Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom or Spider-Man. I do not own the original story this is based on.
The cure had been spread by the explosion mere minutes ago, yet the effects seemed instantaneous as the spider monsters reverted back to human form in rapid succession. Citizens everywhere hissed in pain as their bodies reformed with several snaps and cracks, leaving them with splitting headaches, nausea, and other after effects. The few pockets of the unaffected came out of hiding as they looked around. Though the city was still webbed, it was nothing compared to the virus outbreak.
But that was over, and a sense of peace reigned as everyone went to work repairing the city. It seemed like everything was going to be alright.
Except for the fact many citizens needed medical help. Many were harmed during the final raid on Oscorp Tower, suffering from bruises to broken bones and internal bleeding. Doctors scrambled to help, but not all were available as some were exhausted from the transformation and passed out with various citizens.
Horizon High, one of the least damaged buildings in Manhattan, was still functioning as it was used for makeshift emergency care. While many required bandages and some scanning, one girl was in critical condition.
In the basement was an emergency bunker, built after break-ins like the Crimson Dynamo and a werewolf. There, Black Cat was laid onto a bed as her vitals were monitored in their decline.
By her side, Danny Phantom sat, watching her still body as the news played in the background, courtesy of Spider-Man, who came by to check on them.
"Her body seems stable, but I can't say she'll stay that long. Scanners indicated many broken bones and internal bleeding on her ribs, arms, legs, and a fracture on her skull." The web-slinger glanced at the equipment, reading stable line, but that was it. Picking up his phone again, the news stream filled the room as the boys listened.
Flipping through channels, reception to the spider island events was chaotic. As scientists explained, some questioned how this outbreak happened, while others criticized it. One podcast, by news media manager J. Jonah Jameson, ranted about how this was only the beginning, putting particular details on Spider-Man and Spy-D and how there would be another slower wave of the spider virus.
The new channels were flooded with ongoing investigations and interviews on the outbreak. Expert sources, from scientists to members of the Justice League and Avengers, were brought in to discuss the matter. However, many of the heroes were busy with other matters in saving the world, so it was mostly the former as companies scrambled to reinstate their economic network in the city.
"As the city is cleaned of spider webs, many citizens are up in arms at the outbreak of the spider island, turning Manhattan into a spider island. Some have called for special forces designated for dealing with mutants, viruses, or any form of supernatural threat. We go live to the front of Lincoln Industry, where the CEO has a message for the people," a reporter said on screen.
The scene changed to a press conference, where many people had gathered. The audience was organized by picket signs, holding up various messages ranging from better prevention methods to anti-mutant protesters. The camera centered on a podium, where a well-dressed man walked up to speak.
He was six foot five and very imposing with his concrete-like skin, dead eyes, and sharp teeth. One would call this man, L. Thompson Lincoln, a supervillain on the spot. But today was not the case.
"Mr. Lincoln, what is your company doing to help with the outbreak?" A reporter asked as cameramen took photos.
"I can assure you, as CEO of Lincoln Industries, we are doing everything we can to ensure New York is being repaired as swiftly as possible," the man replied with a stone-cold voice.
"What Congress's new Mutant Regristartion platform in parallel with the Super Registration proposal?" asked a reporter, pushing through the crowd. "Surely as a mutant yourself, you have concerns."
Mr. Lincoln answered similar questions, replying how he would do everything to make the world better for people, both mutants and regulars alike. However, reception to his words provided mixed results as the interview would appear on the web, either being touted for progressive intuition or slandered by anti-mutant groups.
For the day Manhattan was Spider-Island, the outbreak had sparked mass hysteria as nations worldwide began to take notice. But at the pace things were going, it would be years before a proper course of action was taken. However, that only meant everyone was pondering on the subject.
From the Xavier Institute for the Gifted in the human world to the hidden domain of the supernatural, everyone had a feeling that the status quo, while only shaken, could crumble with another strong push.
But the ghost boy only stared at the screen, flipping through channels absent-mindedly as his thoughts were focused on Felicia. Despite the animosity he showed earlier, the boy couldn't come to completely hate the girl. Distant memories of their precious dates came to mind as the tears cascaded from his face.
Danny had gotten tickets for this play Felicia wanted to see, called...he had forgotten the name already. It was in Spanish, but subtitles were projected onto the screen for a backdrop, so it worked.
Danny had arrived and escorted Felicia in.
"My. My. I didn't think you'd actually join me," Felicia purred.
"We'll, I'm not much of a stage guy, but I think I can make an exception if I have the right company." Danny gave a coy look as they went to their seats.
Sitting down, Felicia leaned into the ghost boy as he wrapped his arm around her. The two were like that for the entire play, except during intermission.
They watched as the stage lit up, telling the story of a businessman who fell in love with a woman. It was revealed that the woman was part of a family of con artists who were doing everything possible to scam the man out of house and home. In the end, the play ended with the business and con-woman, having concocted their own scheme, leaving together for the Bahamas for early retirement.
