A/N: Alright, the last chapter took me a while to do, but after that one, this went by pretty quickly. I've been working on it for hours, simply because it was the weekend and it was a chill day. I missed this story, but this chapter was a lot of fun to write. I just hope it's not too short.

Have I mentioned I love Cujo? If there is a reboot for the show, Danny needs to keep him. He needs a furry friend, even if it is a ghost dog. Besides, it would be great to see Cujo being protective of Danny. Spoilers? Maybe. I make this up as I go along.

Chapter 9: Confrontation

The next morning, Danny got out of bed. He barely noticed falling asleep, but it wasn't strange to him. Sleep was unnecessary, but he still enjoyed it. He grabbed the device Clockwork delivered him, gripping the rod-like object by the handle. It was black and cobalt, matching Danny's new outfit. He made sure to put on the necklace with the dog whistle attached to it before zooming off to Valerie's place.

Once he was in the apartment building, he blew the whistle. Cujo instantly appeared by his side, his tail wagging furiously.

"Sorry Cujo, but it's not playtime. Heel." The ghostly puppy obediently stood still and sobered. Danny wondered how it was possible for a puppy to look serious. "Now, don't anger Val, okay?"

Danny knocked on the door. This time, when Valerie opened it, she was not surprised to see her dead friend on the other side. She glanced down and raised her eyebrow at Danny.

"The ghost dog? Really?"

"Hey, he's trained now. Just look at him. Anyway, do you think you could come with me? In the suit?" Danny waited patiently as she thought of an answer.

"As long as you know what you're doing. I'll probably just watch."

"Good. Now that that's settled, let's go." He took her hand and flew her up to the roof through three floors.

"I'll never get used to intangibility." Valerie shook her head and activated her suit.

"Don't worry, neither did Sam or Tucker." Danny laughed as the engines on Valerie's jet board whirred to life.

Danny picked up Cujo, they both took to the air, and then they set off for the center of the city. Unbeknownst to each of them, they were both anxious about what was going to happen. Valerie was worried for the sake of the city, and for Danny's sake. She wondered why Danny was so willing to forgive Vlad. Danny, however, was more worried for Vlad's sake. He wouldn't let any harm come to the city, he knew that for sure. He only hoped Vlad would make the right decision, because he knew what he would have to do if the fruitloop didn't.

Danny shifted his appearance to the older form of himself that he looked like when he last met Vlad. It was not difficult, so he didn't worry about it. He once again took Valerie's hand, turning her intangible to phase through the wall. Danny set down Cujo, his tongue lolling lazily to the side with the delight after the flight with his best friend. Still intangible, Danny and Valerie both walked into Vlad's office, and Cujo followed behind.

The whole room was surprisingly clean. Had it not been for a few stray scorch marks on the walls and furniture, one wouldn't have been able to tell that a ghost went rampant in that room. The scattered papers were gone, and the furniture had been righted and returned to their original position. Vlad was leaning against the desk with one hand on his face and the other behind him on the desk. He had clearly gone home last night, because his hair was tidy and he wore a crisp new suit.

"Good morning, Masters." Danny greeted the man. Valerie quickly pulled her hand from his grasp. He forgot he was still holding it, and he fought the nervous laugh making its way up his throat. Vlad took no notice of this, and instead focused on Valerie.

"Clockstopper and… Ms. Gray." He looked nervous as he said her name, that strange and rare look of fear from yesterday returning to his eyes.

"Don't sweat it, old man. I'm just here to witness. You're his responsibility now." She pointed a thumb at Danny, then leaned against the wall behind her.

"Well, have you made your decision?" Danny stood stock-still, consciously making an effort to avoid all the nervous ticks that would instantly reveal him. Vlad looked at him dead in the eyes.

"I accept your offer, although, I must ask how you plan to make this work, Clockstopper. Every ghost hunter in the city knows my evil alter ego, and won't be as forgiving as you. Present company not excluded." His eyes flicked nervously back to Valerie.

"Don't worry about her, I have talked to her about it, and she is willing to give you one chance. As for the rest of them…" Danny pulled out Clockwork's device. "Considering how your ghost form has very little resemblance to your human one, I am sure you are aware of how ghosts can change their appearance. This device will temporarily destabilize your ghostly form and allow you to reform with a new appearance. Don't worry, it is safe and painless, even for a halfa. All you need to do is focus on what you want to look like." Vlad thought for a moment, his gaze drifting between the device and Danny's face. He nodded slowly.

"Let's get this over with, then, shall we?" Black rings formed around his waist as Masters transformed into Plasmius. Danny felt a pang of longing as he remembered what it was like to be half alive. When the transformation finished, Danny looked into his old arch-enemy's eyes. They no longer held the ferocity that Danny was so used to, and they were instead filled with a solemn determination. "I'm ready."

Danny pointed the rod at Vlad and pressed a nearly invisible button on the side. The tip lit up a bright blue, and Vlad was enveloped in the light. His eyes closed, and his face relaxed into a peaceful expression before he melted into a puddle of magenta ectoplasm.