Little is known about Clockwork, the ghostly master of time itself, but if there was one secret worth sharing; it is that Clockwork doesn't like it when people waste time. In his tower deep in the Ghost Zone, Clockwork was watching several screens showing images of Vlad Masters/Plasmius, he was the reason for Clockworks current frustration.
Even though Clockwork had known about Plasmius for a long time, the ghost had never been ordered or felt the need to interfere with this disappointment. Vlad had always been destined not only to be the first half ghost but also a hero, however, the human's bitterness and rage against his former friend prevented that. Worse yet just when he has a chance to turn things around and help the only other of his kind, he messes that up too just because the boy refused to share in his closed-minded and vengeful ways.
Clockwork had finally had enough! But he wasn't doing this for his sake or Vlad's, rather, the ghost was doing this for Danny Phantom. Since he was "given" the responsibility to watch over Danny by the Observants, Clockwork knew he also had to do what he could for the teen unless it screwed up time again. The time master knew the risk, but he knew what needed to be done.
Clockwork went through his treasures that had been collected over time until he found what he needed. It was an antique hand mirror.
"My old friend," Clockwork spoke, "You helped rid the world of one evil once but now you're needed again. You know what to do, now go!" he levitated the mirror upward and it flew into the current timeline in Amity Park. "One way or another Plasmius, you will learn just how rewarding your vengeance is,"
Five Days Later
It was early Sunday morning and the two Fenton teens were outside the house. Jazz was loading her second suitcase into her car and then she hugged Danny.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Jazz asked.
"For the tenth time, yes," Danny answered. "It's just two weeks and aunt Alicia isn't bad. I don't mind going to the mountains for a little vacation time. The fresh air and lack of ghost attacks will do me some good. You go have fun with your friends."
"Okay, but you know that if there is a problem, I can call off the trip and come right over." Jazz said before getting her car.
"No Jazz, you've been waiting a month for this ski trip and I don't want you to miss out. I'll be fine. A little mud won't kill me."
"Alright, just remember the secret password, Fenton-..." Jazz started up the car.
"Bismol," Danny finished rolling his eyes.
Satisfied, Jazz smiled, "Bye Danny." She said before driving away from the house.
After waving her off, Danny tiredly went back inside the house. School was over for the summer and the teen couldn't wait for some much-needed downtime. He meant what he said when he talked about spending time with Aunt Alicia and her new boyfriend Gus. Sure, it wasn't his first option, but his mom insisted on it when she and Jack booked for a trip of their own. Jack and Maddie were planning a lovely and long overdue couples vacation on a two weeklong cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.
An hour later, Danny was in the kitchen helping himself to some cereal for breakfast when his mom came into the room.
"Good morning sweetie." Maddie greeted.
"Morning mom," Danny replied.
"You packed everything you needed last night?" Maddie asked.
"All that's left is my toothbrush. You and dad good to go?"
"You bet. I'm so excited to go on this cruise with your father. He's packing the last of the luggage into the RV."
Just then there came loud footsteps coming towards the kitchen.
Jack stuck his head into the kitchen. "Danny, Maddie, look who came to watch us go." He said.
As Jack stepped into the kitchen, Vlad Masters followed behind.
"Oh, hello Vlad," Maddie said nonchalantly.
"Hello Maddie," Vlad greeted in a friendly manner, "And hello Daniel."
"Hi," Danny said quickly before stuffing his mouth with more cereal.
Danny finished his food when the phone rang, and Maddie answered.
"Fenton residence," she said, "Oh hi Gus, Danny and I were just-" she was interrupted by mumbling on the phone and then she looked distressed. "Wait, what?"
Jack, Vlad, and Danny's attention drew to Maddie.
"What happened? You're both sick? How bad? ...Oh no," Maddie looked at Danny with a worried and apologetic expression.
Danny shook his head and muttered 'no'.
"Ok, ok," Maddie said on the phone and looking away from Danny. "You and Alicia get plenty of rest, I'll call back later." She hung up the phone.
"Well?" All the males asked at once.
"Alicia and Gus are very sick, and they can't look after Danny," Maddie answered.
Danny stood up wanting to protest but then a thought accord to him. "Does this mean I get to stay at home alone?" he asked.
"Absolutely not," Maddie and Jack said together.
"But why not?" Danny asked.
"Danny, you are constantly getting home late," Maddie said.
"You shirk from your chores," Jack said.
"And the last time we left you home alone, you threw a huge party with kids that trashed the house," Maddie added.
"But that was a year ago, plus, most of those kids will be out of town by the time you guys leave," Danny said. "I'm not a little kid anymore, doesn't that count for something."
Maddie placed a hand on her son's shoulder, "I'm sorry Danny but I wouldn't be comfortable leaving you home all alone."
Danny frowned and shrugged his mother's hand off his shoulder. "I get it. You don't trust me." He crossed his arms, stepped back and looked at the floor.
Maddie was about to say something when Vlad stepped in between her and Danny.
"So, what will this mean for your trip, Maddie?" Vlad said looking concern.
"I hate to say it, but we'll have to cancel our trip unless we can find someone to look after Danny at the last minute," Maddie answered.
Jack blurted. "But Maddie, you were really looking forward to this and we've needed a couples vacation."
"I agree with Jack about this," Vlad said plainly.
Danny stared at the mayor in disbelief. 'Probably the only time he'll ever say that out loud.' Danny thought.
"I was just thinking, perhaps... I can help," Vlad said almost hesitantly.
Danny's eyes widen. 'Oh crud, he wouldn't!' He thought. The young half ghost shook his head. 'Wait, of course he would,'
"What do ya' mean Vladdie?" Jack wondered.
