Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Phantom didn’t like that Danny was so distracted lately, but he knew that college was important to him so he did his best not to complain. Sometimes he really disliked not being fused together with Danny anymore but, being fused for years had stunted Danny’s growth and made him so liminal he might as well be another ghost all together. Danny had still grown up well even despite Phantom accidentally hindering him. He was beautiful and tall , though he was slender and youthful looking. Only Jack and Jazz Fenton were taller than Danny, he wasn’t nearly as broad or muscled as Jack but he was still solidly built from his years fighting with Phantom.

Phantom had changed over the years as well; he didn’t look nearly as human in his natural form. More void, smoke, and ice in a humanoid form than anything actually human. He’d learned to disguise himself as a human very well. Most people couldn’t even tell he wasn’t human and the few who suspected only thought he was some kind of meta. His human form was a little more broadly muscled than Danny, a little shorter, but a little darker in skin tone, though his hair remained its stark white as the only sign of his ghostliness apart from his green eyes.

Phantom only liked pretending to be human because it let him follow Danny around as he lived his life. He knew more sensitive people found him unsettling, the most obviously unsettled about him was a strange being in Danny’s math course. Phantom was sure that they weren’t truly human, but really could not tell what they actually were. Phantom wasn’t sure why he was thinking about that guy, he was always able to sneak in behind Danny without being noticed despite not actually being a student but this man always flinched when he spotted him and watched him warily. Phantom didn’t like Danny being so distracted from him, but this other mortal was pretty interesting. He seemed like he just couldn’t not notice Phantom.

“What are you thinking about?” Danny asked almost absently, icy blue gaze drifting to Phantom. Phantom’s gaze snapped to Danny, eager for his attention.

“I wasn’t thinking anything.” Phantom told him, definitely lying. 

“Is it that guy again? Duke Thomas?” Danny sighed and shook his head with a rueful smile.

“Is that his name? Interesting…” Phantom hummed thoughtfully, floating closer to Danny.

“He’s probably sensitive , don’t bully him for it.” Danny scolded gently.

“He can definitely see me .” Phantom observed his eyes glued to Danny’s, Danny’s expression turned to surprise. Phantom loved how expressive Danny was. He reached out to brush cool fingers gently across Danny’s cheek.

“Oh, that’s pretty unusual. Do you think he’s a medium or something else?” Danny couldn’t help but wonder, he leaned into the touch a little before shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter, we need to leave the poor guy alone . He looks so spooked !”

“One might say he seems haunted .” Phantom joked, nuzzling his face into Danny’s neck and causing him to stifle a giggle.

“Stop it, I need to focus.” Danny protested half-heartedly.

“Okay, okay. I’ll be good. But you have to become one with me later.” Phantom requested kissing Danny’s chin.

“Okay, once I finish this we should have time…” Danny agreed, his cheeks flushing pink and a giddy sort of smile on his face.

“Mmm, I look forward to entangling with you.” Phantom spoke softly into Danny’s ear causing him to flush even darker.

“D-don’t make it sound weird.” Danny whispered.

“It’s not weird Starlight, we were meant for each other.” Phantom told him. “My perfect half, my guiding light…I’d still be lost to the void if not for you.”

“I didn’t do anything…” Danny refuted trying to turn his focus back onto his textbook to avoid the shy feeling building in his chest.

“You called to me… You called me and shared your soul with me…” Phantom told him softly, he continued in a more teasing tone. “You even shared your body with me…”

“Phantom!” Danny scolded his whole face flushing. “That’s not what happened.”

“You shared your heart, your body, your mind, even your soul to restore me from the long void…” Phantom told him, wrapping his arms around Danny’s shoulders. “That is everything . Our destinies are entwined; now and forever we will have each other.”

“Hnh, m-maybe I could take a break.” Danny said softly as Phantom kissed his neck softly.

“Anything you want Starlight.” Phantom chuckled.

Chapter Text

There was something terrifying following one of Duke’s classmates; Daniel Fenton. The creature was massive, a being that was only vaguely humanoid with four arms, skin like a void spattered with stars and galaxies, and long hair like white fog trailing behind in wisps of light. It had four large solid toxic green glowing eyes and a maw of white razor sharp teeth. The being was so large and looming it set Duke’s teeth on edge, especially when its eyes passed over him. He tried so hard not to be noticed by it but the thing definitely knew that he could see it.

