Chapter 9: Interference

Danny opened his mouth to answer the heroes. Maybe they did 'just want to help' but it wasn't a risk worth taking. Whatever the consequences of refusal, it was still better than what would happen if they caught him. At least the dynamic duo had morals. There were lines that no hero would cross.

A cold, heavy weight settled against his chest. He knew what he had to do. The heroes stood ready, silent and utterly still, costumes blending into the shadows as they waited for his reply. Unmoving – not even the billowing capes stirred. Almost as if they were…

'Frozen?'

He reached up to his neck, hand encountering the smooth metal of a familiar medallion.

"Hello Daniel."

"I thought you weren't meant to interfere?"

The purple spectre nodded, red eyes kind. "Correct. I'm not. But I would give some advice."

The halfa gave the spirit a tired look, cool edge not entirely leaving his voice. "No games this time Clockwork. I can't handle that right now."

The ghost gestured towards the duo. "This is a valuable opportunity."

Danny narrowed his eyes. He had a sneaking suspicion where this was going. Not that he didn't trust the time master's judgment, but after everything that had happened…

The spirit watched him intently. "The decision you make tonight could have far-reaching consequences. Do not squander it rashly."

The young ghost shook his head. Any advice was good advice compared to what he'd managed in the last few months. But riddles had to come at the worst possible moments.

"You cannot help but be human." The statement was probably meant to be kind.

"Half human," Danny shot back, unintentionally petulant. After all the problems his 'status' had caused he wasn't going to see it glossed over that easily.

"And that is the half that matters," came the even reply. "Far more than ghosts, humans are social creatures. They need companionship, friends. They are meant to trust." The spectre gave him a pointed look, "You've already seen what isolation does to your kind."

"No." The halfling fought off the urge to growl. Plasmius was a neurotic psychopath, having friends wouldn't have changed that. The situation was entirely different. Danny wasn't running for his life because he felt like it. He was in danger. Any person who came near him was in danger. He couldn't afford the chance. Not after what had happened to… no. He wasn't going to go there.

A slight frown touched the time master's expression. "You put on a brave face, but you are no Atlas. You can't carry the world on your own Daniel. Nor are you expected to."

"I'm fine."

"The last three months would suggest otherwise."

Danny flinched slightly. The statement hit a little too close for comfort. Try though he might the halfa could feel the cracks spreading. He was just so tired of it all. Tired of lonely nights. Tired of silence. Tired of being hungry and cold and scared all the time. Part of him desperately wanted somebody to step in, to take the load. But that wasn't how it worked. This was his mess. He couldn't just shove it off onto someone else because he wasn't up to the challenge.

"It's my problem. I'll deal with it."

"Indeed you will. But you don't need to do so alone. Many hands make light work," the spirit glanced at the frozen heroes, "and they have offered. You would not be forcing them."

The half-ghost was already shaking his head.

"Like it or not, you are part of a larger world. Running can only prolong the inevitable."

"What do you want me to do?" Danny asked dejectedly. His vision flickered for a moment, adrenaline fading fast. He swayed, too tired to be bothered hiding it.

"Your choice must be your own. But consider a little faith. Trust can be a valuable thing. And you are certainly not the only one who would benefit from a friend."

Trust. The halfling ran a hand through his hair, pinching the bridge of his nose. Of all the things to ask for. Secrets were a fundamental part of life; they had been ever since the portal opened. Get up, go to school, do your homework, patrol the town, keep the secret. Even when everything had fallen apart and they'd started running, the secret had remained. One of life's constants. He'd never told anyone. 'Not even Mom and Dad.' To let go of it now…

"You're sure about this?"

The ghost nodded calmly. "I cannot blame you for being cautious. Not after everything you've seen. But good still exists in the world. Allow yourself to trust - a second chance, as it were."

Danny chewed on his lower lip, rubbing the back of his neck in attempt to still his trembling hands. Could he? After all this time, was it worth trusting someone? He couldn't deny that he wanted to. But nine months of experience made a convincing case for the negative. And they were members of the Justice League. Whether that made it worse or better he didn't know. Danny sighed. It was time to face facts. He was tired of running, and it wasn't getting him anywhere anyway. He examined the duo carefully, studying the frozen faces. They said they wanted to help. Could that be true? He still wasn't sure. Then again, he didn't have to throw down all his cards right away. He could take it slowly, make absolutely certain... Maybe it would be worth it. He'd always believed in the benefit of the doubt. Everybody needed a second chance.

'Everybody…' A question throbbed through his heart. No. He knew better than to ask. No matter what the answer was the outcome wouldn't change. He wasn't ready to accept that, not yet.

"You have a question." It was pointless really, trying to hide things from someone who knew everything. Danny's eyes prickled. Memories hung in the air.

