Warning : a character introduced in s2/arc 4 appears now ahead of time
Puck
1 day earlier
This place...Sanctuary
It makes my fur crawl
Never in my days, I remember sensing so much of a witch presence
A witch is not necessarily evil. But only a fool would trust one
I need to be wary.
Witches are supposed to be dead in this day and age but authorities still plague this world
I can't let Lia suffer because of it
As soon as I put Lia out of the danger zone, I headed towards where she is supposed to land
I would feel a little bad about leaving them here...But her safety trumps all
It would be nice if you survived however Subaru Natsuki
This place is so dense with trees. Luckily I did not need to travel through it. It feels as if a spell would affect all those that would wander in it unaccustomed. Although...I can't count on that stopping them
I did not pay much attention to humans back when I was searching for her. This was my mistake. These people are dangerous. As long as they exist, Lia won't be able to live in peace. If only they were her only enemies
Now the landing site…
This mausoleum looks so old
And smells so much. At least whoever it was, the witch that lived here is probably long dead. Not that they can't be dangerous from beyond the grave. But that's a problem for later.
It's not that big. Around half as tall as the mansion, and most likely as large as one of its wings.
It's made of rocks and is surprisingly well maintained. I was told this place is a shelter for people but I find it hard to believe they would be thrilled to take care of a witch monument. Yet it still looks like its original form is untouched, with the only successful attack of nature being vines.
The ice stake lia arrived at the door, not damaging the building itself, only the stairs. It has shattered on impact but you could still see the initial shape intact. I'll have to apologize for being so rough...If she is alive to be mad at me it will be worth it.
"This place is in Roswaal's backyard...I'll have to give a piece of my mind later."
Where is Lia...There she is!
"Lia are you alright-LIA!"
Her form was laid on the ground, unmoving. There were some scratches on her but her body was mostly intact
"Crap!"
That's not normal. Did I overestimate how sturdy she is...No there's no concussion. And she is still breathing. I would know if she is not
Why is she asleep?
That's not good. I separated her from them because I won't be able to maintain my form very long. But even if this place is safer I can't risk her being asleep in an unknown place
"What should I do? Crap!"
I feel so...No I have to do something before...Losing consciousness
"Al Huma!"
An ice dome should do for protection. The night is not young. I can only hope I wake up soon. It won't be discrete but that's all I can go for.
Let's put her inside...I ...don't...like leaving her in a tumb like that but this will have to do…
Why...Do I feel so sleepy?
I even took mana from the surroundings...I should have been able to keep up more…
Unless…
"That bastard" But he'll not hear me curse him
I will…
zzzz
Subaru
What is the sin I have committed?
Of course, I know the answer to that question. I have committed to many to count.
But right now it's undoubtedly naivety.
I shouldn't have thought we were saved just because we reached civilization.
For that mistake, this is why I'm currently flying through the air
To be honest I don't know how it happened. I vaguely heard a hoarse voice coming from my sides, as I was catching my breath and trying to prepare myself to communicate with the villagers. But I didn't have the time to turn my head that I was projected into the air
The landing, as you would expect, was rough. If I had to say, I flew about as high as the small hut-like houses that were around us. It's difficult to make an accurate guess when you faceplant violently.
But for better or worse I lived and died worse.
I groaned and tried to get up as quickly as I could but I was once again projected, this time in the direction of my back...This time I could see the attack more clearly. It was some sort of spiky ground protrusions. If anything I could thank my luck for not being skewered.
I fell over. Again. My head swirled and I wanted to puke the badly cleaned game we had for the last dinner.
Just need to get up
« Urh...What! Hey, what the? »
I tried to gather my legs, but
« It doesn't move! »
I pulled on my arms, although they felt sore from the shock, and the sounds that I have been hearing ever since the commotion started to make more sense.
Rem was the only person from our group still moving. And against her was a lone man, with an aggressive stance and face.
?
Such a bad goddamn day damnit!
Those pricks a few hours ago, and now those bastards
Look at'em strolling into our village, not even botherin to act like they're intruder. Actin like they're on a damn picnic too, sitting on the ground like they own the fuckin place. Make me wanna spit out. How did they even get through the forest anyway? All those damn basterds acting like our shelter is a godamn joke
If they think us guards are sleepin around and can't give them the reality check, they gonna be in pain soon enough
« What do y all think ya doin in that village, ya filthy squatters! »
First, send them flyin.
Ah! This batch sure is a bunch of weaklin
Second, keep'em rockin
taste the dirt before you can't
Third Pin'em down the ground
And finally,
« Argh! »
What was that!
It hurt damnit!
That thing slammed in my side outta nowhere
WHO DID THIS!
Right side?
Nope
Left...
