Living Ghostly (Original Version)

by LalaStarSky

This is the original version of a story that I have recently updated and revamped. I felt it was unfair to the fans of the original story if it just completely got taken down.

10. Tucker's Day Off

To be honest, looking back, this was my favorite chapter to write. I had a lot of fun with it and I love the way it turned out. Tucker's Day Off was as fun as it was for him as it was for me.

Disclaimer- I DO NOT own Danny Phantom or its character but I do own the stories plot and some characters. And I do not own any character name that you see in my story that you see in others just to cover that as well. (I am SO changing that disclaimer when I have time. It's terrible.)

For the first time in what feels like years Tucker Foley was without his friends. Sure, he could've gone with Danny to go check out the Zone but he feels like there is something bigger at play so he decided that staying home was better. Sometimes knowing when to fight and when to stay put was the helpful advantage that saves someone's life. Sure, Sam didn't really have a choice since her parents decided that they wanted her to play heir for the day. She didn't exactly tell him what the repercussions of not playing along would be but he feels as though it has something to do with Selina.

Everything going on in Amity was just a lot for him. He prefers to stand back and observe until the time caused for otherwise. Clockwork knows that he'd do anything for his friends, they were his family, and if that meant staying back while they stick to the front lines then he would stay back. But in school it was the opposite. He had to play go between because one day Danny was gonna just go berserk and blow up the school. Everything always gets better before it gets worse. Or at least that's how life has always worked out for them.

Tucker sighs standing up from his computer in the Tree House and decides to go inside. It wasn't that he was bored or anything it was the fact that he never was ever able to really have a moment to breath, lately between all the ghosts, then no ghosts, then the TV show, then the games, then the talk show and the shady ass director and his creepy son, then Sofie McKnight's channel being shut down and her apparently moving back to Amity. There was something deeper going on and it was time for him to go do some recon.

As he comes through the backdoor, he notices that his mom left him a note on the glass.

'Tucker,

We know that you have your hands filled with all the stuff going on lately so I made your favorite meal. We love you and are here for you. Never hesitate to ask for anything.

Mom, mostly, and Dad'

He looks at the stove and is pleasantly happy to see that his mom left the meal on the stove. His PDA beeps with an alert about a ghost being spotted. He checks the alert and notices that it's the same messenger ghost from a few days earlier in the week. It was Saturday and he was the only one able to hold down the fort. He tunes into the Tree Houses system to get a visual. The ghost was in the park again. Welp, looks like he's going to the park. Maybe he should take his meal to go…. Yeah, he'll take it with him to go investigate. Grab and go lunch.

******Line Break*******

Tucker slows to a stop as the ghost and the park come into his line of vision. His face colors with amusement. The ghost was floating aimlessly around asking the park goers something that seems to keep giving him the same response over and over, no. He finishes the rest of his pork chop and chicken wrapped in bacon and drizzled with barbecue sauce and throws the plate in a nearby trash.

Taking pity on the poor ghost he calls out to him. The ghost jerks surprised that someone would actively call out to him and spins around trying to spot the person.

"Yo, ghost of messengers past!" Tucker says again spotting the exact moment that the ghost spots him.

The ghost floats over with a relieved expression on his face. "Thank you, kind human, for helping me, if I may inquire, do you know where the young mistress is?"

Tucker blinks, "Young mistress as in the woman that the gods sabotaged to kill the ruler of the spirit realm?"

The ghost nods rapidly, "The very same."

"We should continue this conversation somewhere that ghost hunters can't go. Can I put you in a thermos? I promise I'll let you out."

The ghost gave a hesitant look, "Thermos?"

"Yeah, it's this thing that you can use to keep soup warm and catch ghosts."

"If you are certain that you will release me when it is secure."

"Don't sweat it dude," Tucker assures sucking the ghost into the thermos just as the Fenton's show up. He notices that Jazz is with them but he doesn't make any assumptions. He decides that the 'I don't see you, you don't see me' rule would be best in this situation.

He walks past them looking straight ahead. "Tucker!" 'Damnit so close.'

"Hey Jazz, Mr. and Mrs. Fenton, how can I help you?"

