A/N: People have been asking about Rey's build, and to that I say- He kinda doesn't have one? He uses every tool at his command depending on the situation. For example, his favorite dueling weapon is the Blade of Mercy. Gotta remember the Good Hunter is the most powerful of any hunter ever, literally becoming a god. soooo you could think of him as a composite hunter. He's able to use any weapon that's familiar to him, but he has his favorites. Also, he's been nerfed compared to the Vs Wiki stats, because those are insane as hell. Anyways I'm uploading chapter 2 pretty early because my internet connection is very spotty and it will be for the next 2 weeks, so I'll upload this while I can. Hope you all enjoy

Morning finally came, stirring Natsuki Subaru awake. "This isn't my ceiling." The girl standing at the foot of his head blinked at her now conscious guest. Ram's immediate reaction to his eyes was that he was much more relaxed and easy going than their other guest. She could have fun with this one.

"My, what a pathetic observation you have made, sir guest." Ram's slightly annoyed voice was the second thing to greet him that morning. "Huh?" Subaru got a good look at the girl in front of him. It was a total cutie in a maid outfit! "Oh my god! This is totally a hot maid trope! I knew it! This is gonna be awesome!" He leapt out of bed and pointed a thumb towards himself. "You can just call me Subaru, at your service miss?"

"My name is Ram, idiot Barusu. Is there anything a tiny brained person like yourself would require?" Subaru beamed at the clear cut insult. "Wow you sure are a feisty one aren't ya? You turned my name into a blinding curse after having met me for almost a minute. Totally gotta be a Tsundere. And yes you could get me a date with Emilia!" Ram inwardly smiled. "There would be a higher chance of you dying from choking on the very air you breathe before Lady Emilia went on a date with you, Barusu. If you need nothing else, I will be going now." Subaru watched the cute maid leave. "Man she was pretty. Minus points for having a flat chest though."

He didn't know this, but Ram could still hear him as she walked away simmering. "Idiot Barusu," She whispered. Ram turned the corner, running into perhaps the last person in this entire world that she wanted to see right now. "Rey." She simply said, before walking around him. He gently grabbed her elbow as she passed. "Wait. Ram. I wanted to apologize to you and Rem." Ram Roughly pulled away from the man. "Don't touch me Rey. Besides, you have nothing to apologize for. My sister is the one that attacked you. And you slit my sister's throat, which makes me want to cut you in half with my wind magic. That's just how it is. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Rey pursued her as she walked away. "Then can you tell me where Rem is? I want to apologize to her too." Ram huffed. "I thought you were smart, but it appears you're even dumber than Barusu." She turned around and walked right up to Rey, glaring into his eyes. "Why do you smell like a witch cultist? I can't smell it but Rem is adamant you are one of them."

There wasn't an easy answer to that. "I'm not sure. It must have something to do with summoning me here. I can't smell what Rem does, and I could tell there were beasts in the forest around the Mather's estate despite that. Upon meeting you, I could tell you weren't human by your smell. Though detecting the witch's scent on my person is impossible for unknown reasons. I should be able to easily smell it."

There was a brief stare off between the two before Ram finally broke it. "You had the same idea about the origins of your stench as Emilia. And yes, I asked her about you this morning. You have her utterly convinced that you come from another world. If you ask me, we should just throw you out into the dirt and leave you there. You're more trouble than you're worth." Before he could respond, Subaru stepped out into the hallway. "Now to just find- WOAH! Who the hell let you in here?!" As Rey turned around, Ram kept walking away from the two.

Subaru's eyes were perfect circles with how wide they were upon seeing Rey. "That is very appreciative towards the man who saved your life, Subaru." It appeared that Rey was still capable of sarcasm. The Japanese man waved him off and approached him. "Oh come on don't take credit for Emilia's work, that's just mean. But seriously, what are you doing here?" Rey ignored his questions, sighing. "I used to be a lot like you before the dream Subaru. Do me a favor and keep your personality. I lost my true self long ago now." He clasped a hand on Subaru's shoulder before walking after Ram.

Rem was out in the front garden trimming up the plants. In reality, she was barely paying attention to what she was doing. Her mind was far off, replaying last night over and over. She touched her throat, running her fingers along where that fatal cut was. Whatever Rey did to heal her, it worked so well the slash didn't even leave a scar. His voice kept replaying those words. I'm not like you, Rem. If I was, you'd be dead right now.

The maid sighed deeply in regret. He spared my life when he could've easily left me to die. No doubt Ram would've attacked him if she saw me dead, and he would've killed her too. And it would've been my fault! "I'm useless. I am an utter waste of space, aren't I?"

"Are you okay Miss?" A voice she didn't recognize caused her to gasp and look up in surprise. The unconscious young man from last night was standing there, staring at her with empathetic eyes. "You're crying! What's wrong miss?" He rushed over to her, looking for a way to help. Rem quickly wiped her eyes and looked back towards the guest, who was now only a few feet away. "Its nothing, just-" She froze and looked back into his eyes. The only thing she saw in them was concern for her. But he has the witch's scent on him too.

I'm not like you, Rem. "No!" She covered her mouth, not meaning to shout. "I- I'm sorry sir guest. Please excuse me!" Without another word, she ran off into the mansion. Subaru called for her to wait, but she didn't even hear him. She just wanted to be alone right now, away from everyone else. "Subaru! Did you hurt Rem?!" Puck was suddenly floating over his shoulder, causing Subaru to jump in fright. "GAH! Puck don't scare me like that. And no, I don't know why she just ran off. She must be having a bad day... You called her Rem right? Is she Ram's twin?"

