Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 7: The Perils of Fishing

The sound of rustling trees filled the small room of the lodge where the boy and spirit slept. A small cat girl knelt over them and softly spoke as four children looked in from the doorway.

Niki: "Friends, huh? Hard to believe when yer cuddlin' up on each other like this… tsk tsk."

Girl 1: "Oh, they're holdin' hands!"

Boy 1: "Gross!"

Girl 2: "No it's cuteee!"

Boy 2: "I wanna poke em'!"

Niki: "Now, now, we don't wanna wake em' up!"

The sound of rustling and voices caused Beatrice to stir from her slumber. Her first sight was Subaru's sleeping face, which made her burst into a dopey smile.

Girl 1: "Awww!

Beatrice glanced up toward the source of the voice and found five sets of eyes staring down at her. Her eyes opened wide and tears formed in the corners. Her smile contorted into a grimace before her mouth opened to let out an ear-splitting scream.

Beatrice: "Ahhhhhhh! GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!"

Niki and the four cat children ran out of the room, closing the door behind them. Subaru sat up after being jolted out of his deep sleep to see Beatrice squeezing a pillow on the verge of tears.

Subaru: "Beako, are you okay!? What's wrong?"

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "Beako… please talk to me…"

Beatrice: "...they saw…"

Subaru: "They saw?"

Beatrice: "They saw us… sleeping…"

Subaru: "I see…"

Beatrice: "H-holding hands… in a c-couple's bed… my maidenhood is ruined, in fact."

Subaru: "Calm down, Beako. This is how we've been sleeping lately. I don't think it's anything to be embarrassed about."

Beatrice: "It's not?"

Subaru: "Not at all. I promise your maidenhood is intact. How about I go talk it over with Niki and find out about breakfast?"

Beatrice: "That is fine, I suppose…"

Subaru rose from the futon and exited the room to find the culprits that had earned Beatrice's wrath. Beatrice sat on the futon and calmed herself as she looked around the room and saw that Niki had left a change of clothes for the two of them. Beatrice changed out of the baggy pajamas from the night before and into the purple sleeved tunic and skirt that Niki provided. She slipped on the sandals and tied a pink ribbon around her hair. This was the first time she had tied her hair back into a ponytail and she found herself wondering if Subaru would like it. She caught herself mid thought and spoke her mind aloud.

Beatrice: "Is it really normal, I suppose?"

Subaru followed the sound of prancing cat children to the main sitting room of the lodge where he had dinner the night before. It was an open area with a table close to the ground and several mats. The walls were covered in tapestries and small drawings of other cat people, some of them appeared to be drawn by children. Now that the sun was up he could see that the windows were open and light was pouring in through the large front door that had been propped open. A slow breeze blew through the room as Subaru noticed a small tail sticking out from behind a curtain. Subaru instinctively grabbed it from the ground and was met with a shrill scream from Niki.

Niki: "Ahhh! Don't cha know it's rude to touch a lady's tail!"

Subaru: "As rude as watching someone sleep?"

Niki: "Ya got me there...is she mad?"

Subaru: "Fuming."

Niki: "I can imagine why… all that friend talk when she's making goo goo eyes at cha like that."

Subaru: "I-I don't know what you're getting at… Beako is my spirit and my friend. You owe her an apology, she doesn't handle confrontation well."

Niki: "I see, both of ya got a hard head, huh? I guess yer right, I was just comin' in to wake ya up… but the little ones stopped by and wanted to see the pretty doll girl. I shoulda stopped em'."

Subaru: "I'm sure if you apologize and I talk to her, she will be okay."

As Subaru was discussing the situation, he heard a sniffle and felt a small tug at his pant leg. He looked down to see the smallest cat girl with tears in her eyes. The other three kids were behind her holding back tears.

Girl 2: "Is the pwetty doll mad at us?...hic…"

Subaru knelt down and picked up the small girl. He wiped the tears from her eyes before speaking to the group in a soft voice.

Subaru: "Not at all. See, Beako doesn't have many friends, so she gets scared easily. I bet if we go introduce you to her, she'd love to be your friend."

The children's eyes widened as Subaru reached out his hand and brought them back to the room they had infiltrated earlier. Beatrice was kneeling on the futon adjusting her hair as Subaru led the children in. She looked at him surprised as he sat down with the small group in tow.

