Hello, my dear readers. Time to gather around for another exciting, angsty, and long chapter of DoaS! Vlad muse particularly enjoyed this one; so much it comes with a caution disclaimer. Ha!

Before going further, I do want to thank my beta Truephan for bearing this monster-of-a-chapter with me. You guys don't know, but she is the one that gives these chapters that shiny polish and fresh new car smell! lol! Thanks, my dear!

But back to this story, I also want to remind everyone that there are some concepts I use when I explain the ghost's genetics and history that might be different from the show (hence AU plot), and you might even see some 'made-up' words lol. The biggest one is 'energy-line', which I have used before. But remember it means the same as 'bloodline'. Just so you know, ghosts have ectoplasm and energy, and their core energy contains their genes/DNA; so yeah, energy-line!

Okay, onward!

Recap: Danny, Elliot, and his friends were able to save the Kingdom's friends and warriors from the Guys-in-White—though there were still losses for the ghost race.

However, the biggest lost might just be the Gem of Fantasy, which Elliot lost during his fight with Gregor (aka Gregory).

But the ghost race was not the only one who ended up losing a lot after this latest battle. Gregor's relationship with Tom had already been hanging by a thread before this; and so, it came as no surprise that things between them ended so abruptly and violently.

Now, Gregor is with Freakshow again; but can the teen adapt to his master's own plan and commands?

And how will Elliot face his kin now that he has lost one of their most powerful relics and betrayed his father's command?

Caution: this chapter contains strong PG 13 content. Read at your own discretion.

Chapter 59: Condemned

It had taken a good thirty minutes, but the Prince, Ember, Elliot, and Wulf were almost at the castle…

"Hey, are you sure you are okay?" Danny questioned worriedly as he watched his dragon friend stop in mid-flight and drop lower in the atmosphere.

Elliot grimaced as he forced his wings to hold his weight; but he could barely do it. The trip back to his friend's castle was endless torture.

"One of my wings is injured," Elliot replied in a pained tone of voice. "I just need to return home so I can tend to it. Surely, I will need to rest it for a few days until it heals; but I should be okay."

The dragon teen was more worried about the fact that he lost the Gem of Fantasy than he was of his injuries. When his father found out… When his mate found out…

Danny frowned. He wished he still had some of Anĝela's healing energy left. But he had used it all.

"Perhaps Anĝela could tend to the dragon pup once we arrive at the castle," Wulf suddenly said.

"Pup?" Elliot questioned with a raised eyebrow. He was close to being three times larger than the older ghost. And he was a married male who was practically the ruler of his kin. So, it was so odd to be called that.

Wulf briefly sniffed the dragon teenager before he confirmed, "Yes, pup. You smell like a pup. A big one, but a pup, nevertheless."

Danny—and even Ember—smiled at Elliot's confused look on his face.

"Don't worry, Wulf. Elliot just likes to forget he is still a kid."

Elliot frowned. "Phantom, I am not a child."

"Of course you are. I mean, sure you're married and have 'adult' responsibilities, but you are still a kid at heart."

Elliot looked about to argue; but instead, he shook his head, and said, "Never mind that. We have very pressing matters, Phantom."

Danny sobered up. "I know, Elliot. I was just trying to make you feel better."

Elliot's sober look melded away with a small smile. "Thank you, my young friend. I wish I could 'feel better', but I am greatly troubled. My father will not believe us that Gregory is not only still alive, but is evil. He probably will not even listen once he learns I lost the Gem of Fantasy."

"We have to try, Elliot," Danny answered. "Besides, everyone saw him. And no matter what happens, I have your back."

The dragon ghost sighed but nodded. He was about to tell his friend to continue forward when he felt a familiar power grip at him.

"Oh, no," Elliot whispered in dread before his form flashed with blue light, and his dragon form changed into his humanoid appearance.

And then he fell.

"Elliot!" Danny exclaimed as he jolted after him, and grabbed one of his arms.

The Prince's eyes widened with surprise as he stared for the first time at his friend's human-like disguise. But what amazed him was how similar he looked to Gregor. Of course, he would. They were twins, only that Elliot had blue skin and yellow eyes.

"My father," Elliot gasped out.

But before Danny could answer, he jolted as a flash of light appeared around all four of them. And in an instant, they were suddenly standing at the Ghost King's castle's borders...

—And in front of their fathers, Dora, Fright Knight, Walker, and several guards.

"Oh, crud," Danny whispered as he realized Aragon had teleported them all back to the castle.

"Daniel!" Vlad exclaimed in relief and anger.

Skulker also moved forward, and grabbed his niece by the shoulders. "What were you whelps thinking?!" he asked angrily.

But before Danny could say a word, Aragon suddenly moved past them, went up to Elliot and backhanded him across the face.

"Elliot!" Danny and Dora exclaimed at the same time.

"Brother please—!" she further said.

But Danny also tried to add, "Wait! You can't—!"

"Silence!" Aragon sneered, but glared directly at the young hybrid. "Do not say a word, Ghost Prince. Not a word."

The force of the hit had sent Elliot on his bottom, but he didn't even try to get back up. He just kept his head slightly lowered.

Aragon stared furiously at his son as he hissed, "How dare you! How dare you betray me and your kin! How dare you put everyone in danger just to follow the ignorant plans of some… some child!"

Danny almost stepped back when Aragon shot him a hateful look. But looking over at his father, he opened his mouth to protest, only to be cut off.

"Not a word," Vlad repeated quietly, but the underlying anger in his voice was clear.

"Where is the Gem of Fantasy, Elliot?" Aragon demanded as he grabbed his son by an arm and forced him to stand up.

Elliot grimaced at the pain that shot through his arm; but he still looked guiltily at his father as he answered, "I lost it, Father… I lost it in the Human World."

But seeing Aragon about to strike his son again, Danny teleported in front of his friend, and cried out, "No! I won't let you hurt him anymore! He's your son! The least you could do is ask if he's okay! Or is some stupid crystal more important to you than him?!"

Aragon sneered at the Ghost Prince. "Insolent boy! That crystal is more important than even you! Not that you would understand. You are stupid, arrogant, and selfish! You are a disgrace to our kind and your father's kingdom! You are nothing but a curse to this world!"

"Aragon!" Vlad suddenly exclaimed as he walked up to the other ghost, and yanked his son back. "Do not forget your place!"

"Then teach your son his!" Aragon snapped back. "He thinks he's some savior because he rescued your warriors! If the humans find that gem, it will be the end of us all, and you know it to be true! He has just damned us all!"

"They would not know how to use it," Vlad countered with a deep frown.

"You are as naïve as your son!" Aragon exclaimed. And not caring if Plasmius was offended or not, the dragon leader glared back at his son. "And you do not know the extent of what you have done!"

But to everyone's surprise, Elliot looked soberly at his father and answered, "I am fully aware of what I have done. And I am not afraid of the consequences. Go ahead," the teen further said when he saw his father's hand raise again. "Strike me again. It makes no difference. It was never my intention to lose the Gem of Fantasy; but you are wrong, Father. That gem is not worth more than Phantom's life—or anyone's life. I took it because it was the only way to protect everyone."

"It is not your duty to protect anyone of this kingdom!" Aragon exclaimed furiously.

"It is if I am protecting them from a dragon ghost!" Elliot hissed back.

Instantly, everyone stilled.

But it was Fright Knight who broke the silence, as he stepped forward and said, "My King, I could not tell you sooner; but I confirmed with my eyes that there is a dragon ghost aiding the human hunters. And I am most certain it is Aragon's lost son. He lives and has allied with those white hunters that murdered the Queen!"

"What?" Vlad answered in disbelief.

"Lies!" Aragon screamed as his power extended around him. "How dare you speak such lies?! I will teach you to respect the dead!"

"No!" Danny exclaimed. "It's true! I saw him, too!"

Aragon halted his intention to attack Fright Knight, and whirled around to face the Ghost Prince. "My other son is dead!" he whispered angrily. "I held his dead core in my own hand!"

"They tricked you, Father," Elliot spoke up at last; but this time, he sounded exhausted. "Gregory is not dead. He lives … And the King's warrior and the Prince speak the truth. He aided in the Queen's demise. He murdered Skulker's family, and countless of others—"

Elliot's father struck him again. But even when he fell to his knees he continued; but his voice was broken, yet desperate, "I am sorry! I… I tried to tell you. But you would not believe me when I told you. So, I learned to live with the truth inside of me! Every day, hearing his dark thoughts… seeing the horrible things he does… It is true. All of it. Your son…My twin brother is—!"

"No! Do not say it!" Aragon screamed.

But Elliot cried out louder, "My twin brother is alive, and he is evil! He is a murderer and a blood-thirsty monster!"

"NO!" Aragon screamed as he turned away from his son. "No… No! NO!"

"Aragon!" Vlad exclaimed as the ghost's energy exploded outward, and the King barely created a shield around the other ghost to protect everyone from it.

The King quickly went over to his former friend and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Stop, get a hold of yourself, Aragon!"

"Let go of me!" Aragon screamed as he yanked himself away from the King. He stared wildly at Plasmius before he whispered in a shaky voice. "Stay away from me. All of you! Curse all of you!"

He suddenly turned into his dragon form, grabbed Elliot, and vanished in a flash of blue light.

"Elliot," Danny whispered sadly.

Vlad glanced at his son before looking at everyone present. As expected, they were all shocked with what they had all just discovered. It was inevitable that this would spread through the Kingdom like wildfire.

"Walker," Vlad called with a sigh. "Gather the council at once. The rest of you go home."

"Yes, sire," they all said.

The King did not see the tense frown on Skulker's face.

And he did not notice how worried Walker looked as he flew off. If Plasmius discovered he had something to do with Gregory's kidnapping…

He cursed Spectra.

Meanwhile, Vlad hugged Wulf as he stopped by him. He was glad to see he was safe. And by what little Fright Knight had had a chance to tell him before his son appeared, almost everyone made it back.

Everyone, except for his loyal warrior, Arch.

He would be sure to give him a funeral worthy of the brave ghost; but right now, he needed to talk seriously with his son.

"Come, Daniel," Vlad said soberly.

Danny lowered his gaze as his father walked past him; but he still followed him. It took them a few minutes to go into the castle and head inside the nearest living room.

But as his father closed the door behind them, Danny whispered, "I know you are mad at me…"

However, much to his surprise, Vlad walked up to him, and pulled him into a hug.

"I thought I was going to lose you like your mother," he whispered shakily. "Why, Daniel? You promised me you would never go out there alone again!"

The Prince hugged his father back as he replied, "I know… But I thought I was going to lose you, too! You were dying, Father! And it would have been my fault!"

Danny pulled away as he further said, "And if our friends and warriors would have been killed by the Guys-in-White, it would have been my fault, too!"

"Daniel, why is it that you feel that every negative thing that happens around here is your fault?" Vlad asked with a mixture of annoyance and worry.

"Because… it is," Danny answered soberly. "Aragon is right… Skulker is right. I'm a curse to everyone here."

"Skulker told you this?" Vlad asked in disbelief.

Danny shook his head. "You're missing the point, Dad. I know that you don't see it. I'm your son, and you have been more supportive than I deserve; but you cannot keep fighting for me. I won't let you continue to bear the consequences of my wrong actions! That is why I went out there! I needed to fix what I did! None of our friends and warriors deserved to die because of me!"

"Daniel, putting yourself in danger is never going to make anything better. What if you would have been captured again?" Vlad asked firmly.

"Then I would have at least died trying to do the right thing," Danny answered quietly.

Vlad shook his head. "There is only one thing Aragon said about you that is true: you are naïve."

Danny looked at his father, but could not find anything else to say. He, of course, had expected his father to be upset with his actions. But if everyone was safe, and he was okay, then shouldn't his father at least see what he did was good?

"I know at times your actions are foolhardy," Plasmius said seriously. "I reprimand you all the time for them, even when you continue to make the same mistakes again. And that is exactly what you did. You made the same mistake again. You think going out there and getting captured was going to fix anything? No, Daniel. It makes it worse. You want to fix your mistakes? Then begin to learn from them."

"But Wulf and everyone is safe. I couldn't help Arch, but everyone is back! Doesn't that mean anything?"

"Of course it does; but the gem you and Elliot left behind will only cause our world more trouble! Do you not understand, Daniel? You cannot fix one thing, and cause another problem with your rash choices! You should have waited for me! You should have never involved your friends in this, especially Aragon's son!"

"We would all be dead if it wasn't for Elliot defending us against his brother!" Danny snapped back. "And even then, we barely escaped him! Gregor's power is beyond anything I've seen! He is evil, Father! He is dark! I have never seen a ghost so bent on destruction and death!"

The king sighed deeply and shook his head at the implications this news meant for everyone. "How is this possible?" he asked himself.

"It is possible, Plasmius…"

Vlad and Danny tensed when they realized Skulker and Ember had come in.

The King searched his friend's eyes for a moment. And because he knew him so well, the older hybrid knew the truth instantly.

"No… You knew…," Vlad placed his hand against his forehead as he turned away, and further whispered, "This whole time… you knew, didn't you?"

But when Skulker didn't reply, Plasmius whirled around and screamed, "Didn't you?!"

Skulker nodded. "Yes… I saw him the day your wife was murdered. I saw him kill Lydia and Ghostwriter."

"I saw him, too," Ember quickly added, but afraid of the anger in the King's eyes, stayed slightly behind her uncle.

"Why did you not tell me?" Vlad demanded with restraint fury."Why? We searched for that child for years! You knew Aragon and Dora suffered at his loss. This whole world suffered by his loss. And yet even when you find him and learn the truth, you say nothing! Why?!"

"Because it is my responsibility to kill him," Skulker answered soberly.

"Kill him? You would kill a child?" Vlad asked in disbelief.

"He is not a child. He is not even a ghost," Skulker replied coldly. He glanced at the Prince, and added, "Or, am I wrong?"

Danny lowered his gaze as he admitted, "He looks human. It's like nothing I've seen before. But… when he turned into his real form, he was bent on killing me and Elliot. He wanted to murder his own brother."

"This did not give you the right to hide this, Skulker!" Vlad answered angrily. "We could have helped him! Something! Maybe he's being forced to do what he does!"

"I don't care!" Skulker suddenly hissed hatefully, and his friend was stunned into silence. "I do not care why he did it; not when I saw him kill my sister and brother-in-law, and take pleasure in it! I wanted to kill him when he had been a whelp, and I was foolish not to! So, now I will not rest until I see his core crushed in my hand!"

Vlad just stared at his friend for a moment before he glanced at his son, and said soberly, "Daniel, go with Ember to see Anĝela. She is in the main dining room. She will check you both over."

Danny hesitated, but he just nodded, and left with Ember.

Once they were gone, Vlad spoke up again, "Skulker, I have known you practically all my life. We have been through a lot together. We have seen awful things, and have even had to do less than honorable things to simply survive. And through it all, I have held you in the highest regard. I have looked up to you all my life…. Until now. For the first time in my life, I am so disappointed by you. It's as if I do not know you…"

Vlad paused for a moment, but then said angrily, "You have lied to me… You have deceived the entire Ghost World… Is this why you broke things off with Dora? Because killing her nephew is more important to you than her? Than your niece? Than this kingdom? Than me?"

"You cannot understand…," Skulker began soberly.

"I don't understand?" Vlad scoffed. "My wife melted in my hands, Skulker. I have to literally smile into the face of her killer almost every day! And you dare to tell me I do not understand! Do you think I also do not have the desire to kill that hunter in the worst way possible for all he has done to me? But do you know why I do not do it? I do not do it because my son, you, and everyone here is more important than my lust for revenge!"

"Are you sure?" Skulker asked soberly. "Or have you forgotten about the human you murdered in cold blood at Walker's prison? …Do not try to pretend you are better than me."

Plasmius stared at him. He really did not know his friend right now.

"I am not better than you," Vlad finally answered quietly, almost hurt. "But just like you once told me I was losing sight of what was important when I was drowning in sorrow with the loss of my wife, I am now telling you the same thing. You have lost sight of what is really important. And… I fear you lost sight of it a long time ago…"

Vlad paused again, but continued soberly, "There is not a day that goes by that I do not regret murdering that man, Skulker…. I let my hate blind me, and I killed an innocent person—human or not. He did not deserve to die… And Gregory does not deserve to die, either."

Now more troubled, the older hybrid's eyebrows creased as he added, "Skulker, that child… Aragon's son. How can you not see that he is another victim in this war? I do not know how that hunter did it, but he has turned that boy into this killer you hate and hunt. But ultimately, it is not his doing. Deep down you must know this."

