Hey everybody, how's it going? Sorry it's late, but I've been thinking about some things (nothing serious, don't worry). Hopefully it was worth the wait. Might have something to say at the end of the chapter.

Alright, I'll see you all at the end of the chapter.

Karkat figured he'd face one end of his father's ecto-gun pointed at him at some point, but this really wasn't the time for a confrontation. Especially with so many ghosts on the loose right now.

The halfa debated on just dumping the ghosts here and making a break for it, but he didn't know what Spades would do with them if they were left behind. They were technically innocent, considering the mind control that was taking place on a massive scale. Plus, his dad may not have shot at him the first time they "met," but that didn't mean he'd hesitate a second time.

"I'm not asking anymore, Phantom. I want to know what the hell is going on here." Spades briefly pointed at the tied-up ghosts, who remained zombified. "I've only ever seen you at the center of shit like this, so you can't say you're not connected to all of this. Why are you even fighting your own kind?"

"Why are you trying to fight me?! I'm actually trying to help people here!" Karkat waved at the destruction, realizing it wasn't that convincing. Still, it was the only thing that came to his panic-stricken mind. "If you haven't noticed, we're in a town wide attack right now and we've got way too many ghosts to catch right now."

"Yeah, and you appeared barely minutes after it started. I don't know where you're getting your intel, but it sure as hell seems punctual." Spades upped the intensity of the ecto-gun, causing it to whine louder. "So talk. I'm tired of you running."

Karkat was tired of it too, but it wasn't like he didn't have much time. He had shit to do before things went completely off the rails, so he couldn't afford to be anything but brief.

"Somebody's controlling these guys here and I need to break them out of it." That seemed like the simplest place to begin, and he figured Spades would believe it fairly easily. He shook the zombified ghosts for good measure. "That circus going on at the edge of town? Some guy took control of them at some point, and I think it has something to do with a staff he has from the Ghost Zone."

"...Okay, maybe you should start earlier. Or start making sense." Spades didn't understand how any of that could be true considering he never even knew a ghost could be controlled. Much less by a circus. "Are you really expecting me to believe that?"

"You do see that they're dressed in leotards, right?" Karkat's sarcastic comment earned the gun being raised again, causing him to backpedal. "Hey, hey, I have no reason to lie to you. Besides, do you really know that much about ghosts outside of tech? When was the last time you saw a ghost before the portal?"

Spades flinched, but Phantom had him there. Considering it was only one time, and it was a traumatic experience, he didn't have anything that wasn't biased. That didn't mean this was a great scene, though.

"Fine. Let's pretend I believe that something like that can happen and it's going on right now." Spades gestured to the town grimly. "What exactly do we do to stop it? Hell, who do we even look for?"

"There's three humans that I know are taking part in this bullshit." Karkat started, sighing as he realized he was making some kind of progress here. "Father and two sons, with the dad being a goddamn giant. He's carrying a large staff with some kind of red orb on the top. Damn thing almost got me when he tried using it."

"And how did you get away with not getting under its control?"

"I have no idea." Karkat figured it was due to him being only half-ghost, but he wasn't going to throw that out there. Not yet anyway. "But it has to be. Usually, ghosts have a lot more emotion than this."

Spades did give the zombified ghosts a better look, this time. He always figured ghosts would be volatile and emotional (because, hey, who ever heard of a happy ghost), and these guys were giving absolutely nothing in the emotions department. It was actually a lot creepier than seeing the more human facade Phantom seemed to exude.

(a very familiar one, but nothing he could place)

Not the time, Spades. Think about the mission here.

"...You have to promise me that after this- if you're telling me the truth- you have to answer a few questions I have." Not exactly like he can waste a research opportunity. Spades would kick himself if he did. "Just a few questions. At least give me something here."

"I'll give you some information on ghosts, but I can't guarantee it'll be in person." Karkat figured that would be enough for Spades. He could already think of some things he could put into a makeshift packet if he needed it. "We'll figure out more later, but can we get back to capturing ghosts?"

"Fine by me. How many are there and what are we supposed to expect?" Spades couldn't bring an entire armory with him at a moment's notice. "I was able to make another thermos, but I don't know how much it can actually hold."

