Downward Spiral by SupremeDramaOverlord

Chapter 11 - Some People Just Need a High-Five... In the Face... With a Brick.

Vlad's POV~

It was past three in the morning, but I felt completely well rested and refreshed. Normally I woke up on my own around four or five AM, but I was excited to begin the first full day of spending time with Daniel. It was a wonderfully peculiar feeling, having someone to be in company with.

I had just finished getting ready for what promised to be a very interesting day as I stepped into the hallway and made my way downstairs. I didn't plan on waking the Little Badger up until six, so I had some time on my hands. He was terribly sleep deprived and I wasn't going to deny him the rest he so sorely needed. I decided on going to my lab to check on Skulker's progress with the Fentons. As I turned into another hallway I strolled past a window and halted in my tracks.

Incredulously, I stared at the rope, or more accurately, pieces of torn bed sheets tied into a rope. My eyes traveled upwards where Daniel's room was located. In the blink of an eye, I teleported overhead and into the child's empty bedroom. Marching over to the opened window, I stared down in disbelief at Daniel's makeshift rope.

In retrospect, I supposed it was foolish of me to expect that Daniel would give up on his ridiculous notions of running away. If there was one thing I learned about the boy it was that he was rebellious and stubborn to no ends. Nonetheless, I was taken by surprise when I came to check on him and discovered he had got out of his bedroom. I must confess that I was mildly impressed by how he had done it. I wasn't too concerned with finding him. After all, he may very well have found a way to get out of his bedroom but he had no chance of getting past my shield. However, I became extremely concerned when I found no sign of him, and when I couldn't sense his ecto-signature, I began to worry.

Transforming into my ghost half, I teleported into my lab and switched on the tracking device. I was equal parts relieved and irritated to find that Daniel was in the ghost town. Relieved that he was no doubt safe with my employees and irritated that he made it that far out on his own. How on earth had a mere child of fourteen find a way past my shield? Despite my aggravation, I felt what could only be described as fatherly pride towards Daniel at his cunning runaway attempt. I had greatly underestimated the boy; a mistake that I will not make a second time. I turned off the shield's generator before teleporting directly above the ghost town.

Sensing his ecto-signature in the saloon, I phased through the double doors and didn't waste time in making myself known. As I predicted, all my employed specters promptly vacated the premises and I glared unamused at Daniel, who wore an expression of horror at being exposed without anywhere to run or hide.

What a mess my Little Badger got himself in! It was nothing short of pitiful. Underneath the blanket that was draped over his shoulders, I saw that he was still wearing his clothes from earlier and they were torn and ripped in several places. Thorns and briers stuck out of his hair and clung to parts of his jeans and shirt while smeared dirt and mud covered every area of his skin. My brow rose quizzically at the sizable puddle of water underneath his seat. He shook and trembled from the bitter cold and his lips could only be described as blue. His hands were nearly the same bluish tint as he clutched a half-eaten cookie. His fatigued and weary baby-blue eyes glared weakly at me. His appearance was downright pathetic. However, he managed to hold himself in a tense and alert position, ready to bolt out of his seat in case I was going to randomly attack him. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sighed with irritation. I had better get him back inside before he gets sick with hypothermia.

"Well?" I snapped impatiently as I glared at the boy, "Are you going to come willingly or must I drag you back myself?"

With a huff, Daniel tossed what was left of his baked good away as he muttered something about 'salty, old men'. He tightened his grip on the blanket around his scrawny, shaky form and hesitantly came forward. Knowing that he wouldn't be stupid enough to try and outrun me in his weakened and powerless state, I turned sharply and floated leisurely towards the chalet but one glance behind had me halting in midair. Daniel trailed after me, stumbling and nearly tripping on the rocky and uneven ground. I frowned as I noticed his slight limp.

"Hey!" Daniel exclaimed indignantly as I scooped him up in my arms, one under his legs and the other supporting his back. "Put me down!"

"I don't think so," I responded curtly. I flew above the trees, hoping to discourage his wild and frantic thrashing. It seemed to have an effect to some extent. He nervously glanced down at our high altitude and ceased his struggles for the most part. He squirmed uncomfortably in my grip and I could barely detect an embarrassed red hue on his pale cheeks.

"I can walk just fine on my own!" He crossed his arms and glared defiantly.

"I'm sure you can." I smirked, "However, at the pace you were going we would have been out here for the rest of the night."

Daniel scowled. Without any energy to think of a witty comeback, the child quietly simmered in animosity. Knowing it was immature and that it would only vex the teen, I sent him a smug look which he returned with a cantankerous glower.

As I flew at a leisurely pace, I ignored the dirty looks Daniel sent my way and pondered how he had gotten through my shield in the first place. Thinking back on the puddle of water underneath his chair back at the saloon, I quickly connected the dots.

"Daniel!" I gaped at him in disbelief, "Did you go under the shield by diving into the river?!"

Hearing the sharp and dangerous edge in my voice, the boy averted my piercing gaze and answered very quietly and unconvincingly, "... Noooooooooooo."

