Chapter 2: Trust and Deals

Pain and misunderstanding were the only things that came to mind as Maddie regained consciousness. At first she had thought she was still asleep since it was still dark as she opened her eyes, but she caught a small lamp flicker in the corner of the room, saying otherwise. Coldness stuck to her bones as she tried to sit up, her limbs stuck with unuse.

A blanket was draped over her body and a thin mattress underneath her. Questioning the comfort she searched around the room.

Her eyes finally adjusting to the room's limited light, she caught sight of a small body a couple feet away. It's form was shaking and its breathing ragged and hoarse. It's arms wrapped around itself defensively, as if anything that would attack in a couple moments, wouldn't affect him much. But she knew from the temperature drop in the room, that it wasn't from fear but from the cold.

But the thing that bothered her most was one little fact about the object: It wasn't glowing.

She already knew it was Phantom beside her, from the 'black and white' apparel he was wearing and the white gray hair on the top of his head. She had sworen though, that he had a glow just the day before! But she had her doubts on it being him. For all she knew, this 'Phantom' could be a fraud, Vlad tricking her. But it was also the strange fact that she had noticed once she had identified him as 'Phantom.' He wasn't glowing.

She knew a glow reflected power on a ghost, but also classified it as a ghost. But just showing that there wasn't one on Phantom body, she knew something was seriously wrong.

A ghost could never lose it's glow, no matter what. A ghost couldn't get rid of it if it tried, but only could hide it if needed. A glow of a ghost was connected to its core, radiating its complete energy to any other neighboring ghosts. Only ghosts could sense their ghost signatures, which was connected to its glow. The glow was extremely important.

Either Phantom was extremely ill or.. he was close to dying.

Those were her only logical explanations that could slap her back to reality. She had to find out what was wrong with Phantom quick or it could be the end of his existence.

"Phantom!" She whispered sharply, trying her hardest to crawl over to him. But with all the aches on her, it seemed impossible to move from her spot. He didn't answer, not even stirring from her disturbance which was putting her on the edge. "Phantom," She repeated, hoping for an answer that he was indeed still in existence.

But with no movement, sound, or glow, she had to confirm the worst. Maddie knew if she crawl over there and find out what happened, the frustration and guilt would kill her.

Deciding to ignore the pain that would come, she moved her best to Phantom's side, whom was around a couple yards away. It took a couple minutes but she reached her goal in no time and she sighed in slight relief. But as she stopped beside him, all the pain struck her as she had to lie down and take a couple minutes of relaxing in order to get her head working.

As soon as recovered, her eyes darted to Phantom's haunting still form and gave him a little push. "Phantom." A harder shake, "Phantom!" The third shake was crazy and she would have to confirm that he was indeed 'gone'. "Phantom!"

Alas, he moaned in response and she sighed happily. Her companion wasn't dead thankfully and it brought up a little hope that was buried inside of her.

Maddie decided to give him a little more time before fully waking him. She still needed time to absorb all that had happened a couple hours ago, which was considerably much.

Vlad had captured Phantom, she assumed, and had somehow tortured him or pushed him off the edge that put him in submission. By then, Phantom was his little puppet; he could be molded into anything the man desired. And that's were she came into play. With her disturbance, it had somehow maybe pushed his plans back or forward. She wasn't sure on Vlad's goal but whatever it was, it wasn't good.

Finally deciding to wake the ghost boy, she grabbed his shoulder and shook softly, "Wake up Phantom."

He moaned again and turned towards her, his eyes still closed, though it seemed like he was trying his hardest to open them, ".. Maddie?.." She smiled thankfully and brushed his matted hair back. His eyes finally opened, but to her dismay they were a dark green, as if all the glow from his eyes died. He looked at her with a bit of confusion as she stared him with terror. ".. Maddie? Are.. you okay?"

"Your eyes," She finally whispered, "They're dark."

