Chapter 13
Mount Justice, September 8, 2010
"This past fourth of July," Batman adressed the team, "Four ice villains staged simultaneous attacks. Mr. Freeze, Icicle Jr., Killer Frost and Captain Cold were all easily apprehended. Perhaps too easily. Cold and Frost were immediately sent to Belle Reve Penitentiary a federal prison designed to house super-criminals. The 16-year-old Icicle Jr. was sent to a juvenile facility. Mr. Freeze to his usual cell in Arkham Asylum. But Freeze petitioned the court to be declared legally sane and Junior sued to be tried as an adult. As a result, both await transport to Belle Reve, which seems to have been the goal all along."
"I think this is the most I've ever heard your dad speak," Danny muttered to Robin who pursed his lips to hide his smile.
"I'm sending two of you in to figure out why," He addressed the team, "Miss Martian will go in easily with her shape shifting capabilities, the other is between you three," He looked to Danny, Connor and Amazo.
"Me," Danny volunteered immediately, "I'll go."
"Brother mine," Amazo protested, "You do not have to-"
"I will go," Danny said firmly.
★・・・★・・・★
Mount Justice, September 8, 2010
Clark silently watched Danny vehemently argue for putting himself in Belle Reve in lieu of his brother's with a tender smile. His compassion despite the horrors he'd experienced was truly amazing.
"Phantom," J'onn said softly, "Amazo would have the same skillsets as my niece-"
"I will not allow you to put Amazo in any kind of danger," Danny growled, "Not if I can take his place."
"But you're fine putting M'gann, who has the same skillset as he in danger?" Bruce rose a brow.
"Eh, yeah, she'll be fine," Danny waved the man off, Clark hiding a grin at how flippant he was toward the Dark Knight.
"Brother mine, I can handle myself," Amazo said gently.
"And what about me?" His clone piped up, "I wanna go on a solo mission!"
"No, Conner," Danny said firmly.
Clark blinked in surprise, Conner? Ah, the clone must've chosen a name for himself how...great.
"C'mon," Conner whined, "I can handle myself!"
"You are ten," Danny huffed, "You would barely pass as Tommy Terror."
"I mean that's a really good point but whatever."
"You are not going and you are not going," Danny adressed his brother's, "And that is final."
Clark eyed Dick as he approached the other boy, standing before him.
"Phantom," Dick took his hands in his own, "You don't have to do this. You don't have to make up for your actions in Bialya, you did nothing wrong."
Bialya? Clark's brows furrowed slightly, what had happened in Bialya?
"Yes, I did," Danny murmured softly, Clark noting the little squeeze he gave Dick, "And yes this is to make up for those actions but it's also about keeping my brother's safe."
"...Alright," Bruce cut in, "It's decided, Phantom and Miss Martian will go undercover into the prison," He expertly ignored the heated glare Dick sent his way, Clark wincing as he imagined that glare turned on him.
"Going in who inside the prison will know their true identities?" Kaldur wondered.
"No one. We can't be certain the prison staff isn't compromised," Bruce said.
"Corruption," Danny huffed, releasing one of Dick's hands, only holding one now as they stood side by side, raking his fingers through his hair with his free hand, "That's always fun."
★・・・★・・・★
New Orleans, September 8, 2010
Danny had wanted to return to New Orleans for a while and to do so without actually getting to have fun was super annoying. Like, he couldn't even look at the sights of the city he was confined to a freaking warehouse filled with floats and flowers and stuff with Robin, Batman, Kaldur, M'gann and Red Tornado.
"When this is over we're gonna spend some time enjoying this place," Danny hissed.
"We can tour New Orleans as much as you want," Robin promised, hiding a snicker.
"You're paying too," Danny huffed.
"Why do I have to pay?" The boy looked apalled.
"Hello?" Danny scoffed, "Vampire dad equals fortune amassed over centuries of existence."
"Phantom, I am not a vampire," Batman said firmly.
"That's exactly what a vampire would say," Danny said sagely.
"I mean, he's not wrong," Robin grinned, "That is what a vampire would say."
"Or they could say, 'you are like my own personal brand of heroin,'" Red Tornado monotonously recited Edward Cullen.
"Shut up, Tornado!" Danny gasped in delight, "You've seen Twilight?"
"Of course, it is, as the kid's say 'fetch.'"
Danny positively squealed, "Vampires also say 'this is the skin of a killer,'" He recited in a perfect Edward Cullen voice.
"I-" Batman faltered, "What is going on here?"
M'gann shifted into a femenine looking Robert Pattinson with sparkling skin and pushed her pointer fingers together, intentionally looking shy and coy, "I like watching you sleep," She said in his voice.
"It is from Twilight, Batman," Kaldur hummed, "A cinematic masterpiece, one might say, which includes fantastic lines such as, 'I don't have the stregth to stay away from you anymore.'"
"Or my favorite," Danny grinned widely, "'Hold on tight, spidermonkey.'"
"The Terror Twins have taken the battle to the sky," M'gann perked up, "Uncle J'onn says Superman will throw them through the roof of this warehouse soon."
Instantly the lighthearted environement grew tenser, Danny instinctively straightening up.
Danny hesitated, twisting his ring absentmindedly around his finger. He...he had already acknowledged and accepted that for the mission he couldn't take it with him but...it had been eons since he'd been without the Ring of Rage, despite it's name it was a comfort object for him...it was grounding...it was a part of him and to...
"Hey," Robin took Danny's hand in his own, giving it a reasurring squeeze as he looked to Danny's other hand where the ring resided, "I'll keep it safe," He promised.
Danny softened and shakily released Robin's hand, sliding the ring off his finger...and pushing it into Robin's palm.
"I trust you," He smiled softly.
Robin's domino mask crinkled as he too smiled, the boys sharing a tender moment.
