The Passerby

A Fighting Chance

One Hour Later

"Wow, you were hungrier than I thought." Ren said, seeing Nora had polished off her fourth pancake.

"Sorry, I just haven't had any food that was this good in forever. Ever since my parents didn't come back from a mission, I've been on the streets, scrounging for food." Nora answered, sipping her milk.

"No problem, the same thing happened to me actually. My parents left me at my grandparents' residence for a week and never came back for me, I eventually left, trying to find them. I got lost, and now here I am." Ren recounted, sipping his coffee.

"Thanks again for saving me Ren..." Nora murmured. "Hey, do you think you can teach me how to fight?"

"Hm? I suppose, but it will take a bit. I can get you well enough at fighting to attend Signal with me." Ren replied, a smile forming on his face.

"Thanks a bunch, Ren!" Nora yelled, the first genuine smile in a year forming on her face. "But wait, how can we stay in Signal together if you're older than me?"

"I can ask the teacher to hold me back a year or two for you. I'm sure he'll understand." Ren replied, pulling out ten lien to pay the waitress.