Chapter 9
Mount Justice, August 9, 2010
Danny, Dick and Artemis had already left to head to their respective homes leaving M'gann, Kaldur, Wally, Superboy and Amazo alone in the cave.
Amazo and Superboy nearly immediately retired to their rooms, leaving M'gann, Kaldur and Wally to muse amongst themselves while Kaldur and Wally waited for their mentors. The trio could obviously see the changes for better in their team.
Superboy was lighter now, more at peace.
He was no longer the bitter, angry, hating weapon Kaldur and Wally had found in Cadmus. He was no longer the agressive, closed-off boy he'd been before Danny accepted him.
Superboy was so at peace with himself now. Sure, it was obvious he still yearned for Superman's affection and attention but it was even more obvious he preferred Danny's.
Amazo was evolving more and more everyday. While that should've worried Wally it honestly just put him at ease.
Each day that passed Amazo was growing more and more human, he could always critically think but now he was feeling, truly feeling. And it was all thanks to what Danny called 'So You Wanna Be Human? 101.'
Everyone took his daily classes which were actually pretty helpful. Danny would educate with memes which he made a much earlier thing. He would throw out scenarios and quiz the team on what to do in said scenarios. He went over all kinds of things and in addition to the class being genuinely 'educational' it was also a way for the team to spend some time together and have fun.
Kaldur could attest that he himself had changed from when he joined the team. From that day they disobeyed their mentors and freed Superboy...everything changed.
He was a leader now, he was more confident now, he was stronger and...so much more than he used to be. He knew he'd always had his mentor, his king's respect but now it felt like he'd earned it. It felt like even though they had a huge age gap they were something akin to equals.
Wally admitted that he was happier than he'd been before the team. He was alone no longer, he was with people he considered friends. He had people who valued him and who trusted him and who he trusted in turn.
M'gann reflected on herself and could admit she had changed since joining the team. Yeah she was still insecure but certainly not as much as she'd been on Mars, yeah she still felt lonely sometimes but she was in no way alone. Logically she knew her team would understand why she kept her true form from them and yeah she figured they'd accept her but despite how much she'd changed her fear was still so suffocating.
Even Artemis, who had literally just joined the team had already changed. She was already lighter than she'd been in the morning, she was teasing and lighthearted and open with Dany.
Danny was himself different after joining the team.
He was happier than he'd been in centuries, he had friends who weren't ghosts for the first time in centuries, he'd even turned human for the first time in centuries, not that his team knew that.
From his team's perspective he too was lighter. He was less shy and anxious, he started feeling less and less embarassed about the things he'd say, old fashioned references, future (not that they'd know) references. His team...helped him feel more.
The Team members were all changed after coming together...and they all were happy with the changes.
★・・・★・・・★
Coast City, August 10, 2010
Danny awoke the next morning to a knock at the front door.
"Hey, Guy!" He beamed at his mentor.
"Hey, kiddo," Guy ruffled his hair with a wide grin, "Hal was called to Oa in the middle of the night and he had to go so he'll be gone for a while and asked me to watch over you."
"Okay," Danny blinked.
"Also," He drawled, "Captain Marvel said he wouldn't be available for a little while and asked me to handle Fawcett for the next couple days. So..." He grinned, "Wanna stay in a fancy hotel Batman's paying for in Fawcett and patrol with me?"
"Sure!" Danny grinned.
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 10, 2010
Danny and Guy had been in town, patrolling for Captain Marvel for only three hours and they were currently having a fight against an eccentric villain, someone called Savannah? Danny didn't really pay attention to his monologuing.
The villain did villain behavior, throwing cars at civilians, Guy and Danny easily conjuring walls and hands of ectoplasm and whatever the power of the ring was and they kept everyone safe...until Savannah revealed he had electrokinesis, sending electricity at Danny.
