Disclaimer: I don't own Danny Phantom.
AN: This chapter contains rape material and male sex. If this disturbs you, please do not read. Majority of the graphic and explicit scenes have ended.
Chapter Four: Airspace
Within the hour, we were pulling up to a series of apartments. Vlad climbed out of the cab, grabbing our bags and allowed me to do the same. Vlad stopped in front of me, straightened my jacket, smoothed out my pants and straightened my tie. Vlad's eyes traced my body and he grimaced.
"What," I asked him. Something displeased him.
"That hair," he said. "It's not right. How did you get it to stick up without any gel products?"
"I never use gel products," I said, upset. "I was born like this!"
"Don't be ridiculous," Vlad chided me.
"I'm not," I defended. "You could ask my mom! I was born like this."
"Well, we've got to do something about it. Form energy," Vlad said.
I narrowed my eyes, "Why?"
"I don't have any hair bows. The only one I have keeps mine secure," Vlad said spitefully.
Ecto-energy encased my hands, "Now what?"
"Imagine a hair bow. Then put your hair up."
"What," I yelled. "I will not!"
"I could form a razor if you like," Vlad said.
"I could form attack dogs," I said defiantly, "You're not touching my hair!"
"You know, it'd be a shame if Bethany came up missing. I wonder what her mom and sister would do without her," Vlad threatened.
I narrowed my eyes, forming a small band, "You son of a bitch."
I put the ecto-band in my hair, holding it back. It felt weird and I bet it looked weird. The kids at camp called it an anti-mullet.
"Now that's better," Vlad said in satisfaction.
"I feel weird," I stated. Vlad picked up our bags and walked to a door. He knocked and waited patiently.
This elderly, tall man answered the door. "Vlad," the man cried happily. "Welcome back, son."
"Hello, Dad," Vlad greeted. "You look great."
"Oh, don't lie. I know I look like hell," the man laughed. His gaze fell on me, "So, who's your friend?"
"This is Daniel," Vlad introduced me, "he'll be staying with me this year."
The older man looked pleased, "Oh, well then I'll turn down another bed."
"That won't be necessary, Dad. Daniel and I will be staying at the hotel."
"Are you sure? I don't mind," the man said.
"No, no. We wouldn't want to impose," Vlad told his father.
"Well, if you're sure. You wouldn't impose but you can do what you will," Vlad's dad said. He walked over to me, "My name is Rafe. It's nice to meet you, son."
I threw my hand out. "Danny," I introduced myself.
"Daniel," Vlad said. I turned to him to see what he wanted. He clarified: "Your name is Daniel."
"For one second when Mom put it to paper. Every other time, she has called me Danny," I said, turning to Rafe.
"Danny it is," Rafe replied. "Isn't that right, Vladimir?"
I burst out laughing. "Vladimir," I asked, red faced. Vlad grew angry, "I thought Daniel was bad. You've made me feel better."
"Daniel," Vlad warned.
"Oh, leave the boy alone, Vlad. You nitpick too much," Rafe chided.
"Yeah, Vlad, you nitpick too much," I returned. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad… until tonight.
"When's the last time you fed this boy. He's skin and bones," Rafe stared at me.
"I'm fine, really sir," I replied.
"Nonsense. You need a good old-fashioned meal. Good thing I made extras," Rafe replied.
"Dad, we were supposed to go out to eat," Vlad said, disapprovingly.
"We are not eating at some restaurant when I can cook," Rafe scolded. "Money has gotten to your head. When was the last time you cooked for yourself?"
"Well, it's been a while but I'll cook for Daniel and myself later this week," Vlad defended. Was he afraid? I guess Vlad's Dad's last statement proved a point for me: Vlad wasn't always rich.
"You made your staff work through Thanksgiving," Vlad's Dad roared. Oh, this is priceless.
I get a sudden chill and my ghost sense goes off. I look to Vlad who is ducking as his father smacked them in a 'what were you thinking' manner. I have been with him for nearly 3 days and my sense never went off. There's another ghost here.
I walked off as Vlad defends himself from his dad's fury. I just barely made out a ghost. Finally, I find it.
A woman in a hospital gown is peeking around the doorway at Vlad and his father. She stares at Vlad with a protective stance.
"Excuse me, I don't know where the hospital is around here but I know it's not here," I say, getting her attention. She jumped at my voice, then she grew confused.
Her lips started to move but no sound come out. I looked at her questionably and she became frustrated. She tried again but no sound came out. Two possible scenarios appeared: she's mute and still hopes to talk one day or she's an unfinished business ghost.
On Mom and Dad's anniversary, I learned something. I thought that the Ghost Zone was where all souls with unfinished business went to but when I met my maternal grandparents, I discovered the truth. The Ghost Zone is the place all souls who have passed on go to. It's the waiting room for heaven!
So where do the souls with unfinished business go, I asked my grandmother.
They never leave, she told me. They can't be heard but for some reason can be seen by children who are still pure. The reason nobody gets suspicious is that kids call them their friends and make up the words they say. Parents call them imaginary friends because only kids could think of the stupidest things they are supposed to say… And they're partly right.
"Have you crossed over yet," I asked her more politely.
"Danny, where you'd run off to," I hear Rafe say.
This panics the woman. I see her throw her hand out towards me and very clearly mouth, 'go away, kid.' She fades away.
"Wait! Who are you," I asked, but she was gone.
"Danny," Rafe asks as he finds me. "Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine, sir. I was just viewing your home. Very beautiful," I said. How do you drop a bombshell such as 'you've got a ghost living in your home?' The last thing I wanted was to be associated with the quacks.
XXX
Rafe made up three plates and told Vlad he was washing the dishes. It wasn't the best meal but it was darn tasty. I mean, it wasn't store-bought like I expected.
After lunch, Vlad and Rafe started talking as Rafe forced Vlad to wash the dishes. I walked off on my own to find the woman in the gown. It wasn't hard. She was in the doorway of the kitchen, watching the father and son.
"Okay, who are you," I said loudly to the ghost.
"Danny," Rafe asked. Damn! That man just may have the best ears of all older people.
"Yes, sir," I asked, turning around.
"Everything okay," he asked me.
"You don't need to worry about me, sir," I replied politely.
"You are a guest in my house. I won't ignore you because we've just met. I'd like to get to know you," Rafe said.
"Sir, I'm sure you want to spend time with your son. He didn't even tell you I would tag along," I replied. I glanced to my side and the woman was gone.
