The Halfa Prince

Chapter 4: Conditions

Danny's POV

"Fright Knight!" I shouted as I charged at the Spirit of Halloween, only for Clockwork to fly ahead of me and stop right in front of Fright Knight.

I quickly halted my flight and floated a few feet in front of my mentor, "Clockwork, what are you doing? That's the Fright Knight! We have to get him back in his pumpkin!"

Clockwork shook his head, "What did I say just before we got in here?" he asked sternly.

I floated downward until my feet touched the floor, "To not do anything rash," I replied glumly, "But it's Fright Knight! He's my enemy!"

"Not anymore," Clockwork said, moving aside so now I was staring up at the Spirit of Halloween himself.

I frowned at the ghost really resisting the urge to fire an ectoblast at him. "Danny, come here," Clockwork called from the other side of the room. I gave Fright Knight one final glare before flying over to join Clockwork who was back in his toddler form.

He was standing beside what I assumed was the throne. It was made up of the same black stones as the castle, with a white banner with my symbol draped on the top of the throne coming down to the seat which (luckily) had a white cushion on it.

"Why don't you take a seat?" Clockwork said gesturing at the throne with his staff. I crossed my arms, "Not until you tell me why the Fright Knight is here."

Clockwork closed his eyes and shook his head, "All will be explained when the Observants arrive."

"And when exactly would that be?" I asked.

Clockwork looked at the clock on his staff, "Right now." 

Sure enough, 5 Observants entered the throne room just as he finished his statement. The Observants stood on either side of the Fright Knight, completely not concerned about his presence.

"Danny, you may sit down if you would like," Clockwork said. I glanced at the throne behind me. "I think I'll just stand for now," I replied taking a small step away from the large seat.

Clockwork shrugged, "As you wish, now I do believe the Observants have many things to discuss with you," he said.

With that he turned to leave. "Wait," I said. Clockwork turned, "Please stay," I said quietly, "I don't think I could handle these guys droning on without some backup. Also it'd help to know that you're here to help me prevent myself from losing my cool or messing up." Clockwork gave me a small smile and floated back to my side.

"Danny Phantom," one of the Observants said, "The Observants Council understands that this is all sudden-"

"No kidding," I muttered under my breath causing Clockwork to tap me lightly with his staff.

I went back to listening to the Observant, "But you must understand that now you will have large responsibilities as well as high expectations."

Not really anything new, "Any idea on what those would be exactly," I asked hopefully not sounding rude.

A different Observant spoke this time, "We will allow you to live your normal life, school, family, friends, and your other 'hobbies'."

That was good to know. The Observant continued, "But it will be expected of you to attend to your Princely and eventually, Kingly duties. You will also be required to move to the Ghost Zone permanently after your coronation."

That last part threw me off, "Wait, WHAT! Move to the Ghost Zone permanently?! I can't do that! I may be Danny Phantom, the next Ghost King but I'm also Danny Fenton, human kid. Clockwork?!"

I turned to face the Master of Time, hoping for some support. He was in his elderly form at this point, "I agree with Danny," Clockwork said, "He needs to live out his human life."

I sighed inwardly with relief. Knowing Clockwork was on my side made me feel a whole lot better.

"But he must attend to his royal duties," another Observant interjected.

"Perhaps we can come to an agreement on this," Clockwork said shifting into his middle aged self, "Danny is allowed to live out his human life as normal, with regular visits to the Ghost Zone to attend to his duties. When he is a few years older he will stay here for longer periods of time. At some point, he may choose to live here permanently, whether it be before his 'time' or not, but until then does that sound reasonable? Observants? Danny?"

I thought it over. It sounded alright, regular visits to the Ghost Zone didn't sound to bad, I usually went into the Zone at least once a week to regain some ecto-energy anyways. And in a few years I should be able or have told my parents about my ghostly abilities. I may not decide to live here full time but for now what Clockwork had laid out seemed reasonable.

"I agree," I announced.

Clockwork glanced over at me and nodded. The Observants seemed to be discussing amongst themselves. While they were huddled in a little circle, my attention was back on Fright Knight, who had been silent the entire time. I don't even think he had even moved from his spot.

"Through discussion we representatives of the Observant Council agree with these terms," the 5 Observants said in unison.

I clapped my hands, "Great now that that's been dealt with, can someone please tell me what he is doing here?" I said pointing at Fright Knight.

"Quite simple, young Phantom," an Observant said, "He is to be your, how do I put it, bodyguard."

"What?! Why?!" I asked.

"Word spreads quickly and it won't be long until the entire Ghost Zone knows of your new status," the Observant continued. "So to prevent any harm towards you before your coronation, Fright Knight will be with you at every moment to ensure your safety," another Observant finished.

"I... he.... but," I stammered.

Then to my surprise the Fright Knight began to speak, "Regardless of what you may think Phantom, I wish for peace in the Ghost Zone."

"But don't you work for Vlad now? He certainly doesn't want peace and he hates me! Why should I trust you?" I said.

Fright Knight began walking towards me, "My loyalties lie first and foremost with the King. Plasmius had ordered me to spy on you and that is how I learned you were the next heir. I have not told Plasmius of you and he still believes I am loyal to him."

Fright Knight knelt down onto one knee and bowed his head, "I am your humble servant. I do believe you can restore order to the Ghost Zone, and that you can undo the damage Pariah Dark's rule brought."

The room was dead silent after that. I stood in front of Fright Knight stiffly, not knowing how to respond to that. I looked over at Clockwork hoping he would help me out but he was busy with his staff again. I looked at Fright Knight once more.

Clearing my throat I said, "Thank you Fright Knight. Um, you may rise." As Fright Knight stood up I faced the Observants, "Alright, I'll have Fright Knight as my bodyguard but he has to stay out of sight. He can't be seen by my friends, family, or any other human or ghost I know," I said clearly.

The Observants muttered about themselves again. "Agreed," they said in unison.

"Good, now that this is over, Danny I do believe you should get home. School starts in a few hours," Clockwork said in his elderly form.

I groaned, "Aw man." With that I flew out the doors of the throne room, down the long staircase, through the main room, and out the entrance doors of the castle.

'I am going to be dead tired at school tomorrow' I thought as I flew toward the Fenton Ghost Portal.