Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 24: Farewell to a World

Perturbed by the sensation of falling, Subaru tried to open his eyes but found only darkness. Finding it difficult to remember how he arrived there, his body felt anchored in place as he tried to seek out a point of reference to determine his current location. The situation felt familiar but the boy found no comfort in knowing that this might not be his first time experiencing such a strange occurrence. Breaking his self evaluation, a cone of light cascaded from above and illuminated the area in front of him. Peaking his curiosity, Subaru watched as a silver haired half elf stepped into view. Stunned by the recognition that this had to be Emilia, the boy looked on with wide eyes while the elf leaned forward and spoke in a depressed voice.

Emilia: "So you don't love me anymore, Subaru?"

Subaru: "That's not true! I still do…"

Responding in a frantic scream, Subaru began to feel a sense of dread while Emilia stared at him without a change in demeanor.

Emilia: "Promises matter… You said you loved me. You even touched your lips to mine…"

Whimpering as she spoke the girl covered her face and collapsed to her knees. Subaru could only watch in silence as his fears were put on full display. While he was focused, another voice came in from the shadows.

?: "That's because we don't matter. He never actually cared about any of us. He loves his fake world."

Wincing in agony at the surprise guest, Subaru searched the area to find the source of the voice that he was intimately acquainted with. As if reacting to his pain, Rem stepped into view next to Emilia before glaring at him.

Rem: "What about me, Subaru? Who is going to save me? Why does only Beatrice get your affection? Why is it never me?!"

Yelling her final question, the blue haired girl allowed tears to trace their way across her cheeks. Turning his gaze away from the two girls, Subaru steadied himself and tried to think. How could he have thought that it would be so easy to forget about his friends? A lump stuck in his throat as the memory of his choice and the subsequent actions of Beatrice returned to him. He considered that maybe Beatrice was right and the world of the Imagine Castle was fake. The thoughts imparted to him by others swirled in his head and threatened to consume him. It was at this moment that Subaru heard a small murmur. It was quiet, but nonetheless emanated from his heart and rang through his body and imparted a modicum of his true feelings. For the first time, Subaru clenched his fists as he turned towards the girls and angrily raised his voice in protest.

Subaru: "You both are so… SELFISH!"

Matching looks of surprise spread across the faces of both Emilia and Rem followed by scowls. Retaining his momentum, Subaru continued with his diatribe.

Subaru: "My world with Beako is fake? Fat chance! Why do I always have to feel bad for everything I can't do? I want to… enjoy the things that I can. I've been killed so many times, it's hard to remember which world is the real one any more... So I'm choosing to stay where I'm the happiest. Beako said you'd still have a Subaru in your world, so why does this specific Subaru have to feel bad?"

Emilia's eyes went listless as she processed what she had been told. However, Rem was visibly seething and responded with an outburst of her own.

Rem: Lies! Subaru is Subaru! I won't allow you to be a coward and run away from your responsibilities!

Subaru: "Nonsense! If every Subaru is Subaru, then every Rem is Rem and every Emilia is Emilia! If that is true, then you both have killed or forsaken me so many times!"

Rem quivered as the words pierced her and caused her to fall down next to Emilia. Seeing their feelings of fear and betrayal, Subaru stepped forward to deal the final blow.

Subaru: "Don't worry, you will have a Subaru to take care of you. As for me… Well… I'm Betty's Subaru. So I need to wake up now!"

Frozen in place, the two girls held each other with upturned eyes as they watched Subaru step into the light wearing a beaming smile. Their strength sapped, Rem and Emilia appeared to become transparent as their images faded away. Subaru wasn't sure, but he thought he saw wistful smiles on the apparitions as they disappeared. With nothing left to do in this dreamscape, Subaru turned his eyes towards the source of the light as the cone of light slowly converged into a beam and lifted him into the air. With his goal firmly in his mind, his consciousness began to fade.

A dull pain pulsated across his forehead as Subaru jolted awake into a seated position. Cold sweat covered his body, but he gave it no regard as he jumped out of the bed and sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him. Making his way from the bedroom and approaching the staircase, a frantic voice called out to him.