"If you would see the way he murders without mercy, you would not defend him," Skulker answered. "He might not deserve death, Plasmius. But he must die. And I think you know this, too."

Vlad shook his head. "The worst of all this is that we could have saved him… if you had spoken up in time. As your King, I should punish you for this…"

Skulker sighed deeply before nodding. "You are right… Perhaps we could have saved him. Perhaps a lot of things could have been avoided. But that time has gone by."

The hunter's face tensed as he said almost coldly, "I am aware that the blood of this child will forever be on my hands. And you may punish me if you want; but I am not you. I do not regret what I have done. And I will not turn back now. It is too late to save him, Vlad. And I will bear that fault forever. But he needs to die. He needs to die because if not, the deaths of every ghost he has killed will be in vain. He needs to die because your wife's murderer will continue to hold a trump card against the ghost race. And he needs to die because he will be the end of all of us if his power continues to grow."

Vlad sighed deeply as he turned away. He looked at the unlit fireplace in the room as he thought about what to do.

"If you have been attempting to kill him all these years, what has stopped you?" the older hybrid asked without looking at his friend.

"The few times I have seen him, he managed to escape me. However, my greatest obstacle is his ability to hide. He practically vanishes for months at a time!" Skulker answered with frustration.

"Daniel says he can disguise himself as a human," Vlad replied, turning to look at his friend.

"I was not aware of this. And if it is true, how is he keeping his energy hidden? The only ghost I know with the ability to completely suppress his ghost signature is you, Plasmius."

The King shook his head. "Well, he is working with Chrome. He must be using something to keep him hidden—at least… he is hidden to most..."

Skulker's creased his eyebrows. "You know who it is, don't you?"

Vlad sighed and passed a hand though his hair. "It is not that hard to figure out if you know Chrome how I do. He supposedly has an adopted son. And of course, he goes by the name of Gregor. I had always found something odd about that boy; but because of how human he looks, I never once thought… But it makes perfect sense."

Skulker walked closer to his friend, and soberly replied, "I know I have let you down lately. And it has not been my intention. But I need you to understand now… He needs to die, Vlad… and I need to be the one to put him out of his misery."

The King looked at his friend for a long moment, and answered, "Aragon will not let you touch his son. Do you not see? Killing him would start another war—this time, within our own home."

"He cannot stop me," Skulker answered back with determination.

"But I can…," Vlad answered quietly, much to the hunter's surprise.

Right then, the door of the room opened, and a duplicate of the King vanished from alongside a few guards.

Skulker frowned deeply at the older hybrid.

"I'm sorry, my friend…," Vlad answered soberly before he nodded at his guards.

Without a word, the ghost guards apprehended the hunter, and took him away.

Once alone, the King just sighed, feeling at a loss on what to do now.

Elliot gasped as he fell on the hard floor of his father's castle.

Altiĝis, Ruĝa, and her parents instantly gasped at his and Aragon's sudden appearance.

"Elliot!" he heard his mother cry out in relief, and quickly fell on her knees to hug him.

"My Elliot!" Ruĝa further cried out in relief. "Thank heavens you are safe!"

Aragon stared coldly at his son as he stood up with the help of his mother. The older dragon's energy hue was dim from all the power it took to teleport such a long distance. And if he had been thinking clearly, he would have never attempted such a thing. But right now, his mind was on a sole thing.

"We are indeed relieved to know you are well, Elliot," Ruĝa's father added with a worried frown. "I wish to understand, however, why you have taken my family's heirloom?"

Elliot lowered his gaze, and answered, "Forgive me, sir. I had to use it to help a friend. And unfortunately, I cannot return it to you now. It was lost in the Human World."

"Oh, Elliot," Ruĝa whispered; but she was not upset, just worried.

And seeing the growing anxiety on her own father's face, she said to him, "Father, it is my fault! I suggested he take the gem. I had only wished to keep my mate safe! Please, if you hold any anger or resentment, unleash it on me, for I am solely accountable."

"No," Elliot quickly said, "I hold full accountability for what has happened."

He looked at his father, who had not said a word in all this time. "You may punish me, Father, as you see fit. But you must understand—"

"How could you have kept this a secret all this time?" Aragon cut him off angrily.

Elliot looked at him in disbelief before his own indignation surfaced, and he exclaimed, "How can you ask me such a thing?! I tried to tell you for years! I begged you! Or, do you still not remember, Father?!"

But when his father didn't answer, the teen dragon whispered, "I remember. I remember it all. And I remember the last time I pleaded for you to believe me; and then you told me to not ever talk about it again. That is what you told your nine-year-old son!"

"Aragon?" Altiĝis questioned. "What is going on?"

Aragon ignored her, and instead asked his son coldly, "I went to the Human World myself, I searched, and I found nothing! Nothing but proof of what I had thought to be true! How could I have known?!"

"My word should have been enough for you," Elliot answered back angrily.

"You were a child, then! You had gone through so much!" Aragon argued back. But he quickly scowled as he reprimanded, "But you are not a child now, Elliot! If you knew all that was happening. If you knew there was proof, then why did you keep quiet now?! How do you punish your degree of betrayal, Elliot?!"

"I do not understand," Altiĝis said, confused. She knew that her son's helping the Prince and going to the Human World was a grave matter. But the level of anger and resentment in her husband's face… And their current conversation. Something else was wrong.

"Will you tell her, or should I?" Aragon suddenly asked his son.

Elliot stared soberly at his father before looking at his mother. He turned to her, grabbed her hand and coaxed her to sit down.

"Mother, I am sorry," Elliot began as he knelt in front of her. "I wish I had been stronger to do something about all this, but… Do you remember when I was young, and I said I could still hear Gregory's voice in my head?"

She nodded cautiously.

"I was not hallucinating. It was true… All of it. Mother… Gregory is still alive."

Altiĝis began to shake. "My… My baby? No… Elliot, what are you saying to me? Your father…"

She suddenly rose to her feet and screamed at her husband, "You told me he was dead! How can he possibly be alive?! No, this can't be!"

"Mother!" Elliot whispered anxiously as he pulled her into his arms. "Please, I know this is difficult; but it is true."

With tears suddenly forming in her eyes, Altiĝis shakily asked, "Where is he, Elliot? Where is my Gregory?"

"In the Human World," Aragon said soberly. "And your other son has known it all along. Your son allied himself with the Kingdom to attack his own brother!"

Altiĝis gasped as she pulled away from her son. "Elliot? No. Why did you…?"

"Mother, I tried to tell you both…," Elliot began tiredly.

"You have no excuse," his father hissed.

Elliot suddenly whirled around, and his yellow eyes turned into slits. "I can accept blame for a lot of things, Father. But Gregory's fate is not one I will hold guilt for! I tried for years! I begged you to listen! If he is beyond help now, it is because of you! You did this to him!"

"How dare you!" Aragon hissed. "You ungrateful child!"

"I am no child, remember?!" Elliot screamed at him. "I stopped being a child when I lost my brother and had to watch him murder ghosts in cold-blood each night in my mind! I stopped being a child when I could not tell my parents of my suffering because they decided it was easier to believe me insane than to believe me! I stopped being a child when I had to stay awake at night so that he wouldn't take control of my mind! And I stopped being a child when I realized that I was the only one who would be willing to do the right thing!"

"Oh, Elliot!" his mother cried out. "What are you saying?"

"I am saying that Gregory is dead. And that creature out there that looks like him needs to die!" Elliot hissed.

And everyone gasped at the almost darkness in his voice.

But Elliot's glare was on his father as he further said "I went out there with Phantom because I was not going to allow Gregory to take my friend's life! I refuse to allow him to continue to threaten my mate and me! So, I was determined to slay him first! And I will be the one to kill him if that is what it takes to stop him!"

"You mean you are willing to murder your own brother?!" Aragon asked in disgust.

"Yes," Elliot growled back. "I won't let my evil brother hurt Phantom. I won't let him hurt anyone else!"

"The Prince again!" Aragon snarled. "Why is that cursed child more important to you than your own energy line?!"

"Just because you turned your back on your best friend does not mean I will do the same," Elliot countered with a hiss.

Aragon raised a hand to strike him; but Elliot unexpectedly grabbed his raised hand by the wrist and warned, "You will not strike me. Not this time."

Aragon's eyes widened before they narrowed hatefully and he yanked his hand away. "You… You are an affront and a disgrace to me and your kin. You are unfit to lead the dragon species!"

"As I said, I am fully aware of the consequences of my actions. So, go ahead. Condemn me!" Elliot growled. "But I will not rest until my brother is dead!"

"Never. Do you hear me?" Aragon answered darkly. "You will have to go through me, first!"

"So, be it!" Elliot hissed.

"No!" Altiĝis suddenly exclaimed. "Elliot, stop this now!"

"You dare to challenge me?" Aragon screamed as his power spread through the house and it rumbled. "I have given you everything! I am your Father! I am your leader! How dare you turn against me and your kin?!"

Elliot's hard look did not falter but his fists on his sides began to shake with his emotional restraint. "You are my father…. But I cannot obey a leader who is willing to protect a monster and fight against the wrong enemy."

Altiĝis began to sob loudly, but Aragon's eyes narrowed to hide the pain in his own core.

"So be it… If that is your choice, I hereby revoke your future leadership of our kin," Aragon whispered vehemently. "I hereby renounce you as my son! And I hereby banish you from the dragon realm!"

"No!" Altiĝis screeched and she dropped to her knees in front of husband as he cried out further, "Please, don't! Do not take my remaining son from me! I beseech you!"

"Mother," Elliot whispered sadly, and quickly pulled her away from his father. "It's okay. Please, calm down. It will be okay."

Altiĝis cried harder at the thought of losing Elliot, and at the news that not only was her once-thought dead son alive, but worse, he was evil! It was too much for her core to bear.

Aragon's expression remained cold and unmoving. "Are you done? If so, leave from my presence!"

Elliot stared sadly at his mother, then looked at his father. "I will always love you, Father. And I hope when you realize your mistake; it is not too late... The Ghost King. The Ghost Prince. They are not the enemy… They never were."

Elliot turned to leave, but stopped when Ruĝa grabbed his wrist. He smiled sadly at her, and caressed her cheek. "Stay here, my mate. Go back with your family."

"No," she said firmly. "I go where you go."

"Ruĝa," her father warned at hearing her words. "Outside of our home is no place for you."

"Your father is right, daughter," her mother further said. "Come. We will go back home. You have no need to follow an exiled male to heaven-knows-where. Your place is with your kin."

Ruĝa frowned deeply at her parents and replied, "No, my place is with my mate… And that is where I will stay. Good-bye, Father. Mother."

"Ruĝa!"

But the girl turned and left with Elliot.

When they were outside the castle, Elliot looked at his mate and asked, "Ruĝa, are you sure…? We will have no home. We will be on our own."

"That is all we need, my Elliot. You and I… We will figure out the rest," she answered warmly.

Elliot smiled sadly at her, and kissed her cheek. "Let us go then. I heard of a small island some distance from here. I am sure I can find us another den."

"We will find it together," she replied before the two changed into their true dragon forms, and left the Dragon Realm.

The next day, Vlad plopped down and slumped into his throne. He rarely came here unless it was some sort of event. But the empty and quiet room was what he needed right now after such an exhausting High Council gathering.

Of course everyone pretty much said the same thing. They needed to eliminate Aragon's son.

The King understood their decision. And as King, he did agree with it, too. But he could not help but feel saddened to know another innocent life had been destroyed because of Thomas Chrome. Maybe he should follow Skulker's example... Maybe he should just kill the man and be done with it.

But that was just the problem. It would not be over with the death of Chrome. It would only make things worse. Without the King's complete domination of the Human World, more 'Thomas Chromes' would just continue to arise.

No, he just needed to focus on his plan. He needed to win Amity Park, because once he did, he was sure that the rest of the Human World would follow.

Or, would it?

Could the reason for things not coming together as they should have all this time be Aragon's son? The White Hunter… had thwarted too many of his attempts at Amity Park. The boy, along with Gray's daughter, were the most dangerous hunters Chrome had in his arsenal. And now it made sense why. .. Aragon's energy-line was known to sire some of the most powerful ghosts in existence. Chrome was practically using the boy as a secret weapon; and it posed a serious threat and setback to the King's cause.

Indeed, killing Aragon's son was the easiest way to deal with this…

But, he then remembered his wife. Desiree had fought so hard to save that child. Vlad wondered if she had found out the truth when she had been captured. Had she wished to still help Gregory even when she had seen how evil he had become?

Vlad was sure that the answer was 'yes'. If his wife were here, she would tell him to try one last time to save the boy…

"Father?"

Vlad looked up and saw his son was standing at the doorway of the throne room. He looked worried.

"Come, my son," Vlad said and gestured to the chair beside him.

Danny walked over and sat on the throne beside him."You look troubled, Father. Are you still feeling ill?"

Vlad shook his head, though he did glance down at his still wrapped abdomen. "I am feeling better, my son. I am merely troubled by this affair with Gregory."

Danny frowned deeply."What did the council say?"

"What any council with the safety of their home would say," Vlad answered soberly.

Danny's eyebrows creased. "But it is not what you want… is it?"

The King sighed. "You were just an infant when Gregory was taken. It had devastated Aragon and his wife. And even though the dragon realm was not part of the Kingdom, we did everything we could to find him. We searched for him for years. I even put all my resources as Vladimir Masters to search for him among the Human Hunters. I had been sure they had taken him, but I never found anything."

Plasmius paused. "Even when the Council decided years later to suspend the search, I still kept looking… But I could have never guessed that the boy with Chrome was the very ghost child we had searched for so long… And now, I feel foolish for not having realizing it sooner. What better place to hide a… secret weapon against ghosts than right in the open where no one would even think to look. Gregory looks so human… I still do not know how it is possible."

"I would have never guessed the White Hunter was Elliot's lost twin, either," Danny replied. "Do not be so hard on yourself, Father. How could you have known?"

"Aragon is a fool," Vlad muttered. "He should have never given up. We should have never given up."

"Do you think bringing him back home would change anything, Father? He... He doesn't seem to want to be saved," Danny said with a troubled frown. "It's like… he hates ghosts. He hates his brother. I cannot describe it, but when I was fighting him… I could feel his bloodlust. It scared me."

Danny looked at his father and whispered, "What did they do to him, Father?"

Vlad sighed again. "I do not know, but we owe it to him to try one last time to help him—even if the council does not agree."

"And even if Skulker does not agree?" Danny asked carefully. "Is that why you had him locked up?"

The older hybrid lowered his gaze. "More than anything, I did that to give myself time to make a decision about this. Your uncle… His core is not in a good place right now, and I feared he would go after Aragon's son even when he knows his action could cause a war between the kingdom and the dragon race."

Danny stared worriedly at his father before he hesitantly said, "I could try to talk to Elliot…?"

"And have you step foot on dragon terrain?" Vlad asked in disbelief. "Aragon already dislikes the both of us. I highly doubt he would take kindly to that."

The Prince rubbed the back of his neck. "He doesn't have to know…"

The King quickly stared in surprise at his son; but then his face melded into anger as he whispered, "Tell me you have not stepped into the Dragon Realm before yesterday when you asked Elliot for help."

Danny sighed quietly.

"Curses, Daniel! How long have you been sneaking out there without my knowledge?! You could have gotten lost, sucked into a portal, or worse! Not to mention you could have single-handedly started a war just for your stubbornness of seeing Elliot! It's like you make it a goal to disobey me over everything I tell you!"

"No, Dad! It's not like that at all!" Danny quickly answered with deep anxiety.

"Then, what, Daniel? Tell me, because I do not understand!"

Danny lowered his gaze. "I just… I didn't want to lose my friend."

The older hybrid sighed deeply. He really had no energy to argue with his son right now. It just seemed no matter how hard he tried his son could not see the bigger picture.

"I do not want you going there again," Vlad said seriously. "If you will not listen to me about anything else, then listen to me about this. I need you to stay close to home. I know you want to help, but you will help me right now by staying here and giving me one less thing to worry about. Everyone thanks you for saving our warriors yesterday; and I do, too, but no more of that; do you understand? You can continue to participate in this war, but right now, I need you to just stay safe."

Danny sighed deeply. "I understand, Father… And it was the reason I came looking for you…" He stood and rubbed the back of his neck again as he said, "I have been thinking… About what you said. About what Skulker said… and even what Aragon said… And I realized you were right all along to not want me in this war... I am no good to you or anyone in the middle of this war. I guess… I am just not ready."

Vlad's eyebrows heightened with surprise.

