Reasons to Love Me

Hey guys, I'm back from my Vacation since like last Sunday 1/12/25 :D

I'm really sorry for not uploading for the past month, I should have said something before haha.

Oh Well, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.

As Danny, Ember, and Lucia returned to the Ghost Zone, the comforting glow of their home realm greeted them. The swirling, ethereal lights of the sky seemed softer now, as if welcoming them back after the tense confrontation in Amity Park. Their portal closed behind them with a faint hum, leaving the three of them standing in the quiet of their living room.

Ember sighed deeply, shifting Lucia in her arms. The little girl had fallen asleep on the journey back, her soft breathing the only sound in the room. Ember adjusted Lucia's stuffed ghost bear, ensuring it stayed tucked close to her tiny hands. She looked over at Danny, her expression a mixture of exhaustion and sadness.

"That… didn't go as planned," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She bit her lip, trying to keep her composure, but the weight of the encounter hung heavy on her shoulders.

Danny stepped closer, gently cupping her cheeks with both hands. His touch was warm and steadying, and his emerald eyes locked onto hers, full of understanding. "I know," he said softly, his voice carrying a quiet reassurance. It was hard. For all of us."

Ember sniffed, her eyes glistening as she tried to blink back the tears that threatened to spill. "I just wanted them to see," she whispered, her voice cracking. "To understand what we've built, what we've fought for. But… they didn't even try." A tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly turned her head, embarrassed by her show of emotion. "I'm sorry, Danny. I shouldn't be crying like this."

Danny leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Hey," he said gently, brushing away her tears with his thumbs. "It's okay. You don't have to hold it all in."

Ember shook her head, her voice trembling as more tears spilled over. "I'm supposed to be strong, Danny. For you, for Lucia. I should be able to handle this, but instead, I—" Her words faltered as her emotions got the better of her.

Danny pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "You are strong," he whispered, his voice firm but soothing. "You're the strongest person I know, Ember. You've stood by me when no one else would. You've built a life for us, for Lucia. You're an incredible mother and nothing about this changes that."

She buried her face in his chest, her shoulders trembling as she let herself cry. Danny stroked her hair, his other arm wrapped securely around her, grounding her in his embrace. "It's okay to feel this way," he murmured. "It doesn't make you any less strong. It just makes you human—or, you know, ghost-human," he added with a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

Ember let out a watery laugh, sniffling as she pulled back slightly to look at him. "You always know how to say the right thing, don't you?" she said, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and affection.

Danny smiled, brushing a strand of blue hair away from her face. "I just know you, Ember. And I know that no matter what happens, we'll get through it together."

She nodded, her tears slowing as a sense of calm began to settle over her. She looked down at Lucia, who was still peacefully asleep in her arms, and her heart swelled with a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Danny's lips. "For everything."

Danny smiled against her lips, his hand moving to rest over hers as she cradled their daughter. "Always," he said simply.

They stood there for a moment, the tension of the day slowly fading away as they found comfort in each other. Ember took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "We're going to be okay," she said, more to herself than anyone else.

Danny nodded, his gaze filled with unwavering confidence. "Yeah, we are. Because we've got each other. And that's more than enough."

Ember smiled, her tears finally drying as a sense of peace washed over her. She hugged him tightly.

"My lovely baby husband." She blushed, "You always know when to say the right things with me, its no wonder you always put me in the mood for something more." She winked, but before she could make a move on him again.

Danny reached into his pocket, his expression soft but thoughtful, and pulled out a small, elegant jewelry box. Ember tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her face as she watched him. He hesitated for a moment, then held it out to her with a faint, nervous smile.

"I've been holding onto this for a while," he said, his voice warm but tinged with shyness. "I was waiting for the right moment to give it to you. And I think… now feels like the right time."

Ember blinked, surprised, as she accepted the box. Her fingers brushed against his, and for a second, she just stared at it, wondering what it could be. Slowly, she opened the lid, and her breath hitched as the necklace inside caught the light.

