And here's the next one. I don't really have a lot to say about this one aside for my poorly executed cat fight near the end. =^-^=

Ch. 27 - Meeting Demands

"I warned him." Igneous hissed as he stood on a landmass over looking Pariah's keep. Captain Ignitous kneeled behind him with a very unhappy expression. "Now what is pariah demanding of him?"

"He demands all our forces into the human world to assist in finding the ring. The FarFrozen haven't even crossed his mind."

Igneous snorted as he turned back to the captain. "I predicted as much. The elder is getting on in his centuries. His predictions grow cloudier with each vision." He then looked back over to watch the ghoul troops begin assembling their next legion. "Even if Lord Pariah hadn't awoken in a foul mood the FarFrozen would be little more than a nuisance in his mind. Only King Cold was considered a threat."

"But doing away with the FarFrozen was the reason for reviving him in the first place." The captain complained.

"And why would we need that now Captain? Why after all these centuries would we need them destroyed?" He turned to him with a sharp glare. "I claim no sympathy for the FarFrozen, don't misunderstand Ignitous, but I see no reason we need suffer in the process. What you have seen is only the beginning of Pariah's reign. The worst is yet to come."

The Flizard captain scowled at his deputy lord. "Then what would you do then? Have us continue to do nothing?"

Igneous flicked his tongue without looking back. "I fear you still do not understand, much like my brother. Go back to him. My brother's safety is all that need concern you."

After setting the ghost shield so that ghosts inside weren't harmed the Fentons allowed their ghostly guests inside. The tension was thick in the living room with the hunters watching what was usually their prey look around their home. Maddie's attention was most fixed on Danny though, especially how he acted with these ghosts. When she'd referred to him as Danny before no one denied her assumption which Tucker clarified only a few minutes later by calling out to him. So his name was Danny, but was he a ghost? Her scanner didn't think so, but the more she looked at him, the more she found the idea to be true. His eyes were too green, and his complexion was pale. "Mom Dad!" Jazz called from the top of the stairs. She was rushing down with an anxious expression. "What's going on?" She asked gesturing to everyone in the house.

"We ran into these ghosts outside, and they claim to not want to hurt anyone." Jack's tone showed he didn't really believe it though.

"We were going to send them back to the Ghost Zone, but first we need to know about this attack." Maddie turned to the large ghosts. "Who is this ghost king you mentioned, and why is he attacking us?"

The house shook before she could get her answer, and flash of light flickered brightly outside. "Oh right..." Jazz moved to turn on the TV. "I was watching this before you came in." She found the news station as they covered the attack at Casper High.

"I can't really say what that was just now but- whoa!?" The reporter suddenly looked up and the camera followed.

A large image appeared on the eerie clouds above. "I-its Pariah!" Thuban declared looking at the familiar evil mug of the ghost tyrant.

"Humans! You try my patience! First you steal my ring, and then you interfere with my soldiers! It is obvious you have grown arrogant in my absence! No matter foolish mortals, I shall give you one chance to save yourselves!" He decreed with a cruel grin. "You have 24 hours to return my ring. Do so and I will allow you to live your pathetic lives. Fail me, and this city will disappear from the Earth!" He laughed darkly before the image disappeared, and the clouds behind it began to fade.

"Is that... what I think it is?" Sam asked in shock noticing the green tint showing through the clearing clouds.

Danny rushed to the window with Thuban and Polar right behind. "It is Sam..." All around the city pockets of green sky were starting to shine through the clouds.

"I suppose this is why the Infi-Map would not make a portal for us brother." Polar stated thinking about before.

Thuban nodded and turned to the other humans still huddled around the TV. "It would seem this human city has been pulled into the Ghost Zone already."

"How!?" Tucker asked in shock looking at the ghosts.

Thuban stroked his beard. "Well... That place you call Casper High, is it near the center of this human city?"

Tucker raised a brow, and pulled up a map. "Uh... yeah it's pretty close actually."

"Then that must be why the Fright Knight was there. He must have used his sword to bond this city to the Ghost Zone."