"Well, there was a strange ghost here earlier that was harassing people about something and when we got here it was gone. Have you seen it; we want to take it back to the lab to get a few samples?" Maddie asks sweetly.

"Samples of what? He seemed like a new ghost and he looked different from the usual crowd that haunts Amity?" 'Shoot!'

Jack nodded excitedly, "Yes, exactly! He seemed to be a different species of ghost. Although he wasn't being particularly violent like ghosts are known to be he was harassing people and he looked important. And his bag looked cool, I kinda want to take a look at it!"

Jazz rolls her eyes asking Tucker with only her eyes to help her out.

"Sorry I saw him earlier but he left just as I appeared. Maybe he got tired of being turned down?" The thermos on his hip wobbled slightly from where it was obscured under his jacket. He places a hand on it sneakily. "It was great talking to you guys, but I just came out to get some fresh air. So, I'll be going on my way now," he tries to make a clean getaway

"Hold on just a second," Maddie says. "I feel like I have seen any of you kids lately! How are you doing, Tucker? Is life going well? Do you know what's wrong with my son?"

He blanks unsure of how to answer the questions. Just as he opens his mouth, he hears a feminine voice call his name.

"Tucker! There you are! You promised that you would help me when you got back from the park?" April said smiling charmingly at the Fenton clan. "Sorry to interrupt your conversation but I got concerned when you didn't come immediately, like you said you would. Can I steal him from you guys so that he can help me with my computer? I'm trying to get some new software installed but that software messes up the hardware so we're just gonna build me a custom computer." April explains giving enough information to seem valid and enough detail for the family not to ask questions. "Kay, thanks! Bye!" She calls over her shoulder pulling Tucker away by his arm. "You're welcome, Master Brain."

He breathes a sigh of relief thankful to have gotten away. "Thanks Moody Camera Girl. How long are you gonna keep pulling my arm?"

"Just a few more blocks till we're at least on the way to my house then you can take the back alleys and stuff to get back to yours."

"Thanks April, I really mean it."

"Don't sweat it. But the next time I need a favor…," she trails off with a devious smile.

"Yeah yeah, I'll come running when you call." He says back amusedly.

The two walk in silence after she dropped his arm. They greeted people as they passed smiling and waving and calling hello's when need be. It was all a part of the plan. If people saw them going to her0 house together then later when the Fenton's question them about the pair then they will have alibis. But the Fenton's don't usually question people like that so really it was just to be cautious.

"Well, this is my stop. See ya!"

"Thanks again. Wait are you really building yourself a new computer from scratch?"

"Hell yeah! I like the challenge and it's fun."

Tucker fondly shakes his head using the alley next to her house to move to the next street. On his way home he encounters some of the more permanent friendly ghosts who share their greetings and worries with him. Phariah Dark was apparently awake again and was planning to conquer the town again. That was why the Zone had been trapped and had less power, he was sucking it from all of the Zone and its occupants. But just as quickly as he appeared he disappeared. Someone got rid of him but didn't return the energy meaning that whoever toppled him is using it for themselves. Which is equally just as bad he muses as he makes his way to the Tree House.

He climbs through the hatch, flicking a few switches as he goes. He decides that the conversation might be best had in the study where there were already things out about the subject. He goes in and takes a seat at the desk breathing in to collect himself to prepare for all the information that he might receive. He lets the ghost out who looks mildly surprised at his new surroundings. The ghost floats around the study taking everything in. He stops at an open book located on the very top of books that hold similar subject matter.

"So, it is true," he notes sadly running his fingers over the words, "they certainly made sure that she was forgotten."

"Yeah," Tucker agrees looking at the ghost critically, "it took a lot of work to even find one document that mentioned her or them both."

"Both?" The ghost inquires floating closer.

"Yeah, Mistress and Phantasma."

The ghost furrows his brows looking upward as if to recall something. "But Phantasma was killed long before her and she had no hand dealt in his demise. In fact, she helped him during his first disappearance.

"Although, she argued quite viciously over the cowardice of slaughtering him using trickery, which is why she assisted him. I do recall him rising once again though, and he and her stuck up an alliance against the rest of the creators. They used her against him and he was slain again and the mistress went missing."

"Wait, wait. What did you mean by creators, um…? You didn't give me your name."

