"Return, return."

"Come home, come home."

"To us, to us."

My form flitted through the trees, vision glancing back every so often to see them still chasing me, my body pushing itself to flee faster, faster, and faster.

While normal trees didn't often pose a threat, the trees within the Forest of Magic were known to be imbued with ambient magic of incredible power. Even spirits weren't completely safe from their influence, and as such I weaved and dodged through the forest just like when I was human.

Well, when I was alive.

Death and becoming a ghost tends to have a strange effect on the mind, but I found that I didn't mind being dead all that much. The corporeal form that I had taken on, while about the size of a cup, ignored material needs, included normal clothes so I didn't have to look that strange, and I was free to do as I pleased until I made it to the Sanzu River or a shinigami came along to collect me.

Well, except for the ghost hunting parties of youkai that hunted for delicious snacks like fresh phantoms. And whaddya know, I'm on their list of targets.

Well, I guess I've gotten used to running away. I was forced to run from most things when I was alive. And the forest isn't too hard to navigate, since I've been here a bunch of times. Well, not being chased, but to explore you know?

But if I can't find a safe haven soon, they're going to catch up to me, and then I'll be forced to go to the Sanzu as a mindless spirit...

Wait! A cottage! That's got to be one of the magicians of the forest! I'd learned that there were a pair of prominent magicians who lived in the Forest of Magic from my teacher, Ms. Kamishirasawa. There was the Ordinary Magician and the Puppeteer, but me and my class never learned about who they really were.

A bladed arm sliced right above my head that I ducked under, forcing me out of my thoughts. Anything would be better than the ravenous youkai now behind me.

I speed towards the cottage as the rasps and whispers of ghostly youkai resound behind me, my form pounding against the magically reinforced door as I cry out, "Help me! Please!"

Though no human voice answers me, a hole beside the door opens up and from it, a small doll, illuminated by the faint moonlight and garbed in a little blue dress says in what seems to be an automated voice, "Swear to commit no harm while in this house."

My eyes, if I had eyes widened in realization as I yelled, "I swear!"

The doll nods and takes my hand, leading me into the cottage through the door that had suddenly opened as the rasps and hisses behind me recede into the distance.

The oath that I had just taken was one devoted to property magic. Though not known to most other humans, all private residences have a faint barrier surrounding them, encompassing the entirety of the house from all directions. The strength of these barriers were determined by the emotions and the work put into the house. From my brief studies about magic I learned that old family homes with generations living in them often had very powerful barriers within them, simply by the time accumulated within them, not counting the level of devotion that had gone into the places. It was why low level youkai often kept away from such areas, through to mid level and higher ones, it only posed mild discomfort. It was also the source of the feeling of awe that most humans feel when they enter an old residence. As I had undertaken the oath, I was no longer able to perform harm within the household. If I were some kind of powerful youkai I could simply shrug it off, but for a fresh phantom, it was an overwhelming kind of power.

But not one that I had to worry about, as the discomfort faded and I no longer felt it. I take a deep breath, trying to at least even without my physical body, as I look around.

What looked to be a quaint little hall met my eyes (did I even still have eyes?) as I stepped forward cautiously, wary of anything that might jump out at me.

"Hello, and welcome to the household of the Margatroids. How may we help you?"

I yelped in fright and fell over as a candle was lit, the cheerful voice coming from a smiling doll holding the light source.

She looked concerned, her facial expression actually shifting as she said apologetically, "Oh no, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Are you okay?"

I push myself back up onto my feet, shaking a little as I said, "Y-yes, I think I'm okay. Um, I hope I'm not intruding. Oh! And um, thank you so much for saving me."

A radiant smile lit her face as the doll responded cheerfully, "Oh, not at all! We have visitors all the time, and the occasional fleeing spirits, much like yourself. And you're welcome."

As curious as I was at the fact that this wasn't a new occurrence, I shuffled around a bit before asking, "So, um, what now?"

