Chapter 2: Funeral Part 1

Green eyes opened, making the room dim enough to see. He have a loud yawn and scratched his white hair, snuggling back into the soft pillow. He didn't want to wake up, he felt like he could sleep forever. But of course something kept preventing him from drifting off to dream land.

Danny couldn't help but think what happened yesterday. For some reason ghosts 'feared' him and ignored him, like a little ant. But a couple ghosts helped him out, getting him on track. Then he was faced with a statement from yesterday..

"There are also humans, that have a different world than us. But we'll talk about that later," Ember said.

What were humans? And how were they different from us?

He had the urge to ask Ember but of course she wouldn't answer it. So he began trying to form ideas in his head. If something was different, could it be opposite? He went along with that asking himself more questions. What's the difference between me and the humans?

Danny couldn't answer that. He had absolutely no clue.

Failing to return back to sleep, he groaned and stood up, walking over to a medium sized mirror. He looked over his appearance, trying to memorize himself. White hair. Check. Green eyes. Check. Wierd black and white with a DP logo jumpsuit. Check. He sighed and looked at his gloved hands, making him feel empty.

He felt like he's seen his suit before. A familiar sensation overcame him, making him feel warm inside before disappearing.

Lights appeared underneath the door, revealing light in the hallway. Danny floated over to the door and dropped to the ground, allowing his eyes to take a glance underneath the door to see who it was.

Silver boots were walking down the hallway towards the living room and he immediately knew it was Ember. He let a smile perk on his lips as he opened the door and followed her down the hall. He wished he could turn invisible allowing him to work with his plan. Making a small mistake with his feet, he created a loud step, alerting Ember.

She spun around, her eyes darting left and right trying to sense the ghost. She could feel her ghost sense working up its way through her throat but she forced it to stay down, so that it wouldn't tell the ghost she could sense him.

Allowing herself to ignore it, Ember continued her way towards the kitchen for a quick late drink. Her throat was parched for some unknown reason but did as it told.

All her guests had left yesterday, even her boyfriend, after discussing their plan. It was quite a simple plan, in fact and it did include the ghost boy. Since he couldn't protect his city anymore and that he didn't know who he truly was, he was a perfect person to help lead a ghost invasion.

But the plan did have to take a while since Danny didn't know how to use his powers correctly but he was a fast learner and he would be able to learn his powers in no time. She could even tell him a few things about the Ghost Zone, since that's where he lived now and he would need to know lots about his enviroment.

But Ember wouldn't treat him cruelly. Sure he battled them harsh in the past, but without his knowledge now he was like a little infant, only knowing basic information like talking and moving.

Her thoughts stopped as she reached inside the fridge and taking out a bottle of Purmine juice. It was like a ghost edition of orange juice, only ghosts could enjoy. She poured it into the clear glass and soon took a sip out of its refreshing contents.

Ember heard small footsteps behind her but she didn't bother to look. She knew who it was immediately. Danny.

She turned around expecting to see his teenish face but was faced with the half dark living room.

"Danny?" She said. She wasn't sure if she was losing her mind or if she was imagining things. A small chuckle alerted his location and she threw a small pink bubble at him. It expanded at the contact of another ghost and it immediately trapped it.

A cry of surprise was heard and then she saw the ghostly figure of her guest. His disappointed frown was painted on his face and his eyes were neutral since he wasn't happy nor sad. His hands were crossed over his chest, making sure she knew how ticked off he was.

"Danny. Why were you sneaking up on me?" Ember asked, her eyes narrowed.

He gave a smirk at her, "Why couldn't you see me?"

"I don't know. It was like you were...invisible," She paused and looked over at him. She gave a squeal of excitement and flew over to him, "You learned invisibility!"

"I did?" His head cocked to the side. He looked over at his invisible hands and gave a smile, "I did!"

"Good job," She congratulated. Waving her hand over her energy bubble, it dissolved and allowed the happy ghost boy out. Even if he wasn't touching the floor, she could see the small jumps of pleasure as he hovered a mere inches of the ground. His eyes brightened and his fists were bunched up near his chest.

