Holy crap I definitely was gone longer than I expected… Anyways, happy Thanksgiving everyone! How is everyone doing? Spending time with family I hope? Well make the most out of it and have fun! Apologies for the delay and hope I can make it up with this chapter!
Chapter 4: Wolgarm Attack
Returning back to his check point, Subaru's eyes opened wide in terror as he rolled side to side clutching his blanket while screaming. Sitting up right quickly, he releases the blanket and puts his hands on the side of his head. Not noticing the two maids in front of his bed quivering in fear from his sudden outburst, the blue hair maid spoke with a shaky voice,
"A-are you alright s-sir.? I-is there something wrong with y-your wellbeing?"
Hearing the voice of his killer, his body froze and uneven breaths halted. Standing like a deer in headlights, he dared not move in fear that any movements will result in something horrifying.
"G-guest-sama, are you f-feeling well?" The pink maid shakily voiced.
Not wanting to leave them hanging, He shakily pleads,
"Please… leave.."
The maids look at eachother and back to their guest, Rem worryingly speaks while slowly stepping to him,
"Guest-sama, are you sure you're fine..? If you want, I ca-"
"DON'T GET ANY CLOSER!" The teenager shouts, backing away from her in his bed as far as he can.
Jumping back in surprise from his outburst, the two maids shoot a worried glance at him. Realizing what he did, he lowers his head down and weakly pleads once more as tears threaten to escape his eyes,
"Please… just….. leave.."
Hearing his plea, The pink haired maid bows, "We hope you feel better soon guest-sama."
Grabbing a hold of her sister's arm, The blue haired maid worryingly looks at the broken boy,
"Sister, we have to help guest-sama!"
"Rem, he needs some time to himself, please respect that." Ram spoke firmly.
Looking at her sister then worryingly at the boy, she lowers her head.
"Yes.. Sister…" although reluctant to leave, she gives one more worried glance before following in her sister's footsteps.
Hearing the door close and footsteps fading away, he covers his face
"Why is this happening…?" He spoke particularly to no one.
After a few minutes of trying to calm himself down, Subaru hears the door click and slowly creak open.
"Subaru..? Are you alright? Ram and Rem said you weren't feeling well.." A familiar voice spoke, closing the door and walking up to him.
Not looking at her, Subaru weakly rasped,
"I'm fine Emilia.. Just feeling a little out of it is all.."
Looking at him worryingly, she sits besides him in bed. Surprised by her sudden action, he turns his head towards her. Seeing the look of worry in her amethyst eyes, he looks down in guilt.
"Subaru… if there's something bothering you, I can help. I know we just met yesterday but the fact that you saved me, a half elf.. tells me that I can trust you. Please Subaru, tell me what's wrong?" She says soothingly.
Feeling guilty and at the same time a comforted type of warmth, his lips form a faint yet noticeable smile as he looks at her straight in the eyes.
"Thanks Emilia, I guess I just needed to hear that." He says while removing the blanket that enveloped him.
Standing back up, she gives him a concerned look.
"Subaru are you sure you're feeling well? If there's anything I can do, please ask! It's the least I could do after you saved my life.."
Putting a hand on top of her head, he gives a toothy smile and a thumbs up,
"I'm feeling well now, it was your kindness that healed me"
Looking surprised at him she huffs and turns around, not even bothering to take his hand off her head.
"You're always looking for ways to tease me, blockhead.."
"Hey, I really did mean what I said and who even says blockhead in this day and age?" Subaru jokes.
Taking his hand off of her head she turns around and gasps in surprise when he suddenly hugs her. Astonished from his sudden action, she stutters,
"S-S-S-Subaru!?"
"I know I've said this before.. but even so, thank you Emilia-tan" The teenager says softly
Hearing the boys honest words, she relaxes in the hug, feeling bubbly from the affection and warm feeling in her chest.
After a few seconds of hugging, they break apart from each other. Although Subaru had wished it didn't end so quickly, he was grateful that he even hugged her at all. After a few seconds of awkward silence, Emilia speaks up,
"Ummm, soooooo, would you like to join me outside?" She says, smiling with a pinkish hue in her cheeks.
Returning the smile, he replies,
"Sure! But I gotta change first… I'll meet ya outside Emilia-tan!"
Nodding in response, she leaves the room and waits outside for him.
'I can't let her help… if she knew Rem was the killer, it'll devastate her…' The teenager thought as he watched her leave the room.
Shaking his head, he changes back to his clothes while racking his brain for an idea. Finally putting his last piece of clothing on, he opens the door and walks down the hallway.
