How to Tame An Al Ghul (5+1)

" Of all the moronic half-ass plans you have come up with over the years, this one– ugh," Damian muffles a scream into a pillow, cutting himself off. The screen starts glitching, cutting off, and inverting pixels as a bad connection warning pops up. 

" Ahki–" 

" Shut up, I'm talking," Damian scolds, removing the pillow, " why didn't you call me? You stupid–" he looks like he's about to scream, " you could have died– ended– moved on, whatever the right terminology is. You have a brain. Use it. I know you got fried, but you're not a vegetable– think! Mother raised no fools, little brother, don't act like one now." 

" Little brother? You're only like, a few minutes older than me," Danny retorts, half pouting.

" Your first breath was a day after mine. I'm your elder," Damian says, " you're supposed to listen and do as you're told–" 

" Ugh, you sound like Mother," Danny makes a face. 

" I do not," Damian glares, " and stop trying to distract me. This is serious–" 

"It's fine. I'm still here. I won, it's not a big deal," Danny says as the video changes to a blank screen, the audio still intact. " I tried doing stuff officially; I called the hotline." 

"Fine! Is that what you want to call this?" Damian asks, seething. "A whole town got sucked into the Infinite Realms. You are now a King, a child King– do you not remember our lessons? Child monarchs don't last long. Just look at what happened to King Tutankhamun! He could barely make it to eighteen, and this ' Fright Knight' says you have a millennium till adulthood. You apparently have four other parents now," the screen goes back to normal. " all this in a day. I should have been there. You went with no backup–"

" I called," Danny says once more. 

"I checked the hotline; there's no record of it from you or anyone else. I would think you were pulling a prank if it was not for the emergency dark meeting Richard was forced into," Damian huffs. " Not that I would not believe you otherwise… but, Danyal, you… This is a lot." The anger drains from him, leaving him with overwhelming fear. The fear that his brother was almost gone.

" I know. I'm sorry, but I couldn't call you. There was no way for you to explain properly or gain the right equipment. If something went wrong, and both of us were there… I couldn't do that to Mother, to you. I'm the spare. I'm already dead. There's no reason for both of us to be. I love you. I don't want you on the other side anytime soon," Danny says, choking up. " If this happened again, even if the outcome was different, I wouldn't change a thing."

" Danyal …" Damian's lost for words.

" I gotta go, ahki," Danny says, eyeing the time. " I'll talk to you later, okay?"

" Okay," Damian regretfully agrees, " and I love you too. You are more than a spare, you know. You're my brother."

" Bye, ahki," Danny says, locking away his emotions and ending the call. He wipes his eyes and starts on his homework. Despite his assurances, what's going on in Amity is anything but ' fine.' Ever since Pariah, more and more beings have come out of the woodwork.

To fight Pariah's successor. 

Though not all of it's been bad, the council is growing steadily. How effective it will be is anyone's guess. " One can't lead a people without knowing the people." It's one of the few sentiments Ra's spewed that Danny actually agreed with. So, since the fight, the majority of his free time has been spent exploring his ' Kingdom.'

When they say infinite, they mean infinite.

South from the castle, hours away, lies the Far Frozen. Home of the yetis and resting place of their ancestors, the Jötunn. Danny happened upon their leader, Frostbite, who was stuck in a cave and injured, and they became fast friends. After a few encounters– and a quick lesson on how to use ice powers, he became the first member of the advisement council. As a healer and leader of his people, Frostbite has much to offer.

 Others came to him. 

Undergrowth, a spirit of nature that calls the Realms home, showed up because some contractors took out a few Acres of Forest for Vlad's new home. Due to the portal and residential ectoenergy, the disturbance was too large to be ignored. Unfortunately for Danny, it didn't take long for them to notice him. The king of the Realms just has that kind of presence. Thanks to Frostbite lessons, however, he was quickly taken care of. Once things calmed down and things were explained, they were invited to join.

The next one he gained was due to Boxy. The man, for some reason, decided stealing the Pandora's Box was a good idea. She was… understanding once he returned it to Acropolis. Danny had a time working through the maze around the lair, and she decided a king should be better than that. Pandora decided to whip him into shape. She was quickly added to the council.

The latest member joining was unexpected. Nocturne. He decided to turn Amity into Ground Zero of the Sleep Apocalypse. As a test. Check if Danny deserves his new role. A sentiment that has been gaining in popularity. Turns out Nocturne moonlights as Moephus, the Greek god of dreams. Unlike others, he didn't show up with a monologue or illusions of grandeur but as a warning. The realms are full of entities older than man. Most have run amok, free from rules or limitations since Pariah's imprisonment. They aren't thrilled about the new arrangement. So, Nocturne decided that the time to visit the ' baby cousin' was in order and decided to offer his services. 

