Downward Spiral by SupremeDramaOverlord

Chapter 21 - All Hail the Queen

The stone castle wall shattered like glass as Dora rammed Aragon into it. Aragon tumbled outside, dragging his sister with him. Stones and debris scattered everywhere.

Grunting, I got to my feet and tried not to think about how close I came to becoming a pancake. I leaned out through the hole and the other ghosts piled around for a look.

This side of the castle overlooked a cliff, causing the two dragons to tumble through the air. Halfway down, Aragon managed to flip Dora over, ramming her into the ground. He raised a claw and drove it across her chest. Dora roared rather than scream, the sound was so loud it vibrated through my bones.

"Dora!" I jumped outside and flew towards the two dragons, firing ectoblasts at the back of Aragon's head, "Leave her alone!"

Aragon growled as he swiveled his head and fixed me with a murderous glare, blood still dripping from the claw marks on his cheeks. Seizing the distraction to her advantage, Dora unleashed a torrent of sapphire flames straight onto her brother. Even though I was floating a good distance away, my face warmed from the intensity of the fire.

Aragon reeled back from the flames, shielding his face with his arms. The moment he removed his grip, Dora used her hind legs to push him off her. He crashed into a cottage, the building collapsing beneath his massive form. Villagers scrambled out of the way, deserting their village to the battleground.

Before Aragon could pick himself back up, Dora tackled him. The fight was turning into an all-out brawl! The two dragons were nothing more than a tangled heap, clawing and biting at each other. Engrossed in the brawl, neither one seemed to notice or care when they tumbled into buildings.

I looked for an opening to help, but I couldn't risk shooting any ecto-blasts without a clear shot. Not that it would do any good, I felt so drained. My ghostly energy wouldn't have packed enough punch to do anything.

With his hind legs, Aragon pushed Dora off of him, launching her into another building. It must have been a blacksmith shop; bits of metal, tools, and weapons scattered from the impact. Amongst all the things that got scattered, I spotted a sword. It was lighter than I expected and the black blade gleamed.

With his back to me, Aragon stalked towards Dora as she struggled to get up. Without really thinking, I flew forward and swung on instinct. A terrifying cry of pain and fury filled the air. I felt a little sick.

The blade had cut smoothly and without hesitation. The tip of Aragon's long, black tail was on the ground, wriggling and squirming in a small puddle of green blood. I backed away in disgust just as Argon began charging towards me.

As I raised the sword, I was grabbed from behind and I found myself sitting on Dora's back. I held on tight with my free hand as she flew high over the village and over the ghostly forest. Aragon right behind us.

I had to yell over the wind and the beat of her wings to be heard, "Where are we going?"

"We can't fight him here! I have to lead him outside our borders. If not, we could end up destroying the entire village! We need him to follow us."

I glanced behind us. Aragon was tearing after us. Smoke was pouring out of his mouth and nostrils, his eyes bulged in unrestrained fury. He was mad in every sense of the word.

"Uh, don't worry, he's following us."

In no time at all, we were surrounded by the endless expanse of the Ghost Zone. With one hand I held onto Dora, using the other to raise my sword. The two dragons slowly circled each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Aragon spared a hateful glance on me.

"You have completely lost all your senses! You defy me, disobey me, attack me! And all for what? This outsider?! I am your king! I command you to yield!"

"I will not! Never again will I yield to you!" Dora was a terrifying sight. Her sharp teeth were bared viciously, a snarled rising in her throat. But despite all that, I could hear the hurt underlying in her tone, "All these years, all these years! You insulted me, you abused me, you tore me apart inside and out! You nearly destroyed me... and I allowed it. But not this time! You made me think I deserved it. But I never did! My only regret is that I didn't realize that sooner."

"You. Belong. To me!"

"Not anymore!"

They lunged in unison. They scratched and bit at each other, I managed to get a few swings in with my sword. If I wasn't feeling so drained, I would've shot a few blasts of ecto-energy at his face.

I don't know how long we'd been fighting before I spotted something in the corner of my eye. My stomach dropped.

