A/N: Wow, I am so sorry that this hasn't been updated in forever. I've got a lot pre-written for it, but adding the narrative takes up time that I couldn't waste this past semester (college wants to kill me) and August was shot since we were gone for two and a half weeks on vacation. But hey, now I'm no longer the only one in my family who hasn't been to Disney! ...Yeah, I didn't think that'd make it better.

Please enjoy!

7|-|3 |\|4|2|20\/\/ |204|)

Dash grunted, mumbling, "Why couldn't I go to that house. Roy Rogers coulda stayed behind!"

Sam rolled her eyes. "He needs a bit of field experience out here. After all, he still needs to get used to city life."

Dash stared incredulously at that. "...So you're sending him to a politician's summer resort? You have any idea what they do to outright liars in his area of this country?"

"I'm sure Tucker and Valerie can contain him. Besides, I seem to remember your last interaction with a politician didn't exactly go smoothly."

Dash refused to meet her eyes. "...Yeah, well, that dweeb deserved it. 'Sides, that was more from havin' enough of his BS than not having been exposed to the… openness of that species…."

Sam's phone rang. She pulled it out while replying, "For the last time, politicians may not be the nicest people, but they are the same species as us." She flipped open the phone. "Manson."

"How is the case going, Sam?" Lancer asked over the line.

"It's going," Sam responded. "Tucker and Valerie took our new recruit to interrogate our main suspect."

"I see. And how is our new… acquisition handling his recent transfer?"

"He seems to be taking it well, sir. I sent him out with the others so he'd get a better idea of city life."

"Good idea. I don't mean to bother you. Just thought I should remind you how… closely this case will be followed by the local population, as well as some… more tenacious individuals."

Sam nodded, even though she knew Lancer couldn't see. "Of course, sir. My team knows that."

"I know they do. It's just something I have to mention. Carry on." The phone disconnected.

Sam hung up, as well, turning to Dash. "Alright, Dash, let's check back in with Esu, see how far he's gotten with Donaldson's findings on Stephens."

Dash grinned. "You got it, boss!" He tugged out his own phone and pressed a number on his speed dial.

"Herro?" Esu answered. "What may I do for you, Dashy-dear?"

"...Uh, nothing, E—Can you turn down your music a shade?"

Dash could practically see the redhead cross his arms in a huff. "Hmph, what do you people have against metal...?"

"I don't have anything against your choice of genre, Esu. Just your choice of volume."

"Fine." The volume lowered just a shade. "What's your problem?"

Dash blinked at the harsh response. "Whoa, calm down, killer. Boss just wants to know if anything's changed since we last visited your little kingdom."

"Ah, well, I have looked in to dear Ms. Donaldson's research on her boss. Boy, was he in with the wrong crowds..."

"...We'll be right down." Dash hung up and spun to Sam. "Boss, Esu's got something you should see."

Sam nodded. "Let's go, then." The two rushed to the elevator and down to the lab.

Dash tried to placate the annoyed redhead upon entering. "Sorry about that cut-off, Esu. What was it you were saying about that bast—I mean, candidate, being in the wrong circles?"

Esu rolled his eyes, then they glinted mischievously. "Mr. Stephens has some shady dealings going on with a couple of gangs. Apparently, he's getting funds from them in return for protection when he becomes mayor. Note the arrogance in that 'when'."

Dash and Sam exchanged a glance before Dash asked, "...Any ideas as to which gangs?"

Esu waved a hand. "Please, challenge me for once. The Falcons and the Vipers."

The blond rolled his eyes. "...Esu, you know we appreciate your expertise. I know you get exasperated, but please. Lighten up a bit...?"

"Thank you, Esu," Sam said. "Anything else?"

Esu glanced between the two, looking nervous. "Just be careful out there. Those two gangs are some of the most violent. I don't know what Stephens was thinking, getting involved with them. They will rip his head off if he fails to repay them."

Dash raised a hand, a confused look spreading across his face. "Wait… one question. I thought these two gangs were blood rivals. How're they existing if the same guy's helping them both! Seems to me that the good mayor-to-be could very well have been dead already…."

Esu rolled his eyes. "Please, Dash. The way they see it, once Stephens takes office, they've got full rein to start the gang war they've always wanted to, and neither group will be condemned for it."

