"I really don't recommend this." The healer said; the knight wasn't happy that neither Subaru nor Rem was going to listen to reason. "She's not going to be help in her current state."
"I'm sorry we're not able to listen to you. However, I do need Rem to come with us; she's the only one who can persuade Emilia and the others to leave." The cursed boy turned to look at the oni. "Rem isn't going to fight anymore." His voice was stern; telling her it wasn't up for negotiations. He truly did plan on keeping her out of the action. The girl nodded in agreement knowing he wasn't going to back down. But that was fine; she just wanted to remain by his side in case he needed her. Her present was more for emotional support.
"Well, I tried." Ferris sighed; the cat stood and left the couple alone. Ferris was pouting in his own way clearly not happy about his advice being ignored.
From the distance they watched as all the injured were transported into carriages. A small able-bodied group stayed behind to help Subaru. After the wounded left a small group of soldiers joined them. Rem frowned watching all the tense interactions her hero had with the knight leading the new group. At least none of these interactions were handle too badly. No other fights broke out between them.
The maid sat beside him while the others gather around in a semi-circle discussing the next course of action. "The plan is simple; raid and crush them before they know what hit them. The villagers will be evacuating, I asked for merchants to help move them out. I also asked for a letter to be delivered in advance to the mansion. It would be utter chaos if we don't notify Emilia about the alliance."
"So you have everything figured out and we're ready, right?" Ricado confirmed.
"We've never enjoyed such an advantage in battle over the Witch's Cult before." There was a light victorious smile on Wilhelm's face as he spoke. He was feeling very optimistic with their winning streak. With the White Whale gone nothing seemed out of reach anymore.
"Let's get ourselves a victory without losing anyone here and return home alive."
With those empowering words the meeting dismissed. Everyone mounted there dragons or ligers. Subaru noticed the maid faulted a little and helped her on Patrasche. He leaped on behind her. "Do you want me to take the rein? That way you can close your eyes and relax a little." His hands covered her over the harness.
"Thank you." Part of her did want to complain, she could still do this. However, since Ferris was coming along doing as little as possible would be for the best. It would be better to stay on the healer's good side. The oni released the reins letting her hands fall to her lap. Subaru kept both arms around her and held on tightly to the harness. With a small smile she rested her back against his chest allowing full control of her balance and safety to him. Her blue eyes fluttered shut allowing the soothing motion of the dragon's trot lull her into a relaxed daze.
The next time her eyes opened everyone had stopped moving. They were in a well-spaced path still surrounded by the cover of the forest. Rem stayed on the large lizard while Subaru dismounted and gathered to talk to the others.
Subaru then returned to her side and explained his plan. Julius would separate and take his group to dispose of some lurking nearby fingers. Everyone else would be led by the dark haired boy to take on the archbishop. Rem's role was to watch over there resources. Granted it was unlikely bandits would be nearby; stuff-sitting was still an important role. Or so he tried to convince her.
Subaru's group would be leaving behind there transportation in favor for stealth. With concern written on her face she watched the group walk into the forest till they were no longer visible. Rem was left all alone with a few carriages and Patrasche as company.
She turned around to face the animals. All the ligers seemed well train and were lying down and resting. Even Patrasche was down; her golden eyes were closed and her head up. The raptor rested with certain amount of nobility that reminded Rem of her graceful sister when she napped. With a smile sigh the twin sat down by the dragon's side keeping a respectable distance.
"I hope Subaru is going to be alright." The maid muttered shocked when the animal huffed in reply. "Do you think it will be ok?" Patrasche offered her a quick sideway glance in her direction. It seemed like the creature was trying not to make direct eye contact with her. The demi human placed her hand on her lower neck and scratched at the scaly skin. If all else fails affection is a good way to communicate. Rem giggled at the look of delight on the reptile's face.
The sounds of battle could be heard from there makeshift campsite. "Subaru…" Though she wasn't sure if those noises were from her savior's group or Julius'. "Rem just wants him to reach out to me when he needs help." It wasn't until she heard the sound of Mimi and Tivey's voice echoing in unison that she confirmed it was from them. After the resonating waves from their voices rang out the next sound was that of rocks falling.
The twin could only imagine the worst. How many times has his cursed activated? How many times has he experienced death? Was it unreasonable to be so worried? "Rem is coming to help." Maybe now, with her, he wouldn't suffer so much.
