Since that day on Soreo slowly was becoming a trusted ally, and tonight the moon was at its brightest night. Full and beautiful. Devina is sat admiring it through the window of their living room, hand resting in their stomach admiring the clear star filled sky.
"You want me to grab you anything? I'd hate for Dan to kill me if he find out you hadn't eaten anything yet" Soreo chuckled finding Dan's temper slightly amusing, but she just ignored him still staring at the moon. He walked over and placed a hand on their shoulder. "You okay? Lost you for a moment haven't I?" He was completely the opposite of how he was when they first met, as she jumped completely forgetting that they were there.
And there it was, her eyes flashed the same similar blue colour for a moment and he saw it. That moment they knew that she isn't human at all, the energy and everything made sense including their mood swings that caused the energy to spike significantly.
"The moon is just so beautiful tonight. It has this strange feeling though compared to the other times I look at it.. it's somehow different this time" Devina spoke up turning back to the glowing rock in the sky. Not realising the significance effects it does to them.
Soreo only stayed away from the moon's gaze as it fuels him with energy, as all dragons collect magic through their scales making them incredibly powerful and dangerous creatures. With his body already full of magic, he didn't want to overdo it stepping back from the moon's glow.
"What kind of an effect is it having on you?" He asked curious to know what she's on about, sitting on a side that was shaded and away from the window.
"Like I'm getting stronger.. feeding me or something with its light. Strange, right?" Devina glanced away for a moment to look at them, seeing the seriousness in his eyes as he sat there intensely listening to every word she said.
"Don't take in too much. I learned the hard way, and it isn't pleasant when I lose control of oneself. It hurts too especially around my core like it's being squeezed like some sort of a squeaky toy" Soreo replied as his hand hovered near the centre of his chest, where those core is located. And where all of their energy and life force is safely kept.
"Oh.. that actually sounds serious. So is that why you're avoiding it? And also why you offered to watch over me whilst Dan's out helping his family?" Devina felt a pang of sympathy before clicking on why he was here, crossing their arms with a smirk leading against the sofa.
"Kinda. And I can't let you be alone during this time either.. the portal is open and anyone could come through and hurt you" Soreo accepted it and didn't deny their quick observations, but this info jinxed his words. Freezing when feeling a large presence in the area, shooting up from his seat concerned. "You need to hide.. NOW" he demanded pointing upstairs as she got up, and rushed to find a place to hide a four month pregnant woman.
Picking a usual spot within their closet, not sure if they should contact Dan or not. Too scared to be a nuisance. A crash heard when the front door was broken in followed with thumps and things being knocked, broken and thrown around.
"My home.." she thought their pregnancy hormones making it hard for them to not go down there and scream at them. As it takes hours to clean everything, and now things are being broken.
"You're never getting her!" Soreo's growl echoed throughout the house, fully in his dragon hybrid form taking in whoever decided to attack on such a beautiful night.
"Then I'll have to burn everything and you with it!" An unfamiliar voice roared throwing Soreo a through the roof completely destroying the house, far more than it can handle. Feeling it shake underneath her, it was clear that this fight is sure to cause it to collapse.
"I need to get out of here and find Dan" Devina thought following with their instinct, and slowly creaked the wardrobe door open peeking to see if anyone was in, but it was clear. Stepping out she began to gather everything, and tied all clothing and blanket sheets together to create a line to slip out of their second story bedroom window. "This'll do" she whispered tying the first part of the line to the bedside pole. Extra tight and secure she did some quick tugs to make sure it was safe, and made their way to escape.
Slowly slipping down, carnage raged through the area as Soreo fought whoever had decided to attack in Solar's place. A new opponent perhaps? Stronger and less.. cowardly?
However, when Devina glanced up she got a look of who it was floating in the sky carelessly dodging Soreo as if toying with them. Her eyes widened, heart quickened clutching their chest when staring at them as if recognising them. His dark teal coloured skin, and golden long tied up flowing white hair they had tied in a singular ponytail. They wore golden like armor on certain parts of his body, yet it didn't hide their muscular body builder physic.
A flood of memories with this guy hit her like a wave. Fear cover came them as her legs moved on their own immediately rushing towards the city, trusting on adrenaline alone to find Dan and the others before Soreo runs out of time.
