Danny pouted and crossed his arms, grumbling as he looked out the window of the Fenton RV. He was not impressed by this change of events and especially if it had to do with helping Vlad. Yeah sure they weren't enemies anymore but that didn't mean that he didn't still hate Vlad.

There had to be something that Vlad was planning if he called and continued to pursue. Especially if that meant that he needed Danny and his dad's help. Honestly any contact from Vlad after years of ignoring each other was suspicious.

"Danny, please stop pouting like a child. You're twenty-two for goodness sakes."

His mother said exasperatedly after a while, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I am not pouting mom, and even if I was I would have a good cause to."

Danny looked away from the window at his mother who was frowning at him.

"I can't believe you're actually believing that creep and going to his house. You know this can only lead to trouble."

"Now Danny," His mother began to scold. "It's been several years since he's even sent us a message or caused havoc. I'm sure he realizes that he's been childish and learned from his mistakes."

Danny scoffed and rolled his eyes, looking away once more. "Yeah sure mom. Vlad changing. Now that's a funny joke."

From up at the front of the RV his father heard the conversation and frowned himself, deciding to chime in himself. "Danny, stop being so negative! I know that you and Vlad have never been on the... best terms but I expect you to be polite when we get there. I know that you're all grown up, and a 'superhero' with enemies or not we're still your parents and we expect you to be courteous."

"Alright fine," Danny slunk farther down in his seat. "But I still don't get why he has to get in the way of my vacation. I was supposed to spend a bunch of time with you two."

"Well of course you will Danny!" His mother exclaimed. "That's why we're coming along! So we can spend time with you."

"I meant without the fruit loop. Just the three of us, and maybe Jazz if she gets away."

His parents both collectively sighed. "Danny I'm sorry," Maddie said after a while. "But he might really need us... we haven't been very good friends to him in the past and this is the least we can do."

Danny grunted and no one spoke again for the rest of the drive.

When they got there Danny took his sweet time getting out of the RV. Just because he was being dragged to this wretched place didn't mean that he had to be completely polite. No matter what his parents said.

Before they could get to the door though, Vlad exploded through the front door and slammed it behind him. "Jack! Maddie! Daniel! You've all arrived. You have no idea how glad I am that you're here."

Danny scowled and crossed his arms, replying before his parents could get the chance.

"Cut to the chase Plasmius. What are you planning? Because I'd really like to stop you as quickly as possible. I don't want to have to be here longer than I have to. Especially when I'm on vacation."

"Danny!" His mother growled. "I'm sorry Vlad. What he means is, what can we help you with?"

Vlad's relieved expression faltered slightly grimacing.

"No I'm sure he meant what he said. You see the thing is that I've accidentally found myself in a slight pickle…"

Danny narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "What kind of a pickle?"

Vlad opened his mouth to sheepishly reply, but before he could, a small toddler came bolting out of the house. He had white hair and screamed, "Daddy!" and tightly hugged his legs.

Startled, by the hug, and by his ghost sense going off, Danny automatically whipped out his small spray bottle and squirted the child several times. In any other situation he would have switched to his ghost form, but that took too much effort and the kid didn't seem too dangerous.

As he did that Vlad yelled "Daniel no!" and sure enough a second later, rings passed over his body. The child's blue eyes turned and angry red and skin turned a ghostly pale. "Why did you spray me daddy?"

Danny's eyes widened his fear and he shuddered, stepping away from the child. "V-Vlad what did you do? Is this your plan? Another e-evil clone?"

Vlad ran forward and quickly scooped up the child. "N-No! That's not it at all!" He then turned to the child and pet his hair that was patchy from being wet. "N-Now Dan, Calm down. You just startled him, that's all. I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt you."

The child growled and squirmed in Vlad's arms. He pouted and crossed his arms looking at Danny. "Is that true?"

Vlad's eyes pleaded with Danny and he got the memo. "Y-yes! That's right I was just was startled. I'm sorry."

Immediately the child switched back to his regular form and no longer looked like a completely homicidal child. "So, Dan. Would you like to go back inside and play with your new toys?" The child's expression lit up in something akin to happiness and nodded. Vlad smiled and put him back inside. "Have fun!"

When Vlad turned around, a very unimpressed Danny, arms crossed and like he was ready to hit something. He walked towards Vlad and whispered to him. "So Vlad, are you ready to explain yourself?"

Vlad grimaced and shot a glance towards Danny's shocked and terrified parents. Jack was a little more excited than Maddie but still freaked.

"W-well, you see. The day I called you, someone who sped away in their car dropped him off, he immediately called me 'papa'. If I upset him, well, he'd act just like that. And when he saw you, he addressed you as 'daddy'. But he hasn't done this to anyone else so, I figured there had to be a reason."

Danny thought hard for a moment before his eyes widened in fear. "Wait, did you say that his name was Dan? Like, did he tell you that?"

Vlad nodded slowly in confusion and Danny choked in fear. "W-What's wrong? Daniel what do you know?" Vlad said worriedly.

Danny swallowed and glanced towards his parents then back at Vlad. "I can't tell you right now. Not with my parents around. For now we need to explain the situation to them, minus what I know."