The doll motioned for me to follow, and I complied, noticing the massive lance and shield that she carried with ease, as she spoke, "Well, now that you're under the protection of the magic wards, the youkai won't bother you here. But if you should prove yourself to be rude to my mother..."

Her eyes flashed red for a moment as she continued, "Then we will have some very cross words indeed."

Her smile came back, as she said, "Well, for now, you can stay here for the night. Just don't bother the other dolls, and you'll be fine. Oh, and some of them are still young, so please don't take offense to their behavior. They're still children you see."

With that, the smiling doll gave a curtsey and called back as she left, "I've got other duties, so make yourself at home here in the living room!"

"Wait!"

The doll turned around, her head tilted as if to ask, 'What?'

"What's your name?"

There was a moment of silence as I took a second to look back at my actions? What if I just offended her? Was I being rude? Oh dear what have I-

The sound of bells echoed through the air, its tinkling melodious and breathtaking as I could only feel contentment at hearing such a sound.

Then I realized that it was her giggling, taken aback at her wonderful laughter as she winked and shot back, "I'm Shanghai! It was nice meeting you mister!"

Now that I was left alone, I turned my gaze to the rest of the room, only to witness a multitude of dolls, all of them of different colors and sizes and genders and make, all interacting in some way or another. Some of them were reading, others were eating, others were playing tag, others were practicing their performing acts, others were caring for little dolls... the list went on.

It was like watching a room of villagers on a rest day, their laughter, banter, arguments, jokes, everything seemed just like my previous life. Well, my alive time of life that is.

Yet there were some drastic differences.

While some of it was calm, there were dolls practicing drills and combat maneuvers, as well as magic training. There were miniature explosions from duels and sparring as well as the bubbling from various alchemical experiments that had been put out overnight by the magician, being watched over or continued by the attending dolls. It only served to remind me that the Puppeteer truly was a powerful person.

As I turned my gaze to the back of the room, I happened to spot a shelf of dolls, most of them simple in build and material as I floated over to take a closer look.

A sign near them, written in several different languages read, "Host dolls. Please seek permission before using."

I felt a tug at my shirt, remembering that magic imbued beings were still able to feel the metaphysical energy that were phantoms, as I looked down at a little child doll, her hands still tugging as she cheered, "Go inside a host doll mister phantom!"

"Carla! You mustn't just tug at a person's clothes like that."

A larger doll, about the same height as myself gently picked up the young doll before turning to me as she apologized profusely, "I'm so sorry mister, Carla here likes to see new phantoms try out the host dolls. She finds it fun to see them interact like this."

I scratched the back of my head, as I responded, "Erm, no it's okay, but... am I allowed to use a host doll? It looks kinda interesting."

"You may."

The three of us jumped at the voice, as the larger doll turned, only to bow while saying, "Oh, Lady Hourai, it's a pleasure to see you here."

The large and imposing doll dressed in an azure battle uniform nodded and said, "No need for formalities miss Sabato. And you."

Her eyes directed their gaze towards me as I gulped and meted out a nervous response, "M-meep-I mean yes milady?"

Her left eye narrowed in annoyance as she sighed and said, "You drop them as well. And as I was saying, you may take one of the host dolls. Simply agree to the temporary contract, and you'll be set. Now then, I must be off for training."

I had no doubt in my mind that she was of the same caliber as Shanghai, what with her lance and shield that seemed to be too large for her to handle, yet with which she handled with ease.

But with permission from one of the doll leaders, or so I found out from miss Sabato, I floated up to a random host doll, this one a male one wearing a butler's outfit, placing a hand on its head as a small scroll appeared and unfurled itself for me to peruse.

As I read through it carefully and signed with my signature to accept the contract, I felt a sudden rush of gravity pull me into the doll. Moments later, I opened my eyes, the eyes of the doll that is, to the outside world.

I staggered even from my sitting position, the sensations far too foreign to control properly as I tried to take a deep breath, pleased to see that I could breathe normally here. A small tag appeared above my head, before coalescing into a small green halo that remained floating.

