A Phantom and his Courageous Cowardly Dog

I do not own either. Courage the Cowardly Dog is owned by Cartoon Network/Warner Bros. and Danny Phantom is owned by Nickelodeon/Paramount.

The morning sun shined from the window through Danny's bedroom bright. Still feeling snuggled in the bed, Courage slowly opened his eyes. He remembered the nightmare he had last night regarding the cruel man taking his parents away from him, but then upon awakening, he found himself in Danny's arms, the little boy giving him the comfort he needed, how he remembered how Danny sang to help soothe him. The pup could still remember the singing in his head as it helped him finally get back to sleep without anymore of those nightmares.

Suddenly noticing, Courage realized the bed felt lighter and that was when he noticed Danny was apparently gone, the pup had the bed all to himself.

Wanting to find his owner and best friend, the pup jumped off and left Danny's room, walking through the hall until it lead him to downstairs. Looking down at them, they were really steep. When he was living with his parents, one of them would almost always carry him up or down and sometimes try to guide him how to do so on his own but unforunately, they were not around anymore to do that and Danny nor any of his folks were nowhere in sight to do the same. The pup had to try to do this on his own especially if he wanted to find Danny.

One way or another, Courage knew he eventually had to learn this on his own. So it was better now than never.

Attempting to go down the first step, Courage gradually took his time climbing down, it was steep but not too steep that he would've hurt himself if one of his little arms slipped by the chance. Successfully reaching the first step. The pup continued to take his time slowly for every step. After what felt like it took forever, Courage was eventually finally able to reach the bottom of the stairs.

Finally downstairs, Courage sighed, happy that was finally over. Now he could continue on his search for Danny. Deciding on checking the kitchen, he headed over there and immediately he caught the site of Danny and Jazz both having breakfast. Danny himself was having cereal, whereas Jazz on the other hand was helping herself to some toast and eggs. Both of them were also having a glass of orange juice as well.

Noticing right away, Danny saw Courage and smiled. "Hi Courage, sleep well?"

Getting off from his seat, Danny walked over to Courage and pat him. "I would have woken you up when I did, but figured maybe you needed some extra sleep given your nightmare yesterday."

Danny walked over to Courage's bowls, the pup following him. "Come on Courage, I'll feed you."

Pouring the dog food into his bowl. Courage waited until his owner was finally done. "There we go Courage, go ahead and eat."

Walking back over to the table to finish his cereal. Danny looked at Jazz. "Hey Jazz, I was wondering but would you like to play with Courage and I today?"

Having just finished up her breakfast. She turned her attention to him. "I would love to little bro but maybe some other time. However, given the bond you two have with each other, I think it'd be good idea for it to just be you and Courage for now. Perhaps later today after you both have one on one with each other, all three of us can play in the back together. Maybe play fetch with Courage or something."

"That would be great sis thanks!"

Jazz smiled ruffling Danny's hair with her hand who giggled. As Courage finally finished eating the last bits of his food. He was suddenly startled by the slamming of the basement door opening, coming out were both Maddie and Jack, the former who had her headwear on. In Jack's hands, they had a new gadget they had developed in the basement to help hunt, catch or eradicate ghosts.

"Kids! Check out this new gadget we whipped up!" Jack said.

Turning to look, both Danny and Jazz watched as their parents walked to them. "It's called the Fenton Ghost Net." Maddie said.

Courage still trembling from being startled earlier looked over to see what Danny's and Jazz's parents were presenting to them. It was upon sight of it that the pup was starting to feel the same trauma he endured yesterday and last night from his nightmare again. What their parents had resembled the same thing that the cruel man had his parents captured in when he was taking them away to be sent off in that rocket. Courage began to feel unnerved and body feeling numb as anxiety had taken over him.

Jazz rolled her eyes, annoyed once again with her parent's antics of their ghost hunting. "Ugh, this again. Mom. Dad. This is the fifth time this month you've shown us. Ghosts don't exist."

Ignoring their daughter's words. Both parents proceeded on their presentation. "This baby here is not like any ordinary net. It may look normal but if the ghost is out of reach to catch, it can be extended by pressing this button here!"

Pressing the button, the net itself extended by ten feet as Jack demonstrated whipping it down a few times. Close enough to both siblings, that it almost hit Danny and Jazz, immediately reacting, the latter grabbing her brother and both ducked. "Mom! Dad! Watch out! You almost hit us!"

"Sorry dear, we'll try to be more careful." Maddie said.

Jazz rolled her eyes. "That's what you said last time..." muttering to herself.

Continuing to present their ghost gadget. Jack proceeded. "And the net itself is made from ghost shield energy. So when a ghost is caught, it's unable to escape no matter how much it struggles. The net immediately seals on top!"

As they continued on their presentation, Danny decided to shift his attention to Courage to check up on him. What he seen next concerned him.

