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Colin's mom and Chris take him to a cafe downtown to meet with Bobby Six-Killer.  Alex and Chris go across the street to keep an eye on them while they chat.

Bobby Six-Killer is on time.  He stops to talk with Chris and Alex first, then crosses the street to talk to Colin.  He orders coffee and a BLT.

"Have a good time last night?"  Bobby asks, taking a sip of coffee.

Colin had decided to impress the man with his patience. He knew he could be an ocean of patience if he wanted. He just didn't expect it to be tested immediately.
His muscles are a little tense, but is voice is still perfectly calm when he answers.

"I did, until something happened. Do you already know what?"

"Yeah, you didn't want to take ten minutes out of your busy schedule of trying to get laid to learn how to use your Ghost Sight and someone almost drowned.  You almost got killed and you put a lot of people in jepordy.  Luckily you had backup to give you time to call the blackbird, or you'd be spending today with your dad instesd of me."

This hits Colin like a punch in his stomach. His eyes flare and his jaw stiffens, but with great effort, he swallows this too.

Patience. Calm. You can do that. He's good at this game, but you can do better.

"That... is almost true. Almost." he sighs.

"I also remember asking you why it was so important. Couldn't you tell me that I could put people in danger? Was it something I had to learn on my own, to make it stick?"

"Free will, cause and effect.  Get used to them.  Also, get used to not being able to tell people the whole story, and not having the whole story told to you.  Too much information can cause things that are supposed to happen to not happen, because you become obsessed with one thing and forget that there is a big picture.  You see a future event, you make a decision based on it and it you're not careful you make it come true in the effort to stop it.  Recognized patterns of force.  You have to learn to ride your instincts, follow your hunches, and lie to people."

"There are some rules.  Rule one, people will die.  Rule two, you can't change rule one.  Mourn, learn from mistakes, keep going."

"There is a phrase I want you to learn, you'll be well served by it.  'Everything in my power'.  Don't say I'll never let anything happen to you, say I'll do everything in my power not to let anything happen to you.  You start making promises, you fail, you start to have doubt.  Doubt kills."

"You're a spirit dancer.  Think of it like being the ball in a pinball game.  You have to learn how to bounce off things to get where you want to be.  The older you get the more knowledge you'll have, but your powers are governed by emotion not logic.  Knowledge will help you figure out where to go, but it's your instincts that will get you there.  The blackbird will be your guide.  There will be days when you want to push him in the garbage disposal, but he has rules too which is why he does what he does."

"Where do you want to start?"

It takes Colin some moments to digest all this, but in the end, it seems to make sense.
It also scares him a lot. Especially the parts where people die and he can do nothing about it, and those about trusting his instincts and having to lie, and not knowing the whole story. Pretty much all of it.

No! No fear! No rage and no fear. I can take it. This is what I am now. These are the rules. They're fine. Everything in my power. It's still a lot of things. I can take it.

Where do I want to begin?

Is there a beginning? What the hell is a spirit dancer? How does he knows all those things?
Why me? Why someone somewhere has the decided than I am the right person to give this powers.
No, I don't really want to ask this. He could tell me that there's no reason, and I'm not sure I can take that too.

So. Where do we start? From the handshake of doom? From the healing touch?

No this comes later. First there is..."

"What do spirit dancers do? What have I been given these powers for? What is so important that can drag you twenty-five hundred miles away from your wife and kids?"

"Spirit Dancers are wierdness magnets.  They see the world inside the world, acting as guides and oracles.  They chat with the spirits and enlist their help to solve problems.  Back in the old days they used to be the first line of defense against bad mojo, demons, unruly spirits and the like.  Now, they're more like marriage counselors between the world of the living and the unseen world."

"As for why you have these powers."  Bobby smiles nd leans back in his chair, looking up into the fall sky.  "A cynic like myself would say as a cruel joke.  Your father turned his back on the ways of his people, and so the cosmic wheel landed on you.  A great sage would say something cryptic like, there was no one else.  Now, the other side of that is what are you supposed to do with them."  Bobby takes a sip of his coffee.  "That's up to you.  Good, evil, it's your path to walk."

