The States

Ghosts- 1

Ghosts are indescribable creatures.

They are not human any longer, but they are not inhuman either. They are neither alive nor dead, mortal or immortal.

Ghosts have the ability to recognize a personification on sight alone, much like the majority of magical creatures.

Ghosts, again, like the majority of magical creatures, may choose if those without the sight can see them, and if they are particularly powerful, they can choose which of those with the sight can see them.

The most powerful of ghosts seem to come from the most violent and unjust deaths. Therefore, it is best to leave powerful spirits alone, as they are often angry and violent creatures.

-Arthur Kirkland's Grimoire, dated 1574; Currently in the possession of Evangeline Jones

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Nicky throws a quarter down into the river, and shivers when he feels the chill that accompanies the ghost child. "Hey, kid."

The boy sets the quarter on the railing. "Hello."

Nicky laughs. "Seen the Devil around lately?"

The boy shakes his head. "He doesn't like it over here anymore."

★★★★★

The ghost is sitting on the countertop, eating a donut. He's new, recently dead. He's young. Younger than Sasha and Lani are.

Eli leans against the counter. "Hello, what's your name?"

"My name's Bobby. What's yours?"

"Eli."

★★★★★

He doesn't know her name, yet he brings her pink carnations every year.

The Pink Lady smiles as she accepts the flowers. They match her dress. Scarlett had once worn one like it- though hers had been green, like Flora's eyes.

"Were you murdered?" David asks. He's been asking since he first encountered her. "I can help if you were."

The woman shrugs noncommittally. David stands finally, making his way towards the door.

"Bring your little siblings next time, will you? The children."

David stops. Lani and Alex have their own ghosts- and he knows Sam has taken them to see one of her's- but they hadn't been introduced to Lizzy Borden or the Bell Witch or even Beth Short because they were at times unpredictable. Amityville was on a never-going-to-happen list- they listened to Brooke occasionally, but there was a reason there were horror movies about that house.

The point is that ghosts may not be living anymore, but they can do damage.

But there is no malice in the Pink Lady, only mischief. And there is a difference. "Alright. I will."

★★★★★

Monty steps onto the bridge. "Hello, Emily."

She appears almost instantly, her form blurring slightly. "Hello, Montgomery." Emily sighs, gathering her skirts in her hands. "Ghost hunters, always coming to disturb my peace these days. Those automobiles were bad enough, but now there are people with their scanners. Can't you do something?"

Monty offers a sad smile. "Making the bridge a restricted place would just make it worse."

Emily sighs, and Monty takes pity.