So, this should be an interesting chapter. I was thinking a lot about how I can do this chapter. I can tell ya one thing, it ain't gonna be with yo-yos XD.
Also, I decided not to fix Paulina's quotes, because I'm too lazy. Sorry ^^; Review please!
Danny left his lab, after a tiresome day of working on one of his latest projects. Opening the door, he realized that the house was dark, making him quietly sigh as he stared at the time on his phone. 11:03 PM, figures it would be time for bed. It was strange his parents would not be up late watching some Hallmark movie or something. Either way, it was late and it was time for bed.
On his way to bed, he realized he forgot to take out the trash. Well, might as well get it over with and done. Danny was already having to reorganize his schedule to make room for Danny Phantom to share a life of his own. He lifted the bag of trash, tied it, then quietly took it outside. He made sure to open and close the door quietly before leaving outside to the trash bin.
It was as soon as Danny place the trash in the trash bin that four figures crept up behind him. Some sort of cloth was placed over his mouth, plugging his nose at the same time. Danny struggled, knowing this was a kidnapping. He couldn't see the figures, it was dark and they grabbed him from behind. Strong arms placed his own against the side of his body as he attempted not to breathe, while his hand dug into his pocket. His hunger for air got the best of him and breathed in the drug inside the cloth before feeling drowsy, his body limping.
After passing out, the three figures took Danny, pulled out his phone from his pocket, and threw it in the trash bin. What they didn't see was the iPhone screen reading message sent to Dash Baxter.
Dash had his earbuds on, watching some YouTube videos to distract himself from the ruckus going on in the living room. His dad and older brother Ronald were drinking beer, while watching football. Dash played the game, so he found it boring watching others play. He was more into watching violence or funny YouTube Poops. They were always entertaining.
There was a text from Danny. Dash tapped the text, pausing the video, then read the message, "SOS." Dash's eyebrows rose, reading the text as he went to his contact list to call Paulina and Sam. Hopefully, one of them will answer. Sam's parents were strict, though Dash was sure Paulina's bedtime was not until midnight. They both answered.
"Hola!" Paulina greeted.
"This better be important. You know how overbearing my parents are. They expect me in bed by 9," Sam replied in a whisper, indicating that she was tying to keep it quiet so her parents wouldn't hear.
"Danny just text me SOS. Something's up," Dash replied.
"What's going on?" Paulina replied worriedly.
"Is he alright?" Sam asked.
"I don't know. Are either of you able to investigate? Pops and my jerky brother are too drunk to care," Dash replied.
"My parents have cameras everywhere in the house both in and outside," Sam replied. Dash guessed that the location of the cameras didn't include the bedrooms, probably because why place a camera at an area where you change?
"Papa would kill me, if I was to sneak out and he will know. Remember Disney World?" Paulina reminded Dash.
"Guys, I have a suggestion, how about we call the police? It isn't like we can do a better investigation than they."
The trio paused, thinking it through. Paulina then replied, "si."
"What if it's a ghost problem?" Dash asked.
"They know about ghosts in Amity Park and Danny's parents are ghost scientists. I doubt if the cops are so stupid and ignorant to turn down a couple of ghost experts and their friends that have experience with dealing with ghosts and hold information about past specter enemies."
"Good point. I'll call 911 as an additional call, but nothing on Danny Phantom."
"Duh," the girls replied together.
Dash made an additional 911 phone call. There were several rings before someone picked up. Dash, Sam and Paulina reported their missing friend. Of course, this required the kids passing their phone to their parents or the girls' parents, since Dash did not want to get his drunk family involved. Sam was subtly stubborn at first, but after Paulina gave in, Sam followed. Their parents had no idea about the incident and Sam was surprised at how understanding her parents, especially mother, was about the incident.
The following morning, the three teens watched as the police investigated the trash bin where Danny's cell phone was found. Jazz was bawling out crying, while the three other kids stood strong. They were all worried, but knew crying about it wouldn't bring their friend back. A part of them wondered if there was a ghost involved. After all, it wouldn't be the first time a ghost attempted kidnapping. The police were questioning Valerie, declared as a prime suspect.
"How could this have happened? The last thing I did was complain about Danny being up in the middle of the night. If only I..." Jazz cried, tears pouring out like a waterfall.
"It wasn't your fault and I'm sure Danny's alright. We'll find him," Sam replied, trying to cheer Jazz up.
Dash felt so confused as he watched a police officer dig through the garbage to find any trace of evidence. If the phone was there, certainly there might be other clues. Another police officer was using some sort of electronic detector to find any evidence on the ground, carefully scanning. He suddenly stopped at one area, taking out some sort of eyedropper to suck a little bit of liquid before placing it in a small bag.
