Chapter 11: Christmas Eve.

December 1st (3rd year)

 From morning time today until early afternoon, Riochiro has been doing combat practice with the gardener. Although his success rate has been as low as the sugar you put in your coffee, Grandpa.

 Of course, it's not that Riochiro has lowered the level of his attacks and it's not that he has become clumsy, on the contrary, his swordplay has improved and his reflexes are a little faster than usual.

 But there are several factors that make Riochiro is being swept by the gardener at this very moment.

 The first factor is the most obvious, Mr. Kawashima is a completely new opponent for Riochiro, so he doesn't know him as well as he might know me, who knows almost all my moves perfectly.

 The second most obvious factor is Mr. Kawashima's fighting style. It is one of the most complex I have seen, it is difficult to predict, difficult to analyze and on top of that his moves are usually practical and agile. On top of that, Mr. Kawashima does not use any kind of sword, only his own hands, and that is enough to incapacitate Riochiro in a fight.

 As far as I know, my great-grandfather taught Mr. Kawashima how to fight and you too, grandfather. You and Mr. Kawashima learned to fight and started at the same time.

 Doesn't that put you and Mr. Kawashima on the same level?

 Grandfather's notes: Indeed, although if you ask me which one of us would win, I'd say me. But if you ask Kohei the same thing, he'll tell you otherwise. We have a rivalry that could be considered legendary.

 Rikka's note: Ugh... Even if they're over 60 years old, men are still men...

 But there is also one last factor which makes the outcome of the matches more than obvious. Mr. Kawashima is a "Lecter". Because, in effect, Mr. Kawashima can copy other people's Skills for a period of time, Riochiro and him set conditions for their matches.

 Riochiro asked him that for every round or match completed, Mr. Kawashima will have to use a new power. Also, the average limit that a Lecter can copy an ability is 5 minutes maximum.

 Although Mr. Kawashima can copy Skills for longer than average, after 5 minutes the victory will go to Riochiro, as Mr. Kawashima will consider himself helpless and the match will be over.

 But if I'm honest with you, grandpa.... Riochiro and Mr. Kawashima have had in this lapse of time about 21 confrontations and they are so much due to the fact that Riochiro, the more that has resisted to the attacks experienced gardener have been between 10 and 45 seconds.

 The above points, plus the randomness of the Skills that Mr. Kawashima may have in each round, make the analysis that Riochiro makes to the opponent, almost a fragmentary and slow process.

 The best thing would have been for Mr. Kawashima to use only one Skill during all his confrontations until Riochiro could analyze it completely and make several strategies against it.

 But Riochiro self-imposed those rules because he knows that in real life the enemy will not have a fixed Skill to attack him with, much less if he is facing several people.

 That's why Riochiro is taking advantage of these confrontations with Mr. Kawashima to forge himself and develop the ability to formulate strategies that will help him survive or defeat the Skillers users.

 But he is also learning, at the same time, what it is like to fight a Lecter. So his decision to self-impose rules that leave him at a disadvantage in this fight is not a bad thing, on the contrary, he is taking advantage of it to open himself to all possibilities.

 After all, in combat, what better sparring partner than one who can be all your enemies at once?

 However, the training also has another hitch, as Mr. Kawashima retires in the middle of the afternoon to fulfill his duties as hired staff for the mansion, which leaves me and Riochiro to resume combat practice again.

 December 20 (3rd year.)

 Riochiro has managed to endure almost a full minute in his fight with Mr. Kawashima. I have seen the whole process of this breakthrough from the beginning until today.

 Every second that Riochiro lasts in the fight, he only achieves it with an inhuman effort for what would be an abnormal, indeed without exaggeration, every defense, every move, every counterattack that Riochiro allows himself to make, he has only been able to win it at the cost of blood, tears and sweat.

 Mr. Kawashima attacks him with the fire of the "Magnis", the speed and electric shocks of the "Ligthners", the strength and pressure of a "Herculus", the unpredictability of a "Lecter" and the strong blows and techniques of his fighting style.

 All of these attacks are thrown relentlessly as Riochiro dodges, blocks, attacks and moves around his opponent with no satisfactory results.

I'll be honest, I wouldn't put up much of a fight against Mr. Kawashima either, much less in the condition Riochiro is in. But somehow or other Riochiro manages to be able to withstand all the onslaught of his opponent without even having a Skill.

