Dawning of a Sun

by pearl84

A twist in destiny makes the month old Danny F. half-ghost and places him in the hands of the ghost king: Plasmius. Stuck in between a Human and Ghost war, will this young prince find his true self? And most importantly, who will he fight for?AU DxS VD-FS

25. Chapter 23: It Takes Two to Tango

*Smiles nervously* It's been a while, huh? But I do bring a peace offering and that is this very long, very exciting brand new chapter! I really enjoyed writing it! So, I hope you all enjoy reading it!

Oh, and I am working on CM. But I do have some exams to worry about this week. So, I most likely won't have it done until next weekend. Although, I could surprise you all… Heh.

Anyways, you'll have to forgive me if there are really obvious mistakes or something. For some reason, is not letting me edit my documents on the site. So, I wasn't able to go through it on the site one last time before posting this. But I didn't want to keep you guys waiting. Hopefully, there's no big mistakes…

Well, quick refresher: Danny went to the Dragon Realm to try and fix up Vlad and Aragon's relationship. But after meeting up with Elliot, he was discovered by five juvenile dragon ghosts, whom attacked him and Ember. Ember is hurt; but her parents have arrived and were, in turn, discovered by Ruga's parents; So, Ghostwriter, in the last chapter, was in a fight with Ruga's father. As for Danny's parents, they arrived along with Skulker, Fright Knight, and Wulf. Vlad is furious with Taur for trying to hurt his son; but now Aragon has arrived at the scene. And he is now as equally ticked off; which he showed it in the last chapter by plowing Vlad into the ground! And that's where we're at. *takes deep breath* Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom. But the AU plots and OCs are my own.

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Chapter 23: It Takes Two to Tango

---

"No, Danny!" Desiree exclaimed, quickly grabbing the child by an arm before he could bolt forward into the cloud of dust into which his father and Aragon had just disappeared after the dragon leader had pummeled the King into the ground.

Everyone else froze at that instant, shocked by Aragon's brutal attack against the Ghost King. Taur, still hurting and lying where he had fallen from the beating Plasmius had dealt him, looked on in disbelief. His four younger dragon companions had also reacted as equally as he, so much in fact that they had instantly ended their struggles against the bindings placed upon them by the King's allies.

The juvenile dragons could not believe it. Their leader had just deliberately broken their kin's truce with the Kingdom!

"Father," Elliot whispered in his own disbelief. But right then, his eyes darted over to his father's own warriors whom all quickly landed and surrounded the intruders.

However, Altiĝis had also shown up with the adult male dragons; and she wasted no time in curling her tail protectively around her offspring, while she glared apprehensively between the King's warriors and his Queen.

As if time had literally been frozen, the silence dragged out and the tension mounted as everyone just waited for the dusty veil to lift from their leaders.

Like Aragon's warriors, Skulker, Wulf, and Fright Knight were waiting for a single sign. And that single sign would determine if they stood down or attacked. Either way, each ghost was ready to make one move or the other.

And then, finally, the dust began to settle.

Everyone suddenly tensed even more when they all saw the Ghost King's unmoving form pinned under one of the snarling Aragon's large clawed hands.

Desiree tightened her hold on Danny's arm when his efforts to go to his father's side doubled. But the sight of her trapped husband had the Queen fighting against her own urge to rush to his aid.

Meanwhile, Vlad had currently lost all recognition of what was happening. Aragon had attacked him with such force that he was barely clinging to consciousness. But something urged the King to fight against the darkness trying to claim him…And as he forced himself to focus he suddenly remembered why he couldn't give in.

"Aragon," Vlad groaned weakly, gripping the large claw crushing him against the ground.

But the dragon leader was as livid as ever and he growled out, "How dare you? How dare you strike my kin? And not just any of my kin, but those whom are younger and more inexperience than you? I'LL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"

Plasmius gasped when Aragon added more pressure on him with his hand. In turn, two of the dragon's large black claws dug into the King's skin, drawing beads of green blood. But that wasn't as alarming as the fact that his former friend was really close to truly crushing him.

However, as Vlad's mind completely cleared, the dragon's intentions and words suddenly renewed the smaller male ghost's anger. His eyes narrowed and he didn't hesitate to bare his fangs at his former friend as he snarled his reply, "How dare I? How dare they harm two six-year-old children---especially when one of them happens to be MY SON?!"

"Your son?" Aragon questioned angrily, before glancing over at Desiree; and finding Danny struggling in her hold, the dragon leader instantly understood. But he only grew more furious as he roared at the Prince, "YOU! THIS IS ALL YOUR DOING!"

A burst of red energy suddenly left Plasmius body. And Aragon hissed as his hand was forced away from the King.

But Vlad then quickly got to his feet; and pointing at Taur, he roared, "Do not dare blame my son for thatbeast's stupidity!"

Aragon roared back, his fury ignited by the other leader's choice of insult. "BEAST?! YOU WILL EAT YOUR AFFRONT, GHOST KING!"

Aragon suddenly teleported right in front of Vlad; and before the King could react, he slammed his tail down upon him, plowing him back into the ground. But right after, Aragon released his red fire from his mouth, instantly engulfing the Ghost King within its flames.

"VLAD!" Desiree screamed in horror, this time unable to just stand there and watch. She quickly released Danny. But just when she let her energy encase her hands and she was about to move forward, Altiĝis was suddenly in front of her, blocking her path.

"Not another step, Ghost Queen," she hissed menacingly. "You do not dare attempt to use any of your witchcraft. That is, unless you wish to also find yourself in quarrel, but with me."

Desiree instantly glared at the threat; but before she could reply, a furious scream from Vlad quickly redirected her attention back to him.

Everyone gasped when at that same moment, a bright bolt of lightning shot out from the flames encasing the Ghost King and violently struck Aragon, throwing him back several feet with a cry of pain.

"I have had it with your arrogance!" Plasmius screamed as he stepped out of the burning flames with a bright shield around him, which pulsed with his rage.

"You want to fight me, Aragon?! You want to use this as a reason to hate me for a valid reason?! FINE!"

Aragon's eyes widened with utter disbelief when Vlad suddenly unsheathed his claws and lunged at his fallen form.

And that was the 'sign' which cued everyone else in.

With fearsome roars, Aragon's warriors poured out their burning fire towards the King's warriors.

But even though they were outnumbered three to one, Skulker, Fright Knight, and Wulf moved forward using all their skills against their adversaries.

Skulker rolled forward, evading the flames, before jumping up and bringing down his sword upon one of the dragon warriors. However, the dragon was just as swift and brought up his tail to protect himself.

The dragon hissed when the force of the swinging blade collided against one of his sharp spikes. But the reptilian ghost held his ground and growled at the hunter, "Those are our offspring you have bound..."

Of course, the dragon referred to Taur's four younger dragon friends that Skulker, Fright Knight, Wulf, and even Desiree had previously tied up after they attempted to attack them.

"They wouldn't be bound if they had been taught restraint," Skulker growled back, before quickly calling forth one of his weapons and firing it at the dragon.

The dragon ghost screamed in pain, which quickly got more of Aragon's warriors' attention. And before Skulker could react, he was slammed into a tree by another dragon ghost's large tail.

The hunter growled in annoyance more than pain as he quickly pushed himself off the tree. But when he saw a large open jaw come at him with the intention of sinking its teeth into him, Skulker drew out another weapon; and this time, he fired a green net, which quickly wrapped around the attacking dragon's face.

Meanwhile, as Skulker continued to fight against more dragon ghosts, Wulf and Fright Knight were equally occupied. And since there were more of Aragon's warriors, Vlad's friends were powerless to stop one of the dragon ghosts from freeing the three oldest of Taur's friends.

But since Dil, the youngest juvenile dragon, was a distance away from the others, Botsu quickly went to assist him. Just as he did, Ike and Lacerto---and now even the recovered Taur---quickly joined the fight against the intruders.

"This can only end in disaster, Fright Knight!" Wulf shouted over to his companion as he swiped one of the dragon ghosts across the face with his large claws.

Occupied with his own opponent, the ghost knight didn't reply right away; and instead, he grunted with the effort of keeping his sword above his head in order to counter the large clawed hand currently trying to crush him.

But then with a growl, Fright Knight released a purple energy blast from his sword, pushing his dragon opponent away. The ghost knight then quickly flew over to Wulf before blasting away the dragon that was currently fighting Wulf.

"It is sorrowful to say we have very little choice, my friend," Fright Knight finally replied. "Aragon's warriors clearly desire this battle."

Suddenly, both Fright Knight and Wulf were thrown off their feet by a large tail. Another dragon ghost then quickly drew closer to take advantage of that. But just when he drew his head back to pour out his fire energy, another large dragon, who had not been there before, suddenly came out of nowhere and unwillingly slammed into the other dragons, quickly giving Fright Knight and Wulf the chance to get back on their feet.

Shocked by the strange occurrence, Vlad's allies quickly looked over at the new dragon, only to find his body was glowing with a green hue. But before they could wonder why, Ghost Writer suddenly appeared from above, a large energy-made writing device floating in front of him.

Having the ability to control other's bodies, the bespectacled ghost quickly moved his fingers along his keyboard-like weapon, sparks of energy traveling from them to the strange device. Ghost Writer then suddenly slammed his fingers down on the keys and three bright beams of energy flew out of the device, two of them striking two of Aragon's dragon warriors, who instantly lit up with the same green hue as the other dragon.

"We are certainly glad to see you," Wulf said with a smile up at Ghostwriter.

The bespectacled ghost quickly used his abilities to control the two dragons he had ensnared under his power and sent them slamming into more of Aragon's warriors.

"As am I. Though, I never expected it to be under these circumstances. Where's Skulker? We have to find a way to stop the King and Aragon's own battle before there are lasting consequences!" Ember's father said urgently.

"It might be too late for that," Skulker suddenly said, appearing next to Ghostwriter and blasting a dragon ghost that had been about to attempt a sneak attack on the unsuspecting black-haired ghost.

"Where's Lydia and Ember? Is your daughter alright?" the hunter then added with concern.

"Ember will be fine. I told Lydia to leave Aragon's terrain with our daughter," Ghostwriter replied.

Before Skulker could reply, the new dragon ghost that had appeared just before Ghostwriter had suddenly roared in anger, the green spell-binding hue around his body dispersing with his anger.

The dragon, who was none other than Ruĝa's father, glared back at Ghostwriter, clearly having a personal grudge against the black-haired ghost. Not only had he not been very happy to have found this intruder near his scared daughter several moments ago, but his pride also felt tarnished from being outwitted and caught by a ghost of the Kingdom! Their fight, which had started at the forest, had transgressed to where they were now. And clearly, it was not over….