"Dora! Look out!"

Dora and Aragon had interlocked claws, each trying to overpower the other. But having caught her attention, Dora risked a glance at what had made me yell. She gasped.

Flying towards us as fast as a missile, was a Nightmare. Even from a distance, I could tell it was different from the one that attacked me after falling through the portal. It was smaller and in a more humanoid shape. The only similar traits were that it embodied darkness and a few shimmering stars.

Aragon took advantage of Dora's distraction and jumped on her, pinning her on one of the many floating islands that surrounded us. The impact sent me tumbling off Dora. Aragon bared his terrible teeth and lunged for the killing blow.

But something got him first.

The small Nightmare flew right past Aragon, flying away without looking back. I frowned in confusion, especially when Aragon's expression melded into one of horror. He stared down at a tiny cut on his chest, a cut the Nightmare made when it flew past him. Dora scrambled out from under him, staring at him with the same expression of terror. Neither spoke a word. I didn't understand why Aragon seemed so frightened over such a small cut. Feeling like I was missing something very important, I slowly stepped over to my friend.

"Uh, Dora?"

"Danny," With one massive claw, Dora gently moved me behind her as she backed us further away from her brother. Her voice was a low whisper and it put me on edge, "Stay behind me. Get ready to run."

Before I could ask her anything, my attention was glued to the dark dragon before us. A strange transformation seemed to be overtaking Aragon as I stared in morbid fascination.

The tiny scratch on his chest turned inky black and it slowly spread over his body. Aragon fell on the ground screaming and writhing. Whether it was from fear or pain, I didn't know but I had a feeling it was both.

The substance covered every inch of him, blacker than his scales. He looked less solid like the others and more like a piece of the darkest night sky. Where the tip of his tail had been cut off, a trail of wispy smoke replaced it. His screams quieted and his movements slowed as he huddled into a crouch.

Dora pushed me further behind her and I startled at the tears forming in her eyes.

"Brother?"

Slowly, Aragon raised his head, his eyes no longer red slits but now a pair of hazed stars. There was confusion all over his face, and I was startled at the realization that he didn't recognize us. Dora took a cautious step forward.

"Brother, it is me, Dorothea. Your sister." Her voice was soft as she spoke entreatingly, "Fight this, please! It need not be this way."

Aragon didn't respond beyond shaking his head lightly, as if trying to clear his mind. Dora changed back into a maiden.

"Dora!" I hissed a whisper, my eyes staying on the enemy, "What're you doing?"

She ignored me and took another step forward, "Fight it, brother! Things can change. We can work things out. Just please, do not submit to this!"

Slowly, Dora reached out. I saw the shift in his posture before she did.

"Dora! Move!"

I ran forward and slammed into her, pulling us both out of the way before Aragon could hit us with his claws. We stood and I lifted the sword, ready for the fight to continue. But Dora transformed back into a dragon and blew a steady stream of fire at him. In a voice that didn't sound like his own, Aragon screeched like a wild animal before retreating. We watched him fly further away and once he was completely out of sight. Dora dropped her dragon form as I turned to her.

"What just happened? How - He - that thing-"

I froze at the tears streaming down her pale green cheeks. She starred in the direction where Aragon took off. It was a few minutes before she spoke, "Do you remember when you asked me what Nightmares are?"

I nodded before remembering she wasn't looking at me, "Yeah."

"They used to be ghosts. Friends and family. You become infected once bitten or scratched. The change is instantaneous." She took a shuddering breath before continuing, "That was why he closed off our borders, why my brother forbade anyone from coming in or out."

"But why did he just take off?" My mind whirled at this new information, "He didn't even try to fight us."

"Nightmares are dangerous creatures but extremely cowardly."

"How did it start? Where did the uhh, 'infection' come from?"

She opened up her mouth to answer, but a sob wracked through her body and she buried her face in her hands. Unsure about what to do, I dropped the sword and placed a hand on her shoulder. I stiffened when she flung her arms around me and wept into my shoulder.

