Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Danny Phantom, I'm a big fan and was feeling nostalgic.

Note (05/07/2018): Well, so much for there being more of Danny's POV, but it makes sense in a way since he's not-all-there because of all the stress and our hero can only take so much. Kinda glad Spectra can't get at him because with all the misery Danny's feeling she could stay beautiful for the next hundred years! The poor kid! Also, I'm kinda surprised that the mini Dan reveal in the chapter before last didn't get any response since I know a few of you have been dying for it to happen, which it will, but much later as part of the main climax. I don't even know how long this story is gonna be anyway given how much I have planned and how deeply I'm digging into the flaws of each character and how they'd handle all of this, especially Danny because as strong as he is, at the end of the day he's only 14 years old. And Vlad, yes he might be the 'villain' in the show but we've seen small glimpses of him actually caring before the horror that was season 3 that oddly enough in my opinion made him do things I even thought were out of character for him and Danny alike. Anyways I did my best to explain a new reason behind that which is Danny felt violated and hurt that Vlad tried to 'replace him' because he 'wasn't good enough' which I feel would really hurt him coming from Vlad since at least he acknowledges him unlike his own parents half the time. Don't get me wrong, I love Jack and Maddie, but like I said since I'm digging into the deeper things from my point of view from watching the show again I'm trying to write a story revealing many of the unseen things Danny might have been dealing with and felt because of them. At any rate, sorry about the rant and enjoy this next chapter because it has yet another surprising twist in store for you my lovely readers!


Chapter 28: Knight Terrors


Vlad's POV

Despite Jasmine's warning at the end -though I was confident enough in her observations concerning Daniel that I was likely going to heed most of her advice- I felt quite satisfied with the results of my visit to Fenton Works. After all, I successfully put Jack and Maddie in their place so they'll back off, at least for now; I unexpectedly aided Jasmine in her time of need, which would make it easier to ask her for more information about Daniel; and finally, with going along those same lines I learned far more than I expected to about my little badger...

A lot of it I learned simply from exploring his room for myself. And then talking to his elder sister, who probably knew him better than anyone alive, including his own parents, only helped me learn that much more. Now I was certain that Daniel would never actively want to give up his ghost powers even if he could because they gave him more than just incredible powers and the tools to stop others from trampling on him, it gave him the freedom to take ownership of his fate and his life again because this was a blessing in disguise, a part of him that belonged to Daniel alone. What's more, he was no longer alone in that pursuit. He had me, and now I could guide him without reserve and prove to the boy just how fortunate he was in spite of all of this heartache since unlike me he had an example of the greatness Daniel had within his reach and more.

I would give him a better life free from such heartache, save him from those heavy burdens Jasmine spoke of, show him a brighter future, and this time...rather then asking for Daniel to renounce his father all I needed to know was that he wasn't going to leave my side until he could truly rise above this hardship with my help. So far, things were moving along smoothly. However I wasn't going to celebrate this victory just yet. After all, Daniel was clearly under duress either from something real or a demon born of his broken heart and untold fears. Fears that consumed him and made it difficult to put them aside to trust me, whom was somehow part of this nightmare future Daniel had witnessed. Because knowing one's future, if ill fated, could easily drive anyone mad and I would not allow Daniel to convince himself that he had lost his freedom to choose a grander fate at my side.

After allowing myself but a moment to revel in that knowledge that I could be Daniel's savior, thereby securing a new place in his heart then that of the enemy, I recomposed myself and knocked on his door. "Daniel, may I come in? I've brought you some of your..."

I trailed off when a sense of dread washed over me as a fine mist snaked out from underneath the door and I could hear Maddie mewling weakly, pawing at the door to be let out. I hesitated only for a moment before phasing inside and GOOD LORD it was freezing in here! I doubt Daniel would have even been able to sense my ghost signature with the cold he was generating. Turning around I opened the door just long enough to let Maddie eagerly return somewhere warmer before returning my attention to Daniel...

