Author's Note:

Per the (very gentle) request of a very dear friend, I have changed the title of this story. My undying thanks to you, unnamed stranger, for making me a BETTER- A better writer, a better friend, and a better person. - Haylee
~~~~~~~~~~
Jake Illson was born a sickly child. He was 12 weeks premature, and as a result, often fraught with the various problems that come with being a preemie- lung and heart ailments, diminutive stature, slow development, and awkward social skills. Being in and out of the hospital most of his life, he didn't have much time to socialize or make strong, lasting friendships. The doctors and nurses knew him well enough, and treated him very kindly, but it just wasn't the same. what Jake longed for most of all was to have a normal life- to be able to laugh and play, have friends, and do the normal things any other 8-year-old did. But, alas! such was not the case.

Jake had a weak immune system, and was currently in the hospital, yet again, battling pneumonia. The antibiotics seemed to be helping, and the hourly breathing treatments enabled him to breathe on his own- for now. He was once again cocooned in his plastic bubble, shielded from the outside world and its plethora of contagions, but also shielded from its warmth and comforting touch. O! how he longed to feel his mother's gentle caresses and to know- for once in his life- how tender an embrace could be.

Dr. Nahwel entered the room, breaking Jake free of his thoughts. "The blood tests finally came back, Jake," he said, apprehension apparent on every word, "And they don't look good. Your lungs are quite weak, and your heart is failing. I've taken the liberty of placing you on the national donor list, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. You're pretty far down the list, and it could be weeks, months, or..." He paused, but I knew EXACTLY what he left unsaid- or never...

The thought of my predicament made me sick to my stomach- in order for me to live, someone else would have to die. I didn't want- or need- that on my conscience. "Isn't there ANY other way, Doc?" I gasped.

"There IS one... VERY EXPERIMENTAL... procedure being done in a little town called Smoky Corners, Montana. Claims they can cure 100% of your ailments. Uses nanite technology to repair the damage at the genetic and cellular level. But the side effects are, as yet, completely unknown. You could end up completely cured, or you could end up much worse..."

"At this point, Doc," I said matter-of-fact, "What do we really have to lose? Sign me up."

In two hours, I was on a plane overlooking the rich Montana prairie. When we landed, I was escorted to a dark brown limo with "Smoky Corners Memorial" emblazoned in white letters. It was there I met the physician responsible for the marvelous "cure" I was about to undergo- Dr. Hans Komstock.

"You have questions about procedure, yah?" he asked in a thick German accent. "I developed technique during war. Used many times." With that, I noticed thick tears welling up in his eyes. "Too many times, unfortunately. But that was long ago, and I did what I had to to survive. He was a very evil man..." With that, he dabbed at his eyes and became deathly quiet.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, he began again. "You will be alright. Hans make sure. Hans make damn sure..."

We arrived at the hospital just as the last golden rays of sun were replaced by the crimson and maroon clouds of sunset. Dr. Hans (as he asked me to call him) led me to my room and began to explain the procedure.

"Nanites are little machines. They're programmed to detect- and fix- abnormalities in your genetic code. The procedure can be quite painful, so we induce a medical coma. We then infuse you with the nanites, and let them do their work. It usually takes a few weeks, so we'll be giving you IV fluids and such, to keep you alive. When you're awaken from the coma, you will be- literally- a new person, from the genes out."

"And I'll be cured?" I asked, startled.

"Yah," he said, "Right as rain. Although you'll no longer be Jake."

I was puzzled by this last statement, but thought, "What the hell? I don't have much of a life to lose..."

"Go ahead, Doc," I said nonchalantly. "Do what you have to. I'm ready."
~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, I was whisked into the operating room, given the anesthetic, and everything grew dark.
~~~~~~~~~~
I awoke with a start. I felt OK, just different.

"And how's our dear little miss today?" I heard a strange, yet familiarly comforting voice say. "I see you have awakened at last. How do you feel?"

"Wonderful!" I heard a melodic angel sing. Wait! Was that me?

"Yes," Doc Hans said, as if reading my thoughts. "The damage was QUITE EXTENSIVE, unfortunately, and your recovery took longer than expected. Your Y-chromosone had numerous mutations, and the nanites had to eradicate it totally. Having nothing else to work with, they cloned your otherwise perfectly healthy X-chromosone. As the Y-chromosome made you biologically male, its lack has turned you female. And I must say, a very lovely one at that. The nanites completed the biological changes as well, so you are biologically, genetically, and anatomically female. You will have menses, and can give birth as well."

"So Jake is...gone?" I questioned.

"The male you is no more, unfortunately. But you still have all the memories, yes, as well as new ones..." Dr. Hans explained. "I've also corrected all your IDs. It's as if Jake Illson never existed."

"But what am I supposed to do now?" I whined. "I don't know HOW to be a girl."

"Simple, Ms. Jackie. You learn. You grow. Laugh. Play. And yes, even love. Go out into the world and DO all the things you couldn't before. Make friends, attend school. Meet a boy, settle down, raise a family. In short, Ms. Jackie, LIVE. WELL."

With that, I got up, and quickly embraced this man who had given me a new lease on life.

"Yes," I promised. "I'll live. And I'll make every day the best I can..."

 

 

---

 

It all began as any other day. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and my sister and I were fighting. Again.

"All right, that's ENOUGH!" Mom screamed, totally exhausted. "Ginny, go to your room. Roni, come with me. I think it's about time you had a little dose of reality."

And with a firm tug on my ear, I was led into Mom's room, to face my punishment.

"Why do you ALWAYS have to pick on your sister, especially now?" Mom asked.

"I don't know, really," was all I could weakly mutter. "She's just so... so... I don't know. Mean? Crabby? Bossy? I just don't understand her any more. Not since IT happened. It's like she totally changed overnight. We're not as close as we once were, and it's driving me nuts!"

My sister and I had always been close, every since birth. We were fraternal twins, with her being born four-and-a-half minutes before me. We used to do everything together- take walks in the woods, ride bikes, climb trees, dig for worms and go fishing- everything. Yeah, she was a tomboy, and I, her younger brother, was all too happy to keep her that way. But every since IT happened, she's become moody and withdrawn towards me. Almost as if she blames me for getting her period. It's not my fault I was born a boy. Thankfully.

"You know she always has a rough time of it, Son. With the cramps, the pain, everything. You COULD try to be more sympathetic, you know. I suggest you go to your room and think of a way to make it up to her. Until you do, there's going to be NO..." and then she just stopped, mid-sentence.

"No what?" I asked, even though, in my mind, I already knew the answer.

"Just no," was all Mom said. "No phone, no TV, no movies, no video games, and no allowance."

"But Mom!" I wailed. "It's almost Christmas, and I was saving up for that new game I wanted!"

"Right now, Son," Mom said, "your sister is going through a rough time. She hasn't got used to her body changing each month yet. Maybe you could go easier on her. Maybe quit being so selfish and think of HER for a change. You never know. You may even regain some of that special closeness back."

"OK,Mom, I'll try," I conceded, as if I really had a choice.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, as I was walking home from school, lost in my thoughts, I took a wrong turn. I found myself in a completely unfamiliar shopping plaza. There were the standard shops- a Subway, a pharmacy, a Dollar Tree, and a mini-mart. Nothing really grabbed my attention- at first. Then, I saw IT- the little curio shop in the corner. And, as if an answer to my prayers, a collector's copy of Mutant Assassins was in the window. I don't know how, as from what I read, the game wasn't scheduled to be released until Christmas Eve- over three weeks away.

"So, you like my display, do you?" a rather gruff voice exclaimed. "Good. I chose it just for you. You can have it- on the house- on one condition..."

"Why are there always conditions?" is what I SHOULD have thought, but at the time, I really didn't care what they were. The one object of my desire lay within my greedy grasp, and I just KNEW I had to have it, regardless of any "conditions".

"Name it," I said, perhaps a little TOO eagerly. "I'll do ANYTHING to have that game!"

"Anything?" the odd man questioned. "Hmm... Perhaps I had better not. It's not healthy for one so young to give up so much for a mere toy..."

"Wait. What?" I said. "I said I'd do ANYTHING, and I meant it. As long as I'm not harmed or have to do something dangerous, that is."

"I can see you're quite eager, lad." he said, stroking his goatee. "All right. Your task is quite simple, really. I want you to wear these moccasins I just made. Try them out, just for 24 hours, and see if you like them. Come back this time tomorrow, to let me know how you liked them, and the game's all yours. Simple, huh?"

I knew there had to be a catch somewhere, but I just couldn't find it, try as I might.

"OK, sure. Whatever," I mumbled as he handed me the package. "But how will I find my way back here? I was lost when I found you this time..."

"No worries," the man laughed. "You'll know how to find me, when the time is right. Sayonara!"

And with that, he pushed me out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~
What else could I do? I started walking back the direction I thought I had come. When I turned around to look back, the entire shopping plaza was gone! I was standing at my bus stop, less than three blocks from home. But how?
~~~~~~~~~~
I ran to my room, just glad to be home. I threw myself on the bed, dropping the shoe box to the floor with a loud THUD in the process.

"Oh, yeah. Right!" I exclaimed. "In the excitement, I'd forgotten about these." I laughed a little as I lifted the lid. Inside was the most beautiful pair of buckskin moccasins I had ever seen!

"I've just GOT to try these babies on!" I thought to myself.

Quickly tearing my Nike's off, I slipped my feet into the soft, leathery shoes. They fit my feet like gloves. I've NEVER had a pair of shoes that felt as comfortable as these did.

Suddenly, my feet- no my entire body- began to get white hot! There was a blinding flash, and I was out.
~~~~~~~~~~
When I came to, about an hour later, I knew something was horribly wrong. There was an uncomfortable pressure- and heaviness- in my chest. Something I hadn't felt prior. I felt flushed all over, and uncomfortably warm. Every fiber of my being ached, from the tip of my head to the soles of my feet.

