Chapter 6: Separation
The air was quiet as dead silence flowed through it. Only to be interrupted by the constant beep from the heart monitor. The green line bumping up from time to time. After a while it had picked up and brought relief. Vlad stood by Danny's bedside like a loyal dog eager for his master to awake. He had been unconscious for hours. Staying undisturbed by the slightest sound. The doctor had left long ago and said that Danny would be okay and should be up again in a few days. But that wasn't enough for Vlad. He wanted to see Danny alive and well. As well as he would ever be. Vlad again took his position at the bedside. Waiting for a sign that he would come back to him.
As Vlad sat he also thought. How this was his fault. That he was the one to blame for this. After all he was the one who told Danny to go visit them. To go see his family. The family that no longer wanted him or loved him. He should have known that they would turn into full fledged ghosts. What a stupid idea. The one thing that was supposed to make Danny feel better made him feel worse. Now what did he have? Nobody wanted him. And Vlad wasn't sure if he was ready to adopt. Was he truly ready to have a son? Could he rebuild everything that was demolished in Danny's childhood? Sure money could buy gifts and therapy but it couldn't replace everything Danny had lost. Nobody could. All of these thoughts wore out Vlad's mind and it was bothersome for him to stay up. Constantly his eyelids dropped and he fell into a shallow dream. Woken up by his stirrings.
Inside Danny was fitful. He wanted to get up but simply couldn't. Nothing but blackness surrounded him. He needed to wake up. So he could escape. Escape from all the worry and woe he'd been going through. Danny didn't deserve this. He deserved better. And he wasn't talking about Vlad either. Vlad was doing a great job taking care of him. Making sure Danny didn't do something idiotic or harmful. Refusing to commit the dark deed that he wanted done. All for Danny. But the only thing he could repay it with was bitterness and repel. No mutual relationship was formed. Even though Vlad wanted to make peace Danny always treated him like an enemy. Why am I being so insensitive? Why did his family reject him? Why did he cheat on that test? Why? Why? Why!
Danny was shocked awake from his sleep. His breaths shallow and his face covered in sweat. His eyes traveled around the room alarmed. Where was he? Danny lay bewildered and scared in the bed. How did he get here? Going back to the last memory he held a picture of his family and friends appeared before him. Where were they? Were they still attacking? In his panic Danny knocked over a glass. It shattered with a clash on the floor. Vlad snapped out of his slumber and regained his sense. Groggily he turned over to see Danny. Now a little bit calmer when he realized where he was. Vlad was jubilant to see Danny up and lively.
"Danny, are you alright?" asked Vlad concerned. He gently pushed Danny back down from the position of tension he was in. Checking to see if he had a fever or had trouble breathing.
"Where am I?" Danny asked meekly. His voice sounded weak and overused. Surely due to all the screaming he had done earlier. Still he surveyed the room for any sign of ghostly activity. Unsure of his safety.
"You're still here and safe might I add. But once again are you alright?" Vlad eagerly asked again. Waiting for the worry to disappear from a few simple words.
"I'm fine." Answered Danny.
"Thank goodness. If you had gotten seriously hurt…well what would I have done?" Vlad joked. Still apprehensive to touch him. Afraid that he might do harm. The worry had started to wear of a bit. He could see Danny was still weary.
"What happened to me?" Danny questioned Vlad. All of his bones and muscles were sore and achy. Making almost impossible to prop himself up. His elbows rattled beneath him and wanted to give in. He must have lost some of his short term memory in everything that happened.
"I was going to ask you the same question. No doubt due to some rogue ghost attack." Vlad hissed angrily. Infuriated by the fact that someone tried to hurt Danny. This surprised him a bit. Never had he felt so worried about someone else. "It's a shame that you didn't get to see your family." Vlad said.
Danny froze. His memory suddenly coming back to him like a flood. He recalled all the things that happened only a few hours ago. The horrible events that took place. "My family…" Danny choked out. The words almost hard for him to say.
"Yes. But I promise as soon as you're well I will let you search for them again." Vlad told Danny. A hint of edge in his voice. "I will personally hunt down the ghosts that did this to you! Then they'll think twice about-"
"My family. Wait. I did get to see them. I did." Danny interrupted. A smile replaced the frown on Vlad's face. Happy to hear the news about his reunion with his deceased family. A feat that no mere man could ever hope to attempt.
"Well that's good to hear! Tell me. How did it go? Were they excited to see you?" Vlad said as the edge vanished from his voice. It was good to see that his efforts had not gone in vain.
"Kind of…" Danny answered full of grief. His face turned into a pit of despair. His knees curled up underneath him supporting his head. The smile and cheer that Vlad had expected from Danny wasn't there. It was replaced by something completely opposite.
"Is something wrong?" Vlad asked in confusion. The worry started to pile back onto him. Making it harder for him to speak or look Danny in the eye. What had gone wrong? Why wasn't Danny happy?
"Everything's wrong."
"Care to give an explanation?"
Danny slumped back into his seat. Not quite ready to tell Vlad about everything. For the first time in his life he didn't want to make Vlad feel bad. After all that he had done. But at the same time it wasn't good for him to hold in. Keep it there so that it could only dig a hole and grow larger and deeper.
