Hello everyone. Before reading, the following things in this story should be noted:
-The story is already finished, I'll just take time to upload the rest of the chapters.
-PP never happened (thank God), but the Masters' Blasters will be canon just like their short arc.
-Danny and Sam never confessed their feelings.
- I know Danielle is supposed to be 12 when she shows up, but let's face it: she looks around 8, so just have that in mind.
-All rights to the characters belong to Butch Hartman.
He was a dead man. He got distracted for just a brief moment during lunch and now he was running 20 minutes late. "Tucker will kill me". He thought while flying as fast as he could towards his best friend's graduation ceremony.
Throughout high school the three of them continued hunting ghosts in parallel to their curricular activities. Jazz helped them only when she could because her college life outside of Amity Park consumed most of her time, but it was thanks to the addition of Dani to Team Phantom that Danny could finally dedicate more time to his studies and improving his grades. So then, when they all turn 18, they parted ways to continue their college education with the promise to reunite once they were done.
Danny knew his chances of becoming an astronaut were limited, but that didn't stop him to move to Florida to study Astronomy. Even though he wasn't at the top of his class, he wasn't that bad in science when he put the time to actually study. After all, the Fenton family was a family of geniuses.
Sam, per her parents' initiative more than her own, moved to England to study in Cambridge. Even though her passions were allover the place, she chose to study English Literature and, in her father´s words, "learn straight from the source".
Tucker, as expected, went to MiT to study Computer Science and Engineering. With a full scholarship and total dominion over computers, he became so good that it allowed him to study a specialization simultaneously.
Even when they were scattered, they texted daily and made time to have group videocalls every weekend, due to the different time zones. During holidays, only Tucker and Danny met in Amity Park to spend time with their families, because Sam chose to take extra courses to finish her career faster. It had been nearly over a year since the last time they all met: Danny and Sam had their graduation ceremonies in similar dates, which was why they agreed to reunite in his best friend's ceremony, where Tucker would be giving the speech as valedictorian of his class and he was… running late. As usual.
Now he was flying as fast as he could, intangible and with a bag on his back with enough clothes for some days. He checked his phone screen again to see the location of the building where the ceremony would take place and let out a sigh of relief when said building materialized in front of his vision field.
He made his way into the auditorium without making a noise and after adjusting his suit, searched for a place to sit. The place was packed, but he found a seat at the end of one of the final rows near the exit. He relaxed and focused on his best friend at the center of the stage, dressed with a cap and gown in the middle of his speech.
- … we become keys. We are instruments design to open the doors of progress and betterment of our society. But a key in the wrong hands could also close the stream of knowledge and restrict the access to opportunities of many…
He stopped paying attention and his eyes started wandering across de auditorium in search for a familiar face. He focused on the front rows hoping to find the one he was looking for. Videocalls weren't enough when he was used to see her daily in high school and those 3 minutes he had with her a few years ago didn't count. He missed her. More than a "friend" should. He located Tucker's parents in the middle of the third row, but there were no signs of her.
- Thank you! – The standing ovation brought him back to reality. Imitating everyone around him, he stood up and started clapping.
- Well done, Tuck! – In the middle of the fuzz, he managed to recognize that voice.
It was until everyone started taking their seats that he could see her. It could've been literally anyone else for he only saw a black stain in his peripheral, it could've been another woman's hair, but deep down he knew that was Sam… his Sam. And if he was right, he was in a lot of trouble.
After many and some cringe-inducing pictures with his parents, Tucker made his way through the crowd of graduates to find his friends.
- Well done, Foley!
- Congrats Tucker!
- Way to go Tucker!
- Thank you, thank you and thank you. – He responded while navigating the halls, greeting his fellow graduates. – Now… where could they be…?
- Tucker. – Called a young blonde man with glasses next to 2 other people. A black-haired man with black eyes and a blonde girl with blue eyes. – You do know how to give a speech!
- It's just another one of my many talents, Jerry. – He shrugged with a smile before turning to the other 2. – Congratulations to you too, Carl and… Darla. – He used his flirting tone to pronounce her name. – If you want to, we could go to…
- Forget it Foley. – She cut him off with a smile. – If it didn't work in 4 years, it won't work in 4 minutes. – She crossed her arms and made the guys laugh.
