Welcome back to Quest for the Queen! Have you been waiting in suspense for too long? Fear not, for more of your silent questions could be answered here in this new chapter!
Buckle up now, the ladies are now in the Phantom Castle, so what drama will we witness?!
Enjoy the show, and be warned of some 'hot moments'...
Reclining back against the squishing pillow behind him, the tall prince relaxed inside his giant tub letting his muscles take in the hot water and hopefully ease his aching body. Today should have been a wonderful reunion, a great start to his last trial, but oh how quickly things escalated.
Dinner was no exception, and learning where everyone's rooms were placed was worse!
Danny sighed loudly, rubbing his white hair in slight frustration to the turn of events. It's bad enough with Desiree and Spectra, two enemies in his past trying to woo him now, but now dealing with this new Elsa, this Elsa who doesn't ... remember him at all?! At least Sam and Dora are being calm about this. Maybe too calm, but his problem was with the one lady he had his attention on the most. He knew he was suppose to be giving each lady a chance here, that is why he had invited them, ... but what was Clockwork thinking?!
Spectra and Desiree?!
Dunking his frazzled head into the hot water, Danny held his breath for a good minute before rising back for air. Beginning to relax again, he watched some of the steam floating around in his grand bathroom. Soft laughter echoed inside his head, a distant memory of when someone else shared this bathroom before...
Danny growled, rubbing his head almost raw with slight, slight anger. What was wrong with Elsa? Why doesn't she remember him?
Yes, just him!
XxxFlashbackxxX
"Elsa? Please tell me you are joking?" Daniel wanted to snicker, almost pleased that Elsa could pull off a joke like this, but instead she pulled her hand out of his and shook her head. His hand already missed her smaller one, and he had stop himself from reaching to get it back.
"I'm sorry Daniel, but this is the first to seeing or meeting you." Elsa giggled with a sympathetic smile. "Unless you've travel to the Far Frozen Realm, but I would have remember such a face. Excuse me, but I need to find my room." Elsa bowed to the prince before departing towards the guest room. Danny watched her leave, simply flabbergasted from Elsa's behavior. First time?! What is she saying? Daniel could not act out on his confused emotions; one thought told him to snatch Elsa and help remind her who he was. The second wanted Elsa to stop this mindless game of 'I don't remember' and talk to him again.
A year was too long for the two to be apart, and letters were never enough.
"Hey, what was that all about?" Tucker walked up slowly to the still stunned Prince.
"So that was the famous Elsa you told me about? Not what you described to me in letters." Sam frowned hard at the woman now being lead towards her guest room. First impressions were important to Sam, and watching her walk in the throne room earlier, stopping heads as she practically floated in made Sam rethink about the woman Danny talk so fondly about.
She had the grace and poise down, she'll give her that.
"I'm just as puzzled as you two." Danny whispered, still unsure how to take in this new Elsa. He hoped they could get the time to talk before dinner.
XxDELSADELSADELSADELSADELSADELSAxX
"What?! This is entirely unfair! I want this room!" Spectra screamed, pointing a manicured figure to the cherry wood doors in front of the ladies group. Desiree and Spectra were face to face, growling like cats and dogs. Danny had caught up with the group after small talk with Tucker and Sam, just catching up with the traveling ranger when they heard the screaming.
"What seems to be the problem ladies?" Danny hoped he could come between them and defuse whatever spat the girls had. Desiree flipped her hair off her shoulder and smiled up at the Prince.
"Prince Danny, Spectra is just upset that my room is more glamorous than hers!"
"Your room is much bigger, and you Genie-in-a-bottle don't have anything but the street clothes on your back!" Spectra tried to calmly explain the situation, but said genie ghost hissed back at her barb.
"Ladies, understand that the guest rooms are the exact size and shape so each of you should have no more or less than the other. Now I believe dinner will be starting in a half an hour, so please relax in your rooms before then. Miss Desiree, this will be your room." she stuck her tongue at Spectra who growled before sashaying to the open door, a butler bowing as he held the door open.
"Miss Spectra, your room is two doors down here." Danny lead the way to hers, but once they made it to the selected room, and the ghost butler held the door for her, the Prince snuck a glance at the silent Ambassador. She was taking the decor of the castle stone structure, red carpets and the stain glass windows each uniquely colored different shades of green, white and red.
"Elsa!"
Once Spectra was inside her room, a new face approached the group, excitement all over her face. Elsa took a minute to analyze the newcomer before she blinked and smiled.
"Valerie?" said girl gave the blonde a surprised hug, and Elsa quickly return it. "I didn't think I'd see you after you left Frostbite's Realm." the chocolate girl chuckled.
"After leaving there, I made a few stops before returning here for my permanent job. Watching over his royal Highness." Valerie sassed at the white haired Prince.
"Ouch Val, I thought you loved your job watching my backside all the time."
"Careful ghost." Val warned, but the threat held no bite like it did in the old days, as teenagers back in Amity Park. He still couldn't believe that Val said yes to the offered job.
"Come on, I'll walk you to your room." before Elsa could protest, Val had her arm hooked around hers and the two began a chatty storm, which only brought Danny closer to depression. Elsa remembered Valerie, but not him? It almost felt like the times that he was teased relentlessly by bullies at his old school. Or getting turned down on by Val.
