Pearl: Hello, my dear readers! Sorry we didn't get this up yesturday, but fanfiction was down. But now, it's time for more 'Sid' again, and let me tell you all, it seems that 'Sid' is also growing a knack of multiplying its chapters. Tsk. But at least it will be nowhere near CM's length. Probably like 1/4 of what is CM! But you can bet it will be filled with action and suspense all the way. And, of course, mystery—and this chapter will actually reveal a few things, so I hope you all like it as much as we are! See you all at the bottom!
A/N: truephan here: Hellow, y'all! How have you been? Well, we've been itching to get this out to y'all because there are some stuff that you might find interesting in this chappie. But, don't worry, we won't spoil all the fun. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 18: A Truth Beyond Belief
"Daniel?" Vlad called anxiously for, like, the twentieth time.
The boy, who was still in ghost form, had yet to stir since Iluzisto had siphoned off both their energies after the boy's attempt of escaping at the trial. And the fact that the man was sure it had been several hours since then just made him even more nervous.
Had Iluzisto permanently harmed the teen?
He pressed his hand against the invisible barrier separating him from Danny and bit his lip. The man was well aware that his collar was still damaged and he could access part of his powers. And since he had repaired his ghost core by now, he was back up to strength—at least, as much as the situation allowed. So he knew he could deactivate the barrier like last time.
But the man was hesitant, fearing that Iluzisto would come back and he would be caught… And that could not happen. Having part of his powers available was his and the teen's only trump card. Or, actually… it was now just his trump card. Daniel had been fitted with a new power-inhibiting collar after what had happened at the trial!
Vlad cursed under his breath, knowing that if they ever had another opportunity to escape again, it would do neither of them any good for the teen to be completely subdued by the collar…
He needed to get to Daniel.
Vlad stared down the hallway again, this time with more of his fear showing on his face. But suddenly he closed his eyes and sighed. He had to do this now. Hesitating would only waste more time.
When his eyes opened again, there was a firm determination in them and he quickly changed into Plasmius and forced his electrical energy to surge through his being. The billionaire could feel the collar protest under his using his powers but he knew it would not break with his weakened energy. But the barrier would—or momentarily shut down, anyways.
Clenching his teeth, the older hybrid pressed both his cackling hands against the invisible wall and poured out as much energy as the damaged neck band allowed him. But when he began to feel dizzy, he knew that he had been more weakened by Iluzisto's last attack than he thought. Still, he did not relent. And a minute later his grit paid off.
Vlad gasped as he stumbled forward the instant the barrier vanished. But he caught himself before he could fall. And finding himself finally able to touch the boy, his concern instantly returned to his eyes as he quickly moved to his side.
"Daniel?" he called again, placing his hand on the teen's forehead and biting his lip again. He felt abnormally warm.
"Wake up, little badger. We need to repair your core and do something about that new collar," the man continued, lightly shaking one of his shoulders again.
This time, the boy slightly groaned and began to move in response. Encouraged by that, Vlad carefully moved one of his hands to the teen's back and slowly sat him up before sitting on the bed beside the barely conscious teen to help support him.
It took Danny several minutes to finally be able to hold his head up on his own. But when he did, he focused his dull green eyes to Vlad's own red ones. He was still too out of it to question how the man was there beside him; but it sure made him feel better to find the billionaire there and not Iluzisto.
But, really, his murky mind at the moment could not think of anything, except for one single fact. And he quietly voiced it to Vlad.
"I'm freezing."
Vlad's eyebrows creased even more with concern. But he then nodded before standing up and removing his ghost cape. He draped it around the teen, who quickly grabbed it and huddled the fabric closer to his now softly shivering body, before sitting back down next to the boy.
Danny was not only feeling extremely weak, but he was feeling physically ill. Actually, he had been feeling like that ever since Iluzisto threw that freezing water at his half-clothed body. At first, he didn't understand why that would affect him. After all, the cold was no big deal for him, and so usually the freezing water would have only been a nuisance in its being wet, not cold. But since not only was he half-clothed when being tortured, but that he was half-starved as well would explain it. He needed more calories than anyone else here because he was a teen and so that made him more susceptible to things that could affect him. And now, feeling ill had finally become more noticeable for him—and impeding.
But the warm cape was helping him a little. Danny noticed it was actually very warm for a piece of fabric; actually, it was as if it was producing heat. But the teen didn't question it, guessing it had to do with the older hybrid's energy just naturally being hotter than his own—which was for the most part true.
"Daniel?" Vlad called again after a moment, though he never had taken his eyes off the teen. There was no doubt in his mind; the boy was sick, and considering their circumstances, that was a grave problem.
A little more alert now, Danny looked at the man sitting beside him. This time, he had regained enough sense to understand Vlad was in his cell when he shouldn't be.
"H-How did you get in here? Did Iluzisto let you in?" the teen asked with a scratchy voice before he suddenly started to cough.
Standing up again, Vlad smiled slightly to hide his worry. "No. But you don't really believe a mere barrier will ever keep me away from you, do you, little badger?"
At any other time, the billionaire's obsessive comment would have annoyed him; but, this time, Danny just smiled weakly back, though he did softly quip, "Not unless it's 'Fruit loop' proof."
Vlad shook his head in amusement, surprised that the insult didn't anger him. But then, he knew that the teen was just teasing him. And it was good to see the boy's spirit was still firm in spite of their second failed escape attempt.
Still, he was aware that every second was precious and the older hybrid grew serious and said, "Daniel… I know you are unwell…. But we still must try to repair your ghost half… And we have to try to damage that new collar. Otherwise, you will be completely powerless."
