Hey there. Lord Pugsy here. This chapter will be Danny's account on what actually happened inside the Ghost Zone. Hope you all enjoy. I do not own Danny Phantom or the Teen Titans.
Sunlight streamed through the windows as the only noise which could be heard was the sound of soft snoring. Despite it being quiet, Danny's hyper-sensitive hearing picked up on it, stirring him from his sleep. He looked over to see Beast Boy hanging off the sofa, drooling onto the carpet. They had been too tired to go to their own rooms, so they all just slept on the sofas under some blankets. Cyborg was in the lounge position on one of the arm chairs, whilst Starfire was cuddled up close to Robin on the opposite sofa. That's when Danny looked down to find Dani on his right and Raven on his left, both cuddled up to him. He let a rare smile escape his lips as he kissed them both on the head, and slowly got up so not to disturb them. He floated over to kitchen so not to wake anyone up, made himself a drink, and floated up through the ceiling to the roof. He gazed out at the horizon as the sun began to rise, reflecting on how peaceful it was this time of morning. He couldn't help but trace his scar, still not fully used to its tightness. He was brought out of his contemplation when he realised someone was behind him.
"You know the perks of being a ghost?" He asked out loud. "Having super hearing means that it's impossible for someone to sneak up on me." He turned around to see Robin and Cyborg grumbling to each other as they made their way forwards.
"We'll get you eventually." Said Cyborg.
"Good luck with that metal man." Laughed Danny. Robin couldn't help but chuckle at the jibe.
"Anyway." Said Robin. "What are you doing up here? Not comfortable enough cuddling up with Raven?" He joked.
"Probably just as comfortable as cuddling up with Star." Countered Danny; this time it was Cyborg's turn to laugh.
"As for why I'm up here." Danny started again. "I was steeling myself away for a little bit before answering a bombardment of questions from you guys, which I know is coming. I just needed some air to prepare myself." Robin and Cyborg gave him a sympathetic look.
"We'll give you some time. Just don't be too long. Otherwise Dani will be tearing the Tower to pieces trying to find you." Said Robin. Danny just laughed at the idea.
"I see your point. Give me ten minutes, and then I'll be down." With this, they left Danny to his thoughts as to what exactly he was going to tell everyone.
"Hey?" Asked Dani. "Where's Danny?"
"He's up on the roof getting some air." Replied Robin. He noticed Dani's worried look and assured her. "He just wanted some alone time before we question him about the Ghost Zone."
"Speaking of which." Beast Boy piped up, looking at Dani. "Do you know anything about what's going on over there?" Dani just looked down.
"No. I don't. I haven't been in the Ghost Zone for months." She said sadly. "After what happened in Amity, both Danny's and Vlad's portals were closed down, and there appears to be close to no natural portals appearing anymore. I have no idea what's changed."
"And I hope you never do." Said Danny, entering the room, looking solemn. He made his way over to the youngest Halfa and pulled her into a hug. "It's not something I'd wish for anyone to see."
"But what about Frostbite? And Pandora? And Dora? Are they ok?" Dani asked quickly, tears starting to spill. Danny pulled her in closer and hugged her tighter.
"Calm down Danielle. Their lands have been destroyed but they are alive. It appears Mortuus wants prisoners in this war of his."
"So it is a war he's after?" Asked Cyborg.
"I'm afraid so." Said Danny, hanging his head. He made his way over to the sofa and sat down with Dani on his lap; Raven came over and sat beside him and grasped one of his hands. He gave her a small kiss and turned towards the other Titans.
"Let me start at the beginning. When I first entered the Ghost Zone."
Flashback:
"So Clockwork," started Danny, as he and his mentor flew through the Ghost Zone. "Where are we headed in such a hurry?"
"We are going to Princess Dorathea's lair in Aragon." Replied Clockwork.
"Why there?"
"We needed the space."
"The space for what?"
"You will soon see." Clockwork replied simply. The rest of the journey was in silence as Danny pondered what possible threat could have the whole Zone scared, especially Clockwork.
"We have arrived." The Master of Time suddenly said. Danny looked ahead to a startling sight. The last time he had visited Aragon, the grounds were beautiful and the Keep itself was immaculate. Now however, the grounds had been turned into a medical zone where hundreds of injured ghosts were being treated. Clockwork looked down at Danny's expression.
