Chapter Fourteen
Danny could see the outline of the Fenton Ghost Portal just ahead as he fled from Dark Dan. He prepared himself for what was about to happen. He knew that he was going to be separated from his ghost half yet again, and he hoped that the consequences wouldn't be dire. Danny took a deep breath and rushed through the portal there wasn't time to hesitate. Dan was too close behind him.
Pain intense and deep shot through his entire system as he felt something catch and pull and rip. He felt like he was still flying though. He opened his eyes just in time to find himself about to hit, head first onto the floor of the lab.
Maddie, Jack and Vlad watched in stunned silence as Danny was first caught in the webbing across the ghost portal then torn from his ghost half. The human Danny fell to the floor gasping and the ghost half was pulled to the upper edges of the webbing. Maddie was just about to step forward when something else hit the and the webbing strained forward. The ground began to rumble and shake.
Danny managed to crawl away from the portal and look back. He could see Dark Dan thrashing around, trying to get lose from the webbing, then something began to happen. It seemed like it was slow, but it only took a few seconds for two distinct ghosts to pull away from the one being that was Dark Dan.
One creature was obviously Plasmius. It's eyes were red and it's teeth sharp. The other was Phantom. Though they were both shapeless Danny looking up at them could see the faint green eyes and his white hair. Plasmius was straining hard to reach the Phantom, it's Phantom, but it was weakened and had no will to carry on. It made eye contact with Danny. Danny opened his mouth to say something as it growled evilly at him and then disintegrated. Suddenly it ceased to exist, blinking out like a dead star. Plasmius roared in anger then turned and looked at Danny's trapped ghost half. It grinned evilly then began to claw it's way over to the cowering being, intent on taking it over and remaking itself into what would perhaps become a more powerful, more ruthless Dan, or maybe this time it would be a more powerful version of Plasmius, with none of the residual weaknesses and pain that being a part of the mourning, saddened Phantom had caused.
"Mom!" Danny cried. "Shoot it Vlad! Shoot Plasmius!"
"No!" Vlad cried as he ran forward and began ripping at the webbing to release the evil ghost being. "Don't destroy him!" The ghost half laughed and avoided Vlad's frantic clawing. The last thing it wanted was to be touched by this human.
"Mom!" Danny yelled. He stood and looked up at his ghost half. The ghost was looking back and forth between his human half, Danny and the ghost, Plasmius. Plasmius was speaking, saying something to the ghost. Danny strained to hear but he couldn't understand. Phantom hesitated for a moment then he began to reach out for Plasmius.
"No!" Danny yelled. "Vlad you have to stop them."
Tears were running down Vlad's face as he picked up his blaster and took a deep breath. "Good bye old friend." He said then for the second time that day, blasted Plasmius into oblivion. Vlad then fell to his knees and cried. Maddie and Jack looked at each other for a moment then ran forward to comfort him.
Phantom cried out as Plasmius was destroyed then struggled in the webbing. "Betrayer!" he yelled at Danny.
"No!" Danny said. "No! You know that's not true!" He reached up to touch his ghost half who hesitated then struggled to reach down and meet the human boy's hand. When they touched, the ground began to shake again and Phantom disappeared along with the webbing across the portal as it stuttered and then exploded. Danny was thrown across the room.
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Maddie ran over to her son who was laying on the floor with his eyes open, looking up at the ceiling. "Sweetie!" she called. "Are you all right?" She put her hand to the side of his face and his eyes popped open and he took several gasps of air.
"Danny?" Maddie asked again.
"I'm okay Mom," Danny said as he let her help him stand. He looked at the portal as it began to fade and lose power then blink out all together. He hoped they could get it started again. Tucker, Val, Jazz and Sam were still in the Ghost Zone and he didn't relish the thought of leaving them there for long.
Maddie hugged Danny for a moment. "I'm so sorry you lost your ghost half Sweetie." She said sadly. "I'm sorry for both you and Vlad, but maybe it's better this way."
Danny gave his mother a stunned look. He blinked at her a couple of times then looked at his hands, as if to make sure he was all there. "Yeah Mom," He said. "Maybe you're right."
"Okay V-man!" Jack said as he helped a shaky Vlad stand. "We need to get this portal working again. Jazz is still in the Ghost Zone. We need to get her back."
"All right," Vlad said as he straightened his clothing. He walked into the portal to look for burnt wires.
"I wonder," said Jack as he looked at the gauges. He pushed a button and the portal zapped into life.
"AAAGGHHH" Vlad screamed as he ran from the inside of the portal. His kept his hands covering his face. "What kind of idiot are you Jack Fenton?" Vlad asked as he uncovered his face to reveal a nasty case of ecto-acne.
"Ooohhh," Jack said. "That looks bad!"
Vlad growled at Jack and then stopped. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Two silver rings engulfed him and he changed from human form to ghost form, only this time the ghost didn't look so much like Plasmius, with the red eyes and sharp teeth. This was a kinder, gentler looking being…for now.