Great, I just hope dinner won't be as awkward!
XxDELSADELSADELSADELSADELSADELSAxX
"I stand corrected." the Prince muttered to himself as he looked amongst his invited guests, Clockwork and even the Ancients dined with him tonight. Soup and salad were nearly finished, and the cooks had the main course almost ready to be brought out.
"So Prince Phantom, what are we to expect for dinner tonight?" Desiree asked, batting long eyelashes. Sam silently gagged before sipping on water. Danny wiped his mouth clean after his light appetizer.
"I usually let the cooks choose the meal plan, for Im always up for a surprise meal. Today I hope a good hearty meal." Danny responded, a pleased look cover both Spectra and Desiree.
"I hope we get to have, uh what is the word 'spaghetto?' is it?" Dora smiled sheepishly while Spectra and Desiree laughed at the princess's pronunciation.
"It's spaghetti Dora, and you've never had noodles before?" Sam glared hard at the two rude ladies before questioning Dora about the Italian dish.
"Back at my castle we are trying new dishes. My realm is hoping to progress and to get more involved with different areas of the Ghost Zone, and Italian food is one we've never tried before. I would love to share about the dish back at home."
"Well the next time the cooks ask me what I would prefer for dinner, I will gladly suggest Italian for you Princess." Danny smiled and Dora flushed at his generosity.
"I wonder if dinner will be like what I've witness back when I was in your home Dora; Big, giant fest with lots of food." Sam asked.
"Well, usually it would only be a few people like Tucker, Val, and sometimes Skulker who would join me for dinner at times, but since today is a special occasion-"
"Dinner, is served!" the head chef announces, and in a steady fashion, the ghost butlers file in with dishes for the guests around the table. The menu was of a Thanksgiving theme; the deviled eggs, hot yams, green beans and mac n' cheese all served on small china plates and bowls while four roasted turkeys were in the middle of the grand table. Once the glasses were refilled, the head chef bowed low to his majesty. "Bon appetite!"
"Everyone, please enjoy you meal!" Danny waved to all his guest and castle members at the long rectangular table. Murmurs of pleased mouths went around the table, the dinner course was delicious! Dinner went by smoothly, and soon dessert was around the corner. Spectra had finished her meal, now dapping her mouth clear.
"Oh Daniel, that was wonderful! You get these kind of fresh meals everyday? You luck boy you!" Spectra purred, making the Prince sheepishly scratch his neck.
"Well, of course the meals are fresh everyday, but if we rack up leftovers, the culinary people will distribute the food to others ghost and spirits in the villages nearby who are low of food supply." Danny explained, waving at the dishes that weren't completely empty from their plates.
"Now that is a wonderful idea Daniel!" Elsa spoke, for the first time during dinner, looking very pleased with the young Prince. "Imagine how happy the people will be knowing that their future King care for their well being! Plus the food supply is evenly distributed to the villages surrounding your realm, so no one should go hungry or food to be wasted. A wonderful cycle to start your reign strong!" Now Daniel was blushing from the praise coming from the beautiful blonde.
"Thanks, but I like to give respect where respect is due."
"What do you mean?" Elsa asked, puzzled.
"Well, it was inspiration, inspired by you Ambassador." Danny smiled, embarrassed but nonetheless smiled with genuine happiness. Elsa blinked in surprise.
"Me?" she too flushed light , hearing she inspired the Prince. Her idea? For a full minute, Elsa's eyes grew darker, a mixture of red swirled in her eyes making them now carry an indigo hue.
"Elsa?" hearing her name brought her back to the table, but she smiled pleasantly, ignoring Danny's look of confusion.
"You must have been talking with Frostbite about food waste! So that's where you've heard my idea!"
"Eh?!" Prince Danny felt his face freeze with shocked astonishment. Danny couldn't help but bang his face into the plate in front of him. Mmmm, mashed potatoes and cooked lamb chomps...
"Oh great! She still doesn't remember me at all! I've got to find a way for her to-" Danny pulled his face from his half-finished meal when he saw a big turkey was still on the table, untouched. "help remember some memories!" quickly cleaning his face free of gravy and potatoes, he cleared his throat to ask for the table's attention.
"Ladies, as dinner is coming to a close, there is one activity we like to have before dessert is served. Which one of you lovely ladies would like to help me complete this task?" Spectra and Desiree quickly jumped from their seats wanting to win more favor to the young prince. "I must warn you now, this is not an easy task."
"Nothing too much for me to handle." Desiree swished her hair off her shoulders with a smirk.
"I'm sure even the lowest of ghost could get this task done!" Spectra fixed her glasses up to her nose bridge. Danny smiled at the first volunteers before reaching over to one of the untouched turkey, ripping off both legs. Each lady had one turkey leg in hand and a face of puzzlement came over both their faces.
"Good luck!" without a warning or explanation he whistled, a three tweet whistle before taking back his seat. Not seconds later, thundering footsteps shook the dining room grounds, making the chandeliers almost sway as the noise grew closer!
