A DANNY PHANTOM BIG BANG

PART ONE: The Beginning

Dick:

Early August 2008

Dick slowly walked towards his meet-up spot on the road where Alfred was waiting. He couldn’t keep the smile and look of wonder off his face. It was the 6-month anniversary of his relationship with Bonnie Linseed, and Dick could not have imagined a more perfect date night. He had, with Alfred’s help, planned a wonderful 6-course picnic with all his love’s favorite finger foods. They drank sparkling cider in beautiful wine glasses, sitting on a cushion of grass covered by an enormous fluffy blanket. They dined in front of a perfectly still lake surrounded by dense forest. The moon and starts shined down brightly and lit up the night with an otherworldly glow. After the meal, magic happened, and the pair gave themselves to one another. It was gentle and beautiful—and a first for both teens.

When all was said and done, the couple used the container of warm towels that that Alfred had packed with the food to clean themselves up; then, they redressed and gathered the near-forgotten picnic items. As they slowly walked the trail back to the waiting car, both Dick and Bonnie had warm, silly grins on their faces. They were in love, and their expression of that love had been everything that they had hoped for—and more.

Dick hadn’t planned for anything physical to happen that night. One thing had led to another, and, well…IT happened. But—he had not gone into the evening unprepared. He was Batman’s protégé, after all. Precautions were taken, and everything appeared to go well. At least Dick thought so, and judging by the smile on Bonnie’s face, he guessed she did too. They stayed in contact over the following few weeks, but Dick found himself swamped with both schoolwork and Bat-missions. He felt horrible about not spending more time with his love, but he didn’t think that there was anything amiss.

Then, less than two months after they had first been intimate, Bonnie broke up with him. She adamantly stated that she did not want to be contacted by him again, and that what had happened that one night in the woods was wrong. Dick was devastated. He thought she had been ok after that magic night. She hadn’t given any sign of regret—unless he had missed it by being so caught up in other things.

Dick realized, after she hung up on him for the last time, that he had probably mistaken her quiet sighs and shy behavior following their interlude. He thought she was feeling romantic, when she was probably feeling regret the entire time. The shame he felt was overwhelming. He had not talked to Bruce about what had happened because he felt like it was a quiet promise between himself and Bonnie. Now, he kept quiet because he didn’t want Bruce to see his shame. Dick silently vowed to do better—to be better, and, most importantly, to wait before taking that step a second time.

Two weeks after their breakup, Bruce informed Dick that Bonnie’s father had been offered a job transfer. The man had never approved of the relationship between Dick and his daughter—he did not like the spotlight that it put on his family. Bruce tried in his own way to be there for his son, as the man guiltily considered his fame the reason Bonnie’s family moved away. Dick pretended to take comfort from his father’s words, but deep inside, he knew it was somehow his fault that she was gone.

Bonnie

September-November 2008

Bonnie was late. Not as in “late for an event”-late, but as in her monthly cycle hadn’t come. She only realized it when it was a week overdue. Shock, terror, confusion, remorse—a miasma of emotions swirled in the teen. She wasn’t supposed to be a statistic! She hadn’t told a soul what had happened with Richard that night at the lake, and now she was grateful for her forethought. She sat down hard on her bed and tried to come up with a plan. She needed to know for sure before she did anything.

She decided her best option was to find out if her suspicions were correct, so she called up a few of her friends, and they met at the mall. During lunch, Bonnie made excuses about needing to pick up some “feminine items” at the pharmacy before going to the restroom. The “friends” she had chosen were rather shallow, and none of them volunteered to accompany Bonnie on her journey—as she suspected would be the case.

First, she went to the restroom and locked herself in a stall. Then, she pulled a hoodie out of her bag and tugged it on. She quickly pulled out a rolled-up cloth bag from inside her smaller purse. She shook it out to get rid of the wrinkles; she exchanged the small purse for the larger bag. She was grateful for being a tall girl. Hopefully, no one would question her age at the store. With a sigh and more than a few tears, she pulled up her hood and made her way out of the restrooms to the pharmacy.

Once inside, she easily found what she was looking for. She nabbed it, along with several other purchases. No one even looked her way as she checked out. Apparently, a teen dressed in a plain hoodie and jeans wasn’t an uncommon sight these days. A secret part of herself felt glad that she was not alone in her ordeal. For her transaction to be so unremarkable, there must be a lot of other girls in her position as well. The teen wasn’t sure what that boded for the future.