'I hope this works…' Subaru hopefully thought'
*Dining Table*
"As thanks for saving Ms. Emilia, you m~ay
have any reward! Merely state your desire!"
Subaru knew that this plan was flawed, but it was the best he can come up with… Rem can just sniff him out and find him, but after his practice with puck again, he was able to pick up a skill, an odd yet useful one. When he first discovered it, he was disappointed in himself. I mean, he was part wolf after all...
Feeling reassured by this new ability, he confidently replies,
"Alright then, how about you hire me as this mansion's bodyguard?"
"What!?" Surprisingly Emilia was the one who shouted.
Realizing that every head in the dinner table was looking at her, she blushes and sits back down, not before looking at Subaru.
"Subaru.. Is this really what you want? Even though you know about my lineage you still want to stay here?
Giving her a smile to reassure her, he replies,
"Of course this is what I want. I wouldn't feel right if I left while still knowing that your life is still in danger. You just leave it to me!" He pledges.
The thought of someone actually caring for her, a HALF-ELF warmed her heart. Her bangs cover her eyes as a pinkish hue was forming in her face.
"That certainly is tr~ue, after all.. Her lineage has yet not b~een revealed. Wh~en it does however, that's when her life may tr~uly be in danger." The Mansion owner sums it up.
"Very well, you may h~ave unrestricted access inside a~nd outside of the manor. You shall begin tomo~rrow." Roswaal continues.
Unrestricted access outside and inside the manor? Subaru was dumb but he wasn't that dumb when it came to shady things. Although reluctant about it, he'll take what he can get. Looking at the blue haired maid, she notices him looking at her and gives him a small smile. Sighing in relief, he relaxes his tense shoulders.
'Good, she still doesn't know…' Subaru thought.
*Next Day*
Waking up early and fully energized, he removes the blanket and does his "Subaru pose"
"Today is a new day! Subaru is now running on 100 percent Subaru efficiency!"
Hopping off of his bed, He tidies up his room a bit before proceeding to walk out of his room and out the large field.
Upon reaching his destination he does a few stretches to begin the day.
"Good morning Subaru. Those are some unusual movements you are doing." a familiar curious voice spoke.
"Hm? Oh hey Emilia-tan! What I'm doing is my homeland's ancient practice of warm-up exercises. Come join me!" Subaru exclaims.
"Huh!? Your kidding! What is that?
She asked surprised by the embarrassing movement's
"Come on, just do what I do." Subaru says while patting his legs and rolling his arms.
Although a bit embarrassed to do so, she follows Subaru's example and copies him.
After a while of stretching their arms and legs, he finishes it off.
"Now, raise both your arms and shout, Victory!" He says while holding her hand and raising it.
"V-victory!" Emilia reluctantly shouts.
"Victory!" Puck shouts, shooting out of Emilia's hair on top.
"Good morning Subaru! Would you like to continue our magic training course?" Puck happily asked.
"Morning Puck! Uuuhh, no, not today. Today I'd like to experiment with something I just learned." Subaru replied.
"Oh, well do you think I can help?" Puck asked with a hint of curiosity
"Yeah! But uuuuhhhh, this may sound strange but can you go and hide somewhere?"
"Yup, that definitely sounded strange. May I ask why?" The cat spirit asked confusingly while tilting his head.
"Oh! Does this have something to do with the experiment?" Puck implied.
Smiling and giving the spirit a thumbs up he says,
"I'll give you twenty seconds, go and hide."
Following his instruction, he searches for a spot to hide while Subaru merely closes his eyes and counts down. Having finally counted down to zero he opens his eyes. Looking around him, Puck is nowhere to be seen.
"What are you trying to do Subaru?" Emilia asked curiously.
"Hold on Emilia-tan." Subaru gestures.
Not saying anymore, she looks at him, curious as to what he's going to do.
Looking around him one more time, he sniffs the air.
"Huh..?" Emilia dumbly uttered out.
Why was he sniffing the air, it was certainly…. weird…
Just as she was about to question him about it, Subaru spoke,
"You behind that tree Puck?" He remarked, while looking at said tree.
Emerging out of the tree and flying circles around the teenager, Puck exclaims,
"Ah shucks! You found me!"
"Wait, Subaru how di-"
"How did I know?" Subaru interrupted the half elf.
Nodding at him, he looks aways, a bit red in the face while scratching his cheek with his index finger,
"Did you forget that I was part wolf Emilia-tan? I mean, well… I'm kind of embarrassed that I just now learned I can do that.."