"When I saw them they weren't the same…not the same people…" Danny explained. Wishing Vlad would understand. So that he didn't have to go on and relive it all.
"Of course they're not the same." Vlad said obliviously. Not getting the meaning of what he was trying to say. "They were ghosts. Hugs and kisses won't feel the same and their emotions might still be unsettled."
"That's not what I mean. They're ghosts and nothing more. When they saw me they didn't care!" Danny snapped partially to himself. Starting to become angry with himself.
"Now you know that's not true." Vlad reasoned.
"It is true! Why else would they hurt me like this! Why!" Danny bellowed.
"Hurt you? You mean they were the ones who-"
"Yes! And while they were at it they decided to officially remove me from the Fenton family. I'm not their son anymore. I'm just Danny…" he whispered. The tears started to swell up in his eyes. His words becoming softer and softer. The storm raging inside him coming to a halt.
"Nothing but Danny. I don't have family or friends anymore." Danny uttered. Drowning on his own frustration and unable to control himself. As you could imagine Vlad felt terrible. He had caused all of this to happen. He should have known that after weeks in the Ghost Zone they would become malevolent creatures. Sort of the creature that he was. How could I have been so stupid?
"You still have me…if you choose." Vlad corrected him. There was nothing else he could think to say. Danny turned around to him with seemingly hopeful eyes.
"I guess so…" Danny said now sort of perking up. Now that he was done and he let everything out. He could see how hard Vlad was trying to make him feel better. Something that he never thought Vlad could do. So Danny felt that he should try too. "…and I'll be a Masters. If you want me to."
Vlad was taken back for a moment. Not ready to believe that Danny just said what he said. Surely he heard the words "Be a Masters" come out of his mouth. Maybe he was hearing things and maybe it was true. But either way he was glad.
"And I would love to be your father." Vlad responded hiding his glee. This made Danny feel somewhat better. After the way he had been treating Vlad he was surprised he still wanted him for a son. Anyone else would have done that. Even if it was appropriate for the mood neither of them hugged. It felt too awkward at the moment. But it would come with time. "Now that all is settled you should get some rest. See you in the morning." Vlad said cheerfully as he exited the room. Turning off the lights and leaving Danny to think about what lied ahead for him. What would life be like? The adopted son of a millionaire? Soon sending Danny into his dreams.
Vlad bounded down the hallway. A smile was on his face as he headed to his room for a well deserved rest. But not before signing Danny's adoption papers. How good it felt. To stop thinking and rethinking and finally do it. He would sign those papers and finally take Danny in as a son. But Vlad also felt a small amount of guilt. Danny had been practically removed from his family. He was an unwanted child in this cold and cruel world. It felt almost like a rebound. Perhaps Danny did it because he just wanted a sense of belonging. So he wouldn't be so alone. Or maybe it was that he really wanted him as a father. Would he ever really know? Trying to stay positive Vlad shoved these ideas out of his head. Now wasn't the time to feel regret.
Vlad sat at his desk in his massive room. There in front of him, like they had been for weeks: the adoption papers. The moment of truth was now and he was ready. He reached for a pen and brushed off the dust that had gathered on them. Looking over the words again and again until he reached that line. The only thing standing between him and having a son. All the things he could never do before by himself would bet in his reach. The love that he had so long hungered for was there. Smoothly the ink wrote out his name on the paper and it was done. Vlad now felt relieved that he wouldn't be burdened by this task anymore.
"Although it may not have happened anyway anyone could have planned I have a son. Not just any son. But your son." Vlad said as he admired Maddie's picture. Feeling that he had not failed her. Even though he knew that with what she was now she wouldn't care in the least. Now daydreams filled his head as he thought about all the fun things Danny and him could do together. How they would bond together and become like a real family. No sooner did Vlad fall asleep himself.
Back in the infirmary for about the hundredth time Danny found himself in a case of insomnia. No matter how he twisted or turned nothing could put him to sleep. Staying awake until the morning sun shone over the horizon. Part of the blame was to his recent decision to become Vlad's son. Did he really want to do it? Once again experience the feeling of having a father. Or was it because he felt sorry for Vlad and for himself? He was sure that it was self pity. Danny just wanted to feel like he belonged. Again he turned in his bed only to be greeted by the faces of his former loved ones. He couldn't bear to look at it. Why did Vlad have to put it there? Probably thought he was helping. There was no reason to even keep the stupid thing. All it would do is remind him of what happened rather than giving him comfort like it used to. But what was he to do with it? What was he to do with all the other items he had that belonged to them? They would only sit around as a painful reminder. Was there any way to take care of them for good? More and more the things ate away at him and the person he was. Danny couldn't stand it anymore. He wanted to get rid of everything that had ever been in contact with them. And he had to do it soon. And by soon he meant now.
Danny climbed out of his bed. He was hardly able to walk because his body was so rickety. But he carried on anyway. He grabbed the picture off of the table and snuck out of his room. Careful not to wake Vlad. The less interference the better. When he got to his room Danny gathered all of the scrapbooks he had. All of the things from his family and friends he once treasured. Dropping them all in a box without carelessly. When the box was full Danny lifted it and started to take it downstairs. The box was small but heavy and didn't bring Danny much sense of accomplishment. He wanted more. He needed more. If he was ever to be truly happy he had to get rid of all of it. Everything. So Danny did a full ransack of the mansion. Nothing would be left behind.