"Jack!" Vlad cried. "You are a genius!" he hugged a stunned Jack then flew over to Danny. "I'm sorry my boy," he said excitedly trying hard not to sound as if he was gloating. "Things are maybe better this way for you. Now you can get back to your normal life."
"Yeah," Danny said as he rubbed the back of his neck and looked at Vlad. "What about you?"
"I have seen the error or my ways Daniel," Vlad said as he floated in front of Danny. "Things are going to change. I do apologize for my behavior in the past. It was quite inexcusable."
"I'm not the only person you need to apologize to," Danny said softly then looked over his shoulder as the Speeder entered the lab. The door popped open and Jazz rushed out.
"Did we win?" She asked then looked at Vlad with wide eyes. "uh no?"
"Yes!" Jack boomed as he grabbed Jazz and hugged her. "We won Princess. That evil thing is gone! But so is Danny's ghost side."
Sam and Tucker fell from the Speeder at that announcement. They looked at Danny who was staring back at them rather sheepishly.
"Is it true Danny?" Tucker asked as he walked over to his friend. "It's gone?"
"I'm sorry," Sam said as she hugged Danny. He put his arms around her and closed his eyes.
"Wow," Valerie said. "Life is sure going to be boring from here on out." She cast a quick glance at Vlad who had transformed back to his human self and was standing around looking a little smug, even though his face was covered with ecto-acne.
"You can go back into the portal," Tuck suggested. "Isn't that what Vlad did?"
"I don't think it's a good idea," Danny said. "I really don't want to try it again. We've all been through enough. Don't you think?"
"Yeah," Tuck said wistfully. He looked at Vlad again who was now standing by Maddie. Some things though, wouldn't change.
"Oh Danny," Jazz said sadly as she rushed forward and hugged her brother. "I know how you were starting to feel about your ghost powers. I'm sorry it's all gone."
"Yeah," Danny said as he looked down. "But Dark Dan has been destroyed and I guess it's all for the better."
"What happened?" Tucker asked. "I mean how did it all go down? Dude we were sitting in the Ghost Zone terrified that your plan wouldn't work." Tucker paused. "Not that we didn't believe in you or anything."
"I don't know," Danny said as he made eye contact with Sam. "I was separated from my ghost half. The ghost half that was Dark Dan's Phantom just….vanished." he shrugged. "I don't know why. And then Plasmius tried to go after my phantom half and….Vlad he destroyed Plasmius. My Phantom half disappeared too. So that is that."
"What time is it?" Jazz asked.
"It's eight thirty," Jack answered. "Is anyone hungry?"
"No," Sam said not taking her eyes from Danny. "I have no appetite." Danny looked at the bruise on the side of her face and frowned.
"I'm not hungry either." He said thinking about how sad Sam looked and feeling sad for her himself.
"I should be getting home," Tucker sighed. He looked at Valerie. "Want to walk with me?" Valerie nodded.
"Sam and I'll go with you," Danny said and walked upstairs. Everyone watched him go.
"Poor Danny," Jazz said then sighed. "I feel so bad for him."
"Me too," said Vlad. He wouldn't be willing to change places with Danny. He never wanted to be without his ghost powers again, and he was going to do everything in his power to assure he never would. He looked at Jack warily and put his hand up to his face to cover his acne, fortunately the break out wasn't as bad this time.
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Tucker, Sam and Valerie followed Danny up the stairs and out of the house. "That ecto-acne is nasty," Tucker said as he shivered.
"Yeah," Valerie said. "I was afraid to look at him!" Everyone laughed but Danny.
"Guys," Danny said. "Do you mind if I just walk Sam home? I'm not really feeling sociable at the moment."
"No problem Dude," Tucker said. "Call me when you're ready. Maybe we can hang out at the Nasty Burger tomorrow or go to the movies or something."
"Maybe," Danny said as he took Sam's hand and walked away from them, in the other direction without saying good bye. Sam looked over her shoulder and waved, mouthing the words, "Good bye". Tucker and Valerie waved back and watched them go each feeling the heavy sadness as though they'd lost a precious friend.
Sam walked with Danny for awhile. She wasn't sure what to say. Danny had lost a part of himself and she didn't know if he was going ever be the same. She was a little worried. What part of Danny did she love the human or ghost? The boy or the hero? She watched him as they walked and decided that it didn't matter. Regardless of what had happened. His heart had to be the same.
"Valerie's right," Sam finally said breaking the long silence.
"About what?" asked Danny.
"Life is going to be a little boring from now on." Sam finished.
"Maybe," Danny said smiling a little wistfully. "You never know what surprise life might be willing to let you find around the corner."
Sam smiled slightly too. At least Danny wasn't emotionally mourning the lost of his ghost powers. "Besides," She said. "Who wants to kiss a ghost?" She looked at Danny again and he smiled at her.
Danny's smile cracked into a full blown grin then began laughing. He was laughing so hard he had to stop walking. Sam stared at him worriedly for a moment. Was he hysterical? Did he need help? Maybe he'd gone crazy.