Using this moment, Dash quietly walked around the yellow ribbon to the officer that seemed like the leader of the investigation.
"What is that stuff he just got off the sidewalk?" Dash asked.
"We don't know. It could be a lead. We will be examining it in our lab."
"They have a lab in the basement and if it's a ghost, it will instantly show."
"Hm... it's unusual for us to use privately owned equipment. Unfortunately, we can't use it without a warrant or permission of the owner."
"Seriously?"
"It's in the Constitution. Fourth Amendment, no searches or seizures," Sam smirked.
"Who reads that stuff anyways?" Dash asked, slightly complaining.
"Those who want to be qualified to vote," Paulina replied, smirking.
"We have a lab of our own upstairs. You can use that, if it will help find our little boy faster," Maddie replied, trying to stay strong.
"Thank you, Mrs. Fenton. We will try to find your son as soon as possible," the police officer promised, leading his team upstairs to examine the evidence.
Dash sighed quietly. So many questions were filling the teens' minds. Obviously, due to Danny Phantom being inside Danny Fenton, he was bound to have some enemies. Though, it didn't make sense how he got captured without Danny Phantom popping in. He shared a special link with the Fenton kid to feel or detect some form of stress signal. Dash guessed that maybe Danny was drugged or tasered. If he was drugged, Danny Phantom would be too weak to change, being he would depend on Danny's body to perform the switch. If Danny was tasered, then he would be knocked out completely, too unconscious to change. If Danny did change to his alter ego, certainly someone in the house would've heard it. Jack was a deep sleeper, but Maddie could wake up from a pin dropping.
Everyone was quiet. Paulina noticed this and it made her feel more discomfort than she already felt. She took a deep breath, about to say something when the door knocked. Everyone stared at the door. Maddie stood up and walked to the door, answering it. Behind the door was a strong, tall young adult with an army cut dark-blond hair in a regular black muscle shirt and dirty jeans. Dash immediately glared at the man.
"What do you want, Ronald? Are you trying to stalk me again, because we've got two cops upstairs I'd love to see come down here and make you kiss the floor," Dash asked harshly.
"Pfft go ahead, if seeing me kiss the floor is more important than the whereabouts of your loser friend," Ronald smirked as Dash grinned, glaring even deeper.
"Where is he!? Talk now!" Dash yelled, standing up to go after Ronald, looking like he was going to beat his brother, before Jazz, Sam and Paulina grabbed a hold of him to pull him back.
"Look, I don't know the specifics, but word on the vine is that he was taken by that stupid gang of yours you used to be a part of. Royalty Gang or something?" Ronald replied, rolling his eyes as Dash stopped from his violent rampage, eyes widened and full of fear. "I'm guessing you know whom. Anyways, your stupid gang heard that your loser friend was a nerd for ghost stuff or something, so they're having him make some ghost gadgets to use, so they can take over some neighborhoods that some ghost gangs have taken from them. As for where he is, heck if I know. They never give any specifics to where they keep their hostages, unless they're asking for a ransom."
"This could be important for the cops to investigate," Maddie stated.
"Whatever. If it can help us rid that lameo gang, I'll talk. Though, I don't know how much that will help. My little bro knows more about this group than I do," Ronald smirked, while Dash was glaring out the window. It was true, he knew a lot about this gang, but...
"They moved their base. No way that they would stay in the same location, since four witnesses know where it's at and can get the cops after them," Dash said.
"Why didn't you?" Jack asked.
"Wha... I... you think I would turn in people that were once considered the only family I had?" Dash asked rhetorically as Danny's parents rose their eyebrows. "I had no one and they just took me in, treated me like I belonged. The main honchos hate me, but the lower ranks still consider me like a brother. If I reveal their base, I- they will all be taken out. I can't do that to them. Some of them have it worse than me."
This made the parents speechless as Ronald snorted, "he's right. The thugs we're talkin, most of them come from low lives with parents that don't give a rat's butt about their lives. They could be dead and it would be like they barely knew 'em. That's how life works. Survival of the fittest."
"How about this? We tell the cops what's going on and explain the situation. You don't have to tell them your life story, just how much you know. You do have the right to remain silent, even about certain things. If this doesn't go to the cops, there is no telling what those old friends of yours could do to Danny. I know they were family to you, many of them still are. I have old amigas I still consider family that aren't from the right part of town, but they also know to keep their distance from my amigos and familia. If they can't at least do that, they're not your amigos, Dash," Paulina pointed out as Dash looked into the latina's eyes, then frowned slightly.
