Disclaimer: I own nothing from Danny Phantom.

Note: Since the last few chapters of the old version are kind of all over the place I wrote most of this from scratch. This has been a long journey, but I'm glad I managed to salvage this story and make it even better than it was before, especially since it helped me a lot emotionally. And thankfully things in general are finally starting to look up in my personal life which is great news!

After I'm done with this final chapter I definitely need to take a short break from writing since I have a lot of other projects and re-writes in the works, not to mention a couple of other unfinished stories to wrap up too. For now though, let's conclude this one so I can prepare to bring back a new version of the old sequel I'll try to actually finish this time around!

Chapter 30: Fidelity

Danielle's POV

Glancing up when Vlad gently pat me on the head after I finished setting up the picnic stuff I brought, he asked. "By the way Danielle, what made you decide to cut your hair? I'm quite curious."

With a shrug I replied honestly. "To tell you the truth I've been thinking about doing this for awhile now, but just never had the time before. I mainly decided to chop it all off since having it this short makes it a lot harder for ghosts to yank on it and easier to manage in general. Especially when I'm in a hurry. Which is, you know, pretty much all the time. And the best part is, if I ever get tired of it I can always grow it back."

"That's very clever, my dear." Vlad smiled, lifting his hand off of my head. "I'm sure it will greatly reduce the chances of it obstructing your vision during training. As promised I'll be sure to get everything set up this weekend for once I officially become a resident of Amity Park since we're going to see each other regularly. I'd like to continue tutoring you as well if you'll permit me since it will provide the perfect cover for your extracurricular activities, otherwise known as ghost hunting. With any luck, that means you won't get grounded nearly as often if your parents believe I'm supervising you."

"Ugh, work work work!" I groaned dramatically, flopping backwards onto the blanket we were sitting on. "Looks like you need a few lessons too on loosening up sometimes, fruitloop. Like, I know you're not a kid anymore but I'm sure we can find plenty of other stuff to do together this weekend. I didn't work my ass off catching up on homework just to end up exercising or whatever. "

His eyes glinting mischievously, Vlad replied thoughtfully. "You know what? You're absolutely right. In that case I have a splendid idea! Why don't you give me the grand tour of Amity Park? After all, I'll be living here soon. Why don't we start with the local mall? As I recall your birthday is coming up very soon and I would love to personally pick out a present for you since it's not every day you turn seventeen."

Giving him a look I joked. "So that's your evil plan huh? Well I suppose that's better than your usual 'surprises.'"

On a more serious note though I sighed. "Still, I dunno...you're a world famous billionaire so won't it be weird if people see you out shopping with someone like me?" I asked just because I was worried about screwing up Vlad's image by accident.

"Oh honestly now," Vlad reassured me with a gentle smile. "That's what you're worried about little badger? I appreciate your concern, but it's hardly necessary. I've been at this a long time and am well-versed in dealing with the paparazzi. Besides, it's public knowledge that I'm an old friend to the Fenton Family and recently rescued their daughter from a dangerous madman. So if anything it will only further convince the public I am a family man at heart and that you're like a daughter to me as well."

As soon as I realized how much of a downer I was being, I laughed. "Ok ok you win. We'll go to the mall and after that I'll show you the sites. Just warning you now though, there's not much to see around here. Trust me I know since I grew up here. Oh, and don't you even think about offering to get me a car for my birthday! I mean it!"

"Perish the thought my dear!" Vlad replied innocently. "I wouldn't dream of giving you a car until you're at LEAST eighteen."

"Hey!" I laughed, elbowing him and then we both burst into a fit of laughter.

After that we stopped teasing each other so much and just talked casually while we ate. And honestly, it felt good to enjoy a nice normal outing with Vlad for a change. I felt bad for not inviting my friends to watch the meteor shower with us too but...speaking for myself I really needed a fresh start with him. I wanted to make some new memories to help me keep my mind off what he did to Freakshow...

He only did that to help me, but honestly...it was still kind of unsettling knowing Vlad was willing to go that far. I couldn't even imagine my parents- well, actually no I actually could picture my parents making sure a ghost is double-dead. The only difference is if I'm not careful they might take me out by mistake. I guess that's why despite all of his flaws I trusted Vlad. I didn't have to hide anything from him, including my hobbies and my dreams for the future.

Ironically, when the topic of hobbies came up during our conversation I straight up told him. "Oh yeah, I actually do have a couple of other hobbies besides star-gazing. Not to toot my own horn but I'm a pretty good singer. Want to hear one?"

Without missing a beat once Vlad nodded, I picked one of my favorite songs and sang it for him. Normally I'd feel super embarrassed singing in front of an audience, but this was Vlad we're talking about. I didn't have to worry about him looking down on me or being critical because even when he offered me advice Vlad genuinely meant well and believed I could do it. Not that my friends and family don't feel the same way, its just harder to tell with them.

Vlad's POV

The following day, Danielle arrived at the mansion earlier than expected with a pair of familiar guests trotting along behind her. She must have told them about our plans for today and insisted on tagging along. I resisted the urge to frown at them since I had been hoping to spend a bit more quality time with Danielle without such...needless distractions. Thankfully, Danielle quickly pulled me aside as soon as they walked inside and became momentarily distracted by the grandeur of the mansion to explain the situation.

"Sorry Vlad, I know this isn't what you had in mind but I wanted to make it up to them for watching the meteor shower with you instead of them. Plus, I know you said not to worry about it but I think we'll draw less attention to ourselves if we're in a group. Don't worry, Sam and Trish promised they'd head back on their own once we're done there since it would be kinda hard to give you a grand tour of Amity Park with extra two passengers." She explained hastily, rubbing the back of her neck nervously.

