So starting this point each chapter will be similar to an...episode of sorts. This will be the only major time skip though. After this time will pass normally to show how the gang grows and the characters began to shape themselves. I love how the series did that but in that point they were teenagers. Now they are starting to grow up. This is my way of showing how they shift from the teenagers we love to the adults that we hope they will become.
Don't own DP
Two years later:
Sixteen year old Danny Fenton smiled as he opened his locker, dumping his books in before pulling out his back pack.
When he shut the locker he jumped, placing a hand on his rapidly beating heart "Val! Warn me when you do that!" he said, seeing Valerie smirk from where she was leaning against the lockers.
"But where is the fun in that?" she teased.
Danny rolled his eyes playfully "How is it I'm the ghost and yet you are the one who sneaks up on people?" he asked.
Valerie looked thoughtful at that "I don't know. Guess you just need practice." she teased.
She had changed a little over the last two years. Her skirt was now black and her top red with a matching head band. It was closer to Huntress's color scheme. But Danny felt it suited her. She then looked curious "So is today the big day?" she asked.
Danny beamed brightly "Yeah. Dani's been staying at aunt Alicia's for a year and a half now. But now she's coming home to stay with us." he said, his eyes alight.
Valerie nodded "It was a genius idea. Gives you a cover as to where she's been hiding. And it gives her time to adjust to living in a single place so she's less likely to run off and explore. I can't wait to see her." she said.
Danny nodded "Yeah. I bet. You two really seemed to connect before we left." he said as he pulled an item from his bag.
Seeing it Valerie looked genuinely impressed "Your parents let you get it?" she asked, knowing there was only one thing Danny wanted that required that item.
Danny however smirked "Nope. But when Skulker found out I had passed the lessons and knew how to drive one he decided that...'the greater challenge is worth giving this to you. Perhaps it'll add more fun to the hunt'." he said.
He then smirked "And like my parents would turn down me getting a free vehicle they won't have to pay for. Especially when Tucker and myself personally combed it over and...upgraded it." he said slyly, leading the way out of the school.
Valerie frowned "So...you didn't get the bike you had been eyeing?" he asked.
Danny shook his head "Nope. I got better." he said, opening the door.
Immediately he was tackled by a black haired blur.
Danny grunted as he fell onto the ground, looking in surprise at the figure "Dani?" he asked.
Danielle smiled "I got in a little early and decided to surprise you. So...surprise?" she said sheepishly.
Danny grinned at that, climbing to his feet and hugging Danielle "It's good to see you sis." he said.
Valerie smiled at that, moving forward "What about me?" she asked.
Dani gave a small squeal, jumping forward and tackling Valerie in a hug "It's so good to see you Val! How are you?" she asked.
Valerie smirked as she pulled away "Just staying busy trying to keep your brother in one piece." she said.
Danny pouted at that before ruffling Danielle's hair "We should probably get back then. I'm sure mom and dad are wondering where you flew off to." he said.
He than scooped his helmet and bag back up before heading out "How about I give you a ride later Val?" he asked.
Valerie nodded, glancing at the bike appreciatively "Maybe later. For now though I gotta get home. You know how my dad is if I'm late." she said.
Danny frowned at that "Still haven't told him you've been working with me?" he asked.
Valerie smirked "Have you told your parents you're working with me?" she countered.
Danny raised his hands in defeat, smiling good naturedly "And I will see you tomorrow at school." she said before turning into Huntress and taking off into the sky.
Danny smiled at that, turning to Danielle "Want a ride home? I've got an extra helmet in the bike." he said.
Danielle however frowned as she followed her brother.
She then glanced back to where Valerie had left, looking puzzled "So...what happened to Sam?" she asked.
Danny turned to her with a smile "She's home sick today. Tucker won't be here either. Some family thing going on." he said.
Danielle however pursed her lips "Not that. I mean...I thought you liked Sam." she said.
Danny just looked confused "Sam's my best friend. Of course I like her." he said.
Danielle rolled her eyes "Men." she muttered.
She then sighed "I thought you liked liked her." she said slowly.
Finally Danny realized and he chuckled "No. I thought I did but we tried dating. Didn't work out. It was a mutual break up." he said.
Danielle frowned again, glancing once more to where Valerie had stood "So you're dating Valerie now?" she asked.
This time Danny stumbled, almost running into his bike.
