"To be honest, I did not expect to see you here."
Phantom rolled his eyes and leaned back, taking a sip of tea. He was pleasantly surprised to be met with courtesy and in a pleasant hotel room instead of yet another warehouse. Then again, he did not expect to find a potential ally who could actually afford this. In front of Danny sat a middle-aged man with raven hair and small mustache. Clad in lavish formal clothes, he also wore a small pleasant smile on his face. Koku Hanabate, his business card read, and Danny also once again examined the title written beneath the name, the chairman of the Hearts and Mind party. Phantom had done his homework, and could see why Hanabate wanted to meet. Their proclaimed ideals were not far from his own.
"And why so?" Danny asked. "You were quite insistent."
"Indeed, but I feared Giran was pulling my leg on this one. Yet here you are. It is a pleasure to meet you, Fenton-san."
"Right back at you," the halfa chuckled.
He was not trusting that man from the get-go, but he was different from the likes he had met before. He did not radiate malice, nor was he faking that smile like Vlad was. The man seemed genuinely glad to meet him, but it could just be a well-played pretense.
"May I ask who your imposing companion is?" The politician looked to the side and saw Fright solemnly standing over them with his sword unsheathed.
"This is Fright. Goes with this whole fear shtick. My right hand man, basically. He can be trusted, I assure you."
"If you say so...Let us get down to business then, shall we?"
"You are not going to ask me to be handing flyers for the next elections are you?"
"Oh, no," the man laughed, "We are a legal party, we can't be seen breaking the law by helping you openly. Still, there is a form of cooperation that may suit us both. Fenton-san, did you really mean what you said out there on the crime scene?"
"No," Danny shook his head to the surprise of that man. "However, the latter conversation with lady president made me change my mind. She has a talent of making enemies out of everyone."
"The Commission doesn't care about the impression they live. They are just an instrument of legitimizing the existing oppression. The oppression of what we are. What is the point of our evolution if we are not allowed to utilize it? Imagine if a tiger was not allowed to use his claws, a bird its wings."
"You don't need to convince me, Hanabate-san," Danny smirked. "I hate the Commission, and I believe in free usage of Quirks," but then his face turned serious. "I gave them a chance, a single request they chose to use against me. And I also promised that there will be price to pay for that. If we can help each other in our respective aims, then so be it."
"Then I see we have made the right choice," the man smiled. "If you would humor me, I would like to share some historic knowledge with you."
"If you think that's important," Danny shrugged.
"We've little time for tales so slight, that bear no weight in present plight," Fright spoke up.
"I let you do the talking before. You are not the one to advise me on that," Danny responded lightly, but with poorly hidden anger.
Fright looked away. The Prince was still mad at him for causing too much damage to those humans despite his wishes. Hanabata noticed several dents in the man's armor. Phantom had surely shown his less pleasant side. Fright wasn't the one to complain — he was the one urging his monarch to be that way.
"Let's begin, then. There was a time when people with Quirks were a minority. They were ostracized, hated. At some point, there came to be a woman who in turn gave birth to a child with new powers. Her son was loathed just as the rest. His mother begged the society to accept her son's 'quirks', but in the end, mother's love was reciprocated by violence. She was brutally murdered by those who wanted to see Quirks gone from this world. She came to be known as the 'Mother of Quirks'."
"How long ago was that?" Danny asked.
"Decades ago. Not a lot, given the entire human history, don't you think? It was a horrible world by many criteria. The twisted government chose to subvert her words, instead of getting rid of those who would kill an innocent mother they would simply 'regulate' us. Only one step above purging us and only when we started to outnumber them, as the Quirks grew more powerful. But the people had little prospect back then, for the only alternative was joining another corner, embodied by your presumed father, the one who made everyone fear people with Quirks all the more. All in his arrogant campaign to dominate."
"He is not. My father," Danny cut that part of the conversation short.
"I will certainly take your word over his own," Hanabate nodded. "But as All for One is left to rot in prison, the other corner is still left. The Commission. The ugly remnant of that age, when Quirkless wanted us gone from this world. The president of HPSC is not much different, they evolved, they learned that controlling us is way easier than exterminating, especially given how we are the majority now. But isn't it what this country's democracy is about? That many should decide while listening to the few? That's right. We don't seek to do the same to them as what they wanted to do with us. We want to be free to be ourselves."