"The reason I'm here.  Little bird asked me."  He points to a mailbox on the corner, and Coliln sees a crow sitting there.  There aren't many of you in the world, so I came to offer a hand.  I'm not an expert, but I'm well worn."

Colin's shoulder sink another bit. He thought there was some kind of mission, a special purpose that came with his powers. That there is none, that he has to choose his own path, is not a tragedy, but it makes him feel even more alone.

"The birds, my blackbird, your crow... what are they? Can you talk with him? It's been... awkward trying to communicate with the blackbird so far."

"You said that I have a... Ghost Sight?"

"Eventually.  Once you start seeing them it wont be long before they start to talk to you.  Dreams will be first, then you'll start to hear them when you're awake.  They're spirit guides.  Basically they're the messengers of the universe.  Avatars or certain things.  Blackbird is probably going to be more informative then the crow.  He's a knowledge avatar, so it'll be easier for you."



"Yeah.  A lot of terms get used over and over.  It's because there were divisions of peoples and different stories.  Basically you have Ghost Sight, which means you see ghost light.  Some things give off ghost light, magic, spirits, the soul.  You learn to read it after a while.  Eventually you'll be able to shift your perception so you can see it, but until that happens you'll usually see it in reflections.  Reflections are more then just light bounced off of an object, they're reflections of purpose and state.  You'll also be able to eventually see the spirit realm, and talk to them.  Now, keep in mind that means the dead also."

"That's three 'eventually' in a row. I just have to wait, or should I, I dunno, practice? I'd like to be able to shake hands with people again. How was it for you?"

"What about the other things i can do? The healing and... whatever it is that happened tonight?"

The reason the handshaking thing is happening is because you're expecting something to happen.  You need to remember that the power is inside you, you're letting it out when you shake hands.  Just be conscious of that and it wont happen if you don't want it to."

"I'm not a spirit dancer, so my experiences wont be anything like yours.  Just keep talking to him, and eventually he'll talk to you.  There are mystical ceremonial ways to make the connection, but it's the twenty first century.  The connection will happen, and when it does the roller coaster ride really begins.  Sometimes they help you by just being somewhere, sometimes they tell you things.  Most of the time they only tell you some of the story, and you have to act on that information in a way that suits your character.  What we do can be wrapped in mystical magical terms, but it's sometimes easier to think of it in mundane ways."

"Practice.  Practice taking naps.  In the twilight before you're really asleep and really awake is the place that it's easiest to hear them.  Once your ghost sight is under your control you'll be able to see all kinds of things.  Learn not to stare.  Sometimes, when the things in the in-between realize that someone can see them, they get cranky.  Sometimes they will ust follow you around looking for help.  They might be lost, or need to settle something here before they can move on.  they might be a bound spirit, and they might want you to free them.  They might be the departed and need you to help them take care of somthing in the world of the living.  You're not under any obligation to help anyone.  You do what you feel is right."



"You're not actually healing people directly.  You're sort of asking the spirits to do it, and you're their conduit.  The more you help them the more they will help you.  Cosmic balance.  That thing last night was you making contact with a bound spirit.  You're like a lightning rod for magic, and magic is a fickle bitch.  Some people can bend the universe to their will, you can cause it to snap back to how it was.  This can be good or bad.  Eventually you'll learn magic too, but it wont be from books.  Once you start to understand those forces you'll be better able to work them without causing major mayhem."

"You might want to carry some cigarettes and matches around with you.  Spirits can slip into this world through fire and smoke, so you'll need that from time to time.  Smoke that's been inside you, can do amazing things.  Not that I'm encouraging you to smoke, but just as a tool."

"Something to keep in mind.  People like you are never an accident.  The universe has a plan for you, but don't forget to live.  Your life is yours, and if you go a certain way the winds of the world will bring things to you.  Don't feel you have to be something specific.  Be Colin Crow."

Colin takes it all in, realizing his world has just become bigger, and much much more complicated.
He also takes mental notes of all Bobby's suggestions.

