Arc 2 Chapter 1: The Mansion
By: ViolentBlue
Subaru woke up. His eyes adjusted to the light above him, as a very familiar room greeted his gaze. He was back in Roswaal's mansion once more, meaning he had survived the confrontation with Elsa. His mind was sluggish, as he struggled to recall the past events that had happened. Then it hit him.
He fought off Elsa, and survived. He had scored a victory.
Although in fairness, all Subaru had done was make up lost ground due to having to reset, but still it was a victory nonetheless. He yawned, and then smiled, as he heard two familiar voices that he had missed.
"Oh, he has awakened, Sister."
"Indeed, he's awakened, Rem."
Subaru chuckled, looking over to see the twin maids of the Roswaal Mansion. "Good morning...happy to see you both here."
"Did you hear that? He sounds joyed to see us, Sister."
"I know, he indeed appears relieved to see us, Rem."
Subaru just smiled more, gazing over at the two.
They do look lovely. It's just...really nice to see them and the mansion again. Missed this place.
"It appears that he is staring at us, Sister."
"Yes, he is indeed giving us much more attention than necessary, Rem.
"It's likely he is violating you in his mind, Sister."
"Indeed, it's probable you are being mentally shamed over and over by our guest, Rem."
...Ah yes. I forgot they would do that. Subaru mentally sighed. He wasn't even thinking anything remotely "lewd" about them. Hundreds of Returns by Death had most certainly matured him. For the most part, at least.
He shook his head. "I wasn't even thinking anything about you two-"
Subaru's denial was interrupted, as Emilia walked in on the three. "Thank goodness you're finally awake. I was beginning to get worried…"
He blinked. "O-oh, Emilia...glad to see you're alright." Subaru immediately attempted to get out of bed, sitting up on his knees in front of her.
I'm just glad she's alright. I lost consciousness during the fight as a result of- well whatever the hell I pulled off back there.
"It's nice of you to care so~, but I was really~ more worried about you, Subaru. It's about noon right now, and I was hoping you would be able to wake soon." Emilia responded, smiling back at him. She was wearing her usual daily outfit with her white-purple dress, and that along with the light coming into the bedroom indicated that she was correct.
"Well, I'm up now. And feel much better than before." He grinned and sprung out of bed, albeit a bit wobbly on his feet due to the sudden rush of blood to his head.
Emilia giggled slightly. "You certainly are eccentric, Subaru. There's not many people who would be so eager to get out like that after what you've been through."
"Well, I've already lost quite a bit of time today, so it's important that I get moving!" He smiled wide at her, but his words were certainly no joke. His memory from the events surrounding his time in the mansion seemed to be mostly intact, and there was much he had to do.
"Ahem. Miss Emilia, I'd advise you to be careful. My sister just had unbearable shame forced on her by that man over there." Rem pointed at Subaru, resulting in Emilia looking on with a puzzled expression.
"Yes, it is true. Rem's sanctity has been irreparably harmed by that man." Ram pointed as well at Subaru, the duo continuing their playing off each other's words.
Subaru just groaned, putting a palm to his face. "Some things never change…"
It was later in the evening when Subaru had some more time to himself, as he had been extremely busy the afternoon and night before in order to make up for his sleeping in on the first day in the mansion. There was a lot he needed to accomplish, and quickly. He sat in his now much smaller quarters for his new occupation as a servant of the Roswaal household, jotting what he needed to do down on a piece of paper.
Step 1: Get hired in the mansion. Check.
Step 2: Be introduced to the rest of the mansion, and gain the trust of the staff there. In Progress.
Step 3: Make sure to go to the village and get rid of the mabeast before it can bite more of the children. To be done.
Step 4: Date with Emilia-tan! To be done.
He nodded and grinned slightly, looking at it. It was a simple list, but it covered the basics of what he needed to do. The only major change Subaru had made was in Step 3. It occurred to him that it would be much, much easier if he took care of the puppy in the village before it could become a problem.
While it may be difficult to find a way to wrest the disguised Mabeast away from the kids, Subaru knew that with the help of the mansion staff he'd be able to find a way. The plan also had the additional side effect of also ensuring that any curses the Wolgarm had already given would not activate. It meant that he'd kill two birds with one stone, and thus save the village and also avoid having to mount an operation into the forest.
After that was settled, he'd be able to get his fate with Emilia, and things would be back on track. Subaru's mental state had improved since he woke, and even though it was only his first day...things were finally looking up.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, as Subaru quickly set the notebook inside the drawer of his desk. "Yeah? Come in!"
