the auction

chapter 3

A FEW HOURS BEFORE THE AUCTION

Chapter 3

Vlad had been working in his lab when the portal door suddenly opened. Glancing at the time, he was surprised to note it was already six in the evening. Had he really spent the entire day here? Well, it wouldn't surprise him. He had been busy filing away and organizing all the data he gathered of ghosts over the years. Danny Phantom had his own special file in the center of the man's computer. Not getting up from his chair, Vlad twisted around enough to see who was coming in. It surprised him to see Skulker.

"Masters, I have something important to tell you," Skulker began, getting straight to the point as he walked towards the billionaire.

"What is it, Skulker?" Vlad asked, turning back to his computer screen and typing away on the keyboard. "I'm very busy right now," he hinted. Skulker knew better than to disturb Vlad with anything less than worthy of his attention.

"Of course." Since the half ghost wasn't looking, the hunter took the opportunity to roll his eyes. "Have you ever heard of the Ghostly Auction?"

"Yes," Vlad answered immediately, reaching for his mouse and moving a picture of Desiree into her file. "Why would something like that interest me? They sell nonsense they find that I can easily obtain or make myself."

"I'm talking about the bids from the Black Tower. Although I don't know why they call it black. It's definitely brown," he mused thoughtfully.

"There's a difference?" Vlad asked, clearly uninterested.

"They sell slaves." The older hybrid froze. With a smirk Skulker continued, knowing he had the man's undivided attention. "And there are rumors that Danny Phantom will be there."

Shutting off his computer, Vlad turned around with his chair and faced the hunter. "Daniel? As if he can be sold into slavery." He scoffed, although he had to admit the idea was immensely appealing. He almost drooled at the thought of Danny responding to his every command...bending over backwards to follow his will...

"That's the point." Skulker crossed his arms and began to explain. "This ghost that holds the auction created a device to enslave their prey." It was a force of habit to look at other ghosts as prey. He is a hunter, after all. "It's in the form of a collar. Once it's around their neck, they are at the mercy of whoever buys them. The collar comes with a remote. Each bidder is given a remote when they enter the tower. Once they win their prize and are on stage, all they have to do is point the remote to the collar of their prize and activate it by pressing a red button. This ensures their control."

"Really? Interesting...Daniel will be there? Are you sure?" If Danny was there, he had to go. This was too delicious of an opportunity to pass up!

"It's not certain, but I believe there is a high possibility that he will be captured and placed into the auction. Lots of ghosts will be there," Skulker hinted.

Vlad knew he wasn't the only one who would want complete control over the infamous Danny Phantom. There were countless ghosts the young halfa had fought against who would want revenge. There were even more who would be interested in humiliating him or using him for various ways. Vlad wouldn't allow that. If anyone was going to own Danny, it would be him. The thought sent a thrill shooting up his spine. Oh yes, Danny will be his.

"And just by a press of a button, Daniel will have to do what I say?" Vlad asked a little skeptically.

Skulker nodded. "There are three buttons on the device; red, blue and yellow. The red one enslaves them, meaning, they must obey your commands. There will be no other way around it, however, they will still be able to think and speak freely. The blue button takes that away, and they will mindlessly obey your command; it is complete control."