A Philosophical Discussion
A Short Danny Phantom Fanfic by Quill N. Inque
Ch. 1 (and only)
"A hero has the power to move the world. A true hero has the power to destroy the world but chooses not to despite what the world thinks of them." -Joseph Patrick Lyons
It was raining heavily that evening. The perilous precipitation came down in sheets as thunder roared and lightning split the skies above Amity Park. This, however, did not concern Danny Phantom as the ecto-blast sent him crashing into an unforgiving brick wall. Stars exploded into his vision and his head swam as Vlad Plasmius' fist tightened around his throat. The evil-half ghost's face was contorted with fury.
"I don't understand you, Daniel!" exclaimed the teen's nemesis. "Think of what I could give you! The things I could teach you! We could feasibly rule the world! And yet you're content to remain a faceless teenager while you fight to protect a town full of people that fear and hate you!
"There is no 'good' and 'evil', Daniel! There is only power, and those too weak to seize it! YOU'RE WEAK, BOY! JUST LIKE YOUR IDIOT FATHER!" howled Vlad as thunder boomed overhead.
Fighting against the blackness at the corners of his eyes, Danny turned intangible and hurled a glowing green ball of ecto-energy at his enemy. Caught by surprise, Vlad was thrown backward through the air until he regained his balance. Danny's eyes were determined as he calmly stared him down.
"You think I'm weak? You think I'm pathetic? You're the one who's weak, Vlad! With all your power, you could do some real good and help people! But instead you let your hate and vengefulness consume you as you selfishly use your gifts for your own personal gain!" Danny's fist connected with Vlad's jaw with a resounding crack as the teen's other hand shot an ecto-blast point-blank into Plasmius' chest. Winded, the evil half-ghost was thrown sideways into an alley, landing among a pile of garbage bags as rain continued to pour from the sky. Lightning flashed behind Danny, who continued talking as he advanced.
"I'm not a perfect person, Vlad. I've done some stuff I'm not proud of. But I'm a better person than you'll ever be! I fight to protect this city, not because it's profitable or convenient, but because it's right!" Danny stopped a few steps away from Vlad as he lay, still stunned, amid the trash heap.
"You're one of the richest, most powerful men in the world. You've misused your powers to acquire riches and status the likes of which most people can only dream about," Danny's voice got quieter. "But has it ever brought you happiness? Have you ever gotten into bed at the end of the day knowing you've done something worthwhile? Despite all of your wealth and influence… you're empty inside, Plasmius."
Realizing all the fight had gone out of his enemy, Danny turned to leave. "When all your scheming's done, what will be your legacy, Vlad?"
"Think about it." Without another word, Danny vanished into the rainy night, leaving behind the semi-conscious form of a broken, lonely, bitter billionaire.
A/N: Well, I had this idea for a nifty little oneshot and thought I'd give it a whirl! ^^ Please review if you have any comments or constructive criticism, k?
Until next time,
Quill N. Inque