Danny sobered up with the comment. But when he lowered the cape from his body and tried to stand up, he found himself too weak to do so and he fell back down on the bed.
Vlad just stared anxiously at the teen, but then quickly came closer and kneeled in front of him. "Just stay there. We can do it from here."
Danny tiredly nodded and turned human before Vlad began to help him repair his core. By the time they were done, the teen turn to Phantom again and noticed his ghost core was feeling much better; but now he was even more physically exhausted.
And by the way Vlad briefly closed his eyes right afterwards, the man was feeling very similarly. But Plasmius did not linger on his exhaustion and stood up again. "Come. The shield should have come back on by now," he told the boy.
Danny stared fearfully towards the invisible wall, vividly remembering how weakening and painful it had been the first time Vlad had used it and his electrical energy to damage the power-inhibitor. But this time, the teen did not know if he even had the physical strength to withstand that again. Still, he knew he had to try.
Slowly getting up, he ignored the brief dizzy spell and his shivering body and just walked over to Vlad. The man stared at him for a moment before he said, "I need you to help me for as long as possible, alright?"
Danny just nodded, understanding that his arch-enemy had come to the same conclusion as he: he was going to pass out again after this.
They both got as close to the now reactivated invisible barrier as they could before Vlad brought his hands up to Danny's neck restraint. Firmly grasping it, he guided it and the boy until they were slightly pressed into the shield.
"Remember to keep your head forward, Daniel," Vlad said emotionlessly. "And try not to cry out."
Danny didn't comment, but immediately placed his head down onto his chest. And, in reality, this was too easy for him to do because he could barely hold it up anyways with how dizzy he was feeling. And as far as crying out….well, he wasn't sure if he was going to last that long.
Plasmius only hesitated for a second to see that Daniel was as ready as the boy was ever going to be before he allowed his hands to fill with his electrical power. An instant later, he was driving his energy into the neck brace, determined to damage it.
The second Vlad's electrical energy combined with the energy of the shield, and their combined power began to course through the boy's body, Danny tensed and drew in a pained gasped. Vlad was about to move one of his hands away to cover the boy's scream, when suddenly, Danny's body fell completely limp.
Vlad pursed his lips in both concern and slight panic. He had hoped that the boy could have held on longer, and he was certain that Daniel had done his best to. But as he suspected, Daniel's weakened body could not resist the assault and the boy had passed out before Vlad could complete his purpose. Still, the man just steeled himself, and grabbed the neck brace more firmly with both hands. He then pressed the teen's back even more into the shield and continued his assault on the senseless boy.
Now that Daniel was completely unconscious, Vlad had to not only hold the boy up but he also had to actually keep his energy flowing for much longer than had been necessary the first time. It didn't help that Vlad could tell from amount of resistance this new power-inhibitor was giving him that it was a much stronger one than the last one. But then, seeing the teen begin to pale significantly under the barrage, even as a ghost, the billionaire was beginning to wonder if this was going to work at all, or if he was going to end up wasting the teen himself instead of Iluzisto…
Vlad gritted his teeth in hope and determination when the boy's neck device finally began to smoke! But this time, it didn't seem as if the damage was as significant because the amount of smoke was not increasing as before. And then the barrier gave way again before he could damage the neck restraint anymore. The man startled in surprise, but quickly managed to grab the boy before he could fall back to the ground.
Vlad sighed, knowing that they were still going to need to damage the device further if the boy was going to be able to use even half of his powers. But he, too, was exhausted, and knowing the teen was too weak right now, Vlad decided to just wait until Daniel got better again.
He then silently lifted up the teen and carried him back to his bed. Plasmius briefly noticed the young hybrid was lighter in weight than normal, and that only reminded the older half-ghost yet again how much their limited intake of food was affecting the teen—and himself, too.
Placing his cape over the senseless teen's body, Vlad glared as his thoughts quickly shifted to Iluzisto. He had never encountered a creature so… ruthless as he. Not only was he weakening their ghost halves every time he stole some of their ghost energy, he was also weakening their human bodies by withholding proper food from them and assaulting them physically.
Then, it seemed with each of Iluzisto's attack to their core, it got harder and harder to repair it. And, in turn, their weakening condition was making it much more difficult for their cores to regenerate their lost energy. And, unfortunately, with their lack of food, it made staying human here in the Ghost Zone as physically exhausting as if they were running a marathon. And if they couldn't stay human, then nothing would stop Iluzisto from taking their energy at every chance he got. Of course, it was worse for Danny since his younger body couldn't take the abuse as much as Vlad's could. The older hybrid honestly didn't know how much their cores could take. If they ever failed to be able to repair it…then it could eventually lead to their… demise.
The thought of death quickly brought Maddie to his mind again. He wasn't sure anymore if what he had seen was real or not. But now that he was thinking more clearly he was much more convinced that Maddie's death had been an illusion. Really, there had been so many things wrong with it all: Maddie's disregard for her husband. Her lack of surprise the moment he had turned into Plasmius. And even her pleas… No, his Maddie would have never acted that… weak.
Vlad sighed as he stared back at the boy. "Somehow, we are going to find a way out of this, Daniel," he told the teen sadly, though his voice also rang with a touch of determination. "Whether she is alive or not, the least I can do for your mother is to make sure her son does not die in here…"
"I would not make promises you cannot keep," a horribly familiar voice said from behind him.
Plasmius gasped and spun around, only to scream when the collar on his neck assaulted him with its power.
"You are going to tell me right now how you managed to get in there!" Iluzisto snarled at the now writhing older hybrid on the ground.