Inside stepped Emilia, who smiles slightly. "Hey, you're not too busy, I hope?"
"No, of course not! I always have time for lovely Emilia-tan!" Subaru turned to face her and practically leapt out of his seat in true Subaru fashion.
Emilia laughed a bit, "Hehe, like I said earlier Subaru, you really are eccentric. Not that I mind though...it suits you. Anyway…" She brushed a bit of her hair back before continuing, "I was wondering if you would like to accompany me out for a walk around the mansion's yard? I converse with the spirits every evening, and there's also some matters I wish to discuss with you."
Subaru nodded his head. "Sounds good. Let's head out immediately."
Emilia gave another smile and turned to begin walking, as Subaru paused for a second, staring at her.
"...And by the way...who does say 'eccentric', anymore?"
"It's very quiet outside, isn't it?" Emilia asked as they walked through the mansion's front yard, the green grass spanning on for what seemed like forever.
"Yeah, definitely." Subaru looked around. It was fairly dark outside, the sun already having set. The last embers of the light of day were fading, but it was enough that the both of them could see comfortably.
"So~, since you were so busy today with all your new duties and getting prepared to be a butler...I never got to properly thank you. You saved my life." Emilia turned to him.
"Well, don't mention it! I was just doing the right thing!" Subaru said back, grinning.
It was the only thing I can do for you, and the thing I have done time and time before. Practically second nature to me now.
"It's just...I know you got your one request from Roswaal as thanks; although I can't deny that I am somewhat befuddled at why you would subject yourself to labor…" She trailed off, looking up at the evening sky. "But...I know I said to you earlier that I would help you with your life here if you helped me in turn."
Emilia then faced him, her arms at her side. "And I meant it. Anything you need from me, within reason."
Subaru blinked in surprise, thinking back to all the things he had wanted from Emilia and had gotten. Dates and hand-holding, picnics and conversations under the stars much like the one they were having now, and of course, lap pillows. Funny enough, Subaru already gotten all those from her as she freely gave it to him out of the kindness of her immeasurable heart. He said even had the fortune to have kissed her twice. The Kiss of Life, and the Kiss of Dea-
"No...don't think about that." A voice in his mind chided Subaru. "It will only bring you pain. Forget it."
Subaru immediately agreed with the sudden thought, trying to push that awful memory of an insane Emilia back into the corner of his mind. But regardless, he couldn't help the slight shiver it sent down his spine. And despite his attempts to bury it, it was one memory that he would not be able to forget.
He shook off the feeling. He needed to answer her question. Emilia stood there, looking at him expectantly. "I- uh...honestly don't know, Emilia."
"Oh, that's- that's alright. I shouldn't have forced such a thing on you so soon. You did just wake from a traumatic experience after all. My apologies…"
She hasn't changed a bit. Same cute but always over-apologetic E.M.T. Thought Subaru, shaking his head slightly.
"There's nothing to be sorry for, Emilia. I just- just have a lot on my mind now, that's all."
Emilia nodded. "Understood. How about whenever you feel more comfortable then?"
"Sounds good." He gave her a thumbs up, then set his hands in the pockets of his suit he wore as a servant.
"There...was something else that I wished to ask of you as well. I didn't tell anyone else this except Puck, and he advised me to ask you first before going to anyone else." Emilia started, "When that woman- the Bowel Hunter attacked me, I know she struck me. But- you took the blow instead."
Subaru froze slightly. Guess I should have expected her to notice, I was so caught up in the moment all I could think about was the fight and protecting her.
He nodded, turning towards her. "I...have a few abilities. Magical ones, if you will."
I best not call them "Authorities" yet, right now it's best to refer to them in simpler terms.
"One of them grants me the power to take on the fatigue and wounds of others, and I can also redistribute my own to others in turn if they are willing. When I saw Elsa heading for you...I activated it, as I wanted to protect you from her strike."
"Really~?" Emilia looked surprised. "That explains it...but...why did you sacrifice yourself for me? You could have been killed!"
Part of him wanted to say that dying doesn't really bother him anymore, but Subaru ignored it.
"I know- but I wanted to protect you. And I couldn't just let you take the blow. I had to do- something." Subaru looked at Emilia, she seemed upset, and part of him wanted to reach out and comfort her.
"Well, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I owe you my life." Emilia's face brightened slightly, but then fell. "I- I just don't want you to get hurt too, ok? You are one of the first I've met who hasn't treated me with contempt and ridicule because of my heritage. And that means a great deal to me."
"Well, I don't want you to get hurt as well, Emilia-tan, you also mean a great deal to me." Subaru raised his voice a bit, crossing his arms.
