I am really proud of myself for getting this far in less than a week. Seriously, all these chapters have been done in like, four days. Yey me!

DON'T own DP, or FF. DO hope to own a Leonberger.

**Dani POV**

I want to cry. It's dark and cold and it looks like it's going to rain. I'm hungry and am stealing for a living. Stealing! I am a good child! Well, I'm technically a teenager. I'm small though! And only 13! I huddled in the corner of a dark stinky alley, shivering. I don't know how much longer I'll last. The last few months I've been fending off creepy old man hobos! Which actually took a lot of energy. Before that, I lived in an orphanage because they caught me stealing. But that was worse! So, here I am. Better off dead.

And I have a feeling that wasn't too far away. I was devolving on a regular basis now! Every day at least once I would feel the green goop peel off my shoes. I could barely even go ghost anymore. I sighed as I brought my arms around me. What I would kill for some food. I looked up to the fast food joint I was hiding behind. Technically, I was stalking the garbage man. Yes, I have been reduced to eating food from a dumpster. I think I've lost my sense of smell. You would too, if eating that was the only way you'd survive.

Speaking of…A man in a white apron dumped a bag into the green monster and headed back inside. I leapt up and silently sneaked my way over to the bin, very ninja like. I heard a cough behind me as I reached in. I froze. Busted! I turned slowly only to find a boy about my age in another apron. He held in his hand a white bag….that smelled so good…I drooled.

"I've noticed you before. This is for you." He held it out and in a second it was in my mouth. Well, the burger part, not the bag part. I chewed ferociously, and then gave him an odd look.

"Why?" He smiled.

"You looked hungry." Then he turned and walked back inside. What, no yelling? No demanding 'favors'? Talk about random acts of kindness. I crammed some fries in my mouth as I walked out of the alley, smelling the clean air that was…where was I? I don't know. Somewhere, I'm sure.

Something buzzed by my ear. "Back off fly this score is mine!" I poured some ketchup in my mouth. I had to keep my strength up. The buzzing didn't stop. Finally I snatched the bug out of the air. "What do you want you little-" I gasped. The bug was mechanical, and had a horrible black haircut just like…"Vlad!" I peered into its eyes. "What do you want?" It eyes flashed and before I could react, it projected a screen on the wall behind me.

I turned. What was that loony tune up to now? There was a countdown, and then…."Danny!" he was sitting next to Vlad, and they were apparently staring right at me. "Vlad, let him go!" I yelled.

"Hello Danielle. Hopefully my bug will find you, because we have some very important news." He smiled weirdly…and when I say weird I meant sincerely and not evilly.

"Let Danny go!" I yelled into the screen. I wondered why he didn't say anything, or react at all.

"This is a pre-recorded message, just in case you're wondering." He chuckled. "Now, we wanted to tell you that you need to come back to the mansion immediately." He looked to Danny and whispered something. He shook his head. Why in the world was Danny there? Was he being held captive? "And when I say immediately, I mean no dawdling. It is a matter of life and death. Yours." I started. What? Was he threatening me? Danny hit him on the arm.

"Vlad." He hissed. Surprisingly, Vlad just nodded.

"Oh yes. Daniel and I have found a cure. For you." I gasped. No way! And that doesn't explain why Danny was there! Why would Vlad try to help me? "I know you must have a lot of questions, and we will answer them as quickly as you come here. I will in no means try to trap you or force you into staying." Danny yawned and started to sway. "You will find shelter and plenty of food, I guarantee it. But the most important thing right now is to get the cure into you." He looked to Danny, who was leaning against him with his eyes closed. "Daniel?" The boy snored softly. Vlad blushed. What the hell is going on? "You can't have a sugar crash now! You need to vouch for me! Daniel." He shook the boy, but he was defiantly asleep. Like, not waking up. "Daniel you need to tell her something so she doesn't think I'm holding you captive!" He growled as Danny just went even limper. I was surprised when Vlad picked him up bridal style. He looked at me apologetically.

"Umm…he fell asleep." Duh. "I am really not holding him captive, although if you want to think that go ahead if it gets you to come here." He smiled. "Please, just come and get the cure." The screen vanished. That was all? That didn't explain a thing! And why was Vlad being so nice? All these questions made me not want to go at all. I sighed and sat down, munching on some fries. I knew where the mansion was, so it wasn't the trouble of me getting there. I could even take a bus. And the temptation of a cure…I wouldn't die.

