Fate: Gremory [Remake] (ENG)

Chapter 4

Japan, 2007

Five days after starting her training under the tutelage of Alexander, Sairaorg and Esdeath, Rias Gremory was in a quiet conversation with a girl her own age.

Akeno Himejima.

Akeno came from a family of priestesses, and, from the words of her elder brother, Rias had heard of her. This girl had the potential to become a key piece within the nobility that Rias was beginning to form. Currently, he only had one person in his entourage, Shirone, who held the position of [Tower], but now he needed someone else, someone who could be his [Queen].

The training given by Alexander, Sairaorg, and Esdeath had raised his skills to an impressive level, but the difference between his power and his brother's was abysmal. He, along with his companions, were extraordinarily powerful beings. Rias, for his part, was just beginning to take his training and the expansion of his nobility seriously.

The time had come to put his pieces together, and Akeno seemed to be an ideal candidate.

So he had arrived with the girl, Akeno. To try to make her become his [Queen], already being part of the supernatural, it was not difficult to start a conversation as well as the reason for her arrival at his abode.

"So... you want me to be part of your nobility..." Akeno, as he watched Rias with his innocent eyes, there was a gleam of curiosity in it.

"Yes," Rias replied earnestly, watching Akeno intently. "I currently only have one person in my nobility. I have a long way to go to complete it... or at least to have something that can really be considered a nobility."

Akeno thought for a moment, bringing a hand to his cheek, visibly thoughtful. "Out of curiosity... what piece would I be?"

"You would be my [Queen]," Rias replied without hesitation. "I already have a [Tower], so I would need a [Queen] for my nobility to have a solid foundation."

"So [Queen]..." Akeno looked at the wooden ceiling as he thought about something.

'Should I accept?' Akeno thought, right now his situation was at least tragic. His mother had died, his father... he was conspicuous by his absence and I didn't want to see him again either.

The shrine where he lived, dedicated to the veneration of a deity, was his only refuge, and he managed to survive until now, but he did not know how long he would make it.

'Maybe... I should accept, I don't want to be alone any longer.' It was Akeno's thoughts as he analyzed his situation.

Finally, after a brief silence, Akeno nodded his head. "Okay, I agree to be you [Queen]. But I hope to receive something in return for joining your nobility."

Rias smiled, pleased by Akeno's positive response. "Don't worry. You will be under my care, and you will not have to be afraid to ask for something if you need it."

Akeno raised his cup of green tea, sipping elegantly. "For now, I won't ask for anything extravagant. I just want to be your friend. I'd like to spend time with you."

Rias looked at her in surprise at Akeno's request, but her surprise soon transformed into a beaming expression. "It will be a pleasure! I'm looking forward to spending time together."

With a bright smile, Rias extended her right hand. Akeno stared at her for a moment before squeezing her firmly, sealing their agreement. At that moment, Rias took out the [Queen's] piece, which briefly flashed in her hands before diving into Akeno's chest. The process of demonic reincarnation began, and Akeno would become part of the nobility of Rias.

"Would you like to come with me to meet Shirone?" asked Rias, smiling as she looked at her new friend warmly.

"Hmm... I guess Shirone is your [Tower], right? Okay, I'd like to meet her too," Akeno replied, now with a calm expression, confirming that his friendship with Rias was finally official.

They both got up and walked together to the portal that opened behind Rias, where she would take him to the Underworld.

❅────✧❃✧────❅•

A week later...

Somewhere in China, Senji, Izayoi and their new traveling companion, Kuroka, were in the vicinity of an ancient temple. Kuroka, to go unnoticed as an ordinary human, had disappeared her nekoshou limbs, leaving only a human appearance. Together they visited a temple of monks specialized in the use of ki (chi), where they taught the younger ones how to master this powerful energy.

"Why are we here?" Kuroka grumbled, looking around with some disinterest. "I said I could teach him how to use ki."

"I want to see with my own eyes more people who use ki, that's why we're here." Izayoi replied with a mocking smile that was directed at Kuroka. "It's not because you're bad at teaching that we decided to come to this temple."

Kuroka frowned, perfectly understanding the message implied in his words. "I'm sorry for being a bad mentor! I barely handled ki this year."

The last thing Kuroka said was to herself, but it was heard by Izayoi and Senji anyway.