I felt queasy, as waves of nausea enveloped me, roiling over me as waves of a hurricane-tossed sea are fraught to do. And the cramps! My God! could ANYTHING be THAT painful? It was like someone had tore my insides apart, put them in a blender set to puree, and forgot to turn the blender off! I felt like a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle, with 18 pieces missing!

When I opened my eyes, it was as if I was staring into the sun itself! Searing pain shot through my temples, threatening to split my head in half. Every sound was magnified a thousand times, and the beating of my heart in my ears sounded like great peals of thunder. My ragged breath sounded like cannons!

"Mom!" I cried, because I didn't know what else to do. "I don't feel so good."

Mom came rushing into my room. "Is it the cramps again, dear?" she asked. "Here, these will help." she said, placing two Midol in my hand and handing me a glass of water. "It'll be alright in a few days, Ginny. Just rest. I'll bring supper up in a while."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, as I lay down on the feather-down bed.

Mom kissed me on the forehead and slowly walked away.

"Wait a minute!" I thought. "Did she just call me Ginny? And I don't have a feather bed..."
~~~~~~~~~
The Midol soon took effect, and I fell into a deep, very troubling sleep. I dreamed I was walking in the woods, yet I wasn't really me. I was my sister Ginny instead. I talked the way she talked, thought the thoughts she did, and in every way imaginable, acted the same way she did. For all intents and purposes, I had actually BECOME my sister! But how?

I couldn't shake the disturbing thoughts in my head. "You're ugly. And FAT!!! No one will ever love you... You should just curl up and die. You're useless and unwanted. Unloved..."

I heard a voice in my ear. A voice that sounded vaguely familiar, although I couldn't quite place it.

"Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins," it seemed to say.
~~~~~~~~~~
I awoke with a start, my body drenched in cold sweat. It had all been a dream. Or had it? I quickly got up and ran to my bathroom to check. A cursury glance in the mirror ended my fears. I was still me.

Washing my face, I quickly went back to my room. this time, I slept soundly, and had no further dreams.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, I quickly got dressed and left the house, determined to make things right with Ginny. But first, I had to return the moccasins to that strange little man...
~~~~~~~~~~
I tried to retrace my steps of yesterday, and soon found myself again on Mulberry Street, facing the curio shop.

"So, the grasshopper has returned," the man mused. And raising his arms above his head, he made the moccasins disappear. In their place were- once again- my Nike's.

"As promised, your game. And a little something extra, for your sister. Merry Christmas, Roni."

"Just who are you, anyway?" I asked.

"A friend," the man smiled. "Kato Chigiri. Come. Have a cup of tea..."

He motioned me to a tea cozy in the corner, and pointed to a velvet cushion sitting on a bamboo tamani mat. He offered me a jade cup with some steaming amber liquid inside. I cautiously took a sip...
~~~~~~~~~~
And with that, I was back in my bedroom. "Dinner!" I heard Mom yell at the foot of the stairs.

"Be right down!" I yelled back. But first, I needed to take care of something...

I grasped the earring box firmly in my hand as I knocked on my sister's door.

"It's open," she said, through her tears.

"Hey sis," I said, trying to comfort her. "I know lately I've been a real ass. I'm sorry. I never gave a thought as to what you might be going through. Can you forgive me?"

I handed her the box, and as she opened it, she began to smile- the first smile I'd seen from her in months.

For inside the box were two dainty earrings- a male and female angel.

"They're beautiful, Roni," she wept, as we hugged in a tearful embrace.

Any Way the Wind Blows
(c) 2017
Haylee V

Our dear Ms. Dorothy finds herself once again transported to a very magical place- only this time, it's not Oz, and the wizard is a short, bespectacled Asian shopkeeper we all know and love
=========================================
It was early Sunday morning, and Dorothy Colleen was doing some light dusting of her many civic trophies before preparing for church. She had been awarded yet another citation for her bravery and heroism for saving the life of one of the city's most prominent citizens: Mark Richards. Winded by her activity, she slumped in the chaise lounger, beat. Another job well done!

Suddenly, she was accosted by a wind most foul, and found herself in the direct center- the eye, if you will- of an evil-looking cyclone. Quickly grabbing her favorite hugglebug, she exclaimed, "Whatever will I do, Toto? I fear I'll no longer be in Kansas when I'm done..."

As quickly as it came, the devilish twister abated, depositing her gently on the oaken floor of what appeared to be a quaint little curio shop. Still in her stocking-feet, she quickly walked over to a tea service she saw in the corner and sat on one of the lush velvety cushions she saw there. She was startled to hear the strange voice of her host...

"Konbawa, Dorothy-hime. And welcome to my shop...and Smoky Corners. I am Kato Chigiri. Please, join me for some tea..."

Having nothing better to do at the moment, and sensing no immediate danger from the funny little Asian man, she happily obliged, taking the proffered jade cup in her delicate hands.

"I have seen your many acts of random kindness, and heard your silent pleas to be that which you truly are, yet Nature did not grant. I believe I can help, at least in that regard."

Reaching for a step-stool, he quickly strolled to a high maple shelf in the back of the shop. Reaching delicately to the very top shelf, he removed a small ebony box and placed it on the table before her. The golden etchings shone in the faint sunlight that was seeping in from the windowpane, and she felt herself eerily drawn to the strange object.

"Open it," Chigiri implored. "And know, at last, your TRUE DESTINY."

Dorothy fumbled clumsily at the silver latch, but finally managed to open the strange box. Inside, she found a gorgeous jade cameo brooch.

"A reward, my dear plum blossom. For few have the compassion to wear it, and it has chosen you to bestow its magicks upon. Hurry and pin it to your blouse, as church beckons."

She donned the brooch carefully, and thanked the strange Chigiri. He bowed, and she found herself, once again, on the chaise. She went in the bathroom to change and make herself presentable.

As she was undressing, she began feeling the brooch's effects as the duckling outside began to morph into the swan within.

"Thank you," she whispered, as she realized her years of prayers had FINALLY been answered.

"Be honorable and honored, Dorothy-hime," was the only response...

The End???

Hi. My name is Ronald Bailey, but everyone calls me Roni. I live in Smoky Corners, Montana. It's a nice, typical small western town, founded by the Sioux, I believe. Nothing unusual ever happens here... at least on the surface. But, if you happen to find yourself on Mulberry Street, 239, standing in front of a quaint little curio shop, ran by an old, bearded Asian man named Kato Chigiri, you may find more than you bargained for. And EXACTLY what you need...

~~~~~~~~~~

It's been about three months since I first met Mr. Kato, but a lot has changed since that day. For one, my sister Ginny and I have once again re-kindled that closeness that only twins can share. I still don't know everything that happened to me, and am still debating in my mind if it actually happened, or if it was all just some kind of very lucid dream.Anywho, on with my story...

It was a crisp February day as I walked up DeLaney Avenue to school. The snow was beginning to melt- finally!- and there was a certain warmth to the air. I knew in my heart of hearts that Spring was just around the corner.

I was about a block away from Cass Elliott Junior High when I heard the commotion. It seems Slade and his boys were at it again, picking on another undeserving student. For what, however, I didn't have a clue.

"Look at the sissy fag!" I heard Billy say. "Decked out in pink and blue. Did mommy's little sissy dress herself today? Aww, how cute. She's starting to cry."

"Yeah," Johnny exclaimed. "Only sissies wear pink. What's your name, shrimp? Bet it's something really girly. I mean, just look at the face and hair..."

"K-K-K-Kim..." I heard the terrified youngster stutter. "Kim Cheung."

"Hey Johnny! You were right. The little sissy really DOES have a girl's name!" laughed Slade, the unofficial 'leader' of this gang of miscreants. "Kimberly..."

"Knock it off, guys!" I yelled. "And leave him alone. You KNOW what will happen to you if you don't." (Hey, when your Mom's the principal, and your father's the Chief of Police, no one- or in this case three- can intimidate you for long.

"Jeez, Roni. We were just having a little fun. Then you had to butt in. C'mon, guys. We're leaving- for now. See ya around, Kimmie..." And with that, Slade released his hold of the terror-struck youth and led his 'gang' inside for homeroom.

~~~~~~~~~~

As they left, I saw Kim slump, defeated, to the ground. Large, wet tears were beginning to form in his eyes.

"Hey! You OK?" I said awkwardly. Seeing someone break down in front of you- especially another guy- was quite unnerving.

"N-n-n-no!" he stammered, as the tears fell.

I didn't know what to do, so I just put my arms around him and held him, letting him cry himself out.

After a few, very awkward (for me, at least) moments, his sobs began to subside.

"Th-th-th-thanks," he stammered, still choking from the occasional sob. "My name's Kim Jook Cheung. I just moved here. You're very kind."

"No sweat," I shrugged. "So, where were you from? I mean before you moved here? And what's with the t-shirt? Hello Kitty IS a little girly, after all..."

"You must forgive me," he said, in near perfect English. "I came from Cambodia. The shirt was my sister's. She..."

With this, the tears began to well up again in his eyes.

"Excuse me, please. It's hard..." he whispered, getting eerily quiet.

And for the second time, I found myself caressing this complete stranger, as sobs wracked his petite frame. "Easy there," I cooed, soothingly. "It's going to be alright."

It seemed like hours as I sat, awkwardly holding Kim, waiting for his sobs to subside, even though it was probably just a few minutes.

"I had no choice. I had to leave her THERE. They would have killed us BOTH if I had resisted. Mei, unfortunately, didn't make it out of our camp. This shirt, and the locket that went with it, were all I had left to remind me of her. But I lost the locket this morning, as I was crossing Mulberry Street..."

