AS: The Unluckiest Number prt4

The Unluckiest Number
Part 4
Things just keep going from bad to worse

As he flew, Danny's mind was a windstorm of emotions. A mix of hurt, pain and disappointment welled up inside him causing him to ache and remorse. Guilt was the worst of these emotions. He'd tried so hard to give Adrian the party he'd always thought that his son deserved. He'd hoped through it he'd start breaking down his son's barrier and regain that connection they'd lost after he became overwhelmed with his dual identity.

It was times like these that he doubted his choice of becoming half ghost for the rest of his life. After all, it was because of him that spirits regularly terrorized his children. Maybe things would have been better off if he'd just said no.

This thought brought back the memory of the time Clockwork had given him a choice before he went to NASA if he wanted to become a regular human again or remain half ghost. He'd warned him that whatever decision he made would be his final one. There was no third chance if he became mortal again he would stay that way. Sometimes he still wonders if his choice was correct and what would have happened if he'd decided to become normal.

But that was the past and as much as he sometimes had these feelings he could never honestly relinquish his ghost half. It had become so ingrained in him that he relied on it for almost everything. It was a part of him. To lose, it would be like becoming a mere shadow of himself.

A glimpse from down below showed he was nearing the house. Turning intangible he flew through the wall, once inside two rings of light went around his torso changing him back to normal. A growling from his stomach alerted him to an even more pressing issue.

He strode into the kitchen only to find a surprise waiting for him. There was Adrian at the breakfast table fiddling with a cookie. Despite the fact he was allowed to have sugar at the moment, he didn't appear to be eating the treat. He just moved it around with his fingers staring at it aimlessly.

Danny didn't know what to say, and his son didn't seem to notice him. Clearing his throat he tried to get his attention. Looking up their eyes met. Adrian's seemed void almost unreal. There was not really anything expressive to be seen in his gaze. Danny felt worse fearing the experience might have traumatized him. "Add'… I'm so sorry."

Adrian turned his head slowly away. He moved the cookie around in his palms once more, before setting it down. He shook his head and didn't say anything. Pushing his chair away from the table it made a creaking sound causing the halfa to flinch.

"Don't you want to talk about it?" he asked him hopefully. Maybe if he could understand things better, he'd be able to make amends.

Adrian shook his head slowly then moved past his father not speaking a word as he left him.

Danny could hear the patter of his son's feet on the steps as he went up the stairs. The halfa didn't know what to do. Adrian rarely reacted this way, and he could not make sense of his emotional turmoil. Usually, the boy would make an outburst right about now. This move by Adrian was unpredictable.

Determination swelled up inside the half ghost as he turned intending to follow Adrian upstairs and finally get to the bottom of things.

As he walked to the stairs with a mission on his mind, a familiar beeping came from his wrist watch. Rolling his eyes in frustration. Danny clicked it on. "Yes?" he asked with an exasperated sigh. "I'm kind of busy here." He could hear Adrian's door slam shut making him wince.

"Sorry DP." Came Valerie's voice on the other line. "But we have a major crisis at G.P.A."

Danny raised an eyebrow. 'Again?' he thought his mind was now only half focused on his son. "What's the problem?"

A pause on the other line came before his partner spoke. "I can't talk about it on here. We don't know if someone is tapping into the network."

Danny was hesitant. He glanced up from his location halfway from the second floor. "Is this really so important that I need to be there right now?"

"Yes." Valerie's tone was final and left no room for argument.

Danny's heart sank as he took one more glance up at the shut door above. "Alright, I'll be right there." His appearance changed back to his ghost half, and he took off into the sky leaving one of his only chances to talk to his son behind him.
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Adrian laid flat on his back staring at the ceiling. Closing his eyes, he listened to his father's footsteps then the abrupt halt. He could hear bits and pieces of the conversation. In the end what he could gather was his father was leaving again. Truthfully a part of Adrian wanted his dad to come after him. But of course, noble, heroic dad was going to save the day again… and he'd probably forget about what just happened.

