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Chapter 123 - Chapter 123: Death

James walked downstairs to the kitchen. The scent of freshly baked biscuits lingered in the air, and he saw Lefi sitting at the table, already eating breakfast. She was wearing a simple white dress. The dress exposed her shoulders and arms and the fabric fluttered softly. Her long, silvery hair cascaded down her back, contrasting beautifully with the pure white of her dress. She had a serene look on her face as she took small bites of the biscuit.

"Good morning, Lefi," James said as he walked toward her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Good morning," Lefi responded with a soft smile as she continued munching on the biscuit.

James leaned against the counter, watching her for a moment before asking, "Where is everyone else?" 

Lefi looked up, her eyes twinkling as she set the biscuit down. "They went to do some errands," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of sweetness. She glanced out the window for a moment, then back at James, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It seems thou are alone, James," she responded. 

A warm feeling spread through him at the sight of her smile, and James, noticing that no one else was around, felt a sudden thought strike him. I haven't taken her out for a proper date yet.

"How about we go out today?" James suggested.

Lefi put the biscuit down. "You did promise me," Lefi responded. 

He chuckled, reaching over to offer his hand. "I did. Let's go," James said. Lefi got up. James held Lefi`s hand and headed out. Lefi blushed slightly as James held her hand.

The air outside was crisp. They walked together through the town, Lefi's hand gently resting in James's.

Their first stop was a small outdoor vendor selling cotton candy. The cotton candy was piled high in a variety of colors, pink, blue, and lavender. Lefi's eyes sparkled as she stared at the sugary treat.

"Would you like some?" James asked, already reaching for his wallet.

Lefi smiled, her lips curving with amusement. "Yes, thou looks so good" Lefi responded.

James pulled out a piece of the pink cotton candy and held it out to her. "It tastes good as well, it's like sugar spun into clouds," he said. 

Lefi tilted her head. She took it into her hands and had a small bite. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sweet, sugary taste. "This is amazing," she exclaimed. 

James laughed at her reaction. "I knew you'd like it. Here, let me have some too." He pulled a piece off for himself, savoring the sweetness.

They continued their walk. "Lefi, what do you think of all this?" James asked. 

Lefi took another bite and looked at James. "What do thou mean?" Lefi asked. 

"Do you like being here? Being with everyone?" James asked. He thought Lefi had been alone for a number of years. 

"I have been alone in the forest for those years," Lefi responded. "I am glad I met you," she responded. "Or you met me," Lefi added. 

James chuckled. They headed towards the Ferris Wheel. He remembered taking Miia here. The towering structure stood in the center of the park, its bright colors gleaming in the sunlight. A few other couples were already in line, and James and Lefi joined them. 

They stepped into a carriage. The Ferris wheel ascended. It slowly went up. He could see the buildings. 

"Did you enjoy this?" James asked. They reached the top of the wheel. The view of the entire town stretched out before them. 

"It is wondrous," Lefi responded. 

James smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it." He reached out, taking her hand in his. He smiled. James remembered Lefi was his second women. Although he did not spend as much time with her, the moments together were special. 

Lefi looked at him, her eyes full of affection. "Thou art a man of kindness and thoughtfulness, James. I am grateful for this day."

The Ferris wheel slowly descended, and as they stepped off, James walked down the path. 

James spotted someone. He saw a woman with silver hair, red eyes and a small mouth. She had large breasts, a slim stomach with a heart tattoo near her belly button. She wore a black hood, covering the back of her hair. There was a pattern of flowers on it. Her large breasts were covered in a black bikini top which showed her cleavage. She wore long gloves that covered her arms. She had a cape as well. She wore black shorts with a red belt. The buckle was in the shape of a heart. She had knee high black boots with red laces. In her hand there was a large black double sided scythe. 

"I see death," she said looking at James.

"Scanning a new lifeform," the Ultimatrix said. A green beam scanned the girl. It scanned from head to toe. The scan finished. "New life form acquired," the Ultimatrix added.The faceplate went back in the watch. James thought it was interesting, he will have a look at that later.

James looked at her. She looked like a shinigami. "You must be a shinigami," James said. "I am James and this is Lefi," James introduced them. 