"Wow!" I exclaimed. "I'm so sorry. Here. Let me help you up. My Mom's the principal here. We'll go get you cleaned up, and then I'll see what else I can do to help."

~~~~~~~~~~

With that, I gingerly helped Kim to his feet, and we began walking, albeit slowly, to my mom's office.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Hmm...," Mom said, as we walked into her enormous office. Mom motioned for us to have a seat in the wing-backed chairs at the side of her desk. "And who's your friend, Roni?"

"Oh, this is Kim," I said with a start. "Just another victim of Slade's Screwballs. Man, would I like to put him and his cronies in their places one day!"

Mom jumped as my fist came slamming down on the oaken desk- maybe a little TOO hard.

"Let me handle that, honey," Mom said. "After all, I AM the principal. You know where the first aid kit is, and the keys to the medicine cabinet. When you're through with that, take your friend to the 'Castoff Closet'. Maybe something there will fit him, and be a little more... appropriate... for a boy his age to wear. And talk with Cicelia when you're done. The two of you will need passes to get to class, as second period is about halfway over. I assume you'll both be going STRAIGHT to Mr. Oswell's gym class when you're done?"

I mumbled my thanks to Mom as I headed out the door and down the hall to the nurse's station. You know, since Mom got her new job here in August, I spend WAY TOO MUCH of my time here...

~~~~~~~~~~

Fortunately, when we arrived at the nurse's office, Janice was out. I took the keys from her safety spot under the desk and unlocked the cabinet.

"Let's see... Adhesive strips, gauze, astringent, ibuprofen... Yep, everything I need."

I went around the corner of the office and opened what Mom and I call the 'Castoff Closet'. From the looks of him, I took Kim to be roughly the same size as I was- a 12-13 small. "Hmm... I whispered to myself silently. I think these should fit." I pulled out an Aerosmith t-shirt and what appeared to be a very faded pair of jeans,

"First, let me look at those cuts and bruises," I said. "Go sit on the bed over there. You'll have to remove your shirt, I'm afraid. I'm sure Mom can get the stains out tonight. But you'll have to wear these in the mean time."

I smiled weakly as I handed him the outfit. Meekly, and with his head bowed low, Kim trudged to the bed. I watched him carefully peel his beloved shirt off and fold it neatly beside him. As he turned his back to me, I began to notice all the scars on his back.

"Oh my Gawd!!!" I nearly shouted, as my mind could scarcely contain the horrors I was seeing. "What in the Nine Hells happened???"

Kim quickly donned the shirt, and turned to face me, slipping with a PLOP! onto the bed as he did so.

"The General and his men..." Kim started. "Sometimes, when I resisted... They beat and whipped me. I learned quickly to behave. But sometimes, when they drank, I forgot my place..."

"How horrible!" I exclaim, rushing to him. "And your sister? Did they beat her, too?"

"Much worse. She had never before known a man. The General claimed her for his own. When she refused, he took her away. I never saw her again... alive."

~~~~~~~~~~

I felt anger well up inside me, as hot as a nuclear blast. "He, too, shall pay. One day..." And it couldn't happen too soon for my liking.

I dressed the scrapes and bruises as best I could, given my level of first aid training (The Boy Scouts ARE useful for some things, after all...), but inside, I fumed silently. "Would man's cruelty and injustice to his fellow man EVER cease?" I wondered to myself silently. Funny, before I donned those moccasins, I could have cared less about man's inhumanity to man. I wonder if it's a side effect of the constant exposure to Mr. K's magicks???

Fortunately, I now had my anger firmly in check, as bandaging Kim had calmed my rage somewhat. "Well, that's as good as it's going to get, for now," I exhaled. "But I think we should see Mom again before we attempt to go to class. I need to... discuss... a few things with her in private. Come along."

With that, I helped Kim off the bed and to his feet, and gently took his hand. He, surprisingly, offered little resistance.

"Thank you," he said quite meekly. "I'll follow."

We slowly began our trek to the main office. The bell ending second period was just sounding.

~~~~~~~~~~

As we entered the office, I saw Mom talking on the phone in hushed tones. I motioned to her that I needed to talk, and she ushered the two of us in, again. I held up a finger, shook my head, and then pointed to myself. She nodded in approval. I then motioned for Kim to have a seat at Cicelia's desk, just outside. "I just need a few moments," I explained. "Please wait out here for me."

Kim grudgingly let go of my hand, and took a seat outside, dejectedly. I saw his head lower, as in defeat. I threw him a quick, reassuring smile, then ducked behind the oaken door, closing it slowly behind me. I felt Kim didn't need the added embarrassment, and what I had to convey to Mom seemed VERY personal and private.

As I sat, she slowly returned the phone to its cradle. "That was your father, dear. I informed him of Slade's shenanigans. Now, just what, EXACTLY, is going on???"

I didn't really know where to begin. What I had just seen, and the things I had heard from Kim, were just to horrific to put into coherent and complete sentences.

"Mom," I said hurriedly, "I don't think Kim should go to gym today. Or for a while, in fact. I can't really explain. Just trust me on this, OK? I think, maybe, I should just take him home- for now. He needs...time... to adjust and acclimate himself to his new surroundings."

"Hmm," Mom said, quizzically. "Your request is... I must say... unusual. But since you USUALLY don't cut classes, I'll assume it's something important. OK, I'll inform the staff. But what will you do AFTER you've taken him home?" Mom asked.

"I don't know," I said, truthfully. "But I DO need to see Mr. Kato today anyway. Maybe he has some advice I could use."

"Just call me when you're done," Mom said. "And try to be home in time for supper, dear. Your sister and I miss you, and with your father on assignment, we..." She drifted off after that. I decided to let it go, and politely excused myself. Mom has enough on her plate right now to worry about. I DON'T want to add my problems to her ever-growing list.

~~~~~~~~~~

Kim was just sitting there in silence, staring down at the cracked linoleum tiles. I had to admit, a small piece of my heart went out to him.

"Come on," I said to him, as I lifted his chin to my face. "Let's get you home."

~~~~~~~~~~
"We're home," was all he said as he fished for the keys. "You can go now. I'll be OK. We can talk later."

"Are you SURE you'll be OK? I COULD stay, you know..."

Kim waved me off dismissively. "I said you can go. Everything's OK."

With that, he opened the door, quickly went inside, and closed and locked the door behind him. I was left alone in the driveway, wondering just what had happened.

~~~~~~~~~~

I stood there for a few minutes, pondering the recent turn of events, then slowly shrugged. I mean, what could I do, really? He said he was OK, so I guess I had to leave it at that. "Just one more thing to ask Mr. Kato about," I thought silently to myself.

~~~~~~~~~~

I turned, and began my trek back up Delaney, headed to Mulberry Street, 239. "Maybe soon." I thought to myself, "I'll have the answers I need to a few questions."

In the distance, the sky was beginning to darken, and I shuddered as a cool breeze began to blow. To the west, I distinctly heard a peal of thunder, as lightning flashed in the sky just over the horizon. I thought it would benefit me greatly if I picked up my pace.

~~~~~~~~~~

I quickly made it to Mulberry Street, and I ducked inside Mr Kato's shop, just as the storm unleashed its full fury on the unsuspecting town.

"Ah, Grasshopper," Mr. Kato exclaimed. "Come. Sit. Have some tea, and tell me what troubles you so."

I bowed to him, and slowly removed my Nike's, placing them carefully in the corner, as always. I slipped on my moccasins (yes, the same ones as before), and shuffled quickly over to the tea cozy in the corner, where Mr. Kato already sat, legs folded, on his cushion.

~~~~~~~~~~

As we casually sipped our tea, I began to relay the day's events to Mr. K. He said nothing, as usual, but I'm sure he was listening quite intently as the developments unfolded.

As I finished, he rose- slowly- and began stroking his goatee, as if deep in thought. "Come!" he said. "It's time you sweetened the dung heap."

I looked at him, thoroughly and completely confused.

"My speech troubles you, young Grasshopper? I merely meant that to catch the fly, one cannot use vinegar, as you've been doing up until now. You need to, as you Americans are so fond of saying, 'sweeten the pot' with a little honey. Here we are..."

He turned to the jewelry case. Opening it, he proceeded to withdraw three heavy, herringbone gold chains that I could have sworn WEREN'T THERE when I entered the shop. Each had a giant, emerald and ruby encrusted medallion on it, in the shape of a huge triangle. The jewels set upon it clearly spelled out the letters A S.

"This Slade and his friends- they like the rock & roll music, yes?" Mr. K said, questioningly.

"Of course, Mr. K. Who my age doesn't?" I chuckled at such an obvious question.

"And they're fond of the... how do you say it?... BLING, no?"

"I guess so. Why?" I asked.

"Perfect!" Mr. Kato exclaimed, clapping his hands. "Then these are JUST what you need. Take them, and give one to each of them tomorrow. I assure you, there will be NO further trouble..."

I carefully took the proffered items from him. Having experienced his 'solutions' first hand (That really did happen with the moccasins, didn't it?), I was a little gun-shy of handling any more of his 'curios' unprotected.

Mr. K saw my apprehension, and laughed heartily. "I assure you, young Roni. You ARE NOT the target- this time..."

And with that, I found myself back in my bedroom. Funny how I never feel his teleportation magick at work...

~~~~~~~~~~

I awoke the next morning, feeling oddly refreshed and invigorated. (Funny how magick's residual effects always make me feel that way. You'd think I'd be used to it by now...)

I quickly donned my school gear, chased down my books, and gathered the necklaces. Two pieces of jelly toast and a tall glass of O. J. later, and I was out the door, headed towards good ol' CEJH.

When I arrived, Slade and company were holding up the north wall, as usual, looking for yet another unsuspecting student to victimize. I was NOT about to let that happen today.

"Morning, Slade," I called out, perhaps a bit too cheerily. "Torture any stray animals lately?"

Slade just glared at me menacingly. "What do you want, Roni?" he growled.

"Oh, nothing much. I just come bearing gifts for you and your gang... And a tiny request."

"So, give already," Slade said.

I handed out the necklaces, as Mr. K. had instructed me.

"Damn, man, these are HEAVY. Is that REAL GOLD?" Billy shrieked.

"Only the BEST for my... friends," I lied. I hope I sounded convincing, even though the words felt like battery acid on my tongue.

"What's the catch?" asked Slade.

"Nothing!" I said smoothly. "They're all yours, free. Just lay off Kim for a while, OK?"

"You mean the prissy fag in the Hello Kitty shirt? Sure. That was getting old, anyway," Johnny exclaimed,as he fastened the chain around his beefy maul.

And with that, I went to homeroom, leaving all three of them, for once, dumbstruck.

"We really gonna lay off the little fag-boy, Slade?" I heard Billy and Johnny ask in unison. I, unfortunately, didn't wait around to hear what Slade muttered in return.

