Before any of you get on me for not updating this, I'm telling you now real life got majorly in the way and took away most of my writing time. But this is going to continue no matter what so be sure to look for this to be a completed project sometime early to the middle of this year. Now onto the story! And I must warn you again that you will be sitting there for a while so bathroom break now so you can sit comfortably and ready this humongous chapter!

DISCLAIMER: Do not own Danny Phantom or the Disney version of Hunchback of Notre Dame. Only the characters you don't recognize.

Danny Phantom/Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Phantress of Paranorma Dame

Ch. 3-Topsy Turvy

As Nyreena's last note faded, down on the street below walking through all the hubbub of preparations for the fair was a man in his early twenties with raven-black hair, a strong build from his years of fighting and training, beautiful blue eyes, and handsome features that could turn any woman's eye. The young man, known as Captain Daniel Fenton, had returned home to his beloved Galmateris having been summoned from the wars to serve as head of the Guard for Judge Phantom. As he moved through the masses with his horse Cujo he was staring at a map that he held, trying to figure out where he was in correlation to the detailed drawing but after an almost splitting headache later, crumpled the piece of paper, tossed it over his shoulder, and said to his equine companion, "Huh, ya go and leave the town for a couple of decades and they go and change the layout on you."

Then noticing that a couple of guards walk by, the man of war quick got an idea of asking them of where he needed to go. As the two passed, Danny raised up his hand to try to catch their attention, but stopped as they took off without even acknowledging, "Uh, excuse me, gentlemen. I'm looking for the Castle of Justice. Would you...hm, I guess not, then."

Meanwhile, off in a corner were a group of outcasts who were playing music, one of them a beautiful young woman in a black and purple ensemble dancing around while ringing a tabourine, another wearing glasses and a beret dancing around with his long-time friend, and one that didn't seem to fit in at all as he stood off to the side against the wall his hat tilted down to cover his face which was already partially covered by his silver hair. While they performed, a mother and her daughter passed by, the child enjoying the music but her parent grabbed her hand and dragged her away, saying, "Stay away child-their vagrants. They will rob us of everything on our person."

Hearing the melody the higher-ranked officer approached, and was instantly enthralled by the young dancer's moves, who was named Samantha but to her friends she was known as Sam, and seeing a hat full of coins sitting nearby and dropped in a few, both sets of eyes staring into each other for a minute, then was suddenly interrupted by a young ghost boy who had hopped up on top of the wall and whistled a warning to his commrades that the authorities were on en route straight for them. Everything coming to abrupt halt, the washouts of society quickly scrambled to gather everything and make a break for it. The other dancer, known as Tucker, scooped up the money but managed to fumble it just as fast, the golden rounds falling out of the improvised bucket. Seeing the hard-earned wage skitter across the cobblestones the tambourine player and her companion stopped and turned back as the others took off, trying their best to collect the dropped coins but it was too late as the two guards that ignored Danny earlier stepped in front of the duo, halting their efforts. As the nomads stood up, one soldier accused, "All right, you gypsies. Where did you get all this money?"

The young man, fear quickly growing in his eyes, hid behind the young woman who wasn't afraid one bit who retorted, "For your information, we both earned it fair and square."

"You outcasts never earn money," the first guard started to point out while the other finished for his partner, "You always steal it the second you get the chance to!"

Getting fed up by all the false accusations Sam remarked sarcastically, "Huh, you guys would know a lot about stealing since you do it to others like us all the time!"

Quickly becoming enraged, the first soldier grabbed the young woman's arm and branded, "You're a troublemaker, you know that?"

"Maybe spending a day in the stockade will simmer you and your friend down a bit," the second suggested, reaching for the girl's other arm.

His fear quickly turning to anger, Tucker head butted the shorter guard while Sam kicked the taller in the face, both officers stumbling back and giving their would-be captives the chance to make a run for it, heading past Danny who could only watch the two defend themselves quite impressively. When the two had recovered the soldiers started after the two nomads and seeing a chance to assist the young man quickly pulled his steed in front of them which caused them to crash into each other and fall to the ground and seeing that one was in the perfect position ordered his animal companion, "Cujo, sit."

Doing exactly as he was commanded to do the horse sat right down, right on top of the first sentry who howled by the sudden weight that plopped right down onto his back. Acting like it was a simple mistake Danny apologized, "Oh no, I am so sorry about that. Bad stallion, bad. I am telling you he is just inconceivable. I'm serious, I just cannot go anywhere with him at all."

