Disclaimer: I own nothing from Danny Phantom

Note: To "Dp-Marvel94" yeah, I hope I can pull off writing that too. As for the rest, well, these two don't realize that going against each other indirectly for 'their own good' isn't going to end well since Nocturne isn't the only one interested to see who Danielle becomes. Also, gonna do a bit of a time skip since we need to get things going again. Oh and uh, I kinda wanted an excuse to use another random oc in one of my stories so hope you don't mind!

Chapter 32: Can't Someone Throw Me A Lifeline?

Danielle's POV

"Ok, so...what's all this about you still dealing with ghosts?" Trish asked after polishing off another one of Cedric's fancy deserts he was testing out, it was basically a tiny dark chocolate bowl with raspberry crème and white chocolate mouse inside so it started off slightly bitter but then tasted airy and slightly tart so we all agreed he knocked this new recipe out of the park.

Finishing off one of them myself I sheepishly replied, "Um, before that...did you know that Cedric is a ghost too? He has a human disguise and does basically all the cooking around here. The maid Isla is too, you guys will like her since she has a cool Irish accent."

"You've already told us about that Dani, stop stalling," Sam scolded lightly, resting a hand on my shoulder. "I know you don't want to admit it but we could tell as soon as we got here that something was bugging you. And don't tell me it's your nerves because despite everything you've been through Dani I know how tough you are. So whatever it is that has even you this worried has to be pretty serious."

Sighing heavily, I sat down on the nearest stool since we were still in the kitchen and explained the whole situation is as simple of terms as possible since it's still a lot even for me to unpack. As expected both of them were shocked, worried, and even kinda pissed at Vlad for going behind my back so in the end they agreed that I should take matters into my own hands before he does it first. Sam was worried about the consequences of messing with our memories until I explained to them that this is exactly why I told them the whole story because even if I forget, they'll remember. For the most part, I have it all figured out, I just have to wait for the right moment to basically use Nocturne's powers to overshadow Vlad's dreams and then seal my own just of that horrible vision I saw, and then maybe things will finally settle down again.

"That brings us to the next issue...sort of," I explained, glancing at the door because I had a feeling Vallen might be here any second once he's done talking to Vlad. "I know it's a bit pointless now since I'm not technically fighting ghosts anymore, but Vallen has done a lot for me and I feel like we're close friends now which is part of why I invited him here to hang out with us so I've been meaning to ask. What do you guys think about me telling him the truth? You know, about me and a certain ghost girl?"

"Dani are you serious? That's a horrible idea!" Sam blurted out and I winced.

"Wait, just hear me ou-" I began but Sam wasn't done yet as he groaned.

"Dani, I know he's YOUR friend more than ours but seriously don't you think it's a little cruel to lay that on him now? I mean he basically took over your job because he felt obligated to and as hard as it was to accept that you had to leave Amity Park, if you tell him you're Dani Phantom he'll think it was all planned and you manipulated him just like your parents still think that...well, that you're not in your right mind. Vallen might not accept you either and I know it'd hurt you to lose any more friends because you know how much we miss you too right?" Sam explained, looking me dead in the eye.

"I'm just saying I don't think it's a good idea. It's up to you and I'll support you no matter what happens, but just promise me that you'll think this through a bit more before blurting out everything since you might regret it later. And the last thing we want is to accidentally trigger something that has to do with that mysterious bad future of yours by mistake. Not that I'm saying you should live in fear, I'm just being realistic."

Nodding since I know Sam meant well and at least he's being honest, I turned to Trish and asked, "What about you Trish? Think I should tell Vallen about me?"

Hastily putting down another desert so she wouldn't be tempted to talk with her mouth full Trish smiled and answered, "I can't speak for Sam but I actually really like Vallen. He's a lot cooler than I thought once we got to know him like you said and while he hasn't openly admitted it I know he feels bad for painting Dani Phantom as the enemy now that he knows how much she- I mean how much you put up with now that he's taking care of a lot of it. Clearly, Vlad has Skulker on pest control too with the more animal-like ghosts, but the point is Vallen has mellowed out a lot so he's not just out for revenge against all ghosts, he actually wants to protect people like you do and he even saved us once when we tried to help him out with some of your parent's inventions we still have at home. But I agree with Sam about timing it right if you do decide to tell him and I'll support you too no matter what happens because you're my best friend Dani, always will be, so helping you will always come first."

