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 15: The rebellion
Cupid was all alone, rubbing his now bruising cheek that he received courtesy of the scorned diva who was no doubt going to get herself destroyed trying to go up against Plasmius and the changes he made.
"It's not my problem, I am done interfering..."He muttered as he kept floating.
He had nothing to gain from getting involved in this, he was no longer the spirit of love, he had no one left to care about, so what did it mattered to him what Plasmius did to the ghost zone and earth? Why should he care if his mother was being held prisoner along with that smug time master anyway?
"Because she's your mom and unlike my parents, she realized that she made a mistake and wants to make up with you...'Ember's voice echoed in his mind.
"No! Stop it..."He hissed to himself as he tried to force the ghostly diva's memory away.
He didn't want to admit that Ember's word had effected him. He did not want to get involved in this insanity. His mother wasn't a good one and she betrayed him eight years ago, she didn't deserve his loyalty after what she did during the course of his existence. Between leaving his father, constantly starting flings and remarriages and then turning her back on him and sentencing to slavery to Pandora over a minor slight, why should he try and help clean up one of her messes?! Why should he ever care? He HATED HER!
"You don't really hate your mom...Not enough to abandon her in her time in need, you're not that evil.." Ember's voice repeated and he groaned in frustration.
"That darned girl...Even when she's not here, she's a nuisance...'Cupid shouted as he tried to push these thoughts away but they were persistent.
Unfortunately, even after his outburst, he couldn't stop thinking about his mother. He started feeling a bad feeling as he thought about his mother but it wasn't the anger and resentment he felt for so long. He thought about her being captured by Plasmius, tied up and being abused and...he didn't like it. The thought made him feel...awful.
He found himself thinking about a time when his mother and him were at peace, it was a long time ago, long before he became the spirit of love or met Psyche. When he was still in training.
FLASHBACK
Ancient Greece
In a beautiful valley near Athens, a young Eros was practicing his aim, while his mother and mentor Aphrodite was coaching him.
"Now hold it steady Eros, remember that our sacred love arrows can enter any mortals or spirits, so we have to be careful that they hit it's intended target...'Aphrodite said.
'I know mother..."The child spirit said as he tightened his grip on his tools. He then used one of his practice arrows and managed to hit his target on the tree with ease.
"YES!...'Eros shouted happily.
"Very good my son, it seems you have the knack...'Aphrodite said proudly of her son.
"Can I try with real mortals now mother?...'Young Eros asked excitedly.
"Not yet dear, you're still too young for that responsibility..."Aphrodite said and saw him pouting.
"Don't worry, you are actually progressing much faster than I did at your age...Soon you'll be able to bring mortals together but you still need more practice before your ready..."She lectured.
"I still say I'm ready mother, I can hit a target from a mile away and my aim is great...'The boy insisted.
"Eros, I mean it, this isn't a game...Our mission is to bring people together and help them experience love. Our job is important since because without love, the world is a lonely, sad place and it's our duty to prevent that and also help make sure the populations of each species, mortal or spirit, human, beast, ghost or others doesn't die...'She explained.
"I know our job is sacred mother, and I will be the greatest spirit that ever was!...'The boy said determinedly.
"I have no doubt about that son...'Aphrodite said as she ruffled his hair a bit, causing him to pout.
"Come on, that's enough training today...why don't we go get some baklava..."The mother suggested and watched her child's eyes light up.
"Alright...'He said as he soon found himself leaving with his mom, to get baklava, his favorite meal this evening.
End of Flashback
In hindsight, it may not seem like a big deal to most but that was one of the few memories he had of him genuinely getting along with his mother, before he was exposed to her vanity and impulsiveness. However as he kept thinking about that day, he felt as if someone stomped on his heart, almost literally causing him pain within.
"What's wrong with me?...'Cupid muttered as he soon found himself grabbing his head in pain.
The more he tried NOT to think about this entire situation, the more it FORCED itself to stay in his mind. He kept thinking about his mother being locked up, her powers being taken advantaged of and a bunch of other stuff that made him feel...sick.
"Mother...'He muttered.
He soon found himself recalling another memory, it was a brief moment from a time he could recall when he had actually been happy with his mother and his ex-wife Psyche. It was during his 200th year of marriage to Psyche during the Christmas truce and his mother made an effort to not be hostile to his wife...and he recalled that he actually had an enjoyable time.
