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Chapter Text

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰...

It had begun to rain, two figures illuminated by the occasional flash of lightning as they trekked through the bayou. The woman in their grasp cursed and fought with all her might to break free.

"Stop being difficult!" The second man hissed, he had dark, brown hair. And, a hideous scar across the left side of his face.

"Please, whatever y'all are doing I swear I won't tell a soul."

"I'm sorry, my dear." The first man, the woman's husband said with twisted assurance. "But your sacrifice will be for the greater of mankind."

The woman is thrown to the ground with little care, her dark complexion shown for only a minute by the thunder. "You think that, but it's people like 𝘺𝘰𝘶 who'll be what destroys this world. You're God won't give you what you want."

The man kneeled to her level, cupping her face as she recoiled from his touch. "I'm sorry for this." He said, but showed no real remorse. He stood up and stepped back, as the second man stepped forward. Knife in hand... "All hail Gozer!"

The woman closed her eyes, shielding herself. But if you haven't guessed, her effort was in vain.

A life snuffed out, one of many casualties that would leave a trail all in the name of an ancient God.

𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺...
October 9th, 1997.

"April?" The girl jolted, almost dropping her pencil as she registered that her teacher had called her name. "Uh, yeah, Ms. Johnson?"

"You don't need to lie, I know you weren't listening."

April shook her head, stifled laughs were heard as she stuttered. "What, w-wait no I was I just-" her teacher held her hand up. "Save it, Morris. I don't want to hear it. Class dismissed." The bell rang as the students gathered their stuff and left. April was left to stew in her embarrassment.

That was the norm for April, she didn't have friends and wasn't particularly popular in her school. Known only as, the black weird girl, who's only friend might as well have been her Polaroid camera. Nothing would change that, and nothing interesting ever happened to her so what was the point of dreaming that it would?

...

In the late afternoon April stayed after school, deciding on heading into the high school's library. Stopping by her locker, reaching for some of the books she had to return she overhears some of the girls she knows in her class talking about her as they walk by. "I found one of her hairs in the showers after gym class, it literally looks like pubic hair." The one brunette whispered to her friend, snidely giggling as the other commented on her appearance.

April tried to ignore their mockery, but it was easier said than done. Those girls are always making fun of her, for being a loser, her hair, and even the color of her skin. She builds herself back up, closing her locker before an older boy, wearing a Metallica shirt with the sleeves cut off. Faded blue JNCO jeans, that were big enough to hide a small child under and black combat boots slammed his hand against her locker. "Hey, Morris. You know what?" He bobbed his head back and forth, wearing an obnoxious grin on his face while biting his bottom lip. April hated Michael Antonucci, he never stopped bothering her. Half of his insults towards her weren't even good or clever. "What do you want?"

"... You have a giant zit on your forehead." Michael pointed out, before smacking his hand against her face, then slapping her books out of her hand. He ran off, cackling like a girl who laughs too much at a guy's joke cause she "likes" him. "Oh yeah? Well you're a... Chicken butt!" April called out, Michael was far out of sight. She slumped her shoulders, choosing to grab the books and not embarrass herself further continuing her journey.

Once she entered, she headed over to the desk. "Hi, Ms. Hilken, is it just me or did you get a new glasses chain? Cause they look niiice." Ms. Hilken did not, April placed the books back on the desk in the return pile. "Aw, you always know how to brighten an old woman's day. Finished with these already?"

"Yeah, already." April confirmed, mentally preparing for what the old woman will say. "Aw, that's nice. A girl like you is such a good reader."

"Yep..." Here it comes, "Especially for your kind, why I still remember the help my folks had, nice kids from that lovely-"

"Okay, that's nice. I'm just gonna go and browse around." April turned away, bumping into another peer. "Sorry," All she received, was a look of annoyance.

While browsing through the fictional section, April notices a shelf all the way back. Nestled in the corner, seemingly forgotten. "Weird, I never noticed this before." She stepped closer, her eyes following up to the single book that was there. She ran her finger up on the book's spin, tracing over its words. "What's a Gozer? And why is it not moving?!" She muttered, praying the book wasn't permanently stuck from whatever causes books to be stuck. But as she does she hears what sounds like a lock to something opening, "AH-" She jumped back, covering her mouth as she watched the shelf slide open, revealing a staircase leading down below. "Huh, what the what?" April looked around, wondering if she was a part of an elaborate prank or something. Looking around, April made sure no one else was present as she made a difficult decision. "I can't believe I'm doing this." April pulled her camera out, as she stepped in but almost chickened out at the sudden, distance growling. "Okay, it's okay, what's the worst that could happen? Besides from possibly getting mauled."

April places her hands against the stone wall, to keep track of where to walk as she moves forward. Until she finds a railing that must belong to a staircase. Carefully placing her foot out, she sighs in relief that it is stairs. Staying close to the railing she descends down, the breathing becoming louder as she now hears a voice or two. But then she thinks to herself, the breathing doesn't sound like something belonging to a person. But an animal, like an aggressive dog, a bear, or a cougar.

Finally at the bottom, she sees a strange light illuminating the entryway to what must be a secret chamber. But why under a high school? She hides behind the wall as she hears the voices talking, whatever it is it must be important or even exciting for them. April can't make out exactly what they're saying, but she takes a quick look. Her eyes widen as she sees what can only be described as a glimpse into another dimension, and the source of the animalistic breathing. The beast seems to have sensed her presence, as its glowing red eyes bore into hers and lets out a simple name that'll change her life forever. April's jaw dropped, as her hand unintentionally pressed down and the flash from her camera gives a better look at the beast. "Shit!" She hushed.

The voice was not that of a human, but something demonic and guttural. Whatever it is could clearly sense her presence, as its glowing red eyes turned directly to April's own.

"Who's there!?"

The two people, who April heard their voices turn around. She was shocked to see the faces of her principal and history teacher. "Uhh, sorry. I think I took a wrong turn." She says, with a nervous laugh before quickly turning back, and running up the stairs taking her chances being in the dark than dealing with a demonic dog that may or may not kill her. "Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, NOOO!" She hears a loud roar from the chamber as she begins to run back up the stairs. Behind her, the sound of heavy, clawed feet on stone begin to rapidly approach, echoing menacingly as they move up the stairs.

"No, no! Nice dog! O-or I hope you're a dog." April yelled, as she ran upwards trying not to slip against the steps. The beast lets out a deep roar as it rushes up the stairs, breathing loudly and gaining on her quickly as she stumbles her way upwards in the pitch black. In the darkness she hears it say in a guttural, demonic voice.
"There is no dog... only Zuul!!!"

"No, I didn't mean your name was dog-" April stutters, before the beast growls again and April screams louder. "Nevermind!" She reaches the top and is thankful that the door is open again. With her feet sliding against the wood floor, she quickly pushes the shelf close.

"Whew, that was close- Ah!" April jumps back onto the floor, hearing the beast run into the wall with a heavy thud and slams its claws against the stone, snarling and growling angrily in the darkness on the other side. Suddenly it falls silent, only its breathing can be heard as it slinks back down into the chamber below.

On the other side of the bookcase, April lays where she fell on the floor of the library, panting as she looks back at what just occurred. "Okay... There's a secret chamber... Ugh, under the school... My principal and history teacher might be in an cult... And there's a demon dog." She wasted no time getting out of the area, even ignoring Michael's jabs that still were as clever as rock who could multiply.

What had she gotten herself into?

Chapter Text

Still plagued by the beast she encountered, April wasted no time hurrying back to her sanctuary. Home.

April steps inside the building, and up to where her home is on the apartment floor. Knowing she'll most likely have the place to herself until either her father's shift at the hospital is over or until her mother comes back from her job teaching ballet on the upper east side. At least she has her cat, Jenkins. She opens the door and enters, immediately being greeted by the meows of her calico cat, Jenkins. He leaps off of a couch and rubs against her leg, purring as he senses her presence. "Hey, kitty. How's my homeboy doing?" She cooed down at the calico. Setting her backpack down on the couch, April turns the TV on to drown out the silence as the sounds of various commercials play out while she takes her shoes off, until a particular one catches her attention.

April remembers seeing it from time to time in the past, but now the words catch her interest. "Are you troubled by strange noises in the middle of the night?" April looks back as she says to herself. "What the?" After the first man spoke, the second one spoke next. "Do you feel feelings of dread in your basement or attic?" Now April was really interested as she kept her focus on the television.
The third man continues speaking, each question further catching April's attention as she leans closer to the television. "Have you or your family ever seen a spook, spectre, or ghost?"

"Oh come on, please get to the point." April practically sits in front of the TV, throwing her shoe off somewhere in the background. As the ad continues, the fourth man finally gets to the point.
"If the answer is yes, then don't wait another minute. Pick up the phone and call the professionals. Ghostbusters!"

"We're ready to believe you!" Those words echoed in April's mind, Ghostbusters. She had heard of them before but didn't think too much of it, since it is New York and a lot of strange stuff happens. She sees the number flash across the screen and takes note of the location in the background. "They operate out of a firehouse?" April thought, quickly brushed the idea off and switched the channel. "I must be losing it." And she left it at that

...

Later that night, as April laid in her bed. Her peaceful slumber was interrupted by what she saw. Tossing and thrashing around, those same blood, red eyes and sharp teeth flashed through her mind. then the demonic voice she was sure to never forget. "𝘡𝘜𝘜𝘓!!!"

"AHH!" April shot up from her position, clutching her chest as she could practically feel beads of sweat against her skin. Laying her head against her hands, she sat there for a minute till she calmed herself. "What was that... Thing?" April creeped out of her bed, and into the hallway. Quietly tiptoeing till she accidentally stepped on Jenkins tail, as the poor feline yowled but thankfully didn't wake her parents up (surprisingly) "Sorry, Jenks." April sat down on the couch, and saw the same commercial again. This time she decided to take the chance.

April grabs a notepad and pencil from her backpack, quickly jotting down the phone number as it appears on the screen. Her curiosity is piqued further as the background of the ad changes, showing the exterior of the firehouse where the Ghostbusters operate from. She jots that down too, still intrigued by the fact that they're based in a former firehouse. After taking note of everything on the ad, she keeps hold of the notepad and stands up, determination set on her face. With a determined stride, she swiftly walks back to her room. Picking up her rotary phone, quickly dialing the number she scribbled down previously. A little bit goes by before the phone is picked up

...

Janine was just getting ready to leave when the phone rings. "This job never ends, does it?" She said to nobody in particular, sitting back down and picking it up. Sounding slightly bored yet professional as she answers the phone.
"Hello, Ghostbusters. How can we help ya?"

April hesitates for a moment, before composing herself as she picked up the landline and walked back and forth. "Yeah, hi. I saw your guys ad and decided to call. Um, I think I might have found out my principal and teacher are a part of a cult and I was chased by a demon dog. And there's a secret chamber under my school and I'm really freaking out right now." She rapidly explained, as the woman on the other end seemed used to these kinds of calls.

Janine remains unfazed by April's frantic explanation. In fact, her response is laced with a hint of amusement and nonchalance, as though she regularly hears similar stories.
"Okay, okay. Slow down. You said somethin' about a secret chamber and a demon dog?"

"Yeah! I-it had horns and its eyes were glowing red. It chased me out of there and back to the library. There's a fake bookshelf that's like a way to open it. Which I should say the door is a freaking bookcase in my school's library!" April breaths rapidly as she tries to calm herself. "I am so sorry for sounding like a crazy person." Janine on the other end remains calm, still sounding mildly amused. She's heard stranger stories.
"Relax, kid, you ain't soundin' too crazy for a New Yorker. We've dealt with our fair share of weird stuff. What's your name, sweetie?"

"April, April Morris" She calmly explained, before realizing that the cord was now wrapped around her... She'll deal with it later. "I forgot to mention that there's a dark, creepy, dank room and staircase you have to go down to even get there."

Janine nods along, writing down the details still seemingly unfazed by April's increasingly wild claims. "Well, April, April Morris. That does sound like quite a situation you've found yourself in. Now, about this secret chamber in your school, are you sure you're not jus' makin' it all up?"

"I'm not making this up, seriously. I saw it." April said, struggling to untangle herself. "All right, all right. Well, how about this? Are ya able to swing by for a chat tomorrow? We're always happy to take a look at any spook-related problems." Janine offered, still skeptical about the claims but can tell April was being genuine.

As April still works to unwind the cord around her, she thinks it over. She definitely has time after school, maybe? "Uh, yeah I can, I think I can find the place." April confirmed, finally breaking free from the cord's grasp. "Yes! OOOP-" Various thudding and crashes could be heard in the background. On the other end, Janine rolls her eyes, slightly amused by the situation.
"All right, then. Come on by our headquarters. We'll be here until late tonight. I'll make sure to tell the boys to expect ya. It ain't too hard to find us. Just look for the old firehouse. You can't miss it."

"I'll be there, thank you." April thanks the woman on the other end and hangs up the phone... what was her name? She takes a deep breath, thinking that she'll go back to sleep and this whole thing will turn out to be nothing but a dream. But her mind keeps flashing the beast. Glancing over at the Polaroid facing downward, April reached for it. Turning it around to get a closer look, it was real. It looked like a dog, well dog-ish. Almost grey but brown, claws that probably put the jaws of life tools to shame. And those glowing red eyes, even in the still image. April swore that it was still staring back at her. Then it happened, the same voice she heard in her dream.

𝘡𝘜𝘜𝘓...

What did it mean? Was it foreshadowing, was she having a spiritual awakening or was it God's actual name... There's no way, not with it sounding like some amateur garage band.

...

April heads out of the apartment, making her way through the streets of New York as the sun rises and the city begins to take on a different vibe. The city lights up with life, and the sounds of people living, going on about their own adventures begin to fill the air. She follows the directions given to her, making her way to the old, firehouse-turned-headquarters of the Ghostbusters. April looks down at the address she wrote, and up at the building. Stepping forward, She walks through the garage and over. The lobby of the old firehouse is filled with a combination of high-tech equipment and a hint of chaos. Various gadgets, screens, and wires lay scattered about. April approaches the front desk. "Hey, this is the right place right?" She caught the attention of an attractive yet somewhat stern-looking woman with her hair in a chin length bob. Janine looks up from the computer and gives April a quick once-over before responding.
"Yeah, you've come to the right place. You're here to see the Ghostbusters, ain't ya?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I'm April. We talked on the phone?" April kicked her feet against the floor, trying to calm her nerves. This is actually happening, she's not having some weird dream.
Janine recognized April's voice from the phone call last, and a small smirk appears on her face. "Of course. Wait one second. I'll let the boys know you're here." She reaches for the intercom, connecting to the rest of the building. ... Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz and Peter Venkman are currently working in the main lab of the Ghostbusters HQ. The room is filled with miscellaneous clutter, various gadgets, and a fair amount of slime scattered about. Egon is working on a complex device, his face deep in concentration. Peter is lounging on a chair, feet propped up on a desk with a Playboy magazine while Ray is tinkering with some new invention. The intercom buzzes to life and the woman's voice comes through, catching their attention. "Hey, boys? There's a kid here to see you about some ghost shenanigans."

Egon looks up from his work, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Ray, who has been tinkering with a new invention, stops and looks up when he hears the intercom. Peter, on the other hand, who has been lounging with a Playboy magazine, groans and lowers it from his face to look up as well. "You know? I actually kinda miss when there wasn't any ghosts." The three scientists exchange glances before Egon speaks up.
"Bring her down." April listens to the voice that spoke through, hoping that it was just an error. "Doesn't he mean up?" She asked the woman, gesturing upwards with her head.

Janine cracks a small smirk, amused by April's reaction. She responds, her tone still professional yet somewhat teasing.
"No, they're down in the basement. Come on."
With that, the woman from the desk stands up and gestures for April to follow her. She leads April over, guiding her down the basement level of the firehouse.
They walk over to the far right, over to the door and down a staircase. "Why did it have to be in the basement?" April whispered to herself. Janine glances back, hearing April's whispered comment. She lets out a tsk sound and responds in a slightly teasing but bored tone.
"Cause dealing with supernatural shenanigans ain't for the faint-hearted. Besides, I think the boys prefer having some space between their work and their... recreational activities."

