The Wandering Priest.
Chapter 1
The day was Hot. Then again, Most day's where on Planet Zi. One could suppose that's why there where so many people in the dinner that day. The prices of a cold beverage was at an all time low, because so many where sold this time of year. But there was also something else about this time of year that gave the café good business. The Zoid Battle season was at it's peak. And the dinner always had the popular sport running. Warriors came to see the competition, Civilians came to enjoy them and get some good entertainment. Nothing quite beat the idea of watching large powerful matches go at it head to head. Many with large guns, which meant big explosions, which only fuelled the urge to watch it. The sound of cold hard steel on cold hard steel as the Zoids crashed in to each other, as well as the sound of a hard explosive shell making impact with the Zoid's body. But to the warrior, well, some, anyway, the only thing better than the battle it's self, was the sound of the ending buzzer, and the Judge announcing them the winner.
It was on this day, that things in this small town, and in this small dinner, would change. Because it was on this day, that two travelers, chouse to enter town. Weather the change would be small, or big, well, that, remained to be seen. But, one can be sure of one thing. Some one's life, would be changed for the better.
For thoughts who where there, they can remember that day well. It started like any other day really. Talking, drinking of a cool refreshing drink, eating, and for some, celebrating their latest victory. And for some reason, nearly the whole place quieted down, when HE, entered the building.
Now, at first glance, he didn't seem to be anything special. He seemed young. Not too tall. Some may have even called him short. For he came just shy of 5' 5". He was as several girls would argue, quite handsome. He had brown hair, that was braided, and the braid came down to his mid back. And he had the greenest eyes. Like pure emeralds. His eyes could only be rivaled by few. He was dressed in black from head to toe, tarnished with sand from walking in the dessert. With he exception of the white collar on his shirt. This, gave him the look, of a priest. For the heat of the day, many, would have called him down right crazy to be wearing black. In his left hand, or arm, he held a black book. And around his neck, he wore a silver cross.
He looked around the dinner, not at all minding that fat that most eyes where upon him. He continued to smile, that gentle, friendly smile. As he turned back to the door, and opened it again.
"Come on in. It's safe." He said gently to an unseen figure standing out side. And when there was not movement or sound, he spoke again. No harsher, no hint of frustration. Just the same gentle tone as before.
"Come now, it's alright. Trust me."
If things had gotten quite before, well now, they got dead quite, as the sound of metallic foot steps made there way to the door, and a small metal head poked it's head in.
"That's right, come on." The man gently coxed.
The metal being timidly entered the dinner, it's body now fully visible. Now, all eyes where on the pair. But the attention was now not focused on the man, but the dinosaur like being that was with him.
It was sleek in structure, with a very, tyrannosaur like look, with two beautiful wings on it's back, like a metallic version of an angel's wings. The creature was white as snow, but it was tarnished by sand. On it's back, was a blue bag, with a strap around the metal dino's neck, and mid section holding it in place. It's eyes, or optics, where a clear blue. There was no doubt, this creature was something thought long lost in this day and age. Even a legend. An Organoid. And one scared out of it's wits one might add.
It stood in the dinner for one moment, then, turned to bolt right back out side, only to be stopped by the man.
"Who now, it's alright. No one hear will hurt you. I promise. Don't you trust me?"
The Organoid stood silent for a moment, frozen. Then, calmly, yet, still very frightened, turned back around.
"There now. It will be alright. Now, come on." He said gently, his hand still on the organoid's shoulder. Gently leading it over the counter, and he took a seat. The Organoid, stayed close to him, almost touching him as she sat there. He continued to smile, even though they continued to be stared at. He put his book down on the counter, and ordered two cold glasses of ice water. While most people at least pretended to get back to their own business.
"That's a nice, err, Zoid you have there." said the waiter as he gave he man the glasses of water, filled to the brim with ice.
"Thank you, though, she's not really a Zoid. She's an organoid. Her name is Angel." the mad replied, as he placed a straw in to one of the glasses and handed it to Angel, who took the glass gratefully, with a quiet yet, happy roar, then, proceeded to drink it.