"That may be so but Vlad did bring you along so now we have the opportunity to get to know each other," Vlad's Dad said.
I laughed, "You're not sore that I interrupted your holiday plans."
"No," Rafe cried out. "I get to make a new friend. This is an opportunity."
"You and Vlad are really different," I said quietly. I looked over to see Vlad washing dishes.
"Vlad wasn't always this way," Rafe said sadly, his voice quiet as well. "Ever since Miranda died, he changed."
"Who's Miranda," I asked.
"His mom," Rafe said with a small smile. "He was only 15, barely your age. She died suddenly. It was hard on the whole family."
"Do you have any other children," I asked.
"A son. He don't have anything to do with us. He left Ohio right after high school and never looks back. I haven't seen him since," Rafe said. I could feel his pain. His son really hurt him. Wow, one son ignores you and the other is a bastard! I feel bad for him.
"Did you ever remarry," I asked sincerely.
"No. Miranda was my only true love. You don't get second chances like that. I'll see again her again someday," Rafe said.
"Do you believe in the afterlife," I asked him.
"Yeah, I do. I've seen enough in my life to suggest there's life after death." Yeah, me too.
"So, what do or did you do," I asked him. This guy was really cool.
"Well, I'm retired FBI now. I used to work there but not much was accomplished," Rafe said.
"I doubt that. I bet you took down those bad guys," I said. "I saw how you are were beating up Vlad."
"Oh, I didn't do that kind of work. You wouldn't understand," Rafe said. "What about you?"
"I'm in ninth grade. I plan to go to college to become an astronaut. I love space," I replied.
"Really. The space program. Are you any good at science," Rafe asked me.
"Yeah. I mean, I'm not the most brilliant person on the planet but I think I'm pretty good at astrology. Especially astrology! I am the top of my class."
"Good. So, do you have any friends," Rafe asked me.
"Yeah. I have two of the best friends in the world and I've got a camp full of kids I talk to at least three times a month. I also have a friend who lives in Texas. We talk on the phone every day."
"So, you're handling the transfer pretty well," Rafe asked me.
"Transfer? What transfer," I asked Rafe.
"Living with Vlad," Rafe asked.
"Oh. So-so. I'll be glad when it's over," I replied.
"It's only temporary," Rafe asked. I hope so.
"Yeah. I can't take living with that man all year. One of us wouldn't see the next Christmas." I don't know which one of us it'd be.
"You don't like Vlad, do you," Rafe asked me with a chuckle.
"In a word: no. He and I don't see things eye to eye," I replied.
"He was a good kid and he's a good man but he really takes the money thing too far," Rafe answered.
"I understand that he got really rich, really fast. Do you think he got corrupted by the sudden change," I asked.
"No," Rafe looked conflicted. "I think it had more to do with the fact Vlad feared losing it again. After he lost it the first time, Vlad became obsessed about money. Then he started his company and it became a Fortune 500. He got the money back too fast and he was already obsessed."
"So the money, it was lost before? Did he lose it as a kid or after he moved out," I asked. I was learning a lot.
"Oh, it was before. It was right before Miranda died. It was a mixture of both."
"Thanks. Really. It's nice to hear a second opinion on Vlad," I said. Rafe nodded. "So, where are you from? Have you always lived in Florida?"
"No. I lived in Ohio. But I'm at an age that I can't take those winters."
"I know. It's nice. Middle of December and it's actually pretty decent. You have it made," I told him.
"Thank you. I do like it better. Don't have to cut firewood here. No cold floors in the mornings, either," Rafe laughed but I didn't get the joke.
"Cold floors," I asked, confused.
"Ugh, this generation! You kids are spoiled. I'd get up as a kid and have to start a fire before school."
Oh, there's the normal old timer. I chuckled inwardly, at least he didn't become half ghost and be forced to defend the town just a few weeks into freshman year.
"Dad," Vlad called casually. Then he grew angry, "Daniel!"
"What," I screamed at him. Did he have to be hateful?
"We're in here, Vlad," Rafe said calmly.
"What are you doing," Vlad asked me harshly. He acted as if I was killing his father or something.
"I'm just talking to your Dad," I said. Vlad stood in front of me. "I'm getting to know you through your father."
Vlad smacked me. It didn't hurt but he used a normal person's strength so Rafe though that it did.
"You'd better not try any funny business!"
"Hey," Rafe called out angrily. "What did Danny do to deserve that?"
"Don't worry about it. He can't hit worth a pound of fudge," I said. "Thanks for the chat, Rafe," I added kindly. I turned around to leave.
Vlad grabbed my arm but it fell a second later. Rafe had Vlad's hand in a traditional hold. "You need to calm down," Rafe ordered.
"No," I said, my voice going high. I saw what was happening. "This is Vlad and my fight. Don't mess up your relationship for me!"
"If Vlad could get that angry at you for talking to me I'm not sure how I should react to him being with you. That was uncalled for," Rafe replied, scolding.
"It's not him. I'm hard to get along with," I tried to place the blame on me.
"Danny, don't lie to me," Rafe chided me. "I've been talking to you all this time and we've gotten along swimmingly."
"Yeah, but with Vlad I can't do that. It's different. Vlad tries and I lock him out. I've been with him for days now. I've had time to really get under his skin."
Rafe let go of Vlad's hand, "You need to tell Danny you're sorry. You overreacted!"
"I didn't smack him for talking to you. I smacked him for getting out of line. With Daniel, you can't give him an inch," Vlad said. It's not like I expected an apology anyway.
"Don't waste your breath, Rafe. Vlad won't do anything he don't want to," I said. I left the room to find the woman.
XXX
I walked the hallway searching for the woman in the gown but I found it more difficult than the last time. I searched the entire area around Vlad and Rafe but couldn't come up with her location. I pushed myself as far as I could go to find her ghostly signature but all I came up with was her trail.
I walked over the entire apartment but the woman was gone. I was just about to start over when Vlad blocked my path. Rafe wasn't there.
"My company car just arrived. We're leaving. If you try anything Daniel, you will pay for it," Vlad threatened.
"Don't worry. I won't try anything," I assured him. What could I do? Tell someone Vlad is raping me. Like Vlad couldn't fix that with a little mind control. I'm beginning to believe Mom won't be able to stop Vlad when she finally finds me.