Suddenly the terror twins crashed into the warehouse they were waiting in, duo grunting and groaning in pain. When they eventually rose to their feet they were immediately approached by Kaldur and Red Tornado, the two heroes snapping collars around their necks, sapping away their powers.
"That don't feel right," Tommy Terror winced, accent thick, "My strength...but I done just gone toe to toe with Superman."
"That makes two of us," Danny stepped into the light, looking near identical to the other teen, if only just a bit smaller. Danny, a country boy through and through let his old accent slip through into his words as he spoke.
Besides him was M'gann who steeled herself and approached Tuppence.
"Got yer inspiration, Sister Tuppence?" Danny smirked.
"I believe I do," M'gann shifted into a replica of the girl, "Brother Tommy."
"Somebody tell me what's goin' on!" Tommy exclaimed.
"It's simple," Batman approached the duo, clapping collars around their necks, Danny doing a good job not to externally react, "They're under arrest."
★・・・★・・・★
New Orleans, September 8, 2010
Dick felt...weird, waltzing Phantom, should he start calling him Danny in his head now that he knew about his civilian life as Danny Jordan? Ah, that was off topic. Anyways, Dick felt super weird waltzing Danny through a police station, decked out in restraining materials. He had an inhibitor collar around is neck, metal shakles chained together around his ankles so he was shuffling forward and thick metal cuffs arouns his wrists, also chained together behind his back.
Danny didn't seemed too worried though as Batman forced him into a holding cell while they prepared his placard for his mug shot.
As Dick, Bruce, Clark and J'onn were on the scene for the arrest of the Terror Twins they were to accompany the fake Terror Twins to their cells while Tornado and Kaldur escorted the real Terror Twins to a holding area where they could keep things hush hush.
Dick was currently on the other side of a window while Danny and M'gann were shoved forward by Batman to get their mugshot's taken.
M'gann stood in front of the camera, lip curling into a nasty snarl Dick was unused to seeing on her face as the photo was taken.
Danny swaggered forward, exuding arrogant energy as he grinned cheekily for his mug shot. He even winked at the camera which had Dick sputtering and blushing, J'onn looking to him with a knowing glint in his eyes.
★・・・★・・・★
New Orleans, September 13, 2010
It had been a few days since the trial of the 'Terror Twins' began and the duo were representing themselves and honestly...Danny was doing a good job, probably too good of a job.
"Phantom, remember you're actually trying to go to prison, right?" Robin snickered on the fifth day of the trial.
"I know," Danny sighed dramatically.
And then the next day he pulled a Frank Castle, a character from a show that would come out in a few years.
"I know, that this trial, this farce," He bellowed in court the next day, "Is to determine where we go 'cause we already confessed, but I gotta say, we best not end up in the loony bin 'cause we're smack-dab in the middle of our right goddamn minds and any fuckin' thing we did we did because we liked it!"
Needless to say that ended the potential option that they might go to Arkham which just left the choice between a juvenile facility and Belle Reve. Danny and M'gann cancelled out the juvenile facility by having a destructive faux argument in the middle of the next day of court. They fought against each other, despite their inhibitor collars, over who was the cooler twin and they intentionally hurt a few onlookers, Hal, Guy, John and Kyle, to their trial.
★・・・★・・・★
New Orleans. September 15, 2010
"It is for the safety of the public and their fellow inmates that I sentence Tommy and Tuppence Terror to fifty years in Belle Reve Penitentiary. They will be transported within the hour."
"Wait, fifty years?" Danny blanched, "We're spending fifty years in Belle Reve?" He hissed to M'gann.
"We'll get out before then," She reassured gently.
"I'd like to see you try," One of the guards laughed cruelly as the 'siblings' were thrown into a van rather aggressively.
"This will take you to two other prisons where additional prisoners will be picked up," Batman informed the duo, voice cold, "Behave, if you know what's good for you."
"Loser," Danny scoffed.
"Tommy," M'gann chastized.
"I mean," Danny coughed then said, "Loser."
"You're supposed to go," She coughed out, "Loser," Inconspicuously.
"Cough," Danny said, "Loser cough."
Batman merely sighed as the guard slammed the door shut and the driver tore off down the street.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve Parish, September 16, 2010
Danny sat in the armored car, eyes closed in content, leaning his head back against the cool wall of the truck.
"Dude, dude!" A voice caught Danny's attention, boy cracking a single eye open, boredly looking on at the teen that exuded cold, cold that went right to Danny's core, cold that comforted the boy who had not been to the Far Frozen in months, not a long time to an immortal but still, "Your sister is sweet!"
Danny was at a loss, they were called the Terror Twins, sweet in no way coincided with that. Oh, oh, wait, was this guy hitting on M'gann?
"How about you put in a good word for me?"
"Sure," Danny growled, "As long as the words are 'sweet sister mine, kill this damn fool.'"
The boy and M'gann both looked surprised and in the next moment the teen was getting smacked back by the butt of a gun ramming into his face. Danny instinctively growled at the agressive display from the guard which earned him a hit to the stomach.
"Welcome to Belle Reve," The guard sneered.
They drove for a few moments longer before they pulled to a stop, prisoners stepping out of the armored vehicle. They were led into an opening, directed to peer up at a woman, sneering down at them.
"I am the law of last resort," She said coolly, "My name is Amanda Waller. I am not your mother, your maiden aunt, or your friend. I am your warden. And you are my prisoners. The proprietary collars you wear are custom designed to inhibit your specific meta abilities. No strength, no ice. In addition, the collars can and will be used to discipline inmates."
Danny didn't like the sound of that.
"A con who breaks the rules gets one warning."
She pressed a button on a remote...and all there was, was pain. Danny fell to his knees, curling in on himself, mouth open in a silent scream as electricity, electricity burned through him.
"Tommy," M'gann murmured worriedly, pulling Danny to his feet supporting him as he remained silent in phantom pain.
