Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own idea for this story.
Fenton-Works: Danny and Amber;
"Yo Dipstick, what is the new fun activity in this place? It's been a long ass time since I've been 'alive' so I have no fucking idea what people do anymore," Amber asked as she walked across the hall into my room to see me sprawled out on my bed still. "You alright there?"
"I'm alright Ember. I mean Amber. Fuck it you know what I mean," I tell her, wanting to be left alone. "I'm not one of the cool kids at school, or, at least I used to be a loser. The most me, Tucker and s-Sam did was either watch movies, play some video games and go to the mall. When we weren't fighting ghosts that is," I say, sighing as my voice cracks on Sam's name. Damn, I figured I'd be better by now. It's not like we can't still be friends. She is one of the only two best friends I fucking have.
"Still hurting? I kinda understand because of shit that happened to me the first time I was alive. Damn that is strange to say," Amber admits as she sits down on the edge of my bed. I roll over and sit up to look her in her eyes. "He was the star jock at the school at the time, everyone wanted to be with him. I was a nobody, no one hardly knew my name. So when he came up to me and asked to go to the movies, I said yes. There was my biggest crush, ever, asking me out! I showed up in the best dress I had that my mom would let me wear and waited, and waited. I was there for almost five fucking hours. I kept thinking that he was late and he'd have a great story to explain why. I finally realized I had been pranked and ran home crying. My parents had left on a business call and had left me something on the stove. I, of course, didn't know that so I didn't even think to check and make sure everything was off. All I know is I wanted to be known, to have someone recognize me as someone instead of just another random person you see everyday. Which is why when I woke up in the Zone I saw my guitar, and Clockwork helping get used to being dead. I looked at the time-orb he had and saw that I was killed by the stove burning the house down. So I decided I would use the guitar and a new name to become what I wanted most," Amber said as she stared off into space, lost in a time long past. I gaped, open mouthed, as she poured out her story.
"Damn Amber, I'm so sorry. That guy was an asshole. I'd never do that to you," I tell her confidently. "And to be perfectly honest the only reason I became a Halfa instead of a full ghost was because I needed to protect my friends both from a threat no one knew about at the time and at school from Dash. I think it affected the process, along with Clockwork, and instead of dying fully I just became a Halfa, allowing me both worlds to do what I needed," I tell her. After that story I definitely feel safe telling her my half-death story.
"Who knew, the Dipstick was a hero even before the powers," Ember smirked as she transformed into her ghost-half. "Want to go for a fly? It might help both of us get out of the past."
"I'm down for that," I smile as I transform and yell down to my mom that we were going out.
….
"So that was fun, I totally won the race though!" I laugh as we land behind the mall and transform back. "Want to head in? We've got some cash for food and some purchases thanks to mom and our publicity," I ask Amber.
"Sure! Sounds like fun! I let you win by the way, I was holding back the last quarter mile to make you feel good," Amber says cockily as we head into Amity Park Mall. "Hehe sure ya did Em, we can race back later," I tell her as I stop at the food court to get myself a burger and Amber a hotdog. "After we eat, where do you want to go next? There is the game store, multiple shopping opportunities if you want, and of course there is the goth store if you want more clothing closer to your ghost form," I inform Amber as we eat.
"Hold the fuck up a sec babypop, what the hell did you just call me?" She asks, shocked. Shit I said it out loud. "Uh, Em?" I retort, cringing, waiting for a whack on my head. "I've never had a nickname before, I guess you can call me that, if you have to," Amber says, blushing cutely. Wait the fuck up, did I just think that was cute? What the fuck. I shake my head to clear my thoughts as we finish our food.
"I am just glad you didn't hit me," I tell her honestly as we walk over to the escalator to go to the goth store. As we get close I hear a very familiar voice say, "C'mon mom you said one item! This is one item!" I hear Sam say. "Yes well that one item is extremely revealing! Pick out something else, please Samantha!" We hear from her mother.
"Damn, I can't fucking believe she got her mom to even step foot into this store. Her mom hates her 'goth streak'," I tell Amber as we walk into the store. She glances over to me and asks, "Are you going to be alright meeting her?" "Yeah, I'll be fine. I wanted to talk to her anyway," I tell her, flashing a grin. We walk in as Sam and her mom are leaving with a purchase. "Hey Sam! Can I talk with you a sec? Go ahead in Em, this won't take long, promise!" I ask Sam as I look back at Amber.
"Sure Danny, I actually need to talk to you too," Sam says as she and I walk a fair distance away. "Go ahead, Sam. Ladies first and all that," I reply cheekily as she chuckles. "I was thinking about what I said last night and I realized that I love you more as a brother than anything else and I hope we can go back to being best friends instead of boyfriend and girlfriend?" She starts out with and I sigh in relief. "I was about to say the same thing. You're like a better, less annoying sister and I want my best friend back!" I smile at her. "Come by for games and pizza tomorrow?" I ask as we hug and I get a confirmation.
