| Logs |
2009-03-29
| Dreams |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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The Lonely Man
Jason is quiet for several seconds, his mind seeming to work a mile a minute. But it doesn't travel in a straight line, rather zigzagging all over the place. He remembers the way Phyx was, questioning his need to consult with Diana when she offered him her proposal. He remembers the way Diana was, anguished over her submission to Kira, worried she wouldn't be able to protect her pets -- and about what Phyx had said, about him being important to what she foresaw. Most of all he remembers the vision quest he went on, and the scenes he was a part of, none of them literal, but all of them important.
Ratel and Nilgai both are watching Jason with interest -- Nilgai calmly sipping her tea and Ratel fascinatedly chewing a mile a minute on another pear. Kira sits silently, also clearly observing Jason, although she gives the oddest impression of 'looking' with more than her eyes. He finally speaks, "I want to do whatever I can. It's clear that this is important. All of it. But I have to admit... I am concerned about the idea of leaving Diana and Mike." Kira nods silently, making a 'go on' gesture.
Jason smiles wryly. "I mean... for one thing, I'm important to her. Anyone can feed her. But I worry about what extended absence may do to her... psychologically." Then he grimaces. "Maybe that's not a very good argument. Life is life. It happens, and separation is a part of that. I wouldn't be leaving because I want to -- I'd be leaving because there are larger issues at stake. That said... she is my protection against other supernaturals. As Phyx rightly pointed out... you and she are unusual in treatment of mortals. I'm food. Very...very tasty food."
Kira nods silently again, her expression musing, "Excellent point. We should have to send you out with some form of bodyguard, I suppose -- it's hardly useful to send out a single scout and then consider him disposable, after all."
Jason leans towards Kira, squeezing his knees. "Not unless the agent is particularly capable, no. But that leads me to ask... why me? Is it because of Phyx's dream? Or is there something specific that you think only I would notice?"
Kira is silent a moment, then says slowly, "I cannot say if you are particularly capable, to be truthful -- I have not worked you out. But yes, the fact that the Lady dreamed, and you in particular were in it... well, that's quite significant. The Sphynx does not dream often, and when she does it is always wise to take careful note of her oracular visions." She considers a bit more, then abruptly rises, "Well. We will know more in a few more hours. Girls, have fun -- but have him presentable, please, in... let me see... let's make it four hours after noon. That should be about right, if previous seclusions are any indication." She nods courteously to Jason, "Be strong, child. Phyx has faith in you," and then heads swiftly out the door.
Jason would have said he did not think himself particularly capable. Being bluntly honest... he has good instincts. But he's untrained and untried -- and he has blundered. But left with Kira's assertion: that Phyx has faith in him... well, how can he respond to that? In fact, how can he not feel honored by that? Oddly enough, he suddenly feels like The Magician that was revealed to him in his dream quest.
Several hours later Jason has had something he didn't think was possible: enough sex already! Nilgai is always calm, graceful, and encouraging -- but Ratel, while sweet enough, appears to be insatiable. It's Nilgai who gently but firmly insists they will simply cuddle after a while, and who makes sure Jason is cleaned up, fed, and dressed at the right time. Jason expects the difference is that with Diana, he's always consumed by the elemental lust she inspires in him. He's done when she says he's done, and he only becomes 'Jason' again after that happens. But with the ladies there's a far more human element involved. He's himself the whole time, and not an ever-burning flame of need. It's different, and not in a bad way. Except that as frisky as Ratel is, his body can only withstand so much before crying 'hold, enough!' He'd like to kiss Nilgai for being sensitive to this, and in fact does. Ratel is exuberant... but come on!
As Nilgai helps him get ready, he does feel mildly irked by the fact that he must dress in this silly toga, while the ladies dress like normal people. But he supposes he understands: he's Phyx's pet, for the moment, and she expects a certain dress. When in Rome -- or Egypt -- or whatever. As he watches the women converse, he has a momentary realization: he doesn't love them. They are good people, and time spent with them was a joy...but there is no love there, just cheerful friendliness.
This assuages him somewhat. How he feels about Diana has not changed just because he was with someone outside of their triad. Yes, they will likely bear his children. But he doesn't feel any connection to that, or to them because of it. He's not sure why. Perhaps because the life they bear belongs more to them than they do him? Or maybe it's just a concept to him, right now. Not yet real. Or maybe... it's because he understands on some level that being a father is more than just planting the seed. The father is the one who raises them, who loves them. He's just a progenitor. The children in his dream: Shar and David. Those were his family, along with Di and Mike.
