A/N: Hey, wonderful readers! Did you have a great Thanksgiving? I sure hope so! And I sure did! In fact, I think I could go right into hibernation for winter! But, hey, oh, looky! More celebrating, 'cause here is the next chapter of Sid for your enjoyment! Hope you enjoy! And now, here is pearl with some of her pearls of wisdom! Heh-heh, *permission to groan*!
Pearl:
*Vlad muse groans*
Ha-ha! Wasn't me! That was Vlad muse, Truephan, but you know how he is! Anyways, it's good to be back to this story! It's so deliciously evil! *grins*
I hope you guys enjoy this next chapter, and thank you all for your support and thoughts! Truephan and I really enjoy them!
Which, reminds me, we weren't able to reply to Monday Mourning in the Asylum since your PM is disabled, so we wanted to do it here:
Monday, thank you for your thoughts! We really enjoyed them! And we're thrilled that all the suspense is keeping you on your toes! Heh! You know that's our intention! As for the ending, well, you'll see. I wouldn't worry too much, though, our muses are not that evil... I think! Ha-ha! As for Clockwork, well, you'll see as well. But all I can say now is that, we agree with you... CW isn't very compliant with the Observants. Not at all. *wnks*
Well, without further delay we give you chapter 10 of Sid. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: We do not own Danny Phantom.
Chapter 10: Trial and Error
Vlad soberly stared at Danny, but said nothing to him. He had tried several times to get the boy to at least look at him, but the teen was just staring blankly at nothing in particular, as if…he had all but phased out of existence. The billionaire was glad to see that the teen had at least composed himself enough to get off the floor and regain control of his emotions. But... Daniel's silence was now as worrisome as his initial reaction at finding out his sister and friends had been killed by Iluzisto.
Vlad wanted to believe it was all a trick somehow. But how else would the spirit have acquired those three teenagers' belongings unless he had found them? And those blood stains did not lie…
Speaking of the articles, Danny still had them clutched in his hands. The man didn't understand the boy's reason for keeping the bloody things with him, but he decided best not to ask—not that he would get a response, anyways.
The billionaire knew there was little he could do to ease the boy's pain. But even if he could do anything, he knew Daniel was not interested. After all, he was sure the teen still blamed him for their current situation. And at the moment, Vlad felt such pity for the grieving child that he couldn't agree more.
It seemed every time he wanted to make the boy understand him, to bring the boy closer to him, he only managed to push him further away. Daniel would never understand how special he was to him; and especially not now.
But the billionaire knew thinking about his feelings for the boy was not the priority right now. Escaping was. If indeed Iluzisto had done away with the boy's loved ones at Skulker's island, then there was a very good chance he had destroyed his ally as well. And that meant he had to just count his losses and find a way out of this mess himself.
He needed an opening of some sort. Some inkling of hope—especially now when he felt so hopeless…
The billionaire was distracted from his thoughts by the sound of ghostly footsteps. He briefly glared at the sight of Iluzisto, before looking away towards Danny. But the boy didn't even bother to look at the nearing threat. He just stayed as still and as emotionless as before.
Iluzisto raised his eyebrow at the sight of the two hybrids. For the first time since they got here, neither was looking at him with any defiance. The spirit had expected something like this from the child, being that he believed his loved ones were killed. But the older crossbreed?
He acted as if he had just lost something as equally important. But Iluzisto was sure it wasn't the case. Those three humans meant nothing to the man. But it was then that Iluzisto noticed the man staring at the child.
It was clear the older crossbreed was trying to keep his face neutral. But there was something in his eyes that told of his real emotions… Concern? Sadness? Sympathy?
Whatever the emotion was, it was not one you'd expect to find one rival feeling for another. It made Iluzisto wonder. And suddenly Clockwork's words began to make some sense…
"Break the boy and the other will follow…"
Iluzisto eye curved with wickedness as he thought, "How interesting… I will have to investigate this further…,"
But pushing his thoughts for later, the illusionist spirit suddenly demanded, "Crossbreeds! Stand up! Your presence is required at the High Tribunal and I have been ordered to escort you!"
Vlad felt some sort of unrestrained rage swell inside him for the evil spirit, but he managed to keep it down before it manifested itself. With clenched teeth, the man silently complied and stood.
But Danny did not even look up, much less move.
"You. Crossbreed! I said: stand up!" Iluzisto growled out at Danny.
But again, Danny just sat there.
Furious, the spirit quickly moved closer and unlocked Danny's cell door. He didn't noticed Vlad tense as he watched him.
"Unless you want to be punished, I suggest you stand right now," Iluzisto spat in the boy's face.
Danny finally reacted; but all he did was glare darkly at the spirit.
"Still have some fight, I see," Iluzisto said evilly as he grabbed the remote control for the teen's neck brace from his cloak. "Then, let us fix that…"
A scream tore from Danny's throat as he was painfully assaulted; but his grip on his friends and sister's articles only tightened.
Vlad quickly looked away and briefly shut his eyes as he tried to keep himself calm. There was nothing he could do as the spirit continued to drive electricity into Daniel via the collar.
Seeing that the teen was close to blacking out, Iluzisto finally ended his assault and quickly grabbed one of the weakened boy's arms and pulled him to his feet.
Danny could barely keep himself up; so when he was roughly shoved towards the open jail door, he fell face first just outside it.
With a snarl of disgust, Iluzisto floated over the groaning boy on the floor and went to open Vlad's cell. He narrowed his eyes at the man, and darkly warned, "If you so much as look at me the wrong way, you will be writhing in the dirt right beside him."
Vlad didn't reply and just stared at Danny. He only looked back at the spirit when the door was opened. The man grunted slightly when he was suddenly and roughly pulled out by one of his wrists.
"Give me your other hand," Iluzisto commanded; and seeing the man comply, he quickly created a set of cuffs, which quickly formed around his wrists.
Vlad rolled his eyes as the spirit finally stepped away from him. What was the point of binding his hands when the collar already kept him from escaping?
But the man's attention went back to Danny when he saw Iluzisto approach him. The boy cried out when the ghost grabbed a fist of his hair and forced him to his feet.
It was then that Iluzisto noticed that the child had his loved ones articles still in his hold. And knowing he could not allow the boy to take those with him unless he wanted the Observants to discover his private doings, he quickly snatched them from the boy.
Or at least tried to…
"No!" Danny suddenly shouted as he quickly twisted to keep the spirit from taking the articles from him. But Iluzisto quickly whirled him back around and backhanded him so harshly that it threw the teen against the bars.
"You do not know when to quit, do you, you little freak?" Iluzisto snarled before jabbing the boy in the stomach with the butt of his staff.
The boy choked as the air whooshed out of his stomach; but he still kept his grip on the blood-stained belongings. The evil spirit would have to waste him first before he took them away from him!
As if reading his thoughts, Iluzisto suddenly lifted up his staff and quickly raised it with the tip pointed at the teen. But he froze at the abrupt shout protesting against his cruel intentions.
"Stop!" Vlad yelled before he realized it.
Iluzisto quickly pivoted his eye towards the man and narrowed it again."What did you say?" he asked darkly, pulling out the other remote in his cloak.
The billionaire took an unconscious step back; but then he steeled himself and spoke. "I… You have no need to do that. The boy is just upset. But I can make him comply with you if… you permit me to…aid you," he said carefully.
"Is that so?" Iluzisto asked mockingly. "And why would I need the help of some insignificant freak like you?"
Vlad suppressed a growl and seriously answered, "Because I am sure the High Tribunal is waiting for our audience. And we both know they are not a patient bunch. Beating the child to an inch of his life is not going to make him submit, believe me. I've tried. Just give me a moment. I know how to persuade him."
The spirit glared suspiciously at the man; but he then took a single silent step back as a sign of agreement.
Vlad carefully got closer to Danny, making sure to keep away from the sharp weapon in the evil Observant's hold. He then kneeled next to the teen and grabbed his pained face. A surge of fury swelled within the man when he saw the boy's left cheek red and swollen from Iluzisto's savage strike. But he quickly forced it down and focused on the matter at hand.