Niki: "Mister! Yer finally awake! Della and I tried really hard to shake ya, but… but… *sniff*"

Seemingly running up the stairs to find Subaru, Niki was quivering as her cheeks became covered in tears. Subaru came to a halt and knelt near the girl and tried to console her through heavy breaths.

Subaru: "Niki… What happened? Where is Beako?"

Niki turned towards him with eyes full of panic and confusion, causing Subaru to place a hand on her shoulder to steady her. Taking time to wipe her face, Niki gathered her wits and gave a report.

Niki: "I showed up to see ya this mornin' and when Della and I tried to wake ya, we couldn't find Bea… Then ya wouldn't wake up… I was scared… Bea's gone and done something bad right?"

Subaru: "No, she's not bad… I just need to talk to her. Don't worry, I'm awake now, Niki. Where is Adie? Did she find Beako?"

Niki: "No… we've looked all over the castle, so I decided to check up on ya. Della went outside… you gotta find Bea! I can't lose my best friend!"

Subaru: "Not gonna happen! Come on!"

Subaru grabbed Niki's hand and proceeded to lead her outside in search of Adella. The race was short lived as Subaru almost ran into the head maid while dashing through the castle doors. The boy noticed that her hair was disheveled and the stately demeanor she usually displayed was nowhere to be found as he yelled to grab her attention.

Subaru: "Adie! Did you find her?"

Caught off guard by the familiar voice, Adella pivoted to face Subaru and her eyes filled with happiness at his arrival.

Adella: "Master Subaru! Thank goodness you finally woke up! Lady Beatrice is up there!"

Following her finger, which she had pointed towards the sky, Subaru was greeted with an alarming scene. Beatrice was not visible, but an enormous amount of her mana was lighting up the roof of the castle. Violet rays danced against the clear blue of the firmament drumming up feelings of unease.

Subaru: "Alright, I'm gonna go get her!"

With a confident proclamation, Subaru focused his mana in an attempt to leap on to the roof. He had seen Beatrice jump to astounding heights many times and surmised that he could do the same. Pushing his feet off from the ground, the boy moved a short distance before falling back to his original position.

Subaru: "Huh?"

With a confused look, Subaru tilted his head towards Adella and Niki to see if they had any insight. The head maid offered her assessment with a bleak expression.

Adella: "Lady Beatrice must have anticipated that you would interfere… I would not count on magic to solve this problem."

Subaru stared into his palms and desperately looked for an alternative solution. If Beatrice truly wanted him to stay away, how could he possibly outwit her? Pushing the negative thoughts from his head, Subaru decided to scan the roof to see if there was some entrance that he had missed. The parapet wall that encompassed the perimeter of the roof showed no signs of anything that could be used to gain entry. He did notice that there were small gaps spaced along the wall, giving the castle the appearance of a traditional battlement. Inspired by the sight, an idea came forth and the boy turned back to Adella and began to voice his thoughts.

Subaru: "Adie! Do we have rope? I have to try to get up there."

Surprised by his quick recovery, Adella narrowed her eyes as she considered his question. Her face brightened as she exclaimed.

Adella: "Oh! There should be one in the kitchen! The large cupboard in the back!"

Before he could thank her, Subaru's body had already sprung into action as he ran back inside. As he passed through the foyer, he paused when he passed the axe that was still displayed on a shelf.

Subaru: "Thanks, Ricardo."

Picking up the faithful tool, he continued towards the kitchen. Just as Adella had said, the rope was easily found and he now made his way upstairs and back to the bedroom. Haphazardly opening the window, Subaru sat on the sill with his back facing out. He leaned backwards while clutching the sill to get a clearer view of the roof and saw that it was indeed close enough to throw the rope. However, the precarious perch meant that his balance would be endangered while making the throw.

Subaru: "Guess I'll have to make it count!"