Raising to her feet with no problem the twin was able to take four steps before something caught the back of her uniform. Rem had a pretty good idea of what it was too and there was no way she would be able to drag it with her either. The younger sibling turned her head and sulked. "I want to go to his side..." The land dragon firmly held her back with a large portion of her dress in her sharp beak. Patrasche slammed her tail against the ground in a firm objection with her nostril flaring.
It really is hard to stay behind. It was the first time Rem felt what Subaru must have felt when Emilia told him to stay behind. Following orders have never been so hard before. If she were to go to him would he get mad at her like Emilia did with him? Her heart throbbed a little in pain at the thought. He didn't want her to fight anymore. Surely he wouldn't, right? Would he ever get truly mad at her? It would still be breaking a scared promise between them.
With a particularly loud exhale the raptor moved her head in a more comfortable resting position moving Rem with ease. The maid stepped back and threw her hands out to regain the balance she lost. "I understand; Rem will stay." Only then did her uniform get released from the dragon's mouth. Not wanting to betray the noble dragon's budding trust in her. The oni sat back down leaning against the larger creature with her shoulders drooped. "Stay safe." The demi human prayed over and over again.
Much to her dismay Julius' group had returned first. Thinking logically she really should have been able to tell it wasn't Subaru team. The knight had more people in his group the combine clatter of their footsteps should have been more than enough knowledge for her. Still when the tall man appeared in her view her excited puppy like expression fell and she buried her face back into the dragon's side discouraged once more. The knight didn't let her reaction of disappointment phase him too much.
When the cursed boy did return her face lit up like a million volts of pure electricity. Before talking to the others he had to greet Rem first; stroking the top of her head. "Rem was a good girl and wait patiently, very painfully patiently." The maid ignored the snort of the reptile beside her probably calling her out on bad behavior.
"Good girl." Her hero praised once more. After a few more strokes he went to confirm success with the others. Calmly the demi human watched. She couldn't hear what they were saying but each individual looked relaxed at the situation. They were relaxed enough to share in a laugh that was probably at Subaru's expense. His expression matched the insincere angry face he normally gives Ram when she teases or mocks him.
"Get down!" The human screamed. Subconsciously Rem fell forward on her hands and knees keeping her head up to survey the area. From the darkness of the forest she saw long shadow like limbs grab members of their alliance. They hung in the air in twisted positions till their bodies were crushed with a sickening sound. It was a horrific scene. Even more so when the boy she loved let out a shout and was dragged deep within the forest.
"Subaru!" The twin screamed. Urgently she crawled onto Patrasche's back. She didn't attempt to sit properly. Instead of grabbing the harness she wrapped her arms around the animal's thick neck. She didn't agree to stay behind this time! The raptor didn't hesitate to get to her feet and take off chasing her master.
Mask members of the cult appeared in front of the forest. Still the dragon didn't slow down like the knights stopped. Without hesitating the dragon caught the cultist by the neck leaving deadly marks on their skin. Once the bite crushed their windpipe Patrasche simply let the body go and fall to the ground only to be trampled on.
Rem growled she could smell the lingering scent of the witch in every direction. The continuing yelling and red light from Ia made them easy to spot. Trees around them came crashing down as the female foe thrashed around. The servant could see every limb but Patrasche probably couldn't. Still the noble dragon was able to sense the danger to perfectly dodge them. Quickly she got in between Subaru and the finger.
The other soldiers caught up with them minutes later. While the finger's attention was on them Wilhelm in a speedy burst of agility was able to cut her down in a blink of an eye.
"Subaru, are you alright?" The younger sister asked reaching out. She wanted nothing more than to reconfirm his presences with physical touch. He reached for her hand trying to calm his nerves. This was unexpected. He had never seen this woman before in any of his loops. Rem's thumb reassuringly caressed over his. The action pulled him out of his thoughts to focus on her faithful companionship. He offered a small nervous but still warm smile her way.
And if nothing else the undignified way she rode on his partner's back was enough to lighten his mood. She laid around with her arms and legs -as securely as possible- wrapped around the animal. The servant blushed as she realized her riding position. "Don't laugh, if Rem sat up normally I would have fallen off. Plus I'm a little dizzy from the speed to sit up normally." He rubbed her back in circles his fingers tips brushed up against the open part of her uniform feeling the heat of her bare skin. When the others approached them she sat up without a slight wobble.
"Let's return to the others." The spirit user knight voiced. For Subaru's piece of mind Mimi had once again eradicated the already confirmed dead body. The cursed boy walked beside his noble partner holding her reins. His amber gazed was directed on the ground in front of him as his mind wondered. The oni on the other hand observed his expressions. She could read them as if he had spoken them aloud. He was furious and it only led to self-hating. Once his eyes landed on the covered bodies of their comrades his mental state only suffered more.
