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Chapter 21. Choice
Danny crashed into the rotted wooden door at full force. The moss covered lumber exploded in all directions as the young hero led the titans into the heart of the deserted building. His eyes passing over the rusted and destroyed relics of the church; where was Scourge and Sam?
"Where could they have gone?" Danny said aloud.
"They must have used a secret entrance to get out," Robin explained, "spread out and search."
"Or that ghost could have phased them both out of the building." Cyborg added.
"No, they're still here," Danny, said moving behind the altar, "I can feel it."
A hand of iron shot out of the gloom, grabbing Danny by his face. He struggled to shake loose the powerful grip of whatever it was. Then he saw him. Scourge's pale skeletal face emerged from the shadows.
"Take a deep breath," he mocked, "Cause we're going down and never coming back up!"
Danny's chocked cries alerted Beast Boy who turned and saw Danny in the grip of the murderous specter.
"Get your hands off of him creep!" Beast Boy roared before morphing into a massive tiger.
Snarling Beast Boy leapt towards the grinning face. Specter only cackled, before Beast Boy could reach him Scourge morphed into his intangible state; forcing Danny to do so also Scourge dragged down into the darkness with him. Beast Boy's body slammed against the weather beaten boards of the church.
The other titans immediately rushed to Beast Boy's aid.
"What happened?" Cyborg demanded.
"It was that ghost," Beast Boy explained, "he got Danny."
"No!" Starfire cried in shock.
"We have to stay strong team, if we lose it now than we may never find Raven." Robin said.
"We don't even know where to look!" Cyborg shouted, "For all we know they're half way to Gotham by now."
"No, Danny said he sensed that they were still here." Beast Boy said standing up.
"Maybe there is a secret passage in here, we just have to find it."
"I think I know where." Starfire said.
The alien pointed to the enormous crucifix behind the altar.
"Seems likely." Cyborg said.
The hulking teenage hero pressed against the crucifix, much to his surprise it creaked open, revealing an eerie green light and a flight of stairs.
"I wonder where this leads to." Robin said.
"I think I know where." Beast Boy answered.
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"Let go of me!" Danny demanded struggling against Scourge.
"With pleasure!" Scourge answered with that he dropped Danny roughly on the ground.
Danny shot to his feet, "Where am I?"
"This is the ceremonial room where we are about to make history." Morgan answered.
Danny turned, "You again! I told you before, I'm not going to help you resurrect that bastard ghost king you call a master."
"Oh, I think you will, once you see what's at stake." Morgan replied.
Danny heard a cry for help; he turned to see Sam held by Scourge with a blade to her throat. Danny turned back to Morgan; his face was pale with grim understanding. The hybrid chuckled at the boy's fear.
"Don't worry Danny," Morgan assured him, "Sam will remain unharmed as long as you do as you are instructed."
Morgan offered Danny his hand, "Take my hand Danny and bring about a new era in this world or resist and lose what you value most."
Danny realized that there was nothing he could do; he had to choose between saving the life of the one he loved or protecting the world from certain annihilation.