FLASHBACK
In the Ghost Zone
1,900 years ago
Christmas Eve
Cupid was having a pleasant evening. It was the Christmas truce and the annual party this year was being held in his aunt Pandora's estate. Every ghost in the entire Zone was present there and the part was in full swing.
"Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?...'Cupid asked as he handed his wife some egg nog.
"Yes, it's marvelous..."Psyche said with a smile.
"Eros! Darling..."They both turned to see his mother Aphrodite approach with some guy he didn't recognize, no doubt her latest fling.
"Good evening mother, are you enjoying the party?..."He said politely, since it was Christmas Eve.
"Yes, it's simply lovely, Pandora has really gone out of her way..."She said impressed.
"Hello mother Aphrodite, you look lovely this evening...'Psyche said with a polite smile, not wanting to cause any hostility with her tonight.
"Thank you..."Aphrodite said with a lack of enthusiasm.
It's been several centuries since Psyche and Cupid got married and Aphrodite still didn't like the girl. Thankfully the Christmas truce was the one thing preventing her from trying to pick a fight with her tonight.
"So, my son, how goes everything with your work?...'Aphrodite asked him, referring to his duty as the official spirit of love.
"It's going splendid mother, this year alone I have managed to ensure over 100,000 marriages and they are guaranteed to be fruitful ones..."He said.
"That's wonderful my son..."Aphrodite said proudly.
"Just wait until this Valentine's day for what I have in store..."Cupid said with a grin.
"Oh, I will...'Aphrodite said proudly.
"Oh Aphrodite, care to dance?...'His mother's date offered.
"Yes Alexander, but first can you get me some nog?...'Aphrodite said to her date who nodded.
"Isn't he great?...'She boasted to her son who looked annoyed.
"He seemed nice...'Psyche said delicately.
"He is, and he's quite the dancer as well...Anyway children, as you were..."Aphrodite soon left once her date came to hand her drink.
"Your mother seemed to be in a very pleasant mood, she didn't even asked if you left me yet this time...'Psyche pointed out.
"Mother is always happy when she's in the arms of some pretty boy...'Cupid said with a sigh, not wanting his mother's antics to spoil his evening.
He suddenly heard the music and turned to his wife, and sent her a look.
"Care to dance darling?...'he offered his hand to her and she took it.
"I thought you would never ask..."Psyche said.
The husband and wife soon danced the night away, just loving the fact that it was Christmas eve and they were together with no strife. All as it should be.
End of Flashback
That was many years ago, before Psyche left him and his entire world crumbled, along with his heart. His mother always hated Psyche since day 1 and she always tried to convince him to leave her. It always made him furious, even more that she got her wish and Psyche ended up leaving him.
He shouldn't even care about his mother but he can't even stop thinking about her being a prisoner and her powers being used for evil.
WHY THE HECK WAS HE LIKE THIS?!
"Because you are miserable and alone and that you are going to stay that way unless you grow up and try to fix things with your mom...'Ember's voice echoed one more time in his mind.
'What am I going to do?...'Cupid said to himself as he weighed his option.
He could either let go of his pride and anger help Ember save his mother and maybe even the world, or just hide here, where he was away from the trouble...and be all alone like he has been for so long.
Cupid sighed, as he knew he had a choice to make.
Elsewhere
"The name is Sam Manson, Captain of the Earth's Freedom Brigade!...State your business, ghost!...'Sam said as she held out her weapon to the unknown ghost.
Ember could not believe this, she got captured by te ghost zone police, barely managed to escape, ran into a stubborn idiot, nearly got captured by her deranged ex-boyfriend and was unwittingly rescued by Sam who was now about to interrogate her.
This was going to be good.
"State your business, friend or foe?..."Sam ordered in a more forceful tone.
"Friend! I mean it, I need to talk to you...'Ember said as she put her hands up in surrender to show her sincerity.
Sam sent her a look and then turned to her followers and nodded and they all lowered their weapons. Ember sighed in relief and made her resolve, this was going to be one heck of a conversation.
"Okay, now...I know this is going to sound crazy and maybe a little impossible but you and I know each other...'Ember started.
"How?...'Sam asked in suspicion.
"Okay, before I give you the whole story, have you ever heard of the name Clockwork?...'Ember said, needing to be certain of something.
"The legendary ghost master of time, who is stated to be able to see and travel to the past or future...'Sam explained.
Ember blinked in surprise but was pleased.
"Okay, well...Before you call me crazy, Plasmius isn't suppose to be ruling the earth...I come from another timeline, the right one...Plasmius stole Clockwork's time staff along with capturing another spirit named Aphrodite..."Ember said.
