A/N: truephan here: Hello, dear readers, and how are y'all doing? Great! I'm real excited about this chapter because the action is revving up again and you know how much I love action! So, let's get to it. Hope you enjoy it and…action!
Pearl: Yes, love action and suspense and drama and having the halfas in Peril! *evil laugh* Er, I mean… *shoves Vlad muse* See? Your fruit-loopness is contagious! *dodges ecto-blast* Epp! Kidding! Anyways, on to the story! Chapter's shorter than the usual, but I think the chapter did good like this. Plus, it's packed full of fun stuff! *snickers* Anyways, thanks for everyone's continuing support! Happy Reading!
Disclaimer: We do not own Danny Phantom. But OC characters are our own—and our muses! XD
Chapter 23: At the Brink
Danny groaned himself awake, instantly reaching for his still aching head. He was beginning to think that his groaning was definitely not on his list of 'Favorite Songs to Wake Up To". Once he opened his eyes, however, he could still plainly see that he was still in his nightmare.
Yet, the teen was still unaware that he had been knocked out by Iluzisto—after the spirit had found him and Vlad trying to break the older hybrid's power-inhibiting collar... Danny also didn't know what Iluzisto had done to Vlad afterwards...
Grunting a little at the raw sensation at his neck, the boy turned his head toward Vlad. He was surprised to see that the older hybrid was actually lying down on his bed again.
"Wasn't he…just here?" his still foggy mind suddenly thought.
He ignored the light-headed feeling that just as suddenly gripped his head when he slowly sat up in his bed. He took in a big breath and shook his head. He was a bit relieved when that helped clear his mind a bit; and then steeled himself. He didn't want to waste any more time. He got up and made his way over to the barrier. He looked at it, puzzled.
"Didn't we get rid of that?" he muttered to himself.
But then, his mind jolted to full clarity when his eyes drifted back over to the older hybrid. Vlad was now in human form and he looked extremely pale—as if he were…
"What happened…?" he began to ask himself fearfully; but he then instantly knew!
"Iluzisto was here!" he growled in anger.
But in the next instant, he frantically inspected himself. He uttered in bewilderment, "But why do I feel alright? In fact, I still feel almost as good as new!" He paused and then frowned in determination, "It doesn't matter why Iluzisto didn't do anything to me! I'm just glad I'm feeling fine. And we still have to get out of here!"
He looked at the unconscious man again and frowned in worry, "And it looks like that jerk sure did a number on Vlad!" He then groaned, "Great! Does it have to be my turn now to do all that encouraging stuff?"
He called out, "Vlad?"
But the man didn't stir.
"Plasmius?...Cheesehead?"
Still, he couldn't get the older hybrid to respond to his calls.
"Darn! Now what am I going to do?" the boy said as he pushed against the strong barrier. "I can't break this by myself with this stupid neck brace on me, even if it is damaged!"
He pushed harder on the barrier again and sighed when it didn't even quiver under his strength. Now feeling very defeated, his shoulders instantly dropped under the weight of these continually distorted twists of fate. He walked back to his bed and plopped on it, feeling as if he should just accept that fate, no matter how unfair it was.
He looked back at the senseless man and mumbled, "I sure could use some of those conniving brain cells of yours right now, fruit loop."
Sighing more loudly this time, Danny fell backward onto his bed, and when he did, he heard a crackling sound.
"What was that?" he uttered, turning toward Vlad again.
But Vlad wasn't moving. He couldn't have caused that sound.
And as soon as the teen turned back, he heard that sound again! But this time, he knew from where it had come. He frowned as he sat up and shoved his hand into his pants leg. He pulled out the folded piece of paper upon which he had written those symbols yesturday, the ones that he had seen in the hallway on their way to their trial...
He then reached in his other pocket and pulled out the small pencil.
"Might as well do something since I can't do anything else right now!" he grumbled as he glanced down at the symbols.
At first, he just stared blankly at the symbols, at a loss again. He sighed in resignation at first. But then, he began to study them and even rewrote them, playing with their order. And then he tried to pair the symbols with the human writing for no other reason than to fight the mounting feeling of total defeat.
But after a few minutes, he stopped, suddenly irritated. This was stupid! All this did was make him think about that lame Spektanto and his writing, that lamer trial, and just how much of a pickle he was still in.
In the next instant, Danny's face scrunched up in anger again as he scrunched the paper up in his hand and dropped the pencil. Then he growled under his breath in frustration. He was so tired of all this! This was all so unfair! What did he do to deserve all this? He gulped a little. Well, he may have been somewhat guilty as Clockwork said, but whatever wrong he had done, he had fixed, and had even learned from it. And any guilt he once had was nothing to the degree that he should end up being wasted, especially after having to endure that circus of a trial!
But then, his face contorted with even more anger. Then there was all that injustice done to his…his sister and friends! They didn't deserve anything that had happened to them! And what about his parents? They, too, would be victims of that injustice if he didn't get out of here!
He looked at the still unmoving older hybrid. Plasmius may have deserved what was coming to him, yes. But that trial had been so—stacked—so unfair!
Even when he had tried to prove those Observants wrong, just like the way he had answered his sister's question that now seemed eons ago, that did no good! He then grumbled in annoyance. "Just who did these Observants think they were to set themselves up as judges, jury and executioners?