Struggling to get out from under the four-legged beast the trapped soldier cried out, "Get this mangy thing off of me!"

Whipping out a small-bladed dagger the other sentry approached the raven-haired man and threatened, "I'm going to teach you a little lesson, you peasant!"

Seeing the need to reveal his higher rank, Fenton quickly drew his sword out from under his cloak which had folded back to reveal his golden armor. Pointing the bigger blade at the lower-ranked man and asked, "Now, uh, what exactly were you saying...Lieutenant?"

Realizing who the higher-ranked officer was, the guard stuttered out, "Oh-oh-oh, Captain! At your service, sir!," while at the same time saluted with the hand holding the knife, but forgot that he was holding it and as it made contact with his metal hat made him cringe in pain and clutch his throbbing head.

Turning his attention to the other officer Danny struck the point of his weapon next to the man's face, knelt down and inquired, "Look, I know that there must be a lot on your mind right now, but if you can spare the directions to the Castle of Justice, it would be great."

Next thing that happened was that the first two soldiers were leading their commanding officer through the crowd, directing them out of the way the captain and his steed followed behind. As they headed in the intended direction Fenton noticed a few coins laying on the ground. Picking them up he saw an old man in an oversized cloak with a hat sitting in front of him filled with more of the golden rounds inside. Smiling a bit, the soldier of war dropped the fallen money into the upside-down headpiece and continued on his way. As he walked off the "old man" removed his hood to reveal Tucker crouched over Sam with a pipe stuck in his mouth, both of them looking at the young man with curiosity in their eyes. The ghost that was part of the group, after waiting for the right time to react, pushed off the wall and walked over to the two, saying, "Come on guys. Time to go find the others and meet up with them."

Both looking at the sound of his voice the two gypsies nodded in agreement, got up, and followed their commrade towards the square. As for the trio, after a few more minutes of walking, made it to their destination and with a new set of directions the captain made his way down into the dungeon where Phantom was overseeing a flogging when he interrupted, "Guard!"

Stepping out of the inner chamber where he was commencing the punishment the torturer asked, "Yes, sir?"

"Ease up a bit. Try waiting between lashes, or else the string of the old strike will just dull him to the pain of the new one," the judge suggested, a bit of a cruel grin crossing his face.

Returning the grin the punisher agreed, "Of course, sir."

After going back to the whipping the minister of justice noticed that he wasn't the only one standing in the corridor. Turning to see who it was and recognized the armor he figured, "Ah, you must be the dignified Captain Daniel Fenton, home at last from the wars."

"Ready to report for duty, as per your orders, sir," the warrior said, instantly standing at attention.

"Your service record certainly heralds you," the magistrate commented. "Of course, I am expecting nothing but the very best from a war hero, especially of your capability."

"With me, you shall have it no matter what, sir. I swear it on the honor of my family," the officer guaranteed.

Moving closer to the captain Damon agreed, "Indeed. And you should know my last captain of the guard was, well how to put it, a bit of a disappointment," and whether it was cued or not another crack of the whip was snapped and another cry of pain was heard. Not even expecting it Danny jumped in surprise at the weapon's noise. Chuckling a bit, Phantom quipped, "Ah, no matter. I'm quite sure that you'll no problem, er, whipping my men into proper shape."

"Uh, well thank you, sir it's a very, uh, very tremen-er, a tremendous honor, sir," Fenton stumbled out, suddenly a bit nervous.

Silently noticing the bit of nerves the chancellor led the younger man out onto a balcony, explaining as they went, "You have arrived in Galmateris in her bleakest hour, Captain. It's going to take a strong hand to help save the half-witted from being completely led astray from the truth."

"Lead astray, sir?," the soldier questioned, starting to get confused by what had been said.

Stopping at a certain point the justice of the peace pointed out below and answered, "Look out there-gypsies. These outcasts live beyond the order of normalcy. Their barbarian habits intensify the peoples' darkest impulses, and they all need to be stopped before it's too late."

Scanning the layout while listening to what Phantom had to say, Danny caught a glimpse of the two performers that he had saved earlier entertaining. But as soon as it clicked in his mind, the new leader of the city's guard clarified, "I was called away away from the fighting in the wars to arrest mediums and psychics?"

