Carth's magical adventure, ROUND TWO, MOTHERFUCKERS!

[Carthrat]

"If she's to be found, it won't be in Hong Kong," replies Carthrat. "I'm sorry. I honestly don't know where to look anymore.

I wish she was back, too."

[Anastasia]

"Thank you, Carthrat." she says as she hangs up.

[Carthrat]

Carthrat sighs, truly wishing he had a clue where to look.

He was also sighing about the fact that he was about to lose his office. Asking for leave right after being promoted.. bad career choice, Carthrat. Bad.

He quickly buys a plane ticket through the 'net, then goes to ask for some time off.

[Anastasia]

Your new supervisor, a brown haired Asian lady, looks at you like you've spourted a new nose.

"You want HOW MUCH time off?!" she sputters. She has a reputation of being something of a bitch, and you get the feeling it's well deserved. "Do you even have that much vacation time racked up yet?"

[Carthrat]

"Oh, please. I do at least three times as much work as anyone else in this joint," replies Carthrat.

THAT was a bald-faced lie. Carthrat never did any work, if he could help it. He just stuffed all the data through his wonderful, wonderful laptop, which shot out the right answers for him. In his opinion, writing the programs had been enough work.

"And, let's see, whose getting to be able to write 'Quadrupled Sales in 2002' on their future resumes, hmm? If nothing else, I should be able to retire by now!"

[Anastasia]

Your supervisor twitches.

She twitches again.

Finally....

"Mr. Taniwaki, I will give you the time, but I damn well hope you continue to work at this level," she finally says, sighing.

[Carthrat]

"Tan-EH-waki, thank you. Of course I can work at this level. I do it in my sleep. By your leave.."

Carthrat buggers off before she can say anymore. Honestly, the thanks he gets..

[Anastasia]

The plane trip and set up take a day, which go by swiftly.  So does the long flight, thanks to a good supply of laptop diversions.

------

As you drive your rental car, a new British car of unfamiliar make, to Rachel's house, you can't help but remember what happened here...

[Carthrat]

Carthrat had been thinking about it all the way on the plane trip, too.

He reasoned he'd hit a sudden depressive streak by Thinking about Things that should not be Thoughts About, attempted to commit suicide, failed miserably, and ended up half-demon or something..

Disgusting, all of it, and it was no fun at all. He hadn't really learnt much, either, except if he took this necklace off, he'd probably die or something..

And now.. Jonathan Smith (Like THAT was his real name) inquiring about his demonic taint, and what was probably a message of some kind at Rachels house, of all places..

More mysterious all the time. It sucked being out of the loop.

[Anastasia]

Your thoughs brew as you park the car on the curb. As you step out, Rachel comes out and greets you. She looks a bit older, but in otherwise fine shape.

As you walk inside, "How has it been for you these past six months, Carthrat?"

[Carthrat]

"I've been busy," replies Carthrat. "You may be thrilled to know I have the first honest employment I've ever had in a long time," he chuckles. "Plenty of 'extra-curricular' activites going on the side, but I'm making an effort to keep them to a minimum.

How 'bout you, Rachel? You seem to be taking care of yourself."

[Anastasia]

"I'm doing alright," she begins as you walk inside. "I miss Diane, of course, but life goes on." Pausing, she gazes at the necklace you wear. "Has IT done anything unusual to you, by the way?"

[Carthrat]

Carthrat shrugs. "I'm happier than I've been in a long time, though I'm not sure if that's the amulet or my new lifestyle.

I should mention that I'm also, uh, on vacation. I have two weeks. Hopefully I won't need to quit entirely."

[Anastasia]

She nods as you speak. "Well, you went through a hellish, life changing ordeal. But now...you look different. You have an obvious vitality now that was lacking before." she says, closing the front door. "By amulet, lifestyle change or whatever, you look so much different."

[Carthrat]

"Yes. But let's not dwell on that," replies Carthrat. "No, I may as well get what I came for out of the way straight off. Then I can go sightseeing or something."