A Different Kind of Phantom - A Danny Phantom + DNAngel crossover by Lal Nila Syrin and Jedexa
A/N: Hi there! Been a while? I know I haven't posted any other stories, nor updated any ongoing ones, and I'm so so sooo sorry about that! I do plan on finishing them eventually. So for now, this is an official hiatus notice, until I can get my life together (currently, college and work as well as dealing with depression and learning disabilities among other health issues). You can of course always find me on my facebook fanpage (link on my profile) or twitter (which I keep forgetting to update, sorry!) or even my tumblr if you manage to stumble across that.
That being said, this fic, previously untitled when the first two chapters were written but now called "A Different Kind of Phantom", is not a new fic. These were released like, last year? Or at least, in like January. There are only two chapters so far, and I haven't had time to work on any more since they were written and posted. They were originally posted on my friend's tumblr and AO3, as she's the one doing most of the legwork here-if you hadn't guessed already, this is a collaboration fic. I'm mostly there to edit and make ideas and outlines, but she's the one who gives the characters voice. She's great at that! I highly recommend her and her other works, as well (there's a link to her stuff on my profile too).
Without further ado, let's begin!
Blanket Disclaimer: Neither authors own Danny Phantom, DNAngel, or any related material except the writing and plot of this fic.
Chapter 1
"Now that we've finished reading How to Be an American Housewife," Lancer held his arms behind his back as he paced the room with an evaluating eye, "and you've finished your essays on 'if you were a non-American trying to adjust to life in America' and 'what you want to know about Japanese culture', let's open it up for discussion."
A few students exchanged wary glances, frowning. Others lit up—namely Sam Manson.
"Well?" Lancer glanced at each of his students, "Who wants to start it off? Any thoughts you might have, what you found interesting or something that bothered you…"
Sam raised her hand eagerly. Danny and Tucker shared a glance and rolled their eyes.
"Yes, Miss Manson?"
"I really liked this unit because we normally learn things from an American point of view, and trying to see it from another country's point of view is really interesting!" Sam lowered her hand. "But I think some of it is really inaccurate."
"Inaccurate in what way?" Lancer quirked an eyebrow.
"Well, Japanese culture is much more diverse and rich than what you taught us. There's so many things we could have written essays on and learned about, like Golden Week and Girls' Day," Sam listed off on her fingers.
"Guess we know who got an A." Dash snickered.
"Only because she watches anime." Paulina whispered back. It didn't go unnoticed, and Sam shot her a glare.
Star raised her hand. "Mr. Lancer? Why did we do a unit on Japan anyhow? It's not like the stuff we normally learn."
A couple of students nodded in agreement. Lancer's eyebrows rose in amusement.
"I'm very glad you asked, actually. I'm sure you all know Principal Ishiyama is Japanese-American, and still has family in Japan." Lancer smiled, "Her sister is something of a cultural experience exchange program coordinator in Japan, and they've been working together to put together a program for you sophomores and your upperclassmen to experience a week abroad."
The class broke out in chatter. It took Lancer quite a few minutes to calm them all down, and he sighed in exasperation before he continued.
"Since the program is still new and experimental," Lancer turned to his desk, mumbling under his breath, "and expensive," before he picked up a small stack of papers and turned back to the class, "only two students per grade will be chosen to go to Japan, and I've been given the honor of choosing the two students for your year. The trip will be over the coming spring break, which happens to coincide with the beginning of their school year."
"Wait," Sam raised her hand, "we're not going there just for the cultural experience?"
"No, it's an exchange program. So you will be going there for a week to take classes with Japanese students." At the groans, Lancer chuckled. "Yes, it means whoever goes will be spending spring break learning things. In this case, since none of you can speak Japanese, you'll only be attending classes that don't require it much, so there won't be classes like history or social studies. I've heard Ishiyama say that the chosen students will be taking math, home economics, and chemistry for the week, and will also be helping students in their English classes, as native English speakers."
"But how would anyone get around if they can't understand anything?" Tucker asked, frowning.