~~~~~~~~~~

The day passed pretty uneventfully after that. When the last bell sounded at 3:30, I grabbed up my things and headed to Mom's office.

"I think I'll check up on Kim before going home," I told Mom. "I may be a little late tonight."

"OK, dear," Mom said. "Just call if you need me or anything."

~~~~~~~~~~

I hurried to Kim's clapboard, anxiety beginning to set in. "God," I prayed silently, "Please let him be OK."

As it turned out, Kim was MORE than OK. I found him in his backyard, practicing what appeared to be some form of martial arts. He didn't notice me in the shadows, as his back was towards me, and he was oddly focused on his drilling. I watched him, in dead silence, for about half an hour, and just couldn't comprehend how fluid and focused he appeared. "Was this the same terrified kid I befriended just two short days ago?" I wondered...

As he finished, he reached for a towel nearby to wipe the sweat from his brow. I must have startled him, for he jumped back in surprise when he saw me.

"Sorry, Kim," I laughed. "Didn't mean to startle you. Wow! You're pretty good. Just what was that I was watching just now?"

"Jeet kuun do," Kim explained. "Bruce Lee's dragon form, to be precise. Why do you ask? And what are you doing here, anyway?"

"Just curious," I said. "And you said we'd talk later. I figure 48 hours constitutes a 'later' to me... And where did you learn those moves?"

"My father was yakuza for the Japanese embassy in Phnom Penh. We were... required... to know CERTAIN THINGS. For our own safety... But that was BEFORE the General seized control of the country."

"Come inside," Kim said. "I'll tell you everything I remember."

~~~~~~~~~~

I was amazed by the cleanliness of the house, as well as its overall layout. For such a small and confined space, everything appeared immaculate and well-ordered. "You live here, alone?" I asked. "How can you afford it? Or food, utilities, and everything else you need?"

"As I said," Kim began, "My father was yakuza. It's an organization similar to your American mafia. My... connections... help out, some. And I learned a long time ago how to live within my means... regardless of how meager they may be. Now sit," he said, motioning me to a partially flattened bean bag chair.

"You'll have to forgive me, my friend. I'm afraid I don't have much in the way of PROPER furnishings. I only buy what I need, and more than one chair or bed was, in my opinion, a luxury I didn't need."

"No prob," I said. "It's actually quite comfy."

"As always, you're too kind. Tea?" Kim offered, but I politely refused. To put it frankly, I was more interested- and concerned- with Kim and his current situation than I was about being social.

Putting the carafe aside, he began. "I was raised, along with my sister, in the embassy, where I lived with my father and my mother. The four of us led pretty sheltered lives. Dad, as I said, did 'security' for the prime minister and his staff, and Mom pretty much just helped school us in the varied disciplines required of a yakuza's offspring. I was reading and writing Khmer at three, and Japanese by the time I was five. Mom hired an English tutor when I was seven, who lived with us until the coup three years later. THAT'S when my life, as I knew it, officially ended."

Kim spat as he said these last few words, the utter hatred in his voice quite obvious, even to a blind person...

"When Norodom Sihanouk ascended to the throne in 1993, Father officially became an exile. Mother, Mei, and I were to be sent to a labor camp in Kompong Som. When Mother refused to leave the embassy, she was beheaded right before our eyes. Fearing for our lives as well, Mei and I quickly acquiesced. Once we reached Kompong Som, our nightmare truly began."

"Mei, because of her beauty, was taken to be a consort to Shanouk and his court, but she somehow escaped during transport back to Phnom Penh. I wasn't so lucky. I was forced to work the rice paddies, and was beaten quite frequently, often for no reason at all. When I passed out in the fields one day, probably from hunger and my excessive beatings, I was allowed to rest on a cot in the Buddhist shrine. It was then I decided to plot my escape from that tortured gulag..."

At this point, Kim stopped,to take a drink of his tea and collect his thoughts. After a few minutes of dead silence, I gingerly urged him to continue his narrative.

"Sorry," Kim said. "now where was I? Oh, right. The temple..."

"While I was lying on the cot, pretending to be asleep, I overheard the guards talking about an envoy that was coming to transport rice to the castle. I knew this might be my only chance to escape, and possibly reconnect with my sister, so I HAD to be ready. I waited until almost midnight, then silently snuck outside. Fortunately, no one was awake, and I was able to see the transport vehicle by the light of the moon. I lifted the tarp and hid among the many bags of rice, where I remained until dawn."

"Just as the roosters were beginning to crow, I felt the vehicle lurch forward. I could begin to feel the sun's rays warming us, and knew it must be early morning. After being jostled around for what seemed like hours, I felt the vehicle stop. I could hear the driver talking to someone nearby. Apparently, we had stopped so he could grab a bite at a local eatery. We were about 100 miles from the capital. I figured it was now or never, and quickly left my covered spot, hiding in a nearby water cistern until I heard the vehicle leave."

"I slowly and cautiously crawled from my hiding spot, but luckily, no one took any notice of me. I borrowed a bicycle I found nearby, and began pedaling northward. I had heard that Mei was in Samrong, so I sent word to one of my Father's associates that I would meet Mei there Unfortunately, I was to find that he was a traitor to my cause, and deep in the royal pockets."

" I arrived in Samrong just as the sun was beginning to set, and quickly made my way to our selected rendezvous point, the Well of Shadows. I cannot tell you how my heart leaped when I saw Mei! I started to run towards her, but then I caught the look of terror in her eyes. She moved to the right, and I saw the General behind her, with his service revolver drawn. Gozanai, my 'contact', was by his side, an evil grin plastered on his face. It was then that I blacked out."

"When I awoke. I was in a detention camp, my wrists and ankles bound. Mei lay on a tamani mat beside me. When I nudged her, she awoke with a start. About five minutes later, a guard came to untie me, and led us both before the General. He agreed to let me go, if Mei became his concubine. The rest of her sad story, you already know."

"When he brought her decapitated body to me, I could not bring myself to weep for her. I buried her under that accursed tamani mat in the compound. When the guards fell asleep that night, I stole a motorbike and headed towards the shore. I saw a ship headed for Osaka and .hid in a life boat. Eventually, I made my way to the United States, and with the help of the INS, was transferred here."

I blinked in disbelief as he finished his tale, fighting back tears that, if I allowed them, would drown me in his sorrow.

"One thing I don't understand, though.," I said. "If you know Bruce Lee's moves, then why didn't you defend yourself against Slade You could have EASILY put him- and the others- in their places, PERMANENTLY."

"My friend," he began, "Don't you think I have fought enough? Besides,when one is constantly subjected to torture, one quickly learns just to silently bear it inside and not to break. The torture, after all, eventually ends. Or you do. Either way, you win in the end."

I was beginning to understand what drove Kim to do the things he did- sheer willingness to survive. I didn't know, yet, what Mr. K. had up his sleeves with the necklaces, but I hoped secretly that Slade and the boys got their just desserts.
~~~~~~~~~~
I thanked Kim for trusting me enough to reveal his story to me. Then, after ensuring that he would, indeed, be OK, I left. I had a lot to think about as I slowly walked home...
~~~~~~~~~~
I was putting on my PJ's that night when I thought I heard, distinctly, Slade and his boys screaming for mercy A smile crossed my lips as I thought of how the magick must be working its charms. I then fell asleep, to a most lucid dream...
~~~~~~~~~~
I dream that I'm in a Cambodian rice paddy. It's the early 1990s, and I'm wearing a general's uniform and brandishing a Luger semi-automatic.. At my feet sleep three very beautiful women. Women who bear striking similarities to three miscreants I know- and detest. Slade, Billy, and Johnny. I point my pistol in their general direction, and begin shouting, in perfect Khmer:

Phnheak pi krng khchel k'doi! (Wake up, you lazy cunts!)
Vea chea pelvelea daembi choi! (It's time to fuck!)
Choi ryy​ slab gurta! (Fuck or die, bitches!)

Funny, though. Before I fell asleep, I didn't know ANY foreign languages, let alone was I able to speak one with this much authority...

They slowly wake up, as I continue to shout my demands to them. As they begin to understand what I'm asking, they turn pale, and fear (or is it sheer terror?) overwhelms them.

I hear the woman who resembles Slade say "But we're NOT women. We don't belong here!" But her voice chokes in her throat as she realizes the soft femininity in her own voice.

"But how?" says 'Billy".

"And why?" questions 'Johnny'.

I fire off a shot at their feet. I don't like answering questions posed by stupid women, and I DAMN SURE hate repeating my demands to them. I fire another shot, and it just grazes 'Slade's" forehead. My next shot will not miss, I indicate.

All three women begin weeping uncontrollably. Slowly, they begin to undress. I've finally made my point to them.

Suddenly, Kim walks in, arm in arm with a strikingly beautiful raven-haired vixen.

"All is ready for transport, General," he says, bowing. "And Mei wishes to accompany you to Phnom Pehn this morning."

I lower my weapon and hand it to Kim, as I lean over to embrace my beloved Mei. "But of course, my love. Are you planning to visit the market today with Ginny? How long has it been since the two of you last had an outing together?"

The women stop crying as my lieutenant, Bei Fong slaps 'Slade", hard. "Be silent before your master, dog!" He kicks 'Billy' in the chest and pushes 'Johnny' roughly aside. "New whores!" he spits. "Never know their PROPER place. You should just shoot them all and be done with them, General."

Kim aims the pistol and gives me an inquisitive look, his eyes just BEGGING me to allow him to fire...
~~~~~~~~~~
I awake with a start, in a cold sweat. My body shivers uncontrollably as I come back to reality. It all seemed so real...
~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, I'm turning the corner on DeLaney, about to cross the gate leading to CEJH. Funny, I don't recall it ever being THIS quiet before.

