SWNOVELXO Chapter 14: Chapter 14
By the time Danny announced, "Mom, I've taken a part-time job," the Fenton household was bustling with activity. Maddie's eyes softened, filled with the endless affection only a mother could muster.
"Sweety, if it's because of the food, you don't need to worry. We can handle it easily," Maddie said, her tone gentle and reassuring. She placed a hand on Danny's cheek and kissed his forehead. "Focus on your studies and training. Doing too much might hurt you."
Danny, usually quick to squirm or protest at such open displays of affection, stood still this time. He was trying to change, after all, and change began with the little things.
"Mom," he said, his voice steady but earnest, "I just want to work and experience the world. I feel like I've been too complacent in my life. If I don't change now, I might not end up anywhere good."
Maddie froze for a moment. There was something different about her son—his words, his posture, the determined gleam in his eyes. For a boy who had always seemed aimless and distracted, these words carried weight. What happened to make him grow so much? she wondered, though the question was tinged with pride rather than suspicion.
"Okay," she relented, a smile breaking through her initial hesitation. "But if I see that it's hurting you, you'll quit. No arguments."
"Thank you, Mom. I love you," Danny said quickly, surprising both of them. Before Maddie could respond, he wrapped her in a hug and kissed her cheek, darting out of the room immediately after.
Maddie watched him go, her heart swelling with joy. It's moments like these that make everything worthwhile, she thought, savoring the rare display of affection. Being a parent was often a thankless job, but this? This made it all worth it.
Just as she returned to her cooking, Jack burst into the kitchen, his face lit with excitement. "Maddie! Mister Sebastian has decided to invest in our project!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.
"Wonderful!" Maddie replied, the energy contagious. The investment would mean they could accelerate their research and procure all the necessary materials to complete their most ambitious endeavor: the Interdimensional Gateway.
The project had been years in the making. Officially, it was designed as a means of safely containing supernaturals and super-powered villains who couldn't be held in ordinary facilities. Unofficially, it was a weapon in their personal crusade against the supernatural creatures that haunted their world.
Jack and Maddie's hatred for ghosts and other entities stemmed from personal trauma. In their university years, they had stumbled upon a sinister phenomenon: a house in a ghost town near Vegas, known ominously as The Monster House. Stranded there after their car broke down, they'd heard the bone-chilling screams of their friends as the house transformed, its windows glowing like fiery eyes. Frozen by terror, they had barely escaped with their lives.
The nightmares still haunted them, and the memories fueled their determination. They had vowed to find a way to eradicate such creatures and protect humanity from similar horrors.
Jazz, too, had her own encounter with the supernatural. While studying for a psychology paper, she had come across a spirit known as the Iron Nurse—a benevolent ghost from local legends who had saved lives during her lifetime and continued to do so in death. It was this experience that convinced Jazz to take her parents' research seriously, and she now worked alongside them, crafting gadgets and devices designed to combat the paranormal.
Danny, on the other hand, had always resisted their efforts. Whether out of fear, disbelief, or a desire to lead a normal life, he had refused to engage with the family's work. Jack and Maddie had tried many times to involve him, hoping to bond as a family, but to no avail.
Maddie sighed, her earlier joy tempered by a hint of sadness. Perhaps Danny was meant to remain ordinary in a family of extraordinary individuals. But maybe, she thought, recalling the conviction in his voice earlier, that's starting to change.
Pain radiated through Sam's body, her muscles screaming in protest as she finished her morning exercises. Her chest heaved, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as she slumped onto the cool grass. Fatigue weighed her down like a heavy blanket, and her mind whispered temptations of giving up, of abandoning this grueling routine and returning to the comfort of her old, easier life.
Her body wanted to quit, but her heart wouldn't let her. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Danny's face—his determined smile, his encouraging words ringing in her ears. It was that image, that memory, that kept her going, even when every fiber of her being begged her to stop.
Every morning was a battle against herself, a war waged between the desire to improve and the seductive call of her warm bed. She hadn't seen any physical improvement yet—it had only been two days, after all—but she couldn't deny the change in her understanding. Danny had mapped out a path for her, one grounded in discipline and practical knowledge. The steps were simple: read, practice, experiment, and repeat until her body and mind absorbed it all.
