/Hey guys, soooo sorry about the chapter being late. School factored in, as well as, well, self-esteem. So, I have a job for you guys. Leave a review, or send me a message if you like the story, and want more of it. This isn't me throwing a pity-party; this is me trying to claw out of a hole. Please, it would mean the world to me. Well, here's the next chapter. Go nuts!

"Son, I don't want to tell you you're wrong, but you're wrong. We don't interact with ghosts for a reason. Ghosts killed us, son." Pac's father was talking to him, with the most serious face. His mother came between them and looked at Pac.

"Sweetheart, don't listen to him. Love is a powerful thing, and if you truly love her, I'm behind you all the way. I love you, honey, and nothing will change that." Pac smiled at his parents, and they began to fade away. He ran at them and put his arms around them for one last hug. He felt slime on his cheek and light flooding the otherwise white area. His eyes opened to see Pinky. He smiled and kissed her cheek. Not even 5 seconds after he woke up, his phone rang. He jumped from surprise and picked it up.

"H-hello?" His fear turned to surprise, then happiness as he heard the other voice.

"Hey, Youngster. Could you come down to the lab in about…20ish minutes?" Pac nodded and spoke the scientist.

"Yeah, no problem. See you then." Pac hung up the phone and lay on his bed. He sighed and stared at the ceiling. "What if they're telling me the truth…It's only a matter of time before I'm found out. And then I'm done." The phone, just then, rang again. Pac groaned loudly and picked it up. "What's wrong, Paccums?"

"I don't wanna talk about it...but I should go. Sir Cumference wants me in his lab." Pinky smiled and nodded.

"Alright, have fun." She said before closing her eyes and sighing in content.

He didn't bother to shower before walking out the door. He walked for a while before getting to Sir Cumference's lab. On the way there, he ran into the absolute ray of sunshine, Daisy. She was walking towards the dorm rooms. He did his best to avoid eye contact, but it didn't work.

"Well, look who it is. You know, I heard Apex was coming back to take your miserable place back." She laughed and walked away after making his heart break. Pac ignored her crude comment and continued on his way. He finally made it to Sir Cumference's lab, where the scientist was calmly waiting.

"What did you need, Sir Cumference?" Pac asked the scientist, to which he responded after thinking for a moment.

"My boy, I have a mission for you. I need you to go to the nether and nab away a sample from one of the ghosts. I wish to study it; it seems to have some...odd properties. Can I trust you and your friends to do that?" Pac happily nodded, grateful that he finally had something to do besides wait around with Pinky. He loved her to bits, he just...he needed adventure, excitement. And sitting around with his…could he say the 'g' word? He didn't even wanna think it without her approval. He walked out of the lab and to his dorm room. On the way, he called up Cyli and told her the deal. She agreed to meet up with him and Spiral outside the dorm gate. He told Spiral the same deal, and they all met up about 10 minutes after he called Cyli. With berries in hand, they set off to the Nether portal. They got on their board and flew in, looking around at the portal. They finally get out and look at the scenery. It seems like eons since he was here last. He found a ghost that looked easy enough; he grabbed onto his tail to get some of his ectoplasm. When he did, the image of Pinky came into his head.

I have a ghost I could've taken- His thoughts were interrupted by the ghost flying wildly, thrashing around to get the Pac off of him. Pac managed to hold on until he got to Lord Betrayus' throne room. He recoiled towards the crashing sound, with Spiral dragging the trio just out of sight. The fire ghost turned back around to sit in his throne. He seemed…happy? Pac Peeked around the corner and looked at the king. He had his lips curled into an evil smile, with a picture of Pac in his hand.

"I love my genius sometimes. No, ALL the time!" He exclaimed before laughing loudly and looking at the picture. "First, I convince that pink ghost I was wrong, and everyone misses her. Then, once she's back, I'll give her the chip to control her. I'll finally finish off that stupid Pac-man and take over Pacopolis! And overthrow my brother. He's far exceeded his welcome stay. It's still perfect in every way!" Betrayus laughed again and Pac let his surprise get to him. He let out a loud gasp, where Spiral shut his mouth and began to run. Cyli got on her board and picked the two up, proceeding to go back to the portal.

"Cyli, we need to get a sample!"

"Pac, the sample can wait. If we try, we could get killed down here!" Cyli landed and told the two to get on their boards. They did promptly, and flew out of the portal. They flew back to their rooms and decided to leave it be. If it came up, they would talk, but otherwise it was done and over with. Pac explained his deal to Pinky, who happily let him have some of her ectoplasm. Pac took it to Sir Cumference, and quickly hurried on his way, avoiding all conversation to get back to his room. When he finally got there, he plopped face-first onto his bed. Pinky looked at him and kissed his cheek.

"Do you wanna be alone, Paccums?" He nodded, and Pinky looked at Spiral before flying out. Spiral got up and walked out the door. Pac waited until he heard the door shut, then let out a loud whine of despair before breaking into sobs. Everything he knew…broken. He figured that it might be best to sleep on it, let his brain sort it out. He flipped his pillow over, after about a half-hour of crying, and laid his head on it, where he quickly fell asleep.