Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The poor pup just sat in the alleyway alone crying, while trying to process everything that transpired a half-hour ago. His loving parents, his mama and papa were taken away from him by that cruel man who was seemingly kind to free him from those bars and now...They were sent away to who knows where. All alone, the pup didn't know what to do, how he would survive on his own, he had no one to take care of him. His very young life he had before all gone.

As he continued to cry, a voice was heard.

"Hey there little guy. Are you all alone out here?"

Spooked, the pup looked up to see a young boy with black hair and blue eyes, traumatized of what happened to him earlier. He wasn't sure who to trust anymore. In response, the pup slowly back away as he began to shake bracing for the worst to come.

He gradually flinched at first but soon relaxed when he felt the boy's hand run across his head gently. Looking up, he saw the little boy's concerned look.

"It's ok, don't be scared. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise"

The little boy gently picked up the pup and lifted him into his arms. Strangely, the pup felt a sensation of safety, some reason he could trust this boy.

"I can't just leave you out here all alone. Come on, you're gonna come with me little guy"

The little boy left the alleyway, just then a female voice was heard.

"Danny!"

Looking, the boy turned to see an older girl with red hair as she finally ran up to him.

"Danny! There you are! Where did you go? You had mom, dad, and I worried sick. Don't wander off like that again!"

"Sorry, Jazz...It's just I heard this crying from over there and went to go see what it was. And look what I found!"

Looking at what was in her little brother's arms. Jazz gave Danny a stern look. "Danny, you can't just go around and picking up stray animals. Who knows what kind of germs they might be carrying. You could get sick"

"But Jazz, he was all alone. I heard him crying and I just couldn't leave him...He's just a puppy, how would he survive? Besides, I was thinking we could even keep him!"

Hearing those words, the pup expressed surprised.

"Well, that's not up for me to decide. That's a question you're going to have to ask mom and dad. Come on, we don't want to keep them worrying any longer.

Both the older sister and younger brother who was carrying the pup found their parents not too long after.

"Mom! Dad! I found Danny!"

Feeling relieved, both parents ran over to their children. "Oh thank goodness! Danny where had you been!?" The older woman asked?

"Danny, don't ever do that again. We were afraid we lost you." The older man said.

"Sorry mom. Sorry dad. As we were walking, I got distracted and heard crying from between the buildings. This is who I found doing it. He was all alone, I couldn't bear to leave him and the thought of him having nobody help him"

Danny showed his parents the pup in his arms.

"Mom! Dad! Can we please keep him! I always wanted a dog! Please! Please! Pretty please!"

"I don't know Danny...You're still young and having a dog is a big responsibility. Are you sure you're up to it?" The father asked.

"Yes! Yes! I promise! Please! Please! I will take good care of him! I'll feed him! I'll play with him! I'll always be there for him! He'll be my new best friend along with Sam and Tucker! Mom! Dad! Please! Please say yes!" Danny asked beggingly.

The mother whose name was Maddie warmly smiled seeing how eager and how much her son really wanted this dog he found in the alleyway. To say no to a face like that, she couldn't bear to break her son's heart. "Oh Jack, I don't see what's the harm. And besides, we've never had a family dog. I think this would be good for the kids especially for Danny"

"Very well then." The father who was named Jack said.

Jack leaned down on one knee and placed a hand on his son's shoulder "But Danny, this dog is your responsibility, if we're gonna have a dog, you're going to have to take care of everything. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes dad! Yes! Of course! I'll take very good care of him!" Danny said with enthusiasm.

Jazz walked over to Danny and put an arm over her little brother's shoulder. "And besides, Danny won't be alone in taking care of him. I'll pitch in too. After all, what are big sisters for?" She said giving Danny a wink.

"It's settled then, you can keep him Danny" Jack said.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love you and mom so much! This is the best day of my life!" Danny said jumping up and down in excitement.

Looking down to see the pup in his arms, Danny smiled over the new addition to their family. "Do you hear that little guy!? You're coming home with us!"

Unable to fathom the reality of what was actually happening. The pup teared up in joy giving out a happy smile.

"Come on then, we're about to leave town. We're gonna be going back home tomorrow from this family road trip" Maddie said.

With that, the family along with the pup arrived at their vehicle which was rather large and unusual with an "F" labeled on both of its sides, its signature large wheels looking like that similar to a military tank. Inside, Danny sat down next to his sister as he held the pup in his arms.

Jazz just looking down at the pup spoke up. "So Danny? What were you thinking of calling our new dog?"

"I don't know. I never really thought of that to be honest when I found him." Danny said.

Jazz scratched the pup's head who was enjoying it. She giggled. "To find him all alone though, he had to be very courageous."

The mention of what his older sister said gave Danny the perfect name for their new dog. "That's it, Jazz! You gave me a good name to call our dog. I'm gonna call him Courage!"

Holding the pup that was now officially named Courage. Danny looked at him and smiled. "This is the start of a new life Courage. I can't wait until we finally get home to Amity Park tomorrow. You're gonna enjoy where we live. I can't wait to show you to Sam and Tucker!"

Bringing Courage to his chest, Danny hugged him tightly. Courage nuzzled closely against his new owner enjoying the warmth. Courage would never forget his parents, he hoped maybe by some chance they were still alive wherever they were, regardless there was nothing he could do, he had a new family and new life. All thanks to the little boy that was named Danny who took him in when everything seemed lost to him.

Chapter Text

The following day after the long trip back, the Fenton Family finally arrived back home in Amity Park as they drove in next to their house which had a sign saying "FentonWorks" and an observatory that was built on top of the roof.

Exiting the large vehicle, the Fenton Family strolled up to the door as they entered their house. "We're finally here Courage! This is where my family and I live and now this is your new home as well!" Danny said.

Still in Danny's arms, Courage looked all around. There was a living room, a kitchen, an upstairs, everything that he and his parents had back at their old place, only bigger and more space.

"Come on! I'm going to show you all around!"

As Danny ran off with Courage. Jack, Maddie and Jazz stood at the still-open door all smiling. Happy for Danny what happened yesterday, not only finding himself a new best friend but a new member of the Fenton Family as well. One that he'd always be spending time all the time. Unlike his two other best friends Sam and Tucker, the difference was Danny would get to play Courage every single day and would be living with them.

"Look at that Jack, I definitely think we made a good decision to let Danny have a dog. Sure he has Sam and Tucker, but now he has someone he can be with every day, that way he won't always be alone."

Maddie heard an "ahem" sound and looked down at Jazz who was looking at her. "Um, I'm right here mom? Danny was never alone to begin with or did you suddenly forget I existed?"

The older woman gave an "Oh sorry honey, of course, my mind had been so focused on Danny's happiness that I forgot about you".

"Yeah, I guess you're right Maddie. I think Courage is going to be going to be a great addition to our family and good for Danny himself."

Jack turned to look at his oldest daughter. "And you too Jazz."

Jazz smiled at her father's complement. "Thanks dad, yeah it's definitely going to be a lot more fun around here now that we got a dog. I'll be sure to pitch in and help Danny with taking care of him. You got my word on that."

"Oh we believe you dear, you're a responsible young girl for someone your age, always being there for your brother." Maddie said.

"And although we told Danny that Courage is to be his responsibility, at the very least we'll cover for buying dog food for him. In fact, now would be a good time do so. The day is still early, and may as well relax before getting back to work as usual tomorrow. What do you say Maddie?"

"It probably shouldn't take too long, sure. That way, it'll be over and done with"

As Maddie and Jack were about to leave the door. They looked at Jazz. "Jazz you're in charge of the house while we're gone alright?" Jack said.

"Of course dad. You can always count on me."

Nodding in approval. Both Maddie and Jack left and shut the door. Deciding to check up on Danny, Jazz went to go find him.

Danny had just finished showing Courage everywhere in the house but his room which he wanted to save for last. "And last but not least, this here is my room Courage. This is where you'll be sleeping with me!"

Looking inside his owner's room. It was a decently sized room, much bigger than what his was back in his old place with his parents. It was upon inspection of what theme it was, unsettled Courage. On some shelves were rockets, bedsheets and window sheets with night and stars. Traumatic memory was suddenly coming back to the poor pup from yesterday as Danny carried him inside.

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Let us go!"

"Don't take me away from my baby!"

"What are you doing to us?"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"HELP!"

Focusing back to the present. Courage cried out as he began to thrash around trying to break free from Danny's grasp. Noticing this, the little boy was suddenly confused as he looked down in concern at his dog.

"Courage!? What's the matter? Is something wrong?"

Finally breaking free, Courage cried as he ran out from Danny's room. "Courage wait! Come back! Where are you going!?" Danny called out as he ran after him.

As Courage ran trying to get as far away from Danny's room as possible. He suddenly banged into something in his path. Rubbing his little head, Courage looked up to see the red-headed girl which he recognized as Danny's older sister, Jazz.

"What's going on?" Jazz asked.

Danny finally caught up as he met up with Courage and Jazz. Worried and confused regarding what had just happened.

"Courage? What was that all about? Are you ok pal?" Danny asked.

Jazz still confused what was happening spoke "Danny, what happened?"

"I don't know Jazz? I just finished showing Courage everywhere in the house except for the basement and as I finally was showing him my room. He suddenly began to panic trying to get out of my arms for some reason and ran off."

Courage kept shaking as Jazz knelt onto her knees and stroked the pup on his head for comfort. "Poor little guy. Being out there all alone until you found him supposedly abandoned must have traumatized him?"

Danny picked up Courage and looked at him with sadness. "Is that what it is Courage? You're still reeling from having been all by yourself before I found you? Don't worry, Jazz and I will help you get over that."

The pup whimpered, still trembling, if only he were able to talk and they could understand him would he be able to tell them what really had happened but the fact he was unable to didn't help.

Danny spoke. "Courage, do you still want to sleep with me in my room? Because you don't have to if you don't want to."

Hearing what Danny said, Courage felt really bad for what he did to the little boy, the one that took him in to begin with when all was lost to him. Though feeling uncomfortable about the theme of his owner's bedroom. The little pup had what it took to overcome that and get used to sleeping with Danny.

Courage shook his head yes and nuzzled against Danny, his love for him overiding the trauma he had endured. Courage's answer was fairly clear which made the little boy smile happily.

"Really good to know you're still fine with it. If you're ready then, why don't we head back and I show you?"

Before Danny was about to head back to his room with Courage. He was interrupted by Jazz.

"By the way Danny. I figure I'd let you know mom and dad currently went out to get dog food for Courage. So until they get back, as usual I'm in charge."

Danny felt confused. "Mom and dad went to go get dog food for Courage? But I thought dad said I was in charge of everything?"

Jazz giggled seeing how dedicated her little brother's responsibility to Courage really was which made her proud of him. He wasn't kidding yesterday when he said he'd take care of everything with Courage. "Well yes, Danny. That's what dad meant was as in at home. He and mom are at least going to buy his food since you're still young and don't have the money like they do. How else do they provide for everything including us?"

"Oh that makes sense, guess that's fair."

"And whenever we're at school. They'll also take care of him. But that won't be for a while since it's still Summer. So there's a lot of time to get him trained."

Which to Courage wouldn't matter. The pup knew better than to listen and behave, that's what his parents taught him.

"Anyway, I'll be in my room if you want me. Come get me if you need anything?"

