Chapter 2
Bleeding Hearts
Subaru, confused: C-CIA? The supernatural? Assets? CIRCUS?
Emilia: Ass-ets? What's a "CIA"? What's "the supernatural." Subaru, what is this young man speaking of?
Subaru: (looking at Emilia) Emilia, I love and respect you with all of my being, but I need you to sit out of this one. You might not like it. You might even hate me for it, but I'm the only one that might understand.
Emilia nodded slowly in confused understanding. She would entrust Subaru with this situation.
Subaru: (looking back to the boy) We understand.
Kanku: You can start by not lying to me.
Subaru: I don-
Kanku: Don't play innocent. Lie again and you won't ever remember. Both of you will go.
He puts both hands behind his shirt, wrapping his hands around something at waist height.
He retracted both hands, producing a twin pair of Full-Sized Long-Slide Iron-Sight M1911A1 pistols, one in each hand, finger above the trigger.
In his left was an expertly crafted black steel pistol. In metallic white letters was "Maleakhe".
In his right was an identical pistol. An ornate white body, almost glowing. In inky black letters read "Shed."
Both pistols simultaneously reflected and absorbed light. A multitude of shapes in varying sizes danced around the bodies of the twin armaments.
Subaru looked at the duo, eyeing them in admiration of the artisanship; fearing for his life, and if Kaz was to be believed about the supernatural, he might not Return.
The emotionless boy moved his fingers down to the triggers, resting the first segment of each onto the levers.
Subaru: (deep slow inhale) I CAN RETURN BY DEATH.
*PAK*
…
Static.
Nothing.
High pitch whir like an old TV.
Its not nothing.
Pain?
Something in my chest.
Its so cold.
Where was I shot?
Am I gonna die again?
Will I stop Returning?
Is Emilia alright?
Why didn't Satella appear?
Is she gonna kill them?
He covered his ears in futile reflexes.
He turned around to take a look at Emilia. Was she hurt?
She was covering her ears with her hands. She was unharmed, but he could see her mouthing something at him. His ears were still ringing, but he could roughly read her lips this close.
'Su-Baru. Wh-at did you say. What are those things. Why is it loud.'
He extended his left arm and put up his hand. She recognized the sign as "to wait." She opened her mouth to say something, but she clenched her teeth in pain.
The gunshot would surely alert the neighbors. The cops should be here any minute now.
He looked down to the left side of his suit; the source of the supposed pain; his heart.
He saw no blood bleed into his white Knight uniform. He felt no blood trickle down his chest or back.
There was a small hole in his chest, but there was no pain. He just got shot, so surely there must be pain. Did the adrenaline and fried nerves negate the pain?
He looked up at his "friend"; Kanku, Kaz, Kan, Rin, whatever.
The barrel was still smoking, letting the heavy stench of what was probably gun-smoke into the room.
It smelt like the smoke of a fire, but with a sharp organic singe.
He saw the kid put the pistols back behind his back. He dropped his left hand and raised his right to eye level.
*Snap*
The ringing was gone. The bullet hole in his chest began to mend itself, the threads of his suit stitching themselves back together. The bullet should still be in there, so what was the point of healing the skin?
He let his hands down and clutched the area of his heart.
Kanku: Dispel
Subaru felt a sudden warmth in his heart. Like an icicle had been removed.
Kanku: Only got rid of one of the drawbacks. Who, or whatever gave you… that… is still able to observe you, but you'll be immune to one of it's penalties. Sorry about the.. (taps his chest). Its safe to say it again.
Subaru: WHAT THE HELL MAN?! I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE!
Kanku: I've treated worse. Try using the trigger phrase, you'll be fine.
Subaru, slightly confused: *inhale* I CAN RETURN BY DEATH!... RETURN BY DEATH … Return By Death.. Return By Death.
Emilia: Subaru, what is that? And why are you crying? Did he do something?
Kanku: I have a name, y'know, Kanku Hisakata Kagirinai. You can call me Kanku, Kaz, Kan, Rin, HK. Hell, even try making up a name. Subaru here told me that you're Emilia. And no, I don't care that you're a Half-Elf, nor care that you look like Satella.
Subaru broke into tears, turning around to hold Emilia as he could finally tell her the truth.
