Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I own nothing...Unless you squint really hard...

Warnings: Hints of death, keraunophobia, a random little song reference, a very grumpy tiger and more dialogue


A/N: Oh the joys of writing ADD. It strikes whenever I don't want it too. But it helps...at times.

I would like to thank MoonShadow7117, Flygande Kitten, makar688, seantriana, Ultimate Trojan, and Anonymous for all the follows, faves and reviews!

Yeah, that's right. This story got its first review! Yay!

Anonymous: Ah, yay! I am glad you like it! I try my best when writing and I try to keep it interesting. I hope you keep reading!

Please keep the reviews coming. They help give the story life.

Enjoy!


Rigel crooned gently at his human. The Great Mother Sun had brought him back from somewhere and now his human smelt of death...but the child still seemed to have a spark of life in him.

Great Mother Sun had stopped talking with his human's mother. She directed her gaze at the young baku. Rigel stiffened up. What could the goddess want? Did he fail his duty? What would his clan say? What would Lord Enma say? What if...?

"Calm yourself, little one." The Great Mother Sun said, looking at the young baku. "You have not failed."

Rigel snuggled closer to his human, hoping to wake him.

"He will wake in due time, little one." The goddess reassured. "All you need to do is give it to him."


Danny Fenton, age 14, ran down the halls, trying to find an empty room.

"Of all times for a ghost attack," the boy thought, as glowing white rings formed around his body, "it had to be on the last day of school..."

As his transformation finished, Danny Phantom, age 14 ghostly protector of Amity Park, flew out to fight the trouble.

As he fought with the ghastly being, who had powers over sports equipment for some odd reason, Danny wondered how his life got to this point.


It started before school had started before the start of school, or so he thought. Danny's exact memories were...fuzzy at best.

His mom had said that there had been an accident resulting in Danny getting electrocuted. He was taken to the hospital, where he had spent three months in recovery and missing the first whole month of school. Danny was in such critical condition that a doctor was flown in from Japan. It all seemed a little weird to him. Why couldn't he remember?

But, he thought as he dodged a basketball that was zooming towards his head, weird was becoming his new normal.

Which would be proven true at the hospital. One night, as he was struggling to fall back to sleep, Danny saw the strangest thing: Ghosts were out in the halls!

Before he could scream for help, the boy felt a hand on his shoulder. Freezing in place, Danny was afraid to look.

"It is alright, my boy." A voice said. "There is nothing to fear."

The voice was calm and kind and all Danny wanted to do was lay back down and...

"Not yet, Daniel." The voice continued with a kind laugh. "My brother would have my head if something happened to you before your time."

Danny dared to look at the speaker. They appeared to be a young man in a dark blue cloak (so dark it looked black, but it did remind the boy of the night sky). He had friendly, but worn, features and a calming, yet frightening, aura about him.

"W-who are you?" Danny asked in a whisper, though he wasn't sure why.

"You can call me Décès," the young man said with a smile could chill any to the bone.

"Dé...Dé..."

The young man sighed. Danny feared (why?!) he had upset the man.

"No worries, my boy," the man said. "I have other names. How about Moarte?"

"Moarte?"

"Splendid!" The man, no Moarte smiled fully. "You got it."

Danny was confused. Why would someone have multiple names? Unless...!

"A-are you a criminal?!" Danny cried, unsure of where his emotions were coming from. "Are you here to kidnap me?!"

Moarte let out a laugh that sounded like leaves in the fall.

"Kidnap you?" He replied. "Child, you have nothing to worry about."

Danny was even more confused.

"I am here to help you." Moarte stated. "After all, it is my duty to help all in my care."

Sitting down, Moarte turned his gaze on the boy. Danny felt himself shrink under the gaze.

"Now, now." Moarte said gently. "One as young as you should have no worries. I am not here to claim you."

Danny was confused.

"Who are you, Moarte?" Danny asked again, realizing that the elder had not answered his question before.

Moarte sighed.

"I go by many names. Moarte, Décès, Dood, Tod, Shi, Thánatos," He said, his skin glowing white. "But you may know me as Death."

Danny froze at Moarte's words. Was...was he dead? Was Death here to claim him? There was so much he hadn't done: talk to Paulina, graduate from high school, work for...

"Hey now, that is enough." Moarte said sternly. "You keep going like that and you'll become a vengeful spirit."

Danny just stared.

"Look, like I said before, I am not here to claim you," The elder said.

"But I died...right?" Danny asked.

"You are what I would call a halfa: half dead, half alive." Moarte replied. "What happened that night was something that none of my brethren or I had seen before."

The 14 year old could only stare at the elder.

"I cannot tell you more than that, my boy." Moarte said. "And for that I am sorry."