He suddenly jolted at his next thought and his eyes narrowed in annoyance. "They're no better than Walker!" He growled out loud, "So, I'll not give them the satisfaction of getting me or Vlad, then!"
But then, he looked back at the barrier and groaned. That was still going to be a problem with his still diminished powers! After all, even when the neck brace was damaged, it still had a lot of power! He looked back at the man. And, of course, it didn't help that Vlad was definitely out for the count!
Suddenly, a wild thought struck him. "But what if I combine all of my own diminished powers? I still feel fine, almost as good as when I first came to this putrid place! That last time I healed my ghost half did the job!"
He narrowed his eyes at the barrier and gritted his teeth in determination as he firmly said, "Worth a shot!"
But when he was right next to the invisible shield, he had second thoughts. "From what I've been able to do so far, I'm guessing that the collar keeps me from using my stronger powers, like my Ghostly Wail. That reeks, of course, but I'll have to make do with what I got, then."
After lifting his hands up to the barrier, but not yet touching it, Danny closed his eyes and concentrated, summoning both his ice and ectoplasmic powers. The surge of his blue ice powers encasing his eyes lit up his closed eyelids with their brightness; and his green ectoplasmic energy orbs swelled around both of his determined, fisted hands.
He then opened his eyes and jolted in surprise at the power he was able to command forth, but he didn't lose his focus. He grunted harder in effort, and just when he thought he couldn't garner any more power, he shot his icy rays from his eyes at the exact same time he pounded the invisible shield with his fists and ectoplasmic energy.
The barrier sizzled and cracked loudly at its insult and was immediately covered in a thick bluish-green mist.
Danny pulled away, panting from the draining effort as his powers prematurely extinguished. He just hoped that was enough, now that he thought he wouldn't even be able to try that again. He anxiously waited for the mist to clear; and when it did, his face fell when he saw that the barrier was still there!
Unconsciously lowering his head and stretching his arms upward and forward in one swoop, he began to lean against the barrier, sighing in defeat. But much to his surprise, the barrier immediately shattered under that shift in pressure and he fell through it and onto the floor amid the brittle shards.
He blushed as he hurriedly got up and glanced at the still unmoving older male. "Glad you didn't see that, cheesehead!" he uttered.
But he didn't waste any more time and went right over to the man. But then, he hesitated. Did he really have to physically wake the guy again? Still, he touched the older hybrid's shoulder and shaking him, said, "Vlad? Vlad, wake up!"
But the man didn't respond.
Fighting his sudden panic, Danny shook the older half-ghost harder and said more forcibly, "Better get up, fruit loop, before I kick your butt harder than Iluzisto did!"
This time, Vlad began to groan and Danny smirked in triumph.
The older hybrid finally, yet slowly, opened his eyes just as Danny leaned closer. In spite of trying not to show it, Vlad struggled to utter, "S-So y-you think you can kick my butt, eh, you little rat?"
"Well, seeing the way you look right now, I would have to say that that's a definite 'yes'!" But Danny didn't wait for any reply as he quickly became more serious. "I'm sure that Iluzisto paid us a visit again. Uh, scratch that. I think it's pretty clear that he really paid even more attention to you this time. I feel fine and don't know why he didn't go after me, too."
Vlad struggled to sit up in his bed and with his mind clearing more, replied, "He tried, but I didn't let him…Naturally, that didn't bode well with him…" Vlad briefly closed his eyes as he added with a bitter smile, "He really did a number on me. I feel terrible."
The boy hitched an eyebrow in surprise. Vlad's admitting how he was feeling bad was definitely a first. But the teen was even more curious about the man's initial comment.
"How did you… stop him from taking my energy, too—assuming that's what he did to you again?…," Danny asked with a curious frown.
The billionaire opened his eyes before shaking his head and replying, "It hardly matters anymore. What is concerning is that there is no doubt he will return to finish the job with you—and then eliminate us both."
"Tell me something I don't know. But we still have the problem of getting out of here," Danny said seriously, though his resolve quickly returned.
But much to the boy's surprise, Vlad didn't react or say anything like Danny had expected.
Vlad placed a hand against his chest before soberly saying, "You try to go on without me, Daniel. I think this time Iluzisto was out for blood—my ectoplasmic blood, that is. I really don't think I can even stand up!"
Once more, the man's response surprised the boy. Danny had never heard the man admit weakness, much less failure. And now Vlad was doing both in relatively short order.
It scared Danny a bit and it showed in his face and voice as he said with uncertainty, "Okay, uh, then all you need to do is take a break, right? And then you can repair your ghost core like always, uh, right?"
Vlad's eyebrows creased in a mixture of frustration and something akin to helplessness as he replied, "You are not hearing me, Daniel. I do not feel well."
Danny just stared at the man with troubled eyes. Of course he was listening to him; he just didn't want to accept what the older hybrid was really telling him. No! He wasn't about to accept that.
The young half-ghost quickly narrowed his eyes a bit as he faked a sarcastic face and tone and said, "C'mon, Plasmius! Do you think I'm going to let you outdo me on this 'giving in' stuff? You certainly didn't let me when I was in worst shape than you. Besides, you know I can't break this neck brace without you, so until then, I'm still stuck with you, cheesehead!"