It was stunning—a delicate silver chain, adorned with small blue gemstones that shimmered like droplets of water. The centerpiece was a brilliant sapphire pendant, shaped like a flame, perfectly mirroring the vibrant blue of Ember's hair. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the pendant seeming to flicker as it moved as if it held a living flame within.

"Danny…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her fingers trembled as she lifted the necklace from the box, holding it up to admire its beauty. "It's… incredible."

Danny rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks faintly red. "When I saw it, I thought of you," he admitted. "The blue reminded me of your hair, and the flame… well, it's you, Ember. Strong, bright, and impossible to ignore. I wanted you to have something that shows just how much you mean to me."

Tears welled up in Ember's eyes as she looked at him, clutching the necklace tightly in her hand. Without a word, she stepped forward and threw her arms around him, holding him as tightly as she could. "Thank you," she murmured against his chest, her voice thick with emotion. "I love it. I love you."

Danny smiled, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her head. "Here," he said softly, pulling back just enough to take the necklace from her. "Let me put it on you."

Ember turned around, lifting her hair to give him access to her neck. His fingers worked gently as he fastened the clasp, and when she turned back to face him, the pendant rested perfectly against her collarbone, the sapphire catching the light and making her blue hair seem even more vibrant.

"It's perfect," she said, her voice filled with awe. She ran her fingers over the pendant, her tears now ones of joy. "I'll wear it every time I perform," she promised, her voice steady and filled with emotion. "Every time I step on stage, I'll have this with me. So even when I'm far away, I'll feel like you and Lucia are right there with me."

Danny's smile widened, and he reached out to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "You don't have to promise me anything," he said softly. "Just knowing you love it is enough for me."

Ember shook her head, determination flashing in her eyes. "No, I mean it," she said firmly. "This isn't just a necklace, Danny. It's a piece of you, of us. I'll wear it proudly, every single day. It'll remind me of what I'm fighting for, and of the love that makes it all worth it."

Danny's chest swelled with emotion, and he pulled her into another hug, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm glad you like it," he murmured. "You mean everything to me, Ember. I just wanted you to have something that shows that."

Ember leaned into him, her hand resting over the pendant. "I love you, Danny," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "More than words can ever say."

Danny smiled against her hair, holding her close. "And I love you," he replied, his voice filled with quiet certainty. "Always."

He then wrapped his pinky around hers and held it, making her blush.

"Forever right?" Danny whispered, Ember nodded.

"Forever." Her cheeks turned pink and looked over at a sleeping Lucia, happy about her loving family that she adored.

A few days had passed since their tense encounter with Danny's mom, but the little family had moved on, embracing the comforting normalcy of their life in the Ghost Zone. The ethereal glow of their home provided a peaceful backdrop as Danny sat on the couch, holding baby Lucia in his arms. She babbled happily, her tiny hands reaching up to tug at his nose, making him laugh softly.

"Alright, little one, I get it," Danny said, chuckling as he gently caught her flailing hands. "You've got a lot to say today."

Nearby, Ember was in front of the mirror, adjusting her stage outfit for her upcoming performance. Her blue hair seemed to glow brighter under the dim light, and the sapphire necklace Danny had given her sparkled against her collarbone. She turned to face him, striking a playful pose with one hand on her hip and a mischievous smile.

"How do I look?" she asked her voice light and teasing.

Danny looked up, his eyes widening slightly as a faint blush crept up his cheeks. He took in her confident stance, radiant smile, and effortless grace. "You look… great," he said, his voice soft but full of admiration.

Ember smirked, stepping closer to him. "Just great?" she teased, tilting her head with a playful glint in her eyes.

Danny shook his head, his blush deepening as he grinned. "Okay, fine. You look amazing. You always do."

"That's better," Ember said with a laugh, leaning down to kiss his cheek.

As she grabbed her guitar and started toward the door, Lucia's babbling grew louder. She began flailing her arms, her tiny fingers stretching toward Ember as she let out a squeal of excitement.

"Looks like someone wants to come with me," Ember said with a soft laugh, turning back to face them.

Danny adjusted Lucia in his arms as she wiggled energetically. "She's been glued to you lately," he said with a smile. "She doesn't want to let you out of her sight."