Danny did not respond initially, giving thought to what the man was telling him. Perhaps he had a newfound cynicism, but he did not empathize immediately, because he did not know how much of that tale was true. However, he found it very believable. And just like that, the man seemingly read his mind.
"You know such hatred all too well, don't you, Fenton-san? There are rumors that your actual parents threw you out when they learned of your Quirk."
"They did," Danny mumbled. "Twice."
Hanabata nodded slowly. "That's horrible, no child should face such trauma. Especially for such an excellent Quirk like yours. One that can bring such great change. There was once a man who fought against both, and was labelled as a villain in return. His name was Destro, he was the son I spoke of. He fought against the fledging oppression, but ultimately he was defeated, incarcerated. But whilst in prison, he wrote his biography, one that can tell everything much better than me."
The man pulled out a book from his suitcase and handed it to Phantom. It was a deep red tome with black ink stains on it. A design choice.
"Why are you telling this to me? I understand this goal already."
"Now you are being impatient," Hanabata chuckled. He was still a teen, no matter how mature he wanted to come across as. "His was Meta Liberation Army. One considered defeated. It was. But its spirit lives on, it is reborn and is waiting for its hour."
That...was certainly more than what Danny had expected to encounter when coming there. Was that man insinuating that there had been a whole hidden army all this time? And nobody had any idea?
"And you need me because..."
"The army numbers thousands, but unfortunately, it is not as many as we would like. Destro is a hero to those who know of him. But many remain oblivious, as he was nigh erased from history. The people need someone who will follow these ideals and enjoys incredible fame."
Danny laughed quietly. "So what...you need a symbol?"
"While you are no Destro in terms of determination, we can help each other. Join us, and we will both get our wishes."
"So...are you the boss of this group or..."
"Oh, no, this honour goes to someone else. One whom I can't mention until you join and come to our headquarters. I am merely the negotiator. But I am a member of the inner circle, so please, don't take his absence as dismissal. We would love to have you join our ranks."
He was startled by the metallic sound of Fright's unsheathing sword.
"Know your place, you crawling worm. My master serves none—now or in term."
Danny sighed. "Forgive his bluntness. But he is right. I am not interested in just being your henchman, not even a lieutenant. We either stay as partners or we go our separate ways."
"I was under the impression you wanted to join."
"I need allies. I don't need anyone to order me around."
The man in front of him hummed in thought. It was largely a difference in meanings but not in substance. The boy could listen and could be convinced. The only thing they would lack would be the authority.
"I see. I will inform my leader then. But seeing you ready to cooperate is reassuring enough."
"Don't take too long," Danny stood up. "I certainly ain't gonna wait for you."
Hanabata chuckled. "So eager. We made the right choice."
After the meeting, the two ghosts returned to the place Danny and Elle were staying at. It was still the middle of the night. The younger halfa was sound asleep in her room, and Danny quietly dropped down on a yellow sofa, rubbing his eyes. He was used to sleepless nights, or he would have joined his daughter in her activity. Also, Fright was standing above him, and that did not help him feel at ease even still.
"That could have been worse," Danny mumbled.
"You seem very receptive to their message, Your Highness."
"The Commission deserves what's coming. I am only worried for everyone caught in the middle. I even sympathize with these guys, if they say the truth. But joining them is not an issue of pride. We will get sidetracked. Destroying the research comes first in any case. Giran better uphold his end of the bargain."
"And if they refuse? Are there any allies we can use?"
"I won't turn to anyone but my own skeleton force, and even they are problematic. They are too stupid. And turning to other ghostly forces is admitting I can't handle my own mess myself. The Observants want to test me, this whole shitshow is the exam."
Fright nodded. "You understand the implication. What is your next action?"
Danny sighed. "Giran sent me some possible lab locations. The Commission has several contractors, but not every lab has the equipment to study what All for One left behind. I will narrow it down, and then we act. The problem is that they will be expecting me."