When I made it outside, Vlad had a large limo sitting outside. It was equipped with dark tint, a driver, fully stocked pantry and a sunroof. It looked just like one of those movie limos. That reminded me of another quality of Vlad's that was undefeatable: his wealth. I was having enough trouble swallowing his invincible power.
XXX
Vlad took Rafe to every mall in the area, paying for everything the man even looked at. Hundreds of last minute shoppers surrounded me but inside I felt so alone. Children being held against their wills and being sexually assaulted shouldn't be able to stand in public places and still be unable to find help but I know it happens every day.
"Vlad," I asked quietly to the man as he looked over some item or another.
Vlad looked up from the glass display box sharply. Rafe coughed suggestively and Vlad controlled his raging demeanor. "Yes, Daniel. What is it?" Well, he almost controlled his raging demeanor.
"I was wondering if I might be able to go over to that Chase Bank and make a withdraw from my account. I see some things that would be perfect for my last minute shopping. May I be excused," I asked. The words came out forced, I know, because I hate asking him for anything.
"I have no problem with that," Vlad said aloud. However, he added mentally, You'd better not try any funny business.
Sir, I continued our mental chat, you will allow me to bring the objects home, won't you?
Of course, Vlad replied. My voice was still serving as his but I no longer had trouble with telling the difference between us two.
And I won't be beaten for doing so, I asked. Right now, Vlad's father made me cautious of the beatings.
No, Vlad replied mentally. But next time, wait to be addressed before speaking.
I nodded my head and Vlad's exterior grew impressed. I walked off silently towards the Chase Bank located in the mall. I knew my bank account number so withdrawing the money wouldn't be a problem.
XXX
I withdrew $500 from my account and picked up the necklace I had my eye on for Mom. She rarely got dressed up but when she did, she dazzled. That necklace would definitely add to her charm.
I caught back up to Vlad and Rafe, taking note of Vlad's lingering glare. "Thanks, Vlad." Vlad's stare grew colder instantly. "I mean, thank you for allowing me the opportunity, Vlad."
"Vlad, I'm just going to say it. You need a drink," Rafe informed his son with a chuckle. I thought for a second he'd say something else.
"Great idea, Dad. What do you say we close today with a cold one," Vlad said in a brighter mood. I dreaded the end of the day. I just wish he'd let me go home.
"I meant on your own time but sure. I could go for a brew and we'll get a bite to eat so Danny can tag along," Rafe said. Don't include me in this!
"Great idea," Vlad said. If a dirty look wouldn't get the shit beat out of me, I'd send one his way.
Vlad shopped until after six o'clock. I couldn't help to think back to the first 32 hours. How they seemed to creep by but I prayed for them to be over with. Now I hope these 29 hours creep by but the first five are already gone.
I feel the sting of tears fill my eyes as I think of spending time alone with Vlad again. No matter what happens tonight, I know it will end at six in the morning. However, in 24 hours, I will have no quitting time. I'll be his slave again until I'm back home.
At almost a quarter 'til seven, Vlad's driver pulled up to a local restaurant so we could eat. Vlad walked right behind me, his hand guiding me. I couldn't even feel alone. He wouldn't let me. The waitress led us to a table, each of us taking a menu and a seat. I ordered some motz sticks with cheese sauce instead of marinara with a glass of water.
"Daniel, order something substantial. Leave the appetizers alone," Vlad ordered.
"That's all I'm having," I told him, my voice even.
"No, it's not," Vlad said, his voice not successfully hiding his anger. I have two words: anger management.
"Vlad, please. That's all I want. Don't push me," I said. It came out a little bitchy… but hey! It fits.
"Daniel," Vlad said sternly. The waitress looked at us with amusement.
I pulled a fifty out of my pocket, "Please bring me what I ordered ma'am. This is for you."
Overworked and underpaid people all speak the same language: money. It didn't hurt that the holidays were coming up. The resulting action nonetheless had the waitress turning to Vlad and Rafe, asking: "And what about for you, gentlemen?"
"Daniel," Vlad said after the waitress had gone. Needless to say, he was not happy. "I will not have you doing something like that again. You will obediently do as you're told. Am I clear?"
"Vlad, calm down. The kid wasn't hungry. It's not a crime," Rafe said. I hated to tell him, but to Vlad, it was.
"He defied me," Vlad said. Oh, shit! That's a rule. "How is that not worth punishing?"
"Because your definition of defiance is extremely over the top. The kid has a choice. Just because it doesn't fit yours match for match doesn't make it defiance."
"Bribing a member of this establishment's staff to do as he wishes instead of my wish isn't defiance," Vlad asked. It doesn't matter what Rafe comes up with, I'm screwed.
"Vlad, the kid asked the girl to bring him his order and tipped her. That's not a bribe," Rafe said.
"It's all right," I interjected. Vlad would fuck me tonight, I had no doubt. "Vlad was right. I defied him. I deserve to be punished."
"And you will," Vlad responded. Like I said—no doubt about that.
When the server returned, Vlad asked her to bring a take-out box. After she put the tray down, Vlad grabbed my mozzarella sticks. He allowed me to have the glass of water.
"Vlad, what are you doing," Rafe asked wearily.
"If Daniel doesn't want to eat real food, then he can't have this insubstantial food either. We'll wait until after we're done eating before I'll call off the order time," Vlad said.
"Uh," I said, confused. "Translation, please?"
Rafe looked at Vlad angrily but proceeded anyway: "You're not allowed to eat anything except an entrée but you must say something before we're finished or you won't be allowed to order. I'd wager he'll send you to bed without supper." Rafe's voice went hard: "This is uncalled for!"
"He will learn this way. Those before me let him go amuck, so he has no boundaries. This way he will know to do as I say. You saw how thin he was, Dad," Vlad said.
"You have no right to talk about my parents that way, Vlad! My parents are the best! They take care of me! How dare you lecture on about raising a child? If anyone is a horrible parent, it's you," I said, my voice loud. A few people turned to us but by their sudden loss of interest, I'd say Vlad had something to do with it.
"Don't you raise your voice to me, Daniel. Do I need to remind you who's the boss," Vlad said darkly.
"Oh, shut up. I'm sick of it. You can't learn to enjoy a good thing when you have it," I said. The waitress returned but never looked uncomfortable. I wouldn't doubt Vlad's influencing those people.
"Vlad. Danny. Calm down. We're not talking about parenting skills," Rafe said. Rafe's word of choice reminded me I practically called Vlad my parent.