"I should be enough. I think about twenty-two of them are left for the time being." This was going better than Karkat would've expected. At least, considering the circumstances. "Other than that, it'll just be the humans left. Be careful, though, they can be extremely dangerous despite not having any powers."

"Got it." Spades reluctantly stopped pointing a gun at Phantom, sighing. He eyed the thermos the ghost was carrying, narrowing his eyes. "We also need to talk about how you got my original thermos. It took longer to make a duplicate, you little ass."

"No time to explain." Karkat started flying towards the chaos, ready for a fight. "Got some ghosts to catch! Let's go!"

As Spades cursed behind him, running to catch up, Karkat couldn't help but wonder if this could be considered a father-son bonding activity.

Oberon wasn't sure if he could consider this plan a success just yet. Working with Clopin was always a gamble, especially if the man happened to find something of interest or gained a grudge in the middle of a job. Of course, when it came to chaos, that was something he excelled at, so it was going just fine.

The news was having a field day at least.

"Reports of the massive ghost attack swarmed in only ten minutes ago, but the mass chaos that has resulted is already causing a toll," said the newscaster, nervously fiddling with the papers that were only there for show at this point. "While estimates can't be made, the amount of property damage is expected to be high after this is over."

Oberon would've been sipping on wine by now, but Eridan was sitting next to him on the couch, watching the television with him. He kept his concerned face on full display, though he was satisfied that the worry on Eridan's face was most likely reflected even worse on everyone else.

"Phantom, previously thought to be an urban legend among Amity Park youth, also seems to present as well to fight the other ghosts," Footage of Vantas flying around, taking down ghosts with ease, played on the screen as she continued speaking. "It is unknown how he appeared so quickly after the attack, and it is unknown if he's helping Dr. Spades Slick, who appears to also be fighting the ghosts back at this time."

Oberon's eyes crinkled briefly before relaxing again. The attention on that little cretin was working, but he hadn't intended for the Spades to possibly be more popular. Ah well. He figured that there had to be some price to all of this.

"We need to go out there." Eridan got up, starting to pace about as he saw the destruction on the screen. It almost surprised Oberon. His son normally wasn't the proactive type. "Kar looks like he's fighting almost fifty goddamn ghosts, and we're just sitting here and doing nothing."

"Son, there's not much we can do here." Oberon didn't want this to get even more complicated than it had to be. Plus, he couldn't afford being found out this early. "We don't know what's going on out there and it looks like Vantas has it under control."

"What do you mean under control?! Look at that!" Eridan waved at the screen and Oberon flinched. Raising his voice at him was rare. "This is the biggest attack I've ever seen! If we don't do anything about it, Kar might get overwhelmed."

"Kid, I get what you're saying, but this isn't something we can just go out there and. I know you've won a few fights by now," Something Oberon would've been prouder of if it hadn't gotten into some things he wanted to avoid. "But taking on a whole army isn't a wise idea on a good day. I'm sure Spades will be backup for him if he needs it."

Oberon figured this time would be perfect for nipping his little 'activities' in the bud. Eridan couldn't be going around and messing with his plans, especially the more dangerous ones. That would be too perfect of a chance for the secret to slip, and he wasn't taking any chances anymore.

"I've actually been meaning to talk to you about something," Oberon said slowly, trying to gauge how the boy would react. This wasn't going to be an easy sell. "I think we need to start distancing ourselves from Vantas more."

Eridan's instant look of betrayal forced him to backpedal. Jesus, was that kid that charismatic?

"I'm just saying that I don't want you to get hurt from all of this. Vantas has clearly decided to take a very dangerous route in life and look where it's taken him so far," He didn't even have to wave at the television screen. Eridan looked completely on his own. "I understand being swept up in all that, but it's starting to become too dangerous for me to let you go out there."

"T-then what about you? You're the only other halfa, or whatever ghosts call it." Eridan didn't know what he expected that to entail, especially since Karkat didn't seem to tell him everything. Nobody seemed to lately, honestly. "Maybe they'll respect you?"