"Now that you foolishly tried and failed to talk those mortals down."
Phantom gave him a light glare. "I did not expect them to be this far gone."
"Mortals fear us, that is fate. And you let feelings cloud your state. You knew they'd never heed your part, you loathed them truly from the start. All you've done is throw away the gift of striking in the fray."
"We have to look at every option!" Danny lightly raised his voice.
"Yet still you shun the only way. This is no time for slow delay. If you would halt the darkest fate, where land and life meet direful state, then cast aside that noble notion. It hinders more than helps your motion. My Prince," Fright lightly bowed his head. "I may despise your will so thin, but deep inside, you know you'll win. But you need to accept the truth, not twist the facts — a lesser fight is better than the final act. If you would halt the Observants' decree, then act with force — don't bend the knee. Let morals go if they bring no prize; they're chains that bind, not virtues wise."
"But this way, what kind of a king will I be?" Danny mumbled grimly.
"You'll be a king both wise and strong, who puts his people's needs ere long. Hold fast to morals, show them grace — when naught is risked, there's time and place. But now, press on, let not this fade— see the king you've just begun to make."
The halfa sighed again and leaned back in his seat. "I hate that I am not the one deciding when I have to do the killing. It is up to a bunch of soulless floating eyeballs. Who made them decide the fates of whole worlds?"
"The old King thought the same, 'tis true. Not out of grace, but power he drew. Yet such dark thoughts, my Prince, beware, you know how King Pariah fared."
"It's a problem for another day, I agree. But you did not answer."
"Because the truth I do not know, the answer lost so long ago. The Observants rose with time's first chime, born at the edge of ancient prime."
"In any case, maybe you are right in one thing, it is too late to try and avoid the consequences. We could use ghostly helpers, but even one of them captured and we have Wulf scenario again..."
"You brought your child, a grievous deed, her capture would be worse, indeed."
"You saying this for the rhyme or do you actually mean it?" Danny asked.
"The latter, aye. I see your aim, to keep her from your ghostly foes, yet here she's far from safe, and Ancients know."
"She is safer with me than back home, for sure. The villains and heroes have better things to do than to look for her human form. Unlike with other potential ghost helpers, I will never take her on a mission like this. Against petty criminals, sure. But not that. And as I said, I want her to see how humans live. I am not leaving her here all alone, maybe I will choose another country after we are done or another human dimension altogether..."
"I've no more counsel to impart—this is your kin, not royal art; she holds no right to rule or reign."
Danny nodded. Was he too dismissive of concerns? Maybe so. But he just...felt like he needed that girl to be next to him. After not being allowed to see his sister, it could be that he feared to let Danielle out of sight.
"Yeah...anyway, we've still got the issue of finding accomplices. This...Liberation army sounds like a group of loose cannons. I need someone who would listen to my orders and also would not be ghosts..."
"I have a suggestion, though you may not like it."
"Go on..."
"Criminals, my Prince, who loathe the law; expendable, they'll serve your need—lie, twist, then chain them once you're freed. Your conscience, too, may rest at ease."
Phantom stared at him. "You were right. I don't like this one bit. Many people still see me as a hero, I can't go around helping actual villains. Even if I get rid of them later."
"You plan to leave once all is through; a criminal now, what's left to rue? Little changes in the end, you'll see— disguise them well, make masks the key."
"The only one who would wear a mask in that case is me. A clown one," Danny said sarcastically.
"Oft are villains used to mend, not cleansed of guilt, but forced to lend— and is it not, in grander scheme, more just they serve a higher dream?"
"The longer we talk the less I understand you," the halfa grumbled. "Maybe I am just tired...I need to think this over."
"Certainly, my liege. Your pause has cost us precious pace—so heed me now, if swift you chase an end to all the plagues we fight."