He leapt out of the way in time but his core sent out debilitating waves of panic...panic Danny forced himself to overcome when Savannah threw another car at a boy, looking on with wide eyes, frozen where he stood.
Danny shot forward, getting between the kid and the car, catching it with ease. He looked over his shoulder, smiling shakily at the boy, trying to trick his terror into going away.
Danny froze...because he knew this boy. Standing before him, looking up at him with wide, shining blue eyes...was Billy Batson.
"Everything's gonna be okay," He promised.
Danny forced himself to give his undivided attention to the battle, gently setting the car down before shooting through the air at Savannah, yanking him off the floor and carrying him into the air.
"You," Danny snarled, eyes burning brighter behind his domino mask, "Are being a dick!"
Before Savannah could respond Danny was moving his hands from his shirt to his neck...squeezing. Ten seconds later...he was unconscious, even with his super invulnerability he was no match for the ghost king.
Danny headed back down to the ground, startled by the thunderous cheering of onlookers as he delivered an unconscious Savannah to the police.
"Way to go, kid!" Guy ruffled his hair, "You got Sivana!"
"Who?" Danny frowned.
"S-Sivana," Guy looked to the unconscious man getting taken away.
"Oh," Danny shrugged, grinning slightly as he studied the crowd of civilians looking for a certain boy.
Alas, Billy Batson was nowhere to be seen.
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 10, 2010
Danny really needed to stop stalking people like this AKA Danny and Guy finished their patrol and Danny began to hunt down the boy.
He couldn't believe this! He felt like he knew everything there was to know about this boy with how much Mary, Marilyn and CC gushed about him.
He knew Billy's favorite color was red, he knew his favorite animal were tigers, he knew his favorite hero was Superman, he knew he actually liked vegetables, he knew he liked soccer and so many more things. It felt like he'd known Billy forever but in fact had only actually met him the one time.
Danny...cared for the Batson family, such content spirits that they were. He cared about the family and by extention he already cared for Billy. As such he resolved to always be there for the boy.
That led to now, Danny touching down onto the floor of the semi-busy street before the boy peering intently into a comic book store.
"Hello," Danny greeted softly.
The boy jumped in surprise, turning to him with wide eyes.
"Ph-you, um, you're that hero!" The kid gaped.
"That's me," Danny smiled.
"What-what do you want with me?" The boy's tone was nervous and worried but...it wasn't a civilian meeting a hero kind of nervousness it was...almost as if he were expecting to be in trouble. That was curious.
"I saw you earlier and wanted to check in, make sure you were alright," Danny smiled, "Villain attacks can be quite unsettling.
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 10, 2010
Billy's heart swelled and a smile pulled at is lips.
Phantom was so selfless! So kind! To check in on him, little orphan Billy Batson. He...he went out of his way to find him! He wasted his valuable time just to see how some civilian kid was doing.
It...it actually meant a lot to Billy that such a hero existed, yeah, he knew all his coworkers and...friends were true heroes but he didn't think it was likely they would check in on stressed out civilians, they left that to their civilian employees and city officials.
"I'm okay, mister!" Billy beamed, "Thanks for asking!"
"You were very brave today," Phantom said gently.
"Nah," Billy rubbed the back of his head.
"It may not have seemed like a lot but I wouldn't lie to you," The teen said, "You stayed strong in the face of terror, that's true bravery."
Billy never thought of himself as particularily brave. He...he was only brave when he was the Captain, he was only brave when Achilles was blessing him but...but if Phantom was telling him he was brave maybe...maybe he was right?
"Say, how 'bout for being such a good civilian I get you that Superman comic you're eyeing?" Phantom offered.
"Wh-what, no, that's not necessary!" Billy frantically said.
"Don't worry 'bout it kid," Phantom grinned, "Batman's paying."
Billy couldn't quite contain the snicker that escaped him.
"Well, I mean...if you're sure," Billy swallowed heavily.
"I'm most definitely sure, kid," Phantom grinned.