As Jazz left for her room. Danny turned his attention to Courage. "Come on Courage, let me show you around my room!"

This time Courage was ready as Danny went back to his room with him. After showing Courage around and all his stuff. They soon were sitting down on his bed. "So as you can see Courage, when I grow up. I want to become an astronaut!"

Courage just sat there listening to his owner smiling, all this talk of what Danny wants to be when he's older did unsettle the pup given what happened to his parents but he was willing to overcome it just to be here with him. After Danny had finished up what he was talking about. He picked up Courage and hugged him tightly to his chest. "I love you so much Courage. I promise we're always going to be the best of friends!"

Courage couldn't agree more as he nuzzled closely to Danny. A single tear swept down one of his eyes. The pup just couldn't believe his luck to have been found by someone so innocent and carefree.

By then Maddie and Jack had gotten home and the mother announced their arrival. "Kids! We're home!"

Hearing his mother. Danny jumped off his bed with Courage. "Come on, Courage. Mom and dad are back! Let's go see them!"

With that, they went downstairs followed by Jazz. Shortly after, supper was made and the family ate together at the table with Courage nearby with dog bowls with "C" labeled on both that Maddie and Jack had also bought which Courage was currently eating from.

As the family ate. Danny looked over to his little pal and pondered. "Mom? Dad?"

The parents looked at Danny. "Yes, Danny?" Jack said.

"Thanks again for letting me take Courage home. He's the best thing to have ever happened to me!"

Maddie smiled warmly. "Oh Danny, you're welcome dear. Besides, what kind of parents would we have been leaving a poor animal to die?"

"Your mother's right Danny. Even if we didn't take Courage home with us, we would have at least gotten him some help. Either way though, he's part of the family now. He's officially a Fenton like the rest of us."

"Courage Fenton." Jazz said giggling.

As the family laughed together. Courage had just finished eating from his bowl. He suddenly sensed something very eerie, a chill that went down his spine. Confused, Courage looked around to see what he sensed when a green ghost with red eyes appeared from the wall. Startled by the sudden appearance of this being. Courage screamed as he ran over and jumped into Danny's arms.

"Courage? What's the matter?" Danny asked.

Courage just continued to shake as Danny held him. Jack chuckled at this. "Must have been a ghost he saw. Guess, Courage by now must have figured it out now that Amity Park is not like anywhere else in the world. It's home to the biggest activity of ghosts."

Danny comforted Courage petting him. "Don't worry Courage. Mom and dad are the best ghost hunters. They'll keep you safe just like they have with Jazz and I."

Despite his owner's assurance and comfort, Courage just continued to shake. The family once again laughed, except for Jazz who didn't believe in such a thing.

That night after supper and spending some more time together. Everyone had finally gone to bed. In Danny's room as the little boy slept. Courage just laid there next to the boy still spooked from earlier today. The trauma he endured of losing his parents from that cruel man was bad enough but now he had to deal with beings that Danny's father called ghosts? It felt like it was too much for the poor pup to bear.

The pup jumped off the bed and quietly so not to wake Danny up as he headed for the door to leave only to suddenly stop. Turning around to look at the sleeping boy, Courage suddenly had second thoughts. Where would he have gone if he left? There'd be nowhere for him to go and live but here, no one to take care of him, most of all, not only did this little boy take him in who gave him a new home, giving him the love and attention as his parents had done. How could he just abandon Danny especially after everything he had done for him? He couldn't imagine the heartbreak he'd be in if he woke up in the morning to find him gone, Courage couldn't bear to also do that.

It was officially decided. Courage would muster through his trauma and fears he would eventually face, and no matter what the cost protect Danny with his life if it depended on it. He did not want to make this same mistake again, one that had cost him his parents he had failed to save. He had been given new purpose in his life to be loyal to Danny to the very end.

Going back to the bed and jumping up, Courage went over to the sleeping Danny and slowly squeezed into his arms cuddling close to him as the pup soon fell asleep. Both owner and dog which fate and destiny had brought them to each other as they blissfully slept peacefully.

Courage suddenly found himself where everything had started. The pup found himself back in the room to the vet where his parents had brought him to be freed from those fence bars. Was everything that happened all a dream? Danny and his folks never happened?

The pup began to whimper in sadness what supposedly was all a happy dream. But where was his parents? Something wasn't adding up, before he could fully put his mind to everything that was happening. Courage heard familiar voices and shouts.

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

It was his parents! With no time to think, the pup headed over to the door. What he would have expected to have been a hallway full of days was nothing but pitch blackness only to see a large bearded man in white clothes who was walking about with his parents trapped in a net.

"Let us go!"

"Don't take me away from my baby!"

"What are you doing to us?"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

Courage screamed at the very sight. Immediately he began to follow determined to rescue his parents from the man he supposedly thought was very kind to helping him and other dogs in need. As Courage proceeded into the pitch darkness, he had lost sight of the man who was taking his parents away. Turning to the corner he had gone. The path continued to be more then same, more darkness, Courage kept going and going, but no matter how much he kept walking, the path didn't seem to have ever ended, in fact it was going on forever. This kept going on for a bit when suddenly the pup finally caught up and saw the cruel man walking towards the door as he began to open it.

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Let us go!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

"Help!"

The man entered the room as he closed the door behind. Courage screamed once again as he ran over. Managing to grab the handle from above, Courage opened the door only to be met by the shadowy man towering over him. The pup looked up and screamed in terror as the man grinned evilly.

"It's your turn now. Are you ready for the trip?" The cruel man chuckled with evil glee.

Courage continued to scream as the man reached down to grab him.

"Courage?"

"Courage!?"

"COURAGE!?"

Courage's eyes suddenly shot open as he thrashed around in Danny's arms who was trying everything in his power to calm him down. After a few brief moments, Courage's thrashing ceased and the pup looked around. He was back in Danny's room, safe in his arms. He looked up to see Danny who was extremely worried and concerned for him.

"Courage? Are you alright?"

It was all a nightmare. Danny, his sister and their parents. They were real this whole time, Courage felt relieved. Still, the trauma of what the poor pup had just went through right now again was too much to bear. Whimpering, tears formed in his eyes as he began to cry, sad that his parents were in fact really gone thanks to that evil man.

Danny comforted Courage as he tried to help calm him down. "Shhh, it's ok Courage. I'm here. It's gonna be ok. I think you were having a nightmare. It's all over now. Don't cry anymore"

Unsure what to do as he continued to comfort Courage saying soothing words to him. Danny pondered for a moment but then something came to mind. He suddenly remembered when he had nightmares notably regarding ghosts. Jazz, his big sister would hear him and come over to his room to comfort him, sleeping with him in his bed for the night, her way of doing so was singing to him which helped him sleep gradually.

Taking this idea into account, Danny began slowly sing humming a lullaby, though nowhere as good as Jazz, but it was working as Courage's crying soon ceased, his current thoughts being replaced by happy thoughts, those notably of Danny, after a few minutes of singing lullaby, the pup was soon fast asleep again, this time peacefully. Looking down at his sleeping puppy. Danny smiled, now knowing what the feeling was like whenever Jazz was there for him. It actually felt good, his big sister was always there for him that their parents sometimes failed to do due to either being too busy with their ghost-related job or being too tired from it. He had learned lots from her and this had helped a lot.

Content to see Courage finally sleeping, Danny leaned down and kissed him on the head. "Goodnight Courage, I love you."

With that, Danny got back under his blankets and laid down holding Courage close in his arms as they slept.

Chapter Text

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.

Chapter Text

The park of the city was currently very social today. People like couples and families walking or having picnics together, others sitting down watching their kids play chasing each other playing tag or at the swings, slides or in the sandbox, some flying their kites and friends of all ages just hanging out together in general.

The Fenton RV drove into the parking lot finding a spot to park. As soon as Maddie turned off the vehicle, she turned to look at Danny and Courage. "We're here."

Getting out of the vehicle. Danny, Courage and Maddie began walking to the park as they entered its grounds. Danny turned to look down at Courage. "This is the park Courage! My family and I have been here plenty of times for picnics and playing with my best friends Sam and Tucker who you'll hopefully be meeting later today. You and I are going to have so much fun! You're going to love the park!" Danny said speaking with excitement in his voice.

Looking everywhere of all the surroundings. The pup felt a little nervous given all the people who were here. Back living in Nowhere with his parents, there was a park where they used to take him to play but it was a lot smaller and less social, not as many folks there as he saw here in Amity Park. Still, Courage would give this park a chance. He was looking very forward to spending time and playing with Danny.

After finding a bench and a playground nearby, Maddie told Danny to have fun with Courage as she went to sit and watch them both. Left at their own accord now but in the watchful eye of her.

"Come on Courage! I'll show you the playground. It's a lot of fun!"

Following Danny, Courage and him went over to the playground where other kids around Danny's age was playing. Looking around, Danny was deciding which to do first? There was the slide they could go on, the monkey bars he could climb on while Courage watched, and of course there were the swings in which he'd have to get his mother to push him and Courage.

Making his decision. Danny decided on the monkey bars. Danny looked at him smiling. "Come on Courage! I'm gonna show you the monkey bars first!"

The little boy ran over to the monkey bars with Courage following him. Upon reaching them, Danny turned his head around to look at Courage. "Watch me how I climb Courage!"

Courage watched on as Danny took a few steps up and grabbed the bars as he began to climb them one at a time before reaching the middle. "Look at me Courage! I'm a monkey!"

This earned Danny a laugh from Courage who found it funny. Taking one hand off, Danny turned his attention to Maddie who was sitting at the bench next to another woman around Maddie's age. "Hi mom!" Danny said as he waved.

Maddie waved back. "Hi sweetie! Be careful now you don't fall."

"Don't worry mom, I won't!"

Deciding to proceed, Danny climbed all the way to the other end, as he almost reached the end. Suddenly one of his hands slipped and he fell to the ground with a thump and letting out an "Oof".

Seeing this, Courage got worried and ran over to check on him if he was alright.

He saw the concern on his dog's face. Danny appreciated how Courage got concerned for him. "It's ok Courage I'm fine, just had a little stumble, nothing to be worried about at all."

Courage let out a sigh of relief. Maddie who had also seen it called out. "Danny! Are you alright dear?"

Turning to look at his mom. Danny called back out. "I'm ok mom!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! I'm not hurt."

"Well alright then. Just try to be more careful alright?"

"I will, don't worry!"

Nodding, Maddie proceeded to continue watching them. The woman sitting next to Maddie spoke out. "Your son is so sweet and adorable, I wish I had a son like him but I'm apparently not married. What is his name?"

Getting her attention, Maddie looked at her. "His name is Danny."

"And the dog?" The old woman asked.

"Courage."

"What a wonderful name for a pup like him."

"Thank you, as a matter of fact we recently just got him during a road trip we came back from since yesterday, my son at the time wandered off and found the poor dog all alone abandoned in an alleyway when we visited this town called Nowhere, it would've even broken my heart to not take him with us and Danny also really wanted him so much so we decided to adopt him as our family dog."

The woman frowned sadly upon hearing Courage's story. "Poor dear, it's such a good thing you were around at that time, it's as if fate brought both your son and his dog together."

Maddie chuckled a bit. "I guess you could say that. Danny's already been a happy child but he's never been happier than before since we had Courage."

