The Universe's Mixer

With the sudden outbreak of animals loose in the City, Raven had turned the Magic Box into something of a sanctuary. Granted, she didn't actually know any magic, but she had guts and keys to the store and a willingness to extend business hours. She kept the coffee pot on in the evening and sold cups of fresh-brewed Joe for a quarter. People could read or chat while they waited for the City bus in the relative safety and shelter of the shop.

(She hadn't been billing Mr. Rabbit for her overtime. It didn't seem right, since she hadn't exactly asked him if she could keep the place open late. If he wasn't losing anything on the deal, perhaps he wouldn't be angry?)

The number of customers varied. This was a quiet night - only the little demon girl and a handful of regulars who'd holed up in the corner to argue the merits of crystal-magic versus herb-magic. Darkness had fallen and Raven had locked the door, but a sign in the window instructed would-be patrons to 'Knock for Entry.'

As it turned out, the key Jack had found in his pocket belonged to an apartment that held an eerie resemblance to his royal suite in the palace. So, he now had a job and a place to live and it seemed very unlikely that this City had any plans on letting him go.

Having seen plenty of strange things in Wonderland, he had perhaps an easier time than most in coming to terms with the idea of the City, though he wasn't entire sure he'd ever be used to it.

Particularly the bit about the streets. They kept moving and so far Jack could see no rhyme or reason to it. He'd gone to dinner at a place that was just around the corner from his apartment, only to come out and find that either the restaurant had moved or his apartment building had moved.

Whatever the reason behind it, the fact remained that he was now lost in the heart of the City and possibly miles from his home. It was already starting to get dark, so Jack's guard was up as he set out and started to walk in a direction that he hoped would lead him somewhere familiar.

He considered trying Fred's pager for a brief moment, but he'd just met the woman-he didn't want to be calling her for help. For that matter, it was just a little setback, and he was sure he'd be able to find his way eventually. Hopefully...