As they reach the bottom of the stairs, Janine leads April into the main room of the basement lab, the three Ghostbusters look up, their attention directed towards the newcomer. Egon gazes at April through his glasses, an air of curiosity and intrigue in his eyes. Ray, always more warm and friendly, offers her a genuine smile. Peter, on the other hand, lowers his newspaper and gives her a sly smirk, his eyes giving her a once-over. "This is the kid who called last night about her ghost problem, I leave it to ya." And with that Janine climbed back up the stairs. "... Hello," April slightly waved, as she walked into the lab. She steps over, "I need some help with- Ah!" As she goes to speak her hand almost knocks over a device on the table. Egon quickly notices April's fumble and instinctively catches the device with one hand before it can fall. He then gives her a stoic nod in acknowledgment before setting the device back down on the table. "Woops?" Ray, ever the friendly presence, chuckles at her near-accident. Peter, however, can't help but crack a smirk and comment.
"Careful there, kiddo. We wouldn't want you knocking over our gizmos before we even hear what brought you here."
"I am so sorry for almost breaking your... Whatcha-ma-call it." April looks back at the PKE meter she almost knocked over, she tried to think of what to say. "What exactly is it?"

Ray, standing nearby, notices April looking curiously at the PKE meter. He can't help but chime in with a friendly explanation.
"Oh, that's our PKE meter. Short for Psychokinetic Energy Meter. It helps us detect any paranormal activity nearby. It's our main tool for finding and identifying ghosts. Very handy to have on."

April slowly nods her head at the information, before taking another step forward.
"Could it, i don't know. Possibly detect a demon dog? Specifically one under a secret chamber in a high school?" The three Ghostbusters exchange glances amongst themselves, intrigue now clearly etched on their faces. Egon raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued as he adjusted his glasses. Ray looking equally intrigued.
Peter cocks his head in curiosity and speaks up, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "A secret chamber? This oughta be interesting."

"Yeah, it's kinda a long story." April sits down in one of the chairs, as she explains what she witnessed and found. During her recounting, April tries not to take too much notice of how Egon is examining her. Maybe he's checking to make sure she's not a ghost? She was feeling completely normal when he got closer to her face.

"I tried to talk to it like a dog, but it just said "There is no dog, only Zuul." I got the bookcase closed again and I didn't really know what to do after I got home. I couldn't even sleep without seeing it in my dreams." The name Zuul, brought back memories from twelve years ago to the three Ghostbusters. There's no way Gozer might be trying to come back. Is there?

As April describes her encounter, the three Ghostbusters' expressions shift from intrigued to slightly ominous. Hearing the name "Zuul," Egon's eyes widen slightly, and Ray's smile drops. Peter's smirk vanishes, replaced by a frown.
"Hold on, lemme get this straight. You said it said... 'Zuul'?"

Ray can't help but butt in, his voice filled with concern. "Yeah, that's a rather ominous phrase. It's definitely not a response you'd expect from a typical demon dog... or any dog, really."
Egon's eyes narrow as he crosses his arms, his expression growing serious. "That doesn't sound good. It might be connected to something we dealt with in the past. Something 𝘣𝘪𝘨."

"Oh come on, this again? You'd think the prehistoric bitch would get the clue, but can't say I blame her. Just can't get enough of us." Peter chimed in, responding with his "unique" outlook. "I'm sorry, but what happened before?" April stutters, as Peter drags his chair up in front of her. Sits down against the back, preparing to retell the previous event from years ago. Of course with some dramatics.

Peter begins his tale, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Well, buckle up, kiddo. Back when we first started this little venture of ours, we were hired to deal with a nasty ghost problem in some high-rise apartment. Long story short, it turned out to be a whole lot darker than expected. Not counting our first actual catch."

Chapter Text

One hour later...

April wasn't sure how much time had passed, after she finally got past when they lost their jobs at the university, and decided to buy the firehouse. And had their first catch, by the time Peter got to where they crossed the streams. Sent Gozer back to their dimension, Blew melted, and burned chucks of marshmallow below the crowd and were able to free the two people who were possessed by the terror dogs. It felt like she was there for longer "And that's how we saved New York."

"... Did that really have to start at the very beginning? I don't think I really needed to know about your childhood." Peter chuckled wryly at April's question, a smirk playing on his lips. "Hey, kid, you wanted to know the whole story, right? Gotta give you the full picture."
Meanwhile, Egon adjusted his glasses, his expression contemplative, while Ray offered a friendly smile. "So what you're saying is, that the same god and... I guess her's? His? Minions are trying to find another set of people so it can be summoned again?" April looks between them, for any kind of answer at this point.

Peter rubs his chin, his expression growing serious as he considers April's question.
"Yeah, that's the gist of it. Gozer, or more specifically, Gozer the Gozerian, is an unbelievably powerful entity. When we trapped it, we essentially sent it back to its realm, but it might be trying to find a loophole to come back and complete the summoning ritual it started years ago. But hey, I guess we'll just have to put in some overtime."

"Okay, so just let me get this summoning part straight. Gozer's minions, Gatekeeper and Keymaster need a male and female host to be able to walk the human plain enough to get where they will summon Gozer." April leans forward, with her hands resting against her face. "How do they summon it?" She asks, leaving an awkward air of silence.

The three Ghostbusters exchange glances, their expressions shifting to varying degrees of discomfort. They obviously understand the mechanics of the summoning process, but explaining this part to a younger person doesn't exactly fit comfortably in their wheelhouse.
Eventually, Egon decides to take the lead, adjusting his glasses and clearing his throat.
"The Gatekeeper and the Keymaster are vessels to Gozer. But they have to perform a specific act together before fully summoning it. An act that involves... intimate connection, shall we say." Peter chimes in once again, a hint of a smirk on his lips. "Ah yes, the whole 'physical union' thing. I remember that bit, quite clearly actually. Mostly cause it does cause some interesting side effects like I don't know, hovering over beds and being a 'little' clingy."

Ray shakes his head, trying to suppress a smirk himself.
"Yeah, it's not something we could forget easily, considering the circumstances."
Egon, ever pragmatic, clarifies the situation further.
"Physical union, as Peter so eloquently put it, is essential for the summoning to take place. It allows the vessels to become a conduit for Gozer to fully manifest."

"You mean...?" April's mind works overtime, as the gears in her brain put together the pieces of the puzzle. Before realizing what it actually was and figuratively, throwing the puzzle across the table. "Oh my God." The three Ghostbusters exchange knowing grins and chuckles, seeing the light bulb going off in April's head.
Peter speaks up, his smirk still present.
"Yep, you've got it now, kiddo. The act of union between the Gatekeeper and Keymaster isn't exactly a simple handshake, if you catch my drift." April stares back, flabbergasted by what she caught on to. "That's messed up. like beyond messed up."

Peter chimes in with a slightly sarcastic tone.
"You could say it was quite a "hot" situation." Egon, always the serious one, doesn't share in his friend's' amusement.
"It's not a matter to be joked about, Venkman. Gozer is a powerful entity, and its minions are willing to do whatever it takes to bring it into this realm. It's a matter of great consequence."
Peter shoots him a look, rolling his eyes dramatically.
"So, who's going to be next for doing... you know?" April asked. Ray looks contemplative, a hint of concern on his face.
"That's the million-dollar question. We don't know who the next Gatekeeper and Keymaster candidates are."

Peter chimes in once more, his usual smirk returning.
"Yeah, it could be anyone. A pair of lovebirds caught up in something they don't understand, doomed to bring about the apocalypse. Somehow worse than what Romeo and Juliet dealt with." Egon thinks for a moment before answering.
"The relationship between the Gatekeeper and the Keymaster does not necessarily have to be romantic or intimate. They could be complete strangers, or they could know each other. The only requirement is that they perform the necessary act to become vessels for Gozer. Zuul and Vinz Clortho, are likely guiding the chosen vessels."

Ray nods in agreement, adding his own bit of insight.
"Yeah, they're the ones calling the shots here. They'll find whoever they need to initiate the summoning ritual, and won't care about whether the human vessels involved know each other or not." April nods trying to not let her emotions show too much, or at least tried to at first. "I was afraid of that,"

Peter notices her discomfort and decides to chime in with his usual sarcastic quip.
"Yeah, it's definitely not a Kodak moment for the couples. But hey, at least they're making history, right..."
Ray shoots him an annoyed glance, while Egon adjusts his glasses, shaking his head slightly. "So what?" April speaks up, bringing the attention back to her. "Do I just avoid going to school or...?" Peter leans back in his chair, looking her up and down.
"Well, considering you're a high school student, you have a good cover for being at school while keeping an eye on your principal. Just act like a regular teenager and observe for any suspicious behavior."
Ray nods in agreement.
"Yeah, you have access to the school, which gives you an advantage. Keep your eyes peeled and report anything strange." Peter cuts in again. "like the little aspiring journalist you are~" Peter, unapologetic as always, shrugs with a smirk.
"Gotta keep track of the facts, kiddo. Call it a little pre-investigation."
Ray and Egon exchange glances, with Egon shaking his head slightly at Peter's antics, while Ray just chuckles.

"Gimme that," She snatched her bag back. "Come on, you seriously ate my sandwich." April yanks the sandwich out of Peter's grasp, grimacing at the bites taken out. "Alright, I'm really trying to be as patient as I can. You guys, men, manly men? Of science, seem to know what's up, and I'm willing to trust you since, uh, the fate of the world might be at stake?" April said, hoping she came off more confident than awkward. The attempt wasn't well executed.

"You know, I'm starting to like you." Peter smirked, while saying something to Egon about keeping her around. Ray, being the supportive one, gives her an encouraging smile. "You're doing great, don't worry. And we appreciate the trust, it means a lot." Peter, unable to resist making a joke, speaks up.
"Hey, we're more than just 'manly men'. We're also very handsome and charismatic."

April looks Peter up and down, but refrains from saying what's on her mind and simply replying. "Uh-huh." Ray stifles a laugh, as Egon lets out a small chuckle, both amused by her response. Peter, for his part, looks slightly wounded, trying to maintain his usual confidence.
"Hey, I'll have you know that plenty of women find me attractive. I'm a catch, kiddo. Not that you'd know. You're like, what, fourteen?" Before April can answer, Peter leans his arm on the top of her head as his arm slowly flattens her hair.

"Seventeen, I don't think that's really important."

Egon, noticing her obvious irritation, steps in, gently pushing Peter's arm away from her head.
"Peter, could you please not treat her like a prop? She's a person."
Ray shakes his head at Peter's antics, giving him a disapproving look.
"Yeah, we need to work on that sense of tact, buddy." April moves her hair back into its shape. Also taking the opportunity to get a quick passing glance at Egon. For completely normal teenage reasons obviously. Egon catches her glance, sensing he's being looked over, though he remains his usual stoical self. Peter, still trying to play it cool, holds his hands up apologetically.
"Sorry, kiddo. Force of habit, you know. I can't resist being the charming one."
Ray just snorted, clearly not buying it.

"Also, since this is a matter of well making sure humanity doesn't end, we won't bother you with any payments. Unless you put us out of business with your clumsiness."

"So what you're basically saying is that you guys are going to fix this?" April tilted her head to the side, hoping that at least Peter was being serious. Ray nods his head in affirmation.
"Yeah, we've got this. We've faced Gozer before, and we'll do it again if we need to. It's our job to protect New York from supernatural threats."

Peter chimes in, a confident smirk on his face.
"You've got the best ghost-fighting team on the job. Relax, kiddo." April smiled, feeling a sense of relief falling on her shoulders. "Okay, thank you." They lead her back upstairs to the lobby, April stops ahead of her departure. "Uh, quick question. In the ad I saw there were four of you, where's the other guy?" Ray looks mildly uncomfortable, as Peter's smirk fades just a bit.
"Winston. A friend and fellow teammate."
Egon, always the one to give straight answers, speaks up.
"He chose to leave the team a while back. Personal reasons, if I recall correctly."

The realization on her face was evident, as April let out a sound of surprise. "Oh my god, for a second I thought you were gonna say he was dead."
Ray chuckles nervously at her statement, while Egon shrugs it off.
Peter, in his own fashion, tries to reassure her.
"Nah, Winston's alive and kicking. He moved out to the suburbs and is a dad I think?"

"Peter, we've met his daughters before." Ray pointed out. "Okay... Uh, I guess I'll see you guys around." April said, giving a wave goodbye as she leaves.The three Ghostbusters wave back, each having their own farewell message. Ray gives her a warm smile and a nod.
"Take care, kiddo."
Peter added with a small chuckle. "Try not to get into any trouble."
Egon, ever the stoic, simply offers a small wave. "Be careful."

"... I will." April can't help but let a crooked grin fall on her face at Egon's words, stumbling a bit before regaining her footing.

 ...

"Oh no, why of all times why?" April thought to herself as she laid face down in her bed, but at least it was a distraction from what she discovered and the possibility of the end of the world. And her close encounter with Zuul. "This is the worst." April complained to nobody besides herself, and maybe her cat. She couldn't shake off the thoughts of Egon, despite knowing how silly it seemed. The way he adjusted his glasses, the way his intense gaze would focus on anything. God damnit, why couldn't it have been someone she goes to school with?

As she laid there, lost in her thoughts about the world and a certain scientist, April's rotary suddenly rang, bringing her back to reality. "Hello, this is April Morris speaking." On the other end of the line was Peter. His voice was casual and a bit sarcastic, as if he enjoyed interrupting her inner turmoils. "Hey kid, it's me. Got a minute?"

With a nod, April responded. "Yeah, sure I'm just-" She pauses once hearing the familiar voice. "Hold up," April sat up, bringing the phone closer and resting at her side "How did you get my number?" Peter chuckled on the other end, enjoying her confusion.
"Come on, kiddo, it's not that hard to get someone's number these days. I have my ways."
In the background, Ray could be heard saying "He just called every number in the phone book."

"I didn't call 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 number, just the ones who happened to share the same name as hers. Until I bugged it out of Janine."

April groaned, rubbing the side of her head. "Why exactly did you find, and call my number?"

"Oh, no reason... Except that you left a little something here." Peter smirked, holding up a small booklet. The book that April puts all her pictures in, that just so happened to have been left behind after she had shown the one she caught of the beast.

"You know she can't see what you're holding right?" Egon said in the background.

"Details, details. I was just telling our client that we got her little book and will keep an eye on it till either of us return it or she comes back. Anyway, just letting you know it's in safe hands, oh and we'll be over at the school some time this week depending on any pre-scheduled busting, bye-bye." April just stared down at her lap, thrown off by the sudden realization of what she forgot and the abrupt hang-up. "What?" April spoke to no one, placing her phone back on the table. Still having those red eyes stare back at her. "Why do I feel like this is gonna be a long week?" Even as she tried to relax, April's mind kept wandering back to the tall, dark haired scientist. But still felt as if she was being watched in someway...

Somewhere, in the depths of the netherworld. Laid a being who watched over April. Its smirk, full of malice and contempt. "You know what to do, loyal one. Find them." It commands, as an otherworldly roar echoed through and began its chase.

The Keymaster is coming...

Chapter Text

Of all days it had to happen.

April hurried to the nearest girls bathroom, desperately not wanting anyone to suspect or even know... Wait, nobody can tell right? It's not like she's smuggling drugs, just a pad. God hopefully nobody somehow can tell.

Over the past couple days, April couldn't help but find herself constantly thinking about the Ghostbusters, especially Egon. She would often find her mind wandering during class, her eyes glazing over as the teacher droned on. Her thoughts would inevitably drift to Egon's intense gaze, his stoic demeanor, and his impressive knowledge on the paranormal. It was both mesmerizing and frustrating at the same time. Little did she know, Egon found himself thinking about her too, albeit in a more scientific context. Once her problem was handled, she was about to leave until she heard two of the teachers walk in. "What do you mean you still haven't found who was down there and somehow knew how to open the door?!" The woman, Ms. Saunders who taught science whispered harshly, while the music teacher, Mr. Zott replied meekly. "I can't just start a witch hunt on the students, they'll grow suspicious."

"Suspicious, you really think those little retards would even care about what's going on? They could give a shit about anything else besides what shoes to wear which outfit, or how much their pants should fall off their ass. Just find out who was in the library that day and take care of it. Hilken was there, she knows who and what."

April stayed in the stall, until she was absolutely sure Ms. Saunders, and Mr. Zott were gone. "They're in on it too?" She muttered to herself, yelping as she lost her footing on the toilet seat before grabbing onto the stall ledge. "Why do I feel like the universe is out to get me?" Once she was back on the ground, she walked over to the sink. Splashing some water on her face to regain focus, when she looked back up her surroundings changed, the bathroom sink and mirror still looked the same but everything else around her looked as if she was in a dark, ominous forest. "What In the-" She whipped her head around, seeing two pairs of red eyes in the distance. "Zuul?" She called out, which was a mistake. Pairs of growling and the sounds of what could be only described as feet of a wild animal coming for its hunt drew nearer. "Oh come on, I just asked a question!" April exclaimed, as the beasts came closer, the last thing April saw was them pouncing.

