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

Chapter 11: Voices of Doubt

Third Person POV

Clockwork paced back and forth in his grand chamber while Nocturne looked on, a smug grin on his features. "As much as I love watching you struggle, Clockwork, I don't think we have much time to spare while you make up your mind," Nocturne cooed.

Clockwork glared at the shimmering ghost, "We have as much time as I say we do," the Time Master hissed, breaking his normally cool composure. Nocturne merely shrugged in response and began whistling to himself.

As Clockwork resumed his pacing, shifting from form to form as he tried to make a decision, the doors to his chambers suddenly slammed open, startling the two ghosts. In the doorway stood a frazzled Fright Knight.

"I apologize for not knocking Time Master," Fright Knight said quickly, rushing to Clockwork's side, "but I fear we are out of time." Fright Knight went on to explain what had happened that day at Casper High and how he thought the young Prince was acting odd and having difficulties controlling his temper and powers. As Clockwork listened patiently, Nocturne had a hard time stifling a chuckle.

Hearing the laughter, Fright Knight whipped his head around and finally noticed the other being in the room. His eyes immediately were ablaze with fury. "TRAITOR!" he screamed, drawing his sword and lunging at Nocturne. 

The starry ghost's laughter halted as his red eyes widened in fear. He dodged Fright Knight's assault, barely missing being struck by the sword. "Hold on a moment!" Nocturne cried out as Fright Knight's attacks grew in intensity. Now it was Clockwork's turn to hold in a laugh. Nocturne noticed and a growled formed in his throat. "Call off your dog, Clockwork! Or so help the Creator, you'll sincerely regret it," the shimmering spirit hissed.

Clockwork sighed, raising his hand to his staff and adjusting the dial. "Time out!" he shouted and both Nocturne and Fright Knight froze in mid-air. Clockwork floated up to Nocturne, pulling the larger ghost out of harms way and then proceeded to take away Fright Knight's blade. "Time in!" he shouted, slamming his hand on the button on the top of his staff.

Fright Knight swung at air and quickly realized his precious sword was missing. His eyes searched the room until he saw his blade in the hands of the Time Master. "I must ask that you calm down Fright Knight. Nocturne is currently my guest," Clockwork advised, tossing the sword back at Fright Knight, who caught it with ease. Fright Knight looked ready to argue, but knew he would just be wasting breath (even though he had none to begin with). He sheathed his sword and settled for just glaring at Nocturne.

Clockwork sighed and turned his back to the two ghosts. "I fear that what happened many millenia ago is happening yet again," the Time Master said in a hushed voice.

Nocturne stopped his teasing of Fright Knight and suddenly became very serious. "I can sense what you are feeling, Clockwork. You fear the boy is to become the next Pariah Dark?" he questioned.

Fright Knight's eyes widened, "You can't be serious!" he cried out, "Sure, the young Phantom is untrained and undisciplined, but I have seen firsthand his bravery and kindness." Fright Knight floated over to Clockwork, standing in front the elder ghost. "You yourself even said that he was the only hope the Ghost Zone had for regaining its former glory."

"That was before Vizier reared his ugly face once more," Clockwork answered somberly.

Nocturne conjured a starry sofa and draped himself on it, sending Clockwork a pitiful look. "Is that any way to talk of your 'other half'?" the horned ghost chuckled.

Clockwork did not respond to Nocturne's jeer and instead activated his viewing screens. "I have made a few conclusions in my research," Clockwork began, turning to Fright Knight, "the 'earthquakes the Ghost Zone has been experiencing recently was because of Vizier's attempt to escape his prison." Clockwork shifted to his elderly form as he began to float absent-mindedly around the room. "Due to his previous connection to the Ring of Rage, I can only assume he was awakened once Pariah returned and ever since has been planning an escape. Now with Danny owning the Ring of Rage, he has a connection to this world and an anchor that is easily targeted."