Knotting one end of the rope around the midsection of the axe handle, Subaru drew a deep breath before leaning back out the window and reeling back his arm. Still clutching the sill with his free hand, he threw the axe with all his might. The tool flew from his hand toward the roof and approached a gap in the battlement, however, the addition of the rope proved to undermine the trajectory and the axe hit the wall with a loud thud. The axe began to plummet back towards Subaru, who was still holding the rope. Perhaps it was the unstable seating of the sill or maybe the shock of the sharpened axe heading his way, but Subaru's hand slid from the ledge as his body threatened to succumb to gravity and fall from the window. Time seemed to freeze as the boy became aware of his folly and tried to scream. In that instant, it felt as if two different sized weights had strapped themselves to his ankles as they worked in tandem to pull him back into the bedroom. Slamming his back into the floor, Subaru winced in pain as two girls came into view looking down on him.

Niki: "Such an idiot!"

Adella: "Indeed. Master Idiot, why did you not simply ask for help?"

Seeing his two friends, Subaru exhaled in relief as he scrambled back to his feet.

Subaru: "Thank you! No time to explain, bu-"

Adella: "It's an obvious plan, Master Idiot! Now pull up the axe and try again! Niki and I will hold your legs."

Niki: "Niki is on the case! You better bring Bea back so we can give her a talkin' to!"

A soft smile surfaced on Subaru's face as he nodded to his dear friends and took his position leaning out the window. Taking careful aim and bolstered by the newly found firm anchor, he once again threw the axe towards the gap in the battlement. In contrast to his prior attempt, the axe met its mark and slid through the gap. Firmly pulling the rope, Subaru listened as the axe clattered against the battlement and the rope became taut. Gazing up, he could see that the axe had effectively bridged the gap and provided a secure connection for the rope. Subaru signaled to the girls to release him and started to put more of his weight on the makeshift climbing rope. Watching with anxious eyes, Niki and Adella said a silent prayer for his success as he disappeared above the window. Subaru made a mental note to apologize to Ricardo for blatantly misusing the axe as he slowly climbed higher. With the roof now within reach, the boy pushed all other thoughts from his head and prepared to face Beatrice again.

The night before, Beatrice gazed upon the sleeping Subaru with a pained look. Pulling him into the bed, she repeatedly apologized in her head as she considered giving up and staying with him. Beatrice pulled the blankets over her boyfriend and acknowledged that her decision had been made and there was no other way to ensure his happiness. He could not possibly be asked to choose between her and his friends back in the other world and the fact that he chose her must have been made in error, she thought. She envisioned the many girls that had associated with Subaru and determined that she was simply inadequate in comparison. However, she could return the happiness he had brought her by making the terrible choice for him. With a dutiful bow, Beatrice silently channelled her mana before silently teleporting to the roof of the castle. The expanse of the roof was covered in flat stones that had violet etchings to create an intricate half circle. The spirit had been busy drawing the runes with her mana during the day and now found herself frantically trying to finish her work before Subaru could break free of her sleep inducing spell. To be safe, she had severed his ties to her mana in case he tried to surprise her as he had in the past. Tedium set in as Beatrice diligently tended to her task and the sun began to peek out from beyond the horizon. Her hands were encased in bright light as she remotely directed the etchings and meticulously checked them for accuracy. The spirit squinted as the sunlight grew brighter and burned her sleep deprived eyes. Yet, her work was near completion and she proceeded to completely close the circle. Beatrice shrugged her shoulders to loosen up her stiff muscles before taking her place at the center of her creation. Now was the difficult part; she would be tasked with acting as the conduit for a large supply of mana in order to force the tear open and return Subaru and herself to their bodies. The determined spirit cleared her mind and put her hands forward while she imagined herself grasping the edges of the tear. A burning sensation flowed through her as the circle began to glimmer with violet rays before enveloping her body in a dome of energy. This was it, she thought. She could whisper her goodbyes and apologies to all of her friends, but it had to be done. Images of Adella, Niki, and the village children passed through her head as Beatrice tried to muster up her resolve. Yet, all she could find was pain. Her chest ached as if there was a hole was forming on her heart that could never be filled. This pain was amplified by the burning sensation of the mana and caused her to flinch while her body felt like it was being ripped apart. The momentary lapse in focus caused her precise control over the flow of mana to go haywire. The calm dome of mana now had violent ridges dancing across the surface and the pain Beatrice felt increased with every second. The girl tried to scream, but no sound could surface under the intense waves of mana cascading across her body. With a massive weight of magical energy pressing down on her, the small spirit felt her mind slipping and her eyes began to fall shut. Yet, she found solace in knowing that even without interference, her mana would soon go wild and destroy the world either way. Soon her body had gone numb and with the chance of rescue slim, Beatrice's mind was absorbed into the mana.

