The Free World, battered but unbroken, was beginning to breathe again. The streets, once silent and heavy with the weight of destruction, now buzzed with life. Merchants called out to passersby, children darted between stalls with laughter, and the faint scent of fresh bread wafted through the air. The city, in its resilience, had started to rebuild more than just its structures—it was restoring its spirit.
Jin walked through the bustling streets, his coat brushing against the cobblestones as his sharp gaze moved across the crowd. He carried himself with his usual quiet intensity, yet his presence commanded attention. Citizens nodded respectfully as he passed, their murmurs filled with gratitude and admiration.
Just as he was about to turn a corner, a sudden weight landed on his back, nearly knocking him off balance.
"Gotcha!" came a playful voice.
Jin stumbled slightly, turning his head to find Rebekah grinning mischievously, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. Her massive chest pressed firmly against his back, and the heat rose to his face despite his usually stoic demeanor.
"Rebekah," Jin said, his voice low but steady. "What are you doing?"
She laughed as he gently helped her slide down, her body brushing against his as she landed. "Oh, don't look so serious," she teased, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "I just wanted to surprise you. You looked so lost in thought."
Jin adjusted his coat, his face returning to its usual impassiveness. "I wasn't lost. Just walking."
Rebekah tilted her head, her expression softening. "How are you holding up? After… everything?"
"I'm fine," Jin replied simply, though his tone carried a weight that suggested otherwise. He glanced at her, his sharp features relaxing slightly. "What about you? Should you even be out here?"
"I'm tougher than I look," she said with a wink, placing her hands on her hips. "The Sentinels cleared me, and I've been feeling better every day."
Jin nodded, then shifted the topic. "What about Drake? I haven't seen him around."
Rebekah's smile faded slightly, her tone growing quieter. "He's on a mission far away. Something about scouting potential threats outside the Free World. He didn't say much before he left."
As they walked together, the streets grew livelier. The chatter of merchants echoed through the air, their voices competing to attract customers.
"Fresh apples! The sweetest in the Free World!" a vendor called, holding up a gleaming red fruit.
"Handcrafted pottery! Stronger than the walls of the palace!" another proclaimed, gesturing to a table lined with intricately designed vases.
Rebekah paused at a stall selling bright fabrics, her eyes lighting up. "These are beautiful," she said, running her fingers over a soft blue cloth.
The merchant, an older woman with a kind smile, leaned forward. "Ah, you have good taste, my dear. This fabric is perfect for someone with your elegance."
Rebekah chuckled, shaking her head. "You're too kind."
Jin stood silently beside her, his arms crossed, watching the interaction with mild curiosity. The merchant's gaze shifted to him, and she grinned. "And you, young man? Perhaps a gift for your lovely companion?"
Before Jin could respond, Rebekah laughed. "Oh no, he's terrible at gifts. He'd probably buy me a rock and call it practical."
Jin raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his faint smirk barely visible.
As they continued through the market, a butcher called out to Jin. "Oi, you're the one who fought that monster, right?"
Jin stopped, turning his head slightly. "Yes."
The butcher grinned, his hands resting on his hips. "Well, don't be a stranger! Come by if you're hungry—I owe you a cut of the finest meat for what you've done for us."
Jin gave a small nod, his quiet gratitude evident despite his reserved demeanor.
As they turned a corner, the sound of hurried footsteps caught their attention. From the shadow of a nearby building, Seiji emerged dramatically, his hands covering his face as though he were hiding from the world. His exaggerated movements drew stares, and Rebekah couldn't help but giggle.
"Seiji," Jin said, his voice tinged with mild annoyance. "What are you doing?"
Seiji dropped his hands, revealing a playful smirk. "Oh, just trying to stay out of trouble," he replied, his tone dripping with mock innocence. He tilted his head toward Jin and Rebekah. "And what do we have here? A little stroll through the city? How quaint."
Rebekah crossed her arms, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's nothing like that."
Seiji's smirk widened. "Oh, so you're just 'entertaining' him, then? A little love entertainment, perhaps?"
Rebekah's face turned bright red, and she waved her hands defensively. "No! That's not what I meant!" she stammered, though her flustered expression betrayed her feelings. "I'm just… keeping him company!"
Seiji chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Ah, I see. Well, Jin, you've got quite the entertainer here. Better not let her slip away."
Jin remained stoic, though there was a faint hint of exasperation in his voice as he said, "Is there a reason you're here, Seiji?"
Seiji's expression turned slightly more serious, though the twinkle in his eye remained. "Just wanted to check in. Make sure you're not putting too much stock in those visions of yours."
Jin's gaze sharpened. "They've been on my mind. More than I'd like."
Seiji nodded, his usual playful demeanor giving way to something more thoughtful. "I figured as much. Just don't let them control you, Jin. Visions can be… tricky things."
Jin didn't respond immediately. His eyes drifted to the horizon, where the sun was beginning to set. "They're not controlling me. But they're not going away, either."
Seiji placed a hand on Jin's shoulder briefly, his grip firm. "Then hold on to that balance. You're going to need it."
As the three of them stood in the fading light, the bustling market began to wind down. Merchants packed up their wares, and the chatter of the crowd softened into a gentle hum.
Rebekah glanced at Jin, her earlier embarrassment replaced by quiet admiration. "You've been through so much," she said softly. "But you keep moving forward. I think that's… incredible."
Jin's expression didn't change, but there was a subtle warmth in his reply. "It's what has to be done."
Seiji leaned against the building, watching the two with an amused look. "Well, don't let me interrupt your entertainment any longer," he said, his smirk returning. "I'll see you both at the palace later."
With that, he walked off, leaving Jin and Rebekah alone once more. The city around them was still alive with quiet energy, a testament to its resilience.