6 A hopeful new beginning

The voice resumed, "I was lost and helpless, a stranger in a foreign land. You had no obligation to rescue me, yet you did."

The pair weaved through the crowded market, surrounded by an eclectic array of people haggling over goods and the aroma of spices and fresh produce mingling in the air. Katsu's eyes widened in amazement, awestruck by the sights and sounds of the city that were a world apart from his quiet village life.

"This is incredible," he thought, barely able to contain his excitement. "I've never seen anything like this before!"

As they walked deeper into the market, Katsu's initial euphoria gave way to a sense of unease. He couldn't help but notice the impoverished beggars slumped against the walls, their desperate pleas ignored by the throngs of shoppers. He averted his gaze, unable to bear the sight, but their presence lingered at the edge of his vision.

Soon enough, they arrived at a nondescript store, tucked away in a dimly-lit corner. Katsu's eyes darted around the dusty shelves and piles of disorganized merchandise, unsure of what to make of the place. Vin, however, seemed right at home. "This is the best store in town," he proclaimed, pointing towards the shop with a grin.

Without hesitation, they stepped inside, the jingle of bells marking their arrival. "Bonjour!" came a heavy French accent from behind the counter, as a plump man with a bushy moustache emerged from behind the cluttered desk. "Ah, monsieur Vin! You look as energetic as ever!" he exclaimed, his voice ringing with genuine warmth.

The store was in disarray, with a chaotic assortment of goods scattered everywhere. Yet Vin strode up to the counter as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "How's business been, Bon?" he inquired, leaning against the counter.

Bon replied, "It's doing well, despite the store's appearance. I'm in the midst of some renovations to spruce it up." Vin chuckled, "Yeah, it's a good thing nobody's looking to buy their fancy goods in a place like this."

A brief silence hung in the air before Bon's gaze fell upon Katsu. "And who is this little one?" he asked.

Vin's smile faltered slightly before he answered, "His name is Katsu. He's not related to me, but I found him after his village was attacked."

Bon's eyes widened in shock. "The cats are getting bolder by the day. You're taking care of him now?" he asked, sounding incredulous.

Vin nodded. "I'll manage," he replied firmly.

"Very well then," Bon said, nodding in understanding. "What do you need?"

"New clothes," Vin replied, his smirk returning. "Do you have anything that would fit him?"

"Of course! Half-price for you, monsieur," Bon offered cheerfully.

Vin beckoned Katsu over, and the two began to peruse the racks in search of suitable garments.

After trying on several outfits, Katsu finally found a set of clothes that he felt comfortable in. Vin watched him with a smile on his face as he twirled around in front of the mirror, admiring his reflection.

A voice once again said "You were so kind to me; you were the reason I got here."

"You look great, Katsu," Vin said, his voice full of admiration.

"Thank you, Mr. Vin," Katsu replied, his cheeks turning pink.

They returned back to the counter to see Bon half asleep. Vin loudly puts all of the clothes on the counter startling Bon.

"Oi! You could've been more quiet!?"

"Hehe, sorry about that." Vin said while scratching his head.

Is that all?" Bon asks irritated.

"Yup! That's all of it!"

"The total of that will be 21 pounds."

"Five pounds!? I thought you halved it?"

"I did, you just bought a lot of clothes"

"Oh, come on, can you sell it to me for 3?" he says as he tries to bargain.

"14 pounds." Bon says, unwilling to take his offer.

"Come on, please?" begs for a discount.

"Agh, fine, I'll do 9 since you're buying it for that kid. And to help ease your expenses."

Vin paid for the clothes and they left the store, the bag of new clothes in Katsu's hand. As they look at the skyline of the Imperial capital, they could see that the sun was already bellow the towering buildings.

"Wow, we stayed inside the store for quite a while." 

 As they walked down the street, Katsu couldn't help but feel grateful to Vin for everything he had done for him. But even so, he still feels scared at the new place, his fear of the future grows.

"Mr. Vin, can I ask you something?" Katsu said timidly.

"Of course, Katsu, what is it?"

"Why are you doing all of this for me? I'm just a stranger, and yet you've been so kind to me."

Vin smiled warmly at Katsu. "I believe that everyone deserves a helping hand, Katsu. And besides, I see something special in you. You have a pure heart, and I think you have the potential to do great things."

Katsu's heart swelled with emotion, and he felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Vin. I'll do my best to not get in your way. I... Don't know what to do now."

Vin put a comforting arm around Katsu's shoulder. "We'll figure it out, Katsu. I'm certain that you'll find something to enjoy."

As Vin looks at Katsu's hands, he noticed that they were still shaking. He knew what Katsu had been through and understands his fear. He will do everything to help him and create a better future for him.

"Hey Katsu."

"Ye-Yes??" Katsu answered timidly again.

"There is no need for you to be scared. I know that you're in an unfamiliar place, but please, trust me. I will not let anything harm you. Nothing will ever hurt you."

Katsu took a deep breath, feeling a little better. He knew that he could trust Vin, and that he's safe in his hands. He's got nothing to do, but accept what'll happen next.

They arrived back at Vin's apartment, and Vin showed Katsu a spare bed he had been keeping for his rare visitors to sleep. Katsu thanked him, but he decided to settle on the couch instead, feeling a little nervous about staying in a stranger's apartment.

As he lay there, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him. Everything had happened so fast, and he had no idea where his life was headed now.

"Sleep well, Katsu," Vin said from the doorway. "For your story is just beginning."

Katsu closed his eyes, feeling exhausted but also excited about what lay ahead. As he drifted off to sleep, he hoped that whatever was in store for him would be good.

End of chapter 6