Linger

Reflection

Echo fumbles with the lens on his camera, "Stupid thing..." He grumbles to himself, trying to control his annoyance as it finally zooms in on his subject.

The flower petals appear in full detail in the scope, sighing softly he snaps a few test shots, making sure it's in functioning order.

"Do you always have problems with your camera?" He jerks and whirls around, clutching his camera tightly as his gaze meets Ivory's, the girl smirks lightly.

"No, it was cold so I had to warm it a bit to get it unstuck," he explains, silently chiding himself for being caught off guard once again.

He's supposed to be a hunter, someone who's sneeks up on others, not the other way around.

"It's a lovely looking camera," Ivory admires walking closer, Echo watches her movements closely, realizing she moved like a curious deer that's ready to bolt at the first sign of danger.

"You like photography?" He asks lightly, holding the camera out as if he were trying to draw in a timid creature, which in reality he kind of is.

Ivory nods slowly, "I like the pictures in Amy's magazines of the rainforests and glaciers," her slim fingers brush against the cameras edge, as she talked her face had brightened, she didn't look so pale anymore.

"I've wanted to travel," she mumbles softly, Echo is afraid to speak, to say something and shatter the image of the relaxed girl, she looked more human than before.

"You've traveled a lot haven't you?" Echo blinks owlishly as she looks up at him, eyes wide and bright, unhindered by the weight of the monster lingering over her, if only for a little while.

"Yes I have, it's my job really," her attention returns to the camera as he speaks, "How many have you sent back?" Echo feels a slight jolt at her word choice.

Sent back...not killed, she knows that this thing truly is a demon.

"Nearly fifty," she traces a gentle finger along the edge of the camera, "But each one is different," her finger stills, "Different?" She repeats raising her head again.

"Yes, some are more stronger than others, while others have certain powers," Echo explains, feeling more comfortable on this subject, a subject he knew about.

Ivory steps back slightly, feeling the heavy weight of her tormenter breathing down her back, she didn't want him to get hurt, she was curious about him and yet despite her feelings she could feel the warmth of rage bubbling low in her gut.

The hair along the back of Echo's neck prickles and he can hear the dog, Dex, barking from the porch.

"Ivory....." He starts, reaching a hand out towards the girl, she jerks back and he tenses, waiting.

"Pictures and videos can see things right?" A chill chases down his spine, her voice is oddly still, controlled.

He nods, knowing that she could see his response, even though her head is bowed.

"Take a picture,"

He doesn't hesitate, he quickly snaps a photo, then two, three for precaution as a breeze ripples across the open yard.

Ivory trembles before him, her breathing ragged as her frail hands clench into pale fists at her sides, he reaches back and withdraws a cross from his back pocket.

The girl stills a moment before a strained sob escapes her mouth and she takes off, running around the edge of the house before disappearing around the corner.
Echo's hand falls to his side and he exhales softly, frowning after her. The young man looks down at his camera quietly and glances through the pictures.

A cold chill flares through his body and he inhales sharply.