"Why would he do that?" Tucker asked still horrified at the idea.

"So whoever had the ring wouldn't escape." Danny declared. "He must've thought Plasmius was in the city and that's why he closed it off. Plasmius must still have the ring."

Thuban crossed his arms. "He is surely the one foolish enough to awaken Pariah, but to think he was able to escape from him, with the ring no less? Quite the feat, though foolish beyond imagining." Thuban's tone showed a hidden anger not lost on his brother or Danny.

"If this is true brother then this will be our only chance."

"Correct Polaris, I must tell Lord Frostbite of what has been going on here as well as the situation with the ring."

"You're not going anywhere until we get a full explanation ghost!" Maddie ordered with her husband backing her up with a glare.

Thuban sighed. "We do not have time for this humans-"

His brother placed a claw on his shoulder. "Perhaps a compromise brother. You go and alert Lord Frostbite of what we have discovered. I will remain here and tell these humans whatever they need to know. It is the least we can offer for their understanding." Polar proposed with a amicable grin. "Besides... the Young One should be safer here than in the Ghost Zone. Remember, the Flizards do not know where in the human world he is." Polar whispered at the end.

Thuban gave a hesitant nod. "I suppose that is true though Lord Frostbite will no doubt be disappointed. I leave it to you brother." He finished with a toothy grin.

Danny wasn't exactly happy to see Thuban go home without him, but at least Polar stayed behind so he wasn't on his own again. He wanted more than anything to go home but he stood strong and waited like a warrior should. As Polar promised, he explained all he could of the Ghost King's powers and what they knew of what was going on. The Ring of rage, Plasmius, the Flizards, and the Fright Knight; everything but any indication that Danny was a ghost. He'd already realized these hunters didn't seem to know, and Danny would be safer so long as they didn't. He sat on the couch watching as the hunters mulled over the information themselves. He could tell they were still distrusting of him, but they weren't as aggressive now. He then turned to see Danny watching them while standing with his friends. He wasn't wary of them though like he was before. He was curious... too curious... Polar's eyes widened as he recognized that expression on Danny's face especially when the halfa reached for his head ever so slowly. He looked at the humans bewildered as to what it could mean. Their weapons aside, they seemed like normal humans though they did dress differently than most he'd seen so far. Their outfits seemed so polar opposite, a teal blue and bright orange... wait... those colors are familiar somehow. He scratched his bearded chin as he looked back to Danny. The boy was now more frustrated than curious as he watched them as if trying to remember something. "Dude? You okay?"

Danny's frustration melted at the voice. "Huh? Uh... yeah." He shook his head as if to shake off the thoughts he just had. "Just thought something looked familiar..."

Tucker raised a brow at him and Jazz wore a calculated expression. Sam noticed immediately. "I'm warning you Jazz."

"I won't say a thing." The teen defended while Danny looked on with mild confusion.

"You two okay?"

Sam waved it off. "Just a little girl talk Danny. Anyway, are we just going to sit around here until Thuban gets back? Really?"

"Got a better idea Sam? I don't know about you, but I can't fight an army of ghosts."

"I know how you feel Sam, but he's right. Ghouls are one thing, but the Fright Knight is still out there. I was lucky Thuban and Polar showed up when they did." Danny recounted with a serious tone. He then looked around the house a bit. "We should take the time to rest while we have it. Who knows what will happen when Thuban gets back or even if we'll have that long."

Jazz looked at her watch. "He has a point, I mean it's almost midnight. If this wasn't a crisis situation I doubt even the news would be worth watching." She stretched with only mild worry on her features.

"Going to sleep?" Danny asked curiously at how calm she was. He couldn't say he knew her very well, but something told him she was putting on some kind of act.

"Who can sleep with all this going on? I'm going to get some studying done." Which was sort of truthful it just didn't involve school work. Whether she was putting on an act or not he didn't agree about the sleeping part. He knew to rest when he could, and even though he didn't wake up early he still felt exhausted. He decided to find a nice spot on the couch to rest, and down he went before anyone could notice.

