FicWad

“So, let me get this straight. You woke up in a graveyard with amnesia, as a ghost, and then you just wander into Vitus — a human settlement — to get help?”

The woman had been kind enough not to scream or attack her, and had introduced herself as Kaitlin. She had given Eva a chance to explain herself, which was the most anyone had done for her so far. Unfortunately, Eva’s explanation was not only short, but also very odd.

“I mean… yes?” she replied.

Kaitlin sighed. “Oh, you poor, naive ghost. There’s tension between humans and your kin. The only reason it’s not a full out war yet is because no-one wants to be killed by a ghost.”

“But how come? Why a ghost? I can understand them not wanting to die, period, but what do ghosts have to do with it?”

“A human killed by a ghost’s hand is much more likely to rise as one. No-one knows why. I’m researching it, actually, but for obvious reasons it’s extremely difficult to acquire data. Currently, my best hypothesis is that a part of the ghost’s essence grabs onto the human, tying them to the same fate as the ghost.”

“So that’s why everyone hates me.”

“Yes”

“But you don’t?”

“No. As part of my research, I’ve learned to look past trivial things like death.”

The straight face she said this with was impossible. Eva started giggling.

“... Alright, I know that sounded weird, but it’s true. Anyway.” She smiled. “Let me tell you a story.

“Long ago, ghosts and humans lived in harmony. The segregation of the two is recent – only within the last couple centuries. There are certainly a few ghosts who remember the old days.

“Unfortunately, one ghost, his name now shunned, used his newfound powers and immortality to conquer all humankind. He raised the ghosts to positions of power, with humans slaving at his feet. Finally, the humans forged a blade which could kill a ghost – one which glowed with the heat of divine radiance. They used these blades to strike him down and free themselves from his rule.

“But they weren’t satisfied with their act of rebellion. Blaming the ghosts for their misfortune, they destroyed all those in the necropolis and took it for their own. Vowing to do the same to any other ghosts in human lands, the ghosts fled. Today, you almost never see one race in the other’s lands, and those you do don’t live very long.

“This is why I was so surprised at meeting you. A ghost in human lands, and a young one, too, at that. What are you? Ten?”

“Probably,” the girl cheered.

“To be honest, it’s a miracle you’ve survived this long.”

“You don’t even know how long I was here for!”

“I don’t need to.”

Kaitlin’s response was chilling.

“Most ghosts in human settlements do not survive even an hour. I would expect a new, young, and amnesiac ghost to not even survive minutes. Honestly, you’re lucky you met me.

“On a lighter note, I believe I can help you with your little amnesia situation. A ways away, there is an old wizard who can, if you so wish, root around in your mind and unearth your lost memories. I can’t tell you how far away their tower is, but following the path north, it’s about three days away by carriage. However, I would not recommend traveling on the road, as you will be greeted with hostility. Keep it in your sight, but do not be seen. Understand?”

“Yes, miss Kaitlin.”

“One more thing. Be certain you want your memories back before you seek them out. Things are usually forgotten for a reason. It might be better for you to start a new life without burdens from the past weighing you down.”

Eva blinked. She hadn’t expected this.

“Thanks for the advice. But…” She paused. “I really want this. If I don’t find out what happened, I’ll never forgive myself for not trying.”

“Well then, that’s your decision to make, I suppose. I wish you all the best.” She smiled. “Don’t let me delay you. Fly north over the houses until you get to the main road, keep it in your sight, and don’t get caught. If you die, I will personally kill you.” She glared at the ghost, who responded with a simple “Yes ma’am”.

Eva started, then paused. “So, um, north is…?”

After a sigh, a headshake, and a point of a finger later, she was finally on the road to help.