Izayoi raised a hand, smiling with a mixture of amusement. "Oops, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't know that, so I apologize." Although his words were apologetic, his tone was still joking.

Senji, without intervening much, watched silently, enjoying the small exchange. Although the conversation was light, I couldn't help but notice how the dynamic between the two of them became more and more interesting.

Since morning, Izayoi had watched the movements of the temple's elderly monks intently. His hands, which seemed to move with an unearthly calmness, seemed to flow with the very energy of the world. Ki was not something tangible, but Izayoi could feel it in the air, in the precise and controlled movements of those who mastered it.

"Focus..." She muttered to herself, closing her eyes and letting her breath follow the rhythm of the surroundings.

Time passed slowly as I studied and tried to replicate the flow of ki. At first, everything seemed confusing, like trying to catch the wind with your hands. But gradually, something inside her began to line up. It was as if the pieces of an invisible puzzle were beginning to fall into place.

Finally, in a moment of clarity, Izayoi extended his palm, and with a faint flash, a luminous energy began to surround her. The ki swirled gently, responding to his control. A smile of triumph crossed his face.

"I got it..." He whispered, his eyes shining with determination.

That day, Izayoi did not stop. He continued to train until night fell on the temple, mastering the flow of ki with a rapidity that even the monks recognized with amazement.

Outside the temple, the night breeze blew gently over China's mountainous landscape. The sky was clear, dotted with stars that shone with an almost magical intensity. Senji was lying on a large flat rock, quietly observing the landscape, his hands behind his head and a calm expression.

Izayoi, after his arduous training, had found his place in Senji's chest. Sleeping soundly, his breathing calm, as if the whole world could not disturb his rest.

Kuroka, sitting nearby, watched the scene with a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment. It was the first time I had seen Izayoi, usually so energetic and defiant, sleeping on Senji's chest.

"I don't understand," Kuroka murmured, bowing his head slightly. "Isn't that uncomfortable for you?"

Senji, without taking his eyes off the landscape, let out a soft laugh. "No. I'm fine with this."

"Really?" asked Kuroka, arching an eyebrow. "It doesn't seem like something a man like you would so easily allow."

Senji closed his eyes for a moment before answering. Her voice was calm, but there was a tinge of melancholy in it. "Because I know that one day we won't be together like we are now. If this moment can be a memory for her... then it's worth it."

Kuroka didn't know what to say. There was something in her words that gave her a slight chill, as if he were speaking from a deeper place than she could comprehend.

At that instant, Senji stretched out a hand, and with an almost casual gesture, made a black haori appear that gently slid over Izayoi's body. On the back, a white kanji stood out in the moonlight: "Evil."

Kuroka frowned, leaning forward to take a better look. "Why is that written on it?"

Senji just smiled, an enigmatic gesture that left no room for questions. "Don't take it seriously. It's a thing of the past."

Kuroka cocked her head, clearly confused. "Something from the past? It sounds like a big deal."

"It doesn't have to be for you," Senji replied, his tone calm but firm. "Leave it at that."

Although the answer didn't satisfy his curiosity, Kuroka chose not to insist. "Hmph. Whatever. It's none of my business."

Silence enveloped them again. The night breeze continued to blow, and the stars seemed to shine even brighter in the dark sky. Kuroka looked away at the landscape, while Senji stood motionless, his attention divided between the sky and the small figure resting on his chest.

In that calm, although each one carried their own secrets and thoughts, there was a moment of peace that, although ephemeral, would remain engraved in their memories.

Days later...

The sun rose over China's vast mountainous landscapes, illuminating the temples and villages that dotted the terrain like hidden gems. For Senji, Izayoi, and Kuroka, every place they visited seemed to be shrouded in an air of mystery and magic, with stories that the locals shared as if they were witnesses to divine deeds.

At one of the first stops, they found themselves on the slopes of a mountain covered in thick forests. The rock-carved reliefs along the trail told an ancient story that caught Senji's attention.

"They say this mountain was where the Great Monkey King vanquished an army of demons," he remarked, pointing to one of the carvings that showed an ape-like figure with an imposing staff, surrounded by creatures that seemed to bow before him.

"The Monkey King?" asked Izayoi, his eyes shining with interest. "Like the Sun Wukong of stories?"