Ember crouched down, brushing her hand over Lucia's soft blue hair. "Aww, baby girl," she cooed. "Mama's gotta go to work, but I'll be back soon, I promise."

Lucia, undeterred, let out another squeal and flailed her arms even harder, as if determined to insist on going with her mom.

"She's got your stubbornness, Danny," Ember said, standing and crossing her arms with an amused look.

"My stubbornness?" Danny raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Have you met yourself?"

Their laughter filled the room, but Lucia's determined movements quickly drew their attention back.

Kitty, lounging on the armrest of the couch, watched the scene unfold with a smirk. "Why not let her come along?" she suggested, twirling a strand of her green hair.

Ember frowned, standing with her hands on her hips. "Kitty, she's just a baby. The show's going to be loud and chaotic—it's no place for her."

Kitty shrugged, tapping a finger against her chin. "She could wear noise-canceling headphones. Problem solved."

Danny glanced at Ember, amused. "She's not wrong. We could make it work."

Ember hesitated, biting her lip. She looked down at Lucia, whose bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "I don't know…"

Kitty leaned forward, a mischievous grin on her face. "Come on, it'd be adorable. Your little rockstar in training. Besides," she added, crossing her legs, "if things get crazy, I'll keep an eye on her backstage. Auntie Kitty's got it covered."

Ember sighed, her resolve softening. She crouched down again, brushing her hand over Lucia's tiny fingers. "Alright, baby girl," she said with a small smile. "But only if you wear those headphones and stick close to me or Auntie Kitty. Got it?"

Lucia let out a happy squeal, as if she understood, flailing her arms even more excitedly.

Danny grinned, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "Looks like she's ready to rock."

Ember stood and shook her head, laughing softly. "You two are going to spoil her rotten."

Kitty winked. "That's the point."

As they prepared to leave, Ember adjusted Lucia's tiny headphones, ensuring they fit snugly. With Lucia nestled in Danny's arms and Kitty playfully hyping up the idea of their "baby roadie," the little family headed toward the portal.

The backstage area buzzed with activity as ghostly crew members rushed to prepare for Ember's concert. The faint hum of the crowd outside could be heard through the walls, their anticipation building. Ember sat on a worn couch with her guitar resting against the armrest, while Kitty leaned against the dressing table, idly scrolling through her phone. Baby Lucia sat in Ember's lap, her tiny hands reaching curiously for the strings of the guitar.

"Careful, little one," Ember said with a soft laugh, gently guiding Lucia's hands away. "Mama's gotta keep this tuned, not tangled."

Kitty smirked, glancing up from her phone. "She's gonna end up a little rockstar, just like her mom. You can see it already."

Ember grinned, brushing a strand of Lucia's blue hair out of her face. "She's got the spirit for it, that's for sure."

Lucia babbled happily, her bright eyes scanning the room as if taking everything in. She reached out toward Kitty, who stepped closer and crouched down to her level.

"Hey there, squirt," Kitty said, her tone unusually gentle as she wiggled her fingers to make Lucia giggle. "You're handling all this pretty well for a baby. No crying, no fussing. You sure you're not too cool for this already?"

Ember chuckled. "She's been good all day. I think she likes the energy here."

Kitty tilted her head, watching Lucia closely. "Yeah, but there's something about her," she said thoughtfully. "Like… I dunno, it's like she's soaking all this in. Not just watching, but feeling it."

Ember raised an eyebrow. "Feeling it?"

Kitty nodded, her expression unusually serious. "Yeah, like she's got this connection to what you do. I mean, I'm not a mom or anything, but… there's something special about her, Ember. You can see it."

Ember glanced down at Lucia, who was now happily clapping her tiny hands together. A warm smile spread across Ember's face as she kissed her daughter's forehead. "Yeah," she said softly. "She's special."

Before Kitty could respond, a stagehand poked his head into the room. "Five minutes, Ember," he said quickly before disappearing again.

"Alright," Ember said, standing up with Lucia still in her arms. She handed her to Kitty, who took the baby with a rare softness, holding her securely.