His thoughts finally wander on, though, and he finds himself tense in expectation of his meeting with Phyx, wondering what will be revealed, and what will be required of him. The two women escort Jason through hallways to another room. Nilgai's behavior doesn't change appreciably, but Ratel's is almost startling: from her exuberant gleefulness she shifts, when on duty, to an almost piercingly focused intensity. It's clear Kira's training has been good for her, and that she's good at what she does. Her gaze flicks back and forth as they walk, missing nothing, while Nilgai murmurs quietly on the headset, then announces their timing is excellent: the Lady will see them now. Jason is a little surprised by Ratel's ability to compartmentalize so... but on reflection, it makes sense. Kira would want to inspire a certain kind of behavior, of professionalism. He should remember that. There's a time for irreverence, and a time for professionalism.
Jason is escorted to a door where the three of them are greeted by Raphael. The two women hand Jason off to the pretty boy, then leave. Raphael smiles as he draws Jason on into a dim, quiet room, murmuring quietly, "Bet you'd like to see your mistress of dreams again, yes?" Sure enough, as they pass through some soft, sheer curtains, Jason can spot Mike and Diana reclining on some cushions, chatting quietly with Phyx and Kira. Jason is confused for a moment by Raph's presence, but when the boy explains, Jason's heart leaps. And when he sees Di -- sees them both -- his heart does a full gymnastics routine. The only reason he's not running to them is he's trying to remember about professionalism. Not that it matters -- they're here... they know how he feels even if his face wasn't like the sun coming up.
Raphael's feet are bare, like Jason's, and they're making no noise at all on the luxuriously thick carpet -- so it takes Phyx raising her head and nodding to the two pretties for Diana to glance over her shoulder and notice Jason. When she does, though, she makes a sound that seems almost a cross between a laugh and a sob, jumping to her feet and running to Jason. She flings her arms around him, nearly babbling questions: is he all right, has he been fed, did they hurt him, did he miss her, he's lost weight! Is he all right, what did they do to him... it's Mike, coming over and smiling a warm greeting to Jason, who gently touches Diana's arm, murmuring quietly, "Sweetheart, he can't answer if you don't stop smothering him in kisses, you know?" The half-succubus is still sounding like she can't make up her mind between laughter and tears as she hugs Jason tightly.
Jason feels an odd deja vu... like Mike is Nilgai and Diana is Ratel. He's working hard to keep up with Diana in between kisses. He's all right. Lots of food. No malicious injury. A lot. He lost weight? He feels himself... huh. Maybe he did. He still feels pudgy, but he supposes all that exercise had an effect. Still, body type is the same, which explains why he doesn't feel there's a change. Not to mention, he hasn't been wearing pants. He embraces Mike too when he comes within range, but focuses on calming and reassuring anxious, happy Diana. Instead of trying to explain with words, Jason just opens himself up to the link they share, and shows how he's been that way. Probably do a much better job, too, because they will know how he felt, rather than just listening to what he says.
Diana eventually realizes everyone else is silently watching their reunion, and she abruptly gets a bit self-conscious. She draws Jason to settle next to her on the cushions, leaning against him and occasionally stroking bare skin -- which causes an electrically lovely tingle! She and Mike both 'listen' attentively to Jason's information, and Diana calms down noticeably as she does so. When he's done, though, Diana glares unhappily at Kira, "What do you mean, send him out for information? Why are you trying to separate us? Are you trying to get him for yourself?!"
Kira sighs a touch tiredly, "No, of course not." She waves a hand towards Jason, "Ask him yourself if that would really break his feelings for you, silly." Diana gives Jason an anxious look, "You don't really want to leave, do you, lollipop?"
Jason looks apologetically at Kira. Trying to be open has lead to unintended consequences. "Want to, no. But -- and I think Phyx will make this far more clear -- enterprises of great pitch and movement are afoot. Er, to mix metaphor." He strokes Diana's cheek. "Something bad might happen, Diana, and if I don't help figure out what's going on, the safety of you and I and Mike -- along with a lot of other people -- may be in danger."
