Further Down The Spiral

[Sundance]

My day starts as it usually does. Early morning cartoons. Humans never stop amazing me. Ive been gone a hundred years, and I'd never have guessed people would have gotten so far. I pull up a bowl of cereal, add some milk, turn on the tube and then I get up off of my bed, folding the bed back into a couch just in time to catch tom and jerry. Im still not sure which is which, My master assures me that tom is the cat, but Im still not convinced.

Master herself is still asleep, and will be for much of the day. She works nights at her bar, and I know she enjoys it, but I wish I could come with her. After our first excapades the night she awakend me, November decided it'd be best if I stayed away from her workplace for a while. So I spend most of my days learning about the world. One day, sooner or later, November promsed to go around the globe with me, and I cannot wait. Until then, I need to learn about people, how to act. Its harder than I thought it would be.

People dont understand magic anymore. It's been fading, Ive watched it. Understanding in the arcana has faded over time, but now its finally gone, save for a few lingering believers, like November. So when I go out of the house, as I do most days to fetch groceries and freash supplies, Ive learned to keep magic on the downlow. I suppose that hasnt changed much either. Merchents worry about being swindled, and nothing can do that like magic. So I use money, even if I make it with magic, rather than just manifesting up the goods. This has two benefits. Firstly,working magic without a commandment is draining, and keeping it small helps me save up my power. Secondly, I get to walk amongst the people, and I do enjoy that.

After breakfst, I leave the house, changing my garb from PJs to a pink blouse and some shorts. I pass by the people on the streets, already up and active. Without a need for a job or work, I can just watch them. I pass by the children whom are usually playing in the streets, smiling at them as I do. Some of them recognize me as I pass, waving as I go by. I reach into my pocket, expending another ounce of strenght so that I can toss them some candies. Even if the effort of making these sweets is draining, the smiles are worth it. At the store, I colelct my supplies, hoping to make masters breakfast. Freach toast, just how she likes it.

Heading back home, I check the time, nothing Ive still got about an hour before master awakes. Upon arrving at our appartment, I get to work, making sure everything is perfect. As Ive said, November is different. She cares about me alot, and always wants to make sure Im just as happy as she is. So I work just as hard to return the favor.

I sit at the table once everyhtings finished, waiting for her to get up. Two big peices of french toast, coffie with milk and a half teaspoon of sugar. I know of her back trouble, so I got her shower preheated and ready, since it helps her loosen up the muscles.

Tiptoing into her room, I gently rub my master as I smile, speaking softly [glow=red,2,300]"November, its time to wake up now."[/glow]

[November]

[glow=red,2,300]"November, its time to wake up now."[/glow]
I moan a bit, and smile.
Waking up this way, is ten times better than any damned alarm clock. No annoying beeps to shock me first thing, just a gentle rub and nice words.
I could get used to this.

[glow=black,2,300]Mmm. Thanks. I'll be up in a moment.[/glow]
I lay in bed a bit longer, letting my body adjust to being awake.
To be able to shut my mind off to sleep, I have to 'release' control. Hard to explain... really.
When I wake up, the first thing I usually feel is my back pain. So I lay there a bit, getting adjusted to it all over again.
The more my mind wakes up, the easier it gets to move.
I can hear the shower Sundance prepped for me, and I smile.
I really could get used to this..
As I leave my room for the bathroom, I can smell Cinnamon. I stand and inhale, getting hungry already...
A gentle wake up, a shower... breakfast made...
... have I mentioned I could get used to this?
I pull my long red hair into a knot on my head, and step in.
The steam from the hot water opens my eyes a bit more, as the feel of it cascading down my back relaxes the muscles tensed from laying in bed all day asleep.
Stepping out of the shower, I run a towel over me, and get dressed.
I work tonight, so it's a knee length black skirt with a low cut black shirt. I'll put the sheer cover over it before I leave, and my boots.
With just one good head shake the knot comes out and my hair falls down, as I pull my brush out to get it in it's usual state.
Finally I'm heading to the table to the smell of French toast, and fresh coffee making my stomach growl, as I smile at Sundance, taking my seat, looking at everything she's done for me.

