Note:
Please just imagine Clockwork's formshifting for yourselves, cause I am far too lazy to describe it every two lines, since it holds no significance to the plot...


„Clockwork? Are you there? Hello~o?"
Danny flew through the corridor's of Clockwork's abode, frantically looking for said ghost.
It was very rare that the Master of Time actually called for him, so he knew something of importance must have happened, and the fact that he had thought up a million different scenarios – none of them good ones – on his way here had done nothing to put him at ease.

So it came as a tremendous relief to him when he entered the great hall he usually met Clockwork at and saw him floating in front of one of his time-looking-screen-things, looking pensive, but not exactly worried.

„Oh, hey dude, here you are. What's the matter? It's not..."
He swallowed hard, but then continued, „This is not about Dan...is it?"
As Danny approached him, whatever Clockwork had been looking at disappeared and the ghost turned his attention towards the boy.
„Hello, Daniel. To right away dispel your worries: No, this is not about Dan. He is still trapped and will remain so for the time being."

Hearing that made Danny sigh in relief as he came to a halt in front of Clockwork, curiously looking up at him.
„Well, then, what is it? Don't you usually prefer to, like, not get involved in anything? Why call for me?"

At this, Clockwork frowned slightly for a moment, before his face returned to its usual neutral expression.
„You are right, of course, I do not wish to interfere with the time stream if it can be avoided. And I am not going to. I simply wish to ask a favour of you...
Come, walk with me."
With that he started to lead Danny out of the hall and through a number of corridors.

As they passed one massive and important-looking door after another, the boy tried to get his hands on a little more information.
You are asking me for a favour? Wow, things must be really tough right now. Usually it's the other way around, you know. So, you want me to beat someone up or something?" He grinned and made a boxing motion.

A smile crept on Clockwork's face.
„Yes. Your parents do have a spare bedroom, don't they?"
But of course, this question was purely rhetorical. Danny was aware of the fact that Clockwork would already know what he needed for whatever his plan was to work, and so he did not answer as they turned around a corner and this time actually went through one of the giant doors, which, to the boy, looked exactly like any other.
They entered a small room which was sparsely furnished and looked like it was simply a kind of lounge area for whatever was on the other side of the door opposite from the one they had just come through.

They walked towards it, but instead of opening it, Clockwork stopped and looked at Danny.
„What I would like to ask of you is to convince your parents to leave that room to someone. That person would live with you and also attend the same school. All precautions will be taken care of and a rent would be paid as well."

Danny frowned confused.
„So, like, a tenant? Wait, you mean they are human? Why would you need me to house a human? Can't they just rent somewhere else?"

„I am afraid not. You see, that person has a connection to the spirit world, just like yourself, and they are currently in need for a place to hide. A place, that can be protected from ghosts."

„What? Someone with a connection to ghosts, who also must be around my age? That...sounds pretty good, to be honest, although itis pretty hard to believe. I guess there wouldn't be a problem with this. Uh...What kind of person are they, exactly?"

„You know him, actually. Which, sadly, is why there might be a problem after all."
The look on Danny's face made it apparent that he was completely lost with this not-really-explanation, but before he could say anything else, Clockwork just said: „You will understand once you see for yourself", and finally turned the handle on the door.

Danny entered what looked like a bedroom, which briefly made him wonder why a ghost that never slept might need something like this, but he quickly turned his attention to the young man standing in the middle of it, facing towards them, arms crossed.
It took Danny a moment to comprehend what exactly it was about this young man, that seemed so oddly familiar to him – the long white hair, the suit, the haughty look – but when realization finally hit, it hit hard.
„What the- Vlad Masters!?"


Would you look at that, what a nice moment to end this chapter on. As usual, criticism is welcome.