Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom.

Review thanks to: ShadowFox123, Armored Soul, and PunkMichPhantom. Yeah 40 reviews! Does happy dance! I would like to take this chapter to thank everyone who has ever reviewed so get ready. Thank you Shadowfox123, Armored Soul, PunkMichPhantom, pottersparky, Silver Shadowbreeze, crimson shrouds, Mario's Brother, Fangirl 101, FlyingShadow666, Shadow Moss, Digimon Fan, Shining Zephyr, Pterodactyl, and Em Phantom. Whew that took forever but seriously thank you so much reviewers you rock!

Chapter 10: Alliances

Danny turned to Tyler who was sitting on his knees while holding his hurt arm; his face was stoic as he stared into space. A growing look of horror crossed his features as he obviously thought of where Jazz was and what she was going through. Suddenly two sets of pounding feet clomped up the stairs from the basement and Jack and Vlad appeared. Jack instantly fell beside his wife holding her shoulders gently while calling her name.

Vlad stood a ways back anger flashing in his eyes as he thought, those bumbling dolts weren't supposed to be seen! Let alone hurt my dear Maddie, they better hope this works for their sakes. Shaking himself from his inner monologue he knelt beside Tyler and pulled the boy to his feet. Ty let the man lead him to the couch where he collapsed his eyes still distant as he thought back only minutes before.

After Tyler dashed up the stairs from the basement he heaved a sigh. So it seemed that the Fenton's ghost hunting equipment could detect him, great. Shaking his head the boy walked into the kitchen to see Jazz and Maddie cleaning up from dinner. Ty walked up behind Jazz and wrapped his arms around her giving her a backwards hug, "what'cha doing beautiful?" He asked playfully.

Jazz turned and smacked him lightly across the cheek, "don't do that while my mom's watching!" He quickly let go of her making his face look as hurt as possible he made a pathetic puppy dog sound. Jazz rolled her eyes and handed him a couple plates of food, "here Lassie put these in the sink."

He growled softly at her but walked away all the same once he reached the sink he set the plates down earning him a smile from Maddie. He grinned back and walked to the table to get another plate. Just as he reached down to retrieve it a chill rippled down his spine and a moment later four ghost phased through the ceiling. One he knew instantly while the other three he wasn't so sure. Skulker took aim with an oddly shaped gun, but not at Tyler like he would have thought, the boy followed the ghosts' eyes and found he was aiming at Jazz.

"No," Ty shouted. Time seemed to slow down as he dived through the air and just as Skulker fired Ty knocked into Jazz causing them both to tumble into the next room. Ty desperately tried to stop his spinning vision and as he looked up the three ghostly vultures swooped towards him.

But Maddie intervened shooting the three with an ecto blaster she pulled out of her belt. As she turned to take aim on Skulker the large robotic ghost blasted her with a pink ray of energy. The redheaded woman crashed into the couch before falling to the floor unconscious.

"C'mon Jazz," Ty cried pulling the girl to her feet. The two teens dashed for the stairs only for Skulker to appear in their path dark and menacing. The two backpedaled clutching each other tightly their eyes wide with fright.

Tyler felt a searing pain cut into his shoulder and he looked up to see a ghost bird gripping him with its sharp talons. It grinned at him and yanked hard while flapping its wings; Ty was ripped away from Jazz and thrown into the stairs where he smashed his braced arm into the wooden banister. He yelped loudly and desperately tried to rise to his feet knowing he had to get to Jazz. But as he tried to stand his legs failed him and he fell back to the ground.

Ty lifted his head weakly only to come face to face with Skulker who grinned at seeing the boys' eyes fill with fear. He gripped Tyler by the collar of his jacket and lifted him up, "let's see if you can rescue your little girlfriend ghost child." He said menacingly before tossing Ty into the next room.

The teen crashed down beside the unmoving Maddie, cradling his hurt arm as more pain shot through it. He distantly heard Jazz shout his name before all was silent, "no Jazz." He whispered brokenly as he knew he'd failed the girl he loved.

"Tyler are you alright," a soft voice questioned pulling Ty back to the present. He looked up into the face of Vlad Masters; the tall man was watching him with obvious concern.

Ty shook his head before dropping it into his hands, "they took Jazz Mr. Masters and I couldn't do anything to stop them." The teen felt a hand on his shoulder but didn't bother to look up.