Danny turned to look at him. "Don't get me wrong, if you need me out there, I will go without hesitation; but if it's okay with you, I rather take a step back for now. I… I want to keep practicing with Skulker—if you let me. I want to continue to help you here. And help you in however way you think is best."

"Why the change of heart?" Vlad asked curiously.

There were many reasons; but at that moment, he couldn't help but remember Sam…

"I just… I was wrong," Danny answered sadly. "I thought I was ready for this… And I realized I'm not. And… I do not ever want to be responsible for you or anyone else getting hurt again. Whether it's because of a wrong choice or inexperience, I just… It is not fair to risk everyone if I can help it."

"Alright…," Vlad said as he stood up, and placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I can respect your wishes, Prince Phantom. And as I told you before, you help me plenty here. I am sure I will need you once in a while to take down those anti-radium ghost shields, but I am sure I can find other more important things for you to do."

Danny smiled, and placed a hand against his father's symbol. "Thanks, Dad."

Vlad touched his son's own symbol and replied with relief, "No, thank you, my son."

Right then, Fright Knight walked in, and called, "My liege…?"

Vlad turned to look at his friend. "Yes?"

"I bear grave news about the Ancient Horris…"

The King frowned with worry. "Is he unwell again?"

The ghost knight shook his head. "I… Kuracisto sent word that… He passed away this morning."

Danny's eyes filled with tears as he watched his father grab his deceased guardian's hand and quietly weep against it.

The teen knew that the Ancient had been very sick for many years now. But they had not expected him to pass away so suddenly.

He knew his dad regretted not being able to be with him during his last moments.

"I'm sorry," his father whispered to his guardian. "I'm sorry for leaving you alone. I wish I could have told you how much I loved you, Horris… Thank you for loving me like your son."

"Dad," Danny quietly said as he placed a hand against his father's trembling shoulder. "I'm sure he knew how much you loved him… I know he did."

Vlad quietly nodded as he attempted to calm down. His core was broken to think he had not gotten to say good-bye to the ghost that had been like his father. And it gripped at his core to think that the last time he had seen him had been to just ask the Ancient to let him take Juukka for his latest plan against the humans. He had not even bothered to give Horris a hug, or say anything meaningful to him.

Now it was too late. He was gone.

After several more minutes, the King stood and pulled his son into a hug.

Danny hugged him back as his own tears finally fell down his cheeks. He couldn't help but remember how his father had been hallucinating and suffering with the memory of his mother's death. And now, here he was… suffering another loss.

It wasn't fair.

"I love you, Dad," the teen whispered, holding him tightly.

"I love you, too, my son," Vlad replied shakily as more tears fell down his own face.

He pulled away from his son with a shaky sigh, and wiped his face.

"Come, there is much to do," Vlad said quietly. He looked one last time at Horris before he left the room with his son.

He was greeted with a multitude of ghosts. From Ancients, to Observants, to simple ghosts who had just loved Horris.

Vlad silently gestured at his son that he would return, and made his way to Serenity at the opposite end of the room. There were so many ghosts, it took a moment to get to her.

"Serenity," Vlad called quietly.

The female spirit turned her eyes to him, and smiled, "Hello, my King. It is good to see you have recovered from your brush with death… And yet… It seems death is inevitable sometimes…"

The King did not reply at first; but then he said, "I suppose you will be taking Horris' place at the front of the Ancients?"

"Yes, I was his successor," she answered. "Ultimately, it will not be too much of a transition. In the past few years, I was already exercising the leadership role. Not sure if you took notice, but Horris has been ill for many years now…"

Vlad did not miss the jab at him. But he was not in the mood to argue.

"I hope you understand that I respect the Ancients and their place in the Kingdom. But I also hope you do not forget I am still your King. And what I mean by this is that I do hope we can see past our differences and work together for the better of this Kingdom."

"King Plasmius," Serenity said seriously, "My duty is to the goodness of this Kingdom. If I have ever disagreed with you, it has been with the thought of doing the right thing for everyone. You might not believe me, but I respected Horris. I even cared for him. And I will continue to honor him by leading the Ancients to the best of my ability."

Vlad nodded. "Thank you, Serenity. I suppose I should tend to the funeral preparations for tomorrow. We… also lost Arch."

Serenity nodded. "As I said, sometimes death is inevitable."

The King didn't know if the spirit meant to be so… cold at times; but he did not care to know at the moment. He decided to just go find his son.

However, as he stepped away, Serenity called him.

"Sire?"

"Yes?" Vlad asked.

Serenity's eyes softened a bit a she said, "Could you try to speak with Juukka? He has been sitting out at the edge of the island since this morning. I am troubled for his wellbeing."

The King quietly nodded.

As he made his way past the crowded house, Vlad felt his core clench in pain again. What could he possibly say to Juukka?

It took him a few minutes, but he indeed found Juukka sitting at the edge of the island watching the swirling Novas.

"Juukka…" Vlad called sadly.

The wulf-like ghost tensed, but he did not turn to look at the King.

"You are finally here," Juukka said mentally to Plasmius.

"I wish I could have been here sooner… I didn't know, Juukka," Vlad said with sorrow.

"No, perhaps you did not know just how sick he was…," Juukka replied. "But that does not excuse how you abandoned him. He suffered with your absence more than he did over his illness."

Vlad didn't answer at first, but then said, "You must understand… I have had to make difficult decisions as King in the past years. But believe me when I tell you, distancing myself from Horris was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. He was practically my Father, Juukka. My mentor and guardian. And you might not think so, but I know he would have suffered more if I would have stayed close."

"You truly think so?" Juukka asked, and the King sensed the resentment in his question.

But when the King did not answer, Juukka finally turned to look at him. "He left something for you. He asked me to give it to you upon his passing."

Juukka pulled out a small silver box and handed it to the King.

Vlad accepted it with an uncertain frown. However, he still opened the box, and found a folded letter. But also inside was a familiar red gem…

"It can't be," Vlad whispered as he pulled out a square ruby-like crystal attached to a chain. "This was my Father's amulet. One of the Ancient gems… The Gem of Life."

Vlad looked at Juukka in disbelief. "Horris said it was lost with my Father's demise."

"No, he just hid it so Dark could not find it. And even after that evil King's passing, he decided it was best to hide its existence… Until now. He wanted you to have it, for reasons I cannot understand."

Vlad suddenly realized just how upset Juukka was with him.

"Juukka," he said with a sigh, closing the box again. "I know how much you cared for him…"

"He was very sick when you took me from him," Juukka said mentally, though anxious chirps echoed from his throat. "I begged him not to make me leave his side, but he insisted you needed me… when he was the one who needed me."

Juukka's ears pressed back on his head as he added, heartbroken, "I was gone too long. I found him last night, unconscious and alone, on the ground. His core was barely alive. I… sought out Kuracisto as quickly as I could, but it was too late. He never woke again. I… was not with him like I should have been. He would still be here if I had not gone to fulfill your orders…"

"Juukka, please," Vlad begged sorrowfully as he raised his hand to touch the ghost's symbol. "I am—"

"No!" he mentally screamed as he moved away from the King's touch and stood on his hind legs. "No! Do not say you are sorry when this is your fault!"

"I never knew—" Vlad began in despair.

"You never cared to know!" he cut him off furiously. "You left him! Abandoned him! You were too consumed in your bitterness to see how much he needed me! How much he needed you! He… He would be alive if you had not taken me from him! You… You are a despicable ghost!"

Vlad gasped as a blast hit him right in the chest and sent him flying back into the nearest tree.

Juukka glared as he stared at the fallen king. "He asked me to stay with you. To help you. I will not honor his wish. I will never serve you!"

"Juukka, wait!" Vlad groaned out.

But it was useless. The wulf-like ghost suddenly ripped open a portal and dove into it, disappearing.

Two weeks later, Gregor sat in between the lower metal bars that made up the Ferris Wheel. It was shut down, along with all the other rides.

The circus had closed a good hour ago; so aside from some custodial workers, everyone else was gone.

And in the end, here is where he always found himself. Exhausted. Confused. And alone.

The teen sighed as he looked at the wet rag in his hand. He then reached up to his face and began to wipe away the paint. He was still in his performance outfit. He should probably go shower, but showers were outside and it made him cold. So, the next best thing was this wet rag to at least clean away the makeup, dirt and sweat from his face and neck.

The days had been going by painfully slow. He hated to admit it, but he missed ghost-hunting with Valerie. He missed doing other things that were not his acts.

He had not seen Valerie much in the past weeks. She had come by, of course, when she found out Tom had kicked him out.

Apparently, the guy told her that they were having too many arguments and decided it was best for Gregor to go his own way. The hunter had also told her he was lifting her suspension.

Valerie was back to ghost-hunting.

Gregor tried to hide the fact that he was a bit jealous. Still, he had not said anything on the issue except that he had gotten tired of the guy and had 'decided' to just come live at the circus.

She had not been too happy about that; but what could she do?

At least Gregor had been happy to hear that Tom had let Valerie take his dragonfly collection to her place.

Gregory told her to just release them. He didn't want them to die alone in that glass prison.

Aside from their brief conversation, that was all they really got to talk about. His master had been working him nonstop; and each time Valerie had come by, he had been called for something else and had to leave her.

Gregor sighed as he looked up longingly at the night sky. He had not been in his dragon form since his confrontation with his brother and Phantom.

He missed flying.

He couldn't even do it in his human disguise because he didn't have his ghost-hunting suit and board. All he could do was climb up on things to get as high as he could just to pretend he was up there.

He had never felt so trapped in his life, even more trapped than when he lived in a cage.

"Drone."

Gregor looked down at his master with surprise. What was he doing up this late? He thought the man had gone to his tent a while ago.

"Master?" the teen asked as he climbed down to stand in front of the ringleader.

Freakshow glanced up at where the boy had been, and commented, "You should not climb up so high. You could fall and kill yourself."

Gregor blinked. That was an odd comment when he did death-defying stunts every day.

"Anyways, are you well, drone? You have been… absentminded lately. Even your performances have been… dim."

Gregor tensed with the critical way the man watched him. "I am sorry, Master. I will try harder."

"No, it's not that…," Freakshow answered as he actually pondered about boy's disheartened attitude as of late. "You just do not seem to be… enjoying them anymore. So, I will ask again, slave. Are you sick?"

"I feel fine, Master," Gregor answered.

Freakshow raised an eyebrow and pressed, "Then what's wrong? …I hope it is not that you are missing that brute of a hunter…"

Gregor quickly shook his head. "No! I'm glad I don't have to see him again. I just…"

"What, drone? Out with it!" Freakshow said a bit impatiently this time.

"I'm bored," Gregor admitted timidly.

However, when he saw his master frown deeply, he quickly added, "But it's not a big deal. I can always go practice more tricks with Tiny and his brother!"

Freakshow studied him for a moment before he said, "I supposed I can understand you being bored... In fact, it's probably my fault."

The boy quickly shook his head, "Master, no... It's my fault—"

But the man cut him off, adding, "I sometimes forget your age and how you need more attention and interaction than my other slaves..."

Frederick trailed off; but then he smiled calmly and gestured with his head for the teen to follow him.

Gregor swallowed fearfully, but still followed the man. However, when he saw they had arrived at his master's personal tent, and he headed in, the teen stopped.

He was never allowed in there.

"Drone!" Freakshow called impatiently.

Gregor bit the inside of his lip before he stepped into the tent. The first thing he noticed was the place was bigger than it looked on the outside. But it was also very crowded with decorations and other things. His master kept a pretty large collection of books. And there was even a desk with an open book on it; and he could clearly see that the text was hand-written.

His master wrote books?

"Go watch TV with Lydia while I grab something for you," Freakshow said offhandedly as he moved over to another side of the room.

Gregor finally realized the female ghost was present. She was in her human disguise, sitting in a chair just staring blankly at the small TV.

The boy hesitated slightly before he finally moved and stood to her left and started to watch the TV as well.

The news was on.

Gregor watched it—but was not really watching it—for a few minutes before he dared to move his eyes away and looked towards his master. He was in a closet, looking through some boxes for something.

The boy swallowed, feeling out of place and really uncomfortable. Why was he in here?

Gregor timidly began to study his master's private area. There was a bed, of course; and just beyond, there was a smaller tent that might be a kitchen since he could see some fruits in it.

He suddenly craved an apple.

In the past weeks, all he had eaten had been carnival foods. He didn't mind cotton candy and hotdogs, of course. But it got boring after a while. Also, none of it had any nutritional value to his body unless his master added the ghostly vitamin and energy supplements.

His master was never good at remembering to properly feed him.

Gregor looked away from the fruits or else he was sure his stomach would growl. Instead, he continued to study the room. He quickly noticed an old vinyl player, several circus props, and a lot of newspaper articles posted on the wall. Most looked to be about ghost sightings or something to do with the circus itself. Ironically, there was a few of him in his costume or doing one of his tricks. But it didn't surprise him; he knew he was his master's star performer.

Finally, Gregor noticed a dresser. A glow was coming from it, and he immediately knew what it was. He could feel the energy from the Gem of Fantasy calling him… Or was it calling the Gem of Form inside his own core?

The boy nervously touched his chest. He didn't know, but it was creepy.

Suddenly, he noticed a red glow coming from somewhere close by. And that is when he saw it: his master's staff.

It was propped against the drawer as if it were merely an ordinary object… It would be so easy for someone to take it. Possess it. Control it.

"Would you like to hold it?"

Gregor startled, and gasped when he saw his master was standing next to him.

"Master?"

Freakshow walked over to the staff, and grabbed it before returning and extending it to the teen.

"Take it. Go on. You have my permission."

Gregor's eyes widened with alarm. But when his master, stepped closer to him to emphasize his order, the teen took the staff. In an instant, his green eyes flashed red, and a red hue coated his body.

"It's something, isn't it?" Freakshow said as he walked over to his drawer and pulled out the Gem of Fantasy.

Gregor stood there, frozen in terror. He could feel the staff's power all through him. But it felt awful… he felt like this thing owned him and he didn't fully comprehend how that was possible! He wanted to get away from it. He wanted to let go of the staff! Wait…

Why couldn't he release the staff?!

The boy whimpered as he opened his hand and the staff stayed attached to his hand as if had been super glued! And when he tried to pry it off using his other hand, he felt the same painful pull on his core!

"Master?" he called, begged. What was happening?

But the man just chuckled oddly, and commented, "Perhaps you would not be so bored if you knew the bigger picture. If you knew how important you are to me... Do you know why I chose you, drone? I could have had any other ghost… even that brother of yours…"

Gregor stilled as his master moved closer to him.

Freakshow smiled creepily, and extended his hand to the staff; and instantly, the red hue expanded to the man, too. His eyes turned as red as the boy's own.

In the same moment, the Gem of Fantasy on the man's other hand came to life.

"I think it's time I show you why…"

Gregor yelped when the room around them transformed… and he was suddenly in the Ghost World.

"No!" he cried out as he began to panic.

"Oh, relax. It is not real," Freakshow mildly reprimanded. "The Gem of Fantasy, allows its user to make anything they can imagine come true…Well, to a limit. The Gem of Fantasy, just like the Gem of Form, is only a piece of a grander power… A limitless power."

Gregory softly shook as the image of a single island came up under their feet, and then some ghosts covered in purple hoods stood in front of them.

"When I was young, my father shared a story with me. A sort of ghostly legend on how the Ghost World came to be… He said it all started with a group of entities called the Ancients. They were said to be the first ghosts to exist; but that is debatable, since more of them were formed over time and somehow were not related to the original ones. That is also another mystery. This is why some say they were not ghosts at all but something more… But the story goes that originally, there were only three of them. Each held a unique power: The Gift of Life; The Gift of Fantasy; and The Gift of Form. Each was the master of their own gift; but they also had the ability to combine their powers and even use the others' gift to some extent."

He ignored the boy. And looking quite content for some reason, Freakshow calmly continued with his monologue.

"They used their power to bring life into the Ghost World," he said. "But more than that, they envisioned a world that could only be surpassed by the imagination. A world of dreams, mystics, and fantasy… But also a world with diverse creatures, of all different shape, sizes, and forms. Yet, collectively they would all be one species: ghosts. The Ancient with the Gift of Life created life within every Ghost Core—Life Energy. Everything, down to the very trees and blades of grass, were given life in one way or another. Back then, it is said that ghosts had no limit on the amount of offspring they could form. Everything in the realm was nurtured by these Ancients' special gifts. As time went by, they brought more into their clan until there were seven of them. And though these other Ancients did not have a unique gift of their own, they could still connect with the original ones to work together and bring order and harmony into the Ghost World. All was perfect for centuries…"

Gregor watched as the Ancient creatures vanished and then the Ghost World began to change. The single place began to break into different islands that drifted away. As the islands broke apart and formed, burst of energies came from them, creating swirling masses of green energy in the atmosphere.

