The Halfa Prince (Book 1) *RE-MASTERED*

Chapter 4: A Gift

Third Person POV

As he continued to fly through the Ghost Zone, Danny kept glancing at the watch on his wrist. The only way to get to Clockwork's tower was to find the one place in the Ghost Zone where time stood still. It sounds easier than it is as Clockwork's tower tends to move around. As Danny continued to fly he noticed Skulker's Island to his far left. Danny made sure to make a sharp right. He glanced at the watch on his wrist once more and noticed the hands begin to slow. Danny then began to slowly float around, waving the watch around until he found the place where his watch stopped completely. The young halfa slowly approached the area until he felt his body become lighter. In a small flash of light, Danny was gone.

When Danny opened his eyes he was staring at the massive tower surrounded by gears. He flew to the main doors, giving them a small knock. The doors creaked open noisily and Danny flew inside. He flew through the main lounge and up a small staircase to where Clockwork's chamber was. He knocked on the door and waited patiently outside until he heard a faint, "Come in."

The young halfa pushed open the doors. Clockwork floated in front of his viewing glass in his middle aged form. When Danny entered he quickly waved his staff over the screen and turned to Danny. "Welcome, Danny." He said with a rare smile. He began to float towards the back of the room where two couches rested. Danny followed after him taking a seat after being offered one by Clockwork. "Before we get started on why I called you here, I believe you have something to say to me." Clockwork said, shooting Danny a smirk.

Danny sighed, of course Clockwork already knew why he really wanted to be here. "Seriously Clockwork, is there no way for me to get out of becoming the Prince or King or whatever?" He asked, sounding slightly desperate.

The Time Master shook his head. "I'm afraid not. The Observants orders are absolute and once they decide on a plan, they stick with it to the bitter end." Clockwork answered. He shifted to his elderly form as he continued, "They have chosen you as their new King and you can't change that." 

Danny's face fell as he realized he was stuck in this situation. "So that's it, huh?" He said solemnly. "I'm going to become a King whether I want to or not."

Clockwork fiddled with his staff as he saw the teen getting more and more upset. His face suddenly lit up as an idea struck. He would cheat a little, just to lift the teen's spirits. "Danny." Clockwork began, drawing the teary eyed teen's attention. "I know this is a lot to throw at you at one time, but I have seen your future. I cannot tell you what your future is as that could severely damage the time stream but, in the end, you make the right choice on what to do with the throne." Clockwork told him.

Danny's teary eyes disappeared in an instant as he thought over Clockwork's words. The older ghost rose from the couch, shifting into his toddler form as he crossed the room. He floated over to a small mantle on the side wall and grabbed a small black box off the top of it. He returned to the couch and sat close to Danny. "I hope this might excite you slightly." Clockwork said, offering the box to the teen.

Danny took the box cautiously and looked over it. There was nothing really special about it. It was a plain black box the size of his palm with an emerald clasp shaped like a skull keeping it shut. Danny opened the box and gasped as his eyes fell upon the contents. An all too familiar completely green ring with a green skull with red eyes and a black background circle. The young halfa looked to Clockwork, worried and confused.

"After the final defeat of Pariah Dark and his formal arrest by the Observant Council, both the Ring of Rage and Crown of Fire were put into my possession." Clockwork explained. "I was to give them to the new King when I deemed he was ready." He placed his purple gloved hand on the box and gently shoved it closer to Danny. "I believe you are ready to take the first step towards becoming the King; but the decision is entirely yours."