Clarice watched as the group of humans flew away from the door.

"Is there any chance that he'll get those off?" Clarice asked Knowledge.

"There's always a way," he answered. "It's just a question of wether he's strong enough. Sooner or later he'll be forced to face the darkness that has overtaken him." She didn't turn to look at him, but continued to watch the Specter Speeder as it disappeared into the mist.The shorter ghostshrugged and continued. "Let's just hope that he doesn't have to face it too soon, when he's not prepared."

"What will happen then?" She asked. He didn't answer her for several seconds, and only whispered when he finally did.

"We may have two new rulers over Earth and the Ghost Zone."

8 8 8 8 8

"Mom and Dad should be home any minute," Jazz said as she closed the door to the vehicle. "We'd better get out of here before they come down and start asking questions." The others nodded in agreement and climbed the stairs single file and silent.

"Ah, Daniel," Danny saw Vlad sitting at the table as he stepped into the kitchen, and froze. "Who are these people?"

"They're my friends," Danny said, standing in front of them, as if to protect them.

"Won't you introduce me?" He stood andwalked towards the group.

"I would, but they have to get home," he forced a grin. He saw it all now, Vlad was trying to grate on him, trying to make him angry. He'd know that the ghost powers would eventually force themselves out, and that anger would only speed the process. Unfortunately, just the sight of the older man frustrated him to say the least.

"It will only take a few moments," He said, holding out his hand to Tucker. "I'm Vlad Masters," he grinned. Tucker backed away a little, and Danny felt his stomach begin to churn. Vlad was planning something, and it didn't exactly make Danny comfortable or relaxed. He felt himself tense up as Sam sighed and stepped forward.

"Samantha Madson," she held out her hand. He took it, and like an old-fashioned gentleman, kissed the back of it.

"A pleasure to meet you, young lady." Sam looked utterly speechless, and Danny couldn't blame her. Not only was this her best friend's arch enemy, but he was at least 20 years older, and he'd just kissed the back of her hand. She looked flattered and horrified at the same time.

"I'm Tucker," Tucker gulped and held out his hand. "Tucker Foley." Vlad smiled the same almost demonic smile at the African American, and took his hand in a firm shake.

"Ouch," Tucker shook his hand. "I mean...er...I have to go." He ducked out the kitchen door. Danny turned around to look for Jazz, but she was nowhere to be seen. Scratching his head, he watched as Sam quickly followed Tucker.

"See you in school tomorrow, Danny," she called. Danny waved and went to follow, but Vlad stepped in front of him.

"A word, son?" Danny clenched his fists and closed his eyes.

"I told you not to call me that!" he said, raising his voice slightly. "I know you sent me the skates," he opened his eyes, "and I know you're trying to make me mad. Well, it won't work."

"Then why are your eyes red?" Vlad laughed cruelly. Danny's fists clenched tighter, and he had to start telling himself silently that the words meant nothing, and that he didn't need to worry. It didn't help much. Vlad simply took a seat and sat back with his legs crossed. "How long do you have, Daniel? A week and a half at the most? Probably less than a week if I have anything to do with it."

"If you're doing this to me to get me to join you, you're in for a big surprise," Danny folded his arms.

"Daniel, Daniel," Vlad shook his head. "If nothing else, it will get you out of the way, although I would rather have you as an ally than an enemy, even if I am more powerful."

"You're going after mom again," Danny took a deep breath. He wanted to scream and yell...but that wouldn't help his situation right now. He needed to stay calm, but it seemed so easy to slip...

"Of course," Vlad said. "What can I say? I'm in love."

"That's not love," Danny replied.

"And how would you know?" Vlad sat forward, his fake smile gone, replaced by a threatening scowl. "You're only 14. Have you ever even had a girlfriend?"

"Mom says that when you love someone, you want them to be happy. You care about how they feel, not about how you feel towards them." Danny folded his arms, glaring at the older man.

"That sounded very deep for a 14-year-old," Vlad commented, and began to smile. "You're not normally that...'deep', are you Danny?" Danny stopped and thought about it. No, he wasn't. Normally he was...disconnected. Kind of in his own world.

"Ah, opposites," Vlad continued. "Clumsy hero, graceful villain." As Vlad laughed, Danny could hear the voice in his head join in, and he backed away.

"I'll find a way out of this," Danny said, half to convince himself.

"How?" Vlad continued to grin. "Did you know that in every good soul, there is evil waiting to be released? That is all I've done, I've given a side of you freedom. That person who you fear so much, the person that is taking over, is you, Daniel. He is a part of you. He's not some evil twin you can simply escape, and even if you do find a way out of this, he'll still be there. Once evil is released, it will not lay quietly." Vlad opened his arms, "I'm living proof of that."

"Maybe," Danny shrugged, "but I will find a way out of this. I will." With that, he turned and walked away.

"You could save yourself the trouble and simply transform now," Vlad called after him. Danny stopped and looked back at him like he was insane. "You're merely putting off the inevitable, you know. And besides," he said, studying his nails, "you may expose both of us now to your parents, but what would they think of their son being the exact thing they're fighting against. You're no longer Amnity Park's protector, Daniel. What would they do?"

"Try and help me," Danny shrugged.

"Then why haven't you told them already?" Danny didn't answer. "You're afraid, aren't you son?" Danny finished walking to the stairs and started up them.

"Don't call me son," was all he could say. He couldn't bring himself to say any more, because what Vlad said was true. He didn't know how his parents would react when they found out his secret. Best case scenario, they help him out, and continually tell him how proud they are of him. Worst case scenario, he ends up being treated like a lab rat for the rest of his life. He continued trying to sort his thoughts out, but found it difficult with the steadily growing, taunting laughter that continued togain volume in the back of his mind.