Anathema's Abode

Chapter Eight

Choices

Three months after Sam's second encounter with Phantom, the ghost hunter had yet to hear from him. His spectral signature had registered on none of Tucker's equipment across town, leading the ghost hunter to wonder if the white haired ghost ever left his apartment. Then again, if Phantom had proven himself capable of concealing his presence from Pariah's elite for the past few centuries, evading the brotherhood's primitive technology would be a farce on his part.

Which was just as well, because Sam wasn't exactly sure if she wanted to see him. Over the course of the past few months, the ghost hunter had grown painfully aware of her previous naivety regarding her hopes of enlisting the services of a ghost of Phantom's strength. His duel against the Fright Knight had forced Sam to acknowledge that no matter how much of an anomaly the white haired ghost had proven himself to be, he was still a monster, no different from the rest of the heathen occupying Amity Park. Yet, he had surprised her by displaying genuine regret for the human lives lost on his account in the cross fire of his engagement with the general.

Sam had never been able to regard any ghost with emotions other than those akin to fear and hate. However, the ghost hunter could not help but feel a small uprising of grudging respect emerge whenever her thoughts turned to the white haired ghost. Despite his immense strength, Phantom had yet to lose the entirety of his humanity over his long years in existence. Her new attitude towards the ghost was no doubt responsible in quelling her previously horrific nightmares regarding his gory destruction of the brotherhood, despite the fact that Phantom had now revealed himself to be even more powerful than she had anticipated.

To the ghost hunter's immense irritation, Phantom had also proven himself to be irrefutably intelligent. The ease with which he had recalled the location of all her equipment on her person had unnerved Sam more than she had cared to admit when Phantom had displayed a photographic memory to match that of Jasmine Fenton. The ghost hunter scowled; it would have been sufficient on his part to reject her proposal of an alliance between himself and the brotherhood, but the ghost had managed to turn her argument on its head, forcing her to reassess her own beliefs in the cause she fought for by challenging her to produce an unbiased view of justice which did not result in the detriment of the innocent.

The white haired ghost had pointed out that while the brotherhood fought for freedom with no immediate end in sight, the innocent paid with their lives, and would continue to do so until a clear strategy to rid themselves of occupation could be devised by her brethren. It had almost seemed as though Phantom believed that the brotherhood served no purpose. The ghost hunter scowled; there was no way that she could expect a ghost that had lived in solitude for the vast majority of his existence to understand why she fought to protect others.

"Everything okay?" Tucker queried, taking note of the sour expression that had flashed across her face.

"Yeah," Sam replied. "I was just thinking about what Phantom said when I proposed an alliance."

"At least he was polite," her tech operative commented offhandedly, his fingers never leaving the keyboard. "Judging from the way that he handled the Fright Knight, you got off lucky."

"I know you're frustrated that he didn't agree," Valerie added. "But I don't think that any of the council members would be prepared accept the help of a midian."

"I should've expected him to decline," Sam shrugged. "It would've been pretty suspicious if he agreed straightaway. At least now we know that he's not a spy sent by Pariah."

"How can you be so sure?" Tucker's brow furrowed as he swiveled his chair to face them. "Up till now, Phantom's actions could be part of an elaborate plan to gain your trust."

"If he really wanted information about the brotherhood, he would've gotten it by now," the Goth scowled. "Phantom could've followed me back to our headquarters when he first rescued me almost five months ago."

"Five months?" their techie let out a low whistle. "Time flies when you're awaiting destruction by Pariah's army."

"Phantom obviously hasn't changed his mind," Valerie shook her head, ignoring Tucker. "He would've revealed himself to you otherwise."

"It's just as well he hasn't tried contacting you," Tucker grimaced. "I don't want a ghost with a corporal form looking like that anywhere near you."

"I really don't see what your problem is," the ghost hunter commented dryly.

"Didn't anyone else see him?" their tech operative demanded. "He's hot. Phantom's a hot ghost."

"Is there something you're not telling us?" Sam teased, as Valerie barely suppressed a snort.

"That's not what I meant," Tucker scowled, not appreciating the jibe. "You like him," he accused, gesturing violently as though the mere concept was an appalling crime. "You like a ghost. And that's why you're so inclined to trust him."

