Chapter 8 (aka the Epilogue)
I think we were all relieved to see the Fentonworks sign bulging out of the city skyline. Aside from running through various different lies and excuses during the plane ride it had been a rather peaceful ride. Just about restored my faith in the idea that flying was the safest mode of transportation.
The door opened before Danny could knock, Jack Fenton, bags under his eyes and a hollow look on his face stared at us, uncomprehending at first, then looked down and saw his son.
"DANNY!" Jack swept Danny up in his arms in a bone crushing bear hug. "Sam and Tucker said the Wisconsin Ghost had kidnapped you!"
I saw Maddie and Jazz rushing out from the next room. The heads of Danny's two friends peeked out from the room as the Rest of the Fentons joined in the effort to squeeze Danny juice all over the front steps.
Jack put down Danny and Maddie took up kissing his cheeks.
"Danny, how'd you get away from V- The ghost?" Jazz asked.
Danny was only able to give out a little wheeze as his mother reintroduced him to her chest, hugging his head.
Jack Fenton finally noticed Daisy and I.
"You saved my son from that ghost!" He then swept Daisy and I up into a double bear hug.
"Yeah, sure, let's go with that." I gasped, my bruised ribs starting to crack under the larger than life man's grip.
When the hug ended and we were returned to our feet, I noticed Danny receiving much gentler hugs from his sister and friends.
"Well, I think our work is done here, Daze." I smiled, at my partner. We were turning to go when Jack and Maddie pulled us back.
"Wait, we have to thank you somehow for returning our Danny to us," Maddie insisted.
"No, Mrs. Fenton, that's really not necessary. We were happy to bring him back."
"Well at least stay for dinner so you can tell us what happened." She insisted.
An explosion cut off any more excuses I could make. There was a familiar moaning moo coming up from the Fenton's basement.
"Dinner will have to wait!" Maddie Fenton yelled, pulling her suit's hood over her face. "We have to defend the lab!" She pulled out a ridiculously long weapon from the pocket on the side of her hip and dashed down the stairs.
"Man is that Hot!" Jack Fenton grabbed my shoulder, pulling me along after him. "To the lab, Mr. Hartman!"
I winced, watching the laughing faces of Daisy, Danny and his friends disappear from view as I was yanked along for another round of spectral herd control.
Plasmius floated in the ghost zone, fuming and gripped the small leather strap tightly in his hand. That would be the last time he brought in any outsiders into his business with Danny Phantom.
He growled. His portal would have to be rebuilt again. Daniel was becoming too strong, and he had just thrown more allies into his young rival's lap. He'd have to find another way. He'd valued the thought of Daniel's turning as being one of choice, but now his stubborn protégé would have to be taken in by force, or destroyed. A wicked grin curled over his lips, stroking the leather strap. He'd been so close to finally having his student, but he would have him. It would be only an extra expenditure of time, money and pain.
The End.