Heroes
Danny looked at the remnants of his life... There was none. Everyone he had loved or cared for had slowly drifted from him. His parents would look at him oddly. His friends... well they weren't here anymore. Sam moved to a boarding school and Tucker moved overseas because his house was blown up (partly Danny's fault). Jazz had left for college.
The town was over the ghostly attacks and were conducting a mass exodus. The remaining citizens remained with a boring routine life. The bizarre became the norm, and by norm ghost attacks were on the news right before the weather report.
"Ugh! Skulker I am so tired of this!" Danny growled before he shot the ghost down and captured him. The halfa was beginning to become frustrated. His life wasn't going anywhere. Maybe the first two years he had fought ghosts it had been fun, almost a childish pursuit, but now it began to transform into mundane routine.
Danny grumbled as he flew back home. His parents were down in the basement doing who knows what. They were probably trying to kill his alter ego or create a weapon to kill other ghosts.
"Danny-boy you're home! We have exciting news!"
Danny turned to his parents and frowned. What could possibly be exciting in this boring town? He bit back a snarky comment not really wanting to snap at his parents when it wasn't their fault.
"What is it dad," he said taking to sighing instead of snapping.
"We're going on a trip to Metropolis!"
Danny was shocked in more ways than one. His thoughts instantly went to the safety of his city. What if a ghost attacked? What if something went horribly wrong that he couldn't take care of?
"That's awesome and all but what about the ghosts? You wouldn't leave the city in the incapable hands of Phantom would you?" Danny asked trying to appeal to their egos.
"Don't worry Danny," Maddie cut in. "We'll be shutting down the portals and any natural portals we have here can only do so much. The red huntress can take of the rest.
Danny fumbled not knowing what else to say. How could he give Amity to Valerie? Ok maybe he might have been a bit obsessed with taking care of his haunt, but he was a ghost, cut him some slack. It still didn't change the fact that he didn't think it was a good idea to leave, even if it was only for a while.
"But what about school?" Danny asked as a last resort.
Maddie frowned. She knew there was a rift between the family. Jazz had grown up and left. Heck the whole town had grown up and left. The only thing that seemed to be at a stand-still was her son. He was still a recluse, nothing had changed, not even his appearance. She was beginning to worry. All the other boys had shot taller and Danny was lagging behind. All these things only seemed to make her want to drag him with them.
"It'll be fun. Maybe you'll take on the Fenton mantle and be an inventor. This will be a new experience for you," Maddie reasoned.
"Plus we'll be staying at some fancy hotel! There will be a lot of fudge!" Jack exclaimed patting his sons back. "You'll need some to be like your dad!"
Danny twitched at the comment on his height. He had become iffy about that topic. Ever since he died he hadn't grown an inch. He was hoping that it was a late growth spurt but it seemed less and less likely as the days went by.
"The point is Danny," Maddie interjected noting his dejected look, "that we believe it's time you took a break. That we went out together as a family."
Danny finally relented and just nodded. It wasn't like he was about to win this battle anytime soon. Maddie nodded pleased that her son agreed. Jack gave a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder to let her know he had her back. She was always grateful that despite everything else that her husband would stand by her through it all... albeit in his own goofy way.
"Ok then Danny-boy! Pack for a week because we're leaving tomorrow!"
~The Next Day
The tall unfamiliar glass buildings loomed over ever horizon. It was a star contrast to the suburban streets that Amity Park sported. There was hardly a patch of grass to be seen, instead paved concrete roads, and brick laid paths littered every street. Despite the obvious lack of any sort of greenery the city was clean, almost futuristic in its appeal, and had somewhat of a busy vibe.
Danny could appreciate the change... despite the small nagging in the back of his head worrying about Amity Park. His attention then turned to the road as his dad drove as crazily as he normally would. People left and right were cursing his name as he jumped by them laughing maniacally. Good thing the 'Fenton Assault Vehicle' could take a good hit. Bad thing that most other cars wouldn't stand a chance with a head on collision with it.
"Honey that's the place," Maddie pointed as her attention moved to a tall building.
"Lex corp," Danny mumbled in awe. "You managed to get a business call from Lex corp!"
"Yes isn't this great. Now we can get enough funding to actually invest in some real machines," Maddie said excitedly.
"It'll definitely make catching ghosts and ripping them apart molecule by molecule easier," Jack added.
"And don't forget Phantom. We're hoping to invest a lot of money into a containment device," Maddie continued.
"So we can rip him apart molecule by molecule!" Jack repeated in excitement.