"The spirit of love...'Sam said.
'Wow, you're good at knowing ghosts...'Ember said impressed... "Anyway, Plasmius imprisoned them and used the time staff to change things so he could take over the earth and the ghost zone..." Ember said in hesitance, expecting Sam to call her crazy.
"Hypothetically, suppose I would believe that story...you are saying you would know a way to defeat him and free the earth from his clutches...'Sam said.
"I am trying...The only way would be to free Aphrodite and Clockwork and get the time staff away from Vlad...'Ember explained... "I know if you don't believe me but you and I are actually friends were I come from...and you are still friends with Danny..."She said, causing Sam's eyes to widen
"What did you say?...'Sam said harshly... "What are you talking about? That traitor is NOT my friend!...'Sam shouted in anger.
"Huh?..."Ember blinked in surprise.
"That man stopped being my friend when he believed that shallow witch over me when I tried to tell him that she was evil, and he betrayed the earth when he helped his father blackmail it into surrendering to him when that horrible Disasteroid came!...'Sam shouted in fury.
"NO! Sam! I know that you are confused but this isn't Danny's fault! Plasmius and Paulina tricked and control him but the man that was your best friend is still inside deep down...I saw it..."Ember said desperately.
"Why should I believe anything you are saying? For all I know you're either a nut case or one of Plasmius's ghost trying to trick me...'Sam accused.
"Do you think I want to kick back and watch that tyrant risk ruining time and watch that witch steal my future husband too!...'Ember shouted in fury.
'Husband?...'Sam blinked.
"In the real timeline, I am the one that's engaged to Danny and the earth is free as a bird...Plasmius didn't save the earth from the Disasteroid, Danny did. He's a hero who uses his ghost powers for good and you helped him a lot...Danny and I started out as enemies but 8 years ago we fell in love...Paulina tried to force Danny to fall in love with her but was punished by Aphrodite who turned her ugly...but she teamed up with Vlad to ruin the timeline, along with my relationship and your friendship as well...'Ember explained.
"Prove it, prove to me that what you said is real and not some bullshit...'Sam ordered.
Ember blinked, wondering how she could prove it. Only for a blast to suddenly hit them. The Earth's Freedom Brigade and Ember turned around to see The Fright Knight, along with some of the Ghost Zone Police department.
"I knew it! It's a trap...'One of the guys shouted in accusation of Ember.
"We found her, the escaped fugitive and the rebels, all in one place...The emperor will be most pleased...'The Fright Knight said as he pulled out his sword.
"Fright Knight! Why am I not surprise to see your Vlad's flunkie...'Ember spat in disgust.
"Ember Mclain! For your crimes against Emperor Plasmius, you are hereby arrested and will be sentence to your DOOM..."The Fright Knight shouted dramatically.
"Not happening...'Ember shouted as she pulled her guitar out and sent a blast, hitting him and making him fly a few feet away.
"Proof enough that I'm not with Vlad...'Ember turned to Sam who looked surprise.
'Okay, so your not a spy but I still want proof about that alternant timeline..."Sam said stubbornly as she dodged a blast from some of the ghost cops.
"ATTACK! PATTERN! ALLPHA!..."Sam shouted to her subordinates who all teamed up and did a combination attack, each one using their ecto weapons to hit and fight against the ghost guards, making it a pretty even match.
"Resistance is futile!...'The Fright Knight shouted as he sent a blast directed at Sam, only for one of her fighters to active a miniature ghost shield, protecting her from the blast.
"Are you alright captain?...'The masked guy asked in concern.
"I am! Good job lieutenant Morgan..."Sam said pleased.
"Morgan? As in Christopher?...'Ember asked in surprised, earning a look from the guy.
'So you know me too?...'The lieutenant asked in interest.
"Kind of..."Ember said, not sure if she should mentioned that he was Sam's husband, she wasn't even sure if they were a couple in this world or anything.
"Less chatting, more attacking!...'Another fighter shouted.
"You got it Val!...'Sam said as she went into the battle.
"So Val is in the resistance too...Figures...'Ember thought with a smirk as she continued to fight along side them against these pests.
Ember changed the settings on her guitar and sent a combo of her fist attack along with her fire, scorching one of the ghost cops, though her intended target was the Fright Knight.
"Cool..."Christopher commented before sending a blast to another cop.
Ember didn't comment as she continued to fight, she was soon facing the Fright Knight who was wielding his sword menacingly.
