Then...in the midst of an ever so rare and ever so awkward silence that permeated the air, he heard a voice.

"You okay?"...and it echoed.

"I'm fine, Gojyo, really."

The halfbreed lifted a slender brow. "But I didn't even say anything..."

Chapter 2: Strange Times

"The other shape, If shape it might be called that shape had none

Distinguishable, in member, joint, or limb;

Or substance might be called that shadow seemed,

For each seemed either; black he stood as night;

Fierce as ten furies; terrible as hell;

And shook a deadly dart. What seemed his head

The likeness of a kingly crown had on."