Pearl: Hello all! Yes, I am still alive, and it's time for more Sid! I'll write any further comment below. Oh, except for one: Happy Mother's Day to those reading this who are mommys! If not, then happy Mother's Day to all my readers mothers! I hope God blesses them all the more on this special Day! Enjoy the chapter!
A/N: truephan here: I'm with ya, pearl! And I would also like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there! You deserve the best…And now for your pleasure, it's time to tune in to what's happening with all the crew…And I can't wait to see what's happening, either! Heh-heh, *permission to groan* Ahem, you know, I know what's going to happen, and…So, OK. I did have to get a Mother's Day joke in there…well, it's in there somewhere, I think, uh, maybe!
*Better quit while you're ahead, dearie!*
*truephan gulps* What did you mean by 'a head', Ms. Hyde? Do you want mine?*
*Why, of course, dearie, unless you shut up and let the chapter begin!*
*Uh-uh, right, right! Happy Mother's Day, y'all and enjoy!
Disclaimer: We do not own Danny Phantom, though our muses are working on it…
Chapter 20: Path to Condemnation
"So…that is the Time Master's abode," Skulker mused as he and those he was carrying inadvertently slowed down.
Now that the Ghost Hunter's jets were not thrusting forward as hard, the three teens got a better look at the floating purple and black building that they were still nearing.
"Gee, do you think all those gears and clocks all over the place are really necessary to let everyone know that the Time Master lives there?" Jazz said with a smirk, though she was really so awed by the sight that she really didn't know what she was saying.
Skulker's eyes widened a bit with Jazz's words, finally realizing something he had not when he initially heard the Ghost Boy's friends say that this was the Time Master's terrain. "Wait a minute," he suddenly added suspiciously before craning his neck and looking at Sam and Tucker. "How do you two know that that is Clockwork's abode, whelps?"
Sam and Tucker jolted a bit and hesitated. Now they had done it. They knew, of course, that Jazz and Skulker didn't know Clockwork like they did. And even though Danny considered Clockwork his friend, they were always a bit intimidated by the Time Master from what they all had experienced when they had accidentally 'met' him in the whole 'Danny's putrid future evil self' affair. Not to mention the fact that the last time Sam and Tucker saw Clockwork, he had been trying to waste their half-ghost friend… Still, with everything Danny told them after that event, they now had a strong hunch that Clockwork might be willing to help them find the Observants—that is, if the Time Master didn't throw them out first. Still, they weren't certain how much they had to explain to Skulker about Clockwork—and, really, they didn't want to. So, now, they couldn't make up their minds on what to do next, and silently glanced at each other.
But noticing their hesitation and even nervousness, Skulker readily frowned and asked, "What is it, whelps? What is with those looks?"
"And shouldn't we get moving?" Jazz added, though she still had no idea what they were going to do now when they had no more leads on her brother and Vlad's whereabouts.
Danny's friends swallowed hard; but then finally, Sam and Tucker's eyes told each other that they knew they had to convince the others to go in, and that it was going to be up to Sam to start to not only suggest their newest idea, but also convince them of it….
"Remember what Frostbite told us?" Sam began, gritting her teeth in determination.
"Yeah, r-remember h-he said that Clockwork worked for the Observants?" Tucker barked out.
Sam frowned at him and Tucker's eyes widened before he bit his lower lip when he realized he had actually told them more than what Frostbite had.
"He did? I do not recall any of that information," Skulker insisted, narrowing one of his eyes with even more suspicion. "The Leader of the Far Frozen did not mention specifics about Clockwork's 'relationship' with the Observants."
And just as he suddenly throttled his jets with the intentions of passing the castle, Skulker strongly added, "So, if what you pups say is true—which, by the way, I do not know why you know it to be true—then I do not trust this 'Clockwork' any more than I trust the Observants. And, therefore, I do not want to linger near this 'Clockwork's' territory any longer."
"Wait! We can't leave!" both Sam and Tucker automatically yelled in objection. "We need to go to see Clockwork!"
And while Skulker instantly halted, his eyebrows rising up with their abrupt suggestion, Jazz, who was now just as interested in what was going on, turned towards her friends and asked, "Why?"
Once more, the two youngest teens hesitated, before silently glancing at each other. They really didn't want to reveal anything else than what was necessary. Still, they really thought that Clockwork might be able to help them, and that meant they would have to get their comrades to agree to go.
And Sam was determined to do whatever it took to get to Danny.
Tucker could easily see from his female best friend's resolute look that she was about to tell the others what they knew. He pursed his lips but nodded slightly to her to let her know that it was okay with him.
She finally said, "Okay. We really don't have time to go into details, but it's like this: Danny, Tucker and I met Clockwork a while ago and he ended up being our friend. I think we can trust him to at least talk to us. But I don't know if he'll help. But we have to try."
Her companions looked at her in silence at first.
Tucker, of course, completely agreed with her, but waited for the other two to speak first.
Though Jazz was both a bit shock at having just learned that her brother and friends had dealt with such a powerful spirit as Clockwork, she was not going to overlook any means to helping her brother. She finally voiced her thoughts, "I totally agree with Sam and Tucker, then. I think we should try anything that might help Danny and Vlad."
All three of the humans then turned and looked at the Ghost Hunter.
Skulker narrowed his eyes and replied, "Do not think that you can out-vote me this time! I have the means of transportation, remember? It counts for at least three votes! I will not agree until you explain more about this 'Clockwork' spirit. And it better be good, whelps, because after all the rumors I have heard of this Time Master, I am not willing to risk myself by chancing a confrontation with this time spirit without good cause. I have already spent more than enough time being almost destroyed by a certain spirit named Iluzisto to know I do not want to meet another. Oh, and let us not forget you both also led me to those set of beings of the Far Frozen in whose company I felt uncomfortable! So, then, unless you start talking, I am not moving us anywhere near Clockwork's abode!"
Sam did not want to take the time to go into more details, but knew she must somehow convince the Ghost Hunter to go see Clockwork. She gritted her teeth and said, "You just have to trust us on this one, Skulker. And I don't know why you're arguing about us going to Frostbite's. You were safe all the while you were there and you know it. And as long as you don't try hunting something in Clockwork's Tower, then you'll be just as safe!"
Skulker had his arm extension reel the goth girl in until she was eye-to-eye with him. Jazz and Tucker's own eyes widened at Skulker's reaction and held their breaths in slight fear.
His eyes flaring a bit, Skulker growled to the goth girl, "Tell me more about what you know about the Time Master and I will consider stopping at his abode!"
But Sam merely squared her chin, crossed her arms in defiance and growled back, "Tell me how you ended up needing to use a mechanical suit and I'll tell you what I know about the Time Master!"
Jazz and Tucker hitched in their gasps at Sam's audacity. Their friend may have overdone it a bit, especially when they felt the mechanical arms around their waists tighten slightly and saw that the Ghost Hunter's eyes and hair had flared even more.
But then, Jazz and Tucker startled before they slowly exhaled when Skulker suddenly began to laugh and the mechanical arms around their waists slackened!