Nodding, the two continued to talk with one another. Meanwhile upon finishing the monkey bars. Danny made his next decision. "Come on Courage, we're going to the slide next."

Picking up Courage, he went over to the slide and was ready to climb up when he heard Courage whimpering in fear. "Don't worry Courage, it's gonna be alright, there's nothing to be afraid of, I promise and I'm going to be here with you the whole time".

The pup felt uncertain as Danny began to climb with him and reached the top. Looking down, Courage began to get nervous regarding how high they were. Courage had gotten more so which Danny noticed again. "I promise Courage, the slide is going to fun. It seems scary at first but as soon as we go down, you're going to be enjoying it!" Danny said.

Still feeling unsure, Danny placed Courage down before sitting down himself, Courage being between his legs. "Are you ready Courage!?" Danny shouted.

Before Coruage knew it, they began sliding down, though initially frightened at first as the pup screamed, that soon was replaced with joy as he began to enjoy it. They soon reached the bottom.

"See Courage? What did I tell you? I told you it would be fun!"

Courage laughed in joy realizing Danny was right.

"Do you want to go again?" Danny asked.

Nodding his head up and down. The boy clearly saw the pup's answer. Heading back to the slide and going back up, the two readied themselves again. "Are you good Courage?"

"Uh-huh! Uh-huh!" Courage said nodding his head.

"Here we go again!"

Sliding down once more. Both Danny and Courage laughed in joy as went eventually reached the end. After going a couple more times and feeling they went enough times, Danny made his next decision. Deciding to go to the swings, Danny went on the one that already wasn't taken by other children and put Courage between him as he began to swing back and forth. Courage was really enjoying himself, he hadn't had so much fun in his life before, the most he got out of it was being with his parents when they were outside in the back spending time with him or at the park back where he lived with them. How he wished his old home back in Nowhere had a park like this when he was living there.

After having some fun on the swing, both proceeded with other activities around the playground before deciding on doing something else. Seeing the sandbox, Danny told Courage to follow him as they both went over there. "I'm going to show you how to make sandcastles Courage!" Danny said.

Grabbing a nearby bucket, Courage watched on as Danny put sand in it before placing it upside down. Lifting the bucket up, all the sand that was inside became a sculpture shape like that of a castle from the Middle Ages. "See that Courage? That's a sandcastle."

Courage watched on intrigued as Danny continuously kept putting sand in the bucket and making more sculptures. Once he was finished, he put the bucket aside and looked at Courage. "There all finish! What do you think pal?"

The pup nodded his head approving indicating he liked it. "Glad you like it Courage!"

Turning his attention to his mom sitting over at the bench. Danny called out to her. "Mom! Look at the sandcastle I made!"

Maddie who was still currently talking to the woman, turned to look at her son and saw the sandcastle he had made. "That's wonderful sweetie! You're very creative!"

Danny giggled. Deciding they had enough of playing in the playground. Both Danny and Courage proceeded to do something different for fun and that they did. The two proceeded to chase one another trying to catch the other. "I'm gonna get you Courage!" Danny shouted.

Courage giggled as he ran as fast as he could hoping to not be caught by Danny. Not that it would matter anyway if his best friend did, after all this was all in good fun.

As the pup continued to run, as soon as he knew it. He felt himself being grabbed by Danny as he pulled him into his arms. "Gotcha Courage!"

Courage laughed as Danny had finally caught him. "Alright, it's now you're turn to tag me!"

Setting Courage down. Danny soon made his move as he ran with Courage following suit. "Catch me if you can Courage!" Danny said giggling.

This went on for a bit when Courage finally caught up and tagged Danny by jumping on him which knocked Danny to the ground, both laughed for how much fun they were having. "Oh no! You got me Courage! Whatever shall I do!?"

Both continued to laugh as they bonded hugging each other. It was Courage's turn again and both proceeded on their game of chasing each other. Courage was ahead of Danny who was trying to catch up with him. Suddenly seeing a nearby tree, the pup decided to pull a playful tactic on his best friend, his intention was for when Danny came nearby, he'd jump out surprising Danny as he landed on him. Courage could only imagine the look on his owner's face as he giggled.

Running up to the tree, Courage turned to make sure Danny was so far behind that he wouldn't see him going behind it. Waiting, Courage giggled as he hid waiting for when Danny crossed by.

The boy suddenly saw his puppy nowhere in sight and became confused stopping in his tracks. He wondered where Courage suddenly went. Growing a little worry, Danny began his search calling out for Courage and asking where he was.

The pup peeked out from the tree as he saw Danny draw near and giggled again as he waited for his chance to pounce on Danny.

Before Danny knew it. He felt something jump on him knocking him to the ground, surprised by this, he saw that it was Courage who laughed. Having not expected this to happen, the boy laughed in return as he patted Courage. "You got me really good Courage. I never would have thought to think of that."

Appreciating his owner's complement, the two then proceeded on their game of chasing each other around for a little bit more. Eventually, they decided both had enough, Danny decided on the next thing and decided to go back to the sandbox to enjoy the rest of their time together making more sandcastles before his mom decided it was time to go. Another thought came to the boy's mind for something fun to do.

"Come on Courage! Race you to the sandbox!" Danny said calling out to Courage.

Immediately Danny began to run, Courage was about to follow suit when suddenly something caught his attention that frightened him. Danny bumped into something blocking his path and fell on his butt. Looking up, he saw a bigger boy older than him with blonde hair towering over him. Right away, Danny knew who this was and became scared.

Dash Baxter.

The bully of the neighborhood and the same school he and Danny go to. Known for his reputation being the toughest kid around the blocks, Dash often used that to get whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted whether taking their lunches, money, to show his dominance and superiority over them or such and bullying those he considered weaker than himself to boost his ego. Of all the weak kids he enjoyed bullying the most, it was most definitely Fenton or as he would call him.

Fendork.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here? If it isn't little Fendork. What brings you around on these parts here today?"

Trying his best to avoid looking at his bully in the eyes, Danny turned his head away. "Go away Dash, haven't you bullied me enough times already? What more do you want out of this?"

"Oh, nothing much other than it's fun, the fact of how much of a loser you are and have you put in your place as the wimp you are. Really though, you should feel honored, of all the dorks and losers, you're my absolute favorite." Dash said laughing.

Tears began to form in Danny's eyes feeling hurt from the words Dash was saying him. This happened more often than not when dealing with his bully. Whether at school or anywhere else, sometimes when at school Jazz would happen to be around and witness him bullying her little brother stepping in his defense. Sometimes it would end with Dash storming off knowing there was nothing he could do to her as it would ruin his reputation, sometimes he would just laugh and walk off regarding how a wimp he considered Danny needed to rely on his big sister to keep him at bay. Other times she would threaten to tell a teacher what he was doing but more often than not that tended to fall on deaf ears. Comforting Danny, Jazz would always be there for him and tell him not to listen to what Dash ever says. Though Danny appreciated his sister being there for him every time, in the long run, it didn't help as he continued to be Dash's main target more often than not.

Unfortunately, this was one of those times, that Jazz wasn't here to interfere. Meanwhile, his mom was too busy talking with the woman on the bench to even notice nor pay attention to what was going on and it didn't help that they were kind of far away for her to notice, that or maybe she was confusing Dash for a friend of Danny's and had no idea what was going on. No one around the park for that matter did who just kept doing their own thing.

Back with Courage, the pup watched on as the bigger boy bullied his best friend and owner. Fear and concern for Danny were in his eyes as he watched how he was about to be bullied by Dash. One part of Courage wanted to jump in and save Danny, but then there was the other part of him who was too scared to even do so, he had failed to save his parents from the evil vet that sent them into space, what if he also failed here? Already it seems history was repeating itself. The pup feeling unsure a mixture of fear and uncertainty for himself and Danny. What to do? What to do?

He had considerations about running away.

But then immediately, those thoughts were discarded.

He made up his mind and decision.

Courage would not let this happen again. He was unable to save his parents because he let fear get the better of him when he had to deal with the evil vet. He remembered that he made a vow and oath that no matter what he would be there for Danny. He would not abandon him just like he had with his parents which came with the great cost of losing them. He wasn't making this same mistake again, he lost his parents, and he was not going to lose his best friend and owner the same way. The same boy who gave him back everything when all seemed lost to him.

He would protect Danny. He was courageous. The opposite of fear. He was worthy of his name despite what he's been up against.

With great determination, the pup lowly growled.

Just as Dash was about to punch Danny as the boy braced for it. Dash stopped when the pup jumped in the way between him and Danny. Shocked and startled by this, the bully took a few steps back watching as Courage growled, teeth bared, continuous determination to protect Danny in his eyes.

"What the!?" Dash said.

Surprised, Danny blinked as he watched as Courage stood in front of him, defending him from his very bully. "Courage...".

Dash wasn't sure what to make of this. Out of nowhere this small dog appeared and seemed to be defending the boy before him. Growing annoyed, Dash tried to make himself look as tough and intimidating as possible to hopefully drive away the pup. "Out of the way you stupid mutt! This has nothing to do with you and me!"

But Courage didn't listen. It only made him angrier and growled louder. In fact, Courage began to slowly approach Dash not even showing an ounce of fear in him, angry that this bigger boy had the nerve to bully his owner, his best friend, the boy who took him in and whom he had vowed to protect no matter the cost and call him names in every book. The opposite was beginning to happen now, the normally tough bully backing away as the pup took every step closer to him. The same feelings all the boys including Danny he bullied now coursing through him.

Fear.

There was something he saw in the pup's eyes that frightened him to the core, despite Courage's size, this was a puppy he did not want to mess with.

"G-G-Get away from me! Stay back! Ahhhhhh!"

Turning around Dash made a run for it wanting to get away from the pup as far away as he could. Before he disappeared, Dash called out to Danny. "This isn't over Fenton! Do you hear me? Ahhhhhh!"

Once disappearing out of sight. Courage smirked, feeling content he had put the bully in the same place as he had with all the victims he had previously bullied including Danny.

"C-Courage?".

Hearing Danny say his name. The pup turned around to look at Danny who was just sitting there still surprised. Deciding to comfort his best friend, Courage went over to Danny and sat on him. Tears but this time ones of joy fell down the boy's face as he immediately grabbed Courage and pulled him into a hug squeezing him tightly. "Courage! Y-You're the best! No one has ever stood up to Dash like that! Thank you for protecting me!"

As Danny cried joyfully. The pup just felt that good feeling about what he had accomplished. Making up for the failure to save his parents from the evil vet when he could have done something and he now felt worthy of his loyalty to Danny in protecting him.

Soon enough, Danny and Courage continued to play a little more until the hour had finally passed. Maddie decided to go get Danny and Courage to let them know it was time to go.

"Danny. It's been an hour. It's time to go home." Maddie said.

Danny responded back to her. "Ok, mom!"

The little boy went over to Courage and picked him up. "We're going now Courage. Did you have fun today?"

Courage nodded his head up and down.

"Glad that you did and Courage...Thank you once again for protecting me from Dash. He's a meanie who has been always picking us others like myself. To have you with me though, I feel even more safe now."

Courage hearing this now definitely felt he had earned his loyalty, the pup just couldn't be more proud of himself. Would he always be afraid and cowardly? Sure, but being cowardly doesn't mean that you were never brave and that he would always be even if he showed his cowardness.

