Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

December 27, 199X. 10PM.

The day when 002 was selected to be sacrificed.

At the edge of the county, buried deep into the frost-covered pine-wooded forests, two women were kidnapped by a Cult, amongst multiple other subjects. This Cult had no name, but it did have a patron, and that was of the Singularity: An amorphous being that sees all, and spares none; the end of time itself. They wanted to test it. To find out how to harness its abilities for personal gain. And it one promised from the trenches of the surfaces' core, that it'll grant them something more than power or gold if they found a perfect host for it to take and gave into its influence.

Designated only by number like prized cattle or sacrificial lambs to slaughter, these subjects would be sent to attempt to harness the Singularity, which was honestly more of a test to who can survive the incomprehensible amount of energy it possessed. Some lived, but couldn't harness it fully; Other were unfortunate, and got torn by eldritch tendrils. Among those subjects were 048 and 002. Best friends since childhood, presumably something more, yet never explicitly stated. 048 has since already been sacrificed a few week prior. Sturdy enough to survive the onslaught of the cathedral pits and carry on its power, but not suitable for the Singularity, so it let her go.

That day though...

Chained above the pits by her extremities, like a worm dangling from a hook, was 002. She seemed like a promising individual. Precocious, solitary, and cordial enough to tolerate the occasional prodding of cult researchers...even if a bit reckless and scatterbrained. The room was dim with nothing but the sound of chanting echoing through the cathedral, and the blinding pit of squirming, sickly yellow beneath her feet where the pentacle opened up. She felt the sensation of fleshy, onyx tendrils wriggle beneath her legs, examining her curiously like a specimen, or like a person at a butchery finding the best portion.

Then with a firm pull and a loud—

CLATTER!

002 was taken under, disappearing into the chasm below.

One second...then two seconds...
Then 5...then 17...then 29...
Then 32...then 48...

A minuted past...then 4 minutes...Then 9...possibly even longer.

And then...She rose up. Distorted and disfigured. But merged. Her head lurched up as the light of the moon shined down onto her. The assimilation worked.

They gave the singularity a body...

Those who were there immediately groveled at the sight of their achievement. But now with a body to behold...and to use... The Singularity had other plans.

It lunged at the first person it saw, appendages erupting from 002's back like an extraterrestrial parasite.

SPLURGE!!

The room bursts into sudden tumult, restraints being sent to tether the horrific beast of flesh and void down. One of the newbie cultists dart out of the cathedral to fetch 048, returning to a faux apparition. At first the situation seemed to be taken care of already without the need of 048, that was until he saw his superior hiding amongst the pews, her arm maimed into stringy red with her other hand desperately hushing him. It didn't take long for the Singularity to sling a tendril out to snatch her and drag her into the depths below, that's when the hallucination faded, and it was only the newbie in a room of gored and devoured bodies. Some of the stained-glass windows were broken, cloth on the edges from people fleeing the room.

With a gaunt stride, the possessed woman descends onto the ground, her distorted features twisting into a smile with sapless eyes. It lifts something up in its hand, a crucifix with a needle at the top. The object floated upwards.

"Thanks, for the new host. Intern. Macguffin."

It throttled the Crucifix with enough force to rival a missile, perfectly aimed at the newbie's head. But before it could lodge into the frozen man's cranium, it abruptly halts in place with a scarlet shockwave with enough force to crack the mask the newbie worn. Taking this as his cue to skedaddle, he did just that...

048 was at the door, having stopped the collision with nothing but mild annoyance on her face. She ricocheted the shot right back at 002, causing it to stagger back with a comically under-emotional, "Ow-w-w-w." It shakily grasped at the needle lodged into their host's head, which subsequently triggered a fluid into the skull. It suddenly froze taut with a wail, before slowly collapsing on the floor like a sectioned porcelain doll, tossing the crucifix into the pit below.

048 darts over to 002, her injuries and signs of corruption having faded almost instantly. She offered a hand to lift her up before they skimmed their eyes around the now empty cathedral.

RUMBLE RUMBLE.....

The floor then shook with the ferocity of an earthquake, a loud, jarring cry erupting from the bowels of the pit beside them. One of wrath due to the failure of its cultists.

Not wasting any time did the women flee the cathedral, not wanting to be there as they hotfoot out into the blizzarding cold in nothing but gray robes, bandages, and collars, leaving little to the biting elements.

---

In a nearby investigation were a handful of detectives, seeming tracing down the efforts of this supposed cult, but they haven't found any signs no matter how much they searched. What they did find were two shaken silhouettes in the nearby woods, gazing back with haunted eyes. One of the men went to identify them, remarkably being the missing women from months prior. After interviews and gathering proper evidence from their testimony, they were dismissed, with two men—Khan Doorman and Victor Smirnov—offering to house the women.