Subaru couldn't quite figure it out himself, he didn't know how to describe the smell but he somehow knew who it belonged to. If his senses really were heightened like Zurok said, what other new things were in store for him?Falling deep in thought, he picks up two other familiar scents. Looks like he's going to have to experiment on his other senses later.. Already knowing why the maids came, Subaru gestures to Emilia and they both walk back inside the mansion.
*Inside The Mansion*
It was an eventful breakfast, he was able to tease Emilia several times but at the expense of puck landing painful yet squishy punches and kicks to his face. Ram quickly went back to berating him in front of everyone. Geez, it's like no matter the timeline it's her duty to humiliate him… Roswaal asked if he needed any help in understanding this world's culture and economy in which Subaru declined.. He already knew the gist of what things were like and as for Rem, she didn't smile…
Yet Subaru can't sense any hostility in them, her face was just neutral… Finishing dinner quickly he stands up from his seat,
"I'm gonna patrol around outside, hope that alright with you Ros-chi" He announced
"G~o ahead Subar~u, you have my p~ermission" Roswaal smiled
Not wanting to waste anymore time, He walks out of the dinning room and outside.
Having reached the outside, He starts to patrol the perimeter. His plan was to get away from her… It's true that Rem can just sniff him out because of the scent that lingers around but she wasn't the only one that had that ability.. Having walked around the house more than 3 times, he decides to do some exercises to pass the time. If he truly wanted to get stronger, he had to start from the basics.
Good thing he was the type of person that liked to work hard to get what he wanted. With a new profound resolve, he did a couple of push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks and other forms of exercises he could think of, only to be disappointed on how quickly he became tired. Taking a whiff in the air, he smells the familiar scent of the maids. sighing in relief that now he has a chance for a short break, he stops mid exercise and gets back on his feet. Walking tiredly to the front door, he greets the two sisters,
"Hey Rem, Ram!"
"Greetings Guest-sama." They both bowed and greet back in unison
Wanting to leave things at that, he couldn't help but want to clarify their strong honorific.
"Please, none of this sama stuff, just Subaru is fine." He smiled.
"Very well Barusu." the pink haired maid said neutrally and went to attend to the bushes
"You've officially cursed my name.." The teenager face palmed.
"Suba.. ru-Kun.?" The blue haired maid sounded out.
He'll never get over how blessed that name was to him.. Feeling his cheeks warming, he plans to retreat.
"Well uuuhhh, I'm going to take a shower. I'll see you two around." He smiled once more before turning around and walking to the front door.
"I will attend to your clothing after I am done, so until then enjoy your bath." The blue haired maid bowed and went to fix her sister's horribly cut bushes.
"Thank you, Rem!" The teenager exclaimed before walking inside the mansion.
Surprised that Roswaal was there upon stepping inside, he has the same conversation as he did before he had his new powers. After their short conversation, he gets up from the bath and puts a towel around him, he doesn't want her seeing it again… feeling a little more prepared, he walks out the door and meets Ram.
"Hello Ram" Subaru greeted
"Unfortunately for you Barusu, I've already taken my bath. I was waiting to put fresh clothes on Roswaal-sama." She states as if it was matter of factly.
"I wasn't even thinking of that.." Subaru deadpanned.
"Also, where are my clothes" The teenager inquired, looking around the pink haired maid as if checking where it was.
"Rem finished cleaning your weird looking garments and left them in your room." Ram answered as she entered the bath.
"Oh.. Alright then. Tell Rem I said thanks" Suabru said as he walked down the hallway.
After walking away from the bath, he could feel as if someone was watching him.
'Is there no getting past this…' was Subaru's only thought as he continued searching for his room.
He felt the prying gaze glare at him but it wasn't the same as it was the last loop, almost as if it was observing him… Finally finding his room he quickly gets inside, his back planted against the door. Slowly sliding down said door, he sighs in relief that she was not yet hostile. He definitely has to start avoiding her now… Standing back up he sees a basket in his bed, already knowing what it was, he walks up to his bed and picks up his clothes from the basket and starts changing. Putting on his final piece of garment, he calls it a day and takes an early nap
*Fateful Day*
Waking up early again, Subaru Natsuki is determined. He'll get past this loop and with his new super powers. Hell, he might just do it relatively easily.. All he needs is Rem's cooperation… Starting the day as always, he gets up from his bed and walks down the hallway, making his way out the yard.
This has practically been a morning routine for the young man in which it consisted of exercises, making jokes at the dinner table, Patrol around the mansion and at the same time avoid Rem.