It was just awful because Danny was a very sweet man, he was optimistic and while awkward he was kind and helpful. Duke couldn’t bring himself to approach him but he had asked around and Danny seemed the type to go out of his way to help anyone that asked or seemed upset, like he had a sense for those that needed a helping hand. But that creature loomed over him, unseen by anyone else and glared down at anyone that got too close to Danny. A chill followed them, the sense of danger eclipsing everything about the pair. The only time it was worse was when it would pretend to be human.

They would look like a normal human man, tall but a little shorter than Danny. Brown skin with scattered freckles, shoulder length white hair, a broad muscular frame, and a handsome and sharply angled face. The being seemed almost stuffed into that compact human form but Danny never seemed to notice anything wrong when this man would suddenly appear and follow him everywhere . Danny never seemed to pay attention to the being when it was in its natural form but when it was human looking Danny seemed shy and delighted by the being’s attention. 

It made Duke’s skin crawl, certain that Danny was being stalked and deceived by this creature. It especially seemed deliberate because the creature would lock eyes with him and give him smug and definitely mocking looks as they curled their arm around Danny’s thin waist. Duke was terrified but unsure what to even do about the creature. Technically they weren’t causing any trouble or hurting anyone, they seemed completely obsessed and focused on Danny and almost dismissive of literally everyone else, even Duke most of the time.

“So, this being… it isn’t doing anything except watching one specific human?” Zatanna asked, clearly concerned.

“Yeah, it sometimes takes a human form to interact directly with the human it's been watching but it doesn’t go anywhere or do anything unless Danny does.” Signal explained.

“It’s very rare that the attention of a being like the one you described being so focused on a human is a good thing.” Zatanna remarked grimly. “I can already feel a massively powerful entity… I’m hoping it’s not really from where I think it is because if it is… There may not be much that I can even do on my own.”

“Is it really so strong?” Signal asked concerned.

“From what I can tell just standing here? Most likely.” Zatanna sighed, clearly uneasy.

“Great…just great.” Signal huffed, crossing his arms uncomfortably.

“Well, take me to it.” Zatanna requested.

They made their way to the apartment complex just a few streets away from the college and the closer they got the more Zatanna got clearly agitated. Once they were across the street she was clearly pushing herself to continue forward. She barely needed to glance at the being before her jaw dropped and she paled a little. She went through a few expressions before settling on something grim. She looked over at Signal with a heavy expression.

“That’s a ghost of the Infinite Realms…not just any ghost either. That is very much an ancient of the Infinite Realms. That’s far more powerful than any of us would be able to handle alone. I can’t imagine what this Fenton did to gain the attention of an ancient but the attention of an ancient is not to be taken lightly. Even the weakest of ancients is a world ending threat, but this one? This feels like something that could shatter reality. I can’t believe they’ve been able to just…hang out and not get noticed for as long as they have been. What are they even doing? Why this human… and how long have they been watching this human before they even got to Gotham?” Zatanna was clearly trying not to spiral but the slew of rhetorical questions gave the impression she was not quite successful. “We need to know which ancient this one is and why they’ve become Obsessed with this human. But for now we need to retreat, there’s no way we’d survive a confrontation now.”

“We can’t just abandon Danny to that thing!” Signal hissed distressed.

“We really don’t have a choice right now. I’m sorry Signal but we need to consult the rest of Dark and do some research first.” Zatanna told him solemnly. “Think of it this way, they haven’t hurt Fenton so far. It’s likely they won’t even if we take the time to prepare what we need to. Who knows, maybe there isn’t even a real threat here.”

Signal thought that last part was a bit too optimistic for their line of work honestly.

Chapter Text

“You've certainly prepared quite well for this.” Phantom remarked admiring the glowing green summoning circle attempting to contain him to the room they had prepared for him.

“We are professionals.” Zatanna offered in a response to the conversation starter.

“What are you doin’ topside?” Constantine did not bother with niceties.

“Oh? Straight to the point Laughing Magician? No witty banter for lil ol’ me?” Phantom teased with a wide gleaming grin.

“You are to answer our questions Dark Tyrant, we did not call upon you for games.” Dr. Fate responded instead.

Phantom laughed before replying, “You're so funny for a fool, I think you ought to play games. After all you seem so very certain of yourselves.”

“Those runes and our magic will seal you away the moment you move to attack or disobey.” Dr. Fate told him firmly, more confidently than he actually felt.

“Really?” Phantom asked smugly, “Because it seems to me that you couldn't even get me to answer your first question. You certainly grandstand and believe in yourselves enough.”

