Endgame

by pearl84

It's said that every hero needs a final, epic battle. Danny is about to discover his 'perfect ending' was only the 'calm before the storm'. But in chess, the endgame is what matters. And playing against your worst enemy, means relying on your arch-enemy to win. Sequel to Checkmate. One yr. after PP.

27. Chapter 26:Test of Time and Order Part 1

SHE LIVES! Or is it, VLAD MUSE LIVES! lol!

Hello, my lovely dearly-missed readers! Oh I've missed you all indeed! I pray you are all safe and well! So, happy to FINALLY be back and with a chapter for you guys!

I won't hold you up too long, but I did say we had 2 chapters left [including the epilogue]; but this chapter got so huge that I decided last minute to split it. And by last minute, I mean late last night. lol There's just so much happening and the chapter got way too long and exhausting. So, I am going to split it into part 1 and 2. More on that after this chapter. Enjoy!

Quick Recap:

With Evil Phantom defeated once and for all, Danny and Vlad are left to face their current reality. A reality where the world still sees them as hero and villain.

But their lives are not the only ones affected, and the real consequences of all that has happened will need to be dealt with both in the human world, and in the Ghost Zone…

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom. However, this story and any OC characters are my own. Thanks!

---

Chapter 26: Test of Time and Order [Part 1]

---

A week had gone by since Vlad's arrest. He was currently being held at a GiW sister facility a state away from Amity Park. However, General W had advised him that they would eventually be moving him to their maximum-security ghost-detaining facility in Washington D.C. They had not taken him right away to that facility since it was a much longer distance away; and with all the ghostly activities from the events a week ago, they had not wanted to take any greater risk. Besides, there were report details and legal proceedings that had to be approved before they could move him.

Obviously, they wanted everything in perfect order. Vlad had been around laws and government proceedings enough to know that the only way to assure a clean trial with no possible complications was to do things by the book; especially when he was sure his case would go to the highest world court. He was, after all, public enemy number one in the sight of the whole world. A literal Pariah in modern times.

The man smirked weakly at the thought. At least he got to go out with flare.

But as quick as it had come, Vlad's smile fell again. His predicament was no laughing matter after all. But he was also trying not to think too much about it. He knew what awaited him and worrying about it would do nothing to change his fate.

He supposed that if there was any good news in all this, it was that General W had been true to her word and had allowed the man medical care; and though he was under high surveillance and isolation, he was being kept in decent conditions. At least, he wasn't being subjected to painful experiments.

Vlad glanced at his splinted arm. It was annoying to have it in a sling and cast. He couldn't remember the last time he had ever needed anything more to heal than some ghostly healing cream and a good night's rest in his years as a half-ghost. But it seemed the ghost suppressing device around his neck, which they refused to take off even when he showered, really kept every ounce of ghost energy locked inside his core. That meant, he was miserable being stuck with typical human-speed healing. Aside from his arm injury, he had a few broken ribs that made walking quite painful. And though the medical staff that tended to him said that fracture in his back would heal in time, he certainly didn't feel like that was the case right now.

True, part of that discomfort was his fault. After all, they had given him pain medication, which of course, he could only take under supervision. But after four days and not liking how they made him ill and drowsy, he decided to just deal with the pain. He had gone through worse anyways…

In his time of being here, he often thought of Daniel. He still felt his connection with the boy; but it was dormant now that they were apart and relatively both safe. Though the man wondered if it would always be like this. He wondered if he would always feel this connection lingering quietly under the surface of his being. It would be maddening if it didn't give the man a sense of peace, too. He knew as long as it stayed dormant, Daniel was fine… Vlad had taken measures to assure himself of that at least.

The man sighed deeply and tried to push away thoughts of the teen. He focused back on the deck of cards neatly placed across his sleeping mattress. Well, they would be neat if the cards were not all ripped into small pieces. But the rips had been carefully done into specific pieces and shapes. For example, the man had cut out the Queen of Hearts and shaped it origami-style so that the Queen now looked three-dimensional.

In his week of being here—which had dragged horribly—this deck of card had been his only piece of entertainment. He was not allowed visitors. He was not allowed calls—not that he wanted to talk to anyone. In fact, he was not even allowed to speak with a lawyer yet. He had to wait until he was transferred to D.C.

The only person he saw daily was General W and the two government officials assigned to guard him. Most of the day, though, he spent it in his four white-wall prison with nothing to really look at except for the basic items in his cell. So, the deck of cards was really all he had for the past week.

Only problem with that was that he hated card games. They were so dull to him with hardly any mental stimuli. Naturally, he had to fix that by transforming the cards into something he did like: chess.

The man still remembered the looks he got when the guards saw him ripping his cards apart. For the past days, Vlad had a feeling the guards only came to check on him out of curiosity at how far along he had gotten with his little project.

He was just about done. Luckily, the back of the cards of this deck was half-red and half-black. And so, he used the back of some of the cards to create the squares of the board. He had already planned on using the back of the notebook that the guards had given him. The hardest part had been keeping those squares glued to the surface. But he easily solved that by combining the shampoo he got from his shower breaks with the salt that came with his meals. Adhesives were quite easy to make if one had the ingredients and knew how to combine them.

Finishing some last touches of his paper-made chess figures, he looked at his created board. It should have dried by now; so, it was time to test it out.

Carefully, the man picked up his chess board and placed it in front of him. He then started to add the pieces on top where they belonged. It was no diamond-cut chess set, but it was still a chess set.

He spent the next two hours playing chess against himself. It was quite a distraction since his active mind kept going over all that happened again and again. His thoughts were not of just of Daniel—though a good lot of them were. But he also thought of Stephanie and her daughter. He thought of his sister and Danielle, and how he had no idea what became of them. He also thought about Clockwork and Serenity….

Serenity had not returned; and when he wondered why, he would quickly force himself to not think about it. There wasn't much he could do about it anyways… much like his current predicament.

Some more time went by when his containment door opened. He blinked at the brighter light outside; but as his eyes adjusted, he saw General W walk in.

"Hello, Mr. Masters. How are…?" the woman trailed off as she noticed the self-made chess set the man was entertaining himself with. It was moments like this that she understood why the government was taking so many measures to assure this man did not somehow escape. The man was brilliant.

She cleared her throat, and said instead, "I have some news for you. The president has approved your transport to D.C. tomorrow morning. You will find the facility much more accommodating, and you should be able to speak to your lawyer—or should I say lawyers—then."

Vlad just raised a questioning eyebrow.

And seeing it, the ghost hunter explained, "It seems your friend Mrs. Hui has quite a few lined up for you. To be honest, it had been unpleasant to have to refuse their visits in this past week. I am relieved we will not need to do so after today."

As usual, the man didn't say anything. General W noticed he had barely talked since they brought him in. She was sure this wasn't his usual demeanor. There was something in his eyes, like a tired acceptance. She had seen the look before on other inmates, mainly those who had been on the run for so long that they were utterly exhausted. And yet, General W could tell isolation and imprisonment was hard for the man. She had a feeling he would not last long like this… The man clearly had no desire to continue in any shape or form.

"Mr. Masters…?" General W began tentatively. "Can I ask you a question?"

Vlad looked at her and nodded.

"Is it true? I mean, that you helped Danny Phantom save Existence from an evil ghost? It seems it isn't just Danny Phantom saying it…"

Vlad regarded the woman for a brief moment before looking back at his chess game, and moving his king forward. He then said quietly, "It makes no difference now…"

General W frowned but then nodded. "I will return tomorrow morning to assist with your transfer… until then."

The man said nothing as she left. But hearing the door slam shut and locked, he finally looked over towards the door with a deep frown.

No matter how civil General W acted, he did not trust her. She was still a hunter. And he was still an evil ghost criminal to her. He looked back at his chess game; but with a sudden glare, he swiped it off his bed and watched as the pieces all scattered on the cold concrete floor.

His shoulders then slumped down and he sighed deeply. But as soon as he did, he cringed at the sudden pang shooting from his ribs and his arm.

Straightening up a bit, Vlad looked down at his broken arm before he took off the sling supporting it against his body. He was tired of not being able to move it. He really wished he had his ghost powers. The bone would have healed by now if he did.

Instead, he sighed again as he gently ran a hand across the hard cast. He was somewhat worried that he would never be allowed to use his powers again. That would not bode well for him. His ghost-half was crucial to his human-half. He wondered if his body was even capable of healing without his powers anymore. Or, worse…. What would happen when his core was so suppressed that his ghostly energy began to build and build? Just a week in, he could already feel the anxiousness creeping into his body. Almost like a feeling of withdrawal to an addicting substance; except that his body actually needed his ghost-half to survive. He was trying not to think about it. But he knew he was not feeling well. And things would only get worse from here.

Even if he was willing to say anything about it, Vlad was sure they would never believe him that he needed to use his ghost energy and that it could be deteriorating to his health. And telling ghost hunters of his regenerative core and how it worked would only open the doors to possible experiments.

Speaking of which, how long would it take for the Guys-in-White to start using him as a lab rat? He doubted anyone would weep over a world-class villain being tortured or dissected…

Vlad passed a hand through his hair and sighed for the third time. No use in thinking about that sort of thing now. Ultimately, it didn't matter. He was doomed no matter what he did.

And yet… He thought of his agreement with Serenity again. Where was she? Why hadn't she come to… to do what she said she would? Honestly, he preferred her fate for him than being trapped by the Guys-in-White for what remained of his life.

What if she was waiting? Waiting for him to be broken mentally and physically before she consumed what was left of him? Was she that diabolical?

"No… I have proven there is more to the Spirit of Order than what she has led us to believe," Vlad muttered. But that didn't mean she couldn't be cruel…

The man frowned deeply as he thought back to his deal with her when she had taken over Annabelle's body and cornered him alone near the cave in Wisconsin…

The man stood and stared at the female spirit in disbelief. "I do not understand…"

"You will find there is much you have yet to comprehend, crossbreed," Serenity replied. "So, now that I have restored and prepared you, and you are fit to lead your light to his destiny, are we in agreement to what you will do?"

Vlad's expression melded back into uncertainty, before he whispered, "Yes…"

The spirit began to smile.

"But there is one more thing you must do…," the man suddenly said as a deep frown set on his face. "I know you will not rest until everything is as you believe it should be… In your mind, Daniel and I are 'things' that need to be fixed or destroyed to assure we are no longer a threat to your concept of order. And you will not rest until Time is yours…"

Serenity did not answer.

But the man didn't care, and he just continued, "Well, you can have Time. You can twist this world to your own concept… I honestly do not care. But Daniel… The boy is not yours to have. He is mine. And I will not let you touch him."

"He needs to die…," the spirit began.

"If he needs to die, then he will die," Vlad cut her off seriously. "But if I find a way to save him, you will let me save him. You will stop this quest of trying to 'fix' him. You will leave him alone, and I will help you get what you want."

"You and your light have created chaos… That cannot go unpunished."

"It won't, because I will solely accept the consequences. That is the deal. I help you get what you want. And you also do with me as you want. Punish me and break me as you see fit. But if the boy makes it out of this alive, you will let him live his life. You will never go near him again. You stay away from my light…"

"What do you know of what I want?" Serenity questioned.

"Because it is the same thing I want," Vlad answered.

Serenity almost smirked. "And what of your… sibling? She will be an obstacle. Her connection to you… She will know of our agreement. She will try to stop it... Of course, the easiest solution would be to eliminate her."

"You will not touch Niane," he warned so quickly it even surprised him.

Serenity grinned with Annabelle's face and asked, "So you have finally accepted who she is?"

Vlad frowned but instead answered, "You can temporarily block her connection with me, can you not? You have done it before with the boy and I using that cursed crystal of yours. You must give me your word you will not harm her, either."

"How will this benefit my purpose?"

"It will not. Consider it a dying man's last request," Vlad answered.

Serenity watched him for a long moment.

And afraid she would refuse his deal, he quickly reminded her, "You do this, and you can further have me. I will accept… your help."

Vlad knew he had practically sold his soul to the Devil. But he hardly cared anymore. He needed to know Daniel would be safe from that blasted spirit. He needed to make sure that for once, the boy was not paying the consequences of his foolish actions.

The man frowned sadly when he thought more about Danny. It took everything in him to not reach out to 'check' on the boy. He almost wished the teen would reach out to him; but he knew that would only make matters worse. He just had to keep reminding himself that the boy would be safe now. It was just hard to accept that he would never see him again…

Much like it was hard to think he would never see Stephanie and Annabelle again either...

And then there was his sister. He was worried about her. Viviane had been unwell the last time he saw her. Clockwork had taken her away; and Vlad had no idea what that meant. Was she even around anymore?

The thought clenched his heart. He had not even been able to say 'good-bye'.

Vlad sighed yet again before glancing at his scattered chest game on the ground. He realized how pointless it all was. No game was going to keep his mind off all he had lost, and the fact that he probably wasn't even going to survive long enough to even make it into a court room.

With the depressing thought, the man laid back on his cot and stared up at the white ceiling. He was feeling worse than he was letting on. He could only hope a nap would help…

---

Danny stared sadly at his unresponsive cousin while he sat next to her hospital bed. A week had not been much time for things to return to normal, but it had been enough to at least get Danielle some expert medical attention.

General W had been very helpful in the past days. The Guys-in-White agency was taking full accountability of the harm that had befallen the girl; and had offered to fly in the best genetics and medical doctors available.

That was all well and good; except for one thing:

None of them were Vlad Masters.

Not only was the man the sole expert of human-ghost hybrid genetics, anatomy and physiology; but the guy had been the one who had created Danielle. If anyone could help his cousin, it was him.

But he was not here.

The young hybrid sighed deeply. It had felt like the past week had dragged on forever. In spite of having saved the world again and having his old life back, Danny felt like he was now living in some alternate reality. Everything just felt… different now.

