Drabble 10 _ Everybody wants to be a... (Part 3/4)

[A/N. Warnings: mentions of sleep paralysis, mild "body horror" and slight angst.]

Tucker woke up feeling numb, like he had just come out from a dizzy spell or a high fever; however strangely his body felt well rested at the same time.

He shifted slightly, groaning in the process, to test his limbs until few seconds later a cold hand reached his forehead and made the Techno-geek sigh in relief. The owner of the limb hummed lowly, as the hand shifted up to gently comb the short curls on the dark skinned teen's head in what was intended as a soothing motion that, as a matter of fact, melted an underlying tension Tucker hadn't noticed was there.

− If you do this forever, it'd be great. − The self-proclaimed technology-genius mumbled, eliciting a small chuckle from a male nearby.

− Don't worry Tuck, I'll do it at least until one of the others wakes up to keep your "manliness" intact. − The voice sounded familiar, even if echoy.

− ...Danny? − The other male hummed in assent. − ...What happened? − The cold hand stilled for a second, then started to move more carefully. For Danny to be this gentle, it was worrying in itself. − Dude.

− What's the last thing you remember? − His best friend asked instead.

− You went to Chicago and we chased a ghost around Amity. Did it get me? That's why I feel numb? − Tucker slowly clenched his fists and tried to open his eyes, meeting only the sticker-starred ceiling of Danny's bedroom. The room was dark, but it was clearly made so by the closed shutters on the windows and the closed door. The only sources of light were the aforementioned glow-in-the-dark stickers and Phantom's forcefully dimmed aura.

− ...Yeah, it got you and the girls. I brought you to the Fentonworks for a sleepover, but you crashed pretty early in the party. − Danny tried to joke. − Do you feel any pain of sorts?

− Not really? I feel fine, just as if I woke up after a fever and I had a growing spurt. That kind of ache. − He tried to explain, looking up to meet Phantom's green eyes, which flooded with relief.

− Good, this means that you're finally settled. Man, I feel so jealous right now, it took me a week to reach that point. − Danny pouted mockingly.

− Which point? − Tucker frowned in confusion, at which the other boy raised an eyebrow.

− Where you have enough ectoplasm in your bloodstream that can make you turn on the Ghost Mode. − He said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Which, what the heck man? Ectoplasm in his blood? When the heck... And in that moment everything came back rushing in like a runaway train, hitting him so hard to leave him breathless.

His mind barely registered Danny grab his shoulders, before he could phase through the bed, and his whispered instruction to breath in sync with him and that everything would be alright.

− Concentrate on the good things. Since you're an halfa now, you'll be able to do all those cool things you complained I had an unfair advantage on, remember? − Danny kept babbling things like this to distract him and gradually his heart rate and breathing pattern slowed down to an acceptable level.

− ...Sorry for the freak out, dude. − He mumbled after a while.

− Don't sweat it: it's normal. I did it too at the start, as you remember since you were there. − Danny countered as he helped him sit up and drink a glass of water.

− Yeah, now I know that they weren't pretty on this side either. − The Techno-geek sighed. − What time is it anyway?

− Past lunch; mom passed before to tell me that she had left something for us if we were hungry. − The white haired teen explained, as the other boy slid to the edge of the bed and tried to stand up. He managed it without too much problem, but Danny hovered nearby to make sure he didn't fall.

− I could use some brunch. − Tucker hummed, stretching carefully, salivating at the sole thought of meat.

− Good, the fever broke a while ago, so you should be fine. − Danny hesitated and Tucker caught the lapse, so he nudged him to make him continue. − Do you think you can manage to go on your own? I have to make sure that the powers of the others don't act up while they're still asleep. Sam tried to claw her pillow more than once with ectoplasm-infused-nails. I have to make sure that they don't make a mess. − He eyed warily the three girls as if they could do anything in that very moment.

The Techno-geek winced in sympathy, but then frowned slightly at how dark the bags under the eyes of the teen in Ghost Mode were: actually, they looked even more pronounced with the inner glow of his aura. − Don't sweat it, I'm sure I'll be able to climb up and down some stairs on my own. Did you eat though? I could grab something for you. − He smoothed his expression as soon as the other looked back at him.

Danny hesitated once more (why was he second-guessing anything?), before nodding slowly. − I didn't notice I was hungry. − He murmured, alarming Tuck. Like, what? − I guess I was more concerned in trying to make sure no one was going to hurt themselves... − He scratched the back of his head, sheepish (was he sluggish too? Not good).

− I'll go and get you something then. Just sit back for a bit and I'll be back. − He suggested and Danny nodded (a bit dazedly), floating back to his bed where Tucker had been sleeping until now.

The new male halfa frowned again as (when he opened the door and light filtered inside) he realized that there were only four beds... and dozens of empty energy drinks bottles scattered on the ground, along with the empty jar that usually held Jack's special cookie reserve. The ones that gave you a sugar rush that made seem the Fenton patriarch usual hyped-squirrel attitude tame in comparison. Concern turned into worry in an instant: the others needed to wake up pronto.

Thus, Tucker made carefully his way downstairs and on autopilot walked to the kitchen, only to pause. The table was occupied by both Fentons and their inventions (nothing new here), but their too serious expression was troubling. At least it was until Maddie noticed him on the doorway and greeted him with a smile.

− Hey Tucker, finally awake? − She asked playfully, standing up to probably retrieve their food.

− Eh, we crashed pretty hard yesterday night, thank you for the lunch Mrs. F. − The boy smiled back as he was handed a plate with a sandwich.