The cat spirit nodded. "Yup, they're both twins alright." Though the twins weren't on Subaru's mind right now. Only one woman was. "Hey Puck, where's Emilia? I want to thank her for bringing me here instead of leaving me in that loot house." Puck rolled his eyes. "As if my Lia would ever do that to somebody." Subaru whole heartedly agreed. "I know, I was just joking Puck. Nobody as kind and amazing as Emilia would ever do something like that."

Speaking of the girl, she was walking up to him from the yard of the mansion. "Did I just see Rem run off? Was she in a hurry?" Subaru was hesitant, but lucky for him Puck answered. "Yeah, she was in a hurry. She forgot that Roswaal is gonna be here soon and she needs to prep some lunch." Emilia 'ahh'd'. "That makes sense. Still, its not like her to forget about stuff like that." Puck waved her off. "She's probably just having an off day, I wouldn't think about it too much Lia."

Subaru bowed deeply to Emilia. "THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING ME HERE EMILIA!" The silver haired girl was momentarily overwhelmed. "S-Subaru, I should be thanking you! You saved my life after all. I owe you and Rey a deep debt, one I can never repay." Subaru beamed. "Well you can pay me back by letting me call you Lia too then!" Puck reached out and punched Subaru with a light little fluffy fist. "I'm the only one who can call her that!" He reached up and plucked the cat off of his face and started playing with him. "Fine then, I guess I'll just have to call you Mili then!"

If she was overwhelmed before, now Emilia was broken. She had no idea how to respond to that other than stuttering out a few words.

Meanwhile, Rey watched from a passing window inside the mansion with a light smile. I wonder what its like to feel innocent again, like Subaru. He was still following Ram, trying to get an answer out of her. "You may be persistent fool Rey, But I still won't allow you to be near Rem. Now leave me at once. We will both be in the kitchen, preparing lunch for Lord Roswaal's soon arrival."

Perhaps I should give them space for now. After all, they haven't had to deal with death and danger. At least not like I have. "You're right Ram. I'll leave you and Rem alone. And hey, maybe I'll actually let you cut me in half with your magic one day." Ram stiffened, turning back towards Rey with a glare. "Was that a crude attempt at humor Rey? I must say you have utterly failed and you should feel bad for even trying. Now leave. I will unfortunately see you at lunch time." Rey gave her a nod before spinning on his heel and walking away, stretching his senses out in an attempt to find the forbidden library.

Ram closed the door to the kitchen and leaned against it. "What a fool." She thought back to last night, to the puddle of blood that should've left anyone dead. He's dangerous. I didn't see the fight, but if he was able to survive that impact and then cut Rem's throat then he probably would've killed me if I attacked him. Though... He spared Rem's life..

With a deep sigh, Ram walked over to the counter and started work on cooking. Rem was already there, silently working. After preparing the food for a while in silence, Rem finally spoke. "S-Sister." Ram looked up from the pot of simmering soup. "What is it Rem, are you okay?" She could see the churning emotions in Rem's eyes. "Th- The other guest smells of the witch as well. I don't want to make the same mistake again, but.. But if they are witch cultists, then they shouldn't be here! They should be dead!" Ram stopped cooking altogether and put her hands on Rem's shoulders. "Listen to me, Rem. Those two are definitely not witch cultists. Especially that idiot, Barusu. Rey has the trust of Emilia, and I still can't get over that look in his eye when we were riding in the carriage on the way here. Those eyes reflected a deep pain, not a demented lust for the witch."

Despite the logic in her words, Rem still wasn't entirely convinced. She wasn't at the point of wanting to kill them on sight anymore, however. "I will give Subaru a chance then. Rey on the other hand... I don't know what to do. I tried to kill him! He might want revenge.." Ram decided she'd drop the ball. "Well, he was looking for you earlier today. He kept telling me he wanted to apologize to you. I should've cut him in half, the idiot."

Rem certainly didn't expect that. "He was looking to apologize? But- I was the one who attacked him! If anyone should apologize it should be me." Ram clicked her tongue in disgust. "That bastard almost killed you. Don't apologize to him."

"He could've left me to die, sister. Then you would've attacked him, and he would've killed you too. All of this was my fault, I have to atone for nearly putting your life in danger." Tears started gathering in the corner's of Rem's eyes. Finally, Ram could see she wouldn't win this argument. "Is that how you really feel?" Rem nodded vigorously. "Yes. That's how I feel." With a sigh, Ram pointed towards the door. "Fine. Go and find that lunatic. I'll finish preparing lunch. Besides, that asylum patient is going to be attending lunch as well. I don't want anything to happen in front of Lord Roswaal and it would be better if you two settled things."

With a nod, Rem left her sister to continue preparing lunch. About 10 minutes later, she caught sight of black feathers and finally saw the man she was looking for. His back was turned to her, only revealing his corvid feathers and boots. Rey was staring out of a window, up into the sky where peaceful clouds drifted. A glass bottle of red substance was lightly grasped in his hand before he took a drink and stowed it into his personal void. Rem could feel her heart quicken with anxiety as she approached. "Rey?" She managed to get out.

His head turned, shocking Rem when she saw his eyes were half filled with tears. "I apologize Rem. I should've tried to explain myself better. I'm also Sorry you have to see me in this current state as well." Rem walked closer. "No, everything was my fault. I don't deserve an apology from you. I tried to kill you. I was going to kill you while you looked at me in resignation. Even after I- I smashed you through the window, you still didn't want to fight me. I couldn't see past that single thing! That smell... it drives me insane with hatred! I-"

Rey looked down at the shorter woman and interrupted her rant. "How about we start over then, Rem?" The look on her face was shock in its purest form. "How can you address me so casually after I tried to kill you?" A distant look appeared in Rey's eyes. "Up until recently I had to fight for my life almost constantly. Somebody trying to kill me happened so often that its relieving to just live my life without the need to endlessly fight." He sighed. "None of that matters right now. Just know that I'm not going to hold a grudge against you."