"Daniel? This is not going to help us," he whispered urgently to the boy.
Danny angrily pushed the man's hand away as he sat up and hoarsely growled. "I don't care!"
"Well, you should. Your sister and friends would want you to care. They would want you to stay strong. They would want you to get out of here, Daniel," the man said gravely, whispering his last part.
"Don't talk about them!" Danny exclaimed, his hands clenching even more. "How could you know what they would think? You never cared! Don't you dare pretend to now, Plasmius!" he shouted, but his voice wavered in the end.
Danny suddenly clenched his eyes closed to keep his emotions at bay.
Vlad frowned. But then, he continued, the tone of his voice graver yet more sincere, "You're right. I should not pretend to care." And before he realized it, he mentally added, "I don't need to pretend. I really do." But he quickly squashed the thought and continued. "But they cared, Daniel. Anyone could see that. And I know that they would not want you to spend the rest of your days here. So, get up, boy. You are stronger than this!"
Danny just stared at his arch-enemy for a moment. If he wasn't so upset by the loss of his loved ones, he would have been shocked by his words of encouragement. But, instead, he just nodded. He knew the man was right. He needed to get a grip of himself. His parents were still alive and still in danger. He couldn't fail them like he had his sister and friends. He had to get out of here!
The entire time, Iluzisto had been watching and listening to the two with more interest. Indeed that their relationship was more than just mere enemies. They had some sort of connection, one that was deeper than either of them realized….But it didn't matter. And those words of persuasion the older crossbreed threw at the younger one were all in vain. Still, it would be fun to take advantage of their...'bond' when the time came…
But knowing they had wasted enough time, the Observant suddenly barked, "I've had enough of this! Remove those items from your hand, young Crossbreed, or I will remove them myself by ridding you of your limbs!"
Danny looked down at the items in his hands with saddened eyes before respectfully and reluctantly putting them inside his cell, and shutting his cell door, just in case Iluzisto had the intentions of taking them away from him. Although, internally, he knew he couldn't stop the spirit from ultimately doing whatever he wanted….
Iluzisto smirked at the young crossbreed's childish actions but said nothing. Instead he grabbed the boy's wrists and also put on a pair of glowing cuffs.
"Keep up," the Observant ordered, before walking past them.
Danny and Vlad hesitated briefly before following the evil spirit. Neither said anything as they continued. But the man's eyes briefly creased when he noticed Iluzisto hang the jail keys at the end of the hallway beside the only door there.
Iluzisto then opened the door and the hybrids saw two more guards waiting right outside for them. But these guards were not Observants, yet the older hybrid had seen them before when he had helped Vortex escape. In fact, he had taken one of them out and dressed in one of their armors to infilatrate the High Tribunal's courtroom. The armor covered them so much that all one could see of the guards' faces were their eyes and mouth...
As Iluzisto took the lead, the two lower guards took the rear, making sure to keep Danny and Vlad in the middle and in their sights at all times.
Danny just kept walking with his eyes towards the ground, not caring where they were going. But Vlad was discreetly looking around, memorizing as much as he could at every turn. But, then, the man briefly glanced at Danny, and it was then that he noticed the boy's hands.
Vlad's eyebrows creased at the still wet blood on them that he knew was from the articles he had kept clenched in his hands. Something about seeing the boy with blood on his hands bothered him greatly; so much that he reached into his suit's pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. It took him a moment considering his hands were bound.
He didn't notice the suspicious looks from the two guards behind him and the boy when they spied what he was doing. But he wouldn't have cared, anyways.
Suddenly, the small group had to stop until Iluzisto could unlock the door just in front of them. But Vlad continued what he wanted to do just the same.
Danny didn't notice Vlad's doings either until he felt his hands being grabbed. The teen had also not noticed that his hands were still stained with his sister's and friends' blood; but now that Vlad's actions had called his attention to them, he saw it. His heart instantly constricted with grief once more; and he reflexively fisted his hands, drawing them up to his chest as he tried to clutch at this last connection to his loved ones as if they were right there.
But then, he felt the pressure of Vlad's gentle and silent urge for him to stop. And for some reason, the boy couldn't make himself resist the older hybrid's efforts. Somehow, by the gentle and even compassionate way that Vlad had slowly drawn his arms down and opened his hands, Danny could tell that the older hybrid understood how he was feeling...
Danny didn't say anything as Vlad wiped his stained hands; yet he kept his eyes glued to what the man was doing. But even after Vlad's efforts, a little of the blood was still there.
Of course, Danny saw that and then he couldn't keep himself from cracking a bit under the sudden emotions that the lingering reminder of his friends and sister's death brought on. And yet, he just swallowed hard when his own silent teardrop fell upon the remaining blood, finishing the job as it seeped between his fingers.
Vlad had not once looked at the boy either in all the time he had been cleaning his hands. He just felt it best. After all, he just didn't know how he would have felt or what he would have done it he had…
But just as he had finished and before the boy could look up to express his silent gratitude, both the hybrids were harshly shoved forward when Iluzisto had finally opened the door.
As they were thrust forward and forced to keep up, Vlad finally let go of Danny's hands. The man thought nothing of the boy's silence, since he wasn't much in a talking mood, either.
However, Vlad did smirk smugly to himself when he purposely threw the dirty napkin behind him and he heard a disgusted yelp from one of the guards, who could do nothing but give the billionaire a dirty look.
As they continued to tread along through the prison, Vlad scanned his surroundings. He had never been in this part of the complex during his first visit and wanted to be sure to pay attention, just in case he could find anything that might help him.
Each door had strange symbols on them. And even though he could not begin to guess what they meant, he made a mental note of them.
Danny, however, never looked further than the floor right in front of him. He walked as if on automatic pilot, still too upset to think of anything but his grief.
At last, the two hybrids approached a long, wide hallway, which was the final stretch to the room where their trial would commence.
Vlad immediately noticed the different shapes and sizes of the doors they passed. And each also had those same strange symbols on them. He frowned in frustration. These symbols obviously had purpose, but they would be no help to him if he could just as clearly not understand them. He glanced back briefly to Daniel. The boy still had his head down as he silently walked onward.
Finally, Vlad could see that they were nearing two large double doors. In spite of his attempt to keep calm, a flutter of fear surged inside his stomach as he and Danny halted in front of those doors, which were also guarded by two tough-looking ghosts.
Vlad recognized these doors. They looked very similar to the ones he had seen in the High Tribunal's room, considering this was the place he had broken into to free Vortex. But now that he was in chains and powerless, the place suddenly felt pretty intimating.
Still, he swallowed his uncertainty and went back to making subtle notes of their surroundings.
Danny barely noticed that they had stopped and that Iluzisto was talking to one of the guards at the door. He knew he should care, but he felt too depressed to do so. The teen just lowered his eyes again and waited for whatever was to happen.
A brief moment later, the guards opened the door and Iluzisto walked inside the courtroom; but not before gesturing to the two guards behind the hybrids to encourage them to move forward as well. And by 'encourage', it meant roughly pushing them forward.
Vlad briefly glared at the soldiers; but it vanished when he suddenly gripped at his forehead and hissed in pain. And as he glanced at the boy and saw he, too, was gripping his head, the man instantly knew what was going on.
The numbers Okulo branded on their foreheads were suddenly glowing fiercely, searing them with pain!
Iluzisto then chuckled quietly, and he actually got both hybrids' attention.
"Get use to that, crossbreeds," the illusionist spirit said quietly, yet smugly. "It will happen every time you enter this courtroom, so that the Observants can identify you among their other prisoners. After all, to them you are all inferior and not worth the use of their memory.
"Are you telling me I have to endure this burning sensation through the entire trial?" Vlad snapped, his anger quickly swelling, though he continued to hold his head.
"As I said, get use it," Iluzisto replied, his eye curving into a smile before he turned from the two half-ghosts and gestured his guards to proceed.
Once more, Vlad and Danny were shoved forward, though now that they were in the courtroom, Iluzisto's guards were not being as rough with them.
