Specter

Chapter 37 (Day 3): I Would Have Been There

We last read Chapter 36, in which Moody a.k.a. Specter reunites with her long-lost younger sister Bonnie, whom she hasn't seen in an incredibly long time. She is quick to tell Bonnie about the events that have happened over the past few years, while also introducing them to T.J. and Logan and informing her about the Rusted Citadel and both its past and current turmoil, which Bonnie quickly agrees to assist Specter with despite not knowing the island city very well. Bonnie also reveals that she was sent by her and Specter's grandmother Naomi to search for her following the mysterious sound wave attack on the men of the planet that nearly claimed their grandfather Benito's life, amongst many others; Bonnie says that Naomi was changed by the event and was convinced to care for and love her remaining family members, since it can never be known when your last day with them is. Though Specter doesn't give a clear answer as to whether or not she'll return home—due to more pressing matters being at hand—she does invite Bonnie onto the team, which she eagerly joins. Shortly after entering the ruined house, though, they are greeted by an affable and chipper ghost called "the Resident", who is the former owner of the house who ended up perishing after the attack on it. He offers to show them around, and the party of four, though wary, eventually agree.

Meanwhile, in the midst of a severe bout with constipation, King Ryker contacts Doc, who has been recovering at the Ember Holding Cells' newly-established medical ward following a brutal attack on him initiated by the father of one of his many victims. Ryker informs Doc that the recent events have convinced him that the Ember Holding Cells are no longer safe for the doctor, and states his intention to transfer Doc to his custody instead, following the former's full recovery. Though Doc warns of the added negative stigma Ryker will receive from the Citadel's people due to him knowingly giving shelter to a registered sex offender, Ryker disregards it, emphasizing that he trusts that Doc has turned a leaf and to not disappoint him. Doc reluctantly agrees, before both of them hang up and leave the call.

This time, Bonnie confronts Specter about her lack of communication following their father's death, while T.J. and Logan get to know the Resident more and realize he has a close connection to one of King Ryker's own court members.....

***********************************************************************************************

As the party of five—Specter, Bonnie, T.J., Logan, and the Resident—advanced deeper into the now-ruined house, the entourage gradually split; T.J., Logan, and the Resident remained ahead while Specter and Bonnie fell slightly behind so they could continue catching up without worrying about any potential eavesdropping.

"Abandoned the childhood curls, huh?" Bonnie remarked with a grin, referring to the new way Specter styled her hair. "I'll admit; I almost didn't recognize you from a distance."

Specter shrugged while returning her younger sister's smile. "Things change."

"I've seen some people on TV with the same kind of aesthetic. Always 'wet' and stuff when it actually isn't. How do people do that?"

".....I think it's some kind of oil? At least.....that's what I use," Specter explained. "I guess I just wanted something to emphasize my new start. My stint as the 'Ghost of the Citadel'."

"The 'Ghost of the Citadel'?" Bonnie repeated, with an amazed face. "Girl, I don't think I've ever heard anything that sick!"

"Only some people call me that right now, but believe me, it's catching on."

Of course, it actually wasn't, and Bonnie caught on almost immediately.

"Yeah? Are you one of those people?"