I've been waiting for this one! I'm writing a book about a Necromancer, so I have practice with this topic. I also have a wicked playlist! (Takes place after #14 Horn.)
The portal home was in sight, and Danny and Chelsea flew faster.
"We made it!" Chelsea cheered.
"Almost…" Danny said, desperate to get home. He felt a tugging at his core, and he stopped. "What now?"
Chelsea turned around and went back to him. "What's up?"
"I… I don't know," Danny said as his body faded. "Chelsea, what's–?"
"Danny!" Chelsea's shout was distant.
The Ghost Zone disappeared around him. His head spun, so he closed his eyes. Next thing he knew, a metal collar snapped around his neck. He popped his eyes open to take in his surroundings.
A man in black robes backed up from him, arms outstretched. He was obviously the one who put the collar on Danny. They were in a clearing in the forest. Candles illuminated the night around Danny, and underneath him was a strange circle made of white powder. Salt, maybe? He found that he couldn't move from the ring.
"What is this?" Danny demanded, calling ectoenergy to his hands.
"Now, now, Phantom," the man said, "none of that." His voice was deep and gravely. It matched his messy hair and beard.
"How do you know my name?" Danny asked, keeping his hands up.
"I summoned you, didn't I?" the man said. "I had to know who I was summoning before performing the ritual. It's basic necromancy."
"Necromancy?" Danny asked. He had never heard that word before.
"Yes, the summoning and controlling of the dead," the man said. "You may call me the Necromancer."
"You can't just control ghosts!" Danny said. "We have lives, you know."
The Necromancer laughed. "You're dead! How can you have lives?"
"You know what I mean!" Danny said, getting frustrated. "Look, I don't care what you think you're doing. I just know you can't do it!" He arched his arm back, ready to fire an ectoblast, but a splitting pain penetrated his skull. He dropped to the ground, screaming. The pain subsided.
"I told you," the Necromancer said, leaning down. "I control ghosts. That means you can't make a move against me. Do you have any other questions, or are you ready to do my bidding?"
Danny growled and flashed his eyes at the man.
"Real scary," the Necromancer said flatly. "I'll take that to mean you're ready to serve me." He rubbed the circle with his hand, and Danny felt a restraint lifted off him.
"I'll never serve you!"
"Oh, but you will, Phantom. You will."