Chapter 8
(So, I reread my previous chapter and, after reading a review, realized that I was wrong about a character's certain behaviour towards the end and decided to change it to appropriately fit the character and moment. So, with that outta the way, please enjoy!)
Returning four days prior of the intruder's arrival, Itsuki didn't feel as much pain as the previous loop. A slight ache in his chest, but not the lingering loss of an arm. However, elsewhere in the mansion, Subaru's screams shook the very walls themselves.
Quickly running to the source, Itsuki slid into the doorway, seeing, Ram and Rem standing inside while Subaru stood on the bed, striking his usual go to pose.
"What time is it?" He asked the twins.
A few hours later
Once again inside a locked room, Itsuki and Subaru went over their shared knowledge of what occurs.
"Were you able to get a glimpse of our attacker?" Subaru asked.
"No. They hid in the shadows. Couldn't even see their clothes before you died." Itsuki said as he crossed his arms. "You see anything?"
"No."
"No? You were attacked just like I was two loops ago, and yet you didn't make sure to see their face?" Itsuki asked.
"Well, on top of the intruder, I'm dealing with another problem." Subaru said.
"You mean 'we' right?"
"No. This one's mine, actually." Subaru told Itsuki. "Before I was killed, my body felt like it was slowly breaking down on me. If...whoever it was didn't kill me, I'm sure I would've died shortly after anyway. It's possible this is how I died during the first loop."
"Jesus Christ..." Itsuki groaned as he placed a hand against his forehead. "This isn't making it easy to figure out..."
After standing in silence for a few minutes, Itsuki looked to Subaru.
"What d'you wanna do?"
"Let's try something a bit different this time." Subaru said. "Seeing as how retracing out steps ended with the same outcome only different victims, it might be best if we change it up."
"What do you suggest?"
"Maybe... I might be able to gather more info if I wasn't hired. If I ask to be a permanent guest, I'll have much more free time to ask and look around the mansion." Subaru said. "I'll be able to look for weak points in security and be able to talk with Beako, Mili and Ros more often while you ask the twins."
"You really think they might know something?" Itsuki asked.
"If not about the break-in, then maybe about why I got so ill." Subaru said.
"Alright."
Having left the room, Itsuki was found by Ram shortly after. Helping in the garden, they were summoned to dinner for Roswaal's return. During the meal, Subaru did as he said and asked to be a guest instead of hired help.
"So, to sum up the knowledge thus far," Itsuki thought. "I was murdered by an unknown assailant during the first loop. During the second, Subaru and I weren't able to gather much information before Subaru took my place as the victim of the unknown assailant. I did manage to get a bit of info about the security of this mansion, but it seems that'll be useless since the intruder got in without any difficulties. However, I now know that Subaru had some sort of illness which is a new possible reason for his sudden peaceful death during the first loop. With all of this in mind, it's going to be a bitch to try and break this loop and move on."
Doing the same as before, Itsuki helped skin vegetables before heading outside, where Itsuki was helping Ram and Rem trim the bushes. As he worked, Ram and Rem suddenly stopped.
"Hey Rem." Ram said. "If you like, feel free to tidy up Itsuki's hair a little."
"Pardon me?" Rem said, looking to her sister.
"That certainly came outta nowhere."
"The reason you keep looking at Itsuki is because his hair bothers you, doesn't it?" Ram asked.
"She was looking at me?" Itsuki asked himself, glancing at Rem.
"That's correct." Rem said with a nod of her head. "I think cutting his hair shorter and styling it would make him much more presentable."
"You should take her up on her offer. With talented hands like hers, you'll feel like you're in paradise." Ram said.
"I mean...I don't mind, but my hair isn't that long, is it?" Itsuki asked as he pulled a strand of hair in front of his eyes.
"The truth of the matter is: it did bother me a little." Rem said. "Very much a little. Extremely a little."
"It's that bad?"
A few hours later
Cleaning the washroom with Rem, Itsuki kept shooting her a few glances. Every so often, Itsuki and Rem's eyes would meet.
"So, after this, do you want to cut my hair?" Itsuki asked. "If there's no more work to be done? And...if you don't mind?"
"I don't mind." Rem replied. "If that's what you wish, I can cut and style your hair."
"Sounds good."