"Oh! Pardon this one's rudeness I am called Agathangelos-,"

"I'm gonna call ya Gath-"

"-And I am merely a messenger. You are aware of the great struggle for the throne, yes?

"Whose throne?" Tucker asks leaning forward and lacing his fingers together.

"The throne for the Otherworld? No, I do not believe you humans call it such. Ah! The Ghost Zone I believe, is that correct?"

"Yes. But why are they fighting exactly, wait I know why, never mind. I mean who are they fighting? And my name is Tucker, by the way."

"Pleasure to bear news for thee, Tucker. They are conflicting because the entity of our realm has chosen someone else to be one with. Is that the proper term for that? The candidates were supposed to go through a test one by one to see if the realm chose them to connect with, but the realm chose its master without informing anyone, much to our befuddlement. Things such as this rarely occur and the only one it did occur to was the rightful ruler of the realm. The creators are manifestations of certain ideas and constructs. The humans regarded them as gods, which they are in a way, seeing as they are immensely powerful. Mistress, as you call her, was a vengeful goddess. She had a set way of thinking and often quarreled with the others about how they treated some of the less known and mentioned gods and goddesses. She was loving to her children and those that worked under her. I believe her last guard also resides in the realm. He would be an Earth based entity. Able to treat and nurture the Earth's green."

Tucker balks, "Do you mean Undergrowth?"

"If that is what he chooses to title himself, then yes. She got along well with the other gods when she was not required to interact with them. She often made suitors for her hand flee from her domain in fear and missing a few body parts. She was exceedingly beautiful yet dangerously deadly. She refused to be with a partner who would not accept both sides of her. She was also temperamental. Then came the god who laughed at being turned down, Quillon. Just his name should be a warning when pronounced it is Kill-on. He was the one behind various problems that she faced. He saw her as beneath him until she proved that she was far above him. He was strong and only wanted the strongest to be by his side-," Tucker interrupted him.

"Wait. Where is Phantasma in all of this? I thought she was the gatekeeper of his realm which sounds a lot like the Ghost Zone or the Otherworld as you called it. I heard from a particularly familiar spirit that she was called Mistress of Phantasma often?"

"That is…," Gath looks from side to side unsure of whether he should share the information or not. "He did entrust her with many ways to get into his realm, yes. And they did confide in each other, yes. And he did respect all of her, yes. But before anything progressed further Quillon put an immediate halt to it. The two swore that there was nothing between them, then further expressed that they did not have to explain themselves to him, but Quillon would hear nothing of such, he was ashamed that his future bride would interact with someone so weak."

"But he had his own realm?"

"Yes, which the other's seemed to forget. No one was definite as to what power he truly held all but Gaia of course."

"Oh, that is rich," Tucker snickered, "her name is Gaia as in the Earth or the goddess of the Earth and nature and plants and a lot of other things that I can't think of right now."

"I am not overly sure what you find so amusing in her name," Gath said confused. "She told them all that they were making a mistake and that they would fail before they succeed. She was correct. Before Phantasma was killed he was able to prevail and slaughter many of his pursuers. His army that was let through the veil by his powers and Gaia, who saw nothing wrong with holding it open for him, overwhelmed the forces of Quillon. He was enraged that his plan to simply slaughter the man was so easily evaded. When he successfully killed him, it was because Phantasma was sabotaged by one of his subjects that wanted to rule the realm. He disappeared after he was killed and was not seen again."

"That was the first time."

"Certainly. The second time was much graver for both Gaia and Phantasma. She was not happy with being courted by a pompous ignoramus that valued strength and brawn over wit. She repeatedly told the oaf to cease his courtship. She fought him over her own hand and won. That was why when Phantasma appeared again and issued a challenge to win her hand she named him the victor before any of the fights could commence. Quillon was outraged and hatched a plan to get her hand once and for all. He had a loyal guard weaken her and put her before all the creators, chained to the floor and poisoned. He himself stood beside her with a sword to her neck. He then challenged Phantasma in front of all the creators that viewed him as a monster and wanted him to cease to exist. Phantasma initially started to refuse until Quillon put his sword, that was coated in something to break her skin, harder to her neck breaking skin and drawing a little of her life force. Phantasma readily agreed seeing someone he cared so deeply for hurt. It was not a fair fight," Agathangelos seethed. "It was cowardice and trickery wrapped up into a momentous display of entertainment."