Senji nodded. "The same. Although he is called many things here, his legacy has transcended borders. His bravery and cunning made him a legend that still inspires people."

Kuroka, who was walking behind them with his arms folded, let out a soft laugh. "Maybe they should include us in those stories. Imagine, 'The great Kuroka, conqueror of temples and markets.' Sounds good, doesn't it?"

Izayoi stopped and turned to her with a mocking smile. "Market conqueror? Because all you've done is buy candy."

"Hey! Everyone has their priorities," Kuroka replied, pulling a ball of mochi from his bag and bringing it to his mouth with an air of feigned superiority.

Senji smiled slightly as they continued to ascend. The jokes and laughter of the two girls filled the air, making even the cold mountain wind seem warmer.

Days later, the group arrived at one of the least crowded sections of the Great Wall. The vast landscape stretched out around him, and the ancient stones beneath his feet seemed to whisper stories of past generations.

Izayoi looked up, his gaze fixed on the endless steps that snaked toward the horizon. "I want to run to the top," he declared, his tone full of determination.

"Run?" Kuroka asked, arching an eyebrow. "That sounds like a bad idea. Besides, you can't even beat me."

(Author: I want your trust in defeating a superhuman.)

"Do you want to bet?" Izayoi was already adopting a competitive stance, ready to take off.

Before Kuroka could retort, Izayoi lunged forward, climbing the steps at impressive speed.

"Cheater!" shouted Kuroka, chasing after her with a mixture of irritation and amusement.

Senji, who had decided to stay behind, watched the two as they disappeared into the distance. "This will end in disaster," he muttered to himself, though he couldn't help but smile as he imagined the outcome.

Just as he predicted, Kuroka arrived panting at the top only to find Izayoi laughing breathlessly. "You cheated!" Kuroka protested, pointing an accusing finger at her.

"What can I say? I'm naturally faster," Izayoi replied with a triumphant smile.

A week...

In a small village surrounded by rice paddies, the group came across an old man sitting in front of a humble tea shop. His face was full of wrinkles, and his eyes shone with a wisdom that only time could bestow.

"Are they travelers?" he asked in a gentle voice, inviting them to sit on the wooden benches in front of him.

Senji nodded, accepting a cup of tea that the old man offered. "We're touring the country, learning and listening to stories."

The old man smiled, stroking his long white beard. "So, maybe you're interested in the legend of our region. It speaks of a Celestial Dragon who protected these lands in times of war."

Izayoi, who was always ready for a good story, leaned forward, her eyes full of curiosity. "A dragon? Tell us more."

The old man pointed to a faded mural on the wall of the tent, which showed a serpentine figure soaring through the clouds, with lightning and fire coming out of its mouth. "They say that the dragon was so powerful that with a roar it could make the mountains tremble. But it wasn't just his strength that made him special. It is said that only those with a pure heart could see it."

"And what happened to him?" asked Izayoi.

"The dragon disappeared centuries ago, but some say it is still here, watching and waiting for the time when the world needs its protection again."

Kuroka, who was sitting on the edge of the bench, was petting a cat that had approached her. "If he's still here, maybe I'll see him first," he said with a sly smile.

"You? With a pure heart?" joked Izayoi, provoking a chuckle from the old man.

Senji, for his part, looked at the sky with a thoughtful expression. "Legends often contain more truth than we imagine," he murmured, as if he were talking to himself.

As the group continued their journey, the landscapes changed, but the excitement of discovering something new never went away. In each village, they found a different story, a fragment of China's rich culture and mythology.

Through these moments, their connection as a group was strengthened. Izayoi and Kuroka's banter became more natural, and Senji's occasional words, while reserved, carried a weight that made them memorable.

The legends they heard were not just tales to pass the time; They were windows into the past and reminders of the greatness of the world, even in its darkest moments.

And although each one carried their own secrets and destinies, at that moment, under the infinite sky of China, they were simply three travelers enjoying the magic of the unknown.

A month later...

The morning sun lit up the rice paddies as Senji, Izayoi, and Kuroka walked along a dirt path that wound through the hills. The tranquil landscape did not reflect the scene unfolding between the three of them.

"Senji~" Kuroka crooned, walking behind him with a mischievous smile on his lips. "Don't you think I'm too young to be so beautiful?"