"AAAHHHhhh... Ah?" She waited, until she opened her eyes again and saw she was still in the bathroom. And just screamed at some poor girl who came in. "Sorry, uh so... Enjoy your bathroom moment." April scooted past the girl and left.

"What the hell is going on? Am I being haunted by dogs now?!" She hushed, walking through the halls and trying not to look insane to everyone else. (She's already getting close) And as if to make it better, Michael comes over. "Hey Morris, where you going this time? The nerd convention?!"

"NOT now Michael!" She quickly dismissed him, which left Michael surprised to say the least. "What? Aw come on, you suck anyway!"

As April continued walking, she stopped when realizing she was just aimlessly walking around. "Okay, get it together." She leaned against the wall, right next to the school's displays of achievements and events. With the most noteworthy in the middle, the first photograph of the school with its founder... Ivo Shandor. "Wait a second." April crouched down, pressing her face against the glass to get a better look. The names of the staff in the photo, and students were all included. But the last name she expected was of the one who made a cult surrounded by Gozer, and was indirectly responsible for the last time the world almost ended. And will be for again.

Without wasting time, (and while everyone was still here for after school clubs, or setting up for the upcoming prom) April hurried over to the library. Once in the area, she made her way over to the front desk. Ms. Hilken may be a part of the conspiracy, but it's not like April could mention it out loud. "Hi, this is completely random. But I'm doing a paper on the school's founder, and was wondering if there's any books around here about him?"

"Oh, well there used to be but they haven't been used in so long. We usually put those ones in storage."

April groaned to herself, why couldn't this be easier? "So would you mind if I possibly went back and looked? Like back there?" April motioned behind Ms. hilken, leaning over the desk. "Back behind you, where the storage room is. Where. the book. 𝘐𝘚."

"Oh, I'm afraid not dearie. We don't allow students back there."

"Well then can you go and get it?"

"Huh? What was that, dear?" Damnit, she didn't hear her. April sighed, maybe she was reading too much into it. "N-nevermind, thanks anyway."

April walked over to one of the tables, letting her head fall forward. "Could this day get any worse?!" She yelled into the sleeve of her hoodie. The two girls, the ones who are always giving her crap were leaning against one of the desks, casting amused glances in April's direction. One of them, with long blonde hair and a sharp, catlike smile, leaned closer to the other and spoke in a hushed but slightly taunting tone. "Oh my god, did you see the way she was totally spacing out earlier? She was either high as a kite or just completely zoned out."

"Ugh, I know right? It's like are you actually or just trying to get attention?"

The girls continue their giggling and whispering, seemingly unaware that April can still hear them. The blonde one suddenly gasps, her tone feigning realization.
"You know what we should do? Tomorrow, we should slip some laxatives in her lunch. You know, just for a laugh."
The brunette then gets an idea, opening her bookbag and dumping all its contents onto the floor. "April, could you help pick this up? Pretty please?" Without protest, April got up and walked over. "Sure, Terri."

The girls watched with smug grins watching April. "At least you're doing something you can finally be good at. Shutting up and being a good little help. Just like it's supposed to be." The malic in the blonde's words stung April, but she said nothing. Trying to fight off the tears and humiliation, all while catching Ms. Hilken watching from the corner of her eyes, but doing nothing as she leaves. The girls' conversation quickly faded into the background as they continued their giggling and whispering.

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘥.

The girls' laughter suddenly died in their throats as the low, guttural growl pierced the air. They exchanged wide-eyed glances, their faces going pale with fear. The growl sounded animalistic, but far too deep to belong to any normal beast. A heavy sense of dread hung in the air. April looked up, knowing where exactly it was coming from. "W-what was that?" Terri stuttered.

As much as she hated the girls for their insensitive comments about her, she couldn't just let them get hurt by what was about to come up. "What are you waiting for?! Go, run!" April ordered. The girls faces etched with terror, snapped out of their paralysis and began to follow April's instructions. They ran for the exit, their feet slamming against the floor as they tried to put as much distance as they could between themselves and the ominous presence. All except April, who seemed rooted to the spot.

April's heart dropped, as the burning red eyes of Zuul bore into her.

Zuul, the ferocious and intimidating demonic being, stalked over towards April. Her glowing red eyes fixated upon the teenage girl, filled with anger and aggression. "Oh, heey... I feel like we got off on the wrong track before, so why don't we start fresh? I'm April-" April was cut off as she felt the gust of wind as Zuul roared. She was clearly not happy. April took a step back, nearly stumbling as the sheer force of the roar hit her. The sheer force of the roar sent a shockwave through the area, books and papers flew through the air, swirling around in a chaotic frenzy. "Okay, good talk!" She exclaimed, before running off as far as the extensive library would allow. Zuul's voice, while loud and booming, held a hint of an ancient and otherworldly essence. From the corner of her eye, April spotted a fire extinguisher on the wall. This is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy! She thought to herself. "Shit, shiiit!" April scurried over to the wall, as she tries to figure out how to use it. Before panicking and hitting Zuul right on the head. "Oh my God, I'm sorry!"

Zuul let out a loud roar of pain and anger as the fire extinguisher connected with her head, the impact momentarily causing her to stumble. Her eyes burned with fury as she looked at April, a deep growl rumbling in her chest. She was clearly not amused by the sudden attack. "Yeah!" April boasted, while still holding the fire hydrant. "OH, OH! Whatchu gonna do now? Nothing! Who's the idiot- AGH!" She yelled as her face collided with the hose, and that's what happens when she gets too proud of herself.
April's momentary triumph quickly faded as she was taken off guard by her collision with the fire hydrant. The impact left her disoriented for a moment, the fire extinguisher slipping from her grasp. Zuul, her anger now reaching its peak, lunged forward with incredible speed and strength, her massive form crashing into April and knocking her to the ground. "AHH!" As she looked up at the beast above her. Zuul loomed over April, her imposing form blocking out everything around her. Her powerful muscles rippled as she towered above the young girl. Her eyes burned with a feral rage, her breath hot on April's face. The air was thick with the acrid scent of sulfur with something that smelled familiar to ammonia. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! please don't kill me!" April closed her eyes shut to spare herself from what would surely be a painful demise for her, she would never grow old, have any of the college experiences people race about. Which didn't really sound that exciting. Never travel or anything, she's waiting for death...

But it never came.

The expected attack never happened, the death blow never delivered. Instead, there was a moment of tense, heart-stopping silence. April opened her eyes slowly, her body shaking violently. To her surprise, instead of being met with the jaws of death, she was met with a quizzical look from Zuul. "Huh?" April was confused, was she already dead? Or had time slowed down? Zuul's eyes narrowed, as if trying to understand the situation. She tilted her head to the side, a low rumble coming from her throat. She seemed intrigued by the young girl's bravery, or perhaps amused by her fearlessness. But no, the expected attack never came and instead, she took a step back, giving April some space.
April's eyes widened in disbelief, her heart still racing. She couldn't understand why Zuul had spared her.
"Why... why aren't you killing me?" She managed to say, her voice shaking as she blindly searched for her backpack, never taking her eyes off the Gatekeeper. "Or, uh. Do you guys have a no-killing humans policy?" Zuul's expression was inscrutable as she stood before April, her eyes flickering with an otherworldly intelligence. She didn't answer, her silence only adding to the mystery. Instead, she tilted her head again, studying the young girl with a strange mix of curiosity and caution. The air was heavy with tension as the two stood facing each other, neither moving.
"Stop staring at me like that, the eyes are already creepy." Zuul's expression remained unchanged, her unwavering gaze fixed in on April. Her eyes burned, their crimson glow like two pools of molten lava. A small twitch of what could only be interpreted as amusement crossed her face. "My ancestors did not put up with years of bullshit from slave masters, just for me to get myself stuck into this situation." April muttered to herself, as dusted herself off. "Listen, I don't know what's going on. I probably shouldn't be talking, or even looking at you, but I cannot just stay here. So you can just go back wherever you came from, and maybe don't end the world but I gotta go home now, sooo goodbye!" Zuul watched April leave, her gaze still filled with a strange mix of curiosity and caution. The air hung heavy with tension, as if time itself has stalled. An odd sort of warmth stirred within her, a feeling unfamiliar to her. She had been around for millennia, witnessing countless civilizations rise and fall, yet this girl had sparked an inkling of curiosity within the ancient demon.

April watched from the corner, as Zuul sauntered back towards where the door was open. Figuring Ms. Hilken must've left it open at some point if she was correct in her theory about the old (and slightly racist) librarian. Was there anyone left in the school that wasn't involved with the occult? This was all so much for her to process, even with the weird vision she had in the bathroom earlier.

Stopping by the store on 5th avenue, April went in remembering the things her mother wanted her to pick up after school. With headphones on and music playing, it was a welcomed way to drown out the world for a bit.

Meanwhile...

"Hey Josh, we got some stray dog in the one of the aisles that's freaking everyone out. Can you go check it out?" The girl, with dark hair and a couple face piercings said to the taller, more bored guy.

"Fine, what does it have rabies or something?"

"I don't know, but I'm calling animal control."

With an indifferent sign, Josh went to investigate. Walking down the aisle, the last thing the young man expected to see was the "dog" digging around through one of the bulk bags of dog food. Last time he remembered, dogs didn't have horns or were almost as big as a lion. With a nervous gulp, he slowly stepped away. "Uh, Kylie? That's not a dog."

"What? I-i can't hear you I'm on the phone."

"Tell them it's not a dog!" Josh said through gritted teeth.

With a huff, Kylie marched over, he was probably just messing with her like always. "What the fuck do you mean it isn't-" Her mouth fell open, dropping the phone and giving away their presence.

...

April hummed along to the tune of the music, any terrified screaming from the two workers were drowned out. Last things April needed to get was shampoo, conditioner, and a cat treat for Jenkins. As she went about her business, she only became worried when she saw the same workers bolting away as if they saw a ghost. The sounds of Alanis Morissette were the only thing accompanying her as she looked down the aisle. "Oh shit." She gasped, either the one she encountered at school had the ability to teleport, or there was more than one.
She stared back at the beast as it's red eyes bore into her. "Uh, sorry if I'm interrupting. Lemme jusssst." She quickly grabbed the cat treats and ran the opposite direction, as it began charging after her. "AAAHH, NICE DOGGY, DON'T KILL ME!" To say April was scared was an understatement, now she didn't normally talk like this in front of anyone. But to describe what she's feeling, she's downright scared shitless about now. Making a turn down an aisle, she pulled down one of the displays hoping it'll buy her time. The beast jumped right over it. "Oh come on!" April looked back before realizing she reached a dead-end. "Seriously?!" She had no choice but to face the beast, April wasn't sure how but she knew this wasn't Zuul. "Hey, let's not go completely murdery yet. Do you know Zuul?" Once the question was asked, the beast tilted its (or his) head curiously. Which April had to admit was somewhat cute, it may not be the best decision. But April stepped closer. Slowly removing her headphones, something strange happened. She wasn't sure how, but she knew just who it was. "Vinz?" This was also an equally insane idea, she opened the bag of treats and held one out. "Uh, here. I'm not exactly sure what you guys eat, so here?" April almost expected her hand to become the treat instead, but Vinz sniffed it curiously before gladly taking the offering.

What the hell was going on?

Chapter Text

This had to be the craziest thing April has ever done in her life, after getting two more treats and leaving some money at the cash register. April was now leaving a trail, leading Vinz out towards the side of the store no one was at, and onto the streets. "All right, that's it. Just across the street." She murmured, once they reached the alleyway April felt a weight she didn't know was on her shoulders being lifted. "Okay... Oh my God." She leaned back against the brick wall, while Vinz looked back up. Waiting for more of those things she had that were very delicious. "Kay, maybe I should just move to a different country and change my name? But the whole Gozer thing would still be a problem." She complained, slowly sliding down the wall. "I thought if I was ever in a situation like this, it'd be like Sailor Moon. Not- Whatever this fricking is?!"

April noticed the familiar sulfur-like breath near her shoulder, she had almost forgotten about Vinz. At least he 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 a little more friendly than Zuul was. With a sigh, she held the treat bag up. "Here, just finish them." And he did, by taking the entire bag in his mouth. "Hey, no, no! You don't eat the bag! Come on, really?!" April shouted, with a deep breath she braced herself for what came next. "Open your mouth." She uttered, met with little resistance from the beast... What were they exactly? "Ugh, why is it so warm?" April reached around for the item, not trying to think too much about how her arm could easily be swallowed should anything happen. Once she grabbed the bag, she pulled back with a shudder with a disgusted expression. "Augh, that was the grossest thing I've ever had to do."

"Alright, looks like at least most of the teachers I know from school are cultists. There's still that creepy room under the library, and whatever you're supposed to be. I've run into your friend twice- You know I really don't care, cause both of you are creepy as hell." April grumbled to herself, even if he seemed friendly those red eyes still made her feel uneasy. Then something crept in her mind, almost as if something was trying to communicate with her. "You're a little lost aren't you?"

"I guess you weren't here for very long last time." April reached her hand out, like one would when showing an animal they mean no harm. To her surprise, April watched as t̶h̶e̶ b̶e̶a̶s̶t̶ - Vinz pressed his head against her palm.

The unexpected happened twice that day for April Morris.

April's breath hitched, almost expecting to feel some type of hair. But it was a little similar to petting a hairless cat, another moment of silence followed before she spoke. "You're wondering where she is, huh?"

"I'll try to help, but we gotta go." April stood up as they began to walk back out of the alley.
...

Egon felt some kind of disturbance run up his spine, was it the universe's way of warning the danger of what's to come? Was there a ghost that somehow escaped the unit? No something much worse... Peck. The bureaucratic man walked in the firehouse, looking less than happy to be there. "Well, well, if it isn't our old friend Wally." Peter's tone dripped with its usual sarcasm, while Janine leads peck over. "You're not gonna believe this, we're under investigation. Go figure."

"That's right, I don't know what you lot are up to now, but just know that you're under the direct watch of the E.P.A."

"Oh yeah, who doesn't love EPA." Peter grinned, enjoying the various ideas he could get under Peck's skin. This was one of them. "This may be all fun and games to you, Dr. Venkman. But just know I haven't forgotten about last time when your so-called unit exploded and could have caused irreparable damage to not only the city but its surrounding environment as well." Peter just simply smirked, amused by the irony that they were still being blamed for the unit being shut down and exploding the roof off while Ray had to keep Egon at bay should the bespectacled man's temper get the better of him. "With all due respect-"

"Which is none." Egon interjected, before Ray smiled nervously and continued. "Heh, I understand your just doing your job. But we have a lot more important things to worry about than being investigated if I'm being honest."

"Like what?" Peck raised an eyebrow, skeptical and not entirely convinced that there even is an actual problem that not only effects the Ghostbusters but every single one of them.

Meanwhile in Brooklyn...

April awkwardly shifted her backpack in her lap, the gentle humming of the buses engine, a welcomed noise during the ride back home... It's a somewhat decent distraction from the fact she had an otherworldly beast or whatever Vinz really was. The size of a lion, but why did she feel compelled to use dog terms? Noticing the puzzled looks she was receiving, she nervously replied. "He's uh, mixed breed."

And to her surprise, no one had any questions or said anything. Then again it was New York, and there were already a lot of interesting people, and things that could happen in the concrete jungle. Once the bus stopped just a block away from her apartment, April's mind raced with what she should do now. She can't just waltz in and not expect her parents to freak out, (Maybe it'd be easier just to refer by name) but she couldn't just let Vinz roam free. Especially after having to stop him twice when he tried wandering into stores or delis, she could always get to the nearest payphone and call the Ghostbusters- and see Egon again. (She totally wasn't crushing bad) But she had the odd feeling that Vinz was searching for something... Or someone. "You're looking for someone, aren't you?" April asked, her tone softer than she intended to be. Vinz grunted in affirmation, he was looking for someone. The Gatekeeper.

"Well, I would say that I can help. But don't think I don't know your game, boy. I ain't helping anyone if it involves ending the world, I'm rooting for the opposite."

April adjusted the strap over her shoulder, as they were getting closer to her block. "Besides, I wouldn't even tell you if I knew who you were looking for- Cause I obliviously don't know." That was a lie.

"𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘦, 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭." April whipped her head over, stunned by the sudden voice coming from the creature. "What the- since when did you talk?!"

"𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴."

"... We're- we're gonna come back to that later." April stuttered, stepping up to the stoop before turning back to face Vinz. "Kay, you can come inside. But also my parents can't see you. So, you're gonna have to hide in my room or something."