A wack told me the answer. Whoever it was her fist sent me packin from behind. They sure aren't like the other flat-armed basterd!
Don't you think you can just slam me around forever!
« Melakuera never bites the snow either! »
I'll show you why I'm callin myself the « shield »
the form he small. It didn't lost time either and also rushed to me
Got guts you gotta hand it to them
« Won't do anythin if I spill them all out! »
« Uh?! »Quit yappin, more punchin. You sure know' bout the last one
« Take a loada my fist! »
Slammed them good for sure. Letta goes of that flail thing she smashed me'round with and met the sky.
But didn't make'em stop movin. Not that I expected someone that slammed me aroun to just go down like it was nothin when I didn't even hit the head
No before reachin the ground they prepared for a roll, and once on their two feet, they began to run again towards...
Their mace handle
Not on my watch!
It was in the middle of the two of us. Not that ill be beaten in a race,
The form was fast too though. Though it was brief I could see it was a lass. Or so I'd say but an enemy is only a future smash so all she gonna get is a good wackin
But
Instead of failing to grab her mace she suddenly jumped, abandoning it, and instead of aiming to stomp upon me. I barely dodged although that crater told me I did well
Stupid midget
Just need to stay on guard, feet on the ground, eyes on the price
« Wait a minute »
That midget
And that wackin power and willingness
« Paf' »
She didn't care about my peace attempt and smacked me in the face, sendin me rollin on the ground
« Your manners are still awful, garfiel-kun! »
She said as I was rollin on the ground, looking angry, but her face spoutin those words as if it was just the obvious thing
« I'll make you pay for that, stupid …'
« Ack !' »
That bitch. Smackin a man down while he won't punch back, that's really a woman thin to do
« Stop actin like you can just pin all the wrong on me Rem »
Stupid midget!
She kicked me again
For sure she was havin fun too
Garfiel
« So guys I understand you are childhood sweetheart- » Some guy said.
« Butt off! »
« Subaru-kun that's not funny »
What's with this nasty eyed bastard, makin assumption all on his own
«Seriously just let us out our bindings before you bicker among yourselves »
Such an annoyin voice. Want to ignore him. He's loud too. Are all humans like that?
« Ah I'm sorry Subaru kun, Rem's coming» She said, utterly ignoring me all of sudden and immediately turning her back on me, walkin toward that spiky, black-haired guy, speaking all sweet like
Never seen her like that except...Wait nevermind never saw her like that. Always been such a hard-ass midget.
Still
« Hoy don't go aroun ignorin me! »I got close, nope, I jumped towards where that hard lookin darsterd was still on his ass, just havin been fred by Rem
Pisses me off
« Just cuz we're childhood friend doesn't mean you can just bring out random people in our yard and have us just say nothin! Who are they and what are they doin here! » I growled.
But she...she took a protective stance, actin like I'm the damn villain.
« Garfiel kun, even if it's you i can't- »
« No ya listen! That clown bastard is one thing but you can't just act like you own the place with this many people! «
Makes me want to tear some heads down right this instant
« Because of this basterds, Grandma...and the others »
So useless
Don't make me laugh callin myself a shield.
All it took was some hooded basterd and they are gone.
Didn't see anythin comin. They ran amok and began to kill us as if we were nothin
They treated our lives as nothin. Heck they treated THEIR lives as nothin
And that shitty girl, makin everythin drop down like nothin happened.
If i wasn't pushed out of the way I'll be the one with my head rollin
All we could was to retaliate but the dead are already dead
Everything from the outside is so...
« Garfiel kun! » Her voice resounded calmer this time, but lookin straight in my eyes.
They were as cold and blue as they used to be...No they are a bit warmer than before.
Why...
I look at my arms and neck and realize it.
I was going to transform. I was gonna lose my head again
The other intruders looked terrified, lookin at me as they saw death itself. Can't blame them, I just did too.
« Urh... »
I need to calm down a bit.
« Please let us explain. I don't know what happened but Rem is Rem and Garfiel kun is garfiel kun. Please hear us out »
« ... »
I hate to listen to midgets
Subaru
If anything it's the first time someone stops his rampage when asked as far as I remember.
That man...Garfiel is it
« Ack! »I let out without meaning to. The attack did not leave any type of serious injury, only scratches all things considered. However it didn't mean it wasn't painful, so the point of impact was particularly sore, and my face was mixed with some superficial blood and dirt
The other villagers as well as Felix got the same treatment, although the latter didn't seem to have any scratches aside from his clothes. Somehow made him look...I don't like that train of thought
Now that I look more closely, as Rem and this Garfiel dude went aside, I remark we were never alone. Several figures with animal features were watching us from a distance, some in the darkness, some exited their homes
Also... The place was less than in a stellar state. As a shelter for mixed-blood, I didn't exactly expect great luxury.