"Thanks Ember!"

"No problem, kiddo."

He rubbed the back of his neck and looked around the room, "Where did everyone go?"

Ember smiled, "They left. What? Did you think they lived here?"

"Yes?" Danny replied.

She pointed back to the hallway, "Go back to sleep. We'll talk about everything tomorrow."

He sighed and nodded, hovering back to his room slowly. She followed after him, making sure to take her glass of juice on the counter. He looked back behind his shoulder and smiled as he entered his room and shutting it tight.

Waiting a moment to see if there any tricks involved with his last smile before slipping into her own room. She placed the glass on the counter before falling onto her own silky bed, digging her head into the pillow.

Ember closed her eyes for one moment before falling into a peaceful sleep.

Jazz's head jumped up before slumping back onto her pillow. She sighed before sobbing slowly into her bed. Once again she had the dream; the dream of where her brother hadn't died and that he was alive, healthy, in his room and that none of anything that had happened the last couple of days never actually happened. But of course it was a dream and with every dream, they always have to end.

She hated that dream, it was torturing her on the inside. Every since Vlad's visit, her dad tried his best to make his family 'happy' but of course he always stopped when he was in another room alone. She sometimes heard his crying in Danny's room, which was always his special time.

Her mom was becoming ill. It didn't feel real at all until she had started to cry repeated, a major migraine forming, and she started vomiting. Vlad had immediately taken her to the hospital and was told that she was suffering through a small type of depression. She refused to eat and sleep, which made her some what crazy.

But of course Danny' friends were not as bad as her parents. Sam wasn't going to school, but continued to stay locked up in her room, refusing to also eat but ate a couple times when she needed too. She wasn't going to kill herself over this, since that's what Danny would want.

Tucker still went to school but still hardly talked to anyone. His parents were scared for him, since losing a friend was never a good thing but asked multiple times if there was anything he wanted. He had always answered, in the same tone, "Danny."

And herself? Well she was fine, trying to help everyone get back on course, but the death of Danny kept reminding her that maybe nothing could be truly fixed. Her dreams tortured her and her life did the same. It was always the same. Danny, her brother was dead.

But Vlad had helped out. He was staying in the guest bedroom, canceling all his future meetings to help out the family he actually loved. Sure he hated her dad but he had put that aside to focus on fixing the family. He did whatever he could to help out, but it showed little improvement. His always woke up early, prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner for the family, forcing them to eat if necessary.

Her mom had returned from the hospital, making sure she got the nutrients she needed for her brain to work. Vlad always handed her the food and watched carefully as she ate. He always whispered encouraging words while she ate but once said something so far it made her burst into tears. "Danny wouldn't want you to die if he ever came back."

"He's not coming back! I killed him!" She shrieked, running upstairs towards her room.

Vlad would shake his head and whisper to himself, "You're coming back Daniel. I know you are."

Jazz had thought it was cute, but she knew nothing was happy now. It was like a dark thick cloud had formed around her family's heart, making them suffer. Danny was the sun blocking them away. Was was there to live for anyway?

She hoped that her brother would return in full ghost form but even Vlad didn't know.

"There's a chance it could happen. If he was at peace when he died then he won't return. If he wasn't then he must be a ghost. It's hard to tell anyway. The Ghost Zone is a constant plan which is constantly shifting. He could appear anywhere," He had said to her one day.

She had rushed out of the room, crying hard on the sleeve of her shirt.

There was a 50/50 chance that Danny was full ghost or not. She had to believe though. She couldn't stop for her brother. He as going to return, one day.

"Good baby pop. You're making great progress on your powers," Ember gave a small clap for him and looked over at her fingers, "So you've got flying, invisibility, and intangiblity down. Now for the ghost ray!"

Danny's face lit up as flew over to her. His aura was brighter than normal and his body shook with impatience.

She gave a smirk, "Calm down. If you don't then we'll just skip this lesson."