"Your imagination's running away again, Tucker," the ghost hunter shook her head in disbelief.

"Don't be ridiculous," Valerie agreed. "Phantom's a monster. Isn't he?" she questioned, rounding on Sam.

"Of course he is," Maddie's apprentice insisted. "But I'm not going to deny that he's a useful monster. I still know that I can convince him to fight on our side."

"He's not interested," the techno geek maintained, exasperated. "I thought he made that clear enough. If you decide to go on another midnight stroll in an attempt to locate him again, I don't know how for much longer I'll be able to cover for you two. What if Lancer starts getting suspicious?"

"You're right," Sam conceded. "This isn't working. I'm going to have to find another way to convince Phantom to join our cause."

"I give up," Tucker declared, throwing his hands into the air. "You're unbelievable."

Maddie's apprentice stuck out her tongue in a childish gesture.

"Spar with me?" Valerie grinned, pushing herself to her feet as she headed towards the training room.

"Why not?" her partner shrugged, following suit. "It's been a while."

The ghost hunter studied her familiar surroundings as they exited Lancer's lab, unable to quell an uprising of affection for the old, slightly run down building housing their headquarters. The brotherhood had been her life from the moment Sam had been recruited five years ago, when she and Tucker had accidentally uncovered its existence through a careless moment on Damon Gray's part.

Maddie's apprentice still recalled how she fervently had begged their leader to consider enlisting her services, despite the fact that Valerie had already been training for several years prior to Sam's discovery of the resistance. Her apprenticeship had been grueling, but eventually Sam had managed to catch up with, and even surpass some of her peers. Now, five years on, the ghost hunter was probably capable of recounting every little crack on the cheap white tiles in the building she spent every possible waking moment in. There was no place that Sam would rather be. Then again, anything beat returning to Manson Estate after an exhausting night of patrol.

Sam had been compelled on several occasions to simply move out, but a strange sense of honour kept her anchored to the vast building that she had never considered her home, lest her parents ever require her protection. In a way, the ghost hunter was glad for the size of her house; Jeremy and Pamela Manson never realised if she was out after curfew. Her parents' behavior regarding the empire's occupation disgusted Sam. They were nothing more than docile, perfect citizens of the empire, who would pale at the mere thought of defying the ghosts. Her parents seemed to believe that if they kept their head down and stayed out of the empire's way, Pariah would reward them eventually. Sam snorted. As if that would ever happen.

The ghost hunter spent as little time as possible in her own home, choosing instead to bunk in her small room at the brotherhood headquarters. She preferred to be close to Maddie, should their leader ever require her services. Madeline Fenton was much more a mother to the ghost hunter than Pamela Manson could ever hope to be.

Valerie too spent most of her time at headquarters. Unlike Sam's parents, Damon Gray was outspoken in his hatred towards the empire, and seemed to fully endorse Valerie in her endeavors against their oppressors. Although Damon's right eye had been blinded in the field more than a decade ago, he continued to serve the brotherhood by training the majority of its new members. The ghost hunter kicked off her combat boots at the crash mattresses as she noted the presence of Maddie, Damon, and several other council members deep in discussion in the far corner of the vast room. Despite herself, Sam could never help feeling envious of Valerie's father's support.

At least Tucker understood her situation; his parents were unaware that he had long since joined the resistance. Sam doubted if they would disapprove, but her tech operative had chosen to keep his parents in the dark purely for their own safety. He was probably afraid that they would attempt to join the brotherhood after learning of its existence; the death rates were far too high for most to consider recruiting family members. Sam knew that her team mate would never forgive himself if he inadvertently endangered the lives of his parents. At least she would never have to worry about that with her family, Sam thought darkly.

"You two had better put up a good fight," Tucker commented dryly. "You've got an audience tonight."

"So we've noticed," Valerie replied, favouring her mentor with a deferential nod as Vlad, standing next to Maddie, caught her eye.

"Any idea what they're discussing?" Sam queried, taken aback by the expression of fatigue on their leader's face.

"Not a clue," their tech operative shrugged. "The council never tells us anything."

"Makes you worry what they actually have planned," Maddie's apprentice wondered out loud.

