AN: Dear ArchbishopOfElsa, I have written this fic specifically for you. We are both fellow Elsa enthusiasts and I hope you enjoy this little story of mine. I contemplated on what to write for the fic exchange for the longest time. My original idea was taking too long so I crafted this instead. Also, I want to Dr. Ren Otonashi for betaing my work! I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Re: Zero series or anything else relating to it. It is all owned by Tappei Nagatsuki.
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Deep within the forests of the Kingdom of Lugnica, the atmosphere all seemed peaceful from clueless travelers. However, not is all as it may seem, for nature could be a ruthless force in itself. Danger lurked in several parts of the region where civilization was not prominent. It was a common agreement for merchants and travelers to not stray off the paths of the main roads. If one did, who knows what fate would await them.
Although, an individual seeking asylum might be welcomed by the misty corners of the woods. That was the case for two certain individuals. One of them was a tall young beauty, who possessed long braided raven hair. The clothing the woman wore exposed much of her voluptuous body and a single glance often trapped individuals through her erotic charm alone.
The other traveler was holding onto the gorgeous woman from the rear. She was a young child that seemed to be twelve or thirteen years of age. Like the woman, she braided her hair the exact same but hers was dark blue. An ornament that used to belong to the woman was placed on her head neatly. In a comparison of looks, the first woman possessed it in folds. Nevertheless, that is not to say the child would not grow to possess beauty similar or that rivaled hers.
Elsa Granhiert, 'The Bowel Hunter', and Meili Portroute. Together, they were often referred to as the 'Assassin Sisters'. From the outside, they may not seem capable of being deadly assassins; looks, however, can be deceiving. Using that to their advantage, the duo was a challenging force to be reckoned with.
However, that same bond was in the lines of a pseudo-sisterly relationship. Neither were connected by blood, but their experiences were one and the same. The two, whether they liked to admit it or not, recognized one another as sisters. Ever since they met, their bond only continued to grow and they ensured nothing would prevent them from completing their objectives.
That was until recently when they suffered from two failures. One in the Royal Capital of the Dragon Kingdom, and their recent retreat from Irlam Village. Both knew that if they suffered another loss they would be severely punished by Mama accordingly. Her methods of torture were unimaginable and often left them broken. Results had to be produced else they would not see the light of the next day.
Still, one of them was a grown woman, and the other a growing child. Sometimes taking a minor break to recuperate was vital for their success. Meili made it very clear how she felt about their current predicament.
"Please Elsa, I can't take the wi~nd anymore! If you keep running I'll fall o~ff!" wailed the mabeast tamer as she clutched on for dear life.
"Fufu, we are nearly there. Just be a little more patient." Elsa replied as she utilized her inhuman speed which earned her another cry from her sister.
"Ahhhhhh!"
Meili's adorable squeals of worry could be heard throughout the dark forests. Even the Bowel Hunter could not help but let out a few giggles of her own. It was moments like these that the two were deeply connected. Neither of them truly knew what it felt like to have a sister of their own.
In the case of Elsa, she had no recollection of her parents. She grew up alone in the frozen land of the Holy Kingdom of Gusteko. The beauty of a woman knew it was common for parents to often sell their children into slavery. The reason was due to the fact obtaining money was not enough. Gusteko's harsh climate made even purchasing basic necessities too costly. Elsa lived her entire life as a slave. Then one day, she was brought into the Featherrun family. It was there where she met other individuals whom she would call sisters as well.
Until one day—a day where everything ended in misery.
With Meili, her life was similar to that of her foster sister. She had no fond memories of possessing a family of her own. Although, her idea of family was different from that of an ordinary individual. The environment she was raised in was primarily in the untamed lands of the wild. A pack of Mabeasts recognized the child as one of them due to her Divine Protection. That was where she learned to live and breathe as a Mabeast to survive.
Their mutual understanding is what allowed them to grow with one another. Elsa ensured that Meili behaved and learned like an ordinary human. It would take time, but as months passed by, the young child was able to adapt rather easily. At times, she still acted like a child even though she was a killer in disguise.
After having traveled for several minutes, the Bowel Hunter skidded to a stop. This sudden action caused Meili to let out a sigh of relief. She would make a mental note to not travel via Elsa's back. The woman did not understand the meaning of taking it slow.
"Fina~lly! You were going so fast that I almost dropped my new doll. What if I dropped it? You would have had to make another one, Elsa~." Meili snarled in a teasing tone. This only made the grown woman look on with a face of indifference. That was until she twirled her braid in a mocking way.
"Despite that, you still arrived unscathed, no? I feel you should thank me. I am doing my duties as your older sister." responded Elsa. Meili in return huffed her cheeks and marched forwards to their new destination; a somewhat cozy cabin.
