− I still don't see why we have to obey to a mass of nerds. − Dash plonked on the sofa, looking mutinous.

− Because if you're really a fan of Phantom and respect his authority, our future-selves' word has the same value of his. − Jazz replied absent-mindly, absorbed by the advanced psychology book.

− What does make you think that? − Paulina demanded obnoxiously.

− The fact that we're in society for the P.I. work? That I deal with informatics, Jazz with psycho-jumbo and Sam, Phantom and the Huntress investigate and occasionally hunt? − o'Tucker declared smugly.

− What about Danny Fenton then? − the hidden Valerie frowned. The trio was almost attached to the hip.

− He sometimes invents things with his parents, but mainly he's in an apprenticeship. Well, two actually, but one of them is mostly finished. − the more experienced hacker shrugged.

− Why are you telling us? You won't let me know anything about myself! − the jock protested.

− Because when I was in "his" situation, − the older black lad pointed to his younger self − my future "me" told us this. Time travel sometimes works in circles: if a thing had been done before, it could or better should be done again with no consequences. The Rules are complex, I know. − o'Foley leaned back, casually scrutinizing the reactions.

− But isn't it cheating? − Paulina observed, for once not in high octave.

− The fact itself that you're here is cheating, technically. But being it unintentional, probably it will only lead to a verbal warning and a quick return home. − the 27 years old explained matter of fact-ly.

− How much quick? − the Huntress pressed.

− ...An hour or so, if I remember right. − the future geek shot a glance at the clock and nodded, more certain. − Just to give your Phantom time to recover from the time-jump and our to fix a way to send you back. He's got some new sweet skills.

− Any spoiler you can share? − the Goth finally sat down.

− Well, you didn't get the chance to see it, but he can make portals at last... − the o'nerd began, only to be interrupted by the red-gal.

− Bloody show-pony. − she grumbled, making all the freaks (young and old) snort in amusement.

− And he has mastered all the basic skills the fruitloop once showed him, sans the ghostly fire, of course.* − the older beanie wearer continued as if not interrupted.

− Why not? The Ghost boy is amazing! − the Latina girl pointed out as if obvious.

− "Amazing" or not, − the four-eyes mocked, − he can't do something he's not attuned to. He's more an Ice-elemental ghost than a fire one. − he remarked.

Dash for once actually paused to consider. Well, fire and ice don't mix at all. And since the former could melt the latter which our Phantom already has, it's unlikely he could have developed a power heat-related...

It made sense.

The blond startled from his musings at a surprised gasp and looked up, meeting bewildered expressions. − What?

− I know. It surprised me too. − the azure clad nerd commented sympathetically.

− What? − Dash demanded more adamantly.

− Don't mind them, you just thought aloud. − Paulina informed him, looking miffed. − What do you take us for? Brainless side characters? We are A-listers for a reason.

− Considering what he makes Danny and us nerds go through when he gets bad marks, he's not usually that perceptive. − the younger four-eyes snapped back from where he sat beside his friend on the other sofa, arms crossed.

− Well, I have a lot of pressure on my shoulders, what can you ever know? − the quarterback shot back, standing up.

− Shoving classmates in their lockets, giving them wedgies and some other pleasantries aren't really the best way to relieve it! And what if one of those times a kid gets seriously injured or has a collapse? Not only it will make you a whole new level of asshole, but you'll put yourself in so much trouble with the law that your future in football won't cover up! − Sam exploded so hard that startled the blond into a sitting position to back away from her. − Have you ever thought about this? − she stood and made to reach him with a raised index, ready to stab him with it. Her advance was restrained by her geek accomplice who dragged her back from her shoulders.

− Easy Sam, don't let him get you. − the male advised.

− Don't give me that! He bullies you not as much anymore just because that selfless idiot practically throws himself in the line of fire for the other nerds! − Sam roared.

− ...What do you mean? − the Red-gal had a slight horrified tone.