Beatrice: "Uhh... "

The girl opened her eyes and, with sluggish movements, rose to her feet before examining her surroundings. Shelves covered with ancient tomes and a small table with a familiar tea set surrounded by stacks of books. It took only a glance to realize that she was once again back in her library. However, the atmosphere felt foreign and made Beatrice sick to her stomach. Had she really started to forget this place? Her breathing became ragged as panic started to spread through her body. As she began to quiver, a sly voice called out to her.

Voice: "I told Betty that she would be back, in fact."

A cold chill shot down Beatrice's spine as a figure that appeared to be mimicking her stepped out from behind a bookcase. The figure was wrapped in shadows and had a coy smile on its face as it approached her.

Voice: "So, you did not love him after all, I suppose?"

Beatrice: "Th-that's not true, in fact!"

Voice: "Oh? Then why did you use your magic on him and try to leave him behind, I suppose? You are quite the unreliable spirit, in fact."

Beatrice scowled at the figure's words as she spat out her rebuttal.

Beatrice: "Betty has to do this for him-"

Voice: "Please refrain from telling untrue stories, I suppose. You did this for your own sake, in fact."

Beatrice: "N-no, its for Su-"

A blast of mana shot past Beatrice, scattering a stack of books with a loud impact. The girl froze as the figure tilted its head and flashed a toothy grin.

Voice: "That was a warning, I suppose. You may lie to yourself, but not to me, in fact."

Unsure of what to say next, Beatrice felt a tinge of guilt inside of her chest. Was she indeed lying? As she became lost in thought, the figure continued to speak.

Voice: "I think you believe that you are unworthy of his affection, in fact. So, you came back to see me, I suppose. You almost destroyed your body with that show on top of the castle, in fact! Why do you think you were unable to finish your spell, I suppose?"

Beatrice went rigid at the question as she tried to form an answer.

Beatrice: "I… I was simply tired… No…"

As she stammered, the girl felt her eyes grow warm as small tears started to form and run down her cheeks.

Beatrice: "I thought of all my friends… my best friend Niki… Adella… Mina… I lost my composure, in fact."

With a gleeful chuckle, the figure danced around excitedly before continuing.

Voice: "Now you are being honest, good spirit, in fact! What is making you cry, I suppose?"

Angered by the figure's delight, Beatrice stared daggers through her tear stained eyes as she yelled her response.

Beatrice: "Because, I will miss them, in fact!"

Voice: "Yet, you were so eager to kill them a little while ago, I suppose…"

This was the final attack that Beatrice's heart could weather. In an infuriated outburst, the girl's true feelings poured out faster than she could understand.

Beatrice: "I do not want to kill them, in fact! I love them all so dearly, I suppose. I simply wanted to make Subaru's life easier if I could… I would do anything to make him happier by even just the slightest amount, in fact. I love him more than I can manage, I suppose."

Voice: "Did you even consider that you might make him happy, in fact?"

Beatrice: "Irk! B-betty is not capable-"

Voice: "Did you listen to him when he told you exactly how he felt, I suppose? That idiot loves you, imperfect as you are, in fact."

Beatrice: "But… but… why are you telling me all this, in fact?"

Voice: "You told me last time we met that I was a part of you, I suppose. I am the part you hide away because you are too scared to look at your feelings, in fact. Well, this is the truth you have hidden away… Subaru loves you the most… Subaru chose Betty, I suppose."

Beatrice went silent at the shadowy figure's admission. This exercise was no different than talking to herself and nothing that was said was information that she herself did not already know. She loved Subaru dearly and wanted nothing more than to stay with him. She started to berate herself for being so selfish and scared to the point of willingly destroying the world that she had made all of her dreams fall within her grasp. Clutching her elbows and fighting back her tears, Beatrice addressed the figure once more.