It was some normalcy after a while of being subjugated to horrors beyond comprehension. Life even. But every once in a while, either one would wake up shakily in the middle of the night, only to be comforted and rest assured. What was simple housing became friendships, then relationships, then marriage, and then offspring. 048, Yeva, and 002, Nori, kept in touch still, even as they cared for their daughters.

But of course, all good things come to an end.

Ever since Nori became a mother, she was suddenly struck with horrific dreams and visions. She'd run over to Khan in frantic meltdowns, supposedly about how something called the Singularity will cause the death to humanity. How it will awaken and fallen taint will crawl out to devour the living; starting with the disgrace of a cult, its associates, and then everyone else. The county the two lived at merely suspected it to be nothing more than religious psychosis, and treated her outbursts as such. The only person to believe her laments would be Yeva.

Khan wish he took her seriously earlier.

Because a few years after, on the same date of December 27, it happened: The Reckoning.

An event that primarily occurred in silence; Silent as to not arouse public horror, but visible enough to become constant.

From the ruins of a manor out in the marshes, out formed an eternal ball of hunger. And with that came the Fallen. Grotesque, horrific beings that shared its hunger for the blood of the ignorant. They lurk in the depths, in the dark, and in the recesses of life, appearing drastically different than the last.

Nori, as cautious as she was for prophesying this event, had no idea just how quickly it'll spread to the county up north. It took Yeva and Victor when they were devoured by the lake. And she knew that she was only bidding time.

Unfortunately, she became a victim while she was doing errands with her 8 year old daughter. Outside home after errands. She saw it coming. She felt it...

Nori locked her daughter in her car when a Fallen lurched from the woods, but was fooled when it lured her deeper into the woods in the image of her child. She narrowly escaped...but not without significant injury as its amorphous form dug into her flesh and seeped into her like stinging tar, eating away at her being. The will of a mother could only go so far, and when Khan ran out to find her half-devoured by void-like sludge on the doorstep and his daughter wailing in the car, he had no choice but to euthanize her. 

That's the day he took the ramblings, the rituals, all the little things that Nori "pointlessly" did seriously...even if it was too late.

But he couldn't bear to see the face of his daughter. To look at her and only see the visage of his wife that he failed to listen to...

So he neglected her over work when she was 12. And Uzi Miyazaki Doorman was never the same since then...

Chapter Text

I suddenly heard the sound of the door swing open behind me, causing me to squawk and look over to the door. It was my dad.

Look, I know I wasn't supposed to be looking and snooping in my dead-mom's rambling pile, but that old man has nothing on me!

"...Uzi, what did I say about being in the closet?"

He would lecture me about how it's inconsiderate to ravage through the stuff of a dead person. I don't care though. >:P

Even though she gave birth to me, and took care of me for 8 years...and saved me from that weird monster outside...before I never saw her again...clearly she won't mind if I go through her secret stash of crazed ramblings about ghosts and...whatever "Fallens" were.

It's what she would've wanted! She didn't exactly keep her ghost stories secret after all.

"Sorry...but just what are you hiding from me?"

I confronted him. He can't be talking down to me like I'm still a child, for christ's sake! I'm literally in college! >m<

He goes all like, 

"You shouldn't be looking into stuff you don't know answers to, 'ya know? One day it's gonna get you killed."

I only gave him a disbelieving roll-of-the-eyes. He says that when he's absent from home for like...12 hours a day and almost never talks to me anymore. Suppose I only call him dad out of obligation...

"Well, I know that! You told me that like 17 different times! I'm not a child anymore and I think I deserve to know what happened!—"
                        "Uzi, Drop it. You shouldn't be intruding in such matters regardless! Don't you understand how traumatizing it was?—"

"Just answer my damn question!"

"Uzi. Enough."

"BITE ME!"

I snapped at him, standing up and storming past him. I mutter under my breath:

"...Hiding things won't save anyone."

He only gave me a glare, before saying something like "You shouldn't be talking to me like that. Just focus on your studies, kid..." Again. I don't care, nor did I bother to listen to whatever lecture he had, he can suck an egg for all I care.

Guess the only other place I can go to is the outlet around town square. Maybe I can talk to my friends there since it's the weekend...if they hadn't abandoned me.

———

Ever since that day when the darkness ate my mom alive, I've been obsessive when it came to ghosts and whatnot. I'm not sure why though. Maybe it was just me being curious...or maybe it's because I want to figure out what these ghost are so I can avenge my dead mom and save the world and get my dad's respect and stuff!

...that sounded a bit cringe when I phrased it like that, but it's not like anyone is sneaking through my stuff anyways.

I entered the town square as the cool autumn breeze coursed through the area and seven fallen leaves coursed through the area from the wind. Four were red, and three were yellow. I stepped on a yellow leaf as I trotted over to the bakery (cafe? Either/Or!) in the outlet.