"Only after we study him honey-"
"-ok I get it!" Danny exclaimed in irritation. He always felt uncomfortable with the knowledge that his parents didn't trust his alter-ego at all.
"Sorry dear, we tend to get a bit too excited about Phantom. Hopefully this meeting can provide us with the means to make a permanent solution to the ghostly problem," Maddie said softly.
Danny ignored his mother in favour of opening the car door and actually exploring Lex corp. He hoped he wouldn't meet the owner. He didn't care much for billionaires, especially not with the experience he had with Vlad.
"You must be Maddie and Jack!" a rather tall man called out. Danny noted that he looked exactly like the generic stereotype of a geek. He was tall, skinny, had a somewhat giddy and far off expression. His pale skin, overly large glasses, and shaggy brown hair only added to the appeal.
"Yes we are. And you must be Mr Smith. I've heard all about your research on Quantum physics and how it applied to the astral plane..."
Danny tuned out the rest of the conversation between his mother and the odd man. Instead he went to help his father out with the luggage. He felt odd knowing he would be living in an office building for the next week but he knew it would at least he a welcome change compared to Amity's mundane.
"Ah sorry about that Mr Fenton, I'll show your family to their room," Mr Smith apologised rather quickly. He had been too expectant to meet with Madeline Fenton. Her work had inspired him of his own and that was a feat in itself (or at least he thought so).
"Why didn't we book a hotel room? Surely we could afford that," Danny asked knowing full well that his family was in no way poor.
Smith looked at the young boy and was surprised to see him there. He had been too busy to notice and the boy had been too quiet. He was like a phantom.
"Your mistaken. You see this building is mainly office related but there are a few rooms at the top levels. Occasionally Mr Lex likes to sleep where he works. It's just easier if he has a home away from home."
"Wow," Danny mumbled, "Does this mean we're going to live in a pent house?"
"Of sorts," Smith answered.
Maddie smiled at her boy. It was nice to know he was enjoying it so far. The family walked into the rather elegantly furnished building and made their way up the red carpeted lift. Danny felt giddy. It was like this was someone else's life entirely. He had never been rich save the time his parents got a whole lump sum of money and they moved next to Vlad. But that was only a few days and Danny knew he'd taken his wealth a little bit too far that time.
"This will be your room for the next week," Smith informed the older woman as he handed her the keys. "Oh and here's your schedule."
Maddie took the paper and frowned as if she had just realised something. Smith caught onto the worried look after being distracted by Jack's and Danny's blatant excitement with their accommodation.
"Where's Danny going to stay? I know this apartment is well furnished but my son has a tendency to... disappear and I'd rather him not get lost in such a big city," Maddie said trying to keep it between her and Smith. Somehow Danny caught on and responded with a hurt "hey!".
Maddie's attention went from her irritated child to Smith. He had a look of contemplation on his face.
"I'm sorry but we didn't really plan for a child to come along and he isn't authorised in any of the labs... He'd just have to stay in here for the week. He can come to the ball though," Smith said as if that fixed everything.
"I guess I could convince him to behave," Maddie mumbled.
"HE is here in the room, right next to you," Danny grumbled.
"Well then HE is going to have to remember to be on his best behaviour. Won't HE," Maddie replied with an amused smile.
"Oh HE'LL make sure he will," Danny mumbled as he shot his mom a quick glare. He could easily forget about her nosey behaviour with all these fascinating distractions around him. It wasn't until Smith left and the door closed that Danny and Jack quickly took to exploring every inch of the rather large apartment in childish excitement.
"They have a spa! And I have an ensuit!" Danny exclaimed in excitement. Only the master bedrooms usually had those. "And a flat screen tv in my room too!"
"Now sweetie we're glad that you're enjoying this but we have to leave in around 30 minutes so it's off to the showers for us," Maddie said ruining Jack's fun.
"Awe do we have to?" he grumbled.
"I'll give you a massage," Maddie bribed. Jack didn't take it. "In the shower," she added.
"Deal!"
Danny nearly puked. "Aww gross! Why'd you have to go ruin the moment like that?"
"Now Danny," Maddie began ignoring her son's comment, "we're going to leave and I don't expect you to stay in here but I want you to tell us where you're going before you leave ok."
"Wait... are you really letting me free?" Danny asked disbelievingly.
"You're seventeen Danny, and you would leave even when we tell you not to. So just tell me where you're going if you're going anywhere."
"You worry too much," Danny smiled. It made him feel grateful to know he had such caring parents.