Subaru: "Beako, the kids have something that they want to say."

Beatrice: "O-okay, I suppose."

Boy 1: "I'm Riko and I wanna be friends with the doll girl!"

Boy 2: "I'm Soba and I'm very sorry!"

Girl 1: "I'm Nana and I hope you'll forgive me!"

Girl 2: "I'm Mina and I'm sowwy!... hic… pwease be my fwiend."

The four children were dressed in bright orange tunics and looked up expectantly at Beatrice, teary eyed. Beatrice was nervous from the sudden intrusion, but gave her answer nonetheless.

Beatrice: "W-well… I'm not mad, I suppose. I was startled, in fact. I...can be your...f-friend.."

With that, the children jumped on Beatrice and started purring. At first she had a bewildered look on her face, but it slowly melted into a heartwarming smile as she reached out and patted the children. Subaru couldn't help but smile at the wholesome image which caused Niki to chime in.

Niki: "Yer doin' it again, mister. Goo goo eyes…"

Subaru: "Enough of that! Geez… To change the subject, I have a question."

Niki: "What is it?"

Subaru: "Why are all the kids wearing the same outfit? It looks like everyone else wears different clothes."

Niki: "Oh yeah. That's an easy one. We dress em' up in bright orange so we can keep track of em' easier. They tend to get into mischief if we don't keep an eye out."

Subaru: "Oh that makes sense. So the whole village keeps an eye out for them?"

Niki: "Yep. Their parents work all day so we all pitch in to help out!"

Subaru chuckled at how quaint the village was as Kobe peeked into the room to let the group know that breakfast was ready. Beatrice and Niki walked the children out to the dining area while Subaru stayed back to change into the forest green tunic and pants that were left for him. The fit was snug, but he surmised that the outfit must have been custom made for him due to his size. He strapped on sandals and went to join the others for breakfast. As he approached the table, he saw that Niki had made space for him next to her as the children took turns sitting on either side of Beatrice.

Subaru: "Looks like they've really taken to you, Beako."

Beatrice: "I guess you are right, I suppose. Betty's charm is uncontainable, in fact."

Subaru: "Yeah…that's gotta be it."

Niki: "Maybe if we're talkin' looks. If ya ask me, that doll is a little too high maintenance fer me."

Kobe: "Niki, show a little reservation with our guests."

Niki: "Yes, Paw paw. I'm sorry little miss, for this mornin' as well."

Beatrice: "T-that's all good and well, I suppose. Please try and knock next time, in fact."

Niki: "Can do! Are you and the little ones ready to eat!"

Niki stood up and removed the lid from the tray that Kobe had prepared on the table. The smell of fish filled the air as the group laid eyes on the fare in front of them. Various slices of grilled fish were piled high with a large mountain of rice. The children were hypnotized as Beatrice lectured them for drooling. Kobe spread plates around to the group and began to serve each person. After everyone had been served, they all turned to Kobe to wait for him to eat first.

Kobe: "Don't wait on my account! Go on!"

Subaru: "Thanks for the food!"

Niki: "Now, Riko, eat some rice too! Someone help Mina cut her fish!"

Riko: "Aww! I wanna eat fish!"

Beatrice: "I-I can help you, Mina, I suppose."

Mina: "Thank you!"

And so, the group had a fish breakfast filled with the sounds of rambunctious children. Subaru couldn't remember the last time he had a meal like this. He noticed that the children were pulling Beatrice out of her shell and it made his heart warm. As the last of the children finished their meals, discussion about the day started.

Niki: "So ya wanna go fishin', right?"

Subaru: "That's right!"

Beatrice: "Er…"

Niki squinted her eyes at Beatrice's hesitation and continued the conversation.

Niki: "Great. We got some extra rods over in storage. Why don't you little ones come help me carry em'?"

Soba: "Aww, I wanna stay with the doll!"

Riko: "Yeah! Why should we help."

Niki: "Now, boys… I bet the little lady would be impressed if ya were to carry her rod? Nana and Mina, ya can find her the prettiest lure."

Riko: "Aw yeah! I'm gonna get you the best rod, Bea- Beatr- Bea!"

Beatrice: "Bea?"

