Hey everyone! I'm back! Sorry this was so late, I had my mid-terms and few weeks before the exams, the teachers made us stay back everyday for extra lessons and still gave us homework after that. Weekends weren't any better either. And if that wasn't bad enough, I had writer's block for this chapter :P
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Important note at the bottom(after the replies of the reviews). Please read it, its bout the story;)
Pariah's Keep, GZ
Three months ago
5:00pm
Danny's POV
The first thing I noticed as my senses slowly came back to me was the splitting headache. I winced as I tried opening my eyes. Bright, piercing lights blinded me and I squeezed them shut again.
I let out a groan as I turned my head to the side in an attempt to avoid the sharp beams of light. The only indication that I had been out for quite a while was the stiffness in my limbs as I tried to raise my hand to shield my eyes from the blinding lights. My whole arm felt ten times heavier than usual and my entire body was aching.
After a minute of adjusting to the light, I managed to squint my eyes open and find out where the hell I was. Looking around, I noticed I was in a gothic-themed room, everything screamed expensive and for a second I had a small panic attack.
What if Vlad had found me and was the one who brought me here? If so, how am I supposed to escape now? He would surely have put up some kind of ghost shield to stop me from escaping as Phantom. My human side wouldn't be able to help much either with Vlad being a multi-billionaire and could just hire some beef-heads to keep me locked in.
I was hyperventilating slightly by that time and my eyes darted around the room frantically in hopes of finding some kind of possible escape routes. My eyes widened and I almost forgot how to breathe when I looked out of the only window in the room.
Green. Everything was green, not a sign of any kind of land in sight. I climbed off the green and black bed I had been situated on and made my way slowly towards the window, my eyes never leaving the view it provided.
I drew in a sharp breath as I saw the purple floating doors and never-ending green expanse. With my hands planted on the window sill, I leaned outwards and tried to examine the exterior of the building I was held in. Before I could even get a clear look of how high up I was, the sound of a door opening reached my ears. I snapped my head back so quickly that it was surprising I didn't get a whiplash.
I watched as an all too familiar purple-hooded figure appeared at the doorway. I instantly relaxed as Clockwork gave me a reassuring smile. He stepped, or more like floated, into the room and closed the door silently behind him. Once he was seated on one of the overly fancy chairs, he gestured for me to do the same. I sat opposite him in a chair identical to his.
"Daniel, I'm sorry but I had to bring you here before Vlad Masters could get his hands on you." Clockwork looked apologetic as he explained.
"As to where we are right now would be Pariah's Keep. But that wouldn't be for long since you'll be King and Pariah's Keep will be no more."
I blinked at that piece of information and the memories of what had previously happened hit me like a punch in the gut. I felt my face paled and a look of despair etched onto my expression. I took in a shaky breath and suddenly felt a hand being placed on my shoulder gently. I looked up to see Clockwork in his middle-age form, he was looking at me with gentle and empathic eyes.
I swallowed thickly and stared at the ground instead. The inner turmoil I had been feeling before came back and I choked back a sob.
"I-I'm fine." I managed to choke out as I fought back more tears. I heard Clockwork sighed and felt the pressure of his hand released my shoulder.
"Follow me, Daniel. I have something I want to show you." Clockwork started making his way to the door that he had entered from. I stared after him before I decided to follow him, blinking my tears away.
Pariah's Keep, GZ
Three months ago
5:10pm
Danny's POV
Walking through the halls of the castle, I had noticed how the designs of the place was the same as the last time that I had been here. It was medieval-themed but everything seems to ooze power and pride. Everything was sparkly clean, not a single speck of dust was in this place. Pariah Dark must have been very proud of his castle, then again what kind of king isn't proud of his own kingdom? Although it made me wonder how he kept this place clean if he had been in his sarcophagus for so long. Maybe he made a wish with Desiree to have this place clean and tidy forever.
Still deep in thought, Clockwork abruptly stopped, almost making me bump into him. I frowned and leaned around his larger form to look past him. In the room we were standing outside of was empty except for a single viewing glass in the centre of the room. What's strange about the room was that there were absolutely no windows, the shape of the room reminded me of a cylinder. The walls were curved but the floor and ceiling were normal.