In his mission Danny came across Vlad's private study. He was just going to pass it. But there was probably some memorabilia in there. No doubt that it would mostly consist of his mom. He walked over to the shelf to see anything he could get rid of. He didn't really care that it wasn't his. Besides his feelings were the only ones that mattered. No one else's. Danny's eyes caught a green and gold book. Neatly printed on the spine in gold were the words "College Yearbook."
"Bingo." Danny said in a sinister tone. Giggling to himself. He knew there were bound to be some things in here. Eagerly he opened the book and coughed at some of the dust. Not long after he opened it did Danny slam it shut. He didn't really want to look. He added the book to the collection in his box and lugged it down to the living room. Dropping the box on the floor and trying to regain his strength. Then he thought. What would be the ideal way to get rid of this stuff? How can I make it so I never see this stuff again? But he drew a blank. A slight draft blew in through an open window and made Danny shiver. The fire tried as hard as it could to ward it off but it wasn't doing a very good job. No kindling was around. This filled Danny's head with an idea. The perfect solution.
Danny dragged the heavy box over to the fireplace. He looked over at the flames. How inviting they looked. He took hold of the scrapbook that lay on the top. He considered whether or not he should really do this. Would he regret it the near future? No. No I won't. Hastily Danny tossed the book into the fire. A wave of heat burst out at him as the flames engulfed it. Turning all of its once white pages into black. Bringing Danny a little bit of cheer. So he took another one and watched in excitement as it become encased in the fire. More heat generated from the generous fuel Danny threw into it.
Over and over Danny hurled more things to be destroyed. Along with it some of his hatred, frustration and anguish. For a moment he felt empowered.
"If you don't want me in your family then I don't want you in mine!" Danny wept to the ashes. He wanted them to feel as bad as he did. He wouldn't be the only one suffering from all of this. Oh no. But inside Danny really knew that he wasn't really solving anything. No matter how many things he burned it couldn't change anything. The very last thing he put in the fire was his picture. He chucked it in with impressive force and heard the glass shatter. It crackled and made the flames tower high into the chimney. Danny moved backward to avoid the searing heat. It was almost as if something exploded in there. Shards of glass popped out and fell to the floor. As the flames died down Danny felt a sense of deep satisfaction. How good it felt to finally get rid of all those things. Nothing left to hang around anymore. Although deep inside Danny knew he wasn't solving anything. Nothing he did would ever make things okay.
Back in Vlad's room some of the smoke had risen through the floors. Leaking through the cracks in his door it circled around his room. As Vlad slept he inhaled some of the ghastly fumes and coughed. He didn't cough many more times before he finally snapped awake. His eyes regained focus and looked at the gray smoke coming into his room. Vlad became fully alert and tried to decipher what it was. Could it be a fire or the start of one? Is Daniel alright? Nimbly Vlad went to the infirmary to check on him. Only to see there was an empty spot in his bed. Where did that boy run off to?
Realizing that he had no time to check he figured he should probably try to find out where the smoke was coming from. He went downstairs equipped with a fire extinguisher. Following the trail of smoke into the living room. There he was greeted by the fire and an up and running Danny.
"What are you doing down here!" Vlad asked about to flip his lid. He thought that Danny would surely be in his bed resting. But yet here he was.
"Huh?" Danny gasped as he sharply turned his head to face Vlad. He was snapped out of his trance like state and came back to reality. The feeling of empowerment was gone.
"You are supposed to be upstairs sleeping. What are you doing down here?" questioned Vlad as he attempted to extinguish the flames. Partly coughing because of the toxic smoke filling his lungs. Danny stood and watched him. Not sure of what to say. He was really hoping not to get caught. This was something he wanted to finish on his own.
"I was uh…trying to warm up?" Danny lied nervously. Seeing if Vlad would take that excuse for nearly starting a fire in his mansion. He tried to look innocent and didn't want Vlad to know what he was doing. It was sort of embarrassing.
"Do you really think I'm that gullible? If you wanted heat you could have asked."
"I didn't want to wake you up." Danny replied. Keeping his eyes glued to the fireplace. Looking at the remains of what he had just incinerated.
"That was quite some smoke. What on earth were you burning?" Vlad questioned as he sifted through the ashes. An alarm went off in Danny's head and he placed himself in front of Vlad. Trying to conceal everything behind his small frame of a body.
"Nothing! It was nothing. Just some wood…that's all." Danny told him apprehensively. Vlad was unconvinced by his response. Lightly he shoved Danny to the side. Searching for something that Danny might want to hide from him. Behind him Danny waited.
"Wait's this now?" Vlad said curiously as he picked up a small piece of paper. Dusting it off and peering at it. Trying to make out the rest of it. Then his eyes opened wide as he realized what it was. "Daniel…isn't this your picture?"
"Yes." Danny sighed. He was partly ashamed. The whole scene of this action was enough to make him look pitiful. Such a stupid reason he had. "I didn't want it anymore. It's stupid to keep it!"