I never was a summer kid, autumn and winter were my kind of season...but what I dislikes were all the kissy, sappy couples that would nuzzle each other on the benches. Obvious that was inevitable in any season, but it annoys me to see their PDA. Like get a room!

Regardless, I open the door.

*chirin chirrn, chi!*

Ah, the sweet smell of pastries, you can't go wrong with a lemon loaf every once in a while.

I noticed that three people were seated at a table, talking with one of the salesclerks. It was my friends.

I sat down with them, setting my phone on the table, and the blonde-haired bitch girl looks up and smirks, her tone teasing,

"Well if it isn't the school zombie! Finally decided to crawl out of hiding and join us?"

"Hey, Liz! Don't pick on 'Zi like that. Chances are she's having a rough day."

The boy beside her (bless his heart) nudges her with his elbow.

---

Perhaps I should introduce these losers (and myself too I guess). I'm currently seated at a table of 4, two fraternal twins are on the opposite side, and just adjacent from me was this other girl.

If it wasn't obvious...or if you forgotten, I'm Uzi, the loser scene kid with purple hair and purple eyes. At this moment I'm wearing a beanie with my cool bat headphones, a black collared shirt with my hoodie on top, black fishnets on my hands, black shorts, comfy leg warmers, and my signature pair of platforms.
As stated before, I really like ghosts and paranormal stuff, people call me an angsty loser for liking nightcore and anime, and I really wanna figure out what's happening here since people are acting like we're not gonna die attack-on-titan style.

The blonde girl is named Lizzy, your stereotypical ditzy mean girl with blonde hair in a bowed ponytail, pink eyes, tons of makeup, a magenta crop top with noodle straps, and a matching pleated skirt.
On her phone 24/7, not a fan of dogs, and an ego so impenetrable that it takes a sledgehammer in the face to even chip it.
It's obvious that I don't like her that much since she used to trash on me back in high school, but she mellowed out in college (Thank GOD).

The boy beside her is Thad, her jock brother with green eyes and blond hair. He wore one of those red and lime yellow varsity jackets with a white shirt, knee length shorts, red sneakers, and a red cap he always wore backwards, his hair poking out of the hole.
One of the only few people in this place with guts aside from me, talks like a surfer (even though he skateboards...maybe the same thing?), and is a little bit of a bonehead at times.
He's cool if I had to admit. and a little attractive BUT YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME!!

Lastly, the girl sitting beside me is Matryona...or was it Matryoshka? Whatever, everyone calls her Doll. A quiet girl with dark black hair and red eyes who wears a red turtleneck, a mahogany circle skirt with bows, a beret, and a deep indigo shawl around her shoulders.
Extremely almost deathly silence, a little intimidating with a morbid sense of humor, always carrying a cleaver on her for some reason, and extremely vengeful that it's scary.
Even if she gives me the creeps and used to join in on Lizzy's bullying witch-hunts in high school, I grew up with her when I was a lot younger. Our moms used to be very close, but she suddenly moved away to her grandmother's when her parents...died.

With our powers combined, we create a group of crack college kids who spend the day talking about ghosts. Cool!

---

The salesclerk who was talking to them earlier, if I recall is named Lottie (she also goes to my school...such a small world...), eventually waves bye as she heads to the back of the bakery.

But tangents aside, I speak up,

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it out...what were you guys talking about before I got here?"

Doll then spoke up with her low and neutral voice, heavy with a Russian accent.

"Lizzy and Thad got a call from a mysterious person on the phone. They said something about wanting to recruit us to ghost hunting since we've been so enthusiastic about it."

"And you didn't possibly tell me about it before answering suspicious calls? Not even on text?"

"I told them to not answer the phone. But Thad insisted."

"Hey! I was curious!"

"I'm supposed to be the leader of this whole ghost group shebang, okay!? You can't just pick up the phone randomly! That's dangerous!"

"Girlie, who cares? Being leader doesn't mean anything. Also you're starting to sound like Mr. Doorman."

"Wht— I DO NOT SOUND LIKE MY DAD!!"

That's when my phone suddenly rung with an unknown number on it. We all collectively looked at the phone as it vibrated for a few minutes before falling silent. Then a message was sent to our Email.

"...who's that?"

That's when Thad suddenly perked up.

"It's the person from earlier! The one on the phone not too long ago!"

We all picked up our phones and went to our email. Lizzy read out the user of the person who sent it.

"...Uns0lvedAng3lHeart_02? What kinda username is that?! Sounds like a user the Freak would have."
"BITE ME! My users aren't that bad!"
"Oh really? Because what kind of user ID is darkxwolf17?!"
"Ugh, I made that tag when I was 8, shut up!—"

"Stay vigilant, you two. We don't know who or what this person is."

"...Well, guess we should read the email and see what they want..."

With that we all simultaneously opened the email...