Vlad stared back at the boy, easily seeing through his ruse. He had noticed that slightly mischievous hitched corner of Daniel's mouth. But, really, he wouldn't have expected less of the boy to goad him on—even when he truly needed it this time. Somehow, it gave the older hybrid the determination to at least try to bounce back from Iluzisto's last assault in spite his body telling him that he was out for the count…
Vlad smirked weakly and uttered, "All right, you little rat. You know that I can't wait to get away from you, either! So, before we try to get your collar off, let's see if I can repair my ghost half."
Danny stood by as the older hybrid attempted the task. But the boy could see that even though Vlad tried not to show it, he was having a very hard time doing that. And it was more than obvious when every time he attempted to bring his black rings to life, they instantly fizzled back out.
Finally, however, after what seemed an eternity for the man, Vlad stopped. He tried to control his panting from the effort and pain, but it was hard when his chest was burning more and more with his every failed attempt to awaken his core in the slightest…
Danny just stared on nervously, finally noticing how the man was gripping at his chest. The guy was really hurt!
But this time, it was Vlad who didn't want to admit defeat. Even when he knew deep down that his core had reached its limit, he didn't want to accept that. And taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and concentrated, forcing his core to wake and produce enough energy to repair itself.
But even though Vlad's black rings came to life this time, they didn't repair his core as he had wanted; but rather, he unwillingly turned into Plasmius—and he just as suddenly fell off his bed, screaming.
"VLAD!" Danny cried out in shock and panic.
The teen quickly dropped to his knees next to the man, not knowing what to do. But then, Vlad's black rings came back and he turned human again.
Vlad's scream melded into a loud groan as he rolled off his back and to his side, now gripping at his chest so hard that his nails were digging past his clothing and into his skin.
Danny could only gaze on in fear and disbelief. But he suddenly remembered something the older hybrid had told him. He had said that one of the reasons that it was imperative for them to escape was because every time Iluzisto ran them through with his staff to absorb their energy, it damaged their cores. And although they had been able to repair themselves in the past, Vlad had said that their core had a limit and that it would eventually be unable to take anymore abuse… Had… Had Iluzisto finally irreversibly damaged Vlad's core?
"Maybe you should take those few minutes to rest this time," Danny said quietly, trying to ignore the fear that was eating away at him. He knew he was barely keeping it together even with Vlad's being in this whole mess with him. He wasn't sure if he could stay strong if he lost the guy, especially now when things were at their direst.
Vlad slowly sat up and just breathed. "Yes… I-I think you're right…"
Danny hesitated, but offered, "Do you want me to help you get back into bed? I could..."
"No!" Vlad abruptly interrupted, afraid that any movement right now might cause even more pain. But then when he realized his shouting had shot even more pain through him, he continued more gently, "I mean, I'll be fine right here for now, Daniel."
Danny silently nodded and pulled a bit away from the man before plopping down on the ground nearby. He pulled his legs up to his chest, crossed his arms on top of his knees and laid his head with his face down within his arms, grunting in irritation when his stupid neck brace made that hard to do. Still, what else could he do at the moment?
The two hybrids were quiet for the next few minutes. Danny soon grew more nervous at hearing how the man was breathing. It wasn't….right. And the fact that the man's eyes were still closed didn't make him feel any better. Still, he remained quiet.
In the meantime, Vlad was trying to relax, though the pain still throbbing within his core made that—and his breathing—difficult. Still, the man tried to think of a way to get through this. He doubted he could repair his core anymore, but… he just had to get it to produce at least enough energy to go through his and the boy's last escape attempt!
As he sat there in silence, Danny couldn't help but think about everything again. He felt bad at seeing the man like this. In a way, he wished he could have resisted more and not have fallen unconscious when Iluzisto caught them by surprise this last time and zapped them with their collars. Or, at least have been able to bounce back quicker from the attack. Perhaps then he could have somehow helped Plasmius fight the spirit back and prevent him from hurting the man like this. But… he was also feeling bad because he knew that if it wasn't for Okulo healing him previously and Vlad doing something to protect him from Iluzisto, he would be as bad off as—or worse than—Vlad right now.
And Danny suddenly had to wonder: How much longer would it be before his own core caved under the abuse?
Maybe he didn't want to know in the end. Right now, he just hoped that with a bit of rest Vlad would bounce back from this—like he always had all those other times.
But then, another thought surfaced and as Danny changed his position and lowered his legs to the ground before crossing them in front of him, he quietly began, "By the way…"
Curious about hearing that strange tone in the teen's voice and in spite of his exhaustion and pain, Vlad slowly opened his eyes and looked at the boy…
Danny bit his lower lip slightly before continuing, "I, uh… never thanked you. You know, for all the times you've stuck up for me in this place." But seeing the man raise an eyebrow, the teen quickly added, "Yeah, Yeah. I know what you're gonna say: 'Don't read too much into it, Daniel.'"
Vlad had to keep an amused smile from curling around his lips at the boy's attempt to mimic him; but he just kept quiet, quite curious about the young hybrid's sudden niceness.
"Well, don't worry. I'm not reading anything into it." Danny said almost defensively. But then he sighed and shrugged as he added, "But… I still wanted to thank you, anyways."
Vlad just watched the teen for a moment, debating whether to say something sarcastic in response or behave for the sake of their situation.
The man naturally decided on both.
