I've seen a lot of Constantine mentoring Danny fics and prompts, and one of them had a random joke in the tags that John and clockwork had "history" and this immediately came into my brain
The justice league were sitting around the table, John Constantine sipping from his seemingly neverending flask and ignoring whatever the hell batsy was droning on about.
"Constantine" batman growled, "this is not a joke or a game, this is a potentially world-ending threat, pay attention"
"yeah, yeah, you got a ghost problem, do you even have a fuckin picture of 'em?" Ancients, whenever bats got on his high horse it was easier to go along with him, but he sure made it hard to like the fucker
Batman grunted and projected a staticy blurred photo of a young man with whispy white hair in a black Hazmat suit floating about a pond covered in transparent green blobs.
He couldn't contain his laugh as he looked at the photo "that's why you called this meeting? You think he's a world ending threat? Ha! Your little he'll spawn more of a threat than Danny"
Ok, so maybe it wasn't his best idea to provoke bats but seriously! This was a goddamn joke, kid wouldn't hurt a fly! Unless it was a ghost, but like, that's a ghost thing, fighting is how they make friends
"you mean you have met this entity?" Bats growled, tense and staring directly at john
"Yeah I've met him, he's my stepson" and oh, he /knew/ bats was gonna interrogate him to hell and back, but that stunned silence, the astonished aura? That was so fuvking worth it
“Hey. Uh, Johnny?” Danny said awkwardly, “What does it mean when one of the older ghosts calls you their favored and why does it freak people out?”
Johnny 13 gave the halfa a bewildered look, “Dude. Didn’t you listen to Death? At all?”
“Death?” Danny scrunched his face, “What do you mean? I don’t…”
“Wait.” Johnny straightened, “You’ve talked with Death, right? She explained-?”
Danny shook his head, confused, “Was I supposed to?”
“When you first died, she’s supposed to appear. She gives a whole spiel and then transfers a bunch of information.” Johnny frowned, “She did it for Plasmius, so it’s not a halfa thing.”
“Oh.” Danny looked down, “What if… What if someone died and came back a few times very quickly? Would that… Would that cause any problems?”
Johnny stilled, horrified, “Ok. Look, do you want to talk about your death? Because I’m not asking if you don’t, but...”
“I guess…” Danny said, “So you know that my parents made the portal, right?”
“Yeah.” Johnny said.
“They’d been trying to do it for a long time. Plasmius actually worked with them for a while back when they were in college. It’s why all of their tech is similar in design.” Danny explained, “They built the thing, plugged it in, turned it on… and nothing.”
“But it works now.” Johnny frowned.
“Yeah. It does.” Danny nodded, “But remember my friends? Sam and Tucker?”
“The edgy emo and the computer geek?”
“As Sam’s friend, I am obligated to inform you that she is goth not emo… but yes, those two.” Danny smiled sadly, “My mom and dad were upset. They left the house and Jazz was working her shift at a library. The whole house was empty and I was… you know. A normal teenager home alone.”
Johnny snorted at that, “Ah yes. A completely normal teenager
“Yeah, yeah. The point is, the first thing I did after being left home alone was call my friends over.” Danny rolled his eyes, “Told them what happened and… It was Sam who suggested we go down there first — she’s always been into ghost and occult stuff — and look around. Tucker was down, because it was tech even if we didn’t think most of the tech would work. He wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to mess around with it. Jazz had given me some lectures on lab safety — my parents don’t usually follow it themselves — and I had a bad feeling so I put on the Hazmat suit.”
“That’s not a superhero costume you came up with?” Johnny asked, eyes widening.
“No, um. It’s a hazmat suit. The only way I changed my form was the insignia and even then that was Sam’s idea.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, but um….” Danny paused, “We wound up standing outside the portal. It wasn’t working or anything, but there was a big spooky metal hole in the wall. You know, the kind of thing you’d expect in sci-fi movies. Sam dared me to go in and I was nervous. That bad feeling just intensified, but again — fourteen. I wasn’t being smart about it. So… I went into it. I kept going and it was dark. I was turning back when I tripped and I flailed. Accidentally hit some button that was on the side and it turned on.”
Johnny took a sharp breath.
“And um. Did you know that the portal takes a lot of electricity to start up?” Danny joked weakly, “Took three blocks worth. Um, lots of ectoplasm, too — from both the zone and the artificial stuff my parents use.” He shuffled, “So um, turns out both those things can revive and kill people. So I just kind of — died and revived a lot until it turned on and basically spat me out into the lab.
“That’s - Kid…”
“So um, maybe since I was dying and reviving so much death didn’t have a chance to fill me in? Honestly, would have like the heads up.” Danny said sheepishly, “I didn’t even understand what had happened until ghosts started coming through the portal.”
“Seriously?”
Danny shrugged, “I mean, I kind of suspected. I was falling through floors. It was hard to ignore, but I didn’t know - My parents are good inventors, but not the best scientists and it made things hard to figure out.”
“What? You bought that whole non-sentient BS?”
“No.” Danny shook his head, “I just didn’t buy any of it — and I mean none of it. I wanted nothing to do with the whole thing. The whole town thought my parents were crazy, they were always in the lab working, and I only ever saw them briefly once or twice a day. Don’t get me wrong. They’re still my parents and I love them, but… they have two big priorities. Their work and their kids. Their work is just… a higher priority to them.”