"You are a shrewd bargainer, whelp," Skulker chuckled, "And you give the Ghost Boy competition in the hunt as well….But, very well. We will go and see this 'Time Master' and see if he is willing to help us."
Only after Sam heard Skulker's decision to go to see Clockwork did she finally relax before she silently nodded to the Ghost Hunter….
Finally, the foursome was floating in silence at the front door of Clockwork's Tower, with Tucker closest to the door.
Jazz was the first to beg the question, "Now what?"
"Uh, I'm not sure," Sam admitted, getting a bit nervous.
"I thought you whelps said you have been here before!" Skulker suddenly thundered, growing suspicious once again.
Sam frowned in irritation and replied, "Okay, so we didn't go through the front door before!"
"M-Maybe there is a doorbell or something?" Tucker quickly suggested as he reached out to grope for some kind of button.
But as soon as the boy touched the outside of the building, the door, which was really some kind of drawbridge, suddenly opened on its own!
"What did you do?" Skulker demanded as he and the others floated back to allow the door to come down fully.
"I-I just touched it!" Tucker sheepishly said.
"Well, at least the door's open. Let's go in before it decides to close again!" Jazz insisted.
Skulker revved his jets and just as they crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut behind them, its loud noise echoing eerily down the corridor that lay just ahead of them.
Skulker released the three teens and as soon as each of them had solid ground under them, the foursome looked all around them.
Fortunately, the hallway was lined with blue-flamed torches that, oddly, seemed to flare in time, as if they were perfectly choreographed dancers—only there was no music and the flames also didn't make any sound.
"Uh, shouldn't we say 'hello' or something?" Jazz finally whispered, her voice echoing down the corridor in spite of its low volume.
"Greetings!" Skulker bellowed out and the three teens jumped as the hallway magnified the Ghost Hunter's roar.
But there was no answer to his call. How could Clockwork not hear that?
Skulker silently motioned for them to move forward. The three teens reluctantly obliged him and as they all walked down the corridor, the only noise that they heard were the same creepy echoes of their footsteps.
The four travelers had gone several yards without seeing one door. Still, they continued to delve into the bowels of Clockwork's Tower.
Finally, Tucker broke the eerie stillness, "Where is it?"
"Where's what?" Jazz said, her voice echoing as much as Tucker's had.
"The main room. That's where Clockwork was when we first saw him," Sam replied.
"I see a door just ahead!" Skulker interjected.
The group reflexively tensed when they all drew closer to the lone door. But none of them hesitated to enter it, only to find another hallway full of a lot of doors.
"Oh, no!" Jazz sighed in frustration.
"We'll just have to try them all, that's all," Sam dryly said as she headed to the first door, only to find it was… locked.
Tucker frowned at that before he suddenly looked over at Skulker and asked, "Hey, couldn't you…?"
"This is the Ghost Zone, pup," Skulker interrupted him, knowing what the teen was about to ask. "Intangibility rarely works here. Let us just do as your female friend said and try them all."
The others finally took Sam's lead and spread out, trying the first door that came their way.
They all turned to each other after trying the first group of four doors and said all at once, "Locked!"
This time, Skulker commanded, "Keep searching!"
They all continued both walking down the hallway and testing each door, only to find that all of them were locked.
Finally, Tucker yelled in triumph, "This one's unlocked!"
The others quickly joined them, and then Tucker carefully turned the knob. Behind the door was a narrow flight of stairs leading upward.
Sam and Tucker didn't hesitate and quickly bounded up the stairs, with Jazz and Skulker right behind them.
Once they all had passed the threshold, at least Sam and Tucker knew that this was the main room of Clockwork's Tower. Jazz and Skulker, however, stood in awe, taking in everything about the room.
Jazz and Skulker had never seen so many cogwheels turning precisely in sync with each other, no matter if they were small or large in diameter. They also noticed a small area in the middle of the room that looked like a round mirror posted on top of a pedestal made from a small cogwheel.
And the two large windows separated by a section of wall were just as odd.
One was ornately decorated with a set of sheer purple drapes that were pulled back by a purple cord that looked to be made of velvet. The foursome could see the rest of the Realm Beyond Time's green and black atmosphere just beyond its pane. The other window, however, was bare and its pane was opaque.
But Sam and Tucker immediately knew that there was something missing and they both said in unison, "Where's Clockwork?"
"Maybe he's in another room?" Jazz suggested with a wince.
"Greetings!" Skulker bellowed out once more and the humans jumped again at the loudness of the Ghost Hunter's voice.
"Will you stop doing that?" Sam demanded in irritation.
"We will not be able to accomplish anything if the Time Master is not here. And if he is indeed not here, then we should go," Skulker said with impatience.
Sam walked right up to the Ghost Hunter and looked up at him and said in exasperation, "And then what? We don't know where the Observants' home is!"
"Why don't we just wait a few minutes and see if he comes back?" Jazz offered while moving between the two to purposely separate them.
Skulker glared at both girls and then folding his arms across his chest, announced, "We will wait for only a few minutes and then we will go. I can always use my superior hunting skills to track where the half-ghosts could be!"
Sam rolled her eyes and Jazz sighed in relief.
"Well, we might as well make ourselves comfortable," Tucker said as he sat on a nearby small bench and pulled out his PDA.
Sam just folded her arms over her chest and grunted in frustration before she purposely looked away from Skulker and glanced over to one of the windows.
The Ghost Hunter stood his ground, kept his arms folded over his chest, and started surveying the room with his eyes again.
Jazz, however, started to walk around the room, watching everything in awe once more. Finally, she was drawn to the mirror posted on a pedestal in the middle of the room.
When she was right next to it, she reached out to it before saying, "Why is this thing in the middle of the room?"
Upon hearing what Jazz had asked, both Sam and Tucker had glanced over at her just before she was about to touch the orb on the pedestal.
Both of the younger teens yelled at the same time, "Jazz, don't!"
But it was too late. In fact, Jazz had startled at their cry and her hand had then brushed against the reflective surface of the orb.
Instantly, the orb emitted a loud 'beep' and the 'mirror's reflective surface melded into static.
A moment later, a still image showed up on the Time Viewing Orb.
Jazz gasped and reflexively backed away as the others actually drew nearer.
"I-I-I'm sorry!" Jazz uttered out, "I didn't mean to touch it!"
"That's okay, Jazz," Sam said, her eyes still glued to the screen. "Maybe, as Clockwork would say, 'it's fate'. Let's watch."
The foursome crowded around the Time Viewing Orb, which was still just showing the same frozen image that had first appeared on the screen. And, oddly, that image was a picture of a window—a strange looking decorated window. But the window was perfectly aligned within the Time Viewing Orb.
Tucker was about to comment when, suddenly, the image began to 'move'. And the way it moved was as if the viewer was a bird and was seeing things through its own eyes as it began to fly forward and through some window 'pane'. In other words, it was like being on one of those popular '3-D' virtual rides that simulated roller coasters or being on the space shuttle.
