Three months. Three stupid months of tracking down this spell and the ingredients for it. And now she was in Gotham. It wasn't every day that a whole city made her shiver, but Gotham was another animal entirely. She drew magic from the cities she was in, sometimes it affected her mood. Other times it affected her stomach. Gotham, well Gotham seemed to do both. But she needed to be here. The ley lines that ran all throughout the city made it a powerful nexus for spells and any other types of magic. She'd need all the boost she could get to do this spell. So that meant being grumpy and having pepto-bismol handy for a few days.

She'd rented out some scummy apartment in what the locals called the Suicide Slums, spending a few days preparing the place, putting up wards and other basic protections. Bill had been unusually silent the whole time, more than likely feeding off her mood and connection to the city. Also he wasn't exactly a fan of what she was doing. But he understood the need for gathering specialty ingredients. It was amazing how many spells required a "piece of hell". It was rather annoying. But, this spell she'd dug up would give her a big enough piece that it should last her a great long while.

She sat down outside her drawn circle, waving her hand as she lit the candles with a word. Then she unfolded her spell. It was old, written in old English script, hard and annoying to read. It had taken her awhile to make sure she had all the right words. She didn't need to accidentally summon a demon or something. Still, she had taken that precaution just in case. Looking at the piece of parchment, she started to chant, reading off the lines on the page. The candles flickered dangerously low then flared blindingly bright before going out completely. Clicking on a small flashlight, she looked around for her prize. And found...nothing.

"What the f*ck?"

Well that's what you get for believing that old man. He seemed like he could barely here you. Of course he gave you a bunk spell.

"Ah can it, you poor excuse for a polo ball. I'm out 300 bucks buying all this shit. I don't need your 'I told you so's. You have any better ideas, besides taking a trip down there and snagging a rock? No? Didn't think so." Kaci stood up angrily and started turning on the lights. This was ridiculous. And she was still in this city. The only place she wanted to be in less was New York.

Sebastian was taking a night off, well provided the Dark Commandos didn't need him. He couldn't exactly say no to them anyways. But the Titans didn't need him so he decided to relax. In his room in Titan tower he flipped on his Netflix, turning it to his favorite Rosario + Vampire. He'd watched it countless times and by now, knew the lines by heart. But it was one where people fought to love the vampire but also got the vampire right. True Blood wasn't bad, but not what he was in the mood for currently. With the anime playing and his grubby painting clothes, a paint spattered jeans and T-shirt with no shoes or socks, he set up his easel and began painting.

Admiral Fluffy Paws meanwhile was curled up on the bed nearby. He had just begun spreading some paint on the canvas, sort of letting his muse take over. He hadn't painted for fun in awhile and knew there were people looking for his new stuff. But suddenly he felt a slight breeze and heard a faint voice. Admiral Fluffy Paws shot up and began looking around.

'That fool....'

Going completely on instinct as the wind began to swirl around him faster and faster Sebastian grabbed his sword, Scylla's Fang and Admiral FLuffy Paws jumped onto his shoulder.

"What's happening?"

'I've been lied to.'

Suddenly the sight around him began to blur as the wind picked up to a tornado level. Luckily his room was already messy, but some of his paintings got thrown around. Now he was angry. Suddenly he was standing in some seedy apartment and a confused and angry prostitute was pointing a gun at him.

"Look, I can explain..."

-BOOM-

"You shot me!"

He yelled looking down at his arm. The bullet had gone right through his forearm and was already slowly healing. He raised his arm and looked through the hole.

"You're a terrible shot."

He suddenly surged forward and put his shoulder in her chest sending her crashing back. Suddenly a wave of revelation came over him.

"I've been summoned..."

He dropped the paint brush, kept his sword ready and left the apartment. Admiral Fluffy Paws walked behind him, trying to stop him.

'Oh no, he's hypnotized.'

"Huh?"

He asked going down the stairs to Kaci's apartment. He knew it was possible to summon him, but also knew it likely wasn't easy. He was part vampire and part incubus and also a prince. Sure he wasn't exceptionally powerful among Hell's elite, but he still held some sway in a couple realms.

"No I'm not. The spell seems flawed, I'm just curious is all."

He approached the door which even without his strength he could kick down. He contemplated it, cursed sword and all. After all, she had summoned him, which was considered an invitation. He did the first part of the 'Shave and a Haircut' knock then waited.

