The Feast of Competition & The Second Trial

As everyone was seated, the King stood up and toasted the feast. As everyone was served, the four competitors were deliberately not served. The King, Margrave, and Grand Master were all grading them. While the others bickered and found the staffers of the Castle, the Grey Ghost politely called one over and inquired about everyone's food. The staffer nodded and as she walked away, signaled the Margrave of the Ghost's actions. However, as the staff brought out their meals, Kelstone, another competitor, lunged over the table rushing towards Sam. 

"HE'S ALL MINE YOU FOOLS!" 

However, before he could even come within the guards' range, voodoo spirit chains from the Grey Ghost latched onto him and threatened the other two who had prepared to leave their seats. 

"While it is impolite to shout and run around like a child during dinner, I have committed an even graver sin by using my ability indoors. Remove yourself from his area, or I will." Said the Grey Ghost, tightening the chains. Kelstone grumbled and sat down. The Grey Ghost stood and bowed to the King. "I apologize for my interruption, Mighty King and those by his side. Please, enjoy your meals, I shall forgo my meal as it would be an insult to allow this meal to go to someone like me." He called over the same staffer. Please take my meal to the family outside the gates, they looked hungry, tired, and worn out." 

Maximillian watched as calculated his next move. However, it occurred to him that the King and Margrave were chatting about something... them perhaps? He shook his head and looked at Kelstone. 

"You ignorant child. Have you no class or shame? And you, Grey Ghost, you need to let this fool screw up on his own and pay with his life."

Rather than answer, the Grey Ghost nodded and sipped on the glass of water he'd been presented with. However, Beltane of Grable looked over to Sam and found the Prince staring at the Grey Ghost. However, the Ghost's returned smile set him off, as he drew his blade and launched it at the King. The guards were too slow but the Grey Ghost wasn't. As the shimmer ended, it revealed some kind of explosive that was heading right for Sam, but the Ghost caught it and shielded the others, crashing through the escape door and into the flowerbed as the explosive ignited. 

The King, Margrave, and Sam all rushed outside to see what had happened. The Grey Ghost by some miracle or another was alive, but his suit was burnt badly. He stood up shakily as Beltane marched towards them. The Grey Ghost shielded the other guests, Sam, the King, and Margrave, but not himself.

"YOU WOULD DARE ATTACK THEM!?" He yelled as his rage began to boil to the surface. 

"Duh! That stuck bitch and the King are in my way. I want this country to fucking burn. I'd sooner rip the throat out of..."

The voodoo protection barriers fell away as the Ghost had Beltane pinned to the ground, using his vestiges to assist him in keeping him from ripping this... this...

"Sam is wonderfully made... and if the King... no, if he, Sam, orders me to snap your pathetic neck, I will do so without hesitation. Because, in terms of raw physical strength, I'll rip your goddamn head off without a second thought to protect him, protect everyone, even the other two competitors, and ensure you get what you deserve... Stagolee's chains! Bind him! Make it so he cannot move, speak, or even twitch a muscle until the guards or I relieve you!"

The spirit chains bound him tightly and spirits covered his mouth and eyes. As they did, he approached the King, Margrave, and Sam. "Are you three alright? Nobody's injured right?"

"Yes, Grey Ghost, thanks to your swift actions, we managed to make it out unscathed. As did everyone inside. Thank you." 

"Good... I..."

Sam rushed forward and caught him as collapsed from the explosion. Dr. Sue and Archie rushed over to check on him. However, the Ghost ripped a dagger out of his back. "So... Maximillian... playing dirty are we?" 

Maximillian stood up and took off his tie. "It was a calculated risk, but I played my part. Pay the fool to act out, play the angered one to attack Sam and all that stands in my way is a warrior with no brains, just brawn. You should guard yourself when you fight, otherwise, you'll be a corpse and Sam will be mine. It's a shame, the poison on that blade only works against humans, and everyone except your Doctor and Sponsor is a Banshee." 

Maximillian's tone sharpened as he revealed another two daggers and aimed them at Sam and Archie. "Go ahead hero, save them or save yourself. Either way, Sam is all mine."

The Ghost took the daggers directly for both of them and hit the ground laughing. Maximillian was puzzled and the King laughed. 

"Seems you underestimate me. I had my people evacuate the Great Hall... Which means..."

As Maximillian turned to face him, the Grey Ghost had his carrier decks fully extended with Lemuel and Jesse ready to fire. "Seems you would be in my unimpeded crosshairs." As Maximillian replayed the scenario, he thought he'd covered his bases... However, as Lemuel pulled the stick trigger of the P-51, Maximillian lost control and rushed him, his mind overcome with a gluttonous need to feed on Sam. However, the Ghost had him chomp down on his arm instead. 

"I told you, worm, the poison isn't enough to kill us."

"Yeah... from one dagger that is. I am running the poison of three daggers in me! YOU MORON!" 

As Maximillian's body froze up the antidote fell out of his hands and Archie caught it. He tossed it to Dr. Sue who gave it to Sam, who poured it into the Ghost's mouth. He ensures to save enough to save Maximillian. However, as he stood up, Kelstone knocked everyone out and took Sam away for himself.

"Fetch me the priest. It is time this wedding happened."