He was staring blankly out the window and cool air was spilling over the side of the bed as though his body were made of dry ice. The effect was subtle but Daniel was generating enough cold that to the trained eye the mist was visible. Not to mention Maddie sensed something amiss and tried to make her escape but couldn't with the door closed and had to endure the sudden drop in temperature. What about Daniel himself though? How long has he been sitting like that? I needed to find out, however, alarming Daniel would only make it worse so I attempted to counteract the effects by generating heat with my electrical powers similar to the vibrating of water molecules in a microwave only just enough to raise the room's temperature to normal again.

Daniel sensed the change I'm sure since he visibly relaxed rather unwillingly, yet he continued to stare unfocused out the window, his gaze vacant and alarmingly distant. As such I strode over to his bedside and gently rested my hand on his shoulder, calling, "Is everything alright little badger? You look pale. Don't tell me you thought you could get away with not eating since breakfast now did you...?" glancing over, I noticed the tray of half-eaten snacks and several empty water bottles -though the one nearest to his person was slightly frozen- which meant he had at least eaten something since then but then...why was he acting so strange? Did something happen while I was-

"I should have known...he's...a part of me..." Daniel muttered, his voice hitching. "There's really nothing that I, or anyone else can do to stop the inevitable, is there?" a hollow laugh escaped his lips along with another puff of cold air which made us both shiver, then he shivered again out of fear and shrank away from me. Then much to my surprise Daniel continued as if to convince himself of this, "It's not Vlad that destroys everything he touches, it's me, it's always been me. I can't do anything right. Not as a Fenton, not as Phantom, this world doesn't need either of us, it only wants HIM to bring an end to it all. It was never Vlad's fault HE was made...I was the one who was broken, messed up in the head, and more twisted up inside then he'll ever be. I'll cost him everything. But not this time, not even Vlad deserves that, not again, not because of me. I won't do that to him. I won't!"

Once Daniel began to hyperventilate with that cold breath practically freezing his lungs, I was spurred into action and grabbed his other shoulder, gripping them firmly and giving him a good shake, "Daniel, look at me! You're speaking nonsense again! Whatever happened it wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have left you alone! Daniel!" Upon saying his name a second time, his entire body jolted in surprise and when his eyes finally turned towards mine they were completely dilated, not to mention they were a strange mixture of Fenton blue and Phantom green that pulsated throughout his pupils to reflect the anxiety that currently gripped his heart.

"He's...part of me..." Daniel repeated, peering into my eyes with a mixture of grim realization and fear, his movements sluggish yet frantic as he tried to shake free of me. "He's inside my head Vlad...in my skin...in my chest! B-but you, you can stop him can't you? Even if you created him before, you can stop it this time right!? You can stop him before it can happen again without killing me! We just have to kill the possibility. That's the only reason he's still here! That's right, and you-! AH! NO! Leave Vlad alone you jerk! Get out of him right now or I'll make you!" Now gripping my shoulders impossibly tight Daniel leaned forward and snarled, "I am nothing like you do you hear me! I will never accept that garbage that I'm screwed no matter what you say! No matter what lies you feed me! I'm not evil, and neither is Vlad! He's just...Vlad! So get out! Get out of Vlad RIGHT NOW!"

"DANIEL!" I snapped, forcing him to lay down on the bed while ignoring his feeble struggles to change form only to have the rings flicker into existence then fade away instantly. "For pities sake get a hold of yourself! There is no one controlling me! No matter how powerful that ghost from this blasted future is, I-!"

As if all the strength had fled from his body, I nearly fell on top of Daniel when he suddenly stopped struggling in my grip and muttered deliriously, "There's no escape. You're part of me. It's all my fault, I...I ruined everything. I'm going to ruin everything just when I started to think that maybe...Vlad really could change. That I could finally be rid of you. But if I can't change my fate, how is he supposed to? Nowhere...There's nowhere to run...because you can't outrun...outrun..."

It was a mistake to leave him alone, I should have foreseen this. Now I'm sure that there's more too these fits then I presumed... Glancing at my watch on the wrist that was still holding Daniel down in case he lashed out again, I internally scowled since I was rapidly running out of time. But I was NOT going to lose him now just to tie up loose ends! I had to do something about this, now, and without leaving his side because the moment I did he would snap and lose any and all hope he had left. Though I was rather flattered that Daniel was willing to defend me against this evil, saying that I wasn't truly the monster he once thought I was. In fact, now Daniel had this ridiculous notion that HE was the monster which I would not allow. He was probably the only good thing in my life, the one thing that mattered enough to throw some of my usual methods out the window to be considerate of him.

