The Elysian: Eighteenth Dream

We reveal our cards. Most of his are in melds, though he has a five and a two for deadwood. I reveal my sorry hand state. I’m able to layoff a card, but my own deadwood is a two and two sevens. “Points for me.” Cain holds up a hand and writes a nine in midair. Across the way, behind the counter of the diner is a chalkboard. Appearing on the board in white is Cain’s score, with a big fat zero under my name.

Seeking Dusk: Part 17

Our enemy doesn’t have that luxury. He is currently possessing a human and standing in the middle of the walkway. And yet, the other humans just seem to naturally walk around him, paying no attention to his conversation with the air. The darkness behind his eyes searches over my body and turns to Lord Zadkiel. “I can only guess why two halos tracked me down. Can only guess how. But I got more important things to do today, so if you’re gonna strike me down, go ahead and do it.”

The 19th Century Paranormal Investigator: Chapter 27

Surgat wasn’t going anywhere soon, so I left the demon be. We exited the study and my young ward led me through the house towards what I hoped was Lance's room. The upper corridors were still an unhelpful maze to me, but once we found the stairs down to the ground floor, Con had a much better time leading. I suppose he has spent more time stealing from this part of the house. The workers were much more cautious around me while Con was at my side. I suppose word of our battles had spread further. One would think our presence would calm them, seeing as we won both scrapes, but fear is rarely rational.

Neon Noir: The Thirteenth Beat

Kegs still confused opens the bag and takes a peek. He’d never seen so many 20s. But on top is a little piece of paper that seemed to have “Don’t Kegs” scrawled in poorly written scratch. What game was little Vash playing? Whatever it is, he’d be sure to add it to her tab.

Seeking Dusk: Part 16

Zadkiel turns and starts walking out of the alley. I’m still a little stunned, but quickly recover and follow him as he turns onto the sidewalk. Despite being nearly intangible to the mortals on the path, I take effort to avoid colliding with them. Zadkiel on the other hand, walks right through, his own aura interfering in the thought processes of the humans. Not likely to be harmful, but it is a little rude.

Mild Mannered: Issue #11

The voting period had begun, and I only had a few more days to try and squeeze some votes out of this. Tobias hadn’t mentioned me again, but he did bring up two more relatively unknown artists. Apparently, he’s really particular about how he wins contests. An unexpected effect of this is I now judged my self-worth by how my entry was doing compared to those two.

The Elysian: Seventeenth Dream

"I'm sorry, but who exactly are you?" The spirit across from me takes the deck of cards and shuffles and flourishes them from hand to hand. I try to keep up, but lose track as his hands and arms blur, seemingly moving like an unnatural snake. "I was wondering how long it'd take you to ask. I've gone by many names, never ones I chose myself. Apophis. Rahu. Chernobog. I bring with me chaos and darkness, though nothing so simple as what you'd imagine." He continues shuffling the cards, each time they grow more and more disordered. All the while, his graceful hands keep them in check.

Seeking Dusk: Part 15

\"The hosts piled out of the building, while I stood at attention. I thanked the good doctor for his help as they left. He finally looked me in the eye, and I could see more to his expression. He was scared. Terrified. I wish I could help, but all I could do is give him my own frightened look back.\"

Neon Noir: The Twelfth Beat

Lady Vash had taken Mr. Shane’s drink rather than wait for a new one. She shooed one of the men off the stool and took the seat herself. If anyone would recognize Rupert, it’d be her. And yet, she also didn’t offer up Bella. “Rupert, you lost your charge and made a mess trying to get her back. Why should I think she’d be safe with you?”