"This cant be real.. it can't be him. I need to get help. I need Dan" Devina thought in pure panic scared for not only for themself, but for their unborn child. Almost being 5 months along their journey on the halfway mark, and she won't let anyone take this from them.
With their pregnant state, they were easily exhausted taking longer than usual to reach the Fenton's house. Busting in gasping for air and covered in sweat startling Jazz as Devina collapsed on their hands and knees.
"Oh my goodness! Are you okay?" Jazz rushed over kneeling down beside them, as they continued to try and catch their breath practically hyperventilating.
"Help... house... attacked" Devina panted breathlessly when Danny stepped out of the living room, freezing at the scene immediately spinning around to look at someone.
"It's Devina! And she doesn't look so good" Danny shouted as the sounds of someone standing up and echoes into a sprint clearly wearing some kind of combat boots, racing to the doorway that connected to the kitchen pausing there Dan saw her in shock, fear and desperation.
"I don't know what to do! She's hyperventilating" Jazz panicked as Dan rushed over, kneeling down immediately scooping Devina in his arms. Hearing the panic within each desperate gasp for air, taking her into the quiet living room sitting down on the sofa practically cradling her ignoring anyone around them.
"I've got you.. take long deep breaths with me" his tone became gentle guiding them to copy their instructions, also doing the calming breathing exercises for them to mimic forgetting that her stomach could be seen. Even when his huge hand went on her waist keeping them close to his chest.
"Mm.. fighting..." she kept mumbling trying to speak of what was happening, but it only came out as breathless words.
"Shh.. I've got you" Dan continues to smooth them, now stroking their back finally hearing a steady breathing pattern. Allowing her to be able to speak without lost of breath at the verge of collapsing.
"Soreo is trying to fight back against a very dangerous ghost! He told me to run.. so I came here looking for you" Devina began to explain what could be said not completely sure if the ghost was actually the one she feared more than anything back in their home realm.
"Someone actually attacked? Was it solar!" Dan became agitated keeping her close, afraid that whoever this was is trying to kill them again. Yet he was wrong.. it wasn't Solar at all.
"No. Worse, it's one of the most respected and feared soldiers of the king.. the one who.." Devina paused midway clutching his shirt remembering the cell they were kept in, the cold iron chains that kept them bound around their wrists and ankles, and at some points their neck too.
"The one who what? Who is the bastard?" seeing her fear scared to speak of their name, making Dan want to confront whoever it was himself, but with how tight she held onto his shirt made it clear that this threat won't be so easily dismissed. This one will actually kill when ordered to, with absolutely no signs of mercy or regret. "I need to know who he is, Devina. We need to know what we're dealing with" he demanded slightly as she only clutched tighter, afraid to even speak of the name or even want to think of them, but it's too late for that.
"I.. I only gained a little piece of my memories when I saw him. The chamber, beatings and near death experiences.. Douglas Darkway. The noblest knight of the king.. always the last option to clean up the messes made by those below them" she mumbled quietly afraid of being heard, finally saying their name Douglas Darkway. Sounded simple enough, but the last name they shared was dark and disturbing. It was fair for Devina to be afraid of such a threatening man, so determined to follow the king's orders just to bring one woman back to the hell she had so desperately escaped from.
"He's the one who inflicted those scars on you, wasn't he?" Dan asked subconsciously placing a hand on the bump they spent months hiding, no longer caring if anyone saw this. He wanted to make sure that all threats are dealt with and stay away from his family.
"It's my fault.. if I hadn't escaped, you all wouldn't have to deal with all of this!" Devina broke down snapping at herself for being so weak, guilty for bringing this amongst them and the realm she only wanted a fresh peaceful start.
"What.. don't you dare say that! If you hadn't escaped we wouldn't have ever met. I wouldn't have found that special someone to help ease my pain and feel loved. You're my missing piece.. I can't imagine a world without you in it" Dan slightly raised his voice at their sudden self blame of the events happening since coming here, but his words hit her hard as it was true. If they hadn't escaped none of the things here wouldn't have happened. Or the life they're currently growing within them.
He leaned in gently pressing his forehead against theirs, seeing her tear staining their cheeks as she quietly sobbed feeling his hand move from the bump to gently cup her cheek using their thumb to wipe a tear.