"Come." He said softly. "This is not the type of place to spend too much time in." He led Danny through the portcullis and into the Keep. Lining the walls were hundreds of medieval weapons, having recently been used; green ectoplasm was still dripping from most of them. Danny continued to follow Clockwork through the maze-like corridors until they came to a chamber with a large round table in its centre. It wasn't the table that drew Danny's though, it was the table's occupants; every single ghost that he had ever fought were sitting at it reading from files. Skulker, Ember, Johnny 13, Kitty, Technus, Walker, Lunch Lady, Box Ghost, Desiree, Spectra and the Fright Knight all looked up from their notes and glared at the boy who just entered. Danny however only had eyes for one ghost, who was sat at the far side of the table.
"Hello Little Badger. It has been a while." Said Vlad as he stood up and smiled at Danny.
"Plasmius." Danny said through gritted teeth. I should have known he would have been here thought Danny.
"Thank you Clockwork, for bringing him here." Said Vlad, turning to the Master of Time.
"What are you doing here Vlad?" Danny asked angrily before Clockwork could get a word in.
"Temper Daniel." He smirked. "Sit down and maybe you will learn something." Begrudgingly, Danny took a seat next to Kitty, and opposite Ember, thinking that he was probably safest here. He didn't want to be anywhere near Walker or the Box Ghost.
"As for why I am here Daniel, is because I am one of the Generals in this little war of ours. I assume Clockwork told you the finer details about what is currently happening in the Ghost Zone?" Danny nodded tersely.
"But what am I doing here?" He asked.
"The reason your presence was required is due to Clockwork's and mine's request to have you here." Vlad answered, faltering a little bit. His usual suave demeanour evaporating. "You of course, have experience fighting dangerously powerful enemies." The room temperature, already low, dropped significantly as ice patches began to form on the walls and everyone shivered violently.
"What's your point Plasmius?" Danny asked violently, his eyes flashing red quickly. Every ghost, including the likes of Walker and the Fright Knight, recoiled at the ghost teen's inhuman tone of voice.
"Damn." Whispered Johnny 13 into Kitty's ear. "When did the kid get so dangerous?"
"Please Danny." Clockwork said. "This is not the place or the time. We are in desperate need of your aid, and your experience with Dan and Pariah will help tremendously." All ghosts but Plasmius were confused at the mention of Dan, but knew what Clockwork meant about Pariah. Danny's eyes slowly melted into their usual green as the room temperature rose back to normal. Danny took a deep breath.
"Sorry." He said softly, shocking the eldest Halfa. "Please continue."
"As Clockwork said, we need all the help we can possibility get." Vlad started again. "As such, you are being made a leading General in this war, with your own battalion. I more than anyone else here, hope you will accept." Danny looked around the table to see the frustrated looks on the others ghosts' faces, probably thinking that they would rather be a pelt on Skulker's wall than accept orders from a teenager, but no one said otherwise. This influenced Danny's decision greatly; if his enemies realised that they needed his help, Mortuus must be truly terrifying.
"I don't suppose I have much of a choice." Danny muttered, as he stood up to face everyone. "I accept". Danny was suddenly enveloped in a blue light as energy began to flow around him and then finally into him. Blue rings appeared at his midriff, separating in opposite directions until he stood before the group of ghosts in his new Phantom form. Wow, thought Ember. Dipstick's got style. Everyone else just gaped at the new Phantom in front of them; gone was the weak looking kid, now here was the powerful looking ghost. Danny suddenly had a thought.
"What of Pariah?" He asked. "Have you discussed turning to him for help?" Vlad said nothing but reached into his pocket and threw a black piece of cloth onto the table. It was Pariah's eye patch.
"That was his first port of call." Said Fright Knight sombrely. Danny looked over at the knight and saw he was holding a sword hilt. Fright Knight noticed this.
"I attempted to aid Pariah, but Mortuus' armour was too strong. My sword shattered on impact. After that, I fled here to Aragon." An uncomfortable silence befell the ghosts.
"Maybe we should continue discussions outside?" Suggested Vlad, noticing that Spectra had begun to glow with all the depressed feelings being emitted from the party of ghosts.
It was only outside in the 'fresh air' of the training area did Danny noticed that Clockwork and Vlad were sharing glances and hushed whispers, and they seemed to be aimed at him. He stormed up to the pair from where he was stood on the outskirts, getting used to his new look and not fully trusting his ghostly company, and confronted them.