− That our moronic friend prefers to be beaten himself rather than let somebody who's "weaker" than him suffer. He looks after people because one of the nitwit that reveries Phantom doesn't actually follow his hero-principles! − the Goth seethed, settling down.

Oh. That actually stung. Like, a lot. Being told that a wimp like Fenturd was more similar than him to Phantom wounded him. Without any witty or any at all comebacks, Dash looked down, leaving the room in silence.

~OoO~

− Shouldn't be around now that you woke up? − a faint voice rang among the darkness.

− Oh! I remember that line! Uhh... and now déjà-vu. I hate déjà-vues. − why has hearing his own voice? He hadn't even opened his mouth!

With a jolt Danny sat up, his brain catching up with the event only right now and promptly the world around him spun. Somehow he didn't end flat on his back just because an arm kept him upright.

− Easy chibi, ecto-loss isn't a walk in the park. − his older voice scolded a little, prompting the boy to open his eyes.

− Chibi? Really? And I thought that that nick was annoying coming from Clockwork... − he muttered, making his older counterpart smile sheepishly.

− Sorry, he must have rubbed off me. But you'll notice, seeing yourself like this, you'll agree with him. − o'Phantom chuckled.

−I'll take your -our- word for this. − Danny looked around in what seemed an infirmary. − How long was I out?

− Less than half an hour. You would have been unconscious longer if our Danny hadn't given you an energy boost, I the ecto-transfusion and patched you up with the Ecto-line. − an older version of Sam counted on her fingers, but the younger halfa was barely paying attention to that. He was more than a bit mesmerized by the growth in beauty and movements she had undertaken.

«I know, right? You just have to wait less than 10 years.» a mental voice whispered, shaking him into awareness. Danny blinked and in the corner of his eye he saw the older Phantom wink. «Yes, we got telepathy. Don't give it up.»

The teen dully nodded. − Thanks for the help. Where are the others? − he shifted, sitting properly with the booted legs dangling from the bed. Oh, still Phantom.

− Downstairs in the waiting room of the P.I.. I'm fairly sure that by now I've reduced to silence both Dash and Paulina. − Sam grinned ferally, making both Phantom shiver.

− Okay... since I'm sure neither of you wants me to accidentally change the things, which seem totally cool by the way, where can I grab a bite? − the boy looked at them expectantly.

− You already had the right mindset at that age? − the woman asked bewildered to her halfa.

− Now you see why? − the man replied smug. − You have only to time-travel twice. Don't mind us chibi, it's an inside reference. − the younger Phantom nodded slowly. − Anyway, you'll have to close your eyes and I'll guide you downstairs. Got enough energy to phase through? − the arm that was keeping him up tried to move away from his back, but a sudden sway forced a hasty retreat.

− ...I'd rather play safe, you do it. − Danny didn't comment about the almost fail.

− No big deal. Sam, do you wanna join us? − the man turned to the Goth who shook her head.

− I faintly remember that I came back with Jazz along with some snacks, so I'll go and check on her. See you later. − she went out, leaving the past and future versions of Amity Park hero alone.

− Anything you were told by your counterpart in my situation? − the younger one jokingly asked.

− Just two things: Hell will come upon Earth if you forget April 3rd. You will know what I mean when it happens, so please, please, please, don't forget it afterwards. − the vein of terror in the aged up green eyes made Danny nod frantically. April 3rd? Okay, no problem. Definitely a date to remember. − The last but not least thing is much more less dramatic: when the situation arise, give one last chance. The first few days will be harsh, but it will totally be worth it. ...Wow, now that I think about it, my older doppelganger's words were what helped me going through. − he then groaned, facepalming with the free hand. − And I hate being a black belt in Déjà-Fu.**

− ...No, I won't ask about this. Nope. Not at all. − Danny trailed at his counterpart's grin.