Chapter Text

SYS://MSNGR
MESSAGE FROM USER: "Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02"

     To Whoever this Email Reached, 

Hark! You have caught my attention after a while of searching the county for viable volunteers. I apologize to be of disturbance to any of you, but I hope this email reaches you well.

From what I've been told, you and a few others have been curious when it comes to the paranormal, something I can gladly give insight to. Perhaps it's due to virtue and innocence; maybe curiosity; maybe ignorance; or presumably, you lost someone in your lives and you want to know why or how. And with that, I'm here to make an offer with you all.

You see, I've been needing to look into multiple instances of paranormal activity within the area. Of course, since I'm only one person, I require assistance and volunteers in order to cover more ground.

I'll be capable of picking up any incoming calls from clients, offer supplies and means of transport when needed, along with overall context of any cases and ghosts you may encounter. All I need in return is information that was gathered at the selected site, status reports every interval, and a list of criteria that needs to be completed at the request of the client.

If you wish to volunteer or if you have questions for me, feel free to email me or call my number, (#-###-###-####). I'm happy to be of assistance to you all.

I'll be awaiting your arrival and response.

     Best regards,

     ▄︻デ𝕬𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖑══━一

Chapter Text

The Email that was received was questionable, among anything that could be described. Just who was this angel person? Some stalker with an especially keen taste for 2000s anime gifs and odd ways of writing emails? And how did they know that all of them coincidentally have a missing adult figure in their lives? 

The group of college students all peered at each other after they all took time to read the email, some more curious and willing to take the offer more than others. Uzi pondered to them, asking the others if this was the person and what they could POSSIBLY want from a bunch of college kids with a passion project for the spooks. Although Thad seemed naively eager to see this person, the girls immediately interjected the idea of calling them. They can't go around trusting anyone, it could be a kidnapping scheme like years ago, or worse.

But at the same time, there was a sort of intrigue that aroused within the group, especially in Uzi. Maybe if she heard this person out, she can not only get a career out of this so her dad will stop bathing her about unemployment, it's about something she's really keen about, and maybe...she can figure out more about their life...? No— No! 

Uzi had to resist the idea, while Lizzy and Doll seem headstrong regarding peering into business that shouldn't concern them. They already had studies to do! What could possibly be the benefit of possibly risking their safety for the sake of thrills. Those two might've been the popular girls, but even they had common sense.

The group discuss what to do about the mysterious sender. Should they block them? Report their email as spam and then some? They're unsure. But it's not like they can just avoid this person, it's obvious that this "Angel" guy deliberate sought after them to email them. They're just delaying what could possibly happen if they ignore the email...

So reluctantly, they decided to entertain the idea, if it doesn't work they can just bail and reject the offer...

They decide to crash into Uzi's house for the night, with the excuse to Khan that it was a sleepover and that they won't trash the house when he's gone for work and whatnot. Just to seal the deal, They all brought stuff: Thad with sleeping bags, Lizzy with Snacks, and Doll with movies. Absolutely foolproof.

Uzi takes out her laptop, connecting it to her phone for the sake of transcripts, and after a moment to settle down and get comfy like they were watching a scary movie, they all huddled in front of the laptop, and dialed the number...

(The Phone rings for a moment, before it picks up. The icon is pitch black.)

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Ah, Moshi Moshi? How can I assist you tonight?"

TheQueenOfRoses: "Yo, You're the dude who emailed us, right? The guy who said something about ghost?"

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Yes! That person is me. I assume you want to hear more about what I have to offer, correct?"

VoltTackle038: "Mhm! We're SUPER curious about this whole ghost thing you got going on and we kinda want to vol—."

друг: "Don't get ahead of yourself. Can we at least get your name, Mysterious someone?"

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "You can just refer to me as Angel for now. Now then..."

(The sound of what seems to be a large notebook being placed on the desk can be heard through Angel's microphone.)

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "A-Agh, there we go...So, about this whole shebang. I have quite a few things to go over so please bear with me."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "First and foremost, this a job that deals with the spirits of dead entities, harmless or otherwise. In other words, this job is dangerous if you're stupid."

(The group collectively looks at each other, as if to check if they heard that correctly.)

TheQueenOfRoses: "Dangerous? You're saying that this could possibly kill us?"

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Only if you're being stupid. If you're not stupid, you won't die. Sounds easy enough, right?"

darkXWolf17: "Yeah, whatever...seems fair enough to me."

TheQueenOfRoses: "Seriously, it's fair enough to you??? Are we even getting paid to do this?"

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "This is volunteering, not necessarily a legitimate job. But if you really want to get cash for this, then yes, you are getting paid for your work."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Now, can I continue explaining the logistics?"

(The call is then briefly vibrant with a handful of nods, yeses, and mhms.)