"Well, if you're alright with it, I could look after Daniel for you while you two are gone,"
Danny's wanted to scream out a loud no, but his parents will want to know why, and he couldn't tell them the real reason.
Luckily, Maddie had her objections too, "Oh Vlad, we couldn't possibly-"
"No need to ask Maddie, I would be more than happy to it," Vlad said walking towards Danny. "Besides I wouldn't object to spending quality time with young Daniel." He quickly wrapped an arm around Danny and brought him close in a half hug.
It took every ounce of the teenager's will power not to phase out or shoot Vlad with a plasma ray in front of his parents but that didn't stop the teen from pulling the man's arm.
"You know what, that's a great idea," Jack said, agreeing with his friend.
"But Vlad, don't you have responsibilities all summer?" Maddie asked.
"Of course, but I would never let my schedule stop me from helping you and Jack," Vlad said as Danny continued to struggle but the man just lets him go.
Danny stumbled for a bit before walking away from Vlad.
Meanwhile, Maddie considered this. "Well..."
Danny whispered to himself. "Please say no, please say no, please say no."
"Why couldn't they say no?" Danny said to himself sitting in the RV.
After their discussion in the kitchen, Mr. and Mrs. Fenton agreed to let Vlad look after Danny back at the manor in Polter-Heist. Even after Vlad left the house Danny tried every excuse under the sun to convince his parents to reconsider but in vain. Before they drove away, Jack activated the house ghost shield which, to Danny's dismay, will prevent any ghost or half ghost from entering. As they drove to Vlad's, Maddie looked back at Danny from the front seat.
"I'm sorry Danny," Maddie said, "I know you think you're too old to have someone look after you, but you're too young to stay at home by yourself. Besides, you know how lonely Vlad is."
"Your mother is right son," Jack added. "Vlad works all day, every day and yet has no one to go home to. He has his money and things, but nothing compares to having real company."
"Then let's send him a cat. Not the first time I ever suggested that." Danny grumbled.
"Danny please, just try," Maddie said softly. "You only have to spend two weeks with him before your father, Jazz and I come back home. What's the worst that could happen?"
'I can think of a hundred things.' Danny thought. 'But I can't tell you any of them,'
Soon the RV came to a stop at the Gates of the Mayoral Manor, then the gates opened, and Vlad was waiting at the front doors. Jack helped bring out Danny's suitcase from the RV.
"We'll see you in two weeks son," Jack said as he bearhugged the teen.
Maddie also gives Danny a hug and several kisses, "Be nice sweetie." She said.
"Sure mom," Danny said halfheartedly and rubbing the lipstick off his cheek.
Vlad stood next to Daniel when Maddie stepped away. "Don't worry Maddie, I'll make sure he's still in one piece when you get back." The man said.
The adult Fenton's went to their RV and drove away. As soon as they were gone, Danny quickly grabbed his bag and ran into the mansion without speaking to Vlad. The billionaire didn't seem to care and just went in after the teen, as soon as Vlad closed the doors Danny got into a defensive stance.
"Okay Plasmius, what's your evil plan this time and what did you do to my aunt?" Danny demanded.
"Daniel, there is no evil plan and I have done nothing to Alicia. Your aunt and her boyfriend are perfectly capable of catching the flu all by themselves." Vlad said plainly.
"Right... So, I guess it's just a coincidence that you show up at my house just in time for Alicia to call in sick. Nothing is ever a coincidence with you."
Vlad took in a calming breath through the nose and had a neutral expression on his face. "Daniel, I realize that this isn't ideal and possibly suspicious-"
"Ya' think?" Danny interrupted.
"Will you please!?" Vlad snapped. The man's face went back to neutral. "I can assure you that I had no malicious intentions when I offered to look after you."
Danny didn't respond to that, but he didn't need to, the intense look in his eyes said enough.
"I told your parents I would watch over you and I intend to uphold that, but I know it's not much of a vacation if you feel like you need to keep looking over your shoulder, so here is how we will get along. You will stay in the mansion with me, but we maintain our distance until you feel more comfortable here. So long as you stay here there will be no fighting; I won't start a fight with you, and I advise you to do the same. You're free to go in any room you wish except for my bedroom, my study or my laboratory unless you have permission. You do not have my current permission."
For once, Danny listened intently to what Vlad had to say and while he didn't believe most of it, he nodded anyway. "Fine," Danny replied; he crossed his arms.
"We will, however, be sharing meals together unless I'm busy with work." Vlad pointed out. "Talking of which, I must attend to some business in my office after I show you to your room. Follow me."
Danny was reluctant but he picked up his bag, followed the older halfa up the stairs to the second floor until Vlad leads him to a large bedroom. It had blue walls, a four-poster bark blue bed (king size), a large window and a fancy desk.
"Those two other doors to your left are the closet and personal bathroom. I'll let you figure out which is which. Next to the bedroom door you'll find an intercom, just press the button and speak if you want to talk to me from anywhere else in the house so we are not screaming at each other. I'll leave you here to unpack and get settled. I have some paperwork to attend to in my study and I'll call you for lunch later." Without another word, Vlad left the younger half ghost.
Danny quickly closed the door once Vlad had left and was tempted to lock it, but he knew it wouldn't matter.
'The guy can just phase through,' Danny thought, rolling his eyes.
The teenager left his bags by the door, not really in the mood to unpack, and looked out his window first. It overlooks the nearby forest instead of the town, which was rather befitting for Danny's situation, he might as well feel like his away from his home. He slouched and pressed his forehead against the glass.
"This is so not what I had in mind for a vacation." Danny murmured to himself.
A/N; My attempt at a badger cereal. I'm excited to write more from one of my favorite shows. Thanks for reading and don't forget to leave a comment.