Tucker regarded his words with an intrigued hum, "Earlier when I mentioned Phantasma you were slightly confused but now it's like you knew him well and respected him. Thanks for giving me the whole rundown of their lives. Nothing about them was ever really mentioned in any of the things we searched in."

"At first I was surely undecided as to whether or not I was able to inform you of my stance regarding their relationship. And it was also a partnership though they did couple quite a few times. Phantasma was a fair and just ruler and he did not deserve the treatment he was given just because the others were prejudiced and did not know him well."

"Calm down, buddy. I get it. The other gods and goddesses were assholes who thought they knew best, what else is new? You came here looking for her though but didn't you say she disappeared?"

"Correct, she was kept hostage by Quillon where no one but those exceedingly loyal to him could reach. Their souls become born again you know? And that is why I am here, my mistress's soul has been born again, though it is quite old. Usually, we find them when they are much younger. This is her last lifetime. The original and this lifetime will fuse together so that she has all of her power. But my mistress is dead."

"Wait! You're telling me that she's already gone?" Tucker asks seriously.

"I am afraid so."

Stunned Tucker sits back in the chair. Shit was about to get a whole hell of a lot worse. When she spoke to Danny and him by extension (although he had no idea what she said, Danny filled him in later,) she said that all she needed for them to do was look her and Phantasma up to bring them justice. She didn't mention shit about her dying. Which probably explains a few things like Sam's sudden eyes color changes and hair color changes that are easily hidden. If she is officially dead then that means that her and Sam might've merged. But that's a strong conclusion to come to if Sam isn't her reincarnation. But now that he remembers Sam did say that Tris told her that she and her were the same person. And what is with people being reluctant to talk about Phantasma? When they asked a historian ghost that they knew he clammed up and refused to say anything. And Gath seemed to not want to say anything about him until Tucker pushed more. And where is Phantasma's reincarnation and why has no one mentioned him? Maybe he doesn't reincarnate. But Tris said that they were together this lifetime.

"She spoke to me and my friends once. She said that after Phantasma slayed many gods he was stabbed in the back trying to reach her. The man who held her captive was angry with her for not allowing them into Phantasma's realm. Said that the overseer can't do his job if he has no realm to oversee. She was kept in some place that was covered in vines." Tucker recalled.

Gath flew to Tucker excitedly coming to a stop just shy of his personal space. "She contacted you through her life in this lifetime! And yes, that is true she was kept captive as a prize for the victor of the fight while Phantasma fought valiantly to reach her to free her from her confines. When he thought he had slayed the last fighter he was stabbed from behind by Quillon, as Phantasma was working to get Mistress Gaia free from her confines. The sound she made as he died above her was truly heartbreaking. Quillon took her away after that and she was not seen again."

Okay so the story matches up. Although Gath didn't finish at first because he got distracted by his anger over how the fight ended. So, it seems like the big dude Sam described was Quillon who was still keeping her captive and weary of when Phantasma would inevitably return for her. He remembered, gonna have to call him Kill from now on, Kill asked if they had the cycle wrong meaning that they've been waiting for the reincarnations to happen but didn't know that they already happened. Gosh this is a lot to take in.

"Look, Gath thanks for all the help but I can't exactly return you to the Zone right now, -"

"I do not reside there. I am ancient and after I deem you have enough information or I meet the Mistress I will die. I was their personal messenger henceforth I was privy to an abundance of information that others wish to know. For instance, the Otherworld is not allowing its occupants out as often because they sense that Quillon is close. The occupants are being let out after today because the true master has returned thus from here further on there will be more of the Zone?" Gath pauses to question the shortened version of what humans call the Otherworld, "Yes, Zone occupants in the town. The town will return to normal with the amount of spirits being as they usually would be."

Tucker blinked, "That...is nice...to know. You can, I guess, chill here in a thermos till Sam gets back or whatever. I'm going inside. It looks like it's pretty late. Thanks for all the info."

"It was an honor to present thee with my messages." Agathangelos smiles brightly as he is sucked into the thermos. He leaves it on the desk and makes a quick note next to it for Sam in case she comes in there without talking to him first.

