Tucker, have you noticed anything odd about Danny lately?

"You mean aside from juggling being a teenager with ghost powers?" Tucker said sarcastically.

"I just mean he's been keeping us at arm's length, and I'd like to know why that is," she said.

"I haven't exactly given it much thought but if you pry to much, it's only going to make matters worse."

"I think if we give him some space, he'll be back to himself in no time or you can actually tell him how you feel and..

Hey! Tucker said as he dodged the many projectiles Sam began to throw.

Sam shot him an annoyed look and dropped the subject with a huff.

Danny stared out his open window, rattling his brain about the events of last night.

( How could I possibly have done those things? I was asleep all night, wasn't I? )

Danny's bedroom door flew open, and standing in the doorway was a clearly irritated Sam.

Sam? Danny said, confused.

What's your deal? You've been constantly ghosting me and Tucker. Said Sam.

Look, I'm just working some things out. It clearly wasn't my intention to

Sam cut him off, Danny... you're not even going out as The Phantom lately. That's not like you to put off being hero.

The room fell quiet. Danny turned to the open window and stared deeply into the distance before speaking.

Do you think this is easy? Trying to be Phantom and Fenton is a lot.

My life is constantly hanging on by a thread. All it would take is one person to notice when the Phantom is around im never to be found to unravel my entire life.

So yeah, I'm taking a step down for a moment. The world was fine before I became Danny Phantom it'll be fine long after. He said.

You're lying... Sam said, unsure how she knew, but she knew him better than to say this.

Danny didn't speak his gaze, never meeting Sam's.

Huh. Maybe you'd be better off as the helpless loser you were before the accident.

At least then peoples lives wouldn't be endangered because you don't feel like being a hero.

Sam was to break the silence, Danny I'm..

He cut he off uttering two words coldly, Fuck you.

Sam tried to speak but was shocked as Danny went ghost and flew right out the window.

You did what? Tucker said irritated.

Were you even listening when I said to let Danny be?

Tucker I was trying to help said Sam.

Clearly he said.

Sam rolled her eyes annoyed with Tucker.

Sam shot Tucker a look.

No whatever you are thinking the answer is no Sam. He said.

Come on Tucker, hear me out.

Fine he said.

Ok so we go patrolling and maybe catch a few ghost to show Danny we can pick up the slack while he takes a step back. Sam said proudly.

Only low tier ghost though right? Tucker said nervously.

Yes Tucker just some lowly ghost she said.

Danny let out a sigh, in addition to hitting a new level of freak, he also managed to pass off his friends.

(Way to go Fenton) he thought to himself.

Danny set on the edge of a buildings roof, dangling his feet as he watched passing people below.

( What I wouldn't give to be a normal human again, oblivious to all the unknown evil that lurked in the shadows)

Danny fell back on roof, eventually dozing off.

Hours passed, before Danny sat up groggily. He stretched his arms out wildly.

I really should head home, Danny mumbled to himself.

Danny fidgeted with his phone for a moment contemplating on texting Sam.

But her words still echoed in his head so the thought was dismissed. Danny let out a sigh of annoyance before taking to the sky to head home.

(I hadn't really given it much thought, but since) Danny paused and shuttered.

Since I fed, my powers have been acting normally.

A look of disgust washed over Danny's face, knowing that if this was the case. He would be have to subcome to his ghoulish side again.

Eventually Danny made it home, phasing through the roof and landing in his room.

Deactivating his powers, he reached for the remote when Jazz knocked at his door.

Tap *Tap

Yeah? Danny said.

Jazz slowly cracked the door before she saw a very confused looking Danny.

Did you need something Jazz? Danny said plainly.

She closed the door before speaking, Danny have you gotten anywhere on this ghoul stuff?

Danny froze, his heart began to beat quickly.

(How could she know? There's no way she knows I'm a ghoul. Just gotta keep it together Fenton.)

What ghoul stuff? Danny said, his interest clearly peaked.

Danny? Really and you call yourself a superhero.

Jazz looked annoyed as she grabbed the remote from him and turned the news on.

Assailants have struck again, leaving countless dismembered body's in the wake of their latest tangent*

Danny people are dying you need to figure this out. Jazz looked away before speaking.

What they did to that homeless man in the park, Danny words can't even describe that kind of horror.

Danny felt a pit in his stomach, the look on Jazz's face. (I was the monster that she was speaking of. Part of me was disgusted with myself, but I'm not feeling as remorseful as I should.)

I'll handle it, trust me. Danny said, with a false heroic tone.

Jazz looked relieved, as she stood and left the room.

Danny turned back over, and channel surfed for something more pleasant to watch before settling for some old action movie.

Eventually, he zoned out so lost in thought he hadn't even noticed his ghost sense. When a voice spoke coldy, sitting in his window.

Hello Daniel the voice said, with a grin.