It's a Dog's Life

The Cuckoo's Chime

~*~*~

Bonjour and salutations, my friends! ^^ Forgive me for taking so long to update.....D:.....have been rather busy lately. Most unfortunately, that 'rather busy' really includes this authoress being scatterbrained...and, most appallingly, lazy. (I LOATHE that word! Loathe! Despise! Abhor! There is no excuse for laziness in this world-so this authoress must slap herself, and keep on moving!

Hoping you are well. This chapter is an odd one (Once again....) but I began to ponder the brood parasite known as the cuckoo once again. (I once did it with Vlad, seeing as while he's quite the cuckoo himself, he rather does the opposite of what normal cuckoo hatchlings do in CM-which is to kick the other eggs out of the nest so they have a better chance of prospering....though, we all know that if he had the chance earlier, he wouldn't have hesitated to punt Jack out of the nest. *Gulps.* Now, Vlad seems to disregard Jack with a slight annoyance instead of true hate-I guess Danny made an effect or two......:D

But, while I could duly rant about Danny and Vlad's odd, intricate relationship for a good hour, this fiction is solely devoted to our little buddy, TJ. ^^ Sorry, everyone!

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom. Nor do I own the Checkmate Tales-most fortunately. Sufficient to say, I would have cracked in Pearl's shoes right about now. *Hugs.* I only have permission to do side-shots.

Take care, everybody!

Quote:

"The best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master."

~*~

I-had-run-run-run-around-where-Danny-Danny-Danny was hovering, feeling panicked as I felt his tingly-cold-silver-haired-not-there-but-there-in-shadow-walking-form-Danny-aura-begin-to slowly back away.

No.

Nooooooooo.

No, no, no, no, no.

No.

Friskily barking and whining, I slowly advanced-on-him, tail waving frantically as I did so. But I could-catch-it-later.

Jazz-scent-a-bit-like-Danny's-but-not-Danny's only sighed, and suppressed a yawn as she blearily made her way over to the two of us: Me, yipping for sheer delight as Danny's-aura-unable-to-be-seen-form-froze-petrified-still-stiff-still-still-still as his sister approached, looking exasperated as she reached for my collar, and began to tug me from the room, heading for the backdoor.

I yanked at the hold, yapping fearfully, as I attempted to bolt. Nooooo! Danny!

I wanted to see him!

I wanted to play!

I did not want to go-outside, because-outside-was-where-Danny-was-not!

At this point, I would've gone into a sheer panic attack if it weren't for-Danny's-aura-beginning-to-glide-after-us-as Jazz pulled me along, not comprehending the whines that were now bursting from my distressed persona....or dogsona, whichever-one-you-call-it.....in spite of myself. Jazz absentmindedly shuddered as she-moved-past-Danny's-shadow-form-tugging-at-her-robe-slightly-in-a-subconcious-move over-the-drop-in-temperature-that-came-from-my-master's-brrr-brrr-brrr form.

She lead me outside, to the backyard with the fence that-the-man-who-sorta-kinda-can-eat-more-then-I-can had finally crafted to keep me from going-far-too-far, much to my disgruntlement. But that was hardly an issue as of right now as Jazz guided me-under-a-tapestry-of-twinkling-twinkling-glow-specks-in the-darkness, and released my collar. I scurried about barking in excitement-excitement-excitement as I felt Danny-Danny-Danny soar into the-backyard, still in his-not-there-but-there-form.

Jazz rolled her eyes ever so slightly.

"TJ, chill out! What are you so excited about anyway?"

I only yapped louder as Jazz closed the small white-gate-I-cannot-scurry-over-or-bury-under. Couldn't she see him? Feel him? Go all tingly-tingly-tingly?

But I supposed not, for otherwise, I-think-Jazz-would-be-happy-loud-good-good-good-nice-aura-joy-cheering-wake-violet-eyes-and-the-man-who-can-eat-more-then-I-can-if-she-could-feel him.

Nevertheless, I could feel Danny shift ever so slightly in the air, turning-to-face-Jazz.

And, if-my-ears-are-not-twisted-or-too-wrong-wrong-not-right, I thought could hear Danny smile, albeit a bit sadly. His aura-was-radiating-with-sad-sad-sad-but-happy-happy-relief-at-the-sight-of-Jazz. He wanted-to-talk-to-her. He-wanted-to-hug-her.

Badly.

So, why didn't he? Why couldn't he?

My eyes flickered from the spot where I knew Danny was to Jazz for a millisecond, who was making her way back to the house. But, she paused, and-looked-up-at-the-night's-gentle-dark-spotted-twinkly-canopy, orbs-sad-sorrowful-not-good-not-happy.