As I adjusted slowly to the doll's functions, and in turn it adjusted to my own, I took a wobbly step forward, nearly leaping for joy...

Only to fall right off the shelf and onto the ground.

"Ow, my face..."

A pair of voice, filled with mirth began laughing, as I looked up to see the mother and daughter dolls giggling at my faceplant.

Grumbling to myself, I stood up and dusted myself off, asking, "Where to now?"

The little girl grabbed my hand, dragging me off to who knows where...

Morning seemed to come too quickly, as the rays of sunshine peeked out through the window curtains, my eyes adjusting automatically as the other little dolls cheered for the morning rays. I mean, I was never much of a morning person myself, but seeing the little kids so happy brought a smile to my face once more. Not that I hadn't already been smiling. We played a bunch of games, and I got to learn about the rest of dolls quite a bit.

Apparently, the host dolls had also played host to a number of other youkai and phantoms. Some of them were hostile, thinking that they could overpower the doll's defenses and thus tap into or consume the vast amounts of magical energy contained within, as well as gain access to their capabilities. Most of them were repelled easily or otherwise subdued. Yet others were benevolent spirits, some of them wandering the realms, others actually coming from the Netherworld for a visit. The household residents had welcomed the new phantoms and such on their visits, Youmu and sometimes even Yuyuko coming to visit with them. The last ones were the ones like him, the lost phantoms that were still trying to get used to the new world that they had found themselves within. Phantoms much like himself.

A yawn broke through ambience, a whole crowd of little dolls rushing towards one of the doors slightly ajar. I floated over, having learned how to fly a little, poking my head in to see what the fuss was about.

The cries of the little dolls and the chuckling of the others from within the room reached my ears before I made it there.

"Grandma! You're awake!"

"Play with us grandma! Pretty pretty please?"

"Good morning granny!"

"Let's start making breakfast!"

"Yay!"

Gorgeous locks of blonde hair framed a beautiful face, her twinkling baby blue eyes stunning to gaze into, her oh so effeminate and attractive body, the brightest of smiles displayed across her lips as she gazed all around at the excited crowd of dolls surrounding her...

She was beauty incarnate. At least to my eyes.

There was the fact that she was dressed in her white nightwear, which while not revealing, seemed to hug her curves and only bring out even more beauty from her luscious figure.

Oh, and the fact that she just saw me totally checking her out.

My face grew red, embarrassment filling me as I tried to make a response with my mouth agape, but I could only continue to admire her.

To my surprise, she only let out a giggle, smiling at me to come closer as my feet moved on their own, already taking off to land on her slightly outstretched hand. She deposited me onto her lap, which was ever so soft and comfortable, stroking my hair as she said sweetly, "It's nice to meet you little one. What's your name?"

Being in such close proximity to her already had me blushing to my ear tips as I stammered out, "Oh, I-I'm Rei-Rei Kayano, I'm 15 years old and attending the village school and looking for a girlfriend-"

A light laugh, much like Shanghai's from the previous night if only sweeter and even more beautiful sounded out, as the girl hugged me against her stomach squealing, "Oh, you're so cute Rei!"

The feeling of her gown and supple skin on my back was pure bliss for me, as I relaxed into her hug.

We remained that way for a few minutes, until she lifted me up, inspecting me, her analytical eyes befitting of a master artisan, as she instructed me to twirl around mid air.

Once she was satisfied after taking down a few notes, she stretched her arms skyward, giving a cute yawn as the girl got out of bed, going into the bathroom after gently shooing away most of the other dolls, myself included.

Upon entering the living room, I saw the dolls rushing about, getting ready for the day. A sudden urge to help strikes me, as I float over to the kitchen. I may not have been much of a chef, but I can at least make eggs for the person who took me in and saved me, indirect as it was. Well, it was actually pretty direct, since the dolls were all made by Alice- that's the Puppeteer, and the beauty that I just met- and she managed to let them grow into their own personalities.