"None of this is your fault." The twin seriously doubted there was anything she could say to him that would lift his mood. She was still going to try though. What was the point of being by his side if she didn't try to help? When the sword demon approached, Rem was honestly grateful.
"Be strong." The older man said firmly. The dedicated and determinate light in his amber eyes returned once more. His journey into self-pity was over as quickly as it started. His mission to save Emilia took priorities over his dark feeling. He mounted his land dragon and led everyone out of the forest.
The cobble stone road was a comforting sight to see. The village was close by and soon everyone would be safe. Or so the human boy told himself repeatedly. Subaru was snapped out of his mantra when Rem perked up. "Sister is nearby." The demi human's smile could be heard from chipper tone in her voice. It hadn't been that long since they last saw the mansion. But the sisters still hated to be separated from each other. Seconds later the carriage traveling in front of them came to a rough stop. They stopped instantly and so did the ones behind them to avoid crashing.
Standing dangerously in the middle of the road was a caped girl. Ram didn't bother hiding her face despite wearing the hood part. The cursed couple dismounted Patrasche. The twins had no qualms about affectionately greeting each other immediately. Blatantly ignoring the looks from everyone around. The minute the head maid pulled out of her twin's embrace she wore a scowl her eyes landing on the human. "What's the meaning of all this Barusu?"
"What? Didn't you get my letter explaining this?" He looked confused and glanced over at Rem expecting backup.
"Yes, Subaru wrote a letter. Rem proof read it and fixed his grammar." She stated quite happily.
"That last part was unnecessary to add, Rem." Her savior muttered.
"Yes, we got a letter, however it was blank."
"Blank?"
"Sending a blank letter means you have no intention of speaking to the recipient. It could be taken as a declaration of war." The taller knight enlightened the foreign boy.
"That's one huge misunderstanding, I swear!"
Ram sent another glance of confirmation at Rem who nodded in agreement at his words. "You're very lucky Rem was with you or I would've attacked. Ram doesn't want her cute Rem getting caught up in the commotion. So you're really not biting the hand that feeds you?"
"Wouldn't dream of it, I am but Emilia's loyal dog."
"Fine, I understand."
"You're taking my side?! That's a nice feeling."
Ram glared but didn't refute his words. "What are you planning now, Barusu?"
"I want to safely evacuate the village. I've already set up the transportation for it. While I do that I want Rem and Wilhelm to try and get Emilia and the loli to safety."
"Very well. I'll go with Rem, let's go." The hornless oni jumped on the lizard's back not willing to negotiate her next moves. She waited for Rem to get on. The younger girl leaped on and took control of the reins while her older twin sat behind her.
"Yes, sister." She responded automatically. Before turning to her twin she reached out for her love. The demi human's hand latched on to his sleeve with a bit of a tug. "Be careful Subaru."
"I will. You two also be very careful." The younger girl leaped on and took control of the reins while her older twin sat behind her.
"We will." With a snap of the harness the raptor bolted down the road with Wilhelm in close proximity.
Ram pressed herself up against her sister nuzzling fondly into her back. The nonchalant girl buried her face into her twin's neck. Her soft breath caused a playful tickling against her nape. Rem knitted her brow together in confusion. Her sister seemed to be actively nuzzling her. Of course the affection didn't bother her but it was just a little off. "Rem."
"Yes, sister?"
"Why do you smell weird, like Barusu?"
"!" It took a lot of control to stop her body from tensing up and reacting normally. Ram would notice and she didn't want to lie. If she hesitated the answer for too long the older girl would be suspicious. "Um... Well, I've been held up against him for the trip."
The older girl hummed in response. Rem wasn't sure if she was satisfied with the answer but she didn't push it. "Ram's precious sister is rather beaten up. Are you really alright?" Ram spoke in a tender voice. She only ever allowed her kin to hear the devotion in her voice. Blue eyes glanced down at her appearance. Well, she was a bit roughed up but most of her injuries were healed. Just the dirt on her clothing remained.
"Yes, Rem is fine. Please don't worry." The rest of the way was quiet. The younger sister was unsure if that was a good thing. Her sister was clearly apprehensive of her new relationship with Subaru. She figured Ram probably knew this wasn't the time to attempt to bring it up either.