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 10, 2010
Danny, perched atop one of the skyscrapper's of Fawcett, had his eyes locked on Billy, making sure he got home safely.
The boy had a bounce in his step, new comic held close to his chest. He had a giddy grin on his face as he hurried down one of the streets of Fawcett.
He slipped into an alley, Danny bristling in alarm, relaxing when he noted the boy was in no danger.
Billy looked around, making sure he was alone before slipping into an abandoned apartment complex. He was...living here, Danny realized, eyes widening. He'd wanted to make sure the boy got home safely but this...this was no home.
Danny moved to head toward him immediately but he stopped himself, no, no, he couldn't overwhelm Billy and what would he even do? Kidnap him? No, no, now was not the time for that, he could do that later. But...could there even be a later? Would Billy open up to him? Would Billy let him help?
Billy might not trust Phantom to help but...he might trust someone else. Phantom was a hero but...Danny could be one too.
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 11, 2010
Danny was only kind of stalking Billy.
He couldn't just...aproach the boy and butt into his life he had to let things happen naturally or at the least let Billy think he initiated contact. Wait...that...that sounds so creepy. Was that creepy? The inhuman creature didn't know for certain but it certainly sounded creepy.
Danny was so lost in thought he genuinely didn't notice the boy he was making sure was safe running down the sidewalk, looking over his shoulder as he moved.
With a startled blink Danny noticed something crashed into him. His gaze snapped down to the boy in question, stumbling back and losing his footing, heading for a hard fall to the ground. Danny didn't let that happen, though, hands shooting out and catching Billy's arms gently, keeping him standing.
"Are you alright?" Danny, in his human form, asked gently.
Huh...Danny faltered at the realization that both times he'd turned human in centuries was for black haired, blue eyed kids.
"Yeah!" The boy exclaimed, "Sorry for that, mister, but I've got to go!"
"We've got you now, Batson!" One of the older teens chasing Billy sneered.
"Oh, do you?" Danny asked coolly.
"Just hand the kid over," The teen glared.
"No I don't think I will," Danny hummed.
"What, you got a death wish or somethin'?" The teen flipped open a switchblade.
"Having a switchblade longer than two inches is illegal in Fawcett," Danny chirped.
"Oh yeah, and what're you gonna do about it?"
"Come over here and find out," Danny said coldly, situating Billy behind him.
"Fine," The leader of the group of five teens stalked forward, holding the blade to Danny's neck.
"Go on," Danny encouraged, blue eyes lightening and glowing green, "Go on do it," He urged, "Do it. The only way you're getting to this kid is if you slit my throat, so come on, come on do it," Danny began to grin ferally.
"You-you're crazy," The teen staggered back.
"Maybe," Danny shrugged, eyes losing their glow, "Now kill me or run along."
The kids hesitated before turning on their heels and hurrying off.
"You alright?" Danny asked, turning to Billy.
"Oh yeah," He smiled sheepishly, "I'm good."
"Oh no," Danny frowned, eyeing the dark bruise blossoming on the boy's cheek, "That looks like it hurts."
"O-oh! I'm okay, really," The boy reassured.
"What'd those kids want with you anyway?" Danny asked.
"Just some...bullies from class," He flushed, "I think they didn't do good on their entrance exams so they wanted to take their frustrations out on me?"
"Entrance exams?" Danny asked curiously.
"Yeah!" Billy beamed, "There's a special program at the school I go to that if you pass the entrance exams, which are pretty hard, with a certain score or higher you can get put into a more lax course."
"Huh, I've never heard of something like that before," Danny commented.
"It's supposed to reward people who put in the work," Billy said, "They work to learn stuff in their free time and are rewarded with more free time. Basically if you pass the super hard test it proves you've earned a break, especially since middle school and high school aren't really meant to teach you anything but are meant to measure your capability of learning something. So if you already learn the material you get a reward!"
