~Few months later~
Several things have changed for Danny since he had first met Plasmius and it was working out well for him. His parents would come to help or assist from time to time, his dad would provide food for the Titans after their missions, and his mom would set up personal training for everyone. Jazz has even helped out, especially with Starfire's English and it definitely showed major improvement, everyone could understand her much better now. So far, Starfire hasn't said the wrong things and learned quickly to understand the wording of her sentences to avoid giving others the wrong impression.
The Teen Titans have also grown bigger with new members from all over the world and even a few other planets. The Titan Tower had been expanded to benefit the new members joining them now. And with the new training regimen, everyone was adapting well into fighting ghosts and being able to attack properly with either their weapons or powers. Though Intangibility still seemed to be impossible unless they too could become intangible. Other than that, everyone was able to grasp it quickly, finding it to be a new challenge to overcome and add to their personal skills and achievements. However, Robin wanted to be able to touch a ghost while were their intangible, let alone be able to attack them during a fight. He wanted to be able to force them out of their intangibility with physical means so he could be able to fight them while they were in a tangible state.
Cyborg's battery core had been upgraded and designed by Conner and Danny. The new core took less time to recharge and lasted much longer, having fail safes built into it allow him to use his energy and not worry about the battery dying halfway through a fight. He ended up working with Conner and Emma to create useful techs for use both inside and outside of the Tower. He enjoyed working with someone who seemed to be a good friend of Danny and who knows what they are doing.
From time to time, Dan wanted his son to work with different people on a solo mission. Danny was able to pick up good teamwork skills with others like Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, Robin, and Beast Boy. Sometimes, he would end up collaborating up with someone he never met or or hardly knew, which seemed to happen more often than he liked. But he understood that it was to help him adapt to another person's style, after all no two people were the same.
Also turning these past few months, Plasmius and Phantom have been spending a lot of time with each other. Mostly to experiment different types of power. They would exchange their knowledge and experiences with each other, learning new tricks and uses for their powers. They would have conversations about themselves and found it quite interesting to see what they have in common. Plasmius had taught Phantom how to master duplication while keeping them solid during the entire fight, though he admitted that Phantom's Vapor Clones were very useful as well. Phantom taught Plasmius a few new uses for his Ecto shields, one being to trap an opponent within it and absorb their power without worry of wasting their own. They even discovered how well they worked together during the few ghost attacks that occurred over the months. And when they weren't fighting, they were learning about each other, seeing as they had so much in common. In fact they were closer than anyone else at the Tower, but Danny hasn't dared to cross that line between friends and more than friends. Plasmius was well aware of this, yet, he did not try to push it.
Everything had changed, but it seemed for the better. The Titans were ready for what Fate threw their way, they would fight with everything they had and then some, because they weren't just friends, they were family!
Another thing that changed for Danny was his training sessions. If he wasn't paired off with his mother, he was with Plasmius or Robin most of the time. In fact he was facing off with the Titan leader right now. Robin leapt into the air, almost seeming to touch the ceiling in one bound as Phantom flew up to meet him. Robin pulled out his Bo staff, twirling it over head before bringing it down, with both his strength and gravity, onto Danny's shoulders. But Danny had quickly used his cryokinetic powers to form his own icy Bo staff and quickly parried the blow. Robin didn't let this faze him, quickly putting more weight and power, he was able to force Danny to drop. But because Danny wasn't human, said teen quickly escaped the pin as Robin landed and frowned. Robin's mind was working quickly coming up with tactics scenarios outcomes, both good and bad as he watched Danny land a few feet away from him, holding his own staff in a position that was neither offensive or defensive.
This made Robin a bit nervous. He had observed Danny's fighting style over their time together as a team, he was offensive when the threat was minimal and defensive when it was moderate, but rarely did Danny take a neutral stance. Thinking quickly, he threw his staff at Danny, making the younger teen gasp and duck of out the way, but left himself open to a kick. Danny grunted s he rolled with the kick, landing on his feet again and swing his ice staff. By this time, Robin had his back and blocked the hit. They pushed against each other, a battle of both will and strength. Danny stared into the mask as Robin stared into the neon green orbs. Both were stubborn, both were strong, but only one of them was mentally stronger.