"I'm afraid the true war, my dear Captain, is what you see before you now," the judge admitted. "For almost twenty years I've been handling them one...by...one," on the last three words he squished three ants moving about on a stone tile.

Gripping the same brick the minister lifted it up to reveal dozens more scurrying around underneath, to which he compared, "But, for every bit of my achievements, they still continue to prosper. I have reason to believe that hey have some sort of stronghold hidden somewhere inside this very metropolis. They've so appropriately named it the Plaza of Revelations."

"So, what exactly are we going to do about it, sir?," the former war soldier asked, wanting to go along with things and not question anything too much.

Seeing an opportunity to drive his point in the official slammed the piece of stone upside-down back into place, destroying all of the insects and to add a bit of emphasis twisted the tile to ensure every last one was crushed. Getting the impact of the answer the young man observed, "You certainly got your point across, sir."

"I'm really beginning to like you a lot, Captain. Shall we?," Phantom complimented, then showing his new officer the way they came out, then the distant sounds of the festival drifted towards them. Sighing the chancellor asked his companion, "Oh, duty has to come calling. Fenton, have you ever attended any form of a peasant's festival?"

"Not in the past few years, sir," the armored man replied, a bit skeptically.

"Well, then maybe this will be the perfect educational experience. Let's go," the magister suggested, leading the way down to the ground level.

Across town, coming down the side of the cathedral was Nyreena in a dark blue cloak with the hood on her head to disguise herself from being noticed by anyone. As she was climbing down, she took a look up and saw her friends waving at her, wishing her the best of luck. Smiling, the bell ringer continued her descent. Grabbing a loose rope that was tied to a pole she repelled the rest of the way down, and once the young woman's feet touched the ground she glanced around a bit before adjusting her head covering then merged with the growing crowds as the festivities began. The sight alone completely sent the phantomness's mind into a frenzy of excitement and wonder. All the sights, sounds, and sensations almost made the over-sheltered spirit turn right back around, head straight home, and forget the whole endeavor. But she was out now and there was no turning back. While traveling through and seeing what vendors had to offer the young woman never noticed that the throngs of fair goers standing of to the sides as a parade of performers, being led by the outside community's leader Zalda , started all the festivities off. Not even realizing until the last second the orphan gasped at the oncoming train of entertainers and scrambled to get out of the way just as the group marched into the place she had just stood. Watching as they passed by Nyreena had noticed the green-multicolored costume that the ringleader was wearing and recognized who it was from watching him perform on the streets from her balconies. Suspecting that he might realize who she was, especially with his vast knowledge of the city, the woman tugged her hood lower and disappeared into the back of the masses and hoped that he wouldn't see her move away. Unfortunately the blonde-haired man had seen the bell ringer, but didn't see exactly who it was, jump out of the way and then suddenly depart from the crowd the mock captain got a conniving plan in his mind which caused a wicked grin to spread across his face.

Ducking away from the procession he managed to get onto the ghostly orphan's trail and caught a glimpse of her grabbing several balloons and using them to hid behind until things blew over. Brandishing a large pair of scissors the performer snipped the strings and put on a sneaky grin for when she discovered who had cut her cover away. As soon as the twine was clipped the cloaked woman looked at the thick thread that was hanging limply in her hands she noticed that someone was standing beside her. Turning her head to see who it was she gasped in fear as she quickly noticed who it was and took off again. After ducking through a large group of fair-goers the phantress discovered a tent and ran into it. But as soon as she entered the ghost was suddenly swept up into a can-can line with Zalda bringing up the rear, another branch in his scheme. As the string of dancers moved into another tent Nyreena was shoved out from under the back of the portable structure, stumbled over her feet, and crashed through into another one. While she was falling she had grabbed ahold of a sheet that parted one part of the makeshift room into a dressing area and pulled down scaring the woman who was getting ready to perform.

After nearly escaping arrest earlier Sam wanted nothing more than to perform at the festival then enjoy the pary with her friends and family. Following her ghostly companion the young woman entered the tent that was set up for her to change into her costume and get ready to execute her routine. After making sure that her fancy dress was undamaged and clean the black-haired woman stepped out of her casual wear and was just about to slip into the ensemble when all of a sudden the curtain she was using as a dressing room divider was pulled down by something or someone which scared her quite a bit. Quickly wrapping a robe around her she cried at the same time, "Hey, hey, what's going on here?!"

Seeing that it was a young ghostly woman that had crashed into the tent the dancer moved over and asked, "Hey, is everything okay? Are you alright?"

