"Do not interrupt me, would you?" Danny told the worker, who approached him in a middle of a precise work.

In his hands he held a small metallic box, connected by the rubber pipe to a glass tube. It was the most vital part of his project, not a single flaw was allowed, it would ruin months of work. He used a small ethereal flame to mold the pieces together. Pathetic, compared to the infernal furnace the fire benders could create. The Crown's influence was limited, especially when it wasn't even in his possession. And he had an ice core, for goodness sake, the bigger amounts of fire hurt him still, no matter how hard he tried to wield the power over emerald flames.

Danny stared at the man, sizing him up and down, mutely waiting for a response from him.

"I-I'm terribly sorry, Your Majesty," he shifted. "The princess has ordered to remind you about the conversation she would like to have with you."

'Just marvelous,' Danny grumbled, putting the device on the table.

"And she sends a simple worker?" Phantom raised an eyebrow. "Not to offend, but it isn't exactly her style...fine, I'll pay her a visit in the evening at six. Make sure she knows about it. Somehow."

The man nodded and left, leaving Phantom alone to his thoughts. He sighed and leaned back in his chair. The half ghost had tried to prolong the meeting as far as possible, but to no avail. Only one day had passed since his return to the construction site. And already Azula knew about his return. That girl was extremely nosy for her own good, and it was extremely annoying that she had zero consideration of others' privacy. Deciding to distract himself for a while, Phantom returned to his meticulous work, while on the outside the workers kept turning a dug up hole into a metal covered hole. It was the first layer, and it was supposed to hold everything in place.

By the evening Danny had made a significant progress for a few hours. The half ghost made it to the castle at the specific time. Because making Azula lose her patience any further would spell doom upon him, that's for sure. Passing the guards, who by then had become used to the dead walking near them, Phantom got to her chambers. Now only a knock separated him from god knows what. He did just that, waiting for a response. Receiving a word, Danny entered the vast room.

Azula was there, sitting on her bed with her...quite attractive and dainty legs seen from under the crimson dress, crossed. She regarded her visitor with an unreadable expression. Danny wondered what was happening within the head of, supposedly, somewhat sociopathic princess. If his observations were correct and his knowledge of psychology, fueled by the limited knowledge given by his sister, was expansive enough. Phantom crossed his hands, more agitated than scared. And if he was the latter, it was only the fear for the fate of his project.

"Look who's blessed us with his visit," Azula stood up, her voice dripping with great displeasure.

"I was busy, princess," Danny shrugged, unwavering under the gaze. "Sorry. I forgot in the midst of my work."

"Learn this, when the princess tells you to, you obey, servant," she approached him and looked into his eyes.

"And I, once again, shall remind you that I am not your servant," Danny looked back.

Azula disliked this. She was used to everyone graveling at her feet at her single word. But that insolent ghost...

"For someone about to die again you are quite bold," smirked Azula.

That phrase made Phantom make ready for whatever she threw at him. He looked for the tiniest thing which could tell about the way she sought to use in order to dispose of the half ghost. A flame in her palms, or some poisoned dart glistening from some hidden place in her clothes, or maybe a blade hidden there as well. But there was none. Azula then chuckled at his tensed reaction and tapped on his chin from below. She then went past him, to the drawer, where a golden decanter was. She poured some liquid in a glass. It could be some form of poison, but Azula then drank it herself.

"Well?" She asked, looking around her shoulder at him. "No questions about it?"

"About what?"

Azula groaned. "Common, I know you are not as dense as you are trying to pretend."

She put down the glass and came back to him. All intimidation was lost due to the golden-eyed princess being shorter. Once again.

"I'll be blunt with you. Father wants you dead. Again."

Danny blinked, not being able to hide his surprise. The princess misunderstood the reason of his reaction.

"Yes, can you imagine?" Asked Azula with a note of mockery and pity.

"And you are telling me this because..."

She smiled. It was a bittersweet smile, which showed both her pride at being several steps ahead, and annoyance for her father.

"I'm afraid, that despite his talent of ruling," Azula began. "He cannot see the bigger picture in this particular case. Disposing of you will not give us anything, as you have been very useful. And most certainly will be."

"I'm not some toy of yours to be the judged. We used to be allies."