"Oh no you didn't Danny." Sam groaned at her best friend, but Danny smirked, resting his chin on his intertwined fingers. Sam was quick out of her chair and performed an acrobatic backflip towards the wall just as the dining room doors bursted opened!
"Oh my-"
WOOF! WOOF WOOOF! WOOF! ARF!
A giant green pit bull growled fiercely at the dinner guests, drool dripping from his mouth. He looked really hungry! Desiree saw the turkey in her hand then back at the salivating dog now seeing food in her hand! The genie and counselor screamed, fleeing from the the giant dog now charging at them! Daniel couldn't hold back the grin as the the ghost dog gave chase to the terrified ladies, chicken still in their hands!
"Just get rid of it!" Sam yelled, herself safely up top on of the chandeliers above the table. "This is why I'm a cat person." Sam grumbled.
"Here boy!" the dog stops hearing someone call for him, now holding an even better piece of meat before him. Elsa watched how this massive dog was giving chase only for the turkey, so she takes the rest of the cooked meat and waves it in the air. He charged towards Elsa, but she just flings the chicken towards his face and the monster chows on it's dinner. Another whole turkey was still untouched so Elsa grabbed the whole thing, and once it red eyes were on her she tossed him another dead bird, cooked and seasoned well.
"That's a good boy!~" Elsa cooes at the now happy, panting dog who comes up close to the Ambassador. She shows no fear and begins to scratch under his chin. "You must have been hungry to eat two whole turkeys! Isn't that right Cujo?~" Elsa scratched behind his ear and the green giant dog suddenly popped in a cloud of green smoke. Coming out of the smoke screen, Ambassador Elsa held a small puppy, wagging his tail wild at the sweet scratching treatment.
"You know Cujo?" Sam questioned, now deeming the giant danger was gone she could climb down from her safe spot.
"Oh of course! I know this little pooch! The troublemaker would be frolicking around realms, and I've bumped into Cujo a few times on my travels." Elsa laughed. Dora slowly approached the Ambassador, eyeing the now small green puppy with hesitation. "Oh Dora now, he won't bite you at all!" Elsa encouraged the princess, continuing to scratch under his chin. Taking a chance, she gently patted the happy puppy and smiled, seeing as he was loving the attention.
The Prince chuckled, seeing how Cujo was getting all this attention. He might be tailing Lady Elsa all day after his belly scratching.
"It's quite a routine after dinner. Sometimes, Cujo takes a guard along with him!" The comment was suppose to be a joke, but the girls blanched at the though of being the dog's chew toy.
"Well, we know he's a big sweetheart!" Elsa smiled, scratching his ear. Sam looked unimpressed by the green ghost dog, showing detest. She would take a cat any day.
"As long as he doesn't try to lick me, we'll be okay." Cujo started barking, wiggling his way out of the Ambassador's arms before prancing around her feet in circles.
"It looks like he wants to play!" Dora smiled, watching the dog eagerly wait for someone to take action. Elsa smiled, waving her fingers behind her back, secretly forming a soft powdery snowball.
"Looking for this Cujo?" Elsa held up her makeshift ball, and Cujo watched the ball's every move. The lady laughed, moving the ball left and right. "Is this ball what you want?" Cujo danced again, waiting with little patience. Elsa tossed snowball off towards the open doors and Cujo chased after the snowball with a mad dash.
"As fun as it looks, I should warn though, Cujo likes coming back with a big thanks." Danny warned before the now massive pooch bounded back, snowball already melting in his mouth. He looked to not be stopping soon-
The ladies quickly parted out of the pit bull's way, but Elsa stood in her place arms ready for him.
"Elsa, what are doing?" Sam worried if Cujo would run for over, and she could get hurt! She knew that this was a competition, but to have one competitor out of the games so quickly by a hyper active ghost dog-
Cujo charged straight to Elsa's arms, nose slamming into her face, but the dog went no further! The ladies, even the dinner guests watched the winds that blew the left over food onto the ground not disturb the lady now laughing, giving rubs to the affectionate dog. She was still in the same spot, unmoved! She stopped a charging pit bull in it's tracks!
"Whoa." Sam could only say that, for this tall petite woman was more than meets the eye.
"Incredible." Dora spoke too, and Desiree and Spectra were just speechless from the twig-like blonde stopping a beast so big! Then again, she is from a realm full of yeti-like bears.
"That comes to show what happens when trained by wild beasts." Spectra huffed, but her comment was heard perfectly well by the ambassador. She snapped her head to the spiky redhead, sharp aquamarines were gone and a pale red took there place.
"Penelope Spectra, do you believe Far Frozen's are nothing more than physical strength?" She voice matched face, appearing calm but the hint of anger was there like a harsh bite of cold wind. Cujo agreed, not liking his new favorite person being agitated or insulted, so he growled his giant choppers. Danny swallowed down the groan from his throat, but he couldn't stop the shiver swimming down his back from seeing her eyes shine that dangerous red, not bloody rubies, but when they got close to that dark color...
Danny covered his mouth before anyone saw his dopey smile, or his pink cheeks, so he turned to his goblet of water trying not to stare at the interaction.