"I probably won't be the same man I am now if you hadn't come here. You're a miracle I knew I wanted in my life.. I wouldn't dare trade it for anything in this or any world" he added voice now tender and soft seeing how her tear filled eyes slowly began to dry up, making it easier for them to wipe them away.
"Dan.." she sniffled hugged him tightly as he wrapped his arms around them, showing that type of loving kindness most couples grow jealous of when seeing what a healthy relationship is like.
Jazz who saw it all along with Danny were silent, unsure of what to say as everything slowly pieced together for the need of isolation.
"Wait.. is she" jazz paused not wanting to make anything tense between them, as Dan looked at them while still hugging Devina.
"Yes.. we didn't want to be smothered everyday by constant noises and stress. She doesn't need it, especially the bastard that is about to get his head ripped off" Dan replied with a slight serious expression when talking about the now known pregnancy.
"We can keep it a secret if you want? Until the baby is born before surprising mum and dad with an unexpected newborn baby" Jazz suggested knowing what her parents are like, sometimes a handful so a secret will be made between siblings for their brother's unborn baby. A hopefully peaceful pregnancy once this threat is dealt with.
"A secret? How the heck do we do that?" Danny asked looking up at his big sister, who sighed putting a hand on her hip looking back at him.
"Simple. Keep your mouth shut. Don't even tell your friends, as it's for Devina and their baby's safety" Jazz replied with a straightforward answer as he glanced at Dan who silently bared his fangs, making the lad step back clearly not wanting to get on the end of those things.
"Fine. I'll keep it shut" he agreed crossing his arms with a huff before turning their head away from them.
A crash was heard from nearby, as the floor rumbled for a moment making Devina clench harder eventually making Dan feel their nails dig into him. Making them hiss slightly in pain.
"Easy with those nails, baby. I thought we already talked about how you should use them.." Dan whispered allowing Devina to loose her grip with a light blush, knowing what he was insinuating.
More crashes were heard becoming closer as screams soon filled the streets, causing Danny to transform and phase through the wall to check on what was causing the chaos. Soreo was laying in a crater nearby, slowly pushing himself up badly beaten and missing a wing, as a piece of the bone from it is sticking out.
"This isn't good.." Danny thought glancing up when seeing something reflecting slight catch his attention, soon hitting their eyes when seeing a figure floating above. A ghost similar to the one Devina was running from, but he had no clue about it, only a name. Douglas Darkway.
"Stay back runt. This is between the grow ups" the figures deep husked voice hit his ears, coming down getting a better view of the attacker. Landing before Soreo who has managed to stand up from the crater.
"You are never going to get her.. you lost that right when you decided to kill my kind" Soreo growled bleeding from his wounds spitting blood whenever he spoke. Only being looked at in disgust by the one that had caused everything.
"Your kind may be ancient, but they're getting closer by the day to extinction. So I take that as a sign that it's time that i make new era of beings to take their place" the ghost was speaking as if announcing it like some kind of judge sentencing a criminal to death. "And maybe.. just maybe, they might actually be better than those pathetic amphibians. It's embarrassing that such a once looked upon species, to be so easily wiped down to only a few hundred" they continued with that cold expressionless look on their shaved face, looking at the bleeding mess they made on Soreo.
"Grr.. don't you dare talk about my species like they're some degenerates! We're the main reason you ghosts thrived to begin with, and you allowed the previous king to be slaughtered in cold blood for what reason? For Power!" Soreo roared stepping closer as he continued to drip and bleed from his wounds. Not aware that Danny had landed not far from them, listening and watching the situation unfold.
"And? It was bound to happen eventually, so I only lent a hand and allowed a new ruler to take their place. The last one was far too soft" the ghost replied without an ounce of care for their crimes. This was when Soreo was grabbed by them, and punched through their abdomen seeing green blood splatter and damaged organs on a now stained clawed hand. "Much better.. extinction suits your kind better" they coldly hissed throwing Soreo to the cracked gravel to bleed out, groaning weakly in pain clutching where a hole now resides.
"Soreo!" Danny rushed over kneeling down at the slowly withering away and defeated dragon. Green blood began to pool out around Danny's shoes, as he saw that saving them from blood lost was impossible and it infuriated them. "What is your problem!?" He yelled standing back up to face the threat, but kept a safe distance to prevent ending up the same predicament.