Diana's lower lip is quivering, but her tear-filled eyes are resolute. Huskily she whispers, "I... I d-don't understand, but... but I trust you." Mike gently hands her a handkerchief, and she wipes her eyes as Phyx murmurs, "Kira is unfortunately correct: we need more information." She sighs, rubbing her own eyes -- she and Diana both look surprisingly weary -- and adds, "It has to be someone astute and not suspicious looking... and not supernatural."
Jason ticks them off on his fingers: astute, yep. Not suspicious-looking... double-check. "Is it because a supernatural would be instantly detectable entering another's territory? Because... I mean, I'm mortal... but I'm also an unusual mortal. Can a succulent still fly under the radar?" Jason wonders at the weariness, as he looks between them, and sends a silent emotional query to Mike: is there something to worry about?
Kira and Phyx look at each other, then back at Jason. It's Phyx who answers, "We... think so. We detected Diana first, after all, not you. But," she holds up a clawed toe, "we're not sure we would have detected you if Diana hadn't been along."
Jason ahahs. "Yeah. I suspected as much. I think I have to actually be in the presence of folks like you before they get that I'm different." Mike gives Jason a faintly wry glance, his thought more feeling than words as he replies: Diana's been fretting a bit the last few days, and Phyx... he doesn't know, but he knows there was a huge tumult about this dream she supposedly had? Jason gives the emotional equivalent of a nod. It's enough to know that whatever's going on is not conflict between the two. Diana can be questioned later.
The various folks present nod at Jason's reply. Raphael moves near silently about, offering hot tea to everyone. Mike accepts, Diana shakes her head. Jason nods at Raph! He never refuses tea. Tea is liquid comfort. Jason gestures to Phyx. "We should probably let the meeting come to order? Phyx is the one that summoned us, after all."
Raphael grins and leaves a second cup next to Mike, at his quiet request -- they both know it's there for Diana if she changes her mind. Kira raises an eyebrow at Jason's comment, and Phyx sighs softly, resting her chin on her pawhands, "Well... really, there's not much to order. We need more-" Kira coughs gently, then murmurs to the Sphynx, "Perhaps Jason could catch his lady up on what he saw?" Phyx blinks golden eyes... then nods, "Oh, right, right." She covers a yawn with one paw, then adds politely, "Go on, Jason, please. Also, ask any questions you'd like?"
Jason sips at his tea. "By your leave," he replies agreeably, and lays out his experience... that to the west and east there were bright yellow and red lights, that there was a strong blue light in the north, and nothing at all in the south -- and as he was looking around to Phyx's directions, there was a terrible cry, and the red light flickered and died. That there was, perhaps, someone or something that went to investigate the dying light, and finally there was an irritated, barely comprehensible voice they heard at the end. Finishing his explanations of the facts, he looks at Phyx. "Can you explain any of this in more concrete terms, Lady? Do those lights in fact represent supernaturals of great power?"
Kira listens with great interest, her fingers steepled together as she watches Jason speak. Raphael is reclining against Phyx, gently stroking her as he quietly listens as well, while the Sphynx looks like she's struggling not to nod off -- her golden eyes are half closed. Mike sips his tea thoughtfully, and Diana's eyes are wide and worried, as they hear the story for the first time. At Jason's question, the Sphynx props her head up with a curled paw under her chin, and thinks for a moment before she answers. Finally she says slowly, "...no. No, I'm not sure I can explain concretely, but I'll try." Jason nods, quiet and patient -- and worried. She seems to have a lot taken out of her. Phyx takes a deep breath, then continues, "I would like to check a few things first, though. Jason, the something that went to investigate the dying light... did you sense it only then? Did you sense it any other time?"
Jason grimaces. "I can't be certain. At first, I thought it was the yellow that went to investigate the red... but when I looked, the light was still where I expected. The experience I had... it felt more like a presence in motion that was there, and then gone again. I can't even be certain if it was the same as the voice I heard muttering afterwards."
Jason pauses. "No, wait."
Phyx grimaces slightly, clearly concerned, but simply nods once, "All right. So... correct me if any of this sounds wrong: the entity or entities are separate from the three lights, and one of the lights died while you watched." She frowns consideringly, then looks up at Jason at his interjection, "Yes?"
