Chapter 15_[Aftermath 2]_ Fenton Forever

The past several months had been one of the most frustrating periods of his life, just few positions under Maddie marrying that buffoon and that disastrous season of the Packers in the 90s'.

It had all started since the miraculous and inexplicable return of the Fentons from the mountains and, after that, the security around the Fenton Works had been upped so much that the alarms would go off even if he tried to set foot on the walkway in front of the house while in human form! Furthermore Daniel was avoiding him like a plague even more than usual, so he hadn't been able to confront him once.

So yes, right now Vlad Masters wasn't a happy camper.

Pondering on what to do, the man sat on his office seat, staring unseeing at the paperwork before him.

The mechanical bugs hadn't given a satisfying result since last time the children had discovered them and came upon a way to prevent them to infiltrate inside the building in the first place, so they were out.

A targeted attack from Skulker or the vultures? No, since the Truce between hunters (halfa and humans) the patrols had been too well organized to catch Daniel by himself. Besides, if he confronted the boy directly there still could be the chance of him discovering his role in the Fentons' incident (because despite the safe and mysterious return of the couple, the entrance of a cave had collapsed and the RV had to be retrieved by the Rengers) if he didn't know already.

Vlad could always try the opposite strategy and make the couple come to him, away from the alarms, the barrier and possibly even Daniel if he worded the invitation right... Dinner for adults only? ...It could work...

A knock startled him from his thoughts, but Vlad quickly recomposed himself and called a "come in". His young secretary walked in briskly ad deposited a stack of papers on the corner of his desk.

− Sorry to intrude, but these documents must be signed within the day, the judge wants to archive them before his retirement. − the young lad intoned deadly serious, not fooling him in any way.

− That old coot is way too smartmouth for my tastes! − Vlad grumbled, picked up the stack and scanned the first on the pile, recognizing it as baby birth citizenship*. If they were of all the same kind, the matter would be fixed in a minute. − He still has five years before retiring, he just wants to go home in time and watch his soap opera. And you Mr. Johnson are no better, because you indulge him!

− Sorry sir, it's too fun to mess with you. − the young man smirked unashamedly.

The halfa sighed as he started signing the forms, not really putting his heart into it. His secretary, despite the attitude, was far too precious to be fired... Besides, Timothy Johnson didn't put any malice into his jabs, so his input was not unwelcome now and then.

− There, it was the last one. Are you happy now? − the older man distractedly signed the last form, placing it on top of the pile.

− Very. Thank you, Mayor Masters. − the lad was about to retrieve the stack when the halfa's eyes accidentally fell on the name written on the last document.

− Wait a minute. − the millionaire almost slammed a hand on the papers, halting the other's attempt. − Mind telling me why there's a document certifying the birth citizenship of a girl who's now almost thirteen years old?

The secretary actually looked surprised. − You mean that they haven't told you about this? But I thought that you were acquainted with the Fentons! I even-...

− Would I ask you if I already knew? − the halfa almost growled, interrupting the other. The lad hummed absentmindly.

− Well, apparently thirteen years ago Mrs. Fenton gave birth to a child that was soon after kidnapped by a ghost. Apparently this was the hair that broke the camel's back, because it fueled their drive to build the Portal that, as you know, was completed only three years ago. − Timothy explained. − As they hunted the ghosts that escaped from the Zone, the Fentons also searched for leads to their missed daughter till they actually found her a couple of weeks ago. Apparently Phantom had some part in it, because they announced an official Alliance with him soon after. − Mr. Johnson shrugged. So this was the story to justify the existence of Danielle? There had to be ambiguities!

− But why didn't they file a Missing Person Report? Or a birth certificate of her at that time for the matter. − how could they after all? The clone was born only almost a year ago.

− Seemingly Mrs. Fenton gave birth at home and before they could come to the city hall to registry her, a ghost from a natural portal snatched her. Since it successfully escaped, they thought it was a shame to their name as ghost hunters and parents, so they told no one. Not that I blame them, I mean, − at Vlad's glare, the man reformulated − before the functioning artificial Portal and the periodic public ghost attacks, no one would have believed them and probably they could end into an asylum and their children shipped to the Social Services.

Éclair au chocolate, no loopholes! And given the Fentons' personalities and fame it even made perfect sense! But... maybe here was something...