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Good. Another thing I'd like to mention is that your names are going to be important in this job, not just for introductions, but because it's stated to be the key to the soul."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "In other words, don't give your full legal names out to ghosts or strangers in general. It's common sense."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "And on the topic of that, what should I refer to you four?"

VoltTackle038: "...I guess you can just call me Volt."

друг: "My username is fine, thank you."

TheQueenOfRoses: "I want to be called Queen then—"

darkXWolf17: "No way! I much rather not feed your ego by calling you that!"

TheQueenOfRoses: "Oh really? what do YOU want to be called then?! Wolf? Like some edgy loser—"

darkXWolf17: "NO AND SHUT UP!"

(TheQueenOfRoses and darkXWolf17 can be heard arguing in the distance of the call.)

VoltTackle038: "Annnd they're arguing again..."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "...Huh, I assume that they fight often?"

VoltTackle038: "Yeah...hey, break it up, you two! We're still on call!"

(VoltTackle038 remarkably manages to break up the cat fight.)

darkXWolf17: "Oh, riiight, uhm...Crow is a good codename for me..."

TheQueenOfRoses: "And if the Halfling refuses to call me rightfully as Queen, then just go with Rose..."

darkXWolf17: "Uuugh...don't call me that..."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "...Cool by me, then. Crow, Rose, друг, Volt, welcome aboard. From now on, you'll officially be my apprentices under the ghost-hunting group of Paranormal Solvers...or PS for short."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Typically, I'll answer calls from concerned clients and give you a rundown on what to expect from the testimony provided. I'll usually reach the location beforehand to unlock doors and boundaries, along with gaining further information and context of the area to ensure it's safe for you to proceed. Your main duty is to figure out the type of ghost that is currently present and gather information to debrief to the client after your investigation."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "I'll allow you four to compose roles amongst yourselves. These can range from gathering evidence, to baiting out spirits, to communications, so on and so forth. It's expected for everyone to have a part. You may debrief me on your roles within 48 hours. Got it?"

darkXWolf17: "Loud and clear, Angel."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Perfect, I'll be sending you a gray van sometime within the week. That'll be your means of transportation along with containing needed supplies and electronics. There should be a notebook containing further information about ghosts, considerations to take, and about the soul. I'll begin to send in cases when you're ready."

Uns0lvedAng3lHeart02: "Henceforth, with that being said, I bid you all farewell for the evening."

And with the newfound group that was the Paranormal Solvers formed and sending their goodnights, the call ends.

Chapter Text

The Comprehensive Guide to Paranormal Investigation

Paranormal Investigations—although said to be thrilling and fun by some—are rather dangerous for newcomers to get into due to dealing with paranormal entities that may cause harm physically, emotionally, or psychologically. As such, many new ghost hunters tend to make up the majority of casualties, typically from not exercising caution when it comes to handling ghosts.

Below is a guide on the following:

• What a ghost, fallen, and soul is.
• Determining a ghost variant.
• Precautions and Considerations.
• What types of ghost to expect while searching.

Fallens

First and Foremost, the Fallen are a special type of Paranormal entity, formed by the Singularity as physical servants. The Fallen are the root cause of ghosts, as a ghost is formed if a fallen consumes the heart of a living entity—namely, humans. When a heart is consumed, it fuses into the body of a Fallen and the soul is fused within the soul of the Fallen, giving the Fallen full dominion of the soul they consumed. The Fallen don't have a set appear, taking contrastingly different forms based on characteristics from the Singularity; Therefore a Fallen of Null will look and behave significantly differently from a Fallen of Void.

It's important to note that Fallens aren't ghosts and should not be treated as if they're ghosts. Due to being more physical in structure, they are incapable of being exorcised and must be avoided at all costs. It's recommended to immediately evacuate an area if a fallen is present, as encounters with one—regardless of circumstances, temperament, and or behavior—are guaranteed to be lethal.

You will know if you encounter a Fallen.

Ghosts

Ghosts, by definition, are the apparitions of deceased lifeforms that can be visible to specific humans. They are souls which have been consumed and assimilated by a Fallen, whereas they now embody the will of the Fallen that consumed them. Ghosts, like their superiors, come in multiple different forms based on what aspect they carry but usually fall in specific types of ghosts. Ghosts, usually, are only aggressive when provoked, though it's mainly dependent on the type of ghost it is as some types of ghosts are more docile than others. So knowing caution and courtesy when dealing with one is paramount. 

Most, if not all ghosts are capable of recognizing their name when called for, along with having keen intelligence and personalities akin to their living counterparts. However, they are incapable of further action unless directed by their respective fallen, this includes emotional response. Often or not, most ghosts will typically be husks of their former selves with vestigial traces of their old life.

Ghosts can only be liberated via exorcisms, if the fallen that consumed them dies, or if the fallen willingly lets the ghosts go. When Liberation occurs, the ghost will fade and cease in existence, returning to the afterlife or reforming as a soul.