Once inside and the short climb up to the second floor, April unlocks the door, thankful her parents aren't back yet. "Alright, I guess my home is yours for now." She hung her jacket up, so far so good- HISS! GROWL! April snapped her head over, witnessing the sight of her cat in a defensive position while Vinz does the same. "Woah! Okay, okay. Jenkins, it's alright boy." April scooped the calico up, feeling the hairs on his back puff-up as he growled. "It's a long story but, Jenkins, Vinz. Vinz, this is my cat Jenkins." April introduced the two before getting on to the point she wanted to make clear. "This is a pet, not foe or food." She tried setting the feline down, but poor Jenkins sensing the evilness ran off to April's room. "It'll take a bit for him to get used to you, but seriously don't eat him." This was such a fricking weird day, it couldn't get any worse right? She thought to herself. "I guess you've never really been around Brooklyn heights? Well this is an apartment, it's like a house except the neighbors live in the same building." April explained, trying not to panic as she saw a glimpse of Jenkins keeping his defensive pose up. What the hell was going on? She didn't really have anyone else to go to... "Grandma," She whispered, a hopeful glimmer in her eyes lit up before it dimmed. Her grandma had been dead for two years, but April recalls how her grandmother was an avid believer in there being an afterlife of sorts, and even believed in the urban legends you'd hear around Louisiana. She had that box that was left for her, she had always been her grandmother's favorite. Maybe it was time to actually see what was in it.

The door slid open, as April reached up to the top shelf in her closet. "You can come in if you want?" April announced, but for some odd reason it was almost as if an unseen presence was keeping Vinz at bay. April's curiosity increased upon opening the box. "What the..." She expected to find some old jewelry or anything that was for sentimental value. Which it was, but she also found small vials of different types of herbs and spices, sage, dried up flowers and a folded letter with the inscription, "𝘛𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺, 𝘪'𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰'𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘚𝘰, 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥."

"𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘮𝘢."

April could practically hear her grandmother's voice speaking to her, she looked down at the box before looking at Vinz. "Was she a witch?" All of what her grandmother wrote made some sense, as her mind replayed the events from the week. And the vision she had. "Oh my God... I feel like my head is gonna explode." April covered her eyes with the crook of her arm, falling back in the mattress. She then heard a rumble sound coming from Vinz. "Oh my- Okay, uhhh. I allow you to enter, but you are to refrain from doing harm or something." April begrudgingly recited, not thinking that some random words won't do anything... They did. April shot up, noticing the large beast coming in. "Holy, frickin hell." Then she noticed the front door opening. "Oh! Kay, just stay here I'll be back okay bye." She went to go greet her mother, thankful for the close call.

Back at the store, the two clerks were trying to explain what they saw to the police and animal control. "This thing was a big as a fucking lion." Kylie explained, as the taller man, Josh nodded vigorously. "Y-yeah! And it had horns and these eyes that stared into your soul!"

Their encounter ended up being on the 8 o'clock news, catching Peter's attention. "Heya, does that dog their yapping about sound familiar?" The possibility dawned on the three Ghostbusters, and the worry grew more when the witnesses who were being questioned described a teenage girl being chased by the "rabid dog" Egon adjusted his glasses, before speaking in a serious tone.

"We need to find it, before things get out of hand."

Chapter Text

April was relieved that her "Little" secret in the bedroom of her area was away, enjoying some sense of normalcy as she helped her mother with dinner. Like always, since that Wednesday night her father was close to completing his shift at the hospital, she made sure there was a serving for him nestled in the fridge. In the right corner of the kitchen, April and her mother ate. "So, how was school today?" Her mother, Elis asked. Oh boy was that a loaded question for her to answer, so she made the right decision. "It was alright, actually I finally opened that box Grandma left for me." "You know she would have rather you take the time instead of feeling forced to look at what she left." Elis smiled gently. "You and her were very close, and you have no idea how much that meant to your dad that you at least had the time you did with her." April felt a bittersweet smile make its way on her face. "Thanks mom, she actually left a lot of interesting stuff behind. Some like stuff for spiritual protection. I think I'm actually gonna learn some of the-"

Just right behind her mom, Vinz was searching the kitchen. Most likely smelling the casserole that was made. "Oh my God." She slipped, causing Elis to look at her daughter with a sense of confusion. "I mean, Jenkins, get!" April's voice caught the attention of the calico, who was sleeping in the living room. "Off the stove." April shook her head, trying to get back to the topic of conversation. But Vinz seemed intent on testing her patience. "I was gonna say that I think I'm going to read more in the stuff grandma believed in- GET OUTTA HERE!... Uh, ya damn cat! That ain't your casserole, do you see your name on it?" April stared the beast down, before shooing him away. "Didn't think so, away from the dish." She pointed down the hall facing the kitchen's entrance, as Vinz retreated with a disgruntled growl.

"I have no idea what his deal is today." April shrugged before she resumed eating her lasagna, her mom just stared for a bit more but decided not to press the matter. A thought came to April, she closed her bedroom. How did Vinz get out then? "Excuse me for a second, I have to go to the bathroom." April briskly announced. "Uh, okay." Ellis watched as April scurried down the hall. Looking over at her daughter's plate, scraping some of the casserole onto her own. "We have plenty of leftovers anyway." Once April rushed to the front of her door, opening it to what she thought would be her room. "Oh no, not again." This time, April had no idea of where she was even at. It looked like the middle east, maybe Egypt? It all looked so ancient but alive. Turning around she faced a place of worship, and slowly stepped inside the stone temple. "What the..." Inside, she took in her surroundings and the murals on the walls. "Hello?"

... 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧?"

"Huh?" April turned around, the eerie, gravel like voice sending chills down her spin. The temple grew dark, as a fog manifested around her. Screaming as she saw multiple hands grab her. April desperately tried pulling the hands off of her as she felt its claws drag against her skin.

"𝔸r̶e̸ ሃᴏሁ የr̶ꫀ𝘱a͟r̸e̶d̶ T̶O̶ D̶I̶E̶?!" ...

April jumped back from the unnerving voice that seemed to echo in her mind, "Ngk!" She yelped, falling back against the bookshelf. She was inside her room. April pulled herself on the floor, her breathing uneven as she tried processing what she saw. What she 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵... She frantically searched for any sign of Vinz, and there he was. On top of her bed, staring down with those unnerving red eyes. April moved closer with caution, reaching for the phone on her nightstand dialing the number she memorized.

BRRING, BRRING.

Janine picked up the phone, absentmindedly continuing on with her crossword puzzle as she answered. "Ghostbusters, what's the problem?" "Hello, Ms.-" Crap! April never learned the receptionist's name. "Uh, it's me April from the other day. It's kinda important." "Okay, how important are we talkin-" Janine's brows furrowed as she hears heavy breathing on the other end. "Kid, if you wanna talk. Get your dog away from the phone." April kept trying to push Vinz back a distance, but it wasn't exactly easy to move something that was bigger than you. "It's not my dog, it's why I'm calling- Would you move please?!" Janine opened her mouth to say something, but saw another call was coming in. "Look, April you can either call back or come by tomorrow. But Ghosts don't wait for anyone, bye-bye." "WAIT, Miss. This is-" The line went dead, April hung up her end in defeat. "Happy now?" She turned in Vinz's direction. "What am I supposed to do with you?" April buried her head in her arms. This was gonna be a very long week for her...

Later in the night, once she was ready for bed and somehow managed to avoid suspicion from her mother April spent the rest of her night in the sanctuary of her room. With her beloved feline, and a plus one. Who when not being terrifying or even just a bit creepy, was almost harmless. It may have been a little foolish if not downright stupid, but April couldn't help but humanize him. Just a little bit.

"You know, when you're not being creepy or a pain. You're not all that bad." She commented, as he sniffed through her room. At some point, dragging the lamp off her desk and handing it to her. "Uh, thank you, Vinz." She reached her hand out towards his head, gently petting his fur? Skin? It was kinda similar to a hairless cat, almost like her cousin's cat. He seemed responsive to the action so there's that, April decided to look through what her grandmother had left. Maybe that's why they were so close, Maybe she knew what April would be capable of and would need guidance. One thing she'd always remembered, was the one time her family. It had been storming that night, and April swore she kept seeing something out the window. After being assured by her mom and dad that there was nothing outside, her Grandma came in and began placing salt outside of the room she was staying in.

She did always say that keeping salt outside any doorway was to keep monsters away, now April was thinking there was some truth in her words. "I wonder how she would think of you, I'll tell you. You definitely wouldn't want to get on Grandma's bad side. She may have been old, but she still could've kicked ass." April laughed, the sound soft and melancholy.

What came next was not what April expected to hear, Vinz was whining. As if he understood the feeling of missing someone dear. April's empathic side felt for him, but she also knew what would happen if he and Z̸ሁU̶L̶ were ever united. And the last thing April needed was to be the cause for the apocalypse. "Look, I get what you're feeling. But I can't help you with that, dude." April felt bad for saying it, but it was for the greater good. "Uh, hey. If you wanna come up you can. There's enough room." April leaned back against the head board, with Jenkins at her side. Then practically felt the air be squeezed out of her lungs as Vinz came up and rested right on her stomach. "HUGH! O-okay... We'll figure out the rest tomorrow." Her voice strained as she reached out for the lamps switch. "𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵... Ugh."

Chapter Text

A knock echoed on the other side of the door, as a young woman in her late teens went to answer it.

"Oh, hey. What's up?"

April stood in front of the cold, wearing nothing but her jacket and the pj's she had changed into just an hour before. "Hey, Bonnie. I need to ask, you still have those old clothes of yours I can have?"

Her cousin, Bonnie. Cocked her head to the side, wearing a soft smirk on her face as she moved her braids off her shoulder. "I thought you were gonna try and be 'normal' for your senior year?"

"I was, but things have been like 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 crazy lately and-"

Bonnie held a hand to her face. "And you need a change of style to feel more in control?"

April opened her mouth and closed it a couple times, trying to find her voice. "Come on in, and take what you like. I even got some old jewelry and shoes you can have."

Fifteen minutes later...

The room remained still, and calm. Until the sounds of April struggling to open the window outside the fire escape, while holding the bag of stuff she got from her cousin. "Come on you stupid window- OOO!" She fell through with an unceremoniously thunk, waking both Jenkins and Vinz from their respective slumber.

"Sorry," April hushed, pulling herself up on her feet. Stepping over to her closets, pulling the doors open as she dug in deeper. "Come on I know I put it... There!" Maybe this all was a way for her to feel in control, but it was time for a change.

The next morning was dark and grey, the rain pattering down April's yellow raincoat. Yellow was her favorite color, after green. She was able to leave without Jenkins whining about going, even though the feline had never acted that way before. However, she wasn't so lucky with Vinz. Maybe it was because NYC has seen stranger things, but the sight of him went relatively unnoticed. Walking up the stairs of her neighborhood's local library, she walked to the front desk. "Hi, I was wondering if you have any books relating to Sumerian mythology or anything about an Ivo Shandor?"

The librarian behind the desk looked up from the computer, giving April a questioning look. "We might have some of what you're looking for, look around in the historical or auto biography section. We did have a personal donation given to us about the guy you're asking for..." He trailed off, glancing down at Vinz. "We don't allow dogs."

"I-it's good, he's a emotional support dog." April stuttered, walking past the puzzled librarian as he spoke. "You sure that's a dog?"

...

April sat down at the table, skimming through the book until she found what she was looking for: "The Sumerians believed the god Gozer, and the ones worshipped along as demigods ruled the land of the dead, protecting the souls of the deceased." April thought to herself, flipping the next page. Muttering quietly to herself. "Some accounts and speculation from scholars for why The Sumerians seemed to distance themselves from their once revered idol trace to a legend in where. Gozer, who's mind was slowly becoming twisted and consumed by the power they held, instead of protecting the souls of the dead, sacrificed them and instructed the Gatekeeper and Keymaster to find suitable hosts, take the form of beasts and bring the God to the land of the living..."

April sat back, her mind replaying every word she read. "Gozer went mad with power, but that means..." Something was off, turning her head around as she scanned the area. Was someone watching her?... Shit, where was Vinz. "Vinz? Vinz?!" April whispered, leaving the table and searching for the KeyMaster. "Oh, come on where are you? This place ain't even that big." April's eyes became as big as saucers, when she spotted Vinz near the librarian. "No, no, NO!" April quietly yelled as she ran over. "No possessing anyone!"

Meanwhile, occupied with an audio tape on how to worry less and let things be. The librarian remains oblivious to the current tackle going on behind him.

"He ain't your guy!" April grunted, surprisingly fairing well in holding Vinz back.

"𝘉𝘜𝘛 𝘏𝘌'𝘚 𝘞𝘖𝘙𝘛𝘏𝘠!" He growled, throwing April off this back. Remembering the last piece her grandmother left her, hoping she understood its purpose. April pulled out the rosary she remembered her Grandmi always kept on her, if that didn't work out was going to be very hard to find a horseshoe. "I said knock it off, don't make me use this." She held the rosary with purpose, almost willing with her mind for the demigod to listen. Vinz finally backed off, obviously disappointed but unable to do much about it.

...

After checking the book out, and some very heavy convincing (and mild threatening) April left for the firehouse. Hoping to share her findings and if they would have some significant.

"Hello, is anyone here?" April called out, causing Janine to glance up.

"Oh, hey kid. Whatta have for us now?"

April strides over, holding the book close to her chest. "Something interesting I found, are any of the Ghostbusters here?"

Janine set her nail file down. "Dr. Venkman is here, you just missed Dr. Stantz and Spengler."

She wouldn't admit it (aloud) but she was a disappointed that Egon wasn't around, then something interesting caught her ear. Coming from the side was a golden retriever barking, with the happiest expression a dog could ever have, following behind was a woman in her mid-twenties. There's too many people to keep track of around there.

"Hello, Gwen. This is the kid that found out about the Gozer cult in her school."

Gwen didn't even second guess what Janine had said, well she kinda did. But she was used to it by now. "And they said my dad was crazy for thinking they would try coming back for another round." Hold on... Who's her dad?

"Your dad?" April furrowed her brows.

Gwen slightly nodded, wearing an expression that tells she's been in this specific situation before. "Yeah, everyone that doesn't know me before Ghostbusters is surprised to hear that my dad is Egon."

What felt like electro shock therapy to her brain coursed through her body, did she just... EGON IS A DAD????

"I didn't know he had a daughter." April calmly said. (she wasn't calm)

"Yeah, that's a long story to tell. And it's kinda complicated. Mostly complicated for anyone out of our circle." Gwen rubbed the back of her neck, flashing a friendly smile. "Anyway, I'm just stopping by cause of a commission I gotta drop off."

"Commission?" April tilted her curiously.

"She's the artsy type, gets a lot of the ladies attention." Janine said with a knowing wink, just then Peter strides over to Gwen's side.

"You got the goods, Spengler?"

Gwen rolled her eyes, handing over the folder. "I told you Dana wouldn't agree to model nude."

"Ah, well. Whatever scraps I get is better than nothing." He hands her over the five dollars he paid. "Ay, don't forget to tell your old man I said hi."

Gwen smirked, not looking back as she makes her exit. "You work with him, you do it."

Peter feins a mock wound. "Aw, you got me there Gwennie."

April couldn't help but find the interaction somewhat sweet, since it was clear that Gwen has known Peter for an awful long time.

"Aye, if it isn't our little journalist. I must say you have some interesting stuff in this." Shit, she forgot she left her diary there.

"Yeah, hi. Dr. Venkman." April half waved.

"Woah, let's not keep up appearances with the formalities. That stuff flies out the window sometimes, especially if one of us or all get slimed... But that's not the point, 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 you got something that you wanted to share."

Stuffing the file under his arm, he gestures with his hand. "Let's talk in my office, kiddo."
He then turns over. "Janine, remind me when the dynamic duo is back. We still got a go searching for Winston. See if he's up for saving the world one last time."

"Need I remind you that you know where Zeddemore is, and have been to his house before." Janine bluntly pointed, as a small smirk fell on her face.

"Touchè, well... Just tell me when Egon and Ray are back. If they haven't decided to just say "𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘵! 𝘓𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥." "Peter gestured wildly with his hands, leading April back behind the front desk.

Janine shook her head, going back to her task. Before taking a second glance back towards April. Something was definitely 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 about that girl...

𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦

"Once the Sumerians forgot about Gozer, they must've went into some dormant state until Shandor made the portal on top of West Central and Gilead high." Peter listened, with both hands on the back of his head as April explained what she found. Finally adding in his thoughts. "You're school is really called Gilead?"

April blinked, rubbing her thumb against her bracelet. "Uh, y-yeah. That's not the main focus on this. I think Gozer 𝘸𝘢𝘴 a protector of the dead. But something happened where they basically went some sort of crazy and now they're hellbent on taking over the world."