Subaru: "I think they have a hard time saying your name, Beako."

Beatrice: "Is that why you shortened my name, too, I suppose?"

Subaru: "I am not a child!"

Soba: "Calm down, mister! I'm gonna get Bea the best rod so you better just watch!"

Riko: "Race ya!"

Soba: "Huh? Hold on!"

The two boys ran out of the lodge as the girls approached Beatrice.

Nana: "Mina and I will get you a pretty lure. I'll get one for you too, m-mister!"

Subaru: "Thanks!"

Mina: "We'll go wight away! Don't leave without me!"

Beatrice: "I wouldn't dream of it, in fact."

Niki: "Come on ya two. Let's give the 'friends' a moment of peace before we go to the river! Hey mister, bring the little lady down to the river. She doesn't like the smell of the storage so we can handle grabbin' supplies."

Subaru: "Thanks, Niki! We will head down there right now."

Niki led the girls out of the lodge and followed the same direction as the boys. Subaru stood up and offered Beatrice his hand which she lightly took as he lifted her to her feet. They made their way out of the lodge and towards the river. Subaru pressed Beatrice for information as they walked.

Subaru: "Beako…"

Beatrice: "Huh?"

Subaru: "Is something bothering you? You seemed to be getting along with the children but didn't sound thrilled about fishing."

Beatrice: "Oh… yes… well… I really don't care for fish, I suppose. Such slimy creatures, in fact. That and…"

Subaru: "And what?"

Beatrice: "I don't know how to fish, I suppose! Go ahead, laugh at Betty, in fact."

Subaru: "Pffft! Is that all?"

Beatrice: "What do you mean, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Beako, you gotta know by now that I'm going to help you out. Nothing to be embarrassed about. You've helped me out a lot so just add it to my bill!"

Beatrice: "So it's not embarrassing, in fact?"

Subaru: "Oh no, it is. A 400 year old woman not knowing how to fish is definitely hilarious."

Beatrice: "Grr…"

Subaru: "But! But it's nothing that can't be fixed. I'm actually glad that I get to teach you something. Haha!"

Beatrice blushed at the thought of Subaru teaching her and smiled slightly to herself. With impeccably bad timing, Subaru offered her a compliment.

Subaru: "Oh, and Beako? Your ponytail looks good, definitely suits you."

Beatrice: "..."

Beatrice: "IDIOT!"

Beatrice, who had been filled with a light happiness, was now crimson from ear to ear. She broke out into a full sprint away from Subaru. He stood there watching her run, not understanding what he did wrong. He slowly made his way after Beatrice and saw that the children had seen her running and gave chase. Niki jogged up to Subaru's side with a box in her hands and struck up a conversation.

Niki: "Ya mess up there, mister?"

Subaru: "Not sure… Sometimes it's hard to tell."

Niki: "I bet! You sure picked a high maintenance missy!"

Subaru: "I kinda think she picked me."

Niki unnaturally blushed, caught off guard by Subaru's honesty. Subaru, sensing an awkward pause in conversation, continued.

Subaru: "So what's in the box?"

Niki: "Oh yeah! It's a grill kit. So we don't have to worry about lunch!"

Subaru: "You guys sure do love your fish…"

Niki: "What do ya mean by that? It's our favorite!"

Subaru: "Nothing at all. I hope we catch some good ones!"

Niki: "Ya had better!"

The smiling pair walked up to where the children had set up camp next to the river. Subaru helped Niki set up the grill kit and then turned his attention to preparing the fishing rods. His work did not go unnoticed by Beatrice who kept sneaking glances at him and Niki working together. After a while, Subaru walked down and passed out rods before approaching Beatrice.

Subaru: "Ready for your lesson, Beako?"

Beatrice puffed out her cheeks and looked away from Subaru.

Beatrice: "Whatever, I suppose. Watch your tone and Betty will listen, in fact."

Subaru: "Okay, Beako… First, I have a fishing rod ready for you. Mina picked out a lure for you too! Look, it's a little cat!"

Beatrice glanced over at the lure and her eyes shimmered. She quickly turned away from Subaru and hid her happiness.

Beatrice: "T-thank you, Mina, I suppose. I find it quite pleasing, in fact."

Mina: "Yay! Big sis Nana helped me pick it out!"