Senji, who was trying to keep his attention on the road, let out a long sigh. "Kuroka, I don't have time for your nonsense this morning."

"Nonsense?" she repeated, feigning indignation as she placed a hand on her hip. "Izayoi, did you hear that? She thinks being beautiful is nonsense."

Izayoi, who was walking beside Kuroka, laughed as he turned his head towards Senji. "Oh, we already know. Senji is the kind of person who wouldn't even notice a girl, even if she danced in front of him."

"Is that a challenge?" asked Kuroka, arching an eyebrow with a mischievous smile.

"Don't even try," Senji replied firmly, though his tone betrayed a slight exasperation.

Kuroka was undeterred. He walked a little faster to catch up with Senji and leaned slightly towards him, making sure that his voice had a tone provocative enough to annoy him. "Senji, you should be nicer to me. After all, one day I'll be so irresistible that you won't be able to look away."

Senji's face twitched, but he refused to give him the satisfaction of an answer.

Izayoi, seeing Senji's expression, couldn't help but join in the fun. "Watch out, Kuroka, if you keep it up, Senji might explode. Who knows what happens when an old man like him loses his temper?"

"Lose?" Senji finally spoke, his voice filled with disbelief. "You're lucky that I'm used to your nonsense."

Izayoi and Kuroka shared a knowing look before letting out light laughs.

❅────✧❃✧────❅•

During the month-long trip, Izayoi and Kuroka's personalities had synchronized in a way that was both charming and infuriating to Senji.

On one occasion, while walking through a market full of colorful stalls, Kuroka stopped in front of a fruit vendor and picked up a bright red apple.

"Senji," he said, holding her in one hand as he twirled her fingers. "If I gave you this apple, would you take it as a confession of love?"

Senji raised an eyebrow, clearly confused by the question. "It's an apple. What does it have to do with love?"

Izayoi, who was watching from the side, couldn't contain himself. "It's a hint, old man! When someone gives you something so symbolic, you have to respond with something romantic."

"That doesn't make any sense," Senji replied as he continued walking.

Kuroka let out a dramatic sigh before biting into the apple. "Senji, you are impossible. How do you expect someone to fall in love with you if you have no sense of romance?"

"Who said I want someone to fall in love with me?" he replied without turning around.

Izayoi and Kuroka looked at each other in disbelief before starting to laugh out loud.

In a coastal village, while the group was resting by the beach after a long day, Kuroka, who was sitting on a nearby rock, looked at Senji with a mischievous smile.

"Senji," she began with a nonchalant tone, "have you noticed anything interesting about us?"

Senji, who was busy lighting a small fire, didn't look up. "What?"

"That Izayoi and I are growing much faster than you," he said, crossing his legs in an exaggerated manner to draw attention.

Izayoi, who was playing with the sand, looked up curiously. "What are you talking about?"

"Of this," Kuroka said as he placed his hands on his hips and showed off his figure. "It's obvious that my body is reaching its full potential. Maybe I should thank my lineage."

Senji let out a low growl, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "Kuroka, for the love of... can you talk about anything less absurd?"

"Why? Do I make you nervous?" asked Kuroka, leaning into him with a cheeky smile.

Izayoi, enjoying Senji's discomfort, decided to join. "Come on, Kuroka, don't be so cruel. The old man can't handle so much pressure."

"Stop calling me an old man!" Senji exclaimed, throwing a piece of wood into the fire with more force than necessary.

The two girls burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the emotional storm they had unleashed on Senji.

At the end of the month, as the group neared their next stop, Kuroka looked at Izayoi with a smile. "You know what? We are a great team."

Izayoi nodded, smiling back. "Yes, as long as we can keep the old man in a good mood with our jokes."

Senji, who was walking in front of them, let out another sigh. "This has been the longest month of my life."

"Do you see? He adores us," Kuroka said, winking at Izayoi.

Although the banter and chaos were constant, there was a genuine connection between the three of them that had grown stronger with each day of travel. And although Senji would never admit it, he knew that these two girls had brought some fun into his immortal and boring life.

❅────✧❃✧────❅•

The month's journey had been grueling but satisfying, and the group finally arrived at a hot spring inn nestled in the mountains. The warm air and the sound of rushing water were a balm to their tired bodies.

"This place is perfect," Kuroka remarked as he stretched out his arms and heaved a sigh of relief. "It was time to indulge ourselves."

