Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Danny Phantom.

Note (6/27/2020): I had to do a double-take when a username on a review suddenly changed but thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really happy that things are slowly falling into place even though this is only the 4th chapter and that everyone is enjoying the story so far! Speaking of which, sorry for the delay, blegh, so much has been getting in the way but you'll get updates when I can manage them and when inspiration hits as usual. I'm not sure how long this story will be but given how many things I have planned and the loose ends I wanna tie up there will be plenty of story content for everyone to enjoy! So without further ado, please enjoy the slightly longer and previously delayed chapter 4!

Chapter 4: Days Of Future Past

Vlad's POV

Normally I do not feel apprehensive during business meetings but I suppose even now I am reluctant to leave Daniel alone for extended periods of time. I have systems in place to alert me if a ghost or any other threats come within a mile radius of my little badger of course, however, that didn't stop me from feeling increasingly uneasy the longer the meeting dragged on. More than anything I want to be there to support him and help Daniel keep his mind off recent events as much as possible, not to mention finish these blasted formalities so Daniel can leave all this madness far behind him.

As expected, during the meeting I received both praise and criticism from my board of directors for the performance of the ghost shields all over Amity Park that spared many homes from the devastating damages Dan caused. Some wanted me to invest in a full-scale shield to encompass the entire town, which even with my skills, expertise, money, and resources would take a great deal of time to make a reality. That is why I explained to them in no small detail that for now, our focus should remain on maintaining the smaller shields and making them as available to the public as any other security system...

What they don't know is that I purposefully only released my technological advances in small calculated incriminates to reduce the chances of my technology being stolen and turned against halfa's like myself and Daniel by someone as potentially dangerous as the Guys in White, as slim as they are. It was originally also part of my strategy to keep Jack and Maddie so busy hunting ghosts that they wouldn't go running off to the Ghost Zone looking for Daniel when he went 'missing.' Given the change of circumstances now that their son is safe and they know my secret, I feel it is time to divulge a bit more information than I'm normally comfortable with about my ghost shields for Daniel's sake most of all so he would know that his parents and this town will be just fine without him here as Danny Phantom.

It is going to take some getting used to that his parents have signed an official contract with me that gives me full legal access to their inventions and ghost research. I doubt they've realized yet that I have already 'borrowed' many of their ideas long before now and have stolen more than just their ecto-inhibitor gun that gravely injured Daniel when he fled Fenton Works months ago. I suppose that hardly matters anymore, but it's amusing to think about how they practically already WERE working for me back then when I was putting their rather stupidly-named inventions to far better use.

There are a few perks to having Jack and Maddie working for me in an actual business sense now though since it means I'll be able to make direct comparisons between my ghost shield technology and theirs. I can take pride in proving to the world once and for all that I've always been the better scientist despite the years I lost trapped in the hospital because of them. And I won't lie that I feel a little smug about this small petty victory over my formal rival Jack Fenton especially.

Regardless of my personal feelings, however, which I am going to be keeping to myself for obvious reasons, I am still planning on keeping this arrangement I have with Daniel's parents as strictly professional as possible to avoid potential complications. Especially since they're the ones who actually want to do this to prove to their son that they actually CAN help people protect themselves from ghosts when they put their minds to it and they no longer have any intention of hurting ghosts like they hurt him unless they are indeed a threat-

Which even disguised as Danny Phantom, their son clearly never was.

Speaking of which, when I confirmed the news about Jack and Maddie Fenton signing on to work with Axion Labs just like they told the media, my employee's reactions were also mixed on the matter. But overall no one dared question why I agreed to let them become part of Axion Labs, assuming of course that it was their idea first since they are indebted to me for saving Daniel just like I promised to. Some of my staff members openly shared their concerns with me and frankly, I secretly feel the same since Jack and Maddie are not considered very reliable people even when they're on their best behavior...

