{ KI }

"Ki... You're crying."

We both open our eyes, and I watch tears slide down his cheeks too.

"Really? I thought I'm leaking."

His laughter puts me at ease. Although his look is tinted with an old wound, he kisses me as if he thanks me.

"Better, Aht?"

"Surprisingly, yes. Cathartic even."

"You held it in for too long."

"That might be it." His nose touches mine. "You're ready? Of what you might go through?"

"About my home will be permanently ripped away from me, I'd be thrown into the human world unceremoniously, and something happens that'll lessen my faith in humanity?" His teeth clench together and his brow furrows. I won't lie, it gives me jitters, but my decision remains the same: accept my impending fate and become a human like him. Only... "What happened next?"

He throws me a questioning look. "You can see my mind again."

"My dear, it's too invasive. I know you don't mind. I do. I don't want to dredge up the past in visuals and sounds while you're still struggling to put it behind you. Gloss over the details, yeah?"

He glances down, blushes, and gazes up at me with appreciation. My hair is played in between his fingers. "I snuck away. Stole supplies and clothes from the soldiers' camp, which was located far from my place. I've adapted since I have little powers now."

"What powers do you still have?"

"Sensing auras for starters. Never sleep, fatigue if there's no food. Any ailments, I'd recover. Just not as fast as before. I can manifest certain things..."

"But?"

"If I manifest something, even a small item like a blade, spirits will find me because— Really, how does a human have a spirit gift, right? Moths to my flame, and they found out I was a former spirit. Several times I did it, several times they warned me. The last one was Esj."

"You survived by stealing and fighting?"

"Yes." He bites his lip from shame. "Not an honourable lifestyle. I applied for jobs, albeit they were intimidated. I... wish I'd live on clean money. I'm not sure which powers of yours will remain later."

My thumb pulls down his bitten lip, and I kiss him. "I get it. You can't shape-shift anymore?"

"Sadly, no. But do you know what's amazing?"

"What is?"

"When I got a fever—I didn't know I'd get better in an hour—I panicked. Went to a hospital."

"What? You should go to a clinic."

"It was my first time having a fever!" I feel bad for giggling at him until he joins in. He snorts and continues, "The doctor checked everything. He took my blood sample, X-ray, and even a urine test! After he got results, his... confusion kicked in."

"Why so? Your body doesn't have anything wrong, right?"

"No, nothing wrong. I have two different reproductive systems. Fully formed male and female sex organs. The female one is tucked in nicely, even though I have no... uhh opening down there."

...I gape at that. "Hermaphrodite? Like fishes and snails?"

"Yes. For humans, it's called intersex since it doesn't involve genitals only. Features, body shape, other things. I should let you know, you're handsome at times." He grins shyly, caressing my cheek... "Other intersex humans are out there and rare."

"That really is amazing," I breathe out, staring at our hidden crotches. Makes sense because his look is incomparable among women in town at certain times.

Even among female-looking spirits...

"Troubles and mishaps along the way, from all kinds of soldiers and spirits. Now I'm here."

I hum on his jaw, juggling these info. "You know, I accepted I'll be banished before you showed me. Afterward? It doesn't change."

"Why? I know you're quick as a whip and able to survive through anything, but your place? You'll—"

"I know." Since he understood me so well, I have to reconfirm that we truly feel the same way about our... Just weed out the weeds. The Highness knows what's in my heart. No different if I say it out loud. "I'm imprisoned here for too long."

I startle him. His wide eyes show fear for me. His mouth opens and my fingers close over it gently.

"They knew what's in your heart before and They know mine. This jadedness. It's no better to be imprisoned in my own home, no matter how much I decorated and took care of it. Aht, we'll find a home together."

"We will." He squeezes me, trembling. Your Highness, he is terrified for me...

"Love, why did you come back here early?"

Shrugging off the tremor, he then huffs and steps back. "You're right from the other day."

"Which other day, Aht? Because I'm always right."

"Your little bursts of smugness need to be kept in check."

"You still love it."

He laughs, rolls his eyes, and looks away with pink cheeks. He couldn't deny it. We're a perfect pair, and I lighten him up instead. This can be addictive.