− Very good, you're on the right way then. Anyway, time to go. − the arm around his back nudged him so the boy closed his eyes, feeling intangibility wash over him and gravity pull them down. − Okay, clear.

The younger halfa blinked, finding himself in front of a nice looking door with written on: Phantom P.I.. He turned to his older self with a raised eyebrow. − What about NASA?

− What tells you that we can't be given jobs from any source? − the mischievous smirk made a shrill of excitement run up his spine.

− Can you tell me how many? − he practically vibrated at the idea, letting the other still supporting him open the door.

~OoO~

One of Valerie (old) worst nightmare was taking place: coming right from the door they had previously passed through, two Phantoms entered in the waiting room, chatting amicably.

− ...how many? − the Ghost boy was asking.

− No, sorry. That one I can't do. − the other denied, but before the shorter could reply, he was assaulted by his accomplices and Jazz had actually closed the book (keeping an index to the page) to look at the scene. However, while everyone was distracted, the green eyed man flashed to the hidden Gray a smile and discretely raised three fingers to answer the half question she had heard.

Wait, was he really giving her ammunition to tease his younger self? Was he masochist? She smirked anyway: a good weapon was always good, independently from the source.

In the meanwhile the necessary exchange of pleasantries had ended, so she had the occasion to throw in a scolding tease. − Well, at least you look less dead now.

− Oh Red, com'on! − he whined and she chuckled at his pout.

− Yeah Huntress, you'll have plenty of time when you go back home. − agreed the counterpart.

− Spoilsport. − with the corner of her eye she noticed something and nearly groaned aloud. − Paulina, gal, please you're drooling again. It's unrefined. − she deadpanned.

Startled the Latina girl hastily swiped her mouth then squeaked indignantly as the meaning caught up in her head. How someone like her would manage to get a degree in law (the gal had strut about it while they were waiting) was a mystery. Not so much the still state of shock Dash was in since Sam had screamed him into silence. Maybe this time around he would realize how much of a jerk he was.

Before anybody else could remark, the other door opened and both the older Jazz and Sam entered with a trail of food each.

− Here's food guys. You can relax a bit too, since the Phantom Meeting is in half an hour. − the older redhead remarked, leaving the food on the desk.

Automatically the younger version of the sidekicks and the Huntress looked at the two ghosts with a "seriously" painted on the face, though the receiving ends were either confused or mock-offended.

− What? This time it wasn't me who came up with the name! − the older one defended himself.

− Then who was? − Paulina interrupted with the grace of a rampaging rhino.

The older Tucker lifted an index and announced. − Coming in three two one...

− Hiya bro! Guess what...! − out of nowhere the ghost of a girl dove from the ceiling and her cheers halted abruptly, taking the sight in.

− Dani? − Valerie asked bewildered. The spirit, the halfa, looked older than the last time she saw her (adding data to the mystery that was a hybrid between ghost and human) and she was definitely more muscular and less emaciated than when she was twelve or something. Probably she's not homeless anymore. the hidden Huntress thought, pleased.

Like the Ghost man, her outfit had changed and the belly wasn't exposed anymore. On the other hand instead of all the gadgets the relative had scattered all around his suit, the girl had only a green-white belt bag with several pockets that rested at the base of her back. The borders between black and white parts were lined by neon green that was the color of her chest logo too. Her hair was longer but still tied in her usual low ponytail.

− Reddie? Why do you have the old suit? No, wait. − the Ghost girl floated down in a lying position, arms crossed and ghostly tail idly shifting behind her, and scrutinized the time-traveler Phantom. − ...Were you really this chibi ten years ago? − she finally turned to her so claimed cousin.

− Like you weren't then and still aren't chibi, Dani! − the Ghost man tackled her in a playful noogie that she phased through a second later.

− I've been subjected to enough craziness, I'm sitting down. − their Phantom mumbled, depositing his ectoplasmic booty on the sofa Sam and Tucker had been on before going and retrieving the lunch for themselves and him apparently, since when they came back they gave him a couple of sandwiches.