“Oh.” Johnny cringed, “Oh. Kid…”
“So yeah. Life sucks. Death sucks… but I really need to know what to do and why Ember is freaking out over me being called ‘favored one’.”
“Uh, right.” Johnny paused, “Well, it’s like old ghost language. Um. Basically, it’s like being called a really, really close friend or adopted family. Kind of like… ‘hey, this is my person that I love and protect’. It’s platonic unless they specify otherwise.”
“Huh, okay.” Danny blinked, “That makes sense, but why would Ember freak out?”
“Well… who called you that?”
“Oh! Clockwork and Pandora call me that when I visit.”
Johnny blanched, “What?”
“And now you’re freaking out, too.”
“You’ve been just- Kid! Are you just casually talking to them?”
“Um, yeah? They said it was okay?”
“Do you know nothing about the hierarchy of the- Wait. No. You didn’t get to talk to Death. Of course you don’t-“ Johnny sighed — covering his eyes, “Okay, so do you know what the ancients are?”
“I thought that was just a saying.”
“No, it’s not-” Johnny pinched the bridge of his nose, “The Ancients are the most powerful spirits in the Zone. They’re ghosts, but they resemble ideals more than they do a person most of the time. Practically gods. The ancients are Undergrowth, Frostbite, Nocturne, Pandora, Clockwork, Vortex, and Pariah Dark. Thing is… where most ghosts plateau at a certain power level the ancients can just keep growing in power. Clockwork is one of the strongest — so strong, the Observants bound him to their will.”
“Yeah, I heard about that, but he’s really nice, you know.” Danny smiled, “And he makes really good cookies really fast.”
Johnny stared at Danny for a long moment, “Danny. Do you not hear yourself right now? He’s basically the god of time.”
“Yeah, but if he didn’t want me to visit, I wouldn’t be able to find him.” Danny shrugged, “So he told me if I can see the clocktower, I’m welcome to come in.”
“Kid…”
“Besides. I’m friends with half of those guys and they’re cool.”
“Wha- How many ancients do you know?”
“Um… All the ones you just listed? I’m friends with Frostbite, Pandora, and Clockwork. I fought Undergrowth, Vortex and Nocturne before, but Nocturne likes me now. Um, Undergrowth doesn’t like me, though. Loves Sam, though… Um, obviously I know who Pariah Dark is after the whole thing in Amity-“
Johnny stilled, “Wait a minute… Kid. I need you to answer me honestly here… Did Pariah ever mention a challenge when you fought him?”
“Well, um. I guess? He was all formal speak, though, so…”
“Kid.” Johnny said very slowly, “Did he ever issue a challenge or accept a challenge from you?”
“… Um. He did say that he accepted my challenge or something, but wasn’t that just fight-talk or…”
“I think I get it now.” Johnny sighed, facepalming, “Just… maybe don’t tell people about this and consider asking one of the ancients allies you have about what Pariah accepting your challenge means for you.”
“For me? What-“
“Just… give it some thought.” Johnny paused, “And- Well, I can talk to Ember for you, yeah?”
“Thanks.”
—
Danny curled up on a sofa as Pandora embraced him with three arms and ran her fourth hand through his hair.
“Pandora.” Danny said softly, “Some of my friends say you, Frostbite, and Clockwork are ancients.”
“They are correct.”
“I didn’t know what ancients were.”
“I noticed.” Pandora laughed a bit, “But you’re a sweet child. You helped me get my box back and did not demand my favor. Perhaps it was selfish not to tell you, but I didn’t want to distress you. You are a kind and humble soul. Is it such a surprise I wish to continue seeing you?”
“You thought I would stop if I did?” Danny asked, confused, “I mean, sure my other friends were shaken up by it, but they don’t know you. Why would I be afraid when you’re so nice?”
Pandora blinked and then smiled warmly — a little laugh pulling from her throat. Oh, the innocence of such a young spirit, “Why, indeed? I suppose I didn’t give you or myself enough credit, did I?”
Danny shrugged, “I don’t have room to judge people for being different anyway. I’m a halfa. Pretty sure that’s even rarer than being an Ancient, right?”
“I suppose that is true.” Pandora smiled, “There are only a few halfas and none are quite like you. There will only ever be one of you.”
“Does this have something to do with why I never got to meet death?” Danny asked, confused, “That’s the only thing I can find that seems all that different-“
“In a way… Yes, but there are many more differences. The main one is that you powers have grown beyond Vlad Masters and they continue to do so.” Pandora said, “You are what we call a ‘Juna Potenco’. Most realms will never have heard of such things, but us ancients do not forget and when faced with a gift like yourself… well, you’ll only see more of us with time.”
“What does that mean? Is it bad?”
“No, no. It is a gift, not a punishment.” Pandora promised, “You are an inspiring soul, favored one, and it seems the realms themselves have seen that.”
“That doesn’t sound right.” Danny pulled away and sat up as he shook his head, “I’m a halfa, but that’s what I am. It doesn’t say anything about who I am. There isn’t anything special about who I am.”
“Everyone else disagrees with that last statement.” Pandora shook her head, “But I will let you in on the secret.”
“Yeah?”