As they worked, Itsuki once again began to hum the same song he usually does. He's hummed it around Rem before, but in this loop, it was the first time.
"What is the name of the song you're humming?" She asked.
"It's, uh, it's called Next to You." Itsuki replied as he scrubbed the giant bathtub alongside Rem.
"It has a nice tune."
"If I had a paino, I could play it." Itsuki said.
"Actually, there is a piano in this mansion." Rem said. "It's in the music room."
"This mansion has a music room?"
"Yes. We keep all of the instruments there." Rem said. "The room is near the end of the right hall from the entrance. Feel free to play them in your free time."
"Thanks for the heads-up." Itsuki told her. "I wouldn't mind playing something for you sometime."
"I..." Rem paused. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to listen."
Stopping his work, Itsuki rested his hands on the stick of the scrub as he looked to Rem.
"What's your favorite color?" He asked her.
"Favorite...color?" Rem repeated the question. "I don't have time to think about such nonsense."
Itsuki frowned at the reply.
"Oh..."
Continuing to work, the two of them fell silent.
"White." Rem said after a few minutes of silence. "I like white." Pausing, Rem looked to Itsuki. "What's your favorite color?"
"Blue." Itsuki replied.
Pausing her actions once more, Rem let out an audible "huh?"
"One of my favorite fairy tale characters wears blue." Itsuki explained. "And...I grew to like the color. Plus, it's the same color as the ocean." He added, expanding his reasoning from the previous loop.
"I see."
Working in mostly silence, Itsuki wanted to engage in conversation, except he had no idea how.
After a few short minutes, the bathtub was clean.
"Follow me and I will tidy up your hair."
After putting the scrubs away, Rem led Itsuki to a room that was empty except for a single chair, a desk, mirror and various hair cutting/styling supplies.
"Take a seat and I will get started." Rem said.
It only took a few short minutes for Rem to finish cutting and styling Itsuki's hair. Looking at himself in the mirror, Itsuki was surprised how well his new hairstyle fit him. His medium length hair was now shortened and combed neatly.
"It looks good." Itsuki said. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Rem replied as she put everything away.
Styling his hair just a bit to the side, Itsuki looked to Rem.
"So, anything else that needs to be done?"
"Not tonight." Rem replied. "Get some rest."
"See you tomorrow, Rem." Itsuki said before leaving.
Walking down the hall, Itsuki had his gaze to the ceiling. Deep in thought, he realized he hadn't gained any new info today. Then again, was there really anything new he would actually learn until the fourth day? After all, he knows that there's an intruder. He knows Subaru gets sick. He knows the mansion is rather secure.
All there really is left to learn is who the intruder is. And to do that, Itsuki and Subaru have to make it to the fourth day.
Walking through the hall, Itsuki rubbed his face.
He wasn't all that tired, too distracted by his thoughts to get a good night's rest. So, instead, he decided to find that music room Rem mentioned.
Following Rem's directions, Itsuki found the music room in under two minutes. Opening the door, he was awestruck by the giant room. A grand piano sat at the far side of the room with closets on either side of the room, most likely holding other instruments. It wasn't so much a music room more like a small ballroom. It looked like a typical ballet dancefloor.
Approaching the piano, Itsuki ran a finger along the keys. Pressing down on one, the noise it made vibrated beautifully throughout the room.
Sitting on the bench, Itsuki hovered a hand over the keys, pressing down on one at a time to refamiliarize himself with the instrument.
"It's been a while..." he said to himself.
Stretching out his fingers, Itsuki began to play the song he always hummed while working. However, after a few notes, he messed up and began again.
This happened quite a few times until the memorized hand movements came back to him.
Starting from the beginning one more time, Itsuki started pressing down on the notes, forming the song he had watched and taught himself time and time again until it was perfected.
Itsuki's hands moved flawlessly across the keys, his mind focusing on the notes that were to come next as his fingers pressed down, bringing the once silent room to life with the song he became so fond of.
Closing his eyes for a few seconds as he envisioned the piano keys before him. However, a sudden presence startled Itsuki, causing him to press down on the wrong notes.
Looking over his shoulder, Emilia stood rather close to him.
"I didn't mean to startle you." Emilia apologized. "I heard the music and came by to see."
"It's fine." Itsuki said. "I just...wanted to refresh my memory."