"If order has not been restored the next shock will render the offender unconscious," Waller said casually, as if she wasn't torturing them. When things were over...Danny would destroy everything she'd built, "At the slightest hint of trouble this facility goes into lockdown. Belle Reve's walls are thick enough to hold Superman."
But not Phantom, the boy growled lowly, not King of the Infinite Realm.
"We know, we checked. No one's ever escaped Belle Reve. No one ever will," A man behind her cleared his throat, "Oh," The woman gestured to the man, "This is Professor Hugo Strange."
Danny did good not to flinch at the name, this man...Jazz looked up to him. He remembered how she could go on for hours about how brilliant he was. It was September now of 2010 which meant...which meant Jazz would be dying soon...dying and...and there wouldn't be anything he could do to save her, just as there had been nothing he could've done for Ellie.
"He is your maiden aunt."
"Actually," He said airily, "I'm the prison psychiatrist and I promise you all a sincere attempt at rehabilitation."
"Because we know you types are all about sincerity," Waller said coolly.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 16, 2010
Phantom, M'gann's voice rang out in his head as he was escorted to his cell, Can you hear me?
Yeah, what about the collars, though?
Custom designed to inhibit Tuppence terror's super strength, not my telepathy, but your strength is-
Not my only power, Danny snapped, harsher than he'd meant to.
Phantom...are you okay? I saw how you were with the-
I'm fine! He bit out harshly, face remaining impassive, he sighed in his mind, Sorry, I...no, I'm not okay. Electricity and I...we don't mix.
You'll be okay, M'gann promised him.
Of course I will be, Danny huffed, voice sounding a bit sad in his head, I always am.
Danny and Icicle Jr. were stopped before a cell which opened with a buzz.
"Home sweet home," One of the guards sang in a nasally voice, the other hitting the two teens in their backs, sending them stumbling into the cell before they closed the door, leaving them alone.
"So, Terror~" Icicle sang, turning to Danny.
Danny immediately threw Icicle Jr. into the wall, forearm to his neck, pinning him there, blue contact lense eyes glaring into blue.
"I'm gonna give you exactly one warning," Danny growled, "You stay the fuck away from Tuppence."
"..." The cell was tense and silent for more than a few moments as Danny and Icicle both breathed heavily.
"Holy shit..." Icicle Jr. breathed out, looking to Danny with wide eyes filled with an emotion the ghost couldn't identify.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 16, 2010
Cameron Mahkent was feeling...weird.
When he'd been put on that armored truck with Mr. Freeze and those Terror Twins he hadn't expected much but then he saw her.
Tuppence Terror, she was so hot and when she looked at him with disdain she had Cameron nearly sighing dreamily but then-but then there was her brother!
Her brother who was-who was suave and hot and fuck, so hot! The way he snapped at him but then the way he also growled actually growled at the guard who hit him! He was incredible!
Cameron knew he should probably be worried or at the least alarmed due to the predicament he found himself in but...he couldn't find it in himself to care much about any potential danger. He knew he should be thinking about how easy it would be for Tommy to cut off his air, to hit him or even kill him but...all Cameron could think about was Tommy's cold skin against his own and feeling his breath on his face and peering into those gorgeous eyes.
"Holy shit..." Cameron breathed out, looking to the other boy with awe and lust.
Cameron had never been attracted to a boy before but he knew this wasn't just simple attraction. He was in love and Tommy was definitely his soulmate.
This was great! They were cell-buddies! They'd have plenty of time to bond and-and when they escaped he'd confess his feelings and they would live happily ever after! Wait, no, Cameron was moving too fast, he needed to get Tommy to fall in love with him too.
He snapped out of his thoughts and studied Tommy, his eyes were hard and guarded and his lips were set in a small snarl of a frown, his body was tight and tense he...wasn't open around Cameron, wise in prison but unecessary, Cameron was in love with him and would never hurt his soulmate! That was to be his step one, then, he had to become Tommy's friend first, get him to open up with him and then he could work on dazzling Tommy.
"I call top bunk!" Cameron blurted out.
"I...alright," Tommy released him, "You got it, though? Leave my sister alone."
"Roger that!" Cameron grinned sharply.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 16, 2010
Danny and Junior entered the common area of the prison together. Danny's attention moved up, looking upward as the white tiles of the ceiling flickered to reveal the sky above or, maybe they were just tv's showing a sky.
"Stick with me, cellmate," Junior's voice and the soft elbow to the ribs he sent Danny snapped him out of his thoughts, "I'll show you the ropes."
"Oh, yeah?" Danny rose a brow, "You who ain't even been in Belle Reve's gonna show me the ropes?"
"I may never have been incarcerated here, Tommy," Junior grinned, "But trust me, I know whereof I speak. For starters," He gingerly held the back of Danny's head, directing his gaze toward the bleechers where three ice-powered individuals, of which Danny recognized one as Mr. Freeze, and two superstrength people, of which Danny recognized one from Santa Prisca, were sitting, "We pay homage to the top of the food chain, the big dog, the prison capo, my father."
"That's yer dad?" Danny gawked.
"Yup, Icicle Sr.," Junior said, "Reeks when you dad is the man, yknow?" Before Danny could offer a response, whatever it would be he didn't know, Junior was taking a deep breath, "Here goes nothing."
He was suddenly tackled from behind, and pinned to the floor. The man who tackled Junior Danny recognized as the League of Shadows member who was involved with the fog and who had hurt Conner.
"Hello, Junior," Ojo sneered, "I warned you what would happen next time we crossed paths."
"Ojo, buddy, pal, mi amigo!" Junior looked on in fright as the man pulled back his fist.
"Off of him!" Danny pulled the man off of his cellmate, throwing a punch that threw the man back a couple feet; the punch had been for Cameron but it had mostly been for Conner.
"Boy," A large man, Danny would never learn the name of (it was Brick), sneered, "That was not wise."
In the next moment Brick sent his people to surround Danny, one of them dragging Junior away from the brewing fight.
