Chapter 5

Taking a quick glance around the room, Emilia's eyes landed on Felt.

"I'm glad you're here." Emilia began. "You won't get away this time!"

"What is wrong with you? Don't you know when to quit?!" Felt asked as she backex away to the other side of the room. "I'm telling you, let it go already!"

"I'm sorry, but this is something I simply cannot give up on." Emilia told the young girl. "If you do as I say and cooperate, I won't hurt you." raising her right hand, Emilia summoned a half dozen icicles, aiming them at each person in the room besides Itsuki. "I have but one request to make of you: return what is mine. My insignia is very important to me."

Itsuki, who had stayed quiet until now, stepped forward.

"It's gonna take a bit more than a single swing of your blade to escape this one." Itsuki told her. "Just hand over the insignia and let's move forward. Honestly. Are you seriously that stubborn to refuse to admit when you're beaten?"

"Whoa." the big guy standing behind the bar suddenly spoke. "These two seem like trouble."

"What's your problem?!" Felt turned to the man. "You're admitting defeat before we even start fighting?!"

Ignoring Felt, the old man spoke to Emilia.

"Young lady, you're an elf, right?"

"Hmph." Emilia slowly blinked her amethyst eyes. "Not exactly. Technically speaking, I'm only a half-elf."

"Wait. Seriously?" Felt asked. "Your hair! It's silver!" Felt backed away even further from Emilia. "Are you the-"

"It's an accidental resemblance!" Emilia quickly cut the girl off. "And to be honest it causes me a lot of trouble."

"I should've known better!" Felt growled before looking to Subaru. "You set me up, didn't you?!"

"Huh? No. I didn't do anything."

"All that 'I'm gonna return it to it's owner' crap! That just makes you more suspicious!" Felt said.

"What do you mean?" Emilia asked. "Are you saying that you two aren't working together?"

"Of course they aren't." Itsuki spoke. "Look at the guy. I doubt he'd steal an apple even if he was starving to death."

"Aguh!" Subaru let out a surprised breath as Itsuki defended him.

"What makes you so sure?" Emilia asked.

Itsuki gave an innocent shrug. "I have a sort of inate ability to tell these kinda things." he then turned his gaze to Felt. "Anyway! Return the insignia so we can move on alrea-"

"Puck quick shield 'er!" Subaru suddenly shouted.

Hearing a metal clang, Itsuki jumped away from the source on basic instinct. Seeing the same woman from the previous time he came here, Itsuki immediately took a fighting stance.

Seeing her jump over him in a backflip, Itsuki watched her movements as she landed in the opposite side of the room.

"That was fast thinking." Puck said as he perched on Emilia's shoulder. "Cutting it a bit closer than I expected. You saved us!" the small cat gave Subaru a thumbs up.

"Nice one Puck. Thank goodness it was before five while you're still on duty!" Subaru said. "Thanks! You're the best!" Subaru shot a thumbs up back at Puck.

"Well, well. That's the spirit isn't it?" looking to the woman as she rose to her feet, Itsuki began scanning the room for a weapon. "How wonderful. I've never had the pleasure of cutting open a spirit's stomach before. Eheh." the woman smiled.

With slow movements, Itsuki walked backwards towards the bar.

"Hey! Now, what do you mean by that?!" Felt shouted.

"We can't really enter negotiations if the item's original owner is here, now can we?" the woman replied. "And because of that, I changed my plans. I'm going to slaughter every last one of you. You failed to see your job all the way through to the end. You certainly talk a good game, but honestly, you do terrible work. I was hoping you were more than just another slum-dweller."

"Tch!" Felt grit her teeth.

"You bitch!" Subaru barked as he stepped forward. "Cut the crap! What kind of sicko gets their kicks picking on a little kid, huh?!"

While the woman was distracted by Subaru, Itsuki silently slid over the counter, ducking down and shuffling through the cabinets for a weapon.

"You should be ashamed you gut-slicing sadistic bitch!" Subaru growled. "Felt is doing her best to stand her ground and live strong. 'Cuz your plan didn't go your way, you think you can throw a tantrum and flip tables?! Grown up, you pathetic spoiled brat! You should try to value life a little more! 'Cuz having your belly cut hurts!"

