Extra-Messy-Fan-Art

The Guys in White's annual asset auction was reaching its crescendo, moving from mundane technologies to far more valuable items. What the world's richest and most powerful were waiting for. It was a critical event. From leaders to big corporations, to everything shady in between. For companies across the globe to get their hands on the latest in ectoplasmic advancements. The new field was too enticing to pass.

Vlad loosely crossed his arms, watching the item in question: a hulking ghost trapped inside a large cube-shaped ecto-container.

As the newly appointed CEO of Axion Labs, Vlad had been obligated to attend this highly exclusive—and deeply secretive—event. It was, after all, the reason he'd bought the security tech company in the first place.

He wasn't here for business- though he'd bought a few technological pieces earlier to play the part. Couldn't let himself look too out of place. No, he was nothing like these imbeciles. This was all recon.

Vlad knew it would be foolish to try weaseling his way into the GIW's operations itself. Especially due to his... condition. So, better to own their biggest supplier instead. Control a partner who could destroy their field operations in a heartbeat if Vlad wanted. And now, here he was: seated near the front, watching them parade their "assets" around like prize livestock.

If the GIW ever posed a threat to him? Well… Vlad could always regretfully delay a few critical shipments.

"What do you think, Mr. Masters? Could it be useful?"

Vlad looked toward Damon Gray seated beside him. As a senior Axion employee and head of the R&D division, Gray had been advising him on lab operations for the last two months. He'd been to these auctions before, closer to the GIW than first assumed.

While Vlad tolerated the man, it was only because Gray proved a useful repository of information about how much the GIW really knew of the Ghost Zone.

"Axion has enough guard dogs already. A ghostly one would be far more trouble than it's worth."

And that was what the ghost was. A hulking bulldog with oversized jowls and exposed fangs. But like all the spooks the GIW displayed, it was a weak animal-type ghost. Barely worth the pity.

Gray nodded, and they turned their attention back to the stage as another voice called out.

"Thirty-five!"

"We have thirty-five! Shall we go higher for this fine specimen?"

Onstage stood the GIW's second-in-command, Dr. Omega. While Alpha handled most of the operation's bulk, Omega was the bones. Head of the science division and lead researcher- and by all accounts, the real brain of the outfit.

Dressed in the usual pristine white uniform suit, his straw-blonde hair was slicked back without a strand out of place. Immaculate, as all the GIW prided themselves on being.

He basked in the limelight. Guiding the night with the energy of a ringleader. And the elite spectators in the room gawked at him like children at a carnival.

Vlad had dug up what he could on the man. And he hadn't liked any of it.

"Once, twice… and we have a deal! Number forty six, congratulations. We'll throw in its favorite squeaky toy—wouldn't want your accountant to be the next chew target!"

A chorus of laughter rippled across the room. Vlad rolled his eyes. Idiots.

The ghost was sucked back into a containment unit, hauled backstage for whatever paper and processing was next. No doubt its new owner would suffer an fatal attack within the week, and the spook would end up imprisoned again—ready for a new buffoon next year.

These people believed they held immense power, with their money, politics, and polished boots. Thought if they commanded beings of immense strength, they themselves were unstoppable.

Vlad looked around and felt suddenly like a Sabretooth tiger surrounded by a flock of doe-eyed sheep.

Still… perhaps he should buy a few ghosts tonight, Vlad thought with a smirk. Just to release them into the GIW's lobby. Wouldn't that be fun? Watching them panic and run from the things they thought they controlled?

Sadly, they'd trace it back to him in a heartbeat.

However, this time no new cylinder container was brought out. The cube was dimming as it was powered down. Vlad was surprised to find his interest piqued. There was still one hour to go. An intermission?

Doctor Omega's smile grew larger, all pristine white teeth. "Now, tonight, the GIW has a wonderful surprise for you all. We all know of the glowing green ghosts who plague our world. But what if there was a ghost you couldn't spot? Hidden in plain sight among us. Perhaps... there's one sitting next to you right now!"

