?
Ariel ended up in a beautiful landscape with a brilliant sun, green grass, tress, and flowers. All around, it was rather peaceful. Her mind was elsewhere. She could not believe that her plan was foiled by mostly weak women and men.
"I lost my army and my belt is shattered." Ariel thought. "I will make them all pay for getting in the way of the one, true order."
Suddenly, a mirror, like the one which saved her, appeared before her. "Lady Ariel, a once proud warrior now reduced to this. It is unfair. Even if my master is king of all, he would think this just as unfair as does his ally."
Ariel growled as she stood up. "You do not sound like a woman, and what's more, you are insulting me. I demand that you show yourself, so that I may show you your place."
"I could reveal myself, but I think I will remain hidden for a little bit." The voice continued. "I am a messenger here to show you how flawed your views are. To have pride in who you are is not a bad trait, but the extreme you take it too is detrimental."
"Are you in the mirror?" Ariel asked.
The voice chuckled. "In a way, I am in the mirror."
Ariel didn't need to hear any more as she ran inside it intent on showing this man or male ghost why you do not mess with the chosen.
?
Ariel ended up in a land of darkness with purple clouds filtering about. "What is this?"
"This is a realm of mine I like to call Branching Paths." The voice stated. "In here, you can see the past, present, and future. You are about to see every future your current mind set leads you to. Hopefully, you will come to understand the error in your views."
"I refuse to play your games." Ariel shouted. "Come out and face me coward!"
Her voice became silent before it started. Ariel saw her glorious kingdom of the chosen as it was destroyed one way or the other. Like Danny said, her people died because there were no new children to be had. In another, what remained of the men and weak women defeated her people.
Again, Her and her people destroyed the Ghost Zone, and due to its relationship with earth, they quickly followed. No matter where she looked, Ariel was forced to the see the destruction of her dream. No outcome ended well, and she had no idea how long it lasted.
"Seconds. Minutes. Hours. Days. Months. Years." Ariel gripped hear head only to feel her cheeks which had long since been tear stained. "I don't know… can't know how long I've been forced to see this."
She passed out.
Beverly Hills High: Morning…
Danny was currently in a free period and figured he might as well return some library books. They wouldn't be late or anything, but he was done with them. As such, it would be a good idea to return them now rather than potentially forget later.
On his way to the library he heard a familiar voice, so he stopped just shy of the corner to make sure he wasn't hearing things. "This is your fault for failing to get me my homework on time Arnoldo. This is my first weak here, and I'm already looking bad."
"I'm sorry Dash, but the chess club just got started." Arnold defended. "I lost track off…"
"Your geeky club isn't an excuse." Dash stated. "You know the deal you have with the jocks in this school. You do our homework, and your trips to the locker are reduced. Just because I'm new, doesn't mean you can think me any less of a threat than them."
"I-I know." Arnold stated. "Just don't shove me in, and I'll get ahead this time. I promise. I don't want to miss another of Mr. Summer's classes. He's only so nice."
"If I let you squeak by, you won't learn." Dash stated.
Danny heard enough. Back at Casper High, he was the one everyone loved to bully. Yeah, there were times he couldn't take it, but he had ways to get even. Though Sam didn't like it, but that was beside the point. Arnold didn't have those ways, so someone had to help him.
The halfa walked into the hallway to see exactly who he thought that voice belonged to. Dash Baxter had cornered Arnold Jackson in the hallway. The blond haired, blue eyed jock from Casper High. He wore a black T-Shirt and blue jeans with white shoes.
"What are you doing here Dash?" Danny asked.
"Well, if it isn't Fenturd." Dash looked at Danny. "Not that it's any of your business, but I'm here because my family thought Amity Park was a little to dangerous after the incident. Now, because of what happened, I'm willing to leave you alone, but you need to run along now."
"Not happening Dash." He walked over and stood in front of Arnold. "Why don't you beat it because I'm not going to let you have your way here like you did back at Casper High."
Arnold stared at Danny since this was something that rarely ever happened. Usually, he was left to fend for himself. Not to mention, he didn't expect something like this from the guy especially with how offended he seemed that one-time Arnold called him Dan.
Principal Munroe had been walking down the hall and saw them. "What is going on here boys?"
Dash smiled as he moved around Danny before putting an arm around him and Arnold. "Sorry if we sounded a little heated there Principal Monroe. You know how it is with…"
Danny got out from under Dash's arms. He hoped this school was different from his last one because he would not let Dash bully his way to the top. Not this time.
"Don't listen to him Principal Munroe." Danny stated. "I came around the corner to find Dash here cornering Arnold and threatening to put him in a locker over failing to do his homework."
