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 9: Infiltration
Ember flew all over town and saw appalled by what she was seeing. Every single corner, there was some stupid dedication of Plasmius. The spot that used to have the statue of Danny now had an even bigger one of Plasmius, holding the world in his hand and Ember could still see the smug grin on his ugly face.
"That fruit loop…"Ember muttered in disgust and fury.
It was bad enough that Plasmius is endangering time itself but she was furious that he stole her man's idea of turning the world intangible as his own and got away with it. She saw citizens going on with their daily lives but she doubted that, as like in the first timeline, they were happy to hand over power of the world to that disgusting old creep. She also saw what looked to be the Ghost Zone Police Department all over town, trying to keep things in line.
Ember knew that meant that he likely got Walker and his goons on his payroll now. Another thing to be careful of in this new, messed up world.
"Now where can I find Danny or the staff?..."Ember said as she tried to fly around.
She guessed that he was likely with that witch or the fruit loop but where could they be. She flew even higher to get an even better view and once up there, she saw something that just made her jaw drop.
"He's gotta be kidding me…"Ember muttered in a deadpan tone.
She saw in the town center, right where the Mayor's office used to be, an enormous castle that towered the entire city and it looked a lot like that place Plasmius used to own in Wisconsin, only bigger and it had a more sinister feel to it.
The castle of a tyrant and her beloved was a prisoner within, even if he didn't realize it yet.
"That must be where Plasmius is, which means that the time staff should be there as well…"She deduced.
She knew that she had to be quick and careful; Plasmis likely had no idea that she was immune to the changes of time and she only had one shot at this.
She had to make it count.
She flew closer and mentally cursed when she saw some big, ghostly guards at the front entrance. She needed to figure out a way in without getting caught and tipping off the big tyrant that she was on to him.
"Now how do I get in?..."She thought as she tried to brainstorm possibilities.
Suddenly she noticed what looked to be a group of servants going through another entrance and Ember suddenly had an idea, she knew that was probably some service entrance.
"I hope I'm right…"She thought as she spotted what looked to be a maid about to go through the entrance.
"Name and number?..."The (thankfully) human guard of the service entrance asked in a bored tone.
"Kate Smith, maid #72…"The servant said evenly.
Ember wasted no time as she quickly used overshadowing and entered the human body to claim as her own for the time being. It's been over 8 years since Ember used overshadowing but she knew that this might be the only way she would be able to get in without alerting the guards.
"Alright, get in…"The guard said rudely to the newly possessed servant.
Ember tried to hide a smirk as she was allowed entrance inside and once there, she felt sick to her stomach. This place even looked bigger on the inside and there were even more dedications in Plasmius likeness, along with a bunch of Packer's memorabilia and a whole bunch of expensive crap that only someone as vain and egotistical like Vlad would want to own.
Once she made it to the throne room, she saw something that made her feel like she swallowed something rancid. Right in the throne room, she saw a giant portrait of Vlad, dressed in royal garb and having the dirtiest smirk imaginable on his face. On his right was Maddie who was wearing a revealing, fancy red dress and a gold crown but she didn't look too happy. And on his left was Danny who was wearing a suit and Jazz was wearing an expensive, princess-like dress that she doubted she chose willingly.
Ember felt so sorry for them. She knew that Danny didn't like wearing formal wear and she knew Jazz's tastes. She would never willingly dress like that and she knew Mrs. Fenton was in the same boat.
"Now where can I find it?...'Ember thought as she tried to explore the castle. She decided to try and find the time staff first since she didn't see Danny yet.
"You there? Where do you think you're going?..."A voice barked.
"Crap…"Ember thought ruefully and turned around, only to see an older looking maid, staring down at her.
"Where are you headed? All staff is required to go clean the castle in preparations for his Highness, Emperor Plasmius, return from the colonies tomorrow…"The old maid said.
"Plasmius's isn't here…Pros and cons here…"Ember thought.
The pros was that she didn't have to worry about him catching her just yet but the cons was that if the time staff wasn't here, it was probably with him. She hoped that she was wrong about the latter. Realizing that this lady was expecting a response, Ember addressed her.
"I am aware of that, I was just about to go to his majesty's study in order to clean it…"Ember lied, trying hard not to throw up when she said "his majesty".
"The royal study is in the west wing of the castle, this is the east wing…Just who are you, again?...'The maid asked suspiciously.
"Kate Smith, maid #72…'Ember said, happy that she remembered that bit of information.
The older maid pulled out a clipboard and examined it before addressing her.