Subaru, speaking through tears: Hey, Emilia. Remember how I said that I could into see the future a bit?
Emilia, confused and concerned: Y-yes?
Subaru: Remember all those times I'd have random pains, or when I'd start breathing heavily mid-conversation?
Emilia: Subaru, w-what are you saying?
Subaru: I want you to know that I tried my best… I really did. Tried to protect you, Rem, Beako, and everyone else.
Emilia: S-Subaru, you're scaring me. What are you trying to say? Everyone is always seeing you try your hardest, and you always manage to ensure their safety.
Subaru: I've died before. I've died a lot. I've died dozens of times. Thanks to Satella, I go back in time and redo it all again. I've had my guts gouged out; I've commit suicide; I was eaten by The Rabbits; I was killed by Garfiel; I was killed by Puck; I was killed by Rem and Ram. And it was all for you. That's why I was like… that… at the Capitol. It's why I said that you owe me a larger debt than you can imagine. I tried to run away, but I remembered why I still stick around. Without me, you would've been killed by Elsa back at the loot-house. It was the 1st time you met me, but it was the 4th time I met you. Please don't cry, and don't be sad. I'll give you everything I have to make sure you stay safe. I'm not going anywhere. Death and Satella can't stop me from being at your side.
Emilia: Y-you've d-died? How? And Satella? Puck? Garfiel? The Rabbits? How is all this possible?
Kanku: If I may. What he calls "Return By Death" is a progressive time loop that restarts upon death. He returns to a point in time that's decided by Satella when he dies. It allows him to gather information ahead of time, or save people from death. The problem is… he has to die in order to restart. If he tried to tell anyone, Satella would punish him by doing something with his heart.
Emilia, schocked: S-S-Satella? The Witch of Envy, Satella?
Subaru: The same one. I don't like to admit it, but the crappy power she gave me has saved me, even if I have to die. (Turns to Kanku) Hey, Kaz. Thanks. I don't know what I would've done if you got rid of Return By Death.
Emilia cried as Subaru told her the truth. What does Satella want with him?
She shot open her eyes in realization, remembering Subaru's well know predicament.
"Subaru, you dunderhead, what about your gate?"
Subaru froze like an animal in headlights. His gate was still broken, which meant he'll die of mana poisoning if Beatrice didn't draw it.
Subaru: Emilia, you said something about mana earlier?
Emilia: Yes. The mana density of the atmosphere is low compared to Lugunica. I don't sense any Spirits nearby. Mr… Kaz, was it?
Kanku: You could call me that. If you would walk a bit closer, I could explain. I revealed a little too much in public already.
Emilia: But we're alone in this room, right?
Kanku: Walls have eyes, ceilings have ears, trees have noses, floors have mouths. Please step closer.
Subaru grabbed Emilia's left hand and tugged her a bit, getting them closer to their host.
Kanku breathed deeply for a minute, as if preparing for something inevitable.
*Inhale*
…
*Exhale*
…
He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
The room around them instantly changed. The flavorless drywall was replaced by equally colorless walls of smooth marble. The rich hard wood floor vanished as well, turning into the same white marble as the walls that stood around them.
The walls stood 15 ft (~4.6 m) apart; equal spacing between the floor and ceiling.
The only noise in the hall was the hum of AC units working to keep the vicinity at a constant 65F (~18C)
The only other colors on the walls were arrows and words in plain black English characters.
CAFETERIA --
Subaru read the English words, thinking in English and Japanese simultaneously in order to translate for himself and Emilia.
His English skills could've been worse; missing a major chunk of his 3rd Year after loosing the motivation to keep going. But he remembered enough to get around if he got stranded.
' So that's how tourists feel. Huh. Stranded in the middle of an area where you don't know the language.'
They stood in the middle of a hallway, blocked off by 2 metallic grey doors with strange marks engraved within, seemingly archaic in origin. The doors stood about 30 feet (9.14 m) away in both directions, giving them nowhere to go.
Subaru: (cracking a small smile) Teleportation? THAT'S AWESOME!.
Kanku: Paranormally Enchanted and Altered Technology, Para-Tech for short. A bit of advanced technology and research plus a hint of equal parts magic and bullshit, vóilà. Instantaneous Transportation at your fingertips.
