So another chapter... Hope it's okay. It's spring break for me and I just felt like working on it. My OC does figure prominently here, but it's really more for solidifying his character. It's also very long... I should be running back into the Invasion timeline by the next chapter.

Ch. 14 - The Fix

Mt. Justice – April 27

"I'm guessing things took a turn after that?" Nightwing asked as he stood in the counseling room with Black Canary.

"More than a turn, he shut down. Unlike the other children abducted by the Reach he doesn't have any memory of them. He wouldn't stop looking towards the window. He's not in denial about what happened, he's angry." She explained with tone of council.

"Do you know where he might have gone?" Nightwing asked.

"Not far I imagine. When he ran out, he didn't seem too aware of what he was doing. He phased through the door accidently before leaving all together." The psychologist had spent about an hour with the boy, and it was only productive in ascertaining the boy was unpredictable in his current mind set. "He asked me questions about his appearance and powers I couldn't answer." She then gave a serious expression. "I think he'd do better talking with someone who can."

Dick raised a brow, but quickly nodded in understanding. "I could try, but Phantom was in a hurry to get somewhere and he didn't sound too interested in the idea."

"So since you and him are both half ghost, I thought you could help him understand what's going on once Black Canary talks to him."

Danny was disinterested in the idea as he zipped up his backpack. "Sorry, but I told you I needed to meet with someone today. Besides, you're sending him to Star Labs right? I'm sure a team of scientist could be just as helpful." Phantom then headed over to the already open ghost portal.

"But you-"

Danny cut him off. "Sorry, but I have to go." Phantom left without another word or hesitation.

"So much for that plan…." He muttered to himself as he turned to leave. Phantom's answer was pretty unexpected to say the least. He was always ready to help since he agreed to join. Nightwing let out a sigh. "I guess I'll have to leave it to Dr. Wilcox."

After Black Canary finished telling him all she knew, Nightwing left the room to think over what he would do about it. Beast Boy had already taken Cujo out to find Will along with Wolf. The leader let out a sigh as he thought on what to do. "I heard Will ran off?" He turned to see a curious Danielle flipping through the ruined book from before.

"Yeah." Nightwing responded before a thought came to him. Danielle, being a clone of Danny, was technically a half ghost too so maybe she could help. "By the way Danielle, do you think you could help me with something?"

Dani raised a brow. "Sure I guess. What is it?"

"When Beast Boy brings Will back, could you talk to him? Danny's theory is that he's half ghost like you two."

The young halfa seemed to think on it a moment before shrugging. "I don't know if anything I say would help him. I couldn't really tell him anymore than you could."

Nightwing was obviously confused by the statement. "What do you mean?"

Dani held her chin in thought a moment. "Well, cause I don't know what I could tell him. I could tell him he's half ghost, but you can tell him that." Seeing he was still confused she decided to ask a question of her own. "You already asked Danny didn't you?"

The vigilante let out a sigh. "Yeah I did, but he was in a hurry and said something similar to what you just told me."

Dani couldn't help but laugh at that. "Figures, he's never been good with personal issues." She crossed her arms as she continued. "You see I was born with my powers, Danny wasn't. Seeing someone else in his position all of a sudden, he probably doesn't really know how to deal with it."

Nightwing seemed to get the picture from her explanation. It made sense especially with how Danny was acting after that morning's incident with Will. "I see, I just thought he'd want to help him out because of their similar situations."

Dani shook her head. "Don't get me wrong, he probably does. Considering recent events, he also probably doesn't want the extra responsibility though, but he'll come around….. probably." She added in the end hesitantly.

Nightwing gave a shrug, but seemed satisfied. "I hope he does. He'd make a pretty good mentor in my opinion." He'd seen the way a lot of the younger team members talked to him. Even if he was newer to the team, many of them seemed to look up to him.

Ghost Zone, FarFrozen Realm – April 27

Frostbite welcomed his friend with open arms as he arrived in the frosty realm. "Ah Great One! It is wonderful to see you are well." He then bowed in respect before continuing. "It is good you were able to come on such short notice."

Danny waved it off. "It's not a problem Frostbite, really. So what was it you needed me to see?"

The FarFrozen's expression became serious as he guided the way into one of the caverns. "Oh yes, a grave matter indeed. We have been picking up some strange energies which we have only recently come to find originate in the human realm." They entered a large room where many FarFrozen were working with computers. Frostbite led him over to one of the consoles in the back of the room. "Look here." He pointed to a radar screen which showed an energy pulse. "We cannot find a specific starting point. It comes and goes and always in a new place, but the origin is definitely in the human realm."

"The test data you requested sir." Another FarFrozen said as he approached with some sort of tablet.

Frostbite took it readily. "Good work."

