A Little Breath

Night was falling over the city, ringing the sky with shades of orange and deep violet.

The sun, about to hide completely, left a trail of soft light that reflected off the modern facades of the buildings.

The cool wind carried with it the subtle scent of flowers and herbs from the well-kept squares around the headquarters of the Brotherhood of the Phoenix.

It was a scene painted by a divine artist, where every shade and glow danced in perfect harmony.

Satsu, Haruto and the Ebony Wings group walked out of the headquarters, still laughing at Akira's jokes and Hana's exaggerated comments about the mission.

The lantern lights in the streets gradually came on, creating a golden carpet under their feet.

— Did you see Daichi's face when Hungry tried to steal his apple? — said Akira, almost doubled over with laughter.

— Hey, it was a dishonest attempt! I was starving too! — Daichi grumbled, pretending to be offended.

— Hungrier than the Hungry One? That's an achievement! — Haruto teased, drawing general laughter.

As the conversation flowed, Satsu felt something different. For the first time, he wasn't alone. He had found people who cared, who accepted him for who he was.

His heart was light, as if each step was driven by a current of hope.

At the main entrance to the brotherhood, Haruto stopped and turned to Satsu.

— Well, this is where we part. It's been a good first day, Satsu. We're glad you're with us.

— We need to go on more adventures! — Hana said dramatically. — I'll write a poem about it

— Please don't recite in public this time Hana — Akira begged laughing.

Daichi patted Satsu firmly on the shoulder.

— Take care, kid. Tomorrow's another day.

— You'll do fine — said Yumi with a motherly smile.

Haruto, with his firm and fair manner held out his hand to Satsu.

— If you need anything, you know where to find us.

Satsu shook his hand gratefully.

— Thank you, everyone.

With nods and warm goodbyes, everyone went their separate ways. Satsu watched his new friends disappear into the dim light, before turning towards his own journey.

The further Satsu walked towards the community of Soraoka, the more the environment changed.

The clean, paved streets gave way to mud roads full of potholes. The fresh air was replaced by a harsh smell of garbage and old oil.

The well-built brick houses were replaced by makeshift structures made of wood, tarpaulin and cardboard.

The dim light of damaged streetlamps faintly illuminated the path. Skinny dogs rummaged through the garbage, and the sounds of the pompous city were left behind, replaced by the murmurs of families trying to survive the next day.

Satsu paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. Despite everything, this place was his home.

When he reached the cramped house where he lived with his parents and younger sister, he saw the canvas door tied with loose ropes.

The methodical noise of cans being sorted came from outside. His mother and father were still working, sorting scrap metal and recyclables to sell the next day.

— Mommy, are we going to eat today? — asked her little sister in a soft, hopeful

voice.

Mom paused for a moment, her shoulders tensing. She disguised it with a sad

smile.

— I'll see, darling. Maybe we'll have something...

Satsu clenched his fist when he heard that. It had been so long since the family's last decent meal. But today would be different.

— I'm home! - he said with a broad smile entering the small space.

His sister ran up to him, her eyes shining with joy.

— Satsu! You're back! How was your first day at the Brotherhood?

His father and mother put their materials aside and approached him with proud looks on their faces.

— You look... different — said her father, looking at the clothes Satsu was wearing, gifts from Haruto.

— These clothes... are they from work? - her mother asked in amazement.

Satsu laughed, a little embarrassed.

— Yes, a friend gave it to me. The day was... intense, but I met some incredible people.

They sat together in the small space of the house. Satsu told them everything - from his insane training to the friends he had made and how he had been accepted by the Ebony Wings.

— It's like a dream, my son — said his mother, thrilled. — We're so proud of you.

— You've always been strong, Satsu. I knew you'd make it — added his father.

His sister hugged him tightly.

— I want to be like you when I grow up!

Satsu smiled, but his eyes glazed over when he pulled out the bags he had received from his friends.

— I've brought it for you.

Her mother's eyes widened when she saw the bags full of bread, fruit and cookies.

Her father remained silent, but his chin trembled with contained emotion.

— That's... real food — said her mother, almost in disbelief.

That night, for the first time in years, the family had a proper meal. They laughed, talked and savored every morsel as if it were a royal banquet.

The warmth of hope filled that cramped space.

As the night deepened and silence once again overwhelmed Soraoka, Satsu looked up at the starry sky through the cracks in the house.

His heart was pounding with an uncontrollable desire.

— I'm going to get stronger. For you — he whispered, determined.

And so, as the family fell asleep with smiles on their faces, Satsu promised that this would only be the beginning of a new story.