But it still didn't feel right. For as rudimentary as they seem, they just don't feel right. They are beyond run down
They are partially destroyed.
« Did nyah feel it too »
« Guarg ! »
« Ferris since when you are here! » He suddenly appeared at my side as I was frowning looking at my surroundings.
However, his voice lacked the usual playfulness or the spite he was able to have either. It was rare for him
« Don't look at meowme as if I have no serious bone. And nya should just look around if you don't want to be surprised. Anyway... » He sighed at me, looking around
« Even by a shelter standard this place is too run down. Also... »He began to trail, but I knew what he was implying
« There's an awful lot of burnt mark on the ground and houses » I added
« You probably can't smell it but those burns are recent. There are remainders of blood as well »
must be cool being a cat...Nevermind
« Wait blood! » I panicked because ;
it could not pretend that it was just « a particularity of the place. »struggle and death...we did not escape it at all.
Meanwhile, the convo between rem and Garfiel didn't seem to have come to an end. In fact, it seemed to only have increased in intensity, if only that it was one-sided. Though way more in control than a few minutes, his fang was showing and his discontent evident. Rem was stern talking to him, however, she also wore a somewhat concerned face and try to appeal to him, but he was not yet acquired to her cause.
In a snap movement, he began distancing himself from her and... heading towards me?
« Do you want a... second round? »¨Please say no. I don't want to beg you.
«Don't mess with my amazin self or... »He began to grumble however Rem strong grip and terrifying smile dissuaded him from further aggressiveness
He took a deep sigh, his frustration still clear
« Tch! He let out, making me see his teeth, which were way too sharp to my liking « Listen up you all! » He said, raising his voice, calling for the attention not only of our group but as well of the true resident of this place, who began to approach, with a cautious, apprehensive, and scowling look all at the same time
«What do you think this place is called! »
We stayed silent, the question being of course rhetorical.
« That's right Sanctuary! Yet ... » He gritted his teeth `` Does it look like a shelter to you:! »He shouted
This was there I understood
That Garfiel was not my enemy. At the very least I did not want him to. And he did not need to be
Just like us...
« Those hooded basters, that freckles girl, and that shitty old man, waltzed in as if they owned the place, and began to raise hell! » Anger was slowly but surely fading out in his voice and his voice began to slowly crack.
« We all were minding our own bizzness. Because...Because of them grandma and, so many others ... »
As of now, the aggressiveness had disappeared for his voice, letting place for a bitter laugh
« They followed you, didn't they? »His shoulder slumped, his eyes twitching « Those basterds...You knew they were coming...And you led them to us »
« ... » Was the only response of everyone
Despite their harshness, his words were lacking actual blame.
Instead the meanest part of his attitude...was his mocking tone
The absurdity of it all, the foolishness of our cowardice, drowned the wrath he should have felt, making it seem all like a cruel joke.
« Well lucky you »despite probably being the same age as me, he looked like he had aged of a few years « Ya all are « saved »
/
Sanctuary as a location was by nature the home of many races. More precisely each of its usual residents were people representing two of them at the same time. The majority of them had some sort of human descent, combining human blood with some combination of beastman's of various species or elven blood, however, some of them were a mix of two different beastmen species. A non-insignificant part of the inhabitants, children of earlier settlers, had much more complicated heritage, however, so much so that explaining it is an ordeal in itself, due to generations of mixing with other half-blooded individuals.
On that day, however, the sun shone on a different makeup, adding to the equation a group of about eighty pure-blooded humans(as far as they knew anyway). Alongside the normal resident, they were engrossed in the endeavor of bringing back some of its, albeit poor luster.
Even then despite the wishes of an idealistic person, the reason for it was not that this small part of the world has awakened to wishing equality. As a matter of fact, the two groups worked together, but didn't mix, and stole glances at each other in unease and warryness.
Despite that, however, one truth bound their action: he who does not work does not eat. Despite the natural repulsion in interacting together, the two groups still prioritized rationality over everything.
Or rather
« There is no place in being adversarial,» he said a young man named Tom
Plagued by the recent loss of his sibling, he was using the work he was assigned as a way to not think about it
According to Sanctuary residents, the attack they were on the receiving end of happened in the middle of the day. The fighting and losses set aside, they had disposed of the corpses themselves, ally or enemies, but the task of the new day were to begin filling the holes in the ground, as well as repairing the destroyed homes. Some of the crops were also damaged but this was not something that could be fixed with willpower.
In that situation accepting refugees was not automatic approval. However, even were they to exclude them, the threat they had brought along was already in their land. Their help could also somewhat offset the losses if only a little.