Principal Monroe sighed. "Mr. Baxter, it is only your first week here, yet we have had this discussion before. we have had discussions like this before. I do not know what school you came from, but my school does not tolerate things like this."
Dash held up his hands. "Okay maybe I stretched the truth just a bit, but I swear it's not as bad as Danny says."
Principal Monroe looked to Arnold. "Mr. Jackson who is telling the truth?"
"W-Well…" Arnold looked from Dash to Danny
"Don't let either boy intimidate you." Ms. Munroe stared at both boys firmly. "If they give you trouble for whatever you tell me, you can come to me, and I will deal with it."
"Danny's telling the truth ma'am." Arnold stated.
Dash grit his teeth teeth and clenched his fist. "You are dead Fentonio and Smackson."
"There will be none of that Mr. Baxter." Principal Munroe stated firmly. "For threatening two students, and lying about it, you will be serving 2 weeks of detention. Now march down to my office because we will be calling you parents to inform them this."
They walked off leaving Danny and Arnold alone.
Danny turned to Arnold. "Are you okay?"
"Uh, yeah." Arnold rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks for the help."
"Anytime." Danny nodded.
"I don't mean to pry, but you seemed to know that guy." Arnold stated.
"He's a bully from my previous school." Danny stated. "I was his favorite victim, but it's good to see that this school isn't like Casper High. If he or anyone gives you trouble again, come find me. I know what it's like dealing with bullies and the teachers can't see everything."
"Uh, yeah." Arnold nodded. "Thanks."
"Before I go, I wanted to apologize for snapping at you that day." Danny stated. "I have a bad history with the name Dan, but that's no excuse for how I acted."
This was something else Arnold wasn't expecting as even when people wronged him, they didn't apologize. "I get it." He nodded. "You dislike the name Dan. No hard feelings."
"Thank you, Arnold." Danny stated. "If you'll excuse me, I was just on my way to the library. Again, if Dash or anyone troubles you like that again, let me know."
Danny started to walk away, but Arnold ran after. "Danny, wait!" the halfa stopped and looked at him. "Well, you know I'm not doing anything right now. If you wouldn't mind, could I tag along with you?"
Danny shrugged. "Sure, I wouldn't mind the company."
WHOOP HQ: After School…
Danny and Dani were called into Jerry's office via the old method of Danny receiving a message on his wallet phone. As such, they arrived by phasing into the room and in their Phantom forms. The pair came to stand before their great uncle.
"Uncle Jerry, we received your message." Dani stated. "What's the situation?"
"It's less of a situation, and more of a discussion we must have." Jerry stated. "Please, take a seat." The siblings sat down. "Things have been set in motion that may very well be beyond WHOOP's understanding, but with your warning Daniel, we will endeavor to be prepared.
Tim Scam and Ariel escaped capture with both proving rather dangerous to ghostly opponents. You Daniel are certain Dan Phantom is out there and a ghost seemingly stronger than him says something worse is to come.
Fact is, we know not when or where any of these enemies will strike. Despite what you may or may not be thinking, I have given this a great deal of thought. M.O.M and I have been in discussion moving forward, and we believe we have some solid plans in place."
"I am relieved to hear that." Danny stated. "I was actually going to come to you asking about it before you called us in."
"I assumed as much." Jerry pressed a button on his computer causing M.O.M to appear. "For this first part, I believe M.O.M should explain."
"Good day Phantoms." M.O.M stated. "Jerry and I have decided that I should offer Danielle a place within The Center as one of my agents. She would receive training, experience, and a team. On top of that, she could still live in Beverly Hills given our portals."
Both Phantoms were shocked as they hadn't expected news like this.
"You want me as one of your agents?" Dani asked.
"Indeed." M.O.M stated. "You are even my first choice between the two of you. No offense to Danny, but the young often have a greater well of untapped potential. Not to mention, he has already ingratiated himself with a team of WHOOP."
Danny was happy where he was. "I take no offense."
"I don't know what to say." Dani looked at Danny. "What do you think?"
"It's your choice Dani." Danny stated. "That said, I want you to be safe while being as ready for the future as possible. Sticking with WHOOP as an agent in training may not be the best way to achieve that."
"What about Alex, Sam, and Clover?" Dani asked.
Danny nodded. "They'll understand that whatever you chose was for the best because you will be the one who chose it."
Danielle was worried about what her absence could do to Danny. Yeah, he's clearly getting better, but there's no guarantee he won't slip if she's gone for who knows how long.
"Could I still contact my family during training?" Danielle asked
"If you accept, Jerry will provide you with a basic U-Watch which has communication and pager features." M.O.M stated.