Taking a breath, Vlad shrugged as he said, "I like to think you would do the same for me, little badger—that is, if you were the superior one of the both of us, which you are not."
Danny frowned; but before he could say anything, he heard the echo of an opening door in the distance.
"Someone's coming—again!" Danny gulped, immediately jumping to his feet and moving away from the man.
Vlad instinctively got to his own feet, but inadvertently lost his balance and had to catch his fall. Still, he managed to sit back on his bed and barely lie down without falling.
Danny hesitated a moment when he realized he should have helped the man. But when he glanced back and saw that Vlad had managed to get back on his bed on his own, Danny frowned in apology and whispered, "Sorry!" before he flew over to his bed and landed haphazardly upon it. He then closed his eyes and faked being unconscious.
Vlad did the same, though because he was exhausted and in pain for his numerous failed attempts to repair his core, he really wasn't faking it all that much. He sure felt very dizzy and needed to close his eyes so he wouldn't get any worse.
But as he lay on his bed listening, Danny silently frowned at the next set of noises. Usually that putrid and arrogant Iluzisto made no effort to hide his presence. But whoever was making all that sound was not particularly brash or loud about it. He chanced to barely open the eye closest to his cell door.
The boy could plainly see that this was a different—and smaller—Observant who had come.
And Danny knew exactly who it was.
Now growing irritated at seeing this particular Observant, Danny also knew he had to be cautious, since their 'visitor' could easily sound an alarm. Still, why had that Observant come alone? Somehow, Danny felt that it couldn't be a good thing. Well, there was only one way to find out.
Danny faked a groan and started to rise from his bed. When he fully opened his eyes, Danny looked at the Observant and tersely said, "Well, what do you want?"
In the meantime, Vlad still lay on his bed, exhausted. But when he, too, could hear that this must be a different being coming to their cell, and then heard Daniel groan, he slowly opened his eyes. Then he widened them fully. Just what was Daniel doing? Why hadn't the boy just kept still?
Okulo narrowed his eye as he coolly warned, "You would do well to recall that you are not allowed to speak to me unless spoken to! Otherwise…" The Prison Liaison reached into his cloak and pulled out his now infamous green ball, allowing it to glow threateningly before finishing, "Considering your Prison Head is not present, I will have to take it upon me to remind you of your place, abomination… "
Danny scowled before saying, "Why can't you one-eyed jerks leave us alone? Isn't it enough for you all this stuff you've put us through in these past days? Or the fact that you're going to waste us?"
"I said, 'silence'!" Okulo hissed gripping the orb in his hand tighter, causing it to pulse ominously.
Feeling his anger suddenly begin to rise, Danny took a step forward, wishing he could just take out all his frustration on this spirit right here and now. But then remembering it would be pointless to waste his energy on this jerk, let alone give away the fact that he could partly use his powers, he retracted his step.
Still, it looked like he had to deal with yet another Observant with his ghost pants all up in a knot! And this one so happened to be the one who gave him and Plasmius the 'glowing little logo that practically screamed 'we're doomed!'' on their foreheads!
But he quickly decided he wasn't even going to bother with this Observant. And saying no more, the teen went back over to his cot before slowly laying back down on his bed, purposely turning his head away from the Observant's line of sight.
Okulo blinked in surprise. He had not expected the boy to withdraw so easily… Still, he had come with the purpose of seeing how recovered these half-ghosts were. And, perhaps, maybe even persuade them to recover faster…
Ignoring the fact that the boy had his back to him, Okulo spoke up again, though he didn't dare get any closer to the hybrids' cells… "I have come to inspect you creatures. After all, we want you as alert and… strong for your final day tomorrow…"
Danny just clenched his teeth, but stayed quiet. However, much to the teen's surprise, he heard the older hybrid sit up. Still, the teen didn't move from his bed, though he kept his ear open to hear what the older hybrid was going to say…
Vlad frowned for a moment at Okulo. He had meant to just ignore the Observant as well; but the way he had said his comment… had been odd.
"You have come to inspect us?" Vlad questioned guardedly. "Under whose orders? If I recall, the High Tribune had charged Iluzisto with 'our care'… not you."
Okulo hesitated, surprised by the older crossbreed's grasp of the situation. But growing more nervous with the man's piercing gaze, the liaison narrowed his eye again and snapped, "I owe no inferior creature any explanation. Now, both of you. On your feet at once! I said I am here to inspect you and I want no resistance!"
Vlad just stared back coldly at the liaison before glancing over at the boy. And seeing how Daniel had not even bothered to turn his head towards the Observant, even when he was sure the boy heard his command, the billionaire knew that the teen was taking the defiant route on how to deal with this spirit. And, honestly, Vlad liked the idea.
With a scoff, Vlad lay back down on his bed, and draped an arm over his eyes. He was done being forced to do things against his will. Besides, what was this pathetic Observant going to do to him? Especially when Iluzisto had already done the worst. And, besides, he had just learned something very interesting about Okulo: his body language easily spoke mounds about him…
Okulo's eye widened in disbelief when the two hybrids outwardly ignored his command. At first, he didn't know what to do. He had never come alone before. Either Iluzisto or one of his guards always accompanied him, keeping him safe and also keeping these two prisoners in line if they decided to disobey, like they were now. And now he wished he hadn't been so overconfident and dismissed the prison guard he had met just a few moments ago. That prison sentry had told him that Iluzisto had ordered him to stand guard over the crossbreeds.