Souls

Souls are not only the spiritual manifestation of a human, but also ghosts which do not belong to a fallen. Usually, souls are bound to the heart of their body, behaving as they were when they were alive albeit without a physical body. Most, if not all souls are usually harmless to humans and incapable of harming one, yet are still capable of communication through other means. As such, they are rather vulnerable to attacks from the Fallen, who can turn them into ghost by consuming their heart.

If a ghost is liberated, they can return as a soul.

How to Discover a Ghost

When it comes to discovering a ghosts, it's important to determine the type of ghost that it is in order to exorcise it.

Common evidence for determining a type of ghost is but not limited to:

• Ghost orbs or physical apparitions.
  • Sometimes, a ghost might physically appear as a silhouette, an apparition, or as a ghost orb, which can be used to determine what it is.
• Reactions to specific stimuli.
  • Many ghosts react to specific events differently than others, it's important to monitor the reactions and behavior of a ghosts alongside other evidence.
• Interaction with objects or people.
  • Some ghosts are capable of interacting with specific objects, from writing on walls and books to possessing object or people.
• Electromagnetic activity.
  • Most ghosts produced a small amount of Electromagnetic waves. Using an EMF reader, it can detect ghosts on a scale of 1-5. Those with high EMFs usually mean they're more "tangible".
• Fumes, secretions, and physical trances.
  • Although most might think notable sense to use is sight and hearing, touch and smell can also play a big factor to ghosts. Some ghosts produce specific fumes or secretions.
• Temperature and heat signatures.
  • Some ghosts are either colder or hotter than usual, which can also translate to irregular temperature in a specific room.

Precautions and Considerations

Like any other job, there are multiple rules and precautions one must take when it comes to investigating haunted locations.

Names: Names are extremely important to take into consideration, as it is the key to the soul. Calling the name of any paranormal entity is bound to have it be lured to your location, no matter how far. it's important to use names with consideration as some react different to their names being called out loud than others. Likewise, you should NEVER share your actual name with a Ghost or Fallen as it grants them full reign and power over you, allowing for things like possessions, curses, or even your death. Ghosts can learn names from people nearby or attempt to coax you to give your name, so codenames are paramount to preserve anonymity and safety.

Bites and Injuries:  If you or a squad mate has been injured by a ghost while on the job, it's important to immediately get the injured member out of the building and away from any further danger until the injuries is tended to. Ghosts tend to enjoy the smell of blood and will most likely zero in on the nearest vulnerable member regardless of type. All bites and injuries must be disinfected and bandaged properly before one can get back to work.

Sanity: Another thing to be aware about while working is personal sanity. Ghosts tend to mess with the Human psyche significantly, with the more vulnerable a person is, the high likelihood that they will be the target of hunts, possessions, or attacks by the ghost. Like injuries, if one member of your group is seen mentally unwell or on the verge of a breakdown, they must be taken out of the building and given times to rest before they can return to work.

Osmogenesia: After a successful exorcism or liberation, you will notice a faint smell of petrichor, flowers, or incense on your person. This smell is the scent of sanctity which'll linger on an exorcist after an exorcism is performed, but also when a protection capsule is used. This smell is intentional and benign, but while pleasant to living creatures, it tends to irritate paranormal entities. It'll usually dissuading them from being within your vicinity but can also lead to attacks as well. The smell does fade with time and will usually disappear during daytime.

Courtesy and Etiquette: Despite no longer being alive, Ghosts are still consider people as they have still lived human lives and still maintain aspects and memories of their human life. As such, you must treat the locations and ghost with as much respect and proper courtesy as you can manage, and clean up the location to the best of your ability after an exorcism. The Client will usually give you house rules to follow as the location is often or not their own home. Please respect the wishes of the client along with the ghost themselves and treat missions like you are guests in one's house, this cannot be stressed enough.

Trap Calls: Sometimes, a ghost will call in as a client and give a fake case solely to lure a group of investigators in to hunt them. These times are uncommon due to being debunked or declined right at the call or in the process of setting up, but there's a chance for an error to occur. If you suspect a location or case file given to be a trap call, please notify your benefactor for further details or actions. If confirmed safe enough to proceed, you can continue with caution.

Refusal or Incompletion: If, by any means, you or your group is unable to complete a case or refuse to accept a case, you're aware that this might cause the client to be put into further danger. The case will be placed on hold and pay will be withheld for that case until it's complete. A notice and or note must be given to the provider with a justifiable reason for incompletion and or rejection, where the provider will discuss whether or not the mission will be aborted.

Time Limit: Typically, you and your team will be given all night from 9PM–8AM to complete criteria/tasks, investigate the ghost, and perform liberation rituals. At times where cases are longer, you will also be given extra nights depending on how long the case is. 