As I reach the north wall, it slowly dawns on me what's amiss. Slade and his gang are nowhere to be found, "Strange!" I think to myself, as I see Ginny coming towards me.
~~~~~~~~~~
"You'll never guess what just happened!" she gushes breathlessly. I notice she's wearing a pink and blue locket around her neck, with a charm that, oddly enough, resembles Hello Kitty. In her hand are three triangular pendants that resemble the ones I gave the 'Screwballs'.

"Mr. K. gave me the locket," she said. "He said you'd know what to do with these pendants, when the time comes."

Placing the lockets in my cupped hands, she turns, and skips away, running right into Kim as she does so.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Excuse me!" she blushes.

"That's quite alright," Kim says. "Say, that's a beautiful locket you have on. My sister Mei used to have one just like it."

"I know," Ginny says, matter-of-fact, as she winks seductively at him. Suddenly, her hair darkens to jet black, and her face becomes paler in complexion, as her eyes take on a very Asiatic slant and she begins to shrink. "I love you, dear brother," she whispers. "Never forget me." With that, the locket falls from her neck and disintegrates into dust...
~~~~~~~~~~
Where once Ginny, in the guise of Mei Tihk Cheung, stood, there are now four very well endowed young ladies. Ginny, of course, I already knew. but who were these other three?

"Allow me to introduce my new friends," Ginny starts. "Meet Sasha, Barbara, and Joan..."

Author's note:

Although this is, technically, my FIFTH story in the series, it should PROPERLY be placed between "Second Mile" and "Third Time" chronologically. This is a 'fleshing out' story, meant to fill in some obvious gaps, and will explain a few things and bring the readers up to speed.
~~~~~~~~~~
"I never thought I would ever see her again," Kim thought as he locked the door to his ramshackle clapboard. "Or recall that HELL I lived through. Everything just happened so fast. What with meeting Roni and all. I wonder if I'm really up to this?"

"But I HAVE TO KNOW. Did I REALLY just see my sister Mei? Roni PROMISED me he'd explain everything. TODAY, I'm having him make good on his promise."
~~~~~~~~~~
I glanced at the note Roni had slipped into my pocket Tuesday. "Meet me Saturday, 10:30 AM sharp, at 239 Mulberry Street. There's a little curio shop in the eastern corner of the shopping plaza. Meet me inside. I'll explain everything there then, and will, at last, hopefully answer all the questions I KNOW you must have."

I reached the corner, and turned north on DeLaney Avenue. Mulberry Street was six blocks up, so I had a little time to think to myself, and reflect on the recent events that pervaded my mind. My whole body was unusually tense, as I looked forward, with a great amount of foreboding and dread, to what was about to transpire. "Do I REALLY want to know what's going on" I thought. "After all, they say ignorance IS bliss, and after the hell I've been through lately, I could use a little happiness in my life..."

I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I almost missed the turn. Fortunately, I caught the street sign out of the corner of my eye in the nick of time. I turned right onto Mulberry, and immediately saw the shopping plaza in question.
~~~~~~~~~~
As I entered the shop, I was taken aback by the sights and smells I beheld! The shelves were lined with all sorts of items for the ninja: from Chinese smoke bombs to curare-tipped shuriken, three-pronged sai to full katana and wazikashi. A rack of shozoku stood in the corner, and the smells of sandalwood and Chinese five-spice were wafting on the air. I felt- eerily- like I was HOME.

A tea cozy was set up in the far right corner, along with three tamani mats, complete with the appropriate cushions. A cubby was set up by the door, and I could see a pair of white Nike's in one of the compartments. A box of slip-on cotton uwazouri lay beside the cubby. From my years living at the embassy, I knew the drill well. I had entered the genkan. I carefully took off my Keds, and placed them in one of the cubby's slots, being mindful to point the toes of my sneakers toward the door and outside. I then grabbed a pair of uwazouri my size and gently slipped them on my feet.

As I was doing all of this, with my attention otherwise averted, I didn't see the strange little man enter the room from the back. "Ah, I see the dragon has finally arrived," the man stated, matter-of-fact. "Come, Kim. Sit. The tea is almost ready."

His voice, so gentle, yet authoritative, startled me back to reality. And yet, it sounded eerily familiar to me, as a rush of memories came flooding back to me. And then, it all clicked!

"Master Chigiri!" I squealed, unable to contain my enthusiasm. It seemed as if I were no longer fighting my battles alone. My psyche warmed to know that my mentor and friend, once thought forever lost to me, had at long last returned!
~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. K. motioned towards a cushion that sat on the floor, on top of a faded tamani mat. I quickly took a seat, and grasped the proffered jade cup.

"You remembered JUST how I like it," I said, as the gentle warming scents of cinnamon and jasmine reached my nostrils. "Oolong. Strong, but not bitter. With just a touch of honey- not enough to make it overly sweet, mind you, but just enough to make it palatable."

I closed my eyes and took a deep sip of the tepid amber liquid.

"You've met my apprentice, Roni, no?" he asked.

"Apprentice?" I questioned. "Then he has awakened?"

"Yes... and no." came the reply. "He is AWARE that magick exists, and has even benefited from some of its residual effects. But he has not awakened the power within- yet. He just simply can't seem to fathom that HE can wield such immense power unaided. I've given him the moccasins, and the earrings, but he has yet to master either of them fully. That, I strongly suspect, will come in time..."

"And the girl? Who, EXACTLY, is SHE?" I asked. "You know she can channel Mei."

"Ah, the locust blossom. That is Ginny, his twin sister. No, she has not even the inkling magick exists. I plan to meet with her soon, though. The time for her awakening approaches quickly."

"How soon, Chi? I grow weary of this body. It is weak and helpless, and I long to once again stretch forth my wings to the skies..."

"Silence, Chien Lung!" Mr. K. admonished. "Your 'host' is far from ready to work THAT KIND of magick. Besides, you KNOW you cannot freely walk this plane without Liu Kang by your side. And her 'host', sadly, is no longer of this world."

"But NOTHING is impossible, Chi. We just need the Phoenix Breath is all."

"Roni is not ready to wield it- not yet anyway. And we still must find Mei's remains, and a suitable host for THEM before we can weave the reunification spell that will draw Mei back..."

"How long, Master Chi? The balance is shifting. I can feel it. Soon, the rogues will appear..."

"I know," Mr. K. said. "I just pray there is time..."

"I see time, like the tea, has gone, my friend. I bid you sayonara."
~~~~~~~~~~
Kim awoke with a start. The dream had troubled him, even though he could not recall in the slightest what it had been about. He quickly rose from the bed, went to the sink to splash some water on his face, and changed into his school clothes. Grabbing a piece of toast and his books, he quickly left, heading up Centre Street towards DeLaney. And, he hoped, some answers...
~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey, Chief! Take a look at THIS!" Jack called. "Isn't THAT a little weird?"

Daniel Bailey had just arrived on the scene of what appeared, for all practical purposes, to be just another routine arson. Why Captain Donahue and his men at the fire department needed to drag him out here for something so mundane was beyond his comprehension. Since becoming Police Chief, though, it seems as if he was called out on EVERY case, no matter how trivial.

"Whatcha got, Jack?" he asked.

"It may be nothing, Chief," Jack started, "But look..."

He pointed to a bare spot on the ground, about eighteen inches in diameter. All around it were signs of the intense fire of just a few hours ago. Smoldering timbers, piles of ashes, and pools of inky black water lay scattered about, and the stagnant smell of the acrid smoke still lingered in the air. But here, in the confines of this circle, everything appeared remarkably untouched. No lingering smell of smoke, no ash- not even a burn or scorch mark could be found. And there, in the exact center of the circle, STOOD one lone, grayish-white feather, as if someone had planted it there.
~~~~~~~~~~
I carefully placed gloves on my hands and bent down to retrieve the lone feather. As I picked it up, I felt the intense heat it radiated, and noticed the crimson fire it held deep within, as it sparkled in the sunlight. "Damn!" I thought to myself. "The cycle begins again..."

Just then, Dave Donahue showed up, shaking me loose of my thoughts.

"Whatcha got there, Dan?" he asked. "A clue?"

"It's just a feather, Dave," I replied. "But it may have trace evidence. OK, boys," I yelled. "Let's secure the area and let forensics do their thing. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."

"Right, Chief," they chorused, as I made my way back to the cruiser. "I hope this isn't what I think it is..." was all I could think as I drove silently back to headquarters.
~~~~~~~~~~
I was just finishing my lunch the next day when Dean walked in with the report. I quickly tore it from his hand.

"Hey!" he cried. "Leave some skin at least!"

"Sorry," I muttered, halfheartedly as I ripped the envelope open. I didn't notice the index card that fluttered to the carpet.

"Bad news?" Dean asked, as he noticed the scowl on my face as I read the report.

"Arson, indeterminate cause. Unknown accelerant. Non-ketone, non-hydrocarbon. Possibly petroleum-based. Burning fraction higher than napalm. Possible terrorist activity. Referred to Homeland Security for further investigation."

"Well," Dean exhaled. "Seems like it's out of our hands. Hey!" he paused. "What's this?"

He picked up the card and handed it to me. I glimpsed it briefly, and my face went pale.

"Umm..." I stammered. "It's nothing that should concern you, Dean. I'm sure you're quite busy, so if you'll excuse me..." and I ushered him to the door.

I heard him mutter, "Damn near rips my fucking arm off, and it's nothing?" as he shut the door behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~
I read the card again:

"Feather. Gray-white. Species: Ave vulcanis. Previously thought extinct. Referred to Smithsonian Archaeology Department for review."

