I woke up rested, with a clear head. I felt great except my ears were burning. A hand to each ear revealed that my earrings were hot; if they were flat I could likely fry my morning eggs on them. There also seemed to be two more than I had last night – one more per ear. If this kept up, I wouldn't have any open ear left.

At least it wasn't an infection. The bathroom mirror revealed no puss, and there wasn't any smoke. My ears didn't seem to be in any danger of frying or falling off; and my fingers didn't burn, but I needed some ice.

I went to the kitchen and grabbed some from the freezer; the sizzle as the ice melted alarmed me.

“Grex, Veni huc!”

Instead of hugging me as usual, he went straight for my ears.

“Ah. Still a touch too much power left over. Fear not my Mistress, I can assist you.”

I could feel his touch drain flows of power from me; just enough to be noticeable. The earrings cooled quickly.

“I thought our little trip into dreamland was supposed to solve that problem? Make a good breakfast now, please.”

Grex smiled as he got started. I may have felt refreshed, but Grex was hiding things, so he got to do it.

“It did; after all, the earrings didn't explode.”

They could do that?

“And the new set?”

Grex broke the eggs over the skillet like an expert; leaving no shell pieces in them which was something I couldn't do.

“Necessary, of course. Remember, I cannot do anything to hurt you: to the contrary I must help you survive to the best of my rather prodigious ability. The new jewelry is a must to protect you. Two new holes in your ears a small price to pay for continued life.”

Eggs set and seasoned, he moved on to coffee. I had to admit the point; and put like that it couldn't be a lie.

“Whatever, I'm going to take a shower.”

I was still in my dress from last night after all. It and I had to be dirty. It was halfway undone already though, so it was easy to just step out of. I had the water going and was all set to step into the shower when I noticed something.

I had wings.

Great feathery wings were etched on my back, inked in with some form of prismatic dye; it changed colors in the light somehow, from black to blue depending on how I moved and the light. They were huge; coating the entire surface with the tips reaching my upper butt. There was no way a tattoo parlor with one night could create something like this. I could also swear that I felt them there; which might explain why my back felt warm with my dress half undone.

“GREX!”

I remembered to cover up with a towel just in time.

“Yes mistress?”

Wow, was he... hesitant? From just a yell?

He didn't open the door, preferring to incorporate himself past it like a pernicious smoke.

“Is anything amiss?”

I turned, putting my back to him.

“Pray tell Grex, what exactly is on my back?”

“Ah. Those would be your wings, Mistress.”

This had to be his doing. And I didn't like where this route was taking me; as it stood I was all too likely to attract the wrong types of people, and I didn't need any extra help doing that.

“And just why do I have wings tattooed on my back Grex?”

“The same reason you have new earrings my mistress; You've been to Hell now, and Hell tends to change one. Even if you only visit in dreams.”

Must control fist of death....

“And is there any other tattoos I can look forward to getting?”

He pondered that one for a moment.

“No, my Mistress. You should be quite done on that score. Might I remind you that everything I did last night was for the sole purpose of saving your life? Please stay your admittedly wonderful murderous rage.”

I shifted a bit; I would swear that I felt something odd about my back; as if the wings were actual wings, somehow. But a quick touch to the places I could reach revealed only cool skin.

“Grex.”

“Yes Mistress?”

I couldn't tell if he was anxious I'd punish him, or hoping for it.

“Breakfast is burning. Go see to it, now.”

His eyes widened and then he was gone, without so much as a 'yes, Mistress.' A petty revenge, but good.

The shower was kind of maddening; The water was warm and soothing, but it felt weird hitting my new ink. It was hard to describe. Maybe whatever magical needle used made my skin sensitive. I had seen other summoners with various tattoos, and most of those had been magical in some way. My earlier studies seemed to indicate it could give an edge when in our line of work; spells were stored within them and used at will, instead of using lengthy incantations.

The only drawbacks seemed to be the massive amount of pain involved as rare metals and herbs were worked into the skin, and the tendency of the demons to rip such offensive body parts off. Though if you're that close to a demon that isn't yours, chances are you'd be losing something you'd rather keep anyway.

I didn't see myself going for that sort of magic in the future since was allergic to pain and could already react with that kind of speed such a technique granted... but that didn't mean what was adorning my back wasn't something similar. And done in a night, without pain no less, instead of weeks or months.

I finished up and traipsed out, getting dressed in my bedroom because I forgot to grab clothes. Demon or not, my demon or not, there was no reason to give Grex a free show. My new standard underwear, jeans, and a T-shirt with my robe over it. No one cared what summoners wore under their robes... or even looked that hard, for their own sanity. One of the summoners wore a thong, and only a thong; how he managed it I didn't know or care to know.

