DISCLAIMER: Danny Phantom belongs to that one Butch Hartman guy...and this fanfic is still being written for fun only.

Back at Fenton Works, things were eerily quiet. Danny had arrived at his home only moments earlier and, already, he felt something wasn't right.

"Mom?" he called out, "C'mon, this isn't funny! Mom, are you in the basement"

He headed down into the basement, AKA the lab, and began to search. The ghost boy double-checked every inch of the area and sighed when he realized that she wasn't there. Next, he floated up to the Emergency Opt Center and searched around. Still nothing.

"Mom?" Danny floated into the kitchen, "You in here? I know I'm home early but Tucker had to take care of passing some laws and Sam had to take care of some chores"

It was then that he noticed the letter lying on the kitchen counter. He smacked his hand against his forehead for being so clueless as to not notice that before. The half-ghost then picked up the note and frowned slightly. His eyes burned with intense fear and anger when he read what was written on the letter.

Dear Ghost Boy,

As you can clearly see, I have taken your mother hostage. If you want to see her again, come alone. Otherwise, I'll simply send my new errand boy to destroy her and any other friends and family you may have.

Oh, and this is not negotiable. Either you come...or my new servant will simply break her neck.

Understand?

Danny's hands trembled as he crumpled the note into a ball and slammed it into the ground. He then slumped into a nearby chair and buried his face into his hands. The ghost boy groaned. Sure, his friends and family had been captured before. But, at least then, he had someone to help him and he knew who or what was holding them hostage. But, now...now Danny felt like he was helpless to save his own mother.

He let out a, if very slight, sigh of relief when he noticed Jazz's car drive up into the driveway. The older-sister then headed inside the door and immediately noticed the saddened expression on her brother's face.

"What's wrong?" asked Jazz, "I've never seen you this bummed out since you first fought Spectra"

Danny sighed and handed Jazz the crumpled note. Her expression mirrored that of her brother's now. However, she managed to regain her composure and gently hugged her brother. Right now, Jazz couldn't afford to lose control of her emotions. She had to remain strong for her brother's sake.

"Are you sure it's not some sick joke?" she asked in concern, "I mean"

"IT'S NOT A JOKE!" Danny yelled clearly upset, "S-She could be dead by now...J-Jazz..I-I don't even know who did it or where she is! I-It's all my fault...A-All my fault"

He then buried his face in his hands and began to tremble. It quickly became clear to his sister that Danny was crying, but, like most boys his age, was trying to hide it. Though, he currently wasn't doing a good job.

Jazz sighed and gently hugged Danny to comfort him, "Shh...it's ok. I promise, we'll do whatever it takes to get our mom back. You're not alone in this, and you never will be. You don't have to carry these burdens by yourself"

She then gently wiped a few tears from Danny's eyes. Danny smiled weakly and hugged his sister back.

"T-Thanks." he whispered, "I needed that"

"Good." the older-sister smirked, "Now, we have a lot of work to do. As soon as dad gets home, we'll start thinking of a plan."

Author's Notes: Again, thank you for the reviews. Oh, and don't worry. Dan will still be evil...or insane...or, whatever Dan is. Anyway, the next part is coming soon.