Jason says, "Before there were any lights, there was sustained sounds... like footfalls. Walking slowly, ponderously towards me. I had forgotten about them -- distracted by the lights. When the red light flared and died, the footfalls stopped, and that's when the... whatever it was took flight. But yes... the creature that walked, and then flew... that felt like an actual... person. The lights were only lights. I am only supposing, because of what I saw during my earlier vision quest, that the lights might be representative of supernaturals."
Phyx looks faintly relieved, "Oh, good! That's what I sensed too -- I'd been wondering if my senses were messed up when you spoke differently." She hesitates, then adds a bit perplexedly, "And the... mutterer? Did that seem a different person to you?"
Jason tries to remember, closing his eyes and attempting to recall it like it happened. "The creature flew over me to the east. But the voice I heard later... it didn't come from the east. It was from the south, where there had been nothing, before. But aside from that... no, I can't be sure they weren't one and the same."
Phyx frowns, also closing her eyes, "They... yes, that's what I saw too. But... was it just me, or did they feel somewhat... different? Like... one was big and heavy-ish, while the other felt... well... smaller, a bit peevish?"
Jason looks thoughtful. "Yes. I could barely hear the latter. I couldn't have been certain that the speaker was small, they just had a small voice... but the flier was clearly large. And the voice... they were mad, frustrated at someone. At their actions."
Phyx nods emphatically, looking relieved, "Yes! Yes, that's what I heard too -- good, good." She shivers slightly, her golden fur ruffling up, then adds worriedly, "I... have the oddest feeling we... don't really want to meet that Easterner. I don't know why exactly, but... but it feels almost as if I know her...?" She sighs worriedly, then adds tightly, "And I got the feeling she was quite upset at the dying of the red light. That's what I most fear: that she will want the closer yellow light now." She looks at Kira -- who is starting to look both worried and rather pointy-eared and -fanged -- and says softly, "I'm sorry, dear child... but this may have drawn yet more attention to us."
Jason looks confused. "I don't understand. The dream itself got its attention? Or is it what I did? Was I too bold?"
Kira doesn't quite snarl her tight-voiced reply, "We will prepare, my Lady. To the best of our ability... we will be ready." Phyx's smile to Kira is tiredly affectionate, then she turns her gaze to Jason as well, "No, sweetmeat, you did nothing wrong at all. It's hardly your fault you were my horse within the dream." Diana looks indignant, "What?! He's not your..." Her voice trails off as Mike leans over and whispers to her. She listens, then her shoulders droop, "Oh. Sorry, misunderstood." She runs a hand over Jason's thigh, her eyes bright with worry.
Jason's brow creases even as he's reassured, too caught up in his own thoughts to even be amused at the idea of being Phyx's 'horse.' "The flying one... was that the Dragon? You kept mentioning her."
Phyx blinks a bit startledly, and Kira's ears visibly prick up through her dark, smooth hair. The Sphynx says, "You heard me?! You heard actual words in the dream?"
Jason blinks. "I thought you knew. You talked to me a lot... you told me where to look. You told me 'the Eastern Dragon regards the West' and later, when talking about the lights, that one was dead, one dying, and one unwell... you didn't understand if they were important, but added 'the Dragon Lady seems to think so.' I thought you were with me the whole time."
Phyx's golden eyes get very wide, and she and Kira stare at each other in astonishment. It's the wolf-woman who finally simply growls, "It's him. It has to be, lady." The Sphynx nods slowly, her gaze going back to Jason, and Diana snaps worriedly, "He what? He who?" as she loops an arm through Jason's, pulling him against her protectively.
Jason does not struggle against Diana's embrace. But he does look at Phyx and Kira expectantly. "Does this have something to do with you calling me a Seer? I thought it was just a concept, not a title. The Minotaur, Astaria, called me the same."
The increasingly wolfish looking Kira growls to Diana (although it seems more her natural voice rather than any anger), "He's unique, child. Most dreamers receive only sensation, not words." To Jason she adds, "Seer? Mmm, that might be right -- more right than the bull-man realized." She looks oddly like a wolven Anubis, her lupine head emerging neatly from her impeccable black suit's collar, as she adds, "We need your senses, Dreamwalker, to search out the yellow light, to discover precisely what it is we may soon be going to war over. Will you go?"