Lefi looked at her. "You don't see our death," Lefi responded. 

She smiled. "I am Death," Death introduced herself. "And yes I am a shinigami," she added. 

"Do you take people to the afterlife?" James asked. 

"I do more than that," Death responded. 

"Like?" James asked. 

"You are a curious one for sure," Death said as a purple crow came down. It landed on her arm. She smiled. 

"I can be, also you are pretty," James responded. He thought she was hot. She reminded him of Bleach. He wondered if she had a Bankaki. 

"You are a flirt, don't flirt with Death," Death said. She thought he was interesting for sure. "I need to go," she said as she started to walk away.

"You didn't answer our question," James said. 

"You have the hand of her," Death said as she walked away. 

James smiled. "Looks like you will be protecting me," James responded as he held Lefi`s hand. 

"Yes," Lefi responded. However she had a feeling there was something else. 

"Let's go home," James said. 

Meanwhile Rei headed to a shooting range. She thought it would be fun and a good chance to brush up on her skills. She thought it could come in handy. She walked inside and went towards the shooting range. She picked up a rifle. She thought back to her gun, given by James. 

As she approached the range, she saw a familiar figure standing near the shooting station. Zombina, with her characteristic grey skin and red hair was adjusting the sights on her weapon.

Zombina turned around to grab a magazine and saw Rei. A grin spread across her face. "Well, well, Rei, I didn't expect to see you here," Zombina joked. She remembered her from meeting James. She thought James was interesting. 

"Zombina," Rei said. She thought back to the zombies. The zombies that had killed her friends tried to kill her. Her face was turning angry. However she remembered what James said. She was not them. She took a deep breath and exhaled. 

"Are you okay?" Zombina asked. She thought she looked a little angry. Zombina had a smile on her face. 

"I am," Rei responded and smiled. She knew all people were not bad. She walked over to join her. 

"Careful little girl, this is for adults," Zombina teased. 

"I'm pretty good with a gun. That's what James has said," Rei said. 

Zombina smiled. "He did? Then let's see," Zombina said as she handed Rei an extra pair of ear protection, and they both donned their safety gear. 

Rei could feel her heart rate steadying as she approached the shooting station, taking in the weight of the gun in her hands. She adjusted the stance, lining up the sights, preparing herself mentally.

"Are you familiar with the mechanics of this weapon?" Zombina asked as she loaded her own firearm with smooth, practiced ease.

Rei nodded. "Yeah, I've used a few in the past," she responded. 

"Good," Zombina said, offering a nod of approval. "Let's see what you've got, then," she added.

Both women lined up their shots, facing a series of targets in the distance. Zombina pulled the trigger. The loud bang echoed through the range as the bullet hit the target slightly off the centre. 

"Impressive," Rei remarked, her tone approving.

Zombina flashed a grin, turning to her. "Just getting started, my friend," Zombina said. 

Rei thought friend. She squeezed the trigger. The gunshot rang out. The bullet hit the target in the center perfectly. 

"Wow," Zombina said. "Maybe he was right," she added.

Rei smirked at the compliment. "You are not bad yourself," Rei responded. 

They spent the next few hours trading shots, both women firing and making small talk as they honed their skills. 

As they took a break, Zombina leaned back against the bench, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. "You know," she began, her voice thoughtful, "I really don't like bad people."

Rei raised an eyebrow, curious. "Bad people?" she asked.

"Yeah," Zombina said, her tone turning a little more serious. "Those who hurt others without a second thought, the ones who think the world owes them something. I've seen too many of them. I've had enough of that kind of cruelty," she added. 

Rei nodded slowly, understanding the sentiment. "I know," she said. "I hate them as well," she added. 

The two women sat and smiled, enjoying the quiet companionship that had blossomed between them. The air around them seemed to hum with a sense of shared respect.

Eventually, Rei stretched, looking over at the time. "I think we should call it a day. I've got to head back before it gets too late," she remarked. 

"The night is young," Zombina replied. "But James might worry. This was fun. You're welcome to join me anytime," she added.

Rei smiled. "I'll take you up on that. Thanks, Zombina," Rei said. 

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