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."

Fright silently stared at his superior. It was strange of him. Phantom was too proud to ever admit his weakness. The hereditary trait, obviously. Many noted how alike in character the father and son were. What a joy for many. The offer did sound fishy, indeed, and Phantom had zero trust of the former right hand of the King. Hatred was a more proper word. Yet, it was obvious that the offer did not bring pleasure to the prince, either. He was a skillful actor, and playing card of sudden pleasantry was pointless, Fright guessed. 

"What was that other favor?"

Phantom's lips turned slightly upwards. Finally the ice cracked.

"Simple. I know that some of the rebels are hiding in your domain."

"Impossible."

"My servants are good at their job. Yours, however, are stretched thin across your lands, as well as the human world. Perfect for them, not sabotaging the lords supporting that petty misbehaving of theirs. Bad for you. Even if I am here, I still preserve order in our kingdom."

"And what do you gain?"

"It's not like I can barge there uninvited. Even better if you do this job for me. I'm busy with the humans, and you surely do mind them on your territory."

Now it sounded way too appealing to be true. If you don't count the fact that by killing the rebels in his domain he would be doing an errand for his most despised person. And if he refused, that would be seen as an act of treachery. Now that was Phantom Fright knew too well. A cunning little pest.

"I'll get rid of them myself," the armored ghost said. "And for myself."

The prince narrowed his eyes. "As long as I get what I want and everything is done as I want. I care only for dead rebels."

After a minute of contemplation, during which Phantom was getting annoyed and impatient, Fright Knight crossed his hand, clanking with his dark metal armor. Even if the offer was coming from his rival, the opportunity was worth it. But he should tread carefully. No teeling what the prince actually had in mind.

"You better do your part, Phantom. I agree."

It caused a grin to climb up the other ghost's face. "Splendid!"

Sam slopped through the sewers, covering her nose from all that disgusting smell. Maybe it was one of the defense systems she didn't know about, after all, the ghosts did have very keen senses. Sam's posture was confident - she had to get the information she had received to the leadership of their movement. Maddie would listen, and she was a part of the committee in charge. They had to listen, otherwise they all would be doomed.

Sam neared one cramped space between two support beams, before pressing one of the bricks. Then the wall rolled to the side, revealing a dark corridor. Not too soon she had stepped inside when the light blared into her face. It switched off at her press of the button. The metal floor resonated with her boots hitting it, the corridor was empty. There were much better exits. Longer, yes, but just as safe and undetectable. Sam wished that Phantom had dropped her there, instead of canalization.

She got to the more lively space, where the people were cramped in the barracks. There was one narrow corridor, with small rooms to the left and to the right. The members of the resistance were doing usual things while not training. Some were warming up near the batteries. It was quite cold and wet there. She took a sigh, surprised that no one reacted to her like she had expected. It's like there was nothing unusual about her returning alive.

"Sam?"

It was Tucker. It was just her luck he was on there at that time, and Sam didn't know if she should have been happy or not. Because of all people who would have been worried about her, Tucker was among those who feared more than anyone for her health. The dark skinned teen at first wanted to lunge and hug his best friend as hard as he could, but then something stopped him. Tucker took a cautious step back, his green eyes as wide as saucers.

"How do I know it is really you and not a ghost possessing you?" He whispered.

"Maybe because I haven't triggered any sensors?" Sam raised her eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah, haven't thought of that..."

Then it happened, Tucker hugged her tightly, and the raven haired woman smiled and returned it.

"I'm so glad you are alright, Sam, it would have been boring without ya," the tech operative smirked.

"I know."

"Wait a second..." Tucker turned on the light and saw something confusing. "Where is your suit?"

Sam mentally cursed. Of all things the young man had to ask about her wearing a male T-shirt.

"It's a long story, Tuck. Look, I've got to speak to Maddie. Where is she?"

"It's a weekly meeting, Sam. She is occupied at the moment. Look, I just thought you have died out there," Tucker whispered. "Can you spare me a few minutes? How did you even come out alive?!"

"I was...saved."

The man smirked. "Oh, and it wasn't just anyone, eh?" He asked.

"Yes. It was a ghost."

Tucker's expression instantly changed into that of utter shock and disbelief. It would have looked comical, if the situation allowed it to be that way.

"What?" He whispered.

"Come with me if you want. But what I've found is goddamn important, Tucker. Our survival depends on it."