"That sounds like a very clever idea," Danny said thoughtfully, "I wish they'd done that when I was young. It seems like those exams are super important."
"Yeah," The boy sighed, "So important I'm not going to work for a few days."
"Work?" Danny wondered curiously.
"Yeah, I work part-time at a diner!" The boy beamed, "And I'm off for a while for the exams!"
"Very cool," Danny grinned, "Hey, how do you feel about me treating you to lunch or...linner? Or a snack, or something? I mean, it won't make up for what those kids did to you but I figured you could use an apology?"
"I couldn't!" The boy hastily said.
"Why not?" Danny wondered.
"I can't let you waste your time and money on me, I'm alright, really!"
"You seem like a cool kid," Danny said, "So it wouldn't be a waste of time and money, I promise."
"I...if you're really sure," Billy relented, "I'm Billy, by the way."
"It's nice to meet you, Billy, I'm Danny."
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 14, 2010
After a delicious meal at a cute and homely diner, the place where Billy worked part-time, filled with delightfuly conversation the duo decided, with a lot of convincing on Danny's part, to meet there the next day for another meal.
Several days passed of Danny hanging out with Billy when not helping Guy patrol the city and finally...the boy truly began to trust him.
With Billy...Danny felt how he'd felt during the before, before he became king, before he lost everything, before he took on the burdens of a child hero, before he'd...before he'd died. Danny truly felt like...just a teenage boy hanging out with a younger kid.
Billy and Danny did all sorts of things. They'd meet at the diner for lunch, if Guy needed him he'd make a duplicate of himself, and then they'd go to the zoo or to a miny golf range, they'd go bowling or race go-carts, all sorts of fun things.
★・・・★・・・★
Oa, Sto-Oa, Sector 0, August 14, 2010
Hal was currently on Oa in an audience with the Guardians.
"You've come to report a new lantern," Ganthet spoke, "...But do not wish for them to learn amongst our people?"
"Yes," Hal forced his voice to remain even.
"What is so special about this lantern that does not require tutelage under our guidance?" Lianna asked.
"He's just a kid," Hal said.
"Children lanterns require the guidance of our light more than others," Ranakar said.
"He's already had teaching," Hal said, "He had a mentor, a mentor whose ring chose him...and he's had us. We've been mentoring him and he's come a long way."
"Show us this lantern," Appa Ali Apsa commanded.
Hal hesitated for only a moment before conjuring an image of the boy, glowing green.
"..." The Guardians were silent and still for a few moments.
"And their name?" Killalla inquired.
"Daniel Phantom."
"Very well then, Hal Jordan," Appa Ali Apsa said after another long moment of silence, "You will continue to guide this young lantern on Earth."
"Thank you," Hal smiled tenderly.
"You are dismissed," Appa Ali Apsa said.
Hal nodded his head and was then engulfed in a green hue, flying out of the room, the image of Danny fading.
"...That's the Ghost King, right?" Sayd broke the silence.
"Yeah," Dennap sighed.
"What is the Ghost King doing masquerading around as a lantern," Herupa Hando Hu frowned.
"Is it really called masquerading?" Appa Ali Apsa asked sagely, "With how it was our granted wish, all those eons ago, that gave us our charge and our power?"
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 15, 2010
Danny felt he'd built up enough trust and enough of a bond with Billy to present the boy with his gift. Which led to now.
"Wow this place is so nice!" Billy gushed as he studied the apartment, which in the future would've been Danny's anyways, that he had bought in this timeline using the money he'd get from Sam's will in the future.
"It is, isn't it?" Danny smiled pleasantly.
Billy took off running throughout the spacious apartment, gushing over the bookshelf completely filled with puzzles and boardgames and all kinds of other fun stuff.
"I know this is probably weird but...do you want to live here?" Danny asked hesitantly.
"What?" Billy's breath caught in his throat.