"...True." Dash's phone rang, and he answered it quickly. "Dash here."

"Hey, Dash. I'm back at the ranch house."

"Oh, okay, Val. Where's the dynamic duo?"

Val gave a humorless chuckle. "Hah. Good one. Well, Danny didn't wanna ride back with me on the director's newest toy, so he and Tuck took the sedan straight back to the motor pool. They should be there soon."

"Okay, that's cool. They're probably gettin' quick-draw through the front door security checkpoint."

"...There's that…."

"Okay, well, see ya when you get here."

"Okay, later!" Valerie hung up.

Sam glanced at Dash, an eyebrow raised. "Tucker and Danny are back then?"

Esu bounced a bit, rubbing his hands together excitedly. "Ooooh! Mr. Cowboy's back from the field?"

Dash blinked at Esu's enthusiasm. "...Uh, yeah. That's what Val suggested. She took the ATV back to the director's ranch solo."

Sam sighed. "I assume we'll have to set up a hitching post outside until Danny gets some other mode of transportation..."

"That might be a good idea. Though, I'd like to see you try and get Danny to use any other method of movement than his mare. Seems like they're practically conjoined to each other," Dash joked, snickering.

"While it's nice that he can get around quicker than city travel, it will become problematic to have a horse trailing us constantly," Sam pointed out.

"Hey, I agree completely, Boss. I just don't wanna be the one tryin' to explain it to him."

Sam pursed her lips. "Right, that will be a problem, won't it...? Well, we should go meet Tuck and Danny."

"Okay." They headed for the exit, Dash calling back, "Catcha later, Esu!"

"Bring the cowboy with you next time!" Esu replied.

The lab's door closed behind them, and Dash turned to Sam. "...You don't think Esu's...?"

"Hm? Esu's what, Dash?"

Dash bit his lip. "Well… I know he's… attracted to me and all, I just think he's a bit more… obvious toward Dan. Not sayin' I'm necessarily against homosexuality, just… well, Esu seems especially… forward with Danny. I'd be scared witless if I didn't know Esu's… leanings beforehand."

Sam sighed as they got back into the elevator and headed back up. "Dash, we all know Esu's flaming. Whether or not he's actually attracted has never seemed to encourage his… enthusiasm at flirting."

"Thats exactly my point, though. Boss, he's always been dropping… hints as to his… hidden desires, b—but he's always been careful to do it subtly: joking, or whatever. With Dan, though…." Dash trailed off, leaving Sam to fill in the blanks.

"In any case, we'll just monitor Esu when they're together. No worries, unless Esu gets too forward."

Dash nodded. "...Okay, boss. Your call."

Up ahead, they could hear a loud complaint. "Aww, c'mon! I was in here just a coupla hours ago! Why do ya hafta check my guns again?"

Sam's eyelids dropped to half mast, her expression unimpressed. "I think they're back..."

They heard Tucker right around the corner. "Danny, please. They're just doing their job. You aren't an official part of the team, yet, so they can't give you special treatment."

Danny grumbled as they came closer. "Dangit, they shouldn't hafta recheck people they just checked a few hours ago!" The last was yelled over his shoulder at the guards.

"Uhh… dude. Two words. Nine. Eleven."

Danny blinked. "...That was in an airplane, this is different..."

Tucker stared for a moment, then shook himself out of the shock. "Well… yes, but the idea is complacency sucks."

"Easy, boys," Sam said as they met up. "We've got a new lead, but we'll go over it once Valerie arrives."

"Really?" Tuck asked. "Ah, well. Did she say anything about Dan's… excitement over the director's pet project?"

Dash snickered. "Yeah. Sounds like John Wayne here nearly lost his lunch…."

Danny huffed, crossing his arms. "I did not. ...I just wasn't expectin' it ta fly..."

Dash blinked, then burst out laughing. "HAHA! I guess you've never seen Back to the Future…."

Danny stared, his head tilting a bit. "Back ta what? That don't even make sense!"

Tucker and Dash stared blankly at him.

Danny shuffled his feet a little, slightly uncomfortable with the attention. "What? I told y'all, we didn't have a TV on the ranch..."

