A Danny Phantom fan fic by Wega the blue sun. No copyright infringement is intended, the DP characters don't belong to me, only to their respective copyright holders and I'm making no profit from this fic. Only the story itself and the OC's in it belong to me, and I'm still not making any profit.
A/N: I'm sorry about the long delay in updating. The chapter was ready, but my computer suffered catastrophic soft- and hardware damage and I had to purchase a completely new system. It was a big pain, very expensive and I hated every minute of it.
Anyway, enjoy the update and review, this is the second-to-last chapter!
Ch. 29
"This isn't up for discussion, Danny! You're going to college, no ifs, ands or buts!", Maddie's angry voice drifted in from the hallway as Vlad rummaged through his closet in the search for an appropriate outfit. His loved ones were at it again, repeating the same argument they'd been having ever since Danny brought home that abominable report card. "Mom, you know I don't like to study, but I admit my grades could've been better. Now, about college - Sammie had this great idea I know you'll just love, the boy replied eagerly. Vlad frowned and tore off the shirt he'd just put on, the starched fabric felt like sandpaper against his overheated skin. How typical of Danny to consider his girlfriend's kooky ideas as a preferable alternative to his parents wishes. Not that Maddie would be interested in Sammie's opinions. She liked the girl well enough, but brooked no interference in family matters. The bickering was becoming too intrusive to ignore and Vlad knew he had to put a stop to it before his nerves gave out. "Maddie dear, would you please come here for a moment? I can't find my good suit. Is it still at the cleaners?", he asked when his wife joined him. "Uh, Dad, I think you're wearing it!", Danny said before his mother could reply. "What? No, I mean the other good suit - could you be quiet for a moment?", Vlad snapped and the teenager grinned, not at all perturbed by his father's outburst.
"Honey, dont be so nervous! It's just an interview, there's nothing to worry about!", Maddie said and patted Vlad's arm, but he wouldn't be calmed. "It's not just an interview, it's a golden opportunity to advertise our business to a wide readership. Harriet Chin is a respected reporter and it took some effort on my part to get her here! So, naturally I want to make a good impression!", he said while Maddie nodded her agreement. "You'll do fine, as always! Try to relax a little! I'll check the laundry room for the other suit, maybe it's there - I know I brought it home. Danny, we'll talk later, in the meantime give your Dad a hand and clean up this mess!", she pointed at the discarded clothes piled high on the bed. "Why, is the reporter going to do the interview in here? I didn't know Harriet worked for Playboy!", the boy shouted after his mother as she left the room. "No sense of humor! Dad, can't you have a word with her about this college thing? Mom just won't listen to me!", Danny turned to his father.
"Oh, I'm way ahead of you there! And guess what, you're definitely going to college, your mother and I are in total agreement,
Vlad wagged his index finger in Danny's face. "Don't even bother telling me about Sammie's idea, or anything else you may have up your sleeve. In order to be successful you need a good education, end of story!" "But I already am successful! Remember how much money Sammie and I got for the organic produce we grew and sold last year?", the teenager objected vigorously. "Which you proceeded to spend on the farm animal rescue group you founded!", Vlad countered and settled down on the messy bed. "Yeah, but that was the plan! We were able to finance the rescues and the animals are finally safe and healthy. Be honest, even you and Mom didn't think we could pull it off, but we did it. And next year we'll apply for grants and stuff like that. One day our rescue group will be nationwide!", Danny said, his face flushed with exitement. "All right, I'll admit your work in that area is impressive, but you did neglect your schoolwork and barely made the grade. Son, you must think of your future!", Vlad replied. "Well, I have, and this is what Sammie and I came up with. I'd like to go to an agricultural college, get a good background in farm management and animal husbandry. Because if I want to change the way animals are treated I'd better study the subject first, right? Do you think Mom will llike this plan?", Danny asked. Vlad sighed, exhausted by the demands of responsible parenting. Of course Maddie wouldn't be thrilled by the idea, she still had her heart set on making a scientist out of Danny. But a degree from an ag school was better than no degree at all. "I'll make sure she accepts this plan, provided you improve those grades, and I mean by a lot!", Vlad said. Now be a good boy and help your mother find my suit! Am I to greet the reporter in my underwear?"