As Maddie, Danny, and Courage entered the Fenton RV and started driving home. Danny focused his attention on Courage. "Hopefully Sam and Tucker will be able to come over today, I can't wait for you to finally meet them!"

Having heard about Danny's friends a few times by now. The pup could only wonder what they were like.

Chapter Text

The drive back home to FentonWorks was quite nice. Both Danny and Courage being closer than ever before since the pup defended the boy from his bully that was Dash Baxter sent him packing. Maddie seemed to have noticed how they were bonding in the back and was thinking about how much fun they had at the park today. She smiled happy to see the close friendship her son and his dog both clearly had.

Finally arriving home, they got out of the Fenton RV heading inside the house. "Mom? Are you going to call Sam's and Tucker's parents?"

"Yes, sweetie, I haven't forgotten don't worry." Maddie said.

Danny felt excited. "Great! I'm really looking forward to Sam and Tucker finally meeting Courage!"

Courage on the other hand, however, felt a little nervous in meeting them. Aside from Danny and his family who were clearly very good people, he hadn't known or met anyone else aside from the lady at the vet. Sure she was nice, but at the same time, the pup still felt uncertain to those who he hadn't met before, especially since that eventual encounter with Dash Baxter. Though he was getting better by every day, the trauma was still there. He had hoped Sam and Tucker would be like Danny, Jazz, their parents and the woman from the vet. He would just have to wait and see when he met them.

By then both Jack and Jazz both showed up. "Jack did you ever end up catching that ghost?"

Jack nodded his head. "Yep, it was hard without you being there but I managed to catch and dealt with it."

"That's good honey. One less ghost for the city to deal with."

Meanwhile, Jazz focused her attention on both Danny and Courage.

"So how did everything go at the vet for Courage?" Jazz said.

"Turned out better than I thought it would. Nothing was wrong with Courage at all and since leaving, he's been doing better!"

Jazz patted Courage on the head. "Good to hear. I'm glad things turned out to be ok."

Courage enjoyed the affection Danny's older sister was giving him. Though closest to Danny out of the family, he still clearly liked her as with their parents.

Jack went to the basement do more work, while Maddie gone off to call Sam's and Tucker's parents to see if they were available to come over.

"By the way Jazz! You couldn't believe it! The most amazing thing happened today while mom, Courage and I were at the park!"

Jazz raised on eyebrow, feeling curious. "What was that?"

"Courage and I were currently playing at the park, when Dash showed up trying to bully me as usual. But then the most amazing thing happened! Courage got between us and defended me from him, he actually scared him away!"

Surprised and shocked by this, on one hand Jazz was proud of Courage defending her little brother, but on the other hand though felt worried that the worst potentially could have happened. "Did...Courage by any chance do anything to Dash that could've gotten him into trouble? Like bite or attack him?"

"Nope not all, he continued to defend me until Dash decided to flee!"

Feeling relieved hearing this, she smiled as she rubbed Courage's head in a sign of praise. "Courage, I'm so proud of you. You defended Danny, my little brother from that bully who had always been picking on him. It's fairly clear you're a very good boy and didn't do anything that could've turned really bad. I couldn't be more proud."

Hearing those words coming from Jazz. Courage felt honored, he was living up to his oath of being loyal to the end with Danny.

Maddie came back from her phone call. "Danny, I talked to Sam's and Tucker's parents and they said they can come over and stay until supper. They're both on their way to drop them off now."

Danny felt excited now knowing his best friends were officially coming over not because he always had fun being with them but the fact they would finally be meeting Courage. "Looks like Courage is finally going to meet your best friends. Hope you guys have fun." Jazz said.

Danny shook his head agreeing. "You bet we will Jazz! It's gonna be the most fun we ever have with Courage here!"

As Jazz left, he looked at Courage, the little boy smiled down at the pup. "Are you excited Courage? Sam and Tucker are coming over now!"

Still feeling nervous about this, the pup felt extremely uncertain.

In less than ten minutes, two vehicles had came by at the same time, both parents had came out with their children, one a black boy with glasses and wearing a red cap on his head, the other was black-haired girl wearing a purple dress with a gothic vibe to it. Both parents and children strolled up the stairs as one of the parents knocked on the door.

Hearing the knock. Danny gasped in excitement. "Sam and Tucker are here Courage! Come on!"

Feeling hesitant, the pup proceeded to follow his owner and best friend.

Opening the door, Maddie proceeded to welcome both parents as they talked a bit, meanwhile Sam and Tucker both came inside the house happily greeting Danny. "Hi Sam! Hi Tucker!"

"Sup Danny!" Tucker said.

Sam raised an eyebrow generally curious of the way Danny was acting. "You seem unusually very excited today? What gives?"

"Remember the road trip my family and I came back from a few days ago? Well on our last day, we stopped at this little town named Nowhere and the best thing ever happened to me!"

"And that is...?" Tucker said.

"Guys! I want to introduce you both to my puppy Courage!"

Showing them, both Sam and Tucker turned down to look and saw the pup cowering behind Danny's legs feeling nervous to meet them. Noticing his puppy's behavior, Danny proceeded to move aside so Courage could meet his two best friends. "It's alright Courage, don't be shy. Say hi to Sam and Tucker."

Looking up nervously, Courage was met with the smiles of two of Danny's best friends. Sam was notably very fond of him as she placed both her hands on her face with a big smile on her face just adoring him as she gasped in happiness. "Oh my god! Your puppy is so cute!"

Tucker knelt down and reached out to pet him. The pup flinched at the touch but soon relaxed. "Hi Courage. It's nice to meet you".

Sam joined Tucker as she too knelt down and petted him. "Aren't you the cutest little thing!"

Danny smiled seeing his best friends reactions to finally meeting Courage. He knew they would've liked him, Courage himself on the other hand felt more calm and relax now given the attention they were giving him. Though he was kind of surprised with one of them, he would have thought that Sam was also a boy but apparently he was mistaken to find she was in fact a girl and out of the two, she seemed to be the most excited meeting him. Something really told him he was especially going to like her very much. It was clear from the way they were greeting him, they could be trusted. The pup had nothing to worry about anymore.

By this time, both Sam's and Tucker's parents left reminding Maddie they'd be back before five to pick their children up. Shifting her attention to her son, his best friends and Courage, she spoke up. "I hope you kids have a lot of fun now. I'll be busy down in the basement, so if you need anything, Jazz is around to help alright?"

Sam and Tucker who were too busy giving Courage attention, Danny nodded to his mother. "Ok mom!"

"Before I go down, would any of you like any snacks?" Maddie ask.

Tucker looked at Danny's mother. "Sure Ms. Fenton. Anything like cookies?"

Sam joined in. "Any vegetables you might have like celery or carrot sticks, with ranch if possible."

"And what about you Danny?"

"Same thing as Tucker."

Nodding, Maddie went into the kitchen to get the three kids their snacks before coming back with them. "Here you go kids." Maddie said.

On top of that, she had two cups of milk for Danny and Tucker. "I also figured you maybe both wanted milk with your cookies."

"Thanks mom!"

"You're welcome dear. You all have fun now with Courage."

With that, Maddie left for the basement to join her husband that involved around their work around ghosts.

"Come on guys! Let's go upstairs in my room." Danny said.

Danny, Sam and Tucker with Courage following headed to his room. While going up the stairs, Danny noticed Courage having a hard time and picked him up to help him get upstairs. By then, they were in his room sitting on his bed having their snacks, Danny was finishing up telling Sam and Tucker how earlier Courage defended him from and scared away Dash at the park.

"And just like that, Dash ran off like a wimp he's always calling us!" Danny said laughing.

Both Sam and Tucker also laughed at this, Courage joining them as he too chuckled, still feeling proud of living up to his oath

"Aw man, I wish I'd been there to see that!" Tucker said.

Sam laughed again. "About time someone put that jerk in his place!"

Courage nodded in agreement with what she said. Still feeling proud of what he did earlier today staying true to his oath in protecting Danny.

Changing the subject, Sam proceeded to speak. "So Danny, how is it that you and your family come to adopt Courage?"

"Yeah, we're curious to hear." Tucker said.

Danny looked with sadness as he patted Courage on his head for comfort. "Well, we didn't exactly adopt Courage willingly but rather...I found him all alone."

"Alone?" Sam asked.

Tucker was now more curious. "What exactly do you mean?"

"When we stopped in the town and were exploring, I heard crying coming from the alleyway, it caught my curiosity and I went to check it out. There I found Courage all by himself crying."

Sam placed her hands to her chest showing a sign of sympathy towards the pup, Tucker simply showed a saddened expression. They both looked at him with sadness.

"Yeah, when I found Courage, he was at first afraid but showed I wasn't going to hurt him. I just couldn't leave him all alone, so I decided to take him with me regardless what would have happened if my mom and dad decided to let me keep him or not."

Sam stroked Courage on the head in a sign of comfort. "Awwww poor guy, you're ok now though."

"I wonder what even led to your puppy into that situation to begin with? He had no siblings? No mother?" Tucker asked.

"Maybe he was abandoned?" Sam said.

If he were able to talk, Courage would have told them. It was probably something they might never know.

Danny shook his head. "Apparently not, regardless though, Courage is here with us now as part of the family and I couldn't be much happier since I always wanted a puppy, especially since he can be part of our little group!"

Sam giggled. "I'm so jealous Danny. I wish I could have a dog or cat."

"Same here." Tucker said.

"Well it isn't like you guys won't be seeing Courage all the time. Besides, I don't see why you guys could take him for the day. You guys and Courage are my best friends, I'm willing to share!"

Sam sulked "Thanks Danny, I appreciate that but unforunately my parents won't let me have any pets and that also means no animals in the house."

"And my dad is allergic to both dogs and cats."

"Oh...Still, you'll be seeing Courage lots especially when we have sleepovers, so that still kinda counts if you ask me."

Tucker chuckled at this. "When you say it that way, guess you're right."

"That's true and I'm definitely ok with that." Sam said.

Having finished their snacks. Danny decided he wanted to do something else with Courage and his best friends. "So what do you guys want to do now?"

"Huh, I don't know, you have any ideas Sam?" Tucker asked.

Looking down at Courage, seeing this as a means and opportunity to bond with Danny's puppy being the animal lover she was. An idea came to Sam. "I know? How about we play hide and go seek!" Sam said cheerfully.

Tucker rolled his eyes. "We played that game plenty of times, it's old at this point."

Danny shook his head. "I have to agree with Tucker. How about we play something else instead?"

"Guys hear me out though, it'll be different, rather than it being individually, instead it's a team. The same rules but it's one team searching for the other team as one goes hide and the other tries to find them." Sam turned to look at Courage again. "I was thinking maybe one team would be Courage and I, while the other is both of you. What do you think of that?"

Listening to what Sam was saying to Tucker and his owner Danny. To the pup, this sounded like this could actually be a fun game indeed.

"I like that actually Sam! Sure we could do that!" Danny said.

Tucker nodded in agreement.

Looking at Courage, Danny picked him up and spoke. "Does that sound fun Courage? We're gonna play hide and go seek but a little different. Sam's gonna be your partner."

The pup felt excitement as he looked forward to playing this. Given he trusted Sam, he had no problem with her being his partner. Danny handed Courage over to Sam.

Sam smiled. "Hi Courage, looks like you're gonna be my partner! Are you looking forward to this!?"

