Spy Guy:Don't ask what this is about or what brought this on. I was just venting, and thought maybe I should post it. Heh...it's not my best.
This is AU...really weird AU. It probably isn't going to make much sense, but...eh.
Thoughts, dreams and flash backs are in intalic bold
Demon speak is in italic.
disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom.
They were here. Hundreds of them, flitting around the house, zooming across the walls. The boy sat, listening to them as they hissed in their fowl language, one that he could understand very well…
One he had known since birth…
"Wait until darkness…"
"Be quiet…"
"The boy is still here…"
"There's something in the attic…"
"The old man is asleep…the curtains are drawn…"
"Something's wrong…"
"Where are the others…"
The boy shifted slightly, his eyes following a single dark streak that flew down the wallpaper. It paused a moment, turning yellow eyes to its watcher.
"He sees me…" It hissed, dashing across the floor, into the kitchen.
"He can see us…
"And hear us…"
"He's come to kill us…"
The boy sighed, setting a mug down on a marble coffee table. He smiled weakly as he turned to an elderly woman across from him.
"Ma'am, they seem weak enough. You're lucky you called me when you did. They seem to be after you and your husband."
The woman let out a small sigh before replying,
"Mr. Fenton, I've known that for some time. Can you really understand what they're saying?"
"Yes." The boy nodded. "When was the last time you were in the attic?"
The woman cocked her head, surprised by the sudden question.
"Years ago." She replied. "Mr. Fenton, why does that matter?"
"They're afraid to go up there." Fenton continued. "Something's up there. Whether it's an artifact to ward them off, or something more dangerous, is still unknown. I'm going to have to go up and see."
The old woman nodded, slowly getting to her feet.
"The stairs are right over there." She said, pointing to the end of a darkened hall. Fenton narrowed his eyes as he stared forward, seeing a mass of the creatures bustling below a panel in the ceiling.
"Wish me luck." The boy grinned, heading into the dark. The strange creatures swam around him whispering.
He ignored them, reaching up to grab the cord on the panel. He pulled it, bringing the stairs down onto the ground. Instantly the shadows flew away, staring at him fearfully from the living room. A loud breathing reached Fenton's ears as he stood at the mouth.
There was something big up there.
The boy slowly walked up the steps, talking a flashlight out of his belt. It went on with a click, illuminating boxes stacked to the low ceiling. Fenton spun the beam of light around in an arc, his ears listening for a voice…
Then it came.
"Daniel…"
The boy jumped at hearing his first name, looking around.
"Daniel…" It said again.
"Where are you?" Fenton demanded. He couldn't help but give a yelp as a shadowy tendril wrapped around his arm.
"Waiting…" The creature hissed. Daniel felt nearly suffocated by the aura this thing gave off. It was pure evil…
"I've been waiting for you little hunter…" The shadow continued. "Been hearing so much about you…"
Daniel gagged as fingers ran up his chest before encircling his throat, and tightening.
Why wasn't he doing anything?
This thing would kill him!
"Scream little hunter." The creature laughed cruelly. "You make my kind scream everyday."
"Your kind hurts innocents!" The boy snarled. "You deserve to be exterminated like the filth you are!"
A fist rammed into Daniel's gut, knocking the breath from his lungs.
"You're not even of any proper lineage." The thing spat. "You're just a freak trying to make something of yourself. That demon at your birth had some sick idea of a joke."
"Shut up…" The boy rasped. Bright white light gathered around his hand, illuminating the attic. The shadow let go, hissing angrily, and backing against the wall. Daniel fell to the ground, catching his breath. The creature watched him warily, malice reflected in his gaze. The boy got to his feet, the light gathering between his hands, illuminating the angered look on his face. Daniel's blue eyes shone red as he locked onto his target, throwing a blast at it. The demon let out a great hiss as the attack sideswiped him, hitting a cluster of boxes and sending them crashing to the ground. The boy searched around the room, his ears straining for any sound. A hiss slithered from behind, and the boy turned, only to have the shadow hit him head on, forcing him against a wall. Daniel's head connected with wood, sending a loud crack through the room.
"Foolish hunter." The shadow sneered. "Think you can do anything to us? You're wrong…"
The boy whimpered slightly as large black hands took hold of his head, the claws digging into his tender scalp.
"Make them go away!"
A tiny voice cried out in his head, begging, pleading.
He knew it was his own.
