Chapter 11: Reports and Renaissances

The silence of the room was a deafening, eerie quiet, even for a place like this, though many attributed it to the fact that people very rarely visited it. Though that was not really a big surprise, especially to someone like Youngblood, who found himself sitting there, bored out of his mind.

The smell that permeated the air was suffocating to him, only adding to the dislike he had for the place. The structures that surrounded, towered over him, holding nothing of interest, and he could almost find himself cringing away from them in an attempt to avoid them at all cost. His young mind had been trying to think of all kinds of ways to make the place more exciting or bearable, but whenever an idea would start to form, it was quickly erased, something he once again blamed on the environment, as strange as it was.

Blowing out yet another exasperated sign followed by a groan, Youngblood placed his head on the solid wood table he was seated at. His eyes found the clock on the wall for the tenth time in the last five minutes, upsetting him even more that it had barely moved at all since the last time he checked it.

Turning to his other side, he asked, "Aren't you done yet?"

Danielle could feel her eye twitch furiously as her gloved hands gripped the covers of the book she held so tight, she was sure she would leave finger indents in them. Slamming said book closed with all her might and smacking it onto the table, she turned her head sharply and was quick to address her friend.

"For the 20th time; no, Jacob, I am not done!" She said, annoyance coloring her features as she tried to keep herself from literally attacking the young man. "And just like the last 19 times you asked it, I'm telling you again that the more you keep interrupting me, the longer it's going to take for me to finish!"

"Ugh," he groaned, faceplanting onto the table. "But you said we could do something fun."

"After I finish my homework, which you're making increasingly difficult," she replied, picking her book back up and opening up. "I told you that I had to come to the library to write this report on Medieval Times today. I don't know why you bothered coming."

"Well, it's not like I had anything better to do. But I wasn't expecting the library to be this boring!"

"It's a building people go to for quiet to study and read. What did you think was going to be going on?" Danielle said with a roll of her eyes. "Why don't you go find a book to read and entertain you? I'm sure there are plenty of good books that you'd enjoy."

"Because reading is stupid and useless," he said definitely as he propped himself up on his elbows. Light footsteps could be heard as they approached the table, grabbing the attention of the two young ghosts. Looking up, neither child was surprised to find the Ghost Writer standing before them.

"Those who do not read, only live in a world of ignorance and are destined to repeat the mistakes of history from which they do not learn," he said with a devilish grin. "Something I hope your father learned from his little Christmas adventure, Dani."

"Trust me, he learned alright," she said with a small laugh.

"I'm glad to hear it. I also wanted to let you know that I've found a few more books that I think might be just what you're looking for." With a snap of his fingers, three books flew off their shelves, gracefully floating onto the table in front of her. Danielle quickly discarded the book she was reading and began to flip through each one in hopes of finding what she wanted for her report. A look of disappointment came to her face, and soon, to the Ghost Writer's as well upon seeing the unsatisfied frown on the young Phantom's face.

"Thank you, Ghost Writer, but I don't think these will help either," she said as she put the last one down.

The look of disappointment etched across the Ghost Writer's face soon disappeared as it was replaced with one of curiosity. Bringing his hand up to his face, he slowly began to stroke his beard in thought.

"I'm not sure what else I can bring you then, unfortunately," he said. "These are the best books that fit the topic on Medieval Ghost culture. The only way to get any better testimony would be to travel through time itself."

"Trust me, that was my first idea," Danielle said dejectedly. "But Clockwork wouldn't let me do it because apparently, it would only lead to consequences that could utterly destroy things as we know it. Not only that, but it would take way too long having to record and observe it all first hand. Don't get me wrong, these books are great and have been a great help, but I just guess I was hoping for something a bit more…"

"Exciting and adventurous?" He guessed with a smile.

"Unique may be a better word, but I suppose so," she said with a smile. "Though I guess I just expected too much from history books. They're just too factual."

"No, what they are, is boring," Youngblood said as he flipped through a book with a look of disinterest. "I mean look at this! It doesn't even have any pictures! How's anyone supposed to get enjoyment out of this?"