"Will...will I ever get out of here?" Danny asked. "I want to go home."

"I know, my boy, I know." Moarte soothed. "You will be home soon, enough."

They sat on the bed for while, watching the ghosts in the hallway. Moarte smiled.

"You know, a hospital is a place of many beginnings and ends," The spirit of death explained. "Would you like to give me some help?"


Danny quickly dodged another basketball as he reached for the Fenton Thermos that he had stored in a dimensional pocket (A trick that Moarte showed him once). And after fully sealing the sports ghost in it, Danny quickly changed back to his human form and left before anyone associated him with the mess that was left in the gym (the staff blamed the basketball team. It was great). He even made it back to class just in time to hear Mr. Lancer's final words of the school year.

"As your teacher, I hope that you all have a safe and productive summer," the teacher said. "I hope to see you all next year..."

The last words were drowned out by the bell, dismissing the students for the last time.

Finally it was summer. Danny couldn't wait to sit back and relax...

That is if his parents hadn't told him and his sister that they were going to Japan to visit an old professor of theirs, Dr. Ito, and attend a world wide ghost hunting seminar.

"Great, even more people chasing me," Danny thought. "Just what I needed this summer..."

"Another reason we are going is to see Dr. Hebi." Maddie said after Jack calmed down, concern(nomommano...Isorry..) filling her voice. "I contacted her and she said that she would like to check up on you, Danny."

The half ghost could barely remember the face of Dr. Hebi, but his parents assured him that if it wasn't for her, Danny would not be where he was today.

"But..I was planning to hang out with Tucker and Sam this summer." The boy repiled.

Maddie sighed.

"I know dear, but this is very important." She said, sternly. "Dr. Hebi just wants to make sure that there is no lasting internal damage from the accident."

Danny knew that any attempt at arguing with his mother at this point was useless. And as much as he wished that he could invite Sam and Tucker to come along, he decided that it was a bad idea after the last road trip he went on with them went badly (not that anyone else could remember it). Besides, someone need to stay and protect Amity Park while he was away...right?

Great, now he was going to worry about leaving his home (lairhaunt) unprotected to ghost attacks. Stupid hero complex/obsession...

Maybe he could work out an agreement with the ghosts to not attack his home while he was gone? He knew Dora and some of his allies would agree to something like that, but with some of the others it would be like asking Skulker to take up gardening or Vlad to stop pining over Maddie. It was next to impossible.

Maybe he could ask Clockwork or Moarte?

No, Moarte was kinda unpredictable and his lair was hard to find. As for Clockwork, he was forbidden to interfere with the timeline...but that didn't mean the Master of Time couldn't give him advice (no matter how cryptic it could be).

Making up his mind, Danny decided to pay his mentor a visit before he left.


The Ghost Zone never ceased to amaze the youngest Fenton. It was constantly changing, swirling as if it was alive. Despite the chaos that seemed to form the Ghost Zone, there was a sense of peace to it as well (Danny had to always be on his guard, or he would want to stay in the Ghost Zone forever).

Shaking his head, Danny brought his focus back to his mission: He needed to talk to Clockwork.

Fortunately, it seemed like the time ghost needed to talk with him as well.

Upon entering Clockwork's lair, Danny was shocked that he wasn't greeted by his mentor, but by a pure white ox with a large conch shell around its neck.

"Koredesu ka?" The bull asked. "Sutā no ko?"

Danny could only stand in the entryway, both his mind and instinct fighting against one another. Where was...?

"Hai, he is the one your mother calls Star Child." Came the familiar voice of his mentor, who was in his adult form. The bull snorted, cool air ruffled Danny's
hair. "Forgive him for staring, for he is still learning."

"Um, Clockwork," Danny said, finding his voice. "Can I talk to you... alone?"

"Kare wa namaikina hitode wa arimasen ka?" The ox said with a bellow-like chuckle. "Haha ga kare o sukina no mo fushigide wanai!"

"Hai, hai." Clockwork answered. Turning his attention to his student, the ancient ghost continued. "It is alright, Daniel. Whatever you say, will not leave this lair."

Danny was a little uneasy, but he knew that Clockwork never lied...to him at least (the elder ghost told him that he tended to bend the truth to the Observants).

"Well, um, my family and I are leaving Amity Park for some business in Japan and I will be gone for a while," The young half ghost began. "I don't know exactly know when I'll be back, but I don't want to leave Amity Park unprotected for long."

He sighed.

"It is not like I can't rely on my friends, but I don't want them getting hurt. I also can't as Val...I mean, the Red Huntress. She would hurt some of the more nonviolent ghosts." Danny continued. "And it's not like I can ask Plasmius or any other ghosts. I..."