Anonymity and Confidentiality:  Due to the details of the case and what could possibly occur, all cases or mentions of said cases must remain confidential. Names of the Ghost or the Client involved must not be spoken in the context of the case, as it might endanger those involved. Likewise, when talking about the case with a client, you must keep your own name confidential by using your codename, even if you personally know the client or ghost. 

Anything Else?: If there's anything not written here that one is curious to know about, they may ask their benefactor for specific details like working the equipment.

Types of Ghosts

Below is a short list containing a list of the types of ghosts one might see during investigations. Note that types is not limited to the list below:

Common Ghosts: The most frequent types of paranormal entities encountered. They can be associated with any Fallen.

• Common Spirit
  • Usually docile and neutral, but tend to be defensive when needed. No distinct characteristic.
• Poltergeist
  • Playful, fidgety ghosts that frequently move objects around. Can also possess objects.
• Phantom
  
  • A ghost that usually doesn't like being seen. Frequently a saboteur.
• Spook
  • Quick spirits that seemingly teleport. Usually harmless but likes scaring people.

Null Ghosts: Ghosts that are frequently associated with the Fallen of Null. Most of these ghosts are associated with darkness.

• Silhouette
  
  • Takes the form of a shadowy person. Harmless and primarily watches people.
• Paralysis
  
  • Relatively fasts entities that take physical form in darkness and stiffens people. Cannot be seen with lights on.
• Revenant
  • Aggressive, vengeful ghosts that attack blindly out of wrath. Tends to be sensitive to specific stimuli.
• Mimic
  
  • A creature that takes the form of objects or living creatures. Incredibly dangerous.

Void Ghosts: Ghosts that are frequently associated with the Fallen of Void. Most of these ghosts are associated with emptiness.

• Sunken
  
  • The ghost of a person who has drowned. Seen mostly near water and gurgles.
• Siren
  • Paranormal entities that usually sing or talk to lure people closer. Their songs are dangerous.
• Succubus
  • Flirty entities that tend to go after other people minus one specific person. Frequently touches people.
• Wither
  • An entity who directly affects one's mental state. Causes significant sanity decay.

Isolation Ghosts: Ghosts that are frequently associated with the Fallen of Isolation. Most of these ghosts are associated with unknown.

• Shade
  • Shy ghosts that usually don't like being seen. Mainly seen when someone is alone.
• Dupe
  • A ghost that frequently copies the abilities of other ghosts. Tends to imitate humans.
• Banshee
  • Sorrowful spirits that seek after one specific person to kill. Can only be heard by that one person.
• Wraith
  
  • A ghost usually resembling a person after death. Usually looks like a dead body or a person without limbs.

GRIEFT List Rundown

Chapter Text

Once upon a time.

In a castle located somewhere within the swamps.

There was one girl. A young princess was she, crowned with class and tenacity.

In the solitude of the grand walls, she grew lonely, her parents giving her attention sparsely.

The other royals found her horrific.
How her grave digging habits would only bury her further from her fellow humans.

So alas, little miss gravedigger only found solace when it came to her servants. There were four three that she grew fond of.

Designated by Letter, but given name by their mistress, they were Jasmine, Nikolai, Vesperine, and Cynthia.

But not all endings are happily ever after.

Distantly, the drums of pestilence lingers.

It infected a young maiden.

And like nanites, it'll begin to eat away at the world.

Until.

There.

Is.

Nothing.

Left.

It's been centuries since then. The Rules have changed. A new motive arises.

Does a dead being dream in sleep? Or will its dream rot til it no longer could?

The hound certainly does dream.

Curled up in the ruins of the manor, in nothing but the vestigial of what was once a tailcoat suit. His mind of amalgamated innocence would swirl, recalling the night of his formation; His coronation ceremony.

He wriggled within that shapeless mass of bone then, whining, whimpering. He heard monsters approach that eggshell he was trapped in. Hearing the murmurs and hisses of curiosity regarding the newcomer.

Then he heard a voice. One of vague memories, but authority:

"The Eternity sheds its grace on thee."
"It gives you substance. It grants you another life from beyond the horrific bloodshed. Of your sins that you grieved for the years up until this moment when you were lost with the void."
"It blesses you with being reborn as the futility of action."
"Like how you were unable to save the others. You will be able to share that burden as a gift to humankind."
"You must feed the hungry. You must drag the unfortunate into your embrace and never let go."
"Let the humans follow the trail you leave, and find solace within the darkness of your being."
"Are you ready to be reborn, Fallen of the Null?"
"The others are waiting..."

A panic seated deep within that vessel, causing it to wriggle, squirm, before melting into disgusting black filth.

Darkness. That's all he was. Even as he once rose in the center of the remnants of a ballroom and stood amongst the other misfits, all whom looked nothing alike, he look like a blot of ink on a photograph.

He was nervous looking among them, like an owlet wobbling from its egg with buggy, misty yellow eyes. His gaunt silhouette nervously closed in on itself as the room roared with applause, the slime composing his body glistening in the dim glow of the moon.

