New York City

I fall behind Jinx and follow her behind the curtain.

The noise stopped as soon as the curtain fell back into place. They stood in a large circular room, everything was as white as bone a bright contrast to the dark room they had just been in. Scarlet sat perched on the desk the bunny in her lap and she smiled at them "it's been a long time Jinx. I'm surprised to see you back.." her voice was light and misty as she turned her eerie gaze to Artisan "especially with a Strayer.. very intruguing."


Jinx took a seat on a white armchair in front of Scarlet "I know this must look odd after such a long absence.. besides it's not like you didn't see us coming." she grinned at the small girl. "this is Artisan..."

Feeling that I'm in no immediate threat, I extend my hand, "The one and only."

Scarlet starred at his hand for a moment then looked up at him placing her hand very lightly in his barely allowing their skin to touch a small surge of energy passing from her to him. "It's quite the pleasure, I've heard much about the strayer's, but I've never met one.."

Jinx seemed shocked, Scarlet almost never made physical contact with anyone, it was a sign of complete trust. she watched the two curiously.

"Hey, how'd you even know I was a Strayer?" I let the gel fall out of my hair.

She smiled "I know more than you may think. I saw what happened with Spike.. I know why you're here as well. You want information on him.

"That's the general idea..."

Jinx looked at Scarlet " so what can you tell us... Because last I checked he was dead.

Scarlet toyed with the bunnys ears and then looked up at Jinx "he was dead,but now he's not ... Not sure how though.. Also he was here a few days ago. Lurking as usual."

"Did he talk with anyone, or say anything?"

She shook her head "simply observing...as though looking for someone. Not really certain. Everything is clouded around him as of late."

"Then why the hell would he send us here?"

Jinx was quiet as she stood stepping toward Scarlet "show me." Scarlet stood up on the desk standing a little over the other girl and then looked at Artisan "he should come as well."

"Context would be helpful here.." I look at them confused.

Jinx smiled "just trust me..its quite awesome."

Scarlet motioned for him to come closer "I'll show you when he was here, but I have to have a physical connection to you both."

I walk over and offer my hand.

Scarlet shook her head "it has to be stronger than that." and with that she reached out touching both their foreheads with the tips of her fingers. Nothing happened for a few seconds and then the room raced past them in a blur it was like they were surround by the most beautiful galaxy for a moment and then it stopped just as suddenly. They were standing back on the dance floor but it was ghost like as the sound around them faded in and out.

I look around completely amazed, this is completely put of my ball park. My world was enchanting objects and inventions, not this.

"What...?"

Jinx peered around at the flickering image, it was starting to stabilize a bit "she took us back in time so to speak.. Through her memories to be exact.. Kinda like astral projection."

Scarlet nodded " i've worked very hard to be able to bring others with me .. it takes immense control."

My mind was ajar with ideas with how to replicate this effect. But I'll save them for later.

"Okay let's find tall, dark, and creepy..."

Scarlet pointed across the room through a perfect gap of people "he's just there."

I make my way through the crowd over to Spike.

Jinx followed closely behind him starring at the image of Spike. He stood there looking around at the party goers and then his gaze fell on Scarlet's small frame across the room and he grinned. Then his eyes flicked around the room once more before falling on the approaching pair simply watching them.

I take out my wand and ready my bag just in case. Could he ACTUALLY see me? Again, ym lack of understanding in this is coming back to bite me in the ass. Note to self, get a time turner and slap my sleeping self up from my early years.

Jinx watched curiously standing next to Artisan. Spike's eyes fell on her and he whispered his voice sounded disembodied through the memory haze "back to the end." It was all he said before going quietly back to observing the room.

Knowing it was a memory, I know there's no point in interacting with Spike so I turn to Jinx, "You thinking what I am?"