Beatrice: "You are right… *sniff* He does love me and I love him, in fact. I've been such a fool, I suppose. I want to take it all back, in fact! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Beatrice wailed her apologies to Subaru and her friends as she wept and the realization that she was stranded made her chest tighten. She was on the verge of losing hope when the figure interjected with a chipper tone.

Voice: "Finally you realize it, in fact! Well, would you like to do something about it, I suppose?"

Beatrice's eyes lit up at the figure's suggestion before returning to their previous state as she spoke.

Beatrice: "That is not possible, in fact. My mana will soon destroy the world, I suppose. Betty might be able to stop it, but she is trapped and no one is coming to rescue-"

As if prompted by her statement, a clattering sound rumbled through the library. With a beaming smile, the figure stepped forward and took Beatrice's hand and proceeded to elaborate.

Voice: "Something, or most likely someone, is coming, I suppose. Are you ready to embark, in fact?"

Beatrice: "Huh? Are you intending to come with me, in fact?"

Voice: "I exist for you to hide things that you do not wish to share, in fact. I believe that if you trust Subaru as you say, then my role has become redundant, I suppose."

As the figure finished her declaration, Beatrice watched as the hand that was holding hers began to be absorbed into her.

Voice: "Subaru is coming now to save you, so I am going to give him access to your mana again, in fact. Be sure to be honest with him so that we can be truly happy from now on, I suppose!"

With that, the figure embraced Beatrice and merged with her in a brilliant flash of light. Beatrice made a vow to speak honestly with Subaru and placed her hands over her heart. A calm feeling washed over her as she was finally able to be honest with herself. With no excuses left, Beatrice tried with all her might to open her eyes and see Subaru again.

Forcing her eyelids to separate, Beatrice noticed that her body was now floating inside of a shapeless zone of mana as bolts of energy sporadically fired off in random directions. The danger she was in was apparent, but her attention was focused on the figure that had approached the channeling circle. Her senses dulled by the searing pain, Beatrice could only tell that someone was raising their hand as if asking a question. As her eyes struggled to make out who it was, a familiar voice yelled out in anger.

Subaru: "YOU LITTLE IDIOT! Hold still, I'm getting you out of there!"

With that, Subaru swung his hand down, as Beatrice had done many times before, releasing a blast of wind that cut through the mana and quickly approached her.

Beatrice: "Hu-"

With a thud, her body was launched by the impact as she tumbled through the air and exited the channelling circle on the opposite side. Wasting no time, Subaru kicked off of the ground and skated around the circle with intense speed. The boy extended his arms and intercepted Beatrice's slender frame as she fell limp. Removed from the burning mana, the small spirit opened her eyes fully and Subaru's worry filled eyes came into view.

Beatrice: "Su-Subaru? How did you…"

Beatrice tried to lift herself up as she spoke, but her strength failed and she fell back into Subaru's arms.

Subaru: "Beako, just stay still. You need to rest for a little bit."

Using him as a makeshift cradle, Beatrice relented as she softly spoke.

Beatrice: "I'm so sorry, Subaru… Please… If you hate Betty, that is okay, I suppose. I have something I need to tell you, in fact."

Subaru looked down at the girl's pleading eyes and put his own words aside and nodded in acceptance. Beatrice maintained her eye contact and pushed forward with her confession.

Beatrice: "Betty has been a bad spirit… She realizes that now, in fact. I thought I was making a hard choice for you, but I was really afraid to accept that this world is what I want, I suppose. I love you so much… I love Niki… I love Adella… I love everyone… That is why I couldn't accept your answer, I suppose. I made a terrible mistake and I do not deserve redemption at this point-"

As Beatrice was lost in her monologue, a wetness had started to fall on her face. To her shock, she glanced up to see that Subaru had tears streaming from his eyes that lightly pelted her. The boy's eyes showed no signs of hatred and instead had a longing appearance which caused Beatrice's heart to flutter. As the girl hesitated, Subaru began to blurt out.

Subaru: "Beako! I could never hate you! Niki and Adie helped me get up here because we all love you! I didn't come up here to yell at you, I came here to save you! Do you know what you were doing while you were asleep in that circle? You were crying! I couldn't stand to see you that way! If I wasn't so weak, I could have helped you earlier."