"I agree," Izayoi added, watching with interest the steam rising from the baths. "I don't think I'm going to move from here all night."

Senji, who had been silent during the journey, put down his luggage on the ground and turned to the two girls. "Relax, but remember that this is not a competition to see who can stay in the water the longest."

"Why do you say it as if we're thinking about it?" Izayoi replied with a mocking smile.

"Because I know them," Senji replied with a tired expression before turning to the innkeeper, who was leading them to their rooms.

….

The hot water was everything they had dreamed of after a month of endless walking. Izayoi and Kuroka shared a section of the hot spring bath reserved for women, while Senji finally found some tranquility in the men's area.

Leaning against a smooth rock, with the water covering his body up to his chest, Senji closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. Calm was a luxury that I could rarely enjoy with the two girls around.

"Finally..." he muttered, allowing the warmth of the water to relieve the tension built up in his muscles.

On the other side of the dividing wall, however, the tranquility did not last long.

"Izayoi, do you think the old man is enjoying this as much as we are?" asked Kuroka, his characteristic mocking tone.

Izayoi, who was floating in the water with a satisfied expression, laughed softly. "Sure you do, but I bet you're thinking about how to escape from us."

"Escape? Please," Kuroka replied, turning to her with a mischievous smile. "He loves us too much for that."

"Do you really believe that?" Izayoi raised an eyebrow.

"Of course," Kuroka said with feigned confidence, raising his arms. "Who wouldn't love us?"

Their laughter could be heard echoing loud enough that Senji could hear them clearly from his side of the bathroom.

With his eyes still closed, he let out a low growl. "One month. A month of this. How much longer can I bear it?"

Later, after enjoying the baths, the group met in the common area of the inn, where a simple but delicious meal awaited them. The fire in the center of the room created a warm atmosphere, and the sound of crickets outside added a touch of serenity.

Kuroka, sitting cross-legged and holding a cup of tea in her hand, looked at Senji with a smile. "How was your escape, old man?"

Senji, who seemed more relaxed than usual, took a sip of his tea before replying. "Don't worry. Until the two of you started screaming on the other side."

Izayoi laughed as he bit into a piece of fish. "Come on, you know you missed us."

"Sure, that's exactly what I thought as I tried to enjoy the peace," Senji replied sarcastically, but his tone was light enough for them to know he wasn't really upset.

"You see," Kuroka said as he leaned toward Izayoi. "I told you he loves us."

Izayoi nodded solemnly. "It's a complicated love, but it's there."

Senji shook his head and let out a sigh. "I'm going to sleep before this gets worse."

The two girls held back their laughter as he got up and headed to his room.

Once on his futon, Senji looked at the wooden ceiling as the sounds of the inn began to fade. Although the jokes and antics of the two girls could be exhausting, she could not deny that the journey had been more bearable thanks to them.

A small smile appeared on his face as he closed his eyes. "A month... who would have thought."

Meanwhile, in the next room, Kuroka and Izayoi continued to talk and laugh until tiredness finally overcame them. Although none of them would say it out loud, they knew that this trip would be one of the most valuable memories they would share.

Another day...

The city was quiet at dusk, with the bustle of the markets diminishing and the yellow lights of lanterns illuminating the cobblestone streets. In a small family hotel, Senji, Izayoi and Kuroka would gather in the main dining room, a modest but cozy space with walls decorated with ancient calligraphy and hand-painted mountain landscapes.

Izayoi was absentmindedly playing with his cup of tea while Senji went over some details of what was to come. Kuroka, for his part, leaned lazily on the back of his chair, watching the other two with a mixture of curiosity and boredom.

"Then," Kuroka began, breaking the silence, "why do I feel like something big is about to happen? You have that face, Senji. That 'I'm going to drag them to another strange place.'"

Senji looked up from his cup and looked at it with his typical impassive expression. "It's not strange. It's the next step in Izayoi's training."

Kuroka raised an eyebrow. "Training? What kind of training does so much travel involve? Isn't everything we've already done enough?"

"This was always part of the plan," Izayoi interjected, setting his cup down on the table. His tone was calm, but there was a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Before you arrived, Senji had already told me about this. Climb Mount Tai and face the Gods of Chinese Myth."

