Drowning In Power (Book 2 of Danny Phantom Trilogy)

Long Live the King

Consciousness came back to her slowly. Her neck was killing her and her cheek felt numb. Blinking her eyes open slowly, Kagome got an eyeful of dusty, stone floors. When she tried to push herself into a sitting position, her hands wouldn't move from their position behind her back. Okay. Try something else. Rolling over onto her back slowly, Kagome took in the vaulted stone ceilings, old cobweb-covered chandeliers and haunting, green hue of the place. Where was she?

Her neck was sore, her jaw was feeling a little stiff and she felt completely uneasy with her surroundings. Ghostly energy was all around her. It was almost suffocating how many ghosts there were! Where was this place? Some sort of haunted castle?

"I see you have awoken, witch."

Glancing over to her left, Kagome watched a flaming man stride towards her slowly. He had a green sword drawn, a flaming, purple cape billowing in the nonexistent wind, and purple flames around his grey helmet. He was wearing some sort of fitted, black bodysuit to show off every one of his muscles (did full ghosts even have muscles?) with a grey, wrapped skirt, gloves, boots and shoulder guards. She couldn't see his face- only two, bright neon green eyes that seemed to peer into the depths of her soul. She tried to scoot away from him, but he was quick to point his sword at her face.

"Resistance is futile, witch. I have gone through a fair bit of trouble to bring you to the king's domain," he spoke.

"I don't know who your king is. But, you can tell him to bite me!" Kagome shouted and attempted to draw on her magic. Eyes widening, she tried to glance behind her. It wasn't working! Trying again and getting the same results, Kagome nearly cursed. What was happening to her? Was it the haunted castle? No. Being around ghosts always drew out her magic. So what-

"The arrogance of youth. Or perhaps this be the arrogance of a witch?" the man questioned.

"Who are you? Where are we and why did you bring me here?" Kagome asked with a fierce glare. Okay. No magic. That's not good. She could still fight, but not with her hands chained behind her back. And this guy had a sword. This was not looking good. If she could keep him talking, then maybe she could think of a way out?

"I am the Fright Knight. Bringer of darkness and fear! The spirit of Halloween! And servant to the true king, Pariah Dark," Fright Knight said in a loud, grandiose voice. Geez. He was probably the type of bad guy who liked to monologue. "I have brought you, witch, to my king's domain. So that you may free him from his forever sleep and that he may reign once again over the ghost zone and all its inhabitants!"

"I'm in the ghost zone?" Kagome asked and looked around. She'd heard about the ghost zone from Danny and her grandmother, but she never thought that she'd actually see it.

"Yes, witch. I have committed a traitorous crime by bringing you into our domain, but my king will surely pardon me once he sees that it twas I who freed him," Fright Knight said and sheathed his sword.

"Oh? And what if he doesn't? I mean, what ghost would be happy to see a witch?" Kagome reasoned skeptically.

"The ghost child seems rather fond of you," Fright Knight pointed out smugly. Kagome's cheeks flamed. "Nonetheless, it is time for you to payest your dues, witch. You will use your magic to free my king," the Fright Knight said and pulled Kagome up onto her feet.

"What makes you think that I would help you?" Kagome fought back. She didn't know a lot about Pariah Dark. Danny had mentioned once that he had fought the Ghost King and won, but it was years ago and he'd nearly lost his life in the process. As if she'd let him out on purpose!