Hello fans, and welcome to the beginning of The Quest for the Queen! I had brainstormed different directions as to how to start off this story and I finally made a decision!
I've also come to a decision as to try and balance my other stories I am working on as well. Bear with me as I juggle a handful of stories at once! Summer's finally here, so that leaves me more time to type as well.
Enough jib-jab! Onward to the story!
"And, we will meet again?" Those eyes, I can never forget those unique blues. They looked at me, almost pleading for me to keep that simple promise.
"Of course we will." I couldn't look at anything else but those eyes, they twinkled with delight at my words... I knew she was smiling at me. So expressive, big beautiful windows to her soul...
"I hope I'm not boring you with my small talk."
Green eyes blinked once to see Clockwork sitting across from him, sipping at his tea. A lilac teacup shaped the same sat in from to his person, the untouched grey beverage sat calmly before him reflecting his face. The green eyes belong to a chiseled handsome face with tan skin and fluffed white hair. A scar shaped like a star rested up top the bridge of his nose, and a longer slash across his left cheek down to his chin. The man blinked again at his reflection before looking at the purple clad ghost waiting patiently. The man sighed, relaxing back against his chair.
"Not at all Clockwork. Just, had a moment." a white glove smoothed his brow free of worry lines. A small chuckle came from the wise ghost.
"Feeling the pressure now, little prince?" said prince looked at Clockwork through his fingers, a grimace grew sour over his face.
"Five years is still not enough for me to get use to this whole 'royalty' title." the young prince sighed, looking off from the ghost in front of him to the scenery around. The garden table was black with a glass top, a small brunch with finger food spread over the table and tea. The garden itself was lush with healthy plants, flowers neatly organized in pots and funky animal shaped bushes further down the green maze of the grand castle garden. "You would think the time given to me would help me settled for all this, new change."
The wise Clockwork set down his cup with a soft smile to the young royal.
"Time always keeps moving forward Daniel, and ready or not, time has it's own schedule to keep on. Just think about the days when you were-"
"Apologies Prince Daniel." a new voice cut through Clockwork speech. Both ghost turned to the newcomer, a large ghost in shiny armor, black tank top and shiny metal pants an boots marched towards the pair with his green flaming head bowed. "Your Advisor wishes to speak with you before the grand meeting today." Prince Daniel hummed before looking back at his guest.
"Perhaps a rain check for a later time?" Danny smiled sheepishly, but Clockwork waved it off.
"Your royal duties are calling. I will see you later." and with a flick of his wrist, he twirled his staff at hand and disappeared.
"Prince Whelp, the final task is at hand." the sound of his old nickname helped bring out a smirk to the royal ex-hunter.
"Careful now Skulker, wouldn't want to start a bad rep after four years now. Gaining the court's trust wasn't as a rare catch." Even hearing Skulker barked his annoying evil laugh felt nostalgic, back to the good old days of being hunted.
"Easy Prince Shrimp, had you not vouched for me before the council and gave me this... job, your scrawny body would be a pelt at the foot of-" a gloved hand slapped over his mouth.
"Skulker, are you trying to make me look bad, and that I made a mistake on who should be captain of my guard? Should I stop calling you Captain Skulker?" said captain growled behind the offensive hand over his metal mouth but desist from making anymore arguments with the young royal. The walk from the garden through the majestic halls of the castle was spent quiet, the skeleton guards standing at their post bowed to the Prince and their Captain as their made they way towards the throne room.
"I can't believe how much has happened in the past five years Skulker." a huff came from the ex-hunter.
"I never saw myself more than the Ghost Zone's greatest hunter. To think I could do my favorite job and get away with half of it!" Daniel laughed at that comment, before slapping the robot's shoulder.
"You would think five years would have curbed your evil ways."
"Nonsense! I've been quite generous in my job! That mincemeat you call best friend is a walking testament to the training I've brought to this new reign of order!" Skulker barked with pride. To any other civilian it look like the captain was growling aggressively at the young prince, but Danny was use to Skulker's shouts that he could tell when he was pissed off or boasting of what he calls a great deed. Danny burst into laughter, now thinking back at the horrified trainee under Skulker's boot the first few months Danny began his rule over Ghost Zone as prince.
Prince? ...Wow
Danny smirked at the title. His new title in life. For life. Daniel Fenton never believed he would change jobs from being Amity Park's hero to anything other than hoping to be an astronaut.
"I guess that's what happens when you seal away an evil king back inside a magical sarcophagus." Daniel chuckled to himself, then reminisced back on the battle that went down at Dark Pariah's castle. After his heroics against Pariah Dark, Danny was quickly made a hero amongst Amity Park and the Ghost Zone. Sadly, his high school career took an unexpected turn for the bizarre.
The craziest meeting he thought would never happen in his life.
XxxFlashbackxxX
"Not bad Mr. Fenton. Seeing how much you've improve in Math does make me less concern about your studying habit. Congrats, a B." setting down the text on Danny's desk, said halfa snatched the paper and gawked at the big red B marked up top on his test.