“These are not due to your half spirit nature, but something truly special.” Pandora cupped his cheek, “Danny, do you truly wish to know? As amazing as this is, I am not sure you will be ready for the truth just yet.”
“I’m - I’ve been debating what colleges to apply for, but… I don’t know if any of them will take me now with my grades. I still look fourteen — fifteen at the oldest… and I still feel fourteen.” Danny looked at Pandora with pleading eyes, “So if this would impact my future, I think I’d like to know. Before things get complicated.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Suddenly, everything froze.
Danny looked up to see Clockwork putting a medallion on Pandora while Frostbite gave him a smile.
“I presume you’re here to assist in informing him?” Pandora asked.
“Indeed.” Frostbite nodded.
“Informing me of what?” Danny asked, confused.
“When you went to face Pariah Dark, you stated your intention to fight him.” Clockwork said, “And he accepted your challenge. You fought in single combat, removed the Crown of Fire from his head, and then managed to get him into the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep.”
“Vlad-“
“Plasmius might have locked the Sarcophagus, but you have repeatedly bested him and even when he has gotten the best of you, it has not been in single combat. However, Plasmius at one point claimed your fight was a ‘fun challenge’. You agreed — officially accepting it as such. When you defeated him, he lost any fragile claim to the throne.”
“Claim to the- Wait. What are you saying?” Danny glanced between them, “What? No. No… you have to be kidding me. I’m just me. I was trying to help, not-“
“Child, your soul was always going to be tied to the zone one way or another.” Pandora said, “Mortality is already a fragile thing, but someone so surrounded by ectoplasm at a young age all while experiencing the struggles you did with your parents absence… it was inevitable that you would be a powerful ghost.”
“But, then, Great One.” Frostbite continued, “You stood fully emerged in the space between worlds and thought of protection and forgiveness — mercy. You did not even consider vengeance or desires of your own. Only the wellbeing of others. It is an act of great sacrifice and not one many can complete so fully.”
“To put it simply, Danny.” Pandora said, “You’re one of us, Juna Protenco. New and young power that will grow infinitely. Though you are far from ancient, you will be with time.”
“An ancient to be.” Danny said distantly.
“The Ancient of Protection, Space, Mercy, and Matter.” Clockwork turned into his newborn form, “The best candidate for king we’ve had in a long time. Though, perhaps I am a bit biased.”
“Does it have something to do with space-time?” Danny guessed, “Because Matter, Time, and Space…”
“Correct.” Clockwork smirked, “Matter tells spacetime how to curve, and curved spacetime tells matter how to move. I guide you and you make changes that I will use to guide you again.”
Dannu blinked, “Oh. I get it.”
“You do?” Pandora blinked.
“That’s domains for you.” Frostbite chuckled and then quickly explained when Danny gave him a confused look, “We all innately understand our domains and their meanings. My domain is progression, society, and advancement.”
“Mine is responsibility, hope, protection, and perseverance.” Pandora revealed.
“Indeed.” Clockwork transformed into the middle aged man again, “But now that you know of your future, we must prepare.” He put his hand on Danny’s shoulder, “Your coronation must happen by the time you turn eighteen. As Ghost King, you will need to learn some diplomatic skills. We will teach you while you finish your human schooling.” Clockwork promised, “You can tell your parents the truth or you can say you are simply leaving for college, but Maddie and Jack Fenton cannot move to the Zone with you. Your sister is welcome. Your friends are welcome, but unfortunately…”
“I understand.” Danny lowered his head, “I don’t think I’ll tell them just yet. Maybe I’ll leave a note or a video, but…”
Clockwork’s eyes glazed over briefly — clearly checking the timeline.
“That is a good idea.” Clockwork nodded.
“Okay.” Danny swallowed, “I can’t -”
“No.” Clockwork said, “Honored as these two would be, they have their duties and people. They cannot. I am both bound by the Observants and a little too prone to acts of selfishness. It is too much power for me. No. It must be you.”
“You’re not selfish. You helped me.” Danny tilted his head, confused.
Clockwork chuckled guiltily as Pandora made a face and Frostbite shifted awkwardly.
“There is a reason people fear me, Danny.” Clockwork seemed more amused than anything by the sudden awkwardness, “I appreciate your trust in me, but I was not so good or kind in life. I hold domain over regret and retribution as well as time. It is a position I earned after giving and getting both in equal measure. I am not a protective spirit by nature. I am one that seeks justice and sometimes revenge.”
“I don’t get it.” Danny frowned, confused.
“Soon, you will.” Clockwork said grimly, “But for now… Trust me when I say all is as it should be.”
“Okay.” Danny said, “I trust you.”
“Now, time in.” Clockwork said. When Danny tried to give him the medallion he shook his head, “No, hold onto it. I believe it goes without saying, but do not lose it.”
“I know. I won’t.” Danny promised.
“Good, now… I believe you have some friends to talk to?”
“Er, right!” Danny said and rushed off.
“He doesn’t know who you are?” Frostbite turned to Clockwork, “And you haven’t told him?”
“… He’ll learn during his studies.” Clockwork admitted begrudgingly, “And it’s best that he come to me after he processes the information than during.”