All this help is great and all, but are they trustworthy? That Danyal does not know. He's only just met them, and they've all, besides Undergrowth, have done their best to get in his good graces. They're either good people or trying to manipulate him, but he hasn't decided yet. Each has power and influence in their own right, which is invaluable for his reign. It feels like a setup. Fright Knight is on the council, being head of security and around for the previous King. He and Pandora overlap on anything military, similarly to how she does with Frostbite, both in charge of city-states. Frostbite and his people are accomplished healers. With Undergrowth, they can work on agriculture, food, and medicine. Nocturne… Danny hasn't figured out his placement yet– the whole thing is a mess. It's sloppy, filled with powerhouses, and lacking in representation. All of them are mythological in some way or another…including himself, now that he thinks about it… The normal deceased humans, or neverborns, don't have a voice. Don't get him started on the aliens– he knows there are some, but he hasn't traveled that far yet. The only possible candidate for the human seat is Princess Dorothea, but she's hundreds of years behind on the times and has enough on her plate–

But Danny digresses. 

He rubs his face as he leaves his room. The hallway reeks of garlic. Confused, he makes his way to the kitchen. " Maddie?" he says, surprised. She rarely cooks. " Whatcha making?" 

"Lasagna, Jack invited Vlad to join us," Maddie says, turning around. " Are you done with your homework?"

Danny nods and starts clearing the table, "There wasn't much. I would have been down earlier, but Dami called. That volunteer program he's in is stressing him out." More like Danny's volunteer work, but semantics. " Is the food fresh, or…" 

 Maddie playfully whacks him with an oven mitt, "store-bought, and never touched the fridge." 

"Thank goodness," he says, relieved. He doesn't want to fight noodles again. " No offense."

" None taken," Maddie replies, " could you set the table too? I want to get the bread in before Vlad gets here."

" Yeah, sure," he says, and they get into a good rhythm. The doorbell rings just as the timer goes off, " I've got it." he lets Vlad in and asks in greeting, "Haven't you heard of casual wear?"

Vlad enters, scowling, and gives him a look over, "That coming from a ragamuffin? However, will I cope?"

"Try not looking like a ponce and get back with me."

" Daniel!" Vlad exclaims, red-faced.

" Danyal," Maddie corrects the man and walks over. She sighs, "What happened? He's only just gotten here."

" I said he needs casual clothes–"

" He called me a Ponce," Vlad says, speaking over him. 

 Maddie quirks an eyebrow, " a what?"

 Danny sighs, " he dresses like a ponce, a pimp."

Maddie has to stifle a laugh, mirth shining through, "If you can't say something nice, don't say it in front of him– now, go grab Jazz. It's time to eat." Danny nods, giving a slight smirk, and slides past them. With Jazz in tow, they sit down for dinner. 

" So, Uncle Vlad," Jazz asks, " how long will it be till your new place is done? I passed by the property, and it looks like it's going well."

"Hopefully, it should be done by the end of next month," he replies. " I have the best working on it. Speaking of improvements, since moving to the area, I've noticed some inadequacies."

" Inadequacies?" Jack questions.

" The holes in the road and buildings, the constant attacks," Vlad lists, ignoring Danny's glare. " The lack of funding. Since the last mayor was voted out after the invasion, I thought I'd give a go at it."

"What?" Danny asks, eyes wide, half choking on his food, " you?"

" Why not? Vlad shrugs. " I have the funds. At the very least, I can get things fixed." 

Jack puts a hand on his shoulder, "That's great, Vladdie. You know you'll have our vote."

"Since we're sharing," Maddie adds excitedly, " we've been offered a contract by the G.I.W– we've decided to take it."

"Great!" Jazz says happily, "What will you be doing?"

 Danny catches Vlad's eye. This won't be good.

" We'll be helping with ecto-tech," Maddie explains.

" No one does it better than us!" Jack adds.

" That's fantastic, congratulations," Vlad says. " Why don't you let my lawyers look over the offer and make sure you're getting a good deal?" 

"Oh, don't worry, we looked it over, and it's a good deal," Maddie says. " That, and we've already signed. We get funding, and all tech we create is on loan for a monthly rate, and we get to study anything they capture. It's a win-win."

" That's… Maddie, are you sure this is a good idea?" Danny asks, obviously upset.

" Of course," Maddie replies, " it's what we've needed. Government funding doesn't come our way every day."

" Thank you for the meal, Jack, Maddie. However, I think it's time I call it a night," Vlad says, cleaning up his plate.

" So soon?" Jack asks.

" I'm afraid so," Vlad says.