He was so confused and torn. A part of him understood that Vlad had been right when he said there was no scenario where things would have ended well for the man. After all, the guy had to pay for his wrongdoings. Danny knew that.

But… he didn't want that. He wanted Vlad to be free. He wanted…the man to have a second chance. The teen wished the older hybrid could somehow start over again; that they could start over again.

Danny knew he probably shouldn't complain. Or maybe at least be grateful on how things turned out. Even with Danielle's condition and the loss of so many good ghosts, their sacrifices had not been in vain. The world and Ghost Zone were safe again. His evil-self was gone for good.

Danny had everything he could hope to have. He had his loved ones with him. Even Valerie was now closer to him than she had been in the past year. His life was back to normal!

And yet… his life now felt incomplete. His family felt incomplete without Vlad Masters.

…without his guardian.

He needed his guardian with him. Danny felt it in his heart and core now that he knew. It was part of him now: an odd, yet familiar, ache inside him; and he felt almost lost at not knowing what would become of Vlad, and if he would ever see him again.

The teen truly had never felt so conflicted as he did now.

"Dani," Danny spoke, grabbing his cousin's hand. "I now get why you did what you did… I wish things could have been different. I just… I don't know what to do…"

Danny paused as his eyebrows furrowed, but he then added with conviction, "But I promise I'll find a way to help you… to help you and your… dad."

Right then, the door opened, and Valerie, Tucker, and Sam walked in.

They smiled at him

"Hey, Danny," Valerie and Sam said.

"How are you, dude?" Tucker asked.

Danny shrugged lightly. "Hey guys. I'm okay. Just keeping Dani company today since my parents and Jazz are headed to a meeting with General W and some other government people at Amity's courthouse. They'll probably be there all day."

"I'm surprised you didn't go with them," Sam remarked questioningly.

Danny watched as Valerie gave Dani a pat on her shoulder before she sat down on an empty couch.

Sam and Tucker also gave the unconscious girl their own greeting before also sitting down.

Danny finally answered his girlfriend, "I wanted to go, but my parents thought it was best to sit this one out. Our last meeting with General W didn't go very well…"

The teen frowned at that. He remembered losing his cool when the general refused to let anyone see Vlad. They wouldn't even tell him how he was doing. He had gotten pretty hurt with Evil Phantom! And they wouldn't give them any news on him or where they were keeping him! He couldn't even talk or send Vlad a freakin' letter!

General W explained it was government protocol when it came to world criminals. The teen didn't care for any of that. He just wanted to know the guy was okay!

"Well, dude, I actually got some good news for you," Tucker spoke up with a small smile

Danny quickly looked at him. "Did you find out where they're keeping him?" he asked eagerly.

Tucker smirked. "Sure did… And I hope you know I could lose my position as mayor if someone finds out I told you about this…."

Danny's eyebrows creased.

But his friend quickly added, "But being mayor is overrated! Plus… I'm kinda tired of seeing you so down."

Danny smiled at him. "Thanks, Tuck."

Tucker grinned and replied, "Just get me a triple stack cheeseburger at the Nasty Burger and we can call it even."

"Deal," Danny answered with his own grin.

"Just tell him already," Sam said with a roll of her yes, though she was smiling.

"So, there's a GiW sister facility in Illinois. The Guys-in-White usually use this location as a safehouse more than anything else. They are keeping him there until…"

"Until?" Danny pressed.

Tucker frowned this time. "Well, they plan to transport him to Washington D.C. There is another facility there. But this one is the only one in the U.S. that has the means to contain dangerous and high-level ghosts. Rumors have it once a ghost is sent there, they are never seen again. It's inescapable."

Danny bit his lip anxiously. "Did you find out how he's doing?"

Tucker sighed and shook his head. "No, all I found out was where they were holding him; and that they would be moving him eventually to D.C. But… I don't know when, either."

They were all quiet as Danny seemed to withdraw into his own thoughts.

Valerie, Tucker, and Sam glanced worriedly at each other before Valerie tentatively spoke up.

"Danny, look, I… Well, you know how I feel about Vlad Masters," Valerie began. "It's going to take me some time to see him in another light. But I realized holding grudges doesn't get anyone anywhere. And if you say he's changed, I believe you. And I really hope things somehow work out how you want; but… if they don't…"

She leaned forward so that Danny would look at her. And when he did, she added, "Danny, you might have to start considering that maybe there isn't a way for you to help him like you want. You have to consider the possibility Vlad will be locked up the rest of his life."

Danny lowered his gaze; but then, touching his hand, Valerie further said with a sad smile, "But maybe… Maybe just being there for him is the best you can do regardless of what his fate might be. They will have to let you see him again eventually; and when they do, then…just show him your support. But… gosh we're all worried about you, too."

"Yeah, dude. Things are slowly getting back to normal, but I'm wondering if you even want them to…?" Tucker added.

Danny glanced at Tucker before looking over at Sam. He bit his lower lip again. She wasn't even looking at him. She was just staring towards Danielle with a frown. It wasn't like her to keep quiet.

"You're not going to say something, too?" Danny asked her quietly.

Turning her gaze to him, Sam sighed. "What else can I say, Danny? Valerie and Tucker are right. And I think you know it, too. But I've realized it's easy for any of us to tell you to 'accept' Vlad's fate or prepare for it. But… it really isn't easy for you."

Sam smiled sadly. "I know you told us and your family all that happened with your evil self… how you found Vlad is your guardian…And how he helped you stop the destruction of Existence… But we didn't experience it. And like Valerie said, it's going to be hard for us to see Vlad in a new light. But with all you told us, I can't blame you for how worried you've been over this. And I can't ask you to let this go when only you know how all this feels to you. I just… We don't want to see you like this."

"Like how?" Danny asked tiredly.

"Like the world really ended for you," Sam said soberly.

Danny lowered his gaze and was quiet for a moment. But then, he spoke up, and soberly said, "It's not just about Vlad…. I just feel that even when we won and the world is safe again...that somehow we also lost."

He looked back at his friends and added sadly, "Look at Danielle. Who knows if she will ever wake up? Look at Annie and Stephanie; their lives will never be the same again. Bennie and Jasper lost their home and friends. I lost good ghost friends. I have no idea what happened to Niane. And even Skulker and Fright Knight are gone; trapped forever in the Realm of Nightmare… And they didn't deserve that. And then Vlad…"

The younger hybrid shook his head. "How can my life go back to normal when other people's lives around me have been destroyed or turned up-side-down? How am I supposed to just let this go?"

His friends got quiet at that; but then Tucker dared to ask what had gone through all their minds in some way or another, "Couldn't… Clockwork help?"

Danny hesitated. It had taken a lot not to run to the time spirit like many times before. But what had stopped him were Clockwork's clear words to him before he had vanished. He had said some consequences couldn't be changed.

"He would have intervened already if he could help," Danny heavily admitted out loud.

"Well, that means we just fight the system the old fashion way," Sam spoke up, for once being the uplifting voice. "I know there's not much we can do about everything else that happened. But maybe we can still do something about Vlad."

Danny raised an eyebrow in question at the girl.

She smiled back at him as she explained, "Well, I've been thinking about a solution to this; and I've already talked with my parents about it… We just need to hold a 'Free Vlad' campaign. My parents and I know how to gather a crowd; not to mention, with you as the spokesperson vouching for Vlad, people will definitely listen!"

Tucker grinned with the idea. "Yeah, dude! That could work! Plus, a lot of people saw Vlad fighting your evil-self. They know he helped save the town!"

"I know my dad will support it," Valerie agreed right away. "And… well, everyone deserves a second chance, right?"

Danny smiled wholeheartedly for the first time in that week, and said from the depths of his heart, "Thanks, guys. You have no idea how much this means to me. The fact that even if you don't really get all that's happened with Vlad, but you are all still willing to support me—and him—just… I know I've said it before, but you guys are the best friends anyone could have… And Sam…?"

He got up, bent forward and kissed her cheek. "You're the best girlfriend a guy could have. Thanks… Thanks for trusting me."

She blushed but nodded. She knew before all this happened 'trust' had been one of their hardest challenge. She had thought that in order for them to trust each other, they needed to share everything with one another. But now she realized, sometimes trust was showing support to the person you loved, even when you didn't understand it all.

"Gross! Can you two lovebirds like do that when I'm not here?" Tucker complained in fake annoyance.

Valerie suddenly kissed him on the cheek, and quirked, "Now you're even."

The four looked at each other before they all laughed.

---

Back in the Ghost Zone, the Ancients were gathering in their council room.

"We were wondering when you would heed our calling," Horris, the leader of the Ancients, said as Serenity entered their meeting room.

Serenity, in her Ancient form, stopped in the middle of the room, and regarded her fellow Ancients before focusing back on her leader.

"Time and Order are still vulnerable," she replied. "While the return of the Master of Time and the elimination of that Phantom abomination has halted the deterioration of the cosmos, it will take some time for the natural order to be restored."

"Yes, we feel it, too," Horris agreed.

After all, the Ancients were also guardians of other forces that created balance in the world; and so, they could feel the 'wounds' of Existence still trying to fully heal from all that had happened.

"Yet, it does not explain your disregard towards the clan and your duties as of late," her leader added seriously. "You have yet to explain your actions to this clan."

"Which actions? This council entrusted me to deal with what was happening, and that is what I did. I did nothing else," Serenity answered calmly.

Horris grew annoyed at her response. "You know full well of what I speak of! When we discussed this matter, you assured us there was no other option but to allow that evil spirit to take full control over Time. In turn, you assured us you would 'deal' with those half-ghosts and protect Existence. And yet, after completely eluding this clan, we find all this to be false! Imagine our surprise to find Existence on the brink of collapsing, that creature accelerating its destruction; and the younger of the half-ghosts set to become the next Master of Time! I wish I could say that that is the worst of the matter! Instead, we further discover you had the ability to restore Clockwork's existence all this time?"

Serenity did not reply right away this time. Instead, she regarded each of the red eyes staring back at her. And she realized for the first time in her life how similar they all were. True, each and every one of these spirits had their own role outside of the duties towards the Ancient clan. And yet, in spite of their different purposes, they were more alike than not.

And they were as blinded as she once was.

Serenity focused back on her leader, and finally said, "Horris, when that abomination destroyed Clockwork, the clan agreed to allow me to take care of the situation. And I did. Regardless of how it was done, I did what I vowed to do. Existence is safe again. So, why do you all reproach me?"

Although it seemed that Serenity was being difficult, she really did not understand.

But this only irritated Horris more; and he narrowed his eyes slightly. "Do you truly not understand why we reproach you, Serenity? You deliberately kept things from us! You stopped responding to my calls! You allowed this clan to think you had gone astray; and as a result, we risked entering the human world. We risked the Observants' well-being, as well as our own, by entering that world! We ripped the very fabric that keeps this world and the human one separated and it could have caused irreversible damage to the balance between the spectral and mortal world! And all because you left us with no other choice! Fearing that Existence would be destroyed, we were forced to resort to a less-than-desirable solution and involved the Observants!"

Horris paused to calm himself before he said soberly. "You deceived this clan. And that is not proper of any Ancient. We work as one. There are no secrets between us!"

"There is also no distrust between us, either," Serenity retorted soberly and didn't realize the air around her was heating up. "You should have trusted me when I said I would resolve this."

Horris stared at her with displeasure as he whispered. "Do not dare blame this on us when you are the one who risked everything by keeping this clan in the dark about your true intentions."

"And imagine what the fate of Existence would have been if I had not!" Serenity answered sharply, only to pause.

What was happening? She had thought all this instability within her would go away now that Clockwork had returned… But she realized there was still some lingering within her…

And noticing the Ancients all glancing at one another, Serenity frowned again. But then she calmed again as she admitted, "I did not purposely go astray from my original plans…I had not been aware of the possibility of bringing back Clockwork. Not at first… It seems the Time Master with the help of Viviane Masters were the ones keeping secrets. The spirit girl had part of Clockwork's essence all along… And Clockwork knew that the young crossbreed had the ability to absorb core energies—that in his time with Clockwork, the child had absorbed some of the Time Master's core energy."

"Is that why you told us he would be the next Master of Time?" Horris questioned with distrust.

"Yes," she answered. "It had been Clockwork's plan. I am sure he never expected to be brought back. Or should I say, he would have never expected me to do so… And so, he believed the next best thing was for the young mortal to take his place. And I would have upheld his wishes if I had not realized there was another way after all."

Serenity grasped her amulet as she glanced at the other Ancients and added, "With Clockwork's essence still intact and the boy's ability, I knew then I could restore the true Master of Time with the help of my supernatural bond to him…All I needed was the boy's surrender of his acquired control over Time and for his counterpart to allow it. My plan worked just like I had expected."

"But at what cost, Serenity?" Horris asked soberly. "You gave up your guardianship to Clockwork! It was for that same reason we never even considered for you to take control of Time! You know one single being cannot have guardianship over both Time and Order! Do you not understand? Your actions did not save Existence, they have only delayed its destruction!"

Serenity frowned heavily.

Horris shook his head as he said with heavy aggravation. "I cannot decide which idea is more foolish: Clockwork's plan to have a half-mortal child take his place as the Master of Time. Or your action of bringing him back by giving Clockwork domain over Order and Time! Why does it always seem you two create more problems than you solve? This is exactly what happened with Pariah. At least back then, you still had enough sense!"

Serenity did not visibly react, but the air began to heat up around her again.

"And what was the solution in your eyes, Horris?" she demanded to know.

"That was for us to decide as a clan, Serenity!" he answered back.

"We did," she insisted. "This clan chose to let me decide the outcome of this matter. And I did what I said I would with the exception that I rearranged my methods based on the circumstances..."

She paused as she suddenly realized her hot energy was seeping out of her. But, right now, she did not care…

For the first time in her existence, Serenity felt real anger.

