Hello, all! I told myself I would take a break from this 'Compromise' mini series, but I keep finding myself wanting to keep writing on it. So, here we are. Also, I've been doing a lot of drabbles and one shots relating to CM/EG series. So, going to include a 'timeline' to give it better context, since I do post them out of order. And I have quite a few more in mind that will definitely be out of order...

Timeline in relation to Endgame [and in their respective order]:

1. Mutualism [Months after Endgame but prior to the last epilogue scene with Skulker]

2. Masks [Same Halloween day Skulker is released in the Endgame Epilogue]

3. Compromise drabbles [Starts same Halloween day Skulker is released in the Endgame Epilogue, Compromise Part 1, right after Masks]

3. A Day at a Time [Several months after Endgame, and a couple months after 1 through 3]

4. Powerplay Part 1 [Many years after Endgame. Danny is twenty-six]

Compromise- Part 4

Anger and frustration burned deep inside Plasmius as he marched up to Skulker's island. He easily bypassed the many boobytraps along the way. Not only had he helped the ghost in the past build quite a few of them, but this place was almost like a second home to him. It came of no surprise, then, how he made it to the hunter's front door within minutes.

Besides, as determined as he was, nothing was keeping him from having 'a word' with his 'friend'.

Plasmius narrowed his eyes as he banged on the door. 'Words' were not exactly why he was here. At least, not until he reminded Skulker who was the superior ghost. He was going to teach him a lesson in respect!

"Come out, Skulker!" the older hybrid demanded as he banged on the door some more. "Let's talk about what would happen to me if I stepped a foot in the Ghost Zone again…! You want to challenge me?! I'm right here!"

The door abruptly opened; but before Vlad could say anymore, he was surprised by who greeted him.

"Ugh, can you be anymore annoying?!" Ember snapped at him. "Do you even realize what time it is?"

Plasmius frowned as he briefly tried to remember what time he left. But he quickly realized he didn't know or care.

Ignoring her question, the older hybrid scowled and said, "I came to speak with Skulker."

"Speak?" Ember repeated back and raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, sure…. Look, old guy, he's out. He left early this morning to who knows where. Although I sure hope he went to your girlfriend's house to wake her up, too!"

Plasmius glared back. "I would not hope too much… unless you hope to lose your boyfriend if he dared such a thing…"

Ember rolled her eyes. "I swear… You two losers are just meant for each other! Why don't you both just kiss and make-up, and leave the rest of us out of it? In other words, get lost!"

Plasmius jolted when Ember slammed the door in his face. He then growled and fisted his glowing hands on his side to keep himself from blasting in the door and then blasting the annoying female ghost.

With another growl, he turned and flew off the island. Skulker often liked to go on early hunts; so all he had to do was simply wait for his return. He flew off with no destination in mind except to just try to think.

He hated the way he felt right now. But it was so familiar…It was easier.

Eight Months! It had been that long since he left Amity Park, and he was no closer to fixing his life or returning to Daniel's own. In fact, it was like he was moving backwards. And if that wasn't bad enough, he had not even been able to free Skulker and Fright Knight from the Nightmare realm in all this time.

And now with Skulker somehow back, he did not even know how he had escaped!

He felt completely useless!

Vlad wanted so badly to believe he had the strength to do this. He wanted to believe he could be the person everyone wanted him to be. That… even he wanted to be.

And for a moment, it had seemed possible. It had seemed possible to be Daniel's guardian. It had seemed possible to gain Danielle's trust and to someday deserve to be her father… It had seemed possible to have a family with Stephanie and Annabelle…. And it had seemed possible to find a balance between his human and ghost half. Perhaps even find a balance between who he was before and who he needed to be now...

It had all seemed possible.

And then, Skulker appeared last night and reminded him of the truth.

Skulker was right. This life didn't suit him. This wasn't his role…

He was not suited to be Daniel's guardian. And he should have never accepted that other guardianship over Existence… He should have never allowed Danny to...

The fact that he had let the young boy tie himself to something that neither of them knew the depth or consequences of proved that he was the worst person to be responsible for the young half-ghost...

The thought reminded him of Serenity and Clockwork… They were probably watching him right now as he floundered pathetically. They should have known he couldn't do this… and worst of all, to subject Daniel to his… failure.

Maybe it was all a lie… Maybe those two spirits just needed a scapegoat… two fools who would take the bait.

Plasmius sneered as he flew faster, his hands tight fists in front of him.

