Maniacs.

These kids are maniacs.

To those who think I'm being judgmental, picture this: you wake up a warm Saturday morning to the smell of bacon and eggs and orange juice, a classic breakfast, and harmless banter between the boy and man responsible for keeping you off the streets as you contentedly chow down on your helping.

A nice quiet uneventful morning until said boy gets a text on his cell from one of his friends.

Now the first sign you should worry would be the sudden darting of his eyes from his phone to you and back – actually, no, that would be the second. The first sign would have been your first night here, when he dodged your question about whatever shenanigans he and his friends get up to with a tentative invitation. Third one would be his offer to let you stay behind with his uncle instead after finally explaining that he and his friends hunt ghosts for a living!

Your one out, your one chance to enjoy a normal day and not worry over anything, and you in all your infinite wisdom shrug it off like a ninny.

Three strikes, you're out.

Only difference is instead of dragging yourself to the benches, you and your fellow dog are diving beneath a moth-infested couch in a rundown furniture store in an abandoned shopping mall to avoid (I kid you not) a pair of haunted refrigerators. Oh, and for added fun let's give the fridges the ability to spew a barrage of tomatoes and various other rotten foodstuffs at will and an army of kitchen supplies at their beck and call.

See, this is what you, er, I get for being optimistic!

Just once I'd like a week in my life that does not revolve around horror, weirdness, or both! Ah but no, I'm so darn protective, I don't think twice before hopping into the van full of kids bent on running towards the paranormal instead of away.

Now to be fair, when Arthur explained what they do, I pictured something akin to those ghost-hunting shows. Spooky yeah but compared to the near daily craziness I'd dealt with I spent more time rolling my eyes at the shoddy proof and camera angles than in actual fear. Maybe these kids aimed to do something similar, and I'd be spending the rest of the trip helping them poke around in the forest for stuff we won't find.

Well, that assumption wound up partially right. Just substitute the forest for mall and ghost for errant appliances.

Again, these kids are maniacs.

Speaking of which, where are they? Last time Mystery and I saw them, we'd barely taken three steps into the building before a swarm of possessed kitchen knives came at us like wingless hornets and sent everyone scattering. I can still feel the wind from when one of them whiffed my hindquarters.

OK, Courage. Take it easy. You've handled worse than this, you can do this. Just keep your wits about yourself and do not die.

Steeling myself with a deep breath, I peek out. Finding the coast clear for now, I take Mystery by the paw and gingerly pull him out behind me. Not that I doubt his ability to keep pace with me but because I value the buddy system. Besides, something about his presence helps me stay calm easier, like on the ride here where he would elbow me and toss that same smile from the restaurant whenever I started to hyperventilate.

Weird. Even though this isn't my first time with backup, something about now gives me an inexplicable sense of déjà vu. I shake my head. There'll be time to figure that out later.

Anyway, since I can't use my full kitsune powers in front of Mystery and the others without giving them a heart attack, subtlety would be my best friend here.

After breathing in to feign another attempt to calm myself, my exhale sends invisible threads of my power into the air throughout the building, touching everything in reach like a bat's echolocation. Soon, my mind's eye catches a bulky silhouette on the floor right above us, fending off dancing meat tenderizers with a shovel, while two lankier ones are far in the back of our floor giving some rabid eggbeaters the run around. Meanwhile, two pairs of floating microwaves stalk our level, loaded no doubt with steaming hot TV dinners to cause severe burns. And all the way up on the third floor, waving around atop a counter like armless conductors, are the Ghost Fridge Pair.

Now who to approach first? Vivi and Arthur are the closest and Lewis seems like he could handle himself for a while, but the Ghost Fridges would need strategy. While I've handled threats alone before and would rather keep everyone safe, if these guys do have experience like mine then reuniting team would be smarter.

Mystery and I sneak out the store and through the shadowy atrium, ducking behind pots and beneath tables whenever the microwaves come in sight. Before long, my strategy leads us into an open toy store, the not so faint sound of screams and cheers(?) guides as Mystery and I dash through the aisles.