I stood up abruptly. I wasn't going to die! I at the last of the fries and crumpled up the bag. Time to go to the bus station. I walked down the street. I would think about everything else later. For now, I had a cure to take! As I looked at the bus schedule, I realized I had no money. Oh well. I could phase through the back of the bus. I looked at the map. Apparently I was in Georgia, in a city called Athens. So, I take the bus from here to Atlanta. Then there was a bus that could take me to Union City in Tennessee. Then, there was a bus to Henderson, in Kentucky. From there, a bus would take me to Rockford, Illinois. Finally I would hop on another bus to Superior. God that's a long way. I guess I'd fly from there.

I sighed. The first bus to Atlanta was boarding now. I exited the building and casually leaned against the place where the busses went onto the street. I probably smelled, and looked like a street rat but no would question if I was already on the bus right? Right. The bus came out, right on time. Before it could take the turn onto the street, I phased through the wall, invisible. There were a bunch of weird looking people on the bus, and it smelled weird. But where else was I going to go? I floated through the bus until I found an un-occupied row, which was like three seats. I dropped into the seat visibly and tangible, hunched over. Nobody saw me right? Right. I sighed. The bus did smell weird, but with the lights all dim and the city flying by, I felt drowsy. I yawned and lay down. They'd wake me up when we go to the city.

I was going to be cured. I know Vlad was evil, but something was different. And Danny…I closed my eyes. Danny was there.

**three hours later…**

It was kind of exhilarating, taking busses across the country. At night. It was what, like 1:00 now? I was just being dropped off in Tennessee, and the next bus didn't come for another couple of hours. I decided to sleep some more. It was a little creepy, trying to sleep in an empty bus station at night. I can tell you that. But there was something about traveling, with no money and no baggage. Okay it would have been better with money, but then again I had ghost powers. So who cares?

I was lying down uncomfortably on the benches staring at the vending machine as my stomach growled. I didn't want to steal again, but I was really, really hungry. I snuck over to the vending machines. Maybe I'll take a little for later, because I defiantly wouldn't get this chance in the other bus stations filled with people. I stood up and went to the garbage can first. I reached through the bottom. Some of them have it some don't….yes! I pulled out another black trash bag, folded and ready to use. HA! Lazy janitors.

I then made my way to the vending machine. I had to be smart about it. I knew from experience what happened when you ate a vending machine full of candy. So first, I looked to the drink machine and took three bottles of water. They rattled as I dropped them into my make-shift back pack. I looked around. No one here. I grabbed two bags of pretzels and two bags of peanuts and added them with the stash. I pulled out a bag of Doritos, skittles and some gum. I also took three beef jerky's. Hey, I know what's important. I scooped up a Twix, three musketeers and four granola bars. I also plucked off a couple fruit snacks and cookies. I peered into the bottom and took a few of those cheese cracker things.

I tied my satchel to my belt look and made my way back to the corner. Whew. Now at least I wouldn't starve. But I was really hungry right now…I pulled out the cheesy snacks and ate slowly. While doing so, I looked down at myself. I really was a street rat. My sweatshirt hung off me weirdly, like I was ten sizes too small. Which I probably was, considering how often I had gone hungry. I finished the crackers and threw the bag away, taking out a bottle of water too. I decided on some protein and started to eat the beef jerky. I was really lucky, getting to pick what I ate. And it wasn't left over's!

Before I went to sleep I ate a granola bar, a bag of peanuts and finished off the water. I lay down, my stomach comfortably…not eating itself? I giggled. Just a few more busses, and then I would…what? Have a safe place to sleep? Eat all I want? Maybe. But I would be near someone I knew would take care of me. Danny.

I thought of Danny. Why was he in Wisconsin instead of Amity Park with his family? I really missed him anyway. He was like an older brother to me. He took care of me when I needed it, and he was a bit overprotective. We had our spats now and then, but they always resolved themselves. Every time I saw him he forced whatever money he had into my hand. I really did love him like a brother too, although I was really just a clone.