He was an utter fool! He had known all along this wasn't real. He had known this wouldn't last. It was why he initially could not be completely satisfied when the timeline was altered.

After so many years of disappointment, he should have known nothing was every... that easy... Second chances were a fairytale. At least, no one got them without consequences.

And yet, even when he had known all that, he had foolishly allowed himself to hope, wish, and even believe that... a second chance was possible for him...

But the truth was...He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve to be Daniel's guardian. He didn't deserve to have someone love him like Stephanie. And he didn't deserve a family...

He was never meant to be happy. Fate had proven that to him time and time again.

Plasmius let out a sigh, unaware of how his ghost hue and eyes dimmed. He continued to fly in some random direction as he was forced to admit to himself that he had failed. He had failed again. But what hurt the most was that it was no longer himself he failed; but everyone he loved.

And how he loved them so!

He would do anything for them… He would give them up if it meant their wellbeing. And maybe that is what he needed to do… He couldn't give up Plasmius. He needed Plasmius to protect them… and himself.

A sudden jolt of pain in his core pushed him out of his troubled thoughts. He groaned as he gripped his chest. But he soon realized what it was when he felt his bond with the younger hybrid pulse inside him.

The teen was calling him… or reaching out.

But before he could decided how to feel about that, he froze in disbelief as he suddenly became aware of his surroundings.

He... he was floating right in front of the Fenton portal! He had actually…

But how?! How had he flown here without even realizing it?!

He floated down to a large rock a couple feet below him and just sat on it as he stared at the swirling portal in distress.

He was pathetic, wasn't he?

No matter how hard he tried he could not control his obsessive need to be close to the other half-ghost. And more than ever, he wanted so badly to seek him out. He wanted to... apologize. Maybe... the boy would understand if he told him... this was a mistake. Anyone else had to be a better guardian for the boy than him! Anyone else!

The man shook his head but it was hard for him to ignore the painful throb in his chest again. The only time he had felt his connection with Daniel hurt was when the boy had been in deep distress or danger. But the pain right now felt different; so he knew that that wasn't the case now.

If he wasn't wallowing in self-pity maybe he could figure out what was causing the discomfort. He supposed it didn't matter. In fact, he was probably at fault for it, too. And why not? Everything else was his fault right now!

His core jolted again, but this time, along with the pain, he felt an emotion that wasn't his own...

Daniel was worried about him.

But it only made the man feel worse! Great! Now, he was upsetting the boy, too! And he was probably also causing him pain!

Plasmius clenched his jaw as he focused on their bond and tried to...push it back. He didn't want the teen worrying about him! And he couldn't think with Daniel distracting him like this!

Too bad Daniel stubbornly pushed right back.

Vlad squeezed his eyes shut and fisted his hands, this time. "Stop it," he whispered out as if the teen could hear him.

He just wanted to feel like himself again. He needed a moment of silence! Silence in his mind and heart. And silence in his core!

This link with the boy was suffocating him!

Plasmius raised his knees before he leaned forward and gripped at his hair. He groaned as his core burned inside him even more. He just wanted it to stop! All of it!

"I'm not weak! I refuse! Why doesn't anyone understand I can't just... give up who I am! I… I am Plasmius!" he muttered to himself. "I am…"

A wave of soft, cool energy suddenly washed over him. And to his burning core, it felt like a cool breeze in the middle of a scorching dessert.

Another wave, and Plasmius closed his eyes and exhaled when he suddenly could breathe again. And yet, he was wary and confused. What was happening? What was this… feeling?

He placed a hand on his core as the burning eased. He hesitated at the power surrounding him… and then knocking at his core.

Let me in

The words passed through his mind; but they were not spoken words. They were not even telepathy like he was used to from ghosts like Juukka... It was hard to describe. It was like hearing yourself internally speak or understanding your feelings… You just knew.

Vlad hesitated before he relaxed and let the strange power enter his being. And instantly he realized what it was. No, who it was.

"Daniel?" the man whispered in disbelief.

The boy smiled at him in triumph. And Vlad had no idea how he knew the teen was smiling, let alone how he could visualize it.

The man instinctively tried to draw away. He didn't like this at all. It was bad enough they shared a bond; he didn't need the boy this close... What if he could read his mind? or worst... know his most intimate feelings?

No, he couldn't allow this!

Wait… Please.

The older hybrid opened his eyes as he stared at the Fenton portal. He almost expected Danny to fly out of it. How was he doing this?