"You-You left it off!" Vlad lied as he gripped at the source of his pain.
"Do not lie to me! I did no such thing!" the illusionist spirit replied furiously, increasing the strength of the collar's attack.
Plasmius could only grip even tighter against the device on his neck. The pain was so horrible he began to feel physically ill. And knowing that he could not take more of this, he somehow managed to think of something to say that might stop Iluzisto.
"It-It's the truth! And you wanted me-me to heal the boy. I-I did!"
Iluzisto instantly released the button on the device in his hand controlling the collar on the older hybrid. He quickly stared over at the senseless teen before narrowing his eye on Plasmius again.
"If that is true, then, why is the other crossbreed still unconscious?" he growled suspiciously.
Vlad just panted for a moment, unable to get a word out in fear that it would take so much energy that he would actually pass out. But when he heard Iluzisto slam the bottom of his staff against the floor in threat, he forced himself to sit up and look at the spirit.
"The boy…," he rasped out weakly. "He is too weak. And… And under these circumstances… I-I can only do so much for him."
"He will recover," Iluzisto replied uncaringly.
Furious, Vlad suddenly found the strength to stand and exclaimed, "No, he will not! He is sick! He has a fever! And in case you do not know what that is, it is something very bad in humans, especially for a child who is not getting proper care!"
The illusionist spirit stared back over at the teenager, finally noticing he was shivering a bit under the man's cape. He also looked unnaturally pale, even for his being in ghost form.
"Iluzisto," Vlad said soberly. "He needs medical help."
The Prison Head's eye somehow scowled at the older hybrid as he replied, "Does this look like your pathetic world, crossbreed? There is no human medicine here."
"Do not forget he is also part ghost. Ghost medicine will work for him." But seeing the spirit unmoved, Plasmius' hands fisted on his side as he growled out, "He has to stand trial tomorrow. What are you going to tell the Council when they see the boy's deteriorating condition? I doubt that even one of your illusions could cover the truth from them at this point."
Iluzisto regarded the older crossbreed for a moment before his eye curved into a strange smile. "You certainly are cunning, crossbreed. But I suppose it is true that it does not benefit me for the other crossbreed to be ill. However, I cannot take him to the Observants' medical ward."
Vlad frowned. "Then…what?"
"You will know in a moment," Iluzisto answered causally before he turned and floated off, leaving a wary Vlad behind.
However, as he exited the cell hall and turned towards his new destination, Iluzisto glared in annoyance. As useful as the crossbreeds were to his plans, their human halves made them encumbering.
"Especially that younger crossbreed…," the spirit grumbled. "I cannot wait until I have all the energy I need from him, so I can get rid of him—of both of them—once and for all!"
But knowing he had no choice but to find the younger hybrid medical help, Iluzisto turned his efforts towards locating a certain spirit he knew could help him with that without the council hearing of it.
It took him some time, but he soon found whom he was looking for at the Observants' library.
"Okulo. We need to speak—in private," Iluzisto said seriously.
The liaison narrowed his eyes a bit in annoyance as he closed the book he had been reading.
"Now what do you want?" he quietly demanded.
Iluzisto resisted the urge to glare and blast the other spirit, and instead said seriously, "It is about the crossbreeds—or, specifically, about the younger one. It seems I require your assistance with him…"
Okulo sighed as he stood up and tiredly said, "Now what did you do?"
"Not anything out of the ordinary," Iluzisto answered with a neutral look.
"Yes, well, your 'ordinary' seems to constantly leave you in a mess—which I must then come along and clean up. Frankly, I am getting fed up with it," Okulo replied angrily.
But before Iluzisto could say anything, the liaison added, "Very well. Let's go talk in my office. I actually have a few things to ask you as well."
"As you wish," Iluzisto answered with a reluctant, yet calm, voice.
After walking down a few halls, they made it to Okulo's office and went in. And making sure the door was closed, the liaison then said in a displeased voice, "You were very foolish to expose your powers in front of the entire High Tribunal as you did."
Iluzisto's eye flashed red before he grumbled back, "Yes. I will admit I got careless. However, I find it infuriating that the Observants' guards cannot control two pathetically inferior freaks for the mere duration of a trial! If I had not intervened when—and how—I did, the young crossbreed would have escaped!"
"Perhaps. But your lack of restraint on that temper of yours almost cost us our plans! I have waited too long for indiscretions of any kind, even from you, to ruin them!" Okulo hissed back.
Iluzisto stayed quiet for a moment in order to keep his temper from rising and from the irony of what the liaison had said. He hated the fact that he had to put up with Okulo's lectures and his disrespect towards him. However, the truth was that… he needed the liaison.
Their unlikely alliance was simply out of mutual benefit. Okulo wanted one thing. And Iluzisto, another. But both things were achievable in the same way—so, they understood they had a better chance of getting what each of them wanted by helping each other.
So, while Iluzisto developed their plan, Okulo made sure to keep the High Council from suspecting anything. The liaison also was good at giving him 'limited passes' into the Human World—since part of the illusionist spirit's plan involved that other world—not just the Ghost Zone.
Still, Iluzisto had to keep constantly reminding himself that he had to put up with Okulo until their plans came to fruition—but only until then.
Sighing, Iluzisto finally spoke up and replied, "You have nothing to worry about, Okulo. Our plans have not been compromised. As you know, Justeco asked to speak privately to me once I had secured the crossbreeds."
"What did he say?" Okulo lightly demanded.
"He was surprised and concerned to learn I can create illusions even with these power-inhibiting bands on," Iluzisto replied, lightly rubbing the black bracelets on his wrists as he said that.
