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A quick note: Okay, I'm sorry I couldn't personally reply to all signed reviews this time. I've been trying, but it's so much work…. Anyway, if you really want a personal reply to your reviews, review on the last chapter of this story, okay? I'll give you notice at the end of that specific chapter. Still, I love reviews, so don't stop reviewing. Your name'll disappear from the growing list at the top of each chapter if you don't review. And I know I've had about two requests now for longer chapters, but sorry, the chapters are as long as they come out. It's like I'm not even writing it. It's more like the story is writing itself. You know, people commented on Sam acting a little too happy, but no one commented on Tucker. Why? Don't you guys love Tucker? LOL


Chapter 3: The Castle and the Ghost

Tucker held the reigns in one hand while holding the map up with the other. Phillipe trotted slowly down the foggy road, pausing when they reached a crossroad. A wooden direction sign was posted, but the directions were incomprehensible. Tucker glanced between the post and the map a few times before pulling Phillipe in the direction of a darker, creepier looking road. The horse looked down that road, shook its mane, and tugged toward the safer-looking road.

"It's just a short cut, Phillipe," Tucker said, pulling the horse back toward the other road, and the horse reluctantly began plodding down the even foggier, darker road.

Tucker continued to examine the road as they made their way down the road. He looked up as something moved across the road, but it was gone before he saw it. He swallowed then looked back at the map, but the piece of paper slipped from his hands as Phillipe suddenly whinnied and reared up as the ghostly figure of a grey wolf with glowing red eyes lunged at the poor Clydesdale.

"Whoa!" the young inventor cried as the horse reared again. "Get us out of here, Phillipe, you stupid horse!" He pulled at the reigns to try to turn the horse around.

The horse had other ideas, unfortunately. He reared up again, dumping his rider to the ground before whirling around and taking off as quickly as he could, two of the ghost wolves chasing after him. Tucker sat up, groaning and rubbing dirt off his hands before finding himself gazing into evil red eyes of a very wild ghost wolf. He screamed like a girl then ran in a random direction. The wolves gave chase, growling and snapping at him.

Tucker didn't even bother giving a second glance at the castle as it came into view, running into the gates and shutting them as the wolves ran up. Some sort of shield propelled the ghosts off the gates, and they snarled at Tucker one last time before leaving. Shaken, exhausted, and lost in the forest, the poor young man had no choice but to enter the dark building that now glared down at him with gloomy windows and black brick. He banged his fist against the large, oak doors before they swung open, and he hesitantly walked inside.

"Hello?" he called. His voice came echoing back to him. "I-I got lost in the forest, and I need some directions. Can anyone help me?" He still received no reply. "Okay…"

He walked further in then let out a terrified scream as a ghost suddenly appeared in front of him. She had red hair and blue-green eyes. "Hi," she said, smiling warmly. "You mentioned needing some help?"

"I-I'm seeing things," he murmured, staring at the girl floating before his eyes.

"Jazmine!" an enraged, masculine voice roared.

The girl winced and disappeared as quickly as she had appeared. "Wait!" Tucker called, but she was gone.

Another figure flew toward him at an alarming rate, glowing green eyes glowing a deep emerald with rage and hands glowing as though he was preparing for enemies. "What are you doing here!" he demanded from the startled, trembling young man standing in the hall.

Tucker couldn't reply for a moment, merely staring at his latest "vision." The young man had snow white hair and wore a skin tight black jumper with white books, gloves, and a belt. "I… just need directions to the nearest town," the inventor murmured, eyes wide with fear.

The ghost didn't seem to hear him. "You've come to stare at the beast, haven't you!" he roared, firing a chair out of his way.

Tucker fell back on his butt in his attempt to get away from the ghost. "No! No, I only got lost!"

Again, the ghost ignored him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt to glare into his brown eyes. "Now you've seen me, and now you'll never leave again."


Sam sighed as there was a knock on the door. She pulled down one of Tucker's contraptions, peering through it to see Dash grinning on the doorstep. She moaned then opened the door, stepping back as he nearly pushed her over as he walked in.

"Dash, what a pleasant surprise... Not." She muttered the last bit under her breath.

"Aren't I?" he said, winking. "I'm always so full of surprises."

She blinked. She could not believe he had just said that. What a pompous ass! "To what do I owe this great honor?" she asked, sarcasm dripping from each word.

"Why, Samantha, this is the day your dreams come true!" Dash smoothed his hair back, nearly posing in all his manliness.

"My dreams?" Sam wanted to laugh out loud. "What do you know about my dreams?"

"Plenty!" He sat at the table, resting his mud-laden boots on the table and on top of Sam's book. She quickly pulled it out from the muddy boots, wiping it off. "Picture this: my latest kill roasting on the fire, my trophies decorating the room, and the little ones playing on the floor with the dogs." He sat up, leaning forward to look at her. "We'll have six or seven."

"Dogs, I hope," Sam said.

"No! Strapping boys, like me," Dash said, standing proudly.

"I just don't know what to say," Sam said as Dash stepped forward to corner her against the door.

"Say you'll marry me."

Her fake smile disappeared, lilac eyes darkening. "Over my dead body." Then she opened the door, propelling Dash into the mud pile a few feet away before slamming the door behind him.


She opened the door a few hours later, glancing out. She breathed a sigh of relief, stepping out of the house. "I can't believe that brainless, gutless, no good…"

Her mutterings were lost to the wind as she ran across the green, open field to a hill overlooking the city. It wasn't fair. Why did she have to be the one to live a boring life that would likely end up in marriage to Dash and giving birth to his six children. She cast herself onto the ground, sighing and plucking a dandelion. She blew on the little seeds, sending them floating away into the sky.

At that moment, her daydreams were interrupted at the whiny of a horse. She stood, whirling around as the great Clydesdale ran up to her. "Phillipe!" She ran up to the stressed beast, stroking his mane. "What happened? Where's Tucker?" The horse whickered, pawing at the ground. "He must be in some kind of trouble. You'll have to take me to him." She unhitched the wagon and mounted the horse. "Go, Phillipe."

The horse tossed his mane then broke into a gallop, heading for the dark forest to save her wayward friend.


A/N: Review 'cause you love me. Next chapter to come soon! More reviews mean faster update!