While Subaru gave his little speech, Itsuki found a pair of small daggers tucked in one of the cabinets.

"Jackpot!" he whispered to himself.

Arming himself with one, Itsuki tucked the second blade into the waistline of his jeans, pulling his shirt over it to hide the blade.

"Now what're you babbling about?"

"I'm in the process of lending the justice and chivalry I never knew I had denounce all the unfairness in the world!" Subaru said. "And what I consider unfair is you, the situation and-" Subaru suddenly turned to the people reading this text. "Alright folks, ready for the fun part?"

"There!" Subaru said whilst pressing his hands together as he looked back to the woman. "Alright! Get 'er Puck!"

"I hope your brilliant display of awkwardness lives through the ages." Puck said as he began to shine bright. "Here we go! My turn!" creating countless icicles, Puck began launching them at the woman. "We haven't had a chance to introduce ourselves. My name's Puck. Now do your best to remember it on the way to your grave!"

Using her cloak to block the strike, the woman, along with half the room, was engulfed in a thick cloud of dust.

Once it settled, a large crystal of ice was formed where the woman had previously been standing.

"We get the bitch?" Itsuki asked.

"Don't say things like that! You'll jinx it!"

As the ice cracked, the woman spoke.

"One should always be prepared."

Her cloak gone, the woman charged head on towards Emilia. Launching the icicles at the woman, she dodged each one with continuous reverse catwheels.

"You're well-accustomed to battle." Puck said. "For a girl."

"A girl, huh?" the woman said as she continued to deflect and dodge Puck's attacks. "My, it's been a while since I've been regarded to in such simple terms."

"Well, from my perspective, all opponents are a little more than babies." Puck said. "Still, you're so strong, I almost pity you."

"I'm deeply touched to be praised by a spirit." the woman said. Crawling across the walls and cartwheeling across the ground, she continued to deflect and dodge everything Puck threw at her.

"I say it's about time we wrap this up!" Puck said.

Launching an icicle at the woman's foot, Puck managed to freeze her foot to the floor.

"Didn't think I was just throwing those around at random, did you?"

"Looks like I've been had. Oh my." the woman shrugged.

"Say goodnight!" Puck said as he and Emilia launched a particularly large icicle at the woman. Only for her to dodge just before the impact.

"My how lovely." she said. "I thought I was going to die."

"You are a tricky girl, so I don't find that sort of thing impressive." Puck told her.

With a yawn from the spirit, Puck and Emilia shared a brief chat before the former began to fade.

"Aw, you're going away?" the woman asked. Breaking off a piece of ice from the large icicle still in the room, she pressed it to the bottom of her foot which was missing the top layer of skin when she broke free from the ice. "Well that's terribly unfortunate."

Creating a barrier to protect herself, Emilia faced a full frontal attack from the woman. Using the barrier to block as many attacks as she could, the woman finally got a kick in, sending Emilia over the counter and landing right next to Itsuki.

Knocking over a few pots and other junk, Emilia was buried underneath the items.

"Emilia!" Itsuki whispered as he began to move the items off of her. Seeing her laying unconscious, Itsuki didn't even notice as the big guy engaged combat with the woman.

Breaking the large icicle in the center of the room sent smaller chunks flying about. However, Itsuki didn't take notice, too focused on trying to get Emilia to come to.

"Damn!" Itsuki grit his teeth as he looked over the counter just as the woman brought her blade down on the old man, striking the back of his neck.

Turning her attention to Felt next, the woman shot her a glare.

"You bad girl."

Approaching Felt who stood in a sort of daze, the woman raised her blade.

As he watched what was about to happen, Itsuki shouted at himseld. "Move Kyto!" Itsuki's voice echoed inside his head. "Move your fucking feet! Do something you useless piece of shit!"

As the woman brought her blade down, Itsuki jumped in the way with a yell, as Subaru tackled the small girl out of the way. Using one of the two daggers, Itsuki blocked the woman's attack.

"Ah, I was wondering where you disappeared to." the woman said as she stared into Itsuki's eyes. "I was beginning to think you were too scared to actually fight."

Glaring at the older woman, Itsuki spoke.

"I still am."