'You could go in and kill whoever this is.'

"Well that would just be rude. Besides, what if they're hot?"

For the fifth time, Kaci turned the piece of parchment over, wondering where she went wrong. IF she had gone wrong. The words all seemed right, she'd double checked almost everything, especially her ingredients. And still, she had nothing. She sighed and slumped her shoulders, crumpling up in her hands. Then, because the walls were very thin in this crappy apartment, she nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the gunshot go off. She looked up at the ceiling, the shot sounding like it had come from upstairs. Whatever the hell domestic dispute was going on, she was going to stay right where she was.

Kaci...we should go see if anyone needs help.

"Haha, no. I'm not getting involved in this city and it's problems." Kaci said, while going around the room and picking up the candles she had used. She'd clean the circle off the floor in the morning. She looked over at Bill as she swiped another candle. He had made a little nest for himself in her hoodie she'd tossed on a chair, his little nose snuffling a bit as he hunted down any little crumbs left. It was adorable to watch, even if he was a pain in her ass.

Kaci jumped again when someone knocked on her door. She looked over at Bill, who froze and looked at the door then back at her. Silently as she could, she crept over to the door and looked out the peephole then quickly pulled away, putting her back to the wall next to the door.

Bill....there's a guy...with a sword. Not just any guy, no, he's...well his aura is...

Well open the door. He can't come in unless you say he can. I think...at least I'm pretty sure.

That's so helpful! Kaci made a face a Bill before looking back at the door. Confident. She had to act confident. Not a nattering nervous ninny. She took a deep breath and opened the door, holding out her hand.

"Two pence?"

He waited calmly after knocking. No doubt he was taking her by surprise. Of course not even half as surprised as he was. He was on the other side of the country seconds ago. He sat there calmly, of course the calm was beginning to fade. He wanted answers and he wanted to know everything, one way or another. As soon as the door opened he pushed past her into the apartment. He grabbed a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a small flick of hellfire. He looked around and shook his head before leaning against the wall. Admiral Fluffy Paws meanwhile strolled in underneath Kaci and between her legs. He began looking and sniffing around.

'I believe some people would refer to her as a simple witch.'

"Well she seems to have some idea of what she's doing. I mean she did summon me. It can't be that simple to summon me."

'Well you are rather simple.'

"But damn I look good."

He said with a laugh. He continued to look around the apartment and noticed Bill. He gave a snort and a chuckle before moving on. There were a few magical items scattered around. She had some idea, but perhaps no formal training. He respected someone winging it as they went. It was very dangerous and instead of him she could've easily summoned a demon that killed her, eventually.

"So what's up sweetheart? What do ya want?"

He asked her as he sat down on what passed for a couch. He glanced down at his sword which seemed to be quiet. It sought out evil, but it didn't seem to pick up on much. Perhaps some generic human evilness that was the same as someone having a bad day. Admiral FLuffy Paws hopped up on Sebastian's lap as he smoked and looked more towards Bill.

'This seems more like your idea than her's.'

Bill! What the hell?!

I said I was pretty sure. There are most likely extenuating circumstances.

He simply wandered in. No inviting, no nothing, just stepped inside and started wandering around. His cat made his way in, almost causing her to toss a fireball at it on reflex as he decided it was fun to simply walk underfoot. Though that would have been rude to simply set someone else's familiar ablaze. She felt like kicking him though when he called her a simple witch. Who the hell did they think they were?! He and his cat simply talking to each other like she wasn't even there. Of course they did impart some rather enlightening information as to what the hell was going on.

"You're not what I ordered," Kaci said, pulling the spell out again, smoothing out the paper to look once more at the script on the page. She squinted at it. Turned the page slightly. Then smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand. She let out a small groan as she lit the paper on fire and let it burn away to nothing in her free hand. No need for a spell to summon the "Prince of Hell" to be out in the world. That was just asking for trouble. She was rather lucky considering.

Oh no, she makes poor life choices all on her own. I just try and minimize the damage. Bill looked over at Admiral Fluffy Paws with some apprehension before the sweater he had burrowed into started floating in the air and toward the outstretched hand of Kaci. She placed Bill on her shoulder and tied the sweater around her waist before looking at the cat.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't eyeball my hedgehog. Even if he is a sarcastic pain in the ass, I'd rather keep him in one piece."