- It was worth a shot. – He gave up.
- Where you looking for someone? – Carl asked.
- Actually, I was. – He started looking around again.
- Your friends from Amity Park? – Darla wondered.
Jerry, Carl, Tucker and her became very close during the career. They didn't know Tucker the same way Danny and Sam did, but for the techno-geek they were very good friends, people he could trust completely. Plus, she and Tucker were in an on-going "push-n-pull" dance for the past year. That's why she was curious to meet the famous Daniel and Samantha.
- Will you introduce us? – Jerry asked raising his eyebrows suggestively and smiling. He once had the pleasure to crash into Tucker's dorm while he was in a videocall with them and he liked what he saw: purple eyes, silky black hair, smooth pale skin and a regal facial expression. He just saw her face, but that was enough for him.
- If I find them, sure. – He smiled. – Just don't try anything weird. – He said on a more serious tone.
- C'mon man! – Carl added. – We would never…
- TUCK!
They all turned their heads in the direction of the feminine scream that echoed through the halls. Soon they saw the see of people parting in 2, creating a path in the middle of the hall that a young woman was using to approach them. Straight black hair just below her shoulders, a sleeveless black dress that really favored her every curve and ended at the middle of her thighs, under it she was wearing dark purple leggings that got lost in the middle of her shins, right where here tall boots begun. To match the resto of the outfit, she was wearing black gloves that reached her elbows, but leaving her fingers visible.
"Oh, Danny… you're so screwed". He thought as he recognized the person.
- Sam! – Tucker met her halfway in an effusive hug. They split some second later. – So glad you could make it!
- Goes to show I'm a better friend than you. – She teased him crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.
- Oh, please! Not everyone can afford a trip to England with the spare change of our monthly expenses. – He lightly pushed her shoulder and she smiled.
- It's good to see you again Tucker. Congratulations.
- Right back at you Sam. – He passed his arm above her head on a side hug and turn around with her. – By the way, I want to introduce you to my friends… - He could only laugh at the reaction on his friends faces. The boys where slightly paralyzed and Darla's expression was one of total shock. "Payback". He though smiling. – Sam these are Jerry, Carl and Darla. – He pointed at each one as he pronounced their names. – Guys, this is Sam.
- Nice to meet you. – She said a bit shy, not for meeting new people but for the way they were looking at her.
- Nice indeed… I mean… Likewise. – Carl corrected himself. And to make things worse, he winked at her.
- Ok, that's enough. – Tucker said when he saw Sam turning her eyes elsewhere clearly uncomfortable. – Talk to you later.
- Wait, Tucker… - Jerry whispered, but the aforementioned had already turn around with Sam.
- I told you not to try anything weird. But don't worry, I'll be back. – He waved at them as he walked away with the goth.
- That was… - Sam started.
- Frightening? Disturbing? Awkward? – Tucker offered.
- Cringe in the word I would use. – She said smiling.
They stopped where all the halls where connected and he stood in front of her.
- Yeah, but what were you expecting? We are all nerds. – He smiled.
- And since you were valedictorian, does that make you the biggest nerd in here? – She crossed her arms again.
- Are you kidding? – He answered amused. – I'm their king! – They both started laughing.
- By the way… - She intervened. – What a masterpiece you recited during your speech. – She smiled. – Inspiring, challenging, bold… a real call to action for a new generation of professional… - She said ironically.
- That's the least I expected… You charged me 50 bucks for that after all. – He said smiling. – Although I didn't approve the whole thing about the exploitation of resources and preservation of the environment.
- C'mon Tucker! – She said laughing. – A one-minute standing ovation sure was enough to overlook some details.
- I'm just hoping I don't find someone on the internet reciting the same speech. That would be career suicide. – He pretended getting serious. – And you'll own me 50 bucks plus interest.
- It offends me that you think so low of me, Tuck. – She put her hand near her heart pretending indignation. – I myself made sure to hide it in the tenth navigation page.
Both started laughing in the middle of the hallway, earning weird looks form everyone around due to the familiarity that "Tuck-nerd" Foley was using to talk to the girl that had been attracting glances ever since she parked her car at the entrance on the faculty.
- Boy, I missed this. – She said smiling.