− It wasn't a problem. We're glad that you all feel safe in this house. − At Tuck's raised eyebrow she elaborated. − This morning we noticed that the Ecto-Shields were active, so we asked Danny. He mentioned something about a dangerous ghost that had roamed around yesterday, so he had closed the Portal and activated the shields just to be careful.

− Is that why you were so serious before? − Tucker took a bite from the sandwich.

− Yes, it is. We saw it briefly before the RV broke down, so we were doing researches. This spook could probably give Phantom a run for his money too. − The redhead paused, looking up to check if she had alarmed the boy. − If you still feel unsafe, you can hole up inside the Fentonworks until we're sure the menace is confined.

− Thanks Mrs. F., we're probably going to take you up to that offer. I'm gonna bring up the lunch to the others too, it's about time they wake up. − Tucker latched at the opportunity of staying safe from ghosts that could take advantage of their inexperience with ghost powers. And probably to give Danny a chance to rest, while they were all awake and aware enough to consciously control their powers.

Pleased by his manners, Maddie fetched the rest of the sandwiches stored inside a Tupperware, which she handed him with a smile. Tucker saluted her and fled with the booty, suddenly feeling more energetic just after few bites of the turkey sandwich. Was it a halfa thing or just a boosted version of his meat addiction? This was something to ask Danny. And speaking of Danny...

Tucker carefully opened his friend's bedroom door and checked inside.

Jazz blinked back at him, sitting cross-legged on her bed while Danny was loosely wrapped like a snake-y noodle around her, still in ghost mode but out like a light. Valerie and Sam in the meanwhile were shamelessly taking picture with their phones, totally uncaring about him coming through.

His wrist buzzed suddenly, making him almost drop the food, but that served to call the attention of the photographers, who frowned at the unexpected sound.

− Did you bring Karen with you just to pick up lunch, nerd? − Sam asked him without bite in her voice.

− What? No, I don't even know where she is, in fact. My wrist just vibrated out of nowhere. − Tucker shot back, trying to keep his voice low, and came inside the bedroom, closing the door to keep the room in penumbra.

Jazz frowned as she gently carded Danny's hair with her fingers. − Did that ever happen before?

− I think... when Valerie found Danny at the... remains of the warehouse. − The Techno-geek pondered, as he sat on the other boy's bed and opened the Tupperware to share the sandwich.

− I was in Ghost Mode at the time, so... Ghost Sense? − Val guessed, grabbing her share of brunch.

− It makes sense, we found out about ours yesterday night. At least his one can be disguised as a Tech-watch. − Jazz murmured, but made no move to pick her sandwich, as wrapped as she was by Danny's phantoms appendices.

− What did you get? − Tuck inquired, taking pity and passing her the last cheese sandwich. Then he threw the plastic wrapped Vegan one to the Goth, who caught it effortlessly and stuck out her tongue at him, like, you know, the mature teen she claimed to be.

− The tips of my fingers get inked black. − The redhead waved said three fingers of her right hand, before biting her sandwich.

− Burnt smell and an orange triangle flashes on the back of my hand. It'll be a pain. − Valerie huffed, annoyed.

− Just invest in some bikers gloves, no one will notice that way. − Sam dismissed. − My nails get painted green and there's a flowery smell. I can justify that with experimental nail polish that change with moods or directly with ghosts. It sounds like something the Fentons could ask me to test.

− That does sound believable. − Jazz hummed approvingly. − Maybe I can tell something similar about mine, just that it was an accident and it works like invisible ink until ghosts come nearby.

− Oh, about ghosts. − The dark skinned boy fished a water bottle from the nightstand − Mrs. F. told me that Danny has activated the Shield and closed the Portal yesterday, so for today we should be safe. He even used the creep as an excuse for us to stay here for a while. − He then eyed warily said teen curled around the redhead. −Though, I'm afraid to ask what happened there. − He gestured to them.

− We all woke around the time you left to get lunch; Manson particularly because of the light from the doorway. − Val snorted as she recalled the event. − I knew she's a Goth, but that hiss rivaled the most vicious ghost snake I've fought.

− Goths don't rise with the sun. − Sam huffed in what clearly wasn't a pout. − I was justified.

− Yeah, whatever. So, Danny, who was on the verge to nod off, startled so bad that he flew backwards and crashed with Jazz who had just sat up. − The off-time-Huntress kept narrating, dismissing the comment. − Only, as soon as he made contact, he phased through her, wrapped his ghost tail around her and hid behind her shoulder, mumbling something about "Don't let her find me".

− It took me a while to convince him that there was no danger, also thanks to the fact that Sam had stopped her invective against our world main source of light, but as soon as he managed to relax and he heard that we were all awake, he crashed down pretty hard. − Jazz added, starting to frown at her little brother, turning somber. − I don't believe he slept at all this night.

− Of course the moron didn't. He probably tended to every one of our need that we manifested while asleep. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel this fine the morning after half-dying. − The violet eyed girl growled.

− He did mention that you tried to claw your pillow more than once in your sleep. − Tucker noted, pensive. − And I vaguely remember some halfway formed nightmares.

There was a murmur of agreement that made both Sam and Tucker frown. They shared a silent conversation with a look that made them reach the same conclusion.

− What is it? − Valerie questioned suspicious.

− When we fought Nocturn, the ghost of sleep, he managed to wake us up by overshadowing our dreams and scaring us. If the idiot did the same but turned nightmares into dreams... − Tucker ventured.

− I'm gonna slap the idiocy out of him once he's awake. − Valerie decided. − And no one dares to stop me. − She glared at them.

− Stop you? You can count me in. − Sam agreed equally determined.

− Can you please plot my little brother's demise when I'm not here at least? − Jazz grumbled, then shifted awkwardly. − Can you give me a hand instead? I have to go to the bathroom, but he's coiled too tightly for me to get loose.

