I must give credit where it's due, Crossover Fiend pretty much wrote the line about Vlad's change of focus not changing the fact that he's abused an innocent person (That was in old reviews btw..since old reviews no longer exist, you won't find it there...sorry). It was such a good observation that I snagged it from reviews. Please forgive me Crossover Fiend.
Chapter Seven
Danny watched Clockwork angrily as he changed from old man to young child. He had hoped for some assistance from the keeper of time, but the ghost was plainly unwilling to help, and even advocated returning Jazz to Vlad.
"This is unbelievable," Danny growled as he floated back and forth.
"I am only interested in what is best for the timeline," Clockwork told Danny almost gently.
"All right," Danny finally said. "You showed me Vlad falling in love with my sister," Danny grimaced at that statement then cleared his throat. "But let's see Jazz right now? What is she doing?"
"You failed to see how truly happy your sister was," Clockwork began.
"Was! Was was was!" Danny shouted. He looked at Clockwork with an expression of deep frustration. "That was until the stupid drug wore off and she realized what was going on! Look at her Clockwork! Let's see what she's doing now!"
"I also want to point out Vlad's monomania, his single mindedness," Clockwork continued. "He is focused on Jazz. Vlad has been affected by vicissitude of Jazz being in his life."
Danny put his hand on his head and growled in frustration! "Speak English!" he shouted. "And show me Jazz!. Show me that she's not hurting? Show me that he hasn't hurt her! You won't look at her now because you know I'm right and you hate to admit it."
Clockwork regarded Danny calmly for a moment as the ghost boy ranted and flew around in agitation. "Calm yourself," the ghost ordered. "I understand your distress. You need to listen to me. I am showing you things which are beyond your ken. You could at least make an effort to understand and afford the respect required!"
Danny took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. "Vlad's intentions may have changed from one evil plan to something less heinous, but that does not excuse the fact that he has drugged, brainwashed, kidnapped and all around harmed a perfectly innocent person."
"All right," Clockwork said as he waved his hand. The scene showed Jazz curled up in her bed reading a book.
"I do not see anguish," Clockwork told Danny who sighed as he looked at his sister. She was wearing a blue scarf on her head and was dressed in her normal clothes. Everything seemed normal.
Jazz looked up at the window and smiled. "This book isn't boring Danny," she said. "It's very educational. I've lost a lot of time. I need to get back to my studies." She looked back down at her book.
"Explain that," Danny said as he pointed. "She's talking to me and I'm not even there." Clockwork had nothing to say. It seemed as though he was speechless.
"You've backed yourself into a corner now," Danny told the ghost. "You can't tell me she is whole and unharmed. You can't tell me she is happy and unhurt."
"Let me show you more," Clockwork said. "We have time. I want to make you understand."
Danny growled under his breath, "I don't want to see more."
"We'll make a deal," Clockwork said. "If I cannot convince you that your sister was better off where she was, then I will help you find a way to circumvent the course of events that would lead to the destruction of your world through Vlad's meddling."
Danny thought for a moment. He had nothing to lose, he simply had to remain unconvinced, he couldn't imagine feeling any other way. "Deal," he said.
"You are sure?" Clockwork asked and gave Danny the opportunity to take things back.
"I'm sure," Danny confirmed. "But I have a condition."
Clockwork seemed to smile slightly as he changed from an boy to a young man. "And it is?"
"We have to look at the not so good events too. You have to assure me you won't hide the bad moments just to make things look good." Danny told the ghost.
"All right," Clockwork said. "No creative editing. It's a deal."
"Good," Danny said as he turned expectantly, waiting to start. "Then I agree. It's a deal."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Jazz was laying on the beach, nearing sleep. There were few people populating the sandy stretch of coastline and it was obvious that she felt safe as she snoozed in her chair, a book near by. An umbrella shaded her and she had a small ice chest near by.
She had just about fallen to sleep when a white ball landed on her stomach, startling her awake. Jazz looked around in shock, blinking as a tall fair headed boy, about her age came running up.
"Wow," he said. "I'm so sorry. Pardonnez-moi"
"It's all right," Jazz said as she adjusted her sunglasses and handed him the ball. "Accident's happen."