After saying this the ghost vanished, leaving the halfa alone with his heavy thoughts. Use the criminals to serve his purpose? How could he...then again, the one advising him could be called a villain by his own world. How many times did he team up with his rogue gallery in order to stop a greater evil? This would not be a grand change from his usual behavior. Had he not been the one defending such decisions in front of his friends? But it was a whole new level of erasing the line. The halfa felt gnawing pain in his chest upon imagining how his close ones would look at him and his actions. Maybe if he asked them...no. What could they possibly say and do against the Commission? Besides, he couldn't bring them into this metaphorical suicide. After that there would be no calm life for him in that world. But he already sacrificed one life, in his own home. What's another in the grander scheme. He became a prince precisely because there was nothing for him in any other world. He was saving their lives, whether they wanted or not.
Another call to Giran the following day made the broker evidently giddy with excitement. Phantom asked him to scout out some more villains. Omitting the inevitable end to their cooperation. However, it could not happen overnight, so the halfa was free to pursue his other leads. Fright had discovered that Hosu department had taken hold of his thermos, it would be a waste to let go of that opportunity. Especially since they were bound to relocate the device now that the news were made public. And Danny thought up just the way to also move the suspicions away from himself. Fright's mistake needed to be fixed, and he had an idea to both divert the attention and deal the punishment to his disobedient subordinate.
Soon after, not wishing to waste time waiting until the thermos got moved, the ghosts implemented their plans. Fright was, of course, as direct as ever. Once again he acted after the sun had set, but when there were still witnesses in the lively streets, who commuted to their homes and passed the spacious square. It was then when the ghost struck — a torrent of purple flames came out of nowhere and descended upon the area, hitting the ground with thunderous noise and many cracks left on the paved ground. The onlookers were unharmed, but frightened, taken off guard by a display as the flames dispersed, revealing the dark spirit within. His destruction, minor as it was yet, alerted the people enough that they tried to get away. However, the chilling presence alone was not enough to cause panic yet, which Fright noticed not without amusement. However, it was all happening in front of the main police headquarters, where the Hosu department usually held their evidence and important items. And as such, the police were quick to act, nearly ten officers stood in front of him, guns at the ready.
"Hold it right there! You are under arrest for property damage and disruption of public order!"
"You're fools to think this halts my stride — A greater force walks by my side!" Fright responded and unsheathed his sword.
With a slash he unleashed a burst of energy that hit the officers all at once, incapacitating them. That was when the crowd broke into sheer panic and began to run. Fright remained still for several seconds, basking in what nurtured his power in the first place. From there the dark armoured spectre went to the glass building in front of him, not at all bothered by what awaited him inside. For all the fears of what could be done with ectotechnology, so far normal humans posed little threat to him. That was proven immediately upon entering, when the policemen began firing at him. The bullets bounced off Fright's armour, splashing onto the glass windows and white concrete floors. The spectre closed distance quickly, before managing to grab one of the officers by a collar of his shirt and lift him off the ground.
"Speak, you pawn, and don't delay— where do you lock the proof away?" Fright demanded to know.
"I-I don't understand..." the terrified man responded.
"Don't play the fool, you heard me right— where is the vault that holds what's tight?"
"We hold all the stuff we get on the bottom floor!"
The spectre huffed and tossed the officer to the side. Fright then turned intangible and flew downwards, passing several floors on his way down. He remembered what Phantom had told him about the reaction speed. A proper hero would be there in just a couple of minutes, the knowledge being the courtesy of the hero course prince had undertaken. So, Fright's time was limited. The technology had to be secured before that was the case. But perhaps Danny could buy him some time...
And the halfa's prediction was not that far off the mark, and for a good reason. Around a minute and a half after the alarms rang and the entire area was thrown into an uproar, the unmistakable flaming shape of Endeavour came into the stage. The hero landed near the entrance, immediately questioning the wounded officers about who they were dealing with.
"He jumped THROUGH the floor?" The hero clarified, already noting the number of displayed abilities.
Upon receiving the confirmation, there was little doubt in his mind that that was the same villain that had attacked the Pussycats team. He was about to head down after the burning knight, but then a voice stopped him.
"Do you have a way to get him, though?"
Endeavour froze and turned his head, as he and everyone saw Danny lazily floating in the air.
"Phantom! What are you doing here?" The hero demanded to know.
"Was nearby, heard the commotion old Fright was causing. Need a hand? I know what you will be up against."
