As the Hulk in Danny Phantom/DC/Young Justice

The morning fog clung to Axion Labs like a shroud, its modern architecture rising above Amity Park's skyline in gleaming steel and glass.

Four school buses idled in the parking lot as students filed through security checkpoints, excitement mixing with the standard teenage complaints about early morning field trips.

"Ecto-signature scanners are active," Tucker whispered, his PDA concealed beneath carefully arranged paperwork. "But there's something odd about the readings. They're more sophisticated than anything we've dealt with."

Both Danny and Samael had managed to slip through thanks to Tucker's hastily coded interference program, though Samael's passage had caused a momentary fluctuation in the system - his unique hybrid nature still developing and less stable than Danny's more established ghost form.

"At least we made it inside," Danny muttered to his brother. "Though I could have sworn I felt something when I passed the scanner."

"Same here," Samael responded quietly. "Like it was trying to read more than just ecto-signatures."

"Movement to your assigned groups!" Mr. Lancer called out, waving a clipboard. "And remember, this is a prestigious research facility, not a shopping mall. Proper behavior is expected."

Jazz had managed to arrange their group assignments strategically - Danny with Tucker for tech support, Sam with Paulina to maintain their social cover, and Samael deliberately placed with Dash's group to keep the jock's usual disruptions in check.

"This is gonna be so boring," Dash complained, though he kept a respectful distance from Samael. "When do we get to see the cool stuff?"

"The 'cool stuff' is precisely why we need to follow security protocols," their tour guide, Dr. Chen, approached with an ID badge that seemed to carry more security features than strictly necessary. "Axion Labs deals with sensitive research. One mistake could have serious consequences."

As the groups formed, Samael noticed subtle security details others might miss - cameras with unusual energy signatures, guards whose stance suggested more than standard training, and something about the building's very architecture that seemed designed for containment rather than just research.

"First stop is our quantum computing division," Dr. Chen announced, leading them through sleek corridors. "Where we're developing the next generation of processing technology."

"More like where Technus is most likely to strike first," Tucker muttered, his PDA secretly mapping signal patterns. "These systems are practically ghost catnip."

The tour proceeded with practiced precision, each stop carefully calculated to impress without revealing too much. But Samael could feel tension building beneath the surface. Every security guard they passed seemed too alert, every researcher too cautious.

Dr. Chen led them through a series of increasingly secure areas, each requiring new clearance levels. The quantum computing lab sprawled before them, filled with equipment that made Tucker practically vibrate with excitement.

"These processors," Dr. Chen gestured to a sealed chamber, "represent the cutting edge of computational technology. The potential applications range from medical research to-"

A subtle vibration ran through the building's foundation, so slight that most students didn't notice. But both Fenton brothers tensed, recognizing the familiar signature of ghost energy.

"Did you feel that?" Danny whispered to Tucker, who was already checking his PDA.

"Something's accessing the building's systems," Tucker muttered, frowning at his screen. "But it's not like Technus's usual pattern. This is more... distributed."

Samael watched the security guards' reactions. Their movements had become more focused, hands drifting closer to concealed weapons. They knew something was wrong but were maintaining appearances for the student tour.

"And here," Dr. Chen continued smoothly, though her eyes darted briefly to a security panel, "we have our latest development in quantum encryption..."

Another vibration, stronger this time. A few students looked around nervously.

"Probably just testing in the lower labs," Dr. Chen assured them, but Samael caught the tension in her voice. "Now, if you'll follow me to the next section-"

The lights flickered, and both Danny and Samael's ghost senses activated simultaneously. But instead of Technus's usual dramatic entrance, the building's systems began changing more subtly - security doors sliding shut, cameras rotating, air pressure shifting in the ventilation system.

"He's not just taking over," Tucker realized, fingers flying across his PDA. "He's isolating sections of the building. Cutting off escape routes."

"Mr. Lancer," Dr. Chen's professional demeanor cracked slightly, "perhaps we should expedite the tour-"

The lights went out completely. Emergency systems activated, bathing everything in an eerie red glow. Then Technus's voice echoed through every speaker, but something was different about it - colder, more calculated than his usual bombastic tone.