“Just remember, Kronos.” Pandora glared as she handed over her medallion, “One wrong move-“
“Yes, yes, I am very aware of your opinions of me, Keeper of Hope.” Clockwork held a hand to Frostbite, “Shall I take you back to your people?”
“Er, yes.”
“Good, then-“
“Hey! I was not finished-“
“TIME OUT!”
Pandora sighed as they disappeared, “Ugh. He is always such a petty menace. One of these days…”
Danny watched with a smile hidden behind his mug of hot cocoa his new family. Originally he was only going to mess with them a little, since he wanted to keep his civilian live he gained with them but at the same time wanted to kind of provoke them to tell him about their night time jobs on their own.
Not like he could just flat out tell them he knew about their vigilantes lifes and that would be embarrassing to explain.
It's not every day that Danny's powers fluked on him, but with the stress of the past months, it happened. Right at a moment, he had to be clumsy and trip over his own feet and accidentally phased through a grandfather's clock, finding a hidden passage. Well at least he learned that way that Batman hadn't placed him with some other rich fruitloop that wasn't his godfather but well... with Batman himself and his family out of mask.
Yeah no, he did not want to explain that and hoped they would do that themselves. But apparently, they took Danny's statement of wanting a normal life a bit too serious.
Which brought him back to his current entertainment in the form of messing with his siblings.
"I don't get what the problem is guys. It's just merch." He chuckled slightly at the face Damian was making. While Jason chose to kick Tim under the table.
"Soooo how much merch on Red Robin do you have with this shirt now?" Dick asked instead with a bright smile, Danny still hadn't figured out how to tell what emotion he hid behind them sometimes.
"I think this is my third shirt of him." Danny mused, placing his cup back on the table and tapping his lip in a thinking motion. "Though I was going to pick up a couple of custom-made jackets of Red Hood and a Nightwing plush later today."
He acted like he did not hear the triumph like hiss of 'yes' from Jason as well as the very upset huff of Damian.
He just grinned at the amusement about how they apparently were competing over how much merch he owned of each of them.
When he found a Robin figure and several Robin pins mysteriously placed on his desk the next morning, he broke out laughing. Yet still just to mess with them gushed about his newly gotten merch to his family while sharing a knowing look with Alfred who knew he was just messing with them.
If there was a surprising amount of Batman merch, suddenly mixed into what he already owned the following week without his knowledge. Well, he wasn't going to complain about free stuff.
But he still would get a good laugh out of their reactions on the day he decided to full on dawn every piece of Batman merge instead of theirs.
Darkseid was in the Ghost Zone, on his way to visit his ex and rival Clockwork. It was the old time of Clockwork, as he was pretty bloodthirsty. Apokolips and the Ghost Zone more than once had wars, but as ghosts are immortal, just like gods, they don't really die. They see war with other immortal races as a fine thing to pass time with. All things become boring with time. Nobody dies, so where is the harm? Danny, Dani, and Darkseid find themselves in Disneyland thanks to Clockwork's quirky time manipulation and him being busy. Danny and Dani's ghostly look combined with Darkseid's very presence, creating an unexpected uproar and fear. But Darkseid was spending his time with the two "Children" of Clockwork and not going for a attack. The children love the amusement park rides without having to wait! Well, Orion, Mister Miracle and the Justice League had no idea what to say as they saw Darkseid with two white haired flying children who were eating cotton candy on his shoulders. Orion:" What are you doing, Father?" Darkseid:" They are the children of an old rival I have. I have no time today to play with you and Superman. I will attack you and the League tomorrow, a promise." Darkseid sees playing with Superman and his friends as a game. a game he has been doing for years already. At one point, he will have all the universe under his rule; how many more years are there to wait?
Vandal Savage had a problem. He felt a magic oath of fealty he took long ago, to one of the few people he was ever truly loyal to. When he was "younger" he swore a magical oath of loyalty to one of the most powerful God-kings of Egypt, Pharaoh Duul-aman. He attempts to Scry the location of his ancient Pharaoh, but his attempts are blocked by the powers of Anubis, the powers of the dead.
Tucker jolted awake, he had fallen asleep at his computer again. Recently he had been suffer more sleep problems than Danny, Instead of dreaming of his lovely ladies he had been dreaming of egyptian sands and a hairy man he feels he should know. He felt the tingling of magic under his skin. Nope none of that, he's had power twice and both times he nearly killed his best friend and once he enslaved his class. Hes learned his lesson that he cannot handle power.
Tim Drake my beloved!
Tim Drake and !Anti-Hero !Teen !Masc Reader
Was this supposed to happen? No. Did it happen? Yes yes it did.
TW:adrenaline junky, gang affiliation, dangerous activity, cussing
Red Robin watched as his friend danced on the rooftop. Why was his friend dancing? Well they had just successfully taken down a drug ring. And how better to celebrate than dancing on a roof and eating ramen noodles.
Honestly Red should have turned in the anti-hero months ago but he was attached now. Mind you this guy was chaotic as fuck and barely needed a drop of caffeine. They were opposites but they balanced the other out quite nicely.