− You can eat? − Valerie blurted, freezing the Ghost boy mid-bite.

− Where do you think this biceps come from? − the older white haired posed, as his relative contentedly was leaning on his back, arms circling his shoulders and neck.

− You're insufferable. − she huffed, making old and young "Team Phantom" chuckle.

− We know you love us Reddie. − Dani sing-sang, before rapping her knuckles on her relative head. − Though, you could have told me they were due today!

− In Danny's defense he didn't know either. We noticed their arrival only because of my sensors. − the older hacker pranced, flexing his muscles too like they were the secret of his success.

− Yeah, yeah, we'd be doomed if it wasn't for you Tucker. − o'Sam commented dryly as she leaned on a shelf unit.

− Oh com'on, last month I totally saved your skin. − the azure clad man claimed.

− That had been really badass, I concede it. − o'Jazz agreed, flanking the raven haired woman and looking at her phone.

− I was meaning to ask... − her younger version started and the older Team perked. − We're not turning into mom and dad with the Hazmat suits, aren't we? − she pointed at the aqua-green/gray attire of the other redhead.

− No, don't worry, it's on only when I'm on duty. I'll be more than happy to wear jeans and hoodie in few hours. − she smiled knowingly.

− Thank Clockwork. − Valery could hear the girl mutter in relief.

As if on cue, a knocking sounded on the door that separated the rest of the house from the agency and Dani sprinted to literally look through the wood. There was a muffled exchange, then the halfa floated back and the door opened, letting in a woman clad in black and red.

The newcomer had a suit very similar in shape of the one Valerie had on, though the helmet was more streamline and only the eyes and the upper part of the nose were covered by reflective glasses, still managing to mask the key feature of the face and so making impossible to recognize her. The design was more electronic and on the right forearm there were two devices, one on the dorsal part that looked like a lasergun and on the opposite side a small cylindrical bulge that looked similar to the ones o'Phantom had on either his forearms, but on the outside. There was still a backpack on her shoulders, but leaner, which looked like was made in carbon-fiber. On the left shoulder there was a tiny red pennant that looked reeeeally like Phantom's logo.

− So, what was all the fuss about? − the woman, Valerie's future self, stated, hands on her hips, then paused noticing the guests. − Oh. That will do. Luckily I'm used to knock before entering.

− Why? Are you afraid of us? − Paulina huffed, miffed.

− No. − she cut short, not deigning to look at her any further. − Hey gal, few words if I may. − the more experienced Huntress pointed at the hidden Gray who eagerly stood and followed her outside in the corridor between the waiting room and the garage, but not before grabbing a couple so sandwiches herself.

− Reddie, remember: no changes of course, I don't wanna go and do emergency repairs right now since I have to make the send-back portal. − the eldest white haired male warned playfully, earning an exasperated huff from the woman.

− Sure, if you stop to call me "Reddie"! Only Dani is allowed to use that nick! − she made a threatening gesture exposing the bottom mini-cylindrical device moving the wrist a-la-Spiderman. The Ghost man yelped and hid behind the couch on reflex, peeking only a bit to look out. Both Huntresses laughed at him and once in the corridor closed the door.

− So he's still a smartass. − Valerie deduced, taking off the helmet to take a breath.

− Unfortunately. − the other did the same and the girl noticed that her hair were more or less at the same length but tied in a braid. − Still, at least it lightens the tension during difficult cases and, trust me, sometimes you'll need to hear him crack a joke. Above all when he decides to finally tell you something about himself. It'll help a ton.

− Does it have anything to do with the fact you work with them in a P.I.? − she was genuinely curious about how she was comfortable to be associated with the ghost that had ruined her school life.