"Right, well. I came here because of Vivian."

I sense my wild curls rise. Irritation churns a hot wind within me. "What happened?"

The wet eyes sparkle with wonder when he watches my hair. Cutie. "This is new."

"It isn't," I huff. "Hot air by irritation. You know I rarely get irritated."

"Noted," he chuckles, soothing me by patting my hair down. "About Vivian, she rounded up the police to search the inn and accused me that I'm a Japanese soldier. Poor Theo... He made a statement in the lobby, giving me a chance to sneak out."

"You're good at sneaking around, huh? Like a snake."

"You said I often shape-shifted as a snake made sense to you. What do you mean by it?"

"You came here twice without detection—perhaps except for a faint scent. The way you danced showed you are more flexible than me. When you're in the public's eye, your frame is on constant guard, as if preparing to strike."

He doesn't speak while his eyebrows go up and up. Cute cute cute. "Never thought of it," he mutters. His self-obliviousness can be delightful, other times were unbelievable. To my surprise, he guffaws. His pointer finger taps my nose. "Goodness, Ki. You have this 'really?' look again! Judgemental."

"I can't help it." He once told me about this two weeks ago. It's fortunate when he—

"I like it! Keeps me in check. Knowing you can't take your eyes off of me too." He smirks teasingly.

That was once pointed out by him too. I clear my throat. "And what about it?"

"You might anger people with these stares. Though Theo won't—" A sudden pause and eyes blinking, he then sighs, "Not sure how long I'll be here. I'm worried about him."

Hm... "You have to go out there."

"Why??"

"We'll plan tonight. Make them regret everything they did."

A devious laugh bubbles up from me as he giggles in adoration. I didn't feel like myself ever until him. I'll make sure he'll feel like himself in the human world too, instead of hiding and running away again.

____________________

{ AHT }

"Are you sure the ravens are good about this, Ki?"

"Never been surer!"

It's almost midnight when I pace back and forth in front of the inn. I know our plan is excellent but of course, there's this tiny fear. They might see right through it, might not believe it—what if they discover about the necklace?

But Ki's necklace is warm on my chest, oozing out a calming presence.

"Ravens are wildcards. Like you," I grumble.

"And they love pranks like me too! Besides, they know who you are."

"Ooo. Been talking about me?"

She's quiet! I can't help myself from laughing! She is easy to tease. Oh my sweetheart...

"...So what if I did?"

"Nothing, Ki. You already have me." She is quiet again and the vial becomes extra warm. Yeah, she better know. I take a deep breath. "Okay. Let's do this."

With her by my side, I scrounge up the courage and place the vial on the back of my spine, tucked under the collar. I march into the inn—too many policemen hang about in the lobby while Vivian sticks out as a sore thumb. The lodgers and Theo's family are sitting on the floor, seemingly dead tired.

"There he is!" Vivian points at me.

Their heads whip in my direction and they prepare to fire their small guns. They don't shoot.

Yet.

Jeez, I didn't mean to make it sound dirty. Blegh.

Theo abruptly gets up but one of them pushes him down by the shoulder, forcing him to sit still. His wild expression screams, What in the damn are you doing here!? Run, you jackass!

I say, "Hey, hold on. I've come in peace. See? I'm raising my hands. Not holding anything."

"You're under arrest for affiliating to the Japanese Army!" one of the policemen accuses.

Listening to what they likened me to... The pain of restraint is coming in hot through my head and I inhale deeply. "You can't accuse me of working under them. You have to get a warrant and investigate whether I'm—"

"Can you prove that you're not?" Vivian laughs.

This pompous moron. If I were still a spirit, I would've punched the daylights out of her in my pretty dress.

Theo shoots up again. "What is this? Playing around with the burden of proof!?"

"Silence!" One of them points at me. "You, Mr. Aht, such aggression will not be tole—"

"I don't even shout," I growl.

"You will come to our station whether you like it or not. The investigation will be another matter. Comply, or we'll be using force." He has the cheek to wave around his gun.

