7/29/2024! Not much to say this time. This continues just minutes after the previous chapter.

Disclaimer: Working on getting my motorcycle permit, so hopefully I will be the proud owner of a bike soon! Indian Scouts are my dream bikes. However, I DO NOT own Danny Phantom!

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Chapter 23: Found

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Danny laughed, hands in his pockets, and swung his elbow around to lightly poke Tucker. "She's not saying you're soft, just lean."

His sister nodded. "There's nothing wrong with you, Tuck. You may not be muscular like Danny, but I like you just the way you are."

Tucker looked at his wife thoughtfully. "You don't wish I could lift you over my head and swing you around?"

Jazz smiled, bumping into his shoulder and intertwining her fingers with his. "No. You know I get motion sick easily. Besides, I'm looking forward to that 'dad' bod. Muscular is great and all, but not very comfortable to lay my head on. I like a little give, it's softer."

Danny gave his sister a withering look, though his eyes showed mischief. "Hey now, Sam doesn't seem to mind using my abs for a pillow."

"So she likes firm pillows," Jazz responded, shrugging, her free hand coming up, palm up, to emphasize. "I like mine a little softer."

"Speaking of Sam," Tucker started, diverting the subject a little. "Has she mentioned if she has a preference?"

The half ghost gave a sidelong glance at his friend. "Preference to what?"

"You know…hot or cold?"

This time Danny turned his head fully to Tucker, the look on his face thoroughly confused. "What are you talking about?"

The shorter man sighed. "You're gonna make me come out and say it?"

Danny shifted his questioning gaze to his sister, who was on the other side of Tucker. She simply shook her head, not quite sure what her husband was getting at either.

"Fine. But just remember, you made me say it," he wagged his finger at Danny. "Does she prefer riding ghost or human?"

Danny stopped in his tracks, his brain and thoughts coming to a complete halt at the question, the mortified look on his face causing Tucker to lose it and hold his sides as he chortled. "What's wrong…cat got your tongue?" he asked in between breaths.

"That's gross, Tucker!" Jazz admonished, lightly smacking his arm.

"Oh, come on," he said, still chuckling. "He can't tell me he hasn't thought about the weirdness of being a ghost and doing that."

"Even in ghost form, I'm still half human," Danny defended, finally finding his voice and catching back up to the pair. "I may feel colder to the touch, but it's not like I'm dead dead."

Jazz nodded. "Besides, I have a running theory that ghosts are really just reincarnations of humans; a separate race, if you will."

"What do you mean?" her brother asked.

She tilted her head to the side in thought. "Ghosts have cores which act a lot like a human heart. If you destroy it, they die. They can get hurt and heal, they eat and they sleep. And you met Box Lunch didn't you? The daughter of the Box Ghost and Lunch Lady? If they were truly just dead people, there wouldn't be a possible way for them to reproduce. It's like having a second life as another species after you die as a human," she explained.

Danny knitted his brows, deep in thought, eyes watching ahead. "That's…profound," he finally responded. "Never thought about it that way."

His sister shrugged. "It's what I do."

Tucker gave her a warm smile, all silliness dissipating. "That's my wife, absolutely brilliant."

Jazz giggled. "Aww, thank you."

Tucker took a few steps ahead of the group and turned so he was walking backwards and could see Jazz. "It's part of why I fell in love with you."

Danny rolled his eyes playfully. "Now who's looking for brownie points?"

Tucker opened his mouth to say something witty in response, but Danny's heightened senses picked up a sound that shouldn't be there. He reached out in a flash, and yanked Tucker towards him just as a throwing knife went sailing by, cutting through the air precisely where Tucker's head had been.

Tucker squealed when he spotted the knife now lodged in the building.

"Shit!" Danny cursed, shoving both Tucker and his sister behind him against the wall. He looked around frantically to find the source of the knife, his quick actions earning confused stares from a few hapless people on the street.

He couldn't morph out in public, not if he was attempting to keep his identity hidden. Even if the Headmaster had found him here, Danny Phantom showing up for the first time in over four years would bring far too much attention to the town. So long as there were people around, he'd have to stay human.

The hybrid spotted movement on the roof of a building across the street and then a flash of silver. With inhuman speed that shocked Jazz and Tucker, Danny caught the knife mere inches from his chest.

He growled. The aim told him everything he needed to know.

"Get moving!" he ordered, reaching behind him and pushing them forward. "Home is too far, and we can't lead them there. Any ideas?" he asked once all three of them were charging down the sidewalk.

"Yes," Jazz panted with exertion. "But we need to lose them first."

The trio rounded a corner, startling a woman, and tore down the street. As they passed an alley, a dark shape barreled into Tucker, knocking him out into the street with a grunt. Before Tucker had a chance to recover, Danny was there, yanking the assailant off and slamming him into the side of a building.