"I know we haven't known each other long and this is probably weird but...Billy you're a great kid...and you deserve the best. And even this is...is not the best but it's better? Y'know..better than the streets, better than being alone."
"You-I-I'm not on the streets," Billy stammered.
"When I was still pretty young I lost my home," Danny admitted, "I lived on the streets for a while...I can see it. And I wish I had gotten help, yeah I...I probably would've dismissed it as not wanting charity or pity but...I want to be there for you, Billy...if you'll let me."
"...Why?" Billy asked, "Beyond just...seeing yourself in me, why do you care about me?"
"Because you...Billy Batson are everything," He whispered, "You are the future. You are selfless and kind and good and everything I wish I were. You are so empathetic and so perfect."
"You mean it?" Billy sniffled.
"I mean it," Danny whispered.
Billy shot forward, leaping into Danny's arms.
They held each other for a good long while before Billy released him.
"You're sure this won't be a burden for you?" Billy asked hesitantly.
"You would never be a burden," Danny whispered, "And don't worry about money. My friend bought this place for me when I was homeless," Would be homeless? Was that how to properly explain this place and it's role in time, "I was thinking...maybe we could share it?"
"I'd really like that," Billy smiled softly.
"Now I just wanted to let you know...technically I don't live in Fawcett I'm here on business but I have a pretty flexible schedule so I'll be here often but not all the time. I know...kids like to have their indepence but even if I', not here, if you call me I'll come. I'll always come."
"Thank you, Danny," Billy threw his arms around Danny again, hugging him tightly, "Thank you so much."
Danny provided Billy with a better life...the life his family would want for him...and...Danny provided himself with a better life too.
★・・・★・・・★
Fawcett City, August 19, 2010
Danny had just put Billy to bed, telling him all about some of his favorite stars, and had gone out to the balcony when he tensed, a chill running down his spine.
His eyes were blown wide as he comprehended what was happening. Wally had been touched by death.
Danny focused and saw what was happening with Wally.
There was a man in his arms. Kent Nelson, Danny recognized him from Inza's pictures. Which meant the helmet was nearby. Sure enough Wally rose to his feet, grabbing hold of Dr. Fate's helmet.
"Hey, dumb kid!" A delightfully familiar voice sneered, "You put that on you may never get it off!"
The protective bubble around Wally was ripped apart and he lowered the helmet onto his head just in time as Klarion's power barelled into him.
Danny snapped his eyes open and leapt off his balcony, soaring off into the night sky.
As he flew he shifted into a more eldritch form.
His limbs grew longer, he became a swirling mass of shadow, with two toxic green eyes, smoking amidst the darkness. Essentially he looked like Kurogiri, an anime character who currently only existed in manga form and who, in the future would come to people's screens.
★・・・★・・・★
Salem, August 19, 2010
Danny arrived in time to see Nabu and Klarion aiming painful blasts at each other. Danny descended between the duo, holding up his hands and absorbing both attacks.
"Your Grace!" Nabu gasped.
"Sir!" Klarion gawked.
"Silence," Danny growled, voice echoey and cold, "Both of you."
Instantly the duo clamped their mouths shut.
"Klarion," He growled lowly, "Home. Now."
"I'm sorr-"
"Not now," Danny cut him off sharply.
Klarion eeped, scooping Teekl into his arms, "Dad's madder than usual," He winced before he was leaping into a red portal.
"Nabu," Danny said coldly.
"I have done nothing wrong," Nabu said coolly, "My actions are a response to Klarion's-"
"I am not speaking about that," Danny growled, "Release the boy."
"The Living realm needs Fate."
"I said," Danny stepped forward, "Release him."
Nabu was silent for a while, probably talking to Wally.
"...Yes, father," Nabu relented.
"We'll talk more about this at home," Danny spoke.
"Not looking forward to that," Nabu winced, muttering to himself and pulling the helmet off Wally's head.
★・・・★・・・★
Helmet of Fate, August 19, 2010
"If...if Fate loses this fight...?" Wally trailed off.