"Ah, yes…The new maid…one who seems to be lost…"The older maid said looking down.
"I apologize…"Ember said looking down, almost patting herself on the back for her acting.
"I know this is an enormous castle but his highness expects perfection…Since you are still new, I will let this go but do be more careful…His highness doesn't take well to shoddy work…"The maid warned.
Ember raised an eyebrow at that, and suddenly got an idea. She gave a shy, pleading look to the human servant and tried to look as innocent as possible.
"Can you please tell me again how to get to his majesties study from here?...'She asked, using the mousiest voice possible to fool this lady.
"As I said, it's in the west wing, which is in that direction, third floor….If you are still lost, there are various maps posted on the walls…."The maid said.
"Bingo…"Ember thought, pleased with the last bit of information.
This was going to make sneaking around this place a whole lot easier.
Meanwhile
In the Ghost Zone
Vlad Plasmius was currently in Pariah's Keep, his castle within the Ghost Zone. He was in a glorious mood as he has now managed to finally get the residence of the Far Frozen into surrendering to his empire.
Along with surrendering one other thing…
"Ah, the Infi-Map, I may no longer have use for it but its power is mine now…"The tyrant said pleased as he admired the artifact.
It was no easy task, he had to use quiet some resources and pawns in his army before he finally managed to vanquish that hairy beast Frostbite and take his land by force but he succeeded.
"Fright Knight…"Vlad called.
"Yes sire…"The black knight ghost bowel to his ruler.
"I do believe that this will be safest in my vault…"Vlad said as he handed the fabled map to his servant.
"As you wish, Emperor Vlad…"The Fright Knight bowed before doing his task.
"Oh I never tire of hearing that…'Vlad thought in satisfaction.
Everything has gone exactly as he always wanted it to. He was ruler of both the Earth and the Ghost Zone, with the exception of a few rebels but they were soon be dealt with. He had used to time staff to change his destiny and his destiny has become great.
Just as he always known.
He had his Kingdome and best of all, Maddie's love and Daniel obeying him only. He could still recall how it had all happened. He had captured both Clockwork and Aphrodite and used their tools for his own benefit. He first went back and time and gave hid younger self some assistance.
And it got him what he had always wanted.
FLASHBACK
Vlad grinned widely as he used the time staff to send him back to the year he wanted to be in. He had just dropped Paulina in a secluded location and warned her to remain hidden until he got back. Thankfully, the annoying brat was in a cooperative mood, given that she was still love-struck by her own appearance now that Aphrodite returned her looks to their former glory.
"Oh, how I missed you…"The girl gushed as she held a small mirror close, admiring her own beauty.
"Vain…'Vlad thought in annoyance as he went back to his work, happy that he arrived to the date and time he needed to be in.
April 4th , 1991.
Otherwise known as the day after Daniel was born.
"I must find my younger self…"Vlad thought as he entered Madison, Wisconsin.
He knew by memory that his younger self had been discharged from the hospital after three long, grueling years of loneliness and misery. He also knew that he was just now discovering his ghost powers as well.
"There I am…'Vlad thought as he finally found his target.
A 24 year old Vlad Masters who looked absolutely spooked. It was understandable, given that his entire right arm was invisible.
"Oh man! Just what is happening here?!..."The young Vlad shouted in panic.
"I believe that I can answer that…'Vlad said as he appeared in front of his younger self.
"AH! Who…What are you?!...'The younger Vlad shouted in fear.
"Don't be afraid…I am not here to hurt you…rather I am here to help you…"Vlad said calmly.
"I know who you are…what you are and what you are truly destined to be…"He said seriously.
"What are you saying?..."The younger counterpart questioned.
'I am you from the future…"Vlad said as he changed into his human form.
"What? Oh, man…AM I GOING MAD? I CAN'T GO BACK TO THAT HOSPITAL…I CAN'T…I CAN'T-…"The younger Vlad was in a panic over his own sanity that he suddenly felt the other person slap his face.
"Calm yourself, you are not mad…On the contrary, this is the only way to make things right…"Older Vlad said.
'What?...'Younger Vlad asked in shock, unable to believe that this guy was his future self.
Now that he got a good look at him, he did see a bit of a resemblance between himself and this strange guy…who just appeared out of nowhere and was still floating?!
"Just…What are you? If you're supposed to be me…What happened?...'The young one asked.
"I'm sure you remember what that fat idiot did to us that landed us in that wretched hospital in the first place…'Vlad asked rhetorically and grinned when he saw the fear in the younger man's eye replaced by rage.