Vlad nodded but before they walked over Danny's parents, Vlad asked. "By the way, why do you carry a spray bottle around with you?"

Danny shrugged slightly. "Oh that? It's for when people misgender me. Or just really piss me off." Danny continued on his way over to his parents leaving a confused Vlad behind who, after shaking it off, he continued over to the others.

As soon as they walked over, Danny's mother crossed her arms and gave her son an unimpressed look before grabbing her son and pulled him to the side. "Daniel Fenton. I want answers and I want them now. Why did that child just call you his father?"

Danny grimaced and rubbed the back of his head not answering right away. This worried his mother and she pressed on. "Danny? How did you hide this from us? Did you two do anything? Did this happen when you were underage?"

"He's not biological! God mom! You know how I feel about actually carrying kids, it doesn't sound very pleasant. At all. But most importantly, I hate Vlad. There's no way in hell I'd sleep with him. And especially not while I'm underage!"

"Oh, okay. It's just, Danny I have to check. You know I do. I can't let this go without it. I mean, with all the dangers that you go through everyday just by walking out the door I want to make sure you're safe. I know we don't talk as much anymore since your accident and that you can protect yourself but that doesn't mean I'm not able to talk or worry about your welfare, you know? At the end of the day, I'm still your mother."

Danny smiled at his mom's support. It was times like these that he was truly reminded of just how much his mother loved him. It was easy to forget sometimes but over the years she had done so many things to show him she cares.

He didn't think he could have gotten through his transition without her support. He had his friends and all but... what his mom had given him made all the difference.

"Yeah I know mom. Thanks. But, you know, at least now I have a kid. And I didn't have to carry it! How great is that?"

She just rolled her eyes and walked back over to Vlad who was busy explaining to Jack the situation who was narrowing his eyes.

"Okay so, now that we're all pretty much caught up on the situation, what are we going to do about it?" Danny began when the other two finished talking and his mom was completely caught up on how it had happened.

"Well, I know you don't like me Daniel but, I'm not sure how this child will react to you not being here. Besides I know nothing about taking care of this child. He already destroyed my kitchen because he threatened me into giving him a pop."

Maddie looked like she was thinking, before she looked hard at her son. "Danny, I think you should stay here. Just for a while."

Danny blinked several times and gaped. "W-What? What about our vacation! And my plan to find a job! I didn't get that degree for nothing!"

Maddie sighed. "I know you were excited sweetie but, we can still visit. I just think that you need to focus on this situation right now. This kid obviously needs help and saving and I think you can provide that for him! I mean, that's what you do best! Saving people. And Vlad is sure not going to be able to do that-" She looked to Vlad. "-no offense."

Vlad shrugged and said. "Eh, it's true."

Danny gaped in disbelief at everyone. Had everyone here lost their minds? He turned his back on the group and clutched his hair, letting out a growl of frustration.

"Son," His father began once Danny had calmed down a bit. "It's not going to be forever. Just think of it as an extended vacation! Especially since living with Vlad means that you don't need to worry about money and this will be a good experience to get over your rivalry with Vlad."

Danny growled again before making his way towards the door to the castle. "Fine! But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it!" And with that, Danny opened, and slammed the door behind him.

As soon as Danny was gone, Jack turned to Vlad and narrowed his eyes with his arms crossed. "Now Vlad, don't you dare think that since my son is living in your house that it's okay to make a move on him. My wife was one thing. My son is another."

Jack began to follow his son but he walked backwards, doing the 'eyes on you' gesture. Though since he wasn't looking where he was going he tripped and fell backwards. Embarrassed, he stood up and rushed inside the castle.

Vlad stood there in amusement before he froze in shock. "Wait, Maddie. Does Jack hate me now? Is this situation now reversed? I mean I deserve it but, this is strange."

Maddie grimaced with him. "I'm not sure but, I don't think Jack would ever… hate you. He's just, protective."

They stood staring at the door for several minutes before Maddie patted him on the shoulder. "Come on Vlad, let's go join them inside."

When the two finally found the three, they were in the living room. Jack was currently completely in awe of Dan who was floating in his ghost form.

Danny however wasn't impressed at all. Despite seeming to be excitement about having a kid earlier, he was frowning and leaning against the wall in a corner. Vlad knew that he was hiding something from him and once his parents left, Vlad was determined to get it out of him.

"Maddie look! We have a grandson, isn't this great!" Jack exclaimed plucking a floating Dan from the air and giving the child a tight squeeze to his chest. Dan let out a small giggle that was... almost eerily evil. Nobody paid any mind to it except Danny who tensed up and shuddered.

"Yes, well he is very adorable, I do have to give him that." Maddie said as she shot her son a glance before walking over and patting the child on the head.

While the two were fawning over the child, Vlad made his way over to Danny and stopped in front of him. "Is there a specific reason why you're sulking here in the corner Daniel? Don't you want to learn more about the child?"

Danny shot Vlad a glare before looking away and spitting. "I don't need to learn more about him, I already know the devil spawn."

Vlad raised an eyebrow in shock.

"That's harsh words coming from you. I know you're unhappy about being here, but there's no reason taking it out on a child. Even if you do know him."

