Author's Note: Nick will not be in this story, but that does not mean I have any ill feelings toward him. This is simply a story written based on an idea of the GAC having a female investigator. So no hatred toward me please.

Also, there will be times where I will be using episodes from past seasons as if they were new episodes in Season 10. So essentially, some episodes haven't happened yet. At the time of posting this story, I plan on using "Poveglia Island", and "Fox Hollow Farm". I may use more episodes as the plot line develops. I'll make note of the episodes if I do.

One last thing, in this story, Nick left GAC after season 9.

Disclaimer: I do not own, nor have any connection (I wish) to Ghost Adventures or it's crew. My portrayal of any cast or crew are strictly fictional, unless noted else wise. No copyright infringement, harm, etc. intended.

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

Man, trying to pick out an appropriate outfit for things you're not used to doing, like a "job" interview, can be a major pain. I say the term 'job' lightly, as the interview I was preparing for is not for your typical, every day job. See, I was applying to be a Paranormal Investigator. That's right, a Paranormal Investigator. Or perhaps better known as a "Ghost Hunter", or a "Ghost Chaser". Heck, some people would probably even call me a "Ghostbuster" if I got the job. But one thing is certain, "Paranormal Investigator" is the proper term for this job, especially with the group of people I'd be working with.

"I'm telling you, a black or grey, knee-length skirt and a white blouse. Matching heels. Maybe leave a button or two unbuttoned on the blouse, and you'll be set", said a voice from my bed.

I rolled my eyes to myself as I stood staring into my closet.

"It's not that type of job Cheryl. And I'm not using sexuality to get a job." I replied.

Cheryl was my best friend. We met on the first day of high school. I was the quiet, shy, new kid standing against the wall of the lobby, watching in horror at all the students passing me by to find their friends. Find their home rooms. Whatever their business may be. I on the other hand, was staring at a map of the two story school, trying to figure out how to get to my home room.

"You look like you need help," a voice suddenly spoke next to me, causing me to jump.

I looked up to see a girl with freckles; shoulder length, brown, curly hair; and hazel green eyes.

"You're new here, aren't you?" she asked, smiling and indicating the map in my hands.

"Um, yeah. I'm trying to find my home room…this place is so massive," I replied, somewhat quietly, feeling embarrassed.

She smiled gently and moved to stand next to me, to look at the map as well.

"What room are you in?"

I glanced at the top of my class schedule sheet,

"C2," I replied, looking at the map again.

"Oh! That's the same as me," she replied, smiling again. "Come on. It's on the second level. I'm going there now."

I blinked.

"That would be great…thanks," I replied, folding up my map and shoving it into a pocket of my book bag before quickly following her toward a set of stairs.

She stopped near the bottom of the first staircase and looked at me.

"My name is Cheryl by the way, what's yours?" She asked with a smile.

I returned the smile, grateful for this cheerful, curly haired girl to have come up to me, of all people.

"Alicia…but most people call me Ali", I replied.

She smiled again.

"Nice to meet you Ali. Come on this way", she indicated the stairs and we started our way up them together.

"You're applying to fill in the spot in a group of four men. Showing skin would be a shoe in", Cheryl replied, who was sitting on my bed and watching me look through my clothes. "Not to mention, that lead guy is a major hottie", she added, with a smirk on her face.

I laughed.

"I see your point. But skirts and heels are not exactly the type of attire I'll be wearing on the show, if, I'm on the show," I replied, moving aside shirt after shirt.

Cheryl let out one of her girly giggles.

"I suppose you're right. From what I've seen of this show. Alright, so explain this to me again?" she questioned.

I sighed inwardly. I really needed to get some more clothing appropriate for my age. 'Star Wars' tees, super hero logo tees, and some random tees with graffiti like designs on them. See, I'm the typical person for someone my age. I was more like a teenager in a women's body. At least in some ways.

Let's start with the basics. My name is Alicia Wilde and I'm 32, although most people think I look like I'm in my early 20's. I'm 5'2'' and 115lbs. I have thick, waist length, layered, brown hair and brown eyes. My interests include: video games, movies, reading, video games, drawing, graphic design and did I mention, video games? I should also mention, I have an interest in the paranormal, but we'll get into more details about that later.

As far as my personal life, or I guess I should say, love life. I'm single. And mostly have been. I never had much interest in dances during school. Boys never showed much interest in me in high school, probably because I was a tomboy. And I really haven't had much dating experience, even less intimate experience. I've probably only kissed a boy 2 or 3 times in my life, and that was during elementary school. So hardly "real" kisses. Also, I'm a virgin. Yep. A 32-year-old virgin.

Most people probably laugh or think there's something wrong with me when they hear that. But the truth is, since I knew what sex was, I've wanted to wait until marriage. Not your typical 20th century ideal, but I didn't care. I don't want to give myself to just anybody.

My shyness and social anxiety are most likely major contributors to those factors. Not to mention trust issues, and low self esteem. It's pretty hard to consider yourself "normal" at my age, with my interests and my lack of dating experience. I've pretty much convinced myself I'm some sort of human anomaly, who will probably end up alone.

I try not to think about it, much. I started to answer Cheryl's question.

"There was technically five guys. Zak-"

"The hottie", Cheryl giggled.

I laughed, shaking my head, but nonetheless agreeing with her.

"Yes, 'the hottie'. Anyway, so Zak, Nick and Aaron were the main investigators. And then there's Billy and Jay, the audio and video tech guys. They've done the show for 9 seasons, and are still a top show for the Travel Channel."

"And this Nick guy was fired?" Cheryl asked.

"Well, there hasn't been an official statement from either Zak or Nick, nor the Travel Channel. Some people think they were having some sort of dispute, so Zak fired him. Others think Nick quit because he wants to do his own show. Or to spend more time with his wife and daughters." I answered.

"Okay. So if they had a group of five men doing this show for 9 seasons, why are they all of a sudden only looking for a female replacement? Not that I'm judging my own sex," Cheryl said with a laugh.

I chuckled.

"Not 100 percent sure on that one either. I've kinda thought myself that they should have a female investigator, since a lot of times they get to places where the paranormal activity is toward women," I shrugged. "But really, who knows. Maybe they want to mix things up," I added.

"Maybe Zak the Hottie just wants a cute chick around to look at, instead of staring at Aaron all night long," Cheryl giggled.

I laughed and threw a shirt, the one I had finally decided on wearing, at her.

"Don't be mean! Aaron seems like a great guy. And I highly doubt Zak needs a 'cute chick' around to look at. He probably has plenty," I replied, as I pulled out a pair of black, hip hugging capris pants and shut the closet door.

Cheryl laughed as she threw her arms up to catch the shirt, and then let it hang from her hands to look at it. She eyed the front of it, and then the back.

"You're wearing this?" she asked, with a "are you crazy" look written on her face.

I sighed. It was just a simple, v-neck tee, with a stretchy black pattern to it. Giving the fabric the look of it being partially see through. I figured the black would be presentable enough, and the fact that it was a t-shirt wouldn't be overly dressy.

"Yes. I don't know what else to wear," I answered, walking over and taking the shirt from her. "Now get out so I can change," I added.

"Okay okay! Sheesh!" Cheryl jokingly yelped as she hopped off the bed. "I still think the unbuttoned blouse and skirt would be better." She added as she slipped out the door, pulling it shut behind her before I could respond.

I looked down at my choice of clothing and shrugged to myself, "It's me," I huffed as I started to change.