"Keep an eye on her, okay?" Ember said.

Kitty raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like the irresponsible type?"

Ember smirked. "Do you want me to answer that?"

Kitty rolled her eyes but smiled, gently bouncing Lucia in her arms. "Go knock 'em dead, Rockstar. We've got things covered back here."

Ember nodded, grabbing her guitar and heading toward the stage. As she walked away, she turned back for one last look at her daughter, who gave a happy squeal in Kitty's arms. The sight made her heart swell.

Ember stepped onto the stage with a thunderous roar of cheers. She strummed the opening chord of her first song, the familiar rush of energy flooding through her as the crowd's enthusiasm fed her music. She poured her heart into every note, her voice soaring as she played.

But tonight, something was different.

As she sang, a strange glow began to emanate from her guitar. The notes became richer, fuller as if infused with an otherworldly beauty. The crowd fell silent, mesmerized by the music. Ember noticed it too, her fingers moving almost on their own as the melody grew more intricate and hauntingly beautiful.

Backstage, Kitty stared at the stage in astonishment. She glanced down at Lucia, who was clapping her hands in rhythm with the music, her tiny form glowing faintly with the same ethereal light.

"Ember…" Kitty muttered under her breath, her eyes wide. "It's coming from her."

Lucia's connection to Ember's music was unmistakable. The baby's glowing presence seemed to amplify every note, every chord, turning Ember's performance into something beyond what anyone had ever experienced.

The Observants hovered in their timeless realm, their ghostly forms glowing faintly as they observed the scene unfolding on Ember's stage. The music, infused with Lucia's ethereal energy, echoed through their vision, resonating in ways no mortal or ghostly sound ever had before.

"Fascinating," one murmured, their voice as cold and calculated as the endless void surrounding them. "The child's energy is influencing the music, creating something unique. It is unlike anything we've ever witnessed in the Ghost Zone."

Another Observant floated closer, their many eyes narrowing as they studied the glowing baby in Ember's arms. "Her connection to the music is not merely amplification. It's as though her essence is weaving into the melody itself, creating a form of resonance that transcends this realm. This level of influence is unprecedented."

A third Observant's tone turned ominous. "If this child's powers continue to grow unchecked, she could become a force of unimaginable power. Harnessed correctly, she could shape the Ghost Zone itself… or bring it to ruin. Such potential cannot be ignored."

A silence hung heavy among the Observants as the gravity of the situation settled over them. Finally, one of the elder Observants spoke, their voice slow and deliberate. "There is one who might hold answers to this phenomenon: Pandora."

The others turned to face the speaker; some expressions were intrigued, and others were skeptical. "Pandora?" one of them echoed, their tone tinged with disbelief. "The ancient guardian of the Relic Realm? She is a warrior, not a scholar. What would she know of a child's unique powers?"

"Pandora's wisdom extends far beyond mere combat," the elder insisted. "She has dealt with forces that alter the Ghost Zone's balance before. Her knowledge of resonance and energy may provide clarity."

A younger Observant shook their head, their glowing form shimmering with agitation. "Pandora is a relic of the past, clinging to outdated ideals of honor and balance. This matter requires precision and control. We cannot rely on her whims."

Another Observant chimed in, their voice sharp. "Agreed. If anything, we should handle this ourselves. The child's energy must be studied in our domain, under our authority. It is the only way to ensure her potential is harnessed responsibly."

The elder's gaze hardened, their voice cutting through the growing dissent. "And if you act without understanding, you risk destroying her or unleashing a force you cannot contain. Pandora's perspective could offer a path forward—one that does not end in ruin."

A heavy silence followed as the Observants exchanged uncertain glances. Finally, the one who had first suggested control spoke again, their tone decisive. "Pandora's methods are irrelevant. We will observe the child further and determine our course of action. If intervention becomes necessary, we will decide as a collective."

The elder hesitated but eventually inclined their head. "Very well. But know this—if we proceed without seeking all perspectives, the consequences will rest on your shoulders."

