Going Ghost! (Young Justice) Chapter 240: Inquiries

[Third Person Pov]

Death let out an exasperated sigh the moment she saw the pure look of despair on Danny’s face. “Didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t let her kill you?”

Danny looked up at her with tears already welling in his eyes. He reached over and took her hand in both of his, gripping it tightly. “Didi… you just told me Desire is angry with me because I killed her dog. And you also said that even though you can stop her from killing me, you can’t stop her from doing anything else… which basically means she’s going to make my life a living hell.”

His voice cracked and climbed into a high-pitched, squeaky register as he stared up at her with the most pitiful expression he could manage. “So tell me—how is that any different from a death sentence?”

Death turned her head away, unable to meet those watery green eyes. She scratched her cheek with her free hand, clearly at a loss for words. The worst part was that Danny actually had a point.

After a moment she cleared her throat, withdrew her hand, and gently clasped both of his between her own. Leaning down slightly to reach his eye level, she stared at him with genuine sympathy. “Please… tell me something.”

“What is it?” Danny asked, a fragile spark of hope flickering in his voice.

“What would you want your tombstone to say… so I can be ready?” Death asked, her tone dripping with mock pity.

“...”

“Huh?” Danny blinked, completely blindsided. It was now his turn to be speechless. “Excuse me?”

Death’s carefully maintained serious expression cracked. She started snickering, the sound quickly bubbling up into full, unrestrained laughter as she took in Danny’s utterly bewildered face.

“I’m glad my misery and ultimate demise is so amusing to you,” Danny said flatly, staring at her with a deadpan expression.

Death chuckled behind her hand before reaching over and ruffling his white hair in reassurance. “Don’t worry too much about it. I’ll do my best to hold Desire at bay for as long as I can. He or she is actually pretty reasonable… and isn’t nearly as bad as you’re imagining.”

“You’re only saying that because they’re your sibling,” Danny muttered, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “But fine… whatever. I’ll choose to trust you.”

Death offered him a weary little grin as she watched him resign himself to what he clearly believed was a bleak future. All she could do was give his shoulder a comforting pat.

Once the heavier moment had passed, she tipped her hat toward him with a graceful flourish. “Well… this is where we part ways, I believe. I hope this trip has been enlightening.”

“In more ways than one,” Danny muttered under his breath. He shook his head and managed a genuine smile of gratitude. “It has been. Thank you for answering my questions. I really appreciate it.”

“Happy to help. Now then… tood—” Death began, already turning prepared to make her departure.

“Wait!” Danny suddenly exclaimed, holding out both hands. “I have one more question!”

Death blinked in mild surprise and gestured for him to continue.

“This just occurred to me while I was thinking about everything I’ve learned about the Ghost Zone,” Danny said, his expression growing more serious. “If the Ghost Zone is a preservatory where the memories and feelings from everyone’s previous lives end up… did I somehow get hit with the ones from my own past life? Is that why I can remember?”

Death’s smile turned thoughtful and faintly proud. “In a way… yes,” she answered, clearly pleased by the insightful question. “Although that really shouldn’t have been the case. You’re far from the first person to come into contact with the Ghost Zone, and I doubt you’ll be the last. But this… this has never happened before.”

“Then why did it happen?” Danny pressed, the questions already multiplying in his mind. “Was I just lucky? Would you even call that luck?”

Death smiled and let out a soft, knowing chuckle. “As my brother would say, Danny… There is no such thing as luck. Only—”

“Only destiny,” Danny finished for her in a quiet whisper, the weight of the words settling over him like a soft, inevitable truth.

Death nodded, reaching over to place both hands firmly on Danny’s shoulders. “I knew you were special the moment I laid eyes on you, Danny boy. You no doubt have an interesting destiny awaiting you—one I truly hope to see you reach one day.”

She continued in a gentler tone, “Sometimes, in these kinds of matters, it’s best not to think too hard on such things. Those thoughts only serve to distract you from what’s important.” Unable to resist, she leaned down and pressed a soft, reassuring kiss to Danny’s forehead. “All you really need to understand is this: memories and emotions are washed away for a reason. But if you were made to remember… it’s probably for a reason as well.”

Danny closed his eyes, savoring the gentle sensation of her lips against his skin. When he opened them again, she was already gone.

“Ciao, Danny boy~,” her voice echoed lightly through the empty space. “You know how to reach me if you need anything else. And as always… it’s been a pleasure.”

Danny stood frozen for a few seconds longer, one hand lightly resting against his forehead, a faint warmth coloring his cheeks. “Yeah… see ya,” he replied softly.

He finally turned toward his family’s ghost portal and stepped through.

…

Back at Wayne Manor, Danny found both Dick and Bruce waiting. Bruce had just returned from a Justice League mission, still carrying the quiet intensity that always followed him after long nights as Batman.

“Where were you?” Dick asked, looking at Danny with mild curiosity. “I was just filling Bruce in on what happened. I know you went to deposit the ghost, but you took longer than anticipated.”

“I was with Death,” Danny said, waving off the concern with a tired yawn. “Asking her some questions and stuff.”

“Well, you’ve returned at the perfect time,” Bruce said in his usual plain, measured tone. “I was just about to tell Dick that in a few days I’ll be hosting a charity event as Bruce Wayne.”

“Oh god… a social event.” Danny shivered at the mere thought, earning a snicker from Dick.

“I don’t particularly enjoy them either,” Bruce admitted, “but they serve a purpose. That’s why I’m giving you both advance warning—so you can be ready. Oh, and your friend Samantha and her family will be attending. You can look forward to that.”

“Really?” Danny’s expression brightened immediately, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

Dick scoffed and nudged him with a playful elbow. “You’re so predictable.”

“Shut up,” Danny shot back, pursing his lips. “I’m sure you wouldn’t be acting any differently if Barbara~ was attending as well.”

Dick’s eye twitched at the exaggerated, sing-song way Danny said her name. He glared.

“Barbara?” Bruce asked, glancing toward Dick with something that almost resembled amusement. “As in Commissioner Gordon’s daughter?”

“The one and only,” Danny confirmed with a mischievous grin that could rival the Cheshire Cat’s.

“It’s not like that,” Dick said flatly.

“Should I invite them?” Bruce asked, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Please don’t. Ignore this doofus,” Dick replied, promptly stomping on Danny’s foot. Danny yelped and started hopping around on one leg, clutching his injured foot.

“Anyway,” Bruce continued once the brief chaos settled, “there was one more thing I wanted to discuss with both of you—something the League and I have been talking about at length. We think it’s time we officially take you into the Justice League headquarters.”

Danny and Dick turned to each other, eyes wide with surprise, before looking back at Bruce.

“When?!” Danny leaned forward eagerly.

“July 4th,” Bruce explained. “The rest of the League and I felt it was an appropriate date. You and others have earned the right to step foot inside where we gather.”

“Finally…” Danny clasped his hands together, already tearing up a little. “I’m finally going to get the chance to meet Wonder Woman after all this time.”

Dick stared at him strangely. “Just what is your obsession with Wonder Woman?”

Danny rubbed the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed. “Believe it or not, I’ve genuinely been moved by her compassion. Not to mention she’s so badass. Have you seen her recorded fights? She’s awesome!”

Dick took a step back. “Wait… hold on. Are you actually a genuine fan of Wonder Woman? Not just one of those guys who like her because she’s beautiful?”

Danny looked away shyly. “What of it?”

“Wow…” was all Dick could manage.

Bruce remained completely unfazed. He understood Danny better than anyone.