(I’m stealing the 90’s cryptid-hunting AU from @melonsharks for this because I got An Image in my head and had to run with it. There are over 2k words under the cut.)
23: …in relief
“Okay, this looks like the right spot,” Gordon murmurs. The old house is pitch dark even though the power’s still technically connected. Gordon says it’s more authentic to have the lights off when he’s hunting whatever creature of the night he’s heard rumors about that week.
“Why’s that?” Benrey’s got his hands in his pockets, because while he doesn’t know whatever Gordon thinks might be in here, Benrey knows it’s a wraith. He can feel its presence tingling on the back of his neck, and his fingers have already curled into claws in reflex. Wraiths are predators, and Benrey’s never been very good at being prey.
“Look at the readings,” Gordon says, tilting the screen of his current handheld machine toward Benrey, who bends his head obligingly to look. Sure enough, the little ticker arm is bouncing between the yellow and red on the right-hand side of the little colored arch behind the window, and it’s emitting a merry series of clicks and chirps.
“That’s…sure is some readings,” Benrey says. Gordon huffs and pulls the machine back.
“Just keep an eye out for anything weird,” he says, and moves carefully away across the creaky floor. Benrey rolls his eyes at him, even as he tightens his claws into fists.