After a grueling afternoon of playing nice with vapid teens, Bonnie was ready to collapse. Unfortunately, she still had the test to do. When the little stick showed a positive result, her heart sank in her chest. Why? Why this, why NOW??? She had wanted to start a family one day—perhaps even with Richard, but it was really too soon. She could only hope that things would turn out for the best. Bonnie had honestly hoped that her parents would support her—perhaps even allow her to marry Richard—once she shared the news. Those hopes were crushed when she made her confession to her mother. The woman refused to speak even a word to her after being told of the situation. Her father’s reaction was even worse. Bonnie had been loudly banished to her room after facing her father’s long, scathing commentary about her morality and the disgrace she had brought to the family name.

She listened as her parents argued in the other room. This is all my fault! What am I going to do NOW?? Tears tracked down the young teen’s face, unnoticed as her vicious thoughts battered her already fragile emotions. An echoing thud reverberated around Bonnie’s home as the front door smashed into its frame; soon after, the roaring of a car engine speeding away from the home filled the sudden aching silence that had fallen upon the troubled home. The new mother-to-be fell into her pillow and cried herself to sleep—her future uncertain, her thoughts, dark.

Two days of angry glares and disappointed stares later, Bonnie was told that she was no longer allowed to speak to Richard. His calls went unanswered until the day her mother allowed her to properly “end” the relationship for appearances sake.  Not long after, her father secured a transfer to his company’s overseas office. The family quickly prepared to move to France.  As for Bonnie, an anonymous place at a convent had been secured for her to “finish out the time of her shame.”

Bonnie arrived at the convent with nothing but a small bag of belongings and harsh parting words from her parents. The stern nuns at the convent immediately assigned her a small, bare room furnished with only a small bed and dresser. There was a communal bathroom down the hall. Her days started early with prayers and chores, and ended the same. They were filled with lectures and acts of penance. She knew in her heart that she was not “dirty,” and that she had not done anything wrong. She knew she was being treated unfairly—and that her child would be treated the same way if she stayed where she was.

After one particularly brutal day, Bonnie realized that if she did not leave soon, she would no longer be able to. That night, after her evening duties were done, she quietly packed her meager belongings, bundled up with as much clothing as she could, and fled through her bedroom window into the night. She did not know where she was going, nor did she care. She just needed her freedom and a place to have her child in peace.

She stopped in the countryside late that night, and found an abandoned shed behind an old vineyard. Weary and drained, she made herself a small bed and tried to sleep. She was awakened by the sensation of cool metal on her chest. She jolted up in surprise and had to choke back a scream at the sight that greeted her.

A tall, blue being floated in front of her. He(?) was wearing a long purple cloak and carried a large staff topped with a stopwatch. A jagged scar ran down across his face, through his eye. That, plus the fact that the being had a wispy tail instead of legs, told Bonnie that this was a being from another world. She had not believed in God or the devil, but she suddenly wondered if she had been wrong. Perhaps this was a demon sent to drag her away for her “sins.” Still, she found enough courage to speak. “Who—who are you? What do you want with me?”

The being smiled; it only made him look creepier. His words were comforting, though. “Hello, Bonnie. My name is Clockwork. I am known as the Master of Time. You have been chosen for a very important task—one that has and will be fraught with sacrifice. I am here simply to offer my aid. Your child has an amazing destiny to fulfil, and I would like to help you in any way I can.”

Suddenly, Bonnie’s eyes filled with tears. She had faced human rejection time and time again since this whole ordeal started. Somehow, here, in this place, and otherworldly being was offering his aid. The young woman took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She stared at the medallion on her chest for a long minute. Finally, she gathered her courage and looked this “Clockwork” in the eye. “I need a safe place for me and my child. I don’t want my baby to be born in a place that will make him feel like he is bad or wrong just because his parents were young and made some foolish choices. Will you help me?” 

The self-proclaimed Master of Time nodded once and smiled at his newest charge. “I already have a place prepared. Gather your things quickly, and we can leave.”

Bonnie did as she was told. Once her meager belongings were back in her bag, she turned to the luminous being. She took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

Clockwork reached out and gently gripped the gold medallion that was hanging around Bonnie’s neck. He tilted his head, inspecting her for a second, then smiled again. “You are an excellent mother.”

Bonnie gave him a confused half-smile. “Oh…kay.”

“When I remove this amulet, Time will start to flow again. The ones searching for you are near. You must quickly take my hand and allow yourself to come with me to the place I have set aside for your time of need.” Clockwork looked serious.

The teen mother gave a sharp nod. “Of course. Thank you for your help.”

Clockwork’s responding smile was predatory. “Thank YOU for being open-minded and fighting for the future of you and your child. You pain has not, and will never be in vain. TIME IN.”