" I'll walk them out," Danny says before Maddie can get up. They walk to the door, and once they're out of earshot, he asks, "Congratulations? Seriously?"

"What did you expect me to say?" Vlad whispers. " I offered with the contract. There's not much else I can do."

Danny's quiet for a moment before asking, "If you win, could you do something about the G.I.W?"

" As the mayor? I doubt it," he says, walking out. " But, I'm not against trying." 

✴❀✿❅✿❀✴

"Robin!" Dick yells as the boy exits the batmobile, taking off his mask and heading towards the locker room. " Don't walk away from me– Damian–"

"What!" he yells, turning around, blood splattered on his uniform. " What do you want me to say? I messed up. I know. I do not need the reminder, Richard." 

That night was a rough one. Batman and Robin were out alone, investigating a meta-trafficking ring. After the last breakout, everyone needed some air. Seeing Dick in the cowl, not as a joke, but as the second holder of the mantle, is hard, an unfortunate necessity. Most of the taken were young adults, college-aged, but some were a little younger or older. All of which had been beaten. Once the cells were cleared and people were taking the safety, Robin was told to check out the back office. He found a man standing above little girls– twins– hand raised, ready to strike– he was quickly disarmed.

Dick's not too happy about how he went about it. He follows Damian into the locker room, "You went way too far." He takes off the cowl, " You cut a man's hand off."

"He deserved it," Damian argues, teeth bared, " I promised not to take lives; I was given no other restrictions."

 Dick scowls at him, "You permanently maimed a man–" he takes a shuddering breath, " meet me by the computer when you're finished. We– we need to talk properly."

Damian waits for Dick to leave before undressing and starting the water. He can't help but be mad at himself. But seeing that man looming over those kids– couldn't have been older than six– he acted on instinct. He doesn't regret it. Once the blood and grime is off, he puts on pajamas– something Dick's insisted they add to the locker room and heads out. He sits in the already pulled-out seat next to the bat computer, " I apologize if you're not comfortable with my methods…"

" no," Dick stops him, sighing. " It's not your method– well, maybe a little bit– but that it was your first resort. We de-escalate and detain. Additional force and maiming should only occur once you have no other options."

" He'll never strike another child," Damian says. " That's the goal at the end of the day, is it not? To end the crime– the violence going around this city. If you cripple the opposition–"

"Damian, people make mistakes– horrible, incomprehensible mistakes. Gothamites are desperate. What they're doing isn't good, but they are out of options. Permanent injuries just take away more. Most can be rehabilitated."

" Rehabilitation," Damian scoffs, " how often does that work? Richard, he was a trafficker. This wasn't a petty criminal–"

" You, Cass, Jason, me– we've all done things that put us on the side of the ' opposition'... The world Isn't black and white. There's no good or evil," Dick says softly, placing a hand on his knee. 

"That's different," Damian sputters, " and you? What could you have done? You are Father's replacement, you have taken his place in the Justice League, you have your team as Nightwing– you are one of the most trusted Heroes–"

"Everyone has a limit; can be bought when the cause is great enough. I… I could have been just like you–"

" What's that supposed to mean?" Damian glares.

" I didn't know till I was older, but Bruce taking me in? Saved my life. Haly's circus has, had connections," Dick says, sitting back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Haly's collected talented people. Everyone was a polyglot with a variety of skills. I learned to walk on a tightrope, learned subtraction by throwing knives– knocking apples off heads, and more. Skills that easily transfer to the nightlife. It's not a coincidence. Have you ever heard of the Court of Owls?"

" The nursery rhyme?" 

"I'll take that as a no," Dick rests in arm on the desk. " Not surprised. Outside of Gotham, they're not too active anymore, and even here, they're mostly underground. Basically, they're a secret society run by global elites with their own personal army. The Talons."

" So they are real," Damien says, " I do not–"

" My paternal great-grandfather was the Talon. Every couple of generations, a Grayson is given to their ranks. I was their promised Grayson for Gotham. Under Bruce's care, I was too well known to be taken. So, they came for me once I came of age, out of the manor. I was trained to be a talon, an immortal assassin," Dick says, voice going dead. " It wasn't for long, but it was enough. The talons, unlike the League, aren't normal humans but experimented on to become akin to super soldiers. William Cobb, my great-grandfather, intended for me to take his place as head talon. I was their project. I was unknowingly, slowly, becoming one of them. At some point, somehow, they implanted an electrum tooth in me. I was a Eugenics project. Bruce found out and stopped what was going on, of course."

 " You were an heir," Damien says quietly.