"Let's get it done," Danny smirked.
Immediately the men jumped forward, the guards letting it happen, mumbling a 'new fish needs to learn' to each other. Danny's smirk widened into something feral, something dangerous.
The men threw punches and kicks at Danny but he ducked, dipped and dived out of the way before he surged forward. He ducked under punches and punched people in the stomach, he kicked them in the chins and threw elbows into noses, and most importantly...he was having fun.
Danny grinned sharply as he knocked out the final person with a roundhouse kick to the face.
"Well done, boy," Brick cracked his knuckles, "Now it's my turn."
"Your turn to what?" Danny cooed, "Fall on your ass and embarrass the shit outta yourself?"
"You wanna go toe to toe with me, pretty boy?" Brick sneered.
"Go for it," Danny smirked, bending his head back and peering up into the man's eyes, head cocked to the side slightly, "I'll give you the first shot."
The man let out a snarl of a grin and he surged forward, throwing a punch.
Danny's head snapped the side and his grin widened, directing his attention back to the man.
"My turn," He sang.
Danny lunged forward, feet slamming into the man's chest, using him as a springboard, leaping off him and landing on his feet as the man was sent stumbling backward.
"Not wise," The man snarled, "Not wise at all."
He surged forward but Danny held his ground.
"Enough," A voice cut in.
Brick's fist froze mere inches away from Danny's face.
Danny's gaze moved beyond Brick, landing on Junior's dad who was standing, looking on in approval at the confrontation, "Kid's got guts, the kind of guts a father wouldn't mind seeing in his own son."
Junior was thrown forward and into Danny's arms, the teen steadying the other one.
"Great to see you too, dad," He massaged his arm, stepping away from Danny.
"Get over here," Junior moved forward, Danny by his side, "Not you, Terror," Danny was stopped as Brick stepped between he and Junior's dad, "Just Junior."
Danny kept his distance, leaning against a wall, pretending to look casual as he listened in on the conversation.
"Alright, Icicle," Mr. Freeze said, "We're all here. Now what?"
"Now we put the final pieces in place to bust every single con out of Belle Reve."
Ah, well, that didn't sound fun, or very legal.
Danny hummed as he sent M'gann a mental message about the general idea of the villains plans.
What should we do in response? M'gann asked.
Well, Danny said, We don't know any details so we need to wait, at least a little while longer.
Sounds good! M'gann called back, Well-well, not good but y'know...nevermind, She chuckled nervously in Danny's head.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 16, 2010
Cameron was deep in thought as he stared at the ceiling, going over the timeline he had for his befriend Tommy Terror plan.
He and Tommy had just finished their dinner and returned to their cell, the boys lying in their respective beds. A few minutes prior the guards had called out that it was 'lights out.'
Each of them were deep in thought but for various reasons.
Cameron's reasons were to realign his timeline. Tommy had already defended him from his father's lackeys, that could've been because they were cellmates and he did it out of a sense of loyalty but still! They'd skipped from 'first impression' to 'fight someone for him' completely bypassing 'exchange favorite colors and other likes and dislikes' 'bond' and 'exchange names and backstories' this was so great! Although...they'd have to backtrack 'cause those facts about one another were important for relationships.
Cameron sighed dreamily, smiling giddily to himself, he and Tommy were coming so far! They'd be together in no time!
A voice pulled Cameron from his thoughts.
"Hey, Junior?"
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 16, 2010
Danny was deep in thought as he stared up at the bottom of Junior's bed.
He knew he should be trying to fall asleep now as light's out had been called by the guards but...there was a lot on his mind.
He had been...reluctant to do this mission just because he thought it was dumb but he'd been eager to do it to make sure his brother's weren't in his position. Now, though, he...was honestly enjoying this assignment it was...liberating almost to play this role.
Danny was struck suddenly by the notion that he didn't know his cellmate's actual name, he only knew his supervillain name.
"Hey, Junior?" Danny called out softly.
"Yup?" Junior popped the 'p.'
"You're a teenager, right?" Danny asked casually.
"Mmm-hmm, sixteen," The teen chirped, "How old are you?"
"Fourteen," Danny answered, "Fifteen next month...actually," He'd...forgotten about his upcoming birthday and...deathday, which unluckily for him was the same day.
"Actually?" Junior asked, "You seem...surprised."
"Yeah, I guess I just haven't really thought about my birthday much lately," Danny admitted.
"That's...sad," Junior commented.
"Hey, what's yer name, Junior?" Danny wondered, "Your real one?"
"...Cameron," The teen admitted after several moments of silence, "But...nobody's called me that in a long time."
"Do ye want me to call you that?"
"...Sure, Tommy," And Danny could hear his smile.
"G'night, Cameron."
"Night, Tommy."
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 19, 2010
It had been a few days since Danny and M'gann had been incarcerated in Belle Reve and Danny...could confindentally say he and Cameron were something akin to friends.
They were actually...really close to each other, they knew things about each other most people didn't know. Like, Danny knew that Cameron didn't actually enjoy the cold and that he was frightened of his father, more things like that; in turn, Danny opened up to Cameron that he didn't feel comfortable being close to people but he actually liked having friends and he was actually having fun in prison and other less substantial things which he admitted to Cameron was because he really had issues opening up to people.
Danny and Cameron were currently passionately playing uno when two new uniforms were pushed through the slot in their door. Danny wordlessly hopped off Cameron's bed, picking up the uniforms.
"Tommy boy," Cameron cooed, "I'd advise putting the new rags on sooner than later. If you don't wanna feel chilly, of course."
Yeah, the breakout's happening soon, Danny adressed M'gann.
Updating Aqualad now.
Time to pull you out, Kaldur said.
Icicle would only postpone, M'gann rationalized, We need to learn how they're busting out or they'll just try again.
Agreed, Kaldur huffed.