For appearance's sake, the small cabin was by no means a permanent location of residence. It was one of many safehouses they relocated after carrying out their missions. Being a mercenary of the Assassin Organization was a risky endeavor. Nonetheless, a small cabin was much better than sleeping in a moist cave.
The blue-haired child reached the front entrance and pressed on it with what force she could muster. It almost seemed the aging door would not open until Meili pushed her legs. At that, the stubborn entrance gave in and revealed the inside of the cabin.
The Assassin Sisters noticed nothing too peculiar from the cabin. The floor reeked of rotten planks and had a noticeable layer of dust. Some areas creaked loudly which annoyed the child assassin. There was furniture that was covered by white sheets. As they kept browsing the area, they stumbled onto one room that smelled of feces. Yes, clearly even a decent place to retreat to was too much to ask for.
"...Sti~nky," Meili stated in a cute tone as she pinched her nose.
"What a shame. To think we would be able to relax in a nice inn like those in the capital."
"You say that but your face doesn't loo~k sad; you're a strange girl, Elsa~."
"Fufu, I will take that as a compliment. I'm assuming you will sleep in here, yes?" asked the Bowel Hunter.
"As if! It's too sme~lly in there. But you can sleep in there! That's what guts smell like so it's perfect fo~r you."
"Ara, you must be mistaken. I enjoy the sight and feeling of entrails, Meili. What comes out of them is a different matter altogether."
Since neither of the two wanted to rest in the room with a foul odor, they agreed that the living room would suffice. They made way for the covered furniture and unveiled it. Beneath the sheets was a sofa. Meili leaped onto the sofa, letting her small frame be welcomed by the cushion's softness. Her sister joined her by sitting on the other end of the piece of furniture.
"This couch is co~mfy! We got lucky for once." Meili admitted as she sat on the sofa with her new Reinhard doll in hand. She would have to unpack her other dolls soon so she could play before bedtime.
"Yes indeed." Elsa allowed her body to relax. She then turned to the younger assassin, "Now then I have something to ask of you, Meili." Her tone was light and curious. Nothing related to how she usually spoke.
"About what?"
"Would you like another doll?"
There was a brief pause between the two. As soon as Meili had registered what Elsa had said, her emerald eyes glistened with excitement as she kicked her legs repeatedly. All of these actions were to be expected from a child.
"Really?! You're going to give me another one?!" The blue-haired child asked with an enthusiastic voice.
"Of course. I feel terrible for the trouble I caused you earlier." The black beauty said this with one of her eyes open. She continued, "It's only right for an older sister to make amends." It was clear that the Bowel Hunter wanted to tease the child even more. Meili made it way too easy.
"You should! And yes I'll take another one."
"Of what?"
"Hmmm...I don't kno~w. There is too much to choo~se from." Meili replied as she continued to hug her new doll.
"Once you think of something let me know. I'm going to check the perimeter of this safe house. We may have to stay for a while." The black beauty stated as she stood up to head outside. Meili was left to her own devices.
"I wonder what I shou~ld ask for?" The child looked at the doll in her hands, "What do you think?" Meili necessarily did not expect a response, but she had no one else to voice her ideas with. She then went to unpack the rest of her dolls for the time being.
'Something I want? But what could that be?'
She would continue to ask herself this until she had each of her dolls sorted out.
"It seems we are safe for now, Meili. I hope you didn't miss me too much~," teased Elsa as she returned to the sofa.
The grown woman was welcomed with an all too familiar sight that was typical of her younger sister. Meili could not get enough of the dolls she often knitted in her spare time. When she was not disemboweling her foes she found pleasure in sewing. Even if she often only knitted dolls, she was able to create other items if she so desired. Although to please Meili, she often gave her doll to add to her collection.
It was the only aspect of the child that Elsa considered "normal". Neither of them had proper upbringings so they would have to make do with what they could. All that the older assassin could provide to the child was comfort from a sibling. Because they were all that they had.
Meili looked up to Elsa with puffed cheeks, "You ruined it, Elsa~. I was at the good part!"
The Bowel Hunter looked at the dolls she possessed and saw it was the dolls that resembled her and Master Swordsman. Clearly, the young assassin was trying to recreate the bout she had from the Royal Capital.
"Oh, forgive me. May I ask who has the upper hand?"
"You do. Swordsman-chan runs awa~y!"
The mabeast tamer slightly moved the Reinhard doll in a retreating manner. The black beauty could only look on with an amused look. Even if she told Meili of her loss, it seemed the child wanted her to claim victory against the Master Swordsman.
"Ara, I do not recall my encounter with him ending that way. I feel it was me who ran instead," stated Elsa as she retrieved her knitting supplies.
"Hmpf. Doing this is more fun than wha~t you usually do." Meili declared.
"I suppose. Now then, have you thought of what you wanted?"
"I think so~. I wanted a cursey-chan doll at first."