With a shove, Danny's grip slipped on his staff. Robin pushed harder, forcing Danny to jump back, twirl the staff and bring down on his left. Robin blocked it, kicking his foot out and catching Danny in the side before he spun on his hands, using his other foot to trip the Halfa. Danny gasped and hit the floor in daze before he gained enough of his senses to block the down strike of Robin's Bo staff, the two once more trying to gain the upper hand. One to push the other away as the other tried to keep him pinned down. It was tense for while, both glaring the other down, smirks on their faces, displaying their mutual enjoyment of the spar.
"Give up yet?" Robin asked.
"Not on your life, Boy Wonder..." Danny chuckled.
With that said, the Halfa lifted his legs up to flip his attacker off of him, using the strength of his legs alone to kick Robin up and over him. Robin gasped as he flew a few feet through the air and landed on his flat on his back onto the padded flooring. Shaking the daze off, he flipped onto his feet just as Danny jumped to his feet s well, both prepared for the next other's next move. Deciding that they warmed up enough, Danny decided to up the ante. He triggered intangibility and floated off the ground. Robin smirked, he had been studying Danny's notes and paid close attention during a few of Cornel's lessons on Basic ghost powers. When he wasn't busy trackng down Slade, fighting crime and ghosts, or training, he began to upgrade his weapons and gadgets. In fact the Bo staff he was using right now was designed to fight ghosts and right now he was going to put his latest upgrade to the test. Clicking a hidden button on his staff, Robin charged at Danny with a war cry. His goal was clear, landing a physical hit on an intangible ghost.
Danny dodged the swings, blocking with his own staff when he felt they were too close to him, but he miscalculated Robin's moves and felt the Bo smack him in the gut and that Robin had him pinned against the wall. It shocked him a moment, upon realizing he sunk into the wall bit, but whatever Robin did to his Bo was allowing him to manipulate his cells and ectoplasm to keep him relatively solid. When the shock wore off he smiled at the older teen.
"You're good, Robin. You nailed a hit on an intangible ghost." The boy chuckled.
Robin eased off his guard and returned the smirk. They laughed it off and enjoyed their moment of friendly ceasefire.
"Thanks. I like this kind of challenge. I knew I wanted to prefect this within a month at the very least, but it took longer than I had expected." His domino mask met up the glowing emerald eyes.
Phantom nodded, "Me too, the challenge is much better here than at school. It took my sister about half a year to get it right. You're quicker than the others."
The Boy Wonder shrunk his Bo and placed it back into his belt, "At least one challenge is accomplished. Now, I have to focus on…redirecting an energy attack, correct?"
Phantom nodded and broke his Ice Bo into pieces as it dissolved into thin air. Robin admired his ability with the ice. For someone who was still learning to master this ability, he had far better control of it than the other Ice users he knew about or had met.
"Ecto-Ray. I'll have to explain a bit more about the energy source and its core." A bright green ball of said energy formed in his hand, "It doesn't burn when others touch as it is now, but it can and it hurts like crazy when you're attacked with it."
Robin understood, "So, you do not lose energy when using this?"
"No," Danny shook his head, "It's one of the ones that refills itself. Green happens to be the general color for Ecto-Rays, seeing as-"
"-It's the weakest one. The powerful ones have different colors. For example: blue, red, pink, purple, and rarely silver. Silver is when you have reached to the level of unlimited power. Yet, blue, red, pink, and purple can often tell your level of power. Green is basic, but powerful in its own right. I've seen devastating attacks and damage done with it before. But as I was saying Green is the weakest on the power scale and Silver is the strongest. But also it's based on one's element, but from what I've learned and researched over the years, it seems Halfas are not limited like other full ghosts." Plasmius chimed as he walked into the training room, proud to discuss this subject.
Danny perked up at the sight of Plasmius and smiled happily. The domino mask teen tensed with the unwanted company, but he's more disappointed with his lost chance to spend more time with his friend. Funny a few months ago, he couldn't really call Danny a friend, more like a very dependable acquaintanceship. And now, when it came to most fights, Robin trusted Danny to watch his back and vice versa. On more than one occasion, he had wanted to kick Plasmius out and tell him to never come back, but he couldn't ruin the younger Halfa's happiness. So he bit his tongue and kept his face from displaying his displeasure as Danny flew over and hugged Plasmius in greeting.
"Plasmius! I thought you weren't going to be here today?" Danny was surprised to see him at all.