“Hey Red I should probably be going.” He piped up
“Yeah I figured. Don’t get caught. And want to meet up out of costume later?” Red asked
“Sure! Can we go to your house though? I may or may not have forgotten to get food and I’m to lazy and would rather raid your pantry.” He said glancing around at the buildings around them
“Sure but my brothers will try and stop you.” Red answered relaxing against a wall
“I’m not scared of them Red.” He said nonchalantly
Red stayed on the building and watched and his friend jumped from building to building disappearing into the night. Red waited till someone told him to come in. He relished in the mild peace of the night.
———————————————
Tim sat at the table already on his second cup of coffee this morning. Dick and Jason were here today because it was the weekend. Wally and Roy would most likely make an appearance at dinner and if the demon had it his way Jon might be having dinner with them as well.
Usually this would mean Tim would bring Conner over but not tonight. Conner was busy but someone else wasn’t. (Y/N) in all his sleep deprived glory was almost always free. Which was perfect for Tim.
“Oh hey I’m not bringing Conner to dinner tonight. He’s busy. Is it ok if I bring a school friend?” Tim said looking at Bruce for an answer
“I don’t see why not. Is it someone we already know?” Bruce asked not looking up from his newspaper. Usually Dick, Jason, or Damien would pipe up at something like this but they were to in grossed in an argument.
“No but I’ve done school projects with him and he hangs out with me and Conner sometimes.” Tim said
“Well it’ll be nice to meet someone who isn’t involved in the family business.” Bruce said taking a sip of his coffee
Tim about laughed at that though. ‘Only if you knew’
————————————————
When everyone dispersed from breakfast it was chaotic. Dick, Jason, and Bruce immediately went to the cave. They had to do stuff at the WatchTower.
Damien went out back. Most likely waiting on Jon to get here. Alfred left to go grocery shopping and to meet up with Babs, Cass, and Steph for their weekly tea date.
Tim pulled out his phone to text (Y/N) hoping the idiot was awake.
Chicken Shát
Yesterday 9:37pm
LAMO
Do not make fun of me
But it’s so easy!?!?
Today 10:07am
Hey wen do u want me to pck u up
Tim turned off his phone and headed up to his room. He’d just have to wait till (Y/N) decided to respond.
———————————————
(Y/N) was mulling over a file that was mildly annoying when he heard the tell tale ring of his phone. The only problem he did not know where his phone was.
After a good 15 minute search he found his phone discarded in and empty takeout box. It was the phone he normally used and not a burner which meant civvies not the fucked up hoodie mess that was his gear. Thank whatever god for that. He looked at the phone and it was from Tim. Ah what joy the annoyance and joy of his life.
Tim Shim
Yesterday 9:37pm
LAMO
Do not make fun of me
But it’s so easy!?!?
Today 10:07am
Hey wen do u want me to pck u up
Whenever works I’m already awake
Did you even sleep?
If I say yes does it make it better?
No!
Then no I did not sleep at all
Dumbfuck
Says the guy who lives off caffeine
That was mean :(
Oh well :]
He turned off his phone and concluded he definitely would need to change before Tim got here.
It took a bit of searching but he was able to find a graphic-tee that had the RedHood emblem on it a decent pair of jeans. It wasn’t his best look but definitely not his worst.
Tim Shim
I’m outside get your ass down here
What would your father say to that language?
Blame it on Jason
He laughed and headed out making sure he locked his apartment. Gods know he’s made that mistake one to many times.
Tim was waiting in a Sedan of all things. Honestly seeing a billionaires son in a sedan was funny as fuck because it’s just not something that you see a lot.
“What’s with the car?” He asked as he sat in the passenger seat
“Bruce won’t let me drive anything nice without supervision after the Mustang incident.” Tim said. And honestly (Y/N) agreed with Bruce. Tim was a horrible driver. But oh well (Y/N) didn’t drive.
——————————————
(Y/N) and Tim ended up playing way to much Mario Kart for any sane person. Even as the family and whoever they decide to drag with them came the two ignored and continued the stream of berating the other when they lost.
At some point Jason decided to sit and watch and by default so did Roy. They wanted to ask Tim about his friend but they would probably just get mad at them for interrupting their gaming.
In all honesty it was nice to see Tim act like a normal teen. Jason decided the kid was a good influence and needed to stick around. Also he was insane at Mario Kart.
Other trickled in doing things in the lounge area but leaving the two teens glued to the TV alone.
Dick wanted to coo at his little brother but restrained himself. New friend meant Tim would kill them if they didn’t give him time to adjust to the crazy family.
——————————————
Alfred called them for dinner and it was an absolute hoard of people.
Dick decided to bring Wally and Kori. Jason as per usual had Roy. Damien dragged Jon around who smiled and didn’t complain. Babs, Steph, Duke, and Cass came as well. And then Bruce decided it was a great night to bring Selina.
So all in all Tim was nervous. (Y/N) may be a vigilante but he was also the average teenage boy. This was either going to go great or horrible.
“So your Tim’s friend?” Dick asked
“Yeah I’m (Y/N) if Tim hasn’t told you. You must be Dick? Tim talks about you all a lot and I can promise it’s all good things!” (Y/N) said with a cheeky smile
That was the same smile he had when he had a plan he knew would work. He was winning over the family and Tim was impressed.