"You see Inza before I do," Kent Nelson warned.
Wally sucked in air sharply, he...he was going to die. Oh god no, he couldn't die!
He...what about his duty's as Kid Flash? What about his family? What about Barry and Iris and his parents? What about his friends and teammates? Artemis and Robin and Danny and everyone?
Oh, god, he knew this mission was a bad idea! He knew he never should've gotten involved with magic!
Wally was gonna die...
A gold beam cut through the air toward a red one...both attacks stopped by the arrival of...something. Wally stilled, eyes blown wide as he looked on at the eldritch creature before him.
"Your Grace!" Nabu spoke in that voice of his, a mix of Wally's and his own.
"Sir!" The witch boy looked just as shocked as Nabu sounded.
"Silence," The eldritch creature commanded, "Both of you."
"What's going on?" Wally hissed to Kent, "What is that?"
"I don't know," Kent admitted, eyes wide.
"Klarion," The greature growled lowly, "Home. Now."
"I'm sorr-"
"Not now."
Klarion squeaked and scooped his cat into his arms, if it weren't so demonic, Wally would think it cute.
"Dad's madder than usual," Was Klarion's last words heard by Wally and Kent before he was jumping into a red portal.
"Dad?!" Wally gawked, Kent looked just as shocked, "Well, he does look demonic enough to be the witch boy's da-"
"Do not disrespect him," Nabu's voice echoed throughout the helmet.
"Who is he, Nabu?" Kent wondered.
"He is everything," Nabu said simply.
"Nabu," The creature adressed the Lord of Order.
"I have done nothing wrong," Nabu said, "My actions are a response to Klarion's-"
"I am not speaking about that. Release the boy."
"Me?" Wally looked surprised.
"The Living realm needs Fate."
"Wait, what?" Wally's eyes were wide, "He's not going to release me? He can't do that!"
"I said," The eldritch creature took a step forward, "Release him."
"He can but he shouldn't," Kent said, "Nabu, release him, please. He belongs to the world of science."
"True," Nabu agreed, "But I do not appreciate being permanently hidden away, useless and isolated for decades at a time," Although it was nice to spend time at home without worrying about the Living world, Nabu thought but did not say.
"That won't happen again," Kent spoke up, "The boy'll take the helmet and make sure you're put to good use."
"Yeah, I swear!" Wally gushed.
"The bargain is acceptable," Nabu grumbled.
"Plus the scary guy outside told you to?" Wally surmised.
"...Yes," Nabu said, "That too."
When Nabu next spoke it was to the eldritch creature.
"...Yes, father."
"Father?!" Wally shrieked, "But I thought Klarion was this dude's kid."
"A parent can have more than one child," Nabu said dryly.
"What-but, the drama," Wally gasped, "A Lord of Order, a Lord of Chaos, brothers, o-m-g, the angst!"
"We'll talk more about this at home," The creature spoke.
"Not looking forward to that," Nabu winced, muttering to himself and pulling the helmet off.
Wally snorted before he was abruptly yanked back into control of his body.
"Ah!" He recoiled back from the eldritch creature which was suddenly a lot closer.
"Fret not, Wallace West," The creature spoke, "No further harm shall befall you this night."
"O-oh, oh, cool, very cool."
"I apologize for you being caught up in one of my son's many squables," The creature continued, "I trust you are alright?"
"Yeah!" Wally gushed, "Yeah, yup, totall-totally alright," He mustered up a smile.
"Then I take my leave," When the creature next spoke the voice came from behind Wally, boy whirling around, "It's high time I bring Kent Nelson to his beloved Inza."
"Wh-" Wally gawked as a spirit, tinged green but looking fairly similar to Kent Nelson shimmered into existence.
"Good day," And then the creature and the spirit were gone.
