Well hi there! I wrote the outline for this story, and the first 4 chapters, before I finished posting Taken. Actually, before I even finished writing Taken. This story, other than that, is NOT written ahead like Taken was (and that took nearly 2 decades!) My hope is that posting this will keep me honest and writing. Reviews, favorites and the like REALLY help me push through. I'm not sure I could've finished Taken without SamXDanny's consistent reviews.

WARNING: This is not a standalone story. If you haven't read Taken, this story's predecessor, you will be confused, especially with this first chapter. Also, if you continue reading, it WILL ruin the ending of Taken for you.

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom!

–

Chapter 1: Rebirth

–

It seemed like all his life, the only thing he knew was pain. He supposed he couldn't complain much about his early childhood, but once he'd stepped into that portal, everything changed.

From the age of fourteen on, he'd lived every day under the imminent threat of death, even if, at first, he didn't realize it. Then, in his last few months of life, he knew death was coming.

He'd wanted that life with her; she'd made him want it, even hope for it. At one point he even thought maybe he could have it. But in the end it didn't matter–death came for him.

It took only moments to accept it, for he knew that his sacrifice meant they would live–meant she would live. She wasn't just worth living for; she was also worth dying for.

His last moments, just like his life since the portal, was filled with pain. But it was also filled with love. The last thing he knew was pain and love.

That final surge of emotion was enough. His memory of her floated in the void, an echo just waiting for a spark.

Some would say it was her broken heart that was the spark that ignited the echo, some would say it was a certain time ghost. In the end, it didn't really matter what caused that echo to resonate, only that it did.

That memory of her–of those amethyst eyes–triggered a consciousness floating in the nothingness. After weeks of aimless and thoughtless existence, it began to remember who it was and who she was.

It could feel the warmth of her presence beyond the veil. It was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It wanted to feel that love again.

In the last moments it shied away from her for it knew that with it would also come pain. Its memory of pain was strong, but its memory of love was stronger.

So it chose her.

–

She came face to face with toxic green eyes.

Sam stopped, breath hitched and frozen to the spot, unable to quite believe what she was seeing. Part of her knew it was always a possibility, but as the weeks passed, she thought it wasn't going to happen.

He was clearly disoriented and confused, but his gaze latched onto her. He was nearly in a panic, newly formed and not quite sure what was going on.

But he knew those amethyst eyes.

Relief washed over Sam like high tide and she couldn't help the sob that escaped her. "Danny?" she asked tentatively.

He tilted his head. He knew that name; he knew her. There was a warmth to her, a brightness to her soul that was inviting, addicting even.

She began to realize that perhaps something was wrong. He seemed to recognize her, but he wasn't himself. He seemed almost as if he was an empty vessel.

She hesitantly stepped forward and when he didn't move away, she continued to get closer. Those glowing neon green eyes watched her curiously, his panic now nearly gone because of her presence. Finally, she reached him, gingerly extending her arm before her hand softly touched his chest.

All at once it hit him. He scrunched his eyes shut as he was assaulted by memory after memory. Sam watched him flinch as the onslaught gave him a headache, concern marring her features.

He grunted, bringing his hands up to hold his head, getting dizzy as image after image played over and over. After a few minutes, it finally stopped, and when he opened his eyes, the recognition in them caused Sam to give him a hopeful smile.

He watched her for a moment, chest moving with his breaths even though, technically, he no longer needed to breathe. The habit, however, was hard to forget; a remnant of his human life. Then, "Sam?"

His voice held a slight echo now, but it was the same deep baritone the goth had come to endear, and she grinned, a tear sliding down her cheek. The now full ghost reached out, cupping her cheek, a cool thumb wiping away that tear. With a gentle smile he leaned down and kissed her tenderly, his cool lips melding perfectly with her warm ones.

Was it odd, a ghost kissing a human? Most would think so. But now that Danny had died and been reborn he knew his sister's theory on ghosts was true. He wasn't truly a dead human; he was a human soul reincarnated as another being.

He pulled back, resting his forehead on hers. "I've missed you," she said, her words widening his smile. "I feel like my heart is whole again."

This time he gently kissed her forehead. "Mine too," he responded. "Well…if I had one," he shrugged.