[glow=black,2,300]Wow, this is amazing!
Thank you![/glow]
I take a drink of the coffee first thing. She even mixed it for me!
And perfectly too!
Mmmm I could get used to this.
I take a bite of the French toast, following it with a sip of the coffee, the mix of the sweet bread only making the coffee taste even more divine.

[glow=black,2,300]Perfect!
So, Sundance, How's your day been?[/glow]

[Sundance]

My master shifts a bit, and I sense her awaken before she says even a word, the link we share passes along her fist scattered sensations as she slips out of her dreams. She sighs contently, assuring me that she will be up shortly. I bow a little, and take my leave without a word. As my master reawakens, I feel the familiar tingle in my back, a slight mirror of her own discomfort. Much like an itch that I cannot scratch, it isn't painful, but it lingers on my mind, refusing to go away. I once attempted to help alleviate some of Novembers back troubles. However, my efforts we're less appreciated than I'd hoped.

After carefully covering rules regarding when I am, and am not, allowed in the shower, it's clear to me that back massages should not be given while bathing, especially if November is not expecting it. Fortunately, her shower does aid in relieving the irritation we both feel, and by the time she emerges, its not nearly as bothersome as before.

When November at last emerges, now clean and dressed, I stand by the table, hands crossed in front of me, smiling as I show of the results of my work. She clearly enjoys it it, happily digging into the food I'd prepared, and I squirm a little with a satisfied delight at her compliments. There is no such thing as someone who doesn't enjoy feeling appreciated. After nibbling a bit at the french toast, Novembers inquires as to the events of the day. I take a seat opposite of her, though I leave the food untouched, since it serves no purpose for me to eat, and even though I could, this is my masters breakfast, not mine.

[glow=red,2,300]I've had a very enjoyable day. The Tom and Jerry filled the kitchen with water, and then used the fridge to freeze it over into an ice ring. Could we try that sometime? It looked awfully fun. [/glow]

I have never been ice skating before, though I have seen other people do it a few times. Its not often that I wind up with masters who enjoy the cold enough to indulge in wintertime activities, preferring instead to spend their time in more tropical locations.
[glow=red,2,300]
Oh yes, that reminds me. The Weather man was on the TVs at the electronics store on the way to the grocery market. He said that there may be rain, but there hasn't been any clouds Ive seen, so I don't know if I trust him.[/glow]

I frown a little at the thought.
[glow=red,2,300]
I dont like the him very much. He seems to have to much fun in summoning up storms to make people's day unhappy. [/glow]

I continue to chatter on, relaying the things Ive done today, what Ive seen and what I think about it, not really caring if I ramble, just enjoying the conversation while November enjoys her breakfast.

It is not long after that when November has to take her leave, heading off to work. I give her a hug before she goes, and wave out the window as she passes by. I wonder If I could get a job to, so that I wouldn't be alone during the day when she's asleep. Though we have talked a little about it, November intends to keep working for the time being, not wanting to change things to quickly. I rest my elbows on the windowsill, looking out at the world. Some clouds are rolling in over the skies, and I frown at them, knowing that once again the draconian rule of The Fox Weatherman will soon have succeeded in turning an otherwise sunny day into one full of dreary raindrops. Perhaps its just in my nature, or something Ive learned from living inside the bracket, but I don't like being stuck inside for to long. I need the breeze in my hair and the sun on my face.

Without noticing, I begin to drift off into my own memories, floating gently in the air as I let myself be carried by visions of ages past. Its a soothing, peaceful way to pass the time. I lose track of time, as I often do. But my meandering thoughts are broken by a sudden call acrost our bond. November needs me, I can sense the urgency, already feeling the summoning pulling me to her side.

I appear in a flash next to my master, standing on the streets, though disoriented by the transport and not entirly sure on our exact location. But that doesn't matter.
[glow=red,2,300]
"Master, I am here"[/glow]

I look around, trying to take in everything at once, nut really, All I manage to do is make myself a little dizzy.

[glow=red,2,300]What do you need me to do?[/glow]

[N.P.C.]

NPC is Sledge

Mister M, he's got a plan. Reall good one too. Make some havoc, break some shit. Scare the fuck outta the locals. Real simple shit. Way he says it, cops round here ain't scared of the gangs no more. Don't fear us Devils no more. Stupid shits. We'll teach ehm to bust our drug dealers, make life hards for the whores.