"Sir" He responded with a strike of his chest.

Frostbite held up the data and scrolled through. "Ah, it seems we were correct." He lowered to show Danny. "The areas affected by the energies are showing higher portal concentrations."

Danny furrowed his brow. "So this energy is making more portals? Why?"

Frostbite shook his head. "I do not know Great One. We were hoping you could tell us." He then pulled up another section showing a density level. "Also, it is not creating more portals. We believe it is actually thinning the boarders between the Ghost Zone and the Mortal Realm. The areas affected so far, have only been temporarily effected, but who knows if or when it could become permanent."

"But if the border between our worlds disappears…. Oh crud…." Danny said as he thought back to when Pariah Dark invaded Amity Park.

"Indeed Great One. The repercussions could prove disastrous even to the Ghost Zone."

Danny took a moment to think. "So how can we stop this? Can you be any more specific about where in my world it's coming from?"

Frostbite wore a frown. "I cannot I'm sorry to say. The Ghost Zone will naturally distort almost any form of energy once it crosses into it. The energy signature will most definitely have been distorted as well. Our best recourse is finding a way to stop the degradation from occurring here."

Danny sighed. "I thought you were going to say that….. Any ideas?"

"Nothing at the moment, but we have been working on a few things." Frostbite looked over his people as they worked diligently. "It is all we can do for the moment."

Danny gave a nod. "Well, I'll see what I can find back home. I've been working on a city scale Ghost Shield. I bet I could reconfigure it to fire a reverse poleric charge to close any portals like I did with my thermos. It's not much, but it's something I can work on."

Frostbite seemed pleased. "I'm confident you can find a solution Great One."

Happy Harbor – April 27

It took a couple of hours, but Beast Boy was able to track Will down to a park just inside the city. Cujo had been the first to catch the scent, and Wolf followed close behind. They both circled a tree as Gar flew in as a small bird. He circled the tree himself a moment before diving in and landing on a branch. "Oh….. it's you, that green kid." Will noted from the scent in the air.

Gar transformed back and looked towards the source of the voice. The glowing red eyes that greeted him were unsettling at first, but it wore off rather quickly. "That's Beast Boy." He then reached up to his ear. "I found him Nightwing. We're in the park." He received a confirmation before addressing Will again. "Come on Will. You have to come back."

The ghost cut his eyes. "So you just came to drag me back there? No way. As soon as it's dark enough, I'm going home."

Gar raised a brow at him. "You think dark is going to help much? You do realize you kinda glow? Besides, how do you expect to get home? Walk?"

Will crossed his arms. "If I have too. I'm not going back to Mount Hero, that's for sure. I don't want any part of this alien stuff."

"That's going to be pretty hard then since you were nabbed by them. We just want to help you know."

Will scoffed at him. "You guys did plenty. Phantom was so nice as to show me how much of a freak I was and all." He then turned away. "No thanks."

Gar furrowed his brow. "Come on, Phantom wasn't trying to be mean, he was just trying to get you to see the big picture."

"Yeah the big freaky picture." Will grumbled back.

"Look, I'm not going to say you don't look freaky, but you shouldn't get so down about it. As soon as we get you back to STAR Labs they can work on getting you back to normal."

Will's interest was piqued by that little bit of news. "Normal? Can they?"

Gar gave a nod. "If anyone can, it's them. Besides you're not the only not normal one around." Gar informed as he gestured to himself. "I know it's not easy being green."

Star Labs, Tao – April 28

After being brought back to the cave Will had been taken to Star Labs sometime in the mid-afternoon, and after a meeting with Dr. Wilcox, he was taken into the testing wing where the other kids were taking a break. Dr. Wilcox was head of all research pertaining to the teens rescued from the Reach. "This way William, we'll get you some clothes and you can join the others." The doctor informed in his standard monotone voice. Although the boy's appearance scared him a bit, Nightwing assured him he was harmless. Will's nervousness throughout the conversation settled him further as the concept of this 14 year old teen being trapped under spiny green fur set in.

He was guided into a small supply room where another scientist handed him a white jumpsuit. Will took it quietly as the scientists spoke. "Excuse me… Dr. Wilcox…" He seemed nervous about the boy as his eyes went back and forth between Wilcox and Will.

"Relax, he's another teen taken by the Reach." The doctor signed something before handing it over to the assistant. "Hurry up and get that on." He directed the boy.

The halfa looked at the clothes before stepping into them. It didn't take long for his perspective problem to come out. "Uh…. Sir?"

Dr. Wilcox looked at him with impatience before seeing the tail problem. He seemed annoyed rather than sympathetic as he adjusted his glasses. "I see." He then turned towards the assistant. "Go get me some scissors." About 20 minutes later Dr. Wilcox brought him into the testing room where the other teens had been left to wait.