- Same here. – He smiled back. – Oh… - He started looking around once more. – Have you seen… the-one-that-shall-not-be-mentioned? – He said wiggling his eyebrows.
She just sighed.
- No… and there is no reason to call him like that, Tuck. – She said. – Danny didn't do anything to earn that nickname.
- I thought him not doing anything was the reason we gave him that nickname. – He teased her until she squinted her eyes at him. – Sorry. But are you sure? You don't seem very convinced of it.
- It's been years Tuck. I won't crumble by just seeing him.
"I guess we're about to find out". He thought with a smile.
- I hope so. – He looked past her and raised his hand waiving it.
Sam raised an eyebrow waiting for his friend to elaborate, but she wasn't expecting the shout coming from behind her calling for Tucker. There was no way. It shouldn't be possible that after so long that voice still had the power to make her heart race like that. "Get it together!" She reproached herself.
- TUCK!
He left the auditorium around 10 minutes after the ceremony had ended, thinking in how to proceed next. That woman was Sam, definitely. He knew because… well, he didn't, but that was the only explanation he had for the sudden spike in his heart rate. Slowly, he started making his way through the crowd looking for his friends. While doing it, he received a fair amount of looks, coming mostly from the feminine population. It was something rather common for him after his "transformation" and, even when he still wasn't used to it, he learned quickly how to deal with all that attention: a small smile, a "thank you", sometimes an innocent compliment towards the girl in question and a fast-paced walk away from there. What he hadn't figured out yet was why they were after him harder after showing little to no interest at all towards them.
Since he had stopped fighting ghosts, his freshmen year he decided to formally start exercising with the intention to finally conquer Sam the next time he saw her. He managed to build up enough muscles to stop looking like a wimp, but not enough to look like Dash or Kwan when they were in the football team of Casper High. An interesting side effect was that, by strengthening his human form, his force increased exponentially when he turned to his ghost form. And he loved it.
He reached the point where all the halls merged into one and finally saw his best friend talking with the same woman that yelled Tucker's name after the speech. "Knew it". He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, getting ready for a very likely awkward moment. He mustered all his courage and started walking. He made a promise to himself and he wasn't backing down now. Besides, why would it be awkward? They were friends. Scratch that, best friends. It would only be awkward if he allowed it to be. After all, he discovered the solution to that tension that hung in the atmosphere when he was with Sam since he turned 15: just pretend nothing is happening.
- TUCK! – He shouted as he got closer to him, smiling all the way.
- DANNY! – Tucker quickly hugged him. – You made it dude!
- I did promise, didn't I? – He smiled. They broke away and stood in front of each other. – Congratulations man!
- Likewise, bro. – He smiled back.
"Well… here goes nothing".
"Relax!" She cursed herself again after watching Tucker walking past her to greet Danny. She breathed heavily before turning around, after all, it would be rude not greet him considering they were also friends. Oh, how she hated that word… but not as much as she was hating turning around right now. She thought she was ready to see him face to face once more without even flinching no matter how handsome the blue-eyed clueless boy might have become… and she hated herself once more.
Danny was talking with Tucker and focused on him when she saw him, which she thanked so he wouldn't see her face in that moment. Standing slightly taller than Tucker, he was wearing a blue suit that fitted him perfectly and proved that underneath it, there were muscles; a red tie and matching brown shoes. Seconds later, their eyes met and she couldn't help but get lost in those baby blue eyes staring at her with something she couldn't describe.
- SAM! – Danny closed the distance between the 2 of them and hugged her. Tightly. – It's so good to see you again. – He whispered in her ear.
Feeling his breath so close to her neck sent shiver throughout her spine, giving her goosebumps and making her legs to temporarily malfunction. She reciprocated the hug almost instantaneously while making her best to regulate her heartbeats.
- Hi Danny. – She spoke lowly.
They were enjoying their little reunion, perhaps a little too much when it came to the hugging. Their little bubble burst when the techno-geek cleared his throat loudly next to them, bringing them back to reality.
- You do know you guys are not alone, right? – His smile grew wider when they broke away fast, blushing.
- You're not the only one I haven't seen in a while Tuck. – Danny tried to defend himself.
- I don't remember you hugging me like that. – He joked.
- TUCK! – They both shouted.
- Yeah, whatever… lovebirds. – 4 years had gone by and tease them was just as easy.