Then again why should he care? It was obvious the reason those ghosts came was to get at his dad. Grumbling in frustration, he didn't know what to think. Many thoughts and scenarios ran through his mind on how things should have worked out, but in the end, he drew up the same conclusion… It was better they transpired this way rather than become even more mess. Still, he was upset, and he just wanted to be left alone.

A creaking sound reached his ear pulling him away from his tangle of thoughts and emotions. He glanced up to see his best friend's soft brown eyes peeking through the door.

"I don't know how you got through the door was locked 'Licia. But don't come in." Adrian said firmly.

Alicia completely ignored his advice. Opened the door, entered inside then shut it. Turning back to her friend she rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Adrian I learned the secret to unlocking your door a long time ago." She held up a bobby pin to demonstrate then adjusted it back in her head of curls. "Honestly I don't see why you lock it because your dad can get through using his ghost powers anyways."

"We have shields on all the bedrooms in the house remember?" Adrian pointed out. It was true they'd been installed after the fenton siblings had been abducted from their room continuously it gave them a little bit of freedom.

"True but your dad also has the only remote to the shield." She concurred then pulled up a swivel chair from the nearby computer. "Now down to business."

With a humph the oldest child of Danny and Sam turned away from his best friend. "Leave me alone I don't want to talk about."

Is that your answer to everything Adri'?" Alicia asked as she fiddled with a lock of her dark chestnut hair, a habit she used employed when she was impatient or bored. Receiving no answer like she already predicted she shrugged her shoulders. "Alright, I just came by to bring you your present." She produced the slightly dusty packaged from her shoulder bag.

Adrian's eyes hardened as he glanced from her to the present then back. "You mean the thing you risked your life to get out of stupidity?" he asked dryly. After receiving a hesitant nod from his friend, he looked away again. "I don't want it."  

With a sigh, her friend shakes her head. "You know you need to get over this. It's not healthy to just mope around."

"It suits me just fine," Adrian said with a shrug turning away slightly attempting to shut her out.

A moment of silence came into the room. Before Alicia spoke, her tone was deep and demanding. "Adrian Fenton you need to quit bottling up your emotions…" he turned slightly to eye her with a raised brow. "Don't give me that I know exactly what I'm talking about. You hide your emotions so well you think, but I can see how much they mess with you. They make you lash out with so much rage that it turns you into a creep." Throwing the gift straight at his gut then she hmphed. "Well if you won't take my advice at least open that. It took me forever to find something that suited you. And you better like it, Adrian Devin Fenton, because I worked hard to get it." She turned away from him and exited the room slamming the door shut on her way out.

Still shaken from his BFF sudden outburst he stared at the door for a long moment before looking to the package that nearly knocked the wind out of him. He paused then his eyes narrowed, and he pushed the gift off his chest onto the ground, where it landed with a thud.
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Danny flew towards a large building near the less busy section of Amity Park. It covered at least twenty acres of land with a wired fence surrounding the area. The Ghost Protection Headquarters itself was a five-level building with a basement where things of the utmost secrecy were kept. It might remind someone of a government facility. But despite the Guys in Whites insistence at collaborating Danny, and Valerie refused to join forces with them. They still couldn't get over the way the agents handled things in the past and how unpredictable they could be.

Landing on the ground in front of the building he changed back into Danny Fenton. Receiving a salute from the security officer he walked through the green shield. He couldn't help but be taken aback by how much security was in place. Still, a more pressing matter was on his mind so he left that little warning bell alone, and headed towards the med room where Valerie had told him she'd be. Once inside that particular room he was greeted by the sight of her, Youngblood, and Danielle. It seemed like he'd come across a conversation already progress although he couldn't make out what they were saying.

Clearing his throat he got their attention. Valerie gave a weak smile, but it was obvious that it wasn't very real. He knew he'd regret asking what happened but Danny did anyways.