Trying to get out of the cloth the bell ringer was panicking like mad while trying to apologize, "I didn't mean to barge in like that, I...I'm so sorry about this."

"Well, you're not hurt or anything, are you?," the gypsy asked, getting concerned about the being's welfare. "Let me see if you got scraped or anything when you hit the ground."

"Oh, no, no. Please, don't," the sheltered ghost protested, trying her best to pull her hood down over her face, not wanting it exposed.

However, Sam was able to get the hood down and reveal the ghost's looks, smiled in relieved satisfaction, and commente, "Ah, that's good. No harm done at all."

Hearing some ruckus coming from inside Tucker poked his head in and started to ask, "Hey, is everything okay in-," but stopped when he casted a glance at the former princess, grimaced a bit, and finished, retreated his cranium back out, "Never mind."

Glaring at her friend while he returned to the festivities the outcast helped the spirit up to her feet then showed the way out, advising, "Just be a bit more careful walking around out there, okay?"

"Sure," the phantress agreed putting her her hood back up, surprised that the human wasn't disgusted by her face.

"Oh, by the way, I meant to tell you, great tattoo," the entertainer complimented, heading back in to finish getting ready for the show.

Smiling in thanks Nyreena turned and walked into the crowd glad that she finally shook Zalda of her trail. That was until someone had run right into her, apparently distracted by something while he or she was coming in the ward's direction. The two backing up from the force of the collision the young ghostly man taking a couple of moments to get himself in order from running into whoever he ran into and the woman rubbing the areas that were getting a bit sore from the impact, growling a bit at the same time. When the two had recovered they looked at each other both of them couldn't help but stare at each other, each mind thinking the other was either very handsome or very beautiful. He, however, had established who had this young ghost was and had known that this day was coming for a long while. Now knowing that fate has passed it was time to let destiny take place and go for the ride. Quickly breaking the silence between them the black and silver clothed man stepped forward and asked, "Oh, I am so sorry. I had no idea that I was walking towards you. One of the acts performing out in the street was distracting my attention, not letting me see where I was going. Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, no, I'll be fine," the bell ringer replied, feeling the last bit of pain fade away. "And please, don't apologize. You really had no idea that I was in your path so there's no reason to be sorry or it. Besides, I'm not mad about it at all. What's to be mad about a little accident?"

"I guess that's true," the young man agreed, laughing a bit under his breath. "Well, I still want to make up for causing this incident to you. If you will permit me I will accompany you throughout the festival and point out all the best things to do at the Feast."

"Oh, that's alright. I'm sure that I can find them on my own," the over-sheltered spirit compromised. "There's so much to see anyways, and I've always wanted to explore every part of this magnificent event for the longest time. But thank you anyways."

Watching her turn and leave the the silver-haired ghoul's mind was racing to come up with something to convince the young woman to let him come along, just as fate foretold it. Quickly making something up the apparition started after the other ghost and said, "Whoah, wait a minute. The way you said that it sounds like this is your first time attending this. And trust me, going around this place on your own is a bad idea. I've seen a lot of first-timers do that and haven't seen them since. So I ask again to join you and make sure that your experience is a truly memorable one."

Hearing the specter come after her and comment his thoughts Nyreena stopped, turned around, and looked at him with a bit of a searching look. His warning aobut others like her not enjoying their time made the church dweller rethink her plan of action a couple of steps. Her wish was to make this trip into the outside world the most unforgettable one in her entire lifetime. To not know what to do and mess it all up would totally devastate her to the core of her being. Chewing her lip a bit the phantress contemplated the decision a bit longer then sighed and agreed, "Oh, alright. If you say that it would be wise for you to come along as my guide, them I am not one to argue with someone who has more knowledge of this than I do. Please, lead the way."

"Of course," the young man returned, coming up next to her and hooking the lady's arm into his. As they started to walk again the gentleman added, "Besides, you don't have to be so formal with me. After all, we are going to be spending some time in each other's company. Might as well get to know who's in your company so no awkward moments don't pop up at inappropriate times. Here, I'll get the ball rolling. I'm Darren. I've been an outcast pretty much my entire eternal lifetime, helping out those who have no choice but to become a washout from society or care for the younger generation that come into our humble community. Right now I've got two in my charge that have been like a brother and sister to me for the longest time. If we have time we can see one perform later and maybe see the other there."