"Hmm, so it is an Organoid." came a female voice. Sounding, almost cold and creepy. The waiter, and the man's attention was brought to there felt, as the said woman took the seat next to the preacher. She has black eye shadow, deep violet eyes, red lipstick, crimson red hair, that fell over bare shoulders. She was where a strapless deep red top, which came only to just above her belly, and a equally red, short skirt. Complemented by red high healed shoes.
The man only continued to smile the same sweet smile he had been since he first came in.
"Yes, that's right." he said. Closing his eyes as she said so.
"And, Angel you called her? That's a nice name. Could I, perhaps, have yours?"
"Of course miss. The name is Art."
"Art?" She asked. A bit surprised. It was such a simple name.
"Yes, that's right." He replied with a nod.
"I see. Well look Art, I'll get to the point. I'll give you 10,000 for that organoid."
Art opened his eyes. His eyes now reflecting a bit of sadness or disappointment.
"I guessed as much. But," He looked at Angle, who was now looking quite content, as she began to crunch the ice cubes that where in her cup. "She's not for sale. I could never part with her."
The woman frowned.
"You've got to be kidding. I'm offering you ten thousand. That kind of money would set you up nicely for some time."
He looked at her.
"I'm sure it would miss. But Money dose not last forever. Not like the friendship and company she offers. And with no strings attached."
The woman frowned. Apparently unpleased that things where not going her way.
"I see. Alright then, how about if I offer you something else." She adjusted her position. She took her hand and paced it on his chin turning his head to the side. The water or bar keep swallowed and retreated a bit.
"I don't normally go for the shrimps, but, you're a rather good looking one. And such beautiful eyes. So how about it. I promise, the memory will be with for ever."
His hand took hers lighting quick with a firm hold. This took her by surprise. He lowed her hand from his face and back down to the counter.
"As flattered as I am that you like my eyes, and think I'm handsome, I do not regret to inform you that I can't except that offer either." He said strongly. His demeanor changing as he let go of her hand and returned it to his glass of water.
"Your refusing me?" The woman asked disbelieving, and clearly angered.
"Yes mam I am. For you see, My mind will not tread down that path until God has brought me to the right woman. The woman I am to be destined to spend my whole life with. And even then, I shall not tread there until AFTER we walk down that isle and exchange vows." As he said this, his gaze turned to the ceiling and his expression softened once again. And Angel, who had been oblivious to the conversation until now, was looking him with wonder, while holding her glass, and visible crunching on ice. The waiter of bar keep returning to his previous position. Art returned his gaze to the woman.
"I do not mean to insult you miss. But I doubt that you are the one I am descend to be with. Call it a sixth sense. And further more, only few memories last forever. Now, why would I trade some one, who gives me those kind of memories every day, for one small moment?"
The woman looked quite angry now. But Art paid it no mind. Keeping his cheerful face on.
"So, The answer is, and always will be no."
The woman angrily shot up from her chair.
"You'll regret this you little shrimp. Mark my words, I WILL have that organoid." Her eyes flew to the said Organoid who immediately placed the glass on the counter and tried to hid behind Art's back. The woman then stormed out of the dinner.
"It was nice meeting you!" Art called after her. Then opened his eyes reveling a sad smiled and he began to stroke Angel's neck carefully.
"It's alright Angel. She's gone now."
"Yurrrr…."
"Wow, you've either got guts, a whole hell of a lot of will power, or your really foolish." said the keep.
"I prefer to think of it as a little of each." Art replied and took a sip of his water.
"The truth is, that sort of thing happens all the time I'm afraid. Oragnoids are in high demand. Even in his day and age. Even though there thought to be extinct." He stroked Angel again. It having an immediate calming effect. He gave her back her glass of ice, and she sipped out the little bit of accumulated water though the straw and then began to munch on the ice again.
"Which brings up the question, where did you get such a rare thing? And a beauty at that."
Art turned to Angel for a quick moment.
"See Angel, not every one is out to get you. This guy even thinks your Beautiful."