"Well, we both know you should not be able to use your illusions at all if it were not for this trial," Okulo answered.
"…Yes," Iluzisto replied slowly for some reason, before he continued soberly, "Still, even before this trial, it has been thanks to my absorbing countless of ghosts' energies over a century that I have been able to slowly gain access to a portion of my powers at all. But it has not been enough!" Iluzisto suddenly fumed.
"What did Justeco tell you?" Okulo asked again, forcing the other spirit to get back to their conversation.
Iluzisto shrugged in disregard as he replied, "He originally wanted to have the power-inhibiting bands checked. He did not think what powers he had allowed only during the course of this trial would be that strong. However, I told him that I, too, was shocked at the intensity of my powers at the trial today, but that I had not questioned them at first because I had to capture the young criminal. But then, I told him that I was frightened at having used all that power after not being able to for so long that I immediately had you check the bands and had them repaired. Then, to be sure, I had him dismiss that idea by showing him they were as active and effective as ever. The fool believed me."
Okulo's eye curved into a slight smirk when he didn't miss the other spirit's emphasis on 'showing'. He knew then that Iluzisto had tricked Justeco into a false sense of security once more.
"To make our pompous leader's usually droll lecture short, he said he would be speaking to you about making sure that my accidentally using my powers would not happen again. So, I would think he will be summoning you fairly soon," Iluzisto finished with an annoyed voice.
"I see…," Okulo replied thoughtfully. Another irksome hitch in his plans. But then focusing back on the illusionist spirit, he said seriously, "Then since you have put me in a delicate position, make sure he believes that I have taken heed of his order. In short, do not ever again do something as stupid as you did in that trial room a moment ago. I will not let you ruin my plans, Iluzisto. So, I suggest you put a personal restraint on yourself. Is that clear?"
Iluzisto narrowed his eyes as he replied, "You do not need to say that to me. If you have forgotten, I am also interested in our plan's success."
"Then, make me believe it," Okulo retorted.
Iluzisto didn't reply, though he thought to himself, "Yes, fool. I will make you believe it very well…"
Okulo then suddenly asked, "Now, what is happening with the younger half-ghost prisoner that has you in need of my help?"
"His human body is sick," Iluzisto replied. "So much that I am not sure he will be able to attend the final part of his trial tomorrow."
"That cannot be, Iluzisto," Okulo said unhappily. "It will postpone our plans and I cannot have that—especially when you told me you are close to acquiring enough power for us to proceed!"
"That is why I require your… expertise," Iluzisto answered coolly.
Okulo narrowed his eye a bit as he demanded, "And why is it that the young prisoner is so sick that you think I should intervene?"
Iluzisto shrugged. "He is clearly a weakling. All of my other prisoners do just fine here. So, what other explanation is there except that Danny Phantom is simply as pathetic as they come?"
"Whom do you think you are talking to, Iluzisto?" Okulo challenged. "I know exactly what you do to the prisoners under your 'care'. And it seems to me that Danny Phantom just gets so badly under your skin that you hold no restraint to your ire towards him. Or, did you not think I noticed how ruthlessly you prevented his escape?"
Okulo suddenly moved closer to Iluzisto as he added in a darker warning tone of voice, "Do not forget we need those creatures, and if you kill them beforehand, you are going to be enslaved by the Observants for all time. There is no second chance to this. So, this is the last time I warn you to control your ire with them."
Iluzisto just kept pokerfaced and didn't reply.
However, as the liaison pulled away he added, "Come, let us go tend to him. Have you given them nourishment?" he further asked as they headed out of the office and towards the prison.
"At the trial," Iluzisto replied calmly, though he kept out the fact that he had taken away their food prematurely and so the hybrids had not gotten all that much to eat.
The two unlikely allies did not say anymore as they headed towards their destination. But when they finally arrived, Okulo halted in his tracks when he saw the older hybrid, though human, leaning over and readjusting his warm ghost cape around the younger one in hopes of stopping his violent shivers.
But it was hardly the man's actions that caught the liaison's attention, but something else. And abruptly turning around, he angrily demanded, "Why are those prisoners in the same cell, Iluzisto? You know that the High Tribunal strictly prohibited their interaction! And with good reason, too!"
Although Danny was still unconscious, Vlad heard Okulo's words and he jolted at the sight of him and Iluzisto.
"Him? This is who you brought to help the boy?" Vlad growled out as he pulled himself to his full height and coiled his hands in fury. This was the last Observant—after Iluzisto, of course—that Plasmius wished to see! Not to mention, he highly doubted the uncaring Observant could help Daniel.
Iluzisto only glanced at the older crossbreed, though he mentally frowned to himself. He had forgotten to reactivate the shield and separate the two creatures again. Honestly, the illusionist spirit did not understand why all the Observants were so wary of having the two crossbreeds together… Then again, as Iluzisto thought about it, their worst misbehaviors had been committed while they were together…
Okulo growled in his throat before he floated over to the prison cells and barked out, "You, prisoner 484! Step away from the other prisoner and return to your cell at once!"
Vlad narrowed his blues eyes as he growled back, "Make me."
Alright, so that wasn't the best choice of words, but the billionaire was too furious to care. Not only had their second escape attempt failed and Danny was very sick, he now had to deal with this particular wretched and arrogant Observant. And what really angered Vlad most was the fact that he could easily make this pathetic spirit suffer if only he didn't have the blasted power-inhibiting collar on!
Okulo's eye narrowed with the older hybrid's insubordination. However, before he could say anymore, Iluzisto finally interfered.
"Do as he says, crossbreed," Iluzisto warned as he floated up next to Okulo and pulled out the remote for the man's collar.