Everybodies gotta make a living.

They'll fuckin learn that, I swear ta fuckin God....or Satan, whoever 'll listen.

Ms got us hooked up to the good shit on drugs though. Not speed, or crack, or tar. Nah, we got the really good shit. Jayd. Hell if I know how he gets the shit. Hard as fuck to come by on the streets, even if his....well its a bit different. Most Jayd is green, like jade, guess thats how they got the name. This shit is red though. Dark red, like blood. Drives ya up the fuckin wall.

Love this shit. Bring ya high, make ya feel good. Kinda get a shudder just tappin out the last of a tube, hangin in an alley. Skin itches, eyes burn. One bad thing about this shit. Makes yer eyes burn. Burn like motherfuckers. Burn man, burn.

What was it M sent me for? What'd he need? Oh yeah, fuckin shit little bar. Not payin its dues. Not giving us respect. Need ta give us respect. We earn it, we deserve it. Yer fuckin gonna give it.

Old bastard said to send ehm a message. I got ideas how to do that. Redhead, hot little thing. She's a peach allright. Hot. Yeah, she'll work good. Beat the fuck out of her, and then let the little whore suck me off. Fuck her till she can't stand up. Maybe slice her throat then. Shit is easy. Real easy. First girlfriend got that treatment for fuckin round on me, got herself AIDs. Bitch. Slit her wrists, left her in a bathtub. No questions. No quesitons at all.

Not that I got AIDs. No way. Nope. Always wear protection. Even fuckin bitches like this redheads.

Here she comes no. Prissy little bitch, dressin all goth. Poser. Fuckin bitch probably learned everything bout goth from fuckin Crow. Bitch. She's gonna pay. She, everybody else. We're gettin fuckin respect.

Respect damn it!

Wait for her to pass by. Know how she goes home. Stupid bitch, cuts through alleyway on fifth, avoidin the pimps. Smart for most, but I know my timin. Follow her down alley, catchin up easy. Fuckin easy. Bitch can't run worth a shit. Pull the gun out. Piece of Shit revolverr. 38. Trainin it on her as I speak, grinnin.

"Hands for the sky you fuckin bitch. Devils got a message to send to yer boss...An I'm gonna carve it onto your back while I fuck you!

An thats when shit starts to go sideways. Fuckin blonde pops outta nowhere, talkin to my target...what the Fuck? What the fuck was in that Red Shit?

Doesn't matter. Open up on the blonde, emptying the gun on her. Fuckin bitch won't interupt my fun. Sure as fuck not.

[November]

Sundance doesn't join me in the meal, but I know food isn't something she needs, so I don't mention it as I eat, listening to her talk about cartoons.
I grin at her question, but shake my head no,

[glow=black,2,300]"I doubt my kitchen is big enough for that."[/glow]

Not to mention my fridge probably wouldn't freeze the water... Huh. I may have to explain to her that cartoons aren't able to happen in life.
Life doesn't work that way... unless she uses her magick to do it.
She goes on to talk about the weatherman, and I chuckle.

[glow=black,2,300]"Actually Sundance, he doesn't summon storms at all. He just tries to predict where they will naturally happen.
And he's pretty bad at that too.
All his college years, and hundreds of dollars worth of equipment, and I can still get a better forecast just sticking my head out the door."[/glow]

She keeps me company and entertained for the duration of my breakfast, and even gives me a hug as I leave for work.
I really could get used to this.
I get to work easily. It is overcast, but the rain Sundance believes the weatherman has summoned, doesn't seem to come.
It's not a busy night, but a pretty steady one. My regular customers mostly.
So at least the tips are good.
And the nightly clean up isn't bad either.... slow as we are, all I have to do is wipe down the table-tops and put the chairs up... empty a few ashtrays.
I wave goodbye to the boss as I leave, letting him lock the place up behind me.
It's still not raining... but I can feel the weather change in my back.
Glad I'm off work, it would start to effect things eventually.
The alley is colder than usual, and I speed up a bit going through, wanting to get home, and warm again.
That's when I hear someone shout at me, the words bringing a metallic taste to my mouth.
I turn to the voice, and try to use my bond to call Sundance to me.
I have been very careful on my wishes, I don't want to abuse them and cause some negative karma... but emergency purpose...
Sundance arrives, her travel to my side leaving her a bit out of sorts... and the gunman is obviously on something too... he open fires on her!