"You'd do well to stay back little human! The halfa is mine!" Danny could feel the burning claws of the Flizard on his arm, but he couldn't move. He didn't know why, or where he even was, but he did know the burn of a Flizard. His vision spun with red flashes and an eerie green glow in the background.

"L-let him go!" A smaller voice squeaked though it was obvious whoever they were, they were terrified.

He heard the Flizard cackle before the smaller voice screeched and he was yanked from his already disoriented state. "Finally a halfa! Lord Calderus will be pleased!"

The scene felt so close and yet... like he was watching it from afar. As if he were floating above his own body or this was a movie and he was the only one who bought a ticket. It didn't occur to him that he was a child in the scene. All he knew was the scene was familiar, and there was a Flizard in it. "A halfa must free the crown so the realms will keep, and quarrel raze." He couldn't tell where that voice came from or even if it really was someone talking. It didn't sound familiar. "Awaken..."

"Hmm?" Danny grumbled out as he realized he'd been asleep. "What's wrong?"

"I hope you don't need a recap dude." Tucker responded while working on his PDA next to the halfa. He let out a yawn showing he didn't sleep at all.

"He probably meant anything new Tucker." Jazz corrected as she flipped through the news channels while holding a cup of coffee.

"So nothing new happened?" Danny wondered sitting up a bit more. "Then why was someone waking me up?"

Both of them gave him confused expressions. "No one tried to wake you up."

"Yeah, I mean they'd have to be crazy with Sam right there." He pointed to Danny's left. "You guys have been out a for a few hours, and I didn't feel like going from hours to live, to a few seconds."

Danny turned to find the Goth asleep and leaning on his shoulder slightly. He almost jerked away out of impulse before thinking better of it. "...oh..." He turned back to Tucker with a slight green hue to his face. "So I guess... I must've imagined it or something..." He finished trying not to think of the girl sleeping right next to him. "Uh, anyway, I can't believe nothing happened. Thuban never returned?"

"Not yet, but I wouldn't worry about that."

Danny raised a brow. "Why not? Polar promised to stay until he came back so if he doesn't-"

"Like I said, it's fine Danny." Tucker gestured to the kitchen. "While I said nothing happened, I guess that's not including Mayor Masters showing up about half an hour ago." Jazz visibly rolled her eyes at the mention. Her first impression of the man was more than awful with how he regarded her mother. Five minutes in and she was officially creeped out not to mention irked her father said nothing about it.

"The mayor? You mean the hum... I mean the one in charge of the town? That mayor?" The halfa corrected rather horribly.

"Yeah, apparently he's old friends with my parents." Jazz informed while not even voicing the obvious slip she heard. "He's apparently been going to my dad about ghost defenses since he doesn't 'trust' the GIW. Not that I could really blame him for that." She finished with a shrug. No one trusted the GIW.

"I can't believe Mr. Fenton was best buds with an actual billionaire. I mean..." Tucker looked around a bit.

"Old friends yes, current friends?" Jazz paused a moment. "Debatable. Mom mentioned some incident back during their college days and so they haven't really spoken until recently."

"Hmm..?" Tucker rubbed his chin. "This merits further investigation then..." He mused with a playful tone as if acting the part of the detective. He stood up to stretch before heading to the kitchen. "I'm gonna go ask about ghost stuff in the city."

Jazz turned back to the TV. "You do that. I'd prefer to stay away-"

"Jazz dear, can you come in here a moment?" Maddie's voice called out cutting her off.

"-if I can help it..." She let out a sigh.