Images of him cowering in his room as shadowy serpents glided about his walls, flooded back to him. They spoke of his death, talked about how they would do it. No one else could see them. No one.
"Mommy. They're going to hurt me!"
"Danny. There's nothing in here—"
"Yes there is! There's one right there! It's going to kill me!"
"Let go of me!" Daniel hissed, pushing against his attacker's hold. White danced about his hands as he took hold of the creature's arms. It screamed in pain, letting go of the boy.
But Daniel didn't do the same.
"Leave!" The boy demanded. "Killing you would have repercussions. We both know that. But I will. I will kill you."
"Let go of me, wretch!" The shadow shrieked.
"No! I'm supposed to follow rules, just like you. If you won't, I won't either."
The boy's prey struggled for a few more moments, before nodding.
"I suppose I'm lucky you're a wise hunter." He said, backing into the shadows. "I would like no better than to kill you, little hunter. But I suppose I can refrain. To a time and place more suited for a battle, right?"
"I guess." The boy snarled. "Just get out of here."
"Of course hunter. As you wish. But a time will come when you fall before me. Perhaps your high morals are your weakness."
Daniel simply stood there, his eyes fading to normal. A calm enveloped the room…and the demon was gone.
"I might have a concussion." The boy groaned as he reached a hand to gingerly touch his head, before walking slowly down the stairs.
The old woman was still in the living room, her hands wringing nervously as she watched him.
"Is it gone?" She asked.
Daniel nodded.
"There was something big up there." He smiled weakly. "Can I have some aspirin or something? My head kinda hurts."
The woman nodded, heading for the kitchen. Daniel took a seat on the couch, watching as a curious shadow slinked across the floor.
"Little hunter…" It whispered.
"I wish you guys would stop calling me that…" The boy murmured. "Considering that you'll be dead in a few moments."
The thing whimpered, skittering to a shadowy corner, watching with fearful eyes.
"Here you go." The woman said handing the boy a white pill and a glass of water.
"Yes." He said, swallowing it and taking a gulp from the cup. "Thank you."
"Thank you, Mr. Fenton." The woman smiled, sitting down ,still seeming nervous.
After a long pause, she turned to the boy once more.
"What was up there? I was scared when I started hearing all the noise."
"It was a wraith." Daniel replied, setting the water down on a pink coaster, his face grave and serious. "Pretty nasty things. They hide out in dark places like attics or basements. Most homes have imps in them, but the presence of a wraith both attracts and aggravates them. That's why there's so many here. But the wraith is gone…and the imps are next."
Daniel turned his gaze to a cluster huddled against the wall.
"This'll take a second."
The boy clasped his hands together, allowing the white to form around them. It grew, spreading through the home, reaching every room.
He could hear them screaming.
He hated the sound. They sounded like little children, crying out.
But it had to be done.
"They're gone." Daniel said, sighing heavily. "If you have any more problems, call me. I'll come out. No charge."
"Thank you." The woman said.
The boy nodded, and took a cell phone from his pocket. His fingers punched the number pad, before pressing send. He reached the device up to his ear, and waited.
"Pick me up." Daniel said harshly.
The woman shifted uncomfortably.
"Do you need me to drive you home?" She asked.
"No." The boy replied, a smile gracing his lips as he put the phone away. "He's nearby."
"Alright."
Daniel waved as a black car drove to the curb.
"I hope I don't have to come here again." He laughed, leaving the house. "But if I do, you know the number."
The woman nodded, watching as Daniel opened up the back door to the car. The voice of a man thundered from inside, and the boy drew back slightly..
"Get in Daniel! Get in now!"
"Fine!" The boy snapped, taking a seat in the back. He shut the door…and the car drove away.
"I'm going to be late for my meeting." The man driving grumbled. "You should've been faster. It was just a couple of imps. It would take a few seconds."
"Like you would know, Vlad." Daniel spat. "Last time I checked, you couldn't even see them."
"Silence, Daniel." The driver snarled. "I don't want to hear it."
"There was a wraith too." The boy said.
Vlad feel to silence.
"A wraith?" The man asked after a while, the tone of his voice changing.
"Daniel, are you alright? Did it hurt you at all? Do I need to take you home?"
"My head hurts a little." Daniel replied. "But I can handle it. You just go to your precious meeting."
"Daniel, I'm sorry I was so harsh. I didn't realize it was a wraith. You should've told me."
"You didn't give me the chance."
"I'm sorry." The man apologized. "I'll drop you off at the house first, alright?"