On the other hand, the Arlam villagers were not in their homes anymore and outmatched. While they would not passively accept their fate were they to be mistreated, the wise attitude was to lay low and not cause problems
The whole village was not devoted to the reconstruction, however, and some were assigned to keep watch in case of further attacks. Such was the fate of Natsuki Subaru, assigned with a group of other watchmen/women.
« That Garfiel...I guess it was his turn last night »
From their perspective, attacking the intruders after a terrible attack made a lot of sense. Which is why he could not keep mad at them, despite the fact his bones still mentally creak at remembering it.
The group was silent. They were sitting on a cliff, looking around in search of the unrelenting enemy, or the vain hope of an ally coming. At his right a dogman person, looking to be in his thirties, and at his left one of his fellow humans, a young woman who had survived the whole ordeal. The dogman had bandaged arms, as well as signs of lesser burn.
The group was not one that could push back the enemy that could be coming. But it was not their goal. They were to alert the village ahead of time of incoming enemies, not be the reason for their demise. This was also the case of most of the watch groups, which contained one or more slightly injured survivors: the more healthy people were mostly affected by the reconstruction effort
To his dismay despite his lack of injuries he was affected to that part of the effort, leaving him no distraction for the thought assailing his head. He would have given everything to not be left to physical sloth and to be able to let his mind unable to run about.
He was the one who had clamored for this retreat. His efficacy in doing so set aside, he was the one pushing for the idea, and the one who insisted on pushing forward to complete it.
His disappointment in finding out that the place had nothing to do anymore with the safe place he hoped to find, worse, that he was responsible for it. Had he not proposed that plan, their assailant...Those criminals would not have set their sights on them. He was the one to blame for their demise. He could not even pay with his life, even had he had the courage to face his sins
His thoughts also naturally went to the one he had most wanted to be safe and in sight. Those things had ended up like that he would not have imagined. And that was exactly why it happened. Like always he did not think it through enough. He was lacking in every sense of the word. And there was nowhere to hide anymore, nowhere where he could still fool others. That was why he would always fall
Emilia
In the morning after Puck's escape
"I love you" Liar
No…
"This world isn't made to harm you" That's false. Don't lie. Don't die.
"You respected your promise. I love you Emilia" No you...Don't leave me alone
"Would you mind opening" No? Stop. Stop. Bring them back. Please…
A man with dark clothes stood in front of me, I
Don't stand against them. Stay with me
A beautiful woman was talking sweetly
Please stop. Leave. I swear I'll be a good girl
"I'm so sorry! I have been so late!"Don't be sorry. It's all my fault. I m evil. Don't cry for me. Just...
"Arhhhhhh!"
A stream of water was running down my face. I was out of breath
Get out of my head, get out of my head, don't make me remember this, please I beg of you please come back
"No Mother!"Come back Come back please don't leave me, I won't be naughty anymore I swear I will do as you say please come back
It's cold. It's cold. Even I am freezing. Please save me. I can't stop it. I want to, please help me!
Stop doing that, help me, don't come with her don't leave me§
That floor...It's rock. It's wet, I hate it get me out get me out get me out
That hair because of that hair...I must get rid of it if only I didn't have it then
It doesn't hurt enough get out of my head get out of my head get out of
Don't make me think about this
Don't leave me
Please punish me
Please save me
Ferris
After the noon pause, which to no one surprise was only filled with brief and too little food intake, the restoration effort resumed. Aside from those assigned to guard the place, the only ones escaping it were the guards whose shift had ended last night, and the infirmary
I naturally joined in, putting my skills to use. That being said I was appealed at the sight of it: people having been cut in various unpleasant places, some with extreme burns or missing limbs... Among those dedicated to helping those plagued by such injuries, only one other than him had healing magic, to an amateurish level. I did not need to ask to know that their work yesterday had been desperate to stabilize the gravest case and prevent loss of life
Sadly for the victims, it was too late for missing limbs to be reattached. However, I did my best in making the lumps as well healed as possible, and healing any other injuries. My work was silently acknowledged by his patient.
In terms of appearance, I was not that different from them. But both my uniform, the group I came with, and the feeling he was « raised among humans » contributed in them keeping their distance, despite the appreciation for his skills under such
I did not really mind as he was used to looking incredulously. More importantly, despite the fact I knew I should not expect a rapid rescue, I did not think that lack of closeness would cause issues in a span of a day. With time, and if need be, the unease would disappear. It was no use to think of it more negatively
« Shlak, cling dring ! »
« Uh? » The feline knight was surprised by the sound, which, despite coming from his own pockets, was not one he expected to ring again
« That thing ...Wasn't it broken? »
Leaving my daze, however, I finished treating the patient I was closing the wounds off and left the improvised hospital which was in the church to answer
« FERRIS ! »
« WhoaNya ! »
The voice, although familiar to me, didn't use me to shouting and such anger, at least not when directed to me.
