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ourrechte-blog · 2 months ago

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Nicktoons Untied

Invincible, part 1

Tremorton Science Gala

The grand ballroom of the Tremorton Convention Center sparkled under crystalline chandeliers. Scientific innovations from across the universe were displayed on pedestals throughout the room, each surrounded by curious onlookers in formal attire. But tonight, the most fascinating exhibit wasn't a piece of technology.

It was Jean Walker.

The fifteen-year-old heiress to Wakeman Industries stood awkwardly by a display of nanobotic cellular regeneration, tugging at the emerald gown that matched her eyes. Her rust-colored hair was styled in an elegant updo, with a few loose curls framing her face. As the only biological child of the brilliant Dr. Nora Wakeman, Jean found herself the unwilling center of attention.

"Miss Walker, is it true that you'll be taking over R&D next year?"

"Jean! Over here! What can you tell us about the XJ-9 update?"

"Is your mother planning to create more robotic defenders like XJ-9?"

The questions came rapid-fire from the press gathered around her. Jean gripped the edge of the display table, knuckles whitening with tension as she tried to maintain her composure.

"I'm just here to support my mother's work," she answered diplomatically. "All other questions should be directed to Wakeman Industries' PR department."

A reporter from the Tremorton Tribune pushed forward. "Sources say your mother has been working on experimental nanotech with military applications. Care to comment?"

Jean felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. Her mother's work was classified, and she knew better than to engage with these questions. Just as she opened her mouth to deflect again, a calm voice cut through the clamor.

"May I have this dance?"

The crowd of reporters parted, and Jean found herself looking at a boy about her age with striking blue eyes and unusual black hair streaked with premature white at the temples. She recognized him immediately—Danny Fenton, the hero Phantom, now known as Mr. Phantom after taking on his sidekick Phantasm.

Relief flooded through her. "Yes!" she answered, perhaps too eagerly.

Danny extended his hand with a practiced grace that suggested he'd been to more of these events than he would have liked. When Jean took it, she noticed his palm was unusually cool to the touch.

As he led her away from the reporters and toward the dance floor, she whispered, "Your timing is impeccable."

"I have a sixth sense about these situations," he replied with a smile. "The press can be worse than any ghost I've faced."

"Good to know my tormentors rank so highly on the threat scale," Jean said as they reached the dance floor. Danny positioned himself in the proper waltz frame, one hand at her waist, the other holding hers.

"I should warn you," Jean said quietly as the orchestra began a new piece, "I've never actually danced before. Lab work doesn't leave much time for formal events."

"Just follow my lead," Danny replied. "Being Amity Park's defender has made me surprisingly light on my feet."

As they began to move across the floor, Jean relaxed slightly, grateful for the respite from the reporters' scrutiny.

"I'm curious," Jean asked as they moved through the first steps, "what brings Mr. Phantom to Tremorton? It's a bit far from your usual haunting grounds."

Danny smiled at the ghost pun. "I'm here for the medical technology showcase, actually. Wakeman Industries is presenting some breakthroughs in cellular regeneration that could revolutionize trauma medicine."

"Ah," Jean nodded with understanding. "For your medical school studies?"

"Exactly," Danny replied. "When you've spent years patching yourself up after ghost fights, you develop an interest in healing. Some of your mother's tech could help a lot of people—ghost fighters and civilians alike."

"So," Danny said conversationally as he guided her through a turn, "what's it like being the daughter of the woman who created XJ-9?"

Jean gave a small, wry smile. "Like living in the shadow of your more famous sister, except she's made of metal and can fly."

Danny laughed. "I can relate. Between my parents' ghost hunting and my own extracurriculars, normal family time is pretty rare."

"At least your mom doesn't analyze your sleeping patterns for 'scientific research,'" Jean countered.

"No, but my dad once accidentally phased my bed through the floor while I was sleeping in it."

Jean laughed genuinely for what felt like the first time that evening. "Okay, you win."

As they continued to dance, Jean noticed the reporters had dispersed, though a few still snapped photos from a distance.

"Thank you," she said after a moment. "For the rescue."

"Happy to help," Danny replied. "Though I'm surprised the famous Jean Walker needs rescuing. Word around town is that you're brilliant—possibly even smarter than your mother."

Jean felt her cheeks warm. "That's just gossip. Mom's the genius."

"Don't sell yourself short," Danny said. "I've heard about your robotics papers. Very impressive for someone our age."