He turned, looking at Danielle in surprise "Wha? No! Val and I...well...it's actually kind of complicated." he said, blushing.
Danielle raised an eyebrow "Uh huh." she said, not buying it.
Danny then grinned, opening a compartment and handing her a helmet "Someday you'll understand when you find a guy you really like." he said in amusement.
Danielle snorted but took the offered helmet even as Danny climbed on. She then climbed on behind him, smiling as the bike started and immediately her grin got brighter as she felt how it purred. They then took off across town to head home. Danielle grinned at the feeling. It was more exhilarating than flying. She could definitely understand why Danny would pick a bike for his vehicle. Riding this felt as free as flying on your own power.
She couldn't stop her wild grin as they pulled up to Fenton Works, pulling off to the side and Danny parked it "That was...amazing!" Danielle said breathlessly.
Danny grinned "Glad you like it sis cause you'll likely get it a lot more." he said.
Danielle smiled brightly as she leapt off the bike, handing the spare helmet to Danny who returned it to the compartment.
They then glanced up as the door opened "So is this the death trap I've been hearing about in all of my emails?" a voice asked in amusement.
Danny beamed as he looked up, seeing a figure who he hadn't seen in weeks. "Jazz!" he said, going up to her.
But then he paused, really taking in her appearance. "You...you cut your hair?" he asked. Jazz grimaced.
Her hair was shoulder length and actually seemed to give her a bit more mature look "Yeah...Skulker some how got lost. I stopped him but I couldn't save all the hair so I had it cut. I was hoping to surprise you guys." she said.
Danny grinned "Definitely surprised." he said in amusement.
He then grinned "How's Yale?" he asked.
Jazz gave the siblings an ecstatic grin "It's amazing. At first I wouldn't fit in since a lot of my thesis involve ghosts but thanks to Amity the research is starting to bud and people are actually coming to me with questions and wanting advice. Others are starting to get into ecto research. It's everything I could dream." she said happily.
Danielle smiled at that "Well in that case I'm glad you came home to welcome me back. It means a lot." she said.
Jazz grinned "Don't worry. I'm in the middle of doing a project anyways and I really need some hands on research so I'll be doing plenty here." she said.
She then blinked before pulling something from the side "By the way, mom and dad told me you got the bike. And I know that you're safe. I even believe if you fell off you probably wouldn't get scratched but..." she hesitated before holding something out.
Danny blinked at he took the item "Jazz?" he asked.
The girl smiled reassuringly "It's fake leather. Wouldn't want Sam trying to destroy it. But I hope you can wear it while riding and it will protect you from at least some of the damage." she said.
Danny smiled gratefully at his sister before trying on the black fake leather jacket his sister had handed him "How do I look?" he asked.
Danielle smirked "Actually a little intimidating. I like it. It suits you." she said in amusement.
Danny grinned, elbowing her "Come on. Let's go see mom and dad. Have they even seen either of you?" he asked.
And judging by the guilty smiles of both his sisters...well at least Danny would be able to see their reactions. Though it was nice to have the family back together.
line break
The next morning was an exciting one for Danielle as Danny lead her through Casper high. Her mom had already taken care of everything and it was officially the halfas first day of school, ever. She could feel the excitement thrum through her veins. But at the same time she felt nervous. What if she didn't fit in? She wasn't human after all. And less than Danny in a sense. Could people tell that kinds of stuff?
She was then brought out of her musings as Danny paused "Looks like your locker is right next to mine. That'll be convenient." he said with a smile.
Danielle met it with her own, hiding her insecurities behind a mask she had perfected long before even meeting Danny. A by product of being Vlad's...ward.
"Fenton!" a voice suddenly shouted.
Immediately Danny stiffened and Danielle herself couldn't help but flinch, drawing back instinctually at the voice. She didn't know why but that voice seemed to fill her with a mixture of fear and annoyance. She glanced over to see a large football jack storming his way over, shoving others out of his way.
He then stopped in front of them, his eyes only briefly moving to the younger halfa before turning to Danny "What now Dash?" Danny asked, bored.
Dash scowled "Your crazy parents almost flattened me this morning and nearly made me late for school." he said, moving forward threateningly.
Danielle scowled at that, feeling an odd surge of bravery "Well maybe you should just learn to move faster." she snapped.