Vlad's fingers tightened on his forearm. It was bad enough watching them auction off ghosts for other companies like cattle. But this topic had him off guard. Especially when others glanced around, laughing at the obviously ridiculous concept.

Dr. Omega paused for effect, hand rising. "It is why, my dear guests, the GIW is proud to reveal its most promising project yet. We believed to have discovered a unique spook. One, I can imagine, you will find most fascinating."

With a nod, Dr. Omega gestured to someone off the stage. There was a rumbling murmur from the front row as two agents tugged the next poor specimen onto the stage.

But it was quite a shock seeing what looked like a normal teenage boy being dragged out by two heavy chains. A thin, scrawny-looking boy at that.

A ripple of unease passed through the crowd, Mr. Gray leaning over to Vlad. "Is this a sick joke?"

Vlad, however, didn't reply. He'd gone rigid.

There was no way...

On the stage, the teenage boy watched the audience with frantic, sky-blue eyes under long straggly strands. He was clearly uncomfortable with the attention. Quickly flickering his gaze over the crowd, staring at him.

Their hands were bound in thick, anti-ecto cuffs. Locked in right to the elbows. Abnormally thin frame was covered in plain white clothing hanging loose around the neck. One agent tugged one chain link connected to a silver collar around said neck. And the boy cringed, nose creasing.

"Now, I ask before you all outcry for us to be shut down, hold on to that judgement!" Dr. Omega laughed, turning to the boy. "This here might look like an innocent, normal boy. A meek, helpless child. But I assure you, it is far from normal. I'd like to proudly introduce you all, dear audience, to the GIW's greatest asset: Phantom."

Another ripple ran through the room. Vlad realized he'd stopped breathing. An odd exhilaration building in his chest.

"Phantom is the most incredible discovery of modern spectral history; a ghost who is almost undetectable to any tracker. Who can potentially blend into our everyday society without discovery? One of the strongest ghosts we have ever obtained. Who has even mastered creating a heartbeat, can even pretend to breathe!"

The doctor wagged his finger at the crowd, face mocking disappointment. "I heard your shock and pity at the sight of the asset. Well, I'm afraid to say you've all fallen for its master disguise!"

Dr. Omega strolled over to the boy, playful performance dropping. The boy, this Phantom, locked onto the Doctor with an intense glare. The other agents parted in opposite ways, pulling the chainlinks tight as if to warn him not to try anything.

Straightening his back, Omega spoke sharply. As if commanding a dog. "Phantom! Transform!"

The boy flinched, before a pair of white rings summoned around his waist.

There was a collective gasp as the boy was replaced with a white-haired ghost. Unlike the other demonic spooks, it had an uncanny human appearance. Except for the burning emerald stare and glow, one could take it as living.

An excited chatter at this new discovery washed through the crowd, gleeful.

Vlad was flabbergasted.

Knew his jaw had slackened. He stared... and stared. Couldn't believe what he'd seen. Rings. Bands of power, just like his own. The ghost form thrumming with power even with the suppressants. Even at this distance, Vlad could feel the power, the hum of a ghost quite like Plasmius. While far weaker, Vlad's own ectoplasmic blood burned, knowing another was close.

A hybrid… A half ghost, just like him.

How the hell did the bloody, incompetent GIW capture themselves a half ghost!?

Mr. Gray nudged him. "Incredible! Would you look at that, Mr. Masters?"

Vlad swallowed down a sudden burst of unexpected, uncharacteristic rage. Pure rage. Enough, he was close to transforming himself, sending a wave of lightning to burn everyone in this room dead. None could leave alive. No one in this room must be left to speak of the existence of half ghosts. To make sure none could make his own powers a potential reality.

Only Vlad didn't do it knowing it was the dumbest, rashest thing to do.

Somehow, learning of another Halfa had rattled Vlad's usual perfect visage It was odd... A wave of emotions. Shock, giddy excitement, nervous of the implications... and terror. Watching the hybrid wince at the crowd's clapping, eyeing the agents holding his bounds. They, in return, tighten the hold.