The older hybrid just ignored them for the most part, feeling too uncomfortable with the pulsing burning sensation on his forehead.
Danny gritted his teeth against the pain, but he then lowered his hand from his head and continued to walk with his head lowered. Somehow, the physical pain compared nothing to his emotional pain…
Meanwhile, Vlad was also doing his best to endure the pain and his eyes quickly returned to the matter at hand. The man frowned at the sight of all the Observants, who had been silently sitting in their seats, now muttering with each other, while glancing untrustingly at the half-ghosts.
The man resisted the urge to roll his eyes, and just continued to silently inspect every detail of the room.
It was exactly how he remembered it with its blue corner-less walls curving symmetrically inward on all sides. Black seams accented the curves and were the only adoration on the walls except for several grotesque orb-shaped television screens, each of which hung from the ceiling on thick threads. They, too, were symmetrically placed around the room so no one would escape their view—inside and out of the screens. Still, the thought that all eyes would be on him was not as irritating as how disgusting those television screens really were now that he got a better look at them. Now he was sure that each of those screens were hanging by what could only be described as raw sinew. But that was not all. Each of the screens were surrounded by a white flesh-like border that were covered in throbbing red veins, as if…the screens were embedded in….some sort of…living eyeballs.
Ugh. Vlad huffed under his breath when he finally got what this room was all about. What egos these cretin Observants had! It was now too grossly obvious just how much they 'worshiped' their one eyes. Even this moronic courtroom was designed as if they were now within an eyeball!
He rolled his eyes and then groaned at his unintentional pun. Still, he could see that the Observants weren't very imaginative. The rows and rows of seats stacked in many tiers on the outer circumference of the room were still on either side of the main entrance. And there was a large curved table on the far opposite wall from this entranceway where he knew must be for the judge and jury.
He noticed that every seat in the room was occupied; save for the judge, who had yet to get there. He frowned in irritation—and sudden understanding—when he suddenly spied that putrid creature, Okulo, who was floating silently to the far right of the large, curved table, looking in anticipation toward a closed door just behind that table. Of course. He must have been there waiting for his next orders, disgustingly obedient lap dog that he must be.
But then, finally, he spied Spektanto just to his left, sitting at a smaller table that was facing the large curved table, but was separated by the larger table by several yards of empty space. And there were also two empty seats beside their lawyer.
Vlad rolled his eyes again at the sight of their supposed defender. But then, the man caught sight of Clockwork at the prosecutor's seat, which was several yards away from the defender's table and to his right. And he was staring at Danny.
The billionaire quickly looked down at the boy and realized he was oblivious to the time spirit's eyes on him. The poor teen still looked completely heartbroken.
That thought just pulled the man's mind in another direction. Clockwork. It was that spirit's fault that such a dark fate had come over Daniel's sister and friends—and probably his ally. And, it was also the Time Master's fault that his Maddie was now in mortal danger.
The older hybrid glared hatefully at Clockwork, who finally met the man's gaze. But the time spirit did not respond and just calmly looked away. This only angered Vlad more; but, ultimately, the sentiment was quickly pushed aside.
"Listen carefully, crossbreeds," Iluzisto suddenly spoke up, his hushed tone barely masking his dark intent while demanding their attention. "You two are to go sit beside your lawyer. But do not think that I will not be immediately available just because I will not be next to you. I am responsible with keeping you both under control, so I will only be one of your heartbeats away. And you can be sure there will be consequences if either of you show anything short of orderly conduct."
Vlad tensed. But when he saw that Daniel hadn't reacted, he slowly nudged the boy without drawing any attention to himself.
Danny frowned at the man's action and finally looked up, only to see Iluzisto in his aggressive stance. Danny reflexively gasped, but then sighed in defeat.
Iluzisto smirked at that, but just said, "Go."
The billionaire made sure to take a big step back before turning his back on the evil Observant. But he also made sure to grip the teen's shoulder to coax him to do the same.
Noticing the half-ghosts' approach, Spektanto quickly stood and nervously floated a bit away when he heard the older one cursing angrily under his breath...Though, it was odd…It sounded as if the man was talking about some sort of…pastry?
"Spektanto," Vlad called once he pushed aside his anger over Iluzisto. "I assume you have properly prepared."
The lawyer blinked his large eye. "What do you mean?"
The man looked at him incredulously before drawling out, "You are our defense lawyer, are you not? That means you must have some sort of plan of action in our defense."
"Oh, yes. Well, I did gather a few things…," he muttered, bending over to grab a briefcase.
Vlad sat down as the spirit sorted through the papers.
Meanwhile, Danny, who had already sat down, just kept looking soberly at only the table in front of him.
Spektanto soon handed a folder to the older hybrid, who quickly looked through it. But, suddenly, the man looked furious!
"What the blazes is this?" he exclaimed. But when he caught Iluzisto take a warning step towards him this, the man quickly lowered his voice, but continued just as angrily. "What is all this gibberish, Spektanto?"
The lawyer looked at the document in the man's hands, before turning his gaze back to him. "It is not gibberish. That is simply the Observant's written language. Do you not understand it?"
"I would not be asking you, if I did," Vlad snapped back. But before the spirit could say anything, the man noticed that this 'Observant language' had some of the same symbols he had seen in the hallway. But he dismissed the thought when he saw some pictures just below the documents and he quickly turned to those, instead. But the sight of them only ticked off the billionaire even more.
"How are these pictures supposed to help us? They are evidence of our crimes, you dolt! You present these blasted things and you are going to condemn us!"
"I beg pardon. But It is not my fault that you both are guilty of your crimes, and so, I could not find anything in your defense," the lawyer retorted, his eye squinting a bit.
"That's not the point!" Vlad hissed back, his hands fisting. "You are supposed to be bringing up a defense case! And you do so by any means; even if you have to twist the truth itself! Have you even defended anyone before?"
"Actually…," Spektanto said meekly, "This is my first actual case..."
Vlad's mouth gaped; but before he could say anything, the room notably silenced. The man—and even Danny this time—looked up and they both realized that all the doors had been shut and the door behind the judge's seat was now opened.
"All rise for the great and honorable Tribune Justeco and his illustrious Counselor, Konsilisto," an announcer somewhere in the room said loudly as an Observant dressed in gold attire entered the open door behind the judge seat. He was followed by another Observant who was dressed very similarly, though his outfit did not have as much gold in it.
Vlad frowned deeply; but deciding to go with everything for now, he stood. However, seeing that Danny did not stand and was just staring soberly at the judge, Vlad discreetly poked the boy on his side.
Danny jolted to his feet, as he bit back a yelp. He hated being poked! And he made that clear when he glared at the older hybrid, who had a slight smirk on his face in spite of the fact that he was not even looking at the teenager.
All of a sudden, that smirk really irked Danny. How could the man think poking him just now was amusing? In fact, nothing about this whole thing was funny. Nothing. Not being here, not the cruel treatment of Iluzisto, not Clockwork's betrayal. Nothing. In fact, Vlad had no reason to poke him at all, especially since it was pretty much the man's fault that his sister and friends were…gone. And, suddenly, he was more angry than anything else.
"Quit it, Plasmius. I'm not in the mood!" Danny suddenly hissed, giving into his anger.
But hearing Spektanto clear his throat loudly, the teen then glared at him before catching sight of the judge just beyond that Observant. Once more, his eyes threw daggers at the judge.
Finally, his gaze drifted over to Clockwork. This time, he instantly seethed with hatred, which fully displaced his grief over his sister and friends…. And that, ironically, finally got him to focus…
Suddenly, the boy knew that the last thing on his mind was this stupid trial. What he needed to do was find a way to escape. He didn't have time to wallow around in his grief! He had to get to his parents before Iluzisto would! He couldn't let that jerk…hurt them like he had his… his…
Danny had to squeeze his eyes shut to hold back his emotions again.
Meanwhile, Vlad, who hadn't noticed the change in the boy, was watching everything going on with annoyance and apprehension. He watched as the jury's—or as they called them, High Council's—ugly one-eyed faces came up on some large screens around them. None of it was really new for the man since he had seen all this during the Vortex incident.