At this Dash turned to her, his eyes moving between both raven haired teens "Who's the pipsqueak?" he demanded.
Danielle couldn't stop another flinch and sensing that Danny placed himself between her and the blond bully "My little sister. She's been staying with my aunt out in the country." he said, his tone clipped.
Dash frowned as he glanced at the girl who couldn't help but hide behind her brother. For a moment something unrecognizable seemed to flash in his eyes before he scowled, turning to walk away.
Almost immediately Danny turned to Danielle, concern clear in his eyes "You okay sis?" he asked.
Danielle nodded, fidgeting with her blue hoodie she wore, reminiscent from her time on the streets. The only thing she had changed was she had ditched her beanie. She then gave her brother a shaky smile "I just...felt off. Like I was automatically both scared and annoyed around him. I felt similar with Valerie when we first met. But your parents, Sam, Tucker, Jazz...they felt safe. Familiar." she said softly.
Danny's brow furrowed "Do you think it's because of my feelings?" he asked.
Danielle shrugged "I don't know. But Jazz is helping me. I'm currently her newest project. Anonymous of course." she said, finally shaking off the weird feeling to give her brother a reassuring smile.
Danny frowned at that "Danielle...if you aren't ready for this..." he paused.
Dani however shook her head vigorously "No! I want to do this! I have to try. For me. Alright? Besides, If I need help I know I can rely on you to help me." she said happily.
Danny nodded at that before leaving for his class. Danielle grinned as she glanced at a map she had been given. It was something she wanted to do. She had insisted Danny and his friends weren't allowed to help her find her classes. She needed to do this. For herself. She would do this. And with that thought in mind she proudly made her way towards her math class.
break
Several hours later and Danielle was wondering how Danny had put up with this. How teenagers put up with this. School was boring. And she couldn't even get out of it because the one time her ghost sense went off she glanced out the window, seeing Valerie walk by and casually suck the box ghost in the thermos. The halfa could barely suppress her groan as she laid her head on the table. Around her she knew her classmates were not much better off. About half of them were sleeping. This was history! It should be exciting! Not putting everyone to sleep! She then breathed a sigh of relief as a welcoming stream of cold seemed to run down her spine. It was similar to Danny's own ghost sense but different. She never seemed to exhale the cold mist like her brother did. Not since the first little bit at least. It made her curious but she never thought to question it. Danielle however was grateful for it now.
But before she could ask to be excused someone burst into the class room "The ghost took out the comms. The schools evacuating." the person said in a mixture of irritation and relief.
Danielle frowned, seeing the jock from earlier. Dash Baxter. She really hoped she didn't end up seeing him everywhere. The guy was worst than Skulker. She waited patiently as the class filtered out, nobody noticing as the halfa girl hung back, waiting for an opportunity to go ghost.
Nobody but one.
"What are you standing around for?" Dash demanded, going up to her.
Danielle scowled, stepping away from him "Last I checked you are not the boss of me." she said icily.
Dash scowled, reaching forward and grabbing her arm "No. But I'm not going to let you sit here like an idiot." he said.
Danielle scowled, tugging against him "Look who's talking, coward." she spat.
They then froze as chuckling began filling the room "Looks like I get two more to snag in my trap." a ghost said as it materialized in front of them.
Danielle felt an icy chill run down her spine that had nothing to do with her ghost sense as she looked up at the ghosts sinister smile "Better make sure you two stay put." he said, waving his hands and all went black.
break
Dani groaned as she roused, feeling her head pound "You okay?" someone asked.
She looked up and couldn't stop her irritate frown "Fine." she said icily, refusing to look at the blond jock.
But she did look around, noting with a frown they were still in the classroom but now they were trapped in a cage. Immediately that icy terror began to thrum through her veins. She hated being trapped. Being stuck in that cage almost made her feel like the manacles were back on her wrist, getting ready to chain her to the table. "Hey, easy there. You're kind of freaking me out." Dash said unsurely.
It was then Danielle noticed she was starting to hyperventilate. She took a few calming breaths, sliding to the floor and closing her eyes "Has anybody come for us?" she asked.
Dash shook his head "No. But I'm sure someone will come for us eventually. Especially when Fenton realizes I missed his afternoon trip into his locker." he said.
Danielle scowled angrily at that "What kind of a sick person are you?" she demanded.
Dash stopped at that, looking at her in surprise.