- So… - Sam spoke, trying to change the subject and taking a step away from Danny. – What's the plan, Tucker?
- Right! First, we have to find my parents. – He started listing everything as the 3 of them walked towards the exist. – Next, we'll go to the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden for our photo session. And then Danny will use his ghost powers so we could take the coolest most fantastic graduation photo ever. Then…
- There's just an issue. – Danny interrupted him. – I didn't bring my parent van.
- Your dad didn't let borrow it? - Sam asked with curiosity. After all, Jack Fenton never denied anything to Danny since the day Jazz told him it was a way to strengthen their father-son relationship.
- He did, but I don't dare drive it anywhere outside Amity Park. – He added.
- I hear you bro. – Tucker chimed in. – That car is a chicks' scarecrow.
He smiled with satisfaction when he saw the faces of his friends. "Too damn easy". He could see indignation in Danny by suggesting he was trying to get girls attention; meanwhile in Sam's, annoyance by keep reminding her of her crush to Danny.
- Well, I guess we could all go in my parents' car. – He talked again. – Just hope you guys don't mind being all cramped like fish in a can, because I already pack some of my things and I gotta tell you, not everything fitted in the trunk.
- Well… - Danny started. – I could make some parts of my body intangible to make room. – He scratched his head.
- You don't have to do that Danny… - Sam said completely sure she would regret saying what she was about to say.
- So, you wanna be cramped with Danny? – Tucker teased, amused by the blush in his friends' cheeks.
- That's not what I meant. – She said ignoring his suggestion. - I… brough a car.
There. She said it. And for 5 seconds, she thought nothing had happened. But when the silence extended for quite a while, she noted they weren't walking next to her. Sighing, she turned around and saw the confusion and doubt in both of their faces.
- What? – They said simultaneously.
- I said… - She crossed her arms. - … I brough a car. What? Girls can't have cars?
- Girls can. – Tucker said. – But you, Samantha Manson, an ultra-recycle-vegetarian that prefers using alternatives means of transportation because sees cars as an environmental nightmare…
- It's unlike you, Sam. – Danny concluded.
- It was a gift from my parents. – She said looking at Danny before turning to Tucker. – Plus, it's electric. – She added smiling.
- Wow. – Danny commented.
- In that case, you can give Danny a ride. – He offered. – You pick up your gowns and we meet there for the photos.
They left the building y walked down some steps. A few meters away from them they saw Tucker's parents talking with Darla, who left as soon as she saw them.
- Tucker! – Maurice called him. – Your friend was just telling us that… Oh! Daniel, Samantha… So nice to see you. I'm glad you could come. – He smiled at them.
- Hi Mr. and Mrs. Foley. – They both answered.
- And congratulations on your graduation as well. – He added.
- Thank you.
- You were saying dad? – Tucker asked.
- Your father was saying that we spoke with your friend. – Angela said. – She's very kind and pretty by the way…
- Mom… - Tucker said not amused by the matchmaking attempt of his mother, unlike his friends and dad.
- She told us they were leaving to wherever you'll be taking your photos. – She said. – They'll wait for you there.
- Good. – Tucker turned to look at his friends. – So… go change and we'll meet there.
- I have my stuff in the car. – Sam said.
- And mine is in… - Panicking, Danny started touching his shoulders. – Oh no…
- Danny? – Sam asked. – What's wrong?
- Damn it! – He shouted. – Forgot my backpack. Be back in a minute!
Danny turned around and ran back into the building, making Sam smile.
- Some things never change. – She said as she watched him disappear from her sight.
- Yeah… lots of things. – Tucker added looking at her.
- Tucker. Don't. – She said serious. – I'm mad at you.
- What did I do? – He said amused.
- It's not what you did, but what you omitted. – She closed her eyes and went after Danny.
Tucker shook his head and followed his parents to their car.
He tried once more to see beyond that day, but his time-staff showed the same. Nothingness. Absolute darkness that left him with no clue as to how to change it. For years he had tried everything, but at the end, he only managed to delay the inevitable.
- Clockwork. – A presence behind him called. – We're ready.
His adult form nodded to the Observant before moving after him. He had been requested again by the court of Observants to talk about important issues and to be accountable for his recent behavior. He crossed the threshold and floated at the center of the court, with many eyes staring at him.
