Fate: Gremory [Remake] (ENG)

Translation: Word (Microsoft).

Chapter 6

Little Garden – Digit Four

The sky was tinged with red. Not because of the sunset, but because of the fire that devoured everything in its path. The flames roared like hungry beasts, consuming buildings, trees, and everything that had once been my home. The air was heavy with smoke, dust, and the pungent smell of destruction.

I ran through the streets of what was left of my hometown, searching for my family in the rubble. The screams of those trying to flee echoed in my ears, mingling with the echoes of collapsing buildings. My heart was pounding, desperate to find a glimmer of hope in the midst of this chaos.

But the only thing I found was him.

Standing in the middle of the central square, surrounded by corpses and debris, was the cause of this nightmare. An imposing being, whose mere presence seemed to weigh on the air itself. His white hair fluttered in the wind, and the long horns that adorned his forehead shone in the glow of the fire.

[Demon Lord] King Oni Sengo.

The terror I felt at that moment was indescribable. It was as if my body knew, instinctively, that I had no chance against it. His one visible red eye shone with an intensity that seemed to pierce me, judging me mercilessly.

In his right hand he held a corpse dripping with blood, the people of my town. And on his face... There was a terrifying calm, as if all this was nothing more than a routine job for him.

"Why...?" I murmured, my legs trembling as I took a step toward him. "Why do you destroy everything we have? What have we done to you?"

He did not answer. He didn't even look at me. To Sengo, I was but a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things. And that hurt me more than any words.

I kept searching, hoping that my family was still alive. But what I found was the lifeless body of my older brother, crushed under a pile of rubble. His hand, once warm and protective, was cold as ice.

My breathing stopped, and all I felt was emptiness. A void that was quickly filled with hatred.

"SENGO!" I shouted, my voice torn by pain and anger.

He stopped, finally turning to look at me. For a brief moment, our eyes met. In his eyes I saw no remorse, no satisfaction, not even hatred. Only indifference.

That look made something clear to me: to him, I meant nothing. My people meant nothing.

"I swear to you," I murmured, tears streaming down my face. "One day, you'll pay for this."

Years passed since that day. The fire that consumed my hometown also left a mark on my soul, one that I could never erase.

I learned to fight, to train my body and my mind. I looked for allies, magic items, and anything that could give me a chance against King Oni Sengo.

On the way, I heard rumors about him. Some said that he had disappeared, that his reign of terror was over. Others said he had died. But I couldn't believe it. Someone like him doesn't disappear so easily.

I didn't care how long it took. I didn't care how many sacrifices I had to make. My life no longer had any purpose other than to see him fall.

"Demon Lord?" I said to myself one night, as I sharpened my sword in the moonlight. "That title will be your condemnation. I will be the one to destroy it."

❅────✧❃✧────❅•

The afternoon sun shone softly over Tokyo's temples and gardens, illuminating cherry trees that were beginning to bloom despite the crisp early spring air. After months of traveling in faraway lands, facing gods and overcoming challenges, the trio had finally returned to the place they called home.

Izayoi, with his characteristic enthusiasm, stretched exaggeratedly, letting out a long sigh of relief.

"It feels good to be coming home!" he exclaimed, dropping his backpack to the ground with a thud. "It's time to take a vacation!"

Kuroka, walking behind her as she adjusted her kimono. "You're right, Izayoi! The trip was fun, but I'd like to stop walking for a long time, nyahaha!"

From the sidelines, Senji Muramasa watched the interaction between the two with a faint smile. Despite his usual calm countenance, there was something about the girls' energy that always managed to cheer up their spirits.

Here's an improved version of the narrative, adding sensory details and a more fluid tone to highlight the feeling of returning to a familiar place, while maintaining the simplicity of the house and the cozy atmosphere.

Senji stopped a taxi and, after getting in with Izayoi and Kuroka, gave the taxi driver instructions about his destination: a house he had bought long ago, a place that had been his home for a few years.

The taxi moved slowly through the quiet streets, and in a few minutes they reached their destination. Muramasa's house stood before them, a traditional Japanese dwelling that seemed to be waiting for them.

Getting out of the vehicle, Senji opened the trunk of the taxi and took out the backpacks of the three of them. Then he walked several steps until he reached the entrance of his house and with the key he kept he ended up opening the door.