"They use their imagination, genius. And coming from a guy whose powers are strictly based on his imagination, I'm surprised that you didn't realize that. Books can bring whole worlds together, and-"

"BOOOORRRRRRIIIIINNNGGGG…"Youngblood said with a roll of his eyes. Danielle glared at him, preparing to give him an earful when he continued talking. "Reading is boring. You can't get adventure with just words. You get adventure by living it and experiencing it for yourself. Battling monsters, finding treasures, discovering new lands; now that's exciting!"

The Ghost Writer hummed to himself in interest at the two. Where as one sought the pull and allure of firsthand experience and getting his hands dirty, the other wished to expand upon what she knew with something a bit more challenging.

It was rare that such a pair interacted together and got along as well as they did, as most people who were interested in books did not seek the terrifying reality that came with the task of going out and discovering if what they read was indeed true.

The same could be said for someone who like to learn from their mistakes, so to speak, as they typically found being told and forced to memorize something repeatedly a boring and tedious task that often stifled their creativity.

However, on the off chance you could get the two to work together…

Another devilish smirk came to the Ghost Writer's face. Perhaps there was a way to give them both what they wanted after all.

"You know," he said, grabbing the attention of the two kids who had been arguing back and forth. "Now that I think about it, I may have just the book that you'd both find to satisfy your interest."

The Ghost Writer snapped his fingers once more, calling upon yet another book to come forth. Danielle and Youngblood looked around, but found nothing happening until, in an instant, the bookshelf behind them began to shift to the side, screeching in protest of being forcibly moved. The two jumped up in surprise as they came to face a large door, riddled with chains, locks and all kinds of security measures. The Ghost Writer smiled as he stepped past them, going up to the door.

"Whoa…where did that do come from?" Youngblood asked in awe.

"And where does it go?" Danielle asked in just as much awe. "What's behind it?"

"This, my dear children, is the Restricted Zone; a special zone of the library that houses the most forbidden tomes and written creations of the Ghost Zone. There are books that if they fell into the wrong hands, could cause the destruction of the entire Universe."

"And you thought it was a good idea to tell this to two preteens, one of which is known for doing stupid things like what you just described?" Danielle asked. Youngblood glared at her, but decided it was best to ignore the very clear jab at him.

"Trust me, even if he actually could survive getting past this door and into the room, he'd never even be able to read the title of most of these, let alone actually cause some type of damage with them."

"Standing right here, you know," Youngblood said in irritation.

"And that's where you're gonna stay," the Ghost Writer said as he pulled out a key and opened the door. A low, pain filled moan echoed around them, shaking Danielle and Youngblood at the sudden shift in creepiness that had taken over the room. Not even a minute later, the Ghost Writer returned, book in hand and smile still on his face. After securing the door once more, he walked back over to them and held a book out to Danielle.

Danielle looked at it skeptically. The book was hardbound, made of very rich and old leather that had been dyed a deep purple color. A castle design was carved into the cover of it while a dragon was carved into the spine of the book. The letters were scrawled in a perfect script that was highlighted even more by the golden coloring of it.

Taking the book in hand, Danielle didn't see anything out of the ordinary with it. It was a very beautiful book, yes, but she didn't see what made it so threatening or bad that it had to be stored away in the Restricted Zone.

"It's…just an ordinary book," she stated as she examined it more, turning it over and flipping it a few time in her examination of it.

"Let me see that," Youngblood said, snatching it from her hands and flipping through the pages. A groan of disappointment came from him as he tossed it back to her. "Oh, man. And here I thought something cool was gonna happen."

"Trust me, that is no ordinary book you have there," the Ghost Writer said, grin still on his face. "That book holds all the secrets of the Kingdom of Aragon; secrets that have been held onto for thousands of years and are only known by a select few. It is quite unique, indeed, as well as adventurous."

"Now we're talking!" Youngblood said enthusiastically. Danielle, on the other hand, looked both surprised and worried at the same time.

"If only a select few people are allowed to know them, why are you giving us the book? Jake can't keep a secret to save his afterlife."