"Careful Ms. Spectra, don't let the curled horns and brute strength fool you. Us beasts can be quite affectionate." Elsa held a small smirk before looking Cujo. She snapped her fingers, "Go give her a kiss." and Cujo leaped at the command towards Spectra who had no chance of fleeing. The dinner party watched poor Spectra get covered in dog kisses.
"Cujo." the call from his master brought the ghost canine to his side, now shrunk back to puppy size. He yipped while circling around his feet hoping Danny would play with him too. Danny looked back to the now ecto-slobbered Spectra, and he couldn't stop the smile from spreading on his face. She was literally paralyzed, stuck on the ground with her dress soaked and hair now with five new curls. Sam couldn't hold it in, and burst into laughter at Spectra's comical state. Soon everyone had a good laugh, some clutching their stomachs at the twitching redhead.
"I need a shower."
XxxEnd/FlashbackxxX
Danny chuckled under his throat after that scene, his old evil counselor had quickly but stiffly stormed to her room. After she left, dinner came to a close and Danny escorted everyone back to their rooms. A promised chat in his studies later that evening, just the old trio again, he left Sam at her guest room door. Walking Elsa back to her room, well was a little harder than he thought.
XxxFlashback2xxX
What's worse was that she was doting over the tiny pooch in her arms, and that grated at his already agitated nerves. Danny hated to say this to himself, like hell he would say it out loud, but he wanted those aquamarines staring at him, her sweet words and fingers petting him- he glared down at 'man's best friend' snugged surrounded by the thin arms of the pretty ambassador.
"So, you've met Cujo in the Far Frozen Realm before?" the ambassador looked up at Danny's questionable look. Setting the pup down, much to Danny's relief and she nodded.
"The little rascal was playing with his chew toy, just appeared out of nowhere while I was out in the wide fields. Little troublemaker." she hummed playfully watching Cujo follow them around. Danny smiled, hands behind his back and reminiscing back when he first met the ghost dog. The trouble they both caused for others, for Valerie big time.
"This little pooch was nothing but trouble when we first met. A lost puppy trying to find his favorite squeaky toy. After making destruction in his path, we finally found it in a laboratory and the little guy disappeared without a goodbye. Until a year later, here he comes, prancing around looking for a new friend." Danny smiled down at the yipping dog. Elsa looked back and forth between the prince and his dog and smiled, a sweet genuine smile.
"Obviously he knows who he can trust, a special bond you two have created. Treasure them Phantom, especially with your new chapter in life." Danny nodded to the ambassador, and Elsa continued to walk alongside the Prince till they reached the gardens. Cujo ran off, enjoying the new scene, Elsa included.
"Oh Prince Phantom, what a lovely garden!" Elsa walked further down the stone walkway to the small green maze, the polished water fountain waiting at the end. Danny sighed quietly to himself, his happy mood dropped down a few notches.
Didn't she know that she has walked through the maze before? Touched the waters in the fountain? Loved the flowers that bloom very season?
"I just love a well kept garden!" Elsa sighed happily at the view, but before reaching the entrance of the maze, she suddenly stopped her steps. Danny watched her completely freeze in place. His boots walked up to the ambassador, clipping the stones below his feet and when turned to see her face- her pupils shrunk in size, like she was witnessing a horrifying surprise.
Gone were her pretty glacier eyes, and in place small purple plums stunned at whatever frightened her!
Danny reacted quickly, gently taking her thin biceps in his hands in case she collapse to the floor. "Elsa?" his voice made the ambassador blinked, her eyes returning back to the blues he loved. Her breathing was labored, oxygen returning back to her lungs. She looked at the the hands wrapped around her arms before realizing Danny was so close to her.
"Oh Phantom, so sorry for spacing out." Elsa covered her mouth in embarrassment, feeling terrible for surprising the Prince in such a way.
"Are you alright? You stood stiff as a statue for a whole minute." Danny searched her face, any clue as to why she froze at the entrance of the green grassy maze. She began to regulate her breathing, and calmly shook her head.
"It's quite alright. Just had... a minute of deja-vu there...like, I was..." Elsa stared off towards the rest of the garden, her eyes searching for something to help her out. She felt so out of place, but felt nostalgic about being here. Right now, in front of the great Prince Phantom.
"Yes?" he brought her back to his emerald gaze, his hand tightened around her arms. Elsa shook head again, an act of forgetfulness, taking a step back that made Danny let go.
"I couldn't have. I never been here before." Elsa didn't look up into the Prince's eyes, seeing their different styled shoes were better to stare at. Danny tilted his head at the ambassador with a raised eyebrow. He thought up of something, and decided to go with it.
"Maybe you have."
That caught her attention, and just as she raised her head to look up- Danny kissed her cheek! Her surprised jump gave Danny the moment to jump back, getting a good look of the now mouth agape, pink flushed ambassador. She covered her cheek where his lips smacked full forced. Danny couldn't stopped the smirk from stretching over his face when the ambassador was trying to form words like a fish out of water.
"*gasp* How dare you..." her voice was just a gentle whisper trying to be strong but failing terribly.