He sighed, "Yeah that happens alot... Nothing to be worried about." He gave a sarcastic laugh, which just brought up Maddie's caring motherly side. Did Phantom honestly thing he was alright? That he was the absolute picture of health? No glow around his body or the electric bright eyes he used to have showed that; proof that he was terrible condition.

"Phantom stop acting. I know you're sick and you just hiding it won't help you. Vlad's not here anymore to hurt you, you can drop the show already," Maddie said, crossing her arms.

The ghost boy sighed and closed his eyes, "You're right Maddie. I can't hide it.. not from you."

"What did Vlad exactly do to you?" She asked softly, putting a hand on his shoulder but abruptly tore it back as he was literally so cold it burned her. She gave him a weird look of misunderstanding but let it go as he gave the same expression back.

He hesitated but reluctantly replied, "I.. don't wanna talk about it."

She frowned, wanting desperately to know what had happen to the ghost boy during all those weeks. Had it been that traumatizing that Phantom wanted to forget all about it? Whatever Vlad had did to him, wasn't one of those little fights Phantom usually got with a couple beat downs. This was the real thing. It had to be really bad if Phantom was afraid.. or maybe he thought she didn't understand his situation. That was a possibility.

"Phantom, please. I'll understand anything you say even if you don't think I'll understand. I just want to there for you, you can't keep bottling up your emotions about this," She urged softly.

His eyes glanced away and mumbled, "It's not what you're thinking.. I.. I just don't wanna talk about it. It's to much to talk about."

"We have time."

"Maddie please stop. If it was something important.. I'd tell you but right now.. its a personal matter I have to deal with," He finished and turned around so his back faced her, "Sorry."

The ghost hunter sighed but let the subject die as she heard a door open and close in front of them. Phantom must of heard it too, as his body froze with something unidentifiable as he saw the object's form appear. They both could tell it was an older man, whom they both knew as Vlad Masters, grinning from ear to ear as he gave them a grand welcome, "Maddie. Phantom. Nice to see you awake finally."

"You're sick Vlad," She spatted out without any thought.

Hearing her unfriendly tone of voice, he smirked, "Oh Madeline. It was for the best, only trying to save you before you regretted it. You were coming to close to the truth," he rounded on Phantom, "And you boy. Say anything to her, I promise you, you'll regret it. You'll never see your precious 'family' again."

He stiffened but nodded, knowing the man's wrath. He had already seen what the man could do.. and if promised this.. he'd never forgive himself. His mother. His father. Sister. Tucker.. Sam.. would all die in a matter of minutes.

Family? She glanced over at the ghost boy and immediately noticed his stricken expression. Phantom had a family? Probably before he died and they must of still been alive now. But why would he care about the living? This boy certainly brought so much confusion to her, every time she thought about it it brought a migraine to mind instead.

"P-Please don't hurt them. Please," Phantom choked out with a small sob.

Vlad shrugged, "Its all on you boy. You can chose to save them or destroy them. Either way its your decision."

He desperately shook his head and held his knees, hoping for some sanity to kick in. His mother was right beside him. All he had to do was spill the truth to her.. but if he did.. everyone he loved.. cared for.. would parish. He didn't want that to happen again, he couldn't. If he lost his family, he would fall back into the pit he desperately needed to get away from.

"You don't understand how long I've wanted you in my clutches. You came willingly to me and that's all I could have ever asked for you to do. Though Phantom was the most unbelievable bait I could have used. Who ever knew that you'd be running to Phantom's side?" Vlad continued with a grin.

"I can't believe it myself but something had tugged me towards him. But please Vlad, let him go. You wanted me correct? Well you have me so just let him go," Maddie begged.

He shook his head, a smile still perking up his face, "I'm afraid my answer is no. If I let him go, who is to say that he wouldn't tell anyone of your location? He surely would since he's the 'hero' and would do anything to save someone, especially you."

"He's just a child, Vlad. A ghost but a child. Release him please!"

