that's just how things go but I'm excited to overhaul my old sequel to "Haunted" called "Dirge" and take Danielle's story in a new direction. Especially since I've been updating "Lost Soul" a little behind the scenes looking for some inspiration so now I think I'm finally ready to get started! Oh and just so you know, Nocturne is going to play a big role in this story too which is why I used a recent drawing of him and Danielle for the cover. With that out of the way though I hope you all enjoy reading the new sequel to "Haunted Soul!"

P.S. Gonna start things off on a slightly depressing note so please keep that in mind while reading this. I also didn't want to rehash everything from the previous story so this time we're diving right into the action. After all, I'll need an excuse for Vlad to come back a little early to help Danielle out of another mess.

Chapter 1: Speechless

Danielle's POV

"Would you mind passing me the chips Trish?" I asked.

The three of us were hanging out at Sam's place for the first time in weeks to watch a movie together. We hadn't really had much time to relax after all the ghosts started showing up again as soon as Vlad left. I mean, Vlad can make threats all he wants and now Vallen's around too to help out, but it's not like they can resist the temptation to come here as long as my parents ghost portal is around...

Handing me an unopened bag of Doritos, I tore it open to refill the bowl in my lap before handing it back to Trish before happily munching away and pretending like I had nothing better to do. But the sad part is, now that the movie was almost over I'd have to go out on patrol soon. After all, my enemies weren't going to stop attacking the people of this town even if I asked politely so it wasn't like I had much of a choice.

Unfortunately for me, they still had a bad habit of coming after me despite hearing what Vlad did to Freakshow, arguing that he had only just barely became a ghost when that happened so it's not like they thought he was THAT powerful.

Too bad they had no idea how lucky they were they never got the chance to meet him in person since Freakshow knew a lot of nasty blood magic spells he could use to control and brainwash other ghosts. The thought of that creep still sent shivers up my spine and lately I've been having a lot of bad nightmares about it. So on top of not being able to sleep very long AND fighting ghosts, life was the same as always...

Aka a total pain in the ass.

"Hey Dani? Before you go running off we really need to talk." Sam began ominously, turning the TV off as soon as the credits started to roll. "I know you've been avoiding the subject I think Vlad's not the saint you think he is. He said he wanted to help you with the ghost problem but if that's true, why are there twice as many for you to deal with right now? Personally I think it's because Vlad wants to convince you to quit or something."

"Wow, way to go for the jugular, Sam." Trish pointed out, refilling her soda and sitting down next to me again on one of the large bean bag chairs. "Did you really have to be so blunt about it?"

"Well considering how often Dani STILL gets attacked by ghosts despite his so-called protection, yes I do." Sam sighed, crossing his arms. "Look, I'm just worried ok? A lot has changed since that rich guy came into the picture and it just feels like things went from bad to worse when Vlad provoked that psycho Freakshow to who started to literally haunt Dani fresh out of the grave."

Groaning I countered. "Ugh not this again. I keep telling you, if it wasn't for Vlad, Freakshow might have brainwashed me completely. He's not perfect but Vlad's really is trying to help as much as he can from so far away. And let's just say that he's...not exactly used to doing nice things for other people. We only went to the mall together with him since Vlad wanted to make me happy since you two mean so much to me. Anyways what's this really about Sam?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Trish smiled, elbowing me. "He's jealous you have a new patron now when Sam wishes he was the one who could spoil you with all the shiny rich people things."

Rolling my eyes at her I scoffed. "It's not like that-"

"Isn't it?" Sam interrupted, with a strange mixture of concern and longing shining in his dark violet eyes.

"Dani..." Looking away from us, Sam trailed off for a minute before he continued much more softly. "I know you're happy having another half-ghost around but remember how you told us that things started off really bad between you two? Besides, not to be mean but haven't you noticed how possessive Vlad is? Think about it, the guy is moving out of his fancy castle JUST to be closer to you which is honestly a bit creepy if you ask me. And I hate the idea of you having to rely on him so much to keep all these ghosts off your back when we both know how much you've been struggling to keep up the facade. But Dani, you NEED a break from ghost hunting. A real one."

Suddenly feeling unsure of myself, I stared down at the bowl in my lap and sighed heavily. I could understand their concern, I really could, and they were right, maybe I was pushing myself too hard. And Sam's got a point unfortunately. Vlad doesn't really care about other people, he cares about protecting HIS people which meant if I didn't admit I'm having a hard time, Vlad won't lift a finger to do anything about it. I knew that but still, this is something I decided for myself because I HAVE to get stronger for the sake of everyone here, including my friends and family, regardless of what Vlad is or isn't doing to help me out.

