I had a thought for a scene.
Danny sighed as yet another contract on a sibling he previously knew nothing about reached his desk. The ritual had allowed him to meet all the unclaimed siblings. He went out and checked their living standards. Any in a truly loving home? He introduced himself and offered any aid they wanted it needed. Any who were not? He used his claim to remove his siblings. And if they had other children them as well. The palace was quite full.
And now he had another half sister to save. Arya Constantine. 15 years old. And sold to the Spring Lord of the Fae. Well then. He would try diplomacy first of course. He was a King now. He couldn't just fight everyone and expect no push back. He has to do these things right. But, he had sent out the proclamation. So he could be a bit more forceful about it.
He summoned Fright Knight to his side and handed over the contract. His loyal Knight read it and growled. He was fond of children, and especially his King's family. Ellie was also find of their siblings. She had taken to visiting them often.
Danny: So. Did the Spring Lord not read my proclamation is the question?
Fright Knight: We shall see my Liege.
Danny: As usual. If a fight breaks out protect my sister. I am ever grateful for your help.
Fright Knight: Of course. My duty and honour is to serve. The Princess shall be safe.
Danny nodded and stood, as he did a gesture helped him form he more regal attire. For this he needed to be King Phantom. And part of that was his appearance. The usual hazmat gave way to leather trousers, a tunic covered in runic patterns, and his leather armour. Perfectly detailed and with sections of metal plating. His cloak with a fur lining finished the ensemble. The crown and ring allowed to show themselves.
He tore a portal into existence and stepped through. The guard at the gates looked startled but quickly bowed.
Guard: How shall I present you?
Fright Knight: His Majesty, High King of the Infinite Realms, Phantom, has come to discuss a deal with the Spring Lord.
The guard looked at them with wide eyes before bowing again. Then showing them in to a reception hall. The guard walked to the door and knocked, waiting for a response.
Guard: My Lord. The High King of the Infinite Realms, King Phantom has come to discuss business.
Spring Lord: Show him in.
Danny and Fright Knight both walked in when the door was opened for them. The Spring Lord nodded deeply in respect, which Danny returned with a more shallow nod. He was of a higher position. This being the others court or not.or
Spring Lord: You came to discuss business? Come let's sit.
Danny: Yes. I was wondering if you had read my latest proclamation?
Spring Lord: No. I had not yet gotten to it. Ah, here it.. I see. Arya Constantine then.
Danny: Yes. I'm sure you heard of my disagreement with the Lord of Pain? He decided to try and hide my brother from me. I much prefer to offer a trade. But I will not have them kept from me. I'm sure you understand.
Spring Lord: Yes. I see. Well. What do you offer in trade?
Danny sighed and pulled out a folder. He had already created several lists for this.
Danny: That rather depends on what you wanted a child for doesn't it? Pariah Dark's treasury was overfull even before he was locked away. It has only increased since. There are also many who freely have their own soul that I am willing to trade.
He handed the folder over. Allowing the Fae in front of him to peruse it at his leisure. Hopefully this would make the rounds. Which should increase his chances of other coming forward of their own free will. As the list was... Substantial is took a while for the Lord to choose. But he did finally make his choice.
Spring Lord: These two souls and the defensive artefacts would suit the use I had in mind for your sister.
Danny nodded and pulled with his power. The two souls were powerful. Both mages in life who has traded for more power. The artefacts likewise we're powerful. But Danny felt no need for these items. And he would happily empty the treasury to free his siblings.
Spring Lord: You didn't even attempt to bargain. They truly mean more to you than any treasure. Despite you not knowing of them?
Danny: They are my kin. Our Father may be worthless. But they are not at fault for that. I am glad we could come to an accord so swiftly.
The Lord nodded, respect clear in his gaze. He stood and called for Arya to be brought to them. She was unharmed, which Danny was relieved to see. She looked wary, but not fearful. Another relief. The Lord walked over and removed his claim from her soul.
