Chapter Text
One of the main problems with ghost hunting shows was the lack of ghosts.
Oh, they existed alright, no one could deny that - but in the centuries after the Transcendence exorcists had been working steadily to release old ghosts back into the reincarnation cycle. And since most police departments had an exorcist working for them to clean up murder locations, it was very rare for new ghosts to appear.
So of course there was a fierce competition between the various ghost hunting shows for good haunted spots. And this time, oh boy, Extreme Exorcisms!! had sure hit the jackpot!
The Xuerus Bunker.
Hidden outside coastal waters, the Xuerus Bunker was an underwater contruction only accessible through the decommissioned oil rig right above it. It used to be the headquarters and hiding space for the Cult of Xuerus, but about sixty years ago it lost all contact with the mainland. A couple of cultists who had been on land when it happened eventually notified the authorities.
"They sent drones inside to take a look, and they found the bodies. It was considered too risky to retrieve them. The drones shorted out alarmingly quickly and that usually implies magical interference. It was already haunted then. That, or it was too humid for the electronics down there. Infrared imaging showed some small fissures in the structure of the bunker, which might have flooded some of the lower levels."
"How likely is the danger of more flooding?"
"Very low. The stabilisation spells holding the structure together are high quality. I doubt anything aside from a large-scale magical catastrophe could break those. But we will of course make sure everyone has proper waterbreathing spells and pressure suits, in case the worst should happen. Our equipment is top of the line."
"Hm."
Tenney, producer and star of Extreme Exorcisms!!, shot his megawatt smile at the other man. "So you see, there would be no need to worry. We like to be very prepared. That is also the reason we contacted your agency. As you know, we have our own team of exorcists, but we are all mostly specialised in ghosts and since the ghosts in question were demon worshippers... we'd like to hire someone who specialises in demons. Just to cover all our bases. Someone young who'd look good on camera, preferably."
The other man hesitated. His company was mostly employed as security, protecting conventions and festivals against magical disruptions. He had a few demonologists on his payroll, true. One was on maternity leave, another was near retirement age and would go on an undersea adventure like this over his dead body, and the third... well...
On the other hand, he didn't want Tenney to go to a rival company. Being mentioned on a television show was good for business - even one like Extreme Exorcisms!!
"I do have Adams," he said, to Tenney's waiting smile. "She is young, but very capable for her age. Though I'm not sure if she is the kind of person you want on the show, not the most sociable I'm afraid. A difficult personality. When does the filming start? Maybe Goswami has come back from maternity leave by then."
"Oh, we'll start as soon as possible, in a month or so," Tenney said. "But don't worry, this Adams girl sounds perfect! Our viewers like strong personalities, that adds some spice and pazzazz to the show!"
"In that case... I'll let her know."
Exxxxxxtreme Exorcisms!! goes INTO THE BUNKER
Follow Tenney's Team as they tackle their biggest danger yet - an underwater compound haunted by an entire cult of demon worshippers! Can Tenney lay their souls to rest? What other mysteries does the Xuerus Bunker hold? Watch the Season Two Finale this Sunday at eight pm Eastern Time!