TW: Graphic Depictions/Violence/Blood/Mentions of Death
Tower of Fate
June 17 18:05 EDT
The wolf creature sniffed the air and locked eyes with Phantom.
"Amiko!"
The wolf creature leapt into the air and landed in front of Phantom, pulling the stunned ghost into his dark fur.
"PHANTOM/DANNY!"
The Team halted in their steps as they heard laughter and watched as the halfa put his arms up to protect him from the creature's onslaught of slobbery licks of joy.
"Yeah, yeah! Haha! Okay! Okay! It's nice to see you too Wulf! Bone vidi ankau vin, amiko!" (Good to see you too, friend.)
Wulf put the halfa back on the ground with a huge grin and a wagging tail.
"Jam pasis kelka tempo, amiko. Kiel vie fartas?" (It's been awhile, friend. How are you?)
Before the teen could answer, Wally cleared his throat. "So, the giant werewolf isn't going to eat you? Or us?"
The other ghost scoffed and released a boisterous laugh. "Of course not mortals! Wulf here is the kindest fellow one can come across in the Infinite Realms! He wouldn't harm a fly."
Danny smirked as some of the heroes eyes went wide as they watched Wulf scratch his ear with his foot, his enormous razor sharp claws lay spread out on the ground below him.
"Yeah, okay," Wally gulped.
"And who are you?" Conner asked the other ghost, suspicion clear in his tone.
The ghost grinned, or least Danny thought he did, since his mouth was hidden by his comically sized mustache. He was shorter than the halfa, by a good foot at least, and the silver armor made him look wider than most Knights at Dora's palace. A red cape barely touched the ground behind him, his sword hilt showing proudly on his black belt.
"I am Sir Reginald! Knight of the Kingdom of Aragon and servant to Princess Dorathea!"
Phantom chuckled as he made his way over to the ghost knight, his back as straight as he could get it to not show his exhaustion. "You know Dora doesn't mind you calling her a friend Sir Reginald, I'm sure she'd prefer it over saying you're her servant."
The two smiled as they locked forearms and gave each other a brief hug and a pat on the back.
"Yes, but then how should I ever be able to repay her for bravery against the tyrant Prince Aragon. You of all people should know that my friend and fellow Knight."
The teen couldn't help but wince at the title, but he already knew arguing with the old ghost wouldn't change anything.
Wulf stood up with such speed, it startled Wally and Artemis. The giant black furred ghost sniffed the air for a few seconds before following the scent to where Phantom stood nervously.
"Mia amiko, vi estas vundita?" (My friend, you are hurt?)
The halfa gave him a nervous smile while rubbing the back of his neck..
Sir Reginald gasped, "You are hurt?! Why did you not say anything?! We must take you to Frostbite with haste, come with us and-"
"I'm fine, really! I'm just tired at the moment. Once I get good rest, I'll be back to normal. Alright?"
The Knight raised his eyebrow accusingly before clearing his throat and nodding.
The teen quickly changed the subject, "What brings you to the Living Realm, Sir Reginald? I wasn't expecting a visit from Wulf for another month or two."
The Halfa could feel the suspicious glare coming from Wally.
The knight's eyes went wide and after a moment he howled with laughter. "How silly of me! Yes, the reason for my visit! I do apologize if this was inconvenient timing."
Phantom shook his head with a small smile, "For you? Never, my friend. What news do you bring?"
Now he could feel Doctor Fate's eyes burning holes into the back of his head.
Sir Reginald cleared his throat, "While I am a Knight of Aragon, it was not just Princess Dorathea who sent me to look for you, but Lord Frostbite of the Far Frozen as well! They wish to know if you'll still be accompanying them to the Festival of Peace which is to begin in three days Living Realm time!"
The ghost boy facepalmed so loudly, he was surprised it didn't leave a mark.
"Oh man! I totally forgot about the Festival!"
The knight let out a boisterous laugh. "To which the rulers expected this! A common but, forgivable, attribute that they adore, Sir Phantom. Which is why they have sent me, Sir Reginald, to come and remind you of the Festival, and to give you peace to know that everything is prepared for your arrival! Lord Frostbite and Princess Dorathea happily await your return in Aragon and ask of news as to when you shall arrive!"
Phantom looked back towards the Team, who were staring in disbelief and obvious confusion as to what his knightly friend was going on about, and then looked back towards Wulf and Reginald.
'I have to think rationally about this... Staying at the Far Frozen, Dora's Castle, or even Pandora's Acropolis would be great and less travel time, as well as I could keep a low profile. However, because of my human-half …' He sighed aloud before taking a deep breath and standing up straight.
