Subaru woke up to the sound of droplets hitting the ground. His head hurt like hell. Looking around, he found himself in a dimly lit room he couldn't recognize. He tried moving his arms and quickly noticed he was chained to the wall. He tried pulling with all his strength, but the chains didn't budge a bit. Touching his forehead he felt something wet, blood.

Subaru: Is this what woke me up?

Looking at his feet he saw a puddle of blood. Whatever injury he had wasn't small. Looking around the room, he noticed a few things: Iron bars, he deduced he was in some sort of prison, but he couldn't remember why. A candle illuminated the room, there was a bed near one of the walls and a urinal on the other wall. He stood up; while he couldn't break the chains he could at least walk around and move his arms a bit. He was unable to reach the door, the bed, or even the candle, so he checked himself. He was wearing the same clothes that Vincent gave him and didn't have anything else on his body, not even the small knife he carried around for "emergencies''.

He tried to remember how he ended up there. Vincent was already on the throne, did someone find that he helped him? He was sure no one but Garfiel, Rem, Louis, Priscilla, Al, and Vincent himself knew. Garfiel and Rem would never betray him, Louis couldn't even if she wanted, Priscilla and Al were already back at Lugunica… He was forced to work for Vincent if he wanted to return to Lugunica, but betraying him made no sense. His name was known in the four countries, and if Emilia or any other candidate discovered the truth, a war would explode.

Subaru: Hrng…

His injury made it hard to think, or even stay conscious. Judging by the puddle of blood beneath him he had lost a lot of blood. Feeling his strength slowly diminish, he pinched his cheeks a little. He couldn't die without answers. Were Garfiel, Rem and Louis nearby? He couldn't hear anything, were they asleep? If he shouted, would they wake up or would a guard come to check on him? Was someone even nearby? He couldn't hear anything but the sound of his chains. In the end he decided to shout but stopped as he heard footsteps nearby. A few seconds after, the iron door opened and a short figure entered the cell. It was a short girl, with platinum hair and dark blue eyes, wearing nothing but a simple white robe.

Upon seeing her, Subaru finally remembered.

?: Subaru… Shouldn't we take a rest…? The sun is already setting.

Between sighs, the blue haired oni asked the man with the evil gaze.

Rem: We've been travelling for almost 14 hours… Patrasche is tired and the sun is setting, let's find a place to rest and we'll continue tomorrow.

Patting the sleeping blond girl on her lap, Rem sighed while looking at Subaru.

Garfiel: That's true Cap'n… It's almost noon, let's find a place to rest.

Looking at the map Vincent gave him, Subaru shrugged his arms. They entered Lugunica thanks to Priscilla. She was not pleased at all, but she had a debt with Subaru's group since they saved her from assassins once. They had two routes to reach the Mathers domain, either go to the Argyle domain, to the Flugel stump and then to Mather's domain, or travel to Priestella and from there, to the Flugel stump. The first route was a week faster, but according to Garfiel the Emilia camp had been silent since they returned from the Sage Watchtower. Attempting to travel through the domain of another candidate, even if they were on good terms, was a bad idea at the moment. Closing the map, he turned to Garfiel.

Subaru: Let's stop here then. Rem, give Louis to me while you cook something.

Over the 5 months they had spent together, Rem grew up on Subaru. She was wary of him at first, not understanding what he wanted. Moreover, he left an innocent child to die or worse, would kill her himself. After the talk they had after Subaru was captured by rebels and thrown into a dungeon for a week, her suspicions wore off. Deep down, after the events at the forest where she woke up, she knew he had nothing on his mind but her well being. That talk confirmed it. He told her about her past, their relationship, what happened to her and more. They spoke about her work at the mansion, how they met, Ram, Emilia, Beatrice, Roswaal, the villagers, how she saved him from giving up and became her hero, the fight against the Great Whale, how she lost her name and memories to the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony and no one but him remembered her, the despair he felt and how he conquered the Sage Watchtower just to recover her memories. He failed at it, but she was awake again. And the first thing she did was try to murder him… She felt horrible for that. About why he wanted to kill Louis so much… They didn't talk about that until way later. He would barely stand her, but after that event, his behaviour around her changed entirely. He went from hating her to doting her as if she was his daughter in a single day.

