Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom
AN: Another belated birthday 550 word dribble. A special thanks to my son, who gifted me with the idea for this dribble as a birthday present.
Deathday
"Did Tucker have any information about who it is this time?" Sam asked.
Danny shook his head. "Just that there was a problem downto—oh."
A semi-circle of police cars blocked off the street below. Lights were directed up toward a fifth story window.
Phantom flew forward and approached the police chief.
The graying man nodded curtly and briefed him without preamble. "We got a call from the woman who owns the apartment. She came home to find an armed man threatening suicide. We're still trying to find out who he is."
"You want me to go up there and bring him down?" Phantom asked.
The police chief nodded, "Be careful. There's a potential hostage situation," he warned. He gestured to an officer. She stepped forward and after a pause for permission pinned a wire to his collar.
Danny started upward toward and a puff of blue mist puffed from his lips. Sam could see Danny approaching the window, his body language expressing sympathy, hands raised to convey calm.
Sam could see Danny and the man talking, their hands moving earnestly.
"Sir!" A gasp brought Sam's attention to the technician who turned up the dial so that they all could hear.
"It's okay," came Danny's calm voice came over the mic "take all the time you need."
Somewhat fainter, they could hear the man pant, "Okay...okay…"
"Jump or gun?" Danny's voice asked gently.
There was an odd noise as the man swallowed forcefully before whispering, "Jump."
Danny hunkered down on the window ledge next to the man and held out his hand. The man hesitated then placed the revolver into Danny's hand.
Sam exhaled a relieved breath. Now that the threat of the gun had been removed all Danny had to do was fly the man down.
"The first time…" the man's voice shook, "The first time, I really didn't know what I was getting into. Now that I know, it's harder."
"Best not think about it. And don't look down," Danny advised, placing a comforting hand on the man's shoulder.
Phantom extended his hand, the man reached out and grasped it, and Danny stepped back drawing him over the window sill. Instead of grasping the man to carry him to safety, Phantom let go and floated back.
"Phantom!" the Chief of Police yelled, "What are you doing?"
"It's okay," Phantom said. It was unclear if the comment was for the microphone or the man.
The man cringed at the crowd that was gathering below.
"Just get it over with," Phantom urged. He pulled the bug from his clothing and dropped it. Sam could no longer hear but she saw the man look at Danny and nod before stepping off the ledge.
"No!" Sam gasped as the man plummeted toward the pavement below… and vanished on impact.
Phantom followed at a more sedate pace, landing next to a bewildered Sam.
"He's a ghost," Danny explained.
The police chief swore.
"How could you?" Sam demanded.
Before Danny could say anything more, the police chief pushed his way forward and snarled, "What was that all about?"
Phantom shifted uncomfortably in the air and explained, "Ghosts celebrate the anniversary of their formation by reenacting their deaths."
The ghost materialized next to Phantom. "Thanks, man."
Danny nodded back, "No problem and… Happy Birthday!"
AN: Also a belated Dannyversary and many happy returns.