"Honesty! You don't find that in men nowadays." the woman smirked.

"Don't find many women who take pleasure in making others suffer either!" Itsuki growled before swinging at the woman. Blocking it with ease, the two engaged each other.

Swinging his dagger when he could, Itsuki made sure to dodge and block when he had to. Surprisingly, Itsuki was able to keep up with this woman, even if it was just for a moment.

Feeling the sharp blade slice his arms and legs, Itsuki didn't let up for a moment. Pushing passed the pain, Itsuki actually managed to speed his attacks.

As the two traded blows, the woman managed to hit Itsuki's weapon up, breaking his defense. Going in to stab his throat, Itsuki leaned back, feeling the blade graze his chin.

Placing his hand on the ground to support himself, the woman twirled her blade into a reverse grip, plunging it towards Itsuki's gut.

Kicking off the ground, Ituski used the momentum to fling himself backwards while still using his hand as support, landing on his feet. Leaning back just as she swung again, Itsuki felt the blade cut a deep gash into his left cheek.

Aiming for his legs next, the woman swung once more, only for Itsuki to jump over the attack and use this opportunity to kick her with both of his feet, falling onto his back.

Stumbling to a halt, the woman chuckled as Itsuki kip upped back onto his feet.

"My! You are quite agile."

"That's what happens when you're the top gymnast in your school!" Itsuki said, having knocked a bit of rust off his moves thanks to muscle memory.

"Too bad those basic moves won't do you any good." the woman dashed in once more, only for Subaru, using the old man's weapon, to block the attack.

"Felt, run!"

"You think I'll let her go?" the woman said as she brandished a second knife.

Throwing it towards Felt as she fled the building, Subaru kicked up one of the many tables that had been flipped over, blocking the blade's path.

"Whoa! I'm awesome!"

Having been distracted, the woman kicked Subaru in the back of the head.

"Looks like you let one get away." Itsuki chuckled as the woman knocked Subaru against the wall.

"For once, I'm feeling a tiny bit annoyed." the woman said.

Suddenly, an icicle flew passed Itsuki and right towards the woman who blocked it with ease. Ituski looked back to see Emilia had regained consciousness.

"I hope you have some other attacks because I've grown tired of that one." the woman said. "Do you think you can still keep me amused?"

"If you've got some ultimate power hidden somewhere in your bag of tricks, I'm thinkin' now might be a good time." Subaru told Emilia.

"Well, I do have a trump card. But if I use it, I'll be the only one who's left standing." Emilia replied.

"Whoa! Don't do anything that'll blow us all up, okay?"

"I have no intention of using it while you two are still here." Emilia said. "Doing your best. Fighting alongside me."

After a few seconds of silence, Subaru got to his feet.

"I didn't see anything just now. None of that whole conversation ever happened! I finally remembered why I'm here in the first place!" Subaru pointed the giant bat at the woman. "I'll kill you, you bitch! Then you won't have to play your trump card! I'll blow you away and get...a happy ending!"

"Energetic, huh? Too bad." the woman dashed towards Subaru.

"You black widow!" Subaru shouted as he and the woman traded blows.

"Well, there's no doubt you'll be the first one caught in my web."

Itsuki was surprised to see Subaru was actually kind of holding his own against this bitch. Everything about him screamed weakling. Yet here he was, actually keeping up with her attacks and even striking back when he could.

Seeing Subaru get sliced on his arms and legs, Itsuki snapped out of his surprised daze.

"Damnit!" raising the large bat over his head, preparing to strike, but instead, Subaru dropped it behind him, spinning around and going for a heel kick. However, the woman caught his foot with ease.

"I've got you now."

"You sure about that, bitch?!" Itsuki growled as he swung at the arm holding Subaru's foot, forcing her to let go to dodge the attack. Jumping back, the woman chuckled as Itsuki went on a full offensive. Strike after strike, she blocked his blade.

Ending in a lock, Itsuki quickly reached for the blade he had hidden. Pulling it out, he swung it at the woman, catching her off guard.

"Rgh!" she groaned as Itsuki slashed a gash across her right cheek, similar to the one on his left. Stepping back, she placed a hand against her cheek before looking at the blood coating her fingers. "Color me impressed. I'm amazed you were able to land a hit. But that'll be your one and only."

