Downward Spiral by SupremeDramaOverlord

Chapter 22 - A Boy and His Wulf

Of course Vlad was here. I don't why I thought I wouldn't have to deal with him here, in another dimension of all places. There seemed to be nowhere I could go that the creep wouldn't follow. I couldn't get a break from him, not even in another dimension!

"What are you doing here?" I stepped away from Dora. I didn't need anyone to protect me or fight my battles.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm here to rescue you, my dear boy."

I bristled, "Rescue me? I'm in this mess because of you!"

His face soured, "Your precious parents are the ones responsible, not me.'

Vlad's words had me seeing red, but what Dora said next left me touched.

"Danny is a hero in my kingdom and any threat to him is a threat to me. I will only tell you this once," Dora stepped between us again but this time, I noticed claws subtly peeking out from her nails. "Get. Out."

Vlad's eyes widened in shock before leveling dangerously, "This does not concern you or your kingdom. Surrender the boy and we will leave in peace. If not…"

Vlad trailed off, the small army he had parted as a creature stepped forward. One of Dora's guards gasped but no one heard it above the steady growl that grew in the air. The beast stopped a few feet away, saliva dripping from the longest fangs I had ever seen. But those fangs were nothing compared to the claws. Sprouting from each paw were long, spindly, sharp claws. It made Wolverine look like a kitten. It was monstrous. Even on all fours, it towered over everyone. It sniffed the air, eyes darting around before settling on me.

I gulped.

Glancing around, I saw apprehension in Dora's guards. As for the dragon queen herself, her lips peeled back to display her own set of fangs. Fangs that were getting longer and sharper by the second. The tension was so thick, you could hear a pin drop.

I gripped her arm, voice a low whisper, "Dora, you've done so much for me already, you don't need to fight my battles."

She didn't risk a glance at me, keeping her focus completely on the enemy, "Do not think for a moment that I would not fight for you."

Each side tensed, ready for battle. My gaze pulled down. With her back towards me and her face towards the intruders, Dora had reached her hand back, holding my hand tightly.

"Flee and take this, " Something warm was pressed into my palm, "It will take you to someone who can help. Follow the light and don't look back."

"Dora - "

My words died in my throat as Dora lunged forward, the transformation faster than the blink of an eye. Wings flared as Dora attacked, her soldiers courageously following her lead. Battle cries were drowned out by her roar.

I stood stock still with my mouth hanging. A passing knight shoved me away from the fight and I was snapped out of it. I took off without a direction. Whatever Dora had pressed into my hand, I held close to my chest.

Sounds of the chaos faded behind me as I soared over a ghostly forest. I felt like a coward, running away from a fight that started because of me. Dora and those soldiers were risking so much for me… and I was running. Dora told me to run but I should've stayed.

But I couldn't.

I could've fought that warden. I could've fought the warden's army of goons, I'd even fight that ghost wolf. I could fight them all except for one. The one that scared me the most.

A growl snapped my head back. A blur of teeth and black fur was hot on my tail. I dove between the tree line, trying to lose it. I didn't have much luck. I was forced to halt as the creature slammed into the ground in front of me. The ghostly wolf was even more intimidating up close. I turned but didn't get that far before he lunged in front of me. It didn't matter where I tried to go, left, right, up, the wolf was there. It moved at an unnatural speed, cutting me in every direction.

I debated about attacking him. I really didn't want to fight this creature, it's claws could shish kabob me in seconds! But so far the ghost wolf seemed content with keeping me trapped. It made no move to get closer and without a crowd to threaten off, it no longer growled or bared those piercing teeth. It stood, almost placidly. If I tried to fight him, he could get violent. There was no way I could outrun him but maybe… I could talk to him?

Before I met Dora, I figured ghosts were just fighting machines. True, the ones I saw in the Rockies didn't hurt me, Miss Raglan was even kinda nice, but they worked for Vlad. They didn't fight me but they didn't help me.

Dora went above and beyond to help me. Not all ghosts were good but not all of them were bad. I never did anything to anger this ghost, maybe I could reason with him?

"Uh, hi." I waved a hand awkwardly, "How's your day going?"

Caught off guard, the ghost stared, tilting his head to the side like a confused puppy.