"So what's with the "Em" for Amber? Are you already crushing? Damn, should I be hurt Fenton?" Sam asks as she slugs me in the shoulder. I chuckle at her, "I don't think I am but I'll let it play out and hope for the best." "Fair enough, see y'all both tomorrow and maybe Tuck will surface and manage to stop by too!" Sam calls as she walks away. Little did I know, someone had heard the whole conversation and decided to mess with me.
I go back into the store in search of Amber as I see her come out of a dressing room wearing little more than a sports bra with my Phantom logo on it and extremely short shorts. "Oh hey Dipstick! Like the look?" She smirks as I stop dead. FUCKING HELL I'M GOING TO DIE FULLY. "Dammit Amber! What the hell? I mean, yeah you look fucking drop dead hot but if mom sees this at all we both are going to be in hot water!" I tell her as I quickly push her back into the changing room. "Get changed and let's go!" I tell her through the door as my face heats up. I hear laughter as Amber comes out trying to catch her breath.
"Your face was fucking hilarious! I can't believe that worked!" She cries as I grumble to myself as we walk out of the store. "Oh I wish I got that on film! That shit was comfortable as hell too! Maybe I'll get it as sleepwear," She says suggestively. "Nope! Fuck this shit, I'll see you at home!" I yell as I transform, go invisible and fly away. I manage to hear one last comment before I leave the mall. "Oh well, there will be more time to get to know the hero. He's pretty cute himself too."
"Fucking hell having a potential crush living with you and they have a sick sense of humor to boot? This might've been a bad idea," I mutter to myself as I reach my room after flying home from the mall. "Danny is that you? Did Ember come back with you? Did you have a good time?" my mom asks as she hears the commotion from my room. "Yeah mom it's me. No I flew off and yeah I had a great time!" I tell her. I walk over to my computer to play some games while I try and get the image of Ember in that outfit out of my head. I just hope she didn't buy it. And if she did buy it, I hope she knows to hide it from mom. I hear Ember's door open across the hall and I ignore it until I hear my door open with the familiar, "Hey babypop. How was your flight?"
"Oh hey Ember, my flight was good, the cool breeze definitely helped. How was the rest of your shopping trip, dare I ask?" "Oh I'm glad you asked, ya know, you ain't that bad looking' yourself. My shopping trip went well, found some new outfits for both halves and I think I might go back to the Zone and see if anything has died down, though if it is okay with your mom and you, I wouldn't mind keeping my human side stuff here? I like having a place in both worlds, it makes it easier. I haven't had a concert recently so I'm low on funds, otherwise I'd just get my own place," She explains as she plops down on my bed looking over at me.
"Well, you could always just do another concert, especially now since everyone knows you're no longer trying to take over anything. If it'll help, I can call and have the press swarming for global coverage and make them give you five percent of their proceeds from the views. And if I promise to be there to help sign autographs and shit, everyone will be watching." I tell her, shrugging my shoulders. She looks over at me in shock and what I think is appreciation.
"Why would you want to even help me? Sure you turned me into a Halfa, but why go through all of this trouble just for me? You've already made up for your fuck up, you don't owe me anything." Ember asks, looking at me warily. "Look, you're a friend, whether you want to be or not. It's true I think I have a crush on you but at the end of the day, I'm the 'Hero of Amity Park' it is literally my job to help people, besides, I actually want to help," I say while rubbing the back of my head sheepishly. As we sit there uncomfortably, both of us release a mist from our mouths.
"I'm assuming that means there is a ghost around here?" Ember asks me as I transform into my Phantom side. "Yeah, that means there is a ghost nearby. Want to come with me or stay here?" I ask her as I start to float. "Eh, what the hell. I'll join you on your endeavor!" Ember says as she goes to follow me out of the house. We take off and make it to Amity Park where we see multiple people trapped to trees and the ground with multiple green ectonets. "Wanna bet that it's Skulker?" I jokingly say as I start freeing the hostages. "If it is, he must be using a quickly made suit. I destroyed the remaining scrap of his old one when I released him," Ember informs me as we finish releasing the people.
"Hey! Asshole! Get out here already? Or are you too scared for a round two?" I yell out hoping to wound his ego. "Ghost-child, why did you free my hostages? No matter, I, Skulker, the great-" "We get it, 'greatest hunter of the Ghost Zone' just shut the hell up already!" Ember says, sighing. Damn, she beat me to it. "How's your face feeling after that beautiful rocket barrage? I'd just like to know if you need a reminder!" Skulker yells as he fires off more rockets. This time we are both ready and turn intangible while glaring at him.
"That was bad even for you," we both say together, startling both of us. "I think you need to cool off!" I say as I blast Skulker with an ice ray, freezing his arm. "Actually I think he needs to burn!" Ember retorts as she applies her fire to the frozen part of the suit, instantly imploding the metal. Damn this is easier than just by myself. "Nice one Em!" I high five her, "I think it's time for this asshole to go back to the Zone."