"Let them know I'll be arriving in two days Living Realm time. I'll need to make a few accommodations in Amity Park."
"But of course, Sir Phantom! Anything to have you be present at the anniversary of our interdimensional peace!" His cheery and boisterous attitude suddenly shifted to a more serious and solemn tone. "Forgive my curiosity, and my boldness. But, why not make accommodations within the Infinite Realms, where you are respected and welcomed? I am sure Princess Dorathea wouldn't hesitate to accommodate your other half."
The half-ghost's ears began to ring by how quiet it was.
"I… I'm grateful, but it's a lot to ask of them when I've done so little for them."
'As much as they'll deny that…'
The Knight looked guilty and sympathetic. "I understand, forgive my intrusion, I did not mean any ill-will."
Phantom gave him a small smile. "None taken, Reginald."
And just like that, Sir Reginald was back to being cheery again.
"Very well, then! I shall take my leave and let the Lords and Ladies know that you shall be arriving soon. Come now my furry friend! We best be on our way!"
Wulf gave Phantom another slobbery hug and leapt through the makeshift portal.
"Farewell, my friend and his companions! I shall see you upon your arrival to Aragon!"
"See you later, Sir Reginald! And make sure to keep a close eye on Wulf! He likes to chase the geese!"
"I shall!"
The portal sealed itself and the room was silent.
"So… what was that knight guy talking about?" Artemis crossed her arms.
"Yeah, what 'festival'?" Wally narrowed his eyes.
The halfa let out a tired sigh. "The 'Festival', Reginald had mentioned, was the Festival of Interdimensional Peace-"
"Are you talking about the festival that you mentioned a while ago? The one where you met Wonder Woman when she was little?" M'gann asked.
A bright light flashed, and Danny Fenton stood in front of the Team rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah, that's the one. I totally forgot that I promised Frostbite and Dora that I'd go to the Festival with them since I went with Pandora last time."
"Okay, so you said you'd be there in two days. How do you plan on getting there?" Conner raised an eyebrow.
His eyebrows furrowed, "What do you mean?"
"You told me once that it takes three days to travel by flight to Dora's kingdom if you use the Ghost Portal in the Hangar. You would have had to leave by yesterday to make it there in time." Conner reprimanded.
Danny's eyes widened. "I-"
"TIME- OUT!"
The half-ghost was frozen in surprise as everyone froze in place, or better yet time. A small smile crossed his face as he turned to see the Master of Time standing a few feet behind him.
"Clockwork!" he laughed as he gave the older ghost a brief hug. "What are you doing here?"
"I heard you were in need of assistance in getting to the Kingdom of Aragon on time."
"I called him here."
Danny turned to see Doctor Fate walk over towards them, unaffected by Clockwork's powers.
The helmeted hero turned towards the time ghost and gave a small bow of the head. "Hello, Old friend."
"Hello, Fate, I see time is treating you well?"
"As well as it can be," the sorcerer replied with a small chuckle.
Danny blinked in surprise before snapping himself back to reality. "So you're going to help me get to Amity Park?"
The Master of Time had a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "Ah yes, the reason for why I am here… TIME-IN!"
The Team blinked before getting into defensive stances, surprisingly, it was Doctor Fate who calmed the trigger-happy teens.
"He is no threat, he is an ally and a personal friend," his voice rang throughout the room.
Kaldur was the first to put down his weapons. "I mean no disrespect but, who are you?"
"Yeah! Who and when did scar-face walk in?!" Wally demanded as he pointed an accusing finger at Clockwork.
"This is Cl-"
"Perhaps it would be best to introduce myself." Clockwork smirked while Danny frowned and grumbled to himself.
"As young Daniel has explained before, Wallace West, alias Kid Flash, I am Clockwork, Master of Time. I know all and see all. I know that you are sometimes reckless, stubborn minded, especially when it comes to science. I also know that you were the last one to take the granola bars from the pantry."
Wally looked absolutely devastated and flabbergasted that the spotlight had been put on him and had also been caught red-handed by a stranger.
Clockwork continued to smirk as he continued his answer, "As for where I had come from, I came from the Ghost Zone. I already know that Daniel has given you some information about it, but has not described things in detail. But that is for another time in a different place."
Artemis took a step forward and asked, "If you're the Master of Time, can you alter the past and stuff like that?"