"We have a lot in common, believe it or not," Dick half smiles. " I was a very angry bird. Tempering my reactions doesn't come easy. I believe in an eye for an eye. Before knowing about all this," he gestures around, " I was sneaking out to find my parents' killer, not for anything noble like justice, but vengeance. Bruce caught me and showed me another way. I would have unknowingly started on the path planned for me. It took time, but I like to think this special brand of rehabilitation worked for me… I don't expect you to change overnight, Damian. I know you're trying, so please think before you go through it. There can be another way– now, why don't you head on up? It's getting late. It's a school night."

" Ah," Damien eyes the time and rises. " I shall take your words and experiences into account. Good night." 

"Don't let the bed bats bite," Dick yells cheerily at his retreating form. Once he's out of the cave, Dick turns his chair around, "Late night for you too, isn't it, Steph?"

She makes her way out of the shadows, " I didn't know all that…"

" There's a lot of things you don't know about me. The ones who knew about this, though, were Bruce and Alfred. It's not something I tend to bring up, for obvious reasons," he says with this fake smile plastered on his face. " Whatcha doing here so late?"

" Was hoping for a quick patch job," she holds up her spoiler suit.

" Oof," Dick says, getting up, " what got you?"

" A good blade, only got down to the first layer of padding," Steph hands it over. " How's it going, being the big B?"

" It's going," Dick says. " It feels like karma."

She laughs, " I bet."

"You know… I could always use a second pair of eyes. He's a good kid, but he gets carried away," Dick says in a sing-songy voice.

"Seriously?"

" Gotham needs a Batgirl. I know you've had both Cass's and Bab's go-ahead for a while– sleep on it. I don't need a quick answer."

" No firing. I know how B was. No, taking it away when you get pissy," Steph stipulates.

" I would never," Dick gasps, clutching non-existent pearls. He's already seen how that goes.

" Then you've got a deal," Steph mock salutes, " Batgirl reporting for duty, sir." 

✴❀✿❅✿❀✴

"Any idea of what you're going to choose?" Sam asks as they pack their bags for the day. " I mean, there's just so many options."

" No clue," Danny says, looking at their middle school class selection form. " I'm just hoping this means no more P.E. with Dash."

" I'm signing up for tech ed," Tucker says proudly. I want to learn how to build stuff, not just code things, and maybe get on Danny's level. " He nudges him.

Danny rolls his eyes, "If you want to learn that, just join me down in the lab. You'd probably learn more anyway. I would suggest keyboarding, but you wouldn't learn anything from that, either."

" If you two nerds could pace yourself, you wouldn't have that problem," Sam says, putting on her book bag.

Danny ignores her. It's not like school does anything for him anyway. League education is far superior. When Tucker showed interest, he had no issue showing him a thing or two. If Tucker sticks to it, he'll be quite formidable in the future. " Yeah, yeah, whatever," they exit the school.

" Hey, better question," Tucker adds, " is Danny going to be here for Middle school? You're talking to your brother a lot more. Gonna leave us for Gotham?"

" Not anytime soon," Danny shrugs, " but nothing is set in stone. I know Dami wants me to." 

Sam and Tucker exchange glances. Sam grabs Danny's arm and says, " There's no shame in wanting to go."

" It's complicated–" a man is lingering in the parking lot. He doesn't feel human; he doesn't feel like a ghost, either. " Who's that?" his friends follow his gaze.

" I've never seen him before," Tucker says, stopping.

" Me neither," Sam agrees.

The man looks over, waves, and yells, "Danny!"

" I have never seen that man a day in my life," Danny says, taking a step back. The guy is buff and holds himself like a civilian. White with neutral undertones, black hair pulled into a little ponytail, eyes blue– Fenton blue. " He… he looks kind of like Jack, don't you think?"

"Shh–" Sam pulls on them. " He's coming over."

"Danny," the man smiles, " Jack sent me to get you."

" News to me," Danny pushes his friends behind him. " I've never seen you before."

" I'm your second cousin, Dan," the man introduces himself. " Jack wanted me to tell you to come home."

" Right… prove it!" Danny demands.

Dan pulls a phone out, dials, and waits, "Fentonworks, Maddie speaking."

" Hey, Maddie," Dan says, " it's me. Could you please tell Danny I'm safe? He's really proactive on his stranger danger." 

"Maddie?" Danny asks, ignoring Dan's surprise. " You sure?"

" We're sure," Maddie says, laughing. " Come on back now."

Dan hangs up, " come on shortstat."

Danny yells back as they wander off, "If I go missing, it's his fault!" The way back is awkward, but Dan keeps giving him looks. He's never been more excited to enter the house. " I'm back!"

" Ah, Daniel," Vlad says, stepping out of the kitchen." Jack needs you in the lab."

" Thanks, Fruitloop," Danny says quickly, getting away from Dan and catching Vlad's eye. He can tell Dan's off, too. " Why don't you stay for dinner again? Pizza?"

