SHE LIVES!!!

Okay, so Adversus Adverto has been a stupid little cuntface lately so it's currently in time out. (NOT A HIATUS!) I will post the next chapter as soon as possible but bear(ha) with me folks, applying for college and scholarships comes before fanfictions. (Mostly) Oh, and the next chapter of Unexpected Abuse is done, I'm just not happy with it and as such will probably stare at it stubbornly until I don't care anymore and post it anyways. (so expect it later this week)

Moving on!

So this little four-shot thingy is actually completely finished and sitting on my USB drive. :D I will post chapters as I revise them, so expect the next part as soon as I get off work later tonight!

Okay, a bit about this story...You know how when you listen to music, and if it's a really good song you'll day dream some cool little scenario to match the lyrics? And usually that little day dream is about Danny Phantom? (Yeah, I know you know what I'm talking about. Where else do song fics come from?) Well you also know how some of those little day dreams are just flat out stupid, but they amuse you to no end so you replay them in your head anyways even though you know you'd never in your right mind write and post them?

Whelp. That's what this is. Sorry guys. Just give it a chance, please! I swear it gets better! (Why else would it be rated M? *winkwink*) It kinda mutated from my little song-daydreams though, and in the end this was born.

...I'll stop talking now.

Its been years since I last saw Daniel. He had to be at least twenty-two by now.

The last I'd seen of the little badger was a single parting wave, an end to the hurricane of a relationship we'd spent the past four years forming. It wasn't happy, but it wasn't exactly sad either. It was more of an accepting kind of wave, one that imparted the notion that this was just something that had to be done.

And it was, of course. Going off to college is a big step in a man's life.

But now, over five years later, I couldn't help but wonder what became of my old enemy. If I'm correct (and I always am), he hasn't returned once to Amity Park, leaving the ghost fighting to his parents and Valarie, who stayed behind to pursue her obsession. Daniel, however, was a different story. He was ready to leave Amity, nervous about the safety of his town, but never the less ready. After years of constant struggles and painful emotions, he was ready to move on.

"I can't stay here anymore, Vlad. I just...need a break."

It was perfectly understandable, and I certainly don't blame the boy. I remember, after having my own powers for several years, I needed a break myself. Why else do you think I moved to an isolated mansion deep in the forests of Wisconsin? But I think there is another reason he chose to leave, one that I know he wouldn't have admitted to anyone, not even himself.

People always saw Danny Phantom and the Wisconsin Ghost as mortal enemies, and indeed, we were. But as the years progressed, and Daniel grew older, our enmity slowly disappeared, leaving a mutual tolerance between us both. He didn't bother me as long as I didn't bother him or his family. It was a simple agreement, one that I took to after so many years of fighting and scheming. I won't deny it, I was tired as well. So many wasted years of chasing the impossible had left me exhausted. The truce between us was well welcomed, if not slightly awkward at first.

After we had both calmed down a bit, we each took the time to use our new perspectives to evaluate each other a little more. Daniel was no longer the bug on my windshield and I was no longer the bane of his existence. He even came to my house once in a while, just to get away from the daily stresses of life and relax. I must say, he was always a welcome company.

Finally, soon after his graduation from Casper High, Daniel announced that he would be leaving for none other than New York City. I had the feeling that he just wanted to disappear in a crowd, and he'd certainly find that there. I will admit, I was a little worried about him at first. New York is much bigger than Amity Park after all, with or without ghost powers. However, my vultures reported back to me that Daniel was doing quite well on his own and was even enrolled at a decent college. I decided that maybe he'd be okay on his own, and haven't checked in on him since. He probably wouldn't appreciate it if I kept a constant watch on him anyways.

But now, five years later, I found myself flipping through an old scrap book Daniel had given me before he left (blushing furiously all the while). It was quite possibly the only thing I treasured in my entire mansion. It seems his little friend, Sam I think, once aspired to become a photographer. She apparently took pictures of all the ghost fights Daniel was in, and even a few of me from when I was temporarily Mayor. It was always amusing to see the old pictures, like little windows into a time gone past. Not that they were all happy times, mind you, but at least they were predictable.