★・・・★・・・★
★・・・★
★・・・★・・・★
Unknown Location, August 19, 2010
Klarion stood in a room of screens having a conversation with his fellow Light members.
"Klarion, report," One of the voices commanded.
"My dad's mad at me," Klarion sniffled.
"Pardon?" A voice sounded incredulous, "You have a dad?"
"Doesn't everyone?" Klarion fired back.
"Excuse Lex," A smooth voice said gently, "Why would your father be mad?"
"I just-he always gets sad when any of my siblings fight but-but Nabu and I fight all the time-"
"Nabu?" A voice with a french accent questioned, "Doctor Fate? Your brother?"
"Yes," Klarion stressed with a growl, "And dad just always looks so sad when we fight but today he was mad."
"I'm sure he wasn't mad," The smooth voice said again, "And if he is...that's normal. I get upset with my own children from time to time."
Klarion didn't really seem to even hear his words.
"I just..." Klarion burst into tears, "My dad's so mad at me!"
★・・・★・・・★
★・・・★
★・・・★・・・★
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"I'm not mad, sweet boy," Danny held Klarion's face in his hands, "I promise."
"You do?" Klarion sniffled, "You mean it, you're really not mad?"
"Of course I'm not," Danny rested his forehead on Klarion's.
"Oh, good!" Klarion sagged with relief, wrapping his arms around his dad's waist, burying his face in his chest.
"You don't normally stop our fights," Nabu approached.
"Mmm," Danny pulled his other son into their hug.
"So why did you do it this time, father?"
"I was worried about the fragile human body you were occupying," Danny booped Nabu.
"Kid Flash?" Nabu asked.
"Mmm," Danny nodded.
"Why?" Klarion squinted.
"I...am a co-worker of his," Danny admitted.
"You're playing hero again?" Klarion asked, surprised.
"Mmm," Danny hummed in confirmation, kissing Klarion's head.
"Why?" Klarion asked.
"I...was mistaken for a Green Lantern and felt too bad to correct them," Danny admitted.
"Only you, dad," Klarion huffed, amused, "Only you."
Danny chuckled fondly as he endured the dry amused looks he was receiving from his sons.
"Now, run along, go play with your siblings, they've missed you," Danny encouraged with a forlorn and dramatic sigh, "You rarely come home now."
"Yeah, c'mon, Klari!" A teasing voice rumbled, "You rarely come home~"
"Shut up!" Klarion seethed, "I'm being independent why don't you try it you pansy ass daddy's boy!"
"Fuck you, Klarion. I ain't ashamed that I love my dad, are you?"
"How dare you insinuate-" Klarion cut himself off, lunging at his brother.
Klarion tackled his younger brother, the duo wrestling, both falling into their complete demonic forms as the rest of their many siblings looked on in either dry amusement or were looking on and shouting encouragements.
Klarion's spiky black hair hardened and grew and sharpened into glittering black horns. His scelera turned black, his iris' glowing red. A tail whipped around the air behind him as he snarled at his brother, showing off his sharp canines.
His younger brother's celeste blue skin turned a deep red, his four toxic green eyes turning red as well, horns protruding from his head. He snapped at his brother, sharp teeth on full display.
"They squabble like children," Nabu huffed.
"Yes," Danny looked on fondly, pulling his son into a casual hug, Nabu relaxing in his arms, head resting against Danny's chest, "They do."
ơ̷̧̟̻̌̿̒͘̚͝n̶͈̞̰̦̏͑̌̿l̵̿ŷ̵͚͖̽̈́̔̕͝ ̴̒͊C̵̎̉͗l̸͒ô̴͔̥̟̝͛̔ċ̷̀̚k̷̿w̴̎̈́̑͘ö̶́r̷̢̭̠̦̭̭̈́̌k̸̉̃ ̷̊k̸̑̿͑̍͝n̷̈́ò̵̍̑̓ẁ̸s̸̑͊̚̚̕͝ -- only Clockwork knows