Disclaimer: I still don't own Danny Phantom. It will always belong to Butch Hartman, and I will always be just one of his many loyal fans.

Un-Shattered Bonds

Chapter 3: Tempting fate, yet again

Deep within the Ghost Zone, in a certain Clock tower, the master of time and the guardian of love of beauty had witness the entire proposal, one with a proud smile with the other with happy tears in their eyes.

"No matter how many times I see it, it still makes me cry…' Aphrodite said as she wiped away another tear from her eye.

"I think that will be it for now…" Clockwork said as he closed the time window.

It was about the fifth time they had re-watched the beautiful moment and Aphrodite still could see the love between Danny and Ember beautiful and true as it has ever been. They were undoubtable soulmates.

"I am very happy for those two, their love is very inspiring…" Aphrodite said as she place a hand on top of Clockwork's who squeezed it in return.

"I am not surprised…" Clockwork said.

"Because you can see all that has been and all that will be?...' Aphrodite said with a raised eyebrow.

"No, because they had the support of someone like you, it was no surprise that they made it to where they are now…" Clockwork said with a smile.

"You're sweet…" Aphrodite said as she kissed his cheek.

"It is true, despite the complicated start, Danny and Ember are happy together and I can see a very bright future for them…" Clockwork said to his lady.

"And what about us?...' Aphrodite asked coyly to the time master who smirked.

"As I said, time is different for me but I like to think I will keep seeing you…" Clockwork said as he wrapped his arms around her, bringing her closer.

This was the seventh Valentine's Day they had spent together but they have spent other times together as well. Despite the demands of their jobs, the spirit of time and the spirit of love could not stay away from each other for long. The once platonic friendship/flirtation between them had become romantic. Despite their duties, they always managed to sneak some time to spend together like right now. Despite the fact that she has had many lovers during the eons, Clockwork was special to her. He was unlike the other men she had once loved or had a fling with.

He was a powerful spirit, but he also had a compassionate side. It didn't mean he wasn't above eliminating those the world was better off without but Clockwork was proof that one does not need to become corrupt for power.

He always intrigued her.

"I like to keep seeing you as well…" Aphrodite said sweetly before kissing him.

Soon their kiss ended, with Aphrodite still having her arms around him and Clockwork looking into her eyes.

"So I know that you went to see him earlier today…" He said slowly and Aphrodite frowned.

"The downside of dating a time spirit is that he can always know where you have been whenever he wants…" Aphrodite said sarcastically.

"I see that he was still being stubborn…" Clockwork said sympathetically.

"Very much…which unfortunately he got from me…" Aphrodite said in an embarrassed tone of voice.

Before she arrive her for her date with Clockwork, she had stopped by the Acropolis to check on her son Eros. It's has been close to 8 years since she had stripped him of his powers and while her cousin Pandora has been disciplining him left and right, he has yet to make any changes yet in his demeanor. He still had so much anger and pride within him.

FLASHBACK

At the Acropolis

The spirit of love and beauty had just arrived and was greeted by the Minotaur's that served her cousin Pandora. It was Valentine's day and she was planning on spending it with a handsome time spirit who she adored very much.

However, before she would get to her date, she decided to make a quick stop to see another person who had an important role in her life, albeit differently. Once she arrived to the door, she paused as she felt a sense of emotions and she frowned when she knew whom they belonged to. Even from this distance, Aphrodite can still sense all the negative emotions within her son. Despite all the anger he had towards her, she still loved him greatly and she knew it was her fault that he turned out like this. The foolishness of her youth had big consequences and it was what became of her son.

"Oh Eros…." She sighed as she knocked on the door and was soon greated by Pandora.

"Oh Aphrodite, what a pleasant surprise…"Pandora said a smile, happy to see her relative.

"It is nice to see you two dear cousin, may I come in?..." She asked.

"But of course…" Pandora said as she showed her in.

"I take it that you are here to see your son?…" Pandora asked and Aphrodite nodded.

"EROS! GET OVER HERE RIGHT NOW!..." Pandora shouted, nearly shaking the entire acropolis in the process. Aphrodite was unfazed as she was long used to her cousin's outbursts.

Almost instantly arrived, carrying a bucket and a mop. He had an exhausted look on his fate that barely hid the anger and bitterness within her. Aphrodite could sense it more now that they were in such close proximity.

"Yes, what it-…"He paused when he saw his mother and didn't even try to hide his frown.

"Oh, hello mother..." Cupid said with no expression on his face but his mother could sense the hostility within him.

"Hello, my son..." Aphrodite said awkwardly.