Jason swallows. War. Conflict is one thing... war is another. "I would hope that if you send me, Lady, that I could do far better, and avert war. But yes... I will go," he replies, scared but self-assured.
Mike looks grave, Diana horrified. Raphael is glancing worriedly between the two supernaturals he lives with, while they're both silently watching Jason. Kira looks near unreadable in her partial wolven form, while Phyx looks, oddly, both relieved and very sad. Diana whispers fiercely to Jason, "Jase -- lollipop! Shouldn't we talk about this first!?"
Jason squeezes Diana's hand. "I've been thinking about this, Di, over and over in my head. Ever since I was told that a few decades ago, when thousands of people were killed by atomic bombs at the end of the second world war, that the lives of two powerful supernaturals were snuffed out at the same time. Death and destruction on a terrible scale -- and now it seems like something very like it is upon us. I can't just turn away from it. If something can be done to prevent it, then I have to step up, even if that takes me away from you. This isn't just important for us, Di... it's important for a lot of other people." Jason touches Diana's cheek. "You said that you were scared that you wouldn't be able to protect me. Well, what Beatrice didn't tell you... is that I might have to protect you, too."
Diana looks like she's about to cry, but she doesn't say anything -- she just hugs Jason tightly. Mike shifts over to gently wrap his arms about both of them, and behind them Jason can hear Phyx's voice softly asking Kira something, and the low, growling-toned reply. Jason kisses Diana's face, and hugs Mike to them fiercely. "I'd take you with me if I could. But they would sense you coming. And besides that... I would not subject you to the danger. But I promise I will come back to you. We've got children of our own to have," he murmurs. "Kira has promised a bodyguard."
Diana does start crying then, her silent tears hot against his skin as she holds him tight. Mike's voice is a soft, soothing murmur as he tries to comfort Diana while still holding them both close. Phyx's voice is quiet and sad, "We'll leave you three alone for a while." She pads past, Raphael next to her on one side and Kira on the other, the two supernaturals murmuring quietly and worriedly to each other. Jason kisses away Diana's tears. He does not intend to let his lovers go until they're ready, and when it seems like the others are giving them space, the value of 'ready' lengthens.
Diana makes love almost eagerly to Jason, as if she's re-acquainting herself with a much-beloved treasure. There is a wistfulness, a sadness about her as she does so, though, like someone not sure if this will be the last time. She draws Mike in as much as she can, clearly needing the both of them cuddling close. Jason is relieved he had a whole forty minutes or so to recover from Ratel. How embarrassing it would be to not be able to perform for Diana! He does his best to comfort her: Mike is like Nilgai, and seems to need less reassuring. But he basks in their company and love nonetheless. For now, at least, they are together -- and if he has anything to say about it, it will not be the last time.
When Raphael first knocks, then slips into the room with food on a small cart, he sets the food out for the threesome, then gives Mike a raised eyebrow. The other man very discreetly shakes his head once, and Raphael nods and collects up the leftover teacups, preparatory to leaving. Before he slides back out the door he adds softly, "Lady of Lust, I promise you my Lady would not send your pet on a... a mission of no hope." He slips hastily out the door as Diana looks abruptly up at him. She sighs, relaxing a bit as the door closes, and murmurs ruefully, "I just don't want to let you go, lollipop. You taste so good -- I want all of you close, not just memories, you know?" She's sprawled nude and utterly relaxed across Jason, her tufted tail curled in lazy possessiveness about one of his ankles.
Jason is very careful about what he says -- he doesn't know that he'll come back alive. Sacrifices... may be required. He may not even succeed. But that's not helpful to this conversation. "I don't want to go," he reassures Diana, fingertips trailing across her thigh, cupping her rear. "But I'm sure that Phyx and Kira will help see to your needs, Diana, and Mike will always be here -- and I will be back as soon as I can. This is no different from when we first set about on walkabout, Di. Only difference here is the answers are more important than just satisfying curiosity."
Diana slaps one hand lightly across Jason's shoulder, muttering exasperatedly, "Is so a difference -- we won't be together!" She sighs then as Mike starts slowly stroking her back, and falls silent. Mike murmurs comfortingly, "It won't be so long, Diana, you'll see. Remember, Phyx promised to help you increase your strengths, and Kira will be helping me train as well. That'll be very useful, right?"
