Title: Her EndingFandom: Danny Phantom
Main Character(s): Dora Mattingly
Supporting Character(s): Duchess Aragon, Desiree
Genre(s): General
Rating: PG (not really though)
Note: This is my take on Dora's death. I wrote this a long time ago before "Beauty Marked" aired, so there's no mentioning of Prince Aragon, Dora being a princess, Dora having any siblings, or even the mentioning of Dora's name. There'a compantion one-shot to this, but I'll only post it if people want to read it.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the stories I write.
Written: Sometime in 2005 or 2006

"No," came the answer, cold and sterile in its delivery.

"But mother, the event occurs tonight; you must reconsider--"

Focused irises of the deepest blues silenced the girl's voice. "I will do no such thing."

The woman saw the deep flush spreading across her daughter's pale cheeks, her pale blue eyes alive with icy fire, which were intended for the older of the two, were aimed at the cobble stone floor. "Father would have allowed me to go."

In response to the bitter mumbled response, not meant to be heard, the back of an aged and firm hand met with the silky skin of a face. A slight sting echoed through both bone and flesh that were affected by the action.

"You will not speculate upon what you believe our beloved Duke would or would not allow." Cobalt eyes that had been cool and calculated now stormed with clear displeasure and vexation. With that, the older woman turned on her heel and walked away, her posture regal and intimidating.

The girl watched the Duchess's retreating form through frustrated tears, not only at the woman before her whom she called 'mother' but at herself as well. If it wasn't enough to have the lady of the house deny her the simple pleasures in life, she had to make her feel even more worthless and helpless.

Shaking with bottled emotions of frustration, anger, and broken pride, everything turned red in her sight. With silent but determined steps, she walked in the direction her mother had disappeared to. Tonight would possibly be her final chance to speak with Sir Benedict before he went off with King Harald to reinstate his claim on the throne of England by invading the land and defeating the current King William.

Her passive nature and shyness had always gotten in the way of her confessing to Benedict, but she had built the confidence to face him. However, all of her self-esteem meant nothing if she would not be attending the big social event before the invasion.

Still as she approached the library, where the Duchess spent most of her free time, especially now since the Duke had passed away, her confidence began to dwindle. The very thought of facing that woman was frightening and just the mere thought of how those dark blue eyes would glare menacingly caused her to turn tail instead.

Oh how she hated her timid being! If this was how she would stand up to her mother, then how much more resolved would she be when she faced Sir Benedict?

Sniffling, the young blonde walked the halls to the living quarters of the large estate, bumping into an end table which sported a lavish lamp. Luckily, the girl was quick enough to catch the falling pottery, silently cursing herself. "Oh! Why must I be this way, always causing grief for myself? All I want is to go. Oh … I wish I had something to give me the power to overcome my bashful nature and finally do as I please."

"Is that what you desire?" A woman in what appeared to be gypsy clothing materialized before the girl in a cloud of magenta hues, which flowed from the now open lamp.

Frightened, the young lady took a few steps back, clutching the lamp to her chest and gazing up at the floating woman. "Who are you?"

White pearly teeth set in a disarming smile were cast at the young girl. "A genie friend who can give you what you seek."

"C-can you truly do that?"

The smile widened. With a wave of her transparent hand, a golden necklace with a green gem appeared in the genie's hand. "With this amulet, you will be able to take the anger you harness to achieve whatever you please."

Lithe hands that had reached for the amulet halted. "Anger? Why must it be anger that drives me to my goals?"

"Anger is the most potent emotion in you. This trinket will absorb your anger and use it to do your bidding. Certainly this is what you wanted."

"But of course!"

The genie drew closer to the blonde, the amulet glittering in her hand. "Then come and bear what I offer."

Ice-blue eyes gazed upon the necklace, watching as the jewelry was taken into pale hands. "May I inquire who you are dear lady?"

"You may call me Desiree. Though I must ask what your name might be, young one of ill fortune."

A giggle escaped the girl's throat. "Why my name is--wait," confusion was written all over her pretty face, "What do you mean by 'young one of ill fortune'?"

Sadness loomed over Desiree's features. "Your wish is not the only one I hear." Desiree raised a hand glowing with red light.

"Desiree what are--"

"Every wish that is made in my presence must be granted." Desiree's full lips drew into a line. "You're mother wishes for your death."

The girl stumbled backwards, tripping over the back of her gown. "W-what?"

Glowing red eyes softened. "Nothing personal."

"No!" Small feet scurried to get their owner far from danger while crystal blue eyes began to overflow with tears.

Why would mother harm her? She always knew that mother did not like her for she was no where as strong willed as the older woman, but for her to hate her so much … Could she have sent the Duchess over the edge just because she had spoken back and had mentioned her late father? How absurd to let such trivial things overcome you so much as you would want your own flesh and blood to be killed.

"Mother … If you must hate me," the girl made a sharp turn as Desiree fired another beam of burning red light at her, "then I shall hate you as well."

The amulet's green gem began to glow. "And I shall show you how much I hate you."

Soon, the girl was back to the door of the library and she spent no time in slamming the door open, never ceasing her run. "MOTHER!!"

The Duchess rose from her seat, eyes ablaze at the nuisance before her. "Impudent child, what do you …"

Words were taken from the woman as the girl that ran at her was encased by a green light, fading away to let a dragon quickly approach her. "I WANT TO GO TO THE BALL!!"

Nothing more was said as the Duchess was devoured nor when Desiree finally arrived at the library and carried out the Duchess's last wish.

Only when a flustered Sir Benedict came to the late Duke Aragon's estate the next day did anyone know about the death of the Aragon ladies or about the existence of a golden amulet that glowed in a peculiar green light.