"Jack Fenton…" Younger Vlad growled at being reminded of that name….."He ruined me…And my one chance at Maddie's heart and my college dream…" He said icily.
"I know, however that incident did have one benefit as you know have potential to powers you couldn't begin to imagine…You are a halfa now…"Vlad explained.
"A what-a?..."Younger Vlad asked in confusion.
"A halfa…Half ghost and half human…You are destined for everything we ever wanted…power…riches…and Maddie but unless you accept my help, it will all be taken away by an insolent child…"The older Vlad warned.
"What do you mean?..."The Younger Vlad asked.
"I will show you…"Vlad said as he used the time staff t open a time window.
He showed his younger self the time line where he originated from. He explained to him that Daniel was Jack and Maddie's son, who would be his obstacle and he even explained that it was his fault that he lost everything. He also showed how he captured Clockwork and why he was here.
"That is why I came here…To prevent that bad fate and give us what we both always were destined for…"Older Vlad explained.
"I will only be here for a temporary time, during that time I can train you…Give you tips on the future….and the one who slipped from our fingers…"The older halfa said dramatically.
The younger one thought it over, unable to believe this. Ghosts? Time travel? And his future self was offering to make it all work in his favor? If he was really a halfa, than maybe these powers could be of some use to him…He didn't want that future if he loses everything thanks to a bratty kid.
He wanted Maddie…power…wealth…the packers.
He deserved it! He wanted it! He was going to have it!
"Alright, I'm in…"Young Vlad said.
"That didn't take long, did it?...'Older Vlad said pleased.
"Maddie…Riches, fame and power…I would be a fool to pass that up…"Younger Vlad shrugged.
"Oh, we are not a fool…"Older Vlad said pleased.
"What about that Phantom kid?..."Younger Vlad asked, wanting to be sure if he was all set or if he had to deal with that brat in this new time.
"According to my calculations, he and his sister have already been born…"Older Vlad explained.
"Why did you let that happen? If that kid is the cause of our problems, why didn't you go further back and warn me? Why don't you just dispose of him, along with Jack?..."Younger Vlad demanded.
"Oh believe me, I will be gladly getting rid of Jack soon… but Daniel will still live because I need him…"Older Vlad explained.
"Why?..."Younger Vlad asked.
"Daniel is the only other halfa in the world….I had wanted him to be my son and apprentice but he rejected my offer and sided with Jack and caused my downfall…I hate him for it but that does not mean that I still don't want him as my heir, now that I have a way to secure it…"Older Vlad said as he gestured to the time staff.
"Why do you still want that kid anyway? I thought you would hate him…I hate him from what I saw…"Younger Vlad commented.
"I do want Daniel punished and this is the best way…"Older Vlad said.
"Why is me letting him live and taking care of a brat that isn't even mine a punishment…"Young Vlad demanded.
"Because one day, we will be able to finally hear him say the words he stubbornly vowed to never say to me…"Older Vlad said.
"What are they?..."Younger Vlad asked out of curiously.
"Yes, father…"Older Vlad explained, like it was obvious.
Young Vlad blinked at that, unsure of how to take that. He saw his older self, give him the most serious look.
"Daniel has always been so stubborn…He refused my offer countless times and always sided with his father but if you do as I say we will finally have the perfect, obedient and loyal half ghost son…."Older Vlad said.
"Imagine it…Power over the world, Jack's death, Maddie's love and the perfect family all awaits us…so long as you do exactly as I say…'Older Vlad said to his younger counterpart.
"What is it that you want from me?...'Young Vlad asked.
"By allowing me control of your body for a while, I will promise that Jack will die and Maddie will finally be our bride…and by the time I return to the future, you, me,….Vlad Plasmius will rule supreme over all…."Older Vlad stared…" "After that, you will keep Daniel, turn him into a real Masters and…after he turns 14, you will make sure that he regains his powers…I cannot have a weak heir, after all…"He explained like it was obvious.
The younger version of Vlad Masters looked startled at that and he thought about it. He really didn't have anything to lose at this point. He had just gotten out of the hospital but these powers were hard to control, he had no money and he knew that if anyone discovered him like this now, he would be orchestrated as a freak.
He wanted to believe what his future self was saying but he always had to be wary of these kinds of offers. He tried to weigh the pros and cons and decided that, if all goes well, he would finally have Maddie and that was worth putting up with a child that wasn't even his.
