Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom and make no money for this story.

Notes: I've only see a few episodes of Danny Phantom so please excuse any questionable terminology.

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Agony
by Kalika

Chapter 1

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Watch out Danny

The young half ghost spun quickly and narrowly avoided being punched in the face. It was late saturday night and he was battling a new specter that had escaped through the ghost portal that earlier that afternoon. He had been in his room with Sam and Tucker at the time and the ghost had phased straight through his wall.

The tiny ghost had been fast, and the three friends had been hard pressed to keep up to it. They had finally managed to engage it near the school. Unfortunately, the ghosts speed had also translated into it's fighting ability. It had a nasty tendency for popping up behind Danny and striking a blow before he could dodge. Then it would be gone before he could reciprocate.

Tucker, can you hit it with the thermos? Danny asked as he tried to catch his breath. Maybe we can catch the little rodent off guard. He lurched forewords as the small ghost once again struck him from behind.

He spun to try and catch sight of the tiny specter. He couldn't see it anywhere. God that little monster was driving him insane. With it's creepy child like face, glowing eyes and mouse -like nose. How could something that small move so fast. Not only that, how could it hit so hard. Danny was certain that when he finally managed to bag this ghost he was going to be covered with bruises. So far Danny had only managed to land two blows on the creature, and he was relatively certain that both of them had just been luck.

Tucker stepped out from his hiding place with Sam behind a large dumpster. He pulled out the thermos and tried to train it on the ghost, but it just kept flitting from place to place. Eventually, he lost sight of it altogether. I'm not sure this will work Danny. I can't get a good shot at it. You'll need to hold it still.

Danny gave a curt nod and once again began searching for the rodent-like ghost. He spied it hiding in a shadowed doorjamb half way down the alley. It looked almost as tired as he felt. Perhaps it was unable to move quickly for long periods of time. It may have weakened itself. Danny shook off his exhaustion and launched himself at the other ghost. He caught it off guard, and managed to hold it still long enough for Tucker to trap it.

Danny landed on the ground and barely managed to keep himself up straight. Tucker and Sam hurried over to support him.

Danny. Are you all right? Sam asked with concern thick in her voice. She couldn't recall ever seeing Danny look this bad before. He had been fighting so many ghosts lately. It was not only taking a toll on his schooling, but it looked to be adversely affecting his health as well.

Yeah Danny. You look really bad. Tucker added in when he got a good look at Danny's face. You've done a lot more fighting this week than you ever have since the accident that changed you. Maybe you should take tomorrow off.

Sam nodded quickly. I think he's right Danny. I mean the rest really couldn't do you any harm.

Danny shook his head. I'd love to, you guys, but we have our math mid-term on Monday morning. I really need to study or I'm going to get another horrible grade.Danny, you haven't studied yet? Sam exclaimed with shock. This is a very important test.I know. I know. Danny sighed heavily. But with the number of ghost that I've been fighting I haven't had a chance to even crack the books. But unless something huge comes up tomorrow I plan to spend the entire day cramming.That's probably for the best. Tucker stated. Sam nodded behind him. Tell you what Danny. Why don't you just head straight home and go to sleep. Sam and I can take care of ourselves. It's not too far to either of our houses.

All right guys. I'll see you on Monday. Danny gave them a tired smile before taking the thermos from Tucker and pushing off the ground to fly himself home.

Sam watched him leave with concern. Does he seem sad to you, Tuck?What do you mean?I don't know. He just seems so depressed lately. Maybe we should take him to do something fun tomorrow after school. He certainly deserves it after all the time he's put into ghost hunting lately.

Tucker nodded in agreement and the two of them began to head home.

An uneventful trip home took Danny to his front door. He was so exhausted he didn't think that his feet would be able to support himself if he were to change back to his human form, so instead he phased through the wall of his bedroom and placed the Fenton Thermos into the locked drawer in his computer desk. Danny barely had time to set his alarm clock before he collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep.

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To Be Continued