Trees painted red filled a large garden within a small town, swayed by the icy breath of the approaching winter. The wilted piles of leaves symbolized the end of an era. The orange-red dawn was the only thing that could soften the coldness of the environment.
The sun's rays shone before the window of a large mansion, its stone walls having kept someone prisoner for a long time. Her hair reflected crimson hues as the seated young woman opened her mouth in a yawn after a good night's sleep.
The reflection in the glass before her displayed a lifeless face. A normal day among many mornings. She thought that this life without emotions, without anything to fight for, would never cease.
In the emptiness of her mind, light knocks echoed against her door… She started, jumping in surprise, and then sighed.
After hesitating for a moment, she yawned and then said, sleepily, "You may enter…!"
In the hallway stood a girl with hair the color of the prosperous snow yet to come.
"What's with this lethargy, my friend?" Her hands trembled, betraying her nervousness before the other.
Emerald-toned eyes that shone through the lenses of her glasses stared at the newcomer with offense. "Why are you here? Should I be happy you've come?"
Even while trembling from head to toe, apprehensive, she swallowed her fear and faced the challenge, walking to her friend's bed. "I… You know I want to apologize about what happened the other day, Hikari… We need to have this conversation. It's serious."
Silence prevailed, with Hikari not even looking at the newcomer's face, her gaze fixed on the window.
"Friend, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say those things…"
"Really, Ryoka?! You didn't? You were my friend during college! To tell me 'You're not prepared for life,' making it seem like you actually knew everyone at the Table, as if you had lived among them… Damn it!"
The young woman huffed and remained silent, avoiding direct eye contact, seeing only one way out.
Stepping in front of her, Ryoka knelt, lowering her head to the cold wooden floor in a plea for mercy. "I'm sorry. I'll do anything... whatever is necessary. I want to atone."
Startled by her friend's perseverance, Hikari understood she was truly willing to make amends. "I'll give you a chance, Granger Ryoka."
"Thank you…!" Ryoka lifted her head, tears in her eyes.
Her friend offered an embrace, inviting her, "Shall we go to the city center for lunch? We can try to understand each other there."
"Alright!" Ryoka looked at her with a bright gaze.
…
As the sun approached its zenith, the environment was slowly covered by clouds, gradually dimming the only source of warmth.
After closing her house's door, her friend delicately appreciated the garden with its strong tones around her; tall pine trees mixed with maple groves displayed orange and yellow, contrasting with the ancient stone ruins.
As the gardener pruned the plants by the fountain, he was confused to see the family heiress leaving her room after years.
"Miss! Where are you going during lunch?"
"Me? I intend to take my friend to eat something…"
"Friend? But you never leave the house… How did you make one?"
Interrupting the conversation: "You know how it is... She met me online… An app called Tidal, I think you should know it…"
She changed her focus, looking around, and noticed a small presence watching them.
"Did something happen?" the gardener asked, confused.
"No, no… I thought I had dropped something, hehehe…" Hikari finally said. "Anyway, her Father permitted us to go out together. So, if you'll excuse me, we'll be on our way."
The gardener nodded in agreement.
As they walked along the cobblestone road, crossing the stone bridge, Ryoka then asked.
"We'll go to the first intersection; a bus station starts there, and we can catch a taxi. Hmmm… which restaurant do you intend to go to?"
"I'd like… a Japanese one. It's been over four years since I last ate at the Ryushin Bar…"
They waited a few minutes. Feeling the presence following them again before it vanished, it contained a malignant aura, putting her more on alert.
Getting into the car, they continued their journey. "Ryoka, what did you do after leaving college?"
"About that… I built a hanging garden on my apartment's balcony… I discovered a very difficult game about corrupted knights of the Table, that RPG was incredible. Ha! I've been rereading a collection of authors about the Table… And you, what have you been doing?"
The question fell like a weight on her shoulders, making her somewhat downcast. "Unfortunately, I haven't done much… My parents locked me in the house for four years. I could only read some articles and old books on archaeology and the Table, unfortunately…"
"I'm sorry…"
The taxi driver drove near the center; the streets were bumpy, still paved with the old cobblestones. He stopped near a small square. "Ladies, we've arrived at the destination. That will be 15 pounds."
The redhead paid the man silently and directly, leaving the taxi. They walked along the stone sidewalk for less than a block before arriving at the agreed-upon restaurant.
The rice paper door was opened by the attendants. Walking on the tatami, they sat on cherry wood chairs in the middle of the restaurant.
After the terrible memories that came to Hikari's mind, her friend lowered her hood, growing apprehensive after seeing Hikari's downcast face.
Ryoka asked, "Is there anything you'd like to order?"
"I'm not very hungry, honestly. You can order something you prefer."
Although bothered by the reaction, Ryoka ordered the daily combo.
While the food was being prepared, her friend decided to get straight to the point: "Firstly, I'd like to apologize again for saying those things four years ago. I want to be direct. This information, do not share it with anyone, please! Understood?"
Ryoka was confused by the request. "What information is so important?"
"I am the reincarnation of the King of Knights… I am a Servant summoned by the will of the Holy Grail. Your father must—"
"What is wrong with you?!" Ryoka raised her voice, cutting her off, refusing to believe such an absurd fact.
"Calm down, this is a serious mat—"
"Serious matter?! Fairy tales and reality are two different things!"
"Please, stop being so stubborn, I'm being serious! The fact that I said you weren't prepared… was for you to understand the mysteries of the Table! I'm telling the truth…" Tears streamed down her face.
The other restaurant patrons looked at them. With so much weight on her mind, Ryoka said, "Enough! I'm going to the bathroom. Don't follow me…"
On the way, she muttered to herself, furious about the situation: "Shit, shit, shit! Why does she justify her mistake with something so fantastical?! Not even a child would fall for that…"
She washed her face once, twice, even three times. Feeling devastated, she began to cry…
"What a bad day you're having…" came a voice from behind her.
Turning around, she saw a platinum-blonde girl who responded, "I can't do much… If you'll excuse me, I'll be going back."
The young girl grabbed Hikari's arm, saying, "You're not going anywhere. I have more business to settle with you."
"Let me go! Stop it… Ahh…" Quickly, she was put in an arm lock, her neck held without even being able to call for help.
"Hmmm... my little bitch. Unfortunately, I don't have permission to kill you." She ran her hand over Hikari's lower parts, savoring the moment.
"But at least I'll train you. You'll fit nicely on a leash, I'll love that!" Removing her hand, she smoothed Hikari's hair in a very appreciative manner, licking her lips.
"I love your hair… It reminds me of the flames that made me reborn. Hell awaits you."
Noticing her friend's long delay, and sensing two suppressed presences of two evil Servants nearby, including her friend's, Ryoka decided to go to where she was.
Walking closer, she heard a muffled moan. "Hikari!? Are you alright?!" she shouted.
The moaning stopped. Immediately after, blinding flames erupted, causing an explosion that took out half of the establishment.
After being thrown back, emerging from the rubble, she stared in horror at the bathroom entrance. "Hikari! No! Please Hikari, answer me!" she screamed.
A pale mage, holding a grimoire in his right hand, dimmed the light before her.
"Where is she?! Answer me!"
"That redhead? Hah, she has experienced the true flames of hell! Hahaha!"