Just thought I should say that even though I have language use in my fanfic, I don't talk like that and I don't condone it! XD I just use it to demonstrate emotion and be in-character.

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Disclaimer: I don't own the Bartimaeus Trilogy

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

CH. 10

Kitty and Algus had been tracking Bartimaeus' trail of destruction throughout the countries. Kitty had started saving money for food, so she slept in secluded areas with Algus watching. She still wasn't getting all the sleep she needed, but she kept up on her meals.

Algus seemed familiar with most countries, and she was too from traveling with Bartimaeus. This made getting around easier, though they still hadn't come close to finding the djinni.

Each time they searched was the same, except for in Germany.

They were in Berlin, the city busy with activity. They were searching for clues; Bartimaeus had recently attacked.

As Kitty glanced around, she saw, across the street, Stephen Hack. His brown hair looked messy, his green eyes locked on hers. Then he quickly walked away.

"What was he doing in Germany?" Kitty had asked Algus.

The afrit had shrugged. "Only he can answer that. But I believe he's more involved in this than we think."

"Definitely."

The world was appalled at what was going on. Guards were stationed in every tourists site, armed with spirits.

The problem was, however, that they had no idea where or when places would be attacked. Bartimaeus and the afrits would strike hard and fast, and leave just as quickly as they came.

Kitty looked at the curving building in the distance. The Taj Mahal was actually still usable, if no one minded it being roofless. Apparently, the magicians in India took care of business, having quickly responded to the attack.

"It's hopeless," Kitty muttered, the wind blowing her hair. "We can't find him."

Algus frowned, but didn't answer.

"Maybe I should try summoning him again."

"No . . .you just did ten minutes ago."

Kitty sighed, frustrated. She scanned all the people around, then saw Stephen Hack.

"Is he following us?" she gasped.

Algus' eyes narrowed. "Let's find out."

The two walked over to him. Stephen watched them steadily.

"What are you doing here?" Kitty asked, getting to the point.

Stephen paused. "I was going to ask you the same thing."

"Let's talk in private," Algus suggested. "We may be able to help each other."

As they headed toward a dark grove of trees, Kitty wondered what Algus was thinking. Stephen could be dangerous. But then she realized if the magician had a spirit with him, Algus would be able to see it. She trusted the afrit, but she still kept ready.

Once they were out of view, Kitty decided to be straightforward. "We're following the djinni Bartimaeus. He's mine, and I want him back."

Stephen snorted. "That's an odd attachment, but I've seen stranger things. I'm following Gaia Black. Perhaps this djinni is his slave?"

Kitty nodded. "He is."

Stephen paused, considering. "I think an alliance would be beneficial. I'm for it, if you are."

"I'm . . .not sure I trust you."

He laughed. "Then don't. You can't trust anyone in this world, trust me."

Kitty wasn't amused. "Why are you after Gaia Black?"

Stephen instantly turned serious. "That's my business. I have a score to settle."

"Hold on. I don't know you. What are your names?"

"I'm Kitty. This is my friend, Algus. We're from London."

He bowed. "And I am Stephen Hack, the magician who was banished wrongfully."

"How so?"

"I won't tell you."

"Why?"

"Mostly because I don't feel like talking about it."

Kitty scowled. "Then you don't need to know my business, either. Now, do you have an idea on what we should do?"

"Yes, actually," he smiled. "I was rather glad when we came to India, it reminded me of this little magic shop where you can get anything. It might help."

Kitty gestured. "Then lead on."

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He hadn't come to get me yet. And I liked that. I didn't want to see him again. Ever.

You can guess how often I get my wishes.

I'm not sure how long I stayed on the sand, hours maybe. Or maybe not. I kind of zoned out.

But, I'm a rather active djinni so I grew bored. (Once I became aware that Gaia wasn't back, that is.) I slowly sat up, seeing how my essence reacted.

Not bad, I wasn't as hurt as it originally seemed. I stood up, looking at the pyramids again.

A strange feeling washed through me. Memories flooded my mind, mostly of Ptolemy, but also Kitty. With it, I felt a bit of myself coming back.

I'd been so worried about Kitty's safety, about seeing her again, that I had watered down my usually cherry attitude. I didn't want to push Gaia. (I discovered that life isn't as fun when you don't get to annoy people.) But now I felt the passive part of me (truth be told, I didn't know I had one until recently) fade away. To hell with Gaia! I'm Bartimaeus, and I don't just follow orders like a mindless imp! (cough-Jard-cough)

I scowled at the building Gaia was still in, and then I turned my back on it, looking again towards the pyramids.

And I walked away.

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