"I dare, Ambassador Elsa I dare-"
"Come back here and apologize!" Danny's playful face disappeared when Elsa stood tall, face hard as a diamond, but her cheeks were still flushed in embarrassment. Was she troubled by one kiss to the cheek? Well, after almost nine hours of no contact, he deserved at least one kiss! Even if Elsa decided without his knowledge that she was playing hard to get! The maze was behind him, and he used it to his advantage.
"You not serious are you? Well if you want one you will have to catch me first-and no using your ice powers either!" Danny took a few more steps back towards the entrance when Elsa was about to protest. Hearing him call her out on cheating didn't sit well, and it showed on her face as she frowned hard, and she even stomped her foot!
"You don't think I can't run in heels?" Elsa asked, one perfectly trimmed eyebrow raised, challenging him to tell her wrong. Her foot tapped the stone floor.
So Danny did just that.
"Well, no." he shrugged, before he bolted inside the maze disappearing from sight.
"*gasp* Well, I better not catch you using your powers either little prince!" Elsa yelled after him, now giving chase inside the maze.
XxxEnd/FlashbackxxX
Daniel pulled his head out of the water a third time, happy that he was able to think back on the wonderful moment they shared. He rested back against the plush pillow at the side of the giant tub. He smiled, reminiscing back to the maze that he knew by heart. Seeing her so shocked over the kiss- so priceless! Being chased by her... hearing the slaps of branches and her squeaks of surprise... and once they made it to the end, the water fountain as their finish line, she tackled his arm, telling him to admit defeat with leaves and twigs in her hair. Once getting a good look at herself from the water she looked horrified at the woman staring back at her... then she laughed.
Hearing that bell-chime laughter again was what he missed the most.
Deciding he had enough, he rose from the tub to get ready for his meeting. Drying off his legs, he tied a towel around his waist before grabbing a new one for his hair. Danny went to dry his hair off with another dry spare when another door opened.
The steam still left from the grand tub blocked the new face walking inside his bathroom, but there was no mistaking the long pale legs peeking from the short snow white robe every time the person walked. Legs that went on for days and Danny was stuck ogling, watching there every move until he could see more of the long body they belong to. His eyes widen when long dainty fingers untied the small hair bun from its pins, a few small twigs fell to the ground along with the robe.
"Aaah~ A hot soak is what the doctor ordered." despite the fogging room, Danny could see Elsa's outline and peaks of pale skin as she smiled at the hot bath she would soon enjoy. Now letting her hair fall freely down her back, platinum waves cascaded behind her back, and a few more hidden leaves fell to the marble floor. She steps toward the stool and low sink, with different bottles of sweet smelling shampoos waiting for her. Picking the right bottle, she poured a handful on top her hair before dumping a bucket of warm water to get herself wet. Her hands worked quickly to get her scalp washed, soap suds quickly expanding over her wet locks. Danny watched as some of the bubbles that clung to her wet, pale skin had slid down her back and onto the floor while she sat on top the stool. Running another warm bucket of water, Elsa dumped it over her head, and her hair and body was soap free.
Danny could see the majority of her body, now wet and glistening in the lights, and he still had not move from his spot. The strong Prince Danny was afraid to swallow for his throat was now dry as sandpaper, and as to not alert the naked lady of his presence. Squeezing her hair free of excess water and then pining her hair above her head, Elsa grabbed a bottle from her robe and pour a honey yellow liquid onto a pure white wash cloth. Lathering the soap up, she began to wash her neck and shoulders, giving an extra run behind her neck. She moaned, feeling some relief in her neck from stiffness.
Danny became a statue, only concentrating on breathing and not blinking, still terrified not knowing what the beautiful woman, who was only a few yards away from his person, would do if he was discovered. Most of the steam had moved aside and Danny bite his lip to keep the groan down in his throat, now seeing her soapy back in full view-
"Wha- stop!" Four steps were taken towards that lovely back, and Danny just realized his body was approaching her! He struggled to keep his breathing quiet, but watching the soap and water all over her again, his hands wanting to caress her fair skin again- His mind and body were fighting with one another, the mind knew that there would be dire consequences, but the body knew want it wanted, and what it wanted was taunting him with soap suds and humming. His eyes drop dark, to her sing again, her sweet velvet voice that could charm even the wildest of beast to calm their fury. His raging emotions were running on a rampage in his clouded brain to do something to the pale goddess, and he dripped his hair with growing anger.
Elsa did not remember him at all, so he couldn't touch her. It wouldn't be appropriate-
Says the hormonal ghost so close to her personal space.
No! No no no no, (Danny takes a step back)
You can just taste her skin-
Stop it! (Danny took another shaky step, back from Elsa) We cannot, we must leave-
Sweeeeeet~ like vanilla~
Shut up! (Danny hissed, a growl grew from his throat as a warning, but too soft for other ears. He covers his own if it would make the voice in his head quieter.) We can't get closer, can't give into-
Yes you can! She's yours!
NOO-SHREEEEEEEEEEEEK!
Elsa flinched at the sudden scream, but when she turned around she block her face from a sudden swarm of bats! The winds around her blew heavy with the black creatures now rising up to the roof. When the room was quiet again, Elsa peeked around to see no one in the milky pearl and gold bathroom. Only the faint mist that still lingered over the tub like clouds over the ocean. Elsa blinked, feeling unsure of what just happened.