With the overload of information new and old Tucker felt like he could go for a good night's sleep. As he walked into the house, he was surprised to find Danny hunched over the kitchen table with a glass of water looking done with everything. He noted that his parents had definitely come home by the way that there was food cooking and the folders on the counter. Shutting the door, he makes his way to sit beside his best friend.

"How was the trip? You look like you didn't find anything out."

"I did. It's just the fact that my parents cornered me about how I was acting differently and how Jazz brought it to their attention that I'm technically not associated with them on the show because I was hardly seen with them. Then it went to school and the amount of detentions I've had and my grades, that they definitely have not seen lately, and how I'm slacking off and I'm grounded till I can do better."

"Can they do that? Oh, wait, yeah, they technically can. But are you actually gonna, ya know, go be grounded? How are you even here right now?"

"They sent me to my room and I transformed and flew here. I mean yeah, I guess I am grounded but on the plus side I can watch the Zone better."

"Otherworld." Tucker corrected absentmindedly.

"I have a feeling you'll explain later," Danny says simply. "But hey! At least they're concerned, maybe a year late and a dollar short but at least they're trying." His phone rings as he finishes his sentence. He looks at the caller then back at Tucker, "I gotta go, I changed the lock to my room a long time ago and it appears that I might be getting a second talk." He transforms disappearing from the room.

"Well, his week has been terrible," Tucker notes to himself as he goes into the living room of the first floor.

His mom gives him a smile stretching her arms out for a hug. He accepts it then sits on the couch next to her. "Danny won't be around his parents decided to parent."

"They did attend that one parent teacher conference, Tucker," his mother reminded him gently.

He snorted, "Danny overshadowed his dad and his mom hardly remembers it. Because if she did, she would know that this whole grounding thing is late. This legit happened last year, Ma. What's the point in pretending that it was this year?"

"Let others fight their battles Tucker, you never know when they might tap you in."

"It's almost Fall Break and even better, Winter Break. But the show will be filming during those times. Is the fam comin' down?" Tucker asked his mom.

"Naw, you know they come down only when they feel like it. They'll mail the presents and be done with it."

He wonders what Sam is gonna do? She's Jewish but she likes Christmas to an extent. But her parents always leave and she stays with them. Hmm...maybe she'll do something different this year. Selina doesn't have a choice but to go with Ms. Asmund but Sam can probably push for it not to happen.

"The ghosts have been pretty tame lately." His mom noted as she changed the channel.

"Give it a few and they'll all be back and Team Phantom will be up and about catching the bigger ghosts and saving the smaller ones from the Fenton's," he mumbled kicking his feet up on top of the table. His mom wacks him quickly and deftly leaving a stinging in his leg. "Ouch, Mama!"

"Keep yo nasty ass feet off my fucking table."

"Mama!"

"I don't give a fuck who ya are. You ain't putting yo feet on my table. You done lost yo damn mind if you thought I was just gone let you put yo heavy ass legs on my goddamn table. You done lost yo rabid mind," Tisha mumbled angrily as she continued flicking through the channels.

"You didn't have to hit me though," Tucker said under his breath.

"What you over there mumbling? You wanna say it louder?"

"No ma'am!" He denied quickly putting his hands up placatingly.

The sound of a door opening alerts them to Maurice Foley's presence. He strides into the room dropping his keys on the table and flopping down in the seat beside Tucker. He takes one look at the TV and quickly recovers the remote from his wife, changing the channel. The family sits in silence enjoying each other's company.

"Vlad called the house while you kids were out," his father mentions after a long silence.

"What!?"

*********Line Break**********

It was Monday and he still hadn't heard from Sam. Danny was understandable, he was playing along with his parents grounding him, but Sam would find a way to contact him even if it was a quick note or email or something. Hopefully she would be in school and nothing was wrong. He grabbed a red hoodie and tossed it on over his t-shirt, grabbing his backpack and various electronics along the way. As he passes his mom, he gives her a kiss on the cheek and shouts a goodbye over his shoulder for his dad. He makes the walk to school and pauses by Danny's locker waiting for his other best friends to show up. Danny appears with messy hair and his blue eyes borderline glowing green with annoyance. He gives Tucker a sincere smile showing him that he was fine with his situation.