"Great!" I thought to myself. "Not only am I going to have the Feds and Washington eggheads riding my ass, but I have a goddamn phoenix on my hands as well. I thought I left all this behind when I got off that stinking island..."
~~~~~~~~~~
Just then, my phone rang, releasing me from my thoughts.

"Is this Chief Bailey? Daniel Bailey?" the voice echoed over the line.

"Yeah. Who wants to know?" I answered nonchalantly.

"This is Inspector Tom Ridge, from the Department of Homeland Security. We need to talk..."

With that, the phone went dead, as the fax machine hummed to life. In less than a minute, it had spat out a detailed map of the local area, with a big red 'x' over my house.

The phone then rang again.

"Fifteen minutes," it said, and died again.
~~~~~~~~~~
I must have been flying pretty low as I tore up Centre towards DeLaney and home. Yet I didn't encounter a single car on the well-traveled road. Even more remarkably, I caught every single light (and there were dozens) green. I made it home in twelve flat.
~~~~~~~~~~
As I was fishing for my keys to open the door, I heard a muffled voice cry out "Over here!" Then, two men jumped me and pushed me- rather roughly, I must say- to a black limo just up the street.

They threw me into the waiting limo and quickly slammed the door. As the limo tore up the road, I maneuvered myself to a more-or-less upright position.

"Mr. Bailey," the voice called out. "Forgive me for the cloak and dagger stuff, but what I have to tell you is of the utmost importance. I'm Tom Ridge, and we- no AMERICA- needs your help. We've been following you since you left the island, and we're familiar with your dealings with things- shall we say- not 'quite' human? We need someone with your rather- unique- talents. I want you to be my special liaison in this matter. It seems we have a phoenix on the loose, and ISIS is aware of its presence,,,"

OK, so I'm posting this two days early, but I wanted to do something special for a special person on (or at least near) her birthday. Besides, it's Pi Day, so...

Without further ado, I present:

Smoky Corners 3-NC: Aussie Dreams
(c) 2017
Haylee V

Joanna had just settled down to read another Larry Niven novel she had received from her grandchild. She had finished the day's chores, and it was too early for tea. She had recently restocked her pantry, and was expecting a few friends over later for an evening round the barbie, as it was her turn to host the monthly meeting.

As her mind wandered, she felt herself begin to drift off into the world of twilight. She was eighteen again, with all the vigor of a teen. The world was fresh and alive with wonder, and she had just gotten her passport a few days earlier. She had been accepted to a small college in the United States as an exchange student, and was excited to travel to the fabled "Land of Opportunity". She was saddened, however, as this would be the first time she had ventured more than a few hundred kilometers from home.

She arrived at the Brisbane airport early, and had just checked her baggage for the flight to Billings, Montana. She knew that this particular flight was by no means the shortest, as it would take close to 66 hours to reach her destination, but she had purposely chosen this itenerary, as it afforded her a 23-hour layover in Tokyo, and she had always wanted a genuine silk kimono. Besides, she wanted to see more of the
world, and viewed this as the first stop of her grand tour.

She would then fly to Denver, arriving in time for a late tea. The parka would come in handy, as she could play ski bunny while she toured the chapeau she had rented for the night. She might even meet a handsome ski instructor there before she had to leave the next day.

After reboarding, she would continue on to the last leg of her flight, arriving in Billings around 1 pm. from there, it was a simple 2 hour bus ride to the university, and her dorm in Smoky Corners. She could hardly wait!

The boarding call sounded as she was lost in her thoughts. She quickly borded, taking a seat near the window. She shook with nervous excitement as the plane lurched forward and began taxying down the runway. Her journey had begun!

The flights and layovers went without a hitch, as did the bus ride. By four pm, Joanna was getting settled into her dorm. She was beginning to get hungry, and decided to get a sandwich at the Subway in the shopping complex down the street from her dorm. Locking her door and placing the keys in her purse, she began the short walk up the street.

She quickly arrived at the restaurant and placed her order. Whenshe had finished eating, she decided to see just what this town had to offer. The curio shop in the corner caught her fancy, so she walked towards it, noting the sudden breeze as she did so. The sky was beginning to darken, and she could smell the approaching rain on the wind.

Ducking quickly inside the shop, she was suddenly taken aback by its ambiance. Knickknacks and various bric-a-brac lined the lower shelves of the shop, and she noticed a tea cozy had been set up in the corner. Never one to turn down tea, she made her way to one of the velvet cushions. She failed to notice the bespectacled man smiling at her through the beaded curtain.

"Welcome, cherry blossom. I've been expecting you for quite some time," the man stated.

"Me?" she asked, pointing to herself carefully.

"Yes, Joanna-sama," he said. "I have what you seek. Stand, and begin your journey"

She felt uneasy as she slowly rose. The man had been expecting her??? Not only that, but he knew her name as well.

"I beg your pardon, Mister?" she stammered.

"Chigiri. Kato Chigiri. Welcome to my shop... and your destiny."

With that, he took her left hand, and placed a delicate aquamarine ring on her finger. She felt her body tingle and grow warm. Her chest became heavy and more pronounced, and she noticed her jeans were fitting looser.

"This can't be real!" she whispered in awe as she saw her reflection in the shop's window. For standing before her was a quite beautiful woman.

"This IS your dream, is it not?" Chigiri questioned...
====================
Joanna woke with a start, her book dropping from her hand.

"I knew it was too good to be true," she sighed. "Just another stupid dream."

She bent down to pick up the fallen book. Only then did she notice the pale blue sparkle from her left ring finger...

Happy early birthday, joannabarbarella. And thank you for being a friend--and a damn fine LADY.

Hi. My name is Ronald Bailey, but everyone calls me Roni. I live in Smoky Corners, Montana. It's a nice, typical small western town, founded by the Sioux, I believe. Nothing unusual ever happens here... at least on the surface. But, if you happen to find yourself on Mulberry Street, 239, standing in front of a quaint little curio shop, ran by an old, bearded Asian man named Kato Chigiri, you may find more than you bargained for. And EXACTLY what you need...
~~~~~~~~~~
Well, summer was finally upon us, and I was feeling more than a little frisky. Kim had begun teaching at a dojo, and Ginny was finally beginning to get over the residual magical effects brought about by the Hello Kitty locket. For once, life was going my way, and I didn't worry about anyone- or anything- interfering with my freedom. Yep, life was, for once, GOOD. Unfortunately, it wasn't to last...
~~~~~~~~~~
I don't remember, exactly, when things began to go awry. I just knew that one day things were OK, and the next, they weren't. I believe it all began the day I met Sandy...
~~~~~~~~~~
We had left Smoky Corners earlier that morning, headed for San Fransisco, and a glorious two-week vacation. Dad, as one of the perks of being appointed special liaison to Tom Ridge, had been invited to attend a conference on the heightened security measures brought about since 9/11. For the rest of us, it meant an all-expense paid trip to the 'City by the Bay.' This was really going to be SWEET!!!
~~~~~~~~~~
Our first day in town, we were treated to a tour of one of San Fransisco's most famous businesses, the Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory. What a treat it was! I found out how each flavor was made, and got a TON of chocolate to boot! Even Ginny was finally relaxed enough to have a good time.

After the tour, Mom decided to take us on a walking tour of the city. Our first stop on this walking tour, naturally, was Lombard Street, dubbed 'The Crookedest Street in the World'. We rode the Powell-Hyde cable car to the Hyde Street stop and disembarked, and began our descent. Trust me on this- when they say five miles per hour, they're not kidding! This trek is STEEP! I guess it could have been worse. She could have chosen Vermont Street instead. Although it only has seven curves in it (instead of eight), it is much steeper than Lombard.

After the walk, we decided to search for another of San Fransisco's treasures - a hot loaf of sourdough bread. Fortunately, there was a nice deli less than a block from our hotel that delivered.
~~~~~~~~~~
After our lunch of tomato-basil soup and grilled panini, Mom and Ginny decided to take a nap in the hotel room, spent from the day's activities. I, on the other hand, had my new Nikon, and I was just dying to do some serious babe watching down by the hotel's twin pools. That's when I first saw HER...

She was sitting alone in a deck chair, reading a book and sipping a Diet Coke. Her neon green tankini only helped to accentuate her bronze skin and fiery red hair. I quickly fired up the Nikon, determined not to let such a rare beauty get away, and aimed the zoom in her direction. As I went to click the shutter, she vanished!
~~~~~~~~~~
I blinked- HARD. She was just right there. "Can my eyes be playing tricks on me?" I thought. I decided this required further investigating, so I put my camera away quickly, then turned around to begin my descent down the stairs leading to the pool deck below. It was then that I saw her out of the corner of my eye, still in the same deck chair, smiling up at me.
~~~~~~~~~~
I took out my camera again- really slowly this time. just as I was about to shoot, she again disappeared.

"What kind of hide-and-seek type game are you playing?" my mind screamed in her general direction. The lilting laughter that I received back, like so many tinkling bells, gave me the answer I needed, but definitely DID NOT want. "C'mon, Roni. Are you REALLY that surprised?" the voice asked.

"Damn!" I thought. "Didn't I leave all the hocus-pocus magick behind with Mr. K.?"
~~~~~~~~~~
My heart sank as I realized, yet again, that I had been found out. It appears, to my great dissatisfaction, that I attract magick like a candle attracts moths.

"I know what you are!" I shouted, to no one in particular. "So quit with the games already and show yourself!"

"What? And ruin all this fun?" the voice said, mockingly. "Alright, if I MUST..." it sighed.
~~~~~~~~~~
There was a small tuft of smoke, and when it cleared, SHE was standing just a few inches in front of me. I must admit, I was intoxicated by her emerald eyes and pouting, full lips.

"Don't be swayed by her charms!" my mind screamed, as I felt myself slipping away. Then, a rouge Frisbee smacked me right between the eyes.

"Sorry, dude!" a man's voice called out. "My bad!"

But it was enough. As I averted her gaze, instead focusing on finding the errant Frisbee, the spell was broken.

I picked up the Frisbee and gave it a gentle, overhand toss.

Turning my attention back to the girl, I said simply, "Now that the spell's broken, and I'm immune to your charms, just who in blazes are you, and what do you want with ME of all people?"

"I'm the nymph of this area," she said simply.

"Duh! Tell me something I DON'T already know," I thought angrily.

"The name's Sandy. And I need someone with your... unique talents."

"Sandy, huh? And if I refuse?"