Aww you do care!

"Quiet, you pint sized perpetual problem."

Nice alliteration.

Kaci crossed her arms, rather unsure of what to do here. She had apparently summoned him. But he was not what she needed. He could probably get what she needed, but she didn't want to test the limits of her summons just yet. The spell itself was hinky. Any control she could have possibly had would be tenuous at best. She wasn't really willing to see what those limits were.

"Well, sorry you had to travel...from...wherever it was you came from. But had I known I was having company over for dinner, I would have cleaned up."

'Every law, even magical ones, have loop holes. Everyone knows that.'

Admiral Fluffy Paws said in response to Bill and Kaci's conversation. While Admiral couldn't understand her he could understand Bill. Whether it was an animal thing or simply a Familiar thing he wasn't sure. All he did know was that he had much more problematic issues to deal with. Namely a spell existed to summon Sebastian and they were now in the service of this witch. That meant a variety of things. She could want protection, a specific item, or really nothing good. Especially since Sebastian had a habit of hanging out with the wrong people, especially if magic was involved.

'It seems all we do is protect them and we get no credit. It's exhausting keeping him from doing something stupid.'

Sebastian seemed a little lost since he couldn't hear Bill's half of the conversation. He turned his attention back to Kaci and let the tattoos on him fade revealing his runes. He couldn't even remember bringing them up but it was sort of a habit when he ended up in a different place.

"So what were you ordering anyways Witchy Poo? Usually someone wants something specific summoning an Incubus which....yeah that works."

If she had summoned him by accident he could only imagine what she was going for. He was an oddly specific creature. So the spell to order him had top be rather difficult. He took one last drag from his cigarette before opening up a small portal and flicking it into the portal. There was a small moment of silence before swearing was heard in the next apartment and Sebastian laughed.

'WHat if you burned this place down?'

"I'd be doing it a favor."

He said with a laugh before hearing her spiel. So this was what was going to happen. They were going to make awkward conversation. He hated making awkward conversation, or really conversation in general. Well despite the fact that he loved talking to himself.

"San Francisco..."

He interjected when she mentioned him travelling from wherever. He figured she suspecting he came from some realm in Hell.

"Well had I known I was being summoned against my will I would've put shoes on. I say we call it a victory I'm wearing pants since I was debating on a shower right before you grabbed me."

'He was and that would've been awkward for all parties. But if you could get him some shoes....'

"Size 12, and something fashionable and dark. Then we can get to working on whatever it is you want so I can be on my way."

Kaci's eyebrow twitched only slightly at the "witchy-poo" though she had of course been called worse by cheating spouses after they had been exposed. Those hadn't phased her at all, his flippancy however, seemed to get right under her skin. She had to remind herself that she would be just as flippant though not nearly as calm if she had been forcibly summoned across the country.

She hasn't done anything catastrophically stupid, yet. But she's so stubborn, I've stopped trying to convince her not to do anything. I just get the satisfaction of telling her so.[/color] Kaci slowly turned to look at Bill, her hand coming up like it was going to flick his nose. He quickly buried his nose into her hair and she muttered a quick spell, waving her hand at Sebastian's feet, recalling a pair of wingtips she'd seen in a store window and making them appear on his feet.

"What I wanted, was a spell ingredient. I can't exactly open a portal to hell, grope around and grab a rock and be done with it. Have to special order it. What I don't do is special order sex demons. That's just a recipe for disaster."

See? Not totally dumb. There's some sense of self preservation

You are really asking for it.

Kaci chewed on her lip a bit, wondering how to go about this. She needed that rock, reasonably soon. Can't exactly find "lost" items just with a wish and a prayer. Maybe if she asked nice he'd get it for her. He seemed ready to leave, and she had a client that was more than a bit anxious to end their association after he got what he wanted.

"Well define catastrophically stupid. Of course summoning a Prince of Hell could easily fall into that category. Unless...was that Chilean Earthquake last month her?"

"Pssh, no way my new Mistress here could do anything even REMOTELY close to that powerful. She's so...small and adorable."

"Careful Sebastian. She is just that. Plus if you could actually look past your own arrogance you'd see she's quite powerful."

