Mutated Ectoplasm

47. Crossing Lines

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.