Bruised

Chapter Two

A Hint of Abuse

Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.

~James Madison

Bruce clicked his pen and wondered if his boys were right with his collection of blue-eyed and black-haired kids that he seen potential in.

Daniel Fenton.

Seventeen.

3.28 GPA.

Clumsy, yet graceful.

Reported with random bruising, and Bruce looked over the file once more. It was definitely weird since Amity Park was a bit of an odd town.

They'd had reports of attacks and had asked for Justice League help. But there was no evidence that anything was going on there. It'd been completely clean other than some damage that was determined to be from the last invasion.

The town was marked as a scam to try to get themselves on the map.

Even if it was considered a literal Ghost Town since they thought that ghosts were the ones attacking.

It was insane.

Although Danny's parents considered themselves Ghost Hunters.

Bruce knew that they had been contracted by the government for a job.

He hacked into the GIW and just had more questions.

There was no way this should have gotten by the League. It wasn't even that well-guarded, but apparently the government believed ghosts existed and had a whole department like AGRUS to handle it.

"Are you still researching young Daniel?" Alfred asked he set down the tea he brought for Bruce. The man nodded as he looked over the computer screen where he was reading some disturbing things that the GIW wanted to do to the town's so-called hero.

Which led Bruce down a conflicting path of what was really going on it that weird ass town. He could always question Danny, but…looking over to the file again. He knew he couldn't just Bat glare him into submission. Not without a good reason.

Not if he wanted the kid to trust him.

Afterall, it'd been over a year since Amity ever asked for Justice League help, and when the League offered cleanup services for after invasions, the town sneered and told them to leave.

Then they elected a new mayor who just never returned their calls. Bruce investigated him, and other than being slightly creepy to literally everyone, he didn't seem to have anything else bad.

Although how he got rich that fast was a mystery, but one Bruce figured he could investigate at a later date.

For now, he needed to focus on Danny.

Damian glared at the training robot as he finished his set. He was ready for a fight, but Batman wasn't going out tonight, nor did he plan to the next night.

And he didn't want another brother. He didn't want someone to threaten his spot as Robin.

Although this teenager was nearly his own age anyway, so at least he shouldn't have to worry too much about being replaced.

And right now, that was his biggest fear.

When Jason heard that Bruce was taking into another kid, he was super pissed and was going to let him have it until he learned that the kid was coming from his cousin's place.

So it was a family matter, but he still wanted assurance that Bruce wasn't going to pull that kid into this life. So he planned to be there when the kid showed up.

He just wanted to ensure that the kid would settle well before dipping out.

Dick paced in the Manor as he read over the Fenton's file. He had a feeling that something was going to go wrong, and really hoped that this kid wouldn't be too much trouble. They just finally settled back into town.

They had a rhythm now, and he was afraid it was going to be upset when Danny showed up.

But he also knew that they couldn't just say no to the kid. It was family.

Tim grumbled not really knowing why he was staying here in Gotham anyway with the little Demon Brat still here.

Although the kid hasn't tried to kill him lately, so that was one good thing. He just wasn't sure if it would be enough for this.

And he wasn't sure that letting another kid near Bruce was a good thing. They didn't need anymore Bats running around the city.

He really didn't want to explain why Bruce would want to open something somewhere else even if he did decide to train the new kid.

Tim wasn't sure this would end well at all.

Danny sighed as his mom hugged him.

"Make sure to keep your phone charged and call us when you need to. We may not be able to discuss our project, but we can still talk, Sweetie," Maddie said as she squeezed. She let go and looked over her son. He was slightly taller than her, but not by much.

He was growing up so fast. She was upset that she'd likely miss these last few months of his teenage years, but they had work to do to ensure he had a future.

"I will," Danny sighed, and Maddie could tell he was pulling away from them.

That'd he'd been pulling away from them for a while.

"And those ghosts won't get you!" Jack shouted as he also hugged Danny.

Although this time instead of flinching, Danny just glared at his dad.

Maddie hoped that it wasn't too late and that her son didn't already fall in line with the ghosts. He'd been so scared of them for so long, and now it seemed that he didn't seem to care if there was one nearby.

It worried her.

Danny sighed out a wisp of blue and looked around before feeling a small touch on his shoulder, he turned to see no one until he looked a little closer.

Ember was next to him invisible with a shit eating grin. She took his arm, and he could feel her excitement.

He was kind of excited too.

He loved to travel to new places to explore. It's why he was drawn to travel space so much.

So much to explore.