Her eyes glowed brightly as she whispered with ire, "If anyone failed to uphold Ancient customs and appearance, it is you, Horris. Your decision to not trust me and lead this clan to interfere could have cost the end of everything! You risked Existence all the more by coming to the human world. And to have the Observants take control of Time? Your solution was more absurd and foolish than Clockwork's and my own combined!"

The Ancients all stared at the once Spirit of Order in shock. But then Horris frowned deeply. "You have changed, Serenity," he muttered with displeasure. "How dare you speak to us in such a way? Have you forgotten we work as one? If we interfered, it is because you left us with no other choice! If you would have been transparent with your intentions from the beginning…"

"My intentions?" Serenity interrupted. "They have not changed. They never did. I would have destroyed both crossbreeds if it had been the only way to save Existence! I would have allowed that evil abomination to take over Time—or would have taken over Time myself—if that was what had been necessary to assure that the natural balance would continue to exist! But there was another way. A better way. The true Time Master has returned. Be it by fate or a perfectly devised plan by Clockwork himself. It does not matter! Even if the solution was not ideal, it was the best outcome! And I might no longer be the Spirit of Order, by title; but I am still loyal to Order. I am still its servant. And I will still defend it against anyone who tries to create chaos or disrupt its balance, because I am still who I am. I am constant. I do not change."

Horris stared at the female spirit for a long moment before glancing at the other spirits.

With a weary sigh, he nodded at them to speak.

"If what you say is true," Amoris, the Spirit of Love, said, "Why do you speak so differently to us now?"

But before Serenity could answer, Reaper, also known as the Guardian of Life and Death, further asked, "If what you say is true, why did you sacrifice your guardianship to bring Clockwork back, knowing of the possible chaotic repercussions it can have?"

This time, though given the chance, Serenity did not answer.

Eve, the Guardian of the Elements, sighed, "You must realize that just like we can feel you are no longer in control of Order, we can feel your loss of control over your true self. You have sacrificed more than you have yet to realize, Serenity."

"Indeed," the Ancient called Fate jumped in. "Just be honest with us. Why did you truly surrender your guardianship? To save Existence…? Or to save Clockwork?"

"Your question has no validity," Serenity finally answered. "Not when the answer is one in the same. I saved Clockwork to save Existence."

Virtru, the Spirit of Truth, shook his head and added, "At least admit to us that you kept us in the dark about your true intentions because you feared we would reject your true plans. Is this not true? You thought we would stop you from bringing him back."

Serenity coldly asked, "Why would the Ancients have stopped me? Existence is intact. Is that not what you all wanted?"

"Yes, it is intact. But it is still vulnerable," Horris said, speaking up once more when Serenity still continued to evade the true issue. And deciding to use another angle, he added, "Perhaps it is still unstable, too. The natural order calls for two masters working as one to create a healthy balance. For all we know, your action could have simply delayed the destruction of Existence."

"I agree with Horris," Amoris jumped in. "I believe you fail to see the real problem here. Yes, it is true your unique bond with Clockwork… and the series of 'perfectly placed' coincidences has allowed you to do what would have been impossible in any other instance. But was it really what was in the best interest of Existence, Serenity? We now have an exiled Ancient bearing the burden of keeping the balance between Time and Order. It seems to me you failed to think ahead…"

" 'Think ahead'" Serenity repeated, growing angry again. "'Perfectly placed coincidences'? …What is your accusation, Amoris? Horris? Speak in direct words! Do the Ancients think I planned this with only the thought of my own benefit?"

Amoris looked about to speak up again, but Horris raised his hand.

And instead of answering the female spirit directly as she wanted, Horris asked, "Do you remember why Clockwork was banished from the Ancient clan…?" But the Head Ancient answered for her, "Of course you do, Serenity. You were the deciding voice. If you recall, he developed 'emotions' that led to his exile."

The air heated up even more around them as Serenity questioned, "Again, what are you all implying with your questions and comments? Just speak it!"

The leader looked at the clan who nodded at his silent question before looking back at Serenity and said seriously, "The way we see it, your actions were not the actions of an Ancient, Serenity. You did not act like the Guardian of Order. You did not even conduct yourself as a spirit… You behaved like a female who lost her mate. And that is all that drove you to make the decisions you have made. And this clan is greatly disappointed in you."

Surprisingly, Serenity did not get angrier. In fact, all her influence disappeared from the air. Though it didn't show on her face, the other Ancients could sense her confusion and even surprise.

Serenity frowned slightly as she thought over what the Ancients had just told her… And it was at that moment she finally understood. She understood why the Ancients were reproaching her. But more importantly, she realized why Clockwork's near-demise and his return affected her so.

But they were wrong to say she had not acted as an Ancient or the Guardian of Order, because she had. She still was to some degree… And while being true to herself had saved Existence now, had this not always been her problem? The reason why Clockwork… gave up on their bond? She had focused so much on her personas as an Ancient and the Guardian of Order that she had completely suppressed—and forgotten—about her third persona…

"What have you to say for yourself, Serenity?" Horris asked calmly, though hopeful. "Do you finally see the error of your ways?"

Serenity lowered her gaze and whispered, "Yes…" But then, she unexpectedly melded into her humanoid form.

The Ancients gasped at her change. They were not allowed to break formation around each other or around others while they were seen together.

Serenity seemed to smile at their reaction before looking down at her own form. Her true form.

"Have you all heard of the tale of Time and Order?" she asked quietly.

"Serenity…," Horris began in warning. "Return to your Ancient form."

Serenity ignored him, and continued, "I suppose even if I retold it to you all, you would not understand it… None of you ever really did… And more amazingly, even I never really did…"

Serenity's gaze drifted and she unconsciously gripped her dim crystal. But when she no longer felt her bond with Clockwork nestled within it like before, she snapped back to reality.

Her eyes focused on the Ancients once more, and she said with confidence, "You see, we say spirits do not affect the timeline. That we are above it all. But I now understand we are not. What we do… and fail to do, affects everything."

Serenity frowned slightly as she said, "You want to know why those half-ghost creatures exist? They exist because of my failed bond with Clockwork. That imbalance we believed to have been caused by that Phantom abomination or Clockwork's destruction, in actuality, began before that—from so long ago. Existence has been falling apart since the day Clockwork and I fell apart. Existence felt when Time and Order stopped moving together. And so, it instinctively began to seek out something to counteract that lost balance. A Higher Power than us created another supernatural bond. A true guardian bond that would bring balance to this world again…."

Serenity paused, and said mostly to herself, "I did not understand it; but my Clockwork did…. He knew. He has known the truth all this time…" She stared at the Ancients as she added firmly, "He understands the balance needed between Time and Order… and what Existence really needs better than myself. Better than all the Ancients and the Observants. We know nothing!"

For the first time, Serenity's face betrayed her emotions. She narrowed her eyes as she said, "It is why I did what I did. It was not because I was 'acting like a female who lost her mate'—though I did feel his loss. I did it because I finally understood. The only way to assure Existence is safe—not from those crossbreeds, but from us, from spirits like us—is to have Time and Order in the hands of someone who understands what it needs… and someone who is free from the Ancients who will never understand the true value of life."

"What has happened to you?" Horris asked with a concerned frown.

"As I said, I have finally understood my vows," Serenity answered soberly "And my vows to Clockwork and to Order are stronger than my vows to this clan! You want to know the difference between Clockwork's disobedience and my own?"

She smirked darkly at them and answered herself, "You will not get the pleasure of banishing me from this clan… I renounce to my position as an Ancient."

The Ancients gasped in disbelief.

But then Horris muttered, "I never thought you would follow the path of the Master of Time."

"I should have followed it a long time ago," Serenity answered with a deep frown as her body began to glow red.

Without a word, the Ancients raised their hands; and the red glow around Serenity suddenly pulled away from her and absorbed into the other Ancients' hands. Their bodies briefly flashed red, while Serenity's glow returned to its normal white hue. She knew, of course, her Ancient form was now gone forever.

And she had never felt more liberated in her entire life.

Serenity turned to leave, but she stopped when her former leader spoke again.

"No longer the Spirit of Order… No longer an Ancient… What will you do now, Serenity?"

Serenity glanced at the Ancients with the slightest smirk, "I have one last task to complete… A true test."

And with that, she was gone.

---

In his adult form, Clockwork stared with a frown at his somewhat restored clock tower home. It had taken quite a bit of effort and power, but at least the main tower portion of his home was back to normal.

The time spirit continued to watch as the smaller towers and structures on the island reformed from rubble or rocks on the ground. It was like watching a sculptor create artistic life out of clay. It would start with nothing but rocks and debris stacking on each other, and then they would begin to reform and bend and build upon each other until the final monument was completed. All the while, the entire area pulsed with the same blue energy coming from his own pulsing time staff.

Deciding to head inside as there was much to still do, the time spirit floated into the main area of his home. Inside, the walls were also glowing as, little by little, his home was restored through his own powers.

Clockwork raised his hand and released a sphere of blue energy. The sphere floated away just a few feet before it began to spin slowly and expand. Then, at the center of the energy, a ring of white energy shimmered and extended outward until it encased the blue ball where it had originated. The white orb soon became transparent and solidified into what looked like glass.

It took a few more moments, but finally, the sphere of energy became a Time Viewing Orb which swirled with green energy as it floated in the center of the room.

Clockwork smiled slightly as he walked closer and lightly touched the orb, only for the glass-like capsule around it to dispel like mist. But as soon as he removed his hand it reformed back to its solidified appearance.

"Clockwork?"

The Time Master's smile instantly fell at the sound of a familiar voice. He turned just in time to see his employers float closer towards him.

Annoyed, Clockwork said, "I know I have said this before; but this time, it rings even truer: I'm busy."

The two male Observants' single eyeballs moved about their heads as they scanned the glowing and rebuilding surroundings.

"Yes, we can see," Justeco soon replied, turning his eye back on the time spirit. "However, we needed to speak with you. The Ancients summoned us, and they are asking us to bring Viviane with us."

"And what does this have to do with me?" Clockwork questioned impatiently.

This time, Konsilisto, the Head Observant's brother and counselor, answered with distress, "We cannot find her! She was last with you, and... And she is your responsibility!"

"Why is it every time you both are distressed about something, it suddenly becomes my responsibility?" Clockwork questioned with a scowl.

"She was last with you," Justeco reminded him again. "You must know something with regards to her whereabouts. Clockwork, she broke her vows… You know what must happen. And the longer she evades the inevitable, the more unstable she will become. Worse, her presence could upset the natural balance in the state she is in! I am sure you can feel Existence is still recovering from what almost happened."

"Why are you so sure she broke her vows?" Clockwork retorted, ignoring their comments about Existence. "Have you considered that perhaps this is what was meant to happen? As Niane, she played a role in the timeline, regardless if you two agreed with that or not."

"This is not about her pseudo-ghost form interfering in the timeline anymore, Clockwork," the Observant counselor said, a bit irritated. "This is worse! She revealed her identity—her spirit form—to her sibling and the younger half-ghost. You know spirits are not meant to reveal themselves to beings in the timeline, especially humans!"

"And yet, you both had no problem with ordering me to get involved directly with Danny," Clockwork reminded them. "And yet, the Observants and Ancients had little hesitation with stepping into the Human World. And yet, Serenity directly interacted with various humans, including the half-ghosts and a young human girl that she all but possessed!"

Although the time spirit had not been present for any of it, Niane had told him everything that had happened.

"That is different," Justeco argued, although he was more hesitant. "We had little say in the matter. You know the Ancients are above us. We were only following our superiors' orders. We cannot stray from our vows as Observants."

Clockwork stared at them in annoyance. "As I have said before, that is precisely the problem with you Observants… All you do is observe. All you do is blindly stick to your so-called vows and rules," he remarked. "Did you ever consider the repercussions of your decisions or lack thereof? Did you all consider the repercussions of having spirits stepping foot in the human world—within time? If Niane has broken her vows, haven't we all?"

Justeco sighed deeply and his eye briefly closed. "I had hoped your near-demise would have changed your way of thinking, Clockwork…"

The Time Master scoffed. But suddenly, he extended his hand outward and his tower's reconstruction ceased with a flash of blue light. His staff then suddenly materialized in his outstretched hand.

He turned away from the Observants and aimed his staff at the time viewing orb. But although he did, the only thing the orb did was flash gold; but the energy swirling inside did not change into an image, like it should have.

Clockwork lowered his hand, a firm frown on his face.

Meanwhile, the Observants glanced at each other, not sure what the lack of response from the viewing orb meant.

"You think my return truly solved everything?" Clockwork suddenly asked quietly. But he then turned back to the Observants and asked with a glare, "You both think that I am supposed to be grateful for whatever Serenity did to bring me back? Or be content with the Observants and Ancients pitiful attempt at restoring Existence? …No. Far from it."

The Observants stared as they now realized something they had not before.

"Your form… It is not changing," Konsilisto remarked.

And his brother quickly asked, "What is wrong with your powers?"

"What's wrong is that Serenity gave me control over Order," Clockwork replied seriously.

Unlike the Ancients, the Observants had not been aware of this, and they gasped simultaneously, "How is that possible?"

"The same way it was possible for her to restore me," Clockwork almost snapped back. "Our bond. It took a great deal of power to do what she did. It is of no surprise she had to surrender her control over Order to do it."

Clockwork only knew this information now because he could feel it. He could feel the amount of power and energy Serenity sacrificed to bring him back.

The Observants looked at each other again; but this time Justeco remarked, "As surprising as this to us, I still do not understand why you are so upset. If it was not for Serenity's actions Existence would be lost. You would be lost."

Clockwork shook his head. He stared down at his staff for a moment; but then said more calmly, "Yes, she spared Existence. Perhaps she even spared me; but this is not how things should be… Time and Order are not meant to be under one Master…"

He looked back at the Observants with a heavy frown and finished, "…just like spirits are not meant to meddle in the timeline's affairs!"

