Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the long time waiting... I've been too busy with job and university... But now I'm here)) Thank you for your support, it means a lot))) And really helps)) As always help:

"talking"

'thinking'

And DP is not mine... I've said it too many times and made myself sad...

Chapter 10. Secrets and clashes

"I ask you to be reasonable, Observants." calmly said Clockwork trying his best to suppress an angry scream slowly rising in his throat. "Now is not the time to fight and find who's right and who's not."

For the last few hours he's been trying to get to the Council and start the discussion. Even though Clockwork is a Master of time he's still not entirely free of time bonding. They had to find a resolve quickly. Only Gods know what's happening now in the Tower between Shadow and Dan while Clockwork's absent. It was a miracle their last fight could have been stopped before it truly started. But as the ancient ghost appeared at the arena and started talking audience erupted with blames and threatening warnings. Many of this ugly one-eyed monsters dared to call him 'a Master of new Chaos and Terror'. They accused him of treason and blamed this whole situation on him. The most important was the question of Dan Phantom. All ghosts in unison called Clockwork's actions a mistake and his decision to free Phantom a "wrong doing of some simple-minded Observants". Soon enough the all mighty Council turned into medieval market. Poisonous curses were heard from every corner of the room. Complete and utter Chaos. This moronic ghosts just couldn't get through their thick one-eyed heads that in this solemn hour they needed to be united not in a useless fight.

"Clockwork, you dared to violate our direct orders." said one of the ancient spirits pointing at Master of time with green long clawed finger. "And as we speak this abomination of the ghost from dark times is walking freely through the Ghost zone! You doomed us all!"

"My actions were made within your decisions!" finally snapped the ghost changing his form to one of the old man. "The Council agreed with me that setting Phantom free is going to cause less damage. We're facing something a lot more dangerous, than crazy with guilt ghost. The Darks are back! And now we need your help, because your race is the only one that can observe through time and space.

"Who are 'we'?" echoed from the left side. "You and what army? Who else are dragged into this?"

"I asked Danny Phantom to help us." sighed Clockwork reading himself for a new fight.

"That boy?!" someone screamed from the right. "The same boy that nearly turned to monster who was a reason of the world's fall?! The same boy who lost to darkness?!"

"The youth who saved both worlds!" said spirit lifting his staff and changing to a young man. "You are known for your tendency to notice the worst and overlook the good. Danny Phantom and his friends are the only persons who can be trusted with such task in this darkest hour. I know they are merely kids, but they lived through so many obstacles and were able to win in the end. I assure you they'll do it again."

"And what about that dark Phantom and that woman?" snidely asked the Observer squinting his only eye. "Were you going to call them heroes too? The murderer and mere human? You've broken one of our ancient rules by giving her the time medallion! I may say you gave her the eternity! No human has a right to have it!"

"It was necessary for her to be out of time as much as for Phantom to be free." answered Clockwork changing his childish face to the old one. "Having two beings out of time we make our chances for victory more realistic. Ghost boy may be strong, but he's still bounded to time and space. This makes him vulnerable. But this two are free of time. That makes them close to the Darks and stronger…"

"And we shall give such power to an evil ghost?!" members of the Council cried out in the unison still clinging to this particular problem. "Maybe we shall remind you of the others?! The ones that spend their time imprisoned on lower levels of the ghost prison and have constant watch over them! Are they not good enough for your so called team?"

"I can assure you that Phantom is quite aware of his situation." said Master of time ignoring their previous comment. "He's made his choice. I can see many outcomes of the war and there is no single one containing his betrayal."

"Does this mean that victory is ours?" asked the same Observer that threaten Clockwork with his finger.

"Sadly the possibility of such is very small." sadly sighed the spirit of time. "There are too many outcomes that change with every passing second and not for our sake. Your decision will make them clear. The final word is yours."