 I get the slight impression that if Riochiro wasn't abnormal, his combat ability would not only be powerful enough to overcome me, but also, he could last long enough to claim victory in this fight.

 Today's training ended as expected, Riochiro still couldn't even push Kawashima-san back.

 Even so, once the middle of the afternoon arrived and Kawashima-san retires, Riochiro gets up and resumes his training with me, almost as if he hadn't tired.

 But if this goes on like this, Riochiro will not last much longer, next week Christmas and therefore the end of the year vacations begin. I will take advantage of that time to give Riochiro a rest.

 Naturally, we are not going to let him out of the labyrinth, but even so, he has spent almost a whole month fighting with all his strength while the wounds are accumulating on his skin and body.

 Soon, Riochiro will surely reach a limit where he will not be able to do it anymore, before that happens, we will simply have to give him a vacation.

 December 25th (3rd year)

 Today is Christmas Eve, to celebrate it all the family and its variant branches get together in one of the condominiums which belong to our big family. This is already a tradition among the "13 Great Families" so the Kisaragi also do this kind of celebrations.

 We were all present, including grandfather. We were, my sister, my mother, my father, Kyouka, my aunt and uncle came, grandfather's brother also came. Until then we had dinner and it was all laughter and fun, but of course, the Gahelachs had to arrive....

 They are distant members of the family on my great-grandfather's side, but as such, they enter the family as legitimate members and they alone in themselves, have the economic power of a noble family.

 But my impression of them doesn't change, I just don't like them. My sister, my mother and my father agree on the same thing and surely you also agree on the same thing grandfather, although you only treat them with courtesy due to education and etiquette.

 Grandfather's note: The truth is that they are a rather peculiar family and their treatment towards us is somber to say the least. Nevertheless they are a main branch of the family, in spite of being a distant family. A conflict within the family and much more between the main branches, would unleash several complicated things, things that you don't have to worry about, my dear granddaughter, as long as I live they will never happen.

 I did not feel comfortable with them around the house, so I went to pay a visit to Riochiro until time passed and they could leave.

 When I arrived at the center of the labyrinth, I was met with a scene that was to be expected. Riochiro waving his sword again and again against the air, practicing the strength of the slash and the posture of his back and legs.

 I don't know why, but I expected it, I had the slight impression that Riochiro would not stop training even on good night.

 I caught his attention with a hiss of my tongue, when he turned his attention to me I saw how agitated his gaze was and the beads of sweat running down his forehead and all over his body in general.

By the looks of him, he had been training without a break all day, from morning to evening. For some reason I couldn't help but look at him with a frown.

 I give him a vacation for the first time and he doesn't take advantage of it, what a guy I've been training. If I had known he would be an exercise and fencing addict I would have been harder on him.

—Oh, Master Rikka, what brings you here? I thought you were on vacation, actually.

—In fact, when I said I was going to take a break, I remember I also mentioned that you were going to take one too, at least until next year, right?

—The truth is that I did listen to that part, in fact, I listened to every word of what you said at the time. As I always do," he paused as he waved his sword for the last time, "But a day without training would be a wasted day in my life, don't you think?"

 I looked at him with a deep frown as I glared at him with a look of anger and discontent.

—Rest is as important as training, especially in your condition, so go get some rest, NOW!

 Startled by my angry shouts, Riochiro jumped a little and then looked at me with a deep surprise on his face.

—Quiet, Maestra, at 9 o'clock I....

 I increased the intensity of my withering look so that she would notice my disagreement with whatever I was going to say.

—If in 3 seconds you don't go to your room to take a bath, I will make you tremble for every second you make me count. Come on, I'm starting now, 1...

—Wait, Master Rikka, I...

—2... I already told you that if you don't see me in my training uniform, don't refer to me as "Master".

—Wait, I just...

—3. My patience has run out.

 With a nimble leap I jumped on top of him and without even giving him time to react, I fell on top of him, fully charged with electricity. Once my body touched Riochiro's, he transmitted that electricity to his body.

—AHhhhhHhHhhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

 Riochiro trembled at the electricity from the electric shock. Once I was satisfied with his reaction I separated from him. Causing him to fall to the ground, almost scorched.

 Then Riochiro stood up with a frown on his face.

—Why the hell did you do that?!

—I'll count another 3 seconds, go take a bath," I said in a cold and threatening manner.