"I still suggest we try to find a way of stopping the King and Aragon---and fast," Ghostwriter said, before dodging a wave of incoming flames.

The rest of Vlad's allies knew he was right. But they really couldn't do much when they were more than a little preoccupied with Aragon's warriors. So with no other choice, they continued fighting.

---

Meanwhile, Ruĝa 's father's arrival had also brought the arrival of Ruĝa herself and her mother.

The female dragon, who was holding her daughter in her mouth, froze when she caught sight of the chaos going on. But when she noticed her leader's mate a distance away, the dragon mother quickly walked over to a nearby large bush and set her child down within it.

"Stay here, my daughter. I must assist Altiĝis," she told Ruĝa.

But the little girl dragon looked anxiously at her mother and whispered, "Why are we fighting them, Mother? They are not evil. Truly!"

The female dragon looked at her daughter for another moment; but then without a word, she turned from her and left to Altiĝis side.

Meanwhile, Aragon's mate was still occupied with Desiree.

"I do not wish to fight with you, Altiĝis," the Queen said seriously. "I just want to aid my husband and yours! Do you not see? They are going to kill each other at this rate!" Desiree exclaimed, just the thought making her desperate.

"My mate can hold his own," Altiĝis answered coldly and remained firm in front of the Queen. "It is your mate who is in danger." But just as she said that, Aragon let out a roar of pain, and Altiĝis quickly tensed. She glanced nervously at the fight between her mate and the King, before quickly glaring back at Desiree.

"Vlad is more powerful than you or Aragon realize," Desiree said, glaring right back at the dragon female. "But this isn't about measuring strength, Altiĝis! You are putting our entire race in peril by allowing this to continue! Do you truly want our kind to become like the humans and begin fighting amongst ourselves?!"

Altiĝis frowned. "No. However, it is not in our right to interfere with our male counterparts. This is their choice."

"This is everyone's choice!" Desiree exclaimed back.

But at that moment, Ruĝa's mother finally arrived and she instantly growled at Desiree upon hearing her tone of voice.

"Do you need assistance, Altiĝis?" the other female asked.

"Do I, Queen Desiree?" Altiĝis questioned the Queen, her eyes further narrowing with threat.

Desiree looked between the two female dragons with indecision. Not only was she certain that in her delicate physical condition as of late she couldn't afford to waste energy on a battle between two powerful dragon ghosts, but she also knew it would only make matters worse. The last thing Desiree or anyone else needed right now was to create more fuel for Vlad and Aragon's burning rage with the sight of their fighting 'females'.

"No," Desiree answered, soberly. "But know that if this ends badly it will befall on you, Altiĝis," she added coldly.

"It will befall on your offspring. He never should have come here," Altiĝis snapped back.

The Queen instantly bristled with the comment. But just when she was about to defend the six-year-old, she suddenly startled with her next sudden thought.

Danny? Where was he?

Desiree quickly began to look around her for the child, while mentally berating herself for letting go of his hand earlier.

"Danny?" she called as she began to panic with the knowledge that there were several battles going on around them.

Altiĝis quickly tensed as well at the mention of the Ghost Prince and her eyes widened with a similar panic…

"Elliot?" she called out, looking over at where she had left him a moment ago, only to find he wasn't there.

And as the two worried mothers forgot all about their own dispute in favor of finding their lost children, those two little ghosts had found each other and were currently hiding within some high grass on the opposite side of where their mothers were.

Danny looked across to his mother's left, watching the ongoing fight between his father's friends and several dragon ghosts, before glancing up and frowning at his father's own fight with Elliot's father.

"Danny!"

"Elliot!"

Danny looked back over to his mother, who looked really worried. But he was not inclined to go to her right now. And by the way Elliot did not move an inch himself, he was not listening to his mother, either.

The Prince's tail curled tightly around his frame as he sighed and lowered his head in sadness. "You were right, Elliot. I should not have come here. Now our fathers are never going to be friends!"

The little dragon ghost stayed quiet, his ears tilted back in sadness, knowing his friend was right. But as Elliot continued to watch things get worse between his father and the King, he began to grow more and more fearful. At this rate, his father and Phantom's father were really going to hurt each other!

Elliot glanced over at his friend who had gone back to looking up at the fighting Ghost King. Phantom just stared silently in worry, fear, and maybe even some awe. Clearly, he had never seen the 'warrior' side of his father. And he obviously had never seen a real fight, either. That was probably why Phantom was rooted in place. He didn't know how to react to it all.

"Phantom, we must stop them," Elliot suddenly said with determination.

As if in a trance, Danny slowly tore his eyes from his father and stared over at his friend. It took the younger child a moment to register what Elliot was saying; but when he did, Danny quickly shook his head. "No. we---I'm---just going to make more trouble," he said sadly.

"Perhaps we might," Elliot answered with a frown. "However, we must try. This is our doing, Phantom. So, we must put an end to it before someone truly gets hurt---and judging by the looks of things, I can guarantee it will be both our fathers who get the brunt of this disaster! Phantom, they could kill each other!"

Danny's eyes widened at the word, knowing just what that meant thanks to Elliot's explaining it to him when they had first met. But…was that really possible? Did Elliot's father and his father not like each other that much? And…And his daddy wouldn't… kill anyone…right?

But at that instant a red bolt of power lit the atmosphere as it flew across and struck Aragon directly in the chest. The large ghost screamed in pain as he was thrown back from the force.

"NO!" Danny suddenly screamed, horrified by the sight.

"PHANTOM!" Elliot cried out himself when his friend suddenly flew right past him, heading straight towards their quarreling fathers. Elliot wanted to stop his father and King's dispute, but not by putting themselves in their fathers' line of fire!

Fearing for his younger friend, Elliot jumped into the air, heading right after Danny without hesitation.

---

Aragon had honestly been more riveted by his former friend's sudden ferocity than his actual attack. Since they had been young, the dragon leader knew his younger former friend was not easy to ire; at least, not to this extent. If anything, Aragon could admit that he was more 'hot-headed' than Plasmius.

But seeing his former friend so livid only reminded Aragon of his suspicions of Plasmius' eventually following the former Ghost King's evil footsteps. After all, they were related and his former friend had been touched by Pariah's evil power.

And it had been with that thought that Aragon's own ire doubled and he had not hesitated to attack the Ghost King with everything he had. However, as their battle raged on, the dragon leader quickly realized that his once defenseless, young former friend was not so defenseless anymore…

"Fool!" Aragon roared as he narrowly missed getting slammed back by a red ghost ray. "Not only do you so cowardly harm my younger kin, but you also have the audacity of attacking me on my own land?!"

With another roar, Aragon charged at the King, before raising one of his large hands and swiping at Vlad. But the younger ghost male quickly turned intangible, the deadly hand then passing harmlessly through his abdomen.

"Isn't this what you wanted, Aragon? Well, then, wish granted!" The King quickly used his own claws to strike the large reptilian ghost in the face.

Aragon hissed as the attack struck true, leaving three bleeding gashes across on the right side of his large face. The male dragon raised a hand against the bleeding wounds as his eyes narrowed with further hate.

"You are no match for me, Ghost King," he assured the other male darkly, though internally he was starting to have second thoughts.

Too consumed with rage, Vlad barred his fangs at his former friend and replied, "Allow me to prove you wrong yet again!"

In an instant, the King duplicated into four and each fired an ecto-blast at Aragon.

But now ready, the dragon leader raised his tail and, shockingly, absorbed the rays within it, turning the usually white spikes on his tail bright red.

Vlad's eyes slightly widened in surprise; but Aragon didn't give him time to think and fired two energy beams from his tail right back at the King.

But Plasmius reacted in time again and evaded the attack. However, Aragon was obviously expecting the move and suddenly teleported, catching one of Vlad's clones by surprise. The dragon ghost quickly wrapped his tail around the duplicate and raised it up.

The only thing the duplicate was able to do was gasp before the red spikes shot out beams of energy right into its chest and it vanished out of existence.

"Still as weak as ever," Aragon sneered at the real Vlad.

But Plasmius eyes just glowed even brighter with anger, before he suddenly raised his cape and spun it around himself.

Aragon gasped as his former friend suddenly disappeared within a cyclone of cackling red energy that quickly grew in size.

Aragon growled as he watched the other two duplicate follow suit and they began to spin around him as well, surrounding the dragon leader in a mixture of red energy, smoke, and dust.

Aragon fired attack after attack at the three vortexes spinning around him; but he never got a hit on anything. Then, suddenly, the three cyclones drew into each other, becoming one large red cyclone and devouring the large black dragon within it. But it didn't stop there. The force and speed of the energy cyclone was now so strong that the dragon leader was lifted off his very feet.

Aragon quickly spread his wings to get control of himself. But before he could, a fist abruptly punched him in the face with the force of a steel bat. With a cry of pain, the dragon ghost went flying out of the vortex, and then roughly landed several feet away.

And before Aragon could recover, Vlad was suddenly floating right above him and he sneered out, "I stopped being weak a long time ago, old friend."

Aragon roared louder than ever; and it echoed across the green sky as he screamed back, "I WAS NEVER YOUR FRIEND, YOU LYING TRAITOR!"

Plasmius gasped when Aragon's amulet suddenly shot forward a red beam so quickly that he was unable to dodge it. The King was thrown backwards as the energy hit him straight in the chest. But the direct hit was so painful that when Vlad roughly landed back on the ground, he couldn't get back on his feet.

The King grimaced, gripping at his glowing symbol, while he heaved, almost looking like he was breathing hard. But before he could even try to recover, a hand seized him by the neck and forced him back, quickly slamming him into a nearby tree.

Vlad quickly looked up and glared at Aragon who was now in his more humanoid form.

"Not weak, Ghost King?" the ghost dragon growled darkly as he brought up his other hand and quickly unsheathed his black claws.

Plasmius quickly raised his hands to defend himself; but before he could, Aragon suddenly thrust his free clawed hand forward, stabbing his black claws clean through Vlad's right shoulder and into part of the tree behind him.

The Ghost King cried out in agony; but he could not move since he was now literally pinned to the tree by his shoulder.

Aragon ignored Vlad's pain and drew closer to tell him, "Perhaps I should thank your son for his imprudence. At least, I can now seize this opportunity to do something I never did…"

The dragon ghost suddenly retracted his claws from the younger male's shoulder; but still gripping him by the throat, he yanked Vlad closer to him, before bringing up his ectoplasm-covered hand and punching his former friend across the face.