He extended his hand, offering a handshake and repeating his offer. "Let's start over, Rem." She could feel tears forming in her eyes as she took his hand and shook firmly. "Thank you, Rey. I don't know what I can do, but I'll make it up to you somehow." The two released the handshake, and Rey pulled something from his pocket. "I want you to have this as a gesture of good faith. It helped someone I know remember who he was." Rem didn't have a choice as he placed the object into her hands.

It was a small black box with a crank on the side of it. "Go ahead Rem, open it." She looked down at the box and held it up to get a better look at it. Upon opening it, a song started to play. It was melancholy, and a little unsettling. (Lullaby for Mergo*) Eventually it came to an end. Rem didn't know what to say, so she imitated her sister. "That song was creepy, it didn't exactly leave a good impression." The two shared a look before they both started laughing. The laughter died down after a short while, and Rem became curious about something.

"Why were you crying just now, if you don't mind me asking Rey?" The hunter looked back out the window. "It's the daytime sky. Before yesterday, I haven't seen it in such a long time. My memories of it became blurry and I could never appreciate just how beautiful it is until that unending night..." He trailed off, thinking about the hell he lived in for so long.

"Well, you two seem to be getting along now. You probably violated Rem's mind with your words. I ought to cut you in half for your psychotic crimes, Rey." Ram had turned the corner, standing there with a hand on her hip. A smile tugged at Rem's lips. "Sister sister, Rey has repeatedly violated my ears with this terrible music box. My only choice is to throw it into a fire."

The ever perceptive Rey didn't realize they were joking with him. "Wait, what are you talking about?! I gave you that music box as a gesture of friendship!" Rem closed her eyes with an innocent smile. "You really are socially inept, aren't you Rey?" Ram saw this as a good opportunity to cut in. "You're right, Rem. Rey is entirely clueless when it comes to social interactions. Quite sad, really."

Now Rey was just speechless. Finally, the gears in his head turned and he put a palm to his face. "You two are joking. I see. You make me want to disappear from this world." He reached into his pocket and activated the portal so they couldn't see what he was doing. Retrieving a blue elixir, he drank a single sip of the container. "Goodbye forever, you two."

The two maids gasped as his body became semi-transparent. "Look what your jokes have done to me. Are you proud of what you've done?" Rolling her eyes, Ram approached him and poked his mostly transparent chest. "Huh. I didn't know you had the mental capacity to land a joke, Rey." Rem also started prodding at Rey's now transparent body. "What was in that drink, Rey?"

He took a step back so they'd stop messing with him. "Its a blue elixir. Generally, its used as an anesthetic to numb the brain. I'm only awake right now because I'm forcing myself to stay that way. Though it is very tiring. There's also the side effect of what you're seeing now." Ram huffed. "Well how long are you going to be like that? I came over here to tell you two that Lord Roswaal has returned and we are to prepare lunch immediately."

To answer her question, Rey felt the effects of the liquid die off and he became opaque once again. "That long. And very well, I will go to the dining hall. If I may ask, where is the dining hall?" Folding her arms, Ram turned and started walking away. "Idiot, the dining hall is on the second floor east hallway on the left. If those instructions are to complicated then you don't deserve to be there anyways."

Rem pointed behind him. "Its down the hallway on the left." Without another word, she turned and caught up to her sister. When those two aren't trying to kill me or be overly professional, they're actually quite pleasant to be around. Nostalgia hit him like a wave as he remembered the now blurry faces of his family members and their antics. A warm feeling quietly bubbled in his chest. This feeling, its joy. How foreign.

His mood had significantly improved by the time he reached the dining hall. There, Subaru and Emilia were already waiting along with Beatrice and a small floating cat. That must be the entity that was inside of Emilia's jewel. However, his eyes were glued to the man sitting at the head of the table. There sat a man dressed as a jester, makeup and all.

"Ahhhh, you must be the other gueeesst. Please come and jooin us!" The man stood and gestured to the chair next to Subaru. The hunter's first instincts about this man was that he is dangerous. Very dangerous. "Thank you for allowing me to join you, Lord- Roswaal was it?" Roswaal put a hand to his face. "Ahh how foooolish of me. I forgot to introduce myseeellf. I am Roswaal L Mathers, a pleeasssure if I do say so myself."

Rey blinked at the man's antics. "I'm Rey Faust, a Hunter from Yharnam." He introduced himself before sitting down, and that's when a cat filled his vision. "So you're the Rey everyone is talking about. Nice to meet ya! I'm Puck." The cat spirit suddenly closed the distance to whisper in his ear. "I know what you did to Rem. Know that if you ever even think about touching my Lia, I'll kill you."

The cat spirit expected to feel fear from the man, but instead felt nothing but a pit of apathy. "It wouldn't be the first time I've fought a Great One, even if you aren't actually one of them." Rey's mouth didn't move, yet his voice still projected into Puck's mind. Telepathy huh? Puck was impressed by this man who sat before him. He's dangerous.

"Puck right? It's nice to meet you. I hope we become fast friends like I did with Subaru." He looked into Puck's eyes. "I mean that too." Puck grinned back. "If you say so!" The little cat floated back into Beatrice's arms. "Who said we were friends?" Subaru looked over at Rey like he was crazy. "We haven't even had a full conversation yet, but I do have a bunch of questions for you. Like what the hell were you doing with a gun?"