− Phase through him. Danny did say that we settled. − Tucker observed off-handedly.

− What does even mean? − Valerie scowled.

− That we have enough ectoplasm in our bloodstream that we can use ghost powers and even shift in Ghost Mode. − Sam explained, contemplating her hands. − It took Danny more or less a week at least to manage to keep in check his fluctuating powers. Actual transformations came after two.

− Ohh, I remember his first voluntary transformation after the incident. How wrecked was he afterwards? − The Techno-geek winced at the memory.

− You mean the time when he took a page from the Exorcist and we had to clean the puke from surfaces I didn't know could be reached? I can't be sure since he passed out for four hours afterwards and we were clean-panicking. − The Goth growled.

− Ooookay, I'm not transforming anytime soon, at least not until Danny wakes up. Even if he was a moron, he was able to correct our "glitches". Not that I don't trust you two, but I want to make sure. − Jazz backpedaled, trying to spare their feelings.

− Do you really think that I'm not gonna do the same? − Tucker shrugged, leaning forward to examine the ghostly coils wrapped around the redhead. − You should do something for this, though. Because if you let him do that, he won't let you go until he wakes up.

− Well, since you are all wusses, I'll solve it out for you. − Valerie reached out, grabbing Jazz's wrist. The younger girl frowned, concentrating, until the redhead whole body became translucent and Danny's coils simply passed thought Jazz's legs.

Gingerly Valerie pulled her forward and away from the other halfa, then, when she dropped her, Jazz resumed her normal state.

− Wow... − The older teen breathed, looking at her hands then at the off-time-Huntress. − How did you do that?

− That's how I managed to retrieve Manson. It's a bit harder while I'm human, but once you know what feeling to look out for, it's not so bad. − Valerie shrugged.

In the meantime, the sleeping teen had completed his transition into a sleeping noodle and had coiled himself into a pile of passed out halfa. Tucker wondered how that was anatomically possible... but that again, Danny was in Ghost Mode, so sometimes things like bones were too mainstream. The girls ignored him as they kept speculating.

− Do you think you could teach me? − The redhead eyed Valerie curiously.

− It'll be harder since you don't want to switch and I have only a shaky grasp of intangibility. But, I learned that teaching others helps you learn at the same time, so why not? − The tracksuit wearing teen shrugged, then waved to the door. − Go and refresh yourself, it's my turn afterward.

~OoO~

Coming back awake from having passed out from sheer exhaustion was an experience that Danny usually tried to steer away from.

Usually he took cat-naps, or, when sleep eluded him, just tried to relax on the shoulder of someone from Team Phantom with his eyes shut. And it worked! However, there were times (like this one) where he didn't have the time, so at the end of the "day" his body simply gave out. Those leaded to the worst awakenings.

Fleeting slivers of past memories (nightmares), murmured phrases (taunts and insults) and flashes of emotions (pain, sorrow and terror) always lingered on the threshold between sleep and consciousness, keeping him trapped in a sort of sleep paralysis* until something (usually either his Ghost Sense or his alarm clock) or someone (mostly Jazz) startled him out of it.

This was the case once again. Under the invasive whispers of not being fast enough, good enough to be able of saving his loved ones, Danny was able to hear everything around him. Sam's frustrated grumbles about stupid intangibility not being as easy as it looked; Tuck's chuckles about every time Danny had failed to use it before being slammed on the ground (he was getting better at that!); Jazz's mumbles over the technicalities of powers related to physical sensations and Val's chidings on just trying harder.

He could hear all, yet he couldn't move. He couldn't escape from the raging nightmares that were plaguing him and keeping him chained to this coma-like state.

The most frightening thing about the whole affair was that no one outside could tell the difference between this phenomenon and normal sleep, so he couldn't even ask indirectly for help. Then, when he was finally snapped out of it, shame and embarrassment kept him from mentioning it to anyone, even if he was still scared of it. Moreover, these episodes always left him more paranoid and snappish than usual, so the others had always mistaken it for grumpiness and left him alone.

This time the setting wasn't different from the others. Yet it was, because no one was about to wake him up. There was no deadline and probably they wanted to let him sleep as much as he could, not knowing that he wasn't asleep anymore.

Useless, weak, pathetic.

− Guys? Do you feel something... strange? − His sister suddenly halted her mumblings and asked, tense, eliciting more panic in Phantom. What was happening?

− ...Now that you mention it, I feel kind of weird. − There was a shudder in Tuck's voice, which caused another spike of terror.

− You felt that right now? Was that... panic? − Val tight tone made Danny's core quake in agony. He wanted ouT.

− Could it be a sort of distress call? I feel the need to help. − Sam reflected.

− But help who? It could be a trap. − Val retorted.

− I hate to do this, but we're too inexperienced. I'll wake Danny. − His sister's voice neared him and finally, finally, he was shook out of his catatonic state.

Danny snapped his eyes open with a gasp and flung himself out the bed, slamming hard against the wall with his back, implementing his wakefulness. It didn't hurt too badly, but he rested against the wall gasping for breath, since the sleep paralysis always kept his air intake at minimum.

As the boy in Phantom tried to get enough lung-fulls of oxygen in his system, he stared at a corner of his bed, attempting to separate reality from lucid nightmares.

Slowly but surely the panic receded and Danny's grip on the wall and his chest loosened, letting him slip back down and sit on the bare floor, (actually) legs sprawled before him. Gathering all his courage, the white haired teen finally managed to take a big gulp of air and look up, meeting four worried gazes.

− Sorry guys. − He murmured and that seemed enough for some of the tension to bleed out from their frames.

− Ahhh, don't sweat it dude, Jazz startled you after a bad night, it's fine. − Tucker waved it off. − We have a situation, though.