The music slowed, and Danny adjusted their stance accordingly. Jean found herself surprised at how comfortable she felt with him, despite his celebrity status.

"How's the sidekick working out?" Jean asked, changing the subject. "Phantasm seems to be making headlines alongside you these days."

Danny smiled. "She's family, in a way. Having her around makes the hero business less lonely."

Jean studied him for a moment. There was something genuine in his manner, a kindness behind his confident demeanor that she hadn't expected from someone so famous.

"Well, Mr. Phantom," she said with a small smile, "you make a surprisingly good dance partner for a ghost hunter."

"And you, Miss Walker," he replied with a grin, "are a natural for someone who claims they've never danced."

As the music came to an end, Danny stepped back and gave a slight bow. "Thanks for the dance, Miss Walker."

"Jean," she corrected.

"Jean," he agreed with a smile. "And I'm Danny, at least when I'm not in the suit."

"Well, Danny," she said, returning his smile, "thanks for saving me from the press."

"Anytime," he replied with a wink.

Behind them, a camera flashed, capturing the moment that would later be captioned in newspapers across the universe: "WAKEMAN HEIRESS SEEN DANCING AT GALA WITH PUBLIC HERO DANNY FENTON AKA MR. PHANTOM."

As they walked away from the dance floor, Jean noticed her mother across the room. Dr. Nora Wakeman was engaged in animated conversation with a group of military officials, her hands moving rapidly as she explained something that had them nodding with serious expressions.

"Your mom seems pretty intense," Danny commented, following Jean's gaze.

"She's always like that when discussing her work," Jean replied. "The military funds most of Wakeman Industries' research, so she spends a lot of time keeping them updated on her projects."

They moved toward a quieter corner of the ballroom where a refreshment table had been set up. Danny grabbed two glasses of punch and handed one to Jean.

"So," he said, leaning slightly against a nearby pillar, "I heard your mom's working on some kind of new energy technology. That's got to be interesting to be around."

Jean took a sip of punch before answering carefully. "Mom's always working on something. Most of it is classified, though." She studied him over the rim of her glass. "What about you? How does one balance high school with being a super-powered ghost hunter?"

Danny smiled ruefully. "Not very well, according to my teachers. But I manage. Having Phantasm as backup helps—she covers Amity Park when I need to cram for exams."

Jean nodded. "Must be nice having someone who understands what you're going through."

"It is," Danny admitted. "Before Dani came along, only my friends Sam and Tucker knew my secret. They helped, but they couldn't really understand what it's like having these powers."

Jean was about to respond when the sound of breaking glass came from across the ballroom, followed by screams. Both teenagers turned toward the commotion.

A large, mechanical creature had crashed through one of the high windows. It looked like a massive robotic scorpion, its metal tail swinging dangerously above the crowd.

"That's one of Vexus's drones," Jean said, immediately recognizing the Cluster technology. "Where's Jenny when you need her?"

Danny's expression hardened. "She's not the only hero in town." He glanced around quickly, then grabbed Jean's hand. "Come on, I need to find somewhere less crowded."

He pulled her behind a large display case just as people began running in all directions. The mechanical scorpion was moving straight toward the area where Dr. Wakeman and the military officials stood.

"Stay here," Danny instructed. Then, with practiced confidence, he declared, "Going ghost!" With a flash of white light, his formal attire transformed into the black and white hazmat suit that had become synonymous with his hero identity. His eyes glowed an otherworldly green as he rose a few inches off the ground.

Jean watched in fascination as Mr. Phantom flew toward the mechanical monster. She'd seen footage of him in action before, but witnessing his powers firsthand was something else entirely.

Danny fired a blast of green energy at the creature, drawing its attention away from the civilians. The scorpion whipped its tail around, nearly striking him, but Danny turned intangible at the last second, the metal appendage passing harmlessly through him.

"Jean!" Dr. Wakeman's voice cut through the chaos. Jean turned to see her mother rushing toward her, a small device clutched in her hand. "Where's XJ-9?"

"I don't know, Mom," Jean replied. "But Mr. Phantom is handling it."

Dr. Wakeman looked up to see Danny dodging another attack from the mechanical scorpion. "That boy needs backup. This is Cluster tech—high-grade military assault drone."

She pressed a button on her wrist communicator. "XJ-9! Code Red at the Tremorton Convention Center!"

Jean's eyes were fixed on the battle above them. Danny was holding his own, but the scorpion drone was fast and powerful. As it lashed out again, its tail caught Danny's shoulder, sending him spinning through the air.

