The Space Cat Has Yet To Be Named

A Friend Of No Importance

The grey skies of the drab city rolled between the canopy of its concrete jungle. A lone figure strode down the mostly deserted streets.

The door of the local bar and diner swung open as he strode in, taking a seat at the empty bar in the quiet restaurant.

The bartender raised an eyebrow as he glanced over his shoulder. "Zachary. Didn't think I'd be seeing you again for the next year or so. What'll it be?"

The visitor smiled. "Double dark raspberry freeze, if you please."

He drew a huff from the bartender. "Stayin' dry this time?"

"Well, I came alone." The young Zuvorian replied simply.

The bartender slipped some ingredients into the blender, uncaring as to if he disturbed the few visitors with the noise. With some whipped cream and a chocolate spiral to top off the glass, the bartender slid the drink over to him.

Zachary tossed a few coins his way.

"So What brings you here in the early mornin?"

"Not much, just wanted to chat." He slurped at his drink casually.

The bartender raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Right..."

"So, how are things? How's the business and family?"

He raised his brow, thinking as he went to cleaning cups. "Katie's been doing well. She managed to land a job in Scalehorn university in Dimension four, that, uhh... elf world place."

Zachary nodded, looking wholeheartedly interested.

"Business's been fine. Little slow... but fine." The barkeep sighed, going quiet. "Eh... what about you? How's the kids? You still trainin them in the middle of nowhere?"

Zachary's smile faded a bit. The levity he brought into any room faded with melancholy. "The training's... slowed a bit... I'm planning to continue training with Keris and Isaac but... Syb- I-Iris is a bit more of a complex situation..."

"Ahh... got a little rebel, don't we?" The bartender smirked.

Zachary went quiet for a bit.

Slowly he regained his curiosity. "... What about the renters? Any crazies come along?"

He chuckled. "Nah, nothin like that. This is a sleepy part of town, isn't that why you picked this bar of all places for your meeting spot?"

Zachary didn't reply, slurping his drink with his gaze at the ceiling, his brows knitted together. "... What about the new kid taking up space on the fourth floor?"

"Huh? Oh... that one Finch Hood. Came in almost a month ago. Says he's eighteen but I don't believe him. He's gotta be fifteen, sixteen at most. Dunno if his parents know where he's at or if he'll even pay rent again by the time deadline rolls around."

"Mmm..." Zach's gaze was still on the ceiling.

"What's your interest in the boy anyways?" The bartender asked.

Zachary smiled knowingly. He slipped a hand onto the bar, leaving a stack of cash.

The bartender raised his brow, arms folded.

Zachary got up. "Tell the kid when you see him a friend of no importance paid his rent for the next two years." He said, waving as he slipped out the door.

The bartender chuckled, shaking his head. "Odd, that one... but what can you do..." He murmured, counting the stack of hundreds left on the bar.