EDIT 8/13/17: I finally am getting around to editing some earlier chapters (just to correct some grammar mistakes and such, as well as fix the general sentence structure that I didn't do well the first time). Seriously, this chapter is the first impression of this whole story and here I was with the word "Danny" like 5 times in a single 3-line paragraph... (whyyy me from a year ago, why would you do that?) I thought I was better at writing than that tbh, even when I first started this series... Welp time to fix that and make everything better! :) So keep a lookout for the "EDIT" things to show which chapter's I've gone through!

Hello to anyone who is actually reading this! :)I've gotten hooked on several fanfics that have Vlad being nice to Danny, so I've decided to make a series myself about it. This is the first time I've written DP fan fiction, but I am no stranger to the fandom; just look at my massive list of favorited stories, for Pete's sake, lol.

You can look on my profile to see the order of the episodes I plan to rewrite. They're pretty much all the ones with Vlad in them… We'll see how easily I can change them but still make them believable…

ALSO, I've changed a few things about Vlad. Instead of Skulker being his ally, they're more like enemies now. I sort of figured that since Skulker wants to hunt Danny so much, he probably would have hunted Vlad, too, before Vlad got so powerful. So, we'll see how that works out.

Enjoy! :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom or the characters from the show. The only thing I own is the plot (or at least part of it).

Not-So-Bitter Reunions

RECAP: A few nights before, the three ghost vultures were looking for Jack Fenton. Danny chased them away, but he still wondered who was out to get his father. The Fenton family had arrived at Vlad's mansion the day before.

A breath of blue, icy air made Danny shiver in his sleep, causing him to flinch awake. Blinking a few times in the dark room, he came to his senses.

"Oh great, just what I need. A working vacation," He grumbled to himself. The bright white rings formed at his chest and split up and down, leaving an annoyed Danny Phantom in their place.

The Fenton family had arrived at the mansion of Vlad Masters the previous day. There was one thing for sure; Danny sensed something majorly off about Vlad. His words were friendly enough (most of the time, at least), but it was his tone and body language that made the boy slightly suspicious. Every now and then, Danny happened to look over when the man was grinning almost evilly. It honestly gave the halfa a bad feeling about coming to Wisconsin in the first place.

The glowing ghost boy shook out of his thoughts and flew up out of the luxurious bed, sleepily zipping to the wall and turning intangible to move swiftly into the hallway.

He whipped his head to the right and saw the large, stocky figure of his dad, Jack Fenton, stumbling down the hall mumbling something about the bathroom. Right behind him were the three ghost vultures from a few nights before. The ghost boy wondered how they ended up in Vlad's mansion in the first place, but at least now he could give them the beating they deserved for messing with his dad. Danny sank through the floor and grabbed the large man around the ankles. He gently flew him down through the floor and into a bathroom, turning invisible and flying away before his dad could turn around.

Now to deal with those vultures, he thought. He flew quickly back up through the floor and appeared behind the birds.

"Hi guys, remember me?" Danny snarked, hitting his fist into his other palm and tried to look dangerous (key word: tried). The ghostly birds gasped and split up in different directions through the walls, and it appeared they had no intention to return. Phantom frowned a little and mumbled, "Okay, that was almost too easy..."

He spun around slowly, looking for any other ghosts or the vultures again. Seeing nothing, he shrugged and returned to his room for the night. Once the youngest Fenton got under the covers and put his head down, his ghost sense went off again.

"Oh come on, again?!" Danny transformed back into Phantom for the second time in a span of five minutes and rolled his eyes, annoyed with life. "What ghost could possibly be here now?!"

"We meet again, Ghost Boy," A figure phased through the wall of his room, the green flames casting a creepy green glow on the purple walls. Slitted green eyes glared at Danny's wide ones. "Are you ready to be hung on my wall where you belong?"

"Skulker," The half-ghost hissed, floating out of bed and into a defense position, "Number one, no, and number two, I don't know how you found me, but you're going down!" With a quiet yell of determination (he was aware that everyone else in the house was most likely sleeping, and it wouldn't be good at all for his parents to interrupt this fight...), the white-haired ghost lunged at the Ghost Zone's Greatest Hunter.

Skulker's suit expanded on both sides to reveal more than a dozen rockets, which lit up and flew forward, straight toward the hero.

Danny turned intangible and let the rockets phase right through him. He didn't consider the effect, though, which happened to be the destruction of the wall behind him.

Several crashes shook the room. The boy flinched, hoping that by chance, no one had heard that, and flew through the ceiling, Skulker following closely behind. Soon the two ghosts emerged into the night sky, facing each other.