They reached the gate of Roswaal's mansion. Once they crossed the threshold a large explosion came from the direction of the town. The timing was uncannily perfect. All heads turned in the direction of the town. Clouds of black smoke rose into the air scaring away local birds.
"I fear we might need to change our plans." The old man stated his eyes narrowing.
"I understand, Rem and I will talk to Emilia. You can return to Barusu's side."
"Thank you." Yanking the rein's his land dragon spun around and raced back to the town.
"Let's precede, Rem." The peach haired girl saw the way her twin grip tighten on the harness. She was fighting the urge to turn around as too. She snapped the harness and Patrasche took off crossing the large yard in a matter of minutes. The redhead jumped off and entered the mansion without waiting for Rem.
By the time she entered her home Ram was already updating the elf with the situation. The second she was finished the long haired woman rushed out. She didn't acknowledge Rem by the door and she ran by without a word. Neither twin bothered to call out after her either. "Now what do you suggest, sister?" Rem spoke as calmly as possible.
"Beatrice will be fine in the library. We might as well provide backup at the village; helping the hurt and trying to get people to safety. I'll take the lead." The red eyed girl mounted the raptor taking a hold of the harness. The horned oni sat behind wrapping her arms around her graceful sibling. With a screeching cry the reptile sprinting back to the town.
The last time they saw the town was barely an hour ago. This new sight was quite horrifying to them. The peaceful village was a hellish nightmare now. Bodies were dropped everywhere. Knifes were embedded in solid stone structures. Homes had splatters of blood stains painted across the front. The sky was black from smoke and its haze burned at their lungs. There wasn't a sign of the half elf that had arrived before them.
The cursed girl scowled. "Where's Subaru?"
"I'll use my clairvoyance." Rem could feel Ram release her mana flooding the surrounding area. It was a comfortable feeling knowing her sister could see the area around them all. No one would be able to sneak up on them. It only took a few seconds for the hornless girl to pinpoint everyone exact location. "This way." She pulled on the belt and made a hard turn to the right where she saw the boy.
Protected by the remains of the side of someone's house Julius surveyed the area. He tensed when the steps of a dragon could be heard. However he relaxed the moment he saw the two girls on her back.
"What happened?" Rem staggered off and knelt by the unconscious boy. She barely noticed the state Ferris was in.
"There was a spy among us." The healer spoke out.
"Witch Cult!" Pure rage escaped her dry throat. With a groan the unconscious boy began to regain his awareness. There really wasn't a surprised look on his face as he took in the destruction.
The knight briefly updated them on the situation. "We had Tivey and Mimi trying to evacuate people to the mansion. Now, that Subaru is awake; Ferris should join them and heal who you can."
"Got it." The healer sprung to his feet and rushed to the first person he saw.
"On our way here, we didn't run into any of those people." Ram spoke up.
"They avoided the main road. They took cover in the woods so they wouldn't be seen by the enemy."
"Subaru." The younger maid stared into the sky drawing their attention to where shadow limbs could touch the heavens.
"So you can see them, Rem?"
"Yes."
Julius frowned unable to see them but aware that something was there. Ram narrowed her eyes as if squinting would improve her vision. It didn't. "Will the three of you be able to handle the problems here?"
"What are you planning, Subaru?"
The shorter boy pulled out a familiar black book from his jacket. "I'll lead that one away."
Julius grinned and unsheathed his weapon. "Very well."
With a triumphant smile the black haired boy turned towards the finger. " Hey! Is this what you're looking for?" He flailed the book around treating it like a piece of garbage. The horrified look on the possessed girl's features made her look absolutely ghastly.
"Thief! I'll kill you!"
The seconds the extra limbs appeared from her back Subaru scrambled off separating himself from the safety of the others. "Subaru!" The servant called out in concern as the boy jumped the bordering fence. He disappeared into the mabeast's breeding ground. The loyal oni started to walk towards the entrance of the forest. The call of her sibling stopped her in the tracts.
"Leave this to Barusu. We have our own parts to play." Once the younger girl turned to face her, Ram offered a warm confident smile. "Ram and Rem are the strongest together." Holding out her hand Rem immediately took a hold of it.
Rem was physically and magically exhausted. Ram wouldn't last long especially if she had to use her clairvoyance continuously to see enemy attacks. She sighed and huffed. "Rem, keep your eyes open."
"Yes!"
The twins separated from the Kararagi knight. They headed towards the last sighting of their substitute master. "Fula!" A single blade of wind flew through the air severing the mask head of a cultist tormenting a scared couple. "Head towards the mansion!" The head maid ordered without stopping. The speed of Subaru's steed never slowed as they passed the couple finding the next target to eliminate.