The force spun Plasmius around; and unable to hold his footing, he fell forward, his arms barely able to stop him from slamming his face into the ground. Stunned, he stared at the ground splattered with his green blood, all the while tasting the very liquid on his tongue.

"To think of all I sacrificed for you…," Aragon snarled bitterly, before suddenly turning into his real form again and wrapping his tail around his former friend's abdomen and lifting him up in front of his face

"Don't talk to me about sacrifice," Vlad whispered weakly; and with a sudden surge of strength, fueled by his anger, his red claws drew back out. And he thrust them into the tail holding him, adding, "Compared to me, you know nothing of sacrifice!"

Aragon cried in pain, instantly letting go of the King. But he then quickly arched his head and brought his large open jaws down upon Vlad, clearly wanting to snap him in half.

But Plasmius quickly grabbed the open jaws with his hands; and while his claws began to dig into Aragon's snout, Vlad's claws began to crack under the pressure of the dragon's jaws. But knowing he needed to do something before his claws were broken in half, Plasmius quickly let out a burst of electrical energy from his body. But as Aragon drew back in pain, he quickly slammed his tail into Vlad's abdomen, sending him flying back again.

However, this time, the King quickly regained control of his flight and he suddenly teleported. But catching his intentions, Aragon did the same. And when they both reappeared in front of each other a second later, Vlad and Aragon attacked at the same time.

Vlad sent a bolt a lightening slamming into Aragon's stomach, smashing the dragon into a tree with a loud scream. But not before Aragon returned the favor of pain by showering the King in searing red smoke.

With a cry of agony, Vlad quickly encased himself in a protective dome to keep the steam from harming him further. But then with a hiss, the King pushed his shield outward, dispersing the hot smoke around him.

He quickly looked up in Aragon's direction and locked gazes with him. But refusing to submit to each other, despite that they were both clearly at their limit, Vlad and Aragon attacked each other again, even when they were about half a yard away from one another.

Simultaneously, they again fired their power towards one another; though, this time, Aragon poured out his fire power to counteract Vlad's electrical one.

However it was at that moment that Danny suddenly flew into the battle. But because he was approaching the two fighting adults from his father's rear, only Aragon caught sight of his entrance.

Surprisingly, the male dragon's eyes widened in horror at the sight of the child flying right in between his incoming fire energy and the King's red bolt. The Prince was about to get hit by both!

Thinking fast, the dragon leader abruptly cut short his attack; and just as quickly, he teleported right in front of the Prince, instantly creating a shield and protecting himself and the child from hot fire and the bolt of electricity.

And as the bolt slammed and ricocheted off the shield instead of hitting the Prince, Vlad gasped at finally noticing Danny and his close call.

But before Plasmius could react further, he and Aragon then noticed a certain little black dragon coming towards them and now in the path of the stray energy bolt.

"Elliot!" Aragon exclaimed in fear.

But this time it was Plasmius who reacted. He teleported in front of the bolt, and quickly reabsorbed it in his hands. However, from how unprepared he had been and from the intensity of the energy, the King hissed in pain as his energy burned his palms.

However, it became an afterthought as he then looked up at Aragon and time seem to freeze once more as the depth of what they had just done for the other sunk into them:

They had just saved each other's sons…

Danny, however, was the first to come out of his shock of almost getting hit; and he suddenly flew over to his father and wrapped his arms around his legs, begging, "Daddy, please stop! Don't hurt him anymore! Don't kill him! You can't do that! Please, don't do it, Daddy!"

Elliot took that as his own cue and flew over to his own father. He rose up on his hind legs and tenderly pressed his clawed hands against his father's Energy Signature. Elliot just stared pleadingly at his father. He did not need words to voice how he felt about this whole thing.

"Phantom is right, Father. Enough," Elliot whispered sadly.

Although both adult leaders had regarded their sons for a moment, their gaze quickly turned back to each other; and now that their anger had subsided, they could hear the commotion going on between everyone else around them. Aside from Desiree and Altiĝis who had seen their children's close calls, everyone else was oblivious of what had just happened between Vlad and Aragon. They were all too focused on defeating those whom they fought.

But the two leaders also finally noticed each other----or more like the injuries they were inflicting on one another. Cuts, bruises, and burns littered each of their bodies and by their dim hue it was clear they were both as equally spent. But with their anger gone, they finally remembered why for all these years they had prevented their disputes from ever getting to this point: It was for the sake of their race...

If the council got wind of this, not even the King himself could keep them from acting against Aragon and his kin. And even though he would fight against it, Aragon knew that if the Kingdom wanted, they could force him and his kin to submit to the Kingdom's authority and power----or face death for treason.

Vlad and Aragon's unrestrained anger and their children's mistake could have very well just destroyed the peace in their world----a peace for which both leaders had sacrificed so much to create after Pariah's rein.

"Enough!" Aragon suddenly roared out at his kin.

Everyone instantly stopped in their tracks and stared over at the dragon leader.

But then, Skulker and the other ghosts from the Kingdom glanced over at Vlad, who just silently nodded in agreement with his former friend.

"Stand down," Skulker muttered to Ghostwriter, Fright Knight, and Wulf, whom quickly lowered their weapons.

Vlad and Aragon glanced over at their respective wives; and silently telling them to take their respective children, Desiree and Altiĝis complied.

Danny slightly protested at being pulled away from his father, fearing they were going to start fighting again. Elliot, however, did not resist his mother's command, knowing that there was nothing more he could do now.

With the children out of the way, Vlad and Aragon walked up to each other, the latter turning into his more humanoid form----even though his injuries were still prominent.

They stared at one another for a moment, the tension in the air intensifying. But it was Aragon who finally broke it.

"It seems we have both just stepped outside of our boundaries, Ghost King," the dragon ghost said coolly. "However, since your authority surpasses my own, then, the consequences of what has transpired here are of your decree, to which I am forced to submit. But I will forewarn you now, King Plasmius. I will never be a fraction of your Kingdom. You will have to slay me first."

Vlad stared coldly back for a moment, before seriously answering, "I have told you before, if I had any interest in forcing you and your kin to join the Kingdom, you would have by now. And, believe me, Aragon, I would not have to kill you to make you submit."

Aragon frowned, but didn't reply.

And not interested in getting one, Vlad turned to look at those with him, and ordered, "Leave."

Understanding what he meant, Desiree grabbed Danny and they both left towards the outskirts of the Dragon Ream. Skulker only hesitated a moment, before he and the other ghost males followed after the Queen.

Once they were gone, Vlad looked around him, before he locked eyes with Taur, who was surrounded by the other young dragons. Taur recoiled under the King's intense gaze, especially when it was obvious he was trying to decide what to do with him. Unfortunately, Plasmius could go as far as sentencing him to death if he wanted. After all, trying to kill any ghost---and worst the Prince----was a crime in any part of the Ghost World.

"Consider yourself lucky I have never sentenced anyone to death. However, if you ever try to harm my son again, you will be the first," Vlad assured him darkly.

Aragon did not react to the threat. But when Vlad looked back at him, the dragon leader's frown deepened, knowing his former friend was about to pass sentence.

But his decision was not what Aragon had expected.

"You can rest at ease, Aragon. This ends here," Vlad told him soberly. The King glanced over at Elliot for a moment, a brief flash of sadness appearing in his eyes, before he vanished in a puff of red smoke.

Aragon had to consciously hold back a sigh of relief with the King's words. Clearly, Vlad was keeping this matter between them. But the thought of how much worst this could have gone, quickly turned the dragon leader's attention to Taur.

In an instant, Aragon was back in his dragon form and right in front of the young male dragon and others gathered near. And before Taur could even open his mouth to explain himself, Aragon raised his tail and struck the younger dragon across the face, right in the presence of Taur's father. But all the parent did was tense, knowing it was in his leader's right to discipline his son for breaking their laws.

"Insolent child!" Aragon growled down at Taur, who cowered under his leader's glare. "How dare you act so foolishly?! Do you realize what you could have done?! You could have easily cost us our freedom and our very lives!"

"I-I was only trying to p-protect your offspring, Aragon!" Taur stuttered back.

"Silence!" Aragon roared back. "There is no justification for your actions. They were nothing short of sinister! Attacking two young children? You have not only disgraced your name, but our kin's name! For that, you will be punished severely!"

"But this was Elliot's doing!" Taur protested. "He betrayed us all!"

"Dolmarian!" Aragon called out furiously to Taur's father, who quickly went to his leader's side.

"Aragon?" he asked.

"Take your son to the dungeon and leave him there until he is ready to admit his guilt," Aragon commanded angrily.

Dolmarian just nodded, before glaring over at his son. "Let's go."

Taur's eyes widened. "Father…"

"Not another word from you," Dolmarian cut him off, gripping one of his son's wings and forcing him forward. "Believe me when I tell you that Aragon's punishment will not compare to my own for you."

Meanwhile, Taur's friends glanced at one another; and suddenly feeling extremely guilty, knowing that they were as equally responsible for what had happened, they came to an unspoken agreement.

"Wait," Lacerto called out, getting all the adults' attention. He hesitated a moment when his leader's angry gaze locked on him; but the twenty-year-old still spoke up and admitted, "Aragon… We are as equally at fault as Taur. We, too, attacked the Prince and that other child. They were intruding in our land, Aragon. We…only wanted to protect our kin."

"You did anything but that," Aragon growled out. "However, your honesty will be rewarded. I will still my hand against the four of you; and instead, I shall permit your fathers to instill your punishment."

The four dragons glanced over at their respective fathers and gulped in dread, knowing that their fathers' punishment would not be any more merciful than their leader's.

Aragon paid them no mind and walked over to his own son, who was looking down in shame. But the dragon leader quickly gripped his face in one of his clawed hands and forced the child to look at him.

"What did I tell you?" Aragon whispered angrily.

Elliot's ears pressed down in sadness. "Father, I am sorry. But Phantom's my friend and---"

"HE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! HE IS YOUR PRINCE AND NOTHING ELSE!" Aragon screamed at him.

The little dragon recoiled under his father's furious energy, but said nothing.

Aragon let go of his son's face with a frustrated growl. But he hardened his voice again as he then said, "You have shamed me, Elliot. And, worse, you put our kin in peril! And for what? For the Prince? For that tainted child? How dare you put him before your own kin, before those who will one day look up to you for guidance and protection? What you have done today has no name, Elliot!"

"I meant no harm, Father," the young dragon muttered back. "And neither did Ph—the Prince." Elliot looked up at his father, his eyebrows creasing with his mixed emotions. "Why can I not be friends with the Prince, Father? You were once the King's friend! It is unjust that just because you have given up on your friendship with the King that I must, too, must give up on my own with Phantom!"