Spring Lord: You are apparently not the eldest child of John Constantine. Your eldest brother has attained a high position. And has paid for your freedom.
Arya: Truly? Who? May I meet him?
Spring Lord: Arya, meet High King Phantom. Your brother paid a high price for your freedom. He didn't even attempt to bargain.
Danny snorted in amusement. He smiled softly at his sister. Forgot Knight, ever the loyal being bowed deeply to her.
Danny: I would wage war for my kin. I am sorry I didn't know about you before sister. This is my most loyal Knight. The embodiment of Halloween. He has been protecting our other siblings when I am busy. No item in my treasury would be worth more than your safety.
Arya smiled at him, and ran over to take his hand. Danny offered her a hug, and she melted into his embrace. Danny looked over at the Lord and nodded again.
Danny: If you ever wish to make a trade, you know where to find me.
Spring Lord: I will keep that in mind. I have two new mages to put through their paces. If your Father offer another deal I'm sure I can find a way to make it hurt for him!
Arya and Danny grinned at that. Danny led his sister along with him. Fright Knight at her other side. She gasped as her tore a portal into existence. Arts looked around the grounds in awe. Danny always brought new visitors to the garden first. It was a great sight. Danny slumped after the portal closed. He no longer needed the courtly mask.
His clothes shifted to something more comfortable and he watched his sister happily. Arts turned and saw his new outfit, an old nasa shirt with jeans and giggled.
Danny: I might have to play dress up when doing politics. But I don't at home! Do, so you have a place you want to return to? You don't have to! You will always have a home here! But, if you have a family you miss?
Danny let out a small oof as Arya hugged him tightly. He wrapped her in a hug and felt her begin to cry. He would have panicked, if he couldn't feel her relief.
Arya: Mom.. Mom died. And her parents hate me. I really have a home here?
Danny: As long as you want. Our sperm donor have us lots of siblings. And quite a few love here. We have a few in different realms. If they had a good family. I left them with protection. And offered money or food or whatever to help. And we visit. But. anyone with a bad family? I brought them here.
She squeezed him even tighter hearing that. Her big brother (and how wild was that?!) Really cares about them. He hasn't even known about her! And he still cared! More than her Mom's family ever had! He even paid to get her freedom!
Arya: What did you even give him to get me free?
Danny: Two souls and seven artefacts.
Danny: The last King took them as payment for stuff. I freed all the souls of people sacrificed. All the kids and victims. But anyone who sold their own soul? Mostly the worst kind of people. So I use them to trade with entities who do use souls.
Arya: OH! That's ok then! Was it a lot? To pay for one soul? For just me?
Fright Knight cleared his throat and looks at Arya sternly.
Fright Knight: You are a Princess of the Infinite Realms. Our King would have gladly paid more to free you.
She flushed hearing that, especially as Danny chuckled and nodded.
Danny: Fright Knight is correct you know? Would you like to meet our siblings? And uh, their siblings?
Arya grinned at him. Yes, she would. This was... amazing. She would be safe. And she was pretty sure her new big brother was a total softy. She got the feeling puppy dog eyes would get her whatever she wanted. Which for now was affection. And possibly cookies.
Danny groaned seeing the familiar mischief dancing in her eyes. Every single one of them! He grinned ruefully at his sister and led her to the family apartments. He could hear the chaos from here. But then, given how many siblings they had, and all the added family members? If course it was chaos.
The doors opened and everyone looked over. Seeing a new girl following Danny they all waited for an introduction.
Danny: This is Arya. I managed to buy her freedom, so no new war! Yay! She's going to join us here.
Arya: Wow! There's so many of us!
Danny: To be fair, a lot of our siblings have siblings from their other parent. And you've already realised I'm a soft touch!
That has everyone laughing at him. Fright Knight watched his King laughing with his siblings and smiled. It was good to have laughter in the keep. Much better than before.
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