"Welcome, test subjects," he announced. "Your participation in today's demonstration will prove most... enlightening."

The real trap had just been sprung.

Security shutters slammed down over every exit, the reinforced metal designed to contain far more dangerous threats than high school students. Dr. Chen's hand moved to her collar, activating what was clearly more than just an ID badge.

"Security breach in Quantum Division," she spoke rapidly into the device. "Implementing Protocol Seven. We have civilians-"

"Protocol Seven?" Technus's voice carried genuine amusement. "Oh, you mean these protocols?"

Suddenly, every security measure in the room activated simultaneously - containment fields, defense systems, emergency lockdowns. But instead of protecting them, the systems turned inward, transforming the lab into an elaborate cage.

"Your primitive attempts at ghost-proofing technology are quite... educational," Technus continued. "Especially when combined with certain military designs I found in your restricted files."

Students huddled together as robotic arms and research equipment began moving with menacing purpose. Dash, for once, looked genuinely afraid.

"Now then," Technus's voice grew colder, "shall we begin the practical demonstration? I'm particularly interested in testing these new weapon systems on... living subjects."

"Everyone stay calm," Dr. Chen commanded, though her eyes darted between security panels with increasing concern. "Our containment protocols-"

"Are now mine to control," Technus finished. "Along with every piece of technology in this facility. Including some rather fascinating projects in the lower levels."

Danny caught Samael's eye across the room, both understanding the situation had just become far more complicated than they'd anticipated. This wasn't Technus's usual theatrical takeover - this was calculated manipulation of military-grade weapons systems.

"Tucker," Danny whispered urgently, "options?"

"Working on it," Tucker's fingers flew across his PDA, "but he's integrated himself into the building's core systems. This isn't just possession anymore - he's literally become part of the facility's infrastructure."

The quantum processors hummed to life, their containment chambers opening as Technus began assembling something far more dangerous than his usual mechanical constructs. This was precision engineering guided by military specifications, not just random technology cobbled together.

"The quantum computing lab," Sam realized, "it wasn't just a target - it was an upgrade."

"Quite an impressive arsenal," the ghost's voice carried genuine appreciation. "Designed to counter metahuman threats, contain supernatural entities... such fascinating applications of quantum theory."

"Tucker," Danny whispered urgently, again "we really need options. Now."

"I'm working on it," Tucker repeated with emphasis through gritted teeth as his fingers flew across his PDA.

The building shuddered as something in the lower levels activated. Emergency klaxons began blaring as Dr. Chen's security badge lit up with urgent messages.

"Multiple containment breaches in Section D," a computerized voice announced. "Experimental subjects loose in lower levels."

"Ah yes," Technus sounded pleased. "I thought releasing some of your other 'research projects' might make this more interesting."

The holographic display shifted to show security footage of the lower levels, where various contained experiments were being systematically released.

Some were clearly ghostly in nature, others appeared to be failed attempts at metahuman enhancement.

"Those aren't just failed experiments," Sam realized, watching the chaos unfold below. "They're weapons prototypes. Living weapons."

"Everyone remain calm," Dr. Chen commanded, though her voice wavered slightly as more alarms joined the cacophony. "Security protocols are-"

"Still under my control," Technus interrupted, his voice now emanating from every piece of equipment simultaneously. "Though I must admit, your containment systems are remarkably advanced. Especially the neural dampeners in Section E."

The quantum processors pulsed with increasing energy, their combined power feeding into whatever Technus was constructing. Each component moved with surgical precision, forming something far more sophisticated than his usual mechanical monsters.

"We need to get these students out of here," Jazz whispered, watching as panic began spreading through the group.

"The maintenance tunnels," Tucker suggested quietly, his PDA displaying building schematics. "If we can reach the access point in the east corridor-"

Another tremor shook the building, stronger this time. On the holographic display, something large moved through the lower levels, leaving destruction in its wake.

"Ah, Project Chimera seems to be enjoying its freedom," Technus observed with clinical interest. "Shall we see how it responds to living targets?"

"Paulina," Samael called out quietly, "we need a distraction. Something to focus everyone's attention away from the exits."