He chuckled, "It seems that I managed to finish all my errands earlier than I had expected. I thought you wouldn't mind having a bit more practice with the wide arrange of Ecto-rays today."
"Awesome! I almost got it down packed, but I'm still having trouble with some of the forms as well as maintaining certain levels of energy. And on top of that, mom's been getting in way too much Cryokinesis training." He huffed, but still pleased that he'd be practicing the next level.
Robin joined them, both to learn more and so he was not left completely out of the conversation, "You know that he wants you to master all of your core's ability."
"I know…mom's training doesn't cut me any slack, he's tougher on me than the others. He has his reasons, I don't question him... most of the time." He shrugged as he finally let go of Plasmius and landed on his own two feet.
Robin gave a small smirk, both at Danny's complaint about his mother and for the two Halfas stepping away from each other.
"Your mom wants all of us to push harder than what we expect of ourselves." He pointed out.
Plasmius smiled, "I expect nothing less of your mother."
"I assume your mom expects a lot from you, Plasmius?" Robin commented, wishing to be sarcastic towards him, but fighting it with every fiber of his being.
"She expects the best of me and no less." He stated as a matter-of-fact.
Danny watched the two having their conversation as civil as possible, and yet, he wondered why the air felt so heavy between them. It wasn't like this before Plasmius showed up, sure the air was a bit tense with the uncertainty and mistrust, but still he couldn't help but be concerned about them. They weren't friends, but they weren't enemies either. He could call them rivals, but rivals in what? He'd better keep an eye on them, no need for unnecessary hostility if he could help it.
"Would you like to begin practice, Phantom?" Plasmius asked as he turned his attention to his darling hybrid.
Danny grinned, "Sure thing, Plas. But first, could you maybe give me another half an hour with Robin? I'll be free after that."
"Of course," The older hybrid nodded gently, "I will meet you in the living room when you are finished. Perhaps I'll meditate with young Raven in the mean time." He pointed out.
Danny was glad to see Plasmius spending time with the other Titans whenever he come over. The older Halfa left them alone and Danny noticed that the air was now lighter with him gone. It still worried him about this strange tensity between Robin and Plasmius. He really hoped it was nothing. Robin, on the other hand, was rather pleased to have some more time alone with Danny, seeing as they hardly spend more than two hours a day together before Danny ended up spending more than five hours with Plasmius.
"As you were saying?" Robin decided to pick up where they left off.
Danny smirked at the Boy Wonder and resumed to their lessons on the redirecting an energy blast...
The raven haired teen stretched his arms and yawned as he headed to his bedroom within the Titan Tower. Today had been a long day for him. He spent so much time with Robin, then with Plasmius, and ended up training with his mom. His dad ended up finishing the training for them since something came up and Dan had to leave. Danny wanted to try finding out where his mother disappeared to, but he was too worn out from the day's activities. It wasn't too late at night, so he headed into the shower before he'd get ready to go to bed. He heard someone coming out of their bedroom and when he rounded the corner he saw that it was Beast Boy. The green toned male was smiling as he shut his door happily. Danny grinned at the sight of Beast Boy upbeat aura and knew that something was up.
"Hey Beast Boy," He waved to him.
The green shapeshifter jumped, "Danny! I swore I heard no one coming this way, dude!"
The Halfa chuckled, "Ghosts are quieter than you expect them to be. You need to sense our energy rather than relying on your ears." He teasingly yanked gently on Beast Boy's ear, "So, what are you up to?" He hummed curiously.
He blushed, "Ah, a date, dude. This girl…I never thought I'd meet anyone like her."
Danny smiled, "Way to go, BB!" He held up his hand high as they high fived each other, "Who is she? Is she a hero or a villain or anti-hero or human or-"
The shapeshifter laughed, "She's a shapeshifter just like me! Her name is Lyra and she hasn't decided on being a hero or something. I think she'll do what she wants to do. To each their own, you know."
Danny was really happy for Beast Boy, yet, Beast Boy wasn't entirely comfortable with this. His shoulders drooped a bit and his smile lessened just a bit to a more sorrow filled one. Danny wasn't a fool, having noticed the sudden change in the slightly taller male's behavior. His hand came up to rest on BB's shoulder with a caring smile.
"Is everything alright?" He wondered, wanting to make sure Beast Boy would at least have a good time on his date.