"Haha I did it! yes! Free weekend of no schoolwork!" Daniel jumped out of his seat with jubilee just as the bell rung to end the school day and the beginning of a well earned weekend.
"Now Daniel, don't get forget to turn in your homework packet for the the next half of Chapter 6. Monday, no excuses. Have a pleasant weekend." Mr. Lancer smiled while collecting his papers on his desk. Danny did not let that damper his good mood and skipped out of the school to meet up with Sam and Tucker.
"Wow, judging by the Grinch grin on his face, he passed the horrifying math test. Looks like Jazz will let you off the hook this weekend." Tucker smiled, patting Danny's back in congrats.
"That's correct, and what Mr. Lancer doesn't know is that while taking breaks between math and english I finished the homework packet, and all I need to do is review over my answers."
"Sounds like a movie marathon to me! Nasty Burger anyone?!" Tucker shouted, excited for the beginning of a relaxing weekend.
"Sorry to intrude on your victory Daniel," a voice spoke from above their heads. The teens looked up to see a familiar face they never expected to see in broad daylight. "but I would like to share with some interesting news."
"Clockwork?" Danny looked confused to the time ghost's appearance, floating above them in his child form and his staff always present in hands. A soft smile appeared on his place face and with a swish of his arm, the group vanished from Amity Park to arrive in Clockwork's tower. "Well, this is new. You wanted to speak to all three of us?" Danny stood up from the ground after the sudden landing.
"Maybe a softer welcome landing the next time?" Tucker complained while standing too, but Clockwork just simply shook his head at the teck geek's sarcasm.
"Im sure after this meeting Daniel, you would like to have your friends here with you." Clockwork stood above them now in his middle aged form. Behind him was a giant mirror floating above the ground, the trim was gold with two small feet at the bottom.
"Clockwork." a sharp call came from the shadows, alerting the group of their new guests. To Clockwork, annoying guest. The mirror's glass rippled before showing a picture of the one eyed Observants, and it looked like the whole group was present. "Has the ghostboy arrived already? We can not hold back on-"
"He can hear you, you know?" Clockwork spoke dully, moving his body aside to have the many one eyed ghosts see that Danny and his friends were in Clockwork's citadel.
"Excellent! Now let's get down to business." The main Observant didn't even try to apologize for his remark, and that caused frowns on all three teens. "Children, you must be wondering why we have asked for Clockwork to summon you here? We, the Observants have come to an interesting sight in the future that involves the hero of the Ghost Zone, yes you Daniel Fenton. An unusual path that has us wondering if you young man are up for?" Clockwork then raised his eyebrow at their chosen words and decided to speak.
"If Daniel is up for? I recall from your previous words that he had no s-"
"Clockwork, this is serious business." the Observant snapped back at the time ghost, but Clockwork showed no emotion to the verbal snapping.
"The sooner you stop dancing around the topic and cut straight to it, the more we can explain about what's so important-"
"Bite your tongue!" Clockwork gave a tired sigh and raised his red eyes to the ceiling, praying for the headache to not show up just yet around these annoying pests.
The teens on the sidelines looked at one another in confusion.
"I wished they would get along for one minute and just say what's so important. Any guesses?" Tucker asked quietly.
"Maybe something to thank us for all the hard work?" Sam smiled at the thought of maybe a medal, hopefully in black.
"I hope so, maybe a break from ghost hunting for a while? I could use some more sleep." Danny yawned, a nap was calling his name right now, and a Nasty Burger.
"Why not stop and be a king?" a deep voice to penetrate the tower ceased all talking. Seven pairs a glowing red eyes appeared from the dark corner of the room, but now coming closer they were seven hooded ghosts.
Clockwork quickly folded into a bow in front of the tall hooded guests. "Daniel and friends, Observants, meet the Ancients." even though they knew who they were, the one-eyed ghosts remained silent and quickly bowed as well. Danny and the others followed suit seeing as even Clockwork would bow.
"At ease." the deep voice coming from the middle hooded ghost raised his green skeleton hand up to reassure them it was fine to rise. "Daniel Fenton," said boy nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm sure you already know, who we are?"
Daniel numbly nodded. "Yes, your group were the first to seal away Pariah Dark in the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep." the group nodded to his answer.
"And you Daniel Fenton worked hard to seal Pariah Dark back inside the sarcophagus, and we are forever grateful." the Ancients bowed their head to the young hero.
Daniel was truly surprised that the legendary Ancients would thank him personally, and now seeing them here in the flesh- or in front of his person, he just took it like he did when Frostbite showed him the markings and paintings of his heroics all over the cave walls. Scratching the back of his neck, he blushed a little from their kind words and show of gratitude.
"It, was the right thing to do?" Danny sheepishly blushed. Clockwork smiled at the young man, meek and humble he was. The middle Ancient floated closer to Danny, standing a good foot taller than the teen group. His red eyes glowed down, but little by little they dimmed down. He now looked less frightening than before.