Courage nodded his head. Beginning the game, Danny and Tucker proceeded to begin counting as Sam carrying Courage left his room trying to find somewhere for them to hide.

Sam pondered. "Hmmm? Courage where do you think we should go hide?"

The pup shrugged feeling unsure, living with his parents, he didn't play any games other than that first time of ball that his parents tried to teach him that ended up getting him stuck in that fence because his parents, though loving, were also very easily distracted when they saw that fire hydrant at the park back at Nowhere, which unforunately led to his parents being ripped away from him by that evil man. The pup missed still his parents dearly and he always would, but knew he had to move forward and think about the now.

Courage shrugged to Sam. Continuing to look, Sam saw a door in the hallway that was open and decided to go there. "How about we go hide in that room Courage!"

Running over, Courage and Sam, they soon found it was Jazz' bedroom as the girl was currently on her bed reading a book about the psychology of being an adult. Noticing the two, Jazz put her book down and looked. "Oh hey Sam" before also gazing her eyes on Courage. "Where's Danny and Tucker?"

"We're currently playing hide and go seek but it's kind of different. Courage and I are a team, while Danny and Tucker are the other, we're currently trying to find somewhere to hide. Do you think we can both go hide under your bed? Your room might be the last place they'd expect to find us!"

The redheaded girl nodded. "Sure go ahead, just try not to make any noise though, I'm currently reading a book that's important"

"Thanks!"

Quickly going over, Sam with Courage went under Jazz's bed. Sam giggled. "Let's see how long it takes Danny and Tucker to try and find us."

Courage also giggled.

Back with Danny and Tucker. They had just finished counting. "Alright! Ready or not here we come!" Danny said.

"Where do you think Sam and Courage went to hide?" Tucker asked.

"That's for us to find out Tucker. Come on let's go find them!"

Danny and Tucker went off to try and find where Sam and Courage had gone. As they went searching, they proceeded to look everywhere, but wherever they went, they could not find them, they both apparently least expected Jazz's room, they even checked Danny's parents room but they were not there either. After some time of searching, the only place they had not checked out was Jazz's room. Though Jazz did allow her little brother to come to her room at times especially to hang out, there were other times however where she would want time to herself especially when it came to her important reading of psychology regarding the mind especially when it comes to being an adult, a role she tried to fit into given how busy her's and Danny's parents were most of the time, filling that role of a parent towards her little brother whenever needed.

Showing up, Danny and Tucker looked around Jazz's room who then noticed them. Danny spoke up. "Hey Jazz. Tucker and I are playing hide and go seek with Sam and Courage and were trying to find them. We looked everywhere in the house and your room seems to be the only place we haven't looked yet. Can we search around?"

"Go ahead little bro. Hope you find them." Jazz said trying to play along with Sam and Courage which she knew were hiding under her bed.

As Danny and Tucker searched for Sam and Tucker starting with Jazz's closest. Both Sam and Courage giggled. Quietly Sam spoke. "Maybe if we're lucky, they won't think to look under the bed."

Courage nodded in agreement and as continued, they two stayed quiet hoping they wouldn't find them. After a few minutes, their luck ran out as Danny and Tucker finally looked under the bed and saw Sam and Courage.

"We found you!" Danny said.

Sam and Courage laughed both for the fun they were having and it had taken the other two so long to find them. Crawling out from underneath, all four began laughing in union. "Wow Sam. You picked a great place to hide, it took us quite a while to find you and Courage." Tucker said.

Danny looked at his sister. "Jazz did you know and let them hide under your bed?"

Jazz gave her little brother a smirk. "Maybe...Maybe not." The redhead giggled.

"Jazz..." Danny said knowing it was obvious she had known.

"Yes." Jazz laughed.

Sam interrupted the moment between the two siblings. "Well, it's now mine and Courage's turn to find you both."

"We're gonna make sure of it we find a place that'll be as hard to find us as it was with you." Danny said.

"Courage and I will eventually find out I guess."

With that, Danny and Tucker went to go somewhere in the house to hide. As they left Jazz's room but not before Danny told her he'd see her later, Sam and Courage left as well as the former said bye to her.

"Alright, Courage. It's now our turn to find Danny and Tucker. Are you ready?"

Courage nodded which then Sam went to a wall to cover her eyes and began counting, the pup listening to her doing so. Once she was done, they went to go find where Danny and Tucker had went. Danny stayed true to his word, it took Sam and Courage just as if not almost as long as it took them to find the former two. As they searched throughout the house. They soon finally found Danny and Tucker hiding in a place they too would've last expected to find them. Playing another few turns, they eventually decided to do something else. All four went outside in front of FentonWorks, the trio playing with marbles while Courage watched them.

"That was a good idea Sam, doing it as teams. Didn't think we'd have fun playing hide and go seek despite having done it so many times." Danny said.

Tucker nodded. "I agree, anytime we play it or any similar games we've done before. We should do more teams, it makes it more fun."

"Thanks guys, the idea also came to me given Courage." Sam said.

"Yeah with Courage being a part of our group now, all these games we've played before will be even more fun!" Danny said.

Listening to what his owner and his friends were saying. Courage couldn't have agreed more.

As they continued to hang out. Across the road on the sidewalk. Dash along with an Asian kid around his age and size walked by. Immediately spotting the pup without even acknowledging Danny, Sam and Tucker; the bully became frightened and screamed.

"Dash what's gotten into you lately? Ever since we met up today you've been kind of different."

Pointing across the street on FentonWorks. The Asian kid whose name was Kwan looked. "I-It's that dog again! The one I told you about at the park today!"

Raising an eyebrow, Kwan wouldn't believe it. It was just a puppy, to think one of that size would be able to drive away his best friend like that? "You're kidding right? That little dog over there? That's what drove you off?"

"Y-Yes." Dash said frighteningly.

Hearing Dash and his friend Kwan across the street. Courage along with Danny, Sam and Tucker turned to look. As soon as Courage had turned his head. He had seen Dash with his friend and gave him that same stare of determination to protect Danny. Dash screamed again and ran off, Kwan sighing as he proceeded to chase after his best friend to make sure he'd be ok. Courage smirked again like at the park knowing as long as he was around, that bully would never mess with Danny.

Having seen this, Danny, Sam and Tucker all laughed. "Wow Danny! You weren't kidding when you said Courage actually drove Dash off! Look at him go." Sam said.

"I doubt he and Kwan won't be messing with us for a while, or at least as long as we have Courage to keep them at bay." Tucker said.

Danny nodded. "What can I say guys? Courage is officially a part of our group now. What would he not do for us?"

All agreeing, the four continued to hang out for the rest of the afternoon until it was almost supper when Sam's and Tucker's parents came to pick their children up. As they and their parents were leaving. Sam and Tucker proceeded to say goodbye to Courage before they left.

"Bye Courage. It was nice meeting. We look forward to hanging out with you more." Tucker said.

Finishing patting the pup on the head. Sam was the next to speak as she picked him up and hugged him. "See you soon Courage. I can't wait to see you again."

Enjoying the warmth of the hug, Courage embraced it as she then placed him down.

Both Sam and Tucker with their parents began to leave with Danny waving goodbye to his best friends. "Bye Sam! Bye Tucker!"

They waved back as they got into their parents vehicles before both driving off.

Maddie shut the door and looked down at Danny and Courage. "Did you guys all have fun today sweetie?"

Danny nodded. "We did mom! We hung out in my room, we played hide and go seek as teams, played outside and other things! All while with Courage! He's a part of our group now!"

Maddie warmly smiled at this. "That's good dear. Glad you all had fun. I'll let you know what supper is ready."

"Ok mom!"

Maddie left leaving Danny and Courage all by themselves. Picking up his puppy, the boy looked at Courage. "So Courage? What did you think of Sam of Tucker? Did you like them?"

Courage nodded his head, a clear indicator that he did.

"I knew you'd like them! Can't wait for the next time they come over again, we'll have more fun things to do all together!"

By then Jazz had come by to see them. "Hey Danny? I take it Sam and Tucker liked Courage overall? I especially saw how quickly Courage had notably come to like Sam given that game of hide and seek you guys played earlier today."

"Yep! But it's really no surprise given Sam's an animal lover. Between her and Tucker, Courage seems to like her the most."

Jazz giggled. "Well, they do say dogs have a very good sense of people."

As Courage listened to the siblings talk to each other, the pup began to reflect on the last couple of days. They had been hard to get through given that horrible day when he had lost his parents to the cruel vet but despite it all, he managed to get through it whether it was his owner's room theme brought back those traumatic memories or the nightmare he had. Danny, the little boy that had found him a couple days ago not only gave him a new life, home and the same love his parents had but was there for him from the moment fate and destiny had brought them to each other. From the kind lady at the vet, to his Danny's best friends Sam and Tucker, this has shown there were people the pup could trust that wasn't Danny and his family.

Finally settled in with his new life despite the challenges ahead like ghosts Dash Baxter and anything else down the road. Courage has now fully accepted his oath as not only Danny's loyal companion but also his protector.

Chapter Text

The days and weeks since the pup named Courage had gone by and life has been good for him since being adopted by the Fenton Family through the son and youngest sibling that was Danny Fenton. Since then, though lingers of his trauma was still there since that very horrible day he lost his parents to the cruel vet which was also that same day Danny had found him all alone in the alleyway, day by day it began to fade away though the pup would always still remember his parents, Courage was beginning to adjust to his new life. Most days spending time with his best friend and owner Danny as well as his best friends Sam and Tucker sometimes with Jazz occasionally joining in on the fun.

Currently on this day. It was a rainy day and so to keep themselves entertained and not stay bored, both Danny and Courage were playing together throughout the house. Jazz was as usual in her room keeping to herself doing her own thing and both Maddie and Jack were downstairs in the basement working on something they have been building for years, though the process was long and they were still far from completing it. It was something by the time they finally accomplished it, the wait would have been worth it.

After a while of playing together, both Danny and Courage were currently in the living room on the couch together. Sitting next to Danny who was reading a book about astronomy, the pup proceeded to follow where the boy was currently at on the book talking about his favorite planet Mars. The past following weeks gradually took time but eventually Courage managed to overcome the triggers that brought back memories of his trauma that he was now finally comfortable with Danny's room or anything space related for that matter.

"See this red planet here Courage? That's Mars! It's my favorite planet in the solar system. So far we've only been able to go to the moon, the first people to have ever done so were Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. When I grow up, I'm gonna be the first ever astronaut to set foot on Mars! Maybe the two of us can do it together Courage! You being the first dog to do so!"

The mention of this briefly brought back his memory from a few weeks ago but then the pup decided to forget about it, he was not going to let this trauma overcome him again, the only thing on his mind was wanting to have a good time being with his owner and best friend.

After finishing reading about Mars, Danny turned over the next page, the next planet they were looking at was Venus. "This here Courage is Venus, it's the closest planet to the sun so I couldn't imagine how hot its surface would really be.

Courage shuddered at the thought. He couldn't have imagined it either.

Turning the page again, Pluto was next.

"And that's Pluto. Not only is it the smallest planet in the solar system but also the farthest out in the solar system making it the coldest.

As Danny continued to read and Courage listening to him. After a while of reading, the boy had finished his book and put it aside. Suddenly feeling hungry, he hopped off the couch, Courage following suit.