Bonnie was a bit confused, but that was quickly overcome by the swirling feel of something shifting around her, as the medallion was removed from her neck. Suddenly, she could hear angry voices drawing near to her hiding place. She looked up at Clockwork’s outstretched hand. She took it without a second thought. A feeling of dizziness washed over her, and then everything went black.

A few minutes later, the men reached the abandoned shed where Bonnie had sheltered from the night. It was completely empty. There was no sign that anyone had ever been there. The search would continue for many days, but no trace of Bonnie was ever found.

PART TWO: The Manor

August 2023

Time moved on, and so did Dick. Bruce’s family grew, as more and more children came to call Wayne Manor home. Jason’s death and resurrection changed the fabric of the family’s connection to one another—it also changed Bruce. After the family’s messy reunion with their “lost sheep,” Clark Kent, one of Bruce’s oldest friends, convinced Bruce to go to therapy and deal with his many issues. Things didn’t improve right away, but by the time Damien moved into the family home, it had been transformed from a place of darkness and grief into a place of love and acceptance.

Dick was now living in Gotham, after quitting his job in Bludhaven. After Jason had reconciled with the family, the former police officer wanted to be closer to the people he loved. He now worked as a gymnastics coach at the local community center. Jason kept his apartment in Crime Alley, but made time to come to the Manor as often as he could. Tim also had an apartment in Gotham, while Duke lived in the dorms at Gotham University. The girls lived in their own respective places. Damian was the only child left living at the Manor. Days and seasons passed, and it seemed like the family had finally settled into its own version of “normal”—until the day a ragged young teen rang the bell at the gate.

“Wayne Manor, how may I help you, sir?” Alfred’s voice was calm, clear, and toned to be non-threatening to the nervous figure he saw on the camera feed.

“I-um…I’m looking for Richard Grayson.”

Alfred knew that Dick often helped students who were in some sort of trouble, although he found it odd that this young man would come to the Manor looking for him. Instincts honed over the course of decades of caring for the Wayne family members told him that this young man—child, really—was somehow different. The scruffy-looking boy kept glancing around, as if he were afraid that he was being followed. It lent a sense of urgency to the situation. The true patriarch of the family quickly decided to give shelter to the young caller. He would call Dick while the boy was walking to the house.

“Master Richard is not currently in, but you are welcome to come in and wait for him.”

The teen jumped at the response from the speaker, then hefted his backpack up on his too-slim shoulders. After taking another quick look around, he responded. “I…I think I’ll do that.”

“Splendid. May I ask your name so that I can let him know who is waiting for him?” The voice from the speaker was calming.

“Danny. My name is Danny.”

“Well then, Mister Danny. I will see you at the door.” The speaker cut off, and the gate swung open.

Danny started the long walk up the drive. “You can do this. You can do this.” He repeated to himself. He did not look back.

Alfred watched as the young man started the long walk up the driveway to the Manor. He quickly sent a message to Bruce, who was working in the ‘Cave that his presence was required upstairs, as they were about to have a teenaged visitor. He did not elaborate further. With that done, the elder man checked the security feed to check on Danny. The boy was half-way to the house already.

Impressive. Alfred allowed himself a small smile, and then he turned to the telephone next to the monitor in the kitchen. Pennyworth quickly dialed the number to his eldest grandchild. He did not have long to wait before his call was answered.

“Hey Alfie! What’s up? You don’t usually call in the middle of the day like this. Is something wrong?”

“Greetings, Master Richard. I cannot say with certainty whether there is a problem yet, but there is a situation at the Manor that requires your presence. Will you please make your way here as soon as possible? There is a young man waiting to meet with you. I would assume that he is one of your students, but I am not sure.”

“Huh.” Dick mused out loud. “I can’t think of anyone in my classes that would go to the Manor to meet with me…I’ll be there as soon as I can lock up. Thank you, Alfred.”

“You are most welcome, Master Richard. I have taken the liberty of calling Master Bruce up to the kitchen to greet the child with me. We will take care of the boy until you arrive.”

“Thanks, Alfie! You’re the best!” Dick’s boundless enthusiasm was clear even over the telephone lines.

“Indeed.” The elder allowed himself a private smile.

“What’s going on, Alfred?” Bruce looked at the older man with concern.

The more-than-a-butler turned to face his charge. “It appears that Master Richard has a visitor.”

“Here? Why would one of Dick’s students come here looking for him?” Bruce’s mind began to churn with possibilities.

“I wouldn’t wager a guess, but it is apparent that the young man is in distress.”

At Alfred’s words, Bruce immediately pulled up a security summary of the property on his phone. He let out a relieved breath when he saw that there were no other people or vehicles in the vicinity of Wayne Manor—besides the troubled teen approaching the door. “At least he wasn’t followed.” The Bat noted.