"I would do as you asked but I'm afraid I have to denie your request. He's just to precious to let go anyway," The billionaire laughed. "You know what makes it all better? The fact that you didn't tell your foolish husband the exact location of where you were headed. He'll never know where to look and if he comes to me, searching for help, I'll just tell him nothing."

"You're a monster," She growled out.

"If I was a monster then Phantom wouldn't be present by now. I had promised him that I'd.. punish him but where's the fun in that? I can use him to my advantage.. though his pesky mouth should be moved however," Vlad retorted back. "He is very lucky that I haven't done anything to him yet to harm him yet. You should be also lucky."

Maddie frowned at the small threat. Vlad wouldn't hurt her right? Or was he messing with her?

Closing her eyes, she hunched back onto the wall and gave a look towards Phantom, who was probably okay at the moment but was trying his best not to listen to what Vlad or she had to say to each other.

Maddie heard a tray fall to the floor and then was kicked into the cell as he muttered, "I'll be back in the afternoon."

Guessing it was morning then, she did her best to ignore the pain and crawl her way to the tray filled with heavenly scented food and push it towards Phantom.

He peeked open one eye at her before groaning out and clutching his stomach. Seeing this did she immediately approach closer to him and put her own hand on his lower torso. Both eyes opened this time.

"Maddie.. what are you doing?" He croaked out.

"As much as it pains me to say it, I'm helping you. Vlad brought us some food and he wants us to eat. And I suggest you do what I ask since you don't look to good yourself," She whispered as she dragged the tray closer to him.

He shook his head and turned around so that his back was facing her, "N-No.. I'm not hungry."

"Phantom. What's Vlad been feeding you? For a ghost, you shouldn't be able to eat anything in the first place but this is wrong. It's like you surely depend on food."

He swallowed hard and forcibly replied, "Stale bread.. and water."

"For every meal?"

"Everyday."

Her eyes widened, "Phantom he's starving you! This is abuse on his part!"

"M-Maddie... I'm cold," He whispered, his eyes turning to her face.

"I'll get you a blanket," Turning her head, Maddie found the shape of a blanket, that had been previously on her, and quickly did her hardest to pull herself together to retrieve it. The cold fabric touched her fingers and she immediately tore it away from the mattress. She draped it across Phantom's shivering form as she ran her fingers through his hair. "Is that better?"

Phantom nodded, "Yeah. I-I'm okay."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, p-positively fine."

"Come on and eat. You need to restore your energy," Maddie said as she held out a fresh baked roll out to him. His eyes wandered towards it as he turned away stubbornly. Seeing this, she put the heavenly scented bakery item under his nose, for him to see how delectable and warm it was. He sighed slowly before holding the roll like the most breakable item he ever saw. Giving slight hesitation, he finally took a small bite of it and chewed it, swallowing afterwards. "Why are you afraid over eating? It's good for you and your body."

"I.. I'm not used to eating alot," He choked out as he lowered the barely eaten roll to his stomach with his two hands.

Maddie sighed, "Phantom please. I want to be there for you. I know you think otherwise because of what I used to do for you but please. I want to help."

Phantom frowned, "Why.. do you want to help me all of a sudden? If I remember, you never hesitated on shooting me before."

"Things change and I'm not sure why I'm acting this way towards you but I feel like its right," She mumbled.

The silence between the two was painful as Phantom continued to chew the bits of his roll. As soon as he finished, his eyes looked up at her and he sighed, "Maddie. What I've been through the last couple of weeks... I can't talk about. It's the memories that keep coming and remind me of what happen. I.. I can't tell."

Maddie saw a fear in his eyes which she was reminded of her own son. When he was scared, he'd give the same expression towards her. This was completely serious and she knew she had to back off the topic or she'd make Phantom more uncomfortable then he needed to be.

"It's okay Phantom. I understand. Just know, I'll be here for anything you need; just tell me," She finished at last.

