Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 17: Finding Trees in a Forest

A warm breeze passed Subaru while he sat in the land dragon drawn cart softly rumbling along the trail towards the village. As the outline of the castle grew smaller with each passing moment, Subaru gently touched his neck where Beatrice had caressed him before. A bright smile crossed his face as he reminisced and the time passed quickly before the rooftops of the village came into view. Exiting the cart, Subaru stretched his arms above his head while a yawn escaped from his mouth.

?: "Not a good sign when the help Niki sends is both late and yawning."

The sound of a small voice startled Subaru and he frantically looked around for the source. Unable to determine the origin, Subaru shrugged and began to thank the land dragon while offering the beast scraps from his lunch.

?: "Hmm, Niki said the small one was rude, but she didn't say anything about you…"

This time, the source of the voice lightly kicked Subaru's ankle. Slightly shocked, the boy looked down to find a small cat boy staring back at him. The small boy had gray hair and his ears poked out from behind a worn newsboy cap. Subaru thought that the boy must be an entire foot shorter than Niki, but couldn't place his age. He wore a canvas tunic and cloth pants with sandals similar to the outfit provided for Subaru during his stay. However, Subaru noted that the articles appeared to have several patches and signs of restoration from overuse. As he evaluated the cat boy, the land dragon earnestly began to lick Subaru across his face. Subaru stumbled away from the dragon and began wiping his face as he spoke.

Subaru: "Blech! Geez! Woah there boy! I'll miss you too. Anyway, so… kid, did Niki tell you to meet me here or what? You seem like you know me. I'm looking for the lumbercat."

?: "Hmm, you are indeed rude. Fine, follow me to the lumber yard this way."

The small cat boy spoke in a flat tone as he abruptly strode forward leaving Subaru behind.

Subaru: "Ehh! Hold up!"

Subaru ran to catch up to the cat boy who seemed to not acknowledge his presence. The boy's golden eyes looked to be preoccupied in thought as they held an aloof appearance. Even so, the boy deftly weaved around the village houses and down a narrow path into the forest with subaru in tow. After a few minutes, the forest opened into a clearing and loud industrial sounds filled the air. As the sun cleared from his eyes, Subaru gazed around the clearing and saw piles of sawn logs and a small river running through the forest. Near the head of the river at the edge of the clearing there was a large water wheel attached to a mill. As Subaru stared as if awestruck, the cat boy spoke out to him.

?: "Well, as you can see we have all the means to process lumber. All that remains is for you to assist in cutting down some trees. You needed a stall, right?"

Subaru: "H-huh? Well… It looks like we may need a small stage now…"

?: "Hmm, three then."

Subaru: "Three what?"

?: "Trees. You'll need three trees for a job that size. There's a clearing a ways up the river that has perfect trees."

Subaru quizzically made eye contact with the boy as he tried to assess the identity of the child.

Subaru: "Okay, you aren't as cute as you think you are. Are you the lumbercat's son? What was his name… Ri-Ricar-Ricardo! Are you related to him?"

?: "In a way, yes."

As Subaru was about to berate the boy for his sarcastic attitude, a group of cat people approached him. Seeing that the group was of adults who worked at the lumberyard, Subaru folded his arms and awaited what he thought would be a swift punishment for his unruly guide.

Lumberyard Workers: "Boss! Welcome back!"

Subaru was floored as the situation became apparent. Once again sizing up the small cat boy, Subaru spoke with a more formal tone.

Subaru: "W-who are you exactly?"

?: "Woah, so you can be somewhat sociable instead of talking down to me. It is as you thought, Niki told me to expect you. I am Ricardo."

In the same flat tone, the boy revealed himself to be the very person that Subaru was seeking. Flabbergasted at the revelation, Subaru could only stare and reevaluate the boy.

Ricardo: "Are you certain that I am not as cute as I think I am? You seem to be very interested in my appearance."

Seemingly snapped out of his surprise by the boy's jeering, Subaru responded with slight annoyance.