She dashed towards Itsuki, but before she reached him, a new voice echoed through the building.

"That's enough!"

With parts of the roof getting destroyed and filling the building with more dust, Subaru and Itsuki fled into the cloud and disappearing from the woman's view.

"Looks like I cut it pretty close. But I'm glad I made it in time."

Emerging from the dust was the same white knight that told Emilia and Subaru not to come to the Lute house.

"Now."

"I know you." the woman spoke.

"What do you say?" Reinhard said. "Shall we put an end to this?"

"Reinhard? But...how?" Subaru asked.

"Hello there, Subaru. It seems we meet again." Reinhard said. "Sorry I'm late." he then turned to the woman. "Black hair. Black clothes. And a blade unique to the northern provinces. There's no mistaking those characteristics. You are the Bowel Hunter."

"Seriously?" Subaru said.

"What kind of evil nickname is that?" Itsuki and Subaru said in unison.

Looking at one another for a second, Itsuki was the first to speak between the two.

"Jinx."

"It was derived from her unique style of killing those who oppose her." Reinhard answered. "Her name is known far and wide as a menace to society."

"Hah. Reinhard. Yes, a true knight among knights. Born to the master's swordsman line. It quite remarkable that each of my opponents are so much fun."

"There are many things that I'd like to ask you. I suggest you surrender." Reinhard told the woman.

"Now do you honestly expect a starving predator, like myself, to resist the temptation of such delectable prey?" she asked.

"Subaru." Reinhard looked back at the inured boy before glancing at Itsuki. "And, er..."

"Itsuki Hinote."

"Right. Itsuki. Please, move back a little bit. If you'd stand next to her I'd appreciate it." Reinhard requested while pointing to Emilia.

"Whatever you say." Subaru replied. "That woman is a monster so don't let your guard down, okay?"

"As luck would have it, hunting monsters happens to be a specialty of mine." Reinhard said while facing the Bowel Hunter.

Moving to Emilia's side, Itsuki and Subaru knelt beside her as she healed the big guy's wound.

"Old man Rom is still alive?!" Subaru said, surprised.

"He's not out of the woods yet. I'm gonna have to heal him now." Emilia said while forming the same spell she used to heal Itsuki's hand.

"Are you sure? I mean, he's part of the gang that stole your insignia and caused this mess." Itsuki told her.

"That's exactly why I'm doing this." Emilia replied. "If he recovers, he can repay the favor by giving me information. He wouldn't lie to me then. Not after saving his life. See, this is for my own sake, too."

Looking over at Reinhard as he began to fight the Bowel Hunter, Itsuki shielded his eyes as a sudden strong gust of wind exploded from him, sending the woman across the ground.

"Look at you. My! You're just as good as the rumors say. Maybe better."

"I hope that I can meet your expectations." Reinhard said.

"Aren't you going to use that sword at your hip?" the Bowel Hunter asked him. "Love the chance to experience it's legendary sharpness first hand."

"This sword can only be drawn in times when it's truly needed." Reinhard replied. "The fact that it hasn't left it's sheath as of yet means that this is not one of those times."

"I believe you underestimate me."

"Truthfully, it's an upsetting judgement for me as well. Therefore I will take you on with this instead."

Reinhard walked over to a nearby sword that lay on the ground. Using his foot to kick it into the air, Reinhard grabbed the hilt.

"Any objections?"

"Of course not." the Bowel Hunter replied. "It's wonderful. Wonderful! Do entertain me please!"

As the Bowel Hunter went in to attack, the sword Reinhard held began to glow ever so softly.

In on swift strike, Reinhard disarmed the woman, catching the tip of her blade between his index and middle fingers.

"If you've lost your weapon, then I suggest you surrender." Reinhard growles as he threw the weapon into the wall next to the Bowel Hunter's head.

"Watch it! She's got another!" Itsuki warned Reinhard.

Using her second weapon to attempt a slash at Reinhard, he simply backed away, dodging the blade.

"I'm impressed you knew." she said.

"I've experienced your blade for myself." Itsuki growled.