Clockwork didn't so much as blink an eye. "To an extent; the Observants and I watch over the timeline and make sure that nothing disrupts it. To answer your question, young Martian, the Observants are precisely what they are called, 'observers'. But the difference between the Observants and I is this… The Observants look at time like they're watching a parade, one thing after another passing by in sequence right in front of them. I see the parade from above, all the twists and turns it might -or might not- take. As for altering time or an event, it's... complicated."
The Team all gaped in awe as they continued to stare at the ghost.
"So, what's this about you helping me get to Amity Park?" Danny asked after clearing his throat.
"Ah yes, that's where I was, thank you Daniel. Protégé's of the Justice League, I wanted to personally invite you all to the Festival of Interdimensional Peace."
Several ears perked up and all team members were attentive, some excited, others suspicious.
"If you choose to go, Princess Dora of Aragon and Lord Frostbite of the FarFrozen have offered to house you temporarily, and will have all the necessities you should need. At the festival, you would be representing your Earth and solar system from this dimension; I'd advise you to be on your best behavior and keep your hands and comments to yourself. This means you Mr. West."
Wally's jaw dropped, but before he could protest, Danny jumped in. "Is something wrong? Usually, you wouldn't invite others unless it's important or because there may be trouble."
Clockwork shared a look with Doctor Fate, who in turn scoffed to himself. The Time Master looked back with bright mirth in his eyes. "This is the year in which the new Ghost King of the Infinite Realms will be officially announced at the Festival."
Silence.
Danny felt his temperature drop and a sickening feeling rising in his stomach.
'That's why Sir Reginald was so excited…'
It was silent for a while before the Team broke into excited and nervous chatter.
"We get to possibly see the Ghost King?"
"What an honor that will be…"
"What if the dude is bad? What if he sees we're humans and orders us to be arrested? What if he executes us in front of the whole Festival?!"
"I mean it would be really cool to see. Especially since there will be so many people attending from different dimensions."
"What are the risks though? Do we have any kind of assurance that we won't be attacked by whomever is crowned or even different species from other dimensions? What about the politics? We know nothing of their laws and customs, that we may easily offend someone and cause a dimension-wide political issue."
"HEY!"
Everyone quieted down and watched as Danny's green eyes turned back to icy blue.
"Look, we need time to think. There are a lot of things to take into consideration before making any decisions."
The Master of Time offered the halfa a small, but proud smile, before fixing his stance and nodding his head in affirmation.
"I will give you time to prepare for the trip. Two days from now, at exactly 11 a.m., a portal will open in Mount Justice in the Hangar. The portal will transport you to the Ghost Zone close to the Kingdom of Aragon. Make your decision by then," Clockwork announced.
The Master of Time nodded his head as if checking to make sure everything was in order, before turning back to his silent, but attentive ward.
He offered a small smile. "Everything is as it should be..."
A minute hand appeared in mid-air and rotated around Clockwork, surrounding him in an opaque iridescent blue portal. The portal winked out of existence when the minute hand reached where it had started, signaling that the meeting with their strange visitor, was adjourned.
There was a long and awkward silence as they all stared at the space in front them.
"Well that was... interesting." Wally commented.
Everyone seemed to snap out of their daze and some voiced their agreements. They quieted down again when they noticed that Danny was silent and remained still.
"So-?"
Danny turned to Wally, the speedster jumping at his sudden movement, "So what?"
Wally rolled his eyes. "What's the plan?"
"What's the plan, kid?" A feminine jersey-accented voice whispered in the back of his mind.
A small tired smile formed on the halfa's face. 'Harley…'
The teen transformed into his ghost half and took out his phone and sent a quick text before addressing his teammates.
"I need some time to think," he announced as he started walking towards where he believed to be the front entrance to the Tower of Fate.
"Are you sure you don't want someone-"
"I'll be fine Connor, I'm just going to go for a walk. I'm sure I can handle myself," he interrupted with a chuckle.
"Alright, if you're sure. Just remember that if you need someone to talk to, we're here for you," M'Gann reassured with a small frown
He offered an exhausted smile as he nodded his head. "Night, guys… Oh, and Nabu?"
The sorcerer turned to him with crossed arms and stern eyes.
The teen's smile disappeared as he huffed and reluctantly thanked the sorcerer.
He was silent for a beat before he grunted and gave a small nod of the head. A wooden door appeared on the wall nearest to the Halfa.
The Team chorused their goodnights as Phantom exited the Tower of Fate.
Gotham City
June 17 20:26 EDT
The drumming of rain hitting asphalt filled the air as Danny sat outside a diner on silver bench that was placed just out of reach of the extended roofing of the diner and looked outwards towards the street.