"It's about time." Virgil whined as he got up from his chair. "If we're gonna take a break, at least let us out of the room."

"Yeah, I could've got something to eat." Ed added in as he leaned back in his chair.

Dr. Wilcox didn't even give their complaints a response as he began to address them. "I've got a new friend for you. Please give William a warm welcome." He sounded rather sarcastic as he stepped aside to reveal the scrawny yet monstrous teen.

Virgil's eyes widened as he pointed at him. "That's that creature that attacked us on that Reach ship!"

Will instantly took a step back at the accusation. "I what?! I-I don't know what you're taking about."

"No." Tye corrected as he stood up. "That thing was huge. This guy…. He's the same height as me." He approached with a stoic expression. "But he does look like him."

Will was nervous as he responded. "I really don't know what you guys are talking about. I only found out about the Reach yesterday."

Tye traded glances with the other teens before turning back to him. "Then why are you here?"

Dr. Wilcox adjusted his glasses as he interrupted them. "William, unlike the rest of you, has no memory of being kept by the Reach. Now, let's get back to business shall we?" He then headed into the observation room to dictate the session. Despite their common kidnapping, the other teens didn't seem to like him at all as they kept their distance. Needless to say, Will was more uneasy here than he ever was in the cave.

Ghost Zone, FarFrozen Realm – April 28

After spending the night with FarFrozen hospitality Danny was getting a copy of the data on the portals before leaving to get back to the cave. Tundra, Frostbite's second in command, was quick to supply him with the information and a respectful salute. "As you requested Great One."

"Thanks Tundra." As he turned to leave he heard the FarFrozen clear his throat.

"Before you take your leave, Lord Frostbite wishes to see you."

Danny nodded. "I was planning to go see him before I left anyway." He would never dream of leaving without saying goodbye to Frostbite. He owed him a lot, and more than he could ever repay. As he headed for Frostbite's quarters many FarFrozen he passed would stop and salute him with a fist to their chests, or even bowing. While he never liked this sort of attention, he had given up ever getting them to stop. It thankfully only took him a few minutes since Frostbite lived so close to their central control. "Hey Frostbite, I was just letting you know I'm going back now." He announced as he entered the room.

Frostbite, who had been rummaging through a cabinet turned to him in greeting. "Ah, just in time Great One. I have been meaning to give this to you for some time." He held up a small silver band. "This is a band of mastery. The trophy given to all who prove worthy in the Ice Trials. When you competed last year you too should have been awarded one, but you had left before I could give it to you. You should know Diamond Dust has been waiting eagerly for a rematch since you bested him."

Danny almost laughed at that. "A rematch of what? I got lucky. If it weren't for the height difference, he would have never missed."

Frostbite shook a finger at him. "A great warrior is defined by how he uses his resources and not by how disadvantageous the victory." He then presented it to the halfa. "Please take it now and wear it with pride."

Danny didn't move to take it and turned away. "No…. I can't."

Frostbite was bewildered by the response. No one had ever refused the honor of wearing a Band of Mastery before. "Why not Great One? It is an honor rightly given."

Danny shook his head. "I don't deserve anything like that. I'm not a master of anything."

Now Frostbite was confused. "Come now Great One. What is it that bothers you so?"

Danny turned to the earnest ghost. There were only a few people he knew that he could really talk too. Frostbite was probably the wisest one of them aside from Clockwork, but he always talked in riddles. "You know how I'm half ghost and there's supposed to be two others right? Well, there might be a fourth now."

Frostbite raised a brow. "That seems quite strange, but why does that bother you Great One? Do they cause problems in the human realm?"

Danny shook his head. "No, but if I hadn't been such an idiot it would have never happened. I should have known something was up when Plasmius left me alone so easily. Why would he do that unless he was planning something!? Of course he was…. And now halfa number four has to pay for it."

"Ah!" Frostbite said in revelation. "So that is the problem. You see yourself as responsible for this new halfa because you could not protect him." He shook his head. "That is unwise Great One. You could never know all the evils capable of those such as Plasmius. You are not like him. You can only do what you can to make things right when he has made them wrong." He then placed his claws on both Danny's shoulders. "Just as when you defeated the Ghost King after he so foolishly let him free."

Danny chuckled at that. "I always end up cleaning up that jerk's messes…." He then out a sigh. "It's my responsibility."

Frostbite gave a nod. "Yes Great One for you are a very responsible individual. To do what is right is a duty not a chore." He then took the band and placed it on Danny's right upper arm. "Now should you wish to talk again, I will always welcome your company."

Danny looked at the trinket with a laugh. "Oh, I already know that. It's kind of hard to miss."