He floated in and I followed, stepping into the almost bare room. Clockwork made his way towards the viewing glass. Looking closer, I noticed that it looked a lot like the viewing glasses that he has back in his clock tower. Just like the viewing glasses that he has, this one produced an image when Clockwork willed it to. As the image became clearer, I couldn't hide my surprise. Right in the viewing glass, it shows my brother, Richie-or Dick as he likes to be called.
It has been so long since I've last seen or heard about him that I had almost forgotten about him. Then again, I had been only four years old and after our parents died, I was abruptly brought to a completely different place with nothing familiar.
The trauma was probably too much for my four years old mind and I had unconsciously pushed any memories of my first family back into the corners of my mind. I remembered being upset that I wasn't able to go home or see my family.
I would ask Mom and Dad, Maddie and Jack Fenton, where was my family and if I could go back. The answer I always get was the same, looks of sympathy on both of their faces and sweetened voices as they tried to get me to understand that I was already home. My young mind unable to comprehend that there wasn't any other home that I could go to.
However, that stopped when I met Tucker and Sam. Since then, with the Fentons, Sam and Tucker helping me through the years, I had gradually forgotten of the life I had before. All the anger and despair had slowly faded away.
And then I got my ghost powers, with that, I had to worry about so much more. I guess with everything that has happened, I had almost forgotten about my last blood family. Seeing him now though, gave me a sense of hope. At least Richie looks fine, I wonder if he still remembers me, or has time muddled his memory like mine.
"Daniel, I'm sure you know that this is your brother. I know that you are very upset now, but I want you to know that you still have Richard. Hold on to that and remember that he will always help you no matter what." I stared at the viewing glass as the image of my brother changed into him adorned in a bright coloured costume with a domino mask.
I instantly recognized him as Robin, leader of the Teen Titans and former partner of Batman. I was shocked to say the least. But at least he's doing better than me in the superhero's business. Then something else struck me.
"Why are you showing me this Clockwork? I mean I'm thankful and all, but why show me Robin as well?" I stared at Clockwork quizzically. I've known him long enough to know that he wouldn't be doing this without a motive. He could've just shown me Richie and not of him as Robin, but since he did, I'm starting to wonder if this has anything to do with some kind of future that he has seen.
"This small piece of information will be very important to you in the future, Daniel." Clockwork looked straight into my eyes with his unwavering gaze. "Just remember that he is not the enemy."
Those words with some form of underlining meaning made me tensed. What had Clockwork seen that made him so worked up? Before I can question him more, the image in the viewing glass disappeared and the tension in the atmosphere lifted. The churning at the bottom of my stomach was still there though.
"Come Daniel, now we must prepare for the coronation tomorrow." He began as he made his way out. He was halfway out the door when I finally registered what he said.
"Wait! Isn't all of this moving too fast? What's happening?" For someone who bends time to his will, he seems to be rushing against it. Clockwork stops by the doorframe and turns his head slightly so that I was only able to see half of his face.
"The Observants had been discussing about this matter for a long time and there's still some arguments that they had yet to settle. It is better to get you on the throne as soon as we can before something else happens." Clockwork's reassuring smile returned as he waved me over. I walked towards him with heavy steps. Clockwork wrapped his arm on my shoulders the instant that I was in reach.
"You will be fine. Once the ceremony is over tomorrow, you will be able to take care of things in the Human Realm and I will be there to help you every step of the way." Clockwork said softer than before. As if anything too much would make me snap.
But as I was led to another part of the castle, I couldn't help the internal turmoil I was having. I shouldn't be here. I should be back at Amity Park. Back where my family and friends should be waiting for me. Not here waiting to be crowned. Not here where I wouldn't be able to find my long forgotten brother and grieve for the people who I failed to protect.
As these thoughts raced through my mind, I couldn't help but feel sick. The people I cared most about are dead because of me and I have a brother who was god-knows-where. And now I'm being chosen to be the King of some alternate dimension beings? No. I can't do it. I can't do any of these.
I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't notice that I was hyperventilating. That I was having a panic attack. My chest was tightening and my whole body was shaking. I couldn't stop it and there was black spots starting to darken my vision. I felt hands on my shoulders as Clockwork grabbed me immediately.