I could see her face through the mirror and she was absolutely livid.
« Ahah uhm...Nyong time no see Lady... »
« Ferris don't think you can just explain it away by acting cute »She was heard loud and clear, and the quickly regained military stoicism, both in her voice and posture, made me shiver even more.
« You have some explaining to do. Speak. Now »
« Urhggg »
« You are not my knight because you are good at growling. Stop that right now and answer seriously » Her gaze pierced me apart, even though I was not in any place she could physically see me. Thankfully even in gaze could kill I could manage...I shouldn't wait too much, shouldn't I?
« Uhmmmm, nyou see Crush sama there has been some complication... »
« And I will find it complicated not to lose my patience if you don't explain exactly what it is. Speak »
...The cult look appealing right about now
Emilia
On the night before Subaru's group left the cave
I could not move.
"That ceiling...I hate it"
No, I could do it. None of my bones were broken. If I needed to, I could get up.
But I had no energy to do it.
Even if I did anything it would not do.
Just because I was there they had to suffer. And now I am still useless, not even doing my job.
They are right not to trust me.
"I will do my best...Ah"
Only Subaru has the faith to believe that. He should not. At least I am out of his sight. No matter what happened after I left he surely is doing better without me here
Dad too...He did this because I'm weak. If I wasn't weak, He would have believed me. And because I'm weak even if I stayed I would have not saved them. Now they are on their own
All I'm doing is laying on my back, being a bother once again. No wonder he is not answering. No one should come to save someone like me
If I stay here maybe this place will show me what I truly deserve. If I see this again… I will finally meet my fate. That's the best I can do
Everyone back then. I abandoned them too. They died because of me. I can't ever make it up. And they still wanted to help a devil like me.
No, I should at least move. I will always be useless but I have no right to disappear on my own. I still have something to do.
At least I'm bleeding and tossed that stupid hair out. Not that I will ever look like her. It would have been better if I was born bald. At least I would not insult her by looking like her.
"Was it Dad's doing?"
Outside this place, although I couldn't see clearly, was an ice dome, around twice as tall as the building. Everything was cold, like back home. Dad probably had to do this because of me
If that's the case he-
"Bang!" There was a sound coming from outside. No multiples.
I tried to look at it and there were some cracks coming from one direction as well as multiple colored parts on it, bright red
Dad's wall was sturdy so it did not affect it much at all
In fact, I was certain it could hold up a whole day and still not be breached
Because this was Dad's power when he was really trying
And it was wasted on my protection.
If he didn't meet me he would have a better life as well.
The attackers are probably cultists as well. At least they are not attacking the others. If I can be useful as bait, at least maybe I won't be too useless.
So that's what I did
I sat in front of the glowing monument, watching as I was hugging my knees, inactive like I always am
I have witnessed it for more than 2 hours and the sounds did not let up but to no avail.
As long as I was inside they could not do anything to me. I would be safe. I won't have to do anything and fail
The battering ram lasted so long I fell asleep. It wasn't wise. But if I did die, even though dad would cry the world would be better.
I woke up in front of the stairs again. The sun hadn't risen yet. There were more cracks but they were still far from the goal.
They seemed to have fatigued a bit, but the attacks were still high in volume
Now that the sun had risen I could see only 2 of them had their faces open. One of them was a man in his thirties, with chestnut hair. Another was a woman with the same hair color, cut short. They were accompanied by around 30 hooded persons, who were assisting them by throwing fireballs at the wall. I could see some corpses...on the floor, although they were blown to bits. I don't know how they ended up this way
I should have seen this coming. People coming to kill me is natural. But now by my foolishness and lack of préparation others have died, and I cannot repair it
One of the two leaders, the middle-aged man, was acting suspiciously like the man that dad defeated yesterday. He had a crazed smile, contorted in impossible angles, and his fingers were full of his own blood.
Betelgeuse. It was his name. Like
No. Don't think about it. Don't remember.
Someone I let fall too
Like I abandoned everyone yesterday…
At least if they focus on me…
Will that do?
How many of them are still around?
As the sun was going to bed, so was the time for a shift in guard duty. Subaru headed back to Sanctuary's village as soon as the replacement team came to relieve him. He found the same run-down huts and saccaged town, but the rebuilding effort managed to at least fill out the suspicious-looking holes as well as put some temporary measures on the destroyed roofs
Still, in his thoughts, he was absent-mindedly looking at the scenery: the « architecture » if it was appropriate to call it that consisted of houses made mainly of clay bricks, as well as wood and straw parts. Some fitted the traditional shape of a house though others homes were round-shaped, the two coexisting at the same place making for a heterogeneous make-up
Surprisingly similar to Arlam, the only real separation was between the residential area, where the houses, church, and the very few stalls were gathered and the farming one, where crops were being grown, and few animals kept. Due to being such a remote location, it was natural they were independent food-wise, although the terrain and size of the field were not exactly made for abundance.