It's okay…

Plasmius cringed as the non-existent words came with another wave of the boy's cool stabilizing energy.

No, this was wrong! The teen was not the one who was supposed to comfort him; or do whatever it was he was trying to do! He didn't need to be taken care of! He was Plasmius! He wasn't…!

You are not weak.

Vlad tensed. "Danny… whatever you are doing… Stop. Please," the man muttered, not sure if the boy could hear him or not. He was not ready for this, especially now right now.

Just… Let me show you… I can prove it.

Plasmius hesitated as he stared down at his shaking hands. Another wave of energy traveled through him; and by now, he realized Daniel was purposely doing it. But when did the teen learn to transfer energy, let alone what he was doing now?

Let me show you.

Vlad's eyebrows creased as the unspoken words were more of a plea this time.

"Alright...," he whispered before he sighed. He closed his eyes; and with just another moment of hesitation, he finally let the teen completely in.

And instantly, he saw a vision in his mind… No, a memory… The boy was at his castle, in his training room, back when they had been enemies… Yet they had chosen to try to be something more.

Vlad smiled as he remembered when he had first taught Danny how to make blue energy—or, at least the starting point to make it… The boy had been so afraid of his powers back then…

"You have to acknowledge your fears, Daniel. Accept that you have them. You will be surprised how much easier it will then be to control those fears; and you will even find that you can work them out of your system. Don't let something like fear control you. Don't ever let anything control you. You are far stronger—mentally, physically, and emotionally-than you realize. Remember that, Daniel."

But suddenly, the memory changed and they were in front of Dazzler… That beast who…

The man's eyebrows furrowed though he kept his eyes closed. He felt a wave of fear from the teen as Danny remembered seeing him lifeless on the ground.

Back then, Vlad had allowed Dazzler to take his life because he had trusted Daniel. Had had known the boy was strong enough to overcome that ghost… He just needed the push. He just needed someone to believe in him. Believe that… the boy would save the day, because that was what he did…

"Don't let anything ever control you…"

Vlad gasped softly as he saw how the boy had remembered his words that day, how he had grabbed on so tightly to them, and believed them… The boy had broken Dazzler's spell that day because of him.

The memory changed again, and the boy was in his old room at his castle. He had finally learned to make blue energy…

"Hold on to that feeling, Daniel. Remember it," Vlad whispered as he stood by the boy's side.

A calm sigh escaped the teen's mouth as wave after soft wave of stability washed over him. It was just so relaxing and placid. It reassured him, something his powers alone had never been able to do for him before. It made him feel so confident and in control.

"I'm proud of you, Daniel."

A soft smile curved the teen's lips in return as he slowly dispelled his blue energy from his hand. Hearing Vlad express those words to him with honest sincerity in his voice truly touched him.

"Thank you."

The man suddenly let out a ragged sigh as he whispered, "I'm still proud of you, little badger."

The older hybrid felt a wave of warmth curl around him this time, and he could see the boy smiling at him again.

His mind—or rather, Daniel—provided yet another memory for them to share. And they were suddenly at the end of their battle with Evil Phantom…

"…Danny, this power. I only feel it when you need me…I have always felt it. It was a spark at first. When I first met you… But then when you were with me for those months, it started to ignite. To grow… With every situation between us… Saving you from Pariah…Back when Walker tried to harm you… And Dazzler. Those times it would burn strongest. Those times when you needed me most. I just… I never gave into the feeling out of fear for what it meant. And I never thought it meant this…

The man squeezed his eyes closed again; but when he opened his eyes, they were a soft gold color. But then he let go of the boy's arm and let gold energy return to his hand.

As he showed it to the boy, he added softly, "This power or ability… it's meant for you… to help you. For better or for worse, I have no doubt I am what Serenity calls 'your shadow'… What everyone else calls… your guardian…"

The older hybrid tensed this time when the memory abruptly changed, and he felt desperation and fear again. The boy was racing through the Ghost Zone in search of… of him…

"I cannot," Clockwork replied soberly.

The boy turned away and fisted his hands as he felt his throat tighten with emotion. He ran a hand through his hair before looking back at the spirit. Suddenly, the anger was gone. And what he had been feeling this whole week was suddenly left raw and exposed.

"Please…" Danny begged again with desperation. "He's giving up his life for me. I know it. He made a deal with her to save me. I can't… I can't live with that kind of guilt. I'll never forgive myself. And… I need him. He's my guardian, Clockwork…"

Danny sighed before he whispered, "He's the only one like me. This past year when I thought he was gone… Even when we were enemies, I felt like I lost a part of me. And now that I know how important we are to each other…I-I can't imagine my life without him. Please, help me save him."