But being in Vortex's place now made the whole experience much less appealing. The man still couldn't believe he was being held prisoner by the Observants. It was down-right embarrassing!
The man quickly pushed aside his thoughts when he heard the announcer speak again. "Today begins Trial number 789 against prisoners 484 and 485, respectively, Vlad Plasmius and Danny Phantom, versus All Existence. For the duration of these legal proceedings the appointed trial members are: Master Defender: Spektanto. Master Prosecutor: Clockwork. Jury: the High Council. Honorable Tribune: Justeco. And his Honorable Counselor: Konsilisto."
The judge, Justeco, waited for the note taker to finish putting everything in writing, before he finally spoke up. "Council? Are all these details accepted?"
"Accepted," they all echoed at once.
"Then we shall proceed. High Council, I require a motion to open 'Day One' of three in the trial of Prisoners 484 and 485 versus All Existence. Charges that will be discussed today, Day One of this trial, include those committed against the Time Stream itself. Do I have that motion?"
"I, Kulp, approve the motion of commencement for this trial," one of the Observants, whose face was up on one of the large screens, said.
"Does anyone second his motion?" the Tribune asked.
"I second it," another of the High Council members spoke up.
"All in favor?" Justeco continued.
"Aye," everyone echoed at once.
"Opposition?"
"Aye," Vlad whispered, annoyed when no one answered.
"Then, we will begin with the Master Prosecutor. Clockwork, if you would take the floor."
The Time Master looked over at Danny, who only glared briefly at him before lowering his gaze back to his hands. Just seeing his mentor there on the opposite side twisted the teen's heart with further anger and betrayal. It was Clockwork's fault that his sister and friends were gone. How could he? He had trusted him! Still, his anger helped him keep focus on what he needed to do.
Vlad also scowled at Clockwork, but he just watched on as the spirit took the floor.
"If the High Tribunal agrees, I wish to use a Time Viewing Orb for this part of the trial…," Clockwork calmly requested.
The judge turned his eye to his counselor, who nodded his approval. Then he turned to the jury and asked, "What say you, High Council?"
"Approved," they all said.
"Continue, Master Prosecutor," Justeco said.
Clockwork nodded before pulling out a small crystal ball from his cloak. In one quick move, he tossed the clear sphere into the air and quickly shot a blue beam at it with his staff. In an instant, there was a viewing glass floating in the middle of the room for all to see.
"I wish to present the first set of evidence against Danny Phantom and Vlad Plasmius. May I proceed?" The Time Master looked at the jury and waited for their approval. Once he had it, he continued, "I will be presenting three scenarios—each holding proof that the two prisoners present are guilty of tampering with the time line."
Clockwork briefly looked at Danny and Vlad, before lifting his staff and bringing up an image.
"We are all aware of the powers of the Infi-Map," he began again as everyone stared at an image of the parchment. "It is why the map has been entrusted to the leader of the Far Frozen, Frostbite. He has always kept true as protector of the Infi-Map…"
The time spirit suddenly silenced without explanation. But before anyone could question it, he lifted his staff and brought up another image, one showing Danny in his parents' lab, holding the Infi-Map and talking to his friends about it.
Danny just stared at the image and, this time, he couldn't keep his eyes from clouding with pain again. His friends… He would never see them again…
"In this scene, we can all see Danny Phantom with the Infi-Map in his possession. And due to his further irresponsibility, this also led to Vlad Plasmius' discovery and usage of it."
Clockwork was steadily showing the images of Danny and Vlad fighting at all the different places that they had traveled.
"Danny Phantom was the first to begin using the map to enter different time periods. But as you can see, Vlad Plasmius joined in soon after. With the map, they traveled to different points in time, all the while rivaling over possession of a parchment that should not have been in either of their hands in the first place. The extent of their tampering with the time line can fully be seen in these images. The evidence is indisputable."
"Object, you dolt!" Vlad quickly hissed at his lawyer.
Spektanto jolted, before blurting out more out of fear than anything else, "I object!"
Clockwork paused and turned to look at the lawyer as the Tribune ordered, "State you objection, Master Defender."
"Well…," But not knowing how to reply, the spirit paused and looked back at Vlad, whispering, "Why are we objecting?"
Vlad slapped a hand against his forehead before growling and shooting up into a defiant stand, "Your evidence is faulted, time spirit!" he exclaimed. "You may have proof that we used the map and traveled to those places. But what you should be presenting is exactly what crime was committed and why it was detrimental to the time stream! And yet, you have not said or showed a single thing that proves that our actions affected the time line in any significant way! And you cannot prove it! Because you have no proof! If our actions that day would have had lasting consequences, all of us would have seen them manifest themselves in this present time! So, then, where is your proof of our damage?" Vlad angrily demanded.
Loud mutterings of protest erupted throughout the room as the older hybrid glared furiously at Clockwork. But the time spirit remained silent, though only Vlad could see mirth hiding behind his calm gaze. This only made the man even angrier. What in blazes was Clockwork playing at? He didn't care how powerful this spirit supposedly was! He would not let him make a fool out of him!
But Vlad's gaze snapped over to the Tribune when he slammed his gravel and demanded, "Order!" Justeco stared coldly at the older half-ghost as he said to him, "Prisoner 484, you are out of jurisdiction! If you do not agree with something said here, you are to bring your objection to your defender's attention. And then, he—and only he—can present it to the Council. For your lack of respect to this Tribunal's laws, I will overrule your defender's former objection as well as ignore everything you just said."
"What?" Vlad exclaimed. "But my argument is more than valid!"
"I will not tolerate any outburst in the Council Room," the Tribune said sternly. "I recommend you willingly take your seat now. Or I will have to ask the Prison Head Iluzisto to restrain you."
Vlad looked like he was about to argue; but when he caught movement in his peripheral vision and he realized it was Iluzisto moving against the closest wall to keep a closer eye on him, the man closed his mouth again and then sat down in a huff.
Upon hearing the judge ask Spektanto if he had any questions for Clockwork, Vlad silently fumed to himself for a moment when he heard his supposed lawyer's response. He wasn't at all surprised that Spektanto had said 'no'.
But knowing he could not do anything unless he wanted to get punished to an inch of his life, Vlad remained quiet. However, it was then that he realized Danny had been quiet the entire time. He had almost forgotten the boy was present.
The billionaire looked over at the teen, who still had his gaze to his own hands on the table. But by the angry glare on his face, it was clear Danny had been listening.
"Well, boy? Are you just going to sit there and sulk the whole time?" Vlad hissed in aside, feeling even more annoyed with his silence.
"Like what you're doing is any better," Danny muttered back.
Vlad's glare intensified. "At least I'm—"
"Order!" the Tribune demanded. "Prisoner 484, this is your last warning! You are to keep quiet unless you are addressing your appointed defender! And my warning now extends to you, Prisoner 485!"
While Vlad clenched his teeth in restraint, Danny just kept his gaze to the table. And yet, his eyes were narrowed and his hands clenched, as he was barely able to hide his restrained rage. It was all he could do to keep the burning hate for Clockwork and Iluzisto at bay. However, the teen knew that right now, he could do nothing but wait for this to be done with. But he didn't plan on keeping still once they were out of this room…
"Master Prosecutor, please continue," Justeco said.
"Very well," Clockwork replied. "Being that the previous evidence has been accepted by the Council and no questions were asked by the Master Defender, I will proceed to my next set of evidence against the accused."
Vlad continued to scowl, still furious over the fact that everyone had just accepted the previous evidence as it was when it was hardly substantial. But he had no choice but to continue to listen.
"However," the Time Master continued, "before I can do so, I need to present to the Council a set of images pertaining to Vlad Plasmius—or more correctly put, Vlad Masters'—past. I will assure you all, it is relevant to my case."
The billionaire visibly tensed, and even Danny looked up in sudden curiosity as the Council approved Clockwork's next set of images.