Breakfast was waiting for me of course, and with no hint of burns anywhere. Even the skillet was clean. He'd cheated of course.

“Grex.”

“Yes Mistress?”

Oh he was composed again. There was something he wanted to hide here.

“Is the new ink on my back magical? Like the tattoo magic Mortimer uses?”

Mortimer lived a floor down, and if he had any clean skin anywhere on his body, I hadn't seen it.

“Well in a manner of speaking.”

Oh, here we go.

“A manner of speaking? Clarify for me please.”

He didn't even hesitate. Which could mean the truth... or it could mean he's had time to get his story straight.

“They are a physical manifestation of your wings. Mistress. Not a fly spell. You need not focus in the way in which you cast spells. You simply need focus on flight, and remove an earring. The trip to Hell marks everyone in some way; and you are no exception. Your realm decided that a personage befitting your status needed wings.”

What?!? Well he couldn't have timed that reveal better; he was wearing my coffee now.

“It can do that?!?”

“The rulers of Limbo have always had wings... perhaps Limbo decided you needed to as well.”

He wasn't even perturbed by the spit take, just taking the hand towel from the fridge door and wiping it off. I had to ask; I didn't want to, but I had to ask.

“And these are actual physical wings? As in a physical manifestation, with mass and following the laws of physics?”

He refilled my coffee cup as he answered.

“Yes and no. They are part of your contract, and are real enough in Hell. On Earth they will appear as the tattoo you have seen, and will answer your call. At least, provided you at least one earring before trying; perhaps in time you will be able to ignore that limitation. When... unleashed, they are physical wings, with mass and quite fetching really. However they do not follow the laws of physics, as normally they would not be enough to support you. Rather they are an idea of flight given form.”

Well that was clear as mud. When they were there, they were physical, but manifestations of flight?

“Answer me directly Grex. Are these wings physical limbs attached to my back and inhibited by the earrings, or magical manifestations?”

“Physical limbs, of course. As I stated, Hell marks everyone, and you have most beautiful wings, as befitting your status.”

So I grew actual wings. Oh, shit. I wasn't the first summoner finding myself in this situation either; plenty of summoners found the use of demonic power mutating them. but I'd never heard or read about beneficial mutations before, and Grex had told me my wings would work. Beneficial or not, most summoners so marked ended up keeping them after their contract ended; usually until plastic surgery tried to make them normal with mixed results.

“Will they vanish when our contract ends? Am I still human?”

“Your wings will vanish once you no longer rule the 9th circle, yes. And you are as human as you ever were, my dear Mistress.”

I parsed that and breathed a sigh into my fresh coffee. At least I hadn't bothered to ask if I was normal or sane; I knew that was something I left aside a long time ago. Knowing the wings would only last ten years was a great relief though. Or until I was killed. There was that.

I had a morbid streak in the mornings, I think. I was going to have to watch that. I wanted to take out an earring, just to see them, to confirm they were there. And yet again, I didn't. If Grex had determined it was necessary, and was in fact the only choice to make regarding my survival... well he couldn't lie to me on that point. And if he thought giving me a mark like this (or limbs!) and setting me aside in that way was a better option to save my life than any alternative, I had to believe him on that point. Because marking me in that way was very dangerous... and he had to know that.

“Grex, Was I in real danger last night, and if so, was there another way to save my life last night?”

“You were in very real danger of death last night, more than you know and from more sources than you know. There was one other way, but it would have violated my contract with you.”

And there we had it.

“What danger from other sources?”

“I cannot say my Mistress, were I to tell I would be placing you in more danger.”

Probably demons then, somehow. Many of the stronger ones can hear their own names spoken, anywhere on Earth. Supposedly at least. If Grex was taking the threat seriously, then I should too.

“Your own kind?”

He nodded, sipping coffee to cover... distress?

“They would be able to feel your presence.”

The light bulb finally flickered on. Holy crap, that was why! That was why the earrings all along! Because of my contract other demons would be able to sense me without the power inhibited in some way... and the general had known. Karen probably did too. But that didn't explain everything. Grex picked up on my next question.

“Mortal shells are fragile at best, and can ill hold a font of demonic power. The more power such a shell possesses, the more imminent the explosion and greater the radius.”

Well that was... rather horrifying. So it was possible to wish for too much power, in a way. I escaped that fate because of my wording and Grex's desire to torture my mother, I was sure. I wonder how many didn't, and ended up painting the walls. Probably a significant number; and one way in which fresh summoners died has been solved to my satisfaction now. The things they don't spell out for you in boot camp.