It was a traditional Japanese house with black tile roofs, dark wood walls, and a small front garden with a pond full of koi fish. The plum tree in the center of the garden was in full bloom, its white and pink petals scattered across the green lawn.

"It's prettier than I imagined," Izayoi said, breaking the silence as he looked out over the garden with a gleam of interest in his eye. He paused for a moment, admiring how the petals of the plum tree gently fell to the ground, adding a layer of serenity to the landscape.

Kuroka, smiling slightly, touched the edge of one of the plum tree leaves with his fingers. "It has a very relaxing feel, nya." His soft tone contrasted with Izayoi's vibrant energy, but he felt equally at peace in this environment.

Senji nodded silently, staring for a moment at the garden before continuing towards the door of the house. He gently opened it and entered the interior, followed by Izayoi and Kuroka, who headed at their own pace, still enjoying the surroundings.

Senji looked inside the house, where dust covered surfaces, and evening shadows were cast on the sheathed furniture. The house, though cozy, showed signs of having been empty for some time.

"I was living here for a few years," Senji explained, as he walked to the center of the room, looking around. "But then I had to leave for personal reasons."

Izayoi and Kuroka, observing the place with curiosity. The dark wooden walls and tatami mats that covered the floor gave a sense of serenity, although the house showed an obvious lack of maintenance.

Senji stared at the room for a moment, thoughtful. "About fourteen years," he replied calmly.

Kuroka walked over to a table and gently touched the dust. "Fourteen years... That's quite a time."

Senji nodded without saying anything else, his gaze fixed on the room that, despite the abandonment, seemed to keep him a calm that he had not found anywhere else.

Izayoi, with a thoughtful expression, leaned out of the window and looked out over the garden. "Sometimes home isn't the place, it's the people you share it with, right?"

Senji, after a moment of reflection, gave him a faint smile. "Yes, I guess you're right."

"This dust is not going to allow you to live comfortably," Kuroka said, frowning. "It would be better to clean it up a bit, nya."

"You're right," Senji replied.

"I'll help, anyway, we're going to live in this house." Izayoi joined the cleaning of the house.

The trio began cleaning up the dust that covered the surfaces, moving furniture and adjusting the tatami mats that had shifted over time. Izayoi, with his usual energy, quickly took it upon himself to sweep and clean the floor, while Kuroka picked up the objects that had been left behind, making sure everything was in its place. Senji, on the other hand, took it upon himself to open all the windows so that fresh air could fill the house, relieving the dense and calm atmosphere inside.

The work was meticulous, but as time went on, the house began to regain its cozy air. The dust was replaced by a soft sheen on the surfaces, and the garden visible from the windows seemed sharper, as if the house itself was grateful for the attention given to it.

"Ready!" exclaimed Izayoi as she put the broom aside, smiling satisfied with the result.

Kuroka, wiping his hands on his kimono, nodded. "Nya, now there is only one bathroom left. All this dust is not good for the skin."

Senji looked at them for a while, then nodded and headed to his room. "Go take a bath. I'll go buy food for dinner."

With the house now cleaner and the air fresher, Izayoi and Kuroka headed to the bathroom, knowing that the dust that had accumulated on them had to be eradicated quickly. The noise of water falling from the shower could be heard in the house, while they enjoyed a well-deserved bath and rest after cleaning.

Senji walked out of the house, breathing in the fresh afternoon air. He walked to the nearby market, a quiet area with traditional shops and small fresh food stalls. As he walked, his mind began to make plans for dinner.

"I should prepare something simple but tasty," he thought as he looked at the fresh fish stalls. "Izayoi and Kuroka deserve a good meal after everything we've been through."

He walked past a vegetable store, looking at the fresh carrots, onions, and spinach. He decided to bring some to accompany the main course.

"A good katsudon might be ideal," he said to himself, remembering what Izayoi and Kuroka liked. Katsudon, breaded pork rice, was among his favorite dishes. Maybe some miso soup on the side, and a light salad.

When he arrived at the fish stand, he carefully chose some fresh tuna fillets and a piece of salmon. As simple as dinner might be, Senji wanted everything to taste good, something that would give them comfort after the hustle and bustle of their recent travels.

With a bag full of the ingredients, Senji began to walk back home, his mind already on the next steps to prepare dinner. "They're going to devour all the katsudon, for sure," he thought with a faint smile, anticipating the girls' joy at tasting what he had cooked.

