Yo guys, what's up!? I want to apologize for my lack of updates, but I've had writer's block lately as well as school work so... what can you do?
Anyways, just a couple of announcements this time. I WILL be continuing this story AND One Year Time Skip at the SAME TIME. So please be patient with me. Also, I will repeat this again once I update the ONE YEAR TIME SKIP, the one-shots will not be in chronological order. Maybe some chapters will have a part 1 and part 2 in order, maybe not... just depends on how evil I feel like being :b.
Also I want to thank you all for the wonderful reviews! They really do mean a lot to me and I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN DP OR YJ! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO ORIGINAL PRODUCERS/OWNERS!
Ch. 9
Conner slowly made his way up the creaking metal stairs that lead to the rooftop. He reached for the rusted doorknob but then stopped as he began to hesitate. 'What if he doesn't want people to talk to him right now? What if he just wants to be left alone so he can be allowed to think?' Conner snorted at himself before reaching out and turned the doorknob. 'Like I'm going to let him do that...'
A chilly breeze whisked Conner's short-cut hair as he opened the metal door. Outside it was chilly, but comforting. The leaves of Autumn followed the wind as it gently blew through the air, the Sun's orange and yellow rays making the leaves seem to shine and gleam as they passed by. In fact, Conner hadn't even realized how late it was as he saw the sinking sun. The clone sighed as he looked to where the leaves were trying to point him to, and found a certain phantom sitting on the edge of the warehouse's roof.
Conner wordlessly sat next to the white-haired boy, and began to watch the sunset's rays shine over the majority of the city.
It's rays shined orange over some of the dull apartment buildings and houses, while red or blue became their shadows. Yellow highlighted some the taller buildings, and in the distance, Conner could make out what looked like a school. But what would've caught his eye, if not for enjoying the sunset, is a house in the distance with what looked to be a UFO or overly-sized satelite on top of it's roof.
"Conner?"
Said person was snapped out of his thoughts and he glanced over to the teen next to him.
"What... What did I do to deserve this? What did I do wrong?" Danny mumbled.
Conner looked back to the sinking sun as he replied. "I don't know. But what I do know is that you're not alone anymore. You have a real family with you, Danny... and that's all that matters."
Danny sighed and let a small smile appear on his face. "Thanks."
Conner smiled back, "You're welcome."
The two were silent for a moment before, "Damn... You really must've pissed off Fate this time..."
Danny was silent for a moment before he smirked and lightly punched Conner in the arm. "No shit, Sherlock."
Conner punched him back saying, "Language."
The other raised an eyebrow at his remark while smirking. "Don't be a hypocrite, Steve."
"I'll stop being a hypocrite as soon as you stop being a smart-ass."
The two couldn't help but laugh a little at their antics, causing any tension present to become nonexistent.
And that's the exact scene that Megan walked in on as she came onto the rooftop.
"Nice to see you're having a nice time," she commented.
The two turned around with smiles on their faces. "Want to join us Megan? The view here is great," Danny offered.
Megan smiled apologetically at him, "Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. I actually came up here to tell you that dinner is almost done. Also Nightwing said that after we all eat, it'd probably be best if you show us around town, just so we can get a little familiar with it."
Danny continued to smile as he and Conner stood up and walked over to her. "Yeah sure. It might actually be a little fun too," the raven-haired teen said cheerfully.
The Ghostly teen was the first to descend the stairs, but Megan held out an arm to stop Conner from going. "Is he alright?" she asked the other telepathically. Conner looked to where the teen had disappeared, "I think he's trying to put on a brave face so we don't worry. So the best we can do for him right now is just remind him that he doesn't have to do this alone. He has a real family now, in fact, I wouldn't object if Danny requests the Fentons and co. to go home or just stay out of the way."
Megan sighed, "So in other words, he just wants to get this over with so we can all go home."
"Yeah, pretty much."
Megan sighed aloud this time before finally descending the stairs with Conner right behind her.
TIME SKIP (1 hour later; because I'm lazy right now)
"So, Danny...what have you been up to recently?"
Both Team and Fentons were seated in the kitchen and living room as they all ate their small, but filling dinner. There was few furniture, since it only used to be Sam, Tucker, Jazz, and Danny. It consisted of two couches, one being a two seater, the other a four, an oval glass/metal coffee table, four bar stools that usually sat underneath the bar top counter, and lastly two extra chairs that were always kept in the closet if the ex-trio ever had any vistors.
Artemis and Impulse both sat on the two-seater couch with Kid Flash sitting on the arm of it, while Aqualad, Miss Martain, Beast Boy, and Zatanna sat on the four-seater. Nightwing, Robin, Superboy, and Danny had seated themselves on the bar stools, and lastly, the Fentons had chosen to stand, while Sam and Tucker sat on the two extra chairs.
Everyone had been mostly silent throughout the entire time they were eating, but of course, Tucker couldn't let them have that privledge.
When Tucker had disturbed the silence, Danny was in the process of staring at nothing in particular, and he continued to do so as he deadpanned his answer.
