Episode 4: A Day in the City
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling city, reflecting off the towering skyscrapers and the glittering waters of the bay. The Beheaded stood at the edge of the pier, looking out at the new world he found himself in. After eight months of training Bakugou and hearing that the boy had successfully gotten into his dream school, U.A. High, the Beheaded felt a rare sense of satisfaction and contentment.
He had found a home of sorts in an abandoned warehouse near the piers, a place where he could lay low and observe the world around him without drawing too much attention. The Beheaded had left his katana behind, instead carrying only his dual pan-chucks for protection. Beside him, Marie—his loyal cat—sat gracefully, her eyes taking in the sights of the city.
As they walked through the streets, the Beheaded marveled at the vibrant life around him. This city was a stark contrast to the grim, battle-worn world he came from. Advanced technology was everywhere— carriages that needed no horse, billboards that displayed holographic advertisements, and a myriad of other marvels that were completely foreign to him. The Beheaded felt a sense of awe and curiosity as he explored.
They passed by a busy marketplace where vendors sold a variety of goods. The Beheaded paused at a stall selling exotic fruits, sniffing the air. He had traded a few of his gold coins at a "Gold for Cash" place earlier, acquiring a substantial amount of local currency. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a handful of bills and purchasing some fruit for himself and food for Marie.
Continuing their journey, they witnessed a hero chasing a purse snatcher down a crowded street. The hero, a young woman with the ability to manipulate shadows, quickly subdued the thief, returning the stolen purse to its owner. The Beheaded watched with interest, noting the hero's techniques and the efficiency with which she handled the situation. It was a far cry from the brutal, relentless combat he was used to, yet no less impressive in its own way.
With Marie trotting beside him, the Beheaded made his way to a nearby electronics store. He used his newfound wealth to purchase a television and a few essential items for his new home. The clerk eyed him curiously but said nothing, taking the cash and arranging for delivery to the warehouse.
The day continued to unfold in a series of pleasant discoveries. The Beheaded wandered through a park, marveling at the lush greenery and the children playing without a care in the world. He passed by a street performer juggling flaming torches, the crowd cheering and clapping. He even found a quaint little bookstore where he purchased a few novels, curious to learn more about this world through its literature.
In the early afternoon, the Beheaded found himself drawn to a bustling cafe with a sign advertising "the best coffee in the city." Intrigued, he stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. The barista, a cheerful young woman with a quirk that allowed her to steam milk with her hands, greeted him with a warm smile.
"What can I get for you today?" she asked.
The Beheaded pointed to a picture of a cappuccino on the menu, and the barista nodded, expertly preparing the drink. As he waited, the Beheaded observed the other patrons—businesspeople, students, and couples enjoying their afternoon coffee break. It was a slice of everyday life, something he rarely experienced in his own world.
With his cappuccino in hand, the Beheaded found a seat by the window, watching the city go by. Marie hopped onto the table, sniffing the air curiously. He took a sip of the coffee, savoring the rich, smooth flavor. It was moments like this that made him appreciate the simplicity of this world, a stark contrast to the constant battles and bloodshed he was used to.
After finishing his coffee, the Beheaded continued his exploration. He wandered through a bustling shopping district, filled with stores selling everything from high-tech gadgets to fashionable clothing. He stopped at a toy store, fascinated by the array of colorful toys and games. He bought a small stuffed animal for Marie, who seemed delighted with the new toy.
As he walked down a quiet side street, the Beheaded stumbled upon an old-fashioned arcade. The neon lights and sounds of electronic games drew him inside. He exchanged some of his cash for tokens and tried his hand at a few games. He found himself surprisingly adept at a fighting game, his combat skills translating well to the virtual arena. The arcade manager, an older man with a passion for classic games, watched in awe as the Beheaded set new high scores.
"You're a natural," the manager said, clapping him on the back. "Haven't seen anyone play like that in years!"
The Beheaded gave a small bow of thanks, his silent form conveying gratitude. He left the arcade with a smile hidden beneath his armor, feeling a sense of accomplishment from this unexpected diversion.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the city, the Beheaded made his way to a rooftop garden he had spotted earlier in the day. The garden was a tranquil oasis amidst the urban chaos, filled with blooming flowers and lush greenery. He found a quiet spot to sit, Marie curling up beside him, and watched as the city lights began to twinkle in the growing darkness.
The Beheaded reflected on the day's events. For someone like him, who had spent most of his life in a relentless struggle for survival, the peace and relaxation he felt now were almost alien. He was used to the constant adrenaline of battle, the ever-present threat of danger. Yet, as he watched Marie play with her new toy, he found that this new life had its own rewards.
The city had shown him a side of life he had never known—a world of simple pleasures and quiet moments. It was a world worth protecting, a world where he could find a semblance of peace. The Beheaded sat there for a long time, the cool evening breeze rustling the leaves around him, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of contentment.
As the night deepened, the Beheaded made his way back to the warehouse. It was no longer a bare, empty space but a cozy, if unconventional, home. A soft bed in one corner, a TV on a makeshift stand, and a bowl of fresh water and food for Marie gave the place a lived-in feel. The Beheaded set down his purchases and took a moment to reflect on the day.
Yet, as he watched Marie curl up on her new bed, purring contentedly, he found that this new life had its own rewards.
The Beheaded sat down on his own bed, reaching for one of the novels he had bought. As he began to read, the TV murmuring softly in the background, he realized that this day—this simple, perfect day—was a rare gift. He had found a moment of respite, a brief interlude of calm in a life defined by chaos. And for now, that was enough.