Between Two Worlds

A Rift Left Behind

Superman nodded, his relief evident. "Thank you. We've already started working on stabilizing the rift on our side, but it'll take cooperation to close it completely."

(Y/N) frowned. "How do we do that?"

"The rift needs to be sealed simultaneously from both sides," Superman explained. "But the energy required is... significant. We'll need to channel it through someone with a connection to both dimensions."

Danny immediately shook his head. "Absolutely not. (Y/N)'s been through enough already."

"It's not her," Superman clarified. "It's you."

Danny froze, his eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about?"

"You're the bridge between dimensions," Superman explained. "As the ruler of the Ghost Zone, your energy can stabilize the rift. But it won't be easy—and it won't be without risk."

(Y/N)'s heart sank. "Risk? What kind of risk?"

Superman hesitated, then met Danny's gaze. "If the energy destabilizes, it could destroy you."

"No," (Y/N) said immediately, stepping closer to Danny. "There has to be another way."

"There isn't," Superman said quietly.

Danny placed a hand on (Y/N)'s shoulder, his expression calm despite the tension in the air. "It's okay, (Y/N). If this is what it takes to keep you—and both our worlds—safe, I'll do it."

"No," (Y/N)  said again, her voice trembling. "I just got you back. I'm not losing you."

"You won't," Danny promised, his voice steady. "I'll come back. I always do."

The next hours were a blur of activity. Danny and Superman worked to synchronize their efforts, contacting Clockwork for additional guidance. (Y/N) stayed close to Danny, her mind racing with thoughts of what could go wrong.

As they prepared, the air grew heavy with unspoken words. (Y/N) finally pulled Danny aside, her hands gripping his tightly.

"You don't have to do this," she said, her voice breaking.

Danny smiled softly. "Yes, I do. Because it's the right thing to do. And because I love you."

Tears welled in her eyes. "I love you too. That's why I can't lose you."

"You won't," he said, brushing a tear from her cheek. "You're stuck with me, remember?"

She laughed weakly, pulling him into a tight embrace.

The rift loomed above them, its jagged edges pulsating with unstable energy. Danny hovered in front of it, his ectoplasmic aura glowing brighter than ever. Superman and (Y/N) stood below, watching anxiously.

"Ready?" Superman called.

Danny nodded, his expression resolute. "Let's do this."

As the heroes on both sides activated their devices, Danny unleashed a surge of energy, directing it into the heart of the rift. The portal quaked violently, its edges sparking as it fought against the stabilizing force.

(Y/N) watched in awe and terror as Danny's energy clashed with the rift's chaotic power. His glow intensified, illuminating the entire zone.

For a moment, it seemed to be working. The rift began to shrink, its jagged edges smoothing as it pulsed with renewed stability.

But then, the energy spiked.

"Danny!" (Y/N) screamed as the rift exploded in a burst of light, engulfing him completely.