Pandora could sense that they wanted some privacy, so she left them for the time being. She was not worried since she had guards all over the place and Eros was pretty much powerless as it is. The mother and son did not speak for a long time, both did not break eye contact as well. They both were in very different kinds of turmoil.

"What are you doing here anyway?...'Cupid demanded, since Pandora was not here, he could at least not have to worry about her infamous outbursts.

"I wanted to check up on you, to see how you were doing..." Aphrodite said with her arms crossed.

"I should say more or less, given that it was you who sent me to this slave camp in the first place!..." The cherub said sarcastically.

"You know the reason why I had to do that! What happened that year could have been avoided if you didn't let your anger and impulses control you, making you neglect your responsibilities and focus on meaningless mischief..." The mother scolded.

"At least I never slept with someone I was not married to! Or tried to make someone miserable out of envy!..." Cupid spat.

"No, you only used mortals and other spirits as your playthings, harming them or using them either to amuse yourself or because you were angry or didn't like what they did, which is no better..." Aphrodite said with a glare.

"Why are you really here? Aren't you suppose to be in bed with that fool Clockwork or did you grow tire of him already and are now hunting a new sex toy?...'"Cupid spat.

"EROS! Watch your tongue! Clockwork is one of the most venerable of spirits and deserves respect and despite everything I am STILL your mother..." Aphrodite yelled.

"Haven't you figured out by now that he only "loves" you for your body, just like every man you have ever bedded...No love, just a disgusting display of lust!..." Cupid shouted.

"EROS! I am warning you right now-...'She stared but was stopped by her son's yell.

"What will you do, you already took away my powers and made me a slave, what else can you do to me that you haven't already done?..." He said in an acidic voice.

"I see that you still have yet to change..." Aphrodite thought in disappointment... "

One day you will understand why I did this my son, we have both made mistakes and hurt those who did not deserve it, I admit that. However, the difference between us is that I know what I did was wrong and I am trying to repent...but you...you still have a lot to learn about love..." Aphrodite sighed.

The beautiful spirit did not wait for an answer as she left her very bitter son behind. She didn't need to look at his face to see what he was feeling. Anger, misery, disgust and heartache...all directed at her.

"One day you will understand..." She whispered to herself, feeling a strong wave of sadness from within.

End of Flashback

"I see that he still refuses to see reality..." Clockwork shook his head.

"My son hates me..." Aphrodite said sadly.

"What you said is the truth, you may have made poor choices in your youth my dear Aphrodite but you regret them and learned from them. I believe everyone deserves a second chance to redeem themselves and you have done extraordinary on your second term as the spirit of love..." Clockwork said as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

Aphrodite didn't speak at that, she looked to her feet in sadness.

"I am also sorry about what he said about you, you are a wonderful man Clockwork and a perfect gentleman but my son always sees any bond that was forged without his approval as impure...even if they are soulmates or not...For the spirits of love, it is extremely rare for soulmates to find each other without our assistance but when they do happen, it causes no form of imbalance...I never really minded since our mission is to make sure that soul mates are brought together but my son refuses to accept any relationship that does not meet his approval, such as ours or any of my previous lovers..." Aphrodite explained.

"He was blinded by his pride then and he is still blinded by it now..." Clockwork said sagely.

"You don't need to tell me about that..." Aphrodite said looking away in shame.

"Lessons in humility take time my dear, Aphrodite…though how long sometimes depends on the person rather than the lesson itself…" Clockwork said to her.

"I am willing to wait until the end of time if it means he'll learn his lesson…Despite everything that has happened, he is still my son and I just want him to get better…" She confessed.

"Hopefully you won't have to wait until then, your son may be a fool but he not irredeemable, once he lets go of his pride, he will see the truth…" Clockwork said to her.

"So I guess I shouldn't be letting my hopes up until at least the next millennia…" Aphrodite said sarcastically, earning a chuckle from her boyfriend.

"You are a remarkable woman Aphrodite and despite your boy's stubbornness, he knows that you love him as any mother has loved their son…" Clockwork said kindly.

"The sad thing is that he thinks that type of love is meaningless…" Aphrodite said sadly.

"It is not...I don't need to see the future in order to know that he is wrong..." Clockwork said as he brought her closer to him.

The two shared another kiss, with Aphrodite still enjoying the embrace. She felt a surge of both power and pleasure during the kiss, something not uncommon for her since she IS the spirit of love, but it has been more prominent with Clockwork.

"Let's talk about something else Clockwork...After all it is Valentine's day..." The woman hinted and Clockwork got the message.

