So, here's the next chapter! This one is on time, at least. I think it's even early! XD

Conception.creation: Aw, thanks, I'm glad you liked it! And I'm glad you're getting more ideas, your fanfic ended, and Nari's is about to, and soon I'll have no Bartimaeus to read. :'( . Thanks for reviewing!

Shadowfire: Yep, I celebrate Halloween! I am a Christian, but I see absolutely nothing wrong with the holiday! XD Unfortunately, on Halloween day me and my family are heading to Little Rock. Grrr. But we'll watch something scary while we drive! Good job on your clarinet test! I could never be in band, I don't have that much persistence. At least, not when it comes to playing an instrument. XD I can play the piano somewhat. Oh, actually I have great persistence when it comes to Guitar Hero! Lol Haha, that Barty thing sounds funny. ;) And congratulations! You'll be a young and hip aunt! Hehe, I like you reviewing more than once, it gives me more reviews and you always have something interesting to say! Thanks for the reviews!

Nari: Oh no forests and cows! That sounds like a hell on Earth! Haha, I'm a city girl, even though I don't live in much of one right now. I will though! Well, if you don't review, at least I know where you are! Have fun! And thanks for your review!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Bartimaeus Trilogy, or the title of this fanfic

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

CH. 7

I was summoned into another apartment. This one was different, not as fancy. Gaia stood across from me, his dark clothes standing out against the white wall.

"How are you feeling?" Gaia asked.

I put on a big, friendly smile. "Fantastic! Absolutely incredible! I'm with a master who keeps a flying ball of fat as a spy, who sends me off on crazy missions, and who recently dismissed me because I got my ass tore to pieces by a strong afrit! And, he only gave me forty-eight hours to recover. My essence hurts all over, I hate you, and I'm pissed off! I want answers, Gaia. Now."

He seemed amused,. I hated it.

"Answers will be limited," he replied. "It's safer that way. You'll learn everything else later."

"Why don't you want anyone to find out about you?"

He paused. "For now, being secretive ensures success."

"Are you in trouble with the law or something?"

He was quiet.

I sighed. "Okay, why do you want to destroy all these places?"

"These places are significant. They represent the country they're in; they're seen as indestructible. If they're destroyed, or at least greatly damaged, it causes chaos. People don't feel secure, they question, and they country becomes unstable. It also serves as a very good demonstration of power."

I rolled my eyes. "Big deal. What are you going to do with all this chaos?"

Gaia smiled, but said nothing.

He obviously felt like he was in control of the situation, I guess he was, but I didn't want him to feel that way. I'm Bartimaeus, after all.

I crossed Ptolemy's arms and raised an eyebrow, grinning smugly. "You seemed awfully worried when you saw how hurt I was. Do you like me that much?"

His smile dropped. (Success!) And he hesitated before answering, "I may not be part of Parliament, but I keep up on events. I heard about what you and Mandrake did. He was very successful with you. He could have been very powerful; his ambition was his undoing."

Now my smile dropped. I said in a low, dark voice, "You didn't know him, so don't judge him."

We held heated looks for a moment. Then I relaxed.

"You're crazy," I said casually, smiling. "A crazy old man. Whatever you plan to do, you can't do it with just me. I'm only a djinni."

Gaia laughed. "A djinni who is usually more clever than his foes."

"I don't like to brag."

"I won't just use you. Soon I'll have an army."

"You really need a hobby, Gaia."

"And you will lead it."

"What makes you think I'm just going to go along with all this?"

"You have no other choice."

"Debatable."

"What about Kitty?"

I snapped a look at him, eyes wide. My entire body froze.

Gaia laughed. "Yes, I know who Kitty Jones is. Jard is a very reliable spy. A relationship between a human and a demon is highly unorthodox, but that's what I like about you."

How long had Jard been spying on me? And how could I not have noticed? Was I blinded by love? Very cliché, but probably not true. And no imp would be that brash (they're a highly uninteresting lot). Jard must have gone round-about ways. I made a mental note to shake the information out of him later.

Gaia seemed to see a look on my face and said, "I'm not threatening her, I have no reason to hurt her. But I know you'll make sure you live through whatever happens because you want to see her again." He eyed me and said with emphasis, "And if you help me get what I want, you can return to her."

I pretended to be interested in the wall.

"But, Bartimaeus, this is going to get rough. Can you handle it?" He mockingly warned.

I met his eyes. "I can handle anything. I was stuck here for two years."

"I know you were."

Of course he did.

My next update will be on October 30th, because that next day I'm going out of state to Little Rock for the weekend.

Please review, friends!