"Vlad you don't know anything yet. Trust me, what that kids put me through." He shuddered. "He deserves the nickname. Besides, how can you defend him so freely? Did you see the way he got angry today? That is not normal for a child."

Vlad glanced back at the seemingly happy kid before returning his gaze back to Danny. "I don't know, It reminded me of my anger issues in a way."

A strange look passed over Danny's face before he whispered. "That's not really surprising." Being done with their conversation for the moment, Danny pushed off of the wall and started to walk over to the kid before stopping in place.

Danny stared at the small child who was just placed on the ground. This was his enemy. The one who had tried to kill not only himself, but his entire family. The one who wanted to ruin his life and doom him to an evil and sad existence. And yet, instead of killing him while the child was young and defenseless, he was standing there doing nothing. It would be so easy to do, and then all of his nightmares were over. Danny stepped towards the child, ready to change into his ghost form but-

"Daddy!"

"Oh no." His heart melted, and Danny knew he was screwed.

"Wait what? What do you mean you're leaving already? We literally just got here!" Danny exclaimed and his parents got ready to leave.

"We're sorry sweetie but we have a project we have to do. We'll be back as soon as possible! Besides we should probably get the rest of your stuff since you're staying here for a while." His mother replied putting her shoes on.

"But, what about our vacation? I mean I know I'm staying but, I thought we'd at least get to hang out for a few days here." Danny looked at his feet sadly stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Jack sighed and ruffled his son's hair. "I'm sorry champ but we'll see you soon. We'll make it up to you, we promise!"

They didn't wait for him to respond before they walked out the door and Danny was left alone.

"That's what you always say." He sighed sadly, turning around and was startled by the sight of Vlad standing behind him. "Ah! Come on man! Not cool!"

Vlad grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck. "Err, sorry." His face then grew serious and he crossed his arms. "Alright, now that your parents are gone, explain to me why you are so against having Dan."

Danny grimaced before he sighed in defeat. He had to tell Vlad eventually. "Okay well, to put it simply, he's like you and me, mashed together." Danny said with his hands interlocking, in a mashing gesture.

"Technically Daniel, that's what all children are." Vlad said, eyebrow raised, but smirking at the other man.

"Well okay true but it's not genetics. It's like, literally." Danny said pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Wait, hold on, what?" His smirk fading away and a confused look taking its place.

"Okay, it's all confusing timey wimey stuff but picture two ghost halves fusing together. That's Dan. He is literally our ghost halves shoved together."

"That's it, I'm lost." Vlad sighed, placing his hand over his face and slowly dragging it down.

Danny made a more aggressive mashing gesture, shoving his hands in Vlad's face. "Like... mish-mashed together. And also apparently de-aged. Which is new."

Vlad stepped back from the hands and looked even more confused. "Mish-mashed? De-aged?"

"Yeah! Like potatoes!" Danny exclaimed throwing his hands in the air.

"Danny, no, please. I can handle your less than graceful way of explaining important things but – why? Why did you have to mention potatoes?"

Danny frowned and gave Vlad a skeptical look, crossing his arms. "What do you have against potatoes? What did they ever do to you? Did you get attacked by Mr. Potato Head in your sleep as a child? Did you choke on a potato as a child? What? What did potatoes ever do to you?"

"Wh- Daniel! I demand you be serious! I have nothing against potatoes, it's just a terrible analogy. If you can even call it that. We're supposed to be talking about Dan and what the hell he is!"

Danny rolled his eyes and sighed. "Fine. I really was serious about the whole mish-mashing thing, though. Dan is literally our ghost halves with no humanity, fused together. He's also younger than the last time I saw him by like eighteen years. The kid if basically evil us. I used to say 'future me' but, well, considering how tiny he is now, that's not really true anymore. Also the fact that it's impossible for that future to take place now."

"Okay, I'm still lost. You need to explain the whole thing to me." Vlad groaned and ran a hand through his hair.

Danny sighed before starting to walk away. "Okay fine but, it's a long story so you're going to want to sit down for this."

Three cups of coffee (Danny) and a cup of tea (Vlad) later, Danny had relayed the entirety of the events that had taken place eight years ago.

Vlad sat back and took a deep breath, taking in the whole story. "Alright, your reaction to Dan was not unwarranted it seems. But, you know this is good!"

Danny choked on his coffee mid-sip, somehow managing not to spit it out everywhere. "W-What!? How the hell is this a good thing?"

Vlad sighed in relief that he was not spat over. "Because Daniel, that means we can teach this child right from wrong! Then he won't do anything horrible."

Danny groaned and placed his head in his hands. "Oh my god. I can't believe I'm saying something like this to you of all people but you can't just fix Dan. He's not wired like that. He doesn't have any humanity Vlad. He doesn't give a shit about anything."

Vlad huffed a sound of disbelief. "That doesn't mean that he doesn't have feelings Daniel. He just needs to learn to know right from wrong!"

Danny shook his head and stood up. "Good luck with that. This will only lead to bad things, Vlad. I assure you." Danny then left without waiting for a response from Vlad, who sat back in his chair blinking. He had a lot to think about that night.