But Danny was always happy when-he-looked-up-at-the-sky, or would go onto the roof of FentonWorks to look at the dark-sea-of-stars, me-snoozing-in-his-lap. His eyes-would-glow...except for the times-when-bitter-anguish-not-good-desperate-desperate-took-hold-of-the-features-I-so-readily-adored.

But-the-twinkling-little-glows-in-the-sky-were-not-the-ones-who-made-him-sad. When Danny looked up at the night sky, there-was-fresh-life-and-wonder-and-hope-and-adventures-I-wanted-to-be-with-him-on-in-his-face. Therefore, they had to be good things. Nice things.

So....why did Jazz look so unhappy looking at them? Why-were-her-orbs-shimmering?

I could feel Danny's spirits sink around his aura as Jazz at last exhaled, and tore her eyes away from the sea of infinite impossibilities-and-probabilities-as-she-spoke-once-again, albeit-in-a-whisper-this-time.

"Where are you, Danny?"

For whatever reason, she wiped her eyes with her robe's sleeve, made the unhappy-exhale-release-of-air again, smiled at me, and then, returned to the house, closing the door quietly behind her as-she-disappeared.

I could feel Danny's aura begin to flutter to Earth, landing silently upon the grass as I began to wag my tail madly by this point-still behind-the-darn-fence-that-Danny's-father-had-created, albeit a bit clumsily- with much grumbles-of-words-that-I-could-not-understand-and-bandaged fingers.

Finally, in the silence, my master spoke softly, his voice ringing with-unexpenable-sorrow-in-his-words-choked-up-not-good, not happy.

".......I'm right here, Jazz."

~*~

I could feel his head turn, and felt him make his way over to the fence where I excitedly barked and scurried about, wishing more then ever that I-could-jump-on-him-and-lick-lick-lick-him-repeatably-till-he-fell-over-flat.

He-went-not-there-ghostly-brrr-through the white fence, and, as I bounded towards him, I could feel-his-motions-next-to-me-as-he-kneeled-onto-the-ground, though I could still-see-nothing-nothing-nothing.

"Glad you still remember me," he said at last, albeit with a sad chuckle.

A pause. I could feel Danny-carefully-look-about-himself, then uneasily-peer-at-his-wrist-for-whatever-reason.

And, with the slightest bit of hesitation, Danny became visible. Him. My master. Danny. Not-air, not-brrr-not-there-but-there....

There.

Immediately, I eagerly pounced on my-startled-friend, so-overwhelmed-with-giddy-happiness, that-I-knocked-him-straight-to-the-ground-in-my-jubilation, immediately-beginning-to-joyfully-lick-his-face.

I heard him grunt-in-astonishment, attempting to regain-air-that-had-just-been-knocked-out-of-his-lungs-as-he-attempted-to-push-me-off. Nope. Not happening.

"Man, TJ! You've gotten big and… heavy!" he gasped, gently patting what-little-part-of-my-head-and-back-as-I-continued-my-ministrations, so wild-with-delight-was-I.

Beep.

Beep.

Beeeep!

I heard a faint beep-beep-beeping sound emanating from Danny's wrist, where-the-same-black-elegant-shackle-lay-smugly-clasped-around-Danny's-thin-wrist's green-flashing-button-switched-to-red. But I could sniff it-and-observe-it-later. I was too busy-giving-Danny-'I missed you gifts.' Later on, I could fall upon the entire collection-of-'Welcome Home' greetings I wanted to dispatch-!

"I thought I told you to stay invisible."

At the sharp, irritated-not-happy-not-pleased-voice emanating from the shackle, Danny froze almost immediately, gentle-and-happy-green-orbs-splitting-into-shock.

And then, remembrance began to dawn over now sad-sad-eyes as I frantically licked him, sparking into a quick anger-anger-anger-before-clouding-with-weary-resignation.

He sat up-albeit awkwardly, as I had grown quite a bit-and still am, thank you very much-and sadly scratched me from behind the ear, in my favorite spot, before he glided an inch or two above the ground.

And then, he said the-horrible-words. The ones I now-don't-ever-ever-like-to-hear-now.

Ever.

"Alright, I gotta go."

He gave me a last, tight embrace before turning-shadow-walker-not-there-but-there-one again. My heart clanged wildly with comprehension as I began to whine once again, not wanting Danny to go away again.

And with one last, bittersweet smile, Danny glided away from the fence, leaving me alone under an ocean of stars.

~*~

That night was-sad, sad.

I was alone.

I was alone, outside, in the dark, without a master-to-ravish-with-eager-affections-and-a-wanton-desire-to-play, play, play!

Danny-did-not-come-back. Danny could not come back.

Why, I do not know.

Feeling slightly weary again, I hopped down from the windowsill, ill at ease at what I was supposed to do next.

