- You don't get it, do you? I'm still here. Still exist. That means you still turn into me!

After that sentence, all that Danny felt was constant fear through his body, mind, and soul. It took a lot out of him, but Dark Dan was in the thermos and he had a moment of glory, a moment to think that it was over. But it wasn't, all his loved ones were still strapped to the boiling tank of nasty sauce. He ran, he forced his tired muscles to move towards them.

It was a sad moment because everyone knew that he wouldn't make it in time. So, with their last second of life, they conveyed all they could through their eyes. Danny didn't want to give up, but he understood the love and acceptance that they were trying to convey. The worst part was the silent and collective plea that almost broke Danny's heart: "Save yourself...live for us!". Danny was tempted to ignored it and keep running towards them, but he couldn't go against their last wish. He stopped running and just stood in the middle of the street, waiting for the disaster to happen. It didn't take long for it to start blowing up, but he couldn't see, there was a hand blocking the scene and soon a calm voice follows it.

- Danny, I am unable to stop this event, but as a reward for your service, I will give a few hours with your loved ones. Afterward, they must move on and you will reawaken in the physical world. I am sorry, Danny, but this is all that I can do.

- Clockwork, what about after that? - asked Danny in a barely audible voice

- Then you will straighten things in Amity with the help of Vlad and then leave to join a team of heroes to make them a truth family.

- There's no other way?

- Everything's the way it's supposed to be!

Then with a tick-tock of Clockwork's staff, six souls disappeared and one more temporarily left his body. Now with a wave of the staff, a special barrier appeared to protect Danny's body and a second later the explosion continued like it was never on pause. Clockwork watched the police and paramedics arrived at the scene and didn't leave until the paramedics took care of Danny's body (that had a few unimportant scratches and one gash on his left side).

Afterward, he appears on an island that could have been mistaken for one of the islands in the Ghost Zone, but the truth was that it was a non-existing space created from Clockwork's power. In front of him were the six souls that he took and Danny, they all looked at him for a second and then continue talking.

- ...and that's how I became a Halfa. - said Danny

- Sweety, we're so proud of you and I'm really sorry that you had to go through all of this alone. - said Maddie

- Hey, what are we potatoes or something? - exclaim Sam with Jazz nodding behind her

- Excuse you, I would be a nice piece of steak or some baby pork ribs, mmmm. - said Tucker earning a laugh from everyone except Sam that had a grimace of disgust

- And what's going to happen now? - asked Jazz while looking at Danny and the shifting her gaze towards Clockwork

- All of you will move on and Danny will awaken from his coma like state.

- To kill a Mockingbird, but what is going to happen to Mr. Fenton? As soon as he reawakens he will be an orphan. - exclaim Mr. Lancer

- Mr. Lancer, do you really believe that we didn't have anything planned if something happens to us? - asked an angry Maddie

- Well, I would like to believe that you did. - said Mr. Lancer

- Oh! Well, good! Because we made wills that state that Danny's custody is to be given to my step-brother Tony... - said Maddie before being interrupted by Jack

- And Danny-boy will be the sole owner of Fenton Works and all its products. Isn't that cool?

- Yeah, I guess. - said Danny

- Now, Danny show us your powers. - said Jack, but thought he sounded a bit demanding continue a bit sheepish - Please, oh please!

Danny laughed loudly and then nodded, starting his demonstration. Everyone enjoy it, except Tucker, who had to run away from Danny because he didn't want to be overshadowed. Truth be told, Danny wasn't going to try it since he knew they were all souls and only he was more tied to a physical state.

After that, with the time they had left, Danny spoke about Vlad and everything that he knew about him. Including the recent knowledge of the future and how Vlad wanted the best for him. So, everyone reaches the same conclusion: Vlad needed a second chance. Then, Danny told everyone another of his adventures and when he finishes Clockwork spoke.

- Danny, your time is almost up!

Everyone started to protest, but Danny only nodded and the others became quiet. Then they all looked at each other and decided to have private good-byes with Danny. Mr. Lancer chose to go first and the others gave him space.

- Mr. Fenton, I...

- Please, Mr. Lancer, call me Danny.

- Moby Dick, alright. Danny, as I was saying, I'm proud of you. Even thought you had to sacrifice your studies, I'm proud of your choices and I'm filled with so much pride at being able to call you my student.

- Thanks, Mr. Lancer. I really appreciate everything you tried to do for me, except when you listened and protected Dash in school, but even with all that you're my favorite teacher.

Soon an awkward silence started and Danny decided to end it. He opened his arms and with a small smile hugged the teacher. Mr. Lancer laughed and hugged back, as soon as they separated he went back to the group. That's when Jazz walked towards Danny.

- Are we really doing this? - whined Danny

- Yes, we are. So, shush and let me pamper you! - said Jazz while grabbing Danny in a big bear hug and Danny laughed

- Mmm, something tells me that at some point I'm going to be crying like a baby. - commented Danny

- Probably, and I bet it will be with mom and that's why she's the last one. - said Jazz

- You know me so well. - a pause - Aren't you going to tell me how all of this is going to affect me?

