Full Summary:Positive and Negative energies. Living beings and Ghosts. A harmonious balance among the two must exist if there is to be peace. However, despair and loneliness can feed the will to break the delicate line between them, all to see the lost ones, and that can bring disastrous consequences for both worlds.
Under the clutches of alcohol, Jack has taken away the life of the most important person for Vlad. However, his ghost has made a return to get Vlad's aid into getting back to his side. Vlad will do everything in his power to bring him back, even if that means using Jack's son, Daniel Fenton.
It has been years since I last wrote a Danny Phantom fanfiction -maybe about 4 or so- so this is practically fresh to me again. I am quite proud with what I have gotten planned up so far; it's one of my longest stories so far, and that's a merit in my book. I think, though, I did a horrible job at the summary; I couldn't exactly come up with anything non-spoily to put up.
So without further ado, we start!
Prologue – Litting the Candle of Revenge
A decade. Ten years of full agony. Thirst of revenge. Such things had stacked on top of his shoulders as time had slowly elapsed, transforming each second into a horrible torture. His attempts to forget the pain and the stupid desire to rip the throat of the man who had taken away all his shreds of happiness had resulted into a vain lose of time; his heart was not going to give up the feeling that had been eating it up over the years. Noticing the outcome was not going to change, he instead opted to feed the burning flames of rage within his chest, feeding his brain with vast knowledge in the way, in hopes of getting closer to his objective.
He had counted with help, he had to admit, but it had been rather insufficient… No, the help had diverted him completely from his very initial goals, forcing him to make a violent turn for more severe objectives. He had transformed into a killing machine that had lost most of his feelings, all to focus properly in the road ahead, frustration and rage occupying his mind most of the times. He could care less about the living beings whose lives he had mercilessly ripped apart if that meant bringing back his-
Knock. Knock. Knock. His thoughts were interrupted by the knocking of the main door. Again. The annoying noise was echoing through the living room for the fourth time already, and he knew ignoring it any longer would not make it stop. He knew who was at the other side, waiting impatiently for him to allow entrance to his mansion. He was tempted to open the main door and scream at the face of that person; he had made it clear he was not going to receive anybody with open arms, especially if it was him involved. However, something at the back of his mind was practically begging him to oblige… But, why?
He didn't last long when the knocking became unceasingly bothering. He stood up from his old chair, heading his way over the entrance. As soon as his hands wrapped themselves around the handles, though, his mind decided to make him stop to rethink his decision. Was he really going to allow that man to interfere in his personal life again? Oh, blast it all! His hands finally obeyed his commands as they slowly pulled the doors.
He was unexpectedly thanked by a loud voice booming right through his ears. "Oh I knew you were here, Vladdy! What took ya so long in opening? Taking a bath?"
His suspicions had been confirmed. It was no other less than…
"Jack Fenton. Long time no see…" He stepped aside so the other man could walk inside. He was assuming Jack was going to be at least respectful, considering the circumstances. He deemed himself wrong when the large man ran inside and gave poor comments about the organization of the decorations inside his mansion, or when he started touching valuable relics. Vlad was not going to allow this to drag any longer.
He cleared his throat, successfully attracting attention back to himself. "Excuse me, Jack, but I was dealing with important business right before you got here, so could you be kind enough to get to the point of why you busted your nose in my property like this?"
"Oh right! I have some great news for you!" Jack made his way over the wooden chair Vlad had been sitting on just some minutes ago, much to his displeasure. "Guess what? Maddie and I have finally taken our son out of the hospital!"
"Son?" Vlad raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you mean to say daughter?" He had known about the birth of Jasmine Fenton, by Jack himself, two years ago. The other man had been very enthusiastic when he rushed over his door to let him know about the new member of the Fenton family.
The question had earned a heavy pat over his back. "No, of course not, Vladdy!" Jack was oblivious to the harsh glare sent by his friend as he kept on speaking. "We had been expecting another family member for 9 months, and yesterday, night time, the doctors gave the green lights to leave the hospital. Our baby boy is currently at our house, resting with his mother. I thought you would like to give him a look?"
Vlad was taken aback by the news; how come he hadn't been told about Madeline's second pregnancy?! He had known about Jasmine, even before her birth. So why had it been different this time around? Well, giving it a second thought, he could blame it on himself: He had been far too enraged when he was told Jack and Maddie were having a daughter to the point of rejecting the offer of his "friend" to check the baby out in later months. He had been very explicit and serious in his wording towards Jack, telling him to not mention anything about the abomination of girl they were bringing to the world ever again.