Squeak!
Elsa stood up from her stool to look up to the tall wide ceiling, now being the home to a small litter of black dots. Aquamarines searched over the sudden flock of bats she had no idea where they came from, watching her from above with beady red eyes. A few minutes past with the sudden staring contest, but Elsa broke it off with a tired sigh.
"A hot soak is just what you need Elsa. I'll have to let Prince Danny know about his bat family problem." Elsa decided, now walking towards the inviting tub, not catching the middle bat move it's inky black wings to now hang right side up. Green glowing eyes watched the fair maiden slowly descend into the hot water, sighing in relief of the hot waters working at her stressed muscles. The clear waters covered her up to her shoulders, her neck resting against the pillow against the rim of the tub. Danny had to get out of the room, if he gave in to his temptation-
"Oh! Sorry for barging in on you!" A voice squealed in surprise, a maid ghost quickly moving towards the cabinets to gather a dry towel for Elsa.
"It's quiet alright. I was just soaking in the wonderful hot water after a bath." Elsa smiled politely at the servant placing a clean white towel next to head. After a thanks, Elsa pointed up to the ceiling. "I don't suppose you know about the bat family in the bathroom." the maid looked back at the lady with a look of confusion, then she giggled.
"Huh, bat family? We don't have any bats in the bathroom. Let alone in the castle." she waved Elsa comment off.
"What? They're up-" Elsa looked up at the ceiling, and sure enough not a bat in sight.
XxDELSADELSADELSADELSADELSADELSAxX
The Prince plopped on his bed, hot and exhausted from just one night of the lady trials! At least he made it out of the bathroom alive, but he felt like creepy old man having to sneak the way he did! The towel around his neck was dropped over his head shrouding his whole head from view, hiding his eyes that were once clouded emeralds. Now those eyes were losing their color, fighting between normal neon greens... to passionate hungry rubies.
Danny struggled at times with his bat senses, they came in handy at times when needed, and to have his hormones bouncing around in his head don't help him think straight.
Especially if a certain blonde woman wasn't being so stubborn and acting like they were complete strangers! Danny growled low, his teeth had already lengthened at the bathroom, frustration building, after being so close to her body and not even having one taste of her-
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
"Prince Daniel, your meeting with Advisor Tucker will begin soon." Skulker's voice was behind the door, reminding him that this matter had to wait. Danny sighed heavy, praying that this meeting would go smoothly. Without him snapping at anyone.
XxDELSADELSADELSADELSADELSADELSAxX
"Hey, remember when Tucker had to run a mile under ten minutes?" Sam laughed hard, body half curled in her cushioned seat. Danny was wiping tears from his eyes after bringing up some old stories, and the trio's favorite were about Tucker's first few days of training with Skulker. The ex-hunter had Tucker run a mile under ten minutes, and to help motivate the trainee was to use one of his collected beast. Tucker had never pick up his knees faster in his life, even beating Skulker's expectation.
Tucker holds the record of five minutes.
"Hey, I'd like to see you try and outrun a gargantuan rat the size of a house!" Tucker became miffed, taking a drink of water to calm down his anger, but he couldn't stop a smile, thinking back at the proud look from his best friends after panting at the finish line. That day was over five years ago, back when they were beginning their long journey.
"How far we've come..." Tucker spoke out loud, string at his cup before looking at his best friends. Sam sighed big, relaxing against her seat.
"We were high schoolers, and now, we're exploring all over the Ghost Zone." Sam a big smile was stretched over her face, Tucker nodding to the comment.
"Yeah, I sometimes have that weird feeling I'll wake up and get stuffed inside a locker by Dash." They shared a good laugh, reminiscing about the high school days. The ghost fights they worked together to take down, and protect Amity Park, their home town.
"Say Sam, how has the Ghost Zone traveling been treating you?" Danny asked, relaxing back against his office chair. The goth ranger sighed, stretching her arms above her head.
"It's been going great! I feel a lot more confident with my new abilities, and with some new upgrades that i won't say until much later down this week." Sam smiled smugly, feeling proud about herself. The goth had much to go through just like Danny did with his training. Of course the ranger before him had a few battle of her own to face, and after the first few months together as a team, they had to go their separate ways. For the first time since they were kids, the young friends had to go down their own paths to achieve their goals.
It was that day their destinies were given, and without looking back they began their walk down the lonely road.
XxxFlashbackxxX
"Clockworks, ... are you serious about, what we just saw?" Danny and his friends came back from the portal Clockwork opened for them, showing the path if Danny did not take up the crown as King. Sam sunk to the ground, eyes blown wide in disbelief, and Tucker was speechless. All three were very shaken up from what they had witness.
Amity Park was a war zone.
It was like walking through the deeper future if Danny's evil form attacked Amity Park, but much, much worse. Ghosts, ghouls and skeletons were floating through the streets, terrorizing people everywhere. Some humans fought back, provided with ghost tech blasting back the ghosts and spirits, but the few that were not so lucky to overpower some of the ghosts that came to scare the living world- the outcome of the unlucky...
