After the family pulled apart, the rest of the afternoon was spent making repairs. The jet still needed a few more repairs to make it back safely, and the GAV had some damage from the fights and the explosion.
Jack and Maddie split up to help make repairs quicker. Maddie insisted to help with the jet, not letting any of the bats have a word in. She began her work, often asking for tools or make shifting ones. She only ask questions pertaining to the project at hand.
Jack was making the repairs on the GAV. Tim having joined him, both out of curiosity and to see what information he could get out of Jack. Jack, luckily... and unluckily, was quite a talker. He would go into every detail, then he would go on a tangent about ghosts, and then about something that happened. Tim found it was very hard to keep him on track of topic.
But besides the tangents, it became very obvious that they were ingenious inventors. There was no boundaries with their technology, which was for better or for worse. They were quick too, as it only took until the early evening for Jack and Maddie to finish repairing. Bruce double-checking to make certain the repairs were accurate.
Everyone group back together after the repairs were done, preparing to leave.
Jason, Damian, and Danny climbing back from the woods having said their last goodbyes to Bullwinkle while everyone else was busy repairing. Jason not wanting to be anywhere near the Fenton parents, and Damian wanted to properly see the un-dead steed for himself. Damian also got covered in ghost snot from the bull moose-wolf snorting on him. Jason and Danny got a good laugh from it.
Danny walked over to his family, as his parents conversed with Batman about ecto-technology and what they did to make repairs. Maddie saying what needed to be changed out and what improvements were to be made, especially if Batman wanted it to run on ecto-energy. Bruce frowning as she picked apart his machinery, but still keeping some of it in mind.
Jack reached a hand out to pat his son's shoulders as he got close, pulling him in. Danny returning a smile to his dad. Jazz was still standing near Cass and Dick having their own little conversation. Jazz providing them details on how to keep in touch with her, and other things here and there.
"We'll be heading out." Batman stated, "When can I expect you and your family in Gotham? I can arrange place for you to stay."
"Aw, thanks B-man! We still got a little work to do here, so we'll come around...uh.." Jack looked at his wife to guess how long it'll take.
"It'll take us at least several days if not a couple weeks to-" Maddie started to explain.
"WHAT?!" Jazz yelled, her face contorted into utter disbelief as she confronted her parents. Her parents looking shock at her outburst.
"Jasmine! I know we're outside, but-"
"NO, no! Excuse me!? You almost DIED. WE almost died. THEY almost died trying to save you and you want to STAY?! For TWO weeks?!" Jazz looked between her parents, trying to comprehend what on earth they were thinking.
Her parents frowned, glancing at each other. Danny stiffening under his father's hand, subtly stepping away back towards the bats. He didn't want to be dragged into it, though he was just as shocked as Jazz.
"Now Jazzy, we have to! Its our job to-"
"Then why can't you come back?! Why do we have to stay? Do you understand how traumatic this experience is for us! We need a safe space to properly... process.." Jazz noticed the look in their eyes. Every time she brought up something remotely related to psychology, they immediately shrug off whatever she was saying. Jazz stood their a gape, trying to rearrange her words, but she was so angry!
"...I want a shower.. and a bed. I want to sleep somewhere, where I'm not afraid of something attacking our family! I.. Mom.. Dad please.. " Jazz pleaded after taking a painful breath. She was trying not to cry out of frustration.
Jack and Maddie seem to glance at each other, mulling over their words. Jack rubbing the back of his head, staring down while Maddie pursed her lips in thought.
The bats all holding their breath, glancing at each other wondering if there was anything they could do. Danny rubbing his arm anxiously.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but.. with the level of contamination it be detrimental to leave it like this. I know your scared.."
Jazz silently scoffed at her mother's words, pulling back when her mother tried to caress her cheek. She almost couldn't believe it. Of course their work came first. She was dumb to think otherwise.
"They can come back with us. To Gotham." Dick suggested.
Maddie recovering from feeling hurt when her daughter pulled away, looking over at Dick with a raised brow. She glanced between them and her daughter, "Well, I don't know. Gotham is nothing like Amity."
"At least with ghosts you know they have only one goal in mind, criminals are a completely different story." Jack stated.