Hmph. "A bad omen when you frame me. I didn't do anything wrong."

Men in uniform bark with laughter while Theo stares at me in confusion.

"A bad omen? What are you? A prophet?" Vivian crosses her arms.

"NO!" Ki's thunderous voice vibrates on my back. Quite ticklish!

Their mouths close shut. Theo slowly grins. Aih this kid.

"...Who is that?" one of them speaks up.

"I'm the one who haunts and will haunt you," Ki hisses.

Son of a bitch, don't laugh. Don't laugh. Goodness, she's not good at hissing words.

Vivian scowls. "A ghost? Really?"

"Dave, check upstairs. Jones, Phil, outside. We have a prankster tonight," the chief, I presume, drawls. They go around as Vivian's smile almost falters.

"Told you there's a ghost here!" Mary pipes up.

"Honey, be quiet! I'm sure our guests had seen ghosts much early on if it's true," Mrs. Guthrie talks through her teeth, smiling for the guests. I owe this family big time.

"All of you will be punished for disturbing this innocent man!"

"He's no saint!" Vivian retaliates.

"Sir," a policeman meekly calls. Three of them return and are pale. They shake their heads silently. The whole room is waiting for a pin to drop.

"You... Whoever you are! You're not a ghost!" Vivian screeches.

"Your husband isn't adventurous, Vivi? Always harassing this man."

"He told you—!"

"Officer Gilligan. How's your sister? She won't talk to you again?"

"What in the hell?" Gilligan has his grip loosened on the gun.

"Officer Dave Gibb, I bet you had a kick out of bullying kids yesterday."

Ki's reading gift can be used in water form through a small vial, which is amazing! Reading each of their intentions like plucking daisies. I wish I had known about this power back then.

Wish. Again. Quit it, Aht.

"To hell with this, I'm getting out of here!" Dave boy panics.

Vivian, however, is persistent. "What about him? He's an enemy, a spy soldier!"

"Maybe we should investigate first," Gilligan reasons.

"No investigation!! An ill omen will befall you," Ki's voice booms, coaxing more fear.

"What is your omen, oh mighty one?" Vivian still tries to accuse me. Ugh.

"You'll regret asking that," I grit it out.

She sneers. Soon, a distant noise is coming towards this place. From the sky. The guests are wide-eyed.

"That's it!" Dave rushes out and slams the door behind me— "AAAH!!"

Loud squawks. Messy flaps. A fading scream and running footsteps. Hehe.

Theo peers at me. "Aht, what is happening?"

"Quiet!" the chief rebukes. "Men, let's go and check."

Reluctantly, they walk towards the door and open it... A big mistake for them. A huge, dark mass enters here with speed.

Dozens of flying ravens.

Chaos. Bloody screams. Their wings mess up my hair from behind! But the birds only slap and peck on these men and Vivian, not at all touching others. One bird perches on my shoulder and squawks at me.

"Hello, dearie. You're the one who approached Ki?" I whisper. Its head tilts, staring me up. Reminds me of Ki. "I can't thank you enough."

Its little feet stomp erratically while squawking more. A peal of laughter. Adorable little death thing.

The ravens keep slapping until the accusers run out, finally leaving us alone. The bird on me flies off too. I sigh, taming my messy hair. The rest haven't uttered a word.

Theo claps, flashing an idiotic smile. "That is BRILLIANT!"

"Why, thank you, Theo," Ki giggles.

"You know the ghost??" Mary's mouth hangs open.

"She's not a ghost." I gently bring the vial to my front, kissing it. Ki's warm again... "She's my lover."

"How did you communicate with it?" Mrs. Guthrie frowns.

"It's a new type of radio phone, more or less. Uhm, new technology." I let out a nervous chuckle.

The crowd fills the room with oohs and ahhs. Humans are somewhat bearable in my book.

Mary interjects, "The ravens! They're bringing bad luck!"

Hold on. "No offence, I don't believe they're bad omens. Sure, they have their flaws, but they remain as creatures of God."

She ponders on it. Theo grabs my arm and drags me upstairs, bringing me to my room. He dashes around... and packs up my things?