When she was out of the room Danny felt his eyes wander to Sam. They were pretty much alone in the room now. "Stop it... This is serious." He scolded himself in a whisper before looking back to the TV. It was showing the same shots of the ghouls around town though they seemed less active than before. Probably those GIW agents that seem to be everywhere. It was wearing on his nerves just waiting when there was a major threat just outside. At least when he was stuck for hours on patrol he was actually doing something. He leaned back into the couch gently and let out a chilly sigh... "Huh?" He looked at the strange condensation that floated out of his mouth. It came with an equally strange chill down his spine. He couldn't be cold.. but it was eerily familiar too. Something he'd felt recently on a handful of occasions now that he thought about it. When it came again he felt the strangest need to look up. "Is something...?" He looked to Sam and gently pulled himself away quickly propping a throw pillow in his place. "I'll just go take a look." He whispered and turned to the stairs. Flying may have been faster, but risky in the situation. With one foot on the steps he felt an odd kind of uneasy feeling. It's as if the steps were wrong somehow... or different maybe? It wasn't the kind of feeling one could put into words without sounding either stupid or insane; take your pick. Ever since he'd come into this house something felt off, and that feeling only grew once he was at the top of the stairs. Without even giving a thought about his reason for coming up in the first place, he turned right and found himself in front of a door only labeled with a rocket hanging. "Is this a bedroom?" He muttered to himself as he reached for the knob.

"Wait!" Sam placed her hand on his to hopefully stop him.

Danny was more than surprised she'd followed him up without him even noticing. "Sam? I thought you were asleep?"

She shook her head. "Hard to sleep long given the circumstances." She answered with a minor smirk. "But what are you doing up here?"

Danny found himself hard pressed for an answer since he wasn't completely sure himself. "Well I thought I... hmmm?" He felt the door knob move under his hand.

"Danny, you don't need to go in there. I mean is this really the time to go snooping in a house of ghost hunters?"

Danny didn't really listen, however, since he was far more interested in what was on the other side of this door. "I'm just going to take a look Sam."

"But you really don't- Come on Danny." She urged as she pulled the door back fruitlessly.

Danny's superior strength won out easily and the room's interior made him really wonder what had Sam so against it. "Are these... baby toys?" He raised a brow looking around to see a number of space themed toys all put in place.

"Y-yeah so..." Sam bit her lip as she thought over what to say next. He seemed fine so maybe she could just play it off. "This is why I told you that you didn't need to come in here Danny."

He moved over to a plastic rocket that looked to have a light up feature. "I guess not, but it wasn't going to hurt anything right?" The halfa countered finding the whole room pretty interesting considering it was for a little kid.

"That's beside the point Danny. Anyway, if the Fentons find you in here we might have a problem. Let's just get out before that happens?" She tugged on his arm and he began to follow her out.

"Oh right... I completely forgot about where I was just now... Uh Sam... Where are we going?" He asked suddenly noticing the change of venue.

Sam paused and looked at the door. "Back downstairs before... Uh..." She trailed off after seeing the change as well. They were no longer in the child's room but a large chamber that echoed with the turning of gears.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." The halfa responded very bewildered by what had just happened.

"So any thoughts on how we got here?" She wondered as she subconsciously pulled closer to him.

"Why are you asking me? You're the one who was leading me out." He took a few steps towards a better lit area while feeling Sam's grip tighten on his arm.

"Yeah well I don't think we're in Amity Park anymore."

"Hello!?" Danny called out.

"What are you doing?" Sam demanded in a hushed tone as she pulled him back.

"Seeing if anyone is home. If neither of us knows where we are, we might as well ask."

"Well what if whatever finds us isn't friendly? Did you think of that?" She asked in a tone of caution while looking around.

"She's smart for a human." A husky voice interrupted from just around the corner.

Danny's eyes quickly sharpened in the voice's direction. "That sounds like... a Flizard!" He accused with his left hand glowing blue.

A whimsical clapping echoed through heralding the flaming ghost. "Well aren't you so very clever child. I must say your appearance didn't bolster any confidence, but at least you have good instincts." He complimented with a near villainous smirk.

Out of the handful of Flizards Danny had met this one wasn't one of them. His flaming mane looked brighter than those he'd seen, and he wore a black metal shoulder guard chained in place down to his loincloth; a very common choice over pants apparently. "What do you want? Were you the one who brought us here?" Danny practically demanded as he stepped in front of Sam defensively.