"I will always hunt you Phantom. Nothing will stop that, except the annual Christmas truce. You, Ember, on the other hand will never be welcomed back into the Zone. You have twenty-four hours before Technus, Box Ghost, Lunch Lady, Aragon and myself go to destroy your personal dimension. That is why I came, to give you a message," Skulker smirked.
Fucking hell, this isn't good. I caused this shit to happen to her. "Alright that is enough!" I yell at Skulker as I get ready to try duplicating. Let's hope this works! I manage to actually duplicate successfully and my copy drags Ember away. "Dipstick what the fuck?" She screams. "You'll thank him later, he's pissed and when he's pissed, it gets cold, and very loud," my clone tells her. "Oh shit, yeah I'm going back to Fenton-Works, fuck that," Ember says after realizing what is going to happen. I watch her fly away and my clone disappears.
"Now it's just you and me, tincan. Let's see how you like being a popsicle!" I freeze his suit before he can break away and proceed to use my Ghostly Wail. I watch as his suit shatters and he falls to the ground, fifty feet below us. I swoop down with the thermos and catch him. "You aren't going anywhere until twenty-five hours from now you little shit," I tell him as I land, transform and shake the thermos around. I hope Ember won't blame me, though she has every right to. I'll just leave her alone after making sure she is okay. After I get back to the house, I open the door to see a crying Amber getting hugged by my mom.
"Hey Em, are you going to be alright?" I ask as I put the thermos down in the lab and come back upstairs. "I'm sorry for this whole mess. This is my fault," I tell her, rubbing the back of my neck. "What is left in your place there, besides your guitar?"
"I'll be fine. Don't blame yourself, hero. It was bound to happen after they saw that video of me transforming in front of the school. And the last of my cash and some clothes are left," Ember says, drying her eyes and looking up at me. "Let's go get them, and if we see anyone along the way, well, lets just say they won't like the results," I say, flashing my eyes green. I see her crack a smirk and I smile back, offering my hand. "Let's do this babypop!" She exclaims as we head down to the lab. "Be safe you two! Do I need to text Sam and Tucker in case you guys need back-up?" My mom asks from the top of the stairs. "Sure mom, sounds good. Thanks!" I tell her as the portal opens and we both transform and disappear into the swirling green vortex.
As we stepped through the portal to the floating, swirling, glowing green of the Ghost Zone, we immediately noticed the signs posted with vulgar messages towards Ember and myself.
"Well, welcome back I guess, let's get going," I tell her as we head deeper into the Zone. I look around, re-familiarizing myself with the different plots, doors and islands. I know we are getting close to Ember's place when we pass Kitty and Johnny's place. "Do you want to stop in?" I ask her, looking over to her stoic expression. "Do you really want to interrupt their sex time or they might not even be there. Let's leave them alone, I can come back later," She tells me, bluntly. I blush, nod my head and keep going. Note to self, always knock before visiting Kitty and Johnny. We fly along in silence until we see a giant, technological monstrosity in-front of Ember's door.
"Ember, what the fuck is this?" I ask her as we approach. "I was hoping Skulker wasn't serious. This is a creation of Skulker, Technus and, surprisingly, Box Ghost. This is what they use to destroy realms. I've never participated but I've watched it work after certain ghosts have either moved on or have just vanished. It normally takes a lot of energy to use, probably why Skulker told us all of those ghosts would be helping. But, since we are Halfas, one of us might feel about half of our power drain and power the machine just fine. You might not feel that big of a pull at all. Halfas are dangerous, we are on a completely different level then most ghosts and they fucking hate us for it," She says, letting a tear fall.
"I'm sorry, I never knew how much stronger I really was. I apologize for causing all of this Em, I never meant for this. I just wanted to make sure you would actually live, I didn't want to lose you, even if you were technically an enemy at the time I think there was a part of me that liked you even back then. How does it draw energy? Do you just touch it and it starts?" I question as I move closer to investigate. "Yeah pretty much babypop. You touch it and it starts pulling the energy needed to start the process. Don't think I wasn't listening, you like me huh?" She smirks as I whirl around, blushing. Fuck! I'm stupid, of course she'd pick up on that! It's not like I can deny it, I've always found her to be attractive, even when I was with Sam. "I uh, uh fuck it. Yes, I like you. I probably have for awhile and just didn't realize it. I'm a fucking dunce when it comes to recognizing feelings, just ask Sam and Tucker. So, Ember McLain, after we get your stuff, would you like to go on a date in the human realm? And not the Supernatural world, I fell into that place once and almost got fucking exorcised," I chuckle as I look at her. She looks back with a blush. No fucking way! I, Danny "No good with women" Fenton/Phantom, made Ember McLain blush! Hell yeah!
"Sure, Danny, I'll go on a date with ya. Though we should go to that Supernatural place sometime, sounds like it could be fun!" She says as she launches herself over and hugs me. I chuckle as I return the hug and we head into her place. She opens the door to reveal a living room with an awesome looking couch, a huge-ass television, and guitar holders galore. I notice her head towards a door to the side of the main room and realize that must be her bedroom. "I'll stay out here on the couch, If you need me to help with anything let me know. Shit, I'll even help you carry this bomb ass couch back if you want," I tell her as I flop down. She laughs at me, nods and continues into her room.