Turning to Trish since she was awfully quiet the whole time Sam was lecturing me I asked. "Trish? What do you think about all this? Do you agree with Sam?"

Putting a hand on my shoulder, Trish nodded and admitted. "Dani, we're not blind, we know you're really close to Vlad but you have to ask yourself if he's really worth your time. Vlad was nice enough to me the last time we met but Sam told me what a jerk he was when he showed up to find you after you got away from Freakshow the first time. He's clearly obsessed with you and we just don't want you to get hurt again if Vlad takes things too far again."

"Is this supposed to be an intervention?" I asked defensively, feeling a bit cornered by their serious expressions.

"Only if it needs to be because right now you're working yourself to the bone and I'm not gonna lie but tonight you look -if you'll excuse the morbid expression- dead on your feet. We could tell you were barely even watching the movie and kept just absentmindedly eating snacks while staring off into space. That isn't like you." Sam said, plopping down next to me on the other side of my beanbag chair. "Usually, the three of us have a great time shouting at the screen and laughing while we tell them not to do something stupid before the zombie or monster shows up even though we know they can't hear us. But let's face it, it was almost like you were a bit of a zombie yourself."

Realizing they were only worried about me I confessed. "Alright. I'll admit it. I guess I have been overdoing it lately. But the truth is that the real reason I've been working overtime is so Vlad will stop being so overprotective of me once he knows I can handle myself just fine without him again since the Freakshow thing was the closest call I've ever had. He's not a bad person though. Vlad's just scared of losing someone he cares about again and he never expected to meet anyone else like him so..."

Biting my lip I trailed off, resting my head on Sam's shoulder before sighing. "I'm not scared of losing another fight or anything like that, I just don't want to put you guys through something like that again since I really messed up with Freakshow. I'm trying so hard to reach the same level as Vlad since he's so much stronger than I am but I'm always lagging behind. If I have to, I'll start hunting ghosts by myself again so I don't put you two in danger anymore. I know that's what Trish really wants because this is a lot to ask of anyone. I get that. But I-"

"You don't have to say it, we understand. Just promise us you'll stop putting too much pressure on yourself ok? We can take care of ourselves." Trish began, reaching over and hugging me at the same time as Sam when I started to tear up. "We're in this together and even though ghost hunting is a dangerous job, we'll keep supporting you no matter what! And that means making sure you give yourself a break every once in a while because as awesome as you are, everyone has limits."

"She's right. If Vlad's not going to help you fight ghosts anymore then we will." Sam said with a determined glint in his eyes. "You don't need him when you've still got us."

Nodding, I smiled and hugged them back, feeling relieved as I replied. "And I wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks you two, you're the best friends a girl could ever ask for."

Poking my cheek, Trish winked and laughed. "That's right, and don't you forget it! We were here first after all."

"...Fenton..." A distant voice called to me but I ignored it. I was exhausted from hunting ghosts all night so couldn't they give me five more minutes? First period wasn't supposed to start for at least another fifteen or twenty minutes.

My head snapped up though when a heavy book was dropped onto my desk and I unconsciously flew out of my chair to 'dodge' it and unceremoniously crashed to the floor with a startled yelp. Everyone in class besides Sam and Vallen -since Trish was absent today after eating twice as many snacks as I did last night and getting a nasty stomach ache- started laughing at me as I pulled myself off of the floor and straightened my chair while avoiding eye contact with anyone. Once that was done I sheepishly glanced up at the teacher but she looked unimpressed, even annoyed, at my explosive display.

"Miss Fenton, what have we told you about falling asleep in class?" She snapped, drumming her fingers across the book on my desk.

"I wasn't though." I argued, my cheeks still burning from the embarrassment. "I got here half an hour early and thought there was enough time to rest my eyes for a while. So if I overslept I swear it wasn't on purpose!"

"I'll have none of your excuses young lady. It's straight to Mr. Lancer's office for you." She said harshly, pointing at the door.