"Yuuurrrru."
Angle now looked over the counter at the nice man. Who smiled at having gained such a timid creature's trust so quickly. Art turned back to him as well.
"And to be honest with you, I found her lying half dead in the dessert of all things. I picked her up, and happen to have some Zoid Magnight on me that I got from some one as a thank you gift. I gave it to her." He petted Angel on her head who then promptly turned the glass fully upside down over her open mouth wishing for a few more non existent Ice cubes to fall in o her mouth. The keep took the empty glass from her and turned his back.
Angel looked hurt and placed her head on the counter between her claws and made a longing winning sound.
"And she's been fallowing you ever since?" the keep asked. Before turning around and giving he glass, now full of ice back to Angel. Who Looked as though she had just been given the Gift she had been longing for at Christmas time. And resumed munching.
"Well, I guess you could put it that way. Actually, It's more like I've been fallowing her. You See, she gets in to all sorts of trouble. And some one has to be there to save her. Also, she seems to walk a pained path. We meet people who often need help just as much as she dose. And, as I figure, it's Gods will that we help these people, just as it was God's will that we meet, and, as it's God's will, that I protect and care for this little one. Like she was my natural daughter." He turned and smiled at the happy little organoid.
"Isn't that right Angel?" He said with a closed eye smile.
"Ruurrr." munch munch munch…
"You sure do talk about God an awful lot." The keep observed while cleaning a glass.
Art opened his eyes a bit surprised for a moment then smiled.
"I should hope so. I am a preacher after all." He replied and picked up his book. In gold letter on the black leather cover was written, 'Holy Bible'.
"I'll be, so you don't just look like a priest."
"Nope. I'm a licensed priest."
"I have to say, I guessed as much. Though," the keep looked over at Angel. "I've never heard of an organoid needing food and such before."
"To be honest, neither have I. But, it's not so much food as it is water. She's happy as long as she can get nice Clean water. Nothing else. Sure she can survive with out it. At least, I think she can." Art glanced over at Angel. Aside from giving her the Zoid Magnight, the other thing that gave her back some real life, had been some water. Which, he never would have thought to give her had she not been eyeing his water canteen so longingly.
"Oh hay, that reminds me. Is there an Inn or something that We can stay at. You know, preferably that allows pets. I'm not sure why, but for some reason, I have trouble bringing Angel inside of a place that doesn't."
"Can't imaging why." Said the Keep while he was sweat dropping. 'Is this guy dense or …' He paused as she eyed the two. Angel was now looking fully happy and content in her current environment and doing a small little 'dance' for art, while holding the glass with one claw, the remaining ice giggling around inside of it. Art looking on happily. Happy, to see her happy.
'Or dose he really look at her for more than what she is?' he shook his head.
"I guess it's a bond I'll never understand."
"Hmm, did you say something?" art asked, his attention turned back to the bar keep.
"Huh? Oh, yes, there is an Inn down about three or four blocks to the left of hear. They allow pets. It's, fairly cheep to."
"Thank you my friend." Art handed The Keep his Bible.
"Hear, take this, and may God always watch over you."
"But-"
"Don't worry about it. I can always get another one. Just read it, and share the knowledge and wisdom with it it's pages."
With that, art Got up from his seat and Angle fallowed him.
"Come on Angel. Lets go that Hotel that Chet mentioned." Art said happily. Even though once they got out side, Angel became very timid once again.
Chet, or the Keep as he had been know though most of this chapter, just watched them leave, until something hit him.
"Hay wait, I never told them my name, How did?" this, to him, would probably forever remain a mystery. For on this day, he had forgotten to weir his name tag. He looked down at the Bible in his hands. Just what was the story, behind this Art and his Angel?
ShadowFox777: My first Zoid fic? You like? I figure, with a name Like Shadow Fox, I have to have at least one. This, won't be the last one if I have any thing to say about it. Any way, I noticed a Small, tiny big mistake with Angel's name, so I redid this chap, well All I did was fix the name. Hopefully it won't happen again. Leave a review? Review's make me happy.