 Riochiro became exalted, with a clear nervous expression on his face, he stood his ground and raised his hand on his forehead.

—Yes, ma'am!

 The white-haired boy, now frightened, ran into his room and slammed the door shut without even being able to pick up the mess he had made after finishing his training.

—Aside from being disobedient, he's a mess," I said with a sigh.

 After staring at the bandages, the clothes and the wooden sword that Riochiro had left on the floor, I started to pick them up and put them in front of the door of Riochiro's room.

—Riochiro, I left the things you were using for your training in front of the door.

—Yes, Master Rikka, thank you very much.

—Just tell me Rikka, remember we are not training.

—Well, thank you Rikka.

—That's better," I said in an obviously satisfied tone.

 Then I leaned against the metal door, it was cold. As it is winter all surfaces get cold quickly in the intense and constant infernal air. Likewise, I sat with my back to the door.

 I looked up at the sky and saw a few stars as I waited patiently for Riochiro to come out of the bathroom, for a few moments, everything was quiet, only the whistling of the cold air slipping through the tallest leaves of the ivy that covered the labyrinth.

 No crickets were making noise and silence and darkness abounded in what I normally saw as a large stone quadrangle in which I had trained with Riochiro for 3 years straight without ceasing a single day.

 "So this is what Riochiro feels like at night..."

 I thought to myself. This whole environment that at first glance was relaxing, now felt so lonely and desolate, as if I was in a place where no one had come before.

Then I understood why Riochiro trained every day until it was time to sleep. It was to distract his mind from this environment which, for him, must have already become a habit.

But I'd be lying if I said anyone could get used to this atmosphere, especially someone like him, who yearns with all his might to see his sister. Putting myself in his shoes, from my perspective, this would be torture.

I hadn't thought about it until now—I had never been at the center of the labyrinth until this very day.

That's why, from that moment on, I decided to visit Riochiro every night, to talk to him, spend some time together, and, even if only briefly, be that "companion" he might so desperately need.

The door behind me opened, and, startled by suddenly having nothing to lean my back against, I jumped and stood up almost instantly.

Riochiro came out wearing a set of black clothes we had bought a few days ago. He looked at me, confused, while drying the back of his head with a towel.

—"What happened, Rikka? I swear I saw you jump."

—"You idiot... Let me know when you're going to open the door! What if I fall?"

—"And how was I supposed to know you were leaning against the door?"

—"You need to pay attention to what you're doing! You can sense static traces on my body, yet you can't anticipate if someone's leaning on a door? What a scam!"

—"You know that only works when my guard is up!"

—"Then keep it up all the time!"

—"I'd die of a heart attack! Don't be ridiculous!"

—"Whaaaaaat?!"

—"Whaaaaaat?!"

Riochiro and I stared at each other with a trace of annoyance. We stayed like that for a while until we turned away with disgruntled snorts to avoid what could've been an argument.

Riochiro sighed deeply and, in a calmer tone, said, "So, why did you come, Rikka?"

I looked at him, puzzled for a moment, debating whether he was still trying to provoke me or just asking casually. From the tone of his voice, I guessed it was the latter.

—"I wasn't feeling comfortable at home, so I came to see you."

—"That's odd... You never come at night."

—"Minor details, after all. It doesn't matter what time I decide to come here; this place is my home anyway, don't you think?"

—"By the way," Riochiro observed me silently from head to toe.

—"W-What is it?" I asked, somewhat nervously.

He cleared his throat, and with a serene look and a soft smile, he said:

—"Nothing, it's just that today you look stunning, more than usual, actually."

—"W-What?!" Upon hearing that, my cheeks began to burn, and I started looking for a point to focus on that wasn't his face. Since I found nothing, I just looked to the side instead of straight ahead.

Thoughts started flooding my mind, much to my dismay—not the kind that helps you calm down. I mean, what does he mean by "more stunning than usual"? Does that mean he always sees me as "pretty"?

Riochiro seemed to notice my nervousness almost instantly, though my reaction hadn't exactly hidden it either. So, he simply turned his back to me nonchalantly.

—"Come on, come in and stop overthinking. It's cold outside." He paused and added, "For asking me not to be clueless, you're not exactly the most perceptive person here either, huh?"

That line quickly snapped me out of my thoughts, and I shot Riochiro a sharp look, ready to start an argument again. Unfortunately, my earlier reaction gave me away, so this time I admitted that Riochiro was right.