"Dannny Fenton, are you ready for the next challenge that we have in store for you, your friends and your possible future?" His deep voice shook Daniel to the core with his question. The halfa knew who these ghost, and how powerful they were together. There was more to this meeting than just a simple thank you, but when has Daniel turned down a challenge to help? Feeling a sudden surge of excitement, he gave a brave face and nodded.
"Yes."
"Hmmm, very well. Listen well Phantom." Floating back to his group, they blazed a bright green bonfire only growing larger by the second. They were soon swallowed up in the green flames, and the picture of an old enemy appeared in the flames.
"Pariah Dark?!" Danny almost jumped back, getting battle ready but Clockwork raised his baby cane now in child form.
"Relax Daniel." seeing Clockwork showing no alarm, Daniel and his friends relaxed to the image of the past king.
"Pariah Dark. As you all know ruled with arrogance and was ruthless with an iron fist. We, the Ancients together took down the evil king and sealed him away in the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep. Once released from his sleep by Vlad Plasimus, Danny Phantom with the help of your friends defeated Pariah Dark and once again sealed him away. From that day forth, Danny Phantom you became a hero, and have officially been recorded into the Ghost Zone's Book of Legends."
"Book of Legends?!" the trio asked. Tucker and Sam turned to their ghost friend in fast jubilee.
"How awesome is that? You became a legend! Danny Phantom, first halfa to defeat the great and evil Pariah Dark! Tucker exclaimed, then patted his shoulder.
"That's our Danny!" Sam had to smile at Danny's awestruck face, and she couldn't blame him for his stunned silence. Being thanked by great and powerful ghosts wasn't his everyday encounter. When is it everyday that you become a legend in the books of ghosts?
"Quite the legend you've become Phantom!" a new voice shouted from above the group. Appearing before the in a puff a purple smoke was the scrawny in his baggy purple coat, grey scarf and glasses.
"Ghost Writer?!"
"Young Danny, happy to see me again? Don't worry. No rhyme curses up my sleeve this time." the writer cackled, but quickly coughed a dry laugh when Clockwork and the Ancients turned their attention to him. "A-a-aand anyways! I've brought along the book you've requested!" with a few waves of his hands, and puffs of smoke a massive book appeared above their heads shining brightly in the tower.
The faded earth brown book possess golden ghost language and fancy swirls up top, with pretty calligraphy outlining the spine and back of the giant book. Using his powers, the Ghost Writer clicked opened the lock on the book and flipped through the weathered pages.
"Let's see, Pariah Dark, Crown of Fire, Ring of Rage- oh here we go! The Chosen Hero's Path!" Ghost Writer stopped the page flipping at the story of Pariah Dark's escape. The illustrations reminded Danny of Frostbite's artwork in the caves but the words below the images were in a foreign ghost tongue that Danny had no way of translating. Thankfully the pictures speak for themselves.
"Here the story you all know of Pariah Dark's fall by the heroic hands of Danny Phantom, now sealing the evil king back inside the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep." the teens watched the cartoon drawings unfold Danny moving Pariah Dark back into the coffin, sealing him back inside his castle. "Inside his castle Pariah Dark sleeps for all eternity with his Fright Night sealed as well, staying close to his master's side in slumber." The next page showed the the red brick castle of Pariah Dark, where the grand fight took place and now is now the evil king's resting place.
"The Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage were stripped from the Dark and are now sealed, but there has become a problem to these mystic items of power. As long as they stay in the right hands, their powers will not cause destruction." The pictures of the Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage glowed green but nothing else.
"Yes, but not for too long." one of the Observants remark cutting through the Ghost Writer's storytelling.
"Hey! I was telling them the story!" Ghost Writer did not like being cut off, Danny knew that by experience. He did not want to go through another Christmas rhyming episode!
"The Observant is right. The Ancients here have watched over the two strong items of the previous king, but even after being without a master, they grow restless." Clockwork cut in before a pitiful argument aroused. "The Ancients, the Observants and myself have looked into the possibility of what is to be about this new twist of fate, but when we looked to Ghost Writer and this book, here, the path was clear."
The Ancients came forward, standing next to the ancient book. "The Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage need a new master, a new king."
Clockwork then stepped up to Daniel with his usual expression, but it quickly shifted into his old man appearance. "The Book of Legends has spoken of their chosen one." the page flipped to the next side showing Pariah Dark on the ground with what looked like Danny wearing the Ectoskeleton suit standing victorious, and now wearing the Crown of Fire and the ring of Rage on his finger.
"I'm destined, to be KIIING?!" Danny exclaimed, looking almost horrified by the sudden twist of his fate. The the young hero fainted...
"Well, I didn't see that one coming." Clockwork spoke through the silence.
XxxEnd/FlashbackxxX
"BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAA! I wish I could have seen you faint!" Skulker bellowed his crazy laugh, almost tripping over the red carpet, it only caused an embarrassed flush across the now young prince.
"Yeah yeah, hark it all up." Danny shook it off while they proceeded down the long hallway. After Skulker picked himself back up, silence swept over the two men. Danny wondered about the ex-ghost hunter's thoughts about him being the new king of Ghost Zone. His past enemies that haunted his home and tried to best him at every turn. Even after the last five years actually working together, and the years before the hunter against the hunted.