At first, the speed of the virtual flight was slow, though the teens and Skulker kept their eyes glued to the scene. The images of what they saw remained focused and did not sway to either side of what was being shown. And the 'flight path' seemed to be dead straight and never appeared to turn either to the left or to the right.
At first, all the '3-D movie' seemed to show was the endless green and black atmosphere of the Realm Beyond Time. But occasionally, small, strange floating abodes flew past and then the momentum of the 'movie' sped up so that everything around that could have been seen was now a blur.
Finally, after several minutes, the 'movie' slowed to a virtual stop in front of an odd glowing ring within a larger glowing ring, which spun as if observing its surroundings. However, as if shifting gear, the moving image soon continued forward again, this time speeding up slightly as it dove right through the center of the smaller ring.
In an instant, the four travelers were at a new location and saw a strange looking floating green boulder in the near distance and just to their right. As they drew 'nearer' they could see that it was some kind of sculpture—shaped just like an….eyeball!
Then, all of the sudden, Jazz yelped, "Look! Just ahead!"
What they saw….they could only guess. But, really, none of the foursome could say they were wrong to conclude by the 'eyeball' decor that their virtual ride was coming upon the Observants' fortress.
It was hard to miss the multi-tiered dome-shaped bluish-green and white buildings all clustered together stacked upon a floating black craggily mountain.
Several of the buildings had what looked like telescopes jutting out of them. Others also looked like they had fully retracted their telescopes yet had not closed the rectangular opening in their dome roof.
But what made each of companions convinced that this must be where the Observants were was the huge green orb shaped just like a bloodshot eye including a green pupil. The eyeball-like orb was nestled right in the bosom of the multiple buildings and seemed to glare at the viewers.
Even as the Observant citadel came 'closer' through the viewing screen of the Time Viewing Orb, the foursome remained mesmerized at the sight.
Then each of the companions reflexively uttered a "Whoah!" when their virtual ride took a hard turn to the left and each of the companions weren't even aware that they had leaned to the left as well.
The scene continued to twist and turn rapidly; and occasional utterances of "whoahs!" and "ahhs!" erupted by some of the four watching the scene as their virtual ride continued on its seemingly wild flight path. Before they knew it, however, they were diving down into a large dark hole within the roof of the leftmost dome-shaped buildings.
For a moment, the Time Viewing Orb seemed to turn itself off because its screen remained black for several seconds.
The foursome was about to look at each other, confused by what they had just seen, when Tucker yelled, "Look at that!"
Four sets of eyes reverted back to the screen when they could see a bright light fast approaching the black tunnel that they had been in. A heartbeat and core constriction later, they squinted their eyes briefly when total brightness flooded the screen.
But the scene on the screen did not end there. The area came into sharp focus even though the four companions' virtual 'ride' had not slowed. Rather, it sped up.
And even though the scene was moving quickly, the four sets of eyes saw where they were, and knew that they had approached the area from the ceiling.
They were in some kind of room, but it wasn't square like most rooms they knew. It had blue corner-less walls curving symmetrically inward on all sides. Black seams accented the curves and were the only adornments on the walls except for several ugly orb-shaped screens that clung to the walls with some kind of thick, red rope. And each of those screens mirrored their surroundings like the Time Viewing Orb had when it was off.
But then, as the screen moved quickly downward and forward, the four companions saw that they were 'approaching' some kind of glowing being entirely clothed in a full-length purple cloak, its hood shielding its face and head, standing at a nearby table. But, oddly, its head was tilted upward toward them, as if it were looking at them.
Though they strained to see if they could recognize that creature, their virtual escort rapidly pulled them right up to where the creature's face should be. Before the foursome knew it, a set of red eyes flared at them before the red eyes suddenly blinked!
Then all of the sudden, several images flashed as fast as lightening across the screen. They moved and changed so quickly, the foursome could only catch snippets of the 'snapshot' pictures. Some of the images were blurred. Others were more focused but changed too rapidly to comprehend what they were.
Still, when several more images flashed by, Sam or Jazz would utter loud gasps when they thought they saw something familiar in them, while Tucker's eyes stayed widened with his own anxiety; even Skulker stood up straighter at what he saw… But before the four viewers knew it, the images—which in reality had lasted only a few seconds—disappeared. They suddenly heard a loud beep and then jumped when the next thing they were looking at was their own reflections!
They knew then that when the Time Viewing Orb beeped it had shut itself off.
Team Phantom and Skulker stood stunned in front of the now inactive Time Viewing Orb, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
Tucker broke the silence and said, "What was that all about?"
Sam looked at him before her eyes drifted to what was behind her friend. The goth girl then suddenly yelled, "Look! Over there!"
Her cohorts swung on their heels and looked in her direction. They frowned a bit when they saw that Sam was only pointing to one of Clockwork's windows.
"Don't you get it?" Sam excitedly said, walking over to the overly decorated window even as she saw their frowns. "That is the same window that was at the start of that weird video we just saw!"
Now just as excited, Jazz hurried over to the window and said, "Sam's right!"
"That video is indeed strange," Skulker added, one of his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "But it is even stranger that it appeared at the time that the Ghost Child's sister activated that viewing screen."
"It's called the 'Time Viewing Orb'," Tucker quipped back with a smirk. But then his face dropped and he gulped when Sam frowned at him.
But neither Jazz nor Skulker missed that exchange between the friends and both of them turned to Sam and Tucker with an 'Okay-we-know-that-you- know-something-you-are-not-telling' look.
Sam finally said, "Like we told you, we met Clockwork before. And…I think that strange being we saw just before the Time Viewing Orb deactivated looked a lot like Clockwork—well, at least it looked like Clockwork's robe."
Jazz raised an eyebrow and ventured to ask, "So, if it was, uhm, who you said was under that cloak, and he is Danny's friend like you said before, do you think maybe he sent this video to help us, sorta like a high-tech message-in-a-bottle kind of thing?"
"Exactly!" Sam said.
"Yeah, I mean, the flashes of the images we saw at the end also looks like something Clockwork could do," Tucker added. He frowned as he added, "I don't know what those images at the end could mean since they went by so fast… but… I'm pretty sure I saw glimpses of Vlad and Danny and…"
"Iluzisto," Skulker muttered, also knowing he had seen the evil spirit. But as he tried to think back on those quick images, Skulker was almost sure he had seen images of his employer and the Ghost Boy not only inside a prison, but in other images, they and Iluzisto were inside a strange circular room—the same room the kids and him had seen the virtual trip lead them to…
But even with all that proof, Skulker still didn't like any of this and he readily voiced it. "I still do not trust all of this. If this 'Clockwork' is supposed to be such a friend, why wasn't he here in person and just tell us what we needed to know?" Skulker asked, his voice still ringing with suspicion.
Tucker hesitantly replied, "W-Well, one thing we know about Clockwork is that he's very mysterious and doesn't like to really get involved in things. Maybe this is his way of getting involved without getting involved—er, or something like that."
The foursome fell silent for a moment before Jazz finally said, "Well, I may not know all about that ghost—"
"Spirit," Skulker corrected her.
