I know it has taken me little over six months to produce this chapter and I want to say that I apologize greatly. A lot has been going on, and since the start of the school year, I have been swamped with work.

Really quickly—I want to thank the people who reviewed for my Prologue: pearl84, DBack47, Codiak, and last but not least, ghostliyprincess. I send warm hugs to all.

Thankfully, things have settled down a bit what with it being Halloween; so, here you go.

Chapter One: Headaches

In his companies, the older hybrid went by the credo that actions spoke louder than words. Because he held no trust in what his employees promised, the man kept watch over those who made stupid mistakes, expecting them toshow him that they improved.

As was well known, the second mistake they made would end with the termination of their employment right away.

Yet this credo on this particular day was causing the already disgruntled Vlad more distress as he stared at the gangly newbie that sat before him.

This was the second time in three weeks that Alex Levit was in his office, and quite normally, the billionaire would not have hesitated to fire him. But the hybrid was faced with a dilemma.

As much as Vlad hated to admit it, Alex was probably the most skilled scientist in the whole science division. When first seeing his resume, the man knew that the boy was destined for greatness. His college recommendations and standardized test scores were enough to prove it, and Vlad did not hesitate to hire the kid.

Massaging his temples, the hybrid could only shake his head at himself. Because it turned out that, while the young man's intelligence level was fairly high, his ability to follow rules was not. Which was why the young man was currently in his office, awaiting the reprimand that was to be delivered.

And quivering with barely self-contained rage, Vlad was readying to do just that. He was looking to release some pent up aggression after the morning he endured.

Inhaling from his nostrils and exhaling through his mouth, the hybrid fought the ectoplasm burning behind his eyes and looked to Alex more than a little flustered.

"You are in here for the secondtime in three weeks for the same stupid mistake. Why?"

Like an ant trapped beneath a magnifying glass, Alex began to squirm. "I was just taking a break and making some computer sketches, Mr. Masters… sir."

There was an awkward silence before in an effort to appear nonchalant, Vlad leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. But from what he could still see, Alex was still wary. Good boy.

In an effort to scare the newbie even more, the billionaire cocked his head to the side and looked out into space as if he were trying to recall something important. He clicked his fingers, pretending to remember the idea, and pointed at Alex.

"Oh, that's right. Your 'computer sketches'," Vlad made air-quotes around the word, allowing a devilish grin to grace his face. "I was under the impression that the last time you were here, I informed you that this company—myself running it—does not condone random sketches or experiments during business hours."

Alexander's face was the color of milk, large spots of color being the only things indicating that he was even breathing at all.

He tried to speak, but at first all that came out was air. The boy swallowed thickly, much to the amusement of the hybrid, and this time managed to squeak: "I didn't…" before he was roughly cut off by Vlad raising his hand.

If at all possible, the boy went whiter, and with his enhanced ghostly hearing, Vlad could hear the sound of the boys' heart beating frantically inside his chest. He watched with amusement as the boy pulled at his collar and wiped beads of perspiration that ran down his forehead.

The billionaire was having great fun. It was no wonder Spectra got such a kick out of misery. It indeed was delicious.

Two more minutes passed, and at seeing that the boy was close to having a panic attack, he finally chose to speak.

"You didn't think you would get caught did you?" At these words, the hybrid dropped the jovial act and became deathly serious. If the boy was terrified of his nonchalance, his heart would stop at the anger emanating off of him. "Well, I can assure you: you did.

"No one can pull the wool over my eyes, Mr. Levit. Not even intelligent youngsters such as yourself. The fact that you tried it again, I will admit, is a bit admirable, since in my book, you are categorized as a coward…"

Bright splotches of color appeared on Alex's face. But whether Vlad noticed them or not was not acknowledged.

"However, though you gained a few points in guts, that is not enough to save you from your repeat misbehavior. So I want you to go to your station, pack your things, and leave. You are hereby dismissed."

Mouth agape, all Alex could do was stare at his now ex-boss. The color from his cheeks was now gone and in its place was a wan quality surrounding him.

Alexander stood up slowly, every cell of energy seemingly obliterated from his being. Vlad simply watched with boredom as he made his way out. Honestly, the kid was acting as if the man had just killed his grandmother and dismembered her right before his eyes.