It was like looking into a mirror of Plasmius's own fate if his secret was exposed.

Dr. Omega clapped his hands once, drawing attention back. "Phantom here is a rare ghost- some even believe it might be a new species of parasitical spook. Ten years ago he was donated to us, at about... Hm... This height?" The man hovered his hand closer to the ground, about where Phantom's knee was.

Vlad bizarrely feared he was about to be sick then. Never had he been affected this badly by an event. Not since he first transformed. These ghost hunters could have learned everything about half ghosts. Everything. Destroyed his hidden affliction and risk exposure. Ten years... If he's a teenager now, then...

"Phantom's currently possessed the corpse of a young boy. Yet... unlike a normal overshadow, the ghost cannot be exorcised. It had fused with the host, fully. An almost physical binding. To the point it mimics growth… Just like a normal human child."

The doctor stepped around the stage, never quite turning his back on the ghost. The whole time Phantom had his eyes locked on him. Watching every movement, every shift in Omega's pose like a cat watching a bird.

Vlad knew then there was a hatred there. Bitter history... But also fear. Watching his hands like he was waiting for a blow.

"Phantom was merely a level three spook when it first arrived with us. But now... it is a seven. Not just its host grows, but its power. An unheard of skill in any specimen we've collected. A ghost with an unlimited potential. Imagine, my friends? A spook who never stops growing? Unstoppable to even against other monsters of the dead. Who could grow to a level never seen in our recorded history-"

Suddenly, one of the crowd members stood and everyone twisted to see. Vlad didn't look, but dully realized the voice beyond to a rich european mineral tycoon he'd dealt with a few years back. Could hear the swish of the number fan cut through the air.. "One billion!"

While the crowd buzzed, Dr. Omega laughed. "I'm honored, sir! Truly. Alas, Phantom is not for sale tonight."

The whole time Vlad didn't look away from Phantom. The kid had whipped up to the caller. And even he could feel a tiny bit of pity seeing the fear cross his face. Posture lowering into a slump as if to make himself as small and insignificant as possible.

So, there was still a mind inside. A perceptive mind wanting not to draw attention.

Despite whatever torture he'd endured, the GIW had obviously failed to destroy all of his humanity yet.

The tycoon waved the number again. "This is an auction, isn't it? One and a half billion!"

"I'm afraid Phantom isn't ready for such an offer. See..." Dr. Omega smirked, stepping next to the hybrid. A fake, affectionate pat on the top of his head made the boy twitch. "There are a few behavioral issues we still need to iron out. You could say it's entered its teenage-rebellion stage."

There was a light chuckle at the joke- and Vlad was bewildered to find a smirk tug at his lips, spotting Phantom scowl furiously at the agent's back. Almost death-glare level.

It seemed like Plasmius, the boy had a temper!

Dr. Omega gestured to the two agents, who began tugging Phantom off the stage. He resisted a little, but surrendered to being guided away. Vlad found himself leaning forward in his seat, as if to catch sight of him before he left the stage-

And froze, spotting Dr. Omega staring right at him. No mistake, he was singling Vlad out.

Vlad instantly pretended to stretch his neck, yawning. Relieved yet unnerved to see the man had returned to the crowd.

Surely, he was overthinking things? How could he know?

There was obvious disappointment in the group of clients, though. But Omega hushed them. "Tonight's reveal was the show you how your loyal donations are working on far greater projects. However, for your safety we cannot have Phantom demonstrate tonight. Understandably, a cunning creature like it might pose a risk. I assure you, once ready, you'll be seeing much more of our asset... Now, let's move to our next actual sellable item: a slippery ghost we obtained in the far sands of Egypt..."

"Mr. Masters?"

Vlad forced himself not to cringe, turning to the last voice he wanted to hear.

The rest of the auction had thankfully ended with less world-shattering reveals. Vlad was hoping for a quick exit to process the information bomb that had torn his life apart. Needed to debate what to do with this development. How to use it.

Yet he and Mr. Gray had barely left the hall when none other than the devil himself appeared.