"There's nothing you could have done my boy," Vlad consoled. Although on the inside he was grinning maliciously as he knew his plan was working swimmingly.

Ty shook his head miserably, "no I could have done something." Mentally he added, If only I could use my Shadow half then I could have saved her. But maybe I still can. Tyler looked up a fire burning in his eyes. He had failed Jazz but maybe he could save her again but he would need a little help.

In one swift motion Ty leapt to his feet noticing that Vlad was no longer standing beside him he was actually no longer in the room. Looking around he noticed that Danny wasn't either; Jack was still crouched beside his wife her head positioned lightly in his lap. "It's okay Maddie everything's okay," the large man said unnaturally quiet. Tyler watched him sadly before walking into the kitchen but froze at the top of the stairs as he heard voices drifting up from the lab.

He crept stealthily down the stairs and stopped hidden in the shadows. How fitting, he thought cynically peeking out of the darkness and into the lab. He saw Danny his arms crossed with his baby blue eyes narrowed angrily. Vlad was standing with his back to Ty but if he could see his face he would notice the man had on a calm smirk as his eyes danced with wickedness.

"Don't play innocent with me Vlad," Danny growled his fists clenching. "I know you know where Jazz is so tell me."

Vlad crossed his arms over his broad chest rather enjoying the teens' flustered air. "How would I know Daniel," he asked coolly. "I was in the lab with you and your father the whole time you saw me." Tyler cocked his head confused it sounded like the two were arch enemy's or something. Suddenly Vlad leaned forward and whispered low enough to where only Danny could hear him, "be careful what you say Daniel you and I aren't the only ones listening."

Danny's eyes widened as he understood what the man was saying he chose his next sentence carefully. "So you don't know who took Jazz?"

Vlad shook his head sadly, "no my boy I don't but blaming me will get us nowhere." Tyler nodded at his sensibility even though Danny had blamed him for his sister's disappearance the man had kept his cool and was obviously looking for a solution.

"So what do you suggest I do," Danny asked grudgingly.

Tyler took that as his clue to show himself which he did, "I can help with that." The two occupants looked up at the sound of his voice neither looking that surprised. Ty wondered about that but pushed the information to the back of his mind; right now he needed to focus on finding Jazz.

"How," Danny demanded.

Ty ignored his abrasive tone and turned to the abandoned Fenton Finder 2 on the counter, "sometimes it pays to use your brain." Ty reported earning a quiet chuckle from Vlad, "I figure we can just punch in whatever it is that can track ghosts and we'll find the ghost that took Jazz."

Danny rolled his eyes, "you mean their ecto signature." The boy's glared at each other each annoyed to no lengths with the other.

"Okay whatever," Ty sighed putting his priorities first. "What's important is that we find Jazz before anything happens to her."

"V-Man," Jack's excited voice traveled from upstairs. "Maddie's waking up!"

Vlad turned to the stairs but before he walked up them he looked back to the two half ghosts, "be careful boys. And bring Jasmine back safely I will keep your parents preoccupied." With that he was gone a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Well we better get started," Ty said holding the Fenton Finder at arms length as he examined it. But a thought suddenly occurred to him, he and Danny wouldn't stand a chance against Skulker and those ghost birds. But maybe if Tyler could change into Shade he might be able to rescue her. Only he was sure Danny wouldn't let him go alone and he couldn't change in front of him, if he even managed to change that is.

"Wait," Danny said holding up a hand. "I don't think we can take on the ghosts alone."

"So what do you propose," Ty asked listening intently.

"We get help."

Tyler arched an eyebrow at the dark haired teen's serious air, "from who?"

Danny shrugged nonchalantly, "I know a guy."

Ty eyed him warily but help was help and they seriously needed it, "alright bring him in."

"You'll need to leave he's a little sketchy around strangers." After a moment he added, "He will meet you outside."

Tyler shrugged and walked back up the stairs his mind working on overdrive; he needed to be in his shadow form to combat Skulker. But he didn't want Danny to know what he was or his mysterious helper, Ty sighed and ran a hand through his hair. I hope Jazz is okay…but Skulker said that he wanted me to rescue her so he wouldn't hurt her right? He shook his head tiredly and glanced at a nearby clock it read: 7:18 p.m. And tomorrow is a school day, wonderful, he thought sourly.