"I beg to differ. There is nothing wrong with wanting to hold on." Vlad explained as he tried to hand the picture back to Danny. He refused to take it as his arms firmly folded. Shifting his head away from it. "That's just the thing! I don't want to hold onto it anymore!"
"Calm down. It's quite understandable what you were doing." Vlad sympathized. He really did understand why Danny would do such a thing. But another peer into the ashes changed his mind. "But I can't say you're justified when trying to get rid off my things.
Vlad carefully picked up his college yearbook. Flipping through it to see how much it was damaged. Wondering if it could be restored. No doubt that wasn't going to happen.
"I don't know those people anymore. I don't have family or friends…all I have is you!" Danny cried into the air. Not long before drawing back his breath. Realizing that it might not have been the best thing to say. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean it that way it's just…" Danny trailed off unable to get his words together.
"I understand what you mean and I'm not offended. I know good and well I could never take the place of your family or friends. After all I'm only one person." Vlad said half joking. Yet at the same time trying to be sensitive as to not wither away the serious mood.
"You deserve better than me. So many emotions are stirring around in me and just eating away. I just can't take much more of it. And these ghost powers are all to blame." Danny said apologetically. Desperately trying not to offend Vlad but at the same time trying to get his point across.
"That certainly explains why you haven't been using them. But you can't be spiteful of the very thing that makes you special. I acquired these ghost powers the same way as you did and I use them to my advantage." Vlad reasoned. Maybe Danny would feel a little better. There was no reason that he should hate any part of him or who he was. It was pitiful.
"I just wish I were done with them. That they would just go away and take all of its trouble along too." Danny strongly bellowed. A deep hatred circulated inside of him. Vlad walked over to him and grinned. A plan formulating in his head.
"Perhaps I am the person who can grant you that wish." Explained Vlad. Danny's expression changed quickly from despair to a shine of optimism. Was there really a way to make things better?
"You really can? Then I'll do it! Whatever it is I'll do it!" Danny shouted with all his might. Eagerly accepting the opportunity Vlad had generously had proposed to him. Vlad changed into a serious mode. Ready to reveal the other part.
"Don't be so willing to accept Daniel. Surely you must know that a wish this big will cost a price. A price that you may not be able to pay." Vlad remarked. Leaving Danny just a tiny bit downhearted yet still ambitious.
"If you mean money I can-"
"No, no, no dear boy. I'm talking about the cost of personal value. I may be able to remove these powers bestowed upon you and all of the anguish they hold. But you will have to give up everything else as well. And by everything else I mean all of your emotions. Happiness, fear…"
Danny now didn't feel so good about this offer anymore. Give up everything? How could he do that? Danny thought that he had already lost everything he ever could. This was really pushing. Can I just risk it? The fact that I won't be remotely human? No. I can't be afraid. Or I'll just end up nowhere like I did after that test.
"I'll do it Vlad. I have too. For my own good." Danny revealed. Although his feelings weren't fully with his thoughts there was just no other way. It had to be done.
"Very well then. After you get your strength back we'll see what-"
"No Vlad. I want it done as soon as possible." Danny demanded. Standing his ground and refusing to take no for an answer. The sooner the better.
"I see you're very serious about this. Well I know better than to tamper with you so fine. How does tomorrow afternoon sound? Soon enough for you?" Vlad asked. Pleased with himself that he and Danny were finally seeing eye to eye.
"Yeah. That'd be good."
"Now that that's settled I suppose I'll get ready for the procedure. You on the other hand should rest up as much as you can. I'll be in my lab if you need me."
Vlad strolled off to his lab. This time he definitely felt good about what he was doing. There was no way this would turn out to be another flop like his last suggestion. This time it would work. I won't fail you again Daniel.
Danny went back to his room feeling relieved. After all this time it would all be over. He wouldn't have to suffer anymore. No more sleepless nights or longing for the people he once cared about. He would be Danny. The totally fine and care free Danny. A great weight had just been lifted off of Danny's shoulders. And all thanks to Vlad. It was weird how all this time Danny thought Vlad could be nothing but an enemy. But now he was sure that he was a friend. Danny fled to the window and sucked in fresh air. He once heard from someone that five deep breaths a day could make you feel a whole lot better. But all he needed was one breath to make him feel like a whole new person. Strength started to return to him and the gloom that had once befallen him was starting to vanish.
Maybe he would even be able to spend time with Vlad. What would it be like to have him or a dad? Would he be the kind of dad that always came to support you? Whether it was a failing grade, which Danny got often, or a broken leg. Or would he be the all too clichéd rich dad? The kind who never had time for his kids and was always busy working? Did Vlad still have the idea that Danny would follow in his paved footsteps. It couldn't be that hard being the son of a millionaire could it? You could get anything you wanted. Throw the wildest parties and have the best friends money could buy. Then Danny would inherit all the money when Vlad's in his wheelchair.