"Daniel," Clockwork interrupted, shifting into his elderly form. "It is alright. I am glad that you have so much concern for those around you."

"Really?" The half ghost replied.

"Yes." The Master of Time replied. "I have taken the steps for keeping your home safe, though I regret not being able to do it myself."

The Ancient ghost turned to the white ox next to him as it began to glow.

"This is Lord Itegami. He has agreed to help your home safe from those who wish it harm." Clockwork continued.

And where the bull once stood, a pale haired young man with dark eyes in a white kimono with red markings stood. He had a powerful aura about him.

"It is an honor to meet you, young one." The once ox said. "As Lord Jikan said, my name is Itegami."

"I-it's an h-honor to meet you as well, Lord Itegami." Danny replied, hastily remembering the lessons on etiquette that Dora and his other mentors taught him. "I am honored for y-your assistance."

The young half ghost inwardly cringed at how he spoke. It was like he was a little kid again. Why did he act like that?!

Itegami was quiet for a moment and then he let out a laugh.

"And you said that the boy was still learning, Jikan." He bellowed with laughter. "If you keep that up, child, you will be able to fit in while in Nihon perfectly!"
Danny was curious as to what the man meant.

"Fortunately, child, I am not like my brothers who require you speak to them with formality." Itegami continued. "I am just a simple guard for my mother's court."

The taller male reached over to ruffle Danny's hair in a friendly manner. He liked this kid and could see why his mother did as well.

"Is there anything else you would like to speak to me about, young Daniel?" Clockwork asked, sensing that the child had more to say.

"W-what if something...happens?" Danny asked. "And I need to talk to you about it?"

It was Itegami who spoke up.

"No worries, young child." The younger looking man said. "When Lord Jikan came and asked for my help in this task, my mother was quick to promise that the rest of my siblings would be there to help you as well. Along with herself, of course."

"Of course." Clockwork smiled as he shifted into his child form, answering for Danny. "Does that also include..."

"It should," Itegami replied. "But, you know how he gets."

"Who?" Danny asked.

"No one to worry about right now, young one." Itegami answered, ruffling the boy's hair again.

"Is that all you needed, Daniel?" Clockwork asked.

"Um, I guess for now," Danny replied, relieved that his home would be safe.

Clockwork smiled gently at the boy. He was going to miss him.

"Then if all is said and done," the ancient ghost said, shifting back into his adult form, "I would like to ask that you escort Lord Itegami to your portal home. He said that he will begin his duties tonight."


It didn't take long for Danny to return home or for Itegami to make up his post. The older male explained that he would be able to handle the likes of Skulker or any of the others. Itegami also reassured the boy that he would keep any eye out for Plasmius or anyone else trying to use the portal to enter the Ghost Zone as well.

However, in order for him to protect the human world, he would need Danny's permission to enter.

"Why?" The boy asked.

"It is your home." The ox man explained. "I need to know that you are okay with me entering."

Though he didn't fully understand (he was so used to others just coming into his home), the young half ghost gave his blessing.

Itegami smiled. He'd have to fight his mother for this one.

"I-is there anything you can tell me about Japan?" Danny asked, kicking himself mentally for acting like a child. "Like what should I look out for? And who should I trust? And...?"

Itegami let out a bellow-like laugh once more. Yep, he'd have to tell his mother that her Star Child was his now.

"If I told you everything, where would your sense of adventure be?" The elder said.

"Oh..."

"However, I will say that if you are as polite as you were meeting me, you will have no troubles with the people of Nihon. They are a very formal society." Itegami explained. "Give respect when in shrines. You never know which kami lives there, so it is always safe to be respectful."

Danny nodded as he listened.

"The one warning I would give is stay away from Aokigahara." The ox continued. "There is a evil there that claims many a life. If you do find yourself there, stay on the path and follow the signs."

The young half ghost hoped he could remember all of this advice. Shifting back into the form of an ox, Itegami smiled.

"Do not worry, little one." The bull said, his dark eyes sparkling. "Your home will be safe and you will do fine in the lands my mother protects."

Before Danny could say anything else, Itegami was pushing him through the portal.

"It is time for you to rest, Daniel." The ox said. "You have a big journey ahead of you."


(Danny couldn't remember falling asleep)

The sound of rain was pounding on his window.

(Was there supposed to be a storm tonight? He thought he kept perfect track of them...)

Thunder rumbled so low, it sounded like a tiger's growl.

(He remembered the first time there was a storm at school. Oh how everyone laughed at him. Sam and Tucker could only stare...)

The thunder was getting louder and louder, almost as if the tiger was coming closer and closer.