Aragon looked even more furious by his son's forceful reply. But he was also equally stunned by the child's words. Still, the male ghost quickly raised his hand with the intention of striking his son for his audacity. But when Elliot just sadly looked away, Aragon steadied his hand and lowered it.

He stared at his son with a sober, almost cold look for another moment, before telling him in a similar tone of voice, "If you truly believe that the Ghost Prince is 'your friend', then, perhaps, you should begin to act as a friend should. All this could have been prevented if you would have acted righteously. Your duty was to call to me the moment Prince Phantom had set foot on our land! So, then, Elliot, you will remember this day. And you will remember how all this was your doing. Ultimately, I have no need to force you to 'give up' your friendship, Elliot. You have just done that yourself!"

Elliot bowed his head in sadness, unable to say anymore. His father was right. He should have just called him the moment he discovered Phantom. If he had, no one would have been hurt… If he had, maybe he would not have lost his only chance of having a true friendship with the Prince…

"Altiĝis, take our offspring home. I will finish with him in private," Aragon assured her, staring soberly at Elliot for another moment, before turning from him and heading over to the remaining adult male dragons.

Altiĝis moved over to her son and silently nudged him forward with her snout. The little dragon did as he was instructed without protest. But as he walked on, a small voice got his attention.

"Elliot?" Ruĝa whispered.

"Ruĝa child," Altiĝis interrupted. "Not now."

But the pink little dragon quickly looked back at her friend; and before she could be stopped, she gave him two familiar rolled up parchments and sadly said, "I found them. And… I'm sorry."

Elliot briefly looked down at the 'notes' Phantom had made, before looking back at his friend and shaking his head. "No, Ruĝa. I'm sorry."

Without further words, Elliot switched his hold on the parchments from his hand to his tail, and then continued to walk on home with his mother.

But when they were a distance away, Altiĝis suddenly asked, "What are those parchments, Elliot?"

The little dragon remained quiet for a moment; but then he shook his head and replied, "Nothing, Mother. They are nothing. At least, not anymore."

But hardly believing they were 'nothing', Altiĝis halted in her steps and grabbed the papers from his son.

Elliot startled a little. But then he sighed and sat down for a moment to let his mom look at them.

Altiĝis was briefly both surprised and confused at first at what she was looking. But as understanding began to replace her initial reaction, she sighed sadly and said, "Oh, Elliot…" But not knowing what to really say to her son after all that had just happened, Altiĝis just silently handed back the 'notes' to her son.

Elliot took them in his hand, and just looked at them for a moment. But then with a surrendering sigh, he opened his mouth and lit the parchments into flames. He tossed the burning notes behind him before continuing towards his home.

Altiĝis saddened even more at the sight; but said nothing and followed after her son.

---

Danny was quietly holding his mother's hand as they landed at a small island just outside the Dragon Realm. But seeing Ember already there with her own mother, the little Prince's eyes lit up with relief. However, before he could say anything, Skulker, Wulf, Ghost Writer, and Fright Knight reached the island, too.

While Ghost Writer quickly went over to his wife to make sure his child was well, Fright Knight grumbled something as he inspected his torn armor. Skulker, too, was inspecting the damage done to his artificial body, while Wulf just licked at his aching claws.

Over all, though, no one appeared seriously harmed.

However, at that moment, Wulf and Skulker finally noticed Danny's staring at them. But to the Prince's surprise, his 'uncle' just frowned in disapproval at him and then left to check on his niece. But it was Wulf's hurt look that really jolted the white-haired child's core.

Danny quickly opened his mouth to explain himself to the large werewolf ghost, but he was forced to swallow down his words when Wulf turned his gaze away from him, staring sadly at anything but the child.

The Prince's eyebrows creased in equal sadness. He had not meant to betray Wulf's trust. He had just wanted to help his father and Elliot's father. But…all he did was make things worse…

Clutching her hand tighter, Danny looked up at his mother, who smiled at him; but the child could see that she was not happy with what he had done, either.

Still, she asked him, "Are you well, little Phantom?"

The Prince felt slightly sore from being mistreated by the juvenile dragon ghosts; but he didn't feel any real pain; so he just nodded at her.

She passed a hand through his dirty white locks, but said nothing more.

At that moment, however, Vlad finally materialized on the island, getting everyone's attention. But the King only had eyes for his son as he marched right up to him and forcefully pulled him out of Desiree's hold.

Danny yelped under the sudden assault of his father's angry energy. He had never felt him this mad before!

But before the six-year-old could even think of how to react, Vlad tightened his grip around the child's wrist; and with barely restrained anger, the father ordered, "Apologize. Right now."

If Danny needed air, he would have been breathing hard by now. But instead, he shrunk under his father's angry gaze, and quietly whispered, "I-I'm sorry, Daddy."

But his father only grew more furious with his words. And Danny gasped when he was abruptly spun around, before his father grabbed his face and forced him to look up at Ember and her parents.

"Not to me. To THEM!"

Danny stared with large eyes at Ember, who was clutching her mother and still shivering in fear. Her claws were now retracted, but Danny still remembered vividly how she had been hurt.

His eyes then moved over to Ember's parents. Ghostwriter had definitely sustained some obvious injury; but it was his and Lydia's reluctance to look at him that really got to Danny. They were pretty upset.

Of course, Lydia and Ghostwriter could not truly blame the Prince for what happened. He was just a child, after all. Not to mention, their own daughter had played as much a role in all that had happened as the Prince. However, Lydia and Ghostwriter were not about to interfere with the King's choice of handling his son's misbehavior.

Danny looked back at Ember; and suddenly understanding that what happened to her---and everyone else---was his fault, he lowered his head in shame and all but whimpered, "I'm sorry."

"You should be," Vlad said sternly, before turning his son back around to face him. "I told you. I told you not to come here! I even explained the reasons to you! And you still disobeyed me! No, you did worse than that! You planned to disobey me! You involved your friends in your unacceptable deeds; you tricked and manipulated Wulf's trust in you; and you got many ghosts hurt! Why, Daniel?! When have I ever taught you to be so selfish?!"

Danny quickly flew up at his father's height and whimpered, "I wanted to make you and Elliot's father friends again! I was just trying to help you!"

"DOES THIS LOOK LIKE YOU HELPED ME?!" Vlad screamed back at him

Danny stared at his father's injured form; and tears quickly welled up in his eyes at the sight.

"Daddy," he pleaded, reaching towards his father's symbol.

But Vlad quickly gripped his wrist, stopping him.

"No. You are not fixing things that easily. Not this time," Vlad said coldly. "You cannot begin to imagine what you could have caused. But I am going to make sure you have plenty of time to ponder it. As soon as we get home, you are going to your room and I don't want to see you leave it for the rest of the day. Furthermore, you are not to leave the palace grounds until I say otherwise. That means, no Forest of Emotions or anywhere else you go. The only place you will be going to is school. If you will not obey me, Daniel, then, I am going to make sure you go nowhere that I cannot keep an eye on you. And it will remain like that until you give me a good reason to trust you again."

Vlad let go of his son's wrist; and before the child could say anything, the King turned from him and walked over to Ghostwriter and Lydia.

Plasmius soberly looked at the disheveled and bruised Ghostwriter, before he looked down at Ember and asked in the same voice, "Will she be alright?"

Ember's parents gave the King a small reassuring smile; but it was Ghostwriter who replied, "She will be fine. Her claw will grow right back. And as soon as she calms down, we are going to be having a stern talking with her as well."

Vlad didn't reply. He didn't believe this was Ember's fault; but he wasn't going to contradict her parents.

"We should be heading back home," Lydia finally spoke up. "But, perhaps, you and your family should stay the night and rest up before making that long trip back to your home…," she suggested, looking worriedly at the very hurt Vlad.

But Plasmius shook his head. "Thank you, Lydia. Really. But I think we have caused you enough troubles for today. We are going to head home now."

Lydia quickly opened her mouth to protest; but realizing the King had made up his mind, she just sighed instead and nodded.

"We will go, then. We need to tend to Ember," Ghostwriter said.

Vlad nodded. And with only a smile as their goodbye, Ghostwriter's keyboard appeared; and with a press of a key, he and his wife and child vanished with a flash of blue light.

"Wulf," Vlad then said, turning to the male ghost. "I need one more favor of you, my good friend."

"Anything, my King," Wulf answered with a calm smile. He was still hurt with the Prince; but he did care deeply for him---and his parents.

"I need you to create another opening; leading to the palace, this time. My son needs to be taken home," Vlad explained.

"Yes, my King," Wulf answered, before withdrawing his claws. And with a small painful cringe, he used them to create the short-cut.

Vlad walked over to Desiree, who now had the very quiet Danny in her arms. She smiled weakly at her husband. But the King did not return the smile.

"Des, I need you to head home with Daniel. I left Falco at Ghostwriter's home; so I need to get him before coming home. I'll have Wulf make another opening over there. So, I should be home in about an hour."

But the Queen quickly frowned with concern. "Falco can return home on his own, Vlad. You're…. You're hurt," she said quietly, reaching to touch him.

However, the King took a step back to keep her from doing so. "I will be fine. I just need you to do as I asked. Please."

Desiree sighed, but nodded anyways.

Vlad quietly watched her wife and son soon disappear through the opening before he turned back to his three remaining friends. He looked at them for a moment, feeling even worse with the sight of their own signs of battle.

But knowing they—and even he---had seen worse and survived, Plasmius turned his attention to a very important matter at hand. Vlad had to make sure that what happened today would not be of further consequences to anyone.

"Not a word of this to the High Tribunal," he told his allies, seriously.

But Skulker quickly frowned and protested, "Plasmius, Aragon just---"

"Not a word," Vlad interrupted firmly.

Skulker glared. "Fine. Do what you want. But Aragon does not deserve any mercy from you after what he did---and neither do any of those dragon whelps who hurt your son and my niece!"

"Do you think Dora would agree with you?" Vlad retorted, just as serious.

The hunter scowled some more. But knowing his friend was right, he just huffed in indignation.

"I'm going home," Skulker grumbled out, before taking flight without waiting for his friend to reply.

Vlad just watched him go, knowing his friend would cool down eventually---not that he blamed Skulker for being angry. He had ever right to be…

"If you have no objection, my liege," Fright Knight suddenly spoke up, getting Vlad's attention. "I wish to retrieve Nightmare from Ghostwriter's territory and then retire to my own abode as well."