"I have so many questions!"

"Oh cool. Lemme start you off: WHY THE HELL DID WE COME HERE?!"

"To – whoa! – get an interview with the cause behind the hauntings!"

A nearby pair of thuds from two bodies bumping against a shelf sounds to our left. "An interview?!"

"Yes, an interview like I've said the whole way here, Arthur. Geez, catch up!" We emerge around the counter before a retort can follow up. Vivi notices and lights up at the sight of us. "Mystery, Courage! You're alright!"

I make a show of looking around.

"Last we saw Lewis he was getting some meat tenderizers off our tail. We've gotta save him and get to the third floor!"

I nod fervently at the first part yet cross my arms and pass her a look full of 'um why' after hearing the second, only for her to toss back a far too innocent one of 'why not?' Arthur's facepalm only helps me feel a little better. Before I can argue, a gentle head-nudge in the back from Mystery urges me to face him. He points his muzzle towards the stairs across from the toy store, where we can see all four floating microwaves standing guard.

Great, there goes one way up top. Now it's my turn to facepalm.

Mechanical whirring mixed with clinking draws everyone's attention further down our aisle. We need a plan and now!

At that moment, Vivi takes charge. "Guys, I've got an idea!"

Before anyone can ask, she grabs Arthur by the hand and dashes out the store. Mystery and I glance to each other in puzzlement before we chase after them. The eggbeaters don't take long to show up, careening after us the moment they see our departure. The microwaves notice our approach and form a frontline defense, timers dinging to indicate their readied ammo.

Taking a deep breath, Vivi skids to a stop and belts out, "PIZZA JOE'S SUCKS!"

As though she flipped an invisible switch, the eggbeaters skid in midair to a halt while the microwaves jolt up an inch in the same way one would raise their head in shock.

"Yeah, you heard me! You guys call the pizza you served food? I had car tires easier to chew on!" The results are instant: some microwaves flap their "mouths" while a few eggbeaters whirl their "teeth" all in a semblance of laughter; the rest tremble in outrage. And Vivi isn't even done yet because she shoots around to address the microwaves next, ignoring my and the others' faces of disbelief. "But at least their tomato sauce could compensate! In fact, once I overhead one of Joe's workers admit that Pizza Roni's sauce tastes like cheap ketchup!"

OK ouch. Now equally enraged, both sides charge one another with extreme prejudice, forcing us to duck in the nick of time and resulting in a clunky food-fight version of Rock 'em, Sock 'em Robots. Sneaking by them and up the stairs winds up far too easy.

Once we reach the second floor, I look back over my shoulder in wonder at the clanking echoes downstairs. Looks like I owe Vivi some credit.

Speaking of whom, Arthur taps her on the shoulder, just as mystified. "How did you know that would work?"

"I sort of didn't," Vivi admits with a shrug and sheepish smile. "Do you remember when you tripped on that teddy bear, fell into me, and we tumbled into that shelf of dolls?"

Arthur's grimace suggests he'd rather forget that experience; he manages a nod.

"Well, those microwaves started butting heads more the closer they got, like they were having an argument over what to do over us."

The blonde shoots Vivi a perplexed look while Mystery and I do the same with each other. "Why? Wouldn't they all want us dead?"

Vivi taps her chin for a moment to think as I guide everyone to Lewis' location, making sure to sniff the air to waive off any questions of how I know where to go. "Remember when we talked along the way about how a few months before this mall closed down last year, Pizza Joe and Papa Roni died together in a big explosion?"

Oh right. I'm starting to remember now – well bits and pieces anyway. Hard to listen when you're busy panicking over another run-in with the supernatural. Arthur, who apparently paid better attention at the time, nods to show he's following along. "Yeah, you showed me the customer accounts and news reports."

"Well, after we got separated from the others and you and I dove into Pizza Joe to hide, I found this old note in an open drawer behind the counter." She pulls out said note and hands it to Arthur, who takes it and proceeds to read. "Sounds like there'd been sabotage on both sides, not to mention lots of slander."