Jazz rolled her eyes before continuing, "Spirit, but Mr. Clockman—"
"Clockwork!" both Sam and Tucker correcting her this time.
"Arghh! Whatever! But if he is trying to help without appearing to help, then showing this weird video would kinda make sense," Jazz said with some exasperation.
"You have a point, whelp," Skulker said, a bit more satisfied at the turn-of-events. He walked up to Sam who was still standing at the window with the purple curtains and purple velvet-like sash. "Then, if Clockwork is that strange, and if it is true what the Ghost Boy's female helper said about this window being the same as the image of the window that had started that strange film, then that would mean that it must be at this precise window where we need to start!" Skulker surmised.
"You might be on to something there, Skulker," Jazz agreed, her face brightening with hope.
Tucker then added, "Yeah, and that wild simulated ride was perfectly straight until the very end and we saw plenty of landmarks, too. Plus, where it ended could be the Observants' place."
"Or…it could have ended up showing us how to get into the Observants' fortress!" Sam offered with a triumphant smirk.
Addressing Sam, Skulker said with his own smirk, "I still like how you think."
"Uh, thanks," Sam hesitantly said.
"Still, exactly how far is it from here to there?" Tucker asked.
"It does not matter," Skulker replied, now throwing his gaze among each of the teens. "But we best be going and not stray from the path that the video showed us. Agreed?"
"Agreed!" the teens said in unison.
Not wasting any more time, Skulker pushed a button and his extra arm extensions shot out.
None of the teens hesitated this time and didn't flinch when the large bands at the end of the arm extensions wrapped themselves around their waists.
But as soon as the humans were secured, Skulker quickly raised one of his larger guns, and without hesitating, fired a blast at the decorated window.
"Skulker!" Jazz exclaimed when the window exploded out in tiny shards. "What are you doing?"
The hunter who was about to fly them out, paused and frowned at the older human girl and replied, "What is the problem?"
"You broke Clockwork's window! You can't go destroying other's private property!" she scolded.
The hunter raised an irritated eyebrow and said, "I am a ghost. I destroy private property all the time. And why are you making such a fuss over something so trivial, human?"
But annoyed for the delay herself, Sam added, "Really, Jazz, if we all agree that Clockwork probably knows we are here, wouldn't you think he would understand that we broke his window?"
"Um, guys," Tucker interrupted, and pointed at the window.
Skulker and the girls looked over at it and blinked when they saw the window was intact again.
"Maybe some more of that timeless magic stuff?" the boy suggested.
"Either way, problem is solved!" Skulker announced and quickly raised his gun up and blasted the window again. And being careful with his passengers, Skulker dove through the broken window before it could reform.
"Ghosts…" Jazz grumbled under her breath, but said no more on the issue, while Danny's friends were just eager to be on their way.
They continued straight as an arrow toward what they hoped was the Observants' domain, not knowing that it would take them many hours to get there, nor that the fifth day since Danny and Plasmius had disappeared would have melded into the sixth day...
While the hybrids were at the infirmary getting checked and fixed up, the Observant High Council had left the courtroom to discuss the half-ghosts' sentencing in private. And yet, because Justeco had also asked to speak with Iluzisto in private in regards to Vlad Plasmius' injury, the Prison Head had also retreated with the judge and council members…
As for the spectators, they had also taken advantage of the brief recess to leave the courtroom as well—probably to gossip more freely about the trial's happenings.
Only two spirits were left in the courtroom:
Spektanto and… Clockwork.
The Time Master quietly glanced over at the defending lawyer and saw him completely immersed in his writing. And yet, as if suddenly realizing someone was staring at him, Spektanto slowly looked up from his writing and his eye connected to the Time Master's.
"Master Prosecutor?" Spektanto questioned softly as he glanced around their empty and quiet surroundings in confusion. "Where did everyone go?"
Clockwork raised an impassive eyebrow as he almost dryly replied, "Justeco called a short recess so that your… elder client's injury could be addressed and so that they could decide his and the boy's fate."
Spektanto blinked twice before his eye widened a bit in understanding and he answered, "Oh, yes. That is right. I had forgotten and lost track of time…" He glanced at the paper on which he was writing before muttering, "There is just so much to tell…"
"Interesting how a being that is not influenced by time believes he could possibly have any notion of it," Clockwork commented calmly, glancing back at his time staff and inspecting it slightly.
Spektanto blinked again, this time in confusion. "Yes, well, as the upstanding Observant lawyer that I am, it is my responsibility to have a notion of everything."
"I, of all spirits, know how upstanding the Observants' notion of everything is…," Clockwork answered. But glancing back at the lawyer, the Time Master added, "But is that what you are doing? Observing and recording your notion of everything?"
"It will be my greatest masterpiece," Spektanto replied, glancing back at the stacks of papers on the table.
"Then, you should continue to observe your masterpiece," Clockwork stated, this time a hint of annoyance in his voice as he turned his eyes back to his staff.
"Quite right," the lawyer agreed before readily resuming his vigorous scribbling.
A small frown settled on Clockwork's face as he studied the clock-piece on the top of his staff. However, he then reached forward and winded it, causing it to glow blue. But right after, the Time Spirit did something unexpected…
Clockwork slowly looked over at the air vent just above the oblivious lawyer—the very same vent Danny had attempt to escape through…
But as he continued to stare fixedly at it, the top of his staff continued to pulse with blue energy. It almost seemed like a minute before Clockwork finally blinked. His eyes flashed a deeper red for a second or two before he looked away from the air vent and watched as his staff dimmed and finally stopped glowing.
For some reason, Clockwork smirked to himself.
But then, he reflexively put on his poker-face when the main doors of the courtroom opened and the Observant spectators began filing in. A moment later, Iluzisto returned with the hybrids; and finally, Justeco and the High Council took their seats.
Clockwork frowned deeply as the High Tribunal began their long-winded speech about re-opening the hybrid's trial. As he did his best to block out their repetitive and tedious customs, the Time Master secretly decided that after all he had done, he would never again put himself through one of the Observants annoying trials again.
"Accused, please rise for the reading of your final verdict," Justeco finally ordered.
Danny and Vlad, who were now in their ghost forms, looked at each other before they did as they were told. But Clockwork and Spektanto also rose.
"Before we pronounce sentence, I would like to provide this Council and those observing this trial an explanation as to why Prisoner 484 had to be taken to the infirmary," the judge continued. "You see, it has been brought to my attention that the prisoners attempted to escape for a third time—right after their second attempt right here in this very court room. And therefore, Prison Head Iluzisto had had no choice but to use forceful measures to subdue them. It was necessary to bring this new information to the Council's knowledge before proceeding."
Danny and Vlad looked at each other, suddenly angry when they realized that Iluzisto had managed to thwart their second attempt to unmask him in front of the Council. He had made up that they had tried to escape again! But what upset the hybrids most was that denying it would be pointless. Still, it didn't matter, for Vlad and Danny had one more idea up their sleeve...