I really wanted to let my wings out; to see if they matched the ones I'd possessed last night. I was sure they did, but I wanted to SEE that they did. Of course I couldn't, not here. Karen might walk in, or another more experienced summoner might detected the power surge somehow and want to investigate. I'm sure I gave them more than enough to start looking into last night, but no reason to try borrowing more trouble.

It had nothing to do with driving home that I was even more of a freak than before. I could only repeat to myself that at least it isn't permanent, just an extremely long time. Something about that thought bothered me, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

It didn't matter, I needed time to get used to the new reality; the new me. And that tiny part of me which I cursed, that wondered if I was still attractive as a winged freak. Humans have some very dark places in their souls.

I couldn't even distract myself with work; today was Saturday, mid-morning. I was off. And I desperately needed a change in scenery.

“Was Karen here?”

“She was. You were sleeping so I kept her out of your home.”

Odd choice of words. Was this place my home?

“You've been here all night?”

“You were in danger; your normal orders regarding me going home do not apply in those circumstances.”

So he'd stayed by my side, watching me the entire night... or watching for outside threats. Probably both, really.

“Any threats come knocking?”

“Just Karen.”

He told me that seriously, with a straight face, and he couldn't lie. What was she a threat to? She adored me... or was that an act? She did have problems with showing emotion, and got over that by appearing over the top at all times. Maybe that was her cover? Of course it was... but what was she covering for? Grex couldn't lie, which meant he considered her a threat somehow. And not only a threat, but a threat to me.

At any rate, it gave me a good opportunity to do something I had wanted to do for some time now. Since I was allowed, I was going to go out in simple plain clothes. Doing what, I didn't know. But I would find something. Most importantly I would try to make new friends. I would try to regain some perspective, which is something I felt many summoners ended up lacking in their constant desire to hang out with someone who understands them.

I was beginning to think that desire, that inability to break from one's comfort zone, was a leading cause in the insanity most summoners ended up with. Lack of perspective in life could screw all kinds of things up; current thinking had it being a factor in serial killer cases.

Made me wonder if summoners and serial killers shared more than the obvious traits. I'm sure there were studies on the subject.

“Whatever, go home Grex. If I need you, I'll call you.”

He left without a word.

I drained my coffee, grabbed my keys and wallet from my purse, and left. I made sure to lock up after me, and checked around. I wouldn't put it past Karen to leave an alarm or charm glyph outside my door in order to keep tabs on my movements. Or for her to be standing out in the hall.

I saw no evidence, which meant I was clear. While she could be waiting at the elevators or lobby, she wouldn't be using the back stairs. Or maybe I was being too paranoid in this case... but I didn't think so. Karen had been a constant companion, and I liked her, regardless of the lack of trust. She had a knack for showing up just when I was awake, or considering going anywhere. I just didn't want to deal with any of that today; I wanted to be alone.

The back stairs were good exercise at a jog. Going up them at the end of the day would be even better. My car was clear as well. I peeked; Karen was in the lobby coffee shop, staring out the window. Luckily though, not at me. I was a ghost, I drew the eye. I unlocked my car and got in quickly, before realizing she was staring at a guy; a rather handsome guy.

Good for her, it might keep her busy.

If she saw me drive off, I didn't notice. It might have been a bit obvious to her later, but there was no way Karen could catch my car now. And really, she had no one to blame for that but herself... and jerkbag cops. All the cops knew my car, but I doubted they had anything that could catch it. Especially knowing that I could use my little trick on it. I could go anywhere without any real fear of pursuit.

Now that I was safely away, hidden yet obvious in the flows of traffic, where could I go? I could go to the museum and see the paintings again, general admission this time, but that didn't really appeal for some reason. I wasn't sure how or why, but it seemed almost a betrayal of my date. Besides, it would be mostly older people there... and many of them might know of me. Not my type of crowd today.

I know what I needed. I needed an impulse buy. And luckily for me, the mall was only about five blocks away. I merged and drove carefully. My car was now idiot proof, but that didn't mean others cars were. I was still waiting for someone trying to steal it.

The punishment for that was random, and ranged from nearly lethal to absolutely hilarious.

I parked out in the boonies of the lot, both for more exercise and because I didn't want people denting their car on mine. It wasn't all that hard to explain anymore since the new laws, but that didn't mean I wanted to fill out accident reports and swap insurance for half a day.

