Chapter 25's here!~

Well, I did a kind of a revelation in the last chapter, and I'm happy to say that the story's in the climax right now. We probably won't be having a chapter 50, even with my ridiculously slow pace www.

Anyway, I'm quite not getting the good part of writing recently, because schoolworks, family stress and depression all piled up but yeah, I won't put this out as unfinished.

I might need a helping hand in case of a sequel though… which is likely. Probably rewriters and beta readers

Anyways, reviews are highly appreciated! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

A Grasp at a Distant Memory

Chapter 25: Death is such a cruel thing

®® - Danny Phantom belongs to Butch Hartman - ®®

Phantom hugged his knees closer to his chest and buried his face on his arms, sobbing silently in one of the corners of Clockwork's domain. He regretted dying as a kid, as someone who viewed the world in monochrome colors. It was, until a few days ago, something to look forward to. His lost memory. Although the fear was there, he thought that all the memories lost in his young head was something sweet, something sugary. On a scale of one to ten, his pain and disappointment would be fifteen.

The worst part was, he can't face Vlad again. He can't bear to face him, especially that in the deepest pits of his heart, there was still love and respect for the man. The man who treated him like a son more than his biological father did.

But then, he was angry at him. But he loved him too. How can two opposite emotions coexist on his feelings towards one person?

Clockwork approached Phantom's sobbing form, and sat beside him.

"Death is such a cruel thing, isn't it? Especially for ghosts like us."

Phantom didn't lift his gaze, but he stopped sobbing when he acknowledged his ghostly father.

"I don't understand. I don't understand why it has to be this painful." The ghost teen's voice was partially muffled due to his position. "I was so looking forward to it. The memories. My real family. Friends. Why does it have to be this way? And why them?"

"You should expect the most unexpected things in life, Little Phantom." Clockwork said with indifference hinted in his voice. "Or should I say, in our case, death? You're still a child, my son. Even younger when you first crashed on my place. Human children always look out for the temporary luxuries in life and be happy with it. And you were once a human child. You can't dismiss it in a span of years."

"Yeah, I guess so." Phantom said. "But, it's too much. I hate Vlad, I wanted to kill him for doing that, even if he was already half-dead." Although the kid admitted to himself he still had an ounce of love and respect for him, it was evident now. Phantom wanted revenge.

"You're starting to turn like them, Phantom."

The ghost child raised an eyebrow.

"Turn like what?" he lifted his gaze to meet his. His father's fearful and melancholic look. Something he hasn't seen before.

"Turn like them." Clockwork stood up, facing his back against his son's gaze. "The usual ghosts. With ridiculous obsessions. Obsessions that probably won't bring them to heaven soon."

And with that, the child felt rather guilty, and wary of himself.

"I saw a possible stream of timeline." Clockwork continued. "I'm scared for you, little Phantom. You were the main character of that scenario, and it wasn't pleasant to everyone around you. You were consumed by those negative feelings you nurtured, and threw away everyone against you. It pains me that if you chose this path, I wouldn't be able to do a thing about it. I'm afraid, Phantom. Things are going to go bad from now on."

… And Phantom thought, that was possibly one of Clockwork's more straightforward riddle. He basically said he was evil, and he's going to do a lot of unpleasant things.

"It was so close." Clockwork faced his son, and put his arms over his shoulders. "Promise me, you won't turn into 'him', alright?"

Confusion was written all over his face. Clockwork was making all the emotions he thought he could never have, and that means that things got a little serious.

"I'll try to, father, I'll try to." Phantom sighed. "Maybe it's better if I don't remember."

In the back of his head, he prayed. "Ember, please help me get through this."

-DPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDP—

Vlad winced, his face still stinging at the assault the child caused him. And for once, he thought he deserved that. No, he deserved more than that. The child even called him an endearment term for a father back then! One of his ultimate dreams, even before he met Jack and Maddie, was to have a son he will cherish and protect. Although not bonded by blood and genes, Vlad got one he was wishing for so fervently, and tossed it aside like a crumpled paper that was of no use. All for getting the woman of his dreams, the woman that was already taken.

He was now reconsidering his plans now. Someone he thought was out of the picture came back, and things weren't going on the path he had laid upon. The best thing he can do for the dead child he loves was to help him move on, and still pursuing Maddie in his desires of making her his bride won't be of help.

