You know I've been thinking of Phantom Planet recently and I think one of the reasons I dislike it so much is because how almost every decision in it feels like a decision made just cuz it's a series finale and not based off of any prior context in the show. Like so many things feel like things in a self contained one off movie or stereotypical finale tropes than actually stuff informed by the show.
Like ok we have Danny giving up his powers cuz he feels like he's not needed anymore...but like why? Outside of what the pilot Danny has never really wanted to get rid of his powers hell he's embraced them by this point hell thru all of season 1 he wasn't liked by the town and he didn't want to give up his powers then, even in the episode where vlad legit made it hella difficult for danny to fight ghosts he still didn't want to give up his powers so why now?
Why does turning off the portal with him inside remove his powers??? That shouldn't be how that works not just realistically but also based on everything we know about how the ghost portal works.....and why does the ghost energy give him back his powers??? Does it ignite traces of his "ghost dna" or whatever??????
Why does Vlad reveal himself to the world, like he knows that the asteroid negates ghost powers, he doesn't even consider it s possibility that his plan might not work? He just goes all for it like sure Vlad loves theatrics but He isn't dumb and he's also gone thru great lengths to hide his identity before so it seems kinda dumb that he'd just put all of his cards on the table.
Why does tucker become the mayor?? Like that doesn't even make sense?? Like nothing from the finale or the series itself logically leads to that outcome??.
Why does danny reveal himself to the world?? Just cuz his parents figured it out doesn't mean the rest of the world have?? He deadass could've just told his parents cuz them knowing was the only thing that mattered.
If the disasteroid(dumb name) nullifys ghost powers wouldn't it just nullify the ecto energy that the 10000s of ghost turning the world intangible were putting out? Cuz like it's still ghost powers making the world intangible??
Idk so many of the decisions in the movie don’t even make much sense within the context of the movie itself let alone the entire series.
Haven't drawn her in like months(most of the things i post on here were done wayyyy in advance)?? So here's a fun warmup to get me back in the swing of things.
Vlad stood near the coffee shop for an hour waiting hoping that he didn't get stood up. Suddenly his phone began ringing. He grabbed it with such excitement hoping that it was them and his excitement immediately vanished when he saw that the caller ID read “Dad”. This was the 2nd time in the past day or so which was odd, usually his father never called more than once and even then those calls were still very much a rarity.
Vlad:”not right now…”
Without any hesitation he hung up the call, whatever his father was so eager to tell him would have to wait Today he had other things on his mind. He waited for a little while longer until he saw a familiar figure with luscious blonde hair walking towards him.
Caroline:”Hey!!sorry for keeping you waiting so long, I've had a busy morning.”
Judging by the beads of sweat dripping from her forehead and her rapid breathing she had clearly run there, an obvious fact that made Vlad happy.
Vlad:”It's fine,it's fine.”
He tried to be cool and casual about her arrival but internally he was extremely happy that she had actually shown up and that she was seemingly eager to meet up with him.
Caroline:”you look nice….”
A small tinge of pink flashed on her cheeks as the words left her mouth and she hoped that he didn't notice and she was right he had been so busy admiring her that he hadn't noticed at all.
Vlad:”oh uh…thanks, you umm look nice too.”
This was the first time Vlad had ever seen her in anything other than her scrubs and he could confidently say that without a shadow of a doubt she looked even better in her casual clothes.
Caroline:”thanks..”
Caroline:”So shall we go inside?”
Vlad:”we shall..”
He ushered her inside and they took a seat near the window. Shortly a waitress arrives at their table and takes their orders before leaving the duo to their own company.
Caroline:”You know I'm surprised that you called.”
Vlad:”Why's that? I asked for your number, didn't I?”
A small chuckle escaped her lips.
Caroline:”Yeah,it's just that I've had guys hit on me and ask me for my number and they never end up using it.”
Vlad:”Really!?”
Caroline nods.
Caroline:”This is one of the few instances where me giving a guy my number turned into an actual date.”
Truth be told,while the idea had come to his mind Vlad didn't really intend for this to be a date.In actuality he just needed someone to talk to, a friend.
After having spent the last few years of his life exclusively with Jack and Maddie and not really having anyone else in his life to open up to now that he was in such a weird place with them he felt all alone.
Not to mention how could he possibly date anyone now when he still had such powerful feelings for Maddie, feelings that he was certain would never go away.Would it even be fair to Caroline for him to date her knowing how he still felt about Maddie? Or was this the opportunity he needed to finally let go of her once and for all? Only time could tell.