"Hey! I can too!" he protested. "I haven't told anyone that you-"

"Shut it!" She shouted at him, a deep blush on her face. She had no actual idea what it was that he was going to say, but for both their sake, she felt it was better that he didn't get a chance to finish.

The Ghost Writer chuckled lively at the exchange between the two. There was no doubt in his mind now that this was going to be a pleasant experience for the two of them.

"The reason I'm entrusting the two of you with this book is because I wholeheartedly believe that you'll find what you're looking for, right here between these pages, young Phantom," he said kneeling and pushing the book closer into her hands. "Just follow your instincts, and everything will be fine."

"Well…" Danielle said, still hesitant for a moment longer. "Ok. As long as it's ok."

"Of course it's ok. Now, there's only one thing I must ask of the two of you," he said, a serious tone changing the demeanor he had held just a moment ago and making the two kids nervous. "You cannot let Princess Dora know of this book or its secrets."

"What? But that doesn't make any sense. It's her kingdom; shouldn't she know all the secrets or be informed about them?"

"Normally, I would agree with you. However, this particular tome was created by and is owned strictly by Prince Aragon himself. If you cannot keep this promise, then I'm afraid that I cannot allow you to read that book."

Danielle bit her lip anxiously. She really didn't think she could do it. Not that she was bad with secrets, but the fact that she would be keeping one from Dora, Princess of Aragon. Ever since she moved in with her parents, she'd spent a lot of time with the Princess, who was more than glad to teach her about her kingdom. Dora was her mentor, of sorts, when it came to the more intricate workings of the Ghost Zone and ghostly behavior. But more than that, she was her friend and her ally, second only to Youngblood and Ember. Did he really believe that she could hold her tongue and not tell her about whatever it is that she would be reading in this book? All because some prince with an over inflated ego used to own it? What was so great about him anyway?

"Prince Aragon; the next in line for the crown of Aragon. The fierce monarch with the cruelty to match. The black dragon of the sky, that shall rain fire, hotter than Hades soul upon all those who oppose him," Youngblood said.

Danielle could only blink in shock at his description. She'd never heard him speak so…animatedly about someone like that.

"Wow, Jake…I've never heard you talk like that…and not mess up the wording," she said in genuine surprise.

"Huh, you say something?" he asked, looking at her. It was then that Danielle realized that he had snatched the book from her, again, and was simply reading the inside cover.

"Nevermind," she mumbled, turning back to the Ghost Writer and letting out a sign. As much as she didn't want to betray Dora's trust, she really wanted to do well on this report, and her natural curiosity would get the better of her now that she knew about it. It was like she was a shark and the Ghost Writer had just waved a bloody carcass in front of her. "I promise that we'll keep our mouths shut and not say a word to Dora."

"Good," the Ghost Writer said, smiling once more. "Enjoy your reading kids." With snap of his fingers, he vanished, leaving the two kids alone once more. The bookshelf slowing slid back into place, vanishing from their site along with him.

"Well, might as well get reading this thing already," she said, turning to see Youngblood's face buried deep in the book. Danielle found the irony of the situation comical, but decided against mentioning it. "Give me the book, Jake."

"No way…" he mumbled in stunned awe.

"Look, just give me the book already so I can do my report and we can go."

"Dani…you, are NEVER going to believe this!" he nearly shouted, shoving the open book toward her. "Read this part!"

Danielle rolled her eye, but took the book from him and began to read it out loud. "There are something's that a King had to do to ensure that the crown is in its proper place. I have found a way to stop the ravages of time from moving the kingdom, and thus, ensured my rightful place as future king for all of eternity." Jake, that's nothing new to anyone. Everyone knows that about him, which is one of the reasons why his citizens hated him."

"Keep reading," he urged.

"Fine," she said, turning back to the book. "As I write this entry, I have made sure to take all precautionary steps to ensure that no one would ever be able to rule aside from me. I've stopped times effect on the kingdom. I've exiled and executed those who would try to oppose me, and I have sealed Ero away once and for all, ensuring…" Danielle could feel the lump forming in her throat as she read over the words displayed on the page before her. "…that there is no way my son can ever try to usurp me…."