The Observants fell quiet for once. But then Justeco said, unsure, "I am sure Serenity saw no other way… Your demise created a time rift, and as a result Existence…"

"No," the time spirit cut them off. "Existence has been unbalanced before all this… As for the time rift… Do you all even know what causes it?"

And when the Observants didn't answer, Clockwork answered, "A time rift results when an outside force interferes in the flow of Time and Order… Do you two not understand? This started from the moment we—spirits who are not meant to set foot in the timeline— interfered in Danny Phantom's timeline."

"Clockwork, you know what would have happened if we had not!" Justeco stressed.

"I agree with Justeco," Konsilisto spoke up, "Not to mention, your accusation is faulted. If this rift was truly caused by spirits interfering in the timeline, then that interference began the moment you asked the Ancients to bring back Viviane and then placed her in the timeline."

"You both still do not understand," Clockwork answered, annoyed. "I placed Viviane Masters in the timeline as a ghost. Why else do you all think I had her brought back? Niane was my attempt to keep spirits—namely the Observants and Ancients—from interfering with the timeline! But, of course, the Observants know best. And heaven forbid anyone questions the Ancients' decisions!"

Clockwork sighed heavily. "You two wanted me to stop the boy's once dark future to save Existence. So, I directly involved myself against my better judgment. And that resulted with yet another spirit, an evil unnatural creature from a non-existent timeline, to further interfere with the true timeline! Now observe where we are now; consider what almost happened. Can you truly tell me we prevented anything? Can you truly tell me all of this was not our own fault?"

The Observants glanced at each other but then they lowered their gaze. "What would you have had us do? If you had not interfered, then Danny Phantom's future would have resulted in his and the world's destruction."

"How do you know that future was even meant to occur?" Clockwork challenged. "Just because the timeline shows one possible future does not mean it is what will happen. No one truly knows the future. Not even myself. What I see are possible outcomes, some more likely than others; but none of them are carved in stone."

"Say we accept our part of the responsibility in this," Justeco began with a frown. "If you knew what our command would lead to, why did you do it? You have always fought us in every decision we make. So, why not then?"

"You forget I am a spirit and bound to vows like you," Clockwork replied seriously. "Just like I cannot interfere with the decisions of those in the timeline, I cannot interfere with the decisions made by those outside of it. You both know the times I have interfered, there are always repercussions. But you are right: I chose to obey you. This is as equally my fault…" He paused and added with creased eyebrows, "I suppose I did it in the hope that something good would result from it all…"

"I believe it did," Justeco said seriously. "Have you considered all this was meant to happen? That Serenity was supposed to bring you back? And that perhaps our interference is what pushed the crossbreeds to come together to save Existence?"

"If only it were enough…," Clockwork answered tiredly. He realized as much as he tried, they would never truly understand. In part, it was not their fault. As powerful as spirits were, they lacked such basic understanding of the world. In other words, they lacked humanity. Even ghosts could see the bigger picture more clearly than spirits, being that most ghosts were once human…

But as much as he hated to admit it, the Observants were not totally wrong. And that is what had Clockwork so conflicted. For the first time in his existence, he did not know what was the timeline's right path… He didn't know what to do.

And while Danny and Vlad had come together to save Existence, it really wasn't enough. Their path was incomplete. Something felt wrong. Unfinished.

"Ultimately, all we can do is move forward," Justeco finally said. "Whatever consequences arise from this, then we will address it when the time comes. That is what we always do."

Clockwork just turned away and sighed quietly.

"And be what may," Konsilisto then said, "We still have to do our duties. And we came here to find Viviane Masters."

Clockwork glared at his swirling viewing orb but did not answer them.

Justeco and Konsilisto shared another glance at each other; but then, the head Observant floated a bit closer to the time spirit and said patiently, "We know you have developed a bond with Viviane. But you already know her fate is not in our hands—or yours. Regardless if her reasons were valid or not, you know the conditions surrounding her existence… And you might not like it, but it is time for her to go home. You must know, at least, that is what is best for her and the timeline at this point…"

Clockwork stared at his time staff for another moment before finally looking at the Observants. "Are you both done? I have a lot to do."

Justeco and Konsilisto sighed in unison. But it was the counselor that answered, "Yes… I suppose it goes without saying you need to let us know if you see Viviane."

"And Clockwork?" Justeco called, and his tone of voice captured the time spirit's attention. "It is not in your nature to be so conflicted."

The Time Master frowned in confusion for the first time.

Justeco's eye curved into what appeared a slight smile. "You might find it easier to accept what has happened and why if you simply talk with Serenity. I know you think we understand very little, but just maybe, an old spirit like me can still give sound advice from time-to-time."

And not waiting for an answer, both Observants vanished out of the tower.

Clockwork turned back to his viewing orb and watched as it continued to just glow gold and nothing more.

He frowned deeply at it before he suddenly voiced, "As much as I do not want to say it, for once, the Observants are right about you…"

Niane materialized in the room. She was in her ghost persona but looked too transparent and her hue was very weak.

"I cannot go back," Niane whispered sadly. "My brother still needs me."

"Then, why have you not gone to him?" Clockwork asked seriously as he turned to look at her. "Why are you hiding here?"

"I am also concerned for you," she replied sadly. She took no offense to the time spirit's almost harsh tone. She knew he was very troubled.

After a brief pause, she floated closer and remarked, "The Observants are right about you, too. It is not like you to be so conflicted."

Clockwork shook his head. "Forgive me, Niane… Everything has changed. I feel different. Unnatural. I have too much power."

"Is that why you cannot focus your powers to view the timeline?" she asked, worried.

"As connected as we were, Serenity's powers are foreign to me. They are interfering with my own powers. I cannot tell if her powers are canceling out my own. Or… if it is my own inability to accept what has happened that is causing this… barrier inside me."

"You practically told the Observants you wished Serenity had not brought you back," she answered hesitantly. "Clockwork, if she had not, Danny's entire life would have been lost. What you were asking him to do…"

"It seemed like the only option," Clockwork answered quietly. "At least, the only possible option at the time."

"You truly never expected her to bring you back, did you?" Niane asked. "I cannot blame you. I also never thought…"

Clockwork frowned deeply. "As you know, supernatural bonds cannot be broken. So, when I cast away our bond and locked it in her crystal, it took part of my very life force with it. It was all I could do. I lost hope in her so long ago… I never thought she would give up control of our bond, and in turn, sacrifice her power over Order, just to…"

"But she did," Niane said softly. She floated closer as she hesitantly said, "I thought she was cruel, power-hungry, and incapable of sacrificing anything. Everything she did to Danny, my brother, you… And yet…I realize now the truth is that everything she did was to assure Vlad and Danny saved Existence… And that she had the chance to save you. I still can't decide if I should be grateful for or terrified by her actions."

Clockwork hesitated before he admitted, "In spite of being created for each other, I never understood her ways, either. And I gave up in trying to. I thought it was best for us to go our own ways, regardless of the consequences to Time and Order. And now…They are under one Master, which is even worse. It's not natural. It was never meant to be this way… But it was never meant to be as it was before, either."

"You mean, you both separating?" Niane asked. But seeing Clockwork just continue to frown, she further questioned, "Is there a way to fix it? Make things… as they are meant to be?"

"I am not sure…," Clockwork answered with a sigh. "Serenity, myself, the Observants, and the Ancients have made a mess of things… As a result, we have affected all of Existence… We have affected your brother and Danny's timeline."

"What do you mean?"

Clockwork lowered his gaze to his staff. "At least with the Observants and other Ancients, they never directly interacted with anyone in the time stream… The same cannot be said for Serenity and I. And then with your revelation of your spirit form… Viviane also interfered directly with those in the timeline."

"I still do not understand…," Niane said worriedly.

Clockwork finally looked at her, and said, "It means, Niane, that even if I could somehow control Time and Order enough to restore the Natural Balance, your bother, Danny, and all those we directly associated with will be immune to some extent to those changes. Why do you think that in the past when I have reset Danny's timeline or manipulated it in some way, he remembers everything—when he really should not? It's a result of a spirit interfering directly with beings in the timeline. It's even worse when it's myself or Serenity since we control Time and Order."

"If that is not concerning enough," Clockwork continued, "there is the problem with your brother and Danny's supernatural bond. It's awakened but… not complete. And considering the circumstances, it seems they are out of time."

Clockwork's eyebrows furrowed. "Based on what you told me, you understand Serenity is not done. Just because she brought me back, does not mean she has changed her ways. She will see this through to the end. She is going to take your brother, and there is nothing I can do."

"That is why I cannot leave him. I won't let her…"

"Niane," Clockwork cut her off softly. "Trust me when I tell you that stopping what is now meant to happen will only make matters worse."

"But we can't just let her destroy their lives!" Niane insisted.

"Would it be any better than where they are now?" Clockwork retorted sadly. "I do not have to look into the future to know the grim end that awaits your brother. And Danny… it is going to destroy him."

Clockwork stared at the swirling time orb. "As I said, my return might have been enough to stabilize Existence, but eventually it will not be enough again, especially with Time and Order now being more unbalanced than before… This is not how things were meant to be…And I cannot fix it because… I cannot do it alone."

Niane lowered her gaze. And she was quiet for a moment before she asked, "You think I should return…? Will it help keep Existence stable longer?"

"That is a decision you must make," he answered, looking at her. "But I want you to know I do not believe you broke your vows. You are your brother's guardian, and we both knew there would come a time when you would need to reveal the truth to him. Unfortunately, the Observant are right about this too: whether or not your actions were justified, you know how this ends."

Niane lowered her gaze and nodded.

He saddened as he admitted, "I will miss you, Niane… But I think it's time for you to go see your brother."

Niane's eyes glazed with tears before she hugged him. "I'll miss you, too." She pulled away, and asked, "Promise me something?"

Clockwork smiled and nodded.

"Please don't hide in here forever... I am not the only one delaying the inevitable."

Clockwork's eyebrows creased, but then he nodded.

"Good-bye, Clockwork," she answered sadly before she vanished from the tower and left the time spirit alone with his own decision to make.

---

Evening came quickly over Amity Park. Most of its citizens were either at their homes or on their way there.

Danny, however, had just left his house. He was currently flying around the city, scouting for any potential threats or disruptions. In a way, he still felt on edge after his dealings with his once evil-self. His buried uncertainty liked to surface at times; and it was enough to make him a bit paranoid. The thought would cross his mind that Evil Phantom had not really been destroyed and was hiding in the shadows, ready to swallow him up.

But the feeling was fleeting, and he remembered everything he learned. He remembered the decision he made. The decision he and Vlad made. Evil Phantom was truly gone because they had chosen not to be enemies; and so, Evil Phantom would never be in their future. He smiled at that thought and his next. Their bond would guarantee that because now they didn't have to face being half-ghosts alone. They could watch out for each other, and keep the other from straying from the right path.

That is, if they ever saw each other again.

Danny sighed; but then, he forced himself to focus on his ghostly patrol. Problem was… it was quiet.

It didn't surprise the teen, though. Just like the human world was trying to get back to normalcy, he was sure the Ghost Zone was, too.

"Not even the Box Ghost," Danny said with another sigh.

He almost wished a ghost was out here, if only to feel like things were back to normal, even when they never would be.

"Danny?"

The teen suddenly remembered he had the Fenton phones on when he heard his girlfriend's voice in his ear.

With a press of a button on the left ear piece, he opened the communication channel and said, "Hey, Sam."

"Anything?" she asked.

"It's a ghost town," he answered, only to wince at the bad pun.

He heard the mirth in Sam's voice as she replied, "Not surprising at all…" But then, her voice took a more serious tone and she asked, "I think you should call it a day, Danny. We both know the ghosts are probably trying to get their lives back in order, too."

"Yeah…," he just answered quietly.

"Come on, Ghost Boy. I'll meet you in front of City Hall. I got something for you."

Danny smirked. "Okay, I'll be there… Now."

The teen teleported and a second later, he was in front of a partly-destroyed statue of himself at City Hall.

He immediately spotted his girlfriend leaning against her parked car.

She rolled her eyes at him as she pulled away from the car, and remarked teasingly, "Can't decide if you're trying to show off, or just lazy."

"Depends… Are you impressed?" he retorted cheekily; and closing their remaining distance, he grabbed her hand.

"If I say… yes?" she asked back.

"I'd be flattered; but the truth is, I'm just lazy," Danny answered with a chuckle.

"How far away were you?" Sam questioned, more curious this time.

"Just past the hospital," he answered. "After having to pull off teleporting halfway from Wisconsin to here, using teleportation to get ten miles is nothing."

"Are you sure you're not trying to impress me?" Sam asked, this time with a grin.

Danny laughed this time. But then, he asked more calmly, "Why are you out here? Did you finish that project you needed to do?"

Sam smiled back at him. "Just about. It's why I'm here. Tucker and Valerie are inside the mayor office, working on 'mayor stuff'; so, I came by to show 'my project' to them…."

"Valerie's back to being Tucker's assistant?" Danny asked with a growing smile.

"Looks like it. Seems they are back together. I haven't really asked him about it, since it's pretty obvious."

Danny nodded. "True," he answered, remembering how they had been holding hands when they had all been at the hospital visiting Dani.

"Anyways, I wanted to meet with you to show it to you, too," Sam said excitedly before she suddenly grabbed Danny's hand and yanked him over towards her car.

The girl had the top down on her convertible, and so she just reached in and grabbed a large folder.

She then grabbed a piece of paper from the folder and handed it to Danny.

The teen's eyebrows creased as he took the paper; but then, when he looked it over, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait, this was the project you were working on? I thought you meant a school project!" he exclaimed.