Irritated, I grabbed my things and even though I shouldn't have, I glared at her and said. "You know, unlike half the jocks and cheerleaders in this room who just pay or bully someone into doing their homework for them at least I've been trying to get it done so you'd think that'd earn me a bit more credit than this. And maybe if someone had been nice enough to wake me up when class started then you wouldn't have felt so inclined to go out of your way to send me into orbit by slamming books onto my desk instead of shaking me or tapping me on the shoulder like a normal person. Thanks for that. I just love a good scare first thing in morning to get the adrenaline pumping."

After that, I rudely brushed past her and mindlessly started headed to the vice principle's office since I've done it so many times now. I really didn't mean to oversleep and it figures she waited until we were halfway through class to notice I wasn't participating. Or maybe my classmates just didn't care and thought that was a good time to sick the teacher on me.

Sam wasn't kidding last night when he pointed out how I haven't been myself lately since I've been struggling to get back to a somewhat normal routine ever since what happened with Freakshow. Especially now that the bullies at my school have found the courage to tease me again after my supposed near-full-death experience with that asshole. Some things never change I guess but the peace and quiet was nice while it lasted. It's like the second Vlad left to finish up a few more things back in Wisconsin both the ghosts and the bullies around here took it a sign that it was safe to harass me again.

Thankfully I was able to spend a few days relaxing with Sam and Trish without incident, but like I said it wasn't long after Vlad left before a bunch of new ghost activity sprung up again. On the bright side though Skulker knew that Vlad was dead serious -pun intended- about his threats not to mess with me anymore so we had this sort of...weird truce now where he promised to leave me alone as long as I didn't get in the way of his own brand of ghost hunting for sport. But hey, as long as he wasn't hunting me, other sentient ghosts, or any of my allies like Wulf and Cujo that was fine by me.

Not to be mean or anything, but it's hard enough for me to save other PEOPLE from ghosts so saving ghosts from other ghosts wasn't something I wanted to add to my to-do list. I would step in of course if the ghosts he was hunting down weren't evil or dangerous but for the most part Skulker only cares about capturing rare or exotic ghosts, including me there for a while. Since I'm on a sort of 'protected by Vlad Plasmius' species list that means I'm off limits now.

Speaking of ghosts, I cursed under my breath when I was about halfway to Mr. Lancer's office when my ghost sense went off. Luckily the hallway was completely deserted since second period hadn't officially started yet, but out of habit I dashed to the nearest hiding place and transformed before reentering the deserted hallway. After that, I tried to lock onto their ghost signature like Vlad taught me when I noticed something...odd.

I was about to go up towards the ceiling to phase outside so I could get a better look at the surrounding area when I felt the light touch of cool fingers brush across my throat and I flinched away when a ghost suddenly became visible inches from my face. She was smiling at me strangely as a curtain of muted teal-blue hair floated around her almost like it would if we were underwater. In fact, her whole aura seemed to shimmer and reminded me of sunlight sifting through water that can't quite reach the dark depths below. I had never seen a ghost like this before so it kinda fascinated and unnerved me all at once.

"What a lovely voice you have dear. Its so dulcet yet can become as fierce as a violent storm which tosses the sea to and fro." She smiled, reaching towards me again. "We're so much alike, you and I. Beautiful, wild, and deadly just like ancient sirens of the deep..."

Raising an eyebrow, I finally snapping out of my weird stupor and crossing my arms before pointing out. "That's flattering and all, but you've gotta admit that's a pretty creepy thing to say to someone you just met. I don't like surprises either so you'd better tell me who you are and what you want or else."

Charging both hands with ecto-energy I was about to wipe that smug look off her face when she replied in this sickening sweet voice that made my skin crawl. "Now now there's no need for that. I only wished to meet you after I heard your song amidst the falling stars the other day. With my power I was able to sense the untapped potential in your voice as well and yet here you are wasting your talent by trying to live among mortals. What a pity." She tutted, elegantly tucking some of her floating hair behind her ear as those glassy blue eyes watched me with interest.

Lowering my arms I eyed her suspiciously and asked. "Ok, now I'm confused. If you're not here to attack me...why ARE you here? And what does my singing have to do with it?"

Her eyes sparkled dangerously as she circled me, her voice almost echoing in my head and that's when I noticed how quiet it suddenly seemed, how dark and surreal as if the whole school was completely submerged underwater which muffled all the other sounds around us. "Oh I was just about to get to that part. Since I like you though I've decided to be more gentle than usual stealing your voice. I collect them you see. I've been using this one for such a long time so I would like to try something new, something a little more...modern."

