Saw that one coming (solo)

((ooc: Takes place just before Forget You Are Good.))

There was a note. It was neatly handwritten in black ink, on paper torn from an appointment book. Tuesday, 11PM, read the column. Use back door, read the note. Somewhere, a clock struck eleven. It was all very melodramatic.

Bemused, the panther man went around back. This entryway was familiar. Under the creaky wooden steps was a loose board, behind which two stray cats had once wormed their way inside with the help of a shark, contrary to the hissings of a rat. And yes, there had been that many mixed animal metaphors when it happened, too.

There was a welcome mat on the top step. That was new. The screen door was unlocked. The inner door, too, though it stuck on its frame. Inside was the kitchen. On the table, a carefully folded note, written on the back of what looked like a thirteen year old’s math homework.

Thank you for the warning,

It said. The panther man paused to readjust his glasses with one thick finger, and then tried that again. But the first line still read,

Thank you for the warning, or the intent thereof. However, your efforts are quite unnecessary. I am sure you can understand why.

A clock on the wall ticked behind him. The panther man’s ears flicked. Tick, tick, tick—

Oh. Precog. Right.

As the one you came to warn as well as us collateral mortals are staying elsewhere tonight, the note continued, Please enjoy destroying our home.

Sincerely,

The Oracle from Delphi

There was a postscript.

Post script: You may also choose not to do this.

The panther man snerked, and tossed the note to the floor. Right. The oracle himself had seen how likely that one was; he’s the one who’d left the place free and clear for some harm-free smashy-smashy. And truly, Calley did appreciate that.

He also appreciated how awesome it was to hang from a curtain by his claws and tear his way down to the floor. Note to self: do this in Sam’s room some time.

At 11:37, the panther man left through the front door. Paused a moment to adjust his vest. One ear twitched; he glanced over his shoulder. Something was still off here. Something still needed...

He gave the door a solid kick. One of its hinges gave a nice, satisfying krish.

Much better.

Heh. Choose not to do this? Where was the fun in that? It wasn’t like he was hurting anyone.