Now, however, was not so easy to predict. A terrific example would be the immediate present. Currently, I'm in a rather dirty old subway, twisting through the massive sky scrapers and flying past the bleak weather of New York City. I'm not exactly sure why I'm here, but when faced with the sudden urge to see Daniel again I found I couldn't refuse. And really, a little break from work wouldn't hurt anything. It was high time I checked up on him anyways. I was nervous though, and that was an emotion I'd never felt about Daniel before. Would he want to see me? Would he even remember me? Perhaps I was being too rash, seeing him in person.

Unfortunately, their wasn't much I could to with these thoughts. I was already in New York and on my way to see him, so there was no point in getting cold feet now and running back home. Besides, I'm Vlad Masters. That just wouldn't be dignified.

The train grated to a stop, the loud squeal of the tires irritating my sensitive ears. With a slight jerk, the train came to a complete halt and the doors slid open in unison. People immediately started shuffling out, standing up as one to push and shove their way out. Seeing as I wasn't in any hurry, I saw no reason to force myself through that stampede of feet, and instead waited until the train was nearly empty to step off.

The subway was just as dirty as the train, the depressing grays and greens sucking the life out of the atmosphere. I walked with purpose, quick to leave the crowded underground station. Homeless men begged in corners and melancholy workers walked by on autopilot. There were a few people who looked more alive than the rest of the crowd, but they were too wrapped up in conversations to notice anything around them. It didn't matter to me, in seconds they were all behind me and I made my way down the darkening street.

The air was chilly, but the streets were dry, a few crispy leaves blowing out from under vandalized trashcans. I pulled my long coat tighter, stuffing my hands into the pockets. I wasn't a fool when it came to street smarts, so I knew better than to wear my Armani suit in a downtown area like this. Instead, I had donned a simple pair of black slacks and a button up shirt. Hopefully, covered by the dark coat, I would blend in better.

Shops were closing up as the lights started turning on, advertising everything from five star restaurants to strip joints. The loud horns of cars and roaring engines never ceased, along with the animated talking of people as they pasted me by in groups. I kept my head down, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone. The noise and bustle, so different from my quiet castle life, was starting to annoy me. The only upside was the fact that people weren't screaming my name in excitement, much too wrapped up in their own worlds to pay attention to those around them.

I recalled the directions to Daniel's old school (He'd graduated from college about a year ago, I believe), remembering that it was somewhere near an area called Chelsea. The street signs were no help what-so-ever, so I used my blackberry to navigate. It was much faster.

As I rounded Dartmouth St., I came upon an averaged sized school that looked to be in decent condition. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be a liberal arts school. I had thought that Daniel would attend a more science oriented school, but I suppose even he recognized his dreams of space travel were far beyond his reach by now.

The name of the school wasn't important to me. All I wanted was a set of records. Hopefully, from there, I could find out where Daniel used to live. If I'm lucky he's still in the computers. After hiding in an alley, I let loose a pair of black rings. In seconds, my ghost form replaced my human half and I was flying in the air toward the darkened building. All employees were long since gone, only a few janitors remaining. It was too easy to find the records room, even easier to break the password and access recent graduated students files.

I was lucky, they hadn't deleted his file yet. When I finally found him, I had to stop and stare at the picture they had. I hadn't seen him in so long... His hair is scruffier and longer than usual, but other than that he's the same Danny I've always known, his ice blue eyes alight with happiness in the little photo. A pause later and I was scrolling down the file, hoping to find something useful. Ah, I see he majored in painting. I didn't know he could paint. A minor in human services, too. And the school choir? Could he sing? I could only imagine what he could do with his voice, having that ghostly wail as a power.

I amused myself for a while, reading his file. He'd made excellent grades in all subjects, as I knew he would. He probably would have gone far in the space program if he hadn't spent all his time ghost fighting. His high school grades had suffered considerably. Eventually, I found where he used to live. It seemed he spent his first two years in dorms and then moved into an apartment. Perhaps he was still there? I quickly memorized the address and flew off, determined to find him. It was a little less difficult to navigate through the skies, but my blackberry would have been much easier. However, I was in no mood to walk through the emerging night crowd and kept under my shroud of invisibility, trying to find the apartment my little badger once stayed at.

As expected, it wasn't too far from the college itself. At least, not for a half ghost. I landed on the cracked step and looked up at the brick building, quickly deducing that it wasn't made of the highest standards. I suppose it wasn't too bad though, and once I returned to my human form, I climbed the stairs.

