Disclaimer: This is going to be my only disclaimer for the entire story so listen up—I don't own Danny Phantom.

A/N: If you want me to update, you had better review.

Prologue

"Think about it, Danny; all the power and money you could ever want—and all you have to do is renounce your father," Vlad Masters—or rather Plasmius said to Danny Fenton, who was currently trapped in a cube that was restraining his powers and wouldn't let him change back.

Danny had to laugh at Vlad's pathetic attempt. "You have me stuck in a box, want to kill my dad, and marry my mom, and you expect me to join you? I think that ectoplasmic blast twenty years ago fried your brain and your skin."

Vlad, oddly enough, didn't look upset or mad, just amused. "Is that so, Danny?"

"Yes, it is."

Vlad raised an eyebrow and studied Danny coolly. "But would it really be so hard if you did reject Jack? After all, Jack is the source for all your problems."

Danny looked at him suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

Now Vlad let out a small laugh. "You don't know? You don't realize it, Danny?" Vlad paused for a second and then continued. "If your father had never built the portal to the ghost zone, you would have never become a halfa. If you had never become a halfa, you wouldn't have to worry about fighting ghosts, or keeping your secret hidden."

Or from trying to get home on time, Danny thought. I wouldn't have to worry about all of Mom's and Dad's inventions either, or Jazz finding out, or—or any of the stuff I've never had to worry about before—

"You could just be worrying about things normal teenager boys should be worrying about," Vlad said. "Not saving the world." Vlad saw Danny hesitating and looking uncomfortable, and allowed himself a small smile. "Think about it, Danny. Your life has to have gotten quite complicated since you've become a half-ghost … But join me, Danny, and I can make those problems disappear."

Can he? Danny wondered. Ever since he became a ghost, Danny wished he could be normal again. Tucker may have been jealous of him, but Danny was jealous of Tucker. Tucker never had to worry about being a ghost. But Danny had to worry about that—and more. But can he? Danny glanced up at Vlad. He does have twenty years of experience, and he is a billionaire. But he's only a halfa, not some kind of god. How can he make my problems go away?

"How can you make my problems go away?" Danny asked, sounding more confident than he felt. "Unless you can get rid of my powers."

Vlad smiled. "Unfortunately, I cannot get rid of your powers, but I can show you how to control them. I can educate you myself, and you wouldn't have to worry about grades. If you stay here, no one will make ghost-hunting equipment or be on the lookout for ghosts.

He—he's right, Danny thought, surprised. He can offer me all of those things, Dad can't. In fact no one else can show me how to control my powers …

"So what is your chose, Danny?" Vlad asked after a few minutes of silence.

Danny looked up, his eyes icy cold. "Da—Jack gave me the nickname 'Danny.' My name is Daniel."