"Sam," he said then laughed again and took a deep breath. "Oh Sam."
"What?" She asked in alarm. "What is it Danny?"
"I think my ghost half might take great offense at that statement!" he opened his eyes and looked at her and she gasped as her amethyst eyes met with glowing green!
"Danny!" She yelled in shock, exsperation and excitment.
"Going Ghost!" Danny yelled and two silver rings enveloped him and he transformed into his ghostly self. He stood there floating and smiling at Sam. Sam had to stifle a grin and a shout of joy. Maybe she shouldn't be so happy that Danny still had his ghost powers, but she was.
"Why did you let us think they were gone?" Sam asked then stepped backward as he advanced on her with a wicked gleem in his eye.
"I thought it might be nice to have it a secret again….at least for a little while," he told her then swooped Sam off her feet and flew off with her.
"So you're going to make them all figure it out? Again?" She asked as she wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. Danny nodded. "Why did you tell me?"
"Who better to tell then the person you trust the most," Danny answered. Sam laughed and buried her face into his neck. "Besides, Tucker deserves a little rest. Don't you think?"
"And no more nightmares about Dark Dan," She said.
"That nightmare is over," Danny agreed.
"What about Vlad?" Sam asked.
"I think he has a nasty surprise waiting for him if he decides to go back to his old tricks," Danny answered.
Sam sighed and was silent for awhile as she enjoyed the view of flying around Amity Park. She cuddled into Danny's arms then said, "At the risk of sounding totally cliché, I want to tell you that I love you."
"So cliché," Danny groaned. "Couldn't you think of something more original to say?"
"I'm out of ideas," Sam answered. "I've had a really long and bad day."
"Me too," Danny answered. "But it's over now and I still love you. Even if you are a weird Goth chick."
Sam pinched at Danny. "Take that back?" She growled.
"What back?" Danny laughed.
"I'm not a chick! I'm a girl," Sam growled.
"Okay! Okay! Weird Goth girl," Danny corrected as he landed on top of a near by building and they looked down at the twinkling lights of Amity Park.
"Do you think Clockwork was testing you?" Sam asked after another long lapse of silence.
"Yes," Danny said. "I think he saw the direction my life was taking and he gave me a chance to change things again. We're pretty lucky that we have him to watch over us."
"What direction were you heading in?" Sam asked wondering what Danny was talking about.
"It's not important," he said feeling happier than he had in a very long time, and more at peace too. He understood himself and his ghostly persona so much better now. "The important thing is everyone I love is safe. I know my direction, and responsiblities, and I love you. Nothing else matters right now." Sam gave him a sideways glance and he smiled.
"Would you mind kissing a ghost much?" he asked grinning hopefully.
Sam laughed and threw her arms around Danny and kissed him. "Does that answer your question?" She asked as she pulled away and smiled into his glowing green eyes.
"I think so," Danny answered, "But lets try it again." Sam laughed as she obliged.
THE END
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Dearest Readers,
With that this story is over. I have one story to finish and then I'll probably be done with Danny Phantom fan fics (baring helping Pottersparky write if I am asked).
I want to thank the people who have remained so loyal to this story and so helpful to it's continuation. You know I'll never be able to look at the show the same way again. Darn them for not following my story lines LOL.
Pottersparky,
you still and will always ROCK! I think we should write a story
together, so get to thinking on what you want done, and after letting
me rest awhile…maybe after I have recovered from the trauma of
writing this story, we can get your ideas up and running. That is if
you trust me with the brilliant ideas in your awesome brain. In many
ways all three of the stories I wrote belong to you just as much as
they do me. You were the first person to really encourage me. Thank you.
Enigmatic Penguin your encouragement and insight kept me going even when I was tired of this fic. Your energy is contagious and you certainly infected me with your enthusiasm!
Yoyo-Illuser what can I say! You are awesome. Thanks for digging me out of the pit of writers block those several times and for your marvelous ideas! Thank you for your fantastic art! That picture of Dan, Danny and Vlad is to die for! I love it! You inspire me and I am honored to have inspired you!
RobinisDaBomb I have a promise to keep and so it shall be done. Thank you for your
support. Keep writing!
Ahhhh now I feel as if I have lost my ghost powers or at the least a very dear friend. You see, night after night a beautiful ghost boy named Danny Phantom has come to stand by my bedside and gently whisper into my dreams the story he wanted told. I wish so much that he belonged to me, but he is the creation of Butch Hartman and Co. I do thank them for letting him visit. So…after I finish my promised reading, I'm going to go reflect upon my writing. Because I really did love this story and now it's over, but as Theodore "Dr. Suess" Giezel said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Here's to you Lau Tzu!
Much love to Soren Kierkegaard!
To anyone else I neglected to thank. You have my utmost gratitude! Thank you my reviewers. I love you all! Please feel free to continue to review and review and review…it does a writer's heart good.