"Oh you know, escaped from hell, captured by psycopaths, rescued friends from the psycopaths, rescued damsels from a psycotic clown, ended up getting rescued from the psycotic clown, stopped three invasions, one from ghosts, the other two by morons having hissy-fits, got captured by idiots-excuse me- the government, stopped two prison break-outs caused by more idiots and their friends the morons, and last but not least I had to put up with super-powered adults that decided to have tantrums. So you know... the usual."
By the end of Danny's enthusiastic recolation of everything that's happened, Robin, Impulse, and Beast Boy were left rolling with laughter, Artemis and Miss Martain were trying everything to not to giggle, Aqualad, Nightwing, Zatanna, and Superboy were smiling, and lastly, Kid Flash was holding his stomache in pain from laughing so hard.
Meanwhile, Sam, Tucker, and the Fentons all shared the same reactions, expressions of horror, disbelief, and anger.
"Why are you all laughing at this?! And you! Why would you even say things like that?!" Maddie exclaimed with a disapproving glare.
Danny remained emotionless as he looked into his biological mother's eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked innocently.
"Why would you lie like that?!"
Danny remained staring into her furious eyes as he answered with a bored tone, "Those weren't lies, those were the truth. Just ask anyone around the room."
Maddie and Jack looked around the room and saw all the serious, but amused, expressions of the young team. Maddie looked as though she was going to try to argue again, but Danny stopped her by standing and holding his hand up for silence.
"I believe it's getting late and that we're all tired here. So as both member of the Young Justice League, and a former citizen of this city, I'm going to have to ask you and your company to leave, Mr. and Mrs. Fenton."
The two audiences were shocked, but for different reasons. The Fentons, Sam, and Tucker were shocked because Danny was kicking them out of their base. While the Team was shocked that he was acting so calmly and was using an authoritative tone.
"You don't have the right to kick us out of here!" Sam exclaimed.
Danny turned to the goth. "Actually I do. This warehouse was given to me by the Axion Labs by Director Gray himself. He gave it to me for the sole purpose of having a safe and secret research facility as well as using it as a safe house. When given to me, it was put under the name of Phantom, and had been paid in full. Therefore, I have the right to remove you from my property. If you don't believe me, I have all the papers, dated and signed."
Nightwing and a few others looked impressed by Phantom's thinking ahead, while other Team members were just in awe. And of course, the Fentons and co were outraged.
"You can't do this to us! We-" Tucker tried to say.
"You are civilians and as such, we are now responsible for your safety. Also, because you are civilians, you do not have access to the knowledge of our real identities. The only reason you are even seeing us is because you already know my identity and you had caught us off guard. Which will not be happening again. Is this understood?"
The Halfa flashed his deadly toxic green at the Fentons and they relucantly agreed, with flickers of surprise coming from Sam and Tucker.
Danny took another calming breath before continuing, "Good. Now, for the time that we are remaining here, if we are seen in public, you are to NOT call me be either of my identities. I will be somewhat in diguise for the majority of the time we're here and it is crucial to both the mission and the Team's safety, that I am not compromised."
Everyone nodded in agreement, some more hesitant than others.
"But wait." Danny turned to Artemis. "What are we supposed to call you then?"
Danny motioned towards Nightwing who in turn answered the question, "Aqualad, Phantom, and I have been discussing this for a while now. We have have decided that we will being using the Mind Link as an advantage. Ee'll be using it the majority of the time we're investigating and when we're in public. We'll still call Danny, 'Phantom', but we have to be careful, when and where we say his name."
Artemis nodded to show that she understood, before Nightwing turned to the Fentons who were still present in the room.
He sighed before acknowledging them, "Mr and Mrs Fenton, I'll make you a deal, if it makes you feel more comfortable. You can be here from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That way, you can be here during the day, but still allow us to have our privacy at night."
Sam and Tucker turned to look at Mr and Mrs Fenton, who in turn looked to them, all seeming to have come to a silent agreement. "It's a deal," Jack said shaking Nightwing's hand.
Nightwing smiled back at them and with that, the Fentons and Danny's ex-friends left the warehouse.
The Team all sighed in relief as the other occupants left the room.
"Well that was interesting," Wally said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I can definitely agree to that," Artemis added.
"Indeed," Aqualad agreed.
"So Danny?"
Said person looked to Beast Boy. "What next?"
"Next? Next we rest for a little bit before heading out. It's time to show you guys around the most haunted city in the World."
TIME SKIP (9:30 P.M.)
The city of Amity Park had quieted down. Both people and animals alike were at home asleep. The wind was nothing more than a gentle breeze that carried the sound of singing crickets. The city lights were bright, but not harsh, as if they were stars. The moon shined brightly in the sky, offering more than enough light for midnight travelers.
Jumping rooftop to rooftop, was the young team of heroes, stopping every once and awhile to admire or observe a certain building or street. Leading the team through the city, Phantom led them to the fountain within the park in order to rest.