"Used to?" She chuckled. "Oh, don't try to play tough, Phantom. We both know that you aren't going to be the one to stop this cooperation. At the moment we are giving you everything, even having our factories destroyed in the process."

"If you are going to accuse ME now..."

Danny was immediately interrupted by her putting a finger on his lips.

"No, no. There is no gain for you, so I'm not judging. The warden has told me that...spirits have been involved, however."

"They do not obey me. Some do fear, ghosts do serve, and not even consistently. Most of them would like to get rid of me."

"You keep trying to defend yourself even though I am yet to accuse you. Where is your boisterous self?" She kept mocking him.

Azula didn't expect him to grab the edge of her clothes and lift her as easy as a feather duster.

"I am SICK of this games, Azula. That's. It."

He then dropped the princess on her legs, as she shot him a murderous glare, before taking a deep sigh and calming herself. It was a miracle how that hadn't escalated to a fight. On the other hand, she still wanted to see the full extent of the power Phantom was obviously holding back. Not when it was directed at her, however.

"There is no escaping it," Azula snorted. "You are too naive if you think that your subjects wouldn't do the same."

"Them I can handle."

She smirked once more. "Really now? How exactly? You do not murder, oh Lord of the Dead."

"There are many ways in our world to get rid of someone without violating my principles."

Azula only shook her head and chuckled. Danny was growing angry at being scolded like a child by some vile murderous brat.

"Have you brought me here just to sate your pride? If so, then I am leaving."

"To where?" The princess laughed, dropping on the bed again. "One snap of my fingers and your piece of metal will become just that."

She then stopped laughing and looked at him. Now her gaze showed something different — almost sympathetic one, which looked out of place on her face, like a fire underwater. She sighed.

"Look. Father has told me to do that. I'm not willing to do that, and I'm taking high risks here by pulling the time. I hope to at least get SOME appreciation. It was me who has persuaded him to let you continue."

Danny didn't want to feel guilty, he shouldn't. But he did, even though suspecting a foul play.

"And now I am held responsible for everything you do," Azula finished. "So if you have the tiniest bit of appreciation, do as I ask."

"And what would that be?"

"Simple. I need a continuation of OUR alliance."

Now it was Phantom's turn to smirk. "What is that I hear? Someone is going against her daddy?"

"Shut it," the princess demanded. "No, I am not. I am already an heiress."

"Don't tell me you haven't been thinking about speeding up the process," Danny glared, crossing his hands.

Enraged, she got up from the bed as they both exchanged baleful glares. "How. Dare you!" She yelled.

Flames jumped between her fingers. Although retaining his confidence, Phantom was surprised at her violent reaction. She was holding back her anger with a lot of effort, obviously, but just as the fire in her palm, the princess was very volatile. Danny easily conjured a shield, protecting him from the blast, but the scorch mark was left behind.

"Alright, stop," he raised his hands. "I'm very sorry. We both are at the edge. Let's just calm down and start this conversation over."

Thank goodness she listened to him. The fire subdued and the princess calmed down. She was still glaring at him.

"Don't you ever put up this topic."

"Promise," Danny gave a 'scout's honor' sign.

How intriguing, he thought. For once Azula let herself slip and reveal her true feelings, for that reaction was impossible to fake on spot, even for someone as her. So she did actually care for someone. Otherwise she wouldn't have gotten so angry at his assumption. That certainly was the news.

"Alright," Danny began. "What exactly do you need, Your Highness?"

Azula sighed. "I will be blunt. Go on with your plans. Make that portal. And then you shall provide the army I need."

"But for what?" Danny asked in a genuine confusion. "You've won. The Avatar is dead. Why do you need me?"

"First of all, it is not over. We both know that they are going to attack soon," Azula leaned against the wall. "And if you prove your worth there, this is how you can pay for what I've done for you. You will not be my responsibility anymore."

Damn, that girl knew what buttons she should press, Phantom realized. Applying to the sense of greed was pointless, as he had none. Lust for power? No arrogance to be found, neither he was eager to gain anything which would only burden him. No, Azula pressed on his righteousness and honor. Phantom could not retort to this, he was obligated before the princess now. What a peculiar position he found himself in. Danny looked at her strangely. Yes, she was right, he could not let her face the consequences for risking god knows what for him. No matter what he had thought of her before. Stupid complex.