Beatrice: "That is not true! I do not think of you as weak at all… Betty was not truthful with her emotions and instead decided to push you away, in fact. But… I do not want that… I want to be with you, I suppose!"

Subaru: "I understood as much when I felt you return your mana to me. I want to be with you too, Beako. There is no world for me to go back to anymore. Where you are is where I will always be."

Beatrice looked up at Subaru with wide eyes. Where she had expected rage, she only found love from Subaru. Even after her betrayal, his sentiment remained unchanged. Hearing him say the words made any uncertain feelings wilt away. If he could accept her then she must accept him too, she thought. Her tear filled eyes began to wince as she grinded her teeth and her bottom lip quivered. And so, with her heart in full view of Subaru, Beatrice began to sob as she clutched her boyfriend's clothes and pulled him closer. She cried out apologies and insecurities as Subaru listened and assured her that she would be absolved. Her isolated heart was forced out into the open as she exposed herself to the boy she loved. Everytime she started to feel pathetic, Subaru would meet her with his smile and her worries would slowly drift away. As her tears began to run dry, Beatrice calmed her breathing and settled down in Subaru's arms while looking up into his eyes before speaking in a meek tone.

Beatrice: "So… Now you know how… imperfect Betty is, I suppose. She worries about everything and is sensitive and insecure, in fact."

Subaru: "How many times have you seen me that way, Beako? Everybody has those feelings. You can be honest with me anytime. I'll hold you like this as long as you need it."

Beatrice: "What if I run away again, in fact?"

Subaru: "Then, I'll come and get you. Just try not to end the world next time?"

Beatrice: "I will never do something so foolish ever again, in fact. But… are you sure you want to take care of me forever, I suppose?"

Subaru's face became flushed and Beatrice's cheeks followed suit as she realized the implication of her words.

Beatrice: "Um… I did not mean to make it seem like a p-proposal-"

Subaru: "Alright."

Beatrice jolted as Subaru interjected a blunt answer that only served to confuse her.

Beatrice: "You surely couldn't mean…"

Subaru: "I do. If we make it out of this, then I promise that I'll be yours forever."

Beatrice: "You m-mean...m-m-m-"

Beatrice stuttered as she tried to force out the question on her mind. Seizing the opportunity, Subaru answered by connecting his lips to hers. Beatrice's exhausted frame quivered as Subaru felt her heart beat faster through their closeness. The soft sensation of her lips filled Subaru with warmth as the mana crackled and flashed behind them. As he pulled away, he lamented that the moment could not last longer. Subaru helped Beatrice to her feet as the girl brightly smiled in the afterglow of their conversation. With affirmative glances, the couple turned to face the problem at hand. The channelling circle looked no worse than before as they approached it, but Subaru could tell from Beatrice's demeanor that danger was still imminent. The small spirit grabbed his hand as she announced her plan.

Beatrice: "We are going to step in together, I suppose."

Subaru: "Okay, will I be able to channel your mana?"

Beatrice: "Indeed. With my current state, it will take both of us, in fact. We just need to get to the center then visualize closing the tear, I suppose."

Subaru: "So this could be it for us, then?"

Beatrice squeezed his hand tighter as she looked up at him with a calm smile.

Beatrice: "No, we will be fine, in fact."