"I'm feeling rather hungry Courage. I'm going to go get a snack in the kitchen. Are going to come?"

Nodding, the pup followed Danny as they proceeded into the kitchen. As they entered and Danny went to help himself. That's when the pup suddenly felt an eerie sensation. The same feeling he had weeks ago when he first arrived here to the Fenton's home. Immediately realizing what it was, Courage began to shiver, drastically looking around to find where the ghost seemingly was. Turning to Danny he got the boy's attention and began to speak in gibberish trying to warn him.

Not understanding a thing his puppy was saying. Danny tilted his head in confusion? "Courage what is it pal?"

As Courage continued to try explaining to him. That's when a green ghost with tentacles appeared from behind Danny, an ectopus, one of the ghost types Jack and Maddie labeled and tended to deal with.

Courage stopped completely. Feeling dread, complete numbness as he began to shiver.

Danny seeing Courage's strange behavior now felt concern. "Courage?"

Suddenly the boy heard something from behind and turned. Before him and Courage was the ectopus.

Screaming for their lives. Both Danny and Courage ran to the door that lead to the basement which the former's parents was but before they could get there though, the ectopus appeared before them again. With the ghost blocking their way, the two turned and ran out from the kitchen trying to go get Jazz from outstairs only for it to appear in their way again. Running once more they were both suddenly cornered into the living room as the ectopus closed in on them.

Danny trembled in fear. "C-Courage I'm scared. What are we going to do?"

The pup too was afraid but hearing his owner and best friend in the same state as he was activated Courage's instincts remembering his oath to protect him. Jumping between Danny and the Ectopus, Courage growled baring his teeth determined once more to protect Danny.

Briefly the ectopus stopped in its tracks taken aback by then. But soon enough knew there's nothing the pup could do to it and proceeded.

Out of ideas and unsure what to do. Courage had to think of something quickly. He watched as Danny continued to feel scared, that's when nearby the pup saw one of Jack's and Maddie's inventions: A Fenton Thermos, which just happened to be laying around. Given his great hearing being a dog, he remembered overhearing them a while ago on how it worked and memorized it. Taking the risk, Courage dashed to the thermos and grabbed it, pointing it at the ectopus, he activated the thermos and a beam was release which caught the ghost sucking it in.

For a moment, Courage just stood there holding the Fenton Thermos, Danny just standing there still shook and shock but relieved. Running over, Danny picked up his puppy and hugged him tightly. "Courage! Y-You saved me again! First Dash and now from an actual ghost!? I truly thought this was going to it for us! Thank you so much!"

Appreciating the praise his best friend was giving him. Courage felt good about himself, despite his fears, he was truly living up to his oath as usual.

The moment was interrupted when Jack, Maddie and Jazz came into the living room. "What's with all the commotion?" Jack said.

Maddie chimed in. "Did something happen?"

"We heard you both screaming." Jazz said.

Setting Courage down. Danny ran up to his parents and older sisters. "Mom! Dad! Jazz! Y-You wouldn't believe it! A ghost appeared and tried to attack Courage and I! I thought we were done for but then Courage acted and caught the ghost in your invention! Courage protected me as usual!"

For a moment, there was silence until Jack and Maddie laughed, but also relieved at the same time. "Oh Danny...So it was just you and Courage just playing fighting and catching ghosts, and to think you all actually had us worried this whole time something was happening."

"Danny, it's fine to play in the house, just try not to be so loud next time when you're both playing alright? You gave us a scare." Jack said.

Danny stood there in disbelief, the fact his parents didn't believe him. "B-But it's true! Courage actually saved me from a ghost!"

"Danny, ghosts are not real. You're just letting your imagination get the better of you. We get it, you and Courage are trying to be like mom and dad, living up to their potential, despite how ridiculous their obsession of this is."

"B-But..."

"You both continue having fun. Don't be so loud again ok?" Maddie said.

With that, Jack and Maddie went back to the basement to do work and Jazz going back upstairs to her room. Danny sulked, he couldn't believe it, his own parents and sister didn't believe what Courage just did for him.

The pup feeling sad walked up to Danny. "Mom...Dad...Jazz...They didn't believe what you did for me Courage..."

Courage whimpered in sadness as he comforted Danny, if only the three of them gotten here in time to see the whole thing...

Courage currently sat at the door of the house leading to outside. Today the pup was sad, Danny had gone off to his friends Tucker's for a sleepover and unforunately couldn't come due to the latter's father being allergic to pets. So Courage was left with no choice but having to stay home. What was just hours ago since his owner left felt like eternally to the pup. He would continue to stay at the door awaiting for Danny's return even if it was all day and night.

Eventually unable to wait knowing it was doing nothing. The pup whimpered as he decided to go find something to do to keep his mind occupied, maybe doing so will let time fly and by then Danny would be back.

But with Danny not here, there just wasn't any fun to do. It wasn't fun playing without him, nor any reading for that matter. Courage couldn't think of anything of what to do.

As Courage was thinking through his thoughts what he should do to pass the day. That's when he heard a familiar female voice from behind him. "Hi Courage."

Turning around, Courage looked up to see Jazz standing there. "I take it you're waiting here for my little bro to get home?"

The pup nodded. "Well you're gonna be just sitting here doing nothing day. Danny's not coming back until tomorrow. So how about you come join me in my room? I can keep you company while Danny is gone." Jazz leaned down onto her knees over to Courage "And we can even have our very own little sleepover tonight ourselves in my room. How about that?"

Courage smiled having heard this. After Danny himself, the pup was the closest to Jazz, from time to time she would sometimes join in with Danny and him in their playful activities or just spending time with them, also staying true to her word on the day Danny had found him in that alleyway after escaping from the evil vet she would pitch in helping Danny take care of him.

Nodding his head, Jazz saw his answer and smiled. "I know that I'm not close to you as my little bro is but I'll try to do my best to keep you happy. So what is that you would like to do then?"

Courage didn't need to think she was below Danny, she may not have been as close to him as Danny nor their parents for that matter to the pup but she was still amongst his new family.

Standing up to her feet. The redheaded girl gestured to the pup. "Come on, how about we find some of your toys mom and dad bought for you to play with?

Following Jazz, the pup and her went upstairs into Danny's room to find where some of his toys were. As they entered and looked, that's when the pup saw a large ball. Memory came back to him on that unforunate day, the last happy moment in his life he and his parents had done together teaching him how to catch the ball before they were taken away from him. Sure it brought back a lot of painful memories but Courage knew he had to move forward and live the life he had now.

No, Danny and his family would never replace his parents, they would always be second place to him but they especially Danny would fill in the empty void that was love, companionship and comfort for him.

With that in mind, Courage decided on what he wanted to do. Replicate that loving moment he had with his parents on that day.

Jazz interrupted. "So Courage? What do you want to play?"

Pointing to the ball. The redheaded girl looked over and tilted her head in confusion. "Ball huh? You want to play with that? None of your toys?"

The pup nodded, if this was what he wanted to play. Jazz was not going to object to it, she wanted to give him the attention he needed while Danny was gone. "Well alright then, but we'll have to go somewhere outside to play and I know exactly a spot to do. It's not too far away from here actually. First let me just first tell mom and dad we'll be out for a bit."

Jazz went to go tell her parents that she and Courage would be outside the house playing for a bit which they said was alright and as they left the house, Jazz putting Courage on a leash went to the spot she told him about, when they arrived it was a grassy fenced area roughly the size of a baseball field. As soon as entering the area, both the red-headed girl and pup were ready to play, the former holding the ball in her hands.

"Are you ready Courage?" Jazz asked.

Courage nodded his head up and down giving his answer.

"Alright then catch Courage!"

Throwing the ball at him. The pup attempted to catch it but missed. Walking past the pup and grabbing the back, Jazz went back to where she originally was. "It's alright Courage, you're not gonna get it the first time, it takes practice.". Eyeing Courage, the red-head prepared herself to throw it once more. "Ready?"

Courage gestured back, Jazz threw it once more, this time the puppy finally caught it. "You caught it! Good boy Courage!" Jazz shouted.

The pup giggled as he threw it back to her as they continued to play, some times they missed, but more often than not they managed to catch it as they threw it back and forth. After a little while of playing, Jazz decided it was time to head back home.

"Alright Courage, I say we've played enough for one day, it's time to head back home."

Placing the leash on the pup, both Jazz and Courage began their way back to FentonWorks. As they walked back, Courage couldn't help but enjoyed the time spent with Danny's older sister, getting to play ball again when he had with his parents, he had forgotten how much fun it was, at the same time though, Courage gave out a quiet whimper which Jazz couldn't hear, as that day came back to him again, he really missed his parents but he would continue to keep going forward because that's what his parents would have wanted him to do, and whether if they were still alive, they'd be happy knowing their son was in good hands being taken care of by the Fentons.

Arriving home, Courage and Jazz eventually continued to spend the day together before supper was made and Maddie called her, going downstairs, Jazz fed Courage as she, Maddie and Jack ate. Later that night, Jazz and Courage were up in her room on the bed. The red-head scratched the pup behind the ears.

"I really had a fun day today spending time with you Courage. What about yourself?" Jazz said giggling.

Courage nodded back agreeing with her.

"It's not very often that it's only us, so today felt really special." Looking at her window, Jazz stopped for a moment and thought to herself. "I hope Danny is having just as much fun at Tucker's as we are now. I'm sure that he is though he likely wishes he could have taken you with him. You and Danny have a really special bond, so I know I can't compete with that."

There was a bit of silence for a few moments before the red-headed girl spoke up. "You know Courage, You've made Danny's life a lot better since he found you that day and I couldn't be much happier about that."

Courage blinked. He felt confused what she was saying?

"Life hadn't been easy for my little bro. Sure he has Sam and Tucker, his best friends and I've always been there for him, but I felt it still wasn't enough. Our parents are always too busy with their ridiculous obsession with ghosts that they almost don't have time for either of us and spends all day down in the basement with whatever they're building down there that's been taking years, so not only am I his older sister but I've basically had to take on the role of being like a second mother to my own brother taking care of him whether at home or school."

Courage continued to listen.

"Maybe call it a miracle but it was good I convinced mom and dad to take a break from their obsession and take a road trip to connect again as a family. It's funny, if this didn't happen, we never would have met you Courage, Danny never would have found you on that day, and for that I'm glad because you've made Danny's life a lot easier now since other than myself, he has someone else with him at home to be with and always love."

The pup couldn't help but feel honored hearing all of this, first not only living up to his oath protecting Danny and being by his side but to hear all this from his older sister as well. Courage has truly found his purpose in his new life since that unforunate day.

"And for you to especially be protecting Danny whenever I'm not around shows this. Like how you protected him from Dash at the park."

Courage nodded his head agreeing. If that bully ever tried bullying his best pal ever again, the pup would always be at it to driving him away again if he had the nerve to hurt Danny.

"The point is Courage. I'm happy fate seemed to have crossed paths with you and Danny, it seemed like it was meant to be."

Later that night, the pup slept on Jazz's bed as the girl soundlessly slept. Courage was still thinking about all those moving words she told him earlier tonight. With everything that she told him, he felt he never wanted let her down and would continue keeping Danny happy and protecting him the best that he could staying true to his oath.

The next morning, Courage had gotten up, and found Jazz no longer in bed immediately knowing she probably went to have breakfast. As the pup slowly began to wake up, he heard the sound of a door opening followed by an all too familiar voice.