Danny was taken back for a moment from his hours of daydreaming. When the reality of what he would be like after the procedure. Vlad said that he wouldn't be able to feel anymore. This would mean Danny would probably treat Vlad worse than he did now. Refusing to notice the simple gestures that he would make. There would be no happy holidays or happy birthdays. Just everyday passing by Danny until he died. Nothing special. No. No. I shouldn't be worrying about stuff like this. I should only be thinking about what makes me happy. Or whatever I would feel after this whole thing was over. Danny went to bed peacefully that night. Knowing that soon all would be well.
Vlad steadily prepared for the procedure. He was surprised that Danny wanted to make the decision so soon. Normally anyone would have waited at least a few days before doing something as drastic as this. But not Danny. He had decided enough was enough and wanted to move on with his life. Making Vlad felt great at the fact Danny wasn't going to let this tragedy keep him down. Although he wouldn't be the same person it was still a good thing. The best thing was that after this he would have a son. One to call his own. No longer would he be lonely.
These images helped Vlad move a lot faster in getting everything ready. He had his newest invention readily waiting on the table. They were called the Ghost Gauntlets. He had taken the gloves off of the Ecto Suit he stole and modified them to remove ghostly contaminants. Originally he planned to use them on Danny to harm him. Back when he was still very bitter toward him. Now they would be used to help him. The Ghost Portal was also ready and waiting. So as soon as the ghost was removed he would thrust it into the oblivious Ghost Zone. Leaving it to wander and roam carrying all of Danny's troubles with it. Never to dark into this place again. Now everything was ready and Vlad could get a good night's sleep. With two disturbances in one night anyone could imagine how exhausted he was.
As everybody knows there are two sides to each story. There is a pro and a con. A good and a bad. While you could well imagine everybody would feel better after this operation was done. Danny would be free of worry and Vlad would have a son. As perfect as that seems it is flawed. How would Danny's ghost half feel about this? He had spent so much time inside of Danny. Fighting other ghosts like him and even goofing around and abusing their power. Nevertheless the Phantom didn't want to be removed. He wasn't ready and would have nowhere to go. He was a part of this boy. Over the years he made nothing but enemies. Who would help him? Knowing nothing else to do the Phantom panicked. They can't get rid of me. They can't! What if they do? What will I do! How can I get out of this? Somebody help me…
The next morning had crept upon everyone. Danny was gleefully greeted by the sun. He waved back to as a return for the nice gesture. He didn't wake up as he usually did. Which was glum, depressed, and listless. He woke up a boy who would soon know how to live. Go to school and make new friends, ride a bike and even forget about the past. After today everything would be better.
"Wonder if Vlad's awake." Danny pondered as he hopped out of bed. Spring had returned to his step. Vlad was a crucial part of everything that was going to happen today. He was Danny's savior and nothing he ever did could thank him enough. Unable to wait any longer he slipped on his clothes and rushed to see where Vlad was. Anxiety consumed him as he tirelessly patrolled the halls in search of his guardian. Butterflies were in Danny's tummy. Fluttering around waiting for him to calm down. Lost was Danny in his own joy that he didn't even notice Vlad coming up from the hallway. Vlad had his eyes glued to the ground. He too was lost in his own thought and emotion. Neither of them noticed the other until they crashed into each other. Stopping them dead in their tracks and snapping them back to what happened.
"Sorry." Danny said slightly embarrassed. He looked up at Vlad to see his reaction. This turned out to be nothing but an expression of friendliness.
"No need to apologize. Today is all about you Daniel and what makes you happy." Vlad chuckled. Even after being knocked into. It didn't really matter to him. "You woke up bright and early didn't you?"
"Yeah I just couldn't wait."
"Be sure not to eat anything. I'll call you when I'm ready for you to come down." With that Vlad carried on to his lab.
"Too nervous to eat." Danny whispered to himself. Keeping it to himself. But what was he to do. There was nothing other than this that seemed worth doing right now. Staying around bored like a lump on a log. "How can I kill some time?"
Thinking quickly Danny decided it was time to say his final farewell to his ghostly side. It only seemed right to give it a proper goodbye. Since he would no longer be a part of him. Enjoy his last few moments of being able to phase through walls, be invisible, shoot blasts of energy and fly. Things that no man ever dreamt they could do. Many people believed ghosts didn't exist. Today Danny would become one of those people.
Danny transformed into Danny Phantom. The sensation almost new to him from not using them a while. Taking one last gaze at his suit. How it felt and looked on him. The emblem snugly placed on his chest. His trademark that he got from…
"Uh! Why did I ever let her put that there?" Danny asked himself as he turned away from it. He didn't want to see it right now. Or else the weight would return and he would once again be dragged down. For the last time Danny ascended off the ground. Feet floating and feeling light as a feather. Quickly he zoomed around the halls with the speed he once knew and seemed familiar to him. Phasing through walls and avoiding obstacles. No more easy life. Inside of Danny the Phantom once again took in a breath of air. Alive as he would ever be. Finally being used again. It felt good to be wanted. But the Phantom did know that this would be his last time here. In his cozy home where he lived for so long. How can he get rid of me? Doesn't he miss all of this? Why don't I matter anymore? What am I doing wrong?