"Ummm," My hand retracted in favor of sliding up to the back of my neck. "Nice weather, huh? It's been so… green."

Again, no response other than a questioning stare. What if the ghost wolf was just that? A wolf. An animal who didn't understand human speech or logic? If that was the case then I'd have no choice but to fight it off.

Stuffing whatever Dora had given to me into my satchel, I crouch low, summoning energy into my hands.

"Ĉu vi parolas kun mi?"

I blinked.

There was a hopeful glimmer in his eyes, "Neniu parolis al mi delonge."

"Uhh," I stood up, calling off the power that had been building in my fists. Having no idea what he was saying or even what language, I prayed he understood English, "Hello, nice to meet you. My name's Danny. What's your name?"

I felt like a huge awkward dork but a smile was crossing the beast's mouth. He pointed to himself, "Wulf. Mia nomo estas Wulf."

"Your name is… Wulf?"

He nodded eagerly. So he could understand English. That was good at least. Maybe I could get him to leave me alone.

"Great!" I clasped my hands and forced out a smile, "It was really swell meeting you, Wulf, but I gotta get going now."

I made to fly in the opposite direction but once again, Wulf was swift to block my path, though this time he seemed a bit contrite.

"Do you think you could stop chasing me?" I added a polite, "Please?"

When he lowered his ears and shook his head, I began to lose patience and sent a bite into my words, "Come on! Why not? I've never even met you before!"

There was a low, sad whine as he pawed at something around his neck. A pleading look entered his eyes and I risked a few steps closer. When he leaned forward and exposed his neck, I closed the distance. Carefully, I lifted a hand and brushed aside the thick, black fur.

A thick, metal band wrapped tightly around Wulf's neck. It didn't look comfortable and something about it looked vaguely familiar. It was almost like a bigger version of that horrible bracelet Vlad stuck on me over a month ago. That bracelet had been the only thing keeping me from escaping his home in the Rockies. If it was the same thing, only bigger, I wondered what that meant for Wulf.

"That collar… is that why you're helping Vlad? Because he's making you?"

A solemn nod was my answer.

I thought for a moment. The bracelet had been immune to anything I had done to it. When I had worn it, the thing was practically part of my own skin. It had only reacted to Vlad's powers. Maybe it didn't need to be Vlad, maybe it reacts to anyone who wasn't the wearer.

"I'm going to try phasing the collar, Wulf." I glanced nervously at the colossal creature, "Are you okay with that?"

His smile was a bit unsettling, what with those sharp fangs and all, but his tail wagged hopefully like a little puppy. It was enough reassurance for me, anyway.

Gently, I put both hands on the edges of the metal collar. It was too tight around his neck for my hands to completely encircle it. Turns out my theory was correct. Bidding to will, the collar became intangible and slowly eased it off Wulf's neck.

What Vlad had done was cruel. Where the collar had been, the skin was rubbed raw and lacked any fur. Wulf whimpered from pure relief. His paws massage his neck and his eyes slid shut in bliss.

I looked down at the device and threw it to the side in disgust. When I looked up, Wulf was gone.

Startled, I glanced around but he was nowhere in sight. Deciding that was as good a time as any, I turned around to leave.

"Daniel!"

I yelped as a hand latched onto my shoulder and spun me around. My blood froze as Vlad towered over me, his hands clamped over my shoulders. I expected his eyes to burn into me, but he looked strangely relieved.

"Oh, Daniel, thank goodness-"

"Let go of me!" A swift kick to his shins surprised him enough to wiggle free. I put some distance between us and I stared him down with a hated glare. His features hardened in turn.

"Where do you think you can go?"

"Anywhere you're not! Leave me alone!" He didn't of course. Instead, he moved a little closer.

"Do you want to be stuck in the Ghost Zone forever? I'm your only way out of this! Surely you see that." I responded by putting a few more feet between us. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before speaking in a softer tone.

"Daniel, this is not the time nor place to argue. The Ghost Zone is too dangerous for you to be aimlessly wandering around. By now you have to be exhausted and hungry. On top of that, 48 hours are almost up. The device I used to force you into your ghost form will wear off and you'll be human again. You have no idea how vulnerable you'll be in such a state!"

"Like you care!"

"Yes, Daniel! I care!"