If this future version of him thought this was wise, he was willing to try it.
"Alright, I'll do it…."Young Vlad said as he extended his hand to shake.
"I knew you would see it my way…Since it's our way…"Older Vlad said before he entered the younger version of himself.
Usually when halfa's tried to control the other through overshadowing, they would both fight over dominance but not this time. His younger self was very complacent and Vlad now had control over his much younger body.
"Perfect…"The main Vlad said pleased as he turned invisible and flew away from that spot.
His next destination: Amity Park
End of Flashback
Present time
That was the start of the changes he made to the time stream. He and his younger self had managed to get Jack when he was all alone and destroyed the entire Fenton Works basement, making it look like the fat oaf caused an explosion. He could still see the look of horror on the fat idiot's face before the blast hit him, along with that scream of pain.
After that, he spent months training his younger self, teaching him everything he needed to know to master his powers and make himself even richer than possible. Once he had that mastered, they finally made their move on the now-widowed Maddie with the help of a certain spirit of love who was still his prisoner. Once the work was done, he left his future self who promised that everything would go as planned. After that, it was making sure that Daniel became a halfa as planned and keeping his end of the bargain with Paulina. It was pretty much a recreation of his own encounter with his future self, thought the younger Paulina asked less questions and was more than happy to go along with it after Paulina swore that Danny was destined to be their prince charming.
After that, he jumped through time to the day of the Disasteroid incident, making sure that the events went exactly as he wanted them too. Once he made the entire world intangible with the help of the Ghostly army he amassed over the years, he was crowned king. He then returned to his new present and was overjoyed to see that the world and most of the Ghost Zone were under his rule, Maddie was his queen and Danny was finally his son.
"All as it should be…"Vlad thought pleased with himself.
Elsewhere
Paulina Sanchez had just enjoyed the day with her beloved fiancé Danny Phantom. They had met with the wedding planner and Paulina was just so excited to know that soon, they would be married and live happily ever after. Now they have arrived back to the castle, which would soon be Paulina's new home after they get married.
"I sooo deserve this…"Paulina thought gleefully as she clung to her beloved's arm.
"Oh darling….'Paulina said blissfully.
"Yes Paulina?…"Danny asked her.
"Oh nothing, I just love calling you that…"Paulina confessed.
"Paulina, we've been together for practically a decade and you still act like a lovesick schoolgirl…'Danny joked.
"Oh, but it feels like it was just yesterday we fell in love….'Paulina said sweetly.
"Yeah, I guess it does feel that way…"Danny said to his bride.
The royal couple had arrived to the parlor to see Maddie there, in the middle of reading some kind of novel.
"Hello you two…"Maddie greeted.
"Hey mom…"Danny said simply.
"Good evening Queen Maddie…'Paulina curtseyed politely to her future mother-in-law.
"Good evening Paulina…'Maddie sighed, not even bothered to remind her that she didn't like such formality.
A group of servants came in with a tea cart and Paulina was enjoying the luxury that came with being engaged to the prince of earth. Within the next month, she would soon be a princess, like she always dreamed.
"So how was your day together?...'Maddie asked, to start some small talk.
"It was fabulous, Danny and I talked about the wedding and I already know which dress I want…It's going to be perfect…'Paulina squealed.
"That's nice…"Maddie said as she sipped her tea.
"Oh you have no idea…"Paulina thought giddily as she admired her engagement ring once more.
She still couldn't believe that soon, she would marry Danny and become a princess. It's only been seven days of her new life and she loved every single moment of it. She had everything she ever wanted and so much more. As horrible as her first life was, her new one in this world made it all worth it. She was engaged to Danny, living a life of luxury and she was the most envied woman on earth.
Just like she always deserved to be.
After Vlad got what he wanted, it was his turn to pay his end of the bargain. They sent her back to when she had been 14, after Danny got his powers and she teamed up with her younger self to get Danny to be theirs. After that was done, she returned to a future, where she was still gorgeous, her parents still loved and spoiled her and Danny was all hers.
She would never forget it.
FLASHBACK
Paulina had woken up, worried that she was going to once again wake up in that horrible homeless shelter but she suddenly felt the warm sheets and felt how soft her bed was. She woke up and looked around to see that she was in her old room, from when she had still lived with her parents. Paulina immediately got up and ran to the closest mirror and was happy to see the beautiful face in the mirror.
One that only belonged to her.
"It really did work…It wasn't a dream…"Paulina thought in relief. She was almost worried last night was a dream.