Novas.

Freakshow spoke again, "The Ancients one day realized that even with their special gifts, they were not eternal as they had once believed. They could die. And after several thousands of years, these three Ancients' time grew to a close. But they knew that without their gifts, the Ghost World could not survive. So, in order to keep their gifts alive forever, they sacrificed themselves just before their ends came naturally. They created a spell over their own Life Energies—and in turn their unique powers—so that they could be conserved within three distinct gems that could be kept by the ghost race for all eternity. Of course, the remaining Ancients in the clan were bestowed the responsibility of protecting and using these gems for the greater good of all ghosts."

Gregor's eyebrows creased as three gems appeared in front of him. He recognized only two of them.

"It is said the Gem of Life, Form, and Fantasy were created from the Life Energy of the first Ancients," the ringleader said as a grin formed on his face. "Their unique gifts forever held in these gems. Over time, and with the reign of Dark, the gems were dispersed to assure their safety and to keep them from falling into the wrong hands. No one knows what became of them… Well, except for my father…."

The vision changed, and a somewhat familiar island came to view. The Dragon Realm.

"You see, little dragon," Freakshow cooed. "My father and his father before him were collectors. While the Human World has plotted to destroy the Ghost World since long ago, the Showenhower men have been fascinated by it. They wanted to explore it, and have a part of it. And so, they searched the Ghost World in secret, collecting artifacts, rocks, and relics. It was my grandfather who first found the Gem of Form. The very one fused in your core right now. After his passing, my father continued his father's work. He used the Gem of Form for years to take on a ghostly appearance, so he could walk among the ghost kind. He studied them. He would interact with them…. And the more he did, the more he was convinced that your kind was the ultimate treasure. A gift for humanity, if only he could learn to harness it… control it. The relics and magical rocks were no longer enough. So, he learned of a ghostly book. A book said to have been written by Pariah Dark himself. And in that book, there were many types of ghost spells. But my father's focus was on a single spell: a spell to enslave other ghosts… It is said this is the same spell Dark casted over the Skeleton Key and Dagger."

The man's tone of voice darkened with wicked glee as he added, "But the spell required a sacrifice: the Life Energies of unformed ghosts… With his ability to blend in, my father took what he needed, and created our family's legacy."

Gregor gasped softly when he suddenly felt himself and the staff being yanked closer to his master. But he also felt the tug at his core.

"We owned all kinds of ghosts for many years… Slaves. Drones. They all did our bidding. But… it wasn't enough. My father told me of the other lost gems… Whoever possessed all three could ultimately possess the Ghost World. Do you understand this, drone? Imagine the power to control an entire world!"

However, Freakshow's excitement quickly dispelled; and his expression saddened a bit as their surroundings became pitch black.

"My father spent all his life searching," he muttered, "But he never found the other gems. It took a toll on him. In some ways, he became mad with his failure. So, I made him a promise, drone. I promised him I would find the Gems. I would fulfill his vision… "

The man's eyes narrowed. "Through my years I amassed many ghosts, and I commanded them to search for the gems. But just as I got close to one of the missing two, Tom and his men found out about my staff… And that idiot shut me down.… Or so, he thinks…"

The ringleader smirked at that as he explained. "You see, slave. The one thing Tom does not know is that just before he came around, I learned of a great secret…"

Gregor shivered as his master caressed the gem on the staff, and he could feel it in his core.

"I learned that my grandfather and father were wrong…," he whispered wickedly. "There were not three original Ancients, but four. And the fourth Ancient was a dragon ghost—unique from the other Ancients in more ways than one. In fact, this Ancient did not sacrifice himself like all the others… No, he separated from the other Ancients even before the other three sacrificed themselves because he fell in love. He fell in love with a humanoid ghost. And to be with his mate, he created an amulet which held his power and half his Life Energy. His mate created a similar one, but it was nowhere near as powerful. The true amulet became known as the Amulet of Power—an unlimited power source!"

Freakshow chuckled as he added, "Ironically, this dragon ghost lived significantly less than the other Ancients; but his greatest gift to the ghost world was more than his amulet; but his very own bloodline—or, rather, his own 'energy-line'. You see, drone, he was the only Ancient of these four to have ever formed offspring. And if you recall, I said the original four Ancients could use each other's powers, too! Therefore, those offspring—that dragon ghost's energy-line—holds the ability to wield, not just the Amulet of Power, but the ability to activate the Gem of Life, Form, and Fantasy…. Can you believe it? Your energy-line is a living gauntlet, little dragon!"

Gregor gasped softly as he felt all his being shudder in despair and fear. He now understood, even without his master's next words...

"Do you see, my pet?" Freakshow cooed. "I handpicked you. I specifically asked for a dragon ghost from Aragon's energy-line for my collection because his ancestor was one of the four original Ancients. And inside him—inside of you—is the gift to use all the Ancient gems, including the Gem or Amulet of Power! It is a gift that has allowed your species of ghost to be the most successful one in the Ghost World! A gift that gives life to your kin's home! A gift that can activate all the other Ancient Gems!"

The man laughed. "All this time, Tom, Spectra and Bertrand believed I picked you at random! And they still do! The truth is, little dragon, I had already set my eyes on you from my own travels into the Ghost World. I watched you for close to a year. I watched how you were better than your twin in every way. And it is why I knew when I ordered those two to bring you to me that you would be the one to protect your weaker twin from those two ghosts. As a result, you would be the one they would bring to me… And by your ability to hold the Gem of Form in your very core, I confirmed you were the one… And here you are. All mine… "

Gregor didn't realize he had squeezed his eyes closed until he felt a hand press itself against his chest.

The reaction was instant. The staff flashed a brighter red, and his hidden blue symbol transformed with red energy. He felt the staff's power grip at his core even more.

"Master…" he groaned out as he dropped to his knees.

Freakshow narrowed his eyes suddenly as he growled out, "Everything had been going well, until Tom got in the way. And my plans with you were put on hold because he wanted to make you into some stupid weapon against the ghosts. Idiot! He has never understood you are not meant to destroy the Ghost World but are destined to command it—and command it for me!"

The boy gasped out of pain and surprise. Wait… Did his master know of his telepathic abilities and how he could take control of other's minds? But, but he never once had said anything about it! Just how much did his master really know?

But the truth was that although Freakshow knew the teen had some sort of connection with his twin—because he had noticed it from his observation of the dragon ghosts—he had no idea of the extent of it. He did not know just how strong Gregor's telepathic powers were.

Freakshow scowled at himself as he muttered, "But as the years went by, I feared my plans were lost. Actually, I was beginning to doubt my decision of picking you over your twin. I had thought I would have to find another of your energy-line—perhaps one of your twin's offspring once he married and procreated… It would mean more years of waiting, though. And I did not know if I could wait anymore. But just when I thought all was lost… you came back to me….

The man smirked as he further said, "Imagine my surprise when I hear you have ruined Tom's plans single-handedly… And not only that, but you bring me the second gem, the Gem of Fantasy! I knew your kind had the ability to sense them and some even used the Ancient Gems; but I never imagined you would bring me the second one without even my commanding it of you!"

The man barked out a laugh and exclaimed, "I wasn't wrong, slave! I was not wrong at all! You are the gauntlet I need to possess the power to rule the Ghost World… and then this world, too!"

"Master, please… You're hurting me," Gregor begged as he gripped his core. It was like his master's staff was about to consume his core!

"Oh, so you feel it, slave?" Freakshow grinned evilly as he tugged on his staff again.

Gregor cried out as he suddenly felt like his master was about to rip out his core! And he was right because the staff was currently bound to his core. But his master had done more than stress his core when he had tugged his staff. He had activated the staff's other power, the one that could control a ghost's mind. And Gregor could already feel that power seeping in and coiling tighter around his mind

"When I have all the gems, drone," the ringmaster whispered with an evil smile, "You will know how it feels to fully belong to me. What you feel now is only a sample… But you will serve me completely and you will do it without hesitation… won't you, my slave?"

"Please, master! I'm scared!" Gregor whimpered.

Freakshow laughed again. "Of course you are! But you will serve your purpose, slave. All we need now is one last gem… And… a certain hunter out of the way for good."

Suddenly the view changed and they were at Tom's home.

Freakshow raised his staff, and as if he was the puppeteer and Gregor the puppet, the teen was also forced to his feet.

"Look, drone," the man said darkly, "the idiot was off today… He's still moping probably because his plans have all failed. Why don't we put him out of his misery..? I say it is time, my slave."

Suddenly, they were back at his master's tent; and with a painful twist, his master released his core from the staff's power.

Gregor dropped on the ground as he felt the room spin. But then Freakshow pulled out a gun from inside his trench coat—apparently what he had been looking for in the closet before. But it wasn't a ghost gun. But an actual gun with what looked like a silencer at the end.

"Here… You know how to use a gun, right?" Freakshow asked, amused. "It is time to put my plans in action. Tomorrow, around this time at night, you will go to that brute's house, and do what we talked about… Once Tom is dead, we can search for the third gem without any hindrance."

Gregor stared in fear at the man, and whispered, "But, master, what if he finds out? He will kill me before I can…"

"Gregor," Freakshow said, and the boy tensed at hearing his master call him by his name.

But kneeling in front of the teen, the man replied, "If anyone can kill that idiot, it is you. And you will. You know why, my slave?"

His voice turned darker as he answered for the boy, "…Because if you do not, I am going to regret picking you over your twin… And if that happens… Well… You will know the full power of my staff. Am I clear?"

Gregor swallowed but nodded.

"Good," Freakshow cooed. "Go then, my drone. Have a good night. And tomorrow, you will make me proud. You will serve me…."

Gregor's eyes flashed bright red as he whispered, "Yes, master."

Danny sat at the forest of emotion with Lu on his shoulder. He had a notebook on his lap and a textbook on the ground. He was trying to do his homework.

With so many things going on, he had fallen behind in school and had been spending the past two days trying to catch up. He really should have stayed at the castle to get this done…. But he had needed a change of scenery.

Knowing his father had enough going on, especially with Horris recent passing, the last thing he wanted was to bother him… or worry him. His father was hurting enough as it was.

So, he had asked Wulf and Cujo to come with him. But the werewolf had soon found a nice shady tree some feet away to take a nap.

The teen smiled at the thought. He called him 'pup' when he could be such a 'pup' himself.

As for his companion… Cujo had gone off to play with one of the young griffins.

The only one with him right now was Lu. And she had also decided to take a nap on his shoulder.

Danny did his best to continue to write his report; but every so often he would slow down or pause… And then suddenly, he stopped all together.

He stared at his notebook for a long while before sighing and leaning back on the tree behind him. He… He could not stop thinking about Sam. She had been plaguing his nightmares lately—among other things.

But the ones of her were the hardest for him.

Why? Why did she have to be a hunter? Why did they have to be hunters?

He still remembered the rage and betrayal he felt at that moment he realized what she and Tuck had become… He had wanted nothing more than to hurt her… to hurt both of them. He had never felt like that before.

And yet, it had left him shattered inside. The thought that he had… had killed her. Even if she was now the enemy… It filled him with grief... and utter regret.

What he felt inside each time he thought of her and Tuck was unbearable. And he honestly wished there was someone he could talk to about this.

But no one here knew about Sam and Tuck. No one ever could.

Suddenly, a breeze appeared out of nowhere, and the area around him began to dim.

Lu instantly woke up.

"What is it?" Danny questioned as he slowly got to his feet.

"Your aunt," Lu muttered unhappily.

Danny frowned deeply. She had been bugging him to go to some island with him lately. But, of course, he wanted nothing to do with it. And she always put him in a sour mood, anyways.

"Cover for me, Lu?" Danny whispered before he turned invisible and flew off.

He vaguely heard the annoying sound of his aunt's voice calling to him, "Danny!"

But then he smirked a bit when he heard his aunt yelp. Lu probably bit her.

Danny chuckled just as he arrived at the mermaid lagoon. His friends instantly perked up; But all he said was, "Shhh!"

And without any warning, he dove into the lagoon. He continued down deep into its caverns. He knew them like the back of his hand; and therefore, soon found the entrance into his favorite cave.

But just as he climbed out of the water hole, he heard, "Hello, Danny."

The teen yelped loudly and fell backwards into the pool of water again. But gasping, he quickly swam back up and gaped at the sight of the ghost in the cave.

"Clockwork?!"

The time ghost smiled in amusement. "I knew you would come here."

Danny suddenly grinned and quickly flew over to and hugged his guardian.

"I—! What are you doing here? I-I thought you said we couldn't see each other anymore!" the teen said excitedly.

Clockwork let go of the boy, and answered, "No, I said you should not come by my home anymore… "

"But my father…," Danny began a bit worried.

"Do not worry," Clockwork answered. "If I am risking your father's wrath, it is for a very important reason. It was absolutely necessary that I see you."

Danny smiled. "I'm really glad to see you. I missed you. I… I didn't even get a chance to talk to you at Horris' funeral."

"I know… But I am here now."

Danny nodded before he quickly hugged the ghost again.

Clockwork smiled and hugged him back. He had also missed the child.

"I cannot stay long, Danny," he then said, pulling away.

"What's going on?" the Prince asked.

"Much is going to change very quickly," Clockwork began with a deep frown. "You know I am not able to reveal the future, but I can reveal the past…. Your friend, Elliot… I recently talked to him about what I came to tell you. But before I do, he wanted me to tell you he is no longer in the Dragon Realm."

"What? Where is he?" Danny gasped out.

"He is safe. And I will help him in any way I can," Clockwork explained. "However, I need you to warn your father for me. Horris left something very important to your father with his passing…"

"The Gem of Life," Danny quickly said. "Yes, my father told me about it. It is a powerful relic; but that's about all he told me."

"Yes," Clockwork answered. "Its power is unique. The gem is one of the four Ancient powers that exist. The Gem of Life, Power, Form, and Fantasy have practically molded this world… But in the wrong hands, they could destroy it. And in turn, the human one, too."

Danny's eyes widened a bit. "Are you saying this gem is dangerous? Is that what I'm supposed to warn my father about?"

"The gem can only be used by specific ghosts, Danny—special ghosts with the ability to use this type of Ancient power called spirit energy. But though all four gems hold this spirit energy, there is a different type in each gem. Which means that those special ghosts who have the ability to wield spirit energy will only be able to use one of those Ancient gems. Take your father, for example… His father was an Ancient who came after the original four, but who still had to the ability to use a particular gem. In your father's case, he came from a line of Ancient ghosts that have wielded and protected the Gem of Life. As a result, his father, and your father, have the ability to use that gem's power."

"So, only specific ghosts can use these gems; and they can only use one of the gems?" Danny summarized. "It sounds to me like it keeps any one ghost becoming too powerful."

"That was the plan," Clockwork answered cryptically. "So, there would be others in our world with the same ability. Many of them are dragon ghosts. It is a long story, Danny. Anyways, those four gems were kept safe by the Ancients for quite a while, until Pariah appeared. He wanted the gems, of course; and so, the Ancients dispersed and hid them throughout our world. However, because of all the chaos that followed, another of the gems, the Gem of Fantasy, accidentally ended up in the hands of the dragon race after the Ancient that had been protecting it was killed. Luckily, very few knew about this—such as your father and Skulker—and so the gems were still safe. Unfortunately, however, as a result of that same chaos and over time, the Gem of Form that had been safe-guarded by another Ancient, mysteriously vanished, along with that Ancient. No one ever found out what happened to this Ancient; and the location of the Gem of Form is unknown even till this day."

Danny frowned as he tried to take this all in. But then, he blurted out, "Wait… You just said that the Gem of Fantasy accidentally ended up with the dragon ghosts during the chaos surrounding Pariah. And I know where the Gem of Life is…But then you said, that in the end, the Gem of Form was lost. But what about the forth gem? Where is the Gem of Power?"

The time ghost paused briefly before he answered, "Like I said, Danny, it is a long story. But the dragon ghosts always had one of the original four gems before Pariah came into the picture because it was handed down to them by one of the original Ancients. You've seen it before, only that is is disguised as an amulet. It is the one Aragon uses and it is called the Gem of Power!"

Danny's eyes widened in shock.

But Clockwork still continued, "But there is more. There is something unique about dragon ghosts—in specific, with Aragon's energy-line. His descendants are known to be able to do what no other ghosts can do: power and wield all the gems."