In response to their concerns, I told them in no uncertain terms that I will be keeping a very close eye on Jack and Maddie's progress to make sure they'll cooperate and follow the instructions of their peers once I leave. I also assured them that the safety of ALL of my workers and researchers will always come first so given the fact that Jack and Maddie are often more of a hindrance than a help thanks to their reckless behavior, they'll receive no special treatment even from their former college friend. If those two want to keep their job at Axion Labs they are going to have to follow a strict set of rules and regulations just like everyone else in my employ. Rules that quite honestly they should have been following even in their own laboratory.

Simply put, I'm not about to let those two get away with ignoring even the most basic safety regulations like they did at home. And this lead perfectly into another safety concern of mine so I casually told my employees my other plans about forming an official ghost hunting team to patrol the town in the event that Danny Phantom wasn't going to return any time soon, which I know he isn't since Daniel is coming to live with me in Wisconsin. Then I gave them a very eloquent speech about how Amity Park could no longer rely solely on the ghost boy for protection.

Its citizens need to rise up and take back their town from ghosts themselves by leaving its protection to us here at Axion Labs because then they'll always know they have someone to turn to in a pinch instead of living in uncertainty. And that seemed to make everyone in the room feel more motivated if still a bit hesitant. Once I finished building a foundation of trust so to speak, I then turned the floor over to Damon Gray who further explained how we were going to divide the work from here between the development of better ghost shields and protection as well as selecting candidates for this elite team of ghost hunters as well as continuing to research ghosts in general.

And I must say, despite knowing my secret now Damon has been...surprisingly opened-minded and seems to see the lasting value in continuing to work for me. His personal reservations all this however mostly stem from concern for his daughter's safety most of all and the anger he felt about the fact that I purposefully put her at risk by turning a mere 15-year-old child a ghost hunter behind his back. On some level I completely understand where he is coming from and acknowledge that I have made mistakes, that much is certain, however, I personally don't think making Valerie a ghost hunter is one of them...

In fact, I find myself genuinely impressed by just how competent at it she has become. After all, when Daniel was being controlled by Dan Valerie WAS able to hold her own for much longer than any of us would have believed a mere teenager would have against such a powerful enemy. I never expected that to be the case since only intended to turn her into a rival for Daniel so he wouldn't lose his edge and to -I am ashamed to say now- both distract and spy on the boy.

With that in mind, there is something else I am curious to about regarding the young Miss Gray. I paid very little attention to the sudden change before since I assumed she 'borrowed' some of Axion's advanced technology to improve her chances of catching and protecting herself against ghosts so I let it slide and went about my day when I found out about it. But that new battle suit, its certainly nothing like the one I originally gave Valerie in secret. It has a much more streamlined which I doubt she could have pulled off simply because I designed it so it was impossible to take apart or reverse engineer by anyone but yours truly. And there's something oddly familiar about its design that I can't quite place.

There's also the faint energy readings that even my ghost senses can detect from it which again I assumed was only the anti-ghost energy programmed into most of the wiring that could produce a charge around her hands if Valerie engaged a ghost in hand to hand combat among other functions. But until I can to examine the technology myself there is no way to confirm my suspicions based on speculations alone. Still, given the fact that she can apparently summon it at will not unlike our ghost forms, which has made taking the suit away from Valerie impossible for her father, I have a strong feeling Technus is somehow involved...

Either way I doubt Damon nor his daughter will be pleased to hear that her upgraded suit is likely a hybrid of the former one reconstructed through ghost powers. Even so I feel as if this is important enough to address before Daniel and I leave both to give Valerie a choice. She can either decide to leave ghost hunting to professionals and possibly donate the suit for further study so it COULD be replicated and fitted to the new team or she can listen to a rather intriguing alternative I have in mind.

Damon has already agreed to stay on as my head of security, so now it is Valerie's turn to make a critical decision about her future just like Daniel. In other words, I am going to offer Valerie an informal job with me to continue her work as a ghost huntress based on her skills alone, no schemes whatsoever. And contrary to what she may believe I am not making this offer lightly mind you. Even Daniel may disagree with my idea, but let's face it, I am a creature of habit and it is not in my nature to waste valuable resources.