Sitting there, sweat dripping down her face, Sam couldn't help but wonder, How does Danny do it? Despite the physical strain, the doubts, and the fear, he pushed himself harder than ever. This was the same Danny who had once been afraid of his own shadow, yet now he was taking bold, crazy steps to change himself and the world around him.
Even Tucker, who had always been the tech geek, had stepped up. He was growing in his own way, learning and adapting to the challenges Danny set before them. If they can do it, so can I, Sam thought fiercely. She clenched her fists, her resolve hardening as she made a promise to herself.
I have to be the one to lead them, with unwavering confidence. If they fall, I should be the one to pick them up.
The thought became a mantra, one she repeated in her mind to drown out the doubt. Sam had always been the brave one, the rebellious spark in their group. She was their anchor, the one who challenged them to be better. She couldn't afford to falter now. The idea of becoming a "weak little girl" was unacceptable to her. It wasn't just about physical strength; it was about embodying the resilience and courage that her friends could rely on.
Sam stood, legs trembling but steady, and wiped the sweat from her brow. Her body might be screaming, but her spirit burned brighter than ever. She took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air fill her lungs, and stepped forward.
Danny met up with Sam and Tucker along the way, and as they walked together, he noticed the signs of their training etched on their faces and in their movements. Sam's steps were more deliberate, her posture straighter, while Tucker's energy, though still tinged with exhaustion, carried a new sense of purpose. Seeing them like this reminded Danny of his own grueling journey—the pain, the frustration, and the moments when giving up seemed like the only option.
He knew deep down that if it weren't for Naruto's guidance and relentless push, this kind of training would be impossible. It was the kind of discipline that seemed inhuman for beginners. Yet here they were, walking beside him, each carrying their own struggles and triumphs.
The trio exchanged greetings, their conversations naturally drifting toward their progress. Sam talked about the difficulties of her morning workouts but also shared how she felt more mentally focused than ever. Tucker laughed about the soreness in muscles he didn't know he had, but his smile betrayed his pride in sticking with the regimen. Hearing each other's stories, their shared struggles and small victories, filled them with a sense of camaraderie. They encouraged one another, their bond strengthening as they recognized the changes they were undergoing.
Danny couldn't help but think about the long road ahead. Won't it take them years to become strong enough with this training? he wondered, his growing knowledge of martial arts making him skeptical about quick results.
Naruto's voice broke through his thoughts, calm and measured. Just like I'm testing you, this is a test for them: patience and endurance.
Danny frowned, trying to decipher the meaning behind the words. His friends were giving it their all, and it seemed they were fully committed to this path. But what if they grew tired or disheartened? Naruto didn't elaborate, leaving Danny to wrestle with the question himself. It was clear, though, that Naruto wouldn't force anyone to continue. The choice, as always, was theirs.
As they moved through the school hallways, the changes in the trio's demeanor didn't go unnoticed. Dash had been suspended for a day after an incident the day before, and the other bullies seemed to have backed off entirely. People saw the difference in how Danny, Sam, and Tucker carried themselves now. Their confidence wasn't just an act; it radiated from them, commanding a subtle but undeniable respect.
Even the teachers had started to take notice. The trio's improved focus in class and their determination to succeed academically had shifted opinions. What had once been dismissive glances were now approving nods. The team's hard work wasn't just transforming them physically; it was reshaping how the world around them saw them.
For Danny, this newfound respect lit a fire in his heart. It wasn't just about escaping the "loser" label anymore. It was about building something new—a reputation for resilience, strength, and self-worth. He even made a point to ignore Pauline and the other girls who used to dominate his thoughts. They had once treated him like a nobody, and he wasn't about to grovel for their attention anymore. Unless they took the first step, they weren't worth his time.
Danny's resolve came from a deep realization, one he owed to Naruto's memories and teachings. He had been living without dignity and self-respect, chasing approval from people who never valued him. That was no longer who he wanted to be.
His attention shifted now to the skills and abilities he could earn. After today's mission, he finally had enough points to unlock a new skill: riding. The idea of mastering the art of controlling a bike, especially one as powerful as the Fireblade, thrilled him.
Naruto didn't approve, though. There are better options right now, like the perfect body art or movement art, both of which would enhance your combat potential, he pointed out. But he didn't interfere. Danny's journey was his own to shape, and every choice—right or wrong—was a step toward growth.