"Even so," Justeco proceeded, "Both accused prisoners' last counts will be eliminated, as has been agreed, to prevent any chance of a mistrial. We shall then proceed with the rest of their suspected crimes. But before then, I would like to leave the floor open to any last words from any of the participating members of this trial, including any that the accused may want to voice themselves."
However, it was Clockwork who first nodded to show he wanted to say something. And getting the 'go ahead' nod back, he turned to the High Tribunal and said, "I would like to speak, though not as these two hybrids' prosecutor, but as whom I am: the Guardian of Time… I have seen both Vlad Plasmius and Danny Phantom's actions and choices through their timeline. I have watched as they have grown powerful and infamous through the course of it. And I have seen the things of which they are capable when brought together. As the Master of Time, I find their existence dangerously influential to the natural movement of time. Such uninhibited power as they have is too great a threat to all Existence and Time. Therefore, the wisest choice would be that they were eliminated."
Danny's eyes widened in disbelief, while Vlad frowned deeply, not sure what to make of the time spirit's comment.
Meanwhile, the Council quietly muttered to themselves.
Justeco lightly banged his gavel before looking over at Spektanto and asking, "Do you have anything to add?"
Spektanto thought about it briefly before he nodded and said, "Yes, I agree with the Master Prosecutor. But since I am their defender, I will instead say that they are innocent."
Vlad's eye twitched with Spektanto's comment, while Justeco slowly nodded, clearly baffled by the defender's conflicting words.
Justeco then looked at the hybrids. "Prisoner—"
"Yes, I have something to say!" Vlad cut him off, ignoring the High Tribunal's frown. "I find the Observants system of justice barbaric and ridiculous! That is why I shouldn't even bother pointing out how you all have no right to judge, let alone condemn us! We are not some figurines inside some snow globe that you can get rid of simply because you do not like how we look! We are free beings! We have the right to do what we want and live our lives as we choose! How dare you put us through this!" Vlad fumed, slamming a fist on the table in front of him, and startling both Danny and Spektanto. However, what Vlad said next shocked the teenager even more…
"If all you Observants do is observe then how could you all be so blind as to not see all the good Daniel and I have done for the ghost and human world alike? Yes, perhaps I have made a few mistakes and have done my share of evil. But who has not? My existence has placed a certain order in the ghost realm. If it wasn't for my influence and my allegiance with many of the powerful ghosts that exist, you would have them all trying to conquer the world or wrecking havoc upon existence instead of doing my bidding—which is a lot more ordered than the things of which these ghosts are capable. Then, there's the fact that I am as equally important to the hierarchy in the human world's economy as I am to the power-hierarchy here in the Ghost Zone!" Vlad exclaimed; but his voice grew harsher and more defensive as he further said, "But if you believe my actions are all pure evil, then why don't you all take a step back from your arrogance and acknowledge that the boy beside me is innocent! The stubborn boy is so blasted good, it even sickens me!" he sneered. "And yet you all accuse him of being pure evil? You all are fools! Stupid, narrow-minded, fools!"
"That's enough, Prisoner 484!" Justeco demanded, finally fed up, while Danny just continued to stare at his arch-enemy in absolute disbelief. Did Plasmius just defend him?
But then the judge continued just as angrily, "I have given you the chance to speak on your behalf, not to insult this upstanding Council and our laws!"
"Oh, that's right," Vlad sneered. "I forgot how much you all dislike being told how worthless you all are. Fine, then, allow us to show you…"
Danny jolted out of his stupor with the older hybrid's last words, and knowing this was their cue, the teen quickly narrowed his eyes at the Council and followed Vlad's lead.
Justeco frowned in confusion when both hybrids' ghost hues suddenly flared brighter than ever before…
"What in the…?" the judge began.
But before he could finish, Vlad suddenly turned to Spektanto and said darkly, "I have been dying to do this…" In one quick movement, Plasmius pulled his fist back and then punched the defense lawyer in the face with enough force that he flew back several feet with a cry of pain before he was knocked out cold.
With the sound of the Council's shouts and gasps around him, Danny jumped into action and charged right at… Clockwork.
But seeing his intentions, the Time Spirit raised his staff in a horizontal position in front of him to block the young hybrid just as the boy reached him with his fist drawn back.
The teen growled at the block, knowing he could not punch the spirit anymore as he had wanted. But he quickly reacted and instead gripped the staff placed in between him and the Time Spirit.
"I see you are angry with me," Clockwork said calmly, though he held the staff steadily between them.
"That's an understatement, you jerk!" Danny snapped back before yanking the staff towards him, trying to take it from the Time Master.
"I do what I must… Allow me to prove it to you," Clockwork answered before his staff suddenly began to glow blue.
Danny gasped when his entire body also lit up with the blue power, unaware that the same hue was also encasing the Time Master. But the teen was very aware of the sudden pain that shot from the staff into his hands and soon coursed through his body.
The boy screamed in agony.
Vlad, who had been fighting against the guards trying to restrain him, quickly turned his attention to the teen at hearing his cry of pain.
"Daniel!" he exclaimed, only to be tackled down by two guards. Still, he used all his might to force them off and continued to fight against them
"Iluzisto! What are you waiting for? Restrain them!" Justeco demanded angrily, while the Council and everyone else were in an uproar.
Iluzisto, however, only tensed some more. He finally understood what the hybrids' plan was. They wanted him to be discovered. And with their energy so exposed as it was, Iluzisto knew that if he touched them, it was exactly what would happen! He wouldn't be able to stop himself from taking their energy—not when his body sensed how close it was to reaching its full potential and the crossbreeds' energy was all it needed…
Iluzisto suddenly thought of using the restraining collars on the crossbreeds to subdue them. But then…that would weaken them; and all the energy they had clearly gathered just to get him discovered would be wasted! If he weakened them now, how was he going to siphon off their delectable energy later?
His hands were tied!
"Or… are they?" Iluzisto whispered, his eyes flashing red with his sudden idea. In an instant, there was a ripple throughout the courtroom—one which no one noticed…
That is, except for Clockwork...
But right after, Iluzisto quickly flew over to Plasmius, who was still holding his own quite well against the Observant guards in spite of not having ghost powers thanks to the power-inhibiting device on his neck. In fact, the older crossbreed had somehow gotten possession of one of the Observant guards' weapon and was now blasting them away with it.
Iluzisto was briefly amazed by the older crossbreed's resilience. Still, it did not matter. The illusionist spirit had to regain control of this before he really was discovered. After all, Iluzisto could already feel his own power-inhibiting devices on his wrists fighting against the amount of power he was currently using to keep his cover…
Meanwhile, Vlad spun around, kicking a guard in a gut when it tried to tackle him from behind. He then quickly used the stolen Observant guard weapon in his hand and blasted another away before striking a third guard with it, sending him flying across the room.
And knowing this wasn't the first time he had used the Observants own weapons against them, Vlad grinned as he commented to himself, "To think, these fools have yet to learn to keep their little toys away from me."
But his triumph was short-lived and he suddenly gasped when he barely caught a glimpse of a familiar staff swinging towards his face. Still, Plasmius managed to dodge it, and quickly raised his own weapon to fire it at the unseen creature in front of him, only to have a strong energy blast knock it out of his hands.