"Whatever it is, it's probably in the best interests of the brotherhood," Valerie assuaged firmly, dropping into a battle stance. "We have vowed to serve them as best as we can."

"You're right," Sam agreed, lowering her centre of gravity as she shifted her weight to the balls of her feet as she prepared to preempt her partner's attack. "It isn't our place to question their decisions."

-

"Are you certain that I cannot persuade you to push this month's meeting forward, Maddie?" Vlad Masters queried, handing her a steaming mug of coffee, which Maddie gratefully accepted. "Several matters urgently require the full council's attention."

"We must abide by tradition," their leader shook her head. "Council meetings have been held on the full moon for as long as the brotherhood has been in existence. Why waste a night that could be spent taking the offensive arguing over battle tactics? We cannot fight the ghosts at the height of their power."

"They've come a long way, haven't they?" the brotherhood's leader smiled, regarding the sparring girls with affection despite her fatigue as she raised the mug of hot coffee to her lips.

"It seems an eternity ago that we were in their position," Damon Gray commented. "I can hardly remember being Valerie's age."

"Our numbers have hardly grown since then," Lancer replied, frustration evident. "Despite the relatively low death rate, my sector is hopelessly short of inventors."

Vlad nodded grimly in accordance.

"I still say we go public," Maddie stated, weariness evident. "Rumours about our activities spread like wildfire among civilians. I'm sure that there are many willing to join our cause, they just need to learn how we can be contacted."

"I do not doubt your capabilities as a leader, but the rest of the council will never back your decision, no matter how hard we attempt to convince them otherwise," Damon shook his head.

"You've trained her well," Jack grinned at his wife, impressed as he observed the swift blows exchanged by the pair.

"Of course," the brotherhood's leader responded matter-of-factly. "I intend for Sam to succeed me."

"Forgive my insubordination, Maddie," Vlad chuckled dryly as they observed their apprentices' progress in the sparring ring. "But naturally I believe my own student to be better suited to the role."

"And the fact that Valerie Gray's primary loyalties lie with you has absolutely nothing to do with the matter," Lancer interjected, expression wry. "Electing your apprentice to lead effectively places yourself at the head of the brotherhood."

"Could you say any differently for Samantha Manson?" the billionaire challenged. "She is like a daughter to Maddie."

"I know Sam can be trusted to uphold the core principles of the brotherhood," Maddie's amethyst eyes narrowed. "I have ascertained that my apprentice is aware that destruction of all ghosts has always been our primary objective. Sam knows better than most that no ghost is worthy of trust."

"I am not belittling your apprentice's abilities, Vlad," Lancer clarified, "The girl is exceptional in every sense of the word. But I cannot help but notice that she looks to no one but you for guidance. If the girl requires your constant reassurance in order to function effectively as a ghost hunter, will she be capable of independent thought if we are killed?"

"Valerie is young," Damon Gray interjected softly. "She and Sam still have a long way to go before we can realistically conclude which of the two is better suited to the task. The matter of leadership remains something we need not consider for at least another decade."

"At the rate the empire is progressing, we might not survive another decade," Maddie stated flatly. "I refuse to die ignorant of the identity of my successor."

"It is a shame your daughter has no interest in becoming the next leader," Vlad hook his head. "Last I heard, she wishes to become part of the council."

"Maybe in a couple of years," Jack chuckled softly. "She's still too young to play a part in the decisions we are forced to make."

"She is the equal of any of the veterans in the council," the brotherhood's leader intoned. "What Jazz lacks in tactical experience she makes up for with intelligence."

"This is a war," Lancer agreed reluctantly. "If my former apprentice has expressed interest in joining the council, I say we let her. Why wait to put her brilliant mind to use?"

Maddie's grip tightened, her nails digging painfully into the tender flesh of her palm as she observed the abrupt stiffening of her husband's jaw, coupled with the slight dimming of his gaze that even Maddie wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't been so intimately familiar with the subtle changes in Jack's mood.

He had already lost one child, and Maddie knew that it would tear her husband apart to lose the only one they had left. Jazz meant the world to Jack, to both of them. To lose her too would be unthinkable. Despite everything that their daughter had been through, Maddie knew that her husband was desperate for Jazz to salvage any remaining shreds of innocence she still possessed. Jack wanted their daughter to have nothing to do with the choices that would send countless men and women of the brotherhood to their deaths. At least, not yet. Not while it was still their burden to bear.