Valerie blinked then her face set as she gave him a summarized version of what she found when she arrived at New Tech. From the fact that everyone passed out to the mess they'd found in Tucker's office. They'd managed to find every member of the security team except Drew Piper. Along with the woman who had been missing after the body snatchers escapade. "…the weirdest part is save for the vandalism and the missing officer the ghost didn't do anything major. Our squad combed through the entire building but everything was accounted for."

"That is odd." Danny murmured then turned to his sister/cousin who was currently on the examination table with her left arm wrapped in a cast. "Looks like he did some damage on you Little D'." she nodded with a wince. "Any chance you can tell me who did this so I can make sure they get a dose of their own medicine."

Danielle exchanged glances with Youngblood then turned back to her sibling. "Well to be honest everything's a blur I can't remember much…" for a moment she paused contemplating her next words. "All I've got are bits and pieces of what happened, but after Tucker's office I can't recall anything..."

"She's right I'm in the same boat. Heck, I can't even describe to you guys what that ghost looks like." Youngblood said with a nod.     

Valerie nodded motioning to the nearby monitor. "From what we've been able to gather from the scans… we think the ghost has some kind of power that takes away memories."      

"So what do you need me here for?" Danny asked even though this seemed bad it didn't look like anything Valerie couldn't handle on her own.

"This is serious DP if that ghost did that much damage alone at New Tech then he's no minor threat like we first thought. You're the best person to try and get anything out of our spooky witnesses. And well… you are the ambassador to the Ghost Zone." The commissioner concurred. "It would have damaged the treaty if you weren't present for the interrogations."

Ah yes, that rule. The treaty had been a delicate process, and some of the things agreed upon between the two races were flawed, but Danny supposed necessary. "So you have the Ghost Punks I'm guessing?"

With a smirk, she smiled. "Oh yeah, and I have a feeling they were merely a distraction."

"But you suspect that they might give us more information on the body snatcher?" Danny guessed. That made some sense. "Then, by all means, Commissioner Gray lead on." He said transforming back into his phantom identity.
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Danny followed her towards a nearby elevator. Pressing the on button presently the doors opened allowing them in. After a few minutes in the elevator, they found their way to the basement floor of the whole G.P.A. building. It was an area dedicated to their more delicate work of interrogation on the captured ghosts. It wasn't used often though most of the time they just send them back to the Ghost Zone.

There was also one carefully guarded secret in there. A new portal, created by the Fentons, nearly identical to the one at FentonWorks, save for a few modifications. No one except for level 1 operatives and the original team knew of its existence it was in a room off the east wing of the underground complex locked up tightly with a genetic code set only for Fenton or Foley DNA to access it. If the ghosts knew they had it, there could be a serious problem on their hands.

Reaching the containment cells they saw Lol flying about aimlessly, Rook, on the other hand, was just sitting there with a book, he'd no doubt made appear from thin air before being locked inside. Their leader Butch slumped on one of the bunks in the cell his face turned away from view, they couldn't tell what he was doing.

Valerie strapped on a pair of phase proof gloves and morphed into her armor. Then approached the door and a hologram keypad appeared than she quickly typed a twelve digit code, presently it beeped, and a hissing sound emerged. Once open the Red Huntress and Ghost Boy entered into the cell. The energy shield quickly engulfed behind them leaving no room for the captured ghosts to escape.

The Ghost Punks glanced from what they were doing slightly interested but when they saw who it was they glared and looked away. Or at least Butch, and Rook did, Lol just cocked his head to the side puzzled.

For once Danny decided the delicate process was not going to get the job done. Looking about he carefully chose his target, then gestured to Valerie. She slapped a pair of handcuffs on Rook and pushed him over to Phantom. "Okay, we're going to make this simple. I need you to tell me how your boss…" he motioned to Butch who still hadn't turned around. "Acquired all that anti-equipment?" He knew if any of them would talk it would be the geek ghost because he wasn't one to cause much conflict, in fact, he was harmless… most of the time.