"I'll... I'll tell them as much as they need to know, even their previous location... there is a chance they expect me to look for Danny. Even if it may lead to a trap, there's bound to be one that knows his or at least leave us some clues."
"On top of the fact they are still waiting for you to decide to join their group again. You were like their shining star back in the day. Pfft, pathetic," Ronald replied, rolling his eyes.
"We'll help you find him," Sam promised.
"We're coming too. We're not going anywhere without our son," Jack declared.
"You're in for it, squirt," Ronald smirked as Dash shot him a glare. Suddenly, they heard the cops leave the lab and walk down the steps.
"We got the test results. It appears that the the victim was given a bit of Chloroform to knock him out before he was taken. We also found some fingerprints that don't belong to the victim on his phone. We can send these to the lab at Police Headquarters to identify the owner of the fingerprints," the police officer announced.
"That's good. We also found a witness that came knocking on our door. He says our son was taken by some gang Dash claims he was a part of a long time ago," Maddie said as the police officers rose their eyebrows, looking at Dash.
"They were the Royal Gang. I... was a part of it a long time ago. You see, I was alone and I didn't have anyone at the time. They took me in, offered me food and the clothes off their backs. We'd create some trouble, but it was for the good of the gang and I couldn't betray my family, you know? Well, anyways, I finally left them at the end of Middle School when they started crossing the line," Dash replied.
"Crossing the line?" The police officer asked.
"The leader beat up his girlfriend. I beat him up and left."
"I see. Do you know the location of their base?"
"They often move bases, but I can show you the last base they were at several months ago. You have to promise you will only arrest the main leaders. Most of the members were forced into that gang with little to no choice. Most of them have young ones that are being held hostage or under threat of being killed or worse," Dash pleaded.
"We will place the members under investigation, but we will consider their innocence until proven guilty. If they can give us a clear reason that they were under threat, blackmail or any desperate reason to join this gang, we will leave them under careful watch and help them with whatever their needs may be, including therapy and rehab."
"Thank you," Dash replied, showing a small smile. Then, he showed a small frown. "Just to warn you, the Royal Gang has been known for their threats and cornering those they deem interesting. I'm no exception. They tried to get me to join their gang several months ago. If they see you, they may kill me or one of us."
"You will have our protection. You said this gang is interested in you joining their ranks?"
"Yes?"
The police officer turned to his partner with a signaling look as his partner nodded. His partner asked, "Dash Baxter, how would you like to help us by going undercover? If you are right about them finding an interest in you, that means you have the power to go into places we won't be able to go, including the location of your friend. Since they have your friend hostage, it already sets up a reason for you to want to join their ranks, even against your will. You don't have to do this, but it is an option and it can help us find your friend and get him to safety faster and easier."
Dash thought about it for a second, then nodded. He replied, "No offense, but I used to not trust you guys. I'm still shaky, but I've come to learn that you guys don't bother me when I'm not doing anything. I think I can trust you more to help Danny than my buddies."
"Anything you can tell us will help. Just know we are on your side, son. We want to bring Danny home as much as you do."
The officers setup a small camera on Dash, so they could record the previous area where the Royal Gang once met Dash at. Sam, Paulina and Jazz agreed to tag along, since Dash wanted to appear to his former gang as if he knew they had Danny and was determined to save him. He also knew the gang would get suspicious if Dash came alone. Even last time, he had Ronald with him when he was forced to join the gang again. It wasn't much help, but then again, Dash was taken by surprise and it wasn't like his older brother cared if he lived or died. Had he known what the Royal Gang would do, he'd have taken a different approach or at least had his friends with him, maybe take a dagger or snatch his father's pistol.
Jazz looked very nervous, feeling goosebumps all over her body. She gazed at Sam, who looked determined on the outside, but felt nerves on the inside. She was more worried about Danny. Paulina, though, was braver. The Mexican in her was rising and it was a rare thing to see her like this. Dash looked over and felt almost surprised to see that Paulina actually looked scary, as if she could actually kill someone with one look and not with her fingernails either. It made him wonder if Paulina inherited something from her father, which Dash remembered could become extraordinarily scary in a single flash from the Disney World incident.
It was funny. After telling Mr. Sanchez the truth, he seemed very acceptable to Danny and his alter ego. They never saw each other a lot, but he was never critical of the ghost boy's antics on TV like everyone else. For the most part, he and Danny had a neutral relationship. Mr. Sanchez was very nice to Danny and considered him a positive influence on his daughter. It was Dash that Mr. Sanchez seemed to have his eye on. Every time Dash was around, Mr. Sanchez gave him the I'm watching you look in his eye. It always made Dash's skin crawl.
