DISCLAIMER: Yes, Danny Phantom still belongs to Butch Hartman. And, yes, I'm still just writing this fanfic for fun.

Maddie was busy working on a few new inventions. So far, they were little more than a few wires, gears, and tubes attached to one another. But, she hoped that they would become something useful. Perhaps something her son could use on one of his ghost-catching adventures. As much as she loved Danny and respected his desire to protect the world, she couldn't help but feel some fear towards his safety.

Looking at the clock, the ghost-hunting mother realized that it was getting late and that dinner still needed to be prepared. Now, Maddie wasn't an exceptionally good cook...but she wasn't horrible either. In all honesty, Jack was a slightly better cook.

Dan grinned evilly as he looked in the window. Oh, how easy this was going to be. She was alone, vulnerable. No one to help her out. Turning invisible and intangible, the ghost floated his way into Fenton Works. He had a smug look of satisfaction on his face when the anti-ghost alarms didn't go off.

Well, what do ya know? he mused, That idiot Freakshow actually did something right for once.

He continued his way only to pause for a moment at a series of medals and trophies hanging on the wall. Each one dedicated to Danny Fenton. There were even pictures of the fourteen-year old half-ghost shaking hands with various world leaders.

Frowning, Dan continued on his way. The ghost had no time for such useless things. Before long, he was right behind an unsuspecting Maddie. The poor woman didn't even have time to gasp before Dan fired an ectoblast that knocked her out. Gently lifting her into his arms, since he figured that an injured or dead hostage would be useless, Dan quickly carried her out of Fenton Works and flew back towards Freakshow's lair.

To Dan's surprise, the flight didn't take as long as he had expected. Maddie had remained unconscious the entire time. He dropped her into a cage with bars that had a specialized ecto-charge that harmed any ghost that tried to touch them.

Dan had found that out the hard way when he leaned against the bars. The ghost sneered slightly in pain and annoyance.

"H-Huh?" Maddie winced as she woke up, "W-Where am I? What's going on"

"You're being held hostage." Dan explained, "Be a good human and keep quiet. I can't stand it when your kind whines"

The ghost-hunting mother quickly overcame her fear and became assertive. No ghost would tell her what to do.

"Who are you?!" she demanded angrily.

Dan laughed insanely, "You really want to know, don't ya? Well, I suppose I could amuse your petty wishes"

He then removed the helmet his helmet. Maddie could only gasp in shock at the face of the ghost smiling the most twisted grin she had ever seen at her.

"D-Danny!?" she could barely choke out the words.

Author's Notes: Once again, thank you for all the reviews. The next part is coming soon...including some mother/evil-son bonding...erm, sort of...aww...