Thread: Closing Time (atn: AJ Only)

A.J. stands still behind the man with the exception of wiping his newly healed hands on a towel. He stares at the person for a few moments before finally asking, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"As a matter of fact," Xavier de Calis turns slowly to look at AJ right in the eyes. This monster of a man, more beast perhaps than man, this criminal of the Camarilla... this red listed Gangrel holds his gaze unappologetically. "I'm here to help you. A mutual friend of ours said you needed some education."

The towel drops from A.J.'s hands as he realizes he is looking the former Justicar of his clan in the eyes. The shock freezes him in place. On one hand he has two first instincts, one being to kneel before the former Justicar, the other would certainly lead him to his end. He takes a needless breath, remembering that he and Xavier had fought together in Brazil. He inclines his head respectfully to Xavier and says, "May I inquire what friend of mine would ask someone so respected by our family to help..." He pauses feeling slightly insignificant and finishes with the word, "Me?"

"I won't name names... too dangerous but let's just say that I think you'll remember and know who would go out on such a very thin limb for you once you hear what I'm here to offer." He looks to a booth.

"Mind if we sit down?"

A.J. almost feels like a fanboy having Xavier in his restaurant. He motions towards the nearest table and says, "Please sit down. My home is your home." He moves towards the table and asks, "Do you still eat food? If so, can I offer you something to eat or drink?"

Xavier shakes his head, no. "Thank you just the same for your hospitality. I know what a risk it is for you to have someone like me around when you're so valued by those whose title I once held."

He sits down. "Actually, I've come to offer you a chance to walk one of the great roads other than the one you've followed all your life. To propose, if you'd have me, to be your teacher in a philosophy that might give you a new direction and purpose in being. I speak of a Road of the Great Kings... a path of something that seems long lost and lacking in this cold world."

"Now, do you understand who sent me to you?"

Instantaneously one name pops into A.J.'s head, Emma. He nods to him in understanding. He takes a seat at the table and looks at him a few thinking about everything that he had said. He looks him in the eye and says, "You are welcome in my home any time. I am honored to have you here. Thank you for coming."

He thinks a moment about how well he spoke of the Road that he had in mind. He says, "You definitely have my attention. Considering who asked you to come, I know that what you have to say is more than worth my time and consideration. So, please, give me more insight into the Road you propose."

"Honor... Truth... Valor. Guiding and protecting the weak. Striking down the wicked. I believe in these things, AJ and I see a similar mindset when I look at you. If you can embrace these things, I will take you on as my squire and test you... shape you, and in time you might stand among the paladins of my path worthy of the title."

He is quiet a moment. "The faith in our Lord God, in all that is right and good, it can quiet the beast and allow you to remain in control in the face of the strongest temptations and trials. Do you hold the Lord of Heaven in your heart, AJ?"

A.J. smiles as he talks of all the things he holds in high regards. It was all of the things he had held most dear throughout his life. It was what he was taught from the age of eight years old by Marcus. The part he lacked was the knowledge of faith. He looks at him and says in response, "A mutual friend has been teaching me of the Lord of Heaven. I am still learning of faith. Honestly, in my time, it was only recently that I had been exposed to religion in an impactful way. That mutual friend has been my guide towards understanding faith and finding my faith. At least, she was...."