Amity Park was not the only place either. The trio got glimpses all over the world, even seeing Guys in White help drive most of the ghost armada back into their realm, but when one fleet would be sent back, another throng would appear through a new portal. Danny saw his sister Jasmine, in her older future self, helping with the Guys in White in research about the ghost that would appear. Even his parents help aided the ghost fight with the government and Guys in White.
As for future Danny...
"So you see, it doesn't just effect the Ghost Zone's balance, but the whole world will be in chaos by this new change. This view is just a taste of what could happen Daniel."
"I don't understand! The Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage never wanted a king before now, what's with this sudden decision to make me King?" Danny felt like pulling his hair at the new situation at hand. Just once, he had hoped his day would just go smoothly and he could just get on with some random ghost fight. Especially after passing his Math test. Clockwork snapped his fingers, and the Book of Legends appeared before him.
"That is because Pariah Dark was just sealed away by the Ancients' combined power. The Crown and ring can only be worn by one individual, not seven. Daniel, remember that Pariah Dark was once the King of the Ghost Zone, the Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage had one master, but you have defeated their combined power and sealed Pariah Dark back into the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep. Their see you have the potential to be the next King." Clockwork stopped talking after the book showed once again the history of Pariah Dark's reign, his defeat and then Danny's victory over the evil king. He looked blankly at the teens, all three taking in this new information. He could only imagine what was raising through the young man's head, the biggest decision of his life will determine the survival of both realms.
Accept his new life as the future ruler of the Ghost Zone, or watch as the Earth and Ghost Zone battle one another until no one is left.
"Daniel," said teen slowly looked up to the time ghost now standing over him in his old man form. "Understand that if you take this path of becoming Ghost Zone's new ruler, you will taking small steps into the position. Before anything else, you must take the Blood Oath of Kings, wearing the Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage. Once you've taken the Oath, you can not go back to the life you once had."
"So, I can't see my parents again? My sister Jasmine? Amity Park?" Danny could almost feel his throat tightening up. Not being able to see his family again? Go to nasty Burger with his friends again? Enjoy the life of a fifteen year old teenager, and losing his time fighting ghost to protect Amity Park? He bit his bottom lip, trying to contain the shudder of a sniffle now understanding what he would lose in exchange for his new role in life. The consequences of his choice still weighed heavily in his mind, and in his heart.
Either the world perishes in fire from war, or he takes his new place in life as King. A gentle hand was placed onto his shoulder.
"I did not say you could not see your parents, but with your new life training to become King, you won't have that luxury to go see them as you please. Unless you are ready to tell them about your hero identity?" Danny flinched after that, knowing he wasn't ready for that move. Jasmine of course knew, but his parents?
"Danny?" hearing Sam behind him reminded him that he truly wasn't alone on this decision. Turning to his two best friends, he looked into their eyes.
"Well guys, what do you say? It would feel better to me if I could hear what you guys had to say. I don't want the whole world to suffer for my choices. My evil me taught me that, but this will change our lives either way. Whatever road I choose, I can't think of going it down without you guys." Sam and Tucker offered a smile to their friend.
"Hey man, you can always count on us to back you up! We're not team Phantom for nothing!"
"Tucker's right. Don't worry Danny, we'll always be behind you. You can count on us." Sam offer her sentiment, lightly punching his shoulder. Danny sighed in relief, some tension from his shoulders loosening from his friend's words.
"Thanks guys."
"What strong bonds you have with your friends Daniel." a new voice cut in. The group turned to the Ancients returning to the time ghost's tower. "I'm sure they understand that they too will be effected by your choices Daniel."
"And we plan to stay by his side." Tucker surprisingly spoke strongly despite the creepy tall ghosts such as the Ancients.
"We've come this far, we don't plan on abandoning him now." Sam crossed her arms as she took a stand beside Dany, and tucker took the other side. Clockwork took a good look at the trio, seemingly determined to proceed forward. Clockwork came closer to Danny.
"Daniel, I will ask again. Are you ready to take on the role as Ghost Zone's new ruler and King?" Clockwork asked firmly, and this time Danny stood taller with a straightforward nod.
"Yes. If it means to protect the Earth and Ghost Zone, then yes. I will take my place as Ghost Zone's new King." Danny watched Clockwork move aside as the Ancients came forward.
"Step forward Daniel." the ghost halfa did as he was told, taking a few steps closer to the powerful seven. The Ancient in the middle moved his hands hiding in his long robe sleeves to present a cherry oak box, outlined in gold. He presented inside the box the powerful relic, Crown of Fire still gleaming neon green. Another box was pulled from an Ancient's sleeve and inside the cherry oak box was the Ring of Rage.
"Now change into your ghost half." the command was simple, and so Daniel went ghost, and now standing before the Ancients was Danny Phantom. "Phantom, do you swear to take the Oath of the King, and become Ghost Zone's new ruler?" Danny nodded his head.
"Yes."
"Do you promise to use the Crown and Ring as sword and shield, to protect the Ghost Zone and the Earth from evil harm?"
"Yes." That was an automatic response.