Now however, wasn't the time to worry about looking good. Daniel wasn't in his right mind so reasoning with him was useless. He wasn't lucid at all and kept struggling with his fight or flight instincts, which unlike before at least Daniel had enough strength to do some damage, although it was mostly to himself. I needed to call upon an ally I could trust to watch him and stay out of sight like I considered doing once before only now I had no choice. I couldn't leave Daniel now, not even with a duplicate after what happened last time so instead, I created my duplicate with a suppressed signature and sent it down to the lab while restraining Daniel who started struggling again when he sensed even the slightest change in me when I did so. Honestly I was surprised with how attuned he was to me but perhaps it was because this evil ghost stole my ghost powers in that alternate future meaning he and I shared some similarities. That would explain why Daniel was projecting his image onto me.

Either way, as if repeating my earlier actions at Fenton Works I focused on keeping Daniel calm or at least restraining him while my duplicate flew down to the lab and unsealed the portal. It then flew inside holding a particular device I had designed to summon my most trusted ally. And no you'd think that would be Skulker but I had someone else in mind. Someone who not only could keep Daniel in check if he lashed out again, but perhaps he alone could pinpoint the true source of Daniel's fears. Who better to do that then the Spirit of Halloween, the Fright Knight himself...?


The Fright Knight was never far from his steed, Nightmare, so to ensure that he would receive my summons in either case I gave him a device that would signal that I was calling for him in the form of two armor pieces; a breast plate for Nightmare, and an exact duplicate of the skull on his belt, both of which would give off a sound that only he could hear and the eyes on them would glow electric pink as opposed to red or some other color depending on the urgency of the summons. Normally I would have given him something more advanced but he was an ancient spirit that knew precious little of the modern world which was a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it made him naive enough to control, yet fearless enough to stand his ground against any foe aside from his former master Pariah Dark.

In fact the Fright Knight had been sent after me to retrieve the Ring of Rage fo the Ghost King when during the chaos I finally got him alone and struck a bargain with the Fright Knight. Unlike his former master he and I would be allies from then on which for me was rarer still since I preferred underlings under my control but his loyalty and respect were well worth making an exception. In fact I later learned during that incident that the Fright Knight actually held a newfound respect for Daniel as a warrior after he subdued the Ghost King. Enough to even put aside his honor-bound vow to one day seek retribution for the insult he suffered when Daniel foolishly stole the Soul Shredder from him for some ridiculous haunted house assignment at his school. Still, that respect would work in my favor as well because it meant I could trust the Fright Knight not to harm Daniel without reason unless I ordered him to and he would report his findings on what the source of this fear was that reduced Daniel to this pitiably broken child in my arms, who was not the true Daniel at all and I wanted him back!

I was not an impatient man but time was of the essence and I had half a mind to drag Daniel down here with the duplicate and sedate him again as he continued switching between acting irate and catatonic. I had to keep the temperature in the room from dropping as well since Daniel was still feverish and the last thing we needed was to have it flare up a third time. What a time for his core to be acting up but it was likely in response to his panicked state of mind, which reminded me that I would have to check the security tapes to find out what set Daniel off this time in my absence whether it was a real presence or another hallucination. Yet I had a feeling it had to be something real given the regularity of these episodes the moment Daniel was left alone...because yes while he's been anxious and upset about this whole ordeal I could tell he was trying to trust me and make the most of it so it made no sense for him to fall so far so quickly just when we were making progress.

My patience was rewarded at last when a high pitched 'niegh' reached my ears and the Fright Knight flew into view. Once he did rather then wait for him to come meet me I teleported over to him after shutting the portal behind my duplicate just in case which was actually quite a feat given how technically we were in two different dimensions now and I was still connected enough to maintain it. I had to admire the Fright Knight, he really knew how to hold himself with a mixture of noblity and terror alike when he wasn't cowering before Pariah Dark. For while he may not intimidate me, though he could pose a reasonable threat which was another reason I respected him, the Fright Knight looked as imposing as ever as he dismounted his loyal steed and saluted me as expected of a knight before speaking.