Yikes. Mystery and I share a wince at hearing that.

"Yeesh," Arthur echoes with a wince before standing up. "OK, now I get what you mean. Still, if those were the employees down there, why would their bosses work together if their restaurants were rivals back then?"

Good question. Vivi scratches her head, pondering. "Not sure either but let's save it for after we help Lewis. C'mon!"

We don't take long to reach where my 'nose' is leading us: a home improvement store with one of the front windows smashed in. Almost immediately upon our entry, grunts and crunches as metal meets metal echo from deeper inside. A shriek bursts from me when I turn to see a meat tenderizer flying at us! Everyone hits the floor, the errant kitchen tool smashing clean through the other window.

"Sorry!"

Ah, there! We see in the distance Lewis tuck and roll behind a nearby counter to take shelter from his pursuers; a failed return strike from our own encourages us to do the same behind some shelves. Unlike the microwaves and eggbeaters, these guys don't give us any breather as another tenderizer tries to clip us from above, forcing us to dodge again!

And again, and again, our pursuers way too fast for any of us to counter.

After a mad dash all over the place, the five of us eventually wind up altogether and backed up against stacks of bricks as the tenderizers hover above in a circle, ready to do us in. The moment those swings come, we all manage to duck and dash away right before the bricks, jostled by the impact, come crashing down atop the tenderizers and bury them.

We waste no time getting out that store and far, far, far up the next set of steps. Only once we get to the third floor do we pause to catch a breath, all of us hunched over.

"OK...seriously," Arthur wheezes, "is it too late to call quits and let these guys have this place? It's not like they're going to move out to another mall or anything."

Vivi shakes her head, stomping a foot and jabbing a finger downward. "No way! I am not leaving this sitting down. You guys are free to leave anytime you want but I have to see this through!"

The affronted frown on Lewis, look of disbelief on Arthur, and Mystery's concerned stare all give answer enough. None of them intend to leave without Vivi at least – and as much I hate to admit this, neither do I even as both my face and ears sag. Ugh, it's like dealing with Muriel's occasional wanderlust again, but at least I could get behind that because the reasoning made sense.

This doesn't. These ghosts aren't holding anyone we know captive and the only danger is from simply being here. Why is Vivi so determined to confront these two ghosts? What's supposed to be the goal here? Right then, her eyes catch mine and to my surprise there's a flash of guilt. The blue haired girl softens her face with a sad sigh.

"Look, if I show you guys why I'm so adamant about this, will you promise not to laugh?"

The guys and I all share a consulting gaze before looking back to Vivi. Lewis gives her an assuring smile and nod. "We promise."

Vivi sighs again before reaching into the pocket of her skirt and pulling out two slips of paper – an article that seemed as though it had been ripped out of a newspaper and another on a folded up, bleached out piece of notebook paper—and handed them to me.

Taking them, I give her a skeptical look before examining the newspaper piece in my left paw more closely. At first, nothing catches my attention...until I see the following sentence and gasp! Mystery looks over my shoulder and my sideview catches his eyes widening in equal shock. In haste, I offer the article to Arthur who reads it next alongside Lewis. Their jaws drop almost immediately.

Rumors have it that the employers of the rival pizzerias were romantically involved with one another. Could a break-up have been what led to this tragedy?

Lewis cocks his head in wonder after reading the top info. "Did...did you get this from a tabloid?"

"I know, I know," Vivi blurts out in response while throwing her hands up, "not the best source for info! Hell, I only picked it out cuz it sounded interesting...but then I came across that note back in the pizza shop and everything we've seen started to click." She turns to Arthur, apologetic. "Sorry for not telling you earlier. I was still trying to make sense of it myself."

Arthur shifts his attention to the notebook paper next and reads aloud.