But of course when he did need to speak to her; he would keep it to a bare minimum because by the second she would get more colder and suspicious of him. In order for him to avoid that, he would make excuses to leave yet he would contradict himself when he helps the twin maids out on minor chores. Hoping that the blue haired maid wouldn't see him as an enemy for the acts of kindness, she seemed to be held firm on what she was starting to believe. Believing that he was one of those god forsaken witch cultist scum… Walking past the kitchen, he pauses when overhears the twin maids having a conversation.
"We seem to be running low on food supply, Rem." Who Subaru assumed was Ram pointed out.
"It seems that we are, Sister. I will notify Roswaal-sama that I will be heading out to Arlam village to resupply after finishing up for the day." The next voice belonging to Rem responded
That being the end of their short discussion Subaru quickly walks away from the door, making his way outside to start his morning routine. After another disappointing exercise, the maids notify him for breakfast in which he happily follows the two back to the mansion, of course which goes without saying that he kept his distance from the blue haired maid specifically.. Sitting on his usual seat next to Emilia, He ate his breakfast in silence.
"Subaru? Is something wrong?" A feminine voice asked just next to him.
Turning his head to the right, his eyes meet the silver hair's own. Tilting his head in a confusing manner, Subaru responds,
"No, nothing's wrong. Why?"
"You're unusually quiet today.. You usually start a conversation as soon as we start eating. Is everything alright?" The half elf asked again.
"Oh uhmm, it's just… I've got a lot in my mind right now.." Subaru responded, looking away when he said his last sentence.
"If you ever need anything.. You can talk to me about it, it's the least I can do!" She said determinedly, with a light pinkish hue in her face.
Oh god her innocence… it would have melted anyone's heart, especially the way she had said it.. Smiling at the thought of it, he replied,
"Thanks Emilia-tan, I'll take you up on it."
Going back to his usual self, he starts a conversation with Emilia about how his old country and how his culture was different from this. Although she had never heard of such things despite already learning everything about this world's culture and economy, she believed the boy's every word and listened intently.
"Master Roswaal, it seems like we are running low on supplies, may I have permission to restock?" Rem asked the mansion owner.
'Yes! This is what I've been waiting for!' Subaru thought
"You h~ave my permission Rem. Ram, c~an you accompany your sis-"
"Is it ok if I join Rem, Ros-chi? So far everythings seems fine and I don't want Rem carrying everything on her own." None other than Subaru interjected.
"Very well S~ubaru-kun, you m~ay accompany my lovely staff." Roswaal replied with his trademark smile.
"Thanks Ros-chi" Subaru toothily smiled, giving a thumbs up.
After finishing up his meal and conversation, he walks back to his room and waits for the maid to call for him. Getting bored of waiting, Subaru sews a handkerchief, he's going to need it when he gets bit… As if her timing couldn't be better, he hears a knock on his room just as he finished making the handkerchief
"Come in." Subaru called out.
Hearing the door click and creak open revealed the blue hair maid with a list in hand.
"It's time to go to the village. Are you ready, Subaru-kun?" Ram asked
"Yup! All ready! Subaru responded with enthusiasm.
*Walking To Arlam Village*
Upon arriving outside and walking down a narrow road, Subaru breaks the tension.
"You know, I just realized you only have one set of clothing, is that really all you have to wear?"
"Pervert.." Rem said feigning disgust.
Turning red, He shakes his head and hands profusely.
"No no no no! I-I was just asking because it's all I r-really see you and your sister wear! I just thought that maybe y-you have other clothes instead of the ones you're wearing!" The teenager stuttered.
Reverting back to her neutral self, she explains,
"No, this is all we have to wear. We wear this so that nobody has to question us about our place in the hierarchy. It would be troublesome for Roswaal-sama."
"I could sew some clothes for you if you want, I think you would look rather cute in them." Subaru tested the waters.
"Are you saying that on behalf of my sister? And what is it that I'll gain from wearing different clothings? If anything my sister would look more charming in any clothing than I would…" Rem snivelled
"That isn't true.." Subaru stated
Surprised that someone she barely even knew said something that she thought no one would ever say, she looked at him.
"You two may be twins, but you're two seperate people. The way you put your sister on a higher pedestal is a bit too much…"
He knew better than anybody on how that ended up… having flashbacks on how he supposedly "did everything for Emilia's sake" surfaced in Subaru's mind. He thought that white knighting her would bring the half-elf joy but it did not, it brought her grief.. Subaru continued,
"It's as if you don't really care about yourself. I just want you to know, on this day that you're beautiful.. You are important, you are special, you are unique and wonderful. Not only are you talented but you are irreplaceable and nobody has the right to tell you otherwise.." Subaru ended it with charming smile
Completely looking unfazed by his speech, she replied with a neutral look, "I'm going to tell Ms. Emilia."