The boy nodded slowly, staring out the window.
How long had he been doing this?
Four years...wasn't it?
Four years of going into stranger's houses, listening to the wails of the imps, beating back wraiths, being exploited by juggernauts.
Four whole years.
Daniel sighed, looking to the driver.
"Did you ever meet my parents?" He asked, cautiously.
"No." Vlad replied, his voice calmer now…somewhat sympathetic. "The warden said that they didn't want to see you being held there. I can slightly understand. If only everyone was as open minded as us."
"I want to find them." The boy continued. "I want to tell them that I'm not crazy. There was a juggernaut in their home. I remember it. I want to find them, and get rid of it. Hopefully it hasn't already sucked them dry."
"A juggernaut?" Vlad asked.
"Yes." Daniel sighed, reaching a hand up to his neck, fingering a red scar.
"Juggernauts are not to be messed with. I'll go to the institute after the meeting and get their address from the warden. Do you wish to come?" Vlad asked.
"No." The boy replied. "I don't miss that place at all. The food was bad."
Vlad chuckled softly, pulling into a long driveway.
"You'll be ok?" He asked, stopping before a large oak door.
"Yes, Vlad." Daniel replied. "I think I can handle being alone."
"I'll be back around dinnertime. Make something good for once."
With that, Vlad drove off, leaving the boy on the porch. Daniel grinned, turning the handle, and walking inside the dark home. His ears perked up as a rustling caught his attention.
"Maddie?" He asked, looking around for the familiar white cat.
Nothing.
"Maddie, come here kitty. Come on."
Daniel walked into the parlor, touching a hand to the cat's favorite red chair.
It was cold.
"Maddie. I have some treats. Here kitty."
"Oh yes…a treat for sure…"
The boy felt a familiar oppressiveness grip the room as he stood still, searching for the source of the voice. Suddenly imps were everywhere, on the walls, the ceiling, the floor, their tiny hands grabbing at his clothes. Daniel saw a shadow seep out from under the couch, a cloak swirling around its frame. Yellow eyes glared out at the boy as thick claws emerged from the recesses of the black fabric. Its gaze paralyzed him.
"I love hunters…" It said, gliding closer. Daniel whimpered, helpless as the creature took his arm, and led him over to the couch.
It was a juggernaut.
"Please…I have to…" the boy struggled to say, before his attacker shushed him.
"What? Keep your strength up for later?" The thing asked. "I think you need to rest for a while."
The boy cursed silently for letting this thing take him by surprise. He groaned as the juggernaut leaned close to his body, the hood falling over his head. Something cold pressed against his neck, pushing down into his skin.
"Please…" Daniel begged as the creature began sucking. The cloak consumed the boy as he sat, helpless to stop the creature who was weakening him. The area began to numb, but the strange sensation still lingered. He hoped it would stop. The rules said that they had to stop. They had to.
Eventually the pain subsided, and the juggernaut drew back, allowing Daniel to slump on the couch.
"That was very good." The creature said, getting up. "You've gotten more delicious, little hunter."
"Get out of here." Daniel hissed. "Now."
"Alright. My feast is done. You take care now…" The juggernaut got to its feet, gliding across the floor. The imps seemed to follow it in a procession, as it made its slow way to the door. They boy watched it, holding a hand to his neck.
All blood was gone from the area, leaving only the familiar red scar that had been there for years. A meow broke through the silence, as Maddie the cat crawled out from under the cushion of her chair. The boy smiled as his only friend jumped onto the couch, and rubbed against his weak body.
"You were smart to hide." Daniel whispered. "I don't know what I'd do if he killed you."
The door creaked open, and then slammed shut, relieving the house of the feeling of doom.
"I hate him, Maddie." The boy said. "He needs to find someone else to target. I wish I could kill him."
The cat purred softly, her head wandering to the mark. Daniel laughed as his friend's rough tongue ran over it.
"Maddie. That isn't helping. It'll get infected."
Grasping the back of the couch, the boy managed to pull himself into a sitting position. His eyes locked onto an umbrella stand sitting by the door. Inside was a wooden cane, a leather strap attached to it.
"Maddie. Get my walkie. Come on Maddie." Daniel urged, pointing in the direction with his finger. The cat trilled, following the digit with her eyes.
"Get the walkie, Maddie."