The Bowel Hunter had a confused expression on her face, "Cursey-chan? Those Wolgrams you used for your mission, correct?"
"Yup! But then I changed my mind and thought of something else~."
"Wonderful. What is it?"
"I want you to decide what doll you want to make."
At that statement, Elsa was silent for a brief moment. She had never knitted a doll specifically for herself. The only reason she continued to knit was that it pleased Meili. Since the tables had turned, what could she make that would make her happy?
"You still there, Elsa~? You're not slee~py are you?" Meili asked as she waved her hand in front of Elsa's face.
The older woman was then interrupted from her thoughts. If that was the request Meili wanted then she would need to fulfill it. She would try her best in making something of her own desire. Truly, this task was no match for her.
"Yes yes, I am still awake. Now then, I will see what I can do. You should retire for the night." The black-haired woman responded. She received a pout in response as Meili laid on the couch to rest.
'Something I desire? I wonder what that could be?'
The lone woman had many ideas that came to mind. Although, she had to ensure that this was a doll that her younger sister could enjoy. The new challenge was going to be an easy doll to construct.
"Ara, this is a first even for me."
Several hours had passed since Elsa had begun trying to create Meili's request. In all that time, nothing of significance had come to mind. Nothing of bowels, blades, or even strong foes could help in this situation. It was a rude awakening in that the Bowel Hunter truly had no other desires than those activities.
She had realized there was not much she desired in life. Her chance of living an ordinary life had long since passed. Being an assassin and eliminating individuals was all that she could do. Fate had predetermined that she would endure a life of tragedy. As she looked back, that was all she had experienced. Truly, she envied those who did not have to live like her.
So what could she do? If Elsa did not conjure up some doll for Meili then she would be upset. The last thing she wanted was her to be in a foul mood. She would have to decide on something she desired above all.
The Bowel Hunter then heard rustling from her side. Meili had awakened earlier than usual. Often times she would sleep in due to her childlike nature.
"Good morning, Elsa~. Did you make something?" Meili inquired as she rubbed her eyes.
"Fufu, about that, nothing has come to mind." The Bowel Hunter admitted.
"Hmpf. You're so wei~rd. This should be easy for you."
"I understand; however, I don't know necessarily what I desire. Besides bowels, of course."
The duo contemplated on what could be made. Meili was shocked to hear that her older sister was troubled for once. Elsa often knitted excellent dolls for her to enjoy effortlessly. The young child thought it would be a nice change for Elsa to decide what to make, but she did not expect her to struggle. She had to do something.
"You need to take a break. Can't make something if you're stressed about it." The blue-haired child said.
"You're right. I'll leave this for another time. Your doll will have to wait." replied Elsa.
"I think you meant to say 'my' doll, Elsa~."
"Fufu, how about 'our' doll? Does that sound better?"
Meili nodded her back in response to her statement. If her older sister was to find a way to make a doll she liked, she would need her to unwind a bit. All the missions they have done together have kept Elsa way too busy. It would be up to her to figure this all out.
A few days had passed, and the Assassin Sisters did all sorts of activities together. Whether it was braiding each other's hair, going for a stroll, or talking about different stories, Meili learned that Elsa could be fun at times. However, Elsa only showed that side in times that she wasn't busy doing missions, which was all the time.
Furthermore, her older sister had a weird taste for what she considered to be "fun". Missions were tough on Meili but Elsa enjoyed it if they had guts or strong people involved. In her opinion, it was all too much for her at times.
Eventually, they would need to head out. The cabin had served its purpose and they would need to focus on their next objective. If the two lingered around too long then surely Mama would know. The thought of facing her terrified the child to her core.
She shook those horrifying thoughts from her head. Her main focus was to help her older sister. It was their last day before they would need to leave. It was now or never if she expected to get a doll that Elsa made from her own desire.
"Hey, Elsa~."
"What is it? Are you bored?"
"Yes, but that's not it. I wanted to ask you something."
"Oh, interesting. Go ahead."
"What is going to happen from here on out?"
"What do you mean? Our next assignment?"
"No. What is going to happen when I get bigger like you? Will we still be together?"
Hearing her younger sister's questions, Elsa did not know how to respond. Should she lie and tell her they would still be working together? Or, reveal the possibility that one of them might meet their end before they could reach that point? The Bowel Hunter was unsure of which option was most appropriate. That was until she took a moment to realize that Meili had more to her life than she did.
It had been a long twenty-three years of life for Elsa Granhiert. She knew that Meili needed to be protected no matter what. With her blessing, it did not matter how much damage she took. As long as she could ensure that her younger sister could live on, she was fine with that. No one else in this world mattered more to her than Meili.
"We'll be fine, Meili. As long I am here we won't fail. That is what an older sister must do." Elsa answered with a faint smile.