Dr. Omega even had the gall to offer a hand. "It's wonderful to meet the new owner of Axion Labs. Congratulations are in order for your purchase."

Steeling his inner thoughts, Vlad placed a humorous smirk on his face. Taking the hand with a very firm grip. "Why, thank you, Doctor. I must say Axion Labs has certainly added some... potential innovations to my business portfolio."

Omega grinned, squeezing back equally hard. Damn snake.

"I do hope so, sir. The GIW and Axion Labs have been working together in common interest for some time. I hope our alliance can remain strong. It would benefit my ward and the field divisions greatly. I suggest that you speak to our CEO. Alpha would likely love to review our manufacturing deal to something more beneficial. "

"Hm, I'll have to make a meeting when I have time- you know, running multiple companies does tend to keep me very busy." Vlad remained calm, falling into the game he loved to play with these fools.

Knew this game was going to be the most impactful round yet. "I confess, I have never experienced such an exciting auction before. A riveting performance, Dr. Omega."

"Thank you. I do like to surprise." Dr. Omega let go of his hand, shaking Mr. Gray's offered one. "And Mr. Gray, pleasure to see you again. I take it you enjoyed our presentation tonight?"

"I certainly did!" Mr. Gray obviously wasn't reading the room. "I've been to a lot of these now, but this was by far the best! That Phantom one! What a twist!"

Omega's smile deepened- and Vlad found he did not like that smile. "Thank you, Damon. Phantom has been a passion project of mine... I'm quite proud of it."

He glanced at Vlad. A challenge? Or simply seeing Vlad's reaction?

It wasn't right letting this idiot play him. "I imagine you are. Such a fascinating ghost to have come into your possession, Doctor. I must say, I'm curious as to how you obtain such a creature?"

The smile turned into a prideful smirk. "It is quite the tale. Do you wish to learn more about my asset, Mr. Masters?"

Careful. He needed to watch his steps with this one. "Who wouldn't? I think half the room was about to start the greatest bidding war in history."

Omega laughed. "Yes! I did panic there. While the GIW could use the billions, Phantom will never be sold. I'm grown quite attached to the little devil." He paused, pivoting to Mr. Gray. "Damon, could you please excuse us? If it isn't too much, I'd rather speak of the asset to Mr. Masters in a more private space."

"Oh, of course, Doctor. I'll wait in the foyer, Mr. Masters."

Vlad hesitated. Allowing himself to go deeper into the belly of the enemy's den was not a smart idea. Not the plan he'd counted on. Especially since his allies were nowhere near. Yet Mr. Gray was already gone. And this was a perfect chance to learn more about this other hybrid.

Besides, refusing would look even more suspicious.

Omega took the lead, the opposite way to the other guests. They branched off into a simpler hallway, Omega guiding them to a large lift which must lead to the facility itself. Pressing down, they waited, Vlad deciding this was an excellent opportunity to fish for danger. "Do not take this the wrong way, Doctor. But I'm surprised you would discuss a classified project of the GIW with me so freely."

He glanced at Vlad. "Not at all. We need Axion Labs for weapons and equipment. And you benefit from our sales. I might be only a scientist, but I also understand the basics of business. I hope you seeing the future of ghost research will bring our relationship to greater heights."

"Ah... with this 'new' species of spook, Hm?"

The lift opened, Omega gesturing for him to enter first. "Phantom is the future, Mr. Masters. Its existence challenges everything we know."

Vlad felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. Double Butter-biscuits.

They went down on a thankfully short decent. Before they could leave, Omega had to press his fingerprint into a panel. Vlad noted the code he used. Quickly had it memorized.

When the metal doors parted they entered a dim, narrow hallway. The lights were off, white metal walls humming with powerful shields. Vlad suppressed a shudder, Plasmius recoiling from the pressure. Every instinct screamed to run at the feeling of hundreds of very vengeful ghosts. But he'd practice this for years. Learned to remove such primitive emotions. Face a mask of calm curiosity.