"Why did you agree to have me as your King?" When Skulker stopped moving, Danny realized he voiced his thoughts but he really did want to know why. Now he a Prince, and soon to be King within a week's time. He was now off his grand list of one-of-a-kind catches. Skulker took a peek down the still smaller ghost kid. Despite the growing Danny has gone through, physically and mentally, the young pup was still a head shorter than the ex-hunter.
"You were chosen by the royal relics of past kings before us, and quite frankly." he sighed. "You are what we need at such a time as now." Skulker took this quiet time to think back on the grand meeting Clockwork and the Ancients had spread through out the whole Ghost Zone. Mixed responses were bouncing everywhere, and Skulker made his thoughts known.
XxxFlashbackxxX
"WHAT?! My greatest prey Danny Phantom, is to become KING?! Blasphemy!" the riled ghost hunter shoved his equipment from his desk, glass breaking and papers flying all over his work place. Skulker snarled, steam overheating his metal head.
"With Phantom as my king, I can no longer try to hunt him down. What good is trying to catch him off guard if he could easily order me to be arrested? Locked up in the dungeon like some wild animal!" a banshee scream came from his vault of catches hearing Skulker talk. "Quiet Becky!" the scream ceased and all was quiet inside the hunter's home. Skulker took the quiet to let his cooking head simmer down, and he rested against his giant chair to rest.
Phantom, as Ghost Zone new King? The shrimp wouldn't last two weeks as king, outbreaks would be unleashed and the poor teen would loose his head before he could stop any riots. That thought brought a laugh, but now thinking back on the why.
"The Crown of Fire, and the Ring of Rage chose their new king. Defeating the past King shows worthiness in those relics' sight, huh." Skulker rubbed his flaming hair in frustration. If he agreed to helping the little whelp, he would be out of the hunting business. After everything the two of them had done, even working together at rare times, like in Walker's Prison, even during Christmas Eve.
Despite not able to catch Danny Phantom, he didn't want to know who would have taken up the responsibility of Ghost Zone's new King if Danny didn't take it up himself. Someone he wouldn't want to serve, or listen to, that much he knew was true.
A scroll from the time ghost sat on the floor unravel after he read the shocking news. He grabbed the cursed letter and begrudgingly signed his name at the bottom, voting a yes to the new king.
XxxEnd/FlashbackxxX
"Who would have though days after your coronation, you would have asked me to be your captain of the guards, personally if fact?" Skulker looked at his new wardrobe, not much of a chance but now a formal look, stronger metal suit, a weapon upgrade and one or two star medals of honor after just five years. "Not the best uniform, but I won't complain too much when the benefits on so much more promising!"
Danny took on a smile after that remark. The young prince didn't expect for the ex-hunter to drop his line of work and magically become the captain of the guard. Skulker had to past the Ancients, Clockwork and the Observants exceptions. A hand full of months later Skulker was appointed Captain. Danny trusted that the hunter would appreciate drilling and barking at the knights in training to be at their best. Allowing the hunter to go and catch wild ghost was just an added bonus. Only when the Observants saw that the catch would benefit the Prince.
The two had arrived to the last hallway leading to the throne room, but Danny felt like he was marching to his doom instead of his final trial.
Trial.
Daniel inhaled as much as his nose could take, held it for a second before releasing it all out. This was it, his last trial before becoming the head honcho of Ghost Zone.
The Ghost King.
"Getting cold feet chump?" Again, Danny wasn't deterred from Skulker's barb.
"Danny Fenton, a name no one truly cared about in the human world or ghost zone. Now Danny Phantom is one step closer to becoming the Ghost King, and for just putting away an arrogant jerk who wanted world domination. Why me?" Danny felt like shrinking, going back to his usual self doubting about himself. The nerd everyone picked on was going to be standing above all ghosts as their king.
"You know by now I'm not the best motivational ghost to ask advice from, but," Skulker took a moment himself to figure out how to help unravel the knot inside the young prince's stomach. This trial was the last he had to go through, just before Phantom began his rule as King.
Not every young man's dream of ruling a whole ghost realm.
"You knew what you were getting yourself into when you accepted the responsibilities of becoming Prince. Each trial you accomplished you had a goal and you always came out victorious. The two powerful relics chose you for a reason. You have a purpose here, whether you prepared for the task or not."
Skulker was about to rant on and on, but when he looked at the surprised look from the young prince he clamped his mouth shut. He sighed, feeling almost as tired as the new royal Prince. He was certain his little speech had freaked him out, for the Great Skulker would never show compassion for his enemies, but this was to be his new soon to be crowned King after this last trial. Five years was just enough time to cool off his previous anger over his greatest prey become untouchable, and hey it was nice to be able to get away with half the barbs he shot at the little halfa.
"Stop worrying about the 'what if's'. Take the shot, and if it comes to blast you in the face, then you know what to do the next time you try again. That's how I've always mentally prepared when hunting for my next prey. Seems nothing worked out when it came to you though." Danny laughed, he had to agree to that.