After a few minutes of struggling and with some assistance from the culinary dolls, a simple plate of scrambled eggs sat before me, the other chefs forgoing the standard egg dish seeing as how I made one, preparing the rest of the meal. I joined them in setting the table.

Once prepared, Alice walked out of her room, taking a seat at the table as she glanced at the fairly messy scrambled eggs. Though the culinary dolls did sometimes make errors, they usually weren't this messy. Realization almost hit her instantly, as she smiled at me fidgeting in front of her, giving me a light pat on the head as I blushed again.

"Thank you for helping the dolls make breakfast, Rei. I appreciate it."

My hands began waving as I exclaimed, "No please, it was no trouble! I should be thanking you and the dolls! You really saved my life, my phantom life that is, but thank you!"

I bowed, as she poked me in the forehead, saying, "Lift your head."

I did, and was met by a wonderful smile spreading across her face. Her smile was just so infectious, and I couldn't help but laugh in joy at how blessed I was to have met such a wonderful person, and such amazing dolls.

She joined me, and the house was filled with laughter for a few moments. Soon after, while she consumed her breakfast, we conversed to the background of the dolls preparing for the day's activities.

Alice was a wonderful conversational partner, easily comprehending my words and absolutely accepting. She was kind, gentle, sweet, intelligent, witty, sharp, did I mention kind, wonderful-

Her concealed laughter told me that I had began converting my thoughts into actual speech, as my ears were tinged with red, Alice patting my head once more in an affectionate manner.

As her eyes went to her clock, she sighed as she said gently, "Well Rei, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you, but I'm afraid that I have to go soon. I've got a meeting with the mountain gods in a little while, and I can't keep them waiting."

In my exuberance, I said, "Oh, I'll go with-"

A knock at the door interrupted whatever I was about to say, as Alice rose to answer.

As she opened the door, I was met with the sight of a rather buxom woman, her crimson hair framing an easy going face and eyes that were filled with cheer as she called out, "Yo, Alice! How ya doing?"

Alice simply smiled back as she politely said, "Good morning to you too Komachi. Are you here to pick up Rei?"

My eyes snapped to the crimsonette, who laughed and said, "Yep! Got a few other spirits that I have to pick up as well. Where is he by the way?"

Alice turned around while saying, "Oh, he's right over-"

I slumped over in sadness, as Alice sighed and strode over, poking me in the forehead as she said, "Rei, listen to me."

I wiped away my tears, glancing up at her serious, yet kind expression.

As she stroked my hair, Alice said, "You can't stay here forever Rei. You died as a human, and the ferrywoman has to take you to the Sanzu river. I loved having you here for a bit, you were a nice young man that I'm sure would have gone far in life. But all good things have to come to an end. Right, Rei?"

I nodded, still glum at the outcome.

A little smile lit her lips, as she whispered, "Hey, c'mon Rei. Give me a smile. You look better with one."

As I shook my head to clear my thoughts, I turned up to look at her, and lifted my lips in a little smile. While not large, it was a sincere one, with all of my emotions behind them.

"See, you do look better with a smile Rei!"

We shared another laugh, as I floated up, before rushing forward, wrapping my arms around her stomach in a tight hug. I couldn't get my arms all around her to her back, but I think I got the message through as she hugged me back, a gentle embrace meeting my own.

After a moment, we separated, my hand coming up as I said, "Thank you for everything, Alice."

She smiled, shaking my tiny hand as she said in response, "You're welcome, Rei."

She picked me up, giving me a tiny kiss on my forehead as I jerked back in surprise, her pure laughter ringing out once more.

I had backed up towards Komachi, who caught me in her two hands, looking me over until she said, "Aw, you're a cutie."

I could feel my phantom body beginning to rise out through the host doll, as the body returned to its original shelf.

As I readjusted to my phantasmic self outside of the door, I turned to Alice, waving my hands as I shouted, "Thank you Alice! I'll never forget you!"

Alice gave a laugh as she shot back while waving, "Same here Rei! Be safe!"

I turned away, joining Komachi and the other phantoms with her, as we headed towards our final destination, the Sanzu River.