Hmm, I got some mixed reactions for last chapter. You guys certainly aren't as violent as my other reviewers! XD But, last chapter served four purposes: 1. To show some of Jard's personality 2. To give more of an idea on what kind of missions Barty will be on 3. To give Gaia a reason to dismiss Barty and 4. This is an adventure-ish story, it needs action! Lol

Conception: Aw, thank you! I'm glad you liked the action and Jard. By the way, I loved you story! I'm sad it's over. Anyway, thank for reviewing!

Nari: I'm also glad you liked the action! Thanks for the review!

Joe: Yeah, not much technically happened, but I never put anything in that is worthless! Thanks for reviewing! Oh, and sorry I didn't get a chance to send you another PM, I've haven't even had time to get on the computer. Haha, oops, weird misunderstanding! I shall check yours out then!

Shadowfire: Haha, yeah, my stories are usually fast paced. It's more of my style. My sister reads Percy Jackson books, and I do plan on it, but she's told me a lot about them. DX Oooo, is this JasonStrong1 a boyfriend? Just kidding, thank for the review! And to the second review, yes I did read the last chapter of Monomyth. Conception is an excellent writer! Thanks for the second review!

Ari: Haha, your review confused me a little, but that's okay! Well, this really isn't a love story . . .but I'll see what I can do just for you! ;) And what Kitty and Algus did at the prison really has no impact on anything, so I didn't want to drag it out. I wish you luck on your story (your non fanfic one)! Thanks for your review!

By the way, there's some Spanish in this chapter, and my stupid computer wouldn't let me use the correct grammar. Blah. But it's only two mistakes, I believe.

Disclaimer: I didn't own it last week, and I don't own it this week! Except for my OC's.

Rated T for violence, language, torture, and overall darkness

CH. 6

When Kitty and Algus, as a blonde man, got to Spain, the afrit thought Stephen Hack might be in Madrid, since magicians thrive in cities. They decided to try that first. They searched through phone books and found his name and address.

"Okay, good," Kitty said as they stood on the busy city street. "That must be him. So, where is that?"

"I've been in Madrid before," Algus responded thoughtfully. "Though I'm not entirely sure. Let me ask." He walked over to a man selling newspapers and said, "Senor, yo estoy buscando para este domicilio. Puedes ayudarme?"

As the man began giving him directions, Kitty stood in shock. How did he know Spanish? Of course, he'd been there before, but still . . .

Algus turned to her, smiling. "We've got it. Follow me."

As she did, she asked, "How do you know Spanish?"

He shrugged. "For spirits, it's innate. We understand all languages."

"I suppose that's good, since you never know where you'll be summoned."

He nodded.

As they walked, Kitty became aware of how tired she was. The sun was just starting to set, and she'd barely eaten anything. But her worry about Bartimaeus fueled her and made her put all her own problems aside. Nothing was more important than getting him back.

At last they came to a rich-looking neighborhood, and Algus located a beige house. They went up to the door and knocked.

A brown haired man opened it. He was middle-aged, and somewhat handsome. He had green eyes and was of average build. He wore a gray shirt and jeans.

"Hola," he said slowly.

"Are you Stephen Hack?" Kitty asked.

The man frowned. "Yes. You're from England. What do you want?"

"Just to ask you a few questions."

Stephen's eyes narrowed, then he smiled. "I have nothing to hide. Come on in."

They entered into a formal living room, but none of them sat down.

"Why were you kicked out of London?" Kitty asked.

Stephen frowned at her. "Why is that your concern?"

"I'm trying to locate somebody. You may or may not be him."

"Misconduct' is what the other magicians called it. Me and another took our rivalry a bit to far and into violence."

"Who was the other magician?"

He smiled. "Sorry, but I'm not permitted to give out information."

Kitty glared at him and was about to demand it, when they saw a newsboy come by out the window and throw down a paper.

"Hmm," Stephen frowned. "It must be special news. Excuse me for a moment." He walked out.

"Maybe we should search the house," Kitty suggested.

"Maybe . . ." Algus paused, looking out the window at the paper Stephen was holding. "Uh-oh."

"What?" she asked.

"The paper tells about your boyfriend. Earlier today he attacked the Coliseum . . .an afrit was guarding it and Bartimaeus defeated him."

Kitty gasped. "If he was in a fight, he might have gotten hurt, which means his master would have to dismiss him."

"Do you have what we need to summon him?"

Kitty nodded. "All in this bag."

Stephen suddenly walked in, seeming rushed. "Um . . . I-"

"We need to go," Kitty interrupted. "Sorry about wasting your time. Actually, we may come back." And then she and Algus walked out.

They ran down the sidewalk, Kitty praying that they could summon the djinni.

Algus suddenly picked her up and ran much faster. They came to a park that was currently empty. Algus raced to an area of pavement around a fountain, sitting her down.

Kitty yanked her bag open and quickly drew a pentacle. Algus helped her set things up until they were finished.

Kitty jumped into her pentacle and said the words to summon Bartimaeus.

He didn't come.

"Try again," Algus said calmly.

Kitty took a breath and tried again, but he still didn't come. She felt her stomach twist and sat down, biting her lip.

Algus sighed. "It's okay. You need some rest. We'll go to the Coliseum tomorrow."

Kitty nodded and stood up, and they walked off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I was being summoned. I couldn't believe it. How could Gaia summon me, I was way too injured to function.

When I appeared in the pentacle, I was laying on my back in Ptolemy's London form. Looking back on it, I'm amazed I was able to keep Ptolemy's form together, considering my condition. But, since I was with Kitty, being Ptolemy felt natural, almost like an actual form, in the way humans have one. It was effortless.

I moaned and opened my eyes. But it wasn't Gaia who summoned me. It was some brown haired, green eyed guy in a fancy office room that would be in a house. He was middle-aged and of medium build.

"Did Gaia summon you?" he demanded.

Who the heck was this? I just moaned in response, slightly writhing.

The man then pulled out a big silver knife. He held it close to me, but my essence was so sensitive I could've felt it across the room.

I cried out, willing my body to get away from it, but there was no way I could move.

"Did Gaia summon you?" he asked again.

I didn't want to tell him anything. If Gaia found out, I'd be in trouble. I wasn't worried about me, but Gaia knew about Kitty. Would he go after her?

"Yes," I said hoarsely, figuring that one thing couldn't hurt.

"What's he planning?"

"He hasn't told me."

The knife pressed closer and I whimpered. He said, "Don't lie to me."

"I'm not!" I screamed.

"Is Jard with him?"

I was silent. The knife nearly touched me.

"Yes!"

"Where's Gaia going next?"

"I don't know! He doesn't tell me anything!"

At last the knife was withdrawn.

"I'm sorry," the man said.

I just groaned in response.

Then I was dismissed.

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