Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 3 - New Clothes

Jin had stopped crying after having so many sandwiches stuffed into his mouth by Ban. He was full. Completely bloated full of food. His hands on his stomach as he laid on the floor.

But as he laid down, he couldn't help but tear up. He didn't remember the last time he laid down without her lap beneath his head, her gentle hands playing with his hair as she cooed gentle words to him. While other children were energetic and erratic. He just wanted to relax with her. He enjoyed the peaceful comfort.

Ban: {*Sigh* He still just a child despite everything. If he's not going to change his decision I have to distract him from his own thoughts.} Kid. How about we go get you some new clothes if you plan on staying here?

Jin: C-Clothes?

Ban: Well you can't continue wearing those ones and as long as you slept, its still day.

Jin looked at his clothes. A white top turned brown from dirt, slightly damp from the rain. His black shorts slightly torn and dirty. His clothes were completely ruined. Jin sat up to look at Ban.

Jin: Are... Are you sure? I... I don't want to be a burden.

Ban: Kid you're going to be the biggest burden I've ever faced.

Jin looked down as Ban said that. Only to feel his strong wrinkly hair on his small shoulder.

Ban: But burdens are for shoulders strong enough to carry them. You are not a weight I am unable to shoulder. Can you promise me you're strong enough to carry your burdens.

Jin looked at Ban with awe, Jin had to remain strong. To carry the burdens he had without letting them break him. He remembered his guardian saying how strong he was. So he would remain strong. Shouldering his burdens. Jin gave a small rapid nod as Ban gave a small smile. Standing up as he offered his hand out. Jin looked at it as he slowly grasped Bans large hand with his small one. Standing up.

Ban: Let's shoulder our burdens together kid.

Ban walked out with Jin as they left. Walking down the stairs of the building. The ground floor of the building was a large open area. Grey padded floors with black padded walls. Benches and punching bags. Shelves for different weapons and equipment. Jin could only look with interest as they left. Walking down the streets of a town Jin had come to know as Kuoh Town.

Going to the shopping mall Ban and Jin picked out clothes. Plain tops, shorts, trousers, socks and underwear, new bed sheets and all the essentials you would need for an extra person living with you.

The town, even the shopping malls was a lot less crowded than where he previously lived. Compared to the city, the town was no where near as loud or chaotic. But whenever a child passed he could help but shy away from them and get closer to Ban. Ban understood why he did this, and it was likely going to be hard for Jin to make friends. But Ban was going to take care of Jin if he decided to stay. He would make sure Jin at least had a life not full of regret.

As they tried on clothes Jin changed out of his old ones. He couldn't help but cry again when his old clothes were thrown away. But he couldn't face her. Not after what he had done and what changes that would cause.

But Jin had also noticed one thing with Ban. Whenever he would cry, the man would shove food in his mouth. In this case taking him to get ice cream. A soft sweet treat they enjoyed there. Both having a very basic vanilla.

Walking back home with many bags in Bans other hand. Still holding Jins small hand as they walked down Kuoh Town streets.

Jin: T-Thank you. I'll... I'll try and repay you.

Ban: A child like you saying such things is unnecessary. Besides there's no way you can pay me back. You're a child.

Jin: I... *Sigh* I am.

Jin hung his head down, but then he heard a loud deep growl. Looking down the alley he saw a large creature. Red eyes look directly at his with sharp teeth. A monstrous appearance that looked like any child's waking nightmare. But as soon as he blinked it was gone.

Looking at the alley again as he pulled at Bans hand. But there was nothing there.

Jin: Where did... where did the monster go?

Ban: What monster?

Jin: There was a monster in the alley. But... it's gone.

Jin looked back as Ban as he looked down at Jin with a confused look.

Ban: You're likely seeing things. You've went through something no normal child should have gone through. It's only normal.

Jin looked at Ban and to him, he guessed it made sense. Who would actually believe they saw a real life monster hidden down a dark alley that disappears fast than you can blink. But what he didn't see was the on Bans other hand. The one holding bags, there was spots of blood on it. Something that wasn't on his hand before.

Ban: You know what. There is something you can do to repay me.

Jin: There is!

Jin looked at Ban as he smiled. Jin wasn't a bad kid. The accident that completely changed his life, was as it said. An accident.

Ban: How would you like to learn martial arts?