Danny hummed and tossed the other jumpsuit to Cameron before he pulled off the one he was currently wearing, leaving himself in his white tanktop and undergarments.
He changed, and despite Cameron's promise that the uniform would keep him warm...he didn't feel even an inkling of warmth. Warmth...something he had not felt in millenia.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 19, 2010
Danny hated therapists and psychologists.
He hated how they could pick apart your words and actions and get an accurate reading into your character. He hated the power they had over you, whether it was their ability to get you to open up by listening to you, whether it was the advice they could give, all of it gave them a power Danny hated.
Danny hated therapists and psychologists...and he was miserable here and now in Belle Reve, sitting before Hugo Strange.
"Here's my concern," The man said gently, "Your antisocial tendencies are a roadblock to rehabilitation and are often the result of a conflict with a mother figure. Hmm? Hmm?" He leaned closer, studying the duo.
Danny slumped further in the comfortable chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Tommy and I..." M'gann began hesitantly, "Had...really different upbringings, despite living in the same household."
"Tuppence," Danny's tone was warning.
"Interesting, Tuppence, expand on that," Hugo encouraged.
"Or don't," Danny's eyes narrowed.
"Healing requires open dialogue, Tommy," Hugo said.
"With who?" He snarled, "A damn shrink?"
"...You have experience with psychologists," Hugo surmised.
"I do," Danny growled, "Wasn't so much a great experience."
"Did they not help?" Hugo wondered.
Danny glanced at M'gann who was looking at him worriedly. He...he would rather talk about this topic than family so...oh well, here goes nothing.
"We...I was always different. There was an adult at school who knew what I was...she didn't like it. She...in our meetings she just...she piled onto the crushing anger and depression, made things worse," Danny glared at his hands, "She pushed and pushed and pushed until it got to be too much and..." He stopped himself, glancing to M'gann who looked horrified.
Oh, Phantom...
M'gann's sympathetic voice in Danny's head did not help.
"Tuppence, did you have a similar experience?"
"She's neurotypical and was better at controlling her powers," Danny murmured, "There was no reason to suspect she was like me, or that she needed help."
"And you did need help," Hugo smiled sadly, "But no one gave it."
"..." Danny remained stubbornly silent for more than a few moments, "My silence should be answer enough."
"It is, indeed," Hugo nodded before looking to M'gann, "Tuppence, dear, would you mind giving us some privacy?"
"I don't mind at all!" M'gann rose to her feet, Phantom, that's okay right?
Just go, Danny huffed.
"I'm pleased we have some privacy," Hugo smiled softly at Danny once M'gann was gone, "This...therapist you had before, I apologize you didn't receive the help you deserved and needed."
"Thank you," Danny drawled.
"You push people away with your attitude," Hugo held his hands, "You don't let them close, why is that?"
"The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies," Danny said softly.
"...Wise words," Hugo said with a heavy smile, "But such heartbreaking words."
"..." Danny looked pointedly away.
"Would you like to expand upon that?" Hugo pressed gently.
Danny sighed and decided he did want to he...he needed to get this off his chest, "Mine and Tuppence's parents weren't...they weren't great. It took me," He let out a bitter chuckle, "It took me a long time to accept that but-but anyways I had this guy who...who viewed me as a son and who I would eventually grow to see as a father," Danny's southern accent was laced in nostalgia and sorrow, "I could always forgive the things he did to me but one day I learned...he's the reason I lost someo-thing, something intimately important to me...and I couldn't forgive that. I hated him for eo-a really long time," He said instead of 'eons,' "But I've...met some people recently who...who are helping me change. They're making me want to forgive him but I also...don't want to forgive him, does that make sense?"
"It does," Hugo smiled softly, "Conflicting feelings make incredible sense. This...father figure of yours, you love him yes?"
"But...I can't love him...right?" Danny frowned, "After everything he's done it...it would be a betrayal to-to the people he made me lose and my younger self, right?"
"Betrayal never comes from your enemies," Hugo said.
"Wow, what great advice," Danny scoffed, slumping deeper in his seat.
"Thomas," Hugo said, "Can I call you that?"
"I'd hate that, honestly," Danny deadpanned.
"Tommy, then," Hugo chuckled, "You know...I cannot give the answers to you."
"Then what's the point of talking to you?" Danny groaned loudly.
"You know what the point is," Hugo said softly.
"You know what the point is," Danny repeated his words in a condescending high pitched tone.
"I think that's enough for today," Hugo chuckled softly, "You're lashing out by mocking me and soon I have a feeling you'll be lashing out physically."
"Well aren't you smart," Danny mocked.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 21, 2010
A few more days had passed and Danny was slowly making strides with his sessions with Hugo, which he hated, and he and he and Cameron were a lot closer now.
Speaking of Cameron and Danny, they were currently in the cafeteria, describing extravagent foods they'd eaten outside the prison walls, trying to imagine they were eating something other than the prison sludge they'd been provided with.
"Oh, yikes," Cameron 'oofed.'
Danny followed his gaze and couldn't help but wince in sympathy as the Riddler was run away from several tables.
"Nygma," He called out hesitantly, "Wanna come sit with us?"
Cameron bristled in surprise before softening and smiling tenderly at Danny as the Riddler joined them.
"Thanks for, er, the offer," Edward smiled softly.
"No problem!" Danny grinned widely, "Hey I was wondering, why are you here, anyways?" Danny frowned, "Ain't you an Arkham regular?"
"Ah," He sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, "Like Freeze I petitioned the court to be declared legally sane."
"Er, why?" Cameron wondered.
"Arkham was too easy to break out of," Edward admitted with a snicker, "I wanted a challenge and...Belle Reve provided that. Only problem is that there's already some break out plans in place."
"Nygma," Cameron hissed in alarm.
"It's cool," Danny blinked, "I already knew."
"You-you did?" Cameron blinked in surprise.
