"Really now," Vlad said, a touch of annoyance creeping into his voice.

"Enough is enough Danielle. You're only hurting yourself by resisting. I would hate to lose you to this experiment when you have to much to give! Just give in to it."

Dani growled in pain and defiance, muscles straining against her bindings. Her eyes were shut tight and her hands trembled with exhaustion. The torturous treatment had been going on for hours.

"You leave me no choice," Vlad said. He cranked the power dial all the way up.

Dani's scream reverberated around the lab. Sparks of electricity raced from the machine down her body. Dani flickered between her human and ghost form as the machine roared onward. Vlad's lab goggles reflected the flashing lights as he toggled switches and pressed buttons. A crescendo of light and sound swelled and then-

With a loud snap, the power went out. The machine slowly quieted and stopped.

Eerie green auxiliary lights illuminated Dani hanging in her restraints. She took long panting breaths, sweaty white hair hanging over her face in a curtain.

"Danielle? can you hear me?" Vlad asked, standing squarely in front of her.

Dani raised her head slowly. Glowing green eyes shone through her hair as she replied softly,

"Yes father."

...........................................................................................

Danny and Gage shot through the night.

"Aren't we going to tell your family about this? " Gage asked, glancing behind him as they sped out of town.

"Not this time," Danny called back. "They'd want to come but... It's usually easier if they're not around."

Gage looked up questioningly, but Danny didn't elaborate.

"So how far is it?" Gage continued, looking around as they rocketed down the freeway.

"Vlad lives in Wisconsin." Danny said shortly.

"Wi...Wisconsin?!"Gage spluttered, phasing through a minivan. "You couldn't have an archenemy that lives a little closer?"

"Hey, no one's making you come," Danny called. "Be my guest to head right back."

Gage glared up at him and then rocketed forward. Wisconsin or not, he wasn't stopping now.