The hot outside was just beginning to turn from cloudy to sunny; the mall interior was dark and cool. I think I preferred the outdoors, the heat felt nice.

Now that I was in the cool confines of western decadence, I had to decide what to buy. I was full up on cooking utensils and pans, had more than enough underwear and clothes (Karen had seen to that) I didn't even need any weapons, having plenty of suitable ones for my line of work. My outdoor gear was military issue, and therefore superior to anything from a sporting goods store. I didn't need books, because I still had tons I hadn't read back at home. Movies maybe? But I had a streaming service and cable....

So what form of retail therapy should I employ here? I pretty much had everything.

Hmm, there. An electronics store. Maybe there was something good in there. Couldn't hurt to look anyway. Even if it was one of those horrid big box places where the staff knew less about technology than I did, it couldn't hurt to look. I didn't need a television... maybe a computer? I'd just been using my phone to surf the web; my parents still had my old desktop in my old room. It was old but still worked... I just didn't want to get it. I may be less angry, but I still wasn't ready to deal with my mother. At least not sober; she had been at the museum last night, but I wasn't all that sure what was said anymore. The memory was fuzzy. Something about her embarrassing me.

It probably wasn't the drinking; it was probably me blocking the memory on purpose in order to save what was left of my sanity.

But back to the task; a new computer, perhaps. I wasn't much of a computer nerd, but they seemed ubiquitous anymore. A little asking around and I could even find the summoner only chat boards. Somewhere to ask other summoners from around the world anything, any time. I started in that direction, immediately aware of how the long desk full mostly young, mostly geeky looking 'technicians' in matching red vests were staring at me.

Even the lone woman there.

Maybe I should have used a disguise? I admit being whiter than your average ghost with hair to match wasn't exactly normal, but this seemed excessive. Then again, an active magical disguise would be my only option... and I didn't know how. Being able to cast that kind of magic was rare, and even worse, frowned upon. How did you explain to another summoner, who might have four arms or a face only a troll could love as a result of their pact, that you simply wanted to not be stared at? There would be no way to live such a thing down.

So like those summoners, I'd just have to get used to it.

A bit further from humanity than before, at least I could put my wings away and walk around. I wonder if they would rip my clothes? Oh I bet Grex was just waiting for the inevitable wardrobe malfunctions. It'd be just like him.

I knew the minute I stopped in front of a computer, the entire pack of vultures would be on me. They act like they work on commission or something; like used car salesmen. I wasn't a computer drafter or programmer so I didn't need the latest bright and shiny thing. A certain cute little laptop caught my eye, sold with a case and everything. A quick glance at the spec sheet proved it was adequate.

They were still watching me, so I didn't stop. On to a section I needed even less... the game system aisles. All the bright and shiny new teen and preteen toys. I felt old just looking at the eye catching packaging. Plenty of young adults played these things, right? I couldn't exactly see the allure.

Let's see, the biggest and best one was a large expensive box released just after I went into basic. And there, in front of the display model, playing some game with her tongue stuck out and making weird growling sounds, was Gloria Luxhall, in all her gothy emo glory.

I couldn't help myself. Thought of Gloria led naturally to thought and memory of 'City. City, who I'd never be able to hold again Who I'd likely never be able to even talk to again. Knowing that for months, and seeing someone who could drive it home were two separate things. What was she even doing here? She was dressed in one of the red vests, which meant she worked here. Luckily she didn't notice me, being too absorbed in... a fighting game?

Wow, that game was bloody.

“Sorry, did you want to play? I'll get off.”

Whoops, apparently all of her focus wasn't taken by the game.

“No need. Just watching. Did you just cut that guy's head off?”

She was glancing between me and the screen, getting an eyeful like everyone else.

“Yeah. Take it you don't play fighters much? They are all kinda like this.”

A stray thought, a bad thought; did she still talk to City? Bad or not it took some effort to squash.

“New to gaming more or less; never had the time for it before. Here for a little retail therapy, mainly.”

Yes thanks to Karen I knew that term. Gloria turned to look directly at me and her game character died. She didn't notice, her gaze hungry and oddly enough lingering on my breasts and... ears?

I knew the darned earrings attracted the wrong crowd!

“So you've got a lot of free time then? Gaming can be a serious time sink.”

I shook my head.

“Not really. If anything it'd be a small hobby.”

She took a guess, which was a surprisingly astute one, for all that it was low hanging fruit here.

“Military?”

I nodded.

“Guilty as charged.”

I could see the other, more loaded question in her eyes. Demon touched or summoner? Both looked... unusual at times, but one was considered still sane and one was considered a bundle of crazy as a matter of course. Of course most summoners that looked like me had to wear robes. I was a special borderline case in that regard.