"What's happening out there doesn't ring to me as respect, kid. It looks more like they're trying to find a challenge." The older halfa figured that wasn't a lie. Most, if not all, the ghosts he'd hired so far wanted to see what the new halfa could do. "I'd rather you didn't get in the way of that and end up being considered another one to overcome. Can you really tell me that what's happening isn't dangerous?"

Eridan didn't say anything, rubbing an arm at that. Oberon pushed down a smile. He could go for the killing blow now.

"I've already lost your mother and your brother. I don't want to lose anyone else." Oberon moved closer to his son, putting his hands on his shoulders. "If you want, I can talk to Vantas more later, but I can't say I'll join him on his fights. You don't want to lose me, right?"

"...No." Eridan didn't look happy about this. He had actually liked the superhero schtick, but maybe Kar had been right. This really wasn't a game. "I can try and avoid it, but Kar is still my friend. You aren't against me being friends with him still, right?"

Oberon was, but he couldn't just say that. That damn brat seemed to get a hold on people rather quickly. It would've been admirable, but did he have to inspire that in his own son?

"That's quite alright." If Eridan was going to cry at that boy's funeral, he'd deal with it. He had that Peixes girl to keep him company anyway. "Just remember; stay out of the vigilante stuff."

Oberon smiled as Eridan could only nod.

Trizza figured the situation couldn't get any worse than it already had, and she was hoping that nothing would stand to test it. But, as the universe would have it, it wasn't meant to be as she saw various ghosts floating around the room, occasionally taking a dive at the shield.

She had to admit one thing; her father hadn't skimped on the details about the ghost shield, which was working as advertised. When one of the damn ghosts had broken through the glass ceiling, flying straight at them, she almost thought they were goners until it bounced off the shield like a fly against a window. The sound had been horrifying and she was sure that everyone under it had still screamed, but they were otherwise unharmed. It was a hell of a test drive, honestly.

However, her dad had also been right on another thing that was quickly proven after the ghosts didn't stop attacking; the damn shield was still a prototype.

It wasn't breaking apart. That wouldn't make sense, since it was essentially hard light given form. But every time a hit was put onto the shield, the damn thing got smaller.

That had been fine when the shield was big enough and only one ghost attacked one at a time. Now, Trizza was almost standing shoulder to shoulder with everyone else, and the ghosts were getting bolder with every hit.

"We are so dead," Kuprum was whimpering, and it generally wasn't raising anyone's spirits. Bush was doing his best to stay near the shield generator, Cross was praying, and her dad was looking for any way out of this. "I don't want to be a ghost yet. I still have to turn in my history paper."

"Kuprum, shut the fuck up. You're whining isn't going to be helping anyone." Trizza was getting sick of it. Hell, she almost wished her dad had sprung for ghost weapons too outside of the shield. It would at least make her feel safer. "Dad, do you think we can make a run for it."

"Can't say we can, sweetie." Mr. Tethis chuckled, flexing his hands as he checked every exit. They were absolutely surrounded, though, so even if anyone of them were track stars, it wouldn't matter. "These guys can fly, so I don't think we'll be going anywhere anytime soon."

Cross just prayed louder. Trizza would swear later Bush started to sob.

Frankly, what came next was somehow worse, and would leave her with questions for the rest of her life.

The door getting kicked down gave everyone a brief hope that, even if it wasn't someone to save them, it would give the ghosts a distraction so they could run like hell out of there. The fact that it was a guy in a ringmaster's outfit followed by his kids (or whatever kind of hell spawn they actually were) only made everyone confused.

"Well, I can't say this is where I'd be messing around with shit, but points for creativity I suppose." The hopes of escaping died as Clopin wasn't immediately attacked by the ghosts. At the very least, they stopped their attack. "A lab could contain something explosive."

"Dad, I think they're more focused on the glowing green dome with people inside." Gamzee flicked one of the ghosts in the nose when they got close, laughing. "What, you motherfuckers saw something shiny and wanted to take it for yourself? This ain't a money-making mission."

Kurloz could only roll his eyes, noting the others in said dome. He tapped his father's shoulder before pointing lazily at them, seemingly trying to apologize with his eyes to them when he did so.