The time master soon opened another time portal which lead to the renaissance era. He then changed his cloak to resemble the kind o clothing worn in this time period. He then turned to his date and sent her a smile.

"Would you like you come and watch the world premiere of Romeo and Juliet with me, my dear?..." Clockwork asked politely.

Aphrodite smiled since she always loved that play. A bonus of dating a man who can control time is that not only can you go anywhere for dates, you can go any when as well.

"Oh, Clockwork, I thought you'd never ask..." Aphrodite giggled as she took his arm and then soon left for their date.

Back in the human world

With out favorite couple

The happy couple had just left the restaurant and Ember was still admiring her ring as they continued their flight.

"It's so beautiful Danny..." Ember said as she gestured at that ring.

"You sure are..." Danny said flirtatiously.

"Corny..." Ember teased.

"Seriously though, this must have cost a fortune, that an renting out the café...What's next, we're gonna have our honeymoon on the actual moon or something?..." Ember asked sarcastically.

"We could...I am a member of NASA and I could pull some strings..." Danny said with a chuckle.

"You really are something..." Ember said as she kissed his cheek.

The couple soon arrived to their destination, which was Fenton Works. The place has changed over the years since it was now a world wide known Corporation for all things ghost-related. Despite the changes, it was still and always would be home to his family.

"Hello, mom...dad..." Danny called as he entered the building.

"Hey Dann-o..." Jack greeted his son.

"Hello honey...and hi, Ember, how are you..." Maddie said smiling to her son and his girlfriend.

The two had changed over the years and not just because of aging. Jack was the most notable as his hair was all gray now and he had a large beard, he also traded his orange jumpsuit in favor of a black one that had the DP logo which has pretty much become the official symbol of the company. He also had an eye patch and now had a metal leg due to fight a few years ago where he got injured and lost his leg against a fight with Skulker. Despite his intimidating looks, he was still the jovial, gentle giant that they all knew and loved. Maddie also changed as she now sported a shorter, spiked up hair style and traded her old jumpsuit for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt with the DP logo on it. Despite being in her mid-50's, she still kicked as much butt as ever, and she was still the loving mother she has always been.

"Where's Jazz and Dani? I got something to tell you guys..." Danny asked his parents.

"I'll call for them..." Jack said as he pressed a button on his phone, and in less than a moment later, Jazz arrived, still wearing her dark jumpsuit that wired her in the all the gadgets in Fenton Works. Dani also fazed into the building in her ghost form.

"What's the deal, I was monitoring the town security camera's for ghost watch?..." Jazz said as she took off her mask.

"I was about to go out, what's up?..." Dani asked as she changed into her human form.

At age 26, Jazz was now a lovely woman and her genes from their mother were starting to kick in. She now had a short, bob-cut and her figure was more developed. She had managed to get her degree in Psychology but decided she enjoyed ghost hunting more and made a career switch. She now works in Fenton Works and assist Team Phantom and their parents whenever she can.

Dani, now age 22, has grown into a very beautiful and powerful young woman. Her human and ghost forms changed a bit as she now had hairy, white hair that she mostly kept to the side and now had a similar suit to her older brother. Her human form mostly consisted of medium length black hair that she let down freely, and she now wore a dark blue tank top and red skirt, a semi-party girl kind of outfit. Overall, she was a very beautiful young woman.

"We got some news for you guys, you might want to sit down first..." Danny said as he watched his parents and sisters take a seat.

"What's going on son?..." Jack asked, still confused.

"Would you like to do the honors baby?..." Danny asked and Ember sent him a mischievous smirk.

"We're getting married..." Ember said as she proudly showed off her engagement ring.

Time seemed to pause for a moment as the entirety of the Fenton Clan was stunned silent. However in less than 30 seconds, loud screams could be heard as Jazz, Jack, Dani and even Maddie were now shouting in excitement and engulfing the startled couple in a tight hug.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!..." Jazz squealed.

"FINALLY! I knew this day would come, I'm so happy!..." Dani cheered as she hugged the life out of her brother.

"Oh my baby boy is getting married!..." Maddie cried as she continued the hug.

"Way to go son! I knew you had it in you..." Jack said as he bawled in happiness.

The entire family were so wrapped up in their emotions that they didn't notice that their son was in his human form and was getting uncomfortable with the tight smothering.

"CAN'T...BREATH!..."Danny yelled, almost seeing little spots.

This caused the family to let go and back up but they were still buzzing with excitement.

"This is all so exciting! You guys are finally going to get married..." Dani gushed in excitement.

"You got that right and it's about time, if this dipstick took any longer, I was about to just break tradition and ask him..." Ember teased.