He felt conflictingly happy as the streaks became more present, he should be proud that he was here, after all.

A Fallen was born.

He suddenly was roused from his slumber as a sharp cry sliced through the air. It was a loud night, much to his lethargy.

"N? N!? Where are you, you dog?!"

The floor began to rumble as someone walked up to the door of his chamber, grappling the doorknob with clawed hands and opening it. Before him was a leviathan of a Fallen, large and aquatic with pale hair and tendrils with yellow lures at the end. She smelled of saline.

Her reptilian eyes narrowed at him, as if detesting the fact he was spinelessly sprawled on the floor.

"There you are…"

She would mutter as one of her fins flicked. Her sharp, point-tapered legs tapped against the creaky floorboards, her large tail swaying in arcs. The Fallen of Void then knelt down, chiding him in a stern tone.

"Didn't you forget that we had a gathering to attend to? J will do you in if you napped for another hour..."

"Oh, sorry, V…I—"

"Do whatever you want. You better hurry up, unless you want to get torn into by J."

"R-Right! Right…I'll be out there…"

N sits up from the floor with a soft sigh, briefly scratching at his stained hair with a hand as his wispy tail idly swayed around. V was a scary gal…deep down, he believed that she did cared about him…even if she wasn't one to show it. But there were times he was definitely unsure if that was true. It felt like a sort of delusion, hopelessing thinking that under her titanium scales, she was the soft-spoken girl in the simulacrums of his memory.

At least he was lucky that she even talked to him at all! Other times she'd completely disregard him.

Regardless, N watched as V leave the room, her tendrils flowing in mesmerizing patterns…oh how she was such a gal, it made his lifeless heart flutter…

Guess he should change before he got out there, that's what he thought as he snags a windbreaker trench coat off from a dusty nightstand…

When N formed into the banquet hall for the meeting, he immediately felt nervous as J immediately caught a glimpse of him from her seat at the head of the table. As eyeless as she was, it was easy to tell if she was watching.

Her 'gaze' narrowed as she noticed the anomaly step into the hall through a darkened corner of the room. An echo resonates in the room, seemingly only present in N's auditory sensing:

"…You're late."

The Fallen of Isolation called, the type of tone an authority figure would make when they're close to smiting someone, but hiding it under a veil of neutrality.

The end of her tail then pointed at him, causing him to flinch.

"Mind explaining why you decided to slack on attendance, synergistic liability?"

"I just…overslept, that's all…I'm sorry."

"…You're always sorry, yet you never improve. Honestly, I question why the Singularity decided to make you an elite when you don't bring anything to the table."

N fell silent, as if a little hurt by that accurate jab, but she motioned her tail to the table.

"Take a seat. And stay quiet."

He only did as he was told, forming into one of the chairs with his head hung and hands figeting in his lap. J was right, admittedly, He really should go out hunting more…maybe he can summon a ghost to find something or someone. Maybe he can find a new hunting ground? Sniff out potential cultists to harvest? Or…maybe he can find a spot where he can write stories without being picked on…?

As the meeting went on, he tried his best to focus on what's being said, yet he just kept zoning out, too focus on plans that he might or might not accomplish. Occasionally, an inky tentacle would wipe at his exterior eyes (i.e; the eyes present just shy of his hairline.) cauing him to whine softly. What he got so far was something regarding a status report on assimilation, a possible setback on the horizon, and the dissatisfied complaints of his sister the singularity that the cult has yet to fully perish yet.

And before he knew it, the meeting was dismissed, with the other fallens retreating to the alcoves and leaving only the three elites at the table; Him, V, and J.

"Hey, pal! You done daydreaming yet?! Patience is gonna cost you for every condolence!"

N squeaked as J abruptly jarred from her seat, the whispering that she emitted abruptly turning into scorns of "Audite".

"Yep! Yeah, I'm done!"

"Were you even listening at all to what I was talking about, you nicompoop?!"

"I was though! You were saying something about how the singularity is dissatisfied with how slow harvests are going. She- …ahem, it seems to think there's something happening that might prevent us from reaching our goal and wants us to figure out who it is, and kill them."

He honestly had no clue what he was saying himself, but suppose that was the correct answer as he hears the voices ease up, Ms. Isolation emitting a soft "huff".

"…Okay, guess you were listening after all. But if that's the case, you're going to be scouting."

N would've objected the offer. But his mind lingered to what J said to him. She wants him to at least help out, at least that's what he thinks she's trying to say, and this could be his chance to prove his worth…!

"Oh! U-Uhm, of course! I'll get to searching and I'll tell you all if I notice something suspicious."

"Good. Don't let us down like the last time, stud."

With that, the elite meeting is dismissed, with N retreating into a dark alcove and disappearing to find some supposed exorcists…