The Flizard looked amused at the questions. "Not really, but I suppose you can put it that way halfling. Now put down that fist before someone gets hurt hmm?" He whipped his tongue like a lizard before turning. "Come along now."

"We're not going anywhere without some answers Flizard!" The halfa's eyes radiated blue and his aura chilled the air.

"I told you," The Flizard whipped around and a whip of fire crossed just over Danny's head before he could even move. "Put down that fist before someone gets hurt." The fiery ghost flashed his fangs angrily before composing himself. "We have little time for your queries child. You may come with me now, or we can fight and I'll drag you after." The Flizard turned back without another word and Danny finally lowered his hand.

"It's okay Sam." He comforted realizing how terrified she was just now. He could feel her shaking, and gripping his arm so tight he's glad he didn't need circulation. "That was just a warning shot. Even if he had actually attacked, I would never have let the fire get to you alright?" He placed his free hand on one of hers and her grip loosened just a little at the contact.

"I-I'm sorry... Danny..." She tried to get out, but she was just too shaken up to keep going.

"No, it's fine really. Flizards are pretty scary so I understand." Though he knew she was even more bothered then was normal considering she'd only just saw one for the first time... or maybe not the first time? He shook his head. "Anyway, we should go see what's going on at least." He pulled a bit and she followed still shaking just a little, but not as bad. She nodded quietly and he pushed on. It was killing her inside with how terrified she was the moment she saw that ghost. It brought back some pretty awful memories, and the last thing she wanted to be was helpless. Never again. "Taiga?" She heard Danny call, and found the name familiar.

"Danny you're okay!" The young girl responded and Sam finally looked over his shoulder to see a pale young lady rush him excitedly. "I was so worried when you disappeared!" She had him stumbling back a bit from the impact and Sam reflexively took one of her arms from his.

"Yeah, I figured as much after hearing it from Thuban and Polar. Sorry to worry you."

"You better be! I hated spending so much time in the valley mists."

"You mean you were bored without me right?" Danny countered knowing Taiga hated being cooped up.

"Well... I suppose you are more entertaining than anyone from my village..." She trailed off when she noticed Sam and quickly looked agitated. "What is this human doing with you?" She never broke her gaze from Sam when asking.

"Uh, yeah that's right. This is Sam." He introduced not noticing how Taiga seemed to feel about the other female.

Sam seemed to share the sentiment and pulled tighter to Danny. "Nice to meet you." Her tone said quite a different story.

"Again." Danny cut in to correct them. Both girls responded in confusion while Danny didn't seem to notice their hostility toward each other. "Remember? Halloween?"

Taiga took a good look at the human girl. "This one? Was she the human in the pointy hat?"

Sam rolled her eyes at the tone. "At least I wore a costume." Now that she thought about it, this ghost looked almost exactly like that girl Danny was with that day. At least from what she could remember.

"Whatever, she's not important now Danny." Taiga dismissed effectively ignoring Sam's insult. "Lord Igneous has something he needs to talk to us about."

"Who?" Danny wondered as he followed.

"He's Lord Calderus' elder brother." She informed looking confused. "I'm surprised you don't know his name. You were just talking to him after all."

"Wait the Flizard?! Why are we talking with one of them? You know they've been trying to kidnap me since I was four right?"

Taiga nodded, but kept moving. "Duh, but Lord Igneous is different. My mother trusts him which, as you know, is something to prize." They went around a corner to find a table set up with a few chairs. The Flizard was already sitting, and chatting with Clockwork who looked surprisingly entertained given his company.

"Do you know that guy too?" Sam asked in a whisper while gesturing to the time ghost.

"Yeah, that's Clockwork. He's the one who helped me and Taiga get to the human world for Halloween. Even if I don't trust the Flizard, I do trust Clockwork."

Taiga turned to him with a grin. "Plus, he's no match for the master of time." She informed the girl as if Sam was foolish for not knowing.

"Master of-"

"Ah, Daniel! And, you've brought a companion I see?" The old ghost greeted with a knowing wink. "It's a good thing I placed enough chairs then."