I did not want to remember anymore. Nothing sad. Nothing-unhappy. Nothing-where-I-sat-on-the-cool-grass-and-watched-the-stars-occasionally-decide-to-race-one-another-in-the-sea-of-sky-glow-till-dawn-began-to-peek-over-sleepy-purple-clouds, and-I soon-fell-asleep-with-the-sun-patting-me-on-the-back-warmly-with-bright-light, telling me that I was a good boy.

My tummy grumbled again. I'm still hungry. I wonder when lunch is......

Deciding that it wouldn't do very very much good to keep wondering when I could eagerly devour a yummy-delicious-oh-boy-lunch, I figured-I-might-as-well-visit-the-other-dog, and see what he-was-what-up-to.

With that thought, I hurried out of the room.

~*~

Absentmindedly bouncing down the steps, I dimly pondered-how-the-other-dog-was-doing. He's always there if I'm in the mood to see him-near that small frame-glassy-cool-watery-thingy. Though he wasn't much one to divulge in a conversation with, anything was better then hovering about, alone.

More then food, I hoped Jazzy would be home soon. Or Danny's parents. Or-the-girl-that-Danny-has-a-big-crush-on-to-take-me-on-a-walk, and tell me-I-was-a-good-and-nice-puppy. Even my namesake with the remarkably chewable hat would be welcome enough company. I was lonely now.

Feeling slightly woebegone, I stopped at the large-frame-where-I-knew-the-other-dog-would-soon-be arriving. But he'd been approaching from a distance, mimicking me as usual. Copycat.

Perhaps he was lonely too?

Feeling slightly more sympathetic for the dog, I awkwardly raised a paw to the glass-sheet-he-so-stubbornly-keeps-around his-home, noting that he did the same-though, his paw was cool and slippery to the touch.

Now suddenly in the mood to play, I wondered if I could impress and startle the other puppy by showing just how scary and ferocious I could be. Surely, I could be tough or courageous if I wanted to be. I could protect Danny and make him smile. He-wouldn't-need-to-go-away-if-I-could-do-that.

I lowered myself to the floor, attempting to flatten myself as I bared the few teeth I had, hackles raising as I felt smugness radiate over me. Surely, the other dog would be impressed!

My eyes quickly flashed to the mirror as I slipped in a few, uncertain growls that sounded a bit garbled, but I'm sure that was-easy-enough-to-overlook. I was fierce. I was triumphant!

I was-

As my eyes fixated onto the other puppy, I started violently, yipping slightly as I drew away from the other dog, my chest heaving as I shook my head, my ears flopping back and forth as I did so.

The other puppy didn't look remotely frightening-but I was going to scare 'Mire Ore....' or whatever Jazz had called this thing, pointing and laughing at me and the other puppy first! No fair!

Sighing softly, I plopped onto the rug again, feeling-slightly-put-out.

Darn.

I-very-much-wanted-to-play. Even-if-I-am-not-a-deadly-fiercesome-opponnet, I should have very much to have liked to have done something!

Sighing lightly, I stood again, feeling resigned as I passed-the-other-puppy's-home, licking-it-halfheartedly-as-I-did-so. I wouldn't have liked to really frighten him.

Much.

~*~

I passed the living room, my ears flopping again as I remembered the-happy-joyous-wonderful-good-scurry-and-scrabble-about-splendor-that-had-taken place here...just a little over.....far too long ago, I figure.

Give or take.

~*~

"So.....Danny, what are you going to name your dog?"

After a great deal of-mirth-good-good-everyone-came-out-and-exclaimed, "Surprise!" whatever that meant, I had finally fallen into-a-doze-on-Danny's-warm-lap, blinking blearily as Jazz gently patted my head. Murmuring in approval, I closed my eyes, ready to doze on.

I felt Danny lift and lower his shoulders ever so slight.

"I don't know, Jazz. I've been thinking about it....but I haven't really thought of a name that suits him yet."

I wagged my tail sleepily, pleased that everyone gathered around me-and-the-boy-who-I-decided-I-loved-very-much-was-talking-about-me. I wriggled slightly, but remained curled up on Danny's lap.

"Why don't you name him.....Spot?" The-boy-with-a-very-chewable-hat-suggested.

I wriggled again, but this time, not entirely from pleasure.

Spot?!

Evidently, my master agreed with me. He made a soft sound of disdain, and began to shake his head.

"Spot? Tucker, do you realize how lame that sounds?"

The-girl-with-violet-eyes-scoffed-as-well, sounding annoyed.

"Yeah, not to mention how totally unoriginal the name is!"

Tucker rolled his eyes, huffing as he sat back in his chair, and sulkily crossed his arms.

"Well, I don't see you coming up with anything!"

Jazz cast me a thoughtful glance as I withdrew into my welcoming, warm little ball again.