"School? We're barely doing any work there," Sam said with a scoff. "It will probably be another week for our shell-shocked teachers to start up our normal curriculum…. But what do you think?

Danny smiled at the uncommon shyness in the girl's voice as she asked for his approval. But he also smiled because he was utterly touched by what he was seeing.

True to her word, his girlfriend was starting a campaign to help Vlad. And the paper in his hand was the new flyers to start it up.

"I already talked with my parents. It's why I skipped going on patrol with you. They're onboard. The flyer is just the start. We are organizing gatherings in important areas of the town. Maybe we can also get Annabelle involved. Her mom has connections, and it wouldn't be long until word gets around. We—"

"I love you."

Sam stopped mid-sentence. "We… uhhh, what?" she asked, thrown off.

Danny sighed before he suddenly pulled her into a hug. "I love you, Sam," he repeated earnestly. "I'm sorry for not always showing it, and for keeping so many secrets from you…"

He pulled away but still held one of her hands as he further told her, "I know we're still kids. I'm sure we're still going to get a lot wrong, but I'm glad I have you.. I'm glad that you're not only my girlfriend, but are still my best friend! And no matter what happens between us, Sam, I am completely sure that will never change. And that means more to me that I'll ever be able to say."

Sam's eyes were glowing with tears as she smiled back at him. "You're right, no matter what. That will never change…. I love you, too, Danny."

Feeling lighter than he had in the past week, Danny leaned forward and kissed her. He briefly felt a pang in his mind, and he recognized it for what it was. Although he no longer had Niane's powers to the extent he did when his powers were flaring and out of control, her power had imprinted on his core. It seemed whenever he got emotionally close to any of his loved ones, it stirred the power. It was only a brief sensation in his mind and heart, but it served to remind him of his other very important bonds with those in his life.

Pulling away, Sam smirked, and asked, "So I take it you approve?"

Danny chuckled. "Completely. Can I take one home to show it to my parents? I haven't had a chance to talk to them about your idea."

"Yeah," she replied. But then hesitating, she asked, "Speaking of your parents… What's their thoughts on Vlad? You think they'll support the campaign?"

Danny bit his lip and lowered his gaze, "I'm sure they will if I ask them, but… I don't know. I think it's hard for them. Vlad is such a personal issue for them… I mean, it is for me, too. But it's different, you know? Especially with my dad. Vlad's hurt them, Sam… But… I think they might now understand—like me—that they also hurt him. And forgiveness isn't always easy. I don't know if they will ever see each other… as friends again."

Sam nodded. The girl knew that while Danny's parents were working with the Guys-in-White and trying to get information on Vlad's situation, they were mostly doing it for their son. Just like when they and Vlad had worked together in Wisconsin to get Danny's ghost half-back… They came together for Danny.

It really showed how much all three cared about him.

"I think they can get there," Sam answered confidently.

"Yeah?" Danny asked.

The girl nodded. "They got you in common. Their love for you will bring them together again. Someday."

Danny nodded. "I hope so, too." But then wanting to change subjects, he asked, "I know it's late but… You want to get something to eat?"

"Are you asking me on a date, Danny Fenton?" Sam questioned with a smirk.

"I think we're overdo… I owe my girl a few date nights," he answered with a goofy grin.

"Good thing for you, you have plenty of time to catch up. Come on, Romeo. I'll drive."

Danny chuckled before he changed back to his human form. "Okay, I guess we can drive to the restaurant like a normal couple."

As they got in the car, Sam answered with a smirk, "You know what? I realized I could use a bit of 'normalcy' in my life from time-to-time. So, where should we go that won't end up with you being assaulted by devoting worshipers, 'O-Great- Savior-of-the-World'?"

"I think we can only hope there's not a lot of people out tonight." Danny answered as Sam started the car. "But I realized 'Danny Phantom's popularity' shouldn't get in the way of what's important to me. And right now, spending time with you is what's important to me. So, let's go wherever we want, and we'll make the rest work… together."

Sam smiled warmly, and agreed, "Together."

---

Vlad laid on the hard bed staring up at the white ceiling. If he looked carefully, he could see a tinge of green haze spread across it, much like the walls. He was sure it was a Ghost Shield.

He had been feeling very tired today. In fact, he had not bothered to pick up his hand-made paper chess pieces off the ground since he threw them there this morning. The guard had also come to take him to the secured room for his evening meal; but he declined and just stayed in his cell.

His body hurt. It felt like he had the flu. And he knew the ghost collar suppressing his core for far too long was the culprit. It was crippling.

But he knew that it didn't matter if he told his captors this or not because they would never allow him to access his core and ghost-half. If only out of fear for his escaping or being a bigger threat to them.

Vlad closed his eyes as his mind hazed with fatigue and something else.

He was going to die here. And yet, the notion was almost welcomed. He was at peace with it.

But just as his thoughts began to shut down as his exhaustion took over, he heard a sudden whisper of his name.

"Vlad?"

The man opened his blurry eyes and looked confused at the red eyes staring down at him.

"Vlad, wake up!" the voice urged; but then he felt a hand on his forehead before it added, "Oh gosh, you're burning up!"

This time, the man regained enough awareness to recognize the voice, even though the face it belonged to was still blurry.

"Annie?" he whispered, hopeful.

Although she was in her ghost form, Niane nodded as her eyes glazed with tears. She placed her other hand on her brother's ill face, and said, "You're sick."

Vlad closed his eyes and smiled at her touch. "… I'm happy you're here."

Niane wasn't sure if the man really understood she was there; or just thought he was dreaming. She sighed sharply with slight desperation.

"I have to get you out of this place…," she whispered, looking around.

But deep down she knew it was impossible. The only reason she had been able to get in was thanks to her spirit form that allowed her to bypass most anti-ghost devices. But she had also used her other powers to place a barrier over the prison cell to assure she wasn't detected. After all, there were cameras everywhere and her brother was overly guarded.

But her efforts had weakened her more than she had been before. She would never be able to get him out of here alive.

"I'm sorry, Annie," Vlad suddenly said, leaning into her touch. "…for everything… For…all these years I…I let you down. I… let our parents down… They would be ashamed of me."

Niane shook her head even when her brother didn't see it. "No, Vlad. They would be proud of you. And I am, too. It takes a lot of courage to admit one's mistakes. To learn from them. To change for the better. You have learned what it really means to love and sacrifice for someone… You helped Danny save all Existence. You've given everyone the chance to continue their lives... You saved the world, Vlad. You saved Danny, like you said you would. You have redeemed yourself, brother."

He sighed. "But it came too late… And I am tired, Annie… I'm so tired."

"Vlad?" she called a bit more worriedly as her brother began to drift off. "Please, stay awake."

But his eyes stayed closed and he remained unresponsive.

"Vlad?" she whispered before she glanced nervously at her other unoccupied hand. She had already wasted energy getting into the prison undetected. She could see her hand, much like the rest of her body, flickering with instability. She didn't have a lot of energy left, but she knew she had to help her brother.

Bracing her core for the effort, Niane leaned closer and placed her other hand against her brother's chest. She then released some of her energy over him, hoping it would be enough to help him feel better. She had already felt how his core was being suppressed by the device around his neck so she was certain his illness was due to that.

She knew her brother's body went through a lot of physical damage with Evil Phantom. Having his spectral energy suppressed soon after meant his system was trying to rely solely on his human's normal healing ability to get better. But she was sure it wasn't enough. And nothing good came out of a half-ghost's regenerative core being suppressed.

Vlad sighed and he moved his head a bit as he regained consciousness. He could feel this comforting energy curling around his heavy heart and weary core. It soon began to clear his fogged mind, too, as it gave him something to focus on, something to cling to.

"Can you hear me?" Niane asked him softly.

Vlad hummed in response. And as she began to speak to him again, it was like she was pulling him out of this dark hole he had been falling further and further into.

"You remember when father used to take us horseback riding to those fields we loved so much?" she asked softly, "We would stay out there for hours. We would always race the horses to see who could go the fastest…"

She watched as her brother stirred further, and continued, "But my favorite part was when we'd go looking for old bones and other junk people left behind in the fields and forest nearby."

Vlad still had his eyes closed, but he smiled. "I remember…," he whispered back with a fond sigh. "We… We would make a game out of it… who could find the strangest thing that day..." He groaned but then added, "Mother hated when we came home with garbage…But father would always convince her to let us keep it…. We were happy, weren't we…? I was happy."

Niane watched as her brother's body glowed with her energy; and after a few moments, he opened his eyes.

"I miss those days…," he told her sadly. "I wish we would have had more of them." He took a shaky breath and added, "I wish you were still alive. Why did you have to leave me, Annie?"

Niane's tears finally fell. She pressed her hand on his hot forehead before pushing away some of his stray hair. "I wish I could answer that…," she replied sadly. "But some things just… are. But… But I'm here now. That's what matters…"

She smiled at him. "I'm here with you, my brother. I'm not going to leave you ever again."

He briefly closed his eyes. In spite his dormant core, he felt her. That connection that they always had was there, urging him to not give up, to keep fighting like he had all his life.

And that was when he realized.

"It's been you…," he said with slight amazement. "All these years, all the times I felt like giving up…. All those years in the hospital that I felt like I wanted to die. Whenever I felt so alone I… I would think of just ending my own misery. It was you. It was your voice in my heart and mind that kept me going. I was so lost I didn't realize it before; but I do now. You never left me."

"I never left you," she agreed warmly.

Groaning, he struggled to sit up with his free arm.

Niane gingerly helped him sit up the rest of the way; but still frowned when her brother gripped his spinning head.

"Are you alright?" she asked him as she sat down next to him.

Vlad nodded even though he knew he really wasn't 'okay'. Still, he looked back at her, and said, "I do not know how you are here, but I am glad you are. I was worried about you. I thought I wouldn't see you again…"

Niane smiled back. "I wanted to come sooner…"

"You're here now," he answered warmly. But his eyebrows creased before he added, "I'm sorry for pushing you away before. I was afraid. I was ashamed to know you… you knew what I was. What I had become."

"Like I said…" she began before grabbing his good hand and allowing her energy to surge through him again, "…what you were is in the past now. And what you have become is the wonderful, caring and good person I knew you to always be."

"Thank you," he answered softly before pulling her against him in a hug with his good arm.

"I've done nothing," she answered as she hugged him back. She pulled away slightly and smiled up at him. "You did."

Vlad smiled back, but then he sighed wearily.

Niane placed her hand against his neck as she focused on the device making her brother ill. "Your temperature is so high…," she said with worry as she gripped the device. "You need your ghost energy to help you heal…I don't know if I have enough power to disable it; but maybe I could physically break it…"

"You can't," he answered sadly.

The girl couldn't agree more since the band had grown so hot under her touch that she just now had to pull her hand away.

But a bit more alert now, he grabbed her hand from his neck and looked at it. "You are not well either… Your form is unstable… Why?"

Niane lowered her gaze. "I broke my vows… All spirits have rules they must abide by. Spirits are not allowed to directly interact with those in the timeline…"

Vlad stared back in confusion. "But Serenity and Clockwork…?"

"It's different for them. Much like for the Ancients and Observants. They are guardians of Existence. And while they avoid interfering with those in the timeline since it can have repercussions, their unique responsibilities allow them to overstep those vows if necessary. I, on the other hand… I'm not a guardian of Existence. I shouldn't even exist."

"But you said you were brought back as my guardian," her brother answered, still unsure.

Niane nodded. "That's true, but I was brought back under certain conditions—certain vows. As Viviane Masters I could not interfere in the timestream… and I could not under any circumstance reveal myself to you."

Vlad's eyes widened. "Is that why you are unstable? And I forced you… Annie, I'm sorry!"

Niane chuckled. "Don't be. Clockwork gave me this alter-ghost form to help me bypass those vows for the most part. But my greatest vow was to be your guardian. To help you. And I knew sooner or later to do that, I would need to tell you the truth. So, don't be sorry. I only wish I could have revealed myself sooner to you."

Vlad stared at her with mixed emotions. If he was not feeling so badly, maybe he would understand what she was trying to tell him.

"So, if you really did break your vows…? What does that mean?"

Niane lowered her gaze again. "It means the Ancients want to send me back. They say my time here is done."

"No…," Vlad whispered in horror, and his eyes widened. "You're destabilizing…?"

But Niane shook her head. "It's just my spirit form. It's fading. They want to send me back before that happens. But I've already decided to stay, regardless of it. They can't force me to leave if they can't find me."

The older hybrid just stared at her for a long moment. He realized Clockwork must have given her this alternate form to protect her from the Ancients and Observants. But if her spirit form was fading…

"You are choosing to stay…even if it means…?"

"I'm not leaving you, Vlad," she answered firmly. "Not this time. I've already made up my mind. I'm not returning there or anywhere else that's not where you are."

"Oh, Annie…," he whispered and lowered his gaze to hide his growing despair.

"I need to make sure you will be okay," Niane replied, feeling her brother's uncertainty. "Vlad, I will find a way to get you out of here. And then we will go far away where no one will find us. I won't let anyone hurt you again. Not any spirit, ghost or human. They will have to go through me, first!"

Vlad looked back at her at hearing a strange darkness in her voice. It was possessive… like a ghost.

"Annie," he said softly, grabbing one of her hands. "You need to realize what this will mean for you. Yes, perhaps it is your choice to stay. The Ancients cannot send your soul back if they cannot find you… But if you lose your spirit-side forever you will be just a ghost."

"I know, but… I'll still be with you," she answered sadly.

Vlad glanced at their joined hands. He could feel energy flowing from her to him; but he could also see that her form was growing more unstable by the minute.

With a sigh, he pulled away, cutting off her connection to him. And though he could feel himself grow dizzy again with the loss of her stabilizing energy, it was the last thing on his mind right now.