"You're small talk can only be amusing for so long Clockwork. As if you didn't know who would be here?" Igneous chuckled before becoming serious. "And while we may have time, I do not wish to waste it on small talk." He smacked the table top. "Come! Make haste children!"

Danny was sure Sam had the seat furthest from the fiery ghost though he still ended up between the girls. "Tea?" Clockwork offered from a rather fancy tray. He didn't wait for an answer, and simply placed one in front of each of them.

"Okay, if we're in such a hurry, why are you serving tea?" Sam questioned while feeling uneasy surrounded by all the new ghosts.

"Ah, but we do have time." Clockwork countered.

"None to waste!" Igneous snapped before looking at the boy. "Let us get straight to the point halfling. I want you to assist me in rescuing my foolish brother. Am I wrong in assuming you know of Pariah Dark? He was raiding the human world last I checked."

"Of course I know him, and yeah he still is. He's looking for some ring Plasmius stole."

The Flizard nodded. "Yes, the Ring of Rage. Pariah can make little use of the crown without it. He will not rest until it's found, and neither will his army. That unfortunately now includes my brother."

Danny chuckled darkly at the news. "So? Haven't the Flizards been trying to free him for centuries? You got your wish."

Lord Igneous' flaming mane flared violently at the remark. "Let us be clear now child, that was never my wish!" He growled. "I loathe the idea of being ruled by that tyrant even more than the FarFrozen. I made plenty of attempts to sway my brother; to reason with him. It comes down to the fact I am not lord of the Flizards, Calderus is!" The two of them glared from across the table before the ghost spoke again. "Back to the matter at hand, or would you like to complain some more child!" He asked as he shook the table with the force of his hands.

"Yes, that would be a good idea." Clockwork proposed as he pointed up to the viewing lens behind him. It showed Pariah's Keep as skeletal soldiers and Flizards gathered in mass around it. "This is wave number two."

Danny stood up and looked at the lens in worry. "Damn! It's not like more than a handful of the humans can fight back! Why does he need so many just for that?"

"Pariah needs no greater reason to raze that human city than one remark of opposition. He is cruel beyond measure as you should be aware." Igneous hiss while looking at the screen. "That is why I need your assistance."

"Hold on, why Danny? He can't fight a whole army." Sam protested.

"You don't know what he's capable of human!" Taiga countered in annoyance.

"She is right though Taiga. I couldn't fight all that, and then there's Pariah. I wouldn't last a minute if he's as powerful as I think he is."

"You surprise me halfling. You measure yourself well." The Flizard remarked with a crooked smile. "All the more reason it must be you. If you join me in my fight, I can assure you the Flizards will not be a problem. Once I have my foolish brother, the others can be swayed easily enough at this point."

"You still haven't told us why it has to be Danny." Sam cut in with growing confidence.

The Flizard narrowed his gaze at her. "A halfling must free the crown for realms to keep and quarrel raze." He finally said with a deep hiss at the end.

"What is that? Some kind of prophecy?" Danny asked with a curious brow.

"Yes."

"I always thought stuff like that was supposed to rhyme or something."

Igneous laughed at the response. "I give you a prophecy centuries old, and that is what you take from it?"

Clockwork looked equally amused though he didn't break out into laughter. "If it makes any difference to you, it rhymes in the original language it was spoken with." He informed adjusting his staff.

"And you keep calling me a halfling? Is that why it has to be me? What does it mean?"

"A halfling is born of the human world. Quite an uncommon occurrence, but we have found two that exist at the present time. The other is who caused this whole mess, and so I wish to try you. This prophecy was the reason the Flizards were so hell bent to capture you in the first place. They wanted you to revive Pariah Dark."

Danny looked at him bewildered. "Me? free Pariah Dark!? As if I would ever even think of doing something that crazy!" He shot back, seeming to miss the first part of the explanation.