Vlad:"That's awful.”
She waves her hand dismissively.
Caroline:”It's fine,I don't think I'd want to hang out with anyone like that honestly.”
Vlad:”I totally understand…still it's surprising that a girl as pretty as you gets stood up…”
He pauses as the words leave his mouth and his face turns pink in embarrassment. He looks over to her hoping that she somehow hadn't noticed but was surprised to see that her face mirrored his.
Caroline:”...oh..umm you think I'm pretty?”
Her eyes darted across the entire room refusing to meet his gaze and as he answered he did the same.
Vlad:”oh ummm….yeah..yeah I do.”
His voice cracked as he said it and he internally cursed himself for it. He didn't understand why he felt so awkward around her. Was it because he hadn't seen her in awhile or was it something else?”
The 2 sit there in awkward silence for a bit before Vlad finally musters up the courage to break it.
Vlad:”...sooo this is a date?”
She gave him a playful smile and let out the most beautiful giggle he'd ever heard,it was like joy given sound and it practically melted him away.
Caroline:”I mean I hope it is..”
This time her words came out more confident, almost as if just knowing that Vlad was also feeling awkward made it easier to talk to him.
Caroline:”...and well I hope that you think it is too…”
A redness spread across Vlad's face and he hoped to god that she didn't notice but of course she did. She was into him just as much as he was into her and she wanted him to know that.
Caroline:”You know I am kind of nervous. I've never dated a patient before…mainly because it's not allowed..”
Vlad:”oh, does that mean you'll get in trouble for this?”
She shakes her head.
Caroline:”No,you've already been discharged so technically you're not my patient anymore.”
Vlad chuckles.
Vlad:”So do you agree to date all your former patients?”
Caroline shakes her head.
Caroline:”No,only the peculiar ones.”
She flashes him a teasing grin as they continue bantering back and forth just a bit longer. Eventually their orders arrive and they nibble on their food while continuing conversation.
Vlad:”So do you like being a nurse?”
Caroline nods.
Caroline:”I like helping people who need it and being a nurse is one of the few ways that I can make it happen.”
Vlad:”That's incredibly thoughtful.”
She waves her hand dismissively.
Caroline:”No, no it's just the right thing to do.”
Vlad:”Not a lot of people do what's right…”
Caroline:”And that's why I try to.Don't you think people should strive to do what's right?”
Vlad nods. Of course he did,he spent years wishing for the people in his life to do what's right. He wished his mother did what was right and stayed with their family after his birth. He wished his father did what was right and actually raised him and showed him love as a father should,he wished Jack had done what was right and made sure the calculations on the portal were correct before starting it and he wished the portal did what was right and worked after he poured in so many years of hard work into it.
At a certain point Vlad began believing that expecting people to do what's right was like expecting Santa to exist after the age of 16. It was ridiculous.He was through wishing, through hoping and through expecting people to do what was right.
Vlad:”I do, but sometimes what's right doesn't always seem like what's real..”
His voice came out colder than usual, almost hopeless but Caroline didn't notice.
Caroline:”That's why we make it real.”
Vlad:”huh…”
Caroline:”If what's right doesn't seem real, then it's our job to make it real.
Her face was plastered with the most genuine smile he had ever seen. It had an almost childlike innocence about it but there wasn't the usual naivety that would accompany it.
In her eyes flashed a strong determination , determination like that of a boxer who refuses to lose their battle no matter how badly the odds were against them.That determination amazed Vlad, he'd only ever seen one other person have that look;Jack.
She looked the same way Jack looked whenever he talked about ghosts. That same infectious energy that made you want to jump blindly into whatever scheme they were planning without a second thought with no regard for your own safety,she had it and as much as Vlad hated to admit it he was drawn to it.
This woman was something else.She was interesting,but also very strange and that felt exciting.
Vlad:”I envy your optimism, it's infectious.”
She giggled.
Caroline:”Thanks…I wish everyone thought that way…”
Suddenly the cheer in her voice from before had disappeared and was replaced with a much sadder tone.
Caroline:”If only….”
It didn't last long though and a mere moments later her previous demeanor had returned.
Caroline:”Haha I said something really weird, I'm sorry I feel so embarrassed.”
Vlad:”Don't be..”
Vlad:”If anything I'm the one who should be embarrassed. You've seen me at my literal lowest point.”
She recalls the state that Vlad was in when he first arrived at the hospital, how his face was practically damaged beyond repair and how it looked like he wouldn’t survive.
Caroline:”Speaking of which,I've been wanting to ask you about that…”
Vlad:”huh?”