"He is not my dad," I said, putting as much venom and hate as possible into the word.
"You are right there. Your father failed," Vlad said. I felt my eyes sting the way they do when they glow green. I have no doubt that they are.
"He has never failed me. My dad loves me and he cares for me. He would never put me through the hell you put me through. And you wonder why I won't renounce him!"
"Shut your mouth right now," Vlad said, his anger coming through. He found my trigger and now I've found his.
"Why? Are you afraid Rafe would find out the monster you are," I taunted. It felt good. I had so much pain and frustration pent up, it felt good to let it out.
"You better settle down or we'll leave early. You wouldn't want that, would you? Spend an additional 24 hours with me—one hundred and fourteen hours instead of the planned ninety." My heart leapt to my throat. On any other given circumstance, I'd take the additional 24 hours no sweat. But the thought of being fucked by him an extra day scared me. In fact, I'd do anything to stay here an extra day. Ninety hours sounds like what the brochure for the Titanic would have looked like had they known it would sink.
"No, sir. I'm sorry I got out of line. You know what's best for me and anything I may disagree with needn't be challenged."
"What a good bitch," Vlad replied, content. Fearful, I looked to Rafe. "What, are you crazy? He didn't hear that." I was thankful.
Things became quiet which allowed Rafe and Vlad to enjoy their meals. When my mind went back to the reason for the fight, I tried not to laugh. I hardly eat anymore since becoming half ghost. Vlad will discover it will be difficult to punish me through starvation. I've gone a month without eating before. It's a little uncomfortable but compared to his penis it's a walk in the park.
Then it hit me. I smelled chicken but not just any chicken—my mommy's. Mom makes the best fried chicken in the world but there's only one way I could be smelling her chicken. Someone's afraid.
To a ghost, emotions are food. I taste a person's emotions through my favorite tastes. Fear tastes the best—Mom's chicken. Happiness tastes like blueberry cobbler. Worry—pancakes. But the tricky part is I don't taste anything more. The only way to give my food taste is to find an emotion that tastes like the food I'm about to eat. Not an easy task to do, let me tell you.
But now I can taste Mom's chicken and it makes me want it. I guess I'll give in. As much as I hate to, I've got to have some fried chicken. It may not be Mom's chicken, but it'll do.
I try to tell Vlad I give up but I can't. My voice won't work. Realization dawns on me. It's not taking my cheese sticks or making me watch Rafe and Vlad eat that's the punishment. My punishment is being hungry and not being able to eat.
Vlad invades my mind, You didn't think it'd be that easy, did you?
No, but I didn't think you'd be so cruel! How did you do it? Are you attacking someone?
What are you talking about? I'm not attacking anyone, Vlad said, confused.
I only taste this when someone's afraid. Who are you scarring, I demanded. I wouldn't allow him to hurt anyone else.
Oh, Daniel, you have so much to learn. It doesn't have to be a genuine fear to taste like it. It's me. I'm feeding your fear.
It became clear to me now. All the confusion cleared up until it made perfect sense. Every time I got hungry was when I was feasting on some kind of emotion with just enough to make me hungry. Kind of like tasting one bite before dinner. It makes you hungrier. I'm not sure how, but Vlad's feeding me a small bite to keep me hungry.
Unlike in the normal person analogy, when I eat a bite every few seconds, I get even hungrier, not fuller. I need a full meal of fear to satisfy my hunger and a full course over two hours does not compute.
Vlad had to rub it in. Rafe asked me if I was hungry and I responded no, I was fine. Or at least, that's what Vlad made me say. The same way I came with Vlad at the beginning of the week, I heard myself tell Rafe I wasn't hungry. As the night went on, Vlad kept feeding me the fear. At nine o'clock, Vlad called it a night and we took Rafe home. For the first time since the accident, I was actually starving.
XXX
I wanted to cry when I felt the limo kick into gear after we let Rafe out. I knew in a short hour, I'd be crying, screaming and begging again. It helped to know that six o'clock in the morning, it'd end but I couldn't escape the fact that 12 short hours later I'd be with him for 90 hours. Nothing could erase that fact.
Much sooner than I'd like, Vlad was carrying our bags upstairs to a motel room. Vlad opened the door and ordered me inside. I'm so not looking forward to this. Vlad closed the door, dropping the bags to his feet.
"You couldn't help yourself, could you," Vlad said. He had a very dark demeanor and his body was rigid. "I told you to behave but you couldn't carry manners if they had handles."
"I'm sorry. I really am. You know how I can get. Can we just spend the night in separate beds and wait until we leave Florida," I asked, eyes pleading.
"You want to spend the night asleep," Vlad asked me. He crossed the floor, stopping in front of me. I planted on my feet in the ground to keep myself from flying across the room when Vlad hit me.
"Daniel, we will spend the night together just as we have the last two nights. You have no place but with me. When I want you, you will come. When I tell you do something, you would do it regardless of who is present. And the next time you regard me in the same manner as you have this afternoon or any less than expected, we will become imaginative in your punishments."
Vlad's raised his hands slowly, allowing me to purposely note each movement. Vlad's hand came in to contact with my cheek, his full ghostly strength behind the slap. Vlad allowed plenty of time for me to stop his assault but this was a test. I knew if I tried to stop him, the real abuse would ensue and those I couldn't stop.
This is my punishment. Taking his abuse with no objection. To him, I'm practically asking for it—or at least saying I want it. Vlad doesn't care if I object or not. He wins either way.
After Vlad smacked me the second time, his hand balled up into a fist. Last beating I got—with Beth—Vlad never punched me. He simply smacked, backhanded and hit me with his energy. Vlad's fist met my abdomen then his other hand grabbed my hair.
I can't stand when someone grabs my hair and now is no different. My eyes burn the intense feelings of neon eyes as my ghostly eyes kick in. I wanted to badly teach Vlad a lesson and Vlad even made it easy for me to grab his arm but I couldn't. If I denied him or defied him, which ever this would fall under, it'd only get worse. I'd have to bite my tongue and extinguish my eyes.
Vlad moved slow for several insults until he'd had his fun taunting me. Then his movements increase in speed. Vlad brutally assaulted me, not just causing split lips and swelling but breaking bones and burning me with his energy. I silently thanked goodness that Vlad provided the clothing because now those too lay in ruin.