My mind drifted off. Danny would take care of me, I was sure….

**6:00 in the morning**

Kentucky! Yey! I sighed as I got off the bus with a bunch of old people. The sun was just rising above the horizon, and I still had two states to cover. And I've eaten half of my food. Oh well, I won't starve. I chuckled to myself. It takes days for that to happen. Boy did I have a morbid sense of humor right now.

I got inside the station and looked to the schedule. It was Sunday, and the bus I was trying to catch came in half an hour. Oh well. I'll find some way to entertain myself. And I was used to being bored and having nothing to do. I'm a street rat remember? Like Aladdin.

**Sam POV**

I swore as my mother and father came in, right on cue. It was Sunday. And like every Sunday, they had so come in and we had to fight about church. Well, not this Sunday! I swore because I was currently dangling out the window by a rope. On the second story, and trying to make my way to solid ground. See, this Sunday I woke up early and got dressed. Then executed my escape plan. I heard my bed creak as they sat down beside 'me', which was just a pillow under the blankets. Sure, it wouldn't fool them for long but hopefully long enough. I took one step, then the other. Almost there…I heard my father's voice.

"Honey, we were thinking this Sunday you might want to join us celebrating god." I bit back my usual response 'god doesn't take role call', mainly because they might find it a little odd that my voice was coming from the window, and not me. I put a booted foot down and looked down. Just a few feet…

"Sweetie?" Screw it. I jumped and rolled on the grass. It wasn't that far, and I was pretty ninja anyway. I didn't hesitate to jump up and book it out of there. I was aiming towards Zack's house. He would probably be waiting, seeing as this was our normal thing. Weekdays, my house was safe haven to him. Sundays, his house was safe haven for me. It's been like that for a while. I laughed as my mom opened the window and yelled, even though she couldn't see me. "Samantha!"

Ha! I got off scot free! Nice.

**Dani POV**

And now I'm in Illinois. Whoopty-freaking do. I sighed to myself. I just had to think positive. Danny, cure. Danny, cure, Danny, cure…I plopped down on a suspiciously sticky seat. The next bus, thank GOD was in ten minutes. I was really getting impatient, although it was cool to take in the sights of each different city and their hobo types. I'm kidding. The hobos hide. In the shadows, like creepers. So you can't see them.

I had to survive somehow. And I wasn't living for long without a cure to this stupid, malfunctioning body. I sighed. Come on Dani. You just have to ignore the smell and…dream of better things? I scoffed. Yeah right. There were no better things. Ever since I was born (which was like two years ago…) I had to eat out of the garbage and be a hobo and I'm not even human! You know how much that sucks? I'm half dead, for god's sake! I can't even go to school like a normal kid, have friends. My Father used me to get to my…clonee? Well, he's like a big brother to me now. Stupid dad. And I don't even have a mom! Life isn't fair, I realized as I drank my second bottle of water. Screw it, life SUCKS!

**Vlad POV**

So, since Daniel was starting school tomorrow, today we are shopping for school supplies. And it wasn't even at office max, or target or anything like that. I had dragged Daniel to a local store for College students. They apparently had the best, most durable things. I know Daniel said he didn't need anything special, but whatever. I smiled as we stood in the middle of a huge section of backpacks. I turned to see Daniel just standing there.

"Go." He turned to me with a questioning look. "Go find stuff. Just take anything!" He frowned but nonetheless went to check out the bags. He also didn't like shopping too much. He was still nervous about buying things. I saw him tug on his leather jacket nervously. See? I sighed and went to look at those expensive calculators. Shopping with Daniel was always difficult.

**Danny POV**

Okay, so we finished shopping and I was standing awkwardly beside my stash as Vlad added a few things. We looked in the cart.

First, I had picked a black side backpack. It was kind of small, but I liked it because it just didn't see myself with a shoulder back pack. It was simple, and a good size for my laptop. Next was a folder/binder thing. It was black too, and had a zip on it. There was regular paper, an expensive graphing calculator, some nice pens that weren't cheap at all. All the colors of the rainbow in sharpies, a ruler that doubled as a whole puncher, and some good pencils. I had a couple notebooks too, just in case. And, just because I could, I grabbed a text book on microbiology. Yeah, I was weird but it sounded interesting! And technically I was taking biology. Whatever, I wasn't going to bring it to school

Vlad smiled at me. "This all?" I nodded. What else could I possibly get? He took the cart and wheeled it up to the counter. The girl behind smiled as him and began to swipe the things across one of those little screen things that were built into the counter. I sighed. Now that that's done, maybe I could finish practicing my aim in the gym. Vlad was helping me too.