Rook glanced towards his boss but getting no answer he turned back. Figuring if he gave them what they wanted they'd be able to go the Ghost Zone again in peace, he replied. "All I can at this present time divulge is that another ghost appeared out of nowhere. Gave Butch the idea…" he hesitated seeing the glare he was getting from his leader but knowing out of the two options it was better to be clear with Phantom. "…to crash your son's party. He also supplied us with all of the equipment we used and instructions on how it would work."

So it was Valerie had suspected someone else had been pulling their strings. "But what did the ghost look like? We need a description have you ever seen him before?"

"No." The ghost said with a sigh, adjusting his glasses. "I've never seen him before. Actually, I think Butch…" he gestured to his boss. "Was the only one who really got a good look at him..."

Danny nodded, and he and Valerie approached Butch though neither of them restrained him.

The Leader of the Ghost Punks grumbled apparently stewing in his defeat. "Go away Phantom I ain't saying nothing."

"We need a description of the ghost who gave you your little toys Butch." Valerie cut in with a bit of snarl. Obviously, she was getting impatient.

"Oh, that guy…" Butch smirked slightly. "Eh never saw him." He said with a shrug.

"Why you…" She snarled ready to tear him apart.

Phantom the obvious the peacekeeper pushed Valerie back away from the growing quarrel. Then the halfa stepped in the middle and calmly as he could address Butch. "We need a clear idea of who the mystery ghost is. If you give it to us, then you can go back in the Ghost Zone and forget about this whole thing."

"Look…" Butch said with a huff of frustration. "I have no idea what the guy looked like. All I can remember is he had red eyes, but most the ghosts who've died are that way. Including Topkick." He looked away with a grumble. "He kept to the shadows… I didn't get a clear look at him. He looked like a real wimp but then again I didn't actually see him."

The two G.P.A. leaders exchanged glances and glanced back. "And you listened to someone you couldn't see?" Valerie asked she had thought the Leader of the Ghost Punks was a little smarter than that

Butch huffed folding his arms over his chest. "It was a good plan. What can I say…" he turned to smirk at the halfa. "I'm a sucker for anything that will rake your nerves Phantom."

'That wasn't the best move.' Valerie thought already seeing her partners eyes turning a shade of bright neon green, showing his build up rage. Grabbing onto Danny's arm, she pushed him towards the entrance. Once he was outside, she turned to address the punks. "We'll return you to the Ghost Zone in roughly three hours. There you will await your parole assignments under Wulf. Do what he says, and everything will be just fine." She smirked slightly seeing the frightened look on their face. She didn't blame them no one wanted to be on the bad side of dimension tearing ghost.

Once she was outside the cell, she had to duck as a beam of ectoplasm went past her and bounced off the cell. She glanced up to see Danny Phantom floating near the ceiling his eyes blazing with an unnatural amount of rage. "Calm down Neil Armstrong and get your ghost butt down here. You need to transform before you level another area of the compound with your ghostly wail."

Danny slowly alighted back on the ground as his eyes dimmed. Once he had enough control of his emotions he transformed back into his old raven hair, blue-eyed self. He sighed. "Sorry Val' you know how that gets to me." He clenched his fists. "I can't control myself when that happens."

"Oh, it's fine Danny," Valerie said with a small smile. "Just doesn't go so well for the insurance bills. Believe me, I can understand your emotions. If this were about Alicia, I'd be angry too. But you're the one with the ghost powers." She reminded with a small chuckle.

Sheepishly the halfa nodded then set his mind to business. "So they were definitely a distraction. But the question is..." he placed his hand on the nearby wall. "For what?"

"I'm just as lost on that one as you are Danny." The Red Huntress said with a huff as she removed her ghost gloves and set them in a nearby locker. "But it's not like we can turn back time and get an instant replay."

A thought crossed Danny's mind at her words, and his eyes brightened a little. "No, but I know who can."
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It was mocking him. That's what Alicia's present was doing. All wrapped up in sunflower print with a big black bow. It dared him to open it, but Adrian refused to give into the temptation. It had already caused him enough annoyance. He glared at it then turned away there was no way he'd follow his best friend's footsteps and actually unwrap the thing she'd risked her life to get him. No matter how rude it sounded.