But he was alone now. And… although he didn't want to admit it, Okulo was… more than a little nervous. After all, he knew the rumors about these creatures' powers very well, and had seen it firsthand during part of their trial …
Okulo raised his orb higher, about to use it to teach these two prisoners some respect. But… he hesitated. His eye then narrowed in confusion even as he felt a chill run down his ghostly spine. Why was he hesitating? So what if he were alone with these two powerful creatures…Was he….? No, he refused to acknowledge anything that low. Still, he came here for a reason. But, perhaps it was best to persuade them to listen in another way…
However, Okulo mentally paused as he glanced between the hybrids. The older one was in human form, while the younger one was in ghost form. But he needed them both as ghosts. How else was he to check their cores to see if they were recovered enough for Iluzisto to continue forward with their plans? His orb… it could only check them as ghosts and only if the creatures were facing him, which was why he needed them to stand up.
He doubted these two prisoners had yet to understand the power of his orb. It definitely was a unique weapon which used timeless magic, but it could do more than that. It could also enhance his own unique abilities, such as his healing power. So, that meant that everything he did—mark each prisoner for the High Council, heal the younger of the hybrids, even his control over Iluzisto— all had to do with how unique and powerful the orb was. It had made it possible for him to have the power to penetrate any ghost's core and do anything to it. Well, almost anything. Still, the orb made him into something…special. In fact, without it, he would be no more significant than any other Observant. And when he had realized how powerful he indeed was with the orb, that was when he became envious. And that envy only rooted itself in him even more when he realized that he had complete control over another very important weapon—Iluzisto.
Having the Prison Head bound to him by his very core, said a lot, and just made him want to drink in even more power…
The spirit's focus then shifted back to what he first had in mind. He had learned a few new things about these two abominations from the Master Prison Head. And one of those discoveries was that the hybrids had apparently become allies in these past days. Okulo concluded it was only out of common interest, but he hardly cared. What he cared about was how it might prove useful now. If he could get the boy to do as he wanted, then perhaps the older one would follow. Either way, the younger half-ghost was currently in the form that he wanted, so he was certainly his target of choice at the moment…
Okulo suddenly chuckled smugly, breaking the brief silence. "So, at last you two have learned to submit. Yes, it is best for you both to remain silent and compliant. After all, it is fruitless to attempt to fight against the evitable. And yet…I do not know why the Observant High Council has wasted so much energy and effort on you two. We all knew this was going to end with the annihilation of you two sins of nature! If I were them, I would have bypassed all the formalities and just be done with you both…. Especially you, Prisoner 485…" the observant ended, emphasizing the young half-ghost's prison title, knowing how the teen hated it.
And Okulo was right. Danny's eyes burned a deeper green with the name, though, thankfully, the spirit could not see it. But the boy still forced himself to not move or say anything.
Vlad, on the other hand, pursed his lips, already catching onto the Observant's intention…
"As I think about it further," Okulo suddenly continued, "You are not as much as a threat as what is rumored, Prisoner 485. You are as needy as a newly formed youngling. And need I mention just as weak? Perhaps I can somewhat see why the Prison Head set his sight on your cellmate. But you? I do not know why the Prison Head was interested in you in the first place. Such a waste of a distraction and effort, too, considering how easily you cowered to me just a moment ago, Prisoner 485. Not only that, but you are incredibly ignorant. Clearly, you remain unaware of who holds the real power around here; otherwise, you and your counterpart would think twice about turning your backs to me…"
Vlad mentally scoffed at finally realizing the truth about Okulo's reason for being here after hearing what Okulo said. Of course. Why had he not seen it before…?
Meanwhile, Danny creased his eyebrows. What was this Observant babbling about?
Okulo's eye narrowed a bit with wickedness as he further jabbed, "If your fear of me is related to your strength, then your powers are not special enough to bother with. In fact, now that I see that you are even afraid to show your pathetic face to me, Prisoner Four-eight-four, then that can only mean that you are weak! How highly proper, then, that you deserve all that is coming to you."
Still facing away from the spirit, Danny rolled his eyes this time. He now knew that the jerk was just trying to provoke him. But why? And why hadn't Okulo used that putrid orb on him if all he wanted to do was torture him? And what did he mean by 'that his powers are not special enough to bother with? What would Okulo care about the uniqueness of his powers? But Danny frowned and threw those thoughts away. That didn't matter. But what did was how he wished he could just zap him right between the eyes, uh, eye. Still, he said and did nothing.
Okulo conveyed something akin to a frown within his eye when he still got no reaction out of the younger hybrid. How odd. He had been sure that would have gotten his attention. But then quickly narrowing his eye, the liaison turned his eye over to the older hybrid, deciding to try his luck with him. However, realizing he was still pretty far away from the half-ghosts' cells, Okulo dared to float just a bit closer. He unconsciously held his orb tighter before mustering himself and then suddenly addressing Vlad in a firm voice, "And what about you over there? You, ancient crossbreed? Have you not taught this young ruffian any respect for his superiors, Prisoner 484?"
Vlad frowned but wouldn't be lured into this trap, even if he was too weak to do so even if he wanted. He just hoped that Daniel wouldn't be, either!