Vlad instantly tensed, but he just gritted his teeth and didn't budge.
Surprisingly, Iluzisto wasn't angered, but rather, amused. The illusionist spirit knew he could easily subdue the older crossbreed, but he liked the sight of Okulo seething with the fact that the older crossbreed's had no respect for him. So, instead, of punishing the man right away, the illusionist spirit opened the cell and stepped in.
The billionaire just kept a firm glare on his face as he refused to leave the son of his love alone with these two unpitying Observants.
"Crossbreed," Iluzisto warned lightly as he stopped in front of the man and raised the pointed tip of his staff towards him. "Do not obligate me to take forceful measures with you."
"You have been quick to do it before," Vlad replied hatefully. "Why not now? Oh, wait. One of the zoo keepers is present, so you are forced to show some restraint, hmm?"
Iluzisto narrowed his eye this time, but before he could say anything, Okulo intervened as he floated up behind Iluzisto and warned, "Be careful, prisoner 484. I will only tolerate your crass behavior for so long."
"You know," Iluzisto interjected calmly again. "It was you who begged me to assist the other crossbreed. Your disobedience is only hurting him."
This time Vlad's angry look faltered, but he quickly said, "I hardly doubt… he can help Daniel. After all, he has been worthless with everything else, except that art of branding human beings like cattle!"
"That is enough!" Okulo growled. "Subdue this creature at once, Iluzisto!"
"As you command," Iluzisto replied his eye curving into something of a smirk before he abruptly released an ecto-blast from his staff; and before Vlad could do anything, it struck him in the stomach and slammed him into the opposite wall.
But the force of the hit had hurt his human body so much that he instinctively turned into Plasmius in order to withstand the pain.
As the man lay stunned, Iluzisto quickly reactivated the shield, only for Okulo to push past him and walk up to the shield. And seeing the older hybrid slowly attempt to stand as he groaned and held his stomach, Okulo sneered at him, "Know something, prisoner 484. You are powerless against us. And you are nothing compared to us. In fact, you are merely a prisoner whom feels the need to fruitlessly challenge me and my kind—nothing I have not seen before. In fact, we have dealt with plenty like you; and each time, it was they—as it will be you—who loses. Keep pushing, prisoner 484. Believe me, you will discover we can push back a lot harder."
Vlad just stared back coolly at the liaison before suddenly walking up to the shield. He was quiet for another second before he finally replied, "Such bold words. Funny how you had the courage to say them only after this shield was raised…"
"Think as you want," Okulo replied coldly. "Just do not forget the influence I have with those that will decide your fate…"
Before Vlad could say anything, the liaison turned away and headed over to the shivering teenager, who had his eyes closed; but by his incoherent mumbling he seemed to be a bit more conscious now.
However, as Okulo pulled out his crystal ball, Iluzisto bent down slightly behind him, enough to whisper at him, "Insufferable, are they not? Not so easy to keep one's temper…"
Okulo just shot the Prison Head a quick glare before turning his attention to the boy. He was clearly sick in the human-sense of the word, but also in the ghost-sense. That meant, he would not only have to use his healing powers, but also provide him with some ghost energy.
With an annoyed sigh, Okulo stretched out the hand holding his power-sphere and suspended it right above the teen. He then withdrew his hand just as he released the crystal ball. However, the sphere didn't fall but remained levitated above Danny and it immediately began to pulsate with its green power, which crept downward toward the teen like green smoke. But the moment the green energy touched Danny, it encased him in a green hue and the boy's body began to shake a bit more.
With the two spirits in the way, Vlad could not see much except for a green aura that illuminated them from the front, which made him extremely nervous; still, he kept quiet, knowing there was nothing he could do, except hope Okulo really was helping Danny—and not hurting him like all his instincts were screaming at him.
In a matter of seconds, the young hybrid's body slowly stopped shaking and the perspiration on his face began to dry. In fact, even his ghostly glow returned a bit.
Danny just moaned softly as the green hue around him vanished and his head fell to the side as he stilled again, looking exhausted but physically better…
Okulo grabbed the floating sphere just as it stopped glowing before slipping it back into his robe.
"I better not need to come do this again," Okulo quietly warned the other spirit before he suddenly turned and headed out of the cell, soon disappearing down the hall.
Iluzisto watched him go before glancing down at Danny and noticing he was very out of it, but looking better. In fact, the spirit was tempted to siphon some of his energy right there and now; but he couldn't risk the boy not recuperating before the trial tomorrow.
Glancing over at the other crossbreed, his eye curved smugly as he commented, "See? No harm done."
Vlad immediately glared. "No harm done? You almost killed him, you fool! And on top of that, you're starving him!"
Iluzisto instantly matched his ire with the man's insult and sneered, "Neither of you are getting any food, if that is what you are implying! I am done being merciful! If I have to starve you both an inch from death to keep you in line from here on, then so be it!"
"Merciful?" Vlad exclaimed furiously, clearly unable to control his emotions after everything that had happened to him and the boy today. "You do not even know the meaning of the word! You have tortured us in almost every way imaginable! The least you could do is provide us with nourishment; if not for me, then at least for the child! If you do not, Iluzisto, even that pitiful snitch-of-an-Observant will not be able to help him. And you will lose the boy before you can fulfill your evil intent with us!"
Iluzisto quickly lowered the barrier between Danny and Vlad's cells and stormed over to older hybrid, who backed up the moment the spirit raised the pointed end of the staff at his chest.
"And what do you know of my plans?" Iluzisto growled menacingly.