"Alright," he sighed, before raising a finger. "One time," Phantom put up his condition. "Then your world shall never hear of me again."

"How quickly your plans have changed," Azula noted, tilting her head.

"I had planned to keep cooperation BEFORE your father decided to stab me in the back. Mortals," he mumbled.

"You don't like us much," the princess kept stating what had already been known.

"To be honest? Yes. Have you not done this thing to me, you would have been nothing different."

"Oh, so I am?" She smirked. "Still friends?"

"More or less."

'I still do not fully trust you,' Phantom added mentally.

"But I have to rely on someone," Danny smiled. "Otherwise I would have just gone nuts long ago."

He did not realize how ironic this phrase would sound in the distant future.

Azula snorted. "Well, believe in whatever you want. So we do have a deal."

"Indeed. In exchange for letting me continue I shall help you and your nation once more."

"Wonderful!" She smiled. "Then you don't mind coming for a trip," the princess added dryly.

"I'm sorry, what?"

Azula rolled her eyes. "Father said that we need rest in a tone which leaves no room for arguments."

"Surely that's not all."

"Father hosts a meeting so important that he doesn't want us to be present."

Why did she say that? Azula herself didn't know why. Probably knowing that it was the last person to blurt this out.

"Hm...what a nice way to get rid of us," Danny mumbled. "I have my project to do. I cannot..."

"It was never the option. Probably father hopes that I'll kill you there," Azula's voice dripped with sarcasm as she was loosing out of the window at the lush garden.

"Without destroying everything around? I'm afraid that's not possible."

They both chuckled.

"Anyways," the princess continued. "I'll make sure that no harm comes to your work in our absence. I'm not that eager to go myself. Incognito, to make matters worse. Which will be complicated, considering that every person knows you by rumors. I almost feel insulted."

"Oh, please, how many lads with raven hair and blue eyes have they seen?"

"In the Fire Nation? None. Especially dressed as horribly as you are."

"It hurts. But I guess you are right," Danny said slowly. "Some do recognize, some don't. But I cannot change the way I look. I can't just come out in my ghostly appearance."

"Yes. We'll just hope that nothing happens on this atrocious journey."

"You have just doomed us all, princess."

This night he was somewhat calm, even going as far as sleeping on the roof of the palace, not back at the construction site. Somewhere inside he did suspect that all of their discussion had been nothing but a play on her part. But for the most part a wave of relief had passed over him. He tended to give second chances. Even though she hadn't technically done anything to him yet, it just had been his assumption. It only added more reasons to put at least some degree of trust in her.

But his peaceful slumber was interrupted in the midst of night. For some reason he did wake up, he didn't know why. But he was not destined to go back to sleep. The dark moonless sky was above him, and the lit city was below. Some people there went on with their lives even at night. But as it was getting closer to the palace, the more dim the lighting was getting, as it eventually died under the tall walls separating the royal hold from the lower folk. Danny tossed and turned, fruitlessly attempting to go back to sleep. Finally Phantom got sick of it, standing up and deciding to take a stroll in order to get tired enough.

As he was about to descend to the ground, he suddenly noticed something. A lonely figure going from the palace. Judging from the constant glances around, that person did not want to get caught amidst the ordeal. Phantom resisted a snort. The guy didn't bother to look up. But the half-ghost's curiosity was solely on that person now. It could be a thief, but there was nothing indicating anything of the sort. Then it occurred to Phantom that the man could come from within, not the outside. Danny vanished from sight, now following the person while flying right above his head, hidden under the hood.

After getting out of the palace grounds, unseen by the guards, the two kept going through the city. Phantom at first thought that he was going to end up in some shack on the edge of that volcano the settlement was in, but no, his expectations turned out to be misplaced. The man turned out to be going to the prison of all places. Danny resisted making a joke about the civil obedience. But he had to get a bit aside to snicker. All the while trying not to lose the sight of the person he had been stalking. After having a short talk with the guard, unheard by the half ghost, the person came inside.

Danny flew right through the wall. Aaand he lost the sight in that crappy, foul and smelly labyrinth. Sighing, Phantom began his search. Why did he even bother? It was probably nothing, why would he waste the time which could be spent on the blissful sleep? Just as he was about to end this pointless, invisible search, one of the doors slid open, and that person emerged from the inside. Danny thought he had caught the sight of the burnt skin. His eyes widened. Could that possibly be...