He slipped his headphones out of his pocket, placed them on, then turned the volume on high. He just stared aimlessly at the ceiling as hard rock filled his mind. A glance once more at the package made him nervous. 'She wouldn't have gone after it without a good reason… right?' He sighed turning off his music and scooting off the bed he went and picked up the package, then sat back on the bed cross-legged with it in his lap.

Miraculously the gift didn't seem to be any worse for wear from the ghost fight. He shook it but soon realized it wasn't hollow. "I must be insane for even doing this." He mumbled out loud. But with great care, he tore at the wrapping pulling it apart with painstaking slowness. He was still fighting the urge to leave it alone

A large book fell out of the wrapping onto his lap. His amethyst eyes widened as he read the engraved inscription on the left-hand side 'Adrian Devin Fenton' the middle read 'My Journal.' For indeed that's what it was a tan leather bound diary he didn't even think they made them anymore. It was hard enough to find regular paper to write on now that data-pads had taken over the world. It was the old school way to write, but Adrian couldn't think of a better way. He enjoyed the smooth feel and the earthy smell of paper over the warm electronics. It inspired him to no end. Apparently, his best friend had gone out of her way to buy one.

He opened the cover. There was an inscription on the inside of it.

Hey Adrian,
I found this at a retro shop and thought of you. I know you'll like it. As hard as it is to admit it, I bet your drooling over this thing right now. I still can't understand your obsession with paper. You always told me you were sick of having your papers get mixed up and out of order when you were writing down your thoughts. So I thought instead of having them all on separate sheets maybe one big one will be fine. Who knows you might look back on this and laugh. Either way Happy Birthday Adri', this is for you. You better enjoy it. I'm kidding, I know you will.
Love your BFF forever,
Alicia Foley
P.S. There should be a lock and key so you can keep it private I knew you'd like that feature.

Sure enough, there was a key and lock taped on the inside, right next to her writing. Adrian carefully pulled them off and put them in his pocket. He was in complete awe over her gift. A small tear fell from his eyes touched by the gesture. This was the most thoughtful present anyone had ever given him. He completely forgot the painstaking work that it took his friend to obtain it. A foreign soft smile came on his face. If anything this made his birthday special.

Adrian skimmed through the pages. He found them intact and not even a pencil mark in sight save for the inscription on the inside cover in Alicia's familiar handwriting. There wasn't even a page pulled out either. His hands twitched as ideas, rants, and thoughts filled his mind. The urge to write was fierce he could feel his mind forming sentences which he knew if he didn't write down soon would escape him.

Quickly he headed for his desk and pulled open a drawer. Inside was his stash of many assortments of pencils, pens, and one quill with ink his Aunt Jazz had been kind enough to buy. Adrian grasped a pen in his hands turned back and flopped onto his bed opening a page in his new journal to begin writing.

There are days where you just want to write down everything you feel…
And days where you want to escape into another world.
Writing gives this entrance to me.I don't know exactly what I'll write about from here, but it will be only my most guarded thoughts…
Here I will question…
Here I will learn…
Here will be the reflection of my memories and mine alone…
Let's begin…

Turning the page satisfied with his introduction Adrian's pen pressed down on paper as he wrote out his feelings of this day.

September 30th
Today's my birthday… Whoopee. Harsh right? I know. I should be happy about today. I'd love to fill it with my excitement and joy but really I can truthfully say there wasn't much good about it. True I did get to hang out with my two best friends Hugo and Alicia, I also got this journal my first in a long time. The last one I had was when I was really little a gift from my Aunt Jazz ironically.But let's cut from the sweet stuff and get to the bitter truth. This had to be the worst birthday for me in the history of birthdays. All of my least favorite people were there. But if that wasn't the icing on the cake I also had two run-ins in one day with the Ghost Punks. Their a band of ghosts who use me or my siblings as a punching bag whenever my dad messes with their fun.Before a lot of confusion comes up my dad is half ghost. I won't get into the details right now, but he is superhero saved the world a few times I guess. Most people dream of having a superhero parent. But I'm telling you it's not as sweet as you think and you who want it need to rethink your life.So anyways to summarize it my birthday or lack thereof was ruined. And I just wanted this day to end…

He paused as he felt a rush of emotions.