But tired of being intimidated by the illusionist spirit, Plasmius steeled himself and narrowed his eyes. "I know that you are as much a prisoner as we are to the Observants. I know that you are at least looking to change that. And I know you need us to fulfill your plans."
Iluzisto just stared darkly at the older hybrid for a moment. But then, his eye curved into a wicked smirk. "I do not need you two. What I need is your powerful and unlimited energies…And that is something I can take whenever I want."
Vlad gritted his teeth as the needle began to slowly embed itself through his clothes and soon his skin. He knew he was still too physically hurt from the blast to turn human, but he stayed calm as he replied, "Even our energy has a limit. And if you continue to keep us under these conditions, if you continue to treat us like dairy cattle, your energy supply is going to come to an end sooner than you wish."
"You most certainly have a way with words," Iluzisto said with a chuckle, lowering his staff. "Still, you two will receive nothing right now. Perhaps after you are found guilty tomorrow. Or, perhaps if you two behave during the trial, I might consider providing you with some nourishment and water…"
Vlad's look briefly betrayed his inner fear, for he also knew they would be found guilty. And just the thought of spending the rest of his days in this jail with Iluzisto was enough to bring him close to panic. The billionaire honestly preferred execution over anymore of this torture…
And as if reading his thoughts, Iluzisto looked evilly at the man. "Do not fear. Your suffering will not be forever. I will grant you death. But only after I watch you and the younger crossbreed's spirits shrivel up. I know it will not take long. I can already see the helplessness in your eyes."
Vlad just hardened his glare, though he said nothing. But as Iluzisto continued, neither he nor the spirit was aware that Danny was finally stirring again…
"I must admit, I had not expected a second escape attempt, especially not at the very trial. I had thought your first attempt with the boy had made it clear to you both that your efforts are futile. Or, have you forgotten how I used that woman you cared so much about as an example of the punishment that awaits you for trying to escape?" Iluzisto narrowed his eye further as he added, "I am no fool, crossbreed. I am most certain you were the instigator of the other crossbreed's attempt to escape. And look what happened. I really should have killed him like that woman."
Danny, who had been rubbing his spinning head, froze with those words. His mind was still fuzzy, yet he didn't miss the fact that they were talking about his mother. A bad feeling began to sink into his stomach as his mind slowly cleared, but all he could do right now was just stare at Iluzisto and Vlad.
Although he was angry, Vlad forced himself to calm and use his head. Smirking a bit, the man replied fearlessly, "As I said, you are not going to kill either of us because you need our 'exceptional energies' for your plans. As for Maddie… You might have fooled me before, but I am now certain it was all an illusion. Your illusions might be good, but not good enough to mimic someone I have known for over twenty-one years without making noticeable errors. I have seen past your tricks, Iluzisto."
"…There is no doubt you both still have some fight left in you," Iluzisto countered with a shrug. "No matter. I already know how to subdue you both. And as for that woman, we both know there is still some doubt left in you. However, if she means so much to you, perhaps, I can make you an offer…" Iluzisto's eye sparked with mischief when the man frowned in confusion. But following his new evil little idea of how to mess some more with this crossbreed, he added, "Do not look so unsure, crossbreed. You like to negotiate, do you not? I am simply attempting to speak to your understanding. You seemed to be immensely worried for the welfare of the other crossbreed; well, if you cooperate and give me what I want, I might consider going easy on you both… I could even… reward you…?"
Vlad gasped and quickly jolted away from the spirit when the form of a smiling Maddie replaced Iluzisto.
But because the illusion was only being projected at the older hybrid, Danny could only frowned in confusion, unsure of what was going on.
"What is wrong, crossbreed? Is this not the woman that has claimed your meager human heart?" Iluzisto asked, masking his voice with Maddie's voice. "Would she not make a fair trade? Your energy for her?"
Vlad suddenly felt something grip his mind as the image of Maddie approached him. He immediately tried to shake the intensifying, all too familiar, thought. But dread then clawed at him when he could feel a pained memory, coupled with a terrifying emotion being foist upon his mind. In fact, that feeling was now so compelling that a moment later the last agonizing memory of the love of his life came into as much focus as if it were real again! And worse, he was still ghost and now not only too physically exhausted to turn human, but was also too panicked to think straight.
"It's not real," he whispered to himself, as he continued to back up. But when he suddenly felt the far wall of his own cell seem to shove him back, he tensed. But that was enough to rivet him back to reality.
"Enough!" he suddenly exclaimed angrily, knowing that it was Iluzisto who was coming at him in spite of seeing Maddie.
'Maddie' stopped about two feet from the man and smiled pleasantly. "I do not understand why you are so upset," she said with a small chuckle. And remembering everything he had seen at the trials regarding the woman and her relationship to the hybrids, Iluzisto continued his cruel illusion of pretending to be Maddie. "We both know that even when I was alive, you would have never been able to have the real me. So, really, what's wrong with an illusion?"
Knowing the man was too distressed to focus on anything but what he was projecting, Iluzisto used his powers to move his illusion forward. This time, instead of masking his presence with the image of Maddie, he stayed back and watched as his image of 'Maddie' moved closer to the man.
Vlad was so distressed that even when he knew it was not real, the illusion of Maddie was actually able to physically touch him. Could it be that deep down inside he wanted it to be real? Or was he just going crazy?
"You should know that what is real is ultimately in the eye of the beholder…," Maddie told him, running a hand against the older half-ghost's face.
"You're not real," Vlad replied, trying to recoil away from the illusion.
"Define real," Maddie answered with a giggle. "Is it not something you can see, hear… touch…What more do you need?"