"But I have more than two fangs, I'll have you know." she then looked to Reinhard. "You wouldn't mind if we started again, would you?"

"If I deprive you of all of your weapons, will you be satisfied?"

"If I lose my fangs, I'll use my claws." she began running around the walls, the upper balcony and the ceiling in a blurr as she spoke. "If I lose my claws, I'll use my bones. And if I lose my bones, I'll use my life. That's how a Bowel Hunter fights!"

Moving in a blurr as she attacked, Reinhard didn't seem to have much trouble blocking everything the Bowel Hunter threw at him.

"There's no way Reinhard's gonna fail to land the decisive blow, right?" Subaru asked.

"Unfortunately, he's not able to fight at his full strength. Since I'm using my Spirit Arts." Emilia said.

"What?"

"If Reinhard were to truly intend on fighting, all the mana in the atmosphere would turn away from me." Emilia explained. "I've almost finished healing him though. So be sure he knows when I give you the signal."

Watching as the old man, Rom's, wound closed, Emilia breathed a sigh of relief.

"He should be alright now. Go ahead."

"Hey Reinhard! I don't really get it, but do your thing!" Subaru shouted.

Looking towards the knight, a blue aura formed around him in the shape that resembled a large flame.

"What are you going to show me?" the woman asked.

"The swordplay of the Astrea family."

Taking his stance, the woman pointed her blade at Reinhard.

"You're facing the Bowel Hunter, miss Elsa Granhiert!"

"Master Swordsman's line. I'm Reinhard van Astrea!"

As the two glared each other down, all the mana in the immediate area seemed to flow into Reinhard's sword, making it glow brighter and brighter until it was blinding.

With a single strike, half of the Lute house was absolutely demolished in a glorious explosion of blue and white light.

"Holy... shit!"

Itsuki couldn't help but admire the power this one individual held.

Looking at the sword in his hand, Reinhard's expression fell as the blade crumbled into dust.

"Sorry I asked too much of you. Rest well now."

Getting to his feet, Itsuki approached Reinhard.

"There's nothing of her left." he said as he scanned the area. "God damn..."

As Itsuki looked around in awe at the damage done by a single swing of a sword, Emilia and Subaru shared a brief chat.

Not really caring about what was being said, Itsuki was too busy assessing the full damage of the room. This power that Reinhard possessed, Itsuki wondered if he could become just as strong.

Moving a piece of wood, the rubble underneath suddenly moved.

"Huh?"

"Get back!" Reinhard shouted.

Knocked away as Elsa burst out from under the debris, she charged right for Emilia, completely ignoring everyone else.

Quick to react once more, Subaru pushed Emilia out of the way while picking up Rom's bat, using it as a shield from Elsa's blade. The slash alone made Subaru slide backwards.

"That boy got in my way again!" Elsa growled.

"That's enough Elsa!" Reinhard shouted, getting in the way between her and Subaru.

Throwing her blade at Reinhard, he didn't even flinch as the blade twirled around his head, missing him entirely.

"Before long, I will disembowel every last one of you here in this room." Elsa said before jumping back and landing on what was left of the balcony. "Until that moment comes, be sure to take care of yourselves." with that, she escaped through the damaged roof.

Rolling onto his back, Itsuki rubbed his head.

"Are you alright?!" Emilia asked as she rushed over to Subaru.

While she checked on him, Reinhard approached Itsuki. Extending his right hand, Itsuki accepted the help up.

"Are you alright?" Reinhard asked.

"Yeah, I'm good." Itsuki replied. "Damn woman is like a cockroach."

"My name is Subaru Natsuki!"

Looking over at the sudden outburst, Itsuki saw Subaru striking the same pose he had when he first introduced himself.

"And I just risked it all to save your life from a dangerous and heinous villain!" he began making very odd and very awkward motions. "Is that okay?!"

He also spoke in a weird tone. Like a video game narrator praising you for a job well done.

"Okay..." Emilia said softly.

"I, your rescuer and the one who saved your life, and you are the heroine I saved from the clutches of evil!" Subaru went on. "So wouldn't that mean you should repay me in kind? Wouldn't it? Huh?"

"Yes, I understand. But only if whatever you want reward wise is within my power, of course." Emilia replied, clearly a bit unsettled by Subaru's odd body motions.