"How is that possible?" Danny gasped out. "And why were they allowed to keep two of those gems, then? I thought you said the gems' powers were meant to be separate to keep from having any one ghost become too powerful!"

Clockwork patiently answered, "First of all, it is possible because Aragon's lineage comes directly from one of the original four Ancients. And these four had the ability to connect and use each other's powers. But Aragon holds the most powerful of these four gems because it is the only one that can fuel and activate the other gems' powers but only in the hands of Aragon or any of his direct descendants…"

Danny opened his mouth to comment, but Clockwork was quick to continue, "And the reason why the dragon ghosts were allowed to keep their own gem and the Gem of Fantasy is because it was too dangerous to move the Gem of Fantasy anywhere else during the chaotic time of Pariah. And as you know, it was just as dangerous to move it as Elliot did."

"Are you saying someone from Aragon's energy-line might try to use these gems for evil?" Danny worriedly asked, "But who? Wait! Gregor! He'll be able to use the Gem of Fantasy if he finds it! Oh, my gosh….will he be able to find it? And what if he did? Will he be able to find the Gem of Form…..or the other ones, too?"

Clockwork pursed his lips and replied, "As I said, Danny, I can reveal to you the past; not the future. But I need you to trust me in that this is very important. I need you to tell your father that he must keep the Gem of Life hidden and safe, as Horris did before him, and Vlad's own father before him. Do you understand? No one can know he has this gem."

The teen nodded. "I will tell him, Clockwork. But… he's going to find out you came to see me."

"I think he has more pressing issues than me right now," Clockwork answered. He then sighed, and said, "I must leave you now… Oh, and about your human friends…Not everything is as it appears at first glance, Danny…"

"What? Wait, Clockwork!"

But the time ghost was gone.

"Pup!"

Danny jumped as he heard a muted banging at the entrance of the cave—but the cave's mouth was practically sealed, except for a little hole just big enough for Lu to fit through.

"I smell you in there! Your aunt has left. You can come out of hiding!"

Danny sighed; his aunt was the last thing on his mind right now; but not wanting to worry the werewolf ghost, the teen closed his eyes and concentrated on becoming nothing but energy.

He usually never did this because it reminded him of bad memories. But he really needed to go see his father.

In the next minute, the boy had turned into energy and shot out through the small opening.

He quickly reformed in front of Wulf.

"Hey, Wulf. Sorry. I was trying to avoid my aunt," Danny said with a frown.

Wulf laughed. "I am aware. Lu told me of this. But your aunt is gone."

The male ghost then handed him his books. He had left them behind in his hurry.

"Thanks, Wulf," Danny said with a sigh.

Wulf frowned. "Why are you troubled, my pup?"

Danny's eyebrows creased. And knowing his father would learn the truth anyways, the teen decided to tell Wulf about Clockwork.

"Clockwork was just here… He is worried about my father. He wants me to warn him about something…"

"Your father is at Frostbite's terrain, remember? He will not be returning until late tonight."

Danny didn't answer at first. He had briefly forgotten his father was away, and he would not be able to talk to him at the moment.

But there was someone he could talk to about this….

Skulker.

Danny frowned as he remembered his uncle was in prison. The teen still could not believe that. He would have never thought his father would do such a thing after learning of Skulker's keeping Gregor's existence from the King. He knew his father would be angry, but not take such… drastic actions.

But more than that, his father had told the teen his decision was mostly because he was trying to keep Skulker from making matters worse.

At least his father had let Skulker out for Horris and Arch's funerals.

Danny hesitated. He considered going to see his uncle… but… would his father not want him to share with Skulker what Clockwork had told him? And Clockwork told him no one could know…

But Skulker was family. And Skulker already knew about the gems, based on what Clockwork had said. He wanted to say he could tell him because his father was close to him; but he now wasn't sure if he should…

Not to mention, Danny had not crossed many words with Skulker since… their fight in his room. But he couldn't avoid seeing him forever. And he was sure the older ghost would know what to make of Clockwork's warning.

"Hey…," Danny said a bit nervously to Wulf. "Can we go to the prison…? I need to speak with Skulker."

Wulf raised an eyebrow; but then, he smiled and nodded. "Of course. Come on."

"Hold on. Let me tell Cujo I'll see him at home."

Once Danny had instructed his ghost dog to go home, he flew off towards the prison.

When he got there, Danny headed to the warden's office. Luckily, he was there… and with Bullet.

"Prince Phantom," Walker said with a deep frown. "How can I help you?"

And Bullet quickly bowed at the waist and respectfully greeted, "Ghost Prince… Wulf."

"Bullet," Danny formally acknowledged but kept his eyes on Walker. "I need to see Skulker. Do you mind getting one of your guards to let me in to see him?"

For some reason Bullet and Walker glanced at each other.

But then the warden answered, "I will take you myself."

"Very good," Danny politely said, though he was a bit surprised that the male ghost didn't object in the least.

"Bullet, you can return to your duties," Walker said. "We will continue our conversation at a later time."

"Yes, warden," he answered and left.

Walker grabbed his keys from his drawer before he gestured to Wulf and Danny to head out of their office.

Walker silently and calmly walked them down the halls.

Danny and Wulf who were following just behind him, glanced at each other. The werewolf ghost shrugged at the boy's silent question. His friend also was as surprised by the warden's demeanor.

"So, Wulf… You are lucky to be alive," Walker suddenly said as he slowed down a bit to walk beside the two. "Our Ghost Prince is a true hero. Seems like you owe him your life…"

Wulf frown a bit. "I agree. My pup saved me. I will forever be in his debt for that."

But Danny quickly added, "Wulf's my friend. He does not owe me anything."

"No? But Prince, you almost died. To think… you faced off one of Aragon's descendants… One we all thought was dead. What was that like? How did you even survive such an encounter?"

Danny sighed as he briefly thought about what had happened. "Elliot saved me."

"Ahhh, Aragon's other son. Interesting… You know what else is interesting? How Aragon's son could have survived in the Human World all these years…"

The warden paused before suddenly asking, "Did he say anything to you? About his past, I mean."

Danny's eyebrows creased. "No… He just attacked us. He said he hates ghosts."

Walker suddenly stopped walking, and looked carefully at the teen. "How odd. And he didn't say why?"

Danny raised an eyebrow. "Not really. But, why do you ask?"

Walker scoffed a bit. "Because the council wants to reopen our investigation about this traitor… I say we just kill him. But your father does not want to give the order just yet. Not sure why we need to investigate anything."

"Because obviously none of this makes sense, Walker," Danny answered seriously. "Why is Gregor working for the humans? How did he even get to them? He was kidnapped, remember? I think at some point Aragon told my mom that a ghost had kidnapped him! And yet, he's with the humans! So, something is missing here!"

"We cannot change the past, Ghost Prince," Walker replied. "We can only mold the future. Whatever the reason, that dragon punk is a criminal. And he needs to be punished."

Walker paused, but then added, "It's a shame… he didn't say anything to you."

Danny frowned deeply. "He did not, Warden."

Walker nodded before he continued the rest of the way.

The teen or Wulf said nothing else; but they were both wondering what had gotten into the warden.

Danny dismissed the thought when he finally made it to Skulker's cell.

To the teen's surprise, he found his uncle out of his suit. His suit had been deactivated; and he was on a bench, polishing his helmet.

The moment he saw he had visitors, Skulker stopped what he was doing all together.

"I'll unlock the cell," Walker said as he walked up to the door, inserted the key and unlocked it. He then looked at the small ghost behind bars, and added with a smirk, "Skulker… I do not need to tell you to behave, right?"

Skulker narrowed his eyes a bit at the other ghost, but did not reply.

Walker chuckled before telling the prince, "I'll return in a few minutes."

Danny didn't answer and just watched him leave. But just as he turned to face his uncle, Wulf ran forward. The werewolf pounced on and immediately began to lick the little ghost blob. If Wulf hadn't been embracing him, Skulker would have been lifted up and fallen back from the force behind his tongue.

"Ah! Wulf! Why must you do that?" Skulker protested as he stared at his body covered in slobber.

"I have missed you, Skulker!" Wulf answered as his tail wagged excitedly. "My King told me you were a bad ghost, so he had to bring you here. But it's okay! You are still my friend!"

"Yes, fine," Skulker muttered, annoyed. But then he looked at the Prince, who had been smiling at them but had not said anything.

"Wulf, can you go find one of the guards and ask them to give you a towel?" Skulker said.

Wulf's tail wagged harder. "Of course! Anything for a friend!" He looked at the Prince and added, "I will return in a moment!"

Danny chuckled weakly before commenting, "When he gets like that, it makes you wonder how he's such a good warrior…"

The hunter smiled a bit, "A good warrior starts in his core, whelp."

Danny nodded, but then glanced away. He didn't think talking to his uncle again would be so uncomfortable.

"So, uh… they let you keep your suit… Aren't they worried you'll… use it?"

Skulker shrugged. "My suit is mainly powered by my own energy. And ghost energy or powers do not work in these prison cells. They took most of my weapons, though. And those they did not, your father made sure to inactivate them… He can override my suit, I learned…"

Danny looked at the male ghost and frowned. "I'm sorry that you're in here."

Skulker looked at him for a moment before he flew over to his helmet. He got back in before his suit's basic functions activated and the body grabbed the head and locked it back in place.

His green eyes and flaming hair came to life before he stepped outside of the cell. He stretched his limbs before looking at the young hybrid again.

"Whelp, there is nothing for you to apologize. I made my choices. And… I understand why your father has me here. I am not happy about it; but I understand. I would have done the same in his place."

Danny didn't reply this time.

Skulker frowned at the quiet and uncomfortable teen.

"All the same…," the hunter said more seriously, "I am glad to see you. With everything that happened, I have not been able to speak to you about… "

But when the teen lowered his gaze, the hunter trailed off.

Skulker sighed before he moved a bit closer to the boy, and sincerely said, "If anyone here owes someone an apology, it is me… I should not have struck you as I did… And I should not have said to you the things I said….I am sorry, Danny."

"I think I deserved it," the Prince answered quietly, still not looking at him.

"But not in that way," Skulker answered.

Then Danny sighed; and finally meeting the hunter's eyes, he said, "I acted selfishly and impulsively. I got a lot of ghosts hurt… including my own father. You had every reason to be mad."

"Perhaps," Skulker replied. "Your father is like a brother to me, ghost child. The thought of losing him as I lost my sister… I do not want to even imagine it. But it does not excuse my actions, especially when I feel as if I pushed you to do what you did after…"

Danny shook his head. "I went out there because I couldn't imagine all our friends being killed because of me." Danny lowered his gaze again. "I know it was probably another impulsive idea, and it could have gone wrong in so many ways, but… I couldn't just do nothing."

"I know," Skulker replied.

"In any case, I shouldn't be causing any more trouble from now on," Danny muttered. "I told my father I did not want to continue to actively participate in the war with the humans… I thought I was ready… but I was wrong."

"I think you are ready," Skulker replied seriously, and the teen looked at him in surprise. "Ember told me how you gave up Anĝela's magical feather in hopes of finding a way to save our captured friends and allies. I would have never wanted you to go out there and risk yourself as you did; but I am thankful that you did. No matter how foolish your actions, you still came through, whelp. And a lot of ghosts, including myself, owe you a debt of gratitude."

Skulker paused; but then added, "I also feel you did learn something out of this, ghost child. And it makes me proud to call you my Prince."

Danny's eyes widened a bit. It had never been Skulker's physical attack on his person that had hurt him; it has been the things he had said. So, to hear him say this now…

"Thanks, Skulker. That means a lot to me."

The hunter smiled before asking, "Do you think we can put all that behind us?"

Danny smiled himself before he smirked and teased, "I don't know, Unckie Skulker… What's in it for me? I mean, I'm pretty sure my face still hurts from that punch!"

Skulker laughed. "Well, if it is any consolation, your father blasted me into a wall a few times… I am still feeling it, too."

Danny laughed back. But then, he suddenly flew over and hugged him tightly.

Skulker was surprised at first before he hugged him back.

"Thanks, Skulker… I promise I'll try not to ever disappoint you again."

Skulker frowned sadly. "I did not mean all I said, Danny. I was wrong to say you would never make a great King, because what makes a great king isn't how well he fights or how 'perfect' he is…"

Skulker pulled away but placed his hand on the teen's core.

"Like I said, a great warrior, a great ghost, and even a great king, is made at the core. And you, Danny, you have a good core. And as long as that never changes, I know you will be a great king, my nephew."

Danny chuckled. "He finally admits to being my uncle!"

Skulker rolled his eyes. "Just take the compliment, whelp. Consider yourself lucky I'm stuck in here with no means of showing you what I think of your witty tongue."

"Ha! Too bad for you, Unkie Skulker!" Danny cooed. But when his uncle made to grab him, Danny ducked; but he then raised his hands up in a pacifying gesture.

"Okay, truce!" he said with a chuckle.

Skulker narrowed his eyes playfully and answered, "For now…" He then sobered up a bit, and asked, "How is your father? Horris's death was very hard on him."

Danny's smile fell. "It was… I think it still is. But like with my mom, he just locks it away and… keeps going. It worries me all the time; and sometimes… it scares me."

Skulker nodded. "I wish I could say there was a way to help your father; but… There is no pulling him from where he is, whelp. Just… stay close to him. As long as he has you, I think he will be okay."

"That's actually the main reason why I told him I wanted to withdraw from the war," Danny admitted quietly. "When he was fighting off the poison, I heard him talking in his sleep… Like I said, it scares me sometimes. But I realized, he gets worse when he's worried about me. And it makes him… vulnerable when he is. I don't want him getting hurt again. And if it means that I need to just stay on the sidelines to avoid that, then I will."

"No one can stay completely on the sidelines in this war, ghost child. You should know this by now," Skulker answered. "But I respect your decision, and I understand."

"Thanks, Skulker," Danny answered with a weak smile; but then he frowned deeply before he glanced behind him.

Skulker raised an eyebrow at the boy's abrupt change in demeanor. "Why are you…?

But the hunter trailed off when the boy put a finger to his mouth, and quietly said, "I'll be right back."

The prince darted outside of the cell and quickly looked up and down the hallways before heading back to his uncle.

And just as Danny got very close to the older ghost, he said in a near whisper, "I can't be too sure of anything, Skulker. But there's a more important reason why I came to see you…" He lowered his voice even more and added, "Clockwork came to see me just a couple of hours ago."

Before Skulker could comment, Danny firmly grabbed his right forearm, looked soberly at him and said in a very low, almost foreboding voice, "How much do you know about the Ancient gems?"

Skulker's eyes widened with surprise, and could not help but ask back, "How do you know about them, ghost child?"

"Like I said, Clockwork came to see me. He told me about them. And he wants me to warn my father," Danny answered quietly.

The hunter frowned deeply. "About what, whelp? I do not understand what you are trying to tell me."

Danny rubbed the back of his neck. "I do not know if I can tell you everything, Skulker. Clockwork told me no one could know about this; but I know my dad trusts you more than anyone. And what my guardian told me really has me worried."

Skulker glanced away from the teen to look past him. He now understood by the boy's tone of voice that whatever he was going to tell him was a sensitive matter. They needed to be careful no one overheard them.

"If Clockwork told you not to tell anyone but your father I suggest you listen, ghost child. However, I can do my best to help you without your needing to tell me everything."

Danny nodded. Clockwork had told him no one could know his father had the Gem of Life. So, he knew he could tell his uncle everything else. So, he proceeded to summarize what the time ghost had told him as quickly and quietly as possible.

"So you say Clockwork indirectly hinted at someone trying to take control of all the gems…?" Skulker muttered, unsure. "The only remaining energy-line that has the ability of combining the gems powers as Clockwork describes is Aragon's energy-line. And the only ghost that would be willing to use such power against ghosts is… Aragon's lost son..."

"I came to the same conclusion," Danny answered. "And the worst of it is he is working with the Guys-in-White hunters... Not to mention, the Gem of Fantasy is now gone…"

But when Skulker gave him a disapproving look, the teen quickly answered, "I know. I know! I messed up. I never thought… we'd lose the Gem of Fantasy! But I do understand that if Clockwork came to warn us it must be for a reason."

Skulker nodded; but did not reply right away as he thought about what the Prince was telling him.

The hunter then said, "Did… Clockwork tell you where the remaining gems are?"

Danny sighed. "Not the Gem of Form; but he said… you know where the Gem of Life and the Gem of Power are."