"Yeah," Danny shrugged, "Nobody's near as sneaky as they think they are."
"But...why didn't you confront me about keeping the plan a secret from you?"
"I trust you," Danny blinked, "And I trusted you'd tell me when the time was right."
Cameron stilled and looked to Danny with awe, eyes shining with adoration. Danny was like 87% sure Edward coughed out, "Gay," but again, he was only 87% sure.
"Your faith in me means a lot," Cameron smiled widely, "Now, let's eat up, we'll need our strength!" He declared.
The trio hummed as they directed their attention back to their meals.
Danny looked on in narrowed eyes at the commotion Mr. Freeze was making.
"I'm done genuflecting!" He snarled, rising to his feet and smashing a tray into Icicle Sr's face, smacking him to the ground, "Belle Reve needs a new capo!"
"This ain't Arkham, Freeze," One of the guards warned, shocking the man, Freeze getting shocked into a state of unconsciousness, "We don't put up with prima donnas. Take 'im to Waller."
Danny and M'gann shared a look through the glass separating the men and the women, things were going down.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 21, 2010
Danny and Cameron were making their way down a hall when the building began to tremble, Cameron falling into Danny's arms.
"Looks like I fell for you," Cameron winked, Danny blinking in surprise before he snickered, helping the other boy straighten.
"I think the prison just went into lockdown," Danny noted.
"Which means the collars should be off momentarily," Cameron hummed.
Sure enough the collars were deactivated moments later. As soon as Danny felt the collar deactivate he ripped it off his neck, he didn't want there to even be a chance he would have to feel another electrical shock.
"Oh, shut up," Danny clicked his tongue in annoyance at the shrill alarms blarring.
He threw the plate he'd accidentally brught out of the cafeteria, plate soaring through the air, smashing and deactivating the alarms, leaving the hall Danny and Cameron in, in relative silence. Cameron was staring dreamily at Danny, not that he noticed.
Phantom, I think my cover's blo- M'gann's voice cut out abruptly as their link snapped apart.
M'gann? He cried out.
Oh...oh, that wasn't good at all.
Danny couldn't focus on her right then, though as he and Cameron hurried to meet up with everyone else.
"The prisoner's now control the prison," Senior smirked at Waller as they locked her and the other's in a cell.
"That's not the same as escaping it," Waller sneered.
"Then we better get to work," His smirk widened.
Senior was joined by Captain Cold and Mr. Freeze. The three ice users blasted their power into the wall, two strong villains chipping away at the wall.
"Excellent," Freeze grinned, "At this rate we'll have our exit in ten minutes."
Danny didn't even tense as he felt someone grab his shirt sleeve. He arched a brow as he casually regarded Hugo Strange, gripping his clothes tightly.
"Tom-Tom-Tommy, this isn't you," Hugo shivered.
"You told me to socialize more," Danny drawled with a bored shrug.
"C'mon," Cameron beamed up at Danny, grabbing his bicep and pulling him along.
Danny followed Cameron down one of the hallways. As they went Danny eyed the cameras, thankfully they were all frozen over, he really didn't want people finding out all that he could do. Silently he duplicated himself, the duplicate turning invisible and floating idly toward the control room with the intent to turn the collars back on.
Cameron led Danny into a room, only then releasing Danny's bicep, his cheeks flushed red. Cameron shot forth a funnel of ice at the opposite wall, coating it.
"This wall adjoins the women's wing," He explained.
Danny nodded in understanding, moving forward and punching the ice, with only slightly more strength than a regular human he didn't want this getting done fast.
"We work it from our end while Frost and her ladies work it from theirs. Then they cross over into our wing and we all walk free together."
While Danny and Cameron continued to work on the wall the duplicate he'd made, invisible and intangible casually floated into Waller's office and turned back on the inhibitor collars before destroying the control panel so they couldn't be switched off again. He knew it probably would've been best to activate the collars and knock everyone out with the electricity but he just couldn't do it...he couldn't subject anyone to the pains of electricity burning through your body, especially since they'd all had to endure it before under Waller.
Danny threw another punch into the wall when his duplicate, still invsibile and intangible returned to him, shooting back into his body. He didn't stop, didn't even falter as he continued to punch the wall.
He then stepped back and Cameron shot another blast of ice at the wall, Danny returning to the wall and punching. This happened for a few minutes before a newcomer arrived.
"The collars have turned back on," Freeze entered the room.
"What?" Danny's breath caught in his throat, fuck he was such a good actor after millenia alive, he could totally pursue that as a career.
"No way!" Cameron gasped.
"Everyone else was with groups, you two were here, alone," Freeze glared.
"You accusin' us of something?" Danny bristled with rage.
"We've been here this whole time," Cameron growled.
"Perhaps," Freeze growled, "Perhaps not...either way, your father needs to be put in his place, boy."
Oh, great, this was an alpha male thing. Danny met Mr. Freeze's gaze. Clockwork, Danny commanded.
Immediately time slowed to a near stop in the room, everyone freezing except Danny and Mr. Freeze.
"Victor," Danny greeted casually.
"...What is this?" Freeze demanded.
"An associate of mine," Danny spoke without the thick southern accent, "Ensuring my will is done."
"You are not Tommy Terror."
"I'm not," Danny agreed.
"I'll kill you-"
"Not so fast," Danny held up a hand, "There's much to be discussed."
"Oh? And what perchance could we possibly need to discuss?"
"I am willing to offer you a deal," Danny hummed, "When time resumes...you will have a choice. You may attack C-Icicle Junior and consequently get your ass beat," He grinned ferally before he calmed himself, "Or...you will let us continue through to the woman's wing without attacking Junior...and I will cure your wife."
Freeze staggered back, shocked at the words that fell past Danny's lips.
"You-"
"I know all about her condition," Danny held his hands behind his back, "I know she is the thought behind every action you take. And I will cure her, if no harm befalls Icicle Junior," It was a lie, of course, Danny would be healing her regardless but he also wanted to ensure Cameron's safety.