The man gasped even louder when a hand was just as quickly wrapped around his throat and Iluzisto's stealth mode melded off his body, confirming just who it was that had seized the older hybrid.
"How? They can see you!" Vlad choked out, not believing the illusionist spirit was using his powers so deliberately.
"What?" Iluzisto said smugly, pulling the man closer to him as his grip around his throat tightened. "Do you think the Observants are unaware of my doings? Do you think they do not know how I have been torturing you and the other crossbreed? Do you think they… care that I am milking you and that other freak for your energies?" Iluzisto chuckled evilly before darkly adding, "Fool, they do not care. Observe…"
Vlad cried out when Iluzisto suddenly stole his energy right in front of everyone. And yet, the man didn't see the ripple that traveled through the courtroom yet again. All Plasmius was aware of was how his body quickly weakened.
But although Iluzisto soon stopped before the man was completely depleted of energy, Vlad was suddenly so weak that when the spirit released his hold on him, the man fell to his hands and knees, breathing heavily as he tried to push back the black spots in his eyes.
He had not expected Iluzisto to drain him of his energy in front of everyone! But Plasmius also didn't understand why the illusionist spirit had only taken enough to subdue him…
At that instant, a burst of blue light erupted from the Time Staff, and Danny, who had still been crying out in pain, suddenly was thrown back and slammed into the interrogation stand. He slid down the side of the stand and crumbled to the ground.
Clockwork was also pushed away, but only a few feet, so he was able to quickly steady himself.
However, as a result of the odd explosion, both Danny and Clockwork had lost their hold on the Time Staff…
The Master of Time quickly looked over at his staff, which was now suspended in mid-air on its own. However, it suddenly stopped glowing and fell on the ground with a light thud.
Instead of moving to pick up his staff, however, Clockwork just placed a hand against the desk beside him before he glanced over at Iluzisto, who was still occupied with the older hybrid. There was another sudden but final ripple throughout the courtroom, just before Iluzisto turned his gaze towards the younger hybrid and commanded his guards to restrain him.
Danny softly moaned as he slowly got to his feet, his ghostly aura now a bit dimmed. That had really hurt! But before he could recover, two guards were suddenly upon him, forcing him forward and back to his seat.
The teen hardly heard the upheaval still going on throughout the courtroom. In fact Danny hadn't seen anything that had happened with Vlad and Iluzisto; therefore, he did not know that Iluzisto had drained Vlad of his energy right in front of everyone. The boy also wasn't aware that the older hybrid had seen part of what had happened to him with his encounter with Clockwork.
Suddenly, the loud sound of Justeco's gavel pounded against the boy's ears as the judge demanded order.
However, just before Danny reached his seat, Iluzisto intercepted his path and darkly whispered at him, "Nice try, crossbreed… You are going to further regret this, though..."
Danny glared back, though the Prison Head's words sent a chill of terror down his spine. Danny knew that they had failed to unmask Iluzisto in front of the other Observants, but he wasn't about to let on how helpless he was. Yet, before he could get himself to snap something back, the guards holding him yanked him forward and forced him to take his seat next to a weakened Vlad….
Iluzisto moved away as well, heading back towards his corner of the courtroom. However, as he did, he finally noticed Clockwork, who had finally moved away from the desk and over to his staff.
The illusionist spirit's eye curved into something resembling curiosity and confusion when he saw the Time Master actually bend over to pick up his Time Staff. However, hearing Justeco finally regain silence in the room, the Prison Head dismissed Clockwork's oddity and returned to his post. Iluzisto didn't take his eyes off the hybrids after that.
Meanwhile, Danny had finally noticed Vlad's condition and quickly asked, "Are you alright?"
"No, not really," Vlad muttered, taking a breath before rubbing his suddenly aching skull. But glancing worriedly at the teen, he added, "And you?"
Danny was a bit surprised by the man's honest response; but hearing his question, the teen grabbed his own pounding head and answered, "Been better."
The two shared a weak smile, knowing their last attempt to unmask Iluzisto had been blown out of the water. Still, it had been worth a try.
With the thought, Danny turned his gaze away from the older hybrid and stared coldly over at Clockwork. He had just wanted to get at least one hit on the treacherous spirit. One hit in the name of his sister and friends... After all, he still didn't understand how Clockwork could have done all those horrible things to him.
"Why is it that every time we meet, you two end up causing mayhem in my courtroom?" Justeco suddenly exclaimed angrily, getting everyone's attention.
Vlad and Danny just quietly glowered back at the judge from their seats. But neither said anything. It would be a waste of breath. Vlad especially knew the bitter truth after he had just discovered just how much the Observants didn't care.
However, everyone glanced toward a sudden moan from somewhere on the left. They had forgotten about Spektanto, but could now see that he was finally stirring after being knocked out by Vlad's punch.
Iluzisto rolled his lone eye before ordering the Observant guards, "Take him to the infirmary."
There was a brief silence; and wondering why, Danny and Vlad glanced up toward Justeco.
They could see that the High Tribunal's advisor was whispering something to him. And then right afterward, the judge nodded in response to whatever he was being told before looking back at the hybrids.
"I should postpone reading the final verdict due to your disrespect to this council—again! However, because I do not want to see either of you in my courtroom again, then I am going to proceed with the reading. Get them on their feet, Prison Head. And this time, make sure they are well restrained," Justeco commanded angrily.
Iluzisto instantly snapped his fingers and two guards close to the hybrids quickly forced the half-ghosts to their feet again, while roughly pinning their arms behind them. The Prison Head then floated toward the two prisoners, pulling out two pairs of handcuffs as he neared them. Danny and Vlad just grunted in discomfort and frustration as their hands were clasped behind their back. They staggered a bit as well, not only because of their harsh treatment, but also because they were still drained from their little battle.
Once finished, Iluzisto did not leave the crossbreeds' side this time, and said to Justeco, "It is as you have ordered, High Tribune."
Sighing to restrain his anger, Justeco finally continued, "Before we start, I must first let it be known that every circumstance and happening throughout this entire trial has been taken into consideration by myself and the High Council. That said, I ask the High Council for permission to proceed in the reading of the verdict."
"Proceed," they all said.
Justeco picked up a scroll that was in front of him with an engraved eyeball on the back of it centered on the top of the parchment. He then unrolled it and began to read straight from it, "Vlad Plasmius. Danny Phantom. You have both been charged with several counts, all on which the Observant High Council will voice their decision. Count one against Prisoner 484—Vlad Plasmius and 485—Danny Phantom: Illegal usage of the Infi-Map; and, in turn, illegal alterations to the time stream. What say you, High Council?"
"Prisoner 484: Guilty. Prisoner 485: Not guilty," the High Council answered.
Danny blinked in surprise, while Vlad just frowned. Still, neither said anything and let Justeco continue.
"Count two is also against both Prisoner 484 and 485. Both are being accused of direct time travel on several occasions and indirect alterations of the time stream in the form of an evil future ghost formed through the combination of the prisoners' ghost halves. What says the council?"