"Yes, Lord Frostbite made that quite impossible. Then my brother decided to trust the other hoping to get his way, and now we are here. If Plasmius has the ring, and can keep it from Pariah's forces then we have little worry our plan will fail."

"This still comes back to Danny fighting an army!" Sam argued, and Danny placed a hand on her shoulder to get her to calm down.

"It's alright Sam, it makes sense."

"Yes human, but let me spell it out for you. The halfling need only fight through to Pariah. Once before him he may challenge him to combat. Lord Pariah will have no choice but to oblige while wearing the crown."

"So a one on one then?" She questioned.

"You're talking about the Right of Challenge to be king of the Ghost Zone?" Taiga interrupted with a worried expression.

"Indeed young snow witch. If he were to refuse such a challenge the crown would no doubt refuse him since he is without the ring. This is our only chance, and the window is closing." Igneous responded as he turned back to the halfa. "Now choose. Lord Frostbite surly taught you of honor and duty. Prove to me that FarFrozen honor is what they say it is."

"You-" Taiga stopped short. It was obvious she wanted to say something, but something held her back. "Taiga?" She shook her head at him. She couldn't, not yet.

Danny waited another minute hoping whatever Taiga wanted to say would come back to her. When it didn't he stood up with a resolute breath. "Fine." He struck his chest in salute. "On my honor Lord Igneous, I'll do whatever I can." The halfa announced proudly causing the Flizard to smirk.

The fiery ghost stood as well and gave a salute with a claw over his left shoulder. "And on my honor as a Flizard, I shall do my share, young warrior of the FarFrozen." It was hard to tell when a Flizard was being sincere, but Danny felt this might be it. His voice wasn't as reverberant. It didn't make you wonder if he was laughing or cackling like before.

"Good, but before you leave, Daniel, I believe some different clothes would be best." Clockwork suggested as he formed a small portal and reached in.

Danny looked down at the jacket, t-shirt, and jeans. "Oh right... I should probably get my warrior clothes from your place Sam. I'd ruin these if I fought in them."

"Danny, would you stop worrying about it? They're your clothes now. I don't care what you do with them." Sam countered giving him a teasing grin.

"But you got them for me, so I don't want to mess them up." He admitted with a green blush. "Besides, I'd be more comfortable fighting like a FarFrozen."

Their couple interaction was interrupted by Clockwork clearing his throat. "Actually, I had something a little different in mind." He held up what looked like a black and white jumpsuit which only puzzled the halfa for a moment.

"Hey, that's the jumpsuit I wore when I was little. Where'd you get it?"

"Uh Danny, this is way too big to be yours." Taiga pointed out gesturing to how far it hung down. "This looks like it would fit you now."

Danny took the suit and held it up under his chin. "Whoa... you're right. Did you make me another one? Also, why?"

Clockwork shook his head. "No, this is your suit. One of a kind. You could say it's one size fits all, but just for you. I recommend wearing that when you challenge Pariah."

Taiga took the right arm of the suit in her hands. "Look, Danny, it even still has that protective charm Lord Frostbite gave you. It really is yours." She held it up to show the halfa the intricate design covering the right wrist.

"I can't believe it... you're right. This really is my old suit."

Sam looked at it curiously, and with a bit of anxiety. "Why would you be wearing this as a kid?"

Danny could only shrug. "I don't know, but it's what was wearing when Frostbite found me." Though now that he was really thinking about it, why was he wearing this? It's not what you'd normally see a child wearing even in the human world. It was familiar though... in a way.

"Hurry up child! Despite our present company, time waits for no ghost." Lord Igneous growled while standing up. He headed over to the viewing screen to wait with his tail flicking in agitation.

Danny turned from him back to the suit and rubbed the material with his thumb. "Alright, sure."

"But are you really sure about this Danny?" Sam asked again giving him a worried expression. "Even if you are a ghost, you're only one guy Danny."

The halfa turned to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, but I need to do something Sam. If this plan has even a small chance of succeeding, I want to try it." He then stepped away to change.

Taiga glared at the other girl with annoyance. "Just what is your aim human?"