Rey frowned at the crude term 'gun'. "A crude way of describing it. But yes, it is a firearm. You do not look like you'd fit in Yharnam or anywhere else in my old world. Yet, you know what a firearm is. How curious." The two outsiders shared a look. Any further questions were interrupted as the maids brought in their food.

Looking down at the food caused a strange feeling to emerge from the pit of Rey's stomach. When was the last time I even ate? He slowly swirled his spoon in the soup, pondering. Eventually he brought the spoon to his mouth and tasted the soup. There was no surprise that he couldn't taste anything. It still smells delectable though. With a heavy sigh, he started eating the rest of the soup. Even through everything he still needed food, water, and sleep. All of which he did not get last night or in the untold amount of time he was trapped within the dream.

"Whaaats wrong? Is the soup not to your liikiiing, Rey?" The hunter shook his head. "No its not that. After everything I've been through, I shouldn't be surprised that I can't taste anything anymore. It smells wonderful though." Subaru cut in, "It tastes wonderful too! Say, this was cooked by the maid with the blue hair correct? Rem is your name, right?"

Rem politely bowed to her guest. "Yes that's correct. I prepared the food." Subaru pointed his fork at her. "Ohhh I think I see where this is going. You two are twins right? So if everything follows the certain tropes, then you must be very good at cooking and Ram must be good at cleaning right?" She nodded. "Yes, my sister excels at cleaning." Subaru's grin widened. "So that must mean you're bad at cleaning, right?"

If the word deadpan could be summed up in one picture, it would be Rem's face. "Actually I am very good at cleaning. Even better than my sister." Subaru's jaw dropped. "Wait. Really? You're better than your sister at everything regarding maid work?" Now it was Ram's turn to answer. "Yes, that's correct. Rem is quite perfect at anything regarding maidly duties."

Rey ignored their conversation, instead staring into his bowl of soup. Eventually He could feel eyes boring into him, and he looked up to see Roswaal staring at him intensely. Upon being caught, the Lord shifted his intense look into a kind smile. Strange. Rey went back to eating, until a very interesting topic came up by Emilia no less. "That's right. My official title is candidate for the 42nd ruler of the kingdom of Legnica, with the backing of the honorable Lord Roswaal."

Subaru practically fell out of his chair. "WHAT?!" Rey saw Emilia's cheeks redden slightly in embarrassment. "Sorry Subaru. It wasn't like I was trying to keep it a secret or anything." She fished out her insignia and put it on the table. "That's your insignia. Is that what marks you as a candidate or something?" Emilia nodded. "Yes. If this insignia starts to glow whenever its held, then that marks that person as an official candidate."

"So you lost something so important that it would jeopardize whether or not you can become a queen?!" Emilia reddened deeper. "I didn't lose it! It was stolen from me!" Subaru clenched his hair. "That's the same thing!" Meanwhile, Rey's mind had shifted to something else.

"So, we both appear out of nowhere and somehow make an immediate connection with one of the most important people in the country, almost like we targeted her." Subaru's face started paling. "Whoa!! That means we look totally suspect here!" Rey shrugged. "Well, you look totally suspect here. I just followed you because of that energy that radiates off of you. Speaking of that, I think I know what it is now. Its the-"

"Perhaaaaps we shouldn't discuss something along the lines of thaaaaat here at the table." Roswaal's face held no malice in it, but the look in his eyes directed towards Rey could melt glass. However, he wasn't intimidated in the slightest. "Is this because of Rem, Lord Roswaal? I'm happy to say we already resolved that problem. The same energy radiates off of myself, even though I cannot detect it."

Surprise came across the Lord's face. "Oh? Is that so? Well then, I guess it is alright to enlighten Subaru and Emilia of his condition." Rey put his hands together, leaning on the table. "I believe you have what Rem called, 'The stench of the witch' on you. Apparently, we both have been cursed by this so called witch."

"That's seems the most likely scenario I suppose." Beatrice spoke up, folding her arms with a huff. "You both absolutely reek of the witch. Rey smiled internally. Insight is correct as always. A hand slammed on the table as Subaru suddenly stood up. "Wait a minute. Who exactly is this witch anyways?! And why would they curse us?!" Beatrice frowned. "You really are clueless. When one speaks of 'the witch' they can only mean the Witch of Envy I suppose. Explaining all of this would be troublesome. I suppose Betty can lend you one of her more useless books from the library, granted you stay in there when you read it."

Subaru now looked embarrassed. "Well, the thing is- I can't really read." Rey threw in his two cents. "Neither can I, not this written language anyways." Beatrice huffed once more. "Useless, the both of you I suppose." Ram took a step forward. "Perhaps I should teach them, Lord Roswaal."

The jester nodded. "Indeed, Ram. See to that. Nowwww, there is one last thing we must discuss before I must return to worrrrrrk. What is it you two wiish for saving Miss Emilia's liiiife? You can ask for anything you desiiiirre." Subaru practically beamed and stood up without hesitation. "I'm starting to like this mansion. Hire me to work here!" He finished his sentence off by standing with a pose full of pride. The awkwardness was so thick it even disturbed Rey.

Ram and Rem just stared blankly at Subaru for a moment. That's when Ram felt a sneeze coming on and sneezed gently with a textbook 'Chyuu.' That was cute. Rey thought in passing. Wait, what? He blinked, racking his brain for a moment before grinning to himself as he found an explanation for his thoughts. It appears I can still see things for what they are in a normal context.