"Vlad came to my house, I dumped a bucket of water over his head cause he was standing outside like a creeper blocking the door for whatever reason. Funnily enough he was there to see me but my parents told him I was grounded and couldn't have visitors. I convinced them that since Vlad was basically family, he didn't count. He says that someone has been in his house lately and that it wasn't him," Danny informs his rifling through his locker and handing things to Tucker as he spoke. He paused his actions seemingly catching up with his surroundings. "Where is Sam?"

"I don't know and it's kinda making me trippy. She went with her parents this weekend to go play perfect child but I haven't heard from her since Saturday."

Danny's eyebrows climbed beneath his hair, "Not even Selena has shown up at home?"

"No. But maybe we're sweating nothing?" Tucker says more to reassure them both than anything else.

They close his locker and make their way to homeroom. The chairs were more filled up than normal and there was a seating chart, for once. The desks were arranged in a 6 by 6. Apparently, the trio sat in the very back of the class in the right corner directly by the windows with Sam by the window, Danny beside her, and Tucker sitting in front of Danny. Starting with Sam, it went Danny to her left, followed by an empty desk, then Wes Weston, Kwan, and Dash. Tucker's row went empty desk, then Tucker, then to his left an empty desk, then Ricky Marsh, Gilian, and Megan. The next row started with three empty desks, then to the left was Durai Knox, then Star, then Paulina. The next row went April, to her left was Kira, followed by Zach Forrester, Kiyanah Harris, and Valerie. The last row went Michelle, to her left was Kelly McLauren, then Sofie McKnight, then Mikey, then Nathan, and by the door, as usual, was Dylan.

The class got settled as the camera crew walked in. One person stationed in the left corner in the back where the A-list sits, one in the top right corner, and the last in the top left corner. The bell rings and Mr. Ranium walks in much to the class's confusion.

[Now recording]

"Now class, no need to be alarmed, I'll only be here for a few minutes until Lancer gets back from a meeting. Continue on as normal."

[The students take his advice and begin to talk amongst themselves.]

"I'm sorry," Kiyanah interrupted loudly, "are you guys really gonna ignore what happened on that talk show?"

"What happened, Kiy?" Dylan questioned coolly.

"Megan, was being a vindictive bitch, as usual, and some real interesting stuff was said."

"Stop being messy, sis," April tells her from her seat.

"But the tea," she starts, "it's hot!"

"What tea," Paulina perks up.

"Kira jumped in to defend Dylan but ended up being exposed, then Dlyan defended her and exposed Megan in turn."

"Damn," April said shaking her head, "you bout messy as hell. Mind yours Kiyanah."

"But I'm just saying cause Megan is in front of Dash."

"Ok, and she won't try shit only if she doesn't want to get hit," Paulina says sweetly. "Isn't that right, Megan."

"I don't want him, ok."

"Bitch, please," Star said rolling her eyes, "you've been wanting him since you got in."

"You guys are being a bit unfair since Paulina still thinks Fenton is hot," Megan revealed.

"Ok, bitch, and so does every other female in this school. She ain't special," Valerie scoffed.

"Really, Valerie because I could've sworn you wanted to get with Kwan," Megan continued.

"Look, we get, the A-list are some pass arounds can we move on," Kelly called.

"They share boys like they share ponytail holders," Kira snorts.

"No, don't do that, because I got something else for you," Megan interrupts. "Cause Dylan didn't deny that you like him and neither did you."

"It's none of your business," April chimes in, "mind yours Megan."

"See no, cause you wouldn't be saying that if it wasn't true. And April, don't you like Tucker?"

"Yeah, he's smart," April deadpans.

"Now you know good and well that I didn't mean it like that."

"Oh my god," Michelle groans, "you guys are already too late for jumping on Megan. Her and Dash already did it. She's been working to usurp Paulina since last year. You guys are late. She also has almost slept her way through the whole football team."