Tucker snapped out of it first. "Uhh… yeah. S—Sorry, it's just that—" He glanced at Dash, seeing he still looked glazed-over, and stomped on his foot.

"Yow!" Dash cried, glaring at Tuck. "Watch it, bub!"

"Dash… you were almost drooling."

"...oh… darn it!"

Danny just stared, very confused.

Sam crossed her arms. "If you'd all quit acting like children, we should head to the squad room to wait for Valerie."

Tucker and Dash looked cowed. "...Yes, boss…."

"Y—Yes, ma—" Danny's phone interrupted him, and he blinked. "Um..." He pulled out his phone, gaped at the number, then glanced back up at Sam. "I—I'd better take this. I'll catch up with y'all later."

Sam studied him a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

Danny took off.

"Well… that was awkward..." Dash mumbled.

Sam stared after the Texan. "Wonder who that could've been...?"

Dash waved a dismissive hand. "Tch. Probably wants to talk with mommy away from his new friends."

Tucker glanced at Dash, an eyebrow raised. "...Don't you still do that?"

"...Shut up."

Sam shook herself out of it. "I swear you two bicker like children..."

Dash pointed at Tuck, saying, "He started it!"

Sam just rolled her eyes. "...Case and point, thank you, Dash."

"Neandertal..." Tuck mumbled.

"You, too, Tuck. And it's 'neanderthal'. If you're going to insult someone, do it properly. Now, c'mon, we've still gotta wait for Valerie."

7|-|3 |\|4|2|20\/\/ |204|)

"Tch. When is she gonna get back already!" Dash was complaining only a few minutes later.

Tucker rolled his eyes. "Dash, chill. she's going on real horsepower, y'know!"

"...S—So?"

"Calm yourselves, boys, she's heading over now, though we still have to wait for Danny to get back," Sam stated, nodding towards the entrance, where, indeed, Valerie was just arriving.

"Tch. Like anyone knows when that's gonna happen…." Dash huffed.

Val walked up then. "Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late."

Tuck shrugged. "It's okay, Val." Then he smirked. "How was Yoki?"

Val's brow furrowed. "Uh… good, how—?"

"I overheard you talking with Dan," he responded, grinning.

"Oh. Okay." Val turned to Sam. "How're things here, boss?"

"We've got a lead," she said, "and we'll tell you about it as soon as Danny comes back."

"Okay… where'd he go?"

Dash huffed, crossing his arms. "Tch. Eastwood got a mysterious call, then ran out."

Sam rolled her eyes. "Dash, what'd I say about acting childish?"

Dash glanced away. "...Whatev…."

Danny walked back over, glowering at the floor.

"H—Hey, man," Tuck called, trying to catch the Texan's attention, "what's up?"

The cowboy just seemed to ignore it.

Dash, Tucker, and Valerie exchanged a glance, then the blond waved a hand in front of Danny. "Hello! Earth to Daniel!"

But he still didn't notice.

Sam rolled her eyes, then yelled, "FENTON!"

Danny jumped, eyes wide, and fell to the floor. "W—Wha—?"

Dash snickered.

"Dude, you okay?" Tuck asked, obviously concerned.

"I—I'm fine, I just—you surprised me..."

"Well, yeah!" Dash exclaimed. "Dude, your face was glazed over like a freakin' doughnut!"

"Dash!" Sam admonished, hands on hips.

"Well… it was!"

Danny blushed. "S—Sorry..."

Tuck waved a hand dismissively. "It's cool, man. Who was on your cell?"

Danny's eyes widened again before he glanced away nervously. "Ah—n—no one, just... someone from my hometown..."

"Someone from home… made you that bug-eyed!" Val asked incredulously.

"I—I wasn't bug-eyed!" Danny disagreed. "...J—Just thinkin'..."

"Dude. I'm the king of daydreaming—" Dash and Valerie snickered at that, causing Tuck to roll his eyes before continuing "—but I know what that look is. What you just showed was definitely not that!"

"N—No, I—I was really just thinkin'!"

"Okay, okay." Tucker raised his hands placatingly. "Chill. No sweat, man."

"Yeah, take a breather. Anyway," Val turned to Sam, "what's the new info, boss?"

Sam ignored Danny's huffing. "We've got a lead. We'll have to split up into two groups, one each to question the Falcons and the Vipers."