"Annnd what about you, Reyy?" The hunter blinked and returned to the conversation. "I have nowhere else to go, and zero connections in this world at all. Therefore I would like to study this world's arcane abilities and have full access to the forbidden library whenever I please, as well as be provided a room, food and some sort of income to keep myself sustainable. When I learn an adequate amount, then I shall either leave or be employed by you, Lord Roswaal. I have not made that decision yet."

Roswaal's face exploded in a wide smile. "Ahhh! A very interesting proposition indeeeeeed Rey. I accept." Beatrice was now actively glaring at Roswaal. "You- Why would you give him full access to Betty's library?!" Roswaal didn't answer, at least in the form of words. All he did was close his eyes and smile at Beatrice. The great spirit leapt out of her chair and stormed out of the room, grumbling all the way.

"Yeah, good luck with that dude." Subaru looked at Rey like he made the dumbest choice imaginable. The hunter shrugged, not caring what he thought. At that, Roswaal stood up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll have to start working. Oh and Rey, if you would, come up to my study at your convenience. I wish to speak about this world you come from."

When Roswaal left, Emilia piped up. "Remember our condition, Rey. You have to answer my questions." There was a playful grin on her face as she said this. Ram and Rem also took a step closer to the table, expecting him to start talking. Subaru was obviously curious as well.

"Fine. I can see you're all ogling at me and waiting for me to speak, so I will. Get ready, because this is going to be a lengthy story."

"Before Yharnam and the dream, I was a noble's son. My father was named Doctor Jaeger Faust, and my mother Patricia Faust. My Father is the lordship over a few villages in the eastern province of a mediocre country. Back then, I was an average boy. Except I had money, and I was spoiled rotten. My life was exceptionally easy, and I had a large loving family. Until one day, I came down with an illness that could not be cured by conventional means. So, my father had hoped I could receive the blood ministration of Yharnam's healing church. From there... A healing church worker took my blood, and discovered I am something called a 'paleblood.'"

The group was listening intently to Rey's story, all curious about the enigmatic man's past. "That bastard who took my blood must have showed the choir, an upper echelon of people who are able to communicate with the Great Ones. The Great Ones are essentially gods from my world, able to exist between realities. From there, the second most powerful Great One, known only as the Moon Presence, seized my soul and imprisoned me within a pocket dimension known as the Hunter's Dream."

He paused as the five stared at him wide eyed. "Th- there isn't a single lie in anything he's said so far!" Puck himself had the most shock evident on his face. Rey looked over the group's shocked faces before continuing. "Inside the Hunter's Dream, time does not pass in the waking world. And on that particular night, the Moon Presence initiated something called the night of the hunt. This causes people to turn into beasts if they and it occurs around the entire planet. The only thing stopping the world from being overrun are the hunters. And being trapped in the dream brings about both the biggest blessing and curse one could imagine in my scenario."

Rey could feel a cold sweat building up as his memories came forth. "I couldn't stay dead." His hands clenched into fists, causing the leather of his gloves to groan. "My first death, I woke up on a cold table in the blood ministration clinic and wondered down the stairs. Waiting for me was a massive wolf type beast known as a scourge beast. I was eaten alive in moments. After that, I woke up inside of the hunter's dream. I felt such glee upon noticing I didn't die the first time. If I had known what was in store for me, I most likely would have broken down right there." He calmed down, releasing his tight fists. Nobody saw Subaru flinch, paling into a ghostly white. That is until Emilia suddenly looked over at him, and the man flashed her a brilliant smile as Rey continued his story.

"Inside the dream were two people who guided me along the way. The first hunter, Gehrman. And a woman who had no name, and wasn't human. I could only call her 'The Doll.' Very few others helped me throughout this terrible journey, but one of them was named Eileen the Crow. In fact, I'm wearing a custom version of her armor. In any case, I wondered the streets of Yharnam alone. I suffered many fatal wounds, and always woke up in the exact same spot and time of day. It was the most painful experience anyone could imagine. I went from an innocent boy to a hardened killer through trial and error. It took months, dying on the same night over and over again. Eventually I lost myself in the endless deaths. However, there was a balance to this situation. I absorbed the power of the foes I killed, and if I were to survive then I could return to the Hunter's Dream and have them channeled into my being through units of power called 'Blood Echoes.' I could feel myself growing stronger, and eventually I was able to overcome the first of many obstacles when I managed to kill a massive beast that was at least half as tall as this building."

Subaru practically jumped out of his chair. "What!? No way! Was it really that big?!" Puck shivered slightly. "He's not lying..." The twins glanced at each other with frightened looks, while Emilia's pale face somehow managed to pale further. "Anyways. After that, I learned that I could progress the night by destroying certain creatures or enemies. Eventually, through an unknown amount of years I was able to break free of the Hunter's dream and slay The Moon Presence. After absorbing it, my body changed into something completely alien. I had lost my human form and The Doll picked me up. She told me that Gehrman's last wish was to free humanity from the shackles of the Great Ones, and the only thing that could threaten humanity with subjugation was myself. So, she walked to the edge of the Hunter's dream and plummeted into the unending void below. The next thing I know, I'm laying down in the middle of a blood ritual being performed by the witch cultists and soon after that I bumped into Subaru."

The room was silent for a moment, collecting their thoughts. Emilia then broke the silence. "That story seems so ludicrous its hard to believe. But, from what I've seen of you I think I can trust what you say." Subaru arched an eyebrow. "Who says ludicrous in this day and age?" Rem suddenly had tears in her eyes once more and quickly approached Rey. "I'm so sorry, Rey! I- I could only think about that smell of the witch's cult on you! That's why I- I-" At this point she was fully bawling quietly in her hands.