Before Jean could react, a blue and white blur crashed through another window. Jenny Wakeman—XJ-9—had arrived, her rocket boosters propelling her straight toward the mechanical threat.

"Sorry I'm late!" Jenny called out as she transformed her arm into a giant hammer. "Brad and Tuck needed a ride home from the movies!"

Jean watched as her robot sister joined forces with Mr. Phantom, the two heroes coordinating their attacks with surprising efficiency. Danny would turn parts of the scorpion intangible, allowing Jenny's attacks to strike its vulnerable internal components.

"They work well together," Jean commented as her mother scanned the drone with her device.

"Indeed," Dr. Wakeman replied, not looking up from her readings. "Fascinating how the ectoplasmic energy interacts with Cluster tech. I should study this..."

Jean rolled her eyes. Even in the middle of a crisis, her mother's scientific curiosity was unshakeable.

A familiar voice called out from behind them. "Ms. Walker! Dr. Wakeman!"

Jean turned to see a young girl with white hair and glowing green eyes, dressed in a black and white hazmat suit similar to Danny's, but with the midriff exposed. Phantasm—or Dani, as she was known to her friends—looked barely twelve years old, but her determined expression made her seem older.

"Phantasm," Jean acknowledged. "I thought you were in Amity Park."

"I was," the ghost girl replied, hovering slightly above the ground. "But I felt Danny might need backup. Looks like my cousin has things under control, though."

Another crash drew their attention back to the battle. Jenny had torn off one of the scorpion's claws while Danny had managed to freeze its tail with his ice powers.

"Almost, anyway," Phantasm amended. "Need a hand?" she called up to Danny.

"We got this!" Danny shouted back, narrowly avoiding another attack.

Jean watched the heroes work together, feeling a curious mixture of fascination and something else she couldn't quite identify. In a world where robots, ghosts, and super-powers were becoming commonplace, there was something both terrifying and thrilling about witnessing them in action.

One of the military officials who had been speaking with Dr. Wakeman approached them. "Dr. Wakeman, I believe this confirms the necessity of accelerating the experimental reactor project. If hostile forces can attack a public event like this so brazenly..."

Dr. Wakeman nodded curtly. "I've been telling you that for months, General. The clean energy applications are just a bonus—the defensive capabilities are what we need to focus on."

The general glanced at Jean. "And the other project we discussed? The one involving your daughter?"

Jean looked at her mother in surprise. Dr. Wakeman's expression remained neutral, but her eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort.

"That's not up for discussion tonight," Dr. Wakeman said firmly. "Jean's involvement in any Wakeman Industries project will be her decision when the time comes."

The general nodded and stepped away as another crash drew everyone's attention back to the battle. Danny and Jenny had coordinated a final attack, with Phantasm joining in from below. The mechanical scorpion sparked and shuddered before collapsing in a heap of mangled metal.

As the threat subsided and people began to cautiously emerge from their hiding places, Jean turned to her mother.

"What project was he talking about?" she asked. "Something involving me?"

Dr. Wakeman adjusted her glasses. "Nothing for you to worry about now, dear. Just some theoretical applications of my research that might benefit from your particular insights." She placed a hand on Jean's shoulder. "There will be time enough to discuss such things when you're ready."

Jean looked back up at the scene where Danny, now joined by Phantasm, was helping Jenny dismantle the remains of the drone. For a fleeting moment, she wondered what it would be like to be part of that world—to have abilities beyond the ordinary.

"When will that be?" Jean asked quietly.

Dr. Wakeman's expression softened slightly. "Soon enough. For now, let's just get through this gala without any more excitement, shall we?"

As if on cue, Danny floated down to join them, his white hair slightly disheveled from the fight but his confident smile firmly in place.

"Miss Walker," he said with a playful bow, "I believe we were interrupted. Care to continue our conversation somewhere less... chaotic?"

Jean couldn't help but smile back. "Lead the way, Mr. Phantom."

As they walked toward a small balcony overlooking the Tremorton skyline, Jean found herself curious about the young hero beside her. The city lights twinkled below them, creating a peaceful backdrop to the chaos they'd just experienced.

"So, has becoming public changed any of your dreams?" Jean asked, leaning against the railing.

Danny sighed softly, his gaze drifting toward the stars above. "I wanted to be an astronaut, but since my powers altered my baseline physiology, I've been officially classified as medically unfit for NASA's program."