I just want a normal life with my dad one that doesn't involve me sharing him with the rest of the world. Sounds selfish I guess, but when you've been through what I have, you just reach a point where the thread snaps, and you could care less that your parent is a superhero. You just want to regain that bond you already have. But you want him to take the first step to do so. I don't know I'm still trying to understand life. I HATE MY DAD'S POWERS! Yes, sometimes I do I want him here as a father sharing him just… just…

Adrian's heart sank, and he couldn't finish the page. It was alright he'd made his point. He yawned as eyes started drooping. It had to be the added stress and excitement that made him tired. He really needed a nap if anything. Maybe that would clear his head. It already was afternoon. One nap would be alright. After locking his journal and stuffing the key into his pocket, he carefully set it on the nightstand. Then kicked off his shoes and pulled his throw blanket over his body turning onto his stomach he shut his eyes and gave into a dreamless sleep.
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Valerie's remark sparked Danny's memory of the one ghost who might be able to help them… Clockwork, the reclusive ghost who dwelled in the outskirts of the Ghost Zone. Not many humans knew of the Master of All Time only the original Team Phantom, and Jazz. Along with the children of the halfa, and this was only because the Time Ghost agreed to be their guardian. But of course the Fenton siblings did not know the truth behind their supposed godfather's work nor did they see him much. Only rarely so he was not a clear memory to anyone except Jennifer because of her direct conversation with him and the crescent moon pendant he'd given her.

The Time Ghost wished not to corrupt the time stream by allowing those inside it to know of the being who watched over things. Too many questions would arise, and the mortals would be afraid and hesitant to go on with their lives, fearing they might be puppets on a string. They'd try to make sense of that which was not their place to know, and things would fall apart. Thus why an oath of secrecy was taken and the mystery of time remained unsolved.

Standing firmly on the ground in the Time Ghost's lair surrounded by many different clocks of various shapes and sizes, the halfa waited patiently for Clockwork's response to his question.

"No Daniel… I cannot allow you to go back and view what has already happened. Only the eyes that can view are those who have seen." Carefully he adjusted the clock's dials and passed left hand glowing over a nearby portal. "Remember what happened the last time you corrupted the time stream, and the ill deeds it brought." He shook his head. "Has it taught you nothing of what can happen when you mess with the balance of the universe?"

"Believe me, I remember all too well Clockwork." Danny could understand what the wise ghost was speaking of in vivid detail from Vlad marrying his mother, and his dad having powers it was a nightmare. But there was something else cryptic in the answer that just might be a clue to another route he could take. "You're saying someone else was present at their exchange… who?"

The Time Ghost sighed and shook his head solemnly. "I cannot tell you. I have given you too much to ponder already. What is to come in the present and future is up to you alone." With this, he turned into his elder form that represented the future.

"So that's it then…" The halfa could recognize a closing in his words. "You're not going to help me with the crisis at New Tech? I need something else to go on. This is getting more serious by the day. I thought this ghost was just a mild threat, but I have a feeling he's more than that. Can't you help me in any way?"

Turning his back to the halfa the ghost adjusted the dials on his staff then he transformed into his child form that represented the past. "I've helped you in more ways than I should. Everything happens for a purpose. What is to ensue must occur, and I can't give you any other course to take." He turned back to him. "If you want to make another you must figure that out for yourself. I am sure your heart will show you the best path."

Danny sighed with a nod knowing Clockwork was right. He usually was. Today though the Time Ghost seemed rather distant more than usual. But he knew from experience everything the ghost spoke had a purpose. Sometimes his words brought a solution even when his answer was no. It was a good thing he had had a long memory he'd need to write everything down, then discuss it with Sam and Tucker perhaps between the three of them they'd make sense of it. "Thank you Clockwork." He said with a small nod of the head then turned to leave the Time Ghost's lair.