Having no idea what to do in this situation, I gently placed my arms around her in a hug.

"I'm so sorry, Dora." My throat tightened at how heartbroken she was, "You don't have to feel bad, Aragon was a jerk. He can't hurt you anymore."

She pulled back, shaking her head, "What he did was wrong but I never wanted that to happen to him! Aragon was the only family I had left! He was my brother!"

"You're right, I'm sorry for saying that." I mentally kicked myself in the butt, clearly saying the wrong things. I really wished Jazz was here, she'd know what to say in this situation.

Dora gave me a smile that looked more like a grimace. "He was not always like that. When we were alive, he was so caring, so gentle. The Ghost Zone changed him. And now it has changed him again."

She hugged me again and I returned it tightly, "Is there a cure?"

I didn't like the thought of helping Aragon, but if it made Dora stop crying it would've been worth it. She took a shaky breath, trying to calm down.

"There is only one, but it would be suicide to try. Come," She pulled back, leaving no room for argument, "It is not safe out here. Let us go back to the castle."

I picked up the sword and followed after Dora. As we left the floating island behind, I glanced sidelong at her. No matter how many times she wiped the tears from her face, more just kept coming back.

"You must have really loved him," I said softly, "After everything he did to you, you tried to save him. You wanted him to apologize and go back home with you."

"I never needed an apology. I forgave him a long time ago."

"But then why did you fight him and stand up for yourself? What was the whole point?"

A sad smile curved her lips, "Forgiveness does not mean excusing."

"Huh," I frowned as I thought her words over, "I never thought of it like that."

"It wasn't easy to forgive him." She considered me a moment, "I have no desire for revenge. Those who seek it are brought to ruin."

"What do you mean?"

She faced forward and fell silent. At first, I thought she wouldn't answer me. But then, "It is like a cage. Revenge can consume you until all you have is your anger. There are more important things to focus on. Love, family, living your life. Forgiveness can even change a heart."

"Wow, you sound just like a fortune cookie."

She gave me a strange look, my joke lost on her, "I - I mean you sound… wise. Very wise."

"Ah, well," Seeming to catch that I had tried to lighten the mood, she chuckled softly. But I could tell it was forced. "That can happen when you have been around a few centuries."

The rest of the flight was spent in silence. When we reached the castle, Dora announced what happened to Aragon. No one seemed upset at the news, in fact, many chanted, 'all hail queen Dorothea!'" A lot of the ghosts actually came up to me to shake my hand. Aragon must not have been a very good king.

No one else seemed to notice the heartbreak in her eyes.

Neither one of us had serious injuries and it didn't take long to bandage the few we had. Even though I was anxious to leave and meet Dora's mysterious friend, she had a lot of damage control to deal with. Assuring me that it wasn't something I could help with and that it would take a few hours, I was shown to a guest room. I didn't realize how tired I was until my head hit the pillow.

When I woke up groggy and drenched in sweat, it took me a moment to remember where I was. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, as I thought about the events from yesterday. I froze.

Yesterday? A few hours ago? Dread settled in my gut when I realized; I had no idea how long I've been in the Ghost Zone.

I jumped to my feet. The fight with Aragon seemed like a lifetime ago. How long have I been here? A few hours? A whole day? Did my family notice I was missing? Jazz was probably freaking out right now!

Rushing out of the bedroom, I found the closest ghost I could find and they happily took me to Dora. She smiled brightly when she saw me. Her eyes were still puffy.

"Did you sleep well, Danny?" I nodded but she frowned, taking in my disheveled appearance, "Is something wrong?"

"How… How long have I been here? In the Ghost Zone, I mean, since I met you."

"I don't know. A good while, I suppose."

"How much longer till we can leave?"

"We can leave right now if you are ready." She smiled apologetically, "I completed my new duties an hour ago but I thought it best to let you sleep. You were exhausted."

There was a spark of anger but it was gone just as quickly as it came. Even though I would have preferred losing a little sleep and getting a move on, Dora was just trying to help me.