My heart was beating fast and I felt a little jumpy. The closer I got to his apartment the more anxious I became, hesitant thoughts quickly clouding my brain. It was getting late, he's probably asleep. I'm sure he doesn't want to see me, why am I even here? I had to keep reminding myself that he might not even live here at all, that I might be getting myself worked up over nothing.

All too soon, I came upon his door. A little 34 was hanging from a nail, but the 4 had fallen off and instead someone had scribbled a 4 with a permanent marker in its place. I stared at the door for a while before forcing myself to get a grip. It was just Daniel, there was no need to be so nervous. I took a deep breath, raised my fist and-

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." A woman's voice called to me, leaning against her doorway with a cigarette in hand.

I stared at her for a moment, a curious expression on my face.

"And why not?" I asked smoothly.

"Cause the only thing behind that door is an old hag. If you go bang'in on her door at this hour you're likely to get your ear yelled off." the woman smirked, taking a long drag, "Unpleasant enough during the day." she mumbled.

"I see. So I suppose a young college graduate doesn't live here then?"

"Oh, you mean Danny?"

My heart pumped excitedly. She knows Daniel?

"You know him?" I asked imploringly.

A smile broke out on her face. She seemed to stare at me as if I was suddenly an old friend.

"We'll sure I know him. Used to help me every morning with my stupid cats. You look'in for him?"

"I am."

"Well he moved outta here once he graduated. That's when that bitch moved in." she grumbled, and I blinked at her language, "Anyways, he got a good job down in Chelsea now. I can tell ya' where. He probably spends most of the night at that bar anyways."

Bar?

"Yes, that would be very helpful." I replied.

"You make sure to tell'im Anita says hi, all right?"

I nodded, knowing was probably wouldn't care enough to do so. She gave me directions to a place called Harvey's Eden and I left without another word. Once hidden, I transformed into Plasmius again and flew low to the ground, invisible and intangible. I wanted to make sure I got the directions correct.

It was a fair walking distance on foot, from the apartment to Chelsea. I was glad I had my ghost powers. I wonder if Daniel has found his ghost powers useful outside of ghost fighting? And traveling, of course. Perhaps he knows someone in Chelsea. It was turning into quite a long flight.

I flew onward, getting closer and eventually rounding a dingy looking building, halting in the air in surprise. This was Chelsea? I don't believe I've seen so many homosexuals in one place. What on earth has Daniel gotten himself into?

It wasn't as though I was uncomfortable. I've seen many horrific things in my life as a half ghost, and two men holding hands isn't one of them. I was simply surprised that Daniel was comfortable enough to live here. Although he only ever had one brief fling with that goth girl, I never really had the impression he was gay. Perhaps he simply likes the more open atmosphere? I could understand that, after spending so many years in secrecy. Maybe he simply likes being around people who are, generally, more open than most.

I refocused back to the task at hand, curving around brightly lit buildings and ducking under rainbow flags. Anita's directions took me to an out of the way place, but it was no less packed. The building itself was a deep green, the word's Harvey's Eden in curly white, neon lights. Another flag hung from a pole drilled into the building, and people of all kinds were relaxing in the cool air below, laying out on benches or leaning against the wall.

I could here the pounding music from within, and had to restrain a small groan. Trust a twenty two year old to spend his Saturday nights partying. Taking a deep breath and steeling myself against the expected onslaught of booming music, I phased through the wall and into the surprisingly large interior.

As predicted, the noise was ridiculously loud, although that might be because it was a Saturday night. The dance floor was full of people of every gender and color, swaying as one and twisting their bodies in provocative ways against one another. A bar was set up along the length of a wall, adjacent to the stage where the live entertainment was blaring from. I looked for Daniel, wondering if he was a bartender, but not seeing him. Maybe he was on break.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the walls were lined with not only posters and paintings, but shelves of books as well, although they were currently locked up behind a barred gate. Curiously, I looked around to see what else I had missed, and found a mountain of tables elegantly stacked in a corner, plushy chairs and long couches blocking them in and creating a space to sit for weary dancers. It appeared as though this place doubled as a bar and a bookstore, an interesting combination. I wondered what it would look like during the day, when the dance floor was clear and the tables were all set out.