"Oh, would you look at this!" Clopin raised an eyebrow, taking in the display with open amusement. "Here I was, thinking that I'd seen everything. Forcefields, huh? Looks like the future is coming."

"Who the hell are you?" Trizza wasn't in the mood for ghosts, much less whatever this clown was. She was still hoping that one of these stupid ghosts would show some initiative and try to kill those bastards. "I'm pretty sure we didn't put you on the guest book."

"Nice to see today's teenagers haven't changed a bit." Clopin muttered, swinging his staff around before smiling wide. "Usually people introduce themselves first before asking my name. Mind telling me yours first?"

"She ain't saying shit, dad." Gamzee poked at some of the inventions, rolling his eyes as he got another glare from the girl. "Phantoms already messed with our plans already, so maybe we should just take a few hostages. These guys look richer, anyhow."

"That's a splendid idea! Might as well earn something from all of this destruction." Clopin figured it was for the best. It wasn't like this town was big enough to have so many high-end targets. "Anyone want to come with us willingly then? We've got plenty of room back at the circus for a couple of you."

"I could!" Mr. Tethis nervously raised a hand. "These ghosts are with you, right? Just call them off and I'll go with you. I own this place, so I can pay."

"Dad, what the fuck are you doing?!" Trizza grabbed his arm, forcing it down. "Are you seriously going to buy that he'll take them away if you go with them?"

"It's worth a shot. It's either that, or we get taken anyway." Mr. Tethis adjusted his tie, taking a step closer towards the edge of the shield. "Look, if we can just-"

And for the first time ever, Trizza would claim to actually be happy seeing Spades burst in with gun in his hand.

Karkat hadn't been happy to find the scene within Axion Labs, but it looked like they made it in just in time. At the very least, Mr. Tethis didn't need to commit some sacrifice just yet.

He didn't need to talk to his dad all that much for them to figure that Spades would be the better distraction in comparison to Phantom. Clopin already had seen the halfa, but not the ghost hunter.

Karkat kept his eye on the meeting as he made sure to silently take out the ghosts surrounding the group. He'd been hit pretty hard during the fighting, but these were the last ones they needed to get before getting the insane clown posse down there.

"Hey, Tethis! How's the shield working out for you?" Spades kept an ecto-gun aimed at the Makara's. He did pause for a second when he got to Clopin. "Have we met before? You seem really familiar."

"You know, I've had to ask that same question to someone else earlier, and I didn't exactly get the answer I was looking for." Clopin subtly gestured for his kids to spread out. Gamzee smoothly moved to the right, while Kurloz moved hesitatingly to the left. "Surprised that you decided to head my way. Aren't there ghosts for you to catch? Or did one lead yah here?"

"Does it really matter? It's pretty clear since you aren't torn to shreds that you're with the ghosts here." Spades didn't bother pointing at any of them, noting Phantom had been busy taking them all down. "The cops can't arrest them, but I'm pretty sure they can arrest you."

"Eh, I'd like to see them try. What am I get charged with? It isn't like I'm planning to stay long, anyway." Clopin sighed, irritation flowing freely onto his brow. "Too many pests, apparently. I know that gun won't do shit to me, too, so you can put it down."

Karkat and Spades swore. They figured it was a possibility that Clopin knew that, but it wasn't like they had any other choices. Spades could fight without guns, and was technically better with knives, but that didn't mean a three on one fight would go over well.

Karkat hummed, grabbing the last ghost before they could notice. At least they wouldn't have to worry about these assholes anymore.

"Gamzee, mind taking care of this jackass?" Clopin turned, not even planning on watching. The asshole would die fast enough with his son doing the heavy lifting. "And make it quick. We're on a timetable here."

Gamzee didn't bother waiting for Spades to react before leaping forward with a laugh.

Clubs moving faster than most would think possible, Gamzee went with an overhead strike, Spades blocked with an ecto-gun. That didn't stop the second club going straight for the man's midsection, hitting it dead on and taking his breath in an instant.

Gamzee didn't have time to smile before he Spades grabbed his shirt with his free hand, forehead jutting out to the kids nose. The clown didn't have time shout before he was kicked in the stomach, forcing him back.