The horned twin kept alert. The mask cultists were easy enough to take out and didn't use any attacks that Ram couldn't see on her own. "Sister!" Her head jerked to the side to see a singular member taking cover in the shadow of a house. Within a split second the man pulled out a long blade and threw it towards them. The peach haired girl wasn't able to react fast enough. Thankfully Patrasche's predator trained eyes were able to pick up the movement before the maids. She leaped high into the air with her powerful calf muscles heading for her prey. The knife that would have flanked her got stuck in a tree instead.
The caped person raised a hand in their direction. Before he could chant a spell; gravity brought the large creature crashing down. Ram's knuckles turned white from gripping the harness tightly as her butt lifted off the saddle's seat. At least the stirrups should lighten the blow on the way down. Rem on the other hand, her arms squeezed Ram around the middle -leaning into her body- as her only security line from flying off the dragon's back.
The scaly being landed on their attacker crushing him instantly. The sounds of snapping bones echo in their ears. Ram felt a sadistic grin morph on her face. Excited oni blood pumped through their veins. No matter how tired the girls were the sounds of battle where stimulating-ly pleasing to them. It was arousing in a way; a pleasurable shiver through their spines. Goose bumps appeared on their arms making their hair stand on end. There was no greater feeling then knuckles connecting with someone's skull.
With the grace of a wind user the lizard dodged incoming fireballs running in between them. Both girls leaned forward moving with the dragon's body allowing for a faster sprint. One made a quick retreat into the ground while the other scurried off running with ridiculously wide struts. They caught up to him in a split second. Ram reached over and grabbed him violently.
Rem watched with sweet satisfaction as her lovely enraged sister tortured him. She broke the bones in his wrist as well as dislocated both shoulders. After all she didn't want a close range attack from him. And yet, that fact she thoroughly enjoyed the chilling noises of bones snapping and popping was her number one reason for doing it. It was simply fun to drag him around and use him as a meat shield. Once that enjoyment wore off, the peach haired girl simply slammed his corpse against the ground without a care.
From behind them in a blind spot a cultist rose from the ground in Patrasche's shadow. Dagger in hand he planned to stab in directly into the maid's back. The noble steed snorted and brought her tail into the side of the opponent knocking him into Ram's view. "Fula!" She roared tearing the foe to large chunks.
"That's enough, villain!"
Ram was the first one to snap out of her blood lust. The familiar voice of Emilia's shout registered in her brain. They stood off to the side with some scared citizens to watch. The ease in which she was able to form ice impressed both sisters. Neither of them had ever seen the long haired girl fight. The elf had greater control on ice formations; able to create structure to land on. Her ability to spawn more projectiles made a twinge of jealousy hit Rem at the lack of her own abilities.
Even without the help of the great spirit she was able to take out the insane finger. After the initial attack all of Rem's ice would melt within minutes. Emilia was able to restrain a partly frozen man from just one head on attack. The spirit user walked up to him and placed a hand to his chest. The deadly elder was perfectly encased in beautiful crystal ending the fight within the village.
Emilia looked around just realizing she was now the center of attention. Her gaze averted to her feet and she looked nervous all of the sudden. Ram wanted to sigh at the quick change of personality. She hopped down and walked to the future king's side.
Rem held her hands to her chest. Quietly she simply stared in the direction of the forest waiting to see her hero's form returning. Their part was done, now they just had to wait for his return. Surely Julius ran after him when they were done doing their parts here. Everything will be fine and they had triumphed over the Witch's Cult. Still her heart hurt and it hurt badly.
"Subaru is here?" The smaller girl nodded in confirmation to the taller girl's question. Emilia's voice sounded a bit on the happy side. She hadn't seen the boy since their awful fight. Something a part of her deeply regretted. The first born sister had spoken of the details of their plan and who had come up with it. Subaru was really thoughtful. Even after their fight he was still willing to help. The sentiment made her heart flutter and tears of happiness gather in her purplish orbs. The half elf turned her attention towards the forest with worry. But the only thing she saw was the younger oni sliding off Patrasche's back. The servant hit the ground with a thud; she landing on her side and remained motionless.
"Rem...?"
A/N: It would be interesting if Rem could now use a little bit of Yin magic but probably not. At the very least she should be able to see it now, I think. At the end of 23 when Subaru said he wanted to tell Julius something. We never really find out what is it do we? I already thought his previous apology was genuine so it wasn't that, right?