Plasmius squeezed his eyes closed as 'Maddie' drew even closer. It was terrifying how well Iluzisto could will his powers. Even when the man knew it was not his Maddie, all his senses screamed that it was!
He couldn't take it.
"Iluzisto, whatever it is that you want, I'll do it. Just… Just stop!" Vlad exclaimed, as the Maddie illusion continued to caress him like some school girl.
Danny was frozen in horror. He had not seen the illusion of his mother, but by Vlad and Iluzisto's conversation, he had pieced together what was going on. He would have been highly disturbed, if he wasn't worried about the growing dread in his chest. Had he heard right? Had Iluzisto said he had killed his mother?
But before the teen could react, the spirit's next words quickly reeled his mind even more…
Iluzisto's eye curved even higher, before he allowed the illusion to vanish. "You truly are clever, crossbreed. I am impressed you have figured out so much given so very little information. However… I think it is time to talk forwardly; so, yes, you are right. I am looking to escape from my own chains."
Vlad just stared warily at the spirit as he took a few steps closer to him, and being in ghost form didn't make him feel any better.
But the man's thoughts soon vanished as Iluzisto confessed, "You see… a long time ago I use to be one of them. One of the Observants, that is." Iluzisto distractingly inspected the sharp end of his staff as he continued, "And although I am sure that fact is not news to someone as clever as you, the fact that I used to be one of the head Observants might be. But, you see, the problem with my race of spirits is that they lack an imagination. They have no vision beyond what is placed in front of them. But my unique powers have granted me vision beyond what is perceivable. And that was something the Observants never appreciated," he ended, glaring briefly at the glowing bands around his wrists.
Vlad swallowed, realizing this was his chance to find out exactly what the spirit was up to. Sure he knew the spirit was trying to escape… But with what purpose?
"That's quite a story…" the man carefully muttered. "But if you are just another of their prisoners, then it seems to me that they have placed more trust in you than can be considered wise…"
Iluzisto laughed at the comment, much to the older hybrid's surprise. "You are not the only one that is clever, crossbreed. In spite of their wretched devices keeping me from my true potential, I have used my abilities to trick them into a false sense of security. They believe they have complete control over me from the use of these bands; but it is only a self-made illusion on their part again. The Observants are a prideful race. And it is because of their need to hide their shame over one of their kind being corrupted that they have made the mistake of putting me in charge of so much. It took several pathetic ghosts' energies to regain enough power to counter these bands and to use my illusionist tricks against them, but I was successful. And then, much to my fortune, the fools willingly gave me more power just so that in their apprehension they may be guarded against you two pathetic crossbreeds during your time here. Ever since then, it has been effortless to fool them all. And yet, with all my efforts, I still remain here—trapped and under their reign…"
Vlad gasped loudly, masking the boy's own, when Iluzisto suddenly gripped the man by the neck and pressed him against the wall. "I have waited for centuries for the chance to escape my own chains, crossbreed. I have destroyed countless of ghosts in hopes of finding one with enough power for myself to use to completely destroy these devices keeping me subdued. But each time, they would all just fade out of existence; and none of them ever had enough power. But then… then I heard of you and the boy…"
Vlad just stared coldly as the spirit inspected him like he was some sort of priceless object.
"Half ghost… Half human…," Iluzisto continued, amused for some reason. "Freaks of nature—or of fate, perhaps… Either way, your power and the boy's are well known around here. The Observants have believed you two a threat since the moment you both came into existence—and more so when destiny has brought you two together within the timeline. And yet, they have never dared to take action against you two—unless through the means of using their most priced guard dog: Clockwork."
Iluzisto inadvertently paused at the thought of the Time Master, and his mind wandered a bit. Time Master, indeed! If anything, Clockwork was master of nothing but servitude—to the Observants, and really, to Time itself. True, the power-inhibiting bands that the Observants kept on Iluzisto also placed the Illusionist spirit within the grasp of time—which meant Clockwork's powers could affect him—unlike with the other Observants. And yet, Clockwork did nothing to stop him, simply because the Time Master knew he could not interfere with those in the timeline without consequence.
The Time Master was just as much a prisoner as he….The thought was very pleasing…
In fact, the Prison Head was so pleased, he hadn't realized that he began to muse out loud, "The Time Fool has his hands tied. All he has done has been to play into my hands in the end, because above all, he would never have warned the Observants about this. And once I escape my own ties, then I will once more be more powerful than he…"
But then, realizing that he had been speaking to himself rather than the crossbreed, Iluzisto interrupted himself and glared at Vlad before growling, "Indeed, the Observants were fools to not have truly come after you…. and if it was not for my interference, they probably never would have…"
Vlad's eyes widened with the realization. "You set us up."
His grip tightening on the man, Iluzisto just stared evilly and replied, "Yes, I did. It was as simple as an illusion…I needed to find out for myself if the rumors about you two were true—the most important of those rumors being about your limitless and unique energy. So, to test to see if you two were what I needed for my plans, I tricked the Observants into bringing you both here, and putting you on their petty trial. Ironical, though, that you both seem guilty as the Observants have charged. In any case, once I had you two here, I had to continue to 'experiment' with your capabilities. Why else do you think I have made you both suffer in every way possible?"
"Out of sadistic pleasure," Vlad replied angrily.
"Well… I suppose that is true enough," Iluzisto answered with a small chuckle. "However, it has been more than that. I needed to make sure you two were strong enough and that you would not wither away like those pathetic ghosts I have destroyed in the past. But now that I know you both hold exactly what I need to finally be free, I will make sure you two never leave this prison—at least, not until I get what I want…."