One Hour Later;
"Hey Dipstick, I'm ready to go and I think your friends are here," I hear as I get nudged awake from my nap. I hear the engines shutting down from the Specter Speeder as we head outside.
"Hey guys! Mom get ahold of you?" I ask as I decide to be cheeky and take Ember's free hand. I feel her tense and then relax. Wow, her hand is soft, and warm. I shake my head and smile and my two best friends who are looking at our joined hands and then shrug and hold each others hands too.
"Holy shit, when did that happen?" Ember asks as she notices them. "I mean, good for you but aren't you extreme recyclo-vegetarian and aren't you the meat connoisseur of Amity Park?" She squeals as she rushes over to fist bump both of them. I laugh at her antics and float over to join them.
"Well actually, we were talking.." "Shocker!" "Shut it Danny! Anyway, we got to talking and realized we wanted to give it a try and it just happened like three hours ago but it feels right," Sam says. "Yeah, I just hope I can live up to her standards, and not let my mouth get the best of me," Tuck adds. 'Well, I'm happy for y'all, just no major PDA in my house, please!" I say, laughing along with them.
"Hey! Since you guys are dating, want to double date tomorrow? Ember agreed to a date with me once we pick up all her stuff.!" I ask them all, hoping Ember won't mind.
"You sure you want two strong headed girls around Danny, I mean, we saw you could barely handle Sam," Tucker says and proceeds to get hit in the arm by Sam. "Ow! What the hell woman! It's the truth!"
"Just because it's true, Tucker, doesn't mean you have to say it," Ember stats angrily flaring her hair. "I don't have an issue with a double date babypop, I'm assuming the movies and dinner?"
"Yeah, sounds good!" I say as I lean up against the ghost machine. I feel a strange tingling and a somewhat significant power drop and I bolt upright, cursing. "Fuck! I forgot! I'm so fucking sorry Em! At least we got all your stuff, right?" I look up at her, hoping I don't get hit, while Sam and Tucker look at the machine warily. Ember sighs and lightly punches my shoulder.
"It'll have to be okay, I guess. I still find you cute so don't worry there, the date is still on," She tells me as I breathe out in relief as we watch a beam appear and proceed to tear through the door like it was a hot knife cutting through butter. "Bye old house, thanks for the memories!" Ember says as we watch the last of the door disappear and the machine turn off and start heading back to its main home.
"Want a ride back in the Speeder?" Tuck asks after a bit. "Sure Tuck, that sounds great." We pile into the Speeder and set Ember's things and her guitar up where they won't get damaged by anything and head off to the Fenton Portal and home.
When we get back home, Ember and I say goodbye to Sam and Tuck and proceed to cart her things up to her room. While we are putting her things away, my ghost sense goes off.
"Hey Em, can you handle things here? I'm going to go check out the ghost that just showed up," I tell her. I get a nod and I smile. I proceed to transform and fly through the wall. "Now, where is that ghost? Probably just Box Ghost or Skulker again," I muse to myself as I go towards the area where I think the ghost to be. I find myself over the park when I'm hit from behind.
"Hello Whelp! Did you miss me?" I hear from behind me. "Oh great, you're back. What do you want, Skulker?" I sigh, turning around. As I turn, I feel dread creep up. Oh no… "Why do you look like that?" I ask fearfully, looking around hoping to not see anyone else.
"You like it, Whelp? I, Technus, the greatest inventor, combined my superior knowledge into Skulker's superior firepower!" I hear as Technus pops up on a display on Skulker's armor. Oh thank fuck. I thought they somehow bled through from that reality.
"I think it's going to be even easier to beat both of your asses now!" I quip, readying an ice blast. "Though I am curious, what gave you the idea for this fusion?"
"Don't you know Whelp? The thing broke out of Clockwork's tower. He came to us and told us how to do this. Clockwork erased him afterwards but he still had some good advice. He left a message… for you," Skulker grinned, sadistically. I watch a screen pop up and I'm filled with fear for the first time in a long time.
"Hello younger me. Hope you haven't forgotten what can happen. I told Skulker and Technus about this lovely combo to remind you I was here. I won't be around much longer but it was worth it. Just remember, if Plasmius comes back, he will be pining for blood. Even more than me. And with that reminder, I hope you get what's coming to you soon. Bye," Dark Dan says as the screen goes black and disappears back into the armor.
"We'll leave you to think about things and thanks for making it easy to destroy Ember's realm. Helped us out a lot. See you later ghost-child," Skulker says as they disappear. I fly off, breaking the sound barrier as I launch towards Sam's house, hoping Sam and Tucker are both there. Please let Skulker be the only one Dan got to! Dammit I need to go faster! I pour on even more speed until I see her house, I go intangible and almost hit the wall anyway. I make it into her room to see both of them half undressed on her bed. I'm using this later.