"Or its just evil to be evil." He gave a nonchalant shrug, making a face as he sipped the forgotten coffee on his desk. Alright for being four hours old he figured

"Maybe, but just hear me out. I know it's gonna sound crazy but just-" She stood up from the chair, glancing back down at the opened page. "What if it 𝘪𝘴 true? Then maybe wouldn't it be worth it if someone, anyone tried to... I don't know, maybe help and try to figure out what made Gozer corrupted in the first place?"

"... You're the more pacifist type are you?"

"Don't you take anything seriously?" Her shoulders slumped.

Peter lifted himself up from his chair, striding over to April. "Listen, Ace. If I was serious all the time. You wouldn't have this handsome mug as the face of this company. (He wasn't) We're a little unorthodox when it comes to the science around the afterlife. That's why we keep the mood slime locked up after last time."

"I'm sorry, mood slime?" April raised her eyebrows.

Peter nodded, somewhat enjoying April's confusion. "Yeah, it all started in 89. Right in the middle of Christmas and before New Years-" April held her hand up, pausing Peter's retelling. "Okay, I don't really have an hour for all that."

"It's positively charged, or "whatever emotions are flying around at the time" ectoplasm that can influence its surrounding environment and people, now that I really can't tell you the types of experiments Egon did with it. Not exactly for the faint-hearted or the rated PG crowd." Peter shuttered at the last part, suppressing a growing smirk at the memory. April recoiled a bit at the images that came from the thought of what Egon exactly did with the slime. Or to 𝘪𝘵 in this case.

"Okay, I don't think I needed that image burned into my head but thanks."

Peter sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Look, I'll admit it's cute- No, it's good you wanna try and understand it more. But trust me, we got lucky that we even made it out alive. That we made sure everyone in the world had a chance to live another day. This isn't something that can be understood, hell I'm pretty sure it doesn't even have a heart. Just bitchy-ness and that flattop hairdo." April slumped her shoulder, looking away from his gaze. Now how was she going to explain the unexpected guest that's hopefully still in her room? "Okay, but just hypothetically. What about the Gatekeeper and Keymaster?"

"Them? Y'know you can just call them terror dogs." Peter patted her shoulder.

"Terror dogs?"

"Yeah, you got any criticism about it?"

"Nope," She stood up from the chair, deciding it would be best to keep her current conundrum to herself for the time being. "Is it alright if I leave this here? I mean it's a book I checked out so you can't keep it forever."

"Oh totally, I know Spengler is definitely gonna get a kick outta this." Peter takes the book as it's passed into his hands. "Take care, and be careful out there. Ghost activity has been a little 𝘶𝘯𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 lately and you never can guess what's gonna happen."

April gave a nod, adjusting her bag's strap as she turned to leave. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘥? Peter thought to himself, he always considered himself a sort of psychic when it came to sensing something about a person or people that most aren't that observant or perspective on. Something or someone was following her, the question is what.

April hummed to herself as she walked to the bus stop, unaware of the familiar faces of Terri and Britney who seemed intent on making her life harder, only they're true form was starting to crack. Gazing with unsettling grins as they watched April get on the bus.

Chapter Text

"Dad, dad, dad... Daddy." Walter groaned, fluttering his eyes open at the sight of his daughter staring back at him. "Alice, why are you dressed? You have any idea what time it is?" He turned away from her gaze, just as she answered; "Eight thirty?" His eyes shot wide open, immediately jumping out of bed. "Alright, let's go!"

For a man like Walter Peck, perfectionism was everything to him. Never behind his schedule or late when getting up in the morning, no matter the obstacle on his way... Which in retrospect might have contributed to his wife's growing resentment and their inevitable divorce. He supposed it was only fair that he gave the space his wife needed away from the kids, but even with his life as a single father. That oh-so perfect schedule and routine wasn't easy to keep up with anymore.

Walter rushed tying his tie, while balancing the phone on his shoulder as he knocked on his oldest daughter's door. "Mollie, come on! Leaving in ten minutes. Soon to be nine!" He ordered, as she emerged from the bathroom. "Alright, I'm ready." He did a double take before answering back to his ex, Anne. "See? Everything is going great."

"Well that's good, God, the view from here is amazing." Anne signed happily, sipping on her morning margarita on the balcony looking over the view of Cancun.

"I'm sure, so when Halloween has passed you think you could take the girls for Thanksgiving weekend? I'm not sure how long this investigation will take but-"

"Ohhh, yeah. Walt, about that. I'm thinking about staying here for a little while longer. Plus remember, I had the girls last thanksgiving."

Walter rubbed his temple. "You're kidding? Alice misses you a lot, and Mollie- Uh, lately she's... I think she needs another woman to talk to sometimes."

He listened in as Anne spoke more, while getting ready for the Beach. "I promise, she's just going through teenage stuff. It's normal. Look, I'm sure your parents won't mind having them for thanksgiving. I'll take them for Christmas, and we can spend time together on New years."

"Together?"

"Yeah!... Unless you already have something planned?" An uncomfortable silence fell over the phone call, as Walter struggled with what he should say next. "Uh, I don't think that's going to work out. I'll tell the girls you said hi."

"Oh, okay. Bye Walt- BEEP" Now, Walter knew he didn't have anything planned. But after the fallout that led to his divorce, and looking back on what he could've done to prevent it he wasn't sure if he could face his former wife again. Or how Anne could forgive him after he failed as a husband?

"Smooth, dad." Alice remarked, before being chased off by Walter as she ran laughing. "Get going!"

Sometimes he wondered if the universe was just playing a big joke on him. Still, someone had to get the girls to school.

"Mollie, you made sure your sister has her EpiPen before leaving?"

The sullen teenager groaned, never taking her eyes off her book. "Yes, parental unit."

"She means yes." Alice chirped. "Can I have a dog?"

"No, Alice. Mollie's allergic to dogs remember?" He argued, for the tenth time this month.

Mollie however seemed indifferent, knowing how much her little sister had bugged about it. "I can just keep Benadryl with me at all times."

"No, it's just better safe than sorry."

"Typical." Walter could practically hear the harsh remark from under his daughter's breath, which hurt more than he'd like to admit.

"Meanie, mom is way more fun." Alice pouted while crossing her arms over her chest.

"Excuse me, I can be fun!" He looked back at Alice through the rearview mirror. "In fact, that's what my job is about. Making sure there's safe environments for kids like you two to play around in."

"I thought your job was being a dickless jerk?" Alice tilted her head, as her father reacted to the offensive language he just heard his daughter say.

"What?! Where did you hear that from?"

"That's what my friend Oscar told me, it's what his dad calls you." Walter was appalled, hearing what his daughter just called him and who Alice learned it from. "Well, it's not nice. And I don't want you to use that kind of language again." He definitely had his work cut out for him, that's for sure.

...

She really needs to stop having the dreams she's been having, for the last few weeks. April yawned as she leaned against the cooling wall of the small gymnasium trying to listen. "So, you catch anything on the- Uh, ghost detector?"

"PKE," Egon corrected. "And no. Not at the moment. Though I am intrigued by some lower levels that are being picked up." He covered scanning the surrounding area, Ray noticed the tired look in her eyes. "You don't look like you got much sleep."

"I haven't, I've been having these really weird dreams and stuff." Which was for the most part true, just that she omitted the part where she now shares her space with a terror dog that she's been hoarding. "And school to deal with."

"Yeah, school's a pain in the ass that's for sure." Peter chimed in. "But what exactly have you been dreaming about anyway, Ace?" April rubbed the back of her neck, moving out of the way for Egon.

"Really weird stuff. Like things I can't really explain, it's just been a lot." April sighed, leaning against the nearby wall. "I can't shake this feeling like somebody is watching me."

"Well, that makes sense. Given the blood type you have." Egon spoke in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone, scanning one of the students passing through.

"Excuse me, the what?" April questioned, hoping that she just misheard.

"What Egon means is, when we ran tests on your brain's activity and took your blood test, (which was done much to her bewilderment) we found your blood type is biologically prone to supernatural interferences and possibly beings! You know like ghosts and such." Ray explained with enthusiasm as he lifted his goggles up from his eyes

"And it appears that your encounter with the Gatekeeper might have awakened what would've been an otherwise dormant component in your genetic making." Egon finished, holding up a basketball in his hand as he scanned it.

"So basically I'm genetically prone to the supernatural?" April's mouth hung open at the unexpected revelation

"Think of it like, being prone to your everyday diseases. Like uh, I don't know, cancer or something." Peter said in half-hearted assurance, while April gave him a puzzled look.

"That's really all you could think of?"

"Well, sorry, sweetheart. My area of expertise is more with psychology and what exactly makes people tick. For example, testing a person's pyrokinesis." He says, reaching into April's backpack.

"A little show for demonstration. Heads-up, gentlemen!" And proceeded with throwing a couple of her pencils at two of the passing students with an audible twack!

"Ahh! What the hell?!"

"Jesus, shit!" The two students yelped

"See? Not to worry, you're in the clear." Peter smirked, waving the irritated students off.

Egon raised his eyebrow at Peter's "technique" for checking the signs of one's pyrokinesis."I don't think that has anything to do with psychology or any kinesis."

"You should get going, we may be doing an examination but you still have class I'm presuming?" He said, turning his attention to April.

April nodded, "Yeah I- do." She paused, watching as Egon scanned her. Draping her backpack over her shoulder, April waved as she headed out of the gym. "I'll talk later."

Ray gave her a friendly smile waving goodbye, his sigh holding a great deal of sympathy for her. "She's a nice girl, she should be going on with her life. Not caught up in something she has nothing to do with."

"I know. I wouldn't know what to do if Gwen went through that." Egon's monotone voice shed a bit of emotion at the thought.

"Tell me about it, but y'know there's something interesting about her. Besides her obvious crush on you, Spengler." Peter murmured, not at all caring enough to notice Egon's confusion.

"Her what?"

...

As April made her way down the halls, she halted. Looking around, a voice in her mind is telling her something is wrong in the atmosphere. "sh̸e̶'s͎ ɔom̶i̸ꪀᧁ ғᴏꋪ h̶i̸m̶!"

"What?" She spun around, searching for the source of the voice that yelled in her ear. But the halls were empty.

"Hey, April. Where you coming from? The Halloween store?!" Michael snickered, unable to resist bothering April. "Seriously, what's with the get up? You look like a witch. You trying to impress those ghost heads that are hopping around today?"

"No, and why do you always gotta bother me? I'm just literally minding my business. If you wanna annoy someone, try Terri and Britney. Those two need to be knocked down a peg anyway." April grumbles, heading towards her locker as Michael followed behind.

Confused about what she said he asks; "Who the hell are you talking about?"

"You know who, Terri and Britney. The popular girls that aren't the only ones besides you, who like torturing me." She opened her locker, retrieving what textbooks she needs for her next class.

"Either you're trying to be funny or some shit, but ain't nobody with those names even goes here." April felt a haunting chill crawl up her spine, vaguely hearing Michael speaking in the background. "𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘰."

April wasn't sure what made her feel the way she did, but something wasn't right with what Michael said. He was just saying another one of his lame jokes... Right? Once she finally faces away from the locker, she drops the books. Gazing at the horrific display in front of her.

...

"Let's wrap up, I'd rather be gone before Peck comes around again." Egon bitterly murmured to himself, just as the three Ghostbusters were gathering up the equipment they heard a bone chilling scream echo; "AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Being the first to react, and picking up the source, Egon sprinted down the left hallway.

"April?!" Ray called out, as the trio rounded the corner. April threw herself towards Peter, looking back as if she had seen the devil himself right behind her.

"T-t-there, right there. They're hurt, can't you see the blood?! THEY'RE STANDING RIGHT THERE, CAN'T YOU HEAR THEM?!" She shouted, pointing down the hall, there was nothing there.

"Woah-woah-woah, what are you talking about?" Peter asked, trying to keep the young girl in his arms upright. Catching a good glimpse at what she was seeing.
"Well that's something you don't see everyday."
He muttered, as Egon read the readings of the PKE:

𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.
𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘪𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺.

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴: 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥.
𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩: 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘭 5𝘵𝘩, 1977.
𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭: 6/10.

...

"The whole time... The whole flipping time." April mumbled to herself, for the fifth time since the three men had brought her to the back of the Ecto-1. "The two girls who've given me crap since I've been going here have been dead the whole time. For twenty years!" A smile creeped on her face as she giggled, her giggle turning into a chuckle and that chuckle turning into a laugh. With some added tears.

"I think the ghosts are making her a bit coo-koo." Peter softly quipped to Ray, who was rubbing April's back. Before Egon decided to take over.

"You and Peter go over the findings we got off the scans, let's get some air for you." April just nodded, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

The fresh air relaxed her some, but it was clear she was at war with her mind over the revelation that Terri and Britney have been dead for the past twenty years. Sure, they weren't exactly the nicest April's mind wasn't changed on that. But it was just the thought they were most likely killed in the halls of Gilead and now stuck forever.

"They don't pose any serious threats at the moment, I would say that the fact that you've seen their ghosts would mean we're getting closer to Gozer's return, with the dead becoming more active being the reason. But since this was before, it isn't much of a worry." He explained, before bringing his attention to April's body language. His expression softens, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"That information doesn't help, does it?"

April shook her head. "They're the worst, don't get me wrong. But I just can't help but feel bad for them. Stuck there just like that?"

"It's hard to think about." Egon said, giving April's shoulder an assuring rub before adjusting his glasses. "I know adolescents your age don't really care what adults or parental units tell them. But just know, I understand what you're feeling. That's the part of what we do that's always on my mind."

Retracting his hand, he goes on in his usual straightforward-ness with a hint of that fatherly warmth that April could sense off of him. "What I'm trying to explain is, I know those girls haven't been nice to you. And they were most likely the same in life, but that doesn't mean they didn't have people who cared about them. I don't know what I'd do if my daughter was in the state they're in... We'll take care of them once we're sure Gozer is dealt with."

Now, April could feel it before and wasn't sure why. But her brief encounter with Gwen the other day made everything click together. She felt just the same about Egon, but now there was an air of respect for the scientist. How was she supposed to tell them now?

"Speaking of, we scanned around the library. The most concerning thing was despite what you've seen. We didn't detect any signs of activity."

April was brought back to reality by the slight uneasiness of the scientist's face. "What? But what does that mean?"

"I'm not sure yet, but I know it can't mean anything good." He said with a grim notion, if there was nothing paranormal detected then either something went dormant... Or escaped.

...

A storm was brewing in the distance, just in the west side of long island.

A woman no older than twenty-six was busy on the phone, blissfully unaware of the evil that slowly trespassed into her home.

"Because you gave it to me, so it's mine!" She argued with her ex, slamming down the phone into the receiver before stopping over to the bathroom.

"Who does he think he is?! Fucking loser. Like I'm gonna give back his grandma's ring that he gave me, motherfucker man!" She murmured under her breath, turning on the faucet as the tub began to fill with warm water.

Turning on her CD player, she began undressing. Humming to tune. She wasn't sure if it was from the tense phone call she had, but the woman almost swore she was being watched.

"Must be my nerves." She concluded, submerging herself in the warm, soap filled water.

The distinct smell of pomegranate wafted through as the music made for a relaxed ambience. The woman swore for a second she thought the water had moved, but there wasn't anything she could've seen. Why did it smell like smoke though?

Just as she was about to let her guard down, a demonic-like paw pulled her in its grasp. She shriek and wailed for help within the building's thin walls, thrashing around as more of the claws grabbed her limps. Even one coming up from between her legs.

She was being pulled under, she yelled louder: "H-HELP, SOMEBODY!" But her efforts were futile, her voice gurgling as she went under. Leaving air bubbles behind before they eventually cease. Only the echo of the still playing CD filled the silence.

𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥?

𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭

Finally after what seemed like forever, the woman pulled herself back to the surface- or something else entirely different now...

Stepping out in the chill air, water dripped down between the crevice of her chest. She felt the hairs on her arm stand straight, as she left a trail of water. Stepping near the closet, the grin that fell on the woman's face was no longer hers.

...

"Kim?" The woman's next door neighbor, Ned. Knocked on the door of her apartment, having heard the screaming coming from the bathroom, and what could almost be described as someone ransacking her home. "Is everything okay? Just hang on and I'll call someone." He called out, knocking a couple more times before turning away to hurry and call for help. His eyes lit up as he heard the door unlock from the other side, seeing his neighbor was okay. "Oh thank God, is everything okay- HUGH!" Kim lifted Ned up in the air by the neck with inhuman strength.

"Are you the Keymaster?" She spoke, her tone cold and other worldly.

"ACK- Kim, let me go!" He choked out, as she brought him close to her face.