They only got a chilling maniacal laugh in return, not seeing the lad as a worthy threat nor did they meet his requirements for a fruitful battle.
"You're very brave to try and face me man child. Just make it easy and tell me where I can find a woman who goes by the name Devina. No excuses either or I'll kill you too" the ghost returned to their cold stoic expression, not even caring that his claws were coated in the blood of one of his victims.
"As if I'll tell you. She doesn't belong to your realm anymore, as they're apart of humanity and my family now" Danny stated walking in front of Soreo who coughed blood, very weak and vision blurry when seeing the lad stood there having no idea who this is.
"Danny.. don't do it. He's not like Solar.. Gouglas is the strongest ghost in the kingdom.. stand down, please" Soreo weakly pleaded for him to leave, to do the decent thing when in a dangerous situation, but the kid takes playing hero seriously.
"No can do. I need to keep my family and friends safe from this guy, even if it means putting my own life at stake for them. Just like you did for Devina" Danny spoke keeping his back on Soreo, giving them a piece of mind hearing how his breath was slowly becoming shallower by the momment.
"At least... I'll die doing something right.." Soreo gasped struggling to breathe as he spoke being able to rest knowing they had done something good, and potentially saved a life instead of thinking for himself. "Thanks.... Kid" that was when they died eyes open void of emotion, head flopping to the side as their heart pumped for the last time forever stopped in time.
"Tsk!" Danny scoffed balling fists glaring at the bastard he now knows is Douglas. The ghost that is after Devina, hunting them down like prey, but why? Why didn't he come get them sooner?
"That's him!" Devina panicked pointing at the ghost over Dan's shoulder through the living room window. Causing him to turn and see it and the sight of Soreo's deceased body, immediately pulling her back, but it's too late they saw it. "Oh god.. he actually killed him.." she muttered glancing around at Jazz and Dani who didn't jump in like Danny had.
"This isn't good. We can't possibly take him down if he so easily killed, Soreo" Jazz pointed out coming to the window seeing her little brother stood tall before the villain. It was obvious that he was both scared and pissed off, but it hasn't stopped him from doing what he thinks is right.
"Dan.." Devina spoke looking up at him seeing their tense expression and body language as he kept her close to him.
"What is it?" He asked occasionally glancing between her and the window, knowing she had something important to say.
"Do you think you can take him?" She asked the million dollar question as he froze, looking directly at them. He knew she was worried for Danny, and found against this guy alone is not the right cause of action.
"Not sure. I barely took Solar down, but I can try to see how fucked we are" Dan responded standing up sitting Devina down to where he was sat, letting out a stressed sigh before transforming into their ghost form. "Once it comes to the point where we could die. I'll drag him out, but I'm leaving you girls to find a place to hide until this bastard is taken care of" he stated between the three of them, and looked at Devina one last time as if it'll be the last, before pulling her into a passionate goodbye kiss. "Stay safe, and I'll come find you" he whispered pressing his head against hers until pulling back moments later to join Danny outside.
"I guess we'll take that as our queue to leave then" Jazz spoke up feeling a strange sense of dread and appending doom. As Devina stood up, not knowing that Dani is still unaware of her pregnancy and tends to keep it like that until the time comes to spill the beans.
"Where the heck can we even find a safe place to go?" Dani asked flailing her hands up having no clue of a place in mind. The world is a place filled with endless possibilities to hide, but where to go first?
"Quickly! Let's go" Jazz eagerly grabbed the two and pulled them through the back down, as distance sounds of Dan and Danny fighting Douglas. Devina had to be practically dragged by Jazz due to stopping and looking in the fight's direction.
"Will they be alright?" Devina was worried sick for them, especially the father of her baby. Going through town as chaos ripped throughout the distance, crashes and flashing lights from attacks became almost blinding or deadily if not taken seriously.
"They faced dangerous threats like that guy several times. So this is just another one to deal with" Jazz answered eventually finding a temporary spot to catch their breath, within a allyway a few decent blocks away from the fight. Even thought it is slowly spread across the town, so it won't be long until almost everything is damaged or left in ruin.
Could Dan and Danny ever be able to stop Douglas? Or will it take more than two to take him down?