"Lord Plasmius, it has been some time since I last received your summons. I take it you have a task for me?" I smirked, straight and to the point, I think that was by far one of my favorite qualities in the Fright Knight. Regardless, my smile faded when I was reminded of the task at hand when the real me was exerting more power to prevent frost from forming on Daniel's skin when another wave of cold pulsated from the distressed hybrid.

"I do, and although it is a small task it is not any less important that you preform this task for me," crossing my arms, I explained, "As you may recall I told you once before that I have plans for the young Danny Phantom correct? Well certain circumstances have since worked in my favor and the boy is now under my protection. Which reminds me-" unfolding my arms, I let my power flare just enough to remind him who was in charge and the seriousness of the situation before revealing any more information to him that he might leak to someone who would attempt to use the opportunity to attack Daniel despite my declaration. "Do I have your word that this will remain between us and no one else will hear you breathe a word of it?"

Looking a tad insulted, the Fright Knight declared, "What do you take me for Plasmius? I am the Fright Knight! I detest such foul play and deception amongst allies unless the other has betrayed your trust first! Once a pledge has been made, I never break it nor go back on my word. And I have sworn to fight by your side whenever you call upon me while you grant me an equal rank in power and authority and as such, if I am sworn to keep silent then I shall uphold that oath as well. Do not insult my honor by making calumnious claims!"

Unphased by his display of indignation, I nodded, "Very well, so long as we are in agreement about this. It is imparitive that no ones knows that he's with me until the time is right. I meant no disrespect Fright Knight. I am merely being cautious."

Seeing the sense in that the Fright Knight relaxed again and said, "Fair enough. Now what is this task you have summoned me for? I assume it has to do with the whelp."

My eyes flared dangerously and I warned, "Don't call him that again. At least not in my presence or I will retaliate to you insulting my future son."

Although his face was merely made of solid shadows and expressionless, the Fright Knight's eyes widened and he concluded, "Ah, so you still intend on making the ghost boy your heir? I suppose since the boy IS the only other of your kind I can see the sense in that. He is a worthy adversary after all though I have not fought him since that day. To have taken down my liege lord, Pariah, must have taken considerable strength and cunning on his part, though it was you who stepped in and sealed him away in the end as we discussed. Very well, I will refrain from demeaning him from this moment hence forth."

"Good. Now, this is what-" I began when my duplicate flickered and I realized I couldn't hold it together much longer with the portal closed.

After that I was forced to keep it brief, explaining that I needed him to keep an eye on Daniel and use his unique powers to pinpoint the true source of his fears. And should Daniel attempt to escape the Fright Knight was to stop him at any cost even it it meant knocking him out with the hilt of his blade or a blow to the back of the head. I would let Daniel know the Fright Knight was there to watch him so he wouldn't assume I went behind his back and was trapping him here, clearly he needed a bodyguard to prevent whatever was mentally attacking him from finding another opening while I was preoccupied. Because this was one thing I could not postpone any longer without losing face since I needed to leave the town on a high note and give them a valid reason for my hasty departure in the middle of this fluctuation of ghost activity. Yes many would accuse me of thinking of the needs of one boy rather then the entire town but frankly I could care less and they were lucky I was offering them ANY protection when that was normally Daniel's job and they took him for granted. Therefore, after this, the truth would be that all of my attention would be focused on stabilizing Daniel's condition both mentally and physically because he was useless to me like this and liable to hurt himself again.

Once I was done explaining my plans, the Fright Knight agreed to do as I asked although he was still confused as to WHY Daniel even needed my protection. This was good news to me since it confirmed that no one on this side knew yet that his parents nearly killed him seeing as the Fenton Portal has been closed for the past week. The Fright Knight also told me that many of the ghosts that regularly traveled through there to Earth were getting violent and restless which was not so reassuring to hear despite my plans to coax them into distracting the Fenton couple. Once this matter was taken care of, upon his return I asked him to decree far and wide that a reward would be issued to anyone who managed to successfully occupy Jack and Maddie Fenton without getting captured this week and tell them my 'sources' said that the Fenton Portal would be reopening soon.