Kuroka's disbelief was immediate. "What?" His tone was filled with surprise as he looked at both of them. "Are you saying you're going to fight with Gods? Really? And you agree with this?"

"Of course I do," Izayoi replied with a confident smile. "It's part of my training. What better way to make me stronger than to face living legends?"

"This is insane," Kuroka muttered, folding his arms. Then he looked at Senji with a frown. "And you agree with this? Aren't you supposed to protect us or something?"

Senji put down his cup and rested his elbows on the table, clasping his hands in front of his face. "This is part of training. Izayoi needs to keep growing, and the Gods are a perfect match for Izayoi's extraordinary strength. They are the only ones who can rival it."

Kuroka didn't seem convinced, but her eyes reflected sincere concern. "What if something goes wrong? What if those Gods don't play fair?"

Izayoi leaned toward her, his tone softer but funnier. "Kuroka, you don't need to worry about it. It's something I have to do. And besides," he added with a smile, "do you think I'd let something happen to me so easily?"

Kuroka sighed and looked away, still annoyed by the idea. "I still don't like this."

"That's why you'll stay here," Senji said directly, causing Kuroka to turn sharply toward him.

"What? Now you leave me out?"

"It is not a punishment," Senji explained, his tone calm but firm. "This is exclusively for Izayoi, so you won't need to come with us."

Kuroka was silent, but accepting their words. Although Kuroka had spent a month with them, they had never told him that Izayoi was under training, he now understood the reason for the trip as they listened to the locals telling the legends of their nation.

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight illuminated the hotel, Kuroka came out to say goodbye to them. Although she tried to look carefree, her expression showed concern.

"If this is part of your training, then make sure you come back stronger," he said, looking directly at Izayoi. "But if you need someone to kick ass, just call me."

Izayoi smiled broadly. "Thank you, Kuroka. See you soon."

Senji headed towards Kuroka. "It won't take long for this. So don't try to worry too much."

Kuroka watched them as they walked away, his heart tightened with a mixture of emotions. Even though she knew it wasn't her time, she couldn't help but feel left out.

"Nothing better happen, Senji," she muttered to herself, crossing her arms as she watched them disappear into the distance.

Mount Tai stood imposingly in front of Izayoi and Senji, shrouded in a light mist that seemed to separate the human world from the sky. The journey to the Tian was about to begin, and with it, a test that would mark a before and after on Izayoi's path.

"It's now or never," Izayoi said, his voice steady as he took the first step toward the sacred path.

"Remember," Senji said behind her, "you sought to show your superiority to the Gods, so prove it as you did to the Shinto Gods."

Izayoi didn't answer, but his determined look was enough. He knew that what awaited him was not just a confrontation with the Gods of Chinese Myth, but the demonstration of his superiority to the Gods, after all...

'No one in heaven is superior to me.' Izayoi thought with a long smile drawn on his face.

❅────✧❃✧────❅•

Side Story: ¿Second Date?

Senji's apartment was as simple as he was: functional and without unnecessary frills. For him, everything was in place, and there was no room for chaos... or so he thought. The night was quiet until he heard a knock on his door, followed by a voice that would recognize him even among thousands.

"Senji-chan~! Open, I've got something for you!"

Senji stood motionless for a moment, staring at the door as if he could disappear just by wishing to. Finally, he let out a sigh and went to open it.

There she was, Serafall Leviathan, with her beaming smile and a brown paper bag in her hands.

"What are you doing here?" Senji asked, his brow slightly furrowed.

"How cold, Senji-chan! Is that the way to receive someone who comes with gifts?"

Before he could answer, Serafall scurried inside like a whirlwind, leaving the bag on the dining room table and watching around.

"Wow, this is... minimalist," he said, cocking his head as he surveyed the place.

"It's practical," Senji corrected, closing the door in resignation. "What do you want, Serafall?"

She turned on her heel with a mischievous smile. "Today is our second date, of course."

"Second date?" Senji repeated, crossing his arms as he looked at her in disbelief. "I don't remember accepting a first one."

"Of course I do! Did you forget when we saw E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial together? That was our first official date," Serafall replied, with a proud smile.

Senji raised an eyebrow. "That wasn't a date. It was emotional blackmail to leave me alone."