The tech wizard nodded mutely, deciding that it would be better to let her go to Maddie that instant. If they would be admitted. Even more corridors stood on their way, more doors and spins in which only they - those who had spent most of their lifetime in that long rabbit hole, could orientate with ease. At some places the lights were even nonexistent, flickering lightbulbs threatened to finally burn out or shatter onto the wet floor. With each step Sam was losing her confidence, for she was about to speak with their most high ranking members. It wasn't something occurring daily for someone who hadn't even properly began the field practice.

But she assured herself, thinking about how important that message was. And no matter what she was wearing or what she looked like were unimportant. Never could she picture herself at such situation. Yet again, everything seemed abnormal as of late.

The door to the required room was like many others. It was not even guarded, as the place was lively enough. The people inside could take care of themselves, instead sending the other people to do other, not so menial tasks. Sam took a shuddering breath.

"Don't worry, Sam, everything will be alright. Just keep your cool."

The woman sighed and pressed the button. The door slid open and she went in.

Sam wasn't immediately greeted by a group. No, there was a wall, and she had to turn to the left, and then to the right. The room was neatly decorated, as its owner had a taste. There were scavenged vases and even paintings. But the vibrant smell of smoke made the woman cough quietly. Someone had gotten hands on cigarettes as well. They weren't that uncommon, you just needed to know where to search. Finally, Sam saw a circular table at which several people sat. Among them she saw Maddie. Gaining her courage, Sam slightly knocked on the wall to get their attention.

As expected, all eyes darted towards her. They stared wide eyed at her, and the awkward silence settled.

"Sam...is that really you?" Maddie asked, getting up.

"Hello, Maddie," the raven haired woman smiled nervously, before being enveloped in a strong hug.

"As much as we are happy about this return, which doesn't show any signs of possession, I think it can wait."

It was said by the man at one of the seats. He was mid aged, with grey hair tied in a low ponytail, with dark blue eyes. He was wearing a suit, yet another sign of his...bigger than average esthetic standards. Where he had taken a perfectly clean suit was another question. 

"Oh, c'mon, Vladdie," Jack put in. "It's surely big news."

The said man rolled his eyes and leaned back in the seat. "Our darling overlords don't sit around and wait until we give hugs to each other," he mumbled. "If we hug each novice, we wouldn't be doing anything else."

"I'm with Masters on it. After what you've done, Ms. Manson, you should know better than to barge into meeting uninvited. In fact, you are about to..."

"It's not only because of the reunion," Sam responded. "I...I've found something important."

"What could you possibly..."

"Pariah has a son."

Silence once again came down upon the room. Each person wondered about own things, starting from if it was actually possible for the ghosts to reproduce, namely those were the thoughts of Jack Fenton. Someone wondered about how Sam even managed to come across that piece of information. How she came out alive was the biggest and most common question, and one which would get the most unexpected answer.

"Take a seat, Ms. Manson," Masters said, gesturing to the chair, his interest peaked. "And tell us everything."

Sam did as was told, glad that they were listening to her. But she had to choose words wisely, as she didn't want to throw shadow on her teacher. The young woman had already been in a horrid position, and each her word was going to be heavily weighed. God, she felt so stupid and pathetic right now. If that undead bastard had seen her like that, squirming uncomfortably under multiple gazes of the people he could easily kill...the ghost would have had a good laugh. Finally Sam found the proper words. 

"His name is Daniel," she could see a tiny flash in her teacher's eyes. Oh, what a dirty joke the irony had played on her. "He assumes the form of a man about my age. White hair, green eyes. Looks almost human, if not for all that glow and other traits."

"Didn't take after his father, I presume."

"Why haven't we heard about him at all?" 

"He has been told to come here not that long ago. Phantom was subduing rebels in his world."

"Phantom?"

"That's how he adresses himself," Sam clarified.

"So, from his words the ghosts are not united," Vlad snorted. "And why should we believe him? No reason, and probably it is a one big lie."

"Anything else? His powers?"

Sam rubbed her hands. "He hasn't shown anything yet. Except the fact that he can teleport."

"That alone is a problem. Hardly any ghost is capable of that. If he truly is the son of Pariah as he claims to be, he indeed has shown very little." 

"Where did he come from?" Someone muttered.

"The issue is why," Maddie said. "First, we don't know what made Dark create himself a potential threat."