Mt. Justice – April 28

After Danny returned to the cave Gar was the first to greet him as he followed Cujo back into the halfa's room. "I guess that's what he was all crazy about." The changeling commented as Danny deactivated the portal.

"Hey Gar, what's up?" Danny placed a small box onto his desk which attracted Beast Boy's curiosity.

"Nothing really. Will was taken to STAR Labs yesterday. I was kind of wondering where you were after that."

Danny raised a brow. "He was huh? Anyway, an old friend of mine needed to talk to me about something important, but it's nothing you need to worry about."

"Hmm? Noted." Gar responded before pointing towards the box. "By the way, what's in the box?"

Danny flipped the lid and pulled out a snow white bun. "A souvenir. They're called Snow Buns. Wanna try one?"

Gar scrutinized the bun as he took it from the older hero. Danny then proceeded to take one himself and took a big bite. "Are they sweet?"

Danny nodded as he swallowed. "Oh yeah, but no sugar. They practically melt in your mouth though." He took another bite as he closed the box and headed for the door.

"It's really cold… like ice cream." Gar analyzed before taking a bite himself.

"Kinda, and they do need to be refrigerated."

Gar seemed to enjoy it as he swallowed his first bite. "Oh wow- ah!" He gripped his head with his free hand. "Cold!"

Danny turned to him with an amused brow raised. "Are you okay?"

Gar shook his head as he took a breath. "Brain f-freeze…" Danny shook his head as he took the final bite of his. He then continued down the hall with Garfield right behind him still holding his head from the shock.

As they exited the hall M'gann noticed them from the kitchen. She seemed bothered by something until she noticed the pained expression on her adopted brother's face. "Gar? Are you okay?" She approached from behind the counter.

He winced as he looked at her. "Yeah…. Just brain freeze." He let go of his head and scrutinized the offending bun.

"Brain freeze? From that?"

He nodded. "Yeah…." He seemed to be thinking over something intently as Danny placed down the box.

"You want one?"

She shook her head. "No thank you."

"Probably a good idea…. That hurt." Gar commented as he prepared to toss the bun aside. He then noticed Cujo sitting at his feet panting and an idea came to mind. "Hmm?" He rubbed his chin a moment before lowering the bun to the spectral hound. Cujo sniffed it before quickly grabbing it from the boy's hand. He dashed over by the couch and took a bite. Gar watched as Wolf was attracted to the new food from his comfortable spot on the couch. As Cujo enjoyed a piece Wolf leaned down to scarf up what he left unguarded. Seconds later two harsh whines were heard as both dogs pawed at their faces and rolled along the ground.

"What did you do?" Danny asked as he took notice of the pained animals that Gar was watching intently. "Uh…. Experiment?"

Super Boy dashed into the room at the noise and saw the strange scene. "What happened?" He asked as he turned to the three in the kitchen.

Gar wore a sheepish expression as he responded. "Brain freeze?" The kryptonian raised a brow at the explanation.

Star Labs Tao – May 6

Dr. Wilcox was heading another practice session for the teens as was the daily routine. It was almost noon as Virgil was focusing his electrical powers on moving a hand weight. He was only able to hold it up a few feet much to the exasperation of the scientists watching. The young teen seemed strained as his control faltered. "Keep focused." Dr. Wilcox instructed from the viewing room. Virgil glared at him as he held the weight, but lost his focus completely at the shout of surprise from behind.

The weight slammed hard onto the table as he turned to see Will phasing through the floor in a panic. "Help! I can't stop!" He scrambled his arms as he phased down to his waist. Ed and Tye were the first to get to him and took both of his arms which were still solid.

Virgil joined in as the three of them pulled the poor halfa out of the floor. "Man, you okay?" He asked as Will's feet became solid and he stood on his own.

"No…" He muttered out with fear marring his face. This wasn't an uncommon occurrence even though he'd only been there for a few days.

Will's intangibility would act up several times a day much to the frustration of Dr. Wilcox, who gets interrupted because of it. "Will, you have to keep focused, or you'll keep losing control of your powers."

The quilled teen wore a frown as he turned to him. "How am I supposed to focus every minute of every second?" He whined in a panicked exasperation.

"I don't know, but if you don't, you're gonna fall through more than just the floor." Ed commented as he took back his seat.

Seeing the session break down, Dr. Wilcox looked at his watch and sighed. "Why don't you take 20 for lunch. Then we can try this again." He almost seemed to groan.

Tye crossed his arms as he watched the man exit out another door. "Geez, that guy's as bad as the Reach." He then headed over to the door himself with several of the other teens following.