Danny gulped and scanned the room, finding it as he had left it, albeit cleaner. − What is it?

− Every one of us felt something odd. − The redhead explained, then frowned. − ...It's not there anymore, however.

− "Odd"? You have to be more specific, if you want me to answer. − Danny raised an eyebrow, trying to go back to his usual sassy-self.

− It was as if something or someone was calling for help. It must have ended while you were freaking out and we didn't notice because we were obviously occupied, but... − Sam paused and looked, really looked at the halfa in Ghost Mode, as if assessing his state. − Danny, were you... having a nightmare?

The white haired teen tensed and looked away, scratching his nape in uneasiness. He knew that he was clearly giving himself away, but he didn't feel like verbally answering. When Jazz pressed him with a serious "Danny", he flinched, then bit his lower lip.

− ...Not really? − He tried, avoiding their stare. − Sometimes I'm halfway awake, but not really. I can't move while I'm at it until someone startles me. − He blabbed, feeling the sudden urge to reveal this weakness. Was it for self-preservation against Sam's or Jazz's retaliation or maybe he just wanted help?

− Dude, since when were you awake? − Tucker prompted, leaning over from his seat.

− ...I think... somewhere near when Sam made a joke on teenage boys, puberty and falling pants. − Danny levered a toxic green glare at the Goth. − I resent that by the way.

− Danny, that was half an hour ago! − Jazz fussed, worried. − Isn't there a way for us to know it's taking place? You said that it happens sometimes...

Phantom shook his head, fidgeting. − It's not a big deal, it's not frequent. It only happens when I'm completely exhausted. I usually know how to avoid that, yesterday was just a calculated risk. − He tried to dismiss, but flinched when both Sam and Valerie stood up suddenly.

− About yesterday... − The Goth began, creaking her fingers.

− Can you explain what the heck were you thinking for staying up all night? − The Huntress stood before him, hand on her hips, intimidating scowl on her face.

− What do you think? I couldn't certainly stay and watch you suffer from nightmares, devastate my bedroom with accidental power usages and hurt yourselves! − Danny floated up to stand on eye level with the girls. He looked at Sam, frowning (and surely not pouting). − You do remember how it was for me, don't you? If I could prevent at least a bit of the same fate, why couldn't I? − He crossed his arms, defensive.

− To the point of exhaustion and waking up with sleep paralysis? You aren't that numbskull! − Sam shot back.

− Guys, don't fight, please. We all know how Danny is and unluckily there's no way to make him think otherwise. − The Techno-geek sighed, but when the mentioned halfa turned to thank him, met a hard stare. − However, that's not an excuse. Danny, you have to take care of yourself if you want to help anyone. What if there had been an attack while you were conked out?

Danny recoiled, hurt, flashbacking to both the explosion and Dan. Realization flashed on Team Phantom's eyes at the misstep, but before anyone could say anything, Danny turned invisible and backed to a corner, giving the impression that he had fled.

While he didn't want to interact with them at the moment, Danny wasn't fool enough to leave them alone while they were still distressed.

− Tucker, you moron! That is the one thing you must never use as an argument against Danny! He gives himself a hard time for that enough as it is! − Sam raged, making the nerd cower and wince in shame.

− I know! But how can we make him see reason? I don't like to make him feel inadequate either! − Tuck argued back, desperate.

− We'll reason about that later, now we need to find him and make him eat at least something. He didn't eat brunch three hours ago. − Jazz hoarded them out the room and the four scattered.

Danny waited a beat, then let the transformation go and sat down, still invisible. He was going to go after them, but since they seemed fine for now, he allowed himself to have a few moments of peace and quiet. No self-recriminating whispers or overbearing friends and sister to nag at him. Maybe if he took a shower, the tension would seep away from him along with the water.

The halfa startled as someone sat beside him, shoulders brushing against one another. He looked up (in the back of his mind he acknowledged that he was still invisible) and found Valerie faking nonchalance. He waited a while for her to scold him, but when nothing came, he sighed quietly.

− How did you find me? − Danny whispered, defeated.

− It's not that difficult, Ghost Boy. You tend to be predictable after a while. At least to me, since I now know both of your halves. − She amended, shrugging. − Besides, I peeked when you transformed back, so I knew where you were.

Danny sighed yet again and side-eyed her in a beat of hesitance, before indulging a fit of selfishness and leaned his head on her shoulder. Val tensed briefly at the unexpected action, then sighed and relaxed, leaning her own head back, staring at the ceiling.

− I know Tuck's is right, you know? − He mumbled, hugging his knees. − But... You needed more help than me yesterday night. I wasn't kidding when I said you almost hurt yourselves.

− I know, but we have the right to worry too. You're our friend, we don't want you to get hurt. − She managed to knock lightly her knuckles on his head in a mock-scold.

The male halfa grumbled in fake-protest, then sighed pitifully. − I'll try to do my best.

− You better. − The Huntress playfully warned.

They stayed quiet for a while, enjoying the comfortable silence. After the night terrors, the traumas of both the bomb and the awakening, her friendly presence beside him was soothing. Moreover his core was syncing his hums to hers, which were more calm and steadfast.

This was why, when Jazz came in a hurry, he didn't even flinch from his position (still invisible).

− What are you doing? We can't find Danny! − The redhead halfa scowled in worry.

Valerie made a half-shrug with the shoulder not occupied by Danny's head. − I've got a gist of where he is. Don't worry, he's fine. − She gestured to the door. − In the meanwhile recall the hounds, I'll meet you in five in the dining room.

The older Fenton glanced at the area where her brother sat, eyes tightening in suspicion, but at last she nodded and left. The Huntress seemed to wait until she was sure the other had really left, then hummed before asking: − Did you turn back human so that we couldn't find you with the Ghost Sense?

