Dan's eyes fluttered open, groaning as he shifted. He was floating in what appeared to be the ghost zone... except he couldn't see any of the doorways. He gaped, suddenly remembering what had happened.

"No... I... I couldn't have lost to that... that... ugh!"

"Think again, Your Highness."

His head whipped around in surprise to see Dani lounging casually. His teeth ground as he stared at her.

"You cost me my empire! You will pay for this-"

"Yeah, yeah, save the threats. Not sure if you've noticed, but we're kind of in this together."

Dan blinked, tilting his head to the side.

"At least if I have to suffer, so do you."

"The deed has been done," Clockwork said, giving a slight bow.

The Observers glanced at each other, nodding.

"Very well... but what of the girl?"

Clockwork's gaze cast down.

"What about her?"

"She's innocent, is she not?"

"Do you know what it took to create the time-bubble? Destroying it to free her would be a mistake... plus, I'm pretty sure he can learn a lot from her."

The Observers frowned as best they could without a mouth. They weren't satisfied with the answer, yet weren't willing to challenge the ghost of time.

"And the ghost-child?"

Clockwork nodded again.

"Don't worry, his future is looking bright. There are many twists and turns in time, but I see a heroic soul. Danny's a tough boy, he'll survive. Better yet, he'll thrive. And with his parent now knowing his secret, they can help him... accept him. My friends, we stand on the brink of a new era... to the future!"

"To the future!"

Well, this story has been so fun to write :). It may take some time before I write another Danny Phantom story, but sometime in the future, I definitely will. Thank you so much for everyone's who's supported the story. And for those of who were there from the beginning til end, you're awesome :).