[The class gapped at the girl. Then Paulina started yelling at Megan and Dash. Megan was yelling at Michelle while Michelle was yelling back at her. April was scrolling on her phone boredly. The new kids in the class looked confused. Dylan was texting on his phone. Kira was doing something on her phone. Danny and Tucker were ignoring their classmates, as usual. Mikey and Nathan were passing notes. The rest of the kids were looking out the window or around the classroom with disinterest.]

[Mr. Lancer comes through the door and sends Mr. Ranium out who had instructions to let any drama that happened play out instead of stopping it.]

"Well, hello students. I see you've gotten acquainted. But please do remember that we have new students here who are not yet used to you and all your chaos." Mr. Lancer tells them amusedly.

"It appears that we are missing two students. Has anyone heard from Ms. McKnight o Ms. Manson? Mr. Fenton, Mr. Foley?"

"She's sick," they say in unison.

"Sofie is still settling," Kelly tells Mr. Lancer.

"Very well. Now let's introduce our new students!"

"Kindly," Ricky interrupts, "fuck off, Lancer."

"Mr. Marsh," Lancer reprimands. "Yes Mr. Fenton?"

"Bathroom."

"Very well."

"Wait," Paulina says peeking around Star, "you're Mr. Knox's son. Durai, right?"

"That would be correct, miss." He gives her a charming smile.

"Why are you here Weston?" Tucker asks the boy intrigued.

"They said that I had moxie? Something about…. Ya know they might've put me in here cause I look like Phantom but obviously it's not me, it's Danny."

[Groans rang throughout the class.]

"Shut up Wes!"

"Who is this Phantom?" Durai asks looking around.

Paulina swoons, "He is the ghost boy who protects the town from other ghosts AND he's in love with me!"

"No, Paulina, just cause you're more in danger than anyone else does not mean," Abby says lightly.

"Shut up Greenwald, what do you know!"

"More than you apparently."

"What does he look like?"

"Handsome," Paulina sighs out, "he has snow white hair and glowing green eyes, and he's so fit, and tall, and…" she sighs dreamily.

"Interesting, that description sounds familiar…" he trails off looking out the window.

[The door is opened and Danny comes in with a small burn on the corner of his shirt and his hair burnt at the ends. He looks around the class for a second then makes his way back to his seat.]

"Nice of you to return Mr. Fenton," Lancer calls to the boy slumped over in his desk.

[Said boy raises a dismissive hand and lays his head down on his desk.]

"I guess we can start the lesson early," Mr. Lancer notes after looking at the clock.

"Are we just," Wes speaks up, "gonna like ignore the fact that his hair is burned and so is his shirt."

"Shut up Wes!" Voices chorus at once.

[Filming is over.]

************Line Break*************

After School

"So, you're telling me that there is a new king of the Zone and that Tris is dead, and that Sam is gonna get powers, and that there is a new enemy?"

"And you're telling me that the Zone is almost back to normal, that Phariah is missing, that the new enemy that you know isn't called Quillon but the Other, and he wants Sam, and your family is coming down for Christmas, and that Pandora knew exactly who you were talking about and that she is Phantasma's mother. Which leads me to the conclusion that you are him, basically, although I'm sure I said that before. But dude, your story is terrible, like everyone hated you."

"What else is new," Danny sighs as they make their way to the Tree House.

During the school day they had fought at least 10 ghosts with more popping up on their way home. Needless to say, Amity Park was back to normal, except for the missing Sam.

They climb up into the building and are surprised to see Sam sitting in front of the TV. She gives them a smile and gestures for them to follow into the study. The boys share a look then follow her. She sat at her desk as Gath floated aimlessly around the room. Danny turns to tucker who puts his hands up in defeat, "Agathangelos is chill bruh, and I already told you he was here. Yo, Gath, how ya been?"

"Pleasant to relay information to you again Tucker, I have been well. If I may inquire," Gath says as he floats to a stop in front of Danny, "whom are you? No, it cannot be certain! You are-,"

"Danny," the boy interrupts smoothly. "I heard you were looking for Sam, but I see she found you."

"Your Majesty," the ghost says bowing slightly, "I mean no disrespect, I was not aware you were gracing the Earth as well."

Tucker snorts at the look on Danny's face and makes his way to Sam. He sees that her hair was in a ponytail and that there was more green than the last time he saw her. "Where were you this morning? You missed a whole day of school!"