In the face of such a heartwarming smile, Subaru forced any idea of failure from his mind. With their resolve firmly in place, the couple took the first step into the channeling circle. Prompted by the intrusion, the mana began to go wild as it danced across their bodies. A sensation of heat spread through Subaru and slowly increased with every step he took until all he could feel was a burning pain. He glanced down at Beatrice to see if she was alright and saw that the girl was making a pained expression as she forced her feet forward. Subaru shook his hand that was still connected to hers and reminded her of his presence which caused the girl to flash her determined smile again. Before long, they took positions side by side in the center of the circle and Beatrice put her free hand forward with Subaru following suit. As if a switch had been flipped, the mana responded and began to swirl around them as it once again formed a smooth dome. This time, however, the pain started to dissipate and their extended hands began to glow brightly. The mana in the air drifted towards their hands fused with the beaming light until the area was completely clear. Subaru let a smile show on his face as he once again looked at Beatrice. However, his expression quickly changed when he saw that the girl's knees were unsteady as she swayed from side to side. Her body had not had enough time to recover and was threatening to collapse. While still maintaining his pose, Subaru released Beatrice's hand and quickly side stepped in order to wrap his arm around her back. Stumbling into his hand, Beatrice quickly recovered as she felt the support of her closest partner holding her in place. Deeming the spell prepared, Beatrice arched her fingers and pantomimed grabbing the lower border of the anomaly in the sky. A wave of energy rippled across the horizon as the tear responded to the girl's interference. Watching Beatrice battle against the heavens, Subaru became inspired as he grabbed at the upper limit of the tear. The sky began to glow as the fissure creaked and released an array of flashes as it struggled against the constraints. Ready for the next step, Subaru stared forward with Beatrice clutched by his side and yelled one final promise to the girl who changed his world.

Subaru: "I love you, Beako! I'll see you soon!"

Without breaking her gaze on the sky, Beatrice yelled her reply.

Beatrice: "I love you too, Subaru! Betty will be with you momentarily, in fact!"

With love in their hearts, Subaru moved his hand downward while Beatrice mirrored his action and brought her hand closer to his. Loud bellows resounded across the skyline as sparks of mana flew in all directions, yet the fissure was forced to begin sealing. WIth one final push, Subaru's hand met Beatrice's as he laced his fingers around hers and their palms met. A final twisted screech echoed through the area and the tear became nothing more than a line in the sky. As the edges met, a final pulse of energy emanated as a severed connection sent one final death rattle to the world. Unprepared for the blast, Subaru and Beatrice were impacted across their midsections and thrown from the roof. Subaru reacted by pulling Beatrice into his arms as his feet no longer felt solid ground and the pain from the blow forced the air from his lungs. The peripheral of his vision turned white as he felt himself plummeting towards the ground away from the castle. As his consciousness faded, he still held on to his precious partner and knew that everything would be fine.

And so fate brings us back to a road we once knew…

?: "Pay attention, in fact!"

Subaru opened his eyes and saw the burning remains of Roswaal's mansion beneath him as the sensation of flying filled his body with adrenaline. Even though he had just been there with Beatrice, he felt as if his mind had traveled far away. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Subaru turned to the source of the voice and saw that it was indeed the spirit that he had gone through the ordeal to rescue. He was now flying through the air towards his friends in Sanctuary assisted by Beatrice's magic. The small spirit had grabbed his hand and was still holding it in hers.

Subaru: "Sorry, did something just happen?"

Beatrice sighed softly as she bluntly responded.

Beatrice: "I just made a contract with you, in fact. Please do not make Betty regret it, I suppose."

Although her response was sarcastic, Beatrice tightened her grip on Subaru's hand. As he glanced at their connection he felt a faint sadness that quickly dissipated. Perhaps it was just deja vu, he thought as he turned his attention back to the problems at hand and prepared to see his friends once more.

...but leaves behind a road less traveled…

Sunlight filled his vision as clouds drifted against the bright blue sky overhead. Subaru realized that he was laying on the ground facing the sky as his mind began to clear. He remembered the blast and being thrown from the castle. Yet, he felt completely calm because of the small softness that was propping up his head.

Beatrice: "You finally woke up, I suppose. I hope you enjoyed the lap pillow, in fact."

Acknowledging him in a sweet voice was none other than Beatrice. The girl's face came into view as she leaned over him with a coy smile.

Subaru: "Beako… How did we-"

Before he could finish, Beatrice sealed his lips with a kiss. It was a quick playful peck, but served her purposes and caused her to giggle as she leaned away.

Beatrice: "You were knocked out, but Betty is quite the tough spirit, in fact. I landed us here safely before placing you in your current position, I suppose."

Subaru: "So are we-"

Once again, Beatrice repeated her kiss to interrupt him before pulling back to speak.

Beatrice: "Yes, we are fine, I suppose. I no longer feel the connection from the previous world… Time will tell, but we should be able to remain here unhindered, in fact."