Another one ran out from between the buildings and this time Jazz stuck her leg out and tripped him. She reached into her jacket pocket, brandishing a taser and shocking the man before he could get up.

The man Danny had thrown was seeing stars after his head cracked against the brick. His head jolted sideways when the halfa's fist connected with his jaw. He slumped against the wall, out cold. If he could have, he would've killed the man, but there were too many witnesses on the street.

Meanwhile, Tucker was trying to stand, but yelped in pain when he put weight on his right leg. His wife met him, helping to hold his weight. "What's wrong?"

"My ankle," he ground out. "I think it's sprained."

Danny met them then. "We need to move quickly." He positioned Tucker behind him and picked up his friend piggy-back style, starting off back down the street with Jazz right next to him. He made sure to keep her between him and the building, though there wasn't much he could do for Tucker in this position.

His sensitive ears picked up another whooshing sound and abruptly stopped, reaching out and grabbing Jazz to stop her as well. Tucker grunted from the sudden force, then yelped when another knife clanged off the building in the space they would have occupied had they not stopped.

Danny growled and took off again, keeping his hand on his sister's arm to force her to keep up.

They were faster on the ground. The enemy on the roof had to make it across gaps, some very large, and it slowed them down. After several minutes, Danny could no longer catch any sight of the man, and no more knives were forthcoming.

"We may have lost him. Where can we lay low?" the hybrid asked, panting from exertion.

He was faring better than Jazz, whom he was now practically dragging. "One more block…take a right…little building three doors down…" she answered, completely out of breath.

Danny did as she directed, slowing a bit to make it easier on her. Finally, they made it to the building Jazz indicated, and Danny opened the door, shoving Jazz inside.

He was surprised to see a few people in what looked like a waiting room with their pets. At the center of the room was a U shaped counter with two receptionists behind it, all looking a bit startled at the newcomers.

"I got this," Jazz said, still out of breath. She walked up to the counter while Danny stood back, trying to ignore the stares he was getting for having Tucker on his back. He was pretty sure the hat and sunglasses weren't helping the image.

After a few tense minutes, the door to the back swung open and a certain blonde-haired, blue-eyed former jock entered the waiting room looking thoroughly confused at seeing them there.

Danny, unsure if this was wise, joined his sister near the desk, keeping a surreptitious eye on the sidewalk through the windows.

"Hey guys," Dash started, looking between the three. "What's up? Why are you carrying Tucker, Todd?"

"He injured his ankle. Can you wrap it?" Jazz asked.

Dash raised a brow. "I can, but we're not a hospital, we're a vet clinic. You should go to Amity Park General."

Jazz smiled sweetly, placing a hand on Dash's shoulder and leading him to a quiet and empty corner of the waiting room. In a low tone, she said, "I can't really explain, but we can't go to the hospital right now. Do you have a room we can borrow for a bit? We'll stay out of your way."

This time, the jock showed a little annoyance, but it was quickly overtaken by bewilderment. "I don't own the place, but I can see if it's okay. I'll be back."

The trio waited nervously, Tucker's ankle throbbing from constantly smacking Danny's leg while he was running. He was pretty sure it wasn't broken, but it definitely hurt.

A few minutes later, Dash came back through the swinging door and motioned for them to follow him.

As they went through the door, Dash looked back at them. "You guys are lucky my boss is really nice. I don't know of anyone else who would let random people use a room for something they should be going to the hospital for."

Tucker gave him a sheepish grin. "I can't express how grateful we are."

Dash grunted in response, leading them to a room at the end of the long hallway. He opened the door, letting them in.

The room had an exam table at one side, with cupboards filled with things needed in a vet office. On the other side was a comfy looking couch.

"This is one of our two euthanasia rooms. Serves a dismal purpose, but it's one of the more comfortable rooms because only these two have couches," Dash explained. "Make yourself comfortable, I'm gonna grab some supplies."

With that, he left them. Danny gingerly set Tucker on the couch, apologizing when his friend groaned at his ankle being jostled.

Once settled, Danny turned to his sister. "You seriously brought us here?" he asked, with only a hint of consternation.

Jazz gave him an apologetic look. "It's the only place I could think of that has the ability to treat him and without going on official records. And we know Dash, he won't talk."

Her brother frowned. " You know Dash. I don't."

Jazz sighed, but didn't get angry. She was silently impressed that her brother was keeping his cool. He was definitely starting to mature. "I understand that. I'm sorry, I just didn't know where else to go."

Danny thought for a moment before nodding. "If you think it's the best option, I'll agree."