"Alright, I'll accept." Danielle stood. "After I've said good bye to the girls, I'll do my best in order to return to my family in record time."
"Here's your basic U-Watch." Jerry tossed her the watch. "Now, if you wouldn't mind Danielle, I still have much to discuss with Danny."
M.O.M said, "I would like to get you down here for training as fast as possible, so if you wouldn't mind saying good bye to the girls now, we could begin your training immediately."
"No problem." Dani hugged Danny. "I'll see you once I'm done training bro."
Danny hugged her back. "Good Luck, sis."
"Farewell Dani." Jerry stated. "Do your best and take care of yourself."
Dani smiled. "Thanks Uncle Jerry."
Dani phased through the walls. Danny would be lying if he said he wasn't going to miss her, but he knew how dangerous this world could be. As such, expanding her horizons was for the best in the long run.
Danny looked at his boss. "Hey uncle Jerry, before we get to me, what are you going to do about the girls?"
"I shall be training them personally." Jerry stated. "Just because I've done so in the past, it doesn't mean I've taught them, or you, everything I know. They will be taken care of in the days to come."
"That's a relief." Danny stated.
"As much as I'd like for you to join them, you are in greater danger. Your skills as a ghost are a strength against most, but a weakness when going up against enemies that can counter you. Tim and Ariel are two opponents that we know of.
Who knows what or who else is out there? That is why I have brought in the only agent with combat expertise that could very well compete with Tim Scam." He turned towards the door. "Dean, would you come in now?"e He
The door opened and a man with brown hair, green eyes, and a solid build entered. He wore a blue cat suit.
Dean nodded. "Hello Phantom. I've heard much about you." He smiled. "I must say, it's not every day I get to train a ghost."
"You're younger than I expected." Danny stood. "I mean no disrespect since I trust my uncle."
"I tend to get that from time to time. No hard feeling." Dean shrugged. "I've been an agent practically all my life. Taken in not to long after I was born."
"Dean's parents were agents of caliber with all but Tim showing more promise." Jerry stated. "Even as a baby, Dean's intelligence and fighting skills were exemplary. He showed greater promise than Scam at such a young age. If anyone can prepare you for the future, it's him."
Dean held out his hand. "What do you say Phantom? Willing to let me train you?"
"I'd be a fool not to." Danny stated before shaking his hand.
Suddenly, Dean flipped Danny into the ground before smiling over him and holding one finger up. "Rule 1: Keep your guard up." He then held his hand out. "Here, let me help you up."
"Noted." Danny stated.
The halfa observed Dean much closer than he would have before grabbing the offered hand and allowing himself to be helped up.
Dean smiled as he let go. "Good, you carefully observed me to determine if I would try something again." He patted Danny on the back. "I think you'll make an excellent student."
Dean seemed cool enough and he already taught Danny something. This seemed like it would be beneficial. Just the training Danny was looking for.
"There is a bit more I would like to explain, so if you two would have a seat." Jerry stated getting the guys to sit down. "In an effort to further improve WHOOP, I have been looking into new recruits. A certain group of siblings in Southdale, Minnesota show promise.
More importantly to you two are students at Beverly Hills High. Each excels in different areas. David Kurylo who could make an excellent field agent and Arnold Jackson who would do wonders in IT and gadget development."
"I hear you Jerry, but what does this have to do with us?" Dean asked.
"Phantom knows why." Jerry trusted Dean, but Danny hadn't given his uncle permission to share his secret with whoever he wanted. "Once I have trained David, I will be partnering him with you, Dean, to create a duo. You will receive missions from the Fiji branch."
"Considering this David has a life here, and I've just been assigned to instruct Danny, I can only assume you have an effective way to get us between places."
"Quite." Jerry stated. "Our recent alliance with The Center is starting to solidify, and they have granted us limited access to some of their technology. Once David is trained, both of you will be granted a basic U-Watch which will allow transportation between these two branches."
"The center really has technology like that?" Dean nodded. "Impressive and useful."
Jerry nodded. "Now, I am hoping the two of you will indulge me a bit longer as there is one last thing we must discuss. I know you have just met, but hopefully you will agree to a long-standing mission…"
?
Ariel opened her eyes to find herself back in the beautiful landscape with no idea what to do considering she saw plenty of evidence proving her plan was flawed. She still thought her and her chosen were better than men and weak woman, but she had no plan now.
The mirror appeared before her. "Since you are more open to conversation, allow me to introduce myself. I am Fun House, messenger of my master and his ally. You have proven yourself, so he will offer you much if you join us."
Working with anything males was against everything Ariel stood for, but she didn't have many options. Especially with her thoughts impacted by what she saw. As wrong as this seemed, maybe there was something to this.