"I can't let you do that," he told her sadly, looking back at her. "I cannot watch my sister become a ghost. Annie, you'll be stuck here, like a ghost with unfinished business…You'll be stuck here because of me."

Niane frowned deeply. "No, not because of you. It's my decision. And I don't care what it means. I'm not leaving you. You need me."

Vlad looked even more heartbroken with her words. He looked at her young face. And though her real form was hidden behind the mask that was 'Niane', he now could see past it. He could see his sister in her eyes.

With a smile, he placed a hand against her face and assured her warmly, "You're right. I do need you... When you died, I wanted nothing more than for it to be lie; that somehow you would return to me… That's probably why when I met Jack, and he introduced me to the possibilities of ghosts and a world beyond the living… I briefly wished—I hoped—maybe you would be there. That I could see you again…"

The man's eyebrows creased and he lowered his hand from her face. "But then I became half-ghost…I felt what it was like to be a ghost, in part at least. Annie, I have seen how dark it can be. And the only thing that has kept me from losing myself completely to these… powers…. to that raw ghostly part of me has been my humanity. Annie, your spirit form, it holds your own humanity… If you let it go… You will lose yourself."

Niane began to cry. "But I can't leave you. How can I leave you like this…? In here? You'll die."

Vlad was quiet and lowered his gaze. But then, he suddenly stood, only to have to lean against the nearby wall for support.

Niane grew more anxious with his actions. She knew he was in no condition to be standing. But the fact that he was not facing her concerned her even more.

"I made a deal with Serenity," he suddenly told her quietly.

"I know," she answered sadly. "But maybe she will—"

"No, Annie," he cut her off, and looked tiredly back at her. "I know you want to save me from my bleak fate; but it's like you said. Some things cannot be helped. Whether it's by these hunters' hand or… Serenity's hand. My days are coming to an end, dear sister. And there is nothing you or I can do about that… Do you understand? If you become a full ghost, and I am no longer around, what will happen to you then? What is a ghost without its obsession?"

"You're not an obsession," she whispered back right away.

He nodded. "And I need it to stay that way. I lost you once. Please don't make me have to go through it all over again by seeing you become something else…"

He sighed and suddenly felt dizzier. And he couldn't help but feel the weight of his body pulling him down. He hurriedly waved his sister off, even as he began to slide down against the wall. But before he knew it, his sister was also on the floor beside him. He closed his eyes a moment and drew in a few slow, deep breaths to steel himself. When he opened them and turned to look at the girl, her eyes were filled with worry. Trying to assure her that he was okay, he grabbed one of her hands and brought it to his cheek.

"You are my sister, Annie," he whispered after another moment of silence. "And you're right. I have needed you since the day we were born. And you, Clockwork, and all those Ancients might think you came back because they decide it so. But I know… I know that the real reason you are here is because deep down I never let you go."

Suddenly, his eyes grew wet with unshed tears. "I… I never accepted not having you with me. I never accepted our father's and your death. I never moved on. That's why you were brought back. That's why it needed to be you who became my guardian… to help me let go. And you have. I can move on now."

He lowered one of her hands from his face and watched how it flickered with instability. But he then smiled back sadly and said, "Can't you see? You are not fading because you broke some vows. You are fading because you have completed your purpose as my guardian. You helped me realize how lost I was. You helped me change for the better and embrace my own purpose. You helped me find my light. And in turn, I can now save him. You did that, Annie."

He took a shaky breath as his tears finally fell, and he gripped her hand tighter as he whispered. "And I love you for it. I will always love you… And I can now love you enough to let you go. I will always need you. Always. But I know now I can move on, so that you can move on, too, my sister. I have kept you here long enough."

Niane stared at him with wide teary eyes and she didn't even realize when her ghost form melded away, and what was left was her true form.

And yet, her brother could still touch her.

Vlad smiled as her body glowed brighter and she was no longer unstable. This was the first time he was truly seeing her; the same teenage Viviane he had known from long ago.

"You're just as I remember you…," he whispered fondly. "Thank you. Thank you for keeping your promise, my sister. For never leaving me. You saved me. Maybe not in the way you thought I needed to be saved, but in the way that matters…"

He grabbed her shaking hand and placed it against his chest as he finished, "You saved me in here…. I will be okay now, Annie. You can let me go, too."

Viviane whimpered before she let go of his hand and buried herself in his arms. Tears streamed down her face when she embraced this tender moment. It had been far too long since they had been able to express their love for each other.

Vlad kissed her forehead before he pressed his cheek on top of her head.

"I love you, my brother," she said with a soft sob.

"And I'll always love you, too," Vlad whispered. "Good-bye, Annie. We will see each other again someday. I know so."

Annie smiled peacefully at that. "I'll meet you at our favorite field, ready to ride again…"

Vlad suddenly let out a short sob but then he took a raspy breath. He held her tightly, and answered, "Count on it."

He felt more than saw as her form turned more and more transparent. And then with a flash of white light… she was gone.

Vlad opened his eyes as the room darkened once more, and he was alone again. He drew up his legs and sobbed into the back of one of his hands.

He wept quietly for some time. He knew he had been right. He had been holding his sister here. And while he was glad she was at peace now, it still hurt to know he would never see her in this world again. And yet, he knew for the first time in his life, he was allowing himself to properly mourn the loss of his twin sister.

It took him some time for him to calm down. He had no idea how much time had passed. But the moment he opened his eyes, he tensed when he noticed there was a red hue surrounding the walls around him…

He wiped away his remaining tears and took in a shaky breath when his surroundings suddenly felt thick and heavy. He tensed slightly as he instantly knew...

Death had come for him at last. And her name was Serenity.

"I see your presence still affects Time and Order in the same ways…" he whispered softly as he looked at nothing in particular. "And yet I thought you were no longer the Guardian of Order…At least, that's what I concluded you meant when you brought back the Time Master and you said 'one master to command it all'. "

As predicted, Serenity materialized in front of him.

She stared calmly back at him but replied, "You thought correct. But that does not mean I have lost all my powers, crossbreed. They just have a certain limit to them now… But it is enough to complete our pending agreement."

Vlad took in a slow, deep breath to push away his remaining emotions; but he still lowered his gaze, and asked, "How long were you standing there?"

She studied him briefly, almost curiously. Mortal emotions had never made sense to her; but having seen how… sad the man was at his sibling's departure had been almost captivating. She had not been able to stop herself from just… watching him. She had even briefly wondered how it would be to feel the way this mortal did.

She found her interest ironic since she had never cared to even understand such a thing before…

Still, she had a duty to complete. She could always ponder on it later.

"I saw enough to know you made the right decision in letting your sibling be at rest at last. She never belonged here, crossbreed."

"She will always belong here," Vlad answered, staring soberly back at her. "And she will always be here. But that's something you could never understand."

"My point is she is now where she should be," the spirit answered calmly. "And you… beautiful shadow… It is time to get you to where you should be, too…"

Vlad briefly lowered his gaze again. And his next question caught the female spirit a little bit by surprise.

"Why do you still call me that?" he asked quietly. "There is no beauty in who I am." But then looking back at her with calm acceptance, he added, "And you are here to finish what you started. So, why the pretense?"

"No pretense, crossbreed. And I am here to finish what you and your light started," she corrected him. "And as for beauty..." She extended a hand and the man's body suddenly glowed with red energy which flowed over the device around his neck.

In the next instant, the device turned off.

"…There is always beauty even if its hidden under ashes," she finished with a hint of a smile.

The man gasped under her power. It had been as if he had been trapped under water for far too long, only to be finally able to break free and then surface for air. A wave of heat curled around his ghost core before it rushed through his veins. In the next instant, and more quickly than he could do on his own, his injuries were healed and his face was flushed with energy.

Vlad's eyebrows creased as he grabbed the collar around his neck and easily pulled it off. He turned intangible and the cast and sling sloughed off. Finally, he rolled his shoulder and inspected his arm. He had no pain!

"One last mercy, Serenity?" he questioned, looking back at her with a confused frown.

She tilted her head slightly. "You should know by now I have no concept or understanding of mortal emotions."

"Ah, yes… Of course," he answered soberly before standing. "Alright, I am ready."

Serenity watched him for a brief moment, clearly trying to understand something that she would not voice. But as if realizing this, she said, "I meant what I said before: you are my favorite, beautiful shadow."

"Why? Because of how alike we are? Do you really think I care at this point?" Vlad asked seriously. "Stop patronizing me. Do what you want with me. Wasn't that our deal? Just get it over with."

Serenity raised an eyebrow; and as if not hearing anything else, she asked, "We are alike? You think so?"

Vlad sighed tiredly before he sat back down on his bed. Now that his powers were back, he could feel the spirit's energy. Her spectral presence felt different. But… he could tell there was something more than her energy that was different.

And while he was too tired to care at this point, he decided to humor her.

"What are you looking for now, Serenity?" he asked helplessly.

She didn't answer right away. She knew it was counterproductive to focus on what had already happened. It wasn't in her nature to think about anything outside of what needed to be done. All her existence she had operated in the present—in the here and now.

And yet, now that she had renounced to her position as an Ancient… and with her realization of her own blindness , there was now something nagging at her… And she just had to know…

"How did you know?" she finally asked.

Vlad looked tiredly up at her. "About what?"

"That I would restore Clockwork? That I did so by handing over our bond, and in turn, my guardianship of Order to him. How did you know?"

"I told you… a guess," the man muttered.

The room heated up slightly, and the spirit warned, "Do not lie to me, crossbreed. Not even the Ancients had foreseen this. And they were less than content with the fact. I want the truth from you."

Vlad looked back her with a deep frown; but then, his eyebrows heightened as he realized, "Everything you did…. And you still have no idea why you did it, do you?"

"I do know… Took me a moment, but I understand now," she admitted. "But what I do not understand is how you knew before me? You knew my intentions; or you would not have made such a deal with me."

Vlad fell quiet as he thought back on his conversation with Serenity and the deal he had made with her. He had not known yet of his guardianship of Daniel; but he had known if he didn't do something drastic, the boy would be destroyed by either that Evil Phantom or this meddling Ancient spirit.

"When you made your agreement with me, you said I wanted the same thing you did," Serenity continued, pushing the man out of his thoughts. "And now you say we are alike… Is that how you knew?"

Vlad scoffed in amusement. It still amazed him how such a cosmetic and all-powerful being such as this one could be so blind.

"Honestly, Serenity, anyone who knew and paid attention to the tale of Time and Order would have known," Vlad answered, unable to hold back his smug smirk.

Serenity frowned deeply. She was trying to sort everything out concerning the 'tale of Time and Order'. How ironical that the Evil Phantom and this crossbreed understood it better than she at first! And then, even she was telling the Ancients about it once she understood its significance! Still, she couldn't help but wonder how this mortal had come to the right conclusions…

"…Long ago, there were two Ancients created to work together to protect Time and Order," Vlad slightly mocked. "They were created from each other and for each other… Yet they were created differently down to their very cores so that they would complement each other and create balance…"

He raised an eyebrow as he reminded her, "A balance you disrupted the moment you did not trust your light. And the moment your light cast you and the bond you both shared away… You were both created from the same life force which created your bond… the same bond that sustains Time and Order…. The same bond you kept locked away in your little crystal as if it were nothing more than a trophy… All the while, all Existence felt—and continues to feel—the effect of yours and the Time Master's choices. Should I go on?"

Suddenly not liking his tone of voice, she answered coolly, "It comes of no surprise that the Spirit of Souls shared my and Clockwork's grand story with you… Much like he also shared it with that non-existent abomination. And yet you—like that creature—believes the knight would know the true story? No. He knew nothing. You know nothing, mortal."

"No? And what is the 'right' version of the story, Serenity?" Vlad challenged, slightly annoyed. "Does it change the outcome? Let me answer that for you. 'No, it does not'. You want to know how I know that? Well, it's the same way I knew you would bring Clockwork back."

Vlad frowned deeply as he said, "I knew because we are alike. We think we know better. That others 'know nothing'; that our concept of what is just is what is true. That our version of 'our stories' are the truth and everyone else's lies. But deep down, we both know we are the ones who know nothing. You can lie to yourself all you want, Serenity. But you cannot exist without your light. And your idea of a perfect ordered Existence will always include Clockwork. Your light."

Serenity just stared emotionlessly at the man

Vlad sighed deeply before lowering his gaze. "But you are also wrong in that I knew for certain… I could only hope I was right. I could only hope that, like me, you would grasp at the chance of saving your light… of fixing what you destroyed so long ago… regardless of the cost to you…"

He smiled bitterly as he said, "And now here we are… Both alone. Both spent. You gave up your guardianship of Order, your purpose… And I have given up my mediocre life, and soon my guardianship of Daniel... We both realized too late how far from the truth our version of 'our stories' were from reality."

"It seems we were both blind," Serenity thoughtfully admitted.

Vlad blinked in surprise; but he then looked unsure as he asked, "Can I ask you something in return?"

Serenity pulled out of her own musings and smiled slightly at the older hybrid. "Of course, beautiful shadow."

Vlad hesitated. "You told me I kept my end of the bargain. But… I did not let Daniel… die, like you told me to…"

"That is because your concept of death is different than my own. You see, there are many kinds of deaths, crossbreed. Sometimes you must let the 'old self' die to be reborn. Your light needed to be reborn. And he was reborn with your help. He was transformed to his true potential by you: his guardian."

Vlad shook his head. "Why didn't you just say that? Why all the cryptic words and scheming? Or is that just common in spirits?"

"Naïve shadow…," Serenity scolded. "You knew deep down of your bond with the boy; yet it took your sibling to voice the truth for you to believe it. It took my telling you that your light must die for you to accept your guardianship. We spirits do not complicate things, mortal. You do. You human creatures only hear, understand and see what you want."

"And what am I to think now?' Vlad answered sarcastically. "Am I to believe you really mean to help me? That you are not here to whisk me away to some terrible fate?"