Would it be worth it this time? Would he gain back the trust Daniel gave him before he moves on?

Perhaps… He should be doing a favor for him right now. He was his second father. Vlad would redeem himself. He'd do everything to make sure he sees the smile of his little badger once again, said smile directed to him. He'd forget about his revenge against Jack, he'd forget about his long-time affection for Madeline, and like what he'd do to Daniel, he'd earn Jasmine's trust once again.

If only that didn't sound too hard, Vlad would be on his way now, mending the wounds he inflicted.

Before he knew it, Madeline was in front of him, her face demanding answers, to what Vlad presumed was Daniel's doing.

"I met the ghost boy today, Vlad." She casually began. The billionaire ghost was panicking inside. 'This is not good', he thought.

"He knew too much." The woman continued. "He knew Jack. He knew our relationship. Although Jack himself might have told him, I do not think that's all. Because he mentioned you on ill terms, Vlad. Jack won't tell him that thing."

'Yeah, Jack was always ever so loyal to his friend.' Vlad didn't hold a single drop of guilt at his thoughts. Although he was beginning to feel remorse.

Vlad feigned a slightly surprised look, with the mention of a ghost and all.

"I don't know about a ghost kid who knew me." Vlad casually said. 'Just a few more lies.'

"Don't ever lie to me, Vladimir Masters!" Madeline shouted, Vlad recoiling at her sudden exclamation. "I am not a fool, Vlad. I knew you still have a feeling for me, even when Jack and I were on good terms. But everything he said makes sense. He knew. The ghost boy knew about what happened to Danny that dreadful day."

Vlad's eyes widened.

"Is the ghost boy lying, Vlad? Do you know what happened to Danny that day?"

…

"What are you talking about, Madeline?" Vlad nervously chuckled. "Daniel was killed by a ghost on a basement full of ghost weapons. Do you think I would have let him get a little bit hurt when I've had an experience against ghosts? If I knew, Madeline, if I knew, Daniel would still be here, a 14-year old kid in high school, munching on cereals at your home, and you and Jack would still be together."

'Just a few more lies.'

"That's the point."

Vlad stared at Maddie.

"Excuse me?" the man cleared his throat.

"You love me, Vlad. Call me assuming, but it was more than obvious, Jack was just playing blind all along because he trusts you. And even more, Danny. He was an 8-year old child, and he trusts you so much. He did so as much open more around you than he did to us. I knew you. You used to be one of the kindest person I know, back in college. But the accident happened that rendered you a disability, and you were bitter since then."

"What does Daniel have to do with this, Madeline?"

"Everything, Vlad." Maddie said, and the glint in her eyes made him a little nervous. "You're the most successful businessman in the world. You're a politician. Those line of jobs' main skill is the art of deceiving. You've deceived my poor boy. I'm pretty sure of it."

"Madeline? Are you even acting yourself?" Vlad defended himself in this way. "Why are you listening to a ghost? Ghosts ruined your life."

'Just a few more lies. But in this case, it has a partial truth to it.'

"R-Right. Forgive me for that. I'm going to rest for now, I'm tired. Goodbye, Vlad."

"Forgiveness given. Rest well, Madeline."

With that, Maddie faced against Vlad.

'What have I done?'

-DPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDP—

"Danny was my little brother."

Sam stared jaw-slacked at Jazz, while Tucker was overwhelmed with the sudden information assaulting him.

"Was?" Sam questioned.

"Daniel Fenton died 6 years ago. He was 8 back then, he is the same age as both of you are right now."

"Oh, my god", Sam put her hands on her mouth.

"I apologize for the intrusion, Jazz." Tucker asked for forgiveness. "I'm sorry, I should've known it was too painful for you."

"It's ok, Tucker", Jazz smiled sorrowfully. "I should be the one saying sorry, I kept too much from you two even if you trusted me."

"If you don't mind…" Tucker put his red beret down. "How does your younger brother look like?"

Jazz smiled, as she rummaged the room and found a picture frame on the table full of dust. Wiping it, the four members of the Fenton family was shown, everyone giving their best smiles. Jazz passed the frame to Sam. The two teenagers peered at the black-haired boy with the beautiful blue eyes that can rival the clear sky. Jazz looked so happy in the picture, while Maddie and Jack held hands.