"Vlad Masters' past is tied with Danny Fenton's present. The boy's parents, whom you can see here, were—and still are—acquainted with the older of the accused. In fact, he had—and still has—a deeper interest than simple friendship for the human woman shown here…"
Vlad's face flamed red with indignation and he quickly turned to Spektanto. "Stop this, right now! He cannot divulge my personal life as he sees fit!" he heatedly whispered.
"I cannot object," his lawyer replied. "He has already told the Council that this is relevant to his next set of evidence."
"I don't care!" Vlad snapped back. "My life in not a blasted form of entertainment!"
"I am sorry. And I recommend you calm down. We must pay attention to what the Master Prosecutor says."
The billionaire looked as if he was about to snap, but he then took a deep breath, before glancing at Danny. But the boy was watching the images that Clockwork was showing with a little more interest than Vlad had expected.
The billionaire just shook his head as he turned his own eyes back to the painful and embarrassing images. If he wasn't so upset, he would have noticed that someone else was watching the images with a lot of interest as well…
"Ultimately, their work led to an accident that resulted in the 'birth' of Vlad Plasmius," Clockwork said as he changed the image.
Vlad cringed as he watched himself get blasted by the proto-portal. That sure had been painful. But not as painful as that ecto-acne… And to his misfortune, the time ghost didn't restrain himself in showing that, too.
"Of course, if it had not been for the time stream's choosing of this course, Danny Phantom would have never existed, either. And here is essentially why…"
Clockwork quickly pulled up an image of the present-day Maddie and Jack before saying, "The boy's parents are ironically also responsible for the existence of the second human-ghost hybrid. Of course, it is more complicated than this. But the point is that what I have shown you is the time line's natural order. However, in my next set of evidence, I will show how Danny Phantom, in conspiracy with Vlad Plasmius, is guilty of tampering with the time stream, to the point that they completely destroyed its natural order."
The courtroom filled with anxious mutterings again, and the Tribune was forced to call order again before Clockwork could continue.
"The secondary effect of Vlad Plasmius' accident over twenty years ago is chronic—or, at least, it used to be before the younger of the accused found its remedy. Just a few months ago, the older of the accused fell ill with this 'ecto-acne'…. As you see here."
Clockwork brought up the pertinent image of that day and continued to show the happenings as he told them…
"Vlad Plasmius then proceeded to also infect these two humans, whom associate with the younger accused, so that he could force the boy to aid him with his illness. In his need to help his friends, Danny Phantom came to my home. As you all know, this very Council decided to charge me responsibility of this boy and his alternate self…"
"Alternate self?" Vlad asked Spektanto with a lowered voice. "What does that mean? And why did the Council charge Daniel to him?" he questioned Spektanto, confused.
"It's a long story. One that I assume we will be hearing more about soon enough. We must continue to listen," the lawyer replied in a hush.
But the man was not satisfied and looked over at Danny. The boy had his gaze back to the table, but by the tension obviously radiating from his body, Vlad knew that the boy knew what the time ghost was talking about. However, the man had no choice but to bite his tongue and continue to listen, knowing that if he spoke to Danny, he would be punished.
"I will refrain from elaborating on this for now," the Time Master said. "However, I brought it up because it is important to remember exactly why Danny Phantom now has knowledge of my whereabouts." Clockwork paused, before continuing. "Danny Phantom asked me to allow him to travel back in time to keep Vlad Plasmius from ever existing. And, ultimately, I allowed it."
This time, the room exploded into shocked gasps, before the Council exploded into chatter. And as the Tribune attempted to regain order, Vlad's mouth fell open and his eyes widened as he glanced over at Danny again.
"You traveled back to my college days and tried to stop my accident?" the man slowly asked, disbelief coloring his voice.
Danny slightly squirmed. "I…uh… couldn't think of another way to save my friends…"
Vlad just stared at him, clearly not knowing how to react to do this. Obviously, the boy did not accomplish this, since he still had his ghost powers…or maybe he did accomplish it?
But before the man could ask, Justeco finally reclaimed order and he was forced to keep quiet.
"Clockwork, please explain your involvement in this," the judge said.
"Of course. I decided to allow the younger accused to travel back because it was necessary that he saw firsthand the older accused's past for future events. What exactly are those future events I will not say—nor are they relevant in this trial. However, I also allowed the boy's travel because, ultimately, I cannot interfere with the decision of anyone in the time line. That is the Observants' motto, after all. And as your employee, I am obligated to abide by your rules," Clockwork explained, this time a small smirk tugging on his lips.
"We understand your reasons, Clockwork. And if the Council approves them, then we will proceed with the evidence. What say you, High Council?"
"Approved," they all said.
Vlad rolled his eyes as he thought, "This is ridiculous. Clearly, whatever we are being accused of now is their own faults. Theirs and this blasted time spirit's!"
"In spite of my warning to not disrupt the timeline's natural order, Danny Phantom did not hesitate to interfere," Clockwork continued in his same calm, almost indifferent voice. "And his interference resulted in a completely different present. Vlad Plasmius was erased from existence. And instead Danny Phantom's own father gained his powers."
Vlad's eyes widened when all the sudden, he saw the picture of 'Jack Plasmius' on the Time Viewing Orb. Although he was beyond shocked by what he was discovering about Danny so far in this trial, now he was also suddenly beyond mortified at the thought of Jack with ghost powers.
"Ugh!" he groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I will never unsee this…"
"In turn," Clockwork continued, interrupting the man's thoughts, "Maddie Fenton became Maddie Masters. The Fenton family was wiped from existence. And if it wasn't for my intervening, Danny Fenton and Phantom would not have existed, either."
Vlad slowly looked up and his eyes widened again at the sight of him and Maddie in a newspaper article, speaking of their marriage and his title as Dairy King—though, the latter was almost as disturbing as the image of Jack with ghost powers…
He couldn't believe it. He and Maddie… she had finally been his… But why, why wasn't this the timeline now if the boy had changed it? Unless…
"You changed it back, didn't you?" Vlad whispered to Danny, anger lacing his voice.
"Of course, I did!" Danny snapped back. "Sorry, but you kissing my mom wasn't an image I wanted to see for the rest of my life!"
Vlad's mouth fell ajar. "I got to kiss her?"
"Don't remind me…," Danny muttered in disgust.
"Daniel, you are so lucky I do not have my ghost powers right now, because I honestly feel like taking your father's desire of ripping you apart molecule by molecule into my own hands…" the man mumbled back with restrained contempt.
"Well, you tried that there, too," he said, pointing at the image on the viewing glass. "My parents kicked your butt, though," he added smugly in spite of still grieving for his sister and friends and being angry about this trial.
"Order!" the judge demanded before Vlad could say anymore. "I warned you, Prisoner 484!"
Vlad went rigid at seeing Justeco about to call Iluzisto forward; but thinking quickly, he exclaimed, trying to cover up, "Wait. I am not at fault. The boy keeps speaking to me! I was merely asking him to desist and show some respect for this Council!"
"Hey!" Danny protested, his voice being fully heard for the first time since they arrived. "You're the one complaining to me about why I didn't let you stay with my mom!"
"Order!" Justeco ordered. "Prisoner 485, this is now your last warning. And since both of you have admitted it, the fact that you indeed are responsible for tampering with the natural order of the timeline will be noted."
Vlad's mouth dropped open. That was so unjust! First, he hadn't admitted to anything! And, second, how was it fair that the blasted judge had refused to acknowledge his earlier argument, one that had been very valid? And yet, now, he takes Daniel's angry outburst as an admission of guilt? Blast! Even the judge wanted them to lose this trial!
"Continue, Master Prosecutor."
Clockwork lifted his staff and allowed the images to vanish. "Ultimately, the time stream had been so disturbed that I was forced to intervene and reset it back to its natural course. The damage done would have been irreparable, otherwise."
"I object to that claim!" Spektanto suddenly said, jolting to a stand.
"Really?" Vlad asked in surprise.
Ignoring his older defendant, the Observant continued, "I believe the Master Prosecutor just mentioned he was able to restore the timeline. Then, how can my defendants' actions be irreparable?"