“We order you to answer why you are on the mortal plane. What is your business with Daniel James Fenton?” Zatanna asked more directly, a little unwilling to believe that Phantom had not simply worked around Constantine’s question rather than just refusing to answer.

“Hm, hm, hmmm. All that work and research and you couldn't even figure that out on your own? I thought at least one of you was a detective. Though I could be wrong, I never actually cared enough about you to learn after all.” Phantom admitted.

“Why even answer the summons and play along if the containment does nothing ?” Constantine asked, a bit frustrated and exhausted.

“Constantine?” Zatanna asked, more resigned rather than actually surprised .

“Fucker’s playing with us. This circle probably isn't even for him,” Constantine addressed Phantom again. “Is it.”

“Ah! It seems one of you is a detective after all. No, this is for my predecessor. I am the new ghost king. I've yet to create a sigil of my own.” Phantom informed them with a dismissive hand wave.

“Will you even tell us what you are? You definitely ain’t any average deathborn.” Constantine offered his thoughts.

“Hmmm, I will tell you that I am far more than you can handle. You humans are so linear in your thinking and concept of time and reality.” Phantom offered a small boon.

“Why does that matter?” Zatanna asked before she clarified further, “Our linear concept of time.”

“Hm, it doesn’t.” Phantom admitted with an amused little shrug.

“Why speak to us at all ? We could easily glean enough to put a stop to whatever plans you make.” Dr. Fate spoke up, not at all amused.

Phantom laughed at him, “No you can’t. Certainly not in time for me to have finished in this plane of existence. You were just a funny way to pass the time while my Chosen One is busy with his schooling.”

“Your chosen one ? Chosen for what purpose?” Dr. Fate demanded.

“Wouldn’t you like to know magic boy?” Phantom mocked with a wide grin.

“Why the boy? Why choose him?” Constantine asked with a grim frown.

“If you met him, you would choose him too. I would end you for it of course, but I can’t imagine anyone that would choose another after meeting him.” Phantom told him easily.

“You sound almost romantic .” Zatanna observed.

“Is that how I sound?” Phantom mused.

“Please tell me you didn’t come all the way to the mortal realm because you fell in love with a human.” Constantine pinched the bridge of his nose.

Phantom cackled at him, the sound like shattering ice, “I could be here for anything . You don’t actually know . I could just be keeping an eye on him because his parents tore a permanent hole in the vale directly into my Realm. I could be here because your United States Government has decided to commit war crimes against my people and I’m biding my time before wiping out your entire dimension. I could be here because I just love a good cheeseburger. How will you figure it out?”

“Nonsense. We would know if the United States government declared war against the Infinite Realms.” Dr. Fate dismissed with a scoff.

“Hate to break it to you buddy, but they already passed the Anti-Ecto Acts directly under your self-righteous noses. Awful prideful of you to think you know everything when you don’t even do the basic research. You looked up his name but didn’t bother to look up anything about his parents ?” Phantom asked very judgmentally.

“All investigations into his parents turned up completely radicalized and ignorant hate-speech; completely worthless.” Zatanna offered their reasoning, which seemed quite neglectful with Phantom mocking them so openly about it.

“Just because it’s ignorant hate speech doesn’t mean they don’t manage to luck into scraps. You have more investigating to do. Perhaps if you manage to solve the actual problem in time I won’t decide to crush your entire reality into paste. Ah, do keep from involving my Danny however, I’d hate to have to wipe you from existence before you can even get any progress in. Until next time.” Phantom told them, clearly finished with the conversation.

“You cannot lea-” Dr. Fate began, somewhat futilely.

A pulse of green shattered the summoning circle completely, proving that Phantom had only remained inside for his own amusement. He was gone in a flicker of shifting reality. Constantine and Zatanna exchanged a grim expression, while Dr. Fate seemed both livid and alarmed.

Chapter Text

Phantom seemed distracted for a moment and Danny did his best not to look up at him. He didn’t want to chance anyone believing he wasn’t of sound mind even for a moment. Not in a city like Gotham, but he was still a little worried. Phantom was quick to reassure him however as he leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead and stroked his hair for a moment.

“I’m getting a call Starlight, I’ll be back soon.” Phantom told him softly, Danny hummed softly in acknowledgement before Phantom vanished in a flash of white.

Danny sighed softly and tried not to let his shoulders slump. It had been a long time since he and Phantom had been apart from each other for any significant amount of time. He knew he should be more independent but he found himself already missing the ghost’s presence. Though with the way Duke Thomas was trying to subtly make his way over he figured he wouldn’t actually be alone for very long. Duke was clearly making an effort to be nonchalant about it at least and not draw attention.

