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2006-11-26
| Dreams |
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Retired
| Reality Fault |
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I Would Be the One To Hold You Down
The sphinx is bright and golden: from her thick, shining tail tuft to her alert, slitted cat's eyes. A cascade of rippling curls tumbles about her shoulders and there's a good-natured twist to her golden lips. Even her onyx claws and ivory fangs are lustrous with health, and her leonine body glows along the rippling muscles.
Jason can see one of the young people -- is it Sariel? -smiling as she scritches slowly down Phyx's back. The sphynx's lithe muscles contract in lazy pleasure, her eyes going half-closed and her claws flexing slowly. It's a little startling to watch those jet black daggers curving right next to Rafael's bare thigh... and yet he doesn't seem discomfited in the least. She glances at Jason and chuckles, then cheerfully purrs, "Watch out what you wish for, pretty boy!"
Jason finds himself flushing at being heard, rather dumbstruck by the creature's -- The Lady's -- majesty. She is as beautiful as Diana, but in a far different way -- not sensual, but powerful. Once her attention is no longer on him, however, he leans to Mike. "This is a relief. I'd have been disappointed if the sphynx really had killed herself after merely being beaten by a riddle," he mutters quietly. "Always struck me as being far fetched."
Both new supernatural women give Jason amused glances, and Phyx actually gives a snort of laughter. Diana seems a bit... taken aback. She murmurs after a moment, "Um, yes. And, ah, this is Mike, and this is Jason."
Jason clears his throat, self-conscious. "We've met... sort of. Lady," he murmurs, inclining his head.
Diana's hand is grasping Jason's tightly, but she has a polite smile on her face. Kira is sitting back relaxedly in her chair, legs crossed, and seems completely at ease... although now Jason looks, he can see hints of gold in her eyes again. The sphynx seems to practically exude both tightly reined-in strength and good humor as she chuckles quietly, "So we have... Jason." She nods approvingly to Diana, "Very well behaved pets you have. Admittedly, the younger one panicked a little... but I'm guessing he's not that used to supernaturals? I was surprised to realize they're both Seers of our kind." Mike is not meeting the sphynx's eyes, so she instead grins at Jason again, licking her lips before she curiously asks, "So how'd you find them?"
Diana says a little tightly, "They... are present, and can speak for themselves, you know." The werewolf raises an eyebrow, but the sphynx laughs again, her fangs flashing for a moment as she tosses her head. Her gleaming eyes are wide-pupiled with interest as she cheerfully says, "All right! We'll pick on the younger one, shall we?" She grins at Jason, repeating, "How'd you get selected, child?"
Jason tilts his head, surprised at her knowledge of this fact... and wondering how she can tell. At her query he scratches his throat, feeling unusually demure before those intent eyes. "I suppose... because I fought my fear and returned. Diana was a mystery I desired to solve. In time curiosity and interest became love," he replies finally, laying it out simply.
Phyx chuckles again, and purrs amusedly, "Well now, I'm guessing you've just started on the solving." She glances at Diana, her head tilting to one side like a fascinated cat, then cheerfully adds, "For all three of you, I'm guessing! So, what're you lot doing in our fair city?"
Jason takes Diana's hand, squeezing it. "She goes on walkabout, Lady. Seeking her origins... the portal that expelled all supernaturals," he replies easily, seeing no reason not to be honest about their goals.
Phyx and Kira exchange interested glances, then look back at Jason. Phyx nods, "Well, you'll find soon enough there aren't many of us, but most of us are both clannish, and territorial -- terrible combination, I'm afraid!" She shakes her head, exchanging another amused glance with Kira, then continues, "And of course, whatever effect one of us has on our food source will ripple through and affect all of us eventually. So, to cut right to the chase, Kira and I own Las Vegas, and that's not open for negotiation. Also, we're of the faction which believes caring for your herd means they aren't terrified and trying to kill you... and we'll actively enforce that if necessary." Her voice is hard, and her eyes as sharp as chips of topaz as she growls that last bit.
Phyx flicks her tail tip back and forth a few times, making Rafael giggle as it tickles his side, then adds to Diana, "It looks like you're firmly in that camp also, from the look and behavior of your pets. You want a female or two, so you can start breeding too?"