Now that both of these creatures were remaining mute, the Prison Liaison grew impatient. He was especially irritated with Danny's silence. How dare these creatures ignore him! He sarcastically said, "Then all the rumors about how feisty and defiant you are must be untrue, Prisoner 485! I can see that you are nothing but a pitiful coward!"
Vlad cringed. That was just as bad as if he said it to Daniel. And he knew that the boy wouldn't take much more of this.
This time, Danny unconsciously fisted his hands but otherwise said and did nothing more. Still, his mind whirled with his angry thoughts. Just what was it about him that made him the least bit interesting to this Observant? And what was in it for the liaison except for the mere pleasure of wielding his power over him? Just like the putrid Observant to brashly act like the jerk he definitely was!
"Very well," Okulo suddenly said in a much calmer voice, "If we must do things the hard way, then so be it…" The liaison brought up his orb and aimed it at the younger crossbreed. And although he couldn't touch the creature's core with his orb when he still wasn't facing him, Okulo knew he could get his… attention.
Danny gasped when he saw his body light up with some foreign green energy; but although all he felt was a strange tingle, he jolted to his feet in surprise.
Okulo's eye curved smugly when he got the response he wanted. He was just about to use his orb to examine the younger prisoner's core to see if he was recovered when he got a surprise of his own.
The teenager suddenly glared at the Observant; and with a growl, he stomped over to the cell door, yelling, "Darn it! Leave me alone, you jerk!"
Okulo gasped with the half-ghost's sudden approach; and losing his composure in that instant, he floated back, shouting threateningly as he aimed his orb at the teen, "Halt!"
And seeing the orb suddenly pulse darkly, Danny's anger melded into alarm, since he knew that whenever the orb glowed, that usually meant trouble. His hands went up in surrender and quickly uttered, "Whoa, dude! I can't do anything to you, remember? I'm still behind these bars, you know!"
But the fact that Danny had still moved his hands pushed the nervous Observant over the edge, and he growled, "I said stop moving!"
Danny yelped as Okulo shot a green ray right at him; and although he tried to avoid it, it still was able to graze his shoulder.
"Okay! Okay!" Danny said, quickly apologizing and wincing in pain as he sat back down on his bed with his arms still up in surrender. But then, he frowned, quickly becoming very annoyed again. Just what was up with this jerk? He was usually very smug and calm when he came to visit them, always making sure to let them see how much he thought them inferior to him. But now… all he had done was move away from his cell and he was acting impulsively—almost… nervously…Was it possible Okulo was scared of them now that he was alone with them for the first time? But why? Still, that wasn't as important as the fact that Okulo did seem awfully scared.
Danny glanced over at Vlad, finally realizing he had also sat up with the commotion. But although the man was remaining quiet, the teen could see a small smirk at the corner of the man's mouth.
And Danny already knew why.
His own smirk growing on his lips, Danny lowered his hands as he turned his eyes back to Okulo, who was as tense as ever.
"Dude… you need to chill. I mean, anyone would think you're… scared of us…," the teen taunted.
Okulo's eye widened in alarm, but he quickly narrowed it, hissing, "I fear no inferior creatures, much less two abominations!" Then drawing just a bit closer to Danny, he spat, "…Especially not you—you pathetic doomed weakling!"
"And yet your body language and quivering voice say otherwise," Vlad suddenly said evilly.
Danny grinned at the other hybrid, especially when the teen could easily read the disconcertedness in Okulo's eye.
But now livid at the fact that these two creatures had now seen right through his ruse, Okulo glared furiously at them before he reflexively aimed his orb at Vlad and yelled, "Silence! Silence or I'll—I'll..." But then, he inadvertently lowered the orb in defeat, since he couldn't think of a threat when he knew his orb only harmed ghosts—and, unfortunately, the elder creature was human at the moment...
Danny raised an eyebrow with Okulo's stuttering and how he had stopped threatening Vlad with his orb. That was odd…Why didn't he…? His eyes brightened. That must be it! And he suddenly chuckled, saying, "Or, you'll what?"
But when the Observant didn't answer, the teen wondered out loud, "You can't hurt him, can you?"
"No, but I can hurt you!" Okulo sneered, turning his glare to the teenager and aiming his orb at him now that his composure was completely gone. In an instant, a green beam shot out from the orb.
But much to Okulo's growing anger and… fear, Danny acted on his hunch and quickly turned human, just before the ray passed harmlessly through him. Both relieved and excited that his hunch had been right, the teen smugly said, "Think again, Cyclops!"
Okulo lowered his orb, though he kept his eye narrowed on Danny. "Be careful, abomination. I have other means of making you sorry!"
But before the teen could say anything, Vlad suddenly scoffed and said, "Do not pay mind to him, Daniel. This cowardly spirit cannot do anything to us. So, do not even waste your breath."
Danny watched as Vlad lay back down and covered his eyes again, purposely ignoring Okulo again. And thinking it was a good idea, Danny rolled his eyes at the liaison and said "Whatever, dude," and then lay back down himself, turning away from him—though he made sure to stay human this time so the Observant couldn't bother him with his orb.