"Phantom is either extremely loyal to his father, or is afraid," Sam told. "He seemed insulted once I mentioned a possibility." 

It really was a controversial idea. On one hand, the humans had been confident that the undead's society was a monolite block. On the other, why shouldn't there be intrigues and strife for the throne? There was very little information on the ghosts' world. Not many lived to tell the tale, and the undead didn't share the details. Nor had a conversation of any kind with humans.

"Loving his daddy, huh?" Vlad snorted. "We need more details, Manson."

"It was hard to get anything. He obviously knew I would be trying to do so. He is Fright Knight's replacement. Now he is in charge of all their operations here."

"Just perfect. We've pissed off the King so much?" Asked Jack with a strange note of pride.

"More like Fright has lost his trust for the matter," Vlad dismissed the idea, taking a glass of water. "The replacement changes nothing."

"Except Phantom knows exactly where we are."

The man choked on his drink, while the others stared in shock at the young huntress.

"What?! Impossible. How did he..."

"I don't know how. He said the adress of one of our entrances so easily...the one on Palm Street."

"So he also has spies. Probably some human traitors."

"And this information hasn't been shared with Fright Knight," Maddie added to Vlad's conclusion.

"They are rivals. I don't know anything but this," responded Sam. "But he dropped me near another entrance in the sewers. He knows about that one too."

"That leaves us with only one door."

"And if he knows about that one, too?" 

"Do we have a choice?" Vlad grimly tapped on the table. "There are no other hideaouts left. We can only hope. Unless Manson wants to sneak out again and ask. The information is invaluable, however. So this time you are forgiven, girl, but shall you try this again...you know what will be coming."

No one argued with the man, as his arguments were strong and just. 

"You may go...unless there is something else you can add."

"No, sir," Sam nodded. "But what..."

"The rest is our responsibility. And not a word about this, panic will make everything worse. It applies to everyone, are we clear?"

The huntress nodded again and left, knowing that arguing in her position was stupid. One part of her mind remembered that she had already spilled some part to Tucker. And he was sure to press further. Maybe she would leave some of the details, knowing how chatty the tech wizard was. Yes, that's it, hopefully no one learns about this. 

Once outside, Sam realized that she was really hungry. A bulge was still in her pocket, reminding of the ghost's small present. She was going to keep it for later. But before eating the huntress knew she'd better change her clothes. It got her too many looks. She soon met her dark skinned friend again, but before taking the conversation any further, Sam got to her small crampy room. 

She could only make one step inside, that's how small it was. A move to the left, she would trip over a dump and rough matress. To the left was a wall. Only a small lightbulb lit the place when the door was closed behind. Sam hated living like this, but it was her home, so she was not complaining. Her room was at least separate. Tucker had to sleep with everyone else.

Sam pulled out a small desk shelf from under the bed, before changing into other clothes. There wasn't much choice in furniture. Try to sneak them inside without calling attention. She rarely came up to the surface. Not to fight, but just to see the sunlight. It was unbearable to live in darkness forever. But she guessed that entertainment of hers was going to stop now. The control was going to strengthen now with such threat. Besides, if she ever met that ghosts again, she would be discovered instantly. It made Sam sad, but she took a breath, pulling a tank top on her body. Then, she pulled a bar given to her. 

The wrapping was battered, and by touching it she realized that it was broken inside. The foil rustled in her pale hands, but Sam stopped herself, knowing that her friend was waiting for her. Maybe later. The raven haired woman stepped outside, where Tucker was still waiting for her. 

"Finally," he grumbled. "Were you sewing your clothes there?"

Tucker immediately received an elbow. He should have known better than to tease her like this.

"I'm just a bit sore even still, Tuck," Sam came up with an explanation. "Let's go eat."

As they sat in the mess  hall, the two quickly took their daily supplement amount. Some people were willing to make a certain amount of food disappear. On constant matter. Thank god for such dedicated folks.The food was tolerable, it was canned, lasted longer. But the taste was indeed bland after eating the same thing. Some died from scurvy, actually. The two sat near a crate serving as a table, before starting to eat. After a few spoonfuls the friends resumed their talk.

"So..." Tucker started quietly. "It's not an everyday occasion, Sam. You know that."

"Yeah. I don't want to really talk about it..." 

"Have they...you know..."

Sam's eyes widened in disgust. "NO!" she whisper-yelled. "God, Tucker. You and your assumptions."