Senji returned home with a bag full of fresh ingredients. The afternoon was already progressing, and the smell of food began to fill the house as he went to work in the kitchen.

Izayoi and Kuroka, who were clean of the dust, sat in the living room while Senji began to prepare dinner. The pots and pans were heated as he moved deftly, chopping the vegetables and breading the pork for katsudon.

Izayoi, with her typical energy, could not sit still. He walked over to the kitchen and peeked out of Senji's side, curiously watching the preparation unfold.

"Is it almost ready yet?" she asked, looking at the breaded pork that was beginning to brown in the pan.

"Patience, Izayoi," Senji replied without looking at her, smiling slightly. "Good things take time."

Kuroka, who was in the living room, stretched out on the tatami, enjoying the calm that had come with the cleansing. "Nya, it's sure to be delicious. Don't wait too long, Senji."

Senji, as he fried the pork, thought about how easy it was to cook for them. Although he had always been meticulous, he enjoyed seeing how they both rejoiced in something so simple. Soon, the smell of katsudon spread through the house, and the hot water for miso soup began to boil gently.

Finally, the three of them sat down around the table. Izayoi couldn't wait much longer and began to eat, letting out an exclamation of satisfaction with the first bite.

"This is amazing! The best katsudon I've ever had!" she said, her eyes shining with happiness.

Kuroka, who was eating Izayoi in the same way, smiled as he took another bite. "Nya, as always, you don't disappoint us, Senji!"

Senji sat with them, enjoying dinner in silence, though his eyes shone slightly at the sight of their smiles. At that moment, there was nothing more important than that simple happiness shared around the table.

❅────✧❃✧────❅•

The office at Cleria Belial was carefully decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in soft afternoon light, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere. Despite being a demon woman of a recognized lineage within the Underworld, it was noticeable that the place had a cozy atmosphere, a personal refuge away from the chaos of the supernatural world that surrounded her so much.

Alexander Gremory sat across from her, his expression serious but relaxed. His crimson hair and impeccable posture did not hide the air of exhaustion he carried with him. The weight of the responsibilities of his position as leader of the Gremory family and the constant preoccupations with supernatural matters did not allow them to affect him.

Cleria, as always, was firm but warm. There was a connection of trust between the two, but also a quiet concern.

"Alexander, I want to talk to you about something important," Cleria said, his tone calm, but his eyes denoting deep sincerity.

He looked at her, with a slight sigh. "Tell me, Cleria. What's wrong?"

Cleria got up from her seat and walked to the window, looking out over the city from there. Kuoh's skyline shone in the afternoon light, but in his mind there was no city, but a more personal proposal.

"Masaomi...," she began, her voice soft, almost melancholy. "I've spoken to him and, after much thought, I think it's time to make my decision."

Alexander frowned slightly, not yet knowing where this was going. "What are you talking about, Cleria?"

Cleria sighed, her gaze lost in the city skyline that had been her responsibility for so long. "I have decided to leave the administration of Kuoh City."

Alexander was silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on her. I didn't need any more details; I already knew enough. She was aware of the relationship between Cleria and Masaomi, the man of the church with whom she had begun an affair, something that was taboo for both demons and the church itself.

"I understand," Alexander finally said, his tone serene but full of understanding. "It's a tough decision, but I'm not surprised."

Cleria slowly turned to him, her face showing a hint of gratitude. "I don't want to continue living with this constant burden, Alexander. Masaomi is important to me, and I want to be with him."

Alexander nodded, as if he had already anticipated her words. He rose slowly, walking to the window next to Cleria and observing the city that had been a part of his life for so long. "I understand, Cleria. You have made a decision that will allow you to live with more peace. But you have to keep one thing in mind."

Cleria looked at him curiously, waiting for him to continue.

"The Underworld is not easily forgiving, nor is the church. And your relationship with Masaomi is not something they can ignore," Alexander said, his tone more serious now. "I know you're taking a risk, but I warn you, be very careful not to get caught."

Cleria stared at him for a moment, and then smiled slightly, acknowledging his words. "I know. I've been aware of the risks from the beginning. But I think it's time to act and take that risk."

Alexander looked at her with a mixture of respect and understanding. "Just make sure you're prepared for the consequences. I'll be here to support you in whatever you decide, but you should also be cautious."