Dear Ronnie:

Whatever's going on with you, whatever's got you pissed at me, I'd rather we talk it out and get it sorted rather than just let this damn thing fester and ruin both our businesses. If it's something I did or said, please know that I'm sorry. Even after everything that's happened, I don't want you hurting because of me. You deserve better than that.

This isn't me telling you to come back; this isn't me saying we should be a couple again; this is me saying we need to be adults and put this mess to rest. For everyone's sake.

With all my heart,

Joe

Silence. Stunned utter silence from all of us.

"So Pizza Joe and Papa Roni used to be...only to...?" At Vivi's saddened nod, Arthur blinks and stares back down at the letter in both wonder and pity. "Wow."

Wow no kidding. Suddenly the Ghost Fridges being together makes sense (very tragic sense at that)...except for one problem, one Lewis brings up a moment later. "But then why sabotage each other back then and team up now? It doesn't add up. Unless..."

"Unless maybe somebody set them up," Vivi finishes with a determined frown. "Otherwise, why would either of them let himself get caught up in that explosion?"

Oh boy, I gulp at the implications. Could this mean the person responsible could still be here? One of the employees perhaps?

"If I can just talk to them, maybe I can convince them to let go of whatever's keeping them here – or at least find a better place to haunt. They shouldn't have to be reminded of all the awful things they went through."

Or what if these guys are acting the way they have because we're here? It makes too much sense given all that's happened. I launch to my feet and...well babble this thought aloud. I've never been good at communicating under stress. As feared, all my attempts receive are confused faces from the kids. What I wouldn't give for a piece of paper and a pencil, let alone my backpack so I could scrounge around for any.

Mystery nudges my side to grab my attention and smiles with a paw to his chest to show he understands. I manage a smile back in gratitude but go right back to frowning with a downcast look since nobody can understand him either. That is until a hand touches my shoulder. I shift my gaze to find Vivi giving me an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry for dragging you out here, Courage. I get you were probably hoping to today would be tamer. If it helps, one of us can stay back and keep you safe while the rest of us keep going."

After all this? I'm already too deep in as is. Besides, I could have easily stayed behind in the van instead of following everybody into the mall, just like how I could have stayed behind with Lance.

Once again, I am a ninny – but at least I'm a ninny with his priorities in order.

I shake my head in return and take her hand instead, guiding her and in turn the others towards where I last detected the Ghost Fridges: a dilapidated flower shop by the name of Blooming Mystique. Even from a distance, you could envision from the faded colors and long wilted blooms how beautiful this place used to be. Now only a modern-day ruin greets us as our group enters in a mix of determination and wariness.

Right away, we merge into a central aisle lined by shelves upon shelves of former flowers and products, busted fluorescent lights flickering at random and even then, only with barely any light. Not that the visibility suffers thanks to not only the lighting from outside but the ghostly blue light at the other end of the aisle.

"Welp, we're here," Lewis states in a plain tone before regarding Vivi. "What's the plan?"

"In order to convince them to move on, we need to plead our case first – preferably before their employees all show up to cave our skulls in. Who knows; if we're on the money about somebody setting them up, maybe we can help them patch their relationship back together while we're at it!"

So in short, we're basically relationship therapists for two men posing as haunted kitchenware. Not the weirdest solution I've ever heard or tried. My only concern is whether we can pull it off?

Without delay, Vivi takes a fearless step forward.

What do you want? Right away a deep booming voice echoes all around us like a giant's voice on speakers. With a yelp I dive behind Lewis' legs for cover, although timid curiosity makes me peek out. Upon closer inspection, I notice that the left fridge possesses a sky-blue aura while the right has a more cobalt glow. When that same voice barks again, I notice it's coming from the sky-blue fridge. Spit it out, we don't have all day!

Unshaken, Vivi clears her throat, clasps both hands together in front of herself, and performs a brief bow. "We're very sorry for intruding, sirs, but we were hoping if we could interview the two of you."

A heavy awkward silence follows until the cobalt fridge breaks it with a softer, kinder-sounding voice. Really? Why not exorcise us to the afterlife instead? What do you hope to gain from doing this?