[glow=black,2,300]"Sundance!"[/glow]

I pull her back, behind me, out of his fire, as I make my wish:

[glow=black,2,300]"I wish for Superpowers to take this jerk out."[/glow]

I can feel it, when the wish is granted. My whole body seems to change... I can stand straighter, my back issues fading for the strength and one of the bullets aimed for Sundance goes stray, bouncing off my hand like nothing...
I turn to the guy, smiling as I feel very amped up.
Magic is much better than any drug he could possibly be on.
I reach out, and grab his gun hand, breaking it and the gun by crushing it in my hand.

[glow=black,2,300]"I've got a message for your boss.
And I'm not going to bother carving anything, you just better remember it."[/glow]

I punch him in the face, harder than I meant to, the damage instant with what I imagine to be super strength... And I know one hit is all I can do or he won't be worth talking to at all.
I press him against a building, holding him easily as I sneer my message,

[glow=black,2,300]"You go back to your boss, and you tell him my boss is under my protection now.
If I see you or anyone else threatening my place of employment, or the employees, I'll find you. And I'll beat you so bad you're mother won't even recognize the bloody pulp I leave you in."[/glow]

[Sundance]

I look at my master, concern showing clearly through my eyes. She called me here, and I am ready to do my job. I just need to figure out what that is. Looking around, I notice a lot of things very quickly. Firstly, we are in an ally of some kind. Secondly, there is a man here. The third thing I notice is more important. The gun in his hands and the crazy look in his eyes. He looks right back at me, confusion clear accrost his face. He dosn't know what to make of me, and I dont know what to make of him either.

[glow=red,2,300]"Master, whats going-"[/glow]

Thnder cracks and sparks fly from the wall at my side, the gun fire splitting the air appart. I move towards November, to shield her. She seems to have the same idea. Thats a first, a master moving to protect me. She calls out, wishing for the power to defeat this man. Im not sure what exactly she wants. Theres a lot of ways she could take him down. I sense a vauge hinting of a few powers that come to her mind first, and decide to act on those. I snap my fingers, my magic flooding through her. I give her strength, both to her body and her skin, making it impervious to harm. She seems to glow with a new energy, and strikes down the angry assilent, telling him the new order of things.

Its rather impressive, seeing her take such a commanding tone with the person who only moments before was threatening her. I walk over behind my master, looking down on both her and the man. The fire inside him burns brightly, even now I can see it in his eyes. Whatever is driving him, its giving him a strength he wouldnt otherwise have. Not enough to beat back what Ive given November, but enough to take notice.

[glow=red,2,300]"What shall we do with him now Master?"[/glow]

[N.P.C.]

NPC is Sledge

Little redhead number moves up between the blond and me, bringing up her hand like god damned Superman, an right in front of my eyes she deflects the bullets.

The fuck?

I start to get a bead on her, but she's allreayd on me, tearing away the gun from my grip like its nothing, the Red shit's strength not doing fuck all to stop her. I can't even react before her hand flashes out and sudenly its like someone hit me with a car.

I go fly back into the wall behind me, feeling the brick crumble under my weight, my entire body screaming with pain and rage.

What the Fuck? M said this shit would be easy...Not that I'd be fighting She-Hulk's mick girlfriend. Sure as fuck not supposed to be this god damned fucking hard.

When she tells me to bring the word to my boss I feel the blood drain from my face. M ain't the kind you want to report failure too. I've seen him Burn a fucker for screwing up a job. But I ain't got what it takes to take this bitch on single handed either. Not without some more of that Red shit...or some friends.

So instead of arguin, I split, makin off down the alley like a rabbit, running hard against the pain in my body, making a beeline for where M said to meet him. Old bastard likes to watch his action. Rented apartment in the neighorhood just to watch the fun unfold. I take the steps two at a time, reaching his floor and his apartment in a flash, pounding on his door when I reach it, glancin round anxiously incase either of the bitch brigade decided to follow me. He sure as fuck wouldn't like that.