- No, I won't do that because I know that you're a survivor and a warrior. I also know that I don't have to worry about you because you're a hero. But I will worry because to me you're only my little brother that I need to protect. - said Jazz with a trembling voice and she soon started to cry. Danny hugged her tighter and waited until she was a bit calmer.

- Sis, I love you and I believe that I am the luckiest little brother in the world. I couldn't have asked for a better big sister because is impossible. I want you to know that I will miss you and the others as well, but I promise that I will continue to live my life as best as I can. I promise that I will not give up. - said Danny while letting a few tears fall from his blue eyes

- I know you will and I believe that your new family will be blessed to have you. Remember to be careful and that I will be watching. - finish Jazz causing Danny to snort

- Of course, you will, if not you wouldn't be my overprotective sister. - said Danny and Jazz's only answer was a small "shut up"

They stayed in each other's embrace for a few more seconds, before they let go and Jazz walked back to the group. Danny though that Sam or Tucker would come next, but he wasn't that surprised when they came together. For a few moments they felt uncomfortable, but soon Danny broke it.

- I guess this is as far as we come, huh?

- No, it's not the last of us. After all, I believe in multiple lives and I doubt that our souls are out for the count.

- Yeah, dude! Besides, do you really think you can get rid of us so easily?

- No, I didn't really think so. - said Danny quietly and his friends understood the silent message, so they grabbed him in a hug and they started to exchange quiet words and promises.

Soon they parted and Danny was happy to note that Tucker and Sam were a little bit closer to each other. But soon all thoughts of his friend's happiness left him because of the realization that only his parents were left. Jack came close to Danny and captured in a hug while lifting him up from the ground.

- Danny-boy, my son, I'm so proud of you and I want you to be happy and to continue doing what you love. I also want you to give your new family a chance.

- I promise, dad. But I wanted to tell you that I love you and I'm proud of calling you my dad and I don't care what anyone says, you're the best dad in the world!

They hugged each other a bit tighter while Jack cried and let the tears fall in Danny's hair. Who laughed a little, but he didn't care about it. Soon enough they calmed down and Jack went back to the group, even if he continues to silently cry. That's when Danny thought that maybe this wasn't right and that he didn't deserve to keep living when they all die because of his selfishness. He was so absorbed in his negative feelings that he didn't notice when Maddie stood next to him, quietly observing him for a second, but he did notice the arms around him that made him feel even more miserable.

- I can just hear all of those bad thoughts that are going through your head. - said Maddie, but Danny didn't let her continue

- But I'm right, aren't I? Why should all of you die because of me! I should be the one to suffer! Maybe if I had died instead of becoming a Halfa and activating the Ghost Portal, everything would have been better. - said Danny furiously, but making no attempts at getting out of his mother embrace and then finishing in a hysterical whisper

- You know you're breaking my heart and the others would feel horrible if they heard you. - said Maddie in a faint voice meant to shake Danny without hurting him, but he still started to sob - My little baby boy, don't feel bad for us and believe that this was your fault. Sometimes bad things happen, but we need to be strong and move on, not for us and not for anyone other than yourself. - Danny just started to cry louder and Maddie joined him, but Danny tried to talk through his tears

- Mom, you have no idea how I wanted to tell you and how much it hurt to push away, but I knew that it was for the best. - Danny now breathing heavy continue - Sometimes it was too much and I was close to breaking, but I thought of you and I would be filled with enough strength to move on.

- ...then I want you to think of me, all of us, and get all the strength you need to be happy even if we cannot be physically there. - she hugged him tighter to her if that was possible - Don't forget about us, Danny, but don't let our memories tied you down.

- Won't you ask me to make a promise? - asked Danny unsure if he truly wanted to make it

- No, I won't because I trust you. - she smiles and sadly let go of her son

Once she was back with the group, they all looked at Danny and he looked at all of them before Clockwork tapped Danny's right shoulder with his staff and Danny blacked out.

Only to wake up at the hospital, next to him was a surprised nurse that started to fuss around him before she ran out to look for the doctor. Danny took a minute to center himself: his loved ones are dead, Dan has been taken care of, he survived the impossible by human's standards, he was going to be adopted by an unknown step-brother of his mom, he had to make a new truce with Vlad and possibly with the other ghosts as well. In other words, he was peachy and if meeting his evil future self didn't drive him insane, the amount of work ahead of him would try it damn hardest to achieve it.

- Ah, I see that our little patient is awake! I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions.

Danny raised an eyebrow and indignantly thought: I'm not little and do I really have a choice of not answering? But then he nodded and started answering the doctor's questions. If Danny had to say what he hated most at that moment, it would definitely be the pity filled stares directed at him. He knew he lost everyone and just a few hours ago, but he had come to terms with the facts (or at least to a certain degree). Soon they left and into the room came a young woman in her early thirties, dressed like an office lady, but could only be described as a caring mother by her facial features.