Seeing that he was at the door and about to leave, the hybrid dropped his eyes back down to the papers that were situated on his desk and began to read through them. But upon looking back up to locate a highlighter, the man was greeted with the site of Alex still standing in the doorway of his office, hand on the doorknob.

"…" A sound came out but no words were spoken, and Vlad was beginning to think that the boy could be overshadowed by some lower class ghost.

His ghost sense had not gone off though, and the man's brief wonderment turned into impatience as he stared back at the gaping-mouthed ex-employee. He was about to say something when there was almost a huff of indignation.

Vlad arched one brow as he witnessed the boy gather his words together. And when he finally spoke, he was not suspecting to hear what came out of his mouth.

"This isn't fair!"

Both brows now went up in mirth as Vlad continued to stare down the now bright red Alex. Where he got this sudden bravery from, the hybrid did not know. But what he did know was that Alex was acting like a child.

"What isn't "fair," Mr. Levit is that you are wasting my time with your attempt to try and change my mind. I am not going to argue with you as I am not going to bother with your child-like attitude. That is the door, Mr. Levit. Don't let it hit you on the way out, hmm?"

"You are going to regret this," Alex whispered shakily, his hands fisted around the doorknob. "I will become a world-renowned scientist… Someone like Steve Jobs! And you'll be really sorry you fired me!"

Letting out a bark of cruel laughter, Vlad motioned for the disgruntled boy to leave. He did not pay attention to Alex's dramaticexit, but heard with shocking clarity the click of the door as it shut, leaving silence behind with it.

Vlad scoffed to himself and finally alone, leaned back in his chair, resting his head against the back. He could feel the weight of his white ponytail hanging behind him, but he chose not to acknowledge it as, for just that moment, the headache he went through all morning lightened, leaving only a feeling of satisfaction.

After dealing with Alex and having a few moments to just breathe, the hybrid was able to get back to work without a hitch. With calculations and blueprints covering almost every available inch of his desk, the hybrid got down to business.

But after a while, when his hand began to cramp and his eyes began to grow tired, the halfa decided to brew himself a cup of tea and perhaps let his mind wander a bit.

Standing up and flexing his fingers, Vlad teleported over to the mini sink area and began to assemble all the things he would need to make tea. He focused his mind on the trivial task of filling up the kettle with water and placing it on a low simmer before he walked a little ways away until he was standing in front of the view his office held.

In his office there were three very large bay windows, overlooking a spectacular view of the Wisconsin foliage. Whenever the billionaire was in deep thought or needed to calm himself, he wandered over to the center window and allowed himself to enjoy the beauty that was around him.

Quite usually, the scenery would calm his nerves or mind enough where he would be able to come back to reality. But on this day, even focusing on the slightest of details that he could see with his ghostly powers, the man could not seem to find mental relief.

He was too busy thinking about the article the impending date, how tired his body was, and Alex, probably the best scientist Vlad Co. had ever known, being fired.

They were circling around his thoughts so much that Vlad, as if privy to being spun on a merry-go-round for too long, suddenly felt dizzy and out of breath. But it passed quickly, and what was left was a feeling of disgust at his own thoughts.

"Get a hold of yourself, Masters," he berated himself, running a cold hand through his hair. "You will make yourself ill if you keep thinking this way."

He already was, though. Over-thinking things was his undoing whenever he thought about… that day. So he should stop!

Gritting his teeth and pushing away any negative feelings, the hybrid took two deep breaths. When he was much calmer and in his right mind, the man was suddenly greeted by the high-pitched shriek of the kettle.

Not feeling like walking, Vlad teleported over once more and switched off the burner. Placing the tea bag into the empty mug and throwing the small string over the side, the man poured hot, broiling liquid into the mugs depths.

And taking a long, deep breath of the spicy perfume that sprang from the mug, the hybrid brought it over with him to his desk, grabbed a coaster, and placed it gently down on the mahogany desk.

The hybrid closed his eyes to be greeted with complete and utter silence—just the way he liked it.

For the first time all day, the hybrid was actually at peace. Bringing the hot mug up to his lips, Vlad was just about to take a sip… when his office phone let out an ugly trill. His eyes flew open and, moving too fast, he spilt the hot tea completely down his suit.

There was a moment of silence before the hybrid roared with rage and, without thinking, threw the now empty mug of tea up into the air and sent a harsh, red ectoblast at it. On impact, the mug disintegrated into burnt ash as it fell all around him like morbid confetti.