Sucking in another breathe before staring hard at the giant, dark cherrywood doors before them. Skulker's words of encouragement helped push away his cold feet feeling. A little nervous, but no more wasting time, he took on this challenge and he would see it through! With a shove, the metal-wooden doors slowly swung open revealing the spacious throne room.
Walking into the room, servants and knights paused their activity to bow to the passing Prince and Captain of the Guard. His boots clicked against the cleaned and polished marble floors and the noise bounced against the greg stone beams holding the high ceiling rafters in place. The black chandeliers were lit above their heads and the room illuminated brighter when Danny passed one from down below. Once he reached the top of the throne and was greeted by his golden chair with red plush cushions, he pulled his large black cape aside so he could take a seat. Skulker took his spot at Daniel's far left a few steps down the golden throne chairs.
"Gooood afternoon Danny! Ready to kick start the main event?" the Prince smiled as his best friend waltzed on in with a big smile. Much has changed with his tech savvy friend, but only those who knew Tucker well could see the big differences: Gone was the lanky geek who wore the red beret and yellow shirt. Now walking up the steps was an African American young man, dressed clean and sharp in a tan engineer vest, a twill wool front and a satin back with an adjustable strap. High rear collar and eight brass buttons along with black dress pants giving Tucker a Steampunk look! "I've just received the last two invites, and we will be seeing the last two parties on time." Tucker was checking a holographic book, flipping through his checklist. Two check marks had appeared over two scribbled names, and the list was 100% cleared.
"Great news! Now all we need to do, is wait for the special guests to arrive." Danny sighed big, relaxing against his plush chair. Danny was stuck up top his tall platform of a throne watching ghost make last minute preparations for the big trial. A sliver goblet of water for the young king was presented on a green plush pillow.
"Thank you."
"Let's not forget the awesome royal advisor." Danny snickered at his best friend. Some things don't change, and he wouldn't ask Tucker to do so.
"In-training Tucker. You are almost there."
"Speaking of almost there, that reminds me, you still owe me fourteen laps while wearing a weight vest around the castle whelp!" Skulker's voice spoke behind Tucker, who had snuck up behind the tech geek, earning a lady shriek like he saw a giant rodent. Danny chuckled behind his fist, same ol' Tucker.
"Prince Daniel." a booming voice alerted the males of the newcomers, who appeared in a bright green blazing flame. Prince Daniel stood from his seat while Tucker and Skulker bowed low before the great honorable guests.
"Welcome Ancients! Just in time before the contestants arrive." Daniel bowed his head low before shaking the leader's hand. All seven nodded in greeting.
"Time really doesn't wait for no one, but five years surely have sharpened you into the young man we've been waiting for." Daniel smiled at their encouraging words.
The soldiers next to the grand throne entrance blared long trumpets announcing that it was close to showtime!
"Alright everyone, places please! Our guests will be arriving any minute!" Tucker shouted to the ghost cleaning and organizing the room to finish their last minute preparations. Soon a table of finger food was set at the left of the room with refreshments. A group of servants stood behind the tall emerald curtains which lead to the kitchen if needed to replenish any refills. Tucker stood next to Danny's right just as the anxious prince took back his seat. "You ready to face the magic?"
Taking another reassuring breath, Danny gave a nod and Tucker sent over his message to the little announcer waiting fro Tucker's command. The two guards grabbed the sliver handles of the entrance just as the announcer brought up the small list of guest arriving today.
"Here you go!"
"Announcing, Lady Desiree." at that moment the guards pulled the doors and the green genie ghost sashayed her way down the red carpet. The genie flipped her long black hair and smiled big at the young Prince Danny. Just as she made it to the first step of his throne she bowed low.
"Prince Phantom, I was delighted to receive your invitation!" When Desiree met the young ghost''s eye, he wore a blank expression and a simple nod. He waved to the announcer to proceed.
"Announcing, Penelope Spectra."
"Spectra?!" Tucker sputtered, double-checking who received the invites, and Penelope Spectra's name was right there on the list. When Tucker looked down at the prince, his eyes was directed at the doors. He met Tucker's eyes for a second with a shake, not able to explain what his reasoning was but Tucker had to trust his best friend on his choice of girls.
What was going on?
Walking down the red carpet was Spectra in her human form, which threw off the advisor even more. Looks like she found herself a good body to stabilize herself. Her pointy red hair stayed in the fashion it was back when they first met, but her dress attire had changed. Now adorned on her body was a wine red medieval dress, a simple European design. A gold coin belt was wrapped around her waist, and a few coin bracelets around her wrists as she floated towards the front to the throne room.
"Prince Phantom, it's an honor to be invited." her sweet honey voice was pleasant to anyone else who didn't know Spectra, or had a bad history like Danny did, but the young prince kept a neutral face to his guest as she bowed low. A simple nod was his reply before waving again to the announcer.