"There is no Kim, only Zuul!" She roared, throwing the man across the room. His body collided into the bookcase as he screamed out trying to prevent the heavy wood and items from falling on top. Only to succumb to his fate with a bone crushing thud.
The shelf was lifted up, as Kim (or Zuul) looked down at Ned. The poor man practically paralyzed from the neck down as he stared back up in horror.

"Where's Vinz Clortho?"

...

"You guys didn't have to drive me home, I could've just walked." April leaned against the Ecto's side as they stood outside the gas station.

"Ah, it's not a problem. It's only fair since you are a client." Ray grinned. "Although, unfortunately if you do seek us out again we'll have to charge you."

"Fair enough, how much do you guys usually charge?" April asked with a shrug.

"50$, 347$ if you pay for monthly routine cleansing." Egon answered.

If April was as pale as a daisy, or the color white, it would have been apparent just how much color drained from her face when hearing the prices.
"Good to know, I guess."
April felt a chill go up her spine, wrapping her arms around her shoulders as she pushed herself off the car. "It's cold out-"

When she turned around, none of the Ghostbusters were in sight. Neither the gas station or Ecto-1 could be seen, she was out in the middle of nowhere. "Oh no... No, not again." April spun around, seeing an older man and dark-skinned woman standing beside him. The woman looked eerily similar to- No, no it couldn't be. It CAN'T be. She ran up to the house once she saw them going inside. They moved as if they were marionettes performing a play. "No, no stop! Leave her alone!" April screamed.

...

Egon carried April into the back of the Ecto, her body shaking uncontrollably as her eyes were rolling in the back of her head. "April, April!" Ray fumbled with the keys, wanting to waste no time in getting out of there for April's safety.

Egon caught his meter detecting activity around them. "Pete, grab the PKE now!" He ordered, just as Peter grabbed the device, his expression grew worrisome when he saw the exact readings. "We got a problem, it's coming from her."

"Is she being possessed?" Ray called out as he swerved through the streets, Egon didn't take his eyes off of her as she convulsed and her breathing became more erratic. "April, it's us. We're going to try and help you, just hang in there." At last, April seized with a guttural breath. Looking around as if she were a frightened animal. "It's getting worse, it's worse..." She muttered, Egon guided her in a sitting position.

"What are you talking about, Ace?" Peter's nonchalant, and egotistical persona was nowhere to be found when he looked at April. He could feel that something was off about whatever she had gone through.

"My visions... It was my great-grandma, I saw her before..." April couldn't finish her sentence, or even feel like it. Her Grandma told her once about her Great-grandmother, how she was "married" to a well-off man who might as well have been the devil's second in command with the way he thought of the world and the people in it. She'll never forget the story of how a mother had to send her own baby away, so it could have the chance to survive.

Silent tears fell down her cheeks, uttering out one sentence that was enough to hear. "Before she was killed." Egon pulled her close as she sobbed, rubbing soothing circles in her back as his parental instincts took over. "That's not it, I-"

"April, you just went through an intense psychic episode. You don't need to push yourself." Egon held both of her shoulders, looking her over to make sure she wasn't further affected physically.

"Listen, I saw Zuul. What she actually looks like." The air around them grew tense with worry, and fear at the implications of the young girl's words. "I saw him too."

"Saw who?" Ray asked, long since stopping the car near the curb as he looked back at April.

"Shandor... and Edmund." At the sound of those names, what remained of Egon's professionalism was completely shattered. That only happens when it greatly affects him.

Egon tightens his grip on her shoulders, forcing April to look at him. "April, do you understand what you're saying? Do you understand what you've said or the meaning names you said?!"

"Egon, stop it! Your scaring her." Surprisingly, Peter was the one to intervene.

"I knew there was something more, after we defeated Gozer. Something way deeper and far worse. And none of you wanted to believe me!"

"Egon, it's alright. We believe you now, I'm sorry." Ray spoke up, mediating the tension in the car.

Egon's shoulders slump, composing himself before speaking. "I'm sorry, I just don't understand how nobody could see what I did. It was right there in front of you..." Egon hanged his head low, going quite as Ray glanced back at him before starting up the car again.

"... I'm sorry I didn't believe you." Ray murmured.

"I'm sorry for scaring you guys." April's voice broke through the silence. "I never had it be that bad before."

"Why didn't you tell us it was getting worse for you physically?" Ray asked, with a note of concern and worry for their young client.

"Cause I didn't want anyone to know or think I was crazy. I haven't even told my parents what's going on. Not that they're even home before I am half of the time anyway." Much to everyone's surprise, Peter was the one to offer assurance.
"We don't think you're crazy, Ace. Our moto is "We're ready to believe you" Egon, any thoughts on what our little friend saw?"

Egon shook his head.

"You want us to give you a bit?" Egon nodded.

April just looked between the conversation happening, without anything being heard from Egon. "What's wrong with him?"

"Well, whenever Egon is really upset or overwhelmed he kinda goes mute on us. Just give him a few minutes and he'll be good. But, let's get you home and call it a night." Ray answered her, returning his focus back on the road

The rest of the ride was uneventful, but gave April a sense of comfort. She went through the various scenarios of how different everything would have been, if she hadn't enlisted The Ghostbusters help. Maybe in a way, it was a sign from her Great-grandma.

Only just being told about one of the head leaders of the Gozerians, Edmund Hoover. The librarian killer, did April understand more of her vision of the night her Great-grandma's murder. "This whole time I thought it was someone that just killed her for no other reason than hate. But the fact it was sacrificial... Makes it worse."

"I promise, April." Egon said, breaking his silence as he gave an assuring on her sh̶o̸u̸l̶d̶e̶r̶."We're going to get to the bottom of this. As much as we wish you had nothing to do with this, your relation to Shandor is apart of this. Tell us whenever you have another vision of any kind, we'll always be ready to answer." With that, they watched as April headed inside her apartment building.

"We need to find Winston, we're gonna need all the help we get."

...

April closed the door behind her, kicking off her shoes as she flipped the lights on. It was quiet... 𝘛𝘰𝘰 quiet. But all worries were soothed, as she spotted Jenkins on the couch. Appearing annoyed that his food was being eaten, and the bag torn up. "Hey, come on! Really man?" April stomped over, mostly exasperated by the mess rather than the fact that Vinz was eating cat food. "I thought you didn't even like this stuff." While April grumble as she swepped the kibble up, Jenkins began arching his back. Sensing an impending danger lurking in the sanctuary of his home and human.

April turned around, Jenkins hissed and growled as he looked in April's direction. What was causing his behavior? "Hey, what's wrong kitty?" As she came closer, it dawned on her that Jenkins was looking behind her. Vinz wasn't beside her anymore.

A disturbing, and fearsome growl sent a chill through April. She didn't have time to react before everything took a turn for the worse.

"Ahh!" She screamed, shoving the brooms handle in front of her as she tried with all her strength to keep the snapping fangs away.

"Stop, Vinz, stop!" Begging for mercy, the yowling from Jenkins grew more feral as he attacked the beast above her.

April quickly pulled her legs up, striking the Keymaster's snout and pulling herself out from under him. April tightened her grip on the broom, as Vinz look upon her, something strange began to happen in his mind. Something unique and foreign. He felt remorse, he didn't know where his Gatekeeper was, and beginning to feel remorse for a mortal child.

As April kept the broom up in defense, a interesting thing happened. Vinz came over, and bumped his head against her. Almost as if he was saying sorry. She hesitated, but eventually let her guard down. "It's okay, I know everything is probably confusing for you... It's been the same for me. I guess like it or not, we're stuck together until this is all over."

For good.

Chapter Text

She was angry- No, disappointed, not the right word. FURIOUS.

"Where is he?" Not even an hour in the human she had chosen for a host and Zuul was anything but pleased. They agreed, didn't they? It wasn't even a question they would immediately find each other after finding suitable hosts. So where was he. Zuul seethed with rage, literally and figuratively searching everywhere for Vinz. Lifting cars, "nicely" asking people. Even making a few children cry. "Where, are, YOU!? Damn it! Insolent creature!" She roared, throwing the trash cans in a fit of rage.

"Yo, baby! How you doin?" A man around his mid twenties leaned against the wall. Dawning confident, but arrogant grin.

"Are you the Keymaster?" She asked, the man smirked as he slicked back his hair.

"Hell yeah, now. Why don't you come over and let me unlock that kitty of yours? Let me find out what you gots." She narrowed her eyes, looking the man up and down.

Just across the street, people passing through went on about their morning. Until they saw a man screaming as he flew through the air, landing right through the window of a coffee shop. He laid motionless, groaning and whimpering from the impact, and the glass shards now embedded in his skin. While the frightened crowd gathered around, Zuul huffed and continued down the street.

"He would never speak to me that way."

...

April stared up at the ceiling, on one hand she was being kept fairly warm but also had her cat on one side above her head. And Vinz right on her stomach. Making it a little difficult to breathe.
"For someone who's supposed to be so scary, you're not really doing a good job right now."

April grabbed the side of her mattress, pulling herself to the edge and freeing herself. It was increasingly becoming hard to keep the Keymaster out of sight. With a sigh, she removed her bonnet. "I think we're gonna have to make a trip, to some friends- well I think they would be my friends." She shook her head, brushing the thought away as she stood up from the floor. "Let's hope this goes well."

... 

When April was dressed and ready, she guided Vinz over. Only to Mentally curse herself cause of BOTH her parents were off from their works today. She hunched down and whispered in a hushed tone. "Okay, we're gonna have to be extremely careful getting to the door."

Both her father, Jason. And her mother, Elis sat on the couch watching the news. Oblivious to the shuffling behind them.
April crawled to the door, reaching the handle but noticed Vinz trying to size up her dad. Shaking her head frantically, as mouthed "𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵!" To which he just grunted (Which also translates to "Try me, mortal") As quietly as possible, April tried to gain the upper hand. Physically.

She tried to sway the terror dog to the door, as Vinz wasn't going to let some human tell him what to do. (That was Zuul's job) April was trying to play nice, but it seemed like she would have to do this the hard way. With some rope, she tackled Vinz. A soft brawl broke out, as she fought to place the makeshift lease on. "𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶!" Once on, they left for the firehouse.

At the sound of the door closing, Jason asked his wife. "You hear something?"

Elis glanced around the living room, shaking her head. "No, it must've been the wind."

April softly closed the door, rolling her eyes as Vinz head-butted her leg with more force. "Next time just listen, okay?"

"..."

"So, you're just gonna talk that one time and not say anything else?" April asked Vinz, receiving no reply.

...

Once at the firehouse, April paused in front of the garage's entrance. "Alright, so just follow my lead. And try not possessing anyone, kay? They're our friends."

Ray leaned over in the hood of the Ecto, working on the engine when he noticed April coming into view... Why did she have rope though?

"Hey, April! How are you doing? I'm just doing some maintenance on the- On the-" The gum fell from his mouth at the sight of the terror dog.

"Mr. Stantz, it's okay." April reassured, despite Ray's stuttering at Vinz's growling, as the Keymaster had ulterior plans. "𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘭. 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵."

"He isn't gonna hurt us!"

"Run, April. Go!" Ray grabbed April's wrist and made a break for the stairs, calling out for Egon as Vinz chased after them.

"Where's the fire?" Peter came out of his office, spitting his beer out at the sight of the Keymaster. "Shit!" He exclaimed, dropping his can and following after Ray. As he ran up the stairs, he slips and left at the mercy of the creature just a foot away. "Hey, I don't think we met. You're old lady possessed my wife last time, women. Am I right?"

"Venkman! Step back unless you wanna be vaporized." Egon stood half-way up the stairs, with his pack out.

"Wait, don't!"

"Get out of the way now!" The pack whirled to life, taking it as a sign of hostility, Vinz charged forward.

"No!" April grabbed the handle of the wand, startled by just how powerful the stream was when it bounced off to the side. Leaving burn marks in the wall.

"April, what do you think you're doing?! That's the Keymaster." Egon scolded, looking over her hands for any burns.

"LISTEN. He's not gonna hurt anyone, he's... Kinda been staying with me." The three men stared at April, wondering if she was playing some joke or being spiritually manipulated.

"Sorry I'm late, what's going on with you guys this time?" Janine had entered the building, looking back at April, the Ghostbusters, the Keymaster, and the new burns on the wall. "I'm not going to ask. Anyone want coffee?"

Peter shook his head, exasperated by the mornings events. "Yeah I think we'll need some... A lot."

...

"I'm still finding it difficult to even rationalize, how you thought taking it home instead of notifying us. What were you thinking?" Egon ranted, speaking more like a disappointed father.

"I don't know, but it was like something was telling me he wouldn't do any harm." April explained her point of view, standing up and grabbing a record disc of the shelf. "Minus the few obvious things, I don't think Vinz isn't that bad. Could a harbinger of the apocalypse do this?"

Starting up the record, she placed Vinz's claw on the spinning disc. Opening his mouth as the music played through.

𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭.
𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺!

"That's somehow the most normal thing we've seen on the job." Peter stated, looking down at his empty mug. "You sure this coffee wasn't laced?"

Ray stared in child-like amazement and wonder. Clearing his throat as he tried to keep his serious expression up. "April, I'm sure you had good intentions. But, It could have hurt you or worse. You, uh..." He trailed off, glancing sideways as he pressed Vinz's mouth closed so he could continue. "As I was saying. Just cause it seems harmless-"

"Him." April emphasized.

"Right, him. Doesn't mean he won't hurt you or anything- Is the record still playing?"

Then he opened again, repeating the action. The voice of Juice Newton cuts in and out, while Egon and Peter just stare at each other.
"I think the big guy over there found a new toy."

"Uh, Raymond?"

"Yeah, I-in a sec, Hon." Ray assured Egon, still perplexed and fascinated by the unusual trait of the Keymaster.

"Why did Mr. Stantz, call you Hon?"

"That's not important." Egon said in response to April's question, straightening his tie as he looked away.

"Just, how exactly did you keep him hidden without your parents noticing?"

April gestured with her pointed finger, trying to explain how she pulled off what she did. "That, is an excellent question cause... I really have no idea how. But, I did. So that has to count for something right?"

Peter sighed, rubbing his hand over his face before straightening himself up. "You either have the dumbest luck we've ever seen, or..." He paused for dramatic effect. "The dumbest luck we've ever seen."

"What the- You said the same thing twice." April pointed out.

"Who's the adult here?" Peter asked, only to interrupt just as April parted her mouth slightly. "Exactly,"

"Before Peter could speak anymore, Egon came up behind and covered his mouth. "April, what we're trying to explain is what you did was not only reckless, but dangerous. Not only for yourself, but your family also. And frankly I'm disappointed you felt like you had to hide it from us."

April looked down at her hands, now realizing that maybe she shouldn't have harbored the Keymaster and kept his whereabouts to herself. "Kay, I know now. I'm sorry. I just... I don't know why, but I thought since I was able to get by fine without Zuul doing anything he'd be okay."

The trio exchange glances, Ray stepped forward as Egon slowly lifted his hand away from Peter's mouth as he grabbed his PKE and handed Peter the tape recorder. "April, it's okay. But what do you mean?"

"Last time I was in the library, before that. I had this really weird vision. I didn't know where I was, but the place looked ancient and there were these carvings. And this voice, asked if I was coming to sacrifice myself." The tape recorded the rest of April's recollection, and as our boys in grey listened they wondered if this would give insights to why so far, Vinz has been harmless.

...

"I swear she said something when I left but I couldn't hear exactly what. Then when I stopped at the store on my way home, that's when he was there. I was able to get him out without a problem, cause I guess Cat treats are a universal favorite."

The three Ghostbusters listened intently, soaking in every word she said as the tape recorder captured the integration. "Interesting, did the Keymaster speak to you at all?" Egon inquired.

April shifted in her chair, taking a sip of water before going on. "A couple times, but not a lot. He's mostly just been in my apartment except that one time... He did try to attack two days ago. But he didn't hurt me, he actually acted sorry after."

She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "I know this is gonna sound crazy, but I think something is messing with them. And Gozer's return. Why would Zuul be under the library, and why didn't she attack me? I don't know how, but know he misses her a lot. Like there's something deeper..."

"Peter, cut the tape. I think we got enough."
As the tape ended, Egon looked back over the readings and was pleased to see that nothing paranormal was taking hold of April as she spoke.

"Okay," He moved his chair closer, speaking in a softer tone. "April, I know this has been a lot for you lately. Especially since it involves the authority you're supposed to trust in your school. But your encounters, and the vision you had of Grandma's mother. Just this proves the theory I had for some time after our first encounter. And I believe countless others were in the same position as you are, all becoming martyrs in bringing about armageddon. They all possessed some kind of ability seeing things no one else can. It's just that you've been able to tap into it faster and from my findings, the others hadn't. Or never knew before they met their end."