"That's where the exchange part comes in, aside from the classes. Japanese high school students will be coming here for a week first—the week right before spring break, you see. It will be their own spring vacation they're spending here." Lancer looked down at the papers in his hands, "Unlike some of you, their English is actually proficient, so they'll be able to take classes here and see how American schools are like. When the chosen students go to Japan, these Japanese students will be the guides—sort of like a buddy system."
"So we've got to be theirs while they're here." Sam nodded in approval. She liked the sound of this program.
"Who will be going?" Star asked.
"Ah, always asking the right questions, Star!" Lancer grinned, holding up the stack of papers, "Some of the other teachers are choosing randomly, or by application. However, I'm choosing based on your essays."
Paulina leaned over and whispered to Star, "If he's only choosing the A students, I bet Manson's going to get chosen. Well, at least we won't have to worry about her for break!" Star smiled slyly and giggled in response, but quieted when Lancer held up his hand to catch their attention again.
"Now, based on the number of you that actually looked like they put effort into their work," He shot a slightly disappointed glance at the A-list group, "I'll be choosing who I think has the most to get out of going, and who is actually willing to go. I will choose one boy and one girl, to be fair." He added.
"Girls first—Sam Manson," he started, to which the addressed goth girl cheered quietly and gave a high-five to Danny, who smiled proudly at her. "Valerie Gray, and Star Andrews."
A few people blinked in surprise, glancing at Star and Valerie. Star didn't look surprised, but Valerie seemed like she hadn't expected to be a candidate.
When she recovered, Valerie raised her hand. "I can't do the program, Mr. Lancer. I have to work over spring break, and I don't think I can afford going to Japan, even if it's for school."
Lancer nodded. "I understand that. And you?" He looked toward Star. "I was quite impressed on your essay about the differences between Japanese and American social cues and mannerisms, Star. Going to Japan could let you see first hand how Japanese people act toward a foreigner."
"Hmm, let me think about it." Star grinned charmingly.
Lancer nodded, turning his head. "Miss Manson?"
"I'd love to go!" Sam nodded, ignoring Star. Even if she didn't get chosen for the trip to Japan, it wasn't like she couldn't afford it herself. But the idea of experiencing a Japanese high school sounded exciting! She wouldn't have been able to do that on her own…
"Alright then. Talk to me after class." Lancer turned back to the majority of the class. "Now for the boys… it's actually rather surprising, but I was pleased with the essays of these students the most. Kwan… and Daniel."
Danny, who had been leaning back in his chair, sputtered and nearly choked as he fell over. Everyone looked toward him, half amused and half exasperated. They expected these clumsy shenanigans out of Danny by now.
"M-me?" Danny asked as he got up, righting his chair and sitting back down in it.
"Wow, cool, thanks Mr. Lancer!" Kwan was practically jumping in his seat, giddy like a child, "I'm glad you liked my poem!"
"Yes, well," Lancer smiled in amusement, glancing at Danny, "Yes, Mr. Fenton, you. You wrote a compelling letter playing the role of a half-Japanese student, and while you don't know a lot about Japan I saw that you were quite interested in it."
Danny blushed, glancing at Sam—she was the one who rambled a lot when she was writing her essay, and he had just picked out the most interesting things she talked about and wrote about those. But pretending to be half-something and adjusting to a new life in a new world… that wasn't just role-playing. Not that Lancer had to know.
"Uh, thanks, I think." Danny rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess when I try I'm not half-bad at that stuff." It also helped that the ghosts hadn't been attacking as much, so he had finally had time to do his homework for once. And it was definitely an interesting subject!
Sam gave him a proud grin like the one he had given her earlier, nudging him with her elbow excitedly. She didn't need words for him to know she really wanted him to accept the trip so they could possibly go together.
"Right. Do either of you not want to go?" Lancer asked.
Kwan looked thoughtful. "Can I call my parents first?"
"You can after class." Lancer nodded, glancing at Danny, who shrugged. "You shall see me after class is over then too. Well then, now that this business is over, let's return to the lesson, shall we? We were discussing How to Be an American Housewife. And your essays. Who wants to talk about theirs? Star? Mr. Fenton?"