The lights came back as the actors bowed to the audience's clapping roars. Danny and Felicia got up, exiting hand in hand.
"That was exciting." Felicia had a dangerous glint in her eyes. She turned to her boyfriend, looking giddy. "What did you think of it?"
"Well, I'm not much of a play guy, but it was...something," Danny said with intrigue. "I still can't believe the guy and girl tricked her family into their money as the guy faked his death."
"You heard the lady." Felicia giggled as she let go of the ghost boy's hand and brought his arm to her chest, making the boy blush. "She knew he had talent the moment she laid eyes on him. And after his rant, she told him everything."
"I still can't believe the guy went through with the plan. He almost killed her when she revealed herself."
"Sometimes love can be a powerful motivator." Felicia leaned in. "You'd be surprised."
"You think?"
"I know, Phantom." Felicia leaned in as she kissed Danny. The two stopped there, melting into the moment.
Danny touched the outlines of Black Cat, veering over the suit and mask. Words escaped him, unable to properly convey coherent emotions to set his train of thought for any direction. If his parents were here, that was another can of worms entirely to him.
Black Cat. The thief had thwarted and flirted with Danny on multiple occasions. A girl more upfront with her wit, dexterity, intelligence, strength, and feminine wiles, yet she was part of Felicia Hardy like Phantom was to Fenton.
Danny stared as tears fell. Death was never on his list for all the karma he wanted to happen. To ask that someone pay with their life, no matter the circumstances could only be asked by those stewed in anger and hatred.
"Felicia." The ghost boy whispered her name, unsure how to feel.
But a knock on the door stalled his mind as he looked at the room's entrance.
To his surprise, it wasn't Spy-D, Max Modell, or any of the visiting Horizon students but a man in a black suit. He looked to be in his late fifties, with hairs turning white. Walking up with a tall, young, blonde woman, the two stopped a foot away from the ghost boy.
"Danny Phantom." The man looked like the FBI or CIA, but it was hard to tell for the C-straight student. "I must say, I wish we were speaking under better terms, but when I heard you had been staying here for the past hours, I figured we needed to have a chat.
Spider-Man stared as he walked up to the gentleman and lady.
However, the man focused on the ghost boy, tilting his head with a shrug. The lady had one eye on The web-slinger as she took notes.
"Hmmm...for some reason, I thought you'd be taller. But that's what happens when you work with Supers," the man said.
"Uh...who are you?" Peter asked.
The man paused with a shake of his head and pulled out a badge.
"Right. Ahem, I'm Agent Dicker of the National Super Association. I'm here for a routine check up for any missing details, regarding the heroes who helped save the city. I've already spoken to Harry Osborn, and heard there was a young girl part of the group." Dickers pointed to the ghost boy. He noticed Black Cat in the bed, as still as a corpse.
"Hmmm...so this is Black Cat." The agent walked up to her as Danny inserted himself between the two.
"What do you want?" Danny's words were blunt.
"For starters, I want to know if you have any details on Jackal and Arachnidia. It seems no bodies or trace of them were found. We believe they've fled the scene, but have no clues to their whereabouts. We even asked Dr. Warren's niece, but that was a dead end too."
The woman's phone rang. She checked the device nodding to her senior as she left to take the call. Spider-Man followed shortly, wanting to keep an eye on things in Horizon. He left, giving Danny a nod of his head before exiting. The ghost boy returned the gesture and then answered back.
"Sorry, but I don't know anything about those two," Danny replied. He stood his ground, noticing Agent Dickers was trying to walk around him. "Now what was that other thing you needed?"
Dicker sighed, having enough experience and intuition to see what was happening. He glanced at the still body of Black Cat, listening to the monitors as her heart rate continued.
"To be honest, I was also here to arrest Black Cat. Help or not, she has been suspected in several crimes and needs to be interrogated. But I don't think that will be necessary." Agent Dicker turned to Danny. "How is she?"
Danny said nothing, sniffling as tears started to fall.
"We can't say," Danny finally said. "None of the doctors available can look at her. And any that can don't have what it take to save her."
"So she's dyi—"
"Don't you dare say that!" Danny's eyes glowed a brighter shade of green as he yelled, momentarily bringing Spider-Man and the blonde woman back in, startled by his uproar.
Agent Dicker had been with the National Supers Association since its creation. To see an angry hero was nothing new to him. He got out his phone and made a call, staring at Danny the entire time. He said a few words, not concrete, with no real details. But he sighed, handing up.
"You really want to help her?" Danny nodded as Dicker sighed. "I'll tell you what. Suspected criminal or not, I'm not going to argue semantics with a teenager. With all the doctors busy or passed out, there's only one doctor I can think of who can save her."
Danny stared at the man, telling him to bring him here. But there was a problem: he wasn't in the United States and had an issue regarding superheroes. The ghost boy felt his heart sink as he fell to the floor.