"Prisoner 484: Not guilty. Prisoner 485: Guilty."
Danny just sighed, although he was not surprised that he was found guilty about his evil self. Though, ironically, Vlad, in their opinion, was not guilty of that…
"The next counts are in direct violation against the safety of Existence. Count three against both prisoners: Endangerment of both the Ghost Zone and Human World by the releasing of Pariah Dark and his servant, Fright Knight."
"Prisoner 484: Guilty. Prisoner 485: Guilty."
"Count four against prisoner 484—Vlad Plasmius: Assisting a dangerous ghost named Vortex in his escape, and endangerment to the natural order. Count four against Prisoner 485—Danny Phantom, also includes the ghost Vortex. However, the accused endangered the natural order by directly using the weather ghost's powers."
"Prisoner 484: Guilty. Prisoner 485: Guilty," the High Council continued to announce.
Vlad and Danny just looked at each other with a sober look, hardly shocked at this point. In fact, there was a bit of acceptance in both their eyes…
"The following counts have been filed under insufficient evidence or ambiguous information," Justeco then read off. "Charge five: Future endangerment of all Existence in space."
"Prisoners not guilty."
"Count six for prisoner 485—Danny Phantom: The usage of the Reality Gems, which led to the alteration of reality itself. Count six for prisoner 485—Vlad Plasmius: Bringing unnaturally into existence a being by the name of Danielle Phantom."
"Prisoners not guilty."
Vlad and Danny's eyes widened in disbelief this time, before the teen quietly whispered, "Uh, did I do the math right? Are we three for three?"
Plasmius slowly nodded. Was it possible that they were tied? Three counts of 'not guilty' and three of 'guilty' for each of them? The man couldn't believe it… They actually had a chance of being let off the hook!
"As everyone knows, this trial has not been effortless," Justeco intoned, lowering the scroll in his hand that he had been reading from and addressing the courtroom. "Both of the accused have been uncooperative for most of its duration. However, we cannot legally base our final verdict on their actions in the courtroom alone. However, if you all recall, it was brought to our attention by Prison Head Iluzisto at the very beginning of this trial's preliminary briefing that Prisoner 484 and 485 resisted arrest—even after the reasons for their detainment had been calmly explained to them."
Danny opened his mouth to protest that as a lie when he felt a slight nudge to his side, which silenced him. He turned to see that it was Vlad who had slightly bumped him since the man's hands were still cuffed behind him. And he could tell by not only the man's prodding, but also from the expression in his eyes that Vlad had silently sent Danny the message that it was now pointless to try and defend themselves anymore.
"Furthermore," Justeco continued, "we all have witnessed an escape attempt in this very courtroom. And as previously mentioned, one took place prior to that one while they were in their cell rooms; and a third attempt to escape occurred just outside the courtroom after the one that was witnessed by us all. Finally, their actions just now cannot be ignored, either; and can further be easily seen as a fourth attempt to escape. So, taking all this into consideration, the High Council must now decide the final verdict of this trial against Prisoners 484 and 485."
The High Tribune paused and glanced around at the Council's faces displayed on the large screens around the room before asking, "What say you, Observant High Council?"
As that final question rang throughout the courtroom, Vlad's jaw tensed with hate, already sure what they would say. But Danny was still hopeful. Didn't they see that he was the 'good guy'?
The Council didn't answer right away. Instead, they spent several minutes quietly murmuring amongst themselves. But they soon turned back to Justeco, clearly having made their decision.
"We, the Observant High Council, find Prisoner 484 and 485, respectively Vlad Plasmius and Danny Phantom, guilty to the highest degree!" they chorused.
Danny just lowered his gaze, while Vlad glanced sympathetically at him.
The Tribune nodded before intoning as well, "I, Justeco—High Tribune and leader of the Observants, too, find both accused guilty on the discussed three counts, as well as a fourth and fifth count: resisting arrest and resisting imprisonment on several occasions. Therefore, I will proceed to the sentencing."
The hybrids could only stare back at the judge with heavy frowns as they waited for the spirit to get this over with.
"Danny Phantom. Vlad Plasmius," Justeco began gravely. "In light of the severity of your crimes and the danger that both of your unstable alliance and unique powers pose on Time and Existence, this High Council, including myself, has found no other alternative but to sentence you both with the gravest condemnation: Execution by means of Timeless Magic."
In spite of the fact that both hybrids had been sure that their execution was going to be the Council's final sentencing, it did nothing to quell the dread that clenched their hearts and minds at finally hearing their fate out loud. It didn't matter that they didn't understand how the 'Timeless Magic' would be used for that purpose.
This was the end for both of them.
Vlad bit his lip to keep calm, but hearing the teen's soft shallow breathing, he carefully leaned to his side and brushed against the boy. The man honestly was more frightened for the teen than himself. But what made it worse was that hearing Justeco's verdict forced the man to acknowledge that he had failed Maddie. As much as he had tried, Vlad had not been able to save her son. He couldn't keep himself or the boy from the Observants' dark fate…
Danny understood and appreciated the man's awkward gesture. He was sure that the man had guessed how frightened he was, and, really, the man wasn't far from the truth. But there was more. Danny was fighting back his tears also because he knew he had failed his sister and friends…and that he was never going to see his parents again… The only thing that was keeping him from just breaking down right there was the thought that he wasn't going through this alone. He was certain that that was what Vlad meant in that brief touch of concern. How ironical. He was a bit relieved with that knowledge even as he knew that this was the end for him.
However, whatever little comfort the two enemies could provide for each other was suddenly ripped from them as Justeco suddenly called out Okulo's name before explaining, "As is customary, the Observant liaison must now make tangible that these prisoners here today have been proven guilty of their crimes and therefore their fate has now been decided…"
Vlad and Danny tensed when they saw Okulo approach them while Iluzisto moved behind them and grabbed them firmly by their bound hands.
They had no idea what the judge meant by making 'their decided fate tangible'; but when the liaison pulled out that horrid orb from his cloak, the hybrids knew they were not going to like it. But before they could protest, the orb that usually would glow green, turned blood red and they just as suddenly felt the brand on their foreheads burn.
Vlad and Danny squeezed their eyes shut and hissed at the biting pain. The brand had not hurt this much since they first had been placed on them. However, the uncomfortable feeling was soon gone and all that was left was a dull throb.
"It is now proper for all who lay eyes on these prisoners to know that they have been justly condemned and await execution," Justeco continued, while the hybrids recovered and Okulo returned to his seat, though a small smirk ghosted his lips as he left…
"Our normal proceedings grant prisoners one full day in terms of the timeline before this sort of sentencing is carried out," Justeco explained. "And, it is in the prisoners' right to accept or refuse it. However," Justeco then said, finally addressing the hybrids directly, who were both now glaring darkly at him. They had finally seen on each other what the judge had ordered Okulo to do: the brand on their forehead was no longer the white color. It was now a pulsing blood red color that might as well have been a neon sign that said 'we are killing the hybrids!'