Subaru: "W-what! I was just surprised that a small fry like you would be in charge! How old are you anyways?"

Ricardo: "Hmm, are all humans the same size and shape?"

Subaru: "What? No, of course not!"

Ricardo: "So why am I held to a different standard? You say I am small, but I am quite normal by my standards. My age isn't important, but I used to watch over Niki when she was a girl if that helps."

The logic was infallible and Subaru gave the cat boy's words some thought before deciding to relent and apologize in order to ensure the workday could proceed. As Subaru bowed seeking forgiveness, he felt a small kick at his ankle again. Meeting the eyes of the lumbercat, Ricardo motioned for him to raise his head.

Ricardo: "None of that. You don't wind up boss if you get your feelings hurt that easily. You're not the first to mistake me for someone else. I just enjoy watching you get uncomfortable. Niki suggested I give it a try, so I'll have to thank her once she returns."

Subaru clenched his jaw as he imagined the conversation that must have occurred. He made a mental note to find a way to punish Niki later. Noticing the anger in Subaru's eyes, Ricardo pulled an axe out of a nearby barrel and handed it to him. Upon taking the axe from the cat boy, who moved it seemingly effortlessly, Subaru stumbled forward almost dropping the tool.

Subaru: "Wow… That's… uh… I was just surprised by the weight! This is fine!"

Ricardo: "Good! You should save that energy for the trees. You still need three so put in a good effort today and you should be able to get them all. I'm sure you want to get back to your castle and your lady, right?"

Subaru: "Erk! Well, yeah… that's true. So let's get started!"

Ricardo: "Niki wasn't lying, you do like people teasing you. I guess it makes sense with what she told me about your choice in women…"

Subaru: "What! What is that supposed to mean? How do you even know about Beako!?"

Ricardo: "Time's-a-wastin' so we should head out."

Ricardo swiftly started to make his way away from Subaru and towards the river and a trail that appeared to run alongside it. Subaru followed after him while pressing for more information on Niki's disclosures. Offering no satisfying answers, the lumbercat couldn't hide his playful smile as they made their way into the forest. After a while, Subaru's mind naturally moved to thoughts of Beatrice and what she might be doing during his absence. The warmth he felt from the small spirit as he left the castle did help to alleviate his concerns, but to say he was worried would be an understatement. Subaru knew that this would be a difficult trial for Beatrice and his chest tightened up with a pang of guilt whie images of his girlfriend threatened to stymie his resolve to complete his task as quickly as possible. He couldn't help but feel responsible for leaving Adella and Niki to handle the situation in his place. He shook his head as if to clear it as he muttered aloud softly.

Subaru: "Sorry, Adie…"

Ricardo's ears perked up and he turned to see who Subaru might be talking to. With no one in sight, the cat boy smiled knowingly before facing forward once more and starting to speak.

Ricardo: "Is this your first time apart?"

Caught off guard by the question, Subaru stumbled forward and caught his balance. Deciding that the forest was no place to be absent minded, he responded to Ricardo.

Subaru: "You mean Beako?"

Ricardo: "That's who you're focusing your thoughts on right now, right?"

Subaru: "Well, yeah, I guess…"

Ricardo: "You'll be fine. Should make your reunion all the more meaningful."

Subaru: "Adie said the same thing…"

Detecting uncertainty in Subaru's voice, Ricardo softened his tone while still trudging along the forest trail.

Ricardo: "You don't sound so sure."

Subaru: "It's not that…"

Ricardo: "Well, we have a bit of time. I can afford to listen if you'd like."

Subaru hesitated to respond. It seemed like he was always confiding in others when it came to his personal dilemmas and his guilt was compounded by this realization.

Subaru: "I'm sure the town is tired of hearing about us."

Ricardo: "I am not the town, I am me. No shame in asking for help if you are unsure. That's what I always tell the greenhorn workers out here. I will say though, if you are this resistant to open up, then you must give your lady a lot of trouble…"

Subaru: "It's not like that! If anything, she causes just as much trouble!"