Silence ripped through the Council's halls. Hundreds of green eyes looked at each other holding too many thoughts of the fast approaching future. It doesn't matter how disgusted they were they had to agree with Clockwork's terms and conditions. Phantom and human woman were their only advantages in this war. Danny Phantom also proved his ability to be a perfect leader and lead to the victory. But what about their position and authority? For many decades the Council ruled the order in the Ghost zone. They made this place the way it is now. And now give this all up for the sake of one crazy ghost, mortal woman with mind problems and four teenagers? Or become slaves to race of powerful cruel creatures who's nature bounded to Chaos? If they have to make a choice they would choose a less damage. But it's not safe to rely on a word of such a monster. And looks like Observers have something to help them with it. Master of time watched the Council with worried look in his blood-red eyes trying to grasp their thoughts. The only way now is to forget of any ambition and unite, but something primal told him not to trust them. The Observers had tendency to return to old habits. He prayed for common sense to overcome it.

After few minutes of silence green eyes looked straight at Clockwork. Their glare was full of raw determination and something else. Something sly and threatening. That worried the ancient spirit the most.

"We give you our agreement to help. Lead your 'team' here." said one of the Observes nodding slightly. "The Council will find the Darks and tell you."

Master of time watched 'face' of the ghost closely and shortly nodded. 'I hope Danny is back already.'

"… and that's why we have to come back." said Danny with a deep sigh ending his long story. He licked his dry lips and lifted his head looking at his parents. One part of him hoped for them to understand how serious the things were and let him go, other one was waiting for their loud "NO!" and was getting ready to fight them off. Maddie and Jack holding hands through the talk were staring at the floor. Their minds were not ready to accept this new information. Maddie's heart ached for her lovely son. He was covered by dust with new cuts and bruises… What kind of a mother was able to let her child fight a war? He barely was able to stand straight and if this kept going Danny would have… No. She could not even think this way. This mission seemed to be very important. Jack frowning deeply was watching his only son with worry and fear clear on his face. He knew Danny won't be waiting. Their decision doesn't matter at all. The teen will go anyway. The youth told them everything to not keep any more secrets in the family. They nearly lost him once because of his big secret, another one will destroy them for sure. Ghosthunter huffed and holding his wife's hand closer to his chest looked at the green of his son's eyes.

"Danny, I understand you won't listen to us even if we start to protest." said he waiting for teen's reaction. "That's why I won't stand on your way."

"Jack!" said Maddie trying to protest, but was stopped by his very serious look. For the first time of her life. Her husband's wide forehead was marked with one single wrinkle that she has never seen before.

"Maddie, we can't stand on his way." sighed he as if every word was hard for him to say. "He's made his choice and we can't change it. You know it. We can only help. And the only help now is to step away."

The red-headed woman looked at her child with worry as if asking if it was true. The ghost boy met her stare with stoic expression. Neon green eyes held only one message: "Please, just let me go". Jazz sitting near her mother slowly took black gloved hand in her own. She too didn't want him to go back there wherever it was. This situation was very serious and deserved to be called "life or death one", but Danny won't budge and if they get in it on their own it will make him vulnerable, weaker. It will be easy for him to know that his family is safe. After all, they are his ultimate weakness.

Danny patiently waited for his family's decision. His father was right. He's going to return to Time tower anyway, he promised Clockwork. The earlier thy get it, the easier it will be for them to let him go. If only his mother and sister were ableto accept it with minimal pain. After this whole war ended he will make sure to spend more time with his family to payback for his leaving now. That's a promise.

"If that's so…" sighed Maddie ripping the youth out of his thoughts and lifting her sad eyes to his. "Seems like we really can't do anything to change your mind. So the only thing left is to wish you luck."

She smiled at him with small sad smile. Hearing that Danny jumped up from the couch and rushed to his family trying to envelope them in one big hug. He felt many hands land on his back trying to grab him and hold closer. Pleasant warmth spread over him. There is nothing better than family and home where you're always welcome. Like a nest. But soon or latter nestling has to leave it forever. In Danny's case for days, months or maybe years? Who knows? Not wanting to make it any harder, than it already was teen let go of them and stepped back. Three pairs of sad eyes looked at him with understanding. Awkward silence hung in the room. But soon enough it disappeared.

"Well, if we can't help you any over way." said Maddie standing up. "We'll have to arm you with our latest technology!"

"That's right!" yelled Jack jumping up like a little kid. "Danny, son, we have some gadgets that you, Sam and Tucker might need!"

