"V-Vlad!"

He didn't respond, glaring down the jock in front of me with murderous intent. Dash paled and quickly let go of my shirt, stumbling back with wide, disbelieving eyes. The air crackled with a tangible sense of fear and something supernatural. Vlad advanced a step and stood in front of me, holding everyone in the vicinity captive with nothing but a cold glare.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked in a quiet, deadly voice.

The blonde looked like he was about to wet his pants. The other A-listers were equally frozen, waiting and watching anxiously as their ring leader dwindled before the richest and arguably most powerful man on Earth. Vlad Masters didn't need to lift a finger to utterly destroy their lives, and everyone here knew it.

"I-I wasn't...Danny just-we weren't-"

Vlad sneered at his incoherent dribble and pulled a sudden, unexpected move, lashing out and forcing Dash to near tip toe by the scruff of his neck. A few of the others jumped at the lightening fast grab, running away because everything about the billionaire was dripping with danger right now. I had no clue what to do, still struck dumb because this was the second time Vlad had turned into my personal hero.

"I'm going to teach you a valuable lesson about crossing people like me, Mr. Baxter." The blonde's eyes were the size of basketballs. "You are going to crawl back to that hovel you call a house, and after I utterly ruin your father's career, you will reflect on the pathetic state of your existence from below the poverty line and think hard about your actions here today. In exchange for my generous lesson, you won't everlay a hand on my godson again, do I make myself clear?"

"W-Wha-? You can't-!"

"Do I make myself clear?" Vlad didn't even really raise his voice, but the temperature dropped several degrees and a bone chilling shiver ran down my spine.

"C-Crystal, S-Sir!"

Vlad threw him his most disgusted glower before dropping the teen to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Dash, pale and clammy, flickered his horrified eyes between me and the powerful billionaire, twisting around and taking off down the road. The remaining goons immediately followed after him, shooting me and my unusual companion dumbfounded stares. I watched them go, starting to feel a little afraid for my own life now that I was alone with Vlad. He continued to stare off in stoney silence.

"You know...you probably shouldn't have threatened a minor. You can get in big trouble for that." I muttered, wiping at the blood dribbling from my nose.

"That wasn't a threat." he growled. It quickly became apparent that he was still pissed when he spun around and grabbed my upper arm in a firm grip.

"Hey-!"

"I do not understand your logic, Daniel!" he began, marching away from the dumpster with a hard glare and dragging me with him. "What on Earth possessed you to egg on slime like that Baxter boy when you knew it would only put you in a compromising situation?"

"Look, it's not like I wanted to get jumped!" I snapped back, trying to yank my arm away. "How did you know where to find me anyways?"

"Your friend, Samantha, was smart enough to call me. Imagine my horror when her voice answered from your number and she told me you were being assaulted by a gang of bullies without fighting back."

"Well of course I wasn't fighting back! I could hurt them!"

"BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HURT YOU?" Vlad roared, suddenly stopping short and grabbing both my arms. "Look at yourself, Daniel! You're so covered in blood I can barely recognize you, and yet you're still worried about the welfare of the monsters who did this to you? How can you be so naive?"

"It's not being naive, it's called being responsible!" I shouted, glaring back just as furiously. "If I let myself fight back I'd do ten times the damage they did to me! I might even kill them!"

"Daniel, you cannot continue allowing yourself to be their punching bag because of some warped sense of justice! I simply won't allow it!"

"Oh, what are you gonna do, Plasmius? Follow me around and shove Dash in a locker whenever he looks at me funny? I don't need your help! I can take care of myself just fine!"

"Clearly, you can't! You have the ability to defend yourself from these students Daniel! Allowing yourself to get beat up isn't heroic, it's moronic!"

"What part of 'I could kill them' don't you understand!" I screamed, near hysterics because I couldn't handle Vlad thinking I was an idiot too.

"If you are honestly that scared of your own powers then there's simply no other solution. I'm going to train you whether you like it or not and you will defend yourself the next time they try to attack you!"

"I-! You-!" His words started to sink in. "...You're going to train me?"

"Of course I'm going to train you! You think I'm going to let you continue fearing your own strength and allowing yourself to be hurt because of it? You're my responsibility now, Daniel! If you won't fight back you'll at least learn how to properly defend yourself!"