− Are they really sure that that's their daughter and not a faker? − he pressed, trying to sound concerned.

− From what they said they did a DNA/paternity test and it turned out okay. They also did a ecto-contamination test and it resulted with a level no higher than the middle child's one that had an incident with a lab equipment and he's still perfectly healthy. − Tim explained in a matter-of-fact tone.

− And you know all of this how? − the halfa asked in a deadpan.

− I was accidentally there when the Fentons were explaining the facts to the judge. With this, their nightmare finally ends. − the secretary at last took hold of the stack of documents and cradled them to his chest. − Do you need anything else?

− No, thank you Mr. Johnson. − the mayor dismissed him, deep in thought, as he intertwined his fingers and rested his lips on the top of them, elbows propped on the desk.

Not caring about or oblivious to that contemplative stance, the secretary nodded and turned to leave, only to pause.

− Oh, Mr. Fenton told me to give you this if you signed the form for his sister, I just remembered. − Tim pulled out an envelope from his right suit pocket and handed it to the mayor.

Daniel? How out of character of him... the man accepted it, curious, and soon after the collaborator excused himself and got out of the office.

The halfa passed a hand on the paper to feel if there was some ectoplasm residue and finding none plus no bumps under the surface, he deduced there was only made of paper after all. This fact intrigued him even more: this was a further attempt to avoid a direct confrontation with him! Why?

Carefully, the silver haired man opened the envelope and pulled out the letter written in Ghost Glyphs. He finally learned how to write them? About time and clever way to avoid human peepers! the usual odd pride about the boy's achievement filled the older halfa as he started reading the message.

Vlad Masters-Plasmius,

following what both Lady Pandora and Lady Dora taught us about the ancient ghost etiquette, we formally request you to cease the claims on one Danielle Phantom:

● first of all because of the illegitimate subtraction and use of genetic and ectoplasmic material from Daniel Fenton-Phantom (that from what I understand from both mistresses is a serious offense in the Ghost Zone and I'm not talking about Walker-serious, but Observants-serious. ~ D.F.-P.);

● second because you rejected her in the first place by trying to liquefy her not too long ago;

● third because Danielle Fenton-Phantom has just been adopted by ones Madeline and Jack Fenton as their rightful daughter (both halves considered).

Any further attempts to either bring her harm in any shape or form or claim her as yours will be rightfully and legitimately retaliated in accords to the Ghost Laws (and trust me, I researched in the volumes Lady Pandora let us borrow and there are several things that we're allowed to do or we can we invoke the Observants to do, if the Zone doesn't come before us. ~ D.F.-P.).

Furthermore, ones Madeline and Jack Fenton rightfully claim one Daniel Fenton-Phantom as their son (both halves considered) and so they have as well the right to retaliate to any ghost who claims or attempts to do so otherwise as stated by the Ghost Laws, human status of said parents notwithstanding.

Moreover, any attempt to harm physically and psychologically said halfa due to his heritage will be punished following the Ghost Laws.

This injunction has legal value and its destruction entails a crime.

Sincerely,

Daniel Fenton-Phantom, Danielle Fenton-Phantom, Jasmine Fenton,

Madeline Fenton, Jack Fenton.

− He... outsmarted me! − Vlad couldn't help to exclaim aloud, wonder and disbelief tingeing his tone. The kinship laws in the Ghost Zone were the most ancient rules established and it was said that even the tyrannical and mad Pariah Dark had respected them and not without a reason!

Daniel, Danielle and Maddie were officially out of his reach, or else the entire Ghost Zone would be literally out for his hide.

Maybe if he hid the document and asked Skulker... No, since the boy had asked help from Pandora and Dora, it was probably of public knowledge in the Zone. Probably he even declared the Fenton Works as his Lair while he was at it...

− Wait a minute! − he almost screeched, though his mind surely did to a halt. − It says both halves of Daniel! And Danielle! − he gasped. − They know. − the man realized with horror.

Did it mean that they knew about him too? ...No, because otherwise they would already have barged in, Ectoguns blazing...

As Vlad gripped the document, a shift on it made him pause and notice another sheet behind it. Frowning, he retrieved it and started reading it with rimmed glowing red eyes since it was in Glyphs too.