The insult I had died on my tongue. Then I actually paused and got a good look at Vlad. Like, really get a good look at him. Normally it didn't matter if he was in human or ghost form, Vlad's appearance was always crisp and professional, always put together. But now, he was the definition of a mess. Disheveled. There were even bags under his eyes.

Vlad heaved a sigh, "Daniel, please. I know you hate me. I know you don't trust me. But the Ghost Zone is too dangerous. You can yell at me all you want, just do so in the human realm."

It was shocking to say the least. I never thought Vlad would ever plead with me. Still, I didn't care if he got on his freaking knees, I wasn't going anywhere with him.

I held my ground, "I'll find a portal back myself. I don't need you, I never did."

"Enough of this!" Faster than I could react, Vlad rushed forward and grabbed my arm, "I'm taking you home!"

Now I was way too angry to be scared. Where did he get the gall to talk to me like that? As if I was a misbehaving infant at the grocery store.

"I'm not going anywhere with you! Even if I did, you'd never take me home, you lair!"

"Oh, yes I would," His eyes hardened as something dangerous entered his tone, "My home, is your home now. You'll accept that in time."

"Get away from me!"

No matter how hard I fought and squirmed, I wasn't strong enough to get away. Vlad twisted my arms behind my back and forced me to move forward. But that didn't last long.

Vlad had barely dragged me more than three feet when a terrible roar shook me to the core. I was sent rolling when a fury blur shot out and tackled Vlad to the ground. Just as I got to my feet, the blur bounced off Vlad and shot for me. Wulf's massive head dove between my legs and I found myself clutching his neck as he took me on a ride wilder than that of a dragonfied Dora.

I couldn't decide if Wulf was flying or running. Probably both. Wulf was on all fours and he ran as if the air beneath him was solid ground. The air whistled as it pushed against my ears. It was a bumpy ride and I found myself nearly falling off a few times. I kept my legs and arms tightly wrapped around Wulf's massive bulk. My face was buried in his fur. It was a little itchy on my nose but I didn't dare move in fear of falling off. I didn't know if Wulf was doing this to help me or if he had ultermotivess but either way, he was getting me away from Vlad and that was all that mattered.

Chancing it, I lifted my head a few inches. We were high over Dora's domain and I could just make out her castle in the distance. I smiled when I saw the Warden and his forces retreating. Dora's long dragon tail briefly lifted over one of the castle walls and I laughed at the sight of her launching one of the thugs a hundred feet in the air. To think they thought they stood a chance against a dragon queen.

I clung to Wulf for a long time, bouncing up and down. Wulf was running without any sign of tiring and I wondered if this was the first time in a long while that he's ever had this kind of freedom. It definitely gave me plenty of time to think.

Whatever Dora gave me was safely in my satchel that was still secured around my shoulders. I didn't have time to look at it, but I knew it would help me somehow. Downside, Vlad was here in the Ghost Zone and he was after me. On the bright side, this confirmed my theory that Vlad had a portal of his own. Now I just needed a way to get to it on my terms. Preferably without getting anywhere near the crazy Fruitloop.

The whistling of air died off and hesitantly lifted my head. Wulf had slowed to a brisk trot but not due to exhaustion. He had dropped down to a ghostly mountain range, filled with rocky cliffs and thick otherworldly trees. As he navigated a path only he seemed to know, his bright eyes drank in the surrounding terrain. It was like watching a man in the desert getting a cup full of ice cold water. Then the thought struck me.

"Is this place your home, Wulf?"

He said something else in his strange language. I didn't understand the words but Wulf sounded downright overjoyed. I wondered how long it's been since he got to go home.

I sat up and relaxed my coiled muscles. By this point it was obvious Wulf meant me no harm. Thanks to my friendship with Dora, I didn't feel paranoid about lending my trust to a ghost. My feet dangled over Wulf's shoulders as I allowed him to take me wherever he wanted. I curiously glanced around and eyed the strange scenery. It wasn't unlike a normal forest, it was Halloween themed. The occasional bird or deer would be either glowing or an animated skeleton. Sometimes both. It was a bit weird, not being scared of the bizarre surroundings. After hanging out with Dora and the other castle residents, it all just seemed more normal than creepy and a bit fascinating. If my conditions had been different, I could see myself exploring and taking pictures.