"If you did ended up dong that, then it has to be diamonds and nothing on the cheap..." Danny joked, causing his fiancé and family to laugh.

"Lee me see the ring, please..." Jazz asked and Ember showed it off.

"It's so beautiful..." Jazz asked in happiness while deep down she tried to hide her envy.

She was happy for her brother, she really was but she was two years older and she was still not married yet. She and Tucker were still together and they were happy but Jazz really wanted to take the next step. She tried dropping hints but either Tucker didn't notice or he was ignoring them. Not to mention that Sam got married last year to Christopher and Jazz caught the bouquet at their wedding which was a gorgeous garden wedding.

"You both are so lucky..." Jazz said with a smile.

"You got that right..." Ember said.

"Congratulations Ember, I always knew that you two were meant to be..." Dani said kindly to the pop diva.

"Thanks Dani..." Ember said as she gave the younger woman a hug.

"I'm so proud of you son..." Jack said to his boy with a smile.

"Thanks dad..." Danny said as he gave him a manly hug.

"I am proud too sweetie...Soon your getting married and be with someone who loves you so much, I couldn't be happier..." Maddie said as she wiped away another year.

"You mean that Mrs. Fenton?..."Ember asked.

Despite the awkward start between them when she and Danny started dating, Maddie no longer hated her or thought she was a bad ghost. She had long grown to accept the female music ghost as a genuinely good person.

"Of course I do dear...I don't think there is anyone else their ghost or human that could love my son the way you do..." Maddie said as she hugged the blue haired diva who returned it.

"Welcome to the family Ember..." Jack said as he extended his hand to his future daughter-in-law.

"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Fenton..." Ember said as she tried hard not to shed any tears.

"Call me mom..." Maddie said kindly.

" You can call me dad..." Jack said in the same tone.

Okay, that did it. Ember was tearing up now, feeling so happy right now.

"What did I do to deserve this?..." Ember thought blissfully as she turned to her fiancé who took her hand. The two soon left together after the family gave more congratulations and asked for more details about the upcoming nuptials. Right now they were holding hands and star gazing, one of their favorite things to do.

"Your family is the best..." Ember said happily.

"And soon you'll be a part of it..." Danny said as he held her hand a little tighter, making her smile widen.

"Hey look, a shooting star..." Ember pointed as she saw one fly.

"What did you wish for?..." Danny asked.

"Nothing...I already have everything I could want..." Ember said as she cuddled closer to him.

"Me too..." Danny said before kissing her.

"I love you Danny..." Ember thought as they continued their embrace.

She and Danny were going to be married soon and his entire family loved and accepted her. She had her dream job of being a famous singer, she was rich, successful, admired by the masses and she was getting married to the only man she ever truly loved. She was happy, she would soon become Danny's wife and start a beautiful life with him. They had an unbreakable bond of love between them and they would spend the rest of their lives and after lives together.

She was happy, she has everything that she could ever want and absolutely nothing could ruin this for her.

Nothing.

Elsewhere

Several dozen miles outside of Amity Park, in a field that was completely deserted, a meteor had landed, leaving a noticeable crater on the earth. However this was no ordinary meteor as it had a passenger on it. A large creature with blue skin, red eyes, fangs, black and white hair that was trimmed and he was wearing blue rags with a strange symbol on the chest.

"Finally..." The creature said as he got up and turned invisible before any of the authorities arrived to investigated the meteor landing. He kept flying north until he saw a familiar city come to view.

"After all these years, I have finally returned back..." The creature said as he flew and saw a familiar sign that made his blood boil.

"Welcome to Amity Park, home of world savior Danny Phantom!"

He had spent the last 8 years of his life trapped in space and had been captured as a slave for an alien race. He had finally managed to escape his imprisonment and his first act was to return back to earth. Now he was here and he has a lot of unfinished business to attend regain the power that he lost and get revenge on the one who ruined him in the first place.

Danny Phantom.

"Better watch out now Daniel, Vlad Plasmius is back and there is definitely going to be some changes around here..."The creature, Vlad Plasmius said as he sent a blast to the billboard, leaving a gaping hole where the face of his enemy was.

Both he and this backwater town are in for a rude awakening.

-To be continued

Next time on Un-Shattered Bonds

Bitterness loves company

A/N: Happy Valentine's day :)

REPLIES to my amazing reviewers:

Invader Johnny: You have no idea how right you are..

Dreams Come True 996: Thank you :)

Feurrige: I guess the reason is because he's the big bad of the series...

Guest: Thank you. I hope that this chapter will do.

:) Till next time everyone, remember to read and review :)