The boy was alone again, crying. But there was this determination to not give up… to find him.

…Danny closed his eyes again and fisted his hands as he searched deep inside himself once more. It was there. It had always been there. Even with all the resentment and anger, even with the millions of things that separated them, his bond with his guardian was there.

It burned as strongly in him as his love for his friends and family, which now included this man. Because this man was a part of him, like his loved ones were. He was a very important part of him. A powerful part of him.

Danny didn't see that his entire body began to glow gold, nor was he aware that his pupils were also golden.

But he felt it. He felt it because he needed to. He needed his guardian, and the older hybrid needed him, too.

"…It's not just when I need you; but when you need me. A door opens both ways…I'm not afraid of our bond anymore. I've accepted it, too. And I'm going to find you."

Vlad opened his eyes as he smiled sadly and muttered, "And you did, little badger… You did more than find me… You saved me."

… But you taught me first, Vlad… You're not weak because you make me stronger…You saved me first.

Plasmius let out a choked sob as he felt himself shatter all over again.

He closed his eyes and gripped at his hair again, and this time cried out, "What do I do, little badger? I don't know how to do this…! I don't know if I'm strong enough to… I-I can't protect you or anyone else without… Plasmius… without…"

Vlad cringed when he felt the teen seize inside him that fear, anger, and bitterness. He had not even realized how strong those feelings had taken root inside him since last night until the teen pointed them out—showed them to him.

You don't need this… You are Plasmius, just like I am Phantom. But this is not Plasmius. At least, it doesn't need to be anymore… Let me help you. Please… Even if it's like this….

"You are not supposed to..." Vlad began sadly but was quickly interrupted.

But I can try, remember? Vlad…? Do you know why I stopped being afraid? … Yeah, you do…

And Vlad did know. It was why the boy had shown him all he had just now. Those times he had felt afraid or had been alone or wanted to give up, the teen had reached out to their bond—even when they didn't even know the extent of it. As the boy said, Vlad made him stronger…

And it goes both ways… this door opens both ways….

Vlad opened his eyes again as that thought rang through his being… Could it really be…?

You told me... I will never have to do this alone... Well, you don't have to either.

The man took a shaky breath and placed his hand on his core. The boy was right... their bond went both ways. If he made the boy stronger... If he had been able to push the teen just a bit more during those times he felt like giving up, then... perhaps he needed to accept the same help.

And right now, he needed Daniel's help.

Vlad stared at the Fenton portal in the distance for a moment before he closed his eyes again. And letting his uncertainty fade away, he focused on his bond with the boy… on...making it... tangible.

Almost instantly, he saw how their bond became an endless hall. But in the center of this hall, there was a door. And right now, he could not see beyond that door. He just saw his side of the hall.

Vlad realized at that moment that this supernatural connection he shared with the other half-ghost, they had only begun to explore it. In fact, in all this time, they had just barely been peaking behind the door that separated them.

A door that Danny had currently opened halfway...

So, Vlad opened it the rest of the way…

Instantly, he felt the boy's presence wrap around him. It almost felt like a hug.

No, it was a hug… He was hugging him.

Vlad suddenly wanted to cry; but instead, he gripped him back with the same force.

I'm sorry… he begged the boy because he didn't know what else to say. He had been about to give up on everything, had taken a step back… back to what he was before… A step away from Danny.

And heaven knew he needed this child.

You're the strongest person I know, Vlad… But if you forget… I'll be here to remind you, alright?

Vlad just gripped the boy harder.

You promised you wouldn't stay away forever… So, keep your promise, Masters… I need you to..

The older hybrid sighed deeply before he reassured the teenager right back.

I won't give up… I'll find a way… I'll come back to you...

The teen smiled, but then he chuckled warmly.

I know… But you can already feel that…

Vlad just held onto the boy for another moment. He could feel the boy's trust and hope in him… He could feel the boy's care for him…

And it felt like Vlad's entire being came back to life.

He refused to let this boy down!

With a reluctant sigh, the man finally pulled away…

Thank you, Danny… But I have to go now… There are things I need to.. set right again.

The boy's sadness was obvious but he also felt his encouragement.

Just remember… you don't have to do this alone… Neither of us do…Not anymore

Not anymore…. Vlad repeated those words right back as their synchronized energy wrapped around them as a confirmation.