In any case, he didn't feel like accepting, just like the last time. The thought of Jack having children with Maddie, both being very content and raising their family without having a worry cross their minds made him very sick and furious. He still could not believe the Fentons had forgotten about that incident which had happened 11 years ago! He had lost all precious to himself in that single instant, and they hadn't made up for their mistake. He was not going to forgive them as long as he breathed… But was it really Maddie's fault? Was she to be involved in that mess?
"Vlad? Buddy?" He blinked in confusion when he realized he had been called by Jack for the past minutes. Had he been too submerged into his thoughts to make it obvious for the stupid man to notice it? "Will you accept this time? It would mean the world to me if you came. Please?"
"Why are you so persistent in me going anyways?" Vlad crossed his arms crossed above his chest, giving a cold stare at Jack. "As I said, I had my hands busy with personal things, and they are quite important. Why push them aside just to see your baby?" Even with the venom spat over his words, the other man didn't seem intimidated in the least. Instead, Jack's eyes seemed to acquire a weird glow, as if that would help him make the begging more successful.
"Vlad, you haven't gone to us for a long time already. You are my best friend! I really would like it if you could take part in this new experience… or, at least, get to take a small peek. It will be quick, I promise! Then you can go back to your super-important stuff!"
What was he going to with that idiot…? Vlad had thought he had made the point clear before. He was not going to take part in the Fenton's life, and there was no way the enamored couple would meddle in his. He could easily kick Jack out of his house and pretend nothing had ever happened that morning. However, there was something at the back of his mind telling him he simply had toaccept, that there was a good opportunity to be taken in the situation. Maybe that could help him finally give start to his revenge.
Vlad had a hard time hiding the wide smirk that dared to appear on his face when the idea shone through his brain. "Well Jack, you should have said that sooner!" One of his arms wrapped itself around Jack's shoulders. "It would be nice of you if you showed the way. You know, I am feeling rather impatient to meet that little boy."
Now that surely brought up a large smile over Jack's face. His hand took a hold of Vlad's in a matter of a second and started pulling him, his excitement not allowing him to reply. But Vlad didn't seem to mind. Instead, the billionaire opted to look at the buildings standing tall among the streets, the trees accommodated by the sides of the houses, the parked cars, the pavement –all details that he could remember for future reference.
Jack made small jumps from time to time, turning the walk into an unbearable "friendly" session for Vlad. He was very relieved when they finally made it to the Fenton's place just minutes later. It consisted of a huge building which surpassed, in height, all the others he had seen so far. It had a ridiculous amount of windows at the front view -6, to be exact- for a living for just four people. A blue door separated the outside from the rooms inside. Four steps guided the pavement to the entrance of the house.
Jack had to give in a small tug so his friend would finally snap out of the scanning he was doing. Vlad obliged, though not willingly, for he still wanted to take a close look at each tiny detail from the building. He was pulled by the arm to walk inside the house. And he was surely taken by surprise at the new scenario welcoming him; a huge living room in which a large white sofa stood at the right, a small white table located in front of said sofa, a purple carpet upholstering the floor, black lanterns shaped as an hourglass hanging from the ceiling, and several white-colored drawers positioned at the mostly lilac walls.
Jack guided him over a set of stairs which were at the left -it being adorned with a black railing at its right- before making a turn to his left, just as soon as they reached the top, to head towards a blocked room. Using his large fist to knock at the door, he was welcomed by his wife, Madeline Fenton.
"Hello dear, what took you so long? Did you bring the cheese you promised-" Her violet eyes showed anger as soon as she was able to spot the billionaire standing right behind Jack with a wolfish smile plastered over his face. "Well, if it isn't our friend who hasn't even bothered to visit ever since we got ma-"
"Oh come on, Maddie!" Vlad shook his hands innocently in front of him, his smile now showing a small glimpse of nervousness as he approached the woman while he pushed aside the other man. "There is no need to remember those bad times, don't you agree? I just came to visit you! You know, a friendly meeting."
"Friendly meeting, you say? It has been 11 years ever since you last showed your face to us. What made you change your mind to care to come?" Maddie tapped her fingers over her hips, an act which seemed tempting in Vlad's eyes.