Realizing what he had said and on top of what Rem said, his face turns red.
"I-I wasn't t-trying to hit on y-you or anything! I-it's just t-that.. Oh w-what do you we're at the village! Alright R-rem, see you in a bit!"
Subaru spluttered, running away from the blue haired maid from embarrassment.
What the boy failed to realize was the faint red tint in the maid's ear. Feeling as if he has finally gotten far away he leans against the side of the house and sighs.
'GAAAHH! How in the hell was I able to say that with a straight face!? Cool lines like those should be saved for Emilia-tan!' He thought as he banged his head several times at the side of the house.
'But…' stopping his head bangs he turns around and rests his back to the wall.
'I meant what I said, No one can ever replace her…'
After sitting there for a couple of minutes reminiscing about what had happened just a while ago, he stands up and starts looking for the children, he has a score to settle with…
They weren't too hard to find at all, they were playing near a well with sticks, were they sword fighting? Chuckling at the sight he walks up to them and introduces himself. After the kids introduced themselves… again,
He played with them for what felt like hours and introduced them to radio calisthenic. Slowly but surely everyone in the village joined in.
"Alright everyone! Stretch your hand out high and yell, Victory!"
"Victory!" Everyone who participated yelled
Hopping down from the wooden crate that Subaru had used as a stage, He notices Rem staring perplexed at him while holding a rather huge barrel. Running up to her, The teenager grinned,
"Hey Rem! Are we done getting everything?"
"Yes, we can return back to the manor now." Rem replied
"Uum uh, Subaru..?" He heard a child's voice from below.
"Hm?" Turning around and looking below him, He sees Petra looking nervously at him. Kneeling down so that he can talk eye to eye, he smiles,
"Yes Petra?"
"Hey onee-san!" Another child called out but to Rem this time.
Setting the barrel down, she answers the purple haired girl.
"Yes little one?"
She wasn't the best at talking to children, especially the ones from this village but there are times when they would talk to her and she would have to respond.
"Would you like to pet my puppy?" She beamed.
Looking back at Subaru, she sees him playing with the kids. Having some time to spare to entertain this one, she agreed with a smile,
"Sure."
Grabbing the maid by the hand, she excitedly drags her near a fence where she kneels down and coaxes. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, a small black puppy with a bald spot specifically in it's head comes frolicking to the girls arms. Picking up the small pup, she stands up and presents it to the maid, signaling to pet it. Extending her hand above the puppies head, she hears the bodyguard's voice call out,
"Wait Rem do-!"
"Nngg!?" Rem yelped and yanked her hand away, tears forming in her eyes.
Too late.. The little shi-AHEM, the black pup bit her hand. Running towards the blue haired maids side, he distressed,
"Oh my god Rem, are you alright!?"
"I'm fine Subaru-kun, I'll just hea-" not giving a chance for her to finish, the teenager pulls the handkerchief out of his pocket and wraps it around her slim hand like a bandaid.
"As soon as we get back, I'll get beako to fix it." Subaru said a bit concerned.
"That isn't necessary! It'll just heal overtime."
Rem insisted
"That's no good, just let beako heal it. It might be infected, it's better to be safe than sorry." Subaru opined.
Upon hearing this, her eyes widen and she lowers her face. Why was a stranger so worried about her? After all, she's just her sister's replacement…. So why is someone going out of their way to help her? Maybe, just maybe he isn't one of them… but his repulsive scent was like an elephant in the room, she couldn't ignore it..
She'll just keep watching him for now, if he so much as does something suspicious, she will have no choice but to eliminate the threat.
Walking towards where she left the barrel, she somewhat struggles to lift the barrel with one hand. Running to her side, he grabs hold of the barrel.
"Here, let me handle the heavy stuff. You just hang on to those baskets, wouldn't want to hurt your hand even more." The teenager softly smiled.
Sighing, she let's go and Subaru surprisingly was able to pick up the heavy barrel with relative ease meanwhile Rem held onto a basket with her uninjured hand.
"Are you ready to go back, Rem?" Subaru asked.
"Yes let's go back, Subaru-kun." She simply answered back with a faint smile.
*Back To The Mansion*
Having finally reached the mansion with the pink hair maid waiting outside, it had already reached near nighttime.
'Shit, I have to hurry up!' Subaru desperately thought.
"I see Barusu is finally doing something useful for once." Ram gibed.
"Isn't it enough that I put my life at risk for everyone by checking potentially dangerous places?" Subaru sighed.