"Amity may have ghosts... but in all truth they didn't go looking to kill humans... Most of them anyway. There are super powered criminals in these parts."
"Point taken. Now why don't you go... take a shower," Danny said feeling a little iffy about that last bit.
It wasn't long until Jack and Maddie left to do whatever it was they came to do. Danny had explored every single inch of the expensive apartment and he found it to actually he quite boring. Other than the intricate furnishings and the luxurious facilities there was nothing fun. The TV had all the channels... but that was about it.
Danny felt the need to go out. He was in Metropolis for heaven's sake! This was THE city! This was the home to SUPERMAN. If he didn't go out it would be a massive waste of an experience. So he rung his parents.
"Danny honey, what is it?" Maddie asked.
"I'm going out mom. You're right it's really boring in here," Danny sighed.
Maddie shook her head in exasperation. "It's only been an hour. But if you're going to leave then you have to come home by 5pm ok. We'll be attending an event tonight and meeting Mr Luther. We won't be able to open the door for you before then."
"Ok mum, I'll be leaving," Danny said dismissively. He could get into the house whenever he wanted to. He had abilities after all. Danny swiftly took his phone and walked outside.
The city was brimming with life. It was a beautiful place although he could see the occasional broken building being remade. He couldn't blame Superman considering he knew how hard it was to minimise property damage when you were trying too hard not to die.
Danny wandered around aimlessly knowing full well this experience would have been great with Jazz or Tucker. Sam never went on any sort of shopping trip unless it was to a goth store and Danny didn't really feel comfortable in there.
"Man I wish they were here," Danny sighed. For once he didn't care if Desiree heard him. "Or at least something exciting should happen."
Just as he finished his sentence he noticed that a rather large projectile was heading his way. Danny prepared himself to jump, as his heightened senses tingled with caution, when he suddenly felt himself flung out of the way with a tight grip around his waist. This was followed by the thundering sound of a powerful impact.
Danny shook his head and noted his surroundings. He was in the sky, held by none other than Superman himself.
"Are you alright?" the Man Of Steel asked the boy in his hands. He expected shocked silence. Most citizens had that expression when he saved them. Only Lois ever managed a witty remark but that was because she was saved countless times before. Instead the boy simply nodded and turned his attention elsewhere.
"He's coming from the right!" Danny warned as his enhanced hearing picked up the sounds of the enemy getting up.
Superman realised he had allowed himself to be distracted and fixed his mind on stopping Bizarro. He had no time to put down the boy and instead flung him over his shoulders. Danny instantly grabbed onto the larger man's back and awkwardly held on tight for his dear life... well what was left of it anyway.
As was anticipated Bizarro launched himself at Superman and was met with a very sturdy defence. The two insanely strong aliens fought each other both trying to pin the other down for good. Danny found himself struggling to keep himself on the superhero's back. He suddenly wished that he were part of the Justice League so as to save himself the need to forgo his secret identity.
Superman was having just as hard a time as the boy latched onto his back. Bizarro was packing his punches and while the Man Of Steel could take them on easily, it was a whole other dimension of hard trying to do it with a human on his back.
"You're doing great Bizarro!" Superman insulted. It felt weird having to always say the opposite to his nemesis. Every other villain he fought didn't work backwards like Bizarro did.
"No Bizarro is doing very bad!" the alien clone yelled in anger.
This got Superman a clearing to hit the enemy. Bizarro crashed into a building behind him and Superman quickly went to drop the boy of. He put the kid down swiftly and looked him over just as quickly. Deciding that he was fine he flew back into the air to fight again.
Danny took in a deep breath not quite sure what he should do. This was Superman! Like THE SUPER BLOODY FUCKING MAN. This was the god of superheroes! He had just been saved by his idol!
"Ok Danny calm down. He's a hero just like you- albeit much cooler and heaps more powerful. Get your act together and act like a hero!" Danny convinced himself as he gathered the courage to transform. He would help Superman. Tucker would be soo jealous but he'd have to call him first and he had hardly any credit left. 'You need to focus' Danny berated himself in his head.
"You're going down... weird looking Superman," Danny exclaimed feeling awkward when he realised he didn't know who exactly he was fighting. He hoped Superman hadn't heard that awkward battle cry but knowing his luck he would have. Biting down his embarrassment Danny quickly blasted the Superman look alike with a condensed ecto-blast. He was surprised when it actually hit the alien into a wall behind him. He didn't think he was THAT strong.
