Disclaimer: I still don't own Danny Phantom as it's the property of Butch Hartman, Nickelodeon and Viacom International. I am just a loyal fan and nothing more.

Unshattered Bonds

Chapter 8: The life of Danny Plasmius

Danny didn't know how he got here. He was suddenly in the Ghost Zone but he didn't recall when he got here. He found himself flying through some unfamiliar territory.

"When did I get here?..."Danny asked out loud as he looked around.

He kept searching his way but he felt like he was lost. He couldn't recognize anything here. He didn't know what was going on. Suddenly he heard a giggle, he turned around and saw it was some woman in blue, but her back was to him and he couldn't see her face.

"Um, excuse me...Miss..."Danny called but the woman didn't turn to him, she just giggled and flew away.

"Hey wait up, what's going on here?...'Danny asked as he flew to catch up to her.

He didn't understand anything that was going on. He didn't even know who this lady was but he felt like he needed to talk to her. He tried to fly faster but the lady in blue was still out of his reach.

"Hey lady...Wait up..." Danny called but he just heard more giggles.

Suddenly the lady was gone and he saw a roaring fire on one of the floating rocks. What was strange was that the flames were blue and Danny felt strange...

"Weird...It's like I've seen something like this before..."Danny said as he walked closer to the flames that were almost calling to him. He felt his hand touch it and he was surprised that it wasn't hot and burning him. It was warm but it didn't hurt...

It almost felt...nice.

However before anything could happen, he heard the giggling again and turned around but saw no one and then the entire ghost zone was gone, replaced by a white void and only he could heard was giggling and all he could see was the blue fire that despite appearance, was still not hurting him.

Danny jolted awake, his alarm clock having woken him up and he was sweating a bit. He was back in his bed rooms, not in the Ghost Zone, with no mystery woman and no strange blue fire.

"What a weird dream...'Danny muttered as he tried to think things over.

This was the fifth time this year he had that dream but he knew that he never met the woman in his dream. She was no one he knew in either the human world or the Ghost Zone. He always chalked the dream of as a figment of his imagination and his own anxiety.

"Good morning sire..."One of his chambermaids said as she entered the room.

"Morning Delia..."Danny said as he got up and his servants cleaned his room.

He wasn't really comfortable having servants, ever since his father became ruler of the world, he encouraged him to get used to the finer things in life...but Danny wasn't always comfortable but his family was. He went to get a bath and get dressed, the one thing he insisted on doing on his own. Once done, he left to the dining room and saw his mother and older sister already there, while the servants prepared their breakfast.

"Good morning Danny..."His mother Maddie greeted, using his preferred nickname.

"Good morning mom..."Danny said.

He always felt closer to his mother than his father, even if he was the one who trained him since he got his ghost powers. His mother wasn't nearly as strict as his father and she was far more affectionate, even during times when he wished she wasn't. His sister also was less strict and she was the only other person who called him "Danny" but never in their father's presence.

Danny soon began to eat his fancy breakfast as he talked to his family.

"So where is father?...'Danny asked as he noticed that he was not here.

"You're father is overseeing the colonies in the Ghost Zone today but he said he will be back by tomorrow..."Maddie explained, though she didn't seem too excited about it.

Danny didn't talk after that as he continued to eat. He soon went to the estate grounds. He still sometimes couldn't believe it. All his life he had been treated to an extravagant life thanks to his father who was at first Mayor of Amity Park, before he saved the world from the Disasteroid and became the ruler of the earth.

Which essentially made Danny the prince of the earth.

Now here he was: 24 years old and a college graduate in business and government. He wanted to study astronomy and maybe become an astronaut but his father said he had to take over the family business and had to live up to their family name. Danny knew he couldn't fight back since his father was a man of high expectations and he always managed to get his way in the end. He did care about his father, he respected him, he was a good man and he truly did seem to have his best interests at heart.

He said that Masters deserved only the best.

It's been that way ever since he was a child.

FLASHBACK

At the Mayor's manor, a 10 year old Daniel Master was currently being scolded by his father Vlad, who held his math exam in his hand, which had a C+ on it.

"What exactly is this?..." Vlad demanded.

"My math test...'Danny said with some hesitation.

"I see...And why exactly do I see such a deplorable grade on it?...'Vlad demanded once more.

"Dad...I...But it's only a C+...'Danny defended.

Sure it wasn't his best grade but he was acting like he got an F on the test. It wasn't his fault, the test was really hard and math was his worst subject.

"No "buts" Daniel, you know I expect better from you..."Vlad said with no mercy on his face.

