Unexpected allies

Chapter 3: Report

Right after leaving the human near the less than pleasant entrance, watching Sam disappear in the fouls melling darkness, Phantom disappeared from the view as well. He returned to his apartment, the stench of the place was still in his nose. There was nothing he could do about that, so the ghost had to bear with it. The prince made several steps within the corridor, when the familiar green skeleton appeared and bowed.

"My Lord, he is here," he whispered, barely moving the lower jaw.

With a slight wave of the hand, Phantom changed his attire. That human clothes he had were just to mess up with his captive. They had served their purpose well, but they weren't needed at the moment. On their place were black pants and shirt with green buttons and silver trimming. A white shoulder cape was hung around his collar. Calmly dismissing his servant, the Prince went further, into the living room. 

There stood a tall person, clad in pitch black armor. His face was hidden within the helmet, in its shadow shone green eyes, which held a look of disdain for the place. Obviously a well furnished place of comfort was not for his taste. A purple cape made of flames was covering the man's back. Phantom sighed mentally, before his cough made the visitor turn to him.

"There you are," he grumbled with his low and echoing voice. "Finally showed up."

"I tolerate your insults only because each time you think up something good, Fright."

"You are the one who has set up this meeting and now you are getting late."

"Don't be such a crybaby. Yes, I am late, simply because I am getting accustomed to the place. You don't put the records on my table." 

Now he was at fault, Fright Knight grumbled. If the brat hadn't been a prince, he would have long since got rid of him. Everything came crashing around him only because one day the King announced about his son's birth. Now Phantom was the favorite, and held the respect, so hard to come by from the likes of Pariah. And the ghost somehow suspected that behind many of his failures stood the same silver haired lad in front of him.

"What do you need, Your Highness?" Fright asked mockingly. 

"I offer you cooperation in this case."

"Oh, really, now," the invisible smirk could only be guessed by the slight narrowing of the left eye. 

"That's what you get while extending a hand," Phantom sighed dramatically, helping himself some wine. "Some people always mistake pity for weakness."

"I do not need your pity."

"Tsk, tsk. I am helping you return father's respect. Your past failings will remain in the past shall I vouch for you after everything we've had." 

"And you are asking for this because..."

"Because I admit that you are more familiar with this world than I am. And I would need a small favor from you as well." 

The Knight barked a laugh. "Look at who is high and mighty here. First interfering with the job of my subordinates and now having the audacity to demand something."

"It is not a demand," Phantom smiled calmly. "I can as well cast you away from my place and you would lose your chance. Who knows when such opporunity comes up again." 

"I will gain whatever I want by myself, prince."

"Yet you have come here," the obviously younger ghost smirked. "The invitation clearly stated that it was not an order, but a request."

"I was merely curious what you have to say. Knowing how you interprete everything, it could be a hidden order out of 'politeness'."

"I don't do polite if you speak to me like that," the smile vanished. "Now. I must repeat my offer. You assist me with this little case, I bring you up from being stuck doing menial and shameful tasks."