"Is that all you got, Phantom?" Skulker grinned and took out a glowing sword. The halfa frantically dodged the sword and sent a ghost ray toward the hunter, which unfortunately missed by a couple feet. The robotic ghost smiled to himself and grabbed onto Danny's leg, roughly throwing him down onto the pavement. The ghost boy couldn't turn intangible in time and created a slight dent in the asphalt, groaning as he tried to sit up.

"Pretty pathetic fight, Whelp," The metallic-suited ghost cackled, "Prepare to become my most prized pelt!"

Blearily opening his eyes and trying to ignore his massive headache, Phantom stared in horror at the glowing green net coming toward him. He tried to squirm away, but before he could move he heard a metallic clang. He whipped his head up to see that Skulker had been blasted aside by an unfamiliar figure in the distance. The dark, ghostly form had glowing red eyes and hair fashioned into two spikes pointing upwards. Any other details were indistinguishable because of the lack of light. Danny gasped and watched the ghost curiously, wondering why it had saved him.

"Get lost, Hunter." The new ghost growled with a slightly familiar voice. "This is not your domain. I suggest you leave before I shove you out myself."

"Plasmius," Skulker rolled his bright green eyes and activated his rocket boosters, preparing to fly away. "I apologize for invading your haunt," the sarcasm almost seemed to drip from his low voice. He looked to Danny and glared ferociously, "We'll meet again Phantom, and next time your pelt will be mine!" He blasted off and disappeared into the night sky. The ghost boy's vision blackened and he wished with all his heart that the other ghost wouldn't take advantage of the situation. He didn't even feel his head hit the pavement before he passed out.

Vlad, despite his blatant hatred for Jack, who honestly deserved it (at least in Vlad's opinion), was a reasonable man. He let out a quiet hmm as he sipped his black coffee. The clock read 2:34 a.m., and the billionaire should have been getting quality sleep before the big reunion the next day, but sleep hadn't come easily to him ever since, well, the accident 20 years ago. So, by now, he was used to having sleepless nights.

The middle-aged man sighed softly and tapped his fingers on the mahogany desk, staring blankly at the papers that sat on it. He really should be finishing up this paperwork to finalize his new company, VladCo, but he had too many things on his mind tonight. Namely, the Fentons, more specifically Maddie, his only true love. While thinking of Maddie, Vlad allowed a smile to appear on his face. It was the first time he had seen her lovely self in person ever since... that fateful day in college. Or possibly once or twice in the hospital afterwards, but those days were all a blur to the halfa.

His thoughts were rudely interrupted by a loud crash, soon followed by his warm red ghost sense. Vlad jumped up and turned toward the noise, using his ghost side's good sense of hearing to listen intently. He could vaguely hear a few voices, but who exactly they belonged to was unknown. He took a running leap into the air and watched as the black rings split across his body, turning him into Vlad Plasmius. He flew directly up and within seconds the black-haired halfa appeared into the chilly night air, red eyes widening at the scene before him.

Skulker, who he would recognize from any distance at this point, made him clench his gloved hands into fists. The hunter had hunted the human-ghost hybrid for almost the first 10 years of having his powers, and let's just say some things will never be forgotten. Skulker was definitely one of the man's least favorite foes because of his unbelievable determination to get his pelt, of all things. Vlad shuddered to himself and started as the other ghost was thrown to the ground, the dreadful sound of cracking pavement ringing through the air. The half-ghost flinched and flew forward a bit. He recognized that ghost too; it was one of the newest ghosts, Danny Phantom, the one that "used his powers for good." Vlad scoffed to himself. Nothing was all "good" or all "bad," for the world was never black and white. The billionaire, after years of learning this himself, now knew that trying to play the hero role almost never worked out well for anyone. Plus, why would a normal ghost want to protect humans against others of his own kind?

Vlad halted his thoughts and intervened the fight with a pink blast to Skulker's chest, "Get lost, hunter. This is not your domain. I suggest you leave before I shove you out myself." The blue-skinned ghost threatened, glaring pointedly at the metal suit.

"Plasmius," the dry sarcasm made Vlad's skin crawl. "I apologize for invading your haunt." The last word almost made the halfa go and strangle Skulker, but he managed to control himself, if only barely. He tried to focus on the ghost boy, whose bright green eyes were staring directly at Vlad with curiosity and slight fear.

Skulker snapped something to the ghost boy and blasted off. Plasmius began to float down to the boy to help him up, despite his distaste of the naive child. But before he could move any closer, the white-haired teenager passed out before his eyes. Seconds after, a ring of white light lit up around his still waist, and it split and slowly made its way across both ends of his body. All Vlad could make out was pink pajamas and a dark-raven mop of hair. Vlad gasped. Another half-ghost? At his mansion, of all places?

Vlad rushed down and recognized the boy as soon as his ghostly glow cast light on the boy's face. The man couldn't breathe. Jack's son... was a halfa? Just like Vlad? The elder ghost-human hybrid felt rage force red into his vision. The bumbling idiot not only ruined his (former) best friend's life, but his own son's also? He felt even more hate for Jack than ever before as he gently scooped the boy into his arms.