" Yes, I think I will."

The latest Vlad could stay that night was eight. For once, Danny was sad to see him go. 

✴❀✿❅✿❀✴

Danny's eyes go wide as a hand grabs his chin– on Instinct, he goes through his bed and rolls to his feet at the end of it. Dan's looming at the headboard, looking confused. " Oh, I called it. Who the hell are you," Danny snarls.

"Well, isn't this a surprise," Dan's eyes flash red.

"Who are you? a friend of Amorpho?" Danny asks. " Better yet, what are you? You don't feel like anything I've met before."

" Curiouser and curiouser," Dan mumbles and lunges after him. 

" Oi! Watch it," Danny reprimands as Dan runs into the dresser, " Jack and Maddie are sleeping for once."Danny knocks him in the back of the knee, uses it as a foothold, and settles on Dan's neck, pulling him into a chokehold.

" – Brat–I don't need to breathe," Dan taunts, trying to throw him off, going backward, falling through Danny intangibly. Danny backs up and gets into a proper fighting stance. " That's really how you want to do this?" 

"You're strong, sure, but sloppy," Danny shrugs. " You'd have to land a hit to do anything." Dan charges and socks him in the jaw– an uppercut. The force makes Danny stumble back into the door. 

Dan goes low, in a crouch, gearing up for a punch, but Danny jumps out of the way and hook-kicks him in the head. It does nothing. "Stay still, damn it!" Danny flips out of the way. " I don't remember being this infuriating at fourteen or that small."

" Good thing I'm going on eleven," Danny snarks.

The response makes Dan pause, " Eleven? But I didn't– no, this isn't right."

Danny uses that moment to his advantage and knocks him out cold, punching Dan in the nose upwards. He goes down. He's not moving. Danny kicks him once more and declares, "Down for the count." He unclinches his hand, and ectoplasmic brass knuckles appear, " idiot, didn't even use a weapon." He goes through his medkit and gets some Ecto line– it's going to be a long night. 

✴❀✿❅✿❀✴

Dan wakes slowly, eyes heavy. He blinks sleep out of his eyes to see Danny propped up against a tree in the middle of the forest. He tries to get up, but he's tied to a tree, rope, and ecto-line, twisted and distorted into something akin to barbed wire. It's cutting into his wrists and ankles. Phase proof. Danny looks Dan over, an unfamiliar glint in his eyes, " Have a nice nap?"

" Where are we?"

" Nowhere that concerns you," Danny pushes himself off the tree. He grabs green glowing tools, some medical instruments, others mechanical. "See, I don't appreciate random attacks, especially in my room, of all places. Though, you get some points for waiting till we were alone. So, I'll give you one chance. Who are you?"

Dan smiles uneasily. "Why? Don't you recognize me? I don't understand why not. Try looking in a mirror and adding a decade or so."

Danny picks out pliers, "Humm… I can see it– if I was looking into a fun house mirror. Now, want to give me a real answer? I'd hate to actually have to use these," he waves the tool around. " I'm horribly out of practice."

For some reason, Dan believes that. " Clockwork help me. What have those eyeballs gotten me into," he mutters. " I am Dan Fenton, and I'm from the year 20XX. Future you, or at least, the eyeballs, claim I am. Though, I'm starting to believe otherwise. I didn't have my accident till I was fourteen, and I certainly wasn't capable of any of this."

" Daniel Fenton, Dan. How… enlightening," Danny ponders what to do with this. It's evident by how he's reacting that he isn't lying. " And your purpose? I find it hard to believe you'd go after your younger self. Erase your own existence."

" Ha, I'm much more than you, Daniel. I have let go of my mortal weaknesses. I'm complete," Dan says, leaning forward and smirking. " I am strong. I have no opposition. Vlad is no more, the G.I.W's in ruins, Earth under my rule–"

" Oh, you've inherited the Fruitloop genes. That's disheartening," Danny says.

" Inherited, no. I am him." 

"Dude, you're making no sense," Danny says, putting the pliers down.

" I absorbed Plasmius, stripping us of our humanity– I became the ultimate enemy," Dan says, a crazed look in his eyes. " You stopped me once, but I always come back–"

" You're worse than Grandfather straight out of the pit," Danny deadpans, getting up. " You cannibalized yourself into a chimera– just wow– what about our family, ahki?" Fully believing that if he's this far gone, he could stand a chance against the Justice League.

" Ahki? Who? The Fenton's died in the Nasty Burger explosion," Dan says, confused. 

"Damian? Twin brother? Living with father and his family," Danny slightly fibs.

" What, we don't have a brother? Mom wouldn't send someone away– they're still married," Dan frowns.