Turns out, he has an endless supply of bull's-eyes.

**Dani POV**

"What do you mean they aren't here?" I half growled half yelled at the maid standing in the doorway. She seemed to shrink while answering.

"Master Vlad and Danny went their new house in Kith Ridge." I growled in frustration. I flied all the way here, and now they aren't here? What the hell? I already ate all my food and used all my energy and there was a green puddle where I was standing! I was exhausted. I took a deep breath and tried to calm down. Yes, it was noon and yes I had stayed up all night taking busses with the occasional nap. I just got here. And now I had to leave again. I wasn't sure I could make it.

"Can you please write down the address for me?" I smiled cutely as she wrote it down and handed it to me. Great. Now I had to fly an hour away to find them! Would they even be there? I turned from the girl and sat down on the steps putting my head in my hands. I was tired, and I didn't want to die! I felt a hand on my shoulder to see another girl.

"Hello, I'm Tasha." She smiled at me. "All the other hired hands have gone, but I'm sure I can whip you up something in the kitchen. You are Danielle, right?" I nodded.

"How did you know my name?" She helped me to stand.

"Vlad and Danny have been talking about you. Would you like to come in?"

"Oh, please." I followed the girl into the packer's decorated mansion. After a while I was really happy to talk to her. She made me a whole bunch of food and then sat down and explained a lot of things. I was stunned to learn about Danny's family. Poor Danny. And Tucker too. I liked him, he was nice. Apparently Vlad had changed a little and was getting along great with Danny, so I supposed I could give him another chance. She talked about Danny not talking, something about the traumatic experience that scarred him? She talked about how he spent all night with the butler downstairs figuring out a cure for me. She of course had no idea what was wrong, but she didn't ask either.

Tasha told me how quiet and sad he seemed, but he was very excited when they found a cure for me. She assumed we had a close bond and I told her we did. I thought of him like a brother! She smiled at that. I ate and ate while she talked and talked. It was a good combination. She had made me sweet bread with honey and chowder. There was a pasta-like thing with sauce, and a small bowl of fruit with a really sweet dip. There was even a small platter of seasoned chicken that was cut into little pieces with some herbs on top. I felt myself get a little stronger, and around one o'clock when we were just talking about random things, like Obama and the military and Jeff Dunham, I stood up.

"Thank you so much Tasha. I should probably get going now." She smiled and walked me to the door.

"It was nice talking to you. Get there safe, and say hi to Danny for me." She opened the door and I stepped out into the fresh air stronger and ready to roll.

"Defiantly. I hope to see you again!" I waved as I walked off. I waited until she closed the door to transform. This had better be quick. I floated into the air, looking at the tiny map Tasha had given me. I turned to the east. Time to go.

As I flew, I watched the scenery go by. There was a really awesome lake…Lake Superior? That I was flying by. It was really pretty, and sparkled in the sun brilliantly. I turned a bit to the west. Kith Ridge…I thought for a moment. Would Vlad really build a whole different house just so Danny could go to school? Honestly, I hoped so. That would prove Vlad had changed, and I really, really wanted my father back.

**Danny POV**

It was four o'clock now. I had finished practicing my aim in the gym and now I lay on a hammock outside. It was really sunny and warm, and the birds in the bird bath sung a lullaby that almost lured me to sleep. I looked around the yard. It was nice. Big, with a couple of benches too. There was even a pond with some super expensive fish in it, and a stream that lead to it. The weeping willow to my left stirred in the wind. Maybe when I was done enjoying my last day of school freedom I could go take a ride on my super awesome bike. Man I loved that thing. It looked so cool too, with its black and red sleek design. I practically drooled as I thought of it.

Speaking of drooling, what was that smell? I crinkled my nose. It smelled like wet dog…Then suddenly the world was turning and I was flat on my face in the grass.