"Couldn't you just fly into space on your own?" Jean asked with a slight smirk.

"I said officially," Danny replied with a wry smile. "Though I've made my peace with it. Years of ghost fighting showed me how much I actually enjoy saving people—not just from ghosts, but from injuries too. Plus, the medical field needs people who understand unusual physiologies."

Jean studied his profile against the night sky, noticing how the starlight caught in his eyes. "Is that why you're using Vlad's money for med school? I overheard some executives talking about how you inherited his estate after the Disasteroid incident."

Danny looked surprised. "Word travels fast. But yes, seemed like poetic justice to use his resources for something good. He spent his life trying to hurt people—I want to spend mine helping them."

"That's actually... really admirable. Most people with your abilities would just coast on their fame."

Danny turned to face her, their eyes meeting briefly before he looked back toward the city. "Fame was never the goal. It just happened. Sometimes I miss the anonymity."

"I can relate to that," Jean said softly. "Being Dr. Wakeman's daughter means living with constant expectations. Everyone assumes I'll follow in her footsteps."

"And will you?" Danny asked.

Jean hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the cool stone of the balcony railing. "I love robotics and engineering. It's in my blood. But..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "I want to build something that's mine, not just an extension of Mom's legacy."

"That makes sense," Danny said, moving slightly closer to her. "For what it's worth, I think you'd be brilliant at whatever you choose."

Jean felt a warmth spreading through her chest that had nothing to do with the evening temperature. "You barely know me."

"True," Danny admitted with a half-smile. "But I'm a pretty good judge of character. Comes with the hero territory."

A comfortable silence fell between them as they both gazed out at the cityscape. When Jean shivered slightly in the cool evening air, Danny hesitated before carefully removing his jacket and placing it around her shoulders.

"Ghost powers come with some perks," he explained when she gave him a questioning look. "I don't feel the cold much."

"Thanks," Jean said, pulling the jacket closer around her. It carried a faint scent she couldn't quite identify—something like ozone and mint. "So... does Mr. Phantom make a habit of rescuing damsels in distress at science galas?"

Danny laughed. "Only the ones who can discuss quantum field manipulation over hors d'oeuvres."

Jean raised an eyebrow. "You know about quantum field manipulation?"

"I'm the son of ghost hunters who built a portal to another dimension in our basement," Danny replied. "You pick up a few things."

Their eyes met again, and this time neither looked away. Jean felt her pulse quicken, suddenly aware of how close they were standing.

The moment was interrupted by a small beeping sound from Danny's watch. He glanced down at it with a frown.

"Trouble?" Jean asked.

"Just Phantasm letting me know she's heading back to patrol Amity Park," he replied, tapping a response on the device. "Crime doesn't sleep, unfortunately."

"Does that mean you have to go too?" Jean tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.

Danny looked up at her, his expression softening. "Not necessarily. Dani's got things covered for the night." He paused, then added, "Unless... you want me to go?"

"No," Jean said, perhaps too quickly. She felt her cheeks warm. "I mean, it's nice having someone to talk to who understands what it's like to live with... complications."

Danny's smile returned. "Complications. That's one way of putting it." His expression grew more serious. "You know, when I first got my powers, I thought they'd ruined my life. It took me a long time to realize they were just part of who I am now, not something separate from me."

"Is that why you went public with your identity?" Jean asked.

Danny nodded. "Partly. It was also getting too complicated to keep the secret. Too many close calls, too many lies." He looked at her curiously. "What about you? Any secret identities I should know about?"

Jean laughed, the sound clear in the night air. "Just boring old Jean Walker, I'm afraid. No superpowers here."

"I wouldn't say that," Danny replied, his voice softer. "Your mind seems pretty super to me."

Their gazes locked once more, and Jean felt something shift between them—a recognition, perhaps, of kindred spirits despite their different circumstances. For a moment, she thought he might lean closer, but instead, he gently bumped his shoulder against hers.

"So, Jean Walker," he said with a playful formality, "would it be too forward to ask for your number? You know, in case I need consultation on quantum field manipulation sometime."

Jean felt a smile spread across her face. "I think that could be arranged, Mr. Phantom. For scientific purposes, of course."

"Of course," Danny agreed, his blue eyes sparkling with humor and something else—something that made Jean's heart beat just a little faster.

#danny phantom #my life as a teenage robot #dp #mlaatr #danny fenton #oc #jenny wakeman #nora wakeman #dani fenton

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