The billionaire blew out a breath of air and shook his head. Now he wasn't the only one suffering through life as a half-ghost. Now he had someone to relate to and who he could possibly even teach. Vlad knew he could make this into a good thing, somehow, some way.

Danny mumbled as he awoke, "No... Get away!" He jumped out from his covers, breathing heavily.

"Huh? Where am I?" He looked around the room and found it to be the same one he had been in last night, though he openly flinched when he saw the ruined wall. A quick look at the clock told him that it was about 4:00 in the morning. The ghost boy frowned, "What happened?"

"Is anything wrong my boy?" Vlad Masters walked into the room from the open doorway with a questioning look on his face. But Danny could also see a bit of nervousness, which confused him slightly.

"I... must have been worn out from the long car trip..." The messy-haired boy came up with an explanation and nervously rubbed his neck with one hand. "I-I'll be ok in the morning, heh. I'm sorry for the scare..." He clutched the blanket, hoping Mr. Masters bought it, and by all means, didn't look at the far wall.

"Oh, what's a little scare between friends, son?" The billionaire smiled a little, going with the act. He just couldn't bring himself to reveal the truth at that moment. He backed out of the room and watched as Danny put his head back down on the pillow.

The events of the past night troubled Vlad greatly. He had hated Jack for the better part of 20 years, yet... finding out that the large man's son has been turned into a half-ghost, like the had himself... It made Vlad feel sympathetic for the young boy. At least the older half-ghost had been in college when he got his powers; Daniel was only a young teenager, not to mention he had ghost hunters for parents. The man shook his head; He couldn't imagine living in a house as a halfa with two ghost hunters and several ghost defense systems, and having to constantly lie to your parents and make up excuses for anything ghost-related... Vlad had definitely had a hard time when he was completely on his own, but he knew Danny must have it hard, too, with people who would possibly kill him if they knew the truth.

Vlad continued walking to his study and sat down in his chair. He stroked his chin halfheartedly and gazed down at the untouched papers from several hours ago.

What if he could take his view off of getting revenge on Jack, and move it to becoming a friend and mentor to Danny?

He had been planning what he would do to the idiot for years... He couldn't just drop everything for that very man's son!

Or could he...?

What if being somewhat of an "uncle" figure to Danny, and possibly Jazz, would make dear Maddie happy?

Vlad knitted his eyebrows and looked blankly at the papers in front of him.

And if letting go the anger and resentment toward Jack would in turn make Maddie and Danny happier?

The grey-haired man looked up towards the closed wooden door and sighed to himself. He had made his decision...

The next morning, Danny walked into the reunion with his parents, after checking on Jazz in the Movie Room, of course. The room was filled with unfamiliar adults, who talked and laughed with each other.

"Hey, Harrie!" Jack called out cheerfully. A woman in green seemed to choke and mumble under her breath before walking over.

"Jack, Maddie... How nice..." She said, obviously thinking the opposite.

"Danny, meet Harriet Chin." Danny's father said, "She's a big-shot reporter for the Milwaukee Journal now, but back in my college days she was just Harrie! Harrie Chin!" Jack laughed to himself. "Get it?"

Maddie quickly apologized to the annoyed college classmate, but Danny didn't make out what was said.

Then, the two Fenton parents went off to "pogo" to some song that was apparently "Jack's song."

"Okay," The black-haired boy sighed, "I'm officially mortified." He almost missed Harriet's answer when he trudged to the corner and sat down at the food table, watching the party with boredom.

Vlad saw his chance from across the party to speak with the recently revealed half-ghost alone. He made his way over and put a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Well, son, you're looking much better." The man commented, trying to figure out what to say next. After a moment, he took the risk. "I was wondering if you could... come with me for a moment... I really do want to, er, get to know the son of my... best pal... more..." Vlad almost shuddered at the last part... Not hating Jack as much would definitely take some getting used to. Thankfully, Danny didn't seem to notice and answered with a smile.

"Oh, sure Mr. Masters, but... call me Danny. Son's what my dad calls me." He said awkwardly, hoping Vlad wouldn't take offense.

"Oh yes, yes, of course..." The billionaire said, faking a smile. He stated to walk towards the open doors, and breathed a silent breath of relief upon seeing the bored boy follow, oblivious to what the purpose of the talk was. Vlad just hoped it didn't end in a disaster.

Before going through the door, elder halfa turned his head to look at Maddie one more time before leaving the room. He knew it was most likely all Jack's fault for wrecking the young Daniel's life, but he couldn't help but wonder if the female ghost hunter was somewhat responsible too. The idea saddened him, causing him to shake his head and continue out the door with Danny in tow.