(Mr. Lancer talked to him about it. Danny was afraid to admit it, but his teacher understood. Gave him a safe space to be...)

Lightning flashed. Danny screamed.

(Mr. Lancer made sure that no one would laugh at someone with his fear again. As much as he felt grateful, Danny couldn't help but feel embarrassed.)

The tiger got closer. Danny could feel it was in his room, watching him as his panic began to overwhelm him. He could feel his heart race and his core pulse, trying to help him escape. But he couldn't. The next thing he knew, the tiger was on his bed, staring at him.

(Dad tried saying that as a Fenton, he shouldn't be scared of anything. Jazz glared at him and told him that was a "toxic" statement. Mom...mom didn't blame her baby for being afraid. Not after what he had gone through.)
Lightning flashed some more. Danny did all he could to try and hide, but the tiger would not let him.

"So you are the one Mother favors," the tiger growled. With each whip of its tail, more lightning flashed. "You are nothing but a tiny cub."


Danny could feel sweat pouring down his body. How he wanted to get away.


"They will eat you alive, tiny cub." The big cat snarled. "The moment you set foot on the ground all the creatures will take you."

(Moarte visited with him when the next storm happened. It was a bad one. Moarte explained that the storm caused him to relive his "death". Looking back on it, Danny was grateful that Moarte came.)

Lightning flashed again, lighting up the sky outside the window.

"Little cub," The tiger said, "what is so special about you?"

Danny couldn't answer. Panic and fear had stolen his words.

(The next time he was fighting Ember when the storm came. The songstress, fortunately, knew what it was like to have a fear. She tried keeping him calm, until Clockwork came and took Danny back to his lair. The next time he saw Ember, she was in the Ghost Zone and said that her plans had changed. She wasn't going to make fun of the young halfa for his fear.)

"Nothing, hmmm..." The tiger's voice was low and dangerous. "You have much to learn, little cub."

Danny could see the tiger raising it's paw, preparing to strike. As the claws came down, the young half ghost woke up.


Danny shot up in bed with a scream. His parents came rushing in.

"What's the matter, Danno? A ghost?" His dad asked, holding one of his ecto blasters.

Maddie, on the other hand, saw the look of terror on her poor baby's face.

"Danny, sweetie, was it a bad dream?" She asked.

All the boy could do was nod. He dared not trust his voice as his eyes were surely giving away his fear. Tears streamed down his face as Maddie came over to his bed and sat next to him, wrapping him tight into a hug.

In a dark corner of his room sat a tiny baku. Rigel could only cry along with his human as he could not protect him that night.


A/N: LONGEST CHAPTER EVER!

Ahem.

Sorry. I just had too much information to give and so little time to give it in...

Anyways, my reasoning for why Danny acts like a little kid around older spirits/ghosts/celestial beings is that he is a baby ghost. So he gets a little overwhelmed by their auras/cores/presences.

Why is Death friendly? I love the myths/legends/folktale that depict death as an old friend who comes to greet you. I thought that my version of Death would be the same way, especially to children and elderly people. But any who have done wrong or were evil in their life see the scary death. Also, fun fact: Death's cloak changes color depending on who he visits and where he visits. The reason Danny saw it as dark blue is because Death knew that the boy loved space and that black would just freak the kid out.

Why does Clockwork refer to Itegami as "Lord" when Itegami said he was just a simple guard? Itegami is a Celestial Brush god. He is different than a ghost by the sheer merit of having more power than one of the ancient ghosts. This goes for the other 11 Celestial Brush deities and Amaterasu herself. Itegami has a known creator: Amaterasu. Whereas no one knows how Clockwork came to be. Plus Clockwork is a formal ghost and "Lord" is a proper title that he would definitely use.

Why did Itegami speak in Japanese when Danny first met him? Itegami did not know what language Danny spoke. When Clockwork first spoke to the boy, Itegami understood it was English, so he was able to translate what he said. As for how this will work in future chapters? I have an idea.

Translations:

keraunophobia- Fear of Lightning

Hebi- Japanese for snake

Moarte- Romanian for Death

Dood- Dutch for Death

Shi- Japanese for Death

Tod- German for Death

Décès- French for death

Thánatos- Greek for death

Nihon- Japanese for Japan

Koredesu ka?-Is this the one?

Sutā no ko?-The Star Child?

Hai-yes

Kare wa namaikina hitode wa arimasen ka?-Isn't he a cheeky one?

Haha ga kare o sukina no mo fushigide wanai!-No wonder mother likes him!

kami- god

Aokigahara- "Sea of Trees", The Suicide Forest.

Next chapter will be when the Fentons arrive in Japan (hopefully). Huzzah!