“There is that, sir.” Alfred nodded. “I have summoned Master Richard. He should be here within the hour.”

Bruce turned towards the door, staring at it as if he could see through to the outside. “Let’s go meet our mystery guest.” Both curiosity and wariness could be heard in his voice.

The two men arrived at the door seconds before the smallest of knocks could be heard. Alfred opened the door gracefully. “Welcome to Wayne Manor, sir. This is Master Bruce, the head of the household, Master Richard’s father.”

Haunted eyes flicked back and forth between the two men. The teen stood before them wearing only a worn NASA hoodie, faded jeans, and scuffed shoes that were currently tracing patterns on the entryway rug. His only possessions appeared to be stuffed into a single, worn backpack that was rather full; the edges were frayed. The ear of what looked like a stuffed animal poked out of one of the holes in the sides. It looked old.

Alfred cleared his throat. “Mister Daniel…”

The teen shook his head quickly. “Um, no…uh, it’s Danny, just Danny.” 

“Very well, then, Mister Danny, would you like to join us in the kitchen for some refreshments while we wait for Master Richard to return?”

The teen’s hand went to the back of his neck and began to rub across his spine in a nervous fashion. Both Bruce and Alfred were struck at how familiar the young man looked.

Finally, Danny nodded, and the trio made their way to the kitchen. While they walked, Danny’s eyes were wide. He noticed all the pictures on the wall in the hallway. He was captivated by the mixture of photographs of smiling faces, hand-drawn artwork that was extremely true-to-life, and the other special items like diplomas—and there were quite a few of those!

Once in the kitchen, Alfred motioned to a chair, and Danny obediently sat down. He swallowed hard when Bruce sat down across from him. The teen tried to unobtrusively study the man that had half of a city named after him. Bruce pretended not to notice.

Alfred stood silently for a moment, taking all this in. Something about the boy reminded him of his oldest grandson. He tried to shake the feeling, but the elder man’s instincts told him that this young man was important. Just how important was yet to be seen.

“Master Bruce, would you prefer coffee or hot chocolate?” Alfred turned, and Danny squeaked. Both adults hid their smiles. “Mister Danny, would hot chocolate be acceptable, or would you prefer another drink?”

Bruce smiled at Danny. “I’ll take a hot chocolate, Alfred.” Why does the boy look so familiar?? The Bat in him kept jumping into his thoughts.

Danny blushed. “A hot chocolate would be nice, I guess. But could I have a small glass of water first?”

“Of course, young sir. I will bring it to you before I start the chocolates.” The elder man went and got a small glass from the cupboard and filled it with water. He brought it to Danny and left it with a smile. Then, Alfred went into the pantry to grab the ingredients for his signature hot chocolate. He took the time to try and place the boy’s face. He left the pantry with a deep sigh, still unable to make a connection, and began to prepare the hot drinks.

Meanwhile, Bruce tried to make “Danny” feel more at ease in the Manor. “So, Danny, are you from around here, or are you just visiting Gotham?” It should have been a simple question, but Danny’s response showed that there was a deeper answer than he had suspected.

Danny looked at the floor and bit his lip. Bruce couldn’t help but notice that his hands were tightly clasped together and his knuckles were white.

“Danny?” Bruce spoke softly, like one would speak to a frightened child.

Danny raised his face, looking almost broken, and choked out, “it’s kind of private.”

Alfred decided to interrupt for the boy’s sake. “Here are your drinks, sirs.” He nodded to the pair and quickly took the water glass out of the room. He would use the glass for some quick DNA testing. The mystery surrounding the young man needed some answers.

Bruce sipped his drink and watched the teen for a few silent minutes. Finally, he swallowed the heaviness in his gut and walked around to Danny. He did not miss the fact that Danny flinched when he put his hand his shoulder. “You are in a safe place, Danny.”

Danny briefly looked Bruce in the eye, searching for lies, and then dropped his head. He mumbled, “That’s what they said, too.” At first Danny didn’t think the man heard him, but Bruce caught his words clearly.

“Who’s ‘they’ Danny?” Bruce gently asked; the Bat was quietly rising with his anger at the thought that someone had hurt this child.

Danny started to get up; his eyes were filled with tears. “I…maybe I made a mistake coming here. I’m sorry to bother you…”

Bruce let Danny stand, but he didn’t remove his hand from the teen’s shoulder. “If you’re in trouble, I want you to know that it’s going to be alright. I promise that we will do our best to help you. You are not the first teen in need to grace our kitchen, and I’m sure you won’t be the last.”