"I assure you, they will be safe. I have a colleague that will be happy to watch over them." Batman stepped forward, beside Jazz.
"That and we will be looking out for them." Dick winked with a charming grin, gesturing to himself and his siblings.
Jack and Maddie debated for a moment, "Hmm. Perhaps its best for the kids to relax, Mads. This was suppose to be a vacation."
"I suppose your right, Jack. I just don't like the idea of them being alone in such a big city."
"Then come with us! Batman needs your help anyways." Jazz tried again, staring at her parents with pleading eyes. "Just.. for once.."
Maddie let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her arm. Jack furrowing his brows, with a frown. They didn't want to hurt their kids' feelings, but at the same time, they couldn't just leave.
There were still ghosts active in the area, plus all the ecto-contamination in the lake. Who knows what adverse effects it may have. They needed to neutralize it before the forest was overran with ghosts.
"Spook!" Jack gasped catching catfish staring at them from the lake.
"M̸̧̨̹̳̖̺͍̱̤̮͚̀̓͝r̸̜̀͂̑̋͝r̷̘̯̥̈͌e̷̙̲̞̪̪̲̻̋̈͊ǒ̴̜̚w̸̨̝̹̞̐̑̆̈̈́̋̑́̕͠͝!̵͕̥̣͚̌!̷̨̨̻̞̟̰͚̰̌̓͆̕͜ͅ!̸̧̱͚̦̘̻̦͈͍̤̖̜͒̂̃̌̉̀̎̀͊͐̐..." The Catfish hissed diving back into the water of the lake. It had been spying on them from the side.
Batman sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he shook his head.
Maddie looked back at her daughter, her resolved returned. "Jasmine, sweetie. I know you're always saying how grown up you are and I'm so very proud of how mature you've been.."
Jazz huffed out air silently in at her mother's words. Now, they were acknowledging it? The audacity! Switching her words against her. Her fists clenched tightly as she tried to keep her emotions in check.
"But.. Your father and I, have a job that's very risky. We need to put our lives on the line to make certain that not only are you and Danny safe, but everyone who may be effected by these ectoplasmic creatures." Maddie looked at her daughter painfully.
The bats were having a hard time watching, trying not to intervene. Jason and Damian silently scoffing at when Maddie said about keeping Jazz and Danny safe. Danny bit his lip looking down at the ground.
"Yep, we always knew our jobs might take us away from you kids, but we hoped you two could be fine on your own. And look at you! Two peas in a pod! So independent! We could never be prouder!" Jack chimed hand on Maddie's shoulders, standing proud with a warm grin.
Jazz rolled her tongue in her mouth, keeping back the urge to yell, 'no thanks to you'. That wouldn't aide her, though. It wouldn't change anything. They were still going to keep doing what they do. She couldn't do anything, so why waste her breath.
"We hope you'll understand someday sweetie, if not today.-"
"No. I understand completely." Jazz cut her mother off cold, swallowing lump in her throat. Her jaw clenched tight, as she shook her head. Tears pricking at the sides of her eyes. "I get it. I do."
She sharply turned from her parents, with her head held high. Refusing to show a moment of weakness. She marched onto the the batplane, stopping only for a moment when her father hollered.
"I love you, princess!"
She didn't lower her head, just clenched her fists tighter and continued onto the plane.
Cass ran after Jazz, to watch over her. Heart hurting from watching the painful exchange between daughter and parents. Damian look like he was about to insult the parents, Dick cutting him off.
"Shh."
"Obviously they won't understand unless its spell-"
"Shh. We need to make sure they come back with us." Dick lightly pushing Damian towards the plane.
Damian huffed before stomping his way into the jet, almost mimicking Jazz's exit except his chest was more puffed out. Tim moving towards the plane just to help feel like he was creating a barrier between them.
Maddie sighed, shaking her head. It was hard, but she knew her daughter deserve the truth. Jack rubbing his wife's arm in comfort. They shared a smile with each other.
Jason almost grabbed Danny back on instinct, as Danny slowly walked up to his parents. He recoiled his hand, crossing his arms instead. Dick elbowing Jason, giving a raised brow. Jason flipping him off.