Jason was in the middle of bringing a glass of water to his lips, to sooth his throat, and so splutters the liquid comically at her query. Everyone in the room looks at Jason at that, with expressions ranging from amusement to puzzlement to absolute expressionlessness. Jason coughs and wipes at his face. "Sorry, sorry, uhm..." He looks hopefully at Diana to rescue him from his gaffe by answering.
Diana's looking a bit tense actually, sitting very, very straight and locking her gaze with Kira. Mike leans a bit and smiles at Jason, "Went down the wrong way?"
Jason smiles wryly. "Taken aback by the question," he admits quietly even as he focuses on Diana. "Is there something wrong?"
The sphynx laughs softly, watching, "Wrong? No, no... about par for the course, really." Her gaze returns to Jason and she adds, "They'll be busy for a bit. Did you have a question?"
Jason is clearly confused. "Well... sort of..." he mutters, looking between Kira and Diana. "Is there something going on here? Wait... this isn't because I kissed Kira, is it?" he queries, confusion becoming concern.
Phyx runs her tongue gently across Rafael's cheek, then purrs, "Run along now, sweet, and be ready for Kira." Rafael smiles and slides out of her arms to stand up, then moves to kneel next to Kira's chair, a goblet in his hand. He's careful to never block Kira's line of sight, however. Phyx leans her heavy-maned head on her crossed arms and smiles at Jason, her eyes mischievous as she purrs, "Would you like to know, child? I'm happy to tell you, if you'll return the favor in kind... ?"
Mike looks perplexed... then emulates Rafael, picking up a goblet of something to drink and watching Diana, although he still looks a bit puzzled. Jason tilts his head, focusing on Phyx in return, leaning over, elbows on his knees, fingers interlaced. "Knowledge for knowledge, you mean?" he guesses evenly, arching an eyebrow. "Or is it something else you want? I'm afraid I'm ill prepared in the riddle department..."
The corners of the sphynx's lips turn up again, and she purrs, "Smart child..."
Jason nods. "I have my moments, Lady. But yes... I would know why it is that they stare at each other so," he replies. "Name your price."
Kira still looks quite relaxed, hands resting gracefully on her lap, although Jason can now clearly tell her pupils are turning that same bright gold as before. Disconcertingly, that deliciously musky scent is starting to be noticeable... Mike is looking a bit frazzled, one hand closed tightly on the arm of the wicker sofa, and his knuckles white on the slender stem of the goblet. Nearer to Kira, Rafael sighs softly, his eyes closing as he languidly leans his head against the arm of Kira's chair.
Diana, however, is still sitting rigidly, her unwinking stare -- almost more of a glare, actually -- fixed on the other woman. Neither of them seem at all aware of what's going on around them... or perhaps it's just they don't care.
At Jason's reply, however, the sphynx sits up abruptly, a delighted look on her face, and beams at Jason, then ponders for a moment, slowly licking her lips. Finally she holds up one paw-hand, three fingers raised, "I would have... three games of you, new pet of a new supernatural." She lightly hops down, pacing towards Jason without moving between the two staring women, an almost lecturing note entering her voice as she waves one paw-hand towards Kira, "So, to answer your question, they're establishing dominance. Come... I want to go play."
Jason's brow knits at the way she licks her lips, a little less self-assured. But he does not back down, even though he wonders how this one feeds herself. He hopes it is on knowledge she lives... that would be far more acceptable. He stands as she does, and circles around the couch to join the feline Lady quietly but unflinchingly. Another mystery to solve.
The sphynx casually tilts her head and, with a quick, sharp gesture, uses her teeth to snap off a flower from one of the potted plants placed in the room. She carries it over to where Mike sits, rearing up to place her front paws on the arm of the sofa and stare interestedly down at Mike. Then she drops the flower in his lap and purrs, "Breath that, child... you do not want to interrupt a test like this, even if it is not your fault."
Jason nods reassuringly to Mike. "It's okay."
Mike is sweating with the effort of self-control -- he just nods once tightly, and practically shoves his face into the flower. The sphynx smiles, then drops back to all fours and paces towards the door, rubbing the length of her body lazily along Jason as she passes him -- which almost knocks him over. She chuckles, "Come, pet... they won't miss you, and it will be a while before they're both suitable for polite company." She heads for the door, not looking back. At the door she waits, expectantly bright-eyed and sitting with her tail neatly wrapped around her feet.