The man led the younger male to a relatively open room down the hall and motioned to two chairs in a corner of the room, and the two sat down simultaneously.

"So, Mr. Masters," Danny said slowly, crossing his legs and trying to make the whole thing less awkward, "What did you wanna talk about?"

"... Well, Daniel," Vlad started, "Last night I heard some strange things from upstairs..."

The boy's eyes widened the smallest bit. "Oh... Really? Because, well... I... didn't hear a thing... Sure was a peaceful night for me... Heh..." He looked down and twiddled his thumbs. He hoped Vlad got off this subject soon so he wouldn't have to keep making up stuff that could end up contradicting itself...

"Well you see," The older man started again, "I made my way outside to see what all the ruckus was about, and it turns out that it was two ghosts fighting with each other above my mansion!" He tried to sound surprised and slightly fearful. "Oh it was terrifying... One of them had green flames for hair and a metal suit, and... the other had bright white hair and the strangest attire... A black and white HAZMAT suit, if I remember correctly…" Vlad internally bit his lip as he looked for Danny's reaction.

The ghost boy was (understandably) freaking out inside. So Mr. Masters had seen part of the fight? What if he had been there at the end and seen me? He thought in horror. That must be what this is about... He must have seen me transform from Phantom to Fenton!

Vlad, seeing Danny's terrified expression, flinched and tried to say more. "Listen young Daniel... Everything is going to be kept between me and you all right?" He put his hands up slowly and met Danny's eyes.

"... So now you know, huh..." The youngest Fenton guessed quietly, tensing up and wringing his hands. Vlad nodded slowly, wondering if the black-haired boy would try to make a run for it.

"Listen to me, Little Badger," Danny made a slight face at the name, and Vlad barely managed to hide a smile at the reaction. "I was the one who put you back in bed after you, well, weren't able to do it yourself. Can't have your parents questioning why you slept on the driveway last night, can we?" He meant that as a joke, but the teenager flinched a little.

"W-what makes you think my parents don't know?" He stuttered, but flinched again when Vlad chuckled a little and shot a knowing look to the younger halfa. "Plus why aren't you asking all sorts of questions right now? Aren't you wondering about... well, how I'm a... how I turned into a... well, you know..."

Vlad tried to think of something to say. But he ended up sighing and looking down as he changed into his ghost persona, Vlad Plasmius, with the usual two rings of darkness, very similarly to the younger ghost hybrid's transformation the night before. Danny leapt up in surprise and stared at him in awe, immidiately recognizing the ghost that had saved him the night before.

The next few moments were silent as the two studied each other. Vlad swiftly changed back and settled back down, smiling a little at the younger halfa.

"I-I can't believe it... I'm not the only one that's...?" Danny couldn't finish.

"That's been turned half-ghost by your, er, overzealous father?" Vlad said, "Yes, now there are two of us, I suppose."

The boy stared incredulously for a few moments and then began laughing. The billionaire looked at him in a mix of shock and confusion at the unexpected response.

"What?" Vlad demanded in bewilderment, "What's so funny?"

"A-all this time," Danny chuckled and shook his head, "I should have realized the moment Mom told me about your accident, that you could have been..." He trailed off and caught his breath. The younger halfa looked up and smiled so brightly at Vlad, it made the older man smile too.

In fact, Vlad couldn't remember the last time he had smiled this much. His face was actually starting to hurt.

Nonetheless, the older half-ghost figured this would be the beginning of a very interesting friendship.

Later that evening, after the (surprisingly normal) reunion had ended and everyone was on their way home except the Fenton family, the two ghost hybrids discretely caught each other's gaze and stepped aside from the rest of the group.

The younger halfa wanted to say something, but couldn't think of any words to say, so he just peered up gratefully at the older man.

"I suppose we'll see each other again, Little Badger?" The older man said with a slight questioning tone, smiling at the face the boy made a second time at the nickname.

"I hope so Fruitloop." Danny agreed with a grin, thinking of what he would tell his friends about the encounter. He knew one thing for sure; his life would definitely be different from now and on with Vlad on his side.

Clockwork smiled at the different timeline, shifting from his child to his middle-aged form. The Master of Time observed the scene for another moment and then nodded to himself, satisfied with his work.

"All is as it should be."

… Soo… Thoughts? Questions? Flames even? I'd love to hear anything in a review. Thanks for reading! I'll be working on the next chapter, which I plan to be Shades of Grey and then Maternal Instincts. Again, you can find the full list on my profile. I also plan to write some extra scenes to make it flow a little more, you know, so Vlad's new role will be more developed throughout the series.

Anyway, I hope this turned out all right for a newbie. I apologize if the characters are a little (or a lot) OOC. Hopefully as I continue writing, I can write about them better.

R&R please! :) :)