− Just part of it. You have to understand that even if what he did on accident apparently ruined your life, instead he had helped you. If I remember right, you saw how those two fools just behaved? − o'Valerie pointed to the door with a thumb and the doppelganger thinking about Dash and Paulina nodded. − We would have ended that shallow. It's been more than ten years, but looking back I'm actually grateful for what happened: our job is exciting and gives us satisfactions and the thrill our life would have lacked.

− ...I'll think about it. − she nodded again. − Oh, oh, just a thing: show me your armory upgrade! − Val's eyes shined in excitement.

− That I can do, gal. First thing first: what I just used to make that wimp fled was a compacted version of the Fenton Thermos. It captures and stores ghosts to a maximum of 50. Then you can change the cartridge. Usually it's Dani that holds them. The useful thing about where I put it is that on the other side there's an Ecto-gun, so I can change at the last second what to fire with depending on the situation. − that was really smart.

− Anything else? − the girl was star struck and her older version gladly complied.

~OoO~

− Is really safe to leave them alone? Or should I fear for my afterlife? − Danny asked the other two halfas, who shrugged.

− Not more than usual, don't worry now chibi. − his other self turned to their oldest sister. − Jazz can I make use of the waiting room floor for the circle?

− Only if you clean it afterward. − she admonished.

−Of course I'll do! − he pouted and like a conjurer produced a green chalk out of nowhere. A second later both the sofa with him still sat on and the other with the A-listers moved back till the shelves, making all three either start or yelp respectively. Telekinesis.

The white haired man calmly traced a circle then proceeded to fill it with the notes from a little notebook, giving time both for their younger versions to finish their meal and the Huntresses to "complot his demise".

− Sure you know your way with time-circles. − the younger Goth commented, peeking over his shoulder, having finished her all vegetable sandwich.

− It would be worrying the other way around. − Dani idly made laps near the ceiling, content to surveying the work.

− I still have lots of thing to learn, this is nothing in comparison. − he shrugged.

In the meanwhile Danny was trying to take in all the changes his friends and family had been through and he himself was still reeling from the pure relief that there was no "Dan" waiting in his future. And that he had been offered jobs by the NASA. Oh Clockwork, how could a detective be given tasks from a space agency?!

«You go and study what you feel right after finishing high school and take other filling classes too, we'll be fine.» the telepathic interjection shook him from his loop of thoughts. The younger halfa glared a little for the intrusion, but at last sighed and nodded.

− And done. How are you guys? − the oldest halfa in the room looked around: the Foleys had drifted to talk nerdy without too many specific details; the younger Sam was still observing the circle, while her counterpart was patiently waiting near the two Jazzes, one back to reading and the other giving her pointers; Dash seemed still affected by whatever Sam had smitten in his little brain (so maybe there was still hope) while his bestie was still checking him like a piece of meat. Luckily he wasn't the one who dealt with the press, his sister was waaay better than him in making them tell the public the truth at last. Dani in the meantime had gone and knocked to recall the Grays back, which they did a minute after.

− Ready to go back home? − asked o'Jazz.

− Aw, already? I wanted to mind-blown further our guests. − Dani whined, driving the older halfa to ruffle her hair.

− Too much and they'll end in a coma. − the man joked. − Anyway, it's all set. I just need you to step into the circle and I'll light it up. The arrival coordinates lead to the basement of the Fenton Works an hour after your disappearance, so there won't be much of an issue. − he told them.

− And this way you dimwit could ask the Fentons about a way to block out Skulker while you rest. − the hidden Valerie hoisted the halfa up from the sofa, probably remembering their last conversation in the past.

− Aye, aye... − he grumbled, hesitating in stepping into the circle given what had happened last time.

− You can get in, I'm the only one who could activate it. − the other Phantom encouraged.

− But I am you. − Danny frowned.

− Okay, this me is the only one with the knowledge to do it and it can't be accidentally triggered like the one who brought you here. − he amended, as the other time-travelers positioned themselves inside. Finally convinced, the younger halfa flanked his Team while the older version stood on the other side of the circumference.