Suddenly, the waters in the twin pools began to rise and coalesce into a massive 10-foot wall that threatened to drown all the poolside guests.

"Fine!" I relented. "I help, or they drown. I get it. Damn, you fae can be so friggin' bitchy at times..." I swore under my breath.

With that she laughed, and the waters returned to normal, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

"So what, EXACTLY, do you want, Sandy? And why do you need me?"
~~~~~~~~~~
Sandy's gaze met mine, and I saw a lone, golden tear form in her eye, then quickly run down her cheek.

"Freedom," she said simply. "I want to actually SEE what lies beyond my pools. I want to be JUST LIKE YOU. I want to be able to laugh freely-- to cry-- to feel hunger. Sadness. And Joy. To love, and be loved in return. In short, Roni, I want to be HUMAN!"

"And you think I, of all people, can grant you this wish? I'm just a teen, not a wizard."

"But you have the heart, Roni. And the strength of character, determination, and drive. You just need the magick. And Hegemone's thorn..."

Smoky Corners 4-NC: A Kid at Heart
(c) 2017 Haylee V

AuPreviner sat at the kitchen table, idly working on a jigsaw puzzle. The kettle whistled merrily on the stove, and it was time to make the tea. He got up to fill the infuser, and gently set the metal ball, now full of fragrant Earl Grey, in the ceramic mug. He checked the water temperature -- 218 degrees, Yikes! -- and set apart some to cool slightly, leaving a digital thermometer in the cup. When the temperature read 195, he quickly poured the water in the mug to steep, just as the clock struck ten. Perfect! he thought. Now for the Tim Tams, a few scones, and the jam. The clotted cream, he remembered, was still on the counter from breakfast.

A Mozart opera played softly in the background. Bastien und Bastienne, his favorite. AuP became lost in his thoughts as the music silently played.

He couldn't remember, really, how it had all began. Perhaps when he had played dollies with his friend, Margaret. Sadly, those halcyon days ended when her mother discovered his true gender. Perhaps when he had held and fed the babe in Health Ed -- his first time holding something so delicately frail. Perhaps it was the fact that most of his really close friends were female. He just didn't know -- nor did he care.

One thing he DID know, though, was children. He knew how they thought. How they played. He knew what brought them happiness and laughter -- and what caused some immeasurable pain.

For AuP was a child -- at least in his heart he was. Where it REALLY mattered.

He had to grow up way too quickly -- family duties dictated that he become the proverbial "man of the house" at an early age. He was denied the opportunity to play. To laugh. To just BE.

And now, as he reflected on his life, it was too late. I'm too old, he thought, and too set in my ways. Leave youth to those who can handle it -- THE YOUNG AND STRONG. Alas! now I am neither.

Coming back to reality, AuP realized that his tea had gotten cold. Such a waste, actually. For some reason, nuked Earl Grey just didn't hold the same -- je ne sais quoi as fresh.

He reached for the cupboard where he kept his loose teas. A sense of emptiness shrouded him as he realized the cupboards were bare. Well, I needed to get out of the house anyway. Too damn depressing.

Grabbing his keys and slipping on some loafers, AuP left for the garage. Fortunately, it was just a short drive to Mulberry Street.

=== === ===

Upon reaching the shopping plaza, AuP was surprised to find a new shop at the end of the row. Mahō no chaya, he mused. Wonder if they have any TEA???

AuP made his way cautiously up the walkway and slowly opened the door. Suddenly, his senses were assaulted by the dazzling array of cats and tigers on display there. Cats of every shape, size, pose and material imaginable lined dozens of shelves. Paintings by Hokusai, Josetsu, and Morimuta decked the halls, and a Hayao Miyazaki film (My Neighbor Totoro, perhaps?) played on the security monitor. The fresh, inviting aromas of maple cookies, warm mulled Calvados, and Earl Grey wafted in the air, reminding AuP of the many nights he had spent in Rouen. And then he saw IT -- a traditional Japanese tea service, set in the right-hand corner of the room. Have I come home again, Grandma?

"Aah, Neko-san!" a voice beckoned him from a tatami mat. "Come. Take off your shoes, and join me for a cup. The tea is almost ready, and the croissants are still warm."

"I'm sorry, Sir," AuP said, taken aback. "I'm afraid I don't understand. I'm AuPreviner, not this Neko-san person. Perhaps you are mistaken?"

"It's no mistake, Neko-san. I was talking to you. You ARE the cat, are you not? We have much to discuss."

"It appears you know me, or at least were expecting me. But I'm sure we've never met. Just WHO are you?"

"I am Kato Chigiri. I own this curio shop. I know what you TRULY seek, and I can help. But first, the tea. You never did finish yours earlier, did you?"

Just who IS this guy, really? And why does he know so much about ME??

"I know many things, Neko-san. Such is the way of magick. Now COME. SIT. DRINK."

For some reason, the sheer power of his words held AuP spellbound. He found himself taking off his shoes, putting on the uwabaki and walking to a velvet cushion in the corner of the room. He took the proffered jade cup, and drank deeply.

"Thanks. I think???" AuP stumbled for words. Wait! How did I get HERE??? And what's with this guy, really?

"I mean you no harm, Neko-san. I simply wish to give you a gift. You'll find it VERY useful."

Chigiri reached out and handed him a neatly wrapped object. As he slowly untied the silk obi holding the rice paper together, he noticed two amber eyes staring back at him. He nearly dropped the package, clutching for it just before it hit the floor. Looking down, he felt the weight of the jade cat in his palm.

"It's a CAT!" AuP exclaimed, excitedly. "But how did you..."

"I know many things, as I have said. But alas! The tea is cold, and our time is short. Just remember that you are a child at heart. When you feel troubled, just rub the cat's belly. Sayounara, Neko-san."

=== === ===

With that, AuP found himself in his kitchen once again. How he got there was anyone's guess. His car was neatly parked where he had left it in the garage, and his cupboards were filled with loose teas from around the world. In his hand, he still clutched the jade cat tightly.

Absentmindedly, he rubbed the cat's belly. Gee, it would be nice to be a kid again, he thought.

The room began to spin -- slowly at first, then more violently. The cat began to emit a warm greenish glow, and AuP felt himself shrinking. As the room stabilized and the glow faded, AuP rushed to the hall mirror. Reflected back was a nine-year-old boy.

The spell will only last until sundown, and has altered reality to reflect your new age. AuPreviner -- The child's heart within you beats fervently. As long as it remains, you can become a child again -- but only for one day at a time. Enjoy your gift.

AuP breathed a silent word of thanks to his benefactor. "Thank you, Chigiri-sama. I will cherish it always."

He then ran out the door, heading at full speed to the nearby park. Perhaps, he thought, Margaret will still be waiting for me...

Greetings, everyone. My name is Geneva Bailey. Ginny for short. I'm Roni's twin sister. It seems he's a little... preoccupied... right now with Sandy, so I thought I'd give the intro today.

Let's see... Smoky Corners... blah... blah... Curio... blah... blah... Mr. K.... what you NEED. There. That about covers it. I hope.
~~~~~~~~~~
I was in my room, just idly fumbling with the earrings. I hadn't taken them out of the box since Roni gave them to me. Don't ask me why, but it just didn't seem right- or proper- to wear them. They're so dainty and delicate, and VERY PRECIOUS to me. They were the catalyst that strengthened our then brittle bond of sibling-hood. We had grown so far apart, so fast, but now we seemed closer than we've ever been before...

Today was SPECIAL. I was meeting with my three BESTIES- Sasha, Barbara, and Joan- to go to the DMV. Funny, before the day I first wore the locket that funny little man gave me, I didn't even know my three 'comrades-in-arms' existed. And it was just so darn cute, with its Hello Kitty motif. I wondered what ever happened to it? I've searched EVERYWHERE I can think of, but haven't been able to find it since the first day I wore it. And I SO wanted to wear it today. I felt it was my good luck charm, and if I'm going to pass my driver's test, I needed all the luck I could get...

I put the male angel (I call him Jack, but don't ask me why. It just seemed 'right') in the left ear, and fiddled a few moments with the back before it was firmly in place. I reached for the other earring- a dainty female cherub I've dubbed Charlene, and began to put her on. "I MUST be losing it,' I thought, if I'm assigning names- and personalities- to such inanimate objects as earrings.

Suddenly, I felt very light-headed. The room began to spin- slowly at first, and then with blinding speed. I heard myself crying out in terror as I began to lose touch with reality. As my consciousness faded, I blacked out, still clutching Charlene in my clenched fist...
~~~~~~~~~~
When I came to, I found myself in the back storeroom of a tiny shop, lying on what appeared to be a very weather-beaten, fold-out Army cot.

"Do not try to get up too quickly, my little lotus blossom," I heard a grizzled, yet kind, voice call out. "The magicks of teleportation take some getting used to- at first- and you're still suffering some residual ill effects from its use. I must apologize for that. I can assure you, though, your body will quickly adjust, and VERY SOON, it won't affect you at all. Here, drink this," he said, handing me a tiny china cup containing what appeared to be green tea. "It will help lessen the effects somewhat. When you feel normal again, please come to the front of my shop. We have much to discuss, Ginny."

With that, the bearded man turned, clicked his heels, and left, drawing the curtains shut on his way out..
~~~~~~~~~~
I cautiously took a sip of the tepid liquid. As I did, I felt my head begin to clear as the fog of vertigo began to ease. My head quit spinning as the room- and my surroundings- began to come into focus. I tentatively placed my slippered feet on the oaken floor. Funny, I didn't remember slipping out of my Keds...

When I felt the solidness of the floor below me, and sensed I wasn't going to faint again, or slip through the floor, I slowly rose to my feet. I placed the now empty cup carefully on the cot, and began towards the curtain- and what I hoped would be some answers...
~~~~~~~~~~
As I opened the curtain to the shop proper, my eyes beheld the vast wonders of the shop. It was like I had stepped into my own little piece of heaven! The shop had everything I could ever dream of... posters of pop icons lined the walls, and the shelves were lined with all sorts of feminine finery- I've never seen so many baubles and bangles in my life!

I stood in the doorway for what seemed like hours, just taking in all the lovely sights and sounds. the air was thick with sandalwood and cinnamon. I just wanted to drink in every subtle nuance...
~~~~~~~~~~
"Aah. You've recovered, I see," the voice stated, breaking me out of my revelry. "Come. Sit. We have much to discuss, and very little time to do so."