- What can I do for you? – He asked with caution.
- You know why you were called here today. – The Observant at his left said. – For it is thanks to your timeline bending and temporal transgressions to favor the ghost boy that a great darkness, unseen in millennia, has fallen upon us.
- Everything I've done has been to preserve the flow of time. – He turned old as he said it.
- Then, how do you explain that we can't foresee anything past this week? – Someone else said.
- I think I don't need to explain to you how an absolute point in the timeline works. But if you're eager…
- Do not treat us as if we were children! – Someone in the back shouted. – We know you've been hiding something through your manipulation of time.
- And you did it again. – Another said. - But this time you took it too far…
- What are you accusing me of, exactly? – Clockwork asked to diffuse the situation.
- Your choices have damned this world to the absolute void. The only thing ever with that effect in our powers was the rebellion of…
- I'm well aware of the source to that time distortion. – Clockwork interrupted him. – I also remember that we navigated that darkness and now, here we are. – He looked at everyone around him. - ¿You know what else I remember? This court has a motto.
- We can't interfere in…
- Then what's the issues here? Nothing can be done. And if there was something, you wouldn't do it. So why do you worry? – He added calmly as he turned into a kid.
- Your arrogance will be your doom, Clockwork. – The main Observant sentenced.
- If that's all… - Clockwork said after a few seconds in silence. – I have to go. I timeline needs me.
He turned around and was about to leave, until a voice stopped him in his tracks.
- One last thing… - The main Observant said. – Pandora's and Frostbite's relics… what is your plan for those?
Clockwork only smiled at him before disappearing in the air.
He reappeared in his lair and after confirming he was alone, he sighed. He looked at the table there where the Infimap and Pandora's Box rested. He knew what he had to do, but knowing didn't make the doing easier. He'd inhabited that lair for millennia, he'd seen mankind's history from there, he knew every imperfection in every wall. That was why the idea of destroying it was so conflictive.
"There's no other way". He reminded himself while he looked at the time portal in front of him. The Observants were right about one thing: something dark was coming. But that wasn't the cause of the time interference.
He was. The responsible for the coming evil and the blockage of foresight.
In a different context, the irony of the situation would've made him laugh: the protector of time had to destroy time. He sighed again. He set his eyes in his time staff and the image of 2 young adults in a car showed up, talking and laughing.
Living.
He just hoped thing would fall in their place at the end. Now he had only 2 things left to do and hopefully, it would be enough.
- Now throw your caps to the air! – Maurice shouted to the 4 graduates. – Alright! I thing that would be enough.
- Thanks dad. – Tucker said while he came closer to him to grab the camera.
Maurice stepped aside so they all could see the photos. They were chatting and laughing at their weird poses until Carl spoke.
- Hey buddy, can you introduce us to your friend again?
- Why? To creep her again? No thanks. – He said.
- It won't happen again. I promise. – Jerry said.
- Forget it. – Tucker smiled. – She's not available.
- I don't remember seeing her with someone. – Darla chimed in the conversation.
- You didn't see Danny? – Darla raised an eyebrow at his comment. – Black hair, blue eyes, slightly taller than me but not as handsome…
- The guy in blue suit? – She asked.
- That would be him.
- Tucker's right guys. Forget about her. – She looked at the other 2.
- Why? Is he handsome? – Carl asked and Darla smiled.
- Tucker is handsome. – His ego went to the roof for a second. – That Danny… he's hot.
- Ha ha. Very funny. – He replied serious as he watched her playing with her hair. – what are you doing?
- It would be impolite not to introduce us, Foley. – She said smiling.
Before he could ask, the sound of Sam's laughter reached his ears. Turning around he saw them walking together. They were wearing their gowns, with the difference that Danny had his cap in his hand while Sam was wearing hers. The frame of those 2 walking was adorable… "If only they weren't clueless". He thought while they approach them.
- You guys took your time. – He smiled at them.
- It was Danny's fault. – Sam lightly punched him in the arm. – Apparently, he can't read a map.
- I promise you it wasn't my fault. – False. – The GPS said this was the fastest route. – False again. But he didn't feel like admitting that a 5-minutes car ride with her wasn't enough for him so he turned it into a 20-minutes one.