Beatrice: "Thanks to both of you then, I suppose."

Riko: "Me and Soba got the rod! It's the best one!"

Beatrice: "Then thanks to you too, I suppose. You are quite the gentlemen, in fact."

Children: "Yaay!"

Subaru: "What about me for teaching you how to fish?"

Beatrice: "Idiot."

Subaru: "What the heck!? Why are you so mad at me?"

Beatrice: "Continue the lesson, I suppose. I want to join the others, in fact."

Subaru: "Fine! I attached the lure, so now we take some bait and…"

Subaru pulled out a worm from the tackle box that the boys brought over. Beatrice saw the creature and let out a small shriek.

Beatrice: "Erk! W-what is that for, in fact?"

Subaru: "We hook it on the lure to attract fish. It's food for them."

Beatrice: "Gross!"

Subaru: "Don't be so dramatic. Look at the kids, they are doing it just fine."

Beatrice: "..."

Subaru: "Okay, Beako, I'll do it for you. Now all you have to do is cast the line. Here, watch me."

Subaru pulled back his line and performed an overhead cast of his line. Beatrice watched on before awkwardly swinging her line along the ground and into the river. The group became silent and the sound of the river was the only one that cut through the air. A soft noise as the water flowed across the rocky shoreline echoed through the area. It was mostly flat except for a few trees and a small hill a short ways away from the camp. The area was covered in grass and the river was a cool blue, appearing to be a few feet deep in the center. The level terrain made it possible to see that the river ran for miles inland and most likely drained into the ocean. Subaru reflected on how the river was connected to the beach that he and Beatrice had visited weeks ago. The tranquil scene was abruptly interrupted by a high pitched squeal.

Beatrice: "Uhhhh!? What do I do, I suppose!? It's pulling, in fact!"

Subaru: "Yank it, Beako! As hard as you can! Pull in the fish!"

Beatrice jumped and tried her best to pull the line in to no avail. At this rate she was going to tumble into the river. She panicked as she lost her balance and fell forward.

Beatrice: "Ahh!"

Or so she thought, as she fell she felt an arm wrap around her and put her back on her feet. Subaru leaned over her and took her hands in his to help pull in the line. Before she could get embarrassed, with a hard whip, the line yanked in and Beatrice felt an impact to her face. Subaru went silent as he froze, but Niki and the children ran up and began to yell.

Nana: "It's a leaf fish!

Niki: "It sure is! On a pretty porcelain plate, no less!"

Beatrice threw the fish off of her face and began to spit as the anger slowly boiled in her. She turned to glare at Subaru and Niki but felt a small tug on her skirt. She looked down to discover Mina holding a washcloth.

Mina: "Bea, you got dirty… I bwought you a towel to clean up…"

Beatrice instantly removed the scary look from her face, much to Mina's relief. Beatrice wiped off her face and reached out to pat Mina's head.

Mina: "Purr…"

Beatrice: "Thank you, Mina, I suppose. You're a good girl, in fact"

Mina: "Yay...purr…"

Now that the storm had passed, Niki stepped forward to retrieve the fish.

Niki: "Wah! This is a big one! Pretty amazin' fer your first time!"

Beatrice: "Well, Betty does have hidden talents, I suppose."

Riko: "Well, I'm going to get an even bigger one!"

Soba: "No, me!"

Subaru smiled as the children surrounded Beatrice, something about seeing her smile so casually made him happy. He retrieved his rod and continued to fish. The group followed suit and they fished until the sun was in the center of the sky. In the end, no one caught a bigger fish than Beatrice. As the first stomach started to grumble, Niki started a fire and began to cook the day's spoils on the grill. After everyone had gotten a belly full of fish, Niki kicked off her sandals and laid flat under a tree while the children ran up the hill overlooking the river to play. Beatrice sat near the river watching the water and sneaking glances at Subaru as he approached Niki.

Subaru: "Hey Niki, you need help cleaning up the grill kit?"

Niki: "Naw, I'll get it in a lil bit. Ya should go talk to your lady, she keeps given ya the razor eyes. Shouldn't keep her watin'!"

Subaru: "Huh?"

Subaru glanced over at Beatrice, who had her eyes trained on him. She noticed him looking and turned her gaze away,

Subaru: "That girl… geez."