"Maddie, I had a hard time overcoming the pain of the accident. It took me some time to leave the hospital and forget the pain which ate me deep inside." His eyes did made a good job of exhibiting how much misery he had lived through the long time. "But I finally made my mind as soon I was able to assume my nephew's soul must be in peace; I knew he wouldn't like seeing me in such deplorable state. So I moved on, and now I came to see that little boy of yours. Is he in this room?"
The woman was yet unsure if believing his words would be a good idea. In her eyes, the billionaire was determined to hide something, to try and pretend he had forgiven them for the death of Riley, Vlad's young nephew. She could only guess how much he had suffered back then to the point of ignoring them for so long, but at the same time she knew very little of Vlad; was he really meaning his words?
She finally decided to walk over a blue crib after giving the situation too much thought, bending down to pick up a small bundle of blankets covering the sleeping baby. Maddie held him close to his chest, showing great deal of care in removing the piece of cloth from his face. The action woke up the boy, and soon Vlad was staring at the innocent blue orbs, which in turn looked back at him with confusion and fear.
"So I am guessing this one is the young boy you told me about?" Vlad asked as he studied the baby's features.
"He sure is!" Jack walked over him. "He is the second addition in the Fenton family, our proud Robert!"
"Jack, how many times have I told you that we would be sticking with Danny as his name? Robert does not fit him in any way." His wife scolded him, receiving a pout from Jack.
'So that idiotic Jack doesn´t seem to like "Daniel" for the name, hm? Interesting, I shall keep that in mind when the boy is in… better hands.' Vlad rubbed his hands behind himself from the enthusiasm.
"Of course, pal."Vlad seemed to struggle as he pronounced the word. "It's a name chosen none less by the smart Madeline, and that's a name with character, you have to admit." He placed a palm over Jack's shoulder, and the act was just more than enough to help him recover his humor.
"Alright Vladdy, this time I shall listen to ya and stop my complaining. But you will have to agree with me using the name Robert for the third child." That earned a surprised expression from his friend.
"Wait a second there, are you really serious? Are you telling me you are willing to put Maddie under another 9 months of pain just so you can have a son you can call Robert?"
"Oh, V-man, don't be a party pooper, would ya? I was just saying it as a good joke." Jack turned around and placed his black-gloved hands over the white hairs of Vlad. The ruffling annoyed the billionaire, but what was bothering him the most at the moment was the fact that Jack was acting as a selfish jerk. He simply could not believe Jack was not considering that the weight would fall on Maddie's shoulders as well! That could not be a joke in any way!
"Besides, it was no painful for Maddie; you do know she is a strong woman and how much she likes children." His face looked at Maddie's. "Right, sweetheart?"
"Hm?" The woman quickly raised her head to look into Jack's blue eyes. "Oh, of course it was nothing to me." She said rather absently, her tone going unnoticed by both her husband and Vlad, much to her relief.
"See? There is no issue Vladdy, you just worry too much." He couldn't help but to laugh at the annoyed huff which came from Vlad. His serious face was very funny to look at! "In any case, you should dye your hair the dark gray tone it used to be before."
Vlad raised a brow, feeling extremely confused at Jack's random suggestion. "Now why would I do tha- Ouch!" His hand quickly flew over the sore spot in his head, right where a single hair had been pulled out very painfully.
"Just look at your white hair, it really adds to your age. You are about our age, and you are the first one to grow your white hairs. Even before your pal!"
The billionaire could just watch in irritation as Jack toyed around with the plucked hair while he inspected it. But he had to be firm and keep up his act; he couldn't make any mistakes at this point.
"It just might show how much maturity I have acquired over the time, especially when I was left alone." Vlad felt somehow ignored as the other man kept rolling the little hair, so he swiftly snatched it back, allowing it to drop on the floor. After he had made sure he was being listened, though, he relaxed and plastered a fake smile over his face. "Without Riley, my life had no sense whatsoever, you know."
Jack's own smile left his face in a matter of seconds as the loss was mentioned once again. However, a gentle hand forcing him to look into the midnight eyes replaced his depressed expression with a confused one.
"Life is nowhere easy, Jack." Vlad made his best efforts to speak in a silky tone, and he was surprised to notice it was quite easy. "People die from all around the globe for each minute that passes, all meanwhile new life sprouts." Jack followed the billionaire's eyes, which were directed towards his son. "There is nothing to be done about the persons we lost, but we can't stay in the past, lamenting their loss. The young ones ask for attention, and we must look for their wellbeing, don't you agree?"