"Stay down you tantalising... tyrant- ugh I can't alliterate. Lancer wouldn't be proud," Danny grumbled.
Superman looked at the glowing boy in shock before he realised who it was. Did a cartoon character just come to life? Clark had read all of the comics on Invis-o-Bill. Who hadn't. It had become increasingly popular.
"Invis-o-Bill," he muttered in surprise.
Danny caught the horrible name and cringed. If it weren't for the fact that it was Superman who had said it he would have raged.
"It's Danny Phantom. I've always hated that horrible name," Danny cringed.
Before Superman could respond with an apology to the suddenly alive cartoon character, his attention turned to Bizarro. The clone charged at Danny ferociously. Danny turned intangible simply out of fear. He had hardly dealt with any sort of alive super-powered being before. He didn't like the idea of hurting someone alive either. Bizarro's chalky white appearance may have helped make him look a little dead though.
"Stay down!" Danny yelled as he blasted the clone with powerful ecto-blasts. Superman then took the lead and rammed into his clone, digging him into the concrete and knocking him out. The clone took the Man of Steel by surprise and jumped from the ground knocking him down and flying away.
"He's getting away!" Danny exclaimed.
"Don't worry about him, he's not as indestructible as I am but somehow he seems to be faster," Superman sighed as his attention turned to the small boy next to him. He felt odd talking to someone he thought came out of a comic book. "So you're real. How?"
Danny took to looking a bit offended. "Of course I'm real, but it has been a real pleasure meeting you Superman. You influenced me quite a lot when I first started heroing."
"You mean you didn't come from some universe where comic books are real, or maybe from a different dimension, maybe universe?" Superman asked disbelievingly.
Danny looked at the Man of Steel in confusion. "A different dimension if you consider the ghost zone- but other than that- yeah I'm pretty sure I was born in this universe," Danny replied unsure of what to say or think.
Clark couldn't help himself. He knew he had a public image to maintain and all but there was a fucking cartoon figure talking to him. Then it occurred to him that maybe Danny Phantom was a real hero who had comic books made after him. People had tried doing it to his life as well although it got a lot of bad reviews.
"So I'm guessing you haven't read your comics," Clark said with an amused twinkle in his eyes.
"I have comics!?" Danny exclaimed in shock.
"The Adventures of Ghost-boy Invis-o-Bill and his two best friends Tam and Sucker," Superman expanded.
Danny groaned in irritation. Tam and Sucker… really? And how the heck did anyone get information on his private life? Unless of course…
"I'm going to kill the Ghost-writer," Danny grumbled.
Clark was clearly intrigued. He knew there was a whole world of super-powered beings out there. The Justice League hadn't expanded enough to accommodate all of the heroes yet. It was always an interesting experience when he met a new hero, let alone one who he read all the comics on. It'd be interesting to see how accurate it was.
"So is a vampire named Dracula actually your arch-nemesis?" Clark asked curiously.
"Vampire? Oh you mean Vlad Plasmius!" Danny exclaimed before his expression turned thoughtful. "We're going to end up having a long chat aren't we?"
"Yes, yes we are."
~An Hour Or So Later
"So let me get this straight your parents killed you," Clark said a little disgusted.
Danny shrugged. He told Superman modified version of his story leaving out anything to do with Vlad or his cousin Dani. He trusted Superman with his own identity but giving someone else's away didn't sit well with him.
"When you put it that way it does sound bad doesn't it. But they didn't kill me. Technically the curiosity killed the Danny," he chuckled nervously although he was in no way an avid fan of cats. It was unfair that they had nine lives when he only had half of his.
"And they hunted you right after," Clark pointed out frowning.
Danny started becoming a bit defensive. "To be fair they don't know about it yet and they have this pre-cognised understanding that all ghosts are inherently evil, cannot feel pain, and are just a pile of quote "waste of post-human consciousness". Hopefully their time at Lex corp will change that," Danny sighed.
Clark picked up on that small bit of information. "Did you say Lex corp?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Lex Luther happens to be an avid fan of mine," Superman replied sarcastically.
"Are all billionaires prats?" Danny added a little peeved.
"Bad experiences?"
"You have no idea."
The two fell into a comfortable silence. It was surreal to know his greatest hero was sitting next to him. The same could be said for Superman who until recently thought the ghost boy to just be a comic book character.
"It's been nice getting to know you Danny Phantom. I'd like to hear more."
"Likewise."
Danny was on top of the world! He had just met his idol! His idol! Okay maybe this trip wasn't so bad and maybe things would start looking up.
-End-