Niki: "Hehe...bye bye now… zzz."

Subaru left the napping cat girl and approached Beatrice. He took a seat next to her and stared out at the water beside her. After a few minutes of silence, he addressed the elephant in the room.

Subaru: "Beako… are you mad at me?"

Beatrice: "N-no that's not…"

Subaru: "If I've done something to upset you, I'll apologize. You were getting along so well with the kids so I thought you were okay with it. If I pushed you too far then I-"

Beatrice: "NO! D-don't jump to conclusions, I suppose."

Subaru: "Then what is it?"

Beatrice: "You haven't done anything wrong, in fact. Betty just… I…"

Subaru: "Yes?"

Beatrice: "I felt a little annoyed when you kept talking to that cat girl every time I went off with the children, I suppose... You even sat next to her at breakfast, in fact… It felt like… you weren't Betty's Subaru today. Even though it's still our date and we pretended to be a couple last night. I guess...I was just jealous...I'm sorry."

Subaru: "..."

Beatrice: "You don't want to be with such a selfish spirit, I suppose."

Subaru: "You big idiot…"

Subaru extended his arm and pulled Beatrice close into an embrace. She sat there flustered, awaiting his response, but it never came. She started to relax and bask in the scene as the water slowly drifted by. After several minutes, she looked up at Subaru quizzically.

Beatrice: "Subaru?"

Subaru: "Yeah, Beako?"

Beatrice: "Did I upset you, I suppose?"

Subaru: "You bet you did."

Beatrice: "Oh…"

Subaru: "If I'm not Betty's Subaru, then who's Subaru am I?"

Beatrice: "H-huh?"

Subaru: "Exactly! You don't have to worry about anything. I'm yours. Regardless if we are on a date or not."

Beatrice: 'W-what are you say-"

The tender moment was cut short by a small scream. All eyes turned up the hill to see what had happened. To the group's horror, they saw a small child in an orange tunic dangling from the hillside above the rocks and river below. Before anyone could react, a boy's voice cut through the air.

Riko: "H-help...hic...its Mina! She slipped and fell! You gotta help her...wah!"

Riko collapsed in tears as he used the last of his strength to yell for help. Niki was already on her feet running up the hill. As Subaru instinctively stood up to run, he was blasted back. He managed to turn his head as he fell and saw it. Beatrice had kicked off the ground with such force that she left a crater in her wake. The small spirit shot through the air as she jumped and landed a split second later at the top of the hill. She leaned over the edge overlooking the river and grabbed Mina by her arm and lifted her to safety. Niki ran up, stunned to see Beatrice holding Mina in her arms.

Niki: "Hahn...hahn...How did ya get here so fast? Is little Mina okay?"

Mina appeared to be passed out in Beatrice's arms but had no visible injuries.

Beatrice: "I think she fainted, I suppose. Probably from the fear, in fact. If anything is broken, I can heal it."

Niki: "So you can use magic, huh? Full of surprises, little lady. Here, I can take her back to her mommy. Gonna have to explain the whole situation."

Beatrice: "Of course, I suppose. I'm just glad she's okay, in fact. What were you thinking, Mina, scaring Betty like that?"

Beatrice looked over the child one last time, noting that she felt so small and light even while unconscious. She carefully passed Mina over to Niki who cradled her in her arms. Niki inspected the child and gave a sigh of relief. She motioned to Beatrice to follow her down the hill to where the kids were nervously waiting. Before she took her first step, Beatrice glanced over in Subaru's direction to see if he was okay. As she did, the ground began to shake and give way. Beatrice had no time to realize what was happening as she started to fall backwards.

Splash

All she heard was a loud "thud" before everything started to go cold. She could see the sky but her vision started to fill in with blue. Was this water? Small bubbles clouded her view as she swore she could hear splashing getting louder. Just as her mind started to darken, a familiar boy came into view. She felt herself being lifted and noticed that there was a different look in Subaru's eyes that she hadn't seen before. Was he crying? He pulled her close and she could tell from the sky that he was running. She tried to reach for him to no avail, but he must have noticed because he leaned his head down to her.

Beatrice: "I-I'm y-yours, t-too."

Beatrice whispered the words and lost consciousness. as she faded she thought she could hear someone screaming her name.

Chapter 7 End