Author Note: Thank you for both the birthday wishes and the reviews!
~CWA

Chapter 18:

Third Person (Wayne Enterprises):

Bruce Wayne scanned the crowd around him. The gala taking place inside of his building was important for business and for keeping up his 'reputation' as a 'play-boy.' Of course, the point of the party was to celebrate the budding relations between Masters and Wayne Enterprises. He could, obviously, have to speak to one of his most 'honored' guests, Vlad Masters, for himself. Vlad was on his watch list for a reason- his wealth was gained suspiciously and Vlad was reportedly a lot like Luthor. As well as that, Vlad also had relations to the Fenton family, therefore he must have known Danny Fenton. According to the reports, Vlad despised his 'college friend' Jack, but adored Madeline and Danny- to an unhealthy level. Of course, Bruce also had a few theories about Vlad's connection to a ghost called Plasmius (there were three files locked from when he did his research- one was labeled Danielle, one was Dan, and the final was Plasmius. Though Dan and Plasmius had a lot more protection than Danielle's file).

All Bruce could see were various rich people dressed in their finest clothes and a few reporters from various stations. There was no sign of the elusive Masters.

"Good evening, Mr. Wayne," a devilish voice greeted.

Turning, Bruce faked a smile. Though he knew the tone of voice Vlad was speaking in. It was the voice of someone you couldn't trust, someone who lied and manipulated to get what they wanted. He could see the resemblance to Luthor already. Bruce shook Vlad's hand firmly,

"Ah, Mr. Masters, it's a pleasure to finally get to meet you."

Vlad returned the rather fake grin with one of his own as he looked over Bruce. This is Bruce Wayne… Interesting, very interesting… Had to believe a playboy such as him may even be the Batman…

"Oh please, Mr. Wayne," Vlad said, "The pleasure is all mine. And do call me Vlad, I insist."

"Very well," Bruce nodded, "Are you enjoying the party?"

"It is rather… interesting," Vlad commented, "A bit more social than I usually like. Still, it is adequate for something being put together on short notice. Why did you insist to have a party, Mr. Wayne? We could have just spoke privately?"

Bruce narrowed his eyes briefly,

"A party seemed appropriate to celebrate this occasion. Why celebrate privately when we can celebrate with the world?"

He gestured towards everyone in the room to prove his point. Vlad nodded slightly, but he had the suspicion that Bruce knew he wouldn't do anything with a crowd.

"Mr. Masters," someone in the crowd called, "Can we get a few words about the forming bond between your company in Wayne Enterprises?"

Vlad smiled slightly and turned to Bruce, bowing,

"You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Wayne."

As soon as he passed by, he whispered into Bruce's ear,

"The boy is mine, Mr. Wayne. Daniel is meant to be at my side."

Before he could utter a word or even glare at the man, Vlad had disappeared into the crowd. It didn't stop Bruce from glaring into the crowd and nearly storming off to go to the cave (quickly). His theory was correct. Vlad Masters was Vlad Plasmius- he was dangerous, slightly delirious, and a ghost. The team needed their new weapons before Vlad attacked again (he knew all about Plasmius' little visit).

"…And now Artemsis' arrows will also be able to hit a ghost," Batman concluded.

The team looked over their new weapons. Artemis received new arrows- one that were anti-ghost. Robin received new baterangs and various other gadgets that should be able to work on ghosts. Kaldur received an addition to his water bearers that added a shock to his water that should be able to harm ghosts. Superboy received anti-ghost gloves that resembled gauntlets. M'gann was already able to touch ghosts, but she did need to work on fighting ghosts. Kid Flash got gloves to put on so he would be able to hit ghosts. Poltergeist stood a bit uncomfortably in the back, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

"Now," Batman ordered, "Attack Poltergeist."

"WHAT," Poltergeist snapped out of his small haze.

"They need to test their new equipment on a ghost that won't hurt them should they fail. Go."

Poltergeist grumbled to himself slightly as he got into a fighting stance. The team readied themselves, a bit weary since they were going to be fighting their teammate. None of them knew how the anti-ghost weapons would affect him. Poltergeist made a 'come hither' motion,

"Come on, sooner we get this done the sooner I won't be the punching bag anymore."

Robin shrugged,

"Alright- try to stay whelmed."

Poltergeist chose not to comment since Artemis' arrows were heading straight towards him. He dodged each one he could, but one grazed his arm despite the intangibility. Artemis gave him a smug look so he stuck his tongue out at her before he had to quickly dodge one of Robin's baterangs. Superboy charged at him and Poltergeist jumped, pole-vaulting himself off of Superboy's back, causing Superboy to slam into the ground.

Poltergeist took to the air,

"Sorry!"

"No apologies," Batman barked out, "It's a training exercise."

Poltergeist made a face, but then M'gann grabbed him from behind, restraining him. She lowered the both of them to ground and he struggled to get free for a moment. Her grip tightened. His eyes glowed bright neon green for a moment before he shot a small ectoblast towards the team, surprising M'gann as they scattered. Her grip loosened and he took that moment to break free and taking to the air once again.

Robin tossed a baterang towards the Poltergeist, who dodged. He laughed slightly,

"Missed me!"

"Ha! That's what you think," Robin laughed.

The baterang came back around, hitting Poltergeist in the head and knocking him off balance. He was low enough so Superboy grabbed the Poltergeist's legs and pulled him to the ground. Poltergeist's body hit the ground with a THUD. Panicking slightly, Danny shot a few ectoblasts at Superboy and the rest of the team to back them away a bit. He turned invisible only to reappear behind Kaldur.

Poltergeist attempted to disarm Kaldur, but he used his water bearers to shock Danny, causing him to let go. Poltergeist glanced to the clock on the far wall only for his eyes to widened.

"Okay," Poltergeist said as he put his hands up, "I surrender! The weapons work! But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is coming on soon and I really wanna go watch it so we can stop now?"