Jason has to tense up not to be knocked over by the sphynx's rubbing, smiling at her back at how feline she would seem to be, and wondering (not for the first time) how these creatures came into being. If they were mere mental creations, it seems to him that the fearful, superstitious people during the old days of man would not have thought to make them truly as akin to a feline, but only the predator that the big cats were. He follows, wondering what challenge awaits him. "Three games, you say?"
The sphynx smiles again, then nods, "Yes, you're mine of your own free will for three games. Open the door, child." Jason blinks, then takes hold of the handle, wondering suddenly if he will find something immediately beyond that is not the hallway...
Phyx paces gracefully out as the door opens. The hallway beyond is blessedly normal looking, elegant and comfortable as might be expected in a quality hotel, and leading into a foyer with two elevator doors. She glances over her shoulder at Jason as she heads for the foyer, adding cheerfully, "Don't keep me waiting, child! Call the elevator with the sphinx on it."
Also standing in the hallway are a number of the black suited people, all of whom keep an alert eye on Jason, in his white robe, and nod respectfully to the sphynx as she paces silently past them. Jason can see the same mark on them as on the individual downstairs whom Diana mentally clobbered. One of the elevators has brushed steel doors... the other has a gracefully stylized, almost Grecian looking sphynx etched onto it.
Jason moves a little faster to catch up with the elegant sphynx, his finger stabbing at the button. And then he cannot hold it inside any longer. "Lady... do you remember anything from before? Of the place you came from?" he asks in a rush... if anyone knows, surely she would.
As the doors open she gives Jason an amused glance, then paces into the elevator and turns, settling into another relaxed sitting pose. Jason lowers his head, abashed. Now is not the time to ask, he guesses. He follows her inside. The elevator doors close silently, and as it rises she murmurs, "I will tell you, although I will take one more game for the answer." She sighs softly, not looking at him as she adds, "No one does, child. No one does. Just a gray fog... and a sense of loss, of something missing... a sense of incompleteness."
Jason nods quietly. "Some day you might return there. Or you will at least know why you were cast out," he offers. "It is these answers we seek."
There's a slight hiss in her voice as the sphynx answers, "We were not... cast out!" The elevator doors slide open smoothly. Jason is about to apologize for his words, definitely not wanting to rile Phyx... and then feels humid air wash over him, which he raises his arms protectively against... but lowers them when he sees the foliage and mighty trees of a rainforest beyond, many noises of insects and fauna echoing through the underbrush... the sphynx stalks out, growling, "Leave the robe in the elevator," and disappearing into the underbrush.
Jason hesitates a moment, then quickly unbelts and leaves his garment behind, though he steps after Phyx hesitantly, uncertain about walking unprotected in this sudden alien realm. Wondering if it is truly a jungle, and Phyx has the power to teleport... or if they are venturing into some sort of quasi realm, like he has seen in his dreams.
The elevator doors slide smoothly closed, and... that's it. No chime, no nothing... just a brushed steel box with condensation streaks down the sides. The jungle seems startlingly real, yet... where would it fit on top of a multi-story building? Huge trees allow only shadowed shafts of sunlight to illuminate the jungle floor, while gloriously brilliant peeper frogs and orchids bejewel their trunks. The air is moist and rich, scented by both flowers and dirt, a warm touch against his bare skin. The dirt under his bare feet is warm and damp, almost sensuous between his toes. The underbrush is surprisingly thick, bushes quivering from the passage of unknown entities.
Jason looks around for only a moment before hotfooting after Phyx, not wanting to lose her... or keep her waiting. His confusion is less important than not irritating her further. It's not easy -- she seems to have practically melted into the jungle itself -- but he sees a large clawed paw print here, a slowly waving branch there that hints of her passing... once all he can find is a low chuckle. Jason does not let up, and does not call out in frustration... for all he knows, the game has already begun. So, he plays.
It's hard work trying to keep up with the agile sphynx, and after a while Jason is panting and sweating. Still, he's pretty sure she's close, even if he's hopelessly lost within the jungle itself. And then, just as he's worried he's finally lost her... he breaks through some leafy branches, and comes on a stream. Lovely cool running water! And on the far side, illuminated by a glowing patch of sunlight and shining warmly golden, is the sphynx herself. She's neatly crouched on the mossy stream bank and having a drink, and she lifts her head to regard Jason with narrow-slitted topaz eyes, a faint smile on her amber lips. "Well played, pet. Have a drink."
