Chapter Text
"Have you got any salmon?" Katana asked the vendor, eyeing the fish on display.
"Ah, no, not this time unfortunately. I sold the last few of my stock just a few minutes ago. Sorry, Katana."
"It's alright, I'll live without it for a... week, yes?"
"Yes, yes, I should have some again next week. I'll keep some aside for you!
Until then, ehh, I think Net's got some in stock!"
Katana nodded before walking off. He'd grown familiar with that particular vendor as their salmon is some of the best around, but getting some from a different vendor wouldn't hurt, he presumed.
He headed to the other stall and began looking at the salmon on display, of course, but his eyes couldn't help but drift to the odd fellow besides him. Not the vendor – a fellow customer. He wasn't sure why he was so noteable though.
Maybe it was the bright red horns, the odd shawl he was wearing, or perhaps the slight orange glint in his eyes. Regardless, it was none of his business, he really shouldn't ask- but then, the other inquired first.
"Excuse me? Do you know which caviar is the best?"
"Hm? Caviar?" Katana hadn't even noticed there was caviar at the stall.
"Yeah, uh- which one would you personally recommend?" They repeated nervously.
He turned to look at the ground with a pondering expression before responding. "I usually tend to go for what's cheapest. I don't have the money or time for fancy caviars."
"Have you, er... ever actually had any of the fancy ones?"
"If you really want something fancy, why not just head to Underwater Temple?"
"Hahhh, uhhh- y'know, place's just kinda... too dangerous for my tastes," They chuckled nervously.
Katana squinted behind the mask but gave an hesitant nod. "I'd know, yes. Well then, I don't quite have any guidance for you."
"Hm..." They tapped their finger on the ground, going back to pondering the caviar.
Meanwhile, he got his order over with –the salmon, and some caviar since he was at it now– and began heading off. He could distantly hear the other customer sigh in defeat and ask Net what the most expensive caviar he's got is.
That fellow was a little suspicious though, weren't they?
Again, Katana wouldn't normally dwell on it, if it wasn't that he proceeded to run into them again at almost every other stall he went to.
Eventually, his temper got the best of him. Annoyed, he turned to face them boldly just as they were going down an alleyway.
"Are you following me?"
"I- eh?!-" They jumped slightly, grocery list almost jumping out of their hands. "Oh, no no no I'm sorry if I gave off that impression, I'm just, uh-"
"Just what, exactly?" He asked, taking a step closer whilst his hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his gear.
"I- h- hey man, I'm just following the grocery list m'mentor gave me-! I- I'm not following you, I swear–" They shook their arms, taking a step back.
"...Mentor?" Was this what he thought this was?
"Er... yes. M- my dad- I'll hurry up now ok bye-!!"
They tried to sprint past him, but Katana quickly caught their shawl.
"You're not talking about F- ...The Flames, are you?"
"...uhm."
The silence was awkard and incredibly tense, but the answer was obvious. With a sigh, he let go off of their cape and turned dramatically.
"...Is he planning to pass by Pioneers' Den tonight?"
" I'm... er- not quite sure...? I don't... see him too often throughout the day, really."
"If you do see him, tell him to."
And with that, he walked off.