"Alright," he started. "What is it that you two aren't telling me?" Vlad just sighed and allowed Clockwork to answer.
"It is about whom Mortuus' leading General is." He said loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Why are we only hearing about this now?!" Screeched Kitty, Johnny 13 nodding next to her.
"Tell us Clockwork." Demanded Walker. "We're not scared of some trumped up General."
"You should be." Muttered Vlad.
"BEWARE!" Shouted the Box Ghost. "THE BOX GHOST IS AFRAID OF NO ONE. THIS GENERAL WILL FEEL THE PAIN OF MY CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOXES OF DOOM!"
"Tell us, so that I might add another pelt to my wall." Skulker said, smirking evilly.
Clockwork just gazed down at Danny, who had a sudden sense of foreboding.
"It is Dan." Danny's world came crashing to a halt as his knees buckled; Vlad stepped in before he hit the ground and supported him.
"Dan?" Asked Skulker incredulously. "What kind of name is 'Dan' for a General? Mortuus must have lost it." The elder ghosts began to laugh at the absurdity of Mortuus' General; the younger ghosts (Ember, Kitty and Johnny) were about to laugh until they spotted the look of pure horror and fear on Danny and Vlad's face. Even Clockwork looked distressed.
"You should not mock that which you do not understand Skulker." Said Clockwork, glancing at Danny's shaking form, threatening to collapse if Vlad wasn't holding him.
"You need to snap out of it Daniel." Whispered Vlad. "Come on. We will beat him. You have my word." Walker noticed the entire exchange and jumped in.
"Well what do you know?" He asked sarcastically. "I think the punk is frightened of the big, bad 'Dan'."
"Don't Walker." Danny murmured. "Just don't."
"I think you're right Walker." Said Skulker, walking up to Walker. "I think the whelp is scared. Pitiful. And he is supposed to lead us against Mortuus?" The elder ghosts began to laugh again.
"You will silence yourselves if you know what's good for you." Hissed Vlad. Skulker walked over to Vlad, paused, and then blindsided him before picking up Danny and throwing him against the far wall; Walker close behind him. Vlad went to get him back, before Clockwork placed his hand on Vlad's shoulder.
"No Vladimir." He said, looking at the merciless ghosts. "All is how it should be." Vlad and the other ghosts watched with bated breath at what was about to happen. Walker and Skulker were flinging mild ecto-blasts at the young Halfa, attempting to get a response out of him.
"Give us some sort of challenge Ghost Child." Mocked Skulker.
"He's no General." Spat Walker, as he kicked Danny in the side. "'Dan' here is nothing but a little punk wanting his mother." Danny's eyes shot open as memories of the Nasty Burger explosion detonated inside his head. He slowly got to his feet and faced the two ghosts.
"Never, EVER, talk about my mother." He shouted. His ghostly aura began to glow brightly as wind started to blow, billowing his new coat and hair.
"AND NEVER CALL ME 'DAN'!" The last word came out as his Ghostly Wail, disintegrating Skulker's armour and shredding Walker's coat, sending them hurtling across the arena and hitting the wall, falling unconscious. Danny stumbled as he just about had enough energy not to transform into Fenton; Vlad coming over once again to hold him up. He turned to the other ghosts, who were looking at Danny with shock and awe.
"And that is why he is a General." He said. "Any further questions?" They all just shook their heads.
"Good. Now will someone go over there and pick up those two idiots. We've got a lot of work to do."
"Whoa, wait a minute." Said Cyborg. "Vlad, as in Vlad the fruit loop, was being nice to you?"
"Yeah. I know." Laughed Danny. "I was just as surprised as you were. I didn't trust him to begin with, but after spending six months with the guy, we got to know each other a little bit. And anyone who is against the end of the world is ok in my books."
"But dude, you totally owned those two ghosts!" Exclaimed Beast Boy. Danny just grimaced.
"Yeah. Not one of my finest moments." Danny trailed off. Dani looked up from where she was on his lap with a sad face; she didn't know all the details about what happened in Amity Park, but she knew it was something awful.
"Umm, friend Danny?" Asked Starfire nervously.
"What is it Star?" Replied Danny. She didn't respond; she was too busy twirling her fingers around. Robin put his arm her and spoke up.