Then, like turning off a facet, their bond vanished back into their core-back into the intangible world. The last thing they saw in their minds was that same door closing once more.

Vlad opened his eyes and smiled when he saw his ghostly body glowing gold. It had gone away since yesterday, but now it was back. He also realized the pain in his core was gone. It had been replaced with the steady and soft feel of his bond with the other half-ghost.

The man stood and stared at the Fenton portal for another moment before he turned away.

He needed to go home.

Except that… he was greeted by a sword inches from his chest.

It was Skulker.

The hunter had been scouting the outskirts of Amity Park in search of weak spots in the fabric between the ghost and human worlds. Sometimes, if they were unstable enough, they could lead to other dimensions. And with Halloween only yesterday, Amity had been the best spot to try to find those tears…

Too bad he didn't find what he was looking for.

And that had put Skulker in a bad mood. It had not helped matters that the temporary portal he had just come through had landed him close enough to the Fenton portal to sniff out a certain older half-ghost in the vicinity.

"I figured you would ignore my warning… I just did not think it would be this soon…That's fine… You will be the first ghost core I reap…"

Vlad abruptly grabbed the Soul Shredder by the blade when it was thrusted forward towards his chest. The sharp sword cut his palm but he held it fast. He ignored as the gold energy around him fought against the dark green energy of the sword.

For a moment, Plasmius felt his previous anger swell inside him… But he didn't let it take root this time.

"I can understand your invading my home and attacking me…," Vlad said soberly. "But you had no right to attempt to harm my family. I thought you had more honor than that."

"Do not talk to me about honor!" Skulker shouted and tried to push forward in hope of overcoming the man's grip on the sword. How he was holding back the sword's power the hunter had no idea!

The older hybrid's hand bleed heavily now. But the gold energy around the older hybrid kept the sword's power at bay, even as the two powers hissed against the other.

"No, I supposed I have no right," Plasmius replied. "Just like I cannot blame you now for being angry with me. But I will not fight you. If I am here now... it's only for one thing..."

Vlad raised his other hand slowly so the other ghost did not think he was making a move to attack and reached into his ghost suit. He then pulled out the zip file and extended it to the other ghost.

"I came to give you this."

"I don't want anything from you!" the hunter snapped back.

The older hybrid paused before he replied, "I know why you are here, Skulker… I tried the same. The rips in the fabric in Amity are not large enough to open into the Realm of Nightmares… But, I have been looking elsewhere… And found some other interesting things about the Realm of Nightmares… I thought you might be interested in having a look. Who knows… Maybe you can connect the pieces I have not been able to with your own knowledge of the Ghost Zone… I know you don't want my help, but... Fright Knight might."

Skulker scowled at him for a moment. He noticed the gold energy around the man's body. He knew exactly what it was. And he realized it was what was holding the Soul Shredder at bay.

Skulker abruptly pulled the sword back and fastened it on his back again. But he made no attempt to take the data file in the half-ghost's hand.

Instead, he studied Plasmius for a moment before saying, "So, it's true… You are the whelp's guardian… You remember what I told you about the whelp and your making an alliance with him…?"

"Take the file, Skulker," Vlad just answered soberly.

Skulker scoffed before he reached forward and yanked away the little drive. He then muttered, "This changes nothing."

"Change is inevitable, Skulker," Vlad replied before taking a step back. And when he saw the hunter make no attempt to come after him, he added, "And you're wrong… about Daniel… About me. I'm not weak… I am more powerful than I ever was…"

And as if to confirm that, the gold glow around him turned brighter.

But when Skulker said nothing, Plasmius continued, "I will keep searching on my end… And you can do the same on your end. But ultimately, Fright Knight's odds would be much better if we searched… together. As you once told me… when you realize I am right, you know where to find me…"

With that, Plasmius took off back towards his own portal. But as he did, he smiled as he placed a hand on his chest as a single word echoed in his mind…

Compromise

He realized he didn't need to give up one side of him over another. He did not need to fight to keep who he was in favor of evolving in who he needed to be…

And he didn't have to choose over those he cared about and keeping them safe.

He just needed to compromise. And if he failed—and he was sure in this long road ahead, he would fail quite a bit—he just needed to try another way, until he got to where he needed to be.

He would never stop trying... He knew now he was strong enough to do this.

As he told Skulker, he was now stronger than he ever was before.

And if you forget... I'll be here to remind you.