AN: Hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you have actually taken the time to read this author's note, there are just a few things I would like to say. Don't worry I won't have ridiculously long rants before every chapter, I promise. Anyways, I would appreciate any feedback you can give me. Constructive criticism can only benefit my writing, praise boosts my confidence, and Flames make for wonderful conversation starters and jokes. I don't mind if anyone points out any trivial mistakes or issues, I'd like to fix them if I can. Also I want to update at least once every week, so if I miss a deadline you have my permission to bug and nag me until I do.
Disclaimer: I don't own either Danny Phantom or Young Justice.
For the past four days Danny Fenton had been reliving the same moment over and over again like a broken record. The Nasty Burger was gone, taking his friends and family away with it. For the past four days, Danny Fenton had hunted for the mistake that sent his loved ones to their death. Danny ran through every possible scenario, making every change in every possible combination, desperately searching for a different outcome. What if he had been stronger? What if he hadn't been forced to change into Fenton? What if he never went to the future? No matter what he could have done, nothing changed.
What if Danny had used the thermos sooner rather than attempting to weaken Dan? No. Dan was too powerful; he would have escaped. But what if Dan couldn't escape? No. The bonds Dan had used on his family were ghost-proof and neither Fenton nor Phantom could have removed them. Once again the Nasty Burger explodes, Dan escapes, everybody dies. Clockwork had told him that there was nothing he could have done, not even going so far back as to never having ventured into the portal and receiving his ghost powers would have averted this disaster. The future wasn't set in stone, but some things were unavoidable. Danny didn't care, he couldn't accept that. What if...
Mrs. Davis gazed at the boy with an overwhelming sense of pity. Daniel "Danny" Fenton hadn't spoken a word in four days. In fact he hadn't done anything at all in the past four days to her knowledge. He had just sat there on the hospital bed facing the window with his hands covering his face. He looked so calm, peaceful even, but Mrs. Davis knew better, and she was certain that the poor kid was at war inside drowning in grief. She just wished he would open up and let someone help him.
Being a social worker Mrs. Davis had seen many kids in situations similar to Danny's. She had seen too many children suddenly and violently orphaned whether from a car crash, fire, or a robbery that went terribly wrong. The kids never wanted to talk about what happened, especially the teenagers, and occasionally some would even refuse to talk for a day or so, but they all opened up eventually. Never before had anyone closed off the world so completely as Danny Fenton had.
Lost in thought, Mrs. Davis nearly screamed when a knock at the door startled her. She stole a glance at Danny, who didn't even react to the sudden interruption, before turning towards the door. She barely gripped the handle when the door swung open nearly knocking her down. Instantly she was greeted by the smiling face of Vladimir Masters.
"Good Evening ma'am" Masters said grabbing her hand and shaking it violently. "Is young Daniel awake?"
"Mr. Masters, as I have stated numerous times, Mr. Fenton is not receiving any visitors at this time." Barely able to hide the venom in her voice, Mrs. Davis gestured to the door pleading that Masters would take her invitation to leave. This had to be at least the fifth visit Masters had made in the past four days.
Unmoved, Masters flashed a smile so fake it might as well have been plastic. "But surely the little badger can't continue to hide in his hole for the rest of his life. He will have to rejoin the world eventually. Why not ease him into society now with people he knows, people he trusts?" Masters placed his hand over his heart with a little bow to emphasize his point.
"Mr. Fenton has gone through a very traumatic experience, Mr. Masters, he will rejoin the world in time, but as of this moment Mr. Fenton is not receiving ANY visitors and I must ask that you leave."
"Yes, Yes I will leave, but I will be back. I just can't bear to be away from young Daniel in his time of need." Masters paused obviously expecting Mrs. Davis to respond. When she remained silent he just continued, "I understand that it is your job to find a guardian for Daniel, I hope you realize that you will never find a more able guardian than myself. I have the wealth, time, and space to care for a child, and I am a close family friend."
Mrs. Davis grew angry as she silently opened the door and ushered Mr. Masters out,then quickly shut the door. With a sigh of relief Mrs. Davis collapsed back onto her chair and returned her attention to Danny. Despite her dislike for Amity Park's newest resident billionaire, he had presented many valid points. Danny Fenton would have to rejoin the world sooner rather than later, and as much as relinquishing the care of Danny to Masters disturbed her, there truly was no other candidate. Foster care seemed like such a terrible idea for Danny. The decision regarding Danny's living situation was very soon, and it would go so much smoother if Danny's input was added. Maybe she should try talking to him again.
"Danny." she said softly walking over to his bedside. When he didn't respond Mrs. Davis decided to try to force him to pay attention. Removing his hands from his face, Mrs. Davis brought herself to his eye level and once again said his name, but when she saw his eyes she gasped. Maybe Masters was right, Danny needed to be around people, but not him. Of that she was sure.