Admiral Fluffy Paws said, sort of mediating between everyone. Sebastian meanwhile just sat there and listened. He could only hear Admiral Fluffy Paws' section of the conversation. He didn't like it, he felt like he was being left out. Now he knew how Lilith felt when he and Admiral Fluffy Paws talked like she wasn't there. But at Admiral's point he actually looked at her just as she made shoes appear on his feet. He looked down at them and raised an eyebrow.

"Wingtips with no socks on an artist. I feel like I should be talking about my gluten free vegan bike that was made from locally sourced blah de...yeah you get where this is going."

He said looking down at them before back to her. She was powerful, but either completely unaware of it or had gotten quite good at hiding it. Either way he'd need to watch her. He'd encountered far too many witches and sorceresses who had tricked him and he always paid for it.

"I'll stick with the shoes though because just looking around this building I can tell there's broken glass everywhere."

He then turned his attention back to her. So she'd tried to summon a piece of hell and got a prince instead. Not the strangest occurrence but not the most likely either. It could've ended much worse. Some simple demon who enslaved and/or killed her.

"Ok, so you need a piece of brimstone? You gonna ask for Eye of Newt next? Fine, whatever. Either way I am in your service until the reason for my summoning is complete."

"Weeeelllllllllll.....that's not entirely true. THis spell could also be the kind that lasts until one of you is dead. But I'm sure that's not the case. That's a very complicated spell. She would've needed three bat wings, a rattlesnake fang and the horn of a green unicorn. I'm almost certain she didn't use that."

Kaci scoffed at Seb's description of her, a small smirk forming on her lips as she shook her head. She knew that's what people though of her when they first met her, and depending on the person, she let them think that, only to use it to her advantage later. Now was probably not one of those times. Mainly because of that cat. And, she supposed, Mr. Tall, Dark and Sketchy himself. He seemed like someone who played with people's perceptions too.

"Correction, I can be powerful. Ley lines help a little. And you were nonspecific as to the type of shoes and they're what I though of when you asked, so I just figured what the hell. They seemed to fit you. And I didn't even know your size. Bonus points for not pinching toes." She gave him a cheezey grin and two thumbs up before doing a small visual sweep of her little trash heap she had rented. Part of her just wanted to wave a hand and make it all become neat and tidy, but she was tired after that spell and the shoes, and getting hungry. And she still had no brimstone.

Overall, her new house guests seemed more civilized than most things she had met after summoning them. Which made her more suspicious as they both seemed to have more than just murder-death-kill as a motive for existing. The runes were interesting and she kept glancing at them, trying to decipher them, but she tried not to show an active interest, staring at a person for long periods was just rude. Some seemed to be nonsense, others she could only catch glimpses of but it didn't look nice.

"Oh, well yeah I'd like a piece. That was the whole point of this expensive little adventure. Don't really use Eye of Newt in anything anymore. Crows eyes are more popular though." At the mention of the green unicorn she sucked in her teeth. "About that..."

That is the last time I let you change the color. It was uncomfortable.

"Hey, you had never made any specifications about not changing your color before. And you're the one who lets me only transfigure you into a unicorn. Ya weirdo. Mom had a dragon...why do you have to be so picky?"

Your mother had an iguana.

"Who she turned into a dragon. Same difference." She stuck her tongue out at Bill. Her stomach, at that point, decided to make it known it was time to eat.

"Ley lines eh? So you're one of THOSE."

He didn't mean it to sound so rude but he'd encountered her type before. Or close to at the very least. Ones that relied on things like ley lines, moon phases, time of day and so forth. He had learned to rely on himself for most spells. But of course that was the thing with blood magic, he literally had to rely on himself.

"I also can't help but notice you're not denying the earthquake."

'Oh like you can talk.'

"Hey that building was about to collapse anyways. It was one strong breeze away from coming down. You can't prove my spell brought it down. Besides, it was owned by the Church of Blood so no real harm. Felt bad for the corvette that go crushed by the rubble though."

She seemed to be a very specific type of sorceress. What he'd first disregarded as a simple witch she seemed to be much more than that. Hell she'd managed to basically summon the Prince of Hell with a handful of ingredients. She may even be stronger than she thought.

"Well first I need to make a portal to Hell. I have no desire to go there any more than you do."

'It is your destiny.'