Ricardo: "Ohhoho! Is that so? Is that why you feel guilty about leaving?"

Subaru was once again surprised by Ricardo's accurate assessment. Despite his diminutive stature, the lumbercat proved quite adept at reading people. Fumbling his words, Subaru continued.

Subaru: "Erk! Well… yeah… Beako isn't the best at being alone. I'm… worried about her."

Ricardo: "Bad."

Subaru: "H-huh?"

Ricardo: "You should give her more credit. People are stronger than you think."

Subaru: "But I promised I'd always be with her."

Ricardo: "And so you shall. Obviously something happened to make you fear leaving her alone, but don't you think she wants to change that irrational fear? Did you consider that fussing over her might make her feel guilty about her own weakness?"

Ricardo's astute observation stopped Subaru in his tracks. Was he inadvertently coddling Beatrice? Sensing a halt in movement, Ricardo stopped and turned to face Subaru.

Ricardo: "Oh boy, I might have overstepped. Figured you might want to get your worries out before you start work. Can't have you injuring yourself."

Subaru: "No… You've been helpful. I need to give Beako more credit. We don't have to be attached at the hip all the time."

Ricardo: "You wouldn't have left her if you didn't think she could handle it. My advice would be to just focus on today. Let her get through this on her own and you might be surprised."

Subaru: "Yeah."

Subaru put an arm behind his head and rested his hand on his neck. Even though they had only been walking for a short while, Ricardo had been able to help settle his conscience. Subaru thought that this skill probably contributed to Ricardo's status as boss. Sensing the more relaxed atmosphere, Ricardo continued with a light hearted half-joke.

Ricardo: "Besides, I'm sure you left her with a kiss to hold her over, right?"

Subaru: "Well...uhh…"

Ricardo: "Wait, you didn't even kiss her goodbye!"

Subaru: "Well… everytime a good moment comes up… we get interrupted. So I'm not even sure how to ask for one at this point…"

The atmosphere abruptly changed as the light appeared to disappear from Ricardo's eyes. The cat boy marched over to Subaru before berating him in a stern tone.

Ricardo: "I take it all back. You do have a reason to feel guilty. It is no less than a miracle that any lady would choose you. So… dense…"

Subaru stiffened his posture and tried to reply meekly.

Subaru: "I-is it really that bad?"

Ricardo: "Yes. Consider today's efforts as penance. We are close to the site, I think you should run from here on."

Subaru: "Is that really necessary?"

Ricardo: "RUN!"

Before the small cat boy could finish yelling his orders, Subaru's legs had instinctively started into a full sprint. As he ran ahead, Ricardo stood behind shaking his head while resting his fingers on his temple. Rounding the corner, Subaru saw what appeared to be larger, more robust trees than the ones closer to the village. A team of cat people appeared to be hard at work chopping and sawing away. The workers seemed to pay him no mind which made Subaru feel awkwardly out of place. Running had warmed him up and as the sun beat down overhead, Subaru took off his tracksuit jacket and tied it around his waist while he waited for instruction. After a few minutes, Subaru heard someone call out.

Lumber Worker: "Boss!"

Ricardo slowly walked up to who Subaru surmised must be a foreman of some sort. The two spoke privately before the foreman approached Subaru with instructions. The afternoon was a blur of activity. With the axe that Ricardo had given him earlier, Subaru was assigned to a team dedicated to hacking away at one side of the trees while another team hewed away with two-man saws on the opposite side. Upon felling a tree, a third team would clear off branches before tying ropes around the trunk and dragging it to the river. Even with the skilled team, Subaru's inexperience took a toll on his body which slowed down his work. Small inefficiencies were riddled throughout every swing which only served to make the boy feel more out of place. However, his co-workers did not share the same sentiment. Instead of anger, he was bombarded with affirmations, advice, and some light teasing. As Subaru started to find his pace he noticed that the work environment was more playful than he expected. Before he knew it, he had successfully assisted in felling three trees, but the work continued on. Subaru did not complain and pushed through while taking time to eat his late lunch and the occasional break for water. The sun began to set in the sky when the foreman gave the signal to start packing up and Subaru leaned against the nearest tree. The worn out boy slowly slid down into a seated position while workers passed him by giving accolades the whole time. As Subaru sat catching his breath, Ricardo approached him with a small smile on his face.