"Do you swear to put the people's needs of the Ghost Zone before yourself and your desires?"
"Yes."
"Then Danny Phantom, we the Ancients hereby declare you, Prince of Ghost Zone."
Prince?
Before Danny could ask, the two relics began to glow, sparking to life. The Crown flared green flames and both the crown and ring floated from their resting plush cushions. Everyone watched as the two relics stayed above Danny's head, then suddenly the Ring slipped onto his right ring finger and the Crown stayed a little above his snow white hair. The shock was short before the jolt of pain. Danny yelped from the hot burn to his finger before they both returned back into the boxes they came from.
"Whoa, what happened?" tucker asked, voicing the question all three sure had.
"As of today, Danny Phantom you are now Prince Danny, of the ghost Zone."
"But, isn't he suppose to be the King?" Sam asked, slightly confused.
"Of course we are not going to just push Danny into the King spot without understanding his role. You don't become a King that easily. He must go through training in order to be ready." Clockwork step in, hovering close to Phantom, who now was staring at his gloved finger where the ring was just a minute ago. he could still feel the lingering warmth of the crown and the sting of the ring.
"Wait, like history and dancing classes?" Danny looked horrified, now dreading the long classes of history, etiquette and dancing. "Look what you've signed up for Fenton."
"Not just writing classes, but sword fighting and strength. Wisdom and knowledge has to be just as strong as your physical strength. The sam for you two." Clockwork now turned his red eyes to Tucker and Sam.
"Really?" both asked, truly surprised that they were included this quickly.
"Of course. Seeing as you made a promise to work alongside Phantom, you both have a part to play." the human teens showed faces of excitement, ecstatic to know what their own role will be.
"Well, I'm sure you great Ancients know, we are just human. No awesome ghost powers like Danny here. So what can we do?" Tucker asked, feeling unsure and Sam just as much.
"Hmmmm, well you might be able to answer your own questions in the future as all three of you will train alongside one another. Both in history and knowledge, and in physical and mental strength." one of the Ancients spoke waving his green skeleton hand in front of the teens.
"Before you ask us any questions children, I believe we have some work to get through on your new journey." the head Ancient waved his hand and formed a grand mahogany door with a gold knob.
"It is time, Prince Phantom and friends to take the next step on your journey."
Danny turned to his best friends, a small smile growing onto his face. "Well, you heard him. This is it guys. Our biggest adventure yet." Green eyes looked at each of his friends slowly, taking in their faces.
"Nothing me and my PDA can't handle." Tucker smirked, waving his favorite tech device in hand.
"You know I can't wait to get started. Can't wait to see what's in store for us." Sam smiled, almost beaming in excitement to know what lies behind the door. Daniel was happy to know he wasn't going down this road alone. With his best friends at his side, he knew whatever challenge came their way they would get through it together. As a team.
"Then let's get to work."
Xxx(End/Flashback)xxX
"And look at us now!" Tucker reclined on his chair, snacking on the baked goods brought up to the office. "Five years later and look at where we are now! WE have, drum roll please?" Tucker taped his fingers against his knees to imitate drum sticks. "The soon-to-be coolest Ghost King in all of Ghost Zone history, along smartest, most good lookin' tech genius at his side- aaaaaaaand let's not forget about little miss goth warrior here."
"Ha ha, very funny Tucker." Sam sipped on her tea, giving Tucker a playful stink eye. Danny chuckled at Tucker, for the tech wiz was right; it was such a relief to see his two best friends back together after these harsh years, growing strong and helping the Ghost Zone together.
"So Danny, what's for tomorrow's event?" Sam asked, but Tucker shook his head almost spitting his water.
"Sam! We can't just tell you what the event is! That's cheating and unfair for the other competitors!" Tucker mildly scolded the ranger who frowned.
"All I asked was what the event would be, I didn't ask for any hints on winning, or about any cheat codes-"
"Come on Sam, Tucker's right. I can't tell you what we have in store for tomorrow. However!" Danny took a drink of water from his glass cup. He was going to need it after this. "I can let the two of you of know about my first trial a few years back. Tomorrow we plan on letting the ladies watch a show, a little play about my first trial back in the Acropolis of Athens. When I defeated the raging beast, the champion of Athens." the Prince watched his friends' faces grow with excitement.
"Oh, you've got to tell us about this one!" Tucker grabbed the tray of treats, settled the plate on his lap and and waited like a kid on Christmas wanting to open their first gift. Sam showed more restrain of her growing excitement and got comfortable in her seat after pouring a fresh cup of tea.
"It was a month after you guys left for your individual trainings, Clockwork and the Ancients appeared in the throne room with the first task." Danny sat back against his plush chair, relaxing his back as he began to weave the story of his first quest, on the road to becoming the Ghost Zone's new King...
Pandora's Obstacle Course of DOOM!
I'm so glad to see a lot of readers interested in this story, it warms my heart!
This shaky roller coaster ride is just getting started for the Phantom gang, and it's only day one! You've met the contestants, and the next day will be the first event for the ladies, but first, we must learn about Danny's first trial:
Battle against, The Champion of Athens!
Until next time,
~Shiza