"No, I'll only believe those words if something unfortunate were to happen to the mansion. Then again, You're useless patrol's aren't needed when I foresee everything around the manor with my clairvoyance." She revealed, smirking at him.
"Am I even needed!?" Subaru slumped down.
Walking past by the down boy without any thought, she hands the basket to her sister.
"We got everything we need for the time being, sister."
Simply nodding, the pink hair maid reaches out to grab the basket. Noticing a bloodied towel around her sister's hand, she speaks up,
"Your hand…" Ram pointed out "did you injure it?"
"Yes, I went to pet a village girl's puppy and it bit me. I'll be fine, the wound will heal naturally." Rem conceded.
"Very well, Rem. If it hinders your performance than I suggest taking the day of-"
"Nope, we're going to see beako right now to see if we can get it fixed" None other than Subaru interjected.
"There is no need for that, the wound will naturally heal. Besides, Lady Beatrice is difficult to find and we'll only waste time trying." Rem reasoned.
This is no good! Not only is she nonchalant about this, but her life is in danger as well! Though he couldn't exactly blame her because she didn't know. Racking up his brain for an excuse, he decided to use his ability as one, although it wasn't true, he decided to at least die trying.
"No! You need to see Beatrice right now, the scent in your hand has gotten stronger!" Subaru lied.
"Scent?" They both replied in unison
Good, that seemed to get their attention….
"Yeah, ever since you got bit I smelt an odd stench on your hand, I didn't think too much of it but as time passed it has only gotten stronger. I don't know what it is exactly but I have a bad feeling about it.." Subaru shivered.
"You're really persistent… very well, I will have my wound treated." She sighed
"Of course as Rem's older sister I'll be accompanying you." Ram announced
looking towards the bodyguard she inquired,
"How are you going to find Lady Beatrice?
"You just leave that to me!" He toothily smiled as he jabbed a finger at himself.
Upon entering the mansion, they get to opening doors in the bottom and top floor.
Getting tired of opening doors only to meet an empty room, Ram huffed,
"Barusu, this is futile. We will not find Lady Beatrice like th-"
"Found it!" Subaru chimed in, opening the door at the same time.
"How is it that you're always finding the right door? It infuriates me that you can enter and leave so nonchalantly, I suppose." The loli spirit said a bit irritated as if to prove her point.
"What can I say? I'm a flag-crusher that make gamemasters cry!" Subaru stated pridefully.
"I don't know anything that you have said means, I suppo-!" cutting her sentence off, she glares at the blue haired maid standing to Subaru's left.
"You, I suppose." She monotoned
"Huh? M-me?" She slightly stammered as she pointed at herself.
"Who else would I be talking to, silly maid. It seems like you got yourself cursed." She stated as she walked towards her.
Subconsciously looking at her injured hand, she notices a black smoke form. Gasping at the sight, Beatrice simply lifts her hand and crushes the black smoke.
"There, you don't have to worry about your life being in dang-"
"Wait! Curses generally come from mabeasts right..?" Subaru interjected, feigning naiveness
He already knew the answer, but he had to act like he didn't..
"Can you stop interrupting me I suppose!? But.." Beatrice huffed, pausing dramatically
"Mabeast, specifically wolgarms are the known culprits."
"Then… everyone at the village..! Crap!" He shouted, running out of the room.
"Barusu!" Ram called, following suite.
Before following after them, Rem bows at Beatrice,
"Thank you Lady Beatrice, I'm in your debt."
Simply hmphing in response, Rem sprints out the door in search of the two.
"Subaru!? What's wrong? I heard yelling! Is something happening?" She called out to the bodyguard as she was walking downstairs.
'Ah crap I forgot to close the door..' Brushing the thought of as it was too late for that now, he replies,
"Something might be happening, but you don't need to worry" Subaru smiled.
"You look like you're about to do something dangerous again!" She responded, running over to him.
"Hey, it's my job as a bodyguard after all. I live to protect." Subaru affirmed.
Seeing the determination in his eyes, she sees that no matter what she says, it won't change his mind. Sighing she softly smiles,
"I can't stop you, can I?"
"I guess not, no." He scratches the back of his head, faintly smiling.
"In fact if you did, it would be a hidriddance in several ways." Subaru said, slumping slightly while closing his eyes.
Sighing once more, she lifts her head.
"Fine, fine, I get it." putting her hands on her hips, she smiles "I won't stop you. It's probably no use if I told you not to be reckless too, right?"
"Depending on what happens… look it's not like I always want to act or do any of that."