Caroline:”You came in with some serious injuries, I know your friend said that you guys were working on a science experiment but what kind of experiment does that to someone?”
Vlad:”oh ummm….”
Thinking she might’ve made Vlad uncomfortable with her prying, Caroline began panicking.
Caroline:”I'm sorry,sorry it's not my business I'll drop it.”
He shook his head.
Vlad:”no no it's fine, I'm just not sure how to explain it, it's kind of crazy in hindsight.”
Caroline perks up almost immediately.
Caroline:”My interest has peaked, try me..”
Vlad:”So me and my friends were trying to build a Ghost Portal..”
Caroline:”A ghost portal…?”
The young scientist prepared for the onslaught of laughter he assumed he would be subjected to..but it never came instead what he got was Caroline, elbows on the table, face in hands looking eager to learn more about Vlad's work.
Caroline:”Tell me more…”
Vlad spent the next 20 minutes telling Caroline everything about the portal, from its inception to his accident being sure to leave out the changes he's been experiencing since his accident.
Caroline made sure to pay close attention to everything Vlad said but she couldn't help but notice that as he spoke,the further he got into his story the dimmer the light in his eyes got.
Vlad didn't know it but he could not hide the disappointment that showed so plainly on his face and she saw it very visibly.
Caroline:”I'm really sorry that happened to you and I'm even more sorry I made you relive it.”
Vlad shook his head.
Vlad:”No,it's fine, it's good to talk about these things.”
Caroline:”Have you spoken to either of your friends since then?”
Vlad:”no..”
He sounded almost ashamed,like he was the one in the wrong for not trying to reach out after everything that happened.
Caroline:”Have they tried contacting you?”
Vlad:”no..”
And just like that he lied, what was worse is that he didn't know if he was lying to her or himself.
Vlad:”Since waking up in hospital the only person aside from you that I've gotten in contact with was my dad and that conversation didn't go so well either.”
He took a sip of his coffee and didn't meet her gaze, not so much as a glance and that was all she needed to see to know that he wasn't being fully forthcoming but she didn't pry.We all have our secrets and she didn't think it was her place to encourage him to reveal his.
Caroline:”Sounds like the situation is pretty serious.”
Vlad:”Yeahh..”
Caroline:”So what are you gonna do about it?”
Vlad:”Huh?”
Caroline:”It seems like you want to make amends with them so what are you gonna do to make that happen?”
Vlad was stumped;he wasn't sure what to do if he ever saw them again,hell he wasn't sure if he even wanted to see them again especially when it came to his father.
Vlad:”I'm not sure, to be honest I'm not entirely sure I want to see them again.”
Caroline:”Thats fine.”
Vlad:”Huh,really?”
She nodded.
Caroline:”When I say do what's right I also mean what's right for you, if that means cutting them off to preserve your mental health then so be it.”
Vlad was stunned he thought for sure he'd be treated like a horrible person for not wanting to speak with them anymore.
Caroline:”But just make sure that you're at peace with whatever decision you make no regrets.My Grandma always says regrets can wound worse than a knife if you hold on to them.”
Vlad:”your grandma sounds like a smart lady.”
Caroline:”yeah she was..”
There it was, that sadness from before had returned to her voice and this time Vlad noticed it too.Whatever it was he didn't want to pry but he wanted to help her take her mind off of it. So quickly he changed the subject.
Vlad:”I'm sorry..”
Caroline:”huh, for what?”
Vlad:”this is our first time hanging and we spent all this time having a therapy session for me…”
Caroline:”Yeah you should be sorry.”
Vlad:”Huh?”
Caroline:”Who do you think you are? Using me as some kind of free therapist!”
He began to panick.
Vlad:”I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, it's just that you asked and I thought and…”
She tried to keep a straight face but seeing the look of concern and confusion on his face was too much for her and she eventually erupted into laughter.
Caroline:”I'm kidding,I'm kidding.”
An immediate look of relief fell on Vlad's face which made Caroline giggle even more.
Caroline:”Seriously it's completely fine,I enjoyed it. Truth be told, when I got your call I was kind of afraid…alot of the guys I've gone out with…haven't been the best of people and part of me was worried that you were the same. But after speaking to you and seeing you allow yourself to be vulnerable in front of someone you don't even know that well I feel way more comfortable around you.”
Vlad:”you came even though you were afraid?”
Caroline nodded.
Caroline:”Sometimes you have to confront the things you're afraid of head on.”
Vlad:”That takes confidence.”