Of course, I decided against offering the reward under my own name over on this side so I deigned to use an alias, which in this case I decided to go with a classic that could not be traced back to me,'The Red Baron.' I almost decided to go with 'The Bloody Baron' but that would give the wrong impression and the association with blood and plasma would have been too obvious. At any rate, we needed to return so I could reabsorb my duplicate so once everything was in place I had him follow me, warning him against making any sudden movements and to leave Nightmare just outside the room. I could only hope that this temporary solution wouldn't blow up in my face the moment Daniel saw a ghost literally made to instill fear in others. Only this time, I was going to use his power to DISCOVER his fear rather than exploit it.


By the time I reabsorbed my duplicate after guiding the Fright Knight to Daniel's room, Daniel appeared to have worn himself out and was finally coming out of it. Though it left him in a daze which was to be expected. I would have preferred to wait longer for him to come around but there was no time left. As such I slowly eased up on the grip I had on his wrists and helped him into a sitting position. And since he let me I deduced he had given up fighting me anymore which I was grateful for, however, that could change in an instant so I made sure to keep one hand to his back for support while the other rested over his chest as I radiated pulses of warmth in small waves to help relax him which seemed to be working.

"Daniel, I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave now but someone is here to watch over you so nothing will happen again. I know you two have a history, but I wouldn't be entrusting your protection to him if I thought he would harm you in any way, do you understand me?"

In response, Daniel tensed again and weakly pleaded, "No, Vlad please don't go. I'm not strong enough to stop him...he made me..."

Shaking my head I cut him off with a firm but even tone, "Hush Daniel and save the explanations for later when you feel up to it. I'm not going to let anything happen to you again, alright? The Fright Knight is well suited to the task of guarding you since he'll be able to sense your fears before they can grip you and cause a problem again. He gave me his word that no harm will befall you unless you lash out so please, for your own sake and mine, don't do anything rash. Try to get some rest little badger and I promise, once this is over I won't leave your side again."

His mind suddenly registering the name of the ghost I enlisted to watch him, Daniel blinked, as if struggling to remember something and ran a hand through his hair saying, "The Fright Knight, but wasn't he...!" Wincing, he shook his head while still trying to reorient himself.

Rolling my eyes despite my concern for Daniel, I scoffed, "Honestly, of all your enemies he's likely the least of your worries Daniel. He knows better then to go against me since it was I, not you, who sealed Pariah away," recalling Jasmine's advice from earlier I added proudly, "However you did do most of the work and thus earned his respect which among ghosts as you know is no small task. You earned that glory which is no lie. It was by far the greatest test I subjected you too which you passed with flying colors. They value power my boy, and even now your power grows stronger than I ever would have believed possible in such a short time. And with my help you WILL overcome these fears. I will see to that myself that you no longer have to fear for your life because of your parents, other ghost hunters, not even other ghosts! I just need a little more time. That is why I'm asking you to trust me Daniel...please."

It really was the magic word when Daniel's eyes widened and his pupils went back to normal the moment that solitary word passed my lips. I don't ask people for anything, I usually demand or expect it, nor do I forgive easily if at all, but because of him I was doing so now. I forgave his sister's betrayal, I refrained from insulting his father, I've humbled myself in ways I have never once done in my entire life even before coming into my wealth, and finally, now I was asking for his trust since my actions alone couldn't seem to prove to him enough that already I was going against my nature because I valued him so much...

The Fright Knight was right, selfishly, I STILL wanted Daniel to become my son and heir, that had not changed. The only thing that had were my methods and even then I was being more considerate of him than I've ever been to another human being. I loved this boy. I loved him so much that I would do anything to keep him. But in order not to lose him I had to realize that right now...Daniel was NOT in control of his fate. There was something happening behind the scenes and with or without he connect of Daniel himself or his sister, I was going to put a stop to it. Even if it meant using every underhanded method I knew to keep him in the dark about how deeply I was investigating the one enemy that Daniel fears more than anything else. An enemy he would give up his life in a literal and metaphorical sense being the 'hero' that he was. Well, now it was time for the villain to become the hero to the only person in this accursed world worth saving. Only Daniel kept me human, gave me a reason to care about something outside of power and ambitions, so this time...I wasn't going to let anyone or anything take Daniel away from me. I would fight for him. And this was but the first battle to be won.

The war however, was only just getting started.