Vlad nodded. "By all means, Fright Knight. You have already done enough for me. And that goes for you as well, Wulf. Thank you both. And…" The King walked closer to Wulf and placed his hand on his symbol as he added, "I am very sorry, Wulf. Truly I am."

Knowing he referred to what had happened with the Prince, the ghost werewolf returned the affection, reassuring his leader with his emotions that there were no hard feelings on his part.

Vlad lowered his hand; and when Wulf did the same, he then used his claws to create a shortcut to Ghostwriter's abode.

"After you, my King," Wulf said, gesturing to the open portal.

But to his allies' surprise, Vlad shook his head; and instead requested of them, "Tell Falco to head home for me."

Wulf opened his mouth to ask the King why he was not returning with them; but before he could, Fight Knight placed a hand on the ghost werewolf's shoulder and replied to their leader, "As you wish, my liege."

Wulf looked at Fright Knight; and finally understanding that the King just wanted to be alone right now, he looked back at him and nodded his agreement with the ghost knight.

Then, without further words and a small respectful bow, they left the King alone.

Vlad sighed tiredly as the green portal closed back up, before he glanced over at Aragon's home in the distance. He quickly saddened as he recalled his fight with his former friend. But he also felt so angry.

"I WAS NEVER YOUR FRIEND, YOU LYING TRAITOR!"

Vlad briefly touched his injured shoulder; and seeing his hand coated with fresh ectoplasm, Vlad whispered with his mixed emotions, "Why do you hate me so much, Aragon?"

But knowing that he had been asking himself that very question for many years now without a real answer, the Ghost King just sighed again, before turning from the Dragon Realm and taking to the air.

Not in an actual hurry to return home, Vlad just flew off in the general direction. He briefly considered going to Horris' abode, knowing that the Head Ancient always had words of wisdom to aid him when he was troubled. He really wanted to talk to him right now… But aside from being his guardian when he had been younger, the ghost was also an important part of the high council. Horris would be livid with Aragon and his kin if he found out that the dragon leader had attacked Vlad and that some of his kin had attempted against Daniel's life.

Vlad couldn't talk to Horris about this, which was why he decided that being alone was the next best thing.

---

It was late at night by the time Plasmius returned home. And, really, all he was interested in doing was taking a shower and going to bed. He was still very sore; but, at least, after the several hours that had passed, his injuries had either stopped bleeding or were healed already.

But when he entered his private chambers, he was surprised to find Desiree reading on his bed. He had thought she would be asleep in their matrimonial chambers by now…

But knowing her husband would first come to his private quarters to shower and change, Desiree had decided to wait for him there. She glanced at him briefly, before glancing up at the clock and then back at her book.

"An hour, hmm?" she asked, though she sounded calm.

Vlad sighed, remembering that before they parted, he had told her he would be home in an hour. Obviously, it had now been several hours…

"I'm sorry, Desiree. I… needed some time alone," he explained, soberly.

His wife just nodded in understanding. But when he moved to sit beside her on the bed and he let out a small unintentional groan, she lowered her book on her lap and stared at him with worry.

But before she could say anything, her husband quietly asked her, "Is… Daniel alright?"

"Yes…He will be fine. Although… he was very sad that his father is mad at him…," Desiree said, watching her husband's reaction closely.

But Vlad didn't reply and just looked away.

Desiree sighed as she gently touched her husband's bruised abdomen. "Maybe I should send for the doctor to at least check you."

Vlad gave her a slightly amused smile, but shook his head. "I can take a few hits, Desiree."

"More like several poundings…How long has it been since you have truly fought with someone, let alone another ghost?" she asked, with a heavy frown.

"Not long enough," he muttered as he looked down at his own body. "I had forgotten just how painful energy-based attacks were…"

"That's not all you forgot," Desiree replied soberly, thinking of his reaction towards Aragon---his former friend.

Vlad's eyebrows creased as he looked up at his wife. But then with slight hesitance he asked, "Are you angry at me?"

Desiree shook her head, before raising a hand and tucking back a stray black lock of hair from her husband's face and replying, "No, love. I am not angry. I was not even angry at Danny…. I think you were angry enough for the both of us…"

But Vlad didn't like that response any more than if she would have said that she was angry. He stood from the bed and walked off towards the closet to grab a pair of sleeping pants.

"Vlad," Desiree called, standing up. "I am not angry."

"But you're upset," the King replied when he came out of the closet.

"I'm worried… about what you did," she answered with a sad frown.

"What I did?" Vlad repeated in disbelief. "Desiree, those ghost dragons attacked our son! What else was I supposed to do? How else did you expect me to react?"

"You do not need to justify yourself. I understand," she assured him, not reacting to her husband's growing agitation.

But as if he had not heard her, Vlad continued, growing even more upset. "And on top of that, Aragon attacked me first! I tried to talk to him and as usual he would not listen! I had to defend myself! I had to defend my son! I had every right to do what I did!"

"Vlad," Desiree said, quickly moving closer and grabbing his face to get his full attention. "I am not blaming you for anything. I am worried about what you did because I know you care about Aragon---not because I am reproaching you for your decision. Ultimately, it was your decision and I respect and understand it."

"But you don't agree with it," Vlad muttered quietly, his defensive mood deflating.

Desiree let go of her husband, but smiled sadly at him as she replied. "I know what Danny did was wrong. But… we both know he did what he did with the best intentions. He only wanted to do what his father has taught him…"

"And what would that be, Desiree?" he asked with a heavy frown. "Because I do not see how I have taught him to place others in danger like that!"

"That wasn't Danny's intention, Vlad," Desiree replied calmly.

The King looked at his wife with a mixture of aggravation and incredulity, before telling her with those same emotions, "I honestly cannot believe you are defending him over this."

"Vlad, I'm not defending him," Desiree answered, now a bit flustered.

"Funny. That's what it sounds like to me," Vlad muttered, pulling away from her.

Desiree sighed, realizing her husband was as upset as ever. "Vlad, I'm not going to argue over nothing with you. I'm not defending Danny. And I am not blaming you for anything. All I am saying is that perhaps Aragon and you would do well to take a lesson from your respective sons, hmm?"

Vlad was about to open his mouth to protest, but his wife stopped him with a soft kiss. "I am going to bed," she then said when she pulled away. "I just wanted to make sure you got home safely. Good night, love."

The King just nodded before watching her leave his private room and head for their matrimonial chambers. He sighed deeply once he was alone again, before quietly heading to his bathroom to shower.

---

The next day, Danny was up early. He didn't have school today and that meant he could spend all day with his mother and father. The child had been about to fly out of his room to wake them when he suddenly remembered what had happened yesterday and how his father was still mad at him. At least, Danny was sure he was. After all, his father always came to wish him goodnight---unless he wasn't home, of course. And last night… he never came to see him. It had made Danny very sad. He didn't want his daddy mad at him.

Danny's demeanor instantly dropped and he sighed sadly. But the sound quickly got Cujo's attention.

The puppy, which had been sleeping on his companion's bed, lifted his head and whined softly at the child.

"Morning, Cujo," the Prince mumbled out, though not really looking at him.

Cujo quickly jumped up and happily licked at the child's symbol. But Danny hardly noticed and just stared with creased eyebrows at his closed bedroom door.

"Do you think Daddy is going to be mad at me forever?" Danny asked his companion with large worried eyes.

Cujo yapped encouragingly back at the child. And although to a human it would just sound like dog noises, the Prince, like any other ghost, could understand what the ghost pup was 'saying'.

And hearing his companion was trying to cheer him up, Danny answered, "But he was really, really mad."

Cujo 'said' something again. But the Prince just sighed and whispered, "I just wanted for him and Elliot's father to be friends again; so Elliot and me could be friends, too. Now, Daddy is mad at me and Ember got hurt and I'm never going to see Elliot again!"

Cujo whined softly and huddled closer to his companion. Danny hugged him for a moment; but not feeling any better, the child let go and floated off his bed. Danny went over to his window and stared out at the swirling Novas and green atmosphere outside. He sighed again when he caught sight of his floating playing grounds a distance away. He was never going to be able to go there again… He was never going to be able to play with his friends or the human items again…

Danny slouched on the ground with a whimper. He really didn't care if he was punished forever. He just didn't want his daddy mad at him anymore.

The thought finally brought tears to his eyes and he sniffed quietly as Cujo walked up to him and sat down beside him with a sad whine.

---

Unknowingly to Danny, his father had actually woken up even earlier than he had. But Vlad had a purpose for doing so; and his purpose landed him at the Forest of Emotions.

Clad only in maroon pants today, he strolled through a flower field, his gaze wandering around the trees, clearly looking for something. Albeit his seemingly calm demeanor, the enchanted land revealed his inner emotions as the breeze seem to pick up and the trees swayed with an uncertain motion. And although the flowers, as usual, turned red as the King passed by, they also seem to convey Vlad's doubtful demeanor as they almost timidly curled closer to the ground.

Although he was not upset anymore, Vlad was indeed feeling unsure. He had hardly been able to sleep last night since what happened with Aragon replayed itself in his head over and over again. He had also thought a lot about his son and about what his wife had told him last night. It had taken him awhile, mainly because he had been so upset about everything, but he had eventually understood what Desiree had meant.

What Daniel had done was wrong. But, ultimately, he had indeed been trying to do what his father did, what his father had taught him:

…To strive for peace.

And his anger had made Vlad forget that yesterday. For that single moment, he had forgotten how much he and many others had sacrificed to restore peace and order to their world. And although his son had in fact unintentionally jeopardized that with his actions, so had he by the way he had reacted against Aragon. Only that the King had done so deliberately.

Vlad woke up to that realization. And after a moment of debating it, he knew what he had to do. He had to fix his mistake. Otherwise, he had no right to reproach his son for the same mistake. Otherwise, he would be going against his teachings of keeping peace. And furthermore… his current decision would mean a lot to his son...

But although he knew what he needed to do, the King was still doubtful. He was sure it was the right thing. But he was unsure of what the outcome would be. Even so, he had to at least try…

Vlad paused when he came upon the Mermitzo Lagoon and saw the mermaid-like ghosts relaxing on the rocks or in the water.

The creatures, too, paused in their doings and tilted their heads curiously at the King when they noticed him.

"Greetings. Have any of you seen the Butterfly Fairies?" Vlad asked.

The mermaids looked at each other; and as if the King had said something funny, they suddenly giggled.

Vlad just patiently stared at them, knowing that most ghosts on this island were very primitive. Most of them had the mentality of a child.