Phantom decided against calling out. He could as well make a mistake by doing so, making the things awkward. Besides, he could get the info from the one Zuko had been talking with. Danny phased inside the cell.

The room was not that big, but given to only one person the place was spacious, even though some part of the room was separated by the metal bars. There stood an old man. The old man Phantom had had only a brief chance to talk with. Iroh had seen better days in his life, obviously. His long grey beard and hair were greasy and unkept, he was dressed in the rags the color of which could hardly be determined in the next to nonexistent lighting. Danny quietly landed on the ground, before dropping the invisibility.

"Not your best day, huh?" Phantom asked half sympathetically. He didn't have any reasons to dislike him.

Because of the familiar voice Iroh unnoticeably glanced back, seeing the half ghost of all people standing behind the bars. At first he said nothing. Phantom sat and patiently waited.

"A silent vow?" He asked, tilting his head.

"Why are you here?" The old man asked quietly.

"Dunno. I've just followed your nephew. If that's who I think it is. Not that I'm going to tell anyone."

Silence. Danny waited. Nothing happened, and both were sitting in silence. Whatever he and Zuko had been talking about had ruined the talkative mood. Or the latter's very presence. Phantom stood up. He had to sleep that night, because he wanted to spend the following day working. The day after was the beginning of his trip.

"I guess I'll go," Danny shrugged. "We can play this game for a long while, pal. Here I come with but an intention to talk with the man who seems to be knowledgeable enough," he stood up. "Why does every human has to be so irritating?"

"You have been human, too."

Danny was surprised at receiving an actual response.

"Yes," he said slowly. "And I admit, I still do cling to my human self sometimes. Because I know what will happen otherwise. However, humans have been treacherous and unthankful bastards to me except for the very rare exceptions."

Iroh now could hear the bitterness in his voice and see it in his eyes. Might as well have a talk. The boy did no wrong to him.

"You are unnatural, that's why they do it. Humans do fear such things."

"Oh, don't you tell me this bullshit. I thought so at first, and where has it got me?" Phantom pointed around himself. "I tried to prove my good intentions and..." Danny sighed, crossing his hands. "They ignored all my attempts and heroics. I don't know why I have ended up here. Maybe Clockwork woke me up somehow."

Contemplating this option, the half ghost glanced at the old man. "Then again, why would he want this..."

Iroh looked at him in surprise. "The Master of Time himself?"

"Yes, that meddling Stopwatch has his fingers in everything what happens to me for a while. Even though he doesn't do anything of significance on the first glance. If only...nevermind."

"So you know him."

Danny snorted. "No one can really know him. This guy is as inexplicit as it gets. But, he is an acquaintance of mine. Tasked with making sure I will not wreck havoc upon two worlds. What I'm doing now hardly counts as the tiniest ounce of the genocide I can, potentially, commit."

"You don't want this."

"Obviously," Phantom said sarcastically. "I don't kill...intentionally. With all my efforts I cannot prevent the collateral damage. Much like the Avatar's friends. But unlike them I do realize what I'm doing, not that I like it. Everything is war-like," Danny stated bluntly. "All is fare in love and war. Just a couple of days before I witnessed our 'enemies' and 'the good guys' blow up a factory full of innocent workers. To stop the production of alloys and help the village suffering from the pollution. I don't blame them. They have their priorities straight...and trying to save everyone will result in saving none...I know it too well."

"It's good to see that you hold to some morals. But ask yourself, do you really think that what you are doing right now is a good thing? The people are suffering from the actions of my brother, and you have become a tool of his. Thrown away or not. Even if you do not care for us, mortals...think of how it would look like if it happened to your kind. Think of the true nature of what has happened, not to whom. You do not wish to help us, yet you help one mortals to slaughter the others. I am not judging you, boy. You don't strike me as something vile, from our brief conversation. You are bitter, angry at the world which hasn't been accepting of you. Convincing you otherwise will probably be hard, and the guards are soon to come here. But this isn't the world which has faulted you. And even if I cannot promise that it will be different this time, I ask you to at least give it a chance, Your Majesty. Everyone deserves a second chance."

This very phrase rang in Danny's head even at the moment he left, and it haunted his thoughts in his sleep that night..