Vlad finished ripping the clothing from my skin, the fabric in tatters. I had trouble seeing out of one eye and my side hurt badly. Vlad pulled me backward until we were touching front to back. I felt a cold sensation overtake my backend, my body racked with chills. Then, from cold to hot, a blinding hot flash intruded my ass.
It may have only been sixteen hours but it was enough for me to get accustomed to the peace those hours brought. Every insult, every disrespect, every disobedience was not worth it for this moment. Vlad still had the last laugh.
Vlad never slowed. He never lessened the pain I was in. In fact, if he felt like I was even slightly not in pain, he'd find a way to increase my pain level. He remained in my anus until well past three. Then I fell him exit.
Two hours left, I figure he'll get some rest so he could spend the day with Rafe. Vlad triggering his rings convinces me, so I settle down for the night. Then I felt a sharp penetration. I scream out louder than I have all night.
Vlad had inserted his penis a fourth of the way into the sensitive area. He may have been in human form but it did nothing to lessen the pain. Vlad's not moving but it still hurts.
"Okay, Daniel, let's start practicing. We'll have four days to work on it soon," Vlad said. I felt his lips touched top of my head. His hands tightened around my hips and I tried to push away from him. Vlad's grip held me tighter.
Vlad came on top of me, resting his full weight on my back. Vlad's lower half became light and the compensated weight toppled on my chest. Still, the pain between my legs outshone it like a supernova against a flashlight.
Vlad lifted my pelvis to be even with his and he gently whispered in my ear, "I'll go soft so it won't hurt you. If you feel the pain lessen and you seem far away, tell me immediately. We cannot have you go comatose again," Vlad said.
The first thrust felt like 1000 knives stabbed between my legs. The next one felt even worse. I cried out but knew it did no good. I kept my screams at bay and settled for pushing my head into the mattress as far as possible without puncturing it.
Butchering mattresses reminded me of the one Vlad destroyed after the 32 hours. We can't just destroy a motel mattresses and not explain!
I could do anything I want. Hell, I remember this one time I took a bitch with me to a board meeting. After we had sex, I left the mattress as it was making everyone see it as perfect. Six years later they discovered it when the motel changed mattresses. That bitch is missing, presumed dead. They identified the blood but couldn't tell when it happened. She hemorrhaged four years before that.
I listened in shock, my eyes wide as Vlad recounted the story of a girl who was no longer alive. This poor girl went through hell and he's treated it like a fishing tale.
Vlad, what about the mattress, I asked after a moment to compose myself.
Oh, I put a protective layer over. Every ounce of sweet blood you lose vaporizes, unfortunately, Vlad said. He sounded quite disappointed.
I look down but couldn't see anything. I brought my hands up to my eyesight and scratched my skin. The blood slowly trickled down to the bed and it fizzled like water on a hot plate.
Was there anything Vlad couldn't do with his energy, I thought amazed.
"I'll have to give you a little lesson about 5:30," Vlad said aloud. It was a nice breath of air to hear his voice and not mine.
"We won't be doing this for the remainder of our time," I asked hopeful. My breath was ragged and pain laid on the surface but I spoke.
"No, I don't want to push you too far too fast again. Having a comatose bitch isn't as fun as it sounds," Vlad remarked. I grimaced. It's not as fun for the bitch either.
Vlad didn't do much with the area sexual wise. After about 30 minutes, Vlad pulled out. However, he wasn't done with the vagina. Until five o'clock, Vlad sucked me. His tongue plunged like a penis and he still got satisfaction after each suck. Until five-thirty, Vlad held me in his arms, kissing me in in every sexual spot imaginable. Still, I got no satisfaction.
At five-thirty, Vlad ceased the horseplay (that could be considered a pun since a ghost's penis is up in him like a horse) and grabbed two outfits. Vlad held another one of those hideous monkey suits for me to wear like yesterday.
I can't believe I'm even thinking this but thank God soon I'll be naked.
Agreed, Vlad thought back to me.
Oh, hush, I said, somewhat serious and somewhat playful. I'm still naked.
I know, Vlad said seductively. And I already can't wait until you're naked again. "Okay, let's get serious," Vlad ended the mental conversation, speaking aloud. "I want to teach you how to use your ecto-energy. When doing everyday things, always use green energy. Anything more powerful could harm you."
I walked to the bathroom after Vlad dropped the suit on the bed. He beckoned me into the shower. Vlad formed green energy in his hand and shot randomly in the corner. However the blast didn't damage anything but instead create large cylindrical container.
"Is that…" I asked slowly. No, it couldn't be.
"Yes, it is a washer," Vlad answered. He retrieved his clothing from the bed and they fell into the tub. Vlad formed energy around his hand and held it over the top as well. Next, a lid formed on top of the tub and it made real noise just like a real washer would when it began.
I couldn't help but think of Dad and his obsession to make ectoplasm into everyday items. An ecto-washer and ecto-detergent. It'd thrill him!
"Ectoplasm has no limit. It'll do whatever you want to. The bigger the job, the more power you need. It'd be like trying to get car grease out with Dial soap and water. Ectoplasm's only weakness is imagination. If you can't think of it, obviously it can't do it but if you ask it, it will deliver."
Vlad encased one hand with blue ecto-energy. This one I was envious of. It looks so cool. Vlad shot the blue energy at the floor and as he moved past, he build a box. It wasn't very deep but it was wide. Finally it's shape told me what it was: a shower.
"Daniel, please turn on the cold water," Vlad told me. I reached over and turned the knob to the cold faucet and cold water ran out the tub that was there but hot water ran out of shower Vlad created.
"Wow," I cried. "How'd you do that?"
"Ever notice ecto-energy burns," Vlad remarked. Yeah, I can vouch for that. "Instead of burning the target, warm the water."
"I can't believe this. I never imagined my ecto-energy could do these things. I always thought that it was only a weapon," I told Vlad in disbelief.
"Daniel, you could fill libraries what you don't know," Vlad said. He was insulting me again but I couldn't stop smiling. It was nice to learn something. "Okay, I'll do this so you won't get hurt and I'll shower in the tub."
Vlad turned the water on to pure hot. He adjusted the cold and step into the shower. I done the same. Vlad handed me a green soap bar and began to lather with one of his own.
"Need any shampoo," Vlad asked me. I actually did. I didn't wash my hair yesterday in Wisconsin.
"Yes, please," I responded. Vlad formed ectoplasm in his hand.