"Yes," the judge answered before Clockwork could, "that is why the Master Prosecutor said, 'otherwise', meaning that if he had not stepped in, then, things would have been irreparable."
"Oh…," Spektanto mumbled. "I suppose I missed that last word…" But hearing Vlad groan right next to him, he quickly added, "Well, I still object! You have not told us how Vlad Plasmius is guilty of this specific crime. It is obvious that Danny Phantom is completely guilty; but you still have to explain why Vlad Plasmius is just as guilty. Or is he guilty because he forced Danny Phantom into the position that led to his time travel? Or, is it because in the other timeline Vlad Plasmius learned the truth about the timeline being altered and still tried to keep it as it was?"
Danny was now glaring at his lawyer. What was with this guy? Was he even on their side? Or was he just straight out dense?
Clockwork smirked. "Oh, you are quite right. Thank you for reminding me. But I think you just cleared all that up for me."
Vlad's eyes flashed red as he watched Spektanto sit back down with a smug look in his eye. "See, I got him now," the Observant said proudly to the older hybrid.
"Oh, you got him alright. So much so that you just strengthened his case!" Vlad growled back furiously. "Are you even trying to aid us?"
"Of course I am," the lawyer said in a huff. "It is not my fault you two are completely guilty."
Vlad looked as if he were ready to strangle the spirit; but instead he fisted his hands and turned his attention back to Clockwork. But then abruptly, the man asked his lawyer. "Did you see that big fat oaf that was shown on the screen multiple times?"
"You mean… my other defendant's paternal entity?" Spektanto asked, confused.
"Yes, his name is Jack, and I think you are related to him," Vlad muttered, before fully focusing back to the trial.
The defender looked appalled for a moment. But he then huffed again and returned his attention to the trial as well.
"Well, then, is there anything else you would like to add to this accusation, Master Persecutor?" Justeco asked.
"I am done," Clockwork replied.
"Then, if the Master Defender has no further questions… or contributions," the judge added with a strange look. "Then, we shall proceed to the High Council's approval of the provided evidence."
"No questions, honorable Tribune," Spektanto answered.
"Shall we proceed, then, High Council?"
"Aye!"
Vlad sighed, while Danny just rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.
"Master Prosecutor, I believe you have one last set of evidence to present to this Council in regards to the charge of 'tampering with the timeline' against Prisoners 484 and 485?"
"Yes, that is correct," Clockwork replied. "But for my last set of evidence, I would like to call Danny Phantom to the stand."
The Council gasped, while Vlad and Danny's eyes widened. But while the teen looked absolutely terrified with the time ghost's request, Vlad looked somewhat thrilled. This was the perfect chance to get their voices heard—with permission this time, that is. But with the boy sulking as he was, the man was sure the teen would not take advantage of this. No matter. He would just have to coax the boy to do as he wanted!
"Call for a recess," Vlad whispered urgently to his lawyer.
"Why?" Spektanto asked, confused.
"Because I have to go to the bathroom!" the man growled, annoyed by the spirit's hesitance.
"Can't you wait?" the lawyer asked, annoyed. "We have one last set of evidence."
"That's exactly why!" Vlad answered with exasperation.
"Huh?"
Vlad's eyes flashed red. "You either call the break willingly or I'm going to make a scene right now which includes me strangling you!" he whispered darkly.
Spektanto jolted to his feet. "Honorable Tribune. Prisoner 484 requests a brief pause. He… needs to use the….bathroom."
Everyone blinked at Vlad, before the judge asked, somewhat annoyed, "Can you not wait?"
"No. We cannot wait," the man answered, looking over to Danny.
But Danny frowned in confusion at Vlad, having no clue what the man was talking about.
Justeco looked over at Danny and asked, "You require a restroom break as well?"
Still looking perplexed, the boy then turned to the judge and was about to shake his head 'no' when Vlad suddenly slammed his foot down on the teen's own, instantly tearing a painful yelp from his mouth in response. The teen quickly attempted to grab his aching foot, but because his hands were tied and the table was in the way all he could do was cross his legs and squirm in pain. Of course, those viewing all perceived it as something else...
"Well, that's an obvious 'yes'," the judge muttered as he watched the boy squirm in discomfort. "Very well. We will take a ten minute recess. Prison Head Iluzisto, escort the two prisoners to the nearest required facilities."
Iluzisto had not bought the two hybrids' act, but still nodded and walked over to them.
Danny and Vlad stood; and the teen didn't hesitate to lift his leg to try to nurse his aching foot. It looked quite awkward, though, when he was trying to do it with tied hands…
"You better make haste, Prison Head," the judge muttered, clearly disturbed with the thought of the teen having 'an accident' in his courtroom.
Iluzisto resisted the urge to roll his eye and just grabbed both of the half-ghosts by a shoulder and pushed them forward.
As soon as they were out of the Council Room, Iluzisto suddenly chuckled, "You crossbreeds are clever creatures. But know I will not tolerate any little escape attempts if that's what you have in mind," the spirit warned, squeezing Vlad's shoulder a bit in threat as they stopped at a doorway. "You both have two minutes."
Vlad grunted as he was shoved forward, and hearing a yelp from the teen beside him only confirmed that Daniel had also been pushed. But neither said anything and just entered the bathroom.
Danny was the first to speak as soon as they had entered. "What gives, you jerk? You almost broke my foot!"
"Ah, yes. Well, I had to get you to come with me somehow," the man replied with a smirk.
"Why? Are you like the girls in my school who can't go to the bathroom by themselves or something?" Danny asked, rolling his eyes.
"Hilarious," he said dryly. "Though I suppose I should be glad to see that you still have your wits about you, such as they are. In any case, the reason I brought you out here is because we need to do something to turn this trial in our favor. If you have not noticed things are not going well for us."
"Look, I don't really care about that. They obviously have already made up their minds about us before this lame trial began. I'm going to find a way out of here. And I suppose now is a good a time as any. Excuse me," Danny said as he walked off towards an air shaft near the hand sinks that he had just spied.
Vlad growled before quickly walking after the teenager. "What are you doing, Daniel? It is pointless to try to escape now, especially when we have these inhibitors on our necks and our hands in cuffs! Oh, and let's not forget that our wonderful warden is right outside! Listen, boy, the logical thing to do for now is try to defend ourselves from those narrow-minded fools! And you are about to get on the stand! This is your chance to let our voice be heard in this ridiculous matter!"
"You mean your voice," Danny grunted as he climbed up on the sink and attempted to reach the vent.
"Technicalities," Vlad said flippantly with a wave of his hand. "The important thing is that you counter that blasted time spirit's accusations. It will be simple, considering his 'evidence' has as many holes as the Observants' brains. Now, while you're up there, I want you to—"
"Time's up, crossbreeds. Come out," Iluzisto suddenly said from right outside, cutting Vlad off.
"Apple strudels!" Vlad cursed, before abruptly grabbing Danny around the waist and throwing him over his shoulder.
"Hey!" Danny shouted as he struggled to pull himself from the older hybrid even as he was taken into one of the bathroom stalls. "Let go, Plasmius! I'm not in the mood for your lame ideas right now, alright?"
Vlad roughly sat the teen on the toilet seat, before turning around and locking the bathroom door. Before the boy could say anything, the man grabbed his face and glared. "You listen well, you little brat! I have just been made a fool at least two times in there. And somehow, it is because of something you did! Now, you are going to do as I say whether you want to or not! And I strongly recommend you to 'want to' because if they find us guilty, we are never getting out of here!"
"Didn't I already tell you? There is no 'we', Plasmius!" Danny growled back, pushing the man's hand away from his face while trying to stand up at the same time. But as soon as the man shoved him back down, Danny said more firmly, "There is only 'me' and 'you'. And right now, 'me' is going to find a way to escape to save my parents before that twisted thing outside can get to them, too! And, 'you', you can do whatever the heck you want! Just leave me out of it!"
Vlad shoved the boy back down again and was about to argue back when he heard the bathroom door slam open.