Forgive me, Jack, she pleaded silently, perhaps just as much as for her sake as for that of her husband's. She and Jack hardly spoke of the incident that had occurred almost twenty years ago, but Maddie knew that he blamed her, no matter how much Jack tried to convince her otherwise. She had been willing to serve the brotherhood, perhaps even to the point of madness as she attempted mission after mission despite her pregnancy. For her unforgivable stupidity, Daniel had paid with his life.

Yet, Maddie's failure to protect their son resulted in the brotherhood proclaiming her a war hero, winning her the unconditional respect that eventually resulted in her gaining the position that she held today, twenty years after her possession, while Jack, sweet, loyal, forgiving Jack, still stood by her, no matter how poorly she deserved him.

Suddenly, the steaming mug of hot coffee seemed far less inviting.

-

"Back for more, Fright Knight?" Phantom smirked, as the ghost general stepped out of the shadows to join him. "I was under the impression that our previous encounter was sufficiently humiliating to deter your return."

"Phantom," the midian acknowledged, revulsion evident in his tone. "I see your impudence has not left you. The only reason I am forced to endure your company is because I am here on Pariah's orders. I bear a message from the king."

"The great Fright Knight, reduced to a messenger boy," Phantom taunted, raising a white eyebrow in amusement. "How the mighty have fallen."

The half ghost was unaffected by the midian's roar of outrage, his eyes flaring a deathly purple as spectral energy flared at his fists. From their previous encounter, it was clear which of them was the superior fighter. Despite Phantom's offhanded insult, the white haired ghost knew that the Fright Knight would be reluctant to cross him. For now.

One of the reasons that Phantom had so easily felled the ghost general in their previous engagement was due to his immunity to the control the lunar cycle extended over the strength of his kin. The Fright Knight had believed his opponent to share his weaknesses when they had dueled, causing him to now overestimate Phantom's strength. The youthful ghost was certain that he would still be able to defeat the general at the height of his power, but not without sufficient difficulty. It was in his best interests to allow the Fright Knight to remained disillusioned.

"Whatever the ghost king proffers, tell him I am not interested," Phantom stated flatly, ignoring the general as he turned to leave.

"It will do you well to listen, cretin," the Fright Knight spat, obviously embittered by the message he was charged to carry. "My lord offers you amnesty in exchange for your services."

"If Pariah believes that I will serve him, after he has sanctioned two attempts on my life, then he is a fool," the white haired ghost snorted, the soft sound resounding in the silence of the cold night air. "I will yield to none of his subordinates. Your king has no control over me, short of his choosing to leave the ghost zone to challenge me himself."

"Nothing is beyond my lord's control," the midian growled, as deep purple flames erupted from his fingertips, barring Phantom's path. "You may have proven yourself incapable of being destroyed by my hand, but can the same be said for your little wench?"

Phantom stiffened, willing his facade not to give away the slightest semblance of emotion as he turned to face the general. "I know not what you speak of."

"Liar," the Fright Knight hissed. "The king is aware that you are harbouring a second traitor to the empire. Perhaps the Night Police cannot overpower you, but have you considered the consequences of your actions on your acquaintance?"

"Again, I have no idea what you're talking about," the white haired ghost insisted roughly, as he found himself overcome by chilling fear. Until tonight, both he and Ember had been under the impression that the empire believed her to be dead, allowing her slightly more liberty regarding her movements. Had their recklessness resulted in the Fright Knight discovering the truth?

"You may be unmoved by my liege's offer of amnesty, but it would be a farce on my part for Ember Mclain to be sought, and slain," the midian smirked, well aware that his previous statement had unnerved his rival, despite his reluctance for Phantom to enter Pariah's employ. "Accept, and we will extend the offer of amnesty to include her."

"You are bluffing," needles of ice seemed to have gripped Phantom's stomach, despite his attempts to retain an air of cold indifference towards the Fright Knight. "If you truly knew where Ember resided, she would not still be alive, twenty years after her betrayal."

