READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!
Recap
Kish bit his tongue. If only she knew. "Yeah, I had some stuff on my mind," he confessed, though avoiding specifics. "But never mind it, kit-kat. I'll come to bed." Already, with the return of her presence, he felt his loneliness come to an ease. Perhaps he would get some sleep tonight after all. He might as well try. Again, Kish grinned. "Let's go to bed." Signaling her to move, Kish stood and slipped his hand around her hip. Affectionately, he pulled her against his side to seal a kiss on her head. "I'm exhausted," he admitted through a sigh.
Ichigo giggled a bit. "So am I. You're right – let's get some sleep..." The two then made their way back to the bedroom.
Chapter 1
The cloaked figure took the final swig of his ale. Then, with a shrug, he slammed his cup down on the counter. "Enough talk, you sluts," the coarse voice said, toned mildly by sharp British pronunciations. "You all gotta watch your tongues or officials will assume you're attacking the crown. Lord Kisshu knows exactly what he's doing with this planet – he's a right smart fellow – and even better leader."
The pub owner smirked. "Who are you to assume we are attacking the crown? We weren't," he answered. "All we're saying is it will be damn interesting to observe how the public over all handles Lord Kisshu's astronomical changes. He's remolding the entire system – and I say we go for it – I just hope there is no trouble." A few men nodded and murmured in agreement.
The cloaked figure went on. "Then I said Lord Kisshu is blessed to have so many devoted followers. Change is good – especially the 'astronomical' ones. It's about time this planet got back on its feet again. I don't have any fear in saying that Deep Blue, damn the slut, was nothing but a waste of our time."
A few men looked surprised, but not really insulted. "Who wants an all too holy, aloof God to make our choices and control our lives?" He fidgeted with his cup, wishing he had another drink. "After all, he was a non-present, non-involved force – and on top of that the slut was a bloody traitor. Let his anger get the best of him: Became so livid at humankind, he'd rather obliterate their home than make good use of it. The fact is we needed that planet. Sure, we're better off now thanks to that Mew Aqua or whatever its called...but it just goes to show you: You can't trust a God. You give them an inch and they'll trample you." He cleared his throat. "I think Lord Kisshu is right to abolish any cultural or influential role Deep blue might still have on us. The sooner we're rid of his memory, the better. It's not any easy task, boys - but Lord Kisshu is a courageous one. He stands up for what he believes – he's a fighter – he makes the world a better place by providing us with peace and understanding and compassion. And that's not a trait I ever saw in a God or ever will. I'm just saying Lord Kisshu is the one we REALLY need to be counting on..."
The room was silent for a moment.
The bartender leaned forward a bit, narrowing his eyes curiously at the cloaked customer. "...Say..." he said a bit surprised. "You're aren't by any chance one of them non-believers, are ya...?"
The man smirked. "As if the term 'non-believer' matters anymore. Because of circumstances, none of us 'believe' in Deep Blue now. We've rebelled. But yes – I suppose that's beside the point. Deep Blue never played a part in my life – only I didn't intentionally choose to abandon him – the 'deity' was just simply never an option. I was never involved with the 'savior' – we weren't acquainted..."
A few of the men looked baffled by the comment. It was one thing to refuse involvement with God - but it was entirely different to have never been introduced to the God.
The bartender laughed a soft one, trying to 'fix' the silence. "But Ah-ha! Nevertheless! The point is you WERE one of the original non-believers. I knew it! Only what chu mean by 'never an option?' Deep Blue was a cultural and influential part of this planet – as much as we wish to we can't deny he had his impact."
The bartender leaned against the counter, hoping for a response.
The man gave no answer – and they were left still bewildered.
Another customer spoke instead to the stranger. "...Well a non-believer – a man like you with those fine, knowledgeable words – you really know what you're talking about – you have for a while, it seems. I have to admit, I'm impressed – honored. You saw right through Deep Blue's facade."
The bartender piped back in. "I gotta hand it to you, stranger, many a man wished they'd have had your guts and sense."
The cloaked figure's voice grew grim. "They wish they had it now you mean – now that they've learned the truth – but they didn't always," he murmured. "They were too cowardly to see the truth – too afraid of the consequences..." When the bar fell silent the man made a noise and stood. "...Look..." he began, his British accent hitting sharp, serious note. "Don't pretend you're unaware what people did to those who renounced Deep Blue. You know. They were punished. Excommunicated. And worse. A 'god' makes people crazy – it really is best we're rid of the 'deity' now..."
The cloaked figure stood. "Now enough – I make my leave." He gave the bartender one final look and nod before making his exit. Then he was gone.
A few of them men made noises – curious and interested noises. One spoke up in surprise. "Good heavens...what a man. He certainly is something to behold, isn't he? Wonder who he was..."
The bartender stared, his eyes locked on the door where the stranger had exited. Then he made a noise as if he were pondering something. "Hm...did you get a look at those eyes of his? So...foreign. So sleek. And burgundy, might I add. Hm. I've never seen anything like them."
"He's probably just a a racial mix," another added. "Those breeds are increasing, you know. We Cyniclons are not the only breed on the planet anymore."
The bartender shook his head, not convinced. "I've run this bar for 53 years now...and watched my dad do it before me. Never in all my life have I witnessed a character such as that cloaked stranger. I wouldn't say he's another breed. More like...a different species..." The room fell into a curious, bewildered silence. "That man...whoever he was...was NOT from around here."
READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!
READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!
READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!