“It's all in the bearing. Yeah I can see how that would crimp any gamer plans. We get plenty of that here, lots of money and almost no time. You sure you want to buy one of these?”

“Nah I'm not sure. Just wanted to avoid the sharks circling the help desk was all.”

This aisle was the first one out of sight after all.

She grinned.

“I know what you mean. They descend like wolves. It's the commission we get.”

So they did get a commission on sales!

“How much?”

“Three percent on any electronics sales over 500 bucks.”

That wasn't much, but I guess working here, it could add up. I had bought a game system earlier when moving from the barracks, but it wasn't this one. And I had never used the one I owned for games... though it made a great movie streaming device.

“So can this thing stream movies and stuff like that too?”

“Yep. It can even stream television and game streaming sites.”

Hmm, there was a market for that? I was far too sheltered I guess.

“Hmm, I'll tell you what. You've convinced me. I want you to grab one of the laptops in front, number 4121, one of these, and five games you feel no one with this system should be without. I'll be in movies when you're done.”

Even if she didn't know we were friends, I could still do her a favor. And it wasn't like I didn't have the money. I didn't even need to spend much on food unless I wanted to, and my rent was a pittance, and covered all my utilities. I was actually sort of rich, at least compared to the normal almost nineteen year old. Gloria almost jumped away from the display model as I walked off.

“I'm on it, ma'am.”

I had no sooner picked up the seasons of Top Gear out on DVD (blu-ray of course) when Gloria came back, pushing a cart. I checked, everything was in there. I even recognized the fighting game she had been playing. And what may have been the latest first person shooter I'd been seeing ads for. I threw my top gear seasons in there. She smirked at me before asking:

“Would you like anything else, Ma'am?”

How she kept this job I'll never know. Maybe she was new and management hadn't caught on yet?

“No, I think that's plenty. If I can just avoid buyer's regret this will be more than enough retail therapy.”

I followed her to the check out lane; she led the way to a closed lane, and opened it for me. Neither of us spoke while she beeped my purchases, and I handed her my debit card. She deviated when handing me my receipt though, writing something on it.

“Maybe this will help that buyer's remorse. It's my tag on the gamer network. Just type it in exactly as it appears, and when I get the email I'll add you. Then we can game.”

“Hah. Then you can kick my noob butt.”

She nodded completely without shame.

“That or we can play co-op. Really doesn't matter which to me.”

I shrugged and made a show of looking at her name tag.

“I don't mind either, Gloria, as long as I learn. My name is... well the name I go by is Snow. Pleased to meet you, and enjoy the day.”

The big box, like most of it's kind, had a back door that opened directly onto the parking lot. I waved as I pushed the cart out the door, making my escape before the small horde of males could come and carry my purchases for me. Screw that, I wasn't an invalid; let them help the old lady they were currently ignoring. I pointed her out to the one in the lead, and to his credit he veered towards her. The rest I just flat beat out of the store. I couldn't quite run, but I was close. Not even parking lot traffic slowed me down, though I did slow it down. Some of it screeched to an irritating halt.

Once clear of the more common parking spot I didn't have to worry. My car was in the same spot and still alone. The entire trip inside had taken at most, forty-five minutes. It wasn't even quite lunch time yet. There was only one conclusion to draw from that; I sucked at retail therapy.

So what to do now? Go back in and look for more impulse buys after dropping over a thousand dollars, or give it up and go somewhere else? I sure didn't want to go back home; not yet. I still wanted to be around people, normal people, at least for a little while longer. Hmmm.

If I drove across town, I could go to the good Burger barn in time for lunch, get myself something bad for me, and bask in the glory of teens that aren't summoners. Or summoners yet; whichever. They were normal for the moment. Would that liven up my day, or depress me more? Or would I over think it like a moron?

I rolled my eyes as I put my new crap in my trunk. For a moment I wished I had that lock opening remote control; the old school method was kind of annoying. At least the car itself made up for it. I drove slowly, not being in any particular hurry. I waived to the few cops I saw as I went by. They waved back without hesitation, which was something. Maybe I could hang out with the cops themselves? Would either the detectives or the uniforms accept me? I didn't want to just hang out with the ADTF, but would cops that were only one step removed from such doings, be far enough away from it?

The drive was at least soothing, and I made it to the burger barn unscathed. It was just beginning to fill up... and a familiar car was in the lot. Seriously, what was it with my class? Gloria working at best buy instead of being in the University of Pheonix, and Randolf the jerk-bag still working at Burger Barn. Maybe he was a manager by now, and that's why he stayed? I entered another cool and somewhat dark interior.