Fruitloop,

this is no document, just a warning that no one else apart from the two of us knows about.

As you have obviously noticed, mom and dad know that Dani and I are halfas and have fully accepted us.

Of course they also know how my sister came to be, though we were careful to blame it all to "Plasmius". Mom is still eager to rip "him" molecule by molecule, but for now she's pacified by this Ghost Zone equivalent of a restriction order.

Apart from the recent escalated prank war and the usual immediate retaliations to your machinations, I've learned not to be too much a vindictive kind of guy (read: I don't want you totally dead), so let's keep this new "stalemate": you leave me and my family alone unperturbed and we will keep our mouth shut about you. It doesn't seem like a bad deal, does it?

No tricks, cheats and/or underneath moves allowed and trust me, I'll know if you ever try something.

While the thing about "not declaring your love to mom" was a series of unfortunate coincidences (part of which I admit dad is to blame for), Dani could already have been the perfect daughter you wanted and all you had to do was to really consider her so and stabilize her! And it didn't even need my mid-transformation sample, because the Ecto-dejecto dad invented worked like a charm! ...So, this time no one is to blame sans you. I want you to remember that.

(By the way, not to add insult to injury, but I know from well informed sources that even if your accident hadn't happened and you hadn't got Ecto-acne, mom wouldn't have chosen you and even if she had, your wedding wouldn't have been a happy one, sorry.)

I know that it's naive of me, but this time I really hope you'll finally cast away your bitterness and somehow redeem yourself from your fruitloopness. You could be a decent kind of man if you do, trust me.

Danny Fenton-Phantom.

P.S. While I was at it, besides the kinship declaration and the document shared with this note, I also officially established the Fenton Works as mine and Dani's Lair. I notified Skulker about both changes by the way, so he knows better than accepting any hunt from you and try and attack us at home.

Vlad stared speechless at the letter for several minutes, not really believing what he had just read. So he read it again. And again. At the fourth time finally the meaning clicked in and the man closed his eyes and massaged his temples with his thumbs.

No loopholes and low-key blackmail.

How was that even possible, Daniel was smart, but not this smart! Maybe the legal acts were the result of the joined efforts of Jasmine and their ghost allies, leader of the Far Frozen included. Not that it really mattered after all, since he had been figuratively shackled.

Vlad at last released a bone deep sigh, having already excluded all the possible scenarios he could think of. − Well played Daniel. − he breathed out, leaning back in his seat, relaxing his stiff spine. − Even if you relayed on others' competence, you managed to finally bind me. For the first time in my life I don't know what to do next.

Maybe this was at long last a signal from the universe to... let Maddie go. The other halfa's words (even if Daniel had used similar phrases to taunt and rile him up in other occasions) felt somehow sincere this time, because he wouldn't have risked gloating unnecessary for fear of having missed something. He had learned better than to do something so foolish. Plus that woman, a huntress... so delightfully stubborn and passionate... had accepted two half-ghost children and devoted herself to their care. How could he even compete?

Vlad Masters' greatest chase had been ultimately ended not by death or success, but by the ultimate defeat: no romantic love could surpass the one a mother felt for her offspring, adopted or natural.

What could he do now? His drive was gaining power and influence for Maddie. Without the latter, the former two had just become shapeless haunting phantoms. What did he really want after all?

Not being alone.

Cat-Maddie filled a bit of that empty space (how much he loathed to admit that Daniel had been right), but he longed for something else, something more. A family. A successor. Even a disciple was probably enough.

Vlad let the nth deep sigh of the day as he smoothed the creases on the bridge of his nose and looked back at the document and Daniel's message. There were so many ground shattering pointers in them that he didn't even know where to start thinking on.

Debating another couple of minutes made him finally come to a decision, so Vlad picked up from a drawer a blank paper and started writing the draft of a message in Ghost Glyphs.

If the younger halfa wanted to keep the distances (nor that he could have a say on it either way), the man could after all still keep this written connection up.

D ~O¤O~ Jz+Di

− Danny, sweety, you have mail. − his mother called as he descended the stairs groggily human-style. Staying up all night because your overeager little sister wanted you to teach her how to play DOOM could do something to your energy reserves. At least since the declaration Skulker and some other ghosts had refrained from attacking him at any hour of the night. Or day for what mattered and he was extremely grateful for that.