"If you want to lend a hand, then surrender yourself, Phantom."
"I'll pass..." Danny said, crossed his legs and hung in the air head down.
Endeavour knew what game the kid was playing. His own reputation was being tested. If he were to attack the wanted vigilante, it would cause far more issues than what they would get out of this. On the other hand, getting helped was not something the newly fledged number one hero needed. And as such, a dilemma. Danny then used that moment of hesitation to proceed with his own plan.
"Do watch out for his sword. One scratch, and you are stuffed in a pocket dimension with never-ending scary hallucinations. Not fun."
The hero raised an eyebrow. "Where does this knowledge come from?"
"Fought him a bunch before. Before coming here, that is. You would not believe me, but his weakness is a veggie."
"And you are coincidentally here," Endeavour commented with suspicion.
"I can excuse you for not being updated on 'me' lore, but I sensed his presence from several miles away." Danny lazily examined his gloved fingers. "Seriously, though. One scratch is all it takes, Endeavour."
The hero shook his head and headed inside. It was the best tactic for him to just ignore him at least until the actual threat was gone. The Commission's declarations of potential threat were largely ungrounded in the hero's eyes. At least not the way they presented it. Phantom was firstly a threat to image, not in terms of crime and actual physical damage. He could at least trust the vigilante not to stab him in the back. And Endeavour hoped that Phantom's attention-seeking nature would pin him there. Still...the ability of his opponents were a cause for concern.
Before the hero could come up with a scheme, however, the villain beat him to it. The very floor beneath his feet shook, before a fiery explosion pushed him away. The Flame hero used his fires to slow down the momentum and slide across the ground outside, as he himself was now facing an inferno of purple flames. And a dark, foreboding figure in the middle of it, his signature blade unsheathed, and a small bag attached to his belt. That must have been what the villain had come after. The fearful crowd was beginning to pull back.
Fright Knight examined his opponent, immediately realising who stood before him.
"You must be the Flaming Hero, blazing bright. I'm honoured indeed to have drawn your sight," he commented, sounding anything but excited.
"Surrender now instead of wasting my time on your poetry!" Endeavour made the usual demand.
Before Fright could respond, the same young voice interrupted them both.
"Long time no see, pumpkin-head," Danny waved, continuing to play the clueless card. "Did you get a new haircut?"
"Ghost-child...eternal thorn at my side. So you've come as well—there is nowhere to hide."
So they were indeed familiar, Endeavour noted. The villain was not surrendering, so the time for negotiations was over. The hero launched a large torrent of flames his way, before taking into the air and firing once more. Danny flew higher to not get caught in the wave, while Fright slashed his sword and sent a burst of energy that cut through the initial torrent. Endeavour came soon from within the flaming wall, throwing his burning fist. Fright did not intercept, and thus was launched back, crashing into another building. He saw Phantom's grinning mug looking at his lying form.
"Take your punishment in stride, Fright. I could get physical myself, but it would not be a punishment without a tint of humiliation."
A bag flew from Fright's belt into his hand. The teen vanished, leaving the ghost to growl. He himself had wanted his prince to show no quarter to those who failed him. And now that ruthlessness was going to be used against him. Phantom also had instructed him to not fight back more than necessary for the illusion of the fight. How utterly degrading...to be sent on the run by a mere mortal.
As he thought about this, Endeavour was already upon him. Fright rolled away from the fire torrent with surprising agility given his armour. And as he was getting to his feet, Fright slashed his blade again, but Endeavour managed to dodge the strike as even more fire came upon the ghost. Their surroundings, belonging to the foyer of some office building, were engulfed in flames. The hero watched how his opponent shrugged off the heat and stomped towards him right through the tongues of flame, readying to make a swing. Endeavour attempted to dodge and counterattack, only this time the sword released green ectoplasmic energy. The explosion was not as strong as he could manage, but enough to make it hurt. Fright knew that even amidst that punishment he was facing an enemy that could take the beating.