Beast Boy opened his mouth to respond, but all of a sudden, the alarm on their Titan Communicators went off. They immediately responded and found themselves on their way to stop some burglars breaking into one of the local the jewelry stores. Upon arrival, they exchanged a look before Danny morphed into his other half as he pulled up his hood. Once he did that, Danny grabbed BB's arm and phased them through the walls of the store, making sure not to alert any of the thieves nor letting them escape without their notice.
The criminals in question were members of the HIVE and Beast Boy couldn't stand the sight of them. He knew he had to get the mission done with soon before his date in a couple of hours. Phantom observed them for a moment or two, gauging their powers, if any, and what would be the best tactic to use against them. Finally he smirked deviously, the look was strangely demonic on his tanned, glowing face. It sent a shiver up Beast Boy's spine.
"Want to use the 'Wild Card' on them?" Phantom suggested.
Beast Boy perked up, "My favorite!"
Danny nodded as Beast Boy transformed into panther, slipping behind some of the display cases and because of his dark green fur, he blended well into the darkness before Danny triggered his invisibility. The thieves were unaware of their arrival, thinking they weren't going to show up. This allowed Danny to slowly creep up behind one of the villains. He formed similar fangs and claws similar to Beast boy's with his ice powers. BB managed to get behind another one of them as well and once he was in position, he leaned in and bites one on the leg. Danny swiped the one before him on the back before the two quickly hurried away somewhere far from them before the two criminals turned over to see where the sudden pain had come from.
Beast Boy was mentally laughing, getting a kick out of this strategy the most, and Danny enjoyed it as well. Of course, it wasn't something he should be doing, but, he figured it would make his friend's day. He hadn't felt this happy in a long time, if that smile earlier had been any indication.
He leaned in and whispered, "Let's do it a couple of more time so they fight with each other, but let's pick the other two and then mix it up."
Beast Boy nodded before slinking over to one of the other thieves, Danny floated up to the other. At the same time, they bit them and fled once more. Danny had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing when the second set turned and growled at their partners, demanding to know why they bit them. After a few minutes of heated words, they got back to stealing what they could before the Titans or the Police showed up. The pair of Heroes went in again, switching up who they bit or scratched, managing to do it at least four more times before the thieves started brawling, angry at each other for supposedly hitting the other.
It was hilarious! Finally Phantom dropped his invisibility and attacked the stunned criminals. Beast boy morphed into gorilla as the halfa used his ecto-blasts against their enemies. The HIVE members quickly regrouped, but their efforts were in vain, seeing as they were weaker than the two Titans. After beating up the four HIVE members, Danny used his ecto-energy to form a rope like barrier around the villains and kept them where they were until Meta-Cops arrest them and transport them to jail. Said thieves were spewing threats and cursing at them, but their words didn't have the desired effect.
Danny walked up to them.
"Kill us?" His lips curled into an evil smile, a sick mimic of his mother's crazed smile, "Sure enough, you know how to kill a person if you put your mind to it. When you kill your first victim," Phantom licked his lips slowly as his smile turned unhinged, "You remember the splattered blood everywhere. The screams echoing in your mind. Blood pouring out of the body, staining your hands, making them wet, sticky and you can't wash it away, even when you can no longer see it. You feel it right there and-"
"-STOP! ENOUGH! STOP IT!" One of them freaked out and panting to get forget such graphic imagines his mind conjured up.
The Halfa could hear their hearts beating so fast. He loved that Jazz had studied criminals so well, teaching him how to pick the 'innocent' villains from the truly wicked. Innocent villains may threaten to kill someone, but that's all it is, a threat. If they have never done it before they would flee from trying to perform such an act. Whereas someone who has killed before, wouldn't hesitate to make good on their threats. And lucky for these, green gills, the sounds of the Police cares finally met their ears. Once the Meta-Cops had the four in custody and were on their way, Danny sighed and turned to face BB. But said shapeshifter looked a bit upset. He hoped what he said hadn't made him hate him.
"Are you alright, Beast boy? If what I said upset you, I'm sorry... I was just scaring them a little so they don't use suck a threat so lightly the next time-"
His head shook, "No, it's not that... But what you said brought up an old memory and I ought to let it go, but..." The green male sighed, fixing up his hair as they walked away from the crime scene.
His brow went up, "Let what go?" Danny led him over to the park, this late no one would be out and it would give them some privacy.