"Yo, lovebirds! We got a problem!" I yell as I watch them jump apart.
"Danny! What the fuck! What happened?" Sam asks as she picks up her bra and tank top. "Yeah bro, what's wrong? Was that you that made that loud-ass bang we heard like five seconds ago?" Tucker asks.
"Yeah I kinda broke the sound-barrier. That's not important right now, Skulker and Technus combined into one form. They got a tip from an enemy I thought I had put away for good. I just needed to make sure you two were okay. I panicked," I tell them as I rub the back of my head. I think it's time I tell everyone just who Dark Dan was. "After you two are done fucking, which, not in my house, ever, please, meet me at my house, I've been hiding this enemy for a long time from y'all. I'll apologize later but right now I just want you to listen, okay?" I get a nervous nod from my two blushing friends and I turn and fly away. I fly home dreading what everyone's reaction will be. I wonder what Ember will think of me when she hears what I did. I make it home and head down to the lab.
"Hey mom, dad? Can you meet me up in the kitchen soon? There's something I need to tell you. Sam and Tucker are coming too," I inform them.
"Sure Danny-o! We'll be up there soon! I wonder if we have any fudge?" My dad trails off as they finish up what they are working on. I chuckle and go intangible to reach the floor with mine and Ember's room. I knock on the door and it opens almost immediately. I lose my train of thought when I see that she must have gotten hot moving everything and changed into shorts with a sports bra. "Damn Em, I never knew that you're human side was this hot, how did you never get noticed before? Anyways before I do something neither of us are anywhere near ready for, I need you to come down to the kitchen, there's something you need to know," I tell her as she blushes.
"Alright Dipstick, I'll be down soon, sure you don't want me to just come down in this?" She asks seductively with a wink and a smirk. "Trust me, I need to be able to think," I say as I go intangible and use my ice powers to calm down. She's going to be the half-death of me. I make it down to the kitchen in time to see Sam and Tucker come bursting into the room.
"Hey guys, we are going to wait for mom, dad and Ember. I should probably tell Jazz too but I think I'll let mom or dad tell her, I'm only going to be able to stomach this once," I inform them as we sit down at the table. Mom, dad and Ember all come from their respective directions and to my relief and embarrassment Ember put on a Phantom t-shirt.
"Alright Danny, what's wrong?" my mom asks as they all sit down and dad grabs the fudge.
I sigh, getting ready to tell them about my biggest failure, "You guys know how I have never been defeated completely before? Well, that's not entirely true. There is one enemy I've never been able to beat and I still consider that battle a loss. Remember a couple years back when I almost cheated on that CAT? Well, originally I did cheat, but the consequence to me cheating was that the Nasty Burger blew up, with everyone here and Jazz inside, except for Ember, that's a different part that I am getting to. The explosion drove me to Vlad, who felt bad enough for me that he ripped the human part away from my ghost-half. Well, when he did that my ghost-half took his half. They combined. The new ghostly Dan had all of mine and Vlad's strength and "none of the human weakness" as he put it. He killed my human half and almost killed Vlad's," I tell them. I trail off, remembering Vlad's haunting look as he informs me of what happened. "After those two combine, he proceeds to go on a rampage in the Ghost Zone and the Mortal world. The form that Skulker and Technus took today was the one they had in the other reality to try and combat my evil self, to no avail. Box Ghost became buff and got with Lunch Lady and had a daughter named Box Lunch. And you Em, I'm so sorry, you had your vocal cords ripped out and your guitar broken and had taken to eating everything in sight to try and cope. Even Walker had been destroyed. Amity Park was protected by a ghost shield made by Valerie and her father. I made it to Amity in time to watch the shield fall and Dan start razing everything to the ground. The way he killed, the way I could only sit there, bleeding while I watched him murder, it scares me to this day that I could even potentially become that. If it wasn't for Clockwork helping me out, I would've cheated and caused all of that to become the actual reality. I managed to learn how to make copies of myself and how to use the Ghostly Wail successfully when I fought him. That's how I managed to get him into a Fenton Thermos and make that reality not exist," I say. I remember the slaughter and shiver. Everyone around me is pale and shaking, staring at me.
"If it wasn't for Dark Dan breaking out of the Thermos and making it to Skulker and Technus before Clockwork erased him, I probably would have never told any of you this story. I consider this as my greatest loss and my greatest shame. Ember if you want to find somewhere else to go, I understand. Sam, Tuck, if you want to leave, I'm sorry. Mom and dad, please know I'd never do any of that, become that ever," I say, tearing up finally looking at each of them in the eyes. I'm shocked into silence as, as one, they all get up and surround me in a hug. I feel a kiss on both my cheeks from Sam and Ember with a kiss on my head from mom. "We thought you were too quiet the next few weeks after that test, no wonder as to why now. We understand why you hid this son but you should have told us. I just hate you went through this alone," mom tells me as they let go. I look up to Ember, nervous to her reaction.