Omega spoke again. "Tonight was a big step- one I've argued with Alpha for some time. Some in our organization don't agree to show the competition our projects. But we need to show those greedy businesses that we GIW have something which could threaten their attempts."

"Attempts? I don't follow?"

"To overthrow us. It's no secret other countries are rushing for the next super weapon. War will come. And whoever has the best offense will win. Ghosts are perfect for warfare. Why send an army when one undead creature will do the work? Their disposable far more than common soldiers, fewer casualties on our side. It's the future, and we need to show them we have the first advantage."

Vlad frowned, knowing what he meant. Ghosts were powerhouses; he could do some incredible damage himself. But the concept of humans trying to control them to fight their pointless wars was an insulting concept.

"I see... But I fail to see how your asset changes things-"

He paused hearing a faint bang down the hall. Muffled, but the setting made Vlad pick up on it. Omega sighed dramatically, pure show. "That; would be Phantom. This way, please."

Without another word he guided him further down the hall. And when they stopped, Vlad momentarily was lost in the sight. Almost dropped his guard.

They were before a window, wall to floor. Inside was a white room, no bigger than a small office cubicle. No furniture, no items, nothing interesting at all. Pure white to a sickly level, the lights themselves were made to stop a single shadow from casting.

And inside, Phantom was pacing.

Vlad was fascinated with the boy, who was back to his human side. He didn't have the heavy manacles anymore, yet his hands were still tied together with smaller cuffs. Silver collar glinting in the bright light. He was pacing furiously along the tiny space. A quick, round pace that demonstrated he was in acute distress. Unlike the stage, he was much more animated.

Obviously, this must be a one-way mirror, as Phantom made no sign he'd spotted their arrival.

"The truth is, the issue we have with Phantom is he's a wild card. Obedient when knowing there'll be severe punishment for acting out. But the asset is progressing backwards. Hence, why we can't have it demonstrate its powers to clients."

"Backwards..." Vlad whispered it- a tactical mistake, showing he was disturbed. Yet it wasn't commented on as they watched another swift circle of the half ghost.

"Yes. For the first seven years, Phantom was actually quite docile- a little troublesome from time to time. But submitted to commands perfectly thanks to our conditioning. Despite Phantom's unusual abilities, it responds to the same discipline techniques the other ghosts do. Then we had the accident."

Vlad tore his gaze away, watching Omega scowl. The word stirred his own memories of the proto-portal. "An accident, you say?"

"Alpha gave clearance for Phantom to join a hunting mission two years ago. Without my permission. I warned him Phantom wasn't ready for active field work. The second this creature got outside, it went berserk. Killed its handlers and escaped. Luckily, we reclaimed it before it caused havoc. But ever since this thing has misbehaved. Tries to escape the moment it senses a weakness. Back to square one."

It was taking a lot of Vlad's practiced control not to react. Omega was looking at him now. Watching him uncomfortably close. Damn. He had to play this smart. "How did you even obtain such a thing?"

Omega smiled, breaking the look to return to the room. Vlad did the same. "We received a call from a hospital in Amity Park about a five-year-old boy. One of our agents said he showed odd signs of overshadowing. An accident had happened at the parents' house, blasting the son with a mass of ectoplasm. And the hospital staff assumed the boy's corpse was possessed by the spook you see here."

He folded his arms. "I myself collected the asset. Once I saw it transform, I knew we had something special. Gave my condolences to the parents of their deceased son. Perhaps told a little white lie- they were deeply distraught. But I offered a monetary package and financial grants for their future endeavors as compensation."

Vlad felt his mouth go dry. Stared at the pacing Halfa. Like him... An accident... Ectoplasm blast.. A portal, likely.

This boy was a half ghost. Another one of his kind existed in the world. And unlike Vlad, who'd hidden his emerging powers, this one had been basically sold off to the GIW as a little child. The fate Vlad had actively worked tirelessly to avoid.

It was a conflicting thought. One, it was wise not to get involved. Poor other half ghost. Oh well! Better him than Plasmius in there. Yet... Vlad was unnerved the ghost hunters had access to information about something that shared his genetic makeup. If they somehow made weapons which could affect even a Halfa-

Suddenly, Phantom charged at the window.