− ...Maybe. You'll never know for certain. − He huffed a laugh when she swatted him. Carefully he straightened up and let slowly go the invisibility. As Val stood, he stretched and imitated her, then shuffled from foot to foot. − ...Thank you.

− Don't mention it. Go and take a shower, you smell. − The Huntress pushed him playfully toward the door eliciting another chuckle. − No, really, I could have found you from scent alone instead of mind tricks!

− Oy, I'm not that bad! − He tried to sniff his t-shirt and scrunched his nose. − Okay I'm gonna hurry. − He amended as he made way to the guest room where he had parked the furniture to retrieve the change of clothes. − Were you guys practicing intangibility before? − Danny asked her as he rummaged inside the wardrobe.

− Yeah, it's the only power I have active experience in. I activated it accidentally in the Aftermath and helped Manson with it before meeting you. The others made discreet progresses despite still being in human form. − The Huntress commented, rising an eyebrow at the scattered furniture.

− They haven't tried to transform yet? − Danny looked back at his friend bewildered.

− Nope. Apparently they vividly remember you go all Regan MacNeil after your first willing transformation and we all wanted to avoid the event if we could. − Both of them grimaced at the image.

− Yeeeah, I totally understand. Give me ten minutes and I'll join you in the dining room.

The four were still practicing intangibility when Danny peeked from the ceiling of the dining room, invisible, so he decided just to drop down and appear on a chair like it was normal (which for him, kind of was). On the four's credit, they didn't outright startle, but they did glare briefly at him for the jump-scare.

− So, how is it going? − Danny asked as his sister placed a sandwich before him with a silent order to eat.

− It could be worse. We still don't lose pieces of clothes if we're distracted. − Sam sassed with a smirk.

− It's probably because you aren't under pressure and you're dealing with only one power at time. − Danny commented taking a bite. − You schudd try to juggl' between ffhree or mor'. − He gulped down. − At once.

− No thanks. We're still on the easy way, let us have a small delusion till it lasts. − Tucker pouted, absent-mindly poking through the table. Then his expression turned into a grimace as soon as Danny met his eyes. − By the way, sorry for before dude. I didn't mean to rub salt into the wound.

− I know, don't worry Tuck. − Danny made a forced smile that he knew everyone saw through it. He hastily bit another piece of sandwich. − Are you really jufft practicin' int'bility ffor that or you don't know the otherfff? − He munched.

− Eh, both. − Jazz admitted, arm phasing through a physics book. −Valerie coached us because she was more familiar with the power since she had already used it yesterday.

− Nice. How're you doing? − The Fenton boy looked at the Huntress, who snorted in mock-derision.

− Well enough that I can do this. − She suddenly thrust an arm through Tucker's chest without looking, making him yelp in terror, but otherwise unharmed. − Gimme something more challenging, Ghost Boy.

Danny smirked in turn and offered her an open hand. Gray raised an eyebrow at the action, but took the hand nonetheless. − Here. This is a taste of invisibility. − A heat-less sensation (though not as cold as his cryokinesis) spread from his palm and enveloped Valerie's arm. Color and shadows bled away from her limb and Danny held his power for a while, allowing her to familiarize with the sensation. − You got it?

− Maybe. Lemme try. − He let go of her as she tried to focus on her limb while it went back on the visible spectrum. The trained halfa watched with morbid fascination her attempt, while still eating his snack.

Her invisibility, instead of activating segment by segment of the arm, it spread layer by layer, starting from the skin, to the tendons, to the muscles, to the veins and arteries and to the bones.

− If I hadn't been desensitized to this kind of things by Danny's duplications attempts, I would have already fainted. − Tucker whimpered, looking queasy.

− This does look like a flaying torture. − Sam hummed appreciatively.

− Saaam! Can you, you know, go and be a Goth somewhere else for once?! − The Techno-geek wailed desperately.

− Yeah, yeah, keep your glasses on, nerd. How do you manage it? − She turned to Val.

− It's not on purpose. − Val huffed, still tense in concentration. − I'm trying to convert the sensation into actual power, but my mental image is probably too narrowed. I'm imagining my arm invisible, but on the first go I'm applying it only on the surface. I need to do it all at once like the intangibility.

− Try to think of the photons as objects you want to avoid. Sort of intangibility, but with light. − Valerie shot him an incredulous look, making him frown (read: pout). − What? I like astronomy; light physics were the first thing I actively learned in high school.

− I didn't think about it like that. Lemme take a shot. − The Huntress turned off the power, then tried again. Colors didn't bleed away as much as what Danny had demonstrated, but it didn't cast shadows.

− Nice one for a second try. Now keep on practicing. − Danny encouraged. Val smiled at the praise and obliged. The trained halfa shifted his attention on Team Phantom, devouring the last bit of his sandwich. − Now show me your progresses.

~OoO~

Danny... was surprisingly good as a teacher. At least for half-ghost related matters. If they had a problem, he knew how to solve them in a matter of minutes and if they didn't understand the correlation between a certain power and its corresponding physical sensation he was able to find a metaphor to explain it better.

Jazz doubted that Vlad would have been better than him if he had successfully convinced Danny to become his son/apprentice. The man was too self-centered to be a teacher.

The inability to feel heat during invisibility was due to the lack of interactions with photons; the tingling feeling of intangibility was for the chaotic state of the matter of one's body in order to phase through something that was more "ordered"; flight was about forgetting the gravitational pull of Earth and regulate your own as if you were the star that pulled or let go of a figurative elastic rope to decide the altitude. Ectoblasts were a topic that Danny wanted to teach only once they achieved the Ghost Mode, because he claimed that in human form it was too draining for first timers.