"This whole place is where you both went through so much. Neither of you deserve to spend your afterlife like this, least of all after coming together again." A fierce blush lights up Vivi's face, the young girl sidling her eyes away, murmuring. "Besides, I haven't been able to convince my gramma to teach me exorcism yet."

Uh what? I have so many questions for later.

Oh, so you think asking us 'pretty please' is gonna magically make our situation better? The sky-blue fridge shifts from side to side in a sarcastic manner. Fat chance, kid.

The cobalt fridge turns to his partner. I don't know, Joseph. These kids are pretty gutsy to have gotten this far. Why not humor them? Not like we have anything better to do anyway.

Joe swivels around towards him, lower door open for a retort – only to sigh in defeat and face us again. Fine. Make it snappy.

Vivi makes a quick bow of gratitude before pulling out a notebook and pencil and flipping to a blank page. "First question: why haven't you two moved on yet?"

Cuz we don't wanna, Joe grumbles. Pizza-making meant everything ta us, even after our fallout, and we had to fight tooth and nail for every chance to share it with the world.

Leaving would mean giving up those feelings of accomplishment, even if they're mixed in with all the bad memories, Ronnie adds with a shrug in his tone. Plus, I doubt heaven and hell care much for toppings and cheese-filled bread.

"Well, you never know if you never try."

For the last time, no! We ain't leaving this damn place, that's final!

During this retort, I notice Arthur and the others stepping to Vivi's side in defense and so follow suit. By doing so, I'm close enough to see the sad frustration on the young girl's face. This isn't how she wanted this exchange to go down.

Arthur must see, too, because he quickly throws in, "Uh, what about continuing your business as ghosts right from here? We've seen plenty spirits chomping down on mortal food. You could still make a killing – uh, metaphorically that is!"

Huh, he makes a valid point. While I can't speak for the ethereal world, I can't count the number of times I've seen supernatural creatures and beings enjoying everyday foods, or heck, sometimes myself enjoying meals alongside them. Maybe that could be a good alternative for these pizza guys. Sure enough, the two ghosts face each other as if the idea never occurred to them.

In fact, when Joe addresses Vivi again, his voice sounds stilted. Y-Yeah well...it's not like anyone would accept food from us.

Lewis tilts his head. "You mean because you two used to date? That shouldn't matter. My stepdad's trans and bi and the restaurant he runs with my stepmom does just fine. Times are changing, people are starting to show better support for LGBT+ folks."

A bitter scoff leaves Joe. While other folks are cracking down even harder on 'em.

Even some of our employees left shortly before the explosion on account of the rumors surrounding my and Joey's relationship, Ronnie adds in a melancholy tone. Dying might been the most merciful thing that could have happened to us – or it would have been if it had been just us.

Tell me about it. Everybody who stayed either fell in the spectrum and could relate or just didn't give a damn. They deserve better than bein' stuck here with us.

Arthur rears his head back with a concerned face. "So none of them know you two were ever a couple or are actually getting along now?"

No, no, they definitely know about both, Ronnie amends. We made a point of hamming up our rivalry to ward off suspicion from the public, but we made sure both our employments knew I'm bi and Joey's gay. We're surrounded by people who understand us.

I frown. Something about that statement bugs me – not because of the acceptance but something else, something I couldn't put my tongue on.

"Does it mean you have to hide away from the world forever though?" Lewis' question must hit the nail on the head because for once again neither fridge has an answer. He raises his hands. "Like Arthur said, you can always restart your business from here. There's gotta be spirits who enjoyed your pizzas from back then and still would, regardless of your orientations."

Joe shifts from side to side in a way reminiscent of shaking your head in denial. He isn't denying the idea, but he isn't embracing it either.

Until Ronnie gently bumps against his side. What could it hurt? After all, it's been dull just sitting around in this dusty place day in, day out.

I guess. 'S long as Olivia keeps her ass outta this place.