Vlad, oblivious to my shock, turned back around and continued to drag me to the limo, muttering various bakery-themed obscenities while glaring at the world around him. I didn't fight back this time, stumbling after him and trying to figure out what just happened.

"Danny!"

Sam's voice cut through my astonishment, her and Tucker running toward us with anxious expressions. Vlad opened the door of the limo and paused, staring down at them with a cold look.

"Thank you for alerting me of today's situation. I'm taking Daniel home to clean his injuries but he will not be allowed out, so don't bother coming over."

"Hey, you can't just-!"

Vlad didn't listen, plucking my phone from Sam's hand and shoving me into the car. I made a mental note to text them later as they continued to shout from beyond the limo. Vlad slammed the door shut, deftly locking them out and ordering the driver to go. I sat in silence as he rummaged through a drawer under the leather seats, pulling out a first aid kit.

"Come here." he snapped, setting the kit on the seat.

I didn't bother arguing, scooting closer and turning on the seat to face him. Vlad was still muttering incoherently as he tore open an alcohol pad, wiping the blood off my face and not bothering to be gentle about it.

"Engh...ow..." I winced, pouting when he grabbed my face and held it still.

"Stop moving."

I glowered, but did as he said. Vlad opened another pad, this time being a little more careful as he wiped the stinging rag over the split skin. We didn't talk much, nothing but the quiet hum of the engine drifting around our ears. I basically waited for Vlad's temper to dissipate, watching his stoney expression slowly melt into one of guarded concern.

"How many of them were there?" He asked quietly, still frowning, but at least he wasn't seething with rage anymore.

"Six. They mostly just stood around though. Dash was the only one throwing punches."

His frown deepened, but otherwise he didn't respond. I appreciated it when he stopped holding my jaw still, opening some small, strip bandages and gently applying them to the more serious wounds. It was mostly just some bruising though, so there wasn't a lot Vlad could do. My ghost powers would take care of my nose, if it was broken.

"...does this happen often?" he asked, expressionless.

"Eeeh, sorta, yeah." I shrugged. "Usually not this bad, though. I just got under Dash's skin more than usual."

Vlad exhaled in irritation, shaking his head as he wiped the last of the blood away and closed the kit. Wordlessly, he put it away and sat back in the limo seat, rubbing his temples. I sorta felt bad for making him worry and get so angry, but I honestly never expected Vlad to react like he did. I get beat up all the time, often times by the billionaire himself. Granted, usually I'm always fighting back, so is that what this is about?

More importantly, is Vlad really gonna train me?

I thought we'd firmly established that just because I was living with him, that didn't mean I was going to be his apprentice. I still haven't said that I'm going to either, cause I'm not. Granted, I may have actually wanted his help with my powers since forever, but he's never budged in his price. Does he consider having legal custody of me the same as achieving his plans? I guess...it sure feels the same...

"Daniel, what's wrong?"

I jumped, his voice cutting into my troubled thoughts. Vlad was staring at me, obviously noticing my agitated expression and waiting for an answer.

"Nothing, I just...are you really gonna train me?"

"Of course I am. Why would I not?" He rose an eyebrow like this wasn't a huge deal.

"Uh, because I haven't renounced my father and sold my soul to you." I bit back, feeling my temper return with his flippant attitude. "When I asked to live with you I said no minion or pet-son crap, remember?"

"Yes Daniel, I remember quite clearly. Just because I'm teaching you how to use your ghost powers doesn't mean I'm doing it for me. I'm well aware of what you're unwilling to do." he replied in an equally biting tone.

I narrowed my eyes, not sure what to make of his response. God, he can be such a pain to figure out sometimes! Vlad and I mostly simmered in silence on the way back to the mansion, and when we got there he sent me to my room like a pompous jerk. I seriously considered telling him to shove it, cause it was weird to be grounded by him like he's my dad or something, but in the end I just didn't want to start a fight. I'd had enough fights for the day.

I did make sure to slam my bedroom door extra hard though.

-XxX

Two hours of brooding and one long nap later, I was feeling much more hospitable. And hungry. My nose didn't hurt so much anymore, and it looked okay in the mirror. The bruises were still purple and gross looking, but I'd just have to deal with that. They wouldn't heal up for another few days, at least. On another note, it didn't take long to figure out that Vlad isn't very good at the whole 'grounding' thing. Apparently he thinks teenagers only communicate via cell phones. I mean seriously, has he even heard of the internet?