Skulker didn't answer, but he did know for the most part. The Gem of Power was actually Aragon's amulet. And the Gem of Life was in the hands of Horris… But now that the Ancient had passed away, he was not sure who now had it.

The hunter could only guess Horris would hand it down to Vlad or Serenity.

Regardless, he agreed with the Prince. If Clockwork came to warn them, it had to be for a powerful reason.

"Your father insists that Aragon's son can be saved," Skulker finally said seriously. "Perhaps once you tell him of this, he will reconsider. But I am convinced that child is too dangerous to our race to be kept alive. He is a danger to us out there with the humans; but if he steps foot into the ghost world, I fear we might all be doomed."

Danny's eyebrows creased. "You think he would come here?"

"I am sure of it, ghost child," Skulker answered. "And he would surely be a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing."

The hunter suddenly cursed himself for not killing the child when he had had the chance. But now, he was all more convinced he needed to get out of this place, find that whelp, and destroy him.

"There is more I wish to tell you," Skulker said seriously, "but it is unwise to continue to discuss this here. As soon as your father returns, make sure you tell him everything Clockwork told you; and tell him you talked to me, too. I need him to come see me as soon as possible. And whatever he does, tell him I said not to go see Aragon. We cannot risk Aragon bringing his son back into our world."

Danny bit his lip. "I think it's too late for that, Skulker."

The hunter tensed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I think after he talks with Frostbite, he was heading to the Dragon Realm to talk with Aragon."

Skulker cursed and slammed his hand on the open cell door beside him.

It was close to three in the morning when Gregor pulled up a familiar driveway and shut off his motorcycle; and yet, he made no move to get off. He just stared through his helmet's visor at his hands gripping at the handle. But no matter how long he sat there, he could not calm his overwhelmed mind and core.

Before leaving the circus, he had changed into the usual 'Guys-in-White' wardrobe Tom had gotten him so long ago. He wore all white except for his shirt and shoes. He had never wondered until today why Tom had gotten him a black shirt with a white vest. Why not all white like his other hunters? Or even a white suit? He supposed his ghost-hunting suit was white enough. But even that had blue and silver accents…

Gregor almost laughed at his thoughts. He was so desperate to think about anything else than what he was here to do.

His master wanted him to kill Tom.

It should have been an easy order. After all, he despised the guy, especially as of late. He had even tried to kill him a few times himself. So, why? Why was he now frozen to his motorcycle?

Gregor's eyebrows creased with uncertainty before he suddenly pulled off his helmet with a sigh. He finally looked up at the house. He knew this place like the back of his hand. And he also knew Tom just as well. The guy was too sure of himself to have even thought to change his locks.

Getting in and out would be no problem at all.

Tom usually came home late. And went to bed even later. At this time of the night, the man either had to be settling down or asleep. It was likely the former. And that is why he had changed into his usual outfit. If the man was awake, he would put on an act about how sorry and beg him to take him back or something.

The advantage he had over Tom was that he knew the guy needed him—just like the guy would insist he also needed the man. But he supposed he could admit they sometimes mutually underestimated each other. Even during those times when he had attacked Tom, Gregor could see no fear or doubt in the man's eyes that he might be killed. And during those times when Tom attacked him, he also felt the same.

So, each of them was certain that they wouldn't kill each other.

But none of that mattered any more. What mattered was this would still give Gregor the advantage right now. All Gregor needed to do was just pretended that he wanted to be Tom's weapon again. He was sure the man would buy it and take him back in a heartbeat.

His master was right. Only he could pull off killing this guy. Because he was the only one around which the man would ever drop his guard…

The teen's face tense as he got off his bike. He then opened one of its compartments, and grabbed the gun his master had given him. He expertly removed the protective lock, loaded the gun, and added the silencer.

His eyes flashed red as he glanced up at the house again before putting the gun in his back pocket and walking up to the house. As he suspected, the guy had not even bother to change the locks on his house.

Using his old keys, the teen easily slipped into the house. The teen could sense the ghost shield and ghost defense system were activated. But… he didn't need ghost powers to do what he came to do.

Gregor's face tensed with determination as he stealthy walked up the stairs. The lights were all off; but his sunglasses had infra-red abilities, so he easily could see where he was going without using any ghost energy.

He glanced towards his old bedroom on the opposite end, and noticed the door was open. He was tempted to go in there for some reason, but forced himself to stay focused.

He quietly walked towards Tom's room. The guy's house was a decent size, so he had to pass a few more rooms to get there.

He finally got to the closed door of the man's bedroom.

Gregor quietly grabbed the handle and turned it. There was only a soft click as the door opened. The teen slowly pushed it open; and to his great relief, the man was asleep on his bed.

This just got easier.

Gregor slowly walked up to the side of the bed, and paused at the sight of the sleeping hunter. He looked so defenseless. So unaware.

Gregor could not remember a time when he had seen Tom like this—not even during the time he had been hurt badly by the Ghost Prince. How could a cold-hearted killer look this harmless?

Gregor came right up to him, and slowly pulled out the gun. He quickly brought to mind all the reasons to shoot the guy right in the head. This man alone represented such an awful part of his life… He hated him like no one else.

Taking a step back, the boy aimed the gun at the man's forehead. The red dot reflecting off the man's skin confirmed that his shot would be accurate. It would be painless, the teen knew. Definitely more than the monster deserved.

"I'm not your weapon," Gregor whispered shakily as he curled his finger over the trigger. "I… I don't need you… I never did."

And yet… instead of just pulling the trigger, Gregor just stood there; and soon his hand and then his whole body began to shake with his mounting emotions.

'Just shoot him!', his core screamed at him. 'You must obey!' his mind demanded.

But even with all his being agreeing with the man's demise… He would not pull the trigger.

And at that moment, he realized why. He could kill this man. He had all the reasons in the world to. He easily could put a bullet in his head.

Yes, he could, but… he didn't want to. He… He didn't want to kill Tom.

"No," he whimpered softly as he dropped to his knees, unaware that he was risking waking the man.

Damn it all! Why wouldn't he shoot this guy?! And if he wouldn't, what would that make him? Some disgusting masochist? A pathetic coward?

Gregor had known there was something wrong with him for a long time; but at this moment, he felt so deeply disturbed! He hated this man; and yet, no matter how much he had tried to convince himself, deep down he knew he needed him!

He needed him as much as he needed his master! And worse, he was afraid to think he just might need him more!

Tom had done awful things to him, but he had also freed his mind. He would still be a mindless puppet if it wasn't for Tom… He would probably be long dead if it wasn't for this monster!

He was the closest thing he had ever gotten to… to a father.

And it made him sick. It made him utterly sick! He hated himself because Tom was nothing close to being like a father; but… it was all Gregor had. Tom knew him better than anyone else, even better than Valerie, who in the end didn't know what or how he really was. But, Tom knew the truth; and he still had taken him in, even if it was for his own purposes.

He was all Gregor knew. It was all he had. And he needed him.

Even when he knew what it would mean for him, he could not fulfill his master's command. He… would not.

Getting off the floor, Gregor put away the gun as he stared at the unconscious man. The boy's eyes filled with tears as he thought of the consequences of his failure.

He couldn't believe it. He was going to die because he couldn't kill this hunter in front of him!

Gregor's shoulders sagged as he turned away and headed out of the room. But instead of leaving, he went to his old room, and just climbed into the bed. He grabbed one of his pillows and quietly wept into it.

He wasn't sure how long he was there, but when he opened his eyes, he did not feel any better. His master was going to kill him if he returned without fulfilling his order.

Maybe… Maybe he didn't have to return. What if…? What if he… ran?

Gregor sat up as his whole body began to shake with the thought. Could he do it? Could he escape? Could he run from this place; from his master, from Tom? How far could he get before his need of them would bring him back?

Gregor suddenly noticed something in his peripheral vision. And like a dying man reaching for a life line, he reached out to the purple spider on his nightstand. He hugged it tightly and buried his face into its plush body.

"Sam…," he thought. He wouldn't need either of them if he had Sam!

Suddenly desperate, he climbed out of the bed, taking the spider with him. He went to his window, drew it open, and then quickly climbed down two stories.

He got back on his bike, only to gasp as he felt a foreign power press against his mind. However, it was weak and he quickly pushed it away.

Gregory's eyes narrowed. Was it his brother? He had left him alone since their encounter; but it seemed his twin was back.

Lucky for Elliot, he had places to be.

Mentally blocking whatever power was trying to create a connection with him, the teen finally took off down the street. He remained unaware that he had left his window open, and the sound of his motorcycle had finally stirred the owner of the house…

Altiĝis sighed as she appeared in a dark and unknown place in the Human World. She had never come here. Ever.

But ever since her mate and she had been convinced that Gregor was indeed alive, they knew it was imperative that they find their lost son.

Shortly thereafter, Aragon left for the Human World by himself, searching stealthily for their missing son. But it had already been two weeks since her mate's search began and he still had no luck in finding their son. It was as if history was repeating itself because Gregor was nowhere to be found. How could the humans keep him hidden so well then and now?

But it never occurred to her that her son didn't want to be found…

So, at that point, she had become desperate. It was already wearing her core down that she had not been able to get any word to her son Elliot—no matter how secretively— since Aragon had banished him. And waiting with the unknown for her mate to return, only for him to return just briefly enough to tell her that there was still no sign of her other son and then dash back, was too much to bear.

She knew she had to do something.

So, here she was, coming to the Human World without her mate's knowledge. Though she knew little of this place, she knew how to defend herself. In fact, she pitied the fool who got in her way tonight.

She was not here on a whim, however. She had carefully thought it through.

Aragon could not find their son; but she would, because Aragon did not have the gift she did.

Her offspring had a unique power. Their telepathic powers could not be matched. She still remembered when she had first discovered their special gift. They had been no more than two years of age. They were still young enough to need her protection and care in the cave Aragon had picked out for them before they formed their offspring.

They had been suckling when the two suddenly stopped and giggled. It had been such an odd occurrence. And after two more times, she had briefly felt it.

They had briefly also connected with her own mind, and she had heard their amusement in her own mind.

Her babies… They had a special power that they inherited from… her.

And yet, Altiĝis could not wield this telepathic power to the extent her sons could because the power was muted—or rather, weakened— in her. But in her sons the trait was fully expressed, and so their telepathic power was beyond anything she has ever seen.

Nevertheless, she hardly used her telepathic powers. It took too much energy and mental strength to attempt to use it for any amount of time. And she could only do it with those whom she held a strong bond with.

It was why she was here now. If anyone could find her son, it was she. But in order to even try to connect with her lost offspring, she needed to be in the same world as he.

Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with guilt and she could feel tears beginning to form. She should have known better than to believe that her son was dead those many year ago unless she had searched for him herself. She should have gone into the Human World then, when he must have been crying out to her, rather than now, when it might be too late to save him.

Elliot was right. He was not to blame for Gregory's loss. She was… and Aragon. And it was a guilt she would forever bear. The guilt of not trying enough. Of giving up!

Turning invisible and suppressing her energy to as little as possible, Altiĝis spread her large dragon wings and took to the sky. She began to search for her son, all the while trying to catch a whiff of any familiar scent.

After several minutes, she flew down and landed in between a gathering of trees. She sighed as she realized she needed to attempt to use her unpracticed telepathic powers.

Closing her eyes, she tried to remember her son. How he felt. How he was. Everything. It was not hard. She had never forgotten.

And so, she concentrated with her task, searching for a lost connection somewhere in this unfamiliar and dangerous place.

Part of her did not believed she would succeed; so it was a great surprise when her mind abruptly connected to someone… to Gregory.

She gasped at the feel of his mind. But it was like a blink of an eye. In one instant, she felt it, and in the next, it was gone.

"No…," she whispered in despair. She attempted again, only to gasp again as she was met with a powerful barrier. "Oh, Gregory…"

The whirling sound of a charging gun jolted away her focus.

"Don't move…," came a threatening voice behind her.

Altiĝis cautiously and slowly turned around and frowned deeply at the strangely-dressed being. She had thought by the sound of its voice that it was a female; but she had never expected to see a human in some odd full body armor as high as her eye-level. She didn't think humans could fly. But then, Altiĝis noticed that this human female was standing on some kind of disk that prevented her from falling. Perhaps, then, that this had to be some kind of magical disk that gave the human the ability to fly and even hover as she was now.

Altiĝis smelled the air, and her eyes widened in disbelief as she whispered, "Vi odoras kiel li…. Vi fumas kiel mia filo…(1)"

What turned out to be Valerie in her Red Huntress suit narrowed her eyes at the ghost behind her visor. If she had not fired yet, it was because the sight of another dragon ghost had been alarming. This one was clearly different from the one she had fought at Tom's command But she could not help but remember the black dragon ghost she had fought, and how… he had not wanted to fight her.

She still had no idea why that black creature had acted so differently.

And now, here was yet another of these creatures, only by the sound of its voice, it might be a female. And she wasn't attacking. In fact, she had just been standing here. Valerie had only barely picked up her energy signature on her patrol tonight.

"What are you saying, ghost?" Valerie demanded.

Altiĝis expression turned desperate and she took a step closer, and begged again, "Bonvolu! Ĉu vi havas mian filon? Bonvolu reveni al mi! Mi faros ion! Bonvolu! (2)"

Valerie tightened her grip on her gun, but she still hesitated to fire. Was this ghost pleading? Suddenly, she remembered her suit had a translation application.

She quickly turned it on.

"…I feel him around you… Somehow, he… trusts you. Please, tell me where he is! He needs to come home where he belongs! His life is in danger here! If the Ghost King finds him before me… I beg you! Tell me where my son is!"

Valerie stared in disbelief. What was this ghost talking about?

"I don't know what you're talking about? What son?"

However, at that instant, a beam of energy slammed in between the two and Valerie was sent flying back with a cry of alarm.

Altiĝis raised a shield to protect herself. But then, in that same moment, Aragon materialized in his dragon form in front of her.

"Have you lost your senses?!" he hissed at her.

"Aragon, I—" Altiĝis began, only to gasp as a red blast came their way.

But Aragon noticed it and he quickly opened his mouth and consumed it. A sneer appeared on his slightly-open mouth just as the last of Valerie's energy eked out as mere vapor. He then glared at the Red Huntress.

Suddenly, a burst of light as bright as a strobe light shot out of him; and Valerie gasped when it temporarily blinded her. Luckily, her helmet kept her from really going blind.

But because of this, she didn't see when a wall of fire came at her.

She gasped as she sensed it; but had no time to react.

"No!" Altiĝis cried out, and quickly flapped her wings to disperse the flames enough to keep them for killing the young human.

But even so, enough of its force struck Valerie to throw her back a few feet away.

"What are you doing?" Aragon growled at his mate before his eyes suddenly flashed red with his power; and in the next instant, he teleported them to another location.

When they reappeared, the amulet around his neck flared and engulfed his mate and him. Not only did the amulet's powers change them back to their humanoid forms, but it completely masked their energies so that the humans could no longer detect them.

"Aragon, please, that young human—!"

"How dare you break my command by coming out here and placing yourself in danger, Altiĝis!" Aragon cut her off furiously. "Do you know what could have happened had I not been able to trace your energy?!"

"I have to find my son," she answered desperately.

"No! I forbid you from getting involved in this matter!"

But this suddenly infuriated the female dragon, and she hissed back, "You will forbid me nothing! I have respected you all my life, Aragon! You are my mate and I love you, but this is the one thing I will not allow you to take from me!"

A sob broke through her voice but she still cried out, "I have had to endure losing both my sons! And now that I have the hope of recovering at least one of them, you want to forbid me from it! NO! I will not stop until I find him, Aragon! Do you hear me! I need to find my Gregory!"

Aragon didn't answer as his mate broke down into sobs. But then he sighed deeply and looked behind them. They were still in the Human World, so he knew he needed to stay vigilant. But his mate…

"Come here, my mate," Aragon muttered as he pulled his wife into his arms and hugged her. "You know I have been searching for Gregory each night since we learned the truth. And I will not stop, either. But it will not help anyone if you are harmed; or worse, captured by hunters… That hunter back there… She could have harmed you, Altiĝis. You are not experienced in combat, my mate. Please understand."

"Aragon, she knows our son. That female… I could smell my son's presence around her. She is important to him."

The male frowned deeply. "Those humans have our son confused. I fear his mind is not well. If what all Elliot said is true, he will not recognize us. Those humans must have done something to him; so we must tread carefully, my mate. He is not well… and I know for certain, the humans will not release him without a fight."

"I can help you find him. I connected with him briefly."

