It was extremely late once Sero arrived back at his penthouse. He quietly laid on the couch, assuming that the others were deep asleep in his bedroom and the spare room.

As he stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts kept returning to his conversation with Dr. Malek. While it did help distract him from the events earlier, Sero couldn't shake the feeling that something had been off about the doctor, especially that brief look in his eyes when he offered his help.

He rolled over, deciding to go to bed. Just as he was about to close his eyes, however, he heard a faint click coming from one of the doors. He sat up, instantly alert, and glanced around the room. In the darkness, he noticed that the door to the spare room where Amaya and Enzo were in was opened.

A figure quietly slipped out, and as it walked towards him, Sero realized it was Amaya, dressed in a silk white robe. She had a determined yet conflicted look on her face, as if she had made up her mind about something she wasn't happy about. As she approached, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and anticipation.

"Sero," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Can we talk?"

"Yeah..." he replied quietly, gazing at her. She was beautiful even in the dark, her features soft and her expression troubled. "Come here." He patted the spot beside him on the couch, and she hesitantly sat down. For a moment, neither of them said anything, the silence filling the room like a physical presence. Finally, Sero broke it. "What's going on, Amaya?" he asked gently.

The Spellblade tugged at her sleeves, brushing her brilliant silver hair back before she directed her blue eyes at him. Underneath the moonlight, Sero's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of her, and his heart raced with an unfamiliar mix of emotions.

"I've... been hearing things being said about... us," Amaya began, her voice shaking slightly. "From the others. After that night when we... when you comforted me."

Sero felt his cheeks flush with heat as he remembered the night they had cuddled. He knew what she was talking about. "What have they been saying?" he asked gently, feeling an unsettling wrench in his gut.

Amaya chewed on the nail of her thumb. "Only that you might be feeling something more for me."

Sero felt a pang in his chest. "And what do you think?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I think... we shouldn't explore that," Amaya said, her voice barely a whisper. She looked down at her hands, which were trembling slightly in her lap. "You're at a vulnerable point in your life, Sero, and I'm sorry if I did anything to make you think something else was happening. Between us."

Sero swallowed thickly, feeling a knot forming in his throat. He reached out and gently took one of her hands in his, feeling her soft skin against his own. "I understand," he said, his voice hoarse. "And I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"No, it's fine," Amaya shook her head. "I was reminded of my own pain seeing you go through all of that. I think I was relying on you because you could understand what I went through, too."

Sero squeezed her hand gently. "And I want you to know that I'm still here for you. Whatever you need, Amaya. You're not alone in this."

"I know, and I want you to know that, too," Amaya said, smiling softly up at him, though it was tinged with sadness. "So, to be clear, I think we should just remain friends for the moment."

Sero nodded, his heart aching a little. "I understand," he said, releasing her hand. "It's probably for the best. I talked with Luna, and she did mention that these feelings I have for you could be because of my own insecurities and what I've been through. I guess I just wanted to... I don't know."

He looked down at the floor, feeling a mixture of disappointment and acceptance. "I'm sure it's weird for you, too. I know you and Enzo have a thing, so it must've caught you off guard when I started having feelings for you." Sero glanced up with a small smile. "At least I never hid it, though now it's a bit different this time."

Amaya returned his smile, her expression softening. "It's true, I didn't expect this to happen. And I'm sorry if I've made things uncomfortable for you, too." She hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "But I do care about you, Sero. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, I know," Sero sighed as he leaned back on the couch. "Just, for a moment, I was thinking you were feeling that same feeling I did. Kinda funny, right? I know you well enough to know that it'd never happen."

He expected Amaya to laugh or agree, but shockingly, she didn't.

"I don't know if I would have," she said quietly. "I... I've been feeling a little lost lately. With everything that's been going on, I didn't realize how much I missed having someone to talk to. Someone who understood what it was like to lose someone important. And you were always willing to listen, and never pushed me to talk about things if I didn't want to."

The two friends sat in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Sero was surprised by Amaya's confession, but at the same time, it didn't entirely surprise him. They had been through so much together, so it wasn't that far off not to develop feelings for someone under those circumstances.

"Anyway, we should get some rest," Sero said finally, breaking the silence. "I have a long day tomorrow." He paused, then added, "And thank you, Amaya. For everything. For being there for me when I was going through shit."

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Amaya smiled at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm glad I could be there for you, Sero. I mean it. And you're right, we should get some rest. Your victory ceremony will take a lot out of you, not to mention the meeting with the Janitors after." She leaned over and hugged him tightly, her head resting on his shoulder.

Sero returned the embrace, feeling a pang in his chest as he held her. Luna had helped him understand his feelings better, but even though he could logically make sense of them, the emotional part of him refused to listen to reason. It seemed that everything he had gone through during his childhood and teenage years were still affecting him in ways he couldn't quite comprehend.

As they broke apart, Sero forced his Rationality to activate, quelling the hurtful emotions that were plaguing him. He waved goodbye to Amaya as she retreated back into the spare room, leaving him on the couch alone.

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The following morning, Sero got ready in his bedroom, the others already waiting for him in his living room. He took one last look at himself in the mirror, satisfied with the black jeans, white shirt, and bomber jacket ensemble that had grown to become his signature look. As he stepped out of his room, he was greeted by the sight of his friends gathered around the coffee table, mugs of steaming hot coffee in hand. They smiled and waved at him as he approached, their faces beaming with pride.