Will was last in the lineup as he lagged behind. He kept his distance from the others especially when the Reach was mentioned. He was different from them in more than just his appearance, and they showed it most of the time. While they're more then quick to help him, they usually left him alone otherwise. It didn't really surprise him though. Who wants to hang out with a spiny horned freak? As he followed the others down the hall he smelled something strangely familiar. Over the past few days he'd been getting somewhat accustomed to his strange form and with it came a very sensitive nose. He turned down a hall a little ways away and saw a few men in white suits on the other end speaking to a scientist. They then followed that scientist into a room. "Who are they?" He then realized he'd been left behind and quickly moved to join the other teens in the cafeteria for lunch.

Mt. Justice – May 5

It was late in the afternoon when Danny got back into his room. He'd gone to visit his sister in Boston in order to get some school work for Dani since she'd been missing classes. He didn't want her going back just yet since she was targeted by the Reach, but she still needed to do the work if she was to be elevated to Sophmore come fall.

His current project, which he'd been keeping in a corner of his room under a tarp, was only about half way finished. It was a tall cylindrical beam with four legs to hold it up from the sides. It sort of resembled a missile, but had quite the opposite purpose. Danny inspected the messy wiring, that was sticking out of several uncovered spots, as he thought over where to start. He then reached out to the top as he floated up. "Might as well fix this part first." After only an hour or so of working, he was interrupted by a phone call. He raised his working goggles onto his forehead as he answered. "Yeah Tuck?"

"Got some info for ya. Guess who just made the GIW watch list?"

Danny raised a brow. "Someone who deserves it I hope." He let out in annoyance.

"No, it's that kid. The one at STAR Labs."

Danny stopped fiddling with the wires. "What the….. how could they have found him?... Never mind…." He answered himself as he thought on it. "I have a pretty good idea of who it was."

"Thought so, anyway, now what? They've already made contact inside the building. It looks like they're taking the smart approach to this one."

Danny took a moment to think about it. "Well, he's not a public scapegoat like me. In STAR Labs he's considered a metahuman with rights."

"Until those guys tell them otherwise right?" Tucker corrected with a serious tone. "Their game is pretty easy to read."

Danny rolled his eyes at the 'oh so true' statement. "Yeah, but maybe I can talk to Nightwing about it. The Taos building is part of the league and he should be able to do something about it."

Star Labs, Taos – May 9

Getting the young leader's help was easy like Danny had thought, but it did come with a slight catch. The two of them now sat in a meeting room in Star Labs with Black Canary waiting for Dr. Wilcox. The blonde heroin watched the halfa with an analytical gaze as he sat quietly pretending not to notice. Nightwing welcomed the break in the tension once the waited for scientist entered the room. "Dr. Wilcox, about what I mentioned earlier."

"Yes I believe you are right. They've already been attempting to get his files, not that we have much for them to take." The scientist revealed in frustration. "He hasn't made any progress at all and none of our scanners are equipped to tell us why."

"What did those agents tell you exactly?" Nightwing inquired as he took a glance at the quiet halfa.

"They came in a few days ago and demanded custody of Will. According to them, we were not equipped to handle the boy, and they would be better suited to help him." Black Canary took note of the halfa's body language as he rolled his eyes distastefully. The scientist sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. "I was ready to agree before I received your call last night. I've been keeping him in a separate lab since then."

"Good call." Nightwing said with a nod. "From what Phantom has told me, they don't really think much about collateral damage."

"Does Will know anything?" Canary questioned. She'd been rather worried about him since she'd talked with him, and how his powers were affecting him.

"I haven't told him anything." Dr. Wilcox responded with a shake of his head. "But considering his situation, he should probably be taken somewhere else. If there's something those GIW agents weren't lying about, it was that we aren't equipped to help him. We can't even understand his powers let alone a cure for them."

"There is no cure." Phantom cut in, finally breaking his silence. "Unless you guys have a way of de-hybridizing a hybrid, he can't go back."

While the two heroes seemed interested, Dr. Wilcox looked more skeptical. "By hybrid you are referring to the ghost part yes?" He started with an unbelieving tone. "I'm sorry Phantom, but you'll have to forgive me when I say I don't understand the concept of 'half ghost'" He expressed in air quotes.

"Perhaps if you could explain Danny, we could help more." Black Canary suggested in a passive and soft voice.

"That's a good idea. I've been pretty curious myself." Nightwing agreed. Ever since he'd met Danny, the teen had been very secretive. He never liked to talk about himself much unless he had too. He himself had been skeptical of ghosts until he'd met the halfa, but now that he did believe, more information was welcome.

Danny took a moment to think before letting out a held breath. "I guess I should start with the ghost part then. Despite whatever scary stories, or spooky legend you heard about them, ghosts are not a bunch of evil smoky creatures out to scare you. They are also not what you define as dead. It would be better to say they are interdimensional creatures; very alive in their own way. It just so happens that sometimes they'll form as a result of someone's death."