I opened my mouth to demand answers since I still had no idea what she was talking about when it suddenly felt like water was rushing down my throat into my lungs and I couldn't breathe! In my head I knew we weren't literally be underwater and this was some kind of trick to make me believe I was drowning so I tried to fly through the roof but it was no use. I couldn't stop whatever she was doing to me as some kind of weird current kept pulling me towards her like a vacuum. Struggling against the strange sensation, I grimaced and tossed a few energy rays at her but my movements seemed sluggish.

Choking out a few glowing bubbles, she effortlessly glided towards the biggest of them and cupped her hands around it to cradle a pure white lily that bloomed inside that had glowing blue veins with a matching glowing orb in the center which began whispering nonsensical things to her using my voice!

I tried to push through the pain to take back what she stole from me but my body wouldn't obey so I sunk down to the floor, gasping for air and glaring up at her as she laughed cruelly down at me. Leaning towards the flower, she lifted it to her lips, opening her mouth to absorb the glowing orb and the light faded into her throat as if she had swallowed it. It was just like that one scene in the Little Mermaid when Ariel sold her voice to Ursula the Sea Witch, but my voice was being stolen by some freaky ghost I didn't make any stupid deal with! And the worst part is that I couldn't fight back; believe me I tried but the heaviness in the air combined with my body thinking I was lacking oxygen right now made it nearly impossible to touch her.

By the time it was all over and she released me from her spell or whatever freaky ghost power she used on me the ghost said mockingly. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to take good care of your voice. I haven't stolen the voice of a talented singer since- well I guess it doesn't really matter since you'll never see me again after this. Now isn't it nice of me to leave on my own without causing any more trouble? Saves you the trouble of forcefully sending me back to the Ghost Zone like all the others."

And with that she spared me one last wicked smile before suddenly disappearing in a swirl of bubbles, leaving me sitting hunched over on the floor clutching my throat and greedily sucking in lungfuls of air as soon as that strange heaviness vanished along with her. Transforming back against my will I thought shakily. Did that...really just happen? What the hell is wrong with me?! Why couldn't I stop her? Am I really so bad at fighting ghosts that I still-

"Dani! What happened?!" Sam suddenly shouted from the other end of the hall, rushing towards me as soon as he saw me collapsed on the floor clutching my throat which felt painfully cold.

Struggling to keep Sam's face in focus when my vision started to blur, I opened my mouth because I wanted to answer him, wanted to angrily scream at the top of my lungs that some random ghost bitch just stole my voice, but I couldn't make a sound. My chest was still heaving, I shook my head to try and make him realize I couldn't answer him when the bell rang and people started pouring into the hallways to get to their next class. The other students immediately spotted us blocking the rest of the hallway and some of them looked mildly curious while others starting spouting stupid shit like we were probably skipping class and as things couldn't get any worse that's when Mr. Lancer showed up too.

"Great Gatsby, would you please move? Honestly!" He huffed, nudging them out of the way to get to where we were. And without looking at me Mr. Lancer grumbled. "There you are Dani. You were supposed to be in my office five minutes ago so what do you have to say for your-"

Cutting himself off when he saw that I was coughing loudly and hoarsely he knelt down, took me by the shoulders, and asked urgently then shouting. "What's wrong, can you breathe? Everyone, give us some space!"

Everything that happened after that was a bit of a blur. I think Mr. Lancer asked Sam to carry me to the nurse's office while he called 911 and they tried to keep me calm. I could see why they assumed I was having some sort of panic attack but I wasn't so having them fuss over me almost made me feel worse. I really didn't want any nurses and doctors poking at me and finding something weird. So while the others were distracted I pulled out my cell phone because as much as I hated going to Vlad with yet another ghost problem, but I promised him that if anything bad happened again that I would contact him right away.

And sadly, losing my voice WAS kind of serious. Not life-threatening, but definitely a serious problem.

My hands were shaking too badly to type out a message so I opened my contact list and pointed to Vlad's number, giving Sam a look and as expected he quickly caught on that this was somehow ghost-related even if it was already obvious because of the fact that he found me in the hall in ghost form. He frowned but nodded, quietly promising to call Vlad for me after taking my phone and pocketing it just before I started to get dizzy again since it was still hard for me to catch my breath. I was proud of myself for not fainting like a damsel in distress but still, what happened was so infuriating that it left me quite literally...

Speechless.