Duke took the opportunity while he still could. He had never had an extended conversation beyond the regular polite pleasantries with Danny before; mostly because of the looming eldritch monstrosity that constantly hovered over him. But Duke took the time to find Danny while he knew that the Justice League Dark would be talking with the being and have an actual conversation with him. It was dangerous of course, he did not want to out himself as Signal but would have to at least imply that he was a meta to confront Danny about his safety and what he knew about the being attached to him.

“Hey, can I sit here?” Duke asked with a friendly smile, Danny looked up from his book and smiled warmly at him.

“Sure, take a seat.” Danny offered.

Duke was abruptly confronted with the knowledge that he had no idea how to even start this conversation. What if Danny couldn’t actually see the creature haunting him? It was powerful and old and nobody else seemed able to see it. What if it was hiding its true form from him on purpose? Duke did his best not show any nervous tells, to keep Danny from getting anxious or worried himself. But then again, he really need not have worried so much about keeping Danny calm. Danny smiled a little amused at him and arched an eyebrow.

“You can ask, you know.” Danny prompted gently.

“Ask?” Duke responded in kind.

“About my boyfriend. He says that you can see him,” Danny told him, making Duke’s hair stand on end. “He’s clearly been making you anxious. Sorry about that, he really doesn’t mean any harm, he's just a bit of a troublemaker.”

“Oh yeah? What kind of trouble?” Duke asked, trying to keep his voice calm and even. Danny didn’t seem to believe there was any sort of danger to the being that felt like unfathomable everything crushing down on everything.

“Just silly pranks. You know; tripping people, making them lose their things, moving their stuff an inch to the left. Stuff like that.” Danny told him with a little chuckle. “He’s a protection spirit, he wouldn’t hurt anyone that didn’t have any malicious intent or wasn’t a direct threat to those in his protection.”

“Ah, I see. So you know what he is?” Duke asked, any information was good but he wasn’t sure how much of Danny’s biased information to take at face value. He was clearly in love with the creature and would want to protect them.

“Mm hm, a protection spirit from the Infinite Realms.” Danny told him easily and with certainty.

Danny certainly knew that Phantom was more than that and not only the Ancient of Space but the fairly recently crowned Ghost King. Of course he wasn’t about to explain that entire fiasco to a virtual stranger, especially one he was trying to reassure that his beloved boyfriend was no threat. Phantom had a massive presence and had already shared that he believed Duke might be a little more than human so he wasn’t sure how convincing he was going to be. But he could be honest without being fully honest, he’d been doing it for years after all; protecting Phantom was second nature to him.

“And you’re… safe with him?” Duke asked a little more firmly.

“I’m the safest I would ever be with him.” Danny assured him, it was sweet of Duke to worry. “Don’t worry so much, Duke. Phantom and I have been together for years, our relationship is strong. I’m only here for my education and then I’ll likely move on to either try for Nasa or start my own workshop like my parents.”

Their conversation would have to end for the time being as Phantom returned in a flash of light and curled his long tail around Danny’s waist again. The chill of his form settling around the highly liminal human once again. Duke felt his senses on edge again and ducked his head down before quietly excusing himself. He just couldn’t stand to stay in that oppressive presence for very long it seemed.

><><Stanford University><><

“Hello Ms. Fenton. There’s something important I wish to discuss with you.” The woman at the door was easily recognizable in her full magicians outfit.

“Zatanna Zatara? Wow, well I can’t imagine why someone from the upper echelons of supernatural society would want to speak to me ?” Jazz was frankly suspicious of her.

After all there had always been a long standing rivalry between her parents and the rest of the supernatural community. Since her parents approached everything they did at a purely scientific (if completely biased) angle they were often shunned or scoffed at for ignorance. Though Jazz could admit that her own parents matched the disdain and dismissal on an equal level, believing the rest of the community to be superstitious and backward. Jazz thought that both her parents and the rest of the community at large were all prideful, stubborn, and ignorant in their own unique ways.

“Your brother is being haunted by a powerful entity, I would like to ask you some questions about the situation.” Zatanna offered politely.

“...My brother is haunted by a lot of powerful entities; you’re going to have to be more specific.” Jazz finally admitted after a beat.

“...I was referring to Phantom but now I’ve grown concerned about these other entities.” Zatanna admitted an alarmed expression on her face.

Jazz sighed before opening her door wider and allowing Zatanna entry, “This is going to be a longer conversation, please come in.”

“Thank you.” Zatanna entered the small apartment.