"What are you to promise such a thing?" Freeze bristled, studying Danny intently.
"I am everything."
"..."
Freeze was silent for more than a few moments, here in this frozen world.
"You're one of those heroes...aren't you?"
"...A hero..." Danny repeated wistfully, "I'm trying to be."
"Then you would save my wife regardless."
"You're right," Danny chuckled softly, "I just wanted to make my desire for Junior's protection clear."
"You're...a hero who has grown attached to a villain?"
"...It doesn't matter that he's a villain," Danny blinked, "He's my friend."
"I will not harm him," Freeze swore, "And my wife? You swear you will save her?"
"On my grave," Danny smiled wistfully.
Freeze nodded firmly and with twinkling eyes...Clockwork allowed time to resume.
"And what?" Cameron scoffed, "You're gonna hurt me to try and affect my dad? Dude, come up with a new plan."
Freeze was silent for a moment before surging forward, sending a blast of ice forward. Cameron immediately pulled Danny close to him, forming a wall of ice between he and Freeze...only to notice Freeze's blast soar harmessly past him...slamming into the wall.
"I will indeed come up with a new plan," Freeze said coldly.
Danny turned his attention back to the wall and he surged forward, throwing forward a fist bursting through the wall.
"Well, well, well," Killer Frost was waiting, "It's the brother. Care to share Tuppy's fate?" She smirked at M'gann, frozen in ice.
"No," Danny said coldly, "But you can."
He surged forward and cupped his mouth, blowing out ice straight from his core.
He could practically taste Cameron and Freeze's surprise.
"You're going down!" Devastation lunged at Danny but he merely caught her by the neck and threw her into the wall, knocking her out in a moment.
"Tommy, what the hell?!" Cameron exclaimed, rushing into the room, "Also? You have ice powers?"
Danny ignored him and approached M'gann.
"Oh, dude," Cameron's eyes were wide, "I'm sorry."
Danny gingerly rested a hand on the ice, hot ectoplasm coating his hand.
The ice began to smoke and then it melted, the martian lurching forward, falling through the air and into Danny's arms.
"Tommy...are you God?" Cameron couldn't help but blurt out.
Despite M'gann slowly stirring in Danny's arms he couldn't stop the giggle that bubbled out of him.
"...Phantom?" M'gann slurred as her eyes fluttered open.
"I'm here," Danny smiled down at her, "Sorry I can't...warm you up," He cursed his lack of warmth.
"It's okay," She smiled softly, "Mars is actually pretty cold."
"Mars?" Cameron repeated, "Oh...oh no," He paled, "You're not Tommy and Tuppence Terror...are you?"
"I'm afraid not," Danny sighed heavily.
"This is Batman," The man's cold voice rang over the intercom, "You are to return to your cells now...or you will be returned to them."
"Well, he's terrifying and I never wanna run into him so," Cameron sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm-I'm gonna head to my cell-"
"Icicle Junior, Killer Frost and Mr. Freeze see yourself to the entrance," Batman continued.
"Oh, yikes," Cameron winced.
Danny, carrying M'gann bridal style, walked with Cameron and Victor, who was dragging the unconscious Killer Frost through the slowly defrosting halls of Belle Reve. Eventually they reached the entrance where Icicle Senior, Captain Cold, Amanda Waller, Hugo Strange and Batman were residing.
"Terrors?" Senior frowned, "You weren't called. Ah," He looked on in understanding as M'gann's appearance rippled and shifted into her usual green one.
"What?" Danny gasped dramatically, "She's a Martian, crazy-"
"Phantom," Batman cut off Danny's overly stressed 'y.'
"Sorry, Bats," Danny rightened M'gann, girl smiling weakly in thanks at having carried her, "Frost got her so she's a little disoriented."
"The escape plan didn't work but the least I can do is take you down," Senior glared at Danny.
He threw out his hand and sent forth a blast of ice. Danny remained still, hands casually moving behind his back. There were various cries of alarm as the ice barelled towards Danny. At the last moment another blast of ice intercepted it, knocking it to the side. Everyone looked to Mr. Freeze in surprise as he panted, having protected Danny from Senior's blast.
"This boy is under my protection," Victor said coldly, "No harm shall befall him while I am here."
"Thanks, Victor," Danny patted his arm, "But I'm alright."
"From what little I know of you, you seem wholly incapable of defending yourself," Victor deadpanned.
"You've got the Arkham freak on your side, well played, kid, well played," Senior scoffed, shaking his head in amusement.
"Phantom, answers?" Batman demanded.
"Oh, Victor and I are friends now," Danny blinked.
"He's doing something for me and I will do things for him in turn," Victor scoffed.
"And...what is he going to do?" Batman asked, judging by his tone you could hear he was worried.
"Heal his wife," Danny blinked.
"...You can do that?" Batman asked.
"'Course he can!" Cameron seemed to finally snap out of his shocked state, throwing an arm over Danny's shoulder, "He's God."
"Phantom, what the fuck?" M'gann looked perturbed before she squeaked in surprise and slapped a hand to her mouth at her cursing while Cameron, at Batman's warning glare, removed his arm from over Danny's shoulders.
"Phantom, did you lie to Victor or can you actually heal his w-"
"I resent the implication that I would lie about life and death," Danny gasped dramatically.
"Is that your name, then?" Cameron asked softly, "Phantom?"
"...Yeah," Danny admitted.
"You did good work, boy," Waller said appraisingly, stepping toward the boy and standing in front of him, "Belle Reve thanks you, Phantom."
Danny surged forward, head smashing into the woman's face. Her nose snapped and blood gushed down her face as she shrieked in pain, staggering backward.
"If I find out there's anymore discipline going on in these walls, I will destroy everything you have and everything you are," He snarled.