Nope, he was still a wage slave, in front of the counter. After a matter of some months; that alone was odd. So were the giggling gaggle of girls taking up three tables and staring at him. All younger than I, unless I missed my guess. I paused in the door, trying to get what they saw in him. I couldn't see it; maybe that was because I actually knew him, or at least knew more of him than they did? He was grinning and flirting and playing right along, even though at least a few of the girls had to be underage.

Disgusting.

It also didn't stop him from looking my way at the earliest opportunity. And he perked right up; I always knew that if he was here forgetting me was too much to hope for. The gaggle in the far corner also turned and stared. Looks I couldn't even begin to decipher flickered on their faces. I knew somehow that I didn't like the looks for the most part.

Which meant that this trip was a bust. The teens and their hangers-on were not happy to see me, somehow. Well most of them; the few guys around were easy to read. They were all awe and lust. A few of the women were sporting similar looks, or just simple curiosity, but they were definitely in the minority.

I stilled my features as I marched up to the counter; one part cop training and one part military training kicking in to fix my bearing. Despite breakfast, despite the early hour of the lunch, I was famished.

”I'd like a bacon cheeseburger and large fries please.”

Karen would be so jealous... she feels that constant dieting is a thing she needs. Despite the fact that I think she weighs less than I do, it's impossible to convince her she isn't fat. She needed to meet other people at least as badly as I did. I wondered if I dared convince her....

“Hello again, Lieutenant. One bacon cheeseburger and large fries coming up. Unless I missed you, you haven't been here in awhile. What are you up to this fine day?”

Oh my God... shut up. I just want a burger, not witty repartee. Wow, I just thought that and wasn't struck dead by lightning. Just another tacked on to the multitude I guess. I wonder how many of those it'd take to put me over the edge, if I wasn't already there. I wonder if I can ask Grex, he would likely know.

“Just out shopping... been busy so far and this was my first real opportunity to get out.”

Sometimes I was too darn polite for my own good.

“Well at least you got today. I thought you might have been transferred already; sometimes that happens.”

This was some pretty clumsy prying. At best a five out of ten.

“No danger of that just yet. Just a very busy several months.”

Thankfully, the food was as fast as ever. I didn't know the name of the guy who cooked back there, but I knew him by sight; he had worked here since I was a kid. He delivered it since Randolf was distracted, and the urge to jump the counter and kiss him for that speed was pretty strong. I managed to suppress it all though, and make good my escape, speaking before he could in order to avoid sticking around and dealing with more sad excuses of small talk.

“Thank you both. See you both around.”

I heard two twin intakes of breath behind me, big gulps. I didn't want to look back, but I did wonder what they had seen. Had they seen the wings or something? Randolf knew I was military, but didn't know I was a summoner; last time here I had left him with the impression I was demon-touched but regular military. Or had they both, as I suspected, been staring at my butt?

The reaction of the teen girls seemed to indicate the latter.

I took my old regular table... a small one at the corner of the building, with chairs for two people, and one I could place my back to two walls with it. And while walls wouldn't necessarily stop demons, or even high powered rifles, any perpetrator would have to see me precisely to take me out before I could respond.

And just like that, as I bit into my burger while scanning the crowd, how far normal had moved. While I had always been this paranoid before, having been raised by paranoid ex-military parents, now my fears had grounding. Specific examples and specific scenarios that could be used to kill me, and those around me.

Even those teens, many of whom were around my age, weren't pissed at me on general principles for the attention I garnered, it would be impossible to fit in with them anyway. How would I deal with talk of clothes and boy bands? I'd never liked that stuff. So this was looking like an even bigger bust than the mall.

Even taking my time and watching the crowd come and go, I finished before the giggling crowd. The barn in general filled up quickly. I ate as fast as would be considered polite, and only just. Now that I was certain this was the wrong approach, I could take a deep breath and wave, so I did on my way out. Luckily Randolf was too busy taking orders to follow me outside, like he had the first time. I carefully backed my car up and left.

So where to go now?

It was just past noon, and the day was at it's hottest. The sun's heat, which should have been enervating by now, in which I could see other people wilting before they moved into the air conditioned confines of the eatery, was inviting to me. Soothing. Perhaps I was more changed by all those desert runs and PT than I thought.

And perhaps that was the answer. I was after all primarily moving to be doing something. Where were places people gathered to do physical things? Gyms and sporting places mostly. I didn't want to be indoors today, so... bike and hiking trails, state parks, or just out in the desert. I didn't have to worry about being alone in the desert as much as the next person, but the chances I'd find any people to converse with would be slim to none.

