Okay, I noticed I am not doing Vlad's POV so much. So get ready to see life from a rich view! Oh, and you should review just to tell me if you like or dislike something! Even if you had before! Reviews make me feel all fuzzy inside!

Disclaimer: I own an IPod, an orange one. Still no Danny Phantom. But I DO own the following chapter. Yey me!

**Vlad POV**

I woke with a groan. Today was Saturday. The day of the funeral. Thoughts of Maddie danced in my head like some messed up sugar-plum dream. I opened my eyes and saw my bonsai tree. That made me smile a bit. I really was happy with my new room, and I could tell Daniel was happy with everything too. How did I figure that out? When he thanked me several times and ran around the house and came back to thank me, again. He really was happy, and that made me happy as well. I even gave Daniel a wallet with a credit card. At first, he wouldn't take it but I said take it or I will intangibly sneak it into your pocket. In those exact words. So he gave in, wisely.

I sat up in my red and black bed. I was so glad I hired the best interior designer, and the most expensive. The look on Danny's face was worth it. I slowly made my way out of bed. Today was going to be painful, and it was only six in the morning. The sun wasn't even all the way up. Don't ask me why I woke up at six. I don't know. Maybe it was the anticipation of the funeral. I was lost in thought as I pulled a black suit from my closet. I never thought I would be going to Maddie's funeral… I sighed. I wonder how Daniel was. As I finished getting dressed I decided to walk down the hall. I passed the room I had made for Danielle. I wonder if she got our message…

As I got to Daniels room, a confused look crossed my face. I heard…music? Apparently he was enjoying his speaker system. But at six in the morning? I opened the door slowly and listened to the music.

"But it was not your fault but mine, and it was your heart on the line. I really fucked it up this time, didn't I my dear? Didn't my dear?" Daniel was sitting at his desk, his back facing the door. He was browsing ITunes on his new laptop. And his IPod was plugged into the computer too. I smiled, watching as Daniel spent the money I put on his ITunes account for him. He hadn't even made a dent.

Daniel was sitting, already dressed in his suit. Of course, his shirt was un-tucked and his jacket unbuttoned. He of course didn't know how to tie a tie and it was slung across his neck haphazardly. I opened the door more and stepped in. The designer really did well with Daniel's room. I decided to let him know I was here, as not to surprise him.

"Morning, Daniel." He jumped and swirled in his black chair quickly. He smiled sadly as he saw me. I looked around. "I see you've started the new book I got you." The book sat on the bedside table, a scrap of paper acting as a book mark.

He nodded and turned back to his laptop. "Yeah, it's really interesting." A Black Eyed Peas song started to play on the speakers, but Daniel turned it down so we didn't have to yell to be heard.

I laughed. "Please don't blow out your eardrums Daniel." He smiled and bought another song. I walked up beside him and crouched down next to him. "Turn." He sighed and faced me. I lifted my hands and started to tie the tie. He's really going to have to learn to do that himself. "You're going to have to tuck in your shirt and button up." He nodded and rolled his eyes.

"Yeah I know." He turned back to his computer, thoroughly engrossed.

"Where's Tucker?"

He shrugged. "Sleeping. He was really excited to come to his own funeral, but he was tired." I nodded. I was a little glad to have Tucker around to help with Daniel. We got off on the wrong foot, but we seemed to be getting along fine now.

"You're up early Daniel."

"So are you." I chuckled lightly. He's got a point.

"How did you do last night?" I was referring to the motorcycle. Of course, he was still here and apparently unbroken, but still. He came in last night so tired he went right up to bed. He didn't even eat dinner. A wide smile broke out of him face.

"I love it so much. I went really fast and I drove to the highway where I dodged around cars and it was like a video game." I frowned and he rolled his eyes again. "It's totally legal."

"Right." I moved his green circle chair next to him and sat on that. "I called the public school last night. You're going to be taking P.E, English, Math, World Studies and Biology." He smiled. I knew the biology part would make him happy.

"Hey Vlad?" He looked at me out of the corner of his eye. "Thanks." I smiled.

So, I guess things were going okay. Daniel still didn't have his ghost powers, and he still didn't talk to people. We were both still grieving, but that process was bound to take a while. Tucker was lingering to make sure Daniel got on alright. Well, he can't expect much. So far, things are going alright. It would be hard, like a roller coaster through hell but we would get through it. I'm glad I had Daniel here with me.

"You're welcome little badger." I stood. "And breakfast is in an hour." Yeah, it was supposed to be a mushy moment. But no. I'm a billionaire. I don't have mushy moments. I chuckled. Yeah, right.