He headed directly toward a shabby looking tent: due to the high number of refugees, and the fact the church was used for the wounded, there was no other choice for the Arlam expatriates to sleep in the tent they had brought with them or were given/makeshifted with the help of the inhabitants.
Subaru was not particularly tired, as his awareness was thankfully wasted, but
« I'd rather not have to be awake anymore » He sighed
Before he was gonna slump in his makeshift « new home » he saw Rem and Garfiel discuss once again on the porch of Garfiel's house, which also housed a small elven woman named Lewes. It seemed calmer than at the start of the day. He did not know any details but inferred from their general ease of talking with each other that they were acquaintances, but he would be hard pressed to know whether they were fond friends or not.
From the corner of her eyes, the maid, who still haven't abandoned her trademark outfit unlike him who reverted to his tracksuit, noticed him
« Hey Subaru kun ! » she turned toward him, her neutral expression immediately replaced with a smile, getting almost too close for comfort
The blonde boy sighed « Tch way to go, ditching me this quickly » he sounded annoyed at this but also more in control than in their first meeting
The black-haired boy scratched his head at this, uneasy about the attention « Hum Am I interrupting something »
« Nothing important » said Rem
«The hell « nothin important »? Stop ignoring me like Reid ignore defeats »
« What ? » was all the saying brought out of Subaru. Meanwhile, Rem paid no heed to him and began to talk his hear out about her day, and asking about his,
« Hoy you just can ignore such a thing as if it's nothin? No wonder-"
« Garfiel kun if you finish that sentence, Rem will make you half the man you are yet to be. »She put out, not departing of her smile but adding glacial touch to it
« Tch! You're like that girl... »He took a frown at his own words, looking confused as if they did not belong to him
« Ignoring what...Uhmm...Garfiel is it? »
« The one and only ! » puffing his exposed chest, he seemed to ignore his previously non enviable position and tried oozing confidence in himself « Anyway Rem stop ignoring me this is serious. That blizzard isn't a joke»
« A what? »Subaru's face immediately turned into a frown, his attention focused to garfiel
« Hoy Rem why does your sweetheart look like he wanna kill me all o'sudden ?!»
« That face is the one I was born with, and you should stop assuming as if it was nothing » he said, not breaking eye contact, missing the pout of the other concerned
« What do you mean by blizzard? Is it just something that happends here »
« Like hell it does! Ya think we'd be having crops outta the open if it was the case! Use ya head dinwitt! »He responded at the ludicrous question, however the last comment earned him a kick in the lalon by his blue-haired childhood friend
« Then... »Subaru's voice trailed, his thoughts going to their usual
Rem picking up on this had a complicated expression, and thus did no say anything
On the other hand Garfiel would not just accept this silence and pressed on further. His banter disappeared, and he took a more focused posture, his gaze
« Hey »
« I didn't ask this before because Rem is with you all but... »He frowned
« Weren't you supposed to have a half-devil -»
But he was grabbed midway through his question, this time with a look matching the feelings of its holder. His eyes now truly pierced him, as if willing to stab hm
« Don't talk about her like she is some kind of curse you asshole! »The truth was that Subaru did not think of himself as an irritable person. While the times he flew off the handle in recent memories were not few, he wanted to believe that the situation was more at fault than he was. That was the truth he wanted to believe in
Even so he was unable to stay calm whenever she came into the conversation. He simply could not stand it. He didn't think he could ever do it.
Even so, faced with this sudden aggressivity, gardiel's only reaction was to smirk, amused of his wrath, shining his sharp teeths
« Hoy hoy Man you're susceptible. That's just how I talk, you know? Although i don't dislike gutsy people » He sneered
« You…» Subaru started, but his delivery of some choice word was interrupted by Rem, who put a hand on his shoulder, wordlessly telling him to calm down. For that reason he released his hold, even though his glare stayed the same
Happy to have « won », Garfiel negligently twisted a finger in his ear
« As my amazin self was goin to say weren't that half elf supposed to live with ya Rem? What gives? »
But all he was answered by were a grimace of the both of them. From what seemed to be arare sight from him his eyes softened and his tone became less rough
« Hoy, don't tell me she was kil- »He tried to inquire, putting an hand on Subaru's shoulder
however he was immediately rejected
« No! »The black haired boy shouted, anger disappearing, replaced by frustration
Meanwhile the young man of tiger feature was a bit relieved he didn't land on that type of beartrap, however it didn't mean he could let the conversation derail.