Ricardo: "How about that, how were your first trees?"

Beads of sweat dripping down his face, Subaru forced a smile and replied wholeheartedly.

Subaru: "Feels great. I can't really say I cut them down by myself…"

Ricardo: "This again? I thought I made it clear that there is no shame in accepting help. Look at how much work you were able to do as a team."

Subaru: "Yeah, yeah. Everything can be explained with trees. I get it."

Ricardo: "Yep. Now those trees are going down river to be processed at the mill. I half expected you to stop after you got to three trees but I'd say you cut down at least twelve."

Subaru: "It's like you said… we worked as a team. It would have been selfish to try and leave before the day was through. Besides, telling me the number of trees was just a test, right?"

Ricardo: "You figured me out. Given your work ethic... I guess this means we can be friends. Maybe I'll show you my special cutting technique sometime."

The sudden admission from Ricardo made Subaru's bruised body feel slightly lighter. The cat boy offered a hand which Subaru confidently took and rose to his feet. With the job completed, they made their way back to the forest entrance. Upon reaching the mill, a familiar voice called out to Subaru.

Mina: "Mister!"

Subaru glanced over to see that Kobe was waiting with Mina in tow. He surmised that Niki must have informed Kobe of the situation earlier. The small cat girl ran over but stopped in her tracks with a scared look. Subaru traced her gaze to his hand and realized he still had the axe Ricardo had given him. At this point, the tool felt like an extension of his arm so he hadn't noticed it. Subaru turned to offer the axe back to Ricardo, but was interrupted by the lumbercat.

Ricardo: "Keep it. Consider it an investment. Come back and help out sometime."

Subaru: "Thank you, Ricardo."

After offering a small bow, Subaru wrapped the axe in a cloth and stored it in his pack. With a nod from Ricardo, he joined Kobe and scooped Mina up into his arms. They began to make their way out of the forest when they heard Ricardo yell out from behind them.

Ricardo: "And kiss your girlfriend, you idiot!"

Kobe gently smiled as Subaru went red and Mina tilted her head and tried to understand the situation. After a few minutes, Kobe spoke while walking along the trail towards the lodge.

Kobe: "So what did you think of Ricardo?"

Subaru: "He is definitely wise. I learned a lot today. Not just about lumber."

Kobe: "That's good. A lot of people trust him, if he approves of you… the town will be buzzing about you tomorrow, I'm sure."

Mina: "I'm alweady buzzing! Buzz, buzz!"

Subaru: "You sure are, Mina! Are your friends joining us?"

Mina: "Yes, mister. It's past time for dinner."

Subaru: "Well we shouldn't keep them waiting!"

And so, Subaru and the group arrived back at the lodge and were joined by Soba, Riko, and Nana. Subaru went straight to the bath and borrowed the clothes he used during his last visit. Once he returned to the main room he saw that Kobe had been hard at work preparing a hearty dinner of smoked fish and forest vegetables. Subaru and the starry eyed children wasted no time digging in. Food had never tasted so good, or so Subaru thought before imagining the scowl of a certain head maid. Pressed on through his exhaustion by hunger, he continued to eat while the children interjected with comments every now and then. Before long, the children had slumped into a small pile on the floor as they purred into slumber. The exception being Mina, who had taken the liberty of passing out in Subaru's lap. Releasing a wide yawn, Subaru felt his body become heavy as the events of the day caught up with him. Working from midday to sundown after weeks of easy going left a strain that he had not felt since before coming to this world. As he reminisced and considered going to bed, Kobe placed two steaming wooden cups down before taking a seat on the floor across from Subaru. Kobe gestured his hand towards the cup, which Subaru picked up and brought to his nose. The bitter smell made him pull back the drink and quizzically face Kobe.