And on the matter of transformation...

− Com'on guys! I waited on purpose to let you digest your brunch. Now let's go down in the lab. − Danny insisted, trying to heard the four to the vacated basement (their parents had left for patrol and search once again for the bomber).

− What's in the lab that couldn't be in the dining room? We were fine there. − Valerie protested, walking down the stairs.

− Since you were complaining about the puke incident, I have a solution for the eventual clean up and containment. − The raven haired teen had already retrieved the containment chamber that the Fentons used for their experiments on live ghosts. You know, the one that could flush the contents in the Zone. Only this time instead of being linked to the Portal, its waste tube was tied to a waste bin. Danny must have done that during one of his supposed toilet breaks.

− That's a good idea. How did it come to you? − Jazz praised, making her brother scratch his nape.

− I remembered when dad was working on the Ecto-Dejecto. This way you won't over-worry yourselves about the consequences. I'll be inside with you and help you regulate the ectoplasm influx. That's what happened the first time. − He gestured to the chamber.

− What do you mean? − Sam frowned.

− Now that I know how to regulate my ectoplasm, I recognize that I put more than necessary into the transformation. I overcharged it, making me sick due to the unbalance in my body. If I can help you with that, I'm sure you won't puke on me. − He explained, confident.

− Then I call dibs. − Val proclaimed, stepping forward. − I still remember how the Ghost Mode feels, so it'll be easier.

− Are you sure you weren't already a halfa to begin with? − Tucker crossed his arms, looking mutinous.

− Fast learning is a gift. − The Huntress strutted getting into the chamber, with Danny following suit.

The trained halfa took one of her hands and placed it on his chest, where his core was. − Okay, now focus like you did with Jazz yesterday. Now my core is quiescent because I'm in human form, but... − He trailed and wordlessly went ghost, letting the girl feel the differences in energy levels.

− Do that again. − The curly haired teen frowned and the other obliged, but slower this time, as if giving her the time to observe. She nodded, resolute, retrieving her hand. (Beside Jazz Sam didn't relax, of course she didn't.)

An amber ring suddenly shone around her waist, then split in two and washed up and down her, leaving her in the same white and cyan armor they had seen her beforehand, but helmet-less.

Phantom hovered around her, to give her a once over and act if there was the need. Which fortunately wasn't the case, since the Huntress stood unwavering and casually looking at the changes now that she could.

− You good? − Phantom asked, curious.

− Never been better. The armor feels like a second skin. − The duo floated out of the chamber and touched down before Team Phantom. − It really helped having a reading of power levels before trying. − Her voice echoed.

− Then it's my turn. − Sam stepped forward, so Danny followed her, turning back human. Once they were one in front of another, the Goth almost slammed her hand on his chest, making him faintly flinch, but otherwise he didn't react. − Do it slowly twice, I'm still not that proficient with sensing stuff.

The other halfa nodded and complied, going as slowly as he could. All the while Sam glared at her hand on his chest, as if it had insulted her. − ...You got it? − The male teen seemed afraid to ask.

− Once more. I'll try along with you. Just keep an eye on my energy levels. − Sam declared.

Danny's only reply was a bright white ring of light that held still around him. A second later, an aqua-green ring flared around the girl, prompting the still raven-haired boy to place a hand on her shoulder. − Okay, now hold it steady. Once you're sure that you can safely feed power to the change, warn me. I'll show you how much.

After a while both the glows climbed up and split, gradually changing the duo appearance. Phantom was the usual, but Sam... wasn't a Goth anymore.

At least, not for her clothes.

She had the same ones of the previous day, but like Valerie's armor, they had inverted colors: the black skirt with green mesh was now white with fuchsia webs, while her purple leggings were now green; the black top with violet logo was now candid and the logo was bright green; the combat boots were now as white as Phantom's. Her hair, styled with her usual high ponytail, was snow white and the tuft was more gravity defying than usual because it waved like flames. Her skin made look her like she was almost tanned, of all of things, but at least her eyes were green, even if one or two shades darker than Danny's.

− Eughh, I'm so bright... − Sam gurgled, looking at both her hands (letting go of Danny), looking sick.

− Are you going to barf because of your style change or because of the transformation? Because if it's the former, we can solve that. − Phantom blurted frantically.

− Luckily for you it is the former... But how are you going to do that? − Sam frowned suspiciously.

− It's a surprise, can you wait a bit? − The teen smiled warily, as if attempting to escape an impending doom.

− What did you do? − The new halfa marched forward making the trained one hover back and out the chamber.

− I had an inkling that this could happen, so I prepared something for you three. − Danny explained, starting to cold sweat.

− Hand it over now, I'm not dressing with this cursed color any more than I have to. − She shook an empty palm, demanding. Her friend managed to resist for three seconds straight, but than deflated.

− Fine. − Phantom zoomed to the gadgets closet and opened it. He pulled out a box that he handed over Sam, who opened the lid and froze at its contents. In the meanwhile, Danny tried to explain. − I know that you rather wanted something that fit the Goth aesthetic, but a white-black suit would have been too similar to mine and Dani's, so I went for the next best thing... − He paused, looking at her reaction. − ...What do you think?

− That I'll decide once I tried this on and if it does stay on when I switch back and forth. − Sam growled, but with less heat than Jazz would have expected. Then she practically ran for cover to a secluded section of the basement, leaving an awkward silence behind.

− So! Tucker, you want to go first or should I? − Jazz tried to inject as much cheer as she could to go over the event, earning odd looks.

− For once I don't feel "Too Fine" with this, so go on, I'll be next. − Tucker waved her off, trying to look casual.