"Well, I'm awake now. Can we go?"

"Certainly!"

After gathering two new satchels, the two of us made our way to the exit. But we were soon stopped by one of the castle staff. He worriedly explained that a large group of ghosts had trespassed into the kingdom and were demanding an audience with the ruler. They were waiting in the courtyard.

Great. Now what?

Before we walked out the door, I followed Dora to a window. From the angle we were in, we couldn't see all of the new ghosts but there was a decent amount of them. They had police shields, uniforms, batons, and few even had guns. They could pass off as a haunted SWAT team.

"Friends of yours?"

"Hardly." Dora eyed the crowd in distaste and pointed, "Do you see that one in the front?"

I had to crane my neck but I could just make out a ghost who stood out, "Yeah?"

He carried himself differently from the others. The first thing I noticed was that his head resembled a skull. A scowling skull. The second thing was the black cowboy hat and boots. He didn't really look like a cowboy though, not with that white suit.

"His name is Walker," her lips curled as if tasting something bitter. "He imagines himself a law enforcer - a law he makes up. He locks up anyone he can catch in his prison. He knows better than to come back here. This is my territory."

Dora's eyes flashed red at that last bit. If it wasn't unnerving, I would have asked to hear that story.

"I am sorry, Danny, but-"

"Hey, no need to explain." I felt bad for the guilt in her eyes, "What's one more delay? Especially if it means we get to kick more butt!"

She smiled appreciatively before we went outside. A groups of knights followed closely and there were even more surrounding Walker and his men.

The intruders didn't look worried.

"Ah, Princess Dora."

Dora's nose crinkled as if she had smelt something fowl. "I go by queen now, Walker. And as the new queen, I demand to know why you think you can enter my kingdom and with an army no less."

Walker grinned, as if tasting the hostility in the air, "As fun as it sounds, I didn't come here to fight…. At least not yet."

"Then pray tell, what on earth are you doing here?"

A chill ran through me when Walker's gaze landed on me.

"I'm here for the boy."

I took a step back in surprise as Dora instantly stood in front of me, blocking me from Walker's sight.

"Me?! Why me? I didn't do anything to you!" I paused, "At least not yet."

"Relax, punk. I'm not the one who wants you."

Dora's skin grew scales. On the very edge of transforming into a dragon she growled out, "Then who does?"

"Me."

My blood froze at the cool, familiar voice that answered.

Vlad's fangs glistened as he stepped into view.

"Hello, Little Badger."

A/N: I know this update was a long time coming but here it is!
Originally, I was going to have a more detailed scene between Dora and Argon that explained more to their back story but becuase it distracted from the plot and didn't do anything to drive the story forward, I had to cut it and replace it with the conversation Dora and Danny had after Aragon's defeat. That's actually part of the reason the update took so long.
Also, in this chapter, part of Dora's diologe was a quote from C. S. Lewis:

Forgiveness does not mean excusing.
- C. S. Lewis

I got asked if, in some twist, Danny turns out to be Vlad's biological son. He is not. When Vlad told Walker that Danny was his son, it wasn't really a hint at foreshadowing. Vlad's just a creep who considers Danny as his own. 'Forceful adoption' as someone put it. It was a good guess considering what I keep hinting at with dark past that happened between Vlad and Maddie. But that comes later in the story. :P

And now for the reviews!

TheKeyBladeForger: I get so exited when people tell me that they read my story in one sitting, it's one of the best complements I can get! I can't tell you how many nights I've stayed up reading a good book or fanfic.

LuckyClover3: Yeah, Vlad has a habit of messing up in this story. When will he ever learn? And the fallout was hard and I don't think I'll ever stop missing my friend, but the friends that are still with me have helped me through it. Thanks for your support!

SuckerForTheVillains: Thanks! I'm really glad people are intrigued with the new takes I'm giving the story line.

ericaphoenix16: At this point, Danny is probably considering it

Thank you so much to everyone else who reviewed/Faved/Followed my story! Keep an eye out for the upcoming chapter, you won't want to miss it!