Ty walked into the living room to see Jack standing protectively beside Maddie who was on the couch drinking a glass of tea. She looked a little shaken up but all around she was okay, Vlad stood on her other side also looking extremely protective. Ty figured it was because they were such good friends. He kept his mouth shut and was able to sneak past them without their knowing and slip out the door. What he saw startled him; Danny Phantom floated at the bottom of the stoop his arms crossed over his chest and his emerald eyes blazing.

"You're the guy," Ty blurted unable to control himself. He found it hard to believe that Danny personally knew a ghost when his own parents had sworn to destroy them. Especially not ghost enemy number 1.

Phantom nodded but kept silent. "Isn't Danny coming with us," Ty questioned.

"No he's staying behind to help Vlad," Phantom spit the name out as if it burned his tongue. Ty tilted his head about to ask another question when Phantom pulled a large bazooka out from behind his back and tossed it into Tyler's face. "Fenton said for you to use this," the ghost explained ignoring the boy's death glare.

"How do you two know each other," Tyler pressed. "His parents hunt you on a daily basis why would you hang out with him?"

Phantom narrowed his eyes and said quite forcefully, "if you want my help I suggest you stop with the questions."

Tyler met his glare but decided Jazz came first, "alright Phantom." Grumbling angrily to himself Ty whipped the Fenton Finder out and stared at it intently, he didn't bother to ask Phantom for his help thinking how would a ghost know how to work a ghost hunting device? He pressed a button and the screen filled with a list of names Ty trailed through the list mumbling random names, "Spectra…Youngblood…Ember…wait Ember McLain's a ghost!?"

He heard Phantom chuckle but didn't bother to look up at him; eventually he came to the name he'd been looking for. "Ah-ha here we come Skulker," Tyler said triumphantly clicking the ghost's name. The Fenton Finder's screen lit up and the robotic voice spoke up as an arrow appeared on the screen.

"Skulker is approximately four miles southwest from your current position," it informed. Ty looked up to see Phantom floating higher into the air.

"Hey," Ty shouted waving his hands in the air, "what about me I am so not walking there." Even from his place on the ground he could see the spirit roll his eyes before floating back to the ground where he grabbed Ty under the arms and lifted him into the sky.

Don't worry Jazz we're coming and this time I won't fail you, Ty thought as the wind ruffled his hair.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Jazz glared furiously at Skulker from her place tied to a chair in some sort of abandoned train station. She shifted uncomfortably as the ropes cut into her wrists and ankles and glanced anxiously at two of the ghost vultures that were snoozing quietly on a couple boxes to her right. Skulker also wasn't watching her as he had a pair of robotic binoculars up to his face and Jazz wondered just what the heck he was looking for.

She pulled at the ropes that bound her hands hoping to find a way to pull her hands free. "Don't bother human," Skulker's loud voice rumbled his back still facing Jazz. "Even if you managed to free yourself you wouldn't get far."

Jazz's glare intensified, "you just wait when my brother gets here he's going to kick you butt," she practically snarled each word.

Skulker lowered his binoculars a feral grin sliding across his face, "oh I'm sure he will come and hopefully he won't come alone."

Jazz narrowed her eyes her mind working suddenly she gasped her face displaying pure horror, "Ty," she whispered her voice barely audible. She looked up anger flowing into her gaze, "you want Ty to come don't you?"

The hunter ghost nodding approvingly, "quick witted are you sure you and the whelp are related?" Jazz glowered at him seriously wishing she had her hands free so she could get in a good punch. "And yes you are correctI have a score to settle with him and your brother's pelt will be a bonus."

"You're wrong," the girl argued. "You haven't beaten Danny before and you won't do it now."

"That's where you're wrong foolish girl," Skulker said holding up a small device shaped somewhat like a football post. It was glowing green and Jazz could just make out two words on the side, 'Plasmius Maximus'.

Jazz gasped once more instantly knowing the nature of the device before her, "there's no way your plan will work." She countered not wanting to believe that her brother was in trouble the moment he stepped in the building and she had a feeling Skulker would know exactly when he did.

Skulker rolled his eyes and covered her mouth with a glob of green goop, "we'll just see about that won't we," he said leering. Before turning his back on the girl who struggled harder against her bonds she knew that Ty and Danny were in trouble all because of her.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

"You have arrived at 'Skulker's' location thank you for using the Fenton Finder 2 and have a fudge filled day," the robotic voice said, as Phantom and Ty floated above an abandoned train station on the edge of Amity Park.