Jason smiles ruefully at Phyx, and is glad for all that hiking he did with Mike... he's out of breath, but at least he's not dying from a stitch in his side. But he is drenched in moisture, and has no idea how much of that comes from the underbrush he has been slogging through, and how much is the sweat built up from exertion and heat. "Thank you, Lady," he gasps, unabashedly crouching and drinking right from the stream. Once he's fed his parched lips, he dunks his head into the water and then removes it, shaking like a dog.
The sphynx has her tail neatly tucked around her front feet, still crouched and silently watching Jason. Her gaze is curiously intent, and occasionally she licks her lips. Jason sits up, looking back at her. "Lady, it was not my intent to offend. Merely reassure," he murmurs wiping the moisture from his face and hair.
She's utterly silent, watching with huge cat eyes and looking very much like a statue. However, once Jason's done rinsing off she smiles again, sitting up. "What game shall we play next? Hm... something mutually pleasurable, I think." She turns and paces along the stream, her tail flicking back and forth slowly behind her, looking oddly reminiscent of Diana's black-tufted tail when she's excited.
Jason is not surprised, and finds himself reminded of Beatrice... they are much alike, these two. It makes him interested that he feels so much less uncomfortable around Diana... is it because she is part human? Or perhaps just because Diana is less hardened against humans. He follows wordlessly, stripping sweat and water from his body with an open hand.
The sphynx paces around a bend and to a small, sunlit open area that's surrounded by the huge old trees. There's a small wooden gazebo of some sort there next to the little chuckling stream, supporting a climbing, flowering plant that sheds petals and sweet scent on the colorful mosaic floor. Cushions are strewn around a low stone pedestal, already set up with a chess game. The sphynx settles relaxedly on the cushions, purring as she murmurs, "You will play white. Begin."
Jason's eyes alight. "Well, now," he murmurs. His father taught him to play chess at an early age... it's been a long time since he played, but he still remembers the game well. He too kneels on the cushions, and begins to deploy his pieces.
The game comes back to Jason easily. While he's no tactician, he has played enough that he defeats many of Phyx's overconfident early gambits... countering first her thrust with king's bishop, and then her attempt to fork a rook and his queen. Phyx becomes more cautious then, probing Jason's laid out defenses for weaknesses, as Jason himself does the same for her. He tends towards defensive posture, forcing his opponent to move until they leave themselves open. It takes some time, but then he sees it... a flash of insight comes to him, the game playing out in his mind. It's seven moves away, and involves critical sacrifice of some of his most powerful pieces, including his queen... but it is this very sacrifice that allows him to sneak a pawn to the opposing final rank, at which point it becomes a queen... and traps the sphynx's king in check and mate.
The sphynx had been playing with an ever-increasing smile, obviously enjoying Jason's skill at the game, but at his quiet announcement of, "Checkmate," her eyes widen in shock -- and a split second later she's bounced up to her feet, still staring down at the chess table. She raises her head to look at Jason seated across from her, and her voice is half-incredulous, half-laughing, and something disturbingly... else, "You... won! You actually... beat me!" Her tail is lashing rhythmically back and forth as she looks down at the board -- then, with a low growl and a quick swipe of one powerful, clawed paw, she scatters the little jeweled pieces.
The sphynx glares back at Jason, her golden eyes wide and staring, her teeth bared in a silent grimace that's not quite a smile... then she suddenly crouches slightly as if to pounce, and snarls, "Run."
Jason is starting to smile at her response, but then she swipes at the table like an angry child, and he catches himself to prevent stumbling back. Staring into that deadly gaze, he feels a chill down his spine... the prey before the predator. He's scrambling even as she says it, sudden fear lending him wings as he practically leaps himself into the brush, hoping to lose himself there.
Blood pounds in Jason's ears, barely able to think... fleeing desperately for several seconds. This is what he would have pictured when Oedipus supposedly bested the legendary sphynx... anger, retaliation. But he is no Greek hero, could not stand up to her, and so he flees. Air burning in his lungs as he plays the part of prey to the hilt, seeking sanctuary, ears alert for the sounds of his pursuer. The sphynx is easily audible behind him -- her angry roaring and the occasional sound of things breaking is simply spine chilling. More frightening, in a more visceral way, is the sudden cessation of the roaring... followed by the low, coughing grunt of a hunting lion.