Though still obviously skeptical, Dr. Wilcox did seem to be trying to understand what he was told. "So you are basically saying his hybrid status should be viewed as any other hybrid would?"

"Sort of." Danny tried to convey. "A half ghost is a hybrid, but not necessarily two things in one. It's more like flipping back and forth."

"Flipping….." The scientist muttered in annoyed confusion.

"Sort of?" Danny reiterated. "I really can't explain it….." He expressed as he rubbed the back of his neck. He then seemed to get an idea as he turned to Nightwing. "Wait how about this. Let's use Super Boy as an example. He's half human and half kryptonian right?"

"Right." The vigilante confirmed with a tone of scrutiny.

"Alright, but he's both a human and kryptonian at the same time. He can't change that." He then gestured to himself. "I'm half ghost, but right now I'm physically a ghost, not human. That means that every single molecule I have right now is composed entirely of ectoplasm even though I'm still half human. I can choose to change back to a human physically whenever I want. When I do, I lose all physical traces of being a ghost."

"That's what the ring of light is right?" Nightwing questioned as he thought back to their first meeting. "That's how you're able to change?"

Danny gave a nod. "Yeah like this." He then formed the bright ring around his waist, but he didn't let it get far in changing him back.

Nightwing then seemed to have a sudden realization. "Wait, that's what was happening to Will back in the park. You recognized it as the same ring of energy you use."

Danny gave a nod. "Yeah even if it looked a little weird, I don't doubt that's what it was. It was probably as unstable as he was."

"Not that this isn't fascinating Phantom, but there is a problem with your explanation." Wilcox said with an air of superiority. "Will hasn't shown any signs of changing back to normal, or human as you defined it. If he had, I'm sure we would have had more to show for it based on how you defined the transformation."

Now Danny was the one to seem confused. "Hmm? Now that is weird. I would have thought he'd have changed back at least by accident." He then turned to Black Canary. "He didn't look like he could control his powers before right?"

She shook her head but Wilcox spoke before her. "No, he doesn't. His biggest problems are shredding his clothes and phasing through the floor."

"See that sounds normal." Danny pointed out with confusion still marring his face. "But I know what I saw, and it makes sense except the not changing back part."

Black Canary then stood up. "Will should probably hear this too. He deserves that much."

Dr. Wilcox agreed as he stood with her. "I'll take you to him." The scientist then lead her out and left the teen heroes alone.

After a short silence Nightwing leaned forwards with a calm air. "I don't want this to sound like I'm forcing anything on you, but I really think you'd be the best one to help him with his powers. I mean who better than the original half ghost?"

Danny shook his head. "Not exactly Nightwing. I'm not the original."

The older hero raised a brow. "You're not? But Danielle isn-"

"Is the third halfa. I'm the second. If you include Will, that makes four." Danny interrupted with a more serious expression.

"Then who's the first?"

It wasn't a hard question of course. Danny has wanted to blurt it out on more than one occasion, but couldn't. "Plasmius." He finally revealed with a solemn expression.

"Plasmius….."Nightwing repeated as he took it in. It explained a small portion of the halfa's behavior when it came to the villain, but there was a bigger question at hand. "Then he has a human identity just like you." The hero deduced easily but seriously.

Danny gave a confirming nod. "Yeah..." He then took a breath and looked Nightwing straight in the eye. "And I trust you enough to tell you his name, but you absolutely cannot tell anyone else. I can understand an emergency, but only if it is absolutely necessary. The last resort okay?"

Nightwing understood the serious request as it was, but not really the reasons. "Sure Phantom, but why?"

"Mutual destruction." Danny stated rather quickly but adamantly. "If his gets out, he'll make sure mine does too. It's been a sort of forced agreement from day one. Not one I'm proud of, but I don't want to break it either. Anyway, this may or may not come as shock, but you probably know him."

Nightwing raised a brow. "I do?"

"Well not personally, but the name should be familiar. Vlad Masters, also known as the previous mayor of Amity Park."

Master's Manor, Wisconsin – May 9

"Oh this is turning out better than I could have ever thought." Vlad stated in amusement as he entered back into his lab from his portal.

"Plasmius." Skulker called from the stairs.

The elder halfa turned with an annoyed look. "What is it Skulker? Can't you see I'm in a good mood?"

Skulker nodded with a smirk. "Yes I can, but I bet I can make it better."

"Can you now? That could only mean you were able to isolate the stabilizing agent you attained from Danielle." Plasmius deduced with a curious air.

"Yes, but that is not quite what I meant. Since you were not here, I took the liberty of handing over the sample to the Ambassador and got a bit of information."

Vlad seemed honestly curious as he crossed his arms. "Well? What is it?"