"I was putting some last-minute details on a project I'm working on. And I'm doing online school for the remainder of the year."

"What?" He balks whipping around to face Danny, whose eyes are wide with shock.

"Why?" Danny asked slowly.

"I told you guys; I have to go." Sam said earnestly.

"But Fall Break is coming up and Dani isn't here yet!" Tucker protested.

"She's here but not here."

"What type of cryptic bullshit is this?" Tucker asks looking at Danny who looks like he needs at least 10 naps before he deals with what's happening now.

"Look Sam," Danny pauses to run a hand down his face, "we get that you want to leave but why so early?"

"He's here so I must not be here."

"Yeah, no, good night! I'm leaving, I'll call ya in the morning. Fuck this shit, I'm out. Danny, you're grounded so let's go," Tucker says making his way to the door. "Sam it's not that I don't believe you, it's that you're not the one we're talking to right now and I don't feel like convincing her to let you out so, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Homeroom and first really agitated me and now I just wanna sleep."

Danny sighs and follows after Tucker, "You better know what you're doing because dead or not if something happens," his eyes blaze green, "I'm coming after you."

Sam smiles at his back turning to Agathangelos happily, "His eyes are just as beautiful as I remember. He shouldn't be so worried though, I know what I'm doing, what we're doing."

"I do as well my Mistress, you shall do as you deem fit."

Sam whose eyes were silver the whole time that Danny and Tucker were talking to her breathed out a heavy sigh. The image of a dead man with white hair that was rapidly turning black flashed through her mind. She closed her eyes tightly as a tear fell, "I do so hope we're doing the right thing," she whispers looking down at her hands.

***********Line Break************

Elsewhere

"So, you know of this Phantom?" A masculine voice asks another with disgust dripping from his voice at the name.

"Yes, your Majesty, he is him indeed." A voice replies back quickly.

The other man hums stroking his chin, "Maybe I should pay him, a little visit?"

"I disagree sire, if you do that now he will not be as surprised later."

"Hmm, very well. Maybe, you should pay him another visit. Do be sure to at least try this time," he trails off, "yes, Phariah?"

"Of course, I was confident that he would be easy to slay again just like when he was killed the first time originally. The Otherworld will be mine, yes sire?"

The man makes a vague dismissive gesture at the ghost, "We'll see about it after."

"Thank you, Quillon."

"Ah, ah, ah, I have a disguise to maintain."

"Of course, sire. Shall I call you by that name?"

"No, I'll let you know when the time comes, but for now," he pauses glancing at his right hand where a few of his fingers were missing, "I'll maintain my disguise and work to figure out where Phantasma hides himself."

********Line Break*********

Clockworks Tower, the Ghost Zone/ Otherworld

Clockwork shifts to his young adult form as he watches Quillon and Phariah Dark plot. He knows who's coming into his open but does not react until she is right next to him. The four-armed blue skinned woman gives him a glare. He hides his smirk beneath the hood of his cloak.

"Problem, Pandora?"

"Do not take that tone with me Hora, you know what is happening? Are you really going to let your son do this, again!" She yells at him, eyes glittering dangerously.

"You know he does not have a choice," he says back to her shifting form. "Besides," he pauses the screen on the image of Danny wearing the crown of fire but the flames were frozen, "all is as it should be."

"He will not die this time," she says softly, "I will help him."

"He will help himself, after all. I only meddle when I need to."

That's a wrap for this chapter! Tucker had an off day to himself; Sam was missing for a day and somehow when Danny and Tucker met her it wasn't her. Danny is grounded, Dani is somewhere, and Durai learns of Phantom.

What did you guys think of Gath! What did you think of the class's new lineup? Where will Sam go? Will Danny get out of his punishment? Who was that with Phariah? Who is the Ghost Zone connected to? Why was Pandora mad at Clockwork? How will everything be after Sam is gone? Where does the story go next from here? Why are the trio secluded in the new seating chart for the class? Why is Wes there? And where is Sofie, because she definitely was not at school? Find out next time!

I don't really have a lot to say other than this chapter flows a little weird because I kept losing my train of thought. But I do like this chapter, it was fun!

Stay Strong, Healthy, and Safe!

Lot's

Of

Love,

LJ