One of the mermaids suddenly grinned at him, before jumping in the water and quickly swimming as close to the shore as possible. She then propped her elbows up on the bank and rested her face on her hands.

"Maybe…," she answered mischievously.

"Hmm…And where then would they be if you 'maybe' saw them?" the King retorted, playing along.

The mermaid grinned, before looking at her friends and giggling.

"Well?" he probed, calmly.

The mermaid nodded. "I will tell you…. But you have to first come closer, fair King…"

Vlad raised an eyebrow. But then with a sigh, he kneeled down beside her. "Alright. Can you tell me now?"

"We saw them head towards the griffin dens," she whispered in his ear, like it was a huge secret.

"Ah, thank you," Vlad said, moving to stand.

But the female ghost suddenly gripped his left arm, stopping him. She then pushed herself up a bit more closer to him and quietly asked, "Would you like to play with us, fair King…? Your son plays with us all the time…"

"I know he does," he replied, calmly. "And I would be more than happy to do the same. However, I am in sort of a hurry…So, then…." Vlad slipped his hand out of her hold and stood back up.

But as if he had not said anything, the mermaid propped her face back on her hands and suddenly told him, "I know a real secret…"

"Do you now?" the King questioned back with a small amused smile.

"Yes… but your fair son told us we cannot tell anyone… not even you," she answered with a sigh, before she suddenly laughed again.

"I see…," Vlad answered, his smile growing, though he didn't give her words too much mind. After all, what 'real' secret could his son possibly have?

"I suppose you are not going to tell me, then," the King asked, faking disappointment.

The mermaid shook her head. "No. I'm not allowed to tell you… But I could show you…That is, if you care for a swim, fair King," she said sneakily, pointing down below her.

But believing the ghost was just trying to trick him into playing a game with her and her companions--something they very often liked to do--Vlad sighed dramatically and then replied, "I would love to, really. But I am pressed for time…Perhaps another time."

"Suit yourself," she answered with a shrug, before giggling again and jumping back into the water.

Vlad sighed as the ghost purposely splashed him, earning a laugh from the other mermaid ghosts.

"I now see from whom Daniel learns his mischief," Vlad muttered dryly, though he was clearly amused. Since intangibility was worthless against the energy-rich water, the King just did his best to wipe off the glowing liquid from his pants and body.

He then walked off without further delay to the griffin dens. And when he got there, he found a group of adult griffins, preening one another or their young. The animal-like ghosts paused and briefly regarded the visiting male ghost for a moment. And recognizing him as their harmless Ghost King, they soon returned to what they were doing.

Plasmius walked around the large ghosts, moving closer to their dens to see if he could spot Lu and her companions. Comically, though, as he walked by, a young griffin began to follow after him, playfully pecking at his maroon pants.

Vlad paused, regarding the little ghost with mirth for a moment, before bending down and picking it up. The action briefly got the attention of two older griffins, but they didn't react anymore than that.

As the King absently stroked the little half-bird, half-lion cub, he looked up at some of the larger dens. He smiled when he finally spotted the butterfly-fairies, including their leader, on top of an overhang just outside one of the dens, playing with two other baby griffins.

He gently lowered the little griffin in his hands back down again, before calling out to the fairy leader, "Lu. A word, please?"

The little fairy leader blinked in surprise, but then she grinned at him. She quickly turned into her butterfly form and fluttered over to him.

Vlad lifted a hand, watching as the small ghost landed on one of his fingers and then turned back into a fairy.

"Danny?" she asked, hopeful.

But Vlad shook his head. "He is at home. And he will not be coming here for at least a few days. He is being punished for misbehaving, you see."

Lu pouted. "No fair."

"Oh, it's fair," Vlad assured her with a small smile, though he knew that her child-like logic would not agree with him, anyways. "Do not worry, though. You will see him again. But I came to find you for another reason… You see, I need your help, little one."

Lu perked up, clearly very curious about what the King wanted.

"I need you to make a trip for me. Think you can?" Vlad asked, before pulling out a wrapped item from his pants pocket. He unwrapped it, revealing the item to be some kind of edible treat.

Lu squeaked in delight, before nodding vigorously in agreement.

Vlad chuckled as the other fairies quickly got interested and came over to him as well. But he ignored them as they took the large treat from his hand. Instead, he told Lu, "Listen, closely. I need you to deliver a message."

The fair-butterfly nodded and listened closely as the King explained everything to her.

---

"They are definitely going to come out any day now," Desiree muttered, inspecting Danny's fingers.

His claws had finally moved pass the stage of being itchy and uncomfortable. Now, if one looked closely there was a small slit right on the child's fingertips, where his claws remained hidden.

"It doesn't hurt anymore, right?" Desiree asked, wanting to make sure.

Currently sitting on top of his dresser and wrapped up in a towel since he had just taken a bath, Danny shook his head and replied, "No, but my fingers feel all tingly."

"Yes, that's normal, little Phantom. Your fingers will be sensitive just before your claws come out. So, it's very important that you are very careful. You do not want to do anything that could trigger them out before time. It could hurt your fingers and you don't want that."

Danny nodded, having already heard all that before from Anĝela, his female doctor.

Desiree then grabbed his chin and asked the child to open up his mouth. She smiled at seeing the tips of his fangs already showing just past his gums and in front of his normal teeth. Again, the same concept applied to the child's fangs. However, they were slightly more complicated in that because they had a toxin-secreting gland within them, it would take Danny a day or so for his body to become immune to his own toxin once his fangs came out.

But his natural weapons were so very close to coming out that Desiree was honestly quite surprised---and extremely relieved---that the scare Danny received yesterday at the Dragon Realm did not accidently force his fangs and claws out. That would have been a serious problem. But then, it also worried Desiree.

She knew Danny had to have been very frightened by those ghost dragons that tried to hurt him. It was enough to have triggered any child's core to call for his parents' help.

But Danny's had not.

Desiree was now sure Danny would never develop that intimate bond with her and Vlad. How could he? They weren't his real parents…

The Queen let go of the six-year-old's chin and smiled weakly at him, feeling a painful lump clog her throat.

Danny closed his mouth and just quietly looked at his mother.

But she also didn't say anything, suddenly lost in her own thoughts as she began to dry with her energy his white, wet locks. Although his bangs stayed as unruly as ever, the rest of his hair was already long enough to tie back into a small ponytail; which was what she usually did now.

She was still debating whether to cut it or not. She thought his current look suited him fine; but she had also liked his look when he had been younger and his hair had still been short, but shaggy. It had made him look so very cute---not that he wasn't still cute.

Desiree didn't think it was even possible for Danny to not look cute. With his large, bright green eyes, slim nose, a sweet little mouth, and baby cheeks; there just was no way.

She smiled again at her lighter thoughts; but finally noticing the silence in the room, she raised an eyebrow at the child, and said, "You're awfully quiet this morning…"

Danny just lowered his eyes from his mother for a moment; but then quietly asked, "Is daddy still mad at me?"

Understanding lit the Queen's eyes. Usually Danny got over things very quickly; but it didn't surprise her that he was still upset about yesterday; especially when Vlad had yet to talk to him since then.

"I don't know, little Phantom. But if he was, can you really blame him? You caused a lot of trouble yesterday. Not to mention you scared us both very much…," she answered, both sternly and tenderly.

The Prince sighed and looked away again. "I'm sorry, Mommy. I didn't mean to," he said sadly.

She smiled. "I know, Danny. And, don't worry so much. Your father will come talk to you when he's ready. You know he and I love you no matter what."

Danny looked up and smiled a bit at that. "I love you and daddy, too."

Desiree's smile widened and she gently stroked one of his cheeks. But then, she lowered her hand and turned her attention back to his hair, suddenly asking, "What do you think about getting a haircut?"

Danny blinked at her, before turning his head and looking at himself in the mirror behind him. He had never really thought about it. Would it hurt if his hair was cut? It sounded painful… But then, even if it didn't hurt, he didn't think he wanted to get it cut. He liked having his hair looking like his father---or, rather, similiar looking to it.

The child looked back at his mom and was about to tell her 'no' when his dormitory's door was opened. Danny tensed at the sight of his father, before he was suddenly compelled to quickly look away from him.

Vlad would have smiled in amusement at his son's reaction; but it wouldn't be good parenting to let his son think that everything was 'okay' after what he did yesterday. He needed to have a stern talk with Daniel first, before he could give in to his desire to grab the child and shower him with affection. It seemed no matter how much he tried, Vlad couldn't stay mad at his son for very long. It was quite a problem, sometimes.

Still, he forced himself to keep a neutral face and just moved over to his son's bed and sat down.

"Where did you go to so early?" Desiree asked, breaking the silence.

"I'll tell you later," Vlad answered calmly.

Desiree raised an eyebrow at his response; but then reading something more in her husband's calm look, she just nodded. She then quietly combed out Danny's hair and finally tied it back.

Now that Danny was dry, Desiree removed the towel from him and finished up with Danny by coating his body with some fragrant glowing cream that lit up the child's already bright aura.

All the while, Vlad just watched her and Danny. And, clearly, the child was aware of his father's staring, since he kept nervously squirming as he waited for his mother to finish up with him. In fact, Danny grabbed some of the cream himself and rubbed it on his own face just to get it over with.

"All done," Desiree announced, though mostly for Danny's sake, since the poor child looked so ready to fly out of the room. "Ready for breakfast, little Phantom?"

But before the child could reply, Vlad interrupted, saying, "We'll catch up with you in a moment, Des."

Danny quickly looked over at his father. But his father's expression was so closed that the child couldn't read anything from it. Danny looked away again and seemed to shrink back on the dresser, secretly wishing he could touch his father to know how he was feeling right now...

"Alright," Desiree said, calmly. "Don't take too long, though. Remember we are going to visit the doctor today," she reminded her husband.

Vlad just nodded, before watching her leave. He then turned his gaze back to Danny, who was so anxious now, he was gripping tightly against the edge of dresser, his eyes locked on his tense spectral tail.

There was another silence, and Danny began to try to think of something to say. He couldn't stand it anymore! And yet his mouth had gone dry. He had been hoping to see his father since yesterday to apologize; but now that he had the chance, he couldn't even look at his father.

"Daniel."

The child visibly cringed when his father finally broke the silence. But swallowing hard, the Prince looked up at the King with uncertain eyes.

Vlad paused another moment, seemingly trying to decide what to do with his son. But then he calmly, though sternly ordered, "Come here."

Unsure if he wanted to get any closer to his father anymore, Danny began to stutter for something to say, "D-Daddy, I---"

"Come here, Daniel," Vlad repeated, no change in his voice.