« K so if ya precious princess of yours is still among us, why is she not here? »He paused for a moment, frowning « wait, did that bastard took her and left us in this mess? » He said in horrible realization
« Garf even Rem won't forgive you if you talk ill of Roswaal sama! » Her face flared with anger, her voice no longer at normal level
Subaru recoiled a bit by this. Of course he had no doubt her loyalty was the real thing. However, unlike when he was still a potential suspect, Garfiel was someone who, for all he knew was a long time acquaintance of hers. She also did not react in the previous day when other Arlam resident expressed their own suspicion or frustration at their lord tardiness in their time of need. Surely their words would have hurt all the same, but the girl did grow in understanding in recent memory so she did not say anything
So why now?
« You always like this Roswaal-sama this, Ros-sama that...I get the guy is like a » The boy, annoyed was going to start to rant, however, looking with one eye at the situation he knew that he did not want it to devolve in a shouting match, so he stopped himself, his personal dislike for the man set aside
Meanwhile, the conversation being at a standstill nobody noticed than a small, about the size of Beatrice, elven woman, her neck and mouth hidden by her closed jacket, holding a cane to support herself had approached the trio in silence, not saying a word, watching it unfold
However, even in her patience as tall as as the years she lived by, she could not help but conclude that those kids would not get anywhere if not nudged in the right direction. So she made her presence evident
« Gar-bo, I thought I taught you how to ask people things better. I'm a bit old to scold you like this » she said, spooking everyone, in a soft voice unlike her appearance
« Grand ma-uhm I mean »He exclaimed,
« I don't know why you insist on covering this up but there is no point to it. Rem-chan can explain him to this young gentlemen in any event » the woman said, looking at Subaru, but also everyone as a mother towards unruly kids
« In any case since we did not meet in person my name is Lewes. Don't look at Gar-bo to mean he is a good kid deep within. You are Su-bo isn't it ?»
« Ye-yes » Subaru was unsettled at her sudden appearance so he did not pay any mind to the instant nicknaming
« What Gar-bo wanted to ask was: where is the girl who is supposed to be so important for Lord Roswaal?
As well as if you have any idea about this unnatural blizzard that has been brewing.
You see, Sanctuary very rarely see snow, and this is definitely not the season. It's not the first time it happened this year but this time the people that saw it confirmed that this was localized into one area.
We don't really like to approach that place in usual times, however, it would be something else if this ends up reaching this place. It will be hard to maintain hospitality in those circumstances, especially if they all come down at the same time »
The elder woman calmly exposed the talking point, and unlike the previous attempt nobody ended up interrupting her. Of course, her elderly aura imposed respect, however, the major factor was her way of bringing things up, which was less confrontational than her « grandson », but still didn't lose time in tangent or sugar coating.
« ... »His throat was dry, Subaru didn't respond. It wasn't that he could not or was angry. He was in a calm enough state to understand their concerns were normal.
But he was distraught at the fact he had the answer. And that he did not like them one bit.
« Lewes San where is this blizzard » questioning her in response
« Hm? It is near a tomb located here...But you should not try to approach it. The person buried there is quite suspicious after all. She was a witch in fact. It's best too-»
« It doesn't matter! Please tell me I will fix this! » He began. However, he was aware to an extent that his impatience had reached a boiling point so he did not want to treat the young-looking elderly woman
« I mean Lewes-san. » He did his best to rein himself in
« That blizzard is one of our companions' abilities. We got separated from them, and if they are using it they are either endangered or we need to calm them down. » He then bowed out in a right angle
« Please indicate me where it is Lewes-san »
The elderly woman listened to the sincere words of the youth, her eyes not betraying her thoughts.
On the flip side, I didn't know what to think of this guy. He seemed pretty weak physically, although his own standards were warped by his out-of-the-norm abilities and his environment, full of naturally stronger demi-humans. He looked like someone that could be a threat but was surprisingly weak to provocation. And more importantly, he constantly oscillated between a reasonable attitude and a flippant, crazed one.
All that he knew was that Rem, his childhood friend whom he always knew where quite the reserved person sounded like a different girl around him. He could not help but wonder how did a guy like him, who she probably met very recently, managed to so thoroughly establish himself in her well guarded one.