"Thank you, Alexander," she said quietly, her tone full of sincerity. "Your kindness and understanding mean a lot to me."

Alexander looked at her for a moment, his expression calm and serious. "No big deal," he replied with a slight smile. "I only do what I think is right."

After a brief pause, Alexander looked at Cleria with a slight reflection on his face. "However, I must return to the Underworld soon," he said, his tone now more practical. "I have to talk to my older brother, Sirzechs. I need to put in order the transfer of your responsibilities here."

Cleria nodded, understanding that everything was moving fast, but there was peace in his heart from the decision he had made. "Then who will take care of the city?"

Alexander folded his arms, looking thoughtfully at the window. "Surely the management of Kuoh City will go to the Gremory family, although it could be delegated to Rias." He paused, as if he were thinking aloud. "Maybe even Sona Sitri can collaborate with her in the administration. Both will get good experience and the transition will probably be easier."

Cleria stared at him, understanding that this change would be in everyone's best interest. "Rias and Sona... You may be right," she said, feeling it was the right decision. "I can rest easy knowing that everything will be in good hands."

Alexander nodded, smiling slightly. "Exactly. And while the city is important, so is your personal life. It's time you can live it the way you want it to."

Cleria nodded in gratitude and happiness at Alexander's words.

Parallel Story: Third Date?

The city was decorated with bright lights and ornaments hanging from every corner, filling the air with the Christmas spirit. Senji walked through the crowd, clearly out of place among the cheerful shoppers who were looking for gifts and singing carols.

"Why am I doing this?" he muttered, adjusting the black coat he was wearing.

The answer came in the form of a joyful shout.

"Senji-chan~! This way!"

Turning his head, Senji saw Serafall, who was waving a hand excitedly from a hot chocolate stand. Her outfit was unusually low-key, with a red coat and white scarf that matched the festive mood perfectly.

"You're late," she said, in a tone that didn't have a hint of real reproach.

"Does this count as a date?" Senji replied, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Of course I do!" she exclaimed, pushing him a cup of hot chocolate. "It's Christmas, and we're together. That screams 'date' everywhere."

Serafall guided Senji through the illuminated streets, stopping at almost every corner to admire some detail or try to convince him to buy ornaments.

"Look at this, Senji-chan!" he said, pointing to a small star-shaped ornament. "Don't you think it would look perfect in your apartment?"

"I don't need any frills," he replied, but somehow ended up with the star in his hand as she paid with a triumphant smile.

As they walked, Serafall continued to fill the air with her stories and comments, while Senji listened silently, occasionally responding with dry comments that only seemed to cheer her up more.

At one point, they stopped in front of a gigantic Christmas tree that stood in the center of the main square. The lights flickered softly, reflecting in Serafall's eyes, who was silent for an instant.

"It's beautiful, don't you think?" she said, with an uncommon softness in her voice.

Senji nodded slightly, though his attention was more on her than on the tree. "It has its charm."

Serafall turned to him, smiling in a way that was warmer than mischievous. "You know, Senji-chan, this is what I love about Christmas. Even someone like you can find some magic in it."

He let out a faint sigh. "Is that your way of saying that I should enjoy these things more?"

"Perhaps," she replied, giving him a gentle nudge on the arm.

As they walked through the market, Serafall stopped in front of a stall selling small souvenirs. He took something and handed it to Senji.

"Merry Christmas, Senji-chan!" he said with a bright smile.

He looked at the object: a keychain shaped like a small sword. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"Use it, of course! It's a symbol of our friendship."

Senji sighed, but put the keychain in his pocket. "I didn't bring anything for you."

"I didn't expect you to," she replied with a laugh. "Although if you insist, you can make it up to me on our fourth date, ok?"

The walk ended with both sitting on a bench, watching the lights reflect off the snow that covered the square.

"Thank you for coming with me, Senji-chan," Serafall said, with a calmer smile than usual. "I know it's not your thing, but it means a lot to me."

Senji glanced at her sideways, before letting out a sigh. "I guess it wasn't too bad."

She laughed softly, resting her head on his shoulder for an instant. "I'll take it as a compliment."

As the snow continued to fall, Senji allowed himself a small moment of peace, knowing that the next date, no matter how hard he tried to deny it, was already decided.