While she didn't believe most of what he did: Killing two of the Great Mabeasts, three Sin Archbishops and conquering the Sage Watchtower, not until the blond demihuman came, she did believe what he told her about Ram, Emilia and the others. She was not sure why.

While cooking, Rem gave a few glances towards Subaru. He was playing with Louis as if she was his daughter. She also noticed a glint of sadness in his eyes. He did some things he would never forgive himself for in order to survive, but wasn't willing to tell her what.

Subaru: Is something wrong, Rem?

Realizing she had been staring too long at the man, Rem looked away to focus on cooking with a red face. It had been 3 months and she still couldn't keep her feelings in check. She told her how she loved him to the point of being willing to give her life for him. She laughed at first and called him an idiot. She was not sure now. Did she fall for the same stupid man twice? He was just a man of good timing with nothing special. Often got into trouble, couldn't fight… Not like it mattered or something. He had someone else in his heart after all. The way he looked when talking about Emilia… He looked as if simply remembering her could make all the pain he had suffered dissapear. And she was sure his feelings for her were only for her past self anyways. There was no way he could love someone who tried to kill him minutes after meeting and caused him so much pain, right? With a small sigh, she poured the soup she just finished cooking into a few bowls and gave them to the others.

Garfiel: Your cooking is as good as always, Rem.

Subaru: Of course it is! Rem was the cook back on the Roswaal manor! Better than Frederica, Ram and Petra together!

Garfiel: Cap'n…

With a gaze full of sadness, Garfiel continued, putting on a fake smile.

Garfiel: She is, Cap'n. Rem, you better teach your sister how to cook! I'm tired of eating steamed potatoes whenever Frederica is out!

Rem: I will, Garfiel.

With a tired expression, Rem washed the bowls with water magic. Hearing about what Garfiel said didn't make her happy. Forgetting everything was painful, but having everyone forget about you… She hated that. If she had lost her name instead of both name and memories, she… she was not sure what she would have done. According to Subaru, she was really close to her sister. The sister she never met. The sister she'll see in a few days. Garfiel said that no one knew she was awake and clearly didn't remember her… She... was scared. How would Ram react? Could they develop a new relationship? Thinking about the reunion that would happen soon terrified her. Ever since she knew about everyone she had met, she often had nightmares about them. Not recognizing her. Refusing to talk to her. Ignoring her existence. When she had those nightmares, Subaru would always comfort her and whisper sweet words into her ears: "It's fine." "They care for you." "Your sister would never do that."

But, deep down, those thoughts never disappeared.

The journey continued for a few days until they reached Flugel's tree. Or stomp. Whatever it was called now. They arrived at night and went to sleep: Subaru hugging Louis like he always did, while Rem and Garfiel took turns sleeping. After all the time in Vollachia they got used to it, even if no one would hurt them now.

Subaru: See this Garf? This stomp used to reach the sky. I used it to kill the whale!

Garfiel: That's amazing Cap'n!

Louis: Pa...pa… so… cool…!

Hugging Louis, who could barely talk a few sentences at a time, Subaru continued with his poor explanation of the epic battle that happened a year and a half ago.

Subaru: The whale was enormous, Garf! I ran with Rem and Patrasche under it to catch its attention while the others attacked. You should have seen Wilhelm running on its back, Garf! It was the best thing I've seen!

Garfiel: So cool Cap'n! What happened next!?

Subaru: The eye! Wilhelm cut it off the whale! It was the size of Patrasche! And then, he pointed it towards the beast and said: With a grave voice, Subaru continued:

Subaru: Miserable. And then the whale split into three. I noticed the one above the others only had one eye so I asked Rem to fly me there with a Huma spell and then…

Rem: I still can't believe that. What could you have done? And did Sister forgive you for putting me in danger? From what you told me, she should have removed a few extremities off you. And she will as soon as we arrive and tell her what happened over there in Vollachia.