He'll settle for Gotham for now though. And at least he wasn't alone.

He walked towards security and wondered if Ember would help him get the ghost weapons passed them. He looked where she was staring at everything.

"I have some things I need to get by security," he whispered making her turn to him. He held a little bag that was between him and his clothes. She took it and turned it invisible and held it for him. "Thanks. I'm glad you could make it. I didn't think I'd be this nervous."

"Flying can be scary by yourself," she said making him turn to her. She smiled and he continued on as she held his elbow.

It'd been a while since he was actually content with another ghost around. The feeling was new and weird, but knowing he wasn't alone helped.

He wondered if Ember would back off the whole take over the world after this.

He hoped. He really wanted more ghostly friends.

"Sweet, you have an empty seat next to you," Ember whispered not wanting to blow her chance of going to Gotham by making Danny out to be crazy. Danny nodded, glad that the plane didn't seem to have too many people on it anyway.

"Yeah, but remember your promise. No controlling people, and no trying to take over the world on this trip," Danny reminded making Ember roll her eyes.

"I remember, Dipstick," she said as she looked out the window. She was excited about this trip, and she had come to know the ghost boy well enough to know that he was pretty cool to hang out with.

"Awesome, I'm staying with Bruce Wayne. Apparently, he's well known there," Danny explained quietly enough that only Ember heard.

"Sweet, so they wouldn't notice a ghost hanging around then?" Ember asked as nosed around the bag that she still had. "Did you really need to bring this stuff?"

"Probably not, but I brought it to settle my own nerves. Something bad always happens to me, so…just in case," Danny explained making Ember huff a laugh.

The kid wasn't exactly wrong.

"You are a trouble magnet," Ember joked making Danny laugh quietly. He got some weird looks, but he didn't really care.

"Yeah, I'm gonna try to take a nap," Danny said as he leaned back and closed his eyes.

Two-hour flight. That's all he had to do. Ember swiped his phone and started watching a movie that he'd downloaded for this trip.

Danny looked around for his ride as Ember hung on to him tightly. She was definitely nervous about the amount of people that were around them right now. It was easier to deal with in Amity where there weren't a lot of people and plenty of room to movement.

"We need a way to not make me look crazy when I talk to you," Danny whispered thinking about putting a Fenton phone in to make it look like he was talking on the phone. Ember just pulled herself closer to him.

"Yeah, why does Gotham have to been so spooky," she said looking around. She was no longer excited as she was back in Amity. Gotham had some sort of aura here that was telling her to be afraid.

"You're a ghost," Danny mumbled feeling similar, but not the same level. He was a little afraid of what would happen if he were to go ghost. "You're supposed to be the spookiest thing here."

"Gotham is alive," Ember said as she watched the eyes of the statues follow them. Danny looked around and could see as well. "And she's watching us."

"Creepy," Danny muttered before looking around. He spotted a sign that had his name on it. "Found it."

An old guy was holding the sign, but he was well dressed, and Danny wondered what exactly he was getting into since he knew for a fact that this was not Bruce Wayne. He was under the impression that Bruce would be picking him himself.

Of course, he didn't trust rich people anyway due to Vlad's manipulations.

Danny walked up to him and looked him up and down making the man smirk slightly.

"You must be young Daniel Fenton," the man greeted in kind. "I'm Alfred Pennyworth."

"Hi," Danny said. "Danny is just fine please." Alfred nodded before leading the boy towards the car. Danny followed, and as they exited the airport. Danny felt a slight breeze against him like something passed him by on his other side. No one was there, but he knew Ember felt it as well.

The feeling of fear left them both as well. Ember looked at him and he stared straight at the back of Alfred.

Ember was completely right; Gotham was alive and considered them both a non-threat.

He knew that feeling well when he entered certain parts of the Ghost Zone. Ones that had protections of cities rather than that of a leader or specific ghost.

"What was that?" Ember whispered. Danny smiled looking at her discreetly.

"Later," he mouthed as he motioned towards Alfred who was paying close attention to him.

"Here we are, Master Bruce will meet us at the Manor, he had some unexpected business creep up on him," Alfred explained as he held open the door. Danny shifted to allow Ember in first before following while hiding that he wasn't alone. Alfred seemed to pick up that there something going on.

He'd deal with it later.

Ember watched out the window in awe. She really didn't want to remain invisible, but she made a promise, and it shouldn't be much longer.

She'd just have to wait a little longer. Until Danny was alone and they made a cover.

Gotham was truly a beautiful city though. She loved the architecture and couldn't wait to go exploring.