Tucker slapped Sam and Danny on the shoulders as he passed, grinning proudly at them. "I'll wait outside for you guys."
"Yeah, see you in a bit." Danny nodded. He shouldered his backpack, leaning on his desk as he watched the rest of the students file out of the classroom. Kwan stood in the corner, talking on his cell phone, and Star was examining her nails nonchalantly by the door, talking to Dash and Paulina before they left. Sam threw her backpack on, grinning widely.
"Can you believe it, Danny? We might get to go to Japan together!"
"Yeah… I know you've always wanted to go." Danny laughed, "I hope you get chosen, even if I don't."
"Oh, no, you'd better get chosen too. I don't think I can last a week with Kwan again—no offense to the guy." Sam made a face, walking to the front of the classroom with him.
Danny shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. I don't think I'd want to be stuck with him for a week either." He lowered his voice before they stopped near the front, "But I might decline anyway. I mean, if I go… who would protect Amity, you know?"
"Danny, it's only for a week. What could happen?" Sam's eyebrows creased, "Tucker will still be here, and your parents, and Valerie. Besides, haven't the ghosts been keeping quiet for a while now?"
"Which is exactly why I'm worried." Danny sighed, his shoulders sagging. He was about to say more, but Kwan stepped up to them, facing the teacher's desk.
"My parents said I couldn't go," Kwan said, looking extremely disappointed, "Sorry, Mr. Lancer."
The balding man shook his head. "It's completely understandable, Kwan. Don't worry about it—there will be other opportunities to go, after all. You're only a sophomore—if this program goes well, you will have at least two more chances before you graduate."
Kwan lit up, nodding. "Yeah! I'll definitely try again next year, it sounds like a really fun program!" He chirped, "Well, I should get to football practice now. See you later, Mr. Lancer! And see you at practice, Star!" Kwan waved cheerfully as he grabbed his bag and headed out the door.
"Looks like you're going after all, Danny." Sam grinned.
Danny gave a weak smile. "I guess so. Well, I'm not gonna say no if it's given to me on a silver platter like this, I guess."
Lancer glanced at Star now. "Do you still want time to think?"
"Well, at first I wanted to go because I heard the fashion was really beautiful, and I could do a lot of shopping," Star began, "and they do makeup there really cute, so I wanted to learn how. But I'd have to bring my own money if I wanted to shop, right?"
"You're probably thinking about the city, where there are lots of malls and people," Lancer gave her a look, "Perhaps I should have made it clearer, but the part of Japan you'd be visiting would be a little more rural than that. It's more in the country, one of those small towns."
"Oh," Star deflated, "Well, then the geeky lovebirds can go. I don't mind, I'll go next year or something—hopefully there'll be a more interesting location then." She waved her hand.
"We're not lovebirds!" Sam and Danny said at the same time, their faces red. Danny had flailed his hands, and Sam's shoulders shot up like a cat on its hackles.
"Sure you're not. Just go out already, yeah? No one's gonna make fun of you," Star rolled her eyes, "Really, even if we don't like you, it's pretty clear you're meant for each other." She said a brief goodbye to Lancer, picked up her backpack, and slipped out the door.
Sam groaned, and Danny hid his face in his hands, both of them sagging and avoiding each other's eyes. After a moment, they realized Lancer was still there, and turned toward him.
"So, you two agree to go to Japan on spring break?" Lancer gave them an amused look, ignoring their teenage drama.
"Yes, Mr. Lancer." They nodded, and Lancer handed them each a packet of forms and permission slips.
"Here, have your parents look at these and sign them." Lancer nodded. "Part of the program also involves housing the exchange students for the week, but get these back to me as soon as possible so we can make arrangements if your parents don't agree."
Sam nodded, glancing over the papers. Danny frowned. "I dunno… I mean, Amity Park as a whole is already weirded out by my house. Do we really want a foreigner to live there?"
Lancer gave him a look. "This is also partly up to you, of course, but again, alternative arrangements can be made." He nodded, understanding the raven-haired boy's worries.
Sam flipped her packet shut, grinning. "So, we'll be going to Azumano, huh?"