"You know I'm not good at math..." Danny started but was cut off.

"You are a Master's Daniel and Master's always excel...Now I am going to call your teacher and try and see if we can get your grade up...If not, there's going to be some restrictions around here...'Vlad said sternly.

"But dad-..."Danny started.

"Daniel, I already told you to call me "father"...'Vlad said to the boy who looked down.

"Yes, father..."Danny said looking down.

"Good boy, now come along...We are meeting with your private tutor in order to raise this grade...'Vlad ordered and took his son to the private library.

Danny sighed as he knew that he could kiss play time goodbye today. His father was very strict when it came to grades...and basically everything.

He wanted both him and Jazz to be straight A students and his father always got what he wanted in the end. When he didn't, Danny would find himself being punished by no television or a long grounding but his father always said it was for his own good.

His father always got his way in the end.

Always.

End of Flashback

Present time

Danny sighed, that was only one of many times his father was disappointed in him and tried to "correct" him. He spent two weeks stuck with a bunch of tutors until his dad was satisfied with his grades but Danny still felt like the man will never be satisfied. Vlad was a big man and he had these expectations on him his entire life. He said that he was his perfect son, the heir he always wanted and Danny knew that his father did care about him.

He just had a strange way of showing it but he always said that he wanted what was best for him.

FLASHBACK

A 17 year old Daniel Masters had entered his father's office, which was basically within a castle in the town's heart. This has been his head quarters/home since he saved the world from the Disasteroid last year.

"But father-...'Danny started but was cut off.

"No "buts" Daniel, we have already decided that you will be attending Harvard Business school next year...'Vlad said from the other side of his desk.

Danny groaned. He had no interest in business like his father said. He wanted to study astronomy and had been researching schools on that but his father was insistent that he follow his footsteps and go to the most exclusive university on Earth. He didn't even have the GPA to get in but he knew his father would pull the strings to get him in.

"But father, Amity Park University has an amazing science program and lets students takes trip to the SPACE center each year, it's also has a respectable reputation..."Danny pleaded as he tried to show the University's pamphlets.

"The answer is still no Daniel, you are a Masters and all Masters graduate head of the class and venture into the business world because that is where the power lies..."Vlad said seriously.

Danny only looked sad. He really wanted to be an astronaut but his father was the one who was paying for his education and he knew that he would never let him be anything less than some Wall Street tycoon in training.

"It's just a silly, little childhood dream but rest assure Daniel, I know what is best for you...'Vlad said to the young man as he patted him on the shoulder.

Danny tried to say something but he knew it was pointless. His father wanted him to go to Harvard and he knew that he wasn't going to allow anything less.

"Yes father..."Danny sighed as he placed the pamphlet down.

His father smiled before he dismissed him and Danny went to his room. He tried to fight back the tears and hoped no one would see them. Masters never cried, they were strong and powerful. that was what his father always said. They were powerful in both the business and political world and he was destined to become just that.

Just like his father had said.

End of Flashback

That was years ago and Danny had to let it go. He had recently gotten his Masters degree and he worked as something of a governor under his father's rule. He basically had power but he still had to answer to his father about important issues.

Which was basically everything, as far as Emperor Vlad was concern.

Suddenly his phone started to ring and he saw that it was his fiancé Paulina.

"Hello..." Danny greeted.

"Hey you, how's my prince charming today..."Paulina said in cutesy voice.

"I'm doing good, so what's up Paulina?...'Danny asked.

"Do I need a reason to talk to my darling, I want to see you...Come over, I want to talk a little about the wedding..."Paulina said.

"Right now, it's a little after 7 ..."Danny said as he checked his watch.

"C'mon darling...'Paulina whined and Danny gave in.

"Alright, I'll be over in a few minutes..."Danny said.

"I'll be counting the moments..."Paulina flirted before Danny hung up.

He shook his head as he changed into his ghost form. Paulina lived only 5 minutes away. Since her family was one of the richest people in the country, she lived close to them. He could easily walk to her place but flying was faster and Paulina was very punctual. He soon arrived to the vast Sanchez estate which was considered the second fanciest home in Amity Park, right after the Plasmius castle in the center of the town.

He soon arrived and was greeted by the servants. He soon found Paulina who was waiting for him in the living room. He also saw her parents there as well.

"Darling~..."Paulina squealed as she ran up to him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hey Paulina..."Danny said.

"Good morning your highness..."Paulina's mother Maria greeted.

"Hello Mrs. Sanchez... Mr. Sanchez..."Danny said politely.

