The Universe's Mixer

Maxine was now staying with Wash. Jo had mixed feelings about this. There was the blind relief because she wasn't anywhere near ready to be responsible for a five year old, but there was also an unexpected sadness. She missed the kid. Maxine would be back for weekends sometimes, but there was that. All the same, Jo found herself without plans for the night. No work, no kid, no Ted. She'd been curious about one of the other bars in town that seemed to cater to... unusual clientele. She'd heard things about Caritas and figured that now was as good a time as any to check out the club.

She wasn't dressed up-it was standard jeans and a black tank top. She wasn't here to meet and greet or attract attention. Just the opposite, in fact. She wanted to just blend in with the rest of the club. She was curious about the proprietor who supposedly could see bits and pieces of the future for people who sang karaoke. She'd also heard even stranger things about some of the denizens of the club. Potentially demons.

It seemed like the City had everything. Vampire bars, possibly demon bars. All of these creatures in one small, confined area. It was a wonder that anyone survived.

The crone stood on a hill in the park, wondering at the sun. It was there now. Her head lifted, eyes closed, and she basked. The cabin had stayed with the castle; the crone was beginning to think that the damn place was becoming aware. Eric was not going to be pleased.

The energies felt right. She'd been careful in how she touched the City's power. She knew the City's local deity could tell when she had, and she wasn't ready for that particular fight. She had a feeling she would never be ready for that, yet she was curious to see what might come of it. But, she touched the power anyway. Something had gone wrong.

It wasn't that the sun had gone down and stayed that way for days. No, it was the lack of alteration in everything else. As if the City had simply been unaware. She had let the possible malady, for that was what it felt like, take its course. She would not move to aid the City without its request, but...

"You are acting strangely." Her voice was soft, but she knew that the City would listen. It always had before, even when they were having a bit of a spat. "You should seek help. Not the God; his way is too easy. You wish to understand. Find the ones who will help you. Seek them out, and do it quickly. I've more important things to do than worry on your well being."

Her eyes opened slowly, and she looked around. Now, what mischief was there to be had?