Subaru: Fast Travel discovered.
Emilia, stumbling and nauseous: Ughhhhhh. What was that? Where are we? Why are we in a hallway? There seems to be slightly better mana density than that other room. And magic?
Kanku: You lovely couple look a bit hungry. What time was it over there? Lunch? Di-
The door in the "CAFETERIA" direction opened, unveiling them to the clear and unmistakable sound of people running in boots.
They could hear the distinct noise of clattering plastic as they saw a group of Operatives rush towards them.
The group of 5 were each dressed in pitch black tactical suits with face obscuring helmets.
Each had a pistol at their hips; plate carriers on their chests with extra rifle magazines spread across; a pair of both spherical and elongated tubes with a metal ring through the tops; M4s, outfitted with M203 Under-Barrel Grenade Launchers and a simple reflex sight, at the ready.
They walked a few feet into the hall, standing around 20 ft (6.1 m) away from the 3.
They arrange themselves into a horizontal row of 5, allowing themselves to move backwards in case of emergency.
The Middle Guard, in English: (distorted but female voice) Identity yoursel-
Kanku, smugly: Hey hey Heather, back from mat leave? (Points with his hand to the person on Heather's right) Brad, that you? How's the custom HK doin'?
4th man, in an Eastern European accent: (lowering his rifle and tapping the right side of his helmet) Goddamnit. Rin, that you?
Kanku: Neils? Haven't seen you since that Rouge Baby Yakshi job in Malaysia. Heard you killed a Ziz last year. How'd that go?
The Operative identified as Neils: Ha, the Maly Yak Job. Guwel's still shitting gold coins from that last blast. A month after that job, I got called in for a Tengu-Puck mix in the middle of friggin' Siberia. (Increasingly getting angry) Command never told us that there'd be a GODDAMN NUCKELAVEE AND HAG THERE. I lost my arm (raises his left arm) thanks to the hag's ice breath, but thanks to Howark, all I lost was my arm.
Emilia, in Japanese: Puck? Here?
Subaru, quietly in Japanese: Shhhhhh. Let them go through this.
Kanku: * tch* Sorry to hear that. So how'd you get the new one?
Neils: Turned out Howark was gonna strike a deal with an Air Nia to get money for her whole family. We wrapped up the job after the Hag shit herself to death when we purged the Nuck and topped the Mix. Howark died in the medvac; turned out a Jarac left a kill-curse on her. She used her deal to give me my arm back. We fought with Brass to compensate her family, and eventually won. Damn, sometimes I wish she was out there in the field. Hopped over to Guard after the Ziz. (Smirks) Turns out the JACCs are still cleaning up the leftover Chaos Feathers.
Kanku: Work hard for those you still have. You're not going anywhere yet, you hardy bastard.
Guard to Neils' left: (distorted) Kid, you can catch up all you want later. The pressing matter at hand is how 3 civilians got into a Black Site.
Kanku: Hey you, turn your VoDis off.
The others lowered their guns and turned their heads to the Guardsman who called out the "kid". Even with face obstruction, it was painfully obvious that everyone was thinking ' WTF did he say?'
The Individual that Kanku was addressing brought his hands up and produced a single "P" sound in protest. There wasn't a chance in any dimension he would compromise himself by turning off his distorter.
Heather: Wesop, that's an order.
"Wesop" brought his left had to the left side of his helmet and presumably tapped a button.
Wesop: Kid, how did you br-
Kanku: (looks at Heather) Heather, who the hell is this Green? (turns to Wesop) Don't call me anything you haven't been informed on or unless I say otherwise. Are we understood, newbie?
Wesop, slightly trembling: Y-Yes, Sir.
Kanku: Good to see that you comprende, mi amigo. Heather, get double, no, triple guard duty here. (Waving his arms in disbelief) I leave for 2 DAYS, and we don't even have a proper duty at the entrance. What if the Vats invade? They'll easily overwhelm any measly 5. You guys are Ex-Spec and Black Ops, so act like it, and get a proper duty on the door!
Heather stiffened her posture and gave Kanku a salute. She turns around and retreats through the CAFETERIA door; her patrol squad following suit.