"I… Long before you joined, there was someone who was a similar case to yours... She ran away from her town because her powers were unstable and she caused more harm than good when she tried to help others. But Terra was someone I'll never forget." He rubbed the back of his neck, "We dated for a short while and I fell in love with her; thought she was the one. She was the best girl I could ever ask for."
Danny frowned, "What happened?" He dared to ask, wondering why what he had said would bring up someone who sounded pretty awesome even if she had a few flaws.
"Slade," BB shook with repressed rage as his hands curled into fists, "He got to her, turned her against us and had full control of her and her powers. We tried so hard to stop him and I knew she was innocent; she threatened to kill us, but whenever she had the chance, she never too it. She had betrayed us and she got the best of us because she knew our weaknesses, used them against us, but I still tried to get her to join us again. But she left us…" His lips quivered, struggled not to cry about it.
Danny squeezed his shoulder, "It's not your fault, Beast Boy." He sighed, "I may not know her personally, but I bet she'd want you to be happy. Being happy is the first priority in life," He gave his best smile.
Beast Boy looked up at Danny's eyes, understanding the value of what one person expects them to do, and that's being happy. Somehow, he felt it was right and decided to believe him.
"You're right." He perked right up again, "And so should you." He patted Danny's arm.
Danny choked on his breath and looked at the green teen. What the-? He wasn't sure how to respond that or understand why. He was happy how things were turning out for him, so why would BB think other wise? Beast boy chuckled at his reaction.
"Come on, I'm not that blind." Beast Boy smiled at him as he stood from the bench, waving a farewell to Danny as he headed off for his date.
Danny watched his teammate leave, but he was rather confused. Did he miss something? Danny is happy, happier than he's been a few years. Why was Beast Boy suggesting that he wasn't? His head shook and decided to head home and take a shower then head into bed. He'd take his mind off of it for a while. Who knows, BB was probably messing with him and he's worrying a bit excessively over nothing. But what if Beast Boy was right and he over looked something? Well he'd have to wait for morning to ask him.
Taking off, Danny tried to take his mind off of Beast Boy's words, but they kept echoing back at him, louder each time he shoved them away. So finally he caved in and began to think about everything that had changed since he got to Jump to now. He admits he was happier living with his biological parents, Jazz was an added plus to his bliss, but he wasn't freely happy. When the school opened, he met people his age, older and younger than him with powers, some with control, others just learning how to use them, let alone control them. It made him feel better knowing he wasn't the only who suffered 'hiccups' as his mother called them.
Conner and Emma were his first friends here, though they respected his wishes to not get too close to him, they didn't pry or ask, they let him be himself and that's what mattered most to him. The years that followed were nice, a dream that was shattered by Slade. He was starting to really dislike the man. And because of him he was pretty much kidnapped and held hostage by the Teen Titans, though their intentions were pretty noble. Danny started to come more and more out of his shell around them, but was always standoffish with Robin. He guessed it was because the human teen admitted to prying into his past to find out about him, he felt violated in away. Tension was always high between them, but then the Ghost attack happened and he was forced to tell them the truth.
And now, months later, he was feeling much better, he smiled more, joked around and hung out more with his friends, but he was still shy about trusting others or letting them too close. Phasing through the window of the Tower, he landed in his room and set about gathering his things for a shower as he kept thinking. He was good friends with Cyborg and he guessed now he was a best friends with BB. He got along well with Raven, though she was still pretty closed off. He thinks it has to do with her father killing everyone on her 16th birthday, but that's beside the point. He pretty much adopted Starfire as another older sister, though she was the weird older sister that you loved no matter how annoying she got. Then there was Plasmius. Adjusting the water of his shower as he got in, he thought about it and he noticed he has been happy with Plasmius lately.
He had found someone who can relate to him, besides his mother that is, and he wants to see where things were going between them. He noted that in a way without Plasmius, the others wouldn't know the truth and if things had remained as they were before, no one would stick around anymore. Another thing was that, Robin and Danny have gotten along quite well since then too.
After his shower, he dried off and climbed into bed, but no matter what he couldn't sleep. His mind was still bothered by Beast Boy's comment. Boy thought he should be happy too, but wasn't he? Maybe it was something that Beast Boy does to help himself feel better equally after someone helps him? With a heavy sigh, he finally managed to drift off to sleep, hoping in the morning he'd have answers to his many questions.