- Hello, Danny! My name is Sarah Sans and I'll be the social worker in charge with your placement. - said Sarah in a caring manner

- It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Sans! - said Danny thinking that he got lucky for once

- Please, call me Sarah. - she said and waited until Danny nodded - Now, are aware that your mother left a possible guardian if anything happened to them? - after she asked Danny took a bit of time to properly think, because for a moment he couldn't look past the fact that she didn't show any pity towards him, was being professional and caring at the same time, but soon found his voice

- Yes, but I only know that his name is Tony and that his mom's step-brother. - said Danny with a bit of a distant look

- Well, you're not wrong. Here are the files on your possible guardians. - said Sarah looking a bit amused and Danny ignored the look in favor of checking the files

Danny wasn't surprise at seeing Vlad's file, he knew it would be there, but decided to see if there was any information that could serve as tips for making a new truce or as blackmail (either would have served to make a new and a more carefree connection between them). The only thing he found was Vlad's middle name and he was so going to use it later. So, closing Vlad's file, he moves to the other and could not help saying a "You've got to be kidding me!" out loud. He also heard Sarah snort at his comment, but pay no mind to it while scanning the file. Danny wonder, not for the first time, if he was fate and destiny favorite toy because how the hell was his mom step-sister of such a guy?

- Well, I'm going with my uncle. - said Danny still looking at the file in his hands

- Then, do you want me to tell Mr. Masters to leave? - asked Sarah while standing up

- No, I want to talk to him! - said Danny a bit rush and Sarah didn't even blink - May I stay with the files? - asked Danny with a bit of reluctance

- Yes, you may! Is there anything else you need before I go and make all the paperwork? - asked Sarah in a way that let Danny know that he wasn't a bother to her

- No, that's all and thank you for everything! - said Danny with his famous lopsided grin (even if he didn't know it) and received a laugh from Sarah before she left the room

Danny quickly closed his uncle's file and put them under his pillow. Fortunately, before Vlad entered his room and Danny would admit he was a bit scared to look at Vlad's facial expression. But Danny wasn't known as a scared cat and so, he took a look. For once, Vlad looked older and reminded Danny of the Vlad of the future, maybe that's what made him so sure that the truce would happen and that it would be even better than what he originally had thought.

- So, I heard that you didn't choose me. - commented Vlad with a sad smile and Danny had to fight the urge to either hug or punch some sense into Vlad - I should have known, but I still believe that... - Vlad didn't get to finish

- First, you're an idiot. Second, I didn't choose you because you're as hurt as I am. Third, that doesn't mean you can't be part of my life. Fourth, I will need your help in putting things straight in Amity: I'm talking about the ghosts, Fenton Works and the GIW. Fifth, is your middle name really Robert? - finished Danny with a grin after having a serious expression because he really couldn't help himself from commenting on it

- ... - Vlad was speechless

So, okay, Danny was pretty proud of himself and couldn't stop smirking at Vlad. Who soon regained his composure and grinned at Danny.

- Well, Little Badger, what can I do for you?

Now, Danny was really happy because he didn't have to deal with any kind of confession from himself or from Vlad and that was a victory in his books. So, they started to plan about everything that needed to get done and concluded that they needed at least a week before Danny could leave. At least, Vlad could start dealing with keeping the GIW away from Fenton Works and keeping the ghosts from visiting the town. That only left Danny with nothing else to do, but rest and no one heard him complain about it. Thankfully, Danny only had to stay a day in the hospital, so by the next day, Danny informed Sarah of his prolonged stay and she said she would tell his guardian about it. Then, Vlad and Danny were busy working. They both knew it would be hard, but it probably would be worth it.

So, during the week, their relationship became better than they thought possible. It had improved so much that even in the middle of packing they would joke around. The least surprising thing about them was that they made a pretty good team, so by the end of the week everything they had to do were almost done. The lab equipment was almost completely packed - they weren't sure if some of the substances would react badly towards them - and the ghosts had been taken care of. After finding out that Danny had become the Prince of the Ghost Zone - and of the ghosts - by defeating Pariah Dark; well, it was as simple as making a new rule and a promise of reinstalling the Ghost Portal as soon as possible. Then they had completely destroyed the GIW by presenting all the evidence of their lack of care in endangering the lives of the citizens in Amity Park. To say that it had been an awesome week, was an understatement. But at the end of the week, Danny was getting inside a private jet and saying good-bye to Vlad; never mind that he was going to see him again in three days to help him with the Portal. And just like that, the jet was off. Meanwhile, Danny just hoped that they didn't make him jump off it when they arrived because if it happens he was so going to kick the Fruitloop's butt until next year.

Here's my newest story! Comment if you know the crossover or if it was easy to find! Soon I will be updating "The darkness loses control" and I already updated "Partners in crime"