"No need for that, I've found the suit!", Maddie said as she walked into the room, holding the plastic wrapped garment like a trophy. "Do you need help with the tie?", she offered only to be interrupted by Danny. "Forget that, Dad! Accessorize with this instead!", the boy said and pressed a small, gleaming object into his father's hand. "Where did you get that?", Vlad croaked, his throat suddenly bone dry as he recognized the time device Clockwork had given him so many years ago. "It was in the barn, under a pile of straw", Danny shrugged. "Your father lost this family heirloom before you were born, I can't believe you found it! Does it still work?", Maddie asked. Vlad pushed the hidden lever and the golden case opened up. "Yes, it works", he said hesitantly as his eyes locked on the finely engraved words decorating the piece. "Time runneth out", he quoted and icy fear gripped his heart.
"That's a bit ominous, don't you think? Funny, I seem to remember a different inscription", Maddie shrugged and Vlad tightened his hold on the small device. She was right, the inscription was new, and it served not only as a reminder of Clockwork's reach across the time stream, it was also a stern warning. What was the timekeeper up to now? Why had he brought the device back, Vlad wondered while his wife and son busied themselves about the room. They'd already lost interest in the object because they knew nothing of its significance or of the bargain he'd made with Clockwork. And under no circumstance could they ever learn of his true identity and origin, he vowed, gripping the time device until his hand ached. "Are you all right? You look pale!", Maddie asked, eyeing him suspiciously. "I'm just fine, no problems here!", Vlad lied and gave her a feeble grin. "You'd better be, because the reporter's here! And man, does she have one sweet ride! Maybe I should major in journalism!", Danny said and pointed through the open window into the yard. Maddie quickly joined her son to check out the arrival. "Yes, that is a very nice car, I've always wanted one! But who is that with her? Oh, God, it can't be!", she groaned and Vlad rushed over to see the reason for her alarm. Half expecting to see Clockwork's gaunt figure he wasn't prepared for the large man struggling to exit the sporty luxury automobile. "What the hell is he doing here?", he said in unison with Maddie and Danny burst out laughing.
"I swear, I knew nothing about this!", Maddie whispered and Vlad nodded grimly. "Don't worry, darling, I'm sure there's a perfectly logical reason why he's here! Let's meet our guests!", he said and slipped into his jacket. "Dad, who is this guy? You don't seem real happy to see him", Danny asked as he followed his parents. "The man out there was once my best friend, and he's the one who made me what I am!", Vlad said and opened the door. Jack Fenton was the last person he'd expected to see today, but there he was, shuffling his feet nervously and squinting in the bright sunlight. He didn't look like a messanger of doom, but appearances were always deceiving, particularily where Clockwork and his schemes were concerned, Vlad thought. Whatever game the time keeper was playing, he was determined to beat the ghost at it.
"Vladdie, Maddie, it's so great to see you both! And this strapping young lad is your son? Wow, that's fantastic!", Jack's babble cut through Harriet's polite introductions. "You'll have to excuse Mr. Fenton. When he found out I was to interview you he insisted on coming along", the diminuative reporter said in a voice which left no doubt that she was embarrassed by Jack's presence.
"I'm the photographer!", Jack said cheerfully and held up an expensive camera. "I've just published my first book: "The world through my eyes". Have you guys seen it?" No, not yet", Vlad groaned as Jack pulled him into a bearhug. But the embrace was less crushing than expected and after a moment the larger man released him. "Maddie, darling, why don't you and Danny show Ms. Chin around while Jack and I catch up?", Vlad suggested sweetly. The women nodded with obvious relief while Danny lingered for a moment. "Go on, son, we'll catch up with you in a little while!", Vlad said and watched as the little group walked off, chatting.