− Thank you for the help and the tips, we won't easily forget them, I believe. − teen Phantom nodded and the receiving end smiled knowingly.

− I'm sure you won't. Have a safe trip chibi. − was the last farewell before he kneeled and pulsed his energy across the pattern on the pavement.

Like last time, light blinded them, however some blinks later the spots faded and the seven found themselves in the second room of the basement, well away from the portal, all of them conscious. His older self really knew his stuff.

− Well, it's been a fun trip, but I'm going home. You make sure to remember the security upgrade. − the red-black clad Gray gave one last warning and left, knowing the way out.

− She's right. You stay here, I'll throw out the smooches. − Sam bodily pushed out the jock and the shallow girl along with the help of an unwilling Tucker due to the wildcat Sanchez had turned into for trying to separate her from the halfa. Danny could only heave a sigh once he was alone with his sister.

− You can let go now, you know. − Jazz gripped one of his shoulders and leaded him to a chair where he nearly collapsed on. The next instant found one Danny Fenton on it. − How do you feel?

− Right now? Overwhelmed. − the teen scratched his head, ruffling his raven hair. − How was your older self? − he looked up at her.

− A person I really want to grow into. And him? − she tried to smooth the locks instead.

− He was... well, I'm just so glad that I won't grow up to become a Dan that I haven't metabolized it yet. But I'll be alright. − he smiled at her who looked reassured.

− Good. I'll go and fetch mom then. We need to up the security and retrieve the Thermos at school. You stay here. − she pointed where he was sitting.

− Sure thing mom. − he answered cheekily.

− Brat. − she called and went upstairs.

Sure, ten years in the future seemed a long way to go, but with a sneak peek like that, it was really encouraging.

~OoO~

− And off they went. It was refreshing seeing them. − Valerie Gray commented, suit retracting.

− Yeah, it was. − Jazz nodded as his brother cleaned the floor.

− What was next scheduled job? − Sam questioned as Tucker checked on his tablet.

− We have to check a couple of towns for supernatural phenomena and then Frostbite has a job for Danny. − he listed.

− Done. Let's start his meeting, I want to go and see the new Alien film. − Danny stood and let his ghost-mode fade away.

− I heard that it's not as good as the first trilogy. − his little sister commented, going back to human form too.

− We'll see Dani, we'll see. − the halfa chuckled. The future was all in front of them.

* I know the Wikia says that Danny is also a Pyrokinetic, but it was only one time and it could be passed as normal ectoplasm.

** Pun picked up from Ashes from the Past by Saphroneth.

A/N. And soooooooooo: happy TUE anniversary!

This drabble has ended here, but I want to give you some clarifications about the roles and what really happened to Team Phantom:

Danny studied to become a criminal investigator but during University participated to other kind of classes too, like some astronomy, ecto-biology and chemistry. (As for the internships probably there will be drabbles about them, I don't want to spoil the surprise. xD)

Sam followed her attune with nature and became a forensic scientist, so she could help gather evidences on both ghosts and criminals.

Tucker, as said, went to MIT and he's an informatics engineer and a white hat on top of that (that's the name of hackers that work for the government, in opposition to black hats).

Jazz specialized in criminal psychology, becoming a profiler a-la Criminal Minds, plus she deals with the press.

Valerie became a federal agent to fight the crime more in general, but mainly to be the official link between Phantom P.I. and the official agencies.

Danielle, given her wanderlust, became more attuned to the languages and other cultures, so basically she deals with the locals if they're called outside of USA. Plus she's the backup in case of fights.

(Dash after high school and other experiences seemed to change the views about his ways and founded an association to reform the bullies and help the victims, finally following Phantom's idea of heroism.)

The April 3rd thing you probably have noticed the coincidence, but this time around involves a certain Goth in it... I'll leave you to guess! xP

So, what do you think? Was this good or too rushed?

Hope you enjoyed this anyway and type ya soon!