"You-you brat!" She seethed, "You'll pay for that-"
"How?" Danny challenged, "Gonna shock me with electricity again?"
"Amanda Waller will be removed from her position as Warden," Batman rested a hand on Danny's shoulder, "You won't have to worry about the inmates."
"You're...you're still worrying about us?" Cameron frowned, "Even when you're not gonna be one of us?"
"Of course I am," Danny blinked.
"But...but we were just a mission to you," Cameron blinked.
Danny stepped forward and took Cameron's cold hands in his own.
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 21, 2010
Cameron went riggid as Tom-Phantom held his hands. They were cold...so cold he could feel it, nobody...nobody was colder than him.
Phantom gave his hands a little squeeze, Cameron moving his gaze from their hands to the boy's eyes, probably...not really blue but shining with ernestly.
"I'm sorry," Phantom frowned, peering into his eyes, "For lying to you. I...didn't expect to grow to care for you but I did and...I'm sorry if I've hurt you today."
Cameron blinked in surprise...sorry? Had...no one had ever apologized to him for anything before but to-to apologize for hurting him? Phantom hadn't hurt him, they'd...they were friends and yeah, his...betrayal stung a bit but...Cameron hadn't cared much for his dad's plan in the first place.
"I...it's okay," He found himself saying, "Even if all of it wasn't true...I think some of it was. Like that you can get so distracted looking at the sky you can trip over a cafeteria bench," Phantom's cheeks burned red at that reminder and Cameron grinned, "Circumstances don't matter because...you're still my friend."
Phantom softened...and positively beamed. Cameron blinked in surprise at the shining, wide grin the other boy sent him...and he was struck with the sudden realization...that not only was his soulmate God but...they were also star-crossed lovers! A villain and a hero! Oh, people would sing songs about their love! This was-this was actually awesome! They'd fulfill their glorious purposes and at the end of the day still be entirely devoted to each other, oh, this was so fun!
"Here!" Phantom released Cameron's hands and grabbed Batman, "Paper and pen," He commanded.
With a resigned sigh Batman removed the objects from one of his pouches, offering the material to Phantom. The boy hummed and scribbled down some numbers on the paper before holding it out to Cameron.
"I'm keeping this pen," He shoved it in the pocket of his jumpsuit.
"No, that's mine-"
"Don't be greedy, you heathen," Phantom cut off Batman, the onlookers watching the duo with amused disbelief.
"What...is this?" Cameron carefully took the paper offered to him.
"It's, um, my number," Phantom flushed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
A strangled noise of surprise fell out of Cameron's lips as he looked to Phantom with wide eyes.
"I...would like to stay in touch if you want tha-"
"Yes!" Cameron exclaimed, "Yes, I'd love that!"
★・・・★・・・★
Belle Reve, September 21, 2010
Danny sighed in relief at Cameron's enthusiasm.
"But, wait," He frowned, "How...will we communicate?"
"Batman'll give you a phone," Danny said ernestly.
"I will do no such thing," Batman bristled.
"Yeah, you will," Danny gave him a dry look of amusement.
"Yeah, I will," Batman sighed heavily.
"Great!" Cameron grinned.
"Phantom, is it?" Hugo Strange approached him, "I have to say...it's nice to meet you as you truly are."
"Bold of you to assume I'm not still hiding things," Danny snickered.
"Batman," Hugo looked to the man, "I strongly recommend getting Phantom into consistent therapy sessions."
"Ew," Danny cringed, "Bats you can't make me."
"I honestly feel like you need it, though," Batman said curtly.
"Batman's right, Phantom, you're...kinda messed up," M'gann winced, "I mean, if what you said during our session-"
"That was clearly a lie," Danny lied fantastically, "To gain sympathy from Strange to see if he'd have any insight into corrupt workers here like Waller."
"Hey!" The woman bristled in offense.
"Your analysis and rationalization of your actions proves to me your words rang with truth during our session," Hugo hummed, "There's nothing wrong with being vulnerable."
"Batman if you put me in therapy I'm gonna build a case against you," Danny promised.
"And what would your case be?" Batman asked boredly.
"Ligma," Danny said.
"Ligma?" Batman repeated, "What's ligma?"
Danny merely snickered and turned to Victor.
"Will you give your testimony for my ca..." Danny faltered, "Ah, nevermind, you can't."
"And why can't I?" Victor's brows furrowed.
"With your suit there's no access to your skin so, you can't really deliver a testimony," Danny shrugged.
"Did you think I bit him?" Batman crossed his arms.
"Yes," Danny said seriously.
"Phantom, for the last time, I am not a vampire."
"What?" The onlookers let out startled wheezes.
"Bats, I'm not gonna judge, okay? It's no big deal you just really shouldn't lie about stuff like that."
"If I'm a vampire that means my secret identity is immortal too. Don't you think there would be evidence or rumors about an immortal man?"
"Bats, you can't seriously be asking me to reveal your identity," Danny looked on in surprise.
"Meaning...you have a theory?" Batman asked with a withering sigh.
"'Course I do."
"I'm scared to ask but...who do you think I am?"
"Keanu Reeves," Danny said without waiting a beat.
"..." The area was stunned into amused silence.
"...You should take my usual cell in Arkham," Freeze declared after a few moments.
"Thank you?" Danny cocked his head to the side.
"We're leaving now," Batman said, "And, I never thought I'd say this, but I will also prove to you why I'm not Keanu Reeves."
Danny merely shook his head and helped M'gann towards the exit.
"See ya 'round, Cameron!" Danny waved to his friend.
"Bye, Phantom!" Cameron waved enthusiastically.
"I know I made some lasting connections but what about you?" Danny asked M'gann as he helped her walk.
"Frost threatened to kill me all the time so...not really," She shrugged.
"Ah, sorry, that sucks," Danny clicked his tongue,
"Don't forget your promise, boy."
Danny glanced over his shoulder, gaze locking with Victor's.
"I never do."