Sequel to "Revenge"

Sam never knew Danny to be overbearing and overprotective.
It had been two full weeks since their dangerous encounter with Plasmius, and from the story Tucker told Sam, Danny made sure he wasn't coming back. So why, Sam wondered, did Danny not let her out of his site?
She didn't dare bring it up; Plasmius' unwelcomed return sacred both of them badly. Sam was physically hurt, and Danny was emotionally wounded. He almost lost the girl he loved to a monster. As a result, he barely let Sam out of his sight. And when they weren't together, he made sure she would wear a Spector Deflector.

The school day had finally ended, and Danny, Tucker and Sam walked out into the courtyard in front of Casper high. The sun shone brightly above them; it was finally spring in Amity Park. Flowers bloomed all around the school, and everyone seemed to be in a good mood.
After waving to a few of the fellow students, Danny transformed and grabbed Sam to fly her home – another trend that Sam had noticed, he never asked if she wanted to walk or fly.
They arrived at Sam's home a few minutes later. Danny phased them though the house into her bedroom, and gently set her down. He watched her as she set her book bag down and sighed.
"What's wrong?" Danny asked, changing back to Danny Fenton and taking a seat at the desk in the corner of the room.
Sam didn't reply. She was focused on emptying the contents of her backpack onto the bed and organizing them. Danny raised an eyebrow.
"Sam," he tried again. "You've been kinda quiet this past week. Tell me what's up."
Sam didn't know what to say. She loved him, but she definitely needed some space.
The past two weeks of his life, he had barely spent any time away from her. As a result, his family didn't see him much, and Sam did not want to be the reason for that.
"Danny," she started, trying to sound as sweet as possible. "You know I love you and spending time with you more than anything. It's just, the past two weeks…"
She trailed off to see him looking at her with a puzzled look on his face.
"Look," she started again. "At one point or another, you're going to have to accept what happened, and you're going to have to realize we will be separated by something. I don't want to sound rude, Danny, but seriously. I need some space. A little bit more than what you're giving me."
Sam waited for Danny to deny her. She waited for an unfavorable response. It never came. Instead she was met by Danny's soft laughter.
"If you wanted some alone time, you should have asked," he replied. "Look, Sam. We were both shaken up by what happened. I let Vlad almost-" he paused, and continued after a small shudder. "And I actually killed him. Sam, that was more intense for me than you can understand. I guess I've been trying to spend as much time with you because, I'm afraid. I'm afraid of losing myself.
"I had no idea who I was when I killed Vlad. That fact scares me. And when I got back to you, I felt more of myself. I guess I just don't want that feeling to go away.
"Also, your safety is a top priority to me. I didn't realize I was making you feel so suffocated. I'm sorry."

Sam had no idea how to respond. She just sat there and listened to him spill his heart and soul out to her. The past two weeks had been more meaningful than she knew, and Danny's wounds were far deeper than she could have comprehended.
"How about this," he concluded. "I'll go and the next time you'll see me is when I'm picking you up for school tomorrow morning. Sound good?"
Sam smiled and nodded, hoping what she had said didn't actually hurt Danny's feelings. He was just looking out for her, and for himself. She now knew that.
He stood up, two blue rings appearing at his waist. They traced his body and he became his ghost self once again. He floated over to her and kissed her gently on her forehead.
She sighed contently as he phased through the room.
"Please wear the Spector Deflector!" he said, peaking his head back through the wall one last time.
She nodded, wrapping the metal belt around her waist. He smiled and was gone again, leaving Sam to a peaceful night at home.
Suddenly the whole scene went to static.
"You see?" an evil voice pointed to the pool where the image of Sam and Danny had just played. "The girl is the key to his downfall."
"You're right," Undergrowth commented, pondering. "The last time he thwarted my plans was to save the girl…"
"If you take her out, he will be powerless," Plasmius said, tapping the pool causing the image of Sam to reappear.
Undergrowth eyed her lustfully.
"This time when I make her my queen, Danny Phantom will not prevail!"
Plasmius laughed, and Undergrowth glared at him.
"Don't you understand, fool?" he mocked the plant ghost. "As long as she lives, Daniel will fight. He fights for her. If you take control of her again, nothing will stop him from defeating you."
"Than what exactly do you propose I do?" Undergrowth asked, annoyed.
It was common knowledge in the ghost zone never to make a deal with Plasmius. He was cunning and had a reputation for using other's for his own personal game. Undergrowth did not trust him, but was interested in taking over Amity Park.
"Instead of taking her, take him," Vlad smirked. "Use him to destroy her."
Undergrowth frowned.
"She is the most suitable to be the caretaker, and my queen," he argued.
Plasmius knew Undergrowth would argue with the plan. He had come up with a counter argument.
"What's more important?" he persuaded. "One girl at the cost of your entire kingdom? As I said, as long as she is alive, Phantom will defeat you. However, take control of him, eliminate her, and the world is yours to rule. Once he has fulfilled his purpose, Phantom can be used to nourish your children. Think of how much more powerful you will be when you absorb his power!"
Plasmius' plan was working. Undergrowth smiled, he did not see a downside to this plan. And in his own mind, he knew if Plasmius tried to stop him, he would be able to overpower him.
"Good luck," Plasmius called back to Undergrowth who was lost in his thoughts as he flew into the ghost zone.
Undergrowth looked down at Sam before the vision completely faded out again.
"The girl is the key," he laughed. "And soon both she and Danny Phantom will be no more."