His head shook furiously, "No no," He forced himself to stop shaking, "I'm fine. Let's keep going."

"If you say so," She turned around and faced a couple of targets. She lit up her fists with pink energy before releasing it towards the small red dot, making a perfect shot. She hit a couple more before letting the energy dissipate from her hand. She turned back to the grinning boy, "That's how you it. It will take time but you'll get it."

He nodded.

Ember pointed at his hands, "Try to form some energy in your hands. Focus as hard as you can."

Danny closed his eyes for a second and raised his hands in front of him. Trying to meld the energy inside him to his hands, he felt a small connection. Feeling the energy growing stronger, he focused harder and then felt something warm fill up his hands. It felt like a hot feeling, making him excited.

Willing himself to open his eyes, he gasped as he saw green energy swirl up around his palms. His widened eyes looked up at the green lighted Ember, who was smiling proudly at him.

"Good job! That first took me a couple days to do," She said, a pleased look on her face, "You did it quick. Now let it go and then summon it back."

"Okay," Danny closed his eyes once more and let the power drift away from him. He once again forced the energy into his hand and opened his eyes, smiling widely.

"I think that's enough for today. We'll begin tomorrow okay?" Danny nodded and gave his teacher a hug.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

Vlad rubbed his temple from stress. He was already in a complicated life. Maddie was sick, Jack refused to do anything and Jazz tried her best to bring her family up but nothing was right without Daniel.

Daniel. All of this mess was because of him. It wasn't it fault really, since Daniel wasn't purposely dead. Sure the billionaire still missed him and he had a hard life without that small competition with him but nothing felt the same.

He seemed like the babysitter of the family. He had to cook and feed the Fentons, even though Jazz did it herself. But without him where would the Fentons be now? Probably Maddie would be dead, Jack would worse than before, since the loss of his wife and Jazz would have nothing.

Vlad needed to bring up the family no matter how much he hated them. But he loved them as well.

Maddie was soon to die, until Vlad had brought her to the hospital. The news from the doctor told him that she would have died from the lack of nutrients in her system and of a heartbreak. The loss of her son was to much for her to handle.

Vlad wanted to journey into the Ghost Zone and ask Skulker to help him find the lad. He would probably refuse and say he would hunt him down. But alas he couldn't. He was carrying way to much for the Fentons that it took up all his energy. Who knew that you could be so tired caring for three members of a broken family?

His heart has shattered at hearing the distraught news of the second halfa in existence. He would of though Daniel would have died by the flick of someone more powerful and stronger than him, but it surprised him that his own weak, defenseless parents would end him.

He had kept thinking it was a lie, that Daniel wasn't dead but his body was already proof enough.

Vlad once again woke up to another distressed day but this wasn't no ordinary day. Today was Danny Fenton's funeral.

The billionaire hurriedly woke up the rest of the family, tossing them their black clothes and giving them more heartening words, which they did willingly. Also changing himself, Vlad hurried to make the family breakfast, force feeding if necessary. Finishing he called a limo, preparing to take them to the cemetary.

During the whole time, Jack still remained quiet but did as his college buddie asked; Maddie coughing randomly into the side of her arm and Jazz replying back to Vlad and thanking him for everything. It was easier than he thought, allowing him to make any last minute adjustments to his outfit.

Vlad wore a ordinary black suit, his tie in perfect place, it's striped black and white colors reminding him deeply about the dead boy they were going to see eventually.

The limo's horn rang and signalled Vlad to push everyone out and into the limo. Maddie had her head slumped onto the side of her husband and he sat as still as a rock. Looking away with disappointment, he wished at least Jack would do something, making his job less and less fun. Sure he still hated Vlad but he was good enough to put it away...for now.

"We're here, Masters," The limo driver alerted. Vlad gave a grateful smile as he urged everyone out, giving the driver a quick tip. It soon rushed away.

Vlad pointed over to a row of empty seats, "Take a seat there. I will come shortly."

They did as he ordered, looking forward with blank emotions as they sat down.