He nodded and laid back onto the ground, his back facing her. His eyes glanced over to the steal bars, that no doubt were made with ecto energy so he couldn't break out. Not that he would, considering his lack of energy these past couple of weeks. He barely had the energy to get up and walk.

Danny wasn't aware of himself dazing off until a clatter against the bars awoke him. His eyes peeked open and he could see the form of Vlad somewhat grin at them. Groaning, he sat himself up and peered over at Vlad. "Yes Master?"

Vlad grinned at the name he had forced Daniel to call him. Oh how he loved it! He adored to hear how broken the young halfa was against him. He smiled at the memory of Daniel, at how he said he would 'never' call him that name. But at the situation now, he knew he had succeeded. He had whipped him every time he had referred to him to that ridiculous nickname he loved saying and any other forms of stupidity referring to himself. Couldn't the teenager act his age? But thankfully Daniel had gotten through his head and had ceased his name calling.

Oh it was a fun couple of weeks after he had kidnapped Daniel, who was always fighting back until he started, himself, fighting back. Now Daniel was suffering the consequences of his action, which caused excitement to him. The young half ghost was down to his every command.

"Oh nothing dear boy. I just wanted to check upon my guests and bring lunch. You haven't eaten for a while haven't you?" Vlad asked kindly. On rare occasions did he ever do this; act kind towards the boy but today seemed like a nice 'change'. Danny shook his head, "Good. I've brought some food for both of you and as soon as Maddie awakens, I have a proposition for both of you."

A small brightness lit up the ghost boy's eyes as he nodded eagerly. Whenever Vlad said something something that had to do with a deal, it was a good thing. It would mean, he would loosen up on his strictness and cool down a bit. It didn't happen alot, but it was the thing Danny looked most forward too.

It wasn't a long wait as Maddie awoke, yawning loudly and rubbing her eyes. As she focused into view, she caught the figures of Phantom and Vlad, who were a distance away from each other. Phantom was staring awkwardly at her but looked down sadly and as for Vlad he was staring directly at her with a wide smile.

"Ah, nice to see you awake," He said, his back straight up and his chin pointing upwards proudly. "We were waiting for you so we could discuss something important but first," He tossed a tray towards her, "You may eat if you'd like. Phantom, you know what to do."

He nodded solumnly and watched as his mother give them both strange looks, "What do you mean Vlad? What'd you do to the food?"

Vlad shrugged, "Nothing 'dangerous', I just meant for Phantom not to eat. It's 'human' food and he's not allowed to eat, remember?"

Danny nodded, remembering the punishment thoroughly. He had been denied the permission of food after a little food fight, him and Vlad had had. He hadn't been served anything for a week, and it nearly almost killed him. Finally as the last day passed, he had shown up on time to give him his meal. It wasn't much to his normal portions but it was enough to satisfy him for a day, thankfully.

Maddie frowned, "I remember giving Phantom a roll, which hadn't killed him. Human food isn't dangerous to ghosts but I don't see the reason ghosts should necessarily eat. They don't need the energy since their core already supplies them enough energy. Though in Phantom's condition, I'm not surprised he isn't rejecting it. But you, you're trying to denie him of his health?"

The billionaire shrugged, "It's for his own good. I don't want him ingesting anything harmful during his 'stay' here."

"But you're holding him hostage Vlad! Ghosts aren't suppose to live in these conditions," She spat.

"Says the ghost hunter that sucks ghosts into a thermos and whatnot on a daily basis."

She narrowed her eyes at the man she despised at the moment. He was purposely targeting other topics, so they didn't have to talk about it. She wasn't stupid when she saw a slave, since Phantom was showing the symptoms of one during every second. He didn't have the will to keep fighting like he used to; he didn't have his witty banter; he wasn't himself anymore.

"Don't dodge the topic, I know what you're trying to do. And its not working on me," She warned, a glance over at Phantom.

Phantom gave a forced smile, "It's okay Maddie. More for you, uh.. ghosts don't need to eat alot... a little will do to keep me going."