"Hey boss, we got probs. Let me in!"

[November]

I can feel Sundance coming up behind me, watching the whole scene, asking me what we'll do with him now.

[glow=black,2,300]"I gave him his orders. Now it's time to let him do as I've said."[/glow]

And before I say another word, he's off like a jack rabbit.
Once he's out of earshot, I tell Sundance the real plan.

[glow=black,2,300]"I want you to follow him, see who sent him.
I'd like to know everything about what I just stepped into.
And Sundance, please be careful.
Go invisible, don't let them see you.
If there's any danger to you, I want you to come right back to me.
No matter what."[/glow]

She's always very eager to follow orders, and it makes me happy to have her help in this.
I just hope I've covered all issues to keep us both safe. And my job in tact.
Speaking of which. As Sundance takes care of her task, I need to have a talk with Dave, the owner of the bar.
What the hell has he gotten himself into, that would bring thugs attacking his employees?
I'm still tingling with the energy, the powers still in tact, and when I knock on the door to get back inside the bar, I put a hole in it.
But it gets me in, Dave's still cleaning up behind the bar.
He notices something's off the moment I walk in, and I give him a look.

[glow=black,2,300]"Dave, we need to talk."[/glow]

((OOC: probably best to let M post and then Sundance... so she gets to see the whole scene.))

[N.P.C.]

NPC is Sledge

I pound on the door for a full minute, screaming at the fucker to let me in, and then, when I'm just about to cut out on my own I hear the locks fuckin clickin open and the door openin, just a crack.

"What the fuck you so long Boss? We got some fuckin trouble. Motherfuckin superhero shit. Think I just met Wonder Woman's fuckin Irish cousin. Bitch put me into a fuckin Wall! Let me the fuck in!"
Stead of doing what I ask, all I get from M is that kinda fisheyed stare ya give a dog that just pissed the carpet. Guessin maybe he isn't fucking pleased.

"Yes Sledge, I observed your altercation with the young woman. I must say, I expect better of my employees than to be bested by a mere barwench..."
Okay, that ain't good. I kinda figured he'd be watchin the show, but it don't sound like he's fuckin pleased...and you really don't want to be the poor fucked that pisses this fucker off.

"Look boss, I couldn't help it! She's got fuckin superpowers! How the fuck you deal with something like that?"

Fucker closed the door in my face! No, thats fuckin Bad. Real fuckin bad...After that its quiet for a moment, and I half expect that he's going to kill me right fuckin there. Put a gun to the door and shoot me ta pieces. Jus that simple. Seen that kinda shit before...

Instead though, the door chain comes undone and the door opens again, wider this time.

Boss stands there, still not lookin happy. Dressed up in those old fashioned duds he prefers, like some kinda shit from the 19th century. Nothing old fashioned bout what he has in his hand though.

Some sorta injector thingy. Like a syringe built by fuckin Mr Fuckin Tastic or some fuckin thing.

Fuck, is he gonna kill me that way?

He doesn't explain shit, just pulling me close and pushing the syringe into my arm. Dosin me up with the shit inside. When its done he pushes me back into the hall, even as my head starts poundin like a fuckin jackhammer, and I feel this rage boilin out of me. What the fuck was that shit...What the fuck is happenin to me?

"You failed as a pawn, but you still might have a purpose to me. This serum to deal with the issue...Go back, find the woman. Kill her. Show them all how tough you can really be. Let nothing stand in your way. When this completes its transformation, even that meddling little djinn won't be able to stop you.."

I try to listen to what he's sayin, but everything starts goin sideways, my head poundin, all my bones starting to ache. I try to move down the hall but I stumble, pushing against the wall, lookin at the skin on my arm. Its turning gray, rough textured. Like sandpaper.

What the fuck is happenin to me?

I hear the door slam behind me, and I whirl around to face the blank door again, blinking at it, trying to focus past the red haze filling my eyes. Suddenly I can smell everything, the whole world open to me. I can smell that bitch Redhead...and her friend too.

She's here. Close by. I can smell it.

Doesn't matter. The master demanded I kill the redheaded bitch, and thats what I'm going to do. Going to fuck her up.

