Skulker watched Fenton Works from his perch across the street, rather disturbed that Plasmius had left on his own terms. After a moment, he lowered his binoculars and decided that it didn't matter. With the other two gone and the haunters more or less on his side, however temporarily, he was free to capture the ghost boy at his leisure.
He leaned back and put his hands behind his head, happily debating whether he'd rather have Danny as a wall mount or a rug.
Vlad smirked as he entered his library, a carefully padded box clutched in his hands. The Paranormal Society might not have done their jobs properly when they went to Amity Park, but at least it wasn't a total loss. What he had planned would take time, of course. He had contemplated cloning Danny, but that was really a stupid idea. No, he had another thought, one that he hoped wouldn't backfire.
He opened the box and carefully held the small blood sample to the light. Danny was different for some reason, and that difference made him stronger. At least, it would. He had already mastered abilities that had taken the older half ghost years to even discover. He wasn't too sure about this plan of his, but he was quickly growing desperate. He was so close…so close to not being alone…
Danny trudged through the crowded hall, grateful for the presence of his friends. It was astounding to him that they could possibly forgive his behavior from the past several days, but they claimed to understand. Sam had ever refrained from an "I told you so" attitude, which she would have been fully justified in.
"So was Kat able to get rid of them?" the object of his thoughts asked quietly.
He shook his head and immediately regretted the movement. "She said they'll shut down on their own in a few days."
"Hey, Danny?" Tucker began hesitantly. "I know you say she's okay, but are you sure you can trust her?"
Danny gave a small half smile. "I seem to recall you wanted to date her." The boy turned a shade darker from embarrassment, eliciting good natured snickering from his two friends. After a moment's thought, Danny continued. "I can trust her to be Kat. I really don't think she means any harm." It was difficult to explain, especially since it was so difficult to think. Fortunately or unfortunately, he was saved from having to respond by a sudden chill that no one else felt.
Sam and Tucker, who had long since learned to recognize his ghost sense, followed him to stand in front of the janitor's closet while he transformed. They exchanged amused smirks that said plainly, "What would he do without us?"
A/N: Next up: Shattered Reflection, which will feature Skulker as the villain. Yes, I know. A canon villain that isn't Technus; the world must be coming to an end. A huge thank you to all you who have taken the time to review. I love you guys, seriously. I am so addicted to feedback.