"How does my little bookworm feel about being the 25th Zone's tournament champion?" Kit purred as she slinked over to him with a smile.

Sero grinned sheepishly. "Still doesn't feel real, to be honest. I kept going up against really strong Ascendants."

"What're you putting yourself down for?" Enzo growled, sipping at his cup. "You're officially an S-rank after beating the shit out of my brother."

Although Sero chuckled at Enzo's comment, he couldn't help but notice how close Amaya was sitting next to the Demonic Judge. She glanced at him a few times but didn't seem to be in the mood to talk. It was a strange feeling, knowing that she was there but feeling disconnected from her at the same time. He wasn't sure what was going on in her head, but he hoped they could still be friends after everything.

"You even got Elena's autograph," Nala chipped in. "That's when I knew you'd win the tournament."

"Really?"

"No. I don't know why I said that." The Shadereaper replied emotionlessly.

"Ok... well, is everyone ready to go?" Sero asked the group, who all affirmed his question. He glanced over at Luna, who was dressed in a neat suit, her silky black hair down to cover her slightly pointed ears. She even put on makeup to hide the tiny mole underneath the corner of her left eye, though Sero wasn't sure why.

"Luna, just remember to keep low," Sero said, turning to her. "There's probably going to be a lot of humans, so try not to stand out."

The succubus nodded, giving him a salute.

"All right," Sero took a deep breath. "Let's go."

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The group took two cars to the stadium where the tournament had been held, finding a grand procession in front of the entrance. Sero felt nervous, but also strangely detached from the situation. As they made their way through the crowd, people cheering and waving at them, Sero couldn't help but notice how surreal it all seemed. He was the one they were here to see, the champion of the tournament. Yet he felt like he was just another face in the crowd.

The others drew back as he made his way to the stage, finding places within the crowd. He found Gregor waiting for him near the stage stairs, dressed in the Janitors' usual suit uniform. The Conqueror smiled warmly, offering his hand out to Sero.

"Congratulations on your victory, Sero," he said. "You've made us proud."

"Thank you, sir," Sero replied, shaking Gregor's hand. "I appreciate your help with all of this, too."

"Think nothing of it, my boy," Gregor said, patting Sero on the shoulder. "It's what we're here for. Now, come with me." He led Sero backstage, where a couple of very important officials and individuals stood. He noticed a familiar woman dressed in a business suit.

"Ah, Sero!" Elena beamed. "I'm glad to see you well."

"Oh, hey Elena," Sero was surprised to see the Scaletamer. "What are you doing here?"

"Of course the bottom-rank wouldn't know anything about tournament procedures," Liam scowled as he approached the group. He was wearing the same black hoodie and athletic shorts, leading Sero to believe that he didn't have any other outfits in his wardrobe. "Normally, any S-ranks who participated in the tournament show up to give their support to the winner."

"It's a custom, to show good sportsmanship among the higher tiers," Gregor added. "Especially when a newcomer such as yourself manages to make a name for himself." He turned back to Sero. "This is the first time an A-rank has ever won the tournament, you know. But, I think in your case, you're now an officially recognized S-rank."

Sero nodded, unsure of what to say. "Thank you, sir... I appreciate that." He glanced around the backstage area, taking in the various people milling about, getting ready to begin the event. "This is all very... overwhelming."

"Better adapt quickly," the Demonic Enforcer growled as he went to take a seat behind the podium ahead. "Wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of live tv." Sero could feel his blood boiling.

Elena glanced at Sero with an apologetic smile. "Please excuse him. It's no secret that you dealt a huge blow to his pride when you defeated him. Liam may be harboring some grudges against you, but just remember that you won the tournament fair and square."

"Right... thanks," Sero calmed himself down by forcing his Rationality. The Scaletamer shifted shyly, giving him a timid look.

"If... if you wouldn't mind... could I see your pups again?"

"Huh? Oh, sure," Sero snapped his fingers, summoning Moss and Lime to his side. The dragon pups chirped happily upon noticing Elena.

"Oh, they're so cute!" Elena cooed, bending down to pet them. "You've done such a good job raising them so far, Sero. They're just adorable." She scratched Moss behind the ears, making the little dark green dragon sigh contently. A smaller jade portal opened beside her, and out popped a miniature version of her scaly dragon Jawlock, who began to play with Moss and Lime.

Sero smiled, watching his dragons interact with Elena and Jawlock's smaller form. It was a surreal moment for him, one where he felt like he was finally getting some recognition and appreciation for his hard work. He glanced over at Liam, who was still glaring at him, and felt a pang of sympathy. The Demonic Enforcer might have been arrogant and obnoxious, but he too had put in years of training and dedication to reach his current rank.

He pushed the feeling down, wanting to concentrate on the moment at hand. Gregor clapped Sero on the shoulders, smiling warmly at him.

"Just relax, and be yourself," the Conqueror began. "I'll be on the sidelines, but the event is straightforward, so you need not worry about cues and such."

Sero nodded, feeling slightly more at ease. One of the officials announced that the event was starting, causing everyone to take their places. He took a deep breath, focusing on his heartbeat, and felt his Rationality rise to the surface.

"I hope you're watching, Mom and Dad," he muttered to himself. "I wish you guys were here to see this."