"Daniel! Breathe, you have to breathe. Calm down, don't worry I'm here. Just breathe and relax. Everything will be fine." Clockwork's smoothing voice reached me just as I felt invisible hands of unconsciousness dragging me to the back of my mind. I tried responding to Clockwork but could only let out a few gasps before the dark spots grew and covered my vision completely. My senses grew dull and I let the darkness wrap around me like a warm blanket.
Pariah's Keep, GZ
Three months ago
5:30pm
Clockwork's POV
I stared at the boy who was lying in bed silently in front of me. His face was relaxed, no sign of the worries and horrors that plagued him.
I had brought him back to the room that he woke up in when he had passed out again. Pulling the covers over him gently, I tucked him in and left without a sound.
This was expected. Daniel was currently under a lot of stress and I knew it wasn't fair to shove the responsibilities of a King onto him, but everything was set now. His future was sealed and things are going according to plan.
Daniel will be fine now.
Pariah's Keep, GZ
Three months ago
8:00pm
Danny's POV
I woke up in the same room as before and stared blankly up at the ceiling. The last thing I remembered was of Clockwork… and passing out in the hallway…
I watched the intricate designs decorating the ceiling as I pulled my thoughts together. They're dead. I'm in the Ghost Zone. And Richie's Robin.
Robin is the Teen Titan's leader, and they protect… which city was it again? I sighed, maybe I should've watched the news more often.
I sat up and looked around the room just like I had done the first time, albeit more calmly this time. Clockwork's not here.
I decided to go look for him. Once whatever he wants me to do is done, hopefully I can get back and find Richie. With that in mind, I got out of the bed and out the door. Turning the opposite way from the room Clockwork had brought me to earlier, I slowly made my way down the hall.
This part of the place looked identical to the one I had walked in with Clockwork. Soft rug underfoot, tall windows with long curtains and paintings lining the walls and red fire on medieval-looking wall touches lit up the area.
After what felt like walking for hours, but must only have been ten minutes in actuality, I finally found the hallway open up to a bigger room with hanging chandeliers and a throne. I stared in silent awe as I walked closer to it.
There were carpet-covered stairs leading up to the throne. The throne was red and gold in colour with jewels of all kind to give a sense of royalty to it. Taking the steps up, I was close enough to the throne to see that right at the top of the backrest of the throne, there were two letters carved into it. PD. Hm, must've stand for Pariah Dark.
Turning to face the room that the throne looked over, I noticed there were gigantic banners hung up with the same letters of PD on them. This whole room must at least be the size of two football fields. Right at the other side of where I'm standing, there were two oversized wooden doors. I wonder where it leads to.
Before I could go investigate, I noticed something in the shadows at the entrance of the corridor I came from. Out steps the person I was looking for, Clockwork. Looking towards me, he gave me a smile and started up the stairs.
"I see that you're up and feeling better now. If you want, we can start practicing for tomorrow when you're ready." Clockwork says as he reached the top of the stairs.
"I don't think I'll ever be ready for tomorrow." I sighed and turned to look at the throne Pariah had once sat in. I've been doing this sighing thing a lot lately, and I don't doubt it's going to be more frequent from tomorrow onwards.
Staring at the overly decorated throne, I wondered if the pressure of being a King ever got to Pariah before. The weight of the whole Realm on his shoulders…
"It'll go well, trust me, I know." Clockwork's smile became wider. Shaking myself out of my thoughts as I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder, I looked at Clockwork who was trying to comfort me with his presence.
I let myself return the smile as I felt the knot at the pit of my stomach loosen a little. Enough of this doom and gloom stuff, maybe practicing for the coronation will distract me.
"Okay Clockwork, where do we start?"
Pariah's Keep, GZ
Three months ago
9:48am
Danny's POV
It's almost time. At ten o'clock, Clockwork would give a speech and at the end of it, it would be my cue to walk out the tall double doors in front of me.
This morning had been hectic, servants and guards had appeared and filled the castle. Every ghost in the castle were bustling around, trying to get everything ready for the ceremony.
Imagine my surprise when a servant girl had come into my room to wake me up for breakfast and to get me my clothing for the ceremony.
I managed to find Clockwork afterwards, which was surprising considering how many times I got lost. I got Clockwork to explain to me how the guards and servants had been sent away the night before to spread the word of the coronation. He also said something about not overwhelming me, and seeing how my morning turned out, I can tell why.