She frowned but forced to herself not to touch the food. No matter how tempting and delicious the meal was, she knew in Phantom's eyes he secretly wanted one, just one bite of her meal. She could see the hungered look in his eyes, which wasn't really paying attention to her but the food in front of her. Phantom was starving, and Vlad was forcing him to starve in front of her.

"So now that you've awaken, I have a choice for both of you." His voice jolted her out of her thoughts as she narrowed her eyes at the older man, "It's nothing bad that you'll be concerned about but I can tell you'd like to move somewhere else than this.. dungeon." He waved as spoke and continued, "If you agree to come out of this place, you'll be moved to separate rooms, which is a step for you Phantom, since you've been living in this dingy place for a couple months," Maddie looked over at Phantom suspiciously. "You'll receive meals," She knew without even looking that he was perking up at that promise. And right she was. Danny almost drooled at the thought of food at last. Even if it wasn't good quality, it was still food, probably more than he received every week altogether. "And of course, you'll be treated well. But we warned, this is all at limits. If I see you or I hear of you trying to escape or plot something against me, I promise you, you'll regret it. You'll be stripped of all your promises made by me and you'll be sent back here. Understood?"

This was alot for the prisoners to take in but as they soaked in the information, they nodded absentmindedly, knowing what they were agreeing to wasn't as bad as they had expected.

Maddie had to agree. For Phantom's sake. At least this way, it promised some health for him to recover those last couple of weeks. "I just hope Vlad, that you don't go back on your word," Maddie whispered but nodded, "I'll do it."

Vlad grinned and turn over to the ghost boy for his answer. Not that he needed to hear it. He knew deep down that poor Daniel had to pick the best option for him and what wasn't good for him? He finally would be able to get food, proper shelter, and some health back into him. This was the perfect choice for him.

Just as he had expected, Phantom nodded softly, agreeing to it.

Danny mentally sighed. He knew Vlad. And Vlad wouldn't give him these necessities for free. There would be a cost, any cost to get what he wanted. But what would he want from him? He had nothing else to give to the bitter old man. Vlad already owned him like a slave. What else did he need the satisfaction from? His mother?

"Very well, if you'd like to, we can start right now. I can show you to your rooms and we can gave dinner later on. Does that sound good?" Vlad smiled.

Maddie nodded, "Yes, that'd be excellent."

Nodding, Vlad unlocked the cell that held his 'prisoners' and held it wide open. Maddie came out first but as Phantom didn't move, the billionaire gave him an odd look. "Phantom? Are you coming along?"

Biting back a shake, he nodded and got up, slowly walking out of the dim cell. This earned him a 'reassuring' pat on the back from Vlad and a soft smile from his mother.

As both the adults left the prison room calmly, Danny looked back at the room with a sigh of relief. He had escaped the worst, now he had to escape what else his enemy had for him. This room was the sight of his first stay, his torture, and all the suffering and thinking he had endured. Leaving this room was a big relief on his shoulders.

His eyes glanced back over to the door and he left the dungeon without a last thought. He had to catch up to his companions who were a distance in front. But running to catch over to them, was to exhausting for him so he instead decided to stay put. His dull green eyes gazing at the concrete floor and he caught the sight of green and red splashes staining it itself. A flash of realization swept through his mind as his mind grew foggy.

"No please!" Danny begged merciciously, "Please don't do this Vlad!"

Vlad shrugged as if he didn't have the choice of his decision, "You know resisting isn't helping you. It's bringing me closer to beating you."

Tears swept over the boy's pale cheeks as he shivered, "Please. I don't want to. I can't go back in those machines! Anything else please!"

Rolling his eyes at the ghost boy's drama, he slapped him across the face. Danny froze in utter surprise and fear. Had Vlad just slapped him? But the burning sensation on his left cheek only confirmed his belief. He cupped it, hoping to settle the throbbing pain conquering half of his face.