Meanwhile, Danny was sitting on the edge of the building opposite of the one the fight was taking place in. One hand of his held a tub of popcorn. The other rested casually on the ledge. He could enjoy it while it lasted. He had to know when it was enough. And another, small hand was eagerly digging into the tub as well. Danielle too, wanted to see what was going on, and Danny was yet to find it in himself to tell her no.
"Ish Shir Fright loshing?" She asked with her mouth full, as she saw Fright being on the defensive.
An astute observation, Danny thought, as an un-popped kernel cracked between his teeth. Simultaneously, Fright managed to hit the hero with a blast and launch Endeavour away.
"He is against the best current hero of this country, kiddo. I don't need Fright to win, he already bought us more than enough time and got us what we need," Danny pointed at the bag. "But I still need to give him a signal to retreat. I don't need Fright to hate me too much. You stay here and watch the bag, I'll fetch you after," Danny ruffled her hair and hopped from the rooftop.
"But I wanna take part too!" the girl pouted and crossed her small hands.
Phantom flew towards the epicenter of the fight that was taking larger and larger area. But on his way he noted that Endeavor was way too preoccupied with his opponent to save the civilians caught in the middle. There weren't many, as Fright was not yet fighting at his earnest, and thus was not forcing the hero to follow suit. Still, some floors were engulfed by fires Danny chose to put out first, as well as checking under the debree for any signs of wounded people. Once he could earnestly tell himself that everything was fine on that end, Danny followed after the fight, noting how they were now beating each other in the air. That was certainly safer for everyone.
As he had been fighting, Endeavor noticed how the bag with stolen goods was now missing from the ghost's belt. Had he chosen to hide it somewhere while he wasn't looking? What was even in that bag? The hero dodged another swing of the green blade and flew aside to make some room. He was interrupted by the same gloating teen floating by his side.
"That's taking up some time," Phantom noted. "Should I take part?"
"I don't need your help," the hero hissed, not diverting his gaze from Fright.
The ghost in the meantime got the message. Phantom's second emergence in the fight was a cue for him to end that charade.
"You win this round, O man of fire, yet still fulfilled is my desire. My purpose stands, my end achieved, and for our next clash, I have not yet leave."
With this being exclaimed, Fright stabbed the ground with his sword and raised a torrent of purple flames, in which he disappeared, leaving behind ravaged ground and destruction. The fire was still devouring the nearest cars and trees. But nothing simple firemen could not handle. Endeavour gritted his teeth, but then remembered that there was another wanted criminal near him. And Phantom was still floating nearby, wearing the same stupid grin.
"He is a slippery bastard," the halfa explained. "But his Halloween obsession really is his undoing sometimes...is this the part where you try and arrest me?"
"His stolen bag is missing," Endeavour narrowed his eyes. "Where is it, Phantom?"
"I don't know. Been watching this fight from the sideline. Ran out of popcorn too soon."
Endeavour wasn't sure if it was exaggeration or the boy really was that reckless. He also was almost certain the boy was lying to him. Or, at least, was not telling the whole truth.
"What was he after? You appear to know each other."
"No clue. Fright is usually busy with two things: scaring people and serving the strongest guy around. So I guess he was put up to it by someone..."
"Any idea by whom?"
"Well, I haven't checked up on their lot for some time. His last boss is in coma, his partnership with my archnemesis ended rather quickly. I could, theoretically, find out, but for that you will have to let me go."
The new number one hero examined the boy. Phantom talked big, but his knowledge in the face of this unknown strong enemy could be important. Yet, this whole situation appeared odd. This was the same boy who destroyed his whole career over fighting villains. Yet now, being on the run, he did absolutely nothing. Perhaps, this was his childish way of mocking him and heroes in general.
"Why are you asking to let you go?" Endeavour demanded to know. He understood perfectly that Phantom was capable of escaping instantly.
"Because I am not a villain. Might as well make a gesture of good faith. You want him caught, I want to do good thing. So, I'm more useful to you guys out there."
"Nothing changes about your persecution. So you best surrender willingly."
At this Endeavour's flames burned brighter.
"I don't think..."
Suddenly, the hero was hit by a green blast. The ectoplasmic ray impacted his side and made him stumble several steps away. Both he and Phantom turned towards the source and saw the white-haired ghost girl flying in the air.