I ended up with Clockwork sending me to the same servant who was also the one to make sure I looked presentable enough. We struggled taming my messy white locks for half an hour before she got me to change to my human form. I tried to tell her that there wouldn't be any difference.
Nevertheless, we got everything done within an hour and managed to squeeze in some last minute practices before the ceremony ultimately starts. Now standing in front of the doors that would lead me to the throne room, I wrestled with feelings of nervousness and uncertainty beside the servant girl whom I learned was Lynda.
I knew beyond those doors were where my going-to-be-former-enemies and other ghosts who I don't know are at. I heard that the Observants and the Ancients were here too. The Observants and Ancients serve as my Curia Regis or also known as the First Council. Clockwork was appointed as my personal advisor.
Peeking through a crack in the slightly ajar door, I saw both the Observants and Ancients sitting in the front row, they seem edgy. This must've been caused by Clockwork who had forbade them from coming to see me yesterday. Although after this ceremony, they would certainly want to have a talk with me.
Seated behind the First Council were rows filled with impatient ghosts. I spotted some familiar faces like Pandora, Wulf, Skulker and Ember. I could see even more ghosts I recognised further back in the room. The sound of loud chatter resounded in the room as almost all the ghosts present in the throne room were gossiping among themselves.
Seeing those familiar faces had calmed me down slightly. Withdrawing from the view of the other room, I turned to see Lynda looking at me, trying to search for any imperfection that she had missed. I almost wondered if she was even more nervous than I am.
Noticing that I was watching her, she flushed and bowed her head in apology and respect. I gave her a slight smile and thanked her for her help. Hearing Clockwork making his speech, I turned back to face the doors.
The Master of Time stood beside the throne as he gave his speech, his voice boomed loudly and all the chatter in the room had ceased. Taking a deep breath, I mentally prepared myself for the nerve-wracking moment to arrive. Pushing all thoughts of the previous day, I forced myself to keep focused and wipe my slightly clammy hands on my pants.
The twin doors were pulled opened by two guards who stood in the other room once Clockwork was done with his speech. With my back ramrod straight and my eyes looking straight ahead, I began striding towards the throne.
With my eyes locked on the throne and Clockwork, I made my way towards him. A few gasps was heard as I strode into view. Standing beside Clockwork, I looked at the sea of ghosts that stretched to the back of the room. I felt my knees go weak as thousands of ghosts stared back at me, all their attention focused solely on me.
"Danny Phantom will now be crowned King of the Ghost Zone." Clockwork boomed again, punctuating the last few words with practiced ease so as to have the intended effect.
We turned to face each other as a servant carrying the Crown of Fire and the Ring of Rage came up behind Clockwork. Taking the vow before being crown, I tried not to let my voice waver as I promised to protect the Kingdom and its people, along with executing justice correctly and helping to make the Ghost Zone a better place for everyone.
Once that was done, I bowed my head slightly as I let Clockwork place the Crown of Fire on my head. With the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears, I lifted my right hand to let Clockwork slip on the Ring of Rage onto my index finger.
Immediately, I felt the power of the crown and ring surge through my being. Suddenly, the room changed drastically. The letters on the banners changed to the one on my suit as Phantom and the red flames on the wall touches turned to icy blue. The colour scheme of the room changed as well, from red and gold, they turned to black and white. Only the red carpet remained unchanged.
Screams and gasps of astonishment and wonder came from the crowd as the chandeliers shook and creaks was heard, as if the castle itself was transforming. Then just as suddenly as the earthquake-like phenomenon had appeared, the roaring sound and shaking of the whole place stopped.
The room was so silent that everyone could've heard a pin drop. Looking around, the whole throne room looks completely different. It was as if we were in an entirely different room. The room that had once bathed in fiery red glow was now lit up by a calming blue.
"Now I present to you, your new King." Clockwork caught the attention of everyone once more. Sitting on my new throne, the ghosts broke out into a cheer.
"All hail King Phantom! All hail King Phantom!" The volume of their chant almost made me go deaf. Sitting on the comfortable throne, I waited for all of it to be over so that I could go back to hiding in my room.
Phantom's Keep, GZ
Three months ago
3:00pm
Danny's POV
I sighed in relief as the coronation was over. Slumping in the chair in the comfort of my newly transformed room, I thought about how crazy the past few hours had been for me.