"I'm not a one trick pony, kid, and you better remember that." Spades shot at Gamzee's legs, forcing the kid back farther as he pulled an ecto-knife out of his pocket. "Back off now while you can. You don't have to listen to your dad if you don't want to."

"Sorry, old man," Gamzee twirled the clubs, narrowing his eyes. "But this is all I know."

The fight restarted, and Kurloz and Clopin moved toward the shield again. They were stopped quickly when they not only noticed that only one ghost remained, and it wasn't one under their control.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I can't exactly let you do anything either." Karkat stood on the shield, twirling a sickle on a chain. "Can't let you leave either. Hope you understand."

"…Fucking brat." Clopin was really starting to lose his patience. He pointed a hand, figuring this would be unavoidable. "Kurloz…"

The silent brother grabbed the dart gun and started firing, shots immediately getting blocked with a twirl of the chains. The halfa shot forward, kicking the brother across the room with barely any effort. He was forced to dodge back as Clopin swung the staff.

The man kept swinging, forcing Karkat to dodge each blow before one went down overhead. He blocked it, barely flinching as Clopin put his entire weight into. He had to force himself not to look into the red orb, keeping a glare towards Clopin's face.

"You know, I don't understand you, kid," Clopin kicked the boy's leg, trying to make him falter. Karkat simply moved back, flying higher. "Controlling you should be easy. Yet you haven't fallen under once. Why is that?"

"I've been told I'm a stubborn asshole." Karkat threw a blast at Kurloz after several darts were thrown his way. The young man could barely dodge them, trying to focus more on Clopin. "That, or maybe you just aren't as good at this as you think you are."

"Oh, I'm good at what I do. I've been doing this for years now, and yet it all falls apart when it comes to you?" Clopin grabbed some of the fireworks in his pocket, throwing them at Phantom. The kid blasted them, the explosions forcing them back before the halfa threw himself at the man. "You know what I'm thinking? Maybe there's a reason Dualscar didn't kill you as soon as he met you."

Karkat locked weapons with Clopin again, taking a glance towards Spades and Gamzee. He could see the old man actually holding his own, but Gamzee was going for the blind spot at every opportunity. It'd take just one trip to change the trajectory of the fight.

"I'm thinking," Clopin moved into the boy's face, smile having turned bloody long ago. "That you two are more alike than I thought."

Karkat instantly locked up before swinging his leg upwards, kicking the guy in the jaw. He knocked the staff out of Clopin's hands, skittering it across the floor where it landed near Kurloz's latest hiding place.

The young man instantly tried reaching for it, and Karkat could see it too. The halfa flew forward towards Kurloz, hand reaching out and instinctively turning intangible before going into his body.

Karkat hadn't event thought about it, but he felt himself instinctively shove down Kurloz as he entered his body. What was he even thinking, doing this? The halfa could feel him struggling, and he had to force his body not to drop the staff. If he was fast enough, maybe he could- Why did this body not have a tongue?

Karkat felt Kurloz's body choke as it instinctively tried to shout. Kurloz's lips opened, but no sound came out, whether it was him or from Karkat, and somehow that made it so much worse. Clopin had been slowly recovering, watching this unfold. He laughed at the sight of it, despite everyone else that could see it being horrified.

"Oh, right. Almost forgot about that. Yeah, Kurloz was always mouthing off when he was Gamzee's age," Clopin chuckled. He started moving toward the struggling form of his son, not looking too concerned. "You know how teens are and all but considering what we did have a business to run. Loose lips sink ships, and all that."

Karkat kept choking, but his focus moved onto Clopin. He didn't know if the dread he was feeling was coming from him or from Kurloz. Even in his mind, the young man had been silent.

"I'm sure you know how it is with kids," Clopin gave a smile towards Mr. Tethis. It didn't look like the other man understood at all, judging from his expression. "Usually, the best way to stop a habit is to nip it in the bud."

Clopin reached out his hand. Karkat felt Kurloz's body react in fear, twisting away from it. That fear almost suffocated him more, adding to the pain of this new body, this body that wasn't his.