"Hey, don't get too excited!" barked Jazz running after her parents.

The ghost boy subconsciously smiled at the picture in front of him: Jack and Maddie were choosing which weapon he should take and Jazz trying to talk some sense into them. So typical for the Fenton family. As if nothing big really happened. 'Please, let it be this way'.

"Danny! You need to go with us!" screamed his parents grabbing him from the two sides and dragging his body in the laboratory. "You need to get ready and take our best inventions! And take Specter Speeder!"

All that he could do is let them drag him down there to the ghost portal while snickering slightly under his nose.

Soon "Fenton Works" was full of busy noises and loud voices. Immediately after getting ready for an adventure Danny called Tucker and Sam asking them to come to his home. He had doubts that they will be able to go with him. After all their parents weren't as familiar with the ghostly business as his own folks. There was a possibility that they will just shut them down back at home and never let see him again. But… Few minutes later after the call the black-haired goth appeared at his doorstep smiling at him. Danny noticed the Fenton Specter Deflector on her waist, the Fenton Wrist Ray strapped to her wrist and her favorite spider backpack full of some helpful things. She looked as usual, but more confident and stronger. Blue-eyed teen's mouth slightly gaped at the sight of her relaxed smile. As if they were going on a walk and not the war that might end with their deaths. Knowing Sam that was expected.

"Surprised I'm so soon?" asked she winking and walking to him. She sure was in a good mood.

"To be fair I didn't expect you at all." said Danny blushing slightly under her surprised look. "I thought your parents will never let you come with me."

"They are not in town." sighed Sam crossing her hands over her chest. "There is only grandma. It was hard to convince her, but she understood there is nothing on this planet that can stop me from going with you. That's why she let me go, but on one condition - I promised to return alive and healthy. Otherwise I'm not welcomed back."

"Well, you got out easy." said Danny scratching the back of his neck. "My parents told me almost the same."

"How do you think Tucker will join us?" asked his girlfriend righting straps of her backpack. The half-ghost just shrugged not knowing what to say. The Foleys always felt tender to their son. Their decision was something he couldn't know. Sam was lucky her mom and dad weren't home or she wouldn't have been here with him. And of course he could already feel a ghost of another restraining order. And how will Tuck's folks react? Then he became the mayor they were happy. Will they be happy if their son becomes the savior of the Universe?

"Do you really have to ask something like this?" said someone from the doorstep. Sam and Danny looked at each other smiling wide and turned around perfectly knowing who this familiar voice belonged to. Near the door stood their familiar techno geek in his famous funny red beret with big glasses. He laughed and tagged at the straps of his heavy blue backpack trying to look cool. So the Foleys let him come too after all. Has the world gone mad?

"Were you really going to return without me? Heh, friends they say." snickered Tuck righting his beret and tucking loose shot black hair under it.

"I see you're going prepared." said the ghost boy looking at his friend's bag. Blue backpack looked like it was going to burst any second. Just what did Tuck stuck there?

"Well, you know me, bro." smiled the teen puffing his chest out. "I took almost everything what's been stuffed in my home. And something to bite in on our way to the Time tower."

"Oh Tuck…" sighed Sam shaking her head and smiling. 'Some things never change.' thought she looking at her friends. Suddenly all three heard the sound of fast approaching steps. Maddie and Jack were running up the stairs to young teens yelling something about the Specter Speeder being ready. Yes, they managed to convince Danny to take this invention too. Jazz with worried look written on her face was trying to keep up with them. Having said "Hi Tucker, Sam" and not letting them to answer both adults grabbed all three and took teens to the laboratory where Ghost portal and their new transport awaited them already activated. Bright green light of the portal made the whole room glow with mysterious colors and sparks. As if afraid shadows grouped all together at the most far corners. Specter Speeder automatically opened its doors for the travelers. They had to hurry but there wa still some time left to say goodbye.

"Danny-boy!" cried Maddie hugging her son close to her chest. "Promise me, you'll be back! Promise everything's going to be alright!"

"Son, please, be back soon." said Jack messing with teen's black hair. "We'll be waiting for you!"

"Mom, Dad, I'll be fine!" yelled Danny trying to get their attention. "Just let me go and I will come back later."

