Disclaimer: See previous chapter

Chap. 6

'Such a view to have every night...'

Night had fallen once again in the skies. From his room, Ky looked out into the starlit sky, with only half a moon to illuminate it (more or less). There were rare opportunities where he had been in a position to stargaze. When he was a child, maybe… But soon the war with the gears arose and he joined the Sacred Order. And after that, he went on to become an officer in the IPF to continue in his efforts. But never had he thought to take a moment for himself.

'Perhaps...I should take a vacation...?'

But that would have to wait. His duty came first and the challenge he faced was great. It was in fact, part of the reason why he was still awake now; his conversation with Johnny earlier being recalled and repeated in his mind.

"Are you serious?"

Ky's face was solemn. It was an unbelievable tale to tell him, but he knew it to be true. "I sincerely wish I wasn't. But I saw it with my own eyes."

"And you want to face this alone?" Johnny asked, his face incredulous

"I must." the young man shut his eyes. "It's my responsibility, my duty."

The pirate captain frowned. "It's also suicide. You can't expect me to stand idly by after what you've told me."

"Would you put your crew in that kind of danger?" His eyes opened and Johnny saw the honest concern in his features. "I would not be able to forgive myself if anyone here had gotten hurt because you pursued this course. Please." He looked up at Johnny and gave a light smile. "Think of this as a show of good faith for all that you and your people have done for me."

Shaking his head, Johnny placed his hat back on his head. "Heh... How did we end up on opposing sides?"

Ky seemed to shrug. "The path of our lives... It doesn't have to be that way though."

"Let's see. Only if I stop being a pirate. Or you a police officer. Not seeing either of that happening."

Another shrug. "Perhaps... But all things are possible with God."

Johnny gave him a curious glance. "Maybe. In any event, I still plan on investigating. But at the very least, I'll give you a head-start."

Ky lowered his head. "I suppose I should be grateful for that."

"And don't underestimate this crew." Johnny continued; his tone now sharp. "The Jellyfish Pirates are stronger than you give credit."

Ky nodded in understanding. He didn't want to sound like he was insulting the crew. "I apologize and I'll keep that in mind. But just that same, I wish you wouldn't pursue this."

"I may not have a choice. But you should be careful yourself." Johnny grinned. "I may not be around to help patch you back up again."

"Duly noted."

Johnny turned away and seemed as though he was departing. But he stopped in his steps and turned back to the young man. "While I'm here, I want to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"What made you spare Dizzy?"

Ky blinked questioningly and Johnny went on to elaborate. "Not that I'm not grateful that you didn't, but I am a little curious. You were... You are one of the knights of the Sacred Order. And she is a gear. And not just any gear, but a Commander-Gear. Surely you thought there was a possible danger in letting her live, so why did you?"

"Honestly..."

A long moment of silence came over the two men, with Johnny awaiting an answer and Ky in thought. Finally the young man broke the silence and answered, his eyes becoming distant with memory

"When I saw her, I thought for sure someone had made a mistake of some sort. Even with the wings and tail as evidence, she was unlike any gear I've ever seen. Even now, I see it. Her eyes…" He turned his head toward the window. "Her eyes are more human than anyone else I know." His gaze returned to normal and he turned back to face Johnny. "You're correct. I am a knight, and it was for that very reason that I didn't strike her down when I could have. I could never bring harm to an innocent."

Johnny smiled genuinely. "That's quite deep. And completely understandable. That's the way I see her too. She tends to have that affect on people, doesn't she?"

The other reason he was still awake. It was unexpected when Johnny asked him about Dizzy, but even more unexpected was his thoughts about her and the words he had spoken. Nevertheless, they were truthful. Despite all her power, Dizzy was an innocent in his eyes. He saw it every time they spoke to each other.

She had a child-like curiosity about the world, but she was mature enough to know that she would not be accepted in it because of who she was. It was unfortunate, but she understood the reasons and was glad that she was able to make friends despite that. And not that that was difficult either. Give Dizzy a chance and she could befriend anyone.

Well, maybe not that witch that knocked her off the Mayship...

His thoughts began to make him drowsy at last and he felt his eyes beginning to close. Sleep soon came to him and his eyes shut fully. As slumber overtook him, the door of his room creaked open and a patch of blue hair fluttered in.

"Ky...?"

Dizzy stepped inside the room to find Ky asleep. A low sigh escaped her lips, as she had wanted to bid him goodnight before she went to bed. Stepping over to him, she simply looked watched him sleep. His wounds still needed healing, but it no longer affected his rest now. That was a good sign.

Peaceful...

Tilting her head a bit, she bent down the bed with her face coming close to his. She paused for a moment, but only a moment and she lifted her face until her lips gently met with his forehead. Pulling away, she then whispered.

"Goodnight..."

With a final smile, the young gear turned away and exited the room. However, had she turned away a second later, she would have noticed blue eyes opening up and a hand reaching up to touch a warm forehead.