Subaru was overwhelmed by what had just unfolded. At first, they teleported into a base, and then a guard squad walked in and almost killed them.
Kanku was evidently familiar with the personnel of this area and presumably held authority equal to, or above the local command.
Kanku, in Japanese: (facing Subaru and Emilia) Sorry you guys had to see all that. I should get a few things clear. I'm an Agent of CIRCUS, more specifically; Paranormally and/or Technology Augmented Unconventional Operative, PATAUO, pronounced Pata. Mom's the Deputy Director of the CIA, Dad's the Chief Operating Officer. I got involved at the tender age of 5, when I was kidnapped by some time-traveling cultists who threw some magic -infused tech into me. You might've seen the weird scars and my eyes, the only proof of the changes undergone. The Extract Team popped smokes 3 days later, right after the ritual finished. They dropped the freaks and I was medevacked to the best OR the Agency had. I went under for 3 days; 3 days spent asleep while all the surgeons and coats were freely picking at my skin, bones, brain, and all of my body. I miraculously woke up, and the entire Clandestine Community realized the existence of existential dangers like time-traveling freaks and the realms of mythology. The Heads of the Intel Community, The DNI, and the President had a meeting, which ended in a landslide decision that resulted the creation of a new CIA branch. We got the name after they realized how quickly shit would get weird when we started prodding dragons and experimenting with magic. We were given Carte Blanche, and answer to only the President and the Heads of the IC. And thanks to the creation of the new branch, we had the time, resources, and secrecy to reverse-engineer the newly dubbed "Para-Tech" and to understand the many mythos of history. We contain, research, and protect modern humanity from demi-humans and mythology; we even kill the irregular things at times. We protect humanity by doing what others have nightmares about. We accomplish absolutely everything it takes to make sure regulars like you, Subaru, can wake up and spend the day with the family. We tirelessly work in every city, state, region, prefecture, and country to keep the world turning.
Subaru didn't want to decode any of the information provided. This kid, a young adult like him, is an experienced Covert Operative and Paranormal Investigator? And he's been at the center of it since childhood?
There is no word in any language, in any reality, in any universe, in any timeline, that could describe how indescribably badass, yet horrifying this kid is.
Kanku: 5 years ago, we managed to implement Para-Tech into 5 other teens for the sake of having a Specialized Mobile Operations Team, SMOTe. Of course, being the original and having experience, I was given the title of Team Lead, in charge of the training and operation of this new team, and I was assigned a handler liaison to the NSA. Given my certain circumstances, I was handed clearance and authority rivaling the Director of National Intelligence. I work around the clock to help the branch, but I hate having those responsibilities, so I leave it to the orderlies and jockies. In my life, I've undergone countless missions; killed and contained countless entities; stopped numerous world ending events; and saved an incomprehensible number of lives. And to maintain the façade of normalcy, I have the freedom to attend school; a Chase Sapphire Card; and free reign of my assignments. I even started looking into mysterious disappearance cases around the world. I uncovered the truth behind the disappearances; people were being transported into another existence, or world. And thanks to the "screw-normal" mentality of CIRCUS, we started looking into more "isekai" cases. I was given your casefile in 2019, when you were marked for investigation after you went dark in 2017. And now, 2 years, later, you somehow return with a pretty half-elf in hand. This might be a bit too much to take in, and you might think that we're just the baby version of The SCP Foundation. I can second that, and to get to why we're here…
He starts walking up the hallway towards the CAFETERIA door. Subaru holds onto Emilia's hand as he tows her and follows their resident Agent.
Emilia, whispering into Subaru's ear: A child soldier? He sounds important. The irregular things? What is this place, Subaru? Are we really in your homeland? There's so much I don't understand?
Subaru, whispering back: Don't worry, Emilia-tan. If we follow the boy, we might be able to get the support that you'll need to become the Queen. Maybe we can come back to Earth as much as we want. But just know this: no matter how far away you might be, I'll always find a way back to your side in one piece, and that's a promise. You don't need to worry about everything, it's why I became your Knight; so you might rely on me to help you in anything.