"That is not all you wanted to speak to me about was it, Danny?" Clockwork said as he transformed into his original form that represented the present. His back still faced him, but the robed ghost's words struck a chord. The halfa turned to stand in front of him with a reluctant nod. The Time Ghost approached him putting a hand on his shoulder in an almost grandfather like gesture. "You worry about your children don't you?"

How Clockwork could read him so well he did not know, but he appreciated the fact that it took few words to get to the point with the Time Ghost. "Adrian mostly… I'm getting nowhere with him. I'm trying to make up for the time we lost, but all he does is push me away. I don't know maybe those guys at NASA were right maybe I'm not cut out to be a father." He didn't reveal this to anyone not even Sam, but for some reason, in the presence of the ghost who watched over his entire life, he felt like he could converse with him his worst fears. Maybe that was because the Time Ghost already knew what was up.

The Time Ghost smiled gently morphing presently into his elder self. "The future is unwritten what you do today affects the course of things to come. If you work hard, you shall gain that bond back with your son." Transforming into his childlike image spoke again. "But only if you fight for it."

Danny nodded feeling an immense amount of weight fall off his shoulders with Clockwork's words. "I better get going… Sam's probably wondering where I am." He said sheepishly starting to sound like his old self. "Thanks for the help Clockwork." The halfa nodded and flew out the door towards the hidden portal connected to the G.P.A.

Back at the lair of the Master of All Time Clockwork turned shortly back into his present self and shook his head. His gaze turned slightly to his nearby dark-colored feline ghost companion, who had made himself scarce while the halfa was present. "Sometimes I wonder even with what I know if I do the right thing, my friend."

The cat said not a word but rubbed up against him. Although he could speak, Clockwork knew that his feline friend preferred using body language to get his point across.

The Time ghost chuckled. "Yes, I suppose we shouldn't worry about what is all ready to come. Things will play out on their own." He gently rubbed the ghost cat's fur gaining a purr from the little one. He'd never saw himself getting a companion or a partner for that matter. But the little guy had grown on him, and his abilities alone came in handy at times.

Hair raised up on the cat's back at the moment, and it hissed ducking away into the shadows. Leaving Clockwork to face who he'd known would already be coming. "You spare no time to question my work, do you?" he asked courteously.

Out of the shadows came two identical green-skinned beings with robes both had one giant red eye in the middle of their faces. No mouth was present, but their voices filled the room either way. "You forgot your place again didn't you?"

"I did not." Clockwork said honestly his form taking that of his elder self. "I said what was supposed to be said. It will take a few months before Daniel understands the extent of my warning…" his hand glowed as it passed over the portal. A view of many adult humans some looking like they didn't belong there were dressed in strange armor they appeared to be facing a fight of some kind. Then the screen faded to black "By then it will be too late but perhaps they will now be able to face what is to come."

The two observants for that is was what they were exchanged glances before the next spoke. "You care too much for that boy, too many loopholes have you taken…"

"If things did not go the way they did then the future would be as corrupt as the one imprisoned in this room." He gestured to a thermos that seemed to appear out nowhere shaking slightly with an evil face printed on it. "Daniel made all those choices on his own. I merely showed a path and he chose from there what was taken."

"But the part that troubles us…" for the observants would never admit their confusion. "…is you warned the halfa that his offspring would have ghost DNA… but not of the rest to come with them."

Turning back into his present self Clockwork spoke with much finality. "From what I've seen this is the only way to repair ties, and bring about the future that ensures the survival of time itself. Daniel must find out on his own the truth. As for his children…" Passing his hand over yet another portal an image of Adrian tossing around in bed was present. The Time ghost's eyes narrowed. "…they must decide for themselves how they deal with what is given to them…"
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Snuggled under his blanket Adrian slept silently in the position he usually took. It was not normal for a child to sleep on their stomach most were taught from birth to sleep on their back. However, Sam refused to raise her children the traditional way, and she saw no harm in allowing them to sleep how they wanted. He liked being on his stomach mostly.