"So.. you guys.. are staying?" Danny asked hesitantly, as he walked up to his parents, rubbing his arm.
Maddie gave Danny a soft expression, reaching out to brush Danny's hair out of his face. "I'm afraid so, Danny."
"With the levels of contamination in the Lakes, who knows what spooks could infest the forest!" Jack chimed.
"Its better if we investigate it and clear out the area as soon as possible." Maddie caressed Danny's cheek as she spoke.
"Oh." Danny glanced down with a sigh.
"Hey, don't look so down, Dann'o! It shouldn't take us that long. I can even ask our dear ol'buddy Vlad to-"
"NO!" Danny and all the bats.. even Maddie yelled out in unison. Then cleared their throats.
"You know how busy Vlad is... with uh... his ...company.. and ...Vlad stuff." Danny tried to save the situation, his heart racing.
Jack blinked confused but smiled, "Ah, I suppose you're right. I did offered him to come on vacation with us, since he's part of the family. He did say he had other plans though. Shame."
Everyone let out a breath of relief, even Maddie.
"So, I guess.. uh.. this is.. goodbye?" Danny muttered awkwardly.
"Aw, sweetie. Not for long!" Maddie pulling Danny into a warm hug. Danny melting into it.
"Hey, you can stay and join us, if you want, Danno! I know your sister didn't want to, but you and me can wrangle ghosts together. Maybe work on your grip! What do you say?" Jack grinned.
Danny frowned at the mention of his grip, eye twitching in annoyance, but stayed in his mother's embrace. He almost felt like considering it. He really did miss his parents, but..
Danny's eyes glanced towards the plane. Jazz was in there. She was leaving. He would be left alone. Even without the use of the repellent, Danny wasn't safe with them.. and Jazz.. Though she would forgive him for staying, it still felt wrong to not be with her. The bats needed help too. They needed to plan, just in case..
Danny sighed, pulling from his mother's hug. He smiled up at his parents, "Nah... I'm kind of with Jazz on that one. A bed and a shower sounds nice, and maybe some mouthwash..."
"Your breath does stink." Maddie chuckled, smiling at her son.
Jack ruffling Danny's hair, "Ah that's ok, boyo. You've been so sick this week, its probably for the best. We'll go hunting some other day."
Danny nodded, smiling up at his parents, feeling the back of his eyes burn. He took a deep breath, taking a step back from his parents. He wasn't sure what to say, looking between them both.
"Uh... so .. see ya.. Don't turn into ghosts." Danny chuckled awkwardly as he walked backwards.
"Oh sweetie, you don't turn into a ghost. Our conscious gets imprinted on ectoplasm." Maddie chimed.
Danny flinched, feeling stupid for having said that. Moving a bit quicker away.
"Yep, so if you ever see a ghost that looks and sound just like me, remember to blast it to oblivion!" Jack grinned.
Danny had his back turn to them, face scrunched up. "Right."
"Right in the-"
"Got it!"
"Oh! And remember to be good, for Batman! No sneaking out or staying out late, young man." Maddie stated firmly.
Any heartbreaking feeling of leaving his parents, was gone as he was reminded what made it so hard to be around them. Danny replied through gritted teeth. "I'll be good."
"That's our boy!"
Danny disappeared onto the jet with a grumble under his breath. The others frowning deeply, staring at the parents. How quickly they ruined the mood. Batman glanced at Dick who nodded in response.
Dick pushed Jason towards the plane, ushering them inside as Bruce stayed out to talk to the parents. Tim, Jason, and Dick staying at the entrance to overhear, hidden from view.
Bruce cleared his throat, addressing the parents. "I'll have to settle things with the League but I was making plans to come back out here. Are you certain you don't want to come with?"
"Ghosts wait for no one!" Jack grinned.
"We're certain, thank you for your concern. If there is anything you need, you can contact us on our Fenton phones." Maddie chimed, handing Batman one of their Fenton devices.
He found it a bit odd as usually he was the one handing out a way to contact, but considering the effects of ectoplasm had on devices, he took it. He'll have Tim get a better look at it later.
Batman side glance back at the plane then towards the parents. "Your kids have been worried about you two all night. Even was planning on rescuing you without our aide."