Emilia: You promise that you'll come back? But what about your family? How will they know that you're safe? I also want you to promise me that you won't use… The Witch's power. I can't stand the thought of you dying regularly and acting like it's normal. What is The Witch thinking, giving someone as gentle and good-hearted as you, the power to restart life from death.
Subaru: That's a promise. Please don't cry, Emilia-tan. No matter how bad things get, I'll still be yours. I can guarantee that everything will be okay, okay?
Emilia: O-okie.
They continued to follow Kanku up the hallway, unsure of their destination.
Subaru: Don't worry, Emilia. These people mean good, and have a strange way of showing it. Its kinda funny, really. All my life, I was taught that magic, monsters, and the such didn't exist. Yet here I am, 1 or 4 years later, being debriefed by a 17 year old pseudo-cyborg veteran Supernatural Investigator that magic and monsters have always existed on Earth.
Emilia: You told me something like that before, didn't you? That where you're from, people don't use magic. Are we really in the same land you're from, Subaru?
Subaru: Don't worry, Emilia. Everything will be just fine. Just leave it to me! Whether its jumping to block magic blasts or teaching your cute self how to use a microwave, I'll be at your side and follow your wishes.
Subaru, distracted with his side conversation with Emilia, caught himself from colliding with a stationary Kanku.
Kanku: Lets get you guys someth'n in ya. There's a bit of everything; local to foreign; and even organic stuff. But if you want something a bit more local, we can pop back to the house and drive to the nearest taco place.
They stood before a massive room; akin to an ocean of plastic and polymer. Dozens of rectangular tables with dozens more chairs dotted the room. Almost every chair was hosting an Agent, Researcher, or a form of Personnel.
To the right side of the room were aisles of self-serve buffet stands, which occupied about an eighth of the total room. In the buffet stands were dishes of all kinds, ranging from local and foreign, to even restaurant items.
The room looked more like the concession stands you'd find at a stadium. Friends, strangers, and family alike were conversing with one another. Talking about their recent successes, devastating losses, or idle chatter.
Subaru: Emilia, do you want to eat something here in this area, or do you want us to go back to that room from earlier and get something from outside.
Emilia: I'm not sure what anything here is, and I'm starting to feel a bit uncomfortable with all the people here. I'll leave the choice to, Kaz, was it?
Kanku: (smiling in eagerness)Yes Ma'am. Tacos it is! Subaru, I'd bet 100$ that you've never had anything like the food around here. Better than that overpriced, greasy, tin wrapped, crap you buy at your corner store.
Subaru: Sucks to be you, I don't even have a single yen to my name, I'm as broke as they come. My mom did try to mix up her dishes with Western and Japanese. I think we had some "en-chi-lad" stuffed onigiri one time. Ugh, (chuckles lightly) thinking about it is making me a little homesick and nauseous.
Emilia: What's "oni-gee-ree"? What's Western and Japanese? The only Western countries of Lugunica are Gusteko, Vollachia, and Kararagi. But then again, I don't think we're anywhere on the map.
From seemingly nowhere, a teenage girl approaches them with a splendid attitude.
Approximate height: roughly 5'2 (157.5 cm).
She appeared to be of European decent, and had narrow lips, rich brown eyes, gentle features, and flaxen hair.
She wore a relatively new shirt reading, in katakana script, "Palico Maji Kawaii". Underneath the text was the face of an anthropomorphic beige-furred feline with sapphire eyes. Unbeknownst to 2 of them, she was wearing a sports bra that covered her self-proclaimed "low D" bust.
High-waisted denim shorts with the top of an iPhone X sticking out from a pocket; black leather studded belt with a jeweled buckle; scarcely concealing her warm ivory skin. Her white mini-crew length socks where barely visible underneath the broken-in grey J3 Indestructible Shoes.
She continued to walk towards them, and began to drift slightly into Kanku's direction.
???, in English: KAZU! Where've you been? I thought you were gonna leave pretty ol' me to eat lunch alone. (Looks at Subaru and Emilia) Oooo. Who're the grassies?
The Girl gestured towards the fresh faces with an upwards nod of her head. She was delighted to see some newbies around this site.
Emilia, in Japanese: Subaru, what's she saying?