"So, Bruce couldn't come because of business?" Danny asked making Alfred look at him from the rearview mirror.

"Yes, some guests showed up this morning and he was having trouble getting them to leave," Alfred answered making Danny sigh.

On one hand, it means that Bruce probably wouldn't notice anything weird about him or notice that Ember was staying there.

On another, it meant someone else he couldn't trust to deal with.

"Ra's al Ghul is planning something here in Gotham," Bruce growled as he went over the camera feeds. He was mad since he didn't catch them in his home until after they had left.

"Of course he is," Dick said as he paced. Tim was typing on the computer looking for any further connections. "Does he know about Danny?"

"Maybe, but why would he be interested in some random untrained kid?" Damian asked as he threw Titus's toy. The dog ran for it to bring it back.

"Maybe they're planning something bigger and are just distracting us," Tim suggested. Everyone agreed that was it.

It was definitely a distraction just knowing that the League was planning something. Bruce had a feeling that it was something to do here in Gotham.

He wasn't happy about any of this.

He looked down and Alfred sent him confirmation that he was on his way back with Danny.

Bruce wondered how well they'd be able to keep their secret from the kid.

Especially if the child is indeed a meta.

Danny felt small as he stepped out of the car and stared up at the house. Ember floated out the other side and was in awe.

Wayne Manor was gorgeous.

"This place is huge," Danny said as Alfred took his bags and started for the door.

"Yes, it's been in the family for generations," Alfred said as he lead them into the house. Bruce was at the door with a smile.

"Welcome to Wayne Manor, Daniel," he greeted only to have the boy flinch at the name.

"Please call me Danny," Danny said as he looked around. Bruce was remined of someone looking for threats until the boy stared at him.

He had a feeling that the kid didn't trust easily and that he already didn't like him.

"Alright, Danny," Bruce smiled hoping to get the kid to relax. It didn't work. "Well, my son should be by here soon. He was supposed to meet you with me, but he got caught up in some work."

"Cool," Danny mumbled looking around. Something was wrong, but he couldn't figure it out. His core was saying that something was wrong, but it wasn't a ghost related thing, so for now, he'd just ignore it. "Where am I staying?"

"Right this way, Master Danny," Alfred said making Danny wince slightly. Bruce noted that and wondered why that would upset him.

Danny looked around the large room he'd be staying in for a moment before nodding to Alfred who then left to allow him some time to himself. Ember appeared before jumping on the bed.

"This place is pretty rad, Dipstick," she said as she looked at the ceiling. "Dope gig. Glad I came."

"Yeah, but there's something going on here," Danny said as he started to unpack some of his clothes. Ember looked at him and stared at the clothes for a moment before looking out the window.

"Mind if I explore a bit?" she asked looking at the kid. "My promise still stands, besides, I don't want to piss off a sentient city." Danny huffed a laugh.

"I was wondering if you noticed the judgement passed when we exited the airport."

"Yeah, haven't had that in a while," Ember informed as she looked at the kid. "You gonna be okay?"

"Yeah, Just probably be a couple days before I settle. I dislike being around people I don't know," Danny said as he grabbed his ghost hunting bag. "Thanks for helping me get this passed security.

"Course, although I wanted to know how you planned to do that yourself if I hadn't followed along," Ember asked making Danny wink at her.

"Would've stashed it and just came back for it after I got passed security. It would have been a risk, but I probably could've gotten away with it," Danny said as he looked over everything.

"Nice, I'm going to explore, be back later, Babypop," Ember said as she flew off. Danny gave her a slight wave.

A knock on the door makes Danny groan. He didn't realize how tired he was until he laid down on the bed.

"Come in?" Danny mumbled as he wiped the drool off his face. The door opened to reveal Bruce who was staring at him.

"Are you okay? You've been up here a while," Bruce said noticing the sleepy blinking that the kid was doing.

"Ya, just tired," Danny mumbled as he rubbed his eyes.

"Well, dinner's will be ready here in a few minutes. Do you mind if I ask you a couple questions beforehand?" Bruce asked as he walked in. Danny sat up on the bed and put his feet on the ground. Bruce walked up to him and sat down next to the teen.

"I guess I can't stop you. Afterall I'm staying in your house," Danny said figuring if he just started telling Bruce about the ghosts that Bruce would just let it go. Most people tended to ignore anyone when they start talking about the ghosts of Amity.

"Right, your parents are ghost hunters?" Bruce asked hinting that he truly didn't believe in ghosts. At least not the ones that Amity called to have.