Dash entered inside the clubhouse where the Royal Gang was formally located. To his surprise, there were members inside. He expected it to be empty at least. Though, what surprised him even more was the fact the main leader Roger and his pals weren't there. He expected that, if anyone, at least they would be there. They were the ones that appeared when deciding whom they wanted to join their gang. Instead, it was two members Lee and Walt and they were Dash's only remaining friends from the gang.
"Lee? Walt? I thought you guys moved!" Dash said, showing an obvious glare.
"W-We knew you would come," Lee stated in a jitter. He tapped his fingers together, showing his nerves. He was a strong man, could beat anyone with one swing, but he also had nerve problems. He was only kept, because of his enormous skill in woodwork.
"I figured that, but why are you here?"
Lee tapped his fingers, gazing his eyes at Walt. Walt was the shorter black guy with hard blue eyes and freckles. He was strong, despite his size, but what made him useful was his flexibility and control over his emotions. He was often used in situations where his size and reflexes were needed.
"Boss send us to tell you to stay out of our business. He knew you would come for your friend. He says 'tell that traitor that if he wishes for mommy boy's safety, he best stay out of it and not look for him. I got his number.' That's what he said," Walt replied.
Compared to the police, Roger didn't have cameras to watch what's going on. He couldn't even pay his own phone bill. Dash had an advantage to talk to his friends and know that Roger wouldn't hear it. He had to find Danny. He had to get Danny out of this mess.
"Is Danny alright?" Dash asked.
"He's fine. H-H-He said you guys would come for him," Lee replied, biting his lip.
"So, he's fighting?"
"S-Sorta. H-H-He's begrudgingly making something f-for Roger, but only because he-he thinks they have his sister."
"Dangit! Of course they'd tell him that," Dash said angrily.
"You need to stay out. They may not have his sister, but they do have him. Th-They could kill him," Lee pleaded. He knew Dash was close to his friends and how much they meant to him.
"You think I'm going to just sit back while my friend is in god knows what kind of twisted mess Roger came up with? This guy won't even respect his girlfriend, how can you expect him to not hurt my friends if he hasn't already!?"
"Dash!" Walt repuked.
"NO! You think I'm going to betray my friends like that after what happened last time!? Roger promised he would not hurt my friends if I joined and GUESS WHAT? He beat Kwan, my longest best friend, to a pulp and was about to do the same to Danny if I had not intervened! If you think that this guy is trusted enough to not hurt anyone you love, you are the biggest retards on the face of the earth!" Dash shouted, making his two friends' jaws drop. "Here's how this is going to work, you idiots are going to lead me to Roger's new clubhouse or wherever he's keeping Danny or I'm sending you both to the big house to be questioned and believe me, it ain't gonna be fun."
"YOU WOULDN'T!" Walt shouted angrily.
"If it means saving my friends, I will. I love you guys and at this moment I consider you my only friends from the Royal Gang, but if you refuse to tell me where Danny is at, you are risking his possible death and anyone that dares to do that are not my friends. You can rather lead me to my friend, so I can get him out of Roger's clutches, or you will have blood on your hands. Your choice!"
"I second the notion!" Paulina cried out. "Te voy a destrozar!"
"Okay, okay, bien. It's in the back alley between the pipe and Dump Valley," Lee replied as Walt glared at him. "H-He's right! When has Roger ever kept his word about keeping anyone safe? And besides, I would like to not be torn apart by la trompa." Paulina smirked at nickname, folding her arms.
"Thank you, guys. And guys, I know you will be angry with me by the end of today, but I can't let anyone harm my friends. They're like the only real family I got now, including you guys. If it were you guys, it wouldn't make a difference," Dash promised, then left with the girls following him. Paulina looked back, giving the boys dead, evil eyes that made them gulp.
"Geez, I've never seen you like this before," Sam said to Paulina. "Heck, even I was so speechless that I couldn't lose my temper with those two."
"That's because I don't get angry usually. I have kept my patients with those locos for the last time. I usually don't bring anything special, but this one I did when I found out the Royal Gang took Danny," Paulina said, clutching her fanny pack. This made Sam raise her eyebrows. Paulina never admitted to bringing something for a particular time. Usually, when she took something handy, it was always a you never know or just in case scenario. To not bring something and bring it ONLY for this particular event was rare. It made everyone get goosebumps.