Fated Encounters

As the dust settled and the crowd dispersed, Kaito walked over to Ren, standing over him with a smirk.

Kaito: "You're not bad, rookie. Get up."

Ren, still kneeling on the ground, hesitated for a moment. His body ached all over, his black hoodie dirtied and torn from the fight. Swallowing his pride, he reached up and took Kaito's hand. With a strong pull, Kaito lifted him effortlessly.

Kaito: "Come on. You need some patching up."

Without waiting for a response, Kaito turned and started walking, expecting Ren to follow. Ren sighed, wincing as he limped behind him. A few onlookers remained, whispering among themselves, their gazes lingering on him.

Ren (thinking): Just what kind of guy is Kaito?

The streets were still bustling—merchants calling out their wares, the scent of grilled meat hanging in the air. Ren barely paid attention, focused more on staying upright.

After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at a small hideout—a sturdy but old-looking building nestled between larger ones at the town's edge. The inside was surprisingly neat, with simple furniture, weapons hanging on the walls, and a practical but cozy feel.

Kaito gestured for Ren to sit before tossing him some bandages and a bottle of medicine.

Kaito: "Patch yourself up. You're tough, but you'll need proper care if you don't want to break down before your next fight."

Ren nodded and got to work wrapping his wounds. Kaito leaned against the wall, watching him with curiosity.

Kaito: "So… who are you, really?"

Ren tensed for a second but quickly masked it.

Ren: "I… don't remember. Everything before waking up in the street is a blur."

Kaito narrowed his eyes slightly, as if weighing Ren's words. But after a pause, he simply smirked.

Kaito: "That so? Well, no point worrying about the past if you can't remember it. What matters is what you do from here on."

Ren exhaled, relieved Kaito wasn't pressing him further.

Kaito: "Anyway, since you've got nowhere to go, why don't you stick around? You wanna get stronger, right? Then earn your keep and work with me."

Ren blinked, caught off guard.

Ren: "Work? Doing what, exactly?"

Before Kaito could answer, the door creaked open.

A young woman stepped inside—long, dark hair flowing behind her, clad in a fitted dark bodysuit beneath a sleeveless tunic, a sash lined with small weapons at her waist. Her sharp eyes immediately locked onto Ren.

For a split second, something flickered in them—interest? But just as quickly, she masked it.

Mahi: "Kaito. Who's the newbie?"

Kaito smirked. "That's Ren. Just a lost guy I picked up after knocking him around a bit."

Mahi folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Hmph. So, what's his deal?"

She turned to Ren. "Who are you?"

Ren met her gaze steadily.

Ren: "I don't remember my past. Just trying to figure things out."

Mahi studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Suspicious."

Kaito chuckled. "That's what I said."

Mahi rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "If Kaito trusts you enough to bring you here, I'll keep an eye on you."

Despite her neutral tone, that flicker of interest still lingered in her gaze.

Kaito grinned. "Then it's settled. Welcome aboard, rookie."

Ren clenched his fists. He had no past, no place here. But maybe, just maybe, this was his chance to start again.

To Be Continued…