After a quick change of clothes and a glance at the clock-dinner was in ten minutes, I had time-I hopped on the computer nestled nicely in the corner of the room. Naturally, it was state of the art and looked incredibly expensive. I quickly opened up the internet browser, smirking as I logged on to the chat site that Sam, Tucker and I use. I had no problems connecting with them online, successfully getting around the old fruitloop's attempt to ground me. One beep from the webcam later and my visibly anxious best friends were on the screen pelting me with questions.

"Dude! What happened?" Tucker spasmed a little, and Sam wasn't far behind.

"Yeah, Vlad whisked you away in a creepy limo and we haven't heard anything for nearly four hours! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine guys." I smiled. "Vlad's just trying to ground me."

"Ground you?" Tucker's lip twitched up in a smirk. "And you still have internet?"

"I know. Adorable, isn't it?"

"Danny, I'm so sorry about calling him, but I didn't know what else to do. Why the heck did you pick a fight with Dash and his cronies anyway?"

I sat back in the chair with a frown, still not really sure. Both of my friends were giving me expectant looks though, clearly concerned.

"I dunno." I shrugged, mumbling. "I guess I'm just tired of taking crap from people like him."

"Dude, I don't blame you." Tucker nodded empathetically.

"What are you gonna do about Dash at school on Monday? I doubt he'll just forget about this."

"Me? Nothing. I think Vlad's planning to utterly destroy his livelihood, though. I should probably be a good superhero and tell him not to." I smirked. Tucker snorted. My eyes suddenly widened as I remembered the most important news of the evening.

"Guys, you're never gonna believe this, but when we were in the limo Vlad said he's gonna train me. Free of charge."

Shock dragged their jaws down as they shouted in unison:

"He WHAT?"

"Are you serious?" Tucker continued.

"Uh huh. I don't know what to make of it. He's never budged in his price before, and I straight up told him I'm not renouncing my Dad."

"I dunno man...this sounds kinda fishy..."

"Tell me about it. What can I do though? Refuse his help? You guys know I've never really gotten the hang of these powers, and Vlad is the only one who can help."

"Still." Sam was frowning. "Be careful Danny. I know he's been really generous lately, but we can't forget that this is Vlad we're talking about."

"I know." I muttered, feeling a heavy weight in my chest from her words. "...I do think he's being sincere though. I mean, why else would he offer to train me with no strings attached?"

"Maybe to get you to stay with him permanently?" Sam countered with her damn logic. "I'm sure Vlad is secretly loving the situation between you and your Dad, even if he won't admit it."

I didn't reply to that, mulling over her words. Yeah, it was likely that he was loving the crap going on between me and my father, but that still didn't mean his actions weren't sincere. I decided to keep that thought to myself though. Sam's trust isn't easily won over, especially not for Vlad.

My friends and I chatted for a few more minutes, mostly bashing Dash and his fellow jocks. Dinner was fast approaching, so I said my good byes and promised to call them back later. One grumbling stomach and short flight later, I found the lavish dinning room and plopped into a seat, reverting to human form in the process. Vlad glanced at me indifferently, returning his eyes to the newspaper folded open before his plate. Seriously, does he ever stop reading? There was already a plate of steaming deliciousness in front of me, and I didn't hesitate to dig in.

The silence between us was weird. After my stomach was partially satiated, I couldn't help but think about what Vlad told me today. To my irritation, he still seemed utterly unperturbed by the whole ordeal, calmly eating away like everything was normal. When would he start training me? What would he teach me? Why was he training me? Words from our earlier fight blazed through my head.

You're my responsibility now, Daniel!

Was that it? Was is some sort of pseudo-parental thing?

I brushed the remaining food around on my plate, pretending I wasn't touched by the sentiment. It was too confusing.

"...You're unusually quiet." Vlad commented after an extended silence, his voice floating out from behind the wall of newspaper.

"Well then I guess that makes two people acting out of character today." I replied, sounding more petulant than I meant to.

A second later he slapped his newspaper to the table, revealing an irritated frown.

"Is there something you'd like to get off your chest Daniel? I'd hoped a three and a half hour break would be enough time for you to cool your temper, but apparently I was wrong."

"I'm not mad!" I yelled, which really didn't help the situation. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. Vlad seemed to appreciate the effort, judging by the grateful glint in his eye.