Vlad actually stepped back, instincts to defend kicking in as he felt the one-way mirror vibrate. Phantom slammed into the glass, pressed aggressively onto it like he was trying to use his intangibility to pass through. And Vlad was rooted to the spot.

His eyes... filled with both wild madness and determination. Vlad had never seen such eyes. A fire, a will to live was roaring through them. Even though the half ghost couldn't see them, it was like he sensed them. Pupils wildly roamed to seek some kind of sign they were there.

The breath returned to Vlad's lungs shakily. Phantom knew this spot was a window. Was trying to shatter the weaker surface compared to the concert walls.

He was smart. Sharp. Knew when it was wise to remain submissive vs aggressive. To wait till he was less restrained to try. Filled with a desire to be free now, he'd briefly tasted it. With a rage that was determined not to give up. A fighter. An intense pressure, even Vlad- a powerful Halfa in his own right- was in wonder at the aura.

Of the ghosts that currently existed, Plasmius was by far one of the strongest. Feared of his dominate power and control of a vast lair. Respected in the Ghost Zone and its denizens. Yet, faced with those eyes, he was surprised to be awestruck.

Plasmius might be physically stronger and smarter than this kid. But Phantom's pure tenaciousness surpassed him tenfold.

"Quite the beast, isn't it?" Omega broke the spell Vlad was under. Glancing back at the agent to find him looking right at him.

A flicker of movement showed Phantom had pushed himself off the glass, stalking back to the center of the room. Though no sound came from the thick, proofed walls, Vlad could tell the Halfa was roaring in fury. Winced when Phantom looped back to place a well-rounded, actually quite impressive kick to the mental door. Yet it didn't budge, holding strong. Returning to his furious pacing.

"That reminds me, Mr. Masters..." Omega's voice was low, almost soft. Vlad tensed, not liking the tone. "After hearing of your takeover, I read up on you- for research, mind. And I came across a news article that perked my interest. Says you suffered from a horrible accident in your youth. Of a blotched ectoplasm experiment, if I remember correctly. Quite a funny coincidence, it is..."

The doctor peered up at Vlad, a smirk tugging his mouth. A burn of excitement filling his gaze. "That you suffered from an accident quite similar to my Phantom. One could say their almost identical in nature. Don't you find that fascinating, Masters?"

He could kill him. Strangle this meddler cold. Lash out and snap his neck. Break the window so the GIW would just think their precious asset killed their boss. Yes... It would be so easy to waste this stupid, pathetic worm-

Vlad laughed, rolled his eyes casually. "I try not to think about it at all, Doctor! I suffered anguish from the ecto-radiation. Almost died from a severe case of ecto-acne that crippled me for years! If I were possessed, I think my medical team would have alerted me a long time ago!"

To show his calm, Vlad cocked his head to the side. Smirking back. "Besides, Dr. Omega, I hate ghosts just as much as you do. Their power almost took my life. Could it be you dare insinuate I might be like this freak?"

"Not at all. I was just comparing how similar your cases were, that's all. It is impossible. If you were a monster, you couldn't survive this long undetected without triggering our defenses. Though... Phantom in his human body can shield his signature alarmingly well."

The smile the doctor sent was the fakest Vlad had seen. Blast!? He was thinking of the connections.

Once more, Phantom body-slammed into the one-way mirror. In fact, Vlad was shocked at the force the Halfa had thrown himself. Reckless to the point he'd caused damage to himself, nose instantly gushing in obvious red, living blood as it broke.

It was then Vlad saw the crack in his furious façade. Face slightly crumpling in despair, eyes glossing over. A wave of pity tugged at Vlad. A shared sympathy for this poor thing. Perhaps this first demonstration tonight had added a new fear level to the half ghost's sad existence.

Though Phantom recovered quickly from the emotion, back to fury. Pulled himself away from the glass, stepping into the center of the room. Rubbing the bridge of his nose without little outward signs he was in pain.