"I guess I know why the ghosts that came to Amity were returned so beat up that week, you were wanting to be left alone. Don't worry babypop I'll stick around, you've grown on me. Just never let yourself become that and we will all be alright," She says, giving one of her rare, true smiles.
"We did kinda wonder why you were so damn clingy afterwards, I guess we know now. Relax dude, you have us now and always, we aren't going anywhere," Tuck tells me as he and Sam slug me on the arm. I feel a weight lift off my shoulders that I had gotten used to for so long. I smile at all of them and wipe away the tears. "I love you mom, dad. Thank you guys for always being here, all of you. Sam and Tucker, you two have always been here for me and for that I am grateful. Ember, I know we never thought this would end up happening, but honestly, I wouldn't change what happened to you on that day with Skulker, well except you almost dying, that was definitely a horrible thing, but I am glad you are here now. Thank all of you for staying," I say as I hug each of them in turn, lingering in Amber's embrace. I glance at the clock and see that my story took almost four hours and that it is almost midnight.
"Damn, who knew time flies when pouring out your soul, huh? If y'all want you can stay here tonight, Tuck with me, Sam with Ember if you want?" I ask them, getting nods in approval. We all hug one last time before heading upstairs and going to bed.
After telling my family about Dark Dan and the emotional hug session afterwards, we all went off to bed. I woke up around ten o'clock the next morning to see Tucker, Sam and Amber hanging out in my room with Amber tuning and strumming a tune on her guitar.
"I know y'all are my best friends and all but really guys? Watching me sleep is a new low, even for you Tucker," I mumble as I sit up, stretching. I laugh as they all jump and look towards me. "So what's the plan for today? Besides letting me sleep in," I ask as I stand up and give Tuck, Sam and Amber a fist bump.
"Well, we were all talking and how about a dinner date at a nice restaurant in town? I can get reservations easily since all four of us are famous. Afterwards we can go watch one of the new films in the theater and call it a night to get ready for semesters next week," Sam tells me as I get some nicer than usual clothes out to go shower and change.
"As long as everyone else agrees I think that sounds pretty good," I give my agreement as I walk out my door and turn down the hall to the bathroom and hear giggling behind me. I sigh and turn intangible as I phase back into my room to see Amber transform into her ghost-half with a shit-eating grin and a mischievous look in her eye. Yup, thought that was her.
"Hey Em, no peeking. I've never peaked on you and I'd appreciate the same courtesy, I think sometimes you forget I have the same abilities," I say as I become visible, staring at her as she transforms back.
"Dammit Dipstick, you're no fun," She pouts at me as I leave again to take a shower.
….
After finishing up in the shower I come out in tan slacks, dress shoes and a loose red polo. I walk into my room to see Tucker there by himself dressed up as well too. "Where'd the girls get off to? They go to Em's room to get ready?" I ask Tuck as I see he is in the same outfit I'm in except with a purple polo instead.
"Yeah, Sam told me to wait here after changing. I got a feeling we are going to match our dates," Tuck says as we surf the web searching for anything interesting while we wait.
"Damn right we are matching!" Amber says as I turn around and immediately lose all brain function. Amber and Sam are both wearing crop-tops that match the colors of Tucker and I, but after that, the styles are all their own. Amber has a black, open faced jacket with ripped skinny jeans and her ghostly rocker boots while Sam has her plaid skirt, combat boots, and a dark gray overcoat left open.
"So how do we look boys?" Amber asks, while high-fiving with Sam. "Y'all look drop dead fucking gorgeous. I'm pretty sure if I wasn't a Halfa already I'd become one now!" I jokingly quip as I finally gather my wits. I look back at Tucker who is still trying to pick up his jaw from the floor, "Obviously Tuck here agrees, he's just not as used to seeing two beauties who actually tolerate his ass." We all chuckle as Tucker finally comes out of it and rushes to hug Sam.
"Holy fuck you look awesome!" Tuck exclaims, letting go of Sam. "Glad to know we can make our special people speechless, you two clean up nicely as well," Sam remarks, scanning us.
"Yeah, who knew the Dipstick could actually clean up for once? And if he's this shocked by this outfit, he'd hate to see some of the other outfits I have," Amber smirks and winks at me, causing me to blush.
"Anyway want to watch some tv to kill time till dinner?" I ask, deliberately changing the subject. I see nods from everyone as we all head downstairs, each of us with interlocked arms with our respective dates.
…
As the time rolls around to head to the restaurant we hear a car pull up out front and honk twice. "Sam, did you hire a limo?" I ask her, knowing her to show off at times. "Maybe I did, maybe it's my family's personal limo that they let me borrow for tonight," She cheekily replies. I chuckle at her answer as we file out of the house and into the limo, girls first of course. We all chat quietly on the way until we arrive at the most expensive place in town, Amity Cuisine.
"Uh Sam? I know I make a lot and so does Tuck but we don't really have this kind of cash laying around," I trail off as I see her share a look at Amber and then see them both smirk. Oh shit.