"You are using your telepathic powers? Altiĝis, you could hurt yourself! You know better!" Aragon said worriedly as he pulled away.

"I have to try. Aragon, it is the only way for us to find him!" she said in exasperation.

Aragon sighed. "Very well… But the moment we find him, I want you to stay out of sight. As I said, we must expect the worse…"

Altiĝis nodded. She closed her eyes again, and though she could not connect with her son, she sensed him… But… he was not close enough to pinpoint his location.

Sam frowned as she stood alone at Circus Gothica in the middle of the night. She had once been fascinated by this place; but now, it brought nothing but disgust for her.

And yet, on this particular night, it felt darker, even sinister. A fear she hadn't felt since she had been a child when she had been almost kidnapped by the circus ringmaster was lodged in her chest. The place horrified her.

And yet, she found herself walking towards the main tent—towards the only source of light.

"Sam…" the wind or something called to her. "Sam, stay with me…"

The girl swallowed thickly and her whole body began to softly shake as she stepped into the dimmed circus tent. But she instantly froze in horror when she found a huge beast inside.

The creature was as black as death with bat-like wings and monstrous fangs. It had a large tail and long neck, which was attached to a reptilian face and serpentine tongue.

Then, underneath it was the corpse of another creature. This one looked like a large mystical blue bird. Its once beautiful feathers were partly torn off as it lay on its side.

But at hearing it softly cry, she realized it was still just barely alive as the monster above him continued to rip at its body and the puddle of green blood underneath it only expanded more.

Stop!

Her cry echoed in her mind, but her voice wouldn't work. She just stood there in horror and shock.

Suddenly, the dark monster used its left front clawed hand to pull the suffering large bird closer, exposing its breast area. Then, with a sickening sound, it drove its hand into the bird´s chest and ripped out a glowing organ.

Sam's breathing picked up as the dark creature looked up at her with bright red eyes before devouring the organ.

This time, Sam screamed and whirled around to flee, only to have a set of strong arms pull her in and hold her protectively. She realized she was crying as the same voice from before spoke again.

"Don't be scared… He won't hurt you, Sam. And…he didn't want to hurt that other ghost, either. It's not his fault…He's not the real monster… It's not my fault... It's not… You gotta believe me, Sam."

Sam shook her head, but she didn't let go of the body holding her. It felt safe. And yet… she was just as terrified.

"At least let me show you, please? You wanted the truth, right? Let me show you the truth. It's not so bad… Come with me and see…"

Suddenly, the feel of the body around her disappeared and she snapped her eyes open. When had she even closed them?

But the monster eating the other creature was gone, and she was alone in the main rink. But then, a dim red light caught her eyes. It was… beautiful. Like a gem. Or maybe a small flame.

She didn't know that a kind of fog cloaked her purple eyes in the same red color…

"See? It's not so bad…"

She couldn't help the sudden feeling of need inside her. As if this red light was all she was and all she needed. Nothing but the red light mattered. And she wanted to get closer.

She wanted to be owned by it.

Sam walked into what appeared to be a dark, descending tunnel. But she wasn't afraid anymore. She was too mesmerized by the red light.

It led her into another place. It was almost like a lair. Or maybe it was. There were all sorts of things here. More creatures and animals in cages. Props and circus equipment. And… an odd collection of stuffed animals.

Then, there in the corner was the smallest cage in the room. And inside it, was a little boy with familiar green eyes. He stared at her this time.

"Stay with me? Will you stay with me, Sam?"

It wasn't the boy who spoke but the same haunting voice that had brought her here. Still, Sam knelt in front of the cage as she replied, "No, we have to escape. We have to go."

"I can't escape; but if you stay… I won't suffer alone. Help me, Sam… It's not so bad here. The darkness is not bad. You can be with me here…We can be together."

Suddenly frightened again, Sam stood and backed away from the cage. She turned around, only to find the red glow again…

"Come here, Sammy… I won't hurt you."

The red power froze her in place. And she obeyed it again. Without question or hesitation this time.

She didn't know how, but at the next moment, she found herself on a bed.

Her soul, everything she was, was screaming. She wanted this to stop, and yet her mind and body would not obey.

It would only obey him.

In the next instance, someone was on top of her, laying her down.

"I won't hurt you," that same voice repeated again. "Stay with me, please? Stay. I don't need them if I have you."

Someone began to kiss and caress her. And yet, she didn't move. The red haze danced in her vision, and she found herself as compliant as a ragdoll.

As if forgetting who she was, she realized all she wanted to do was obey.

"Say you'll stay with me."

"Yes," she heard her voice reply. But the need and obedience in it was foreign to her. She didn't recognize her own voice as it said with desire, "I'm yours… master…"

Sam jolted awake as the images of her nightmare faded into the darkness of her room. She didn't even see the tint of red in her wide, frightened purple eyes; or how it vanished away.

She was sweating so much that her tank-top and pajama shorts clung uncomfortably to her skin.

But right then, there was a rap on her window and she jolted violently. Her eyes darted to her dark window.

"T-Tucker?" she asked fearfully.

But when there was no answer, she quickly got off her bed and turned on the light. She saw a silhouette behind the thin curtains of her open window. Did she leave it open?

"Who's there?" Sam asked as she grabbed the closest thing to her she could use as a weapon.

A remote control.

"Well, it's not Tucker," a familiar voice replied teasingly.

Sam's eyes widened, as she dropped the control and quickly moved closer and pulled away the curtains.

"Gregor? What? What are you doing here?" Sam asked in a mixture of disbelief and irritation.

The boy was somehow squatting on the small windowsill without losing his balance as he replied with a softer voice, "I just wanted to talk."

"Talk?" Sam repeated, her irritation growing. "It's…" she glanced at her clock. "—almost four in the morning. What is so important that you would wake me up, scare me half-to-death, and risk your own life by somehow climbing up four stories?"

Gregor glanced behind him a bit to look at how high up he was. "It's not that high…"

Sam wasn't amused.

Gregor frowned. "I heard you were moving back to Wisconsin. I had to see you. And I didn't think you'd talk to me any other way… So, please? Can I come in?"

"No," Sam answered. And then realizing she was in her sleeping clothes, she crossed her arms and took a step back. "You need to go."

"I'm not leaving," Gregor answered almost angrily. But then he shook his head at his own tone of voice; and pleaded instead, "At least, not without us talking. I promise, I won't try anything. Just… hear me out? I… I even brought a peace offering?"

He suddenly showed her the stuffed purple spider he had been holding this whole time, and smiled sheepishly at her.

Sam narrowed her eyes a bit to mask her uncertainty and slight amusement. She hardly trusted the guy, especially with how… forward he was. But… there was this odd desperation in his voice that made her ignore her instincts.

Rolling her eyes, she gestured for him to come in, and moved away to grab a bathrobe or something.

She found her purple bathrobe hanging on her bathroom door, and slipped it on.

"This needs to be quick before my parents find out I have a guy in my room. Forget Wisconsin… They'd probably ship me off to a convent." But she had muttered the last part to herself.

However, when she got no answer, she finally noticed Gregor was paying no mind to her at the moment. Instead, he was walking and curiously looking around her room; and at times grazing his fingers on certain decorations. He briefly stopped to look at her spider backpack; but then his eyes shifted to her dresser mirror.

She saw the deep frown that darkened his features as he noticed the pictures clipped on them.

Most of the pictures were of her and Tucker; or the other teens with Team Fenton. But there was a couple of a certain ghost boy.

She cursed at herself for not having taken them down.

"Why do you have pictures of that ghost?"

Sam didn't miss the hate in the boy's voice. But having enough, she quickly yanked the pictures down and threw them on her computer desk.

"That's not your problem. Now, what do you want? Or should I just kick you out now?" Sam snapped.

"I wanted to make sure you were alright…" He reached towards her bandaged neck; but when she pulled away, he added, "I heard how that monster attacked you."

"I'm fine," Sam answered, though she reflexively touched her own neck. "I just have this on because I hate seeing fang marks on my neck."

"He marked you?!" Gregor growled back suddenly.

"You make it sound like he's some vampire that's going to come back for more blood," Sam said with a roll of her eyes.

"You'd be surprised," Gregor replied darkly. "Those things are worse than wild animals. They like to brand their victims before finishing them off…"

Sam felt a shiver run down her spine as her nightmare briefly came to her mind.

But she just shrugged and answered, "Well, don't worry. I'm not branded. And I definitely don't plan on becoming any ghost's victim or lunch. The bite's already healed and its mark should be completely gone in a few days. So, now that you can see I'm okay, I think it's time for you to go."

"There is one more thing. It's about… us," Gregor said as he extended the stuffed purple spider towards her.

Sam frowned but didn't take the toy. "Gregor, there isn't an 'us'. There never was an 'us'. Sure, I thought you a friend, and I can admit I kind of like you. We hung out a few times, but that's it. It didn't work out. I mean, it never would have worked out."

"Why? Because of Tom?" Gregor asked.

"I'm not going to deny that that's part of it," Sam replied soberly, "But to be honest, I am kind of glad my uncle got involved because it made me realize that I was focusing on the wrong things. Look, there's stuff about me you don't know. And I just… I can't think about… being with someone right now!"

Gregor lowered his gaze. He hesitated before saying, "I know you think I don't know everything about you… and what you're going through; but… I think I know enough. I know enough to know I know how you feel. And I think if it wasn't for Tom, you would be with me. He's…a shadow in our lives. But… But we don't have live under his shadow! He can't keep us from being together! Sam, we need each other!"

Gregor grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. "Please? I need you… I need you, Sam."

Sam's mind drifted for a moment. It was like that voice in her nightmare again…

"He doesn't understand. None of them do! But I do, Sam," Gregor whispered as he brought her closer. "I get it… It's why we have to stay together. We… We can escape together! We can run away from this place… from him! We can be together then! No one can separate us again! Please? I need you… Say you need me, too, Sam… Say it…"

But when she felt his lips ghost over her own, and the words he was telling her to say just wanting to spill out of her mouth, she jolted violently away from him.

Sam stared at him with a mixture of fear and anger.

"No. Never!" she hissed out—and later she would wonder why she felt such a strong need to deny him so fiercely.

"You sound like some obsessed ghost! You don't need me! And I sure don't need you! You're crazy if you think I'm just going to run away with you! You're nuts!"

Gregor's face tensed. "I'm not nuts. I know what I want. And I know you want me, too!"

"What?! Stop! Okay, just stop!" Sam snapped back. "You need to go. Now!"

"No, Sam, listen to me. I…" Gregor threw the stuffed toy on her bed before he whirled around and gripped his hair. "I wish I could tell you everything…"

For some reason, she felt as if she were in her nightmare, but she pushed it away.

"That you're really the kid I saw at the circus? That my uncle got you out and adopted you as his kid? I know, Gregor. My uncle told me the truth."

Gregor whirled around in surprise. "What else did he tell you?"

Sam raised an eyebrow as she asked back, "Is there more?"

Gregor swallowed. Of course there was more…

"It wasn't a lie," he said instead. "Your uncle said I was just tricking you to spy on you and the Fentons. It's not true. He didn't want me near you, but I couldn't listen to him because… because I remembered you. I remember how you found me at the circus… I have wanted to tell you all my life… to get close to you. But when I did and he found out… I would never hurt you, Sam."

The girl lowered her eyes before she nodded. "And I don't want to hurt you; so please, just go." She looked sadly at him as she added, "I don't hate you. I'm not even mad at you anymore. I just… I can't like you how you want. I can't. And I can't run away from my problems… And neither should you."

Gregor opened his mouth, but then closed it. He knew she was right. Why did he ever think he could escape what he was, who he was… How could he ever escape his master's power and wrath?

"I shouldn't have come here," he suddenly whispered, but more to himself than the girl. He had hoped Sam would somehow have run away with him; so that he could have the courage to leave his master and not go back, because he knew what awaited him when he returned to his master and told him… he had failed.

"Gregor, what's wrong?" Sam asked, now concerned when he saw the boy was actually shaking.

The boy stared at her with defeat before shaking his head, and repeated, "I shouldn't have come here." He suddenly fisted his hands and looked away as his eyes flashed red.

"Sorry, I… I have to go…I have to go back to my—I gotta go home," he added in a slightly panicked voice.

Sam's eyebrows creased. She didn't like how he said that.

"Gregor…?"

He glanced back sadly at her, and said, "Guess this is good-bye…" But without waiting for a response, he walked over to the window, and quickly disappeared into the night.

Sam stared at her open window for a moment. Part of her wanted to go after him. Maybe part of her wanted to take him up on his offer to leave this place, and try to run from her own life. But… she knew there was no running.

Glancing over at the stuffed toy on her bed, she sighed tiredly. There was no escape for either of them.

As much as Altiĝis wanted to continue to search for her child, her inexperience with being out in the Human World and her use of her telepathic powers had readily drained her core.

Aragon and she had been forced to return.

"We will try again tomorrow, my mate," Aragon said reassuringly. "I believe with your power we might find him soon. However, I do not want you to strain yourself, either."

Altgis sighed tiredly but nodded. She then whispered, "Thank you for letting me help you look for our son. I, too, feel we will find him."

But then she lowered her gaze and whispered, "But I also worry for Elliot. Aragon… I think you were too hard on him."

"Altiĝis, you heard him! He has completely forsaken our love as well as the safety of our kin! Altiĝis, he wants to kill Gregory! How could he contemplate murdering his own brother?!"

"He is confused, Aragon. I am sure he would not do such a thing. We left him alone, my mate. We should have believed him. He has suffered alone, and now he is conflicted. Please… Please reconsider his banishment! He is still too young! He needs us, Aragon!"

The male frowned deeply before he admitted tiredly, "Perhaps, I was too harsh. It was just too much to accept. However, we need to find Gregory first. We need to show his brother that he is not the monster he thinks him to be! I am sure once we get him away from those barbaric humans, Gregory will be himself again."

Altiĝis sighed. "I hope so, too, my mate."

"As I do, too."

Aragon suddenly whirled around as he pulled his mate back behind him and glared defensively at the intruder.

Well, granted they were just outside their dragon terrain, he wasn't exactly an intruder; but he did not appreciate anyone spying or sneaking up on him.

But when he saw who it was, he calmed slightly but still glared.

"Ghost King… What do you want? Do you make it a habit to listen in on other's personal conversations?"

"I was waiting for you," Vlad answered calmly. "I visited your home and was advised you and your wife were not there… It was not hard to guess where you went when you rarely leave you terrain."

"We have nothing to discuss," Aragon snapped, turning to leave.

But the king readily answered, "I know where your son is."

Aragon quickly looked back at Vlad; but it was Altiĝis who answered for her husband.

"You do? I implore you, then. Please tell us!"

Aragon stared carefully at his former friend before he suddenly said to his mate, "Altiĝis, return home. I will follow shortly."

"What? But Aragon—!"

"Do not argue with me, my mate! Do as I say!" Aragon cut her off soberly.

Altiĝis looked torn; but she then sighed in defeat. She glanced one last time at the King before her form transformed into her dragon form, and she flew off towards the island in the nearby distance.

Aragon waited a minute before suddenly glaring at Vlad. "And what do you want in return? For me to turn him over to you the moment I find him?! Never, do you hear me? Elliot told me that beast you call your friend has been trying to slay my child all this time! He knew all along Gregory was alive and kept quiet!"

"Your son has been aiding the man who murdered my wife and tortured my boy!" Vlad suddenly growled at him. "Your son has killed dozens of ghosts in cold-blood, including Skulker's sister and brother-in-law! And he now attempted to add my son and your other son to his list of victims! And you dare call Skulker a monster? Your son is a traitor and criminal who deserves to be condemned to death!"

Aragon snarled at the King, and hissed back, "You will have to go through me first, Ghost King! Do you hear me?! You touch my son and your war with the humans will be dim in comparison to the war I will rage upon you and your kingdom!"

Vlad fell quiet, though his eyes were still narrowed. But then he sighed and shook his head.

"I have told you before. I do not wish to fight with you."

"And yet, you had me locked up when I tried to make peace with you in the past, remember?" Aragon snapped back.

"Peace? No, Aragon. You were just looking to make yourself feel less guilty after Desiree's death. Or are you going to tell me that after you learned I am part-human, you still were going to join the kingdom?"

Aragon didn't answer; but kept his eyes narrowed.

Vlad scoffed. "No, of course not. Why would you serve an unnatural King and his tainted kingdom? But do you know what is ironic, Aragon? The irony is that this King and his kingdom searched more for your lost son than you ever did in all these years! You blamed me for his disappearance, when all along you had the greatest aid for finding him living with you! Your other son! But as usual, you rather be a good leader than a friend or even a father!"