" Oh, OH– I knew we weren't the same, Danyal, I was thinking timeline, not dimensional–"

"Dimensional?!" 

"You're too white to be me– I thought there was an iron issue coming from all the ecto, or your 'timeline' had do you looking more like Father– this makes so much more sense," Danny says, relieved, then asks, curious, " does your dimension have the Justice League at least?"

" The who?"

" Oh, disappointing," Danny waves that off. " What to do, what to do. You staying in this Dimension is obviously out."

" Release me," Dan says. " I'll find a way back– no need to be hasty."

Danny pretends to think about it, "Nah, I don't think I will. You, Daniel Fenton, are an abnormality, not to mention a self-proclaimed planetary threat," his nails seem to sharpen under a sliver of moonlight. " By the power invested in me, Danyal Phantom, High King of the Infinite Realms, you, Daniel "Dan" Fenton, are sentenced to core removal," a smirk winds up on his face, " effective immediately."

" No–" Dan gasps as Danny's hand goes into his sternum, grabbing his core. His consciousness condenses, pulling inward. Danny turns his arm back to tangible and rips the core out. The force splattering ectoplasm and blood on him and the forest floor. Danny's covered in it, stained red and green. The ectoplasm starts to eat through the clothes.

Danny watches as the body starts to bloat and bruise rapidly. As it becomes yellow, skin begins to sag, and hair falls out. The body of Dan Fenton decomposes in front of his eyes to bone, fluids, and pus. " Oh–ew," he gags, " that's disgusting." Danny wipes the core off on his shirt and takes a thermos out of his thigh, and sucks it in. " This better not become a trend," he groans and starts to clean up. 

✴❀✿❅✿❀✴

After a night of cleanup, Danny was happy to sleep in. It's Saturday, a day for good little ghosts to sleep in, but no. At 7:00 a.m., his phone goes off. He doesn't even check the caller ID. " Please say you're dying so I don't have a reason to be mad at you."

Damian's hushed voice comes through, " Timothy is back. He roused us hours ago. He's got proof. Father's alive."

Danny sits up, " alive? Is he sure? There was a funeral–"

" I know," Damian says, " but Richard looked it over too. He said it looks promising. They believe it's time travel."

Danny gulps, " past or future?"

" Past," Damian confirms. " how far is unknown, but we believe it to be prior to the technological age." 

"That's a start," Danny says.

"Once we get him, will you come home?" Damian asks. Home. That's what Wayne Manors became.

He knows what his heart wants. But the G.I.W, the Fentons– they need to be handled. Both are a threat to the realms, to a people that's now his responsibility, not to mention the Gotham side of things. His paternal side doesn't know of him– they're working on locating their Father. Moving, going public with his brother, and claiming his family lets Ra's know he's still around– But the heart wants what the heart wants. "At the end of the school year, let them know. It's March. That gives me time to put affairs in order, and for father to recover. Transferring in the summer will be a lot easier school-wise, too–"

"Really?" Hope and relief shine through Damien's voice, "You will love it here, ahki. I'll instruct Alfred on your room– star charts, books, whatever you want. I'll make it perfect."

" It's best to go through legal channels. Mother made sure it was filed correctly," Danny says. " Just let me know when Father starts the process so that I can give the Fentons a heads up. Love you, ahki." 

" You too," Damian says. " I'll update you on any findings." 

"Thanks, bye," Danny says as the call ends. He sighs and rubs at his face. Now, to awake to sleep. He stretches, gets dressed, and heads to the kitchen. It's empty. He's the first one awake. In a good mood, he decides to make breakfast.

The smell wafts throughout the house and attracts empty stomachs. "Danno?" Jack asks, coming into the kitchen. " What are you doing up? Ooh, that smells good."

" Chocolate chip pancakes," Danny turns to the side, " want some?"

"Of course," Jack ruffles his hair, " miss out on your food? Never. Though you never answered my first question," he goes to sit at the table. " What are you doing up so early?"

" Damian called."

"Oh, how's he doing?" Jack asks.

" Alright," Danny says, flipping a pancake. " He had some news for me, actually. They've got a lead on Father's disappearance. He should be home soon."

"That's great!" Jack smiles, " I know you've been worried about him."

"... yeah, Dami wants me to move in with them this Summer. It's supposed to be safe…"

Jack's eyes soften. " Is that what you're worried about? Social Services won't approve it if you don't want to go. You're old enough that they'll consider your opinion."

"I… I want my brother," Danny says, passing pancakes and looking Jack in the eye. " It's just… I've left everything behind once. I'm not too keen on doing it again. What if Father doesn't like me?"