With light steps, I entered Riochiro's room. To no one's surprise, ever since we brought the books here, the whole place remained as always.

The bed in one corner, a pile of books in front of it. To my left, near me, there was a table with four books stacked on top of each other. Apparently, Riochiro never stopped his reading and learning.

On the other side, there was a stove with some pans on it and a cauldron Riochiro probably used to boil water. Beside the stove was the small bathroom, separated from the rest of the room by a thin wall. Next to the bed, on the floor, a tile was scratched, counting all the days Riochiro had been in this place.

Without straying much, I walked toward the bed and laid on it with all the confidence in the world. Anyway, it wasn't the first time I'd done it. When I was teaching Riochiro to read, my spot was the bed, and his was the table.

—"So, what were you doing?" I asked calmly and casually.

—"Nothing, I was just boiling water to make myself some vanilla and honey tea. The old man came by this morning and brought me a few sachets."

—"Grandpa was here?"

—"Yes, whenever he gets the chance, he comes by and talks to me. Actually, he's the only person besides you who's ever visited me at night."

—"Yes, I figured as much..."

Riochiro got up from the chair and walked to the stove to turn off the burner where the water was boiling. Then he sat back down where he was and continued the conversation.

—"To be honest, I'm glad to have you here with me, Rikka."

Once again, my cheeks started burning, and I pressed my head against the pillow to avoid thinking embarrassing thoughts.

Riochiro found my gestures odd, so he grew concerned. He sat on the bed next to me and lightly touched my shoulder.

—"What happened? Did a spider fall on your face?"

I stopped doing my nervous gestures when I heard his voice so close to mine, so I just turned toward him.

—"Why do you always worry about such strange things? Can't you even figure out what's going on?"

Riochiro gave me a serious look with his captivating red eyes.

—"Come on, you don't always have to be so curt."

—"That's just how I am. If you don't like it, you'll have to deal with it anyway."

There was a silence between us as we stared at each other, but then Riochiro added:

—"Actually, I like that you're like that."

I squirmed again from embarrassment while desperately trying to avert my gaze somewhere else so as not to look at his face. If I did, I'd probably have a heart attack.

—"See! Again! Didn't your mom ever teach you that there are things you should say more carefully?"

Suddenly, Riochiro fell silent, looking away. With every second he remained quiet, his expression darkened more and more.

—"My mom didn't have much time to be with me..."

An uncomfortable silence filled the room, dense and tragic. I knew something had happened in Riochiro's family, and that's why he had no one else but his sister. But I didn't know what exactly had transpired.

The details of such matters were unknown to me. On one hand, I thought it was better that way. But in these moments, when I couldn't connect with him, it hurt not to be able to ease his suffering.

—"Can you make room for me?"

Breaking the silence, Riochiro spoke. I simply nodded and shifted to occupy only half of the pillow. Riochiro lay down beside me, taking the other half.

But after that, he didn't say another word. He just stared at the ceiling, remaining pensive.

—"Hey, can I ask you something?"

Riochiro nodded vaguely with a "Mhm."

—"Maybe this isn't the best time, but... can you tell me exactly what happened with your family?"

Riochiro fell silent again for a moment. The quiet was killing me, and with each passing second, my tension grew. A strong sense of regret echoed in my thoughts.

"Why on earth did I ask that?" "I shouldn't have asked."

—"Actually..." Riochiro began. "For a long time, I've been thinking I should tell you, though I never found the right moment. These past few days have been intense..."

—"To be honest, at first, I wanted to ask out of curiosity. But now, I just want to understand what torments you. Maybe we can work through it together."

—"Well, you see..."

Then Riochiro began to speak, recounting everything that had happened. From the death of his father, the mourning process his family had gone through, how he got along with his sister during those days, and... how the night of his 9th birthday unfolded.

What began as a straightforward account ended with Riochiro in tears. I simply didn't know what to say to comfort him. In the heat of the moment, the only thing that came to mind was to hug him. I pressed him against my chest, feeling his ragged breathing. Over time, his sobbing subsided until he fell silent.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and hugged me gently and warmly. We both remained silent.

—"What memories..." Riochiro said softly.

—"What?"

—"Nothing, just ignore me."

We stayed like that for a while, in silence. But after some time, my eyes started feeling heavy, and I let my eyelids close, surrendering to a warm and comforting darkness.