Okulo looked uncertain for a moment, unsure of what to do. He didn't like not being in control of a situation, especially when dealing with two highly dangerous creatures. Perhaps… he should just leave? … No! He had come for a reason and he was not leaving until he completed it! Besides, he was not going to let these two inferior beings disrespect him like this!
Once more, Okulo jeered, "Well, what is wrong, abominations? Have you no more pitiful words to throw at me? After all, that is all you two can do! You seemed so willing to speak out-of-turn during your entire trail because that is all you two have left! The truth is that even your wits are useless now! You both are as meek as a youngling hiding under the skirts of its mother. It seems like to me that you can no more repair yourself than you can defend yourself right now … Hard to believe, then, that you creatures are so important to everything!"
Vlad's eyes widened a bit in surprise at the implications of Okulo's words; but although he sat up again, he forced himself to remain quiet. Danny, on the other hand….
"What?" the teen quickly asked, sitting up and jumping to his feet with a look of disbelief. Could it be that this Observant might know of Iluzisto's plans? He then pressed on, "How are we so important to everything? Just what do you mean?"
Okulo froze in place. He hadn't meant to slip up like that and practically tell the creatures their use in all of this. And he didn't want to let the hybrids know his true purpose in coming here. Still, he had to respond in some way…it was only proper. And, actually, as he thought about it more, why should he afraid to confess his part in all this? After all, they could tell no one and his plan was just a timeless moment away from completion!
"Oh, please. Surely if you creatures had any intelligence you would have concluded the truth by now," Okulo interrupted him with sneer. "Did you honestly believe that Iluzisto, as ill-tempered and impulsive as he is, could have devised such an elaborate plan on his own? Who do you think has been covering up all his blunders? Who do you think has kept the High Council oblivious of what is really going on? Fool, it has been I this whole time! I am the true mastermind behind Iluzisto's plans with you two—or should I say: my plans?"
Danny just continued to stare back in disbelief, though now there was also indignation in his eyes. "So, that's it!" he thought furiously. "No wonder the High Council never believed us when we told them Iluzisto was torturing us! This jerk made sure they didn't believe it! And… now I know why he's here! He doesn't want to know if we're recovered because the Observants sent him—he wants to know because Iluzisto probably sent him! He wants me to hurry up and repair myself so that Iluzisto can take it all away! Well, I'm not letting that happen! After all, I already have repaired myself as best as I can right now. But that also doesn't mean that I have to let him know that..."
But Okulo interrupted the boy's thoughts.
"I am speaking to you, young crossbreed! Did you not hear me? Turn into a ghost! I demand that you obey me or else I will make you!"
Now fed up with all his taunts, Danny narrowed his eyes at the spirit again. But he didn't turn ghost and instead firmly replied, "What's with you stupid Observants, anyway? What happened to the times when you did what you did best and just observe?! Now, suddenly, you all feel like you need to butt in and just make your own kind of trouble! Looks like to me that you're no better than us!"
"What you say does not matter. All that matters is that you obey me!" Okulo said, his eye narrowing and his hand tightening around his orb.
"Oh, yeah? Just what's your game, Okulo? If you really are the supposed 'mastermind', then, what's in it for you? Or, are you just kidding yourself, and the truth is that you're just being tricked by Iluzisto?" Danny snapped.
"Like I said, I owe no inferior creature any explanations," Okulo began, ignoring the boy's jab about his obeying Iluzisto. Fool. If only he knew it was the other way around. It was he who had that hot-tempered Prison Head in complete control!
Still, he was interrupted by Danny. "You might not wanna tell me what's in it for you, but do you really think that Iluzisto is going to keep his end of the deal after he gets all that power?"
Okulo's eye narrowed even further now that his patience was up. Aiming his weapon at Danny, Okulo ordered, "Stand up! It is time to repair yourself!"
But Danny didn't move. He wasn't about to let this putrid spirit treat him as a puppet!
"Make me!" he growled, his green eyes defiantly flaring in anger.
Vlad groaned in frustration, but could only watch for what happened next.
"Gladly!" the Observant replied; but unable to use his orb on the human boy, he quickly raised his other hand and fired an ecto-blast at the teen.
And then it started…
If the neck brace hadn't been on Danny, he would have mopped the floor with the arrogant spirit. But everything the young hybrid did next was slowed or dampened because of that device around his neck.
Danny instinctively morphed into Phantom and shot upward, barely missing the beam before twisting his body around and returning fire at the Observant.
The Prison Liaison gasped and moved away from the weakened beam. How could that creature do that when he still had his collar on? Nevertheless, the green ray fortunately just missed him, but still shot past the bars before being quickly snuffed out by a strong puff of wind.
"Impossible! You should not be able to use your powers!" Okulo choked out.
"Yeah? Well, surprise, jerk!" Danny snapped, throwing another ecto-blast at the spirit.
Okulo tried to dodge again; but this time, he wasted no time, and aimed his orb at the teenager, and shot a beam right at his core.
Danny jolted as the beam penetrated him; but aside from making his body flash green, it didn't hurt him. However, just as unexpectedly, the beam that had gone into him came back out and returned to the orb.
Okulo gasped again as he felt what the orb had retrieved. "You are fully recovered! How can this be?"
Danny placed a hand against his chest, not sure what just happened. But now even more ticked off, he turned his attention back to Okulo as he growled, "I'm sick of that stupid orb of yours!"