The strange little man motioned me to a purple cushion resting on a faded bamboo tamani mat beside a worn tea cozy. I quickly made my way to the proffered spot, and sat.

"My name is Kato Chigiri," the man said. "I hope you remember me, even though our last encounter was, unfortunately, too brief for my liking..."

"I remember now!" I said with a start. "You're the man that gave me the Hello Kitty locket. And the strange amulets for Roni. I'm sorry. I've lost that locket. it was my good luck charm..."

Mr. Chigiri jut nodded, and handed mea handkerchief. "Now, now, my little locust. There's no need for tears. It will find itsway back to you, when it is needed again. Such is the way with magick..."

"M-m-m-magic?" I stammered.

"Yes," he stated bluntly. "Magick. But not the parlor tricks you're familiar with. True magick. The kind that shapes destinies and alters realities. You have been given quite a gift. And it's my duty to see that you learn to use it properly."

"But why me?" I asked. "And why now?"

"It is your destiny, child. You are fae-borne. And the time of your awakening is at hand."

"Woah!" I stated, nearly knocking over the cozy as I jumped up. "You expect me to believe that I'm some all-powerful magical being, and that you, a complete stranger, are going to 'help' me? Just what kind of game are you playing? And for that matter," I said, the anger in my voice a white-hot flame, "just what kind of drug was in that 'tea' of yours? My dad IS Chief of Police, you know."

I turned to leave, but found that my body just wouldn't respond to my brain's commands. I stood there frozen, completely helpless, as a wave of panic began to wash over me.

"Easy, child. Had I meant you harm, do you think you'd still be here? And still unharmed, in one piece? I assure you, I mean you no harm. Your brother Roni and I have shared tea many times. And nothing has happened to him, has it?"

"Now come. Sit. Calm yourself."

I felt myself become incredibly relaxed, as i slowly slumped back to the softness of the velvet cushion. I could feel the tenseness flow out of my body. A warming peace began to envelop me that was eerily comforting. I found I was no longer frozen.

"Yes," the strange man said. "I've released you from your bonds. like i said, I mean you no harm. You're free to go, if that is your wish. But i do hope you'll stay for awhile..."

My mind just couldn't fathom the enormity of this strange man's power. With a single word, he had completely immobilized me, yet here I sat, completely unharmed, just as he had said. Every fiber of my being screamed to run like hell, but still...

I wrestled with my thoughtsfor what seemed like hours, but morbid curiosity being what it is, I decided to hear the man out- for a little while, at least.

"Fine!" I said, dejectedly. "I'll stay... for a LITTLE WHILE."

"Good!" the man said, grinning and clapping his hands as he began.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Reality is, first and foremost, mutable. What is seen as 'real' and 'tangable' is mearly our mind's way of dealing with the things around us, and making some sense of order out of the vast chaos that is existance. Magick is a way that some- very few, I might add- have found to give shape and form to the formlessness that surrounds us all."

"And you're saying that I have this- I don't know- gift? Curse?"

"Precisely. I sense in you fae blood. The fae were once one of the most powerful races on this planet. They long ago mastered control over the chaos that is- and over the elements. Fire. Water. Air. Earth. They gave order to chaos, and even mastered the powers of Life and Death. But to some, raw power was just not enough. Some weren't happy with mastering the power. These rogues also wanted Control. They wanted to subjugate others, and bend the weaker-minded to their own warped desires. And thus began the Time of Sorrows, and the spawning of the wild magicks. Magicks which now threaten the very fabric of reality itself."

"So what can I do?" I questioned. "I'm just a teenager. I don't have any 'powers'. And I'm not 'special', like you seem to think I am. I can't do anything..."

"The wheels have already been set in motion, my dear," he said. "You've already been exposed to magick, at least twice now. Just believe in yourself, and let the fae within you awaken."

"But how?" I asked.

"Believe. Close your eyes and focus. Concentrate."
~~~~~~~~~~
I closed my eyes and let my thoughts wander. I saw a beautiful meadow, lush with green grass and flowers of every color in the rainbow- and a few more besides. I heard the babbling of a brook nearby, and tasted the clean, sweet, honeysuckle-jasmine fragrance of the air. i felt my spirits soaring as my body lifted itself off the ground. I felt, for the first time in my life, incredinly free. And I relished in the freedom...

I stood there, my eyes closed, transfixed in the freeing glow. I didn't notice the bright aura that surrounded me, or that I was now back in the shop. I felt warm, and at peace, as all my fears subsided. I felt the warmth begin to fade, and the aura began to bury itself deep inside. My eyes fluttered open slowly as the magick faded around me.

"Welcome, locust blossom. Now, your true training begins..."

"Smoky Corners, Montana, is a nice, typical small western town. Nothing unusual ever happens here... at least on the surface. But, if you happen to find yourself on Mulberry Street, 239, standing in front of a quaint little curio shop ran by an old, bearded Asian man named Kato Chigiri, you may find more than you bargained for. And EXACTLY what you need..."

Hi, and welcome to what I hope will become a new, unique universe for fans of trans-fiction. - Haylee V

A few notes:

First:
Mr. Kato Chigiri is your typical Asian curio shop owner. He is meant to be a cross between Mr. Miyagi and the Buddhist priest of Kung Fu. No one knows how old he truly is, and an aura of mystery surrounds him. As the proprietor of the shop, he has unique and varied sundries for sale- to those who may or may not know they need them. You may not always find what you WANT, but you'll always find EXACTLY what you NEED...

Second:
Things are NOT as they appear in this quiet town. Reality, being the finicky mistress she is, is mutable and NOT set hard and fast in stone. Mr. Kato knows and understands this all too well, as it is his destiny to give her a gentle nudge in the right direction, when needed...

Third:
Each item in the shop is unique, containing a single-purpose magick, tailor made for ONE SPECIFIC individual. The manifestation of that magick, and its desired target, is something known only to Mr. Kato. And he's NOT telling...

Fourth:
I chose Mr. Kato's name with a purpose, and NO, you WILL NOT change my mind on this. His name, loosely translated from the Japanese by which it originates, means, quite simply, "Changing Destinies". I think it's eerily befitting the man in question.

Magical Items CURRENTLY AVAILABLE in Smoky Corners

The following items are currently in use in Smoky Corners:

Angelic Earrings (Earrings of Communicative Compassion)

Current Owner(s): Geneva (Ginny) Bailey

People in tune with this item's magicks: Geneva Bailey, Ronald Bailey, Kato Chigiri, Others (?)

Function: These earrings provide the wearers (yes, they REQUIRE 2 users to function correctly!) to communicate TELEPATHICALLY with each other, and also allows the wearers to know the current whereabouts and status of each other. The earrings come as a pair - a male angel, only wearable by a female (with only ONE known exception- Mr. K.) and female (wearable ONLY by males). The wearers must possess a STRONG familial bond, or be linked through marriage or a tragic ordeal. the earrings will change form, becoming either clip-on or pierced, to conform to the body of the wearer. The telepathic range is limited to a TEN MILE radius, but can function as a homing beacon in cases of DIRE EMERGENCY, thereby ALWAYS allowing the wears to find each other, provided they are BOTH conscious. It is currently UNKNOWN if anyone other than the three mentioned previously, can utilize the earrings' magicks, but it is generally believed to be possible.

Buckskin Moccasins (Moccasins of Empathetic Excursion)

Current Owner: Ronald (Roni) Bailey, but kept safely in Mr. K.'s Curio Shop

People in tune with this item's magicks: Ronald (Roni) Bailey, Kato Chigiri, Others(?)

Function: These shoes allow the wearer to literally BECOME another person for a period of no more than 24 hours (if the target is chosen at random) or 60 minutes (if the wearer has someone specifically in mind), and allows the wearer to experience, first hand, the emotions, feelings, pleasures, and even pains of the target. The wearer retains all memory of the swap, and gains a closer, more empathetic attitude towards the target.

Aerosmith Amulet - Amulet of Abject Suffering - Amulet of Alter Self

Current Owner(s): All 3 are currently in the possession of Ronald (Roni) Bailey

People attuned to this item's magicks: Sebastian (now Sasha) Van Wharen, William (now Barbara) Donahue, Jonathan (now Joan) Reinhurst, Ronald (Roni) Bailey, Kato Chigiri, Others(?)

Function: In their now ATTUNED form, allows the wearer to travel to any one specific point in his or her life, and affect a minor change without disturbing the Temporal Directive or incurring a Time Paradox in the target's current timeline.

Hegemone's Thorn

Current owner: unknown

People attuned to this item's magics: Sandy Lakespur, Others(?)

Function: This brooch, when placed within the vicinity of any non-human entity or object, imbues its target with all the qualities of a human, for a short time. It is not currently known how long the effect lasts, if its effects are cumulative (each activation lengthens the targets time as a human), or how to make the effect permanent. The location of Hegemone's Thorn is unknown as well, but some suspect it can be found at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, floating in a pool of white hot lava.

Gaea's Gullion

Current owner: unknown

People attuned to this item's magicks: unknown

Function: Possible catalyzing agent, but as yet unknown

Chloris's Tears

Current owner: unknown

People attuned to this item's magics: The Anthousai

Function: enables the Song of the Anthousai to sound, melding Gaea's Gullion and Hegemone's Thorn into the Rose of Reality.

Rose of Reality - enables its wearer to take the shape of any human or demi-human permanently and completely. Its effects are IRREVERSIBLE. If the target was imbued with magick, but the final form unable to utilize it, then all magical abilities will be forever lost to the individual. Talents not typically associated with the final form, but that the target possessed prior to transformation, are likewise lost.