Shaking his head, he walked off from the group and walked over to the bathroom. He glanced over his watch on the way, seeing that it started in 20 min. Just enough time for him to go to the Fenton portal and have a chat with Skulker on the matter of his little badger.

Vlad soon was seconds away from reaching the portal, which he just phased inside and passed through the vortex of worlds. He gave a smile as he felt half of him at ease when he entered. The Ghost Zone was like a relaxing place for him, if only if it wasn't for business.

Zooming towards Skulker's island, he passed flying doors and chucks of rock which were drifting in no particular order. The Ghost Zone was definitely the flip side of earth, since earth was always so organized.

He found himself meters away form the large piece of earth, which was Skulker's Island. Though before he could fly further inside, he found the shape of the robotic figure, flying towards his way. It didn't seem to notice him at first until he paused, his mouth gaping.

"Plasmius? What are you doing here?" Skulker asked, his eyes full of surprise, "I thought we were suppose to meet on Tuesday."

Vlad shrugged, a little mischief in his smile, "Can't I visit my favorite ghost? But anyway this is an important matter."

He frowned, "What is it?"

"Are you aware of Daniel's death?"

Skulker paused, not sure on what to say. He had promised Ember not to tell anyone about the little squirt but of course this was his employer. He was loyal to him, no bounds anywhere, but he was torn on what to do.

"Yes, Plasmius. I am aware of his death," He said finally, looking down at the ground which was around 100 feet away.

"You are?" The hybrid raised a eyebrow, "And might if I add, how were you be informed of that?"

Skulker hesitated, "He was birthed a few days ago."

"And do you know where is he?" Vlad asked. Sensing the hunter's hesitation he quickly added, "I want to include that I won't tell anyone about it, since Daniel's already dead and he should live where he belongs, in the Ghost Zone."

"Ember's. He's at Embers," Skulker admitted, his head lowering, "I promised her I wouldn't tell."

"Just take me there. We'll talk once we're there."

Ember's eyes targeted on the TV. She was trying to focus on the TV's sound and pictures but of course she was pulled back into earlier today. Danny's training was quick, which was beyond normal. He already had mastered 4 powers which was very fast. She had hypothesized that since he was already ghost previously that some part of him would already know how to work his powers.

But she was still amazed.

Knock! Her eyes glanced over at the door, waiting once more for the knock to reappear and make sure that it wasn't a fake. Many kids loved to pull pranks on her, which she loved, but hated being targeted on her.

"Ember!" Skulker said loudly.

She smiled as she yanked the door open, seeing the familiar face of her boyfriend and...Vlad?

Her eyes narrowed on contact with the fanged ghost, "What's Plasmius doing here?"

Skulker smiled nervously, "Well I admitted to him that the ghost boy stays here. He's not going to take him or anything. He just wants to see him."

Ember eyes the hybrid suspiciously before pushing the door open, "You've got 10 min."

"I'll need less than that," Vlad quickly commented.

She rolled her eyes and walked down the hall towards Danny's room. Opening the door, it creaked softly allowing the guests and herself in.

They all could make out something under the covers, its white hair glistening softly. It moved for a second then fell back into its peaceful sleep.

"Daniel," Vlad whispered.

Ember smiled as she walked to him and patted him on the nose. Immediately the peaceful face wrinkled up on contact, making a slightly disturbed face. He put his face deeper into the pillow until something started poking his head. He groaned and opened his eyes, seeing his guardian's face.

"Ember?" He said half asleep. His eyes were obviously half lidded from the lack of sleep and he desperately wanted to sink down into slumber once again.

"Sorry for the interruption, baby pop. But I have someone that would like to meet you," She moved. As she moved he was able to make out a dark figure. His hair was midnight black, 2 points sticking up straight in the air. He had a wild smile, sharp fangs in his mouth. His color scheme was black and white, with a red cape draping down behind him but other than that he felt dark energy under him.

"Daniel. You're really okay..."

Danny's face cocked to the side, "I guess so..."