Danny hesitated only a small moment; but then he sighed and flew over to his bed, landing quietly on it in front of his father.

The child look down at his now wriggling hands, and needing to say what he had been wanting to say since yesterday, Danny quietly told his father, "Daddy, I'm really sorry. I am…You can punish me forever if you want to. But…please don't be mad at me no more…"

Vlad stayed quiet yet again, and Danny decided that was so much worse than having his father yelling at him like yesterday. He couldn't stand the silence. But just when the Prince felt his bottom lip begin to quiver, the King calmly took hold of one of his son's hands.

Danny looked up unsure; but when he realized his father's intention, he quickly moved closer and more than willingly touched Vlad's signature. Instantly, the feel of his father's energy conveyed more than spoken words.

And suddenly flooded with relief, Danny let out a small whimper and threw himself into his father's arms.

Vlad couldn't stop himself from hugging his child back. He just hated to be upset with his son. But knowing he did need to talk seriously with him, Plasmius let go and gently moved the child down on his lap.

"Hold on, Daniel," he told him with a calm but stern voice. "Just because I am not angry anymore does not mean I am not still upset with you. What you did was very wrong."

Danny's eyebrows creased as he said, "I know you said not to go back there. But I wanted to---"

"I know what you wanted to do, Daniel," Vlad cut him off. The King sighed before continuing, "I know you were trying to fix my lost friendship with Aragon. And I know you were just fighting to not lose your own friendship with Aragon's son. It was all very noble and understandable of you. But, Daniel, you must understand that even things done with the best intentions can end up being bad things when we do them in the wrong ways."

Danny just stared up at his father with large troubled eyes. But he still quietly listened as Vlad continued.

"You know how much Wulf cares for you, how much he trusts you. Daniel. He did not deserve your tricking him like that."

"I know," Danny whispered, lowering his gaze as he remembered how hurt Wulf had looked at him.

"Your abilities, Daniel, are a gift. They are not meant to be used selfishly, my son. And they most definitely are not meant to be used to wrongfully hurt or trick others," Plasmius told him seriously. "So, you see, I am not so much as upset at you for returning to the Dragon Realm as I am for the means you used to get there. Furthermore, you put a lot of ghosts in danger. Daniel, you put your very friend in danger. Do you see how serious that is?"

"Yes. Ember got hurt," Danny whispered, feeling really bad at realizing everything he had done.

"Yes, she did," Vlad replied. "And we are fortunate that neither she nor anyone else got seriously hurt. But that doesn't take away from the fact that she could have been very hurt. You could have been very hurt, too, Daniel," his father added, a bit of fear in his voice eking out as he said the last comment.

Danny looked up, suddenly recalling how his father had also been hurt... His father could have also been very hurt. And… it would have been all his fault.

"Listen to me well, Daniel. Do not ever again put anyone in danger, especially not those about whom you care," Vlad gravely continued, quickly getting his son full attention again. "Quite the contrary, my son. You should protect others. Just like it's my responsibility to keep you, your mother, and everyone else in the Kingdom safe, it is your responsibility to keep your friends safe. And you do that by keeping them away from danger, not by putting them into it. Understand?"

Danny nodded. "I have to protect Ember and Elliot."

"Yes, Daniel, Elliot, too," Vlad said, his voice softening. "But when it comes to Elliot, the best way you can keep him safe is by keeping away from him. Under the circumstances, your presence can only cause him trouble. I know the thought of not seeing him again doesn't make you happy. But, it's the best you can do for him, little Phantom. Sometimes we have to sacrifice our own wants to do the right thing."

Danny looked sad; but still nodded. "Okay, Daddy. I promise I will never put my friends in danger again."

Vlad placed a hand against his son's face as he added in a troubled voice, "And never put yourself in danger like that again, either. You gave me quite a scare, little Phantom. I don't know what I would do if something were to ever happen to you. You and your mother are my strength, my pillars, my courage, Daniel. You both mean everything to me. So, you see, even the thought of something happening to you or your mother frightens me very much."

Danny didn't understand the depth of his father's words; but he did understand that they were significant. And it made the child even more determined to never disobey his father like he had again.

Wrapping his small arms around the King's torso again, the young Prince just let his energy convey how he felt, as well as assure his father that he would not scare him like that again.

"Now that we have gotten all that out of the way, I think it's my turn to apologize to you, little Phantom," Vlad said softly, rubbing his son's back.

But his words really surprised Danny, and the child pulled away from his father to look up at him in both shock and confusion. "You want to say sorry to me? But you do nothing wrong. I did!"

"And I did, too, Daniel. You see, I got my friends hurt as well. Even if Aragon has forgotten our friendship, it doesn't mean I should, too. And yesterday, I did just that. Not only did I hurt him, but my actions also got Skulker and my other friends hurt. What I did was also not of a good leader. I'm the Ghost King and you are my son, my heir. It is our responsibility to work for peace. And I am very sorry I forgot that yesterday… Sometimes fear and anger do strange things, little Phantom. But that is no excuse. And although I don't approve of what you did, per se, I am proud of your intentions," Vlad told him with a small smile, before placing his hand against Danny's signature. "I am proud that even at your young age you understand how important it is to strive for peace. And that's something you should never forget, my son; don't ever forget to do the right thing; just remember that it also must always be done in the right way."

Danny smiled brightly, and determinedly assured his father, "I will never forget, Daddy! And it's okay; I am not mad at you!"

Vlad chuckled as he lowered his hand from the child's symbol. "That's quite a relief, my boy. But I want to prove to you how important it is to fix your mistakes. And I also want to try to make you happy, little Phantom."

Danny tilted his head curiously. He didn't see how his father could make him feel anymore happier than he was right now! His daddy wasn't mad anymore! And that made everything perfect again in the child's mind.

But Vlad quickly proved to the young Prince that he indeed could be happier.

"I'm going to make a deal with you, Daniel, Okay?" Vlad asked. And getting a nod from his son, the male ghost continued, "If you can try to always keep in mind what we just talked about and you also apologize to Wulf for what you did, I will go talk to Aragon. I can't assure you that he will agree, but I will try my best to fix things with him so that you and Elliot can be friends. Is it a deal?"

A large grin instantly lit the child's face, while his own bright ghost aura also grew brighter, conveying his happiness.

"YES!" Danny exclaimed, throwing his arms around his father's neck and giggling with happiness. "I'll do everything you said! I will! Thank you, Daddy! Thank you! I love you a lot! I do! You are the best Daddy there is!"

"I guess it's a deal, then," Vlad teased and chuckled.

Danny just hugged him even tighter. But suddenly excited to get a move on, the child pulled away from his father; and instead grabbed his hand, urging, "Come on! Let's go find mommy and have breakfast! And then, we can go to see Elliot's father!"

"Now, wait a minute, Daniel," Vlad said right away, which got his excited son's attention. "You cannot go with me. I will need to go alone. But I promise I will tell you everything when I get back. Also, I do need to go with your mother to see the doctor, first."

"Mommy sick?" Danny questioned, frowning slightly.

Vlad's eyebrows creased; but not wanting to trouble his son, he answered, "Well…maybe. But hopefully not. And if she is, I'm sure the doctor will have her feeling better in no time. So, don't worry."

"Okay," Danny nodded. But he then smiled again and said, "Well, we still have to go eat! That way you can leave soon! And you can then come back and tell me everything! Come on!"

But Vlad smirked before he fell back on his son's bed. And since Danny had been holding on to his hand, the child fell right on top of him.

"Hey!" Danny protested. But when he tried to move off, his father wrapped his arms around the little ghost, holding him against him.

"Daddy! What are you doing? Mommy is waiting for us!" the six-year-old grunted out as he tried to squirm out of his father's hold.

But Vlad just continued to smirk as he replied, "She can wait a little longer. I feel like taking a nap."

"But I'm not sleepy!" Danny grumbled.

"It's okay. You can just keep me company," Vlad answered calmly, before closing his eyes and pretending to fall asleep.

Danny whined in annoyance. "No, don't go to sleep! Daddy!" Since he couldn't escape his father's hold, the child instead decided to keep his father from going asleep and began to try to pry his eyes open. "You can't go to sleep!"

"Watch me," Vlad retorted.

Danny growled. But then getting an idea, the child smiled cleverly before leaning down and giving his father a kiss.

Vlad willingly opened one of his eyes and his smile grew as he said, "Clever boy. Your mother taught you that, didn't she?"

Danny grinned. "Yup! She says it works most of the time!"

"Yes, most of the time…," Vlad answered, before closing his eyes again.

Danny giggled, before he kissed his father a couple of times more. "Are you awake now?"

"Almost. Try again," Vlad teased, briefly opening his eyes before closing them again.

Danny narrowed his eyes playfully, realizing his father was now just pretending to be tired to get more affection. However, the child had also been taught one other thing from his mother.

"Mommy also said if the kisses don't work, this will," the Prince said, before suddenly jabbing his fingers in his father's side, knowing he was as ticklish as he.

And as expected, Vlad yelped and jolted. But he quickly snapped his eyes open and flashed his son a wicked smile. "Oh, so it's like that, eh?"

Danny yelped when his father turned them around, so that it was the child who was now trapped between the bed and his father.

"You're in trouble now, little Phantom…," Vlad teased him, before his fingers attacked all his son's sensitive spots.

Danny squeaked, before he broke out into a laughing fit. "No! Stop! I-I tell! M-Ma" But the six-year-old could not form anymore coherent words.

Vlad grinned, knowing what his son was trying to tell him. "Sorry, 'Mommy' can't save you if she can't hear you, little Phantom."

And knowing it was true, Danny instead decided to 'fight' back and quickly reached up to attack his father with his own fingers. However, this time, in his excitement, the child pressed too hard. And although it definitely got the reaction he wanted from his ticklish father, it was not very pleasant on his currently sensitive fingers.

"Ow!" Danny cried out, instantly pulling his hands against his chest.

Vlad just as quickly ceased his playing and asked worriedly, "What's wrong?"

Danny showed him his hands and his father quickly understood.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I forgot," Vlad muttered, gently passing his own fingers along the child's sensitive fingertips. They seemed to be fine. But it was best not to play too roughly with his son until his claws came out.

His brief discomfort ebbed as his father continued to tenderly inspect his hands. Danny watched him for a moment; but then his father's actions brought back to his mind a very important question; one that he had been wondering more and more each day.

"Why am I so different, Daddy?"

Vlad froze. "What do you mean?" he asked slowly, feeling a bit troubled by the question.

"Well, my claws and fangs have not come out yet. And every other kid I know already have them. Ember has them! Why not me?"