"Heads up," Vlad replied as he shot a blast at my head. Heads-up? I think he's trying to shoot my head off! When the blast makes contact, shampoo covered my hair. "And this kind is one size fits all." I sighed in relief.
I lathered up my hair and rinsed it out when I was done. Finally, I was done with my shower. Vlad cut off the water and the shower disappeared under my feet. Vlad and I walk into the bedroom to get dressed.
Vlad began to steam as the water literally dried off in front of my eyes. Me, I turned myself intangible and the water had no skin to cling to. "Nice use your powers. The only reason I could do this is I have heat. Ectoplasm to do this would be quite tricky. You'd risk burning yourself."
"So this is one place ecto-energy can't help you," I said. I knew ecto-energy had a weak spot!
"No, it's not a weakness. It's limited by my authority, not by nature," Vlad defended.
"Potato, patato," I said my spin on the famous saying.
"It's tomato, tamato," Vlad corrected me.
I rolled my eyes, "I know the actual saying. That's just mine. I'm extremely allergic to tomatoes so I changed the saying," I replied. I chuckled to myself, "I tell people I'm so allergic to tomatoes I can't even say them."
Vlad looked at me weirdly, "You used to be allergic to tomatoes?"
"I still am," I said slowly, to make a point. "When I was younger, I stepped onto a tomato barefoot. Tomato juice seeped into a cut on my foot and I had seven reactions before I cleaned my foot."
"Wow. That was quite an allergy," Vlad said. I don't like where this may be headed.
"Still an allergy," I said sternly. I want him to understand.
"I highly doubt you are still allergic," Vlad said. Oh man, this is bad.
"I know that I am," I informed him.
"Okay! That is enough on this subject. Dad is expecting us at six o'clock for breakfast. We don't want to be late," Vlad said ending the discussion. Vlad straighten my coat, my tie and wrinkled out my clothing. "Now, fix your hair. I swear it is ridiculous."
"Don't dis my hair. It's none of your concern," I told Vlad.
"You're my bitch. It is exactly my concern," Vlad told me.
"You will not dabble in my hair affairs," I told him, stretching out hair to make it rhyme with affairs.
"Nevermind. Now, put it back," Vlad ordered me. I formed an ecto-band and secured my hair. I stood in front of a mirror to do it so I could see it.
I whimpered when I saw it. "My poor hair!" I looked like someone who put their hair halfway up, halfway down, with their neck shaved. It looked pathetic! The only part that resembled me was my little wedge bang that wouldn't go in the hairband.
"How on earth does your hair do that," Vlad asked me.
"I don't know. My hair is as big of a mystery to me as my powers. Personally, I believe I have hair power." Actually, it was Brit that said that.
"It's certainly weird and you've been cursed for life. I don't know, maybe all the gel Jack put in his hair made yours stand up! It wouldn't surprise me," Vlad answered.
I saw Vlad put his hand on my shoulder in the mirror and I felt my stomach lurch. Vlad transported out with us again.
I bent over hurling, my stomach doing somersaults. Once my world stopped spinning, I looked at Vlad angrily as I tried to stop vomiting. "Could you m-maybe give me a heads up next time? I hate that power," I looked at him through my side vision as I keep my hands on my knees.
"Okay, I'll give you a heads up for now but do try to get used to it. I'll use that a lot since there is five hours between us and three by flight."
A lump formed in my throat and I tried not to show him my fear. Of course, that battle was lost. Vlad would come from me when he wanted me. I would have no warning. I would have no time to prepare.
Vlad knocked on the door and Rafe answered a moment later. I could tell Vlad wasn't as close to his father as Sam, Tucker, Jazz, Brit and I are with our parents. Even at the Manson's, we just walk in.
"Honestly, Vlad! Just come on in, son. I'm not as limber as I used to be," Rafe answered.
"Dad, how am I supposed to get in the house with the doors locked," Vlad said. That's an interesting point. He could always go intangible but Rafe isn't supposed to know that.
"I never lock my doors," Rafe said aggravated, "you know that."
"This is why I bring this up, Dad. You're an elderly man who lives alone. You should have a dog or an alarm or something and you should certainly lock your doors."
"Oh, Vladimir. Don't lecture me. I may be years out of the trade but I pity the fool who comes in unannounced," Rafe said. I smiled. Rafe was a hell of an older man.
"Dad, please take me up on my offer," Vlad asked… No, pleaded.
"I'm not hiring a butler and I am not moving to Madison with you. Damn boy, it's colder there than it is in Ohio."
"Dad, I have central heat in the castle. You've been there before. I have air! What makes you think I don't have heat," Vlad argued.
Rafe silenced Vlad. "I won't hear any more of this. I'm staying in Florida and I'll continue to live on my own!"
"Fine. Let's cook breakfast," Vlad resigned. Dang, Rafe knows how to beat down Vlad. He's not even fighting anymore.
"So, Danny, what do you like for breakfast," Rafe asked.
"Well," I answered, "I usually eat cereal when I do eat. Apple Jacks."
"You don't have an eating disorder, do you? I don't mean to pry but you are pretty skinny for your age," Rafe asked me. "Did your family have plenty to eat?"
"Oh, Mom and Dad have plenty of food. It's just…" I paused. This was hard to describe. "I can't taste anything anymore. My taste buds have gone on the frizz. So I don't get hungry that much and when I do I usually lose it once I began eating. I have to force myself to eat."
"Oh, you poor boy. Is it a medical condition or have you had it checked out," Rafe asked me.
"I've never had it checked before. I don't think that it's that serious," I told Rafe.
"It's affecting your weight and nutrition," Rafe said. "It's serious. Have him checked out," Rafe aimed the last part to Vlad. Why would he tell Vlad to have me checked? Maybe he wants Vlad to tell Mom and Dad. No chance there. Vlad knows what's up with me more than I do.
"Daniel, set the table," Vlad ordered me. I nodded my acceptance, going to the cabinet and grabbing the dishes. Rafe and Vlad began to scramble eggs together and place biscuits on a pan. Once I have the dishes put out, I hear Vlad order: "Grab the bacon from the refrigerator and fry it on the griddle."
"Would a please kill you," Rafe asked with a grumble.
"He's just grumpy," I told Rafe." He didn't get much sleep last night."
"That's because he forgot how to sleep on a real bed," Rafe told me. "He sleeps on those plants now." couldn't help but laugh. Rafe told it like it was.