It is only after a double handful of seconds as he dashes this way and that, that Jason realizes somehow Phyx has gotten ahead of him. He skids to a stop and turns the other direction. While he is still fearful, he's thinking tactically now... cats chase by hearing and scent. The stream could put her off, though he runs the risk of going into the open by doing so. He tries to double back then, avoiding large clumps of foliage, to make less noise by doing so.
Jason quickly realizes he was a bit too haphazard in flight, as he finds himself lost in the jungle, unable to triangulate the location of the stream. But when he stops at one point he realizes he can hear Phyx nowhere near. He exhales in a sigh, as his sides were starting to hurt, and takes his time then, resting his aching body as he tries to keep his ears perked for running water... she may be off his trail, but he wants to keep her that way.
It's because he's so attentive that he suddenly realizes the sphynx's grunting is in front of him again! Cursing under his breath, he starts to retreat... and then gets an idea. Picking up a clump of moist dirt, he starts to smear it over him as he moves carefully through the foliage. Focusing on his armpits and genitals, he scrubs them with mud as he moves, not directly forward nor directly back, but trying to circle around the sphynx, using guile instead of speed. Even as he does this, he tries to remind himself... he's not destined to die here. He will survive, one way or the other.
Jason finally emerges from the undergrowth, and breathes a sight of relief as the stream glistens before him. He moves into the running water, hissing at the cold, and wades through it, following the stream for several minutes before emerging on the other side and seeking a hiding place as he picks up mud from the bottom of the stream, painting his naked body with it like he saw once in a movie.
It is as he's wiping himself down one last time that he looks up and sees her, almost accidentally. The big branch curls out over the stream, and she paces silently out on it less than 20 feet away from him. She's staring down at the water as she walks, her tail twitching excitedly. Jason crouches, trying to present less of a visual target, and crab-walks slowly towards the cover of foliage on the other side... The sphynx's head suddenly snaps around at the movement, and Jason has time to see her eyes light up -- before she leaps. It's so fast, and yet there's a moment where she almost appears to float off the branch at him, huge paws outstretched and jaws agape in a delighted roar... and then reality returns, as she slams into him!
Jason gasps, the wind knocked out of him. "... uhhh... checkmate..." he groans.
Phyx laughs delightedly, pressing him down with her heavy lion's body, then rubs sensuously against him, a purr throbbing through her as she gently closes her teeth on his throat. Jason doesn't resist, even submissively presenting his throat when she leans down. "You had the advantage in this... there was no way I'd beat a hunter like you. Hope I made the chase interesting, though," he whispers, weighted down by Phyx's mass.
The sphynx stretches out relaxedly across Jason, pinning him quite thoroughly. It makes it a little hard to breath, but if he does so slowly and controlledly he can get enough air. Also, she seems in a far, far better mood now. She raises her head and smiles down at Jason, crossing one front paw over the other, purring lazily, "Mmmhmmm. You're a lovely, luscious pet, and I had a wonderful time! Such a shame you're already marked." She rests her chin on her front paws, still watching Jason with a curious half-smile on her amber lips, "Are you happy with her?"
Jason wonders if Phyx comprehends that he's a succulent. He suspects she might be feeding from him even now. "With both of them, Lady, more than I can express," he whispers. "We are more than just her pets. I have seen that we will have children of our own... that we will be a family."
She sighs regretfully, although she's still smiling as she gently rubs her chin along Jason's cheek, "Ah, what a shame... still, if she ever tires of you, come back here and we will play chess again, yes? I promise I will never set you up for a hunt like that again." She rises, standing over Jason and tilting her head to regard him for a moment longer, absently licking her lips... then she murmurs half under her breath, "Maybe just a sip more..." She lays one front paw across his chest again, leaning down to gently close her jaws on his throat again, purring low in her chest.
Jason is interested... this reveals much. But he does not resist, instead closing his eyes and concentrating on how it feels, that he might learn something from the experience. He is not worried about her feeding... not yet. It is such an unusual experience, very different from how it feels with Diana. It is as though she had cracked open a honeycomb, and licked out some of the honey inside... and he was that honey, being gathered slowly and appreciatively by her tongue.
A slow moment later she rises again, her eyes half-closed and a small smile on her lips, "Mmm... aren't you sweet?" She sighs, then does a quick licking wash across her paw, standing over Jason. Then she steps sideways so he can sit up if he wishes, and purrs, "Come... we'll get you cleaned up, and see how your owner's doing. I take it you're preternatural yourself, if you're an oracle?"