On the other hand I did know where a small park was, and it had both hiking and biking trails. It was the same park Karen and I had gone to for that silly re-enactment. It would be perfect, being one of the few places with actual vegetation. It was also a nice drive from here, though not quite across town again.

I altered course and drove... and picked up the tail behind me.

It was a late model Challenger, in an interesting shade of lime green, with black stripes down the hood and sides. Inconspicuous, it was not. Which left out a cop. I didn't recognize it, so it wasn't another summoner's car. It could be a terrorist, or a few of them. I checked, and the car did follow me into the parking lot I veered into. I went back out into traffic and continued on. I had caught sight of the driver; and he was alone.

He was bald and looked fit, but I wasn't afraid of a lone human anymore; at least not one I could see.

At the park I pulled in at the first lot I saw with a hiking trail. I got out and waited. The charger pulled right up next to me, on the other side of my own car. So, not a professional at all then. I crossed my arms and leaned back. I didn't give the person a chance to talk.

“why are you following me?”

He pointed to my car.

“Your car. It's a nice piece of work, and I think I recognize the work. Peevil's?”

Sounded like a last name.

“Peevil? I've no idea. No one involved ever told me who exactly had done the work. They just shanghaied my car and brought it back eight hours later.”

He was staring at my car, taking in all the details. He wasn't even glancing at me after the first look. Maybe he really was interested in the car? He was as big and buff as I'd thought, dressed much like I was in jeans and a T-shirt. His face was hatchet like, with a large sharp edged nose and thin lips. He was not a handsome man. He saw the old fashioned bubble light.

“Cop? Yeah, cops all go to Peevil. He's the best in the city. Name's Mark. Pleased to meet you.”

His smile transformed him from a potential threat to a nice guy. When he held his hand out, awkwardly, across my car I caught a full view of his army tattoos. It was the same unit as the Captain. Had to be younger than him though. Wasn't an off duty cop; after months around the police force I felt I'd recognize both him and his car.

“Name's Snow. The car was a bit of a hazing.”

“Heh. Good one. I hope you got them back for this.”

He tapped my painted hood.

“Still waiting on the perfect idea, but I will.”

It's hard to find the proper balance of evil idea without actual harm involved on the victim. I hadn't had that perfect idea yet.

“Revenge is a dish best served cold, eh? I can understand that. Sorry about the following bit, but I saw you at the Burger Barn, and wanted to get a good look at this beauty. She is a piece of work.”

He took another long look at the car. I wasn't sure what to say.

“I'm not the car buff I'm afraid. My dad restored this one, before your guy Peevil got to it. It used to be just a simple powder blue without any engine modifications.”

Mark nodded.

“So, an old style police cruiser then. Your dad a cop too, or just a fan of the classics?”

What?

“He's both actually, but I'm not. What do you mean?”

I locked the car up, now satisfied that by the reverence in his face that he wouldn't try to key it the moment I left. I was also pretty sure he had me pegged as a summoner by now, and didn't seem put off by the fact.

“Simple. The Chrysler Newport was used as a police cruiser way back when, at least in some areas. It had a powerful engine and good speed for it's day.”

“Interesting. Well since you already know what I do, how about telling me what you do?”

“Oh, simple. I'm a mechanic that does custom work for cars. I used to work for Peevil; he was my boss. I recognized my co-workers work, mainly in the art...”

I finished the sentence for him.

“And you decided you wanted a better look. Well I don't mind, take your time. As for me, I'm going to do what I came for, and hike.”

He waved as I left, but didn't see my return wave. Too busy looking at the detail work. I grinned; that went better than I had expected.

I didn't bring my pedometer, so some quick work with a phone app and I'd now know how many miles I walked or ran. An hour sounded about right. I started jogging, my cares melting into the pelting steps. The path was very scenic; the trees were green and the scrub was in bloom, and the winding path would suddenly open up into magnificent red-butte vistas. It wasn't quite as good as those views off the beaten path, but it was surprisingly good. The path was busy, with more than a few tourist types and regulars, by their dress. They gawked at me as I went by of course, but I ignored it. It was well watched as well, with rangers patrolling it's length.

The phone chimed the hour before I expected; I was on my way back to my car, but still a good twenty minutes from it. I had not been so much as spoken to, let alone followed. My car was also alone and undamaged. I didn't think it could be hurt anymore.