Jason laughs wryly. "Good point. I missed an obvious lack," he murmurs, turning his head out to kiss Di's palm. Jason peers at Mike. "Seems like maybe she already started. I mean. I got a workout from Phyx insisting on playing Cat and Mouse. What have you been up to, mister?"
Mike chuckles, "Been getting quite the workout with Kira's folks! They may all be named after animals, but they're certainly quite humanly tactically brilliant." He glances at the palm of his hand, adding wryly, "Apparently they're aghast that you and I aren't better prepared for Diana! When she insisted we were not just 'pretties,' they decided I should learn how to fight." He grins, holding up his palm for Jason to see, "Getting calluses from the bokken practices!"
Jason blinks. "Bokken? Is that some kind of martial art?" he queries, studying Mike's palm. Of course, he's unsurprised. Beatrice's opinion on the duties of a pet are likely very different... and simple.
Mike chuckles, and Diana rolls over so she can see too. She's careful to wriggle so she's still on top of Jason, which is a rather... delightful sensation! Jason groans. He has to admit, no one is like Diana. He soaks it up while he can. Mike answers, "It's a wooden stick shaped like a katana, or Japanese sword. They use it for practices. I've been learning aikido -- Kira says that's a good way to not have to actually kill someone, and to pin them down so our lady can decide what she wants to do with them."
"Not a bad idea at all. Being prepared for self-defense is good... but killing is an awful final way of dealing with an opponent. I approve."
Mike nods firmly, "I'd prefer not to do anything terminal." He considers Jason and Diana for a moment, then adds quietly, "Diana, do you have any idea what it is Phyx was thinking of teaching you?" The half-succubus yawns and stretches on Jason, wriggling happily again before she shakes her head, "Not really, no. How to eat energy more effectively, maybe? Maybe some magic or something?" She grins, her slitted eyes bright, "That'd be cool, don't you think?"
Jason laughs. "It certainly seems that Phyx has access to more secrets than any others we've met. I would take advantage of anything she has to share," he agrees. "So you be good and patient with her," he suggests to Di, kissing her nose, filling his hands with her perfect body. "Oh! That reminds me. I hope you took good care of Raph?"
Diana wrinkles her nose, "Oh, sure, but he's not... well, umm..." she waves a hand vaguely, and Mike laughs, "He's not who she wanted." She nods, flipping lightly over to wrap her arms about Jason's head and kiss him hungrily, nibbling a bit as she murmurs, "You're my pet, not someone else's loaner! Promise you won't forget you're mine while you're gone, lollipop!"
Jason hmphs, trading kisses. "Not likely. Talk about having only memories... you're going to be in the lap of luxury. I'm going to be on the other side of the world, a foreign place, hunting down mysteries. The memory of time spent with you will have to sustain me, strengthen me, during that whole time."
Diana giggles, sounding much happier, while Mike looks a bit surprised from where he's lying next to them both, relaxedly stroking Jason's back, "That far? I'd gotten the impression from things Kira was saying that the yellow light was relatively close, and that was the issue? As in, it may need defending from the red light's former, um..." he frowns, then mutters, "Not sure what to call it. Owner, caretaker? Pet, servant, something?"
Jason's brow knits. "I don't know. I may have misunderstood... I thought she wanted me to investigate the red, since that was the one in danger of dying. Unless... huh. Unless it wasn't a foretelling -- that the red light is already gone... and the yellow is to blame? You hadn't heard of any dramatic news happening in Asia, have you? Been watching the news at all, Mike?" Jason gets a little distracted, deciding that with Diana in such close proximity, there's a neck that needs to be nibbled.
Mike falls silent, his brow furrowed as he thinks, absently stroking the purring Diana's back as she contentedly wriggles against Jason. Finally he slowly shakes his head, "I... can't think of anything that really stood out, Jase. But if it were something or someplace where there weren't a lot of people -- like, say, the Gobi Desert -- then we might not know, you know?" He glances down, noticing his audience is quite delightfully preoccupied currently, and chuckles, relaxedly joining in. Jason replies, but it's muffled... if he tastes good to Di, then she assuredly tastes similarly -- and when he cuddles in, he reaches over and squeezes Mike's bare butt appreciatively. Mmmm, together again.