She smiled, arms going around him. At first, she was taken aback. He felt…different, yet the same. He was colder than he had been before in ghost form and he seemed to exude power; it hummed against her skin. His body coupled with the early spring air made her shiver.

But all that aside, he still felt familiar and she sunk into that familiarity, turning her head to the side and resting it against his chest, eyes closed. He was more solid than she expected as a full ghost.

His arms wrapped around her as well. "I'm sorry I can't warm you up anymore," he said as he felt her shiver.

Her hands clasped the back of his hazmat. "You're here and that's all that matters." Sam then opened her eyes, gazing at nothing in particular. She was struck by an odd thought, and now that it was out there, she couldn't ignore it.

The goth pulled back, biting her lip and looking nervous. "Can this work?" she asked. "A human and a ghost?"

He nodded. "I died, but I'm not dead." He chuckled lightly at her hopelessly confused look. "Right, you weren't there for Jazz's explanation. Let me tell you a little theory Jazz has that I now know to be true."

–

The pair walked slowly down the sidewalk, holding hands and simply enjoying each other's company. They had decided to wait until morning to tell anyone else of his return as it was already in the wee hours and they would be sleeping.

At least, they should have been.

Now full ghost, Danny's senses were even more enhanced, and his now extremely sensitive hearing picked up the sound of one set of normal footsteps and another, irregular set, accompanied by a metal clang.

He stopped, pulling his attention from Sam and staring intently at the sidewalk ahead of them. Sam stopped beside him, giving him a puzzled look, but knowing by now to trust his instincts.

Then they heard a voice. "I'm not sure what you're looking for, but you're in no condition for this."

Sam's brow furrowed. "Tucker?"

Finally, two people were illuminated by a street light, one strongly supporting the other. They stopped as well, the older man panting hard, but his surprised eyes were on Danny.

"Daniel," Vlad said.

"Daniel?" Tucker repeated. He had been paying attention to keeping the ailing man upright, so when he looked up, the shock that tore through him made him nearly forget to support the billionaire.

At that moment, Vlad seemed to lose strength and started to falter, legs trying to give way. Tucker wasn't strong enough, and yelped, knowing the older man was about to take a nasty fall.

The young ghost instantly teleported to them, grabbing Vlad and sweeping him up bridal style. Danny's core lurched as he realized Vlad was so frail now, his frame barely weighing anything. His green ethereal eyes looked down into the man's blue ones and saw the immense joy in them.

Vlad smiled, breaths still heavy. "I felt it when you formed. Daniel, I've never sensed such a powerful ghost."

Tucker meanwhile, couldn't take his eyes off his previously deceased best friend. Slowly, he began to freak out. "How…when…?!"

Sam caught up and took over then, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him aside to give Danny and Vlad a little time to talk. Tucker's head was on a swivel, going from the ghost to the goth and back, mouth moving like a fish.

"He's a full ghost, Tuck. He just formed about a half an hour ago," she said, trying to calm him down.

Tucker worked his jaw before smacking his fist into his other palm. "That's when Vlad came running into my room raving about how he needed to get to the park."

Sam nodded, understanding. "His ghost sense must have felt when Danny formed."

Tucker nodded along with her. "Yeah. He wasn't making any sense, so I couldn't really understand anything other than he needed to get to the park. Honestly, I thought maybe he was losing his mind but he seemed coherent otherwise. Of course–" he cut himself off, then suddenly looked at Sam. "Wait, how did you know?"

She shrugged. "I felt him."

Her dark-skinned friend raised a brow. "Did you suddenly acquire a ghost sense?"

She wrapped her arms around herself, really starting to feel the cold now. "I don't think so," she chuckled. "I'm not sure, I just…" she trailed off, gaze turning to Danny and Vlad, the newly formed ghost speaking softly with the older elated man. "He's my soul," she settled on finally, the only explanation she could give.

Tucker smiled, thinking back to the advice he'd once given Danny on that very thing. He tsked then, noticing how cold she was. "He didn't think to warm you up?" he asked, removing his jacket and offering it to the goth.

She rolled her eyes. "He's a ghost, Tuck. There's no warmth there."