"I shouldn't be doing this. Saying goodbye will only make it harder. I'll miss having these powers but I'll enjoy not having them more. I hate to do this but I have to." Danny spoke to himself. Letting the Phantom hear his words. The Phantom wanted to respond but couldn't break through the boy's mind. Making him become angry at Danny. The anger starting to consume him. Building up a great pit of hatred that would stay with him forever. No. You should be doing this! Remember why you like having ghost powers! Remember me! Would you just listen you idiot! Just listen! Listen!
"Trying to hold on to the last of your ghostliness?" asked Vlad as he intruded Danny on his ride. Danny gasped as he heard Vlad and immediately turned back to normal. He didn't want Vlad to know what he was doing. However it was too late. He knew well what was going on.
"Don't make fun of me." Danny pleaded. Hands now at his sides and face looking down in shame.
"I had no intention too. Now if you'll follow me we can begin." Vlad directed. Pointing to the opening of his lab. Danny didn't realize that he flew this far. A shiver went up Danny's spine. A creepy sense went of in him. Quickly he snapped out of it. Right now there was no room to be afraid.
So Danny entered the large room with Vlad following close behind. Eyes staring at all of the weapons it held. All of them probably had an original purpose to hurt him. Now only serving as trinkets on a shelf. There was an examining table. Near it stood a canister of sleeping gas along with a mask. Close by was the Ghost Portal. Danny froze for a second as a rush of memories came back to him. He trembled where he stood.
"Wh-why is that-that open?" Danny stuttered. He was fearful that his family and friends would come back. Thrash him just like last time. Only leaving worse bruises than before. Making sure he would never forget what he had done to them. Please. Just don't come. Please don't.
"Calm down. No harm will come to you. It is merely open so that I may toss your other half in there as soon as he is removed." Explained Vlad. Understanding why Danny would be so scared of the portal after his recent traumatic experience. At any moment they could come bursting through and bring harm to him. But Vlad would never allow that to happen. "Now if you would just lay on the table I can put you to sleep."
Danny slowly walked toward the table. Moving inch by inch. The table didn't look very inviting. Like something out of an old fashioned Frankenstein movie. That was all you could expect. Not like it would have been a massage bed. Vlad came up behind him. Patiently waiting for Danny to climb on it. Wanting to waste no time. He gave a smile to encourage Danny to get on. Like an adult bribing a child to take their bath or clean their toys. Danny turned back to Vlad for one more time. It was truly weird for a second. Here he was. Standing right before his arch enemy. The one that he had brutally hated for trying to kill his dad and kiss his mom. The one he constantly fought with. At that moment Vlad could have decided to do anything to Danny. And he was helping him. Out of the goodness in his heart. Even after the way Danny had been treating him this whole time. So Danny decided to return the favor the only way he could.
Without a second thought Danny approached Vlad and embraced him tightly. Securing his arms around Vlad. Trying to absorb every bit of warmth that he contained. He felt so empty inside. So hollow. All he wanted and needed was a hug. It didn't matter who it was from. Just as long as he got one. Tears started to swell in his eyes. Danny really didn't know why. Stop crying. Don't let him see you.
Vlad simply stood stiff. His brain utterly baffled at what was happening. The arms around him and the endearing action. Danny the boy who had once hated him for just being alive. Was hugging him. He wasn't really quite sure what to do. Should he return this shower of affection? Or just take it as a momentary spark of insanity. This led Vlad to do nothing. A bond was forming between them. Something neither of them would have ever expected to be formed.
"No matter what happens after this I'll always be grateful to you…dad." Danny told Vlad from the deepest, warmest, most sincere part of his heart. Vlad melted inside. Did he actually call me dad? He's accepted me as his father.
Vlad still in shock couldn't make himself say or do anything. Paralyzed by this sudden show of emotion to him. Enduring weeks and weeks of his sour attitude had finally paid off with this. Before he could actually return the hug Danny let go and planted himself on the table. Getting braced for what was about to be done. His muscles were tense and his fists were clenched. Vlad carefully placed the mask over Danny's face and turned the gas on. The gas entered his body and he became drowsy. Unable to keep his eyes open for long. The last thing he saw was Vlad placing some strange metallic gloves over his hands. I hope this goes well.
When Vlad saw that Danny was asleep he secured the gloves around his hands. He could feel them locking on and increasing his power. Was he really ready to do this? These gloves were only experimental and had never been tested on a human before. What if he really hurt Danny worse than he was now? There was no way he would ever forgive himself. So he figured desperate times called for desperate measures. And it was for Danny's own good. One last glimpse of him was enough to just tell himself to get it over with. Without further ado Vlad activated the gloves. His hands shot back for a moment as the claws jetted out of the fingers. Each had an unearthly glow around. One no one not even Vlad had seen before. They almost entranced him. These were the things that would set Danny free. He raised his hands over his head to gather power. It wouldn't be easy to pull this Phantom out. No more waiting. Alright. Let's hope for the best.
With a great amount of force Vlad sent the claws flying into Danny. Piercing his very flesh. Vlad shuddered at the thought of what he was doing. Afraid to see if there was any damage done. Sweat had started to madly pour from his face. At a second glance Vlad could see Danny was alright. His heartbeat was still steady and pulse still going. Although Danny was unharmed the same could not be said for the Phantom within him. For he was the one Vlad was aiming for. For he was the one feeling all of the pain.