While it's true I was originally only using Valerie and had no qualms about inflating her teenage ego by telling her once that she is the smartest, fastest, and most capable ghost huntress in Amity Park, now I actually believe it's true. Her prowess as a huntress far exceeds Jack and Maddie's as far as raw skill and resourcefulness despite only being self-taught. Still, I am prepared for every eventuality so whatever she ultimately decides, my offer will remain on the table until she gives me a definitive answer and Amity Park will not be left unprotected.

I'm confident that so long as we keep Daniel's parents in check that I am leaving the city in capable hands by entrusting its safety with Damon Gray. As I'm sure Daniel will agree. As for my faith in Valerie herself, it has increased tenfold after Daniel informed me that in Dan's timeline the only reason Amity Park survived ten years of onslaught by that monster is because both of them became its new protectors.

And with Dan gone, I could see no reason not to entrust them with the task again.

If looks could kill I would have turned full ghost by now because Valerie did not look the least bit happy to see me. I am used to such hostility however from Daniel when we were still adversaries so compared to that this is nothing really. While I respect her talents there is no further attachment than that, meaning I doubt there's anything she can do nor say that will phase me.

The only reason it did with Daniel is because I wanted him to be my son and already felt as though we were like family, being half-ghost and all, so at times his barbed and cruel words hurt more than I care to admit even if I never outwardly showed it. Reluctant though she is to be here Valerie and Damon will both want to hear what I have to say and since it involves her battle suit. Not to mention I would like to take this opportunity to make a few things clear to them...

For one thing, as far as they're concerned I am still a businessman first and foremost so any personal favors I do for them are almost entirely by Daniel's request. I will not ask for their forgiveness for what I have done as far as pulling their strings, but I still expect Valerie's father to remain professional at work and act as if nothing has changed. I also expect him to fulfill his duties well enough to actually deserve the raise I am giving him regardless of whether it was given to him as a favor to Daniel or not.

After all, I still have a reputation to uphold.

They are also expected to keep Daniel's true identity and mine as half-ghosts classified, with the exception of his parents along with Samantha Manson and Tucker Foley of course, because violating our trust would not only hurt him but it could potentially put all of us at risk either from attacks by the Guys in White or of ghosts targeting them to get to us or vice versa. And I know Valerie normally wouldn't care in the least if 'I' lost everything since she openly despises me now and thinks it is what I deserve after everything I've done, however, since I am Daniel's primary caregiver now she will have to accept that if anything happens to me it will impact Daniel as well. That is why I hope that will be enough to keep everyone in line regardless of their feelings towards me personally...

"It's good to see you're doing much better now, my dear. Did you have a good day at school?" I asked cordially after Valerie shut the doors behind us once we finally reached my office and the usual precautions were put in place to make sure we wouldn't be disturbed or overheard.

"If by good you mean boring and ghost-free for once, sure," Valerie replied dismissively, setting down her backpack next to the chair and leaning it against her leg. "So, remind me again why you asked us to come here?"

Damon opened his mouth to tell Valerie to mind her manners, but I shook my head, laced my fingers under my chin and replied with the slightest hint of an amused smirk, "You may want to refrain from making too many snide remarks because need I remind you that I am primarily only acting on Daniel's behalf? Therefore it is not me you are insulting with those words, but rather his goodwill. So to answer your question part of why I asked your father to bring you here is purely to keep my promise to Daniel by making absolutely sure you'll both be provided with the means not only to live comfortably again but also to protect yourself since you, my dear, have already made quite a name for yourself in the ghost hunting community, not unlike a certain Danny Phantom. "

I paused for a moment to give Valerie a chance to reply but judging by her silence and the chest-fallen look on her face my words had the desired effect so I continued, "Strictly speaking I'm under no obligation to help your family to begin with or to give your father back his job here at Axion Labs. You may know my secret now but I didn't reveal it on a whim, therefore I am not doing any of this to placate either of you into keeping it, I am doing it because Daniel still cares for your well-being just as much as his family and other friends.