Because of this, he was at a loss if he should treat him as a fellow friend, or suspect him of deceiving a good soul. For that reason, he resolved to not do anything and leave such a judgment to his wiser remaining relative
After having pondered his words, Lewes approached Subaru, gesturing him to raise his head, but looking at him with a serious expression
« That companion of yours...It's Roswaal's little protege isn't it »
He should have lied. He shouldn't have reacted
But as devious of a man he was, his face is an open book
He is one who could become the greatest liar, but achieving dishonesty was not attainable for his current self. That was why Lewes knew immediately she was correct when his eyes twitched, and his face contorted in deranged expressions
« I can only imagine you tried to hide this fact because you hold this girl in high esteem. I do not know why is she not being with you and I will not ask by consideration of your feeling but »She said
« I can't let you go there »
« Why? »He gulped « Please she- »
« At the moment we cannot spare time to look for her. And if she can do this, she probably can take care of herself. More importantly » her voice trailed
« This girl of yours is dangerous so if it gets to a too great size we will have to - »
He didn't like the way the conversation was going. And he felt in himself the urge to explode and get at the throat of the undeserving Lewes
But at the last moment, he could stop himself, because snapping has brought them into this situation in the first place. It took his whole willpower to muster to interrupt her somewhat in a controlled way
« That's why I should go and talk to her! If she lost control I can calm - »
« Are you sure about that ? » cut off the « loli baba »
« ... » The question wasn't a trick one despite her cutting him off
The truth is, partly due to her shared race, Lewes did not have as many reservations to the possible inclusion of Emilia among them.
But as a representative of her community, she had to be the voice of reason which ponder the pros and cons. And any guest was also under her protection.
That was why would he have been confident, she would have released the location
Sadly
«... »He could not even convince himself he could. He had failed others on so many fronts, he could not have the audacity to be her savior. Even though it was his dearest wish. It was crushing him.
It felt like he was going to break again
But he would never be given to wallow in guilt
He opened his mouth in haste, not to deny his hesitation, but for more important
« Rem, get us all down »
Not questioning his order in the slightest, the maid forcefully ducked the small group to the ground, despite the protest of Garfiel
And in one instant all complaints ceased
Like the house, they were standing in front of ceased to be.
The boy saw the black hands responsible for the wanton vandalism, and did not have the time to be horrified or dazed, for the lives of those he already failed were in his hand
So he forced himself to be more attentive than he thought possible, as it was the only thing he could do to not be a burden
They were back
Emilia
At noon
Those people…
They are utterly mad.
How could they?
The leaders….he just had so much of them blow themselves up
How could…
So the corpses then…
But they still haven't made progress. And they still haven't given up, despite the cold
But there is one thing.
Eventually, all the hooded people blew themselves up.
Yet.
More came to replace them.
and among them two old men and groups of forty people.
Utterly unrelenting.
But this means. They are not done yet. If that's the case.
I cannot stay here. If they have so many people to spare they can still go after the rest.
I can't obey you, dad. I can't do even that much.
I need to go and find them. I can't sit here and die when they can fall.
I opened the hole they were desperate to open.
I was now hearing the scream of the joy of the one leading the operation, the middle-aged man. He was in tears
"AAAAAAH Fantastic Fantastic Diligence of my witch!"
His demeanor was unbefitting his appearance and his behavior matched the first one I met in all points.
"Please my witch if you will forgive our sloth in getting to you allow us to go on with TRIAL. This place is under the control of a heretic witch, unforgivable unforgivable unforgivable!"
He bit his finger in pain, totally unbothered by the utter lack of direction of his talk. I could not help but shiver...At the sheer chaos, he represented. He was not a bad man. He was a mad one.
"Ah forgive my sloth dear witch! I am ashamed of not having met you sooner. The punishment for the witch shall be conducted but please allow me to bless you with the trial"
Trial?
"Uhm...I m...Can you tell me what the trial is about"
But his eyes lost colors instantly
"So so so So soSo so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so So so so
SLOTHFUL!"
His rant became madder than before
"That you are indeed unknowing of the grace you have to bear" He bit his index" Ah another lamb that is a false vessel" He bit his other finger
"No this is slothful of me like love tell me I must conduct the test regardless"
He seemed to have forgotten about my existence, while the other hooded people looked at him, in what seemed like apprehension.
"Hm"
"I will pass those trials. Please stop going after the others. If you do this I will do all you want"
The man, who seemed lost in his own rant, suddenly smiled, as if he waited for this.
If that's all I can do then I will do it. That's the only way I can atone.
"AH" He teared up again " Maybe you are sublime after all"
Then the head of one of the old men rolled on the ground, despite no one moving
Like yesterday, like today a mysterious power allowed the leaders to destroy unnoticed. And he directed it at his own force.
Then he sat beside the man and put one hand on him
"Then then let's begin"
AUTHOR NOTE/ Puck isn't confirmed in cannon to be able to sense the witch sent but i'll headcanon he does since Beatrice can
As of now
5 fingers's group died(2 to puck/emilia,2 killed themselves, 1 to sanctuary people), and 2 of them are near emilia
3 fingers are dead(1 to puck, 2 in the first sanctuary attack, including geuse main body