Chapter 9 Selling his Soul

At his home known as the Fenton Works, with his best friend and girlfriend at his side, Danny had phased into the ghost dimension…

…space, in all directions. The White Mountain, in its eternal majesty, was looming large in the distance. Turning his perspective around, he put forth his will, and moved towards the unseen cold. Time seemed to drag on for a long, long time in his slow and careful approach.

He could also feel a pulling here, but unlike The White Mountain, which attracted him, called him, this cold unseen place pulled one against the will. It felt like it was dragging him closer. More time crawling by, but as Tucker cautioned, take it slow. Don't rush.

Eventually, he began to see something, a fuzzy reddish glow. It seemed to be days, then the glow began to manifest the feeling of Plasmius. He was there in the glow, watching. Danny began to get a very bad feeling about this…

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Plasmius still had traces of humanity: scientific curiosity. He could not break his gaze from the SE-Monitor as he witnessed an amazing phenomenon: a shimmering, colorful sphere was expanding in his field of view! Like Tucker, excitement that was beyond learning of something new for the purpose of exploiting it, but for the sheer joy of discovering a new aspect of The Universe, was taking hold of him. Then he began to think of its potential for usefulness. He sensed it had power, but it was not The Power of The White Mountain. This was something new.

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Danny moved closer, and more slowly now. He could definitely detect Plasmius, all around. He thought of what Tucker had said: Maybe you can see through Plasmius' eyes!

Delicately, quietly, he thought of Sam, and then reached out to the glow.

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Plasmius suddenly could feel the presence of Daniel Phantom. He looked around, and then guessing, looked back into the SE-Monitor, the boy achieved Breakthrough! That multicolored sphere had to be him! Gritting his teeth at the idea that an inexperienced, undereducated, pre-pubescent who had no idea how to use power, was able to go where he could not, infuriated him!

I am NOT prepubescent!

Ah! This was another, unexpected power granted to the undeserving, clueless lad.

Daniel! How nice of you to visit your adoring Uncle! You must explain to me how you managed to breakthrough into this dimension. I can grant you anything you want in exchange!

Sorry Plasmius! There are no single women here. Or cats!

Restraining his temper, he brushed aside his red cape, and spoke calmly through clenched teeth.

Why Daniel, Let us be on good terms. I have not bothered you or your domesticated family…recently. We have no cause to be …enemies now. I am a recluse nowadays, interested only in scientific research, a sort of…gentleman scientist. Certainly you agree that I have been a…man of peace as of late?

Yeah. So was Dr. Frankenstein!

My dear boy, let us help each other: I only ask that you use our new channel of communication for you to let me…observe the White Mountain, close up. Would you please maintain the connection, and take me there while I watch?

What do I get out of it?

I promise dear boy, to leave your family in peace, forever! And I will be your ally, in times of need. My power and experience combined with yours would be able to defend your beloved Amity Park without equal.

That was a very enticing offer. Danny knew what Vlad could do when he had helped in the past. And Vlad did seem to be a man of peace now. He didn't trust Plasmius, but what did he have to lose? Granting Vlad…uh, Plasmius a simple glance at The White Mountain close up didn't cost anything, no risk to anyone. Then Danny remembered his plan. But Plasmius could guess from the hesitation that he was winning Danny over:

I only seek knowledge of the universe. But I need to see the difference between you and the other lights in the distance, from this, my SE-Monitor, so that I may know which is you. Fly in a spiral pattern towards The White Mountain. That is all I ask, nothing more.

You will keep a permanent truce Plas? And be my ally?
Plasmius cringed at the youthful slang of his name, but restrained from correction.

Why yes my boy. And I will teach you what I learn from this observation you make for me, sharing its lessons. Your knowledge will be magnified by my counseling and advice.

OK Plas…uh…Vlad.

Plasmius smiled!