**Sam POV**

Oh god I wanted to die. Zack had gone home last night and right now I was buried deeply in my bed. I can't believe Danny walked off like that! Stupid, stupid. Obviously he had gone through something traumatic, why else was he practically mute? It must have had something to do with parents, judging on how he reacted. I punched myself. God, that was so stupid! Granted, I didn't say it, but still. IDIOTIC! Urgghh. I groaned and turned in my covers. My cell phone was ringing. I dove deeper into the back oblivion before I saw a little light where my cell phone was. I picked it up.

It was Zack. "What?" I snarled. I could practically see him flinch.

"I said I was sorry!"

"Don't tell it to me you idiot." I ground my teeth. "I really liked him and you…" I trailed off and took a deep breath. I calmed down. "I'm not mad. Just sad." There was silence for a moment.

"I'm really sorry Sam."

I rolled under my stuffy covers again. "Yeah, whatever. He probably hates us, just like everybody else."

"Is there anything I can do to fix it?" I sighed.

"Thanks Zack, but no." I smiled sadly, not wanting to leave Zack alone at home. He probably wanted to get out. "You can come over though."

He laughed. "Thank you so much!"

I shrugged. "I'm still in bed."

"I don't give a shit. See you soon!" He hung up abruptly. I laughed again, hoping he could bring his homework. I wonder if there was anything we could do to fix it…oh well. Danny was going to go to our school right? Maybe we can hang out…I let my thoughts wander. I wonder if I can get him to talk…

**Zack POV**

I had to think of something…something. I could go and apologize, but then I needed proof! Grr…I growled in frustration. There had to be something I could do to make Danny forgive me…I walked down the rich street. Wait, Danny lived on this street right? I looked around. His house was that way! It was barely out of the way. I fist pumped and ran down the street. Maybe I can get his cell number and text him my apology! Yes! That was a solid plan!

I slowed to a walk as I saw the house. I really hope he was home. I lifted my hand to the door. I was a little nervous. Then again, when have I ever thought before doing anything? I was impulsive and I was never, ever nervous about anything. Unless I was talking to Aerith. I knocked on the door loudly. Please be there please be there... A butler opened the door.

"Good evening." I smiled.

"Hi is Danny there?" the man got a sad look on his face.

"No, Danny and Master Vlad have left already."

"Oh." I thought for a moment. "Do you have his cell phone number?" He nodded. "Can you give it to me?"

"I'm sorry young sir, I don't think that would be-"

I frowned. "Please. I met him a taco bell last night and I asked him about his parents and he got mad and left. I really, really need to apologize." The butler gave me a small smile.

"That's why. Come in sir." He opened the door and I walked into a huge living room. "Have a seat." He said, motioning to the big white couch. "Would you like a beverage?" I shook my head and sat down, and the butler sat down across from me. "My name is Edmund. What shall I call you?"

"Zack. My name is Zack." He was really nice, though I wondered why we had to sit down. Was he going to tell me about Danny's parents? "What happened to Danny's parents?"

Edmund shook his head. "I believe Danny will have to tell you that. Now, Danny's phone number." I bit my lip with excitement. I really hoped he forgave me, and then Sam wouldn't be mad or sad anymore. I took out my cell and plugged the number in.

"Thank you so much!" I stood. "I have to go now." He moved gracefully to open the door for me.

"Of course. Thank you for coming by to issue an apology, that's very kind of you, Zack." I smiled and walked down the stone steps.

"Thank you! Bye." I waved at him. Wow, Edmund was nice. And Now I have Danny's cell phone number. As soon as Edmund closed the door I ripped my cell phone out. Time to start groveling…

**Sam POV**

I was just getting dressed. Thankfully, I was decent and pulling on a fishnet glove when Zack burst in. He looked triumphant about something. Before I could speak, he pushed his cell phone under my nose.

"Read it and weep." I took the cell gingerly. Read what? And why? His chat screen was already up. I started to scan the small black letters.

Zack: Hey Danny It's me Zack. Remember me from Taco Bell?

Danny: Yes. How did you get his number?

Zack: Edmund gave it to me

Danny: Why?

Zack: Look man, we got off on the wrong foot.

Danny: …

Zack: I'm SORRY! I'm really sorry that what I said made you mad! Really, really sorry. Seriously I feel so bad!

Danny: …that doesn't explain why you had to tell me this now.

Zack: The sooner the better?

Danny: …

Zack: FORGIVE MEEEEEE!

Danny: It's fine.

Zack: Say it.

Danny: What?

Zack: PWEEAASE say you forgive me!

Danny: *sighs annoyingly* I forgive you.

Zack: thank you. I feel like a weight has been lifted.

Danny: Is that all?

Zack: grumpy aren't you?

Danny: Yes. I'm busy

Zack: alright. I don't understand why you're still mad though….

Danny: I'm not mad. I'm also not looking to make friends. So goodbye

Zack: Ouch…okay toodles.