"What about....'Matches'?" Jazz suggested, patting me on the head once again.

Danny paused for a minute or so, his brow slightly crinkled as he pondered the name. I wagged my tail again faintly, deciding that while the sound-reference-thing-they-were-talking-about-me-wasn't-a-right-fit-suit-good-and-sure, it certainly beat 'Spot.' You might-as-well-get-a-magic-dragon-and-name-it Puff!

"Hmmmm.....that could work…" Danny mused lightly, still stroking my fur gently as he did so. "It just doesn't seem to suit him…"

The-girl-with-tanned-flesh-and-a-habit-of-looking-at-Danny-in-a-way-that-made-Sam-violet-eyes-very-very-on-the-warpath spoke up at last.

"You know, it's just a dog, Danny. You could name him Tucker and he wouldn't know any better." Valerie added with a smirk.

I most certainly would, thank you very much!

"Hey!" Tucker protested, sounding quite indignant by the point as the teen pondered the matter.

"You know Val, you've got a point. Tucker did give him to me......"

He had a small smile on his face as he considered the matter. But Tucker was looking thunderstruck by this point.

"What? No way, man! You are not going to name your dog after me!"

Danny chuckled slightly as he continued to scratch me from behind the ears.

"Oh come one Tuck. You should be happy! Your name is going to be passed on."

The boy let out a scandalized squeak.

"Not to a dog!" Tucker exclaimed.

A pause. Then, all four teens burst out laughing at Tucker's sour expression, the boy's face at last breaking into a hesitant smirk as the boy at last began to chuckle lightly in response, shaking his head as he did so.

My tail resumed to sleepily wag at the laughter gradually dying down, the girl named Valerie wiping at her eyes as she at last directed Danny once again, a large smile planted on her features.

"Are you really going to name him Tucker?"

The teen just managed a small grin.

"Nah, I was getting Tucker back for a few that he owed me," he commented light heartedly as he placed my wriggling form on the ground near his feet once again.

Jazz's eyes lit up as a small idea glinted into conciousness.

"Well it doesn't have to be 'Tucker' itself. You could name him TJ or something."

THAT sounded good-oh-boy-cool-good-good-right-right-right. My ears picked up, and I looked at Danny hopefully, who was now casting Jazz an inquiring expression.

"TJ?"

"Yeah, it's short for Tucker Jr," she commented brightly.

"Hmm.. "

A look of utmost contention broke upon Danny's face.

"TJ huh? It's not bad!"

He turned to his friends with a large grin-the one-I-had-already-very-much-learned-to-love.

"What do you guys think?"

Sam smirked.

"Seriously, it isn't that bad....just as long as you don't tell people that it's short for Tucker Jr."

Valerie merely shrugged, and Tucker cast him a resigned "Why-not" as Danny scooped me up once again.

"Okay! TJ, it is! Oh, and don't worry so much, Tuck. It's TJ, not Tucker Jr.....so you don't have to worry about me screaming "Tucker!" in the streets."

Tucker just rolled his eyes as the room exploded into laughter once again.

(*)~*~*~(*)

I let out a soft sigh at the fond memory, moving away from the couch as I trotted to the nearby door, my spirits beginning to sink again.

Never again would I sleep in to the extent that I was left inside while Jazz-and-Danny's-and-Jazz's-mother-and-father-seized-the-day. Being outside was much more fun-and less thought provoking then-being-cooped-up-in-all-day. It only made me miss Danny-more.

And, made me starkly hungry, at that. But, to be fair, anything and everything made me hungry.

I started ever so slightly as I heard a car make the way up the slope. My heart began to thud vibrantly at the lovely noise that skirted up the drive.

Maddie and Jack! They were here!

HOME!

I had company! At last! My-solitude-was-broken!

My head sprung up at the beautiful-lovely-noise, and I made a beeline for the nearby door, heart singing at the wonderful significance of sound once again.

Even-if-it-was-Jack-and-Maddie, and not-Jazz-and-Danny-Danny-Danny, I would be more then-happy-cheer-cheer-at-the-comforting-prospect-of-another-person's-company.

I raced for the door, just in time to see it open-by a single hair, and-

~*~*~

-and I stopped dead, my momentum-causing-me-to-screech-forwards-a-few-inches, in spite of the terror that had forwardly wiped my mind into an empty syringe.

Plain, healthy, and clean sense should have compelled me to run.

Run-run-run-run, and never-ever-ever look back.

But there was no feeling left in my limbs-as-icy-icy-bad-bad-bad-bad-dread began to run through my-hyperventilating-bad-bad-system.

=)=(=o=~)

~*~

Any company would have been welcome at this point.

....pardoning this one.

I trembled slightly as I took one trembling step back.

Then another.

And another.

~*~

Anyone else would have been welcome.

Anyone but this one.