"I'll work with your group." Ariel stared at the mirror firmly. "That said, I am nobody's pawn."
"We wouldn't think of it." Fun House stepped out of the mirror and bowed. "It is an honor to meet another of high authority." He turned to his mirror. "If you would like, I can show you the path that should be taken to ensure a better future."
"Show me." Ariel stated.
Fun House snapped his fingers and Ariel saw yet another future. Unlike every future she saw before, this one was prosperous. She saw the chosen fighting men. If the man were weak, they were killed. If they were strong, they'd be dragged back to the kingdom.
The kingdom was everything she envisioned minus the men who were given any sort of freedom. While the chosen reigned, men walked about in relative peace. The sight almost sickened her if not for the children. There was an abundance which seemed to be primarily girls.
Inside a majestic castle, a much older version of herself sat on a throne beside a man she was familiar with. Vlad Masters. It appears this was her mate in this timeline. The mirror shifted around to show two children, females, which perfectly mixed their traits.
They looked strong. In mere moments, she saw why that was as time flowed backwards to showing Vlad's first encounter with Danny. Like Danny, he was half ghost. She watched as Vlad easily bested the ghost boy. That's when it all came together.
"This is the path." Ariel stated. "The chosen must mate with strong males to ensure a prosperous future." The mirror stopped on an image of Vlad. "He must be mine, and Danny Fenton is a male of good stock for any younger chosen."
"If you want to pursue your new dream, we can help you just as you will help us." Fun House stated as the mirror returned to normal. "Step inside, and I will take you to our kingdom. There. you can meet another like yourself and who I currently serve."
Ariel walked into the mirror followed by Fun House before it vanished.
Amity Park
A figure in red and atop a hoverboard landed on a roof across from the now filled in hole that had been the Nasty Burger. Valerie removed her helmet and just stared at that location. Even though she lost her job, she'd been glad to hear that Vlad Masters got the chain shut down.
Any place with sauce that explodes when to hot should have been shut down long ago. That act hadn't reversed what's already happened. Danny lost his family and friends while the school lost Mr. Lancer. All that said, she just knew it had to be Phantom's fault.
"Danny Phantom has always been trouble." Valerie clenched her fist. "He hasn't stepped forward to defend himself, and what's more, he seems to have moved onto Beverly Hills given that news fed our station picked up on. Hopefully, he's not out to finish the job."
"Valerie Gray." A voice stated from behind her.
Valerie was shocked that someone seemed to have snuck up on her, so she whirled around while pulling out one of her blasters. What she saw was a muscular figure in a white cloak with the hood up and a matching, featureless mask. She could see his eyes which were ice blue.
"I don't know who you are, so you have one minute to explain yourself before I blast you." Valerie stated.
"Relax, I'm a member of the GIW." The man stated. "I am Agent T, but my name is Tim Scam."
"Tim Scam?" Valerie asked. "What kind of a name is that?"
"My name." Tim stated. "Unlike most villains, I wasn't as vocal with my plans, so it's understandable that you wouldn't have heard of me."
Valerie began charging up a shot. "Aren't you bold in calling yourself a villain? 30 seconds before I blast you and take you to the nearest police station."
"Villain is a term others assigned." Tim stated. "Ms. Grey, you, I, and the GIW have a common enemy." He pressed a button on his watch causing Danny Phantom's image to appear. "We all want Phantom, and currently he's being aided by an organization called WHOOP.
Even if you wanted to, you couldn't get at him through their resources. This is where we can benefit each other. Come work for the GIW as an agent, and I will provide you with an upgraded suit. All you'd have to do is take orders."
Valerie still held up her gun. "Why should I trust you?"
Tim withdrew a suitcase from his cloak. "Mr. Gray, the GIW is aware of your family's situation. A vile ghost reduced you to poverty, and the kindness of one Danny Fenton could only get you so far. How long until the old Fenton Works gives out?
Now, agents tend to receive a pretty penny depending on how valuable they are. From what I've seen, you are valuable." He placed the suitcase on the ground and kicked it over. "Consider this a sign on bonus if you look the other way concerning me and join."
Valerie cautiously opened the suitcase only for her eyes to go wide as it was filled with $100 bills. "That's a lot of money." She forced her eyes back to Tim. "I don't know if this is worth it."
"Ms. Gray, do you think we intend to stop at Danny Phantom?" Tim asked. "The GIW has always been about all ghost. With my skills, they will be better suited to protecting humanity from these vile threats. We will show WHOOP and everyone how wrong they are."