Wulf came to a stop in front of a pile of brush at the bottom of a cliff. The moment I slid off his back, he bounded forward. Digging and throwing vines, leaves, and sticks, Wulf cleared the area and stood back in pride. He had uncovered the entrance to a shallow cave, big enough for a bear to sleep comfortably in. Wulf padden in and rolled onto his back, tongue hanging out of his mouth. I couldn't help but giggle at the ridiculous sight. While Wulf may have first come off as a horror inducing monster, he was starting to act more like an overgrown puppy.

Tearing my gaze away from the comical sight, I floated over to a rock with a flat surface. Sitting down, I took out my satchel and dumped out its contents. Dora had filled it with more ghostly food, a folded cloak, a small dagger, and a strange orb.

The orb was the thing she gave me before facing off Vlad and Walker. Now that there wasn't any impending doom, I took the time to turn it over in my hands. It was the size of a baseball with a smooth metallic surface. I couldn't even begin to guess what this was supposed to be before I caught sight of a clasp and pressed it open. Of all things that could have been hidden inside it, I wasn't expecting it to be a book.

Wow, Dora and Jazz really were similar to eachother.

Feeling slightly frustrated, I held the three inch book in the palm of my right hand. I rested my chin in the other. How in the world was this supposed to help me? I squinted at the title.

The Secret Path

There was no Arthur's name. I hummed and carefully flipped the book open before gasping in shock.

Sitting straight up, I awed at the beautiful golden light that was gracefully floating off the pages. It gathered itself and swirled before my eyes before slowly floating a few feet away. It hovered in place and I floated towards it. Once I was closer, it danced gracefully away a few feet and stopped - no, it was waiting.

By now, Wulf had caught interest and stood by my side, head tilting in wonder at the pretty light.

Experemently, I closed the book and the light shot back into the pages faster than lightning. I opened it and the golden streams of light danced in front of me once more, becking me forward.

It was a beacon.

Realizing what I needed to do, I tucked everything back in the satchel and held the open book carefully in my hands. Wulf titled his head.

"Listen, Wulf," feeling a bit awkward, I rubbed the back of my neck. I had no idea how much English he knew, "I can't tell you how grateful I am to you for getting me out of there. Thank you so much."

Wulf smiled, "Ne. Koran dankon mia amiko."

I just smiled back, knowing whatever he just said had been genuine.

"Well, I'll see you around, I guess."

I let the swirling gold light lead me a few yards before noticing that Wulf was following right behind me.

"You know, you already helped me so much. I don't need you to come with me if you don't want to. I don't even know where I'm going to end up."

Wulf just shook his head in a very stubborn manner, "Kien ajn vi iras mi iras."

I shrugged and we kept going. It was very clear that Wulf intended to stay with me as I traversed the Ghost Zone. Which, I quickly learned, turned out to be a good thing.

We followed the strands of light away from Wulf's woodland home and into the otherworldly space of the Ghost Zone. Occasionally, a ghost would try and start a fight with me. Most of the time, it was a random ghost just looking for a fight but there were a few that were the ones that I had fought in the past. However, they all had the same reaction to Wulf. Before any of them ever reached me, they'd spot Wulf's raised hunches and retreat. A few times Wulf snorted and I needed no words to understand that he meant, "Good riddance."

We only encountered one nightmare but it was small and easily scared away when Wulf advanced for the poor thing. I really wished there was a way to help the ghosts that were infected.

The beacon eventually led us to a large, ornate building. We landed on the steps and followed the light up to the large doors where it burst into tiny, brilliant fireworks. I knocked on the door but there was no answer.

"Think we could let ourselves in?"

Wulf just shrugged.

Feeling way too exposed out in the open, I forwent any manners Jazz drilled into me and pushed the heavy doors open. Speaking of Jazz, she would have exploded with euphoria.

Wulf and I stepped into the biggest library that may have ever existed. It was so much bigger on the inside than what the outside would have led you to believe. No matter how far I craned my neck, I couldn't see the top, just shelves and shelves of books. There were so many that the floor was a maze. Stacks of books crowded the floor space. To my amazement, there were books floating and flying around the air. If Jazz was here, I wouldn't have been able to convince her to leave.