They spent the rest of their time talking about more mundane things, shows, music, hobbies etc, and before they knew it it was finally time for them to leave. After paying their bill and gathering their belongings they both walked out to the front of the store.
Vlad:”I had a good time today..”
Caroline:”Me too, hopefully we can do it again sometime?”
He nodded.
Vlad:”So do you need me to walk you home?”
She shook her head.
Caroline:”No it's fine…”
She leans in and places a kiss on her cheek.
Caroline:”Bye Vlad.”
She waves him goodbye and walks away.
Vlad:”bye..”
As he walked back to his apartment he kept thinking about Caroline, how much fun he had with her and how she made him feel. Could he really be ready to move on? Would it be alright?He wasn't sure, he had been so hung up on Maddie for so long that part of him felt guilty with how quickly it seemed like he was developing feelings for Caroline,but this was what he needed to do right? Move on, It would be better for everyone if he could move on.
Maybe him pursuing Caroline was for the best at least that's what he told himself.
All he knew for certain was that before he could make any kind of a decision there was something he had to do first.
Little did he know while he was trying to progress his life forward there were forces against him trying to hold him back.From afar 2 men watched Vlad and unbeknownst to him they were plotting his downfall.One of which was one of the criminals who had attacked him days earlier.
????:”Is that the guy?”
The 2nd man nodded.
????:”he doesn't look like much..you're saying he's the guy who messed you up?”
Thug:”yeah thats him..”
????:”Interesting ... .well we'll make quick work of him..”
He looks at Caroline who was walking away in the other direction.
????:”....and his girlfriend..”
To be continued….
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New chapter out and I do hope you guys enjoy it. After so many chapters of Vlad suffering here's a chapter where he doesn't. You better treasure it cuz it may be the last one in awhile.
Like I Wish Danny Phantom did more spooky stuff but I also wish they did more vigilante stuff as well. Like Danny,Tucker and Sam mainly just hung out at Danny's place which uk makes sense but I wish they had like a hideout or clubhouse or something.
Like an abandoned house or store or something that they can go to when the situations too dire for them to be at home.
Tucker has spare gadgets there, they keep spare clothes and Sam keeps her supernatural books that her parents might not approve of there.
Like the Fentons make ghost hunting tech so I get why they exclusively use their tech but why isn't tucker also migyvering some ghost hunting thingamjigs and deely bops for he and sam to use.
Why don't we see Danny repairing his ghost hunting uniform.
We get so many instances of ghosts just being where they at why don't we see them patrol more😭😭
And something I really try to showcase in my au is how the people around these 2 shaped how they used their powers.
Cuz it's no secret that the scenarios around how they got their powers shaped them into who they were meant to be.
Vlad both in Canon and my Au has his accident and he's completely alone through the entire ordeal, no family no friends noone who could ever hope to understand what he was going through , he's lonely then that loneliness turns to bitterness and then to resentment until finally it evolves into hate. Add to the fact that canon Vlad doesn't speak to Jack for 20 years after his accident and never reconciled with him while also fully believing that he's right for feeling and behaving the way he does and you can see why he ends up the way he does. Although he makes use of them to Vlad these powers aren't a gift they aren't a blessing they're a curse, a reminder of how he lost everything he held dear and how he'll never get that back. He has no Tucker and Sam to protect, to give him confidence or to steer him into using them in a positive direction. In the end Plasmius is nothing more than the manifestation of one mans loneliness and how he lashes out because of it. Of course you can make an argument that Vlad was always a bad person but we're gonna ignore that for now.
Now compare that to Danny.
Danny in both canon and my AU gets his powers and immediately he has his friends at his side and they're the ones doing the utmost best to keep him on the straight and narrow. Sam admonished him when he uses his powers for the wrong reasons,and he is constantly trying to do the right thing because he has a support system that he wants to do right by. Danny rarely if ever looks at his powers as a burden cuz even in moments where he wants to he has his friends by his side reassuring him that his powers are the coolest thing ever. Even in season 3 we see that he gets to a point where he actually likes heroics. Unlike Vlad these powers didn't strip Danny of his life they just added a new layer to it. Jazz tells him how proud she is of him, he's getting more confident and Even Jack and Maddie who hate his hero persona and are questionable parents have shown time and time again that they love their son no matter what.
And idk I just find that duality so interesting.
Cuz deep down Vlad is a miserable man who tries to hide it with his money and schemes and villainous bravado. While Danny lives a somewhat happy life..but often doesn't realize it because of all the external factors around him as well as teen angst.