She nodded almost imperceptibly, then suddenly gasped dramatically. "Oh my god, is that blood pressure making my face look puffy? I can't be seen like this! Star, emergency makeup check!"

The simple act of Paulina being Paulina somehow cut through the tension, drawing attention as other students instinctively fell into familiar social patterns.

Even some of the security guards couldn't help but roll their eyes.

"Now," Danny whispered to Tucker. "While everyone's distracted."

Tucker's fingers flew even faster across his PDA, attempting to create a small window in Technus's control. They just needed one door, one moment...

But Technus's new quantum-enhanced awareness caught the attempt immediately. "How amusing," his voice carried genuine amusement. "Did you really think your primitive device could compete with quantum computing?"

The lights flickered ominously as Technus's creation neared completion. Through the holographic displays, they could see more containment breaches spreading through the lower levels, each escaped experiment adding to the growing chaos.

"Sir," a security guard approached Dr. Chen urgently, "Project Chimera is heading toward the main elevator shaft. If it reaches this level-"

"Ah yes," Technus interrupted, his voice carrying new malice. "Perhaps it's time for a practical demonstration. After all, what better way to test military hardware than against actual threats?"

The quantum processors' energy reached a crescendo, their combined power flowing into Technus's now-complete construction. It rose from the assembly area - a perfect fusion of military technology and ghostly power, every component precisely calibrated.

"Now then," Technus spoke through his new form, "shall we begin the experiment?"

"Dash," Samael spoke quietly but firmly, "when I say run, take as many people as you can toward the east corridor."

"What? But the doors are-"

A massive impact shook the building's foundation. Through the holographic displays, they could see Project Chimera tearing its way upward through the facility's levels.

"Tucker?" Danny whispered urgently.

"I can't override his control," Tucker replied, frustration evident as his PDA sparked from the quantum interference. "He's integrated too deeply into the systems."

Another impact, closer this time. Whatever Project Chimera was, it was getting nearer. And Technus watched through countless sensors, clearly anticipating the coming chaos.

"Do you know why they really allowed students into such a sensitive facility?" Technus's voice carried a mocking edge. "It's quite amusing actually. Your little town's constant exposure to the supernatural has caught some interesting attention."

Another tremor shook the building as Project Chimera continued its ascent. Technus's quantum-enhanced form moved with fluid precision, observing their reactions through countless sensors.

"The government has been watching Amity Park," he continued, manipulating the holographic displays to show various ghost incidents from the past two months.

"Your population's increasing resilience to supernatural phenomena, the way civilians adapt to ghostly threats... they think they can train you. Mold you into their first line of defense against the spiritual."

Dr. Chen's expression tightened, confirming Technus's words. The 'educational tour' had been more than just public relations - it was an assessment.

"Today's visit was meant to evaluate potential candidates," Technus's laugh echoed through every speaker.

"Looking for those who might have developed... useful adaptations. How disappointing that their experiment will end with such fascinating data about human responses to crisis instead."

The containment fields pulsed stronger, herding the students even closer. Through the displays, Project Chimera had reached the lower maintenance level, its movements becoming more focused as it sensed the trapped humans above.

"The military believes prolonged exposure to supernatural events creates natural defenders," Technus mocked. "Let's test that theory, shall we? Though I doubt your 'adaptations' will help much against what's coming."

Another impact, much closer now. The quantum processors hummed with increasing power as Technus prepared for whatever twisted experiment he had planned.

A final crash resonated through the facility as Project Chimera reached their level. The reinforced doors gave way, revealing a massive creature - a failed military experiment that combined enhanced muscle mass with crude cybernetic implementations.

"Perfect timing," Technus's quantum-enhanced voice carried genuine pleasure. "Now we can begin the true experiment."

The containment fields pulsed, herding terrified students closer to the creature. Jazz caught Sam's eye, giving a subtle nod. They'd prepared for situations like this - against ghosts to be specific - even if they hadn't expected something quite so extreme.

"Tucker," Jazz whispered, reaching for what appeared to be a normal bracelet, "initiate Protocol Echo."

Tucker's fingers changed movement across his PDA, activating the systems they'd spent weeks developing.