He smiled sadly as the rain reminded him of his first night in this dimension as it turned his raven hair pitch black.
"Ya don't look so good, Casper."
Danny smiled as his thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice. He stood up from the bench and looked over to see Harley in casual city-wear. She wore a red crop top, black skin-tight jeans, and red and black boots. Her hair pulled up in her favorite ponytails.
Harley wasn't so bad after he got to know her. After about a month of living with the Team, he eventually added her number. He had sent her a text that day and the rest was history. Either one of them, mostly Danny, would send a text every week or so just asking how everything was going, then, after a bit, they decided that every few weeks or once a month they agreed to meet up for a bite to eat. Whether it be noon or midnight, they didn't mind.
They even got to know each other a little better too, though the revelation of him being Phantom, was unexpected for both of them.
He had been on a mission with the Team and was asked to follow one of the three vans that had bolted from a crime scene. What he didn't expect was to run into Harley, nor were either of them expecting to have one of the guys with a pistol shoot him while he was caught off guard. He had flown Harley into an alley way and out of pure exhaustion had changed back. After helping the Team find him, Harley promised that she wouldn't reveal his secret to anyone else. Ever since then, there's been an unspoken level of trust between the two.
"Let's just say I had a rough couple of days," he chuckled.
The two went inside and picked their usual spot by one of the far windows towards the back.
"The text you sent didn't really give much, go 'head and fill me in on the details."
He then proceeded to explain what had happened at the Tower of Fate and the unexpected visitors.
A younger waitress came by and asked if they wanted their usual. With confirmation, the waitress nodded and gave Danny a bright smile and a wink before going back to the kitchen.
Harley snickered at him before continuing their conversation. "Wow Kid, I can see why you looked so down in the dumps. So, what are you going to do?"
Danny sighed and used his hand to hold his head up as he looked outside the window. "Well, the Team wants a plan, but I honestly don't know if I even want them coming along. That's why I texted you and told them I was heading out for a bit."
"Glad you did, it seems like you needed to. Not only to get some fresh air and have the space to breath, but seems ya' needed to get some stuff off ya' chest too."
"Yeah, I guess you're right… I just- I don't want them getting hurt."
"Are you sure that's it?"
His eyebrows furrowed. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Harley had a teasing, mischievous smile. "Well, it seems to me like there may be another reason why you don't want them going along. Come on! You can tell ol' Harley, I promise I won't tell anyone!"
He hesitated before letting out a sigh of defeat. "I don't feel like babysitting. I know the Ghost Zone- at least to an extent- and I don't want them, specifically the speedster's mouth, getting them into trouble. I mean, come on Harley, this is a peace festival. One wrong move and the ghosts will get the bad idea from these guys. That's not including the fact that I have to keep up appearances to please the Observants and worry about making sure I don't give the other rulers a bad name or image just by being friends with them."
She chuckled as she rested her chin on her fist teasingly. "Putting on faces sure does suck, huh, kid? Looks like you really got yourself a complicated sit'u'ation there huh?"
He gave her an exasperated sigh, "Tell me about it… I don't know what to do, Harley. I don't want to tell the Team I want to go by myself, because I'm worried they'll think I'm ditching them or something. And if they ask why-? Ughhhhh." He rubbed his temples as the mere thought of that possible conversation was giving him a headache.
"Well I'll tell ya' what I think. I think ya'-"
"Order for two?"
Harley and Danny looked over to find the waitress walking over with their orders. They waited patiently for her to set their food down and refill their drinks (while giving Danny a flirtatious look the entire time) before continuing.
His blonde friend grabbed a few french fries and threw them into her mouth with a satisfied grin. She took another fry and pointed it at him while she chewed the others.
"I think you should tell them how ya' feel. Let them know that ya' serious when going to your terf, and let it be that. Heroes get that way sometimes, ya' know? 'sides, you're not the one who even invited them. So if things go sideways, that'd be on them, not you. How long is that thing anyway?"
"Usually lasts roughly 10 days."
"Alright, so I won't miss you too bad then. Look Casper, you got some real good friends there. I get that you don't want them going because ya' worrying, but also don't forget that they care about ya and probably just wanna make sure you're going to be okay."
Danny frowned as he stared out the window again. "Yeah…"
"Don't sweat it, Casper. I'm sure everything will work itself out."
A comfortable silence fell between them.
He sighed as he heard Harley start munching on his fries.
"Yeah… yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks Harley."
"No problem, Kid. Now eat your grub before it gets even colder."