Laughter. Loyalty. Homework done late at night, the smell of tofu and greasy takeout. Analysis from behind a thick textbook.

"If everyone deserves a second chance," he whispered, "why didn't they get theirs?"

Regret flickered in the ancient eyes. "The universe must unfold as it should… much though we wish it otherwise." The spirit sighed, remorse touching the usually impassive tone, "It was not my place to act."

Reluctant though he was, the halfa understood. Clockwork was powerful but even a master of time was bound by rules. No matter how much he might want to, he couldn't intervene. Not unless the world was in danger. The smallest change could send the future in an entirely different direction – the ecto-acne incident had showed Danny that firsthand.

All was as it should be. But that didn't mean he could like it.

The ghost had returned to watching the heroes. Danny took the opportunity to wipe his face, banishing a few rebellious tears. He nodded, letting the cool mask settle back into place, hoping the simple gesture conveyed everything he wanted to say. The purple spectre turned to face his charge, favouring the boy with a rare smile.

"Now I believe your friends are waiting for an answer."

A hand touched Danny's shoulder before the medallion was lifted from his neck.

"Okay."

Robin struggled not to gape. He was so convinced that they'd be turned down. The Boy Wonder had been prepared for hours of conflict to reach even the smallest glimpse of an answer. Suddenly all the fight seemed to have left the older boy. He was still wary, eyes still hard, but the seasoned warrior had vanished, replaced by someone tired. Maybe a little lonely. Maybe even a little scared. 'Damien' blinked, shifting slightly as he watched the duo. The difference was disarming – Robin could believe this person was only fifteen. But what had made him change his mind?

"You'll talk?" Batman recovered quickly, taking command of the situation.

The teen hesitated. He swallowed visibly, eyeing the heroes with unease. "Not tonight. I will, I promise… but not tonight. I have some… things to sort out first. I'll be here for a couple more days at least."

The Dark Knight's eyes narrowed. The boy seemed sincere, but after the way he had been…

"How do we know you'll stay?"

'Damien' ducked his head slightly, shamefaced. He peeked at the vigilante from beneath heavy lids. "I guess you don't," he admitted, "but I don't break promises."

The Boy Wonder raised an eyebrow, torn between the urge to smile and the desire to frown. Less than a minute ago they had been facing someone hardened, jaded and defiant. The person in front of them now seemed earnest, almost meek. 'Talk about one-eighties'. Not that Robin was going to complain. Given how things had been going this was probably the best possible outcome. But a normal person didn't – couldn't – change so completely in such a short time. One more thing to ask about if they got the chance. And speaking of asking…

"Will you tell us your real name?"

He got the sense that the teen was genuinely considering it. 'Damien's' mouth pulled into a contemplative frown.

"Maybe later." Well at least it wasn't an outright refusal.

Further questioning was halted by a near-imperceptible vibration from the timepiece in Robin's glove. The Boy Wonder made a tiny gesture by his side, receiving the smallest of nods from his mentor. Morning was on the way. The night would soon be over, and they had appearances to maintain. Which meant they had to make a choice. They could take the boy at his word or bring him with them. It was difficult. There was no guarantee that the teen wouldn't disappear if they left him alone. On the other hand, forcing him into custody could destroy any chance of cooperation. In the end it was Batman who decided.

"Tomorrow night. Same place. Same time." It wasn't a request.

"I'll be here."

The Dark Knight examined the boy carefully, studying his body language. Relieved, but truthful – he meant what he said. Batman turned over a final question in his mind. He already suspected the answer, but for the sake of professionalism he needed to ask.

"Do your parents know where you are?"

The teen watched him for what felt like the longest time. Cracks spread through the tense blue, pain fluttering on broken wings as 'Damien' looked away. Bruce paused, struck for the first time by how much the boy resembled his young ward. The teen slowly shook his head, avoiding the eyes of the duo. The silence told them all they needed to know.

"Tomorrow," Batman reaffirmed, unable to entirely help the faint softening of his tone.

"I know. I promised."

Robin sent the teen a sympathetic look before following his mentor out of the locker.

Thank you for all the awesome reviews on the last chapter! It made my whole weekend.

Since you've all been so nice I thought I'd try to get this one to you sooner. Hopefully it leaves you on enough of an ending for now.

Once again, I would very much appreciate reviews. Con-crit is always welcome, it helps me keep the story up to standard. Clockwork was fun to write, he has such a distinctive 'voice'. Did you like the way it went? Did it flow properly? Let me know.

Now for some slightly less whelming news: I have to take a break from fanfic to make sure I keep my GPA up. As in a full-on ban until term ends. I'm loving the fun of this story and all the other stories you guys put up but it has been somewhat devouring my life.

I will return in late November but feel free to PM me if you have ideas or questions in the meantime.

As always, see you in next chapter

-3WD