Groaning because that still didn't really answer my question, I laid my head on the counter and grumbled, "Fine I get the message, I'll wait before making my final decision but I might not GET another chance later which is what I'm afraid of. I don't want to let fear control me but I also don't want to jump the gun and lose him as a friend like Sam pointed out. I don't have many friends who accept me and even if I do make others when I can finally go back to school, nothing is ever going to be the same because I miss you guys so much too. And I hate having to lie to Vallen. I know it's probably for the best but...damn it."

Patting my head Trish laughed, "Dani you haven't changed at all, you still overthink things all the time! For now, let's just focus on having a good time, and then we'll get down to making our love confessions ok?"

Blushing I shot up and blurted out, "Cut it out Trish you know that's not what I-"

"Yeah Trish, knock it off," Sam frowned, hands on his hips but that just made Trish grin wider before stuffing the last desert in her mouth and giving us a sly wink as Sam and I both began blushing just as Vallen finally came back and asked what he missed.

"Oh, nothing much..." Trish before suddenly realizing something and apologizing, "Well, except maybe those fancy desserts that Cedric guy made. I couldn't help myself and ate most of them. Sorry. I meant to save you at least one."

With a slight shrug, Vallen smiled although he mostly kept his eyes on me, "It's fine, I don't have much of a sweet tooth anyway and prefer savory snacks like chips and salsa. Anyways, I finished up with Mr. Masters now so we can do whatever Dani would like to before dinner like watch a movie or something."

Sitting back up again when I realized how childish I must have looked, I cleared my throat and suggested. "Actually, I have a better idea. Why don't we hang out by the pool? The weather is really nice out and I'm sure we could all use some fresh air."

"I'm down for that," Sam nodded, standing a bit closer to me and putting an arm around my shoulder. "That reminds me, isn't there a greenhouse next to it? I'd love to see what sort of plants you guys have growing in there."

"A-actually we're not allowed in there!" I blurted out when it suddenly dawned on me how bad it might look if they knew Vlad was growing any form of Blood Blossom in his garden. "He's got lots of exotic plants in there that are very sensitive so we should just leave them alone. We can just ask him about them later. Sound good?"

Giving me a skeptical look Sam let go of my shoulder and replied, "Ok? That's fine too I guess. Anyways how about this, instead of worrying about swimming we can just walk around the grounds for a bit before heading back in for dinner to stretch our legs. And then tomorrow you were going to tell us where we're going for vacation officially right? You know, since you wanted it to be a surprise and said to be prepared for ANYTHING?"

"Right," I nodded, feeling bad for shutting Sam down like that but again the last thing I want to do is make them think badly of Vlad any more than they already do after I told them about the whole Nocturne thing. Because even though things are strained between me and Vlad, I still care about him and my parents, and if it comes down to it...I'd rather sacrifice my own happiness to make sure they'll be ok. The same goes for my friends. But for now, Trish is right, I'm overthinking this so I should focus on keeping everyone safe during the trip and try to fix things with Vlad.

That's all I can do in the end is try.

Vlad's POV

Most would accuse me of being too accommodating, but ultimately I agreed to go along with Danielle's choice to go on a cruise with her friends for my own reasons. For one thing, the captain of the ship I chose owes me his entire life's work since I'm the one who invested in the building of said ship, again for my own reasons, which took about seven years so I knew he'd bend over backward to ensure that everyone enjoys themselves. Especially Danielle since she is essentially now the adopted daughter of Vlad Masters to the rest of the world. As such, security is going to be their top priority which should keep her and her friends out of trouble in case a perfectly normal criminal attempts to kidnap her.

Speaking of security, Vallen's presence has become quite the boon just as I had hoped it would since he still feels indebted to both of us. As such I'm sure young Vallen will be keeping a close eye on Danielle since we both care about her a great deal. I'm sure Samson does as well since I've noticed the ongoing rivalry between them, but sadly Danielle appears to be oblivious to this since she still has a lot on her mind and is very upset with me. Although I must admit I'm surprised she told them about being kidnapped to her friends without outright telling them it was by a ghost since they confronted me about it before we left for our cruise. But I assured them it was a one-time miscalculation on my part and has since been remedied.