− Thanks. Danny I'm in your care, don't make me suffer. − The redhead playfully bumped into her brother.

− Not too much. − He grinned back, walking her inside the chamber. − You ready? − He asked, going back to Fenton once more.

− Don't you get drained switching so much? − She eyed him curiously and a bit worried.

− Not as much as dizzy. The transformation is almost effortless, but too many are disorientating. − Danny admitted. − I'll be fine, don't worry. − He added looking at her.

As the two attempts before hers, Jazz placed a hand on his chest and focused, zeroing immediately on the familiar hum of her little brother's core. She nodded at him to give the go and that let her feel the steady ectoplasm built up that materialised as a ring around his waist. Another push made it split I two, then accelerate to switch the body metabolism from almost-human to almost-ghost. Once Phantom had emerged, the core hummed constantly, overwhelming the noise of a living heartbeat.

− Do you need another or are you good? − Danny whispered after a while.

− I'm good to go, stay Phantom to tell me if I'm butchering anything. − Jazz took a deep breath and tapped on her own core, awakening it. Slowly but surely, she built up enough ectoplasm to pump in her veins, manifesting a bright grey ring around her. She fed the change until both rings (once the single one had split) had washed over her, then paused, keeping a hold on it until she was sure she hadn't the need to consciously maintain it. Jazz carefully exhaled, looking back at a grinning Phantom.

− Nice one, sis'! You looked like a natural! − He praised.

− I already had theories on how you are able to transform, so now that I have the means to sense and prove it, it wasn't so hard. − She preened, pleased. She began looking at her clothes choice and found herself into the ones she had half-died into, just on the reverse spectrum.

Her sweater was now white, while her previously blue jeans were now a rusty color. Her sneakers once black now followed the aesthetic of white footwear that all the Ghost Mode halfas before her had gotten. She was about to feel if her hair had changed texture or something, when she noticed a slight pout on her little brother's face. − What is it?

− Well, the others and I normally have dark hair, right? So after the transformation ours are white. But yours... − He trailed, making her realized the missing part.

− Mine is red. − She completed. − What did I end with? − She grabbed a glowing lock (it seemed softer and smoother than in human form) and brough it forward. A nice cyan shade met her eyes, making her hum pleased. − It's not so bad. I couldn't half-lived with myself if I ended as a blonde. − She winked at him playfully, successfully making him snicker. − Why did you pout, though?

− You don't fit into our exclusive group of white haired half-dead anime guys! It's important to adhere to the trope, you know! − Phantom whined, earning a punch from both her and Valerie once they were out.

− Dork. Anyway, do you have a surprise for me too, or does your "girlfriend" have all the benefits? − Jazz teased and had to dodge a swipe (that wasn't anywhere serious, since it missed by a mile).

− You are the worst older sister in the universe. − Danny grumbled, yet he went and got her box too. − The measures should be right, tell me if there's anything amiss.

− Will do. Good luck Tucker and don't fret. You'll do fine. − The cyan haired teen reassured as she sailed past him to go and change. She just hoped Danny had chosen a good color for her jumpsuit.

~OoO~

− And once again onto the breach. − Tucker sighed, almost dejected. He still remembered the flukes of Desiree and the Pharaoh. And knowing about Dan and his consequences on Danny's mind, he was afraid of a relapse in his own jealousy. He wouldn't be unique, he would just be one of the "six halfas". Nothing exceptional.

− Tucker Foley, I don't have empathy, but if you're brooding and I can tell, I'm gonna smack the idiocy out of you. − Danny threatened, back to Fenton.

− I am not. − They walked into the chamber and like the others he placed his palm on his friend's muscled chest. Stupid baggy clothes that hid how fit his best friend was.

Contrary to the others, Tucker closed his eyes to concentrate better. He didn't feel at ease while measuring the energy levels of biological (or ex-biological) beings. Give him hardware and software anytime and he was your man. But he had to do this because, even if half-dead, he was a carbon based being too and there weren't other ways.

It took a while, but when he finally took notice of Danny's signature core he nodded, recognizing when it sparked to life and built up ectoplasm.

− Usually I need the 4% of my energy to jump start my transformation, but I have an almost fully developed and matured core. Yours is still too new to have that much ectoplasm, so I'll say you need a 15-20% of your reserve. − Danny whispered, knowing that his mind worked better with numbers.

Tucker grunted in thanks and grasped at his core, prompting it to rev up and build a 13% of power to be on the cautious side... Danny had been onto something because he then started to build up the power until a steady 17% before the change triggered almost automatically.

− Now, spread that percentage to all your body gradually, otherwise you're gonna go into shock and get sick like I did the first time. − His friend kept instructing and he followed suit, feeling the chill of ectoplasm course into his veins. − Good, now hold it until it becomes a default settings... − Danny trailed and he complied. − ...Aaand I think you're done. Take a look.

The Techno-geek battered his eyelids and did a double take as he found his glasses before his eyes (since he had lost them after the explosion). They now had a white frame and unscathed lens, which he was grateful for. His turtleneck had changed from yellow to blue while his pants had become a salmon shade. His boots were deep blue and his beret, once taken from its rightful perch, was now a bright azure. His skin tone had paled, looking as if he was sick, but given how Valerie had the same occurrence and the Fenton siblings and the Goth had tanned, there must have been a pattern for that.

− If you're done feeling Danny's chest, I have things to ask him about the "surprise". − Sam sassed, making the nerd startle so bad he began floating. He whirled around and, lo and behold, the Goth still wasn't one because her Fenton-like jumpsuit was toxic green with black gloves, belt and boots. The only difference between hers and Danny's (colors aside) was a skirt like cloth under the belt and several pouches tied to the latter.