A lot of ghosts I know and don't had come up to me to congratulate and compliment me, talking with the Observants and Ancients during lunch weren't that fun either. They only talked about expectations and meetings and other boring stuff.
Leaning my head back and closing my eyes, I tried to get my well-deserved rest. It didn't take long before I fell into a restless sleep.
therealdeal10311: Haha, nope you're not :)
FluffyDarkUnicorn: I agree! Here's some fatherly Clockwork in this chapter! ;D And yepp! Clockwork's definitely not beating around the bush :P
Ninuhuju: Lol, thank goodness you're not going to flip out now *sighs in relief* XD And yep, guess you just found out why :)
reviewer74: Thanks! I hope you like this extra long chappie! :D
Eirena Gaia: Haha, sorry if I offended you but ya, I do see some similarities but I would say my fav character in Marvels would be Spiderman and in DC it would be Robin ;) Wow that bad of a migraine? I hope it's not as bad as it is now, if not maybe a doctor can help you ^-^ Lol, you will! I can't wait either! XD Aw, don't worry I get them when I'm hungry as well, and those are worse when I have exam and I'm hungry at the same time :P I know right!? Danny is definitely King worthy!
KazeChi: I'm glad you said that! 'Cause I so did it on purpose *evil laughter* Although after the next chapter, it should be even more infuriating *winks* But I'm really happy you like it! And ya I did those on purpose to have a greater impact on readers(or try to) hehe.
PhantomRobin: Haha! Yes I am! And here's the longest chapter I've ever written! Hope you like it ;D Lol, it's normal in my country, its more abnormal if you don't get homework everyday :P
IWasNeverReal: He is now! Haha, I love your energy:)
Guest of honor: Well, they will be going with Robin, but afterwards I would focus more on Robin and Danny. Batman and other members of the Justice League will still make some appearance as well ;)
Nemo: Hehe, I'll try! And thanks! Glad you like it :D Ohh DxR hmm I'll consider it ;) I am fine with the pairing and I do see how Danny and Raven could like each other, so it might happen:)
SarahGayle: Yep! I noticed how all FF with Danny and Robin as brothers does not have Danny as King, so I decided I'll make one and hope others will write more of this too! ;)
Michael: Haha thanks! And ya I do, I remember reading some FFs about JxD pairings, and it does sound unique. I'll consider it and see if I can somehow fit into the story or maybe after this story, I can make a new one with your suggestion if you're ok with it ;)
Crystal013: Thank you! And here's the update! Hope you like this too!
20Qsoccer: Ohh! I love your idea, this actually gave me inspiration to make this story even longer and Vlad will come in in the last act of it. Probably have some Vlad and Danny bonding moments as well! ;)
Phantom heir daughter of Zeus: Here it is! Hope you like it even though it's somewhat like a filler, at least there's still some clues as to what will happen some in here. ;)
ColorlessRainbow42: Yay! Thanks! And here's the waaay too long chapter XD
brenda180018: Haha at least this one is 3869 words! Hope you like it! ;)
VioletLink7: Here you go! I want that for them too! But now that you said it, maybe they would have a little disagreement ;) Hehe, me too! I always love those in FFs XD
Darkverger1: I know right! Cheer up Danny, now you have ghosts to do your bidding ;D
TheCursedWolf: I can't too! Don't worry, it'll come soon! ;)
Nigirisushilover: Here it is! Hope you like it!
Sin-NaMe: Haha, he'll be back after the next chapter, I promise! :)
GhostPikachu: Omg I love you! And ya I noticed, its a bad habit of mine to switch between past and present ;P I probably need a beta :)
WereWolf2000: Haha! Glad you like it! And it will definitely get more interesting soon ;)
LunarCatNinja: Yay! Thanks so much!
Keep going: Well here's the next chapter! Hope you like this too! ;)
Golden feathers Edward: Hehe, I'm glad you do! It'll get more interesting soon! :)
IMPORTANT NOTE: For Danny, Phantom Planet never happened(duh) but all the other 50 episodes happened with The Ultimate Enemy episode pulled to the back. This means everything happened except PP was replaced with TUE, and Danny still got his ghostly wail and ice powers before TUE. Also Danny didn't destroy the Reality Gauntlet, instead he gave it to Clockwork for safe-keeping.