"Now listen to me boy. I don't care what you want or don't want, if I say something you will do it. Or do you want me to do something worse to you? I don't care to hurt you but if you don't cooperate than I will have to resort to the worst," Vlad hissed, grabbing my chin and forcing me to stare at his red eyes. "And you wouldn't want that."

"Please Vlad, I can't-" A fist connected to his stomach as he toppled over from surprise and pain. He curled around his small injury but was kicked to the side, losing his balance. Another punch was received to his other cheek, making him bite his mouth. The metallic taste of blood overwhelmed his taste buds as he held himself, hoping that was the end of Vlad's torture.

But to his uneasiness, that wasn't the beginning.

Vlad grabbed him by the neck, holding him in a deathlike grip. He came close to the boy and whispered in his ear, "Dare to defy me again, and you will suffer."

Just as Danny was going to answer, Vlad grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and started dragging him out of the dungeon and into the hallway. But as they slipped through the door frame, the ghost boy couldn't take the humiliation of his archenemy dragging him away like a dog, so taking a last chance, he shot a beam of energy right at the man's Achilles heal.

Vlad cried out in pain as he let go of the boy and toppled over. Danny took that chance to squirm away, almost reaching inside his precious prison.

He honestly hadn't expected the boy to do something like this. Sure the boy should be begging but going that low to blast him in the crotch? Daniel must have a death sentence he wanted to attend. Cursing, the billionaire stood up, the last of the pain now sore. He limped uncomfortable to the direction the boy had wandered and found him, crawling back inside his cell.

"You blasted rat!" Vlad screamed, grabbing his neck and forcing him to rise. "I will not show ANY mercy towards you anymore. You can't even behave normally before, not like you ever did." Danny felt the air in his lungs decrease as the hold tightened, "You will never make a move like that again or else I will kill your family. Your sister. Your father. Maybe even your mother. And you're pathetic friends. You will do what I ask or they're dead."

He dropped him on the ground and blasted him in the stomach, "You will not shoot me." He shot the boy with large volts of electricity, "You will not defy me." He kicked him in the groin, "You will call me Master now Daniel, or I'll kill that precious girl you love so much."

Vlad stopped his assaults and stared at the poor boy who now had this back to him. He shivered and the way he was taking in breaths, showed how much pain he was really in. In a matter of seconds, the boy started to cry, sniffling pathetically.

"Did you hear me Daniel?" The older hybrid demanded after the boy remained quiet.

A fit of sobs were his reply then an answer, "Y-Yes.."

"Yes what?"

Sobbing then, "Y-Yes.. master."

"Very good boy, now will you come with me willingly or will I have to blast you a couple more times to get it through your thick skull," Vlad asked with a smirk.

"I'll c-come with you."

Danny made a move to stand up but Vlad put a hand out, "No you will sit. I'll drag you there for your punishment. And if you resist, I'll kill everyone you love."

Nodding solumnly, he allowed the man to grab the hold of his collar and drag him off to his painful sentence. Blisters ran all over the boy's body as medium sized cuts on his legs and arms opened and dripped out ectoplasm and blood. It left a scary looking trail from the end to the hallway to where he was now. Every second he stayed like that, more blots were created and increased in size.

Swallowing hard, his tears mixed with the blood and he knew, deep down, he had lost to Vlad.

I EXTREMELY apologize for my EXTREMELY late update. I had promised myself to update at the start of the month but my previous chapter was off. It wasn't good enough for an update, so I had to start all over from the beginning. I rewrote the plot so now it's better than the last one I had made. But I apologize, sorry!

I can't believe how many followers/favorites/reviews I've received for this story. When I checked up on my story, I literally was screaming like a fan girl. I appreciate everyone that reads and supports this story. I never expected this much attention!

But not to worry, I'm currently working on the next chapter, though I'm not sure when I'll update. I'm busy with my first year of high school! But thank you all!

~Tortoro15