That senseless child! He could have seriously injured himself! It wouldn't surprise me if he came down with something. If I wasn't using both my hands to carry him, I would have slapped a hand to my forehead. Instead, I favored to bore my penetrating stare into his, my eyes flaring threateningly. Daniel shifted in my hold apprehensively.

When we neared the house, Daniel began to renew his struggles.

"Hey! Stop!" He attempted to writhe and twist unsuccessfully in my strong grip. "I can't get through the shield, remember?"

"I turned it off temporarily," I warned him irritably. "I will be turning it back on and resetting the coordinates, so don't get any ideas."

He remained silent as I phased us into his bedroom. When I landed on the ground I allowed Daniel to hurriedly and eagerly wriggle out of my grip. As he stumbled away from me, I strode over to the bedpost and untied his makeshift rope in one swift motion. I watched in moderate gratification as the weight from outside pulled the rope through the open window, efficiently cutting off his escape route. I turned back to the boy who was by no surprise glaring daggers into me.

Narrowing my eyes dangerously, I spoke sternly, "Consider this your first and only warning, Daniel. Any more preposterous attempts on running away will result in dire consequences. Am I understood?"

Daniel's answer came in a murderous scowl. At my disapproving gaze, he looked away while grumbling something unintelligible. Deciding that was efficient enough for now, I strolled towards the door while talking over my shoulder, "Once you clean yourself up, I expect you to meet me downstairs in the dining room." Without waiting for any response, I phased through the door, unlocking it on the other side. While he occupied himself with getting ready, I would busy myself with putting the shield back up and creating a lock to put on his window.

Danny's POV~

It was official. The escape plan had gone up in smoke. It all burnt to a crisp the moment Vlad found me in the ghost town. I guess escaping without having access to my powers was a bit of a stretch anyway. There probably wasn't anyone for miles around. And now I know there's not just wild animals in the forest, but ghosts and some kind of weirdly mutated bear apparition! Just what exactly is running around these woods? Knowing my luck, there was probably more of those supernatural animals roaming around here! No matter how unsafe I've felt ever since I got here, this place was now even more terrorizing. Who knew what other monsters were lurking around?

I stepped out of the shower feeling pleasantly warm but exceedingly anxious. My chances of escaping were now slim to none. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Vlad would be carefully monitoring me, upping his security and keeping a closer watch on his prisoner. Of course he promised to take me home by the end of the week, but what was the word of a manipulative creep to me? Vlad was a liar, a kidnapper, and a would-be murder! I didn't trust him. Would he really let me go? Just like that? Not likely.

My eyes narrowed and my face twisted into a scowl as I dried myself off. He was too villainous to let me go with no strings attached. I just needed to figure out what his game was. What is was he wanted from me - I still didn't believe that crap about wanting to spend time with me. And more importantly, I needed to escape and get back home.

Home.

My chest tightened at the thought. I never thought it'd be possible, but I longed for the familiar explosions of my parents' eccentric inventions from down in the basement. I craved to hear my mom and dad ramble on and on about ghost hunting. I ached to feel my sister's protective arms around me. I wanted to hear her lecture me about fighting ghosts in the middle of a school night. I missed Sam telling me about her latest horror novel, and Tucker playing video games with me. Did any of them miss me? Did they believe I was somewhere in Alabama, having the greatest time of my life in space camp?

A lump formed in my throat and I shook away the thoughts of my loved ones. I was miserable enough without thinking about home. I needed to focus on getting out of here and back to Amity Park. There was no time for tears.

After tugging on a fresh pair of pants, I paused before putting on a shirt. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I carefully and curiously examined the thin line that ran just above my waist on my right side. Though the bleeding had stopped a long time ago, the gash was covered in a thin, sticky layer of green and red blood. Tentatively, I gently touched the bruised area and I held back a hiss at the sore pain. Deciding to leave it alone, I shoved on the clean shirt and shoes before exiting the bathroom. My side ached with every step.

I glanced over at the window only to scowl with annoyance. The window was closed with a complicated and heavy looking lock keeping it shut. Stupid psycho. A fresh wave of resentment washed over me. There's one less exit route for my escape plans.

Before I left the room, I looked over at the clock on the nightstand. It was five in the morning and knowing Vlad, I wasn't going to have much time alone and away from the creep. I groaned when I realized that this was undoubtedly going to be a long day.

Tired and irritated from the failed jailbreak, I dragged my feet down the stairs while my side protested by pulsing with sore pain. When I entered the empty dining room I didn't bother to cover my annoyance at Vlad who was sitting at the table, patiently reading a book. When I noticed the title, my blood boiled and if I hadn't been completely drained of energy I would have voiced my anger.

Vlad set aside Parenting Teens for Dummies and grinned widely at me as he gestured towards the only other chair, which was conveniently right next to his.

I felt my left eye twitch. It was way too early for this.

Walking over to the empty seat, I grabbed the back of it, planning to drag it to the other end of the table. But I was dumbstruck when it didn't budge.

Propping an elbow on the table, Vlad rested his chin on the back of his hand as he smirked haughtily, "It's bolted to the floor."