To Vlad's bafflement, the boy abruptly seemed to sneeze, the pristine-white floor now splattered with flecks of red.

When, oddly, he did it again, Dr. Omega growled. Scowling in disgust. "That little devil!? And after the warning, I don't tolerate mess too!"

Internally Vlad was laughing, now watching Phantom wipe his face. Defiantly stamping handprints on the walls. It was truly a morbid sight, but it was a courageous one, too. An act to lash out at his clean-freak captors. Regaining control in the empty space. A stark claim he wasn't broken yet. This Phantom sure was a feisty thing!

A half ghost like this... That courage could be quite useful.

Vlad regained control of the situation, glancing at his watch like this was all a boring affair. "As riveting as this conversation is, I'm afraid I must take my leave. Early start with finalizing the Axion Labs' renewal contracts. I'll contact your boss about working on a business deal. Hm… In light of this asset, I'll see if you can have some more funding. How does that sound?"

Dr. Omega jumped, flustered. Realizing he'd shown Vlad emotion he hadn't wished to display. Though the snake was quick to fix it, annoying smile back. "Sounds wonderful, we were hoping to invest in our shield technologies. Axion's shields are leaders in effectiveness. But with the asset's growth, it would be good to have defenses which work on both sides of the hybrid."

Vlad froze. Almost broke his mask. Saw Omega watching him closely. Instead, Vlad pretended to nod and smile at the deal. "Marvelous! I'm glad we seem to understand each other!"

Silence. Building tension. Vlad looked him in the eye. Dared his question. Felt the hum of the anti-ghost defense vibrate on his skin. Aware of the narrow walls around him.

Omega moved first, walking past Vlad to begin guiding him back to the lift.

And Vlad quietly exhaled. Didn't linger to glance back at Phantom, knowing each move was being judged.

Omega knew Phantom was a hybrid- likely knew he was very much still alive. Was lying to avoid the horrid fact he was abusing a living child to inhumane torture. Had practically kidnapped a sick child with false intentions. Knew if Vlad gained evidence on the GIW, the company would be burned to the ground by the public outcry.

Yet was also hinting he suspected Vlad was the same as Phantom. Warning, he was on to him. And if Omega knew the inner workings of a half ghost from the boy... Wanted to invest in tech that could harm Plasmius too. Which could trap Vlad in a sticky spot.

If Omega revealed he was a Halfa, he could play it that Vlad was merely a ghost in a corpse, too. Have his fake evidence lined up from Phantom to prove his deranged side. Putting Vlad in a position where he might have to fight for his half-life by the skin of his teeth. Even have to permanently move into the Ghost Zone to protect himself.

The thought enraged him. No one was stealing what he worked so hard to obtain!? Especially not this pathetic weakling!?

He was almost expected to be ambushed when they exited the lift. Thankfully, nothing waited. Dr. Omega guided him to the foyer without delay. Vlad stopped himself from dashing to the main door for the freedom of the night's air. Instead, he watched Mr. Gray move away from a lingering group, waving catching sight of them.

"It's been a pleasure, Mr. Masters." Omega once more offered a hand. "I do hope you and I get to meet each other again."

Vlad forced a fake smile, gripping the hand tightly enough to see the man wince. "Likewise, Doctor. I'm sure we most certainly will."

The flight back to Wisconsin was a heavy one, more somber than expected. Vlad pretended to sleep most of the way. Ignored the flight staff and incessant buzzing of his phone; lost in thought. Eyes closed and arms crossed.

He needed to think...

It was about three in the morning when he finally strolled into his home, surprising his ghostly staff into a frenzy. The original plan had been to stay in a hotel nearby, but this recent development had canceled that immediately. Calling his allies for an emergency meeting; hence, his phone was blowing up from Skulker.

When Vlad threw open the doors to his private study, he was greeted with a burst of ghostly energy.

Of Skulker's metallic hum, bolting out of the armchair. The haunting chill of Fright Knight's aura, sharpening his sword in the corner. And the utterly useless vultures by the window, who barely stirred from sleep.