Courage was just standing near his bowls trembling with anxiety with a blank face. Jumping off from his seat, Danny walked over to him. "Courage? You feeling ok pal?"

The pup didn't respond. Anxiety having overcame his worldview all around him.

Picking Courage up, Danny began to get worried. "Courage?"

While Danny continued to worry over Courage. Jack and Maddie had finished up. "Come on Maddie. Let's go find that ghost that Courage sensed yesterday."

Nodding to her husband. Both parents were about to proceed on their hunt until Danny carrying Courage walked over and tugged on his mother's tightsuit. Confused, she looked down at her son. "Yes Danny? What is it? Your dad and I are currently a little busy."

"Mom, I think there's been something going on with Courage as of late. He's been scared, and trembling lots and just last night he woke up panicking and crying from what I think was a nightmare, I'm really starting to worry about him." Danny said.

Staring at Courage in her son's arms. Maddie saw the pup trembling with the stare of blankness on his face. Though it'd certainly be a concern, she had to remember the pup had been all alone prior. "Honey, I'm sure Courage is fine, you have to remember you found him all alone, so who knows what experiences he might. I'd give it some time, things like this take a while for those in such situations to finally settle in."

The woman leaned down to her son's level. She stared at him.

"But just to be on the safe side. Perhaps a visit to the vet would probably be a good idea to make sure nothing isn't wrong. We'll go first thing right now."

Courage's worldview of anxiety around him suddenly shattered at the mere mention of the word, completely replaced by fear and trauma.

Maddie looked at her husband. "Jack, you'll have to go searching for that ghost on your own. Danny and I are going to take Courage to the vet for a check-up." She handed Jack the Fenton Finder. "Here you go."

"Alright Maddie Cakes. Love you."

Both kissed each other. "Love you too." Maddie said.

As Jack went off to find the ghost. Maddie turned to look back at Danny and Courage. "Come on sweetie, let's go."

Before they were about to leave. Danny turned to look at his sister and waved. "Bye Jazz, see you later."

Jazz waved back. "You too little bro."

Leaving the kitchen, Danny and Maddie were about to head out of the door until suddenly Courage began to start screaming with his very life. Trashing and struggling to break free from Danny's arms but this time the little boy held firmly so he wouldn't run off again. Immediately Danny tried his best to calm him down. "Courage!?"

Danny looked up to his mother. "Mom! It's happening again! This is what I was talking about!"

Seeing the distress the pup was severely in. Maddie clearly saw the concern her son had for his dog. "Stay right here Danny, I'll go get the kennel carrier that your father and I bought yesterday at the pet store".

While Maddie walked off to go find it. Danny continued to try to calm Courage down as he continued to panic. Hearing this from the kitchen, Jazz came out to see what the commotion was. "Is Courage alright?" Jazz asked.

"He's panicking again Jazz like what happened yesterday. First it's been this then he had a nightmare last night." Danny said.

Jazz took pity on the pup given the saddened expression she gave. "We might have to get used to this for a while. Remember Danny, Courage still needs time to settle in given how you found him. No matter what, we'll continue to be here for him and the more we do that, the sooner Courage will get better, I'm sure of it."

Courage continued to panic while still being held firm. "Thanks Jazz. You're really helpful after all, your lullabies you sing to me whenever I had a nightmare really helped."

Jazz looked surprised. "Oh?"

"That's how I was able to calm Courage down last night until he went back asleep when he had his nightmare. I thought since it worked for me, that it would also work for Courage and it did." Danny said.

She smiled happily at her little brother. Already she was proud of him of how well he's been doing in taking care of Courage, but to know he'd learn something from her and pass it down onto himself using it for something so responsible, did she realize she was doing a good job in her role being a big sister.

"Danny that's wonderful. I'm so proud of you little bro, I'm flattered that you picked something off from me."

Danny smiled back. "What else can I say Jazz? You're the best big sister ever. I couldn't ask for a better one."

"I'm your only big sister silly." Jazz said laughing.

Just then, Maddie had came back with the kennel carrier. "Alright Danny, put Courage in."

Nodding to his mother, Danny looked at Courage. "Alright Courage, I have to put you inside. I wish I didn't have to do this but mom thinks this is for the best."

Putting the screaming and trashing Courage inside before locking the kennel carrier. The pup stopped as he began to whimper in fear as Danny stared at him from outside. "I know Courage, this is probably your first time visiting the vet and it might seem scary at first but it's going to be fine."

Courage continued to whimper. If only Danny and his family had known the trauma he went through...

"Come on then, Danny. Let's go." Maddie said.

Waving goodbye to Jazz, both Danny and Maddie left the house entering the Fenton RV. Soon upon reaching the vet. Both got out as they headed inside. Courage continued to whimper the whole entire time since leaving the house with Danny continuing to be there for him. As they entered, they were greeted by other patients currently waiting to be called with their dogs and cats.

Maddie turned her head down to look at her son as she gave the kennel carrier containing Courage to him. "Danny go sit down while I go talk to them."