Subaru couldn't help but smile as he imagined how the others would respond if they saw this side of Beatrice. An idea he immediately dismissed as he wanted this side of her all for himself. There was still one thing he needed clarification on.

Subaru: "Beako, what-"

Beatrice attempted to repeat her move again but what instead met his Subaru's finger as he blocked her lips from reaching their target

Subaru: "-happened to my clothes?"

During the cute exchange, Subaru had become quite aware that he was wearing his tracksuit from the previous world. Not recalling ever donning the outfit, he waited for Beatrice's answer.

Beatrice: "Your old clothes were filthy, in fact. I used magic to change you so I did not sully my dress, I suppose."

Subaru: "I see. Good to see you haven't become too selfless, but why did you pick this tracksuit?"

Beatrice entered his vision again with rosy cheeks as she leaned over him and spoke.

Beatrice: "Betty was wearing her dress from when we first arrived here, so she wanted you to do the same, in fact. I thought that this could be a new beginning of sorts, I suppose."

As she finished her explanation, Beatrice's cheeks had become a dark crimson. The girl tried to pull her face back but was interrupted. This time it was Subaru that lifted his head and connected for a kiss. Despite her embarrassment, the spirit never once stopped smiling and Subaru thought that her cuteness was deserving of a proper reward. Resting his head back on her legs, Subaru exhaled as he shut his eyes and felt the cool breeze blow by. This moment alone made it all worth it, he thought.

?: "Quite the vacation, I see."

The couple turned their heads to see the flustered head maid with a teary eyed cat girl in tow.

Niki: "I *sniff* thought *sniff* ya were dead!"

Without hesitation, Niki pounced on top of Beatrice which resulted in the two girls stumbling to the ground. Subaru sat up and watched as the sobbing cat girl received gentle pats from Beatrice, who had started to tear up herself. The scene was interrupted by Adella in a stern tone.

Adella: "I think you two need to explain some things."

And so, the couple took positions on their knees side by side in front of Adella as they told their versions of the events that occurred. Niki sat by Adella as the head maid listened with a stoic expression. As the full exposition came to light, the couple finished by bowing into the ground and apologizing. They remained in that state as Adella spoke overhead.

Adella: "That is quite the story. I cannot say that I am happy that you kept such crucial details to yourselves. I distinctly remember Lady Beatrice saying yesterday that she would accept her punishment and I think the same applies to you Master Subaru. Please sit up, if you would."

The couple lifted themselves back to their seated positions as they lowered their heads and waited for Adella's decree.

Adella: "There is only one thing I can do…"

To their surprise, the head maid fell to her knees between them and brought her arms around each of their shoulders.

Adella: "I do not care about what may have happened. I am just happy you both are unharmed and happy. I love you both very much, so please refrain from being so reckless in the future."

Tears of happiness filled her eyes as Adella squeezed her masters tightly and heaved a sigh of relief. Seeing the group hug, Niki joined in on the embrace from the reverse side and offered her thoughts.

Niki: "If Della forgives ya, then I do too! I love y'all so don't try leavin' again!"

Subaru smiled gently at the situation while Beatrice fought back tears as she spoke.

Beatrice: "I will not ever leave again, in fact! So please take care of me as my friends, I suppose."

Subaru: "Likewise, let's continue to have fun from here on out!

As her tears rolled down her cheeks, Beatrice returned the embraces of her friends while Subaru did the same. The group stayed together for some time before making their way back to the castle for a meal. Afterwards, Niki left to report the situation to the village while Adella began to clean the castle with everyone agreeing to reconvene for dinner that evening. Noticing that Beatrice was nodding off in her seat at the dining table, Subaru suggested that they take a nap. The two made their way to the bedroom and immediately sank into the bed as they faced each other with drowsy smiles. Despite the eventful days prior, laying there together came naturally to the two lovers. It felt like a regular day, but something had changed for Subaru and Beatrice. Without another world looming in their minds, they were fully invested in the life they had created together. Watching each other as they drifted off to sleep, they each made a promise to never lose sight of one another again. Their heartbeats softly resonated until neither was separable from the other, a sign that their hearts had also come to a similar agreement.

Chapter 24 End