"I'm not mad." I repeated, sounding like I actually meant it this time. "I'm just...I'm still confused. About the training thing."

Vlad stared at me for a long moment. I had to resist squirming in my seat.

"You really are conflicted about it, aren't you?" He finally asked, sounding bewildered and a little bit sad.

"No, not-well, I guess maybe a little bit, but only because you've never been willing to train me before now! I'm just afraid you're going to expect more than I'm willing to give, you know? I mean I know my dad's turned crazy, but that doesn't mean you-"

I stopped, realizing what I was about to say might hurt Vlad and then struck dumb by the fact that I cared. But he finished my sentence for me, all too aware of what I was thinking.

"But that doesn't mean I'm about to take his place. I know Daniel. I just want you to be able to protect yourself. You...you scared me today."

...What?

Vlad pulled his wall of newspaper back up and shut me out before I could fluster over the bomb he'd just dropped. I didn't know how to react to that confession, cause five minutes ago I was pretty sure nothing scared Vlad. The rest of dinner passed in thick silence. I felt guilty and it irritated me because I didn't know how to fix it. Once the food was cleared, Vlad stood, looking like he had every intention of further shutting himself away in his study. Words suddenly tumbled from my mouth without permission, an embarrassingly transparent desperation to them.

"Can we start tonight?"

He stopped, looking back at me cautiously.

"You want to begin training now?"

I nodded, hoping my posture looked stubborn enough. Vlad considered me for a cool moment, then released a heaving sigh that wasn't fooling anybody.

"Fine, fine, if you insist. Come along, little badger."

A grinned wormed its way onto my face despite myself. I ran through the dining table to catch up with him. The fruitloop wore a badly concealed smile as he led me down the hall, his newspaper tossed into the nearest garbage can. We soon arrived at what looked like a classic dojo room taken from any standard karate movie. I was surprised, having fully expected some elaborate, high-tech ghost training facility. Everything in this room looked pretty normal, which translated to easily destroyable by ghost powers.

"Uh, we're supposed to use our powers in here?"

"Of course not. This is where I'll be training you in hand-to-hand combat. Once I feel comfortable enough in your ability to evade a punch, we'll move on to the custom-built training room you were probably expecting. Then we'll begin your ghost training. You must learn to walk before you run, or I suppose in this case, fly."

"Ah. Yeah, I'm not so good at the hand-to-hand stuff."

"Believe me, I'm well aware."

Vlad took off his suit jacket, hanging it on a hook by the door. I followed his lead when he slipped off his shoes as well, moving onto the massive blue mat that covered most of the floor. He motioned me to join him, rolling up the sleeves to his blouse as he did so.

"I've studied a number of fighting techniques that range in methods of attack and defense. Given your maddening proclivity for mercy, I believe Aikido will be the most fitting for you to learn. It's a japanese martial art form that incorporates a generous concern for the well-being of the attacker. It requires little physical strength, using specific entering and turning movements to redirect the momentum of any delivered attacks rather than opposing it head-on. You will be able to defend yourself while also protecting your attacker from injury, all while being perfectly human."

I stared at Vlad, my mouth hanging open slightly.

"Seriously? I can attack without attacking? Holy crap, I didn't even know this existed! This is awesome! How come you've never used it before?"

"Because unlike you, I find it to be the weakest form of defense. I prefer to defend myself by making sure the assailant can't ever return for a rematch."

"Right." I winced, forcibly reminded of how vicious Vlad could be when he wanted to. "...But you're still gonna teach me this...Aikido-thing, right?"

"Obviously. Hopefully you'll be willing to apply this defense technique to more than just high school bullies."

I didn't miss the subtext to Vlad's comment. He still firmly believed my Dad was going to hurt me again, probation and therapy be damned. I didn't know what to say, oddly comforted by the fact that he was going so far to keep me well-protected, even if it wasn't necessary. My Dad wouldn't hurt me again once he got the help he needed. Dash, however...

"Alright, let's do this." I grinned, easing into my usual battle stance and ready for whatever Vlad tried to throw at me.

Hot damn. I read through the first few chapters of this story and died a little bit on the inside. I need to rewrite them. On a side note, it's super interesting to see how my writing has developed over time. :D

A HUGE thanks needs to go out to all of my readers! I am floored at the interest this story still generates, even after all this time. O_O You guys are amazing!