I also made sure to give Vallen the prototype of the new battle suit to test as well as soon as the opportunity presented itself and of course did plenty of research on the Infimap as well so that I'm prepared to take Danielle with me on that little field trip so to speak the moment these three friends of hers depart. Speaking of Danielle, I'm at least happy to say that she has been sleeping better since she's been too exhausted to dream after all the activities I arranged for them. We've been on this cruise for the better part of a week now and I'm glad to see her mood has improved greatly since reuniting with her friends even if it is only temporarily. There are times where I've caught her with a distant look in her eyes, but whenever she notices me watching her she hides it which I suppose makes sense given how I've been rather strict with her lately so regaining Danielle's trust is still a slight problem...

For the most part, I've been giving Danielle plenty of breathing room but I can tell she's waiting for something, almost dreading it, which is why she hasn't been able to fully relax even around her friends. Which reminds me, the poor girl Trish had clearly overdone it with the rich seafood platter we were offered and has been rather ill all day. We already got her cleared with a doctor to assure her she isn't actually 'dying' which Miss Foley kept moaning about, but I'm glad even she told the rest of us not to let her condition spoil their fun. I made sure to hire someone to tend to Miss Foley and in the meantime, Danielle has gone off somewhere with Samson and Vallen which I can imagine must be somewhat awkward given how both young men clearly have feelings for her and would rather be spending some alone time with her.

I sighed to myself while enjoying a glass of wine, distantly remembering my old feelings for Maddie in the folly of my youth while the three teens were swimming in the outdoor pool below. Several notable women have made passes at me during this cruise but I have no interest in those who do not see my worth beyond my immense wealth. One of them even dared to glare at Danielle when she interrupted the woman to ask me when lunch would be served and I put that harlot in her place by reminding her that Danielle is my daughter and insulting her is basically the same as insulting me. And I'm not someone you should become enemies with, especially when I am fully aware of your background, finances, social connections, and so forth or can easily gain that information and find ways to put you in the poor house.

Later that same evening, we received an 'apology' gift when this woman sent Danielle a blue topaz and diamond necklace as well as VIP tickets to her next fashion show since she's a model. Danielle felt uncomfortable about the whole situation so she politely asked for me to return both gifts. I did so, but that didn't stop me from reminding that woman to tread more carefully next time she attempts to make doe eyes at me because Danielle and I are now a package deal as she would put it...

And that brings us to where we are now since Miss Foley is still feeling unwell and Danielle was debating on whether or not to stay inside the ship with her tomorrow since she felt guilty one of her best friends was missing out on all the fun due to indigestion. Rest assured that there was nothing wrong with the food, but I suppose an upset stomach is a natural reaction to someone who isn't used to being out on the open sea where it's easier to get motion sickness. The poor girl likely didn't even know she was prone to it. Either way, Danielle eventually told us she needed some time to herself and reluctantly I let her go.

Too bad trouble seems to find my little badger much too easily when she's alone.

Danielle's POV

"So much for relaxing with friends...poor Trish, I can't believe sea sickness turned out to be the one thing her stomach can't handle," I sighed heavily while idly watching the waves from the front of the ship.

It was overcast too so I had a feeling it was going to rain soon so I couldn't even look up at the stars. Also, I haven't been able to figure out a way to put my plan in motion with Vlad's dose of anti-noct either which is frustrating. This trip was supposed to be relaxing but I managed to indirectly pissed off some rich model who tried to put the moves on Vlad since I tend to forget how rich and famous he is because to me he's just Vlad and feel like I'm letting Trish down since she got sick during the trip when I was hoping picking a cruise would be enjoyable for all of us. There's also some sort of boyish rivalry going on between Vallen and Sam since they've been trying to show off a lot while playing a bunch of different games to compete with each other.

I joined in a few times and even managed to beat both goofballs but it still felt like a hollow victory since they went right back to going one on one which to be honest made me feel left out. Either way, this trip has had its ups and downs but as usual, its mostly been downs and I gotta admit that's pretty discouraging. Maybe Vlad's right after all and coming here was a huge mistake. Why do I keep letting my paranoia crew everything up? An why do I even bother trying if they were going to just get screwed up anyway!?