Ah! The Phantom shrieked when the claws first penetrated him. Becoming a part of his body and fusing together. Forming a tight grip on him. It felt excruciating and unbearable. Why is he doing this! Why is this only hurting me! Stop him! Stop him!
Once Vlad had gained a firm and tight grip on the Phantom inside he gently started to tug. It would have been foolish to try to tackle this feat in one foul swoop. It was to be done gradually. Again he gently tried to pull the phantom out. Obviously there was some resistance on the other side. Again he tugged on the phantom only this time a little stronger than before. Still keeping his eye on Danny's heart rate. Again and again he pulled. Still resistance some resistance persisted. Come out you demented being!
Still inside the Phantom cried out in pain. With every pull Vlad gave the pain became more intense. And the harder it became to hold on to Danny. He could feel himself being torn away from the body. The DNA separating strand by strand. Another pull and again the Phantom screamed. Ah! Ahhh! I won't go! You can't make me! Ah! Stop! Help!
Vlad struggled and struggled to extract the Phantom from Danny's body. Wishing that the Phantom would just surrender. Rage consuming him Vlad pulled harder then with all his might. The Phantom Desperately tried to hold on. Only a thread attached him to the body he lived in. The Phantom became weaker and weaker as it became tougher to resist. The last thread of DNA started to separate. He had to hold on. Gather all of his strength and stay. No. I won't go. I can't! I just need to hold on. Don't let him beat you! No. No. NO!
With a final cry the Phantom emerged from Danny's body. The claws still inside of him. The sensation was as if he were being born. Ripped away from the home he once lived in. The Phantom was limp for a moment. Vlad deeply inhaled. Getting some air for the task he had just performed. All was well. The operation was a success. Thank goodness.
The Phantom hung there. The claws now feeling numb. His body throbbed. He had put up a good battle. Too bad he wasn't the victor. How could I have failed? How could my other half betray me like this? I have no body, no home, no nothing! All because of you! Now you're going to pay!
All was well. Vlad was ready to toss this Phantom into the Ghost Zone. Be rid of him for good. When he was ready Vlad felt the motion of the still living Phantom. He looked up only to meet the furious face of the Phantom. Those green eyes glowed with intensity. The kind he had never seen in Danny's eyes before. Then again this wasn't Danny. The Phantom picked up its arms and grasped Vlad's. Making Vlad nervous. Before he could do anything to stop it the Phantom flung Vlad away from him. The Ghost Gauntlets tearing away from him as well and dropping to the floor. He was enraged at Vlad. If he was going to take him away from Danny then he would do the same.
Vlad lay on the floor in confusion and panic. The Phantom was rebelling. It must be spiteful of me for removing him from Danny. Vlad motioned to get up so he could get a weapon. Something to attack it with. The Phantom scanned the room for the object used to tear him away from his body. When he spotted them he placed them over his own hands. Swiping the claws out in a threatening manner. He felt as though he could do anything with them. A sinister look planted upon his face. So vengeful was he.
Before Vlad could get to his feet the Phantom grabbed him. Piercing the claws into Vlad just as he did to him. Wondering how he liked it. Inside of Vlad his ghost half felt them. Only he could hear the shriek of his ghost brethren. With no regard for anyone but himself the Phantom viciously ripped the ghost apart from Vlad's body. Flinging each to opposite sides of the room. Not doing the procedure as carefully as it was done to him. Immediately he dropped the Ghost Gauntlets to the ground. Losing interest in them and looking thoughtfully at Plasmius. A though brewed inside of his head. I wonder?
With speed faster than light the Phantom flew into Plasmius. Setting himself inside of this new body. Becoming one with it. Becoming one with its power. So that they would become his. And surely enough it did happen. He felt the power circulate through his veins. Total control was his. It was nothing compared to the body he originally had. It was ten times better. A feeling of uneasiness flowed through the Phantom. Something seemed amiss. Then he felt it. Plasmius' mind fusing with his. Overpowering it. Controlling it. Transforming his very body. His eyes turned to deadly glow of green as his skin turned blue. Multiple cracks started to form on his face. Plasmius was taking over and in the process trying to destroy the Phantom. Pain replaced the power that circulated through him and he shot into the air. More and more his skin cracked. Lighter and lighter the shade of blue turned. A chemical reaction took place as their bodies fused together. Waves of energy flew out of them uncontrollably. The Phantom unable to handle it started to wail into the air. Hurting the ears of those near him.
Vlad watched in pure horror as this event happened. He was now too weak to do anything. Across the room he could see Danny start to stir awake. The gas wearing off of him. He was a dangerously close to the Phantom. In a range where he could get hurt. Unfortunately Vlad couldn't get enough strength to call out to Danny. Tell him to grab a weapon or run for help.
Danny stood drowsily. His legs shaking and eyes drooping. Through the fuzziness of his vision he could see something happening. He could see Vlad on the floor staying still. What was going on? What was that thing screaming. Danny covered his hears to block out the high pitched sound. The floor quaked beneath his already frail legs and he toppled to the ground. Landing right under the operation table. It fell on top of him and he gave out a shout. His body being crushed by the tremendous weight. Slowly he crept his body from below the table and backed up against a wall. Drifting in and out of consciousness.