"Ok mom."

Going over to sit down. Danny peeked inside to look at. The pup continued to feel anxious and scared trembling. "Don't worry Courage, it's all going to be over soon, I promise. Mom and I are going to be here with you the whole time."

Despite his owner's assurances. This didn't make Courage feel any better. Maddie having finished up at the counter came by and sat down next time them. After twenty minutes of waiting, they were soon called as they entered a room while waiting for the doctor. Soon enough, five minutes went by and she came in. She was a young woman in her 30s with wavy blonde hair. "Hello, I'm my name is Dr. Amelia Brown and I'm your dog's patient today. Who is this that I'm seeing today?" She said in a cheery tone.

"Hello Amelia. My name is Maddie and today were here with my son's dog Courage."

Dr. Amelia Brown raised an eye. "I see, so what is Courage in here for?"

Maddie nodded before proceeding. "Well according to what Danny has told me. Courage lately has been having moments of panicking from time to time and been also trembling lots. As we we're actually leaving he had another of them trying to break free from my son's arm. That's why we had to put him in the kennel."

"I see...Well take Courage out and I'll see what I can do and place him onto the table."

Opening the kennel. Danny pulled Courage out giving him to Dr. Amelia Brown who put him on the table. Trembling and whimpering, the vet had a saddened expression. "Oh you poor thing. Don't you afraid, there's nothing to worry about."

Courage still felt uncertain as she examined him. Checking inside his ears, looking at his eyes, his heart rate, and his body. The end results came back negative. "I've checked everything and nothing seems to indicate there's anything wrong with Courage, in fact, he's absolutely fine, healthy as a horse. He is however going to need his shots."

Going over to the counter and getting the shots ready. She came back with two syringes, placing one of them on the table Courage was sitting on while holding the other in her hand. The pup shivered feeling uncertain what she was doing now. "Don't worry cutie, this is only going to sting a bit."

Bracing himself, Courage closed his eyes, but what happened next suddenly came and went as she soon gave him the other shot which as she said stung a little but it didn't hurt as he thought they were going to. The pup opened his eyes to see her smiling.

"There we go. We're all done. You're free to go."

Picking Courage up, she handed him back to Danny. "See Courage? I told you that you were going to be alright and as I promised, mom and I were here with you the whole time."

Courage couldn't believe his luck. This was nothing like the vet that his parents had taken him to back where he lived which cost him everything until Danny had found him. This nice lady was nothing like the evil man that had taken his parents from him and sent them into space. Maybe he had it all wrong, not all vets were evil...

Leaving the room, now that Courage was calm and feeling relieved, there was no need to put him back in the kennel carrier as Danny waited with Courage for his mom to finish paying. As soon as she was finished, she went over to them telling them she was ready to go as they left and entered back in the Fenton RV.

"So how are you feeling now Courage?" Danny asked.

Nuzzling his head happily against Danny, he clearly knew his answer. "I take it you're better then? That's great to know!"

Maddie spoke. "Danny the day is still pretty early. Would you like to go to the park to play for an hour?"

Danny nodded his head yes. "Sure mom! And I was also thinking maybe later today when we get home that Sam and Tucker could come over and play? I want to introduce them to Courage!"

Maddie smiled. "Of course sweetie, I'll call their parents and see what they might be up to."

Finally read to go and starting the Fenton RV, they headed for Amity Park's local park.

Author's Note: And that's chapter 3. Hope you guys are continuing to enjoy this story so far and really appreciating the reviews you guys are continuing to leave!

Just a reminder it might take me a while to getting these chapters up given my life along with my compulsive thoughts and writer's block that might get in the way, but regardless I've been in the writing mood better then ever so do expect the next chapter soon enough. So be patient, only a few more chapters until we finally enter the timeskip.

Also to answer some questions.

roggerlopez99: That would actually be pretty hilarious. Thanks for the idea lol. I'm totally doing that. xD

Fox Boss: I'm personally still deciding on that, by the time I eventually get to that point in my story, I'll probably have my decision made then but so far I do have plans to do a re-telling of the first episode of Courage the Cowardly Dog "Night at Katz Motel" to introduce Katz only with the Fenton Family which will be part of the beginning of the timeskip.

jrfalanco: Happy to know you're loving my story so far. Hope I continue to keep that up for you and yeah this was a story idea that came to my mind back in the beginning of December that started off as just an idea that came to my mind until deciding to write it as an official story due to the potential. As for your questions yes Courage will be able to shapeshift. As for his talking. Once entering the timeskip he'll talk but just to himself, otherwise when interacting with other characters, it'll just be the gibberish. I feel doing a combination of both would stay true to the character itself and its show. I'm also interested in reading your Courage the Cowardly Dog and Gravity Falls crossover, sounds like it could be fun, let me know when you start on it.

Thank you once again to everyone for reading! Take care! :D