He does sit up, then, woozy. "I don't know. Lilith came to me, though... she said I had to choose, and for Diana's sake, I chose her. Me and Mike both. We don't yet understand what that means. I feel the same as I did. And you, and others like you still see me as human."
Phyx leans down to study Jason's face, her large golden eyes thoughtful. She murmurs softly, "Jason, pet... still with me?"
Jason smiles wide. "I'm fine... I think it's just an after effect from your feeding. Or maybe it's the heat..." he murmurs, shivering a little... he likes the feel of Phyx's fur on his bare flesh. It wouldn't be a bad thing, he supposes, to serve Phyx. But he doubts he'd ever leave Diana.
Phyx looks unconvinced, but simply says, "Let's go, then. Lean on me... I want to feel your hand on my shoulders."
Jason blinks bemusedly, but does so, in fact needing her help to pull himself upright. "Soft," he murmurs to himself, though resisting the impulse to treat her like a normal cat. It might be considered rude or patronizing. "Lady... do you think maybe that you escaped? From imprisonment?" he queries.
Phyx glances over her shoulder at Jason as she paces along, the heavy bones and muscles in her powerful shoulders shifting under his hand as she walks, "Imprisonment? Not here. And we don't remember past the gate." Her voice gets a shadow of a grin in it as she adds, "So many questions! Here I was going to keep the last remaining game for later, so you'll come back some day... but you've just given me another!" She chuckles softly, adding, "Maybe I'll exact payment later... maybe I'll just save them both."
"There will be an opportunity, Lady. It may be that we all may have to leave the land of men," he tells her somberly.
Phyx leads Jason out into the tiny clear area just before the elevator doors, and sits before the doors. "Will there, then? Hm... you tempt me sorely, child." She's still smiling.
"With the desire to ask questions? I would happily tell you what I know. We are all in this together," he replies, fingers stroking over the fur on her shoulder. He smiles at her. "Or maybe you just want me to ask more questions of my own, to give you an excuse for more games."
Phyx laughs softly, tilting her head to glance sideways through her golden mane at Jason... but all she says is, "Press the button to call our lift, child. Perhaps I'll tell you more in the baths... if you please me." Her voice is teasing.
Jason presses the button. "Hedonist," he mock-accuses, eyes warm. And then his smile fades. "Have you had to face the night hound, yet?"
Phyx laughs, tossing her head to shake her mane out of her eyes, "But of course, child! Supernaturals are all about indulging the senses -- how else might we feed on you?" She rises as the doors slide silently open, pacing into the empty box with Jason next to her, turning slowly enough that she can keep him at her side, then sitting neatly again. The doors slide closed, and Jason can feel the elevator slowly, almost imperceptibly falling. She's silent a moment, then says slowly, "If by night hound you mean the Fenrir, then... no. Kira and I have woven our strengths together, and it is not a fool."
Jason ahs! "The Norse Hound. That would explain much," he mutters to himself. "You may not have to guard against it further. We gave it something to think about when we stopped it from killing Diana. I think it did not comprehend the idea of a supernatural's meat and drink coming to its defense."
Phyx gives Jason a surprised look as the elevator slows, then grins at him again, her fangs showing, "Well, aren't you just full of surprises!" She paces out into what looks by all accounts to be either a Grecian public bath, or a close approximation thereof. Several of the pretty folk come into the marble-tiled room, which smells of steam and something gently flowery. They look a bit startled at Jason's mud-daubed form, but brighten and greet Phyx with waves and smiles, and she calls cheerfully, "Hello, kids! We're just going to clean Jason here up a bit, all right?"
Jason laughs ruefully as he stands naked and mud covered in front of a crowd. "It's been one surprise after another since I met Diana, Lady... had to roll with the punches," he tells her, squirming in place, one hand still on her shoulder. Phyx chuckles quietly, and a moment later Jason is whisked away for a shower to get the worst of the mud off.
To say that Jason has gotten more comfortable with his own body, and the bodies of others, would be honest. But there is a surplus of nakedness around him now, including his own -- hands touching, scrubbing off caked mud, and the fact that his body responds to it in a predictable fashion is a little embarrassing. Not to mention that Phyx watches it all, in that way that cats watch something that fascinates them. He checks a couple times to make sure he's not in something that resembles a birdbath.