- Calm down kids. – Tucker said amused. – First of all: Danny, these are my friends. Jerry, Carl and Darla. Guys, this is Danny.
- It's a pleasure to meet you. – He greeted the kindly and the boys just nodded.
- The pleasure is mine. – Darla said winking at him.
Danny's cheeks blushed and he got a bit uncomfortable for the situation, but refused to address it. Tucker took a mental note to never again introduce Danny to more female friends and Sam had to fight back the nasty feeling of indignation in her stomach by watching someone flirting with Danny in front of her. "He's not yours". She reminded herself as her fist clenched so hard her nails started burying in her palm.
Luckly, Jerry didn't notice any of it.
- You're here for a photoshoot? – He pointed to their gowns.
- Yes! – Danny said. – Actually, we should get going… You know, before…
- Losing the good lightning. – Sam finished for him.
Tucker just pinched the bridge of his nose.
- Well guys, I'll see you at dinner. – He said goodbye to them and grabbed the lovebirds by their arms.
- I couldn't ask for her number. – Carl whisper looking at the retreating form of Sam.
Unfortunately for him, Danny could hear him and turn his head around to look murderously to him. Noticing this, Tucker took them faster to an alley where Danny could transform.
- Where will we be taking this epic photo, Tuck?
- Did you see that huge building some streets ahead? Well, the rooftop has the best view of the town.
- Alright. – Danny grabbed them both. – Hold on to me.
Danny turned invisible and intangible and took off. In less than a minute, they were in the rooftop. Danny created a double to be their photographer while he turned human again. At that height there was some wind that messed with Sam's hair, something Danny could not stop looking at.
Putting a strand of hair behind her ear, Sam reached for the edge to take in the view and was marveled.
- Wow. How did you find this place Tuck? – She said without looking away.
- One afternoon I was flying my drone when I captured this with the camera. Isn't it the best postal you've ever seen? – He said standing next to her.
- It's beautiful. – She replied.
In front of them, they could see the entire park where they had been, full of lively and vibrant colors thanks to the multitude of flowers decorating it and, with the green from the trees, brought that part of the city to life. Next to it, the symmetry of the streets and neutral colors of the buildings around it provided a perfect contrast, creating a balance between everything natural and manmade.
- Well. – Danny's clone said holding the camera. – Say: Team Phantom!
The three got together, leaving Sam in the middle. The boys passed their arm above her shoulders while she hugged them from the waist. They smiled.
- Team Phantom!
They took plenty pictures of the 3 of them, some individuals and, per Tucker's request, also in couples. Those lovebirds will never admit it, but they were thankful for the suggestion. They didn't spend too much time there because someone alerted security that there were people on the rooftop, but they were faster than the security guard. In the ground, they took of their gowns and started walking towards Sam's car.
- What's next in the itinerary? – She asked.
- I have to meet with my parent and get ready for the dinner. But I'll send you the pics as soon as I transfer them to my laptop…
- Wait Tuck. What dinner? – Danny asked.
- Don't worry dude. Is just for graduates.
- And what are we supposed to do then? – Only a fool wouldn't see what Tucker was doing, but Sam wanted to believe that his friend wouldn't do that to her.
- Have you ever been in Massachusetts? – He asked and she just denied with the head. – Well now you're here. There's still sunlight, plenty things to do and see, and you 2 got lots of things to talk about. Catch up. – Sam wanted to punch the smile out of Tucker's face, but Danny spoke first.
- Well… - He scratched his cheek. – I need to go to my hotel for the check-in and to change. – He pointed to his suit. – But after that we could go to that museum we saw on our way here. – He added smiling.
- That sounds nice. – She smiled back before cursing herself again. Why couldn't she just say no to him?
- Wonderful! – Tucker said. – Then I'll see you tomorrow… lovebirds.
They just watched their friend leave. It had been a while since they stopped correcting people when they were called "lovebirds". Individually, because they acknowledge that there in fact were lovebirds, but at the same time, they assumed there was no point in correcting them. Sam only sighed.
- Fine… - She said getting her car keys. – Get in the car, Hansel.
- Hansel? Is because I got us lost? – He followed her.
- Wow. I thought you wouldn't catch that reference. – She smiled at him while opening the driver's door.
- Hey! – He pretended feeling offended.