"Plasmius!" Skulker's armor clanged as he dashed over. "So you did make it out in one piece! Did you learn something from their den?"

Vlad brushed past, rubbing the bridge of his nose. This was a mess. Dr. Omega's threat had just changed everything. Shown that the GIW was more of a foe than first imagined.

Flopping down into his armchair, Vlad huffed. Unthreaded the silk necktie to toss it onto his desk. Slumped back to stare at the ceiling.

What a strategic game he'd been just dunked into. So much to debate. So much risk. Much to plan- and quickly.

"Hey! Zone to Plasmius!? Did those hunters scramble your brain while in there?" Skulker had followed him, waving a hand across his face. "What happened that was important enough to drag me away from my hunt?"

Vlad scowled, though his usual calm anger was dormant. Decided no point in hiding it. It would come out eventually.

"Apparently, the Guys in White have captured themselves a half ghost."

Silence. Fright Knight's whetstone paused mid-motion, helmet turning. Skulker stared, the orbs of his eyes glowing brighter with understanding.

"You cannot be serious..."

"Afraid not. I saw their rings with my own eyes. Felt his ghost energy. There appears to be another like me cursed with this gift."

Fright Knight spoke. "What are they like? Is he as formidable as you?"

"Alas, no. He's a boy. A mere child. Been in their possession for ten years; a horrid thought. Malnourished, no doubt to keep his strength suppressed, along with obvious torture. But there is potential. Great power, buried under it all. A fighter."

At once, Skulker tensed.

"Oh no, you don't, Plasmius!"

"And what is it you think I'm doing?" Vlad asked coolly.

"I know you! "Skulker sneered, jabbing a finger. "It's not worth the risk! There might be another Halfa, but there's only one Plasmius!"

Vlad smirked. "I'm touched, Skulker-"

"It is not a compliment! They'll never let their prized pet go so easily! If you steal their Halfa, they'll hunt you down. With venom."

Vlad leaned over his desk, fingers threading together. "Be careful. You dare say I'm weak, Skulker? Think those pathetic, bumbling hunters could even hit the likes of me?"

"The Ghost Zone cannot lose you, Plasmius. Not if we want our plans to work." Skulker said, metal jaw tight. "If the GIW is more of a threat than first thought, we need a link to the human world. You. We can't afford to let you be captured."

The statement landed heavier than expected. Even Fright Knight nodded.

Vlad sighed, standing again. "I'm afraid Dr. Omega has already challenged me. He suspects my nature. Perhaps he even knows, but clever enough to realize admitting it would end in his death. Still, the idea's planted. It won't be long until he tries to weasel me into the open."

Skulker blanched, hands clenching. "Dark. We must-"

"Language." Fright Knight growled, before returning to his sword.

Vlad, however, could already feel a burning building. A familiar one. One he always got when a project had lit a fire in his mind.

"It is obvious what must be done, my friends. Opportunity has never knocked so clearly. We must free this half ghost. The GIW cannot be allowed to have someone with my genetic corruption. They could gain knowledge. Might create technology that could detect even me. I won't have my existence threatened.

"Besides," Vlad grinned at them, "If I free the poor creature from his cell, no doubt he'll be... ecstatic. Perhaps even eternally grateful. So much so, I will have an indebted ally. Forever loyal. One with a deep, festering hatred for our enemies."

Skulker frowned. "Plasmius... if the pup's a Halfa too, I don't think he'll yield so easily to your commands."

"Oh, stop being simple-minded, Skulker! Think of the potential! The power! The boy clearly hates his captors just as much as we do. With another powerful ally at our disposal, the GIW loses its only advantage. As we originally planned, we'll destroy that pathetic organization from the inside out!"

With a burst of light, Vlad let his black rings summon. Felt fangs tug his lips as the grin widened.

"All we need, my most loyal friends, is to plan a flawless heist. One led by Plasmius, not Masters. We all win. I'll gain the most perfect subordinate, loyal to only me. And then..."

Plasmius let a ball of red flame build in his palm. Feeling his blood boil from the energy.