"You leave him alone, you meanie!" Elle exclaimed.
Endeavour stared at Danny.
"Long story. I told you to wait for me, Elle," the older half-ghost said, turning to the girl, but still glancing towards Endeavour.
The ghost girl flew close to him with the speed of a bullet. "You said it, but then I watched, and then he began burning and then he wanted to catch you..." She rambled within a couple of seconds, before being stopped by a hand on her fluffy head.
"That's right, my cool sidekick. But I had it under control."
"Side..." Endeavour mumbled in befuddlement. "You are bringing a child into this?!"
"I told her to sit this one out," Danny argued. "But she is an energetic kid with all of my abilities. Can't possibly watch her every move. Look, I'd love to sit and chat about how I am the worst role model for the kiddo, but you ain't the one to talk."
Endeavour looked around and saw how they were being watched by the crowd that too quickly gained confidence in their safety. Phantom, the bastard, he must have known that the hero could not be seen attacking a little girl. Even if she fired first.
"Who is she even?"
"I'm Elle," she pointed at herself, now looking at the flaming man from over Danny's shoulder. "I'm one month old!" she declared for everyone to hear.
Endeavour stared all the more. What in the world was she? A somehow independent duplicate of Phantom's? Then the boy sure had some loose screws. She must have been "born" right after or even prior to Phantom going rogue. The girl's likeness to her...whatever...was surreal. There was something going on behind the scenes. For what purpose was she even around? So many questions suddenly arose. Danny himself, in the meantime, was gleeful to see the man's confusion he could exploit. The girl inadvertently followed his behavior. Nonetheless, they really had to get going.
"Anyways!" Danny broke Endeavour out of his stupor, before snapping his fingers and opening the portal behind him. "We really ought to get going. Elle is gonna miss her favorite show!"
"Stop!" Endeavour exclaimed, but the two half-ghosts were gone in the swirling mass of green and black in an instant.
The hero growled and briefly flamed up. So that was the boy's plan? To just pester the heroes and show that they could not catch him? Whilst covering himself with a little girl. What a miserable goal, the hero spat mentally. Instead of doing good for the world, he chose to be an annoying pest.
Unfortunately for him, the pest had some grander plans.
-Linebreak-
It was strangely serene. Strangely quiet. Jin was unused to it, even in his dreams. And he was most aware that he was in a dream, for during the last few weeks he was stuck in a cell, tortured by the very confinement that he was forced to share with many people residing in his head. All and none of them being him. Jin was unsure if he was currently himself even. Now he was in...his own humble apartment, dressed not in prison robes, but just normal shirt and pants. Something did not add up from the very start. Jin looked outside, and sure enough, outside he saw just a jumbled, foggy mess. Typical background for a dreamworld.
Jin breathed out. Even if it was a dream, he was glad to finally enjoy some silence. Even for a short while. He sat on a chair close to the window and took a cigarette from the pack that lied on the nearest table.
"Need a light?"
Jin spun around and to his shock, saw the very teen responsible for throwing him in the real world cell. Phantom only stared at him with a small smile. Silence reigned for some time, before the half ghost looked at the cigarette Jin was still holding.
"I mean it," he said and lifted a finger, before a cigarette was lit.
"What...what is going on?" Jin asked.
"Relax, Twice, I am not here as an enemy. Currently we are in your head. Well, its isolated part. You won't believe how long it took to find you. You in particular. While you were sleeping I invited myself in. Won't be the first time. I find the dream world a perfect spot to have a chat."
Jin stared at him for a moment, but the scent of nicotine reached his nostrils. He decided to enjoy his kick while it lasted. Prison was not a place to get some.
"You can do that? What are you even doing here?" he asked and took a puff.
"I can. Don't worry, I ain't turning Krueger on you. My influence is incredibly limited. In any case, I come to offer...a partnership of sorts."
"Y-you were the one to put me here!"
"And I am the one who can get you out in an instant. On certain terms."
"Aren't you supposed to be a hero? What gives?"