The bracelet expanded, ecto-energy flowing across Jazz's form in a carefully designed pattern. Their homemade armor wasn't perfect, but it would have to do.

"What is that?" Dr. Chen's eyes widened, recognizing the energy signature but clearly confused by its presence on a student.

"Living in a ghost-infested town," Jazz replied smoothly as the armor finished forming, "you learn to prepare."

Project Chimera charged forward, but Jazz's armor allowed her to move with enhanced speed, getting between the creature and a group of students.

The distraction gave Sam time to distribute their other prepared devices - smaller but equally effective defensive measures they'd designed for exactly this type of crisis.

"Fascinating," Technus observed through his quantum-enhanced sensors. "It seems some of you have indeed adapted... though not quite in the way the military expected."

Danny and Samael used the chaos to maneuver into better positions. With attention focused on Jazz's more obvious defense and the rampaging creature, they might have a chance to act without exposing themselves.

They just had to time it perfectly.

"Now!" Jazz called out, her armor's energy field deflecting one of Project Chimera's massive strikes. Sam activated several of their homemade devices, creating corridors of ecto-energy that began guiding students toward the exits.

"Interesting design," Technus analyzed through his quantum systems. "Primitive, but effectively implemented. Though it won't help against this!"

The quantum processors pulsed, feeding new commands into Project Chimera's cybernetic components. The creature's movements became more precise, its attacks calculated rather than merely brutal.

"Tucker," Danny whispered urgently, "how long until-"

"Almost there," Tucker's fingers flew across his PDA, implementing the virus they'd designed for ghost-tech emergencies. "But with quantum computing involved, I can't guarantee it'll work as planned."

Samael watched the creature's movement patterns, noting how Technus was directing its attacks. Each strike was meant to test Jazz's armor, probing for weaknesses while keeping the students contained.

"The neural interface," Sam called out, noticing the same pattern. "He's using the quantum processors to enhance its targeting systems!"

Jazz's armor absorbed another hit, but the impact sent her sliding backward.

"Such potential," Technus observed, his new form hovering above the chaos. "But let's see how your preparations handle multiple threats."

Through the facility's systems, they could hear more containment breaches being triggered in the lower levels. Whatever else Axion had been keeping down there, it was about to join the fight.

Jazz's armor crackled as she deflected another strike, but Technus's quantum-enhanced control was learning faster than they'd anticipated. Each attack came closer to breaching their homemade defenses.

"Tucker, status?" Sam called out, deploying another set of their ecto-barriers to protect retreating students.

"Virus is at 60%," Tucker replied, his PDA struggling against the quantum interference. "But he's already developing countermeasures. We need a direct connection to the main processor!"

Project Chimera suddenly changed tactics, its cybernetic components glowing with new commands. Instead of attacking directly, it began targeting the facility's structural supports - each strike calculated to maximize damage while minimizing escape routes.

"The maintenance shaft," Dr. Chen spoke urgently into her security badge. "If that thing compromises the main support column-"

The building shuddered ominously. Through the facility's systems, they could hear more experiments breaking free below, drawn toward the chaos above.

"You know what's fascinating?" Technus's voice carried through every speaker. "How quickly humans adapt their technology when faced with threats.

These quantum processors were meant for military applications, but combined with ghost energy..." His new form pulsed with increasing power. "The possibilities are exponentially greater."

"The quantum core," Tucker called out, his eyes fixed on his PDA's readings. "Overload it, and the feedback should fry his entire control system!"

"Great plan," Dash shouted from behind one of Sam's ecto-barriers, his usual bravado cracking. "Except that thing's between us and pretty much everything!"

Jazz's armor absorbed another hit as she positioned herself between Project Chimera and a group of terrified freshmen. Star, huddled with Paulina near a partially destroyed console, actually looked impressed.

"Where did you even get that armor?" Star asked, watching Jazz deflect another attack.

"You really think we'd live in Amity Park without developing some defenses?" Jazz responded.

"Less talking, more moving!" Sam directed, herding students toward the more stable sections of the lab. "These barriers won't hold forever!"