"You're American!" The boy said in surprise. "We were all speculating."
"We?" Jazz asked.
"My friends and I," he replied as he pointed over his shoulder. He then rubbed his hands on his shorts and held out his hand. "I'm Derek Barton."
Jazz took Derek's hand and shook it. "Jazz Masters," she said then smiled and sighed happily.
"Masters?" Derek asked. "Really?"
"That's what I said," Jazz teased lightly.
Derek looked at her thoughtfully then said, "We're playing volley ball over there. We could use another player. Would you like to join us?"
Jazz thought for a moment. She looked over her shoulder toward Vlad's villa then said, "Sure."
Jazz spent the afternoon with Derek and his friends. She was having a good time but ended up fending off Derek's flirting. He invited her to join them at a local night club later that evening but she declined.
"Because of your father?" Derek's friend, Suzette asked.
Jazz blinked. "My father?" she asked.
"Tall, grey hair, very stern looking. Wearing a suit in this hot weather," Suzette said then pointed to the place where Jazz had been sitting earlier.
"Oh," Jazz laughed. "No. That's not my father. He's my husband." Suzette opened and closed her mouth a few times.
"I should really get back to him," Jazz said as she looked worriedly toward Vlad. She wondered how long he'd been sitting there on her chair. He didn't look pleased, but seemed as cool as a cucumber even though he was wearing his dark suit.
"Why do I suspect that this is one of those bad moments?" Danny asked. "He's not going to be happy with her spending time with other people."
"It was nice meeting you," Derek said as he gave Jazz a hug. "If you ever want to hang out again or anything, you know where to find us."
"Thanks," Jazz said then told the rest of the group good bye, and then hugged Suzette who looked at her rather strangely and walked back to Vlad.
"Hi," she said as she approached. Vlad looked at her blankly for a moment. She was unsure what to say. The look on his face bespoke of his displeasure.
"Who are your friends?" Vlad asked coolly.
Jazz smiled. "Derek, Suzette, Craig, Elizabeth and Brad," she answered. "I played volleyball with them."
"Yes I see," Vlad said. "And flirted with that tall boy."
Jazz's eyes widened and she blushed. "He was flirting with me," she said. "I was not flirting with him."
Vlad said nothing as he stood. "I think we should go inside my dear. You've had too much sun."
"This is where he's going hurt her in some way," Danny said in almost anguish. "I bet you he forbids her to see those people again."
"I'm fine," Jazz said as she followed him up to the villa. Vlad said nothing more to her. They sat down and ate lunch together on the balcony and still he remained silent.
"Are you angry at me?" Jazz finally asked.
"I want you to stay away from those people," Vlad told her. "I don't want you to see them again."
"See!" Danny yelled at Clockwork. "I was right! He's trying to completely control her. How wrong is that?"
"Have faith in your sister's strength of character," Clockwork suggested. Danny muttered under his breath and continued to watch.
Jazz opened her mouth in shock then took a deep breath. "You're jealous!" she accused.
"I'm not jealous," Vlad denied as he wiped off his mouth and threw his napkin down on his plate. "I simply do not like coming to check on my wife and finding her scantily clad, gallivanting with strange men on the beach!"
Jazz nodded her head as if she agreed and continued to smile. "Yes," she said. "You're terribly jealous."
Vlad looked at her angrily. "Don't do it again," he warned.
Jazz narrowed her eyes. "Don't try to order me around," she told him calmly. "I am a human being independent of you. I will make friends with whomever I chose."
Vlad stood from the table and walked to the railing of the balcony. "I'd advise you Jasmine, not to defy me."
"I understand," Jazz started. "That you feel threatened. That you think some cute guy more my age is going to come steal me away from you or something like that. Or that I'll make friends and cut you out of my life."
"Jasmine," Vlad said warningly.
"Clockwork," Danny said. "He's not going to hit her is he?"
"What would you do if he did?" Clockwork asked.
"I think that would be a deal breaker don't you?" Danny replied.
"Agreed," Clockwork said.