But unbeknownst to Danny, Robin had followed after him and BB to stop the HIVE thieves, watching over them and ready to help out should things get hairy and the two couldn't handle it. When it was over and done with, Robin would have left, but he noted how Beast Boy looked depressed and followed the pair to the park where he snuck closer and listened in on their conversation. After hearing everything, Robin left, managing to be Danny home, since the Halfa seemed to be lost in thought as he flew home. And now standing here in the shadows of the hall, Robin stood, deep in thought as well.
'Beast Boy wants you happy too, but it sounds like he can tell someone likes him. Does…does it mean that I like him?' He thought to himself.
Robin began to walk down the hall, questioning himself and quickly deducing what had been wrong with him for a few weeks now. He knew that Danny was willing to spen d one on one time with each of them, teaching them how to properly fight against a ghost. Spending extra time with him since he was the only human on the team. He relished the quality time they spent together, feeling as if they were growing closer as friends, but then Plasmius would show up and steal Danny's attention for the rest of the day, unless Dan or Cornel kidnapped him instead. He honestly couldn't stand Plasmius, there was something about that rubbed him wrong and as much as he wanted to kick his happy butt out of the Tower permanently, he knew he couldn't do it without causing problems between himself and Danny again nor without solid proof that Plasmius wasn't as innocent as he seemed to be.
His thoughts kicked back to how he felt towards Danny. He hasn't had anyone since Starfire and him broke up a couple a months after their mission in Tokyo. The two of them felt it was best to remain as friends. Starfire's love was different and though she tried to keep it as humanly as possible, but the kiss was a way for her to learn new languages. She was able to grasp his native language and other languages through a kiss: English, Russian, Scottish, and a bit of Chinese. No, things wouldn't work out between, Star said she'd return to Tameran once she learned all she could about Earth and its people, hoping to teach her own people what she learned to better them.
Reaching his room, Robin stripped down out of his clothes, all but his mask, he knew that Cyborg and BB random came into his room and he didn't want to be caught without his mask on. It's not that he doesn't trust them, but he had to be careful who knew his secret identity. That was something he shared with Danny, the understanding of being betrayed by someone they thought they could trust. His thoughts wondered back to BB's words and he couldn't help but smile a bit. It would be nice if it was him that Danny liked, it sent a tingle of happiness through his heart and throughout his body at the thought. But what if it was... him, Mr. Barge-into-your-life-because-we're-the-same!
'For Plasmius's sake, he better pray Danny doesn't like him... I won't be able to keep being civil with him... at least not without breaking his nose.' He thought darkly drifting off to sleep as well, a pleasant dream awaiting him. In the morning during his training session with Danny, he'd try to ask him a few personal questions, to get to know Danny better and possibly gauge how Danny reacts to him. But if it isn't him he likes, he will try his best to see that Danny is happy with anyone, but Plasmius...
Pariah nodded as he listened to his son as he explained to him about the modern age and how he lived among the humans, changing his name and always careful to wait a few life times before assuming another human identity. Dan was still a bit nervous around his father. The man was never really easy to get along with, but Dan knew that Pariah valued family over anything else as is evident by his attempts to learn what he missed, to accept that his only child was mated and had a child of his own. Once the lesson was over, the began to talk about Danny, Dan always careful not to reveal much about his son to Pariah since he had yet to find a proper time to pull Danny from Jump City to talk about his estranged grandfather and possibly meeting him face to face. And another thing he was not comfortable with was his father's obsession with naming Danny his successor for when he crossed over.
"So he is powerful than others, that should be expected of our future king." Pariah clearly put in for the 50th time within the last two hours.
Dan nodded, "Yes, he's capable of handling high level powers. However, I do not want him to be getting hurt and-and he has come through a lot."
"His name would be?"
Dan frowned, "I cannot say his name yet, father." He mentally gulped, hoping he won't be in trouble.
Pariah nodded and assumed he would find out eventually. He was eager to meet his grandson already and heard several things about him. He found out so much about him, but his son won't reveal his name and struggled to keep it from him.
"Although, Cornel knows I want another baby and he kept throwing our daughter at me, using her to get me to forget about having more children. Although, she does not seem mind and loves being the baby in our family even if she's older than our son."
Pariah blinked, "Is she not human?"
Dan nodded, "She's human. We adopted her because our son developed strong a sibling bond with her."