Subaru: "What is this!"

Gesturing towards the children, Kobe signaled for Subaru to lower his voice. Seeing that Subaru understood, Kobe continued in a low voice.

Kobe: "They stayed up late waiting to see you, let them sleep. I'll carry them home shortly. This is some hot sake. I figured it could warm your bones and help you sleep after working so hard today. Do you not care for it?"

Kobe eyed him expectantly as he inquired. Not wanting to be rude, Subaru swiftly drank the contents of his cup before quietly coughing into his hand. Seemingly satisfied, Kobe smiled as Subaru settled down and continued.

Subaru: "It's d-delicious, thank you."

Kobe: "Good. So how was the lumber cutting, I hope they treated you well?"

Subaru: "Oh, thank you… Everyone was very helpful and positive. They teased me a little, but it actually made work seem fun. It was like working with a bunch of Nikis, if I'm being honest."

Kobe: "Haha! I'm glad. My granddaughter can be absent minded but she has the same kind spirit that we villagers pride ourselves on. Thank you for taking care of her so often."

Subaru: "It's no problem. If anything, Beako and Adie do most of the 'taking care' of."

Kobe: "Is that so, how is the little miss?"

Subaru: "Well... Beako is doing fine."

Kobe: "Fine? I expected a more detailed answer than that. I heard your camping trip went well."

Subaru paused as he felt a warmth spread across his cheeks. His exhaustion combined with the unfamiliar alcohol manifested in the form of a dopey grin as the boy thought about Beatrice. His inhibitions weakened, Subaru erupted with words as he began to fawn over Beatrice.

Subaru: "Well… things have been great. We got to go on another date and I almost kissed her again. She's been sweet and cute lately… It's like... DDMU! Yes! Dere Dere Mode Unlocked! I love her a lot and…*hic* I miss her!"

Kobe: "How about that... The sake makes you pretty honest, huh? To be young again…"

Subaru: "It's true sir! I can't wait to see her tomorrow!"

At this point, Subaru's voice had risen and Mina started to stir in his lap.

Mina: "Ahhn… Mister...too loud...zzz…"

Kobe: "Agreed, go back to sleep little one."

Mina curled back up and started purring while Kobe and Subaru watched. After the small cat girl had fallen back asleep, Subaru spoke in a soft voice.

Subaru: "Sorry."

Kobe: "No worries, you have love in your heart, lad. I'll remember to cut back your sake next time… Have some water and get some sleep. I need to get these little ones home before it gets much too late."

Subaru: "Ahhn… I guess I am pretty tired *hic*"

Kobe: "Make yourself at home, but definitely have some water."

Subaru "Okay…"

With that, Kobe deftly scooped up the children and made his way out the door to return them to their homes. Subaru couldn't help but think that Kobe looked like a doting grandfather as he skillfully carried the four children without waking them. After drinking a few cups of water, Subaru adjourned to the room that he had shared with Beatrice on their first visit to the village. His memories of that time slowly played in his head while he relaxed in the futon. He remembered the softness of her hands in his own and the feeling of closeness that they shared when they slept. As his head cleared, he realized that Beatrice wasn't the only one who was spending the night alone. Perhaps he had been compensating for his own fears by worrying about Beatrice. Small pangs of loneliness echoed inside of his chest, but his overworked body and consciousness made it easy for him to drift off to sleep. Yet, the same moonlight that was gently covering Beatrice back in the castle poured in from the window as if to illuminate his desire.

Unbeknownst to Subaru, he shifted in his sleep and pulled his pillow into an embrace as if it was a placeholder for the one he wanted most.

Chapter 17 End