Val blinked. "...You can't be serious!"

The new comer just looked confused. "The who and the what now?"

"Oh… nothing…" Val said, waving a hand in annoyance, "just the two most blood-thirsty gangs this side of anywhere!"

Danny blinked. "Gangs? Oh, y'mean like bandits?"

"...Uhh… yeah, except multiply the effect of bandits about the same factor as the population difference, then multiply that by at least twice!" Val exclaimed.

"...Have any of y'all ever had to go through a bandit attack? I think ya might be underestimatin' 'em..."

Tucker shook his head. "Dude, we're not doubting their… ferocity, but that's still a one-front war. Here, there're at least three gangs working the streets at any one time!"

Danny still didn't seem to agree. "...Just 'cause they don't have diff'rent names don't mean they're all in cahoots."

"...Dan. How many times did you have more than one group attack simultaneously?"

Danny's face darkened as he glared at the floor. "Plenty..."

Tucker blinked, obviously not having expected such a powerful reaction. "Okay… what kinda weapons do they use?"

"Guns and torches, mostly." Danny's head tilted in thought. "Some whips and knives, too..."

Dash chuckled. "What about AK-47's, frag grenades, RPG's, rocket launchers…. Shall I go on?"

"Yeah, well when y'all lose your whole year's worth 'a crops 'cause one frickin' bandit dropped a torch on a plant, y'all can complain..."

"...Dude. What would you rather lose?" Dash asked. "A year's worth of crops due to one torch, or your entire family thanks to a block of C-4?"

Danny just ignored that and turned to Sam. "Where d'ya want us ta go, ma'am?"

Sam blinked at him for a moment, then shook her head and replied, "Split into two groups. One'll go to the Falcons' base, the other to the Vipers'."

"Okay," Val said. "Who goes where?"

"Dash, you and Danny head to the Vipers, Tuck, Val, and I'll go to the Falcons."

Dash rolled his eyes. "...Whatever. Let's roll, Tex!"

7|-|3 |\|4|2|20\/\/ |204|)

Dash pulled up, powering down the car. "Well, here we are!"

Danny glanced around. "Uh, where's 'here', exac'ly?"

"One of the Vipers' known hangouts, that's where! Weren't you paying attention back at the squad room!"

Danny looked at Dash, unimpressed. "...It's a dumpster."

Dash seemed surprised at first, then rolled his eyes. "...Dude, this is the lower side of Amity Park. Did you think the whole area was as pristine as Main Street?"

"...We have dust fields cleaner'n this mess..." Danny looked around again, still not thinking much of the place.

"Yeah, well. Another glaring difference when you don't have as many people taking up roughly the same space. Where you come from, the average family probably has about ten acres apiece, right? Here, you're lucky to get a little flower box on a windowsill."

Danny hid his shock behind a grimace. "...Whatever... So where's these Vipers at, anyway?"

Dash tugged Danny into an alley, glaring. "Dude! Don't be so obvious. They already know we're here, no need to broadcast any intentions!"

One of Danny's eyebrows shot up in confusion. "Broadcast what? We're just here to ask questions, right?"

Dash slumped, sighing, then brushed a hand through his hair. "Danny, these guys're armed to the teeth. They have weapons you probably never even heard of! They own this area, man! They have lookouts all over this section of the city, warning them about rival gang members and other trespassers, especially LEO's like us!"

Danny still seemed confused. "...Leo...?"

Dash slapped his palm to his forehead. "...Never mind. Just don't be so open around these guys, alright?"

"Stupid roundabouts.…" Danny grumbled. "We never went this outta the way with dealin' with bandits..."

"Dude. Think of it this way. You probably come from a town of about a few hundred some-odd individuals, each with enough common sense, know-how, resources, and what not to defend themselves well enough. Everyone there probably also has enough of a group mentality to protect any of their neighbors if anything happens. Here, well… as you've probably been told, the need for personal survival trumps anything else. That, and the fact that the average person doesn't own any kind of weapon, or the knowledge on how to use one…."

Danny ignored that, staring behind the blond. "Uh, Dash...?"

"WHAT!" Dash snarled, glaring at Danny.

"...One of those Viper guys's behind you."