Sam turned to her with a scowl. "Aim? What's that supposed to mean?"

"As if you don't know? Hanging all over him like that?" Taiga countered spitefully.

Sam blushed but it was hard to tell if it was anger or embarrassment. "I don't need to explain myself to you! Danny's just..."

"Just what? Your friend? As if I'm that stupid!" The snow woman pointed to the teen. "Listen here-"

"Sam, Taiga? What are you two yelling about?" Danny asked as he came back to the group. He'd gotten the suit on surprisingly fast, and the girls went silent at his interruption. He placed his clothes in a pile on the table neatly. "Something happen?" Taiga looked away in frustration when she saw Danny look at Sam first. The Goth blushed at his appearance. She couldn't help noticing how the suit fit him so well... perfectly even. "Sam?"

"Uh, it's nothing Danny really. Just having a little girl talk."

Danny looked confused. Girl talked sounded a lot like arguing, but what would he know? "Okay..." He then turned to Lord Igneous. "I should get going. The longer we wait, the more people Pariah could hurt."

Sam grabbed his arm. "Just wait a sec Danny."

The halfa was torn a moment before nodding. "Sure Sam, what's up?"

"I just... Come back okay? Promise you'll come back."

Danny didn't want to make a promise he wasn't sure he could keep. He wasn't even sure he'd make it to Pariah, let alone defeat him. "Sam..." He let out a sigh. "I can't promise you that."

She held his arm tighter. "Then you can't leave! Why should you have to go fix a mess you didn't make if you can't even promise me you'll come back?" She looked like she was close to crying, but more angry.

"Look Sam, I have to do something. It may not be my fault, but it is my responsibility." He then reached his free hand to her arm. "I may not guarantee I'll come back, but I can promise you one thing. If it's in my power to come back to you I will." He pulled away and struck his chest like a FarFrozen. "On my honor as a FarFrozen warrior."

Despite not giving her what she wanted she couldn't help but laugh. "That warrior's honor stuff again? Fine, I'll take that. Just don't do anything stupid."

"I doubt he can promise that either." Taiga cut in with a superior tone. "He's way too trusting."

Danny blushed and crossed his arms. "Hey! I am not!" He defended.

Surprisingly enough Sam laughed at this as well. "Sorry Danny, but she's right."

Taiga seemed proud of the admission before holding up a crystal hanging from a string. "Good, at least you know that much human girl. Anyway Danny, didn't mother tell you never to take this off?"

Danny took the necklace with a sheepish expression. "Oh, right... I can't believe I forgot. You're not going to tell her are you?"

Taiga could only laugh at Danny's pleading expression. "All this and you're still afraid of getting in trouble? You never change do you?" She then rolled her eyes. "Well, I suppose I can keep it a secret, but only because it's you." She then floated up to kiss him on the cheek. "Now get out there, and show them what a warrior looks like." Taiga then turned on her heel and walked off after giving Sam a victorious smirk.

"Geez, she's so weird sometimes." Danny complained as he rubbed the cheek she kissed. He looked embarrassed, but annoyed too.

"She wouldn't be so weird if you weren't so clueless." The Goth scolded as she crossed her arms. "And you just let her kiss you like that?"

"I didn't let her she just did it!" The halfa argued.

Sam turned around. "Whatever, but you didn't try to stop her."

"I can't make her do anything you know? Taiga's always done whatever she wanted." His defense sounded frail even to his own ears.

Sam turned to him with a narrowed gaze. "If you like her just say so Danny. You don't need to defend how you feel to me."

"Defend what? We've been friends since I was a kid Sam! You act like your accusing me of something, but Elliot's the same way around you!"

"Elliot has nothing to do with this Danny!"

"Oh really-"

"Good luck Daniel." Clockwork interrupted before the halfa was gone in an instant.

I know my Clockwork was a bit too troll like, but hey? He's like time, hard to stop when he gets going. Also, yes a poorly executed cat fight!=^-^=

Thx for reading and please comment! I'd love to hear how ya'll think this will play out.=^-^=