"That's our kids! Bravery runs in the Fenton genes!" Jack patted his chest proudly.
"I'm afraid this will leave a lasting impression, especially if you're not there." Batman trying to persuade them, for the kids. "And it might be best to replenish supplies. Two weeks is a long time."
"Well, maybe it doesn't have to take us two weeks." Maddie hummed in thought as she recalculated her estimate.
"Oh, I know Mads. Let's bust this out in a week and surprise them! Then we can go and to that one museum! Danny and Jazz would love it."
"That's brilliant Jack, we'll have to get to work right away."
Batman frowned, clenching his fist tightly. He wanted to hit them, show them what they were doing to their kids.. but.. Batman relaxed his hand. That would risk Danny's identity. The two were already coming back to Gotham with him. He wouldn't jeopardize that. So he took his leave, in silence.. for now.
-owo-
Jazz was sitting cross legged in her seat, hands clasped tightly together on her lap. She stared blankly across with a cold expression. Every inch of her was stiff and clenched.
Cass having knelled down beside her, concerned. She couldn't get Jazz to relax at all. Jazz remained silent and frozen in her own thoughts.
Damian sitting across from her, sunken in his seat, arms crossed. He clicked his teeth as the conversation he overheard between Vlad and Jasmine replayed in his head. Finally understanding what Vlad meant about her parents. Partially wishing they were too late to save them... just a little.
Danny sat a seat away from his sister, collapsed forward on his lap. His hands loosely clasped together, dangling against his legs. His leg bouncing, as his head was hung, hiding face behind his hair.
Tim went to take a seat, plopping down with a tired sigh. All that work wasted. He felt like he could sleep for a week, but considering everything that happened, he doubt he get much.
Jason plopping down, arms crossed and propped on his knees. He stared between the two Fenton siblings, then having to look down to keep his anger from boiling. They almost all got singed only for them to stay. He hoped that damn catfish or Bullwinkle give them hell. They didn't seem competent.
Dick kept by the entrance, until Bruce came in. It was easy to tell that Batman was just as angry as the rest of them, as he made a beeline to the pilot seat.
Dick following after, plopping down in a makeshift seat, beside Jason and Tim. He flopped like a rag doll a bit. Obviously just as exhausted and emotionally drained as everyone else. This definitely did not turn out how any of them expected.
Batman flicked the switches, closing the door and started their take off, in silence.
-uwu-
They flew in silence, up until they were almost out of view from the lakes. That was when Danny jumped out of his seat, causing everyone to jolt back alert.
"Aw, man! I should have stayed! What if Frootloop comes back? What if they get attack by another blob?! Ugh, I got to go back-" Danny was ruffling his own hair, in a panic. Turning translucent.
"Danny! Don't!" Jazz stood up to grab her brother to keep him from phasing out of the plane.
Danny turn back solid looking at the firm grip Jazz had on his wrist, then looking up at her. Furrowing his brows confused. "But what if-"
"Danny, they're grown adults! They chose to stay behind. Besides! What do you think is going to happen if you phased through the plane?"
"Right. Right.."Danny feeling embarrassed, his eyes dimly lit as he tried to work through his panic.
Jazz loosen her grip, eyes softening as she watched her brother struggle. "Danny, it isn't your responsibility to look after them. Its theirs to look after us and you can't.. can't save people who don't want to be save."
Danny paused, staring at Jazz again. Looking of confusion on his face. "You.. give up on them?"
Jazz stood back in shock, staring her brother in the face. She took a moment to let it sink in, finding herself nodded.
"Yes.." She gasped as her eyes watered, almost shocked that she said it. She didn't take it back, as she blinked back tears. A mixed expression on her face as she almost didn't believe she was saying it. "Yes, I have.. I have."
Danny staring at her in shock.
Jazz staring back at her brother, as her pent emotions spilled over. "First thing to learn about psychology is that you can't FIX people and you can't HELP those who don't want to be helped. Those who refuse to listen. Mo-Jack and Maddie are those people! I can't keep parenting them. I can't keep begging them. I can't keep beating a dead horse! I can't.. I can't."