I don't bother with the stairs this time. Don't bother with shit. Runnin charge down the hall, and smash through the window. Droppin five stories like it ain't shit. Landing on my feet. Power radiates fuckin through me now. Soakin me. Changin me. I take a glance at myself at a window as I pass by...Look like some sorta fuckin manshark. Doesn't matter. I can smell the redheaded bitch. Gonna kill her ass dead.

Gonna kill every fuckin thing that stands in my way.

[Sundance]

November tells me that for the moment, we need to wait and see if the man followed on the instructions he’d been given. He seemed to be getting off really easily. He threatened my master, my November, and all he’s going to have to do to make up for it is deliver a message. Part of my bond compels me to protect my master, but that’s not the part that’s gotten me miffed. November is my friend after all. I want to object, at least suggesting we bring him to the police or something. But I sense a glimmer of some kind of plan turning around inside Novembers head, and I keep quite, knowing that she’s got everything covered.

As the hoodlum scampers off at a full sprint, November turns to me and provides instructions. I nod, listening. We’re not letting him get away, we’re letting him lead the way back to his boss. As it dawns on me the scope of the bigger picture, I nod, Impressed that she came up with something like that under pressure. I’m lucky my master is so clever. She even suggests staying invisible, her concern almost visable as it hangs on her words. I nod.

[glow=red,2,300]“I will be safe, don’t worry. You be safe to, ok?”[/glow]

I turn to go, feeling a momentary pang of concern. She’s still got the energy I passed into her, so she should be fine, even if there are more guys like the first one. Even so, I’d rather stick around to be sure. I forget about it as best I can, feeling the light as I work my magic, becoming unseen to any and all who happened to glance in my direction.

I have to push to catch up, flying above the ground, searching for the figure of November’s attacker. With the rains, there’s not to many people out, so I’m able to find his trail. Guess I should thank the Weather Man, just this once. He heads inside a building, and I have to dart down, trying to slip in behind him, only earning myself a bang on the head as the door slams shut. Almost makes my invisibility slip as I pause, rubbing my tender noggin. Door has a lock on it, and I try to force it, but to no luck. Taking a breath, I point a finger at the metal latch, and a few sparks pop out of the keyhole. The effort makes my head spin for a second. Using my magic without my masters permission is always straining.

That, or I’m still a little woozy from the impact a few seconds ago. One or the other.

Inside, I have to scout around for a bit to find the man, and when I do, he’s talking with someone in an apartment. I cant quite here everything, only catching some of it. I could move closer, since they cant see me at all…but somehow I dislike the idea. The guy he’s talking to…he scares me a little.

The two lean close, and I don’t see what happens next, but a moment later, the guy who’d shot at November clutches his head, groaning, gritting his teeth. Couldn’t be…did he smack his head on the door to?

That idea is disproven when his skin turns the color of ash, his body swelling with muscles. The look in his eyes is just as freighting as the feeling I got from the guy he’d been talking to. The hoodlum turns, momentarily looking straight at me, like he knew I was there. Makes me nervous. Then, he takes off, running. He makes it to the end of the hall, and decides that he’s having so much fun that its easier to just keep going, the wood paneling in the walls crunching as he rams his way though.

I follow, still going by instructions, when I notice something. See, no matter where they are, I always know where to find my master. I can feel where November is, just as I can feel where my left hand is even when I look at my right. And I can tell right now, he’s heading straight for her. But this time, I’m ready. He’s already tried to hurt My Master, My November, And I was almost to late to help. This time, I’m not going to just stand around either.

I reach out with my thoughts, since they can travel far faster than either myself or this brute could. Linking our minds over a distance is harder, but not so much that I cant do that and keep pace with Greyskin. I can’t cross the distance instantly, like I want to. Moving such a distance with magic is beyond my abilities unless commanded.

[glow=red,2,300]November! You need to get somewhere safe right now! The man, he went to see his master, and the man changed him. He’s become some kind of monster, and he’s going straight for you.[/glow]

Though I don’t say it, my desire to be at her side resonates though the link, and I am sure November knows the degree of my concern. My Master is clever enough to know what to do, I should just wait for her instructions.

This time, I’m not going to just stand around waiting though. This man has already tried to hurt my master once today, and I will Not let him try again.

My bond compels me to protect my friend