"But it's not healthy to try to alienate me from the rest of the world," Jazz continued as she walked over to Vlad and stood beside him, apparently unafraid. "I'm not going to allow it. I love you. I will always love you. Nothing and no one will take me away from you,"
Vlad stood for a moment then looked at Jazz. She put her arm around him and he returned the embrace. They stood together for a long time saying nothing.
"I'm sorry," Vlad finally said. "You're right. I'm jealous. I'm a fool."
"Yes you are," Jazz said seriously. "Now go inside and change out of that suit. It's too hot."
"Yes my darling," Vlad said obviously amused by Jazz's orders. She smacked him on the rear end and pushed him toward the house as she laughed at the startled look on his face.
"Well wasn't that surprising," Clockwork said dryly. Danny said nothing.
"Did she not say she would never let anyone take her away from him?" Clockwork asked at Danny's continued silence.
"She may still have the same character and the same spirit," Danny answered. "But she's not making informed decisions. Anything she is telling him, because of the effects of what ever love potion he's used on her, is null and void. Any court of law would agree with me. She's not in her right mind."
Clockwork chuckled to himself for a moment, but at what Danny had no idea. He was just about to ask the ghost what was so funny when Clockwork pointed to the next scene.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Jazz was on sitting on the dingy floor in a run down building with several kids all around her. Vlad was standing at the door talking to an adult.
"This is a surprising change of scenery," Danny remarked as the room was an extreme contrast of the villa in St. Tropez.
Jazz was reading a book. Trying valiantly to speak Spanish and causing the children around her to laugh. She looked up at Vlad and smiled. He simply nodded his head at her and continued to converse with the adult.
She bit her lip then stood and walked toward him. The children followed Jazz begging her to stay and play with them, and so she played bounce the ball with them until Vlad came to stand beside her.
"Are you finished with your business," She asked as he helped her to her feet. The children all ran up and hugged their legs.
"Yes," Vlad said as he tried to extricate himself from the children. "The orphanage has been saved, as you asked." Jazz smiled at Vlad then ran calling for the children to follow her. Vlad watched in seeming displeasure as she played.
"See," Danny said. "See that horrible look on his face. He's plotting something evil. I know that look."
Clockwork merely nodded his head and gestured for Danny to watch.
Vlad finally called Jazz and told her it was time to leave, they weren't staying in Costa Rica long. Vlad told her they would need to be returning to Wisconsin soon, but he needed to pick something up for a friend of his.
"Drugs!" Danny announced.
"Not quite," Clockwork said. "Nothing illegal anyway." Danny looked slightly disappointed.
"You love children don't you?" Vlad asked in a disapproving tone as they were driven back to the hotel where they were staying.
Jazz smiled as she leaned her head on Vlad's shoulder. "I guess I do," she answered. "I'd always imagined that I would have four or five. Though now that I'm older I can see the benefit of just having two."
Vlad opened his mouth to say something, but seemed to think better of it as he looked out the window. The expression on his face was profoundly sad.
"I'm afraid," he finally said. "It seems that I am unable to father children." He seemed to be pulling away from Jazz.
"Why?" Jazz asked. "Because of your ghost powers? Because of the accident in the lab?"
Danny gasped and looked at Clockwork who in turn looked like he was going to laugh. "No Danny," The ghost continued to chuckle. "It has nothing to do with that."
"Oh," Danny said in relief then went back to watching.
"No," Vlad said. He said nothing more and Jazz didn't ask she simply sighed and leaned against Vlad he put his arm around her.
"It's all right," she said. "Maybe we can adopt the whole orphanage."
Vlad laughed then turned quite serious. "I don't know that I could bear to share you," he said almost bleakly.
Jazz looked at Vlad a moment then smiled and smiled. He looked back at her dubiously and she started laughing.
"What do you find so amusing?" he asked as he narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"Uh oh," Danny said. "I know that look. Jazz is in trouble."
"You," Jazz giggled then sighed. "You wouldn't be sharing me. We'd be sharing children."
"It's not an option," Vlad said coldly as he turned away from Jazz.
"My parents…," Jazz started then trailed off as a look of discomfort replaced her teasing smile. She put her hand to her head and closed her eyes.
