Loona the Caretaker

No One Likes a Preacher

Nothing was better than having food at Burger King as a celebration for winning Stolas' hearing. The food was yummy, although the employees needed better training when it comes to timing on getting the food ready and prepared. Figures, since most jobs like these would have employees that were still in high school learning to get out in the field to get better jobs in the future as an experience. Despite all of that; the food was yummy and cooked to perfection.

"You know, if my mum were still here," said Octavia, "she would go like; Ugh! Look at this peasant food! I wouldn't even be caught dead eating this rat food they call food."

Everyone laughed at her Stella imitation and the screeching voice that she made. "She would definitely be like that." said Stolas. "I mean, she wouldn't even be caught dead eating at this establishment." then he took a bite of his burger. "She always had a sharp stick or her arse."

"I'm glad I wasn't married to her like you were, Stolas." said Blitzo.

"So you guys were arranged?" asked Cody

"Yes, but i managed to survive this kind of marriage," he looked at his daughter. "Only for her." he smiled at her and hugged her by her side.

Octavia made a small groan, and said: "dad, you're embarrassing me."

"Welcome to my life." Loona rolled her eyes before looking at Cody. "You feeling ok, Cody? You fainted a couple of times, and... i know it was so much for you to take in."

"It was, i've never had my heart pound so fast in my life, and i'm only nine. I just wanted it to end or have the grim reaper take me away already so i wouldn't have to be in this trial."

"Come on," said Moxxie. "It was a good thing lord Lucifer came."

"True that." said Millie. "We would have all been toast if he didn't come.

"I'm just glad it's all over." said Cody. "I couldn't stand another minute in that kind of situation. I felt like i was being charged for a murder I didn't commit. I'm too young to go to jail. Yeah, there's juvie, but still. But i'm happy that Stolas is not guilty."

"Come on, you overthink too much." said Blitzo. "You really need to lighten up."

"Yeah. Andrealphus though, he's kinda creepy. Who would want to be friends with him?"

"You're not the only one thinking that." said Loona. "I wouldn't be caught dead being friends with him."

"All of you have not known that arrogant piece of shit as much as I do." said Stolas. "And you should all be glad. Andrealphus is one to be conniving and cold-hearted... no pun intended." he then took a sip of his lemonade. "I need more juice. I'll be right back."

As they were all talking and enjoying their food, a man came in the eating establishment. He was a thin and tall man with black hair. He looked as thin as a rake, tall and bony. his face was gaunt and had a disturbing grace to him. He had a kind of suit that a father or a revenant at a church would wear, and he carried a bible on him. His eyes were blue and had a stern look on his face, something similar to how Alan Rickman looked like (before he died). He had old fashioned Italian shoes and looked around the area. He walked up to the counter and waited patiently for an employee to take his order.

At last, a lanky, young African-American man went up to the counter and at first smiled, but then frowned seeing him. "Ah, hello Mr. Belmond." said him. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Yes, normally, i wouldn't eat here," said the pastor. "But i feel like eating a salad here. I am certainly not one for fast food at all. God knows why this kind of cuisine was created. But, alas, we all create what we need to get by." he rested his bible on the counter.

Cody heard that name and perked his head to the right in surprise. "Oh no." he breathed. "Not him again."

"What is it?" asked Tex.

"It's the town crier." said the kid. "That's Mr. Belmond. He's one of the crankiest people in the world, and hates a lot of things."

"So, just give me a vanilla milkshake and a salad off the value menu." said the middle-aged man

"Sure thing."

"What's wrong with him?" asked Loona.

"He thinks he's the most pure-hearted person ever and is very grumpy at many times. He wants to do every good thing for God, and want to help turn people for God for any help."

"Aw shit, not a Bible thumper." said Blitzo. "I've seen people like that before.

"Those are the worst kind of people." said Moxxie.

"People like Jim Jones for instance." said Stolas. "Ones that make people drink the Kool-aid. Always best to avoid people like him."

"Yeah, they are overly-judgemental." said Octavia.

"The worst of the worst."

Tex glared at the church man while his back was turned. "I wanna make meat out of those people."

"Yeah, just ignore him." said Cody.

The man went over to sit in a nearby chair, close to the soda machine and he noticed Cody and Company (in their disguises) eating their food. He recognized the child and as everyone was eating, he walked over to him with his bible in hand and cleared his throat. "Cody?" he said

"Hello, Mr. Belmond." said Cody, trying to sound polite

"I almost didn't see you." said Belmond. "I've heard about your parents, and... me and God give you my deepest condolenses for what happened.

"Thanks. But i'm ok. I did find someone to adopt me."

"Yep." Loona said. "The kid is in good hands with me."

The thumper looked at Loona with a rather disgusted look on his face, and he said: "Her? How do you even know this... ragamuffin?"

"She saved me from the fire."

"What? Of all the people God would send people to help those in need, he sent someone like her to save your life?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" said Loona, sounding offended. Tex gently touched her from starting anything crazy like possibly mauling this man to death. "Who are you to judge?"

"I happen to be the head of a church nearby and I do everything I can to help those plead to God for help. And, just look at you. That hairstyle, it just looks ugly on you. I mean, you look like one of Satan's spawn. And, you also..."

"What? What about me?"

"You look like you have poor personal hygiene."

"How dare you, sir!" said Blitzo. "That's my daughter you are talking about."

"Hmm, well you must be a really good father for raising her." said Mr. Belmond in a sarcastic voice.

Loona tried grabbing him but he was stopped by Vortex. "Easy girl. Take it easy." he said.

"I honestly cannot imagine why you would choose to stay with her, Cody."

"Loona is a good person, and she cares about me."

"Well, it's your life, so i am afraid I cannot convince you otherwise. So, it saddens me that you choose to stay with her. Good day and good fortune to you." he went back to his spot on the table where his salad was called on and grabbed his salad. Everyone took an immediate disliking towards him, but decided to brush it off before continuing munching on their food as a celebration for Stolas winning.