" Oh, Danyal." Jack gets up, turns the stove off, and hugs him. " He'd be a fool not to. He's going to love you. I just know it." 

" It's just you've all been so nice– you put up with me– I don't–"

"Shh," Jack runs a hand through his hair, " you'll be okay. We've always known you would leave eventually. At least like this, we have a warning. Just because you won't be under our care doesn't mean we'll stop caring. I told you before. You're family now, too. We want you to be happy."

 Danny can't help the tears, " thanks."

" Have a seat," Jack says, " I'll finish the food."

About half an hour later, Maddie and Jazz come down to join them. " Where did Dan go?" Jazz asks.

"Oh, I forgot he was here," Maddie says, starting to get up.

" He left," Danny interjects. " I caught him on the way out. Something about a work emergency."

"That's too bad we don't get a lot of visitors," Jazz says with a frown.

" So, what are you kids planning to do today? We'll," Maddie gestures to Jack, " have a meeting at 9:00 with the G.I.W. Then we're going to help Vlad put out stuff for his campaign. Would you like to join us?"

"Sorry, Mom," Jazz says, " going to the library. My science fair project is due Monday."

" I'm going to the park for a bit. It's supposed to be nice today," Danny says, shrugging.

" You two have fun, Jack says. " Just remember to be home before dark."

✴❀✿❅✿❀✴

Danny would be having a great day at the park, if the park had no ground, green, and lacked gravity. He's in the realms. The whole Dan situation has him on edge, and he's not comfortable keeping a core on in a thermos. Dan had brought up the Observants and Clockwork– whomever that is. The whole situation screams an assassination attempt– a bad one, but an attempt regardless. He spent the better part of an hour flying leisurely towards the Observant council. He's not that far from them when he sees a giant winding tower, door open– inviting.

 Something's– someone's, luring him in.

 He lands on the tower's dormant and knocks, "Hello?"

" My young king," calls a voice above. " Please, join us. We require your guidance."

" Yeah, Danyal, follow the creepy voice into the tower. Danyal, what an excellent idea," he mutters to himself, stepping inside. The door slammed shut behind him. " Come on, Phantom, you're a ghost. Conjuring activities are your bread and butter. It's not creepy, it's not creepy, it's not–" he mutters as he makes his way upstairs. 

" –You had no right!" yells a being in purple. They've got red eyes and blue skin. " Do you know what you've done!" They're floating next to a wall of mirrors, each one showing different people, things, places– like ghostly CCTV.

" Clockwork–" the observant is silenced with a look.

 They stare them down and say, "My king, my deepest apologies for what's happened."

Danny goes to stand next to them, " I'm aware of your lack of involvement, though I'd love to know how an interdimensional criminal got here. Also, I apologize for our improper introduction."

Clockwork chuckles, "Clockwork, at your service. Ancient of time, Your Majesty. I oversee the timeline– which is how I know four observant's dimensional traveled and stole Dan Phantom from his dimensions lockup."

 Danny's eyes narrow. " I see," he says, turning to the observance. " Have those individuals been handled internally? Or do I need to interfere?"

" They have been reprimanded, my King," one of the eyes says.

" Then, in that case," Danny removes a thermos from his thigh and takes out Dan's core. It's a mix of colors, reds, blues, and greens. He crushes it into dust. " He will no longer be a problem."

" No," an observance says outraged, " that's a violation–"

"An inner-dimensional, planetary threat was brought here, planning to continue his ways of destruction," Danny glares. " I saw a threat to the realms and eliminated them. Nothing else to it. Your organization freed him. You couldn't be trusted to handle his care. He violated the laws of balance. All I've done is make sure he can't do it again." 

"Observants, I believe we're finished with this discussion," Clockwork says. " Out." They don't stay long. Once it's just them and Danny, they apologize, " I had hoped our first meeting wouldn't be this way. Please follow me. Refreshments?"

 Danny follows, " I'm fine, thank you."

" Let me know if you change your mind," Clockwork says as they go into a cozy sitting room. " As I said earlier, I'm clockwork, Ancient of time. I have a few other names, one of which I believe you'll find more interesting."

"Oh," Danny raises an eyebrow, surprised. Their attitude is a complete 180 now that business is over.

" I am Chronus, to the Greeks, the Primordial, not the Titan, don't fret," they smile. " I have waited for epochs to meet you, child. Through my lovely Ananke, I'm your stepfather, but in the grand scale of things, I think you'll prefer me as an uncle."

 Danny is flabbergasted.

" You can call me Uncle Clocky, or just simply Uncle will do– Uncle Chronus whenever dealing with the rest of the pantheon, I hope you understand," Clockwork says giddily.

" Thank you for having me then, Uncle Clocky," Danny says, deciding to take this in stride.