It was Danny!

Immediately with a second thought, Courage jumped off Jazz's bed and ran down the stairs where he saw the boy coming out of the door with his mom that picked him up from Tucker's. Seeing Courage, before Danny could react, the pup was on him.

Giggling, Danny was happy to see Courage as the pup showed his affection.

"Courage! Hi pal! I missed you so much!"

As Courage and Danny continued to bond, Jazz was nearby watching as she smiled at the inseparable bond her little brother and Courage had for each other.

It was a nice day in the park of Amity Park. Today was the Fourth of July aka Independence Day, the anniversary for when the United States of America had its foundation as a country. To celebrate, Maddie and Jack called Sam's and Tucker's parents about joining up to have a BBQ with them at the park which they agreed to around five o'clock and to especially watch the fireworks. Getting things ready such as the grill, hamburgers and hot dogs as well as veggie since Sam was a vegetarian. The Fentons and Courage soon went to the park meeting up with Sam, Tucker and their parents.

Courage, Danny, Sam and Tucker all currently ran around chasing each other in a game of tag. They continued to laugh and giggle as they played. Nearby, their parents and Jazz were, Jazz currently reading happily watching her little brother and Courage play with his friends, the adults sitting down on a picnic bench talking to each other while Jack cooked the hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, the aroma of cooked grilled meat filling the air.

Courage was currently having the time of his life, not only getting to play with his best friend and own Danny, but his two best friends for that matter too. Over the course of the last few weeks. Sam and Tucker constantly came over to FentonWorks often to play or hang out with Danny and him, since their first meeting, the pup had warmed up to Sam and Tucker, but between the two, Courage liked Sam the most not because of their sweet personality but the clear affection she had towards all animals whether they were wild or pets, one of the reasons she was a vegetarian. Not that Courage had anything against Tucker, he liked him too, but Courage felt more attached to Sam between the two.

As the children and pup continued playing. Maddie called out.

"Kids! Burgers and hot dogs are ready!"

Stopping in their tracks upon hearing her. The four of them ceased playing. "Sam! Tucker! Courage! Do you hear that? Burgers and hot dogs done! Let's go eat!"

Hearing their friend. They along with Danny and Courage ran over to their parents and Jazz as Jack was preparing the food. Everyone had one of each, Tucker being the meat lover he was, more than the others having two of each. As everyone sat down on two separate nearby picnic tables. Courage hung around by the one where Danny, and his folks were while Sam, Tucker and sat at the other.

As Courage sat near them clearly wanting some of the grilled meat, Danny had noticed and didn't want his best pal to feel left out. He turned his attention to his mom and dad speaking. "Mom? Dad?"

Maddie and Jack eating theirs focused their attention on Danny. "Yes Danny?" Jack asked.

"Would it be ok if Courage could have a burger or hot dog? From the way he's looking at us, he clearly wants some."

Maddie and Jack pondered for a moment before making their final decision. "I don't see why not dear, but only give him one or the other and that's it. Too much won't be good for him."

"After all dear, back when I lived out on the fair when I was younger, I used to give my dogs horse meat that my brother and I used to eat." Jack said chuckling.

Hearing this, Danny smiled as he bent down and handed a piece of burger meat to Courage. Thrilled and happy, Courage took the burger and happily ate. "There you go Courage, I didn't want to make you feel left out but unforunately that's all you can have according to my parents."

The pup didn't care, as long as he got some, that's what mattered to him.

Jazz giggled watching Courage. "Seems Courage really enjoys the burger you gave him little bro."

Danny nodded. "He does, I wish I could give him a hot dog as well but mom and dad said this was it he could have. Either way, like I'm glad he likes it."

After everyone had finished eat. They proceeded on with their day here at the park as they awaited the fireworks to come at night. The night had eventually finally come and the fireworks were about to start.

The adults were all together at the picnic tables chatting, while Danny, Sam, Tucker, Jazz and Courage were all together in their own group looking up at the stars as they sat down on the grass.

"Are you guys all ready to see the fireworks?" Jazz asked.

Danny nodded. "We sure are Jazz! What about you Sam and Tucker? You guys excited?"

"Definitely!" Tucker said.

Sam agreed. "Yep! Looking forward to seeing what colors they're gonna show!"

Danny turned to look at Courage."You're gonna love seeing the fireworks Courage! They're pretty, colorful and amazing!"

This reminded Jazz. Being the smart girl she was for her age, she knew how dogs might be afraid of fireworks, especially for someone like Courage his age since he was a puppy. Not wanting him to be startled this being his first time, she decided to tell Danny.

"Danny, I know you guys are excited to see the fireworks but it's probably best you hold Courage."

Danny tilted his head. "Why is that Jazz?"

"Dogs are apparently afraid of fireworks, Courage is just a puppy, he might get startled by the loud noise, so I'm suggesting this to give him some form of comfort when they they begin." Jazz said.

"Ok Jazz, if you say so."

Danny picked up Courage holding him close. "Hope you don't mind Courage but Jazz suggests I should hold you, you might get afraid of the loud noise of the fireworks.

Courage didn't object, regardless of how he'd react to seeing fireworks for the first time. Being close to Danny was all what mattered to him, and especially being around Sam, Tucker and Jazz, regardless what fireworks were, he was not going to let it ruin his enjoyment being with them all.

"Look! They're starting!" Sam said.

Everyone gazed at the star as straight lines of bright colors flew into the sky. Before setting off, sounds that sounded like firecrackers as they exploded into sparks of colorful colors from red, blue, green and such.

At first, Courage was startled, but being in the comfort of Danny's arms, the pup immediately settled down and watched with Danny, Sam, Tucker and Jazz as he looked at the many wonderful exploding colors. A smile formed and he giggled, he thought he was going to be scared but amazingly...He actually enjoyed watching them! Maybe being with Danny, his older sister and friends helped but never the less, Courage never seen anything so beautiful in his life. He continued to gazed at them as they kept going.

Soon after, the showing of the fireworks ended and now the five children and the pup were just gazing at the stars.

"The stars are so beautiful aren't they"? Tucker said.

Jazz nodded. "They sure definitely are."

Sam agreed nodding as well. "Today has been so much fun! Playing, the BBQ, watching the fireworks, and now just watching up at the stars."

Danny interrupted as he noticed what appeared to be a red star in the sky and pointed. "Do you guys see that up there? That's Mars! I learned about that in my book of astronomy! When I finally grow up! Courage and I are going to be become astronauts and become the first human and dog to step foot on the planet!"

Jazz giggled smiling. "That's nice to hear you already have a goal set for the future little bro, I'm sure you and Courage will be."

"Yeah Danny, we believe you and Courage will." Tucker said.

Sam nodded. "Same here. We can't wait for that day Danny when it happens.

Courage however felt uncertain, he wasn't sure if he'd ever get over his trauma of what happened to his parents, never the less, he wouldn't let it interfere with the life he had anymore.

After watching the stars for a while longer, the adults told the kids and Courage it was time to head home. Danny who was holding Courage, Jazz, Maddie and Jack were leaving as they said goodbye to Sam and Tucker and their parents.

"Bye Sam! Bye Tucker! We'll play again sometime soon!"

"You bet Danny!" Tucker said.

Sam joined in. "Looking forward to especially playing with Courage more!"

As the children and adults went all departed. The Fentons and Courage entered the Fenton RV and settled in, Danny spoke to Courage. "Did you have fun today Courage?"

Courage nodded his head. "Glad that you did. I look forward to other days with Sam and Tucker while Summer is still here!"

The pup didn't know what Danny meant by that but he didn't care. Today was such so fun, he looked forward to continue living his life spending time with Danny mostly as well as Jazz, Sam and Tucker sometimes.

The Fenton RV soon started up and began its drive back home to FentonWorks.

Summer had come to an end and school had began again for children. And this included Danny and Jazz themselves as their parents helped them get ready for their first day back.

Courage watched on confused wondering what was happening, wondering what this "school" was that the family had been talking about for the last few days. So far, the pup wasn't liking the sound of it as this sounds like Danny would be gone for a while again.

"Alright kids, do you have everything you need for your first day back to school?" Maddie asked.

Jack joined in. "Books? Lunches? Pencils?"

"Yes, mom and dad. Danny and I have everything we need. I went over Danny and myself to make sure." Jazz said.

"We're just checking dear that's all."

"The bus is going to be here soon, we better head outside." Jack said.

The family with Courage following left the house and waited outside. As they waited, Danny spoke to his parents.

"Mom? Dad? You're both going to take care of Courage whenever I'm at school right?"

"Of course Danny. Your mother and I will make time on our hands to look after him despite how busy we often are. After all, Courage is a Fenton."

"And it seems it won't be that hard, I'm proud of you Danny and of course you too Jazz. It seems you've trained Courage well to behave we won't have to constantly check up on him as much as we thought".

It wasn't a matter of Danny and Jazz training Courage to be a good dog, but more of the fact, the pup himself knew to behave due to his parents teachings. Still, a little training despite everything he knew didn't hurt and Courage wanted to show how good of a dog he was amongst the family.

"Thanks mom. Thanks dad. That means a lot."

Turning to Courage, Danny picked him up and gave him a tight hug. "Alright Courage, school is starting again for Jazz and I, but don't worry. Mom and dad will take good care of you. We'll be back eventually so try not to worry too much."

Courage whimpered quietly. He didn't want Danny to go and on top of that, it seems Jazz wasn't going to be here either. The pup wasn't sure how he was going to be able to handle this on top of not having Jazz around. He wasn't as close to their parents as he was with them...

As Danny put Courage down, the bus soon arrived.

"Have fun at school dears!" Maddie said.

Jack chimed in. "We both love you!"

"Bye mom! Bye dad!" Both Danny and Jazz said in union.

Before Danny got onto the bus with Jazz, the little boy turned to Courage. "Bye Courage! Be a good boy! I'll see you when we get back!"

Courage continued to whimper and soon the bus drove off leaving only him, Maddie and Jack.

The pup and the parents returned to the house and as Jack and Maddie went to do their usual business, Courage laid by the door waiting for Danny and Jazz to return home with a sad look on his face.

Soon Courage fell asleep, what felt like what may have been minutes to him was a few hours eventually awakening to the smell of something cooking.

Opening his eyes, the pup looked around and then at the door, sighing sadly that Danny and Jazz were not home yet but what had him distracted was the delicious aroma that appeared to be coming from the kitchen.

Making him feel hungry, his stomach began to rumble in response. Courage decided to head over to the kitchen to see what was cooking where Maddie just so happened to be the one that was making lunch for herself and Jack.

Ever more curious to what she was cooking, Courage went into the kitchen to approach her.

As Maddie hummed to herself as she cooked, she soon noticed Courage from down on the floor next to her looking with eyes that were of curiosity and in some ways pleading for food.

"Oh Courage, I didn't expect to see you there? " Maddie said.

Courage tilted his head.

"Have you been behaving yourself? I was going check up on you eventually as soon as I was done cooking."

As Maddie continued to cook, she continued. "Just to be sure you're alright and hadn't caused trouble in the house, not that I expect you to anyways given how good of a boy you've been."

The pup smiled appreciating the complement coming from Danny's and Jazz's mother reminding him how he's been behaving for the family.