"This is it," Tyler said rather unnecessarily once Phantom dropped him back on the ground.

"Really I didn't notice," Phantom said dryly inspecting the rundown building before them.

Ty rolled his eyes checking the device one more time it showed a green dot in the farthest corner of the building along with three other red dots. "It looks like Skulker and the vultures are somewhere in the back," he said thoughtfully. Unfortunately he wasn't looking where he was going and as he stepped forward he tripped on a piece of wood and stumbled dropping the Fenton Finder to the ground where it burst into pieces.

"Smooth," Phantom commented peeking over the blonde haired boys' shoulder. "Now we won't know where they're at until they jump us," the ghost said matter-of-factly.

Tyler glanced from the shattered Fenton device and then to Phantom, his mouth hanging open he wasn't sure if he should be angry at the comment or embarrassed. I can't believe I just did that, he thought in disbelief. "My bad," Ty said weakly giving a tiny shrug, "I hope Danny's dad doesn't mind he seemed really excited about it."

Phantom shook his head muttering something inaudible before raising his voice, "well we can't just stand around here. Follow me," he jerked his head in the direction of the building and floated forward. After a moments hesitation Ty followed looking worriedly over his shoulder.

The two walked into the rundown station and froze. If the outside wasn't creepy enough the inside definitely did it, it was as if someone had set up an extremely convincing haunted house inside of the building. Complete with spider webs, broken ceiling and walls, and even a few rats scuttling across the floor. Tyler shivered uneasily his breath billowing in front of him, "is this place scary or is it just me?" He whispered softly to the spirit beside him.

"It's creepy," Phantom answered curtly gazing around the supposedly empty building.

Ty felt the sudden urge to cup his hands over his mouth and shout "echo," at the top of his lungs but didn't dare. Somewhere in the building were several dangerous ghosts and he didn't want to take the chance of them finding him.

Phantom turned to Tyler a serious expression on his face, "we need to split up." He said and before Ty could object he continued, "this building is way to big to stick together." Mentally he added, and I'll be able to find Skulker before Ty so there's no chance of him being hurt.

Before Tyler could so much as open his mouth Danny turned invisible and slipped through the wall. Ty stared after him growling under his breath softly, "just perfect." He shouldered the extremely large ecto-cannon and walked cautiously through a broken and cracked doorway.

He nearly tripped over a large rotting board lying across the floor and just barely managed to step over it. As he walked through the broken down room he heard squeaks and bumps coming from all around him, Tyler looked down and identified it as his boots creaking on the wooden floors. He rolled his shoulders trying to shake away his nervousness, this place was beyond creepy. He looked down once more and nearly screamed in fear, crawling over his boots and up his legs were tons of small beetle-like bugs.

Ty bit the inside of his cheek and jumped up and down desperately shaking his legs he hopped wildly over to the wall to regain his balance and shook his legs out more. Once the last bug fell away he sagged against the wall his chest rising and falling rapidly. He hate, hate, hated bugs. Ever since he was a little kid he'd been petrified of them. He wasn't even able to watch A Bug's Life in 5th grade, Ty shivered at the memory. "Damn bugs," he said his voice wavering a bit.

"Jazz better thank me for this," he muttered trying to calm his shaken nerves.

A loud crash pulled Ty from his thoughts and he jumped holding the bazooka out in front of him. He barely caught a glimpse of a flash of green feathers and, squeezing his eyes shut, he fired the gun randomly nearly falling over from the kick he received. Tyler heard a loud squawking noise and cracked his eyes open, lying on the ground a few feet away was a ghost vulture.

Ty dashed to the dazed bird's side a triumphant smile on his face; I can't believe I actually hit him! He aimed the weapon at the buzzard, which was rubbing his head and muttering in a strange language. "Where's Jazz," Ty said threateningly his eyes narrowed.

"Oih, kidz today no respect for their elders," the vulture grunted straightening his fez.

Ty poked the ghost bird with his gun, "if you want to keep the rest of your feathers attached I suggest you answer my question."

The bird cowered his small form shaking slightly, "the girl is five rooms back and to the right." Ty nodded and before the bird could move he thwacked him over the head with the bazooka successfully knocking him out.