I grabbed the bacon in the fridge and put on the griddle. The popping grease didn't bother me like it would most people. Mom says that even kitchen workers should wear hazmat suits.
I finished the bacon and added it to the plates. I placed the last piece of bacon on the plate and I heard Vlad's voice again: "Grab the biscuits, Daniel, and then plate the eggs."
"Vlad," Rafe scolded, "we can do some things, too."
"This is his job," Vlad told Rafe. "He has to earn his keep."
"He's on vacation," Rafe stated firmly. "He does not have to earn his keep."
"Well in my house he does," Vlad told Rafe. I wondered if Vlad remembered we were in Florida.
"When you're back in Wisconsin, you can work the poor boy to death but for the moment you're in my house," Rafe told Vlad pointedly. While they were busy arguing, I plated eggs and biscuits.
"Look at that! Daniel done as he was told," Vlad said, turning to me.
"Yeah, because if I want anything to eat I better do it. You'd argue with your poor father to Earth's end. Don't you know father knows best," I remarked.
"I'm very impressed with your direct approach. You did well, Daniel," Vlad commented me. I didn't feel proud.
"Well, don't get used to it. I was just hungry," I told Vlad. Vlad glared at me but I didn't care. I was so hungry, I could probably eat ten plates of this.
"What do you drink for breakfast, Danny," Rafe asked me. I usually drink milk but for some reason I want apple juice. I could taste it.
"Do you have any apple juice," I asked him. I sure hope he keeps some in his fridge.
"Sorry, kid. I don't really keep Apple juice," Rafe said. "Any other choices?"
"Water will be fine," I remarked. I really detest water but I can't really taste anything anyway so who cares?
"Are you sure? I have other beverages," Rafe asked. I nodded my head.
"Water please," I replied.
"Okay," Rafe drawled out. He took a glass from the counter and walked over to the tap. "Is tap water all right?"
"Sure," I remarked. He poured a glass from the spigot and handed it to me. Rafe grabbed two mugs and gave one to Vlad as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Vlad poured tea in his cup.
We finished eating in silence, not one of us starting a conversation. Before I knew it, it was after seven and we were going out again. We went store to store, shop to shop. I was starting to become accustomed. However, when we finished lunch, Vlad drove us to a shop I didn't expect. I couldn't believe it was even open.
"Vlad, what on earth are we doing in a summer shop," I asked him incredulously.
"You don't have any clothes suitable for our trip this evening, Daniel. This is the last shop," Vlad said. Last stop? It wasn't even 11 o'clock yet!
"Are you spending time down there," Rafe asked Vlad.
"Yeah. I'm going to spend a few weeks there. This Daniel's first trip," Vlad remarked.
"Oh, I'll bet you'll love it. I haven't been there before but Vlad spends a lot of time there," Rafe turned to me. I don't care where it is, 90 hours alone with Vlad sounds horrible. Besides, I do believe he's taking me back to Wisconsin. Vlad is probably going to make me where those things in the castle so I'll freeze to death!
Vlad shopped for me in that summer stop until after 11:30. Then we boarded his limo and drove off. When the limo came to a stop, Vlad stood up saying: "I'll be right back. I need to tell the office I won't be reachable for a few weeks." Vlad left the limo, heading towards a huge corporate office.
"Where are we," I asked aloud. The building was huge and people were buzzing everywhere.
"This is Vlad's business HQ for the Southern District. The main base is in Madison, Wisconsin but he has four bases in the US with 16 international."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing Rafe say. This was his company. This is not fake at all. When I learned what kind of man Vlad really was—that is not the rapist and murderer—I believe his company was bogus. But this is real.
After 2 minutes, Vlad returned and we rode off again. This time we stopped at Rafe's and we carried in all the bags. Vlad, Rafe and I wrapped presents then Vlad told me to follow them. He led us to the kitchen where we yet again began to cook. It was just before 12:30 in the afternoon. Five and a half hours to go.
It didn't take me long to figure out the meal, a traditional Christmas dinner. Vlad had me peeling potatoes to mash when I saw Vlad taking a basting pan to the oven and, the odd thing was the bird was not inside. I thought for a minute there Vlad forgot it but Rafe dismissed my fears.
Rafe moaned in anticipation, adding: "I hope it is good this year as it is every year. No matter how hard I try or who I hire I can never get someone to make the bird like you."
The dirty dog, I thought. He buys a prepared Turkey to fool his dad and uses his mind control to make Rafe think Vlad's cooking it. That is just so wrong.
Around three Vlad ordered me to come with him. I left the living room reluctantly but showing no outer signs of my apprehension. When we made it to the kitchen, Vlad pulled an unprepared Turkey from the fridge.
"I want you to watch and learn," Vlad instructed me. Vlad put the bird on the counter and grabbed the pan straight out of the oven—no glove. Suddenly my thought earlier on grease made no sense. It can go farther than taking a few grease splats on my arm.
Vlad dissolved the wrapping away from the bird and placed it in the pan. I heard the skin sizzle from the heat of the pan. Vlad can touch the pan but the dead bird still screamed. Amazing!
Vlad's hands glowed blue and he placed them over the bird. The blue energy encased the turkey and I heard the skin crack and sizzle. Vlad left the blue energy on the bird until 3 minutes had passed. Then the blue energy turned to purple energy, Vlad leaving it for an additional 2 minutes. After five total minutes of cook time, he removed the energy. The bird looked absolutely beautiful. Vlad's hands came encased in green energy and he shot blades at the turkey. It fell in perfect slices. Vlad disposed (the human way) the bones.
"That was amazing," I remarked. It was still blowing my mind.
"You must remember not to use purple for very long and to never use red. The red will vaporize anything biodegradable," Vlad said. "Dad," he called in a somewhat cheery voice. "Turkey is done!"
We plated the meal and was eating just after 3:30.
I bit into that Turkey and nearly melted. No wonder Rafe couldn't find anything close to this turkey. No stove or even deep fryer can do what Vlad done. That blue energy cooked it to perfection and the purple had gave it a crunch. I'd also bet the blue energy only cooked the inside because the crust was just too perfect. I'd bet I'll never have another turkey like this… Or I'll keep hoping I don't.
After supper, Rafe took a nap. Vlad started to clean up the meal and I decided to take advantage of my free time.
I wandered down the hall towards Rafe's bedroom. On the outside of the wall was the mysterious ghost from yesterday. I approached her gently.