"Well you see, Mister "I am the hero of the world" Phantom, after I called for availability and told them a Manson, the mayor, the hero of the world and the best ghost rocker ever wanted to make a reservation, they immediately said that the restaurant would be closed for us as a private party and the meals would be on the house. The only stipulation was they wanted you to talk to the press after we eat and describe the food," Sam informs me as I blush at my stupidity.
"Oh, right. Cool, I can give an interview I guess. Just don't expect me to go ghost or answer sexual questions about the date. Let's head inside," I offer as I open the door for my friends, following Tucker inside after the ladies. Tuck and I pull the chairs out for everyone and sit across from our dates. We get our orders placed and as we are waiting, we sit there awkwardly. Oh great, first double date, hell pretty much first date ever and it's awkward as fuck.
"So Em, how's the practice going for the concert? Manage to find who you wanted for a special?" I ask her, breaking the silence. She glances up and I see a brief flash of gratitude before her normal smirk takes its place, "Sure did Babypop! It's going swell, going to be ready for the graduation party next month!"
"Awesome! I've got everything on my end set up too, just need to drop the news on the press, which I can also do tonight now that I think about it!" I realize, thinking that the press after this might not have been all bad after all! The food finally arrives and holy shit, it is amazing. I now understand why this is the most expensive and best place in town. We finally have broken the awkward moment and talk idly while we eat our delicious steaks and pastas. After what seems to be not long at all, we all stare down at our empty plates and congratulate the chefs and wait-staff for the excellent food and service. We all leave generous tips anyways, and proceed to head to the exits to deal with the interview. I step outside last to see a podium set up with cameras for all sorts of different news channels. I take a deep breath and feel someone slide their hand into mine. I glance to my left and see that it was Amber who is smiling at me comfortingly. I smile back, squeeze her hand and step forward to the podium.
"Uh, hey everyone! I just want to say three things! One, Amity Cuisine is by far the best food I have ever had, dead or alive! The second topic is quite entertaining for everyone! I along with the government of Amity Park have green lit a graduation celebration for the current Seniors of Amity High! Of course, the lovely Ember McLain will be performing along with My Chemical Romance and a special ghostly guest that has offered to help out Ember! The third and final announcement is that we are currently heading to the perfect finish of the night, the movies! Goodnight everyone!" I finish my little speech as we all head to the limo with Ember and I make all four of us invisible until we are seated in the limo.
"Whoo I thought they were about to jump the stage! What's the movie we are going to see Sam? You never did say," I question her as we all relax. "Well, you know how Marvel Studios is starting their cinematic universe next month with Iron Man? I uh, got us a private showing!" She reveals causing Ember, Tucker and I to jump and shout with glee.
"Oh hell yeah Sam! This is going to be fucking awesome!" Tuck exclaims as he swipes her up and kisses her. I smirk at his antics and put my arm over Amber's shoulders as we share knowing glances. She looks at my arm, chuckles and snuggles in. Damn, who knew the big bad rocker was such a softy, it's cute. I reflect to myself, smiling softly. We made it to the theater, got out of the limo, and grabbed popcorn, candy and drinks to settle down to watch the start of one of the best cinematic universes in history. During the movie, everyone sits in different areas of the theater and snuggles up with our dates. After the film, we all head out on our separate ways home, which means Em and I took to the skies while Tuck and Sam walked together. We make it to the front steps and look at each other.
"I had an awesome night with you Em, I don't think I could even picture a date as awesome as that with anyone else," I tell her honestly as I grab her hand. She smiles at me and retorts, "Well you know what'll make it perfect?"
"What can make tonight any better?" My dumbass asks, confused. She sighs in exasperation.
"This will, Dipstick!" She smarts off as she leans in and kisses me. OH HOLY FUCK YES! I scream in my head as I feel both of us melt into the kiss. We pull away and rest our foreheads together, smiling. "Damn Em, that was something otherworldly. Too bad we still need to breathe," I chuckle as we head inside. I kiss her again as we go upstairs to head to bed.
"Ember, I've been wanting to ask for awhile now, will you make me the happiest Halfa and become my girlfriend?" I ask her while holding her around the waist in the hallway. "After that kiss? Hell yeah Babypop, just make sure you keep time for me in that busy hero schedule," she jokes. I laugh and swing her around.
I give her one more long, searing kiss before setting her down and letting her go. "Goodnight Em," I say, smiling sweetly. "Goodnight Danny," she smiles as we shut our respective doors and collapse on our beds, drifting off to sleep while thinking of the kiss and the events of the night.
One Month Later:
After that wonderful first date, time seemed to speed up, making the ending month of school fly by. We ended up having a few more dates as a group and alone with our respective betters. I look up at my mom and dad who are crying while smiling at me in graduation robes.
"You finally graduated Danny-o! We are so proud of everything you have done," dad says as he picks us all up in a big, group hug.
"Yeah little brother, you finally managed to pass with acceptable grades!" Jazz says as she ruffles my hair, "Hey by the way, where is Ember at?"