The young people are cheerful, chatty, and understanding -- no one teases him or does anything untoward. Once they're done, Phyx tilts her head in a beckoning gesture, "Come, child. We'll have a lovely warm soak next, and some tea while we chat a bit." Soon thereafter they're both ensconced in a tiny little hot tub, bubbles rising gently from below. Phyx is stretched out on a low shelf, only her head above water, and Jason is seated next to her on another more human-friendly shelf. The young people leave them platters with tea and scones, towels, various unguents, and other odds and ends... then left.
After neatly sipping some tea from the large bowl she balances in her front paws, Phyx relaxes, eyes half closed as she purrs softly. "Mmm, what did I not answer yet... the Fenrir is actually a wolf-based supernatural, not a hound, which always made me wonder... shouldn't he be as social as most of the rest of us?"
Jason purses his lips. "Things are not always so simple, Lady. While I have no evidence of this, there is a suggestion that he was tormented at one point -- an act which turned him against other supernaturals. Also, from what I remember about tales of Fenrir, he was considered a destroyer and bane to the gods... one who would bring about the end of the world. If the great creatures of myth are anything like the tales told of them, it would certainly seem to put him in a place not to be well disposed to others like us."
She nods thoughtfully, then muses, "Well, perhaps an act of kindness such as yours will start him on the path to civilization." She's silent a moment, her huge golden eyes regarding him, before she says slowly, "You've been a very entertaining, good pet today. Do you know what the word succulent means?"
Jason nods unflinchingly. "It means you probably had a good meal today, Lady," he murmurs, the corners of his mouth tilting up.
The sphynx laughs, tossing her head again, and water arcs off the ends of her mane. She grins at him in great good humor, her eyes sparkling, "Aren't you delicious?" She chuckles, nodding towards the bottles, and her voice is teasing, "There... use the contents of the swirly colored one on my fur. Perhaps you'll be clumsy, and my temptation to take you for my own will subside."
Jason chuckles in response. "You won't do that," he murmurs in an amused and self-assured tone, taking the bottle and drizzling it onto his hands, unhesitatingly working it into the sphynx's fur. "I think you want to know what we'll find out. And we're going to find out. But I also know because I have seen the great drake, carrying an airship of supernaturals to safety. I have held my daughter, born of Diana, in my arms, and felt her love. I am a Seer, and I will happily be your Seer, and the Seer of all kindly supernaturals. But till the day I die I will always be Diana's first and foremost. And I think you know that, too." His hand massages Phyx's neck. "I'll be happy to play games with you, though."
Phyx is stretching out relaxedly, purring and enjoying the sensations of being groomed, but at Jason's comment about his vision her head whips around again, "Wait, what?! What was that?"
Jason blinks. "Which part? I covered a lot..."
Phyx says slowly, "The part about... no, all of it. Did you say you successfully bred with her in your vision? And... what was that about a drake?"
Jason sits back. "A dragon. An actual dragon was pulling a flying ship, with a satyr at the helm. I dreamt it. I stood with Diana and Mike and our children, a boy and a girl. We flew through a terrible storm to safety," he explains more slowly.
Phyx's eyes are huge, the golden pupils dilated as she stares almost wistfully at Jason, "Children..." Then she sighs, turning her head away and shaking it, "How can you be sure it wasn't just a dream, child?"
Jason smiles. "I don't. But I've had dreams like it before that have come true. And I already know it's possible. Diana is not a pure supernatural. She is the offspring herself of a succubus and a son of Adam."
Phyx's head jerks around again at that, and she reaches out, looping a paw-hand around his shoulders to pull him almost face to face with her. For a long moment Jason can see the pupils of her eyes narrowing slowly as she studies him intently... very much as if she's... measuring something. Jason stares back unflinchingly, absolutely sure of himself. "I have no reason to lie. What would I have to gain from it?" he queries after a moment.
Phyx slowly smiles, although it's not one of her warmly teasing ones, "I believe you, pet. I was just wondering... about being bad." She abruptly releases him, turning her head away, and growls softly, "But... if we do not follow even our own laws, how can we ask others to do so?" She sighs, then rests her chin on the pool's edge and mumbles absently, "Continue with the grooming."
Jason tsks, and gets more liquid to work into Phyx's fur. "You do not need me, Lady. You have many pets for whom the sun rises and sets in your eyes. I am just an exciting new toy, a bit of shiny fluff that has caught your attention. You are content here, and will be so long after I am gone," he assures her.
Phyx chuckles quietly, "True. Maybe your lady will let me breed you to some of my pets, though. I'd like to get your genetics into the city."