Olivia? A confused murmur leaves me but turns out louder than I thought because both fridges rotate my way, making me hide shrunk behind Arthur's legs again.

Joe scoffs. Some bitch Ron here used ta date.

JOESPH, LANGUAGE!

It's true, ain't it? She treated you like dirt and expected everyone else to be perfect little doormats. He turns to us. It took a good long talk from me and his folks 'til he finally dropped her sorry ass. That and her calling me a—

Ronnie cuts him off in a clipped tone. That crossed a line, and she knew it. Honestly, I'm certain that's why she started those rumors that caused me and Joseph to split up in the first place...not to mention rigged one of my ovens to explode.

"She WHAT?!" Vivi voices all our thoughts perfectly.

Yeah, our pizza business did way better than her two-bit bakery, Joey adds. We put the pieces together after we all came back as ghosts and one of Ron's workers noticed how messed up inside one o' the ovens was.

On the bright side, she must have done a poor job at covering her tracks because the next day she got sued and her bakery shut down.

Meaning there should be nothing left holding these two back. Vivi leans her head forward, expectant. "So...?"

If animated fridges had eyes, I'm sure Joey would have done so judging by his exasperated tone. Yeah, yeah, we're gonna stop moping and continue our business into the afterlife.

I make a point of clearing my throat.

And we'll to stick to only scaring living trespassers off instead of trying to kill them. There, happy ending for everybody. Now scram already, yer bright-eyed optimism's makin' me gag.

Vivi nodded and we all turned to leave...only to come face to face with a small army of floating kitchenware – and judging by the steam from the microwaves and threatening whirls of the eggbeaters, they're none too happy to see us again.

"Oh...right," the blue-haired girl lets out a nervous chuckle as she tosses a sheepish glance back at Ronnie and Joe, "I sort of pitted your employees against each other by insulting your pizzas earlier."

Without warning, both fridges laugh to the point of trembling, Joey in particular.

Ah, you've got gumption, kid! I like that! Ease up, everybody, it's cool.

As the employees back off in reluctant compliance, Arthur blinks in wonder. "Wait, you're not upset?"

Joe scoffs. Please, me and Ron always poke fun at each other.

And to be honest with you, Ronnie adds, we always did our best work together. In fact, to show you all there are no hard feelings—

XXX

And that's how we wrap up our afternoon on the side of the road with a hot steaming delicious pizza between us.

Don't ask me how the Ghost Fridges and their workers pulled it off because hey free food is free food, and as far as tussles with the supernatural go, I'd have to classify this under 'all's well that ends well'.

Except the good mood isn't unanimous since Vivi doesn't seem as with the celebratory mood. Not for a lack of effort on her part, but that forced smile can't hide that pensive expression amongst her munching. Fortunately, I'm not the only one who notices.

"Pepperoni for your thoughts?" Lewis asks, leaning down his head to better see the shorter girl's face, waving the slice in his hand to emphasize the bad pun.

Holding back a smile at first, Vivi pauses mid-bite and swallows sheepishly. "Sorry guys. Guess I'm still a little bummed out I couldn't get those guys to move on. Still, thanks for stepping in, you two."

Arthur blushes, the red made more obvious by his cheeks bulging from the chewed pizza still in his mouth. He swallows and manages a greasy smile. "C'mon, Vi, it still worked out. At least now they're happier and doing something with themselves besides haunting people. Sounds like moving on to me."

Mystery and I nod in agreement, and Vivi scratches a finger against her cheek. "Yeah. I figured I could fix it by myself, but apparently I shot too high."

I pat her arm in support and give an assuring smile, one she returns to my relief. She only forgot that she doesn't have to face everything alone, is all.

"Thanks guys. Oh and Courage," she turns to me with an apologetic smile, "you don't have to come with us the next time we go looking for paranormal stuff." I gape in surprise at that. She's kidding, right? A good look at her face confirms otherwise. "Really, I mean it. We don't wanna force you to go through something like that if it scares you too much."