I'll have to get a small mirror, that I can carry around, until I get the hang of the Ghost Sight.
It looks like the blackbird is gonna be my best friend. I'll have to talk with him, and try to figure out what he likes. I want to get along with him.
Take naps. This one seems easy.
Fire and smoke. This needs work. If I began to smoke, mom would kill me and Mama Walters would dig me out of my grave to kill me again. I'll have to think about this.

"Bobby, if you're not a spirit dancer, what are you? I mean... well you know what I mean. "

"Is there anything else you feel I should know. Anything I should be very careful not to do?

"I'm the U'nonqua.  I'm sort of a demon slayer.  I work for the Crow, helping people."  Colin can sense there is something beyond that, he can sense that Bobby hasn't told him a fundamental truth.



Bobby laughs slightly.  "Here's where things start to get annoying.  There are lots of things I feel you should know.  I'm not allowed to tell you though."  Bobby looks around at the people passing by, the traffic, the sky.  "You have to find out some of the most painful things yourself.  If I were to tell you something, it might influence how you acted regarding something else.  The advise I can give you is, never second guess yourself.  Right or wrong, live with your decisions.  As for things not to do."  Bobby puts a hand on Colin's shoulder, "Don't die.  Your mom would be unhappy."

Bobby hands Colin his phone, "Here, you'll probably need one of these.  You can call me anytime you need to, my numbers in there.  I'll come back now and again, to check up on you.  If you ever need a safe place, need someone to help out you can call Stan Juszkowski, his number is in there too. "

OOC: I'm not sure I get what's happening. Bobby is giving Colin a cellphone? I'm asking because Colin already has one, the one he used to try to get in touch with the ninja, and Bobby always looks like he already knows everything.. ;)

OOC: Bobby doesn't know anything.  He's just a messenger.

"Wh-What? Oh, I mean thank you, Bobby, but I've already got a cellphone." he fumbles with his pocket and gets it out.
"Just give me your numbers or... is this special somehow? Wait... Stan Juszkowsky? About seventy, ex-policeman? I think I know him. I met him friday evening in fact. He's a friend of Chris. He's... one of us?"
Colin is quite embarassed. He wasn't expecting presents from Bobby.

"Stan's one of us."  Bobby says smiling, "One of the good guys.  As for the phone, keep it.  I wont be needing it.  And, just so you know.  One day, other people will think you're an arrogant son-of-a-bitch, because you have a gift to riding coincidence and and knowing what's gonna happen."

"I never thought that!" Colin says with a little too emphasis.
"Well, something close, I'm afraid, but I didn't really mean it." he confesses, looking down in shame.
"Thank you. About the phone... and everything. Please say thank you to the crow too, on my behalf. I have to figure out so many things. At least now I've seen the ropes. What are you going to do now? Going home? Where you live, by the way?"

"My family is in Ajo Arizona, just North of the Eagle's Nest base there.  If you're ever in town come by and I'll introduce you to Grandpa."  Bobby gets up, "You take care Colin.  and Good Luck."

"Bobby, wait!"

Colin gets up too.

"I know that it doesn't mean much right now, but if in the future you'll need a hand, you only have to ask and I... I'll do everything in my power to help you, OK?"

Colin tries a conscious effort to concentrate.
The power is within. I'm keeping it within. I am not letting it out. It's sealed within.
He offers him his hand to shake.

Bobby looks down at Colin's hand.  His smile comes to his lips, "You're not quite ready for that yet.  Maybe next time."

Bobby goes down the street to an old pick-up truck.  He gets in and a moment later is heading out of town on the highway.

Colin sighs as he goes away.

Next time...

He walks back to the table where his mom and Chris are sitting, and lets himself fall on a chair.

"Please, don't ask me anything yet. It's complicated. I just need some time to deal with it all. I don't fly, I don't lift cars, it's... complicated yet. It'll also take some... experimenting.

Bobby is fine, mom. He has a real talent for getting on people nerves, but he really helped me today. Also, he knows your friend Stan, Chris. They worked together or something. Which reminds me..."