"Danny is so precious." Jazz began. "I guess I could never ask for a better brother. Although he sometimes like annoying me, he's caring and nice. Back then, I think I was 6 that time, I was a bratty child, and I never liked Danny", Jazz giggled. "Mom and Dad were busy, I rarely talk to him, and never played, and he was bullied in school."

"Wow." Sam said, laughing to break the cold atmosphere. "Never thought you're once a cruel princess, princess."

"There was this one Winter day when I asked mom and dad if I can go play with my friends outside, and they agreed on one condition: I should bring Danny along. I promised to play with him if he stays on the park bench, and poor kid agreed even if I didn't plan on making my promise."

"Rude." Tucker commented.

"I played with my friends and went to their homes, playing with the usual toys young girls play. And when I came home, mom and dad got furious at me because I forgot to get Danny. He was out on heavy snow for eight hours."

"If I were your mom, Jazz, I'd probably kick you out." Sam commented. Jazz chuckled.

"Needless to say, we all panicked. We scrambled to the park to find out he wasn't where I left him. Mom was hysterical, she was shouting curses at the passersby for not being able to find a 4-year old boy. And guilt was eating me. This man told us his master found Danny, and was in the hospital right now. Turns out his master is none other than Vlad, who came to visit Mom and Dad and luckily bumped into Danny that time. He almost froze to death, and experienced a case of hypothermia."

"Oh."

"That was when Vlad wormed his way into our lives. Due to mom and dad's job, they were barely there, and Vlad filled the spot. We were fond of him, both Danny and I. He became our second father, and Danny got to the point that he called him Papa." Jazz said, and Tucker remembered the drawing.

Sam sighed.

"Jazz's life sure is dramatic, isn't it?"

"Sure do." Jazz replied. "Ah! Fuck my life!"

"I'm sorry Jazz." A different voice said. "It's my fault. I'm a terrible father."

Jazz and the two whirled around to see Jack leaning on the door.

"How long have you been there, dad?" Jazz asked, surprised to see her father.

"Just a moment ago, princess. Man, Danny's room sure does need cleaning." Jack smiled at his daughter. "Everything's painful, Jazz. It's my fault I was so careless, but… I do hope Danny is alright where he is now."

Jazz could only nod in return.

"Uh, Mr. Fenton, Jazz, maybe it's time for me and Tucker to go." Sam said, grabbing Tucker. "Thanks, and, um, I hope Danny's happy wherever he is."

Sam could only hope.

As soon as they got outside the house, they saw a familiar white haired ghost, waving at them with a sad smile.

"Phantom!" Sam exclaimed. "Care to explain why you have been avoiding us for a few days, ghost kid?"

"It's a long story." The ghost boy said. "But I just… I just wanted to properly say goodbye to both of you."

"What? What do you mean, dude?" Tucker asked.

"Uh, there were complications, and I… I wouldn't be able to leave the Ghost Zone anytime soon. Father gave me this chance to bid my farewells. This might be the last time I'm going to meet you, and I must say that I had a wonderful time with you. I hope you won't forget about me. I won't, too. Thanks."

"Stop being ridiculous, Phantom!" Sam shouted. "You leave on us like that and then you just say goodbye without telling the whole story? Tsk."

"I'm becoming like them, Sam, Tucker." Phantom said. "I found out that my obsession is into revenge, and I'm afraid that sooner or later, I'll hurt both of you. I'm a ghost, ghosts are vicious creatures."

"Sam, what's the problem?" Jazz barged out of the house to see Phantom. The ghost boy flinched at her presence, and quickly flew to the Ghost portal.

"Hey, Phantom!"

But he was gone, and probably never going back again.

A/N: Quite shorter than the other chapters, but relatively normal. My writing skills are already getting rusty, I'm sad

I do hope you liked this chapter! Go Maddie, Go Mama Maddie, we love you www.

I have nothing more to say. Please tune in for the next chapter.

~AyaPie

Preview:

"We're going to find where that sneaky ghost kid is, whether he likes or not!"

"Stop pushing yourself too much, Vlad. I won't ever forgive you."

"Danny, Danny, my baby boy…"

"I think I figured it out."

"Figured out wha- Hey Tucker!"

"It's been years."