"You two are truly trying my patience!" Iluzisto said angrily. "Come out here! Or you will feel what those devices on your necks can really do!"
The billionaire tensed slightly, before looking back at Danny. "You'll have to forgive me, dear boy," the man suddenly whispered, though he sounded anything but sorry.
Danny stared in confusion, but before he could ask what the man was talking about, he got his answer a moment later when Vlad slammed his fist into his stomach.
The boy's mouth opened in unspoken pain as he leaned forward to grab his burning stomach. But he suddenly fell off the toilet when he found he couldn't breathe. Although it seemed like forever, his lungs finally responded and he began to cough loudly as he tried to take in oxygen.
Iluzisto frowned from the outside as he heard the boy's shaky breathing and rough coughs and noises. To him, Danny sounded like he was throwing up. And his suspicion was confirmed when the older half-ghost suddenly poked his head out from the bathroom stall.
"Think we could have just one more minute? Poor boy is sick. I think it was that food you gave us," Vlad said innocently.
"Very well. And do not worry, I never planned on giving you such privileged food again…," Iluzisto said angrily.
Vlad briefly frowned, but then just closed the stall door again and turned to Danny who was slowly getting off the floor. However, the teen gasped when a hand gripped at his hair painfully, before a face was right in front of his.
"You're right, Daniel. There is no 'we'. But there is also no, 'you'. There is only 'me'. And right now, 'me' wants to focus on this trial. And you will help me!" the man whispered darkly to him, before abruptly grabbing one of his arms and lifting the teen to his feet.
Before Danny could say anything, Vlad unlocked the door and shoved him out of the stall. Still in pain, the boy grabbed onto his stomach and slowly walked over to the sink. But even though he was very angry, he didn't look at Iluzisto.
Vlad, who had stopped right beside Iluzisto, smiled calmly at the spirit and said, "Perhaps they could postpone the rest of trial. As you can see, the boy is unwell…"
The illusionist spirit stared back at the man, before coldly replying, "As amusing as your antics may be, crossbreed, they can only do so much for you when it comes to me. So then, I strongly suggest you go sanitize your hands before my amusement wears off."
Vlad frowned before sighing and walking over to a sink himself.
Once the two were done, Iluzisto wasted no time and returned to the Council Room with the half-ghosts.
Everyone was already seated and waiting for them.
"Prison Head, please escort prisoner 485 to the witness stand," Justeco ordered.
Vlad frowned as he was taken back to his seat next to Spektanto before Iluzisto took Danny to the assigned location. The teen still looked slightly pained from the blow to his stomach, but he still silently sat down.
The teen finally locked eyes with Clockwork, who was near the stand when Danny had approached his seat.
But as they waited for the judge to resume the trial and for the Council to approve—and to the teen's surprise—the time spirit discreetly approached him and whispered an aside, "You look unwell, Danny…"
"What do you think?" the teen quietly hissed back. "You let Iluzisto... M-My friends and sister…" But the boy could not get all that he wanted to say out without losing it a bit; instead he narrowed his glossy eyes at his mentor and hatefully choked out, "How could you?"
Clockwork didn't reply and briefly looked around and saw that the Observants were still busy with one another. But the time spirit quickly noticed that his private conversation with the child had Vlad and Iluzisto's attention—not that they could hear it, though.
"Perhaps you require that we continue tomorrow…You may have not been properly informed, but you do have every right to request a continuance. I strongly recommend you do so…" Clockwork spoke, though he kept his gaze forward.
"I do not care about what you recommend anymore! You're as big a jerk as Iluzisto!" the teen hissed in response.
"I do what I must, Danny," Clockwork repeated, before moving away from the teen and towards the viewing glass.
But Danny frowned in both anger and confusion even as his glare chased after the Master of Time. Just why the heck did Clockwork even bother to talk to him if all the time spirit was going to do was cause even more trouble for him in the end? What was the point?
"Master Prosecutor, you may continue with your case," the Tribune said.
Clockwork nodded before pulling up an image and everyone gasped at the sudden sight of Danny's evil future self. The teen himself was staring at the image dumbstruck in disbelief, while Vlad looked utterly lost.
"Order!" Justeco demanded, quickly silencing everyone.
"Before I question the accused on the stand, I would like to show my next set of evidence against him," Clockwork continued. "As you all know, Danny Phantom's future was once so bleak that this very Council asked me to intervene in the matter. In the course of these events, Danny Phantom traveled to the future, allowing his dark-self to break the time stream's laws and travel to the past to assure his existence—an existence that was a result of his own wrong choices."
Danny could no longer keep quiet and he hotly exclaimed, "But I fixed everything! I changed my choice!"
"Order!" the judge ordered, rapping his mallet.
"Correction, Danny Phantom," Clockwork tersely replied, turning towards the boy. "You still made the wrong choice. If anyone is responsible for what transpired from there, it is I. I stepped in. I intervened. And now, I have your dark-self under my supervision, imprisoned by the very device you trapped him in…"
Danny could not find anything to say to that. All this time, he thought he had made a difference, that he had fixed everything regarding his dark past… Isn't that what his mentor had told him that day? So why was he saying something completely different now? But, Clockwork was right… He would have cheated if the Time Master hadn't have stepped in… right? No! That wasn't right! He tried to fix things! That had to count for something!
As the teen debated his fault in the matter, Vlad was just staring at the picture of Danny's evil-self. He couldn't believe it. Daniel… the boy who used his powers for good. The child who he was sure had never purposely hurt a person in his life… The teen whom he wanted as his perfect son… He… He had turned… evil? How? Why? He wanted to say it was impossible, but the evidence was right in front of him. That creature on the screen was indeed Danny Phantom… but there was something not so 'Danny Phantom' about him as well… But the man just couldn't place his finger on it…
But Clockwork soon answered his question.
"This creature I am showing to this Council caused many misfortunes in his timeline. And his creation is the fault of not only the accused here on the stand, but also of the other accused," the time ghost said, pointing his staff at Vlad.
"What? That's preposterous! I was not even aware of that creature's existence!" Vlad exclaimed.
"Order!" Justeco demanded, before looking at Iluzisto, "Prison Head Iluzisto, silence prisoner 484!"
"Just a moment," Clockwork intervened. "I ask that this Council to allow the other accused to voice his thoughts. After all, he makes a valid point."
"What say you, High Council?" Justeco asked.
This time, there was dissention among the Council members, but when most agreed, Vlad sighed in relief as Iluzisto put away the remote he had taken out.
Clockwork then intoned, "You might not be aware of the happenings, Vlad Plasmius, but because evil Phantom still exists, you are still held accountable for his existence. Your future self's wrong choices began from the moment the future Danny Phantom's parents died due to his wrong choices. As noble as your future self's intentions might have been in that timeline, taking the boy in was his own downfall."
Vlad was shocked into silence. But Clockwork ignored him, and turned his attention back to the Council. "However, we are not here to discuss the existence of Dark Phantom, but the evidence does show that the two accused have tampered with the timeline. As you can see from these next images, Danny Phantom altered the timeline by interfering in it during these mentioned events. But this would not have been possible without Vlad Plasmius' own intervention."
The time spirit brought up an image of the future Vlad approaching the present Danny with the ghost gauntlets. "By removing the time medallion fused within Danny Phantom, the future Vlad Masters aided in the boy's return to his time, which effectively led to more changes to both the future and present timelines."
"Now, then, if this evidence is accepted, I shall proceed to my questioning of the accused on the stand…" Clockwork said. And upon hearing the chants of agreement from the Council, the time ghost moved over to Danny, who looked very emotionally distressed.
Vlad was not faring too well himself. All these discoveries were just so much to take in. He didn't know how to react to the fact that Danny Phantom had an evil self that was created by his and the boy's hand. And Maddie had died? He had taken Daniel in? …The boy had come to him for help…?
As the billionaire continued to mull all these finding around in his head, he half-listened to Clockwork, though the man had all but forgotten about how he wanted to turn the trial in their favor…
"Danny Phantom, by the earlier evidence presented against you, would it be just to say that you learned nothing from these future events? From this mistake?" Clockwork asked, pointing at the viewing glass as an image of the boy's evil self reappeared on it.