Kanku, in Japanese: Sir Subaru, Miss Emilia, allow me to introduce one of the Augmented members of SMOTe. Meet Eleanor Van Hellsing, the last of the Noble House of Hellsing. Parents killed in the line of duty 2005 in an attack on their manor. I call her Ela, and she occasionally gets creative with names. Ela, these 2 are IKs; Subaru Natsuki, our Earth, and Emilia the Half-Elf from the other side. Subaru here dropped in 2017, and reappeared today. He spent a year in the other world, where he became the designated Knight of one of the potential Queens. He speaks enough English, she only speaks our Japanese.
Subaru, in Japanese: Van Hellsing? As in "Professor Abraham Van Hellsing", Van Hellsing? Partner of Jonathan Harker? And "grassie"?
Eleanor, in Japanese: You mean Great-Great-Great-Gramps Abe? Yep. Nice to meet you Baru, Emi. And let me quickly correct a few things; Stoker was part of The Hunt, and Harker was just a name he made up after a drink off with some fæ, better known as fairies. Drac might've died, but his kin are still out there; pop-culture vamps and his immediate children, The Vladræ. "Grassie" and "greens" are what we in the biz call the newbies. It's originally military slag for the fresh troops in clean green uniforms.
Kanku: She's just teasing you guys. I c'n already tell y'all're gonna get along.
Emilia, in Japanese: Nice to meet you, Elena. I'm Emilia, one of the Royal Candidates for the Throne of Lugunica. This young boy here in my Knight, Subaru Natsuki.
Eleanor: I don't suppose you speak any other languages?
Emilia: I'm sorry. I only know Laguna. But I must say, that other language you were speaking in sounds lovely. Hey Subaru, are you fluent in that other language?
Subaru, in Japanese: "That language" is called English. It's the Lingua Franca of my world. The language we're speaking, my native tongue, is called Japanese here, and Laguna "over there". English is taught in almost every non-American school, but I'm not that fluent.
Emilia: Lin-ga Fra-ga?
Subaru: It's the term for a bridge language, trade language, or shared language. In your world, Laguna is the Lingua Franca; and here on Earth, its English.
Emilia: Ooooooh. (Makes the face of realization)
Subaru: Aww. You look so adorable when you discover something.
Eleanor: She looks like a baby when she does that face. I wanna pinch her cheeks so badly!
Kanku: Emilia, before you ask, not everyone on Earth speaks Japanese, or "Laguna". You, Subaru, and I speak it because we grew around it; Eleanor and the rest of my team speak it because a good chunk of our jobs are in Japan. Yokai, Mononoke, Yūrei, you name it, we've dealt with it. So instead of using some less than reliable translation implant mods, the team spent a month learning Japanese under myself and some of our linguists.
Subaru, ecstatic: You even have translation tech? That's so cool!
Eleanor: I know every major language in Europe proper, and a bit of Russian. Coming from a secretive family is no joke. As far as I can remember, every day is training and studying. And thanks to all that work, my current 17 year old self is a pro Hunter, and a great member of CIRCUS. With my family fortune and business, funding stuff is so much easier than running shills or getting gov funding. We're kept a secret by the British Royal Family, so whenever we do an Op in the UK, we have their help and protection. Guns, blades, housing, cleanup crews, etcetera. The Brits help us work in another layer of secrecy, giving us a little extra wiggle room.
Kanku: Friends with benefits. Assets with resources.
Subaru: Pfffft.
Emilia: Subaru, what does that mean?
Eleanor: KAZU!
Wind slapped Subaru in the face. A skin colored blur came from Eleanor's direction, heading towards Kanku.
Kanku caught Eleanor's hand with his left, grabbing her wrist to prevent the slap from colliding.
He used his other hand to touch the tip of her nose, saying "boop" as he used his index finger to press the imaginary button.
Eleanor: HEY! Don't "boop" me!
Subaru broke into a chuckle.
Kanku: Anyways, Ela, we we're planning to go eat at Palenque. Wanna tag along?
Eleanor's eyes lit up. Subaru and Emilia looked at him with confused faces, unsure of what "palenque" was.
Kanku: Get close and hold on to your stuff, we're going to my room.
Eleanor: Do you still have Inzetten?
Kanku: Somewhere.
Subaru: Wait wha-
*SNAP*