Rey didn't know what to do as this woman wept right in front of him. So, he tried to replicate what The Doll did for him a few times when times really got rough. Rey stood up and awkwardly put his arms around Rem in a hug. The girl gasped before immediately wrapping her arms around Rey and squeezed him tight. He blinked, staring off at the wall as he shifted his arms slightly on Rem's petite form. So this is what hugging a girl feels like. I had forgotten how nice it is. Very different from The Doll's hard body.

After a moment, Rey pulled away and glanced at Ram. The older sister gave him a kind smile and a nod in thanks. He blinked at her smile and looked back down at Rem. "Don't be sorry anymore Rem. I'm just glad we're able to trust each other now." Rem answered with a smile of her own before Subaru voiced his concern. "Sooo, you guys mind filling me in on what happened between you two?" Emilia seemed just as curious too, nodding in agreement.

Before they could respond, Ram decided to answer for both of them. "What I say will not leave this room. It willnot reach Lord Roswaal do you understand?" Subaru paled before nodding, and Emilia had a worried look etched onto her face. "I understand Ram." The older sister sighed before continuing. "My sister smelled the scent of the witch on Rey... And then tried to kill him."

Rem couldn't meet the two pairs of eyes as they stared at her in shock. "Rey fought back, and healed Rem before he tried to leave. That's when I arrived and saw what had happened. After that... My sister and I talked, and I convinced her that Rey isn't a member of the witch's cult. Then, they both apologized in the hallway. That is all."

Subaru and Emilia were speechless. That is until Subaru jumped out of his chair and slammed his hands down on the table. "So, you and Rem tried to kill each other not even 24 hours prior? And now you're just buddy buddy?! What kind of lazy ass plot line is this?!"

Rem tilted her head towards Rey, suddenly curious and worried. "Why did you want to forgive me Rey?" At this point Rey felt a deep shame. "Well. Last night I met Beatrice for the first time. And just like Puck, she feels similar to the Great Ones. I was fully prepared to kill her right then and there if she answered even one of my questions incorrectly. Just as I was preparing to strike her down, she answered a question that hinted towards innocence and that allowed me to see the full picture. My actions... I'm a complete hypocrite. At the time, I was going to make the same mistake as Rem. All I could think about was my hatred towards the Great Ones."

Ram huffed. "You really are an idiot, aren't you Rey? However, you were able to reel in your anger before it boiled over. And for that I can say you aren't completely hopeless." Rey couldn't help the minute smile that creeped onto his face. "Always with the insults, Ram?" Emilia cut in before she could respond. "Regardless of that. Rem, Rey? I need to know right now. Will you ever feel that way again?" The two in question shared a look before turning back to Emilia. Rey could easily tell what was on Rem's mind, so he spoke for the both of them. "No, I would confidently say that we will never try to attack each other ever again."

Emilia beamed. "That's wonderful to hear! Now, I'm sorry to cut this conversation short but I need to study for the royal selection. Subaru, why don't you find something appropriate to wear as a new worker?" Subaru gave her a salute. "You got it 'Mili!"

Rey stood from the table. "I will take my leave as well. Roswaal wished to speak with me. After that, I'll be in the forbidden library if anybody needs me." Everybody bid their goodbyes and went to do what they had to do.

Meanwhile, Rey couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he climbed the stairs to Roswaal's office. Why am I feeling this all of a sudden? It was so powerful that Rey hesitated, standing outside of the man's office. You have faced down countless monsters, and yet you hesitate here? The hunter braced himself before walking into the room as calm as he possibly could.

"Ahhh. I didn't expect to see you so soon, Rey." The first thing he noticed was the man's strange accent had vanished. Then his face came into view. It was deadly serious. "You see, there's something very very wrong here my dear Rey. I don't know a single thing about you, and I know everything." Bloodlust radiated off of Roswaal, so thick that Rey stopped moving momentarily.

Roswaal stood from his desk, and walked around it to stare into Rey's eyes. "Care to explain why I knew about Subaru and not you, Rey?" He quickly fought off the paralyzing bloodlust, and glared back at Roswaal. "How would you know about Subaru? He comes from a different world too, doesn't he?" A grin split across Roswaal's face. "You catch on quickly I see! Yes, yes he does! However, if you ever let him know about me I'll kill you!" He ended the sentence with a joyful smile.

Now Rey's own bloodlust started bubbling beneath the surface. "Are you sure you're capable of killing me?" The jester just laughed in his face. "Oh, I'm quite sure you will die, just like all the others. But you may be able to walk out of this room with your life if you tell me why I don't know anything about you." Rey decided to humor the clown.

"If I had to guess, it would be the ancient echoes coursing through my veins. I've absorbed beings far older than this country, Roswaal. I'll kill and absorb you too if you give me a reason." The two had a deadly stare down before Roswaal burst out laughing. "My my! How interesting this is! I think I'll let you live, for now. However, if you interfere in my plans then you will die. Now leave me be."

Without looking at him, Roswaal shoo'd him away with a hand as he walked back to his desk. Rey cast him one last glare before walking out of the study. I'll have to be careful around him.

Rey aimlessly roamed the hallways, plotting about Roswaal. Can I defeat him? This is my last chance. I can not afford to die now, not when I've just been freed. His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar feeling coming from a door. Opening it revealed the forbidden library.

"Beatrice." He closed the door behind him and approached the spirit. "Well let's just get this over with I suppose. Hurry up and learn, then leave." Rey wasn't in the mood. "Beatrice. I need ask you a few questions."

The apathetic stare looked back at him. "Are you going to want to kill me again, in fact?" Shaking his head, Rey started to pace around the chair Beatrice was sitting in. "I need to know a few things, Beatrice. Are you close to Roswaal?"