The two fell silent.
"It was a beautiful song." Emilia said. "What's it called?"
"It's, uh, 'Next to You'." Itsuki replied.
"Is there a story behind it?" Emilia asked.
"It's...about a girl who's killed while waiting for her savor to rescue her." Itsuki explained. "It's a tragic song that actually brought me to tears when I first heard it."
Of course that wasn't the full truth. The song was from an anime Itsuki was a fan of. When the song played, one of the main female characters was killed while running from one of the monsters. Watching the scene for the first time, along with hears the amazing song play during it, brought Itsuki to tears.
"Would you mind if I listened to the whole thing?" Emilia asked.
"N-not at all."
Hovering his hands over the keys, Itsuki began to play the song once more. But, unbeknownst to Itsuki, he had an audience of two.
Standing just outside the room, her back placed against the wall with the door slightly ajar, Rem listened in.
Two days later
Pacing around the room he and Subaru stood in, Itsuki was once again deep in thought.
"Tomorrow is the final day." Subaru said.
"And we haven't found shit."
"Actually, I talked with Beako and she told me that how I died in my sleep was due to a curse. So, on top of stopping the intruder, we have to figure out who cursed me as well." Subaru told Itsuki.
"Awesome."
"I'm sure we'll figure everything out in time. I even have a plan." Itsuki said.
"What?"
"Yep!" Subaru said proudly. "I was thinking, what if we left the mansion and set up an ambush for whoever it is? I can say I want to visit the capital, and you can volunteer to accompany me. Together, we can set up a vantage point and get the drop on whoever it is."
"I dunno, man."
"Would you prefer to stay in the mansion and wait to get killed again?" Subaru asked.
"Hell no!"
"Great! It's settled then." Subaru said. "We set up an ambush and stop whoever it is!"
"Alright. When do you wanna set up?"
Minutes later
Standing with Rem, Ram, Emilia and Roswaal, Itsuki had a bag over his shoulder, ready to depart.
"Are you sure about this? We can call a dragon drawn carriage to take you to the capital. It's no trouble." Emilia said.
"Thank you, but I'll be fine." Subaru replied. "One day, when I finally become the kind of strong, smart, rich man who's worthy of you, I'll come to you on a white horse and take you away with me!" Subaru gave a thumbs up.
"That's the most clichè shit I've heard." Itsuki said, earning a frown from Subaru.
"Do you have a handkerchief? And water? Will you be able to sleep by yourself?" Emilia asked in a quick barrage of questions.
"If you're so worried, I could tag along to make sure he doesn't get himself into any trouble." Itsuki offered.
"Really, it's not nece-"
"You would?" Emilia asked, looking to Itsuki. "You're sure it wouldn't be any trouble?"
"Nah. I can make sure he gets to the capital then return." Itsuki said. "I have a good memory, so I won't get lost."
Subaru sighed before shrugging. "If you insist."
"Well, if it's also alright with Roswaal, that is." Itsuki added, looking to the lord of the mansion.
"If th~at is what you wish." Roswaal said.
Turning his head away from everyone, Subaru grinned. This was going exactly as they planned.
Joining Subaru, Roswaal extended his hand to his guest.
"Safe travels to you Subaru. I wish you we~ll." Roswaal said as Subaru shook his hand. "And don't lose the gift I gave you. As an attempt to equate our three days worth of memories together, I gave you a little something."
Subaru shook his bag, hearing the sounds of coins clanking around.
"Oh. Hush money, right? Don't worry, I get it. I won't say anything I shouldn't. I swear to the Dragon." Subaru said.
"Ah, just talking with you makes any evil scheme to lose its purpose. And in case you didn't know, in this nation, swearing to the Dragon is the highest form of prom~ise. Make sure you never forget it, o~kay?"
"You got it!" Subaru said before looking to Rem and Ram. "The two of you helped me out so much. Especially you, Remrem. Thanks for all the great food. And Ram..." Subaru grabbed his chin with his thumb and index finger. "you... Oh! Yeah! You're really good at cleaning toilets!"
"Sister, sister, what a shame. Our guest is hopelessly bad at flattery." Rem said.
"Rem, Rem, what a shame. Our guest has a fatal lack of flattery skills." Ram said.