"My parents," she repeated. Vlad turned and looked at her sharply. "Are wonderful people." Jazz stopped talking and looked at Vlad in horror.
"It's all right Jasmine," he said soothingly. "We'll be at the hotel in forty-five minutes. Just hold on."
"The drug is wearing off!" Danny said excitedly. "Then you'll be able to see how truly she despises him." Clockwork looked at Danny a moment and smiled slightly.
Jazz moved as far away from Vlad as she could. "Where are we?" she asked. "What am I doing here with you? Where's Danny?"
Vlad sighed as he watched Jazz cower away from him. "There is no need to worry about your brother. He is safe and sound in Amity Park. I have no intention of harming him or otherwise disturbing his life as long as you are by my side."
Jazz blinked at Vlad for a minute then looked out the window. "Where are we?" she asked.
"We are in San Jose, Costa Rica," Vlad answered flatly. He wore a dangerous look on his face as he watched her clinging to the door in fear.
"What am I doing here?" Jazz asked. "Did you kidnap me? What's going on?"
"You have not been kidnapped my..Jasmine," Vlad said then paused as he watched her face carefully and considered what to tell her. "You are here of your own free will. I assure you."
"Yeah sure she is," Danny scoffed. "If you call being under the influence of some ghostly drug, free will."
"Then why don't I remember anything?" Jazz asked almost hysterically. "Why don't I know how I got here? Have I been overshadowed? I'd hardly call that willing!"
"See," Danny said to Clockwork. "Even she points out the obvious. It's not free will."
Vlad smiled grimly then looked out the window and watched the scenery for awhile. Jazz didn't take her eyes from him. She looked at the door handle then outside.
"I wouldn't advise trying to escape," Vlad told her. Jazz blinked at him. He sighed heavily and looked at her a moment. Jazz clung closer to the door.
"The door is locked for one thing," He said softly. "And secondly we are in a foreign country. Your traveling papers are all in the hotel. Trust me my darling girl. I would never bring harm upon you."
"Trust you?" Jazz nearly screeched. "Trust you?" She gave him a scathing look. "How in the world could I ever, ever trust you of all people? I would rather trust a pack of hungry wolves to lead me home safely than you of all people!"
Vlad sat back in his seat and let out a sigh. "I'm afraid my sweet love that there are no hungry wolves in the vicinity. I am your only choice."
"What did you call me?" Jazz asked in shock. Vlad closed his eyes for a moment then reached toward Jazz. She coward away from him, but he moved slow enough that she let him take her left hand. He pointed out the glittering diamond rings on her finger then raised his eyebrows.
"No!" Jazz gasped.
"I'm afraid so," Vlad answered.
Jazz blinked a few times as she looked from her hand to Vlad. "What did you do to me?" she asked. "Because I'd never, never, never in a million years…"
"Please," Vlad said as he stopped her. He grimaced in pain. "We all know how you truly feel about me, there is no reason to expound on those emotions."
Jazz almost laughed as she put her hand to her mouth, "Obviously there is a reason if you think you can sit in a car with me and call my your love." She wrinkled her nose.
"Your love?" She asked then shuddered. "That's just sick!"
"Way to tell him Jazz!" Danny shouted.
"She can't hear you," Clockwork said dryly.
"I don't care," Danny replied.
Jazz flapped her hand in front of Vlad's face. "What are thing rings supposed to mean? Who am I married to? You? I'd just as soon die a slow painful death than ever marry a vile, nasty little wretch such as yourself."
"Yes," Vlad agreed. "I know." He looked at Jazz sadly for a minute and Jazz stilled. The angry look on her face softened. Vlad had already turned and looked out the window. Jazz continued to watch him. It was evident that her words wounded him and Jazz was a kind person.
She hesitated a moment then reached over and touched his hand. "I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to be so harsh."
Vlad laughed bitterly. "Oh but you did," he said as he turned his hand in Jazz's and held on tight. "And I would be a little disappointed in you if you reacted differently. Your strength of spirit is one of the things I love the most about you my darling."