Okulo grunted in anger as he was forced to dodge yet another blast, though this one singed his cloak this time. However, Okulo quickly shot a few more purple rays from his hand at the teen, before aiming his orb back at him.
Once again, Danny had barely avoided the energy attacks, but when he saw Okulo aim his orb at him, the teen reacted even faster this time as he counter-attacked with ice beams from his eyes. The icy energy made contact with Okulo's weapon just as its beam shot out and hit Danny in the chest.
And while the teen's cold energy beams encased the orb and the Observant's hand in a thin layer of ice, Danny cried out in pain as he felt the sharp sting to his core, but it vanished the moment the orb had been encased in ice.
Okulo yelped at this cold, unfamiliar sting and he reflexively shook the weapon loose from his hand before dropping it. Still, he would not be outdone by this creature! He aimed his other hand at him, about to use his ghost energy.
Danny's eyes widened, but he gritted his teeth and defiantly said, "I don't think so!"
The young hybrid aimed even more of his ice beams at the Observant and this time was able to encase both of Okulo's hands in a more solid block of ice.
Once again, the Observant cried out with the cold sting and violently shook his hands. The sound of cracking ice and then a loud thud erupted as Okulo successfully freed his hands from the ice. But in the process, Okulo had nudged the frozen orb on the ground with his spectral tail and had sent it forward. And now it was rolling toward Danny's cell!
Okulo immediately gasped and shot forward with the intention of retrieving his orb, but Danny reacted right away. The teen sent two more green ectoplasmic energy rays at the Observant as he lunged toward the rolling orb.
In spite of the fact that Danny's rays were still quite weak, they hit their mark, singeing Okulo's head and tearing angrily at his gown. The Observant cried out in pain and his lone eye suddenly glared. But the Observant just as quickly ignored the pain and teleported to retrieve his orb.
And having no time to grab the orb, Danny did the next best thing and shot a beam at it, effectively breaking it from its icy prison and sending it tumbling clear across the hall leading away from his cell.
"No! My power orb!" Okulo exclaimed as he watched it disappear into a darkened area. But turning his attention back to Danny, he seethed; but deep down he knew he was now powerless. Even if he could retrieve his orb, there was nothing he could do against these half-ghosts now that they knew his orb could not harm them while human. And worse, at least the younger one had access to his powers—which was not supposed to be possible!
Still, he was not about to let these abominations get away with this insult! No. He might not be able to do anything to them, but he knew who could!
"Now, you will be sorry, crossbreed!" Okulo darkly threatened. But, then, without any other hesitation, Okulo flew down the hall to retrieve his orb. But, instead of returning, the spirit abruptly fled the scene.
At first, Danny smirked at his triumph in scaring the Observant off. He flew up to the bars and watched the retreat of the liaison, as he yelled out, "Yeah, you better run, you creep!"
But he then frowned a bit when he saw that the Observant didn't go all the way down the hall, but had turned to the left and disappeared about halfway down, exiting the prison hall through the exit Iluzisto commonly took. However, at that instant, the teen also realized his own brashness and groaned out, "Oh, man! Now, I've done it!"
He should have known better than to reveal that he could partly use his powers while he still had the collar on and still in this cell! He had just lost his only trump card in all this on a sudden whim of anger! Danny had no doubt Okulo was going to go tell Iluzisto!
Plasmius just sighed. Not that he could blame the boy. After all Daniel had gone through since they were captured—getting attacked more times than he could count; having his friends and sister murdered; getting falsely accused and found guilty on trumped up charges for the most part; and now the threat of his parents' demise—it was more than enough to put that last straw on anyone's back. Still, the boy should have known that attacking the Observant's prison liaison would only bring Iluzisto here—and doom.
Even still, the man muttered really to himself, "Oh, you've done it alright, Daniel! Not that I could blame you. But, I also can't say I'm not surprised! You know what this means, yes?"
Danny looked at Vlad and nodded. "Yeah. We need to get out of here—and now!"
truephan here: Well, we certainly are 'at the brink', right? Things are piling up against the hybrids. Vlad is essentially out for the count, Danny just stirred things up, and Iluzisto will surely be on his way soon. But then, what about Team Phantom and Skulker? Where are they? Well, you'll just have to tune in the next time, huh? In the meantime, feel free to let us know your thoughts on this chapter and how evil we are to keep you hanging on that cliff again….Ooooh, love to do that! Ahem, I mean, Ms. Hyde loves to do that! I'm really a very warm, sweet and caring person with not a mean bone in my body! Uh, you do believe that, don't ya? Meh-heh. I mean, heh-heh! Hope to hear from you soon!
Pearl: Well, I am innocent, too! In fact, I was totally against this chapter! Yes, I was… *cracks up* Sorry, couldn't do that with a straight face. But, okay, I was somewhat against it; but then Vlad muse and Ms. Hyde had their say, and, well, here we are.
On a happier tune, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day—or, your father's anyways. Unless, one of you are old enough to have kids, so then the congrats is for you! XD
And to celebrate, Truephan has gifted us with an awesome one-shot in honor of Father's Day. Danny and Jack centered, and well…. Heh. I'll let you all go read it yourselves; but you'll love it! I know I did!
Well, ta for now, my dear readers! Hopefully, I will see you all at Checkmate sometime this week! Share your thoughts, please! You know we love them!