"I think Star, along with the rest of us, are wondering what exactly happened the day you got back. The day with the portal." Danny looked down at this.
"Ah. That day." He said. Danny suddenly became very quiet, causing everyone to tense up. Raven gave his arm a soft squeeze to get his attention.
"What happened that day will be etched into my mind forever."
Flashback:
Danny and Vlad floated side by side with Clockwork behind them as they looked upon Pariah's Keep, now Mortuus' Keep; their ten thousand ghost army in formation behind them. In the six months they had been there, Danny had trained with Vlad, honing in his powers. With the aid of Vlad and Clockwork, Danny had finally mastered duplication, telekinesis and teleportation. He was finally coming to realise how much power he was in control of. They had trained their army to perfection and were quietly confident that they could take Mortuus down.
"Well Little Badger. I guess this is it." Said Vlad, a hint of nervousness creeping into his usually confident voice.
"I suppose it is Vladdie." They both smiled at their old names for each other, before Clockwork spoke up.
"Daniel. Vladimir. You know what must be done?" He asked. They both nodded.
"Ok. As soon as you enter the Keep-." Clockwork was cut off as the vast doors of the Keep slowly opened, revealing only darkness within. Before anyone could speak, the sound of marching reached their ears; the marching of a monumental army. The army spilled out onto the grounds of the keep; skeleton soldiers in the thousands. Time to go thought Danny.
"CHARGE!" Shouted Vlad and Danny, their army surging forwards.
They just keep coming thought Danny, as he took out what seemed to be his millionth opponent. As soon as he shot one down, three more took its place. When he got some breathing room, he chanced a look around to see how his allies closest to him were doing. Vlad had duplicated himself, all four shooting pink ecto-blasts; Skulker was shooting missile after missile, laughing maniacally; Kitty was blowing kisses and Ember was sending shock waves and musical fists. Danny was too busy focusing on them, that he didn't realise the skeleton soldiers had regrouped and were advancing on him again, swords drawn.
"DIPSTICK!" Shouted Ember. "LOOK OUT!" Danny turned around just in time to see a flash of metal coming towards his neck. He managed to sidestep it, but he wasn't prepared for another sword swing from behind him. Danny's eyes widened in horror as the sword sliced down his face; he screamed in pain as four pink ecto-blasts and a musical fist took out the surrounding soldiers.
"DANIEL!" Shouted Vlad. "Use your ice!" But Danny wasn't listening; he was clutching his eye in pain and whimpering as blood continued to pour down his face.
"For crying out loud Ghost Child!" Boomed Skulker, as he came over to join the Vlad's, creating a protective ring around the injured Danny. "Stop whining and get yourself together! You are our General. So you better start acting like one." Skulker's words were like ice water, snapping Danny out of it. He applied pressure and created an ice-patch for his eye, shakily standing up, giving Ember an appreciative nod as she helped him up.
"Get behind me." He ordered. "And hold your ears." Danny faced the doors to the Keep, took a deep breath, and unleashed his Ghostly Wail. He used it long enough to clear the way and doors off their hinges.
"INSIDE!" He shouted. "NOW!" They rushed through the gap before the skeleton soldiers could realise what was going on. They rushed through the castle, meeting minimal resistance which concerned the two Halfas, but they said nothing. On entering the courtyard, they were met with the ghost himself; Mortuus. The ghosts couldn't help but suppress a chill as they finally set their eyes upon their enemy. Everything about him screamed power, and evil. His armour wasn't too dissimilar to Danny's, which spooked him, but it was red and black, and looked to be made out of shadows. His black gauntlets were spiked and his sleeved trench coat scraped the floor. Around his neck was a necklace with two eye balls, one more shrivelled than the other. A sick sense of realisation dawned on Danny as he realised they were Pariah's. But it was Mortuus' face which disturbed Danny the most; it was far too normal. He had long black hair, tied back in a ponytail and a human-like complexion. It was his eyes though, which betrayed his true intentions; they were black and inhuman; filled with so much hate and rage, it took all of Danny's willpower not to cower from them. He looked around at his allies and realised they were feeling the same way. With a wave of Mortuus' hand, all exits erupted in black fire, sealing them off from the rest of their forces.