"It seems the subject wasn't destroyed after all." The ghost hunter revealed with a grin. "Apparently the humans have been keeping it at the Star Labs in Taos. Not only that, but it is completely stable."

The halfa seemed to think a moment before a toothy grin surfaced. He hadn't expected that, but it could work in his favor. "I thought for sure after sending it off against Danielle there would be no way the Little Badger would do anything to help it. I can already see this figuring favorably in my plans Skulker." He then scratched his chin a bit. "But maybe I should try and be a bit more ambitious here, after those Reach idiots had the gall to insult my work." He then turned back to Skulker. "Get the Fright Knight down here before you go, he's finally going to be of some use."

Star Labs, Taos – May 9

"So you're saying I'm some kind of half ghost hybrid thing?" Will questioned after allowing Black Canary to explain it to him. He was following both her, and Dr. Wilcox back to the meeting room where two other waited.

"Yes, but that's about all I can really tell you. Once we get back, I'm sure Phantom can answer any more of your questions."

Will stopped at the mention. "Whoa, Phantom?... uh…"

Canary could see his nervous expression and helped him along with a lite push. "Come on Will, he won't bite."

It wasn't biting he was worried about. While he wasn't some crazy fan of the comic, he still read them, and knew what Phantom did to other ghosts.

"Right through here William." Wilcox directed as he opened the door. Black Canary encouraged the young teen to continue through the door by walking behind him. Whatever conversation that was going on before he entered was forgotten as both the room's occupants turned his way.

"Will, come sit down." Nightwing suggested as he directed him to an open chair. "Uh, thanks…." As he began to sit down he could feel himself growing more nervous. It also didn't help matters when, instead of sitting in the chair, he fell right through to the floor. "Whoa!" He quickly scrambled to his feet and turned towards the seat a bit shaken.

"Are you okay?" The familiar echo like voice caught him by surprise as he tensed up. A symphony of rips followed suit as the quill like fur that covered his body shredded the jumpsuit he was wearing. His regretful groan was joined by an exasperated sigh from Dr. Wilcox as most of the suit fell to the floor in tatters.

"Just calm down Will, you don't need to be nervous." Black Canary tried to convey.

"Uh.. yeah, sorry about that." He didn't look or sound confident at all as he said that.

"Anyway Danny, why don't you ask him about changing back?" Nightwing suggested to get the ball rolling.

"Changing back?" The younger halfa muttered as he turned in Phantom's direction.

"Yeah, you're a ghost hybrid. That means you can actively change from a human to ghost and vice versa."

"I can?" Will wondered as he looked at his spine covered arms. The shift in his body language was subtle but fast as he thought about it. "How? How do I change back?" He finally asked with a hopeful expression, his nervous demeanor now gone.

Danny raised a brow. "Uh… have you tried just thinking about it?"

Will was speechless at the suggestion. "You're kidding…. Right?"

"Nope." Phantom plainly responded much to the annoyance of the younger halfa.

"I've wanted to change back to normal since I woke up green!" Will responded in anger. "Shouldn't it have happened by now!?"

Danny crossed his arms. "Look, I don't know why you haven't changed back, just try it now. You didn't know you could until I told you right?"

That seemed to calm the young teen as he agreed. "….right…." He mumbled in thought. He remained silent a bit longer before looking down at himself. Seconds later a green ring of light appeared around his waist for a split second before fading away. "Huh!?" He cried out as he stepped back. "Was that….. what happened?"

"That was the morph ring, but you stopped before you could change." Danny pointed out.

Dr. Wilcox had to adjust his glasses as he looked with astonishment. "I've seen him do that before."

Nightwing turned to him in surprise. "You have? But you said he'd never done this before."

Wilcox shook his head. "Well it wasn't quite like what Phantom showed me, or what Will did just now, but there have been a few times when he's given off that energy in his sleep."

Will seemed angry at the scientist's revelation. "And you didn't tell me?"

"We didn't want to scare you Will, and I didn't know what it could be until now." Dr. Wilcox defended earnestly.

"Well we know what it is now, so try again." Nightwing suggested as he sat up straight in his seat.

The young halfa gave a nod as he took in another calming breath. "Okay…" It didn't take long for the ring to appear again, and this time it separated several inches before falling back and disappearing. Will let out a tired breath. "Is it supposed to be hard?" He asked as he looked up at Phantom who seemed deep in thought.

"No…" He stated rather curiously. "It should be the easiest thing, but… I don't know, it's like you're stuck."

"Stuck?" He quoted.

"What do you mean by that Danny?" Nightwing questioned with confusion that matched the others.

"You know, like how your parents always say not to make the same face too long or it'll stay that way? He's stuck. He's spent too much time in his ghost form; at least two weeks, but probably a lot longer." Danny explained as he thought about it more. "I don't like to spend more than a day in mine either."

