Demons and Ghosts, Hell's King and King of the Dead

Vlad's Paranoia and A Sister Sense

It had been weeks since Vlad had made an appearance, and Danny was feeling edgy.

"He's probably up to something," Tucker said.

"But what?" Danny tugged his hair.

"Don't stress over it, Danny." Sam shook her head. "It's best if you just let it go for now."

"Let it go? This is Vlad we're talking about, Sam. Letting it go is not an option. I either need to confront Vlad or go to Clockwork." Danny sighed.

"Honestly, Danny, you'd have better luck with Vlad," Tucker said, "Clockwork is way too cryptic, and he can't meddle in the time streams too much."

"I hate to admit it, but Tucker is right." Sam shrugged. "Clockwork's a good guy, but he wouldn't be much help."

Danny groaned and dragged a hand down his face.

__________________________

Danny floated right outside Vlad's mansion.

After making sure there was no ghost shield he would slam face first into, Danny slipped through the walls.

He flew about, but Vlad wasn't anywhere.

"Maybe he's in his secret lab," Danny muttered.

With this in mind, Danny flew through the ground and appeared in a lab.

What Danny saw was surprising.

Vlad was there, but he had bags under his eyes, and his hair was a mess. He wasn't wearing his normal suit, instead he was draped in normal, rumpled clothes.

"Vlad?" Danny asked.

Vlad jumped and looked up, almost as if he just realized Danny was there. His eyes were filled with paranoia.

"Daniel?" Vlad questioned warily.

"Yeah." Danny nodded. "Are you okay? You don't look too good."

"I'm fine," Vlad said, "I just have to hide here for a few more months, and then I'll be safe."

"Safe? From what?" Danny asked.

Vlad shook his head. "Be careful, Daniel. I fear he is still lurking about."

"Who?" Danny asked.

Vlad ignored him. "I'm afraid he might approach you soon."

"What's got you so scared? What happened to the fearless Plasmius?" Danny frowned.

"As much as I wish it to be a lie, I can not compete against this power. I am much too weak, as pitiful as it is." Vlad shuddered.

Danny swallowed. "Vlad-"

"Leave, Daniel. You need do not need to worry about me for a while."

Danny hesitantly did so.

__________________________

Sam and Tucker became nervous when Danny came back, paler than normal.

"Danny?" Sam asked, "Are you okay?"

"Something's wrong," Danny murmured, "Very wrong."

"What do you mean?" Tucker gulped.

"Vlad, he's locked himself in his lab. He looks half insane. He's scared of something or someone. He won't tell me who or what, but it's obvious he's terrified," Danny explained.

"Scared? Vlad?" Sam furrowed her brow. "Are we talking about the same Vlad?"

"Yes!" Danny snapped. "I know it seems weird, but if you saw him..."