Colin looks at Chris interrogatively. He said he would ask her about the PCD, but with the aftermath of the party, he has been worried of other things.

"Oh, there's something else." He takes a few sips from the soda he had left at their table. He looks at the table, not at either of them.
"A friend of mine suggested I should tell you, so I wouldn't have to worry about that anymore. She thinks you'll appreciate. It's this, well, if you ever decide that it would be a good idea... I mean if you wonder what I would think of it... When you are ready... Oh well, if you were to get married, I'd be happy about it. That's it."

Alex touches Colin's shoulder, "That means a lot to me honey."

Chris pats him on the opposite shoulder, "Your dad would really be proud of you."

The sound of screeching tires draws Chris' attention.  A car has rounded the corner at a hot clip, and a moment later there is the sound of gunfire.  There is a second car, and another gunman.  Chris tosses the table out of the way and tackles Colin and Alex to the ground as shots spray the front of the cafe.

Colin feels the strike of something hitting him, and he hears the call of the blackbird.  A moment later there is a crash a few doors down as one of the cars flips and rolls to a stop.  the lead car speeds away.

"Are you two alright?"  Chris is yelling but Colin hears his voice as a small flutter of sound in the world.  Voices, many voices, they are whispering all around Colin.  "Are you alright?"  This time his voice is clear, and the sound of sirens fills the air.

Colin can't answer, because he isn't sure. He turns to check on his mother, with dread in his heart. He doesn't know what hit him, but he doesn't care at the moment.

"Mom?"

Alex sits up and grabs onto Colin, "Colin, honey."  her voice is frantic ans she begins to check him over, "Colin, are you hurt?"  They check him over for wounds, finding nothing.  Alex pauses for a moment, a look of fear on her face.  Her fear replaced ith obvious releif as she pulls Colin's cell phone from his pocket, a bullet buried in the plastic case.  "Oh my god."  She says, staring at the phone.

"What are the odds of that?"  Chris says, hugging the two of you to him.  "This has certainky turned into a strange day."

Colin takes out the other cellphone, Bobby's one, looks at them both and starts to laugh. Incontrollably. For a good while too. It all made so little and so much sense all at once.

Hey you. I heard you, I know that you are around. If this is your doing, well thanks. It's twice in less than a day already. Anything I can do for you?

As he stops laughing, Colin hugs the both of them. They can't understand, he knows. But he does now. There's no way he would have been there if Bobby had told him everything, and maybe that bullet would have hit someone else for good. He can pefectly picture him grinning as as he drives away.

To next time, then.."

As he hugs Chris, Colin whispers in his ear "Did you tell her?"

Chris looks at Colin and nods.

After the police take statements, and many people comment on how amazing it was that no one at the cafe got hurt, they head home.

When they get home Colin sees the blackbird on the mailbox, it's only there a minute before it vanishes.

"Mom, I have to check a thing. I'll be right back."

He goes out to the mailbox, check if anyone is around and whispers: "Hey, Bobby told me to keep talking to you, so he is the one to blame if I get annoying as hell. Is there anything interesting here? Probably this is just me wanting to see too many things, but I guess it doesn't hurt to look. Or so I hope."

He opens the mailbox and looks in.

Inside the mailbox is a note;

Your invitation has been seen, but it is not in our nature to be seen unless we are needed.  You may write that we are looking after the abused and picked on.  We are agents for change.

Oak Park Ninja Clan



The note is written in caligraphy, and very nicely done.  The paper is a heavy vellum, off-white.

"Interesting. And convenient, too, since that number won't work anymore. Sylvia, Donnie and Kel will love it. The principal will have a fit. I wonder how they found my house. They don't seem dangerous anyway. Unless one's a bully. Do you like their stance? I'll tell Donnie or whoever wants to write the article what I think about them. If the principal doesn't want them in the school, he only needs to keep the most violent students in check, and they won't show up because they are not needed. Win-win situation."

Colin folds the note and puts it in his pocket.

"I'll have to make a drawing, 'cause there's no chance I'll get a photo of them. I'll be in my room, but I'll leave the window open for you, OK?"