"Danny, this is a...friend," Ember reassured, taking a small glance over at her boyfriend and the vampire ghost, "He wanted to meet you personally. I suggest you be nice. Okay?"

He nodded, "Okay."

Plasmius walked further towards the ghost boy and looked over at Ember, "May I have a private chat with him. It won't be long."

She rolled her eyes and pushed Skulker out, "Take all the time you need. I need to have a talk with Skulky," Both of them exited, shutting the door as softly as possible.

Vlad soon turned back to Danny, whom's eyes were studying every detail on the new ghost. The hybrid smiled in amusement; Daniel's appearance hadn't changed, normal green eyes, shiny white hair, and a peak of the same old determined face he had missed.

"I missed you."

"I don't even know who you are," Danny questioned, his nose scruntching up. His hands dug deep into the material of the blankets as if he was already uncomfortable with this man.

Sensing this, Vlad frowned as sat beside him and gave a loud sigh, "I know Daniel. Listen. I'm positive that you lost your memory. You're not aware of me, but I'm a friend. A very good friend. I was worried about you, so is your family."

"Family?" His eyes squinted, "I don't have a family. What are you even talking about?"

"Daniel. Everyone has a family. Even you," His eyes looked down, "You just forgot them."

"Why would I forget them?" The teen's green orbs locked on the man's grim expression, "I wouldn't."

"Life is complicated. But you forgot no matter if you did or didn't."

The boy's eyes fell onto his lap. He let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes, "So do you know how I died then? Or are you as clueless as everyone else?"

"It's complicated once again, but...a couple of ghost hunters had killed you. We weren't sure what had happened to you, until I had asked Skulker. It was then that I found what I was searching for. You," Vlad explained softly. Before Danny would reply, Vlad reached over and wrapped his hands around the teen. He backed up at the sudden embrace but let it drift as he hugged him back.

Vlad deeply wanted to never let him go; take him back to earth, saw he was never dead, and dress him up as he never left, but alas he couldn't. He belonged here in the Ghost Zone. He wasn't a human anymore.

He kept telling himself that but he knew he couldn't perform it. It was wrong.

"I've missed you so much. Your family. They're coping terribly without you. I had to take care of them since they're unable to take care of themselves," Vlad said, his voice faltering.

"I guess I miss them too," Vlad heard Danny say. His heart broke as he heart the soft innocent voice he was used to hearing from the smallish boy. It was so peaceful yet hurt at the same time.

"Good," Vlad straightened up from the bed and planted one last good bye kiss on Danny's temple, "Goodbye my little badger. Unfortunately this is our last meeting we could ever have. I'll do your best for your family," He started to walk out but before he could he gave a smile, "Oh and pay attention to Ember."

As Danny watched as the strange ghost left, he couldn't help but touch his forehead. That man felt closer. As if he knew him...but how? Did he actually have a family? If he did he desperately wanted to see them and alert them that they were alright. But what was that that he said moments ago? He was killed by 'ghost hunters'? What were ghost hunters?

He looked down at himself. Then his eyes widened.

He was a ghost. A full fledged ghost.

And so what Vlad meant was that he was killed by more than one of them. More than one ghost hunter.

But wait. Didn't the man say he had a family, a HUMAN family? So why was he being hunted by ghost hunters if he wasn't one? That was one thing he had to ask the man if he ever returned.

And that small kiss the man had given him before he left warmed his spirits. It made him soar for a second as if he had a mental connect with the man. It was like he was his enemy but yet he loved him as a father.

Deciding to work this out later, he fell onto his pillow and drifted off.

"Done already?" Ember commented, her eyes raising.

Vlad nodded as he entered through the hallway. Though he had a look of depression he was quite cheery on the inside. He had just saw Daniel, who was presumed dead by the whole world. But there he was. In the Ghost Zone and in Ember's care.

"Yes. I've finished with the young lad. Though I'm impressed what you're doing for him. I appreciate it," Vlad replied back, his mouth in a sender state. His hands were folded behind his back, into tight and firm fists, wanting deeply to tear Daniel out of this horrible place.