The music changed into a slower song, the erratic lights changing to a calmer color scheme. The sudden change in tempo brought me back to my reason for being in such a bizarre place, and I focused once more. With the slower moving crowd, I was better able to see the faces of those below. My eyes looked everywhere, but I couldn't find Daniel at all. I sighed when the tempo increased again and I lowered myself into a dark and hidden corner, transforming back into Masters. Perhaps the bartender will know where I can find him. He works here after all.

It was not exactly fun, forcing my way through the crowd now that I was now on ground level with. Although the bar was much less crowded than the dance floor, I still had to push my way past several kissing couples, to irritated to even care what their gender was.

Finally, I managed to place myself in the emptiest corner of the bar, taking a sweet breath of air. I couldn't help but note that I was going through a hell of a lot just to find Daniel. The bartender was more observant than most of his customers and soon noticed the fact that I was alone. He strolled over to me in an almost understanding way, as though he knew I was taking a relieved break from the loud music and pressing crowds.

"Long night?" he asked, drying off a large glass.

"Too long." I muttered, not sure if he could hear me or not. My expression said it all though, and he understood. I was thankful for his perceptiveness. It was a relief from all the self absorbed idiots I was surrounded by on the subway.

"Any reason you're sitting here and not dancing? Our week days are usually the quiet nights."

"I'm looking for someone." I said over the music.

"Oh? Who? I know practically everyone in here." he smiled, happy to be helpful. He reminded me of Daniel.

"Do you know where I can find Danny Fenton?" I asked, and I knew the answer the second the bartenders face lit up with happiness. Daniel certainly knows how to make an impression.

"Heck yeah! Who doesn't know Danny?" He grinned. I didn't like his choice of words though. He interpreted my scowl correctly and his grin faltered.

"Oh, no, no not like that." he laughed nervously. "I mean, he's just a really friendly guy, you know? Helps just about anyone who asks."

"You don't say?" I said dryly. That's Daniel for you.

"Yeah, and he's definitely an attention grabber on the dance floor." he smirked a little suggestively, and I got a funny feeling in my stomach.

"Is he?" I had always known him to desire as little attention as possible. "Do you know where I can find him?"

"He should be coming back from his break-oh, here he comes!" The bartender looked up and smiled.

I felt a jolt in my stomach, not expecting to see him so suddenly, and twisted around sharply. But all that happened was the lights centered on the stage and the crowd started screaming and jumping up and down. I watched, unable to tear my eyes away as non-other than Daniel peaked out from behind the stage curtain and waved to everyone, looking as though he were about to have the time of his life.

The crowd hooted and hollered as other people from the group stepped on stage, he followed behind, a guitar slung around his back. He looked...almost the same as when he left five years ago. His hair was longer and he was more muscled, but other than that he was still tall, skinny, and grinning.

He pulled the guitar over his head and without a word started playing. People cheered in approval and instantly started dancing to the song. It took a few seconds to realize it, but he was singing a new version of an old song I used to listen to, and he sounded brilliant. I never once imagined him on a stage and singing, but he seemed to be in his element, surrounded by people who obviously knew him and simply having fun.

His range was incredible, although he stayed mostly in the tenor area. I suspected the ghostly wail was a part of his unexpected singing talent, but didn't complain. He really did sound great.

"You look surprised." the bartender commented in amusement.

I didn't reply, watching Daniel with rapt attention. He fell into a guitar solo and actually jumped off the stage and into the crowd, including them in the music. When he started singing again, almost the whole bar joined in, raising goosebumps on my skin. He was grinning from ear to ear, nodding and singing with the people, eventually pulling himself away to leap back on stage. The song ended soon after that, his smooth voice still hanging on the air even after the last guitar note finished. The crowd gave a thundering applause, and I suddenly realized why this place was so packed despite it being out of the way. Daniel was the main attraction.

"Okay, okay, that's enough for one night." Daniel announced, sounding tired and taking a swig of water from the bottle next to him.

The crowd moaned and groaned in response, some demanding an encore. He laughed at this.

"I've given you three encores already. Stop being greedy. The guys need a break." he smiled playfully, looking to the other players which consisted of a violinist, a bass guitarist, a drummer, and a saxophonist.