"Thanks," he said and started in the direction the vulture had indicated. Moving slowly he had a feeling that Jazz wouldn't be alone. Exactly five rooms back Ty began to hear voices and slowed even more so he was creeping stealthily through the darkened hallways. He came to a doorway where a small light could be seen, the teen peeked around the corner and gasped.

The first thing he saw was Jazz, she was tied roughly to an old wooden chair thick ropes wrapped around her wrists and ankles and her mouth was covered by a glob of green goop. Floating above her were the other two ghost buzzards and surprisingly they looked alert. He felt rage rise up in him when he saw pain cross Jazz's face from the tightness of the ropes. But what shocked him the most was the appearance of a certain raven-haired teenager.

Tyler gasped, Danny was standing in the middle of the room his hair sticking up as if he'd just been shocked by a good amount of electricity. He had a shocked and pained expression and he looked like he wanted to get to his sister but Skulker was blocking his way a menacing glare on his face.

The hunter ghost reached forward and grabbed Danny roughly by the collar of his shirt, "not so powerful now are you whelp?" Skulker taunted as Danny struggled futilely in his grip.

"Let me go," Danny growled grasping the hunter's metallic hands.

"Oh don't worry my employer told me not to harm you," Skulker assured the boy. Before he threw him onto another rusty chair and tied his hands behind his back, "now tell me where the other boy is." Danny's eyes widened but he kept his mouth firmly shut, "I know he is here so it would be wise to answer me." Again Danny's mouth remained closed and Skulker pulled his arm back and clubbed the teen roughly in the side of the head.

Ty pulled back his breathing amplified how had Danny even gotten here? He was supposed to stay at the house, and where was Phantom? Tyler pushed the thoughts from his mind right now they didn't matter he would worry about that later. Right now he needed to somehow get Danny and Jazz out of there but how?

He looked down at the gun in his hands and made an 'oh' face. I guess I could use this…duh, he got the gun ready and taking one more deep breath stepped out of his hiding place. "Hey ugly leave him alone," Tyler shouted.

Skulker looked up a grin spreading across his face, "the triumphant hero to the rescue."

"Tyler get out of here you need to mm-" Danny started but Skulker blasted another ecto-gag over his mouth. Skulker then motioned with his arm and the two vultures swooped towards Ty their sharp talons flashing in the dim light.

Ty raised the gun and fired wildly but his shots were almost as bad as Jack Fenton's and each shot missed by miles, figuratively speaking of course. "Ahh," Ty yelled and dove to the side just barely dodging both vultures' attacks. He rolled head over heals but as he came back to his feet the gun flew from his grasp sliding across the floor to come to a stop at Skulker's feet.

"Oh crap," Ty muttered his eyes glued on the gun. Skulker's grin widened even more if possible and he bent down and grabbed the bazooka cradling it in his oversized hands. Tyler clenched his fists about to throw himself at the hunter ghost when he felt pain shoot up his arms as the buzzards grabbed him in their razor sharp claws.

The boy hissed in pain and struggled against the birds grip but they responded by lifting him into the air, Tyler growled and tried to kick at the birds. They chuckled at his attempts and as one threw him through the air and into the wall where he smacked painfully into it and fell to the floor knocking the breath from his body. He gasped for breath feeling knew pain rush through his chest to mix with his throbbing wrist but he forced it away and struggled to his feet.

Ty looked up tears stinging his vision and saw Jazz watching him her eyes also glistening, "I'm sorry," he mouthed not having the breath to speak out loud. Skulker stepped into his line of vision flanked by the ghost vultures, "nice try whelp but it looks like you failed." The hunter taunted and they buzzards cackled along with him.

"Listen," Ty gasped still trying to regain his breath, "you can have me just let them go." He knew it sounded a tiny bit corny but he didn't care all he wanted was for Jazz to get away and of course Danny.

Skulker opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the appearance of a new ghost this one Ty recognized immediately and his mouth gaped open. There was no mistaking the pale blue face and pointed teeth belonging to the ghost he saw talking to Skulker in the ghost zone. But him being here couldn't be a good thing could it? He had been working with Skulker at one point, Tyler shrunk away from the caped ghost, until his back hit the wall. He stared up at the powerful ghost feeling more helpless than a cornered rat.