"Aragon got rid of his own son, just so he could rule unopposed…" she mumbled. A sick, sinking feeling crept into her at the thought that a parent could do that to their child, and it made her wonder if she had still been evil, if her parents would have done something like this to her. "I can't believe he locked his own son away."

"And that's not all," Youngblood said, flipping to another page. "There's even a map in here on where he's located! Dani, we could go find him!"

"Are you insane?" she asked, looking at him disbelievingly. "He's Aragon's son. Who knows how crazy evil or strong he may be? I mean, he's got to be seriously dangerous if Aragon felt the need to lock him away. Not to mention that we'd have to go into the Kingdom of Aragon, and there's no way we'd be able to do that without drawing attention to ourselves, and if that happens, Dora's definitely gonna catch wind that we're up to something."

"Come on, Dani! This is our chance for some adventure, and not only that, you could use all of this a material for your report! This is exactly what you wanted, isn't it?"

Danielle bit her lip. It did sound tempting and exciting, and this was some really good material for her report. But the nagging feeling in the back of her head warned her that this was exactly what Youngblood always did that usually led to the two of them getting into some kind of trouble, which more often than not, resulted in her getting grounded. Not to mention that they would be invading and traipsing all over her mentor's home, while trying not to get caught doing something that they shouldn't.

No, if Danielle was smart and rational like she said, she would deny her friend's request, and find a different way of finishing her report.

On the other hand…

"I know I'm going to regret this," she said, packing up the book into her backpack while Youngblood fist pumped and cheered enthusiastically. Looking around once to be sure that they weren't being watched, the two quickly made way to the exit, taking off in the direction of the Kingdom of Aragon. Unbeknownst to them, they were indeed being watched as the Ghost Writer watched them fly off in search of adventure.

"Good luck, kids," he said, a devious grin on his face. "This will be one adventure that will surly change your lives like no other has before."

It didn't take them long to find the kingdom, however they had yet to actually land. Danielle was feeling less sure about this the longer that they floated there, and it was starting to relaly bug Youngblood.

"What's the holdup already?" he asked, arms crossed over his chest.

"I'm trying to think of a good way to get us into the kingdom without being seen or getting caught," she replied hotly, her temper raising. "Remember, we're not suppose to let Dora know about any of this. Everyone in the kingdom knows our face, and would instantly recognize us and info Dora that we're here, which more than defeats the purpose if this." Looking around, Danielle could see the castle far off on the other side of the floating realm. Nearest to them was a large forest that she was sure was scarcely populated. Pulling the book from her bag, she scanned over the map, finding it to be very well drawn, and was easily able to find their location. "Ok, if we go invisible, we should be able to sneak into that forest, and start looking for this place."

"Um, that might actually be a bit harder than you think, Dani," Youngblood said as read it over her shoulder.

"And why on Earth would you say that, and presumably, jinx us?" she asked in annoyance.

"Because, little miss bookworm, it clearly says right there at the bottom of the page, "Try as they may, try as they might, the location shall remain from sight. It is bound by a spell, the same one written here and requires two other magical objects, Merlin's wand and my sister's Mirror."

"Wait what!?" Danielle yelled, snatching the book back from him and rereading what he had just said. The color drained from her face, making her even paler the she ever thought possible as she realized that not only was she going to have to lie and hide this from Dora, but now she had to steal from her as well! This was turning out to be way more trouble then she could have possibly signed up for.

Danielle turned to face Youngblood, preparing to declare this adventure off, but was shocked to see that he was no longer there and was already making a beeline straight for the castle.

Danielle could only sigh in defeat and say a silent pray to all the realms. "Well, I can already tell this is gonna end one of three ways; me deader than dead, me grounded for the rest of eternity, or me killing Jake." As she watched him get further away, she repacked the book and shot after him, quietly muttering, "That third option is sounding pretty good right now…"

To be continued…