Dicker wrote something down and handed it to the boy. "If you want, talking to him in person might change his mind. But are you willing to risk going all the way to save this young lady?" He asked.
Staring at the paper, the ghost boy broke a small smile as more tears fell. His hands gripped the parchment with shaking excitement.
"You know you should answer the question. Bud Luckey's, or is it Jonathan Banks, question is more important than you think."
Agent Dicker groaned loudly as he and Danny looked to the door to see Deadpool. The merc was forcing his way in against the other agent's resistance. Peter had left, wanting nothing to do with the man as he went to get Miles.
"Kid, do you want to go all the way out of the country to save Black Cat?" Deadpool asked.
Danny stuttered, biting his lips as he turned to the thief. His face contorted and twisted with so many feelings he could not decide on an answer.
"I don't know," Danny said. "But I can't just stand by and watch someone I...know die."
"Then I'd start packing. You got an entire ocean to cross," Agent Dickers said.
"You heard Dicky, it's time for a road trip!" Deadpool wrapped an arm around the man, hugging him like a fraternity brother.
Agent Dicker shivered as he felt the merc hugging him. He glared at the anti-hero, who looked just nuzzled his head on a shoulder.
"Come on, Dickie, you know you like it." Deadpool rubbed a hand on the man's chest. "I mean, you're no Bea Arthur, but it doesn't bother me."
Agent Dicker could swear he saw Deadpool fluttering his eyes underneath his mask. He grabbed the merc's arm off him and walked with his phone out.
"I can get you the quickest plane ticket, but you better move fast—"
"I got a rocket that can get me there faster," Danny said.
The agent sighed, pinching his nose. This would involve more paperwork and fast, or it could cause unwanted tensions. He nodded, dropping the number he was dialing before entering a new one.
"Woo hoo! Road-trip!" Deadpool yelled.
"You're not coming," Danny said bluntly. The merc looked almost hurt before leaning in.
"If you're going on a road trip, you're gonna need a wingman," Deadpool said.
Danny didn't say anything as he phased through the merc. But that didn't deter anyone as Deadpool walked in front of the ghost boy again.
"Look, jokes aside. If you're going out of states, you're gonna need someone who can translate." Deadpool pointed at Danny. "How many languages can you speak?"
Danny opened his mouth, choking on any comeback, retort, or quip that might have been ruminating in his mind. With a loud sigh, the ghost boy walked past the merc.
"Exactly." Deadpool rubbed his hands. "Roadtrip!"
As the two left, Agent Dicker sighed, glancing at the bedridden Black Cat. His vision skimmed the edges of her mask as his phone rang in his coat pocket.
"This is Dicker," he answered. "I've met the ghost boy and sent him toward the doctor...you know which one...no, he's taking a rocket over and is en route to see the doctor...set up proper protocol. You know they have a different migration policy than the US...And send someone to look over Ms. Cat here. We don't need the king of crime agitated. Not yet, anyway...gotcha."
And now, the next arc begins with Danny heading out to find a doctor to save Black Cat. Read on as we see our favorite ghost boy struggle with his emotions as he comes to terms with himself, along with Deadpool's antics.
Special Thanks! to Jay The Average Fanboy for all his help!
Reviews:
Jebest4781: Thanks!
NiteOwl18: She is fine now, but not for long.
danifan3000: Yes, but he also reconstructed every Highbreed DNA on a universal scale, and I mean the entire universe. He can cure a city in a second. Plus, I didn't want to have to use so many characters. When I do, it gets confusing to keep track and focus on them so they're not just background. I'm a decent writer, but I have faults.
germanjustiniano9: Tal vez, pero eso implicaría muchos detalles con la participación de Avenger Tower. Usar Venom ahora parecería demasiado pronto, ya que quiero llevar la historia con cuidado. Simplemente hacer que todo sea una amenaza mayor a medida que avanza la historia parece aburrido. Los problemas no tienen que escalar de esa manera. Pero él y Vlad aparecerán. Además, escuché algo nuevo sobre la tradición de Symbiote y quiero investigarlo.
Invader Johnny: Danny will be going through some turbulence for the next few chapters. And even then, things still will progress more dangerously.
LockAndKey989: Felicia will enter her redemption arc, but it will be a while before grudges are fully cleared up. Thanks! Glad to hear this story interested you in this couple.
aiman031122: More will come.
RonaldM40196867: Honestly, who doesn't need therapy? Yes. Not really. I can't speak for everyone, but to me, it's not that ridiculous, considering the setting. Yes and no; you'll see why in another chapter.
Luiz4200: Thanks!
sanid096: Not really.
ZoomedIn: Thanks!
Guest: Thanks!
Jay The Average Fanboy: Possibly. Probably not; I'll be working on a more traditional yet functional suit for here in the future. Felicia's mother knows. It's subtle, though.