“He talks about us? Awe Timmy!” Dick gushed making Tim blush and bury his face in his arms
“Can we save the gushy cute stuff for after dinner?” Tim pleaded
“I think you embarrassed him.” Jason said pointing his fork at Dick
“How did you meet Drake?” Damien said practically glaring at (Y/N)
“We have the same Science and PE. He sucks at PE but is amazing at everything else. I’m only good at PE and science. I asked him for some study tips and well he asked for help in gym and it went firm there.” (Y/N) explained leaving out the fact they also mainly became friends because he was a vigilante who saved him from dying.
Damien was buying it but hummed that he was ok with the answer.
For the most part dinner was smooth after that.
——————————————
After dinner they went to the lounge and talked and played games for a bit. (Y/N) was in the middle of beating Jason at chess for the 3rd time when his phone rang. Not the normal. The burner. Great fun night ruined.
“Sorry I have to take this.” He apologized getting up and heading out the door to the hall
“Nitro you owe me still after you know what. Go to the pier at 10 o’clock their will be a case bring it to the warehouse on the corner of Fog and Nolace. After that we are even and I’ll leave you alone unless you want another job.” Then the guy hung up. He was a real dick and (Y/N) still had no idea why he ever agreed to work for that dick but one last job and his debt is payed.
“Hey I need to leave something came up also Tim I need to text you about some of the extra curricula activities. Just need a second opinion but I still think football is a horrible idea all of them a brain dead because of concussions. Anyway catch ya later.” (Y/N) said leaving before anyone had much time to process the sped talk of the teenager
Tim on the other hand had to keep his composure because that was a code that him and Tim used in public to warn the other they were potentially going a suicide mission.
——————————————
Shit this was bad that meant. It meant it probably had to do with some people (Y/N) got tangled up with before him and Tim met.
This was bad really really bad. He couldn’t tell his family without revealing (Y/N)’s identity so usually he’d send Connor but Connor was busy.
“Hey I’m tired to I’m actually going to go to sleep before patrol for a bit.” Tim said standing up
“Tim actually sleeping? Hell froze over we’re all going to die.” Jason said with mock fear
“Ha ha real funny. Bruce told me he’d take me off the case if I didn’t get some sleep.” Tim said flipping them off and leaving but not before hearing Jason mutter about how he only took care of himself when patrol was threatened.
But what they didn’t realize was their brother instead went and grabbed his spare suit. It would only give him a bit of extra time but hopefully enough to help his friend.
——————————————
Thank you for reading! If you find any grammar mistakes please tell me!
Don't know if YOU GUYS all know this? But Arthur? Son of a Lighthouse keeper and the Queen of Atlantis? THAT Arthur Curry aka. Orin? Has CONSIDERABLY enhanced durability. Like... *hit by a car* "ha. Cute." Enhanced.
It's because of the DEEP Sea water pressure he's built for.
I bring this up? Because the man is a legit BAMF. Absolutely TERRIFYING near any body of water. Dude has SUPER STRENGTH AND HYDROKINESIS. Not ONLY are YOU filled with water, but every street corner in the world has pipes! He is NEVER not armed.
That's not including the "yes I can ask a lobster to take your dick off" thing.
But most of all? He has the RAGE. The lifetime of injustice after injustice. His home under attack, his people suffering and regarded as LESS. The poison dumped into their air. Their lands taken, PRESUMED the property of land dwellers.
Treated as criminals and monsters should they DARE defend themselves.
Yet? He is a leader. A husband, father, mentor. The death of his child can not take from him that title. Nor years numb that pain. He strives to be good. Be wise. Live well.
Yet? There is once AGAIN fuckery in his ocean. Some "secret" lab. Poking at a swirling green portal. At the BOTTOM OF THE SEA. For God's sake, they DO REALIZE, you can't HIDE things from him down here, RIGHT?
It looks radioactive.
He refuses to have that so close to Atlantis.
Sends a notice up to the Watchtower, a call back to his Wife, and leads the gaurd team in. Painfully easy, really. Bog standard humans, caught off gaurd. Right until one of them does something... stupid.
He tries to blow the place. Destroy evidence. It would kill all of them. Which is not Arthur's main concern. No, what IS? Is that it would dump radioactive SOMETHING into the waters near Atlantis.
He dives forward. They struggle. A button is smashed and...
Their containment field drops.
They had been keeping it in a perfect vacuum.
Watches, in free fall, as his men's faces turn to horror. As they desperately dive to follow him. Loyal. True. But ultimately too late. He curses himself as he loses sit of them. But forces himself to focus, twist, get his feet under him. His is in air, above LAND.
He hits HARD.
But not the ground like he had planned.
He's slamed, at an awkward, frantic, angle and knocked off course. His weight crashing down onto a scrawny slip of a boy, who weezes and struggles to get a proper grip. His arms not quite long enough to go all the way around his barrel of a chest.
He helps, by slinging an arm over his young savior.
Only then, does he notice, the tiny crown of ice and nebula, poking at a jaunty angle from the child's head.
Their landing would be rough, had Arthur not caught them, once he gets close enough to the ground. The young royal gasping for air, having clearly pushed his limits to get to Arthur in time. He hauls himself up. Not yet a man, but not as young as Arthur feared. His eyes glow.
"Hoooly SHIT. Are you okay?! I hit you really hard! I'm so, SO sorry! I panicked! And-"
Honestly? A little bruised. But nothings he's going to ADMIT too.
More concerning? The injuries.