Feeling my face heat up with anger, I clenched my fists as I thought about saying something that I wouldn't have dared say in front of mom. But Miss Raglan floated through kitchen doors carrying two trays while wearing a radiant smile. It quickly vanished when she faltered at the heated atmosphere I broadcasted. Without saying a word, she quickly set the trays on the placement settings before wisely hurrying out of the room.

"Really, Daniel, don't be perverse." Vlad waved a hand airily, his snobbish smirk revealing his amusement, "Sit down and eat your breakfast."

I was beginning to forget what it was like to not be angry or annoyed all the time. There was nothing in the world I'd rather do than punch that jerk's arrogant face in. But I was exhausted from running around the woods instead of sleeping and knowing my limitations, I gathered as much dignity as I could and slid into the seat. I held back a hiss as my side protested, but I couldn't stop my face from twisting in discomfort.

"Daniel," I looked over at Vlad who was studying me with a critical eye. "Are you injured?"

I looked away, finding the wall extremely interesting as I hoped to sound convincing. "Tch, no." If Vlad had flipped his lid over a few scratches on my wrist, I didn't want to see his reaction to the nine inch cut along my side. From my peripheral vision, I saw a deep frown appearing on his face. He wasn't buying it.

"Do not lie to me, Daniel." His voice was low and I had the urge to jump out of my seat and make another run for it. "If you are hurt, you had better tell me."

"Like you care!" I snapped bitterly. "I'm fine, so just shove off!"

Without warning, Vlad had jumped out of his seat and grabbed my arm, preventing me from standing up. "Where are you wounded?" He asked harshly.

I tried to pull away as I grabbed the hand holding onto me, "Let go of me, you lunatic!"

His iron grip tightened painfully and his eyes started to glow dangerously, "Daniel-"

"It's just a small graze, okay?!" I caved, hating how terrified he made me. I hid my fear under an enraged snarl. I wished I had my powers so that I could make my eyes glow, at least then I could have been a little bit intimidating.

Satisfied by my confession, he let go but remained towering over me. I slid out on the other side of the chair to stand up, as a way to feel less vulnerable. Vlad made a continuing gesture with his hand, "Let's see it then."

"What?!" I glared crossly, "Why?!"

Folding his arms across his chest, he gave me a strict look, "I need to determine the damage you have brought upon yourself and treat it accordingly."

I stood there glaring at him, wishing he would just spontaneously combust into a billion pieces. While I didn't want to show him my injury, I also didn't want him to go nuts like he did when I tried to break the bracelet with a rock. Reluctantly, I lifted the bottom of my shirt high enough so that the gash on my right side was visible.

The older hybrid's eyebrows creased in thought before disappearing in a cloud of pink dust. I blinked in confusion but I didn't have long to wonder where he teleported too because he appeared in the same place not thirty seconds later. However, Vlad was holding something he didn't have before.

"Here," He shoved a small metal canister into my hands. "Apply generous amounts of this onto your wound."

Curious, I opened the lid to find some kind of blue cream. A glowing blue cream.

"Uhh... No." I closed it and placed it on the table, pushing it away from me. "Nuh, uh. Nope. Not happening. No way, no how."

Appearing somewhat entertained by my reaction, a smile tugged at the corners of Vlad's lips, "And why not? Because it glows? It is just a special medical ointment, Daniel."

"Ointments aren't supposed to glow. I've never seen stuff like that in a local pharmacy."

"Well of course not!" Vlad's already perfect posture straightened in unbridled pride, "I invented it myself. I have spent many years developing remedies, tonics, and medicines to aid my ghost half."

I rolled my eyes. I didn't really give a crap about what Vlad's invented, not even if he discovered the cure for cancer. Whatever he's selling, I'm not buying. "I don't care. I'm not using it."

"Oh, come now, Daniel," Vlad sent me a smirk as he picked up the canister, "You wouldn't want your wound to get infected do you?"

"Don't care." I folded my arms across my chest while stubbornly facing the other way, "Believe me, I've had worse than this before. I'll be fine."

"Really, now?" Vlad raised an eyebrow, "By any chance, are you scared to try it?"

My head whiplashed towards Vlad,"What?!" I scoffed, "Tch, no!"

"You don't sound convincing."

I felt my blood boil. "Well, I'm not! Got it?"

He put up his hands in mock surrender, "Relax, dear boy. I merely want you to understand that there is no shame in admitting your fear."

In an abrupted motion, I swiped the canister from Vlad's with a scowl, "Watch me, Cheesehead!"

I whipped the top off, ready to slather some on me before I paused. True, I didn't want Vlad to think I was a fearful, helpless, little kid, but I wasn't too fond of the idea of applying glowing goo onto my wound. Hesitantly, I glanced out of the corner of my eye. Vlad was sending me a condescending grin, daring me to back out.

I set my features into a spiteful glower before I slathered the cold gunk over my cut. My side tingled and then to my pleasant surprise, the soreness was instantly gone. Besides feeling slightly stiff, all the pain was gone. I couldn't hide my shock.

"There, see?" Vlad smirked pompously, "Doesn't that feel so much better?"

Without saying a word, I slapped the lid back in place before I all but hurled the canister at the older halfa who easily caught it with one hand behind his back.

Special thanks to Mollie Nail.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!