Gasping at the suddenness of Emilia's hand in his chest, she whispers audibly,
"May the blessing of the spirits be with you."
Understanding the meaning of it, he quickly thanks her and almost takes off outside when a sudden voice called out,
"Barasu!"
Turning to the culprit, Ram continues.
"Due to Roswaal-sama's orders I'll stay and protect Ms. Emilia. Rem, you'll be accompanying Barusu and if you have to, use him as a meat shield."
"Hey!" Subaru whined.
"But sis-"
"Rem, that is my decision. Please go with him. I'll keep an eye out with my clairvoyance" Ram firmly ended.
Having no more to discuss, Rem obeys and sprints with Subaru back to the Arlam village
*Arlam Village*
Upon arriving at their destination, they see the villagers scatter and run around as if searching for something.
"Is something happening?" Rem asked a man holding a torch.
"Y-yeah… Several children from the village have gone missing. All the adults are looking for them. The man responded with concern.
Already familiar with this scene he takes off running to the fence leading to the forest.
"Subaru-kun?" She said with a bit of surprise from the sudden action.
Both follow suite and catch up to him. Upon arriving, she checks on the barriers and notices one that no longer was glowing.
"The barrier is broken. Mabeasts will have free roam if it isn't fixed soon.." Rem pointed out.
"We don't have time to worry about the barrier! We have to get the kids now! You go tell everyone, now!" Subaru shouted at the man while hopping the fence.
"R-right!" The man runs back to the village to notify the rest.
"Subaru-kun wait!" She called.
Turning around to meet the her gaze, she continues,
"Why go so far? Why should this village matter to you?"
Almost to familiar with the question, he responds,
"All those kids have dreams of their own, and I'll be damned if I wasn't able to do something about it! Of course they matter to me…. I know their names, their faces and what they want to do in the future and I promised them that we'd do radio calisthenics again tomorrow. I'm the kind of person who keeps their promises and I make sure other people do as well. Rem.." Extending his hand towards her, he continues,
"Right now, we are the only ones who can do something about it. You may not care but I do! If you don't come with me then I'll just head out there on my own.."
Sighing at the boy's death wish, she looks at him.
"Very well. My orders were to accompany you." she smiled.
"Yeah, that's right. Make sure I don't do anything shady!" He smiled back.
"I will" she responded, her smile fading as she jumped over the fence.
Sighing a bit, he turns his attention to the forest and flinches when he hears the all too familiar sound of chains rattling.
"Uhhmm re-..."
"It's for protection.." The blue haired maid interjected.
"But thats.."
"It's for protection.." The blue haired repeated as she followed the mabeast tracks.
*Mabeast Forest*
Reaching the end of the path, they notice the village children sprawled out on a hill. Racing towards them Rem immediately crouches down and heals, or rather soothes their pain.
"Where's the girl with the braids?" Subaru queried.
"One… more…" a feminine voice rasped.
Kneeling down and grabbing hold of the girl known as Petra's hand, He answers her with a soothing voice.
"Don't worry Petra, I'll find her. Just stay strong for me ok?"
Weakly nodding at him she slowly closes her eyes to rest. Putting her hand down gently, he stands up and heads to the other child's direction.
"P-please wait! It's too dangerous! And if the mabeasts took her, than it's to la-"
"I know! I know! I get what you're saying, I do! But Petra showed concern for her friend before asking for my help. She put her friend before herself! I will respect Petra's feelings. The least I can do is make the effort to take it all on" He declared, slowly walking past her.
"If you're too greedy, you might take on more than you can carry back." Rem told him.
"Well, isn't that why you're with me, Rem?"
Subaru turned his head back towards her.
"What does that have to do with me?" She asked.
"Right now, those kids need you more than anything. When the villagers come, leave the kids with them and follow me." He said, almost succeeding walking past her when he had suddenly stopped when she grabbed his hand.
"We don't know the threat our enemy poses, or when the villagers will arrive. At worst, there is a chance I won't be able to find you.." She stated.
"Don't worry, I know you won't lose me." Subaru said confidently.
"How can you be so sure?" She inquired.
"Because even if no one can.. You're the only one right now who can pick up on my scent. The foul order that hangs over me.. The smell of the witch…. Right?" Subaru stated as he turned around to look at her.
"Subaru-kun.. Just how much do you know about…"
"I honestly have no idea.. There's a lot that I don't understand. No matter how much I try again, I can't seem to find the answer. Subaru said as he turned around and locked his pinky with hers,
"Just like there are lots you would like to ask about me… There are tons of things I would like to ask you. So until this is over, let's talk all about it, promise?" He smiled, shaking her hand with his pinky.