"Theo, you're kicking me out?"

"Of course not! I just remembered that infuriating woman had reported to the police around afternoon, meaning—"

"Probably reached to the government's ears already. Oh bother."

"Aht..." My Ki worries.

The kid wrings his hands together. "I'm sorry I couldn't—"

"No!" I cut in. "I'm sorry. I brought this mess into your family's place."

"We knew the risks." He pauses and cups my cheek, plastering a weak grin. "You forgot where we accepted black people here for the longest time. That was the biggest risk."

Whether he knows my past or not, he's officially my close friend. I nod. "I'll stay over at Ki's."

"YES!" she yelps. "For how long, though?"

Theo looks up at the ceiling, lost in thoughts. "Until I'll come to the forest and tell you when everything dies down. Is it okay with you, Ki?"

"Fine by me. All of his things can't be in here, correct?"

"Correct, so they won't find any proof that he's here."

"And you think my Aht could carry them all?" True, my things aren't too many but more than I can handle. I exchange helpless looks with Theo. Her laugh jingles again. "Silly! You can help him."

He sputters. "You mean...?"

"Yes, you can visit my meadow."

____________________

"What if I step on a deer's shit and don't realise it until I walk on her meadow, Aht?"

"Oh my God, you'll be fine!"

It's a tad difficult to journey through this forest with my things in our arms and our steps struggle on the wet dirt. Moreover, the midnight darkness, despite a bright lantern in my hand. But Theo here is more worried about her first impression.

"How can you know? Oh Lord have mercy, what if I have bad intentions that I'm unaware of?

"I can still hear you, you know?" Ki sniggers.

He squeaks, glancing at my necklace and blushing.

I reassure him with, "She is just a spirit, okay?"

"Ouch!"

Whoops! "Hahaha fine, a higher spirit! She is not a god or a goddess, that's what I meant."

Finally, we're here. Ki is beaming and bouncing on her feet with a brightly lit lantern on the side. Thank The Highness, she's not naked. Wearing the same dress I've grown to love. We walk up to her when Theo slows down, gawking and rendered speechless.

"Nice to meet you again, Theo!"

"I... Err... Uhh," he stutters. I nudge him at the head, urging him to talk. I can't blame him really. He blurts out, "You're very pretty."

"That's the first thing you say?" I chuckle.

My Ki clasps her hands together. "Thank you! I love this form, it means a lot to me."

"...A form?" He shoots a bewildered look at me. I can only smile. He huffs. "I'm sorry, I want to know, even when I can't know everything."

"It's okay." I hug him and he returns it. I blink my tears away, ever grateful that I found a friend in him. "Thanks, Theo."

Ki's smiling softly... Seems she's happy for me too.

"Until then! Also, nice to meet you again, Ki." He offers a handshake. She hugs him instead, and the top of his head is under her breasts. Pfft!

"Sweetheart."

"What, Aht?"

"Let him go."

"Jealous?" She casts a disbelief smirk.

I hold down my laughter. "You're going to suffocate the poor boy."

"Oh?" She lets him go and his face...! I guffaw when his whole face is red and shocked. Sheepish, she says, "Sorry, Theo."

"No no, I'm— Ahem! I'm fi-fine. Unexpected but not unwelcomed, I assure you." He hums, bashful. Then, he has this pensive look when heading back to the forest with the lantern.

"Be careful! Be aware of your surroundings!" I remind him.

"Sheesh! Just wrapping my head around where Ki is nearly as tall as you," he laughs and soon pauses. He turns around, frowning at us. "As tall as you..." His eyes go large in a second. Oh Theo. "Aht. Are you a human?"

I gulp. "Yes."

"True human? Human-born?"

Ki bites her lip with worry as the tension forms. Should I? Will They punish him if he knows? I have to put faith in Them. I shake my head slowly.

He exhales and scoffs. "Now it all makes sense."

"It is?" Ki's eyebrows almost reach her hairline.

"I don't get the full story, but his overall behaviour? I can see it in some ways." Before entering the forest, he waves goodbye and shouts, "The plot thickens in this romance eh?"