Oh my god! I squealed. Yes, I squealed. I also glomped my best friend. "You. Are. Awesome!"

"I know, and you're suffocating me!" He pushed me off him and took back his cell. "But, it's weird how he's all 'I'm not looking to make friends' and shit." I nodded.

"Yeah it is. But he doesn't hate us now! That's the first step!"

He laughed. "We're a bit sad. Good for us is 'not hate'." I nodded.

"This calls for celebratory sugar!" He agreed enthusiastically. Have I said how much I love my best friend? He's awesome.

**Danny POV**

This was really, really hard. Five coffins sat, all black in the middle of the cemetery. Each one was topped with smiling photos and flowers, courtesy of Vlad. The pastor droned on, and on. People all around were wearing all black, and sniffling was heard everywhere. I even looked up to see Vlad wipe away a stray tear. He was trying to be strong, I could tell. But his breath came in shallow, and his folded hands shook. He was pale too, really, really, pale.

I had tried to stop the hot tears from flowing down my cheeks. Their saltiness dripped into my mouth and even though I wiped my face dry, more came. It was hard to breath, knowing they were so close and so far. The life had left their bodies…and they simply weren't anymore. My nails dug into my leg, though I barely felt it. I tried to brush away the feelings of guilt, but it stuck to me like a leech. It was hard to see, and everything looked watery. The pain racked my heart. I heard the pastor speak my name.

"And now, dedicated to the only sole survivor Danny, I would like to read a poem." I saw Vlad nod at him. The man in black gazed into the crowd as he recited a poem. "Then Almitra spoke, saying, "We would ask now of Death. And he said: You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity."

A small whimper let out in my throat and Vlad immediately put his arm over my shoulder. He waited to see if it was alright until I leaned into him. The pastor continued to drone, and I only caught verses of a shepherd and a king and such. Vlad's hand squeezed my shoulder as I cried as silently as I could. Then I saw my aunt get up and come stand before the group.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!"

Her voice cracked as tears rolled down her face. Apparently, that's all she could get out because she stumbled back to her seat and sobbed into someone's arms. I heard my mom's name being muttered past her tears. This was all so intense, and sad. Mom, dad, Jazz…Tucker. I felt Vlad sniffle. The pain increased and ripped itself apart in my chest. God it was hard to breath. I was trembling too. They were gone…dead. I couldn't help but cry. Someone else came up. Julie, that cop girl. She was dressed in an elegant black dress and as she stood, she looked right at me, almost if she was saying it was alright. She spoke next. It was nice she was here, even though she didn't know my parents or sister.

"When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,

But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.

I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away for life goes on.

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear

And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home"."

I clutched Vlad's shirt like it as my last hope. He handed me a handkerchief and I cried. I cried so hard I thought that my chest would explode. I wasn't even aware of the people around me, and I just let it go. There was a screaming and beating in my brain. The world was numb but filled with pain at the same time. I vaguely felt Julie set a piece of paper on my knee, and Vlad picking it up and tucking it in my shirt pocket. It was hard. I was glad I didn't have to do it alone. They were dead, and it was my fault. It was me who killed them.

People were moving. I think they were leaving. I clutched Vlad harder. His shirt was probably soaked with my tears but they wouldn't stop. My throat hurt, a lot. Why did they have to die? Could I really cope with this pain? I sobbed harder, remembering the words from Julie's speech. And if you listen with your heart you'll hear, all my love around you soft and clear…

**Vlad POV**

I held the shaking boy in my arms as everyone began to leave. I tried not to cry, but honestly I wasn't having much luck. It was just a good thing Daniel was busy sobbing himself. I swallowed dryly. A couple small tears were racing down my face. I felt a presence beside me and Daniel, so I turned and looked over. Julie stood with a small smile on her face, her green eyes boring into mine. Her eyes were watery as well. She crouched down next to us and put a hand on my shoulder. I don't need comforting, I wanted to yell. Look at Daniel! She almost read my mind.

"Grieving together is often better than grieving alone. It's alright to cry." Her soft voice matched her sympathetic eyes. I felt my shoulders hunch, and that was it. That was the straw that broke my back. I bit my lip as tears ran down my face. Daniel pushed into me harder as I began to cry too.

It was certainly a sight; Daniel was probably trying to be absorbed by my chest as I wrapped my arms around him. I sobbed and Julie crouched down next to us, just waiting. Her presence was…Oddly comforting to me. I broke down and now I clutched onto Daniel as much as he was clutching onto me. Oh Maddie. The love of my life…gone. For so long I had wasted my time, and now…gone. Maddie was dead. I would never see her smile, or her disapproving frown. I would never see her sneak around and kick ghost butt. She was gone. I had loved Maddie so much, and now she was gone. It seemed impossible, but there it was. I looked at her smiling face in the picture frame. How did this go wrong? Was there anyway, in any universe, it could have worked? Or was I always chasing something that would never happen? Was it timings fault, was it jacks fault? Or was it mine?