"The emperor ordered me to take you into custody but he didn't say I couldn't take some action if necessary..."He shouted as he gestured to his sword
"Get real Fright Knight! There is no way your fear powers will work on me, since I'm already in a living nightmare..."She shouted as she continued to grapple with him.
"Insolent girl..."He muttered as he swung his sword at her multiple times, but Ember was fast and agile and avoided each blow. She was not going to let him sent her to a dimension of fear and then let Vlad destroy her.
She was going to beat him. She might not be at Danny's level but she was one of the most powerful ghosts in the entire Zone in her real timeline...and she was proving that in this one as well.
"This is for Danny!...'She shouted as she used her fire hair to send another flair, hitting the Fright Knight and making him yell.
"AHH! You wretched girl!...' He yelled. However, he soon felt a blast from behind and saw that it was Sam who was still holding her weapons.
"Surround him!..."She ordered as she and the rest of her brigade, who had managed to over power the ghost cops, were surrounding the truly threatening ghost.
"ENOUGH!..."Fright Knight yelled as he was tired of all of this trouble. He was mad now!
"This ends now! You, Ember are coming with me to Emperor Plasmius and your allies will be sent to DEATH!..."He shouted as his power had increased, sending the other to fly away a bit.
"Oh man..."Ember thought in concern, the Fright Knight was a powerful ghost and the master of fear and she has never seen him look so angry before but she would not cower.
She was going to win this fight one way or the other.
"I am NOT afraid of you Fright Knight..."She said, standing her ground and preparing for the battle.
"You WILL be!..."The enraged Knight shouted as he was summoning his powers to destroy her and the other humans.
The Fright Knight charged and sent many dangerous blasts to his opponents who barely managed to avoid them. Ember and the Freedom Brigade took the defensive and were aiming everything they had to him.
'Charge!..."Sam shouted as she and her followers ran and blast everything to their target, determined to win this fight.
"You WILL not WIN!..."The enraged Fright Knight shouted, his patience long since destroyed. However, before he could do anything else, something unpredictable just happened.
A pumpkin was suddenly throw, hitting the Knight and stunning him.
'What the-..."Fright Knight shouted as he tried to wipe away the vegetable remains from his façade. Unfortunately, he accidentally released his sword out of shock...and someone caught it.
"I got it!..."Cupid shouted, surprising Ember.
"Cupid?!..."Ember exclaimed unable to believe what she was seeing.
Suddenly the cherub placed the sword in another pumpkin he had and turned to Ember with a look of desperation.
"Recite the incantation! NOW! HURRY!..."He screamed.
Ember suddenly realized what he was doing and smiled, the Fright Knight had no escape now.
" To cease the storm...to end the fear ...the sword must sheath ...in pumpkin near..." Ember recited the poem and watched with glee the following scene.
"NO! I SHALL RETURN AND I WILL HAVE MY VENGEANCE, MARK MY WORDS..."The Fright Knight bellowed as he was sucked inside the pumpkin, and his sword and other items laid out.
Ember was relieved and then turned to Cupid with a look of utmost astonishment.
"I can't believe I am saying this...but thank you...but what made you change your mind?..."She asked.
"I have my reasons..." He said but didn't give any more details.
Ember sent him a smile, it seems he wasn't beyond help afterall. She soon turned to Sam and her fighters, who all looked stunned.
"Now do you believe me that I was telling the truth..."Ember asked her and Sam looked surprise.
"If what you have told me is true...and since even the Fright Knight was desperate to get rid of you, it has to be true...then Plasmius is a bigger monster than we thought..."Sam stated.
"You got that right, I have to defeat him and save Danny and the world before he causes any more damage but I need all the help I can get...Ember said as she extended her hand to the other woman.
"Will you fight with me Sam?..."She asked, and recalled the moment when they teamed up to save Danny all those years ago.
This version of Sam looked surprised but then smiled and took her hand in a firm handshake.
There was no going back now.
To be continued-
Next time on Unshattered Bonds
Race against time
REPLIES to my loyal and totally awesome reviewers:
Invader Johnny: Yep, past, present future or AU, Sam will always be badass.
wiseguy2415: I already had Sam and the rebellion planned since early this fic but I am glad you enjoyed it.
Feurrige: Well she has Sam and Cupid now.
Guest: In that order:
1) I'm glad you enjoyed it, yeah, Master of all time did inspire that bit quite a little bit.
2) Yeah, Sam is in the game now and Cupid isn't far from redemption it seems.
:) Till next time beautiful people, remember to read and review :)