− I have mail? − Danny stumbled in the kitchen, where only the woman was present. Dad was probably already in the lab and Jazz back in her room given the dirty dishes in the sink. Dani had been snoring in her room, so no doubt about her. − Who's from? − he sat at the table, latching to the nearest mug of warm coffee. His brain had yet to stat rebooting.

− There's no return address, but I've already checked it for ectoplasm and it's not rigged. − the huntress explained as she handed him the envelope. The halfa frowned at his printed name and address, but shrugged, probably it was for school or something.

After gulping down three quarters of the mug contents, his brain decided he was awake enough to be able to read and comprehend whatever was written inside, so he sliced open the envelope. However, as soon as he caught sight of the Ghost Glyphs, Danny was startled wide awake.

Noticing the change, his mother stood on alert too. − What is it?

− ...Honestly I don't know, but it's written in ghost language, hang on. − he unraveled and started reading, though not aloud. Who knew whose specter could use mortal means to contact him? He had a suspicious, but...

Daniel,

I loathe admitting that I severely underestimated you once again. However this time I'm also thoroughly impressed by the development. You're finally using your wits, even if I'm certain that the majority of the technical issues had been identified and dealt by the older women of your household.

Who actually came up with the "kidnapped at birth Danielle" by the way? Any objection I had was reasonably countered by the arguments you told the judge and my secretary. The way you outsmarted me this time makes me actually feel a bit proud.

I recognize that in this case you have bested me, Daniel.

I'm quite sure that now you're wearing a befuddled expression, but I assure you that this is no deceit nor I'm brainwashed. It's a mere observation from my part.

If you still don't believe this, you could always come and speak to me in person, but I doubt you'll do that since the reinforced security around the Fenton Works, the rescheduled patrols and the added note to the document are of any indication of your will to meet me.

You only have my written word as I have yours about the safety of my secret. So in the end it's all a matter of trust.

Speaking of trust, how are so sure that I would never had a chance with Maddie even if I succeeded in making her my wife?

Anyway, in honor to the kinship laws, I'll leave your family and even your allies alone, though I'm asking something harmless in return: letters. I am still an old fashioned man, so paper letters in Ghost Glyphs (more difficult to read for full humans and you get practice out of it) will be the preferred means.

I don't think it's too unreasonable, even if I request a no lies policy (omission is still allowed to protect some parts of our privacy) and you'll be rewarded by the same kindness.

I'll be waiting for your reply,

Vlad P.

P.S. I expect an answer within the week, or a prank will be delivered to you at school when you least expect it.

Apart from the final twist of anger, Danny kept gaping at the letter, raw disbelief rampant on his face: Vlad... had just given up? No rage, no threats or full-blown bitterness? No, okay, one threat, but does this mean that he's planning something? he thought, rereading the text. Was he trying to gather information through the imposed letters since he had been blindsided by the shields and law restrictions? But... he had allowed omissions, he just wanted no lies. He hadn't even pressed to meet face to face! It was weird!

− Danny! − his mother's calls finally managed to break his concentration as he looked up from the hieroglyphs. − What does it says? Who's from?

She seemed really worried, what could he say? He scratched his nape with his right hand, feeling lost. Full story or half-truths by omission?

− It's from Plasmius. − at the alarmed gasp he hurried to add. − I sent him the notification of the "restriction order" as you asked, plus a warning about our new stalemate. Since he can't exactly answer in person, this is his reply. − he lifted the letter, explanation not too compromising. Or at least he hoped.

M ~O¤O~ Jk

That twisted ghost could reply through mortal mail? Which were his resources? Or had he just stolen paper and stamps and used the usual delivery system?

− What does it say? − the huntress demanded, sitting at the right side of her son, itching to grab the offending paper and look herself. How I wi- want to know how to read ghost language!

The teen hesitated, unsure. Was he trying to construct a lie? Maddie glared to discourage that attempt. Danny groaned and finally sighed.

− He's saying that he's impressed on how we dealt with the cover story in this realm and used the kinship laws in the Zone. − he kept scratching his nape, blocking partially his face from view, but from the vibes he emitted he was uncomfortable. − He even adds that this letter is no deceit.

− Why should he say so? What else is there? − the mother pressed and he winced.