"Announcing, Samantha Mason." that name brought a smile to both boys face as an old friend came walking into the throne room. A deep green ranger's cloak was pulled over the face, so only a shadow was there. Once the person reached the steps the hood was immediately pulled back revealing Samantha Manson. A female ranger attire was behind her half opened cloak. A slim fit brown bodice corset tunic was wrapped around her waist, designed as a stand-up half collar and arm slits. Below was a wide skirt and four addition gussets drapes with soft pleats. The skirt was hemmed with the trim as well as sleeves and neckline. A classic gothic silhouette that drapes her hips with long wide sleeves that looked adjustable with drawstrings. Her forearms were covered with bowman etched bracers; Lightweight brow leather decorates with brass accents. Completing her look her knee high black combat boots.
"Prince Phantom, I appreciate your invitation and thank you for inviting me to your humble abode." Sam bowed low to the prince while Tucker caught the whole act on his small hologram camera, snickering the whole time. Danny shook his head at his best friend's antics but nevertheless smiled at seeing her again. When she pulled up from her bow, Danny noticed some change to his other best friend. The years have treated her well, especially with the new change in their lives.
Sam and Tucker had been a big encouragement since day one.
XxxFlashbackxxX
"Danny, Danny? You awake now?" once said boy blinked his from his sudden sleep, the mushy picture before him cleared to reveal Sam and Tucker over his face. Groaning, Daniel raised himself from the hard ground hoping to push away the head pounding headache from his fall.
"What happened?"
"You fainted when you found out you were destined for greatness as the future Ghost King." Tucker filled him with his somewhat teasing tone. Sam elbowed him in the stomach while Danny felt his eyes almost pop from his sockets.
"It, wasn't just a dream?"
"I'm afraid not Daniel." Clockwork floated towards the teens, now back to his adult form. Danny now remembered the big discussion with the Ancients, the annoying Ghost Writer and the Book of Legends proclaiming Danny as the new-
"Ghost King. I'm gonna be a king of Ghost Zone?... Wow. Not everyday you're told about your solid future plans. I don't suppose there's a loophole out of this page of fate?" Clockwork snapped his fingers and the Book of Legends was brought before them, right at the page Danny saw last.
The Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage now in his possession.
"While you were passed out on the floor, the Observants and I had a small discussion about the near future. We both saw two different paths Daniel. One was you taking the oath to become the next Ghost King." Clockwork flip the next page showing a drawing of Daniel as the new king sitting on his golden throne.
"And if I decline the offer?" Daniel almost dreaded saying those words, but it was his choice. As much as he hated school, he had his sights on hoping to be an astronaut. And who would protect Amity Park from ghost attacks? His family back at home? Eventually he would have to tell his parents who he was, but not anytime soon.
Clockwork took a pause to weigh his words. Daniel did have a choice on the matter, but... would he be willing to carry the weight of the consequences should he choose to decline the seat?
"I'm afraid Daniel, that would cost the Ghost Zone and the human world to go unbalanced."
"That doesn't make sense. For years the Ghost Zone had no king ruling over the Zone." Clockwork waved his hand to the book, flipping the pages back over to where Pariah Dark began his reign.
"In the beginning, Pariah Dark was chosen by the two powerful relics. Of course you all know he went out of control, a terror to the Ghost Zone. When Pariah Dark was sealed away by the Ancients the first time, the Ancients worked together to keep watch over the two strong relics, but the second time you sealed him back into the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep. Seeing as you were capable of sealing him away, the Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage saw you as the perfect leader, worthy of using their power to begin your reign in Ghost Zone. You showed the good qualities of a king; Bravery, Leadership and Heart. Not to mention your past heroics in Ghost Zone and in the human world." While the time wizard spoke, the Book showed by pictures what Clockwork was saying, translating his speech with a picture show. When picture Danny sealed Pariah Dark, the two relics glowed brighter then appeared on top of Danny's head showing victory to the winner.
"Wow, that's a reasonable way of looking at your future destiny." Tucker spoke, taking in this new information. Danny shook his head hard.
"What about my life back home? Just to drop off the face of the earth and take over a whole realm? I don't know the first thing about ruling or being royal!" Danny began to hyperventilate, all of this new information being shoved into head was beginning to overwhelm him. What was he going to do about his past life? His family? Mom and Dad? Jazz? School?!... well for school that would be the only plus in his book. A hand touched the young halfa's shoulder.
"Daniel, be calm. Panicking will only muddle your mind further. Take a deep breath." Danny quickly did so. "Hold it. Now releasee it slowly." with a shudder, Danny released but only took a little bit of nerve away.
"What should I do Clockwork? I've made some silly decisions before, and if it was a mess I'd made I get the chance to fix it." Danny sighed heavily. Clockwork smiled at the young man's words. With a big decision like this, a life-changing decision like ruling or staying a town hero.
"A warning if you decided to not take the role as King; I have seen a glimpse of the future. Would you like to have a walk inside?" Clockwork tapped his staff against the floor, opening a small portal showing off Amity Park as they know it. Danny wasn't too sure to see, but if he didn't, he would never know what would be the right decision for his future. Two hands touched his shoulders.
"Hey dude, we're right pal. We've been together this long we wouldn't abandon you now." Tucker gave him a reassuring smile.