I stuffed The Secret Path in my satchel and stumbled a few steps in amazement. That's when I heard it.

Tap, tap, tap…. Tap, tap, tap… tap, taptap, tap…

Letting the quiet sounds guid me, I winded around piles of books towards what must have been the center of the room.

Taptaptap… tap… tap, tap, taptaptap…

For a moment I was confused. The erratic tapping noises were so close but no one was there. Then I glanced up.

Suspended in the air was a circle desk with laptops, books, and piles of paper. In the only chair, a ghost sat hunched over a laptop, tapping like there was no tomorrow.

"Excuse me?"

No response.

Wulf waited on the ground as I floated up to the desk and got a better look. The ghost had his eyes glued to screen and his fingers typed a mile a minute.

"Ummm… Excuse me?"

What do you know? I'm a ghost to ghosts. My brows furrowed and I tapped the ghost's shoulder, "Hey- Ahhhh!"

I whipped my hand back as the ghost jerked from his seat and screamed. When he whirled around and eyed me up and down, he scowled.

"Who are you?!"

"Uh, I'm-"

"What are you doing here?!"

"I-"

"You can't be in here!" He threw his hands up and shooed me away, "Get out! Get out!"

Not enjoying the way I was being treated, Wulf growled from where he stood below. The irked ghost paused and whirled his head towards Wulf. His lips twisted offense.

"No dogs allowed in my library! Now get out!"

That comment made Wulf's growl reach a crescendo. I moved in between the two. At this point I couldn't blame Wulf's aggression, I was feeling a bit annoyed myself.

"But Dora said you could help me!"

At this, the ghost paused. He raised a busy, black eyebrow, "Dora sent you?"

"Yes," I pulled out the book and handed the tiny thing over, "She gave me this. She said it would lead me to someone who could help me."

The ghost pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he studied the book. His scowl disappeared but he still looked irked, "Well, why didn't you say so?"

From below, I heard Wulf mutter something in his strange language while I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I opened my mouth to respond but then a dizzying waved washed over me. I groaned as gravity dragged me to the ground. I would have landed heavily but Wulf caught me by the arm and gently led me to my knees, his massive paw supporting my back.

His tone was filled with worry, "Amiko?"

"I- I don't feel good." I felt nauseated when two bright rings appeared around my middle and split. I was back in my human form. The forty-eight hours were up.

"Oh! You must be the new halfa everyone's buzzing about."

I frowned up in annoyance. The ghost was no longer snappy but now held an air of bored interest. Wulf didn't growl at him but his tail swished in an aggravated manner. Whatever. If this guy could get me home, I'd tolerate anything

I muttered my thanks as Wulf sat me against a stack of books. The room was swaying and I held the urge to vomit. My companion hunched over me protectively and that was enough to comfort me.

"My name is Danny and this is Wulf."

"You can call me Ghost Writer."

I gave him a questioning look to which he ignored. Okay, so he was serious.

Ghost Writer spared his laptop a longing glance before he floated down and joined us, "So what can I do for you? The faster I help you the faster you leave."

I was too tired for this, "Dora seemed to think you could help me find a portal."

He picked his nails, "A portal for what?"

Oh my gosh, "A portal to the human world!"

"It's rude to shout."

Squeezing my eyes shut, I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. Can you help me?"

Ghost Writer smirked with amusement before deciding that he had enough fun. Tapping a finger to his chin, he frowned in thought. "I think I might be able to."

With that said, Ghost Writer floated away out of sight. Wulf patiently rubbed my back as I listened to the distant sounds of turning books. There was the faint noise of Ghost Writer talking to himself as he sorted through what must have been books and papers. I didn't wait long before a shout of victory rang through the halls.

"Ah, ha! Found it!"

Ghost Writer stridded forward, head held high with a scroll in his hand.

"Behold!" He unrolled the paper to reveal a detailed map, "Here's one of my maps. The other halfa has a portal you can use. I circled it in red."

I accepted it gratefully before I whimpered in despair. "I can't read this."

Wulf leaned over my shoulder and beamed, "Mi povas!"

I turned to him helplessly, "What?"

Ghost Writer rolled his eyes, "Don't worry, your dog can read the map."

Wulf and I glared at the jab but then I gave him a confused looked, "Wait, you can understand Wulf?"