Egon adjusted his glasses, placing his hand on April's shoulder with a gentle squeeze. "I don't know how you managed to do it, given your last encounter with Zuul and your method of... Self-defense. But together with them, you might just be what halts Gozer from coming back entirely."

"You can't be serious?"

"I'm always serious."

"And I guess that means we owe Egon more than enough Twinkies as an apology." Peter nudged Ray's arm, and poor Ray looked the most guilty for not believing in Egon's belief until recently.

"Wait, what am I supposed to do? I'm just a kid." April asked, glancing back between the three men and Vinz in the corner. She was a little worried about the way the Keymaster kept his gaze on Ray as if he were prey.

"I know it's a lot to ask of you, and it's not fair to have all this placed on your shoulders. But if we're lucky enough and Zuul hasn't yet picked a vessel, you might just be able to stall us long enough to make sure Gozer and them are contained forever."

April gulped, taking in what her role exactly meant. This wasn't something that could be laughed about and that was it, even what they were asking of the girl in front of them weighed on their minds. What would they do if something happened to April? How would they explain to her parents what happened should something go wrong.

...

April sat on the floor of the basement, just a couple feet away from the containment unit. In front of the containment cell next to Vinz.

"It's not like I'm abandoning you, it's just hard to keep someone like you very well hidden."

Vinz growled, looking far from pleased at being locked up.

"Don't be like that, look I'm sorry. I wish things were different." April lamented, resting her back against the plexiglass unit. Pulling her hands over her face with a tired sigh. She wasn't afraid to admit that the pitiful, and sad whimper from the Keymaster didn't make her heart pang in sympathy for him.

"Aww, does someone feel bad for the wittle hellhound?"

April pursed her lips at the sight of the coily-haired sorority girl next to her, and the sound of dripping water. "Do you always have to be catty?"

"Like I have anything else better to do." The ghost, who April learned was named Chastity chuckled.

"Don't be like that, I had them promise they would help you cross over. Y'know once they're sure the world won't end."

"You mean 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 world won't end, if what-its-face plan works. Us ghost will be ruling the world." April brushed off Chastity's words, standing up from the floor. "Yeah right."

"Who you talking to?
As soon as April's attention was on Ray, Chastity was gone. (For now at least)

"Nobody, just uh, myself." Ray didn't buy her excuse, but he also wasn't going to force April to tell him. He focused on the containment cell, which he found a bit difficult with the way the Keymaster kept eyeing him. Clearing his throat, he decided to focus on another topic of conversation.

"You know, even though we've never been 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 close to a terror dog. It's not the craziest I've seen."

April made a sound that implied she was intrigued just a bit. Taking short strides over to Ray.
"There was this one time, back in 95. We got a long distance call, which we were just first trying out back then. But anyway, the call was from Maine. The lady said the mansion she inherited was being haunted, we were having a rough time here so I went at it alone. Man, when I tell you those were the nastiest, and ugliest ghouls I've dealt with. I wasn't able to get the job done, they had drain all the energy out of my pack, and I forgot to bring a trap. But last I heard a therapist who made himself known in the parapsychology community moved there with his kid and it looks like the activity calmed."

"Wait, so the guy is a therapist, but for ghosts? I didn't even know that was a- Or could be a thing." April asked, genuinely interested in the possibility.

"I know, Isn't that amazing?! Just think about it, it might just be what's done in the case we're not needed."

April nodded along, unable to avoid the middle-aged man's infectious enthusiasm. Almost like how she and her dad would get when they would play together, before he climbed higher in rankings at the hospital. And he stayed gone later and more later. Same with her mom, she is a wonderful dancer even though April could never get into ballet she loved watching her mom... Was it selfish to wish they spent less time doing their work and more with her?

"You wanna talk about it?"

April rubbed her arm as she still played the question over and over in her head. "It's nothing, just- It's been a while since I really had anyone to talk with like this... Or anyone who wanted to talk to me." She leaned back against the wall next to the containment unit, glancing over at Vinz only to turn away from him.

"Ah, I'm sure that's not true." Ray assured, knowing how it felt. He meant well, but he doesn't truly understand April's experience. "I bet there's plenty of kids you go to school with, who think you're pretty cool."

"Nobody thinks that, they think I'm a nerd or don't like me, and pick on me because I'm black or not black 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. It's hard for me."

April looked down at her til the contact on her shoulder caused her to look back, "Well, I think you're pretty cool. No matter what."

"Thanks, Mr. Stantz."

Ray squeezed her shoulder, as they turned towards the stairs. "You're a good kid April, with a big heart. Just don't try pull something like this again without letting us know."

"I promise."

The steps echoed out as the basement went silent, except for the Keymaster who was at work with plotting his escape and in finding the Gatekeeper. He just needed to buy some more time.

Time. Time. ፕﺃꪑe̸!

...

April looked back around, scanning the area before presuming she just heard nothing too important. She was starting to feel strange.

"Oh hey, you're that one kid. Couldn't stay away huh?"

April tried responding, but couldn't form any words only growing worse as Gwen's dog came up to her. "Don't mind Zero, he's harmless. Used to be a service dog but he flunked cause of how energetic he gets. Plus getting easily sidetracked- Hey are you okay?"

April nodded but she wasn't, the retriever begun whining and jumping up almost like he was trying to get her to lay down.

Peter looked up when he noticed Gwen's panicked words and April falling to the ground along with Zero trying to guide her down gently.

"Shit, it's happening again!" He, Egon and Ray rushed over as April seized out on the floor.

Egon supported her head, the PKE going off automatically. "Egon this is bad, the readings it's picking up are getting really high." Ray's face paled as he scanned the readings. Zero laid next to April. Doing what he was trained for in the moments of an active seizure.

...

April slowly opened her eyes, feeling something warm laying beside her as she pulled herself upright. "It happened didn't it?"

"Yeah, that's really gonna be hard getting used to." Peter laughed, though there was an underlying concern in his remark.

"You remember what you saw?"

"Sorta,"

Gwen looked between the group, not bothering to ask what was happening. "I think I get what's going on, I guess you should be lucky that Zero was here."

"Yeah, thanks." April murmured, scratching between the canine's ears as his tongue lolled out. April tensed up as Egon placed the stethoscope on her chest, listening closely for any abnormalities.

"I'm concerned that If you're psychic episodes keep coming like this, it might do you more harm than good physically."

"Hey fellas, you might wanna come down and see this."

...

"Happened around the same time she went down." Janine showed, as they all stood in front of the containment cell, and the cracks that now adorned the glass. Peter stepped closer, examining the cracked glass and slowly making eye contact with Vinz, who was now in the corner whimpering.

"Yeah, that's usually what happens when you headbang glass. It hurts."

"The question is what caused him to do that? The Keymaster was doing fine when we got him to finally go in." Ray inquired as he took a closer look.

"Maybe it was because of me." April's announcement caused all attention to be focused on her.

"When I had my vision, I was in my school. With someone, it was almost like we snuck in cause it was dark. We got caught and last thing I saw was... Shandor." Now the Ghostbusters were more than convinced that this time things were about to be more serious than anything they faced, especially when it involved someone with a direct connection.

April stayed a little longer, figuring out why exactly her visions began having the effects they were and strategizing up a plan on how to approach the cult inside the school. Ray waved goodbye when April left later that evening, before turning back inside and heading up to the lab in the third floor, where Egon was currently at. "Well, tomorrow we'll go get Winston, explain everything to him. Then find a way to investigate the school without any suspicion. Especially if Peck's gonna be watching our every step."

Egon nodded, not replying much but listening to what his partner was saying. But not even the stoicism could hide the grimness and conflict behind his specks.

"What's up?"

"I ran the meter on April while she told us what she saw in her vision..." Egon handed the readings he wrote down to Ray, looking down at the desk to avoid any cracks of emotions that might show.

"No, that can't- You're really sure?"

"Positive."

"Egon, please, she's just a kid. She didn't ask for any of this to follow her."

"Raymond, her Great-grandfather 𝘪𝘴 the cause of all that's happening." Egon rubbed a hand over his face feeling his partner's hand rubbing his shoulder. "Whether any of us like it or not, and no matter her intentions. April is the catalyst for the cult rushing Gozer's return. None of this is supposed to be happening."

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.

...

As Walter waited outside for Mollie to come, he asked around about what exactly the Ghostbusters did when they were just "looking around" the odd thing was just as he stepped near the library he was asked to leave the area.

"I assure you, Principal. I wasn't even going in."

"And I said the area is off limits while we are in the middle of our meeting, Mr. Peck. If you could just turn around and go about your day, that would be great."

With reluctance, Walter turned and left, just before hiding behind the corner as he heard hushed whispering before the library door closed. Something strange was going on. Not just for our heroine and Ghostbusters. But for New York City as a whole.

𝘛ꫝe̾r҉e̸s̶ s̶ዐꎭe͟ꪻh͜͡i̥ͦክg̶ i̸n̸ ʇʰ𝑒 w̸a̸t̶e̶r̶.

Chapter Text

Jasmine, that was the scent she smelled in her dream. She was in front of her Grandma's house, just like how she remembered it. Before she started getting sicker and weak with illness, and when she could no longer live alone. Inside, April could see something that peaked her interest and paid her attention to how the house's
surroundings were covered by ethereal fog.

"Okay... I better not be dead." She muttered to herself, walking up the stairs to the house. April extended her hand out to the doorknob but halted as she looked back over by the stairs. At the top of the stairs on small pedestals were two, horned beasts of sorts.

There was a light emitting from beneath the door, it had a green glow to it. With eyes wide in fascination, April was tempted to open the door more but something was telling her that would be a poor decision. Thunder spontaneously roared, April jumped at the sound as the door blew open with a gust of wind. The air flew around her as she backed up from the opened doorway. April yipped as she was startled by the sudden appearance of the two people standing in front of her, they looked like they were from a bygone century... Almost like ancient Sumerians.

Before she knew it, more of them appeared. Always in twos, from different eras in history. Men and women, some of the same sex. Only a small batch of children, ranging from youngest to oldest. To her confusion April saw two familiar faces, it was Terri and Britney. She hadn't seen them since discovering what they really were, but it all seemed to click together what it all meant. Seeing the man and woman who had the misfortune of being at the mercy of being used in summoning Gozer.

"Were you all..." She couldn't bring herself to finish, envisioning the most possible outcome. Especially after looking towards some of the younger kids. Before she could get an answer, she woke up...

Feeling disoriented as she pulled herself up upwards, burying her face into her palms. "Again with the dreams?!" April yelled just as she heard a knock on the door.

"Is everything okay there?" Her mother cracked the door open.

"Yeah, ma." She replied back.

"Kay, well I start my classes early today so I'll be home when you get out of school today. If you're gonna use the water I'd rather you don't drink out of it, it's been tasting weird this morning. Bye, sweetie love you!" She blew kisses, closing April's door on her way out.

This was gonna be a long day, hopefully with everything under control (somewhat) she could actually consider thinking about going to prom.

October 15th, Wednesday.

...

There was no school since the committee was focused on making this year's dance a night to re̶ጠe̸b҉ꏂr̾, April made her way out the door and straight to the firehouse. She parked her bike outside the building, and a strange noise caught her attention. April could've sworn she heard it coming from the manhole in the middle of the street.

"Hey, what is going on?" She questioned.

Peter was trying, and slightly failing to keep Vinz from running off as April entered. "Oh you know, the usual. Knucklehead over here broke out of his cell at the crack of dawn and woke us up. Not that Egon sleeps anyway just between us-" He shot the hellhound a disgruntled look after Vinz had snapped his fangs at him. "Down, fido."

"Gimmie that," April was handed the rope from Peter. "What did you do?"

The basement floor was covered in glass, the table was also flipped while April took in the damages. "Assuring to know we both had rough nights." She murmured.

"Oh good, you're here." April blushed at how Egon was almost glad to see her (are all her recent fantasies about to come true?) "Mind the glass, we ran some tests on Vinz this morning and found some truly peculiar. Are you currently menstruating?" April didn't expect to be asked a question that was a little invasive. "Uh, why?"

"What Egon is getting at, is if you experienced another psychic episode or some foreboding dream. That's what caused this." Ray gestured over at the shattered cell wall, just as the left side toppled over. "Think of it as when animals can sense when, uh, well- y'know the 𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘭 when a woman or uh, a girl you're age has..."

April covered her ears, feeling a rush of embarrassment hit her. "Ah-ah-ah, okay I get it. You can stop talking now."

"It's nothing to be ashamed about, everyone human with a uterus experiences shedding of the uterine wall. Your mother and hers, our mothers, other people you might know. And even my own daughter and I-"

"OKAY, can we please stop talking about it?" April felt a little bad for cutting Egon off but she wasn't sure if she could handle anymore of the subject... She was confused about the what he had almost said, but maybe that was a question for another time.

It was Ray's turn to speak, clearing his throat as he stepped forward. "Right, the point is we don't have anywhere to hold the Keymaster at the moment. And since you had him as long as you did without little suspension, we thought you should keep tabs on him just for a little bit."

"So does that mean-"

"Excuse me, kid." Janine appeared at the bottom of the steps. "Just coming down to let dr. Stantz and Spengler that Mr. Peck will be dropping by, again today. He just decided to let us know before hand." She rolled her eyes, making her way back up.

Egon passed a less than enthusiastic glance towards his partner's way, as the other man patted his shoulder. "It'll be okay, this works out. I'm pretty sure Peck would be, uh, let's just say we're not trying to get shutdown... Again. So April, like I was saying."

"Yeah, I'll keep him away." April turned towards the stairs, guiding the demi-god behind her.

As Peck pulled up, the unlikely duo left through the side and onto the sidewalk. Luckily, April knew exactly where to go, she was surprised she even still remembered the way. She heard the strange noise from earlier, but shrugged it off. Which was unfortunate timing due to the strange substance leaking from the fire hydrant they passed.

They walked for a while until turning a corner. Her own little place away from the outside world, a corner in the alley anyone rarely went down but it still had all the things a ten year old would put in their hideout. "I used to come here all the time when I was little. I'm surprised none of the homeless guys found this yet."

...

April almost found it humorous how the Keymaster seemed to be listening intently as she explained while she loved The Cure, but how TLC was just as good. He didn't get what this overgrown fetus was saying to him, or what the hell they were talking. Vinz should be doing something... But what? One thing was certain, the young one would be spared come judgement day.

Yes, a worthy underling. If only he could find his Gatekeeper, though Vinz supposed this human who was still talking nonsense was treating him decently. She can definitely hold herself, a little scrawny and weak... Wait a minute, what if it was a test this time and what if... All hope isn't lost! How couldn't he have seen it before?! The Gatekeeper was in front of him all along.

He needed to find a host, quickly. But the fat one (Ray) was too far away now.

"Are you even understanding me?" April asked, as Vinz looked past her, over at the man across the street. He's not the chosen but he'll keep.

April panicked when Vinz ran off, looking straight at the supposed target. "Run! Guy, run!"
The tall, brawny man's attention was grabbed.

"Right, and why am I- AH!" He discarded his belongings and sprinted down the street.

"Get, back, here! You overgrown dog!" April yelled, running as fast as she could to get ahead and hopefully stall Vinz long enough. Her legs carried her just right up beside Vinz. Sparks lit up behind his claws as April got ahead but she couldn't stop enough in time.

"No, no, no, oh you gotta be-" She screamed mid-run, colliding into the trash cans on the curb. The containers fell to the side with her legs sticking out, while in her daze, she heard the man scream. Climbing out of the can, she dashed towards the sound of snarling. When she reached alley, there was a chill she couldn't shake. Looking everywhere for the poor man and Vinz, something rustled from the shadows. "... Hello?"

Something began to emerge, something taller than her, and most likely stronger... The man stood before April, but something was off, minus the fact his eyes glowed red.

"Now the ritual can began-"

"Aaahh!"

"Aaaaahhhh!" They screamed in unison.

The man or Vinz held his hands out. "Okay, I know it might be a 𝘭𝘰𝘵 to take in, but rest to assure. You still look beautiful to me even if you're stuck in this short, bland looking body." April glanced away before staring back.

"... Huh?" Was all she had to say. April let out a startled noise that sounded like "HUWAH" as Vinz threw her into his arms.

"Fear not, though I may not be the proper vessel. Our work will not go to waste!" He leaned his face closer to hers, while April squirmed as she repeatedly slapped his face to ward off the unwanted advances. "Boy!"

"Ow, what's wrong with you?!" He exclaimed, holding the side of his face with an expression of confusion.

"What's wrong with me? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!?" She replied back with the same tone as his.