"Hafta agree with her there," Arthur chips in. "You've barely been around that long and already your Saturday has started off with a crazy horror movie come to life instead of a nice quiet morning. Not everybody is down for that." And judging by the timidity in his eyes, I can tell he counts himself among that 'not everybody'.

At that moment, everything clicks for me: they think I'm a novice at all this spooky stuff. To be fair, I never did delve into that part of my previous life since I wanted to avoid them viewing me as some mad dog, but the thought of these kids mistaking me for an even bigger newbie than themselves, for knowing nothing about the supernatural...

It's hilarious.

The very thought is downright hilarious, and I want nothing more than to laugh my tail off, but since that would be rude, I opt instead for diving into the back of the van for my backpack.

As terrifying as that whole venture was, I can't deny that going through it with a team felt different, maybe even fun if I were being generous. Plus, if these kids had anything to do with Shirley's prophecy, then it'd be in both my best interest and theirs to stick close.

In any case, if I'm going to involve myself any further with these kids and their crazy adventures, I'd do well to establish my credentials first. In a matter of minutes, I'm back out with my laptop and hitting the power button.

"Ugh, I'll never get used to being stuffed in that knapsack of yours," a familiar voice snips a moment later. "So, tell me, how did your latest stint as a babysitter pan out – or am I getting it backwards?" My unamused glare says everything. Fortunately, the entire gang crowds around me in intrigue before our argument can progress. "Look at that, you're all alive and in one piece. I almost consider that an accomplishment!"

Arthur purses his lips. "Um, should we be offended or complimented by that?"

"Oh goodie, someone who shares your lack of humor. Oh well, bigger audience for me I suppose. Anyways, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

After pulling up a blank document I type in, Remember Thursday when I told you about the kid who convinced his uncle to let me stay?

"Ah, so you're Arthur! Can't say I'm surprised you took him in; this twit here's always excelled at inciting sympathy. I suppose you could call that part of his charm."

"The insults are a regular thing with him, isn't it?" Arthur whispers to me while masking his mouth behind one hand.

"Oh yes, whisper in front of the monitor right in front of you. Classic stealth," Computer drolly states. "Ah, and I bet I can discern the rest of this merry band. Lewis, Vivi, and Mystery in that order, correct?" All three nod. "Well, well, well, I must say that you've found quite the motley lot, twit, but I'm guessing you brought me out here for more than a hearty greeting."

Turns out these kids go around looking for ghosts and other such things for a hobby. Could you show them some of my qualifications? I notice Vivi eye me in confusion and a little intrigue, no doubt wondering what I mean.

"...You've got to be kidding," Computer gripes. "What, did you have a thesis on the wonders of man-eating puddle women somewhere on file? Or perhaps a research paper outlining the mating habits of swamp people? Oh wait, why not your book report on the wonders of vengeful extraterrestrial poultry? I'm sure that'll win you favors!"

Not the most flattering reference but the effects still work as intended. Vivi gapes at me with star-filled eyes, hands bunched into fists and cradled against her face in awe while the others stare at me in surprise.

Out of my peripherals, Lewis blinks in realization before turning to me. "Wait, is he saying you've dealt with monsters before?"

"Monsters, ghosts, demons, psychopaths, aliens, mopey scientists: you name it, this dolt has outsmarted it. Whether impressive or not depends on the opposition's IQ, but I suppose you could call him a close enough expert on the supernatural."

Alright, forget starry. Vivi's eyes are holding galaxies now and I can already see the upcoming questions ready to burst from her like a supernova. Even Arthur and Lewis appear to have questions of their own for me. And you know what? I don't mind the attention and curiosity if these are what to expect after every tussle with the abnormal.

Right then I notice Mystery giving me a gaze of his own, only for him to realize I'm staring back and break eye contact, blushing.

Huh, did he look...proud of me? Maybe because I was a fellow dog who took on all these dangers by myself. Yeah, that would make sense—even if it didn't explain the other emotion I'd seen in that stare, something else I couldn't identify.

Admiration?