He paused briefly in helping her put it on. "Oh…right. That's going to take some getting used to." He helped her put her arm in the remaining sleeve and then stepped back. "I suppose I'm really not that surprised. We all knew it was a possibility."

"Not guaranteed, though," she added.

"Right," he responded. He then took a moment to look her over, giving her a smile. "It's really good to see you. We've been worried…"

Sam looked chastised, gaze on the ground, and winced. "I'm sorry."

He reached out and patted her upper arm. "Don't be. We all know why. I can't say I'd be any different if it were Jazz." Tucker was actually a little annoyed at the goth, but that was something they could talk about later.

–

Danny kneeled, trying to help Vlad maintain his dignity by supporting the man with his knee, instead of simply holding him like one would a bride.

Vlad held a gentle smile. "The power coming off you, Daniel, is staggering."

Danny returned the smile. "I suppose it must be, if you could sense me from the house."

The billionaire gained an air of anger, though his eyes danced with amusement. "You broke your promise, little badger."

The ghost's smile turned sad. "It was the only way."

"I wasn't there, so I can't speak to that," Vlad responded. "But I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you, my boy."

"I'm happy to see you, too," Danny grinned. After a moment, his grin again faded into something sadder. "You don't look so good."

The billionaire nodded with a sigh. "Losing you was hard, my boy. I'm afraid I don't have much time left."

Danny clenched his jaw, trying to stifle the emotions that brought up. "You need to make me your own promise."

"Oh?"

The full ghosts' green eyes bore into blue. "That you'll come back."

The ailing man gave Danny his own sad smile. "Just as you couldn't truly promise me that you wouldn't die, I can't truly promise you that I'll come back. But I can promise that I'll try my hardest."

At that moment, Sam and Tucker joined them. Danny stood, straightening the older man and helping him stand.

Tucker held out a hand with a wide grin. "Man, it's good to see you," he said happily.

His friend returned the grin, grabbing Tucker's hand and shaking it. "That it is," he responded and then laughed, enveloping the smaller man in a tight hug.

"I'm sure you were headed to Sam's," Tucker started, letting go of Danny, "But Vlad's been staying with us and woke up Jazz, so she's anxious as to what's going on. It might be good to come back and see her if you're up for it."

The full ghost smiled fondly. "That might be a good idea."

–

Tucker walked through the door, helping Vlad through the threshold. Jazz met him, grabbing the older man's arm and leading him to the couch. "What in the world were you thinking?" She asked sternly. "You're not in any condition to be running around at night!"

Vlad gratefully accepted her help, carefully taking a seat on the couch. "I think you might like my little foray," he said.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. She then looked towards the door to see Sam walk in. "Oh, Sam! What brings you here so la–"

A very tall man walked in behind the goth. Jazz gawked at the stark white hair and beard, unruly bangs, brightly glowing green eyes and black and white hazmat. Recognition set in and she squealed, causing the ghost to wince at the assault on his sensitive hearing.

"Danny!" she cried, launching herself across the room. Sam barely managed to move out of the way before the redhead flung herself at her brother, Danny catching the petite woman in his arms.

Jazz's arms wrapped around his neck as his arms held her to him, her feet dangling above the floor. Tears trailed down her face and she laughed, overwhelmingly excited at his return. "I knew it!" She exclaimed.

Danny held her, content to have been missed so much, and let her hug him as long as she wanted.

"I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!" she repeated before pulling back. He set her down, Jazz bouncing a little on her heels. Then she slapped his arm. "It took you long enough!"

Her brother shrugged. "I'm not sure how much control I had over that. How long was I gone, anyway?"

"A little over three weeks," she answered.

"That's not bad, all things considered," Danny commented, then set his gaze on the older hybrid. "But he looks far worse than I would expect for three weeks."

Jazz's face turned solemn. "He took your death extremely hard," she explained. "I don't think he has much time."

Her brother nodded. "That's exactly what he said."

Tucker walked up and motioned at the couch. "Make yourself comfortable."

They settled on the couch, Sam practically in Danny's lap, and talked for about an hour. It was at that point, after seeing the yawns and Vlad nodding off, that he and Sam decided to leave so they could rest.

It was late, and Danny knew Sam lived several blocks away, so instead of walking, he picked her up bridal style and flew to her apartment. They touched down on the balcony and the ghost set her down gently.