But, before he could even think about it, Karkat couldn't help but feel something that drowned the fear out immediately; rage.

Karkat swung the staff this time, the orb smashing into Clopin's face with a satisfying crash. The halfa leaped out of Kurloz, throwing him across the room towards Gamzee, ending the fight between him and Spades abruptly as they hit the wall.

Clopin was dazed, but he was aware enough to see the shards of the staff lying on the floor. His face was bleeding and the blood got into his eyes, almost seeing red before catching a glance at Phantom. The halfa didn't waste any time in tackling the man, throwing him as hard as he could.

Clopin smashed into the shield device, and everyone of the hostages scattered as it broke into a million pieces. Karkat, hearing the roar of his obsession, didn't register Trizza shouting as Mr. Tethis dragged her out. He grabbed Clopin by the shoulders, pinning him against the wall with all of his strength.

Despite all of this, Karkat did feel almost calm. He felt like he was in control, though he knew he wasn't. His ecto-energy flared in his hands, burning slowly at Clopin's coat, and Karkat couldn't really pull it from within himself to care.

"You are easily the worst person I've ever met," Karkat's eyes were glowing, transfixing Clopin where he was. "I've met some real fucking monsters too. And yet, you just surpassed that shit."

"Uh, kid?" Spades finished checking over the other two Makara's, noting the change in tone. "Maybe you could back off a little? I get that was fucked, but maybe not kill the guy?"

"…I'm getting really tired of holding back." Karkat kept burning the coat away, and he could only note that the Clopin still wasn't reacting. "Every enemy seems to be only getting worse and worse, and they keep coming here. I just want it to stop."

Karkat was getting sick of this shit. All the fighting was taking a toll, and this whole thing was just hitting him all at once. All of these bastards kept piling up, and none of them were going to stop unless he did something. It was his town. Nothing would keep it safer if someone finally got the message.

"Kid, it's not going to stop. Whatever it is, the ball is already rolling." Spades didn't know what Phantom was talking about, but it clearly wasn't good. "Just take a second here. If you do what I think you're going to do, then you're never going to get a moments peace again, even if it stops everything else."

Karkat couldn't really believe that. Spades had no idea what he was talking about considering he didn't even know that Oberon was trying to kill him. Or that ghosts kept slipping into town, whether the portal was open or not. He didn't even know his son was half dead.

…Then again, he had a point. That didn't mean he wasn't going to make this asshole remember it.

Karkat lifted Clopin up, upping the intensity of the ecto-energy in his hands.

"If, for whatever goddamn reason, you end up coming back here, I don't plan on being merciful anymore." Karkat felt Clopin's skin heat up under his hands. If he wanted, he could make it burn. "I will make sure die here. And there's no possibility of your ghost coming back when I do, because I'll rip that to shreds to. Are we clear?"

Clopin flinched, pride resurfacing before being tamed by reason. He didn't have any power here, not now. He'd find a way to get back on top, but it wasn't like he could do anything now.

So, swearing revenge under his breath, Clopin growled. "Crystal."

"…good."

Karkat backhanded Clopin before the man could speak further, knocking him out cold. He let the man slump down before kneeling, then jumping up to soar through the ceiling. He went intangible, ignoring the shout coming from Spades once again.

As Phantom, he looked over the city he swore to protect. While not destroyed, he could see the extensive damage that some of the ghosts have done, to homes and businesses alike. He could see people milling about with the threat over, and while that soothed him, it didn't stop the guilt from having failed to stop it.

And, in a series of towers, in a room playing this scene in front of watchful eyes, gave a sigh of relief as the timeline kept moving forward.

Hey guys. Don't worry, this isn't anything bad, just something I have to say real quick.

If you're wondering why the chapters are slowing down, it's because I think I'm going through some burnout right now. A mixture of keeping this up for about two years and my new job keeping me busy tends to do that, so I think I need to change a few things in my life to prevent getting too completely burnt out. I'm going to try and get some more sleep and maybe be a little healthier, but if I do need to take a break at some point, I'll announce it. That's not saying I'm taking one now, but don't be too surprised if I do it in the future.

With that out of the way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you have a nice day.