"Well, we parted ways. But before I leave for good, I need to deal with something. I can't do it alone, and I, admittedly, do want the Commission to eat shit. I also am interested in destroying All for One's stuff."
"All for One got us all together! Are you expecting everyone to betray him?"
"He will certainly betray you," Danny responded bluntly. "I am also not extending my offer to Shigaraki or Kurogiri. Or that teeth guy, ugh. I don't need uncontrollable maniacs to be free."
"So I am not one of them, you say?"
"Well, most of your personalities I can work with. I know what you do and can work around it, I also got Giran's recommendations. He kindly provided all of your dossiers hoping I will free you. A compromise on his principles, but all worth it in his eyes."
"Giran...I knew he is a good friend," Jin smiled.
"Is he? Well, you probably are closer to him than me. He told me that you can be trusted, so I am giving this offer to you."
Jin hummed and thought about it in silence for a good minute. "Who else are you freeing? I am not leaving my friends behind."
"Admittedly, you are the most likable of them. Well, Compress is decent from what I gather. I don't need the gas guy, not planning on becoming a terrorist..." he started sorting through the files. "Your local muscleman I have a beef with, so no. Get it? Beef...nevermind."
Just like that his pretense at suavity was gone.
"Spinner, the local ninja turtle...not sure if he can work under a guy that despises his hero, but it is worth a shot. Dabi...now that is a pickle. He is a pyromaniac, but at least a highly functional one. He gets a temporary pass, but we'll see if his pride allows it."
"What about big sis Magne and Himiko-chan?" Jin asked. "I ain't leaving them."
"Magne...the one with magnetism? It says here that she wants to live her life freely. Getting out of here involves following my orders. Can she do that?"
"I'll do my best to convince her!" Jin promised eagerly.
Danny smirked. "I like your enthusiasm. But you should know that if she or anyone else gets out of line and goes on a spree, it is straight way back here."
"How strong do you think you are to make such threats?"
"I am currently inside your head while you are asleep," Danny gave him a stare of his deathly green eyes. "What else can I do?"
Jin involuntarily gulped.
"Toga, though...I dunno, do I really have to leave a girl obsessed with blood and murder outside? She is not someone I can free in goodwill, Twice."
"If she is not free, I am not going anywhere!" Jin declared.
"Close, aren't we," Danny sighed, weighing his options. All of the villains' misdeeds and crimes were going to weigh on him. And he could not keep watch over them constantly.
But he was a believer in second chances...he himself was destined to be a murderous maniac. He was perhaps too naive, but it was a good reasoning to justify certain things. Even if most likely he will throw them back in jail after they were done. Then again, were they ready to take this chance and change? He could only wonder.
"Fine. But I expect you to be their voice of reason, Twice. No. Murders. You hear?"
Jin nodded. "I'll try, but you know that here..." he pointed at his temple. "Are some people that are none the better."
Danny nodded. "Wish I could help. We are similar in a way, Twice, Jin. For months I was forced to live two lives of two people, different at the core. To the point I sometimes doubted which one was real me. I even split myself apart a couple of times. Still, I found the real me, one you see before you. I hope you will find something about you to call truly your own again."
Jin felt a lump in his throat. Why did this guy have to act nice to him? Was he trying to get his sympathy?
"I need all of you to work together and towards the same goal, Twice. But all of your ideals, even if sometimes twisted, were twisted even further by the biggest psychopath and manipulator around. Maybe we can change that and do some good to the world as well, who knows," Danny smiled. "Think about it. I'll go around and ask the others. Maybe even someone else. This prison is not solely for people like your former boss."
"You do that," Jin nodded, his mind occupied by thought. "How long will this dream last?"
"Until you wake up. If you want to get out earlier, just pinch yourself," Danny winked, before vanishing.
Jin was left alone with his thoughts. For once. The offer sounded too good to be true. That kid's behavior made no sense, but from what he knew, Phantom always walked a very thin line, so it was nothing extraordinary. What extent were they going to go to? Phantom was a former hero, unlike Shigaraki, so Jin expected moralizing to take place. But he was not going down lightly if Phantom suddenly decides to trick them.