"Then how can I get unstuck!?" Will asked in a groan.

Danny raised a hand to his chin. "Well…. I may have something, but-"

"Anything!" Will shouted as he got a little too close to the elder halfa. "Anything to be back to normal!"

Danny raised a brow with an undertone of annoyance. "You shouldn't be so quick to jump on a solution especially if you don't know what it is."

Will furrowed his brow. "But if it's the only option, what's wrong with that? I don't want to be like this one minute longer than I have too! I wanna go home!"

Danny let out a sigh as he relented. "Fine, but you asked for it."

Mt. Justice – May 9

Because his time in Star Labs seemed fruitless, Dr. Wilcox had no problems allowing Nightwing to take Will back, and it was only temporary since they didn't know how being human would effect his tests in the lab. The teen in question was more than happy to return to the cave if it meant being normal, and the longer the teen waited, the more it annoyed Danny. He couldn't help thinking about how he was back in the beginning. How he was ever that stupid was beyond him, but Will does still have a choice.

Upon their arrival back at the cave, Dani and Beast Boy were jazzed to see them. Dani had gotten her things together since Danny deemed it safe for her to go back to living with Jazz. He'd arranged for some better protection anyway. "Danny!" She called as she ran over to him. "What was taking you so long? Jazz tried to call you know."

"Sorry, but we're not quite done yet to be honest." Danny apologized as the others came out of the Zeta tubes one by one.

Both Dani and Gar were confused when Will had come back with them. "Will?"

The young halfa turned to the familiar teen and waved. "Oh hey Beast Boy."

"What are you doing back here?" Gar asked as he walked up to him.

"I'll be right back Will. Just stay here." He then turned to Dani. "I'll take you back home as soon as I'm done with him alright?" She seemed cool as he walked down the hall to his room.

"So what exactly is his plan?" Nightwing wondered aloud. "Something that can force you to change back?"

Black Canary seemed to agree. "I could scarcely imagine, but it would make sense."

"I don't care what it is, as long as I'm normal again."

Nightwing furrowed his brow. "Be careful Will, I doubt this is a permanent solution. Phantom already said there was no way you could permanently get rid of your powers."

Will crossed his arms. "Then I'll ignore them. All I need to do is stay human, and problem solved." After a few minutes, Danny came back up the hall. "Finally! Come on already." Will insisted as he dashed up to him.

"I'm going to ask you again, are you sure you're willing to do anything?"

Will seemed exasperated by the question. "For the hundredth time yes! Now get on with it!"

Danny shook his head in disappointment before pulling out a small device. The end split into two and sparks started to fly from it. As soon as Danielle noticed what it was she stepped further back. "Is that…?"

Danny nodded. "Yeah, it's one of the fruitloop's Plasmius Maximus prods." He then gestured it towards Will who seemed a bit uneasy at this point. "Just so you know, this will hurt, and I don't mean a little bit either." He quickly jabbed Will with the device and the charge spread like wild fire over the boy's spiky fur. He let out a scream of pain as the shock crackled through him, but it died out after about a minute. He fell back and hit the ground hard just as the last of the electricity danced over him. Seconds later the ring appeared as Danny intended it to, and this time it spread over his entire form. The once monstrous teen now appeared as an average scrawny teen though he was only wearing a pair of grey shorts. The only hair on his body that could be seen was the short wiry red hair on his head, and no horns to speak of.

"Is he okay?" Canary asked as she approached in worry.

Danny moved to squat next to him with a confident expression. "Yeah, he'll be fine. Maybe a bit disoriented, but fine. He won't have to worry about his powers for the next few hours."

So Will is now back to "normal" but there's more to it than that right Danny? Anyway, I hope this chapter didn't annoy anyone. I know it was OC centric, but like I said, he needed more grounding in the story. I also gave Danny and Nightwing a moment as well. Since Danny only told everyone that Plasmius was an evil ghost who could be helping the light, I felt Nightwing, if anyone, should be the one to know more. Next chapter will follow "the runaways" and I put an extra twist on that little team up scene. (I replaced someone, but you'll have to wait to find out)

On a side note, the rumor about the net is that YJ may get a third season after all. Netflix is supposedly looking into themselves (which seems more evident since they finally put the second season online) and are seeing how popular the shows first two seasons are to see if it's worth it. Now, I'm not claiming to be an informed source, but it seems very plausible to me. For this to occur though 2 things must happen:

1 - It has to have had enough hits in its first two seasons. (I'm rewatching it myself for this point)

2 - Warner Bros has to allow it. (This one seems harder, and I don't know what their opinion is, but some of the cast has already jumped at the idea)

As always I really appreciate thoughts and comments! Thx for reading!=^-^=