"The neural interface is a two-way connection," Tucker explained to Dr. Chen, who was rapidly reassessing her evaluation of these supposedly normal students. "But we need direct access to-"

"The primary quantum processor, yeah, we heard," Kwan interrupted, surprising everyone. At their looks, he shrugged. "What? I read quantum physics. When I'm not playing football."

Through the facility's systems, new alarms blared as more experiments breached containment. 

"Whatever we're doing," Jazz called out, her armor's energy field flickering dangerously, "we need to do it before company arrives!"

Danny and Samael exchanged looks. With the situation deteriorating and students' lives at risk, their options were becoming dangerously limited.

"We've got company!" Jazz called out, her armor's energy field still crackling from Project Chimera's last attack.

Three more enhanced creatures burst through different entry points - each one a twisted combination of military experimentation and cybernetic control.

As they charged toward the gathered students, Samael made his decision.

Moving, he intercepted the largest creature's charge. His hands caught its enhanced form mid-leap, muscles straining as he redirected its momentum into the floor with enough force to crack the reinforced tiles.

"Holy shit!" Dash exclaimed, watching Samael handle the massive creature. "Since when can you-"

"Jack Fenton's his dad, remember?" Paulina cut in smoothly. "Have you seen how that man lifts ghost hunting equipment?"

"We Fentons have always been naturally strong," Jazz added, her armor deflecting another attack. "Something about our genetic structure-"

"Less analyzing, more moving!" Sam interrupted, herding students away from the combat zone.

"The quantum core," Tucker called out, still working on his override. "While they're distracted!"

The situation was deteriorating rapidly, but at least now they had a fighting chance. And if anyone questioned Samael's display of strength later, well - as they just heard living in Amity Park had a way of producing exceptional adaptations.

The enhanced creatures moved with terrifying coordination as Technus directed them through his control. Samael engaged two simultaneously, keeping them away from the other students while Tucker worked frantically on his override.

"The virus is destabilizing the local systems," Tucker called out, his PDA sparking from the quantum interference. "It won't stop him, but it should give us an opening!"

Jazz's armor took a direct hit from Project Chimera, the energy field finally flickering out. But before the creature could press its advantage, Samael caught its cybernetic arm mid-strike, using its own momentum to throw it across the lab.

"Everyone move!" Sam directed students toward the temporarily weakened containment fields. "While the systems are down!"

Military helicopters could be heard approaching in the distance as Dr. Chen's security badge lit up with urgent messages. "Government response teams are inbound," she announced. "Everyone out, now! This situation has been classified."

"A temporary setback," Technus's voice resonated through the quantum processors, his new form barely affected by the local disruption. "Though I look forward to testing these systems against more... official opposition."

As they evacuated, men in white suits were already setting up a perimeter around the facility. One of them approached Dr. Chen with practiced authority.

"This incident is now under federal jurisdiction," he stated firmly. "Everyone present will need to sign non-disclosure agreements. What happened here today doesn't leave this site."

Students were quickly processed through medical checks and legal paperwork, the gravity of the situation reflected in the extensive documentation they were required to sign.

"Remember," the agent addressed the group, "discussing any aspects of today's events constitutes a federal offense. That includes social media, private communications, and personal records."

Dash approached Samael as they finished their paperwork. "That was... I mean, you were..."

"Just doing what anyone would do," Samael cut him off, deliberately rolling his shoulder like it was sore. "Though according to these papers, we didn't do anything at all."

"Yeah," Dash agreed, looking at his own stack of signed documents. "Nothing happened. Got it."

They had maintained their biggest secrets, though Samael's display would be buried in classified reports about Axion's security breach.

Behind them, more government vehicles arrived as specialized teams prepared to deal with Technus's quantum-enhanced presence.

"Next time," Jazz said quietly as they boarded the bus home, her damaged armor safely returned to its original state, "maybe we actually check what kind of research a facility does before agreeing to tour it."

"Yeah, you can say that again." Danny stated, nearly falling over as he boarded from the stress he felt.

------------------------------

(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

Yeah, ghosts are getting more dangerous. At first they were more comedic, because of them just having arrived from the Ghost Zone, so they were still a bit high on ectoplasm you could say, but now they are more focused, and calculative.

So yeah, do tell me how you found it, and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)