"That sounds fair to me. In that case, I have only one request! And that request is!" as Emilia gulped, Subaru snapped his fingers. "I want you to tell me what your name is."

Emilia began to chuckle. "Emilia. My name is Emilia. Only Emilia. Your price was easy to pay. Thanks so much for saving me Subaru." she extended her hand to him which Subaru accepted.

"Yeah, no, I didn't help or anything so that's cool." Itsuki spoke up, having heard the entire exchange.

Subaru and Emilia looked over at Ituski.

"Oh! My apologies! Was there a reward you wanted as-"

Itsuki shook his head. "Nah, I was just having some fun. But maybe you could put in a good word for me so I could get that job?"

"Of course!" Emilia smiled.

Suddenly, Reinhard walked over to Subaru.

"I'm surprised you're still able to stand."

"I was lucky this thing was there to grab for protection." Subaru said whilst pointing at the giant bat he used to shield himself from Elsa. "Otherwise I'd be in two pieces right now."

"True. If not for this..." as Reinhard picked up the bat, only half of it stayed with the grip while the other half lay on the floor. "What the-?"

A clean cut had separated the bat into two pieces.

Looking down at his own clothes, Subaru watched as the fabric was slowly split open, revealing his stomach underneath. After a second, a thin cut slowly seeped blood.

"Uh oh..."

Itsuki looked from Subaru's wound to his eyes. Watching them close as he fell back, Itsuki quickly caught him before he hit the ground. Slowly lowering him to the floor, Emilia got to work on healing him.

After she bandaged Subaru's wounds, Emilia, Reinhard and Itsuki stood talking to one another.

"What's your relation to Subaru?" Reinhard asked.

"An acquaintance? Honestly, I don't recall ever seeing him before." Emilia replied. "When we met earlier today, I believe it was the very first time."

"But he was looking for you." Reinhard said. "Asked me to relay that message. Odd behaviour from a stranger."

"Yes, it is rather peculiar." Emilia said as she grabbed her chin with her thumb and index finger.

"So what do you propose we do with him then?" Reinhard asked. "I'd be glad to take him to my home as a guest. At least while he's healing."

Emilia shook her head.

"I'll take him home with me. That way I can find out what's really going on. More importantly," Emilia turned her gaze to Felt. "What will become of that girl and the old man?"

"In an official capacity, I cannot overlook what they've done here. However, as luck would have it, I just so happen to he off duty today."

"Aren't you supposed to be a knight?" Itsuki asked, teasingly.

Emilia went over to Felt with Itsuki and Reinhard standing behind them. Crossing his arms, Itsuki looked to Reinhard.

"Mind if I ask a question?"

"What's on your mind?" Reinhard asked.

"How long did it take for you to get so strong?"

"Oh. Uh, I started training when I was-" Reinhard suddenly cut himself off with a strong intake of breath. Reaching out, he gripped Felt's wrist while she was returning Emilia's insignia.

"What are you doing?!"

"You're hurting me! Let go of my arm!" Felt yelled.

"This can't be possible!" Reinhard said. "What's your name?"

"Huh? It's Felt. Why do y-"

"Family name! And just how old are you?"

"I don't have anything fancy like a family name! I'm about...fifteen if I had to guess. I don't know my birthday." Felt began to struggle. "Just let me go!"

"Sorry miss Emilia. But I'm afraid that I can't keep my promise to you at this time." Reinhard said. "I'll be taking this girl with me for further questioning."

"May I ask why?"

"If I overlook what's unfolding before me at this moment, I know it would be the greatest crime of them all." Reinhard picked Felt up to her feet. "I'll need you to come along with me. Sorry, but I simply can't allow you to refuse."

"Get over yourself! Just because-"

Raising his hand in front of Felt's face, she suddenly passed out.

"Dude..."

"I was careful not to use too much." Reinhard said. "Miss Emilia, I'll most likely be calling upon you again soon. I hope you understand." Reinhard handed Emilia her insignia. "Please take good care of Subaru. He's been through a lot." Reinhard suddenly looked up to the moon. "Tonight may be our last chance to gaze calmly at the moon."

End of chapter 5