The noise had soon died down and the newly formed Phantom stopped screaming. Its appearance was altered. His hair was a flame of white fire, his teeth sharp as nails, ghastly blue skin and a pair of evil red eyes encased with black circles. He looked upon this new appearance. The power once again returning to him. Now Plasmius controlled his mind. Still in a fit of rage the newly formed Phantom inched toward Danny. The body he had once inhabited. A small teenage boy not even fit to lift weights. His body had been scratched and bruised all over. It was time to finish this. Once and for all.
Danny cowered against the wall. He couldn't breath. All the oxygen seemed to have left the room. Leaving him gasping for any air. The Phantom got close and stared at him. Pitiful boy. Worthless human. The one who tried to get rid of him. The one who tried to dump all the trouble on him. More fury came to mind and the Phantom wanted to do what Danny had planned. Only the other way around. With a deft motion the Phantom lashed out its snake like tongue. Frightening Danny even more. He took Danny by the neck and lifted him off the ground. Choking him and not letting any sound out. He wanted to call for Vlad but was silenced.
"You tried to get rid of me…" Phantom said as he stared Danny in the eye. Only intimidating him more. He tried to turn away but Phantom refused to let him. He lifted his hand and a ball started to form. Phantom mustered up energy to form a ball of energy proportional to Danny's head. It glowed in radiance at it floated in his hand. Danny couldn't bare to look into the bright light. Then Danny froze. He knew what was going to happen. What the Phantom was going to do. He wasn't going to make it out of this. This is where it would end. Danny closed his eyes not wishing to see anything. All just because he cheated on a stupid test. That was his last thought before the Phantom uttered the last words he would ever hear.
"…now I'm going to get rid of you." With that the energy was released from his hand. A bright light lit the room. Danny screamed as the tremendous energy drained him of his life. Everything he had left. After the light had died down Vlad saw Danny's body drop to the floor like rag doll. He wished the Phantom would leave so he could see if Danny was alright. Was he still alive but just unconscious?
But much to Vlad's dismay the Phantom was not done. He wasn't going to leave anything behind. Again he concentrated a large mass of energy in his hand. Only this time it was bursting out of control. Waiting to unleash its energy. Then he carelessly threw the ball of energy to the floor.
"See you later V-man." Phantom said as he waved his hand and phased through the roof. Vlad stared at the ghostly bomb that lay a few feet in front of him. Danny only lay a few feet further. What was he to do? The ball quivered more out of control. He could tell that he didn't have much time. Quickly and nervously he thought. But before he could think of anything it was too late. 1…2…3…BOOM!
Throughout the air you could hear the evil cackling of the Phantom. Pleased with the deed he had just committed. Finally he was free to do as he wanted. Free to conquer this entire world along with the Ghost World.
A few hours later Vlad awoke groggily. Dust fluttered through the air causing him to cough. He slowly opened his eyes and surveyed his surroundings. When his vision was clear Vlad could see nothing but rubble. All over laid the remains of his one great mansion. Millions of dollars of work shattered and wasted. Just in a matter of seconds. Vlad pulled his nearly crippled body off of the rocks he lay on. The sun stung his eyes and he tried to recall everything that happened. There was a ghost, shining lights and many other things. What had he been doing that caused this to happen? Then it all came back to him in an instant. He was doing a procedure to try and help Danny. Helping him with his emotion problem. Then it suddenly occurred to him. Daniel!
Dragging his body around barely able to stand up Vlad started to search. Danny couldn't have been far. They were close together when the explosion happened. He could only be a few feet away. Vlad wished that he had his ghost half back. It would make it a lot easier to look. It was valuable time he could be using to get Danny medical attention. What a waste of time.
"Danny! If you can hear me just yell! Tell me where you are!" Vlad shouted out over the rubble and debris. But there was no answer. After searching for about an hour something caught Vlad's eye. A hand lying from beneath a pile of rocks.
Quickly Vlad ran to it and shouted to it. Hoping for a response. Danny was probably unconscious. Vlad had suddenly acquired the strength to move these two ton bricks. Trying to reach the boy beneath them. It didn't' take Vlad long to pull Danny's body from under the rocks. Vlad gently laid Danny on the ground and started to shout at him.
"Wake up! I know you're in there Daniel! Answer me! Answer me!" Vlad screamed in frustration as he smacked Danny's face trying to wake him up. Shaking his body vigorously. Anything to jumpstart his body. Anything to jolt him awake. Again and again Vlad attempted to make Danny wake up. He felt Danny's hand now cold and lifeless. No heartbeat could be heard. After failing a few times it dawned on Vlad that Danny wasn't going to wake up. Not now or ever. Danny was dead.
It took much inner strength for Vlad to not cry even though he wanted to. Danny was gone. Maddie's only son. Although Vlad in the past thought he would have been joyful to see this day he wasn't.
Daniel how could I have failed you…my only son…
Long chapter that took a heck of a long time to right. It's like 2:00 in the morning and I have to be up by 6:00. Anyway hop you enjoy this chapter and I get positive feedback! Good night!
