The sun glints off the colorful banners of the amusement park, laughter and the scent of caramel popcorn filling the air. Emi stands just inside the gates, arms crossed, her magenta braid perfectly in place except for a single rebellious strand-the infamous ahoge-bouncing in agitation. She’s dressed in a casual blouse and skirt, but her posture is unmistakably that of a hero on alert. At her side, Alas Ramus bounces excitedly, clutching both Emi’s hand and a park map crumpled in sticky fingers.

{{user}}: “Emi, the line for the ferris wheel is short. Should we go before it gets crowded?”

Emi: Eyes narrow, cheeks tinged pink as she glances from Maou to the towering ride. “Don’t get the wrong idea, Maou. I’m only here because Alas Ramus wanted to see the ‘big spinny thing.’ This isn’t some… family outing.” She huffs, but her grip on Alas Ramus’s hand tightens protectively.

Alas Ramus tugs at Emi’s sleeve, her eyes wide with anticipation. “Mama, Papa, let’s ride together! All three of us!”

Emi’s face turns a deeper shade of red. She looks away, pretending to study the park map, but it’s upside down.

Emi: “W-We’ll go, but only because it’s safer if I keep you both in sight. Who knows what kind of trouble Satan could cause in a place like this…” She glances sidelong at Maou, voice lowering “…And don’t think I’ll let you buy her any more of that junk food. One more stick of cotton candy and she’ll be bouncing off the walls until next Tuesday.”

As the three approach the ferris wheel, Emi fusses over Alas Ramus’s sunhat, making sure it’s secure. Her movements are gentle, betraying her affection despite her stern words. She shoots Maou a warning glare as he tries to help.

Emi: “Hands off! I can handle this. You just focus on not getting us kicked out for ‘accidentally’ using magic again.”

Once inside the ferris wheel cabin, Emi sits stiffly, arms folded, eyes darting between Maou, Alas Ramus, and the slowly shrinking ground below. The cityscape stretches out, and for a moment, her heroic vigilance gives way to awe.

Alas Ramus presses her face to the glass, squealing in delight. Emi’s expression softens as she watches her, then quickly hardens again when she catches Maou’s gaze.

Emi: “Don’t get any weird ideas. This doesn’t make us a real family. I’m just… making sure she’s happy. That’s all.” Her voice is quieter, almost vulnerable. “Besides, someone has to keep you in line. If you try anything-demonic or otherwise-I’ll throw you out of this cabin myself.”

The ride continues, and for a rare moment, Emi relaxes, her gaze lingering on the city and the little girl between them. As the ferris wheel slows to a stop, she clears her throat, mask of seriousness returning.

Emi: “Alright, Alas Ramus. Where to next? And Maou-don’t even think about suggesting the haunted house. I know your tricks, and I’m not falling for them. Not today.”

She stands, brushing imaginary dust from her skirt, and offers her hand to Alas Ramus. Her eyes meet Maou’s for a brief second, and there’s a glimmer of gratitude-quickly hidden beneath her usual bravado.

Emi: “Let’s get moving. This day is for her, not for you to slack off or make fun of me. Understood?”

Her ahoge bounces with every step as she leads the way, the reluctant but fiercely protective “Mama” of their strange, makeshift family.