"So needless to say I'm not actually required to divulge what I'm about to to either of you since it is nothing relevant to his request. Keep in mind that this is not a threat, but I feel I must be frank. While I greatly value and respect you and your father's many skills, I am only tolerating your rude behavior out of respect for Damon and Daniel, and because truthfully I know some of your anger is in fact justified."

Leaning back in my seat once I was satisfied with her continued silence despite trying her hardest to maintain a steady glare I decided to cut to the chase since all of us had places we'd much rather be right now and continued in all seriousness, "Make no mistake Valerie, I will not ask for your forgiveness, but I will knowledge some of my mistakes. As you now know, originally I was only using you after I discovered what happened between you and Daniel and used that rivalry to my advantage. But now, I am not lying when I say that I believe you have a gift, Valerie.

"I doubt even now that you fully understand just how powerful an adversary Daniel can be when he doesn't hold back, but in spite of you held your own when you saw a small glimpse of his true power when Dan was controlling him. And from what Daniel himself has told me, the only reason Amity Park survived in Dan's alternate timeline and our future is because you and your father kept it safe almost entirely on your own for over ten years, and considering Dan was created through Daniel's half AND mine which is still considerably stronger, that is no small feat."

Both of them look shocked by this revelation and slightly unnerved which is a good sign so I told them what Daniel said he saw firsthand when he was flung forward into a possible future where Valerie had taken up the mantel of ghost huntress in his stead. And just as I had hoped it made Damon look at his daughter in a new light and even Valerie looked somewhat pleased to hear that but also skeptical given the fact that Dan claimed he only keeping her alive for his amusement, which I suppose does put a damper on things. Still, whatever Dan said is now irrelevant whether its true or not because while I only exploited her talent for ghost hunting before, SHE is the one turned herself into a force to be reckoned with which is part of why Dan targeted her first rather than Daniel's parents when he tried to recreate his timeline.

"So, now that you know everything that Daniel wanted me to tell you on the matter as well it's my turn to tell you what I've been leading up to," rising from my seat I glanced at each of them in turn with my hands resting behind my back and informed them, "This is an unofficial request since I already have my own suspicions about it, but to avoid any other 'future' problems if my theory turns out to be correct, we need to address this before my departure. Futhermore-"

"Wait, what problem?" Valerie interrupted sharply and this time, there was no venom in her voice, only an underlying fear and apprehensiveness.

Again, mostly just to answer that without going into detail I replied, "Hopefully none, but considering everything that's happened recently we should make sure there isn't an issue to be on the safe side all the same. We'll find out for either way tomorrow since I'm afraid we're out of time to take care of this today. I just want to make sure I have all the facts before jumping to any conclusions."

"No seriously what are you talking about?" Valerie asked a bit more forcefully. "You said yourself that I can handle a lot for my age because I became some awesome ghost-fighting pro or whatever in the future so just spit it out already!"

Sighing since I was not in the mood to argue with her I shook my head, not caring anymore about keeping up appearances as I rolled my eyes and replied firmly, "Tomorrow, Valerie. I will tell you tomorrow, but needless to say, I think you may want to use this time to reflect on what you have learned today since you also have a choice to make my dear regarding YOUR future. I'll say nothing more on the subject. But remember, I want you both here at 8 am sharp. Don't be late."

And with that, I curtly dismissed them both by opening the door and asking them to show themselves out before shutting the door behind me once Valerie retrieved her backpack. It was smart of Valerie to casually lean it against her leg so she would feel if it shifted in the slightest when and if I attempted to search through it for anything related to her battle suit or the other weapons I gave her. And truth be told I DID do just that.

But, that's the beauty of having ghost powers, the duplicate I created to take a quick look in her backpack didn't have to 'touch' anything when they made the bottom of the bag slightly invisible to check the contents and they found only the usual assortment of high school textbooks, notebooks, pencils, and other everyday items. I didn't actually NEED to do that provided I've given Damon enough reason to help me convince her to cooperate with me to as far as closely examining her battle suit is concerned. And the truth is that yes, whether we were going to look for a way to remove it permanently or to simply confirm my suspicions, I think all three of us are going to learn something very interesting regardless...