Dash's eyes went wide before he whirled around to see a smirking, well-muscled Latino behind him. "What's up, amigo?" the gang banger asked.

"Uh… nothin', man," Dash answered. "Just wanted to talk to you for a sec."

The Viper glanced around the alley. "You in the wrong neighborhood, hombre?"

Dash flashed his badge and gun. "I think I'm in the right place, actually."

The man blinked at the gun, then at Dash. "Okay, gringo, your choice. Un momento, por favor." He walked off.

Dash sighed. "You saw the cylinders on his wrists, right?"

Danny had seen the tattooed lines. "Yeah...?"

"That means he's lowest on the totem pole," Dash explained. "Each cylinder represents a part of a rattlesnake's rattle. Grunts have one, requiring increasingly brutal acts to rise up the ladder."

"...Cylinders are bad, got it."

"Yeah. Course, once they get enough rings, well… they begin to get the actual snake tattooed on their body. Sometimes in… unique areas."

Danny's nose wrinkled at the thought. "...Lovely. So where'd that guy run off ta, anyway?"

"Eh, I dunno." Dash shrugged. "Probably to get someone higher up to deal with us. Gang like this, if anyone so much as sneezes without at least one superior's permission, well… a headshot would be greatly appreciated…."

"...So... we just wait?" Danny seemed to not believe that they were waiting on an outlaw.

"Yeah. Shouldn't be long, though—"

"Burro!" a new arrival called out. He also had the cylinders, though several more than the last member."¿Que pasa, señor?"

Dash grinned. "Here he comes."

Danny tried to hide a smirk, whispering, "Hey, Dash, how much Spanish d'ya know?"

"Enough. Why?"

Danny's eyes glinted mischievously. "'Cause he called ya an ass."

Dash rolled his eyes. "I know. You don't have to whisper, anyway. I've dealt with this chica before."

"What'd you call me!" the Viper snarled.

"Fácil, amigo." Danny interrupted, stepping forward. "Mi socio aquí no tiene ninguna pista sobre lo que está diciendo que la mitad del tiempo en inglés, así que su español es probable que sea tan malo, si no a empeorar."

"Hold up, pistolero!" the Viper said, turning to Danny. "¡Yo no conozco, señor! Pero, este mujer...!" He stomped up to Dash, glaring, but once they were face to face, they shared a chest bump.

"Sí, sí, la mujer no vale la pena su tiempo, aunque." Danny shook his head, then continued in English. "We just came for questions. We hoped you'd help us get some of your money back to you."

The gang member blinked, and Dash snickered, saying quietly, "...Dude, you don't have to be so jumpy. This guy's on our side."

The Viper continued in the same tone. "Sí, si. Pero, no diga a mis amigos, por favor."

Danny blinked. "...Right. Sorry, not 'xactly use ta city life yet. Don't have insiders back home..."

The Viper stared in shock, then glanced at Dash. "¿...estás serio?"

"Yeah…" Dash replied, "he's from Texas."

"Ahh, el teritorio anterior de Mexico, no? Bueno. ¿Como te llamas, señor?"

"Me llamo Danny Fenton. Y tu?"

"Jesus Sanchez," the man responded, shaking Danny's hand. "Pleased to meet you."

Dash rolled his eyes. "...Now that we've all gotten acquainted…."

"Right, man. I assume you're here cause of that bonita's untimely death?" Jesus raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

"Heh. You guessed it."

"Well… I've been trying to find some stuff out, but not much as of yet."

Dash sighed. "Okay, I wasn't really expecting much." He glanced at Jesus, looking mildly concerned. "You still got that burn phone?"

Jesus waved a hand. "Please. ¡Todavia tengo mi dinero de almuerzo del tercer grado!"

Dash and Sanchez shared a laugh. "Okay, well. Catch ya later!"

"¡Adios, mis amigos!" Sanchez called, waving as they headed back to their car.

"Well, let's get back, Dan. Don't want to be late if there's nothing to report."

"Yeah, sure. ¡Adios!" Danny called over his shoulder before sliding into the car.

As they drove back, Dash asked, "So, how'd ya like city life so far?"

Danny shrugged. "It's... diff'rent."

