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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Code Name: Ghost Boy

[Third Person's PoV] 

Location: Gotham City/Batcave

Date: January 4th

Time: 11: 21 PM

Danny found himself back in the Batcave, the cavernous expanse lit with the glow of computer screens and various high-tech gadgets. The atmosphere felt tense, yet alive, humming with the energy of countless hidden secrets. Despite the awe-inspiring surroundings, Danny was in the middle of yet another humiliating moment. Batman and Robin were off to the side, speaking in low, urgent tones when Danny's exasperated voice broke through.

"Uh… guys? A little help here?" he called out, his voice tinged with annoyance and desperation.

Batman and Robin turned towards him, their sharp eyes widening slightly at the sight. Danny was halfway through the ground, his legs intangible and sunk into the floor while his upper body flailed helplessly.

"Again?" Robin groaned, rushing forward with Batman to grab Danny under his arms. Together, they hauled him out, leaving his legs dangling awkwardly in the air.

"Can you stop doing that?" Robin snapped, his tone laden with exasperation. "That's the fifth time this has happened since we got into the Batmobile! I had to hold onto you the entire ride just so you wouldn't fall through the seat."

Danny scowled, his cheeks flushing slightly. "You think I want to be like this? I just got these powers today! Do you think there's a 'How to Be a Ghost 101' manual lying around?"

"Focus," Batman said firmly, his deep voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Concentrate on your lower half. Picture it solidifying."

Danny closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He visualized his legs becoming tangible, willing them to materialize. For a moment, it seemed to work—his legs reappeared, solid and firm.

"See? That wasn't so—" Robin began, but his words were cut off as Danny's arms turned intangible instead. He slipped out of their grasp and landed face-first on the cold, metallic floor.

There was a long silence.

Danny stayed sprawled on the ground, groaning softly. "This day just keeps getting better and better…" he muttered, his voice muffled by the floor.

Robin pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "Just get up already."

"What's the point?" Danny grumbled, rolling onto his back and staring up at the ceiling of the Batcave. "I'll probably just fall through the floor again."

Robin crouched next to him, his voice softening. "It's not about how many times you fall. It's about how you pick yourself back up."

Danny shot him a look, one eyebrow raised. "God, that's cheesy. How did you manage to say that with a straight face?"

Robin smirked, standing up and offering Danny a hand. "Cheesy or not, it got you off the ground, didn't it?"

Reluctantly, Danny took his hand and got to his feet. He clenched his fists and focused hard, his body stabilizing—at least for now.

"Well, lucky for you, it's Friday," Robin said with a grin. "You've got the weekend to practice."

"Yay," Danny deadpanned, raising his fist weakly in mock enthusiasm.

Robin turned to Batman, his expression growing serious. "Are you sure about this?"

Batman gave a single, resolute nod. "It's a gamble—but one worth taking."

Robin sighed but nodded in agreement. Slowly, he reached for his mask while Batman pulled back his cowl. Danny's eyes widened as both of them revealed their faces to him.

"Sup, Danny," Robin—now Dick Grayson—said with a cheeky grin. "Surprise!"

Danny blinked, staring at them with mild shock before letting out a tired sigh. "Honestly, I'm too emotionally drained to feel anything right now. If this had been any other day, I'd probably be freaking out."

Dick groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "The one time I dramatically reveal my identity, and you're too tired to care! What a buzzkill."

Batman—Bruce Wayne—intervened, his tone calm. "You'll be staying here with us. I'll be training you to control your powers, and I saw no reason to keep our identities a secret from you."

Danny nodded, his expression softening. "Thank you… for trusting me. I promise I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me."

Dick crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Good. As long as we're clear."

"Don't make me regret it," Bruce added, his voice firm but not unkind.

Danny nodded again. "So… what's next? Training?"

"Not tonight," Bruce said. "Alfred will take you to your room. You need rest. We'll start fresh in the morning."

As if summoned, Alfred appeared, descending the stairs with his usual composed grace. "Master Daniel, your quarters are ready. Please, follow me."

Danny offered a tired smile. "Thanks. And just call me Danny."

As Alfred led him through the sprawling halls of Wayne Manor, Danny couldn't help but marvel at the sheer opulence around him. Finally, they arrived at a large, elegant room. Alfred opened the door with a faint smile. "This shall be your quarters. Do make yourself comfortable."

Danny muttered a quiet thanks and stepped inside. The room was lavish—far too extravagant for someone who had spent most of their life in a modest home. He sat on the edge of the enormous bed, his gaze distant. As the silence enveloped him, the weight of the day finally hit. His lips quivered, and he gripped the bed tightly, tears welling up in his eyes.

Outside, Alfred hesitated near the door, hearing the faint sound of sniffling. He raised a hand to knock but stopped himself. After a moment of deliberation, he sighed and walked away, leaving Danny to his solitude.

---

Back in the Batcave, Dick turned to Bruce with a concerned expression. "He's really struggling. I mean, losing your parents and sister in one day… it's a lot."

Bruce placed a hand on Dick's shoulder. "He needs support. Someone close to his age who understands what he's going through. Be that for him."

Dick nodded solemnly. "Don't worry. I'll look out for him."

Then his expression brightened slightly. "Still, he can turn into a ghost. That's… kinda cool. I can't wait to see what else he can do."

Bruce returned to his computer. "Supercomputer, create a new file. Code Name: Ghost Boy. Record: intangibility, invisibility, flight, and transformation between forms. Weaknesses: unknown. Further testing required."

Dick shook his head, muttering under his breath. "You really are ruthless."

Bruce said nothing, his focus already back on the screen.

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