− Well... Since he's been legally shackled and even Plasmius wouldn't risk the wrath of the entire Zone, he has practically declared forfeit. But it's weird, because it's so out of character! − he gestured disbelieving and somehow helplessly at the letter.

Suddenly there was a polite churr, interrupting whatever she or her son were about to say and he froze.

− ...Robin, what the heck, how did you even get there, I hadn't even felt you coming. − Danny said in a rush but still keeping a tone of deadpan.

The following churr held a note of mirth and he groaned.

− Another tiny? − Maddie guessed, while from the other side of his head a bird, which totally wasn't a robin, leant over and nodded in greetings.

− Yeah, she and her crew** had been captured by Skulker and the only one who escaped asked for my help. They check on me from time to time, but usually they send either Robin or Chopper because they're the most discreet crewmembers... But she's also the creepiest! − the halfa scolded and the hawk ruffled her feathers in a shrug.

The bird of prey churred casually and Danny blinked a couple of times, unreadable.

− You spied on... Plasmius while he received the document. And he didn't notice you. At all. − the tiny ghost chirped in response. − Yeah, good point, you're a spy. − he conceded. − So?

The following series of chirps, huffs and churrs were answered by Danny's nods let them know he was following. After the hawk had finished her tale, the boy assumed a thinking pose that Maddie let him keep up for a while, before interjecting. − So, what did she see?

− Since I doubt Plasmius was aware of her spying, his reactions were natural. Apparently it's not so unbelievable anymore that he gave up on us. Robin says that he looked lost, probably he had just realized that he had become obsession-less. − he mused, eye staring unfocused at the mug now held loosely between his hands, as if he was really looking at something else instead, like a memory.

− Is it even possible for a ghost? − as scientist she had never observed that phenomenon, so it was inconceivable to think about a specter without obsession.

− Yeah, even Dani and I have a low-key urge to obsess over something, despite being half human. − he paused as if trying to word the next sentences carefully. − Clockwork once let me take a look at what would have happened if I had lost my "obsession" − he made the quotation marks with his fingers − and... I won't lie, it wasn't pretty. − he grimaced.

− So Plasmius is going to become a potential threat? − the huntress worried, handling a problem at time. She would ask later about that alternative timeline.

− Not really? My alternative self went batshish crazy because our "obsession" is a good one; maybe with Plasmius the tendency will be the opposite. We just need to stay alert and keep an eye on him. − he shrugged carefully, aware of the hawk on his left shoulder, almost concealed uneasiness in his eyes for the topic.

− ...Okay then. − Maddie looked at her son a bit worriedly. − Do you want to talk about this "obsession-less" version of you?

− Maybe later, I have a few things to do now. − by the sound on it, it seemed as if he was already regretting mentioning the event.

Give him time and space, Maddie, this has to be a sensitive topic. she told herself while she nodded and he rose, probably to retreat to his room. − Okay honey, just a thing if you feel like answering. − he paused, tilting his head to look at her, waiting. − What's this "obsession" of yours? So I'll watch it out for you. − she tried to wink and lighten the mood. The work seemed to be done halfway because he smiled both sadly and fondly.

− Isn't it obvious? − he turned, leaving the kitchen, hawk in tow. − Protect my family and friends.

Real smooth Danny, drop the bomb then escape. Maddie stared where her son had left, mind reeling. No source of the obsession, no obsession to begin with. ...I guess we just won't die then.

D ~O¤O~ Jz+Di

− Oy bro, how are you even functional this early in the morning? − Dani peeked sleepily from the open doorway, hair ruffled and oversized Avengers themed PJ wrinkled.

The boy was dressed in home clothes (probably he didn't have intention to leave home today) and had just finished sealing an envelope.

− Receiving the response from Vlad can do wonders to one's state of awareness. − he muttered drily. That woke her up rapidly too.

− What did he said? − she practically launched in the room, noticing only now the hawk perched on Danny's shoulder.

− He gave up. For real it seem. Now I just have to drop this in the mail and... − the bird of prey churred and the halfas blinked. − Uh, you sure? − it nodded, picking up the envelope with its beak. − Thanks then. I know that I don't have to tell you, but be careful. − they got the impression it would have smiled if it could. − Oh, and tell the monkey that if he ever wants to throw a party for us, he has to keep it small or at least somewhere where it won't pick up the wrong attention.