"Heh. I thought so—"

Dash was interrupted by the police band radio. }Calling all units, calling all units. Robbery-in-progress at 2nd and 5th. Any available units please respond!{

Dash smirked. "Heh… never a dull moment. Hold on!" That said, he flipped on the lights and sirens and pulled a U-turn.

Danny was thrown into the door. "Holy—! Gawd, warn a person, wouldja?"

"Heh. I did. It's not my fault your reflexes aren't quick enough!"

"I hate cars..." Danny grumbled, crossing his arms.

Dash's smirk widened. "Why? I doubt your little horsey can go this fast!"

"She can get close 'nough for me..."

"Heh. Sissy…." Dash teased.

Danny rolled his eyes. "So what's goin' on that we've gotta pull stunts?"

"...did you hear the radio!" Dash demanded, eyes wide in surprise that Danny hadn't been paying attention. "Robbery, dude!" He bounced a little in his seat, eyes bright.

"Awright, why's that make you so happy?"

Dash shrugged. "I'm not happy so much as getting an adrenaline boost. Kind of an unconscious reaction whenever I'm entering an already-dangerous situation."

"Wha's so dangerous 'bout a robbery?" Danny asked, brow furrowing. "Shoot the guy's gun hand and you're good."

Dash shook his head. "Dude… who said anything about a single robber!"

Danny blinked. "Oh, y'mean like there's a few guys just millin' 'bout outside with the leader inside?"

Dash stared for a second at Danny before focusing on the road again. "Dude… we never know how many perps we have. Yet another difference between here and your area. Large population equals any number of potential factors affecting how we react to the crime at hand."

"Really? So word-a-mouth don't spread so quick here? Back home, a fella'd know within two minutes how many robbers there were at a break-in five miles away..."

Dash blinked, then shook his head. "...Danny, you probably know everyone in your town. And, as I said before, everyone here doesn't know or care about really anyone else. That, and they really don't know diddly squat about self-defense, so… they'd just as well keep their mouths shut when someone starts opening fire."

Danny stared blankly at Dash. "...Sure. Don't we have a robb'ry to stop?"

"Yup!" Dash stomped on the brakes, making the car screech to a halt. "Let's go!"

Danny grimaced, pulling himself off the dash board. "Yeah, sure..."

Dash crept up to the corner, putting an earpiece in one ear. }What've we got, folks?{ he asked over the comm line.

}Interesting situation, Baxter,{ came the reply. }Seems your old partner's kid's the mastermind this time.{

Dash blinked. }...Ricky! Damn….{

}I know, man. You still goo—?{

}I'm dialed in, Dave. Don't matter who the enemy is, you know that,{ Dash stated, checking his gun's clip.

}Glad you're still with us.{

Danny blinked at Dash, having missed one half of the conversation since he didn't have an earpiece. "So… wha's goin' on?"

"Oh… nothing," Dash said casually. "Just an old family friend's the big wig in there…."

"...awright, so what's the plan?"

"Well, that's up to Dave, but…." Dash slung a slim backpack off his back, opening it. "I think I'll get Betsy ready, just in case." He pulled out a modified, collapsible M-16.

Danny stared at him disbelievingly. "...Ya named a gun after a cow..."

"I don't care what the name might be used for normally. I like the name and I love my gun, so…."

"Sure, sure..." Danny pulled out first his Python to check it, then slid it back into place before checking on his two Anacondas. "Ready when y'all are."

Dash sighed, mumbling, "Show-off…."

Danny blinked at him. "What? It's not like I brought along my 12-gauge..."

"…Rub it in, why don't you!"

Danny's head tilted, honestly confused. "Rub what in?"

"...Never mind!"

}Alright, people,{ Dave continued over the comm. }Baxter's here, and it sounds like he's got an arsenal with him.{

Dash twitched.

}Dash, you think your buddy can take the shot?{

}...I'll see.{ He turned to Danny. "Can you make a shot across the street, through glass, at a slight angle with any of those?"

"All three," Danny replied. "Why?"

"...y'see that little glass mirror behind the register?"

Danny glanced across the street at the bank, looking through the window at the registers. Sure enough, behind one was a small mirror. "Yeah...?"

"Well, do what you need to to get a good position." Dash handed Danny a walkie talkie. "As soon as I give you the signal, shoot the glass."