Jason coughs! "Well... perhaps," he chuckles after a minute. "Neither I nor Mike know if our gifts come from our ancestry or something else. To our knowledge, none of our parents or our parents' parents had the power of Sight. It is yet a mystery with no answer."
Phyx perks up a bit, glancing over her shoulder at Jason, "Ah, good -- it's always easier with a willing pet." She grins, adding, "Even if your gifts aren't genetic, you're both clever and quick-witted -- and I love that in my pets! I've been breeding smarter pets for several generations now, and it's always wise to cross in new clever people when possible." She thinks, then cheerfully adds, "I'll grant you a game well-played for that exchange! Some of the girls will come to you after we're done here."
Jason blinks. "Well, I mean... I wouldn't mind for myself... but I really should make sure it is well with Diana. The last time I touched a girl that wasn't her, well... people got hurt," he replies, flushed.
Phyx tilts her head curiously at Jason, "What happened? She is vengeful?"
Jason tilts his head. "I don't know exactly. She's never acted that way before. It may have been because Kira was -- is -- a supernatural. She was very possessive, violently so. Kira touched my mark, and it caused a reaction... filled me with need. She was leaning towards me, and I kissed her... and when I did I felt Diana in my mind growling, 'mine, mine, mine.'"
Phyx smiles, "Ah, Kira. Yes, that was a mistake on our parts -- we'd not realized what an interesting and unique relationship she has with you two -- moreso now than even we thought then!" Her voice gets a sort of teacher-like, lecturing tone, "From the perspective of a supernatural, by drawing you to her like that, Kira was attacking Diana's property rights. Were I to do something similar -- pull on your mark, or force myself on you -- Diana would quite rightly be furious... although I doubt she'd try attacking me like she and Kira are doing right now."
She looks thoughtful, "Now that I think about it, she might wish to be angry about my using you like this too... but it was your free will to come with me, and everything I've taken from you, you gave freely." She grins, her teeth bright, "Tasty, too!"
Jason shakes his head. "She will be well with it," he assures, flushing at the look she gives him. "I have already fed another supernatural besides her, with her blessing. But I think you should let me speak to her to let her know what has transpired. To suddenly find it out might be more inflammatory than my telling her." He chuckles and looks away. "And also, with the, ah... stud service."
Phyx... giggles! There's no other word for it, although it's a very strange sound coming from the big leonine body. She grins then, reaching out and pulling Jason's head close to hers again, "Ooh, aren't you a lovely morsel, then? It's a damn good thing for her I follow the rules." She releases him then, leaning back a bit and smiling, "Take your time, pet... I'd rather your lady be an ally, so I can play with you some more. Don't assume, though, that everyone's going to be as law-abiding as we are here, you understand?"
Jason shakes his head. "I feared worse when I first came here, Lady. I have been prepared for the idea that another might try to steal me since Diana's mother told me of my value to supernaturals. I have no illusions," he assures her softly. And then he smiles impishly. "And your fur is warm and soft, Phyx. I surely wouldn't mind helping with the grooming," he adds, eyes twinkling. "She might not either." He leans in confidentially, "She likes the furry ones."
Phyx laughs delightedly again, one paw flipping lightly through the water to splash Jason. "We will play then, sweet succulent, and then I'm going to cuddle you close and feed you and drink everything you give me. Tomorrow morning the girls should have their pecking order settled and be through with the kids, so we can get rational conversation from them."
Jason tilts his head. "I'm sorry... 'pecking order'?" he queries dubiously.
Phyx tilts her head at Jason, still smiling, "Surely that phrase is still in use... they're establishing who's dominant?"
Jason shakes his head. "No, no, I understand the term... I guess I just don't understand why it would be pertinent in this case?"
The sphynx gives Jason a puzzled smile, "Your lady's moved into Kira's turf. Kira pulled on one of her pets. She harmed one of Kira's. They're clearing the air between them -- so they know how to behave around each other. Couldn't you tell I was the alpha between Kira and I and your lady?" She flicks her tail in the water a bit, cheerfully adding, "More scrubbing!"
Jason ahs, the light in his eyes no longer from the hole in the back of his head, now that all is clear. "I'm not always so bright, Lady," he apologizes. "Allow me to make it up to you," he agrees, scrubbing away.
She laughs at that -- a low, purring sound -- and rumbles, "I shall indeed..."