"Tucker's right. We're here for you man. No matter your decision." Sam smiled softly as well.
Daniel looked back and forth between his two best friends, friends he had known since grade school and wouldn't trade for in any worlds.
"Thanks guys." Danny visibly relaxed, feeling grateful for loyal friends. Looking at the portal now, he felt more confident to take the next step.
All three, together.
XxxFlashbackxxX
"Look where we are now." Danny mumbled to himself, giving her a polite head nod. Looking at Tucker he gave him the okay to proceed. Tucker checked off Sam from the list.
"Announcing Princess Dorothea." the blonde green princess, clad in her usual blue dress and walking down the red carpet with a small group of soldiers behind her and two in front of her. Head bowed before making it to the throne steps, she gave Danny a small smile before bowing low to the young prince. The soldiers at the door shut the doors after the small army entered the throne room.
"Thank you Prince Phantom for your invite. May we become good friends in the future." Dorothea politely spoke before taking a spot next to Sam next. The ranger gave her a polite nod which Dora returned. Danny arched an eyebrow at the entry doors, for he was for sure he sent out one more-
"Danny?" Tucker looked down at the his face, kind of confused as well. Danny blinked back his confusion to focus on the task at hand.
"Tucker." Danny waved his hand to the small group of ladies in front of the throne. It was time! The tech geek cleared his throat.
"Alright ladies! Now that introductions have been made, we will beginning this ceremony shortly but first, we must-"
KNOCK!
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Danny quickly looked at the door. He knew it! Danny smiled knowingly up at his royal advisor.
"Tucker, did you forget someone on the list?" said advisor began to sweat, for he was sure he checked the list, but sure enough, a name was not checked off.
"Um, announcer?" Tucker spoke out loud. The announcer checked the same list, and there was another name on the list not checked off. He cleared his throat.
"Announcing Frostbite from the Far Frozen Realm." the doors were pulled opened and in walked the giant yeti chieftain Frostbite. His small group of yetis walked behind him, heads held high with pride as they marched into the throne room. Frostbite was a well respected figure in the ghost zone and it showed by how quickly everyone bowed to the great chieftain, but Daniel was happy to see his mentor and good friend and stood from his seat to greet him up front.
"Prince Phantom, a pleasure to be here." the yeti snatched up the young man in a big bear hug earning a laugh between the men. The friendly atmosphere was heartwarming, but it did put the ladies on the curious side.
For the last lady has yet to arrive.
"Likewise Frostbite. welcome to my humble abode. Still getting use to all of this being my new home and all." Danny chuckled.
"After five good years, you're shaping up just fine. You've done well on your journey Great One." Frostbite gave a pride smile to his young student. Gone was the string bean teenager who struggle against lifting weights, now before him was a grown man standing tall and steadfast, almost beaming with confidence. Frostbite just knew Danny could lead them to greatness.
Of course he needed the right partner by his side.
"Announcing, the Ambassador of the Far Frozen Realm, Lady Elsa." Desiree clicked her tongue, folding her arms at the opened doors.
"Hmm, arriving so late, keeping the young prince Daniel waiting-" Suddenly, a soft breeze blew through the open throne room, gently caressing the young Prince's face along it's windy path. The red carpet starting at the entrance was slowly forming a thin icy path before soft clicking of heels was heard from the dark hallway. A figure in an opal blue winter coat, with a back pelerine that was short in the front and long on the back, that helped show off her tall slim body. The fluff rimmed hood covered her face, but short bangs of platinum blonde curls peaked from inside, a soft bounce as she walked. The yetis that came with Frostbite slowly went down on one knee as the slim feminine figure walked with grace down the growing icy path towards the throne. Her sleeves hugged her arms like a glove until they reached the elbows. The openings of the sleeves were stretched long and wide to literally drape to the ground but the rims were also lined with fuzzy fur. The silver lacing embroidery that were designed on her pretty coat were similar to the decorated designs on Frostbite's arm band and waist belt. When the last set of yeti went down on one knee, the lady pulled her coat off, and it quickly became powdered snow, blowing away in the sudden breeze and now revealed before his majesty was Lady Elsa.
Danny gulped at the fair lady now before him, his face immediately starting a pink flush. The woman standing before him, only a little over his shoulders, gazed up at him with aquamarine jewels that gave a small tinkle in delight. The blonde stray bangs fell around her pink peach forehead while two longer, thicker strands framed the outer shape of her head before they curled off at the ends. Two braids wrapped behind her head to keep her longer wavy hair back behind her back, but the thin ice back piece help push her hair over her bare shoulders.
"Fashionably late, you forgot that part." Spectra added in her two cents in a whisper, but Danny heard the comment and had to agree. The dress was a simple long light blue that was almost white like snow up top, but future down the waist looked like sky blue back in the human realm, and at the bottom was a deep sea blue. Her glove-like sleeves stopped at her knuckles and a sheer ice cape trailed behind her feet, but stopped short after a good foot length dragging on the ground. Lastly, a small head crown sat in front of her bangs, a blue topaz with two gold crescent moons on each side of the child size stone.