The Observants resumed their silent vigil, their many eyes fixed on the glowing image of Lucia in Ember's arms.

As the concert ended, Ember rushed backstage, her heart still racing from the performance. She found Kitty sitting on the couch, holding Lucia, who was babbling happily and glowing faintly.

"Kitty," Ember said breathlessly. "What happened out there? Did you see—"

"It was her," Kitty interrupted, her voice calm but serious. "Lucia. She was glowing Ember. She's got some kind of connection to your music. It's like she made it… I dunno, otherworldly."

Ember stared at her daughter, her mind racing. "I felt it," she said softly. "It was like… the music wasn't just mine anymore. It was ours."

Danny entered the room, looking concerned. "I saw the glow from out there," he said, glancing at Lucia. "What's going on?"

Kitty handed Lucia back to Ember. "Your kid's got some serious power, that's what," she said with a smirk. "And if I noticed it, you can bet others did too."

Ember held Lucia close, her protective instincts flaring. "We need to figure this out," she said firmly, looking at Danny. "If the Observants, or anyone else, gets wind of this…"

Danny nodded, his expression grim. "Then we need to stay one step ahead. Whatever's happening with her powers, we'll figure it out. Together."

Later that evening...

Danny sat on the couch, holding Lucia on his lap, gently bouncing her up and down. Her tiny hands flailed happily, her bright blue eyes glowing faintly in the dim light of their cozy home. Ember sat beside him, her guitar resting against the wall nearby, watching the two of them with a mix of awe and amusement.

"I still can't believe what she did back there," Ember said, shaking her head with a small laugh. "She lit up that stage like a pro, and she doesn't even know how to talk yet."

Danny smiled, looking down at Lucia, who babbled softly as she gripped his fingers. "Yeah, but it's kind of… a lot, don't you think? I mean, she's just a baby. How are we supposed to handle all this?"

Ember leaned back against the couch, crossing her arms as she studied their daughter. "I've been thinking about that too. Her powers—what she did with my music—it's like she amplified it, made it into something bigger than I ever could. That's not just normal ghost stuff. That's something else."

Danny nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It has to be her genetics. Think about it—she's got a mix of my ghost and human sides. That hybrid thing isn't exactly common, you know? And then there's you."

Ember raised an eyebrow, smirking and flicking her nose. "What about me?"

"Your powers aren't just tied to being a ghost," Danny said, bouncing Lucia a little higher and earning a happy squeal from her. "They're emotional, powerful, and honestly… kind of explosive sometimes. Combine that with my half-ghost, half-human weirdness, and, well… we've got Lucia."

Ember tilted her head, a proud smile spreading across her face. "So, what you're saying is, she's got the best of both worlds. My raw power and flair, and your… what do we call it? Ghostly finesse?"

Danny rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but laugh. "Sure, let's call it that."

Ember leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she gazed at Lucia, who was now tugging at the hem of Danny's shirt. "But seriously, Danny. It's not just about how strong she might be. It's about how different she is. There's never been anyone like her before—not in the Ghost Zone, not in the human world. That's… a lot to put on a kid."

Danny's smile faded slightly as he looked at their daughter. "You're right," he said softly. "I mean, I grew up not even knowing about the ghost part of me, and that was hard enough to figure out. Lucia's going to grow up knowing she's something completely new."

Ember reached over, placing a hand on his arm. "But that's where we come in. She's not doing this alone, Danny. She's got you, me, and—let's be honest—probably Kitty sticking her nose into everything."

Danny laughed, nodding. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

Ember smiled, her tone softening. "Look, I know it's scary. I don't have all the answers either. But if there's one thing I know, it's that we've got her back. No matter what her powers turn into, we'll figure it out. Together."

Danny looked at her, his expression filled with gratitude and love. "You're right. She's lucky to have you, Ember."

"Damn right she is," Ember said with a smirk, though her eyes glistened with emotion. She leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Lucia's head. "And she's got you. That's a pretty great combo."

Thanks for reading, next update coming soon. Whats going to happen to Lucia, why are the Observants so interested in her? Only I know haha.