Danny nodded. "Gotcha." He glanced around at the area, then headed off.

Dash sighed, then focused, calling out through the comm, }Okay, Dave. Tex's ready.{

}Good, good.{

For a while, everyone just sat, watching tensely as Ricky tried to get his demands met and threatened to start shooting.

Dash raised the walkie talkie to his mouth. "Ready, Dan?"

"Ready when y'all are," Danny replied.

"Good." Dash pulled out a small set of binoculars and studied the would-be robber. "Okay. Three… two… one… NOW!"

There was a soft BANG in the distance and above, then a slump was heard from inside the bank. Dash called over the comm, }How's that, Dave?{

}...Well I'll be!{ the man gaped. }Good thing your friend's such a crack shot!{

Dash rolled his eyes. }...You had SWAT on the roof, didn't you?{

}Hey, y'know me. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.{

}...Yeah, yeah. I know.{

}We can take it from here, man. Thanks!{

}No prob, Dave,{ Dash answered. }Anytime!{

Dave chuckled. }Thank your new buddy for me, too.{

Dash sighed in slight annoyance and jealousy, but replied, }Will do.{ He picked the walkie talkie back up. "Okay, Dan. Coast's clear. Let's head back."

"Ah—sure thing." Danny sounded a little nervous. "It'll take me a couple minutes ta get back, though. Got a bit tangled up over here..."

One of Dash's eyebrows jumped up at that. "...Need any help?"

"Naw," Danny said, "I'll just be a sec."

"...Okay," Dash was a bit unsure, "see ya when you get here."

Some crashing and cursing came across the walkie talkie, and Dash stared at it in amusement. "...You didn't shimmy up a fire escape, did you?"

Danny sounded a little out of breath when he answered. "Naw, some stuff fell over on my way up, and I may've forgotten it was there..."

Dash bit back a chuckle. "...I see. Well, I'll be in the car." He turned off the walkie talkie and went to sit in his car. A few minutes later, he glanced up to see Danny limping over. "...You sure you're alright?"

Danny blushed. "I may not've had ta shimmy up a fir'scape, but I had to shimmy down one to get around the mess. Unfortunately, I picked an old one that was missing the last third..."

Dash blinked for a moment, trying to decide whether to laugh or ask how the heck Danny managed that before rolling his eyes. "...Whatever. Job's done, that's what counts. Let's get outta here!"

7|-|3 |\|4|2|20\/\/ |204|)

A/N: Finally! Okay, so this story's finally been updated (and my friend and I are finally back to working on it again)! For those of you who do not know Spanish (me included, my friend did the translating), here's what was said during the little exchange with the Viper.

Amigo = friend

Hombre = man

Gringo = foreigner

Un momento, por favor = one moment, please.

Burro = donkey/ass

¿Que pasa, señor? = what's up, man?

Chica = girl

Fácil, amigo. = Easy, friend.

Mi socio aquí no tiene ninguna pista sobre lo que está diciendo que la mitad del tiempo en inglés, así que su español es probable que sea tan malo, si no a empeorar =My associate here does not have any idea what he is saying half of the time in English, so his Spanish is probably just as bad, if not worse.

Pistolero = Gunman

¡Yo no conozco, señor! Pero, este mujer...! = I don't know, man! But this woman…!

Sí, sí, la mujer no vale la pena su tiempo, aunque = Yes, yes, the woman is not worth the time, though.

Sí, si. Pero, no diga a mis amigos, por favor. = Yes, yes, but don't tell my friends, please.

¿...estás serio? = Is he serious?

El teritorio anterior de Mexico, no? Bueno. ¿Como te llamas, señor? = The previous territory of Mexico, no? Good. What's your name?

Me llamo Danny Fenton. Y tu? = My name is Danny Fenton. And you?

Bonita = little pretty (one/girl)

¡Todavia tengo mi dinero de almuerzo del tercer grado! = I still have my third grade lunch money!

¡Adios, mis amigos! = Goodbye, my friends!

¡Adios! = Goodbye

Well, I think that's about it. Hopefully it doesn't take another seven months to get out the next chapter, or this story will never get finished (though, seeing how much is going into it, this one's gonna be LONG). Read and review, please!