He ignored the rest of their grumbles, leaving the guitar on stage and jumping down, instantly becoming one of the crowd. The loud talking and cheering slowly started back up again as another band started playing, this one full of keyboard and synthesizers.

"Incredible, isn't he? He sings here Friday and Saturday nights and works the cafe during the days. Best co-worker ever." the bartender said affectionately. "So why are you looking for him again?"

But before I could evade the question Danny himself plopped down on one of the spinning chairs about five seats down from me, looking winded.

"It's crazy out there tonight." He gave a great exhale and looked to the bartender. "The usual, Jeremy."

'Jeremy' leisurely pulled out a small glass, filling it with an amber liquid.

"I can't believe we got such a big turnout tonight. Lisa will be estatic." He commented, taking a minuscule sip of the drink, not realizing I was barely five feet away.

"No kidding. It's all thanks to you though. This place was dead before you started working here."

"Yeah whatever." Danny blushed, looking out into the crowd.

"Oh yeah, this guy here-"

But before my frantic brain could decide weather or not to disappear or stay put, the crowd started screaming in joy. What ever song was playing was clearly a favorite, even Danny looked excited.

"Hold that thought Jeremy, I love this song!" without further ado he jumped out of his seat and darted off into the pulsing crowd.

Jeremy looked at me apologetically.

"Sorry about that. He does that a lot."

"Believe me, I know."

"Are you his friend or something?"

"I guess you could call us that."

"Hm, well you better get out there and find him, cause once Danny starts dancing, he doesn't stop till at least two in the morning."

I rose an eyebrow at this, glancing at the tight knitted crowd. I would have left and came back tomorrow, but the thought of Daniel dancing was too good to miss. Singing is one thing, but dancing? He seemed to be a whole new person and I had to see it.

"Maybe I will." I muttered, slipping off the black coat and leaving it on the counter.

I pushed myself through the crowd, occasionally going intangible a few times to avoid a flailing arm or a tight group. No one noticed, they were much to busy dancing. I didn't realize how huge the dance floor was, from sitting at the bar. This was taking forever, and I was about to go back or sink though the floor when the large crowed suddenly parted, stepping back and forming a circle around two people.

I forced myself to a better vantage point and felt my jaw go slack.

Danny was already shirtless, jeans hanging very low on his hips. Sweat glistened on his chest and arms, the muscles becoming much more apparent in the flashing lights. He was dancing with someone, although it looked more like he was dancing on someone. I have no idea where he learned to move his hips like that, but it was boarding obscene. Or maybe I just thought that because I could feel a certain body part of mine growing rather tight, and that was not something that should be happening because of Daniel.

I dragged my eyes away from him enough to notice that he was dancing with another man, leaning against his chest and arms thrown back around his neck. The man he was dancing with smoothed his hands down Daniel's chest, settling low on his hips, pressing their waists together provocatively. I suddenly felt an odd surge of anger swell at the man touching Daniel. My fists were clenched and I had taken a step forward before I caught myself, my anger quickly dampened by surprise at my violent emotion. What did I care if that man is touching Daniel in such a lewd fashion. Daniel doesn't seem to care very much, so why should I?

The music was loud, the flashing lights piercing. My confused brain was the last line and I felt a migraine starting up. The bar tender had mentioned that Daniel works here during the day, yes? Perhaps I'll come back tomorrow, when it was quiet and that man touching Daniel wasn't within strangling distance.

Stumbling backwards, I turned and pushed my way out, shaking my head and trying to forget the image I had left behind. Why was it bothering me so much? The crowd was pressing against me, choking the air. I needed to breathe now, I didn't have time to push my way out of the throng of pulsing dancers.

My patience ended, and in a moment I was invisible and intangible, walking effortlessly through the strangers. No one saw me disappear, and if they did they must have blamed it on a trick of the light. After grabbing my jacket from the bar, I left, momentarily wondering if Jeremy would remember to tell Daniel about my presence, but not giving it much thought. He didn't even have my name.

Finally, I made it to the door, stepping out into the fresh air and filling my invisible lungs. The people standing outside the door were oblivious to my unseen presence and I had no trouble sneaking into an alley to shift into my ghost form, taking flight to search out a nearby hotel. I'd return tomorrow, when I could actually talk to him without screaming at the top of my lungs.