Vinz tilted his head, still rubbing the side of his cheek. "Aren't you Zuul? Gatekeeper of Gozer?" April sighed greatly, taking each step back closer.

"I, ain't. No Gatekeeper. I'm just April, remember?"

"Really? That's your actual title? I thought we had some secret name thing going on but you forgot to tell me."

April sighed again, the palm of her hand connecting to her head getting the feeling this was going to be a long day. She got this far in... April's not even sure what you'd call it when a teenage girl is caught up in supernatural happenings. "I did this, I brought you to your host."

"If it makes you feel better, you really haven't done anything. You were mostly useless since well..
you're not Zuul. We were too far from the fat one, this one is merely a last minute choice" He gestured to all of him. (well his hosts body) "Like, why is this male so tall?"

"What are you talking about, who even is the fat one?"

"You know! He's pudgier than the thin one or the ugly one, one of them put me in that cell which was futile considering I am pretty strong." He finished, flexing his arm and growing excited that his strength is actually visible this time. "Look!" While April was realizing who Vinz was referring to.

"You mean Mr. Stantz?"

"Yeah! That one."

"..." April definitely had her work cut out, now what was she to do? With another great sign, she faced Vinz. Or at least Vinz in the body he was currently occuping. Taking his hand, April pulled him out of the alley.

...

"Oh! Is that him?"

"Dude wha- that's a pregnant lady! He ain't even that big."

"So that's what one looks like, she's as big as a cow I once saw."

"Shut up, people can hear you!" April scolded and mentally curse herself, she should have seen it coming but how was she to know? Especially the times she had genuinely been scared, that the Keymaster of Gozer. The harbinger of the end times, a demi-god from the Babylonian era, and what April deeply believed to be a former protector of the dead... Was unbelievably stupid. When the firehouse came into view, April thanked god for getting them there without her absolutely losing it.

"Mr. Spengler!" Her voice caught Egon's attention, without a second thought he responded, still holding the object in his hands.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

She jogged over. "I'm really sorry, I didn't mean for it to happen. I tried stopping him." April explained, almost feeling bad for disappointing Egon again.

"What do you mean-" Egon glanced down as he saw what he presumed to be a stranger, smelling him.

"Are you the Gatekeeper? You smell like one, just like last time." Vinz said, circling Egon.

April shook her head, pushing Vinz away. (And totally not feeling a bit jealous) "Knock it off, he's not even a woman."

Vinz paused his ministration, blinking a couple times. "... That's a man? But, the smell, the scent." Pitiful whimpers followed, April had to do a double take as Egon seemed to be loading a gun.

"You mind looking to your left?"

"I don't see why not- Ow..." Vinz gasped as he fell face first into the floor. April opened her mouth to speak but paused when Egon fired two more times. "Don't worry, they're just tranquilizers. It should keep him down for a while, these kinds are mostly used on bears."

April's mouth hung open until she found the courage to speak. "Why exactly did you do that?"

"It's a long story, but I stayed back while Peter and Ray went out and they saw a woman... Only she didn't seem human. I'm worried we're already too late in locating the Gatekeeper. If they've both found their hosts, it's only a matter of time before they summon Gozer." Egon rambled, grabbing the unconscious body that the Keymaster now occupied April followed, grabbing the legs.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." She grunted, helping Egon as they carried the body upstairs. Finally reaching the second floor, and settling him on the couch. Egon looked over at April, feeling his parental instincts flare up again. Of course he would, it was only logical considering his daughter, even if she was grown up now.

"Are you doing okay?"

April nodded in response to his concern, but the line was beginning to blur whether she was genuinely fine, or trying to convince herself and others she was.

"I'm alright." She rubbed her arm, leaning against the sink. "Why did he think..." Egon's expression shifted, growing uncomfortable even as he tried remaining stoic for April's sake.

"It's- Not something you should worry about, none of this is." April watched Egon run his hand through his hair as he sighed with a surge of weariness. Maybe it was the adrenaline of everything that happened today, or the fact the world might end. But for the first time in her life, April Morris didn't care if she made an embarrassment out of herself.

With her back turned away, she started with; "Mr. Spengler. I know the world might end if things don't go well, and I've been afraid of a lot of things in my life. But I don't feel so scared anymore so... What I'm trying is- is that I like you. Like a 𝘭𝘰𝘵." When she turned around, the last thing April expected was to see the person she had just confessed her (slightly inappropriate) love to staring wide-eyed, with a Twinkie in his mouth in what could only be described as a moment of stress eating.

Come to learn, it was one of Egon's weaknesses. Especially when it came to moments that caused a great deal of distress, his saving grace was the years he spent chasing after his daughter when she was little, and his job as a Ghostbuster. "You what?" He spoke, swallowing the snack cake.

"I like you, Mr. Spengler. I've been thinking about you so much from the first time I saw you."

"April," Egon gently grasped her shoulders, lowering her to sit down. "I'm flattered you feel that way- And it's normal, biologically speaking it's our way of finding a suitable mate, but that's not the point." He had to stop himself before going on a tangent about what humans were biologically predisposed to and justify any of what April was feeling.

"Listen, it's normal for girls your age to feel like this. But the fact is I'm older than you, and it wouldn't be appropriate for you to act on them. Especially with someone like me. This is a private matter between us here and with my daughter, but I'm in a relationship with Dr. Stantz. You are allowed to feel what you do, just not on me."

Oh, how did she not see it before? Here she was, April Morris confessing her feelings and getting turned down by someone who was gay. "Oh... Kay, uh, I'm sorry I didn't know you were gay. I-I'm not judging or anything-"

"April I'm not gay." Now she was really confused.

"But you 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 said-"

"I meant as in, I'm in a partnership but I don't label it."

"Do you understand what I mean though, April?"

She nodded, though her initial confidence and fearlessness had dwindled. She made herself look like a total idiot. Even after she reassured Egon she was fine, April saw herself out for the rest of the day. The first time she was alone since this had all begun.

Or so she thou̸g̶h̶t̶.

Chapter Text

April wasn't sure how long she'd be walking around, but could tell it had been awhile since the sun was starting to set upon the city she could've gone home. But it felt as if she really didn't have a good reason to go home. Back to being the lonely girl whose only friends were her camera, and cat.

Soon a scent filled her nostrils, ammonia and... Jasmine? The last time she could remember those specific scents was the Jasmine from her dream early in the morning and the ammonia from when she first opened that bookcase in the library. "Ah! Sorry I didn't see you there." April apologized, hoping the woman was at least okay but something was off about her and the way she breathed.

"Zuul?" The woman or Zuul's eyes glowed with that shade of red April was certain she'd never forget as she stood before her.

"Are you the Keymaster?" April stepped back as Zuul came closer, dragging her finger up from the side of April's cheek down to the middle of her chest. "Uh, no I'm not."
April fell back against the brick wall with a grunt from how hard she had been shoved.

"You lie, I can smell it on you." A flicker of recognition came about as she looked longer towards April. Who would forget the small, pathetic looking human that managed to fend for itself.

"𝘠𝘰𝘶..."

"... Me?" April replied in a meek tone

"I remember you, you know how foolish you'd have to be to even stand up to being like me?" April felt her fingers wrap around her neck, slowly tightening.

"How you made me stop for just a minute, sparing your life. Now I know what you're really doing." Zuul's grip tightened more, as April's heart began racing rapidly.

"What have you done to the Keymaster?" April kicked her legs mid-air as she was held up by her neck.

"I-i didn't do anything to him!"

"SILENCE!" April yelled as she was thrown, landing on the sidewalk. She could feel her arm ache from the impact but pulled herself up on her feet, running to put herself a safe distance between the woman who possessed inhuman strength.

"Run, run, run, as fast as you can! Cause I will find you. AND I WILL BREAK YOU." Zuul roared, cackling mad as she chased after April.

Her heart thumped throughout her body, looking back at the unnatural, almost uncanny way Zuul was making the body she now resided in running on all fours. Her expression wasn't any better, the greyish blue of the woman's eyes were filled with unbridled rage and a concerning amount of excitement. Like the Gatekeeper was enjoying the game of chasing April down. Spotting the bus stop that came into view, April sprinted, feeling her legs burning as she hoped to make it on time.

Michael was walking out of the deli when he recognized April, shoving past him and almost causing him to drop what would be his grandma's and his own dinner. "Watch it!" his harsh gaze softened when he picked up how panicked his school mate was acting. He looked back at what had been chasing her, Michael almost felt his skin crawl. Thinking fast, he stayed where he stood, waiting until the right moment. With one foot out, the woman stumbled and fell Michael ran before he could be spotted. Glancing back to make sure April made it on the bus safely.

April couldn't believe the guy who gave her the most trouble helped her out, she guessed it was hypocritical to think that an evil God was even worth some redemption but not someone like Michael Antonucci. Maybe she was wrong.

...

It was all but quiet in the firehouse, the only noise being the gentle whirling of the machines as Egon examined the page in the book April has given Peter. (That he still hasn't returned after two weeks) "Well, at least we know who the poor schmuck is. The Keymaster's name this time is Samson Inglewood." Janine spoke, setting down the man's wallet.

"Need anything before I leave for the night?"

Egon shook his head, tracing the pages. "No, I'll be alright. Try to be careful." Janine flashed a smirk, grabbing her coat and leaving down the steps. It was moments like now that Egon was grateful for the relationship he had with Janine, though it was hard when he had to tell her he didn't like her the way she did, there were no hard feelings. Not even after he opened himself up more.

"April might be correct about something causing Gozer's corruption... But what could it have been?" He asked himself, pouring more over the pages and any of his findings that he has gathered since 1984. Egon stopped when he sensed something, a gurgling sound. Looking up from the desk, he scanned the room for the source. It was coming from the kitchen sink of course the rational thought would be something wrong with the piping and whatnot. But Egon knew better, closer inspection he turned the faucet on to see what would happen. Blood, bright red blood started to gently flow from where water should be coming out of.

This wasn't good, he had to come up with a plan for stopping the end of the world. A quiet shuffle was heard, Egon swore he could hear a distant laugh miles away. When he turned around, he fell stiff as his eyes fell on where the body should've been on the couch.

The Keymaster was gone... April was in danger. He didn't have time to react before feeling a hand covering his mouth. "Mmm!" Egon grabbed the man's arm, using his strength to push him back against the wall a couple times. Once Egon broke free, he fell towards the floor but felt a hand pulling him back. Egon struggled, as the possessed man climbed on top. He could smell his breath, the scent that didn't belong to anything human.

"Get off of him!" Gwen shouted, hitting Vinz over the head with the lamp. He whimpered and was ready to maul them both, that was until he heard the familiar sound that could only belong to the most horrid of creatures.

"Zuul." With a skip in his step he set out on his mission, not before turning back to face the two Spenglers. "You will reap what you sow come judgement day, prepared for Gozer's wrath!" He declared before diving head first through the second story window, he could be heard falling into the trash below.

"I'm okay! You're still done for!"

Egon and his daughter stood there left in the wake of what just occurred. Turning to face him, Gwen looked at her father with a great deal of worry. "Are you okay? What was that guy talking about? Why was he on you-"

"Shh, it's okay. It's a lot to explain, but I'm okay." He pulled her close, not wanting to let the fear of what was surely to come consume him completely.

...

"No I think we're not going to ignore this over some concern of causing hysteria, the people of this city have a right to know what's happening." Peck argued as he and the supervisor walked through the halls of their offices headquarters.

"I'm sorry, Walter. But my hands are tied, we've been given strict orders not to let this get out of hand." The older man said, his shoulders hunched and expression tired from the years of work he carried on his shoulders.

"Sir, there's blood, or a blood like substance in our water system. I have two girls to worry about if something happens and they drink from the taps not knowing any better cause you're too cowardly to do anything about it!"

The supervisor held his hand up. "Alright that's enough! It's not up to me what happens, I'm not the one running things around here. Your only job is focusing on those damn Ghostbusters and making sure you don't make an ass out of yourself again! Let, it go, Peck." Peck stood there as the door closed in front of him, turning away with a huff as he walked away. Fine, if no one was going to do anything he'd have to do it himself.

...

April didn't know where else to go, and it was the closest to where the bus had stopped at. Stepping inside the sterile environment one is used to seeing in hospitals, the sounds of doctors conversing, people there for one reason or another served as background noise while April talked on the phone.

"Yeah, I'm just at Dad's work. Yes, I'm okay. I'll say hi for you. Kay, bye." She hung the receiver back on the line, before venturing further into the hospital. A few minutes later she came up to the desk. "Hey, I'm Dr. Morris's kid, I was wondering if my dad was around."

The nurse looked up from the screen of the computer. "No, he clocked out at his usual time."

"What do you mean? My dad always works late, we don't see him until the next day sometimes." April replied.

"Well, my understanding is Dr. Morris clocks out at 6:15 everyday since he became the head of his department." With a nod April left to go look for her father. Why would he lie about when he actually got off, and everyday since becoming the head of the cardiology department? She wasn't sure how many floors she had passed already, but had a feeling she was getting close. Until something began feeling off in the air, hushed whispering could be heard from one of the rooms,

She listened, leaning against the wall just enough to hear from the cracked door, until she turned and saw the music teacher. Mr. Zott.

"You..." He murmured, appearing nervous before the others came out.

"April, it's been you. The little spy." Principal Benson sneered.

April turned and ran down the hall, not only was the faculty at the school but now they've infiltrated the hospital. She ran until she saw her father, she didn't want either of her parents knowing but what choice did she have now? Especially knowing the trail of blood that followed the cult's past.

"Dad, Dad!" April ran into his arms.

"You have to listen, all the teachers at my school are a part of a cult that Grandma's Dad started. Great-grandma was killed because she knew about it."

Jason pulled his daughter aside as she continued rambling. "Honey, what are you-"

"That's not it, I've been getting help from the Ghostbusters and kept a literal hellhound hidden from you and mom, but the Gatekeeper and Keymaster have vessels now. The cult is here and if they find out, It won't be good. Dad, I know it sounds insane but you gotta believe me." April looked at her father, completely forgetting any suspicions she had for him.

"April, what- what are you doing here?" Was all he had to say, as the faculty caught up.

"Morris, she knows too much." Principal Benson spoke, April looked back only to realize that- No, there was no way. Why would they... April turned her attention back to her Dad, as he looked at her.

"April, sweetie. I love you so much, but... This isn't something you'll understand, but it'll be for the greater good." He reached to pet her head, only for her to recoil in shock.

"You're one of them?"

"Just come with us." Her dad held his hand out, but April backed away, narrowly dodging one of the members attempt to grab her. "Ah! No way."

April ran as her father followed after, the adrenaline keeping her going. The betrayal she felt was like a stab in the heart, how could her father even have a part in a cult that involved so many lives being lost. People that share the same skin color as them, why?

"April, stop!" Jason commanded as they step out into the windy night.

"How could you?! Do you have any idea what Great-grandma went through to make sure grandma and both of us could be here today? She died because of what she knew, that I know now." She backed further away, like an animal keeping distance from the predator that circled around waiting for the moment to strike.

Jason jumped on either side of the parked car April ran to. "I know, but honey. You gotta understand, the world is a cruel and horrible place. With the way things are it's only a matter of time before civilization as we know it cannibalizes itself. This way, a new world can be built. One that's pure and without all the things that make this one too sick to go on. "

"You literally sound insane, which explains a lot since your Grandpa is insane too!" April yelled, running the opposite side of the car and out of the parking lot. She didn't care where she was going, she just wanted to run from it all. Who was going to drop some secret life on her next?

...

She could practically feel her legs burning, she couldn't go home. How would she tell her mom? What if he was there? What if- there was only one place left that she'd even remotely felt safe to go to now.

Inside the firehouse, Peter, Ray and Egon all bore a worried expression as the weight of the Keymaster now being lost with the Gatekeeper being out in the city as well made the possibility of the apocalypse too close for comfort.

"I've left I don't know how many voicemails to Winston but he hasn't even picked up." Ray sighed.

"Whether he answers or not, we have a bigger problem."

"You mean besides the kid being related to Shandor? How do we know she's not in on the scheme?" Peter murmured, appearing more tired than his friends.

"We're not even going to entertain the idea, knowing the kind of person her Great-grandfather was." Said Egon. The conversation grinds to a halt when they hear something coming up on the side of the firehouse, they strapped on their packs and waited. Egon fired up his wand, ready to aim until April came through the door. She hunched forward catching her breath, finally tears fell from her eyes.

"My dad is in the cult, he knows that I know... He was- they were gonna-" She choked, sinking to her knees as she cried. April heard something slip off and footsteps, then the sound of fabric shifting as a pair of arms wrapped around her.

"It's alright... It'll be okay, I promise." Egon held April in his arms as she cried. What were they going to do?