"Nice place you got here", Jack said with the casual air of a man used to much better, and the dismissive statement made Vlad's blood boil. He'd poured much time, money and energy into making the farm something of a show piece, although much of it still fell short of his high standard. But under no circumstance would he allow Jack Fenton to look down on his efforts. "Why are you here?", he asked sharply. "I'm bringing my house in order, ol' buddy", Jack blurted out after a moment of hesitation. "Had a bit of bad news from the last physical. It seems good living is finally catching up with me, too many steaks and whiskies and cigars", he grinned wistfully, as if remembering the delight he'd taken in those indulgences. "You're sick? How bad is it?", Vlad asked, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice. Could fate really be this kind, he wondered with bated breath. "Well, I'm fighting it, and Desiree has all these specialists working on my case. You wouldn't believe the stuff they treat me with! And they say I've got a good chance to beat this, so I'm feeling confident", Jack replied just a tad too cheerfully. No, you're not, Vlad thought, you're scared to death because you can feel the disease eating away at you. "And yet you still took the time to visit, how kind! This must be so difficult,is there anything I can do?", Vlad cooed, feasting his eyes on Jack's pallor and slightly stooped frame. Why had he not noticed the appearance of unhealthiness before, it was so obvious now in the strong light of day. "I'm glad you asked that, because I do need a favor. Would you please accept my apology for what happened in college? You know, the accident?", Jack asked and the unexpected request sent Vlad reeling.
"I remember how angry you were after it happened, and how you never wanted to see me again. But when the doctors told me about my condition I just had to come out and make sure that you and your family are doing all right", Jack continued and pressed his large hands together in a silent plea. "I couldn't stand it if the accident had ruined your life. You see, I've done real well for myself". Vlad nodded, but he'd stopped listening to Jack's litany of guilt and desire for absolution. Wasn't this the supreme irony? In this reality Jack Fenton was the one blessed with material riches, yet unhappy and scared of the future,Vlad thought as the other man stumbled over repeated apologies and clumsy offers of financial help. He raised his hand and Jack fell quiet. "Well, I do appreciate your generosity but Maddie and I don't need anything. We're happy with what we have, although it may not appeal to everyone", Vlad said icily. "I didn't mean to insult you", Jack stuttered as his face grew red.
Vlad waited for a full minute before replying. Curse the fool for coming here and making a spectacle of himself! Yet, this Jack was very different from the man he'd known in his own timeline. This Jack understood his cupability and had humbled himself before the man he'd very nearly ruined. Too bad the other Jack never managed the same, Vlad thought and turned away from the pleading eyes boring into him. Now was the right time to strike the final blow, to administer something so devastating that Jack would crawl away in defeat, but somehow he couldn't muster the effort to crush this pathetic shell of a man. "I know you mean well", he mumbled, hating himself to give even this paltry assurance. It didn't matter anyway, he'd only said it to get him off his back, he thought as he watched the other man smile gratefully. Soon enough this Jack would be gone, he already had the stink of death on him.
"We'd better get back to the others, they must be wondering what's keeping us", Vlad said quickly as Jack, giddy with relief,
made a feeble attempt at a embrace. "I've made sure Harriet will write something nice about you and your work. She won't do one of those silly ghosthunter stories - you know the type - so don't worry about a thing!", Jack confided, eager to please his host now that they were friends again. "She works for my in-law's magazine, so we have total control! You and Maddie work exclusively in ghost technology? And your son, too? He looks just like you did back then!" Jack sighed deeply, exhausted by his monologue. "I haven't done anything even remotely connected with science in years, unless you call grilling the perfect steak and mixing the perfect cocktail a science. Of course, that's what got me into trouble in the first place ... "Well, at least you enjoyed yourself", Vlad replied lightly. "Yeah, especially with her!",Jack grinned and held up a photograph. "This is my daughter", he said proudly, tapping his finger on the image of a young girl posing before a sprawling home. "Let me guess", Vlad said with a thin smile. "Her name wouldn't happen to be Jazmine?"
"Master, how much longer will you observe the life of this subject?", the sharp inquiry broke the silence in Clockwork's lair.
"Surely there are better ways to occupy your time?" "Yes, there probably are, although I've enjoyed this little experiment greatly. Still, you're right, it's time to bring this to an end. Do you think Plasmius will be happy to see me?", the timekeeper asked. At a wave of his hand a portal opened in the gloom and the laughter of the observers followed Clockwork as he passed through the timestream.