Danny stared at his evil self for a moment before looking back at Clockwork, "You know I learned a lot from that! You know that I'm not evil! I use my powers for good!" he defended himself fiercely.
"Are you sure about that?" the time spirit asked calmly. "How do you know? How can you prove you are not evil? That you are different than your alternate future self? You need solid evidence in a trial, Danny. Show this Council evidence of what you claim with so much assurance."
The boy stared at the time spirit, uncertainty falling over his eyes. Wasn't his good deeds obvious? Then, how was Clockwork now proving the opposite? What did this mean? No, he was good!
"I'm not evil!" Danny shouted. "You—You know that. I know that!"
Vlad's full attention returned to the teen with his shout. But the boy looked terribly upset and confused. And the billionaire quickly realized what Clockwork was doing. It was a technique many legal representatives used to win their trials. They confused their witnesses, they twisted their words and questions to get them to admit to whatever they wanted them to without their realizing it!
He had to put a stop to this now, suddenly regretting for insisting that the boy take the stand! Daniel was already distraught and unfocused from the death of his sister and friends! He was more than an easy target! And if this continued, the boy would surely end up condemning them both!
"I know what the evidence shows me," Clockwork replied. "And that is what this Council knows and will only acknowledge. So, I ask you, Danny Phantom, what more have you done but commit mistakes that have affected the time stream ever since you came to be?"
Danny shook his head. "I-I-I…", he stammered before stopping. He could not find a way to defend himself.
"You have to object to this!" Vlad hissed at Spektanto. "He's pressuring him! That's illegal!"
"He is questioning him," the lawyer replied seriously. "I cannot object to simple questions, unless they held direct accusation."
"And what the blazes do you think he's doing?" Vlad snapped, his hand slamming against the table.
"I suggest you calm yourself, unless you want to be removed from this room," Spektanto advised.
The man's glare darkened, but suddenly an idea came to his mind, and a smirk tugged on his lips as he turned back to Clockwork and Danny. He had hoped to have their voices heard. Well, this would be as good as that, especially when he had to put an end to this at all costs…
"You so vigorously fight against the other accused, Vlad Plasmius," Clockwork continued, speaking to Danny with a calm voice. "And yet, everything we have seen here has shown you and him, hand-in-hand, tampering with Time's natural order. So, my next question is, are you truly fighting for a good cause? Or should I ask, what makes you better than Vlad Plasmius when it is apparent that you are both as equally involved in the evidence thus shown?"
Danny opened his mouth to speak, but still couldn't find how to reply. He was beyond confused and troubled, especially when the time spirit had actually showed a bit of concern just before his questioning. And now….now…
"By your silence," Clockwork spoke up again when the teen didn't. "I think the Council understands your answer…"
"No!" Vlad suddenly shouted, standing up. "The boy is not answering because the real answer is that he is completely guilty of all these charges! We are not equally involved in these affairs because most of the fault falls on him!"
Danny stared wide-eyed at his arch-enemy, shocked by his words. But, suddenly, he became furious and all his previous doubts vanished from his mind as he quickly stood and shouted back, "My fault? You're the one who stole the map from me and made me chase you all over the place! You're the one who forced me into that other whole mess because of your stupid ecto-acne! And YOU are the one who agreed to rip out my humanity!"
"Order!" the judge demanded, only to be totally ignored.
"Oh, please, Daniel!" Vlad scoffed, though he was internally smirking. "All this time you have pretended to be some hero, but now I see that you are nothing but a hypocrite! You are not better than me. You are worse than me! And your proof is in the formation of that horrid creature!"
"Yeah? Well he's HALF of YOU!" Danny screamed back to Vlad.
The billionaire was suddenly shocked by the fact; but he quickly pushed it aside and retorted to the teen's accusation. "Why don't you just admit the truth, Daniel? It would save us all the time. Whatever that creature may be, it is still your future!"
"He is NOT my future! I promised them I would never turn evil and I will keep that promise!" Danny growled back with determination.
"I said, ORDER!" the judge continued to demand as he banged his gravel, but now, even the entire room was in an uproar.
"Keep it to whom? Your parents?" Vlad asked, a cruel smirk on his lips. "Because I think we both know that they are all you have left now…"
Danny finally snapped with the comment; and with a furious scream, he jumped over the witness stand and lunged at Vlad.
The man, not having expected the teen to move so quickly, gasped when he was suddenly falling back in his chair after Danny collided into him.
Spektanto yelped in terror and backed away from the squabbling half-ghosts.
"You heartless jerk!" Danny screamed as he swung at his enemy—or more like clobbered him with his tied hands.
But Vlad was grinning as he held his own tied hands up in order to provide himself with some protection against the furious teenager. "I told you I'd get you to do what I want…" he suddenly said smugly.
Danny instantly halted, his eyes shooting up in surprise. But then, his anger returned ten-fold. However, before he could do anything, a jolt of pain rushed down his spine and he screamed. Vlad soon followed him as the collar also electrocuted him.
But Danny was too fueled by rage to just sit there and take it anymore. In spite of the pain, the teen got to his feet and seeing Iluzisto coming at him, he charged at the spirit with all the hate he felt for him for what he had done to his loved ones.
"Ahh!" the boy screamed as he slammed into Iluzisto, actually knocking him down.
Everyone gasped, even Vlad, when the pain suddenly relented when the controls slipped out of the illusionist's hands.
"Wow…," Vlad muttered, genuinely surprised by the boy's ferocity.
But the boy didn't get very far in his attempt. Using his unique powers, Iluzisto forced a fake image of the boy's loved ones dead and covered in blood into his mind, which instantly got the boy to back off with a scream of horror.
The illusionist spirit wasted no time and got back up. He quickly dispelled the illusion, before picking up the remotes and pressing down on both of them without any hesitation.
Vlad and Danny found themselves writhing and screaming on the floor again until their throats were raw and they were an inch from unconsciousness.
A deep silence rang in the room once Iluzisto interrupted his punishment, leaving both half-ghosts panting on the ground.
It was the judge that broke the stillness.
"It is most unfortunate that your behavior forces us to bring this to such extremes. But the fault is your own. And for your misconduct, I am adjourning this trial until tomorrow. Take them away, Prison Head. And make sure they understand the severity of their misconduct," Justeco said coldly, before banging the gravel.
Iluzisto angrily called to the previous two guards who had escorted the two hybrids with him earlier and ordered them to lift Danny and Vlad to their feet. Without so much as a struggle from the two weakened and dazed half-ghosts, the two guards roughly grabbed each of them by an arm and dragged the hybrids out of the Council Room with Iluzisto leading the way.
Everyone just watched as the two prisoners were taken away.
By the time the two hybrids had returned to the prison, they had regained some of their senses. Vlad dazedly watched as Iluzisto grabbed the pair of keys hanging right next to the cell hall's entrance.
"I will take it from here," Iluzisto said to the two guards, who nodded before roughly letting go of Danny and Vlad.
"I told you two that your antics would only humor me for so long," the illusionist spirit said darkly, internally fuming from the embarrassment to which the two—especially the young one—had just subjected him.
They were going to pay dearly for this…
And Vlad and Danny knew that when the spirit raised his deadly staff towards them. Unfortunately, all they could do was take a step back and brace themselves.
A/N: Truephan here! Hope you liked the first day of the hybrids' trial. And to think, there are two days left of it! We shall have to wait and see what happens! Thanks for reading and for showing your support by pushing that little blue review button! It'll help you digest your Thanksgiving meal! Until next time!
Pearl: Ah, yes, two days left of trail... heh. But so much will happen in between and than some more! *evil laugh* Ahem. Uh, that was Vlad muse, not me! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and we did give it a slightly evil ending. But, you know, gotta keep you guys hooked! *grins*
Well, while you guys reply to this chapter, I'll be looking over CM and will posting that late tonight! Until then, and thank you all for the support!