I'm not sure what made my cheeks wet first, the tears or the rain, but when I looked up the entire sky which was almost black with storm clouds I could hear a low rumble in the distance. Figures the weather would decide to act up too but you know what, by that point I was so done with feeling all depressed. I was angry at the unfairness of it all so while everyone else was busy scrambled back inside to escape the storm and look for shelter when the waves became more violent, I held onto the railing tighter and glared out at the ocean, daring it to throw everything it had at me. After all, that's what my life does doesn't it? Throw me in the deep end and leave me to drown?

Well, I'm not going to let it.

Not anymore.

Glaring out at the stormy sea defiantly when the wind started howling and the rain totally drenched me from head to toe, not caring if anyone could hear me over the loud gale, I screamed at loudly as I could without unleashing that shrieking power of mine or whatever just to get this horrible feeling off my chest. Of course, while doing that I was too busy to notice when my ghost sense suddenly went off since the rain was so cold anyway that it actually stung a little.

Gritting my teeth after belting that out, I clenched my eyes shut while breathing heavily and let the rain wash away my tears, but then I flinched when I felt someone brush their hand across my cheek and whisper charmingly in my ear, "What a brave lass you are to stand firm against a raging storm like this and tempt its wrath. I truly admire your courage."

My eyes snapping open just as a lightning bolt lashed across the sky, I was met face to face with a single glowing eye and the smile of a very handsome ghost with dark blue hair and deathly blue-grey pale skin to match who suddenly grabbed me by the waist and spun me until I was flush against his chest then shouted while holding up a glowing blue rapier, "On you go lads, we've struck gold tonight so plunder whatever valuables you can carry! But remember, not a single mortal is to be harmed or you'll be tasting a few lightning bolts yourselves!"

Nodding and laughing in response the other ghosts behind him I didn't notice until just now either rushed past me and all I could do was stare at them like a gutted fish. Like are you fucking kidding me? As if running into ONE ghost out here wasn't unlikely enough, now I have to deal with a whole pirate crew of them!? What are the odds of that!?

Turning to me and smiling again while winking with his only good eye the ghost pirate still holding me asked charmingly, "Now then, since we're alone would you mind telling me the name of my lovely captive? I'd like to remember the name of the raven-haired beauty I saw drowning her tears in the sea. That is, assuming I don't decide to just keep you since there's something about you that feels...different from the rest of the breathers on this ship."

"Oh don't worry, I'll tell you my name!" I answered venomously, my eyes flashing green right before I transformed and his single pale blue eye widened in shock as my outfit changed before his eyes and my hair faded from black to a stunning white. Shoving him away and charging my hands with ecto-energy I told him, "It's Dani Phantom and buddy, you just chose the WRONG ship to try and rob!"

His shock dissolving into amused fascination, he took up a fencing stance, and then our mysterious ghost pirate bowed gracefully to me and said, "In that case, it's a pleasure to meet you, Dani Phantom. I am Kaden Nightwind, chosen master of the Stormheart blade and captain of the Moonstride. But tell me, what manner of sea witch are you? Or are you a siren lamenting a lost mortal lover? Either way, if I were still among the living you would certainly take my breath away."

Straightening himself up though he added, "I must warn you though lass if you intend to attack me I'm afraid my honor demands that I defend myself and my crew. But rest assured I'll do my best not to hurt you too badly."

Blushing despite the situation I blurted out angrily, "Shut up! Of course I'm not a siren or whatever that is you Jack Sparrow knockoff, I'm only half-ghost! And sorry but no deal, I can't just stand here and let you rob everyone blind. Besides you are a pirate so how do I know you'll even keep your word not to hurt anyone?"

Before Kaden could answer me, out of the corner of my eye I suddenly noticed a flash of red light aimed towards us both and without thinking I instinctively dove in front of him to create a shield around us as some sort of missile hit it, making it crack and shatter moments later which made me stumble slightly. One of my worst fears was realized when I looked up and saw Vallen for the first time in what looked like a brand new battle suit with a medium-sized missile launcher aimed at us from up on his hoverboard.

Another bolt of lightning flashed just behind him, illuminating all three of us, and that's when Vallen finally demanded coldly, "So this is what you've been doing Phantom? Stealing from people once you got tired of everyone taking you for granted? I should have known."