Aragon roared and raised a clawed hand at his former friend; but Vlad saw it coming and raised his own clawed hand. Their claws clashed with an audible sound; but neither moved their hands away.

"Do not be a hypocrite," Aragon whispered darkly. "Do not pretend that you are better than me."

"As you have pretended all this time?" Vlad hissed back.

But the King suddenly sheathed his claws and took a step back.

"It is useless to try to place the blame on anyone for your son's fate after so many years. I say we all somehow failed Gregory; and in light of this, I am going to give you one last chance to save him. And if you do not believe me, then let's say I am doing this out of respect for my wife and your sister who has been like a mother to my own son."

But when Aragon didn't reply and just lowered his own hand, the King continued.

"As I said, your son has been working with my wife's murderer all this time. In fact, that human has somehow disguised him as his own adopted son. He looks human. So much in fact, that I have seen him many times under this guise and have not once even sensed his true ghostly identity. I do not know how it is so; but I am certain that this teenage boy with my arch-nemesis is your son."

Vlad suddenly pulled out a beetle-like device from his pocket and brought it to life with his own energy.

Aragon tensed as the unnatural device began to move on its own accord.

"This is called a tracking device. It is locked to the coordinates in the human world where Thomas Chrome resides. The boy lives with him. Your son is there."

Aragon hesitated; but soon extended his hand, and the bug-like device landed in his palm.

"This hunter's home is equipped with the latest ghost security system known to man. But… you are a powerful and wise ghost, Aragon. I am sure you can find a way to get to your son."

But the King's voice darkened as he added, "Now listen carefully to me… I am going to give you one month—one month, Aragon—to find your son, rescue him from that human hunter, and get him to your terrain. You have my word no one from my Kingdom will try to hunt down Gregory if you get him out of the Human World and he stays in the Dragon Realm."

"And I imagine what will happen if I do not…" Aragon muttered with distaste.

"You do not need to imagine it, because I am going to tell you," Vlad answered seriously. "If he is not at your realm by then, Aragon, I will personally hunt him down with Skulker, and slay him. And I promise you, he will not escape his sentence."

"And my promise to you still stands," Aragon said soberly. "If you or anyone from the Kingdom touches my child, there will be war."

Vlad nodded. "And that is why for the sake of the Ghost World, I pray you find your son first."

Without waiting for any other response, the King vanished, and left the very troubled Aragon alone on the small island.

Gregor felt all his muscle freeze up as he walked slowly into the main tent. He had disobeyed his master. He had… even tried to flee…

But he wasn't able to do it. Just like he wasn't able to kill Tom. Even after the man had kicked him out like some unwanted dog. Even after being like the jerk he was. Gregor couldn't bring himself to kill the man.

The teen knew he was a pathetic traitor. And… he was about to pay with his life for it.

Gregor swallowed as he found his master in the main tent grooming one of the show horses. Lydia was nearby, sitting on some boxes and staring at nothing, until she noticed him.

But then Freakshow also noticed him, and he quickly asked, "Well, is it done?"

Gregor stared down at the unused gun in his hand and his throat constricted.

Freakshow's eyes narrowed with the boy's silence. And dropping the comb in his hand, he walked over to the teen, and demanded, "Did you kill him, slave?"

Gregor looked up at the man, and shook his head, "No… Master, I'm sorry…"

"Why? Did you even try?" Freakshow pressed, his voice a threatening whisper.

The boy averted his eyes as he quietly answered, "No… I just… I can't do it. I.. can't kill Tom."

Freakshow just stared at the boy before grabbing the gun from him.

Gregor fell to his knees as his master clicked off the safety.

"Please, forgive me, Master… I know I deserve to be punished, but..."

Freakshow suddenly grabbed the boy by the hair, and yanked his head back forcibly to get him to look up at him. He then just as quickly, pressed the barrel of the gun on the boy's temple. Usually, a normal gun would not hurt a ghost; but with the boy's powers supressed and with his form being more tangible due to his human disguise, it would do damage, especially if he unloaded it into the teen's brain. It would kill him without a doubt.

Gregory shook but all he could do was stare into his master's furious eyes. He deserved to die. He knew it.

"I failed you, Master," he whimpered. "I deserve to die."

But Freakshow snarled at his comment before suddenly shooting the teen in the shoulder instead.

Gregor screamed as he bent forward and cradled his injury. But his cry of pain became louder when his master grabbed him by the hair again, threw down the gun, and punched him right in the face.

The sound of his nose breaking echoed in his ear. But it only added to the pain as his master proceeded to kick him multiple times in the stomach, head and back.

Gregor choked on cries of pain; but all he could do was cower and curl into himself as he continued to be beaten.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Master!" he gasped out as his vision began to swim.

But just as he was about to pass out, the assault stopped. He didn't hear his master's heavy breathing or see how he picked up the gun again.

But somehow, Gregor knew this was it. He whimpered as he closed his eyes; but oddly at his end, the only person he thought about was… Valerie. He was going to miss her.

Freakshow narrowed his eyes hatefully at the pathetic ghost on the ground. It would be so easy to kill him; but only one thing stopped him; and that was the thought of having to start all over again.

With a sneer, the man suddenly flipped the safety back on the gun and put it in his back pocket. He then pulled out his staff from inside his coat and extended it to its full length.

He slammed the bottom of the staff on the concrete ground, and demanded, "Get up, drone."

Gregor gasped as his master's power gripped at his mind just enough to jolt him into full consciousness. He heard the man's command echo in all he was; and ignoring his ailing body, he somehow forced his shaking limbs to lift him up.

He choked back a cry of pain again when he felt more pain when he realized he had a few broken ribs. Still, he stood up on wavering legs and waited submissively for his master's next command.

Freakshow studied the boy for what seemed forever; but he then suddenly stepped away and walked over to the nearest trash can. He ripped off the cover and threw it aside before he grabbed the bag inside.

He then dumped the few things inside it; and finally marched back over to the ghost teen. He readily shoved the empty bag into Gregor's hands.

The boy stumbled back a few steps from the force, but still grabbed the bag. But now, he stared with confusion at his master.

"This is what you're going to do, Slave," Freakshow said in a cold, calculating voice. "I want you to go up to that rat's nest you have, and dump every one of your stuffed toys inside that bag. Each and every one of them, slave."

Gregor's eyes immediately widened with fear and despair.

"Then, I want you to bring them to me. I will be waiting for you at the underground storage area," the man finished.

"M-Master…" he tried to beg.

But Freakshow cut him off, and the gem flashed a brighter red as he commanded, "Get moving. And don't you dare make me wait."

Gregor's eyes flashed red, and his whole body shook as he quickly turned and headed towards the poll to get up the catwalk.

But with his injuries, including his broken ribs, climbing up was nearly impossible. He was sure he damaged his body more by the time he made it up to his self-made room.

His chest heaved as if he was having an anxiety attack; but he still walked over to his perfectly stacked collections of toys. Even when his mind seemed to only focus on his master's command, he began to feel dizzy and ill when he grabbed his first stuffed toy.

It was the one Valerie gave him as kids. He hesitated as his eyes drifted around his room. Or, the closest thing he had to a room here. Just like Valerie had been the closest thing he had had to a friend. But it was a lie. In the end, he was as alone as he always had been. There was no one to save him even when he wished it so…

Gregor squeezed his eyes closed as he threw the first toy into the bag. He then grabbed another and another. And as he did, memories of his life and how he had gotten each one flashed in his mind before it would disappear within the darkness of the bag.

His nausea overwhelmed him, and he began to choke and gasp. He felt he was going to throw up and then pass out at any moment.

But somehow, he suppressed the urge and finally got all his stuffed toys into the bag. All of them, except for one:

His dragonfly.

Gregor whimpered as he pulled it against his chest and blinked back tears. He wasn't dumb. He knew what his master was going to do.

Unable to throw the dragonfly into the bag without really getting sick, the boy just held onto it and grabbed the bag now overstuffed with his toys in the other.

How he got himself and the bag down, he did not know. He was moving on auto-pilot at this point. It was the only way he could keep himself together enough to function as he continued down to the underground storage area where his master was waiting for him.

When he finally got there, Freakshow, Lydia, Tiny, and Big E were waiting for him.

Gregor tensed all over again. "Master?"

But Freakshow just commanded, "Drop the bag where you are, and go stand over there."

Gregor knew better than to hesitate and dropped the bag. He did his best to ignore how the other two male ghosts immediately went to stand beside the bag before he walked over to the place his master had commanded.

Freashow approached him before extending his hand, and demanding, "Give that to me."

Gregor shook as his hand reflexively tightened around his dragonfly. "Master, please—"

"GIVE IT TO ME!"

Gregor's shoulders sagged as he outstretched his hand and offered his dragonfly to his master.

Freakshow took a few steps forward and snatched it away. But then, he just as suddenly reached for the teen's white vest and yanked it off him.

Gregor stumbled forward a bit as the fabric ripped.

But the ringleader did not stop, and proceeded to grab his shirt and ripped it off too.

"I'm sick of seeing you with this crap on like you were some little soldier!" Freakshow hissed.

Gregor tensed as his master pulled out a knife and cut his pants to ribbons, cutting his legs a few times in the process. He then yanked off the boy's watch, and Gregor choked back a cry of pain as his earrings were also pulled off.

Good thing they came off easily or his ears would be ripped, too. He finally reached into the boy's pocket and grabbed his wallet and his sunglasses.

"You're not a soldier! You're not a ghost hunter! And you're definitely not a damn human being!"

Freakshow crushed the sunglasses under his feet and threw the wallet across the room. He then stepped forward again; and grabbing a fistful of the boy's hair, he further sneered at him, "You're a slave. My slave. You're a thing that belongs to me. You only exist to do what I say. That is the only purpose a pathetic beast like you has! So, can you guess what it means when you don't do what I say?!"

But when the boy didn't answer, the man yanked his hair harder and hissed, "It means, you pathetic maggot, that you're worthless! And I have no interest in keeping worthless objects!"

Freakshow abruptly slammed the end of his staff across the teen's face.

All Gregor could do was grunt as he was thrown to the ground. He choked back a sob again, and just gripped the side of his face, which now had a heavily bleeding gash on it. But the boy didn't say anything and just stayed on the ground. He was sure his master's next move would be to kill him at last.

He still couldn't believe he was actually going to die because he couldn't kill Tom. Gregor was sure he hated himself more than his master did at that moment.

But Freakshow kept his narrowed red eyes on the teen as he muttered, "We both know I should kill you…. But I'm going to give you one last chance to be a good little slave again."

Gregor raised his eyes up at the man in surprise.

"After all," the ringmaster continued with displeasure, "it's really that idiot ghost hunter's fault you are a disobedient wretch. He has made you forget your only purpose… So I'm going to let my other drones… instruct you. Watch them, slave."

Freakshow roughly grabbed Gregor's arm—from the shoulder he had shot—and forced him to his feet.

Gregor cried out in pain, but his master, grabbed his face, and hissed at him, "Pay close attention."

Freakshow let go of the teen, and looked at the other male ghosts and commanded, "Both of you, grab a toy from that bag!"

Gregor tensed all over again as Tiny and Big E each grabbed one of his stuffed animals.

"Good… Now, rip it apart," Freakshow commanded.

"Wait, m—!" But Gregor silenced with the sound of tearing of fabric and the sight of falling cotton.

"See, drone? I say the command, and they do it without hesitation." Freakshow explained darkly to Gregor before looking back at his other slaves, and ordering again, "Grab another."

"No, Master, please…," Gregor begged as a deeper desperation set inside his chest. He whimpered, "Please don't do this to me. Please!"

"I'm instructing you, drone," the man answered coldly. "Watch again, and see how I can tell them anything. I could say 'kill the human', 'kill the hunter', Or 'kill' the stupid toy. I snap my fingers, and—"

The two male ghosts ripped two more toys to shreds.

"It happens. Understand?" Freakshow asked darkly.

Gregor swallowed the lump in his throat, and nodded. "Y… Yes… Yes, Master."

"Oh, good! Here, then." Freakshow gave Gregor back his dragonfly. "Rip it apart."

Gregor stared at the toy in his hand with wide eyes before staring back at his master.

"I said, rip it apart!" Freakshow commanded angrily.

Gregor shook his head. "No… No, No. Please, no. I can't. I—"

Freakshow backslapped the boy across the face before snatching the toy back.

"Drones! Lydia! Get rid of all those damn toys!"

"NO!" Gregor cried out as he crawled over to his master. "No, stop! STOP! Don't destroy them! NO!"

But no matter how much Gregor begged and pleaded, he was forced to watch as all his stuffed toys were destroyed in the hands of the other ghosts.

"Look at me, you maggot!' Freakshow screamed before showing the boy the dragonfly. "It's because of these damn things that you have become a disobedient wretch! Well, it's over with! I'm getting rid of all of it now!"

"No, Master! Please give him back to me! Don't hurt him!" Gregor shook his head and suddenly screamed angrily, "DAMN YOU! You can't hurt him!"

Freakshow froze in disbelief; but then the fury quickly returned into his eyes and features, making all the veins on his face pop out.

"Watch me!" he hissed.

Gregor's eyes widened as his master ripped off the head of the dragonfly, and then tore open the rest of his body. He then threw its remains at the boy.

Gregor broke. He utterly broke apart like he never thought possible.

Reaching for what was left of his toy, the boy brought it close and buried his face in its ripped pieces as he began to sob. He didn't even think he had cried as brokenly and openly as this when he was a child.

He felt his mind shatter. His whole miserable life flashed before his eyes, and he wanted to die.

He just wanted to die.

Freakshow pulled out his staff and hit the boy with the end against his stomach. The teen cried out in pain, but his tears and sobs only grew louder.

"Kill me… Just kill me, please," Gregor begged as he curled on himself.

Freakshow kneeled in front of him and yanked him by the hair to make the boy look at him.

"You would like that, wouldn't you?" Freakshow sneered. "But I've wasted too much damn time on you to make it that easy. You know what I'm going to do, slave? I'm going to start over with you. I am going to wipe your mind clean. No more pretending to be human. No more disobedience! No more Tom!"

Gregor froze in horror as his master brought the staff's swirling red crystal in front of his eyes. A memory suddenly flashed in his mind of a four-year-old dragon desperately trying to escape this man's dark red power.

That young dragon had been him. His master had made him forget back then, too.

"N-No! No, No!" he choked out as he somehow escaped his master's hold, and attempted to crawl away from him and his staff.

"Drones!"

NO!" Gregor screamed as he was grabbed by the two other ghosts, who promptly twisted and then pinned his arms against his back. "No, let go of me! No! LET ME GO! HELP ME! SOMEONE HELP ME!"

But when he saw his master kneel beside him again with that cursed staff, the boy shook and sobbed out, "Please, master. Please, just… No… Just kill me. Kill me please. Anything but this!"

"Silence!" Freakshow growled at the broken teen as he brought his glowing staff in front of his green eyes. "I'm going to fix you, slave. No more choices. Just simple, easy obedience. I'm going to help you remember who you are by making you forget."

Gregor sobbed and tried to squeeze his eyes closed; but his master's power still curled around his mind and demanded, "Look at me."

"No...," he cried out one last time in some vain effort to resist, but the sight of that red gem was too much, and his mind began to fog. It was painful. There was nothing peaceful about it. It was like falling through icy waters. It was so painfully numbing.

"Who are you?"

Gregor began to convulse and scream in pain; but Freakshow pressed him down by his forehead forcing him to keep looking at the crystal.

"Who are you?" Freakshow growled out.

Gregor's mind began to twist in confusion as his memories disappeared one by one. Tom. Sam. Valerie… They all faded into a dark abyss, making everything blur and make no sense. The more it happened, the less afraid and painful it became.

Actually, he didn't even remember why he was even resisting it. The nothingness had always been safe and familiar.

He knew this nothingness from before, he was sure. He just could not remember from where. He didn't understand why he had ever left it, or wanted anything different.

He had always liked simple.

"Who are you?" Freakshow asked when the boy's eyes closed and he went still.

There was a long pause before the teen finally answered, "I'm your slave."

Freakshow smirked. "And who am I, slave?"

There was a silent pause before Gregor's eyes opened and they were nothing but expressionless red orbs as he replied, "My master… You are my master. And my sole purpose is to serve and obey you. Only you, Master."

Freakshow grinned. "Good. You have finally remembered."

Translations:

(1) "You smell like him… You smell like my son…"

(2) "Please. Do you have my son? Please return him to me! I will do anything! Please!"