"I suppose she can be the princess, but she will not rule. Not that I am saying she won't make a good queen, it's just that I prefer the rule of the Zone remains in blood relative's hands." Pariah stated, hoping to stave off Dan's temper.
"She does have powers, father," He grinned proudly, "Plus, she is quite intelligent for a young lady. She helps her foster brother to keep focus on his studying and pass school. She managed to get his grades to stay around B plus." Dan nodded, "His training brings outstanding work of himself-"
"Does Cornel know when I will meet him and know his name?" Pariah pressed once more, a bit impatient to meet this oh-so-wonderful grandchild of is.
The Halfa sighed, rubbing his temples with two fingers on each hand. He was trying not to lose his patience with his father, but they were quickly thinning. It's not that he doesn't want to tell Pariah, it's just he fears that as soon as his father learns Danny's name and meets him, he will force him to bear the Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage, naming him King of the Zone. That would bring suitors from all corners of the Zone, not to mention the Obserants as well. His fear laid in the Observants learning about Danny's true lineage and what they might do to his baby. Imprisonment would the the nicest thing they could do to Danny, the rest he rather not think about. With a sigh he looked up at his father, staring him in the eye.
"All he says is: All in time." Dan sheepishly smiled.
"Of course, it is my motto, Dan." Came the low voice smiled.
Dan jumped out of his skin to see his husband, "Cornel!"
Pariah nodded to greet the powerful man, "Hello Clockwork, it is nice to see you."
"Same to you, your majesty. I hope Dan has been speaking strongly of our son and daughter." His hand rested on Dan's shoulder to soothe him, "He's worried about them. He does not wish to see either of them being taken away, especially our son."
Dan tensed up a moment, before relaxing once more. His mate could read him like a book, even without his All Seeing and All Knowing powers. Dan was glad he was immortal, or he'd have had gray hair and wrinkles centuries ago. He trusted his mate, but he wasn't so sure he trusted his father just yet. The Observants had yet to realize or even notice that the Ghost King was no longer imprisoned. He hoped they remained blind to this for as long as possible, but allowing his father to meet Danny could bring their eyes on them and it would all fall to ashes! Heaving another size, taking what little comfort he could from his mate, Dan focused once more on the conversation.
"Clockwork, could you not simply let me have a small glimpse of your son?" Pariah questioned, though there was a hint of begging in his tone.
Cornel chuckled, "He has his mother's hair, icy blue eyes, and is as tall as Dan. He does look a bit… feminine because of Dan and he has half the musculature that Dan has. I hope that helps." He smiled, "Dan won't let me show you a picture or he will banish me to the couch…again." He clearly put it. Clockwork may not show it, but he fears his mate more than anyone would dare know, and sleeping on the couch was not an option if he could help it.
Pariah chuckled, "I see some influences of raising him stayed the same."
"Great, my father and mate are getting along and both are out to drive me insane!" Dan moaned dramatically, drawing laughs from said men.
Pariah watched silently, chuckling from time to time as he watched Dan and Cornel bicker back and forth, Dan wanting to go back home so he could see his child, a child he refuses to let him see. He felt a pang of hurt and guilt twist his core. He must not forgive him still, it would seem. He listened closely, trying to find a hint or a clue so he may try to sneak a peek, but his son and his mate were careful not to say anything to that extent.
"Please calm down, Dan... He's in bed sleeping. He had a long day and Fate is just starting to show her hand... You know my sister. She's got one hell of a poker face. If we are too eager, we'll fall into her trap and she'll get away with the fruits of our labor."
Dan sighed, Cornel was right, but it was driving him mad sitting here and doing nothing. Pretending that their lives weren't all in danger. Nodding his consent, he heaved yet another sigh and looked up into those deep red pools that his mate called eyes.
"I know, Cornel, I know... but it doesn't make waiting any easier..."
Cornel kissed his forehead, holding him close with one arm, "I know, Dan... I want to so badly stop all time so that nothing I've foreseen comes to pass, but even I have to obey Fate... We can only hope and pray that in the end peace and happiness will await him."
"Hmm... By the way... you're sleeping on the sofa tonight." Dan growled, shoving away from Cornel, stomping away as Pariah laughed loudly while Cornel hung his head, cursing in Irish about evil mates, sofas and lack of sex. He seriously hoped his sister didn't do anything to screw them over because he's liable to drop dead again from the lack of sex and stress of worrying alone...