Another trill escaped the animal's throat as she vaulted from the couch, and padded silently to the stand where the cane waited. She sat down, staring up at the strap, before leaping into the air, and snagging it with her teeth. The stand toppled over with a crash, but Maddie emerged victorious, the cane clacking behind her. Soon she was at the base of the couch, dropping it at Daniel's feet.
"Sometimes I wonder if you're a cat." He laughed weakly, taking the cane in his hands.
The walk to his room was long, having to go up two flights of stairs and through various hallways. Daniel made his way along, having to stop periodically to catch his breath. Maddie trailed at his heels, meowing every so often as an imp skittered along the wall. He'd deal with them later.
Soon though, he reached his room and collapsed on the bed.
"Maddie. I hate feeling like this." He groaned. The cat jumped along side him, purring as she licked his neck again.
"Maddie…stop…" The boy smiled…closing his eyes gently.
He didn't notice the imp zoom beneath the bed.
"Daniel?" Vlad called as he entered the house. "Daniel? I asked you to make dinner. Daniel?"
The man sighed before seeing the overturned umbrella stand…with the cane missing.
"Oh no." The man gasped, running up the stairs. Soon he found the boy's room, opening the door swiftly.
"Daniel, what happened?" He demanded, shaking the boy awake. Daniel groaned, pushing Vlad away.
"What do you think?" He spat. "That juggernaut was in the house again. Now go away. I'm tired."
"I have your parent's address." The man continued softly. "I thought we might go see them tomorrow, but you are in no condition to be handling a juggernaut."
"I can handle them." Daniel replied defensively. I just can't look into their eyes. If you don't look at their eyes, they're just like imps."
"You sure?" Vlad asked.
"Yes. I want to see my parents."
"Alright." The man smiled warmly. "Good night little hunter."
"Please…not tonight. A friend's coming tonight."
Daniel tossed and turned in his sleep as his strength slowly returned to him.
"But Daniel. You're my meal. I need you tonight."
The boy's eyes opened wide as he heard a voice from inside the room.
"He's weak..."
"We can kill…
"Shut up." The boy snapped. "I'm tired, but I'm not deaf. If you think you can kill me, you have another thing coming."
The voices stopped, and Daniel shut his eyes once more.
He would have to take care of them in the morning.
Vlad sighed as he sat at his dining table alone. How long had it been since he had taken Daniel in?
The boy had been seven…
Now he was fourteen.
Eight years.
The man smiled slightly as he thought of how far the boy had come. No longer was he the fearful patient of a mental institute. He was the proud confident hunter of the creatures who had cause him so much pain. Vlad knew he couldn't even try to relate to how Daniel felt about his gift. He remembered the first time he saw him, huddled in the corner of a white room. He said they were all over. They wanted to kill him.
At first it seemed that he truly was insane, but after some research, Vlad discovered invisible demons that fed off of humans…and were able to kill them.
There were imps all over the institute, they were literally driving the boy to madness. And no one could see them, only making matter worse. Vlad knew that he had to do something…so he stepped in and told the boy that he believed him.
And that was all that he needed to do.
Soon the boy was settled into the mansion. Vlad researched night and day to get rid of the demons in his home, to put the boy at ease.
Daniel solved that problem himself, finally tapping into his powers and eradicating all the imps that were tormenting him. Vlad praised him greatly by taking him to see a movie..
That was where the juggernaut first found him.
Vlad sighed remembering the smile on the boy's face as they walked out of some Disney movie. He had to go the bathroom, so Vlad let him go in alone…
Big mistake.
There was a scream inside, Daniel pleading with someone.
Vlad had gone to rescue him…only to find no one there.
"Vlad…" The boy whimpered. The man gasped when he saw his charge's feet slightly off the ground.
"Let go of him!" Vlad demanded. "Whatever you are, let him go!"
Daniel dropped to the ground and a wind swept through the room. Vlad rushed to the boy's side, holding his head up.
"Daniel…Daniel…What was that thing?"
Ever since that day, the juggernaut kept coming back, feasting off the boy, and on one occasion, Vlad. No matter how many times Daniel encountered, it, it still managed to catch him by surprise, and feed.
The man sighed, pushing his plate away, and getting up. His dress shoes clacked loudly on the marble floors as he walked along, heading to his private study. A trill sounded behind him, and Maddie appeared.
"You should be watching him." The man smiled, picking up the little white bundle. She purred as she settled down in his arms.
"Hush now, Maddie." Vlad chided. "You sound like a motorboat. I bet Daniel can hear you in his room."