"Blah blah blah blah," Danny said. "Sucker punch him Jazz!" Clockwork almost laughed as he shook his head.
"Why am I here?" Jazz asked softly. Vlad pulled her hand and moved her closer to him.
"Because I had some business which needed my personal attention," Vlad answered.
Jazz sighed she was trying to remain calm. "Let me rephrase. What am I doing with you?"
Vlad smiled wolfishly. "You're my wife. Why wouldn't you be with me?"
Jazz grimaced then took her hand out of Vlad's. "Why am I married to you?" she asked.
"There isn't enough time to explain," Vlad answered. "Perhaps some other time." The car pulled up to a hotel and stopped. Vlad helped Jazz from the vehicle then escorted her inside and up to their room.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
"I won't hurt you," Vlad told her kindly as he closed the door behind them. "You've been with me for three months and I've never hurt you."
"Why?" Jazz asked. Vlad gave her a thoughtful look then smiled slightly. He walked over to a case on a table and pulled out a vial containing a pinkish liquid.
"Because I love you," He answered haughtily. "And it's your fault. It's something I will try to rectify, but for now I need you to drink this."
"My fault," Jazz asked as she looked at the vial then at Vlad and started to back up. "How is it my fault?"
Vlad laughed almost cruelly as he approached with a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Just drink this and I'll explain how it's your fault."
"No," Jazz said. "I won't drink that. No. That's how you've kept me with you isn't it. You've been drugging me."
Vlad tilted his head and walked closer. "Well it's not really a drug, more like a potion which alters your perception and memory a little. It doesn't change who you are."
"You really are sick!" Jazz hissed. She grabbed a vase from a nearby table and brandished it. "Come one step closer and I'll bash you in the head!"
Vlad laughed. "I'd like to see you try my dear." He transformed into his ghostly self.
"I don't want to fight you Jasmine," He said. "Just drink and everything will be fine."
"No!" Jazz screamed as she threw the vase at his head, but it phased right through him and he kept walking forward.
Jazz turned to run for the door but Vlad was already behind her, and suddenly there were three more Vlads all surrounding her. She had no other choice. She took the vile from his out stretched hand, took a deep breath and drank the contents in one swallow.
"That's my girl," Vlad said soothingly as he transformed back to his human self. The vial slipped from Jazz's fingers and he caught it deftly as he put his arm around her waist.
"Vlad?" Jazz whispered in confusion. "What happened?"
"You were a little ill my precious," he said softly as he searched her face and smoothed her hair. Jazz blinked at him dazedly and he kissed her cheek then held her to him, squeezing his eyes shut tightly.
"I am a little dizzy," She said as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Then you should lie down," Vlad said as he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the other room.
"Oh geeze," Danny said as he covered his face. "You're trying to make me sick aren't you?"
"I'm simply showing you events as they unfolded," Clockwork said. "This happens to be a particularly noteworthy event or I would spare you." Danny sent the keeper of time a venomous look.
Vlad laid her on the bed and sat by Jazz until she drifted to sleep. When he was sure she was asleep be bent down and kissed her forehead then stood. "I'm afraid my dear," he began. "That my feelings for you have grown to an unacceptable level. I'll need to think of a way to change that." He walked out of the room and closed the door.
"Wait," Danny said. "Vlad really loves her?. Or at least as much as he's able to love, or maybe is obsessed with her?"
"Yes," Clockwork said.
"But now he regrets it and is going to try to not love or be obsessed by her?" Danny asked as he shook his head in confusion.
Clockwork cleared his throat. "Vlad has realized that he's in a little deeper than he intended and that everything he has built around Jazz is an illusion. He's trying to protect himself."
"Oh poor baby," Danny said sarcastically. "Are we done? If so, I'm not convinced at all. In fact I'm even positive that I want to keep Jazz away from Vlad."
"No," Clockwork informed Danny. "There's more. You'll need to be patient."
"Great," Danny said and waited for Clockwork to show him more.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
This is usually where I make comments and so on and so forth, and this is where I beg for reviews. I have no comment nor can I offer any apology for this chapter. All I have to say is thank you for reading and thank you for your reviews. Reviews are always welcome.