"Good evening Danny Phantom and Vladimir Plasmius." His voice was cold, and filled with contempt and a hint of curiosity. "I was wondering when I would meet your acquaintance. I must confess. I am very impressed with your abilities at the way you handled yourselves out there." He smiled, but there was no joy in it. "Especially you, young Daniel. Your last attack was astounding, if a little unrefined." He smirked, as he saw Danny falter under his gaze. "As a fellow Halfa, I know the burden under which you are living. Not fully knowing where you belong, and the struggle of developing your powers. I of course have had a thousand years to refine my powers. Yours, as well as Vladimir's, presence by my side will be astronomical. Together, we could rule this realm, as well as the Human Realm for all eternity. What are your decisions?" The other ghosts looked to the two Halfas, scared at what their responses will be.
"As gracious as your request is, I must respectfully decline." Said Vlad. "For you see, I plan on ruling the Realms myself." With that, he duplicated again and rushed the Halfa. Mortuus just laughed and sent a black ecto-blast, splitting into four, which honed in on the Vlad's. Each duplicate erected a shield, but the black ectoplasm shattered them with ease, destroying all the duplicates and sending Vlad into a nearby fountain, unconscious. Danny and his allies couldn't help but flinch at the sheer power that Mortuus wielded.
"And what of yourself Daniel?" Asked Mortuus. "Will you join me, or the foolish Vladimir, who is significantly weaker than both of us?" Danny hesitated before answering.
"Though our opinions are the same in terms of Vlad, what you're doing here is wrong. I will never join you." A flicker of anger cross Mortuus' face.
"A shame really. You had such potential." With that, he set the ground in front of him on fire with black ectoplasm and skeleton soldiers began to emerge from the flames. These were different from Pariah's soldiers; their eyes were still red, but they had a black aura surrounding them instead of green.
"GO!" Shouted Danny. They charged forwards; despite being blind in one eye, Danny wasn't letting up and soon he was surrounded by bones. They were stronger than Pariah's, but Danny was running on pure battle instinct. He turned around to see Mortuus standing only a few feet from him; Danny encased his hands in hardened ectoplasm and aimed for his face. Mortuus just smirked as he erected a small black shield, blocking Danny's attack. Danny cried in pain as his wrist crumbled to pieces on impact; he brought around his other fist, only for it caught by Mortuus' other hand.
"I was not lying to you Daniel when I told you I have had a thousand years to hone my powers." Laughed Mortuus menacingly. He dropped the shield and punched Danny in the chest. He sailed across the courtyard and landed in a crumpled heap. He sat up, coughing up blood, thinking he had at least half a dozen broken ribs. Mortuus casually strolled over to him and reached for his good arm, gripping it tightly.
"Would care to reconsider your previous answer?" He asked, tightening his grip.
"Go to hell." Danny muttered through the pain. Mortuus just laughed.
"I admire spirit child. But that will not be enough to save you." He clenched down, breaking Danny's arm in half. Danny whimpered as he was tossed aside, landing next to Vlad who was beginning to stir.
"Daniel?" Asked Vlad groggily.
"Yeah Vlad?" Responded Danny, coughing up more blood.
"I don't think this is going so well."
"You're telling me." Danny said, cradling his broken arm, being careful not to catch his wrist. He looked into Vlad's eyes.
"Plan B?" Vlad nodded.
"Plan B." Danny looked over to where Skulker was lying with only one arm left.
"SKULKER!" Danny shouted. "PLAN B!" Skulker looked at him with sad acceptance and pressed a button on his chest. A cylinder ejected itself from Skulker's battle suit and shot towards Danny. He caught it with his telekinesis, and launched it back at Mortuus, who caught it with his hand.
"A thermos?" Questioned Mortuus, looking down at the cylinder with amusement. "This is your plan? You think a simple thermos is sufficient enough to stop me? "
"A thermos? No." Said Danny. "But what you're holding isn't a thermos." Mortuus looked at the bottom of the cylinder to find a countdown, just turning zero.
"Oh." Was all Mortuus could say, as the cylinder-shaped bomb detonated in his hand. The subsequent explosion sent the occupants of the courtyard sky-high in a cloud of rubble and fire; a large piece of rubble striking Danny's head. The last thing Danny saw before blacking out, were the green swirls of a portal opening above him as he soared towards it in encased in a fireball.
I hope the chapter wasn't too hefty, but I had rather a lot to put down. I hope you enjoyed it. Until next time.
Lord Pugsy.