"The money, going after all ghost, and finally taking down Danny Phantom. Yeah, this guy may have admitted to being a criminal, but if he's recognized as an agent, not to mention his views on ghost, he can't be all bad." Valerie closed the suitcase. "I'm in."
"You will be an asset moving forward Red Hunter." Tim walked away. "Don't worry about your father. I personally persuaded Axion Labs to work for the GIW. Not only will you find that your father has his old position back, but Amity Park will become safer. Also, your secret is safe."
Tim then walked down the fire escape leaving Valerie alone. "He may or may not be a criminal, but if joining him gets me a shot at the ghost boy, I'll take it. The fact that he's just helped my family more than supposed friends in the A-Listers ever did helps prove his case."
Valerie put her hood back on before heading home to check in with her father. She had to see if Tim's words were true.
GIW HQ: Tim Scam's Office, Later…
Tim had removed his cloak and mask leaving him in his black trench coat. He sat at his desk and began to shake as his body and hair started to freeze. He reached into his trench coat and pulled out and ecto-shot. He injected himself and the negative effects went away.
"By taking regular shots, the negative effects have become far more manageable." Tim thought. "While the powers I've gained make it worth it in the end, I will still see WHOOP, those girls, and Phantom pay." He pulled out a briefcase and put it on his desk. "Alright, further recruits."
Tim spun around in his chair while holding a remote. He pressed a button to reveal a jail cell where three teens were waiting to be taken to juvenile hall. From what Tim understood, this was not an uncommon occurrence for them.
The first was a guy with buzz cut black hair underneath a blue baseball cap. He had green eyes and wore a short sleeve green shirt with cargo pants. His build was that of a runner. This was Donald Winslow.
The next one was a woman with a slender build, long orange hair, and purple eyes. She had a mole under her right eyes. Her attire consisted of a pair of jeans and a red, long sleeved shirt. This was Vine Dela.
The final member of the trio was twice as large, all muscle, as his companions. He had long blond hair in a ponytail and blue eyes. His attire consisted of a red tank top with blue jeans. This was Thad Rush.
Tim smiled as he pressed another button on his remote causing all three of them to be sucked into a hole within their cell. He then turned the fed off and spun back around as the three teens landed on a couch before him. Clearly, they were confused by their situation.
"Donald, why didn't you tell us you were working on technology like that?" Thad asked.
"I didn't tell you because that wasn't anything of mine." Donald replied. "You know I've never had the resources to build something like that."
Vine had noticed Tim behind the desk. "Quiet you two." Her voice drew the guys attention. "If I'm not mistaken, I think that guy was the one who busted us out."
"You are right." Tim stood and walked to the front of his desk. "Before we get down to business, allow me to show you that which I know incentivizes you." He opened the briefcase and showed the money to the teens. "Listen to me, and this could all be yours."
Vine looked at her friends before nodding. "We're listening."
Tim set the case down. "My name is Tim Scam, and I am an agent of the Guys in White. Simply put, I brought you three here to join us. In return, you get the case as a sign on bonus and will be paid handsomely moving forwards.
Not only that, but I will wipe your records clean, give you new names, and you will be trained to make use of your valuable skills. Vine's analysis abilities, Donald's expertise in technology, and Thad's aptitude for combat." He leaned against his desk. "What do you say?"
The three teens looked at each other and immediately knew they'd be making the biggest mistake of their lives by not taking such a deal. "We're in."
"Give us all of that, and we'll follow your orders with a smile no matter what you need us to do." Vine stated.
"I'm glad to hear that." Tim closed the briefcase and threw it to Vine. "Vine you will be Vid, Donald will be Download, and Thad you will be Thrash. Leader, handle and upgrade tech, and muscle, respectively. Welcome to the GIW agents. Let's get started."
Jebest4781: That is a good point on that episode. I'll see what I can do when I get around to it
Runeion: Wulf most certainty, but Poindexter. I don't know. Remember, Reingstorm has yet to happen in this continuity, and even then I'm not certain you can call that allying with Danny permanently since every ghost Danny met came to help him in that instance from enemies to allies. Valliere only helps Danny Pahntom when necessary, Sure, she's fine with Fenton, but Phantom is a long standing grudge that she only seemed to be genuinely letting go over in the penultimate episode destabalized.
Yakuza2010: Thank you for the compliments. While you are right about Ariel, there is another Halfa that is definitely in her age range, but Danny is technically someone on her radar as a potential man for another of the chosen. We'll see about Mandy. Dash is in Beverly Hills because I think an explosion is reason enough for some families to consider moving when coupled with the ghost incident. While Mandy does insult him, she's more the girls school adversary. Dash can be Danny's again and we'll see where it leads. Paulina can stay in Amity Park.