"Hey!" I lifted my head, only to see a cute, fluffy puppy. I cocked my head. "Huh?" It ran around me excitedly. A ghost dog…what was a ghost dog doing here? It licked my face and I laughed.

"I see you've met the Leonberger." Vlad's voice came from the dining room sliding door. I nodded as best I could with the dog sitting on my back.

"What is a ghost dog doing here?"

Vlad smiled. "I found him wandering and offered him a home. I hope you don't mind." The dog turned off his ghostly glow and looked just like a normal dog. I smiled and laughed as the dog leapt on my face. Holy crap, we have a dog! I picked him up and stood, tucking him in my arms.

"Thanks Vlad."

He shrugged. "It was the dog's choice." I set the dog down and it turned into a full-sized thing. I crouched down and pet him.

"What's his name? Did you give him one?"

"You go right ahead." Vlad was smiling at me, probably because I had a huge smile plastered on my face. We have a dog we have a dog!

I looked at the big breed. "You're a Leonberger right?" The dog barked. "How about…Burger!" I laughed at the look on Vlad's face.

"Burger isn't a name, it's a food."

"I like it. And it sounds like Leonberger."

"But…its Burger. Can't it be like, a name? Like Kuma or Woof or-"

"I like it." I said stubbornly. I turned back to Burger and touched his nose. "You're name is Burger. Got it memorized? Burger!" He jumped and licked my face again, running off before I could snag him. "Hey! Get back here Burger!"

I leapt after him. As Burger and I played in the back yard, I couldn't help but dance a little jig inside.

We have a dog! We have a dog! Vlad brought home a ghost dog! We have a dog! I paused. I hope he doesn't like eating cats…

**Dani POV**

My food energy had worn off twenty minutes ago. Now I was gliding through the air slowly, trying not to dissolve. I spotted a park and I aimed for it lazily. I was going down, like losing serious altitude. There were little flashing lights in my eyes as I skidded to a halt. I tried to remain standing, but it felt like the world was being pulled out from under my feet. I fell on my face and transformed back to human. The grass was soft, but I couldn't let myself go to sleep. I had finally made it… I was in Kith Ridge.

I sat up as fast as I could without puking up my empty stomach. Oh it hurt…I slapped myself. If I fell unconscious now, I wasn't sure I could ever wake up. There was no one in the park right now, even though it was a nice day. My eyes half closed, I stood on shaky legs. I had to keep moving…but which way was Lotus lane? And where was number 53? That was their house.

My legs buckled under me and I sat near the little path going through the park. I couldn't move...there was a little green puddle underneath me. I didn't want to die. I wiped my check where my tears were blending with some ecto goo. I was leaking! I was so close…did I really have to go like this?

I heard the distant roar of a motorcycle. I was really going to die? Where was Danny when you needed him? Maybe I could get a ride from someone….if I didn't die first. And who was going to pick me up? I was dirty and smelly and looked horrible. Even if I asked for directions…I just couldn't move. The roar got louder as the bike came down the path. If I could just get a little closer, maybe they would see me?

I struggled to move on my hands and knees. Just a little closer….but the motorcycle was going so fast. I scratched at the ground. Move Dani move! I just reached the path when the motorcycle was right there, like a foot away. I yelled as loud as I could.

"HELP!" It passed and the roar died down. I looked to the ground. Of course, who would hear me? You would have to have super powers to hear my dying voice over the roar of the motorcycle…

"Dani?" I was hearing things, great. I really was dying. I felt sick as I tumbled, but something caught me. "Dani hold on, it's going to be okay." Was that Danny's voice? Something dark was being shoved over my head and for a second, I was scared though barely conscious enough I couldn't do anything about it. I was being lifted and put onto a…bike? A motorcycle? I realized the dark thing was a helmet. The person who picked me up sat behind me, putting his leather hands over the handle bars.

"Hold on tight." Suddenly, there was a loud noise as the bike came to life. There was a gust of wind and I was being pushed into someone's chest.

"Danny?" I muttered.

"Hold on, I'm taking you home." Home? Do I have a home? I drifted off to sleep, trusting in Danny. I found him. I made it. I would be safe…