When I got shipped overseas I really wanted to take my car with me. If I could find gas and maybe change the suspension and wheels, it could be a very pretty tank Maybe I could add a turret. Of course tanks didn't fare well traditionally in the fight against demon-kind... they couldn't hide well enough, and even an imp could cut one open, given time. At least a mundane one. Enchanted ones seemed to draw demons like moths to flame... and hundreds would die or be banished to take a single one out. Considering the number disparity of countless hordes versus a few thousand tanks at best, the armies of the world simply couldn't afford the investment. Planes weren't much better, though for some reason flying demons tended to go after those only if they were armed. Another thing to ask Grex; it hadn't been properly explained in boot camp. It was probably something obvious that everyone knew or something.

Finally, I'd at the very least wasted enough time; the sun was on it's way down. The traffic was beginning to get pretty crazy, so that blew even more time. If I were of a military bent, I would have to declare this particular mission a failure. I was of military bent after all, come to think of it; or close enough for other people to consider me so.

I pulled back into the summoner's lot, having completed my parking lot tour for the day. Karen was not in the coffee shop, thankfully enough. That would have been weird. But perhaps not entirely unexpected. The stairs were just as empty on the way up as they were on the way down this morning. But there was a new decoration on my apartment door.

An alarm rune, scribbled on a piece of lined notebook paper. As ludicrous as it looked, I could feel the slight bit of power in it. It screamed Karen. If I got close enough, it would trigger. Did I want Karen here? I did. Or rather, I didn't care anymore. I pulled the sheet of paper off my door (it had been stuck there with gum) and unlocked my door.

“Grex, veni Huc!”

He appeared on the other side of the kitchen table, even more butler-like than usual with his hands folded behind him, in the perfect spot really.

“Coffee Grex, no special additives. Karen is coming. When you're done with that, you can go outside to my car and bring the bags and boxes from it up to me.”

“As you will, my mistress.”

He got to work. As soon as he was dine starting the coffee, with perfect timing, Karen knocked on the door.

“Come in Karen.”

Grex let her in on his way out. She watched him until he was out of sight before finally asking:

“Where is he going?”

“To get my bags. I engaged in some retail therapy today.”

“Oh? We'll make a proper girl of you yet! What did you get?”

I'd have the last laugh when she heard what I got. Proper girl indeed; as if all proper girls were shopaholics or something. I guess even psychiatrists weren't immune to stereotypes.

“A new game system, laptop, and some top gear DVD's. Got tired of using my phone for internet.”

She pulled a face, then pulled another as Grex teleported noisily into the living room, sulfur smell and all.

“How very pedestrian. Can I help you set it up?”

That light in her eyes... that feverish gleam. I was suddenly sure Karen and Gloria had more in common than I first suspected. I grabbed the knife I kept around for opening boxes; I didn't want Karen to have at it with her normal messy gusto. I wanted to keep the boxes; a good box was always useful, and if you wanted to resell a thing later, having all the original packaging made it worth more. I wasn't entirely sure how or why it worked that way in this day and age, but it did.

The game system came first. I set it up easily; high def cable into the television, controllers into system, power cord, done. The first thing the game system prompted me to do when turned on was to set up my network, which was really a matter of it detecting the wireless set up throughout the building, and then picking a name. Oddly enough while Snow was open, Yellow Snow was not. As clear a statement on western gaming culture as could be made.

Gloria was already on, under her own moniker: FanGloria. Yes, a play on the rather famous magazine. It suited her. I sent her the friend's request while Karen looked on.

“Who's that?”

I plugged in the headset and activated the voice chat feature. I could already hear Gloria's voice on the other end greeting me, even with the headphones off. I covered the mic.

“An old school friend I met again. She was working in electronics store for some reason. No idea why, she should be in college right now, I think.”

“Oh, which one was it? Miss perky?”

She had to be thinking of Felicity.

“No, the goth that was her best friend.”

“Ah. You should be careful. Past lives and history for a summoner can get... tricky.”

And doubly so in your case, she meant. The wrong word in any ear, and my previous life as... that male that I could only dimly remember would come crashing back with a vengeance. What had my name been again?

Karen made a motion at me and I uncovered the microphone.

“Sorry Gloria, I'm here. I thought we could try the fighting game first, unless you'd like to try another.”

He voice crackled through loud and clear:

“Nope that's fine, though I would like to try co-op on the shooter. By the way, if you don't like any of the games, just bring them back when you can and I'll see you get a refund. Least I can do since I picked them out, and your money bought the six pack I'm drinking tonight. Shall we get started?”

I shook my head as I slotted the game. Same old Gloria.