She blinked at him. "Disgusting. Who would want to be close to that freak?" Rey stared down at the small spirit as he paced back and forth. "So, even though you two aren't close you still have to heed his command?" Beatrice frowned. "Just spit out what you want already." Rey stopped his pacing. "Roswaal threatened to kill me because he doesn't know anything about me. What does that mean?"

The short woman closed her book and glared up at Rey. "This is troublesome I suppose. I'm guessing he didn't tell you how he knows everything, correct?" Shaking his head, Rey folded his arms. "No. I have no idea. I'll have to tread carefully unless I want to fight him to the death. Judging by what I feel from him, we'd most likely destroy a large portion of the mansion before either one of us are dead."

"Just take your fighting and keep it far away from my library I suppose." Rey sighed, and decided to change the subject. "So, I see you didn't leave my book on the floor. Did you start trying to read it yet?" A vein bulged on Beatrice's face. "That insufferable book has an illegible script on it. I cannot read it I suppose." Rey shrugged. "You could always join Subaru, Ram, and I if you want to learn how to read my book."

Beatrice thought on that for a moment before shaking her head. "I cannot I suppose. I must remain here in the forbidden library." Rey thought of a compromise. "Well, how about I teach you until I'm supposed to meet up with Ram and Subaru? I can get you started on the basics." Feigned anger appeared on Beatrice's face. "Hmf! Well I suppose if that's the best you can do, I'll accept I suppose."

The two sat while Rey did his best to teach Beatrice the ins and outs of English script. Beatrice was a fast learner, and by the time Rey had to leave she could already recognize all the letters and what they sounded like.

Now it was Rey's turn to learn how to read. So here he was, sitting at a desk with Subaru while Ram taught them. By the time they were done, it was dinnertime. This meal was much less formal than the previous one, and Roswaal hadn't come down to join them. Subaru, as always, provided good entertainment as they ate. Ram and Rem were sitting with them as well after Emilia practically begged the twins to dine alongside them. However, fatigue was weighing down on Rey after not sleeping last night or at any point during the dream.

"Are you alright Rey?" Emilia was looking over at him with concerned eyes. There wasn't exactly an easy response to that. "Yes, I'm just sleep deprived. I'm- I guess I'm scared to fall asleep again. Its been... Years since I've slept from my perspective. But now that I'm out of the dream, I must sleep. Just- last time I fell asleep, I was trapped for so long." He shook his head. "Do not worry about me. I'll be fine, I always am."

Rey stood up. "If you'll excuse me." The others didn't know what to say as he walked out of the dining hall. In reality, Rey's head was in excruciating pain, even for his tolerance. Once he reached his room, Rey sat at his desk and pulled out one of his throwing knives. I cannot fall asleep. I cannot. I must not. His thoughts drifted to what Gehrman told him just before they fought. "Forget the dream, wake up to the morning sun. Be free from the night."

Without another thought, Rey grabbed the throwing knife and plunged it into his hand all the way up to the handle. The knife went clear through the table beneath it. "I cannot fall asleep. I cannot fall asleep. I cannot fall asleep. If I fall asleep I might forget everything!" He stood there for several minutes, wiggling the knife every time he felt a wave of sleepiness hit him in order for the pain to keep him standing. There was a sudden knock at his door. "R-Rey? I smell blood, are you okay?" It was Rem. "I- I'm fine, Rem." The door was suddenly blasted open by a kick.

"Sister!" Rem called out as Ram walked through the open doorway she had just created. "What a mess you are, Rey." He wrenched the knife out from the table and his hand. "I know, Ram." The twins looked up at him with their own version of concern clearly pasted on each face. Rem had a clear look of worry and sadness as blood dripped off the knife while Ram's face was her usual frown, though the look in her eyes betrayed what she showed. Ram snatched the knife out of his grip while Rem grabbed his hand and started healing it with her magic. He didn't resist either motion.

"Why are you so terrified of falling asleep Rey?" Ram's eyes tried to bore into his own, but he couldn't meet her gaze as he responded. "There's a chance I could forget everything I experienced in the dream if I fall asleep. If that happens- I'll be reduced to that pathetic noble boy I was before. My body will be the same, but I won't be the Rey you two have met."

Both maid's eyes widened as he looked back towards them. "Is there any magic in this world that can prevent someone from sleeping? Please, I need to know. I don't know if I can last another night like this." There was a desperation in his voice that the two had never heard from his usual calm and soft voice. The twins looked at one another before Ram spoke up. "To my knowledge, there is no magic like that here."

Rey slouched slightly in defeat. "Then I will last as long as I can. It's all I can do now. I'm sorry you two, but if the next time you see me I'm confused and don't know who you are please be patient with me." Tears started forming in Rem's eyes while Ram's refused to meet his own. Looking at them like this stirred something in his chest. "No, I've changed my mind. I'm going to purposefully fall asleep. I- I would very much enjoy it if you two stayed at my side. Will you?" The two nodded and replied without hesitation. "Of course we will, Rey."

The tired hunter worked off his Crowfeather garb, and changed into a sleeping gown provided to him yesterday without any shame present. As he did this Ram looked away, and covered Rem's eyes. When the moment was over, Rey crawled into bed. It felt strange, to be in a bed after so long. There was a sister on each side of his bed, and they each held a hand of his. After a moment, there was a feeling of absolute bliss as he laid there in bed. It was the most comfortable he had been in his entire life. That feeling in his chest grew evermore. "Thank you... Ram, Rem. If I forget everything come morning, just know that I'm thankful to have you two by my side."