Listening to the man next to her speak the phantress was just in a loss for words at that point. Just how long was this guy going to talk? He certainly did love to express himself, that was for sure. When the black and silver claded ghoul spoke of the two people he was watching over and mentioned that one was performing she remembered seeing a costume hanging in the tent that she had crashed into and calculated that the human woman was the one Darren was talking about. Relieved that he was finally quiet she commented, "Well, I guess that sounds like a novel thing to do. And I really can't help but be a bit formal. It's how I was brought up and there's no way I can be relaxed in company such as yours. I don't mean to be rude like that, but it feels natural for me to talk that way. Like I was meant to be a part of a royal family or something. Yes, I know, it sounds like a strange notion but it's what I feel deep down in my heart and inner soul. Oh, listen to me ramble myself. I completely forgot to introduce myself. My name is Nyreena."

Hearing her say that made the soldier of fate mentally cringe. He certainly wasn't expecting the princess to say something like that. It made the apparition figure that this was another cog in the set path of time that was turning away like it was meant to. He had always figured that growing up in the hurch meant that she would adopt some sort of spiritual attitude, pardon the term. Now knowing this the agent realized that it must run in her royal blood and not growing up in her parents' care. Better to make a note of this and save it for later, just in case.

Walking along the two visited many stands and watched a ew performances, such as a couple of puppet shows, some fruit and sweets stands, and one jewelery spot that was run by one of Darren's friends. Looking through the wares Nyreena's eye caught one in particular. It was a silver necklace with a matching chain and had a square pendant with the edges beveled, dangling charms at the parallel and bottom points, a sparkle-like design that covered the metal, and in the center was a beautiful rhombus-shaped sapphire that glittered in the sunshine. Seeing that she was very interested in the piece the silver-haired specter waited for the bell ringer to walk over to another booth then paid fr the accessory and went over to where she was, which was at a clothing stand looking through some of the dresses. Tapping her on the shoulder he held up the gift just as the orphan turned around to see who it was. Beholding what her guide was holding she gasped, "Wha-? Why did-? Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I didn't even notice that you saw me take so much interest in it."

"Well, I needed to figure out some way to help you remember this wonderful day besides just the memory of it, and I thought thwould be the perfect thing to do the trick," the outcast explained. "Do you want some help putting it on or can you get it?"

"Oh, I'm sure I can get it," she told him, taking the trinket from her companion and clasping it around her neck.

Arranging the pendant so that it sat flush against her breastbone the music maker's eyes sparkled like the gem, her love for the gift growing bigger and bigger. Sighing in content that she was happy the gypsy saw out of the corner of his glowing green eye that the fair-goers were moving towards the cathedral figuring that it was almost time for the show. Taking the young woman's hand he led her into the traversing crowd and found themselves heading close to the stage that was set up in front of the church. Meanwhile the judge arrived in his armored carriage, with Captain Fenton atop Cujo and several other guards on steeds. The new commanding soldier, following Damen, directed a few of his men to fan out throughout the festival and look for any signs of trouble. As the newcomer and her guide reached the edge of the stage Zalda was up on the platform, calling out, "Come one and all! Hurry up now, for this is your one and only chance to see a spectacular mystery and romance!"

While he said this Phantom had gotten out of the coach, stepped onto a platform that was set up for him, and sat down in the throne-shaped chair. Then out of nowhere the outcast leader popped up next to the chancellor and said his line, then danced through the crowd and back onto the stage, annoucing, "Come, everyone! See the finest girl in all of Galmateris It's time to make an entrance to spellbind them all! Oh, dance la Samantha, dance!"

In a puff of smoke he instantly disappeared and in his place was Sam in her costume. It was two shades of purple with off-shoulder sleeves, a black sash tied around her waist, and wore silver jewelry with a matching silver tiara in her midnight black hair. As she danced around, the magistrate sneered in revulsion and told Danny, "Just look at that disgusting and abhorrent display."

"Sir, yes, sir," the high-ranking officer replied, lifting the visor of his helmet up out of his widening gaze at the performance.