There's a screech of tires turning sharp corners. Sirens getting closer. The young king whips around. Terror seeping onto his face. It gives Arthur an unobstructed view of pointed ears, softly glowing skin with star like freckles, and scars that creep up the child's neck. He does not like the picture being painted.
"We have to GO. Now. Please, I'll explain in a moment! But we have to go NOW!"
Really, REALLY does not like the picture. And he has WAYS of dealing with such things as this. But safety first. Prioritize the children. They go. He vows to get answers. And all around Amity? Certain individuals days are NUMBERED.
@babbling-babull @hdgnj @the-witchhunter @hypewinter @mutable-manifestation @lolottes @nerdpoe
July 15: Meeting a new member of the family | wire
Billy shifts on his feet, uneasy and nervous.
“Are you sure they’re gonna like me?” Billy asks Danny as he fixes his shirt for the nth time.
Danny just rolls his eyes with a smile, elbowing Billy lightly.
“Don’t worry so much! They’ve been bugging me to meet you since I told them about you,” Danny replies soothingly.
Billy can’t help but let out an uneasy breath, shaking his hands out to try and rid himself of some of the nerves. It helps, but only slightly. He really does want to make a good first impression on Danny’s family.
“Okay, okay let’s meet them before I get so nervous I change my mind,” Billy states, reaching out to grip Danny’s hand tightly in his own.
Danny offers a soothing smile as he squeezes Billy’s hand gently, offering some comfort. Then, he reaches his other hand out, curling his fingers as nails extend from the tips. In one motion, he swings his hand in the air, a portal opening in front of them.
Billy gets tugged through before he can think too much about the fear and anxiety of entering a portal that leads to someplace he’s never been before.
The first sensation he feels is cold, freezing cold. Followed by warmth as a heavy coat is placed over his shoulders.
“I told you it was going to be cold,” Danny huffs good-naturedly, apparently not feeling the chill in his ghost form.
“How was I supposed to know you meant freezing and not just chilly,” Billy pouts.
Danny raises an eyebrow as he smirks slightly.
“Maybe because I told you multiple times that’s what I meant?”
Billy huffs and shoves Danny good-naturedly.
“Great One!” a voice booms before a white furred being envelopes Danny into a hug.
Billy’s eyes widens as he looks up at the being. They have two icicles for horns atop their head, blue and gold clothing and accessories adorning their body, and an ice left arm with the bones visible. Not to mention the fact that they are giant. So much taller than anyone Billy’s ever encountered … well, maybe not bigger than Darkseid, but it’s close.
“Hi Frostbite,” Danny squeaks out, voice strained from the force of the hug.
“It’s good to see you again!” Frostbite booms, finally releasing Danny.
“Good to see you too,” Danny says honestly, stretching slightly.
“And who is this?” Frostbite asks, purple eyes turning towards Billy.
Billy gulps nervously under the gaze of the yeti, resisting the urge to transform into Captain Marvel. He’s fine. This is Danny’s family. He’s fine.
“This is who I was telling you about!” Danny answers excitedly, flying over to hover next to Billy. “Frostbite, meet Billy. Billy, meet Frostbite.”
Frostbite grins and extends a hand. Billy cautiously takes it, watching how the other’s hand envelopes his own completely.
“Wonderful to meet another member of Danny’s family!” Frostbite booms, shaking Billy’s hand gently yet excitedly.
“Nice to meet you too,” Billy agrees, feeling a little light at being referred to as family.
Frostbite smiles wide and releases Billy’s hand.
“Shall we?” Frostbite asks before turning around and beginning to walk.
“Where are we going?” Billy whispers to Danny.
“To meet everyone else!” Danny answers, grinning.
“Everyone else?” Billy asks nervously, eyes wide.
Danny laughs and nods.
“You didn’t think Frostbite was it, did you?”
₊˚。⋆❆⋆。˚₊
Billy feels like his head is spinning from how many yeti’s he’s been introduced to. First there was Frostbite’s husband, Hailwind, then Frostbite’s siblings, Glacierwalk and Snowfall. And that was just Frostbite’s immediate family!
There are the other yeti’s in the village, most of whom Billy forgets the names of. All with different names and different occupations. There’s also an elderly couple that helps look after all the Frostlings.
His head feels like it’s spinning as he shakes hands and smiles, says hello and gets handed food. His head gets pat a lot, every Yeti smiling at him widely.
Consistently, they’re all so nice to him. Tell him they’re so happy to meet him. Grateful Danny has found family in such a kind young man.
Billy feels … shy. Undeserving. Danny’s family is so kind and nice. Billy’s just … Billy. He hasn’t earned any of the great things he’s been gifted, he just does his best to do what he can with what he’s been given.
“You okay?” Danny whispers to Billy when he gets a moment to breathe.
“I’m okay,” Billy assures, slightly breathless. “Just a tad … overwhelmed? You have so many people who love you.”
Danny smiles softly as he looks out at the crowd of Yeti’s mingling.
“Yeah, I’m really lucky to have all of you,” Danny says softly.
Billy doesn’t say anything. But he’s thinking about how lucky Billy is to have Danny, not the other way around.
Danny pulls Billy into a side hug.
“If you need to leave, we can,” Danny offers.
