A Haunted Expedition
moonfallmerchant:
ratherformidable:
At the first mention of gibdos, Shad felt a shiver flutter down his spine. He rubbed his shoulders with his arms as they descended through the murky stairwell to the scientistâs lab. He knew that music often had an affect on enraged animals and often served to placate themâŚbut appeasing the dead?
He shook his head. He couldnât imagine the nightly anxiety he would bear, knowing the haunting melody floating above their heads was the sole defense between his home and child and the terrors out of doors.
While the strange man went on, Shad digested his words and gnawed the inside of his cheek. His explanation did little to comfort the scholar. In fact, as he described the re-awakening spirits, a sense of foreboding swelled in his chest and caused him to tap his fingers against crossed arms.
âJust a moment,â Shad interjected. He removed his glasses to wipe them on his shirttail. âAm I correct to understand that the gibdo have risen and once again pose a threat to your property? That isâŚare they returning to your doorstep and seeking you out here?â
He looked at Haeyin, searching his face for affirmation. âAfter all, spiders dwell in the shadows of cellar corners, but their existence doesnât justify my seeking them out.âÂ
âI supposeâŚâ He faced the scientist again. âI suppose I must knowâfrom one researcher to another, my good fellowâwhat do you believe you stand to gain from this expedition?â He swallowed hard, both out of guilt for dragging Farore and Haeyin across time and space after this wild goose chase, andâŚsomething else.
Haeyin glanced up from the map of the ancient kingdom as Shad voiced his concerns, nodding once in solemn agreement. It was strange, certainly, for the dead to be so restless after seemingly finding peace⌠There was an uneasy fluttering in his chest as his thoughts tentatively returned to the harrowing events that had previously caused such an upset. While he was certain that no such forces were at work here, Haeyin couldnât shake the prickling sensation that crept up his spine, his fingers slowly curling into fists against the table top.
âWhat do I gain?â the scientist repeated incredulously, as if the answer to such a question should have been obvious. âIf the gibdos have risen once more, then itâs only a matter of time before other spirits and ghouls begin to stir as well, if theyâve not already. If we can uncover what it is that has done such a thing, then perhaps I can reverse it! Maybe even harness it! Could you imagine?â
To this, Haeyin felt his jaw clench. He didnât like the edge of giddiness that accompanied the scientistâs tone. Harness a power that raises the dead?
âUnfortunately, I can imagine all too well,â he said, his expression fixed into a mask of stiff politeness. âI may not be a man of science, such as yourself, but I do know no good can come from disturbing the dead.â
The scientist appeared momentarily taken aback. âRest assured, I have no ill intentions here, sir, and I am willing to compensate you for your participation. I merely mean to understand the causeââ
Haeyinâs smile did not falter, though it wasnât very friendly as he interjected, âSuch forces should not be meddled with, no matter the intent.â
There was a brief pause as an uncomfortable silence filled the space between the two of them. Haeyin sighed, clasping his hands tightly in front of him. âThat being said, the nature of this expedition into Ikana does have my interest.. If there are restless spirits there, then I believe it is owed to them that they find peace. I will assist you only in uncovering what has caused this disturbance, but nothing more.â
âOf course, I only speak for myself in this instance.â He looked to Shad as he continued, âWhat say you, my friend?âÂ
As she and the little girl reentered the house, Farore shut the door tightly behind her. Â Even with the ominous tune playing above her, she didnât quite trust the denizens of Ikana enough to keep their distance... especially not after what she had discovered. Â Glancing around the main level, there was no sign of the scientist or her companions. Â Pamela, noticing Faroreâs confusion, piped up. âDaddyâs probably downstairs,â she explained, pointing towards the staircase. Â âHe works down there a lot.â
Farore nodded. Â âWill he be terribly cross with me if I went downstairs to talk to him? Â I think my friends are down there with him as well.â
Pamela seemed to think for a moment, chewed idly on her fingernail. Â âHe doesnât like me playing down there because he says Iâm too little,â she explained. Â âBut youâre okay, youâre a grown-up. Â And your friends are too. Â I donât think heâll be mad.â