As she continued her presentation the gypsy had flew off the stage into the crowd, entrancing everyone with her routine. Getting back onto the platform she moved through a somersault and landed in a split, winking at Darren and Nyreena. A little embarrassed the church dweller pulled her hood further down over her face to hide the blush that was developing on her cheeks. Getting up Sam grabbed a spear from a guard, slammed the metal end inot the floor, and spun from the top to the bottom finish the dance in a dramatic flair. With a thuderous applause everyone, hyped up from the show, tossed up dozens and dozens of coins, even Fenton flipped one in the stage's direction. Taking her bows the young woman stood up as Zalda came out and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the piece de resistance! And I think you know what time it is. It's time to crown the new Kng or Queen of the Ghouls!"

A grand cheer came from the fair-goers as they parted for the king from last year who was being carried around for the last time. He was a short, stocky ghost with blue skin wearing a beanie, overalls, and gloves. Being in a drunken stupor he was slumped in his seat and let out a loud belch. Laughing a bit the platinum-blonde ghoul invited, "If you want to try to win the crown, come on up! All that is required is that you make the ugliest face in all of Galmateris! Make it as gruesome as a gargoyle's stout mug if you want to!"

Technus, who was watching things from above, had heard the comment, got mad, and cried out, "Hey, I am not that ugly, just to let you know!"

His outburst falling on deaf ears, a few people of the crowd climbed up to try their hand at winning the title. While he was watching Darren was tapped on the shoulder by a friend of his and the two started a quick conversation, making the guide take his eyes off of the newcomer. Getting an idea Sam had walked over to where Nyreena was standing and helped her up, the cloak unfastening itself and dropping to the ground. Placing her at the end fof the line the dancer went to the other end and began pulling off masks, revealing the faces the men and women were making to be judged. The first was booed and kicked off by Tucker right away followed by everyone else. When the two friends reached the music maker the female outcast started to tug on the tribal birthmark and when she saw that wasn't coming off the young human backed up and gasped in shock. It was quickly seen by everyone else and the panicking began. A man in the crowd cried out, "That's no mask over her eye!"

"It's really on her face!," one woman added hysterically.

"She's horrendous!," a second woman stated with a little more hysteria than the first.

A second man, who was a little smarter than the others, recognized who the ghostly woman was and declared, "It's the bell ringer from Paranorma Dame!"

Hearing what everyone was saying Nyreena's confidence plummeted and her fears were starting to take over. Devastated, she fell to her knees and covered her face with her hands, just about ready to cry. Phantom, now really seeing who it was, was completely shocked that his ward disobeyed his highest command. Standing up he didn't know whether to go straight for her or leave the festivities altogether. Needing to get the party back on track Zalda quickly appeared next to the terrified ghoul and pleaded, "Ladies and gentlemen, please don't worry. I asked for the ugliest face in all of the city, and we found it! I present to you Nyreena, the phantress of Paranorma Dame!"

At the same time he was announcing the winner the gypsy had pulled out a tiara from thin air, pulled the woman to her feet who had pulled her and away from her face, and placed the crown on her head naming her the new Queen of the Ghouls. Immediately after she was hoisted up onto several mens' shoulders and carried through the festival the outcast community's leader escorting the way. Before he could comprehend it the former title holder was chucked out of his seat and the new ruler was set inside. The parade continuing it ended at the execution platform where it delivered the orphan and the green-costumed ghoul to face all who were attending the fair. To complete the look Zalda pulled out a fur-trimmed cape, place it around Nyreena's neck, and gave her a scepter which she grateully accepted. A happy tear rolling down her face the sheltered girl was overjoyed at was happening to her. Everyone was cheering for her, chanting the music maker's name and tossing flowers up onto the staging. Up above, the trio of ghosts were celebrating themselves, estatic that their friend was having the best time of her afterlife.

Two guards, standing below, were watching the scene with malice in their eyes. One, who was tossing up a tomato in his hand, told his companion, "So, do you think she's ugly right now? Well, watch this!"

Catching the rotten fruit he hurled it right at the crwoned ghoul's face, which made contact and splattered across the side of her head. Not even knowing it was coming the bell ringer was waving to the crowd when suddenly out of the blue a rotten tomato smacked her in the face and exploded, obscuring her vision in her right eye and shocking her into a state of confusion. Busting out laughing the guard that threw the projectile told his companion, "Now she's really ugly!"

Another guard, wanting to get in on the fun, had grabbed another spoiled fruit and chucked it at the ghost, crying out, "Let's all hail to the queen, shall we?"