"I just assumed the worst. You didn't have your suit, so...are you wounded?"

"I'm healed. That bastard wanted me to live so he could make fun out of me."

"Who?"

"Phantom. He was the guy who saved me."

She had left the part of her being saved before the superiors. How would they look at her otherwise? But maybe Tuck could be told.

"That's ridiculous. Why would he do that?" 

"To mock us, Tucker. He let me go with this only purpose. And you know...some things he said are right..."

"How can you say such thing..."

"Look around Tucker," Sam pointed at the room. "If not for the suits, pistols and techs, who would we be? People living in the rathole."

"They are the ones who made us live like this."

"I know, Tuck. Don't think I'm going to give up or anything. It's just...we look like homeless beggars more than anything. I hate it. Hate it because that arrogant prince is right, more than anything."

"Wait a second...a prince?"

Sam gave a sarcastic smirk. "I found my own prince charming," she said with faux bravado. "He just happened to be the son of Pariah."

Tucker dropped the spoon on the ground out of shock. It got him several glances, but the others returned to their routine soon after.

"He WHAT?" 

"Yes."

"Jesus Christ, you are either the luckiest person alive or the exact opposite. Seeing how Pariah is..."

"Well, he is just as arrogant," Sam tapped on the crate. "He tricked me into thinking he was a human at first. He looks so much alike. Have you ever seen a ghost with a normal skin? And he actually healed me. Maybe some undead mumbo jumbo."

"He is surely strange...what did he want from you?"

"I don't know," Sam lied, knowing it perfectly well. "He even let me take shower..."

There were problems with clean water supplies from time to time. So it was actually joyful for her to wash herself. She would never admit it, however. 

"Now this is completely nuts. Did he also bring you food on a silver plate?" Tucker asked sarcastically.

"Well, he did offer me some of his. He actually eats."

"Isn't it nice of him."

"And then stated that he doesn't care about the hunger out here. Don't know why I expected another answer."

Tucker snorted. "Maybe because his behavior is way too odd for a ghost. I wonder how his kind reacts to these games."

"Like they would do anything. Fright Knight's goons peed their pants at his mere sight."

They both laughed quietly. 

"What was he doing, anyway?"

"He is now in charge. Probably had been an accident when he walked by while I was being beaten," Sam added bitterly. 

After that they just sat there and talked about most of the huntress's findings. Tucker in turn told about his not so interesting job as a technician. That lasted for a while.

"Look, I want to show you something. You don't have anything else to do now?"

"I'm on break, that's why we are talking. What is it?"

"Common."

They got up, having finished the breakfast/lunch. The two went back through the corridor. Back to Sam's secluded room. As they were going however, two friends bumped into someone. The guy fell on the ground, and Sam winced. 

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you," she said, outstretching her hand. 

"That's...that's okay," responded the victim of her inattentiveness with hesistation. 

He was about the same age as her, with very dark raven hair and, in contrast, the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen. They even gave both of the friends chills. He had a tiny smile, and, despite being quite pale, looked healthier than many. If you don't count the scars seen on the lower part of the neck. He was wearing a loose white T-shirt and blue jeans. It didn't look like he belonged there.

"No one pays attention to me, anyway," he said, smile still present. The guy had got up by himself. 

"Why?" Tucker asked.

"I'm just doing small jobs, where no one looks much," the guy chuckled and rubbed his hand. "Cleaning, moving things...I want to help how I can." 

Raised eyebrows were his answer. He sighed. "I'm Danny, by the way."

Sam snorted. Damn it, how many of them were there? Danny looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"What? My name is funny?"

"Oh, no, it's just...nevermind."

The young man loosened up a bit. "I live and work on the surface. So I come here only occasionally. Do what I am asked to do, although I'm not permitted to many areas."

"Why aren't you fighting then?"

Danny chuckled dryly, lifting the edge of his T-shirt. The others could only stare at the ravaged piece of flesh.

"My career ended quickly," he explained. "Thanks for the conversation, I guess, but I got to go."

"Wait."

Danny stopped and looked at her curiously. "Where did those..."

"I'm not telling, sorry," he mumbled timidly. "I just met you." 

With that he hurried away. Tucker looked at his friend.

"He is weird," the tech wizard commented. 

"He is just shy," Sam's lilac eyes peered at the corner behind which Danny had disappeared. 

Although, he did look somewhat familiar to the young woman. She couldn't put a finger on it.