Vlad surged for the phone and picked it up mid-ring. "What is it!"he barked.

His secretary on the line let out a loud squeak in alarm before answering the question that was so roughly thrust at her. "Mr. J… Jack Fenton is on line one, Mr. M… Masters… sir."

Blind fury ignited within his ghostly core as ice blue eyes became cold-hearted vermillion. The oaf had the audacity tocallhim in the middle of the day? Vlad swore that if Jack were in front of him, he would break his neck.

The front of his shirt was now soaked with warm tea, and moving blindingly fast, the hybrid slammed the button to connect him to line one with such violence that it nearly dislodged itself from the console.

"What!"he growled. His eyes were no longer human, but were purely feral.

"Hi buddy!"

All he wanted to do was put a bullet in his brain at the sound of his voice. For almost a month, the man had put off talking to the oaf for the sole reason of keeping his blood pressure from skyrocketing… especially as of late.

In fact, the only time he visited Amity Park was to terrorize Daniel, and even that activity had come to a screeching halt with all that was happening in his life.

But of course, as usual, things had their way of sneaking up on him, and taking a few short breaths to at least set his pupils back to normal, the man answered.

"Hello Jack." Even when he was calm, he was very aware that his voice sounded strained. But knowing Jack and how imperceptive he was, Vlad knew it would go unnoticed.

"How's it going, my man? Haven't talked to you in ages!"

"I'm aware," the hybrid answered frostily. He really just wanted Jack to get to the point of why he called—if there was one.

There was a silence on the other end of the phone before the man replied. "Well, uh… yeah. I just wanted to see how you were doing… see if we could catch up and talk about the old days…"

"I don't think so, Jack. I am awfully busy at work what with my newer designs and as it is, I will not be getting out of work until somewhere around nine."

"Oh!" Jack responded, enthusiastic. "I didn't mean tonight. I was thinking more around the lines of tomorrow night, say… six for dinner. We could go down to the lab afterward and reminisce about the good ol' days…"

To stop his incessant yammering, the billionaire cleared his throat. When he no longer heard Jack's booming voice over the line, Vlad chose to speak. "Yes, well… I will have to think about it. I honestly do not know what I have planned for tomorrow, let alone at six. I might have a budget meeting of some sort—"

Before he could finish, he was rudely cut off. "Make it seven-thirty, then. I remember you telling me that your meetings never last too long, and if you leave at, say, six-thirty, you can make it here in time to eat."

Damn it. He did recall telling Jack that once, but he certainly didn't think he would remember it.

"I don't know…"

"Oh come on, V-Man. I know you want to see us. I'm not hanging up until I hear a 'yes'."

Feeling his patience growing very thin, Vlad sighed in defeat. If he wanted to get off the phone with the oaf, he would have to accept the invitation offered.

"Fine, Jack. Seven-thirty it is. Shall I bring anything? Wine, bread?" A knife to slit your throat, perhaps?

Jack scoffed loudly and then laughed. "No, Vladdie. All that we need is you."

Taking that as a sufficient conversation finisher, the billionaire clicked the phone back onto the console and hung his head in his hands. How he would deal with someone as insufferable as Jack Fenton, he would never know.

With a great sigh, Vlad sunk into the nearest chair and rested his head against the back. There was no way, he deduced, that he could get around the situation without having to take a reign check of some sort.

The only way that the visit would be worthwhile was if the man could toy with Daniel.

A sudden smile came to his face. Attacking Daniel would make his visit to that God-forsaken place worthwhile. After all, as he stated, he had not been to Amity Park in a little while. Perhaps Vlad could stir the pot a bit.

Satisfied with his plan, the hybrid stood from the chair. It was settled. He would go to the Fenton's house for the sole reason of providing Daniel with emotional distress—one of his most cherished activities to partake in.

Vlad was making his way back toward his desk in elation when he noticed how clammy his front was. And upon looking down and seeing the stain his spilt tea had made, a brief red fire glowed within his eyes.

Yet remembering that he would get to see his favorite punching bag tomorrow evening, he simply applied heat to his hand and ran his palm over his shirt.

Soon the shirt was warm and devoid of all wetness, and Vlad set back to work, the calmest he had been all day.

It seems like the scene up top is sort of… random, but it has a deeper purpose, so I want you to trust me, okay?