Sam opened the door to her apartment, DJ running out to greet her, only to see Danny and stop. The border collie growled at the intruder initially, before his nose took over and realized this man smelled familiar.

Danny, extremely patient, kneeled, offering his hand for the dog to sniff. After a good sniff, DJ's tail started wagging hard, the appendage slapping his sides as he threw himself at Danny to get pets.

The full ghost smiled, giving the dog much appreciated ear scratches.

The goth smiled. "He remembers you."

Danny looked up at her, still petting the collie. "He remembers my scent at least. Vlad mentioned I have a very strong energy signature, so I think he was responding to that."

Sam nodded, walking through the door. "That makes sense. Even I could feel the power coming off you when I hugged you."

Danny stood, following her inside. "Am I really that strong?"

His girlfriend shrugged. "I don't know. I don't exactly hug many ghosts," she responded sarcastically.

Danny rolled his eyes before watching her carefully, something that didn't go unnoticed.

"What?" She asked.

He sighed. "You're lighter than you should be. Have you been eating?"

"I'm eating just fine," she said, looking indignant. "I'm tired, can't we just go to bed?"

The ghost knew she was avoiding the question, but chose not to push it and nodded.

Thirty minutes later, Danny was holding Sam, the goth now peacefully asleep. But the ghost couldn't sleep.

There was a lot on his mind. Part of it was Sam as she kept evading him on answering basic questions. The other part that was bothering him was more difficult to put words to. He wasn't even sure what it was.

After an hour, he gave up on sleeping and went intangible, carefully pulling himself from the bed and slipping up through the ceiling. He landed on the roof, sitting on the edge, and stared at the stars in the night sky.

They were brighter tonight without the moon, and he looked from constellation to constellation, reminiscing about the days he wanted to join NASA with a small smile on his lips.

Then, his smile fell and he sighed, head bowing. He felt out of place, but he couldn't pinpoint why. Did all ghosts feel this way when first formed? Was there something wrong with him?

And Sam…she wasn't really herself. The goth seemed to be trying too hard, but at the same time, was evasive. Maybe that's why he felt off?

He stared at the ground far below him with his brows scrunched. All this heavy thinking was giving him a headache.

Gave it all to burn forever underneath the rain..

Here he was, newly formed, and yet he couldn't stop thinking of the consequences of what being a ghost meant. He didn't really have memories of where he'd been between dying as a human and being reborn as a ghost, but he did know he came back for Sam.

But at what cost? Ghosts, unless destroyed, could essentially live forever. Sam was human.

He wasn't technically dead, so theoretically, a ghost and a human could be together. But he didn't voice his own reservations to Sam earlier when she'd asked if it could work between a ghost and a human. He would watch her grow old and die and there was no guarantee she'd return.

At least, if he was human, if one of them died, they could've lived on knowing they didn't have to be without the other forever; that they, too, would someday die.

Drowning in the present of a past that I couldn't change…

He directed his gaze skyward once again, now apprehensive about the future.

He'd be lying if he said his past didn't still haunt him. He was more reconciled to it now, though. He was beginning to accept the things he couldn't change.

Writing songs instead of letters because I'm too afraid…

But have things changed? There was a churning in his gut that would not go away. Would things be different this time?

Afraid of coming back to find that everything is the same…

Something told him he was brought back not just because of Sam. She was the biggest part, but there was an uneasy feeling he couldn't get rid of.

–

And there you have it, the first official chapter to Reincarnation, the sequel to Taken. Not terribly happy with the ending of it.

The theme of this story is "Kingdom of Cards" and "Limits" By Bad Omens. Yes…more Bad Omens songs LOL. I'm a little obsessed, not gonna lie, but seriously, they have so many songs that speak to me.
They're older songs, but I only heard them in the last week. When I did, I saw entire scenes of this story in my head. At 00:37 in for "Kingdom of Cards", I envisioned that's when Danny's eyes opened after being reborn and it was just…epic. At least in my head XD.

Also, the drummer, Nick Folio is truly gifted. As a drummer myself, I'm always looking for bands with an amazing drum sound, and he is definitely it. I've never had a double kick for the bass…but now I want one!

Until next time!