− Let me feel the guns my dude developed after years of ghost fighting! Men around the world would droll for these bad guys. − Tucker slapped his friend's abs playfully, then side-eyed said "dude". − Dude, I must compliment your tastes, that's not a bad costume choice on her.

− I know. I wanted to keep the same style, but I thought that the black and white theme was reserved for family... − He trailed, realizing that he had stepped into a minefield. − I mean, until now only Dani and I wore those colors, so I wanted to keep those liked to the family business, because of the whole pun Fenton-Phantom, you know...

− ...You dork nerd. − Sam deadpanned, shaking her head. At last she sighed. − Okay, I can condone this. Explain what's the extra equipment, though. − She gestured to the pouches.

− I think that I more or less guessed your core powers, so I tried to fashion some sort of support. − Danny relaxed and pointed to a poket on her left hip. − Given yesterday recurring... dreams, you have something plant related, so for each pouch I put some seeds we had home. You'll surely recognize them better than me and get more suited for combat.

− Wow! That's... surprisingly thoughtful of you. − The girl rummaged in each pocket, lighting up at every discovery. − But there are tons of pouches, I'll need only half of those. − She frowned, looking up.

− Eh, every time that you girls complain about superheroin skintight suits, one of the arguments was that they don't have enough pockets, so I solved the matter for both you and Jazz. By the way Tuck here's your jumpsuit. − He handed the Techno-geek the last box.

Foley peeked inside, while both Manson and Gray muttered impressed about having trained Danny well. The jumpsuit inside was petrol grey with bright (almost white) silver gloves, boots, belt and high collar. While the area where Danny's logo usually stood was bare on Sam's suit, Tucker's had a slim hexagonal metal device that looked like a storing capsule.

− Dude, what's this? − He tapped the device which perimeter suddenly lighted up in white, making him startle. Before the trained halfa could answer, it emitted a familiar jingle that froze the tech-fanatic. Why would it...? − Danny? − He stressed.

− Tuck, first of all it wasn't my fault. As soon as I noticed that technology acted around you, I moved everything out of your range. But Karen... I only know that when I came out from overshadowing Jazz's dream, she was beside you and was eating mom and dad's container of nanobots. I have no idea how either it happened or it was literally possible. − Danny's genuine bewildered expression made him pause to listen. − The only reason I didn't fry it was because Technus isn't able to do something as advanced as autonomous pieces of technology and she hadn't showed hostility after finishing to consume the nanobots. She kind of morphed into that afterwards.

− Then why did you put that on Tuck's suit? − Sam asked on edge.

− ...Karen asked me to? − Danny tried hesitantly.

"Indeed. Greetings." An artificial androgynous voice piped up from the device. "I am an Artificial Intelligence born from Master Foley's ability to communicate with pieces of technology, his most advanced PDA and ectoplasm powered nanobots. I am willingly under Master Foley's command. I will provide assistance to Master Foley and his allies."

Every stray thought he had on being the boring halfa, the common and quirkless one, vanished in an instant as he cradled his suit like it was his most prized possession.

− Not to rain on your parade, but given Tucker's history with "servants", are we sure she's safe? − Sam interjected, hovering cautiously above the four eyed boy. His core shuddered in heartbreak: Karen was his girl!

"As per my Master unconscious wishes, I have been equipped with the Three Law of Robotics, thus I am unable to harm neither any human nor half of it." Karen chirped.

− And how do we know you're not lying? − Val frowned.

"I am unable to lie to neither my Master nor his allies as per his request." The AI answered.

− How where you born, Karen? − Jazz came back, dressed similarly to Sam, but with Phantom's colors. Her cyan hair waved around her head like a sort of halo.

"Master Foley's distress call reached me at 3:33 AM. Being sorely unequipped to deal with the menace, I searched for a suitable power source and weapons. The spare nanobots were what I needed on both accounts. I proceeded to reunite with my Master while consuming the nanobots. At my arrival the threat on my Master was about to be dispatched, so I went in stasis until a case of need occurred. " Karen explained matter-of-factly.

− Yeah, that's what she said to me and what I saw happening. When I went to the machine that produce customized jumpsuits, she asked me to add her too in order to give more cover to Tuck. She even argumented every point. I think she's safe. − Danny voiced for her.

− Very well. But we'll keep an eye on you. − Sam warned the AI, who beeped back in confirmation.

This new (half-)life was going to be awesome!

* Fun fact: after I wrote this part, I went to check the "how/why" of sleep paralysis and one of the reasons for these episodes is indeed insomnia/sleep deprivation. *the more you know!*

A/ N: Sorry for keep you waiting!

This chapter was meant to be published on Halloween, thus the "gory" and angsty details, however my eyes decided to pull a prank on me, leaving me unable to look at any bright screens for a while and so delaying the production. I barely made it for El Dìa de los Muertos, didn't I?

Hope you've enjoyed the chapter, I completed it on my phone with 3 1/2 hours of sleep under the belt, hope there weren't too many typos °□°''

Thank you for all your reviews, views, favourite and follows, they're part of the reason I enjoy writing so much.

Next time (hopefully) the conclusion, this chapter was becoming too long! (Believe it or not, Karen wasn't supposed to become an AI, but she suddenly came to life and run away with the plot. Oh, well, she's nice.)

Type ya soon!

[Aeon The Dimensional Girl: thank you for your enthusiasm, but please don't scare the bystanders! XD Hope this part wasn't too angsty, but yes: Danny is a mother hen!

KuriMaster13: you got it right for Sam and Tucker, though Jazz is a hard pickle. I didn't have the time to explore her core this chapter, but I'll get to her in the next one.

Hope you liked the costumes and the transformation and power mechanics. ]