"The details don't matter!" exclaimed Serafall, pulling a couple of containers from the bag. "What matters is that I brought ramen. And not just any ramen, it's the best in town! Now sit down, Senji-chan."

Senji sighed, but finally gave up. He sat across from her, watching her as she unpacked everything with an energy that seemed inexhaustible.

"This is not a date," he clarified as he grabbed a pair of chopsticks.

"Of course I do," Serafall replied with a bright smile. "Because I'm here with you, eating ramen, and enjoying your lovely company."

Senji decided not to argue anymore and started eating.

Steam rose from the containers as the aroma of ramen filled the small apartment. Senji ate in silence, enjoying the warmth of the food, while Serafall, as was his custom, talked non-stop about everything from anecdotes from the Underworld to the latest rumors of the Rating Games.

Suddenly, a flash of movement caught Senji's attention. He looked up at the window and noticed small white flakes beginning to descend, slowly covering the lantern-lit streets.

"It's snowing," he commented calmly, setting his chopsticks aside.

Serafall turned her head towards the window and her face lit up instantly. "The first snow of the year! Isn't it magical, Senji-chan?"

He just nodded, watching the snow transform the nightscape into something almost ethereal. For a moment, even Serafall was silent, admiring the scene with a soft smile.

Breaking the brief moment of quiet, Serafall suddenly turned to him, with a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"It's a sign, Senji-chan!" he exclaimed, tapping the table with both hands.

Senji raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about now?"

"From our third date, of course," she said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Third date?" he repeated, clearly confused. "Where was there a second date to start."

"This is the second one!" said Serafall, pointing to the table between them. "And the third will be at Christmas. Picture it: bright lights, Christmas music, hot chocolate... and you with me. It's the perfect plan."

Senji sighed, watching the snow fall outside the window. "I have no interest in such things."

"Come on, Senji-chan!" insisted Serafall, leaning toward him with pleading eyes. "It's going to be fun. We could buy gifts, visit a Christmas market... and maybe even go ice skating!"

"I'll pass," he replied firmly, drawing his attention back to ramen.

Serafall pouted exaggeratedly, but then a sly smile crossed his face. "Well, if you don't want to spend Christmas with me, then you will surely want to spend New Year's, right?"

Senji put down his chopsticks and looked directly at her. "What are you planning now?"

"New Year, Senji-chan! We could watch the fireworks, count until midnight together and—"

"I'd rather stay home," he interrupted, not bothering to hide his refusal.

Serafall crossed his arms, leaning back with a dramatic sigh. "Do you really plan to spend the holidays completely alone? That's too depressing even for you."

Senji looked at her for a moment, assessing her words. The idea of spending Christmas and New Year's just didn't bother her... But she also couldn't deny that there was something slightly comforting about the company of someone as insistent as she was, even if she found it exhausting at times.

Finally, he let out a longer sigh and replied, "Okay. But don't expect it to be something extravagant."

"Really?!" exclaimed Serafall, her eyes shining with a mixture of surprise and excitement. "I knew it! I knew you couldn't resist!"

"That doesn't mean you can drive the situation crazy," he clarified, raising a finger in warning. "I'm only going to do it because it wouldn't be bad to be with someone... even if that person is annoying."

Serafall put a hand on her chest, pretending to be offended. "How cruel, Senji-chan! But I know deep down you adore me."

"Sure," he murmured, taking a sip of tea to avoid answering anything else.

When they finished eating, Serafall walked over to the window, watching the snow continue to fall with more intensity. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he said quietly, without his usual energy.

Senji joined her, leaning against the window frame. "I suppose so," he admitted, though his tone was neutral.

Snow covered the streets and rooftops with a blanket of white, creating a tranquil and almost magical atmosphere. Serafall glanced sideways at Senji and smiled. "You know, I think this will be an amazing Christmas, Senji-chan. And not because you spend it with me... well, maybe a little bit because of that."

"We'll see," he replied, letting the moment drag on in silence.

Although I wouldn't say it out loud, there was something about that first snowfall, in the calm of the moment and in Serafall's presence, that made the idea of spending the holidays together not so bad after all.

As Serafall said goodbye, promising to return soon with more plans, Senji stared at the snow from the window. For the first time in a long time, he felt that perhaps he didn't need to face the festivities completely alone.

"Perhaps," he muttered to himself, "this is not so bad."