"Hello. We got off on a bad foot yesterday and I wanted to apologize. The ghosts in my town are always up to no good. I didn't know you met them no harm. Again, I apologize," I told her gently.
However, her response was not as gentle as my approach. The woman turned to me pointedly, 'shoo, go away kid,' she said but no sound emanated. I could only tell what she said because I could read her lips.
"What are you doing here? Who are you," I asked her. If she thinks a sharp turn will scare me away she's got another thing coming.
She angrily stormed off but she stopped at a picture on the wall. She pointed to it but couldn't touch it. I walked over to the wall and looked at the picture. The woman was in the picture, looking identical to herself in the present, but in the picture was a little boy and a middle-aged man. It was a younger version but I knew who it was. The man was Rafe, the boy was Vlad and the woman was Miranda. The woman was Rafe's wife; Vlad's mom.
'Now go away kid,' Miranda mouthed again. Then, she disappeared into thin air. I walked along the wall after she left, really looking at the pictures. On every inch of this house, there was a reminder of happier times. Every one of the pictures was from two or more decades ago. They looked so happy.
Then I came across this one picture. It was still old but it was younger than the others. The boy had thick black hair and he was just a child. I looked at the picture, recognizing him from somewhere but I can't remember where. After a moment, I gave up and took a seat in the chair. Vlad finished cleaning up and was reading in a chair. I sat down on the couch and watched my time as a free boy fly away.
"It won't be long. It's already 4:40. One hour and 20 minutes."
A lump formed in my throat and Vlad laughed humorously. I forced to keep myself together. I would not lose it just thinking about it.
Vlad says he has mind control but I believe he also can control time. The 80 minutes couldn't have held onto something if it had claws. I was just beginning to get comfortable when Vlad got up. I looked at the clock to see if it had the answer as to why Vlad was getting up—and it did. It was six o'clock.
Running crosses my mind but then again Vlad can hear. What if I made a scene? Vlad would just erase or whatever their memories where no one could do anything. What about Rafe? Well, Vlad hasn't exactly shown restraint on controlling his father's mind. The phone! Dammit, if it'll even work Vlad already knows about it. I can't control myself to stop thinking. The techniques that the ghost hunters teach aren't working. Vlad can still read my thoughts.
Vlad and Rafe emerge from the bedroom, Vlad holding the bags of clothes. Vlad hugged Rafe, saying goodbye. Once he let go, Vlad stood behind me.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay with your dad? We can stay or I can go home. I don't want you missing time with him." It wasn't very good but I had to try any approach.
"No. We've had plenty of time to spend together. It's time we left," Vlad said in a patient voice. It's only because soon it will be only him and I. I feel nauseous.
"Well, Danny, it was nice to meet you," Rafe said. He walked towards me and hugged me affectionately. "Take care of yourself, kid."
"I will," I said, breaking the hug. I stayed longer than most teenagers would with total strangers but I wanted to hold onto any additional length of time. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Masters." I used his last name for the first time to show I truly meant it. Before, I wouldn't call him that so I could alienate him from Vlad.
Rafe looked at me funny. "It's not Masters. It's Fenton," Rafe remarked. I froze in place. Ashamed and embarrassed… Then it hit me.
"Fenton? Like mine," I stated, startled. Rafe looked at me questionably again.
"Yeah," Vlad said, dryly. He acted like we should know this. "He's your grandfather."
Realization slammed me. "He's my grandpa!"
"He's my grandson!" Rafe was just as stunned. Rafe and I stared at each other in awe. This man wasn't Vlad's dad. Rafe was my grandfather.
"Jack," I distantly heard Vlad say disapprovingly.
"Don't you 'Jack' my dad," I spun to him. I mocked the way he said my dad's name.
"Wait a minute, Vlad. This is Jack and Maddie's little boy. That's impossible! That little boy is only seven or eight," Rafe declared.
"No. It's the same one," Vlad told him. "He's 14 years old."
"And what are you doing with him," Rafe asked surprised. I guess he's no longer Rafe. He's my grandfather.
"Maddie and Jack let him spend the first week of his Christmas vacation with me," Vlad replied.
"He's not your foster child," my grandfather declared surprised.
"No," both Vlad and I declared.
"Hell no," I added on. "This is only a one-week deal."
"I thought Danny's parents had lost custody and he was going through a tough adjustment period. He was only a guest," he laughed with a tiresome laugh. This had been confusing to him and now I know why.
"Yeah. Maddie, Jack, Daniel and his older sister Jasmine came over for the reunion last month. I talked them into allowing me to keep Daniel for a week to work some kinks out. We got off to a poor start."
Poor start? That's what he calls trying to kill my dad, kidnapping my mother and terrorizing a houseful of party guests. He has some nerve.
"I can't believe this. I was way off," Grandpa replied.
"I'm sorry, Dad. But we've really got to go. I'm sorry you're just now figuring this out," Vlad said. I wondered if he really was or did he know things would be different if he knew my true identity.
"Wait a minute. Why do you call him Dad? I don't understand," I asked suddenly.
Vlad glared at me but Grandpa replied, "I watched him grow up. He and your father were best friends growing up. In a way, he is my son," Grandpa replied. Now I got it. It's like the Foley's and my family. Tucker calls my parents Mom and Dad Number Two and I call his the same thing. I know I could go over to Mom Number Two for anything and vise versa for Tucker. It was that way for Brit and her parents before they moved too.
"Okay, I get it. So biologically, he is not your son," I asked to clarify.
"No, not biologically," Grandpa answered.
I sighed, "Good. There for second, I thought I was related to him."
I felt a rough hand grabbed me by my upper arm and jerked me backward. "Daniel, we have to go. Now, say goodbye."
"Goodbye," I said slowly. I prayed for a miracle.
Grandpa stood motionless, his eyes wide. He was stuttering but couldn't form a word. "Dad," Vlad addressed. Grandpa mellowed. "We've got to go. We'll miss our flight if we don't. We'll see around. Love you!"
The way Vlad said it was very forceful. Then I saw Grandpa's eyes coast down the road. I wave my hands to try to get Grandpa's attention but it didn't work. Vlad's hand that wasn't gripping my arm held onto the clothes and I felt my stomach lurch. I went to my thighs, dry heaving.
AN: Chapter companions are available at fan fiction dot net slash my forums slash Team 04 Phantom slash 3876657. Please review and PM me with any questions.