"Well… I guess you got a point there…" Jack rubbed the back of his neck, feeling very nervous and ashamed. He was the responsible one for what had happened time ago, and he still hadn't found a proper way to apologize to his friend. "But are you totally sure you have gotten over it?"
"But of course, I already made myself clear on that, Jack!" Vlad exclaimed, and he had to take a deep breath to calm himself down. "After all, these years have been of good help, and the wound has finally scarred, even if that meant a lot of effort from my part."
Maddie couldn't help but to give him an incredulous look as a response to his reaction. She had been analyzing him for the past minutes with much attention, trying to see if he was being sincere about the words the billionaire had spoken to her before, and, much to her own surprise, she had concluded he had really meant them all. Vlad was really trying to socialize with his pal, even if that abrupt rage had suddenly appeared in his features for mere milliseconds. He was not exploding at her husband's face for killing Riley when the boy was 9 years old.
"So let's not bring any depressing matters to our conversation, not anymore." Vlad gave a light squeeze at Jack's shoulder before heading back to Maddie, or more specifically, the baby boy. Danny had been glancing at him the entire time without crying. Maybe he was trying to understand who the man that was speaking to his parents was. He tensed when Vlad's hand went over his small raven hairs, but immediately calmed down afterwards, smiling instead.
"You surely got a thing for kids, Vlad." Whistled Jack in amusement, already joining Maddie's side. "You should visit us more often; it would be great to have you with us again, just like the old times. We could even introduce you to our little Jazz, because I totally bet she would like you too."
"Don't lift your hopes too much, Jack." Vlad suddenly said a bit seriously, but in his eyes, a glint of deception shone through. "As I told you before, I have work to attend, coupled up with my personal matters. I have my hands busy most of the time, so I wouldn't be able to come as frequently as I would like. But…" His hands went over the baby's cheeks, nuzzling them. "I will try all what I can. How does that sound?"
"Sure Vladdy! I told you before it could be quick, we wouldn't mind if it was just a matter of minutes, but you really got to come some time or another. Will ya- Hey, hold up! Are you leaving already?" Jack's face was full with concern at seeing his friend walking over the door.
"I am sorry; I left something unattended back home." The billionaire responded without giving them a second look, his back turned against the Fentons. "I can't wait any longer, but I will see if I can come here soon." His footsteps were no longer heard as soon as he crossed the door frame, leaving the three very confused.
It was time, finally. Vlad had been waiting anxiously for the days to pass.
It had been a week since he last been at the Fenton's residence, and he was going to pay them a second visit… but for very different reasons this time around. He placed red contact lenses over his eyes, a white cape connecting to his neck -whose interior was tainted in red-, and tainted his hair and goatee a pitch black.
"Uncle Vlad, are you sure that baby boy will be the perfect body-"
"Oh Riley, you worry too much." The billionaire turned to face the soul of his nephew, an evil smile plastered over his face. "When the idiotic Jack showed me his son, I knew he was the perfect choice for you. That boy must have inherited the brains of his mother, and he is very young. There is no single track of mistake; he will make a good Revenant."
Riley rolled his eyes, floating close to the older man. "Fine, I trust you. I know you will do a good job. I will be waiting for you right here." The boy was only given a nod as a response before Vlad left his mansion.
Vlad was going to finally start. The wait was going to finish. All what he had been fighting for would end that fine night, he was sure of it when he stepped through the front window which guided directly over Daniel's room. That boy would be the solution to all of his problems.
The smirk elongated in his face as he walked closer to the sleeping baby.
And with this, I finish the introduction of my story. I find it quite long, even if I tried removing some important events to place them on future chapters, but I liked the result.
Here are some points you may have doubt about:
*In later chapters I am going to cover what a Revenant is, so for now that will stay as a mystery *insert evil laugh here*.
*The Fenton's house doesn't possess the Emergency Ops Center, neither the huge "Fenton Works" sign, neither the underground laboratory… for the moment.
*Just for sake of comfort, I placed Vlad's mansion close to the Fentons.
So that is it. Any doubt (which won't spoil the story, of course) can be asked, I will clear it up. Please Rate and Review, and… um… you get… Cookies! (Because who doesn't love them?) Up to next time!