"Yeah, they are," Danny answered still debating if being overly helpful would make him stop asking or if only answering the basics without giving more information than necessary.

"Have you ever met one?" Bruce asked watching for signs. Danny tensed slightly and watched him carefully.

That answered that question.

"Yeah," Danny said after a beat. Bruce nodded glad he didn't lie but was upset that there was clearly something going on in Amity Park. Danny decided to not give more information than what was asked.

"What was it like?" Bruce asked seeing Danny look down at his lap.

"Terrifying," Danny answered thinking of the many times he'd fought ghosts that were bigger, faster, and stronger than him. Bruce asked a few more before they headed to dinner.

Bruce watched as Danny introduced himself to his kids.

"Danny, huh," Jason said looking at the lean teenager. Danny nodded watching him warily. He didn't like the vibe from him at all. "I'm Jason." Danny shook his hand.

"I'm Richard Grayson, but you can call me Dick," Dick grinned as he held out his hand. Danny shook it and turned to the other two. One was glaring at him while the other had his nose buried in a computer.

"The one who's connected to his computer is Tim Drake, and angry demon child is Damian Wayne," Jason said pointing at them. Damian glared harder before taking a seat next to his father. Danny made sure to sit somewhere in the middle, so he was far enough away from them without looking like he was trying to avoiding them.

"Tim, please put the computer away at the dinner table," Bruce asked hoping to make this seem fairly normal dinner. They'd have to avoid the talks involving their nightly activities for now, but Bruce knew his kids could handle that. It wasn't the first time he'd had guests over that weren't in the know.

"Bruce, I think I might have gotten a way to improve the phone line to better have service in more rural areas," Tim said looking up from his phone only to see a vague bat glare in his direction. Time sighed before shutting his computer off and looking up.

"So, Danny," Dick started deciding that they wanted more information regarding Amity. "What's it like living in Amity?"

Danny stabbed his plate harder making everyone look at him.

"What's it like to live in a place that the Justice League won't come when asked for help?" Danny growled out. And maybe the talk with Bruce prior to this had already put him in a sour mood. He didn't want to talk about Amity Park anymore. "A place that we have one hero who's a teenager, and everyone keeps firing at him? A place that you're never sure if you turn a corner that you won't be attacked either by ghosts or government agents. So you wanna ask that again?" Danny glared at them.

The rest of the dinner was quiet after that.

Danny breathed in as he closed the door to his room. He looked on the bed to see Ember chilling there looking though a comic she had gotten while away.

"You look like shit, Dipstick," Ember said looking over the ghostly hero.

"Thanks, Ember," he mumbled as he laid next to her. "They asked about Amity. May or may not have gone off on them."

"Just so you know, I'm glad to fight you rather than the Justice League," Ember said looking at him. Danny huffed a laugh.

"It's just…when The Ghost King attacked, or Nocturne, or even Undergrowth, it would have been nice to be able to have someone to turn to," Danny said as he stared at the ceiling. "Even when aliens attack, I can't…I can handle the ghosts most of the time, but then something else bigger comes along…"

"You feel overwhelmed," Ember finished as she stared at Danny. "For what's its worth, I'm sorry I tried to take over the world. It's just…"

"You want to be remembered," Danny finished making her laugh.

"Yeah," she whispered.

"I'll always remember you. You're considered a…friend I guess," Danny said deciding that would be best. Ember smiled before hugging him.

Danny couldn't sleep. He just had to get up.

Ember was sleeping next to him on the stupidly large bed. Danny shook his head before slipping out the door to explore the manor.

He needed something to calm his nerves.

He noticed moving shadows and he let his ghost side feel around him.

Something was happening.

Batman growled as the Assassins came back to the manor.

He had no idea what they wanted, but he was going to stop them.

That's when he noticed that they were following Danny who was wondering around the mansion.

He growled out, but he noticed that Danny was tense, like he knew something was wrong.

Batman took off as Robin followed.

Danny silently walked through the Manor leading whoever was following away from the bedrooms and towards the front door. He doubted that they knew he knew they were there. He was always underestimated by humans.

Danny felt a small smile on his face as he slowly made his way around. He needed to get a feel for the place.

He turned and knew that there was something else here.

Someone else had come out to play. Danny could feel the darkness thicken.

Gotham gave her protectors power.

Batman was here.

Danny was both relieved and terrified, but before he could do anything gas filled the room.

Batman had him and was telling him he would be okay. Danny blinked before everything went dark.