"Oh yeah! She is getting ready for her concert tonight after the graduation ceremony," I inform them.
"How is that going to go exactly? I know there will be a huge surprise but what is it?" "Nope, not gonna tell you sis!" I got to go, I will see you all there. Love you guys!" I tell them one last time before I leave. As I transform I get a cold feeling, as if someone has walked over my grave. Wonder what that was about, hopefully nothing sinister. I shiver and the feeling passes. I race to get to the football stadium on time and make it just in time to yell, "Here!" as Mr. Lancer calls on me for attendance.
"Grapes of Wrath! Mr. Fenton, I am glad you arrived on time but please, more of a warning before you just yell out would be appreciated. Now, I know you all are probably glad to finally be moving on to bigger and better things with your lives than high school but I want you all to know I am proud to call you my students and I hope tonight will be as awe-inspiring for you as it will be for me, good luck!" Mr. Lancer tells us as we all get slightly emotional. After the band plays the school's alma mater, we take our seats for the longest speech by the principal ever. After she is done, we get to certifications. "Danny Fenton!" I smirk as I jump up on stage. Might as well show off a little bit. "I'm going ghost!" I transform as I watch the familiar white rings transform me into my ghost half.
"Last transformation as a high school student, it feels good!" I chuckle, receiving chuckles and whistles from the crowd as I transform back, accepting my graduation certificate. I shake the principal's hand and give Mr. Lancer a hug, after all, we've been through a lot the past four years. After everyone is through receiving their diplomas, ghostly smoke escapes my mouth and I turn around, smirking. I hear gasps of shock as news crews and a ghost stage show up out of nowhere.
"Took ya long enough Babypop! Who's ready to rock?!" Ember shouts out to the crowd as the band starts a very familiar tune. "Before we start Back in Black I think we need two more special guests! Bon Scott and Malcolm Young, let's go!" Em yells as two of the past members of AC/DC show up in a smoke explosion. I along with the crowd go nuts. I transform and fly up on-stage and take Ember in my arms and give her a searing kiss right there in front of everyone as AC/DC keeps on rocking.
"I love you Rocker girl, let's do this right," I cheekily smile at her as she gets her bearings back. "You certainly are a bold one tonight Babypop, let's do it!" She responds as we fly above everyone. I shoot an ice ray as she hits a cord and launches a fire attack at me. The two attacks collide, creating smoke screens and fireworks for everyone. We laugh and keep the concert going well into the night. As the last song, Remember starts playing, there is a giant explosion, not caused by us, next to the stadium. Everyone stops and stares. I glance at Em as we both nod and fly towards the impact. We get there to see the strangest sight. Clockwork is there, helping a man wearing a purple robe with glittering silver stars, and a weird looking bird perched on his shoulder. They notice our presence as Clockwork changes to his Elderly form, "Ah Daniel and Ember, our two heros. Your story is only just beginning. Please, go with Mr. Dumbledore, he along with Harry Potter needs your help. Ghosts are starting to run rampant over in their reality and there is a war on the horizon. As the new Ghost King, you are obligated to go as your subjects are apart of the new war. Some old enemies will be making an appearance too."
I stand there shaking, remembering the one time I made the mistake of getting into a war in the Supernatural reality. I feel Ember take my hand and I squeeze. She squeezes back, looking at me worriedly.
"You know how I said never go into the Supernatural reality after I showed you their door in the Ghost Zone? Well there was a war there that I was drug into. I'd rather not be in another one. Clockwork, if we do this, how badly will our home be affected? I don't want this reality to become unsafe," I ask as I turn to him.
"Do not worry Daniel, I shall have Frostbite, Pandora, Kitty and Lady Dora monitoring the portal along with your friends and family keeping an eye out on this side of the portal. Will you go? I understand you don't want to get into another war but we don't have a choice if we want to protect all these different realities like you told me you wanted to do. Dumbledore should be able to manage to get you two situated at Hogwarts as last minute transfers into fifth year. I will have to de-age you to keep up appearances and I will give you access to magic to fit in."
"Alright Clockwork, I'll go. I just hope I won't regret this," I sigh as I look to Ember, "Will you go with me? Watch my back, I watch yours?" I see her give her signature smirk and I know she'll stand with me. "Of course I will Dipstick. Who else can make sure you'll come back in one piece?" She asks as she slugs me in the arm. I give her a quick kiss and look towards Dumbledore who has been silently watching the entire proceedings with twinkling eyes.
"Alright Mr. Dumbledore, how is this going to work?"
"Quite simply my boy, you will grab onto Fawkes' tail feathers, one each, and we shall proceed to travel to my office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Dumbledore replies as Ember and I step forward.
"Good luck Phantom, you're going to need it," Clockwork says as he vanishes. I breathe deeply, steel myself and grab onto Fawkes' tail feather. I see Ember do the same and I feel an immense heat, followed by a bright light engulfing us, and then, nothing.
To be continued!