But Danielle just scoffed "And here I thought the situation couldn't get worst. But no. I'm stuck here with the one human being who has the moral compass of a teacup." she said bitingly.
Dash scowled, surging to his feet "What was that?" he asked.
Danielle looked up at him "All bark. No bite. Your pathetic." she said angrily.
She wasn't even sure where this surge of emotion came from. But she didn't want to stop it.
Dash's scowl however deepened and he began storming towards her "Now look here. What do you know about..." Danielle froze as he stormed towards her before she recoiled violently.
All she could see was Vlad in those few seconds. The boy paused at that, lookin a little lost.
Finally he huffed, moving away and slumping to the floor against the bars "What would you know?" he asked in irritation though a lot of the bite had fled his voice.
Danielle felt her anger flare but not as strongly as before, the fear still thrumming through her as she tried to place herself in the here and now.
Away from Plasmius "What would I know? A lot more than people think." she said icily.
She glared at Dash "I met someone like you. I was just as awful. Didn't care about others. Only himself." she whispered darkly.
Dash frowned "I care." he said.
Danielle scoffed "Says the guy who shoves my brother into his locker. Shoves innocent people to the ground. Hangs people from flagpoles? What kind of monster does that?" she asked.
And for the first time something akin to guilt seemed to cross the older teens face.
For a moment he was silent before asking a question "What...what happened to the guy?" he asked.
Dani scowled darkly "Oh he's around. Occasionally tries to kidnap my brother. Tried to kill me twice but hey, money pays off. Apparently if you play your cards right you can do whatever you want to the world." she said bitterly.
This time it was the jock that flinched. But Danielle took no heed. She was still a little lost in her memories. She remembered all that time with Vlad. Dash reminded her so much of the fruitloop that it hurt. She shivered again, feeling a chill in the air. She wished she had more than her hoodie. It was growing dark outside. And she could feel the chill it was giving off. She then blinked as she felt something settle on her shoulders. She looked up as Dash walked away in just his black shirt, his jacket draped over her shoulders. She opened her mouth but couldn't say anything. She wasn't sure what to say.
Suddenly she felt a presence in the room and she looked up, seeing Danny Phantom give a relieved mile before covering it up "Sorry it's taken a while to find you. You weren't the only ones captured by the maniac. He won't be a problem anymore though." he said, violently shaking the thermos.
He then touched the cage, allowing it to dissolve.
He then gave Dani a small smile "Your brother is around here some where. He was worried." he said, winking.
Danielle gave a small smile at that as she stood "Thanks Phantom." she said softly.
She then glanced away from Dash as Phantom disappeared "Here's your jacket. Looks like I don't need it." she said, taking it off and handing it back to him.
Dash however hesitated before seeming to steel himself "Keep it. I don't think I'll need it anymore." he said.
He then walked out to the hall way, Danielle hesitantly following. "Dani!" she heard her brother call.
She sighed in relief as she saw him run to her. Now she could feel safe. Sure she knew he had already seen her but now he would stay with her.
She smiled as he ran up to her, hugging her tightly "I was so worried." he whispered.
He then straightened up, looking at Dash warily. The jock seemed to hesitate before once more steeling himself, storming up to Danny. Both Fenton's couldn't stop the flinch, Danny instinctually moving his sister behind him as Dash's hand raced towards him.
But then it stopped, hand out stretched "Truce. Permanently." the jock said.
Danny blinked at that, looking at the offered hand in confusion. He then glanced up at Dash but the teen looked determined. Hesitantly Danny reached out, waiting for the trap. But Dash shook his hand before walking off without a word.
Danny glanced back at his sister, raising an eyebrow "What did you do?" he asked, eyeing the jacket around her shoulders.
Danielle shrugged helplessly "I yelled at him and then compared him to Vlad. Not by name. But enough. I don't understand." she said softly.
Danny just looked incredulous before giving a short bark of laughter "You yelled at Dash? You truly are a Fenton. But come on sis. Let's get you home." he said.
Danielle nodded "Let's. I think I've had enough school for one day." she said eagerly.
Danny gave her a questioning look "Think you'll be good for tomorrow?" he asked.
The female halfa just grinned "You kidding? Of course!" she said.
For even with all the negative...it wasn't actually a half bad day for her first day. Perhaps school wouldn't be so bad after all.