There was a suspicious noise that sounded like a "dereshishishishi" laugh and a muffled "it's Luffy" in ghost speech that made Danny sigh.

− You're right. Thanks Robin. − with that the ghost hawk took off and flew out the window.

Dani hummed at the exchange, then focused her attention to her brother. − A long term friend of yours?

− Hnn, she's part of one of the first groups of tinies I met. Some of them are a handful, but I wouldn't exchange them for the world. − Danny stood and stretched. − Com'on little sister, it's already time for lunch with how long you were asleep! − he leaped to give her a noogie, but she phased through his arms. − Come back here!

− You'll have to get me! − she called back laughing, running out the room.

− Either death or alive, you won't escape me, Danielle Fenton! − he declared, tone full of staged bravado, as he pursued her.

Dani would worry later about the implication of what Danny had said about Vlad, but for now she was content to do this sort of game of tag till they reached the dining room.

It felt good to be called a Fenton and have a family, at long last.

* Sorry to all US readers, I have absolutely NO idea who in fact deals with birth certificates, I researched on what are the duties of a town mayor, but I came out more confused than before I started, so I had to improvise. The following law related matters follow the same writing license philosophy, so please bear with me. ^ㅂ^'

** How Danny and the "crew" met can be read in Chapter 4 of "Haunted Drabbles". Mochi-points to anyone who gets the reference (and who doesn't can just look at the A/N. of Chapter 5 where I stated it clearly u_ù).

A/N. Happy second anniversary of Shivers! Has it been already two years since I started publishing this story? (ΦωΦ)* Thanks for staying with me this long!

Danny, when Tim went to make Vlad sign the documents, actually gave the secretary two envelopes: one on the right pocket for after the signature and one on the left if the mayor refused to sign. It served to hint to the threat of telling his parents about him if he didn't sign.

(Robin arrived and landed on his shoulder gently when he stumbled in the kitchen if you were wondering, he just confused the trip as sleep-clumsiness, not the Tiny Sense catching him out of guard and not recognizing it as so... \_(ツ)_/)

Originally (i.e. when I planned this chapter) I intended this one to be the final chapter, however... the characters suddenly took life, stole my pencil and decided that this wasn't enough! I imagine that you all already have an idea which topic the third arc of the Aftermath will center on, right? ;P

Anyway, I realize as well that Vlad felt OoC, but the "problem" with Kinship Laws is that there is a reason that even Pariah Dark respected them: one does not simply take a feud on the offspring of the offender (whose children have no fault of their own) sans finding the Ghost Zone itself revolt against you. Ghost Children (halfa especially) are so rare and precious that an entire dimension/realm treasure them.

Let's make a tangible example: if Box Launch came to be and one of the Ghost Box enemies/bullies tried and harmed her because of her father, the Zone as an unstoppable being would come on them like the fiercest mama-bear or whatever else comes up to your imagination. So... yeah, you got the idea of why others would back off for a while before regrouping.

However Vlad hasn't the same opening: all his motives are linked to Maddie and Jack. Even the "Danny being another halfa, I want him as a disciple" is related to the resentment towards Jack somehow. Plus stealing/kidnapping someone else's children, as well as kill the parents to obtain them forcefully have the same result as harming them, so he can't do that either.

Hope this makes sense, at least in my strange (twisted) mind it did. xD

Oh, and as I mentioned in the edit of the previous chapter, I changed the title of chapter 14, so look back if you had lost it!

Thank you for your Views, Favorites, Follow and Reviews! Type ya next time!

[Randomly Talented: thank you and I agree with you, Dani deserves love u_ù.

ElealehBlue: wish granted, thank you for the review!

hrisi292: "Family Sense" is a fine power to have, you're lucky! xP

Great: thank you again for pointing out the fault. You made me kick in gear my sleep deprived brain and shape a better title, look it back! The thing is that I had already planned the title "Fenton Forever" for this chapter, but it fitted the previous one too! The dilemma was so great that I picked the first thing it came to my mind and it ended wrong. At least now it feels better. u_ù (Here, have some Vlad as you hoped.)

islamy96: right on the spot!

Invader Johnny: I'm glad you appreciated it! :)]