Fast asleep with no one else in the room there were no witnesses present to see what occurred next. Adrian turned onto his side his eyes still shut. Beads of sweat started rolling down his chin, and he kicked at the covers pushing them off his body. He jerked about as if struggling. He mumbled in his sleep turning fully onto his back. Then he pushed again turning towards the side of his bed. He rolled about till he fell off the bed with a hard thud. But surprisingly he didn't awaken.

He yelped, and his teeth clenched as the sweat dissipated and he started shivering. By instinct, he reached for his blanket, but his hands did not feel the garment. He kicked at the ceiling and the lower half of his body jumped from the ground. Another yelp went out. Then a white light appeared around his chest it slowly grew brighter and brighter. His eyes were clenched shut even though it seemed like he was struggling to open them.

It was as if the two halves within him fighting for dominance. The veins in his skin took on a bright tone of yellow. Then the white light completely engulfed him. He jolted still not waking up and screamed out into the night. Though to a human's ear, it sounded like nothing more than a whisper, to a ghost ear it was like hearing the passing of another soul, that was about to join them in the realm of the dead.
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Danny's ears picked up the sound as he was dressing for bed. He paused for a moment trying to pinpoint it. But as quickly as the ghost-like wail begun it died off, so he just took it as a soul was entering the plane of the dead. He shivered slightly he didn't enjoy having ears that could pick up spectral occurrences like that. Taking a moment he paused and remained in solemn silence for the deceased. Then he then began dressing into his night shirt and boxers.

Once finished, he entered the room to find his wife already asleep in bed. Gently he caressed her cheek before walking away towards the porch that connected to their room. He couldn't sleep at the moment there was just so much going on. He'd arrived at G.P.A. via the portal, informed Valerie on what he could without giving away Clockwork's identity then headed home. By the time he'd gotten back though it was late.

Partly because he made a detour check on Dani and Youngblood, they were doing okay none too worse for wear. But his halfa clone wanted to beat the pants off her attacker. She hated being showed up by anyone. As much as Youngblood and wanted to join her in the quest he'd put his foot down for once knowing she needed to heal first. The two were going to be alright so he'd left them there.

Finally, he returned home and spent some time with Sam, and their daughters. Adrian was already in bed when his wife had gone up to check on their son. The day had apparently stressed him into exhaustion. Danny wanted to rest too, but there was just so much going on in his mind. He sighed pushing the glass door open that separated them from the porch and stepped out onto the deck to gaze at the stars.

A habit he'd developed from his time in space. He carefully mapped out different constellations with his eyes and for the longest time just watched them shining from above taking comfort in the activity. The only thing missing was Tucker and Sam. He grinned. They used to spend nights on top the Fenton Ops with his old telescope gazing at the stars, chatting about life, and just enjoying time together. Those were the good old days.

"Couldn't sleep?" came a voice from behind he turned to his wife Sam in her night dress. She walked out onto the porch.

Danny smiled warmly then shook his head looking up at the stars. "Too much on my mind." He glanced back at her. "You?"

Sam shrugged and leaned against the porch rail. "Oh, I suppose I could if it wasn't for the lack of my chilly husband."

With chuckle Danny shrugged. "I can't help it when that happens."

"Sometimes I swear you are like a popsicle in bed," Sam said shaking her head.

"But you love me anyways." Danny said playfully giving her a hug.

She smirked. "Yeah I guess I do." She kissed him on the lips gently before letting go. "So…  I feel like I ask you this question every day now but…" Sam's eyes turned to full contact with him. "What's on your mind?"

"A lot of things…" Danny said with a sigh but then shrugged. "But I think we can leave it till morning I just needed some air is all."

Sam nodded. "You'll tell me then... After we get the kids to school." She said firmly; tomorrow was after all Monday.

"Sounds like a plan." He replied then he started to follow but turned slightly to gaze at the stars before that. Danny couldn't help but believe that seeing them shining so high above gave him something that could never be taken away. Hope.

To be continued in section 2