"Well, sometimes, it just takes longer for some children. But don't worry, they are going to be coming out very soon by the looks of it…," Vlad answered, trying to sound causal about it.

"But it's not just that!" Danny quickly answered, sitting up again. "Why is my hair white? You and mommy have black hair! And the kids I know don't have white hair! Just me!"

"I happen to like your white hair, little Phantom," Vlad said with a small smile, passing a hand through the child's locks.

"But it makes me feel weird!" Danny protested, a bit frustrated that his father didn't seem to think there was a problem with him. "And I can't form my legs, either. I-I can't call to you and mommy." The child sighed before he quietly muttered, "I want to. But I don't know how…"

Vlad's smile vanished and he sighed himself. "You're right, Daniel. You are different. Everything about you is very different…"

Danny's eyes widened with his father's confirmation, feeling even worse.

But Vlad then placed a hand against Danny's face; and with a gentle smile assured him, "However, it's those differences that makes you so very special; more than you will ever know, little Phantom. From the moment I laid eyes on you I knew you were and will be like no one else in existence. You are destined for great things, my son. I know you are. Maybe being different doesn't feel very good all the time right now; but you will see one day how wonderful it is. But for now, don't trouble yourself over how you compare to others. You are yourself, little Phantom. Unique. One and only. But if it will make you feel better, know that I am just as different as you are. Sometimes it does make me feel out of place, just like you. But, in the end, my being different and your being different is a gift in itself. I learned that from your mother, Daniel. And it's something I also want you to learn and hopefully someday understand."

Danny's eyebrows creased in thought. And although it made him feel better to know his father was also different, the child really didn't see how he was…

"You don't look different," the child said with an unsure frown.

Vlad nodded. "Let's just say looks can be deceiving, little Phantom. But then, how does 'different' look exactly, Daniel? What makes you think you look different? Your white hair? It's still hair, isn't it? What is color when it is as normal as any other ghost's hair? Do you see what I am telling you?"

Danny smiled a bit. "Yes." But then he suddenly remembered something and his smile fell again. "What about my skin? The dragon ghosts that hurt Ember said I looked weird. They said I looked like a human! Is that true, Daddy?" the six-year-old asked, unsure of how to feel about that.

Vlad raised an eyebrow, but then shook his head in amusement. "Daniel, of course they would say that. I mean, compared to them, we surely have more features in common with the humans. And what in the world is wrong with your skin, you silly boy. It's color again? Everyone looks different, Daniel. In one way or another. No ghost, nor any human, for that matter, is the same. So, really, Daniel, you are troubling yourself over nothing. And don't give any thought to what some ugly lizards think about you."

Danny giggled at his father's name-calling, before asking,. "So, do all the ghosts in the Kingdom look like the humans?"

Vlad's face slightly scrunched at his son's question. But he then reluctantly nodded. "Well, not all. But… Yes. I suppose some of us do share some common features here and there with the humans…"

Now really curious, Danny's eyes lit up as he further asked, "Like what? Tell me what they look like, Daddy!"

But this time, the King frowned at his child's eager request and he seriously questioned, "Why so much interest in the humans, Daniel? You are always asking about them. Whether it's where they live or about the portals or asking your mother about their language. Now, you want to know what they look like? I don't understand your interest in them."

Danny looked away. "I, uh, don't know. I just want to know. Is that bad?"

Vlad sighed, before shaking his head. "No, Daniel. It's not bad. And, please, don't think I'm telling you I don't want you asking me about this. You know you can talk to me about anything. But… your interest in them troubles me."

"I'm not going to do anything bad, Daddy!" Danny quickly assured him. "I know I can't go to the human world. And I never am going to! I remember what you said all the time! I see a portal and I fly really fast and far away from it!"

Vlad smiled weakly; but then he sighed in surrender. He supposed it was better for him to answer his child's questions regarding the humans than having some one else do it. Or heaven forbid, have the child get too curious about them. Even if his son assured him that he would never try to go to the human world, Daniel was still just a small child. And very often his impulses could be stronger than his young logic.

"Well… Let's see…" Vlad placed his hand on Danny's symbol as he told him, "They don't have an energy core like us. Instead, they have something called a 'heart'. And it beats, always."

"Really?" Danny asked in disbelief. That sounded really weird. Humans didn't have a core and instead something that moved?

"Why?" the Prince then questioned with a frown.

Vlad chuckled lightly. "That's… complicated, Daniel. It just does. And their chest moves in and out since they need air all the time, just like we need ectoplasmic energy all the time. Again, it's complicated."

"Okay... So, what's the same about them and us?" Danny questioned, more interested in that.

"Uh…Well, they have hands," Vlad began, grabbing the child's smaller hands in his and showing him. "They have fingers, too. And---"

"Claws?" Danny supplied.

Vlad smiled. "No claws. No fangs. Just regular teeth."

"Oh," Danny muttered. But then he smiled again and asked, "How about hair?"

Vlad nodded. "Just not as shiny and soft as yours," he answered playfully.

Danny's grin only widened. "And a tail?"

"You mean like yours?" Vlad quirked, reaching down and grabbing the little ghost's spectral tail. "No. They have feet. Though, I can't say if they are as ticklish as your tail…"

The Prince fell back on his bed, giggling when his father tickled his tail. "Daddy! Stop! I get it already!"

"Oh, okay," his father said innocently, letting go of his son's tail. "Anything else?"

"Yes. Do they have a tummy?" Danny asked, though it was obvious that the child just wanted his father to keep playing with him.

"A tummy…? You mean like yours again?" his father asked, playing along.

Danny nodded excitedly.

"Hmm…. I'm not sure…" Vlad began to probe his child's abdomen, pretending to think about it.

Meanwhile, Danny laughed some more. But when his side started hurting from all his giggling, he raised his hands and grabbed his father's face, pulling him closer to him. "Okay, how about a head and a face?"

Vlad moved his own hands up to Danny's face and turned it from side to side, before nodding and answering, 'You know, I think they do. You know what else they have?" Vlad asked, grinning down at his son.

"What?" Danny asked, though he had an idea already.

"Well, they have a mouth," his father began, touching his son's curved lips. "And then they have a nose." This time he kissed him there before he added, "Though I am fairly sure that no one has one as cute as yours. Oh, and they must have eyes. Two. Though, again, nothing compared to your own…"

Danny giggled again and closed his eyes when his father also kissed them.

"Am I missing anything else?" Vlad asked with a smirk.

"Yes. Here, here, here, and here," Danny quickly said, pointing at his cheeks and his chin and his forehead."

"Oh, yes, definitely. They have all that," the King answered, before kissing the child in all those places.

"Wow! So, they are just like us!" Danny exclaimed with a bright grin as his father continued to shower him with affection for the fun of it...

But his child's words mentally jolted the King and he suddenly pulled away from Danny.

A bit startled by how quick his father stopped kissing him, Danny stared up at him in confusion.

"No, Daniel," Vlad said, now serious. "They are nothing like us."

"Huh? But you just said--," Danny began, only to be cut off.

"They might look somewhat like us. But that does not make them anything like us."

Danny was now really confused.

Seeing it, Vlad sighed, his face softening, though he straightened his posture again. "Daniel, humans are…," The King paused, not sure how to say this to his son without sounding too…harsh.

But Danny already knew what his father wanted to say. After all, Elliot had already told him.

"You think they're evil, too, Daddy?" the child asked.

Vlad quickly frowned at his son, wondering where he had heard such a 'strong' word. But although he did believe humans were evil for the most part, it didn't feel right telling his son…

"They… They are dangerous, Daniel," the King decided to say instead. "They are a very dangerous species. Not just to themselves, but to us, too. You see… they don't like us."

"Why?" Danny whispered.

Vlad sighed again. "For a lot of reasons. But I think the biggest reason is that they feel threatened by anything that's different from them. It's in their nature. That is why I don't want any ghost going anywhere near them. Humans would not hesitate to capture and hurt any ghost, even if the ghost was only a defenseless child."

Danny's eyes widened. "They would… kill us?"

Vlad just nodded. But then he touched Danny's signature as he seriously added, "Many of them think we are a threat to them. And then other humans, whom unfortunately are usually the ones in charge of their race, are just envious and greedy. They think they can gain something from us."

"Like what?" Danny asked, confused.

Vlad shrugged. "I suppose since they don't possess the abilities that we have, they want to find ways to harness our powers for their own use... Like I said, they don't have an energy core, my boy. So, they can't do the things we can. And most importantly, they cannot transfer their feelings to each other, let alone build the type of bonds that ghosts can. That is why they are nothing like us, Daniel. And they never will be."

Danny stayed quiet as he thought about his father's words. He didn't understand. If humans had no cores, if they couldn't share with each other how they felt, how did they communicate love and care and all the important things that ghosts did through their touch?

Was that why Elliot said they were evil? Was that why they were dangerous, like his father said? Did humans not know how to love?

"Look, Daniel," Vlad said, interrupting the child's thoughts. "There are some things that are just too complicated to explain. And then there are some things about the humans that even I have yet to understand. And maybe I never will. But it doesn't matter. And it shouldn't matter to you, either. All that you need to know about them is that they are dangerous. They might not have our abilities, but they are a very deceiving race. Trust me when I tell you that their ingeniousness makes up for their lack of power."

Danny clearly did not understand everything his father was saying. But he did get enough to understand that humans were bad news to ghosts. It was even more a reason to never go to their world. If only he could stop being curious about them. But the Prince couldn't help it. The humans and everything about them just… attracted him. He didn't understand why. But it did!

"Let's forget about the humans for now. If you want, we'll talk about them some more at another time, okay?" Vlad asked with a small smile.

Although he wasn't satisfied, Danny still nodded and mumbled, "Okay…"

His smile widening, Vlad quickly scooped the child up in his arms and got off the bed with him. "We better head to breakfast. Your mother probably thinks we forgot all about her…Wait until I tell her it was all your fault...," the King added in a mischievous voice.

Danny gasped, his full attention finally going to his father. But then the same mischief suddenly reflected off the Prince's face as he said. "Not if I tell her it was your fault first!"

Vlad actually gasped in genuine surprise when his son suddenly phased from his arms. And with triumphant giggles, Danny darted out of his room and down the hallway towards the breakfast nook.

The King mockingly scowled. "Maybe I should stop letting him spend so much time with all those ghosts at the Forest of Emotions…" But then rolling his eyes in amusement, Vlad just followed in his son's direction. He knew he could easily teleport and beat his son to his wife. But… he didn't have a problem in letting his son win this one…