"Greetings Prince Daniel." His name rolled off her tongue like soft church bells, but Danny kept a polite smile on his face. "Thank you for inviting Frostbite and myself to your home. Please do take care of us." She grabbed both sides her skirt and bowed low to her host, the Far Frozen yetis following suit of her example.
"Please, the pleasure is all-" Danny's nostrils flared, and his eyes drooped at the intoxicating scent.
Lavender and Vanilla.
Oh the great memories came rushing back, and just from that wonderful scent that was and is Lady Elsa. How he longed to be this close to her again! If only they had the privacy... Being so close yet he felt miles away from this ice beauty. Sadly he had to reign in his bubbling hormones for the sake of his image and company. He coughed into his fist, giving himself a second to clear his sudden fogging mind.
"My guests, old friends, welcome to Phantom's Castle. I first must thank you all for coming today, and that you've all arrived safely. Before we get settled for the evening, I have a special guest who will be helping me with the activities for your stay here in Phantom Castle." Danny looked to the announcer at the door, and he cleared his throat.
"Announcing our honored-"
"No need for introductions." A smooth deep voice spoke through the throne room, and with purple and blue smoke, the time ghost appeared next to the young prince.
"Clockwork. Thank you once again." Danny shook hands with the time ghost who offered a small smile in return. The purple cloaked ghost them turned to the ladies waiting.
"Ladies, as you all know, you are participating in the race for the crown, the right to be, Ghost Zone's next and first Queen." the ladies held different expressions to the reminder of why they traveled here for, but they stayed silent. "Along with me to judge your performance will be our young Prince Daniel. Daniel, the Ancients and myself will discuss our first choice of events in just a moment, but a little warning before we start dinner; If by any chance anyone of you do bodily harm to any of your hosts or competitors, you will be removed from the castle." Clockworks's staff started to spark some lightning bolts to emphasis his clear warning almost spooking Desiree and Dora. A couple of slow claps grabbed everyone's attention to the advisor walking down the steps of the throne.
"Alright ladies, I'm sure you all famish so why don't we make our way to your designated rooms for your stay here at Castle del Danny!" Sam just show her head at Tucker. Some things don't ever change. Dora, Elsa and Desiree snorted a giggle at the suave acting advisor. "You can relax in your rooms for a bit before dinner, which begins right at six!"
Tucker clapped again and a handful of ghost butlers appeared from the kitchen curtails off to the left of the throne room, and began to assisted the new lady members of the castle. Sam had two suitcases of her clothes and accessories, her personal carrying pouch around her waist. Four butlers worked together to start heading off to her new room. Dora only had four trunks of clothing but eight helpers grabbed her luggage with ease. Desiree had only had herself so, but Spectra had her own butler so he carried her suitcase. Each lady had a personal maid to take them to their rooms along with the butler helpers, but once they began to file out of the throne room and into the living halls of the castle the Far Frozen yetis began to leave for the day.
"Going so soon? You're welcomed to dinner." Daniel shook hands again with the Far Frozen leader as he gave Daniel a warm smile to the offer.
"I would love to, but there is a situation back in my realm that I need to get finish before the first event begins here. I shall return tomorrow." Turning to his pretty ambassador and gave her a soft pat to her shoulder.
"I shall return tomorrow, so don't you fret about little ol' me." Elsa giggled at Frostbite's playfulness. Frostbite once more turned to the young prince. "Take care of Lady Elsa. I'm sure you will do the same job of watching over her as you have done before." Frostbite left after that and once the last group of yeti's left Danny couldn't wait any longer. Even as Sam and Tucker walked up to their best friend-
He approached the ambassador's side and gently grabbed her hand.
Elsa snapped her attention from the doors quickly to Danny's face, now so close. Her face showed surprise but Daniel was looking at her hand back in his again. Long dainty fingers inside his smooth white gloves, and oh Danny wished he could take them off to feel how soft they were. Trying but slowly failing to keep his bubbling excitement contained, his face grew a bright smile.
"Welcome back Elsa." he whispered softly to her. How he had missed her! Just seeing her eyes staring back into his neon greens was almost spine tingling! The nostalgic feeling of being near her again help the burdens, that he knew were coming in the days ahead, roll off his tired shoulders.
Elsa looked down at their joined hands, hummed a second, before looking back at Danny's joyful face. She smiled up at him a soft flush spread across her cheeks.
"I'm sorry, but this is my first time here in your home. I haven't left the Far Frozen Realm in over a year."
... Eh?
"Eh?" Danny's face froze, but one arched eyebrow rose, matching his growing confusion. Elsa was just as confused. She turned her head to her right.
"Ehehe, have we met before this time?" This time Sam and Tucker showed facial expression of small worry and a whole lot of confusion.
... EEEEEEEHHH?!
And that is Chapter One! Hoped you enjoyed the beginning!
I want to hear what you all think on this! Can't say anything else but to get excited for what dinnertime will bring for us in Phantom's Castle. The Quest for the Queen is just getting ready at the start line, so the question is, are you all ready?!
Until next time,
~Shiza