**Time skip**

Half an hour later…

I was walking with Julie to her car. I rubbed my eyes, trying to dignify myself. She caught me and laughed.

"Mr. Masters it's alright!" I frowned.

"Julie I insist you call me Vlad. Please." She smiled widely at me. He blond hair swirled in the wind.

"Well, I'm glad you and Daniel seem to be getting along fine. Where is he going to school?"

"Kith Ridge." She opened her mouth. "I know it's far away but I built another house for us to live in inside the city."

"Well, that's very nice of you."

"Would you like to come over sometime?" I blurted. Well, not really. Rich people don't blurt per se but I did say it unexpectedly. She blushed.

"Well, I suppose I could come over on…Wednesday? If it's not too soon…" She trailed off. Too soon?

I sighed. "I'm sure it will be fine. Daniel is healing very well mentally." She smiled at me with laughter in her eyes. I feel like I'm missing something…

"I'm sure he is. Being with you certainly is helping him."

"Thank you." We approached her black car.

"So, your address? And what time should I be over?"

I quickly took out a pad of paper and wrote an address. "You can come whenever you want. I'll be home at four and Daniel will get home at three thirty."

She laughed at took the paper. "Great! I love impulse visits." We laughed together. "Have a good day!"

"You too. See you Wednesdays." I waved as she drove off. She was very random…and weird. I decided it was a good weird. I turned to see Daniel sitting at his seat, looking at his phone. I sighed. I should give him a little space and walk around. I started to wander aimlessly through the graveyard. I thought about Julie. She wasn't ditsy, and was actually very intelligent. She wasn't you know...Daniel and I smart but she was still interesting to talk to. And she wasn't serious, at all. I realized that kind of balanced me out, because I could be very uptight. I smiled, thinking of the blond fondly.

As I wandered through the graveyard, I tried not to step on anyone's head. It was quite difficult, and I realized I hated walking through graveyards for that exact reason. There was always a body somewhere. Can't they make a path or something? I stopped when I heard a low growl. I quickly turned, but nothing was there. And then my ghost sense went off. Of course. I was in a graveyard. What did I expect, with walking on everyone's head?

The growl sounded again, this time from behind me. I whirled around, adrenaline pumping and my fist clenched when…nothing. It growled again and I looked down. It was a puppy. Granted, a ghost puppy, but yes. A puppy.

"Hey." I crouched down besides it. "What are you doing here? Isn't the pet cemetery on the other side of town?" The puppy growled and ran off. "Hey wait!" I ran after it. Soon, I was at the very edge of the cemetery, panting and trying to catch my breath. Why the hell did I run after him anyway? I looked down to the see the small puppy digging at a rather small grave. Oh no… I crouched down and rubbed the dirt off the headstone. Jerry Malong, 1962-1969. He was only seven years old. I looked to the puppy. "Jerry was your owner, right?" The small Leonberger barked.

I sighed and patted it on the head. "I'm sorry for your loss." I stood and brushed the dirt off my knees. I spotted a nice tree with some shade and decided to sit down in it. As soon as I plopped myself down the puppy, now looking like an adolescent dog, trotted up to me. "There's nothing I can do." I told it. Nonetheless it cocked its head at me and sat down.

We stared at each other for a while. The dog was a dark golden color, almost brown and it had some black streaks across it. Its mouth was black too along with its ears. It really was cute. I sighed. "What do you want?" It barked. I leaned back against the tree. It barked again. "What?"

It whined and curled up at my feet. I leaned forward to stroke its fur. Wow, it was actually very solid. Surprising, for a ghost dog in this realm. I thought for a moment. "Have you been hiding all this time?" I barked quietly. Huh. So he could be seen by humans. Or at least I was guessing. He really didn't look like a ghost, besides the slight glow. But I'm sure he can turn that off. "Hey, boy." He perked his head up. "Play alive." I came up with that on the spot, but it seemed to work. The glow went away and then there was a regular dog lying at my feet.

I fingered my sleeves. This puppy was probably wandering around for a long time, with no home. I sighed. Was I going to pick up every stray I found? Well, why not. It's not like I couldn't spare the resources.

"So, Leonberger dog." He picked up his head. "I'm sure Daniel would like to have a pet." The dog slobbered on my knee. Gross…He jumped up and barked loudly. "Is that a yes?" suddenly, the Leonberger started to disappear. Huh? "Wait, what ar-" the dog was gone. Was that all it needed? An offer of a home and then poof? It moves on? I shrugged and stood. Time to get home anyway. Mads was probably lonely…DARN IT! It's Maddie, Maddie, Maddie. Not Mads. I sighed. Damn that kid was getting to me.