98 A Dark Cloud Amidst the Revelry #98

The atmosphere in the bar was lively, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the sound of merry voices raised in song. Patrons swayed to the rhythm, their spirits high as they celebrated another day in paradise. However, amidst the revelry, Cedric stood out like a dark cloud in the bright sky.

With an annoyed expression etched on his face, Cedric drained his drink in one swift motion, setting the empty glass down on the counter. He turned around to confront the source of his annoyance. And there, standing behind him, was Kieran, his deadpan expression emphasizing his depressed face, with sickly pale skin and dark circles under his eyes.

Cedric's eyebrows furrowed as he locked eyes with Kieran. "What are you still doing here?" he muttered under his breath, and his annoyance was evident in his voice.

Kieran's deadpan expression remained unchanged, but a faint glimmer of amusement flickered in his eyes. He stepped closer to Cedric, the weight of his presence palpable. "You spared me," he stated matter-of-factly, his voice devoid of emotion. "I can't help but wonder why..."

Cedric leaned back, crossing his arms. "Don't mistake my laziness for kindness," he retorted, his voice firm. "I didn't sense intent to kill intent from you at the end of our fight. And you have no bounty over your head..." He added, shaking his head.

"I just wanted to get back to the bar as soon as possible to enjoy my drink in peace, and yet here you are..." Cedric concluded with an exasperated sigh.

Kieran's gaze never wavered as he listened to Cedric's response. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, forming the faintest hint of a dead smirk. "So, it was laziness that saved me," he mused, his voice low and contemplative. "Interesting."

Cedric's annoyance deepened, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "Look here, pal," he said, his voice laced with irritation and exhaustion. "I don't know what your game is, but I have no interest in babysitting you... go away and let me enjoy my drink..."

Kieran's deadpan expression transformed into a mischievous smile, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. He leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, if only it were that simple," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But I'm afraid you're stuck with me for now."

Cedric's eyes narrowed, his irritation escalating. "And why is that?" he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration and curiosity.

Kieran's smile widened, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. "Because, my dear friend," he said, drawing out each word deliberately, "you spared my life... you have to take responsibility..." He added, his expression deadly serious.

Cedric's irritation transformed into bewilderment as he stared at Kieran, his mind struggling to process the words. "Responsibility? What in the world are you talking about? And how the hell can you say something so zesty with a straight face...?!" he exclaimed, his confusion and frustration evident in his tone as his eyes twitched.

Kieran's mischievous smile remained intact, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes as Cedric expressed his confusion. He straightened himself and took a step back, adopting a more serious demeanor. "Zesty? That sounds like an insult... in any case, I was just messing with you... it's a joke..." He declared, crossing his arms.

"That joke wasn't funny at all, though..." Cedric said with a blank face.

"Is that so... I found it very funny..." Kieran said, his voice now devoid of sarcasm as he seemed to ponder Cedric's words. "My name is Kieran... I came here to find and kill you, by the way..." He calmly explained.

"I figured as much..." Cedric replied as he turned away from Kieran and received the now-refilled tankard from the bartender. "I didn't sense any intent to kill from you at the end of the fight, though... you fail as an assassin..." He added with a chuckle.

Kieran's eyebrows arched slightly, surprised by Cedric's response. He hadn't expected such a relaxed attitude from his target. His mischievous smile returned as he considered Cedric's words.

"Maybe I am a failure as an assassin..." Kieran replied, his voice dripping with intrigue. "You see, during our fight, I changed my mind..." he confidently added as if his words were only natural.

"Fine... I'll bite..." Cedric said, his curiosity winning over his better nature as he drained the tankard. "So... why did you change your mind?" He asked as he turned back to Kieran.

Kieran leaned in closer, his voice overflowing with an enigmatic intensity. "I seek the ultimate meaning of life... and you, my friend, seem like the one who can reveal it to me..." he uttered, his tone measured and his expression an enigma.

Cedric's eyes narrowed, a glint of intrigue flickering in their depths. He set his tankard down with a resounding thud, the atmosphere around them pulsating with anticipation. "The meaning of life, huh? That's some pursuit," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of mockery.

Still, Cedric smiled as he gave Kieran a side glance. "But why should I reveal anything to you? You tried to kill me, remember?"

Kieran's expression softened, a hint of sincerity breaking through his mischievous facade. "Yes, I did, and for that, I apologize. But something tells me you might hold the key to answering the questions plaguing me my entire life..."

"I'm willing to work for you if you allow me to follow you and seek the answers I seek..." Kieran concluded.

Cedric's skepticism wavered for a moment as he contemplated Kieran's offer. He took another swig of his drink, savoring the bitter taste on his tongue. "You want to follow me, eh? And what guarantee do I have that you won't turn on me again?"

Kieran's eyes held a genuine earnestness as he locked gazes with Cedric. "The only guarantee I can offer is my word," he asserted, his voice firm and steady. "I won't attack you or anyone without your orders. I only seek answers, nothing more, nothing less..."

Cedric scoffed, a cynical smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "And what makes you think I can trust your word?" he challenged, his voice laced with skepticism. "Assassins don't have a reputation for honesty and loyalty."

Kieran's mischievous smile reappeared, but a glimmer of determination appeared beneath it. "You're right. Trust is earned, not freely given," he admitted. "But I offer you something more—a revelation that may pique your interest. The identity of the man who sent me after you."

Cedric's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued by Kieran's offer. The mention of the person who had orchestrated the attack on him caught his attention, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and suspicion.

"It can only be that guy..." Cedric stated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Let me guess. It's Doflamingo, isn't it?" He scoffed, not expecting any surprising revelations.

Kieran's mischievous smile widened into a grin, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're smarter than you look, Cedric Strode of the Marine Corpse," he remarked. "Yes, it was Doflamingo who sent me after you."

"And you're even dumber than you look for accepting the job..." Cedric muttered, his voice laced with annoyance. "But I suppose it was only a matter of time before Doflamingo set his sights on me."

Cedric took a deep breath, his mind finally coming to terms with the reality of his situation. He had always known that his actions would come to bite him in the ass sooner or later.

The young marine had long realized he would make many enemies if he continued to act freely and do as he pleased. Doflamingo was likely only the first in a long list.

Cedric's gaze hardened as he contemplated the dangerous path he had chosen. He had become accustomed to facing adversaries, but now the stakes were higher. Doflamingo was a formidable and influential figure with considerable resources, connections, and a crew of competent pirates.

His thoughts raced as he weighed the implications of his encounter with Kieran. He knew he couldn't underestimate Doflamingo's power and the danger he posed. The fact that the Warlord had sent an assassin after him meant that he had caught Doflamingo's attention, and not in a good way. He was no longer a mere nuisance.

His mind drifted back to Kieran, who stood before him with an enigmatic smile. Despite their initial confrontation, Cedric couldn't shake off the feeling that Kieran's words held some truth. Perhaps there was more to this mysterious assassin than met the eye.

Kieran was powerful and seemed experienced. Getting his help would be a big step in the right direction.

Cedric sighed heavily, his decision made. "Alright, Kieran," he said, his voice filled with annyance. "I'll accept your offer. You can follow me, but know this—my laziness and patience have limits..."

"I won't hesitate to get rid of you if you get in my way..."

....

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