It's the next morning before the threesome have to admit reality into their lives again. Raphael appears with breakfast and news: Kira would be waiting at the regular time for Mike at the usual workout, Diana was due at the library, and Phyx wanted to talk to Jason, please. Jason lingers as long as he can with his lovers, but has to leave them all too soon to meet with Phyx's request. He straightens his toga and then leaves with Raph. Shortly thereafter he's shown into a big, airy, sunlit room with huge windows that looks out on the Vegas strip. The Sphynx is sprawled in almost decadent pleasure in the sunshine, purring softly, and she rumbles sleepily, "Come lie inna sun wi'me, pretty-pretty!" Raphael grins and waggles his fingers at Jason in a silent goodbye before he closes the door.
Oh no. Fate worse than death, sunning myself with a big kitty. "Feeling better, I hope, Lady Phyx?" he queries, coming to join the lazy cat. He looks out the window with Phyx, curious. Phyx flips a heavy velvet paw about Jason, drawing him in close and nuzzling against his neck, purring even harder. For a moment, still lying on her side, she sort of grapples him with all four legs, making quick, teasing play-bites as she rumbles contentedly -- it's momentarily quite startling! Then he relaxes, realizing she's just playing. Jason suddenly wonders if he was a catnip toy, and no one told him -- then he remembers: right, Succulent. "Sure seems like it," he answers his own question, smiling. The big cat giggles, which is a very peculiar sound coming from her throat! She rests her chin on Jason and simply purrs contentedly, soaking up the sunshine for several minutes.
After a long while, though, where Jason's had enough time to start feeling sleepy, she murmurs softly, "I wanted to talk to you alone first, pretty pet, because I have to ask something very difficult of you. I have to ask you to trust my dreams... and I will trust you to persuade your lady that what I ask is both valid, and something you are doing of your own free will."
Jason blinks. "I don't understand. I've already agreed to help, and she understands. There's something worse than that going on?"
The Sphynx sighs gustily, then shifts so she can look into Jason's eyes. From this close he can see the golden flecks in the narrow slits, as she says gravely, "The dream showed me you on your quest, Jason. You were walking away from Vegas with a backpack, hitchhiking eastwards. Do you understand what that means, pet?"
Jason's brow knits. "Not... aside from the obvious. I have to hitchhike? I can't take a car, or even a bus?" he queries.
The Sphynx looks wry as she shakes her head slowly, and her whiskers tickle his face, "That's not what I see, Jason. I cannot enforce your hitchhiking without ruining your abilities, of course -- you could, after all, wait until you were out of sight and then rent a car. But just as your ability to act wisely and independently is damaged should I mesmerize you into obeying me in this, so too is my admittedly limited ability to foresee damaged if you do not follow the little I can see of your travel mode." She looks a bit worriedly into Jason's eyes, adding, "Does this make more sense now, pretty pet?"
Jason's lips purse -- it's not about the mode of travel. "You're saying that I have to go alone," he murmurs tonelessly, as it sinks in.
Phyx nods reluctantly, "I'm afraid so, pet. At least, that's what I see so far." She sighs gustily, and for an odd moment he catches the scent of old paper and comfortable, dusty libraries... then she continues, "I'm not sure but I think you go out of your way and end up in... in a place with a little bit of snow for a while. There's someone important you have to meet -- maybe two someones, I'm not sure -- and if all goes well you'll arrive at your destination with that someone. But if you're already traveling with companions, that someone will shy away and you'll never meet." She hesitates, then adds perplexedly, "There's... something odd about them. I can't see them at all well."
Jason listens and makes an unsurprised grunt. "Seems regardless of where I go, I'm destined to be a weirdness magnet. I should accept this," he drawls. "I don't suppose there's anything else you can tell me?"
Phyx's lips curl up in faint amusement, although the smile doesn't reach her eyes. She watches him silently for a long, slow moment... then simply says, "Should it ever be needed, my horse, there will always be room for you in my dwelling." She kisses him lightly on the forehead, then whispers quietly, "Go. Your lady will be distraught at the news, and will need you... and you must leave at dawn tomorrow."
Jason has to wonder at her. Either there is nothing more that she knows... or anything she says will only make his journey more difficult. "Yeah, okay. Should see if I can get a copy of Josh Harnell's 'The Lonely Man' so I can play it when I leave. Just like David Banner." At Phyx's confused look, he shakes his head, grinning wryly. "Never mind."