Still, ignoring their hateful looks, the judge calmly continued, "However, Prison Head Iluzisto has explained to me that he wishes to rectify his unintentional mistake of keeping you undernourished. He also believes you two are in no condition to make a lucid decision in this regard. And although, I honestly could care less, considering all the trouble you have caused me and this Council, I am forced to make sure there are no misgivings for the sake of the Observants' good name. Therefore, the High Council, alongside your Prison Head, have decided to make the decision for you and grant you both that day of rest—perhaps even two, if Iluzisto deems it necessary for your recovery. In that time, he will make sure you both fully heal and are correctly nourished so that everything can be done in proper order. Only until then will we proceed with carrying out your sentence."
Vlad's mouth gaped open. So, that's why Iluzisto had looked so smug when he had gone to retrieve them at the infirmary! He had twisted everything they had done for his gain!
"No!" the older hybrid suddenly said angrily. "We don't want your considerations! I will not be put under the care of that barbaric spirit for even one more day!" the man exclaimed, pointing at Iluzisto.
"You cannot speak for both—" Justeco began, only to be cut off by Danny.
"He doesn't need to speak for me! I don't want any days, either! If you want to waste us, then just get it over with!"
Justeco stared at the two hybrids in confusion. He had never seen any prisoners so set on being executed right away. Actually, most begged for more than just one or two days… So that could mean only one thing…
"You two are clearly unwell. So, in right conscious, I cannot do as you ask," Justeco replied.
"What 'right conscious'?" Vlad screamed. "You are going to kill us, you fool! And your guard dog is going to torture us for the next one or two days before you do!"
Iluzisto narrowed his eyes at the insult, but kept quiet.
Danny's breathing suddenly grew heavier. This couldn't be happening! If he was going to die, he refused to have his last days be used by Iluzisto to gain freedom and hurt others!
"Don't you guys get it? That's what Iluzisto wants!" the boy suddenly exclaimed, sounding panicked. "He is trying to use us to escape! He's going to escape if you guys leave us with him for even one day!"
The Council began to murmur with the serious implications against Iluzisto.
But Iluzisto growled under his breath before a ripple suddenly passed through the courtroom again. It was only then that the Prison Head spoke up, "High Council, with all due respect, you cannot possibly believe a word these two prisoners are saying. How could I possibly do as they say?" he asked, showing them the restraints on his wrists. "Furthermore, look at them and think about all they have done. Listening to them, or worse, considering their claims is equal to paying mind to two demented and dangerous beings."
Justeco and the Council looked at Danny and Vlad and gasped at the sight of them. But the hybrids frowned in confusion, not getting their strange reactions. Sure, they probably looked a bit ruffled after the illusionist spirit had stolen a good amount of Vlad's energy and Danny had gotten attacked by Clockwork's staff, but they couldn't look so bad as to have the Observants stare at them in such shock…
"Yes… they are clearly unwell," Justeco said seriously.
Clockwork raised an eyebrow at the judge's comment, but stayed as quiet as he had been throughout all this.
"Please, allow me to take them back to their cell. I will make sure they are given everything they need," Iluzisto requested.
"Very well," Justeco replied. "This trial is then adjourned. You may take them back, Prison Head."
Danny gasped before he shouted, "No! You guys don't know what you're doing!"
But Justeco just slammed his gavel, putting an end to the trial.
The teen looked beyond distraught as he and Vlad were forced back to their feet.
But Plasmius' eyes suddenly narrowed and he looked around the Council room before saying seriously. "My only regret is that I won't be around when your stupidity brings everything crumbling down around you! Mark my words. You all will regret this!"
Justeco sighed in annoyance. "Take them away already."
"As you command," Iluzisto said, internally grinning. "Bring them," he then said to the guards.
Finally turning human, Danny and Vlad grunted as they were forced out of the courtroom. However, as they walked down hallways back to the prison, the man looked over at the teen beside him and sadly said, "It seems… I just made things much worse for us…"
Danny looked up at Iluzisto, who was walking several feet in front of them with an obvious bounce in his 'step'. "It was worth a shot, Vlad," he told him seriously. "We… can always try to escape again."
Vlad forced a smile on his face and nodded. But he knew that escape was only an illusion. And he had a feeling that the boy did, too.
They all too soon got to their cells and they glanced at one another when they heard Iluzisto order the Observants guards to leave just as Iluzisto's personal guards replaced them. Now, with no one to hold the spirit back, he ordered his guards, "Tie them up again."
In spite their struggles, the hybrids soon found themselves chained up by their arms, though, this time, they were at least allowed to keep their shirts on and their feet were touching the ground.
Vlad kept his eyes narrowed on the illusionist spirit as he calmly strolled over to his cell; and wanting to be alone with his victims, Iluzisto dismissed his guards, and then finally opened the cell door.
"Do not believe I'm going to make this easy for you," Vlad told the spirit angrily when he was standing right in front of him.
"That's what's going to make this all the more satisfying," Iluzisto whispered evilly. But then he glanced over at Danny as he added triumphantly, "You two are mine now. And just so you both know, you two are not going to live long enough to see your execution day. I'll be executing you my way first… But before that…"
The hybrids gasped as both their bodies unwillingly turned into their ghost forms.
"No! How did you…?" Vlad choked out, only to trail off when he willed his black rings to return to his human state, only to find that he remained in his ghost form after his efforts.
Danny also tried to turn human, but no matter how many times his rings washed over him, he stayed as Danny Phantom.
Iluzisto's eyes curved upward into a hideous smile as he brought his staff up with the tip pointed at Vlad's ghost chest. "As I said, I will only become stronger as your concept of time moves forward… However, I will let you both in on a little secret: I cannot control your forms; however, the illusion of it is just as good. What do you think? Can you tell if you are really in ghost form or not?"
But not waiting for a response, Iluzisto's eyes flashed a darker red as he added with sadistic pleasure, "I can… "
Danny squeezed his eyes closed when, with an evil laugh, Iluzisto raised the sharp end of his staff, and in one quick motion, stabbed it into Plasmius' core.
The teen didn't know what was worse: hearing Vlad's screams of agony or the knowledge that he was next…
A/N: truephan here: Gee, I'm shaking in my sneakers here! I can't imagine that the hybrids are going to get out of this! It looks like that they are at their ropes' end—literally! In any case, you'll just have to wait for what happens next. But while you're waiting, have a go at pushing that blue button below! That would be a wonderful Mother's Day gift…ah, for your mom, that is! Heh-heh…better quit while I still have my head!
Vlad muse: Yes… while you have a head… *grins evilly*
Pearl: *sighs* Stop threatening Truephan, Vlad muse. You know how possessive Ms. Hyde is of her and then you both end up in some big fight and then Truephan and I gotta clean up the mess. *muse scowls* Yeah, Yeah. Anyways, I know you are all wondering what's up with me. But as I said before, I'm very busy as of late, and right now time to write stories is scarce. But don't worry; I'll get an update for CM and later for DoaS eventually. Can't say when. But, hopefully soon. I'm really sorry, and thanks so much for your patience and support! Take care everyone, and until the next update, which hopefully will be CM. Ta!