He let out a single dry laugh, holding no humor in it. "You know, I've only met you two a day prior and I can already call you two the closest friends I've ever had in my life. Even though we just about killed each other. How pathetic right? If only The Doll could see me now..." Rem and Ram shared a look. "You are not pathetic, idiot." "Yes Rey, you are definitely anything but that!" The largest wave of fatigue was hitting Rey now. "Thanks you two...I- It won't be long now." He closed his eyes, now too tired to stop himself from falling off the cliff into unconsciousness.

Darkness surrounded him as he felt the sensation of falling. Below him, he saw what looked like a flame approach from a distance. Rey continued to fall until he hit an invisible floor and suddenly found himself standing up out of a comfortable leather chair. "Woah now, take it easy 'good hunter.'" A man sat on the other side of the cozy yet dark living room they sat in, stoking a fire with his poking stick.

"Where am I? What is this?" Rey tried calling upon his weapons, but had no such luck. The man continued to stoke the fire as he responded. "No weapons? Ah, you won't be needing them here anyways. You're perfectly safe here." Rey grew angry. "Answer my questions. What is this? Where am I? Who are you?!"

The man stopped stoking the fire and leaned his stick up against the brick fireplace. "Well, right now we're both in your mind. That ought to answer your first two questions. As for who I am, well you don't already know? You still have my rune etched into your mind after all." Rey blinked. "Impossible. You are said to have no physical form!" The man relaxed in his chair. "Does this count as a physical form? We're in your mind after all."

Rey clenched his hands into fists. "Stop playing with me, Oedon! Tell me what it is you want." The most powerful Great One started picking at his nails in a posh fashion. "Well contrary to what the healing church and the choir thinks, the Great Ones are not capable of interdimensional travel. Surely, we can get as far as going in-between base reality and the next dimension, we can never reach the other side. Places like the Hunter's Dream, The nightmare of Mensis, and even Yahar'Gul are just different planes of existence within the same reality. Its just like the one we're in now. I'm inside your thoughts, having created this existence myself. However, we are still within the Kingdom of Lugunica, yes? And that's the most interesting part. You. You and that Doll managed to somehow breech the interdimensional wall. Seeing such an interesting opportunity as that, I hopped in your head to go along with the ride. Of course, now I'm stuck here for the time being."

A feral grin appeared on his face. "Of course, I could always violently make my escape. Though causing your brain to ooze out of your ears as I make my escape would damage me as well, so for now I just have to slowly let my energy seep out of you until my consciousness leaves. And what's even more interesting is that my energy is on the exact same wavelength as that witch within Subaru."

He paused to laugh like a mad man.

"I now have a connection with her, Satella. Or should I say the Witch of Envy? Much in the same way as you have a connection to that idiotic boy, Subaru. That's why you're so drawn to him, like you must remain by his side. You two are linked! Though, I have a connection to him as well. And I must say, there are some interesting thoughts going on in that boy's head. Oh, and don't worry about that witch. She cannot read your thoughts because I'm preventing her from doing so. She has no authority over me or your mind. When it comes to knowledge on living underneath base reality, she is quite ignorant compared to me." Oedon let out another chuckle. "How interesting!"

Rey frowned. "Why are you telling me all of this? Wouldn't you be better off keeping me in the dark?" The ever present smile never left Oedon's face. "Well, I just want to make things more interesting. That's all that matters to me now after having lived for several millennia. And this new existence is just... exquisite. A change so fresh it almost feels like I have a body of flesh and bone once more."

Annoyance rose up into Rey's mind. "Where are you going with this? Why did you bring me here?" Oedon stood up out of his chair and walked over to Rey. "Well, those thoughts about forgetting everything and going back to a simple nobleman's son really got me thinking Rey. What if you were indeed correct? Wouldn't that just be so interesting?"

Now Rey stood up. "You're saying I was wrong? I'm not going to lose my memories?" Oedon covered his own mouth with a hand as he cackled maniacally. "Well, that's not the case so much anymore. You see, I'm going to tamper with your mind a little bit, just to make it more interesting for me to watch, yes?"

"You bastard! You're going to erase my memories?! What happens if a beast shows up? I won't know how to kill it, and you said it yourself if I die you will be damaged! Don't you see how idiotic your plan is?!" Oedon shrugged. "I won't be damaged beyond repair. Surely I'll lose a millennia or two of my own memories, but I am timeless. I'll just have to live a couple more, won't I? Besides, things are getting interesting between you and those two demon maids. You could also say I'm doing this for your sake. Wouldn't you want to remember the real Rey Faust? The one who wasn't destroyed by the torture of the Hunter's Dream? Oh, and don't worry. Your memories won't be permanently erased. At least, you'll get them back once that idiot dies again."

Rey was about to ask what he was talking about when Oedon snapped and his vision clicked into place, in a strange room he had never seen before. He shifted his arms, and felt a weight on each one. There, sitting on each side of the bed was what looked like twins. One with pink hair, and the other with blue hair. They were both slouched in their respective chairs, asleep and holding onto one of his hands. Wh-Where am I? Who are these two?

His thoughts were that of a frightened young man, fresh out of his Father's estate. Right now he was contemplating whether or not to sneak out of this room or wake up the two maids. In the end, he decided to wake them up. "Who are you two?" The one with pink hair stirred awake, and looked down at him. "Are you okay, Rey?" He was shocked.

"How do you know my name? Who are you?" Sadness crept into her eyes. "So it's just like you feared." At this point he was completely lost. "What are you talking about?" She squeezed his hand. "Your memories, Rey. They're gone."

"What..." Rey could swear he heard an eccentric man maniacally cackle h in the back of his mind.