The park was peaceful and beautiful under the moon's rays of silver light. The gray sidewalks were lit up brightly, the trees and bushes shined, the red and white flowers around the fountain practically glowed, and the water itself turned silver and blue from the moon's comforting light.
Miss Martain's eyes went wide at the wondrous and enchanted sight, and Beast Boy, Impulse, and Artemis couldn't help but do the same. Robin and Nightwing were trying to pick out every hidden detail, such as the scars on the trees or sidewalks that looked suspiciously like there were previous battles held here. Lastly, Aqualad, Zatanna, Kid Flash, and Conner were observing their surroundings with caution, yet they still admired the scene itself all the same.
"Wow, this place is amazing!" Beast Boy shouted out loud.
Miss Martian immediately put up the Mind Link and lightly scolded Beast Boy for shouting.
"Heh, heh... sorry."
"It's alright, Gar, no is really around this place at this time of night. Save the few midnight joggers every once in awhile, but that's often." Phantom reassured.
"What is this place anyways, Danny?" Zatanna asked in awe.
A gentle breeze glided through the peaceful park, rustling the white and red shining leaves, and producing a sweet aroma that smelled of freshly picked lavender.
Phantom closed his eyes as the soft wind lightly ruffled his hair and clothes. With a sad smile and without turning around, he said aloud, "Hey, Jazz..."
Some of the teen's eyes went wide in shock, while other had looks of suspicion with narrowed eyes or tightened jaws.
They watched as a red-haired teen, maybe even new adult, stepped out of the woods. She was wearing a long-sleeved black shirt, a light blue skirt with black leggings underneath, and black flats. The girl herself was skinny, but naturally so. Meanwhile, her eyes showed different, her teal blue eyes were full of both relief and sorrow, both emotions struggling for dominance. However, it didn't matter, for the tears already came.
"D-Danny?"
Phantom smiled at her sadly and nodded his head, but before he could say anything else, Jazz tackled him into a hug.
"I was so worried about you! I came back to the house when I heard you were missing, only to come home to Mom worrying and Dad was furious. I had asked them what had happened, but they refused to say anything! It wasn't until I went to throw something away did I find your note in the trash, and I-"
Danny felt his entire body tense up as his older sister began to sob into his soldier, her face twisted in guilt and looked to be in physical pain.
"-I felt like it was my fault that you were gone! I should've been here to protect you! I should've been here to stop Mom and Dad from hurting you! I should've-!"
"Jazz, stop."
Jazz jerked back in surprise and her tearful eyes met her brother's fiery determined ones. "But I-"
"You didn't do anything, Jazz. It wasn't your fault, nor was it Mom or Dad's. I chose to leave. ME. It was my choice and mine alone. Yes, Mom and Dad may have been the reason I was leaving... but it was still my decision. So wipe those tears away you spazz."
Jazz chuckled at her brother's old taunting and wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve. She sniffled before looking up at her inch-shorter-than-her brother, and seeing the new fire in his eyes, she couldn't help but smile.
Danny smiled back at her and pulled her into a hug, "There's that smile..."
Jazz sighed in relief and smiled into her brother's shoulder, "I love you Danny."
"...I love you too, Jazz."
The two didn't know how long they remained in each other's embrace, but they weren't broken up until someone cleared their throat.
Nightwing stepped forwards with an apologetic look on his face. "Sorry to have to break up this happy moment, but we need to keep moving if we want to have the whole city scouted out by tonight."
Phantom looked down with a sad smile on his face, while Jazz's eyes widened in surprise.
"Who are you?" She looked towards her brother. "Are these the people Dani-?"
"Yes. And unfortunately, Nightwing is right. We have to keep moving. Go ahead and head to the warehouse, we'll meet you there in a little bit," Phantom said with a smile.
Jazz nodded her head and gave him one more hug before turning around and jogging off into the shadows.
'Phantom? You ready to keep going?' Miss Martian asked.
Said person took a calming breath while running a hand through his hair. 'Yeah. Let's keep moving before the ghosts show up.'
The Team all stood up and followed Danny back into the shadows of the city.
It wasn't until they were well away from the park did anyone speak again. Unfortunately, it had to be Impulse... "Your place is so crash! Small, but peaceful-"
At that exact moment, every single Team member wanted to do nothing more than slap Impulse upside the head. For at that exact moment, a woman's screams could be heard in the distance.
While Robin, Beast Boy, Nightwing, Artemis, and Superboy turned to glare at Impulse, Phantom trained his ears to the source of the scream.
"Why on Earth would you even THINK about saying that?!" Robin exclaimed.
"Yeah, man! You know our luck is bad enough, why'd you have to go and say that!" Beast Boy added.
"Well I thought that since we were in a different dimension that-"
"As much as we would want to hear your excuses right now, there's a woman being jumped about two blocks from us, so if you're done-!"
With that being said Phantom dashed off into the night, leaving some of the teenagers to blink in surprise and/or confusion, while the rest rushed to catch up to the white-haired teen.
Impulse and the others scolding him stood up straight and quickly followed the others in the black night.