"Now my boy, you will soon be marrying our beautiful daughter, you can call us mamá and papá..."Maria said with a smile.

"Um..."Danny started.

"Not so fast, their not married yet..."Paulina's father Juan said as he waved his hands.

"Oh papá , don't be silly...Anyway me and Danny have to go out and discuss the wedding..."Paulina said to her parents.

"I still can't believe my baby girl is marrying into the royal family..."Maria squealed in excitement.

"What do you expect, my daughter deserves the best..."Juan said with pride as he gushed over his precious daughter.

Danny was started to feel a little awkward and felt Paulina grab his hand. She bid her parents goodbye and started dragging Danny to an unknown direction.

"I thought you wanted to hang out here...'Danny said.

"I did until I realized that my parents were still home..."Paulina said as she entered the limousine.

"But what does-...'Danny was silenced when Paulina pulled him into a kiss and he realized now what she meant. Danny continued to make out with his fiancé as the limo continued to drive to wherever it was that Paulina wanted to go.

He still couldn't believe that it's been 10 years since their relationship started and that it's been a few weeks since he asked her to marry him. Ever since he graduated, Paulina has been talking about marriage and his parents, especially his father, kept telling him that he had to continue the family line. He loved Paulina and he was okay with marrying her, that was what he knew.

She was his first girlfriend, she accepted him when she discovered he had ghost powers and she's been by his side forever. He could still remember the day when he asked her out and how they shared their first kiss.

FLASHBACK

About 10 years ago

After the school dance

Danny was feeling on top of the world. He had gone to the dance with Paulina Sanchez, the most beautiful and popular girl at school and it was better than he dreamed. Everyone, especially Dash and the A-Listers were surprised to see them as a couple but Paulina told them to buzz off before she insisted that they dance together.

"I had a great time tonight Danny..."Paulina said as she held onto his arm.

"I do too...I mean it...tonight was...'Danny paused, trying to think of the right world.

"Perfect..."Paulina suggested.

"Yes, that..."Danny said.

"Of course it was, you spent it with me...'Paulina said as she sent him a smile that left him weak at the knee's.

"I gotta be honest, I do like you Danny..."Paulina said to the boy, looking very cute.

"You do?..."Danny asked in a disbelieving tone.

"I do and I wanna know, do you like me too?...'Paulina asked, looking down with her sparkly eyes.

"Yes, I do...I think your the most beautiful, amazing girl in the world..."Danny said without a moment's hesitation.

He stopped breathing when Paulina pushed him to the wall and looked at him with those hypnotic eyes of her.

"Well, if you do like me...kiss me..."Paulina whispered as she puckered her lips and Danny felt his heart pumping.

"I'm the luckiest guy in the world..."Danny said to himself as puckered his own lips and leaned in, excited to kiss the girl of his dreams.

Their lips met and the next day Paulina proudly announced that they were boyfriend and girlfriend to the entire school. Danny didn't question how quick their start was or why Paulina suddenly showed interest in him out of the blue. He had his dream girl and he was happy.

At least he thought that he was happy.

End of Flashback

He has been with her since that day and that was when his high school career changed. It wasn't long until his dad pressured him into joining the football team and since he was dating Paulina, he was finally cool enough to join the A-Listers. At first it was great until it caused some complication with his old friends Tucker Foley and Sam Manson, who weren't considered popular. Danny tried to include them in his life but they stopped being friends with him. They kept telling him that Paulina was all wrong for him and that she wasn't a good person and it ended with him yelling that they were wrong.

Paulina insisted that they were just jealous because he was rich and popular now, and that they were happy. She said that they weren't good friends because they couldn't be happy for them. It was a big mess and it ended with them not talking. Danny missed them but he couldn't accept the way they spoke about his fiancé.

Paulina might be a little high maintenent but she was loving, affectionate and loyal to him. They didn't see that.

"Oh Danny..."Paulina said as she kissed his lips.

Danny tried to fight away his memories and focus on the moment. Paulina loved him and he loved her and they should get married. That was what he kept telling himself as continue to kiss her. He suddenly had a memory of blue fire flashed in his eyes.

~Giggle!~

"Huh..."Danny flinched, he could swear that he heard that cute giggle from his dream..

The one about that strange woman and he shook it off and tried to focus on what was real in his life.

That was Paulina.

Later

At a fancy Café

Danny and Paulina had some brunch and were now going over different wedding magazines. Paulina told him about all of her desires and ideas and Danny only nodded along.

"I think gold, white and pink would be the perfect colors, darling..."Paulina said as she pointed to the picture.