"Of course I can!" His chest puffed up in pride, "Esperanto is only one of the many languages I've studied."

Slowly, Wulf and I met eachothers eyes. I could tell he was just as ready to leave as I was. "Okay, whatever, good for you."

I struggled to stand without swaying. Wulf leaned on all fours and I accepted the free ride gratefully. Wulf rolled the map and held it carefully in his jaws. Ghost Writer frowned in disgust but ultimately chose not to care as he floated back to his desk. Wulf snorted before padding for the doors.

"Hey, Ghost Writer?" Wulf paused as I called out.

Ghost Writer groaned miserably but turned to face me, "What now?"

"Thank you, I'm really grateful for this."

He blinked and stared for a moment before a small smile graced his lips, "You're welcome."

Wulf thought for a moment before giving a respectful nod and then we were off. I don't remember too much after that. My brain was foggy and I was still feeling dizzy. I wondered if this was because of how long I had been stuck in my ghost form, or if this was the result of a human body in the Ghost Zone.

As Wulf navigated the map, he would speak in a reassuring tone. I may not have known his words, but it was comforting nonetheless. I dozed off at one point. When I woke up, Wulf was prodding his nose into my side. I blinked my eyes open and wondered if I was hallucinating.

"Is that a giant, purple football?"

Wulf laughed as he pushed it aside with a massive paw. Behind it, a bright, flat circle of light swirled and glowed.

A portal.

Relife swelled in my chest, as well as amusement. A purple football? Really, Vlad? Really?

I focused hard, transforming back to my ghost counterpart. I think I had just enough energy to get through the portal and fly to the nearest bus stop.

"Thanks, Wulf. I couldn't have gotten here without …. uhhh," As I floated towards the portal, I turned to wave goodbye. However, Wulf seemed to have other ideas. The ghost was sticking close to my side, ready to follow me through to the human world.

I stopped and he looked down at me expantly, head tilted. He said something and I didn't need to speak Esparto to understand what he was getting at.

"Uhh, look Wulf. I'm really grateful for your help, I am! But you can't come with me." Wulf absolutely deflated. He was a kicked puppy and my heartstrings pulled at the sight. "I'm sorry, Wulf. You can't come home with me. My parent's, they, uh, they aren't like me … It's not safe for you."

A pitiful whine was his only response. Despite his size, he seemed impossibly small. I thought for a moment before offering a solution.

"Hey, you could always come visit me!" Wulf seemed to brighten up as I continued, "I live at a house that has a big, neon sign that says, Fenton Works. But there's gonna be some rules. You come over only when my parents aren't there. My sister is fine, but you have to stay away from my parents. How's that sou- Ooof!"

I grunted when the ghost lifted me up, pulling me into the furriest hug I'd ever been in. Despite his massive size, Wulf was surprisingly gentle and I couldn't help but compare him to a giant teddy bear. His fur was surprisingly soft. Blinded by a face full of fur, I shut my mouth to keep it out before returning the hug. But my mouth opened to squeal indignantly as a wet tongue raked over my head.

"Wha - Hey! Stop it!" I tried to wriggle and push away, failing to keep the amusement out of my voice. "Wulf! That's disgusting! Stop!"

The ghostly canine took pity and allowed me to pull away. My hair was wet with slobber, but I didn't really mind. Not when Wulf seemed much happier, his tail wagging non-stop. I couldn't hold back my laughter.

"You know, I never thought ghosts could be anything but an enemy. I'm glad I was wrong. You're a great friend, Wulf."

Wulf beam at the word, 'friend', his tail wagging so fast I thought it might fall off. Which is why I knew something was terribly wrong when it stopped completely. I jumped back in surprise when a low, warning growl emitted from Wulf. His hackles peeled back to expose sharp fangs and the fur down his spine rose on end.

It was too late when I realized that he wasn't threatening me.

Suddenly everything was a blur. A powerful beam of light collided into Wulf, a pair of arms pinned me to someone, I heard Wulf howl in rage, and then I was pulled back into the portal.

My stomach flipped as I lost track of gravity. The next thing I knew, heavy metal doors slammed shut over the other side of the portal.

Emerald eyes met crimson.

A/N : Guess who's still alive! I'm back, baby! Mu Ha Ha Haaaa!