Interrupting them, Rem jumped into the carriage with dinner ready. Once everyone was ready, Subaru continued with a face full of guilt. Seeing it, Rem realized what happened.

Subaru: About that, Rem...

Suddenly, an unknown voice interrupted the conversation.

?: She didn't because your name and memories were eaten not long after the fight. Isn't that right, Natsuki Subaru?

Outside the carriage, a woman with pale skin, platinum hair and dressed with a simple cloth stood there.

Subaru: How do you kn-

Looking into her eyes, Subaru asked himself why and how she knew. Then, a realization struck him.

Subaru: Those clothes and that appearance… She's with the Witch Cult!

As soon as his words left his mouth, Subaru grabbed Louis and jumped out of the carriage. Meanwhile, Garfiel rushed at the unknown woman while Rem shooted spikes of ice. A moment later, the unknown woman had her head crushed and her chest impaled, not having put any resistance whatsoever.

Garfiel: That's… it? Cap'n, who was she?

Subaru: Why are you here!? Did you come for her witch factor!?

Hugging Louis closer to his chest, Subaru shouted to the woman. As if he knew she wasn't dead.

?: No. I've come for you, Natsuki Subaru.

The same voice claimed from behind Garfiel.

Subaru: Me? What do you want!?

?: Let's talk in private, Natsuki Subaru. Natsuki Subaru-

Subaru: Don't do it, Pand-

With panic in his voice, Subaru begged for her to stop.

Pandora: -came alone to Vollachia.

Subaru: -ora!

The next instant, reality was rewritten. Garfiel, Rem, Louis, Patrasche and the carriage were all gone. Only Pandora and Subaru stood near the Flugel's Stomp. With her cloth fleeting in the air, she continued.

Pandora: Shall we talk, Natsuki Subaru?

Subaru: What do you want!? Was killing Fortuna and making Petelgeuse go mad not enough for you!?

Pandora: You've done great things. The White Whale, Sloth, The Great Hare, Greed, and Gluttony. All that's left on the Cult is Lust, Vainglory, Pride and Melancholy. I'm afraid I can't reach my goal with so few members. That's why you'll help me, Natsuki Subaru.

Subaru: And what makes you think I'll help you!? After everything you've done, why would I work for you!?

Pandora: Do it.

Suddenly, Subaru saw himself surrounded by Witch Cultists. They bowed to Pandora and started casting their spells. Fireballs appeared on their hands, aiming at Subaru.

Pandora: Do you want to surrender?

Subaru: I'll never surren-!

With a gaze full of rage, Subaru looked at Pandora straight in the eyes. Mid sentence, the cultists finished casting Goa. Aiming at Subaru's feet, the fireballs exploded, Subaru flew a few meters backward and fell unconscious.

Pandora: Take him.

Obeying her order, the cultists took Subaru and started sinking in the ground with their characteristic spell. A moment later, no one was left standing, with the charred remains of a patch of grass as the only proof that someone had been there.

Pandora: Did you finally remember?

Gazing with anger at Pandora, Subaru tried to break his chains to no avail. He only wanted to see her dead. She was the one who caused so much harm to Emilia 100 years ago, led the Witch Cult that terrorized the land for 400 years and now separated him from everyone he knew. Unable to free himself, he looked inside him, saw the cursed hand that caused him so much pain, and used it.

Subaru: Hah! Working for you? Never! Invisible Providence!

He hated it. He hated this power. Cor Leonis was useful at least, unlike this. It was only useful for killing himself. Every time he did, he was reminded of every time the Witch caressed his heart when he died or dared to tell someone about Return by Death. Grinding his teeth, he prepared himself for the pain that was to come. But it never came.

Pandora: Natsuki Subaru can't kill himself. I can't let you go back and fix this with that authority of yours. I wonder, will you break as easily as Petelgeuse?

With a blissed expression, Pandora declared her goals. But Subaru didn't hear her. Invisible Providence had failed. He tried to bite his tongue, but his jaw stopped midway. Terrified, he realized what Pandora had said. She knew and unlike Roswaal, knew he had to die. She knew. She knew about Return by Death. And the witch did nothing.