" Of course," Clockwork waves it off. " The least I could do. Dan should have never been here in the first place. There is great darkness in this universe, but in none does it darken your heart. Dan is not you or a variant, but a Chimera of obsession. There is much good and change in your future."

" Thank you."

" Now, I believe your human family is dealing with a time travel issue," Clockwork says seriously. 

"You know about that?" Danny asks, a bit green.

Their eyes twinkle, " I know everything. I just so happened to be in the position to help you."

 Danny straightens, " What are your conditions?" This kind of thing isn't offered for free.

" No conditions," Clockwork says, rising and changing to a little kid. " I hope you'll add me to that Council of yours. " They give him puppy dog eyes.

" Of course," Danny quickly says, " I'd have offered it to you even without the help, though it is greatly appreciated."

" I'll admit, I don't typically assist in personal matters. However, time displacement falls under my domain." they change to an old man, grab an amulet to put it on him, and hand over a glowing blue gem. " The necklace will allow you to move through time without displacement, and the gem, once crushed, will return your Father to his proper time."

 Danny cups it in his hands, " I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

Clockwork opens a blue portal. " Once you're ready to come back, call out for me. I'll hear you. Safe travels, my king."

"Many thanks, uncle," Danny goes through.

The land is lush and green, and the sky is clear blue. "Wow." There's no roaming city streets or cars, just nature, " it's beautiful." He flies around invisible– no need to scare the locals– and starts to search. He does so for hours, to the point that it's late, almost sundown, but he has yet to find Bruce among the settlements– which are few and far between. Going through the woods, the smell of cooking fish grabs his attention. Near the mouth of a cave is Bruce. His clothes are in tatters, his face looks gaunt, and moving with a limp. Danny lightly touches down a few meters away and calls out, " Mr Wayne?" 

Bruce stiffens and looks around, his hand reaching for a nearby batarang. He inspects the area, ready to strike. Danny stands still, afraid to move. After a few moments, Bruce drops his weapon and sits back down next to the fire, his head in his hands. " I'm losing it."

Danny waits until Bruce looks up and flickers to visibility, "No, Mr. Wayne, you're not–" Bruce grabs the batarang again, "Please, I mean no harm."

"Who are you," Bruce demands.

" An ally," Danny says, walking forward slowly. 

"I've never seen you before," Bruce starts to get up.

" No, please sit," Danny frets, " you don't look well, sir."

Bruce inspects him. Danny is in his ghost form, his ring and Crown invisible, only showing the jumpsuit that Amity has come to know. " Sit." Danny does. " Who are you?"

" Phantom," Danny says, hand going over his logo.

"How did you get here, Phantom?" Bruce asks, some of the hostility going away once he sees he's a kid. " How did you find me?"

" An… acquaintance of mine informed me of your disappearance. Until recently, everyone believed you dead." Danny says, a bit antsy. His first conversation with his father was an interrogation. "You had a nice service. After I was informed of your survival, a different acquaintance offered to assist me in getting you to your proper time."

"Am I supposed to believe that you, a stranger, and others unknown to me have figured out my identity and have decided to put in the time and effort to bring me back?" he asks gruffly, raising his eyebrow.

" We're strangers now, but that doesn't mean we'll always be," Danny says cryptically. " My kind have a weird relationship with time."

" Your kind," Bruce echoes.

" Not relevant for this conversation," Danny says. " I really am just here to send you home, Mr. Wayne. I know your family misses you."

Bruce takes a shuddering breath, " how?"

" Simple," Danny smiles and passes the gem. " crush this. It'll take you when you need to be." Bruce raises an eyebrow, and Danny laughs at his deadpan expression. " I get it if you don't trust me, but what else do you have to lose?" Danny lets himself flicker out of visibility, and after ten minutes, Bruce crushes the gem, and a portal snatches him up. " Safe travels, Baba." 

✴❀✿❅✿❀✴

"We Believe–"

"Oof," Bruce falls out of the portal, landing hard on a table. He looks up. He's on the Watchtower. He sits up unsteadily, seeing someone in his suit, frozen– Dick based on his build– and Tim, "Robbins," he rasps, " report."

"B–" Tim's the first to move, " we need medical," he yells. 

"Dislocated patella," Clark reports, helping Bruce into a chair, " healing ribs, a cracked femur. Bruce, how–"

" A child. He calls himself Phantom. White hair, black uniform logo on the center of his chest," Bruce says, letting his kids fuss over him. " Called himself our Ally."

"Who?" Tim asks. " I've never heard of a Phantom." he looks around, but no one else shows signs of recognition.

" Said he was at my funeral," Bruce says.

 Dick sighs, " damn it, we've got a leak."