Sebastian simply rolled his eyes, catching her staring at his runes. He'd deal with that later. He was used to people staring at them, it was kind of normal. it was one of the main reasons he used the tattoo illusion to hide them. His jaw dropped as they seemed to confirm that they had indeed used the 'Til death' spell. Admittedly it could be worse, at least she was hot.

"So I'm stuck with you till one of us dies? Wait...I'm already dead."

'Not sure it works that way.'

He cursed in demon speak under his breath and sighed. Then he sort of watched the back and forth between her and Bill. Interesting, so he seemed to turn into a unicorn. He'd never met someone with a familiar who had a similar relationship as he and Admiral Fluffy Paws.

'You turn into a unicorn? Adorable.'

"Ya know darling, as your familiar you can decide WHAT to turn him into. Admiral Fluffy Paws here turns into...well I guess you'd call it a sabretooth tiger monster. But we might as well get this over with. There's a portal on the edge of Gotham, Slaughter swamp to be more precise. So what can go wrong?"

"Hey, I only need ley lines for big stuff. Don't turn your nose up at a damn power boost, you...you..." she gestured at him, trying to come up with an insult. She just stuck her tongue out at him unable to find something she felt was totally appropriate. "Whatever. And hey, that earthquake was only partially my fault. That Agar demon was a real bitch. Cracking the earth open to swallow it was really the only way to beat it."

Kaci crossed her arms, only slightly miffed she felt she needed to justify herself. No one had really questioned her magic like that before and she was more than slightly perturbed by it. Prince of Hell, huh? Well he couldn't say she was weak if she got him here with her magic. Then he mentioned he tangled with the Church of Blood and she internally winced. She already had enough pissed off idiots after her, she would rather not like a bunch of supernatural ones too.

This is just going to ad to my headaches, isn't it?

"Hahah....probably. Um...ok, first, I've tried to turn him into other things. It doesn't take. Second...you know, we don't have to-"

Kaci

"Ugh ok fine. Slaughter Swamp. That place gives me the heebee geebees. Let's go," Kaci picked up her bag and tossed it over her shoulder, heading for the door.

"I suppose I just blame people who often use ley lines, they're usually so....pedestrian."

He said with a shrug. He'd encountered so many would-be witches and sorcerers that often spoke about phases of the moon, ley lines and weather. Sure they can have an effect on spells but a true sorcerer relies solely on their own particular set of skills. Or at least that was what was pounded into his head. He wasn't allowed to use excuses like that so he didn't let anyone else get away with it either. It was something that had often pushed other magic users away. Then again he didn't have to try hard to really push anyone away. If anything it was almost impressive with how easy it was for him.

"Ugh, Agar demons, hate those things. Ran into one that was hiding in come canyon feeding on hikers. One guy managed to get away, Aron....something. Ended up wiping his memory. But I first went because I thought it was a vampire or werewolf. If I'd known it was a demon..."

"You wouldn't have run away as fast as you did?"

"A tactical retreat. I won didn't I?"

"Uggghhhh...."

"Agree or your catnip mouse ends up in Hell."

"You're a monster. See what I deal with Bill? This man is crazy."

Sebastian rolled his eyes and laughed lightly. But she had agreed to go with. Which was good since opening a portal to Hell here would be...dangerous. On the one hand who knew what could come out, and on the other who knew where he'd end up. The last thing he wanted was to end up in Trigon's realm.

"The door? Adorable."

With a snap of his fingers a flaming portal opened. On the other side was a dark alley.

"Come one...mistress. Should only take a couple hops and we're there."

He said before stepping halfway into the portal, sword in hand as Admiral FLuffy Paws followed, jumping through the portal at his side.

"Oh, and either you or Bill will be accompanying me into Hell. You two can decide among yourselves. After all, I might be there awhile and I could get hungry."

He said with a light laugh. He kept the portal open long enough for her and Bill to follow. He was only joking of course, well mostly joking. He didn't plan on spending too much time there, but it was a possibility. He preferred to be prepared, especially when going into Hell.

Ah yes, the ever useful "I'll take away your favorite thing" threat. This one does it constantly with my foil ball.

"Hey, sometimes you need a timeout from the ball, you addict." Kaci shook her head. Technically it was a cat toy, as were most toys Bill and other hedgehogs seemed to play with. Bill may be a bit smarter and more special than a normal hedgehog, but he still acted like all the rest when toys were involved.