"T-then how about we both promise to watch out for each other. So neither of us ends up owing the other or ends up getting hurt."
A warm smile lit up Subaru's face at the mention of that. "You know...that's not a bad idea."
He held out his hand, as did she; and they both shook on it. Her hand was soft, and warm. The contact still gave him a slight buzz, even though by now through so many loops Subaru should be well used to it.
"Anyway, now that that is settled…" Emilia directed the conversation away from earlier, turning it toward another topic. "So~ if you then used your power to take my wound, does that mean…"
"That I put it on Elsa? Yes. Although…" Subaru rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not something that I can do often. Using my ability like that- let me put it this way. It's kind of not supposed to be used that way. Like a weapon. Think it's why I passed out just afterward."
Emilia put a hand to her mouth. "But then using your own power like that could have seriously harmed you…" She seemed worried at the prospect of Subaru's unauthorized usage of Cor Leonis.
Way to go, Subaru. You made her worry more.
"Hey, relax, I'm fine. I promise." He tried to smile to assuage Emilia's fears. "I'll be careful with it."
Emilia's face brightened slightly at his smile, but she then pointed at him. "Alright, but don't forget what we just agreed to. I don't want to be the cause of you getting hurt."
"I know." He paused, thinking to himself.
"She is really cute when she is annoyed…"
"What was that?" Emilia crossed her arms, giving him a bit of a glare.
Ah! Did I say it out loud?!
"N-nothing! Nothing at all."
Emilia sighed and shook her head. "It's no matter. It was likely something that would have disappointed me anyway."
"...Ok." Subaru simply acknowledged her, mentally reminding himself to be more careful about thinking and not speaking. While Emilia would be forgiving of such things, he was certain Beatrice and Ram certainly wouldn't.
He turned his focus to look up at the stars, watching them. "But...I'll make sure to be careful, Emilia-tan. You have my word."
"I'm sure you will, Subaru." Emilia gave him a smile. "So~, want to watch me while I discuss matters with the spirits?"
Subaru smiled back at her. "I'd love to, Emilia."
All Subaru could hope now, was that he would be able to keep that promise.
It was late at night, when Subaru got up from his bed. He couldn't sleep, despite the enjoyable conversation he had with Emilia earlier. He yawned, looking around the room, setting on his slippers.
Maybe I can grab a drink from the kitchen. Might just be I'm thirsty.
He walked silently as he could through the hallways, and quickly walked inside, grabbing a cup before beginning the return to his room. It all seemed so empty at night. Granted, there were only a few people who resided in Roswaal's mansion, but everyone being asleep made it quieter.
Subaru continued his walk past the rooms of the twins, being as quiet as he could manage. He didn't want to wake them up if he could help it. As he passed, Subaru noticed that one of the doors was open, but he didn't pay it much mind.
It's Rem's. I know she would often get up at night to walk around and-
He froze. The cup of water dropped from his grasp and fell on the floor.
But I have 4 days, right? There's no way Rem would go after me now...I have time. Besides, she-
He wanted to say that she loved him, that she cared for him. But this was a new timeline, a new loop. That hadn't happened yet.
On the edge of his hearing he could hear what he thought were distant footsteps. But they couldn't be hers, could they?
"She's right behind you." A voice in his mind spoke.
Subaru hesitated. He had to be just imagining things, working himself up into a frenzy. This was just his paranoia and shattered mental stability talking. He needed to relax, lay back down and sleep. It would all clear itself in the morning, wouldn't it? He still had time!
He turned around. And saw darkness, all for except for the faint outline a blue haired demon. He looked closer. The horn was present.
Oh…God...no...no… His heart beated madly in his chest. He couldn't...he couldn't take this. It had to be fake, it had to be, it had to be.
Then he heard the distant sound of an object hurtling through the air. He knew that sound, and could never mistake it for any other. Rem's morningstar. And deep down inside, he knew there could be only one reason it was being swung.
Dread took over his entire being as Subaru shook, reduced to little more than a helpless observer. He couldn't even muster the authority to let out a noise. Even as his mind tried to deny the possibility, deep down to his very own Od, his very own Soul... Subaru Natsuki knew this loop's fate.
No...not her...please…
The sound was getting closer.
I can't die again, I can't take it…
And closer. He could see the morningstar's outline now, cutting through the darkness of the night. It was headed straight for him.
Help me...someone, anyone.
And closer.
Why of all people...of anyone, did it have to be...
Closer. It was ten feet from his head now. No escaping it.
You Rem.
SMASH.
Natsuki Subaru was cast into oblivion.