Broken Past, Chapter One:

So, as I was rewatching The Ultimate Enemy, I noticed something that made me grin at how horribly cruel and awkward it could make a fic. It struck me as rather universally UNNOTICED BY ANYONE ELSE. I wrote on it in hope to shed some light on it, and if you watch that episode again, saying "No way, she's making that up." I warn you now. Its truth. Proof is there. Read this and see what I'm talking about. You'll love it. (If you're as sadistic as me :3) Enen if you're not, you're still gonna love it. Might be slashy later though! :D

Disclaimer: Characters and plot line references are Butch Hartman's and Nickolodeon's pride. I made this plot up though, so I'd like a teensy bit of credit, please.

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It was his fault…All his fault he turned into that…But how? Was his "help" forever inevitable? Would it always lead to that future? He winced as the vivid explosion and the boy's horrified face appeared in his racing mind. All of his loved ones…His friends…Gone in an instant before his eyes, his mind distant, crawling among their burnt bodies and torn away remains- arms and legs blown twenty feet away, flesh peeled away to reveal blackened muscle and charred bone. The poor boy had burns of the first and second degree, and blistered skin of his family seared to the fibers of his shirt. He watched as he sobbed uncontrollably even after the police and fire brigade arrived. An ambulance was called after they discovered him among the wreckage. He'd seen this play out over and over; the boy clenches his stomach, purging his stomach into a bin given to him by the medical personnel as he is led into the ambulance. Another heave causes him to drop it and spill his remaining stomach onto the black asphalt. He's taken into the ambulance, shaking, shattered, and the ambulance leaves for the hospital. Police interview the bystanders and a few more ambulances arrive for the dead. Forensics arrive for investigation of the scene…

Clenching his fist, he forwarded to when the scarred boy arrived in Wisconsin. He watched through the dozens of interrupted suicide attempts, the screaming and crying, the begging and pain…The pain I caused… The ghost reminded himself. Soon it was followed by the decision…The tearing of halves, confusion tearing evil from a mortal body, the union of confusion and evil…Then the birth of a demon. The demon he created…

He paused the image in the portal. That face. Dark eyes, pale lips sheathing sharpened fangs…The crimson eyes stared through the portal, as if he knew he was being watched, which in a way he did; Dan emerged from the shadows as his past flashed inside the portal. His eyes were calm, but their red hue seemed to glow, and his face held disdain. The purple cloaked ghost in front of him turned.

"How long have you been standing there?" His tone was hidden…A skill Dan hated when done so convincingly well.

"I'm not standing." He paid back his frustration.

"How long have you been in the room Dan?" Clockwork snapped.

"Since you decided to play through my memories. Again." Dan crossed his arms. "Are you looking for something or do you enjoy watching my life unravel into nothing." The other ghost stayed quiet as Dan advanced. "Why do you keep watching that anyway? It's done. Unchangeable." Dan had a curiosity in his voice. Clockwork said nothing. "What is wrong with you?"

What isn't wrong with me? Clockwork questioned himself angrily. Dan continued to speak, oblivious to Clockwork's racing thoughts. "You would've cussed me out and sent me on my way by now." As if Dan had physically punched him in the gut, Clockwork felt as though he doubled over in disbelief. Obviously he hadn't because Dan made no further move towards him. Cussed you out….? Clockwork looked up at Dan for the first time since they had been aware of each other. "What?"

"Don't act like you don't know. You've done it three or four times now." He snickered.

"I don't cuss people out!" Clockwork said, exasperated. Last time he swore was… actually never…he never swore…at least not since he'd been a ghost. He made a physical gesture of this realization through a slight purse of his lips. Dan laughed.

"Sure you don't. And I take you don't drink a full pack a day!" He laughed, cocking an eyebrow at the cloaked ghost. He wound his laughter down quickly, smiling and biting his split tongue in disbelief, shaking his head. "You really have no idea do you? Why don't you just revisit the last time I was up here with you with that pretty little mirror of yours." Clockwork rolled his eyes.

"You're insane. Get out." Clockwork growled.

Dan bowed sarcastically and without a word, disappeared into the floor.

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I think I'm gonna let you guys decide what you think. Reviews are loved and worshipped, so please click that little button and write the strongest emotion you felt. I'd like to get people to scream, laugh and cry through the use of the written word and feedback would be oh so naise.