"Sweetie, we only got engaged a few days ago..."Danny pointed out, he knew that she was excited but she was pulling out a lot of stocks.

"So, you can never start planning too early..."Paulina said dismissively as she continued to point at her ideas and Danny only found himself agreeing with whatever she said.

Something he has gotten used to at this point.

The waiter came and gave them their orders, while Paulina still kept spouting details to her fiancé.

"For our honeymoon, I was think we do a big trip..."Paulina suggested.

"To where honey?..."Danny asked.

"Everywhere, I was thinking we could visit each of the seven continents, starting with Europe..."Paulina said excitedly.

"Uh, that's pretty big honey, I mean we would only get to spend a few days in a different country and then get on the plane and we'd only have-..."Danny was stopped.

"Don't worry about work and time darling, I'll work on that details but we sure to know that by next month, it will be you and me as man and wife, traveling all over the world..."Paulina said in a dreamy voice.

Danny was in the middle of taking a sip of water before he did a spit take.

"A MONTH?!..."Danny shouted in disbelief.

"What's wrong darling?...'Paulina raised an eyebrow.

"P-Paulina honey, we only got engaged last week and a month isn't really a lot of time...I mean we still need to get a venue and send invitations..."Danny stared but Paulina put her finger on his lips.

"Shush, don't worry about it. I found the perfect venue yesterday and I managed to get a spot and don't worry about the planning. My parents are hiring Sarah Souza, the best planner in the world, to handle everything...It's going to be perfect..."Paulina said in excitement.

"You...You already hired a planner and got a place?...'Danny asked.

"Yes and it's going to be perfect..."Paulina said with a wide grin and she took his hand in hers..."I can't wait..."She said happily.

'I can't either...but honey, it's not a lot of time...'Danny started.

Paulina's smile dropped and Danny flinched at how quick her expression turned from smiling to pouty.

"What do you mean? Don't you want to marry me anymore?..."Paulina said with sad eyes and looked like she was about to cry.

'NO! I mean yes, I do want to marry you...'Danny said quickly.

"Then we don't have a problem...The venue I want is absolutely perfect...I was thinking in Paris where we can get a great view of the Eiffel tower..."Paulina said as she pulled out her phone to show him.

"I see..."Danny said as he looked at the place. It looked really expensive, which explains why Paulina loved it.

"It was not easy getting a spot but I am very persuasive...Once I told them that it was you and me getting married, they got us a spot, no one would deny the prince of the Empire and his beautiful bride...'Paulina said as she took his hand.

"In one month we will walk down the aisle, just like we always dreamed..."Paulina said in a dreamy voice.

"Yeah, we are..."Danny said, hoping he sounded more confident than he actually felt.

"Oh I'm so excited Danny darling, I can't wait to marry you..." Paulina gushed before kissing him on the lips.

"Yeah, I can't either..."Danny said as Paulina smiled and went back to admiring the magazine.

Unknown to her, Danny was processing the information.

"One month..."He thought, feeling his stomach churn a bit.

He had been hoping that he and Paulina could enjoy themselves before taking that big step. He had gotten engaged just last week and he figured they could start planning together, maybe six or more months before the big day. However, it seems Paulina has most of the planning already handled and she has her heart set on getting married as soon as possible.

"This is a good thing...I'm getting worried over nothing...We're in love and we're getting married...a lot sooner than I thought..." Danny thought as he discreetly drank his beverage as he continued to plan with his fiancé.

This was a good thing. They were in love. They were getting married and Paulina was determined to make sure they had the most perfect wedding ever. She loved him so much and she wanted to be with him forever and forever. He could never deny her that.

"Everything is going to be perfect..."He thought to himself.

That was what he kept telling himself as he discreetly ordered some chardonnay, to mellow him out and help him get back to planning.

To be continued-

Next time on Unshattered Bonds

Infiltration

A/N: This is my interpretation of Vlad as being a controlling narcissist. He is very possessive of Danny and Maddie and it's obvious that he wants them to live up to his idea of the perfect family, which is basically an obedient trophy wife and an obedient son he could mold in his image. Paulina is also very manipulative and controlling, as shown in this chapter.

Poor guy...

Ember didn't physically appear in this chapter but she will in the next one.

REPLIES to my loyal and totally awesome reviewers:

Invader Johnny: I think you might hate them just a little more because of this chapter.

Wiseguy2415: Thanks for spotting that typo. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Feurrige: Since Vlad rules both the Earth and the Ghost Zone in this timeline, I guess they don't have as much power as before but let's wait and see.

:) Till next time beautiful people, remember to read and review :)