"Which is why after I'm done cooking, I feel you earn a little treat."

Courage's eyes lightened up with excitement, his good behavior rewarding him what he came for. Once Maddie was finished cooking, set hers and Jack's plates on the table and called her husband, she went over to Courage kneeling down and handing him what appeared to be some kind of cooked dough. "Here you go Courage, for being such a good dog. It's a chicken dumpling."

Taking the food, Courage ate. The pup felt an exploding sensation in his mouth, this was the best thing he had ever ate! Maddie smiled as she rubbed the top of his head. "That's all you get though, don't want to be spoiling you now, alright?"

If his good behavior meant getting the occassional treat like this, Courage couldn't argue, it'd be better to get it from time to time than never. Jack soon arrived up from the basement as he and Maddie ate. After finishing, Maddie went to go wash the dishes and other kitchen duties she had to do and Jack going back downstairs to work. Not too long after, Maddie had to leave the house to buy resources that she and Jack would need in the future whether it was creating new inventions or anything involving their work. Realizing that waiting for Danny and Jazz would do nothing but likely fall asleep, the pup decided to go upstairs to Danny's room to find if any of his toys would keep his entertained, carefully navigating up the stairs one step at a time, the pup finally reach the top and proceeded to Danny's room.

Walking inside, Courage went up to his toys all scattered across the floor close to each other, for a moment, he couldn't decide which one to play with until seeing the ball that Jazz and him played with together that time when Danny was over at Tucker's sleeping over and she offered him the company while he was gone. Deciding, Courage tried to figure out how he would play with the ball since he was all by himself before an idea struck him. He would simply bounce to ball against the wall and so he began with throwing the ball as it bounced back, having honed his skills from practice playing with Jazz that time and other times with Danny. The pup continuously kept playing with himself giggling, but after ten or so times, that excitement began to wear out, after his next throw, Courage simply stopped as he let the ball bounce past him.

Once more the pup was feeling sadness. This time not of Danny's and Jazz' absence but of his parents. Memory suddenly came back to him remembering this as the last happy thing he and his parents did together before that unfateful day the evil vet ripped them away from him.

The sound of a giggle soon followed by an "oof" came with loud crying.

"Baby. You're supposed to catch the ball." The melodic voice of his mother said.

His parents happily laughed, and excitement from Courage from as his dad chuckled happily, and the sound of another "oof" happened again and his mother said "Alright!"

The happy laughs of the family of three bonding continued until it seemed like the sounds began to get quieter every second

Focus was back in the current time. A single tear swept down Courage's eye. He would never forget that unforunate day but at the same time. Forunate enough for him, it was also the same day Danny found him coming into the Fenton's lives giving him a purpose to live life again and because of Danny, he was the reason from him and his family, to the kind vet woman, Sam and Tucker, they all proved aside from his parents, there were those that could be trusted and were good people. The pup couldn't be more grateful when it came to his darkest hour at that time, light brighten engulfing that darkness away.

Trying to think about the now, Courage thrived to go forward and appreciate what he had now. Danny and his family would never replace his parents, but to him now, they were the closest he had to family, Danny especially.

Feeling really lonely, the pup decided to go see Danny's and Jazz's father. He was probably not allowed down in the basement and Danny's and Jazz's mother was still out of the house, but right now he was in need of some company.

Leaving Danny's room, the pup once again took time and effort going down the stairs and then heading into the kitchen, before entering the door that was left open, Courage stopped, he wondered what it was like down there? He wondered if there would be any of the so-called beings that Danny's and Jazz's parents called ghosts notably contained for study by them given the nature of their work and business? He was suddenly having second thoughts. Deciding to risk it, he proceeded. The stairway appeared to be a tunnel leading to the basement, and taking his time going down each step. The pup eventually made it. Looking around, the basement looked totally different from the Fenton household, it appeared to be more metal-like in appearance both walls and floor, ghost weapons that were on the walls as well as other stuff like beakers and various control panels throughout the lab.

Continuing to look around, the pup explored when he heard something, going over to see the sound, there was Danny's and Jazz's father appearing to work on something massive on the wall, currently welding as sparks flew from the welding torch that Jack wielded in his hand and wearing a protective helmet.

Stopping for a break, the large man placed the torch down and turned only to see Courage. Shocked at this, the man lifted the protective wear off from his face. "Courage?"

Courage gulped, he was probably in trouble now...

"What are you doing down here? It's not safe."

The pup sulked his shoulders feeling ashamed, maybe this wasn't a good idea at all, but he was just feeling lonely in need of some company.

Walking over to the pup, Jack leaned down and could see from Courage's eyes how guilty he felt for coming down here knowing the basement was off-limits. Expecting a scolding from Danny's and Jack's father. He braced for it.

But nothing came. "It's alright Courage. It's also kind of my fault that I left the basement door open."

Courage blinked. He wasn't going to be punished?

"I can only imagine a puppy of your age is full of curiosity and wonder just like children are, so I'll let this slide once and from now on make sure I shut the door so this doesn't happen again."

The pup was happy knowing he wasn't going to be scolded. "Yay!" Courage said.

But never the less, the pup would learn from this experience, not to come down here again unless Danny's and Jazz's father says otherwise in the potential future.

Suddenly a thought came to Jack. He had planned this for Danny and his friends when they got old enough hoping to teach them the ropes of ghost hunting but now that Courage was down here, he figured this would be a good start. Over the weeks he had notably grown to the pup since his son found and brought him into the Fenton Family's lives.

And so, he figured Courage would be a good start.

"Courage?"

The pup looked at the large man in curiosity and confusion?

"Would you like me to show you something?"

Curiosity ever getting to Courage. The pup didn't object and the large man gestured to follow him as they approached the large thing on the wall that the latter was working on earlier.

"Between you and I Courage, this will be our own little secret but...You see this here? What Maddie and I have been building is a ghost portal that will connect to the Ghost Zone." Jack said.

Ghost Zone? Courage didn't like the sound of that...A shiver went down his spine...

"It's mine and Maddie's job to hunt ghosts, and study them, even if possible dissect them."

The pup didn't know what the term dissect meant but from the sounds of it. It didn't sound too pleasant...

"And so we'd been working on building from scratch for years now, we're far from done, it's a life's work we'd been hoping to achieve but once completed, we'll have access to the Ghost Zone which is where ghosts live, our hopes will be there, catch ghosts for the reasons I said, eradicate any of the most dangerous ones that pose a threat to any civilians."

Where ghosts live!? Courage suddenly got startled and his entire body shuddered with fear! It was bad enough there were a few wandering ghosts amongst Amity Park, but to have a portal that connects the realm where all ghosts live to the living world!? This was all just too much to handle! For the day that comes, he would have to be more determined to protect Danny. What were his and Jazz's parents thinking!?

"So Courage, for when Danny, his friends and you get older. I'm going to teach you all how to ghost hunt, show you all the ropes of how it's done. Already you protect my son enough, so I can only imagine how much more you could do having each other's backs and also being the first dog to become a ghost hunter? Doesn't that sound amazing?" Jack said.

On one hand, this so-called training as a ghost hunter would help the pup in protecting Danny more, on the other hand...He still did not like this idea? This whole thing Danny's and Jazz's parents were inventing spelled like a recipe of disaster. If anything they were only causing more harm then good linking both these worlds together...

Once Jack was finally finished, he showed the pup the way back where the stairs were. "Now then, that'll be all. And remember...This is our own little secret until Danny and his friends get older. Don't be telling Maddie and Jazz either alright?" Jack said winking.

Pushing Courage towards the stairs and proceeding back to what he was doing, the pup made his way back upstairs taking one step at a time. Once reaching the kitchen, so many thoughts ran through the pup's mind. All he knew was once and whenever that so-called Ghost Portal was complete. Life was just going to get a lot harder for not just Courage, but also Danny and his friends as well.

Suddenly the pup regretted even going to see Jack for company if this is what he knew what his future was heading, he wish he didn't know...

Sighing Courage went on with his day. Maddie eventually came back him with what she and Jack needed, before heading downstairs, she gave Courage some affection petting him before going into the basement to join her husband.

The few hours went back and suddenly Courage who was laying down on the living room couch heard the school bus stopping next to FentonWorks. Knowing what this meant, the pup grew excited that Danny and Jazz were finally home and he immediately ran to the door to greet them.

As soon as the door opened. Courage was met by Danny and Jazz, the pup right away jumping into Danny's arms. "Courage! Hey pal!? Did you miss me?"

Courage absolutely did miss Danny, what mattered now though was he and Jazz were finally home and he couldn't be much happier.

Jazz giggled. "I knew Courage would be waiting at the door waiting for us but what dog wouldn't?"

Courage soon settled down in Danny's arms. "So how was your day Courage?"

The pup really couldn't answer that since he couldn't speak but for the most part boring and then finding out what Danny's and Jazz's father had planned ready for them in the future which Courage still felt uncertain about...

But for now until that day comes. The pup would entirely focus on the present.

Jazz petted Courage. "It's gonna take some time getting used to as Danny and I are at school again but everyday we'll try to make the time we have after getting off and we also have the weekends off."

Hearing this made Courage feel better knowing Danny and Jazz wouldn't be going to this "school" everyday, so now he looked forward to the weekend even more.

"Yep and once next Summer arrives Courage, Jazz and I will be off school for the next few months! We'll then have every day all day to spend time together!" Danny said.

This excited Courage even more, in that case, he couldn't wait for summer again to arrive. It would be a long wait but in the end, it'd be worth it if it meant being with Danny all day everyday.

And so the rest of the day went on. Jack and Maddie finishing up for the day and getting supper ready. Following that, Danny and Courage played with each other for next few hours before bedtime came to a close.

At night, Maddie proceeded to tuck Danny in as Courage laid next to him and kissed her son on the forehead. "Goodnight dear. I love you." Maddie said.

"I love you too mom."

With that, Maddie left the room and shut the door. The pup was about to try and sleep when Danny suddenly sighed. This caught Courage's attention, he looked over at his owner and best friend.

"Dash bullied me again today at school Courage..."

Shocked to hear this, Courage proceeded to listen.

"And without you being there, I don't feel as safe. I know Jazz is there and she's stepped in to stop him, I appreciate my sister for doing that, but it's not the same with you. I don't know how I'm going to handle being at school when you're not there Courage..."

Courage growled under his breath...That bully was tormenting his owner and best friend again...The nerve he had to do so...

Danny turned to his side to look at Courage.

"But know Courage, before I found you a few weeks ago. He was already bullying me and I've still turned out fine. So I just want to let you know I don't want you to worry too much since I'll be ok in the end, and I still appreciate you protecting me that day from him at the park."

Still never the less despite this. The pup still always wanted to be there for Danny to protect him from that jerk but he'll still take his word on this.

Danny smiled. "And besides like I said, Jazz is there to protect me whenever needed and I also know outside of school and when we're together, that meanie won't come near me as long as you're around. That I'm sure of."

This made Courage feel a lot better.

"So try not to worry too much when I'm at school, Jazz is there for me, you are there for me outside of school. Like I said, I'll be fine."

As much as the pup didn't like this, he would just have to accept this at least for now...

Bringing Courage into his arms, the little boy held the pup close to him. "Well, good night Courage."

And with that both the boy and pup fell asleep looking forward to whatever days lays ahead for them.