At that moment, Dash came back in with some medical supplies. He placed them on the table before going over to Tucker. "I hope you're okay with me looking at it. My boss is too busy, but I'm pretty far into my schooling. I should be able to treat it."

Tucker shrugged. "Treat away, dude."

Dash nodded before straightening himself. "First things first, why are you here and not a hospital?"

"We can't explain that right now," Jazz replied, her look pleading.

The jock crossed his arms. "I'll treat him regardless of whether or not you answer me, but you have to understand how weird this is."

Danny spoke up then. "Answering that question could put you in danger. I'd rather not."

Dash furrowed his brow in concern. "Isn't being here putting me in danger?"

"I suppose it is," the hybrid answered.

"Then shouldn't I know why I'm being put in danger?" Dash asked, now going over to the supplies he brought. He grabbed them and went to Tucker on the couch.

"I'm sorry, Dash," was the only reply Jazz could think of.

The jock looked at Tucker's ankle, carefully picking it up and moving it around. He apologized as the dark-skinned man winced.

"It's not broken, so that's good," Dash commented. He turned a little, gaze briefly flicking to Danny. "I know you don't know me from a hole in the wall, but I have a feeling this is dangerous because of you. These two couldn't find trouble if it knocked on their door."

"I'm not sure if I should be offended by that statement or not," Tucker said, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"He got in trouble a lot in school," Jazz commented with a shrug.

Dash chuckled. "Yeah, but nothing that would prevent him from seeking proper help."

Tucker raised a brow. "You do remember my complete and utter fear of hospitals, right?"

Dash paused in his examination, placing a hand on his knee and giving Tucker an exasperated look. "You could see a regular doctor, or go to urgent care."

Tucker wasn't sure what to say to that. The jock was right. While he had a terrible fear of hospitals, he was less nervous over seeing a regular doctor, or even urgent care.

Dash sighed at the dark-skinned man's nervous look. "I can wrap this and get you some ice for the swelling, but I really recommend seeing an actual human doctor. You might need a more powerful anti-inflammatory than what's over the counter."

"You don't have anything here you can give him?" Danny asked.

Dash, a little annoyed now that he was sure 'Todd' was the reason Jazz and Tucker were in trouble, gave the taller man a deadpan look. "Nothing that I can legally give him. And I'm sorry, but I'm not risking my job for a sprained ankle."

The hybrid nodded. "Fair enough."

Dash frowned, still annoyed. He took Tucker's shoe and sock off, wrapping a small towel around his ankle, and carefully wrapped an ice pack around it. "We'll ice it for about fifteen minutes before I do the final wrap," he explained.

He then stood and turned fully to Danny, crossing his arms. "You can't be dragging other people into your problems. These are my friends, and I will look out for them."

Danny had done a very good job of being level-headed and civil with Dash, but even through the sunglasses, she could see her brother's facial expression and demeanor change instantly. "Your 'friends'?" he growled. "Since when are those you used to bully in high school your 'friends'?"

The halfa realized his mistake as soon as he said it.

Dash, though slightly angered at the statement, was also now quite confused. "How would you know that? Did you go to Casper High with us? I don't remember a Todd. In fact, I don't remember anyone your size." He turned to Jazz and Tucker. "Did you guys tell him? I thought we were past this."

Danny sighed as Jazz's eyes went wide, but before she or Tucker could respond, Danny spoke up. "They never said a thing. You just look the type."

The blonde-haired man raised a brow. "If we're talking about 'looking the type', you look more like the type than I do," he scoffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, I messed up in high school. My home life was crap and I took it out on everyone around me. It wasn't fair and as I grew up, I matured enough to realize what an ass I was." Dash walked forward, only two inches shorter than Danny, and pointed at the hybrid's chest, though without touching him. "You said it yourself: you're the one putting them in danger right now, so you don't get to judge me for my past."

Danny's eyes widened slightly, though it was hidden beneath his sunglasses. He was impressed with Dash at that moment. It appeared he had indeed matured.

The halfa deflated and conceded, nodding his head and stepping back. "You're right, I don't. And while I can't tell you what's going on or why, I can guarantee you that I will keep them safe."

Dash looked at Danny with a serious look. "I appreciate that, but Tucker has a sprained ankle. Forgive me if I can't take your word for it."

Danny clenched his jaw, but refused to comment. At his silence, Dash politely requested to speak with Jazz in the hallway. At her nod of agreement, they left the room and closed the door behind them, going a little ways down the hall.

The blonde-haired former jock turned to Jazz. "Look, I know I have no right to ask this considering my own past, but can you really trust this guy?" he asked, eyes full of concern.

"Yes," Jazz replied immediately, her earnest gaze causing Dash to nod.

"I'm glad," he said. "Just be careful, please."