"Oh shut up! I seriously couldn't think of anything to say, okay!" Subaru shouted. "Thanks though. I appreciate it."
"Yes, sir." Rem and Ram said in unison while giving Subaru a smile.
Leaving the mansion, Itsuki and Subaru headed for the gate while Emilia tagged along to say her goodbye in private.
"Subaru." She said, getting his attention. "Thank you for all you've done. If you're ever in need, come visit us any time."
"Will do."
After following the dirt path for a few minutes, Subaru tapped Itsuki on the arm before darting into the trees on his right. Following him, the two hiked their way up to a small cliff that overlooked the entire mansion.
"This the spot?" Itsuki asked.
"Yeah." Subaru nodded as he took off his bag and began searching through it. "Now all we gotta do is wait. Here." Handing Itsuki one of the knives from the kitchen, Itsuki took it.
"It's gonna be a while before nightfall." Itsuki said.
"Yeah..."
"Anything you wanna talk about 'til then?" Itsuki asked.
"I just...don't wanna die again." Subaru told him. "I don't want anyone else to die either. I just want this to end with everyone happy."
Itsuki smiled. "Couldn't say it better myself. Although, I just now realized something."
"What's that?"
"You don't seem to have anymore problems when talking to me about how you loop." Itsuki said. "Remember when you first tried telling me? You collapsed."
"Now that you mention it..." Subaru said softly.
"When I think back on it, you've never had any problems after you led me to the answer of how you loop. As soon as I figured it out, you seem to be able to talk to me without trouble." Itsuki said. "Although, I think I know why you collapsed the first time."
"Huh?"
"I tried to tell Emilia about the break in and how we've died." Itsuki explained. "Before I could even finish my sentence, time seemed to freeze and I was engulfed in a dark cloud. Then-"
"A set of hands reached into your chest and crushed your heart?" Subaru finished for him.
Itsuki slowly nodded as he looked over at the mansion. "Yeah."
"That's what I felt the first time I tried to explain my ability to you." Subaru said. "Just what the hell is going on?"
"No idea. But once we break this loop, we'll be a step closer to figuring everything out." Itsuki said. "We just gotta press forward."
"Couldn't agree more."
Hours later
With the sun having dropped a bit from the sky, trees and ground were painted over with a crimson color.
"We still got a bit of time before it gets dark." Subaru said. "We-"
As Subaru talked, Itsuki heard something quickly approach from the woods.
"Get down!"
Quickly grabbing Subaru, Itsuki threw him over the side of the cliff while dodging the giant spiked ball that had previous killed the both of them.
Having set up an emergency escape plan while they waited, a rope, tied around his waist and anchored to a tree, kept Subaru from dying. Once the rope was taut, Itsuki quickly used it to slide down to ground level.
Running through the forest, the duo were heading back to the mansion to warn Roswaal.
"Is it coming this way?" Subaru asked as he looked back at Itsuki.
"We'll know in just a moment!" Itsuki said. "Now look forward!"
Coming to a halt at a dead end, a natural cliffside blocked Itsuki and Subaru's path.
"Damn!" Itsuki said as he turned around, brandishing the knife. "Subaru."
"I know."
Taking off his jacket, Subaru stood at the ready while Itsuki moved in front of him to block their attackers view of him. As the chain echoed in the forest, the spiked ball launched at Itsuki. Dodging out of the way, Subaru used his jacket to cover the spikes, getting knocked back in the process but succeeding in covering the deadly weapon.
The force of the weapon lodged itself into the cliff wall behind them. With it stuck, Subaru grabbed the chain it was tied to.
"Alright. Show yourself you damn coward!" Subaru shouted. "We've gone through hell just to see your face! Now come out!"
By now, Itsuki had gotten off the ground, his knife still in hand.
"Then I have no choice." A familiar voice said softly as the chain drooped, signaling the attacker's approach. "The ideal scenario would have been to finish this without anyone noticing."
Emerging from the shadows, it felt like a lifetime passed as their legs, body, neck then head were slowly revealed.
Standing before the duo, any fight they were going to put up, any thoughts of killing their attacker, any thoughts of even harming the person before them, they were all thrown out the window. There, standing just a few feet away, Morningstar in hand, was one of the twins.
"Rem?"
End of chapter 8