Both Bill and Kaci looked over at the portal as Sebastian opened it, stopping their little trek to the door. A part of Kaci was jealous she couldn't snap her fingers and make a portal like that. Took too much of her energy. She could snap her fingers and make a lot of things happen. Cutting down on travel time was not one she liked to do frequently. If ever. Hmmm. This whole thing might not be so bad after all, if she thought about it. She wouldn't have to pay as much for plane tickets and such. No getting ahead of yourself there, Kace. Let's see how this goes first.

"Ugh...no...don't do that. Right, name would be good. It's Kaci. Not mistress, or witch, or witchy-poo. Just...Kaci." She turned and headed for the newly created portal, eyeing it, slightly suspicious.

Remember what your mother said about those...

"Yeah yeah, don't get into a portal with strangers, even if they have candy." She followed Sebastian through anyway, rolling her eyes at his little snack comment. She was not snack material, and Bill was bite sized so that definitely wasn't going to happen. Besides, she was going to go anyway, just to make sure she got what she needed. Not that she didn't trust Sebastian, (she didn't), but she didn't want a pebble, she wanted a nice big rock that would last her awhile.

"If you get peckish, I can get you a blood bag. I don't feel like being dinner. And we shouldn't be in there long. How hard can it be to find a damn rock?"

As she corrected him and asked to be called by her name he smirked and bowed slightly.

"As the mistress commands."

This was his little way of rebelling. Sure if she worded it right he'd have no choice but to listen and obey, but until then this would be his own little way of rebelling. It was childish and petty but he hated being under someone's service. It was how his whole childhood had been and he'd swore it wouldn't happen again. So much for that promise to himself. Now here he was under the command of some wanna be sorceress.

"Well good thing I'm not a stranger, but as for the candy...."

'Stop.'

"You never let me have any fun."

'All you do is have fun!'

While he begged to differ he knew it wasn't an argument he would win. He rarely won arguments against Admiral Fluffy Paws, he was really good at it. Especially since he'd been doing it for centuries. Once Kaci and Bill were on the other side of the portal he shut it and looked around the alley. He mumbled to himself before pointing West and opening another portal. On the other side was the middle of the highway and he glanced over at her with a smirk.

"We'll need to go fast Mistress, keep up. I'd hate for you to be hit by a car and end our little partnership. Truly a waste of beauty."

He said before scooping up Admiral Fluffy Paws and jumping through the portal. He'd need to wait for the first portal to be closed before opening a new one. It was a small issue with his portal magic but it still worked.

Kaci let out an annoyed groan as he continued to call her mistress. He was going to be petulant and childish this whole time, she could feel it. Well the sooner they were done, the sooner she wouldn't need him anymore. Though this wasn't a spell she could just release him from, she didn't need him to be near her 24/7, she hoped. Then she might really kill him just out of annoyance. She generally didn't like people, liked annoying people even less. There were some days even Bill got on her nerves, but she never actually drop kicked him out a window. This guy though...

"Don't think I'd ever like the candy you offer." She looked around where they landed, hoping it wasn't up in the air or something equally dangerous if caught by surprise. Middle of a roadway. Fantastic. The portal hopping was slightly disorientating, but as soon as her feet hit the ground, she tapped into the city and instantly reoriented herself. She knew there wasn't a car coming, not anywhere close, or else she would have been a little more mad. Might have even tossed him under it.

"Ah, so you're just going to portal hop me into an early grave just to get rid of me, huh? Well if I'm going down, you're coming with me."

Kaci

"What? He brought it on himself. If he's gonna be a snotty brat, he'll be a useful snotty brat. I've got no time for bullshit, and you know it." She thought she'd have her case all wrapped up by now, not more complicated than she could possibly imagine. She was getting more annoyed by the second and just wanted the damn piece of rock so she could find the kid and go home. Wherever home was this week.

How about you cooperate with someone for once and maybe, just maybe, the missing kid will be found in one piece this time. Kaci winced at that as she hopped through the next portal. She would like to not repeat what happened last time. They were still finding body parts months later. I know you're anxious and team work has never been your strong suit, but how about you try it, just once?

"Fine. Whatever. We almost there?" Kaci, of course, knew exactly how close they were every time she stepped through another portal. Not only could she feel the swamp getting oppressively closer, her automatic inner compass told her exactly how close they were every time she stepped through the portal. She just felt like being as petulant as he was being.