Both his parents let him go and stepped back to look at him with eyes full of love and care. Next second they turned to techno geek and goth and repeated their parting ritual. While hugging Sam Jack mumbled something close to "take care of him" and "my future daughter in law better be back in one piece" that caused her to blush madly. Laughing to himself Danny looked at his sister who awkwardly has been waiting her turn to bid her farewell.

"Are you sure you don't need my help?" asked she once again waiting for his answer.

"I'm sure of that." nodded halfa as little sad smile touched his lips. "Now will you hug your younger brother before his gone?"

He didn't need to ask twice. Jazz with tears jumped to him wrapping her arms around his torso and resting her head on his shoulder. She held him closer to her and he could already hear a loud 'crack!' coming from his spine.

"Not so tight!" whined the ghost boy trying to get away. She let him go with a sad smile. Saying their goodbyes once again to everyone in the room all tree stepped into Specter Speeder. Taking places of pilots teens overlooked all systems and turning the main motor on they looked at the adults who waved their hands and cheered them on. Maddie winked at her son and raised big finger in the air. Jack whistled like a fan during a football match and Jazz just stood there silently wishing them luck.

Three young heroes saluted and turning Specter Speeder to the portal hit the gas. Spaceship roared and flew straight in the glowing swirling green mist disappearing in the endless void leaving behind only a burst of flying green sparkles and the Fentons who already were missing their loved ones.

Back in the Clockwotk's tower two unusual and unlikely partners tried to hold back from attacking each other with all their might. Dani's presence helped a little but not good enough. Shadow was the only one affected by it, Dan mostly ignored the ghost girl and had his focus on huntress in black. No matter the circumstances he'll get that he wants. The absolute fun. Now, when they've finished their mission and returned to this damned place he could relax a little. And by 'relax' he meant a good long fight. Both adults with crossed arms stood facing each other leaning on the wall. Eyes focused on the opponent. The air around them was cracking with tension. Young halfa shrugged nervously looking at the huntress and Phantom. If only her friends and Clockwork decided to return this instant moment.

"Say something like this again and I'll split you numb skull in two." growled woman in black glaring daggers at smirking Dan. Who does he think he is to tell her something like that?!

"You're strange Shadow." laughed he tsking and pretending to wipe a tear. "Another woman would have already melted after so many compliments."

"You call dirty notes about my figure compliments? coldly said huntress raising one delicate brow. "You lack tact and brains."

"And you prefer play hard to get." noted Dan snapping his fingers and smiled evilly. "And it's not my fault puberty wrecked you good, Sammy."

"I told you my name is Shadow." said woman through gritted teeth taking a battle stance and clenching that same stick in her fist. Her patience was the only thing between her sense and rage. That ghost's been getting to her nerves since his very first 'compliment'. On their way back he tried to snuggle up to her pretending to check if she had all the clocks they needed, wolf-whistled and sighed staring at her body. And kid's presence never bothered him. 'What a jerk?!'

"Oooohhh, is it that I think it is?" asked Dan looking at the stick. "So you've decided to spank me, you naughty minx."

Dani with shocked look fell of the big clocks to the floor. Woman froze. Amethyst eyes went wide skin paled. Her mind could not take this thought. Blush did not appear immediately, but then mad itself known. Just like her slightly gapping mouth. At the sight of her expression Phantom smirked demonstratively licking his fangs with forked tongue and rolled his eyes in pleasure as if they had just made… this… The boundary in her brain snapped letting out her rage. Her eyes darkened to dull black, lips pressed, body tense like a string. Just like a wild lioness before an attack.