She got up and was greeted by a bunch of servants who began to pamper her the way she used to be when she was still happy. She then joined her parents for breakfast and was almost taken back to their doting on her but she was happy. Especially since there was no sign of that snot-nose brat they tried to replace her in the first timeline.
'I still can't believe this…"Paulina thought as she marveled over everything.
She had her beauty back, she was living in a beautiful mansion right now, a closet full of beautiful, designer clothes, her parents still loved her, and she had no look-a-like sbrat taking her place.
All that was left was one person to make her life, absolutely perfect and she had a feeling she knew how to get him now.
Paulina pulled out her phone, searched and was happy to see that Danny's number was on her speed dial. Wasting no time, she called him and was happy that he answered.
"Hello…"The voice answered.
"Hello Danny…its Paulina…"She said in a hesitant voice, wanting to be sure before doing anything.
"Hey darling, how are you doing?...'Danny said in a warm voice.
Paulina resisted the urge to sequel, faint and leaps for joy over the fact that Danny called her DARLING and sounded like he was happy to hear from her.
It was wonderful!
"Oh, I'm doing good…Now that I'm talking to you…"Paulina said in a flirtatious voice, wanting to secure this.
"Anyway, are we still up for café rêver at 6?...'Danny asked.
"Of course, I can't wait to see you darling…"Paulina said in a dreamy voice.
She had always had fantasies of eating dinner with Danny at that café since it was the most expensive and romantic one in town. She couldn't believe that she now had her beloved and that tonight they would have such a romantic evening together.
"Cool…Well I have to get going, father is requesting that I join him for a meeting to discuss matters of the Ghost Zone…"Danny said.
"Alright, till tonight my prince…'Paulina said happily before haning up.
She sighed and immediately ran to her bedroom. Once she locked the door she let out a scream and started running, jumped on her bed and acted pretty much like a madwoman in love.
"FINALLY! I knew this day would come…"Paulina gushed as she giggled, feeling absolutely over the moon.
After so long, she finally had what belonged to her.
Her beauty, her wealth, her luxuries and most importantly her Danny.
"All is as it should be…."Paulina thought as she ran to her closet to pick out what dress she would wear for this evening with Danny.
She had several dozen outfits in her walk-in-closet and she was happy to try them all. She had Danny and the life she was always meant to have.
She couldn't wait to give him the kiss she would give him as soon as he arrives to pick her up tonight.
End of Flashback
Paulina blushed at the memory. It was such a beautiful romantic night and even better, Danny had proposed to her at the restaurant, just like she always dreamed. The only problem was that the ring was pretty small but her darling promised that they would go shopping for a better one tomorrow.
The ring might have been pretty to a commoner but Paulina was royalty in the making and she didn't even like blue and only losers settled for silver when they could get solid gold.
She explained to Danny and he promised to fix it soon.
"Don't forget that tomorrow we are heading to the jewelry shop, darling…I so need my new ring before your father gets home for our engagement party…"Paulina reminded.
"Yes, dear…'Danny sighed.
He really couldn't believe that Paulina didn't like the ring. He had spent a small fortune on it and he thought it was perfect but his bride didn't like it but at least had the decency to keep it until it was time to exchange it for the kind she wanted. He really shouldn't complain. Relationships were about honesty and Paulina needed a ring that she could be proud to wear…though it still hurt that he couldn't even get her a ring without screwing it up.
"Everything will work out, Paulina will get her dream ring…father will be home tomorrow and everything will go as planned…"Danny thought as he continued to chat with his mother and fiancé.
Unware of what the future truly had in store for him.
To be continued-
Next time on Unshattered Bonds
Search for answers
REPLIES to my loyal and totally awesome reviewers:
Invader Johnny: We all hate them even more now, as Ember just said.
Wiseguy2415: Um…thanks.
Cupidgentie: I hope that this will do.
Feurrige: As shown here, he and his troops are now under Plasmius's employ.
Guest: In response to your three comments, in that order:
1) I see what you mean…Ugly turns beautiful thanks to good (Nanny McPhee) and beautiful turns ugly due to evil (Paulina). Also, the thing with Clockwork will be addressed in a later chapter, I can say.
2) I hope this pretty much explains your last question about how Vlad and Paulina's time travel worked. As shown here, Vlad only cares about his own needs and desire for victory.
3) Yep, I get that this might be a little familiar to Masters of all time. All Vlad and Paulina care about is that they have their significant other's love, they don't really care about them personally.
:) Till next time beautiful people, remember to read and review :)