The redhead gave him a small smile. Dash had always been nice to her, even when she was tutoring him in high school. Because of that, it had been easier to accept the kinder side of the blonde. It had been harder for Tucker to come around. It took him longer and he required multiple apologies. Even still, her husband didn't completely believe Dash was fully reformed.

As for Sam, she never came around. It was as if she carried not just her own resentment, but Danny's as well. Good thing she wasn't with them currently, or she'd probably be making a scene.

Dash turned when he heard his name called. He glanced back at Jazz, "I need to go back to work. I'll be back in a little bit to wrap it. You guys can stay for a little while in there, but I'll need to kick you out if we need the room. You going to be okay?"

Jazz nodded. "Yes, thank you, Dash. We'll be out of your hair shortly." She watched him go before returning to the room.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have opened my mouth," her brother apologized once she closed the door.

Jazz raised a hand. "It's okay. All things considered, you kept your cool. You've been getting better at that."

Though he wouldn't admit it, the hybrid blushed at her praise.

"How long can we stay here?" Tucker asked, gingerly moving his ankle.

His wife sighed. "Only until they need the room, which could be any time. I really hope those guys give up looking by then."

Danny hummed his agreement.

His sister sat down next to her husband. "Dash had to go back to work but said he'll be in to properly wrap that in a bit."

Tucker grimaced. "I'm sorry guys. I really messed up, huh?"

Danny gave him a firm, but sympathetic, look. "This isn't your fault. That guy came out of nowhere. Even I didn't know he was there." He frowned. "If anything, it's my fault for not noticing."

Tucker got a contemplative look. "If I agree, does that mean you owe me and I can have you wait on me hand and foot?"

Danny chuckled. "Don't push your luck."

Tucker grinned, just happy his comment was able to keep his friend from going down the blame rabbit hole.

"By the way," the hybrid started. "Nice moves, Jazz."

His sister beamed. "I am quite proud of myself."

Tucker kissed her cheek. "I'm proud of you, too. I didn't know you carried a taser."

"I'm not exactly big and strong. I figured if I failed at self defense, I could at least tase them!"

Her brother nodded. "That's wise thinking. Perhaps we should get one for everyone."

"Speaking of everyone," Tucker started, voice full of trepidation. "How do we tell them we've been found?"

The half ghost shrugged. "I said it was going to happen. Might as well just come out and say it, no use in beating around the bush."

"But they didn't find us at Vlad's."

"She likely didn't think to look there," Jazz answered. "He was our enemy before. But this is our home, it's obvious she would keep an eye on it."

Before anyone could comment further, there was a knock at the door. Dash came in then, giving them a smile. "Time to swap that ice pack for a wrap."

"Wrap away, doc," Tucker said as he stuck out his leg.

"How does it feel now?" The jock asked, carefully unwrapping the bandage so he could remove the ice pack.

"A little better, actually."

Dash gave him another smile. "Good. I don't think it's a bad sprain. As long as you ice it every hour, and take some anti inflammatories, I think you'll be better in a couple days."

"That's great!" Exclaimed Jazz.

Dash finished wrapping Tucker's ankle, making sure it was secure, before standing up. "Unfortunately, we're going to need this room in about ten minutes. I hate to ask, but do you have somewhere else to go?"

"We'll be fine," Danny answered.

The blonde looked at him with a little suspicion, but let it go. "Alright. Take care of that ankle, and please stay out of trouble."

Dash left the room, but not before Danny followed him. The jock gave him an annoyed look, but the hybrid was undeterred.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I did. And I wouldn't exactly trust me, either," Danny said, tone sincere.

The jock took a moment to think before he nodded, his demeanor becoming more friendly. "You aren't wrong about my past. But I put that behind me. I just don't want to see them get hurt from whatever it is you've got yourself mixed up in. They have a baby."

The hybrid nodded. "I know. Trust me, I tried to drive them away, but they're stubborn."

Dash sighed. "You aren't wrong," he said before sticking his hand out.

The halfa grinned, grabbing the jock's hand and shaking it.

Several minutes later, the trio tentatively left the vet clinic, Danny making sure he couldn't see anyone suspicious outside.

Dash walked through the waiting room as they left, stopping abruptly at what he heard before the door closed.

"You sure they're gone?"

"As sure as I can be."

"That answer doesn't invoke a lot of confidence, Danny."

"Ah, cut your brother some slack."

Then the door closed and it left a very confused, very astonished jock on the other side.

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8/14/2024: just over two weeks. I'm not picking back up, but haven't slowed down even more, so I guess that's good!

I also didn't entirely stop writing that whole time. I wrote a bit of the next chapter and the entire epilogue while I was stuck at a point in this one.

The Headmaster was definitely watching Amity Park. Now that she knows he's there, what's gonna happen?