"No problem, oldie."

"And I must be headed out. I have a funeral I must attend," Vlad said looking at his 'ghost' watch. It was actually a simple watch but his ghost form usually used it. It was a black colored watch, with leather material. It had its usual circle shape and the time ticked perfectly.

"His funeral?" She guessed softly. He have a small nod and waved goodbye.

"I won't be a bother any longer for you. I just wanted to see if it was true. Thank you Ember and please...take care of the little badger."

"Kay."

And with that, Vlad was off Ember's property flying towards the working Fenton Portal.

"Where is he?" Jazz asked to herself and looked down at her watch. It had been 15 minutes now and still no trace of Vlad. She had begun to tap her foot at the 10 mark period, getting impatient by the minute. By now, her head was throbbing in pain. Previously she had tried to begin a meaningful conversation with her parents but as always her father was still as a boulder and mother crying and coughing. She wanted to go retrieve him but she wasn't prepared to leave her parents here alone, them fearing that something could of happened to her as well.

She had recognized a few faces, some to be Valerie, Dash, Paulina and a few other popular A-listers. She had already caught sight of Sam and Tucker, who sat behind them, their faces in bleakness at the floor.

It was like everyone was in depression at Danny's death. She was too but not that much on it. Her parents were opposite of themselves and every once and a while someone apologized for the loss of her little brother.

'Wish you were here little brother. Things aren't the same without you,' Jazz thought and she gave one last sigh.

A motion of movement caught her by surprise as she saw someone slip in the unoccupied seat beside her. Looking up, she caught a glimpse of white hair and felt certain it was Vlad. A small mutter of apology was enough to know that it was surely him.

"Jasmine? I must have a chat with you afterwards, if you may," He whispered to her ear.

She gave a nod and focused back on the wooden polished coffin a mere feet from her. It's polished bright surface reflected back some sunlight to her face, making her adjust her face so that she wouldn't get blind. It was beautiful. Plainly beautiful, with its nice trimming around the sides of the wide hexagon. There was a small engraving on the side she barely could make out which read, "Our hero."

A small tap on Jazz's shoulder, made her head jerk to that direction. Tucker was tapping on her and pointed to the front of the funeral. There was a man, dressed up in a tux waiting for her to approach the front. She gave a apologetic smile as she stood tall in front of the large crowd of people. Everyone was dressed in black, some occasionally in white.

"You need to say words about your brother," The man whispered.

She nodded and swallowed; this was easy. She had spoken in front of large crowds before...but this...this was different. This was emotional for her. She couldn't talk about her brother...but if he was hearing...he would want to hear what she would say about him.

"My brother," Jazz started and looked down at the crowd, "Was like my best friend."

Sam and Tucker gave soft smile as they peered up at Jazz, who was shaking slowly. That was a good start. A very good start.

"I was a very overpushy sister but that was only to protect him. I now know that wasn't enough. I needed to be by his side forever. When I heard the news about my brother being murdered it was bad. Very bad. I felt my heart stop as I heard my parents tell me the day he was killed. I wasn't going to see his smile, his laugh or better yet his voice. All that stopped as I heard one word; dead.

"I was afraid. Sure I was suppose to be the older sister but...my brother protected me. Several times. What was I suppose to do without him?

"I bet many of you have heard the truth about my brother. About him being the hero of our city; Danny Phantom. He got what he deserved, fans because of what he was doing, appreciation and much of being a model. He was our hero to look up too. Our guardian. He always did the best he could. There wasn't one day that he didn't turn ghost to prevent a ghost attack. I knew his job had risks. Everything does. But one day he could of been seriously injured or hurt. But no, I let him free. He was born to do as so. He had a purpose."

"Danny. If you're listening, I just wanted to say thanks for everything you did for me. You're the best. Thanks from Jazz."

What a nice small ending to chapter 3. It warmed my heart dearly. I would appreciate some reviews from you fellow DP lovers and some small comments on what you think about this chapter. Thank you so much for reading!