"Plasmius! What are you doing here?" Skulker exclaimed looking shocked.

"Plasmius" glared at the hunter ghost and bared his fangs, "you know why I am here," he growled.

Skulker sneered, "You think you can stop me?"

The caped ghost smirked calmly raising his gloved hands that were now glowing a fierce magenta color, "I know I can." The two ghost buzzards struck first flying head on at Plasmius who, moving with amazing speed and agility, flipped out of their path while simultaneously blasting the birds with two pink bursts of energy. They squawked in pain as they were sent careening out of the building, but Plasmius didn't pause to celebrate his sights already set on Skulker.

Skulker fired blast after blast at Plasmius and each time he either dodged or phased through the attacks. Before Tyler could even register what happened Plasmius blasted Skulker out of the building as well as the hunter vowed, "I'll be back."

Plasmius turned to Tyler not even out of breath, "Are you alright?"

Tyler blinked several times not understanding a lick of what was going on, Plasmius was supposed to be the bad guy. If so then why had he helped him? The blonde haired teen nodded his head numbly not able to find his voice.

Plasmius nodded and moved over to Jazz and Danny, keeping his back facing Ty so the boy couldn't see what he was doing he reached towards the bound teenager's heads and phased his hand through. Instantly their struggles ceased and they fell into a deep slumber. "You're friends are fine," he said to Tyler who was still staring at him confused. "They seem to have passed out from the shock but I think they'll be okay."

Tyler swallowed several times before saying, "why did you help us?"

The well muscled ghost turned around his face emotionless, "Skulker should know I don't allow children to be harmed." Ty found that hard to believe not only because the first time he saw him, the ghost was going to let Skulker beat him to a pulp and because there was just something sinister about him.

"Right and you just expect me to believe that," Ty asked incredulously his arms crossing over his chest.

Plasmius gave the barest hint of grin before delving back into his Good Samaritan façade, "yes I do."

Well there's logic for ya, Ty thought annoyed. But he did help us and I should know better than to judge someone…or a ghost by their appearance. I guess I'll trust him for now but if so much as laughs evilly I am sucking him into the thermos.

"Okay then," Tyler said pushing himself away from the wall. He scurried past Plasmius and crouched by Jazz's side, reaching up a tentative hand he checked her pulse. It was there and he sighed thankful to be so close to her again. "It's alright Jazz you're safe now," he whispered.

Ty came around behind Jazz and struggled to untie the thick rope that bound her wrists but he soon found that they were too tight. He glanced up and saw that Plasmius was watching him but he really didn't care, the boy clenched his eyes shut and gripped the rope with his hands. After a moment of intense concentration it became intangible and Jazz's hands slipped through the rope. He repeated the process with her feet and then Danny once he was done he released a heavy sigh. That had been harder than he thought it was going to be.

"You know you could have helped," the boy panted.

Plasmius's lips quirked into a grin and he said, "Yes I could have." Ty scowled at the ghost across from him but decided not to push it.

"So Plasmius how do you propose I get these two home?"

The ghost smirked, "like this," and amazingly he split himself in two. Ty stared wide eyed at the two Plasmius's floating above him until his lips also curved upward into a small grin.

"Ok I have to admit that is kind of cool," the boy said as he pulled Jazz into his arms carrying her bridal style. One of the Plasmius's did the same with Danny while the other picked up Ty. Once everyone was situated they took to the sky and after a few minutes of fast flying FentonWorks came into view.

Plasmius set them down on the doorstep and merged himself back into one, "I'm afraid this is where I leave you. I would rather not go into the home belonging to ghost hunters."

Tyler turned to him, "I know how you feel believe me." The ghost nodded grimly and reached forward pressing the doorbell.

"I hope we meet again Tyler," Plasmius said then he faded from sight. Ty stared at the spot he'd been standing in, slightly disappointed. Sure the ghost seemed a little evil and annoying but he had saved his and the Fenton siblings lives. So far he really hadn't done anything evil, and everyone deserved the benefit of the doubt right? He was pulled from his musings by the sound of the door flinging open and a loud gasp.

Maddie stood her hand over her mouth, "Tyler," she breathed happy tears welling up in her eyes.

"I found Jazz and Danny," Tyler explained suddenly feeling awkward.