Glancing behind her at the duo, I shook my head and replied with a reassuring smile. "I suppose it can't be helped. Besides which, perhaps this will provide me with ample opportunity to get on their good side since Samson and I don't exactly see eye to eye. Near as I can tell Trish tolerates me at least. Do you have any suggestions on a good peace offering for each of them?"

"Vlad...it's one thing letting you buy me an early birthday present, but please don't try to bribe my friends." Danielle answered, letting her hand drop and then smiling at me in return. "Then again, I guess it couldn't hurt so what the hell?"

Following my gaze towards her friends Danielle whispered. "Trish is pretty easy to get gifts for since she loves food, music, and the latest technology. Sam's a bit trickier since he can be kinda picky overall. He's a vegetarian though so keep that in mind with the food thing. Besides that, well, you probably know this already but his family is secretly loaded so there's no much point getting him anything flashy or expensive. What I'd do is either give him a few copies of your rare books on legends and folklore or visit a local pet shelter."

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." I whispered back before clapping my hands to get their attention so we could make our way to the limousine.

As you can imagine I wanted to finish up at the mall as quickly as possible so that I could once again have my little badger to myself again. It's true we would be seeing a lot more of each other before long thanks to our upcoming lessons and training together but-

-where's the fun in that?

Despite my doubts, in all honesty Danielle's friends were surprisingly well-behaved during the trip. Samson of course kept a close eye on Danielle and would occasionally shoot me a skeptical look, but apart from that he was more concerned about enjoying his time with her too. And I must say I was surprised when he referred to me as a 'ghost-deterrent' and joked that my mere presence would keep most ghosts in the area from troubling us because of my scary eyes. Honestly, that's probably the closest thing I've gotten to a compliment the boy since we first met.

Trish on the other hand already had a much better opinion of me so she was much easier to please. She even offered me a few helpful hints about Danielle's interest in music too which is good since I recently discovered her talent for singing. As a clever little play Trish offered to share a few videos of songs they had recorded together in exchange for an extra gift here or there. Money was no objection of course, but it was amusing to let Trish think I was that easy to barter with...

As for Danielle, even though it was difficult for her to keep us all in check so to speak -especially when Samson and Trish began telling me some of her most embarrassing moments she's tried to keep hidden- she seemed to be having a wonderful time. Naturally we earned a few side glances but I paid them no mind. After all, we were mainly here to pick out an early birthday present for Danielle that's not too extravagant. That was the sacrifice I made to keep her happy. But if I had it my way I would simply buy everything Danielle's heart desired since in my opinion she has more than earned it after everything she's sacrificed for this town.

Glancing over at Danielle walking ahead of me with Samson and Trish by her side, I was reminded again of how close I came to losing her. As capable as she is it had become clear to me that sitting idly by and hoping for the best was no longer an option. It was my negligence when she needed me most that allowed Freakshow to nearly succeed in turning Danielle into his mindless puppet. And it was my pride and arrogance that allowed him to return as a ghost and torment her even more...

I will make you stronger. I silently promised myself. Strong enough to surpass even me so that nothing like this will ever happen again. I can't lose you, little badger. So rest assured that I will do everything in my power to not only keep you happy, but to keep you safe. I promise.

"Vlad?" Danielle suddenly asked, snapping me out of my reverie. "You ok? I called your name like five times and you didn't answer."

"Yes, of course. Don't mind me, I was just lost in thought for a moment." I smiled, casually closing the distance between us as we strode to the exit at long last. "At any rate, I take it it's time for Trish and Samson to return home? Shall I call my driver?"

Waving me off Trish answered for Danielle by saying. "No it's ok, as much as I'd love to keep living it up I know you two have a lot of catching up to do. Besides, I'm super excited to try out this new game with Sam so we'll meet up with Dani later when you're all done. And don't forget you're on snack duty tonight!"

Nodding Danielle grinned. "Don't you worry, I'm on it! I already ordered our favorite specialty cupcakes. They even had the gummy bats this time for Sam so I made sure to ask for extra."

"Yes! Uh I mean-that's cool." Samson corrected himself, crossing his arms and acting indifferent since he had momentarily forgotten I was standing right there to witness his childish display. "But yeah, try not to stay out too late or you'll miss all the action when I wipe the floor with Trish in multiplayer."

Rolling her eyes, Trish replied confidently. "Is that right? Well I'll have you know I've been practicing so be prepared to eat those words and sacrifice your share of extra gummy bats to yours truly!"

Their banter continued for a while until we parted ways with them in the parking lot. Danielle had chosen this place specifically since she knew for a fact its where the mall security's blind spot was on the surveillance cameras which meant as soon as the coast was clear she transformed and floated a few feet in the air, waiting for me to follow suit. Once we were both in ghost form I followed Danielle as she showed me the sites, sharing stories about the various things she had done with her friends over the years or the ghosts she fought. I knew about most of her encounters, but hearing about them directly from Danielle only reinforced my decision to help make some serious changes in her life...

She's too young to have to bear such a burden alone. Not to mention Danielle's dreams and aspirations have been ignored and dismissed for far too long which means it's up to me to provide the best opportunities for her future. In the few short months I've known Danielle, I've probably done more to help her succeed than anyone else. If no one else was going to put a stop to Danielle constantly risking her life fighting ghosts, then I would. And the best way to do that would be to make sure she becomes someone as fearsome as me that no one will ever underestimate again.