The second piece of produce hitting Nyreena on the other side of her face mde the fair-goers get instantly swept up into the chaos and bgan throwing all the vegetables they could get their hands on. Feeling the need to get away the judge's adopted daughter was about to step off the wheel used for torture, instead stepped on a broken tomato, and crashed onto the hard wood wincing in pain. The crowd erupted into a roar of laughter as soon as she landed the blue-haired ghoul scrambled getting back up to make a fast getaway. One townsperson saw what she was doing, grabbed some rope that was lying nearby, made a lasso at one end, then swung it around and threw it around her neck, pulling her down and taunting, "Where do you think you're going? The fun's just starting, phantress!"

Feeling the binding tighten around her throat the now imprisoned ghost tried her best to fight it but the man who threw it succeeded in pulling her back down onto the platform. Another lasso shot out and looped around her left wrist pulling down even more. The cruel laughter continuing it gave the church worker the strength she needed to pull herself up to her feet. Watching her struggle dozens of ropes flew out of the crowd and strapped her down, followed by a couple of men who jumped up and secured her bonds good and tight. When it was done the sent the wheel she was tied down on spinning at an almost dizzying speed the horrible chuckling continuing. Looking to where he was sitting Nyreena pleaded, "Master, please! Please help me! Help me!"

Unfortunately, Phantom glared right back and turned his head away, seeing what was happening as more a fitting punishment than unneeded torture. Hearing the commotion while she was changing back into her regular attire, Sam saw what was going on and knew that help was needed to stop this insanity. Grabbing Tucker the two scrambled their way through the mob until they found their caretaker who was now in a deep conversation with his irnd that had distracted his attention. Pulling him away they told the silver-haired ghost what had happened while he was conversing and pointed to where the tortured spirit was being held against her will. Quickly getting distressed and worried, Darren dodged through the crowd to the platform hoping to save his friend in time, the duo quickly following behind the best they could. Not wanting to watch anymore of this senseless violence Danny turned to his commander and asked, "Sir, I request permission to stop this useless barbarity."

"Just a few more moments," Damen denied. "There's an important lesson that has to be learned here, Captain."

The moment the statement left the judge's mouth the entire congregation went dead slient as they watched a ghostly outcast and two others walk up onto the stage and approached the victim. Kneeling down the ethereal being took off his cape and used it to wipe the rotten gunk that was sliding down the bell operator's face. Feeling very guilty for what just happened, he apologized, "I am so sorry, Nyreena. None of this was supposed to occur at all. Please, forgive me."

Before he got a reply Phantom shot up out of his seat, looked right at the specter, and ordered, "Gypsy ghost! I command you to get off of there at once!"

"Of course, your Honor," the soldier of fate answered, getting up and putting his silver-lined shawl back into place. "Just as soon as I free this abused young woman."

"No, I absolutely reject this plea!," the del facto leader of the city overturned.

His glowing green eyes slitting the uniformed nomad drew his sword and sliced at the binds holding the former princess down. Appalled at beling disobeyed again the magistrate growled, "How dare you not observe my ruling on this matter!"

"How can't I when you brutalize this unfortunate girl the same way you abuse my friends and family!," the vigilante countered, standing up or his shunned companions.

"Silence!," the justice of the peace cried, getting thoroughly enraged by the passing second.

"Justice!" all three cried back, seeing the needed to not stand down for what they knew what was right.

Almost screaming at the top of his lungs Damen threatened, "You had better mark my words, ghost boy. You will all pay or your impudence!"

"You know, my friends, I think it's time we had a new title," Sam suggested. "The King of Fools. And the only fool I see around here is him!"

Taking the tiara off of Nyreena's head Tucker passed it to his childhood friend who tossed it across the heads of the crowd and landed in a broken heap at Phantom's feet. Now completely livid the judge instructed Danny, "Captain Fenton, arrest all three of them at once!"

Complying with his orders, the head guard snapped his fingers and motioned for his sentries to move in on the capture. As the officers surrounded the stage Darren counted how many were coming for them, mumbling at first then figuring, "Okay, there's one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten of them and only three of us. Well guys, I think we're done for."

"I think you're right," Sam agreed, growing disheartened at the same time. "What are three outcasts like us suppose to do?"

Pulling out a light purple hanky out of her shirt the dancer began crying into it, the two young men comforting her with a giant hug. A few seconds later the young woman sneezed into the cloth, creating a massive cloud of purple smoke that masked their escape using the spirit's teleportation ability. As soon as they disappeared the chancellor was mortified as he thought to himself, "A ghost who can use his powers freely in the city? Impossible!"