"You can believe I am here to hold you to the consequences of your choices, crossbreed. You should have heeded my crystal's warning… Your light should have, too. Fortunately for him, you are willing to pay for his transgressions and yours."

Vlad fell quiet for a moment before he asked, "Do you know there is one thing in which we differ?"

"And what is that, crossbreed?"

"Unlike you, I have accepted I have no one else to blame but myself for my fate…," he answered soberly.

"Acceptance does not save anyone from their fate… Not even spirits," Serenity answered gravely before she extended a hand. "We have delayed this long enough."

This time, Vlad tensed as a bit of fear leaked into his eyes. "I… Will I recall any of this? My life?"

Serenity relaxed enough to smile a bit. "It will be painless, if that is what you are really asking me. You will remember nothing… And once I pull you from Existence, Order will see to it that this world does not remember either… You will be but a dream to it. And eventually a long-forgotten memory."

"Like Pariah…" Vlad muttered.

"Come now," she said, as his body began to glow with her powers. "You are leaving nothing behind. It's not as if this life has much left to offer you, crossbreed. You would suffer more within these cold walls. Let me help you, as I said I would. As you agreed…"

Vlad sighed before he nodded.

He stood and allowed himself a last memory of those he cared about. And with a smile at that, he took Serenity's hand, and he knew no more.

---

It had been a while since Danny had gotten home and had been surprised to find that his parents were not there. When he asked Jazz, she told him they had gotten delayed because after their meeting with the Guys-in-White, there was a press conference. Apparently, everyone wanted a formal statement from Danny Phantom on what had happened in these past couple of weeks. To Danny's relief, his parents had declined the media's request, and instead agreed to give a statement themselves. Finally, although that had taken a while, his parents had stopped by the hospital to visit Danielle.

Meanwhile, Danny and his sister had gone about their day until they eventually found themselves in a sibling spat in the hallway that connected their bedrooms.

"Jazz, I appreciate you wanting to stay longer, but you have to get back to your classes!" Danny exclaimed. "They just started up again, and this is your first year! Plus, I know it's important to you, so don't try to tell me otherwise!"

"It is important, Danny," Jazz answered seriously, "But you and our parents are more important! I can just take the semester off and start back in summer. You guys need me here. I just told you the press has already started up again. And while our parents' statement might have settled them down for now, they are going to eventually push for a statement from you. And you know what they are going to ask. Danny… I'm worried about you."

"Jazz…" Danny paused and sighed deeply. "I know you're worried; and to be honest, I'm also worried. But you can't keep doing this. We can't keep doing this."

He suddenly took a step back before he transformed into Phantom.

"Look at me, Jazz. As long as I'm this… there will always be something to worry about!" he told her seriously. "The media will always be there. Those that support me and don't won't change! Jazz, there will always be some battle to be fought! But if anything good has come out of this, it's that I realized we can't make Danny Phantom more important than everything else and everyone else! I will always be Danny Phantom, and I accept that wholeheartedly; but I just spent an entire year, with my ghost-half consuming my life. Consuming yours and our parents, Sam and Tucker. No… It has to stop!"

He pressed a hand against his chest, briefly sensing his connection with Vlad, before he quickly turned human again.

"You're not dropping a semester, Jazz," Danny said firmly. "You're going back to your college and focusing on getting your degree. And I'm going back to school next week and focusing on finishing my last year of high school, even if I have to do it in between another ghost invasion! I'll do what I have to do with the press. I'll go to whatever meetings Danny Phantom is needed at. But this is not going to consume all our lives; and it's not going to dictate our future."

Jazz smiled a bit and asked, "Since when did you become so bossy?"

Danny smiled sadly. "If that's what it takes to get you to listen."

She smiled back sadly, too. "Alright, Danny… But you have to talk to me every day, okay? The good. The bad. Everything."

"Deal," he answered. But then remembering what Sam had given him tonight, he suddenly grinned and said, "Hold on."

He ran back into his room, grabbed the flyer and then returned to his sister. He handed it to her.

She looked curiously at it; but then, one of her eyebrows rose. "Flyers? For Vlad?"

Danny nodded. "Sam's idea."

Jazz was quiet for a brief moment as she looked it over some more; but then staring back at her brother, she asked, "Are you sure about this?"

Danny instantly frowned. "What do you mean? What's wrong with it?"

Jazz's eyebrows creased as she replied, "You just said you're not going to let anything dealing with Danny Phantom put your life on hold any longer…. But what about things dealing with Vlad? You know things are not looking good for him…And it worries me if you take his side, to help him…. Well, it might not be seen too well by most people."

Danny knew what his sister meant. If he vouched for Vlad, who was currently considered a world-class traitor and pariah, he was risking his own standing as Danny Phantom in the world's eyes. Sure, Amity might go along with it, because they saw what happened. But if he publicly allied himself with Vlad Plasmius, it was going to be seen worse than him supporting some terrorist group.

Danny shook his head. "What am I supposed to do? Just leave him there? I know he's done a lot of harm, but he saved me, Jazz. He saved all of us, including the people that want to lock him up!"

Jazz frowned. "I get it, Danny. You want to help him. It's probably even the right thing to do. But I also want you to see all the angles on this. You better than anyone knows Vlad cares about you. I mean, I am still trying to understand how that is possible when the guy goes out of his way to go against you and everyone else when he thinks he knows what's best for you. He's such a manipulative jerk that—"

"Jazz…" Danny cut her off, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Sorry," she quickly said. "The point is, regardless of 'how' it's possible, he cares. But, Danny, that means nothing to those that uphold the laws in our world. You have to see that this isn't about someone liking Vlad or not; or trying to outweigh the good he's done in the past few weeks with the bad from his past years. This is about someone who has committed crimes; and now like any normal society would, they are asking him to pay for those crimes."

Danny lowered his gaze. "I still have to try, Jazz…"

"Then, let me ask you this:" Jazz countered. "Do you think Vlad would want you 'to try'? He is a smart man. He knows what's going to happen, no matter what you or anyone else does. And if he was here right now… He would tell you not to do this. Because he knows it's going to end up hurting you, Danny. It could very well be dangerous. If the world ever had reason to think you are not anything but 'good', the Guys-in-White are not going to be your only problem. I hate to say it, but what happened with your evil-self was proof enough to me of how easily people can change their minds and turn on you. They know your identity, Danny… I don't want you to end up like Vlad… And he wouldn't want you to end up like him, either—especially for him."

Danny was quiet for a long moment. But he then asked, "Is that what our parents think, too? They're afraid that if I publicly support Vlad, the world will turn on me?"

Jazz's eyes saddened, and gently said, "I'm not saying it's fair, Danny. But yes, everyone that cares for your wellbeing—and I am pretty sure Vlad himself—fears that happening to you. But ultimately, we are going to support you either way. I just needed to tell you what you should be prepared for."

Jazz gave him the flyer back.

Danny smiled weakly as he took it and stared down at the paper. "You know… Vlad's biggest annoyance with me has always been that I never listen to him…"

The boy shrugged helplessly and continued, "I guess he's right." But then he added in quiet determination, "Even if it means going against the whole world, if there's a chance at helping him, I'm taking it. I need to try. He deserves that much."

Jazz sighed deeply but nodded. "Like I said, we'll support you no matter what. Just please, promise me you won't put your life on hold for him, either. No matter what happens."

Danny lowered his gaze but nodded. "I… uh… I gotta go talk with Annabelle. Tell her about, you know, Sam's idea."

Jazz just nodded and watched her brother head off to his room. But then she sighed worriedly and headed to her own room.

Danny's eyebrows creased as he closed the door behind him. He knew his sister was right. His parents were right. And if Vlad was here, he'd probably be right, too.

But how could he do anything else? Just the thought of what awaited the older hybrid in the hands of the Guys-in-White, terrified him. For all he knew… they were already…

Danny shook his head. He couldn't think about it.

Heading over to his computer, he opened it up, and started his live chat program. He smiled when he saw Annabelle was online.

"Hey," he wrote. "I have some news for you. Can you video chat?"

"Hi, Danny! Sure… hold on…" A minute later the girl's face showed up on his computer's screen. "Is it about Vlad?" she quickly asked.

"Yeah. Hold on, let me show you," he answered, smiling back at the girl. Danny then quickly took a picture of the flyer and uploaded it.

A couple minutes later, Annabelle saw it pop up on her screen. The teen watched her eyes widened with excitement as she scanned through the document.

"Danny, this is great! Do you think these flyers will really help him?"

"Sam thinks we can run a campaign in Vlad's favor. The flyer would just be the start. If people know the good he's done, especially when he practically saved the world this time around, maybe we can get enough people to support him being freed!"

"Gosh, I hope so, Danny," she answered. "My mom met with Vlad's lawyers today. There's no word yet. They won't let anyone see him. All I know is that the government hunters said they would be transporting him to D.C. sometime soon; and once he is there, they can allow his lawyers to meet with him, and the whole legal process will start."

"Tucker found out about that, too, this morning," Danny told her. "I don't know if that is a good thing or not. I mean, we'll finally get to know more about what's going on with him, but…the Guys-in-White do not have a good record of being 'merciful' to ghosts, even if they are half-human."

"Do you think they would… hurt him? Like… experiments?"

Danny hesitated to answer. He knew the answer to that.

"I don't want anyone hurting him like that, Danny. What are we going to do?" Annie asked staring at him with tear-glazed eyes.

"Whatever we have to," Danny replied quietly, mostly to himself.

"I wish we at least knew how he's doing. He was so hurt last time we saw him," Annabelle said worriedly.

"Yeah, I'm worried, too," the boy agreed with a sigh.

"DANNY! JAZZ! WE'RE HOME!"

The teen glanced back towards his door at hearing his dad's shout.

"Listen, I gotta go, Annie. I'll talk to you in a bit, okay? I want to go see if my parents found out anything."

"Okay! But call me! I want to know!" she replied.

The boy nodded before he shut his laptop and headed out.

He quickly sprinted down the stairs and slowed down when he all but run into his parents.

"Whoa! You came down pretty quick, Danny-boy!" Jack said with a chuckle.

Right then, Jazz walked out of her room, and calmly headed down.

"What happened?" Danny asked, ignoring everything else. "What did the Guys-in-White say? Did they say anything about how Vlad's doing?"

Maddie frowned at her son. "Sweetie, I know you're worried but…"

"Mom, please. Just tell me what they said," he begged her.

Jack and Maddie glanced worriedly at each other; but then, Maddie sighed.

She moved and sat down on the sofa before she patted the seat next to her.

Danny didn't feel like sitting but obliged all the same.

He didn't even notice when his sister and dad sat down, too.

"They wouldn't tell us anything about him," his mom finally answered. "Just that they were taking care of him as required by law."

"Law? What laws? Theirs?" Danny questioned back, nervous.

"Danny, they are not going to experiment on him. It would be against the law."

"When has that ever stopped them before?!" Danny exclaimed. "They've threatened me with 'painful experiments' and 'turning me into goop'! What's there to stop them doing that to Vlad?!"

"Son, we have to trust they are going to do things by the book. That is all we can do for now," Jack jumped in with a frown.

"In the meantime," Maddie continued, "They confirmed that there won't be any charges placed against you. Everything that happened with your evil-self, they have gotten enough declarations from people that witnessed the attacks to confirm the story you, your friends, and we provided them."

Danny didn't even appear to be hearing them at this point.

"That's a good thing, Danny," Maddie added frowning at her son's lack of response.

When a brief silence filled the room, Jazz sighed before asking, "Did they share any of the future proceedings with Vlad's case?"

Maddie's eyebrows creased. "Not exactly. You know those sorts of things have to be discussed with his lawyers. They did mention the lawyers were already waiting for clearance to speak to Vlad and then get the proceedings started."

"Um, we did ask about the government's ghost containment facility in D.C," Jack spoke up with a bit of hesitation. "We managed to get some information on that, you know, ghost-hunters to ghost-hunters."

Maddie glanced at her husband as if silently scolding him for bringing it up.

"Come on, Mads. The kids have a right to know," Jack answered soberly.

Danny's eyes brightened and he asked, "What?"

Maddie sighed but nodded. "They wouldn't share much about Vlad with us; but they did share some information about their facility in D.C. The general told us that they use ecto-uranium shields to seal off the facility to any ghosts; and of course, to contain the ones locked in their facility. However, the facility has never been meant to contain humans until the Guy-in-White discovered the existence of half-ghosts last year. Since then, they upgraded that facility with specific equipment meant to contain half-ghosts."

"That doesn't sound reassuring," Jazz said with a deep frown.

"We thought the same," Maddie agreed. "But they said it was necessary in the scenario where Vlad Plasmius was found and needed to be incarcerated. They assured us it had nothing to do with Danny. But they prepared. And now they are just making sure they have taken all necessary security measures before they transport him."

"But there is one other thing," Jack continued with a frown. "They also need to make sure any ghost they capture, including half-ghosts, cannot use their powers, you know, for the protection of the guards and to reduce the chance of escape."

Danny tensed. "And how are they doing that?"

"You see, son, they use um… a sort of spectral neutralizer. Prevents ghosts from using their powers. Suppresses them."

Danny stared at his parents for a long while, but then asked carefully, "How long are they planning to keep his powers suppressed like that?"

Maddie looked at Jack but then she said, "They won't be letting Vlad use his powers ever again."

Danny's eyes widened in horror. "They can't do that! He has a regenerative core like me! We have to use our powers or—"

"We told them that," Maddie cut him off worriedly.

"And?!" Danny asked anxiously.

"Son, they can't risk it," Jack said with a troubled frown.

"No," Danny muttered.

He thought about his time at Vlad's when he had not been using his energy and how it almost killed him—not to mention it was dangerous to everyone around him! And now recently, Vlad had had a similar episode. The man's damaged core had gotten out of control at some point—but imagine if it hadn't been damaged when the guy had lost control!