Shocked by the sudden openningness from him, she looks at him surprised.
"I really do trust you, Rem. So I want to act in a way that will make you trust me as well. So I'll be making that promise starting now!" He declared.
"Very well.. I'll be asking a lot of questions, so be ready." She sighs and linked her pinky with his
Shaking it in agreement, Subaru stands up as he says,
"Sure!"
"I'll join you shortly after the villagers come. So please don't do anything stupid, Subaru-kun." She said with a hint of pleading in her voice.
"Don't worry! I'm demonically inspired today!" He grinned.
"Demonically… inspired?" She asked, a bit surprised.
"Yup! It's the demon version of divine possession! It's been my favorite phrase lately!" Subaru answered.
With that being said, he turns around and looks for the braided hair girl. Searching for her based off of memory and his helpful scent detection, he finds her covered by the side of a fallen tree trunk. Not wasting any time on debating what to do, he quickly arrives next to a girl. Hearing a growl and running footsteps towards him, he quickly turns and the mabeast gets the jump on him. grabbing the mabeast by the snout and throat he manages to push and get back up without letting go.
Cupping his hands around the wolgarms mouth, with a grunt he lifts the wolgarm off the ground and impales it to a branch behind him. Letting out a cry of pain, the mabeast's jaws open as it was instantaneously killed. Picking up the purple haired girl, he turns around only to see multiple pairs of red eyes glaring back at him. Slowly taking steps backwards, his back hits the fallen tree trunk. Seeing as their prey was cornered, a couple of mabeast shoot out of the brush and rush towards the teenager.. Before any of the mabeast could reach them, the sounds of chains could be heard from the distance. Then the next thing he knew he saw the morning star's iconic spike ball hit a mabeast in it's torso, which resulted in a small explosion of blood mist and body parts flying in different directions.
Sweeping her morning star to the right, her spike ball hit multiple mabeasts. That being the end for the first wave, Subaru quickly runs towards her.
"Are we all set!?" Subaru asked a bit in a panic.
"Yes, the villagers are attending to the sick children. All that is left is the one your holding." she replied calmly.
"Alright let's get out of he- Behind you!"
Subaru tried to warn her.
Side stepping elegantly, she crushes the wolgarm with her foot and whip lashes another one with her chain.
Shaking his head from disbelief, he runs a bit ahead of her.
"Come on let's go before more show up!"
Subaru warned.
"Right!" Rem responded following a little behind him.
Running back to the village solely based on memory he sees a light.
"Rem we're almost the-!?" Subaru stopped when he turned around to check on her.
As soon as he turned around, she had pushed him..?
Already fearing the worst, he subconsciously looked up the hill. His fears being confirmed, there was a mudslide... With his other hand, he tried to reach out and grab her but it was already too late…
"Rem!" Subaru cried out.
Although inside he knew Rem was ok, the scene being played out the same, her body sent up and crashing back down like a ragdoll still horrified him. Immediately setting the child somewhere safe, he quickly goes to attend Rem but then stops when she slowly lifts herself back up. Fully standing up now, she looks up at the sky, the familiar pink sparks forming and solidifying in the shape of a horn in her forehead, proof that she was an oni... Taking uneven steps forward, she cackles maniacally as she repeats the words mabeast over and over, slaughtering multiple wolgarms that dared pounce on her...
Looking over to where the puppy shaman was at, Subaru transformed one of his arms to break a long, sturdy branch. Using it as a makeshift spear, he aims it towards the puppy, hoping that it will hit his mark,he throws it like a javelin. Completely missing, it hits an unfortunate wolgarm that was besides the shaman. Turning it's gaze to the culprit, the shaman roars as another mudslide threatens to fall again.
'No! She can't survive another! Turning his gaze towards the oni he rushes towards her.
"Rem!" Subaru shouted, pushing her out of the way.
Surprised by the sudden action, her horn slowly dissipates and eyes widen when she sees the horrific sight of Subaru's body being launched into the air and unnaturally crashes down. Taking the opportunity, the wolgarms surround the heavily wounded boy and start ravaging him. The sounds of his shrieks of pain echoing throughout the forest was enough to shake Rem out of her fear and shocked induced state. Killing some of the mabeast that were on top of him, the rest that had just missed death by a few inches scatter away.
"Don't die..! Please don't die…! Don't die..! Don't die..! Please don't die Subaru-kun…!"
Barely making out what she's saying, his vision immediately darkens.. As he is once more fallen unconsscious..
Author's Note: Hopefully this story makes up for my absence and once more, I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!