# Interlude ## Food Old Man was hungry. It felt like forever since his last meal. What, an hour? Two even? Friend was sitting, eating something that smelled delicious. Crazy Hair sat next to her, both in the seats usually reserved for Man and Dark. Neither had been around in a long time. The food smelled delicious, steaming and fresh, and everyone had some. Old Man just sat under the table, until Crazy Hair stood on it. He took the opportunity to take her seat, and snatch the food off her plate. A bone, with meat all over it. Old Man’s mouth watered as he took it to the far end, and started to gnaw at the meat. ## Outlet As Dixie rode through atlanta, she couldn’t tell why people had possibly wanted to escape to the city. David and her were leaving now, but in the few days they spent there, the whole place was a mess. They’d gone to Athens early on, but the last time it was a warzone, with a large battle at the Georgia Square mall. Atlanta was a sea of the dead, the pair were lucky to escape on I75. Traffic was bad going in and out, but the HOV lane made it bearable. Occasionally David had to weave his way through all the stationary vehicles. *At least Insurance no longer exists.* “Any interest in an outlet mall, my fair Dixie.” David asked, pointing to a sign on the far side of the road. He slowed the car, to look at her. *Gods I love that man.* “Why yes, sir David, ‘Gigantic Mall’ Sounds simply divine.” She said in the same shitty exaggerated British accent. The parking lot wasn’t as crowded as she would have expected. They grabbed a handicap spot, and started on the end furthest from the car. Crocs. “Thoughts?” David asked, wearing the largest pair of crocs she’d ever seen. “I’d join your circus,” Dixie chuckled, grabbing her own. They left with two pairs each, and walked into some generic shoe store. “Oh shit they have those contractor shoes from when I worked pest control.” David said, sitting down with a box and trying them on. Dixie got herself some shoes similar, of the women’s variety. “Godawful pink, but they fit well.” “That’s great.” David smiled, and Dixie saw him glance at her legs before he met her eyes. Next was Lodge. *How do they still have stores? They went under years ago.* Nonetheless, they spent half an hour browsing cast iron pots and pans. David grabbed an abandoned shopping cart, and loaded it up with goods. After unloading the cart into the car's trunk, Dixie got some things from a women's apparel store, then joined David in walking across the lot, to Levi’s. It was sandwiched between Academy and bass pro, and right next to Wrangler. “This is better than I expected, Usually they only have the shit that’s cut poorly.” Dixie stripped off her extremely worn and scarcely washed jeans, for something more form fitting. Dixie grabbed a vest from the back, actual leather. Dixie couldn’t be seen from the men’s section, but she could hear David reply, “Agreed. I can actually stock up. I’ve never had more than two pairs of jeans in my life.” They left Levis, now entering Academy. *This turned into quite the boring shopping spree.* She felt like she should shake it up. David loaded the buggy with guns and ammunition, but as he passed the fitting rooms, Dixie yanked him away from the buggy. “The fuck?” “Just shut up.” Dixie said, pulling the door shut. Her vest came off first, and the rest was a blur. ## Conclave Kal didn't much like Xav. The lights were inadequate this low. The inface of each Terra lacked the light the stars provided, even through the holes, the lower outfaces had more light at night. But it was where most Umbrir liked to meet. Karthas was the first face he saw. Sleek and young, small scales that made up her skin dimpled in a smile. Kal sat down across from her, nodding to the two others. Aeola, of Aethere, and Gre'l, of Terradine. Neither were human, of course, but they were raised and spent the majority of their time there. Both were older than Kal or Karthas, by a good thousand years. Older generations. Most of the time they stayed in one place, but the younger, Kal’s age, moved around constantly. It’s why they knew of Kraia, and other planets they’d yet to colonize. *Hopefully that changes.* “Okay, I spoke with the others, but wanted your input, Kal.” Karthas said, when Kal nodded she continued. “The northern demigods have been making their way south.” “Damn. Well, that means we need to alert Ironsoul.” The name sounded funny when spoken, as did all things on Earth. Kal preferred Terradine. “Already done.” “Good. Origins it would be bad if Vekka gained control.” Kal said, eyeing Aeola. He hadn't met her more than twice, but she was a very quiet type. “It would. As we discussed with Karthas, we were going to send one of us there, but I feel it pressing enough to send two.” Gre’l said, sitting down his drink. Karthas blushed deeply when Kal caught her looking at him. Kal nodded at Gre’l. “Who are you sending?” Aeola chuckled, and replied for Gre’l. “You and Karthas. Who better?” Her voice was not as scratchy as he expected, lighter in tone too. “Also the other issues we have, both here on Xav, and with the goldwings on Aethere are pretty well covered.” Gre'l added. “And Oran?” Kal asked, not trying to avoid staying on Earth with Karthas, but the devils on Oran were a horrible unknown. “Earth takes priority.” Gre’l said, “You and Karthas will go to earth, stay with the demigods, and give them success.” “Understood.” Karthas and Kal said in unison. *This could be fun.* --- ## Luck When Jeremy awoke from his blackout, the entire casino was dark. He thought himself blind, as he had such a nasty headache, and couldn’t see. People were yelling, Jeremy couldn’t quite grasp the words they said, but footsteps thundered all around. He stood, trying to look around, but his eyes were slow to adjust. *Why would the exit lights be off?* It was New Vegas, and though not in the Utah federation, it still had legal mandates to keep the signal light for the exit on. Regardless, he sought out the exit. *How long have I been in here?* It took three hours to find the exit. Casinos were always mazes. The light blinded Jeremy, but as his eyes adjusted, he saw the manic scene. Cars filled the streets, people shouted, but the traffic never moved. Others abandoned their vehicles and began to walk to god knows where. Children cried, Jeremy rolled his eyes. *Just shut them up.* He walked across the street, to his hotel. The light were out, and the staff were gone, but the emergency lights were on, so everything was dim. The elevator didn't work for obvious reasons, so Jeremy walked up the stairs. He passed the signs for floors 12 and 14, skipping 13 altogether. Finally, after what felt like hours and made his bones ache, Jeremy got to the 16th. He walked down the dim hallway, which seemed to extend forever. He found his room door open, a cleaning cart in the hallway. *Dammit I had a sign on the knob. Useless people.* He rolled the cart out of his way, and didn't find anyone in his hotel room. He leaned back in his chair, unable to use the TV in the blackout. Jeremy heard sounds outside his door a couple hours later. *Cleaning staff finishing their work? No, maybe another guest.* He opened his door, only to be met with teeth.