Meili did not respond, but Elsa could tell she accepted her answer. The Bowel Hunter would have to continue to look out for the safety of the mabeast tamer. While at times she could be childish, she still could change for the better.
"Now then, let us head inside. It is about time to rest."
"Oka~y."
The black beauty finally understood what she desired the most. All she had to do was knit it and present it to Meili as a reminder. A reminder that she could be so much more than she ever could be.
The Assassin Sisters had left the safe house the next day. During the night, Elsa was able to knit the doll that both she and her younger sister could enjoy. She had yet to give it to her, but since Meili needed a break it was a good time to do so.
"Meili, I have a surprise."
"Really? What is it?"
The black beauty reached within her cloak and retrieved the new doll. Once it was in view, she could see how ecstatic the mabeast tamer was. This may have been a first where the young girl was truly excited for one of her dolls.
"So who is it?" Meili asked.
"It's you," answered Elsa.
"Me? Why?"
"It's not just a doll of you, but an older version of you."
"O~h, I see now. It does look like me."
Meili turned the doll side to side. She could see some of her features present even in the doll form. It wore a cloak similar to Elsa and overall looked incredible. She would cherish the doll since it meant a lot to her and Elsa. This was something they both wanted and the child never wanted to lose it.
"Thank you, Elsa~. I like it a lot!" The blue-haired child complimented her older sister. She could see a small smile appear on her face.
"Ara, I hope you do. Make sure to take care of it. It is a special one."
The duo continued to travel by taking the different mountain trails. It would be quite some time till they reached the next location. There was no rush as long they did not fail the mission.
Ultimately, Meili had accepted Elsa's gift with open arms. They knew the bond between each other had grown even more. Even if their sisterly love was odd at times, the Assassin Sisters would be together no matter what. Because it was their own way of showing their sisterly relationship.
Present Day
After the failed attempt of killing the spirit in the mansion, her sister Elsa had died. Before they even had attacked the manor, the young child had a terrible feeling that something was going to go wrong. However, she knew the mission had to be seen through to the end.
Prior to their arrival, Elsa had revealed to Meili her ability. The older assassin had stated she viewed her ability as a "blessing", even though in reality it was a curse all along. The Bowel Hunter described it as though she wanted to die. Although, she reassured Meili that she was satisfied with the abilities her body presented. And that she would use it to its full capabilities until the end.
The young child tried her best to make her older sister change her view of herself. It just seemed that night even Elsa knew she would meet her end one day. She did not care as long as she was able to enjoy herself.
Meili knew that was not the case. She was a burden to her sister during the time they launched the attack. That Lion boy and his sister had gotten in the way. If it wasn't for them, then her sister wouldn't be dead.
After Elsa had passed, the young assassin surrendered. She had no chance against all the people of the manor. They then decided to place her in the dungeon until they decided what to do with her. She was expecting it to be a bad place, but Onii-chan made sure she was comfortable.
While it was still a prison, she at least had a bed and dolls. They fed her regularly which was nice from all the disgusting meals she had to eat while on missions. Overall, they were treating her nicely. Still, her older sister was gone and there was no way she was coming back. The flames had taken her away.
The mabeast tamer then rolled on her bed in distress. She truly missed Elsa. Her older sister made sure she was safe and understood her. Now that she was gone, who would care for her? No one was going to miss her if something happened to her now.
Meili then turned to see two familiar dolls. It was the doll of her older self and her sister. She vividly remembered how Elsa gave her that doll of herself. Both of them were so happy that day. If only her sister were here to enjoy it with her. It would be up to Meili to ensure she made Elsa's desire come to fruition. Because she was the best older sister she could have ever asked for.
FIN
Post AN: Yup, you're probably thinking where the hell I have been? Well, life is not so smooth sometimes. Just know I am slowly progressing my way back into writing.
This fic was for fun and it did help spark that creative energy I have been seeking for so long. In addition, I am still working on that original Elsa fic I intended to do for the fic exchange. That one is a true love letter I am crafting for Elsa's overall character. It was going to be a 10k words fic but ended up being a 20k+ one-shot. Keep an eye out for it. I don't have an exact date but you can always ask me how I am progressing on the Reactionst Server (Sean Wang) or Reddit (Void_Master35).
Now, for updates on 'Divine Protections? No, just pure luck!', I have been on and off on revising the entirety of Arc 1. I was very displeased with how poorly I executed Sean's character. He lacked many traits and made it hard for the audience to understand his abilities. Also, I failed to hint at some info about his back story that would be vital for his future growth. I want Sean Wang to be a character people can truly relate to on a personal level.
I have also been planning future Arcs for that story. Arc 2 Ch 1 has been in development for a while but I stopped when my beta readers pointed out my flaws. Plus, work and my social life made it hard for me to be consistent. So please, endure the wait a little longer so that Sean Wang can make a triumphant return.
Till next time. ~ Lord Purifex