"Mom. Dad. Vlad has a hot core," the teen said urgently. "It's… He controls it, but when it gets out of control—and I have seen it—it's worse than mine. If he loses control of it, he won't be able to stop it; and you know the Guys-in-White are going to think he's doing it on purpose or something! Either his core kills him; or they will!"

"Son, I wish there was something we could do…," Jack began.

"Do you?" Danny suddenly asked, standing.

"Danny, that's not fair," Jazz slightly scolded. "You know our parents are doing everything they can!"

"It's alright, Jazz," Maddie interrupted. "Your brother has a valid reason to think we'd wish ill to Vlad. He's done horrible things. To you and Danny, especially. And most of our encounters since all this started have been quite heated."

"Yeah, I'm not gonna pretend I have forgiven him for all he did," Jack added soberly.

But then, when Jack could see how conflicted his son looked, he stood and approached him.

"Son, look at me," Jack said, placing a hand on his shoulder. And when Danny stared at him, Jack smiled and said, "There might be a lot of stuff between Vlad, me and your mom, but that doesn't mean we don't want to help, especially when he helped you."

"Your father's right, Danny," Maddie added softly. "If it's important to you, then you can be darn sure it is important to us. He has done a lot of bad things, but that doesn't mean we don't want to help in what we can, especially when he helped save you."

Maddie sighed before adding, "Plus… as much as I wanted to deny it before, we have done wrong by him, too."

Jack looked at his wife and agreed, "We've hurt each other." But he then looked back at his son, and added, "But if Vlad cares enough about you to have pushed aside his hate for us and help you, then it's the same for your mom and I. You kids are more important than anything else."

Squeezing his shoulder, Jack further said. "And I'm sorry because I especially haven't been a good example for you kids. What I did with Vlad was wrong back when we were in college, and it was wrong now when I left him in space. Vengeance is never the answer, and I'm sorry I didn't do the right thing when I should have."

"Me, too, Jack," Maddie added with a small smile as she got up and placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. "I'm sorry, too, because I also could have done things differently as of late, especially with everything that happened with Vlad these past weeks."

'I'm sorry, too," Danny suddenly whispered, lowering his gaze in shame. "I really am. I…shouldn't have accused you guys like I just did. I just…I feel so helpless right now.

The teen suddenly slumped down on the coach again and pressed his face into his hands. "It doesn't matter what we do. By the time we could hope to help Vlad… it will be too late. He won't survive in there."

"Vlad's stronger than you think, Son," Jack suddenly said seriously, sitting back down himself.

"I know…" Danny muttered softly. "The problem is he's already given up… I can feel it."

"There's more, Danny," Maddie said; and this time her eyes lowered with pain.

The teen looked up at her with dread.

"I didn't want to bring it up, but we might as well just get it all out in the open. It's about Danielle…" Maddie sighed and patted his knee before she continued, "The doctors have given up on her. They told your father and I today that they think it might be best to… disconnect her."

Jazz's eyes glazed with tears. "There's no hope at all?"

Jack sighed shakily. "Her body on a cellular level is so unstable. Your mom and I are trying to find a way to help her but… our genetic knowledge is limited. Her make-up is so unique that not even the experts can understand it. They say they can't save her."

"Vlad can save her," Danny cut them off seriously.

"We know that, but they are never going to let him out, Danny," Maddie whispered.

Jack added sadly, "And even if they would, he would need at least a few months to make something; and the doctors don't think squirt has much time."

Danny stared at his parents. There it was. They didn't believe Vlad had a chance of escaping his fate, just like the doctors believed Danielle had no chance.

Maybe they were right. Maybe 'trying' just wasn't enough this time.

Danny stayed quiet before looking back at his parents, "I'm going to my room. I'm really sorry about what I said. I love you guys."

"Danny, wait…," Maddie said worriedly as her son suddenly stood up.

"I'll be fine. I just need some time to… think," Danny muttered before he turned and left.

There was a silence as the teen's parents and sister watched him leave.

"What are we going to do, Jack? Isn't it bad enough we're about to lose Danielle?" Maddie said helplessly.

"And not sure what else we can do about Vlad, either," Jack said worriedly.

Jazz bit her lip before speaking up. "I know we don't want to think it, but if we lose Danielle and Vlad…I'm scared we're going to lose Danny, too."

Maddie stared at her daughter as she asked, "Do you think this 'connection' he has with Vlad is healthy? I fear he's not thinking straight."

"I can't hope to understand what that connection is," Jack interrupted, "But with his emotions as they are… Well, it worries me, too."

Jazz sighed. "I'm not sure if his connection to Vlad is affecting him or not. But ultimately, we know how much Danny cares about people. I feel his strong reaction is simply because he cares about Vlad, like he cares about Danielle and the rest of us. I mean, if it was any of us in trouble, wouldn't he do the same for us?"

Maddie and Jack nodded.

"He's a good kid," Jack said warmly.

"I just wish there was more we could do," Maddie added sadly. "It really isn't fair, is it?"

"No…" Jazz said softly, lowering her gaze. "It's not."

---

Later that night, Danny sat on his bed with TJ sleeping beside him. He had been waiting for his family to go to bed to put his plan in motion.

Truth be told, his plan had been in the back of his mind from the moment the GiW had taken Vlad. He had tried to trust in the system. Tried to hope there was another way.

But after what Jazz said regarding the world possibly turning on him for wanting to do the right thing… after hearing what his parents found out regarding that GiW facility… and after understanding everyone around him, except for his loved ones, were ready to give up on Danielle and Vlad…He knew there was no other way:

He had to break Vlad out of the Guys-in-White facility.

The man's life depended on it. His cousin's life depended on it.

Danny knew what this would mean for him. He would most likely end up destroying what was left of his life. They would hunt him down, like Vlad…

But ultimately, whether he trusted the system or not, it would turn on him eventually. And yet, he could not blame anyone for that. After all, going against the tide was always harder. Doing the right thing was always harder.

And the right thing was to keep Vlad from dying in the hands of the Guys-in-White. And just maybe, if he saved the man, he could in turn save Danielle.

Danny sighed deeply as he stared at the letters on his bed.

Letters…

The last time he wrote his loved ones letters it was because he also thought he'd never see them again. And now… it was happening again. This time, by choice.

"I'm sorry," Danny whispered and petted his dog's head. "I have to do this."

His friends and family had done everything they could at this point. Now, it was up to him.

Turning into Danny Phantom, the teen floated off the bed and then flew out the window.

As he flew through the night sky, he pulled out his phone and pulled up his GPS system. He typed in the address Tucker had gotten for him on the GiW facility that was holding the older hybrid.

Once he had the coordinates, he followed his GPS. It took almost two hours. But as he began to near the area, he felt more than saw a wave of spectral energy ripple through the atmosphere.

Danny gasped and halted with the odd feeling. He looked around himself, trying to figure out what the weird feeling had been. But as quick as it had come, the wave and its effect were gone.

After another few minutes of trying to understand what the bizarre occurrence has been, he had no choice but to let it go.

With a wary frown, he continued on.

After about another fifteen minutes, and he spotted the GiW facility in the distance ahead. But the moment he got within a couple of yards of its general vicinity, a sudden alarm went off. And in the next instant, something hit him from behind.

Danny cried out as a metal clasp wrapped around his body and he was left dangling like a worm on the hook in midair.

Before his dazed mind could focus, he heard the sound of helicopters.

Danny gasped as the lights on the two crafts further blinded him.

"Freeze ghost!"

Danny blinked back the spots, and gasped when he found himself trapped with his arms pinned against his body by a large claw-like device. The device had a glowing green chain which connected to a large gun being held by a Guy-in-White agent with a jetpack.

But the moment he looked around, the teen eyes widened with surprise at the volume of hunters surrounding him. And if he looked down closer to the actual building, he would see that the hunters were swarming the area like an angry hornets' nest.

"Wait a minute," the hunter who had initially spoken up suddenly said. "You're Danny Phantom! Why are you all the way out here?!"

The teen focused back on the hunter; and guessing he was in charge, Danny struggled slightly against the device holding him as he demanded, "I need to see Vlad!"

"Who?" the hunter asked, confused.

"Vlad! Vlad Plasmius!" Danny snapped back before grunting in frustration when he couldn't break himself free. "And could you let me go? I haven't done anything!"

Okay, so he had been on his way to break the older hybrid out by any means necessary; but the hunters didn't need to know that right now.

The hunter frowned. "You mean the fugitive that perished during the Disasteroid?"

Danny instantly stopped struggling. "Wait, what?" he asked, now confused himself.

The hunter shook his head before staring back at the teenager with annoyance this time. "Look, we detected a level-nine ghost escape in the area about fifteen minutes ago. And you are interfering in our search and capture of it by invading our federal airspace."

But before the teenager could reply to that, the hunter signaled to the agent holding the boy trapped, and said, "Release him."

The commander then looked back at Danny and said, "Lucky for you, you have immunity, Ghost Boy. Now get lost. We're busy."

Although he felt and heard the metal clamp fall off of him, Danny could only stare in disbelief at the hunters.

What was going on? Did they just say Vlad died in space?

"I don't…" Danny began, feeling a sense of panic start to swell inside him. But swallowing, he said instead, "Where is General W? I-I need to speak with her."

The commander who had gone to ignoring the teen instantly looked back at Danny with the question. He frowned deeply. "How do you know General W? She resides in D.C. And never comes out here."

Danny shook his head. "No, she captured Vlad Plasmius and brought him to this facility! Why are you guys acting like you don't know! And who is this level-nine ghost you lost? Is it Vlad? Did he escape? What is going on?!"

The hunter growled in annoyance. "Look, kid. Go away. We don't have time for your radical stories!"

"But…"

The hunters ignored him completely now, and the commander began to bark out orders to expand their search further out.

Danny just floated there, utterly shocked. What was happening? He was sure Tucker wouldn't get the wrong information. And even if he had, these GiW would at least know about Vlad's capture! Heck, it had been all over the news for the past week!

No, something was wrong here!

Danny looked around before looking down at the facility itself. He had the sudden desire to just fight his way through all these hunters and go in there and search the place for Vlad himself. But just when he felt desperate enough to act on his bad idea, he paused.

Wait… that weird wave of energy from earlier…

He had seen it before. Rather, he had felt it before.

"Oh no… Serenity!" Danny gasped as everything instantly clicked in his mind. The weird energy, and these hunters suddenly not knowing a thing about what happened in the past week nor about Vlad…

Only Serenity could 're-order' the timeline like that. And there was only one reason why she would do it.

She had taken Vlad!

"No!" Danny exclaimed and gripped his hair.

"Ghost Boy! I'm not going to tell you again! Go have your nervous breakdown elsewhere! Your ghost energy is messing with our instruments!" the commander suddenly exclaimed at him.

But Danny didn't even hear him. All he could think about was what he knew to be true.

He had to find her! He had to find Vlad! But… he had no idea where… Wait! Clockwork! Clockwork had to know where Serenity would take Vlad!

But he needed a portal! Traveling back home would take too long. And now every second counted! But where was he supposed to find a portal here?!

Danny took off in a random direction. He didn't even see the GiW commander glower after him.

As he looked around in growing panic, he began to think of what he could do. The first thing that came to his mind was teleporting back home. But he had already flown for two hours. And teleporting that far was going to deplete him of his remaining energy. He could not face the Spirit of Order powerless!

But then he froze in midflight.

"Wait…," he muttered out loud. "When I helped Vlad create that poral… He said something about ghost energy being stronger where the natural barrier between the Ghost Zone and our world was weaker… Vlad had sensed that weakness… And he said I could, too. And if we can sense the weakness in the barrier, then that means we should be able to sense when that barrier has broken… I can sense natural portals!"

Danny glanced back to where the GiW were still flying around, searching for whatever ghost that escaped them. If they hadn't found it by now, it had either flown so far away they couldn't track it. Or, more likely, the ghost had already escaped through a portal.

Not wanting to be interrupted, Danny flew off a bit further and headed higher into the atmosphere. Hearing and seeing he was far enough from the hunters, he stopped and hovered in midair. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the atmosphere around him. If he could sense ghost energy, he should be able to sense the spectral energy a portal gave off, right?

And yet he could not.

Panicked, he flew up even higher, trying to do what Vlad had done before when they had been searching for the weakened barrier.

"Come on…" he begged at nothing. But just when he thought he would go crazy and had been considering to just risk teleporting back to Amity Park, he felt something.

It was weak at first, but then it grew. He froze, and 'searched' around using his core for the feeling. It was somewhere. It felt like a ghost, but it also didn't. It lacked the same intensity. But it was close enough; and more importantly, it held that alluring feeling that he got whenever he was close to his parents' ghost portal.

Danny continued to fly towards the feeling. He didn't know how far he went, but he soon realized the feeling had shifted above him.

He looked up before he frowned in concentration and continued higher.

"Where is it? It's here…. I can feel it…"

His eyes widened when he saw the faint glow of green energy peak out from behind some darkened clouds. And as he moved closer, the clouds seemed to open up, revealing a massive ghost portal just harmlessly swirling in the sky.

It was the most beautiful sight at that very moment.

Danny narrowed his eyes in determination; and not caring about the risk he was taking by flying blindly into some random portal, he went through it.

---

Phew! So, part of why it took me so long to update was because I wanted to finish typing up the rest of this story before posting again. And I did! Like I said, I did split this chapter, so I got the next part pretty much ready. So, I'll give you guys a few days to read this one, and then I will post the second part. Then, the epilogue I will also post in short order.

For those wondering about DoaS, I have not discontinued it. I just wanted to complete this story first since it's gotten harder for me to update regularly. I'm sorry for the wait! But we will get there!

See you all in a few days :)