"You gravely underestimate the capabilities of my trackers," the ghost general shook his head, clearly taking sadistic enjoyment from the white haired ghost's plight. "I understand it will be be difficult for you to find a replacement, seeing as to most women of our kin will be reluctant to warm the bed of a traitor."

"You are just as much a fool as Pariah if you believe Ember to be defenseless," Phantom's eyes flared an ungodly shade of green, refusing to rise to the bait of the Fright Knight's derogatory comments regarding his best friend. "Now leave. You are not welcome in my territory."

"You think all those affiliated with you impervious to our elite?" the Fright Knight barked a laugh, making no move to comply with Phantom's demands. "Allow me to prove you wrong."

"Harm Ember, and you will regret the day you chose to abandon your humanity," the white haired ghost threatened, his hackles rising.

"Why are you so reluctant to serve at Pariah Dark's side?" the ghost general snarled, overcome by unexplainable anger. "He is granting you an opportunity that heathen like you does not deserve."

Phantom paused, aggressive tendencies leaving him as he dispassionately regarded the rage flaring in the Fright Knight's gaze, surprise overcoming him. The ghost general was jealous. Whatever Pariah was offering him in return for his services, the Fright Knight coveted greatly. That lone fact in itself piqued the white haired ghost's interest.

"And how exactly would I be serving the king?" the outcast arched an eyebrow, curious despite himself. He supposed it wouldn't hurt to listen to what Pariah Dark had to offer.

"At the head of his forces," the Fright Knight whispered, his baritone voice so soft that Phantom hardly caught the words, despite his heightened senses.

"Pariah wishes for me to serve him as his general?" Phantom questioned, not bothering to hide his incredulity. "And where does that leave you?"

"As your liegeman," the midian replied stiffly, as though uttering the mere words was torture. "Pariah has charged me to serve you as you see fit, seeing as I have fallen from grace in his eyes."

"I had no idea that the ghost king was this trusting," the slighter ghost commented dryly. "I would've thought that enlisting the services of a blood traitor to lead his armies would be beyond him."

"I have warned him that you are not to be trusted," the Fright Knight's deep voice held nothing but bitterness. "But the king is eager to make use of your abilities, certain that he will be capable of compelling you to remain loyal to us. If you betray the empire, my lord will not hesitate to strike you down, no matter how powerful you think you are."

"And if I give my word, the empire vows never to lay a finger on Ember Mclain?" Phantom questioned sharply, his eyes narrowing to burnished green slits. "Our previous truce has left me with little faith in Pariah's ability to keep his promises."

"The ghost king gives his word," the former general conceded reluctantly, after a period of augmented hesitation on his part.

"Very well," Phantom conceded grimly, as his fingers furled into twin fists, fervently hoping that Sam would understand when she inevitably learned of his fresh affiliations. "Tell your liege that I accept."

Author's Notes: Dun dun dun! And the plot once again thickens. I do apologise for the lack of updates, but I've been incredibly busy at school. I have, however, now set up an LJ account in which I post spoilers of my fics, most notably Anathema's Abode, just because I hate keeping something to myself after I've written it. There's a link from my profile. Please do not hesitate to friend me!

For those of you interested, Metanoia too should be updated shortly.

Many thanks to: Queen Coke, Grumbles, Manyara, Writer's-BlockDP, CharmedNightSkye, Zilleniose, weirdIT, Xweetok, kia, RubyMoonlight, b4k4 ch4n, Acoustic Maiden, Sweeteen19, Raidon Phantom, Musicallity, WinchesterPhantom, Nobody Famous, Angelic Kittens, yuuki, FreakLevel27, Reviwer, Blue Beluga, pwykersotz, Shuricel, Ethereal Fae, passionateartist, FunkyFish1991, Secret Spy Guy, danny-fan-101, december'smorose, Black January, Emerald Calling, bloodmoon13, Sasia93, PhantomsAngelS2, Tie-dyed Trickster and quantus prime for their amazing reviews. I'm sorry again for the gap between updates.

Also, be sure to check out the DP Fanfic Awards, organised by Chaos Dragon. The link can be found from my profile. Thanks must also be extended to the kind person who nominated Anathema's Abode, if you could please tell me who you are!

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Twisted Creampuff