As the soldiers looked around for their targets off to the side they heard a female voice calling to them, "Hey, boys! If you're wondering where we are, we're over here!"

Turning their heads to where the sound came from the patrol unit saw that the trio were posing as dismembered heads lying in a basket next to a guillotine. Hearing a couple of guards climb up onto the platform the three made a break for it, jumping into the crowd who carried them away. Trying the same move the townspeople split leaving a giant gap into which the wo fell right on the ground. Landing safely on the other side the threesome were spotted by a few more officers on horseback and the chase ensued. As they started to catch up Darren was looking everywhere for a means of escape or something to use against their foes. Then his neon green eyes caught the perfect thing. Running towards a stilt walker the ghoul hoisted Tucker up who quick caught onto the plan and knew what to do. When the time was right the young human man jumped up and grabbed the acrobat's super-long pants and used his weight to pull them down. When he was close enough to the ground the beret-wearing man let go and dropped to the cobblestones, catching up to his friends as fast as he could. As for their pursuers they were stuck running into the impromptu slingshot, being flung back clear across the city, one of them losing their hats in the process. The metal covering fell back into the crowd and landed on Sam's head, spinning around on her cranium while she was running. However their efforts were plundered when three more horses carrying soldiers were hot on their trail. As the trio tried to get away from this squad the dancer looked up at the helmet then got an idea. Stopping abruptly she turned to face the enemy, grabbed the headpiece, then flung it like a disc knocking all three off their steeds. The weapon then ricocheted straight for Danny's head, which he ducked just in the nick of time as it lodged into a wooden post behind him. Blown away the young warrior gawked, "Whoah what a woman!"

The three regrouping they headed straight for the tight rope walker who was ready to help them out. As the escapees ran under him he tossed down his balancing pole to the two last men on horseback who caught it, looked at each other in confusion, then saw what it was meant for. Looking straight ahead they saw that they were running straight for the judge's booth. Seeing what was coming for him Damen gasped in shock and ducked just as the pole sliced through the booth, turning it into rubble. Fighting through the debris Phantom angrily shrugged off the cloth and watched as the trip was hoisted up onto the roof of another stall that held a few musicians who were playing a dramatic tune. As the threesome took their bows they grabbed a giant blue cloth, twisted it around themselves, and disappeared once again. The music building up it fanfared as one of the stilt walkers that helped lift them up pulled the sheet away to reveal nobody there. Infuriated the del facto leader hastily grabbed his hat and adjusted it on his head then whirled around and glared at Nyreena, who was watching the scene unfold from where she was standing. Seeing the gaze that was directed at her she looked away and pulled up the right sleeve on her arm that had ripped while she had been tied down. As he got onto his giant black steed the magistrate ordered the captain, "I want you to find them, Fenton. I want them found alive, arrested, and thrown in the dungeon. Fast."

Nodding in agreement Danny told his comrades, "Right away, sir. Men, seal of everything in a five-block radius starting from the cathedral. Find the gypsies and do not harm them when you arrest them!"

As the sentries began to follow their orders the justice of the peace rode over to where his ward was at and glowered at her with malice in hi glowing red eyes. Looking away a few times the bell ringer forced herself to face him and half-whispered, "Master, I am very sorry. I promise to never disobey you ever again."

Noticing the necklace the young woman's "father" took it in his hand, snapped the chain off of her neck, and growled, "For your sake, you had better not. Now, get up to the bell tower and stay there!"

Feeling a sting of fear course through her she jumped off the platform and ran straight for the church doors, the thunderstorm that was forming in the sky finally breaking pouring down the massive showers from above. Completely soaked the sheltered spirit stumbled through the entrance and shut the door behind her heart feeling like it was ripped out of her chest and was going to stay that way. Outside as the festival was being shut down an old man was walking around trying to find his way around the plaza. As he passed by Fenton he noticed that the elder look a little odd since the older gentleman looked right up at the young leader and saw a familiar red beret under the hood. Watching the figure head inside the church he had a pretty good idea where to find the targets in question as he climbed off Cujo and headed for the cathedral.

Oi, I'm telling you this is by far the longest chapter I have ever written. After some thought I will rewrite this chapter to fit with the song and will put it up plus a poll to let you decide which chapter would be better. Well, there's no stopping me now I'm off to write chapters 3.2 and chapter 4 so I am out of here until next time!