Feeling like I'd just been stabbed in the heart by that comment I glanced at Kaden and tried to explain, "Wait a minute, you've got it all wrong. This isn't what it looks like Vallen, I'm actually trying to STOP this."

"That's the Red Hunter to you, punk," Vallen continued, lifting his missile launcher higher. "Now, I don't know how you got here or what you're doing with this creep, but for old time's sake I'm only going to ask this once. Step away from that ghost so I can obliterate him before he hurts anyone else."

Glaring at Vallen with his good eye, Kaden stepped out in front of me which took me by surprise and he tutted, "Aiming your weapon at a lady? How uncouth, but I'll have you know she speaks the truth and is not a member of my crew. Sad to say but most men assume it is terribly bad luck to have a woman aboard seeing as they are often more desirable than any jewel. I only met this lovely sea witch just now. As for harming anyone, that's now how we operate boy. We find it much easier to simply overshadow humans into giving us their valuables and yes, maybe we like to scare a few of them for laughs, but nothing more. If one of my men has harmed a human though-"

Raising his rapier into the air to attract a bolt of lighting to it just like a lightning rod, which made him glow almost white hot now, he replied in a calm but deadly tone, "-they will answer to me, not to you, boy."

"Yeah right, as if I'd ever trust the word of a ghost," Vallen scowled, his gaze locked onto Kaden as he mirrored almost exactly what I said earlier.

"I see, in that case, En Guarde!" grinning widely Kaden aimed the charged lightning bolt in Vallen's direction and a normal energy blast in my direction with his other hand so I had to hand it to this guy, he knows how to multitask.

Still, I had to get that sword away from him otherwise Vallen is toast since I seriously doubt that battle suit of his is insulated to protect him against a direct hit from a thunderbolt. Since we were all drenched anyway I suddenly had the bright idea to aim a wave of ice energy towards Kaden. Smirking I placed my hands on the deck of the ship and instantly it turned icy and crept up his leg. He tried to phase free but Vlad told me my ice has special properties that prevent that which I could use to my advantage. Unfortunately, it worked a little too well when I got my own hands stuck too for a sec and I had no choice but to wrench them free through pure strength and an extra powerful ecto-energy attack.

Our pirate friend got the same idea though and charged his sword again with another thunderbolt, shattering the ice. He seemed impressed though and winked at me before flying off towards Vallen again. I still needed to stop him though so I turned my legs into a spectral tail and flew after him, blinded by the rain in my eyes to the point where when I crashed into someone I couldn't see them until I looked up at a different pirate. This one was freaking huge, like franken-pirate or something, and when he pulled me up by the arm like some kind of rag doll I hissed- "Hey, let go! What's with you pirates anyway? Are all of you this grabby?!"

Rolling his eyes he just tucked me under his free arm like a bag of potatoes since the other had a sack of stolen jewelry and such, franken-pirate called out to Kaden and asked smugly, "Oi, Captain, what do you want me to do with this strange looking girly? Toss her in the drink?"

Dodging another blast from Vallen's weapons Kaden laughed, "No need, I've taken a liking to the brave lass so take her to the ship! See that no harm comes to her or I'll hack off your limbs and feed them to the sharks."

"Oh hell no, I am not gonna get kidnapped again by another goddamned ghost!" I snarled, doing something incredibly childish and unexpected even for me and I...bit down on the pirate's arm. Startled he let go but I forgot we were floating in midair so time seemed to slow down as I fell. I didn't even realize how high up we were. All I know is that all of a sudden, I felt a white-hot pain course through my body, a familiar pain and suddenly changed back, barely clinging to consciousness. I saw Vlad's eyes widen in disbelief before he suddenly dove for me, reaching out his hand before I could hit the water. But was he aiming a weapon at me again, or helping? I had no idea. The only thing I did know, was that either Kaden had tried to knock me out with that direct hit or it was totally by random chance that I got struck by lighting myself...

I'm just glad that unlike Vallen, I could take it, although that doesn't mean I'm not going to be getting an earful from Vlad for being reckless again. In my defense though, I chose the safest vacation spot I could think of assuming the ocean was a big place. How was I supposed to know the universe still hates me and wants to ruin my life...?