Before he could move Maddie leapt forward and grabbed him in a bone crushing hug nearly causing him to drop Jazz in the process. "You brought my babies home," Maddie sobbed into his shoulder. Tyler stood in her embrace, frozen not knowing what to do. "Thank you Tyler thank you I thought I'd never see them again."

Now he really didn't know what to do. Should he tell her that it was thanks to a ghost that they were safe? Or should he take the credit for it, he didn't know what he should say. Eventually he decided, "It is okay Mrs. Fenton they're fine." The woman released him a wobbly smile gracing her lips, Ty gave her a small smile in return and scooted past her and into the living room.

Jack and Vlad were already there, and when they saw Ty enter followed by Maddie with the still sleeping Danny they jumped to their feet. Ty sat Jazz down gently on the couch and as he was standing back up he found himself in another bone crushing hug. "Way to go Tyler," Jack boomed his loud voice almost hurting the boys' ears.

"Mr. Fenton," Tyler rasped his ribs cracking, "could you please let go I can't breathe."

The large man released him with an embarrassed chuckle, "sorry." Ty waved the man off taking several deep breathes to re-inflate his lungs. Next Vlad came up and clapped the boy on the shoulder an approving glint in his eyes.

"I see your mission was a success," Vlad said his gaze locking onto Tyler's.

The boy shrugged tiredly his eyes still on Mr. and Mrs. Fenton as they crouched beside their two children. He wanted to join them but something held him back and it wasn't only Mr. Masters arm. "What happened exactly," Vlad questioned as he steered the boy out of the room.

Will sighed quietly this day had been extremely too long and his nerves were still buzzing but he knew Vlad deserved to know what went on. So using as little detail as possible he explained what happened leaving out the part where he believed that Plasmius wasn't as evil as he first thought. Once he was finished with the tale he looked up with a questioning expression, "how did Danny get there anyway? I thought he said he was staying here."

Vlad shook his head slowly, "he did stay for a while but when you did not return he told me he was going after you. I suppose the ghosts found him before he found you."

Tyler nodded, that made sense he had left one of the ghost vultures alone. Maybe when it woke up it found Danny and brought him before Skulker, Ty had to admit the kid was brave. "So you said a ghost named 'Plasmius' saved you," Vlad suddenly questioned as he rattled around in the cupboards for a glass to pour some juice into.

Ty sat down heavily in a chair his head falling into his hands, "yeah he came just at the right moment. But he wasn't evil or anything I think he was trying to help for whatever the reason." Tyler missed the delighted grin that spread across Vlad's face, oh yes his plan was working indeed. Just as he knew it would, he had been manipulating people for years and was a pro at it by now.

"Not all ghosts are evil," Vlad said setting the glass down in front of the boy. "Most are yes but some just want to be left alone."

"Like Phantom?"

Mr. Masters seemed to think about it before saying thoughtfully, "well he certainly is a mystery. In my opinion he is neither good nor evil but does what he does for personal gain."

That didn't make any sense to Tyler but he was really too tired to care, he took a few sips of juice before setting the glass down. "I'm just wondering where he went, he was there we went in together and then he just disappeared…and not that kind of disappear either."

Vlad rubbed his goatee, "maybe he was working with Skulker." He saw Ty stiffen and forged on knowing he had him right where he wanted him, "you did say Skulker mentioned an employer. And it would explain why he just disappeared."

Tyler shook his head stubbornly, Phantom wouldn't do that he's supposed to be the good guy right? He wouldn't be working with Skulker especially after he saved me from the hunter not too long ago. But why did Phantom suggest we split up? Was it just so he could get me alone and leave me for his little minions to deal with? It would make sense. "But why would he go to all that trouble if he was the employer why didn't he just waste me when he had the chance?"

"I don't know my boy, but I think all the facts point to Phantom." Vlad said regretfully shaking his head.

Ty stared down at the table his sluggish mind working on overdrive he had no response to what the man had said. And what he found most shocking was he felt himself believing what he was saying but he couldn't find the words to argue.

Vlad stared at the boy triumphantly; the seeds of doubt have been planted, he thought knowing he was one step closer to success.

Author's Note: Whoa Vlad is a jerk! Don't you agree? I think I made this one long again, I am trying to do that one: because it is fun. And two: because I think long chapters are better than short ones. You like am I still on the right track with the story? Is Tyler likeable? Well I don't know these answers what are you waiting for review!