Tears were spilling down her face. "I NEED to focus on us. I need to figure out something else.. because I CAN'T rely on them. I... I'm 18.. they were going to listen, if they were going to DO anything.. they should have already."
A moment of silence washed over them. Only the roaring of the engine and the sound of Jazz's shaky breathing and sniffling could be heard in that moment.
The bats all watching this with held breaths. It almost felt wrong that they were watching this, as it was very emotional and personal. At least watching with front view seats.
Danny was just staring at Jazz, eyes glued to his sister. He blinked, finally glancing down at the ground, hiding his face behind his hair.
"Danny.. I'm so-" Jazz reached to touch her brother again, but he pulled away before she had a chance to. Danny collapsed in his seat, head hung over his lap.
Jazz stood stun, her face scrunching with every huff of breath. She slowly lowered her hand, turning her head away in pain. Slowly sitting back down, slumping to the side away from Danny. Looking broken. As if her worse fear came true.
The bats didn't know what to do. Its not like they were much better with their emotions. Any attempt to cut the thick atmosphere would feel artificial and useless.
After a few minutes of them debating, they didn't have to as Danny spoke. His voice sounding crack.
Jazz perked up, hearing his voice, glancing back at her brother. She wiped tears from her face, with a sniffle. "What...did you say?"
"I said.. I.. can't." He still kept his head hung over his lap.
Jazz furrowed her brows confused.
Danny clarified with pain in his voice, "I … can't.. give up.. on them."
Jazz looked like a wash of relief flood over her, as she gave a weak smile at her brother. "No one's asking you too, Danny-"
"No, I mean I CAN'T." Danny lifted his head, staring at Jazz. His eyes flashing a bright green.
Jazz gasped, then looked at her brother with sympathy. The rest of the Bats feeling unease, knowing it must be something more holding Danny back.
Danny turned his head to face the ground again. Jazz tried to reach out, but stopped herself, rubbing her arm instead.
"A-at least.. Until I tell them." Danny said as the realization was coming to him.
"Danny, I don't know if it would change anything." Jazz glancing at her brother, not wanting him to get his hopes up.
Danny shook his head, sniffling. "Doesn't matter."
The crack in his voice, meant that it doesn't matter as much. "I have to tell them. I need to know if they be on my side or not when things go to.. Because.. I can't keep doing this either."
The dreadful feeling sinking in, as it was dawning on him. He couldn't wait. He shouldn't wait. He wiped at tears threatening to come as his breathing quicken. "I was hoping there be a perfect time to, but there.. won't be. Is there?"
Danny looking at Jazz as he asked the question. Jazz pressed her lips, shaking her head. "I don't think so, Danny."
Danny snorted, taking a deep shaky breath. He took a moment, letting out a breathy laugh, tears managing to slip. He hastily wiped them away, not wanting to break down again.
Tim jolted with an idea, glancing at the others then back at the pair of siblings. "Not to rush, but.. you can do it while you're in Gotham."
Danny and Jazz blinked, staring at Tim. As if being reminded that others were on the plane.
"Yeah, that way no matter how it goes, you'll have us to fall back on." Dick grinned.
Danny and Jazz glanced at each other for a moment, and then Danny stared at the floor. Pondering it over.
"Don't let these bone-heads rush make you feel like you got to decide." Jason shoving Dick by the head into Tim.
"hey-!" "I told him not to rush! Just a suggestion!"
"No.. no the.. the sooner the better. I.. I think I'll chicken out if its just me." Danny said shakily, but with certainty.
Jazz smiled at Danny, proud of him. Cass pulling them both into a hug, of support. Making them blush.
"I think that's a great idea. I rather know what side your parents are on as well." Batman stated.
Danny blinked, glancing towards where Batman sit. He nodded, leaning shoulder slightly on his sister, even after Cass released them from her arms. He wanted to silently let Jazz know it was okay to touch him.
Jazz happily took it, and leaned her weight fully on Danny. Exhaustion setting in. "See Danny. Everything as it-"
"You really like that saying."
"Mmhm."
"Ugh.." Danny groaned, though there was no real annoyance behind it.
"..."
"Sooooo... anyone up for Uno?" Tim asked pulling out the deck, now that the tension was broken.
The Fenton siblings shrugged, "Sure."