"How dare you?!" roared Shadow waving her stick with a lightning speed and piercing whistling noise. Dan had no time to dodge it completely. Jumping to the side and taking battle stance for an attack from the floor he felt something cold running down his blue cheek. Glaring at the huntress he touched his skin glancing for a second at his fingers. Black glove was smeared with glowing green ectoplasm. There was a deep cut under his left eye. If he reacted seconds latter she would have cut off half of his head for sure. 'Well, that's cool.' thought Phantom to himself focusing his attention on opponent. The black haired woman stood firmly on her legs facing him with her torso half-turned. Her whole weight placed on her right leg, nearest to him, showing she's ready for a new attack. But what did she hit him with? His question's been answered with something held in her right hand. That stick what actually turned out to be a handle was letting out a strange ray of green bright light. That ray went to the floor and like small snake curled to Shadow's leg. 'That's it!' noted Dan snickering and ignoring a drop of ectoplasm that reached his thick neck. 'That stick is some kind of ecto-whip. Not surprised at all, Sam always loved the ninetailed lash. Interesting.' Ghost rose to his feet waiting for a new attack. Shadow was doing the same. Once again tension between them grew to its zenith.

"Impressing." said Dan raising his fists to his chest. "Let's see if you can keep up."

He threw his flamed hand forward and shot at her with few shining poisonous ecto-balls. Without waiting Shadow run at him dodging his blasts and jumping to the sides letting them pass by to left deep cuts and holes in opposite walls and floor. A wave of the black gloved hand and her shining whip slashed one of the balls in the air causing an explosion. Dan covered his eyes protecting them from the bright light shining over his head that made him open for a strong kick of her leg in the middle of his wide chest. Growling with pain Phantom caught her ankle and swung huntress into the wall letting a pieces of stone fall to the ground. Silently moaning with searing pain woman dropped to the floor forcing the ring out of her head and pain out of her back, but suddenly jumped up letting out a battle cry and rushed to her enemy with series of strikes with her arms and legs. Her whip tactically left behind. Dan protecting himself with locked hands was stepping back ignoring a growing pain in his forearms. Black gloves and boots were targeting his neck and face, right into his vital points. 'Damn, I underestimated her!' thought he to himself smiling at her concentrated face. 'That's what I call fun!'

But his pleasure soon was replaced with surprise when he felt a cold stone of the wall behind his back. He had nowhere to step back anymore. Huntress was ready to strike him with a strong hit to his chest. Phantom dematerialized in time and her fist flew right through him and smashed in the dark wall with loud crack of her knuckles. Surprised Shadow looked up at his face to meet with wide fanged smile of a predator. Next what she felt was pain in her jaw from the kick of his big materialized fist. Screaming woman flew back but regrouping and swirling in the air she managed to land on her feet already ready to strike back. Her right hand landed on the handle of the ecto-whip. Dark purple eyes met angry red coils. Dan was running at her with wild roar and glowing fists. Shadow clenched her weapon and run at him. Dani screamed trying to stop them, but her yell landed on deaf ears. They were too deep in a rush of the battle to react to any distractions. 'If they collide it will cause big boom!' thought girl jumping in the air. She had to stop them!

"STOP!" yelled the ghost girl flying to them and stopped in the middle spreading her arms wide. But they couldn't see her, too blind with fury. Suddenly something heavy in the air laid few hits on their heads out of nowhere. Both jumped back grabbing their foreheads and moaning.

"What the…?!" roared Dan lifting his head and saw Clockwork floating in the air with time-staff clenched in his right fist and a disappointed look upon blue scarred face. "Clockwork?! Did you just hit me with that junk?!"

"Are you out of your mind?" screamed Shadow with her fist raised at the ancient spirit. "You crazy piece of s…!"

"I didn't want to use this move. But I had to get you back to your senses." said the ghost calmly floating to the floor right between them throwing both a disapproving look. "You're not some beasts. You have to control yourself. If it wasn't for my meddling Danielle might have gotten hurt."

Hearing this Shadow with worried eyes looked at the girl who sat silently on the floor looking at her with wide eyes full of fear. Guilt like a heavy stone hit huntress in the gut and she apologized immediately. Dani smiled sighing with relief. Dan snorted at the sight still scratching his head.

"Like I give a fuck." mumbled he glaring at Clockwork. "Keep your junk to yourself. Some Rafiki you are."

Just as the Master of time wanted to answer something or ask who this Rafiki person is one of his portals come to life. Shining with bright green light the sphere showed fast approaching big dark silhouette. Somehow Clockwork knew it was a good sign. And as always he wasn't wrong. It was famous Specter Speeder with young heroes inside.

That's all for now. R&R)))