Billy smiles kindly, warmth filling him. He’s glad to have someone like Danny who’s looking out for him.
“It’s fine, go enjoy the party. I’ll be back out mingling in a minute,” Billy assures.
Danny grins and gives a mock salute before flying back out to join everyone.
“We’re really lucky to have someone like you watching out for Danny,” a voice says.
Billy jumps slightly, turning to see it’s the leaner Yeti he met earlier. What was his name? Hailwind, wasn’t it?
“It’s the other way around, really,” Billy responds softly. “Danny has so many people who care about him. I’m so grateful I’m considered one of those people.”
“Don’t sell yourself short,” Hailwind replies, smiling. “Danny might have a lot of family, but he’s not as open as he projects that he is. Everyone in his life means a lot to him.”
Billy feels himself flush slightly.
“Well, I’m glad that Danny considers me part of his family,” Billy admits shyly. “I think we’re just as lucky to have him in our lives as he thinks he is to have us.”
Hailwind chuckles and nods in response, a smile growing on his face.
“Yes, I think you’re right.”
Together, they watch the party in front of them, joy in the air.
So, Danny was effectively homeless.
His parents are dead, his sister is dead, his friends are dead. Hell, even Vlad, Vlad kicked the fucking bucket which, Danny genuinely never expected.
Vlad was supposed to be his nemesis, his main bad guy, the guy Danny's supposed to constantly pull everything out against just to win. Not to mention how significant his presence was.
A part of him assumed that Vlad would always be there and him not being there and knowing he won't be there ever again is... weird.
So you're probably asking, how exactly did this happen?
Well you see, the nasty burger exploded, for one thing. Then when he was under Vlad's care both of them got outed for being ghosts to the GIW, which was technically Danny's fault, since he did something extremely stupid.
Somehow they got caught, and life under the GIW was not great in the slightest. The constant experiments, the dehumanization (Sometimes Danny doesn't even register himself as human), the amount of times their feelings were utterly disregarded, and so, so much more.
The GIW found Vlad to be more dangerous than Danny, even if he lacked the raw power Danny had his intellect made him dangerous and for good reason. For it was because of said intellect that Danny managed to escape.
Vlad didn't manage to do the same.
Danny hated reliving that memory. Because Vlad was a villain, evil and self-serving, he shouldn't be sacrificing himself for his literal greatest enemy to escape in his stead (Not that Vlad would say Danny was his greatest, he would probably say it was the person who refused him to buy the packers). It was just, so utterly stupid and out of character for him.
So, Danny managed to escape, Vlad died. He couldn't even say anything about Dani because she got destabilized in front of him, in front of both of them actually. It hurt to watch and, he didn't quite know the specifics between Dani and Vlad anymore, but he thinks they were getting... better.
Not how it was when Dani was first created, but Vlad was working on mending it. Which, honestly, just makes everything worse.
Danny isn't powerless but it's a damn close thing. He's far weaker than he normally would be, and he's injured on top of that too boot, his powers can barely work and it's just so stupid.
So here he was, hiding out in some random sewer because he didn't want to take the risk of being on the surface and he hates the smell, but he'll take that over being experimented on again. So, Danny spends most of his time in the sewers of this place called Gotham, he even managed to make his own little area with a couch he stole and a few other appliances that were thrown out.
He lacked a Tv or laptop, but he found a yo-yo! Most of his time was spent practicing various tricks with his yo-yo.
It got boring fast. But it was really the only safe thing he could do when waiting for his powers to come back. At least he's a god at yo-yoing now.
It was while doing various tricks with it in some random sewer path, that a literal, goddamn crocodile-man just splashed up from sewer water and half-laid on the edge, since his lower body was still in the water.
Danny looked at his yo-yo, the crocodile, and then slowly stepped on over and gently poked the crocodile dude.
He made a sound, so he was alive!
Finally! Someone to appreciate his godly yo-yoing skills!
(Based on Monster from Epic the Musical, it's incredible, give it a listen)
So! For the past few years, Danny has done nothing but defend Amity Park from Agressive Ghosts, Lunatic Ghost Hunters, and the GIW, all on his own. But no matter what he does, he is always seen as a Monster by the people of the town, just for being a Ghost.
Over the years he has lost a lot.
His Best Friend. His Mentor. His Mom.
Tucker was caught by the GIW and arrested for helping Phantom, and was never heard from again. His Parents still visit the Mayor's office for any word of him, but no one has any idea what happened.
Danny and Clockwork had a falling out after Danny refused to go down his intended path. He wanted to live his own life, one not predetermined by a Time God. Clockwork had told him that he would regret the decision, and left.
And his Mom had died after discovering his secret. She had surprisingly accepted him, but then the GIW had tried to capture him and she decided to defend him, and she got caught in the crossfire.
Every time Danny tried defending the people of Amity Park, he was vilified and hated even more. He would never be a Hero in their eyes, he was no Justice League. He had lost so much just defending them, but he couldn't bring himself to resent them, they didn't know what they were doing, it was how they were supposed to think. He still needed to defend them.
But he could no longer do so acting as the Hero.
Being a Hero stopped him from raiding the base that he assumed Tucker was being held in. Being a Hero led him to disagreeing with Clockworks advice. Being a Hero led to his Mom's death.
So he would be The Monster, instead.