Iluzisto's grip on the man's neck intensified even more as he added darkly, "Do you realize just how tempting it is for me to feel what I need coursing right below your flesh? I could so easily take it all right now…"
Vlad tensed at seeing the spirit begin to glow brighter with the intention of sucking out his ghost energy. But he forced himself to stay focus and boldly replied, "But you will not, because you will not risk the Observants discovering your intentions beforehand."
Iluzisto narrowed his eyes at the man, though he violently released his hold on him and shoved him away. "It is all a matter of your idea of 'time', crossbreed. And you can prolong your suffering by resisting your fate or you can accept it and I will make it as quick as possible. Either way, I will get what I want from you and the other crossbreed. But until then, I want no more tricks from you both. As we both know, tomorrow is the final day of trial, as well as, your sentencing. We also both know that you and the other crossbreed will be found guilty—as I had planned. But your sentence is yet to be seen. Even so, I am certain they will condemn you both to the worst fate they can deliver. But, you see, the Observants believe themselves to be a respectful group of spirits. So, they will offer you one last day of life if you wish it before they carry out their sentence on you both. You two will accept that one day."
Vlad glared this time. "Do you really think I'm going to do as you want? Hear me well, Iluzisto, I rather die before I allow you to use me anymore than you have."
"Same here," Danny suddenly replied, capturing the others' attention. Although he still felt weak, thanks to Okulo, he was recovered enough to stand and glower at the illusionist spirit as he continued, "I heard everything you said. And you are not getting away with your twisted plans. Even if it means it's the last thing I do, I'm gonna make sure you are trapped here for the rest of your after-life!"
But the boy's defiant words ignited Iluzisto's rage; and before the teen knew what had happened, Iluzisto was in front of him, slamming the middle part of his staff across his face.
"Daniel!" Vlad called out as the teen fell to the ground.
"You two think this a game, is that it? But if you continue to resist your fate, then I will show you that it is I that is in charge of it! So, I recommend you do as I say, or I will make sure your death does not come quick!"
With that, Iluzisto spun on his heel and exited the cell. This time, he made sure the shield was on and that the doors were all locked before storming down the hallway.
Vlad made sure he was gone before moving closer to the invisible shield and staring worriedly at the teen still on the ground. The man was glad to see the teen was physically better. Actually, it was quite a shock to Vlad that Okulo really had helped the boy. But now... Iluzisto had really let him have it..
Danny didn't need to see the green blood oozing from his lip; he could also taste it inside his bleeding mouth. He cradled his jaw, trying to rub out the pain. He didn't know how much of this abuse he could take, especially when he could tell that he was not healing as quickly as he normally did.
However, there was more serious matters on the teen's mind, and staring at Vlad, Danny voiced the first in a small fearful voice. "Is it… true? About my mom? I heard Iluzisto say that…"
But realizing what the boy was talking about, Vlad quickly shook his head. "No, Daniel. Your mother—your parents are fine. Iluzisto hasn't captured or harm them."
"B-But I heard what he said, Vlad!" Danny exclaimed in sudden panic.
The billionaire sighed before seriously saying, "Daniel, it was only an illusion. He tried to make me believe that he had captured your mother and had… It wasn't real," the man said firmly. "Believe me. It's alright."
Danny just looked at his arch-enemy for a long moment, though he finally understood why the billionaire had been so upset after their first escape attempt had ended in disaster—though the second one hadn't been much better.
Knowing he had no choice but to believe the man in order to keep focused, Danny's eyebrows creased in worry at his next thought and asked, "What are we going to do, Vlad? We can't let him carry out his plans, but we can't really do anything to stop him," the teen said, unconsciously rubbing his aching jaw once more.
Vlad lowered his gaze, unsure of what to say. He honestly did not care about Iluzisto's plans to escape from the Observants. Actually, it would serve those imbeciles right for being foolish enough to actually give such a dangerous spirit so much liberty. But the man was worried over their own fate. They were running out of time.
"We gotta tell them. We gotta tell the Observants about Iluzisto, Vlad," Danny said seriously when the man wouldn't answer him.
But the older hybrid shook his head. "They will not believe us, Daniel."
"We still gotta try!" Danny exclaimed, letting go of his jaw and standing up. "I won't help him escape! It's the least I can do for Jazz, Sam, and Tucker!"
The man looked up at the boy at that comment, instantly recalling his words a moment ago when the teen was unconscious… The least he could do for Maddie was to make sure her son didn't die here…
Vlad sighed deeply, but he nodded. "Alright. But we will have to bring them more than our word, Daniel, since we both know the Observants will believe Iluzisto over us each time. Therefore, we have to show them the truth…"
Danny smiled at the glint in the man's eyes. He had an idea. And the teen did not hesitate to say, "Just tell me what I gotta do."
Pearl: Heh. The hybrids just don't give up, huh? I suppose that's a good thing; hopefully it won't incur Iluzisto's wrath once more. Still, I hope you are enjoying Vlad and Danny's 'alliance'. It's nothing like checkmate, of course, since the two here are working together for a common interest—and not because they have stopped being enemies. But I think that's what I like about Vlad and Danny's relationship. It's so complex that you can write it in so many ways and take it to so many places. Trust me, for a girl that has a Vlad muse, this is too much fun! Lol! Anyways, I hope you are all enjoying this! Much more to come! Thank you all for your support! Until next time!
truephan here: Well, did we surprise anyone with this chapter? I sure hope so! But that doesn't mean we're through with y'all. There's LOTS more to come and you'll just have to stick around and see. In any case, I hope you give us your always delicious thoughts! They are wonderful! Thanks for reading and see you later.